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Paranormal Investigator #1
The Seduction of Phaeton Black
In the gaslit streets of Victorian London, phantoms rule the night, demons dance till dawn, and one supernatural detective dares to be seduced by the greatest power of all. . .
He's The Man With The Magic Touch
A master of deduction, seduction and other midnight maneuvers, Phaeton Black is Scotland Yard's secret weapon against things that go bump in the night. His prodigious gifts as a paranormal investigator are as legendary as his skills as a lover, his weakness for wicked women as notorious as his affection for absinthe. But when he's asked to hunt down a fanged femme fatale who drains her victims of blood, he walks right into the arms of the most dangerous woman he's ever known. . .
She's The Devilish Miss Jones
Pressing a knife to his throat--and demanding he make love to her--Miss America Jones uses Phaeton as a willing shield against the gang of pirates chasing her. As deadly as she is, with a derringer tucked in her garter, Miss Jones is not the vampiric killer he's been staking out--but she may be just what Phaeton needs to crack the case. As the daughter of a Cajun witch, she possesses uncanny powers. As a fearless fighter, she can handle anything from Egyptian mummies to Jack the Ripper. But when an ancient evil is unleashed on the world, she could be his only salvation. . .or ultimate sacrifice.
He's The Man With The Magic Touch
A master of deduction, seduction and other midnight maneuvers, Phaeton Black is Scotland Yard's secret weapon against things that go bump in the night. His prodigious gifts as a paranormal investigator are as legendary as his skills as a lover, his weakness for wicked women as notorious as his affection for absinthe. But when he's asked to hunt down a fanged femme fatale who drains her victims of blood, he walks right into the arms of the most dangerous woman he's ever known. . .
She's The Devilish Miss Jones
Pressing a knife to his throat--and demanding he make love to her--Miss America Jones uses Phaeton as a willing shield against the gang of pirates chasing her. As deadly as she is, with a derringer tucked in her garter, Miss Jones is not the vampiric killer he's been staking out--but she may be just what Phaeton needs to crack the case. As the daughter of a Cajun witch, she possesses uncanny powers. As a fearless fighter, she can handle anything from Egyptian mummies to Jack the Ripper. But when an ancient evil is unleashed on the world, she could be his only salvation. . .or ultimate sacrifice.
335 pages, Paperback
First published March 27, 2012
36 people are currently reading
2080 people want to read
About the author
Jillian Stone
20 books347 followersMulti-published, national award-winning author, Jillian Stone is on a three year quest to write all the books (in different genres) she’s always wanted to write before she gets forever labeled as a historical romance writer. Jillian lives in Southern California and is currently writing a dystopian fairy tale.
This year, look for two different novellas in the Wolf Lords of London series, including WOLF, INTERRUPTED and WOLF ON FIRE. And coming this Fall, Jillian treads lightly into the world of magical realism. Watch for NIGHT BLOOMERS, book #1 in her exciting new supernatural Paradox Lake series.
This year, look for two different novellas in the Wolf Lords of London series, including WOLF, INTERRUPTED and WOLF ON FIRE. And coming this Fall, Jillian treads lightly into the world of magical realism. Watch for NIGHT BLOOMERS, book #1 in her exciting new supernatural Paradox Lake series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
July 21, 2012
Another instance where false advertisement causes readers a lot of grief. That cover promised me gaslight fantasy with a gritty Victorian England setting, steampunk elements (airships!) and romance. The description promises me that and more - supernatural hijinks, a paranormal fantasy version of Sherlock Holmes, Egyptian mummies and Jack the Ripper! The mishmash in there should have been the first warning sign, but I figured it could work.
Yeah, well. All of those elements were there, but it looks like someone put them through a grinder and then watered down the remains. Oh, the things I would do to get my 2.5 hours back.
Everything was a rushed, jumbled mess. Things just happen without any context, characters walk in without decent introduction before disappearing when they've served their purpose, the plot meanders and is constantly interrupted by unnecessary sex scenes. The sex scenes made up for 99.5% of the book, actually; I don't think Phaeton, America or anyone else in this damn book thinks about or does anything else. Yes, that includes the Egyptian deities.
I honestly can't even explain what happened in this book. Something's afoot in... town (the world-building here is non-existent, so just go with me); people getting killed Jack the Ripper style, vampire sightings, etc. Phaeton is apparently the man for the job - we know this because the plot describes him as a paranormal investigator - but in writing he's basically a sex-crazed guy who lives in a brothel and happens to wander into this mess. Oh, we're told that he has an interest in this stuff, but why? No idea, his backstory is nil. Before we can get a handle on everything, America Jones is thrown in and we're "treated" to Phaeton and America's first meeting: she is on the run from pirates(!), asks him to pretend to make love to her in a back alley as a disguise, and he takes it as an invitation and does it for real. In typical alpha hero fashion, he then tells her that she clearly wanted it anyway, because she would've stabbed him with that knife if she hadn't! Uh, okay. And how is this supposed to be romantic or sexy? Honestly ridiculous circumstances then "force" America to beg him to hire her as his live-in caretaker (and we all know where that's going). The two of them spend the rest of the novel exploring the Kama Sutra (literally - he gives her a copy) at home, on trains, on ships, at other people's houses, etc. I should be fair to the author, though. Other things do happen at those locations, like Phaeton being attacked by an Egyptian goddess... which leads to comfort sex. They also end up at the docks to solve America's pirate issue... which leads to more sex. See the pattern here?
Oh, did I mention that the Egyptian thing is tied to the pirates somehow and it's also related to the Ripper killings? And a guy called Dr. Exeter who has history with Phaeton turns up to lend him a helping hand? Just don't expect it to make sense, because it was basically slapped together on the storyboard with sticky-tape and expected to hold. But never mind those, those are just unnecessary PLOT POINTS used as gap-fillers because America and Phaeton's stamina do run out, however rarely. Every time you feel like you can remember what the story's actually about, you run into a brick wall full of sex scenes.
If I had to summarize my experience with this book, I'd say it's like you're watching a movie, but every 5 minutes your brother switches the channel to a porno and it takes you 20 minutes to wrestle the remote back. Then you kick his ass and briefly return to your movie, only you have to figure out what's going on all over again. Finally, your suffering's at an end and you've reached the grand finale. You hold your breath in anticipation, hoping it'd finally all make sense... and then you realize that the movie ends with no questions answered and everyone skipping off into the sunset, hand in hand.
Hey, at least the airship makes an appearance for that purpose, right? The idiotic hero has to be air-dropped to his loving America!
Yeah, well. All of those elements were there, but it looks like someone put them through a grinder and then watered down the remains. Oh, the things I would do to get my 2.5 hours back.
Everything was a rushed, jumbled mess. Things just happen without any context, characters walk in without decent introduction before disappearing when they've served their purpose, the plot meanders and is constantly interrupted by unnecessary sex scenes. The sex scenes made up for 99.5% of the book, actually; I don't think Phaeton, America or anyone else in this damn book thinks about or does anything else. Yes, that includes the Egyptian deities.
I honestly can't even explain what happened in this book. Something's afoot in... town (the world-building here is non-existent, so just go with me); people getting killed Jack the Ripper style, vampire sightings, etc. Phaeton is apparently the man for the job - we know this because the plot describes him as a paranormal investigator - but in writing he's basically a sex-crazed guy who lives in a brothel and happens to wander into this mess. Oh, we're told that he has an interest in this stuff, but why? No idea, his backstory is nil. Before we can get a handle on everything, America Jones is thrown in and we're "treated" to Phaeton and America's first meeting: she is on the run from pirates(!), asks him to pretend to make love to her in a back alley as a disguise, and he takes it as an invitation and does it for real. In typical alpha hero fashion, he then tells her that she clearly wanted it anyway, because she would've stabbed him with that knife if she hadn't! Uh, okay. And how is this supposed to be romantic or sexy? Honestly ridiculous circumstances then "force" America to beg him to hire her as his live-in caretaker (and we all know where that's going). The two of them spend the rest of the novel exploring the Kama Sutra (literally - he gives her a copy) at home, on trains, on ships, at other people's houses, etc. I should be fair to the author, though. Other things do happen at those locations, like Phaeton being attacked by an Egyptian goddess... which leads to comfort sex. They also end up at the docks to solve America's pirate issue... which leads to more sex. See the pattern here?
Oh, did I mention that the Egyptian thing is tied to the pirates somehow and it's also related to the Ripper killings? And a guy called Dr. Exeter who has history with Phaeton turns up to lend him a helping hand? Just don't expect it to make sense, because it was basically slapped together on the storyboard with sticky-tape and expected to hold. But never mind those, those are just unnecessary PLOT POINTS used as gap-fillers because America and Phaeton's stamina do run out, however rarely. Every time you feel like you can remember what the story's actually about, you run into a brick wall full of sex scenes.
If I had to summarize my experience with this book, I'd say it's like you're watching a movie, but every 5 minutes your brother switches the channel to a porno and it takes you 20 minutes to wrestle the remote back. Then you kick his ass and briefly return to your movie, only you have to figure out what's going on all over again. Finally, your suffering's at an end and you've reached the grand finale. You hold your breath in anticipation, hoping it'd finally all make sense... and then you realize that the movie ends with no questions answered and everyone skipping off into the sunset, hand in hand.
Hey, at least the airship makes an appearance for that purpose, right? The idiotic hero has to be air-dropped to his loving America!
December 18, 2016
I don't even know how to rate this book, but I'm going with 2 to 2.5 stars as it took me forever to complete. It's an odd book with a lot of world building and not always enough explaining. The main characters are Phaeton Black and America Jones. Phaeton works for a special branch of Scotland Yard and has sight/senses the paranormal. He's also a super crass horn dog manwhore. He rents a flat in a brothel. America is the mixed daughter of a deceased ship captain/shipping company owner and a Voodoo priestess. She accidentally becomes entangled in Phaeton's cases for Scotland Yard and they end up helping each other.
The first half of the book is annoying because Phaeton is a douchey man whore to America. Plus a lot of info dumping and it was just boring. I soldiered through and it got a bit more interesting, but it was still too technical on certain steampunk things that were boring. Once more of a relationship developed between the two the book's pace picked up and the end was satisfactory.
Favorite character was Edvar. Just an all around odd book of steampunk and slightly paranormal.
The first half of the book is annoying because Phaeton is a douchey man whore to America. Plus a lot of info dumping and it was just boring. I soldiered through and it got a bit more interesting, but it was still too technical on certain steampunk things that were boring. Once more of a relationship developed between the two the book's pace picked up and the end was satisfactory.
Favorite character was Edvar. Just an all around odd book of steampunk and slightly paranormal.
March 4, 2012
The Seduction of Phaeton Black is a sexy romp in the late 1880's London. With a bit of a Sherlock Holmes feel and some serious heat, this one is a historical paranormal romance keeper.
The characters in Phaeton Black really drive the story, which is how I prefer my PNR. The title character, Phaeton, is an infamous lover, loner, and solver of the oddest of crimes. He is a detective for Scotland Yard, but on on a bit of a leave since the Yard disagreed with his beliefs about the Jack the Ripper case. Phaeton has been plagued by the paranormal since he was little - gargoyles, demons, vampires, etc. Phaeton and America meet under extremely unusual circumstances one night while America is trying to outrun a group of pirates chasing her. Her father has recently died and his ships have been stolen by these pirates. America comes to live with Phaeton after her home is burnt down ...and so it begins.
Phaeton and America have many hot sexual encounters, but keep their feelings for each other at arm's length for different reasons. The story is told from the alternating points of view of each, which sometimes bothers me in books but works well here. I loved reading what was going on inside each of their heads about each other and seeing their steamier moments from the different points of view was certainly fun.
Meanwhile, there is an actual paranormal mystery taking place here. Murders have been taking place around town and Phaeton knows that something paranormal is behind them. One complaint I had about this book was that the author, Jillian Stone, kept referring to this entity by all kinds of different terms (Is it a vampire? Empusa? Goddess?) and I felt myself getting a little lost sometimes, thinking the narrator was referring to a new creature. I also felt that the paranormal aspect of the story was not completely developed since the focus was really more on the relationship between Phaeton and America. I am hoping that we will get more into the paranormal world as the series continues since this is a trilogy.
A third important character is developed as Phaeton gets deeper into the murder mystery - the very enigmatic Dr. Exeter. He is a paranormal genius who is after the same 'bad guy' as Phaeton, and they eventually team up and become an entertaining pair. Dr. Exeter is sort of the more magical and eccentric version of Holmes' Dr. Watson. He has some 'powers' and all sorts of interesting gadgets and inventions.
A secondary plot is taking place while Phaeton investigates these murders. America is trying to track down her late father's missing ships and the band of pirates that took them. At first I didn't think I would be interested in this, but I actually enjoyed the fact that she had her own thing going on and wasn't just assisting Phaeton the whole time. The hunt for these pirates actually lead to some great parts of the story.
Make no mistake, this PNR is heavy on the romance. Phaeton and America's trysts often had me fanning myself. Fans of PNR and "bodice rippers" should really get into Phaeton and America's story! This is the first in a trilogy about the two, with the next book coming in October and the final one releasing next Spring.
The characters in Phaeton Black really drive the story, which is how I prefer my PNR. The title character, Phaeton, is an infamous lover, loner, and solver of the oddest of crimes. He is a detective for Scotland Yard, but on on a bit of a leave since the Yard disagreed with his beliefs about the Jack the Ripper case. Phaeton has been plagued by the paranormal since he was little - gargoyles, demons, vampires, etc. Phaeton and America meet under extremely unusual circumstances one night while America is trying to outrun a group of pirates chasing her. Her father has recently died and his ships have been stolen by these pirates. America comes to live with Phaeton after her home is burnt down ...and so it begins.
Phaeton and America have many hot sexual encounters, but keep their feelings for each other at arm's length for different reasons. The story is told from the alternating points of view of each, which sometimes bothers me in books but works well here. I loved reading what was going on inside each of their heads about each other and seeing their steamier moments from the different points of view was certainly fun.
Meanwhile, there is an actual paranormal mystery taking place here. Murders have been taking place around town and Phaeton knows that something paranormal is behind them. One complaint I had about this book was that the author, Jillian Stone, kept referring to this entity by all kinds of different terms (Is it a vampire? Empusa? Goddess?) and I felt myself getting a little lost sometimes, thinking the narrator was referring to a new creature. I also felt that the paranormal aspect of the story was not completely developed since the focus was really more on the relationship between Phaeton and America. I am hoping that we will get more into the paranormal world as the series continues since this is a trilogy.
A third important character is developed as Phaeton gets deeper into the murder mystery - the very enigmatic Dr. Exeter. He is a paranormal genius who is after the same 'bad guy' as Phaeton, and they eventually team up and become an entertaining pair. Dr. Exeter is sort of the more magical and eccentric version of Holmes' Dr. Watson. He has some 'powers' and all sorts of interesting gadgets and inventions.
A secondary plot is taking place while Phaeton investigates these murders. America is trying to track down her late father's missing ships and the band of pirates that took them. At first I didn't think I would be interested in this, but I actually enjoyed the fact that she had her own thing going on and wasn't just assisting Phaeton the whole time. The hunt for these pirates actually lead to some great parts of the story.
Make no mistake, this PNR is heavy on the romance. Phaeton and America's trysts often had me fanning myself. Fans of PNR and "bodice rippers" should really get into Phaeton and America's story! This is the first in a trilogy about the two, with the next book coming in October and the final one releasing next Spring.
March 24, 2012
Originally posted at http://www.addicted2heroines.com/2012...
ARC provided by Kensington
The Seduction of Phaeton Black takes place in Victorian England in 1889. When trying to describe Phaeton Black and this book, in my mind I imagined a combination of Sherlock Holmes, The Mummy movies and Indiana Jones all rolled up into an imaginative and clever book. The cover for this book does not do it justice.
Phaeton Black is a paranormal detective for Scotland Yard. He can sense all sorts of paranormal beings. He is young, handsome, extremely intelligent and given to debauchery. He is a womanizer and enjoys his evenings with absinthe. He lives in an apartment in a whore house and has no personal attachments to anyone.
His nose was strong and straight. His mouth was full, and yes, sensuous and kissable. Hair much too long to be fashionable, but there was something about the mode.
While out investigating paranormal activity, Phaeton quite literally runs into a beautiful young woman who is being chased by pirates. She pleads for his help to hide her from the pirates, and he agrees in a most forward and untraditional of ways. This is our first introduction to America Jones, the Cajun daughter of a New Orleans witch and an English sea captain father. America is also able to sense paranormal beings and has supernatural abilities herself. The initial meeting between these two characters is interesting and unforgettable. Miss Jones ends up knocking herself out, so Phaeton brings her home with him while still unconscious. Thus begins the frustrating and intriguing relationship between Phaeton and America.
Phaeton has a soft spot for America, so while he's working a paranormal case, he agrees to help America track down the aforementioned pirates. The pirates, under the leadership of Yankee Willem, have stolen America's recently deceased father's ships. Along the way to solving both mysteries, Phaeton and America engage in a playful, sultry relationship.
Phaeton is tracking down a paranormal being that he believes is responsible for the "Jack the Ripper" murder cases. The paranormal entity is a goddess, but is confusingly referred to as anything from a succubus to a vampire throughout this novel. This was one of the only complaints I had. Phaeton receives help from a quirky cast of side characters including Dr. Jason Exeter, who also has paranormal abilities, Jin Ping, the paranormal hermaphrodite and Edvar the Gargoyle. The mystery surrounding the goddess Qadesh is well written and kept me interested throughout the entire book. I was also pleased with the secondary plot line concerning America Jones and her plight to win back her father's ships.
The relationship between Phaeton and America begins as a fun, light affair. Phaeton and America have fun together and enjoy an easiness around one another. As the story progresses, Phaeton and America become more and more wrapped up in one another, and the relationship becomes far more meaningful than Phaeton would like to admit. There are hot sex scenes, as well as a very good kinky scene. Phaeton becomes more and more nervous as he realizes he doesn't want to let America go. He has a past issue that he has not come to terms with, which is revealed towards the end of this book. He is uncomfortable with his feelings, and this made reading the last third of this book rather stressful for me!
Truth be told, he was more than taken by her. Soon the little minx would capture him body and soul. From the very start she had wormed her way into his life and now he could hardly believe it himself. He was soft on Miss Jones. What a horrifying development this was.
One thing I really liked about this story is that America is a very strong woman. She can fight, she sticks up for herself, and she will not allow any of the men in this book to bully her. She refuses to compromise on her shipping business, and doesn't let her attachment to Phaeton cloud her judgment.
This book is well written, in my opinion. The language used is very much what I would have expected in Victorian England. I was transfixed on this book from the first page. I also very much enjoyed the dry, sarcastic humor employed throughout this book. Phaeton is a very dry character, and had me laughing several times during this book. Everything with Phaeton is so matter-of-fact. Below is an example of Phaeton's dry observations. Keep in mind that Phaeton is in no way attracted to men.
Phaeton perused the nude body of the man standing directly in front of him. Golden skin, lean muscle, impressive phallus even at half mast. Magnificent. If he wasn't inclined toward the female sex, he would surely be aroused. Actually, he was aroused.
I think that Jillian Stone is a very talented writer and story-teller, and I cannot wait until the second book in this series, The Moonstone and Mrs. Jones, is released later this fall. This is definitely a series and an author to keep an eye on.
"Because you two are - like spirits, are you not? Among all things earth and stars, you have crossed paths with the special one, Mr. Black."
ARC provided by Kensington
The Seduction of Phaeton Black takes place in Victorian England in 1889. When trying to describe Phaeton Black and this book, in my mind I imagined a combination of Sherlock Holmes, The Mummy movies and Indiana Jones all rolled up into an imaginative and clever book. The cover for this book does not do it justice.
Phaeton Black is a paranormal detective for Scotland Yard. He can sense all sorts of paranormal beings. He is young, handsome, extremely intelligent and given to debauchery. He is a womanizer and enjoys his evenings with absinthe. He lives in an apartment in a whore house and has no personal attachments to anyone.
His nose was strong and straight. His mouth was full, and yes, sensuous and kissable. Hair much too long to be fashionable, but there was something about the mode.
While out investigating paranormal activity, Phaeton quite literally runs into a beautiful young woman who is being chased by pirates. She pleads for his help to hide her from the pirates, and he agrees in a most forward and untraditional of ways. This is our first introduction to America Jones, the Cajun daughter of a New Orleans witch and an English sea captain father. America is also able to sense paranormal beings and has supernatural abilities herself. The initial meeting between these two characters is interesting and unforgettable. Miss Jones ends up knocking herself out, so Phaeton brings her home with him while still unconscious. Thus begins the frustrating and intriguing relationship between Phaeton and America.
Phaeton has a soft spot for America, so while he's working a paranormal case, he agrees to help America track down the aforementioned pirates. The pirates, under the leadership of Yankee Willem, have stolen America's recently deceased father's ships. Along the way to solving both mysteries, Phaeton and America engage in a playful, sultry relationship.
Phaeton is tracking down a paranormal being that he believes is responsible for the "Jack the Ripper" murder cases. The paranormal entity is a goddess, but is confusingly referred to as anything from a succubus to a vampire throughout this novel. This was one of the only complaints I had. Phaeton receives help from a quirky cast of side characters including Dr. Jason Exeter, who also has paranormal abilities, Jin Ping, the paranormal hermaphrodite and Edvar the Gargoyle. The mystery surrounding the goddess Qadesh is well written and kept me interested throughout the entire book. I was also pleased with the secondary plot line concerning America Jones and her plight to win back her father's ships.
The relationship between Phaeton and America begins as a fun, light affair. Phaeton and America have fun together and enjoy an easiness around one another. As the story progresses, Phaeton and America become more and more wrapped up in one another, and the relationship becomes far more meaningful than Phaeton would like to admit. There are hot sex scenes, as well as a very good kinky scene. Phaeton becomes more and more nervous as he realizes he doesn't want to let America go. He has a past issue that he has not come to terms with, which is revealed towards the end of this book. He is uncomfortable with his feelings, and this made reading the last third of this book rather stressful for me!
Truth be told, he was more than taken by her. Soon the little minx would capture him body and soul. From the very start she had wormed her way into his life and now he could hardly believe it himself. He was soft on Miss Jones. What a horrifying development this was.
One thing I really liked about this story is that America is a very strong woman. She can fight, she sticks up for herself, and she will not allow any of the men in this book to bully her. She refuses to compromise on her shipping business, and doesn't let her attachment to Phaeton cloud her judgment.
This book is well written, in my opinion. The language used is very much what I would have expected in Victorian England. I was transfixed on this book from the first page. I also very much enjoyed the dry, sarcastic humor employed throughout this book. Phaeton is a very dry character, and had me laughing several times during this book. Everything with Phaeton is so matter-of-fact. Below is an example of Phaeton's dry observations. Keep in mind that Phaeton is in no way attracted to men.
Phaeton perused the nude body of the man standing directly in front of him. Golden skin, lean muscle, impressive phallus even at half mast. Magnificent. If he wasn't inclined toward the female sex, he would surely be aroused. Actually, he was aroused.
I think that Jillian Stone is a very talented writer and story-teller, and I cannot wait until the second book in this series, The Moonstone and Mrs. Jones, is released later this fall. This is definitely a series and an author to keep an eye on.
"Because you two are - like spirits, are you not? Among all things earth and stars, you have crossed paths with the special one, Mr. Black."
March 26, 2012
"Do not fall in love with me, Miss Jones. And please do not come knocking at all hours of the day and night requesting my services." She snorted. "You are safe with me, for I do not believe in such affection. Men take love for granted; they do not prize it." He released her hands. "You claim to be a woman with no heart?" "A girl gives away the secrets of her heart, and a man is off down the lane for a toss up the neighbors skirt."
What a fantastic beginning to an exciting and sexy new trilogy in Historical paranormal romance. Jillian Stone has taken two unlikely characters to be paired up in this magical gritty paranormal investigation series but it works. the Seduction of Phaeton Black? Well it plays out slowly, smoothly and captures your heart one delicious scene at a time and won't let it go. With Mr. Blacks sexual prowess and Miss Jone's sexual appeal these two are a charming desirable match.
"You wouldn't happen to haves few girls free to model, would you? Like they do in Paris? " The eider saleswoman snatched the expensive French drawers out of his hands and shooed her twittering staffers into the back room.
"How Disappointing."
Phaeton Black is a paranormal investigator with Scotland yard. He's your typical philandering, womanizing, well built twenty-five year old, known for being as satisfying in bed as he pleasurable to gaze upon. you wouldn't expect anything less from a good looking insatiable lover of 25years. As being known as an insatiable satisfying lover, Phaeton Black's reputation proceeds him, and he more than proves those assumptions to be true in The Seduction of Phaeton Black. He rents a place under the same development as a Brothel or in more modern terms a whore house. Not only does he feel quite at home in these living arrangement he's a regular consumer of these services offered so conveniently at his doorstep. With his reluctance to fall in love, witty sense of humor, heroic qualities, pursuit of all things feminine, he's a charming hero in PNR I've grown to love.
"Though I am not entirely safe to play with, at the moment I am far from dangerous. In fact, it may take the two of you to flog me into a state of excitement."
The lovely Miss America Jones is delightful young woman. She's fearless, feisty, determined and the object of Mr. Black's affections. When America Jones meets Mr. Black in an alley while running for shelter from pirates, she surprises him by holding him at knife point and demanding he act as if she were some troll up he was having his way with on the street corner as a disguise to protect her from the thieving pirates chasing her. Unbeknownst to her; he takes her request literally and with great devotion to the conquest satisfies her needs in the street without a worry upon who may stumble upon them. She's embarrassed, angry, objectified and surprisingly satisfied after her sexual encounter with Mr. Black's that's where their chase begins.
"I'm too angry for chit chat. In fact, I cannot bare to listen to the sound of your voice." America pressed her lips together, hoping to hide the amusement. He growled, or was it a grunt? "I have never roomed with a woman. I am sure I will dislike it immensely." he said. "it seems to me you live with a houseful." she said. "Clever, Miss Jones, but incorrect. I do not room with the ladies. I fuck them."
When America Jones discovers her ships acquired from her late father have been stolen from pirates, she doesn't sick back and take it lying down. Left homeless Mr. Black against his better judgement takes mercy on her and invites her to share his flat in her own room as his housekeeper after she denies his request for a concubine. She becomes an over zealous housekeeper, preparing mouthwatering meals, cleaning vigorously his bachelor pad, bathing him and even satisfying his insatiable appetite for all things Miss Jones. She wants them back and she's not taking no for an answer. With the assistance of Mr. Black and few other of his colleagues and friends the mission of capturing these pirates and gaining possession once again over these ships becomes a priority and a difficult task to manage if they plan to come out of this alive. Mr. Black proves himself to be a hero while capturing Miss Jone's heart somewhere along the way.
"And you will not travel to Portsmouth accompanied by Dexter Moore. That man's a----"
"A roué and a seducer?" She lowered her eyelids and shot him a smoldering glaze. "Nothing like you Mr. Black."
"He does his best to hide it. Which would you rather have my dear? A man who is honest and forthright about his proclivities or a profligate underhanded cheat?"
Also another task as hand is solving the Jack Ripper case. A paranormal being is believed to be conducting gruesome murders with what Mr. Black believes to be an accomplice aiding to the Jack Ripper suspect so easily eluding police. Though he doesn't get the respect he deserves as his theories on the crime are quickly shut down and deemed invaluable by Scotland Yard officials. Though, that doesn't stop Mr. Black because he's stubborn and believes in his heart he can solve the crime, and his assumptions are easily validated along this journey.
"Any moment now, a number of pirates are going to round this corner. They wish to do me harm. I want you to convince them you are near to contemplating your satisfaction with a street doxy." He grinned. He couldn't help it. "Allow me to do my best." "Hook a leg around me." "Oh my!" She cried. "What is that?" Phaeton paused. "My cock, Miss. What were you expecting?"
Mr. Black readily risks his life in the line of duty, as he so eagerly takes on the task of gaining control over Miss Jone's ships from pirates that will stop anything, to remain in control over their stollen goods. Dr. Exeter, Pin Jing, and Edvar are amongst the friends that are lending their expertise, paranormal abilities, and friendship to help solve the case I've a Jack Ripper while simultaneously working to Miss Jones to obtain control over her ships. Somehow along the way Miss Jones and Mr. Black have stepped over the threshold of fun, flirty, physical sexual encounters to a much deeper emotional sexual appetite. They both are apprehensive about falling in love with the other. Phaeton with his fear of falling in love and putting those in danger, and Miss Jones fears she may be falling in love with a man incapable of returning the love. I absolutely love how Jillian Stone slowly brought these two unlikely lovers together in beautifully written love story intertwined with crime, pirates, death, passion, lust, heroism, as well as characters I LOVE.
"Have you ever been in love, Mr. Black?" "A very long time ago. I try not to think of it."
The Goddess Quadesh plays a mysterious role in this book, and the only thing I found confusing was how she was referred to as Goddess, Succubus, vampire. That was the only negative I had about this book is that I found myself feeling a bit lost when Quadesh was referred to as various different paranormal entities. The Historical Victorian era, I found enchanting, and and captivating from the very first page. If you enjoy a great PNR with a hero that lives and advantageous sex life with a voracious taste, a feisty and willing heroine and a historical Victorian element to it, then I suggest you read The Seduction of Phaeton Black immediately. I'm excited to hear discover that Jillian Stone will be writing two more books in this trilogy; and I'm more than eager to announce that the next book due out in October 2012 The Moonstone and Miss Jones will pick up with these thrilling and highly intoxicating characters once again.
Phaeton snaked an arm around her waist and settled her beside him. They were only seconds out of the station before a new wave of uncomfortable, disturbing, sentiments hit nearly overwhelmed him. Truth be told, he was more than taken by her. Soon the little minx would capture him body and soul. From the very start she had wormed her way into his life and now he could hardly believe himself. He was soft on Miss Jones. What a horrifying development this was.
Arc provided for review by Kensington for Brava
Like what you see here, check out more of my reviews at http://MissVainsParanormalFantasy.com
What a fantastic beginning to an exciting and sexy new trilogy in Historical paranormal romance. Jillian Stone has taken two unlikely characters to be paired up in this magical gritty paranormal investigation series but it works. the Seduction of Phaeton Black? Well it plays out slowly, smoothly and captures your heart one delicious scene at a time and won't let it go. With Mr. Blacks sexual prowess and Miss Jone's sexual appeal these two are a charming desirable match.
"You wouldn't happen to haves few girls free to model, would you? Like they do in Paris? " The eider saleswoman snatched the expensive French drawers out of his hands and shooed her twittering staffers into the back room.
"How Disappointing."
Phaeton Black is a paranormal investigator with Scotland yard. He's your typical philandering, womanizing, well built twenty-five year old, known for being as satisfying in bed as he pleasurable to gaze upon. you wouldn't expect anything less from a good looking insatiable lover of 25years. As being known as an insatiable satisfying lover, Phaeton Black's reputation proceeds him, and he more than proves those assumptions to be true in The Seduction of Phaeton Black. He rents a place under the same development as a Brothel or in more modern terms a whore house. Not only does he feel quite at home in these living arrangement he's a regular consumer of these services offered so conveniently at his doorstep. With his reluctance to fall in love, witty sense of humor, heroic qualities, pursuit of all things feminine, he's a charming hero in PNR I've grown to love.
"Though I am not entirely safe to play with, at the moment I am far from dangerous. In fact, it may take the two of you to flog me into a state of excitement."
The lovely Miss America Jones is delightful young woman. She's fearless, feisty, determined and the object of Mr. Black's affections. When America Jones meets Mr. Black in an alley while running for shelter from pirates, she surprises him by holding him at knife point and demanding he act as if she were some troll up he was having his way with on the street corner as a disguise to protect her from the thieving pirates chasing her. Unbeknownst to her; he takes her request literally and with great devotion to the conquest satisfies her needs in the street without a worry upon who may stumble upon them. She's embarrassed, angry, objectified and surprisingly satisfied after her sexual encounter with Mr. Black's that's where their chase begins.
"I'm too angry for chit chat. In fact, I cannot bare to listen to the sound of your voice." America pressed her lips together, hoping to hide the amusement. He growled, or was it a grunt? "I have never roomed with a woman. I am sure I will dislike it immensely." he said. "it seems to me you live with a houseful." she said. "Clever, Miss Jones, but incorrect. I do not room with the ladies. I fuck them."
When America Jones discovers her ships acquired from her late father have been stolen from pirates, she doesn't sick back and take it lying down. Left homeless Mr. Black against his better judgement takes mercy on her and invites her to share his flat in her own room as his housekeeper after she denies his request for a concubine. She becomes an over zealous housekeeper, preparing mouthwatering meals, cleaning vigorously his bachelor pad, bathing him and even satisfying his insatiable appetite for all things Miss Jones. She wants them back and she's not taking no for an answer. With the assistance of Mr. Black and few other of his colleagues and friends the mission of capturing these pirates and gaining possession once again over these ships becomes a priority and a difficult task to manage if they plan to come out of this alive. Mr. Black proves himself to be a hero while capturing Miss Jone's heart somewhere along the way.
"And you will not travel to Portsmouth accompanied by Dexter Moore. That man's a----"
"A roué and a seducer?" She lowered her eyelids and shot him a smoldering glaze. "Nothing like you Mr. Black."
"He does his best to hide it. Which would you rather have my dear? A man who is honest and forthright about his proclivities or a profligate underhanded cheat?"
Also another task as hand is solving the Jack Ripper case. A paranormal being is believed to be conducting gruesome murders with what Mr. Black believes to be an accomplice aiding to the Jack Ripper suspect so easily eluding police. Though he doesn't get the respect he deserves as his theories on the crime are quickly shut down and deemed invaluable by Scotland Yard officials. Though, that doesn't stop Mr. Black because he's stubborn and believes in his heart he can solve the crime, and his assumptions are easily validated along this journey.
"Any moment now, a number of pirates are going to round this corner. They wish to do me harm. I want you to convince them you are near to contemplating your satisfaction with a street doxy." He grinned. He couldn't help it. "Allow me to do my best." "Hook a leg around me." "Oh my!" She cried. "What is that?" Phaeton paused. "My cock, Miss. What were you expecting?"
Mr. Black readily risks his life in the line of duty, as he so eagerly takes on the task of gaining control over Miss Jone's ships from pirates that will stop anything, to remain in control over their stollen goods. Dr. Exeter, Pin Jing, and Edvar are amongst the friends that are lending their expertise, paranormal abilities, and friendship to help solve the case I've a Jack Ripper while simultaneously working to Miss Jones to obtain control over her ships. Somehow along the way Miss Jones and Mr. Black have stepped over the threshold of fun, flirty, physical sexual encounters to a much deeper emotional sexual appetite. They both are apprehensive about falling in love with the other. Phaeton with his fear of falling in love and putting those in danger, and Miss Jones fears she may be falling in love with a man incapable of returning the love. I absolutely love how Jillian Stone slowly brought these two unlikely lovers together in beautifully written love story intertwined with crime, pirates, death, passion, lust, heroism, as well as characters I LOVE.
"Have you ever been in love, Mr. Black?" "A very long time ago. I try not to think of it."
The Goddess Quadesh plays a mysterious role in this book, and the only thing I found confusing was how she was referred to as Goddess, Succubus, vampire. That was the only negative I had about this book is that I found myself feeling a bit lost when Quadesh was referred to as various different paranormal entities. The Historical Victorian era, I found enchanting, and and captivating from the very first page. If you enjoy a great PNR with a hero that lives and advantageous sex life with a voracious taste, a feisty and willing heroine and a historical Victorian element to it, then I suggest you read The Seduction of Phaeton Black immediately. I'm excited to hear discover that Jillian Stone will be writing two more books in this trilogy; and I'm more than eager to announce that the next book due out in October 2012 The Moonstone and Miss Jones will pick up with these thrilling and highly intoxicating characters once again.
Phaeton snaked an arm around her waist and settled her beside him. They were only seconds out of the station before a new wave of uncomfortable, disturbing, sentiments hit nearly overwhelmed him. Truth be told, he was more than taken by her. Soon the little minx would capture him body and soul. From the very start she had wormed her way into his life and now he could hardly believe himself. He was soft on Miss Jones. What a horrifying development this was.
Arc provided for review by Kensington for Brava
Like what you see here, check out more of my reviews at http://MissVainsParanormalFantasy.com
July 19, 2013
Lured in by the vaguely steam-punky cover. Couldn't get past the first 50 pages.
#1 Starts with a guy in a whorehouse. With an UNWILLING woman who is explained as having had to join due to financial hardship. Oh, but it's excused as OK because he's such a great lover, she'll like it as he breaks her in so to speak. Her protestations aren't important (nor apparently all the STDs he's probably giving her too as a regular of a brothel)
Trying to overlook that, I know doing the "rake" as hero is a popular theme - however much I'm not fond of men who take advantage of women who have no other options to survive.
#2 Hero meets heroine, she asks to pretend to have sex - so she can avoid getting killed.
He penetrates for real.
I'm creeped out by the rape-y character, I'm not pleased when the female character anachronisticly refers to other women as twats.... I flip through to see if there are any redeeming qualities or more of a plot other than some vampire reference, Jack the Ripper reference, other weird guy (having sex with the madam of the brothel), a bathing scene, mentions of kama sutra.... more gratuitous sex..... and I'm done.
I almost NEVER give up on a book, but I have a long list of books to read, I think I'd be better served reading some of those.
#1 Starts with a guy in a whorehouse. With an UNWILLING woman who is explained as having had to join due to financial hardship. Oh, but it's excused as OK because he's such a great lover, she'll like it as he breaks her in so to speak. Her protestations aren't important (nor apparently all the STDs he's probably giving her too as a regular of a brothel)
Trying to overlook that, I know doing the "rake" as hero is a popular theme - however much I'm not fond of men who take advantage of women who have no other options to survive.
#2 Hero meets heroine, she asks to pretend to have sex - so she can avoid getting killed.
He penetrates for real.
I'm creeped out by the rape-y character, I'm not pleased when the female character anachronisticly refers to other women as twats.... I flip through to see if there are any redeeming qualities or more of a plot other than some vampire reference, Jack the Ripper reference, other weird guy (having sex with the madam of the brothel), a bathing scene, mentions of kama sutra.... more gratuitous sex..... and I'm done.
I almost NEVER give up on a book, but I have a long list of books to read, I think I'd be better served reading some of those.
April 3, 2012
I wanted to love this, I really really truly honestly did.
Unfortunately I only sort of like this.
Where to begin?
Well, the unlikely meeting of the two characters was hot. In fact, any sort of physical interaction these two had was hot. Steamy and scorching.
Phaeton was an amped up Sherlock meets Captain Jack Harkness meets Captain Jack Sparrow, smart, sexy and witty - what can't you like about him? Well, the fact that all of this becomes boring around page 200 is one. Despite having all of these characteristics there is nothing else to prop them up. He's quite an interesting 2d character.
America, well she's another hottie with an awesome name and at first, with sweet knife skills. Then the book continues and America loses some of her oomph and merely serves as the sexual love slave of Phaeton. Which would be cool if she teased him a little bit more and made him work for it instead of dropping trou everytime he said lift up your skirts.
Despite that, these two are pretty funny together and several times my mouth quirked.
Plotwise...well it becomes a little different because there are two plots but they don't run together all that cohesively until about thirty pages before the end of the book. Phaeton's plot was a little more convoluted and hard to follow than America's (which was simple and could have been pretty damn interesting on its own) and culminates into something even weirder. In fact, I'm not even sure what America is doing in most of these situations.
So, without going into too much detail, how would I rate the book?
Well, confusing and somewhat boring plots that don't bring out the potential in the characters. Characters that would be awesome against any other backdrop and some pretty sexy scenes.
That rates about a three.
There are some really great scenes but if you want some depth to your porn, you won't find it here. However, if you just want a dollop of smut without coherence - you've found your place.
Unfortunately I only sort of like this.
Where to begin?
Well, the unlikely meeting of the two characters was hot. In fact, any sort of physical interaction these two had was hot. Steamy and scorching.
Phaeton was an amped up Sherlock meets Captain Jack Harkness meets Captain Jack Sparrow, smart, sexy and witty - what can't you like about him? Well, the fact that all of this becomes boring around page 200 is one. Despite having all of these characteristics there is nothing else to prop them up. He's quite an interesting 2d character.
America, well she's another hottie with an awesome name and at first, with sweet knife skills. Then the book continues and America loses some of her oomph and merely serves as the sexual love slave of Phaeton. Which would be cool if she teased him a little bit more and made him work for it instead of dropping trou everytime he said lift up your skirts.
Despite that, these two are pretty funny together and several times my mouth quirked.
Plotwise...well it becomes a little different because there are two plots but they don't run together all that cohesively until about thirty pages before the end of the book. Phaeton's plot was a little more convoluted and hard to follow than America's (which was simple and could have been pretty damn interesting on its own) and culminates into something even weirder. In fact, I'm not even sure what America is doing in most of these situations.
So, without going into too much detail, how would I rate the book?
Well, confusing and somewhat boring plots that don't bring out the potential in the characters. Characters that would be awesome against any other backdrop and some pretty sexy scenes.
That rates about a three.
There are some really great scenes but if you want some depth to your porn, you won't find it here. However, if you just want a dollop of smut without coherence - you've found your place.
July 16, 2012
A seductive supernatural mystery!
Phaeton Black is an investigator for Scotland Yard with many talents. He can sense the paranormal and has a way with the ladies, a real Victorian Casanova. An outsider among his fellow detectives after working on the Jack the Ripper case, Phaeton takes up residence in a brothel's basement, where he indulges his sexual appetites to the fullest. While investigating a new paranormal case on the streets of London, he encounters an exotic beauty who seeks his help in warding off a band of pirates chasing her with a most unusual demand. Not one to say no to a beautiful woman, Phaeton complies with the beautiful Ms. Jones' request. America Jones is not your common damsel in distress, the daughter of a Cajun witch and British sea captain, she shares Phaeton's gift to sense the supernatural and has a few abilities of her own. The real seduction begins soon after this encounter for America Jones and Phaeton Black when the two come together for two different causes that will thrust them into mysterious and dark adventure on the sinister streets of London.
When I first saw the cover of this book I immediately thought steampunk, but The Seduction of Phaeton Black is so much more. In essence it's a romance novel with a bit of mystery, paranormal and a great dose of steam (and I'm not talking hot-air balloons!). The setting of dark, Victorian London lends a gothic eeriness to the story that sets the mood. The author fluidly intertwines two intriguing story lines into one sexy page turner. Initially, the two characters come to an agreement which works to their own benefit, Phaeton plans on using America's bloodline as an opportunity to attract the spirit he's after, while America uses Black's connections in Scottland Yard to bring down the pirate thieves who stole her father's shipping company. Neither anticipates the game of seduction would lead to their salvation.
The hero and heroine in The Seduction of Phaeton Black do not fit the common roles we're used to seeing in romance. Phaeton is more of an anti-hero with his nonchalant attitude and rakish ways, to some he can be a turn off, but something about this charming philanderer had me wanting more. He's very charismatic and reveals a tender side with America that wins you over...he's a sheep in wolf's clothing! America Jones is a refreshing new leading lady, she's witty, fearless and flirty in a time where being a proper lady is a woman's top priority. The tension between America and Phaeton is stellar and I couldn't get enough of their sexy banter and Black's sexual innuendos! This pair of unconventional lovers adds a lightheartedness to the ongoing supernatural plot. Both have sworn off love and are brought together by fate for this very reason under some unusual circumstances.
What good book is complete without a villain and friends? Well, Ms. Stone covers that with the addition of the villain Goddess Quadesh, Dr. Exeter and Pin Jing, friends of Black who help Phaeton and America with their own knowledge of the supernatural. Ms. Stone pens a thrilling tale of romance and the supernatural that is sure to keep you reading till the wee hours of the morning. With a little magic, spirits, pirates, danger, sex and a salacious version of Sherlock Holmes as a hero, The Seduction of Phaeton Black is a sure hit for readers who want a little extra excitement with their romance!
Whether you like a good crime solving mystery or a love story...you'll love America Jones and Phaeton Black's voracious appetite for adventure in and out of the bedroom!
{I received a copy of this book for an honest review, as part of a blog tour.}
Original Romancing the Darkside Review:
http://romancingthedarkside.blogspot....
Phaeton Black is an investigator for Scotland Yard with many talents. He can sense the paranormal and has a way with the ladies, a real Victorian Casanova. An outsider among his fellow detectives after working on the Jack the Ripper case, Phaeton takes up residence in a brothel's basement, where he indulges his sexual appetites to the fullest. While investigating a new paranormal case on the streets of London, he encounters an exotic beauty who seeks his help in warding off a band of pirates chasing her with a most unusual demand. Not one to say no to a beautiful woman, Phaeton complies with the beautiful Ms. Jones' request. America Jones is not your common damsel in distress, the daughter of a Cajun witch and British sea captain, she shares Phaeton's gift to sense the supernatural and has a few abilities of her own. The real seduction begins soon after this encounter for America Jones and Phaeton Black when the two come together for two different causes that will thrust them into mysterious and dark adventure on the sinister streets of London.
When I first saw the cover of this book I immediately thought steampunk, but The Seduction of Phaeton Black is so much more. In essence it's a romance novel with a bit of mystery, paranormal and a great dose of steam (and I'm not talking hot-air balloons!). The setting of dark, Victorian London lends a gothic eeriness to the story that sets the mood. The author fluidly intertwines two intriguing story lines into one sexy page turner. Initially, the two characters come to an agreement which works to their own benefit, Phaeton plans on using America's bloodline as an opportunity to attract the spirit he's after, while America uses Black's connections in Scottland Yard to bring down the pirate thieves who stole her father's shipping company. Neither anticipates the game of seduction would lead to their salvation.
The hero and heroine in The Seduction of Phaeton Black do not fit the common roles we're used to seeing in romance. Phaeton is more of an anti-hero with his nonchalant attitude and rakish ways, to some he can be a turn off, but something about this charming philanderer had me wanting more. He's very charismatic and reveals a tender side with America that wins you over...he's a sheep in wolf's clothing! America Jones is a refreshing new leading lady, she's witty, fearless and flirty in a time where being a proper lady is a woman's top priority. The tension between America and Phaeton is stellar and I couldn't get enough of their sexy banter and Black's sexual innuendos! This pair of unconventional lovers adds a lightheartedness to the ongoing supernatural plot. Both have sworn off love and are brought together by fate for this very reason under some unusual circumstances.
What good book is complete without a villain and friends? Well, Ms. Stone covers that with the addition of the villain Goddess Quadesh, Dr. Exeter and Pin Jing, friends of Black who help Phaeton and America with their own knowledge of the supernatural. Ms. Stone pens a thrilling tale of romance and the supernatural that is sure to keep you reading till the wee hours of the morning. With a little magic, spirits, pirates, danger, sex and a salacious version of Sherlock Holmes as a hero, The Seduction of Phaeton Black is a sure hit for readers who want a little extra excitement with their romance!
Whether you like a good crime solving mystery or a love story...you'll love America Jones and Phaeton Black's voracious appetite for adventure in and out of the bedroom!
{I received a copy of this book for an honest review, as part of a blog tour.}
Original Romancing the Darkside Review:
http://romancingthedarkside.blogspot....
May 16, 2016
2.5 stars
The title of this book really doesn’t make much sense in retrospect. There wasn’t much seduction going on. Phaeton Black was a straight up man whore. He would sleep with anyone if given the chance. Let’s just say none of the other characters in this story were prudish, so right from the get go, one thing lead to another.
For as many faults as this book had, it was still fun. It was 90% smut with 10% storyline. Sometimes I actually forgot what they were supposed to be doing aside from sex of course. The characters could be witty and charming but lacked any real depth. There wasn’t any air of mystery to them which made it seem worthwhile to read the next book and discover more about them.
So this was steampunk? Not really. The only thing that remotely makes this steampunk was a boat and an airship. The world building was really lacking. Some paranormal elements were hinted at but nothing really came of it. I’m sure it will be covered later on in the series, but I don’t know if I want to read through a bunch of sex just to uncover a mildly interesting storyline.
The title of this book really doesn’t make much sense in retrospect. There wasn’t much seduction going on. Phaeton Black was a straight up man whore. He would sleep with anyone if given the chance. Let’s just say none of the other characters in this story were prudish, so right from the get go, one thing lead to another.
For as many faults as this book had, it was still fun. It was 90% smut with 10% storyline. Sometimes I actually forgot what they were supposed to be doing aside from sex of course. The characters could be witty and charming but lacked any real depth. There wasn’t any air of mystery to them which made it seem worthwhile to read the next book and discover more about them.
So this was steampunk? Not really. The only thing that remotely makes this steampunk was a boat and an airship. The world building was really lacking. Some paranormal elements were hinted at but nothing really came of it. I’m sure it will be covered later on in the series, but I don’t know if I want to read through a bunch of sex just to uncover a mildly interesting storyline.
November 4, 2012
The Seduction of Phaeton Black by Jillian Stone is a delightful romp through historical London with a dashing rogue of a hero, a bright and beautiful heroine and a motley crew of secondary characters all in pursuit of a lusty Egyptian goddess who leaves a trail of bodies in her wake.
I wasn't quite sure how to classify this novel: paranormal romance or urban fantasy. In my opinion, a paranormal romance is largely based around the romance between the hero and the heroine and their tale is usually summed up on one book. An urban fantasy is largely based on the story surrounding the hero and heroine and their romance usually takes a backseat and more often than not, there is a series of books where the reader watches the romance between the two evolve. I could be wrong but that's how I normally distinguish between the two. With that said, The Seduction of Phaeton Black could easily fall in to both categories.
When we meet Mr. Black, he's taken up residence in a brothel of all places having recently been dismissed from Scotland Yards for his declarations that the Ripper murders were of a supernatural nature. Phaeton is a clairvoyant of sorts and while hot on the tail of a phantom, he runs into the delectable Miss America Jones who promptly holds a knife to his throat and demands he ravish her. A Cassanova of the worst kind, Phaeton is all too eager to oblige Miss Jones who it turns out is actually running away from pirates. Once Phaeton is assured of Miss Jones' safety from the pirates, he releases her only to narrowly miss being decked by the outraged Miss Jones for taking his liberties with her a bit too far. Miss Jones fails to hit her mark and instead knocks herself unconscious and is taken back to Phaeton's flat so that he can get to know more about the mysterious miss.
I adored Phaeton Black! There was no telling what would come out of his mouth!
"I'm too angry for chit chat. In fact, I cannot bare to listen to the sound of your voice." America pressed her lips together, hoping to hide the amusement. He growled, or was it a grunt? "I have never roomed with a woman. I am sure I will dislike it immensely." he said. "It seems to me you live with a houseful." she said. "Clever, Miss Jones, but incorrect. I do not room with the ladies. I fuck them."
That's just one of many of the quotes by Mr. Phaeton Black that had me either laughing or quirking a brow. Another favorite of mine:
"I mean to taste you tonight, Miss Jones. I wish to savor all of your spice, your tang, your sugar."
AAAHHH!!! Could he BE any sexier?!? I normally can not stand the usage of "sugar" used in any form of love talk but Mr. Black knows just how to use it! Phaeton Black, paranormal investigator, is indeed an intriguing character that this reader could not seem to get enough of.
America Jones was a breath of fresh air to me! A femme fatale who knew how to use her wits and her womanly charms to get what she wanted. Known as a 'high yellow Cajun' back in her home of Louisiana, America also has 'the gift' passed on to her by her Cajun mother. I really enjoyed reading about a woman of color in this time setting as most historical romances are sorely lacking in this area. I also liked that the issue of discrimination that America faced due to her "coppery complexion" was addressed. Bravo on both counts to the author! American Jones was no simpering maid in the bedroom. No. Her curiosity and lack of inhibitions led to some veeery hot and steamy scenes between her and the ever eager, Mr. Black.
On a final note, I love names that are different yet have an issue with names that are so different that I can't pronounce them thus taking away from my reading enjoyment. Not only were the characters in this book all so different in appearance and stories but the names - I loved em! America, Phaeton, Layla, Ping, Jin, Qadesh! So original yet I loved the way they rolled off my tongue.
I can't wait to get more of Phaeton Black and America Jones in the second installment of this series, 'The Moonstone and Miss Jones'!
CHECK OUT THE REST OF MY REVIEWS AT NOT NOW...MOMMY'S READING (http://www.mommysreading.com)!!!
I wasn't quite sure how to classify this novel: paranormal romance or urban fantasy. In my opinion, a paranormal romance is largely based around the romance between the hero and the heroine and their tale is usually summed up on one book. An urban fantasy is largely based on the story surrounding the hero and heroine and their romance usually takes a backseat and more often than not, there is a series of books where the reader watches the romance between the two evolve. I could be wrong but that's how I normally distinguish between the two. With that said, The Seduction of Phaeton Black could easily fall in to both categories.
When we meet Mr. Black, he's taken up residence in a brothel of all places having recently been dismissed from Scotland Yards for his declarations that the Ripper murders were of a supernatural nature. Phaeton is a clairvoyant of sorts and while hot on the tail of a phantom, he runs into the delectable Miss America Jones who promptly holds a knife to his throat and demands he ravish her. A Cassanova of the worst kind, Phaeton is all too eager to oblige Miss Jones who it turns out is actually running away from pirates. Once Phaeton is assured of Miss Jones' safety from the pirates, he releases her only to narrowly miss being decked by the outraged Miss Jones for taking his liberties with her a bit too far. Miss Jones fails to hit her mark and instead knocks herself unconscious and is taken back to Phaeton's flat so that he can get to know more about the mysterious miss.
I adored Phaeton Black! There was no telling what would come out of his mouth!
"I'm too angry for chit chat. In fact, I cannot bare to listen to the sound of your voice." America pressed her lips together, hoping to hide the amusement. He growled, or was it a grunt? "I have never roomed with a woman. I am sure I will dislike it immensely." he said. "It seems to me you live with a houseful." she said. "Clever, Miss Jones, but incorrect. I do not room with the ladies. I fuck them."
That's just one of many of the quotes by Mr. Phaeton Black that had me either laughing or quirking a brow. Another favorite of mine:
"I mean to taste you tonight, Miss Jones. I wish to savor all of your spice, your tang, your sugar."
AAAHHH!!! Could he BE any sexier?!? I normally can not stand the usage of "sugar" used in any form of love talk but Mr. Black knows just how to use it! Phaeton Black, paranormal investigator, is indeed an intriguing character that this reader could not seem to get enough of.
America Jones was a breath of fresh air to me! A femme fatale who knew how to use her wits and her womanly charms to get what she wanted. Known as a 'high yellow Cajun' back in her home of Louisiana, America also has 'the gift' passed on to her by her Cajun mother. I really enjoyed reading about a woman of color in this time setting as most historical romances are sorely lacking in this area. I also liked that the issue of discrimination that America faced due to her "coppery complexion" was addressed. Bravo on both counts to the author! American Jones was no simpering maid in the bedroom. No. Her curiosity and lack of inhibitions led to some veeery hot and steamy scenes between her and the ever eager, Mr. Black.
On a final note, I love names that are different yet have an issue with names that are so different that I can't pronounce them thus taking away from my reading enjoyment. Not only were the characters in this book all so different in appearance and stories but the names - I loved em! America, Phaeton, Layla, Ping, Jin, Qadesh! So original yet I loved the way they rolled off my tongue.
I can't wait to get more of Phaeton Black and America Jones in the second installment of this series, 'The Moonstone and Miss Jones'!
CHECK OUT THE REST OF MY REVIEWS AT NOT NOW...MOMMY'S READING (http://www.mommysreading.com)!!!
March 7, 2015
Pretty much deserves no stars, except for the achievement of writing a book. I thought I was getting a steampunk paranormal romp through London, what I wound up with was utterly godawful porn with snippets and dabs of a vampire/resurrected goddess/Empusa (?) creature with a level of incoherency I would have expected from a first time writer. Research tells me this is not so, so I can only assume the entire editing staff came down with the flu and it fell on the capable shoulders of the office cat, who did not care at all and approved the whole thing for print. In fact, that would make a better story. Phaeton Black is not good enough at being a bad boy with a heart of gold for you to forgive him his faults. Considering you and the heroine meet him as he rapes her (! Utter WTF, writers, stop doing this) and the supposedly spunky heroine can't make a plan for herself and becomes his live in maid, cook and bedwarmer while saying that's not what she is-I almost can't work out who I detest more. Ok, Phaeton McRapist Black, since, he's a rapist. The dialogue is straight up hardcore porn, the steampunk paranormal plotline is about 25% of the plot, 50% being the type of unsexy sex that may cause you to be searching for a monastery within the first 3 chapters of the book, and the remaining 25% being random words integrated with punctuation. Awful. Usually, this is the sort of girly porn that has bad 3D models on it. It's insidious what a better book jacket can do.
September 23, 2013
Yeah, didn't really like this book. Just wanted to finish it, the main guy was an ass and even though his personality got a little better, he was still an ass. He wasn't even a likeable ass to me, just a plain old, I hope someone pushes you down some stairs, ass. Also, the two main character's first meeting seemed a little rape-y, not cool. There was too may "bad guys" in this book, that sometimes one forgot who we were looking for. I won't be reading any more of this series. This book just wasn't for me.
July 11, 2013
After a shaky start (too heavy handed with the sex, too early on) this actually develops into a fun, lighthearted slightly steampunk romp as the well endowed paranormal investigator, Phaeton Black and his assistant the intrepid Miss America Jones battle an evil, awoken Egyptian Goddess and dastardly pirates with a healthy dose of cheek in Victorian London.
3.5 - 4 stars.
3.5 - 4 stars.
February 16, 2013
steampunk? What steampunk!
April 2, 2019
2.5 Stars
Eh, the plot was lacking and the smut was interesting but really not that great. It was fun but tbh could have been better in either the plot or the sex and that would have made this an all together better book. I think I might just be spoilt from fanfiction as well, but the more times the book mentioned the large "duke" the more I wanted to laugh.
Eh, the plot was lacking and the smut was interesting but really not that great. It was fun but tbh could have been better in either the plot or the sex and that would have made this an all together better book. I think I might just be spoilt from fanfiction as well, but the more times the book mentioned the large "duke" the more I wanted to laugh.
April 10, 2012
I can count on one hand the number of times I've loved a book from the very first page. "The Seduction of Phaeton Black" is one of those rare reads for me. It has everything I love in a good book, mystery, a dabble of historical fiction, paranormal creatures lurking about, comedy, action and hot, steamy lust.
Phaeton Black was a paranormal investigator for Scotland Yard that is until he described an unusual theory for the Jack the Ripper murders that got him fired. However, he is not one to let things get to him; so, he moved into a downstairs apartment at a brothel where he can satisfy one of his many lusts.
Something strange is happening on the streets of London. It seems there is a vampire or succubus afoot. Scotland Yard has no choice but to bring Phaeton back into their employ. While hunting this creature, Phaeton stumbles upon a beautiful mulatto woman, America Jones who is running away from some dastardly pirates. In an effort to shield her from danger, they have a romp in the alley. America is the greatest threat eveer to attack Phaeton. However, he does not realize this yet.
After America's home and business is burned down. She turns to Phaeton for assistance. This require she moves into a small room in his flat including cooking and cleaning duties. Phaeton assists her in getting back on her feet then sweeping her off of her feet and onto her back while he awakens pleaures in her she did not know existed. America in turn is sensitive to the paranormal creatures that invade his home and his mind. Together they depart on a mission to not only capture the vampire/succubus but to help restore stolen ships to America's ownership.
This story is chocked full of fun! I loved all of the characters, world building and the growing tension between America and Phaeton. If I had a complaint, it would be with the publisher and whoever designed the cover. So much is made of America's mulatto heritage and her bronze skin; yet, who is on the cover but not a woman of color. Really? I refused to allow this detail to take away from a really incredible read. I now must await for the next book in the series. I think I have found another new favorite series.
Phaeton Black was a paranormal investigator for Scotland Yard that is until he described an unusual theory for the Jack the Ripper murders that got him fired. However, he is not one to let things get to him; so, he moved into a downstairs apartment at a brothel where he can satisfy one of his many lusts.
Something strange is happening on the streets of London. It seems there is a vampire or succubus afoot. Scotland Yard has no choice but to bring Phaeton back into their employ. While hunting this creature, Phaeton stumbles upon a beautiful mulatto woman, America Jones who is running away from some dastardly pirates. In an effort to shield her from danger, they have a romp in the alley. America is the greatest threat eveer to attack Phaeton. However, he does not realize this yet.
After America's home and business is burned down. She turns to Phaeton for assistance. This require she moves into a small room in his flat including cooking and cleaning duties. Phaeton assists her in getting back on her feet then sweeping her off of her feet and onto her back while he awakens pleaures in her she did not know existed. America in turn is sensitive to the paranormal creatures that invade his home and his mind. Together they depart on a mission to not only capture the vampire/succubus but to help restore stolen ships to America's ownership.
This story is chocked full of fun! I loved all of the characters, world building and the growing tension between America and Phaeton. If I had a complaint, it would be with the publisher and whoever designed the cover. So much is made of America's mulatto heritage and her bronze skin; yet, who is on the cover but not a woman of color. Really? I refused to allow this detail to take away from a really incredible read. I now must await for the next book in the series. I think I have found another new favorite series.
June 1, 2012
I was eagering awaiting this book. I like action, paranormal elements and interesting hero and heroines. This book provided little of any.
The blurb leads you to believe America Jones has special powers and is a kick ass action type heroine who fights mummies, etc. Not the case. There was one time she tried to use minor voodoo which the other character laughs off. That's it from our Cajun princess.
Phaeton Black was totally unlikeable and not in a fun, smarmy way. He's just a pig. (What's with the nail polish on the male cover model?!?)With the exception of one or two male characters most are unlikeable and none are really fleshed out.
The storyline meandered and the sex scenes were awful. "Poked her slit" really?!? And did that wording have to be used multiple times? "Mortal breeding tool" (or machine, I forget) for penis. Gah!
I wanted to stop reading many times, but I decided early on I wanted to review this, because the good reviews I read made me want to pick it up and I feel others need fair warning (plus I ALWAYS hope books will get better after just a couple more pages).
The blurb leads you to believe America Jones has special powers and is a kick ass action type heroine who fights mummies, etc. Not the case. There was one time she tried to use minor voodoo which the other character laughs off. That's it from our Cajun princess.
Phaeton Black was totally unlikeable and not in a fun, smarmy way. He's just a pig. (What's with the nail polish on the male cover model?!?)With the exception of one or two male characters most are unlikeable and none are really fleshed out.
The storyline meandered and the sex scenes were awful. "Poked her slit" really?!? And did that wording have to be used multiple times? "Mortal breeding tool" (or machine, I forget) for penis. Gah!
I wanted to stop reading many times, but I decided early on I wanted to review this, because the good reviews I read made me want to pick it up and I feel others need fair warning (plus I ALWAYS hope books will get better after just a couple more pages).
July 5, 2012
The bare plot held promise but everything felt so muddled and rushed. It really seemed like this was the second book of a series and everything was confusing because we didn't have enough backstory.
The writing was awkward but it did seem to improve as the book progressed - the beginning is littered with bad puns, and quite a few times the reader is left without knowing who exactly is being described or who said what exactly. But I suppose that's more the editor's fault than the writer's...
Also, most of the sex scenes were ridiculous, can anyone be expected to keep a straight face when the hero's cock is constantly referred to as "The Duke"? I mean, really?
I knew going in that this was paranormal romance steampunk, so I was ready for a lot, but suspension of disbelief only goes so far. I could accept the harpies, goddesses and gargoyles, but the Victorian England described fell very far from the mark. You can describe the mythical however you want it, but the real world, even if it's alternate history, needs more of a solid feel to it to pull the whole story together.
So... 2 stars for the concept, which could have been brilliant had it been well executed.
The writing was awkward but it did seem to improve as the book progressed - the beginning is littered with bad puns, and quite a few times the reader is left without knowing who exactly is being described or who said what exactly. But I suppose that's more the editor's fault than the writer's...
Also, most of the sex scenes were ridiculous, can anyone be expected to keep a straight face when the hero's cock is constantly referred to as "The Duke"? I mean, really?
I knew going in that this was paranormal romance steampunk, so I was ready for a lot, but suspension of disbelief only goes so far. I could accept the harpies, goddesses and gargoyles, but the Victorian England described fell very far from the mark. You can describe the mythical however you want it, but the real world, even if it's alternate history, needs more of a solid feel to it to pull the whole story together.
So... 2 stars for the concept, which could have been brilliant had it been well executed.
August 4, 2012
I torn between giving this a 2 star or 3 star. I think it's better than okay but I didn't really like it either - not my personal preference though an enjoyable diversion.
The author has great cinematographic style of writing. The book is written as a series of stylized scenes and abrupt transitions (cutaways) typically seen in movies. A lot of slick dialogue and action as well. The plot line was very engrossing.
While the action and plot is engrossing, the character development was superficial at best. I really really wanted to like Phaeton and America but I really just couldn't. With the slick style of the novel, you really couldn't get a good sense of depth in him although the author does try to develop layers to Phaeton's character. America is given the most superficial development and mostly serves as a development device for Phaeton.
With that said, it's a fun story and if you're not looking for character driven story, this is a very enjoyable engrossing steampunk thriller.
The author has great cinematographic style of writing. The book is written as a series of stylized scenes and abrupt transitions (cutaways) typically seen in movies. A lot of slick dialogue and action as well. The plot line was very engrossing.
While the action and plot is engrossing, the character development was superficial at best. I really really wanted to like Phaeton and America but I really just couldn't. With the slick style of the novel, you really couldn't get a good sense of depth in him although the author does try to develop layers to Phaeton's character. America is given the most superficial development and mostly serves as a development device for Phaeton.
With that said, it's a fun story and if you're not looking for character driven story, this is a very enjoyable engrossing steampunk thriller.
December 27, 2014
DNF at 52%. Very irritating characters engaging in or thinking about (not-always consensual sex) so frequently that there's no time for a coherent plot. There are just bits of random plot-ish stuff happening that inconveniently try to interrupt the severe case of the horny-pants these two have for each other. It made me feel like I'd accidentally touched something slimy when I expected it to be dry. If you've just hit puberty you might find these immature characters' relationship hot, but I'm just slightly neauseous, and the "story" isn't enough to make read another word.
March 27, 2012
This review was originally posted at Pages of Forbidden Love
My Thoughts:
This book starts off with two amazing characters showing up instantly. I instantly liked Phaeton Black for the crude rake that he was. He was certainly perfect from his carefree attitude to the fact that he lived in a whore house. This is certainly a man’s dream to be seconds away from so many women who participate in pleasure as their living. Of course opposite him is the enchanting America Jones, who lights up the pages with her wit and sass. The first time these two come together was magical and I instantly had high hopes for this bold couple who ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time, or the right place at the wrong time, however you want to view it.
From here the reader soon learns that Miss Jones is escaping from pirates that took all of her father’s ships away from him before he passed away. Mr Black on the other hand works for the Scotish Yard, well working is a pretty strong word, considering he was let go from the Yard before because of his belief in paranormal aspects/creatures being behind huge murder cases such as Jack the Ripper. From here on out two storylines weave together and go in separate directions from time to time. Black is working on his own case trying to solve what temptress is behind all of these dead bodies that keep showing up while Miss Jones is worried about the return of her ships. I did like that while this book was romance and even bordering on erotic fiction in certain points, that it had a great storyline going on. There was never a time to get bored and the romance really just added to the overall value of the story, instead of the romance being the only plot element like so many romances out there. My big complaint in the beginning of the book is that Phaeton Black tries to be too formal in the language that he uses in the beginning of the book. Whenever he is on a case the style of writing becomes elegant and complex, in my opinion this was unnecessary. Plus Phaeton can be confusing because he constantly is changing the names of the creatures that he sees. One moment they are called one thing and then sentences later it is something else, almost making it seem as if a new creature has appeared when infact that is not the case.
As the story moved forward the plot lines get more intense and a lot of side characters that you will only see briefly are introduced. It is a lot to take in the beginning of the book but over time I feel it was easier to understand who everyone was and what was going on in the story. Plus past the middle point in the book Phaeton slows down his robust language so that the reader can more clearly understand him without having to think about every little thing he states. Of course as he calms down Miss Jones seems to pull more and more French phrases out in the book, sometimes leaving the reader to wonder what on Earth she just said. Since I read an advance version of the book I’m not sure if a glossary was added in the final finished version but I would honestly recommend there be one.
Overall, this certainly was a very erotic and enticing tale that actually had real plot elements. As I stated before there was never a time to be bored because everything was constantly moving. Even though so much is going on I felt it all worked and trust me there were moments in the book that allowed the main characters a reprieve to allow for moments of intense passion and romance. I must say that I love Miss Jones’ saying of there being proofs of love in life, it is never enough for someone to just utter the words, rather their actions speak it for them. Trust me by the end of this novel you will not be able to turn the pages fast enough and I know I was taken with Phateon and America by the end. I can’t wait to read their next adventure! This book gets 4 stars from me for being a good story with some minor flaws along the way.
My Thoughts:
This book starts off with two amazing characters showing up instantly. I instantly liked Phaeton Black for the crude rake that he was. He was certainly perfect from his carefree attitude to the fact that he lived in a whore house. This is certainly a man’s dream to be seconds away from so many women who participate in pleasure as their living. Of course opposite him is the enchanting America Jones, who lights up the pages with her wit and sass. The first time these two come together was magical and I instantly had high hopes for this bold couple who ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time, or the right place at the wrong time, however you want to view it.
From here the reader soon learns that Miss Jones is escaping from pirates that took all of her father’s ships away from him before he passed away. Mr Black on the other hand works for the Scotish Yard, well working is a pretty strong word, considering he was let go from the Yard before because of his belief in paranormal aspects/creatures being behind huge murder cases such as Jack the Ripper. From here on out two storylines weave together and go in separate directions from time to time. Black is working on his own case trying to solve what temptress is behind all of these dead bodies that keep showing up while Miss Jones is worried about the return of her ships. I did like that while this book was romance and even bordering on erotic fiction in certain points, that it had a great storyline going on. There was never a time to get bored and the romance really just added to the overall value of the story, instead of the romance being the only plot element like so many romances out there. My big complaint in the beginning of the book is that Phaeton Black tries to be too formal in the language that he uses in the beginning of the book. Whenever he is on a case the style of writing becomes elegant and complex, in my opinion this was unnecessary. Plus Phaeton can be confusing because he constantly is changing the names of the creatures that he sees. One moment they are called one thing and then sentences later it is something else, almost making it seem as if a new creature has appeared when infact that is not the case.
As the story moved forward the plot lines get more intense and a lot of side characters that you will only see briefly are introduced. It is a lot to take in the beginning of the book but over time I feel it was easier to understand who everyone was and what was going on in the story. Plus past the middle point in the book Phaeton slows down his robust language so that the reader can more clearly understand him without having to think about every little thing he states. Of course as he calms down Miss Jones seems to pull more and more French phrases out in the book, sometimes leaving the reader to wonder what on Earth she just said. Since I read an advance version of the book I’m not sure if a glossary was added in the final finished version but I would honestly recommend there be one.
Overall, this certainly was a very erotic and enticing tale that actually had real plot elements. As I stated before there was never a time to be bored because everything was constantly moving. Even though so much is going on I felt it all worked and trust me there were moments in the book that allowed the main characters a reprieve to allow for moments of intense passion and romance. I must say that I love Miss Jones’ saying of there being proofs of love in life, it is never enough for someone to just utter the words, rather their actions speak it for them. Trust me by the end of this novel you will not be able to turn the pages fast enough and I know I was taken with Phateon and America by the end. I can’t wait to read their next adventure! This book gets 4 stars from me for being a good story with some minor flaws along the way.
July 7, 2012
Originally published at Reading Reality
The Seduction of Phaeton Black is just that, an extremely seductive story. And not just for the steamy sex. What seduces about Jillian Stone's first foray into this cross between paranormal and steampunk is the way in which she mixes the darkly decadent underbelly of London during what we think of as the prim and proper Victorian era with evil spirits, misplaced Egyptian gods, and steam-powered wonders.
And the very, steamy sex. Lots of it.
Phaeton Black begins the story as a discredited Special Agent for Scotland Yard. In other words, he's been recently sacked. His theory about the Ripper was discredited. He believed Jack was a blood-thirsty spirit. The Yard was certain Jack's motives were more, well, earthly.
Phaeton was right, but there wasn't any way the Yard could acknowledge that fact. And too many of Phaeton's fellow officers didn't want to. He's generally right, and generally insufferable about it. He's also seen a few too many uncanny things, and not always been able to cover it up.
Being able to investigate the paranormal makes those whose viewpoints are rooted in the here and now a bit nervous.
So does Phaeton's marked fondness for absinthe. The Yard chalks his report about the Ripper being a hungry spirit up to the "green fairy", and gives him the sack. When another problem outside the ordinary raises its ghostly head, the Yard drags him out from the hole he crawled into.
His new apartment in the basement of a brothel. Typical Phaeton.
The heroine of this adventure is America Jones, half-Cajun witch, in search of the pirate who stole her father's shipping company. She needs Phaeton to help her steal it back. Legally this time.
With the powers from the witchy side of her heritage, America turns out to be the bait that Phaeton needs to entrap the hungry spirit the Yard has sent him after.
Ms. Jones wants Phaeton's connections to the Yard to help her bring down the pirates, and protect her while she hunts them. And while they hunt her.
Their plan is to use each other to achieve their mutual aims. And then walk away. He'll catch his killer. She'll get her company back. If they manage to enjoy each other along the way, that's just a way to pass the time.
Phaeton Black has never known what love is. Not in any form. He certainly doesn't expect that this American chit he intends to use is going to teach him.
Or that she will be his salvation.
Escape Rating B+: The world that Jillian Stone has created in The Seduction of Phaeton Black is a seduction all by itself. Phaeton Black is one of those especially debauched anti-heroes who hides everything he feels behind a facade of worldly charm and flippant, often rude, remarks.
He acts like a user of everyone and everything around him. But it IS mostly an act. A coping mechanism.
America Jones is also coping. She's lost everything she every knew, and using Phaeton Black is the only way she thinks she can get it back. And survive.
The spirit world is using both of them. The Egyptian gods are haunting London. Why not? Why shouldn't one or more of them have been transported along with Cleopatra's Needle and all the other ancient relics the British "liberated" (read that as looted) from Egypt. what a marvelous plot-twist!
The Egyptian gods need an assist to get back home. But gods don't request help, they demand it.
The story was fantastic. Both literally and figuratively. Steam power, Egyptian gods, spirits, familiars, and Jack the Ripper. And pirates added for spice. What a ride! Including airships.
The way that Phaeton and America use each other, yet resist their mutual pull towards any emotional attachment, draws the reader towards their story just as they are drawn towards each other.
Phaeton's and America's story continues in The Moonstone and Miss Jones. It needs to continue. I can't wait to read the next book. It looks like there are many adventures ahead.
The Seduction of Phaeton Black is just that, an extremely seductive story. And not just for the steamy sex. What seduces about Jillian Stone's first foray into this cross between paranormal and steampunk is the way in which she mixes the darkly decadent underbelly of London during what we think of as the prim and proper Victorian era with evil spirits, misplaced Egyptian gods, and steam-powered wonders.
And the very, steamy sex. Lots of it.
Phaeton Black begins the story as a discredited Special Agent for Scotland Yard. In other words, he's been recently sacked. His theory about the Ripper was discredited. He believed Jack was a blood-thirsty spirit. The Yard was certain Jack's motives were more, well, earthly.
Phaeton was right, but there wasn't any way the Yard could acknowledge that fact. And too many of Phaeton's fellow officers didn't want to. He's generally right, and generally insufferable about it. He's also seen a few too many uncanny things, and not always been able to cover it up.
Being able to investigate the paranormal makes those whose viewpoints are rooted in the here and now a bit nervous.
So does Phaeton's marked fondness for absinthe. The Yard chalks his report about the Ripper being a hungry spirit up to the "green fairy", and gives him the sack. When another problem outside the ordinary raises its ghostly head, the Yard drags him out from the hole he crawled into.
His new apartment in the basement of a brothel. Typical Phaeton.
The heroine of this adventure is America Jones, half-Cajun witch, in search of the pirate who stole her father's shipping company. She needs Phaeton to help her steal it back. Legally this time.
With the powers from the witchy side of her heritage, America turns out to be the bait that Phaeton needs to entrap the hungry spirit the Yard has sent him after.
Ms. Jones wants Phaeton's connections to the Yard to help her bring down the pirates, and protect her while she hunts them. And while they hunt her.
Their plan is to use each other to achieve their mutual aims. And then walk away. He'll catch his killer. She'll get her company back. If they manage to enjoy each other along the way, that's just a way to pass the time.
Phaeton Black has never known what love is. Not in any form. He certainly doesn't expect that this American chit he intends to use is going to teach him.
Or that she will be his salvation.
Escape Rating B+: The world that Jillian Stone has created in The Seduction of Phaeton Black is a seduction all by itself. Phaeton Black is one of those especially debauched anti-heroes who hides everything he feels behind a facade of worldly charm and flippant, often rude, remarks.
He acts like a user of everyone and everything around him. But it IS mostly an act. A coping mechanism.
America Jones is also coping. She's lost everything she every knew, and using Phaeton Black is the only way she thinks she can get it back. And survive.
The spirit world is using both of them. The Egyptian gods are haunting London. Why not? Why shouldn't one or more of them have been transported along with Cleopatra's Needle and all the other ancient relics the British "liberated" (read that as looted) from Egypt. what a marvelous plot-twist!
The Egyptian gods need an assist to get back home. But gods don't request help, they demand it.
The story was fantastic. Both literally and figuratively. Steam power, Egyptian gods, spirits, familiars, and Jack the Ripper. And pirates added for spice. What a ride! Including airships.
The way that Phaeton and America use each other, yet resist their mutual pull towards any emotional attachment, draws the reader towards their story just as they are drawn towards each other.
Phaeton's and America's story continues in The Moonstone and Miss Jones. It needs to continue. I can't wait to read the next book. It looks like there are many adventures ahead.
July 12, 2012
"The Seduction of Phaeton Black" takes place in merry ol' England circa 1889.
Phaeton Black has been dismissed from Scotland Yard due to his inability to figure out who's behing the Whitechaple murders. He is a carefree bachelor currently living in the basement of a brothel...how convenient for a man described by 2 characters in the book as "a Lothario, libertine, adulterer, and a profligate debaucher" (J. Stone, 2012, pg. 223). When a blood sucking female apparition starts attacking humans in the Strand, it would seem that Scotland Yard has a decision to make--hire Phaeton back or be plagued with a creature that no one else can stop.
While investigating this mysterious creature, Phaeton crosses paths with a Miss America Jones. As she attempts to flee the clutches of a group of pirates who she knows stole her father's cargo ships, she holds up Phaeton with a knife and demands he protect her. What she got was a surprise sex session in the middle of town. And this my dear friends, is how our story begins.
"The Seduction of Phaeton Black" is a hot, sexy, promiscuous good time. In a time period when women were objects, whorehouses were in the middle of town, and propriety of unmarried ladies was of utmost importance, Phaeton breaks the mold with America Jones. She's a sexy, young woman of color who finds herself shacked up with Mr. Black in the basement of a brothel. Unmarried and broke, Ms. Jones is bound and determined to prove that her father's former business partner is the thief that stole her father's ships. In exchange for Mr. Black's help with her case, America, in turn, becomes Phaeton's live-in housekeeper and tamer of his breeding tool, "The Duke." I wonder if John Wayne is opposed to this reference?
Phaeton Black has many demons in his life--some that are recent but many that have been buried for years. Due to some pain afflicted when he was younger, he has taken the vow to never laugh--which he upholds even though Ms. Jones is quite the character and lets some funny comments slip out. He refuses to believe in love, except the carnal acts of it, but as the book progresses you see a definite shift in Phaeton's thinking: "...a new wave of uncomfortable, disturbing sentiments nearly overwhelmed him. Truth be told, he was more than taken by her." (J. Stone, 2012, pg. 220).
I love the dual plotlines within this book. They are clearly developed and cleverly intertwined. They bring two unlikely characters together and we get to slowly see something beyond carefree sex blossom between them. There is an emotionally charged section near the end of the book that literally had me in tears; not blubbery, slobbery, and snotty but the kind that gently roll down your face and make it nearly impossible to read anything else for that moment. I read this section 3 times because I absolutely loved the emotional feelings.
The book takes us down to the dark underbelly of the what is the prim and proper English society. We see thievery, lust, erotica, fornication, paranormal creatures, and other things that people of society chose to ignore. The author crosses the Paranormal line and brings us a fantastic look at ancient Egyptian Gods and Godesses that mixes quite nicely with the elements of mystery.
**Please Note: This book is for mature audiences only (18+). There are many, many adult scenes.
Phaeton Black has been dismissed from Scotland Yard due to his inability to figure out who's behing the Whitechaple murders. He is a carefree bachelor currently living in the basement of a brothel...how convenient for a man described by 2 characters in the book as "a Lothario, libertine, adulterer, and a profligate debaucher" (J. Stone, 2012, pg. 223). When a blood sucking female apparition starts attacking humans in the Strand, it would seem that Scotland Yard has a decision to make--hire Phaeton back or be plagued with a creature that no one else can stop.
While investigating this mysterious creature, Phaeton crosses paths with a Miss America Jones. As she attempts to flee the clutches of a group of pirates who she knows stole her father's cargo ships, she holds up Phaeton with a knife and demands he protect her. What she got was a surprise sex session in the middle of town. And this my dear friends, is how our story begins.
"The Seduction of Phaeton Black" is a hot, sexy, promiscuous good time. In a time period when women were objects, whorehouses were in the middle of town, and propriety of unmarried ladies was of utmost importance, Phaeton breaks the mold with America Jones. She's a sexy, young woman of color who finds herself shacked up with Mr. Black in the basement of a brothel. Unmarried and broke, Ms. Jones is bound and determined to prove that her father's former business partner is the thief that stole her father's ships. In exchange for Mr. Black's help with her case, America, in turn, becomes Phaeton's live-in housekeeper and tamer of his breeding tool, "The Duke." I wonder if John Wayne is opposed to this reference?
Phaeton Black has many demons in his life--some that are recent but many that have been buried for years. Due to some pain afflicted when he was younger, he has taken the vow to never laugh--which he upholds even though Ms. Jones is quite the character and lets some funny comments slip out. He refuses to believe in love, except the carnal acts of it, but as the book progresses you see a definite shift in Phaeton's thinking: "...a new wave of uncomfortable, disturbing sentiments nearly overwhelmed him. Truth be told, he was more than taken by her." (J. Stone, 2012, pg. 220).
I love the dual plotlines within this book. They are clearly developed and cleverly intertwined. They bring two unlikely characters together and we get to slowly see something beyond carefree sex blossom between them. There is an emotionally charged section near the end of the book that literally had me in tears; not blubbery, slobbery, and snotty but the kind that gently roll down your face and make it nearly impossible to read anything else for that moment. I read this section 3 times because I absolutely loved the emotional feelings.
The book takes us down to the dark underbelly of the what is the prim and proper English society. We see thievery, lust, erotica, fornication, paranormal creatures, and other things that people of society chose to ignore. The author crosses the Paranormal line and brings us a fantastic look at ancient Egyptian Gods and Godesses that mixes quite nicely with the elements of mystery.
**Please Note: This book is for mature audiences only (18+). There are many, many adult scenes.
April 24, 2012
Reviews by Charlayne
A disgraced investigator for Scotland Yard, Phaeton Black lives in the basement of a brothel in London of 1889. He rescues a woman on the run from pirates who want to kill her; a rescue she’s not sure is a real rescue since he tells her to pretend to be a prostitute and has sex with her in an alley to hide her while the pirates run past, still hunting her. America Jones has lost her father’s shipping fleet to the pirates and is trying to prove who took it and get it back. She is taken in as a housekeeper to Phaeton Black, giving her a place to live as he seeks a paranormal entity that is killing in London. They take up with a mysterious doctor named Exeter who knows more about things than he lets on.
Will America find her father’s ships? Will Scotland Yard find the man who took her livelihood? Will Phaeton Black find the beast who is doing the killing? Will he be able to regain his honor and finally prove the killer of the case he lost? Will he quit being such a libertine and finally become somewhat of a gentleman? And who is Exeter and what does he know?
The Seduction of Phaeton Black is one part steam punk and two parts paranormal romance and totally hot. Jillian Stone pulls no punches in her descriptions of Phaeton’s appetites for women and what he does with them. The amount of sexual scenes in the book almost takes over the story in the first third of the book, until the killings get going and Exeter shows up. Phaeton still finds time to have sex, but the search for the empusa, the fighting of the pirates, and the search for the sarcophagus all try to distract him from his pursuit of America Jones.
I had a hard time getting into the book at first. Phaeton Black was very hard to get into as a sympathetic character. America Jones was interesting as a character but I really thought she should have smacked Phaeton a few times in the beginning. But, I am not the storyteller, and it’s a good thing because Jillian Stone ended up telling a ripping good yarn, to borrow a phrase from the book.
I would caution that this is definitely for mature audiences because of the sexual scenes. The book has prostitutes, pirates, Egyptian gods, Scotland Yard agents, and rich English nobility all caught up in a three-ring story complete with Jack the Ripper and flying boats. It is well worth the read and Stone is working on a second volume, titled The Moonstone and Miss Jones, due out in October 2012 and starring Phaeton Black and America Jones. There is a preview at the end of The Seduction of Phaeton Black and I have it on my to-be-read list already.
A disgraced investigator for Scotland Yard, Phaeton Black lives in the basement of a brothel in London of 1889. He rescues a woman on the run from pirates who want to kill her; a rescue she’s not sure is a real rescue since he tells her to pretend to be a prostitute and has sex with her in an alley to hide her while the pirates run past, still hunting her. America Jones has lost her father’s shipping fleet to the pirates and is trying to prove who took it and get it back. She is taken in as a housekeeper to Phaeton Black, giving her a place to live as he seeks a paranormal entity that is killing in London. They take up with a mysterious doctor named Exeter who knows more about things than he lets on.
Will America find her father’s ships? Will Scotland Yard find the man who took her livelihood? Will Phaeton Black find the beast who is doing the killing? Will he be able to regain his honor and finally prove the killer of the case he lost? Will he quit being such a libertine and finally become somewhat of a gentleman? And who is Exeter and what does he know?
The Seduction of Phaeton Black is one part steam punk and two parts paranormal romance and totally hot. Jillian Stone pulls no punches in her descriptions of Phaeton’s appetites for women and what he does with them. The amount of sexual scenes in the book almost takes over the story in the first third of the book, until the killings get going and Exeter shows up. Phaeton still finds time to have sex, but the search for the empusa, the fighting of the pirates, and the search for the sarcophagus all try to distract him from his pursuit of America Jones.
I had a hard time getting into the book at first. Phaeton Black was very hard to get into as a sympathetic character. America Jones was interesting as a character but I really thought she should have smacked Phaeton a few times in the beginning. But, I am not the storyteller, and it’s a good thing because Jillian Stone ended up telling a ripping good yarn, to borrow a phrase from the book.
I would caution that this is definitely for mature audiences because of the sexual scenes. The book has prostitutes, pirates, Egyptian gods, Scotland Yard agents, and rich English nobility all caught up in a three-ring story complete with Jack the Ripper and flying boats. It is well worth the read and Stone is working on a second volume, titled The Moonstone and Miss Jones, due out in October 2012 and starring Phaeton Black and America Jones. There is a preview at the end of The Seduction of Phaeton Black and I have it on my to-be-read list already.
October 16, 2012
After some hesitation and trepidation, I gave this book a chance. I read a sample on y E-reader and was initially turned away by the sexual act of dubious consent within the first few chapters. I set it aside and told my friend that she ought to read it and tell me how it was - just so I wouldn't be wasting my time if it continued in the same vein. She gave me her recommendation and I began again. Fortunately, the book surprisingly pleased me in the end! Most of the characters were relatively enjoyable. Phaeton was certainly erogenous, but even that became endearing in the end. America was a fierce woman and could easily have been the protagonist of this book! The storyline was captivating, but I found it diverged into two different stories. It would follow America's plight and concentrate on the conundrum with the pirates for so long that I often forgot about the savage ethereal being terrorizing London. Particularly in the end when one storyline came to a close, it was almost as though the author remembered there was another plot that needed to be tied up. Something I found rather confusing at times was how the female creature responsible for all the murders was constantly referred to by different names. Vampire, succubus, harpy, goddess etcetera. I understand what the author was trying to accomplish and that most of the terms have some relative connection to the same idea, but I can see many people becoming confused as to what she actually is. I'll give Jillian Stone credit that she knows how to write steamy and sensual love scenes, but they became gratuitous and I admittedly skipped the last two because I was more interested in finding out what was going to happen in the story. Something the friend who read this prior to me mentioned was that she felt the book was trying to be too many things at once. I agree there there are several different aspects including steampunk and paranormal romance, but I didn't seem to have as much trouble as she did. They melded together rather well for me, but I have more experience than she where steampunk and such are concerned. I'll be picking up the next book in the series, and I'm incredibly excited to reader the delicious Doctor's book, but I can't say that I'll be running to Chapters to be picking it up.
On a side note, I first saw this copy online and thought the male model on the cover was appropriately attractive but was displeased to find he was not as handsome as I had thought!
On a side note, I first saw this copy online and thought the male model on the cover was appropriately attractive but was displeased to find he was not as handsome as I had thought!
April 8, 2012
Phaeton Black was ousted from Scotland Yard after the Jack the Ripper murders for his believe that the perpetrator was in fact not entirely of this world. But now bodies are turning up drained of blood and Scotland Yard are knocking on his door seeking his assistance. But Phaeton isn't a normal detective, he is well known not only for his outlandish believes, but also for his appetite for women, whiskey and opium.
America Jones has just lost everything, her father, her shipping business and soon her life if the pirates chasing her get their hands on her. But America is a resourcefull woman and when the opportunity to flee arrives she takes it, using a passerby to unwillingly assist her. The passerby happens to be Phaeton Black, now their paths have crossed they are drawn to one another as danger closes in on both of them.
This book is a hard one to classify, part historical romance, part adventure story, part erotica and all with a supernatural twist to keep it that much more interesting. It is all set in Victorian London, which helped create a rather sinister and suspenseful atmosphere. Butu despite the many elements of the story I didn't enjoy it as much as I hoped I would from reading the blurb.
But there were elements I did enjoy, the main characters Phaeton and America were interesting and I loved their relationship and watching it develop. I liked that America was a strong female character who wasn't afraid to say what she wanted and Phaeton had all the appeal of a rake and a rogue, seductive, witty and the aura of a bad boy that a good girl like me couldn't help but love. They were also hot. Very hot. This book was steamy and the sex scenes were some of my favourite parts!
The mystery however, although interesting I thought ended rather abruptly and strangely and was actually a bit anti climatic, I expected more. The story itself didn't exactly grip me either, although I was interested, I found I was reading to see what was going to happen between Phaeton and America rather then what would happen next with the murders.
It was an enjoyable read though, it had well rounded characters and plenty of steam.
America Jones has just lost everything, her father, her shipping business and soon her life if the pirates chasing her get their hands on her. But America is a resourcefull woman and when the opportunity to flee arrives she takes it, using a passerby to unwillingly assist her. The passerby happens to be Phaeton Black, now their paths have crossed they are drawn to one another as danger closes in on both of them.
This book is a hard one to classify, part historical romance, part adventure story, part erotica and all with a supernatural twist to keep it that much more interesting. It is all set in Victorian London, which helped create a rather sinister and suspenseful atmosphere. Butu despite the many elements of the story I didn't enjoy it as much as I hoped I would from reading the blurb.
But there were elements I did enjoy, the main characters Phaeton and America were interesting and I loved their relationship and watching it develop. I liked that America was a strong female character who wasn't afraid to say what she wanted and Phaeton had all the appeal of a rake and a rogue, seductive, witty and the aura of a bad boy that a good girl like me couldn't help but love. They were also hot. Very hot. This book was steamy and the sex scenes were some of my favourite parts!
The mystery however, although interesting I thought ended rather abruptly and strangely and was actually a bit anti climatic, I expected more. The story itself didn't exactly grip me either, although I was interested, I found I was reading to see what was going to happen between Phaeton and America rather then what would happen next with the murders.
It was an enjoyable read though, it had well rounded characters and plenty of steam.
May 30, 2012
Oh, this is a good one! If you like truly intense and fascinating characters and an intense level of sensuality (plus a delicious frisson of steampunk), it's a find! Jillian Stone has a terrific voice, and the dialogue between the characters is fabulous and genuinely smart.
Phaeton Black is a kind of paranormal, supremely libidinous Sherlock Holmes, and I just loved watching him at work (and play). The book is set in Victorian London, all moody and foggy and atmospheric, and full of sinister but tantalizing nightlife. Phaeton's a perfect match for the city: sordid and elegant by turns, full of complicated energy, hungry for pleasure, and fascinated by all the scary, supernatural things that are constantly after his blood. He's matched with a fiery, mixed-race, gun-wielding heroine named America Jones, and she's as intense and sensuous in her own way as Phaeton is in his. Their love story is very, very hot (the sex scenes are not for the prudish!), but it also has a great deal of tenderness as two very hard-shelled people form a deep attachment that surprises them both. Even as the plot thunders along, the emotional thread between them is quite moving.
I love the paranormal elements of the book: Stone steers clear of the cliche vampires and werewolves, and gives us a more ethereal, dreamlike sense of a mystical other-world that sends tendrils into this one. The descriptions of the various apparitions Phaeton encounters are gorgeous, even poetic, and they have an emotional delicacy that's too often missing from paranormals.
Can't wait to read the next in the series!!!
Phaeton Black is a kind of paranormal, supremely libidinous Sherlock Holmes, and I just loved watching him at work (and play). The book is set in Victorian London, all moody and foggy and atmospheric, and full of sinister but tantalizing nightlife. Phaeton's a perfect match for the city: sordid and elegant by turns, full of complicated energy, hungry for pleasure, and fascinated by all the scary, supernatural things that are constantly after his blood. He's matched with a fiery, mixed-race, gun-wielding heroine named America Jones, and she's as intense and sensuous in her own way as Phaeton is in his. Their love story is very, very hot (the sex scenes are not for the prudish!), but it also has a great deal of tenderness as two very hard-shelled people form a deep attachment that surprises them both. Even as the plot thunders along, the emotional thread between them is quite moving.
I love the paranormal elements of the book: Stone steers clear of the cliche vampires and werewolves, and gives us a more ethereal, dreamlike sense of a mystical other-world that sends tendrils into this one. The descriptions of the various apparitions Phaeton encounters are gorgeous, even poetic, and they have an emotional delicacy that's too often missing from paranormals.
Can't wait to read the next in the series!!!
April 6, 2012
Romantica meets Scotland Yard and supernatural skullduggery. I wish I'd known going into it that this title was as raunchy as it is (fair warning, Phaeton Black is a man of *enormous*... appetites). Phaeton's endless cavorting was kind of fun, though (to me, it began to feel like a particularly naughty running gag), and he's very forthright about it all. (And the innuendos are HILARIOUS.) It fit in surprisingly well with the (other kind of) action-- Phaeton's proclivities even wind up tying into the paranormal mystery. Nor was it just mindless sex-- there's a rather sweet and subtle romance throughout with the formidable Miss Jones, who's quite a complex and powerful lead, herself. The supporting characters are intriguing all on their own-- I suspect the good Doctor may get a book of his own, eventually, and I'd REALLY like to see more of Ping. Great characters, fun, fast-moving, twisty plot with a healthy dash of suspense on the side.
An enjoyable (but very racy) read-- I'd give this to a steampunk or Victorian paranormal reader with a high tolerance for titillation.
An enjoyable (but very racy) read-- I'd give this to a steampunk or Victorian paranormal reader with a high tolerance for titillation.
July 12, 2013
It was interesting in parts, slow in others. I enjoyed the dialogue mostly. This being my first steampunk book, it helped me visualize the setting. I also enjoyed all the various supernatural creatures. Phaeton Black and America Jones had a lovely relationship that began under the most unique (and maybe offensive to some) circumstances. I started reading this as a challenge because someone mentioned it was weird and they did not finish it. I could see how the initial meeting between Phaeton and America may turn some off. I could also see how one might want to set the book aside. I thought about doing so several times, not because I was offended, but because the story dragged on and on. I got lost in the details and complexity of the characters at times, and just wanted it to end. I'm sure it was just me. BUT if you can get past the "weird" beginning (which didn't bother me), and you love drawn out stories (which DID bother me), with lots of complex characters, mystery, and in the steampunk era, you should like this one.
October 5, 2012
I like a good hit of hotness in my romance, and this novel delivered in that respect. I was motivated enough to actually finish it, and that says a lot about how plot is really the glue that holds a novel together. However, this book is an example of the truly pitiful state of editing in publishing today. Chock a block full of punctuation, grammar, and homonym errors ("bare" instead of "bear") and the like, this book also suffers from a distinct lack of content editing, apart from the instances where whole chunks were clearly cut out but no effort was made to redress the loss. Also, apart from the obligatory airship I wouldn't call this steampunk, if you were thinking it might be. All in all, not a waste of time, but it could have been so much better.
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