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My name is Darwin De Groi, and I’m in love with Peter Forbes. But Pete has this dream of becoming a metaphysical scientist and that means all his time—his attention—is taken up by college and studying. So in order to deal with the pain of watching Peter and never having him I spend most of my time in the Gray Zone, the no-man’s-land between the city of Atlanta and the Dens. There I’m free to drown myself; with drugs, with booze…
With the inhuman.
Lesser-Breds. Kin hybrids. The offspring of Humans and Dragons.
But then an act of revenge led to a stupid college prank, which put Peter right into my arms.
A better man would make the right decision and tell Pete no.
I am so not that man.
With the inhuman.
Lesser-Breds. Kin hybrids. The offspring of Humans and Dragons.
But then an act of revenge led to a stupid college prank, which put Peter right into my arms.
A better man would make the right decision and tell Pete no.
I am so not that man.
64 pages, ebook
First published February 28, 2011
10 people are currently reading
356 people want to read
About the author
Adrienne Wilder
50 books1,794 followersGeorgia born and bred, I am an artist, a writer, and a general pain in the ass.
I spend most of my days working on my next book or bettering my art.
Writing is my identity and I love every minute of it. It's work, lots of work (sometimes I work 12+ hours a day and I never get a vacation) but I don't regret doing it.
I currently share my house with a myriad of dogs, a few cats, a saltwater aquarium filled with coral and fish, as well as my partner who's great at giving hugs when the day's been rough.
And of course, my editor and PA, who helps me keep life reasonably organized. At least so I won't walk out the door without wearing pants.
I spend most of my days working on my next book or bettering my art.
Writing is my identity and I love every minute of it. It's work, lots of work (sometimes I work 12+ hours a day and I never get a vacation) but I don't regret doing it.
I currently share my house with a myriad of dogs, a few cats, a saltwater aquarium filled with coral and fish, as well as my partner who's great at giving hugs when the day's been rough.
And of course, my editor and PA, who helps me keep life reasonably organized. At least so I won't walk out the door without wearing pants.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
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July 18, 2012Argh! How can I rate this?! It's half a story! You can't stop in the middle of a sex scene and tell me "to be continued..."!
There oughtta be a law against against this kind of thing!
Adrienne Wilder made me use five exclamation points.
There oughtta be a law against against this kind of thing!
Adrienne Wilder made me use five exclamation points.
April 29, 2011
What I think about this short story?
I Looooooooooove it!
The protagonist (and the only narrator) conquer my heart after with his first words:
"I think I was stoned or drunk
Yep, that's him... Darwin.
There is so much to be already explain. Darwin mentioned he live in a world with paranormal creatures called Lesser-Breds (and it's certainly something that call my attention) but it's only quick references of topics still to be explained.
No, he is not a hero in a white horse... he is self destructive, and sometimes also admit to not care for his health or life... he is in pain... he is in love... he could be anyone, even you or me.
That's why I ADORE him.
Certainly I want to read more, Darwin and Peter story is just starting!
5 stars
December 4, 2013
Jeez. That ends at a climatic moment.
Nice start with some great background set for Darwin and Pete. A little shifty and dark, with sweet moments. Waiting for the other shoe to drop since the dragons have only been alluded to, not viewed. So glad I'm reading this with all the pieces done because I'd be going nuts waiting for the next episode.
Nice start with some great background set for Darwin and Pete. A little shifty and dark, with sweet moments. Waiting for the other shoe to drop since the dragons have only been alluded to, not viewed. So glad I'm reading this with all the pieces done because I'd be going nuts waiting for the next episode.
October 19, 2014
This was okay. I didn't love it or hate it. But I don't think I'm going to continue with the series. It's just not for me.
October 3, 2015
I held off from reading this for a long time because I don't like the cover. But it's accurate because it was created by the author. It's cool that she has talent in so many areas.
I shouldn't have waited. This series is so good and this is one of my favorite couples ever. It's also hilarious at times. It's got a bit of breaking the fourth wall and those are some of the best parts. Very angsty, though, which I love but many people don't.
But don't read this one until you have all five of the episodes because they all end with cliffhangers. There is supposedly a single compendium of all five titles, Darwin's Theory, but I couldn't find it anywhere.
The couple's relationship at the beginning is a bit confusing but it's obvious how much they care about each other. The romance part is wonderful I think. The world that Wilder has built is interesting and works well. While there are similarities to other books, there are enough differences, twists, and turns to keep me interested and a little impressed.
A friend compared this to JCP's Channelling Morpheus series. I can see that, though it's not quite as dark and less blood. :)
I shouldn't have waited. This series is so good and this is one of my favorite couples ever. It's also hilarious at times. It's got a bit of breaking the fourth wall and those are some of the best parts. Very angsty, though, which I love but many people don't.
But don't read this one until you have all five of the episodes because they all end with cliffhangers. There is supposedly a single compendium of all five titles, Darwin's Theory, but I couldn't find it anywhere.
The couple's relationship at the beginning is a bit confusing but it's obvious how much they care about each other. The romance part is wonderful I think. The world that Wilder has built is interesting and works well. While there are similarities to other books, there are enough differences, twists, and turns to keep me interested and a little impressed.
A friend compared this to JCP's Channelling Morpheus series. I can see that, though it's not quite as dark and less blood. :)
June 14, 2011
This short story was great. I'm hoping that the rest of the series will stand up. Darwin has had the serious hots for Peter since he was 14. Peter loves Darwin but is saving himself for the perfect first time. The story is written from Darwin's POV and that totally makes the story. Darwin will do anything for Peter though his insatiable dick often does the thinking which makes for complications. Bravo Ms Wilder.
January 5, 2014
It's a good thing I have the next installment or the ending would have made me really mad. You don't stop right in the middle of the scene. It's just not cool!
3.5 stars and off to read Secrets.
3.5 stars and off to read Secrets.
March 3, 2019
Cogí esta serie porque me encanta la escritora, pero me equivoqué.
La historia no resulta atractiva y los personajes no son atractivos,o al menos a mi no me enganchó nada,si bien me gusta cómo está escrito.
Obviamente no sigo con los libros sigueintes
La historia no resulta atractiva y los personajes no son atractivos,o al menos a mi no me enganchó nada,si bien me gusta cómo está escrito.
Obviamente no sigo con los libros sigueintes
January 21, 2013
Very, very reminiscent of JCP's Channeling Morpheus for Scary Mary series. Darwin's voice is unique and unusual and the dichotomy of the purity of his love for Peter causing him to be so self-destructive was heartbreaking and fascinating.
I can't help but wish I'd gotten to know both characters better before seeing them get together. The longing both felt was clear, as was the joy and awe at finally being together. I couldn't help but feel a little removed from that, though, because I'd only been told about it all and hadn't seen it.
I'm excited to continue the series, though. (Especially because in her About the Author snippet Ms. Wilder calls herself a dragonholic... a word I just used to describe myself in a review earlier today!)
Some favorite quotes:
It’s doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.
Or maybe that’s scientific theory. Whatever. Who cares?
Yeah, but it was nutritious. I didn’t want nutritious. I wanted fattening with lots of sugar and cholesterol, so I could be sure my miserable existence on this good-for-nothing ball of dirt was as short and deliciously tasty as possible.
“You’re not going to do something stupid are you?”
Of course. Did I ever do anything but stupid?
If it had just been me, I would have never asked about utilizing their luxury hole in the wall. But Peter would have never let me sleep under a bridge alone. And since I wouldn’t let him sleep under a bridge at all...
My chest tightened, but I refused to cry. Not only would crying smear my eyeliner, but I would’ve totally ruined my badass, emotionally detached image.
I can't help but wish I'd gotten to know both characters better before seeing them get together. The longing both felt was clear, as was the joy and awe at finally being together. I couldn't help but feel a little removed from that, though, because I'd only been told about it all and hadn't seen it.
I'm excited to continue the series, though. (Especially because in her About the Author snippet Ms. Wilder calls herself a dragonholic... a word I just used to describe myself in a review earlier today!)
Some favorite quotes:
It’s doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.
Or maybe that’s scientific theory. Whatever. Who cares?
Yeah, but it was nutritious. I didn’t want nutritious. I wanted fattening with lots of sugar and cholesterol, so I could be sure my miserable existence on this good-for-nothing ball of dirt was as short and deliciously tasty as possible.
“You’re not going to do something stupid are you?”
Of course. Did I ever do anything but stupid?
If it had just been me, I would have never asked about utilizing their luxury hole in the wall. But Peter would have never let me sleep under a bridge alone. And since I wouldn’t let him sleep under a bridge at all...
My chest tightened, but I refused to cry. Not only would crying smear my eyeliner, but I would’ve totally ruined my badass, emotionally detached image.
Read
January 3, 2015Okay, how am I supposed to rate this book? It was only half a story, stopping right at the point where it got really interesting! I did like where this story was going very much but I just don't know how to rate this.
April 30, 2011
Sometimes I find it really hard to get absorbed in a short story because, well, it’s just too short. That was not the case here! In fact, I couldn’t believe how quickly I became engrossed in it and how much depth there was in terms of the story as well as the characters.
I was struggling to come up with the way to describe the completely unique setting in this book – call it real world meets fantasy world. I mean the names, references, language and partially the location all feel current, and yet there is this fantasy element of an in-between world with different classes of beings. Voila – “urban fantasy”! I never really understood the term as it relates to a fiction genre until I read this book. Now, I get it! This book perfectly represents this genre – it’s completely unique and I’ve not read anything else quite like it!
I love how the two main characters were so well developed!!! We learn about Darwin as the narrator of the story, and oh man, he is one wild character. His monologue is both entertaining and a bit on the dark side. He really doesn’t seem to give a damn about anything except his beloved Peter, and it appears he would go to pretty dramatic lengths to help/protect him. It’s this fierce need to watch over Peter and strike out at anyone who would dare to do him any harm that ultimately backfires and sets off the beginning of a nasty chain of events that ironically brings the two together for the first time.
The chemistry and emotion between Peter and Darwin are hot! It felt like just when the fire got rip roaring with a humongous blaze, OH NO, the end of the book!!! All I can say is “amen” (and I’m not a religious girl) that the next book is available because I need to find out what happens with them and the rest of their story – like now!
This is an amazing read – don’t miss it!
I was struggling to come up with the way to describe the completely unique setting in this book – call it real world meets fantasy world. I mean the names, references, language and partially the location all feel current, and yet there is this fantasy element of an in-between world with different classes of beings. Voila – “urban fantasy”! I never really understood the term as it relates to a fiction genre until I read this book. Now, I get it! This book perfectly represents this genre – it’s completely unique and I’ve not read anything else quite like it!
I love how the two main characters were so well developed!!! We learn about Darwin as the narrator of the story, and oh man, he is one wild character. His monologue is both entertaining and a bit on the dark side. He really doesn’t seem to give a damn about anything except his beloved Peter, and it appears he would go to pretty dramatic lengths to help/protect him. It’s this fierce need to watch over Peter and strike out at anyone who would dare to do him any harm that ultimately backfires and sets off the beginning of a nasty chain of events that ironically brings the two together for the first time.
The chemistry and emotion between Peter and Darwin are hot! It felt like just when the fire got rip roaring with a humongous blaze, OH NO, the end of the book!!! All I can say is “amen” (and I’m not a religious girl) that the next book is available because I need to find out what happens with them and the rest of their story – like now!
This is an amazing read – don’t miss it!
July 25, 2011
This is a good short story. I was hoping to learn more about the kin and the lesser. Instead, I think this was the set up between Darwin and Peter. I like Darwin. He shows loyalty and he's great with his vindictiveness. I can totally understand the method to his madness. I'm intrigued enough to read the rest of the series.
October 27, 2014
I like Darwin immediately and was looking forward to a great revenge book. Didn't realize this would end on a cliffhanger. I'm intrigued by the world of lesser bred and kin. I think this may be a spinoff of another series? I'll have to look into it. This teaser book has captured my attention so I will get the other books in the series.
June 14, 2012
Very good short paranormal m/m romance about two college roommates, one serious and brilliant, the other smart but wild. They've been friends since they were 12, and in love with each other for almost that long, but Peter (serious and brilliant) wanted to wait to become lovers...
March 16, 2013
Lol, yeah. Talk about mother-of-all "fuck you"'s.
Hey, look. There's a second one!
But beyond that...
I really like Darwin's voice. He's sarcastic, wry, but also oddly insightful. It's cool.
And he's got delicious angst.
Hey, look. There's a second one!
But beyond that...
I really like Darwin's voice. He's sarcastic, wry, but also oddly insightful. It's cool.
And he's got delicious angst.
June 28, 2014
Great beginning!
June 14, 2012
Well, that was just too short! But totally hot!
June 4, 2017
This was so good, I really wasn’t expecting to like it too much. I’ve been intrigued by the author for quite a long time and I’ve never made the time to read something until now. I choose this one because of it was short but I wasn’t too much attracted by the blurb, that’s why I wasn’t expecting to like it. How wrong I was, this was very good.
One of the things I liked the most was the contrast between the main characters personalities. We only get to know Peter from Darwin’s eyes, but he seemed such a nice guy, maybe a little bit too perfect, which isn’t always ok with me, but he was sweet and against all odds I did liked him. Darwin on the other hand, was such an unpleasant character, which would make me hate him from the beginning, but I really didn’t. It is very interesting to see such character, not the usual hero of a story, a little more like a villain, and yet he had some great appealing that had me hooked to the story and guessing his next action. I’m still trying to figure him out.
The plot was good, and it was a great introduction to the main characters, and it left the reader wanting more. I definitely will be reading the next instalments on the series. As the experiment reading this book was for me, I have to say it was a great first impression on the author’s writing. If I was intrigued before, this book prove me I was on the right track.
One of the things I liked the most was the contrast between the main characters personalities. We only get to know Peter from Darwin’s eyes, but he seemed such a nice guy, maybe a little bit too perfect, which isn’t always ok with me, but he was sweet and against all odds I did liked him. Darwin on the other hand, was such an unpleasant character, which would make me hate him from the beginning, but I really didn’t. It is very interesting to see such character, not the usual hero of a story, a little more like a villain, and yet he had some great appealing that had me hooked to the story and guessing his next action. I’m still trying to figure him out.
The plot was good, and it was a great introduction to the main characters, and it left the reader wanting more. I definitely will be reading the next instalments on the series. As the experiment reading this book was for me, I have to say it was a great first impression on the author’s writing. If I was intrigued before, this book prove me I was on the right track.
May 31, 2017
M/M erotica involving dragon shifters is a foreign concept to me. When I was sorting through these books in order to satisfy a challenge, it felt like I was perusing a dinner menu printed in Swahili. I had no clue what to order. Would it be a delectable treat or make me want to vomit?
When I think of two men together, I think of naughty, delicious things. When I think of dragons, I think of Little Jackie Paper and that rascal, Puff. Sex doesn't even enter into the equation.
That all said, I feel a 4 star rating is pretty damn good! I recommend this book for fans of M/M erotica with a dragon kink. (Not that there's anything wrong with that... )
When I think of two men together, I think of naughty, delicious things. When I think of dragons, I think of Little Jackie Paper and that rascal, Puff. Sex doesn't even enter into the equation.
That all said, I feel a 4 star rating is pretty damn good! I recommend this book for fans of M/M erotica with a dragon kink. (Not that there's anything wrong with that... )
July 4, 2017
What a great story, well written and flowed along great. I have to say I loved the style of this author which pulled me into the story right from page one.
Darwin is a regular guy living in what seems like a normal world but his life is anything but normal.
There are 5 books to this series that I read within a couple of days I was so hooked. And I'm happy to see there is now a novel to follow these 5 books, which I intend to start reading right away.
Great job! Keep up the great story!
September 8, 2017
Good start....
***3.5 stars***
Not a bad start to the series. The chemistry between Darwin and Peter is HOT! I do wish that there was more background on the Gray Zone and the beings, the Kin and the Lesser-Bred, that inhabit the area. I am intrigued and hope as the series goes on that more background will be given.
***3.5 stars***
Not a bad start to the series. The chemistry between Darwin and Peter is HOT! I do wish that there was more background on the Gray Zone and the beings, the Kin and the Lesser-Bred, that inhabit the area. I am intrigued and hope as the series goes on that more background will be given.
November 20, 2023
Episode 1
March 18, 2017
Great book.
July 24, 2019
This is not a short story or the first book in a (traditional) series. It's the first installment in a serialized novel. We get just a few chapters with this first release, and then a few more each consecutive month. (I'm fairly certain the release schedule is monthly, but please correct me if I'm wrong.)
Because of this, I'm only going to put my rating (and review) on this first installment (Pain), but it will reflect all the current installments (that I've read) and may change as the story progresses.
My read status:
1) Pain - [read]
2) Secrets - [read]
3) Promises - [read]
4) Lost - [read]
This is a fantastic story so far! I adore the two main characters, Peter and Darwin. They couldn't be more different from each other, yet they seem so perfect for each other and are absolutely wonderful together. And Darwin is, by far, one of the most fascinating and memorable characters that I've read in a long time. I really, really love him, and love how he loves Peter.
The plot and world building (what we've seen so far) is intriguing and fascinating, and I'm literally on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what happens next! It's a fast-paced page-turner with not a single dull moment, but...because it's so good, that also makes it extremely frustrating to have to wait for each new installment. Arghh! :(
So far: Highly Recommended! :D
I'm wondering if there are any plans to compile it all into a single book sometime after the final installment has been published? If so, it would be really great if those of us who purchased all of the "parts" got a free (eBook) copy of the full novel. :)
Because of this, I'm only going to put my rating (and review) on this first installment (Pain), but it will reflect all the current installments (that I've read) and may change as the story progresses.
My read status:
1) Pain - [read]
2) Secrets - [read]
3) Promises - [read]
4) Lost - [read]
This is a fantastic story so far! I adore the two main characters, Peter and Darwin. They couldn't be more different from each other, yet they seem so perfect for each other and are absolutely wonderful together. And Darwin is, by far, one of the most fascinating and memorable characters that I've read in a long time. I really, really love him, and love how he loves Peter.
The plot and world building (what we've seen so far) is intriguing and fascinating, and I'm literally on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what happens next! It's a fast-paced page-turner with not a single dull moment, but...because it's so good, that also makes it extremely frustrating to have to wait for each new installment. Arghh! :(
So far: Highly Recommended! :D
I'm wondering if there are any plans to compile it all into a single book sometime after the final installment has been published? If so, it would be really great if those of us who purchased all of the "parts" got a free (eBook) copy of the full novel. :)
July 7, 2011
I love reading bad boys. Darwin is a different type of bad boy though. He’s not the take charge kick everyone’s ass alpha male. In fact for the past six years he’s been hollow, missing someone he desperately wants in his life on a deeper level. So he’s been filling in the emptiness with drugs, meaningless sex, and dangerous nights in the Gray Zone and a dark broody bad attitude. He does have a one bright spot in his life, Peter. Peter is his roommate, best friend, and the man he loves. Darwin goes to crazy lengths to protect and defend Peter. Darwin finally benefits from his defensiveness of Peter. When Darwin takes revenge out on someone who caused harm to Peter, it finally pushes their relationship into new territory.
Wilder has created an amazingly unique version of Atlanta. Even though this is a complex world it is written so well that it is easily understood. There is some unique terminology, also easily understood just by reading the context of the sentence. This dark version of Atlanta is also known as the City of Dragons. The Kin (dragons) and their not full blooded relatives the Lesser-Bred are forced to live behind the Wall in the Gray Zone. As with the world, Wilder also creates amazing characters. Darwin and Peter are so realistic and so likeable. They have real life problems and drama and it really fleshes them out as humans. The romance, extreme crush that leads to romance is fast paced and very intense.
Be sure to check out the author's website. She is her own cover artist. She also has some amazing illustrations of the characters in her books there.
***male ~ male sex scenes***
Wilder has created an amazingly unique version of Atlanta. Even though this is a complex world it is written so well that it is easily understood. There is some unique terminology, also easily understood just by reading the context of the sentence. This dark version of Atlanta is also known as the City of Dragons. The Kin (dragons) and their not full blooded relatives the Lesser-Bred are forced to live behind the Wall in the Gray Zone. As with the world, Wilder also creates amazing characters. Darwin and Peter are so realistic and so likeable. They have real life problems and drama and it really fleshes them out as humans. The romance, extreme crush that leads to romance is fast paced and very intense.
Be sure to check out the author's website. She is her own cover artist. She also has some amazing illustrations of the characters in her books there.
***male ~ male sex scenes***
February 16, 2013
I had this series recommended to me so I finally sat down to give it a try. This first installment was a short story so now I think that maybe this is more of a serial-style story.
The world-building involves the knowledge that dragons and lesser beings exist and are classed separate from 'pure' humans. They live separate from each other almost like a class structure. But other than the fact that the main character, Darwin spends time with these lower classes, they are not as important in this first story installment which mostly deals with introducing the characters like Darwin and his long friend and love interest Peter along with the bad guy jocks of the piece. Darwin engages in destructive behavior while he waits for the day that Peter will acknowledge Darwin's love and agree to a relationship. It takes a bad incident that Darwin caused to bring forward the issue. The story ends at the point where one of Darwin's pranks may have lost Peter his college scholarship, but it also ends with the two guys starting a relationship.
The plot was good and has me eager to discover what happens next. Darwin is the narrator and even though he really is a trouble maker, he's a likeable one. I'm really looking forward to the next installment.
The world-building involves the knowledge that dragons and lesser beings exist and are classed separate from 'pure' humans. They live separate from each other almost like a class structure. But other than the fact that the main character, Darwin spends time with these lower classes, they are not as important in this first story installment which mostly deals with introducing the characters like Darwin and his long friend and love interest Peter along with the bad guy jocks of the piece. Darwin engages in destructive behavior while he waits for the day that Peter will acknowledge Darwin's love and agree to a relationship. It takes a bad incident that Darwin caused to bring forward the issue. The story ends at the point where one of Darwin's pranks may have lost Peter his college scholarship, but it also ends with the two guys starting a relationship.
The plot was good and has me eager to discover what happens next. Darwin is the narrator and even though he really is a trouble maker, he's a likeable one. I'm really looking forward to the next installment.
April 16, 2014
Alright. This is a bit scatterbrained because the story (so short!) is a bit overwhelming, but I must write it down.
I love Darwin. I love how the author forces you into the story, only giving you Darwin's strong personality at the beginning. You have to go along with the story, not being explained the (admittedly little) plot to. You get told information subtly; so much of the story seems to be describing things for no particular reason, but it creates a strong visual of what Darwin experiences.
Darwin is... not my role model, but he's perfect. This is just the kind of thing I wanted to read. The way he acts and his appearance (Demonias!) are really appealing to me.
Peter, I think, has not been formed as a character nearly as much as Darwin, but he has the potential to be done well.
I'm impressed with how quickly Adrienne Wilder establishes relationships between people. Darwin and Peter so obviously have an incredibly strong bond, and how that's conveyed in so few pages is beyond me.
The paranormal! How, with all the other stuff in this sixty-odd page story, were dragons fit in? I love it. How will they work out in the next book? I want to know.
I must read the second book!
I love Darwin. I love how the author forces you into the story, only giving you Darwin's strong personality at the beginning. You have to go along with the story, not being explained the (admittedly little) plot to. You get told information subtly; so much of the story seems to be describing things for no particular reason, but it creates a strong visual of what Darwin experiences.
Darwin is... not my role model, but he's perfect. This is just the kind of thing I wanted to read. The way he acts and his appearance (Demonias!) are really appealing to me.
Peter, I think, has not been formed as a character nearly as much as Darwin, but he has the potential to be done well.
I'm impressed with how quickly Adrienne Wilder establishes relationships between people. Darwin and Peter so obviously have an incredibly strong bond, and how that's conveyed in so few pages is beyond me.
The paranormal! How, with all the other stuff in this sixty-odd page story, were dragons fit in? I love it. How will they work out in the next book? I want to know.
I must read the second book!
July 8, 2011
I gotta give it to Adrienne Wilder...she is smart. I was given this book and Secrets (part #2) for free from Ms. Wilder and now she has me hooked. I had never heard of these books or this author, but free is free, so what did I have to lose? What I didn't realize is that these are short stories in a continuing series. How many books will there be? I wish I knew. I have now bought the third book and the 4th book is on my wish-list.
It is unusual the way this story unfolds. We are slowly learning about the characters and the world they live in as it goes along. I only realized, as I was reading this, that this is set in a paranormal world. It is briefly mentioned in this book, but doesn't come into play in this first story, so therefore really isn't explained. The main thing that we learn is that Darwin and Peter love each other, unconditionally. It is such a sweet love. Darwin is tough, worldly and experienced with a devil-may-care attitude, but here he is, madly in love with sweet, innocent, pure Pete. How can I not fall in love with both of them and root for their never-ending happiness? I just hope that it comes soon.
It is unusual the way this story unfolds. We are slowly learning about the characters and the world they live in as it goes along. I only realized, as I was reading this, that this is set in a paranormal world. It is briefly mentioned in this book, but doesn't come into play in this first story, so therefore really isn't explained. The main thing that we learn is that Darwin and Peter love each other, unconditionally. It is such a sweet love. Darwin is tough, worldly and experienced with a devil-may-care attitude, but here he is, madly in love with sweet, innocent, pure Pete. How can I not fall in love with both of them and root for their never-ending happiness? I just hope that it comes soon.
June 10, 2012
The first in a series this one is definitely just "act one". I did enjoy Darwin - who we get to know here. Peter was just not someone who you really get to know. The story is told from Darwin's viewpoint. I was confused from the beginning with what exactly the relationship was between Darwin and Peter. At first I thought it was a crush...unrequited. Then about 2/3 the way in it became apparent it was a mutual love/caring but without sex. The reason it didn't rate higher is because of the video issue
There was very little to the world building of the Dens and the Dragon society (almost nothing) which I think would have helped understand Darwin more. For all intents and purposes it seemed like any old regular town in GA. So mixing the Lesser Knowns in didn't make as much sense. I was intrigued but would need to read more to discover if that world makes sense - and I did rate up a star for the potential of that world.
There was very little to the world building of the Dens and the Dragon society (almost nothing) which I think would have helped understand Darwin more. For all intents and purposes it seemed like any old regular town in GA. So mixing the Lesser Knowns in didn't make as much sense. I was intrigued but would need to read more to discover if that world makes sense - and I did rate up a star for the potential of that world.
March 17, 2011
"Pain" is an intense, fast-paced read. I was wary at first on reading this book, because I am not familiar with the terminology of the "Dens," but Wilder made it an easy transition for those new to her world. Peter and Darwin are not only star-crossed perfect lovers, but are human, with human foibles and characteristics. The reader could definitely see these two walking down the street, or in Darwin's case, setting post office drop boxes on fire as he meanders down the way. The love making scenes are tantalizing and erotic, but no more so than any good Paranormal or Urban Romance (i.e. Jacquelyn Frank's Nightwalker Series). Do not let the male/male scenario turn you away from this delightful and twisted love story. The novella format of this story will leave you wanting more, but it does not bog you down with innate details and fripperies which has hindered truly decent stories in the past. The entire "Darwin's Theory" series is an excellent addition to any reader's collection!
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