What do you think?
Rate this book
Twisted Roses
Payne has always had trouble fitting in, and being abandoned by his parents has left him reluctant to trust anyone. He knows he’s different, but he has no idea how different until his grandfather invites him to Blackwater Falls—a beautiful estate he’s offered as his inheritance. Payne thinks it’s too good to be true, and it turns out he’s right.
Walking the wooded trails of the estate begins to awaken something in Payne. As he discovers his Fae nature, he learns his family’s to serve as caretakers to a preserve for Sidhe, Fae, and other magical creatures. Word of the return of the long-lost Fae prince reaches the preserve’s inhabitants, and Payne must navigate a world of political intrigue he can’t begin to understand as various factions seek to entice him to their Courts.
Dragon Aden Canicus offers to tutor Payne, and the tension between them is instant and growing. But prickly and aloof Aden keeps Payne at arm’s length. Unable to trust their connection when his family is threatened, Payne seeks other allies. Their direction leads him down a dangerous path where a dragon’s affection is the least of his concerns and may even end his life.
Walking the wooded trails of the estate begins to awaken something in Payne. As he discovers his Fae nature, he learns his family’s to serve as caretakers to a preserve for Sidhe, Fae, and other magical creatures. Word of the return of the long-lost Fae prince reaches the preserve’s inhabitants, and Payne must navigate a world of political intrigue he can’t begin to understand as various factions seek to entice him to their Courts.
Dragon Aden Canicus offers to tutor Payne, and the tension between them is instant and growing. But prickly and aloof Aden keeps Payne at arm’s length. Unable to trust their connection when his family is threatened, Payne seeks other allies. Their direction leads him down a dangerous path where a dragon’s affection is the least of his concerns and may even end his life.
144 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 17, 2014
1 person is currently reading
64 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 31, 2019
My only problem with this book is the length. Book 2 please?
January 5, 2015
It's always a bit of a gamble reading your first book by a new-to-you-author but this was a winner for me. The balance of the world-building was good - measured and well-paced through the story. Enough so I understood the world I was dealing with but not completely bogged down in details. I liked Payne straight from the off and enjoyed getting to know his new world with him. Aden was brilliant - equal parts grumpy, sarcastic and masterful. The development of the relationship between Payne and Aden was sweet and funny and poignant. My only complaint is . It feels like there's more to come from Payne and Aden and if so, I'm looking forward to it.
February 3, 2015
review here http://kimichanexperience.com/twisted...
Payne was “abandoned” by his dad at birth (later he meets him again at 17) and his mom at 8. When his dad returns to tell him his grandfather is dying, he reluctantly agrees to go to him. His grandfather lives in a magical place, a place where Pixies, Fae, Dragons and all other sorts of creatures live because Payne himself is half-Fae and about to be “awakened” or made a full Fae.
In fact, Payne is really Payneful, a Fae Prince-to-be. But, Payne has no knowledge of this world of magic and must learn before he can take his proper role. Aden, the Dragon-shifter is to be Payne’s tutor. He and Payne have a mysterious history, a link that is somehow other worldly, but secret… for now. But that doesn’t stop the immediate attraction between the two. Aden, however, is determined that Payne learn and grow- up and achieve his awakening before acting on any attraction he feels.
During Payne’s education there are several road blocks, temptations and an important rescue to be made, all while either trying to seduce Aden into consummating the lust between them. Finally, there is a daring rescue, followed by a near death experience and an epic save leading to a HEA with a lead in to what I hope is a sequel.
**
I was both a bit compelled and daunted by this book at first. I was leery of the Fae (not my favorite subject matter) but excited by the Dragon shifter and the “meant to be” story line. I just love fated mates and that feeling of overwhelming passion for another. What I got was an amazingly well developed world with loads of compelling and fully described creatures AND a tale of fated mates (sort of).
Payne is a pain (in the ass!). He is childish, churlish, impatient, impractical and impetuous. Aden, bless his soul, is the epitome of patience and perseverance. I loved the dynamic between them. It was hot and sexy but you could see beneath it to the deep and abiding love that supported it.
I loved the magic in this story: the singing, the chanting, the spells, the dancing. I loved how the creatures were gray: neither all good nor all bad. Each had their own set of rules and foibles and it was as interesting as it was messy.
I loved the love between Aden and Payne. It was sweet, sexy, deep and enduring.
The epic battle (final hurdle) was appropriately tense and yet (of course) had a wonderful happy ending.
I have to give this a rating of 4.5 instead of 5 or more for a few reasons. 1) I really wanted to see what happened after the awakening and the story stops there – now if we get a sequel I will be ever so pleased but I’m not sure if that is in the works or not 2) I really wanted more of Aden and Payne after they became a couple. We spent so, so much time with them fighting the attraction and only a small amount with them together. Again, a sequel will help this out, as well.
Overall I was very impressed by this new (to me) author and very much enjoyed this book. I highly recommend it.
Payne was “abandoned” by his dad at birth (later he meets him again at 17) and his mom at 8. When his dad returns to tell him his grandfather is dying, he reluctantly agrees to go to him. His grandfather lives in a magical place, a place where Pixies, Fae, Dragons and all other sorts of creatures live because Payne himself is half-Fae and about to be “awakened” or made a full Fae.
In fact, Payne is really Payneful, a Fae Prince-to-be. But, Payne has no knowledge of this world of magic and must learn before he can take his proper role. Aden, the Dragon-shifter is to be Payne’s tutor. He and Payne have a mysterious history, a link that is somehow other worldly, but secret… for now. But that doesn’t stop the immediate attraction between the two. Aden, however, is determined that Payne learn and grow- up and achieve his awakening before acting on any attraction he feels.
During Payne’s education there are several road blocks, temptations and an important rescue to be made, all while either trying to seduce Aden into consummating the lust between them. Finally, there is a daring rescue, followed by a near death experience and an epic save leading to a HEA with a lead in to what I hope is a sequel.
**
I was both a bit compelled and daunted by this book at first. I was leery of the Fae (not my favorite subject matter) but excited by the Dragon shifter and the “meant to be” story line. I just love fated mates and that feeling of overwhelming passion for another. What I got was an amazingly well developed world with loads of compelling and fully described creatures AND a tale of fated mates (sort of).
Payne is a pain (in the ass!). He is childish, churlish, impatient, impractical and impetuous. Aden, bless his soul, is the epitome of patience and perseverance. I loved the dynamic between them. It was hot and sexy but you could see beneath it to the deep and abiding love that supported it.
I loved the magic in this story: the singing, the chanting, the spells, the dancing. I loved how the creatures were gray: neither all good nor all bad. Each had their own set of rules and foibles and it was as interesting as it was messy.
I loved the love between Aden and Payne. It was sweet, sexy, deep and enduring.
The epic battle (final hurdle) was appropriately tense and yet (of course) had a wonderful happy ending.
I have to give this a rating of 4.5 instead of 5 or more for a few reasons. 1) I really wanted to see what happened after the awakening and the story stops there – now if we get a sequel I will be ever so pleased but I’m not sure if that is in the works or not 2) I really wanted more of Aden and Payne after they became a couple. We spent so, so much time with them fighting the attraction and only a small amount with them together. Again, a sequel will help this out, as well.
Overall I was very impressed by this new (to me) author and very much enjoyed this book. I highly recommend it.
January 28, 2015
4 star review by Amber
I’ve been on a mission to get out of my “comfort zone” books. I gravitate towards normal every day Joe’s finding love. I’ve really wanted to try something new and see if I liked it. So, when this book came up for review I jumped on it. I LOVE the idea of a Dragon Shifter. There is something so fundamentally cool about a man that can shift into a friggin DRAGON!!! And this Dragon did not disappoint! This book on a whole did NOT disappoint!!
Payne thinks of himself as an ordinary guy. He likes staying under the radar, being left alone, and working his ordinary job at the bar. Payne’s bitter and angry at the world, however. He was abandoned by his mother and father at an early age and he still bears those scars. His father did find him again, when he reached adulthood but the damage to Payne’s psyche has already been inflicted. So, when his father drops in on him again he is anything but nice. His father explains that he needs to come and visit with his grandfather, because he is ill and wants to leave Payne his families inheritance, Blackwater Falls, and animal preserve on the outside of town. After some convincing Payne agrees, and his life changes forever.
Once in Blackwater Falls Payne finds out all is not what it seems. In this magical place he learns that his father didn’t abandon him, he learns of mythical creatures, fae, sidhe, and dragons. He also learns his mother was a Sidhe handmaiden who named him Payneful, due to Sidhe beliefs.
While learning the way of this new land and coming into his birthright he meets Aden. Aden is a dragon he’s also been appointed Payne’s teacher and advisor. Aden is beautiful and scary. He’s everything you think a dragon should be and so much more. It becomes quite apparent rather quickly that there is more to Aden and Payne that meets the eye. There attraction for each other is quite literally out of this world but Aden does a really good job at deflecting all of Payne’s advances.
But when they do eventually come together….HOLY CRAP, my head almost popped completely off. Aden is so hot; dominate, powerful, loving and caring. He was such an awesome character to read about. I loved him so hard in this book.
I’d say if I had one complaint it would be Payneful’s character. I honestly didn’t find him likeable. I was annoyed with him throughout most of the book. He was so whiny and predictable. All the danger he sought out was excited as much as it was frustrating. I appreciated his drive to save his family, I just feel as though he acted like a spoiled child for most of the book. But again, everything else totally made up for that.
This book is an absolute must read for anyone who likes supernatural type stories. Although, even if you’re not I’d say give this one a try….it’s well worth it!!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
I’ve been on a mission to get out of my “comfort zone” books. I gravitate towards normal every day Joe’s finding love. I’ve really wanted to try something new and see if I liked it. So, when this book came up for review I jumped on it. I LOVE the idea of a Dragon Shifter. There is something so fundamentally cool about a man that can shift into a friggin DRAGON!!! And this Dragon did not disappoint! This book on a whole did NOT disappoint!!
Payne thinks of himself as an ordinary guy. He likes staying under the radar, being left alone, and working his ordinary job at the bar. Payne’s bitter and angry at the world, however. He was abandoned by his mother and father at an early age and he still bears those scars. His father did find him again, when he reached adulthood but the damage to Payne’s psyche has already been inflicted. So, when his father drops in on him again he is anything but nice. His father explains that he needs to come and visit with his grandfather, because he is ill and wants to leave Payne his families inheritance, Blackwater Falls, and animal preserve on the outside of town. After some convincing Payne agrees, and his life changes forever.
Once in Blackwater Falls Payne finds out all is not what it seems. In this magical place he learns that his father didn’t abandon him, he learns of mythical creatures, fae, sidhe, and dragons. He also learns his mother was a Sidhe handmaiden who named him Payneful, due to Sidhe beliefs.
While learning the way of this new land and coming into his birthright he meets Aden. Aden is a dragon he’s also been appointed Payne’s teacher and advisor. Aden is beautiful and scary. He’s everything you think a dragon should be and so much more. It becomes quite apparent rather quickly that there is more to Aden and Payne that meets the eye. There attraction for each other is quite literally out of this world but Aden does a really good job at deflecting all of Payne’s advances.
But when they do eventually come together….HOLY CRAP, my head almost popped completely off. Aden is so hot; dominate, powerful, loving and caring. He was such an awesome character to read about. I loved him so hard in this book.
I’d say if I had one complaint it would be Payneful’s character. I honestly didn’t find him likeable. I was annoyed with him throughout most of the book. He was so whiny and predictable. All the danger he sought out was excited as much as it was frustrating. I appreciated his drive to save his family, I just feel as though he acted like a spoiled child for most of the book. But again, everything else totally made up for that.
This book is an absolute must read for anyone who likes supernatural type stories. Although, even if you’re not I’d say give this one a try….it’s well worth it!!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
January 21, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
I’m not even sure where to begin with this review, except to say that I really loved this story. I’m a sucker for stories involving the fae, and Dragen did an exceedingly excellent job of building the world in which it takes place. The different types of fae, the courts, all the little idiosyncrasies within this world really helped to flesh out and expand this story. It was exceptionally well done.
This is Payne’s story. He’s eighteen years old, but he’s had a wealth of experience, and he acts accordingly. Sometimes he is petulant and willful. He can be disrespectful. But he’s not afraid of responsibility and takes to his role quickly—once he understands what it is. I loved the way it was revealed to him, and how his first inclination was to call bullshit and run. But there was no denying the evidence in front of him, and his sense of rightness at being on the preserve. He is a well-developed and wonderfully drawn character, and I loved being with him on this journey. He grew and changed, became the man that he was meant to be, and it was perfect.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
I’m not even sure where to begin with this review, except to say that I really loved this story. I’m a sucker for stories involving the fae, and Dragen did an exceedingly excellent job of building the world in which it takes place. The different types of fae, the courts, all the little idiosyncrasies within this world really helped to flesh out and expand this story. It was exceptionally well done.
This is Payne’s story. He’s eighteen years old, but he’s had a wealth of experience, and he acts accordingly. Sometimes he is petulant and willful. He can be disrespectful. But he’s not afraid of responsibility and takes to his role quickly—once he understands what it is. I loved the way it was revealed to him, and how his first inclination was to call bullshit and run. But there was no denying the evidence in front of him, and his sense of rightness at being on the preserve. He is a well-developed and wonderfully drawn character, and I loved being with him on this journey. He grew and changed, became the man that he was meant to be, and it was perfect.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
January 26, 2015
Really, fully developed and special world building, check.
Characters that I want as a part of my life, check. (Mist!)
Good (though fast-moving) sexual tension and passion, yup!
Intricate plot, which I want to continue-->yes, give me a sequel!
Gorgeous cover, it's what first grabbed my attention.
All sorts of interesting magic and intrigue, mhmm.
I went along on a ride of discovery right along with Payne, and loved it all the way. Highly recommended paranormal-filled fun story!
But, too short...I want more. Where's Payne and all going from here? There are hints, so now it's time to deliver!!!!
Characters that I want as a part of my life, check. (Mist!)
Good (though fast-moving) sexual tension and passion, yup!
Intricate plot, which I want to continue-->yes, give me a sequel!
Gorgeous cover, it's what first grabbed my attention.
All sorts of interesting magic and intrigue, mhmm.
I went along on a ride of discovery right along with Payne, and loved it all the way. Highly recommended paranormal-filled fun story!
But, too short...I want more. Where's Payne and all going from here? There are hints, so now it's time to deliver!!!!
December 22, 2014
This needs and deserves a sequel. I want more!!
February 4, 2015
Creative story!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews