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Branded
When a would-be assassin sneaks into the citadel disguised as a servant, the king requires that all servants who work in the castle be branded with the royal crest for easy identification. Prince Coren is powerless to fight the edict, but he refuses to allow his personal advisor and secret lover Brannir to suffer alone. Coren shows his devotion by wielding the brand to mark Brannir himself, even though he fears it will change their relationship. He's prepared for resentment, hurt, and anger--every outcome but the one he unconditional love.
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2014 Daily Dose package "Mended".
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2014 Daily Dose package "Mended".
36 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2014
41 people want to read
About the author
Bru Baker
43 books122 followersBru Baker writes sophisticated gay romantic fiction with strong characters, real-world problems, and plenty of humor.
Bru spent fifteen years writing for newspapers before making the jump to fiction. She now balances her time between writing and working at a Midwestern library in the reference department. Whether it’s creating her own characters or getting caught up in someone else’s, there’s no denying that Bru is happiest when she’s engrossed in a story. She and her husband have two children, which means a lot of her books get written from the sidelines of various sports practices.
Bru spent fifteen years writing for newspapers before making the jump to fiction. She now balances her time between writing and working at a Midwestern library in the reference department. Whether it’s creating her own characters or getting caught up in someone else’s, there’s no denying that Bru is happiest when she’s engrossed in a story. She and her husband have two children, which means a lot of her books get written from the sidelines of various sports practices.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 9, 2016
A sweet little hurt/comfort day in the lives of a prince and his secret lover
I wouldn't mind an expansion of this, or another story with these two
I wouldn't mind an expansion of this, or another story with these two
June 11, 2014
As soon as I read the blurb for this story, I was curious how the author would make this devilishly horrible situation work. One lover forced to "brand" the other the "property" of his father, a cruel king? Apart from the fact it's a totally barbaric way of dealing with the threat this king perceives to his life, it also endangers the prince's relationship with his lover. Or so I'd think.
Prince Coren may be the heir to the throne of this unnamed country, but he is not your "standard" prince. He is loyal to his childhood friends, one of whom has become his lover, the other his bodyguard, and understands their lives better than any of the other nobles at court. He is also compassionate, so having to brand his lover, who is a servant, is hard for him. Not that he has a choice if he doesn't want to give their forbidden love away and endanger their lives, but still.
Bran may be a servant in name, but he is Coren's equal behind closed doors. He is fiercely loyal and deeply touched that Coren has decided to brand him rather than let one of the other servants do it. He also loves his prince deeply and knows there is no way around this. So he ends up being the one to comfort Coren, and I have to admire his strength and the depth of his conviction that, as horrible as it is, it is okay because it marks him as belonging to Coren. And that is only right in Bran's eyes.
If you like stories about servants who deeply love the princes they serve, if you enjoy reading about emotionally torn characters who manage to deal with considerable pain so they can stay together, and if you're looking for a short, intense read with a very hot and sexy ending, then you will probably like this short story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
Prince Coren may be the heir to the throne of this unnamed country, but he is not your "standard" prince. He is loyal to his childhood friends, one of whom has become his lover, the other his bodyguard, and understands their lives better than any of the other nobles at court. He is also compassionate, so having to brand his lover, who is a servant, is hard for him. Not that he has a choice if he doesn't want to give their forbidden love away and endanger their lives, but still.
Bran may be a servant in name, but he is Coren's equal behind closed doors. He is fiercely loyal and deeply touched that Coren has decided to brand him rather than let one of the other servants do it. He also loves his prince deeply and knows there is no way around this. So he ends up being the one to comfort Coren, and I have to admire his strength and the depth of his conviction that, as horrible as it is, it is okay because it marks him as belonging to Coren. And that is only right in Bran's eyes.
If you like stories about servants who deeply love the princes they serve, if you enjoy reading about emotionally torn characters who manage to deal with considerable pain so they can stay together, and if you're looking for a short, intense read with a very hot and sexy ending, then you will probably like this short story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
December 13, 2014
Un livre basé sur les sentiments et les émotions plutôt que sur une action. Pas mémorable mais intéressant.
June 27, 2014
This review can be found at The Blogger Girls review site.
After the king survives an attempt on his life from an assassin disguised as a servant, he orders all servants to be marked with the royal crest. Unfortunately, Prince Coren’s servant, Bran, is not exempt from the branding. Horrified of what his father is doing, he’s unwilling to let Bran be branded like everyone else. Instead, Coren takes it upon himself to give Bran the mark. Though Coren struggles with the guilt and self-hatred of what he must do, he’s willing to do anything to keep Bran with him. But while Bran may understand and accept what Coren has to do, how will Coren ever be able to forgive himself for permanently marking the very person he loves more than anything?
This story is so sad but so sweet. I think the underlying message is that love can conquer all and that while some things are unavoidable, unconditional love is just that: unconditional. I felt so much for Coren and what he must do. To be honest, he was more broken up about the branding than Bran was himself and while Bran was willing to go on about his day, Coren couldn’t get over marking Bran in such a way. The beginning of the book is somewhat dark but as the story progresses, it gets lighter and you see the love between Bran and Coren, as well as, their friendship with Finnick, which gives the ending a light hearted but hopeful feel to it that everything will be alright.
I think the biggest issue with this story is it’s length. While the concept is intriguing and interesting to a point, it’s also hindered by the fact that it lacks the necessary depth and length to truly be amazing. I loved the story but I will admit that while the characters and their relationship caught my interest, I also felt like I didn’t really know Bran, so it was hard to really connect with him as a character. Beyond that, the beginning was a little confusing because you’re kinda thrust into the situation with no idea what’s going on, although the author does a decent job of informing the reader of the situation.
Overall, this is a nice little story filled with a bit of angst and devotion. I adored Coren and his guilt over what he had to do and I really enjoyed the interactions between Coren and Bran. I wished it had been longer so that there could have been more depth to the story but, as a short read, it was a lovely story about how love can stand the test of a branding. If you’re looking for something that’s simultaneously sweet and sad but also short, give this one a try.
After the king survives an attempt on his life from an assassin disguised as a servant, he orders all servants to be marked with the royal crest. Unfortunately, Prince Coren’s servant, Bran, is not exempt from the branding. Horrified of what his father is doing, he’s unwilling to let Bran be branded like everyone else. Instead, Coren takes it upon himself to give Bran the mark. Though Coren struggles with the guilt and self-hatred of what he must do, he’s willing to do anything to keep Bran with him. But while Bran may understand and accept what Coren has to do, how will Coren ever be able to forgive himself for permanently marking the very person he loves more than anything?
This story is so sad but so sweet. I think the underlying message is that love can conquer all and that while some things are unavoidable, unconditional love is just that: unconditional. I felt so much for Coren and what he must do. To be honest, he was more broken up about the branding than Bran was himself and while Bran was willing to go on about his day, Coren couldn’t get over marking Bran in such a way. The beginning of the book is somewhat dark but as the story progresses, it gets lighter and you see the love between Bran and Coren, as well as, their friendship with Finnick, which gives the ending a light hearted but hopeful feel to it that everything will be alright.
I think the biggest issue with this story is it’s length. While the concept is intriguing and interesting to a point, it’s also hindered by the fact that it lacks the necessary depth and length to truly be amazing. I loved the story but I will admit that while the characters and their relationship caught my interest, I also felt like I didn’t really know Bran, so it was hard to really connect with him as a character. Beyond that, the beginning was a little confusing because you’re kinda thrust into the situation with no idea what’s going on, although the author does a decent job of informing the reader of the situation.
Overall, this is a nice little story filled with a bit of angst and devotion. I adored Coren and his guilt over what he had to do and I really enjoyed the interactions between Coren and Bran. I wished it had been longer so that there could have been more depth to the story but, as a short read, it was a lovely story about how love can stand the test of a branding. If you’re looking for something that’s simultaneously sweet and sad but also short, give this one a try.
July 26, 2016
It's hard to imagine that someone will still love you, even after doing something that will hurt them. Coren, from 'Branded' by Bru Baker, is faced with an unimaginable situation. In order to keep their clandestine love affair a secret, his beloved, Bran, must be branded, just as all the servants in the castle have been, for security reasons. Coren is anguishing over the situation, while Bran is trying to be as calm as possible. It must be done or Bran will not be permitted to stay at the castle. Coren suggests it might be better if Bran take this opportunity to leave in order to avoid the disfigurement, but Bran won't hear of it. After much procrastinating and an uncomfortable discussion as to where to apply it, Coren finally marks Bran.
After the deed is done, Coren hoovers over Bran, feeling insecure and remorseful, trying to make up for the awful thing he's done to his lover and best friend. Even though Bran tries to reassure him, Coren believes that Bran will stop loving him. Bran even tries to comfort Coren which he finds unfathomable; Bran is the injured party not himself. Coren knows how smart and caring Bran is, but he gains even more respect for him than he already has, as the man demonstrates courage and compassion which would be difficult to equal. Coren spends the rest of the night trying to take care of him as Bran demonstrates why Coren loves him so very much.
This is a brief, but efficiently written, love story which is told in the lyrical language of the days of old, making the setting even more credible. The conflict between Coren and Bran is complex and potentially dangerous, but, along with the help of Coren's personal guard, Finnik, and a whole lot of love, they find a way to make it work. I recommend this story to those who like knights, castles, kings, and unconditional love. Thanks, Bru, for an endearing story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
After the deed is done, Coren hoovers over Bran, feeling insecure and remorseful, trying to make up for the awful thing he's done to his lover and best friend. Even though Bran tries to reassure him, Coren believes that Bran will stop loving him. Bran even tries to comfort Coren which he finds unfathomable; Bran is the injured party not himself. Coren knows how smart and caring Bran is, but he gains even more respect for him than he already has, as the man demonstrates courage and compassion which would be difficult to equal. Coren spends the rest of the night trying to take care of him as Bran demonstrates why Coren loves him so very much.
This is a brief, but efficiently written, love story which is told in the lyrical language of the days of old, making the setting even more credible. The conflict between Coren and Bran is complex and potentially dangerous, but, along with the help of Coren's personal guard, Finnik, and a whole lot of love, they find a way to make it work. I recommend this story to those who like knights, castles, kings, and unconditional love. Thanks, Bru, for an endearing story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
June 22, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
This is such a sweet read. In the matter of only a few paragraphs, Bru Baker drew me into the world of Tiede and into the seemingly doomed relationship of Coren and Bran. I was captivated by the fear and desolation that Coren held while taunting himself with the actions being forced upon both him and Bran. And then I fell in love with Bran and his quiet strength, his unwavering loyalty, and his unconditional love in the face of uncertainty. I really enjoyed the strength of this relationship and the happenings that led to the branding. I’d also like to see more. I want to know what happens to the king. Has he gone mad? Is he tyrannical? Will Coren soon be king? And what other obstacles will Coren and Bran face in their relationship? I can already see the makings of an epic story, and I want more.
Read Crissy’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
This is such a sweet read. In the matter of only a few paragraphs, Bru Baker drew me into the world of Tiede and into the seemingly doomed relationship of Coren and Bran. I was captivated by the fear and desolation that Coren held while taunting himself with the actions being forced upon both him and Bran. And then I fell in love with Bran and his quiet strength, his unwavering loyalty, and his unconditional love in the face of uncertainty. I really enjoyed the strength of this relationship and the happenings that led to the branding. I’d also like to see more. I want to know what happens to the king. Has he gone mad? Is he tyrannical? Will Coren soon be king? And what other obstacles will Coren and Bran face in their relationship? I can already see the makings of an epic story, and I want more.
Read Crissy’s review in its entirety here.
June 4, 2014
This is the third story in the DSP Daily Dose Mended anthology. It was short but surprisingly enjoyable. I say 'surprisingly' because I'm not usually a big fan of fantasy/historical worlds but this one really worked for me.
The story takes place over one night as Corin needs to brand his servant/lover. I could feel Corin's pain at having to perform the task and admired Bran's courage due to his love for the other man. I also liked Finnick, the guard, who was so understanding of their situation and amusing.
4 stars
For m/m romance reviews and more check out Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
The story takes place over one night as Corin needs to brand his servant/lover. I could feel Corin's pain at having to perform the task and admired Bran's courage due to his love for the other man. I also liked Finnick, the guard, who was so understanding of their situation and amusing.
4 stars
For m/m romance reviews and more check out Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
June 3, 2014
1.5 stars
This was another one of the non-stories. I'm not a fan of historicals, nevertheless I tried this, even finished it - it was short enough - but really, nothing much happened besides what was stated in the blurb. In fact even less, as the sneaky assassin was only mentioned in passing.
This was another one of the non-stories. I'm not a fan of historicals, nevertheless I tried this, even finished it - it was short enough - but really, nothing much happened besides what was stated in the blurb. In fact even less, as the sneaky assassin was only mentioned in passing.
June 4, 2014
This was awesome!! One thing I hate about anthologies is the fact that if you love the story and the characters, you're not gonna get enough of them. Ugh!! I would love love love to see this one made into a novel when Prince Coren becomes the King.
June 6, 2014
I really liked this brief vignette in the lives of a prince and his secret lover/advisor. The intimacy is in nuance not in grand gestures or wordy protestations--and I loved that. This may be a short story but it isn't short on story.
August 20, 2017
I loved the painful beginning. It was so nice to see the pain of hurting the loved one and the struggle Coren had. It was so easy to feel his pain. It is a little angsty at the beginning, which is something I kind of appreciate in a book but I know some readers don’t like that too much. It does get a lot better for them.
The only thing I got a little trouble about was the fact I would love to see how the relationship developed, they already are a couple when the story begin, and a beautiful one that is. I would love to know so much more about them. It might be a little too short to satisfy all the questions I have about them, they were a lovely couple.
It is the first time I read something from the author, but how lovely it was. I would certainly look for more books.
The only thing I got a little trouble about was the fact I would love to see how the relationship developed, they already are a couple when the story begin, and a beautiful one that is. I would love to know so much more about them. It might be a little too short to satisfy all the questions I have about them, they were a lovely couple.
It is the first time I read something from the author, but how lovely it was. I would certainly look for more books.
March 30, 2018
The author did a really great job of world building with so few pages. A lot of sweet emotions and commitment between the MC's made for a memorable story.
August 19, 2018
love this type of historical fiction which is totally made up time period.
September 30, 2014
Review posted on Books on Silver Wings blog: http://onsilverwingz.blogspot.com/201...
Since an assassin sneaked into the castle by disguising as a servant, all servants must be branded for identification. Bran will be forced to leave the castle if he isn't branded. Coren hates to mark his lover but he also can't disobey his father and out himself to the public, after all, he's the crown prince.
This is a very slow paced story without much action. There is too much detail going into the branding process and Coren working up the nerve to do it. Coren must brand Bran to protect him but also unwilling to hurt him. Their relationship have to remain a secret and survive the emotional and physical pain of hurting a lover. Their interaction might have been intense, but it lacks the background and length to explore their love and make this a truly deep and intense deep.
I keep anticipating the King finding out his son's relationship with his advisor or walking in on them. I want to know more about the popularity of the King with his people since he seems really cruel and paranoid, the setting, and the couple's next steps (they can't hide their relationship forever). The story mainly describes one scene (the branding) and its immediate aftermath.
Overall, this is a very short and monotonous story. Most of the excitement is in the blurb. It has the potential to be an intense read and it's a great start to a good story. Fans of the hurt/comfort trope can give this a try.
*review copy received in exchange for an honest review*
Since an assassin sneaked into the castle by disguising as a servant, all servants must be branded for identification. Bran will be forced to leave the castle if he isn't branded. Coren hates to mark his lover but he also can't disobey his father and out himself to the public, after all, he's the crown prince.
This is a very slow paced story without much action. There is too much detail going into the branding process and Coren working up the nerve to do it. Coren must brand Bran to protect him but also unwilling to hurt him. Their relationship have to remain a secret and survive the emotional and physical pain of hurting a lover. Their interaction might have been intense, but it lacks the background and length to explore their love and make this a truly deep and intense deep.
I keep anticipating the King finding out his son's relationship with his advisor or walking in on them. I want to know more about the popularity of the King with his people since he seems really cruel and paranoid, the setting, and the couple's next steps (they can't hide their relationship forever). The story mainly describes one scene (the branding) and its immediate aftermath.
Overall, this is a very short and monotonous story. Most of the excitement is in the blurb. It has the potential to be an intense read and it's a great start to a good story. Fans of the hurt/comfort trope can give this a try.
*review copy received in exchange for an honest review*
June 26, 2014
I couldn't connect to this shorty. The main storyline was weird, short and bland.
June 27, 2014
2.5 stars - Definitely intrigued and wouldn't mind seeing this story continue in a much longer installment.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews