āHanahaki: A fictional disease popular in the fanfiction community. According to the lore, a person develops Hanahaki when they fall in love with a person so deeply that they canāt live without them.ā
Well, this was just adorable. From the cover to the predictably cute HEA ending, Fated was a quick fun fantasy short .
Zile Elliven is a new author for me and immediately introduced me to the fictional disease of Hanahaki. Lovesickness in all its floral glory. Or is it gory? Hmmm.
Anyway. Max and his gamer friends are instantly recognizable, cheerful and funny. Maxās fated mate? A glorious fantasy that has been waiting for him.
And itās even got a cute dog too.
Iām definitely seeking out more from this author and recommending this for all lovers of fantasy fiction.
Me? In love with a fictional character? Of course not! So why was I coughing up flowers every time I thought about the fictional character from my favorite video game?
Areth was a sexy, badass monster and utterly perfect, but none of that mattered because he wasnāt real. If I really was in love with him, I was going die, and there was nothing I could do about it.
This story contains:
ā¢ Unrealistic size difference resolved by magic
ā¢ Fated mates
ā¢ A very small dog
ā¢ Monster love
ā¢ Dimension hopping
ā¢ Wanton destruction of furniture
ā¢ So very many flowers
Fated is a ridiculous 16,000-word novella with super heckin’ gay monster sexy times.
One of these days by Ofelia GrƤnd is going to surprise me and deliver a full length novel and I wonāt know what to do. Iāll be overwhelmed and overjoyed, of course, but still. Someone will have to pick me off the floor first.
Until then, Iāll settle for these short tales of whimsical romance or whatever she decides to call them. Her mind is a decidedly different and wonderful place.
Here it has created a bar on an unknown world, The Ruby Tooth, a place where all the species can have a drink and mix, but under the most rigid rules that only the doorkeepers understand.
How I love how weirdly quirky Grandās imagination is. The Ruby Tooth is divided into two bars, a good side and those that belong on the bad side. The veritas, the doorkeepers, with their intense glaze that see into the soul, say left or right, good or bad. And thatās where the beings go for their side of the bar, unable to switch for the night. The veritas give no clues or rationale for their actions, just the words. Left or Right.
Which is all the more intriguing when two widely different beings, one human (Iām assuming) and one a werewolf bounty hunter, each end up on the wrong side of the bar. Thats approximately where the authorās short story begins.
But itās full of boundless possibilities, wild elements , fanciful ideas, and great characters. Honestly, why is Ilya Lewis the only one in an Elf costume and why does that bring immediate dislike? I need to know!
And donāt get me started on his friend who ends up with two bear shifters. Nope.
But even better is the new fated mateās romance thatās a ātake it slowā road romance. What a great change of pace.
Thereās even more going on. Fast paced action, heart stopping fights, and a happy ending. All well done in 45 pages.
Sigh. I need a full length book so badly!
Read this quirky, imaginative paranormal romance and enjoy!
I highly recommend this author in all her flights of narrative fancy.
Ilya Lewis is gonna kill his best friend Vera. She not only persuaded him off his couch and into the creepiest nightclub in the city, she also didnāt show. When Ilya learns the bar is split into two halves, and heās been let into the wrong side, it doesnāt make things any better. Once the doorman determines which half to let you into, he won’t let you into the other.
Ulric Moon hates the Ruby Tooth. But as a bounty hunter, he must go where the trails lead him, and tonight itās landed him in the worst nightclub in the universe. All he wants is to catch the vampire heās hunting, but despite trying to convince the veritas doorman examining his soul that he needs to be let into the good side of the club, heās shown to the bad. As if that wasnāt enough, his destined mate somehow manages to sneak into the bad side where he doesnāt belong.Ilya finds a way to the other side of the bar, but one look at the patrons there has him regretting ever leaving his apartment. When he tries to leave, a scary-looking man who does nothing but growl follows him.
Ulric knows heās freaking Ilya out, but Ilya has inadvertently caught the interest of the vampire Ulric is hunting, and he has to protect him. How will Ulric keep Ilya safe when he doesn’t believe Ulric is a bounty hunter? And how do you tell someone theyāre your mate when they donāt believe youāre a werewolf?
When it comes fiction thatās categorized as vigilante justice thrillers or found family psychopathic vigilantes, author Onley Jamesā books are at the top of the list. They are there because of the depth of characterization, the complexity of their storylines, the inclusion of therapy when possible, and that the damage and trauma dealt out is met, if possible, by an equally powerful or more violent ending for those monsters involved. Itās dark fiction for a reason.
It starts with the seven dark fantastic books of the Necessary Evils series and then leads here to Jerichoās Boys, now on its second successful novel.
Jericho, married to Atticus Mulvaney, who became an adopted guardian to a group of troubled teenagers, now young men. They were a part of Jerichoās story in Necessary Evils and the subsequent books.
Paladin was Arseny Lebedev and Everās story. Rogue belongs to Levi Akira, a familiar character, and Shiloh
Mizrahi, who becomes the new addition to the growing found family of Jericho and Atticus.
As with each book, James reveals the deep emotional landscape of Levi Akira in every aspect of his personality and history. From his tortured childhood to his current deeply dysfunctional dynamic with his homeless, alcoholic mother, the authorās treatment of Levi is an raw painful , constantly evolving portrayal of a young man whoās never been able to express his complex feelings about himself and what he has been and continues to go through internally.
Add to that, James has created a new monstrous family comprised of a sadistic middle brother, and two other brothers each with their own unique sets of traits and issues. None of which Iāll mention because they are an integral part of the story. But all are so well crafted, cruelly real in one way, and heartbreakingly raw in another. As to the oldest? Iām hoping we get so much more of him.
It starts with a small surprising situation. And then continues to escalate until eventually the Mulvaneyās are involved as well,as they should be. After all, itās one big family.
The epilogue is very satisfying because itās HFN, as it could be given their ages and length of time together. They are a work in progress. Luckily we will see them again in the next book and whatever action the Mulvaney family gets involved with.
Iām highly anticipating both. And recommending Rogue (Jericho’s Boys, #2) by Onley James as a must read. But thatās including Necessary Evils as the foundation series.
Jerichoās Boys:
ā Paladin #1
ā Rogue #2
ā¦ Bard #3 – tbd
*Necessary Evils (7 book series) – this is the foundation series for Jerichoās Boys. Many ,if not all , of the couples and characters from this series play important roles in Jerichoās Boy books. So it helps to have read the books first.
Levi Akiraās existence is far from ideal. His mother’s addiction consumes their lives, his academic standing is crumbling, and the convenience store he works at is a constant target for ruthless robberies. But amidst the chaos, Levi finds solace in only three things: his tight-knit group of friends, protecting his neighborhood as one of Jerichoās Boys, and streaming his favorite video game, where he assumes the role of Rogueāa hero who will break the rules for the greater good.
Shiloh Mizrahiās hope has all but dwindled. With one brother unjustly imprisoned, and the other a sadistic puppeteer, he endures daily torment at the hands of the latter. And his latest demand? Get close to Levi at any cost.
In the midst of another ordinary night shift, Levi’s world is upended when a captivating and terrified stranger appears, brandishing a weapon and claiming he has been forced to kill Levi by his own brother. Levi, torn between self-preservation and an instinctive aversion to harming the vulnerable boy, takes a bold leapāhe kisses him. And then, just like that, the boy disappears into the night, leaving Levi haunted by his memory.
Driven by an unshakeable connection, Levi’s path crosses with Shiloh’s once more, igniting a passionate bond that refuses to be extinguished. However, Shiloh harbors a labyrinth of secrets, torn between loyalty and desire. With his brother’s freedom dangling in the balance, can Levi and Shiloh navigate the treacherous path to be together, or will Levi forever remain a hero confined to the online realm?
āFisher Cats’ Hale and Brewer Engaged: College Sweethearts or Fake Relationship?ā
Faked engagement, best friends to lovers , bi-sexual awakening, hurt/comfort m/m hockey contemporary romance time! Thatās a lot of tropes for a novel, and itās not even close to covering the best elements that Vaughn includes in The Waiting Game.
This is the third in Brigham Vaughnās Relationship Goals series, and I really enjoyed the two previous stories.
The Waiting Game has some great elements woven into its characters and narrative as well as some things I found a bit problematic.
Letās dive into the positive aspects of this story first.
Korean Canadian history and culture thatās been used for the background and creation of Jonah Brewer , a Canadian Korean hockey player with a strong sense of community and a heartwarming grandmother whoās a great central figure in the novel. From the Korean food his grandmother, Jonah and Felix fix, to the house and gardens that mean home, the Korean culture is well established within the storyline.
Next is the story thread of Felixās drunk driving, his temporary suspension from the team, and his ongoing treatment for alcoholism. Vaughnās created in Felix a man still very much in the beginning stages of his recovery. This is Felix dealing with his sobriety and his alcoholism by going to his AA meetings, making those calls to his sponsor, Ismael, when he needs help, and generally within Felixās storyline, making his journey as realistic as possible. His stress, fears, and doubts are all understandable.
Jonah too has some huge emotional baggage. His parents died in a plane crash when he was young and his life was uprooted from one culture to another. Loss upon loss. That deep seated fear of losing loved ones comes through, especially with his relationship with his remarkable Grandma Ji-min. The authorās making use of the three of them as the heart of this book is a great decision because as a family unit they are the best aspect of the story.
Now to the next part, the issues. Itās the romance that I feel wasnāt working as well. At least for about 20% of the book. From the 45 percent to about 65 percentage or over, where thereās almost no communication between them about what is happening between them, the book would have lost me except for Grandma Ji-min.
It was a great framework and friendship up to that point. Then fake engagement which was strange the way it was handled. Then more avoidance about talking. Then finally exploring new bisexuality and going forward at around 70 or so percent. When the romance felt grounded and believable.
There was, naturally, a several dramatic elements towards the end, and then moments to pull everything back together. That was terrific , and some of it was very moving.
But for me, that large passage of non communication almost derailed it. Which was a shame because, as I said, thereās so much thatās absolutely wonderful here.
The Waiting Game is a good book in the series, although not my favorite. Iām recommending it and itās great to see diverse representations in hockey .
Fisher Cats’ Hale and Brewer Engaged: College Sweethearts or Fake Relationship?
On the eve of their first playoff game this post-season, the Toronto Fisher Cats organization sent out a press release announcing the engagement of their top D-pair.
The release insinuates the childhood friends may have been involved as far back as college and makes it clear the front office supports the relationship. āWe are confident that such a longstanding relationship will be nothing but beneficial to Felix in his recovery.ā
Reactions are mixed.
An anonymous inside source stated, āLegit? No way. This whole thingās a PR stunt to soften the publicās perception of Hale.ā
One fan commented, āHale & Brewer have always been so adorable together! Itās great they finally feel comfortable being out about their relationship!ā
While many fans are similarly supportive, others speculate that the announcement is tied to the Catsā shaky play of late. āWe all know theyāre not gonna make it past the first round,ā one fan stated. āItās just an attempt to distract from how weak the team is.ā
Adding fuel to the controversy, Hale shared an image of the players naked in bed together and captioned, āPre-game nap with Jonah before we take on the Montreal Lynx. Go, Cats!ā
PR stunt or happily engaged couple? Only time will tell.
TRIGGER WARNING: Frank discussion of alcoholism, past death of parents, and emotionally neglectful parents.
āWelcome to the Vampire Guard, where legend and myth meet science and technology.ā
Code Name Jack Rabbit is a book the starts a new chapter in the lives of the couples and characters from Anne Barwell and Elizabeth Nobleās excellent paranormal series, The Sleepless City.
There, along the banks of Lake Erie in the town of Boggslake, Ohio, there was a haunted mansion called Boggās Castle. Home to a werewolf, several ancient vampires, a human, a dog, and the ghostly original owner, they solved murders, had many found family dramatic perilous moments, and found their mates.
Code Name Jack Rabbit picks up from the end of tumultuous events in Shifting Chaos. While recovered, each is dealing with the aftermath.
I enjoyed this and was somewhat sorry to see that the intriguing town and full found family is going to be left behind for the trilogy.
Two couples, Jonas Forge and Blair Turner (both vampires) and Henri de Fluer aka Declan and Lucas Coate (vampire and werewolf) are recruited by an ancient agency. And moved, along with Moose the dog, to another location.
Left behind in Boggās Castle is Simon and Ben (vampire and human). And the ghost of course. And while Nobleās storyline and the characters discussions themselves have this separation make perfect sense, they are after all extremely long lived, if not eternal species, itās not as easy for the reader who loves them as family.
So itās a major adjustment to have a new crew of people and players. They also are a foundation of their own, like those of Boggās Castle.
The mystery plays well against the type of paranormal creatures and murders they have already faced prior. And Iām sensing a link that may be forming between the series villains.
Anyway, itās shaping up to be another exciting new series and a fast paced new group of characters.
Iām definitely recommending it. And read The Sleepless City too. It a much needed foundation for this.
Itās a rec for me. It a good lead in to a terrific sequel series. Read them in the order they are written.
The Sleepless City:
ā Shades of Sepia #1 by Elizabeth Noble
ā Electric Candle #2 by Elizabeth Noble
ā Family and Reflection #3 by Anne Barwell
ā¦ Shifting Chaos #4 by Anne Barwell
Sequel Series:
The Vampire Guard by Elizabeth Noble:
The Vampire Guard:
ā Code Name Jack Rabbit #1
ā¦ Quarry #2
ā¦ Endosymbiont #3
Buy Link:
Blurb:
Vampires and werewolves live long lives. The Sleepless City saga might have ended but the story continuesā¦
Welcome to the Vampire Guard, where legend and myth meet science and technology.
Vampires make the best spies. Throw a smart-mouthed werewolf in with three vampires, mix well, and The Vampire Guard’s newest team is bound to become one of their greatest assets. Super spies with a full range of skills. Warrior, hacker, thief, and scientist. They get in, do the job, and get out before the bad guys ever know what hit them.
Forge, Blair, Declan, and Lucas are thrust into the world of high-tech spies and top-secret espionage conspiracies. Recruited into the worldās most elite and secret organization with one singular mission. Protect those who canāt defend themselves from ruin.
Together they must thwart an assassination attempt on the open waters of Lake Superior while tracking a previously unknown biological weapon controlled by the Qiguanāa weapon which may very well mean death for one of them.
Need a smile? A absolutely feel happy to the , well , bones , reading experience? Look no further than A. J. Sherwoodās latest serialized book, How I Took the King on a Bone-a-Fide Quest of Piracy, Piemu and Profit : Bone 2 (How I Stole the Princess’s White Knight and Turned him to Villainy.
Now on chapter 8, the epic adventure is really about to start, especially since Tan, his necromancer brother Niran, and Devan, have accepted that their tiny charges, the powerful budding sorcerers-in-training, Lesia and Zi Rui, are coming with them.
That together, with a chatty sentient dragon skull, Steve, in search of his bone body. And barbarians everywhere! And itās fabulous and funny! With fireballs.
And always over way too soon. But thatās the way of serialized fiction. Itās a quick, addictive tasty morsel that leaves you happy with the bite you had and wanting more. As this one does.
Bring on chapter 9!!!!
Love these covers.
š„How I Stole the Princess’s White Knight and Turned him to Villainy-6 books
š„How Tan Acquired an Apprentice
š„How I Took the King on a Bone-a-Fide Quest of Piracy, Piemu, and Profit
Ribs located! Penalty activated if you refuse. Proceed with quest? (YES) (no)
Devan: But the ribs are in the middle of a barbarian village.
Tan: Historically speaking, fireball would fixā
Niran: Charred bone. No.
Devan: Time to do this the hard way.
Tags: BoooOOOooones, trekking through barbarian lands to find dragon bones is not as fun as it sounds, they marrowly escape, yes all the bad bone puns, Niran canāt help himself, dragon ribs are big, Niran has more bones in his workshop than a collector, whole story is just mindless violence and fluff, and fireballs
Prince of Agony ends Tavia Larkās wonderful Perilous Courts fantasy series. Itās been a dark journey through several Kingdoms and different characters and couples to arrive at our final dark romance.
The Prince of Agony is House Direās Prince Kazia. Itās fitting that Lark is circling back to the beginning, Kingdom of Draskora , the Kingdom that produced the assassin Whisper (Prince and Assassin #1), has Scalestone the necessary mineral upon which their magic and the dragons cannot exist without.
Kazia has been an enigmatic peripheral character in the previous books that featured his family and Kingdom. But even in the smallest of scenes, Kazia, long purple hair, small stature, and with a bitter personality and conversation that matches that of the finest blade, took over.
He was a mysterious figure waiting to be revealed. Which Lark does in the most painful, dark way. This element contains on page parental physical abuse to the point of torture. So if this is a trigger, you will know that leading up should you want to read ahead.
Itās an important part of his life and character. And his treatment and the reason why he endures it , and circles back to another person and storyline. This was a great aspect of Prince of Agony and I canāt help but wish it had been explored further.
I thought that about so many different threads here that there easily could have been two more books in this series instead of this being the finale.
Lucien Vaire, and his own storyline was another one I both wanted more than what we had here. His well developed relationship and role in our understanding of Kaziaās tormented history is a remarkable part of this book. I wish we had more of his magical abilities than we do. To only bring them in at the dramatic climax is to shortchange his character. The other aspect which could have done more with, especially considering its powerful nature of bonding and the increased intensity to them as a unit, is the dragon herself. She is glorious. Sheās a novel.
As itās a finale book, all the couples from the previous books make their appearances. Itās good to see them together again and interacting with each other. Especially Whisper, whoās not only my favorite character but his storyline and book have remained my favorite of this series. His complicated, intense backstory with the Hounds , an infamous group of assassins, gets a resolution of sorts here as well.
I also have thought about that element of Whisperās life as one of the greatest aspects and most compelling things that Lark created for the series. I only wish that it could have been explored more thoroughly. Even through its own series perhaps.
Prince of Agony (Perilous Courts Book 6) by Tavia Lark ties up most of the important storylines and gives all its characters a great ending. The Kingdoms are certainly better off than when we first encountered them.
I definitely enjoyed this series. I have my favorites and Prince of Agony gave it a good send off. Itās a definite must for fantasy lovers.
Prince Kazia Dire isnāt nice. Being nice lets people close. Letting people close risks revealing Kaziaās greatest secretāthe power that condemns him to a lifetime of abuse.
Until opportunity appears in the form of a captive enemy mage.
Following a dragon across the border lands Lucien Vaire in chains, and matters only get worse from there. Lucien has hated House Dire since the last war. Now, heās under the notorious brat princeās direct control.
Painful experience has taught Kazia to fear mages. He needs to keep Lucien at a distance even as he uses Lucienās talents. But that distance narrows with each careful kindness. Each accidental touch. Lucien acts more like a protector than a prisoner, and Kazia is tempted by the dangerous sweetness of trust.
But Lucien is still a mage, and Kazia is still broken. And Kaziaās cruel parents may still destroy them both.
Prince of Agony is a high fantasy gay romance, featuring captivity, hurt/comfort, and enemies hiding in a linen closet together. This is the final book in the Perilous Courts series, which is best enjoyed in order.
ā¢ Publisher: (February 28, 2024)
ā¢ Publication date: February 28, 2024
ā¢ Print length: 295 pages
Content Notes: This book includes captivity, coercive magic, physical abuse, and references to past child abuse. The abuse is not between the two protagonists. Thereās also an age gap, but thatās really the least of their problems.
Iām such a fan of Saxon Jamesā Accidental Love series. Itās centered around an old Victorian, Big Boned Bertha, and the found family of young men from disparate, often painful backgrounds that call her home.
Each roommate has slowly been finding their partner, either within the house or outside of it, experiencing and finding love with the support of their āadopted familyā. Itās been great and certainly different paths for each one.
Now itās Rushās turn. Rush who was the first to move into Bertha, Rush who was the first of Aggieās boys, the woman who stood in for family for Rush, and then the others. Rush whoās ADHD and how he approaches it is so much a part of both his personality and the storyline.
Jamesā has written a lengthy Authors note about writing sensitively about a neurodivergent character with diagnosed ADHD and Rushās approach to medication and ADHD. I think James has done a wonderful job with Rush, especially as an individual making his own choices. Rush always comes across as a believable person, coping, messy, sexy, brave, confident, confused,all the feelings and fears. We connect with him and invest in him. Rush is amazing.
My only quibbles go back to the beginning. Whereas James has a long explanatory note about writing neurodivergent characters, thereās exactly a four word note on triggers connected to a SA and violence. Thatās about a on-page event concerning a main character.
I think enough readers will see it coming so they can, if they choose, skip over this part of the story. Itās short but emotionally, realistically played out. Should an author say more about a plot point in a story when it involves a trigger? This is a question thatās very relevant and in discussion.
The Revenge Agenda (Accidental Love Book 3) by Saxon James is a fantastic read. Itās got compelling characters, an engaging story, and a satisfying ending. Big Bones Bertha has given us another great romance.
We still have another novel to come.
Iām highly recommending this and the series. Please do read the notes. Itās something I recommend no matter what the authorās subject, but in this case itās about one of the characters and TWs.
Down one boyfriend and up a lot of embarrassment, I flee with my tail between my legs. The broken heart will fade. My humiliation, not so much, but my saving grace is the fact that I never have to see either of them ever, ever again.
Until I walk into work and come face to face with my new boss.
Hunter
I never, in a million years, would have guessed the man hiding under his desk at work would be the one person I hoped to never see again.
Apparently I canāt fire the guy because of personal issues, so I try to play nice, which is a whole lot harder to do when I find out my ex is still texting Rush. The same ex I havenāt heard from since I walked out on his begging.
Rush tells me he didnāt know about me. He tells me there were others. He also tells me our ex still wants him and so, we come up with a plan. To show him what it feels like when you want someone who doesnāt want you back.
All we need is a camera. His number. And one shared kiss.
Lane Hayes has written an absolutely engaging, tug at your heart romance with Falling For Raine. Itās all age gap, opposites attract relationship with a grumbling, closed off older(and very wealthy) man whose life is utterly shattered, by choice, by a sunny, brave hearted, extroverted younger man.
And yes, itās a popular trope but Hayes takes it and makes it her own with great characterizations, wonderful locations, and a fast paced plot. But itās really that Hayes gives the reader a sense of the real emotion thatās occurring here, a feel for the real intimacy and chemistry happening between the men so we get the tug theyāre unable to resist.
And that starts immediately. So sexy and funny. Raine, the younger American, and Graham, the older British businessmen, just run the gamut of emotions here throughout the book and itās wonderful to be a part of. Hilarious, heart stopping sensual, poignant, heartbreaking memories, and back to slapstick comedy. Itās a fabulous rollercoaster of romance between two men we will come to care about greatly.
What others might disagree with but I thought was very reasonable and business based, was the storyline with the person who is considered the āvillainā. There was major character growth and moving forward instead of an unrealistic narrative ending. I appreciate that .
Thereās some areas I wish the author had explored more fully. That of Juliaās character and her own elements here. I do have a small hope for this couple to get a couple of sequels shorts. One for a wedding! Viva, Wedding! And one for them to visit Raineās friends in WeHo. Graham in WeHo would be hilariously wonderful and oddly fitting.
Falling For Raine: MM Age-Gap Romance by Lane Hayes is a romantic journey I loved being on from beginning to the end of this book, and the start of something wonderful for Raine and Graham. I truly hope to see them both again.
Until then Iām highly recommending this to all lovers of contemporary romance and if youāre not a fan of Lane Hayes, this book is going to make you one.
The gentleman, the hot mess, and a little British adventureā¦
Raine
Moving to London is scary and daunting, but I desperately need this new jobāand a redo. Okay, so I may have oversold my qualifications. That shouldnāt be a big deal, though. I mean, being an assistantās assistant seems easy enough, and Iām a fast learner.
Exceptā¦Iām already in over my head with spreadsheets, new pronunciations, and temperamental appliances. And just as Iām mentally preparing to face going home early, the big boss offers me an opportunity I canāt refuse. And I definitely should because Graham Horsham is an infuriating, complicated grumpy bear with a razor-sharp tongue, a wickedly dry sense of humor, andā¦I like him far too much.
Help!
Graham
Iāve been bamboozled. Iām not quite sure how I ended up with an assistant who spills coffee daily, wears wrinkled shirts, and chatters nonstop. He canāt stay, but I donāt want him to go either. That isnāt like me.
And the timing couldnāt be worse. The Horsham Group is about to close one of our biggest deals ever, and I wonāt jeopardize it. This one is personal.
Yet so is Raine.
Heās a breath of fresh airāsilly, impetuous, lighthearted, good-natured, andā¦quite lovely. I like him more than I want to admit.
But not to worryā¦I will not, under any circumstances, fall for Raine.
Falling for Raine is an MM, age-gap romance featuring a British gentleman, a desperate but adorable American, and a UK adventure!
Contested Crown, the second novel in The Empty Throne Trilogy, hits so many high marks. It easily overcomes the usual second book syndrome in a series, by ramping up the multiple storylines Butler has already established in the first book. The author does a great job introducing new characters whose meaning and connections to the men on the run are clouded by the new dark mysteries forming. Some of these new storylines include elements that are of a wildly magical nature while others are deeply rooted within the supernatural drug-related crime world.
It picks up right after the shocking events of Exiled Heir, with mage Cade and werewolf Miles on the run after Cade , Prince of House Bartlett, was betrayed by those closest to him m, stealing his throne and his heritage. But Miles, whose real name is Miles Castillo, is also a dethroned Prince in hiding from the very man heās on the run with.
Butlerās narrative explores this tangled relationship thatās full of potential conflict between two cruelly connected pasts , pasts with dangerous secrets . The authorās dramatic choice to make the suspenseful , angst filled , hunted run the driving force behind the story is a fantastic narrative springboard.
Emotionally, the forced intimacy, their continued dependency under these circumstances, the constant peril, and the growing affection/attachment towards each other that this trip is allowing them to feel, itās everything the reader wants and the authorās storytelling is beautifully achieving. It packs a darkly magical, sexual punch.
Butlerās writing simultaneously moves into new areas here with Cade and Miles, especially with regard to their magic, the use of tattoos, and the return of a old friend. The new creativity here giving their world more depth and diversity in its magical history as well as using it in the current criminal scene.
Thereās so many great twists and shocks here, ones to delight and horrify. This is a book once you get started itās impossible to put down.
That ending especially is a killer.
Now everything is in place for the dramatic events and tumultuous times to come in Ascendant King. That canāt be here quickly enough.
One last note, Contested Crown, as magnificent as it is, is definitely a bridge novel. It doesnāt exist without the first book . Nor the one to come. As a reader you must have read that first book, and have the knowledge to go along with it to understand and appreciate the events and stories that happen here.
Iām highly recommending you read both because both are outstanding.
I canāt give him up, even if it costs me my life…
Miles and Cade are on the run. Without money, protection, or allies they have only each other to rely on as they flee the most powerful mage house in the country. Unfortunately, the outside world is even more dangerous than the lionās den they just escaped from.
No matter how right it feels to have the mage prince relying on him, Miles knows the closer they get to each other the more dangerous it is for both of them.
A new mage house is Cadeās only chance to survive the magical war he started. With House Morrison exclusively interested in Cade, Miles will be left out in the cold. And can he stay with Cade when every moment together risks revealing Milesās deepest secret?
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 