The Crimson Spell Vol 1

Genre: Manga/ Fantasy / M/M
Series: Crimson Spell #1
Pages: 200
Publication Date: 2nd January 2014
Format: Ebook
Rating: 4/5

This is the first manga series I've ever tried and what can I say? I picked a good place to start! 

Crimson Spell follows a brave prince (Vald) and a powerful mage (Havi) who are thrown together when Vald seeks out the mage in order to reverse the terrible curse inflicted on him through using his family's demonically powered sword.

The curse transforms Vald into a half-human, beast-like monster whenever he loses control and also at night when he falls asleep. Mages in his own kingdom fashion him magical shackles to wear when he sleeps so that he remains human. But on his first night alone with Havi, the mage removes the shackles to see what he's dealing with. Protected by his magic, Havi decides to tame the beast, physically [Mature Content].

As other readers have noted, there is a red flag here in terms of consent. Vald is unconscious as Havi seduces his beast-form and remains unaware of the night-time encounters during the day. Even between Havi and beast-Vald, at least at the beginning, the consent is dubious. So, why am I giving this manga four stars?  Because there is so much that I do love about it.

I love the setting in this old world Europe style fantasy world with dragons and demons, spirits and mages. The fantasy aspects of the central story are gripping and I can't wait to see how the story develops. The art is gorgeous and the cast of characters are each distinct and have their own little quirks and intricacies. The central characters, Vald and Havi, are both intriguing with suggestions of further depth and mystery, and I'm interested in the relationship between them and how it will develop. 

Let me know in the comments if you've read this series or if you have any other suggestions for a new-to-manga reader!

Dark Lover

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood #1
Pages: 393
Publication Date: 6th September 2005
Format: Ebook
Rating: 5/5

I should have read this book a long time ago! I started it many years ago, but I never made it past the first chapter. I didn't like the atmosphere of the club where the action began, I thought the character names were ridiculous, and the whole thing just didn't really click for me. 

Fast-forward to 2018 and I tried again. This time I pushed past the initial issues and allowed myself to get into the story, and the payoff was a new favourite book, and a series I can't wait to continue!

Dark Lover is the first book in the hugely popular Black Dagger Brotherhood series. The Brotherhood is a group of warrior vampires charged with protecting their race from "lessers"--soulless humans whose purpose is to wipe out the vampire race. The book opens with the assassination of brotherhood member, Darius, whose last request was that Wrath, King of the vampires and leader of the Brotherhood, help guide his half-human daughter through her transition. Wrath hates humans but feels honour-bound to carry out his friend's final wish.

Beth is a local newspaper journalist. She grew up an orphan after her mother's death with no idea that her father was not only alive but also a vampire. It is a bit of a shock, then, when the huge, leather-clad Wrath enters her home telling her he's there to protect her. 

The raw sexual heat between Beth and Wrath is undeniable, though neither of them expects it. Beth has never felt that much of an attraction to any man and Wrath's only relationship with a woman is purely perfunctory--he uses his Shellan (the vampire equivalent of a wife) to feed, nothing more. 

The possessiveness Wrath soon begins to feel towards Beth is tangible. The sex is hot, passionate, and cut through with tenderness as the love connection grows between them. Wrath's transformation from pure warrior to vampire-in-love is just about the most gorgeous thing, and the reaction of the other members of the Brotherhood to Beth and to their relationship is equally adorable. 

At first, I wasn't that convinced by Wrath's supposed sexiness-- particularly regarding the long black hair falling from a widow's peak, and all the god damned leather--but his sheer physicality and those light green eyes got to me in the end. I loved Wrath's tortured backstory and that his near-blindness was in no way a vulnerability, and I especially liked the way that his perceived failures as a younger man gave his character some softness-- for the last pureblooded vampire, and a King, he was far from cocky or entitled.

The battle between the Brotherhood and the Lessers that provides the tension and conflict in the story is pacy and danger-filled, and I really enjoyed the subplot romance between Butch (a human police detective, and friend of Beth) and Melissa (Wrath's neglected Shellan). The other members of the Brotherhood each have unique identities with interesting quirks that have me intrigued to read more about them in future books, and the underlying story is definitely compelling enough to carry a series. 

Overall, an incredibly sexy and fast-paced read. I look forward to reading the next book soon.

Just a Bit Twisted

Genre: M/M  Romance
Series: Straight Guys #1
Pages: 160
Publication Date: 4th December 2014
Format: Ebook
Rating: 4/5

A thrillingly inappropriate teacher/student m/m romance. Shawn Wyatt is just 22 years old, but after his parents' deaths, all he inherits is the caring responsibilities for his two much younger siblings. Despite holding down two jobs and working every hour he can, he's struggling to make rent, and, exhausted by all his many responsibilities, his grades are failing, and his university scholarship is in jeopardy. 

Derek Rutledge is the worst of his professors. Strict and uncaring, Rutledge isn't interested in "personal circumstances", but he is interested in Shawn. And when Rutledge agrees to trade a passing grade for a sexual favour, Shawn is desperate enough to go through with it. He may be straight, but it isn't as bad as he thought it would be, and when Rutledge offers to pay him regularly for repeat performances, he knows he would be silly to turn it down.

The longer the deal continues, however, the more the lines between business and pleasure become blurred. Shawn begins to see beneath Rutledge's tough exterior, and Rutledge begins to appreciate that Shawn isn't quite the lazy, uncaring student he had first thought. 

Just a Bit Twisted is the first book in Alessandra Hazard's "Straight Guys" series. The writing was fluent, pacy, and deliciously sexy, and had me immediately downloading the second book. A definite recommend for fans of m/m romance.

Provoked by Joanna Chambers

Genre: M/M Historical Romance
Series: Enlightenment #1
Pages: 202
Publication Date: 23rd July 2013
Format: Ebook
Rating: 4/5

Provoked is the first book in Joanna Chambers' Enlightenment trilogy, in which buttoned-up lawyer, David Lauriston meets the unrepentantly hedonistic Lord Murdo Balfour.

Shamed into near-celibacy by the painful memories of his first kiss, and subsequent betrayal by a childhood friend, David feels guilt and self-loathing everytime he succumbs to his desires. After encountering the mysterious Mr Balfour at an inn, and experiencing his raw power, and unabashed sexuality, David returns to his job in Edinburgh determined not to get distracted again. But when Balfour turns up among Edinburgh society, he struggles to stay away.

Set against the backdrop of the Scottish enlightenment, and the scandals and intrigues of bitter class warfare, Provoked is a rich and compelling narrative that brings together characters from across the class spectrum, from Lords and lawyers, down to the radicals that David fought so hard to defend. As a working class boy made good, David acts as a bridge between the radicals and the other lawyers at his firm. His loyalties are visibly torn between his awareness of his own roots, and his respect for his hard won new life. Lord Balfour only complicates this further.

Balfour is a peer of the realm. He may also be the agent provocateur that incited the radicals to action, and led to them being either executed or transported. Unsure of Balfour's involvement, David struggles to balance his suspicions with his desires. Balfour himself, with his easy charm, and subtle dominance, is the ultimate temptation.

What emerges from this story of intrigue and desire is a touching romance leading to self-acceptance, and ultimately love. I will be continuing with the series, which follows the next chapter in David and Balfour's story. The historical setting is really well drawn, and David and Balfour are great characters with a really believable bond.

Master of Crows by Grace Draven

Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 276
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Publication Date: 13th July 2009
Format: Ebook
Rating: 4/5

Master of Crows is an engaging fantasy detailing a battle of wills between a mage and the God who wants to possess him. No man is a match for a God, but with one very special woman standing beside him, he may just stand a chance.

Silhara of Neith is the Master of Crows, a powerful mage living in a secluded ruin with his servant Gurn and his mage-finder dog, Cael. Silhara has an uneasy relationship with the mages of the Conclave, and with the High Bishop, Cumbria of Asher in particular. The mages of the Conclave fear his power, and the appearance of the God Corruption in the sky above Silhara's home has infinitely deepened their suspicions about him.

Martise of Asher is sent into Silhara's home by the Conclave. To all appearances she is there to help Silhara with translations and research in his attempts to rid the world of Corruption, but she is also Cumbria's slave, and has been sent in as a spy with the promise of her freedom in exchange for Silhara's downfall. Silhara, of course, is under no illusions as to her real purpose, though he is unaware of her motives.

As Silhara and Martise work together, poring over manuscripts, and seeking to unlock Martise's 'Gift' (her magic), each falls under the others spell. Martise is not beautiful, but her voice is unlike anything Silhara has ever heard, and something about her draws her to him. She is quiet and polite, but underneath her studied subservience, she is strong minded, and capable of meeting any challenge. He begins to admire her, as at the same time, she starts to see through the coldness of his exterior. 

As their relationship heats up, Silhara is running out of time in his quest to defeat Corruption. The God shows him visions of the power and glory that will come from his submission, and torments his dreams and his waking hours. Silhara has been able to resist these temptations, but the God is determined, and more than capable of taking over Silharas body by force. 

There is real drama in the final battle between Silhara and the God Corruption, and the scenes of that conflict are absolutely cinematic. I must admit however, that I did find them less powerful on an emotional level than when Martise's abilities were first unlocked, because that was just beautiful. Some of my favourite parts of the novel however were the earlier interactions between Martise and Silhara-- particularly a scene long before either makes their feelings known where Silhara stands up for Martise's honour in a fight at the marketplace. I also really liked some of the secondary characters, particularly the servant Grun, who communicates only through gestures. He warms to Martise very early on, and gives her an ally in the house, keeping his master in check.

My only criticism of this book is that I wish it had been longer! Some of the little touches that I enjoyed could have been expanded on more (Grun's romantic relationship; the antagonism between Sihara and Cumbria), and parts of the main story also felt a little rushed. Overall though, this was a really great read with memorable characters, some vivid settings (the kitchen at Neith stands out in particular), and a lovely, sexy romance.

The Soldier's Scoundrel by Cat Sebastian

Genre: Historical Romance (M/M)
Pages: 352
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Publication Date: 20th September 2016
Format: Ebook
Rating: 4/5

Having previously read The Lawrence Brown Affair by Cat Sebastian, I was keen to try one of her other books, and I wasn't disappointed.

The Soldier's Scoundrel brings together two men from very different worlds. Jack Turner is a man who has clawed himself out of hardship to run a business as a private investigator. Drawing on his criminal connections and underworld skills such as housebreaking, and reading a mark, Jack tracks down cheating husbands, blackmailers and the like for society ladies.

He meets the gentlemanly veteran Captain Oliver Rivington when that man turns up at his office, demanding to know what service Jack performed for his sister, which would claim £200 from her household accounts.

Oliver Rivington is a man of good standing in society. He is polite, and honourable, and he longs for the clear morality of ordinary life, away from the battlefields where he earned his limp.

Jack and Oliver begin at loggerheads. Oliver does not trust Jack, his work, or his motives, and Jack himself has a long history of distaste for gentlemen of any kind after a life spent at the mercy of such men. But as Jack's latest case brings them together, neither can resist the growing attraction to the other.

I enjoyed the drama of the society intrigues playing out around the central romance, and the strong bonds of sisterhood that emerge between all of the women whose stories converge in the backdrop, but it was of course the romance that stole the show.

Jack and Oliver are both well-drawn, and interesting characters. Their relationship is a source of passion, and of conflict, and it was exhilarating to follow that growing connection through their many trials. I particularly liked the not-quite-innocence of Rivington, as he impressed his new lover, and the way Jack's growing trust in Oliver allowed him to make himself vulnerable.

Overall, The Soldier's Scoundrel is another fantastic historical romance from Cat Sebastian, which I would highly recommend.

Unmasking the Earl by Elizabeth Keysian

Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Wayward in Wessex #2
Pages: 220
Publisher: Entangled
Publication Date: 15th May 2017
Format: Ebook
Rating: 4/5

Unmasking the Earl is just my type of historical romance: a lust-fuelled slow-burn surrounded by mystery, secrets, and intrigue. 

Ned Turner, the Earl of Stranrear, has gone undercover as a servant in the household of Captain Francis Wycherley: the man he suspects of having involvement in his sister's disappearance. Installing himself within the household under the name of Mr Ganstridge, he hopes to learn the truth of his sister's wherabouts, and bring the rouge responsible to justice.

Ned's suspicions are well founded. Wycherley is a known rake, with attachments to a number of women. But can he really be as reprehensible as Ned fears? The young, innocent Cassandra Blythe certainly does not think so. Cassie enlists Wycherley's help as a tutor in the art of seduction in order to attract her long-term crush, Julian Carnforth. 

Watching in the wings, Ned fears for young Cassie's reputation in the hands of Wycherley, and seeks to warn her off. He may be a servant, but Cassie isn't blind to his broad shoulders, and strong arms, nor to the handsome and determined face behind that reproachful glare. As the tension between them rises, Cassie learns of Ned's disguise, and sets to helping him, and insodoing, places her reputation, and her heart, in more danger than it ever was with Wycherley.

Cassie and Ned's relationship is gorgeously passionate, and absolutely genuine. A scene involving a dripping wet, freshly bathed Ned will in particluar stay with me for a long time! The way that the plot unfolds is hugely satisfying in terms of both the romance, and the mystery, and I loved the subplot involving Ned's sister Georgiana, and the notorious Wycherely. All in all, Unmasking the Earl is an excellent historical romance that is sure to sweep you away!