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Killing Time
Max and Kaelan, best friends and business partners for five years, are powerful casters with a tendency to get themselves into and out of all kinds of trouble. Pretty much the only thing they've been able to avoid is getting romantically involved – until now. Their sexual attraction hits them like a runaway fireball and they can't keep their hands off each other.
While their sexual attraction burns out of control, they've attracted the attention of a dark caster named Jannes who's planning a spell so potent that it could end the world. To keep them off balance, he's targeting Max and Kaelan through those they love, and there's no one they love more than each other.
With friends and family to protect and their only allies a group of casters who find it easier to fight than cooperate, the odds are stacked against them. So can Max and Kaelan keep it together and stop Jannes before he ends the world, or is the best they can do just killing time?
A/N We've written a short story featuring Magnus and Hallister that can be read or downloaded for free here:
Casting a Circle
While their sexual attraction burns out of control, they've attracted the attention of a dark caster named Jannes who's planning a spell so potent that it could end the world. To keep them off balance, he's targeting Max and Kaelan through those they love, and there's no one they love more than each other.
With friends and family to protect and their only allies a group of casters who find it easier to fight than cooperate, the odds are stacked against them. So can Max and Kaelan keep it together and stop Jannes before he ends the world, or is the best they can do just killing time?
A/N We've written a short story featuring Magnus and Hallister that can be read or downloaded for free here:
Casting a Circle
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2014
5 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Jane Davitt
64 books479 followersRetired from pro writing, pretty much. Any books where the rights are with me I've put up at A03, along with all my fic, which I'm still writing.
[Free reads and my fanfic are here:
Jane Davitt at AO3]
Thank you to all who read my books. It meant a lot.
[Free reads and my fanfic are here:
Jane Davitt at AO3]
Thank you to all who read my books. It meant a lot.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 11, 2014
The story opens with the two MCs encountering each other as they both are drawn toward trouble in a warehouse. Both men are casters, manipulating energies around them to affect the material world in a way we would call magic. Both want to use their abilities for positive ends. Their different styles strike sparks when they meet for the first time. They are not natural allies, and yet they feel an affinity as well, and find they can work together.
Jump five years ahead to the main story (and I did wish just a little to have seen those early years, and the move from distrust to trust. But the story here opens with a solid friendship in place.) Kaelan is gay, Max is bi, but they are determined not to wreck a promising working relationship and friendship by letting the possibility of something more get in the way. That resolution lasts longer than I expected, and falls apart in a uniquely messy (if slightly perplexing way. )
I liked both these characters, and enjoyed their banter. The world-building was good with some unique touches, like the looming threat of actual consequences if casting is used wrong enough for long enough. Readers who enjoy urban fantasy with carefully laid out world-building touches will be more likely to appreciate this book than those in it mainly for the romance, although the relationship was sweet at the start and hot later on.
I applaud the authors for not saving every positive character in the nick of time, for allowing the heroes to sometimes fail in material ways, and for the cat. Definitely for the cat :) The little snippets of various books on casting which begin each chapter were a nice atmospheric touch. I had a few minor plot quibbles, and despite the potential from two guys in love and in danger, I didn't get sucked into the emotional relationship deeply, but I definitely enjoyed the ride. I would read more about these two guys.
Jump five years ahead to the main story (and I did wish just a little to have seen those early years, and the move from distrust to trust. But the story here opens with a solid friendship in place.) Kaelan is gay, Max is bi, but they are determined not to wreck a promising working relationship and friendship by letting the possibility of something more get in the way. That resolution lasts longer than I expected, and falls apart in a uniquely messy (if slightly perplexing way. )
I liked both these characters, and enjoyed their banter. The world-building was good with some unique touches, like the looming threat of actual consequences if casting is used wrong enough for long enough. Readers who enjoy urban fantasy with carefully laid out world-building touches will be more likely to appreciate this book than those in it mainly for the romance, although the relationship was sweet at the start and hot later on.
I applaud the authors for not saving every positive character in the nick of time, for allowing the heroes to sometimes fail in material ways, and for the cat. Definitely for the cat :) The little snippets of various books on casting which begin each chapter were a nice atmospheric touch. I had a few minor plot quibbles, and despite the potential from two guys in love and in danger, I didn't get sucked into the emotional relationship deeply, but I definitely enjoyed the ride. I would read more about these two guys.
May 4, 2014
Mixed feelings about this one.
First, I'm not a big magic and warlock fan to begin with though I really liked the organic growth to Kaelan and Max's relationship. The intro to each chapter was amusing and definitely added an extra spice to the story. Now the story itself was interesting, but the pacing seemed off. There are spurts of extreme action (magic using battles) and then lulls of introspection. Seems like a sensible approach, but the lulls are too long and the omniscient reveals during them are heavy-handed and repetitive. Felt like moments of wading through molasses and then sprinting full out.
Liked the characters, liked the plot, but it was too slow and too long in places.
First, I'm not a big magic and warlock fan to begin with though I really liked the organic growth to Kaelan and Max's relationship. The intro to each chapter was amusing and definitely added an extra spice to the story. Now the story itself was interesting, but the pacing seemed off. There are spurts of extreme action (magic using battles) and then lulls of introspection. Seems like a sensible approach, but the lulls are too long and the omniscient reveals during them are heavy-handed and repetitive. Felt like moments of wading through molasses and then sprinting full out.
Liked the characters, liked the plot, but it was too slow and too long in places.
June 2, 2014
Magic lovers and urban fantasy lovers, unite! KILLING TIME is for those who love stories filled with spells, demons, wizards and a haughty black cat. This story has the same feel as the early Kim Harrison's The Hollows series when it comes to magic. There is no whining from the main characters which is a major plus and relief.
Max and Kaelan are casters who crossed paths five years ago when Kaelan stumbles onto a blood sacrifice Max is trying to stop. The initial meeting didn't go well but after years of working together, they are best friends as well as business partners.
First off, this story is heavy on the world building, specifically in how magic works in this world. I loved it. The way it's mixed with chemistry to some degree and how spells should work as well as how portals can be created tripped my trigger. For those who don't enjoy the details of a spell, this may be a bit overwhelming and a tad dry. For me, it shows duos Davitt and Snow spent a lot of time thinking about how their world would work and making sure it made sense. This I respect greatly. It strokes the inner fringe science geek in me.
Second, the characters are so loveable. While the plot unravels to reveal a terrible evil, Jannes, these two guys are finally taking their relationship to the next level. They already share history and intimacy, but not sexual intimacy. The sexual tension in this story is thick as the two wrestle with how their friendship could change. Personally, this part of the story could have moved a little bit faster for me. Still, it is amusing to watch as Max and Kaelan dance around professing their sexual desires. Not to be left out, their haughty black cat, Bast does provide some entertainment.
Bast padded over to join them and sat down, nonchalantly cocking one leg in the air and applying his tongue to his butt. Max didn't doubt for one second it was the feline equivalent of a raised middle finger. (pg. 311)
What I really enjoyed about this book is the meatiness. I could fully immerse myself in this world and see each of the places. Duos Davitt and Snow do a superb job with painting a clear picture with words. The mix of romance, mystery and magic brings this story to life. It is as if I were watching a movie. It's a rush and when I finished, I wanted more.
Recommended for m/m readers who love books opening portals into a world filled with magic.
March 1, 2014
WAYYYYYY too much information. The author is very thorough in giving long definitions and explanations of casters spells or magic, whatever you want to call it. The story was okay. The characters were fleshed out and I even liked them, otherwise I would have given this a two star rating. The problem is, it's slow and boring with all of the explanations. Hence, I skipped through the last 25% of the book and skipped to the ending. I just couldn't take any more.
April 29, 2014
Found this one very hard going and couldn't read beyond the half way point. Usually enjoy these authors, but this book was all over the show and not enjoyable. Info dumps, world building often felt convenient, and if anything bad did happen something was able to magic it away. Meh. Characters I couldn't connect with and a scooby mystery.
March 5, 2014
Kaelan and Max are casters. They aren’t mages or magicians. Casters can take energy from their surroundings and gather it into many forms, including fireballs, portals to other locations, protective shields, and more. They are not an organized group and do not have any plans to overtake the world. Most just exist quietly, and some, like Kaelan and Max, try to use their gifts to help others.
In the Prologue, the two meet when Kaelan notices a strong magical energy in the air that leads him to a deserted warehouse. There he finds a situation involving two casters who are trying to slice open a cat, apparently as a ritual sacrifice. What he finds odd about this situation is the fact that he spots a cloaked (invisibly) caster off to the side of the room, and he can’t tell if he’s there with the others or only observing. It turns out that the cloaked caster is Max, and he’s there to intervene as well. The first energy push that Kaelan sends into the group knocks Max out of his cloaking shield and they quickly discover that they are on the same side. They also discover that they have a sort of unique energy together, with their skills complementing each other, skills that end the situation quickly. Where one is weak, the other is strong. Max is wealthy, Kaelan is poor, a former street boy. Max was born on the Summer Solstice and Kaelan was born on the Winter Solstice. Because of their complementary natures, they determine that they should look into working together more often.
As the main story opens in Chapter One, the two have become partners, living in the same home along with Bast, the cat they saved, but they are partners in work only. Although Kaelan is gay and Max is bi, Max did not find Kaelan the least bit desirable when they first met. He also thought their lives and work relationship would become too complicated if they ever had sex, so he laid down a rule right from the beginning— no sex between them. There’s plenty of sex going on though, and when Max walks in on Kaelan topping another guy, once the interruption and embarrassment is over, he reminds Kaelan that the sex belongs in the bedroom, not in their shared living space. Kaelan apologizes, and even though it’s happened in reverse over the years, he agrees to abide by the rules. A minor tingle of attraction for Max is kindled though, and as time goes on, we can see it starting to grow and affect both men as they begin to wonder if they were too hasty in their decision to abstain from sex with each other.
When Max’s longtime friend and former professor dies, and Kaelan learns that this is the man who helped Max discover that he was a caster and then taught him all the basics, he encourages Max to go to the site to find out if any magic was used to cause the death. What they find is a dark and deeply entrenched energy field in the professor’s office— a definite magic signature that they must track down. Thus begins the mystery that carries throughout most of the story.
They learn that their arch enemy is a caster named Jannes and they ultimately learn that this is the same Jannes mentioned in the Bible. It seems that he’s been using dark magic and controlling other casters to do his killing and other dirty work throughout the ages in order to maintain his life span. Casters who act irresponsibly too many times, and take too many lives, are taken to the Netherhells by demon escorts. Jannes is avoiding that by having others do his work for him. He’s now a highly experienced and very dangerous caster who is more powerful than any other caster on earth.
Jannes’ master plan is to disrupt the tapestry of time so that he can avert his future death. The problem is that it will so disrupt the earth’s master plan, that it will likely end the human race as we know it because making any change in the time tapestry will have major long lasting ripple effects. To accomplish this task, he is using the blood of young victims, usually young homeless boys, to seal ley lines where they intersect in order to form a drawing of a blood sigel. Max and Kaelan intervene on one such sacrifice but they are not powerful enough to stop the death of the boy who is a friend of Hopper, a street boy whom Kaelan has befriended. Unfortunately, that incident tips Jannes to the importance of Hopper in their lives and so the next kidnap victim, the one whose blood will seal the sigil that Jannes is creating, is Hopper.
Totally emotionally wrung out and exhausted by the discovery of this plan and by the death of the young boy, Kaelan and Max turn to each other for comfort. By this time, their slow burn has escalated, and the two realize that they actually love each other and that sex would be the next step in their relationship. The sex is romantic and powerful and Max is able to verbalize his love for Kaelan, though Kaelan finds that he can’t find words to tell Max how he feels.
As the two work together to find a way to defeat this mastermind and save Hopper, they become even closer. It’s clear that they love each other, yet without Kaelan being able to verbalize how he feels, Max often feels insecure. Then added to all the other craziness going on, it becomes clear that Max’s estranged brother, Rafe, is a target for Jannes as well. The guys arrive just in time to save Rafe who is a mundane, a regular human without any magical powers. What he does have, however, is savvy and intelligence and contacts all over the city, and some of his suggestions to Max and Kaelan make perfect sense and can be implemented to help stop Jannes. They also seek help from one of the professor’s old friends and his fellow casters who agree to a plan to help with a remote diversion of one of the ley lines when Kaelan and Max move in for the final confrontation.
Just before they leave on their final attempt to stop Jannes, Kaelan blurts out his love for Max. Max, however, is unimpressed, thinking that Kaelan is only saying that to make him feel okay as they go to their death. Completely frustrated by his inability to express himself, Kaelan begins to cry as he tries to convince Max of his love. The tears, of course, seal the deal. This was one of my favorite sections of the story. In fact, every time these two men got romantic together, either in words, or by kissing, or sex, the scenes were so perfect, they completely warmed my heart. Max tells Kaelan, “You can trust me. With everything. Your fears, your body, your heart, all of it. I’ll keep it safe, and you do the same for me. That’s love. And that’s simple.” I just wanted to melt.
This book was wonderfully creative, taking place in our own time, but in an alternate universe where casters and mundanes coexist. The story was also exciting, romantic, magical, intriguing, adventurous, mysterious, and so much more. These two authors work so well together that I can’t wait to read more from them, in this universe or any other.
So what happens to Max and Kaelan? Well, everyone needs to read this story to find out but it’s not really so much about what happens— it’s about how it happens, who they meet and work with, and against, along the way, and how the final battle manages to exceed all expectations and provide a few surprising twists and turns. I highly recommend this story to anyone who likes to dabble in a romantic tale that is far out of the ordinary and is truly a romance that will warm even a cold heart.
Note: This book was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
In the Prologue, the two meet when Kaelan notices a strong magical energy in the air that leads him to a deserted warehouse. There he finds a situation involving two casters who are trying to slice open a cat, apparently as a ritual sacrifice. What he finds odd about this situation is the fact that he spots a cloaked (invisibly) caster off to the side of the room, and he can’t tell if he’s there with the others or only observing. It turns out that the cloaked caster is Max, and he’s there to intervene as well. The first energy push that Kaelan sends into the group knocks Max out of his cloaking shield and they quickly discover that they are on the same side. They also discover that they have a sort of unique energy together, with their skills complementing each other, skills that end the situation quickly. Where one is weak, the other is strong. Max is wealthy, Kaelan is poor, a former street boy. Max was born on the Summer Solstice and Kaelan was born on the Winter Solstice. Because of their complementary natures, they determine that they should look into working together more often.
As the main story opens in Chapter One, the two have become partners, living in the same home along with Bast, the cat they saved, but they are partners in work only. Although Kaelan is gay and Max is bi, Max did not find Kaelan the least bit desirable when they first met. He also thought their lives and work relationship would become too complicated if they ever had sex, so he laid down a rule right from the beginning— no sex between them. There’s plenty of sex going on though, and when Max walks in on Kaelan topping another guy, once the interruption and embarrassment is over, he reminds Kaelan that the sex belongs in the bedroom, not in their shared living space. Kaelan apologizes, and even though it’s happened in reverse over the years, he agrees to abide by the rules. A minor tingle of attraction for Max is kindled though, and as time goes on, we can see it starting to grow and affect both men as they begin to wonder if they were too hasty in their decision to abstain from sex with each other.
When Max’s longtime friend and former professor dies, and Kaelan learns that this is the man who helped Max discover that he was a caster and then taught him all the basics, he encourages Max to go to the site to find out if any magic was used to cause the death. What they find is a dark and deeply entrenched energy field in the professor’s office— a definite magic signature that they must track down. Thus begins the mystery that carries throughout most of the story.
They learn that their arch enemy is a caster named Jannes and they ultimately learn that this is the same Jannes mentioned in the Bible. It seems that he’s been using dark magic and controlling other casters to do his killing and other dirty work throughout the ages in order to maintain his life span. Casters who act irresponsibly too many times, and take too many lives, are taken to the Netherhells by demon escorts. Jannes is avoiding that by having others do his work for him. He’s now a highly experienced and very dangerous caster who is more powerful than any other caster on earth.
Jannes’ master plan is to disrupt the tapestry of time so that he can avert his future death. The problem is that it will so disrupt the earth’s master plan, that it will likely end the human race as we know it because making any change in the time tapestry will have major long lasting ripple effects. To accomplish this task, he is using the blood of young victims, usually young homeless boys, to seal ley lines where they intersect in order to form a drawing of a blood sigel. Max and Kaelan intervene on one such sacrifice but they are not powerful enough to stop the death of the boy who is a friend of Hopper, a street boy whom Kaelan has befriended. Unfortunately, that incident tips Jannes to the importance of Hopper in their lives and so the next kidnap victim, the one whose blood will seal the sigil that Jannes is creating, is Hopper.
Totally emotionally wrung out and exhausted by the discovery of this plan and by the death of the young boy, Kaelan and Max turn to each other for comfort. By this time, their slow burn has escalated, and the two realize that they actually love each other and that sex would be the next step in their relationship. The sex is romantic and powerful and Max is able to verbalize his love for Kaelan, though Kaelan finds that he can’t find words to tell Max how he feels.
As the two work together to find a way to defeat this mastermind and save Hopper, they become even closer. It’s clear that they love each other, yet without Kaelan being able to verbalize how he feels, Max often feels insecure. Then added to all the other craziness going on, it becomes clear that Max’s estranged brother, Rafe, is a target for Jannes as well. The guys arrive just in time to save Rafe who is a mundane, a regular human without any magical powers. What he does have, however, is savvy and intelligence and contacts all over the city, and some of his suggestions to Max and Kaelan make perfect sense and can be implemented to help stop Jannes. They also seek help from one of the professor’s old friends and his fellow casters who agree to a plan to help with a remote diversion of one of the ley lines when Kaelan and Max move in for the final confrontation.
Just before they leave on their final attempt to stop Jannes, Kaelan blurts out his love for Max. Max, however, is unimpressed, thinking that Kaelan is only saying that to make him feel okay as they go to their death. Completely frustrated by his inability to express himself, Kaelan begins to cry as he tries to convince Max of his love. The tears, of course, seal the deal. This was one of my favorite sections of the story. In fact, every time these two men got romantic together, either in words, or by kissing, or sex, the scenes were so perfect, they completely warmed my heart. Max tells Kaelan, “You can trust me. With everything. Your fears, your body, your heart, all of it. I’ll keep it safe, and you do the same for me. That’s love. And that’s simple.” I just wanted to melt.
This book was wonderfully creative, taking place in our own time, but in an alternate universe where casters and mundanes coexist. The story was also exciting, romantic, magical, intriguing, adventurous, mysterious, and so much more. These two authors work so well together that I can’t wait to read more from them, in this universe or any other.
So what happens to Max and Kaelan? Well, everyone needs to read this story to find out but it’s not really so much about what happens— it’s about how it happens, who they meet and work with, and against, along the way, and how the final battle manages to exceed all expectations and provide a few surprising twists and turns. I highly recommend this story to anyone who likes to dabble in a romantic tale that is far out of the ordinary and is truly a romance that will warm even a cold heart.
Note: This book was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
April 21, 2014
Good stuff.
- The world building was great. I liked the idea behind the Netherworld and how not just doing the dark arts could lead you there but also whether you had dark intentions. Seemed like a great idea for keeping those with magic in check.
- The characters were fun and I like that even though there was a time skip I believed them as friends. It was also nice they weren't pinning after each other for years. I also liked how their relationship progressed and that when they did sleep together is wasn't a spur of the moment thing. They were affected by the change in their relationship, family issues, childhood issues, and even the stress of all the bad things happening
- The side characters were interesting and honestly I want to know more about what happens to them.
- The magic was interesting. I like how everyone had a specialty and how Kaelen and Max worked together by combining their strengths. There is so much hinted at about magic and the history behind being a caster that it just adds a depth to the story.
- The one downside (besides knowing exactly who the third was)for me was that I just didn't understand the plot (it felt like they jumped to conclusions and just happened to be right). Part of it I blame on the fact I couldn't stop reading thanks to my compulsive personality and the fact I really liked this story so I was exhausted and the words started to blur together, but part of it was I just didn't get why Kaelen and Max were so connected to Jannis . It's explained (seriously Jannis could have killed them so easily) but I was just going um in my head. But the good news is that doesn't matter. Even with my questions I still was able to enjoy the story and the romance (which wasn't distracting from the plot.
- Really wish this was part of a series or at least that the authors will reuse this world someday. I really liked the ideas behind it.
Note: As I am just going by memory I may have gotten some names and terms wrong.
- The world building was great. I liked the idea behind the Netherworld and how not just doing the dark arts could lead you there but also whether you had dark intentions. Seemed like a great idea for keeping those with magic in check.
- The characters were fun and I like that even though there was a time skip I believed them as friends. It was also nice they weren't pinning after each other for years. I also liked how their relationship progressed and that when they did sleep together is wasn't a spur of the moment thing. They were affected by the change in their relationship, family issues, childhood issues, and even the stress of all the bad things happening
- The side characters were interesting and honestly I want to know more about what happens to them.
- The magic was interesting. I like how everyone had a specialty and how Kaelen and Max worked together by combining their strengths. There is so much hinted at about magic and the history behind being a caster that it just adds a depth to the story.
- The one downside (besides knowing exactly who the third was)for me was that I just didn't understand the plot (it felt like they jumped to conclusions and just happened to be right). Part of it I blame on the fact I couldn't stop reading thanks to my compulsive personality and the fact I really liked this story so I was exhausted and the words started to blur together, but part of it was I just didn't get why Kaelen and Max were so connected to Jannis . It's explained (seriously Jannis could have killed them so easily) but I was just going um in my head. But the good news is that doesn't matter. Even with my questions I still was able to enjoy the story and the romance (which wasn't distracting from the plot.
- Really wish this was part of a series or at least that the authors will reuse this world someday. I really liked the ideas behind it.
Note: As I am just going by memory I may have gotten some names and terms wrong.
August 9, 2014
Max and Kaelan?! LOVED them. You see, magic is right up my alley. I LOVE this kind of stuff. Portals, shields, potions, fireballs, etc. Yep, it makes me giddy. I love all things paranormal, but magic is my favorite.
Bast was a great addition. I loved him.
I am wondering if there's going to be a 2nd one.
I still have questions though.
Overall, I really enjoyed this. It was just what I needed :)
Bast was a great addition. I loved him.
I am wondering if there's going to be a 2nd one.
I still have questions though.
Overall, I really enjoyed this. It was just what I needed :)
July 4, 2014
I usually like this author combo, but I just couldn't get into this one. I liked the characters, I liked the plot, but it just didn't click together for me.
March 2, 2014
3.75 stars
This was a different type book for me, while I do like paranormal books, I mainly stay with shifters/vampires type stories, so this being about magic was very different. I enjoyed it because for one it was different for me, but also it was not a short book so the authors were able to give a lot of details with this world and the characters. I enjoyed both MCs and liked out their relationship was not an instant thing, but developed slowly over time even though you have the initial jump in time in the beginning. There were a couple of times that I would have liked a little more information . For the most part this was a really well written story and it was nice to read something I normally don't.
This was a different type book for me, while I do like paranormal books, I mainly stay with shifters/vampires type stories, so this being about magic was very different. I enjoyed it because for one it was different for me, but also it was not a short book so the authors were able to give a lot of details with this world and the characters. I enjoyed both MCs and liked out their relationship was not an instant thing, but developed slowly over time even though you have the initial jump in time in the beginning. There were a couple of times that I would have liked a little more information . For the most part this was a really well written story and it was nice to read something I normally don't.
June 15, 2014
Really enjoyable Urban Fantsy, though I would caution that you need to be a fan of the genre to truly appreciate the uniqueness of this story. Loved that the two main characters start off as friends and fight the baddies together, so much more interesting then the usual one man/woman saving the world alone.
March 20, 2016
****Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance®****
4.5 Stars - Killing Time was suggested to use to review by one of our loyal readers! I am so glad they made the suggestion. It was an enjoyable read with great characters that kept me from putting it down.
It is set in our world but with the presence of magic in the form of Casters who wield it. I appreciated the thought that went into developing the lore around the magic.
Kaelan and Max don’t get along at first, but build a solid friendship they don’t want to mess up with sex. There is plenty of tension, of the good and bad kind, with evil casters and pesky feelings getting in the way. I loved both characters and their differences. They complimented each other and made a great team.
The tone alternated between dark and light with some pop culture references and fictional book excerpts bringing comic relief to the death and evil they faced. There were a few spots that dragged and I felt the whole book could have been a little shorter, but other than that, it was mostly fast paced and engaging. Plus it has a cat with personality. Who can resist that?
I’m definitely happy I read Killing Time.
4.5 Stars - Killing Time was suggested to use to review by one of our loyal readers! I am so glad they made the suggestion. It was an enjoyable read with great characters that kept me from putting it down.
It is set in our world but with the presence of magic in the form of Casters who wield it. I appreciated the thought that went into developing the lore around the magic.
Kaelan and Max don’t get along at first, but build a solid friendship they don’t want to mess up with sex. There is plenty of tension, of the good and bad kind, with evil casters and pesky feelings getting in the way. I loved both characters and their differences. They complimented each other and made a great team.
The tone alternated between dark and light with some pop culture references and fictional book excerpts bringing comic relief to the death and evil they faced. There were a few spots that dragged and I felt the whole book could have been a little shorter, but other than that, it was mostly fast paced and engaging. Plus it has a cat with personality. Who can resist that?
I’m definitely happy I read Killing Time.
May 28, 2014
LeatherSkater reviews Killing Time by Jane Davitt, Alexa Snow
http://www.mrsconditreadsbooks.com/?p...
REVIEW:
One thing I enjoy about reviewing (and the curse is the other side), is you find gems of books from authors you never heard of before. You go along, and expect one thing, and here the author takes you right back around a different route, challenging your mind and or heart towards another path. I truly enjoy that most about reading. It is how I discovered some of my most treasured books.
Reading in this genre, you expect hot sex, or bad prose, or weird situations with fumbling teens. But you don’t expect a true sci fi fantasy about gay magic users that is quite interesting, very well written, and has the depth plus the adventure of an Indiana Jones adventure.
Once the story got going, it was like the Dresden Files with pure gay/bi magic casters involved, and not just centered on humping their way through alleyways or clients, but the reader gets a very thought out story arch that satisfied any great sci fi buff, like myself. I enjoyed this immensely. They just happen to be gay. I love that. The story was more important than making that statement, and that left me with a better feeling in my literary heart. Brought me back to my Wells/Verne childhood days, and left me with a smile. This was a good book. Plain and simple.
http://www.mrsconditreadsbooks.com/?p...
REVIEW:
One thing I enjoy about reviewing (and the curse is the other side), is you find gems of books from authors you never heard of before. You go along, and expect one thing, and here the author takes you right back around a different route, challenging your mind and or heart towards another path. I truly enjoy that most about reading. It is how I discovered some of my most treasured books.
Reading in this genre, you expect hot sex, or bad prose, or weird situations with fumbling teens. But you don’t expect a true sci fi fantasy about gay magic users that is quite interesting, very well written, and has the depth plus the adventure of an Indiana Jones adventure.
Once the story got going, it was like the Dresden Files with pure gay/bi magic casters involved, and not just centered on humping their way through alleyways or clients, but the reader gets a very thought out story arch that satisfied any great sci fi buff, like myself. I enjoyed this immensely. They just happen to be gay. I love that. The story was more important than making that statement, and that left me with a better feeling in my literary heart. Brought me back to my Wells/Verne childhood days, and left me with a smile. This was a good book. Plain and simple.
May 26, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
I love Jane Davitt and Alexa Snow, and this is another example of their ability to craft a story with compelling characters, interesting plots, and flawless writing. I enjoyed the heck out of this and really my few little complaints are only minor grievances.
The main characters in this story are an example of a couple that are great individually, but what really makes them shine is the way they are together. Max is steady, sweet, and level-headed and Kaelan is impulsive and abrasive and quick-witted and they’re both so cute separately. But then you see them interact in the beginning of this story in what’s supposed to be a platonic manner and you can see the depth of the feelings they have for one another and I just wanted them to fall into bed together so badly. They complement each other so well and there’s so much affection between them that they just lit the pages up and wrapped me up in their story so tightly.
Read Angi's review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
I love Jane Davitt and Alexa Snow, and this is another example of their ability to craft a story with compelling characters, interesting plots, and flawless writing. I enjoyed the heck out of this and really my few little complaints are only minor grievances.
The main characters in this story are an example of a couple that are great individually, but what really makes them shine is the way they are together. Max is steady, sweet, and level-headed and Kaelan is impulsive and abrasive and quick-witted and they’re both so cute separately. But then you see them interact in the beginning of this story in what’s supposed to be a platonic manner and you can see the depth of the feelings they have for one another and I just wanted them to fall into bed together so badly. They complement each other so well and there’s so much affection between them that they just lit the pages up and wrapped me up in their story so tightly.
Read Angi's review in its entirety here.
May 30, 2014
This book would not end.
I wanted to shoot myself in the face.
(Yes it was that bad)
Why can't Alexa Snow be nice to me and write solo books? I love her solo stuff. This relationship with Jane Davitt is strong and unyielding. I just don't like this pairing. I can't get into their stuff and I feel slightly robbed because...I like Alexa Snow's work.
This was all kinds of messed. The plot was so far-fetched. The villain? Please no. The "horrible" family who just couldn't understand why Max wanted to be a caster (you know he has magic abilities - whatever).
Max and Kealan getting together? What the hell was that?
The constant start of each paragraph with "snippets" from books and journals about the craft...bored now. It's not cool. It wasn't original. You used it wrong.
I hate everything right now.
I wanted to shoot myself in the face.
(Yes it was that bad)
Why can't Alexa Snow be nice to me and write solo books? I love her solo stuff. This relationship with Jane Davitt is strong and unyielding. I just don't like this pairing. I can't get into their stuff and I feel slightly robbed because...I like Alexa Snow's work.
This was all kinds of messed. The plot was so far-fetched. The villain? Please no. The "horrible" family who just couldn't understand why Max wanted to be a caster (you know he has magic abilities - whatever).
Max and Kealan getting together? What the hell was that?
The constant start of each paragraph with "snippets" from books and journals about the craft...bored now. It's not cool. It wasn't original. You used it wrong.
I hate everything right now.
August 13, 2016
What a fun world this is! I thoroughly enjoyed the way the magic worked in this world, and I was fascinated by all of the details.
The adorable kitty has definitely stuck in my mind as an all-time-favorite character.
Favorite Quotes:
Time to show he was on the side of the kitten lovers in the room
"Shit happens. They didn't teach you that at Harvard? They should've."
Being loved was a heavy weight to carry.
"Jesus, someone get his legs before I drop him. I'm too old to play Rhett, and he's no fucking Scarlett."
"Let me in. I'm going to love you anyway, so there's no point in fighting it."
but there was a disconnect between his brain and his mouth, someplace broken so the words got lost and died.
The adorable kitty has definitely stuck in my mind as an all-time-favorite character.
Favorite Quotes:
Time to show he was on the side of the kitten lovers in the room
"Shit happens. They didn't teach you that at Harvard? They should've."
Being loved was a heavy weight to carry.
"Jesus, someone get his legs before I drop him. I'm too old to play Rhett, and he's no fucking Scarlett."
"Let me in. I'm going to love you anyway, so there's no point in fighting it."
but there was a disconnect between his brain and his mouth, someplace broken so the words got lost and died.
April 2, 2014
WOW!!! What a fantastic book! Absolutely one of my favorite books of all time. I rarely write reviews (mostly because I'm not very good at it) and I tend to give many books 5 stars(mostly because I'm fairly easy to please). If I could give this book more stars I would.
This book combines engaging characters, suspense, magic, a great story line and super hot lovin'. I wish I could describe all the ways that I love this book, but if I had that kind of talent I'd probably be a writer ;) I can only hope that this is the beginning of series (10 books at least lol)
This book combines engaging characters, suspense, magic, a great story line and super hot lovin'. I wish I could describe all the ways that I love this book, but if I had that kind of talent I'd probably be a writer ;) I can only hope that this is the beginning of series (10 books at least lol)
May 1, 2015
I liked this one alot not for the world building but the relationship between Max and Kelan. This isn't a hot passionate romance but one that just felt comfortable and right. Too many friends to lovers want to have hot sex as a catalyst but this one really felt like an extension of their relationship without hot flames. The world was unique and I like the little inserts to each chapter that help to explain some of the world without feeling like info dumps. This is really a book that I hope will become a series.
August 12, 2016
It's been a while since I've come across such a wonderfully written book. This story's got it all: intrigue, horror, death, magic, demons, a wicked as hell villain, two sexy and bad-ass protagonists, and best of all... a solid plot. Truly worth the money spent on it. Awesome, awesome read that will keep you at the edge of your seat. Definitely recommended.
June 3, 2014
The blurb doesn't do justice to this book. It's accurate but the book is so much more. This is not a light read and I never had any desire to skim over any of the pages so if you're ready to get totally immersed in a mind movie, want a strong story with main characters that are complete opposites, you'll love this book. There is hot sex but it doesn't overwhelm the story.
May 17, 2014
I am a big fan of this writing duo! This is the first time I've read them delving into the world of magic and the supernatural. It only goes to show how versatile their writing is. Great plot and characters and the flow was perfect. The detail that went into this story was extraordinary and I just loved how it all came together in the end!
August 20, 2014
I do not know why but this story just didnt work for me. I struggled and struggled to finish it and I have to admit to skimming over many pages towards the end.
It just couldnt hold my attention. I normally love this genre but I dont know what happened. I think I found it predictable and that made me bored with it :(
It just couldnt hold my attention. I normally love this genre but I dont know what happened. I think I found it predictable and that made me bored with it :(
March 3, 2015
3.5 stars. It could be better if Jannes's plot can be shortened. The two MCs spend too much time probing, while Jannes's death comes too easy eventually that seemingly isn't worthy of so much elaboration. It also makes the depiction of two MCs' feeling scatter among the plot without a genuine intense twist. I like them though, both of them, and Bast XD
Read
December 30, 2014I don't know what happened, I enjoyed this but then I just.... lost interest and never got back into the reading zone.
I might start over from scratch someday in the future.
I might start over from scratch someday in the future.
dnf-nfm-on-hold-indefinitely
March 24, 2014It is well written, but I just do not feel any spark...even though they should supposedly fight with it >>"""
so it got a little borish >>""""
so it got a little borish >>""""
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2016
For a genre I don't generally read or write, I picked up this book based on who wrote it. And I was sooo pleasantly surprised (and not.) Awesome. I really liked the universe and all the characters.
May 8, 2015
Sequels NEEDED!!!!!!
I absolutely loved this book! EPIC!
I absolutely loved this book! EPIC!
dnf-not-4-me
October 11, 2014Friend reviews are steering me away from this one because of lack of content interest.
October 25, 2015
3.75 stars
May 11, 2017
I really enjoyed Max and Kaelan's roles as casters and saving the world. WOW! What a great friends to lovers story. I kind of want more stories set in this world. Max came from a world of money where Kaelan was struggling on the streets. The two of them together though...just perfect.
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