Edison’s Professor is the penultimate book in this series as the members of the Shadow Elite fall in love and find their HEA.
As the group was departing Greece after the events in Kairo’s Billionaire, where Kairo was kidnapped, and found love with billionaire Isidore, we end with what will be the beginning pages from this story. It’s a great teaser and sets the scene and introduces the main characters for book 3, Edison’s Professor.
Not that we have any idea who that person is at the time.
Each novel flows seamlessly into the next, as that ending repeats itself perfectly as this story begins.
It has the feel of a romantic Indiana Jones tale (right down to the last name). There’s adventure, multiple villains, all the Shadow Elite team members and their partners are here. It’s great to see them all involved, especially Izzie and Alexei. They play a big part in Max Sutton’s integration into the found family that’s their group.
I liked the characters chemistry and relationship dynamics between Max and Ed. As usual for this series, with the exception of Will and Charlie, this relationship develops quickly into one of love in a short amount of time.
I liked the relationship, I feel it had the same similarities to Kairo and Izzie’s fast-love romance that had a natural grounding in the severity of pain, damage and danger of their shared situation. It felt believable and understandable.
There’s Egyptology, tombs, fast action, races through the streets, so much crazy entertainment to enjoy.
And a feel good ending.
Next and last is one of the toughest members of the squad and the most quiet. That’s the sniper West.
I can’t wait to see how he finishes up the series.
Until then, I’m recommending this and all the teams romantic journeys to HEA.
Edison Walker had never seen the man with the wide green eyes before. He only knew that he was in trouble.
And that he took one look at Ed and decided he was his haven. His protector.
Ed would not let him down.
With the jeweled scarab the stranger pressed into his hand and the strange note written in ancient Egyptian, the Shadow Elite mercenaries are off to Cairo to find the stolen professor.
Edison’s Professor is the third full-length novel in the Shadow Elite series and features mercenaries, ancient treasure, danger, explosions, a short grumpy Egyptologist who can be very overprotective of his mercenary, cuddly couples, and love on the run in Egypt.
I’m absolutely besotted with the characters of Saxon James’ new series, Accidental Love. A group of LGBTGIA men who’ve formed a found family based on a shared history of familial rejection due to their sexuality and adolescent trauma.
They live together in a gorgeous restored Victorian called Big Boned Bertha. An elderly fabulous next door neighbor adopts “Bertha’s Boys”, becomes their Aunt Agatha, and the family, along with a grumpy cat, is complete.
Each person in the family will be getting their own romantic relationship here I’m sure as they are a fascinating group of individuals. From Rush the clothes designer and Madden, tiny blue haired artist Xander and tattooed Seven who met in foster care, gorgeous Gabe who’s loves to help people , and finally Christian Kilpatrick.
This is Christian Kilpatrick’s story. His and that of Emile Cromwell, one of the heirs to the C.W. Cromwell Shipping Company. Christian’s been invited to his cousin’s Jesse’s wedding after recently reconnecting with her. He’s been abandoned by his family since they kicked him out over his sexuality. Now he’s desperate enough to rent a plus one as a “successful boyfriend’ for the event.
Christian is such a endearing character. From his insecurities and fears over facing his rich, homophobic family who threw him away to the fumbling mannerisms that his fears bring out, Christian is that relatable person we understand and connect to.
Emile is the same. In an extremely sad situation, grieving the loss of the one person, his grandfather Pa, who essentially raised and loved him, he’s got to contend with a controlling family he’s rarely seen and a iron bound will that stipulates he must be married in order to receive a huge share of his inheritance.
They meet over disastrous conditions and the story and our love for them takes flight.
James creates such an emotional layered journey for these men, together with the rest of Bertha’s Boys, towards a HEA, that I found myself smiling throughout the entire story. I was so invested in their happiness that read right through until I was done. From Emile’s sister Elle to Auntie Agatha, from blue-haired Xander to the protective Seven, each person’s personality resonates with the reader to the point we want to spend more time with each of them.
I loved the ending. While I was so sad to see it all end , I’m excited for the next one in the series.
With it’s wonderful characters, engaging storyline, and emotional journey, The Husband Hoax elevates a well known trope into a delightful romance, one I’m highly recommending.
Being invited to my cousin’s wedding really shouldn’t be a big deal except, oh yeah, I haven’t seen my family for a decade.
My parents turned their backs on me and I’ve done everything since to become successful and show them what they lost. Only, it’s kinda hard to be a success when you’re a walking trainwreck.
So I’m going to fake it. Hire a guy with an online presence so impressive they’ll be desperate to welcome me back into the elitist fold, and roll into the wedding with the kind of confidence I’ve never felt a day in my life.
The plan’s a knockout.
Until my fake date cancels minutes before the ceremony.
Émile
One letter from my dearly departed grandfather, and suddenly I’m on a husband hunt.
He’s reworked his entire will so I’m set to inherit far more than I’m entitled to, and all because he’s asked me to use that money for “good.”
In order to get that inheritance, though, there’s one stipulation: marriage.
Even with his request, I’m tempted to stick to my original plan of getting as far from my wretched family as possible, and letting them fight it out.
But then I run into a tall drink of scattered mess outside of a wedding who’s in desperate need of a date, and the pieces click into place.
I help him, he helps me.
Marriage, money, then go our separate ways.
Easy.
Now all I have to do is stop myself from actually falling for the guy.
I’m so delighted that Rebecca Cohen continues to add to her amazing Crofton series, both past and present. With each new release, I seem to find myself loving the new book and with it, the latest couple it’s centered around.
In this case, half of which we’ve already met before. That’s Robin Flint, friend of Ben Redbourn, 16th Earl of Crofton, and a future Viscount Whetford in his own right. He’s been in a hidden relationship and he’s done. Robin is so relatable on multiple levels. He’s had a some truly bad judgments he’s made in his past, but you can understand why he made them when you get the reasons and the emotions of the situation at the moment. He’s just so human, even with his upbringing and financial portfolio. He’s been hurt and he’s so unsure about himself.
Then there’s DI Simon MacLove. Recently divorced, and relocated to the area, Simon has his share of damage done to him by his ex. Bruised, insecure about what he brought to the partnership, Simon’s in recovery as well . He’s a wonderful mixture of competent law enforcement, compassionate and understanding man who’s attracted to Robin, and questioning adult with a damaged relationship in the past.
These men are so wonderful to read about as they maneuver through the tricky course of their current lives and their painful pasts to head to their HEA. That it includes a murder, a mystery, several scary sisters on both sides, and their friends makes this a journey of depth, full of discussion, discovery, laughter, hot sex, and lots of love.
Plus Ben and Ashley are never far from center with their own issues and thoughtfully worked through resolutions. Much to our delight.
This is probably one of my favorites in this series. I absolutely adored every single second I spent inside Crofton and nearby locations. It’s really an addiction by now.
I’ve listed all the books by era below. I’m highly recommending them all. They must be read in order to understand all the characters, their personalities and relationships as well as events that are referenced to.
The writing is crisp, plotting superb, and the characters are always full of life and energy! Just amazing.
“The Crofton Universe :
The Crofton Chronicles–Historical (Elizabethan/ Early Stuart):
🔷The Actor and the Earl #1
🔷Duty to the Crown #2
🔷Forever Hold His Peace #3
Available as a Complete Series Boxset
Plus:
“The Love and the Anger “
Historical (Elizabethan/ Early Stuart)–Sebastian/ Anthony 10 years together
The Earls of Crofton–Historical: (Different eras–can be read as individual standalone novels): Anthony, Earl of Crofton (Early Stuart) James, Earl of Crofton (Restoration) Charles, Earl of Crofton (Regency)
The Modern Crofton–Contemporary: 🔷Saving Crofton Hall #1
🔷Making History at Crofton Hall #2
🔷Below Stairs at Crofton Hall #3
🔷Getting Married at Crofton Hall #4
🔷Starting Again at Crofton Hall #5
Standalones in the Crofton Universe “Much Ado About Lady Macbeth”Note: Sebastian Hewel is a minor character
After making a decision that will change his life forever, Robin Flint arrives at Crofton Hall, looking for a place to recover and start again. Love is not enough to continue living a lie.
An unexpected meeting where sparks fly was meant to be a one off, but Simon MacLove is just too wonderful to cast aside. But since Robin hadn’t intended to continue things, Robin didn’t tell Simon, a local police officer, that he was a millionaire trust fund baby and the future Viscount Whetford. Robin has a lot of baggage, but so does Simon, and whether they can carry it together and is very much up in the air, especially as Robin’s now ex-boyfriend, movie star Dorian Marsten, hasn’t accepted things are truly over between them.
Meanwhile, Ben and Ashley are still enjoying their post-honeymoon bliss, and have decided to work on the next generation of Redbourns. Only it’s not so easy when neither of them have the necessary biological equipment, meaning the road to them becoming parents isn’t going to be straightforward.
This is the fifth Modern Crofton novel. Each story features a new couple falling in love at Crofton Hall, with the continuing life and love of Ben Redbourn, 16th Earl of Crofton, and the man of his dreams, Ashley (was Niven now Redbourn).
It’s was 2020 when we last saw a release in this series, so it took a while to remember what had happened and where we stood with all the characters and their relationships.
This paranormal series stood out from the beginning due to one of its main characters. That’s Finnegan “Finn” Hayes, a human police detective who comes to work for the VRC, the Vampire Related Crimes Unit. He’s a double amputee, arm and leg, both purposely cut off by a vampire with a master plan for Finn’s life, including total control.
That’s all discovered through convoluted, and disturbing revelations and plot threads in the beginning books. His outlook, his banter, all Finn’s way of dealing with the enormous horror he’s faced and the memories he carries. Winters never lets us or Finn, through his emotional struggles, forget that those special prosthetics (part of that horror) aren’t any true replacement for his missing limbs. They can break, the electronics can stop working, the nerves or specific cap where they attach has been damaged. It’s a believable portrait of a man who both needs his prostheses to feel complete and hates the vulnerability because of what he sees he becomes without them. A issue addressed further here.
I feel Finn is actually the most complex character Winters has created. And he continues to show character growth in small ways throughout the series.
His relationship with his partner, the ancient vampire, Marcus Church, is a terrific example. Marcus isn’t forthcoming about his bloody past , but it’s often his past that’s comes to confront them, forcing an exchange of information. As it happens here.
But Winters has a deeper scheme for the series arc apparently as she doubles, shockingly, back to Finn’s beginning.
I’ll say no more. But this is a real fear inducing storyline. And it’s only partially solved, leaving several threads open for discussion and potentially more huge issues and high drama.
We also get two new characters, both fascinating and engaging, and linked to both Finn and Marcus’ pasts.
Claude and Alexei are here and clearly more established in their relationship. I adore them.
I had forgotten how much I really love this series. It’s raw in its character complexity, scary in its story execution, and while it has it humorous moments, it remains a terrifying tale at heart with love always at risk.
Hopefully we won’t have to wait as long for the next installment.
Guts are torn out, heads fly, much violence. This is dark fiction at much of the time. Not something that you would want to read? Take notice.
Otherwise I’m recommending it highly. They must be read in the order they are written in order to understand the events and characters development.
Finn Stumbling into a crime scene is pretty typical for me. As a human, joining the VRC has done everything but keep me out of trouble. And now I seem to be playing a part that I’d really rather not play… if I want to keep my head, that is.
By my side is my partner Marcus, a vampire who has vowed to tear the world apart—and even a mattress—to keep me safe. I want to do everything I can to protect my newfound family, no matter what we’re forced to face.
Marcus When ghosts from my past step right into my path, I want to look the other way. I’d rather enjoy my life with Finn, figure out a way to make my brother less obnoxiously gaudy, and find out how to never go roller skating ever again.
Finn is the bravest person I’ve ever met, but he’s also a human and we’re working against some of the strongest vampires in existence. I’m left doing what I can to shield those dearest to me while trying to keep the past from consuming the present.
I can’t let the same mistakes happen again.
How to Defy a Vampire contains peculiar festive wear, misguided attempts at welcoming a human, and Marcus terrifying everyone as usual.
I’m so enjoying this series. I believe I found Redeeming Nick even more my favorite because of the characters and chemistry Jacobs creates here.
One caveat, a reader must bring a certain amount of information about the universe and characters history with them into each story. If you are new to Jacob’s’ werewolves world (and connected series), you will feel a bit lost or without a good foundation for the magic, politics, and overall series arc. That includes the Fae Realm.
That’s hugely important here when one of the main characters is a Fae guard, Dathal. Dathal is charged with the investigation into how such a rare powerful, lethal substance from the Fae Realm was smuggled through a portal into the human one, with deadly consequences.
Those events began in Claiming Rys Book 1 and the investigations continued here as it becomes apparent there’s a more complex plot behind the smuggling operation.
Dathal, cousin to Axel, a sexy, gorgeous Fae who’s been a part of the series from the beginning, is a great character. More serious, less aware or knowledgeable of the human world than Axel who lives here, Dathal’s personality and viewpoint is both humorous and fascinating. He’s definitely Fae, whereas some of the other Fae characters have softer “edges” to them from living in the human realm.
One of a two person POV format, Dathal’s perspective is distinctly Fae, with a genuine focus for his work and love for his realm, which contrasts well with that of Nick, a witch whose magical abilities hold a secret from his past.
Nick is also a terrific character. He’s demonstrated personal growth and courage in the course of this investigation as well as betrayal. He’s greatly invested in how the scheme has been implemented and who’s responsible.
When the two come together, the physical and emotional charge is remarkable. Jacobs does such a fantastic job in making this almost instant connection feel hot and genuine . That they fight it and fail comes across as absolutely believable.
I could have done with even more of their relationship but there did need to be some kind of storyline to move the smuggling theme forward and it does. Onto the next book. It’s turning out to be a very interesting and layered affair.
Next up is Axel’s story, hints of which we get here in this book. I can’t wait to read it.
Due to the series arc and story structure and character development, the books should be read in the order that they were written.
I’m highly recommending this series and book for all lovers of paranormal and fantasy fiction and romance.
A witch with a secret, a fae guard with a job to do.
Nick As the new manager of paranormal club, Midnight, Nick Parker has his hands full. What he doesn’t have time for is an inconvenient attraction for the mysterious fae with violet eyes and the kind of magic that Nick yearns for.
Dathal A fae guard with an affinity for seeking out the truth, Dathal has one purpose—to catch those responsible for smuggling a deadly plant out of the fae realm, and then return home. Falling for a witch isn’t on the cards, but something about Nick calls to him in a way he’s powerless to ignore.
Their paths cross as Nick is drawn into the investigation, and their connection is inevitable, but the consequences of being together are something neither of them could have foreseen.
Redeeming Nick is an MM paranormal romance featuring a hot, tattooed witch with attitude, and a silver-haired fae with a disdain for human rules. Full of magic, mystery, and sizzling UST, with a guaranteed HEA.
* For maximum enjoyment, the series should be read in order.
It’s been eight months since the release of the second book in this series, so it took me a while to remember the circumstances in which we left the characters at the end of that novel.
Especially as there’s a huge amount of characters who also come with a complicated personal history and connected relationships. It makes for a highly fascinating and entertaining storyline when everyone is going about their murderous way’s trying trying to make good and evil balance out.
A very tricky proposition on a good day, on a bad one? Hmmmmm. Even more entertaining and outlandishly awash in bodies and bloodshed.
So I wasn’t prepared for Cody to switch focuses or try for a new narrative point of view by changing out the usual perspective from that of The Reaper, Arlington Fox or his partner, Romily Butcher , to an unexpected voice. That of the innocent Auger, Edovard.
Edovard, or Pupper as he’s affectionately called, was adopted into The Foxilys (the Grandpas, Romily Butcher,Arlington Fox, adopted assassin Bellamy) in Book 2. It’s too complicated to go into. In fact all the relationships can’t really be explained without it turning into another novella. It’s that convoluted.
But Edovard is special. He sees good and evil in beings. In their souls. His personality is beautiful and childlike, although he’s been told by others that his gentleness and kindness is a lack of intelligence and more.
Cody has done a terrific job in creating a empathetic and engaging person in Edovard. He’s so easy to like and connect with.
Which, imo , doesn’t make him an ideal candidate for the role the author puts him into for most of her story.
It’s as if she vacillates between the child like persona she’s created who doesn’t know or understand sex. Then Edovard is understood to be asexual and then next in the story he’s the one she needs to be a sexually mature and active part of a polyamory relationship, one that just seemed to happen without much in depth discussion. It just feels so wrong. Not in keeping with the original characterization, even if you might have a natural growth in the relationships and knowledge. It’s still as if we have two different people here.
A naive pupper and one who can handle a polyamorous family and two difficult family dynamics in an adult manner.
I did enjoy Edovard’s reworking of Hell, doing evil by doing good. That so highly entertaining and funny. It honestly makes sense.
But some of the rest just left me puzzled. There was a odd revelation at the end which will be continued into Book 4 as well as some murders to carry out.
I’m hoping Cody will revert back to the original narrative because as much as I enjoy Edovard, his is not the voice that this story or series needs. At least imo. It made it uncomfortable and sort of creepy.
I’ll continue on. See what happens next.
Not exactly recommending this . Leaving the decision up to you.
Um…I was told I’m supposed to summarize my story here, but recently I’ve learned that blurbs are hard so I’m not sure what to say.
My name is Edovard Durand Folange. I’m twenty seven years old from Fresno, California, and recently I moved across the country to live with my new parents and brother. Oppa kills people for a living, and Papa is his announcer guy, and my brother is like his assistant, and I guess it turns out I’m the person the magic tells who needs to die—it’s called being an Augur. I don’t really know what that word means, but even though it’s scary, I’m getting used to it.
It’s nice to have a job, but Santanos (he’s the Avatar of Evil) offered me a second job, and I’m really excited about that because I get to work with him and help him fix the minions. A lot of them aren’t doing very well, so my second job is to make sure that everyone gets as much love as they need in their lives. Sometimes that means killing people who are stealing all the love away from them. I guess maybe I’m a little evil too, because I don’t mind letting Oppa kill those people to save the minions.
The Trouble with Trying to Love a Hellion is a 52k MM+ paranormal romance, featuring a cinnamon roll narrator with more than the usual amount of love to give and a sultry incubus who happens to be the Avatar of Evil. If the minions are especially affectionate with the cinnabun, well, who can blame them when he’s the best cuddler they’ve ever met?
Contents include: blood, viscera, someone dies because they call Edovard dumb, and Edovard accidentally creates a polycule, but that’s ok because he’s just making sure everyone gets enough love to be emotionally healthy.
Nannies of New York is such an excellent series and it’s just on book two.
Resplendent with the vivacious feel and 24 hour vibe of New York City, this series moves from uptown to downtown with the nannies and their families, with their broken hearts to the children and men who need mending.
I adore them so.
Giles Ashby Needs A Nanny is a special kind of story. The nanny who in question is Riley Fitzgerald. With a terrible history of getting his heart broken (he calls it the curse), he’s a great person with a huge love for family and children, a former theater nerd with a way with families and organization.
Giles Ashby is the author’s heart and soul here. As related in the Forward, Giles’ anxiety and panic disorder, his mental illness, therapy and drug treatment all are derived directly from the author’s own experiences. It shows. Both the sensitive and believable manner in how Giles has lived his entire life and how he now lives, with therapy, with his son, in relation to others. It’s a masterpiece of a character. In fact , the author’s depiction of the character’s issues and his issues with interpersonal relationships carries directly over into the equally compelling character of Riley.
Riley is a strong character who works so well within the relationship dynamics. Not only in understanding the swampy emotional nature of their past misunderstandings as young children (yes they have a history) but in navigating through the new tangled one that includes a highly intelligent young boy who’s so amazing. Again, Milo is an endearing young man and realistic person in his own right. Milo, who has his own issues, has needs that Riley has to be aware of and take care of as well as a man Riley is now beginning to see through new eyes.
This story has so many aspects to it that I admire. A unique and strong family for the Ashbys which includes not only the ex-wife who’s a constant loving presence for son and ex-husband, but also his ex-SIL and her son. There’s an enormous support system and family here that’s amazing to meet and get connected with.
The city as usual works as a glorious support characters and foundation as this romance unfolds, with the other nannies acting as Riley’s mentors and emotional advisers.
The characters are incredibly well written, the storylines superbly executed, and the ending a well crafted HEA. It will leave you feeling happy and satisfied.
So yes, if you’re a lover of contemporary romance, this is a series you should definitely check out!
Sometimes, a simple field trip to the planetarium can be an act of bravery. In Giles Ashby’s case, it could also be a second chance with his lifelong crush.
Unbearably awkward and strangled by his anxiety disorder, Giles used surly snarls and abrupt remarks to keep everyone at a distance. As a result and surprising no one, he finds himself divorced and overwhelmed by the demands of parenting nine-year-old Milo —a shy, awkward clone of his father. Not wanting Milo to struggle through life the way he has, Giles enlists the help of Reid Marshall’s new nanny agency.
Of all the nannies in Manhattan… Reid had to send Giles’s childhood crush, Riley Fitzgerald. Still smitten and as flustered as he was in middle school, Giles bungles every encounter with the “new” nanny. But sweet, clever, outgoing Riley is exactly what Milo needs.
Riley thinks he knows what he’s getting into when he accepts a position working for his childhood nemesis, but Milo steals his heart the moment they meet. And “Giles the Jerk” isn’t as bad as Riley remembers. Or maybe Giles was never really all that bad… Riley finds himself swooning as Giles faces his fears in order to help Milo survive the fourth grade and win the science fair.
But can Riley really trust his heart, when all his past relationships have been cursed? Could this time be any different?
Rarely have I seen a series tumble downhill this fast. While there were hints with the author’s treatment of the main character of Prince Thais by King Xa’din of Ha’tezan, issues within their relationship dynamics, I overlooked it in favor of the richness of the world building and series arc.
I shouldn’t have. The humiliation the King inflicted upon Thas, the pain and lies built into the relationship between them, brutality versus integrity and knowledge? I had problems with Thas ending up with the King when there was clearly a better, imo, bond for him.
But the author has an affinity for those elements because they appear here and in much more powerful forms and abusive details. And while Thas was a highly respected and intelligent philosopher, he was also taken advantage of and expected to become ok with choices that he made not knowing all the facts about.
But Sora? The man swapped out for Thas? So Thas could have his life? A complete innocent in every sense, virginal and someone whose life has been one of constant threats, struggles, being threatened by his siblings, and looked down upon by his father. A man almost forced onto his path, no matter how the author wants to spin this.
So yes, as created by the author, a totally pure soul is the one she uses for a narrative chew toy for a petty, oversexed, revenge filled God. Make that times two. With no notice for a reader for whom DA is a trigger.
Karadas,Dragon God of Water and the Moon, has his new companion in Sora, his Sacrifice, once he decides to accept him after an elaborate affair where he’s attended to and anointed by Thas just as Thas had to undergo. Yes Thas was humiliated then and tries to be kind now as Sora undergoes a similar ritual.
Does the reader feel like a voyeur? Yes because there a third person hiding there in the room, in someone’s head.
The lies have started. So does the manipulation. It’s an emotional, sexual, mental push you, pull you that’s so hard to read.
Sora quickly realizes he’s going to be hurt and when he runs and is brought back (yes this), knows he has no recourse. The pattern is set. Show him how to please Karadas sexually, then the God gets upset over something Sora in his innocence can’t understand, he’s punished, he’s hurt, his God apologizes … well you get it. This continues nonstop until the book is almost unreadable.
At 73% it’s still all about Karadas. He’s spent the majority of the book emotionally, mentally, and physically abusing Sora, a person who was a innocent in every aspect to the “relationship” to the extent we’d classify it as a case of severe domestic violence in a contemporary context, and he’s still got himself as the focus.
Here he is explaining to Sora how he’s feeling about treating Sora badly, after having a orgy, forcing Sora against his will to have sex, making Sora sick and angry so Sora fled the still ongoing sex scene:
“No. I watched them fuck each other. I touched them and let them touch me. I accepted masturbation from them, but I couldn’t stand more than that. Every time I got one of them beneath me, I saw your face, and I knew it would only bring me misery. So I took my giant form when I was with them. I didn’t want any of them attempting to take me into their bodies. It would have enraged me and that wouldn’t have been fair to them. I am ruined, Sora. Ruined for all but you.”
He’s not worried about how hurt Sora would feel. Yes , Sora has expressed himself about that. No he’s withholding his magnificence so they , quite unfairly to the men, can’t have sex with him.
True, he’s a god and like most omnipotent beings, a narcissistic personality. But narcissism alone doesn’t account for the fact he was extremely abusive , let alone for Sora’s well being, his rationale being it was for Sora’s benefit. That he planned it as a way to make Sora a better man. To bring out the real person
A textbook example of DA apology, btw. Karadas also repeatedly states his abusive behavior is unlike him, erratic, something he doesn’t understand, and won’t be repeated in the future.
How many flags are flying in this narrative? A boatload.
And it’s a put a ring on it and all is forgotten and apparently forgiven, even if he doesn’t sound very sincere.
It just get worse and worse. What a narrative dumpster fire.
So the next story will revolve around a rock star in our world but human (the lowest of the low in this universe) being magically delivered to the dragon universe. Yes, I think we can see what the author has in store for this poor man. It’s not going to be pretty.
So I’m quitting. Done.
Perhaps none of this bothers you. But it’s all a solid no for me, including not alerting readers to the elements of Domestic Violence with trigger warnings.
For as long as I can remember, and even further back than that, the Dragons of Serai have worshiped a goddess and only her. But everything has changed. A god has risen. He has returned long-lost magic to my people and balanced the Fire within us. Those who could, made the journey to Ha’tezan, where the God’s temple was unearthed. I am fortunate enough to be one of those Dragons.
Shortly after my arrival, Karadas, the Dragon God of the Moon and Water, demanded a sacrifice—a man willing to give himself completely to our god and serve him in every way. Although the Sacrifice would be a servant to the God, he would hold a status even higher than that of a king. Dragons vied for the position, lining up every day at his temple to be considered. I did not go. I knew there was no chance of the God choosing me.
And yet, that’s exactly what happened.
Karadas chose me. I’m honored and overjoyed to be chosen. I know that serving him will bring me undreamed of pleasure. It will free me from my family and give me a chance at a new life. But I’m not a fool. I also know that his interest will wane, and he will eventually choose another. He’s my god, the most beautiful being I’ve ever seen and more powerful than anyone on Serai. I will surely fall in love with him. And he will, just as surely, destroy my heart. Pain is coming, a lot of it, but that’s nothing new for me. I will glory in the pleasure and not think about the agony that will come when I cease to be the Dragon God’s Sacrifice.
Prince and Pawn charts the course of romance for the third and oldest Sandrelle Prince and the current heir to the Kingdom, Audric.
This book differs from the others in that the younger brothers , widely considered vying for the throne themselves outside of inner circles, each traveled to find their own mates. Audric’s story takes place primarily at home.
This plot feels less complicated or perhaps less well explained with its backstories, while being more kinky within their personal relationship than the others.
This is a BDSM D/s relationship with pain play, even involving some interesting use of Audric’s plant magic , think tendrils , during sex. That aspect of their relationship comes into play quickly and with little discussion at first meeting. Only the timing and details surrounding that event keep me from bringing up more questions here.
Lark makes each man’s resigned, reckless emotional state a factor in their actions that night, both sides dismissing talk for sex. So the reader gets it.
What is more noticeable during the narrative is the lack of depth given to the details of Corin’s magic. There’s no information or hints as to the background for this type of magic. So it lessens in many ways the impact of Corin himself, at the end and throughout the storyline.
Whether it was Whisper the assassin in Prince and Assassin #1 (my favorite) with his believable tortured adolescent or the betrayed enemy dragonrider, Rakos, of Prince in Disguise #2, (a tight second), those strong personalities with their complicated pasts elevated their romances, built barriers to their relationships, and ultimately created a superior narrative for their storylines.
I wish I could say the same about Audric and Corin’s romance but something just feels lacking. Less depth, less focus on details about history and magic, more about their sex life.
Maybe that’s intentional and will be addressed in future books. I don’t know.
But as of now, Corin’s a bit of a weakness and not because he’s a submissive but because he’s existing in a bit of a narrative vacuum. And by hooking Audric to him, it pulls him into that as well.
The next book takes us away from the royal family of Sandrelle and to another Kingdom entirely. One we visited in Rakos’ story, and a Prince and bodyguard we met there. I can’t wait.
I’m highly recommending this series. This story moves the series arc forward and I believe that we will get more of the missing parts later on as the entire series is a complex one whose unique world is being explored book by book.
I didn’t love this like I did with the others but it was entertaining.
Read them in order for event, character, and relationship development. Just marvelous!
Be obedient. Be grateful. As the neglected illegitimate son of a powerful family, Corin is expected to follow his magic-gifted brother to the palace as a servant. He’s unwilling but resigned—and allows himself one night of distraction in a stranger’s arms.
Corin never knew pleasure and pain could be so exhilarating. So comforting. Corin only regrets he’ll never again see the anonymous man who ruined him for anyone else.
Until the next morning, when Corin meets his brother’s new arranged fiancé.
Prince Audric doesn’t want a loveless political betrothal, but he’ll do anything for his kingdom. His last night of freedom is a rare indulgence—and a terrible mistake. Corin is sweet, beautiful, and sees Audric like nobody else does.
He’s also Audric’s fiancé’s younger brother. Audric’s arranged betrothal might be a relationship in name only, but he can’t touch Corin again.
Constant proximity hurts when they can’t be together. But avoidance is impossible when Corin might be the key to unraveling the conspiracy behind Audric’s betrothal—
And when Corin keeps fainting into Audric’s arms.
Prince and Pawn is a high fantasy gay romance with hurt/comfort, forbidden pining, inappropriate use of vines, and more magic tigers. The Perilous Courts series is best read in order, but each book follows a different prince and his Happily Ever After.
With The Wandering Prince, H.L. Day finishes up the incredible fantasy adventure series of 13 Kingdoms. I’m so so sorry to see this journey come to an end for us and for the loving, magical, and wildly messy relationship that is the couple, Jack and Sebastian.
I love a author who gives a nod to the beginnings of the series and the couple when plotting the finale book as well as solving most of the narrative mysteries created and ending it with a bang up celebration that brings so many great characters together.
The story opens in Jack’s farmhouse with the unexpected arrival of a Queen, the shattering of trust, and the sudden need for a imminent journey to help a dying King.
All that began at the very end of The Stubborn Apprentice in a shocking way.
So we’re prepared somewhat for the emotional fallout that begins this story.
Day’s characterizations are so well written. We’ve come to believe in these men, their strengths and their weaknesses. Especially Sebastian’s inability to face his responsibilities or the consequences of the lies he’s told . Especially the lies or in this case, the truth he’s kept from Jack.
So much here is Jack and Sebastian working their way back into the trust that was shattered and building a better relationship foundation, while dealing with royalty, rogues, monsters, Sebastian’s feelings of inadequacies with his family, and Jack’s fear of the sea! Not a quick or easy fix.
For The Wandering Prince Day has written many complicated narratives and then whipped them together so beautifully that you both want to slow down because you are sure you’re missing something and speed up because there’s something, some element so exciting coming at you just paragraphs away!
Run! No come back!
New and old characters appear to make you want at least 2 more books to this series, so rich and lush are the locations and wonderfully detailed the characters.
Earl and the Prince need their own story. Who says Troy needs a princess? I have questions!
Yes, it ends splendidly. But you just know the two of them will be off on another greater adventure soon. It’s part of them. Let us be a part of it too.
I adored these books and series. Those rich, glorious covers are everything.
I’m naturally highly recommending them, just read them in the order they are written.
An ailing father. A missing healer who might have the cure. Now would be a really bad time for Jack and Sebastian to be at loggerheads.
Jack never saw the truth coming. And knowing Sebastian has been lying to him changes everything. Yet, despite his misgivings over whether their relationship can be repaired, he finds himself on a ship to Padora, Sebastian’s homeland. Awkward isn’t the word. And peril, as ever, is just over the next wave.
Sebastian’s whole world is falling apart. His magic is broken. His father, the king of Padora, is dying. And Jack… Well, Jack hates him, and not in the usual Jack way. He’s really messed up this time, and doesn’t know how to put it right.
Can Jack and Sebastian survive to save the day once more? And if they do, will it fix what was broken between them?
The Wandering Prince is a 101k finale to Jack and Sebastian’s humorous MM fantasy adventure that started with The Reluctant Companion and continued with The Stubborn Accomplice. Travel with Jack and Sebastian as they encounter old friends, sea monsters, a future king who needs babysitting, dastardly pirates who have been polishing their plank, a double-crossing brother, and perhaps even a missing sister.
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 