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The Crimson Coven #1
Crimson Love
Cullen Volakis is the second and head of security for the Crimson Vampire Coven. He’s a bastard on a good day and your worst nightmare if you dare cross him. Nothing can crack the calm, steely composure of this lethal Vampire until he cuts through the kitchen of the Coven owned club, The Crimson Clover, and finds his Chosen, the love of his life, bent over a sink washing glasses. He has to formulate a plan, meet on equal terms, but he will not stop until he has his chosen. A Crimson Vampire hasn’t found their chosen in over eighty years and Cullen isn’t going to let the stunningly beautiful kitchen help get away.
Ethan Turner has never had it easy. He has a bastard of a father and very little money, but he’s making due, thanks to the Crimson Clover and every little bit he saves. A friend convinces him to go to the “co-workers, owners, and special guests only” after hours party at the club. It’s not really his scene, but he will help a friend whenever he can. He is stunned by a tall, dark, and gorgeous man staring at him from across the dance floor. He wants to move, get away, but he is held to the spot by the man’s magnetic stare. Can he trust this man Cullen? He screams danger, but he always screams love and safety. Sometimes your head needs to get out of the way and let your heart take the wheel.
Ethan Turner has never had it easy. He has a bastard of a father and very little money, but he’s making due, thanks to the Crimson Clover and every little bit he saves. A friend convinces him to go to the “co-workers, owners, and special guests only” after hours party at the club. It’s not really his scene, but he will help a friend whenever he can. He is stunned by a tall, dark, and gorgeous man staring at him from across the dance floor. He wants to move, get away, but he is held to the spot by the man’s magnetic stare. Can he trust this man Cullen? He screams danger, but he always screams love and safety. Sometimes your head needs to get out of the way and let your heart take the wheel.
52 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2016
106 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
B.A. Stretke
172 books406 followersB.A. Stretke is a Gay Romance and fiction author who publishes through Dreamspinner Press, LLC, and Amazon.com
B.A Stretke began writing as a hobby. He read his first Jane Austen novel as a teen and was instantly hooked. The age-old dream of being a novelist took hold. Now long into adulthood, and a few years as an editor under his belt, B.A. is a full-time writer. B.A. spends his days reading, engaging in sarcasm, and plotting the next storyline, often leaving little headspace for much else. He loves hiking through the Northern Michigan woods he calls home, often finding inspiration for his books. Writing and finding that perfect cup of coffee occupy the rest of his time.
B.A. Stretke lives in Northern Michigan with one royally spoiled cat and his dear friends and family.
You can connect with B.A. Stretke on his website: www.bastretke.com
Follow me on twitter at https://twitter.com/BAStretkeWriter
Like me on Facebook! - B.A. Stretke
B.A Stretke began writing as a hobby. He read his first Jane Austen novel as a teen and was instantly hooked. The age-old dream of being a novelist took hold. Now long into adulthood, and a few years as an editor under his belt, B.A. is a full-time writer. B.A. spends his days reading, engaging in sarcasm, and plotting the next storyline, often leaving little headspace for much else. He loves hiking through the Northern Michigan woods he calls home, often finding inspiration for his books. Writing and finding that perfect cup of coffee occupy the rest of his time.
B.A. Stretke lives in Northern Michigan with one royally spoiled cat and his dear friends and family.
You can connect with B.A. Stretke on his website: www.bastretke.com
Follow me on twitter at https://twitter.com/BAStretkeWriter
Like me on Facebook! - B.A. Stretke
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 27, 2018
A sweet M/M novella drowning in editing errors
I know these self-published books are hit or miss. And I know that they all have five star reviews because the authors have friends, or because some people get into bad grammar (I assume, never having met anyone thus afflicted). And I know that sometimes I'm going to come across books with actual potential, that didn't fight their way free of bad grammar, non-existent editing, painfully stilted dialogue yet. I can hope they WILL get out, though, and I'm rooting for the story inside this draft.
The bad: What is this book doing masquerading as a professionally written novel? The author can't stay in the same tense for more than a paragraph, does not know how to use a comma, and the story lurches from place to place, point of view to point of view, with no warning or reason. First person present tense - now third person past tense - back to first person present tense.....And that's just the first few pages dealing with one person. After that, the point of view hops around from person to person to vampire to person, too, but never clears up the tense agreements. It's like a game - who's talking, what are they talking about, to whom, and the really tough one, at what point did the conversation take place and for BONUS points, are they discussing a past or current event? Speaking of conversations, the dialogue reads like the author doesn't have a lot of experience with them. Stilted, overly formal, sometimes just hideously embarrassing (picture a reader squeaking "he just said WHAT to a grown man?!"), and what's supposed to be sex talk - I think - because I winced and skimmed that part.
I'm really angry about all these idiotic, easily fixed editing errors and unpolished writing because I LIKED THE STORY. It was sweet, the 2 characters had a really solid emotional connection, there's something about the story that's fun and original. The problem is that the reader has to slog through so many off-putting, infuriating stupid mistakes to get the story, and this book never should have been put up for sale with these kinds of problems. Someone, at some point, should have pointed out to the author that this is a DRAFT, not a finished book.
This book needs to be put in the hands of a ruthless editor with a red pen and steel teeth, and B.A. Stretke needs to either take a good class on creating dialogue, or go listen to a lot of conversations. After that, s/he can have a week or so to mourn that tattered corpse of their novel once returned from the editor, and then B.A. Stretke can write the interesting, emotionally charged paranormal romance that is hiding in here.
I know these self-published books are hit or miss. And I know that they all have five star reviews because the authors have friends, or because some people get into bad grammar (I assume, never having met anyone thus afflicted). And I know that sometimes I'm going to come across books with actual potential, that didn't fight their way free of bad grammar, non-existent editing, painfully stilted dialogue yet. I can hope they WILL get out, though, and I'm rooting for the story inside this draft.
The bad: What is this book doing masquerading as a professionally written novel? The author can't stay in the same tense for more than a paragraph, does not know how to use a comma, and the story lurches from place to place, point of view to point of view, with no warning or reason. First person present tense - now third person past tense - back to first person present tense.....And that's just the first few pages dealing with one person. After that, the point of view hops around from person to person to vampire to person, too, but never clears up the tense agreements. It's like a game - who's talking, what are they talking about, to whom, and the really tough one, at what point did the conversation take place and for BONUS points, are they discussing a past or current event? Speaking of conversations, the dialogue reads like the author doesn't have a lot of experience with them. Stilted, overly formal, sometimes just hideously embarrassing (picture a reader squeaking "he just said WHAT to a grown man?!"), and what's supposed to be sex talk - I think - because I winced and skimmed that part.
I'm really angry about all these idiotic, easily fixed editing errors and unpolished writing because I LIKED THE STORY. It was sweet, the 2 characters had a really solid emotional connection, there's something about the story that's fun and original. The problem is that the reader has to slog through so many off-putting, infuriating stupid mistakes to get the story, and this book never should have been put up for sale with these kinds of problems. Someone, at some point, should have pointed out to the author that this is a DRAFT, not a finished book.
This book needs to be put in the hands of a ruthless editor with a red pen and steel teeth, and B.A. Stretke needs to either take a good class on creating dialogue, or go listen to a lot of conversations. After that, s/he can have a week or so to mourn that tattered corpse of their novel once returned from the editor, and then B.A. Stretke can write the interesting, emotionally charged paranormal romance that is hiding in here.
September 27, 2016
3.75 stars! This was a nice insta-love vampire romance that was good to read in one sitting. I liked Ethan the most of the characters and I bonded with him through the short story. Cullen was interesting but I'm not in love with him as Ethan's chosen. Also, there was a lack of justice where Rex was concerned but hopefully that will be tied up in the next installment which I will read.
September 26, 2021
Es una historia super cortita y sin más, por eso he decidido no darle más de 2⭐.
August 2, 2017
This was short and sweet and I liked the characters. The Coven is obviously going to have lots of characters for future books in the series. The editing however is dreadful with far too many mistakes to ignore.
December 25, 2016
This is the beginning of a new series by B A Stretke about Vampires. I've been looking forward to reading it every since I saw it was going to be released. Sometimes I look forward to shorter stories especially in a series. What I really enjoyed about this story with only 772 locations (the remaining up to 782 a listing of the authors other works) is that it is a complete story with a HEA.
You meet Ethan Turner a scarred, hard-working young man doing what he needed to do to survive and hide. He worked two jobs, trying to save enough money to get his own apartment. His home life was no piece of cake. Ethan has a best friend he works with during the day. Evenings he washes dishes at the nightclub the Crimson Clover. Only 18, he wanted a better life. These two jobs were the first step in that direction.
Ethan didn't want to get close involved with the patrons or really even the staff. He kept his head down and did his job. Initially resisted all attempts by Lynden, one of the bus boys to get him to attend the staff parties at the club he worked at. Now he was running out of excuses and Lyndon was being more persistent. Ethan couldn't imagine how that fateful night would completely change his life and rock his world view. The reader meets Mr. Karl Mason, the manager of the Crimson Clover nightclub and Cullen Volakis, head of security for the Crimson Coven who answered only to the Coven leader, Alexander Stone. The author gives the background of the Crimson Coven so that one gets a sense of how ingrained in the community the Vampires are.
Cullen is no nonsense. He is second-in-command at the Coven. He had a large powerful presence that commands the attention of others, often producing fear or trepidation until the Coven members realizes he isn't the target. When Cullen says jump the question is "How high?" No one can remember the last time he smiled. Right now Cullen was the tense one agitated because he had sensed his Chosen, his Beloved, his Forever Love. And Cullen needed to meet him. But he hadn't revealed to anyone Cullen's shocking discovery. So everyone who knew his reputation was tense and alert.
Cullen didn't need to use his Vampire charm on the young Human. Ethan felt their bond and was drawn to the very intimidating man, who beckoned him to dance. His Human was perfect for him. Wary, discerning, practical, and reticent. The Dance seemed magical. But all good things come to an end. Ethan had to get home and since he didn't have a driver's license he was prepared to walk. Cullen quickly offered to give him a ride.
What I liked was Cullen's reaction to Ethan's disfiguring scar and drunk abusive father. He had already begun to have feelings for the smaller man and he vowed to protect him from all harm. Since this story has approximately 700 locations, the pace was quick. But there was a great deal of emotions experienced, as well as a surprising amount of violence. Offset by tender intimate moments. But interspersed with blinding rage. And crushing disappointment. Then Ethan learns about the existence of Vampires.
More coven members are introduced such as Vampire Master Stone, Felix, Rex, Lyndon, Peter, as well as Ethan's friend, Cody. It's a great start to a new series, that promises additional fated pairs and coven intrigue. A good amount of world building is done to set the stage for future installments to this series.
You meet Ethan Turner a scarred, hard-working young man doing what he needed to do to survive and hide. He worked two jobs, trying to save enough money to get his own apartment. His home life was no piece of cake. Ethan has a best friend he works with during the day. Evenings he washes dishes at the nightclub the Crimson Clover. Only 18, he wanted a better life. These two jobs were the first step in that direction.
Ethan didn't want to get close involved with the patrons or really even the staff. He kept his head down and did his job. Initially resisted all attempts by Lynden, one of the bus boys to get him to attend the staff parties at the club he worked at. Now he was running out of excuses and Lyndon was being more persistent. Ethan couldn't imagine how that fateful night would completely change his life and rock his world view. The reader meets Mr. Karl Mason, the manager of the Crimson Clover nightclub and Cullen Volakis, head of security for the Crimson Coven who answered only to the Coven leader, Alexander Stone. The author gives the background of the Crimson Coven so that one gets a sense of how ingrained in the community the Vampires are.
Cullen is no nonsense. He is second-in-command at the Coven. He had a large powerful presence that commands the attention of others, often producing fear or trepidation until the Coven members realizes he isn't the target. When Cullen says jump the question is "How high?" No one can remember the last time he smiled. Right now Cullen was the tense one agitated because he had sensed his Chosen, his Beloved, his Forever Love. And Cullen needed to meet him. But he hadn't revealed to anyone Cullen's shocking discovery. So everyone who knew his reputation was tense and alert.
Cullen didn't need to use his Vampire charm on the young Human. Ethan felt their bond and was drawn to the very intimidating man, who beckoned him to dance. His Human was perfect for him. Wary, discerning, practical, and reticent. The Dance seemed magical. But all good things come to an end. Ethan had to get home and since he didn't have a driver's license he was prepared to walk. Cullen quickly offered to give him a ride.
What I liked was Cullen's reaction to Ethan's disfiguring scar and drunk abusive father. He had already begun to have feelings for the smaller man and he vowed to protect him from all harm. Since this story has approximately 700 locations, the pace was quick. But there was a great deal of emotions experienced, as well as a surprising amount of violence. Offset by tender intimate moments. But interspersed with blinding rage. And crushing disappointment. Then Ethan learns about the existence of Vampires.
More coven members are introduced such as Vampire Master Stone, Felix, Rex, Lyndon, Peter, as well as Ethan's friend, Cody. It's a great start to a new series, that promises additional fated pairs and coven intrigue. A good amount of world building is done to set the stage for future installments to this series.
February 13, 2019
Typical love/lust at first sight, but was ok and short enough to not bore me. The part of the beating made me mad because was really stupid and all happened for a misunderstanding, but I tried to ignore it.
Only one question, if all knew that Rex liked to beat up the one night-stands of the other guys, why the hell was he still there in the coven? bah..
Only one question, if all knew that Rex liked to beat up the one night-stands of the other guys, why the hell was he still there in the coven? bah..
April 24, 2017
Need more
Ethan doesn't have it easy but he has hope to get away from his abusive father once he saves enough money. He just wants to keep his head down and get free. Cullen is a powerful vampire who realizes that Ethan is his Chosen. The story is really hot but not very deep. I would have liked more of these two.
Ethan doesn't have it easy but he has hope to get away from his abusive father once he saves enough money. He just wants to keep his head down and get free. Cullen is a powerful vampire who realizes that Ethan is his Chosen. The story is really hot but not very deep. I would have liked more of these two.
September 15, 2017
Some mm vampire/human heat with weak execution
This short story had plenty of interesting paranormal elements, and a bit of heat. The underlying character ideas held some decent interest, and the story does have some sizzle, so it's most recommended for those looking for a semi-heated vampire/human erotic short (and not overly compelling writing).
Unfortunately, for me at times it read a bit more like a bad porn movie than a smooth romance. The scenes could be choppy, sometimes jerking from one over-the-top moment to the next.
This short story had plenty of interesting paranormal elements, and a bit of heat. The underlying character ideas held some decent interest, and the story does have some sizzle, so it's most recommended for those looking for a semi-heated vampire/human erotic short (and not overly compelling writing).
Unfortunately, for me at times it read a bit more like a bad porn movie than a smooth romance. The scenes could be choppy, sometimes jerking from one over-the-top moment to the next.
July 23, 2021
i don't like to leave negative reviews but damn, this book was BAD. most of the book felt like bullet-points. The two main characters were written very flat and without proper descriptions. We didnt get any glimpse into Cullen's past. The lore and world building was one of the worst I have ever read. Towards the end, this already short book got even more rushed and sloppy. The main characters shared only a few sentences their first night before proceeding to have sex and asking to move in, despite a good half page of the book talking about how smart, warry and cautious the main character (Ethan) is. Correct me if im wrong but no smart, cautious person is going to hook up with and entertain ideas of moving in with a STRANGER within 2-3 hours of meeting. Also the 'couple' probably spent a maximum 12 hours together before confessing their undying love for each other and permanently 'bonding' to each other. And lets not forget when the vampire bit and drank from the human without his knowledge or consent. that's kinda rape-y. And how old is Cullen? its implied that he is OLD, so idk how i feel about him doing all that with an 18-year old kid with barely any life experience.
i really wish i could give it at least two stars, but i cant, its THAT BAD. which is heart breaking because this author is really nice and i can relate to his struggle of being underestimated.
All of that being said, i'm gonna give the next book in the series a chance, look for improvement and hopefully say something nice.
i really wish i could give it at least two stars, but i cant, its THAT BAD. which is heart breaking because this author is really nice and i can relate to his struggle of being underestimated.
All of that being said, i'm gonna give the next book in the series a chance, look for improvement and hopefully say something nice.
December 18, 2020
H.O.L.E. 3.0
This line:
“Ethan stared at Cullen waiting for something and Cullen stared at Ethan waiting for everything.”
The absolute highlight of the book. It was this line and the basic premise that raised the rating of this book. I keep buying author’s work and being disappointed.
Example of this: father abused MC (not vampire) and MC had a jagged scar running down his entire face. Other MC (the vampire) was happy, yes happy, for the scar as it proved blah, blah, blah. Still don’t get why a scar would be anything other than sorrow and pity reaction.
This series goes on and on. I plan on reading them all and I hope to find gem—all authors have them (see quote above); it is just finding it.
Taking out premise and quote this novella (not at all book length—appetizers not the main meal—nothing wrong with that) my ranking falls to 2.2
H. His
O. Omega
L. Loves
E. Erections
1-5
This line:
“Ethan stared at Cullen waiting for something and Cullen stared at Ethan waiting for everything.”
The absolute highlight of the book. It was this line and the basic premise that raised the rating of this book. I keep buying author’s work and being disappointed.
Example of this: father abused MC (not vampire) and MC had a jagged scar running down his entire face. Other MC (the vampire) was happy, yes happy, for the scar as it proved blah, blah, blah. Still don’t get why a scar would be anything other than sorrow and pity reaction.
This series goes on and on. I plan on reading them all and I hope to find gem—all authors have them (see quote above); it is just finding it.
Taking out premise and quote this novella (not at all book length—appetizers not the main meal—nothing wrong with that) my ranking falls to 2.2
H. His
O. Omega
L. Loves
E. Erections
1-5
October 6, 2018
This was a short, but intriguing, story about the mating of Ethan (human), and, Cullen (vampire). The only problem for me was that it was extremely difficult to read about what had happened with Ethan due to both his father and two members of the coven (or maybe just one). It left me just a little bit less satisfied basically because I really needed to see the bad guys fry. Other than that, I have enjoyed this author's other vampire series (Pittsburgh Vampires) immensely, which caused me to search out this, Crimson vampires. So I enjoyed their mating (except for poor Ethan at the time) and the forever love that I just love reading about. It also held my attention and never dragged for me, so yeah, excellent.=)
October 13, 2021
I read this for research into the genre. I've read some of Stretke's work before, so I already knew to expect zero draft-level errors, cliches, and a lack of plot, worldbuilding, or characterization. Even so, this book was worse than most. I didn't check the publishing date, but perhaps it was nearer the start of Stretke's career. If that's the case, then it proves me wrong on one count: I thought Stretke hadn't improved across any of the books I had read. In fact, the books I've read set later in this same series feature slightly more thoughtful characterization, detailed worldbuilding, and complex plots. They are still in desperate need of thorough editing, but they are not quite as groan-worthy as this bomb.
March 11, 2019
Meh... For the second time with this author I have started a series because one of the books way down the line caught my attention, and of course I need to start with book 1...
And again for the second time I thought it was just ok. I’ll be honest though if these were on KU I would have probably eaten up the first series I started already and onto the next one in this series, but since they’re not it will probably take me a little longer to work my way through them... if I ever do...
And again for the second time I thought it was just ok. I’ll be honest though if these were on KU I would have probably eaten up the first series I started already and onto the next one in this series, but since they’re not it will probably take me a little longer to work my way through them... if I ever do...
July 1, 2017
Truly Enjoyed
I have read all the Crimson Coven stories but Cullen and Ethan's story is my favorite. I have reread this story and enjoyed it as much the 2nd time. A wonderful short love story of a scarred little innocent to a very powerful vampire. I enjoyed the entire collection but again this story is my favorite.
I have read all the Crimson Coven stories but Cullen and Ethan's story is my favorite. I have reread this story and enjoyed it as much the 2nd time. A wonderful short love story of a scarred little innocent to a very powerful vampire. I enjoyed the entire collection but again this story is my favorite.
September 30, 2019
A good read but short
I enjoyed this author's vampire series taking place in Pittsburgh. This new one is set in Virginia with an even older coven with some differences in terminology and rituals. The second in command finds and loses and gets again his fated mate. Nice ending but a really short book with little world building.
I enjoyed this author's vampire series taking place in Pittsburgh. This new one is set in Virginia with an even older coven with some differences in terminology and rituals. The second in command finds and loses and gets again his fated mate. Nice ending but a really short book with little world building.
May 9, 2021
This is my first book by this author and I had such high hopes for it. I felt like the story was rushed. This book needed so much more. I was really hoping for a story that made it worth purchasing all the other books in this series but I am not sure it is worth it. I did not hate it but I wish the story had been more involved.
January 10, 2019
Cute story but bad grammar
B.A. needs a good editor to correct run on sentences, wrong or missing punctuation, and the constantly changing point of views. But the Crimson Vampires are a compelling story idea and I will continue the series to see if it gets better.
B.A. needs a good editor to correct run on sentences, wrong or missing punctuation, and the constantly changing point of views. But the Crimson Vampires are a compelling story idea and I will continue the series to see if it gets better.
August 6, 2017
Not a lot to this story and rather predictable, so just OK.
August 9, 2017
I didn't care for the writing style. I felt myself having to reread a lot because of the POV jumps.
January 12, 2018
Not a bad read but it wasn't one where it was worth the price.
July 30, 2018
Yikes™
And I bought the bundle so I have the eight first novellas!
This is just awkward, bad grammar, instalove in the extreme, bad sex scenes - bad everything. It's not even charmingly bad.
And I bought the bundle so I have the eight first novellas!
This is just awkward, bad grammar, instalove in the extreme, bad sex scenes - bad everything. It's not even charmingly bad.
March 19, 2019
Poorly written, undeveloped short.
May 6, 2021
2.5 stars
June 9, 2022
Well, the story is quite simplistic, but pleasant.
August 21, 2022
A sweet MM story that was very easy to read and get lost in. Only thing I would have preferred was for it to be longer and the plot and characters to be explored more.
October 29, 2025
3,46⭐️
March 6, 2017
Well that was brief and awful. I hate, hate, HATE insta-love! also things happening just 'cus and drama caused by misunderstandings of which it has all 3. Aside from the sex scene, which I skipped most of, the rest of the book lacks details. Most of it is told in brief and summarising sentences. even the two main characters come off kinda flat. Not much of a story really. If all you care about is two dudes falling instantly in love/lust with each other then having a bunch of sex and nothing else then you'll love this.
March 3, 2017
2.5 stars. So really, the book doesn't rate above 2 stars. The writing, plot, character development are all very simplistic and it isn't even particularly hot. Yet, it was precisely the kind of mindless fluff for which I was looking and I enjoyed it, so 3 stars it is.
February 20, 2017
Not to bad will have to read another
Nice very engaging. I loved the dynamics between the vampire and human. I liked how a vampire with darkness could be so loving and caring
Nice very engaging. I loved the dynamics between the vampire and human. I liked how a vampire with darkness could be so loving and caring
April 28, 2016
Not nearly as good as the Pack Rules series (although a small part of that may be that I'm not as in to vampire books as shifter books). The book is plagued by Stretke's usual bad editing and grammar. The copy seems not to have been proofed at all as many words are misspelled and commas sadly lacking. The following sentence is an example (with the "bad" words starred out so I can actually post this on Amazon): "Upon contact a zing shot up Cullen's spin and tighten his ***** causing his **** to jerk in Ethan's palm." In the past I've been more forgiving of things like this, but it was coupled with weak, sappy writing. There were also things hinted at and never followed up on and some things that didn't make sense. At one point Ethan is stated as having a physical disability, but it turns out to be a scar on his face. What? I don't plan to follow up with more in the series. I just can't overlook things like this any longer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews