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The Powers That Be #1
Any Price
This deal comes with unspoken clauses.
Dominic Blackburn has a job no sane person wants: he makes things quit going bump in the night. Unfortunately, some monsters bump a little too hard for one man. In desperate need of backup, he buys the (suspiciously cheap) contract of an indentured—and gorgeous—man named Micah.
Micah’s paperwork says he’s a fighter, and he is. Kind of. He’d rather take a beating than dole one out. Good thing plenty of people are willing to pay for that. Micah’s a professional. Whatever his contract holders need—no matter how intimate—he delivers with his head held high. But Micah’s new holder seems content to leave most of his more specialized skills unused.
Micah’s not quite sure what to do, or not do, with Dominic, and the feeling is mutual. The more Dominic learns about Micah’s past, the less he wants to know. It soon becomes clear that Micah’s previous holders were involved in something sinister—and big. It’s up to Dominic and Micah to figure out how deep it goes, but getting eaten by a chupacabra is starting to sound more appealing.
**Content warnings:**
Dubious Consent
Emotional Abuse
Explicit Violence
Non-Consent
Sexual Assault
Drug Use (Non-consensual)
Dominic Blackburn has a job no sane person wants: he makes things quit going bump in the night. Unfortunately, some monsters bump a little too hard for one man. In desperate need of backup, he buys the (suspiciously cheap) contract of an indentured—and gorgeous—man named Micah.
Micah’s paperwork says he’s a fighter, and he is. Kind of. He’d rather take a beating than dole one out. Good thing plenty of people are willing to pay for that. Micah’s a professional. Whatever his contract holders need—no matter how intimate—he delivers with his head held high. But Micah’s new holder seems content to leave most of his more specialized skills unused.
Micah’s not quite sure what to do, or not do, with Dominic, and the feeling is mutual. The more Dominic learns about Micah’s past, the less he wants to know. It soon becomes clear that Micah’s previous holders were involved in something sinister—and big. It’s up to Dominic and Micah to figure out how deep it goes, but getting eaten by a chupacabra is starting to sound more appealing.
**Content warnings:**
Dubious Consent
Emotional Abuse
Explicit Violence
Non-Consent
Sexual Assault
Drug Use (Non-consensual)
- GenresParanormal
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2024
1 person is currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Hazel Domain
8 books11 followersHazel Domain is a cryptid who escaped Ohio and can now be found roaming the woods of eastern Maine. Hazel spends their time fixing computers, fiddling with databases, making renaissance faire costumes and, when all alternatives have been exhausted, writing.
Hazel has five Nanowrimo certificates, a doctorate in parapsychology, and a cat.
Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/hazeldomain
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HazelDomain
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theehazeldomain
Hazel has five Nanowrimo certificates, a doctorate in parapsychology, and a cat.
Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/hazeldomain
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HazelDomain
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theehazeldomain
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 7, 2024
**I was provided an electronic ARC through GayRomanceReviews. Thank you!**
Hazel Domain presents Any Price, the first book in a queer paranormal romance series. Readers follow Dominic, a creature containment specialist whose job is to stop the monsters from going bump in the night. Dominic turns to an indenture service when he decides he needs back up. One deal from the back of a van later and Dominic has the title to one mute indent called Micah. Dominic and Micah have to learn to work together while also navigating the fact that Micah's previous contract holders may be under investigation for an innumerable amount of crimes.
Domain was courteous enough to include content warnings at the beginning of this book. Dubious consent and numerous other warnings are included, all to do with power dynamics and the potential for abuse associated with them. I find it important to add that Dominic in no way abuses his role in relation to Micah and that the power abuse in question is carried out by the Bad Guy, though Dom and Micah do have some miscommunication issues they need to work through. Read with care if that's a point of consideration for you.
Domain's world building is relatively limited given that this is paranormal or low fantasy building upon the real world. The magic that Domain introduces is very interesting to me in that it seems to be a traditional ritual/sigil based system that is accessible for people to learn. I very much look forward to learning more about this in future books in the series.
Dom and Micah navigating their circumstances makes up the majority of the book. I was happy with the attention given to Micah and his difficulties navigating what he had been taught versus what his new situation required. My biggest "complaint" is that the design of the book is formatted somewhat like a television episode in that it is very far from a self-contained story. I would likely be a little more annoyed by this, but I have book two already downloaded and ready to go.
Overall, I was happy with the time spent with Any Price and will be eagerly diving into Any Cost next.
Hazel Domain presents Any Price, the first book in a queer paranormal romance series. Readers follow Dominic, a creature containment specialist whose job is to stop the monsters from going bump in the night. Dominic turns to an indenture service when he decides he needs back up. One deal from the back of a van later and Dominic has the title to one mute indent called Micah. Dominic and Micah have to learn to work together while also navigating the fact that Micah's previous contract holders may be under investigation for an innumerable amount of crimes.
Domain was courteous enough to include content warnings at the beginning of this book. Dubious consent and numerous other warnings are included, all to do with power dynamics and the potential for abuse associated with them. I find it important to add that Dominic in no way abuses his role in relation to Micah and that the power abuse in question is carried out by the Bad Guy, though Dom and Micah do have some miscommunication issues they need to work through. Read with care if that's a point of consideration for you.
Domain's world building is relatively limited given that this is paranormal or low fantasy building upon the real world. The magic that Domain introduces is very interesting to me in that it seems to be a traditional ritual/sigil based system that is accessible for people to learn. I very much look forward to learning more about this in future books in the series.
Dom and Micah navigating their circumstances makes up the majority of the book. I was happy with the attention given to Micah and his difficulties navigating what he had been taught versus what his new situation required. My biggest "complaint" is that the design of the book is formatted somewhat like a television episode in that it is very far from a self-contained story. I would likely be a little more annoyed by this, but I have book two already downloaded and ready to go.
Overall, I was happy with the time spent with Any Price and will be eagerly diving into Any Cost next.
July 15, 2024
First off - read the CWs. Seriously.
I found this story absolutely immersive. The characters are incredibly well written and the world building is fantastic. For me, that means I have a really clear image in my mind of both the setting and the people themselves. This is all done without feeling bogged down in description or exposition. In terms of the characters, Dominic is a stoic sweetheart who just needs a partner. Micah is a whole mess of childhood dv trauma and then trafficking conditioning. Neither knows how to deal with the other's mindset, so they bumble along trying to understand and build a trusting relationship. At the same time, Dom's purchase of Micah kicks over a whole hornets nest of bad dudes, so there's that to deal with.
I'm already halfway through the second book in this series and I'm so excited for the third. Because of this, I searched up the author and found they were once prolific in fandom (IYKYK). While that's not important in terms of enjoying this story, I think there's definitely a level of skill that really good fic writers bring to their published works. Hazel Domain applies this skill masterfully to draw you in and make you care about the characters and their struggles and triumphs.
I found this story absolutely immersive. The characters are incredibly well written and the world building is fantastic. For me, that means I have a really clear image in my mind of both the setting and the people themselves. This is all done without feeling bogged down in description or exposition. In terms of the characters, Dominic is a stoic sweetheart who just needs a partner. Micah is a whole mess of childhood dv trauma and then trafficking conditioning. Neither knows how to deal with the other's mindset, so they bumble along trying to understand and build a trusting relationship. At the same time, Dom's purchase of Micah kicks over a whole hornets nest of bad dudes, so there's that to deal with.
I'm already halfway through the second book in this series and I'm so excited for the third. Because of this, I searched up the author and found they were once prolific in fandom (IYKYK). While that's not important in terms of enjoying this story, I think there's definitely a level of skill that really good fic writers bring to their published works. Hazel Domain applies this skill masterfully to draw you in and make you care about the characters and their struggles and triumphs.
July 18, 2024
Hazel Domain does some terrific world building in this first volume of her The Powers That Be series. Some innovative ideas about indentured labor that hide an awful lot behind the surface. Dominic comes across as someone who is just going through the motions since he lost his father even though his job is to get rid of paranormal problems. The misunderstandings between him and Micha, who he has bought, is rather fun to read and their developing relationship is interesting to watch even as the darker facts emerge. Domain has used those funny bits well to balance those dark issues without having them trivialize the rest of the story. This story made my heart hurt for Micah particularly but Dominic and Micah end up having more in common than you or they would think. Well written first episode of new series.
July 18, 2024
He has a job no one wants as he deal with the things that goes bump in the night. He knows he needs help so he gets them and things will become even more complicated. How will they get on? Will they work well together? See how it all goes
July 17, 2024
Dominic is in creature control, and in a modern world where the paranormal is a fact of life, that means he is one of the specialists you call in to deal with whatever spirit, monster or magical menace is bothering you. It's dangerous, messy work, and he is need of a partner sooner rather than later.
His options are limited, so he looks into buying the contract of an indentured worker, someone who has sold their freedom for a set amount of time in a last ditch attempt to solve their financial problems or avoid jail time. Dominic is already conflicted about putting an indentured worker through the kind of risk and trauma that has been a way of life for him since he was a kid in the family business, when he is offered Micah, a cash only deal for a mute "full service" indentured man with a lifetime contract.
His conscience tells him something isn't right about his situation, but he justifies buying him as pragmatism. Each man struggles with what the other expects of him, and physical attraction is complicated because of the power imbalance, and Micah's history.
They make a good team, but facing with Micah's past leads to bigger problems than dealing with poltergeist and chubacabras.
What Micah has been subjected to goes far beyond the laws governing the indenture system, so be aware of this could be triggering for you.
If you love Supernatural you will recognise elements of its DNA in this book, but the author has built a world where modern life and magic coexist very differently from the show. The plot, the pacing and the characters are all beautifully handled, and if you are a SPN fan you will recognise nods to the author's inspiration, but the overall story being told is a new, original one, and nothing feels like a cut and paste job.
I look forward to continuing the story into the second book, and I think there is a prequel to come too.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to fans of urban fantasy, and especially to fans of Supernatural.
I recieved an ARC to review, but I would definitely buy a physical copy if I could, as this is the kind of book you want to hold in your hand and display on your bookshelf.
His options are limited, so he looks into buying the contract of an indentured worker, someone who has sold their freedom for a set amount of time in a last ditch attempt to solve their financial problems or avoid jail time. Dominic is already conflicted about putting an indentured worker through the kind of risk and trauma that has been a way of life for him since he was a kid in the family business, when he is offered Micah, a cash only deal for a mute "full service" indentured man with a lifetime contract.
His conscience tells him something isn't right about his situation, but he justifies buying him as pragmatism. Each man struggles with what the other expects of him, and physical attraction is complicated because of the power imbalance, and Micah's history.
They make a good team, but facing with Micah's past leads to bigger problems than dealing with poltergeist and chubacabras.
What Micah has been subjected to goes far beyond the laws governing the indenture system, so be aware of this could be triggering for you.
If you love Supernatural you will recognise elements of its DNA in this book, but the author has built a world where modern life and magic coexist very differently from the show. The plot, the pacing and the characters are all beautifully handled, and if you are a SPN fan you will recognise nods to the author's inspiration, but the overall story being told is a new, original one, and nothing feels like a cut and paste job.
I look forward to continuing the story into the second book, and I think there is a prequel to come too.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to fans of urban fantasy, and especially to fans of Supernatural.
I recieved an ARC to review, but I would definitely buy a physical copy if I could, as this is the kind of book you want to hold in your hand and display on your bookshelf.
July 11, 2024
I really enjoyed the world building in this one. The hurt/comfort surrounding Micah's situation and slavery and Dominic saving him was very well done. The angst of waiting for Dominic to understand something more sinister was going on based on Micah's background, and waiting for Micah to understand Dominic is a good person and not another sadistic master he was sold to.
Love the mystery aspect, and how it turned into trying to take down this ring of cruel sadistic sick people training children to be fighters or sex slaves. Near the end, we see they're even more brutal and terrible with animal cruelty as well.
Heed the warnings, this was a heavy and dark (plot not relationship) book. Some things are mentioned on page, some written and described on page.
There is some steam, but because of Micah's trauma and what he's been through, there is no clear consent so Dominic is unsure at times. So it's mostly kissing with one BJ scene, but no penetrative sex. Micah may be be on the asexual spectrum, or he's just sexually touch-averse in certain parts.
Can't wait for the next book, which will be coming in 2 months in September. Love all the good characters so far in this book. Wished Micah's scum dad had more of a karmic retribution for what he put Micah through and then selling him at 11. Worst dad on earth award.
Love the mystery aspect, and how it turned into trying to take down this ring of cruel sadistic sick people training children to be fighters or sex slaves. Near the end, we see they're even more brutal and terrible with animal cruelty as well.
Heed the warnings, this was a heavy and dark (plot not relationship) book. Some things are mentioned on page, some written and described on page.
There is some steam, but because of Micah's trauma and what he's been through, there is no clear consent so Dominic is unsure at times. So it's mostly kissing with one BJ scene, but no penetrative sex. Micah may be be on the asexual spectrum, or he's just sexually touch-averse in certain parts.
Can't wait for the next book, which will be coming in 2 months in September. Love all the good characters so far in this book. Wished Micah's scum dad had more of a karmic retribution for what he put Micah through and then selling him at 11. Worst dad on earth award.
July 5, 2024
4.25 stars
“Any Price” by Hazel Domain centers around Dominic, a creacon, and Micah, an indentured whose contract Donovan gets for a surprisingly low price. The more the men learn about each other, the more unlikely their pairing seems, but they discover that each has something the other lacks, and they must find the courage to be truthful and honest about their needs.
This dark urban fantasy is the first book in the ‘Powers That Be’ series that introduces a world that features dark and fearful creatures, the most dangerous of whom are sadistic humans. Those who have triggers should be warned that Micah has a very painful and tortuous history, plus there is a bit of violence and gore. The action is compelling and the storyline drew me in immediately. I connected to both characters quickly and understood Micah’s inability to figure out what was expected of him after his horrendous conditioning while I sympathized with Dominic’s confusion and conflict as he learns more and more about the being he’s hopeful to have as a backup yet is attracted to. The story ends with a new twist, and I was very glad that the sequel is soon available since I was fascinated by this world. I think this is an author whose works I will be on the lookout for, and I hope there are many more stories in this series.
A copy of this title was provided for review
“Any Price” by Hazel Domain centers around Dominic, a creacon, and Micah, an indentured whose contract Donovan gets for a surprisingly low price. The more the men learn about each other, the more unlikely their pairing seems, but they discover that each has something the other lacks, and they must find the courage to be truthful and honest about their needs.
This dark urban fantasy is the first book in the ‘Powers That Be’ series that introduces a world that features dark and fearful creatures, the most dangerous of whom are sadistic humans. Those who have triggers should be warned that Micah has a very painful and tortuous history, plus there is a bit of violence and gore. The action is compelling and the storyline drew me in immediately. I connected to both characters quickly and understood Micah’s inability to figure out what was expected of him after his horrendous conditioning while I sympathized with Dominic’s confusion and conflict as he learns more and more about the being he’s hopeful to have as a backup yet is attracted to. The story ends with a new twist, and I was very glad that the sequel is soon available since I was fascinated by this world. I think this is an author whose works I will be on the lookout for, and I hope there are many more stories in this series.
A copy of this title was provided for review
July 15, 2024
This is my first time reading this author and I will definitely read more. Beware that there are content warnings to ensure your reading enjoyment.
Dominic is a monster hunter who purchases a contract for a new indentured servant. His name is Micah and sold at an oddly inexpensive rate. Micah is also the one with the troubled past mentioned in the warnings.
We learn about Micah’s past and I feel for his troubled past and what’s he’s been through.
Despite being opposites, these men bring out the positive in each other. They learned to support each other.
Enjoyable work building. Monsters!!
Dominic is a monster hunter who purchases a contract for a new indentured servant. His name is Micah and sold at an oddly inexpensive rate. Micah is also the one with the troubled past mentioned in the warnings.
We learn about Micah’s past and I feel for his troubled past and what’s he’s been through.
Despite being opposites, these men bring out the positive in each other. They learned to support each other.
Enjoyable work building. Monsters!!
July 17, 2024
The premise for this book is deeply interesting, as are the central characters. There are some dark moments and heavy themes, so it’s definitely worth reading, and heeding, the content warnings. Overall, I think the author navigates the weight of the subject matter with care and grace— Micah and Dominic are both shaped by their experiences and watching their relationship develop as they navigate intrigue, peril, and possibility (vague here, because the plot deserves to be experienced on its own terms) makes for an immersive read.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
July 20, 2024
An absolutely wonderful book that sets up future stories so well that I can't wait to read them. Within the world, it seems a perfectly logical and intelligent thing to do for Dominic to buy up Micah's contract and make him his indentured servant. For Micah, it's the only life he knows. Once they get together, however new feelings and complications enter the picture that neither man knows how to deal with. They have to start learning quickly because the fact that they are working together has unleashed some seriously dangerous and nasty challenges for them. So happy to have discovered this new author.
June 29, 2024
When I finished this, I immediately went to check if book 2 was available. I really enjoyed this and I look forward to book 2. Micah was raised as in indent, a slave. He was conditioned, and Dominic spent the entirety of the book trying to show Micah was worth more than what he was raised to be. I loved Micah's growth and I'm excited to see where his character goes and how his views on the world change.
July 16, 2024
4,5 stars.
That story sucked me in so fast. I really liked the world-building in this book and would love to read more. The characters are complex and flawed and absolutely loveable. The romance (if you can call it that) is moving along very slowly but I like how Dom gives Micah all the time and space he needs. The story is not really completed at the end of the book so I guess I will have to keep reading the next one(s).
That story sucked me in so fast. I really liked the world-building in this book and would love to read more. The characters are complex and flawed and absolutely loveable. The romance (if you can call it that) is moving along very slowly but I like how Dom gives Micah all the time and space he needs. The story is not really completed at the end of the book so I guess I will have to keep reading the next one(s).
July 18, 2024
This is a new author for me and I loved this magical world Hazel has created from her vivid imagination!
Exceptionally well written and the plot was perfectly paced making it a pleasure to read. I loved Micah and really felt for him with all of his struggles. Great characters and looking forward to the next book to see where this journey takes me!
I received a free arc copy from GRR and this is my honest review.
Exceptionally well written and the plot was perfectly paced making it a pleasure to read. I loved Micah and really felt for him with all of his struggles. Great characters and looking forward to the next book to see where this journey takes me!
I received a free arc copy from GRR and this is my honest review.
July 16, 2024
This was an amazing, if sometime difficult book to read. Not in terms of story, which is fantastic and kept me riveted, but in terms of what Micah has gone through. Dominic is such an amazing pillar of strength for Micah, and althoigh this is a definite slow burn book, I didnt mind the lack of explicit scenes because the story, the monsters, the plot, kept me turning pages.
July 12, 2024
Once I started Any Price by Hazel Domain I couldn't put it down. Oh, by the way, Hazel Domain is a new author to me and I'm so glad I took a chance on this book. Omg, it was such a page-turner! The world building was just amazing and so original! Love the characters!
July 15, 2024
AN INTRICATE AND AMAZINGLY INTERESTING READ!
I really enjoyed this story with such intriguing characters and a story that definitely grabbed my attention. I really liked Micah and Dominic. Great read, but please mind the triggers.
I really enjoyed this story with such intriguing characters and a story that definitely grabbed my attention. I really liked Micah and Dominic. Great read, but please mind the triggers.
July 13, 2024
Fabulous world building, realistic mentality of trafficking survivor. Beware your triggers. It's a wonderful extremely slow burn romance with twists and turns and a small cliffhanger.
July 17, 2024
This is the story that started it all.
Fantastic read. Excellent world-building.
Very much NOT the typical romance novel (in all the right ways.)
Fantastic read. Excellent world-building.
Very much NOT the typical romance novel (in all the right ways.)
July 23, 2024
our two characters balance each other out with all the characters on the edge
July 29, 2024
Micah and Dominic are an unlikely painting in this engaging read.
November 16, 2024
seriously though, why isn't there any gay p0rn that doesn't make me cry
September 10, 2024
I had reviewed this months ago; however, my review disappeared when I came to edit it. I have received a copy from GRR (Gay Romance Reviews). So, I decided to just write another review.
I was on the fence about this book from the beginning. The summary made it sound like any other supernatural book out there. I was wrong, and happy to be wrong about it. I adored the plot line and characters. The author actually won me over with evil characters getting dealt Karma, and what well deserved Karma at that. I’m going to give 5 star review.
This book follows Dominic (Dom) and Micah. Dom is someone who hunts things that go bump in the night. He is only able to do solo missions since his father died. So he needs partner to help him on more complicated missions. He went to indenture services, but did not find what he was looking for. Instead, he is given a chance to purchase Micah contract. Dominic does not realize that he is purchasing more than he bargains for.
Micah has dealt with a lot in this lifetime. At an early age he was sold into slavery by his own father. (I love how Karma gets him. I really do. *cackles*) He is sold to the most horrendous of people, and then he finally ends up with Dom. That had to be the best thing fate ever did for Miach. Micah meets Dominic, and is not really sure what to do with or how to deal with him. I get the feeling that it was mutual between the pair of them.
As time goes on, they slowly begin to work well with one another. Once they figure out to communicate it becomes much easier. Dominic realizes that something is not right with Micah’s situation. He tries to make it right; however, there are a few bumps along the way. Micah technically becomes a free man on a loophole, and I could not stop laughing. Also, the people who made him a slave finally meet Karma/Justice and I could not be happier for him. But this is not the end of what Dom and Micah have to deal with, and the rabbit hole just gets deeper. Hopefully, there will be more answers to questions in the next book.
I was on the fence about this book from the beginning. The summary made it sound like any other supernatural book out there. I was wrong, and happy to be wrong about it. I adored the plot line and characters. The author actually won me over with evil characters getting dealt Karma, and what well deserved Karma at that. I’m going to give 5 star review.
This book follows Dominic (Dom) and Micah. Dom is someone who hunts things that go bump in the night. He is only able to do solo missions since his father died. So he needs partner to help him on more complicated missions. He went to indenture services, but did not find what he was looking for. Instead, he is given a chance to purchase Micah contract. Dominic does not realize that he is purchasing more than he bargains for.
Micah has dealt with a lot in this lifetime. At an early age he was sold into slavery by his own father. (I love how Karma gets him. I really do. *cackles*) He is sold to the most horrendous of people, and then he finally ends up with Dom. That had to be the best thing fate ever did for Miach. Micah meets Dominic, and is not really sure what to do with or how to deal with him. I get the feeling that it was mutual between the pair of them.
As time goes on, they slowly begin to work well with one another. Once they figure out to communicate it becomes much easier. Dominic realizes that something is not right with Micah’s situation. He tries to make it right; however, there are a few bumps along the way. Micah technically becomes a free man on a loophole, and I could not stop laughing. Also, the people who made him a slave finally meet Karma/Justice and I could not be happier for him. But this is not the end of what Dom and Micah have to deal with, and the rabbit hole just gets deeper. Hopefully, there will be more answers to questions in the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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