Review: Seducing Stephen by Bonnie Dee & Summer Devon

Genre: Historical
Elements: cross-generational romance

Rating:

• Characters - 5 - All the characters in this are distinct, regardless of whether they are main or secondary characters, and the only change in character happens when the character has cause to change. You can actually see the characters evolve over the books.
• Setting - 5 - These two know their period very well. All the details are extremely realistic and correct for the period they have chosen. It's like you could step right into that world and see it as it was then.
• Plot - 5 - Excellently presented. You feel for both characters. Stephen's hope that he's finally found someone, and Peter's worry about what will happen if he gives in to what he wants. Neither's reason feels unrealistic or overdramatic.
• Genre Elements - 5 - As I said above, the setting of their world is perfect, but so too are the attitudes of the day about those with "unnatural" proclivities. And I like that he has a pair of friends who know, but still hold their ground against this relationship, worried not because of what he wants, but that he might hurt the boy, or seduce him into something he doesn't want.
• Voice - 5 - Stephen and Peter both are completely distinct, and each truly feels the age they are presented as. Never once does Peter feel younger than he is, except when he gets truly hopeful, and even then, don't we all feel a little younger then?
• Romance Elements - 5 - Perfect. Their love story is entirely believable, and makes you root for them. And the ending is completely satisfactory.
• Overall - 5 - If you only read one Regency romance in this genre, this is the one to read.

Basic story -
When Stephen stays with a friend at his family estate, he never expects to have another man climb into his bed. He most certainly doesn't expect what follows after that initial meeting.

My thoughts -
I went into this after having read so much Ava March that I was worried it wouldn't measure up, because I was so in love with her stuff. I definitely needn't have worried. This is a brilliant story. The characters are real and true to the story. They never give in to the need to just take what they need, but actually act as a real person would have in that situation.

The details of the time period are perfect. The Lords act like Lords would, even when they are decadent layabouts. There's a real sense of danger involved in being a man attracted to other men, and never once do the authors sell that premise short. And even those who do accept the proclivities worry that Peter is pushing Stephen in the wrong direction. They don't believe that Stephen is like Peter at all, and therefore want to protect him from it.

The journey the two main characters go on is entirely real and believable for its time. Peter, an older man, having lived through a number of affairs, tends not to believe they can last,  and Stephen, the younger man, feels certain that it will. Each needs to come to terms with certain truths about life as a gay man. When they do, the ending is truly satisfying, and will leave most readers quite happy, I think. Both have grown, and you can't help cheering when they find their happy ending.

I will definitely be looking at more by these two when I can.

Warnings -
Secrets and an age difference of at least fifteen years. In other words, pretty mild. Should be safe for most readers.

Overall Recommendation -
I always smile when I think of this story. Every detail just makes me love it, and I will definitely be reading it again. If you like Regency romances, or if you are uncertain you want to read one, but would like to try, definitely check this one out. It's well worth it.

Link to the story - Seducing Stephen (on Goodreads)
Author Link - Bonnie Dee & Summer Devon (on Goodreads)
If you liked this story, try -

• Swordspoint by  Ellen Kirshner (Goodreads) (read my review here)
• The Adorned by John Tristan (Goodreads) (read my review here)  
• All in with the Duke by Ava March (on Goodreads)
• The Ennik Series by Kim Fielding (Goodreads) (read my review here)
• Brendan and the Beast by Czarina Kodora (AO3) (read my review here)

Review: From Afar by Ava March

Genre: Historical, Supernatural
Elements: vampires, bonding

Rating:

• Characters - 4 - Raphael and Aleric are both excellently crafted, and distinct enough that they stand out from each other.
• Setting - 4 - March has an excellent grasp of this period, and all of her books are worth reading for this aspect alone, if that is a setting you like.
• Plot - 4 - The plot is pretty simplistic, even with the vampire elements, but quite enjoyable.
• Genre Elements - 5 - This is where the book shines, though I would have wanted a great deal more on these vampires. She's got hints at a much larger community here, and I would have loved to learn more about it, both in London and outside of it.
• Voice - 4 - The main characters' voices are very distinct from each other, though the other male vampires all bleed together. I think this is because they are meant to feel one single unit.
• Romance Elements - 4 - It's a good romance, though Aleric falls too quickly. Raphael at least is understandable.
• Overall - 4 - Very enjoyable, especially for the genres, though far too short. I would have liked a great deal more about the boys' lives--both apart, and then together. And I wanted even more about the vampire community as a whole.

Basic story -
Raphael has been watching Lord Aleric Vane for some time. Then one night, he must make a choice. Save his life, or lose him forever. And even in saving him, there is no guarantee he won't lose him still.

My thoughts -
This is a very enjoyable short read. Raphael, despite being the vampire, is a little more believable as a character than Aleric. I like Aleric's concept of what is going on and how he comes to terms with everything, though. He's so young, and so much a part of his age, that he takes a great deal at face value, and doesn't even question things except for how he fits into the world that he is seeing.

What I really enjoyed in this is the vampire society, though we only get a teasing glimpse. I have to admit, the thought of a household of men all enjoying each other's company is intriguing, though that is only a small bit of what drew me. I like that it's actually a very regimented society, given the dangers too many vampires in one area could cause. The queen vampire is interesting, too. It all makes me wonder what other areas are like.

I think I would have liked to see more buildup between the boys. Maybe the two of them hiding out from the vampires and Aleric slowly growing closer to Raphael. He comes to the right choice in the end, though, and with Raphael's guidance, I think the two of them will do just fine.

Warnings -
Vampires, blood and violence. Nothing too severe, especially if you like vampires. A small caution, though, for those who don't. The violence is over pretty quickly, so that can easily be skipped.

Overall Recommendation -
A good quick read from an author who excels at  historical gay romance. Worth reading if you like vampires.

Link to the story - From Afar (on Goodreads)
Author Link - Ava March (on Goodreads)
If you liked this story, try -

• The Adorned by John Tristan (Goodreads) (read my review here)  
• The Dream of a Thousand Nights by Shira Anthony (Goodreads) (read my review here)
• Blood and Roses by Aislinn Kerry (Goodreads) (read my review here)
• Soulless by T Baggins (on Goodreads) (read my review here)
• Seducing Stephen by Bonnie Dee and Summer Devon (Goodreads) (read my review here)

Review: His Client by Ava March

Genre: Historical, Regency
Elements: BDSM, prostitution

Rating:

• Characters - 5 - The characters themselves are quite nice, if a little typical for this sort of story.
• Setting - 4 - Quite typical of this sort of story, though I do like the addition of how Jasper tries to reestablish himself in the country.
• Plot - 4 - Again, quite typical, though with the lovely addition of BDSM elements that I particularly approve of.
• Genre Elements - 4 - Nicely thought out, the characters fit into this world without bending credulity too much.
• Voice - 5 -  Both characters are quite distinct from each other, as are the others they speak with.
• Romance Elements - 5 - Slow-building enough to make me smile, though on occasion, I do want to smack Nathaniel for how dense he is.
• Overall - 4 - A great book for those who enjoy historical romance.

Basic story -
Jasper has broken the one rule all whores try to abide by. Never fall in love with a customer.

My thoughts -
Though this doesn't rank as high as some of the others I have posted reviews for here, this book truly started an obsession for me. Ava March creates lovely characters, and her details of a more formal world where homosexuality could only ever be a secret are always perfect. I highly recommend all her stories, if you prefer Regency or Victorian stories.

This story in particular appealed to me for two reasons. The first is that Jasper and Nathaniel play with both bondage and cross-dressing, both of which I have a great fondness for. The other is the angst inherent in their story. Nathaniel has had a passion for his very straight best friend since school, while Jasper only has eyes for Nathaniel. It is only when Nathaniel realizes he is gone that things change. A truly lovely angsty romance with a distinctly happy ending.

The great thing about this story is that they each fix themselves. Jasper chooses to leave rather than waiting until Nathaniel rescues him, and Nathaniel realizes things on his own terms, rather than being forced into falling for Jasper. Both of them grow up, and grow back together, and that's the brilliance of March's works--she's good at letting the characters learn on their own, rather than forcing a couple into love. Every time, it's believable and right.

Warnings -
Only very minor ones here for the BDSM, which itself is very mild.

Overall Recommendation -
A great historical novel, and well worth the price to buy.

Link to the story - His Client (on Goodreads)
Related stories - His Request (Sequel - on Goodreads)
Author Link - Ava March (on Goodreads)
If you liked this story, try -

• Blood and Roses by Aislinn Kerry (on Goodreads)
• Object of His Desire by Ava March (on Goodreads)
• Seducing Stephen by Bonnie Dee and Summer Devon (on Goodreads) (read my review here)
• All in with the Duke by Ava March (on Goodreads)
• Soulless by T Baggins (on Goodreads) (read my review here)

Review: The Violet and the Tom by Eve Ocotillo

Genre: Historical, Roman
Elements: BDSM, slavery
Rating:

• Characters - 5 - Each character is unique and real, distinct from each other.
• Setting - 5 - Roman Europe is a fairly unique historical setting, especially as an AU history, where the Empire never fell. Excellent choices.
• Plot - 5 - Though the summary leads you to believe it will be one sort of story, it ends up being something quite different all together.
• Genre Elements - 5 - Both the historical period and the BDSM aspects are very well explored.
• Voice - 5 - Both of the main characters are very distinct in voice, and easily told apart.
• Romance Elements - 5 - The romance here is almost frustrating with how slow it builds, but once it's there, it's undeniable.
• Overall - 5 - One of my all-time favorite stories.

Basic story -
Sylvan is given to a young lord who doesn't want him. What follows is a long period of adjustment for both as they try to adjust to their new life together.

My thoughts -
This story is lovely and rich, and once I'd finished it, I didn't want to leave the world it is set in. The AU Roman setting was intriguing, as I don't read a lot of Roman History romances. I'm sure others exist out there, possibly even with Romance elements, but the AU aspect of it makes this one a little more unique. Really, the alternate history is minor in comparison to the flow of the romance between Sylvan and his owner Nyall.

The slavery is fairly true to Roman times, with a bit of sexual training added to the idea. And when you mix in the BDSM aspects, it's quite fascinating, and something that very much appeals to me. In particular the way the BDSM aspects are the big secret in this story. Especially how the young Lord prefers it. I'll keep that aspect to myself for the readers out there to discover, but trust me, it's a lovely twist on the usual Master/servant story.

Sylvan and Nyall's story as they come together is real and frustrating and beautiful. You feel Sylvan's confusion and upset as Nyall ignores him. And once Nyall starts to accept him, it's so perfect. All you want is for them to come together and be happy with each other, regardless of everything else around them.

The BDSM aspects are perfect. Never once do you get the feeling that either is being coerced or forced into what they do together. Even those moments of hesitance are shown to be a person trying to decide if they want to continue, and not someone unwilling even to try. I highly recommend this one as an interesting primer on BDSM lifestyle.

A very inspiring story, and one I'll go back to often, I think.

Warnings -
Strong BDSM aspects, as well as institutionalized slavery. Also some Romanized aspects of violence, and abuse of slaves.

Overall Recommendation -
Very highly recommended for those interested in BDSM, and for those who like a Roman setting.

Link to the story - The Violet and the Tom (on Fiction Press)
Author Link - Eve Ocotillo (on Goodreads)
If you liked this story, try -

• Slavebreakers by Maculategiraffe (free online) (read my review here)
• Under Contract by Helen Saito  (Goodreads Page) (read my review here)
• Dolls and Seesaws by Menswear (AO3 - unfinished story)
• The Adorned by John Tristan (Goodreads) (read my review here)
• The Quartz Key by Lianne Burwell (Online link) (read my review here)

Review: Soulless by T Baggins

Genre: Regency, Supernatural
Elements: BDSM, Vampires, Reincarnation
Rating:

• Characters - 5 - There's a huge variety of characters in this story, some character types of which are rather startling, as I can't say I've seen them written in this way before, if I've seen them at all.
• Setting - 4 - The setting is pretty usual for a Regency story--a Lord and his people, the small town he is lord of, his manor. It's nicely detailed, but there isn't much that stands out until you get the details of the True Vampires and their secrets.
• Plot - 5 - Though it seems a simple, typical setup for a male romance regency story, it quickly becomes so much more. When Nicholas and Bancroft meet, everything changes. It's a great story with a lot of twists and turns that you might never predict.
• Genre Elements - 5 - Subtle at first, but lots of details that really make the story come to life.
• Voice - 5 - Both characters are very distinct, and each of the other characters as well. Never once are they in the least similar.
• Romance Elements - 4 - You can't help but root for Nicky and Ban through all the twists and turns of their romance. it's really quite sweet.
• Overall - 4.5 - One of my favorites, and highly recommended.

Basic story -
Nicholas Robinson, Lord of Grantley, is a man obsesses with science in a world that still relies more on spirituality. So when he meets Bancroft Ulwin, he's not sure how to deal with something he is sure should not exist.

My thoughts -
What starts as an incredibly typical set-up changes the moment the character of Ban meets Nicholas. Suddenly everything goes out the window. Between the vampire mythos, which is very unique and quite well-thought-out, and the reincarnation aspect (which works well when combined with vampire mythos), this story becomes something entirely new.

Nicholas is mostly quiet, and the people who surround him love him, but seem content to just let him suffer as he is, knowing they can't cure what ails him. The only ones who seem to challenge him at all before Ban's appearance are his failing grandmother and a young housemaid he's taken under his wing to teach the science he so loves.

Ban, on the other hand, lives large, and even though he's not exactly a great person, you can't help but fall for him. Especially since, underneath it all, he's not a bad person. Even if he is a vampire. His backstory helps the reader feel for him, and you can't help but hope that in the end, he will live happily ever after.

The story takes he and Nicholas on quite the journey, and you never truly know how it will end until it does. I won't spoil those who are about to read it, except to say that I loved this book, and I hope to god I find more like it. T Baggins has really created an amazing story.

Warnings -
BDSM, some dub- and non-con, and severe emotional and physical abuse. Particularly the latter. Most of it is glossed over, but there are a few particularly horrific scenes in the book, so just be aware that they are there.

Overall Recommendation -
If you like vampires and reincarnation, this one is a must-read. This one definitely goes on my top recommendations list.

Link to the story - Soulless (on Goodreads)
Author Link - T Baggins (on Goodreads)
If you liked this story, try -

• Blood and Roses by Aislinn Kerry (Goodreads)
• Undesirable by Velvet Mace (on LJ)
• From Afar by Ava March (Goodreads) (read my review here)
• Club Trinity by Minxie (AO3) (read my review here)
• Blood Bathory: Like the Night by Ari McKay (Goodreads)

Review: Brendan and the Beast by Czarina_Kodora

Genre: Fantasy, Fairy Tales
Elements: magic, bonding

Rating:

• Characters - 5 - The characters are an excellent mix of historical and fairy tale, with just a dash of Disney thrown in. Each is interesting and unique in their own ways.
• Setting - 5 - The locations take into account not only historical France, but also the effect of previous ages on the characters' present.
• Plot - 5 - A fantastic combination of the original French folktale and the best of the Disney version, not to mention a strong sprinkling of the Author's own ideas.
• Genre Elements - 5 - There is so much here. The Classic world struggling to the modern age; magic; fairy tale elements; and of course, romance. All excellently used to effect the flow of the story.
• Voice - 5 - The only time I wasn't absolutely certain who was speaking was once toward the beginning of the story, and that very quickly resolved itself. Outside of that experience, all the character voices are incredibly distinct, and it is incredibly easy to know who is speaking.
• Romance Elements - 5 - Slow and gradual is a fondness of mine, and the way this one builds along with the unraveling of the mystery is perfect.
• Overall - 5 - Definitely an excellent story. I highly recommend it.

Basic story -
The fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast with a single change--what if Beauty's brother (a character which does exist in some versions of this tale) had taken his sister's place as the Beast's hostage/sacrifice after their father stole the rose?

My thoughts -
I love fairy tales, especially those that reflect the pre-Disney tradition. This one manages to encompass that as well as some of the changes Disney made to the tale, but still manages to make this version all its own. The change of the Main Character from Female to Male is completely natural, and unlike most slash fairy tales, actually uses a character from some of the original versions, instead of simply changing the original character to a male.

Even more, Kodora goes well beyond simply borrowing from other versions of this story. The magic of this world is all its own, and well thought out, making it one of the most unique versions of this story I have read. The mystery of how to save Beast is compounded by the slow-building homosexual love story, given that "true love's kiss" apparently needs to come from a girl. While this might strike some readers as an anti-gay sentiment, in actuality, it gives the author a chance to make a statment about acceptance from within and without.

There were a few bits toward the beginning of the story that felt a little cliched or slow, but they truly fit the world the Author builds up around these characters, and both feelings quickly faded as the story found its voice. Truly, as a fairy tale, a few cliches are to be expected, and even needed. And in this story, they are used to great effect, rendering them far less cliched than they might otherwise be.

Warnings -
This one's pretty safe for most readers, though the two main characters do struggle with depression each on their own. They also each have the tendency to show their temper, leading to a few slightly scary moments.

Overall Recommendation -
This one is perfect for those who love fairy tales, Disney or not. This is also a good one for those who like romance, but don't like it to come easily. Definitely a top recommendation.

Link to the story - Brendan and the Beast (free on AO3)
Author Link - Czarina_Kodora @ AO3
If you liked this story, try -

• Cinder by Gryvon (AO3) (read my review here) 
• Cinder by Marie Sexton (Goodreads Page) (read my review here)
• Dream of a Thousand Nights by Shira Anthony (Goodreads Page) (read my review here)
• The Mist Behind and the Light Before by Cathalin (AO3)
• The Fairest in the Land by LuccaAce (FictionPress - unfinished story)