What do you think?
Rate this book
Enforcers #2
The Exam
Thorn and Kenneth begin their lives after college, and Thorn has his work cut out for him when he goes to meet Kenneth’s parents. The Victeni are nobility and have no problem putting Thorn in his place—or worse, simply ignoring him.
But Thorn quickly learns that winning over Kenneth’s parents is the least of his worries. Kenneth has been selected to become an Enforcer, and with Thorn as his lifemate, Thorn has as well. To become Enforcers, they have to pass a test, and their examiners are not always straightforward about what they need to pass. Thorn is uncertain about his chances, and even less certain about whether or not he wants to be an Enforcer at all. He loves Kenneth and wants to stay with him, but as the test goes on he becomes worried if being an Enforcer will really let him help his people, or if he will just be seen as a traitor.
But Thorn quickly learns that winning over Kenneth’s parents is the least of his worries. Kenneth has been selected to become an Enforcer, and with Thorn as his lifemate, Thorn has as well. To become Enforcers, they have to pass a test, and their examiners are not always straightforward about what they need to pass. Thorn is uncertain about his chances, and even less certain about whether or not he wants to be an Enforcer at all. He loves Kenneth and wants to stay with him, but as the test goes on he becomes worried if being an Enforcer will really let him help his people, or if he will just be seen as a traitor.
- GenresMagicM M Romance
113 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2013
2 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 20, 2013
http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/1/post/2...
Can I give a girly squeak without you looking down at me? This book was phenomenal! Both books in this series were. The characters, Kenneth and Thorn are so well-written it’s like I know them in real life. They each have their own flaw but trust in each other to survive in each other’s world. I absolutely loved the world building! The author really painted a picture with words of the magic side and the talentless side. The sex was scorching, the author upped the anti in this book. The plot was stunning and again, I can’t say enough good things about this series.
Can I give a girly squeak without you looking down at me? This book was phenomenal! Both books in this series were. The characters, Kenneth and Thorn are so well-written it’s like I know them in real life. They each have their own flaw but trust in each other to survive in each other’s world. I absolutely loved the world building! The author really painted a picture with words of the magic side and the talentless side. The sex was scorching, the author upped the anti in this book. The plot was stunning and again, I can’t say enough good things about this series.
May 23, 2013
3 1/2 - 4 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Thorn and Kenneth are facing a new future together but first they have to get through the Enforcer’s exam, Thorn also has to meet Kenneth’s parents which is a daunting task. Kenneth and Thorn are thrown into their examination tests and have to prove their lifemate bond, with Kenneth’s parents disapproving of Thorn and Kenneth having to make a stand it isn’t easy for Thorn especially when doubts assail him. Can Thorn get through the tests, and does he really want to become an Enforcer and be seen a traitor to his people?
The Exam continues one week after Noble Magic ended and continues with the story of Thorn and Kenneth. Even though Kenneth is filled with confidence about his relationship with Thorn, Thorn is filled with trepidation especially when he meets Kenneth’s parents and faces other magi. Thorn has serious doubts about himself in the story as he is confronted with the reality of his new situation, Kenneth does his best to convince Thorn of his love but it isn’t Kenneth’s love that he doubts, it’s his own ability he questions.
I enjoyed this story with its exciting exam and Thorn’s soul searching, Kenneth’s show of support and the love they have developed. The storyline is focused on two points the exam for the Enforcer’s and Thorn’s dilemma of what choice to make. Thorn faces scorn from Kenneth’s parents and his position is drove home by the talentless servants, and his treatment by the Enforcer examination board. Kenneth does his best but the doubts still pull Thorn down, would he be a traitor if he works with the magi or could he really do some good for his people? These are the thoughts that plague him along with the question of what good would he be against a magic user other than a battery for Kenneth.
I loved how this story didn’t gloss over Thorn’s position or wave a magic wand making him equal to the magi instantly, how Thorn and Kenneth faced the other magi as a united front and didn’t choose the easy answers. Both refusing to be cowed by those older and more experienced than them and how they still managed to capture moments of bliss together, they truly make a wonderful couple. I am looking forward to the next instalment when they are sent on their first assignment.
I recommend this to those who love steampunk, magic, doubts and love, hot sex, confronting doubts and standing up for what is right, explosions, discovering strengths and a happy ending with more to come.
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Thorn and Kenneth are facing a new future together but first they have to get through the Enforcer’s exam, Thorn also has to meet Kenneth’s parents which is a daunting task. Kenneth and Thorn are thrown into their examination tests and have to prove their lifemate bond, with Kenneth’s parents disapproving of Thorn and Kenneth having to make a stand it isn’t easy for Thorn especially when doubts assail him. Can Thorn get through the tests, and does he really want to become an Enforcer and be seen a traitor to his people?
The Exam continues one week after Noble Magic ended and continues with the story of Thorn and Kenneth. Even though Kenneth is filled with confidence about his relationship with Thorn, Thorn is filled with trepidation especially when he meets Kenneth’s parents and faces other magi. Thorn has serious doubts about himself in the story as he is confronted with the reality of his new situation, Kenneth does his best to convince Thorn of his love but it isn’t Kenneth’s love that he doubts, it’s his own ability he questions.
I enjoyed this story with its exciting exam and Thorn’s soul searching, Kenneth’s show of support and the love they have developed. The storyline is focused on two points the exam for the Enforcer’s and Thorn’s dilemma of what choice to make. Thorn faces scorn from Kenneth’s parents and his position is drove home by the talentless servants, and his treatment by the Enforcer examination board. Kenneth does his best but the doubts still pull Thorn down, would he be a traitor if he works with the magi or could he really do some good for his people? These are the thoughts that plague him along with the question of what good would he be against a magic user other than a battery for Kenneth.
I loved how this story didn’t gloss over Thorn’s position or wave a magic wand making him equal to the magi instantly, how Thorn and Kenneth faced the other magi as a united front and didn’t choose the easy answers. Both refusing to be cowed by those older and more experienced than them and how they still managed to capture moments of bliss together, they truly make a wonderful couple. I am looking forward to the next instalment when they are sent on their first assignment.
I recommend this to those who love steampunk, magic, doubts and love, hot sex, confronting doubts and standing up for what is right, explosions, discovering strengths and a happy ending with more to come.
June 19, 2013
Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews
First off, I am so irritated with myself that I didn’t realize this was the second in a series. I missed the whole story of how Thorn and Kenneth got together in the first place so I will need to go back and read that part of the story. That being said, I loved this.
Thorn and Kenneth are together now as lifemates, even though Kenneth is a powerful mage and Thorn is talentless (meaning no magic). Whether anyone else wants to acknowledge that is questionable, but Kenneth knows it’s true. Even Thorn is questioning himself as the scorn and downright hostility of Kenneth’s family (his mother!) goes from bad to worse. He is slighted, ignored and outright insulted. Add in the uncertainty they both have about going through the Enforcer test and you have a recipe for trouble.
One thing is consistent –these two love each other and want the other happy. There were a few places when I wanted Kenneth to step up more about things (for example, they are discussing how Kenneth’s mother tries to tempt him with women. In the future, his parents will choose a woman to bear his children and yes, he will have to sleep with her to do so. Kenneth’s answer of “But that is a long ways off. Years. You’re not worried about that, are you?” didn’t sit well with me. I’d think years off would make it even worse, knowing it was coming!
I loved the whole idea of the Enforcer exam and how it went. There are plot twists that I didn’t see coming that made it even better. While Kenneth may have to deal with his family, Thorn is also dealing with the idea that being an Enforcer may be seen as a betrayal of his people. After all, weren’t many of them, including his parents, killed by mages? Wasn’t there a war? Can he help as an Enforcer without having any magic? It’s such a difficult thing for Thorn.
The sex scenes do not overpower this book, which was greatly appreciated. The scenes that are there are definitely worth it (especially the last one, just yum!) and the love these two have for each other comes through clearly.
I appreciated that things never do become “easy” for Thorn. There are questions and insecurity throughout his thoughts. He has to trust in his Kenneth for things and that can be difficult. The story ends a bit open ended, so I am hopeful there is another part of the series on the way. Recommended.
First off, I am so irritated with myself that I didn’t realize this was the second in a series. I missed the whole story of how Thorn and Kenneth got together in the first place so I will need to go back and read that part of the story. That being said, I loved this.
Thorn and Kenneth are together now as lifemates, even though Kenneth is a powerful mage and Thorn is talentless (meaning no magic). Whether anyone else wants to acknowledge that is questionable, but Kenneth knows it’s true. Even Thorn is questioning himself as the scorn and downright hostility of Kenneth’s family (his mother!) goes from bad to worse. He is slighted, ignored and outright insulted. Add in the uncertainty they both have about going through the Enforcer test and you have a recipe for trouble.
One thing is consistent –these two love each other and want the other happy. There were a few places when I wanted Kenneth to step up more about things (for example, they are discussing how Kenneth’s mother tries to tempt him with women. In the future, his parents will choose a woman to bear his children and yes, he will have to sleep with her to do so. Kenneth’s answer of “But that is a long ways off. Years. You’re not worried about that, are you?” didn’t sit well with me. I’d think years off would make it even worse, knowing it was coming!
I loved the whole idea of the Enforcer exam and how it went. There are plot twists that I didn’t see coming that made it even better. While Kenneth may have to deal with his family, Thorn is also dealing with the idea that being an Enforcer may be seen as a betrayal of his people. After all, weren’t many of them, including his parents, killed by mages? Wasn’t there a war? Can he help as an Enforcer without having any magic? It’s such a difficult thing for Thorn.
The sex scenes do not overpower this book, which was greatly appreciated. The scenes that are there are definitely worth it (especially the last one, just yum!) and the love these two have for each other comes through clearly.
I appreciated that things never do become “easy” for Thorn. There are questions and insecurity throughout his thoughts. He has to trust in his Kenneth for things and that can be difficult. The story ends a bit open ended, so I am hopeful there is another part of the series on the way. Recommended.
June 12, 2014
Kenneth and Thorn have decided to become Enforcers. But it isn’t as simple as some might think. They must be tested and found worthy. Which is why they find themselves at the Victeni mansion.
Thorn finds the mansion rather overwhelming. He is also disconcerted to discover the servants are fellow talentless, although he should have expected as much. Thorn’s reception by Kenneth’s mother, Lady Victeni, is less than stellar. She’s having a problem with the idea that her son’s lifemate is a talentless. Thorn is hard put to remain civil to the woman.
Then comes the matter of sleeping arrangements. When Kenneth directs that Thorn’s bags should be taken to his room, his mother objects and refuses to accede to her son’s request. Thorn plays peacemaker, thinking that separate rooms will not keep them from making love when they choose to. The new servant, Lilliana, shows Thorn to his chamber, which seems nice enough to him, until she explains in what ways it’s an insult.
Dinner with the parents devolves into a challenge to Thorn to prove he’s Kenneth’s lifemate. Lord Victeni directs Thorn to get his best things from his room—if he fails the test, he will be sent packing immediately. Thorn senses something is wrong—what it is, he doesn’t know.
And then it begins...
The second book in the Enforcer’s series tests Kenneth’s and Thorn’s desire to be Enforcers, forcing them to question what they know and how they feel as they are forced to justify themselves over and over. It is not cut and dried, by any means. Neither side is wholly right or wholly wrong.
In the process of testing to become Enforcers, the two young men learn a lot about each other. This test can either strengthen their bond—or snap it. It’s up to them.
I love the second book as much as the first. More steamy sex, and a great deal of love and trust, as they learn what makes the other tick. Can’t wait to see what the next book holds!
Thorn finds the mansion rather overwhelming. He is also disconcerted to discover the servants are fellow talentless, although he should have expected as much. Thorn’s reception by Kenneth’s mother, Lady Victeni, is less than stellar. She’s having a problem with the idea that her son’s lifemate is a talentless. Thorn is hard put to remain civil to the woman.
Then comes the matter of sleeping arrangements. When Kenneth directs that Thorn’s bags should be taken to his room, his mother objects and refuses to accede to her son’s request. Thorn plays peacemaker, thinking that separate rooms will not keep them from making love when they choose to. The new servant, Lilliana, shows Thorn to his chamber, which seems nice enough to him, until she explains in what ways it’s an insult.
Dinner with the parents devolves into a challenge to Thorn to prove he’s Kenneth’s lifemate. Lord Victeni directs Thorn to get his best things from his room—if he fails the test, he will be sent packing immediately. Thorn senses something is wrong—what it is, he doesn’t know.
And then it begins...
The second book in the Enforcer’s series tests Kenneth’s and Thorn’s desire to be Enforcers, forcing them to question what they know and how they feel as they are forced to justify themselves over and over. It is not cut and dried, by any means. Neither side is wholly right or wholly wrong.
In the process of testing to become Enforcers, the two young men learn a lot about each other. This test can either strengthen their bond—or snap it. It’s up to them.
I love the second book as much as the first. More steamy sex, and a great deal of love and trust, as they learn what makes the other tick. Can’t wait to see what the next book holds!
December 17, 2013
I liked that the situation was becoming more *real* to the couple as they realized that their love for each other would not have shielded them from the prejudices in their world.
The *exams* were no pushovers that for sure. It was quite action pack, especially form Thorn's POV against the other examiners.
However, I do not quite like how the author keep using the terms 'the mage' and 'the inventor' in lieu of the MC's name. I supposed the author do this to avoid repetition but after a while it became rather odd for me to read.
The *exams* were no pushovers that for sure. It was quite action pack, especially form Thorn's POV against the other examiners.
However, I do not quite like how the author keep using the terms 'the mage' and 'the inventor' in lieu of the MC's name. I supposed the author do this to avoid repetition but after a while it became rather odd for me to read.
June 10, 2014
I like books where the partners come from very different backgrounds and one of them has to visit (or move) his partner's world. Visiting the parents in this case means also dealing with a dangerous test that would decide their future.
Like the first book there are some grammar mistakes here and there. It really needed a bit more editing.
Like the first book there are some grammar mistakes here and there. It really needed a bit more editing.
June 27, 2013
It was kind of cool. Still incomplete. I wonder if there's more...
I rather liked it. It's interesting that it's from Thorn's perspective this time. I think while reading it, I kept expecting it to be from Kenneth's perspective, but then it wasn't...
I rather liked it. It's interesting that it's from Thorn's perspective this time. I think while reading it, I kept expecting it to be from Kenneth's perspective, but then it wasn't...
January 26, 2015
I enjoyed the story but I think it's just too short. I'm somehow not connecting emotionally to the two MCs. The dom/sub aspect of their sexual relationship is keeping me interested though.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews