Undercover by Ravon Silvius

Title: Undercover

Series: Enforcer’s 07

Author: Ravon Silvius

Genre: Erotic Romance, Steampunk

Length: Novella (110 pages)

Publisher: eXtasy Books (June 1, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 1/2 Hearts

Blurb: Uncovering secrets.

Kenneth and Thorn have infiltrated a noble’s mansion as part of their mission as Enforcers. They hope to discover more about the Iris, a group of mages who threaten to overthrow their government and abuse those without magic to do it.

What they discover at the mansion of one of the oldest and richest noble mage families is more than just promises of wealth. They will have to stay hidden and fight past twisted mind magic in order to discover the Iris’ true goals. But if they’re too late, the Iris will claim even more victims.

ISBN: 978-1-4874-0725-4

Product Link: eXtasy Books | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: A dangerous mission leads to even more questions when Kenneth and Thorn are sent to uncover Iris plans. What they find is a lot more than they could have ever imagined. It was imperative for them to learn everything they could while at the same time keeping under wraps and staying alive.

I loved this story. Mystery, a group with ulterior motives that will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. Amazing scenes that take the breathe away. A great addition to the series.

Awesome read.

The Storm Lords by Ravon Silvius

Title: The Storm Lords

Author: Ravon Silvius

Genre: Fantasy

Length: Novel (254 pages)

Publisher: DSP Publications (August 8, 2017)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.75 Hearts

Blurb: The heat took everything from Rowen: his parents, his voice when the local cure for heatstroke poisoned him, and the trust of his fellow villagers, who branded him a water thief. It would have claimed his life when he was deemed unworthy of precious resources and left in the sun to die, had not a strange man named Kristoff ridden in on the wind and told Rowen he had power. 

Rowen works hard to become a Storm Lord, one of a secret magical group that brings storms to break the heat waves overtaking their world. But Rowen is starting his training at a disadvantage since he cannot speak and is much older than the other novices. The desire to please Kristoff inspires him to persevere even more than the threat of being sent back to his village to die should he fail. Still, he cannot gather rain, and when his abilities manifest, they are unlike anything known to the Storm Lords. Unless Kristoff can help him control his deadly powers, the entire world will be in danger.

Kristoff might be among the mightiest of the Storm Lords, but he’s never been a mentor before. For a chance to be with Rowen, he’s willing to risk everything.

ISBN-13: 978-1-63533-668-9

Product Link: DSP Publications | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon DE

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: Rowen is a sweet man that has had a hard life. The village he lives in a tiny villaged plagued by severe heat spells that kill. One day he is to be sacrificed as a way to end the spell. Kristoff is a Storm Lord with the ability to disperse heat spells. He comes upon Rowan badly burned and on the brink of death. He senses something within the young man and so takes him with him. 

I am not even going to pretend that I understood the explanations on certain things pertaining the lords. Though the story was good I felt it was to drawn out. At times I felt as though I was back in school learning. 

I hated the way people treated Rowan because he could speak. It seemed people in this story were barbaric to a degree that I did not approve of. I was glad Kristoff stood up for Rowan against those that would do him harm because they felt threatened by what he could do.

It was an o.k. read.

The Storm Lords by Ravon Silvius Guest Post & Excerpt!

Hi guys! We have Ravon Silvius popping in today with their upcoming release The Storm Lords, we have a brilliant guest post from Ravon and a great excerpt, so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~

Ravon Silvius - The Storm Lords Cover

The Storm Lords

by

Ravon Silvius

The heat took everything from Rowen: his parents, his voice when the local cure for heatstroke poisoned him, and the trust of his fellow villagers, who branded him a water thief. It would have claimed his life when he was deemed unworthy of precious resources and left in the sun to die, had not a strange man named Kristoff ridden in on the wind and told Rowen he had power. 

Rowen works hard to become a Storm Lord, one of a secret magical group that brings storms to break the heat waves overtaking their world. But Rowen is starting his training at a disadvantage since he cannot speak and is much older than the other novices. The desire to please Kristoff inspires him to persevere even more than the threat of being sent back to his village to die should he fail. Still, he cannot gather rain, and when his abilities manifest, they are unlike anything known to the Storm Lords. Unless Kristoff can help him control his deadly powers, the entire world will be in danger.

Kristoff might be among the mightiest of the Storm Lords, but he’s never been a mentor before. For a chance to be with Rowen, he’s willing to risk everything.

Release date: 8th August 2017
Pre-order: DSP Publications ebook | DSP Publications paperback | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Continue reading “The Storm Lords by Ravon Silvius Guest Post & Excerpt!”

Love Wins ~ Anthology

Anthology - Love Wins CoverTitle: Love Wins

Series: Anthology

Author: Lucie Archer, Kris T. Bethke, Deja Black, M.A. Chruch, David C. Dawson, Jana Denardo, Nicole Dennis, Ravon Silvius, L.A. Marrill, Grace R. Duncan, Xenia Melzer, Jude Dunn, Julie Lynn Hayes, Tray Ellis, Troy Storm, Alicia Nordwell, Renee Stevens

Genre: Paranormal, Holiday, Contemporary, Science Fiction, Urban Fantasy 

Length: Novel (330 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (December 12, 2012)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts (Combined)

Blurb:  With time comes healing, but Orlando and the LGBT community are still recovering from last June’s tragedy. To show our ongoing support for those affected by the Orlando shooting, our authors, editors, artists, and staff have volunteered their talents to create this second benefit anthology. All proceeds will be donated to LGBT organizations in central Florida. Join us as we reaffirm that no matter the obstacle, love always wins.

ISBN:  978-1-63533-429-6

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/love-wins-7898-b

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: I think that this was one hell of a perfect gift in my eyes.  The proceeds are going to be given to the LGBT in Florida after the tragic shooting in June. It was an amazing book and for the perfect reason.  I do admit though I just couldn’t read the ones with females in them because I don’t do girly parts at all.  However the hot men in this book made up for the girly parts in spares.  

Abstract Heart by Lucie Archer ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Nick spends nearly every lunch break at the modern art museum, hoping to catch a glimpse of docent Kris. Kris has noticed the cute guy hanging around the exhibits too but never manages to approach him. It will take a matchmaking security guard to bring these two introverts together.

Thank god for friends because if it was left up to these two they wouldn’t get past hello and you can definitely see the heat between them.  It is a very cute little story about finding that one person you want to be with.  

Cats and Christmas Trees: Trouble Waiting to Happen by M.A. Church ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

What’s a half human to do when Christmas rolls around? Kirk tries ignores it, but his shifter mates Tal and Dolf, being sneaky kitties, persist in finding out what’s troubling him so they can make it better.

This was the perfect Christmas story for my favorite shifters.  I love how this author just makes these two cats, well like cats.  When I received this anthology I had not even realized that this story had been included and let’s just say I jumped for joy.  Tal is the perfect omega and Dolf is the perfect alpha, then you add in Kirk and you have got one hell of a threesome.  

A Chance for Hope by Deja Black ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts

In the aftermath of tragedy, freelance writer Brad Truscott is drawn to ease Paul Bachman’s grief. But will Paul ever be ready to take another chance on happiness?

I think that this story will hit closer to home for those who suffered from this loss the most.  It shows the heartache, but it also shows hope.  A second chance at love and the tenderness found in each other.  I enjoyed reading it.

Changing Things by Nicole Dennis ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts

Despite his allergies, Ryan puts up with the two rescue cats his boyfriend, Seth, adores. But when an especially severe asthma attack sends Ryan to the hospital, Seth realizes something has to give—either his relationship with Ryan or his guardianship of Fili and Kili.

This was a cute little story that was a blast to read.  I think Seth picked the right choice also, but you really need to read it because I am not telling.  I enjoyed reading it though. 

Especially in Orlando by Troy Storm ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

When bighearted mover Dalton is hired to haul away a hot young guy’s belongings after a breakup, he can’t help returning to see how the good-looking older man is dealing with the transition. George is happy to take Dalton up on his offer of solace. But then George’s ex, Peter—aka Mr. Prissy Pout—has second thoughts, and while George isn’t interested in taking him back, he and Dalton are willing to share their experience—and more.

Now this one was more sexual then actually fun to me.  I didn’t much care for it but then that is me.  I hate to admit that I basically skimmed over the story and read parts of it.  Which for me was a bad thing because it just gave me an eye of what was going on.  

Free to Love by Kris T. Bethke ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Henry is tired of hiding their relationship, but Shane is afraid to risk losing his job and his parents by coming out as gay. When his worst fears prove true, Shane finds that life outside his parents’ repressive control is so much better than anything he could have imagined.

Parents can be just as cruel as a stranger it would seem.  I felt bad for Shane but the end result rocks.  I enjoyed reading this story and will definitely be checking for these guys to have a longer story in the future, with more juicy details.

Happily Ever After, After All by L.A. Merrill ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Once upon a time, Princess Aubergine dreamed of a fairy-tale wedding to the girl of her dreams. Things haven’t exactly worked out that way. Locked in a tower for ten years, Aubergine managed to scare off all the princes coming to rescue her. Now it’s up to her to do the rescuing—until a band of students from the local Ladies’ Academy happen upon her tower and devise a daring escape plan.

Now the story is a fantastic story, however I hate female characters so the story didn’t do anything for me.  I hate to admit that I just skimmed it and didn’t really read it.  When I received it I was told it was m/m or m/m/m romance so to my shock this came up and well you can guess.  

The Importance of Pride by Ravon Silvius ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts

College history professor Patrick Levine is looking for a subject for a research proposal when he discovers his granduncle’s journal. To his shock, not only was Uncle Marty gay, but he’d been at the Stonewall riot in 1969. Will learning more about his uncle’s history help Patrick face his own fears about coming out?

I just can’t imagine what his uncle went through to get where we are now.  It is still a fight for the LGBT to be considered equal and I fear what the future will be like.  This is a very sweet story of a young man who is not out but finds out that his uncle was a true believer.  I don’t know if I said any of this right, but I will tell you that this was an inspiring story.

The Insomniac Sommelier by Julie Lynn Hayes ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts

Kirk Westmoreland dreams of owning his own restaurant someday, but for now he fights insomnia while working at family-owned Venezia with his control-freak older brother. After work he tries to de-stress at Sweeties, a small diner run by his sister and her wife. When Kirk meets the diner’s new server, Ashley, he ends up going home with him—to the best sleep he’s had in forever. If he can’t keep his life at Sweeties compartmentalized from his life at Venezia, Kirk will have to decide which one he’s willing to give up.

I definitely can understand insomnia.  This is a really cute little story if not a bit off, but was still a fun little story.  I just felt like it wasn’t for me though, because there was just something missing but I couldn’t figure it out.  Other than my issues, this is a cute story.

Looking for George by David C. Dawson ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Betty’s innocent crush on actor George Clooney became something more when he saved her from a fall at the hotel she works at in London. When she discovers her Italian holiday trip will take her only a few miles from the actor’s summer villa… well, surely fate means for them to meet again.

Now the story is a fantastic story, however I hate female characters so the story didn’t do anything for me.  I hate to admit that I just skimmed it and didn’t really read it.  When I received it I was told it was m/m or m/m/m romance so to my shock this came up and well you can guess.  

Love Over Lotto by Jude Dunn ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Craig Batson and Tom Rendelle have plenty of joy together but not so much money. Determined to improve their finances, Craig borrows a library book on the secrets of winning the lottery and empties their rainy-day fund to buy dozens of lottery tickets. Tom explodes when he finds out, leaving Craig to wonder if their love can survive.

This is a very cute story however it is a bit blown out.  I got a headache within the first few minutes afterwards.  As for the characters, they just seem a bit off to me.  Tom, who works blows at almost everything and then there is Craig who stays home and paints.  They don’t really have that much going for them until the lotto.  Other than those issues it is still a cute story but not really my idea of fun.

More Than His Scars by Jana Denardo ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts

Facing the anniversary of the day he lost his arm while serving in the Middle East, Aaron is understandably depressed. It’s up to his lover, Rhys, to plan a special day to help Aaron see how amazing he really is.

This story has many different aspects to it, if that is the word for it.  On one sense it has the paranormal or fantasy seeing as Rhys and his children are not human.  Then you have Aaron who is not only human but was military until his arm was taken in the war.  It is a sad story with a happy tilt toit.  I am afraid that no matter how good it was, it just wasn’t for me.

Overcoming Fear by Grace R. Duncan ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

In the year since a global pandemic ravaged their world, Duncan has done everything he can to ease Mark’s fears of losing him. When a minister and his wife seek out Mark for help, Duncan sees an opportunity to show Mark another level of commitment—if Mark will dare to take it.

One is afraid of losing another person in his life, the other wants forever.  I liked this story quite a bit, no to Christmas themed but it was a lot of fun to read.  I get a kick out zombies, apocalypse and pandemic stories.  This was a lot of fun and look forward to reading a bit more from this author.

Prevailing Zzz’s by Tray Ellis ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

After eight months together, Greg wants Win to move in with him. But how can Win agree when Greg’s snoring leaves him sleep-deprived and miserable?

Let’s just say that if I had left it up to the blurb for this particular book I would have just went on past.  I believe if you love someone deep enough, then their snoring is no big thing.  It is a fun little book if not a bit quirky to me.  

Pushing Back Oblivion by Alicia Nordwell ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Fighting a rapidly growing brain tumor, Cohen promises his partner, Jaime, that he’ll never give up. Through surgeries and setbacks, at times that promise and Jaime’s voice are all Cohen has to cling to.

Now this one was just a tease.  It is a sweet story but way too short to get any more than a hint of what is going to happen.  It went from one time, then to another, then two months after the fact that it left a good portion of the story out.  Other than that it was cute.

Reluctant Valentine by Xenia Melzer ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts

A best-selling thriller novelist, Dean writes romances as a relaxing hobby. But when writer’s block strikes, sexy handyman Morgan shows up to provide all the inspiration he needs.

The first thing I have to say is I could have done without the first few lines in this story.  Even if he is the author and it was just about his book, it was well gross.  I hate anything female in my story and almost just put it down to skimming this book.  Other than that we have an author who needs some inspiration and it comes to him in a sexy man.  It is a very cute love story about finding first love.  I enjoyed it quite a bit.

Taking a Chance by Renee Stevens  ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Gabe and Toby work for the same company, Gabe in the US and Toby in London. After meeting at a convention, they spend nearly every moment of their time together, but when they both have to return home, their only option is to attempt a long-distance relationship.

This was just a teaser.  Moving away from home to be with the man you love and then that is it.  It is a cute little story but I sure do wish the author might make it a longer story later.  I would love to see how these two do in the future.  

Overall
Overall some of the stories rocked, some were just stories and then of course the girly parts but the basis for the book still stands.  This is to help the LGBT community and for that we need to pick up those books and start reading.  Or maybe I should say we need to start buying these stories.  I enjoyed reading them and was glad to have a extra from one of my favorite paranormal love stories mixed in.  I would definitely recommend it.

Love Wins ~ Anthology & Guest Post by Ravon Silvius!

ANTHOLOGY - LOVE WINS Banner

Hi guys, we have the charity anthology Love Wins and one of it’s authors (Ravon Silvius) popping in today to let you know a little about the anthology before it’s release next week. Ravon Silvius explains a little about his story so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~

Anthology - Love Wins Cover

Love Wins

by

Lucie Archer, Kris T. Bethke, Deja Black, M.A. Church, David C. Dawson, Jana Denardo, Nicole Dennis, Ravon Silvius, L.A. Merrill, Grace R. Duncan, Xenia Melzer, Jude Dunn, Julie Lynn Hayes, Tray Ellis, Troy Storm, Alicia Nordwell, Renee Stevens

With time comes healing, but Orlando and the LGBT community are still recovering from last June’s tragedy. To show our ongoing support for those affected by the Orlando shooting, our authors, editors, artists, and staff have volunteered their talents to create this second benefit anthology. All proceeds will be donated to LGBT organizations in central Florida. Join us as we reaffirm that no matter the obstacle, love always wins.

Full list of stories below.

Release date: 12th December 2016
Pre-order: Dreamspinner Press

Continue reading “Love Wins ~ Anthology & Guest Post by Ravon Silvius!”

First Mission by Ravon Silvius

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Title: First Mission     

Series: Enforcers 03 

Author: Ravon Silvius     

Genre: Fantasy World, Steampunk

Length: Novella (131pgs)     

Publisher: eXtasy Books (15th September 2013)   

Heat Level: Moderate    

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts    

Reviewer: Pixie     

Blurb: Kenneth and Thorn have become Enforcers, those who keep the peace, monitor major societal changes, and if necessary, hunt down criminals. Luckily, their first mission seems easy. They must explore a new alchemy school, meet with the governor of the local village, and determine if the school’s presence has upset the local population of people who cannot use magic at all. As a talentless himself, Thorn especially is concerned. He knows the inequality the talentless face in a world ruled by mages, and he is anxious to see how he will fare as an Enforcer.

When they arrive, the governor is friendly enough. But as Kenneth and Thorn begin to explore the school and surrounding village, they find signs of something far more serious than simple friction between the talentless and the magi. Students at the alchemy school displays feats of magical strength far beyond what Kenneth has seen before, and Thorn finds out that talentless people are disappearing. They set out to figure out what is going on—but run into problems when they meet an old enemy.     

Purchase Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/first-mission/    

Review: This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Kenneth and Thorn are now Enforcers, with Thorn becoming the first Talentless Enforcer. It is now time for their first mission. Check out the new alchemy college, meet the governor, and see how the college’s presence is affecting the local village… easy right? The governor is friendly, the college welcoming, but the village is hostile. Thorn and Kenneth split up to discover what is truly going on and while Kenneth is being seduce by the college, Thorn is being spat upon by his fellow talentless, and as they both draw near to the truth they have to face a deadly enemy again.

First Mission begins about three weeks after The Exam finished. It continues the story of Kenneth and Thorn, a mage and a talentless, who is life mates and set on becoming Enforcers. To uphold the law and in Thorn’s case to bring some equality for the talentless. On their first mission together, Thorn’s fears seem to be realized, when he is spat upon and called a traitor by his own people. But, his determination to help them won’t let it get to him. Kenneth has his own concerns when he realizes that he is being distracted from his job, trying to determined what is happening isn’t easy when he can trust no one but Thorn. 

I really do enjoy this series as the storyline develops and we see both Kenneth and Thorn confronting their future together. Their first mission isn’t as easy as they hoped as they come across a cesspit of corruption and dark magic. Their love is still strong and strengthening every day, they face what is thrown at them, the contempt and anger, the wiles and seduction with the knowledge that they can fight against it together. They are a wonderful couple and their passion for each other doesn’t waver… even when temptation is being force upon Kenneth. The storyline is really good, and has excitement and danger, with both men fighting against the evil deeds to save the village but with Thorn finding himself in great danger.

I have to recommend this to those who love magic and Steampunk, stronger bonds being forged, fighting against dark deeds, building a bridge between Enforcers and talentless, with a great ending that leaves the way for more great stories. 

 

Noble Magic by Ravon Silvius

17860271Title: Noble Magic

Series: Enforcer’s 01

Author: Ravon Silvius

Genre: Fantasy World, Steampunk

Length: Novella (131pgs)

Publisher: Extasty Books (15th April 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ – 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Lord Kenneth Victeni has every opportunity and every privilege. As the noble son of a powerful mage, he puts little thought into the lives of the talentless, the second class citizens who cannot use magic in a world ruled by mages.

That changes when he meets Thorn, a talentless who is studying at the inventor’s college, where those without magic develop steam-powered technology. The two men share a mutual attraction, and what’s more, Thorn just might be Kenneth’s lifemate—the man who, with just his presence, can double Kenneth’s magical power.

Kenneth’s ignorance of the lives of the talentless puts an obstacle in their budding relationship, however, and his life grows even worse when another mage at the collegium attacks and nearly kills him. Now Thorn and Kenneth must put aside their argument and find a way to put a stop to a mage who poses a threat to others—and along the way, Kenneth might even learn the sensitivity he needs to win over Thorn.

Purchase Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/noble-magic/

Review: Kenneth is a mage of noble birth. He has had every opportunity and is studying at the mage’s collegium. Looking for a piece of steel needed for a project, he has to enter the talentless area and meets Thorn, a young inventor, who begins to change his views about the talentless. Thorn is an inventor in his last year of college. when one of his inventions gets away from him and scares a noble mages horse he jumps at the opportunity to discover more about magic. As the two young men become friends, they discover a connection between them. But, Kenneth’s ignorance of the talentless causes problems. They also make a chilling discovery that just might cost them their lives, if they don’t work together.

This is a great beginning to the Enforcer’s series, of a magi and a talentless who meet by chance and change each other’s lives. Kenneth has been sheltered throughout his life. he was protected from the full impact of the war between magi and talentless and the only talentless he has ever met are servants. Kenneth has lived with his father telling him how dangerous the talentless and their inventions are, but when he meets Thorn, he discovers that the talentless are interesting and not always treated fairly. Thorn knows the suffering of the talentless, but he is still intrigued by the young magi. He is attracted to Kenneth, but their differences come between them. until Kenneth is attacked and left for dead.

Noble Magic is a well-written story that mixes Steampunk for the talentless with magic for the magi. Not only is it a slight romance with danger thrown in, but it also tells of two different classes of people who find a common ground against the odds. Both Kenneth and Thorn are great characters. Kenneth with his slightly proud snobby attitude and Thorn with his down-to-earth welcoming attitude, put them together and you have a couple who will never be boring. I liked how this world was portrayed with the two sides separated by magic, those that have it hold all the power and those that don’t are treated like second-class citizens. The magi using magic, but not really understanding it and the talentless creating machinery hoping to mimic the advantages that the magi have.

Thorn and Kenneth begin something new in this story, a magi and a talentless working together is completely unheard of. Their relationship is shaky, but develops quickly and they are there for each other in times of need. The storyline is good and is just the beginning as they are invited to test for the Enforcer’s, their relationship is just beginning as well so it will be interesting to see how they both cope with their new situation.

I recommend this to those who love Steampunk, magic, danger, developing love, an interesting storyline and a happy for now ending. 

 

The Exam by Ravon Silvius

17875845Title: The Exam

Series: Enforcer’s 02

Author: Ravon Silvius

Genre: Steampunk, Fantasy World

Length: Novella (113pgs)

Publisher: Extasy Books (1st May 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ – 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: More than just magic.

Thorn and Kenneth begin their lives after college, and Thorn has his work cut out for him when he goes to meet Kenneth’s parents. The Victeni are nobility and have no problem putting Thorn in his place—or worse, simply ignoring him.

But Thorn quickly learns that winning over Kenneth’s parents is the least of his worries. Kenneth has been selected to become an Enforcer, and with Thorn as his lifemate, Thorn has as well. To become Enforcers, they have to pass a test, and their examiners are not always straightforward about what they need to pass. Thorn is uncertain about his chances, and even less certain about whether or not he wants to be an Enforcer at all. He loves Kenneth and wants to stay with him, but as the test goes on he becomes worried if being an Enforcer will really let him help his people, or if he will just be seen as a traitor.

Purchase Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/the-exam/

Review: This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Thorn and Kenneth are facing a new future together, but first they have to get through the Enforcer’s exam. Thorn also has to meet Kenneth’s parents, which is a daunting task. Kenneth and Thorn are thrown into their examination tests and have to prove their lifemate bond. With Kenneth’s parents disapproving of Thorn and Kenneth having to make a stand it isn’t easy for Thorn. Especially, when doubts assail him. Can Thorn get through the tests, and does he really want to become an Enforcer and be seen a traitor to his people?

The Exam continues one week after Noble Magic ended and continues with the story of Thorn and Kenneth. Even though Kenneth is filled with confidence about his relationship with Thorn, Thorn is filled with trepidation, especially when he meets Kenneth’s parents and faces other magi. Thorn has serious doubts about himself in the story, as he is confronted with the reality of his new situation. Kenneth does his best to convince Thorn of his love, but it isn’t Kenneth’s love that he doubts, it’s his own ability he questions.

I enjoyed this story with its exciting exam and Thorn’s soul searching, Kenneth’s show of support and the love they have developed. The storyline is focused on two points, the exam for the Enforcers and Thorn’s dilemma of what choice to make. Thorn faces scorn from Kenneth’s parents and his position is driven home by the talentless servants and his treatment by the Enforcer examination board. Kenneth does his best, but the doubts still pull Thorn down. Would he be a traitor if he works with the magi or could he really do some good for his people? These are the thoughts that plague him along with the question of what good would he be against a magic user other than a battery for Kenneth.

I loved how this story didn’t gloss over Thorn’s position or wave a magic wand making him equal to the magi instantly. How Thorn and Kenneth faced the other magi as a united front and didn’t choose the easy answers. Both refusing to be cowed by those older and more experienced than them and how they still managed to capture moments of bliss together. They truly make a wonderful couple. I am looking forward to the next installment when they are sent on their first assignment.

I recommend this to those who love Steampunk, magic, doubts and love, hot sex, confronting doubts and standing up for what is right, explosions, discovering strengths and a happy ending with more to come.      

 

Alpha by Ravon Silvius

Title: Alpha

Author: Ravon Silvius

Genre: Futuristic

Length: Novella (132pgs)

Publisher: eXtasy Books (15th September 2011)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: A noble goal, and a stupid risk, but will it pay off?

The world of the future is starkly divided. Those with the money to afford it can become Alphas, people with superhuman IQ. The rest? Mundanes, unable to get a job beyond being a mechanic or working in food service, if they can get work at all.

But Nick, a mundane, disagrees with the system, and so does his dangerous friend Riki. Their dream is to build their own machine to raise IQ and give people the equal opportunity they deserve. The penalty for this, however, is death, and it must be done in secret.

Unfortunately, Nick is new to crime, and he meets a handsome man in a bar after a hard day at work. When he finds out Julian is an Alpha, he’s nervous, but continues with the flirtation, resulting in a hot couple of nights. When he finds out that Julian is an investigator, he realizes he has put his dream at risk.

A noble goal, and a stupid risk, but will it pay off?

Purchase Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/alpha-4/

Review: Nick is putting everything on the line to make his dream come true and when he meets Julian he thinks maybe he can have the best of both worlds, until that is…Riki finds out.

This is a really good story-line and plot that makes you wish it was longer. I thought the connection that Nick and Julian had was great and Julian seemed to be a really nice guy. Nick wants everyone to be on a more even setting rather than just the rich having the best of the world.  Nick’s fear of being discovered was really well done and I thought Julian’s story was really sad and gave us a point of view of an Alpha.

The characters are well portrayed and I quite liked Riki as he’s got quite a dangerous edge to him. I wish there was more interaction between Julian and Nick as they did make a great couple and I really hope that there will be a sequel as this was a really good story and it has so much potential to be so much more as this has only whetted my appetite to find out more about the Alpha’s and the Mundanes.

So who do I recommend this to?  Well those who love hot sex, hot men, futuristic and a story-line that makes you want more.