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StarCrossed #2
Opposite Ends of the Spectrum
Incubus Dekin Swain finds himself plucked from his monochrome, sex-feeding life and thrown into the harsh, chilling world of a traveling carnival's freak show. His life gains a vibrant splash of color when caged beside a fellow freak, a gorgeous angel that should be his mortal enemy.
As a prisoner of the carnival long before the demon arrives, Kelly the Scarlet Angel has become a sideshow favorite. As Kelly is a valuable commodity, his keepers maintain a close watch over him, causing him to give up all hope of ever escaping his captors.
Kelly's extraordinary hair and wings immediately catch Dekin's lustful interest. Thrust together by fate, Dekin and Kelly must put aside their differences and work together in order to flee their jailers. The demon and the angel, odd bedfellows indeed, will discover that life together will never be easy, but life apart would be unbearable.
* * * * *
Please note that this series has been heavily revised and the books renumbered.
Word Count: 22,300 (Novella)
Genre: Urban Fantasy
This book is intended for an adult audience and therefore may be unsuitable for persons under the age of 18. Contains sexual content, coarse language, and violence. Discretion advised.
Books in this series:
StarCrossed 1: Opposite Ends of the Spectrum
StarCrossed 2: Objects in the Mirror
StarCrossed 3: In the Blink of an Eye
StarCrossed 4: Revelation
92 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 24, 2009
73 people want to read
About the author
Reno MacLeod
23 books47 followersNot For The Faint Of Heart---That sums up my work with Jaye Valentine. I've always spent a good deal of time with the darker side of my imagination. I was never afraid of the dark. In fact, some of my fondest memories are of Saturday afternoons with my dad watching Creature Double Feature with a big bowl of popcorn. Halloween has always been my favorite holiday. Werewolves, angels, demons and vampires were my childhood passions. I guess I never grew up.
I live in a little town famous for its historical ax-murderess, where the Ghost Hunters TAPS has a home office. Salem—famous for witches, Newport—famous for pirates, and Providence—famous for H.P.Lovecraft are all under an hour's drive. I guess I really didn't have a chance of not turning out the way I did."
Reno has also designed and created cover art for many of Reno and Jaye's books as well as the logo for StarCrossed and their website's banner art.
I live in a little town famous for its historical ax-murderess, where the Ghost Hunters TAPS has a home office. Salem—famous for witches, Newport—famous for pirates, and Providence—famous for H.P.Lovecraft are all under an hour's drive. I guess I really didn't have a chance of not turning out the way I did."
Reno has also designed and created cover art for many of Reno and Jaye's books as well as the logo for StarCrossed and their website's banner art.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 9, 2016
"It's like a car wreck--impossible to look away from." That phrase had never struck a chord with me as much as it did when I read the second sentence of this book. Yes, by the second sentence I knew I was in for a ride, and not a pleasant one. The phrase "incubus demon", included in the first, should have tipped me off. But no, it was the second that clinched it. I tore through this book in a matter of hours, only because I had to pause and gather my thoughts a few times before I did something rash, like rip a hole through a wall using my head. It became difficult to contain my rage after some time, because eventually the book wasn't just fascinating in the way exotic roadkill can be fascinating; its bizarre charm became actively OFFENSIVE, and I will explain how, in detail, it encouraged me to make a GoodReads account and leave this review.
To begin on the most positive note I possibly can in good conscience, I will give it to the authors that their incubus character had some vaguely interesting mythology attached to him. As a sex demon, he feeds not on food, but the sexual energy of the people he beds. I think. It actually has the potential to be hot--from what I could gather, the more satisfied his partner is, the more energy he collects. This SHOULD make him a sexy character, what with unmatched prowess in the arena of pleasuring people. It's too bad almost every sex scene depicts rape.
That's right. Three out of four sex scenes are rape, in order of increasing egregiousness.
I'll give the first one the benefit of the doubt; Angel Sex Object is technically consenting to Incubus Demon's advances...but the men watching it think it's rape. In fact, Angel Sex Object and Incubus Demon go out of their way to make sure it looks like rape, struggling and pleading and all. It's disturbing to say the least, and stray thoughts about why a group of supposedly normal human carnies are standing around LITERALLY jacking off together, bros being bros, at male-on-male rape takes away any possible sexiness that could be milked from the scene. The piss poor writing doesn't help either.
The second is a little more obvious; a sexual predator has tied up our non-consenting hero Incubus Demon, and is overtly written as a rapist. I'm proud of the authors for being able to distinguish rape in this instance, because they seem to have a little trouble with it on other occasions. Let's give credit where it's due! The most blatant folly of this scene, however, REALLY rubs me the wrong way. I'll quote the questionable passage here:
"On average, one of every six men [Incubus Demon] fucked turned out to be a sexual predator..."
What exactly are we supposed to gather from this? That there's a 1/6 chance that a man seeking casual sex with other men is a fucking pervert? I suspect the authors are trying to convey a deeper theme by implying that some humans are even worse than damned fiends from hell. If so, they don't have the skill to pull it off, and instead settle for asinine lines like this.
At this point in my read-through, I was offended yet still entertained. Honestly, I might have rated it a 4/5 in comedy, if nothing else. The first three quarters sure are a hell of a time. But nothing, NOTHING, could have prepared me for the blistering rage I felt after reading this book's climax.
You see, the weird pervert scene was setting the stage for later events; it was meant, I now realize, to plant the seeds of discord in Angel Sex Object and Incubus Demon's loving relationship. Since Incubus Demon is an incubus demon, he consumes some of ASO's erotic essence (the book's words, not mine) every time they have sex. This is WEAKENING ASO, and straining their relationship in a mildly interesting manner. Ten years pass--I am not even fucking joking, there is a decade long time jump--before one of them decides to do something about it...in the worst way possible.
Incubus Demon calls his friend, let's call him Roofiend, over to paint a portrait of his beloved Angel Sex Object. ASO consents to this and this only. After they're alone, Roofiend paints weird tribal sigils all around ASO's erogenous zones and they become--brace yourself--engorged as fuck. ASO is hopelessly aroused, and why? Because the sigils are basically paint roofies that essentially...well, allow me to quote Roofiend himself:
"Your body should be much more willing now, even if your mind is not."
....Really.
Later, this is said about the pleasure ASO gets from this encounter: "Despite his body's obvious response, he felt no joy in it."
The scene seems to drag on, and any masochistic delight I previously felt by reading this trash was promptly replaced by revulsion. It's absolutely sickening. The worst part about it? Incubus Demon is the one who orchestrated the whole thing. His justification? The cum spurted all over the painting would HEAL ASO, thus making him able to withstand being fucked by an incubus demon! You heard it here, folks: violent, BLATANTLY SADISTIC RAPE is okay as long as it's for Twu Wuv.
ASO, for some fucking reason that pisses me the fuck off, blames himself FOR SOME GODFORSAKEN REASON for this entire mess. And you know what he does, despite his lover having taken such gross liberties with his person already? He cuts his goddamned wings off, making him mortal.
I. Know. Right?
He does this, they embrace, and they live happily ever after because as long as they love each other and are TRULY SORRY FOR THEIR MISTAKES, nothing else matters. I don't have the imagination for this shit.
To conclude, this is a revolting piece of fiction. It is horrifying sex interspersed with bland writing. The world-building is half-assed. The characters are unlikable. The dialogue isn't clever in the slightest, though it certainly seems to think it is. The plot doesn't even exist. Overall, this is trashy fiction and not even the most desperate of M/M connoisseurs should expose themselves to this trite. There is WAY better stuff out there, and I would highly recommend steering clear of this--even if you stumble upon a free PDF version, the damage to your brain will not be worth it.
To begin on the most positive note I possibly can in good conscience, I will give it to the authors that their incubus character had some vaguely interesting mythology attached to him. As a sex demon, he feeds not on food, but the sexual energy of the people he beds. I think. It actually has the potential to be hot--from what I could gather, the more satisfied his partner is, the more energy he collects. This SHOULD make him a sexy character, what with unmatched prowess in the arena of pleasuring people. It's too bad almost every sex scene depicts rape.
That's right. Three out of four sex scenes are rape, in order of increasing egregiousness.
I'll give the first one the benefit of the doubt; Angel Sex Object is technically consenting to Incubus Demon's advances...but the men watching it think it's rape. In fact, Angel Sex Object and Incubus Demon go out of their way to make sure it looks like rape, struggling and pleading and all. It's disturbing to say the least, and stray thoughts about why a group of supposedly normal human carnies are standing around LITERALLY jacking off together, bros being bros, at male-on-male rape takes away any possible sexiness that could be milked from the scene. The piss poor writing doesn't help either.
The second is a little more obvious; a sexual predator has tied up our non-consenting hero Incubus Demon, and is overtly written as a rapist. I'm proud of the authors for being able to distinguish rape in this instance, because they seem to have a little trouble with it on other occasions. Let's give credit where it's due! The most blatant folly of this scene, however, REALLY rubs me the wrong way. I'll quote the questionable passage here:
"On average, one of every six men [Incubus Demon] fucked turned out to be a sexual predator..."
What exactly are we supposed to gather from this? That there's a 1/6 chance that a man seeking casual sex with other men is a fucking pervert? I suspect the authors are trying to convey a deeper theme by implying that some humans are even worse than damned fiends from hell. If so, they don't have the skill to pull it off, and instead settle for asinine lines like this.
At this point in my read-through, I was offended yet still entertained. Honestly, I might have rated it a 4/5 in comedy, if nothing else. The first three quarters sure are a hell of a time. But nothing, NOTHING, could have prepared me for the blistering rage I felt after reading this book's climax.
You see, the weird pervert scene was setting the stage for later events; it was meant, I now realize, to plant the seeds of discord in Angel Sex Object and Incubus Demon's loving relationship. Since Incubus Demon is an incubus demon, he consumes some of ASO's erotic essence (the book's words, not mine) every time they have sex. This is WEAKENING ASO, and straining their relationship in a mildly interesting manner. Ten years pass--I am not even fucking joking, there is a decade long time jump--before one of them decides to do something about it...in the worst way possible.
Incubus Demon calls his friend, let's call him Roofiend, over to paint a portrait of his beloved Angel Sex Object. ASO consents to this and this only. After they're alone, Roofiend paints weird tribal sigils all around ASO's erogenous zones and they become--brace yourself--engorged as fuck. ASO is hopelessly aroused, and why? Because the sigils are basically paint roofies that essentially...well, allow me to quote Roofiend himself:
"Your body should be much more willing now, even if your mind is not."
....Really.
Later, this is said about the pleasure ASO gets from this encounter: "Despite his body's obvious response, he felt no joy in it."
The scene seems to drag on, and any masochistic delight I previously felt by reading this trash was promptly replaced by revulsion. It's absolutely sickening. The worst part about it? Incubus Demon is the one who orchestrated the whole thing. His justification? The cum spurted all over the painting would HEAL ASO, thus making him able to withstand being fucked by an incubus demon! You heard it here, folks: violent, BLATANTLY SADISTIC RAPE is okay as long as it's for Twu Wuv.
ASO, for some fucking reason that pisses me the fuck off, blames himself FOR SOME GODFORSAKEN REASON for this entire mess. And you know what he does, despite his lover having taken such gross liberties with his person already? He cuts his goddamned wings off, making him mortal.
I. Know. Right?
He does this, they embrace, and they live happily ever after because as long as they love each other and are TRULY SORRY FOR THEIR MISTAKES, nothing else matters. I don't have the imagination for this shit.
To conclude, this is a revolting piece of fiction. It is horrifying sex interspersed with bland writing. The world-building is half-assed. The characters are unlikable. The dialogue isn't clever in the slightest, though it certainly seems to think it is. The plot doesn't even exist. Overall, this is trashy fiction and not even the most desperate of M/M connoisseurs should expose themselves to this trite. There is WAY better stuff out there, and I would highly recommend steering clear of this--even if you stumble upon a free PDF version, the damage to your brain will not be worth it.
November 27, 2010
Every time I read an m/m book, my goal is to leave the present and move into a different world for a period of time. I want that world and the characters in it to come to life. I want to see what the characters see and feel what the characters feel. Once in a long while, I get really lucky and read a book that makes me feel a full range of emotions, complex, surprising, conflicting, unexpected emotions. Reno MacLeod and Jaye Valentine have done that with the StarCrossed series and specifically Opposite Ends of the Spectrum.
The title is quite fitting. Kelly is an angel, trapped in a living hell. Dekin is a demon, trapped by Kelly’s captors and brought to share Kelly's prison. Kelly and Dekin are natural enemies, but in this hell on earth they find a common enemy vile enough to drive them together. Together they manage to survive and to escape. In the process, they fall in love. Yet, it is unnatural for a demon and an angel to be together. Though time passes and they manage to find a precarious balance for 10 years, the fact is that their arrangement is taking a toll, physically and emotionally. Something has to change. In order to improve their life, Dekin calls upon Jace Barton and his special powers. He does so without sharing with Kelly the full extent of his plan. Unfortunately, good intentions aren’t always enough. Tempers flare, emotions rise to the surface and only the ultimate sacrifice can save Dekin and Kelly’s relationship.
This story is a study in contrasts. Contrasting characters, contrasting actions and contrasting emotions make the whole much more than the sum of the parts. It is about experiencing the lowest, most vile human behaviors perpetrated against the purest of creatures. It is about protection and eventually love, born from violence. It is about instinct and nature, overwhelming but not overpowering reason and knowledge. It is about the courage to love and trust even if it hurts, because the pain of not loving would be unbearable.
Reno and Jaye deliver a beautifully crafted story with a great plot, fabulous characters and amazing depth. The writing is excellent, flowing easily and not intruding or clashing with the story. The imagery is vivid, sometimes shocking and absolutely unforgettable. I am in awe.
The title is quite fitting. Kelly is an angel, trapped in a living hell. Dekin is a demon, trapped by Kelly’s captors and brought to share Kelly's prison. Kelly and Dekin are natural enemies, but in this hell on earth they find a common enemy vile enough to drive them together. Together they manage to survive and to escape. In the process, they fall in love. Yet, it is unnatural for a demon and an angel to be together. Though time passes and they manage to find a precarious balance for 10 years, the fact is that their arrangement is taking a toll, physically and emotionally. Something has to change. In order to improve their life, Dekin calls upon Jace Barton and his special powers. He does so without sharing with Kelly the full extent of his plan. Unfortunately, good intentions aren’t always enough. Tempers flare, emotions rise to the surface and only the ultimate sacrifice can save Dekin and Kelly’s relationship.
This story is a study in contrasts. Contrasting characters, contrasting actions and contrasting emotions make the whole much more than the sum of the parts. It is about experiencing the lowest, most vile human behaviors perpetrated against the purest of creatures. It is about protection and eventually love, born from violence. It is about instinct and nature, overwhelming but not overpowering reason and knowledge. It is about the courage to love and trust even if it hurts, because the pain of not loving would be unbearable.
Reno and Jaye deliver a beautifully crafted story with a great plot, fabulous characters and amazing depth. The writing is excellent, flowing easily and not intruding or clashing with the story. The imagery is vivid, sometimes shocking and absolutely unforgettable. I am in awe.
June 26, 2009
This second book in the StarCrossed series was another fabulous story set in the dark fantasy world first shown in Demon Tailz. The authors have a wonderful style that will grab you from the first page and not let you go until you've read all they way to the end. Dekin and Kelly are so inherently different yet so absolutely right for each other that they will resonate with you even after you've finished reading their story. I loved this book.
May 2, 2012
Dekin Swain is an incubus demon and one night while getting his freak on for a necessary sexual feeding, things go drastically wrong. When he wakes, Dekin is in a cage being transported to what can only be described as a prison. This new home is the Gambretti Brothers Carnival freak show and Dekin is intended to be part of the show's newest attraction.
Kelly has been with the carnival for a while and it shows in his appearance. His blood-red hair is kept pristine and beautiful but he is extremely skinny due to lack of food to keep him easy to handle and is covered in bruises. But neither can detract from the striking beauty of his blood-red wings and alabaster skin. Kelly has been confined for so long he has lost his ability to fight back and has resigned himself to his fate. That is until Dekin arrives and starts to stir things up.
Dekin and Kelly are to be pitted against each other, since angels and demons aren't known for getting along. The carnival attraction is listed as "Mortal Enemies, Heaven and Hell!" but the reality is that these two find themselves in a situation where they must work together if they are ever to escape their captors. The real question is what will happen for these two if they are able to escape, and can opposite ends of the spectrum ever really come together?
This story introduces readers to two more beings in the world created by Jaye and Reno, and their unique situation is raw and complicated and real. Nothing is easy for these two, as evidenced by the circumstances of their meeting, and they are forced to make some difficult choices. Anytime opposites attract there are bound to be complications and that is never so true as for Dekin and Kelly. I found both main characters engaging and well-developed, and I cared deeply for them very quickly.
There are two secondary characters in this story that struck strong chords for me as well, one is briefly in the story and the second is a favorite character. The first is a human teenager Elizabeth, a young girl who knows the logical explanations behind the carnival "freaks" yet is convinced of the existence of angels. She is really only in two scenes but she elicits such an emotional connection. She is the embodiment of the humanity that other characters around Dekin and Kelly are lacking and the contrast is heartbreaking. There is a theme weaved throughout this story that I think will be a part of many of the stories in the series. It comes up more than once and as Dekin says, "Demons have nothing on the wickedness of humans." Elizabeth is the one contradiction to this, and I was so moved by her character who adds a much needed sense of hope.
The other character is everybody's favorite demon, artist Jace. First introduced in Demon Tailz, Jace is here without his brother Konnor (sadly) at the request of Dekin. Jace has an interesting power that translates through his paintings. Jace is a demon in every way; he is rough, crude, and fierce. The beauty of his character for me is that you have to look past the rough exterior, and things are not always what they seem. He is violent and manipulative and controlling ~ but in the end he provides Dekin and Kelly with a wonderful gift and helps them to recognize what was already there to begin with.
It has been argued, by the authors as well as others, that these books are not romances and should not be marketed as such. And I agree, as the StarCrossed stories are first and foremost paranormal or urban fantasy stories that are rough, gritty, violent and viciously real. Readers are entering a world that includes various types of beings including angels, demons, vampires and werefolk among them. Demons. That one word tells you that this will not be a light and smooshy romance story, and if it was the authors would be doing a disservice to their readers. Demons are not "fuffy bunnies" as Reno so beautiful states. Demons kill, devour, maim, bruise, destroy, and fuck. But demons also love, in the most dedicated and fiercest way possible. It is all of the other characteristics that make their capacity to love so incredible and encompassing. So I also disagree that this isn't a romance story, as well as a paranormal or urban fantasy story. There were points in Opposite Ends of the Spectrum that displayed the true beauty of love: the willingness to make sacrifices for love, to do anything in the world for a loved one, to overcome any obstacle for love. What more can you really ask for?
The beauty of the StarCrossed series is that through characters that are flawed and far from heros, characters that have experienced true evil in their lives, characters that aren't human and have frightening abilities and unending capacities for violence, at the core Jaye and Reno are writing of one thing. Love. It is a thread that weaves through each story and each character making for an exceptional series that I highly recommend. Be warned, these stories are not for the faint of heart! They are edgy and fierce and violent and pack a solid punch. But it is worth it, oh how it is worth it. And believe me, it only gets better... *evil grin*
Kelly has been with the carnival for a while and it shows in his appearance. His blood-red hair is kept pristine and beautiful but he is extremely skinny due to lack of food to keep him easy to handle and is covered in bruises. But neither can detract from the striking beauty of his blood-red wings and alabaster skin. Kelly has been confined for so long he has lost his ability to fight back and has resigned himself to his fate. That is until Dekin arrives and starts to stir things up.
Dekin and Kelly are to be pitted against each other, since angels and demons aren't known for getting along. The carnival attraction is listed as "Mortal Enemies, Heaven and Hell!" but the reality is that these two find themselves in a situation where they must work together if they are ever to escape their captors. The real question is what will happen for these two if they are able to escape, and can opposite ends of the spectrum ever really come together?
This story introduces readers to two more beings in the world created by Jaye and Reno, and their unique situation is raw and complicated and real. Nothing is easy for these two, as evidenced by the circumstances of their meeting, and they are forced to make some difficult choices. Anytime opposites attract there are bound to be complications and that is never so true as for Dekin and Kelly. I found both main characters engaging and well-developed, and I cared deeply for them very quickly.
There are two secondary characters in this story that struck strong chords for me as well, one is briefly in the story and the second is a favorite character. The first is a human teenager Elizabeth, a young girl who knows the logical explanations behind the carnival "freaks" yet is convinced of the existence of angels. She is really only in two scenes but she elicits such an emotional connection. She is the embodiment of the humanity that other characters around Dekin and Kelly are lacking and the contrast is heartbreaking. There is a theme weaved throughout this story that I think will be a part of many of the stories in the series. It comes up more than once and as Dekin says, "Demons have nothing on the wickedness of humans." Elizabeth is the one contradiction to this, and I was so moved by her character who adds a much needed sense of hope.
The other character is everybody's favorite demon, artist Jace. First introduced in Demon Tailz, Jace is here without his brother Konnor (sadly) at the request of Dekin. Jace has an interesting power that translates through his paintings. Jace is a demon in every way; he is rough, crude, and fierce. The beauty of his character for me is that you have to look past the rough exterior, and things are not always what they seem. He is violent and manipulative and controlling ~ but in the end he provides Dekin and Kelly with a wonderful gift and helps them to recognize what was already there to begin with.
It has been argued, by the authors as well as others, that these books are not romances and should not be marketed as such. And I agree, as the StarCrossed stories are first and foremost paranormal or urban fantasy stories that are rough, gritty, violent and viciously real. Readers are entering a world that includes various types of beings including angels, demons, vampires and werefolk among them. Demons. That one word tells you that this will not be a light and smooshy romance story, and if it was the authors would be doing a disservice to their readers. Demons are not "fuffy bunnies" as Reno so beautiful states. Demons kill, devour, maim, bruise, destroy, and fuck. But demons also love, in the most dedicated and fiercest way possible. It is all of the other characteristics that make their capacity to love so incredible and encompassing. So I also disagree that this isn't a romance story, as well as a paranormal or urban fantasy story. There were points in Opposite Ends of the Spectrum that displayed the true beauty of love: the willingness to make sacrifices for love, to do anything in the world for a loved one, to overcome any obstacle for love. What more can you really ask for?
The beauty of the StarCrossed series is that through characters that are flawed and far from heros, characters that have experienced true evil in their lives, characters that aren't human and have frightening abilities and unending capacities for violence, at the core Jaye and Reno are writing of one thing. Love. It is a thread that weaves through each story and each character making for an exceptional series that I highly recommend. Be warned, these stories are not for the faint of heart! They are edgy and fierce and violent and pack a solid punch. But it is worth it, oh how it is worth it. And believe me, it only gets better... *evil grin*
August 15, 2009
What are you willing to do or sacrifice for love? In this return to supernaturally inhabited Salem, the theme is continued from the first installment of this gritty series. If you’re afraid to look too deeply into your relationship, then you should probably move to another city. Holding nothing back, this newest installment pits angels versus demons in the far more cruel setting of humanity than hell could ever be.
Dekin is an incubus demon who is no innocent. He feeds off the plethora of sexual deviants and energy that flows in abundance through the back allies and underground world of the porn industry. His arrogance finally drops him into trouble as he’s captured by unscrupulous carnival propietiers. He’s now to become the newest attraction, a dark demon pitted against the brilliant light of an angel.
Kelly is the opposite of Dekin in experience but interestingly has an indulgent scarlet red hair and wings, a visually stunning contrast to alabaster skin. He is young and frail, more so than just the appearance of malnourishment and abuse. His easy acceptance of Dekin is in contrast to his hope to be spared further violence. He may be innocent but Kelly is far from naive. He has a strength that is attractive and compelling, as much as Dekin’s capacity for darkness.
Although used to serving different parts of humanity, Dekin and Kelly are no fools to the cruelty of men, thus giving them no doubt that they will work together to free themselves. The appearance of the teenage girl Elizabeth is the hopeful contrast against the callous attitude of the carnival handlers. Where the handlers look to demean, humiliate and abuse, Elizabeth offers belief, sincerity, and faith.
Once Dekin and Kelly have escaped they eventually make their way to Salem and work out a way to be together. While these two are not a love at first sight relationship, a shared past and trust in each other develop into lasting emotion. However, life for a demon and an angel is guaranteed not to be easy and the problems inherent in their paring are many and complicated. Ultimately motivated by equal parts fear and love, Dekin arranges for another demon, Jace, to come and help the couple.
Jace is electric, imbuing a sense of energy and dark purpose to the story. He remains very much a mystery with set of morals and rules unique to him. He may feel compassion but he is unequivocally a demon without a conscience. Dekin knows the price of eliciting Jace’s help, showing the depth of both his love and misguided fear. Jace isn’t going to give you the help you want, he’s going to give you the help he feels you need. Trusting a demon to make that choice is questionable at best, but makes for an engaging and fascinating take on a matchmaker.
This is another interesting and creative turn in Salem with it’s magnetic personalities. Although this is the second in the series, it’s easily read on it’s own. With the authors’ ability to create fascinating and vivid scenes, I was somewhat disappointed at the carnival background. It volleyed between bright and flat and the initial sex scene between the men was disjointed and missing the easy flow of the story. Once the duo hit Salem though, the story increases the level of intensity and imagery.
This is well-written tale showing that falling in love isn’t always the hard part. The difficulties come in sustaining that love when life isn’t always neat and tidy and when hardship, pain and jealousy are just as prevalent as love, caring and passion. The relationships depicted are neither easy nor light, but sacrifices that are made in the name of love create deeper and evocative emotions and lasting relationships. This isn’t your classic fantasy or romance, nor should it be. It catches your breath, clenches your stomach and causes you to say, “don’t do it” more than once. If you like urban fantasy with a gritty reality to your characters, this delivers.
Dekin is an incubus demon who is no innocent. He feeds off the plethora of sexual deviants and energy that flows in abundance through the back allies and underground world of the porn industry. His arrogance finally drops him into trouble as he’s captured by unscrupulous carnival propietiers. He’s now to become the newest attraction, a dark demon pitted against the brilliant light of an angel.
Kelly is the opposite of Dekin in experience but interestingly has an indulgent scarlet red hair and wings, a visually stunning contrast to alabaster skin. He is young and frail, more so than just the appearance of malnourishment and abuse. His easy acceptance of Dekin is in contrast to his hope to be spared further violence. He may be innocent but Kelly is far from naive. He has a strength that is attractive and compelling, as much as Dekin’s capacity for darkness.
Although used to serving different parts of humanity, Dekin and Kelly are no fools to the cruelty of men, thus giving them no doubt that they will work together to free themselves. The appearance of the teenage girl Elizabeth is the hopeful contrast against the callous attitude of the carnival handlers. Where the handlers look to demean, humiliate and abuse, Elizabeth offers belief, sincerity, and faith.
Once Dekin and Kelly have escaped they eventually make their way to Salem and work out a way to be together. While these two are not a love at first sight relationship, a shared past and trust in each other develop into lasting emotion. However, life for a demon and an angel is guaranteed not to be easy and the problems inherent in their paring are many and complicated. Ultimately motivated by equal parts fear and love, Dekin arranges for another demon, Jace, to come and help the couple.
Jace is electric, imbuing a sense of energy and dark purpose to the story. He remains very much a mystery with set of morals and rules unique to him. He may feel compassion but he is unequivocally a demon without a conscience. Dekin knows the price of eliciting Jace’s help, showing the depth of both his love and misguided fear. Jace isn’t going to give you the help you want, he’s going to give you the help he feels you need. Trusting a demon to make that choice is questionable at best, but makes for an engaging and fascinating take on a matchmaker.
This is another interesting and creative turn in Salem with it’s magnetic personalities. Although this is the second in the series, it’s easily read on it’s own. With the authors’ ability to create fascinating and vivid scenes, I was somewhat disappointed at the carnival background. It volleyed between bright and flat and the initial sex scene between the men was disjointed and missing the easy flow of the story. Once the duo hit Salem though, the story increases the level of intensity and imagery.
This is well-written tale showing that falling in love isn’t always the hard part. The difficulties come in sustaining that love when life isn’t always neat and tidy and when hardship, pain and jealousy are just as prevalent as love, caring and passion. The relationships depicted are neither easy nor light, but sacrifices that are made in the name of love create deeper and evocative emotions and lasting relationships. This isn’t your classic fantasy or romance, nor should it be. It catches your breath, clenches your stomach and causes you to say, “don’t do it” more than once. If you like urban fantasy with a gritty reality to your characters, this delivers.
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May 19, 2009Again the demon story by this duo of new author MacLeod and Valentine is one of unexpected interest and pleasure for me to read. Why unexpected? since if you asked me before if I would like to read of the debauching of an angel, involving demon shape monsters, probably I would have answered with a big NO! And instead I was again enthralled by the story.
Kelly is a male beautiful androgynous angel: with beautiful long scarlet hair that match his wonderful scarlet wings, Kelly is the main attraction of a freak show. Before being taken in captivity he was not a strong angel, and since he is almost starved, he is really weak and unable to escape his prison. Then the owner of the freak carnival decides to put in cage with him an incubus, Dekin. At first Dekin is fair and gentle with Kelly, he almost convinces him that he will not harm him in any way, not only he convinced Kelly he also convinced me, that I was just imagining him like a "good" incubus... but Dekin is a demon and he behaves like a demon.
Between remains a captive forever and being an alley of a demon, Kelly chooses the dark side; but even if he makes a bargain with a devil, he still remains an angel, with his beauty and innocence. Never ever during all the book, Kelly looses his inside goodness and his calm and serene behavior, even when subjected to the worst thing that could be happen to a pure soul, the violation of his body, Kelly is forgiving and welcoming, he is a real martyr. If not for the way in which the authors manage to build a relationship between Kelly and Dekin, I don't know if both characters would be independently nice: and instead, in this way, Kelly comes out with being a strong character, in attitude if not in body, and Dekin like a more brooding demon as I was expecting; he is almost like a dark hero, someone who has to do unholy things in name of the good angel that is waiting for him. Only behaving in a good way Dekin feels enlisted to love an angel, Kelly becomes is criterion.
There is a lot of sex in this novella, down and dirty sex, it's almost like it has to be so down and dirty to exalt the purity, of the loss of it, of Kelly. Some of it, in particular in two scenes, it's quite a non consensual sex, one almost a rape, so be ready and warned. But as I said, I believe that it was necessary to give a dark background to the angel to shine as much as possible.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00267SP66/?...
Kelly is a male beautiful androgynous angel: with beautiful long scarlet hair that match his wonderful scarlet wings, Kelly is the main attraction of a freak show. Before being taken in captivity he was not a strong angel, and since he is almost starved, he is really weak and unable to escape his prison. Then the owner of the freak carnival decides to put in cage with him an incubus, Dekin. At first Dekin is fair and gentle with Kelly, he almost convinces him that he will not harm him in any way, not only he convinced Kelly he also convinced me, that I was just imagining him like a "good" incubus... but Dekin is a demon and he behaves like a demon.
Between remains a captive forever and being an alley of a demon, Kelly chooses the dark side; but even if he makes a bargain with a devil, he still remains an angel, with his beauty and innocence. Never ever during all the book, Kelly looses his inside goodness and his calm and serene behavior, even when subjected to the worst thing that could be happen to a pure soul, the violation of his body, Kelly is forgiving and welcoming, he is a real martyr. If not for the way in which the authors manage to build a relationship between Kelly and Dekin, I don't know if both characters would be independently nice: and instead, in this way, Kelly comes out with being a strong character, in attitude if not in body, and Dekin like a more brooding demon as I was expecting; he is almost like a dark hero, someone who has to do unholy things in name of the good angel that is waiting for him. Only behaving in a good way Dekin feels enlisted to love an angel, Kelly becomes is criterion.
There is a lot of sex in this novella, down and dirty sex, it's almost like it has to be so down and dirty to exalt the purity, of the loss of it, of Kelly. Some of it, in particular in two scenes, it's quite a non consensual sex, one almost a rape, so be ready and warned. But as I said, I believe that it was necessary to give a dark background to the angel to shine as much as possible.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00267SP66/?...
May 24, 2010
Graphic, disturbing, and in it's own way morbidly beautiful. The sentiment I held toward the first "StarCrossed" novella continues in this one. Different plot, different characters, and yet the gritty truth of it - both ugly and beautiful - remains the same.
I couldn't help but like Devin, but surprisingly kept going back and forth between liking and disliking Kelly. The first portion was of them finding freedom together, while the last half was the 'morning-after' [or years-later:] side that few actually think about. Yes, hearts and stars and the two main charas get together, but not all is well in heaven [or hell:].
Jase returns in the vicious way he held in the first novella, vicious and honorable in his own way. I'm not for non-con - never have been - but there are some stories that have it and use it amazingly well in the creative-horror aspect and execution. I was upset that it was Jase and yet the last few scenes with him just wrap it all up and I came off feeling satisfied and liking Jase that much more.
If I had to sum this series up now in a single sentence, it would probably be: "Demons, no matter how human they may seem or wish to be, are creatures of darkness from whom no one walks away unscathed."
I couldn't help but like Devin, but surprisingly kept going back and forth between liking and disliking Kelly. The first portion was of them finding freedom together, while the last half was the 'morning-after' [or years-later:] side that few actually think about. Yes, hearts and stars and the two main charas get together, but not all is well in heaven [or hell:].
Jase returns in the vicious way he held in the first novella, vicious and honorable in his own way. I'm not for non-con - never have been - but there are some stories that have it and use it amazingly well in the creative-horror aspect and execution. I was upset that it was Jase and yet the last few scenes with him just wrap it all up and I came off feeling satisfied and liking Jase that much more.
If I had to sum this series up now in a single sentence, it would probably be: "Demons, no matter how human they may seem or wish to be, are creatures of darkness from whom no one walks away unscathed."
February 20, 2011
This is my favourite in the series and though at the very beginning I saw the story going a different way, I'm so happy it went the way it did. An angel and a incubus, two such opposing creatures (makes the title absolutely spot-on too) finding within each other a love they never knew possible. The willingness of Dekin, the incubus, to go against his instincts in order to keep the gentle, willing Kelly safe from being "overused" was both touching and amazing. The two of them are just an amazing couple in general, at least in my eyes, and to be honest, I have a thing for angels so expected to fall in love with Kelly but ended up falling just as hard for Dekin.
Having Jace drop into the story made for some interesting dynamics and plot. I'm thrilled everything worked out in the end and I look upon the couple as living happily ever (forever) after in their love.
I have to say these stories are not for the faint-of-heart or squeamish but damn I love them.
Having Jace drop into the story made for some interesting dynamics and plot. I'm thrilled everything worked out in the end and I look upon the couple as living happily ever (forever) after in their love.
I have to say these stories are not for the faint-of-heart or squeamish but damn I love them.
December 9, 2010
This was a well put together story though the ending got a bit confusing. Kelly, a scrawny but beautiful angel, and Dekin, a hot incubus, are the main attractions in a side show until the escape. The two flee to Salem, Ma. to set up house keeping. An angel and a demon as lovers is nearly impossible and it's slowly killing Kelly. I enjoyed the differences between the two characters. Kelly is kind of a bland but secure character while Dekin is a brash yet insecure lover. I admired Kelly in the end but liked Dekin better. A good sexy read.
April 27, 2011
It was a touch violent (non-con) for my tastes, but it was sweet in the end. I'm still confused as to whether or not the painting will make it easier for the two of them, or if Kelly will continue to be as frail as he was before, or if he's not, and the painting did what Dekin originally wanted, does this mean that Kelly forgave him for being selfish? I guess.
Not sure I want to continue with the series. That scene was sorta brutal. I don't remember the first one being quite that bad.
Not sure I want to continue with the series. That scene was sorta brutal. I don't remember the first one being quite that bad.
May 10, 2011
My review of the StarCrossed Series: Demon Tailz (Book 1), Opposite Ends of the Spectrum (Book 2), Sangria and Seraphim (Book 2.5), Objects in The Mirror (Book 3) and Angel Tears (Book 3.5) by Reno MacLeod and Jaye Valentine can be found at Indie Reviews.
October 14, 2010
Dark and vicious, but also tender, an angel and a demon must rely on each other to survive and escape from an unusual kidnapping. The relationship that grew between them was well done. The transition from escaping to the next part of the story, however, jarred me out of the story. I’m not sure I fully understood the power of the painting, but I still found the concept behind it fascinating.
April 23, 2013
..."incubus demon" is redundant. That's like saying "duck bird." Or "giraffe animal." Or "salmon fish."
You know... I liked it until
The ending was weird. Unexpected. And as always, the entire thing transpired far too quickly.
This one was a little better, but it was still a bit rushed...
You know... I liked it until
The ending was weird. Unexpected. And as always, the entire thing transpired far too quickly.
This one was a little better, but it was still a bit rushed...
December 17, 2009
3.5 out of 5
April 23, 2017
great story; kept twisting in directions I wasn't expecting
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