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Winter Haven
Birth Rite
"The house was abandoned, but it was not empty. Something still lived there. Hungry. Remorseless. Trying to find a way out. Or at least that was what Ellen Shafer, his best friend, had tried to tell him. He hadn't listened to her. And she had paid the price."
Justin Devereaux is obsessed with an ancient LaMascares Mansion on top of the Hill in Winter Haven. When his best friend tells him of tunnels leading from the abandoned mansion to each of the houses in town, it starts Justin on an unstoppable path towards his dark destiny.
X. Aratare's first stand-alone novella contains explicit m/m sex, necromancers, evil gods, and creepy abandoned houses. Happy Halloween!
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Approx. Word Count: 21,321
Birth Rite is a professionally edited, expanded rewrite of "The House on the Hill", which was originally released for members only.
Read the 1st chapter for free:
Chapter One: Breaking Rules
Justin Devereaux is obsessed with an ancient LaMascares Mansion on top of the Hill in Winter Haven. When his best friend tells him of tunnels leading from the abandoned mansion to each of the houses in town, it starts Justin on an unstoppable path towards his dark destiny.
X. Aratare's first stand-alone novella contains explicit m/m sex, necromancers, evil gods, and creepy abandoned houses. Happy Halloween!
----------
Approx. Word Count: 21,321
Birth Rite is a professionally edited, expanded rewrite of "The House on the Hill", which was originally released for members only.
Read the 1st chapter for free:
Chapter One: Breaking Rules
50 pages, ebook
First published October 23, 2011
72 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
About the author
X. Aratare
90 books704 followersX. Aratare is the pseudonym for Raythe Reign's Gay(M/M) books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
October 24, 2013
Ok. Someone asked for a review so here goes.
I was looking forward to this because I enjoyed Devil's Ridge, but nope didn't enjoy this. First you don't stumble/discover the story you are basically told the entire set up by the MCs best friend and it takes like three chapters (or felt like three chapters). Second, it is just weird, I mean there is a giant worn in it , a giant worm, that honestly serves no purpose other than smell bad and eat random characters. Though I guess its purpose was to create tunnels which is on itself weird. Couldn't the MC just go to the house by being stupidly curious? Nope. We have a giant worm for that.
Pet peeves this included:
-Story summary inside the story.
-Foreshadowing at end of chapters (though I shouldn't complain since I am guilty of this crime as well).
-PWP smut. Plot is so bland I consider this a PWP. If I want to read mindless smut I go check fanfiction or some yaoi manga.
-Top with giant penis. Ok, so I don't remember what it was compared to, I just remember rolling my eyes.
-Random threesome. With a demon. Ok. Writing that out it doesn't seem bad, but not a fan at the time of reading.
-TSTL MC
Done.
I was looking forward to this because I enjoyed Devil's Ridge, but nope didn't enjoy this. First you don't stumble/discover the story you are basically told the entire set up by the MCs best friend and it takes like three chapters (or felt like three chapters). Second, it is just weird, I mean there is a giant worn in it , a giant worm, that honestly serves no purpose other than smell bad and eat random characters. Though I guess its purpose was to create tunnels which is on itself weird. Couldn't the MC just go to the house by being stupidly curious? Nope. We have a giant worm for that.
Pet peeves this included:
-Story summary inside the story.
-Foreshadowing at end of chapters (though I shouldn't complain since I am guilty of this crime as well).
-PWP smut. Plot is so bland I consider this a PWP. If I want to read mindless smut I go check fanfiction or some yaoi manga.
-Top with giant penis. Ok, so I don't remember what it was compared to, I just remember rolling my eyes.
-Random threesome. With a demon. Ok. Writing that out it doesn't seem bad, but not a fan at the time of reading.
-TSTL MC
Done.
January 18, 2025
First of all, wtf did I just read?
The whole first 50% I was actually scared, like it was creepy as hell and I felt like I was watching a horror movie. But then for some wild reason, white haired ancestor of MC kidnaps him and they have weird demon sex. In front of the MC’s parents??? There’s so much wrong with that. The writing is also so weird.. I just read the vampire club series and LOVED it, and am getting into Everdark by the same author. But this novella was absolutely wild.
The whole first 50% I was actually scared, like it was creepy as hell and I felt like I was watching a horror movie. But then for some wild reason, white haired ancestor of MC kidnaps him and they have weird demon sex. In front of the MC’s parents??? There’s so much wrong with that. The writing is also so weird.. I just read the vampire club series and LOVED it, and am getting into Everdark by the same author. But this novella was absolutely wild.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2020
Weird ! It’s like a badly written book by a teenager for teenagers, was the author high on drugs? Watch a spooky porn movie and popped too many viagras? There’s nothing original about this, just regurgitated plots, themes and content
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February 3, 2025Co powstanie z zmieszania "The Lair of the White Worm" (1988), mitologii Cthulhu i ordynarnego yaoi? Właśnie ta nowelka. Pierwsze trzy rozdziały to ekspozycja, kolejne trzy to seks, a potem się kończy. Co się tu odjaniepawla po drodze zostawiało mnie z nieustannym WTF I just red, ale bardzo pozytywnym, bo jest tak dziwne, że bardzo rozrywkowe. Nie ma tu rozbudowanego świata przedstawionego czy głębi psychologicznej postaci, więc tylko WTF zostaje. Wielki robal, rodzina nekromatów, rzeź dzieci, ukryte (nie bardzo) tożsamości, Cthulhu znienacka (gejowski pornos to IDEALNE miejsce dla mitologii Cthulhu. Najlepsze możliwe), młody, naiwny bohater, który w jeden wieczór gładko przechodzi od pierwszego razu do trójkąta z demonem, na oczach kultystów i rodziny... To jest definicja tak głupie, że aż fajne.
June 24, 2024
Hvad fuck har jeg lige læst
June 1, 2022
This book falls under New Adult, Fantasy, Horror and Mystery. That's my assumption after reading the book.
This is a short story so I already expected a fast paced story. We have Justin, our MC who is very curious towards the well known abandoned mansion on their area named LaMascares Mansion. Why it intrigues him? Because he feels something about it, no other explanation.😑
World building on this one is very shaky. Lots of plot holes and loopholes. Things are happening just because.😅
Characters weren't fleshed out. Our MC is a bit immature despite his age and he did a lot of questionable things.
The only thing that made me gave this one a passable rating is because of the Mystery and Horror elements on the story. These parts are the ones that made me continue reading this. The earlier parts scared me a bit and I was very curious about what really happened in the past.
Unfortunately, a lot of questions weren't answered. I think it would have been a more enjoyable read if it was longer. There are lots of potential direction the story could go to.
It was a fast read and quite interesting. Just a warning that there are a few nsfw scenes here in case you also want to read this one.
This is a short story so I already expected a fast paced story. We have Justin, our MC who is very curious towards the well known abandoned mansion on their area named LaMascares Mansion. Why it intrigues him? Because he feels something about it, no other explanation.😑
World building on this one is very shaky. Lots of plot holes and loopholes. Things are happening just because.😅
Characters weren't fleshed out. Our MC is a bit immature despite his age and he did a lot of questionable things.
The only thing that made me gave this one a passable rating is because of the Mystery and Horror elements on the story. These parts are the ones that made me continue reading this. The earlier parts scared me a bit and I was very curious about what really happened in the past.
Unfortunately, a lot of questions weren't answered. I think it would have been a more enjoyable read if it was longer. There are lots of potential direction the story could go to.
It was a fast read and quite interesting. Just a warning that there are a few nsfw scenes here in case you also want to read this one.
June 17, 2022
Weird twist on good vs evil 😶
It goes to show you, one ever really knows. I like the whole mystery aspect of the story. Towards the end, it’s a wonder if there’s indeed such things as good and evil. I for one, have yet to meet an unflawed person.
Justin Devereaux is intrigued and fascinated by the LaMascares 🎭 Mansion, to the point of obsession. Dark. Truly dark. The mysterious man introduces young Justin to sex. As much as Justin wants to do what’s right, he’s disturbed and conflicted. Like I said, dark. And… it may not be for everyone. I have enjoyed Raythe’s Reign since 2017. Once again, a gripping story by X. Aratare. 💕 Perfectly, beautifully written. And a disturbing one! 😈
As far as narration by Chris Patton, wonderfully executed as always. -A fan. 💘
PS: this is a weird short horror story. Something I would expect cooked up in the 70’s. 😝 Definitely not romance.
It goes to show you, one ever really knows. I like the whole mystery aspect of the story. Towards the end, it’s a wonder if there’s indeed such things as good and evil. I for one, have yet to meet an unflawed person.
Justin Devereaux is intrigued and fascinated by the LaMascares 🎭 Mansion, to the point of obsession. Dark. Truly dark. The mysterious man introduces young Justin to sex. As much as Justin wants to do what’s right, he’s disturbed and conflicted. Like I said, dark. And… it may not be for everyone. I have enjoyed Raythe’s Reign since 2017. Once again, a gripping story by X. Aratare. 💕 Perfectly, beautifully written. And a disturbing one! 😈
As far as narration by Chris Patton, wonderfully executed as always. -A fan. 💘
PS: this is a weird short horror story. Something I would expect cooked up in the 70’s. 😝 Definitely not romance.
June 16, 2016
I found the book to be interesting about good vs evil and the choice Justin had to chose. When sex was introduced by the strange man, it came quick for Justin to participate in the whole sexual act, who happened to be a virgin.
It's an interesting read that can be read in one day. It only has about 83 pages.
It's an interesting read that can be read in one day. It only has about 83 pages.
October 3, 2016
I liked this book a lot. One has to read it carefully, because it does not present a clear definition between good and evil -- that's the part I like the most, figuring out who is really the "bad guy" if there is "really" one. Used to Aratare's the end is not the end... I'm not too bothered by it, except that I see no sequels as of this date *pouts*
September 10, 2021
Wow!!! I'm a freaking weirdo!! 😂🤣
Raythe turns your deepest inner freak out! Raythe then grabs a mirror and shows you how twisted you can be!! Man!! I've never read a story quite as twisted as this!! Dang... I want... MORE.
Raythe turns your deepest inner freak out! Raythe then grabs a mirror and shows you how twisted you can be!! Man!! I've never read a story quite as twisted as this!! Dang... I want... MORE.
November 8, 2021
It was interesting with an open-ending for people to make up what they think would happen next. I can understand why it might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I liked the backstory of it and while there were some disturbing moments, it was an okay book. Not much more I can say really.
March 24, 2018
Abit short for some but still a good story. Felt like it ended abit abruptly but well written.
February 18, 2021
Oh, man, this one is dark. Not my favorite X. Aratare but written with the same fluid, gripping style that I adore. I will not spoil it, but this is NOT a romance.
added-it
August 21, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/21/2021)! 🎁
September 23, 2021
Love the weird mix of horror and erotica. :) and the narrator is excellent! One of my favorite narrators.
December 15, 2021
Presently surprised
I fully expected this to be a different kind of story, but it actually had a really great story and was written beautifully.
I fully expected this to be a different kind of story, but it actually had a really great story and was written beautifully.
October 21, 2022
Interesting. I love her writing!
November 4, 2022
Really well narrated audiobook. Only drawbacks I had were that it was too short and the story pace felt a little fast in a few parts.
October 18, 2022
This is going to be a ride. Buckle up, guys, and let's go.
Book TW at the bottom.
Little Summary, my thoughts while reading in chronological order. (Spoiler)
My rating overall.
I would like to replace the pain of reading this with the pain of hitting my head against a wall.
All jokes aside, the book is okay. I liked the creepy start, so I gave it two stars. I probably wouldn't be able to write anything better, so I can't judge. It would be way better if the author worked longer on the story. It is short and feels unfinished. I see the potential, though. We just get thrown in at the start, and things like this should be avoided.
Everything after Chapter 6 was disturbing, and I didn't enjoy it. Hard pass on that.
I know a lot of books with controversial and morally grey themes, but this one is not as good. I would recommend looking into other books before this one. They will give you more for your time and money.
Recommend?
Would I recommend this? Honestly, I said what happened. If that doesn't stop you, go ahead. It is a unique experience.
Trigger Warnings
Nonconsensual
Character Death
Cult and Rituals
Monster Erotic
Book TW at the bottom.
Little Summary, my thoughts while reading in chronological order. (Spoiler)
My rating overall.
The pain of the sex would replace the pain of loss.
(p 61)
I would like to replace the pain of reading this with the pain of hitting my head against a wall.
All jokes aside, the book is okay. I liked the creepy start, so I gave it two stars. I probably wouldn't be able to write anything better, so I can't judge. It would be way better if the author worked longer on the story. It is short and feels unfinished. I see the potential, though. We just get thrown in at the start, and things like this should be avoided.
Everything after Chapter 6 was disturbing, and I didn't enjoy it. Hard pass on that.
I know a lot of books with controversial and morally grey themes, but this one is not as good. I would recommend looking into other books before this one. They will give you more for your time and money.
Recommend?
Would I recommend this? Honestly, I said what happened. If that doesn't stop you, go ahead. It is a unique experience.
Trigger Warnings
Nonconsensual
Character Death
Cult and Rituals
Monster Erotic
March 5, 2023
Rating: 4 ⭐️
I thoroughly enjoyed this short story and its darker theme. All the smut descriptions were very good and had me excited whilst reading through all those steamier scenes.
It was a great quick read. Would recommend :)
I thoroughly enjoyed this short story and its darker theme. All the smut descriptions were very good and had me excited whilst reading through all those steamier scenes.
It was a great quick read. Would recommend :)
October 19, 2022
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August 2, 2024
Left in aww
I did not expect that this book would be this good. It is by some people's terms a short story. But, if it's a short story, it has a big bang. I was sitting on the edge of my seat the entire time. I am still reeling at the possibility that El was the first blogger. The ending left room for all types of questions. I love stories like this. I think anyone can enjoy this book. Though I still don't know if I believe that they actually sacrificed children in those terms. I simply love this author and am glad to have the honor of being able to read their work.
I did not expect that this book would be this good. It is by some people's terms a short story. But, if it's a short story, it has a big bang. I was sitting on the edge of my seat the entire time. I am still reeling at the possibility that El was the first blogger. The ending left room for all types of questions. I love stories like this. I think anyone can enjoy this book. Though I still don't know if I believe that they actually sacrificed children in those terms. I simply love this author and am glad to have the honor of being able to read their work.
June 14, 2024
It feels like those first stories you write where verything goes too fast for its own good, the MC clearly having issues in his mind that gets explained later.
Could have been more elaborate and thrilling, the erotic parts too. Its too plain, too shallow.
Still interesting, but lacking in a lot of ways. Telling very short stories and being good at it is a very, very hard skill. Not terribly bad, but could have been far better.
Could have been more elaborate and thrilling, the erotic parts too. Its too plain, too shallow.
Still interesting, but lacking in a lot of ways. Telling very short stories and being good at it is a very, very hard skill. Not terribly bad, but could have been far better.
January 22, 2025
Kinda like the 2022 movie blood
Someone likes cheesy horror movies. Spice level 0.5. horror 2.5. book length: short. Plot level: kinda like a Wattpad book level of plot. It starts off with a friend telling him what she found out about the house and that's 50% of the book then 10% is him getting in the house and the other 20% is were they meet and he learns some shit and the last 20% is where they hook up fight for morals move and find out it's not actually over.
Someone likes cheesy horror movies. Spice level 0.5. horror 2.5. book length: short. Plot level: kinda like a Wattpad book level of plot. It starts off with a friend telling him what she found out about the house and that's 50% of the book then 10% is him getting in the house and the other 20% is were they meet and he learns some shit and the last 20% is where they hook up fight for morals move and find out it's not actually over.
November 30, 2020
I HATED it. I wanted to love the sex scenes but they were too hokey for me, the ending was extremely cringey. This was one of the first stories I read at Raythe, but luckily I found several others I liked and this one didn't turn me off it entirely.
June 28, 2018
3.75 stars! X. Aratare has great short stories!!
June 13, 2019
Justin Devereaux is fascinated by the house on the hill and pays a high price to learn its secrets.
September 20, 2020
The audio was good but the story was okay, 2.5 really. Only got it because of the audio and plot sounded intriguing. It almost reads like a light version of goosebumps books but with sex in it.
October 7, 2020
This book is so bad, that it's good. Makes sense?
September 10, 2021
truly disturbing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews