Alexander Stone has had it with all these loving couples. After Cullen found his chosen Ethan, Alexander was shocked to learn that a young member of the coven had also found his forever love. For Alexander, that was the straw that broke the camel's back, he would not be alone anymore. He began a search far and wide for the person who would be his chosen and his partner forever. Alexander had always assumed his chosen would be a woman. As the Master Vampire of the Crimson Coven, he needed to procreate and provide an heir, but when he learns shockingly that his chosen is in fact a man and working right under his nose he sets off to claim the heart of his beloved. When you're as much of a playboy as Alexander Stone, there's bound to be some bumps in the road and some psycho exes, but he is determined to succeed in claiming his Quinn, his forever love.
Quinn Ravenscroft just wanted the experience of accounting for a major firm and working with a large enough corporation to give him a good reference on his CV, what he hadn't bargained for was the tall, dashing, and charismatic Alexander Stone to sweep into his life and turn it upside down. Quinn wants to believe that Alexander is true, but he's read the tabloids and heard the rumors about the playboy CEO of Crimson Corp. How could he be interested in someone like Quinn? Quinn also has a secret and he knows that Alexander is hiding something as well. Can they overcome their secrets and find that forever love? Only fate can decide.
B.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.
Sweet - Simple - Short... those are 3 things I seem to love these days. If you’re looking for in-depth emotions or drama-llamas, you won’t find it here.
It’s been awhile since I’ve picked this author up, but I’m determined to get through their books so that I can one day get to their more recent stuff... I do hope it continues improving, and although it’s been awhile I do believe I enjoyed this one more than others I’ve read. Could just be my current “sweet and simple” mindset though....
This story was short and quick, nice enough to pass some time and not complex. The MCs weren't bad, but it all went so fast that I really didn't focus much to any of this.
I don't want to stop reading about this coven. This part of the series will probably be my favorite. Even though each story is fairly short, the romance and intensity is very pronounced.
Not for those who can't stand poor editing (can I please buy a comma ?). Stretke's books are quick brain-candy reads that sometimes (unintentionally) have me laughing out loud. If a man takes your hand, leads you to sit close on a couch, then kisses your knuckles, he is not interested in you as a business associate. There are so many instances of this kind of too-quickly-intimate kind of behavior while Quinn seems to be confused or clueless as to what Alexander wants from or feels for him. There are a few surprises toward the end of the story, including something that Stretke has never explored before, even though it pops up in other paranormal books fairly regularly. I read these when I just need a quick escape from lengthier or heavier things. They are predictable, fast, and somehow satisfying.
Please don't read any of the other reviews if you would like a nice surprise towards the end of this story. I hadn't read the book synopsis or any reviews so I got to enjoy the second book in the Crimson Coven series without knowing what was going to happen.
A collision course was inevitable. Alexander Stone, the Coven leader and Master Vampire was lonely, upset, and jealous of two Coven members: Lyndon and Cullen finding their Chosen Ones. It didn't matter that they were Humans. At nearly 250 years old Alexander was determined to find his Chosen. He decided to be proactive by having his people arrange dates with all the eligible women in the Crimson area Humans and Shifters alike.
At the same time his company was going through its annual audit. Luckily the CEO of the Accounting firm was a Crimson Coven member and brought other Paranormals or Humans who knew about the Paranormal world to assist. A daunting task until under ideal conditions, but it was made worse by the angry frustrated head of the Crimson Corporation where was his Chosen?!
Alexander needed to meet his mate and produce a heir to carry on the family legacy of being Master Vampire as well as Chief Executive Officer of this large conglomerate of enterprises. Why were none of the women appealing? He felt like Prince Charming and he was certain many of the women perceived him that way. Carrying around a metaphorical "glass slipper". But like the prince despite having dinner with dates with some exquisite creatures (Human and only Human in appearance) he found no one that fit his glass slipper.
The Coven was tense. The companies were tense. The auditors were tense. Everyone was walking on eggshells around the cranky cantankerous Vampire. Definitely not the best working environment.
Enter one of the newest members of the auditing firm, Quinn Ravenscroft. He sees this as a wonderful career opportunity to not only work with a major accounting firm, but given the chance to join the team of the firm's largest account. Quinn is surprised but very pleased. Until during the middle of one day he's told to leave and go back to be reassigned. No explanations. WTF? Irritated and disappointed he began to wonder if the Lewiston firm in Crimson Virginia is where he was meant to be. He loved his North Carolina home, the youngest of five macho brothers. One of which called daily to demand he return home, but Quinn loved his independence and a chance to spread his wings. Now he was having second thoughts.
Then just as suddenly he was asked to return to the firm. Again no explanations. Quinn was shocked he been asked to actually meet the Crimson Corporation CEO. Alexander Stone was a force to be reckoned with. His brother warned him and the audit leader encouraged him to do whatever he needed for the firm. It sounded kind of like being pimped out. Quinn was confused by the sudden change of heart. In the interim as Alexander Stone smelled the glorious scent of his Chosen, in an area where the auditing team had been. He was determined to meet her. He was happy, eager, and anxious awaiting her return. And finally when the two meet it is lust and attraction at First Sight. But Alex had been looking for a wife - why was he dining with Quinn?
Quinn reminded Alexander of a precious jewel with his emerald green eyes and dark red hair. He needed a reason to keep Quinn close: Audit Liaison. Quinn was confused despite his attraction. Alex was a Ladies man as proven in the tabloids. Quinn doesn't know what to think of the special attention paid to him by Alexander Stone. The charming CEO made Quinn forget his promise to himself to not associate with bisexual men. Why did he feel such an attraction? Why did Alex act like he was wooing him? There were so many unanswered questions. But not for Alexander he planned his seduction of the one Chosen for him by Fate. He thinks he knows all he needs to about Quinn especially after his Security Chief created a dossier. But there were some surprises in store.
I really enjoyed the story. I can't wait to read the next one. I wonder if it will be one of Quinn's brothers or a Crimson Coven member?
The ending of this storyline was fabulous, which to me, was the best part of this addition to the series. I did like both characters, Quinn, and Alexander. They were a very unique match, and I was excited to see how it would all unfold. There were a few editing issues, but the story remained to be interesting. I do like this author's writing, so I'm on to the next. =)
I really enjoy this author and his series. I was enjoying this book had potential to be my favorite then it just ends! So many more questions of what happens next! Hopefully it's picked up again in another one of the books but it won't be the same from another pov.
This was enjoyable but did not feel like a complete book, just an outline draft. It needed fleshing out. I am guessing those is a books written early in this author's career and expect him to get much better.
I thought this was such a sweet short story with a special ending. I enjoyed most of the author's work and I think this is the last series so far. Looking forward to reading more.
This was a really well written short story with a great ending! I had an inkling that about a third of the way in that Quinn had something different in him. There were a couple of instances where the word used was incorrect (too much auto spellcheck?) but for me it didn't detract from the the overall story, I'm not picky about that only care how well the story resonances with me. Great job Mr. Stretke (my spellcheck just turned your name into "Streaked", lol)!
I liked this one better than the first. The introduction to more paranormals was a nice touch. I find novellas sometimes hard to say much about. Its always insta-love and things happen at the speed of light but sometimes an enjoyable read that's only going to take you an hour is a great break.
At first I really was NOT liking Alexander. He was so full of himself and so sure how things were going to be... him ALPHA!!! He's the boss of Quinn. I don't see where that changed much but lucky for Alexander that Quinn really cared for him.
Can't wait for more installments from this series. This book was good I'm glad the coven leader found his mate, I am looking forward for them to have a kid.