The Night Belongs To Lovers

Haunted Hearts

by Ryan Lawrence

True Love Is Eternal. Revenge Is Undying.

Ancient deities, a vengeful spirit, and the enigmatic Wheel of Destiny clash in a monumental battle for and against true love. But how potent is truth when it's frustratingly subjective and perception is easily manipulated?

Olympius and Coriolanus, two powerful immortal lovers, endure over two millennia of heartache, back-and-forth condemnations, and consummate betrayal secretly orchestrated by a malevolent, cursed ghost. And this vengeful apparition will stop at nothing, commit any atrocity, to keep the Fated Lovers apart.

From the blood-soaked streets of embattled ancient cities to the dazzling gay nightlife of modern-day Toronto, Canada, these two star-crossed lovers, these undying embodiments of darkness and the night itself, attempt to repair their shattered relationship time and again. With the aid of a wise, crafty old friend, can Olympius and Coriolanus find their way back to each other before their spectral enemy succeeds in destroying their love forever?

Haunted Hearts – Everyone deserves a happy ever afterlife!
Haunted Hearts is an Own-Voices Gay Paranormal Romance Series about love and the things that go boo in the night. Join us on our romantic journeys with ten books from some of your favorite authors! Be sure to read the entire series so you don’t miss a moment of falling in love, or sometimes falling into a happily ever after-life! Each book is a standalone but why not read them all? Everyone deserves the HEA!

Please Note: This work uses Canadian spelling, as the author is Canadian.

Kindle Edition

Published October 7, 2024

About the author

“Lawrence’s title is apt, as most of his characters are engaged in plotting and scheming, enraged by the actions of another, which makes this story an entertainingly soapy affair… action packed tale of spite.” – Kirkus Reviews

“Vindictive is a riveting murder mystery novel that will have readers turning the pages to find out what happens with Jules and how the lies she has been told unfold. A fast paced novel perfect for readers looking for action, suspense and thrills.” – Literary Titan.

"Ryan Lawrence’s VINDICTIVE is a genuine page-turner filled with sex, violence, quality perfume, classy dishware, and determined revenge.” – IndieReader.

Ryan Lawrence was born and raised in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. He is a 2000 graduate of The University of Guelph in English. Ryan has worn many hats professionally, including working over 12 years as a custom art framer. While writing has always been a part of his life, it was only after leaving this profession that Ryan seriously took his education and passion for writing by the horns and began the journey toward Vindictive, his first novel. Ryan has recently published his second novel, Vindictive Too, continuing his exploration into the theme of revenge.

Since 2002, Ryan has lived in London, Ontario, with his husband, Todd, together since 1997, their cat Dora, and his massive comic book collection that once fell on Todd. He’s okay.

Read his BLOG over at www.ryanlawrenceauthor.ca/blog!

Reviews

[Sue G L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read the author's Vindictive series, and this is quite a departure... but I love it! The quality of the writing style is still the same, which is very detailed and character-driven. The historical fiction aspect adds flavor and depth to the romance and heartache between our two leading men: Olympius and Corey aka Coriolanus. The author uses his villain, the ghost/apparition, cleverly and sensibly, inserting his (its) presence into the story when it will do the most damage, creating more action and tension. It's not a traditional ghost story but a story in which a horrible ghost inserts itself into another's love story. I really enjoyed myself.
The Night Belongs To Lovers evokes a powerful blend of melancholy, passion, and intense, imaginative elements. It's sophisticated (that's the best word I can think of), like his Vindictive novels. I don't know if there will be anything else from the author set in this world, but I would definitely be interested.

[isthisakink · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think my favourite part of this series is that it is merrily bringing me back to reading books that make my brain do heavy lifting, but, like, in a good way, not an emotionally damaging one.

And this one definitely took me a minute to figure out. Which, okay, I know sounds fucked up or whatever, but I don’t mean it was confusing or anything like that. It took me a second to acclimate to the writing style, but once I did it felt like being read some kind of epic fairytale centered around Greco-Roman gods instead of faeries and princes.

I use the word “like” a lot, I know, but like (heh) imagine The Princess Bride movie vibes, but make it this book instead of TPB. I don’t know how to explain it, CLEARLY, but it was awesome and I loved it. The creativity of the storyline and the almost third party narration—but not, I’m doing my best with the brain I’ve got and the rot it has experienced, okay, so just go with it—style of the writing was different and welcome because of it.

It was twisty and I stayed guessing and got surprised with how every new little turn played out. There were always these neat little things in each chapter to keep it all exciting. It kept me engaged and I got really into it and stayed crabby in real life because I kept having to take breaks to exist and be sick and cook stupid food. My life is devoid of peace, and it’s not fun.

4.5/5. Aside from some editing mishaps, this was a wild ride of interesting, unique writing. From the concept to the detail put into the execution, I enjoyed the whole thing. Again, this series has yet to have a flop and each book is bringing something different/fun to read to the table. I read to escape, so for me that’s typically extra-light and fluffy content, but I’ve loved everything this series (especially books like this one) has thrown at me so far. I love finding complex reads that don’t make me want to riot. Looking at you, Zodiac Academy…

[stardragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This storyline takes you from ancient times to modern times. Two immortals who cross paths over and over. Their love story is endangered by a spectral enemy who is trying to separate them forever. The story is interesting but tragic but keeps you reading until the end.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan’s expressive writing style really pulls you into the story. Olympius and Coriolanus are compelling characters, spanning centuries of love, betrayal, and high stakes. I really enjoyed the blend of historical fiction and mythology, and how the ancient world intersects with modern gay life in Toronto. The romance and sexual scenes (Coriolanus can strip! I’d eagerly tip!) are equally intense, and the emotional payoff is strong. For anyone who enjoys paranormal gay Romantasy, this is well worth reading.

[Darryl Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story, not a huge fan of the back and forth from past to present. But it works for this book. I like that it is left open for Christians story to come into play

[Maggie]

Rokp

[TAN · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Night Belongs to Lovers is a sensual and exciting read. Not a thriller like the author's previous novels, but a dip into the Gay Romantasy pool, and I’m here for it! Olympius is a fascinating character. His dark powers are intense and frightening, but his inner struggles make him even more complex. The looming, vengeful “apparition” adds constant tension, and the story’s theme of trying to escape evil, actual or manipulated to think it’s real, only to risk becoming bitter and misunderstood, gives it real emotional depth.

The romance between Olympius and Coriolanus is tender, heart-wrenching at times, but undeniably strong and authentic, grounding the story even as Olympius navigates both external threats and his inner darkness, his aggression and one-track mind for revenge. Thrilling, haunting, and deeply engaging, I could not put it down.