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Mates of Aerasak #1
Lich's Love
My mate is up for sale… And I won’t let anyone else have her. My cold heart awakens at the sight of Vanessa… Something I never thought possible. It can only mean one thing. I must have her. There is no other option. She’s mine. She might be damaged… But I’m the only one that can fix her. I’ll be her shield. Her protector. The one that can make her whole. No one will ever touch her again. No one but me.And anyone who tries will die. I’ll give her more pleasure than she ever thought possible. And show her a life only I can give her. Until all she can do is beg for more.
Read on for: A demon with a heart of ice, a human who will do anything for her family, an auction that brings the two together, and the Beauty and the Beast inspired story that plays out when forced proximity breaks down their walls.
Read on for: A demon with a heart of ice, a human who will do anything for her family, an auction that brings the two together, and the Beauty and the Beast inspired story that plays out when forced proximity breaks down their walls.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 22, 2024
555 people are currently reading
275 people want to read
About the author
Celeste King
314 books277 followersCeleste King is the author behind the Worlds of Protheka, a collection of interconnected series that promise dark fantasy, intense romance, and washboard abs. When it comes to her stories, there are sure to brooding alphas, sassy humans, and plenty of spice to look forward to.
With the ever growing fantasy worlds, the 'what ifs' are endless, and that is what excites her the most. Even she doesn't know just how far these characters will go, but she's gladly along for the ride.
You can always find her fearlessly diving into an adventure (in this world or another), typically with her husband, and partner in crime, at her side.
She helps keep the excitement alive for the rest us with each of her Prothekan works, where there are no heroes coming to save you and being kidnapped...isn't so bad when your captor is this hot.
With the ever growing fantasy worlds, the 'what ifs' are endless, and that is what excites her the most. Even she doesn't know just how far these characters will go, but she's gladly along for the ride.
You can always find her fearlessly diving into an adventure (in this world or another), typically with her husband, and partner in crime, at her side.
She helps keep the excitement alive for the rest us with each of her Prothekan works, where there are no heroes coming to save you and being kidnapped...isn't so bad when your captor is this hot.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 23, 2024
I have a midterm next week yet I’m out here reading books and watching jjk edits 😔✋
I dont know how she ended up forgiving her family after the way they treated her like she was mentally, physically and emotionally abused 😐
I dont know how she ended up forgiving her family after the way they treated her like she was mentally, physically and emotionally abused 😐
February 18, 2024
Vanessa (h) struggles to survive in the human village outside New Solos where her mother, Teresa, torments Vanessa into trying to earn wings by participating in the xaphanian trials, over and over, leaving her broken and bruised. When her parents realize that she’s never going to be able to earn her wings due to her injuries, they allow her to be chained and caged to be sold at auction. Volvath demon Calias (H) travels from Ikoth to New Solos for family business, and for information gathering for his king as to what the xaphans are doing, when he sees the emaciated and injured Vanessa, Calias instantly knows she’s his no matter what her auction price reaches. He takes her to his remote home and gently helps her adjust to her new life with the help of his housekeeper, Nesria. Vanessa is initially wary, but Calia is so patient, tender, and caring towards her that she eventually comes out of her shell. But as they spend more and more time together, they face challenges in their relationship, namely with Calis becoming too overprotective and stifling Vanessa’s growing need for independence. The connection between Calias and Vanessa grows, and things heat up between the two. But Vanessa’s past isn’t done with her quite yet, and when familiar figures darken Calias’s home, he’ll do what he must to protect Vanessa from harm. Hot and steamy demon-human romance with danger, violence, drama, and angst. Her mother’s goading and guilting Vanessa into being abused by the xaphans, especially Pashchar, is horrendous - I really wish that both Teresa and Ludmil had met the same end as Pashchar, leaving Vaneesa’s siblings into her care, or at the very least having her parents sold as slaves as Calias would have done if it was up to him. My other thought is the title is somewhat misleading – Calias is not a lich, generally considered to be sentient undead creatures, rather he is a demon, and while I have no problem with demon romances, just know that’s the monster you’re getting in this story, not a lich.
June 28, 2024
DNF at 63%
I tried to like the book but the characters felt so two dimensional and the plot was boring.
Vanessa is emotionally and physically abused by her family to gain wings so they can raise their status. She is subjected to the most horrific trials, which she fails, only to be sold as a slave so that she can earn them some money.
Calias sees her at the slave market and instantly has to have her. (We all know this as the mate bond)
I could not stand how naive and child-like Vanessa is and Calias was okay, but he too felt like his personality was as exciting as watching paint dry. He was the more exciting one to read about, so if that tells you anything about the characters….then it was the main reason I DNF’ed.
The plot? Well honestly wasn’t much at all. I should have known to quit while I was ahead. I expected someone stronger and have more of a personality with the history she went through. Sorely disappointed, but gave it the good ol’ college try.
I tried to like the book but the characters felt so two dimensional and the plot was boring.
Vanessa is emotionally and physically abused by her family to gain wings so they can raise their status. She is subjected to the most horrific trials, which she fails, only to be sold as a slave so that she can earn them some money.
Calias sees her at the slave market and instantly has to have her. (We all know this as the mate bond)
I could not stand how naive and child-like Vanessa is and Calias was okay, but he too felt like his personality was as exciting as watching paint dry. He was the more exciting one to read about, so if that tells you anything about the characters….then it was the main reason I DNF’ed.
The plot? Well honestly wasn’t much at all. I should have known to quit while I was ahead. I expected someone stronger and have more of a personality with the history she went through. Sorely disappointed, but gave it the good ol’ college try.
June 10, 2024
4.5
I enjoyed reading this story, read it in a couple days, and was a good read. The FMC wasn't my favorite but that's because her actions didn't make sense sometimes, but I liked how they came together and the way the MMC cared for her was sweet. The spicy scenes were a bit odd to me, but not because of what they do, but the way it's written felt repetitive and I didn't really connect with them. But the story was great and I liked the character development that it more than made up for it. If you like dark shadow tentacles and a grumpy mate who treats their love with tender affection while stabby stabby anyone who threatens her then this is your next read! You won't regret it! I think I enjoyed book two more than this one, but definitely look forward to more lich love!
I enjoyed reading this story, read it in a couple days, and was a good read. The FMC wasn't my favorite but that's because her actions didn't make sense sometimes, but I liked how they came together and the way the MMC cared for her was sweet. The spicy scenes were a bit odd to me, but not because of what they do, but the way it's written felt repetitive and I didn't really connect with them. But the story was great and I liked the character development that it more than made up for it. If you like dark shadow tentacles and a grumpy mate who treats their love with tender affection while stabby stabby anyone who threatens her then this is your next read! You won't regret it! I think I enjoyed book two more than this one, but definitely look forward to more lich love!
August 3, 2024
Book was ok cal and Vanessa story. Vanessa is going thru trials to get her wings in the xaphanian trial.calis the demon become possessive over Vanessa. Listened to audiobook on YouTube
March 20, 2024
hard read
It’s not very well written. I mean I’d love to say more, but that’s my biggest complaint. The writing is agonizing to read. It’s very stilted and does not leave much to the imagination.
It’s not very well written. I mean I’d love to say more, but that’s my biggest complaint. The writing is agonizing to read. It’s very stilted and does not leave much to the imagination.
May 16, 2024
The story has potential, but the writing makes it hard to stay engaged. This book could have definitely benefitted from an editor. The story is interesting and the concept is definitely great. I think if this story went through some revisions it could be really really good.
There are spicy scenes but they’re repetitive and aren’t very descriptive. They’re also really short and kind of boring to read.
The timeline is hard to follow as well. There’s a point where the FMC is hanging out with the housekeeper because they met earlier off-page but then two chapters later it’s like she’s meeting the housekeeper for the first time. Then there was another part where the MMC noted she’d been there for a month and a half but the next chapter the FMC said she’d been there one week. At one point, I thought maybe I got a weird version where the chapters were out of order but that’s not the case.
The plot was also very rushed at times but then dragged at others. Like why did we need the three day delay between the time he saw her to when he bought her? And on the other hand, why couldn’t we see more of their relationship developing? She went from a simpering, frightened maiden to being very comfortable and open, which is great, but all of that character development happens off-page. This book tells you that things are better but doesn’t show you how they got better.
There are spicy scenes but they’re repetitive and aren’t very descriptive. They’re also really short and kind of boring to read.
The timeline is hard to follow as well. There’s a point where the FMC is hanging out with the housekeeper because they met earlier off-page but then two chapters later it’s like she’s meeting the housekeeper for the first time. Then there was another part where the MMC noted she’d been there for a month and a half but the next chapter the FMC said she’d been there one week. At one point, I thought maybe I got a weird version where the chapters were out of order but that’s not the case.
The plot was also very rushed at times but then dragged at others. Like why did we need the three day delay between the time he saw her to when he bought her? And on the other hand, why couldn’t we see more of their relationship developing? She went from a simpering, frightened maiden to being very comfortable and open, which is great, but all of that character development happens off-page. This book tells you that things are better but doesn’t show you how they got better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2024
Celeste skillfully weaves together dark and romantic elements, creating a gripping narrative that balances roughness and brutality with moments of profound love. Despite the challenging journey, the promise of a happy ending makes every trial worthwhile. I'm officially hooked!
The bond between Calias and Vanessa deepens as their connection intensifies, igniting a passionate flame between them. However, Vanessa's tumultuous past resurfaces, casting a shadow over their budding romance. When ominous figures from her history threaten their happiness, Calias steps up to protect Vanessa at any cost.
This demon-human romance is scorching hot and brimming with danger, violence, drama, and angst. Yet, amidst the turmoil, there lies a glimmer of love that serves as a beacon of hope, warming the reader's heart.
The world Celeste has crafted is richly intriguing and holds immense potential, leaving me eager to explore further.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The bond between Calias and Vanessa deepens as their connection intensifies, igniting a passionate flame between them. However, Vanessa's tumultuous past resurfaces, casting a shadow over their budding romance. When ominous figures from her history threaten their happiness, Calias steps up to protect Vanessa at any cost.
This demon-human romance is scorching hot and brimming with danger, violence, drama, and angst. Yet, amidst the turmoil, there lies a glimmer of love that serves as a beacon of hope, warming the reader's heart.
The world Celeste has crafted is richly intriguing and holds immense potential, leaving me eager to explore further.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 29, 2024
Calias sees Vanessa in a cage, about ready to be auctioned off. She’s human and he instantly knows this being is important to him. He plans, impatiently waits and will be taking this human home with him, after he wins her.
As a human, there’s not many options for Vanessa, in this world. After numerous, painful and upsetting failed attempts to get her wings, to better the family, she finds herself about to be auctioned off as a slave.
I felt Calias had an amazing cinnamon roll vibe. He was oh so sweet, ooey gooey… unless he wasn’t. Vanessa at first, was too busy recovering while in self-protection mode. But the ever steady Calias was ready and waiting for her.
Their story was a page turner filled with drama. And ends with a much deserved HEA. I always find it interesting, when authors put their own swing on creatures and beings, and this author’s take on a Lich was interesting.
As a human, there’s not many options for Vanessa, in this world. After numerous, painful and upsetting failed attempts to get her wings, to better the family, she finds herself about to be auctioned off as a slave.
I felt Calias had an amazing cinnamon roll vibe. He was oh so sweet, ooey gooey… unless he wasn’t. Vanessa at first, was too busy recovering while in self-protection mode. But the ever steady Calias was ready and waiting for her.
Their story was a page turner filled with drama. And ends with a much deserved HEA. I always find it interesting, when authors put their own swing on creatures and beings, and this author’s take on a Lich was interesting.
March 4, 2024
'The world comes to a halt. My world comes to a halt. Because suddenly, all that exists is her.'
I loved this book. Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Calias and Vanessa. I was fascinated of the concept of a human gaining Xaphanian wings to become one of them. But quickly brokenhearted at Vanessa's treatment from her mother/family. Even being sold she worried about her poor family being able to eat. Calias wanted her with a violence the instant he saw her. But he was gentle and kind to her- a big difference from his initial behavior. I liked how she warmed up to him as she acclimated to her new life. Calias's special attributes- with multiple uses- was a welcome surprise. I loved this book and couldn't put it down. I hope Nina gets her own book- she never left my mind. 5 stars.
I loved this book. Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Calias and Vanessa. I was fascinated of the concept of a human gaining Xaphanian wings to become one of them. But quickly brokenhearted at Vanessa's treatment from her mother/family. Even being sold she worried about her poor family being able to eat. Calias wanted her with a violence the instant he saw her. But he was gentle and kind to her- a big difference from his initial behavior. I liked how she warmed up to him as she acclimated to her new life. Calias's special attributes- with multiple uses- was a welcome surprise. I loved this book and couldn't put it down. I hope Nina gets her own book- she never left my mind. 5 stars.
Read
June 2, 2024Not a dark romance at all. This is actually a very, very fluffy romance and I feel misled by the description of the book. The MC is literally a cotton ball; he was absolutely a simp for the FMC and while I love it when that happens, it was waaay overdone.
So the author tried talking about difficult issues and abuse, etc but since the characters are nothing special; the intended effect was bland. And honestly, the FMC got really annoying halfway through the book and I ended up skimming because I couldn't stand her around 40%.
The spice was okay so if you want a fluffy romance book with spice, this book fits that.
So the author tried talking about difficult issues and abuse, etc but since the characters are nothing special; the intended effect was bland. And honestly, the FMC got really annoying halfway through the book and I ended up skimming because I couldn't stand her around 40%.
The spice was okay so if you want a fluffy romance book with spice, this book fits that.
March 26, 2024
Fated mate
The world this is set in sounds brutal, at least for humans. Vanessa is our MFC, human that found herself in the slave market. The demon that spies her immediately realizes that she is his. Big, purple and menacing, Calais will have her, no doubt in his mind.
Vanessa’s back story could have been expanded on a little more. Same for Calais.
Be that as it may, this Beauty and the Beast inspired tale throws some spicy steam into the mix. Needless to say, Vanessa and Calais are more than satisfied with how their lives turn out.
The world this is set in sounds brutal, at least for humans. Vanessa is our MFC, human that found herself in the slave market. The demon that spies her immediately realizes that she is his. Big, purple and menacing, Calais will have her, no doubt in his mind.
Vanessa’s back story could have been expanded on a little more. Same for Calais.
Be that as it may, this Beauty and the Beast inspired tale throws some spicy steam into the mix. Needless to say, Vanessa and Calais are more than satisfied with how their lives turn out.
June 18, 2024
A must read
If you enjoy reading a dark romance fantasy. Than this is the book for you, it has a demon that didn’t know what he was missing until he walks into the market and sees her in a cage, once he sees her blue eyes he knows that she is his mate and will not stop until she is his. She doesn’t know if her broken life will end or continue to be abused since that is all she knows is the physical pain. It comes as a surprise that there may be someone who sees her for what she can be and there may finally be some happiness in her future.
If you enjoy reading a dark romance fantasy. Than this is the book for you, it has a demon that didn’t know what he was missing until he walks into the market and sees her in a cage, once he sees her blue eyes he knows that she is his mate and will not stop until she is his. She doesn’t know if her broken life will end or continue to be abused since that is all she knows is the physical pain. It comes as a surprise that there may be someone who sees her for what she can be and there may finally be some happiness in her future.
September 22, 2024
2 stars for idea
A nice idea for a story. Some special and unique elements.
I don't normally rate so low, but when I have to give up on the story in the middle of the book due to pacing, timeline issues, and consistency between scenes and even within a scene, I'm going to rate it low. We have times when they will be saying and doing B and then somehow we are on Z. This happens nearly the whole story.
The idea has merit. Someone needs to help this author organize and create a timeline to stick to without changing what happened in the previous chapter.
A nice idea for a story. Some special and unique elements.
I don't normally rate so low, but when I have to give up on the story in the middle of the book due to pacing, timeline issues, and consistency between scenes and even within a scene, I'm going to rate it low. We have times when they will be saying and doing B and then somehow we are on Z. This happens nearly the whole story.
The idea has merit. Someone needs to help this author organize and create a timeline to stick to without changing what happened in the previous chapter.
February 20, 2024
This book was okay. I enjoyed the majority of it. I love tentacle play and this book has it. There were some parts I didn’t love though, but that could be a just me thing. This book did make me laugh and I enjoy some of the scenes. I’m just not the biggest fan of the back and forth. This book just wasn’t for me.
Tropes:
-fated mates
-human x demon
-auction
-he falls first
-shadow tentacles
ARC Review
Tropes:
-fated mates
-human x demon
-auction
-he falls first
-shadow tentacles
ARC Review
February 23, 2024
( ARC Review )
A nice read. Would have loved for it to be a bit longer so we could see the story progress more as everything felt very quick.
A really nice relationship between Vanessa and Calias.
Really nicely written, however not my favourite style!
I’m glad Vanessa got the HEA she deserved after the poor life and mistreatment she received.
Many spicy scenes, drama and action!
* Will be able to find this review on Amazon soon.
A nice read. Would have loved for it to be a bit longer so we could see the story progress more as everything felt very quick.
A really nice relationship between Vanessa and Calias.
Really nicely written, however not my favourite style!
I’m glad Vanessa got the HEA she deserved after the poor life and mistreatment she received.
Many spicy scenes, drama and action!
* Will be able to find this review on Amazon soon.
February 26, 2024
Vanessa’s family is truly awful, her parents not caring that she is literally being tortured because if she passes, they will benefit. She is sold off after failure, but purchased by a being that wants her above all else. Calias has to have her as his own. He treats her so well and takes care of her. And oh my are they hot. So hot. I like how the story plays out with all of their life changes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 16, 2024
has potential
I think this story has a lot of potential, however a lot of the plot is rushed, and some moments that seemed like a big deal were mentioned but skipped over completely. The situation with the FMC’s family was incredibly unrealistic, and she forgave them quickly and completely despite the atrocities they put her through. There was a good amount of spice, however the writing of the spicy scenes felt very repetitive to the point it got boring.
I think this story has a lot of potential, however a lot of the plot is rushed, and some moments that seemed like a big deal were mentioned but skipped over completely. The situation with the FMC’s family was incredibly unrealistic, and she forgave them quickly and completely despite the atrocities they put her through. There was a good amount of spice, however the writing of the spicy scenes felt very repetitive to the point it got boring.
February 20, 2024
Vanessa is taken from a bad life to a whole new one. It just happens it’s with a demon. Calias knows what he wants and buys her. She is up for auction and he will have her.
They have one or two issues to overcome since they come from different backgrounds. But they have many facts alike too. A human and a demon that make a perfect pair.
They have one or two issues to overcome since they come from different backgrounds. But they have many facts alike too. A human and a demon that make a perfect pair.
February 20, 2024
Vanessa's life had been hard and cruel, and when she's of no use to her family they auction her off only for Calais to be there in time to buy her, his mate, who he will protect at antly cost. Well written steamy fated mates, dark themes and more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 22, 2024
3.5 stars
There were parts of this book I enjoyed, however the time hopping was frustrating and poorly done IMO.
The storyline would have flowed more smoothly had the author simply followed the time line, as opposed to giving one POV and then jumping back in time, repeating scenes and giving us another POV.
There were parts of this book I enjoyed, however the time hopping was frustrating and poorly done IMO.
The storyline would have flowed more smoothly had the author simply followed the time line, as opposed to giving one POV and then jumping back in time, repeating scenes and giving us another POV.
February 22, 2024
I really liked Calias and Vanessa's story. There is a potent blend of darkness, drama, steam, heart and emotion to be explored and enjoyed. This book captured my attention and kept it easily. My heart just ached for Vanessa, and I was absolutely thrilled that she found such a swoon worthy champion that she totally deserved.
February 24, 2024
4 1/2 stars -The blub drew me in and I was all hyped up to read this story. I thought I was going to get a more touchy-feeling book than I did. I found the characters likable and the romantic connection steamy where I was rooting for their HEA. The storyline was entertaining, but the timelines was a little confusing. Overall, I liked reading this enjoyable story that was about Calias and Vanessa's romance. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 3, 2024
Meh
I could not even finish this book. The writing was amateurish. The characters were flat and their relationship was sad. There is nothing sexy about obsession. She was an abused traumatized character that did not inspire anything, not sympathy, interest or affection. This was just sad and depressing.
I could not even finish this book. The writing was amateurish. The characters were flat and their relationship was sad. There is nothing sexy about obsession. She was an abused traumatized character that did not inspire anything, not sympathy, interest or affection. This was just sad and depressing.
March 7, 2024
DNF. The first couple chapters seemed somewhat promising. However I did happen to notice the time skips or lack of flow for story. It was all over the place. Get to the sexy scene and just stopped bothering to read all together. Book was very meh. Character’s repeat same thoughts in their heads and it got old real quick. Such a bummer
March 24, 2024
While I enjoyed the budding romance. What kind of seemed pointless was the military base causing turmoil if it did not culminate into something more. Like maybe Vanessa gets kidnapped by them and he has to rescue her. I don’t know something would have been more of a pleasing read then getting nothing from there conflict. It just seems unresolved.
April 7, 2024
Calias sees Vanessa in a cage, about ready to be auctioned off. She’s human and he instantly knows this being is important to him. It's a great way to start a book. A bit darker than Celeste King's usual work.
I did enjoy all the drama they went through to be together but I was a little annoyed at how she just let her family get away with the torment they caused.
The HEA saved the day.
I did enjoy all the drama they went through to be together but I was a little annoyed at how she just let her family get away with the torment they caused.
The HEA saved the day.
October 11, 2025
Ese Calias es un amor .. como trata a Vanessa, la primera vez que la lleva a su mansión y como se preocupa por ella... como es capaz de todo por ella... Vanessa ha sufrido tanto por culpa de sus padres pero por fin es feliz con Calias
💝 Me encantan los libros así con monstruos y humanas 💝
🌺Voy a por el siguiente 🌺
💝 Me encantan los libros así con monstruos y humanas 💝
🌺Voy a por el siguiente 🌺
March 10, 2024
It constantly contradicted itself, first it was a week then a few lines later it was only a day. Her recovery was glossed over. And the family was so 180 it didn't fit with the first half of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2024
1.5
I dropped this. I thought it was boring and the writing was really bad. I don't really know why its called lich's love. I didn't get far but by chapter 8, there is no say of him being a lich. They just call him a demon. Idk.. its just poorly written.
I dropped this. I thought it was boring and the writing was really bad. I don't really know why its called lich's love. I didn't get far but by chapter 8, there is no say of him being a lich. They just call him a demon. Idk.. its just poorly written.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews