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Warders #4-6
Warders: Volume Two
Most humans live in blissful ignorance, never dreaming of the frightening surprises and paranormal danger that lurks in the night. Most... but not all. These few who stand against the darkness are the Warders, men who fight demons and square off against all kinds of creatures from the pit with only their brothers-in-arms and their lovers-their Hearths-to strengthen them in the unending battle of good versus evil. Sinnerman (June 2011), Nexus (October 2011), and Cherish Your Name (December 2011) were previously published individually in eBook format by Dreamspinner Press.
350 pages, Paperback
First published June 11, 2012
10 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Mary Calmes
127 books5,022 followersMary Calmes believes in romance, happily ever afters, and the faith it takes for her characters to get there. She bleeds coffee, thinks chocolate should be its own food group, and currently lives in Kentucky with a six-pound furry ninja that protects her from baby birds, spiders and the neighbor’s dogs. To stay up to date on her ponderings and pandemonium (as well as the adventures of the ninja) follow her on Twitter @MaryCalmes, connect with her on Facebook, and subscribe to her Mary’s Mob newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 1, 2017
BOOK FOUR - SINNERMAN
It’s Raphael’s story! Oh, how I’ve been waiting for this one! We first met Raph way back in Tooth & Nail, Malic and Dylan’s story. I was intrigued by this snarky maybe-demon and I was hoping that I would get to see more of him. Thank Mary I got my wish!
Jackson is in the middle of a foot chase across the rooftops of the city when he spies his hearth, Frank in another man’s apartment. He watches in horror as his life falls apart thus causing him to spiral into a deep depression. Thankfully Raph steps in with some yummilicious angry sex before things go too far.
I loved how we got to see both Raph and Jacks grow as the story progresses. At first it looked like the relationship would be a bit too toxic as Raph basically uses Jackson to get off and Jacks just lets him since he thinks that he’s no good for anything else any more. I mean, his freaking hearth left him; he wasn’t good enough to even hold onto him. But, bit by bit, Jackson starts to believe in himself again and you begin to see how truly amazing Raphael really is. He was so patient with Jacks!
Though I do wish we could have had more of Raphael’s snark in his book, I was happy that we got a peek into his loving soul.
BOOK FIVE - NEXUS
This is my second favorite, after Tooth & Nail. Marcus and Joe have been together for six years and are visiting Joe’s family to celebrate his grandfather’s birthday. I love that they are in an established, long lasting relationship. I love that Joe’s family loves and accepts Marcus and have welcomed him into the fold like he was born there. I love that Joe’s family finds out about warders and demons and hearths and instead of freaking out they just roll with it. I just love this everything about this story!
BUT! (and it’s a big but) this story made me cry so much. Marcus does something incredibly stupid and breaks Joe’s heart and it broke my heart as well. I cried for Marcus because he felt like he let Joe down and doesn’t deserve him anymore. I cried for Joe because what Marcus did was just devastating to him. (I’m just going to spoil you right here by saying no, Marcus didn’t cheat on Joe. I know some of you won’t read a story with cheating in it. Rest assured that wasn’t the stupid thing that Marcus did.) And I also cried during Dylan’s speech at the end.
There were so many feels in this one I had to take a break before reading the final book in the series. My heart was broken but Mary, in true Calmes fashion, pieced it back together for me by the end.
BOOK SIX – CHERISH YOUR NAME
Yay, we get more Dylan and Malic! I was so looking forward to this book. I needs me some more Dylan!
Malic and Dylan are visiting Dyl’s family for Christmas in Georgia (Marietta, in fact, which is about 20 minutes from my house). This is the first time Malic has met Dylan’s family and it’s not going too well. They feel that Malic is too old for Dylan and that what they have is just a passing fancy so they give Malic the cold shoulder. Poor Malic! If only they realized just how important Dylan is to Malic they would surely welcome him with open arms.
And Dylan isn’t making it any better with his running off to party with old friends every night. Malic seeks solace with the neighbor and seriously contemplates just going home to spend the holiday with people who actually care about him. I was so mad at Dylan at this point! He’s taking Malic for granted and Malic doesn’t deserve the treatment he’s getting at all.
Thankfully, Dylan pulls his head out of his ass before too long. Just in time, too, as there’s evil afoot.
This was a great ending to a remarkable series and I’m so glad that I was able to revisit this world. Mary is an astoundingly creative writer who has created a fascinating world. I just want to sink into the stories and never surface. Thankfully I own the series so I can re-read them any time I wish.
Check out Red's review and our chat on the blog!
August 23, 2017
As with the first three novellas, these needed more. But they actually did get better towards the end. I find myself wishing for one more final novel that will tie everything together. Tie all the events of the individual stories, and gifts the Warders have. If only there could be one more!
My favorite of the series was Marcus and Joe, and then the Christmas story with Malic and Dylan. Some serious fun happens and it's sappy and sweet, the Warders have kick ass powers and gifts, and I was captured. I'll probably go back and read the series again many times because even if I want more and think they could be better, there is something about the way Mary writes that makes me happy.
My favorite of the series was Marcus and Joe, and then the Christmas story with Malic and Dylan. Some serious fun happens and it's sappy and sweet, the Warders have kick ass powers and gifts, and I was captured. I'll probably go back and read the series again many times because even if I want more and think they could be better, there is something about the way Mary writes that makes me happy.
December 19, 2016
Three novellas included on one volume. All three stories are single POV.
Sinnerman 4 Stars
I really enjoyed this story. This is my favorite in this series.
Jackson is a warder who's hearth has cheated on and then left him. Though the reader doesn't get to see what they were like as a couple, we do get to see how broken Jackson is by the betrayal.
I love a good hurt/comfort, and this delivered for me in spades. I wasn't happy with the relationship between Jackson and Raphael, at first, but once Jackson truly claims the kyrie - it was game on!
Nexus 3.5 Stars
I love the relationship between Joe and Marcus. I loved that even though Joe is blind he isn't treated as disabled, and the bond between the two was palpable. Which makes the separation they face even more unbearable. All told, a solid inclusion in the series!
Cherish Your Name 3.5 Stars
I love a good age gap romance, and I loved reading about Dylan and Malic as an established couple. sure, they had issues and still needed to work on their communication, but the happy ending works out and is all worth it in the end.
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
These three stories in the series focus more on the relationships between Warder and Hearth than the fantastic paranormal world they live in where demons, vampires, kyries, and all manner of things that go bump in the night are not only real, but are fought against daily.
There's some nice action in between the relationship-building and the guys learn how well they work together versus other clutches of Warders and their Sentinels.
I'll admit I enjoyed this volume of stories more. I liked the relationship building, and felt like we got more hurt/comfort and sweet, sweet loving from this group than the first volume. There's was even a bit more world-building, but I still think it needs to be filled out more.
In the end this series is about exceptionally hot men with weapons and supernatural abilities kicking ass and coming home to the men who love and cherish them. And I'm all good with that.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Warders: Volume Two (Warders #4-6) provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Sinnerman 4 Stars
As a warder, Jackson Tybalt is one of the good guys until he sees the man he loves kissing another. Betrayed and angry, Jackson tempts danger and death, ignoring the pleas of other warders to be careful. It's a vile mood in which to start a romance, but that doesn't stop the kyrie Raphael, who more than anything wants Jackson for his very own.
Jackson doesn't want a hearth, he doesn't want a lover-he just wants dark and painful, and Raphael will give him what he wants. But sometimes the sins of the flesh are just what a body needs to bandage the wounds of the heart, and Raphael will hide the tenderness he feels for Jackson for as long as the warder wears the guise of the Sinnerman.
I really enjoyed this story. This is my favorite in this series.
Jackson is a warder who's hearth has cheated on and then left him. Though the reader doesn't get to see what they were like as a couple, we do get to see how broken Jackson is by the betrayal.
I love a good hurt/comfort, and this delivered for me in spades. I wasn't happy with the relationship between Jackson and Raphael, at first, but once Jackson truly claims the kyrie - it was game on!
Nexus 3.5 Stars
Marcus Roth is a top criminal lawyer by day and demon-slaying warder by night, but he is simply one of five warders—not really important to anyone but Joseph Locke, his hearth. Or so Marcus mistakenly believes.
On a trip to Lexington, Kentucky, to celebrate Joe’s grandfather’s birthday, that belief changes as Marcus unwittingly uncovers a paranormal dilemma and ends up revealing his identity as a warder to Joe’s family. Faced with a traitor, demons, and the return of an old enemy, Marcus must put his own needs aside to save his friends—though in so doing he may lose the man he loves forever. Even living through the ordeal might not be enough if Marcus can’t forgive himself and learn that his hearth and the rest of his clutch can’t do without him.
I love the relationship between Joe and Marcus. I loved that even though Joe is blind he isn't treated as disabled, and the bond between the two was palpable. Which makes the separation they face even more unbearable. All told, a solid inclusion in the series!
Cherish Your Name 3.5 Stars
Malic Sunden is in hell—only not literally... yet. As a warder, Malic is used to fighting demons and squaring off against all kinds of creatures from the pit, but this year he’s facing a new and terrifying prospect: Christmas holidays with his much-younger boyfriend and his family.
He loves Dylan, his hearth, but Dylan’s parents, the Shaws, are another story. They think Malic is a cradle-robber, among other things. At least their neighbor, Brad, seems to like him. Then again, maybe not. When Malic gets offered to a demon who wipes his memory of everything but Dylan’s name, it will take all Malic has to escape his new life in a hell dimension and return to the man he calls home.
I love a good age gap romance, and I loved reading about Dylan and Malic as an established couple. sure, they had issues and still needed to work on their communication, but the happy ending works out and is all worth it in the end.
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
These three stories in the series focus more on the relationships between Warder and Hearth than the fantastic paranormal world they live in where demons, vampires, kyries, and all manner of things that go bump in the night are not only real, but are fought against daily.
There's some nice action in between the relationship-building and the guys learn how well they work together versus other clutches of Warders and their Sentinels.
I'll admit I enjoyed this volume of stories more. I liked the relationship building, and felt like we got more hurt/comfort and sweet, sweet loving from this group than the first volume. There's was even a bit more world-building, but I still think it needs to be filled out more.
In the end this series is about exceptionally hot men with weapons and supernatural abilities kicking ass and coming home to the men who love and cherish them. And I'm all good with that.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Warders: Volume Two (Warders #4-6) provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
February 27, 2018
Great end
4 ⭐️
I’m a new fan of this series, and I can see me re reading it many times. My favourite stories were the ones with the established couples, and even though Malic is stubborn and at times dense, I have a soft spot for him.
4 ⭐️
I’m a new fan of this series, and I can see me re reading it many times. My favourite stories were the ones with the established couples, and even though Malic is stubborn and at times dense, I have a soft spot for him.
December 24, 2016
***3.25 stars***
Sinnerman
I was so looking forward to reading Jackson's and Raph's story. Thought it would be good if not better than the last book in the series. Well, that was a let down. Seriously, this book had so much potential and I feel that it was wasted. IMO there wasn't an equal balance between the norm/paranormal worlds. There could have been with the Saudrian demon thing, but no it was just a brief mention. Honestly, it felt like a really short unfulfilling story. Not to mention the Jael and Deidre aspect that came out of nowhere. Then there is the ending, while they do get their HEA; it just didn't do it for me.
Nexus
I have to say that this story was way better than Sinnerman. I felt this had a better balance of real world/paranormal, which made me enjoy the story much more. A piece of me wishes that the battle between Moira and the Warders could've been dragged out more to add to the overall story. Nevertheless, I felt that the conclusion to the story was far better than all the previous books. I’m not saying that any one of them left me hanging; more so that they were abrupt.
Cherish Your Name
So, in the beginning I was so not a fan of Dylan. How he treated Malic, granted he is younger, was not his finest moment. Especially given their special connection as Hearth and Warder. It just seemed a bit off, mainly because in Tooth and Nail, Dylan was so relentless and possessive. All I can say is: Respect people! In the end, both were at fault in their own way; however IMO Dylan more so. I felt that the neighbor/Collector Demon storyline could've been expanded upon, because like everything else it seemed a bit rushed. However, out of all the books so far in the series this one actually has a more complete ending and a true HEA.
I am one of many reviewers at Gay Book Reviews and can be found here: http://gaybook.reviews/author/steph/
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sinnerman
I was so looking forward to reading Jackson's and Raph's story. Thought it would be good if not better than the last book in the series. Well, that was a let down. Seriously, this book had so much potential and I feel that it was wasted. IMO there wasn't an equal balance between the norm/paranormal worlds. There could have been with the Saudrian demon thing, but no it was just a brief mention. Honestly, it felt like a really short unfulfilling story. Not to mention the Jael and Deidre aspect that came out of nowhere. Then there is the ending, while they do get their HEA; it just didn't do it for me.
Nexus
I have to say that this story was way better than Sinnerman. I felt this had a better balance of real world/paranormal, which made me enjoy the story much more. A piece of me wishes that the battle between Moira and the Warders could've been dragged out more to add to the overall story. Nevertheless, I felt that the conclusion to the story was far better than all the previous books. I’m not saying that any one of them left me hanging; more so that they were abrupt.
Cherish Your Name
So, in the beginning I was so not a fan of Dylan. How he treated Malic, granted he is younger, was not his finest moment. Especially given their special connection as Hearth and Warder. It just seemed a bit off, mainly because in Tooth and Nail, Dylan was so relentless and possessive. All I can say is: Respect people! In the end, both were at fault in their own way; however IMO Dylan more so. I felt that the neighbor/Collector Demon storyline could've been expanded upon, because like everything else it seemed a bit rushed. However, out of all the books so far in the series this one actually has a more complete ending and a true HEA.
I am one of many reviewers at Gay Book Reviews and can be found here: http://gaybook.reviews/author/steph/
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2013
Hot, hot and exceedingly hot men with swords, weapons and supernatural abilities (swoon here) all with a dangerous mission to protect the world from Evil and from Things That Go Bump in the Night and Then Eat You. I love the Warder Series. The good guys get lurve and romance. The bad guys generally get clobbered, sliced and diced and don't pity them cos the baddies deserve it.
It is great to have the warder series of novellas in two paperback volumes. I read all these before when they were published as ebooks, but to have them in paperback volumes is pure heaven. A bit like having a giant tub of Pralines and Cream Haagen Daz all to myself, undisturbed in a quiet house.
Reading these all over again has been such a fab way to start 2013. I think I have started a new tradition for myself and will do it all over again in 2014.
An excellent reading experience.
It is great to have the warder series of novellas in two paperback volumes. I read all these before when they were published as ebooks, but to have them in paperback volumes is pure heaven. A bit like having a giant tub of Pralines and Cream Haagen Daz all to myself, undisturbed in a quiet house.
Reading these all over again has been such a fab way to start 2013. I think I have started a new tradition for myself and will do it all over again in 2014.
An excellent reading experience.
December 30, 2016
Individual book reviews will be copied to their corresponding Goodreads book pages.
~
Book – Warders Volume 2
Author – Mary Calmes
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 311
POV – 1st person, one character per story
Would I read it again – Yes
Genre – LGBT, Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance, Anthology
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
This half of the series is even better than the first! However, I do have to warn that there are instances of cheating (book 1), historic attempted sexual abuse of a child by a relative (book 2), attempted rape under the influence of drugs, hazing and date-rape situations (book 3) and lots more violence in the stories.
~
Book 1: Sinnerman
Length: 0-32%
★★★★★
This was one of my favourite stories in this series so far.
I loved Jackson and how he embraced the sweeping darkness and the meltdown from Frank's cheating. He didn't let his Warder brothers try to tell him that he couldn't be angry or hurt, though I was surprised that the whole 'cheating boyfriend' theme was being revisited again. This is the third story where it plays a big part in the overall story arc.
I was intrigued by Hayden, who I hope to see in future stories. Despite being a spoiled rich kid, making wrong choices, he was just looking to be loved and would make a great Warder's hearth.
However, once again the 1st person POV meant that the only way I knew it was Jackson's POV was from the mention of Frank within the first page, because, without that, Jackson's name didn't appear until 4 pages in.
I loved the way that the hearths stood up for Raph, later in the story. Raphael was the best minor character from all the other stories and the one I wanted to see the most. His chemistry with Jackson was off the charts and I loved the way he gave Jackson what he needed, even when it wasn't what he wanted or needed.
Again, we had a side storyline of an ex-boyfriend causing trouble for the warder. This time, it had a more advanced storyline in Frank's antics, but again it wasn't properly explored or explained. It's the only problem I've found with the series; the theme of ex-boyfriends and the fact that certain side plots are used but never really explained.
~
Favourite Quote
““I guess I shouldn't have worried,” Raphael said beside me.
I turned to look at him.
“It's like a damn frat house around here. How do you people inspire any fear at all?””
~
Book 2: Nexus
Length: 32-66%
★★★★★
This is, perhaps, the second best story in all the series (with Sinnerman taking first place).
Again, there was the issue with 1st person POV not being informative enough – a theme that is persistent in all the stories of this series. Unless you can remember each character by name and their association with the others in the story, then it takes far too long to learn who the 1st person POV is actually from. This one took 3 pages for us to get Marcus' name. Though knowing that it was a warder who was a lawyer helped point me in the right direction, it takes far too long to find out who the POV is for, even taking until page 2 for us to find out it's Joseph's warder mate.
Marcus and Joe are only our second established couple of the series, but I love them. I actually believed their relationship more than Simon and Leith's, which made a little more sense when we found out here (though not during Simon and Leith's story, as far as I can remember) that they'd only been together less than a year. Marcus and Joe, however, have had six years together and that was obvious from the way they worked as such a cohesive team and how much more organic and natural their relationship was. Joe was my favourite, especially with the way that he reacted to Marcus. Being a gay, interracial couple in a small 'hick' town, while Joe is blind and Marcus is black, could have spelled so much trouble, even with Joe's family. But the way he handled it was beautifully done.
I was proud, but also sad, to see the way Joe handled being around his cousin Kyle, and to learn their history. Proud because he was still strong, he hadn't let that incident define him or destroy him, but sad because he could never escape that memory with Kyle at every family gathering. At the same time, I loved the way he turned to Marcus for protection, so trusting and so sure that he'd be there. Joe sees Marcus so clearly, despite being blind. He knows and trusts everything about him, the same way that Marcus does with Joe. So when their relationship hit that rocky patch near the end, I almost died! It just wasn't fair. But then it was worked through, screamed through and resolved and I felt whole again.
The whole thing was just a master class in beautiful storytelling and masterful planning.
~
Favourite Quote
““A warder has to be able to return to his hearth and home to be cared for and find sanctuary and draw power. I understand my role, and it's as vital to me as it is to you. I love you and I know my value. But I can't leave my family in danger, and I know you can't, either. So let's handle this and then go home so you can fight alongside your brothers.”
He was decisive and firm and absolute. It was hard to contain my love for him, because really, the man was phenomenal.
“Just say, 'Yes, Joe, I agree.'”
“Yes, Joe, I agree,” I sighed.
“I go with you, Marcus. Don't be stupid.”
Of course he did.”
~
Book 3: Cherish Your Name
Length: 66-98%
★★★★★
This was a fantastic little snippet of an action packed Christmas.
It was really nice to see Malic's old insecurities about the age difference between him and Dylan, because that's not something that is easily resolved or just forgotten, no matter how hard a person might try. There are always niggles and doubts, especially during situations like those presented here. At the same time, it was nice to see Dylan getting jealous, when Malic found a new friend his own age and the hear the amazing way that Dylan's friends supported him when he most needed it.
Again, though, there was the issue of no clear POV label. I know I keep harping on about it, but if someone were to pick this up as a Christmas story, not knowing or seeing that it was part of a series, they'd have no idea for 4 pages who the POV was for. There are hints for those of us familiar with the series, but nothing for an accidental out-of-sequence reader. It would also make my life easier (as I have, medically, a terrible memory for names) to just have it pointed out to me in the first page who is talking, since there are so many characters in this series that it gets confusing trying to remember who is who and how they're related to each other.
I loved that this was a Christmas story, since it's the first of the series and pretty much needed. Just because I love Christmas, it's that time of year as I was reading it, and Christmas is always a special time of year. I was eager to see how it would be for Warders and loved how Ryan had the most natural reaction to being disturbed on Christmas Eve.
It sucked to hear the story of Dylan and Ethan. What Brad did to Malic was crazy but believeable and action-packed.
All in all, it was a great Christmas story with completely normal, human situations to cause drama and chaos, as well as the supernatural demon kind. The ending was great, too. But I can't help but feel that it's not the end. I'm not sure it ever will be.
~
Favourite Quote
““How do you like Christmas cookies?”
I squinted at him. “How should I know?”
He stopped walking and just stared up at me.
“What?”
“Didn't you make Christmas cookies with your mom when you were a little boy?”
“No.”
“Are you telling me you've never made Christmas cookies?”
“It wasn't something we did in my family.”
“You didn't make Christmas cookies and then leave them out for Santa on Christmas Eve?”
“Santa,” I scoffed.
“No?”
“No.”
Dylan turned and yelled at his mother. “Mom, you're not gonna believe this!””
~
OVERALL
The series, as a whole (putting Volume One and Two together) is not cohesive. Some stories are better than others, but there is a persistence of theme, style and method which does bring it together in writing terms. When it comes to feelings, I waver too much to ever buy the entire set on paperback, for example, but I'd come back and read individual stories again in the future. I think the unanswered questions I was left with at the end of some stories, while others were nicely rounded up and taken care of, was the real problem. I never did get to find out how Jael got on with Diedre, what happened to Mitch and Kyle, the cheaters; did Frank go insane?; if Malic would ever forgive Rene and what exactly had happened with him anyway, after that break up with Frank?; whether Kyle or Eric ever learned their lesson or paid for their crimes; if Winters did have history with Julian or not; or if Hayden really was suitable for becoming a warder's hearth.
I do love the message that each story puts across, though. Not everyone who does bad things is truly evil and not everyone who is good, can't be cruel. Appearances aren't everything and no character is ever what they first appear, even the good guys.
The 1st person still bothers me. Unless you can remember each character by name and their association with the others in the story, then it takes far too long to learn who the 1st person POV is actually from. If someone accidentally picked up one of the individual stories out of sequence, there is no guarantee they'd understand the hinted correlation of names and figure out who the POV belonged to. Though the warders situation is explained in each story, the plots right from book 1 are far too intermingled and connected for them to be comfortably read as stand alones. These last 4 stories in particular have a running plot arc that wouldn't make sense if read out of sequence.
However, as a whole, I really enjoyed the series and the stories. Each one was an adventure and I'd happily read more.
~
Book – Warders Volume 2
Author – Mary Calmes
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 311
POV – 1st person, one character per story
Would I read it again – Yes
Genre – LGBT, Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance, Anthology
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
This half of the series is even better than the first! However, I do have to warn that there are instances of cheating (book 1), historic attempted sexual abuse of a child by a relative (book 2), attempted rape under the influence of drugs, hazing and date-rape situations (book 3) and lots more violence in the stories.
~
Book 1: Sinnerman
Length: 0-32%
★★★★★
This was one of my favourite stories in this series so far.
I loved Jackson and how he embraced the sweeping darkness and the meltdown from Frank's cheating. He didn't let his Warder brothers try to tell him that he couldn't be angry or hurt, though I was surprised that the whole 'cheating boyfriend' theme was being revisited again. This is the third story where it plays a big part in the overall story arc.
I was intrigued by Hayden, who I hope to see in future stories. Despite being a spoiled rich kid, making wrong choices, he was just looking to be loved and would make a great Warder's hearth.
However, once again the 1st person POV meant that the only way I knew it was Jackson's POV was from the mention of Frank within the first page, because, without that, Jackson's name didn't appear until 4 pages in.
I loved the way that the hearths stood up for Raph, later in the story. Raphael was the best minor character from all the other stories and the one I wanted to see the most. His chemistry with Jackson was off the charts and I loved the way he gave Jackson what he needed, even when it wasn't what he wanted or needed.
Again, we had a side storyline of an ex-boyfriend causing trouble for the warder. This time, it had a more advanced storyline in Frank's antics, but again it wasn't properly explored or explained. It's the only problem I've found with the series; the theme of ex-boyfriends and the fact that certain side plots are used but never really explained.
~
Favourite Quote
““I guess I shouldn't have worried,” Raphael said beside me.
I turned to look at him.
“It's like a damn frat house around here. How do you people inspire any fear at all?””
~
Book 2: Nexus
Length: 32-66%
★★★★★
This is, perhaps, the second best story in all the series (with Sinnerman taking first place).
Again, there was the issue with 1st person POV not being informative enough – a theme that is persistent in all the stories of this series. Unless you can remember each character by name and their association with the others in the story, then it takes far too long to learn who the 1st person POV is actually from. This one took 3 pages for us to get Marcus' name. Though knowing that it was a warder who was a lawyer helped point me in the right direction, it takes far too long to find out who the POV is for, even taking until page 2 for us to find out it's Joseph's warder mate.
Marcus and Joe are only our second established couple of the series, but I love them. I actually believed their relationship more than Simon and Leith's, which made a little more sense when we found out here (though not during Simon and Leith's story, as far as I can remember) that they'd only been together less than a year. Marcus and Joe, however, have had six years together and that was obvious from the way they worked as such a cohesive team and how much more organic and natural their relationship was. Joe was my favourite, especially with the way that he reacted to Marcus. Being a gay, interracial couple in a small 'hick' town, while Joe is blind and Marcus is black, could have spelled so much trouble, even with Joe's family. But the way he handled it was beautifully done.
I was proud, but also sad, to see the way Joe handled being around his cousin Kyle, and to learn their history. Proud because he was still strong, he hadn't let that incident define him or destroy him, but sad because he could never escape that memory with Kyle at every family gathering. At the same time, I loved the way he turned to Marcus for protection, so trusting and so sure that he'd be there. Joe sees Marcus so clearly, despite being blind. He knows and trusts everything about him, the same way that Marcus does with Joe. So when their relationship hit that rocky patch near the end, I almost died! It just wasn't fair. But then it was worked through, screamed through and resolved and I felt whole again.
The whole thing was just a master class in beautiful storytelling and masterful planning.
~
Favourite Quote
““A warder has to be able to return to his hearth and home to be cared for and find sanctuary and draw power. I understand my role, and it's as vital to me as it is to you. I love you and I know my value. But I can't leave my family in danger, and I know you can't, either. So let's handle this and then go home so you can fight alongside your brothers.”
He was decisive and firm and absolute. It was hard to contain my love for him, because really, the man was phenomenal.
“Just say, 'Yes, Joe, I agree.'”
“Yes, Joe, I agree,” I sighed.
“I go with you, Marcus. Don't be stupid.”
Of course he did.”
~
Book 3: Cherish Your Name
Length: 66-98%
★★★★★
This was a fantastic little snippet of an action packed Christmas.
It was really nice to see Malic's old insecurities about the age difference between him and Dylan, because that's not something that is easily resolved or just forgotten, no matter how hard a person might try. There are always niggles and doubts, especially during situations like those presented here. At the same time, it was nice to see Dylan getting jealous, when Malic found a new friend his own age and the hear the amazing way that Dylan's friends supported him when he most needed it.
Again, though, there was the issue of no clear POV label. I know I keep harping on about it, but if someone were to pick this up as a Christmas story, not knowing or seeing that it was part of a series, they'd have no idea for 4 pages who the POV was for. There are hints for those of us familiar with the series, but nothing for an accidental out-of-sequence reader. It would also make my life easier (as I have, medically, a terrible memory for names) to just have it pointed out to me in the first page who is talking, since there are so many characters in this series that it gets confusing trying to remember who is who and how they're related to each other.
I loved that this was a Christmas story, since it's the first of the series and pretty much needed. Just because I love Christmas, it's that time of year as I was reading it, and Christmas is always a special time of year. I was eager to see how it would be for Warders and loved how Ryan had the most natural reaction to being disturbed on Christmas Eve.
It sucked to hear the story of Dylan and Ethan. What Brad did to Malic was crazy but believeable and action-packed.
All in all, it was a great Christmas story with completely normal, human situations to cause drama and chaos, as well as the supernatural demon kind. The ending was great, too. But I can't help but feel that it's not the end. I'm not sure it ever will be.
~
Favourite Quote
““How do you like Christmas cookies?”
I squinted at him. “How should I know?”
He stopped walking and just stared up at me.
“What?”
“Didn't you make Christmas cookies with your mom when you were a little boy?”
“No.”
“Are you telling me you've never made Christmas cookies?”
“It wasn't something we did in my family.”
“You didn't make Christmas cookies and then leave them out for Santa on Christmas Eve?”
“Santa,” I scoffed.
“No?”
“No.”
Dylan turned and yelled at his mother. “Mom, you're not gonna believe this!””
~
OVERALL
The series, as a whole (putting Volume One and Two together) is not cohesive. Some stories are better than others, but there is a persistence of theme, style and method which does bring it together in writing terms. When it comes to feelings, I waver too much to ever buy the entire set on paperback, for example, but I'd come back and read individual stories again in the future. I think the unanswered questions I was left with at the end of some stories, while others were nicely rounded up and taken care of, was the real problem. I never did get to find out how Jael got on with Diedre, what happened to Mitch and Kyle, the cheaters; did Frank go insane?; if Malic would ever forgive Rene and what exactly had happened with him anyway, after that break up with Frank?; whether Kyle or Eric ever learned their lesson or paid for their crimes; if Winters did have history with Julian or not; or if Hayden really was suitable for becoming a warder's hearth.
I do love the message that each story puts across, though. Not everyone who does bad things is truly evil and not everyone who is good, can't be cruel. Appearances aren't everything and no character is ever what they first appear, even the good guys.
The 1st person still bothers me. Unless you can remember each character by name and their association with the others in the story, then it takes far too long to learn who the 1st person POV is actually from. If someone accidentally picked up one of the individual stories out of sequence, there is no guarantee they'd understand the hinted correlation of names and figure out who the POV belonged to. Though the warders situation is explained in each story, the plots right from book 1 are far too intermingled and connected for them to be comfortably read as stand alones. These last 4 stories in particular have a running plot arc that wouldn't make sense if read out of sequence.
However, as a whole, I really enjoyed the series and the stories. Each one was an adventure and I'd happily read more.
March 25, 2017
This title is a collection of three previously-published novellas: Sinnerman, Nexus, and Cherish Your Name. Each novella follows a different Warder (aka demon hunter) as he finds/keeps his one true love.
I highly suggest reading Volume One before this one. Calmes makes no effort to catch readers up who haven’t read the first three stories and you’d likely be lost.
In Sinnerman we see Warder Jackson grapple with his feelings after he finds his hearth cheating on him. Then Raphael, who we also met in the previous book, comes to pull him out of his despair with sex. Seriously, that’s how the plot goes. Raphael treats Jackson like a sex toy until Jackson heals enough to say no, and then Raphael instantly becomes the perfect boyfriend. Add in a weird side-plot that didn’t really do anything for the story I could see, and delusions of grandeur on the part of the cheating ex, and boom. Sinnerman.
As you might be able to tell this one was a mixed bag for me. On the one hand, losing a partner is hard. It’s harder for a Warder, with the burdens they carry and the importance of a hearth in their lives. I get that. I don’t need it in my romance, though. I would have really appreciated it if this book had kinda glossed over that a bit more. It was depressing to read.
Furthermore, I’ve never understood the whole “best way to get over one lover is to get under another” philosophy, but wow is it milked here! Marvin Gaye must have had a hand in writing this, because sexual healing was foundational to the story.
On the other hand, once Jackson got through his feels, I really liked how he and Raphael fit together. Raphael is deeper than he lets on, and there’s a lot of character growth for both he and Jackson through their relationship. After slogging through Jackson’s depression, his interactions with Raphael seemed way more fun by comparison. There’s a scene with the other Warders defending Raphael that I found wonderful to read, too.
There’s lots of angst, lots of action, and quite a bit more world-building than we’ve seen in previous installments of this series, too. That helped me get over the bits I didn’t like to actually enjoy the story by the end.
Then we hit Nexus, and I loved, loved, loved Marcus and Joe! Warder Marcus and his hearth Joe have been together about six years when this story starts, and everything about them is wonderful. They go to visit Joe’s family and run into demon trouble while there—lots of sweetness between Marcus and Joe, tons of action, and a climactic moment at the end I didn’t see coming that kept me on the edge of my seat. We also get to see all of the Warders again (although not their hearths) as they all come together to help Marcus out. Yay!
Nexus would have been my favorite of this book if Cherish Your Name wasn’t here. But it IS! Aren’t we fortunate? We get a whole new story with Malic and Dylan (previously seen in Volume One’s Tooth and Nail)! Malic accompanies Dylan home for Christmas, and watching his young hearth interacting with all of his same-age friends causes Malic to doubt the longevity of their relationship. Dylan also has some past trauma to handle, Malic has to navigate family issues for the first time in his life, and unanticipated demon stuff could keep Malic and Dylan apart forever. Is their bond strong enough to win the day?
I adored this story. It’s my favorite of all of them, and I caught myself rereading it several times because I loved it so much. Dylan is as sassy and stubborn as ever, Malic is just as confounded by it, and adding in a whole lot of family drama just elevated everything to the next level. Honestly, Dylan and Malic alone are reason enough to read the whole series.
I much prefer this volume to Volume One! The first part of the second story dragged, but otherwise there was more action, more sweetness, more entertaining interactions, just overall more than we got before. I still have some lingering questions—especially about the head of our Warder clutch!—that I hope eventually get answered, but I’m not holding my breath. Definitely worth the read!
Reviewed by Caer for The Novel Approach Reviews
I highly suggest reading Volume One before this one. Calmes makes no effort to catch readers up who haven’t read the first three stories and you’d likely be lost.
In Sinnerman we see Warder Jackson grapple with his feelings after he finds his hearth cheating on him. Then Raphael, who we also met in the previous book, comes to pull him out of his despair with sex. Seriously, that’s how the plot goes. Raphael treats Jackson like a sex toy until Jackson heals enough to say no, and then Raphael instantly becomes the perfect boyfriend. Add in a weird side-plot that didn’t really do anything for the story I could see, and delusions of grandeur on the part of the cheating ex, and boom. Sinnerman.
As you might be able to tell this one was a mixed bag for me. On the one hand, losing a partner is hard. It’s harder for a Warder, with the burdens they carry and the importance of a hearth in their lives. I get that. I don’t need it in my romance, though. I would have really appreciated it if this book had kinda glossed over that a bit more. It was depressing to read.
Furthermore, I’ve never understood the whole “best way to get over one lover is to get under another” philosophy, but wow is it milked here! Marvin Gaye must have had a hand in writing this, because sexual healing was foundational to the story.
On the other hand, once Jackson got through his feels, I really liked how he and Raphael fit together. Raphael is deeper than he lets on, and there’s a lot of character growth for both he and Jackson through their relationship. After slogging through Jackson’s depression, his interactions with Raphael seemed way more fun by comparison. There’s a scene with the other Warders defending Raphael that I found wonderful to read, too.
There’s lots of angst, lots of action, and quite a bit more world-building than we’ve seen in previous installments of this series, too. That helped me get over the bits I didn’t like to actually enjoy the story by the end.
Then we hit Nexus, and I loved, loved, loved Marcus and Joe! Warder Marcus and his hearth Joe have been together about six years when this story starts, and everything about them is wonderful. They go to visit Joe’s family and run into demon trouble while there—lots of sweetness between Marcus and Joe, tons of action, and a climactic moment at the end I didn’t see coming that kept me on the edge of my seat. We also get to see all of the Warders again (although not their hearths) as they all come together to help Marcus out. Yay!
Nexus would have been my favorite of this book if Cherish Your Name wasn’t here. But it IS! Aren’t we fortunate? We get a whole new story with Malic and Dylan (previously seen in Volume One’s Tooth and Nail)! Malic accompanies Dylan home for Christmas, and watching his young hearth interacting with all of his same-age friends causes Malic to doubt the longevity of their relationship. Dylan also has some past trauma to handle, Malic has to navigate family issues for the first time in his life, and unanticipated demon stuff could keep Malic and Dylan apart forever. Is their bond strong enough to win the day?
I adored this story. It’s my favorite of all of them, and I caught myself rereading it several times because I loved it so much. Dylan is as sassy and stubborn as ever, Malic is just as confounded by it, and adding in a whole lot of family drama just elevated everything to the next level. Honestly, Dylan and Malic alone are reason enough to read the whole series.
I much prefer this volume to Volume One! The first part of the second story dragged, but otherwise there was more action, more sweetness, more entertaining interactions, just overall more than we got before. I still have some lingering questions—especially about the head of our Warder clutch!—that I hope eventually get answered, but I’m not holding my breath. Definitely worth the read!
Reviewed by Caer for The Novel Approach Reviews
Read
January 8, 2017Buddy read and review with my girl Jenni Lea.
5 Hearts for this Volume
Book 4, Sinnerman
YAY and holy hell was this good! I loved Raphael when we met him in Tooth and Nail. He was fun with Dylan telling him all about the world of the Warders and he even saved Malic’s life even if it almost went too far. But when we get more of the kyrie in Heart and Hand and all he does for Simon and Leith I was so damn intrigued and then, he saves Jackson and the little bit he tells Simon about what he wants… yeah, I knew I needed this book.
So, it was interesting to get Jackson in the beginning all drunk and the other warders coming to help him out. You see, Jackson has, er uh had a Hearth but apparently, Frank couldn’t take what was required of him and decided to cheat on Jacks. First, I have issues with Frank because I am so sorry but the poor man couldn’t handle being fucked against the kitchen wall by an intimate and insanely passionate warder who would literally die to keep his heart safe? Poor thing but Frank is an ass and doesn’t deserve to be a hearth and though it was sad to see Jacks find Frank with his new lover, it’s the appearance of Raph that made me flip off Frank and shove him to the corner of the room.
I am in love with Raphael. I can’t help it. I love that we get more of him in this and exactly what a kyrie is and what would happen to a kyrie if they are not claimed. Goodness, the need coming off Raph was so intense it made me squirm but knowing who Raphael wants made this super swoony.
Jackson is in a tough place, he loved his hearth and he is finding it kinda hard to get over Frank. But that one night, the one night he is used to Raphael always being there and isn’t he goes looking for the kryie and what happens had me swooning right off my bed. GAH! I love these two. I love that Raph gives Jacks exactly what he thinks he needs until that moment he gets it. When Raphael falls, he falls so damn hard and it was just a joy to witness.
I like that Jael felt the need to question his warders about bringing a kyrie in to the mix and how they all reacted. OMG and I loved Phoebe’s reaction to Jackson and her daughter’s reaction to Raph. Seriously, this book was just so much fun and so romantic between these two. It was great seeing all the warders and their hearths and getting just enough of Marcus and Joe to know that the next book would be another thrill ride full of passion and love.
Moving on.
Book 5, Nexus
That title that, word… Nexus - from Latin nexus "that which ties or binds together," goodness it means so much to this story.
I have to say how much I loved that we get an established warder/hearth couple of five years in this story with Marcus and Joe. We’ve met the couple before of course and know of Joe’s jealousy with Malic and how it all ended when Malic found Dylan. We know Joe is blind and that Marcus is a black man but what we don’t know is how they met and how they are the most adorable couple with the best banter!
This was a great addition to the series. Seeing Marcus go to Joe’s home to celebrate his grandfather’s birthday and being with Joe’s family was a lot of fun. Joe’s quips about them being special was so damn cute but when Joe needs the strength of his warder, things get deep and serious.
Let me say that Joe’s family and their reaction to what Marcus is was great but his sister’s and mothers reaction to Marcus’ warder family was hysterical even though I would have been the same way.
I love in this that we not only get Marcus and Joe but we get this clutch and all they have come to mean to one another. They have become so damn strong since book one with each of them having a hearth and realizing all they can do together when they are bonded. They are a true family and each one has their individual strengths but they are always stronger together and when they are needed by a brother, they drop everything to come.
Seeing another clutch, other warders and how they function was so bizarre but I get it was meant to be that way. Still, they need to get their shit together, you know?
But anyway. There are demons doing shit to Joe’s family they shouldn’t and being total douchenuggets to folks in town that Marcus and the boys need to do house cleaning at a club. Oohh the club! I have three words for you: Assless Chaps. I won’t say who wore them that would ruin the surprise but dayum boy!
Where was I. Oh yeah. The clutch is there to help Marcus take care of Joe’s family which is totally his family and Marcus does the unexpected, but not really. It was unexpected because it shocked me and then what happens had me crying through the last part of the book. Mary pulled out the feels with Dylan’s speech to Marcus and Joe’s as well. These men, these warders and their hearths are so amazing I am rambling my butt off about them but really, they are amazing.
Another great book in the series that keeps getting better.
Book 6, Cherish Your Name
I went into this book thinking it was going to be so fun and light with Malic going home to meet Dylan’s family over the Christmas holiday and um, I was wrong. From the start, we get Dylan hanging out with his friends and leaving Malic behind. Sure, this was Malic’s choice but seeing him miserable enough to start doing handyman chores and yard work made me side eye Dylan. What the heck is wrong with this angel that he would leave Malic to the coldness of his family who obviously see the age difference between them and not the love? Ugh.
But, the love is strong with Malic and his hearth that when a little jealousy gets tossed in, Dylan realizes what he is doing and freaks out. Of course his worries are for nothing because Malic loves Dylan beyond the beyond, he was just feeling lonely. When Dylan tells his story and why he needs his friends the way he does, my heart hurt. How much shit can he go through in his young life? Goodness. It’s a good thing he has a handsome warder who is built to protect at his side now eh?
I loved Dylan’s family and their turnaround with Malic. It was genuine and they all start turning to him for support, comfort and protection which is totes what Malic does best.
But…fucking Brad! I’m just going to say that because WTF Brad? Neighbors shouldn’t be like Brad but it did bring Ryan and Marcus to the Shaw house and seeing those men is always a good thing. I loved Marcus dealing with Brad and OMG Dylan’s mother and her reaction to the warder was hilarious. Again, the warders are mind blowing in so many ways that how else would a man or woman react to them? Sigh.
So shit went down, Malic handled it and he handled his hearth terrifically. This is another series by the Goddess Mary Calmes that, in the words of her characters, annihilated me with the pouring of emotions, of family, of fun banter and of swoony romance.
I am a Calmes addict and I will never get enough.
Catch the chats with Jenni Lea for these books on the blog!
5 Hearts for this Volume
Book 4, Sinnerman
YAY and holy hell was this good! I loved Raphael when we met him in Tooth and Nail. He was fun with Dylan telling him all about the world of the Warders and he even saved Malic’s life even if it almost went too far. But when we get more of the kyrie in Heart and Hand and all he does for Simon and Leith I was so damn intrigued and then, he saves Jackson and the little bit he tells Simon about what he wants… yeah, I knew I needed this book.
So, it was interesting to get Jackson in the beginning all drunk and the other warders coming to help him out. You see, Jackson has, er uh had a Hearth but apparently, Frank couldn’t take what was required of him and decided to cheat on Jacks. First, I have issues with Frank because I am so sorry but the poor man couldn’t handle being fucked against the kitchen wall by an intimate and insanely passionate warder who would literally die to keep his heart safe? Poor thing but Frank is an ass and doesn’t deserve to be a hearth and though it was sad to see Jacks find Frank with his new lover, it’s the appearance of Raph that made me flip off Frank and shove him to the corner of the room.
I am in love with Raphael. I can’t help it. I love that we get more of him in this and exactly what a kyrie is and what would happen to a kyrie if they are not claimed. Goodness, the need coming off Raph was so intense it made me squirm but knowing who Raphael wants made this super swoony.
Jackson is in a tough place, he loved his hearth and he is finding it kinda hard to get over Frank. But that one night, the one night he is used to Raphael always being there and isn’t he goes looking for the kryie and what happens had me swooning right off my bed. GAH! I love these two. I love that Raph gives Jacks exactly what he thinks he needs until that moment he gets it. When Raphael falls, he falls so damn hard and it was just a joy to witness.
I like that Jael felt the need to question his warders about bringing a kyrie in to the mix and how they all reacted. OMG and I loved Phoebe’s reaction to Jackson and her daughter’s reaction to Raph. Seriously, this book was just so much fun and so romantic between these two. It was great seeing all the warders and their hearths and getting just enough of Marcus and Joe to know that the next book would be another thrill ride full of passion and love.
Moving on.
Book 5, Nexus
That title that, word… Nexus - from Latin nexus "that which ties or binds together," goodness it means so much to this story.
I have to say how much I loved that we get an established warder/hearth couple of five years in this story with Marcus and Joe. We’ve met the couple before of course and know of Joe’s jealousy with Malic and how it all ended when Malic found Dylan. We know Joe is blind and that Marcus is a black man but what we don’t know is how they met and how they are the most adorable couple with the best banter!
This was a great addition to the series. Seeing Marcus go to Joe’s home to celebrate his grandfather’s birthday and being with Joe’s family was a lot of fun. Joe’s quips about them being special was so damn cute but when Joe needs the strength of his warder, things get deep and serious.
Let me say that Joe’s family and their reaction to what Marcus is was great but his sister’s and mothers reaction to Marcus’ warder family was hysterical even though I would have been the same way.
I love in this that we not only get Marcus and Joe but we get this clutch and all they have come to mean to one another. They have become so damn strong since book one with each of them having a hearth and realizing all they can do together when they are bonded. They are a true family and each one has their individual strengths but they are always stronger together and when they are needed by a brother, they drop everything to come.
Seeing another clutch, other warders and how they function was so bizarre but I get it was meant to be that way. Still, they need to get their shit together, you know?
But anyway. There are demons doing shit to Joe’s family they shouldn’t and being total douchenuggets to folks in town that Marcus and the boys need to do house cleaning at a club. Oohh the club! I have three words for you: Assless Chaps. I won’t say who wore them that would ruin the surprise but dayum boy!
Where was I. Oh yeah. The clutch is there to help Marcus take care of Joe’s family which is totally his family and Marcus does the unexpected, but not really. It was unexpected because it shocked me and then what happens had me crying through the last part of the book. Mary pulled out the feels with Dylan’s speech to Marcus and Joe’s as well. These men, these warders and their hearths are so amazing I am rambling my butt off about them but really, they are amazing.
Another great book in the series that keeps getting better.
Book 6, Cherish Your Name
I went into this book thinking it was going to be so fun and light with Malic going home to meet Dylan’s family over the Christmas holiday and um, I was wrong. From the start, we get Dylan hanging out with his friends and leaving Malic behind. Sure, this was Malic’s choice but seeing him miserable enough to start doing handyman chores and yard work made me side eye Dylan. What the heck is wrong with this angel that he would leave Malic to the coldness of his family who obviously see the age difference between them and not the love? Ugh.
But, the love is strong with Malic and his hearth that when a little jealousy gets tossed in, Dylan realizes what he is doing and freaks out. Of course his worries are for nothing because Malic loves Dylan beyond the beyond, he was just feeling lonely. When Dylan tells his story and why he needs his friends the way he does, my heart hurt. How much shit can he go through in his young life? Goodness. It’s a good thing he has a handsome warder who is built to protect at his side now eh?
I loved Dylan’s family and their turnaround with Malic. It was genuine and they all start turning to him for support, comfort and protection which is totes what Malic does best.
But…fucking Brad! I’m just going to say that because WTF Brad? Neighbors shouldn’t be like Brad but it did bring Ryan and Marcus to the Shaw house and seeing those men is always a good thing. I loved Marcus dealing with Brad and OMG Dylan’s mother and her reaction to the warder was hilarious. Again, the warders are mind blowing in so many ways that how else would a man or woman react to them? Sigh.
So shit went down, Malic handled it and he handled his hearth terrifically. This is another series by the Goddess Mary Calmes that, in the words of her characters, annihilated me with the pouring of emotions, of family, of fun banter and of swoony romance.
I am a Calmes addict and I will never get enough.
Catch the chats with Jenni Lea for these books on the blog!
December 28, 2016
This is a collection of the stories – 3 in each book – designed for either people who’ve never read the books before or for those who want it in paperback format. There are no changes to the stories themselves, nor any new stories added in that I could tell.
Sinnerman
Blurb
As a warder, Jackson Tybalt is one of the good guys until he sees the man he loves kissing another. Betrayed and angry, Jackson tempts danger and death, ignoring the pleas of other warders to be careful. It's a vile mood in which to start a romance, but that doesn't stop the kyrie Raphael, who more than anything wants Jackson for his very own.
Jackson doesn't want a hearth, he doesn't want a lover-he just wants dark and painful, and Raphael will give him what he wants. But sometimes the sins of the flesh are just what a body needs to bandage the wounds of the heart, and Raphael will hide the tenderness he feels for Jackson for as long as the warder wears the guise of the Sinnerman.
Review
Jackson is a warder whose hearth has fallen for someone else. He’s heartbroken and acting like he doesn’t care if he lives or dies.
Raphael is the Kyrie we met earlier who drank from Malic but who only has eyes for Jackson.
Though it takes a lot of “teaching”, Raphael shows Jackson he has something to live for – including love.
**
The love between Jackson and Raphael is tough to watch at first. Jackson’s heart is broken and he’s so sad. Rafe doesn’t seem like he’s good for Jackson at all, and it feels hard to root for him.
I loved how the story finally comes around to show us the real path. It was very clever writing and it went over well.
This was a great addition to the series and I recommend it with 3.75 of 5 stars!
Nexus
Blurb
Marcus Roth is a top criminal lawyer by day and demon-slaying warder by night, but he is simply one of five warders—not really important to anyone but Joseph Locke, his hearth. Or so Marcus mistakenly believes.
On a trip to Lexington, Kentucky, to celebrate Joe’s grandfather’s birthday, that belief changes as Marcus unwittingly uncovers a paranormal dilemma and ends up revealing his identity as a warder to Joe’s family. Faced with a traitor, demons, and the return of an old enemy, Marcus must put his own needs aside to save his friends—though in so doing he may lose the man he loves forever. Even living through the ordeal might not be enough if Marcus can’t forgive himself and learn that his hearth and the rest of his clutch can’t do without him.
Review
Marcus and Joe are Warder and Hearth and have been together for years before this story takes place. In fact, they are the first couple of this clutch of Warders. Marcus and Joe are in Kentucky for Joe’s Grandfather’s birthday. While there, they learn that Joe’s dad is being shaken down for money by a demon!
There is drama, Marcus gets hurt and ends up hiding from Joe and it’s very painful to read about.
In the end, the pair is stronger than ever and the entire clutch of Warders is even stronger than before.
**
(This is my favorite couple in the entire series!)
In this book the drama is extra scary, but also really funny. All the Warders have to go clubbing (essentially) to gain admittance to the demon they are hunting and that scene was hilarious. (Mary showed us the picture that inspired Ryan’s outfit and Ooo la la it’s HAWT!)
Joe is snarky and sweetly needy, a fantastic juxtaposition for Marcus’ steadfast devotion and leadership. The rest of the Warders look up to Marcus and their devotion to him is touching.
There is a fair amount of awesomely hot sex, but the love the two share is what makes this story stand out. Joe and Marcus already love one another, though the relationship is tested, we get to see them function as an already involved couple more often than not.
I highly recommend this book and the series, and give it a 4.5 of 5 stars.
Cherish Your Name
Blurb
Malic Sunden is in hell—only not literally... yet. As a warder, Malic is used to fighting demons and squaring off against all kinds of creatures from the pit, but this year he’s facing a new and terrifying prospect: Christmas holidays with his much-younger boyfriend and his family.
He loves Dylan, his hearth, but Dylan’s parents, the Shaws, are another story. They think Malic is a cradle-robber, among other things. At least their neighbor, Brad, seems to like him. Then again, maybe not. When Malic gets offered to a demon who wipes his memory of everything but Dylan’s name, it will take all Malic has to escape his new life in a hell dimension and return to the man he calls home.
Review
Malic and Dylan are a couple but they still have a long way to go. Malic still worries that he’s too old for Dylan. Dylan worries he’s too young.
When they go home to Dylan’s family for Christmas, Dylan’s family isn’t exactly welcoming and Dylan ends up hanging out with his buddies more than Malic.
Mal, on the other hand, ends up hanging out with the neighbor – a seemingly nice guy with a broken leg in need of a helping hand.
But things aren’t always as they seem and this friendship causes problems on multiple layers.
**
I love that Dylan and Mal finally feel more cemented and like a real couple now. Their romance felt shortened to me and this gives them more substance.
The way the drama unfolds is a little scary but funny, too, and Dylan’s response was so very sweet!
It was great seeing everyone again and it was delightful to get a super sweet HEA.
I don’t know if there are more of these stories coming but I’d love a “Where are they now” sort of thing to peep in on all the guys sometime! (Hint hint!)
4 of 5 stars
Overall 4 of 5 stars
Sinnerman
Blurb
As a warder, Jackson Tybalt is one of the good guys until he sees the man he loves kissing another. Betrayed and angry, Jackson tempts danger and death, ignoring the pleas of other warders to be careful. It's a vile mood in which to start a romance, but that doesn't stop the kyrie Raphael, who more than anything wants Jackson for his very own.
Jackson doesn't want a hearth, he doesn't want a lover-he just wants dark and painful, and Raphael will give him what he wants. But sometimes the sins of the flesh are just what a body needs to bandage the wounds of the heart, and Raphael will hide the tenderness he feels for Jackson for as long as the warder wears the guise of the Sinnerman.
Review
Jackson is a warder whose hearth has fallen for someone else. He’s heartbroken and acting like he doesn’t care if he lives or dies.
Raphael is the Kyrie we met earlier who drank from Malic but who only has eyes for Jackson.
Though it takes a lot of “teaching”, Raphael shows Jackson he has something to live for – including love.
**
The love between Jackson and Raphael is tough to watch at first. Jackson’s heart is broken and he’s so sad. Rafe doesn’t seem like he’s good for Jackson at all, and it feels hard to root for him.
I loved how the story finally comes around to show us the real path. It was very clever writing and it went over well.
This was a great addition to the series and I recommend it with 3.75 of 5 stars!
Nexus
Blurb
Marcus Roth is a top criminal lawyer by day and demon-slaying warder by night, but he is simply one of five warders—not really important to anyone but Joseph Locke, his hearth. Or so Marcus mistakenly believes.
On a trip to Lexington, Kentucky, to celebrate Joe’s grandfather’s birthday, that belief changes as Marcus unwittingly uncovers a paranormal dilemma and ends up revealing his identity as a warder to Joe’s family. Faced with a traitor, demons, and the return of an old enemy, Marcus must put his own needs aside to save his friends—though in so doing he may lose the man he loves forever. Even living through the ordeal might not be enough if Marcus can’t forgive himself and learn that his hearth and the rest of his clutch can’t do without him.
Review
Marcus and Joe are Warder and Hearth and have been together for years before this story takes place. In fact, they are the first couple of this clutch of Warders. Marcus and Joe are in Kentucky for Joe’s Grandfather’s birthday. While there, they learn that Joe’s dad is being shaken down for money by a demon!
There is drama, Marcus gets hurt and ends up hiding from Joe and it’s very painful to read about.
In the end, the pair is stronger than ever and the entire clutch of Warders is even stronger than before.
**
(This is my favorite couple in the entire series!)
In this book the drama is extra scary, but also really funny. All the Warders have to go clubbing (essentially) to gain admittance to the demon they are hunting and that scene was hilarious. (Mary showed us the picture that inspired Ryan’s outfit and Ooo la la it’s HAWT!)
Joe is snarky and sweetly needy, a fantastic juxtaposition for Marcus’ steadfast devotion and leadership. The rest of the Warders look up to Marcus and their devotion to him is touching.
There is a fair amount of awesomely hot sex, but the love the two share is what makes this story stand out. Joe and Marcus already love one another, though the relationship is tested, we get to see them function as an already involved couple more often than not.
I highly recommend this book and the series, and give it a 4.5 of 5 stars.
Cherish Your Name
Blurb
Malic Sunden is in hell—only not literally... yet. As a warder, Malic is used to fighting demons and squaring off against all kinds of creatures from the pit, but this year he’s facing a new and terrifying prospect: Christmas holidays with his much-younger boyfriend and his family.
He loves Dylan, his hearth, but Dylan’s parents, the Shaws, are another story. They think Malic is a cradle-robber, among other things. At least their neighbor, Brad, seems to like him. Then again, maybe not. When Malic gets offered to a demon who wipes his memory of everything but Dylan’s name, it will take all Malic has to escape his new life in a hell dimension and return to the man he calls home.
Review
Malic and Dylan are a couple but they still have a long way to go. Malic still worries that he’s too old for Dylan. Dylan worries he’s too young.
When they go home to Dylan’s family for Christmas, Dylan’s family isn’t exactly welcoming and Dylan ends up hanging out with his buddies more than Malic.
Mal, on the other hand, ends up hanging out with the neighbor – a seemingly nice guy with a broken leg in need of a helping hand.
But things aren’t always as they seem and this friendship causes problems on multiple layers.
**
I love that Dylan and Mal finally feel more cemented and like a real couple now. Their romance felt shortened to me and this gives them more substance.
The way the drama unfolds is a little scary but funny, too, and Dylan’s response was so very sweet!
It was great seeing everyone again and it was delightful to get a super sweet HEA.
I don’t know if there are more of these stories coming but I’d love a “Where are they now” sort of thing to peep in on all the guys sometime! (Hint hint!)
4 of 5 stars
Overall 4 of 5 stars
January 19, 2026
Good Book
I really enjoyed this book. The first story Sinnerman was my favorite with Raphael and Jackson. I wasn't sure at first if I would like it but everything worked out the way it should. It is a couple I'd definitely enjoy reading more about.
I did like Marcus and Joe's story but I thought Joe wasn't nearly as likeable as he was portrayed as being. Everyone seemed to have to walk on eggshells around him even before the story really took off. Still a good story and I enjoyed how the other warders were a part of it.
The last story was about Malic and Dylan spending Christmas with Dylan's family. I liked certain parts better than others but overall a good story. I like Malic and Dylan and enjoyed seeing more about their life together.
I really enjoyed this book. The first story Sinnerman was my favorite with Raphael and Jackson. I wasn't sure at first if I would like it but everything worked out the way it should. It is a couple I'd definitely enjoy reading more about.
I did like Marcus and Joe's story but I thought Joe wasn't nearly as likeable as he was portrayed as being. Everyone seemed to have to walk on eggshells around him even before the story really took off. Still a good story and I enjoyed how the other warders were a part of it.
The last story was about Malic and Dylan spending Christmas with Dylan's family. I liked certain parts better than others but overall a good story. I like Malic and Dylan and enjoyed seeing more about their life together.
October 31, 2018
Out of the 3 stories in this volume, I thought that the one with Jackson and Raphe was the best of the bunch, but that's not saying much because I didn't really like any of them. I've read many of this authors books, but this whole series (and yes - I did read all of them even though they were all cringe worthy) just didn't make any sense to me. Why did Mal get another story... and a Christmas story at that? Just weird. So many jumps and random things seemed to be tossed in just to prove that it's a supernatural story - it just didn't work at all.
Oh, well. This whole series is going onto my "meh" shelf where I will probably never look at them again.
Oh, well. This whole series is going onto my "meh" shelf where I will probably never look at them again.
March 1, 2019
I really liked the Warder series. Mixing modern day fantasy with a cool love story is sublime.
December 18, 2016
Volume one of the Warders was very good but Volume two really set the the tone for this series.
Where's Volume one was mainly about this group of Warders finding their hearths, Volume two was more about the Warders and the relationship that they have established.
Volume two constists of books 4-6 in the series. Each book involves a different Warder and their Hearth. Each story is different from the last but they are similar in the aspect that each book involves not only the danger to the Warder but also their Hearth. As I said it is solely based around their established relationships and the dangers that they face from the evil that they fight on a constant basis.
Just because they fight evil and are good people that does not mean that they do not have to try on a daily basis to keep their relationships alive. They may have super human strength and power but when love is involved it is like any other relationship and it needs to be nurished and cared for or things can happen and doubt can set in and start to slowly destroy what has been built up between the two people.
Each of these stories was amazing and deferent foreign the last as far as the issues each Warder and Hearth faced but the one that remained the same in each book is every man in this book felt as though they was all family and loved and cared for each other. They was there to back the other up when they needed it and was there to knock sense into each other when they needed it. These men may not be blood family but they are family just the same. They chose to be each other family so that makes it even more special.
I am not sure if Mary Calmes intends to do another book or not in this series but if she does I will definitely be reading it. Also if she does write another book in this series I truly believe that it will be big as far as events goes because I felt she left it out there is book six that something major may be coming their way. I really hope that there will be another book because I truly enjoyed this series thus far.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Where's Volume one was mainly about this group of Warders finding their hearths, Volume two was more about the Warders and the relationship that they have established.
Volume two constists of books 4-6 in the series. Each book involves a different Warder and their Hearth. Each story is different from the last but they are similar in the aspect that each book involves not only the danger to the Warder but also their Hearth. As I said it is solely based around their established relationships and the dangers that they face from the evil that they fight on a constant basis.
Just because they fight evil and are good people that does not mean that they do not have to try on a daily basis to keep their relationships alive. They may have super human strength and power but when love is involved it is like any other relationship and it needs to be nurished and cared for or things can happen and doubt can set in and start to slowly destroy what has been built up between the two people.
Each of these stories was amazing and deferent foreign the last as far as the issues each Warder and Hearth faced but the one that remained the same in each book is every man in this book felt as though they was all family and loved and cared for each other. They was there to back the other up when they needed it and was there to knock sense into each other when they needed it. These men may not be blood family but they are family just the same. They chose to be each other family so that makes it even more special.
I am not sure if Mary Calmes intends to do another book or not in this series but if she does I will definitely be reading it. Also if she does write another book in this series I truly believe that it will be big as far as events goes because I felt she left it out there is book six that something major may be coming their way. I really hope that there will be another book because I truly enjoyed this series thus far.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
October 21, 2013
Just got the print copy and figured it was time to re read. I love this series and the men in it. Especially Joe :-)
May 1, 2017
I loved the stories and it would be great to have another vol.
July 26, 2016
I love Mary Calmes--enjoyed these stories. Always like the thought of regular humans with exceptional abilities protecting us from the dark powers and evil entities in the Universe.
April 13, 2013
The first book was great, but this one I enjoyed a lot more.
March 29, 2017
Warder Book Two
The Warders are individuals who fight against the demons and other creatures from the pits. While the world lives in ignorance of the darkness out there. These men and their lovers, their Hearth, keep us safe.
Volume two contains the stories Sinnerman, Nexus, Cherish Your Name.
In Sinnerman, Warder Jackson Tybalt cannot believe his eyes when he catches the love of his life kisses another. He throws himself in a whirlwind of danger refusing to listen to his friends to be more careful. Kyrie Raphael wants Jackson for his own and steps in. Jackson does not want a Hearth nor does he want a lover. He wants dark and dangerous. Raphael can give him that until his wounds heal.
In Nexus, we meet Marcus Roth who is a top criminal lawyer by day and a warder by night. He loves having his Hearth Joseph Locke at home and thinks he is the only one to whom he is important. When the two travel to Kentucky to celebrate Joe’s grandfather’s birthday, Marcus finds himself on a path that will lead him to change his mind. A traitor, some demons and an old enemy have Marcus learning that he is important to many and he must survive for those that love him.
The final story in this volume is Cherish You Name. Malic Sunden is back and he would much rather fight demons than spend Christmas with his much younger boyfriend’s family. The Shaw family look upon him as a cradle robber and are less than welcoming. Dylan is off visiting his friend and Malic finds their neighbor, Brad, much more welcoming. That is until Brad sells him to a demon who wipes his memory of everything but Dylan’s name. It will take everything Malic has to return to the love of his life, Dylan.
The action never stops in Volume Two of the Warders. We do get to meet Warders from other cities and realize that our heroes are the best of the best when it comes to their job and their dedication. It was intriguing to watch as they faced problems in their personal life that are reminiscent of what we face – broken relationships, meeting your significant other’s family and dealing with fallout. They come through in the end and there are hints of more possible stories and I know I am not alone is hoping for more. Thanks so much to Mary Calmes for creating these incredible heroes for us.
The Warders are individuals who fight against the demons and other creatures from the pits. While the world lives in ignorance of the darkness out there. These men and their lovers, their Hearth, keep us safe.
Volume two contains the stories Sinnerman, Nexus, Cherish Your Name.
In Sinnerman, Warder Jackson Tybalt cannot believe his eyes when he catches the love of his life kisses another. He throws himself in a whirlwind of danger refusing to listen to his friends to be more careful. Kyrie Raphael wants Jackson for his own and steps in. Jackson does not want a Hearth nor does he want a lover. He wants dark and dangerous. Raphael can give him that until his wounds heal.
In Nexus, we meet Marcus Roth who is a top criminal lawyer by day and a warder by night. He loves having his Hearth Joseph Locke at home and thinks he is the only one to whom he is important. When the two travel to Kentucky to celebrate Joe’s grandfather’s birthday, Marcus finds himself on a path that will lead him to change his mind. A traitor, some demons and an old enemy have Marcus learning that he is important to many and he must survive for those that love him.
The final story in this volume is Cherish You Name. Malic Sunden is back and he would much rather fight demons than spend Christmas with his much younger boyfriend’s family. The Shaw family look upon him as a cradle robber and are less than welcoming. Dylan is off visiting his friend and Malic finds their neighbor, Brad, much more welcoming. That is until Brad sells him to a demon who wipes his memory of everything but Dylan’s name. It will take everything Malic has to return to the love of his life, Dylan.
The action never stops in Volume Two of the Warders. We do get to meet Warders from other cities and realize that our heroes are the best of the best when it comes to their job and their dedication. It was intriguing to watch as they faced problems in their personal life that are reminiscent of what we face – broken relationships, meeting your significant other’s family and dealing with fallout. They come through in the end and there are hints of more possible stories and I know I am not alone is hoping for more. Thanks so much to Mary Calmes for creating these incredible heroes for us.
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