Ekollon's bookshelf: favorites en-US Sun, 09 Mar 2025 04:48:45 -0700 60 Ekollon's bookshelf: favorites 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg <![CDATA[The Magpie Lord (A Charm of Magpies, #1)]]> 17730586 A lord in danger. A magician in turmoil. A snowball in hell.

Exiled to China for twenty years, Lucien Vaudrey never planned to return to England. But with the mysterious deaths of his father and brother, it seems the new Lord Crane has inherited an earldom. He’s also inherited his family’s enemies. He needs magical assistance, fast. He doesn't expect it to turn up angry.

Magician Stephen Day has good reason to hate Crane’s family. Unfortunately, it’s his job to deal with supernatural threats. Besides, the earl is unlike any aristocrat he’s ever met, with the tattoos, the attitude... and the way Crane seems determined to get him into bed. That’s definitely unusual.

Soon Stephen is falling hard for the worst possible man, at the worst possible time. But Crane’s dangerous appeal isn't the only thing rendering Stephen powerless. Evil pervades the house, a web of plots is closing round Crane, and if Stephen can’t find a way through it—they’re both going to die.


Warning: Contains hot m/m sex between a deeply inappropriate earl and a very confused magician, dark plots in a magical version of Victorian England, family values (not the good kind), and a lot of swearing.]]> 200 K.J. Charles 1619215764 Ekollon 5 4.10 2013 The Magpie Lord (A Charm of Magpies, #1)
author: K.J. Charles
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/09
date added: 2025/03/09
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, romance, fantasy, historical, paranormal
review:
I love this series a lot. The dynamic between all the characters is great.
]]> <![CDATA[The Mage on the Hill (The Web of Arcana #1)]]> 43848374
Toby’s wild magic is killing him. The mage guilds have given up on him, and it’s only a matter of time before he dies in a spectacular, catastrophic bang. His only hope is an exiled wizard who lives in seclusion—and is rumored to have lost his mind.

The years alone on his hilltop estate have not been good for Darius Valstad. After the magical accident that disfigured him and nearly drowned Pittsburgh, he drifts through his days, a wraith trapped in memories and depression. Until a stricken young man collapses on his driveway, one who claims Darius is his last chance. For the first time in fifteen years, Darius must make a choice—leave this wild mage to his fate or take him in and try to teach him, which may kill them both. The old Darius, brash and commanding, wouldn’t have hesitated. Darius the exile isn’t sure he can find the energy to try.]]> 194 Angel Martinez 1644052644 Ekollon 5
For the most part, it would be hard for me to explain why I enjoyed the book so much. The world-building was fantastic and mesmerizing, the characters were relatable, real, flawed, and lovable, and the plot was engaging. I really want there to be a followup book and I'm going to see if I can grab more of Martinez's books (although, as I said, some of her books are hard to track down).

I do wish there had been significant women in characters in this book, though. The lack made me sad.

Merged review:

I think Angel Martinez has managed to wiggle her way into my "favorites" list, which is always pleasant. I've enjoyed her work for a while (although I've had some trouble getting ahold of some of it) and this is the last addition to the "wow, I really, really like it" list.

For the most part, it would be hard for me to explain why I enjoyed the book so much. The world-building was fantastic and mesmerizing, the characters were relatable, real, flawed, and lovable, and the plot was engaging. I really want there to be a followup book and I'm going to see if I can grab more of Martinez's books (although, as I said, some of her books are hard to track down).

I do wish there had been significant women in characters in this book, though. The lack made me sad.]]> 3.99 2019 The Mage on the Hill (The Web of Arcana #1)
author: Angel Martinez
name: Ekollon
average rating: 3.99
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2019/11/13
date added: 2024/09/24
shelves: contemporary, fantasy, favorites, lgbtqia, m-m, romance
review:
I think Angel Martinez has managed to wiggle her way into my "favorites" list, which is always pleasant. I've enjoyed her work for a while (although I've had some trouble getting ahold of some of it) and this is the last addition to the "wow, I really, really like it" list.

For the most part, it would be hard for me to explain why I enjoyed the book so much. The world-building was fantastic and mesmerizing, the characters were relatable, real, flawed, and lovable, and the plot was engaging. I really want there to be a followup book and I'm going to see if I can grab more of Martinez's books (although, as I said, some of her books are hard to track down).

I do wish there had been significant women in characters in this book, though. The lack made me sad.

Merged review:

I think Angel Martinez has managed to wiggle her way into my "favorites" list, which is always pleasant. I've enjoyed her work for a while (although I've had some trouble getting ahold of some of it) and this is the last addition to the "wow, I really, really like it" list.

For the most part, it would be hard for me to explain why I enjoyed the book so much. The world-building was fantastic and mesmerizing, the characters were relatable, real, flawed, and lovable, and the plot was engaging. I really want there to be a followup book and I'm going to see if I can grab more of Martinez's books (although, as I said, some of her books are hard to track down).

I do wish there had been significant women in characters in this book, though. The lack made me sad.
]]> <![CDATA[Kings Rising (Captive Prince, #3)]]> 17158532 Damianos of Akielos has returned.

His identity now revealed, Damen must face his master Prince Laurent as Damianos of Akielos, the man Laurent has sworn to kill.

On the brink of a momentous battle, the future of both their countries hangs in the balance. In the south, Kastor's forces are massing. In the north, the Regent's armies are mobilising for war. Damen's only hope of reclaiming his throne is to fight together with Laurent against their usurpers.

Forced into an uneasy alliance the two princes journey deep into Akielos, where they face their most dangerous opposition yet. But even if the fragile trust they have built survives the revelation of Damen's identity � can it stand against the Regents final, deadly play for the throne?

]]> 385 C.S. Pacat 174348495X Ekollon 5 4.42 2016 Kings Rising (Captive Prince, #3)
author: C.S. Pacat
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.42
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/09/21
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, romance
review:

]]> The Marrow Thieves 39075893 Cherie Dimaline Ekollon 5
It's just fantastic. First off, it's an Indigenous YA dystopian novel set in Canada, so right there, this book is filling a gap that the publishing industry has been leaving horrifically unfilled for years. Come to us, oh, glorious book. And the writing is just so stellar. The characters are unique, fleshed out, relatable, understandable, and moving. The worldbuilding is incredible as well, with the reader being filled in at a reasonable pace (info dump: avoided). The plot is not predictable, either; I did not feel, "Yes, this cliched."

I will say that this book required a lot of emotional energy. It was not even close to a light-hearted read. It took a lot out of me.

I particularly enjoyed listening to the book in audiobook form; the narrator did a glorious job and being able to hear the language and occasional sound effects added a lot.

I hear there is a sequel coming out and I'm 100% on board for that. ]]> 3.97 2017 The Marrow Thieves
author: Cherie Dimaline
name: Ekollon
average rating: 3.97
book published: 2017
rating: 5
read at: 2020/02/21
date added: 2020/02/23
shelves: dystopia, audiobook, poc-creator, poc-mcs, young-adult, for-library-science, science-fiction, favorites
review:
Honestly, I don't know that I even really know what to say about this book. There's so much going on with it. It isn't a book that I probably would have picked up on my own (I generally pick up books to uplift my mood, as escapism). So I don't know if I would have picked up this book at all (although I'm trying to push back into sci-fi, so maybe), and even if I had, I might have noped out in the first couple of pages (Jeeeeeez!), but I'm honestly grateful I read it because whoa, it is so absurdly good.

It's just fantastic. First off, it's an Indigenous YA dystopian novel set in Canada, so right there, this book is filling a gap that the publishing industry has been leaving horrifically unfilled for years. Come to us, oh, glorious book. And the writing is just so stellar. The characters are unique, fleshed out, relatable, understandable, and moving. The worldbuilding is incredible as well, with the reader being filled in at a reasonable pace (info dump: avoided). The plot is not predictable, either; I did not feel, "Yes, this cliched."

I will say that this book required a lot of emotional energy. It was not even close to a light-hearted read. It took a lot out of me.

I particularly enjoyed listening to the book in audiobook form; the narrator did a glorious job and being able to hear the language and occasional sound effects added a lot.

I hear there is a sequel coming out and I'm 100% on board for that.
]]> <![CDATA[Parable of the Sower (Earthseed, #1)]]> 2079759 0 Octavia E. Butler 0788747606 Ekollon 5
I really liked this book although it very much isn't my usual fare (I'm sorry, I don't think I'll ever be able to listen to a romance on audiobook). At times it depressed the socks off me. But I still think it was a really quality book and I'm really glad I read it. And that's saying something considering that I often toss "classic" books out the window and say, "Nope, sorry, not for me." The ending felt pretty abrupt, though, so I'm hoping the next one wraps things up a little more. But maybe not, because maybe that's just not the way of the genre.]]> 4.06 1993 Parable of the Sower (Earthseed, #1)
author: Octavia E. Butler
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.06
book published: 1993
rating: 5
read at: 2019/12/06
date added: 2020/01/28
shelves: disability, science-fiction, poc-creator, poc-mcs, audiobook, asexual, dystopia, post-apocalyptic, favorites
review:
Whoa! I finally managed to finish this! I had no idea that it would take me this long to finish an audiobook.

I really liked this book although it very much isn't my usual fare (I'm sorry, I don't think I'll ever be able to listen to a romance on audiobook). At times it depressed the socks off me. But I still think it was a really quality book and I'm really glad I read it. And that's saying something considering that I often toss "classic" books out the window and say, "Nope, sorry, not for me." The ending felt pretty abrupt, though, so I'm hoping the next one wraps things up a little more. But maybe not, because maybe that's just not the way of the genre.
]]> <![CDATA[Parable of the Talents (Earthseed, #2)]]> 12580724
Directly opposed is Lauren Olamina, founder of Earthseed - a new faith that teaches "God Is Change". Persecuted for "heathen" beliefs as much as for having a black female leader, Earthseed's followers face a life-and-death struggle to preserve their vision.

Best-selling author Octavia Butler's fluid writing and keen observations about race, gender, politics, and religion make for a moving parable that will be pondered for generations. A powerful reading from three standout narrators captures the multi-generational sweep of this poignant tale.

Butler's acclaimed novels have won numerous awards, and she is a recipient of a "genius" grant from the MacArthur Foundation. Parable of the Talents was selected as one of the best books of the year by Publishers Weekly.]]> 16 Octavia E. Butler 1449801315 Ekollon 5
[spoilers removed]

What I found most intriguing and different from the last book was listening to the various voices with such incredibly different perspectives, and these were truly different perspectives, not just different opinions. What had happened? Whose fault was something? What kind of person was someone? What was the value of something? Foundationally, the different voices had different perspectives, and that was fascinating. Very often in books there you'll have different people seeing something, and there will be an attempt to give the characters different perspectives, but ultimately they'll all see the same thing and sometimes have different opinions about that same thing. In this book, what was seen was different.

There were also significant portions that were (from where I stand) hugely depressing. It's not that the whole book was without hope, but a lot of it was really a downer. The horrors of what had happened, not just in the short term but in the long term, and what those long term results meant was really driven home.

This is truly a spectacular book.

There was another quote I wanted to include but I can't find it. If I do, I'll edit it in later.]]> 4.19 1998 Parable of the Talents (Earthseed, #2)
author: Octavia E. Butler
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.19
book published: 1998
rating: 5
read at: 2020/01/05
date added: 2020/01/28
shelves: audiobook, post-apocalyptic, science-fiction, dystopia, favorites
review:
Ooof, this book is something! I probably liked it even more than the first book. It isn't at all my usual fare, either; I overwhelmingly read escapist books that emotionally uplift me, and this book was emotionally challenging. And I had no idea that it was going to feel so surreal reading parts of it in the current political climate (this isn't really a spoiler, but maybe kind of it is:)

[spoilers removed]

What I found most intriguing and different from the last book was listening to the various voices with such incredibly different perspectives, and these were truly different perspectives, not just different opinions. What had happened? Whose fault was something? What kind of person was someone? What was the value of something? Foundationally, the different voices had different perspectives, and that was fascinating. Very often in books there you'll have different people seeing something, and there will be an attempt to give the characters different perspectives, but ultimately they'll all see the same thing and sometimes have different opinions about that same thing. In this book, what was seen was different.

There were also significant portions that were (from where I stand) hugely depressing. It's not that the whole book was without hope, but a lot of it was really a downer. The horrors of what had happened, not just in the short term but in the long term, and what those long term results meant was really driven home.

This is truly a spectacular book.

There was another quote I wanted to include but I can't find it. If I do, I'll edit it in later.
]]> <![CDATA[A King in Wonderland (Happily Ever Asher, #3)]]> 49379600 Or at least he was, until it all came crashing down.
He made a mistake. And even Asher himself, arranger of marriages and aider of lovesick hearts, doesn’t know how to fix it.

And like every heroic quest, there are a few bumps in the road and dragons to slay.
His inability to focus on love has turned his column into a disaster, his best friends are acting weirder than usual, ĚýChristopher turns out to be a man of many surprises, and Morgan, well...

Maybe this time it does matter. Because when Asher’s heart finally realizes what he’s been looking for all along, it may be too late.
And too broken.
But there might just be a shred of hope somewhere deep down in his heart. Maybe Asher can fix everything and have his prince charming.
Because love is always like a fairy tale…right?]]> 109 Nash Summers Ekollon 5
I'm going to be a little vague in this review, even for the first two books, because 1) this review is probably going to end up on the timeline of people who haven't read the first two books, and the series is still so new 2) I continued to be vaguely confused why the series wasn't one book.

Anyway, I pulled myself out of bed specifically to read this book on release day, and I was not disappointed. Lovely, adorable, wonderful, sweet! It was just loads of fun.

The Mysterious Drama from book 1 was finally revealed, and it wasn't what I expected, although I'm not sure why. I was all, "Whaaaaat?!" and it wasn't outside the realm of possibility that I could have predicted it, but I didn't. I'm not sure if it's because I'm a bad predictor (I am) or if it's because the story hid it (also possible). You'll have to decide that for yourself.

There was also Great Drama between our beloved Love Interests, and it was really something to watch them go at it, particularly because Asher was so good at implementing for others advice that would have saved himself much pain (as is acknowledged). Of course, we see this in real life as well, woe be to humanity.

Randy and her storyline got more page space again, which just overjoyed me endlessly.

I would have liked to see more of Morgan's family life/family interactions, but it was not to be. Sadz.

I'm going to consider putting this book on my "to buy" list. It's really lovely. ]]> 4.03 2019 A King in Wonderland (Happily Ever Asher, #3)
author: Nash Summers
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2019/07/02
date added: 2019/12/17
shelves: contemporary, kindle-unlimited, lgbtqia, m-m, romance, favorites
review:
Waaah, so absurdly cute! My favorite book in the series so far.

I'm going to be a little vague in this review, even for the first two books, because 1) this review is probably going to end up on the timeline of people who haven't read the first two books, and the series is still so new 2) I continued to be vaguely confused why the series wasn't one book.

Anyway, I pulled myself out of bed specifically to read this book on release day, and I was not disappointed. Lovely, adorable, wonderful, sweet! It was just loads of fun.

The Mysterious Drama from book 1 was finally revealed, and it wasn't what I expected, although I'm not sure why. I was all, "Whaaaaat?!" and it wasn't outside the realm of possibility that I could have predicted it, but I didn't. I'm not sure if it's because I'm a bad predictor (I am) or if it's because the story hid it (also possible). You'll have to decide that for yourself.

There was also Great Drama between our beloved Love Interests, and it was really something to watch them go at it, particularly because Asher was so good at implementing for others advice that would have saved himself much pain (as is acknowledged). Of course, we see this in real life as well, woe be to humanity.

Randy and her storyline got more page space again, which just overjoyed me endlessly.

I would have liked to see more of Morgan's family life/family interactions, but it was not to be. Sadz.

I'm going to consider putting this book on my "to buy" list. It's really lovely.
]]> <![CDATA[A Gentleman Never Keeps Score (Seducing the Sedgwicks, #2)]]> 35564594
Ěý

Once beloved by London's fashionable elite, Hartley Sedgwick has become a recluse after a spate of salacious gossip exposed his most-private secrets. Rarely venturing from the house whose inheritance is a daily reminder of his downfall, he’s captivated by the exceedingly handsome man who seeks to rob him.

Since retiring from the boxing ring, Sam Fox has made his pub, The Bell, into a haven for those in his Free Black community. But when his best friend Kate implores him to find and destroy a scandalously revealing painting of her, he agrees. Sam would do anything to protect those he loves, even if it means stealing from a wealthy gentleman. But when he encounters Hartley, he soon finds himself wanting to steal more than just a painting from the lovely, lonely man—he wants to steal his heart.]]> 0 Cat Sebastian Ekollon 5 Santa's little hippopotamus for gifting me this book! I really appreciate it! I liked reading this book so much and I seem to have forgotten to review it, so soon it will be REREAD time!

The cover . . . this book will be mine!]]> 4.02 2018 A Gentleman Never Keeps Score (Seducing the Sedgwicks, #2)
author: Cat Sebastian
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at: 2018/09/15
date added: 2019/11/18
shelves: m-m, lgbtqia, historical, poc-mcs, romance, favorites
review:
edit: 11/18/2019 Thank you Santa's little hippopotamus for gifting me this book! I really appreciate it! I liked reading this book so much and I seem to have forgotten to review it, so soon it will be REREAD time!

The cover . . . this book will be mine!
]]> <![CDATA[A Christmas Hex (Hexworld #2.5)]]> 32835365 A Hexworld Short Story

Roland knows he will never find love. Everyone views wolf familiars like himself as dangerous beasts, unable to rein in their savage impulses. He’s resigned himself to his fate—or so he thinks, until he meets the dashing Augustus Cao. His witch.

Gus is on the trail of a gang of thieves, and Roland holds an important clue. Even though they can never bond, Roland can’t pass up the opportunity to spend a night with his witch.

Can Roland conceal his secret, while helping Gus catch the thieves? Or will the handsome detective be the one to steal his heart?

Short story: 15,475 words]]> 70 Jordan L. Hawk 1941230229 Ekollon 5 4.02 2016 A Christmas Hex (Hexworld #2.5)
author: Jordan L. Hawk
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2019/11/18
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, romance, paranormal, fantasy, historical, poc-mcs
review:

]]> <![CDATA[A Queer Trade (Rag and Bone #0.5)]]> 28225450
Crispin tracks his quarry down to waste paper dealer Ned Hall. He needs help, and Ned can’t resist Crispin’s pleading—and appealing—looks. But can the waste-man and the magician prevent a disaster and save Crispin’s skin?


A 16,000 word story set in the Charm of Magpies world, and a prequel to the novel Rag and Bone (March 2016). This story was first published as part of the Charmed & Dangerous anthology.

Cover design by Catherine Dair.]]> 59 K.J. Charles 131165240X Ekollon 5 4.01 2016 A Queer Trade (Rag and Bone #0.5)
author: K.J. Charles
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2019/11/18
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, romance, historical, fantasy, poc-mcs
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Shrewd Angel (The Christmas Angel, #6)]]> 42761406 Pax Polo is the swashbuckling guitarist for Serenity Free.
Correction: Was the swashbuckling guitarist for Serenity Free.
Now he sports a black eye and his bros have kicked him out of their band—three weeks before Christmas. It’s an unfamiliar kick to his over-inflated ego, but . . . whatever.
No problem.
Thanks to some stellar eavesdropping, an unexpected angel ornament, and a bribe to open for his favorite band ever, Pax will weasel his way back into his mates� good graces.
All he has to do is friend Clifford, the neighborhood man-shrew, for the summer. Distract him a bit so Clifford’s younger sister can sneak around.
It sounds like a piece of beginners Beethoven. Jolly good fun.
Easy.
Because, Pax totally knows how to friend people. He has heaps of friends. This shrew’s no match for his shrewd ways. Or is he?

~ - ~ - ~

“Shrewd Angel� is a cheeky frenemies-to-lovers MM romance in a loose retelling of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew�. This story is one of seven in the “Christmas Angel� series which can all be read and enjoyed in any order.
Tropes: Rockstar romance, loveable rogue, inconvenient attraction, frenemies-to-lovers, fake to real friends, slow burn, will-they-or-won’t-they
Genre: New Adult, light-hearted contemporary gay romance

~ - ~ - ~

The Christmas Angel Series
In 1750, a master woodcarver poured all his unrequited love, passion, and longing into his masterpiece—a gorgeous Christmas angel for his beloved’s tree. When the man he loved tossed the angel away without a second thought, a miracle happened. The angel was found by another who brought the woodcarver True Love.
Since then, the angel has been passed down, sold, lost and found, but its magic remains. Read the romances inspired by (and perhaps nudged along by) the Christmas Angel through the years. Whether it’s the 1700's England (Eli Easton), 1880’s New York (Kim Fielding), the turn-of-the-century (Jordan L. Hawk), post World War II (L.A. Witt), Vietnam-era (N.R. Walker), the 1990’s (Anyta Sunday), or 2018 (RJ Scott), the Christmas Angel has a way of landing on the trees of lonely men who need it’s blessing for a very Merry Christmas and forever HEA.
Christmas Angel (Book #1) - Eli Easton
/book/show/4...
Summerfield's Angel (Book #2) - Kim Fielding
/book/show/4...
The Magician's Angel (Book #3) - Jordan L. Hawk
/book/show/4...
Christmas Homecoming (Book #4) - Lori Gallagher Witt
/book/show/4...
A Soldier's Wish (Book #5) - N.r. Walker
/book/show/4...
Shrewd Angel (Book #6) - Anyta Sunday
/book/show/4...
Christmas Prince (Book #7) - Rj Scott
/book/show/4...
]]> 332 Anyta Sunday 3947909039 Ekollon 5
This book feels very Antya Sunday-y for me. Very on brand. I don't know what it says about me that her books often feel very similar at their core to me, but I often have very different feelings about them. Often I love them, but sometimes I don't, and they still feel like they have the same foundation to me regardless. What's the difference? I don't know. You'd think I'd either love them all or not love them all if they all feel similar, but that's not the way I roll with Sunday.

Anyway, this book was a real hit with me. I adored the MCs (despite or maybe in part because of their very real and legitimate flaws), I loved reading about their battles, I had fun learning about their backgrounds, I was engrossed seeing how the relationships between the MCs (and the side characters!) developed, I just had a super fun time. I started the book later in the day on a Sunday (the day), and I had trouble setting it down even though I knew I had to get up for work in the morning, and then when I did wake up earlier than I expected, I grabbed the book rather than trying to sneak in some more winks. It was glorious and convinced me that I need to put Sunday on my "to-watch" authors list. She's not going to hit my "auto-buy" list yet, but she's moving up. I was very impressed.]]> 4.24 2018 Shrewd Angel (The Christmas Angel, #6)
author: Anyta Sunday
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at: 2019/01/28
date added: 2019/01/28
shelves: contemporary, lgbtqia, kindle-unlimited, m-m, romance, favorites
review:
Yesss, Anyta Sunday delvers my first 5 star of the year! Ding ding ding!

This book feels very Antya Sunday-y for me. Very on brand. I don't know what it says about me that her books often feel very similar at their core to me, but I often have very different feelings about them. Often I love them, but sometimes I don't, and they still feel like they have the same foundation to me regardless. What's the difference? I don't know. You'd think I'd either love them all or not love them all if they all feel similar, but that's not the way I roll with Sunday.

Anyway, this book was a real hit with me. I adored the MCs (despite or maybe in part because of their very real and legitimate flaws), I loved reading about their battles, I had fun learning about their backgrounds, I was engrossed seeing how the relationships between the MCs (and the side characters!) developed, I just had a super fun time. I started the book later in the day on a Sunday (the day), and I had trouble setting it down even though I knew I had to get up for work in the morning, and then when I did wake up earlier than I expected, I grabbed the book rather than trying to sneak in some more winks. It was glorious and convinced me that I need to put Sunday on my "to-watch" authors list. She's not going to hit my "auto-buy" list yet, but she's moving up. I was very impressed.
]]> The Fire's Stone 338131
AARON. Clan Heir, he has fled his people when his beloved was slain by his own father's command, abandoning his training, duty and beliefs to become a thief. A master of his trade, he now dared the odds in Ischia, city of the volcano, where the price of being caught was death.

DARVISH. Prince of Ischia, third son of a king who had no intention of giving up his throne. The prince was a drunkard, a lover, and a wastrel, yet was gifted with sword skills and with the ability to charm all around him. But not even his charm could free him from the political marriage now being planned.

CHANDRA. Born a princess, she had chosen to become a Wizard of the Nine, that rarest of beings, able to master all the forms that sorcery could take. Now, promised as Darvish's bride, she undertook a desperate journey to Ischia to convince him they must not wed.

Aaron, Darvish, Chandra—three strangers whose fates were about to become interwined. For someone had stolen The Stone, the magical talisman which stood between Ischia and the volcano's wrath. And unless the three could learn to work together on a quest to find the Stone, Ischia would drown in a sea of lava.]]> 287 Tanya Huff 0886774454 Ekollon 5 at the time this was something for me. When I read it I didn't have the internet at all, so I certainly didn't have Ĺ·±¦ÓéŔÖ lists or even Google to help me find recommendations. I was in a tiny town where no one talked about sexuality at all if they could get around it, to say nothing of homosexuality, and even the library catalog couldn't deal with searches of that kind except MAYBE in a medical way. I don't even remember how I found this book at all. Being able to read a book about a gay couple and a spunky girl who was determined to follow her own path no matter what? My young self jumped on that so fast. Representation is so important, and there was so little for my young self. I have access to so much more now, but I don't forget what it meant to me to have even one or two books then. ]]> 3.98 1990 The Fire's Stone
author: Tanya Huff
name: Ekollon
average rating: 3.98
book published: 1990
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/12/12
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, romance, fantasy
review:
To be absolutely honest, a lot of what is going on with this book and me is teeth aching nostalgia. I don't think this was the first m/m book I read, but it was the first one I read that didn't have one of the MCs/love interests dying tragically in the series (which is why I can't tell you the name of the first book I read, because, well, spoilers!). From an objective perspective, the plot doesn't stand out to me now, and even the characters are kind of meh in a lot of ways (and the ending is kind of irritating for our female protagonist, in my opinion), but oh, boy, at the time this was something for me. When I read it I didn't have the internet at all, so I certainly didn't have Ĺ·±¦ÓéŔÖ lists or even Google to help me find recommendations. I was in a tiny town where no one talked about sexuality at all if they could get around it, to say nothing of homosexuality, and even the library catalog couldn't deal with searches of that kind except MAYBE in a medical way. I don't even remember how I found this book at all. Being able to read a book about a gay couple and a spunky girl who was determined to follow her own path no matter what? My young self jumped on that so fast. Representation is so important, and there was so little for my young self. I have access to so much more now, but I don't forget what it meant to me to have even one or two books then.
]]> <![CDATA[Why the Devil Stalks Death (Death and the Devil #2)]]> 42948488 348 L.J. Hayward 0648446026 Ekollon 5
First off, this book is absolutely glorious. I love it. It's one of two series that I'm buying as soon as I can because I adore it so much. Furthermore, I didn't expect it to be a series where that happened, because it's a kind of cop/military series, and I tend to be pretty "eh" on cop/military series. This series blew me out of the water and I didn't see it coming.

Second, Hayward has done something unusual with the novellas. With most other series (all other series I've read), the novellas (the 1.5s, the 2.4s, whatever), they are bonus material. You can read them if you want, but you don't need to read them for the main novels. The main novels may reference events in the novellas briefly as a kind of bonus shout out, but you aren't really missing anything. And the main novels may not even make a reference to the novellas at all; in the main novels, it may be like the novellas didn't happen.

This is not the case with the "Death and the Devil" books. With the "Death and the Devil" books, if you skip the novellas, you're going to be really feeling that fact. There are going to be stuff going on you miss, serious references you don't get. Plus, because the novellas are so tied up with each other, I don't even feel like I can say, "Buy this novella but not that one." I think you need them all. I can't really chase down all the things that won't be clear to you if you don't read the novellas, but I'll leave you with one giant example: Harry. Basically everything about Harry.

With that out of the way, let's get back to how much I adore this series. I loved watching these two flawed, nuanced, carefully crafted men work themselves out together and apart. I loved the way they had issues that continued across time, and that these issues were meaningful. I loved the way they were important enough to work on these issues. I loved the way they made progress. I loved the way the world existed outside of their relationship and impacted them individually and yet also impacted them as a couple. I loved it all so much. ]]> 4.47 2018 Why the Devil Stalks Death (Death and the Devil #2)
author: L.J. Hayward
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.47
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at: 2018/12/09
date added: 2018/12/09
shelves: contemporary, m-m, lgbtqia, poc-mcs, romance, favorites
review:
Ok, so here we go!

First off, this book is absolutely glorious. I love it. It's one of two series that I'm buying as soon as I can because I adore it so much. Furthermore, I didn't expect it to be a series where that happened, because it's a kind of cop/military series, and I tend to be pretty "eh" on cop/military series. This series blew me out of the water and I didn't see it coming.

Second, Hayward has done something unusual with the novellas. With most other series (all other series I've read), the novellas (the 1.5s, the 2.4s, whatever), they are bonus material. You can read them if you want, but you don't need to read them for the main novels. The main novels may reference events in the novellas briefly as a kind of bonus shout out, but you aren't really missing anything. And the main novels may not even make a reference to the novellas at all; in the main novels, it may be like the novellas didn't happen.

This is not the case with the "Death and the Devil" books. With the "Death and the Devil" books, if you skip the novellas, you're going to be really feeling that fact. There are going to be stuff going on you miss, serious references you don't get. Plus, because the novellas are so tied up with each other, I don't even feel like I can say, "Buy this novella but not that one." I think you need them all. I can't really chase down all the things that won't be clear to you if you don't read the novellas, but I'll leave you with one giant example: Harry. Basically everything about Harry.

With that out of the way, let's get back to how much I adore this series. I loved watching these two flawed, nuanced, carefully crafted men work themselves out together and apart. I loved the way they had issues that continued across time, and that these issues were meaningful. I loved the way they were important enough to work on these issues. I loved the way they made progress. I loved the way the world existed outside of their relationship and impacted them individually and yet also impacted them as a couple. I loved it all so much.
]]> <![CDATA[The Boy with the Painful Tattoo (Holmes & Moriarity, #3)]]> 16219338
There goes the neighborhood.]]> 228 Josh Lanyon 1937909379 Ekollon 5 4.20 2014 The Boy with the Painful Tattoo (Holmes & Moriarity, #3)
author: Josh Lanyon
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/12/04
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, romance, i-own-it
review:

]]> Trick of Time 16073632
When Ted Ennis steps out the doors of the Criterion Theatre for a cigarette and finds himself in Victorian London, he begins to doubt his sanity. At first he thinks it's all a film set, and is sure that the strikingly handsome young man leaning against a lamppost must be the leading man�

What starts as a sordid transaction with a beautiful rent boy quickly turns into something much deeper, drawing him back again and again as he gets to know Jem and craves meaningful encounters with him.

But Ted doesn't understand the exact conditions necessary for his trips through time—and for Jem, time may actually be running out. Now Ted has one last shot to get back to Jem and save their relationship, before it's too late�

27,000 words(less)]]> 80 J.L. Merrow 1426895003 Ekollon 5 Shh...it's a secret! Thank you so much for giving me one of my favorite books! Now I can read it whenever I want. Yay!

Oh! I remember reading this book a really long time ago, but I forgot the title and then author (and clearly forgot to review it), but I massively liked it! I couldn't find it, though, and clearly it didn't initially make as big an impression on it as it eventually did (it didn't make its way onto my favorites list at first) but now that I'm poking at my shelves, I've stumbled across it again! Woo! I love this book so much.]]> 3.84 2013 Trick of Time
author: J.L. Merrow
name: Ekollon
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/12/02
shelves: m-m, lgbtqia, favorites, romance, i-own-it
review:
EDIT 12/2/2018: I've been gifted this book anonymously by Shh...it's a secret! Thank you so much for giving me one of my favorite books! Now I can read it whenever I want. Yay!

Oh! I remember reading this book a really long time ago, but I forgot the title and then author (and clearly forgot to review it), but I massively liked it! I couldn't find it, though, and clearly it didn't initially make as big an impression on it as it eventually did (it didn't make its way onto my favorites list at first) but now that I'm poking at my shelves, I've stumbled across it again! Woo! I love this book so much.
]]> <![CDATA[The Mystery of the Moving Image (Snow & Winter #3)]]> 39740361
Sebastian resists the urge to start sleuthing, even if the culprit is long dead and there’s no apparent danger. But break-ins at the Emporium, a robbery, and dead bodies aren’t as easy to ignore, and Sebastian soon realizes that the century-old murder will lead him to a modern-day killer.

Even with Sebastian’s vast knowledge of Victorian America and his unrelenting perseverance in the face of danger, this may be the one mystery he won’t survive.]]> 214 C.S. Poe Ekollon 5
Oddly enough, I have a horrible time remembering what happened in this series even though I adore it. It just doesn't seem to stick with me for some reason. I adore it when I read it, I remember that I adore it, and I adore it if I reread it, but I forget it. I'm not sure what's going on with that. I'm perfectly capable of remembering other books/series that I adore, but this one slips away from me. I still adore it, though.

This book was fun to read because it was fun to watch the characters and their relationships develop, including side characters. In some books, characters and relationships just stay stagnant no matter what happens and no matter how many books you move through, but not this book. People change and how they react to each other change, and that was quite lovely. It was wonderful to watch both Sebastian and Calvin start to overcome some of older issues and confront new ones that arose. It was also really nice to see side characters evolve in their relationships.

I look forward to the next book, although I kind of dread wondering how much I might forget. I don't know how to get myself to start remembering what happened in the previous books, and at a certain point I can't just keep rereading them! They series will get too long!]]> 4.34 2018 The Mystery of the Moving Image (Snow & Winter #3)
author: C.S. Poe
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.34
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at: 2018/11/24
date added: 2018/11/30
shelves: contemporary, disability, mystery, romance, lgbtqia, favorites
review:
This is honestly one of my favorite series that I'm reading right now. It's wonderful. I absolutely adore the characters. Weirdly enough, I'm not big on mystery in general (I can never figure out who done it, ever, even if it's obvious to people who are big on the mystery genre, so the fact that I don't know who did it in a given book means nothing).

Oddly enough, I have a horrible time remembering what happened in this series even though I adore it. It just doesn't seem to stick with me for some reason. I adore it when I read it, I remember that I adore it, and I adore it if I reread it, but I forget it. I'm not sure what's going on with that. I'm perfectly capable of remembering other books/series that I adore, but this one slips away from me. I still adore it, though.

This book was fun to read because it was fun to watch the characters and their relationships develop, including side characters. In some books, characters and relationships just stay stagnant no matter what happens and no matter how many books you move through, but not this book. People change and how they react to each other change, and that was quite lovely. It was wonderful to watch both Sebastian and Calvin start to overcome some of older issues and confront new ones that arose. It was also really nice to see side characters evolve in their relationships.

I look forward to the next book, although I kind of dread wondering how much I might forget. I don't know how to get myself to start remembering what happened in the previous books, and at a certain point I can't just keep rereading them! They series will get too long!
]]> <![CDATA[The Mystery of the Curiosities (Snow & Winter, #2)]]> 32066569
Sebastian is quickly swept up in a series of grisly yet seemingly unrelated murders. The only connection tying the deaths together are curiosities from the lost museum of P.T. Barnum. Despite Calvin’s attempts to keep Sebastian out of the investigation, someone is forcing his hand, and it becomes apparent that the entire charade exists for Sebastian to solve. But with each clue that brings him closer to the killer, he’s led deeper into Calvin’s official cases.

It’s more than just Sebastian’s livelihood and relationship on the line—it’s his very life.]]> 198 C.S. Poe 1952133033 Ekollon 5 4.06 2017 The Mystery of the Curiosities (Snow & Winter, #2)
author: C.S. Poe
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2017
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/11/24
shelves: m-m, lgbtqia, romance, contemporary, disability, favorites, mystery
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Mystery of Nevermore (Snow & Winter, #1)]]> 29759618
He soon finds himself caught up in murder investigations that echo the macabre writings of Edgar Allan Poe. To make matters worse, Sebastian’s sleuthing is causing his relationship with Neil to crumble, while at the same time he’s crushing hard on the lead homicide detective of the case, Calvin Winter. Sebastian and Calvin must work together to unravel the mystery behind the killings, despite the mounting danger and sexual tension, before Sebastian becomes the next victim.

In the end, Sebastian only wants to get out of this mess alive and live happily ever after with Calvin.]]> 214 C.S. Poe 1952133009 Ekollon 5 3.79 2016 The Mystery of Nevermore (Snow & Winter, #1)
author: C.S. Poe
name: Ekollon
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/11/24
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, romance, disability, contemporary, mystery
review:

]]> Swordspoint (Riverside, #1) 68485 The Fall of the Kings now with three bonus stories.

A classic melodrama of manners, filled with remarkable plot twists and unexpected humor, takes fantasy to an unprecedented level of elegant writing and scintillating wit. Award-winning author Ellen Kushner has created a world of unforgettable characters whose political ambitions, passionate love affairs, and age-old rivalries collide with deadly results.

Swordspoint

On the treacherous streets of Riverside, a man lives and dies by the sword. Even the nobles on the Hill turn to duels to settle their disputes. Within this elite, dangerous world, Richard St. Vier is the undisputed master, as skilled as he is ruthless--until a death by the sword is met with outrage instead of awe, and the city discovers that the line between hero and villain can be altered in the blink of an eye.]]> 329 Ellen Kushner 0553585495 Ekollon 5
You see, this book was first published in 1987. 1987! The amazingness of a m/m that has both a happy ending and mental illness representation is just mind blowing. It shook me then, and it shakes me now. I don't even know how to properly express it. There are books published today that don't pull this off.

And the love that was expressed between the two main characters just touched me. Certainly they weren't perfect, healthy, well adjusted people, but that's part of what made it wonderful. They were two flawed individuals with problems who nevertheless cared deeply for each other and were willing to go the distance for each other even in their brokenness. It was just masterful.

So, this book has a special place in my heart forever. ]]> 3.81 1987 Swordspoint (Riverside, #1)
author: Ellen Kushner
name: Ekollon
average rating: 3.81
book published: 1987
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/11/10
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, romance, disability, fantasy
review:
I am an absurd fan of this book, although to be honest I'm not sure how I would feel about it if I first picked it up today as opposed to picking it up as one of my first m/m books ever.

You see, this book was first published in 1987. 1987! The amazingness of a m/m that has both a happy ending and mental illness representation is just mind blowing. It shook me then, and it shakes me now. I don't even know how to properly express it. There are books published today that don't pull this off.

And the love that was expressed between the two main characters just touched me. Certainly they weren't perfect, healthy, well adjusted people, but that's part of what made it wonderful. They were two flawed individuals with problems who nevertheless cared deeply for each other and were willing to go the distance for each other even in their brokenness. It was just masterful.

So, this book has a special place in my heart forever.
]]> <![CDATA[Love Lessons (Love Lessons, #1)]]> 17853573
Kelly Davidson has waited what seems like forever to graduate high school and get out of his small-minded, small town. But when he arrives at Hope University, he quickly realizes finding his Prince Charming isn’t so easy. Everyone here is already out. In fact, Kelly could be the only virgin on campus.

Worst of all, he’s landed the charming, handsome, gay campus Casanova as a roommate, whose bed might as well be equipped with a revolving door.

Walter Lucas doesn’t believe in storybook love. Everyone is better off having as much fun as possible with as many people as possible…except his shy, sad little sack of a roommate is seriously screwing up his world view.

As Walter sets out to lure Kelly out of his shell, staying just friends is harder than he anticipated. He discovers love is a crash course in determination. To make the grade, he’ll have to finally show up for class…and overcome his own private fear that love was never meant to last.

This story contains lingering glances, milder than usual sexual content for this author, and a steamy dance-floor kiss. Story has no dairy or egg content, but may contain almonds.]]> 274 Heidi Cullinan 1619218275 Ekollon 5 3.93 2013 Love Lessons (Love Lessons, #1)
author: Heidi Cullinan
name: Ekollon
average rating: 3.93
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/11/10
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, romance, contemporary
review:

]]> Nor Iron Bars a Cage 18003646 Then Tobin came along. Out of the blue, out of my past, with a summons from the king that he wouldn't let me ignore. I tried to cling to my isolation, but he wouldn't give up on me. Tobin never believed in walls.

This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...]]> 244 Kaje Harper Ekollon 5 4.09 2013 Nor Iron Bars a Cage
author: Kaje Harper
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/11/10
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, romance, fantasy
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Adventures of Charls, the Veretian Cloth Merchant (Captive Prince Short Stories, #3)]]> 34803468 The Adventures of Charls follows the dealings of a humble cloth merchant in the days before the royal Ascension.

Set after the events of Kings Rising and The Summer Palace.]]> 26 C.S. Pacat 0987622315 Ekollon 5 4.46 2017 The Adventures of Charls, the Veretian Cloth Merchant (Captive Prince Short Stories, #3)
author: C.S. Pacat
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.46
book published: 2017
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/11/10
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, romance, fantasy
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Threshold (Whyborne & Griffin, #2)]]> 17840306
Whyborne, Griffin, and their friend Christine travel to Threshold Mountain, a place of dark legend long before the mine burrowed into its heart. A contingent of Pinkertons—including Griffin’s ex-lover Elliot—already guard the mine. But Griffin knows better than anyone just how unprepared the detectives are to face the otherworldly forces threatening them.

Soon, Whyborne and Griffin are on the trail of mysterious disappearances, deadly accidents, and terrible secrets. Is Elliot an ally, or does he want to rekindle his relationship with Griffin? And how can Whyborne possibly hope to compete with the stunningly handsome Pinkerton—especially when Griffin is hiding secrets about his past?

For in a town where friends become enemies and horror lurks behind a human mask, Whyborne can’t afford to trust anything—including his own heart.

Threshold is the second book in the Whyborne & Griffin series, where magic, mystery, and m/m romance collide with Victorian era America.]]> 249 Jordan L. Hawk 0988564971 Ekollon 5 4.11 2013 Threshold (Whyborne & Griffin, #2)
author: Jordan L. Hawk
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/11/10
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, romance, fantasy, historical
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Cat in the Cradle (Loka Legends, #1)]]> 7963986 Ěý
Dylan wanted one last adventure before the burden of adulthood was thrust upon him. And to confront the man he hadn't spoken to since their intimate night together. Stealing a boat with his faithful companion Kio, their journey is cut short when they witness a brutal murder. A killer is loose in the Five Lands and attacking the most powerful families. Dylan--a potential target--seeks sanctuary from an unpredictable bodyguard named Tyjinn. Together they decide to turn the tables by hunting the killer down. Along the way, everything Dylan thought he knew about himself will be challenged, but if he survives, he stands to win the love he never dreamed possible.

The Cat in the Cradle Ěýis the first book in the Loka Legends series and features twenty-five original illustrations created by Andreas Bell, the author's husband.]]> 257 Jay Bell 1934041874 Ekollon 5 3.84 2010 The Cat in the Cradle (Loka Legends, #1)
author: Jay Bell
name: Ekollon
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2010
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/11/10
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, romance, fantasy, young-adult
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Captive Prince (Captive Prince, #1)]]> 9305362 From global phenomenon C. S. Pacat comes the first in her critically acclaimed trilogy—with a bonus story.

Damen is a warrior hero to his people, and the rightful heir to the throne of Akielos. But when his half brother seizes power, Damen is captured, stripped of his identity, and sent to serve the prince of an enemy nation as a pleasure slave.

Beautiful, manipulative, and deadly, his new master, Prince Laurent, epitomizes the worst of the court at Vere. But in the lethal political web of the Veretian court, nothing is as it seems, and when Damen finds himself caught up in a play for the throne, he must work together with Laurent to survive and save his country.

For Damen, there is just one rule: never, ever reveal his true identity. Because the one man Damen needs is the one man who has more reason to hate him than anyone else�

Includes an exclusive extra story!]]> 240 C.S. Pacat Ekollon 5 3.83 2013 Captive Prince (Captive Prince, #1)
author: C.S. Pacat
name: Ekollon
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/11/10
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, romance, fantasy
review:

]]> Hexmaker (Hexworld, #2) 31949586 A straight-laced policeman. A lighthearted thief. A murdered millionaire.

Fox shifter Malachi steals for one of the biggest crime rings in New York City. But when he witnesses the murder of a millionaire, the only person who can keep him safe is Dr. Owen Yates, forensic hexman for the Metropolitan Witch Police—and Malachi’s witch.

Owen is horrified to discover his familiar is an uneducated thief. Even worse, Malachi threatens to unleash Owen’s deepest desires…desires Owen can’t act upon, as he’s destined for an arranged marriage to secure the Yates family fortune

Their agreement: Malachi will be Owen’s lover as well as his partner, until the day of the wedding. But as their hunt for the murderer carries them from teeming slums to Fifth Avenue mansions, Owens begins to realize Malachi commands his heart as well as his body.

With dark forces drawing ever closer around them, Owen must decide whether to bow to the demands of duty, or to risk everything for the man he loves.]]> 270 Jordan L. Hawk 1941230210 Ekollon 5 4.10 2016 Hexmaker (Hexworld, #2)
author: Jordan L. Hawk
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/11/10
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, romance, fantasy, paranormal, bdsm
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Icecapade (His for the Holidays)]]> 9755703 (Part of His For The Holidays Anthology)

On the eve of the new millennium, diamond thief Noel Snow seduced FBI special agent Robert Cuffe, then fled into the dawn. Now a successful novelist, Noel uses his capers as fodder for his books, and has modeled his hero's nemesis (and potential love interest) on Cuffe. Though he leaves Robert a drunken phone message every New Year's Eve, Noel hasn't seen or heard from him in a decade.

So he's thrilled when his former lover shows up at his upstate farm one Christmas Eve. Elation quickly turns to alarm when Robert accuses Noel of being responsible for a recent rash of diamond heists. Robert is all business and as cold as ice: it seems his only interest in Noel is to put him behind bars.

Innocent of the crimes, and still as attracted as ever to the oh-so-serious lawman, Noel plans a second seduction—providing he can stay out of jail long enough]]> 92 Josh Lanyon 1426890923 Ekollon 5 3.97 2010 Icecapade (His for the Holidays)
author: Josh Lanyon
name: Ekollon
average rating: 3.97
book published: 2010
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/11/10
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, romance, contemporary
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Fangs and Lullabies (The Demons Age, #1)]]> 10504378
And yet� Jacob is anything but average. For as long as he has been able to understand, a secret has shaped his life, kept even from his closest friends: his father, Andrew, is a vampire. And so is his other father, Nicholas.

In a strange era when demons are beginning to appear all over the world and threaten humans and vampires alike, the three of them form quite an extraordinary family. And yet, at the same time, they could hardly be more normal.

Two fathers raising a son neither of them ever thought he would have. A Sire and Childe resuming their relationship after years of estrangement. Through snapshots covering Jacob’s life from birth to adulthood, discover this unusual family, and how, in the end, all it takes is love.]]> 310 Kallysten 1458123081 Ekollon 5
This book is different; in this book, both parents and child have personalities, interests, goals, actions, interactions, and a place in the plot. Neither parents nor child conveniently disappear so that the TRUE interest of the book can run off and engage in the TRUE plot.
And it’s wonderful. This book what it would mean to be PARENTS with a CHILD in a supernatural environment, rather than what it would mean to be characters who are grappling with the supernatural and happen to have a parent/child in the same way that such characters might have a job or specific city to live in. Each character has his own role to play within the family, and he plays it honestly. This plays out by showing us a scene from each year of Jacob (the child’s) life, from infancy to seventeen years old, a format that I’ve never encountered before and imagine is difficult to pull off, for all that KallySten pulls it off beautifully.

However, the natures of the books are such that while the exploration of the parent/parent and parent/child relationship is superb, the action supernatural action aspect of the world (the demons) suffers greatly, and there isn’t a Big Bad Villain for the characters to battle against. Instead, battles largely serves the same role that the parent/child might play in other books: it’s a prop/plot device that is used to further explore how the characters interact. This is absolutely no problem for me (character interactions are my favorite part of any book) but if you’re looking for a book where the main characters heroically battle great forces of evil “on screen,� these books are not for you.

In summary, I think this book is excellent and recommend it highly, but it may not be what a lot of people are interested in reading. If you’re interested in seeing if you like the layout of the story, I suggest picking up Forgotten Lullabies first because it’s free and lets you get a really get a handle on how the books are going to operate. If you’re like me, you’ll jump to pick up the other books, but if you’re not, you can pass this series by.]]> 4.01 2011 Fangs and Lullabies (The Demons Age, #1)
author: Kallysten
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2011
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/11/10
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, romance, paranormal
review:
This series is quite possibly the first series that I’ve ever read that manages to handle a relationship between two parents and a child without one or the other groups becoming props. In some books, it’s the parents who become props; the child main character needs somewhere to live and someone to feed him/her, so ta da, parents who technically exist and hover around the periphery but never actually do anything (including seem to notice that their child is involved in some manner of Serious Issues). At other times, it’s the child who is the prop, an entity that exists either to prove how moral one or the other parent is. This usually goes one of two ways. First, there is single parent who either refused to abandon his/her child despite social pressures or a parent who has taken up the responsibility of raising the child of an irresponsible family member. On the other hand, there is the person who is willing to brave the perils of getting involved with a person who has a child. In these cases, the child rarely has any kind of personality or distinguishing characteristics, apart from possibly supporting the relationship despite the parents� fears that said child will not be or (more rarely) proving to be antagonistic towards it. In either of these cases, the child is a plot device.

This book is different; in this book, both parents and child have personalities, interests, goals, actions, interactions, and a place in the plot. Neither parents nor child conveniently disappear so that the TRUE interest of the book can run off and engage in the TRUE plot.
And it’s wonderful. This book what it would mean to be PARENTS with a CHILD in a supernatural environment, rather than what it would mean to be characters who are grappling with the supernatural and happen to have a parent/child in the same way that such characters might have a job or specific city to live in. Each character has his own role to play within the family, and he plays it honestly. This plays out by showing us a scene from each year of Jacob (the child’s) life, from infancy to seventeen years old, a format that I’ve never encountered before and imagine is difficult to pull off, for all that KallySten pulls it off beautifully.

However, the natures of the books are such that while the exploration of the parent/parent and parent/child relationship is superb, the action supernatural action aspect of the world (the demons) suffers greatly, and there isn’t a Big Bad Villain for the characters to battle against. Instead, battles largely serves the same role that the parent/child might play in other books: it’s a prop/plot device that is used to further explore how the characters interact. This is absolutely no problem for me (character interactions are my favorite part of any book) but if you’re looking for a book where the main characters heroically battle great forces of evil “on screen,� these books are not for you.

In summary, I think this book is excellent and recommend it highly, but it may not be what a lot of people are interested in reading. If you’re interested in seeing if you like the layout of the story, I suggest picking up Forgotten Lullabies first because it’s free and lets you get a really get a handle on how the books are going to operate. If you’re like me, you’ll jump to pick up the other books, but if you’re not, you can pass this series by.
]]> The Private Secretary 30291876
Robert Demme's pleasure-seeking days are over. Having rescued his cousin Ambrose from a lunatic asylum, he expends much of his energy pacifying the fragile eccentric. Hiring an assistant offers some relief--and also intriguing temptation. Unfortunately, the fascinating Seton apparently loathes him. Determined to discover the reason, Robert uses his considerable wit to get under the man's skin, stunned when his plan backfires. Instead of unraveling the stalwart secretary, Robert has undone himself. All he's accomplished is a deepening of his own interest.

When the two spend the night together in an inn, their mutual desire proves too strong. The secretary and the gentleman succumb to lust. But when Ezra's old flame reappears and the cousin's experiments go awry, it's a battle to discover which will win the day: love or lunacy.

This edition includes a selection from Simon and the Christmas Spirit, a title by Summer Devon and Bonnie Dee.]]> 141 Summer Devon Ekollon 5 3.59 2016 The Private Secretary
author: Summer Devon
name: Ekollon
average rating: 3.59
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/11/10
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, romance, historical
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Jack of Thorns (Inheritance, #1)]]> 30109231 Florist. Psychic. Addict.

Laurence Riley coasts by on good looks and natural charm, but underneath lies a dark chasm that neither heroin nor lovers can fill. Sobriety is a pipe dream which his stalker ex-boyfriend is pushing him away from. Luckily, Laurence has powers most can only dream of. If only he could control them.

Aristocrat. Psychic. Survivor.

Quentin d'Arcy is the product of centuries of wealth, privilege, and breeding, and is on the run from all three. A chance encounter with an arresting young florist with a winning smile could make him stop. Laurence is kind, warm, and oddly intriguing but Quentin's wild telekinesis and his fear of sex make dating a dangerous game.

When opposites attract, they collide.

Desperate to fix his rotting life, Laurence prays for aid and accidentally summons a fertility god who prefers to be called Jack. Jack is willing to help out for a price, and it's one Laurence just can't pay: he must keep Jack fed with regular offerings of sex, and the florist has fallen for the one man in San Diego who doesn't want any.

If they're to survive Jack's wrath, Laurence and Quentin must master their blossoming feelings and gifts, but even then the cost of Laurence's mistake could well overwhelm them both. How exactly are mere mortals supposed to defeat a god?

Jack of Thorns is the first book in the Inheritance series and contains mature themes and events which may be distressing to some readers. It has a low heat rating and an HFN ending.]]> 442 Amelia Faulkner 1533077622 Ekollon 5 3.99 2016 Jack of Thorns (Inheritance, #1)
author: Amelia Faulkner
name: Ekollon
average rating: 3.99
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/11/10
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, romance, paranormal
review:

]]> The Beauty's Brother 30008400 260 Leon Hart Ekollon 5 3.90 2016 The Beauty's Brother
author: Leon Hart
name: Ekollon
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/11/10
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, romance, fantasy
review:

]]> <![CDATA[A Case of Possession (A Charm of Magpies, #2)]]> 18074870 Magic in the blood. Danger in the streets.

Lord Crane has never had a lover quite as elusive as Stephen Day. True, Stephen’s job as justiciar requires secrecy, but the magician’s disappearing act bothers Crane more than it should. When a blackmailer threatens to expose their illicit relationship, Crane knows a smart man would hop the first ship bound for China. But something unexpectedly stops him. His heart.

Stephen has problems of his own. As he investigates a plague of giant rats sweeping London, his sudden increase in power, boosted by his blood-and-sex bond with Crane, is rousing suspicion that he’s turned warlock. With all eyes watching him, the threat of exposure grows. Stephen could lose his friends, his job and his liberty over his relationship with Crane. He’s not sure if he can take that risk much longer. And Crane isn’t sure if he can ask him to.

The rats are closing in, and something has to give�


Warning: Contains m/m sex (on desks), blackmail, dark pasts, a domineering earl, a magician on the edge, vampire ghosts (possibly), and the giant rats of Sumatra.]]> 159 K.J. Charles 1619217643 Ekollon 5 4.28 2014 A Case of Possession (A Charm of Magpies, #2)
author: K.J. Charles
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.28
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/11/05
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, romance, fantasy, historical
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Spectacularly Broken (Spectacularly Broken, #1)]]> 25018535
Before he knows what's happening, his designer duds have been switched for tie-dye shirts in therapy team colors, and he is surrounded by an assortment of a timid nerd, a mute girl, a hyperactive kid...and captivating loner Cai Fields, who is admittedly pretty hot, but seems to hate the world in general and Lysander in particular.

Soon Lysander struggles with lies, withdrawal, and several uncomfortable revelations that he never intended to make, but he also gains surprising amounts of support right in the middle of secret late-night parties, fisticuffs over doing the dishes, and, of all things, croissant blackmail. Even as Cai and Lysander finally give in to the irresistible attraction between them and make a grasp for happiness, their darkest secrets remain--secrets with the power to destroy everything they've fought so hard to have.]]> 204 Sage C. Holloway 1623008654 Ekollon 5 4.14 2015 Spectacularly Broken (Spectacularly Broken, #1)
author: Sage C. Holloway
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/11/04
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, romance, contemporary
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Hoarfrost (Whyborne & Griffin, #6)]]> 24901214
With Christine and her fiancé Iskander, Whyborne and Griffin must journey to the farthest reaches of the arctic to stop an ancient evil from claiming the life of Griffin’s brother. But in the rough mining camp of Hoarfrost, secrets fly as thickly as the snow, and Whyborne isn’t the only sorcerer drawn by the rumors of magic. Amidst a wilderness of ice and stone, Griffin must either face his greatest fear—or lose everyone he loves.]]> 274 Jordan L. Hawk 1941230113 Ekollon 5 4.34 2015 Hoarfrost (Whyborne & Griffin, #6)
author: Jordan L. Hawk
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.34
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/11/04
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, romance, fantasy
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Feast of Stephen (A Charm of Magpies, #3.5)]]> 23942369
Stephen and Crane have finally got away on their long-awaited Christmas break, along with Crane’s henchman Merrick and Jenny Saint. A promised gift is made, and a request unexpectedly and magically fulfilled�

This story comes after Flight of Magpies and is not a standalone read. Download now in any format from Smashwords.
__________
Word count: 6,280]]> 16 K.J. Charles 1311771964 Ekollon 5 4.07 2014 Feast of Stephen (A Charm of Magpies, #3.5)
author: K.J. Charles
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/11/04
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, romance, fantasy, historical
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Bloodline (Whyborne & Griffin, #5)]]> 23202149 alternate cover edition of ISBN 9781941230077

Between his bullying father and dissolute brother, Percival Endicott Whyborne has quite enough problematic family members to deal with. So when his sister returns to Widdershins asking for help solving the mystery of a derelict ship, Whyborne is reluctant to get involved. Until, that is, a brutal murderer strikes, leaving Whyborne and his lover Griffin no choice but to take the case.

The investigation leads them deep into a conspiracy of blackmail, murder, and darkest sorcery. But worst of all are the secrets held within the family itself, one of which will destroy everything Whyborne believed to be true, not only about his family, but about himself.


Bloodline is the fifth book in the Whyborne & Griffin series, where magic, mystery, and m/m romance collide with Victorian era America.]]> 244 Jordan L. Hawk Ekollon 5 4.41 2014 Bloodline (Whyborne & Griffin, #5)
author: Jordan L. Hawk
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.41
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/11/04
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, romance, fantasy, historical
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Fever Pitch (Love Lessons, #2)]]> 20625174 Sometimes you have to play love by ear.

Love Lessons, Book 2

Aaron Seavers is a pathetic mess, and he knows it. He lives in terror of incurring his father’s wrath and disappointing his mother, and he can’t stop dithering about where to go to college—with fall term only weeks away.

Ditched by a friend at a miserable summer farewell party, all he can do is get drunk in the laundry room and regret he was ever born. Until a geeky-cute classmate lifts his spirits, leaving him confident of two his sexual orientation, and where he’s headed to school.

Giles Mulder can’t wait to get the hell out of Oak Grove, Minnesota, and off to college, where he plans to play his violin and figure out what he wants to be when he grows up. But when Aaron appears on campus, memories of hometown hazing threaten what he’d hoped would be his haven.

As the semester wears on, their attraction crescendos from double-cautious to a rich, swelling chord. But if more than one set of controlling parents have their way, the music of their love could come to a shattering end.

Contains showmances, bad parenting, Walter Lucas, and a cappella.

]]> 270 Heidi Cullinan 1619222531 Ekollon 5 4.15 2014 Fever Pitch (Love Lessons, #2)
author: Heidi Cullinan
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/11/04
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, contemporary
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Captive Prince: Volume Two (Captive Prince, #2)]]> 17158513
Forced to hide his identity, Damen finds himself increasingly drawn to the dangerous, charismatic Laurent. But as the fledgling trust between the two men deepens, the truth of secrets from both their pasts is poised to deal them the crowning death blow . . .]]> 216 C.S. Pacat Ekollon 5 4.37 2013 Captive Prince: Volume Two (Captive Prince, #2)
author: C.S. Pacat
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.37
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/11/04
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, romance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[You Get Full Credit For Being Alive]]> 18129160 Dear Author,
First I didn’t see the body through all the rain and darkness but when I drew near I saw him. Thought he was dead with all the blood. But he wasn’t and I considered for a moment to end the job because really� it would have been a mercy kill. He wouldn’t survive those injuries and even if he did he would be a vegetable. I mean� look at that head wound!
But something in the way he was dumped on the back of my property in his ripped police uniform and the word FAG scrawled on his chest made me help him.
So now I’m here. His guardian angel, kind of ironic considering what I did in the past. I watch over his recovery, standing in the shadows where no one can see me.
The docs don’t think he will ever walk or speak again. The massive head trauma caused too much damage but I think he has a strong will. I saw his eyes. There is still life and reason in him. And I will help him to get back on his feet and will wait for the day when he thanks me with his own voice. As soon as he’s strong enough I’ll bring him home with me where he can heal because he has no one else.
And after that? I’m going after those fuckers who tried to off him. Because they know he is still alive�


Photo Description:
In the center of the photo is a dark-haired man sitting, head down, with his arms around his knees. Behind him is another man, blond and muscular, with his arms wrapped completely around the other man’s body. Their faces are hidden, but the impression is one of protectiveness and affection.

This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.]]> 89 Cari Z. Ekollon 5 4.03 2013 You Get Full Credit For Being Alive
author: Cari Z.
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/11/04
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, contemporary, disability, romance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Stormhaven (Whyborne & Griffin, #3)]]> 18633099
Whyborne’s lover, dashing ex-Pinkerton detective Griffin Flaherty, agrees to prove Allan’s innocence. But when Allan is deemed insane and locked away in the Stormhaven Lunatic Asylum, Griffin finds himself reliving the horrifying memories of his own ordeal inside a madhouse.

Along with their friend Christine, the two men become drawn deeper and deeper into a dark web of conspiracy, magic, and murder. Their only clue: a missing artifact depicting an unknown god. Who stole the artifact, and why can’t Allan remember what happened? And what is the truth behind the terrible experiments conducted on Stormhaven’s forbidden fourth floor?

It will take all of Whyborne’s sorcery and Griffin’s derring-do to stop the murderers and save Allan. But first, they must survive an even greater challenge: a visit from Griffin’s family.]]> 176 Jordan L. Hawk 0988564181 Ekollon 5 4.25 2013 Stormhaven (Whyborne & Griffin, #3)
author: Jordan L. Hawk
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/11/04
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, fantasy, historical, romance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Flight of Magpies (A Charm of Magpies, #3)]]> 21529170 Danger in the air. Lovers on the brink.

A Charm of Magpies, Book 3

With the justiciary understaffed, a series of horrifying occult murders to be investigated, and a young student who is flying—literally—off the rails, magical law enforcer Stephen Day is under increasing stress. And his relationship with his aristocratic lover, Lord Crane, is beginning to feel the strain.
Crane chafes at the restrictions of England's laws, and there's a worrying development in the blood-and-sex bond he shares with Stephen. A development that makes a sensible man question if they should be together at all.

When a thief strikes at the heart of Crane's home, a devastating loss brings his closest relationships into bitter conflict—especially his relationship with Stephen. And as old enemies, new enemies, and unexpected enemies paint the lovers into a corner, the pressure threatens to tear them apart.

Warning: Contains hot-blooded sex, cold-blooded murder, sinister magical goings-on and a lot of swearing.]]> 212 K.J. Charles 1619224291 Ekollon 5 4.39 2014 Flight of Magpies (A Charm of Magpies, #3)
author: K.J. Charles
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.39
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/11/04
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, fantasy, historical, romance
review:

]]> Ricochet (BDSM Universe) 16125683
Even in a BDSM universe, where everyone is bisexual and identifies as dom or sub, finding the right partner isn’t always easy.

Matt is a big star on the hit TV show, Collar Crime, and he’s looking for a dom who ticks all the right boxes, including being as tidy and organized as himself.

That definitely isn’t his chaotic co-star, Rick, with his spanking fetish and habit of tying a different sub to his bed every night.

When Matt meets the perfect dom he’s swept off his feet, but he soon discovers that being pursued by a handsome, controlling billionaire isn’t the erotic fantasy he’d imagined.

Maybe the right dom for him is the one he thought was all wrong...

Content advisory: m/m BDSM, one or two glimpses of f/m]]> 495 Xanthe Walter 130105349X Ekollon 5 4.06 2012 Ricochet (BDSM Universe)
author: Xanthe Walter
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2012
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/11/04
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, romance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Widdershins (Whyborne & Griffin, #1)]]> 16128152 Alternate cover edition of ISBN-10: 0988564106 (ISBN13: 9780988564107)

Some things should stay buried.

Repressed scholar Percival Endicott Whyborne has two skills: reading dead languages and hiding in his office at the Ladysmith Museum. After the tragic death of the friend he secretly loved, he’s ruthlessly suppressed any desire for another man.

So when handsome ex-Pinkerton Griffin Flaherty approaches him to translate a mysterious book, Whyborne wants to finish the job and get rid of the detective as quickly as possible. Griffin left the Pinkertons following the death of his partner, hoping to start a new life. But the powerful cult which murdered Glenn has taken root in Widdershins, and only the spells in the book can stop them. Spells the intellectual Whyborne doesn’t believe are real.

As the investigation draws the two men closer, Griffin’s rakish charm threatens to shatter Whyborne’s iron control. When the cult resurrects an evil sorcerer who commands terrifying monsters, can Whyborne overcome his fear and learn to trust? Will Griffin let go of his past and risk falling in love? Or will Griffin’s secrets cost Whyborne both his heart and his life?]]> 236 Jordan L. Hawk Ekollon 5 4.08 2012 Widdershins (Whyborne & Griffin, #1)
author: Jordan L. Hawk
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2012
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/11/04
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, romance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Necropolis (Whyborne & Griffin, #4)]]> 21533138 alternate cover edition of ISBN 9781941230046

Introverted scholar Percival Endicott Whyborne has spent the last few months watching his lover, Griffin Flaherty, come to terms with the rejection of his adoptive family. So when an urgent telegram from Christine summons them to Egypt, Whyborne is reluctant to risk the fragile peace they’ve established. Until, that is, a man who seems as much animal as human tries to murder Whyborne in the museum.

Amidst the ancient ruins of the pharaohs, they must join Christine and face betrayal, murder, and a legendary sorceress risen from the dead. In the forge of the desert heat, the trio will either face their fears and stand together—or shatter the bonds between them forever.


Necropolis is the fourth book in the Whyborne & Griffin series, where magic, mystery, and m/m romance collide with Victorian era America.]]> 200 Jordan L. Hawk Ekollon 5 4.29 2016 Necropolis (Whyborne & Griffin, #4)
author: Jordan L. Hawk
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/11/04
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, fantasy, historical, romance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Student Prince (The Student Prince, #1)]]> 17277854 145,248 Words Complete]]> 333 FayJay Ekollon 5 The Student Prince, I had only ever encountered bad fanfiction, and had written off the entire genre. It was thus lucky for me that I didn't know that the story was based off of the TV show until I was already invested in the story, or I never would have started it; I thought it was based off of the original Arthurian legend.

I only watched a very small amount of the original TV series (so I'm not hugely invested in the cannon, and in many cases I am in fact unaware of cannon) but it was fun to see the characters that I did know pop up and make genuine appearances, something that doesn't happen in a lot of fanfiction. For example, secondary characters such as Guinevere and Lancelot are present and not only accounted for but actually make a difference in the plot, which is spectacular from where I stand.

One of the only things that I didn't like was that Merlin was Too Powerful. I don't remember this as being cannon from the show, although maybe it became such later in the series when I had stopped watching. Regardless, it kind of made some aspects less fun, although FayJay did an admirable job of keeping Merlin from becoming MartySue despite it: Merlin's powers certainly didn't keep him from running into all kinds of trouble, much of it of his own making.]]> 4.26 2010 The Student Prince (The Student Prince, #1)
author: FayJay
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.26
book published: 2010
rating: 5
read at: 2012/12/23
date added: 2018/11/04
shelves: favorites, fan-fiction, m-m, lgbtqia, contemporary, paranormal, romance
review:
This is the story that started my decent into fanfiction madness, for it is what convinced me that fanfiction could be well-written, witty, humorous, entertaining, and altogether delightful. Before encountering The Student Prince, I had only ever encountered bad fanfiction, and had written off the entire genre. It was thus lucky for me that I didn't know that the story was based off of the TV show until I was already invested in the story, or I never would have started it; I thought it was based off of the original Arthurian legend.

I only watched a very small amount of the original TV series (so I'm not hugely invested in the cannon, and in many cases I am in fact unaware of cannon) but it was fun to see the characters that I did know pop up and make genuine appearances, something that doesn't happen in a lot of fanfiction. For example, secondary characters such as Guinevere and Lancelot are present and not only accounted for but actually make a difference in the plot, which is spectacular from where I stand.

One of the only things that I didn't like was that Merlin was Too Powerful. I don't remember this as being cannon from the show, although maybe it became such later in the series when I had stopped watching. Regardless, it kind of made some aspects less fun, although FayJay did an admirable job of keeping Merlin from becoming MartySue despite it: Merlin's powers certainly didn't keep him from running into all kinds of trouble, much of it of his own making.
]]> <![CDATA[Lord of the White Hell, Book 1 (The Cadeleonian Series, #1)]]> 8017244 Kiram Kir-Zaki may be considered a mechanist prodigy among his own people, but when he becomes the first Haldiim ever admitted to the prestigious Sagrada Academy, he is thrown into a world where power, superstition and swordplay outweigh even the most scholarly of achievements.

But when the intimidation from his Cadeleonian classmates turns bloody, Kiram unexpectedly finds himself befriended by Javier Tornesal, the leader of a group of cardsharps, duelists and lotharios who call themselves Hellions.

However Javier is a dangerous friend to have. Wielder of the White Hell and sole heir of a dukedom, he is surrounded by rumors of forbidden seductions, murder and damnation. His enemies are many and any one of his secrets could not only end his life but Kiram's as well.

]]> 353 Ginn Hale 0978986164 Ekollon 5
However, I more than forgive this flaw, as the two books (which I think of as one book) are officially my favorite book ever. This is rather astonishing in that I've never HAD a favorite book before; certainly I've had book that I loved and enjoyed greatly, but a favorie? No.

This book has changed all that. This is both wonderful and terrible. It is wonderful in that I've found a book that I love unlike any other, a book that I can fold myself into and enjoy again and again. It's terrible in that I've found a book that I love unlike any other, and now all I want is MORE, which is distressig as I am not aware of any immediate plans to continue the series. I can only hope that Hale writes another book as wonderful as this two part series/one book is.

Regardless, I hightly recommend this book, although I can't promise that anyone else will love it as much as I do.]]> 4.01 2010 Lord of the White Hell, Book 1 (The Cadeleonian Series, #1)
author: Ginn Hale
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2010
rating: 5
read at: 2012/11/01
date added: 2018/11/04
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, fantasy, romance
review:
First, I'm going to agree with everyone who said that this wasn't REALLY like book one of a two part series; this book is more like the first half of one book. This isn't because the book provides no resolution (it doesn't, but few series provide resolution in the first book) but rather because the end of the "book" was so abrupt that it felt like more of the end of a chapter. Thus, if you really want to appreciate the glory of this book, you really need to read part two.

However, I more than forgive this flaw, as the two books (which I think of as one book) are officially my favorite book ever. This is rather astonishing in that I've never HAD a favorite book before; certainly I've had book that I loved and enjoyed greatly, but a favorie? No.

This book has changed all that. This is both wonderful and terrible. It is wonderful in that I've found a book that I love unlike any other, a book that I can fold myself into and enjoy again and again. It's terrible in that I've found a book that I love unlike any other, and now all I want is MORE, which is distressig as I am not aware of any immediate plans to continue the series. I can only hope that Hale writes another book as wonderful as this two part series/one book is.

Regardless, I hightly recommend this book, although I can't promise that anyone else will love it as much as I do.
]]> <![CDATA[Lord of the White Hell, Book 2 (The Cadeleonian Series, #2)]]> 8782738
But when his efforts provoke retaliation, Kiram’s family and home are endangered. Both Kiram and Javier risk everything in a desperate gambit to combat the curse.

But they never imagined their battle would come so soon, or that it would be led by the one person they trust most of all.]]> 346 Ginn Hale 0978986172 Ekollon 5 4.15 2010 Lord of the White Hell, Book 2 (The Cadeleonian Series, #2)
author: Ginn Hale
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2010
rating: 5
read at: 2012/11/10
date added: 2018/11/04
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, fantasy, romance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Just a Bit Ruthless (Straight Guys, #6)]]> 28227952
Stockholm syndrome or Love?
When you want someone completely wrong for you�

Luke Whitford has always dreamed of meeting Mr. Right. A hopeless romantic at heart, he dreams of falling in love with a nice man, getting married, and having a bunch of adorable babies. The problem is, Luke has the propensity for being attracted to men who are anything but nice.

Roman Demidov, a homophobic, cynical billionaire who has a grudge against Luke’s father, is certainly not Mr. Right. Cold, manipulative, and ruthless, he’s not a nice man and he doesn’t pretend to be.

Luke is fully aware that Roman is all wrong for him. His attraction to the guy is just some sort of Stockholm syndrome; it must be. If life were a fairy tale, Roman would be the main villain, not the hero.

But even villains can fall in love. Or can they?

The story of a boy who dreamed of Prince Charming and ended up falling for the Beast.

This book contains derogatory language, mentions of violence, explicit M/M content, D/s dynamic, and a protagonist of questionable morality. Book #6 in the Straight Guys series, but it can be read as a stand alone. ]]> 210 Alessandra Hazard Ekollon 5
Why? Well, Luke and Roman's relationship is based on such absurdly unhealthy premises that is strains even fantasy credulity. Do not try in real life, people. A captive that falls in love with his captor? Especially when it is pretty darned clear that the captive is in the captor's complete control?
No, no, no, no, no. Absolutely not. Stop the car, get out, flee into the woods, right this minute.

But this is a book of fiction, not a book of fact, and that which we would abhor in the real world can sometimes be incredibly appealing to us in fantasy, and this book can hit the right fantasy buttons for certain people, and boy did it ever hit mine. Like, again and again and again. I read this book repeatedly, which I don't often do with books, and I certainly didn't do with other books in this series, although I enjoyed them.

As with many of Hazard's books, Roman wasn't (supposedly) gay, and was supposedly homophobic to some degree, although in reality seemed supremely indifferent. If anything, Luke was the one who seemed to have more internalized homophobia (or maybe misogyny? he didn't want to be perceived as feminine), which he overcame as the book progressed (woot!).

So, I ridiculously adored this book, but not everyone would; it needs to be the kind of book that hits your fantasy buttons. If it isn't, you aren't going to have a good time at all.]]> 4.21 2016 Just a Bit Ruthless (Straight Guys, #6)
author: Alessandra Hazard
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at: 2016/12/30
date added: 2018/11/04
shelves: favorites, m-m, kindle-unlimited, lgbtqia, contemporary, romance
review:
This book is an absolute guilty pleasure, the kind of book that I would feel incredibly weird being caught reading. Like, if someone were to see that I had read it and ask me if I recommended it, I would laugh nervously and try to figure out if there was some way in heaven or earth to change the subject without actually answering unless I felt absolutely safe that they weren't going to judge me.

Why? Well, Luke and Roman's relationship is based on such absurdly unhealthy premises that is strains even fantasy credulity. Do not try in real life, people. A captive that falls in love with his captor? Especially when it is pretty darned clear that the captive is in the captor's complete control?
No, no, no, no, no. Absolutely not. Stop the car, get out, flee into the woods, right this minute.

But this is a book of fiction, not a book of fact, and that which we would abhor in the real world can sometimes be incredibly appealing to us in fantasy, and this book can hit the right fantasy buttons for certain people, and boy did it ever hit mine. Like, again and again and again. I read this book repeatedly, which I don't often do with books, and I certainly didn't do with other books in this series, although I enjoyed them.

As with many of Hazard's books, Roman wasn't (supposedly) gay, and was supposedly homophobic to some degree, although in reality seemed supremely indifferent. If anything, Luke was the one who seemed to have more internalized homophobia (or maybe misogyny? he didn't want to be perceived as feminine), which he overcame as the book progressed (woot!).

So, I ridiculously adored this book, but not everyone would; it needs to be the kind of book that hits your fantasy buttons. If it isn't, you aren't going to have a good time at all.
]]> <![CDATA[P.S. I Spook You (The Spectral Files, #1)]]> 35154638
Cold-case detective Daniel McKenna’s latest investigation is going nowhere fast. Five years earlier, high school student Amy Greene went missing after leaving her part-time job and was never seen again. Daniel is glad to finally have the FBI help that his department requested, even if it does come in the form of his ex.

It doesn’t help that Rain is pretty sure he’s falling in love with Danny all over again—if he ever stopped. Add to that the frustration of seeing ghosts at every turn while he works a case that’s stalled in its tracks, and Rain is starting to wonder if second chances and happy endings are just for fairy tales.]]> 256 S.E. Harmon 1635336910 Ekollon 5
Do you see that in my tag? I put in my favorites list, which I really haven't done recently (I feel like I used to do that more? Maybe I'm becoming more selective . . .).

Anyway! P.S. I Spook You is a book set in modern times about a man named Rain. Yes, you read that right, Rain; his sister is named Sky, and his parents give out such wonderful names because they are gloriously hippy-esque. However, in most ways Rain didn't follow in his parents hippy footsteps: he isn't into aura cleansing, Human Energy Fiend reading, or any of that stuff. No, Rain is in the FBI, determined to be on the straight and narrow . . . except in one way. Rain sees ghosts, making it difficult for him to keep his life too normal.

The other main player in P.S. I Spook You is Danny, Rain's ex, the ex that Rain wants to be over but isn't, the ex that Rain doesn't want to be working with but is. You see, while Rain left Danny some time prior to the start of P.S. I Spook You and moved to DC to be in the FBI, Rain made some . . . questionable choices regarding his ghost senses and ended up on psychiatric leave for a while, followed up by being sent back to Florida while his boss waits for things to cool down a bit regarding his "breakdown." It is here that Rain is once again paired up with Danny to work on a cold case, and where they both have to face their not so over each other-ness.

I really loved this book. I loved the way Danny and Rain interacted, I loved the way that Rain struggled with this ghost senses, I loved the sex scenes (which seems to happen more and more rarely nowadays), I loved the ghosts (especially Ethan), I loved Rain's family, I loved Danny's struggle with his past, I loved the banter between Rain and Danny, I basically loved it all. I really want there to be a sequel, and there is definitely room for one. Give it to me!]]> 4.16 2017 P.S. I Spook You (The Spectral Files, #1)
author: S.E. Harmon
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2017
rating: 5
read at: 2017/08/07
date added: 2018/11/04
shelves: m-m, favorites, lgbtqia, contemporary, romance
review:
This. Book. Is. So. Good.

Do you see that in my tag? I put in my favorites list, which I really haven't done recently (I feel like I used to do that more? Maybe I'm becoming more selective . . .).

Anyway! P.S. I Spook You is a book set in modern times about a man named Rain. Yes, you read that right, Rain; his sister is named Sky, and his parents give out such wonderful names because they are gloriously hippy-esque. However, in most ways Rain didn't follow in his parents hippy footsteps: he isn't into aura cleansing, Human Energy Fiend reading, or any of that stuff. No, Rain is in the FBI, determined to be on the straight and narrow . . . except in one way. Rain sees ghosts, making it difficult for him to keep his life too normal.

The other main player in P.S. I Spook You is Danny, Rain's ex, the ex that Rain wants to be over but isn't, the ex that Rain doesn't want to be working with but is. You see, while Rain left Danny some time prior to the start of P.S. I Spook You and moved to DC to be in the FBI, Rain made some . . . questionable choices regarding his ghost senses and ended up on psychiatric leave for a while, followed up by being sent back to Florida while his boss waits for things to cool down a bit regarding his "breakdown." It is here that Rain is once again paired up with Danny to work on a cold case, and where they both have to face their not so over each other-ness.

I really loved this book. I loved the way Danny and Rain interacted, I loved the way that Rain struggled with this ghost senses, I loved the sex scenes (which seems to happen more and more rarely nowadays), I loved the ghosts (especially Ethan), I loved Rain's family, I loved Danny's struggle with his past, I loved the banter between Rain and Danny, I basically loved it all. I really want there to be a sequel, and there is definitely room for one. Give it to me!
]]> <![CDATA[The Lawrence Browne Affair (The Turners, #2)]]> 30226770 An earl hiding from his future . . .

Lawrence Browne, the Earl of Radnor, is mad. At least, that’s what he and most of the village believes. A brilliant scientist, he hides himself away in his family’s crumbling estate, unwilling to venture into the outside world. When an annoyingly handsome man arrives at Penkellis, claiming to be Lawrence’s new secretary, his carefully planned world is turned upside down.

A swindler haunted by his past . . .

Georgie Turner has made his life pretending to be anyone but himself. A swindler and con man, he can slip into an identity faster than he can change clothes. But when his long-dead conscience resurrects and a dangerous associate is out for blood, Georgie escapes to the wilds of Cornwall. Pretending to be a secretary should be easy, but he doesn’t expect that the only madness he finds is the one he has for the gorgeous earl.

Can they find forever in the wreckage of their lives?

Challenging each other at every turn, the two men soon give into the desire that threatens to overwhelm them. But with one man convinced he is at the very brink of madness and the other hiding his real identity, only true love can make this an affair to remember.]]> 336 Cat Sebastian Ekollon 5
So I did, and I really like it. Lawrence is my favorite, with his (according to my judgement) neurodivergent ways. It was really nice to see the way that he moved through the world differently than most people, the way that the world reacted to this difference, and the way that he reacted to the world reacting. As someone who has struggled with this (hello, sensory issues!) it was really nice to see this in a book.

I also really liked Georgie and the way that he accepted Lawrence not conforming when that lack of conformance was an inherent part of Lawrence (hello, Lawrence's issues with clothes and food!) but challenged it when that lack of conformance was harmful or a result of Lawrence holding mistaken beliefs (hello, Lawrence's fear of interacting with his son).

I was particularly thrilled that Lawrence pushed past his obstacles when he really needed to, but those obstacles absolutely remained obstacles. Lawrence wasn't "cured" when he faced a difficulty that his not being neurotypical made more difficult; he just found a way to keep moving regardless. ]]> 4.10 2017 The Lawrence Browne Affair (The Turners, #2)
author: Cat Sebastian
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2017
rating: 5
read at: 2017/08/19
date added: 2018/11/04
shelves: m-m, favorites, lgbtqia, historical, romance
review:
This book actually grew on me a lot as time went on. I initially rated it as a 4 star book, but as time passed, it stuck with me. It had really made an impression, so much so that I decided to go read it again to make sure that I was remembering it correctly and wasn't embellishing it in my head.

So I did, and I really like it. Lawrence is my favorite, with his (according to my judgement) neurodivergent ways. It was really nice to see the way that he moved through the world differently than most people, the way that the world reacted to this difference, and the way that he reacted to the world reacting. As someone who has struggled with this (hello, sensory issues!) it was really nice to see this in a book.

I also really liked Georgie and the way that he accepted Lawrence not conforming when that lack of conformance was an inherent part of Lawrence (hello, Lawrence's issues with clothes and food!) but challenged it when that lack of conformance was harmful or a result of Lawrence holding mistaken beliefs (hello, Lawrence's fear of interacting with his son).

I was particularly thrilled that Lawrence pushed past his obstacles when he really needed to, but those obstacles absolutely remained obstacles. Lawrence wasn't "cured" when he faced a difficulty that his not being neurotypical made more difficult; he just found a way to keep moving regardless.
]]> <![CDATA[The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue (Montague Siblings, #1)]]> 29283884
But as Monty embarks on his Grand Tour of Europe, his quest for a life filled with pleasure and vice is in danger of coming to an end. Not only does his father expect him to take over the family’s estate upon his return, but Monty is also nursing an impossible crush on his best friend and traveling companion, Percy.

Still it isn’t in Monty’s nature to give up. Even with his younger sister, Felicity, in tow, he vows to make this yearlong escapade one last hedonistic hurrah and flirt with Percy from Paris to Rome. But when one of Monty’s reckless decisions turns their trip abroad into a harrowing manhunt that spans across Europe, it calls into question everything he knows, including his relationship with the boy he adores.]]> 528 Mackenzi Lee 0062382802 Ekollon 5 Via

This book is so absurdly good that I regret that I didn't read it earlier.

First, I adored, adored, adored Percy. Let song break out and animal companions flock on to the scene, for he was wonderful. Percy was biracial, and he experienced vividly throughout the story the hardships that came with being biracial. This was one of the best portrayals I've encountered in fiction of race not being brushed aside or forgotten. Again and again and again Percy's race comes up in the book, just as it would have in Percy's life had this actually happened because, well racism. And Henry wasn't off the hook from bumbling into stupidity in regards to Percy's race, oh no: he messed up and said and did insensitive and unthinking and hurtful things, too, despite the fact that he cared about Percy very much.

And then, there was, of course, the secret [spoilers removed] which a certain someone doesn't handle very well, because of course said person doesn't. However, as someone [spoilers removed], I loved the way the secret was handled, both by the one who hend the secret and the surrounding characters, and the way that it was ultimately resolved. I was so, so nervous that when the book introduced [spoilers removed], that the secret would be ultimately poofed away, but instead it was handled with dignity and respect, which pleased me endlessly.

I also liked Felicity, although I didn't think I was going to. Initially I thought she was just going to be a throwaway "annoying little sister" character, but she evolved into a vital, vibrant character, and that was wonderful. I'm always sad when M/M fiction is made up entirely men, or entirely men except for the occasional yucky woman, and I'm always glad when a M/M book can have positive female characters. Go Felicity! Who actually seems to be betting her own book later this year (2018)?

I liked Henry, too, although I wanted to shake him a lot. Stop drinking all the time! And stop doing things that are going to ultimately harm yourself and those around you! No good, no good at all. Although, ultimately, his incredibly foolish behavior turned out for the best, I suppose, and as such was necessary for the plot.

Yes, I absolutely adored this book.]]> 4.03 2017 The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue (Montague Siblings, #1)
author: Mackenzi Lee
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2017
rating: 5
read at: 2018/03/19
date added: 2018/11/04
shelves: young-adult, m-m, favorites, lgbtqia, historical, romance
review:
9/15/2018 It's on sale for $1.99 on Amazon and B&N and Kobo and various other places!
Via

This book is so absurdly good that I regret that I didn't read it earlier.

First, I adored, adored, adored Percy. Let song break out and animal companions flock on to the scene, for he was wonderful. Percy was biracial, and he experienced vividly throughout the story the hardships that came with being biracial. This was one of the best portrayals I've encountered in fiction of race not being brushed aside or forgotten. Again and again and again Percy's race comes up in the book, just as it would have in Percy's life had this actually happened because, well racism. And Henry wasn't off the hook from bumbling into stupidity in regards to Percy's race, oh no: he messed up and said and did insensitive and unthinking and hurtful things, too, despite the fact that he cared about Percy very much.

And then, there was, of course, the secret [spoilers removed] which a certain someone doesn't handle very well, because of course said person doesn't. However, as someone [spoilers removed], I loved the way the secret was handled, both by the one who hend the secret and the surrounding characters, and the way that it was ultimately resolved. I was so, so nervous that when the book introduced [spoilers removed], that the secret would be ultimately poofed away, but instead it was handled with dignity and respect, which pleased me endlessly.

I also liked Felicity, although I didn't think I was going to. Initially I thought she was just going to be a throwaway "annoying little sister" character, but she evolved into a vital, vibrant character, and that was wonderful. I'm always sad when M/M fiction is made up entirely men, or entirely men except for the occasional yucky woman, and I'm always glad when a M/M book can have positive female characters. Go Felicity! Who actually seems to be betting her own book later this year (2018)?

I liked Henry, too, although I wanted to shake him a lot. Stop drinking all the time! And stop doing things that are going to ultimately harm yourself and those around you! No good, no good at all. Although, ultimately, his incredibly foolish behavior turned out for the best, I suppose, and as such was necessary for the plot.

Yes, I absolutely adored this book.
]]> Murder Takes the High Road 25825973 From award-winning male/male author Josh Lanyon: a librarian finds himself in a plot right out of one of his favorite mystery novels

Librarian Carter Matheson is determined to enjoy himself on a Scottish bus tour for fans of mystery author Dame Vanessa Rayburn. Sure, his ex, Trevor, will also be on the trip with his new boyfriend, leaving Carter to share a room with a stranger, but he can’t pass up a chance to meet his favorite author.

Carter’s roommate turns out to be John Knight, a figure as mysterious as any character from Vanessa’s books. His strange affect and nighttime wanderings make Carter suspicious. When a fellow traveler’s death sparks rumors of foul play, Carter is left wondering if there’s anyone on the tour he can trust.

Drawn into the intrigue, Carter searches for answers, trying to fend off his growing attraction toward John. As unexplained tragedies continue, the whole tour must face the fact that there may be a murderer in their midst—but who?

This book is approximately 60,000 words]]> 250 Josh Lanyon 1459293592 Ekollon 5
Real review: June 4, 2018

Can you hear that? That is me, screaming. This is the kind of book from Lanyon that I crave. Yes, yes, I read pretty much all of Lanyon's work (precisely because I love some of her work as much as I am thrilled by this book), but some of it leaves me less than enthused, so Lanyon isn't an auto-buy author for me. For example most of the books that involve two people in the police field don't seem to be my cup of tea; I seem to do better with the books where the couple are in different professions.

And this book? This book did not disappoint. I adored it. I devoured it, staying up way too late to read it and sneaking in nibbles during my breaks at work. I couldn't get enough of Carter, his love life, and his adventures. I was particularly tickled that, as with many Lanyon books, Carter wasn't in the first blush of youth. I also liked seeing a librarian in the mix, although, as someone involved in the library field, I question the accuracy of some of his librarian traits.

I would very much like a sequel, though. The interaction between Carter and his love felt a little . . . lighter than I would have liked. ]]> 3.79 2018 Murder Takes the High Road
author: Josh Lanyon
name: Ekollon
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at: 2018/06/04
date added: 2018/11/04
shelves: m-m, favorites, lgbtqia, contemporary, romance
review:
It's about a librarian who wants to meet his favorite author, I must read it!

Real review: June 4, 2018

Can you hear that? That is me, screaming. This is the kind of book from Lanyon that I crave. Yes, yes, I read pretty much all of Lanyon's work (precisely because I love some of her work as much as I am thrilled by this book), but some of it leaves me less than enthused, so Lanyon isn't an auto-buy author for me. For example most of the books that involve two people in the police field don't seem to be my cup of tea; I seem to do better with the books where the couple are in different professions.

And this book? This book did not disappoint. I adored it. I devoured it, staying up way too late to read it and sneaking in nibbles during my breaks at work. I couldn't get enough of Carter, his love life, and his adventures. I was particularly tickled that, as with many Lanyon books, Carter wasn't in the first blush of youth. I also liked seeing a librarian in the mix, although, as someone involved in the library field, I question the accuracy of some of his librarian traits.

I would very much like a sequel, though. The interaction between Carter and his love felt a little . . . lighter than I would have liked.
]]> <![CDATA[Eidolon (Whyborne & Griffin, #1.5)]]> 20559250 alternate cover edition of ASIN B00ICSLTX4

Griffin Flaherty wants nothing more than to create a perfect Valentine’s Day for his lover, Dr. Percival Endicott Whyborne. Dinner at a fancy restaurant, an evening at the theater, and a romantic interlude at home should do the trick.

But a new client with an urgent case puts Griffin’s plans in jeopardy. A magic talisman has been stolen, and if it isn’t returned by sundown, disaster will befall not only on the thief but the innocents around him.

Can Whyborne and Griffin track down and return the amulet by nightfall, or will dinner reservations become the least of their worries?]]> 29 Jordan L. Hawk Ekollon 5 4.09 2014 Eidolon (Whyborne & Griffin, #1.5)
author: Jordan L. Hawk
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/11/03
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, fantasy, historical
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Interlude with Tattoos (A Charm of Magpies, #1.5)]]> 19167960 14 K.J. Charles 1310371806 Ekollon 5 4.13 2013 Interlude with Tattoos (A Charm of Magpies, #1.5)
author: K.J. Charles
name: Ekollon
average rating: 4.13
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2018/11/03
shelves: favorites, m-m, lgbtqia, historical, fantasy
review:

]]>