Blurb: Craig Peters finds himself destined for an eternity of torture at the hands of the demon Karawan, despite having no memory of the sin that condemned him to this existence. Over time, though, those memories return, along with an unnatural attraction to Karawan, which leads them both down a path neither of them could have possibly imagined.
Review: This was an interesting short story challenging the view of the Devil and his demons quite a bit. I liked its approach and it made for a refreshing read.
According to the theme of this story, people who have committed sins are sent to Hell with a memory loss. All they know are their names and generic information about life, but nothing about their life and how or why they find themselves to Hell. The idea is that they are there to be punished for their sins while they slowly recollect each memory of their life and they should strive to repent in order to ascend Heavenward. The demons are there to dish punishment while the remorse is an individual’s inner work and solely depended by their inclinations.
The idea was intriguing and the story more so because Craig, our main character, finds quickly that his life up until his death was perfect and there was no reason for him to be in Hell. The final moment of his death, though remain elusive making him wonder what might have happened to cause him his descend. Meanwhile he causes one heck of a confusion to Karawan, the demon responsible for his punishment, when every session leads to arousal. Be it a whipping to the point of breaking or a flesh carving with razors, the result is the same, a very turned on Craig. Karawan is a young demon and having never before encountered such reaction from any of his charges is troubled, even more so when he finds himself developing emotions for the human.
There is a great passage of time there that goes by as if mere seconds, giving the illusion of time having no significance in Hell. At first read it seems as if this is an instant-love story, but one must keep in mind that possibly years go by, while Craig tries to find and cope with his death.
The story has quite a sweet ending and overall I enjoyed it a lot.
Blurb: After enduring a brutal assault, IRA explosive expert Seosamh O’Brien, fled his war-torn homeland for America. Now Joe Colson, he wears his scarred face like armor and keeps out the whole world, protecting the meager little life he’s carved out for himself as an illegal immigrant in the Boston slums. But a night programmer with a face like an angel and an elfin grin full of mischief gets past the armor and scars, and into the softer places of Joe’s heart, before he quite realizes what is happening.
Previously released as part of the Carved in Flesh Anthology.
Review: This story has a very melancholy feel to from start to finish. Even as it has a HEA, it still struck me as a melancholic one. Joe is an Irish man living in the states working night shifts as a security guard. The night job suits him as his face is deeply scarred and he hates the look on people’s faces when they see him. From the very beginning, you get the idea that Joe is merely going through routine functions in life and not actually living. His depression is glaring and thing only start changing when a young programmer, Ryan, joins him in his breaks. Ryan is different from most people, he doesn’t stare, doesn’t comment on his scars and certainly doesn’t feel or act awkward around Joe. An attraction hovers and finally both act upon it, even as Joe believes, it’ll not lead anywhere.
The fact that the main character doesn’t expect anything from life and/or doesn’t believe anything good will happen to him, makes this read peculiar. This behavior/belief accompanies Joe from start to end and with good reason. He is not your average character. Joe is in fact a former terrorist, a man who has committed murders and the scars on his face are a result of revenge from anti-IRA people. While having nightmares about his crimes Joe is also set upon his deeds. He acknowledges them and knows he’ll eventually pay for them.
The romance to his life is unexpected. Ryan is young and drop dead gorgeous. A guy like him I’d find hard to believe would go for an old man like Joe that has not only twice his years but is deeply deformed, and so does Joe. I half expected Ryan to drop him in the end, through the entire read I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. However, this was the only thing that kept my attention for the story is nice, sweet, smooth, and quite transparent.
As a non-Irish reader, I found it a nice read even as I knew that the main character was not the hero type but actually a criminal. However, I read a review from an Irish reader and according to it, the story has many false facts and not proper research. So heads up if you’re Irish, this might cause you so discomfort.
Blurb: Desperate times call for desperate measures. Garvin’s lover Nyle has been kidnapped by a band of soldiers in need of a smith. In the king’s army, that means he’ll serve until he’s dead, and Garvin will be damned if he’ll let that happen. But Garvin’s a small, slight man without the skills to follow and take on trained soldiers. For the first time in his life, Garvin prays to the Goddess for help, for enough guidance to get him to Nyle, so he can do whatever it takes to rescue the man he loves. And the Goddess answers him.
Review: Oh I loved this story, absolutely adored it. Set in a world where the king and his soldiers can take what they want, little boys are of no use even as they are talented, and gentleness exists in rare people, this story takes you on a lovely ride as it follows Garvin’s life.
Last son of a cruel father, Garvin is never appreciated for his skills, his ability to calm animals. He’s no strong, is even smaller than his sisters, and his value is nil in his household, until the day comes that he’s needed to control a wild horse, thus taken to join his father’s caravan. And that is the last time he sees his family for on the trip Garvin meets Nyle, a young smith, who literally saves him from his life and gives Garvin a place where not only he’s appreciated, he’s also loved.
His life from that moment on is a fairytale. Nyle works the forge, he works the house, field, and horses, and after work, they fall in the familiar parts of lovemaking. But you know what they say, when life is too good, you must expect something bad around the corner so that it doesn’t shock you when it comes. For shocked is what Garvin was when he found out their horses gone and Nyle along with them, signs of soldiers all over the place. And Garvin has two choices; succumb to sorrow for his lost man, or follow them and get what’s his back…
See the picture we get from this character is that of a fragile, vulnerable one, but it couldn’t be farther from reality. In fact, the surprises this character has for us are numerous and I was absolutely delighted reading about him, reading how he managed to save his beloved Nyle from six soldiers, how he got an answer from a Goddess herself, and how active he was in the relationship, what his role was. Garvin is fantastic, he’s smart, he’s determined, he’s sexy, and dare I say he’s a Dom..?
I just can’t say how much I enjoyed this story, how wonderful the balance between action plot and romance was. Or that between lovemaking scenes and pain-inducing ones that had you on your toes. Yup, loved it alright; this book is very well written and the emotions it evokes grip you and join you throughout this entire tale. Definitely recommended!
Blurb: Sebastian Reed tries to live his life under the radar. Wayunder the radar. His job is ferrying cargo across the solar system, and not all of the cargo he moves is, strictly speaking, legal. So when he’s boarded by an alien Peace Officer named ‘His Most Just Tenacity’ (or ‘Ten’ for short), he’s pleasantly surprised that all the officer wants is to commandeer his ship in pursuit of a completely different fugitive. Even more pleasant is the fact that Ten is a particularly attractive member of his species, and that he finds Sebastian to be just as good-looking. Soon, Ten is commandeering more than just Sebastian’s ship, but his body as well. Not that Sebastian minds in the slightest.
Review: Every curse under the sun in the most screeching voice ever was thrown to this author with the end of this damned story. Agrrr, still trembling with frustration at it. All right, deep breaths, calming down, and here we go.
What an incredibly frustrating story. Nope, no, it doesn’t start like that. It isn’t frustration in the middle of it either. It’s just that damned, freaking end, but trust me when I say it colors the entire read as such. Good frustration though, amazing even once I get over it and start thinking coherently again and stop feeling like the main character “Red” probably was at the exact time of the end. I swear if I say, “End” one more time…
So it didn’t hit me at first, but after I read this story the title made quite an impact; Situation Normal >> all fucked up! And that is the basic theme of the story, the action plot if you will. Quick run over the plot. Ten (a lizard/alien) is chasing a criminal, the only available ship around after he had his police ship wrecked is Sebastian’s piece of junk. He proceeds to overtake the ship and continue his chasing only to find out that the human owner is exactly his type leading to a complex way of thinking that he might be a honey trap – which he fully uses and renders useless in the aftermath of hot, steamy tentacle-induced sex – only to find out that Sebastian is indeed innocent and captured by the criminal he was chasing… Yep! Situation Normal because this criminal is a sadist in the ways Ten isn’t and any pain he causes Sebastian is not laced with pleasure, actually, pleasure is the last thing on his mind, and death looms right above his head.
Fast, tense, enticing and griping as hellhound’s jaws this story keeps you on your toes, thrashing you around between action and erotica like a damned tennis ball. There are kinks and fetishes and boundaries pushed to barely legal and tentacles instead of a normal penis (don’t shake your head it’s fascinating once you get over the shock that at the beginning you might get a bit confused about a certain slit) and there is fear and excitement and finally back to hot almost-sex-scenes that drive you nuts when you realize that our players are into yet another kink known as denial. Which I’m all in favor of as long as I’m not treated that way too. But thank to this author’s writing style you get so lost in sensation and the reading is so enthralling that you forget your place and it hits you full force when at the very freaking end you’re left in freaking denial along with Sebastian, and damn it will I ever stop ranting about it.
Bottom end, it was good, it was great, and it was absolutely the read to make the highlight of my week. Definitely recommended to those who love sci-fi, alien/human relationship, and suspense/action.
Blurb: One moment in time can change your life, especially a life that revolves around your face. A near-fatal car accident leaves a world famous model’s face scarred and his career in a tailspin. The life Ashley knew is over and he wants to do nothing but fade away into nothingness. Only his lover, Will, can pull him out of his dark depression and make Ashley see even scars can be beautiful.
Review: So this story is a scar-themed one and the core of it is deeply sentimental and romantic.
Two models, one overachieved the other still waiting for his big break. Ashley is a gorgeous man who had it really easy in his career, as his looks are the kind that simply draws people to him effortlessly. Will while beautiful as well is still waiting for his big break. Meanwhile he wants a relationship with Ashley, a commitment, and Ashley has been avoiding that for a long while. As Will gives him an ultimatum, telling Ashly in short terms that either he commits to them and stays faithful or they’re over, Ashley once again begs out of making a decision as he runs for another job, literally running from having to give an answer.
Honestly, I didn’t like Ashley at the beginning. I thought he was a major jerk and the shallowest guy ever, while Will was too good for him. Before Ashley has a chance on giving his answer back to Will, an accident has him in the hospital and his life changed permanently as half his face get scarred, throwing his entire career to the dumpster. Clients leave him, friends were practically non-existent, and the only one left is Will, whom Ashly makes a strong effort to push away too.
You know what comes next here, the victim needs to cope and accept that his life will never be the same again and the steady rock partner at his side helps him around. I still thought Ashley didn’t deserve Will, really. If he had given an answer before the accident, committing to Will I’d be okay with this, but we’ll never know what the pre-accident Ashley would have done so, what follows is a bit biased in my head.
A second issue I had was with the trauma and the poor space in this short story that didn’t allow for proper development. While the timeframe is quite decent, the story is so short for this kind of approach that we don’t get to feel the full effect of the highs and lows a victim goes through, his emotional rollercoaster barely touched me and eventually I didn’t get to feel much for this character.
I did however enjoy the heck of the intimacy this couple had. The chemistry worked really well and the intensity the sex scenes had managed to not only grab my attention, but also actually make me hot and bothered. Very well written even if the general idea was a bit too sappy for my taste.
So while I’m a bit non-affected from the sweet romantic theme here, I do recommend this book for the fans of romance and love-prevails out there holding a strong belief you’ll enjoy it immensely.
Blurb: Simon Pollux and Adrian Lovasz are podmates, and a matched set besides: Simon, the lethal scout, and Adrian, his willing and even more lethal combat specialist. In the midst of exploring an alien world, Simon is infected with an alien virus, and Adrian must decide to what lengths he’ll go to ensure Simon’s comfort.
Ok! Imagine a big muscle man, all meat, and brawn and scientifically enhanced soldier with a gold, soft, sweet, loving heart. And then imagine a wiry, snippy, snarly, constantly irritated, and irritating Intel scout soldier. Don’t they make the perfect match? Hell yeah, you have no idea. This pair – along with others we don’t really care for, because they are not so much a big part of this story – travel the universe trying to find suitable planets for resources and relocation. When they are not on the ground securing, scouting, and/or anything that their work as soldiers requires, they spend the rest of their time in cryo-sleep aka unconscious. Their time to just be is limited and they are more often than not treated by their superiors as gear, another set of weapons, expensive yet replaceable ones. Not very good for morale so our perfect match has to do with the little in between fights time they have on their hands to relieve stress.
Yup, you got the main idea; there’s fast sex, there’s rough sex, and there’s no room for feelings, even if they simmer underneath their skin barely managing not to escape their mouths. So the entire read beside the action part, is quite tense with unconfessed feelings and their intimate encounters are HOT.
Action plot; keeping a fast pace we follow this pairs efforts to recon a planet that is suitable for them to inhabit. Among the old architecture that is found there are also encounters with alien semi-sentient life, a type of creatures resembling humans yet have a couple more appendages on them awfully similar to tentacles. Oh wait, they are tentacles, and my day just got brighter. Have I mentioned my new fascination with them? Loved it, absolutely loved it.
As the pair makes their round they get jumped from these aliens a time too many and our snippy, snarky Intel guy, Simon gets bitten. Fear brings up the tension of the read a notch or two, our sweet meat-shield (the nick-name for Adrian – isn’t Simon a darling for thinking that up) getting worried for his partner, and Simon himself getting a bit mellower after panic hits his system. This might be the end as Simon suffers a transformation that leaves him with sensitive tentacles flopping around, but we get to witness real romance when Adrien refuses to do the sensible thing and abandon Simon, instead standing by his side no matter what. The passion fuels by a great range of emotions leads the pair into some really hot and sexy love scenes, while they wait for help to come their way. Will they make it and if they do, will they be able to be together as normal beings or will they go back to being yet another set of gear, stored into cryo-sleep until they are needed again?
Yup, this story is interesting, enticing, erotic, and mostly it keeps evoking different emotions from you at every turn. Strongly recommended for those who love hot men in a sci-fi setting, and action with a dose of tentacles thrown in for the fun of it. Enjoy!
Blurb: Thaddeus sold his soul to save his family long ago, but the deal he struck with the demon Belial has him spending eternity managing Le Carnaval du Diable, filled to the brim with others damned into servitude. Belial wants more than Thaddeus’ soul, though, and his constant advances only add to Thaddeus’ stress as he faces a threat to the carnival and all those within.
Review: Well, wasn’t that a surprising ending to this deal-with-the-devil themed story. Actually, this entire read was kind of unique. Thaddeus traded his soul for the lives of his wife and son. He freely gave his soul to the devil, but he is one of a kind, as he didn’t do it for selfish reasons, hence he’s not a complete mindless servant of the demon in charge of him. Thaddeus has the right to say “NO” to anything not in his contract and he exercises that right every single time. After years of having Belial chasing him, trying to lesser his resistance and make him his as a bed partner Thaddeus is feeling his weakness grow, after all Belial is very persistent and very tempting. But the last dregs of his dignity rely upon his ability to say that little word and stubbornly Thaddeus clings to it. No matter how frustrated, no matter how weary, he will not submit to Belial.
This story is just that from start to finish, Thaddeus fight to remain himself, not to give up entirely to the demon. Yes, we see through his eyes and feel his waning strength, we see his fantasies and witness some self-stress relieving, but he keeps going in a stay of hate/longing throughout the story.
When danger comes in his Carnaval and Thaddeus is faced with losing his mortality as well, things become precarious and he’s one little step from letting go and letting Belial finally take what he wants.
As I said this story is quite different from what I at least am used to. I expected a give there by the end, but I was surprised that the authors kept at it. It made a difference, but it also made me wonder if there is going to be a continuation to this story. If not then it just leaves you there with the feeling that while the darkness might have a piece of you it doesn’t necessarily means they own you completely. Strong morale there, but honestly I’d have loved my fiction a bit wicked and naughty.
Blurb:Freshman Matt is tired of enduring the hazing by (admittedly gorgeous) upperclassman Dylan, but annoying as it is, it’s basically harmless. When Dylan ups the ante significantly, though, Matt’s mind is left reeling from the implication. But as much as Matt wants Dylan, he can’t be sure the whole thing isn’t just one more bizarre prank.
Note: This story was previously published in the Like it or Not anthology
Review: Matt is being hazed by upperclassman Dylan. It started out innocent enough. Matt secretly likes the attention from Dylan, though he doesn’t want to admit it. Then things take a turn and Matt isn’t sure how to take the new things Dylan is doing.
I really liked this story a lot. It’s a little hard to review these short stories without spoilers but here it goes. The style of writing made the dubious consent actually pretty hot. I loved how Matt seemed a little frightened but more confused by the incidents. I think the story had a very realistic quality and I loved both Matt and Dylan. I found the ending very satisfying.
If you like hazing, dubious consent, and some pretty hot sex this is for you.
Blurb:Writer Ian Richards is desperate to get his story, and impulsively agrees to meet his contact alone in a private club. But that contact, Vincenzo, has no intention of letting his information go easily, if at all. And the club he’s brought Ian to is eager to get their hands on some fresh meat, leaving Ian with the difficult decision of giving in or going home empty-handed.
Note: This story was previously published in the Like it or Not anthology
Review: Ian goes out of his way to get stories for his work and books. He has a trip to Chicago to meet a man about immigration research. This time when Ian says, he is willing to pay anything he may have bit off more than he can chew.
Oh, wow! I absolutely loved this story. This is the first story I have read by Gryvon, but I promise they have a new stalker, oops, I mean fan. This story has me on the edge of my seat, gripping my kindle tightly and when I reached the last page, I was like. No! More, more, more!!
I’m not sure if you would call this one dubious consent or non-consent it does straddle a thin grey line, but the author did a good job of making it sexy and not just vulgar.
I simply loved Ian and the way the author described the other character in Ian’s thoughts. I also liked that Ian hated himself and everyone. I loved the authors writing style with the sarcastic Witt. The only thing I can say that it needed is more!! Yes, I want more about Ian and Vincenzo too!
If you like, dubious or non-consent, men that harbour a lot of self-doubt, hot mobsters, and some hot and sexy BDSM this is for you.
Blurb: Beltran is a peaceful man, but when his Bolivian cousin is brutalized, he seeks out a native sorcerer in a quest for vengeance. He has no way of knowing Katari, the Inca shaman, is an amaru demon, a serpent shifter determined to break an ancient spell. Beltran’s desire for black magic gives Katari what he’s waited centuries to acquire—a perfect sacrifice.
Review: A tale that takes you in a mix of myth and fiction The Seventh Sacrifice follows Beltran’s attempt to revenge his cousin. Seeking a charm from a shaman Beltran never really believes that it will work. But the shaman, Katari, bewitches him in ways he doesn’t understand. Katari’s beauty is undeniable, but even more so are the dark eyes that compel Beltran to surrender.
For centuries enslaved by the ancient spell, the time has finally arrived for Katari to perform his part of the sacrifice that will break the old spell. Last of his brothers, the seventh sacrifice is going to release their mother and give them all their full powers and true for, the amaru. Katari could have very well used a less suitable sacrifice years before, but he waited for the perfect one to come, and Beltran is that one.
So much magic, dark one at that, serpent gods, old myths woven around a very creative idea. The eroticism that goes hand in hand with the spell, sacrifices and blood, this story is a well of sensuality thick with passionate hunger and power that consumes the human mind.
I liked it. I found it enthralling and exotic. A part of me wanted Katari to succeed, another dreaded that success, and I was right to believe that it would be a bloody one when the time would come.
As for the pair itself, while the chemistry between them was heavy and had me charmed, it somehow faltered at the final scene of the claiming. It was hot, very much so, but still I found it a bit bland at the very end.
Nevertheless, this story is quite worth it and I definitely recommend it to those who love Inkas’ mythology and godlike characters.
Blurb: The wood-locked town of Orm is facing a problem. Their forest home is turning to the wilds, beyond their control to force it back. In a quest to discover the reason, ranger Koster seeks out the mysterious Irsing, the guardian of the forest. And even though Irsing may be the one responsible for the calamity, Koster aims to do whatever it takes to set things right.
Review: I just loved it! This story managed to give me the impression I was reading a full on novel instead of a 50 pages short. And not only that, it was simply wonderful. I absolutely adored it.
This is a tale that takes you in a time of magic, when men and gods walked the earth side by side. Forests, lakes, rivers, and practically nature had a living, breathing heartbeat and Guardian Lords cared for what was theirs. But in the small town of Orm, surrounded by the huge forest Oakensea, their Guardian Lord has abandoned them and the people fear the forest will turn wild on them.
Ranger Koster is send from the kingdom to take the place of a former ranger, and due to his previous experience with a forest turned wild, he is an asset. Koster, a big man that makes you think of bandits at first look, is a kind spirit and the town’s people quickly take a like on him. But they are not the only ones. Master Oakensea himself keeps an eye on the young ranger who managed to awaken his interest after about twenty years of seclusion.
This is a very wholesome story and I’m frankly very surprised by it. The idea that even ethereal creatures get lonely and can withdraw from society, waiting for their deaths is a powerful one. Irsing literally doesn’t want to be seen because he’s grown older and his appearance is no longer, what humans are used to, green and fresh. He rather resembles his forest that is old and ancient, and for that he has withdrawn from everybody, yet he still lurks around when people join the festivities in his honor to guard them from darkness and the evils it hides. It is Koster that brings him out slowly and strengthens him with his beliefs that he is beautiful inside out and the most caring Guardian Koster has met.
Together they protect the forest from Necromancers and their evil spawns, they form a friendship and a bit more, but most of all, Koster gives Irsing a reason to fight and live.
Wonderful tale, really. I adored every part of it. It was not so much based on romance as it was on other human feelings. Friendship had a great part in this story. There was plenty of action, swordsmanship and a Guardian Lord that kicked ass with his moves. Hell, yeah. Brilliant! And when the time came for the two of them to get intimate, let’s just say it was the first time that the “tentacle” sex didn’t cause a parallel feeling of horror in me. It was so well-balanced and in the heart of the story, you got to actually adore Irsing at that point that the intimacy between them two was nothing short of sweet and romantic and made you wish for a bit more.
On that note, I seriously hope this author keeps up with this world, because it was a beautiful one, intriguing as it get and it would be a shame to let go. As for this story? Strongly recommended to anyone who loves fantasy, I’m sure you’ll love it as I did.
Blurb: Confessor Isak is charged with the task of forcing Sain to confess his sins of murder and witchcraft before inevitable execution. Torturing in the name of the Divine is difficult enough, but the process is nothing new to him, and he is confident he can affect Sain’s salvation. This time is different, though, when he begins to feel Sain’s seductive magic takes hold of him. Suddenly, Isak isn’t at all sure it will be Sain who breaks under pressure to find release.
Note: This story was previously published in the Like it or Not anthology.
Review: As much as I like fantasy stories, witchcraft and a plot with dubious consent, I believe this one didn’t hold much interest for me. The plot was fairly transparent; you know from the blurb and the beginning of this short what will happen. So as I tried to let myself enjoy the ride, (see I don’t really mind knowing the plot beforehand) I found it a bit bland, a bit flat.
Sain is a witch accused of murdering his Master by unnatural means, aka magic, Isak is a Witch-Confessor tasked to salvage his eternal soul, and the logical step therefore is either Isak breaks him in the process, or Sain bewitches him and gets to escape his life.
There are things that made me raise an eyebrow here. For example, Sain never confesses or denies killing his former master. Through half-truths, we understand he is guilty. He also proceeds to tell Isak that he is what he is and can’t ask for forgiveness about it, it would be like apologizing for living and breathing (yes that part I liked). What made me wonder was Isaks’ entire behavior and his seduction that never really materialized. The creepy pervert in me was so set upon reading this story as it promised dark and vile tortures heavily linked to the Spanish Inquisition’s ones what with the Pear of Anguish making a slight appearance. I was frankly disappointed that so many wicked devices were introduced yet never made it to the spotlight, besides the little lash. And even when the lashing was performed the emotional state, the intensity in which it should have left me as a reader, the agony for the poor witch, was never there. In general, this story failed to make a connection with me at all times. I failed to feel the eroticism of the seduction, I failed to see Isak’s torment at losing touch with his faith, and I failed to see the agony and desperation of imminent death and/or torture, the aftermath of it. When finally Isak makes his mind and acts upon his decision, I felt no relief, no joy, or even comprehend the why on earth he’d do such a stupid thing, for his feelings never felt strong enough to require such thing.
So overall, this was a bit of a stilted read that could have been much more. I didn’t dislike it, but I didn’t love it either.
Blurb: Ronan’s only choice when he suspects his sister has been taken by the fairies is to brave the path between the worlds to bargain for her return. He knows well the old tales and folk magic necessary to open the way, but he is wholly unprepared for what comes after. Because his impetuousness draws the interest of ruthless King Finnbheara, who intends to extract a price for his cooperation that may be too high for Ronan to pay.
(Originally published in the anthology Like It or Not from Storm Moon Press)
Review: Oh My God! What a freaking, creepy, psychedelic read. Loved it!
Yeah, I know there must be something wrong with me, because I simply adore these kinds of books.
Ah, what can I say about this book. Well first of you must really like dub-con stories because Ronan here has gotten himself into some serious trouble. Believing that his sister Rose is forced to serve the fairies and getting up his mind to save her from her fate, he literally barges into the unknown.
Demanding things from Gods never brought anyone results, but going all cocky like around sadistic child-like immortals is bound to get you into more trouble you’ve ever thought possible. After all, why should a God bow to a mere mortal’s demands?
No, this is not a romantic read where some immortal forcibly takes a mortal and yet falls in love with him in the end with them living happily ever after. I’m not so sure there is a happy for now end for this shorty. It definitely is the run-as-fast-as-you-can kind. The character here is tricked to believe the fairies have his sister, then forced to endure for his “sister’s” sake believing he’s trading his self for her, told that his notions are false and that the fairies never had the sister in first place, mistrusting them and thinking they lie until that very sister verifies that story… Horror I tell, this story should be shelved in the horror category. Because when poor Ronan gets his head in order he sees how he’s been played, but beyond that, he is now linked forever with the fairy world. Never again, will he be able to sever ties with the Gods that come to him every single nigh, no matter how far or fast he runs…
Yes, a splendid story indeed, and I gave way not all of it so much so that if you say there are spoilers here that will be the understatement of the century, but it really matters. It doesn’t matter, because no matter how accurately I tell you the entire story, I’ll never be able to produce the feeling you get when reading this story. The anxiety I felt all the time, the nail-biting feelings, the hot, carnal, and deeply dark erotic scenes, the gripping writing that has you tethered and shackled on you chair while you literally inhale the read…
In short if you’re even slightly fond of the genre, grab this short, it’s delicious and so wicked, it will make a fantastic fast read for your evening.
Blurb: Tyrel Uvieras, a bodyguard serving the Union of planetary governments, has been assigned his most interesting charge yet: Verithe Jerrith, Union’s ambassador to what might be the most cursed planet in the galaxy. Something distinctly unsavory surrounds Corrina, whose first contact with Union space came through the stolen equipment of a stranded spaceship. Yet, Union policy requires an answer to the Corrinans’ request for negotiations. The best they can do is sending a well-prepared diplomatic party—if it’s possible to prepare for what they find on the planet’s surface.
Tyrel and Verithe discover a mutual attraction, though Tyrel also thinks Verithe perhaps too lighthearted given their dire mission and certainly too gentle—like a thornless rose—to survive long in a dangerous world without protection. Tyrel tries to provide that protection, but the two men are captured in what is just the beginning of their descent into barbarity and treachery. They will be called upon to make unbelievable sacrifices and confront the “curse” of Corrina that brings out people’s darkest desires, endangering sanity and soul. Even their feelings for each other might not give them the strength to endure.
Review: Tyrel is a bodyguard and has been assigned his newest charge, an ambassador who is assigned the task of negotiating with a primitive planet. Verithe is an ambassador for the Union of planetary governments; he is heading for negotiations with Corrina, a planet, which is called, cursed. Verithe and Tyrel find themselves stranded on the planet’s surface and fighting for their lives, but the one thing they don’t fight is their attraction to each other. Tyrel wonders how Verithe will manage such a hostile territory with his lighthearted and gentle nature and Verithe wonders if Tyrel will be able to ignore the seductive pull of the violence and danger.
This is a great science fiction story that takes us on a journey to a primitive world where only the strongest survive. Verithe is heading to the cursed planet Corrina after they demanded negotiations, not knowing what they face but knowing already what the Union has decided. Tyrel has one job and that is to keep Verithe safe, unfortunately keeping him safe proves harder than he thought when the Corrinan’s aren’t happy with the way negotiations are going. The two men survive by sheer will and a survivor from a previous expedition, after they are betrayed by one of their own, now they just have to wait for rescue and pray that it comes in time.
This story is wonderfully written; it gives us enough back-story so we aren’t left in the dark over what they are facing on the planet and lets us know that their time on the planet isn’t going to be easy. Verithe seems like a gentle soul and although he doesn’t like violence accepts that sometimes it is the only way. Tyrel is a character that is harsher; he will do what must be done but sometimes loses himself to the violence. Both characters coming together balance each other out and Tyrel sees the steel running through Verithe and Verithe helps to keep Tyrel tempered. Their sexual relationship is very hot, but at first came out of nowhere when they were still in a very precarious position, it was also a shock because although there was vague murmurs about attraction there wasn’t any indication that it was that strong.
I loved the way Corrina was portrayed as a primitive violent place where you could easily let your inner dark side take over, letting yourself be seduced by the darker undertones of survival of the strongest. I liked how Verithe somehow managed to keep Tyrel leashed and how Tyrel loved the more easygoing Verithe. This is a really good storyline that is original and has plenty of action; it has a love developing in horrid conditions and has friendships emerging with the less violent Corrinan’s.
I recommend this if you love science fiction, primitive planets and inhabitants, strong characters, hot sex, action and danger and a very satisfying ending.
Blurb:The Season Pass includes every episode as it is released, the final compiled ebook, and bonus material not available any other way!
Devon Harper is a cambion, the offspring of an incubus and one of his female followers. Discovered by those who could’ve helped him too late to be saved from his nature, he barely survived a brutal childhood before getting a handle on his powers of seduction. Lust, sex, desire: these are second nature to cambion, and are their road to both riches and ruin. Devon has the power to bring people to their knees with a glance, to drive them so crazy with pleasure that they forget their names, and occasionally forget to breathe as well. He could use his birthright to force the world to worship him, but Devon is trying to fight against the pull, to do what he can to track down people with the power to summon a demon and stop them before more cambion can be made.
But Devon doesn’t realize that the path he and his friends are following is only one strand of a web laid in place by a demon who’s not content to wait on the whims of humanity to get out of Hell. Devon is this demon’s key to staying above ground permanently, and when he finally catches up with the cambion, he’s not taking no for an answer.
Episode 1: Heaven’s On Fire
Devon’s infiltration of a Chinese kingpin’s lair doesn’t quite go off as planned, and lands him in a dangerous predicament. Shangdi knows about Devon, and knows how useful a cambion can be, particularly to his partner, the mysterious demon summoner Porter Grey. With time running out for Devon, it’s up to the even more mysterious Rio Pagani to storm the compound and pull Devon out before Porter can put his plans for the cambion into motion.
Review: So, this is the first installment of a serial, and it is a fantastic start. Devon works for Safeguard Systems and he has infiltrated a private club to shut it down and to also capture demon summoner, Porter Grey. But, things don’t go according to plan. Rio is Devon’s backup and maybe the only person to be able to resist Devon. When things go wrong Rio leaps in to rescue Devon before Porter can carry out his plans for Devon.
This short installment was brilliant. We have a seductive cambion working to bring down criminals. We have the mysterious Rio who can send demons to hell and we have a demon summoner who is trying to stay one step ahead of Safeguard Systems to carry out a plan for his employer. I have to admit that I am hooked. The entire storyline has me panting for more. With Devon being a cambion, you expect a world weary seducer. But, what we get is a young man who has a sweet energetic countenance who loves sex. He also has a major crush on Rio because he knows that when Rio is with him it’s because Rio wants to be there with Devon, because a cambion nature has no effect on Rio. Rio is a mystery as we get to know him, Devon’s power doesn’t affect him and he can send demons to hell with a touch, he is also secretly fond of Devon, and he has more fire power than a small nation.
This story has it all… seduction, guns blazing, explosions, hot explosive sex, a great storyline, mysterious characters, escapes and an ending that will lead nicely to the next installment. I have to recommend everyone has a peek at this because I doubt that you will be disappointed.
Blurb: Young Arjin is caught in the web of an ancient truce. Barely into his adulthood, he is given as tribute to the mysterious Najadira, part of a race of nigh-immortal horned warriors known as the Ansari. But Arjin is no innocent. Since his childhood, he has been trained for this day, groomed by the temple priests for a singular purpose: not to please the Ansari, but to murder him and free his people from the terms of their agreement.
Najadira, though, is old and jaded, and unsurprised by Arjin’s true nature. Still, he chooses to keep Arjin near to him, finding that the young man’s zeal quickens his old blood like few before him ever did. He allows Arjin access into his world, a world of beauty and wonder that had before now been denied. And as Arjin learns more about Najadira, he begins to question his teachings about the Ansari. Ultimately, he must choose between taking a life in the service of his beliefs or abandoning his duty and thereby condemning his soul to the decadence and sin surrounding him.
Review: Arjin is being given as a tribute to one of the Ansari, Najadira, as part of a treaty signed hundreds of years before. Arjin has had all the training that the Clergy of the Faithful thought he’d need… to put an end to the Treaty once and for all, and to destroy the creature of decadence and sin. Najadira knows full well what the Faithful’s plans are, but Arjin intrigues him like none before him has. Najadira begins to wear Arjin down and begins to make him question his faith and all he has been taught. But, can Arjin put aside the years of conditioning and teachings to let Najadira live.
This is a great short story of the views of decadence and sin, right and wrong, questioned beliefs and giving into what you truly desire. Arjin has been brought up to have only one focus; to kill the Ansari who lives in decadence and vice. He has been trained from an early age to be a tool of the Faithful. But, when he is finally within his goal, the Ansari is not what he has been led to believe. Najadira has seen the many tricks that the Faithful have tried and he knows that the beautiful young man sent to him now is another one. But, this man is different; he thinks for himself and questions, but breaking through the conditioning of the Faithful is difficult to do.
I loved this book for its fantasy aspects that allows for people to question what they have been taught without being dragged into the real world conflicts. the way that Arjin had questioned the Faithful even before he arrived at Najadira’s and how Najadira could show just by being himself that not everything that Arjin had been taught was quite true. That looking in a mirror or listening to music isn’t a vice. The way that Arjin likes what happens with Najadira, but feels shame because of the teachings; I also liked how it showed that even the self-righteous would ignore their own teachings to get what they want.
Arjin is an interesting character, trying to be obedient, but struggling with the strictures placed on him, having his own longings, but feeling shame for having them… the dubious consent is more consent than dubious because Najadira truly does give Arjin what he really wants, but because of the shame and his teachings Arjin can’t ask for it and doesn’t want to admit that he wants it. Najadira is a great character, as he is just normal, enjoying what life offers but also still mourning the loss of his people. Arjin offers him a distraction that excites him. Yes, Najadira is very longed lived and has horns and a bit of magic, but really you can’t hold that against him.
I recommend this to those who love fantasy, questioning beliefs, finding your own discovery of the truth, some hot sex, great characters and a new beginning for Najadira and Anjin.
Blurb: Connor Smith works for Primrose, an organization tasked with monitoring and tracking aliens and alien technology. It’s a job that doesn’t know the meaning of “nine-to-five”. It also doesn’t leave much room for a social life, a complication that Connor hasn’t minded, until now. At the prodding of his best friend, Connor reluctantly puts himself back in the dating pool, even though it means lying about his remarkable life.
Elsewhere, Noah Jones has led a remarkable life of his own. Stranded on Earth in 1648, Noah was forced to transform himself permanently into human form to survive. He soon learned that in doing so, he’d become effectively immortal, aging only at a glacial pace. Alone, with no way to contact his people or return home, Noah becomes a silent observer of human civilization—always in the world, but never of the world. Then, hundreds of years later, he sees a face in a crowd and instantly feels a connection that he thought he’d never feel again. But he’s too late: Connor’s already taken.
Destiny is not without a sense of humor, though, and the two men are pulled inexorably closer, snared by the same web of dangers and conspiracies. Worse, Primrose is now aware of Noah, and they aren’t ones to leave an alien unrestrained. So while Connor struggles to understand the strange pull he feels toward Noah, forces without as well as within are working against them to keep them apart.
Review: Conner works for a company that secretly investigates anything alien, making sure alien artifacts don’t fall into the wrong hands. But, just recently somebody is getting to the artifacts before they can. On top of that worry, Conner seems to have gained a stalker who he has a very strange connection with, is it friend or foe? Noah has managed to stay under Primrose’s radar since the company came into being, but now he has inadvertently connected to one of its workers, Conner. Noah tries to keep clear, but it’s not long before Primrose comes for him. Will the connection between Noah and Conner work for them or against them?
This is a great alien story that has a wealth of detail, great characters and an intriguing plot. Noah has been stranded on Earth for hundreds of years, living a quite unassuming life and not drawing attention to himself. Inadvertently he makes a connection that he hasn’t felt in 270 years, he has high hopes, but then finds out Conner has a boyfriend. And that isn’t the least of his problems when he receives a visit from Primrose. Conner is shocked when something strange happens to him, but he tries to push it to the back of his mind as he starts dating a new man. Unfortunately, things become confusing for him when he discovers he has a connection to an alien and then he comes under suspicion when alien artifacts disappear from his work place and then Noah disappears as well.
Aliens, Smith and Jones is far from the typical alien story. Noah Jones might have been found by Primrose, but they never experimented on him, okay so he went through a lot of tests but he wasn’t treated badly. I really liked the way that Primrose is portrayed in this book, although they do hunt aliens and alien artifacts it is more for the safety of the world, but without the need to experiment. I really was puzzled by Conner’s boyfriends’ role at first, but it soon began to come clear and it added a really good twist. I liked how we were drawn into the workings of Primrose and what they actually do, so we didn’t see them as the enemy.
What happens between Noah and Conner because of their connection I won’t say much about, but let’s just say that it saves both of them on more than one occasion. The action is well written and I liked how the mystery was done. there is some betrayal and a really horrific time in store for Noah at the hands of unscrupulous characters. The sex in this book is really hot and it is intense when Noah and Conner finally get it together. Their connection is something that is quite beautiful. There are some times when anguish and fear shine through and the descriptions are impressive and you can imagine just how emotionally painful it is.
I am going to recommend this one to those who like clandestine agencies, aliens, secret agendas, alien loving, a great storyline and a happy ending.
MM Good Book Reviews lead reviewer, Pixie, tracked down one of Storm Moon Press’s newest writers, Blaine D. Arden. Her short story, The Storyteller is an erotic fantasy piece that bleeped my radar. It’s sexy and so well written, I just didn’t want it to end. Since then, she has gone on to writer both fantasy and mystery and has been featured in several Goodread anthologies.
Enjoy their chat,
Portia
Tell us a little about yourself Blaine and is your hair naturally purple (What? You never know) Well, I’m a purple haired, forty-something, writer of gay romance with a love of men, music, mystery, magic, fairies, platform shoes and the colors black, purple and red, who sings her way through life.
Born and raised in Zutphen, the Netherlands, I spent many hours of my sheltered youth reading, day dreaming, making up stories and acting them out with my Barbies.
I’ve been married for almost twenty-two years to a man who gave me all the space I needed to grow, and together we raise—or try to, anyway—two sons, a foster-son (17, 20 and 19) and a ten-year old cairn terrier named Kendra.
As for my purple hair: Of course it is natural!! *snort*
Nah, I’m a natural blonde, so the purple is purely for artificial intelligence and vanity. You can check my color here: http://blainedarden.com/images/Blaineat18-writing-d.jpg though I was quite a bit younger then *wink* (in this photo I’m actually writing my first gay fiction)
Blaine do you set aside time to write or do you just go with when the inspiration strikes? Well, I treat writing as my profession, so I write every day. I don’t quite make a 40 hour work week, with appointments, household, family, social gatherings and social networking distracting me from it, but I try to write a couple of hours in the morning and another couple in the afternoon.
But… I am a writer, so I drag a notebook everywhere and will definitely write when the inspiration strikes. I often complain that inspiration is a bitch with a lousy sense of timing, especially when she strikes right after I turned my lamp off to go to sleep.
You started out writing quite young, did you always want to be a published writer or is that just a nice bonus? No, not always. I’ve always been a bit of a dreamer, and writing wasn’t exactly encouraged at home. And while I did try to get a story published at eighteen—still can’t believe I did that, and shudder at how badly written it was—I still didn’t think of it as a future career. Writing always came second… well, last, to anything: studying, job, family, chores. I think the idea of being published didn’t take hold again until I finished my first NaNoWriMo project a couple of years ago, but I didn’t take a conscious step towards being published until January last year, when I dumped my studies to focus on my writing full-time. No regrets yet *grin*
How do your family support you in your writing? (Little bell next to computer to summon someone to make you a drink?) I love my men to bits, but I doubt any of them would bring me something to drink until I asked them, repeatedly, and even then I’d probably have to wait a couple of hours for them to remember they promised to bring me one… They hug me and cheer for me when I receive good news, they stay out of my way when I request it (yes, sometimes I have to ask more than once for it to stick in their minds), they put up with my bouncy hysterics when I’m soaring and moodiness when I’m stressing out over a deadline.
Blaine what gave you that little push to finally submit your work? Oh. Well, after I made the decision to go for my writing career, I joined a critique group, and the comments to my first chapter/scene were helpful and encouraging. It amazed me how level-headed I was when reading the edits (though I often kick at them during a first read-through, my inner editor takes over on the second read and agrees with most of the suggestions). I think that was the final nudge to giving it a go.
I have to ask, was it difficult getting someone to publish your work when you decided to take that step? Err… not yet. At least, not in my experience. Out of three submissions, I was rejected once, and that novel subsequently was accepted elsewhere. Though, the first line of my first acceptance email almost gave me a heart-attack, because they didn’t think the story fit the anthology I submitted it for. But they wanted the story anyway. Phew! I was on holiday in the UK at that time, and I think the whole campsite could hear my joy.
And how do you find it working with Storm Moon Press?
Enjoying it very much so far. The staff is very friendly and helpful and I love the banter during the editing. I never take anything for granted and ask about every change I don’t get (when not explained in the comments) and defend every change I don’t agree with, and it’s encouraged. In the end, it’s all for the good of the story. I like that they handle a lot of the marketing and arrange reviews/interviews/guest blogs, if you’re willing to do those. So, all around, very enjoyable. Oh, and I love their covers. *grin*
So, Blaine you write M/M, how did you decide to write in this genre and what book inspired you to take the plunge. I wrote my first gay fiction when I was 17/18. I was a rather naïve idealist and with all the negativity on homosexuality and AIDS on TV, I wanted to show the world how beautiful love between men could be. I’ve written non-gay stories over the years as well, but somehow I always come back to my men. It wasn’t a book that inspired me to take the plunge; I was inspired by films, three of them to be precise. ‘An Early Frost’ is the film that started it all, ‘Maurice’ is the film I fell in love with and ‘Beautiful Thing’ is the film that finally convinced me that my view on gay romance wasn’t wrong, like I thought it was for a while. Of course, if you want to be technical, ‘Maurice’ is a book as well, by E.M. Forster, but I saw the film before I read the book.
Who is your favorite fantasy/mystery character out of all the books you have read? Out of ALL the books I’ve read? Oh, boy… My first thought was Snape… so I’ll be going with that, though Mrs. Pollifax is a very good runner-up. Snape embodies the types I tend to fall for, the underdog, the aloof, the stoic, not quite bad guy, while Mrs. Pollifax embodies every girl’s dream. Who doesn’t want to be a secret agent on dangerous missions? LOL
You seem to have an affinity for fantasy; will you be branching out into other genres? I make occasional road-trips to other genres—Aliens, Smith and Jones is SF—but I feel fantasy is where I’m strongest. I know it sounds strange, but creating my own world with its own culture and rules is far easier for me than researching contemporary cultures. I’m not very politics and culture minded and I don’t read the news papers, so am often not quite up to date on what’s happening where. I am a dreamer, after all, and I like living in my own world, however inconvenient that often is. Plus there is this annoying habit I have of wanting to write stories in which no one cares what gender your partner is, and our world just isn’t ready for that yet, regrettably.
Your next book is Aliens, Smith and Jones (expected release 20th July 2012) tell us a little about it and how it came to life. How it came to life? Oh, my? Do you have a day or two? No? I’ll try to keep it short, then.
Aliens started life as a short story from the point of view of a virtually immortal ex-alien who falls in love for the second time in 400 years. But while writing I started to realize that writing from the point of view of his lover was much more interesting, considering he was the one with all the action, tracking and monitoring alien beings and artifacts. And then came the blind date that wouldn’t go away and the story grew into a novel.
Aliens, Smith and Jones is about Connor Smith, who works for Primrose, an organization tasked with monitoring and tracking aliens and alien technology. It’s a job that doesn’t know the meaning of “nine-to-five”. It also doesn’t leave much room for a social life, a complication that Connor hasn’t minded, until now. At the prodding of his best friend, Connor reluctantly puts himself back in the dating pool, even though it means lying about his remarkable life.
Elsewhere, Noah Jones has led a remarkable life of his own. Stranded on Earth in 1648, Noah was forced to transform himself permanently into human form to survive. He soon learned that in doing so, he’d become effectively immortal, aging only at a glacial pace. Alone, with no way to contact his people or return home, Noah becomes a silent observer of human civilization—always in the world, but never of the world. Then, hundreds of years later, he sees a face in a crowd and instantly feels a connection that he thought he’d never feel again. But he’s too late: Connor’s already taken.
Destiny is not without a sense of humor, though, and the two men are pulled inexorably closer, snared by the same web of dangers and conspiracies. Worse, Primrose is now aware of Noah, and they aren’t ones to leave an alien unrestrained. So while Connor struggles to understand the strange pull he feels toward Noah, forces without as well as within are working against them to keep them apart.
What advice would you give to a new comer to the M/M genre who is just starting out? Write what you love and finish what you write. Don’t worry about publishing until after you’ve finished the story. Actually, don’t worry about publishing at all. Finish the story, then edit it, edit it again, let someone else (NOT your mother or best friend) look it over and don’t fear critique. Critique is not meant to hurt you, but meant to make your story better, meant to help you grow as a writer. And then read it through at least one last time.
And when you’re finally ready to submit, stick to the guidelines. I know the fonts are not the most beautiful, and the format may not make it pretty, but it’s not about looking pretty, it’s all about the text, and not making editors squint their eyes and think twice about even opening it. You want them to read your stuff, make it readable and stick to the guidelines.
Last, but not least, don’t be afraid to ask for advice. Other writers are often very willing to answer questions.
Tell us a little of your hobbies aside from writing.
I sing in a choir and I have singing lessons. I also practice QiGong.
And for those of us… err *cough splutter* for those of our readers who don’t know Qigong (unless you mean the artist and then I will look a complete pratt ;-)) what is it? QiGong (aka Chi Kung) is the practice of aligning breath, movement and awareness for exercise, healing and meditation. And yes, I plucked that off the net to make sure I say it right. It’s a close relative to Tai Chi, actually and it’s all about your chi, your life force.
Do you think Qigong helps with your creativity? (Qigong is said to ‘allow access to higher realms of awareness, and awaken one’s “true nature”’) I don’t really see relation to my creativity, but, I started doing it because my mind never shuts up. For me, going through those exercises, from posture to breathing to moving and being aware of what I’m doing, means that for an hour, hour and a half a week, my mind is slowed down and very much forced into the here and now.
But it’s entirely possible that giving my mind a break is good for my creativity.
Funnily enough my singing teacher teaches on the same principles, almost. She’s very in tune with her students and through breathing and mindfulness exercises she tries to get the best out of me, vocally and health wise. So, double-win situation for me.
You also sing. Besides from choir singing, what other type of music do you like to sing to? Oh, tough question, since I suck at naming genres. I sing rock/soft rock, ballads, top forty, country… whatever catches my fancy, really. In the last couple of weeks, I’ve sung Toto, Heart, Gotye (bit too low for me, unfortunately), Ilse DeLange, Adam Lambert, Maria Mena, Emmy Rossum and Kings of Leon. I have a rather eclectic taste and depending on my mood I’ll go for something that screams or something that’s small and more intimate in nature.
So Blaine tell us something that nobody else knows… not even your husband (leans forward in eager anticipation). I had plenty of things to say, until I read the ‘not even your husband’ part. Is there anything my husband doesn’t know? I guess the only thing I could answer to that is how often or how much… He knows what sort of porn I love, but not how often I watch it. He also knows I buy books, just *cough* not how much money I spend on it *cough*
Disappointing answer, I know, but… I honestly don’t know what I haven’t told my husband. I think I even told him I fancied my ex-boyfriend’s father for a bit…
Well Blaine I have read a bit of your background and I have to ask… what’s wrong with pixies? You love fairies and elves and dragons but not pixies (muttering about stinking fairies). There’s nothing wrong with pixies, honestly. I just never thought to include them into my bio. Probably because I’ve not written about them… but never say never. I used to think I wasn’t ever going to write gun porn, and see how wrong I was about that *grin*
Okay Blaine a serious question now, if this world suddenly became a magical place what magical creature would you be? (What… you can tell a lot about the sort of person someone is by that choice!! Honest) Magical creature? Oh, that’s open to so many interpretations. But, seeing how much I love pointy ears, I guess I’d have to go for fairy, elf or even pixie *grin* I’m none too picky, I just want to fly, wear pretty clothes and play with other creatures’ pointy ears. Though, I’d love to have a bit of magic, even if it’s just to do the dishes with the flick of a wrist
Blurb: Oren Stolt understands the natural order better than most people. Vampires prey on humans and Undying keep the vampires’ numbers in check.
Until now.
Now, across the United States, vampire numbers are exploding, thanks to a new church. The Tabernacle of the Firstfruits preaches a Risen Lord and invites believers to follow Him in death and resurrection… quite literally.
In Memphis, the church is about to host its first conference, with an eye to converting the whole world to the vampiric gospel.
And all that stands between humanity and eternal night is Oren, his kids, and a thin line of insane immortals.
Review: Oren is what is called a breather, a potential Undying and he is doing everything he can to ensure himself and his family stay that way. But, when a Vampire church has plans to convert the world, Oren, his kids, the peaceful Vampires and the Undying must put an end to their plans. But, just what will it cost Oren and his family?
This is not a romance in anybody’s imagination. The characters seem to be mostly bi-sexual and sleep around because they all have high sex-drives. The story is really well written and your feelings for the characters will go up and down as their attitude and actions make you want to hug them, smack them and pity them. There are no really detailed sex scenes, although the one sex scene that we do witness does not end how you thought it might.
There is a lot going on in this book and a lot of interaction with different characters with different POVs throughout the book. It gives us a broad spectrum of plot and gives us more understanding of what’s going on and why. It gives us insight into the different characters as well and what drives them personally. There are one or two surprise characters that shocked my socks off as I spluttered and gawked at the book. One of the characters I was so shocked at but I sat there going ‘Oh my god that is so plausible’.
There isn’t that much that I can really tell you about this one other than Oren and his children are Breathers and if they die a violent death then they come back as an Undying a being unable to die, who can regenerate everything about them (arm chopped off… not a problem regrow it, head lopped off… grow a new body.) If they die a natural death then they never come back (something to do with their DNA) and the council want the Breathers and will try anything to get them, while that is going on we have a vampire church who are set on converting everyone because they believe they are following in Christ’s footsteps i.e. they died then rose again as vampires and the Stolt’s and the Undying must stop them.
This book is not for the faint of heart, so if you hate blood, guts, dismemberment and extreme violence then don’t look at this book. If you want a happy-ever-after where people fall in love…then don’t look at this book. If you want a happy conclusion where everyone got what they wanted…then don’t look at this book. If you want a story that is filled with action, fights, blood, gore, a lot of implied sex, hate, fear, failed hopes and a gigantic violent bloodbath in a church…then this is the book for you. (It kept me happy ;-))
Blurb: Llyskel is the fifth son of a King, but, unlike his brothers, he doesn’t have a career in politics or the military to look forward to. In a world where everyone possesses magic to some degree or other, Llyskel is powerless, unable to perform even the smallest magic-based tasks. All his life, he’s been under constant guard for his own protection from the magical world around him, much to his annoyance. The only time Llyskel feels free is when he paints, where the only spells he needs are the ones he weaves with brush and paint, capturing moments of beauty and giving them immortality on canvas.
Llyskel harbors a secret wish, though, a dark desire that haunts his nights. Only Ariv, a captain in the King’s army, seems to sense the truth of Llyskel’s needs. The pull he feels to Llyskel is unavoidable, and the passion between them undeniable.
But Ariv isn’t the only one interested in Llyskel. The Queen of a neighboring country expresses her interest in the boy’s talents, but her true intent goes far beyond a love of art. And what she asks may be too high a price for any of them.
Review: Llyskel is nothing like anyone else in his kingdom or the country. Everyone else has magic and Llyskel doesn’t and because of that he is protected in and out of the castle. a captain in his father’s army captures Llyskel’s eye and his imagination. Ariv is attracted to the young prince and has guessed his secret desires; he sets out to court the prince and discovers a secret that nobody knew.
I enjoyed this story and think it was well written. It has a slightly whimsical feel to it, but that could be because it’s from Llyskel’s POV. Llyskel is dearly loved by his family, but they treat him like a helpless child because he has no magic. He can’t even spar with anyone else he has a practice dummy and that is it. He has a guard that follows him everywhere, even in the castle and he feels stifled by it all. Ariv is the man that he fantasies about along with his shooter and Ariv is going to light up the prince’s world and give him everything that he wants and nothing will stop him not even the new discovery.
Llyskel is wonderfully described and the way the author describes the scenes and emotions is wonderful. you can feel Llyskel’s frustrations seeping through, his want and need and his obsession with Ariv and shooters. Ariv is harder to get a grip on, but you know he is the man to give Llyskel everything that he needs. Even when his prince goes missing, he knew Llyskel could handle himself. Even without magic and when he gets him back he gives Llyskel the support and encouragement that he needs.
For me this book was just right. it wasn’t too short, it wasn’t too long (did I sound like Goldilocks?) it was the perfect length with a touch of danger, a touch of kink, a lot of hot sex, a good story-line, the world building was good without too much information. There was a kidnapping, a controlling Queen, a hunky Captain and a quite prince, so honest to god… what more could you want. Get this book and enjoy.
Title: Hell Bound
