Exiled by his lover, forced into leadership of resentful men, Peyton held no hope for the future. Then he met the Eight, and one of their enigmatic members, Ice. Before long, he was beginning to see his past life in a whole new light, and to discover who he was beneath the layers of submission that had been forced upon him. Unable to discern whether his newfound fascination with Ice is something real, or a desperate attempt to break free of all that stifled him, Peyton embarks on a passionate affair, praying that it will lead to something clean and good, rather than shatter him forever.
J.C Owens lives in small town, rural Alberta and is a self confessed writing-a-holic. In the absence of help for this affliction…
I do indeed love to write and have now completed thirty published stories, along with over twenty books sitting idle in my computer, waiting… I love the genre of male/male stories and conflict in what a person thinks they want, versus what they truly need to become themselves. I think any writing that shows the beauty of men loving men is worthwhile.
I love to hear from my readers and always appreciate suggestions and comments for future books. Sharing a love of reading and good, hot sensuality between men is always a cause for celebration!
Told in dual POV, 3rd person, it’s the fourth installment in the "Gaven" series and can be read as a standalone, there is character crossover though. The story fell flat for me. I couldn’t connect with the MCs. Other than that, I think the part with the demon and Ice could be so much better. The author could have worked on it more. I think describing that confrontation could have added some spice to the story and make it more exciting. Overall, it was a disappointment and hope you enjoy it more than me!
This newest addition to the Gaven universe was a departure from the formulaic feeling of the last few JC Owens books which is so great it can't be overstated. It was also too short and glossed over a prime part of the plot that in past books would have been utilized in a much more satisfying way.
Ice is interesting and it was fun to get back to the Eight (although I had to jog my memory, the book did a god job of that) from the original book in the series but there was plenty of room to give us more backstory and more in depth characterization of Ice. Peyton and Ice hit if off right away and I would have liked more time to get to know Peyton, more page time with his leadership skills as a commander of a large contingent of basically exiled men would have helped to understand how they change loyalty and came to support him.
Additionally, the demon subplot with Ice was completely wasted. There was so much more that could have and should have been done here that it's frustrating to review. I know the author could have done more with this story and just didn't.
Even though we have a chance to catch up a little with Gaven, Vlar, Sadan and Graitaan, this book doesn't hold up as well, comparatively speaking, to the earlier books in the series.
All that but still, the author is a great writer and can build worlds with skill and imagination. Even a subpar book from JC Owen is better than most, IMO.
Rating: 4 stars I thought this a good continuation of the Gaven series. I really liked Ice and the rest of the Eight when they first appeared. Ice especially, so I was glad that he got his own book. Peyton was a bit harder to get to know in the beginning. He was still finding himself and having a hard time adjusting to his circumstances. It was really good to see Gavin and Vlad and the rest of the Eight. There was definitely an element of insta-love between Ice and Peyton, but that didn’t really bother me and I thought it was done well.
I think my biggest complaint was the length of the book. I think it should have been longer. I really wanted to witness more the big battle in the demon world and much was left off page. Also, some of the events at the end were glossed over and I really wanted more detail. Events happened so fast that it was hard to get a feel for how much time was actually passing.
Overall, I enjoyed the story greatly. Not quite as good as the first three books in the series, but good none the less. I really hope that the author continues the series and Ink gets his own book.
As always, with a JC Owens book, the world building is wonderful. What I truly enjoy is the triumph of spirit when Peyton realized he was far far better than he had ever been allowed to believe. The exile was the springboard to a much better life. His relationship with Ice gave him the opportunity to become the leader and fighter that had been denied in his prior life and world. When characters who are of equal strength find that their partner helps bolster and support them it is wonderful. There is no weak or submissive partners these are equals who shake each others worlds.
After I reread the other Gaven books, I got to read this delectable treat, now I’m feeling spoiled. I’m debating if I actually liked this more than the first two books, it was sooo good! I fell in love with Ice once again and cheered on Peyton every step of the way, I was so happy those two got a HEA! It was nice to see everyone together and strong as ever, I especially liked the ending. As usual, I highly recommend this!
I have read the first three about 4 times. And look forward to reading them all again. You definitely have to read the first ones first to understand some of the characters. But J.C has done a wonderful job writing this story that you will not be lost if you didn’t. I look forward to reading about the rest of the eight. I would love to see Garth part of view with his mate. Please with cherry 🍒 on top.
Another excellent book by Ms. Owens. I see that is says it's part of "The Gaven Series." Hope this means more books with the Eight, Gavin and Vlar will be forthcoming. Finished this book then went back and read "Gaven" and "The Bonding" again. All her books are so good that I just buy them withouth even checking the description. I know it'll be great. Looking forward to her next book!
I could not stop reading until I finished the book. I really enjoyed reading about the characters from previous books. I liked the interaction between the MCs.