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Order of the Black Knights
Special-ops-turned-professional-killer Vespar McKauley is hired to take out Marcolm Rogers, son of his employer’s worst enemy. But Marc isn’t like any hit he’s ever done. He’s just twenty-one, he goes to a private university studying English Lit, and for fun, he plays computer games with his friends. No drugs, no partying, no crime. The day Vespar bumps into Marc and looks into his azure eyes, the world drops out from under him.
With his father in the Chicago crime syndicate, Marc and his mom have stayed out of the limelight, hiding from those who might harm them. He figures he’s safe at a small liberal arts university, all the way across the country. But midway through his senior year, he feels eyes on him and the shadows encroaching. Just as he’s about to run, he meets Vespar and experiences an instant attraction. When Vespar tells him he’s in danger and offers to protect him, Marc wants to believe him. But he’s been hunted before, and this time he isn’t sure he’ll get away. Especially when he finds out he is Vespar’s target.
Special-ops-turned-professional-killer Vespar McKauley is hired to take out Marcolm Rogers, son of his employer’s worst enemy. But Marc isn’t like any hit he’s ever done. He’s just twenty-one, he goes to a private university studying English Lit, and for fun, he plays computer games with his friends. No drugs, no partying, no crime. The day Vespar bumps into Marc and looks into his azure eyes, the world drops out from under him.
With his father in the Chicago crime syndicate, Marc and his mom have stayed out of the limelight, hiding from those who might harm them. He figures he’s safe at a small liberal arts university, all the way across the country. But midway through his senior year, he feels eyes on him and the shadows encroaching. Just as he’s about to run, he meets Vespar and experiences an instant attraction. When Vespar tells him he’s in danger and offers to protect him, Marc wants to believe him. But he’s been hunted before, and this time he isn’t sure he’ll get away. Especially when he finds out he is Vespar’s target.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 4, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 12, 2017
I knew I would enjoy this series, and I wasn't wrong. There's a very subtle paranormal element, since the whole plot is based around this curse. But other than that it's just your typical assassin-falls-in-love-with-his-mark-and-saves-him-instead-of-killing-him-story, which is a favorite trope of mine...
This was really well done. Yes, there was a strong insta-love component, because "something about Marcolm calms [Vespar]," inexplicably. But I felt their chemistry and believed when the relationship progressed. It didn't feel forced, none of the flirting was stilted or cheesy. It felt natural.
I didn't even really feel like we needed the epilogue, but I always appreciate a little check in with my characters. It's a little pet peeve, when an epilogue is based around sex. The book had some steamy scenes and I didn't feel like we needed an add on. But it was really nice to see what the guys were up to.
I'm definitely gonna continue with this series. Can't speak to the rest of it yet (I think each book has a different author) but I liked this one a lot. Action with feels. Some insta but not over the top, and definite chemistry.
Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
This was really well done. Yes, there was a strong insta-love component, because "something about Marcolm calms [Vespar]," inexplicably. But I felt their chemistry and believed when the relationship progressed. It didn't feel forced, none of the flirting was stilted or cheesy. It felt natural.
I didn't even really feel like we needed the epilogue, but I always appreciate a little check in with my characters. It's a little pet peeve, when an epilogue is based around sex. The book had some steamy scenes and I didn't feel like we needed an add on. But it was really nice to see what the guys were up to.
I'm definitely gonna continue with this series. Can't speak to the rest of it yet (I think each book has a different author) but I liked this one a lot. Action with feels. Some insta but not over the top, and definite chemistry.
Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
July 3, 2017
***4.38 stars***
I have to say that out of all the books in the series thus far this one is the best in regards to keeping with the assassin/killer aspect of the book, plus kept tying it back to the paranormal aspect as well. I say, well done! Seriously, this is my second book by this author and she does not disappoint.
I really liked how this author conveys to the readers that as the MC’s relive their lives from one time to the next that the only thing that stays the same is their likeness. Other than that everything is up for grabs including their age. For some this might have been obvious (the age part), but for me given the past books in the series, I always thought their age in relation to one another at the pivotal point was constant.
Thianna Durston does a wonderful job with characters in this book. The way Vespar “runs into” Marcolm and how their story evolves was enjoyable and kept me glued to the story. To see the bond/chemistry that builds between Vespar and Marcolm was not just hot, but turned into something beautiful in the end. I really enjoyed how the author built upon and kept reinforcing the deep connection between Vespar and Marcolm. How being near Marcolm put him at ease; how their bodies/souls recognized one another. Can I just say well done, because seriously...Well Done!
The ending to the book was beautifully written. It wasn’t rushed and nicely packaged at the end. It took a while for both characters to get their HEA, which IMO made it more realistic.
Just a little FYI: Even though this is part of a series, this book can be read independently.
I am one of many reviewers at Gay Book Reviews and can be found here: http://gaybook.reviews/author/steph/
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have to say that out of all the books in the series thus far this one is the best in regards to keeping with the assassin/killer aspect of the book, plus kept tying it back to the paranormal aspect as well. I say, well done! Seriously, this is my second book by this author and she does not disappoint.
I really liked how this author conveys to the readers that as the MC’s relive their lives from one time to the next that the only thing that stays the same is their likeness. Other than that everything is up for grabs including their age. For some this might have been obvious (the age part), but for me given the past books in the series, I always thought their age in relation to one another at the pivotal point was constant.
Thianna Durston does a wonderful job with characters in this book. The way Vespar “runs into” Marcolm and how their story evolves was enjoyable and kept me glued to the story. To see the bond/chemistry that builds between Vespar and Marcolm was not just hot, but turned into something beautiful in the end. I really enjoyed how the author built upon and kept reinforcing the deep connection between Vespar and Marcolm. How being near Marcolm put him at ease; how their bodies/souls recognized one another. Can I just say well done, because seriously...Well Done!
The ending to the book was beautifully written. It wasn’t rushed and nicely packaged at the end. It took a while for both characters to get their HEA, which IMO made it more realistic.
Just a little FYI: Even though this is part of a series, this book can be read independently.
I am one of many reviewers at Gay Book Reviews and can be found here: http://gaybook.reviews/author/steph/
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2017
Mayhem and confusion, this one. Plot holes.
No chemistry between the characters at all.
1.5 stars
No chemistry between the characters at all.
1.5 stars
March 22, 2017
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is classic cheesy romance. The old-soul/ancient curse concept gives this story the feel of a paranormal romance even though both characters are actually young humans. The hitman falling for his mark is a familiar trope but Vespar’s curse gives it an original twist.
Marcolm is a college kid who also happens to be on the run from his mobster family. Vespar is given the contract on his life.
We learn a great deal about Marcolm, but he didn’t ever feel completely real to me. He sounds too old to be a college kid and he feels too clueless for someone who has spent his life on the run. We learn very little about Vespar in his current life and he remains a vague Alpha male throughout the story. He does have lots of pretty muscles and cool skills. In the film version, he’d be played by a monosyllabic Arnold or a confused looking Jean-Claude Van Damme.
This is a m/m romance but it doesn’t always read like a relationship between two men. Marcolm is very much a young innocent in distress and Vespar is the conflicted Alpha male who comes to his rescue. I prefer more balanced couples in my romance and to me, this relationship felt very dated as the characters adhered to slightly offensive traditional gender roles.
Some of the sex scenes in this story are completely cringeworthy. Earnest confessions, adorable pet names and a graphic step by step guide to gay sex just didn’t work for me. These two didn’t feel like men and they didn’t sound like a college kid and a hit man. There were a few moments of banter - their arguments over fast food felt somewhat realistic but there were too many breathy sighs and angst filled musings for me.
I enjoyed the adventure and suspense elements of this story but I struggled with the characters and the romance. The concept for the series still interests me and I’m curious to see where this series goes next.
This is classic cheesy romance. The old-soul/ancient curse concept gives this story the feel of a paranormal romance even though both characters are actually young humans. The hitman falling for his mark is a familiar trope but Vespar’s curse gives it an original twist.
Marcolm is a college kid who also happens to be on the run from his mobster family. Vespar is given the contract on his life.
We learn a great deal about Marcolm, but he didn’t ever feel completely real to me. He sounds too old to be a college kid and he feels too clueless for someone who has spent his life on the run. We learn very little about Vespar in his current life and he remains a vague Alpha male throughout the story. He does have lots of pretty muscles and cool skills. In the film version, he’d be played by a monosyllabic Arnold or a confused looking Jean-Claude Van Damme.
This is a m/m romance but it doesn’t always read like a relationship between two men. Marcolm is very much a young innocent in distress and Vespar is the conflicted Alpha male who comes to his rescue. I prefer more balanced couples in my romance and to me, this relationship felt very dated as the characters adhered to slightly offensive traditional gender roles.
Some of the sex scenes in this story are completely cringeworthy. Earnest confessions, adorable pet names and a graphic step by step guide to gay sex just didn’t work for me. These two didn’t feel like men and they didn’t sound like a college kid and a hit man. There were a few moments of banter - their arguments over fast food felt somewhat realistic but there were too many breathy sighs and angst filled musings for me.
I enjoyed the adventure and suspense elements of this story but I struggled with the characters and the romance. The concept for the series still interests me and I’m curious to see where this series goes next.
February 4, 2018
Now this was what I was looking for in these stories. This one I really liked. There was a good plot, suspense, some angst, and all the good stuff. And things were not just sex and that's it. So far out of this series, this one is the best to me.
With the urges to kill that Vespar had, the military seemed like a good fit. But it ended up not working out well at all. So he turned to becoming a hitman. The problem is, his mark. When he got into this profession, he decided and said off the bat that he would not harm Innocents or children. When he sees his mark, it throws him completely off his game. He knows there is more going on than what is being told. Marcolm is just a sweet young man, who doesn't get into any trouble, doesn't do drugs, doesn't drink. Nothing. So why is there a hit on him? Vespar finds out Marcolm is being used as a pawn in the crime syndicate game. Marcolm, being the grandson of the head of the Chicago syndicate, got away from the family with his mom when he was very young. And they are stopping at nothing to get him back. But enemies are using Marcolm as a way to get even and Vespar decides he needs to protect Marcolm. He will stop at nothing to keep this young man safe, even if it means turning himself in. Marcolm brings something to Vespar no one else ever has. Peace. And it's time to bring the hunters down.
So often in books, the bad guys are just that. Bad. They never get a chance at redemption. They never WANT to change. Even though Vespar was a Black Knight, he was different from the beginning. Even though he had the urge to kill, he always had a purpose. As he was younger, he never killed animals for sport like so many did. Like people like him did. He made use of his kills. The meat was used to feed his family, the hides used for clothing and such. When he got on his own after the military, he wouldn't even kill people just to kill. No Innocents. No children. Only people that are deserving. And for someone that is supposed to be bad, I love him. Because even with the urges he has, the sense of good is still there. The sense of right and wrong. So when he 'runs into’ his mark, Marcolm, he is thrown for a loop, because there is no way this young man could be a mark. This young man who does no wrong. What throws Vespar even more, is that for the first time in his life, the urges are gone. Just touching the skin of this young man brings him a peace he has never known. And he fights it at first. Surely this can't be right. But the more he is around Marcolm, the more he realizes he needs this man and he wants to save him and protect him. He wants to be a better man for him. Someone who is deserving.
Marcolm is the sweetest little thing ever. He's used to being on the run, but he thought he finally had a chance at a somewhat normal life. He's months away from graduation and he's so excited. But lately he feels like he is being watched and he hopes that he will at least get to finish school before he has to run again. He just wants a normal life. To be left alone. When he 'runs into’ Vespar, he even has hopes of maybe having a date. Marcolm falls in lust the minute he sees Vespar. He has never seen a man like him. Every thought is about him. So when Vespar shows interest in him as well, he is overjoyed. As they spend a little time together, Vespar ends up telling him part of the truth. That he is being hunted and Vespar wants to protect him and teach him to take care of himself. Marcolm has no choice but to believe him and go on the run again. The more time the spend together, though, the more the chemistry becomes heightened. And the more Marcolm is actually falling in love. But being hunted and lies that were omitted have a way of coming to light and things are just going downhill in every way possible. He feels betrayed and doesn't know who to trust anymore. It's so heartbreaking. Marcolm just wanted peace and the man he thought was loving him too.
Redemption can come in many ways. Righting a wrong, protecting someone, etc. You just have to take the opportunity to use it when it comes upon you. That's what I love about this book. Someone who was supposed to be bad took the chance to do good. To do something right and make things better. He took a chance on himself and let feelings he never thought he could feel come to fruition. This is such a good book. All about forgiveness, love, redemption and goodness. Of course you can't have good without the bad, but good overcomes.
With the urges to kill that Vespar had, the military seemed like a good fit. But it ended up not working out well at all. So he turned to becoming a hitman. The problem is, his mark. When he got into this profession, he decided and said off the bat that he would not harm Innocents or children. When he sees his mark, it throws him completely off his game. He knows there is more going on than what is being told. Marcolm is just a sweet young man, who doesn't get into any trouble, doesn't do drugs, doesn't drink. Nothing. So why is there a hit on him? Vespar finds out Marcolm is being used as a pawn in the crime syndicate game. Marcolm, being the grandson of the head of the Chicago syndicate, got away from the family with his mom when he was very young. And they are stopping at nothing to get him back. But enemies are using Marcolm as a way to get even and Vespar decides he needs to protect Marcolm. He will stop at nothing to keep this young man safe, even if it means turning himself in. Marcolm brings something to Vespar no one else ever has. Peace. And it's time to bring the hunters down.
So often in books, the bad guys are just that. Bad. They never get a chance at redemption. They never WANT to change. Even though Vespar was a Black Knight, he was different from the beginning. Even though he had the urge to kill, he always had a purpose. As he was younger, he never killed animals for sport like so many did. Like people like him did. He made use of his kills. The meat was used to feed his family, the hides used for clothing and such. When he got on his own after the military, he wouldn't even kill people just to kill. No Innocents. No children. Only people that are deserving. And for someone that is supposed to be bad, I love him. Because even with the urges he has, the sense of good is still there. The sense of right and wrong. So when he 'runs into’ his mark, Marcolm, he is thrown for a loop, because there is no way this young man could be a mark. This young man who does no wrong. What throws Vespar even more, is that for the first time in his life, the urges are gone. Just touching the skin of this young man brings him a peace he has never known. And he fights it at first. Surely this can't be right. But the more he is around Marcolm, the more he realizes he needs this man and he wants to save him and protect him. He wants to be a better man for him. Someone who is deserving.
Marcolm is the sweetest little thing ever. He's used to being on the run, but he thought he finally had a chance at a somewhat normal life. He's months away from graduation and he's so excited. But lately he feels like he is being watched and he hopes that he will at least get to finish school before he has to run again. He just wants a normal life. To be left alone. When he 'runs into’ Vespar, he even has hopes of maybe having a date. Marcolm falls in lust the minute he sees Vespar. He has never seen a man like him. Every thought is about him. So when Vespar shows interest in him as well, he is overjoyed. As they spend a little time together, Vespar ends up telling him part of the truth. That he is being hunted and Vespar wants to protect him and teach him to take care of himself. Marcolm has no choice but to believe him and go on the run again. The more time the spend together, though, the more the chemistry becomes heightened. And the more Marcolm is actually falling in love. But being hunted and lies that were omitted have a way of coming to light and things are just going downhill in every way possible. He feels betrayed and doesn't know who to trust anymore. It's so heartbreaking. Marcolm just wanted peace and the man he thought was loving him too.
Redemption can come in many ways. Righting a wrong, protecting someone, etc. You just have to take the opportunity to use it when it comes upon you. That's what I love about this book. Someone who was supposed to be bad took the chance to do good. To do something right and make things better. He took a chance on himself and let feelings he never thought he could feel come to fruition. This is such a good book. All about forgiveness, love, redemption and goodness. Of course you can't have good without the bad, but good overcomes.
January 4, 2017
I so love this series. I have read every book in the series so far and I am never disappointed.
Vespar is the one that made the deal with the devil for greater and better things then he had in the lives before this one and with each life that he lives the only thing that changes besides the times is the fact that the person he is trying to kill in each lifetime is the one person he needs to save in order to break the curse of the black knights. Each time he has to kill Marcolm over and over again the deaths become more brutal and the need to kill him becomes more prominent in his heart.
But the thing that is different about this current life is for the first time Vespar finds himself not only wanting to kill Marcolm like his previous lives but with each passing moment he finds that he is falling for him also. So with that in mind, being one of the hired hitmans to dispose of Marcolm suddenly changes and instead Vespar finds himself trying to protect Marcolm along with trying to figure out what it is that he starting to feel for him since it is such a foreign feeling to Vespar.
Will Vespar realized that the feeling he is feeling for Marcolm is actually love or will he wait to long to put a name to it and Marcolm in this lifetime just as he has killed him in the past lifetimes? What will happen when these ones hitman finally catches up to the two men? Will they walk away with their lives and the love they feel for one another or will onenor both end up being murdered before they can finally admit to each other what they feel?
This is the third book in the series and just like the past books, I was completely hooked. I could not put this book down once I started reading it and I loved how action packed that it was. And just like the rest of the series, I cannot wait till the next book comes out and I can see what Thianna has in store for the readers.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Vespar is the one that made the deal with the devil for greater and better things then he had in the lives before this one and with each life that he lives the only thing that changes besides the times is the fact that the person he is trying to kill in each lifetime is the one person he needs to save in order to break the curse of the black knights. Each time he has to kill Marcolm over and over again the deaths become more brutal and the need to kill him becomes more prominent in his heart.
But the thing that is different about this current life is for the first time Vespar finds himself not only wanting to kill Marcolm like his previous lives but with each passing moment he finds that he is falling for him also. So with that in mind, being one of the hired hitmans to dispose of Marcolm suddenly changes and instead Vespar finds himself trying to protect Marcolm along with trying to figure out what it is that he starting to feel for him since it is such a foreign feeling to Vespar.
Will Vespar realized that the feeling he is feeling for Marcolm is actually love or will he wait to long to put a name to it and Marcolm in this lifetime just as he has killed him in the past lifetimes? What will happen when these ones hitman finally catches up to the two men? Will they walk away with their lives and the love they feel for one another or will onenor both end up being murdered before they can finally admit to each other what they feel?
This is the third book in the series and just like the past books, I was completely hooked. I could not put this book down once I started reading it and I loved how action packed that it was. And just like the rest of the series, I cannot wait till the next book comes out and I can see what Thianna has in store for the readers.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
January 20, 2017
4 Stars!
Vespar has to kill, it's an urge he can only hold off for so long. His time in Special Forces was perfect for sating that hunger. Now that he is out, the urge has come back. Deciding on a career as a hitman seemed to be the best fit, but when he's tasked to kill Marcolm, son of crime boss Patrick Bissini, things don't go as planned.
Marcolm has spent most of his life moving from one place to another in hopes of out-running his father. Just a few months shy of graduating college he starts feeling as if he's being followed.
I like this series, its unique and provocative. I wasn't quite sure with the first book since I found the characters and content not to my liking but the writing wonderful. The second book though was great, I absolutely loved it. So to say I was excited to get my hands on Vespar, book 3 in the series, was an understatement.
Vespar is different than the last two Black Knights. While he is cursed in a similar way and enjoys hunting and killing, he's a bit softer. It may be part of his character or the way the author wrote him, I'm not entirely sure, truthfully. But where Gideon relished the kill and Matthias delighted in the absolute control, Vespar seemed burdened by his need to kill. He was quick to repress the need to murder Marcolm and instead protect him.
Being the opposite of who he was or thought he was, seemed much easier for him than it did for the previous men we've met in the series. He had a heart and that was apparent from early on. So much so, that I kind of forgot he was hired to kill Marcolm. He was better with Marcolm, less rigid and cold.
Overall, I really liked the story. The characters were well thought out and likable. My only big complaint is that there was something missing. The second book was so great and it may have set the bar a bit high.
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
Vespar has to kill, it's an urge he can only hold off for so long. His time in Special Forces was perfect for sating that hunger. Now that he is out, the urge has come back. Deciding on a career as a hitman seemed to be the best fit, but when he's tasked to kill Marcolm, son of crime boss Patrick Bissini, things don't go as planned.
Marcolm has spent most of his life moving from one place to another in hopes of out-running his father. Just a few months shy of graduating college he starts feeling as if he's being followed.
I like this series, its unique and provocative. I wasn't quite sure with the first book since I found the characters and content not to my liking but the writing wonderful. The second book though was great, I absolutely loved it. So to say I was excited to get my hands on Vespar, book 3 in the series, was an understatement.
Vespar is different than the last two Black Knights. While he is cursed in a similar way and enjoys hunting and killing, he's a bit softer. It may be part of his character or the way the author wrote him, I'm not entirely sure, truthfully. But where Gideon relished the kill and Matthias delighted in the absolute control, Vespar seemed burdened by his need to kill. He was quick to repress the need to murder Marcolm and instead protect him.
Being the opposite of who he was or thought he was, seemed much easier for him than it did for the previous men we've met in the series. He had a heart and that was apparent from early on. So much so, that I kind of forgot he was hired to kill Marcolm. He was better with Marcolm, less rigid and cold.
Overall, I really liked the story. The characters were well thought out and likable. My only big complaint is that there was something missing. The second book was so great and it may have set the bar a bit high.
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
July 8, 2018
Was not what i was expecting. Was expecting a series more like JR Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood, and it's not, but don't think as it's not like that fabulous series, it's not good, because it is.
Vespar has lived many lives, thanks to the pact he made with Moriel a wizard to become one of his Black Knights. To live, to kill, to die and to start the process all over again. The catch they must pardon the one enemy they first killed when they became a black knight and the cycle will be broken, however they have no knowledge of this detail until the end of every life, to know they had killed the one again, and the knowledge they just learnt will not go with them into the next life.
Vespar has taken his first hit job after leaving special ops. His target is Marcolm Bissini, who has been missing from the Bissini crime family since he was 8 yrs old, 13 yrs later there has been a hit placed out on him. Marcolm with his Mum fled the family and been on the run ever since he is now known as Marcolm Rogers.
Vespar finds peace when he touches Marc and can't bring himself to kill , but to become he protector.
Recommend this series multi authored series.
Vespar has lived many lives, thanks to the pact he made with Moriel a wizard to become one of his Black Knights. To live, to kill, to die and to start the process all over again. The catch they must pardon the one enemy they first killed when they became a black knight and the cycle will be broken, however they have no knowledge of this detail until the end of every life, to know they had killed the one again, and the knowledge they just learnt will not go with them into the next life.
Vespar has taken his first hit job after leaving special ops. His target is Marcolm Bissini, who has been missing from the Bissini crime family since he was 8 yrs old, 13 yrs later there has been a hit placed out on him. Marcolm with his Mum fled the family and been on the run ever since he is now known as Marcolm Rogers.
Vespar finds peace when he touches Marc and can't bring himself to kill , but to become he protector.
Recommend this series multi authored series.
February 6, 2017
Independent reviewer for Divine Magazine, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I can't write a blurby bit, because I'm so so very pleased with this book!!
We get a little into how the series came about, by way of a small bit at the front of this book.
BUT more importantly......
We finally get more about WHY the Black Knights came about, and HOW Vespar, at least, came to be joined to them. We get that little bit of information at the beginning of this book that gives me what I was missing from books one, Gideon and book two, Matthias and it certainly made THIS book a far better read, for me anyway!
It does carry the same, meet, love, kill, rinse and repeat theme from the other two books BUT it came across in a far better way, and I didn't notice the similarities in the story lines to books one and two, as much as I did between the other two books, if that makes sense? Yes, Vespar had met Marc many times in his previous lives, but their connection doesn't seem as solid, it wasn't given that "I've met him before" thing that was in the other books.
I loved, LOVED that it was way past half way before they gave into their feelings for each other. LOVED being made to wait for the main event. Loved that it wasn't clear which way it would end, right til the end, loved that. Love being kept on my toes!
Told from both men's point of view, in the third person is the best way for me to read a book. And I loved this book! Read in one single sitting.
But I wonder, who is next?? Whoever it is, and whoever writes it, I want to read it. Now I have that bit more information, I need more! Greedy, I know, but there you go, that's me!
So, I can't, in all honest, give it anything other than...
5 full stars
**same worded review will appear on Goodreads/Booklikes, DSP Publications, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, Kobo, and Barnes and Noble**
I can't write a blurby bit, because I'm so so very pleased with this book!!
We get a little into how the series came about, by way of a small bit at the front of this book.
BUT more importantly......
We finally get more about WHY the Black Knights came about, and HOW Vespar, at least, came to be joined to them. We get that little bit of information at the beginning of this book that gives me what I was missing from books one, Gideon and book two, Matthias and it certainly made THIS book a far better read, for me anyway!
It does carry the same, meet, love, kill, rinse and repeat theme from the other two books BUT it came across in a far better way, and I didn't notice the similarities in the story lines to books one and two, as much as I did between the other two books, if that makes sense? Yes, Vespar had met Marc many times in his previous lives, but their connection doesn't seem as solid, it wasn't given that "I've met him before" thing that was in the other books.
I loved, LOVED that it was way past half way before they gave into their feelings for each other. LOVED being made to wait for the main event. Loved that it wasn't clear which way it would end, right til the end, loved that. Love being kept on my toes!
Told from both men's point of view, in the third person is the best way for me to read a book. And I loved this book! Read in one single sitting.
But I wonder, who is next?? Whoever it is, and whoever writes it, I want to read it. Now I have that bit more information, I need more! Greedy, I know, but there you go, that's me!
So, I can't, in all honest, give it anything other than...
5 full stars
**same worded review will appear on Goodreads/Booklikes, DSP Publications, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, Kobo, and Barnes and Noble**
January 13, 2017
Excellent writing, characters, and plotting! :D
April 14, 2017
Title: Vespar
Author: Thianna Durston
Series: Order of the Black Knights Book 3
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: January 4, 2017
Genre(s): Male/Male Paranorman Romance
Page Count: 287 Pages
Heat Level: 3 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
This is the third book in the Order of the Black Knights series. I have not read the first two books in the series, but I believe that each book is a stand-alone story. This is Vespar’s story. Centuries ago Vespar made a pact that brought him into the Order of the Black Knight. He is forced to live his life over and over again until he can pardon the death of his intended victim. The catch is that with each life he forgets all the previous lives and with each new life the need to kill becomes stronger. Plot Vespar’s need to kill is a throbbing entity. He has been able to sustain it with hunting in his youth. When he was older he joined the military working in the special ops division. Now he is a hit man. A killer for higher. No job is off limits, except for children, he will not kill the innocent. When he is contracted to take out Marcolm Rodgers he does all he can to find the young man’s location. Marc has been on the run. He is the son of the head of one of Chicago's biggest crime families. Vespar didn’t expect to find an innocent, likable young man. Not a child, Marc is definitely a man. A charming, shy man who works and studies hard to complete his education. His only vice, if you can call it that, is that he play online video games with his friends. The chemistry between Marc and Vespar is instantaneous. Vespar feels a sense of calm when he is with Marc. The need to kill is still there but it is greatly diminished. Marc is instantly attracted to the dark, mysterious man who makes him feel safe. The pacing is exciting. This is a book that you will not want to put down. I loved the ending of this well-written story. These characters really grow in this story where one doesn’t need to repeat the mistakes of the past.
PLOT: 5 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 5 Stars
PACING: 5 Stars
ENDING: 5 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 5 Stars
Review Copy of Vespar provided by the Dreamspinner Press I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club
Author: Thianna Durston
Series: Order of the Black Knights Book 3
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: January 4, 2017
Genre(s): Male/Male Paranorman Romance
Page Count: 287 Pages
Heat Level: 3 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Order of the Black Knights
Special-ops-turned-professional-killer Vespar McKauley is hired to take out Marcolm Rogers, son of his employer’s worst enemy. But Marc isn’t like any hit he’s ever done. He’s just twenty-one, he goes to a private university studying English Lit, and for fun, he plays computer games with his friends. No drugs, no partying, no crime. The day Vespar bumps into Marc and looks into his azure eyes, the world drops out from under him.
With his father in the Chicago crime syndicate, Marc and his mom have stayed out of the limelight, hiding from those who might harm them. He figures he’s safe at a small liberal arts university, all the way across the country. But midway through his senior year, he feels eyes on him and the shadows encroaching. Just as he’s about to run, he meets Vespar and experiences an instant attraction. When Vespar tells him he’s in danger and offers to protect him, Marc wants to believe him. But he’s been hunted before, and this time he isn’t sure he’ll get away. Especially when he finds out he is Vespar’s target.
Review:
This is the third book in the Order of the Black Knights series. I have not read the first two books in the series, but I believe that each book is a stand-alone story. This is Vespar’s story. Centuries ago Vespar made a pact that brought him into the Order of the Black Knight. He is forced to live his life over and over again until he can pardon the death of his intended victim. The catch is that with each life he forgets all the previous lives and with each new life the need to kill becomes stronger. Plot Vespar’s need to kill is a throbbing entity. He has been able to sustain it with hunting in his youth. When he was older he joined the military working in the special ops division. Now he is a hit man. A killer for higher. No job is off limits, except for children, he will not kill the innocent. When he is contracted to take out Marcolm Rodgers he does all he can to find the young man’s location. Marc has been on the run. He is the son of the head of one of Chicago's biggest crime families. Vespar didn’t expect to find an innocent, likable young man. Not a child, Marc is definitely a man. A charming, shy man who works and studies hard to complete his education. His only vice, if you can call it that, is that he play online video games with his friends. The chemistry between Marc and Vespar is instantaneous. Vespar feels a sense of calm when he is with Marc. The need to kill is still there but it is greatly diminished. Marc is instantly attracted to the dark, mysterious man who makes him feel safe. The pacing is exciting. This is a book that you will not want to put down. I loved the ending of this well-written story. These characters really grow in this story where one doesn’t need to repeat the mistakes of the past.
PLOT: 5 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 5 Stars
PACING: 5 Stars
ENDING: 5 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 5 Stars
Review Copy of Vespar provided by the Dreamspinner Press I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club
May 1, 2017
After I read the most recent Black Knight story, I decided to go back and read some of the earlier installments of the series. "Vespar" was book 3 in the series, and from the reviews it appears that this is when the series really developed. "Vespar" follows almost the same story arc as "Gabriel" (the newest in the series).
Vespar is given unlimited power by entering a deal with Moriel (Satan) eight hundred years ago. Vespar will remain a killing machine until he pardons one particular person in the entire world that he is supposed to kill. The person appears at least once in each of Vespar's lifetimes, and he always looks the same - a young, red headed, naive, dork.
Along comes Marcolm, who fits the description . . . The son of a Mafia boss whose enemies have a hit out on him, and Vespar appears to be the hit man. When Vespar meets Marcolm, however, he feels relief that this kid can take away the overwhelming need to kill that has been part of Vespar's life for the past 800 years. Having read "Gabriel" makes reading "Vespar" anticlimactic since they follow the same formula pattern of writing. It is interesting and page turning reading, but the story is completely figured out after the first 20-30 pages, and all the rest is window dressing. (That was the same complaint that I had with "Gabriel".).
Vespar goes on a few dates with Marcolm, and gets invited to Marcolm's apartment where Vespar discloses that he will protect Marcolm from any potential hit men since he had grown a liking to the kid. Vespar makes a promise to protect this young man who provides him relief from the never ending killing curse. Ultimately, Vespar determines that a second hit man has been dispatched to kill Marcolm: they leave the area where they had been with the intention of avoiding the newly retained hitman.
They continue their travels and the two men fall in love with each other, but Vespar knows that it is only the FBI that can offer Marcolm the safety he needs. The two make love and Vespar knows that it will be the only time that he will know true love since he has to leave Marcolm so he can be protected in the witness protection program under the auspices of the FBI. It coincidentally occurs that the town that they stop in has an FBI Office in it.
At some point, hitman number two arrives on the scene and takes Marcolm. Just as he is about to be killed, Vespar jumps in front of the bullet that is meant for Marcolm and sustains near fatal injuries. Once he is gravely injured, as with the stories in the dark knight series, he is transported back to the first person that he could have saved instead of killed, and Vespar changes his decision to let the prior person continue to live: that breaks to curse that Moriel has over him. For Vespar, however, allowing his first victim to live significantly changes his entire future life, and he loses his identity. (When Vespar tells the FBI that he is "Vespar" the professional hit man, they dispute his claim because his brain pattern is now different now that he has been released from Moriel's control.).
Fast forward . . . Injuries have healed . . . And both Marcolm and Vespar are about to enter into the witness protection program and never see each other again. But, of course, the rules are bent and Marcolm and Vespar remain together and have a happy ever after ending. Although the ending is predictable (just like the "Gabriel" story), I give this one four stars.
Vespar is given unlimited power by entering a deal with Moriel (Satan) eight hundred years ago. Vespar will remain a killing machine until he pardons one particular person in the entire world that he is supposed to kill. The person appears at least once in each of Vespar's lifetimes, and he always looks the same - a young, red headed, naive, dork.
Along comes Marcolm, who fits the description . . . The son of a Mafia boss whose enemies have a hit out on him, and Vespar appears to be the hit man. When Vespar meets Marcolm, however, he feels relief that this kid can take away the overwhelming need to kill that has been part of Vespar's life for the past 800 years. Having read "Gabriel" makes reading "Vespar" anticlimactic since they follow the same formula pattern of writing. It is interesting and page turning reading, but the story is completely figured out after the first 20-30 pages, and all the rest is window dressing. (That was the same complaint that I had with "Gabriel".).
Vespar goes on a few dates with Marcolm, and gets invited to Marcolm's apartment where Vespar discloses that he will protect Marcolm from any potential hit men since he had grown a liking to the kid. Vespar makes a promise to protect this young man who provides him relief from the never ending killing curse. Ultimately, Vespar determines that a second hit man has been dispatched to kill Marcolm: they leave the area where they had been with the intention of avoiding the newly retained hitman.
They continue their travels and the two men fall in love with each other, but Vespar knows that it is only the FBI that can offer Marcolm the safety he needs. The two make love and Vespar knows that it will be the only time that he will know true love since he has to leave Marcolm so he can be protected in the witness protection program under the auspices of the FBI. It coincidentally occurs that the town that they stop in has an FBI Office in it.
At some point, hitman number two arrives on the scene and takes Marcolm. Just as he is about to be killed, Vespar jumps in front of the bullet that is meant for Marcolm and sustains near fatal injuries. Once he is gravely injured, as with the stories in the dark knight series, he is transported back to the first person that he could have saved instead of killed, and Vespar changes his decision to let the prior person continue to live: that breaks to curse that Moriel has over him. For Vespar, however, allowing his first victim to live significantly changes his entire future life, and he loses his identity. (When Vespar tells the FBI that he is "Vespar" the professional hit man, they dispute his claim because his brain pattern is now different now that he has been released from Moriel's control.).
Fast forward . . . Injuries have healed . . . And both Marcolm and Vespar are about to enter into the witness protection program and never see each other again. But, of course, the rules are bent and Marcolm and Vespar remain together and have a happy ever after ending. Although the ending is predictable (just like the "Gabriel" story), I give this one four stars.
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