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Hours of the Night #1.5
Bonfire
Silent night, holy hell.
Thaddeus and Sarasija are spending the holidays on the bayou, and while the vampire’s idea of Christmas cheer doesn't quite match his assistant’s, they’re working on a compromise. Before they can get the tree trimmed, they’re interrupted by the appearance of the feu follet. The ghostly lights appear in the swamp at random and lead even the locals astray.
When the townsfolk link the phenomenon to the return of their most reclusive neighbor, suspicion falls on Thaddeus. These lights aren't bringing glad tidings, and if Thad and Sara can't find their source, the feu follet might herald a holiday tragedy for the whole town.
Thaddeus and Sarasija are spending the holidays on the bayou, and while the vampire’s idea of Christmas cheer doesn't quite match his assistant’s, they’re working on a compromise. Before they can get the tree trimmed, they’re interrupted by the appearance of the feu follet. The ghostly lights appear in the swamp at random and lead even the locals astray.
When the townsfolk link the phenomenon to the return of their most reclusive neighbor, suspicion falls on Thaddeus. These lights aren't bringing glad tidings, and if Thad and Sara can't find their source, the feu follet might herald a holiday tragedy for the whole town.
99 pages, ebook
First published November 15, 2016
18 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Irene Preston
12 books105 followersIrene Preston has to write romances, after all she is living one. As a starving college student, she met her dream man who whisked her away on a romantic honeymoon across Europe. Today they live in the beautiful hill country outside of Austin, Texas where Dream Man is still working hard to make sure she never has to take off her rose-colored glasses.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
February 4, 2017
4,5 rounded to 5 stars
I adored the first book in this series, Vespers! I fell in love with Sarasija and Thaddeus, so of course I wanted to read Bonfire too.
This novel is the sequel of Vespers and not a very short one, as I expected it to be. It's actually the 1,5 book in this series. And I can't wait to read the next book too!
It's been a couple of months since I read Vespers and I missed Thad and Sara so much! They became very dear to my heart, being so sweet but strong in the same time.
The action in this novel takes place in the bayou, during Christmas time. I enjoyed reading again about these wonderful characters. The writing style is great, I adored many dialogues and I highlighted many parts of the book.
Again I was won by the beautiful writing of Irene Preston and Liv Rancourt!
"I think, Sara, you could ask me to hang the Christmas star in the heavens, and I would find a way to accomplish the task"
"Though at times my inner conflict still raged, Sara was a sin I couldn't help but commit."
"They may call it la petite morte, but in my long death, this release was my strongest proof of life."
Sara and Thaddeus learned to adapt to each other, even if they were so different. They lived together for a while now, and their relationship became stronger.
They were ready for their first Christmas together, but things got pretty crazy. I got very curious about the strange feu follet.
This novel had mystery and a lot of action.
I also enjoyed Sara and Thad's exchange of Christmas gifts in the end and it left me wanting for more!
"The light from his smile chased the darkness from my soul."
I adored the first book in this series, Vespers! I fell in love with Sarasija and Thaddeus, so of course I wanted to read Bonfire too.
This novel is the sequel of Vespers and not a very short one, as I expected it to be. It's actually the 1,5 book in this series. And I can't wait to read the next book too!
It's been a couple of months since I read Vespers and I missed Thad and Sara so much! They became very dear to my heart, being so sweet but strong in the same time.
The action in this novel takes place in the bayou, during Christmas time. I enjoyed reading again about these wonderful characters. The writing style is great, I adored many dialogues and I highlighted many parts of the book.
Again I was won by the beautiful writing of Irene Preston and Liv Rancourt!
"I think, Sara, you could ask me to hang the Christmas star in the heavens, and I would find a way to accomplish the task"
"Though at times my inner conflict still raged, Sara was a sin I couldn't help but commit."
"They may call it la petite morte, but in my long death, this release was my strongest proof of life."
Sara and Thaddeus learned to adapt to each other, even if they were so different. They lived together for a while now, and their relationship became stronger.
They were ready for their first Christmas together, but things got pretty crazy. I got very curious about the strange feu follet.
This novel had mystery and a lot of action.
I also enjoyed Sara and Thad's exchange of Christmas gifts in the end and it left me wanting for more!
"The light from his smile chased the darkness from my soul."
December 19, 2016
Christmas on the Bayou, cher, with gators and some weird lights!
This little novella is set during the holidays but it's not too Christmasy for those averse like myself. It's the continuation of Sara and Thad's story and how they're growing closer. They are still a work in progress but they're getting there and this story only endeared the two of them further to me.
"I think, Sara, you could ask me to hang the Christmas star in the heavens, and I would find a way to accomplish the task."
There is an old legend on the bayou about the feu follet but when some strange things begin to happen with regularity the problem lands right on Thad's doorstep. Literally. Sara being Sara he insists that they get involved and figure out what's behind these freaky lights once and for all.
This one is set entirely at the bayou house which I liked. A lot. Lots of skiffs and pirogues and that accent. There's something about that setting that makes ordinarily bizarre and outlandish events seem possible, sinister even, or at least in my head it is. Mostly because of gators and swamps.
Not to worry. It isn't scary and Bonfire had a whole lot less religious overtones than what I would've imagined in comparison to Vespers. The message is a simple but powerful one and I really liked it. The authors struck a perfect balance between the mystery, some sexy times that were more romantic than kindle melting and the spirit of Christmas. The only thing that I'm still confused about is why the feu follet had no effect on Sara. Weird.
I wouldn't recommend Bonfire to anyone who hasn't already read Vespers. If you've not read Vespers, what are you waiting for? A gator to deliver it?
A review copy was provided by the authors.
March 8, 2019
Really enjoyed this book as it was absolutely a perfect way to add-on to the series with a christmas- themed paranormal mystery. Thaddeus and Sara were awesome, loved how Sara got Thaddeus to ungrinch a bit it is just what he needs. Also love the way the author are growing Thaddeus in the way he views his relationship with Sara. Here is hoping that, though he may be taking baby steps now he will at one point stop hating himself and what he is!
November 26, 2016
4.5 Stars I really wish Goodreads would give us that half star.
Sweet and sexy and romantic Christmas novella spent with two of my faves, Thaddeus and Sara.
Review at -
Sweet and sexy and romantic Christmas novella spent with two of my faves, Thaddeus and Sara.
Review at -
September 16, 2021
Bonfire felt lighter than book 1. Thaddeus is still pensive and cautious, but he is making progress. Sara is delightful, as always. I wasn't sure if I was ready for a Christmas themed story, but I enjoyed this one quite a lot!
Want to read
December 5, 2019Thank you for the book, Big Daddy Elf!
November 13, 2017
4.2 Stars
Lovely, sexy quirky little holiday tale. There's just something entirely too appealing about this devout Catholic vampire and his adorably pseduo-atheist Indian assistant. Sarasija's excitement abounds for celebrating this Christmas and a little bit of funky bayou-magic isn't gonna get in his way. Also, Thaddeus' adoration is ridiculously sweet.
Lovely, sexy quirky little holiday tale. There's just something entirely too appealing about this devout Catholic vampire and his adorably pseduo-atheist Indian assistant. Sarasija's excitement abounds for celebrating this Christmas and a little bit of funky bayou-magic isn't gonna get in his way. Also, Thaddeus' adoration is ridiculously sweet.
“I think, Sara, you could ask me to hang the Christmas star in the heavens, and I would find a way to accomplish the task.”I mean, who wouldn't fall for that? *sigh*
September 30, 2017
4 Stars
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book from the authors. This has in no way influenced my review.*
These characters are wonderful and I just love them! It’s been a while since I’ve found a new series in which I really just kind of adored the characters, but Sara and Thaddeus and their relationship just make me happy. They were yet again so realistic and well-written, and their interactions with each other felt so natural. (How cute is it that they watch Antiques Roadshow together and Thaddeus just grumbles about all the antiques that are like the ones he grew up with?) In fact, all the characters and interactions among them, including random background characters, felt real and natural.
Also much like the first book, I loved getting to see things through Thaddeus’s POV. I’ve never read about a character who thinks and sees and experiences things the way he does because his upbringing, his many years of strict religious beliefs and practices, and all his time alone have really affected him—not in a good way or a bad way, it’s just very clearly part of him. And it’s not even that he sees everything as necessarily relating to religion, he just sees in things in a way that I never would and in a way that other paranormal creatures I’ve read about never have, like the way he was suddenly struck with humility while feeding from Sara because he felt like it was so amazing that this person would give him his lifeblood. Even the way he talks is just very Thaddeus. I wouldn’t even need dialogue tags to know when it’s him talking. But of course still Sara provided the humor and relatability. Their two perspectives made for a great balance.
Anyway, this was a fun Christmas-themed novella in the series. It did have a plot involving feu follet (will-o’-the-wisps) luring people into the bayou, but it was uncomplicated and not too serious since this was more just kind of a nice little glimpse of Thaddeus and Sara’s progressing relationship and time together over the holidays. I definitely recommend it if you enjoyed the first book and want to spend more time with these characters!
Recommended For:
Fans of Book 1 in Irene Preston & Liv Rancourt's Hours of the Night series. Anyone who likes M/M, vampires (and in this case, a Catholic one), sweet romantic relationships, and lovable characters.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book from the authors. This has in no way influenced my review.*
These characters are wonderful and I just love them! It’s been a while since I’ve found a new series in which I really just kind of adored the characters, but Sara and Thaddeus and their relationship just make me happy. They were yet again so realistic and well-written, and their interactions with each other felt so natural. (How cute is it that they watch Antiques Roadshow together and Thaddeus just grumbles about all the antiques that are like the ones he grew up with?) In fact, all the characters and interactions among them, including random background characters, felt real and natural.
Also much like the first book, I loved getting to see things through Thaddeus’s POV. I’ve never read about a character who thinks and sees and experiences things the way he does because his upbringing, his many years of strict religious beliefs and practices, and all his time alone have really affected him—not in a good way or a bad way, it’s just very clearly part of him. And it’s not even that he sees everything as necessarily relating to religion, he just sees in things in a way that I never would and in a way that other paranormal creatures I’ve read about never have, like the way he was suddenly struck with humility while feeding from Sara because he felt like it was so amazing that this person would give him his lifeblood. Even the way he talks is just very Thaddeus. I wouldn’t even need dialogue tags to know when it’s him talking. But of course still Sara provided the humor and relatability. Their two perspectives made for a great balance.
Anyway, this was a fun Christmas-themed novella in the series. It did have a plot involving feu follet (will-o’-the-wisps) luring people into the bayou, but it was uncomplicated and not too serious since this was more just kind of a nice little glimpse of Thaddeus and Sara’s progressing relationship and time together over the holidays. I definitely recommend it if you enjoyed the first book and want to spend more time with these characters!
Recommended For:
Fans of Book 1 in Irene Preston & Liv Rancourt's Hours of the Night series. Anyone who likes M/M, vampires (and in this case, a Catholic one), sweet romantic relationships, and lovable characters.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
January 11, 2017
Bonfire (Hours of the Night, 1.5)
Irene Preston and Liv Rancourt
Cover by Lou Harper
ISBN: 9780996809948
Five stars
A seductive action and emotion-packed novella that serves as a sequel to “Vespers,” Rancourt and Preston’s larger vampire novel. We celebrate the first Christmas of century-old vampire Thaddeus Dupont together with his assistant, Seattle-born Sarasija Mishra. Sara, being a good American millennial, in spite of his family’s lapsed-Hindu traditions, grew up with Christmas trees, pretty colored lights and ugly Christmas sweaters. Thaddeus, a devout Catholic for his whole long life in Louisiana, loves the liturgy of Christmas but has not celebrated it for many years. What an odd, and rather perfect set-up for this ongoing exploration of the growing love between two very different men who share a bond that is magical as well as physical.
Because this was written as a holiday novella, it cannot have the scope, nor the mayhem, of its progenitor. And yet, Rancourt and Preston manage to give this small book a rich gumbo of plot, set in the isolated bayou River House built by Thaddeus’s family in the 19th century. Yes, there is a mystery involving magic – magic that unnerves even the unflappable Thaddeus. Yes, there is potential danger and violence. Yes, the setting of the bayou and river in the dark is exploited beautifully to send chills down the reader’s spine.
But what this book is really about is Thaddeus becoming more human because of Sara. This is by no means just a holiday-themed sop for the fans of “Vespers.” As the prose alternates between Thaddeus’ and Sara’s point of view, we delve into their hearts in this early stage of a relationship that has been earth-shaking for both of them. Thaddeus’ vampire powers, and his instinctive desire to disappear and be unknown, is presented in opposition to Sara’s outgoing 21st-century optimism. Each man finds the other bizarre and alluring, and both of them have to learn how to move forward, both in the small rural town in which they live, and in terms of how they see each other.
If “Vespers” seemed to be a kind of updated homage to Anne Rice’s sweeping New Orleans novels, “Bonfire” strikes me as a sort of “To Kill a Mockingbird” in gay vampire romance. Yes, I’m serious. I’m not going to claim that Rancourt and Preston’s writing is quite at that level of poetic beauty, but the story has the same sort of epic smallness that made “Mockingbird” so powerful.
What surprised me about this book is that is stands strongly as a whole book, not just a holiday treat. It is a must-read for those who have read “Vespers,” and its subtle emotional power will stay with you long after the Christmas decorations have been packed away.
Irene Preston and Liv Rancourt
Cover by Lou Harper
ISBN: 9780996809948
Five stars
A seductive action and emotion-packed novella that serves as a sequel to “Vespers,” Rancourt and Preston’s larger vampire novel. We celebrate the first Christmas of century-old vampire Thaddeus Dupont together with his assistant, Seattle-born Sarasija Mishra. Sara, being a good American millennial, in spite of his family’s lapsed-Hindu traditions, grew up with Christmas trees, pretty colored lights and ugly Christmas sweaters. Thaddeus, a devout Catholic for his whole long life in Louisiana, loves the liturgy of Christmas but has not celebrated it for many years. What an odd, and rather perfect set-up for this ongoing exploration of the growing love between two very different men who share a bond that is magical as well as physical.
Because this was written as a holiday novella, it cannot have the scope, nor the mayhem, of its progenitor. And yet, Rancourt and Preston manage to give this small book a rich gumbo of plot, set in the isolated bayou River House built by Thaddeus’s family in the 19th century. Yes, there is a mystery involving magic – magic that unnerves even the unflappable Thaddeus. Yes, there is potential danger and violence. Yes, the setting of the bayou and river in the dark is exploited beautifully to send chills down the reader’s spine.
But what this book is really about is Thaddeus becoming more human because of Sara. This is by no means just a holiday-themed sop for the fans of “Vespers.” As the prose alternates between Thaddeus’ and Sara’s point of view, we delve into their hearts in this early stage of a relationship that has been earth-shaking for both of them. Thaddeus’ vampire powers, and his instinctive desire to disappear and be unknown, is presented in opposition to Sara’s outgoing 21st-century optimism. Each man finds the other bizarre and alluring, and both of them have to learn how to move forward, both in the small rural town in which they live, and in terms of how they see each other.
If “Vespers” seemed to be a kind of updated homage to Anne Rice’s sweeping New Orleans novels, “Bonfire” strikes me as a sort of “To Kill a Mockingbird” in gay vampire romance. Yes, I’m serious. I’m not going to claim that Rancourt and Preston’s writing is quite at that level of poetic beauty, but the story has the same sort of epic smallness that made “Mockingbird” so powerful.
What surprised me about this book is that is stands strongly as a whole book, not just a holiday treat. It is a must-read for those who have read “Vespers,” and its subtle emotional power will stay with you long after the Christmas decorations have been packed away.
December 7, 2016
4 Stars, 3 Flames
The second book in the Hours of the Night series where Sara and Thad are falling into their love/lust and getting to know each other more. Thad is still coming to terms with his feelings and that his "sin" is in a way justified and something he deserves. Sara wants all of Thad but understands that their traditions are very different and well old.
I was excited for this one because I have fallen in love with this story line. A vampire who fights demons for the Vatican in order to save his soul and redeem him for his sins who also happens to love men! Where do I sign up to watch? However, even if i really liked the buildup in this book and without the run around of feelings from the last one, I thought it was quote anticlimactic. I was actually left with a few more questions than were answered. Like what happen to those locals who were lost? Why was Maddy out on the swamp? Is this the end?
It was interesting and fun to watch Sara get Thad interested in everything Christmas; with the huge tree, presents, and plenty of lights. Thad is starting to see that Sara is so much more than a pretty face who can actually be a full partner in fighting the demons. I am soo hoping that this is not the end as there is not "I love Yous" exchanged or a for sure future between the two. Plus I am not ready to let these two go! Overall, It was an enjoyable read and I hope there is more to come.
I was gifted a copy of this novella from the JeepDiva in exchange for an honest review.
The second book in the Hours of the Night series where Sara and Thad are falling into their love/lust and getting to know each other more. Thad is still coming to terms with his feelings and that his "sin" is in a way justified and something he deserves. Sara wants all of Thad but understands that their traditions are very different and well old.
I was excited for this one because I have fallen in love with this story line. A vampire who fights demons for the Vatican in order to save his soul and redeem him for his sins who also happens to love men! Where do I sign up to watch? However, even if i really liked the buildup in this book and without the run around of feelings from the last one, I thought it was quote anticlimactic. I was actually left with a few more questions than were answered. Like what happen to those locals who were lost? Why was Maddy out on the swamp? Is this the end?
It was interesting and fun to watch Sara get Thad interested in everything Christmas; with the huge tree, presents, and plenty of lights. Thad is starting to see that Sara is so much more than a pretty face who can actually be a full partner in fighting the demons. I am soo hoping that this is not the end as there is not "I love Yous" exchanged or a for sure future between the two. Plus I am not ready to let these two go! Overall, It was an enjoyable read and I hope there is more to come.
I was gifted a copy of this novella from the JeepDiva in exchange for an honest review.
October 12, 2017
This is so sweet, and cute, and fun. I smiled through so much of this! Exactly what a holiday story should be. I get such a kick out of Thad, he's so sweet and I love how he spoils Sara. 😍😍😍
November 18, 2016
Liv Rancourt and Irene Preston truly are a power house duo in the co-authoring department. Each book they write together whether long or short I fall hard for and Bonfire is no exception.
I adore these characters. They never irritate me and often they are so in tune with each other that I, the reader, can almost guess where it's going or even the dialog that the other will say. I always love Sara because of his humor. Humor is huge for me. I always say if you can make me laugh you have won me over and Sara won me over. He also brings a great balance to Thaddeus's view on things. And this story being in Thaddeus's POV I found to be utterly fascinating.
Christmas stories come in all shapes and sizes. This one has the paranormal element but at the same time a very human feel. I truly loved this novella. Between amazing characters, wonderful dialog and interesting perspective. It made for an extremely entertaining read.
I do feel the need to tell you that you have to read Vespers (book 1 in Hours of Night Series) before reading this novella. It's really NOT a standalone. At least that's my opinion anyway. But you want to read Vespers anyway because it's also FABULOUS! This series has just begun to be terrific and I can't wait to see where Liv and Irene take it!!!
I adore these characters. They never irritate me and often they are so in tune with each other that I, the reader, can almost guess where it's going or even the dialog that the other will say. I always love Sara because of his humor. Humor is huge for me. I always say if you can make me laugh you have won me over and Sara won me over. He also brings a great balance to Thaddeus's view on things. And this story being in Thaddeus's POV I found to be utterly fascinating.
Christmas stories come in all shapes and sizes. This one has the paranormal element but at the same time a very human feel. I truly loved this novella. Between amazing characters, wonderful dialog and interesting perspective. It made for an extremely entertaining read.
I do feel the need to tell you that you have to read Vespers (book 1 in Hours of Night Series) before reading this novella. It's really NOT a standalone. At least that's my opinion anyway. But you want to read Vespers anyway because it's also FABULOUS! This series has just begun to be terrific and I can't wait to see where Liv and Irene take it!!!
December 30, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
I want to begin by saying I loved, loved, loved Vespers, the first book in this series. The characters are wonderful, and they’re beautifully written, and I kind of can’t resist demon fighting vampires. I was overjoyed to see a sequel, a holiday sequel at that. I was definitely not disappointed.
Thaddeus and Sara are back, and they’re as perfect as they were in book one. Here in Bonfire, they’re more charming, though. I loved reading about how their relationship has grown, albeit slowly. Fighting demons can really bring you close, but it’s the everyday issues that will either bring you closer or sour you. I considered it a positive to read how Sara is trying to sleep with Thaddeus during the day, and that Thaddeus actually spoons with him a bit. It’s sweet and tells you how committed each man is to making their relationship work.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
I want to begin by saying I loved, loved, loved Vespers, the first book in this series. The characters are wonderful, and they’re beautifully written, and I kind of can’t resist demon fighting vampires. I was overjoyed to see a sequel, a holiday sequel at that. I was definitely not disappointed.
Thaddeus and Sara are back, and they’re as perfect as they were in book one. Here in Bonfire, they’re more charming, though. I loved reading about how their relationship has grown, albeit slowly. Fighting demons can really bring you close, but it’s the everyday issues that will either bring you closer or sour you. I considered it a positive to read how Sara is trying to sleep with Thaddeus during the day, and that Thaddeus actually spoons with him a bit. It’s sweet and tells you how committed each man is to making their relationship work.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
November 16, 2016
https://justloveromance.wordpress.com...
4.5 stars
If you were a fan of Vespers, the first book in the Hours Of The Night series, you will love this novella. Sara and Thaddeus are back, still trying to figure out how to define their relationship, while investigating some mysterious lights (“feu follet” in local terms) in the bayou and fending off increasingly worried neighbours.
Sara is his usual laid back self, quietly encouraging rather than pushing Thad into accepting his affections by bringing some light into his life (literally) by ordering a multitude of Christmas decorations and putting up a tree. For his part, Thad seems to be slowly accepting that he is allowed to let himself fall in love with Sara, despite years of denying himself any sort of pleasure. He’s finally seeing there may be a future between them, one that extends beyond Sara’s contract.
Our bed.
The bed I would share with him as long as he’d have me. Though at times my inner conflict still raged, Sara was a sin I couldn’t help but commit.
For decades, I’d endeavored to restore my soul through service to the White Monks, and now I regularly engaged in acts that would destroy it.
I found I didn’t care, or at least not enough to leave off my relationship with Sara. Perhaps having lived so long granted me a new perspective, but the joy he brought now outweighed any future paradise.
Watching the two of them delicately move from a business relationship to one that is infinitely more profound, is a joy. For me, this novella made their attraction to each other much more obvious, more so than in book one (Vespers). Perhaps it’s because we’re now getting more of Thad’s real emotions, the ones not coloured by guilt or a sense of Christian duty. I think now he’s being more honest with himself and finally allowing Sara to love him the only way Sara can – with enthusiasm and passion.
Intertwined with the romance, the mystery of the feu follet luring both adults and children into the crocodile-infested bayou was simple but effective. It gives Sara and Thad the opportunity to engage with Thad’s neighbours, something the outgoing Sara embraces (being mostly segregated due to Thad’s ‘condition’) and one that Thad resists. Naturally, people are suspicious of Thad which leads to some assumptions about his involvement in the mysterious lights, and it’s up to him and Sara to discover who – or what – is behind them.
All in all, this was an excellent novella that manages to pack in a lot of action and character development. It’s not just a must-read Christmas gift for fans of the series, it actually gives us a little more insight into Sara and Thad’s characters. I highly recommend it for anyone who loved the first book and wants to spend a little more time with their favorite characters.
I received an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review
4.5 stars
If you were a fan of Vespers, the first book in the Hours Of The Night series, you will love this novella. Sara and Thaddeus are back, still trying to figure out how to define their relationship, while investigating some mysterious lights (“feu follet” in local terms) in the bayou and fending off increasingly worried neighbours.
Sara is his usual laid back self, quietly encouraging rather than pushing Thad into accepting his affections by bringing some light into his life (literally) by ordering a multitude of Christmas decorations and putting up a tree. For his part, Thad seems to be slowly accepting that he is allowed to let himself fall in love with Sara, despite years of denying himself any sort of pleasure. He’s finally seeing there may be a future between them, one that extends beyond Sara’s contract.
Our bed.
The bed I would share with him as long as he’d have me. Though at times my inner conflict still raged, Sara was a sin I couldn’t help but commit.
For decades, I’d endeavored to restore my soul through service to the White Monks, and now I regularly engaged in acts that would destroy it.
I found I didn’t care, or at least not enough to leave off my relationship with Sara. Perhaps having lived so long granted me a new perspective, but the joy he brought now outweighed any future paradise.
Watching the two of them delicately move from a business relationship to one that is infinitely more profound, is a joy. For me, this novella made their attraction to each other much more obvious, more so than in book one (Vespers). Perhaps it’s because we’re now getting more of Thad’s real emotions, the ones not coloured by guilt or a sense of Christian duty. I think now he’s being more honest with himself and finally allowing Sara to love him the only way Sara can – with enthusiasm and passion.
Intertwined with the romance, the mystery of the feu follet luring both adults and children into the crocodile-infested bayou was simple but effective. It gives Sara and Thad the opportunity to engage with Thad’s neighbours, something the outgoing Sara embraces (being mostly segregated due to Thad’s ‘condition’) and one that Thad resists. Naturally, people are suspicious of Thad which leads to some assumptions about his involvement in the mysterious lights, and it’s up to him and Sara to discover who – or what – is behind them.
All in all, this was an excellent novella that manages to pack in a lot of action and character development. It’s not just a must-read Christmas gift for fans of the series, it actually gives us a little more insight into Sara and Thad’s characters. I highly recommend it for anyone who loved the first book and wants to spend a little more time with their favorite characters.
I received an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review
March 19, 2017
Back in the Bayou with Thaddeus and Sarasija and it is Advent. Sara is preparing for Christmas even though Thad is very reluctant to embrace the season. All is well between the two men, although Thad still wrestles with his conscience and guilt, he find his feelings for Sara are growing stronger.
Sarasija of course is the same as he has always been. He has no problem with the relationship although he has questions about what it means to have a vampire as a boyfriend. He has questions about many things but refuses to let them distract him from the fact that his feelings for Thad are getting stronger and he has slowly adapted his day to day activities to Thad's daily/nightly rhythms.
So all is well between the two but all is not well in the town. Mysterious lights have appeared in the bayou and people are getting lost in the swamp. There is some kind of magic afoot and the towns people are whispering with fear and anger about the feu follet.
Thad of course doesn't believe that there are fairies or mysterious beings in the swamp even though he himself is kind of a mythical being, but he does realise something is wrong especially when the lights in the bayou begin to affect him. As fear increases amongst the locals, suddenly both Thad and Sara find that they are the key suspects.
If you enjoyed the first book in this series then you will definitely enjoy this one. The two men are gently settling into a relationship with each other. Sara has learnt how to navigate Thad's reservations about their relationship and Thad has learnt how to navigate Sara's boldness and openness. They are learning how to meet each other's needs and forming a team against the world when need be.
This is a lovely follow up to book one. It has a simple mystery which allows us to see the two men working together and also reminds us how ancient Thad really is. They haven't changed too much. Thad is still very prayerful and reflective, conscious of what he sees as his failings and sinfulness and the need to atone for this. Sara is just as irascible as ever, confident in who he is owing nothing to no one but eager to explore and deepen his relationship with Thad. Dealing with the outside world and local people looking from the outside in, is a new challenge for both of them but one which they can overcome by drawing closer together.
This is definitely a good series to be reading. Although vampires have been done to death, the authors have created a new twist with a vampire who seeks atonement through prayers and denial, but yet the one thing he feels he should deny is something or someone who has become such a major part of his life. In the midst of all Thad's struggles with this is the question of other people and what they see when they look at the two men. It will be interesting to see how the series develop in future and what other challenges and powers the two men will need to over come.
Copy provided via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Sarasija of course is the same as he has always been. He has no problem with the relationship although he has questions about what it means to have a vampire as a boyfriend. He has questions about many things but refuses to let them distract him from the fact that his feelings for Thad are getting stronger and he has slowly adapted his day to day activities to Thad's daily/nightly rhythms.
So all is well between the two but all is not well in the town. Mysterious lights have appeared in the bayou and people are getting lost in the swamp. There is some kind of magic afoot and the towns people are whispering with fear and anger about the feu follet.
Thad of course doesn't believe that there are fairies or mysterious beings in the swamp even though he himself is kind of a mythical being, but he does realise something is wrong especially when the lights in the bayou begin to affect him. As fear increases amongst the locals, suddenly both Thad and Sara find that they are the key suspects.
If you enjoyed the first book in this series then you will definitely enjoy this one. The two men are gently settling into a relationship with each other. Sara has learnt how to navigate Thad's reservations about their relationship and Thad has learnt how to navigate Sara's boldness and openness. They are learning how to meet each other's needs and forming a team against the world when need be.
This is a lovely follow up to book one. It has a simple mystery which allows us to see the two men working together and also reminds us how ancient Thad really is. They haven't changed too much. Thad is still very prayerful and reflective, conscious of what he sees as his failings and sinfulness and the need to atone for this. Sara is just as irascible as ever, confident in who he is owing nothing to no one but eager to explore and deepen his relationship with Thad. Dealing with the outside world and local people looking from the outside in, is a new challenge for both of them but one which they can overcome by drawing closer together.
This is definitely a good series to be reading. Although vampires have been done to death, the authors have created a new twist with a vampire who seeks atonement through prayers and denial, but yet the one thing he feels he should deny is something or someone who has become such a major part of his life. In the midst of all Thad's struggles with this is the question of other people and what they see when they look at the two men. It will be interesting to see how the series develop in future and what other challenges and powers the two men will need to over come.
Copy provided via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
December 16, 2016
This is the second book in a series, and really should be read in order.
Thad and Sara are getting used to being a couple, planning a quiet, somewhat cheerful Christmas at Thad's home in the bayou. Though a nominal Hindu, Sara's parents celebrated a secular "American" Christmas, and he's a little homesick missing his family. Thing is, weird lights are appearing in the mist, and leading people out into the murk. It even grabs hold of Thad, who (as a vampire) is totally light-sensitive, but it doesn't affect Sara for unknown reasons. As such, Sara is a super important part of the investigation, which irks Thad--he wants Sara to stay home, be safe.
So this novella packs a lot of emotional punch. We see how Thad's emotionally dependent on Sara, and that's really endearing. They're also working on their intimacy, which Sara loves and Thad's trying not to treat as if it's sinful. Hard for him what with being raised that way.
#Swoon, really. Because what's more romantic than completely setting aside your biased, yet ingrained, religious beliefs to embrace love.
This mystery unfolds slowly, but has a big wallop of conflict. The "natives" aren't happy about outsiders in the bayou, and are quick to blame the witch lights--visions of light that naturally appear and are dismissed as "swamp gas" but are instead serving as a beacon--on Thad, as he's such a recluse that many feel he could be a malevolent force. Some of the townsfolk try to intimidate him into leaving. Then, a young girl goes missing and it's pretty much torches and pitchforks time.
All of this is happening alongside the Christmas season, and the festive spirit that Sara's trying to cultivate is dimmed by the mounting mystery. The climax is intense, with Thad and Sara combing the bayou for the missing girl, and the source of magic behind the light-beacons. I really enjoyed this, and loved that Thad embraced his human roots more. The affection growing between Thad and Sara is delightful, and I just can't wait to read more of their adventures.
Thad and Sara are getting used to being a couple, planning a quiet, somewhat cheerful Christmas at Thad's home in the bayou. Though a nominal Hindu, Sara's parents celebrated a secular "American" Christmas, and he's a little homesick missing his family. Thing is, weird lights are appearing in the mist, and leading people out into the murk. It even grabs hold of Thad, who (as a vampire) is totally light-sensitive, but it doesn't affect Sara for unknown reasons. As such, Sara is a super important part of the investigation, which irks Thad--he wants Sara to stay home, be safe.
So this novella packs a lot of emotional punch. We see how Thad's emotionally dependent on Sara, and that's really endearing. They're also working on their intimacy, which Sara loves and Thad's trying not to treat as if it's sinful. Hard for him what with being raised that way.
...I half carried him upstairs to our bed.
Our bed.
The bed I would share with him as long as he'd have me. Though at times my inner conflict still raged, Sara was a sin I couldn't help but commit.
#Swoon, really. Because what's more romantic than completely setting aside your biased, yet ingrained, religious beliefs to embrace love.
This mystery unfolds slowly, but has a big wallop of conflict. The "natives" aren't happy about outsiders in the bayou, and are quick to blame the witch lights--visions of light that naturally appear and are dismissed as "swamp gas" but are instead serving as a beacon--on Thad, as he's such a recluse that many feel he could be a malevolent force. Some of the townsfolk try to intimidate him into leaving. Then, a young girl goes missing and it's pretty much torches and pitchforks time.
All of this is happening alongside the Christmas season, and the festive spirit that Sara's trying to cultivate is dimmed by the mounting mystery. The climax is intense, with Thad and Sara combing the bayou for the missing girl, and the source of magic behind the light-beacons. I really enjoyed this, and loved that Thad embraced his human roots more. The affection growing between Thad and Sara is delightful, and I just can't wait to read more of their adventures.
December 28, 2021
**I was given this book by the author for a fair and honest review.
I absolutely loved the first book in this series, Vespers, so I can't really say that I am surprised at how much I enjoyed this novella as well. This follows Thaddeus and Sarasija (Sara) as they spend their first Christmas together. They decide to spend it at Thaddeus' home on the Bayou. It's really hard to say too much about this book, since this is the 2nd (1.5) in a series. I want people to go out and read the first book without spoilers.
For 2 very different people they are trying to find common ground in spending the holiday together. Sara's family is Hindu, but they celebrated Christmas with Santa and all the "non-religious" aspects. Thaddeus, a vampire, would love nothing more than to attend mass, as he did as a child, but finds himself "unwelcome" in the eyes of the church. On top of this being a very sweet Christmas story, there is also the paranormal element as well as a mystery.
Ghostly lights have appeared in the swamp. The locals call them "Feu Follet" and it has caused quite a panic in the area. The lights mesmerize people and compel them to follow them. As a result people have gone missing. Due to Thaddeus' already causing suspicions with how different and mysterious he is, it isn't long before fingers are pointed at him as being the cause.
When the locals come banging on their door in fright, after a child goes missing they are moved to help in the search. Can they find the source of the lights and the child before it's too late? And with all the pomp and circumstance that the holidays can be, can they find what really matters to them and create their own?
I absolutely loved the first book in this series, Vespers, so I can't really say that I am surprised at how much I enjoyed this novella as well. This follows Thaddeus and Sarasija (Sara) as they spend their first Christmas together. They decide to spend it at Thaddeus' home on the Bayou. It's really hard to say too much about this book, since this is the 2nd (1.5) in a series. I want people to go out and read the first book without spoilers.
For 2 very different people they are trying to find common ground in spending the holiday together. Sara's family is Hindu, but they celebrated Christmas with Santa and all the "non-religious" aspects. Thaddeus, a vampire, would love nothing more than to attend mass, as he did as a child, but finds himself "unwelcome" in the eyes of the church. On top of this being a very sweet Christmas story, there is also the paranormal element as well as a mystery.
Ghostly lights have appeared in the swamp. The locals call them "Feu Follet" and it has caused quite a panic in the area. The lights mesmerize people and compel them to follow them. As a result people have gone missing. Due to Thaddeus' already causing suspicions with how different and mysterious he is, it isn't long before fingers are pointed at him as being the cause.
When the locals come banging on their door in fright, after a child goes missing they are moved to help in the search. Can they find the source of the lights and the child before it's too late? And with all the pomp and circumstance that the holidays can be, can they find what really matters to them and create their own?
November 11, 2016
Readers who enjoyed Vespers should really love this novella set back on the bayou just as the Christmas season approaches. Sara and Thaddeus have been living together for a few months now as boyfriend and .... well... assistant? Yep, Thaddeus is still as straight-laced in this book as the last one. In the last book we had demons and problems with the clergy. In this, we have strange lights in the bayou - the 'feu follet' and increasingly suspicious neighbours.
So mixed in with a mystery which Thad and Sara need to solve there is an evolving love story, Sara is hugely conscious of the need to go very slowly with Thaddeus due to decades of his self recrimination and Thad is gradually becoming aware that it may be okay to be, *whispers* in love with his assistant! Sara is beginning to bring the fun back into Thad's life with Christmas trees, lights, glass ornaments and presents and the raunch in this book has ramped up a gear.
We have no Nohea in this book, however there's a clear indication that she's going to be back in book 2, which will be nice because, along with Sara, she bounces some humour off the very serious Thad.
This was a well-packed book for a novella and ticks many boxes, good story line, character development and it leaves you with a lovely warm feeling inside. I ended it with a huge smile on my face and an internal awwwwww! I'm all ready for book 2 and more Sara and Thad now please - bring it on!
Many thanks to the authors for this advanced reader copy which was in exchange for a very honest review.
So mixed in with a mystery which Thad and Sara need to solve there is an evolving love story, Sara is hugely conscious of the need to go very slowly with Thaddeus due to decades of his self recrimination and Thad is gradually becoming aware that it may be okay to be, *whispers* in love with his assistant! Sara is beginning to bring the fun back into Thad's life with Christmas trees, lights, glass ornaments and presents and the raunch in this book has ramped up a gear.
We have no Nohea in this book, however there's a clear indication that she's going to be back in book 2, which will be nice because, along with Sara, she bounces some humour off the very serious Thad.
This was a well-packed book for a novella and ticks many boxes, good story line, character development and it leaves you with a lovely warm feeling inside. I ended it with a huge smile on my face and an internal awwwwww! I'm all ready for book 2 and more Sara and Thad now please - bring it on!
Many thanks to the authors for this advanced reader copy which was in exchange for a very honest review.
November 26, 2016
*ARC provided by the author*
(It's a bit late for the 'advanced' part but these last weeks have been a mess, I apologize.)
This was a lovely novella. Thaddeus is currently my favorite vampire character in the whole literature world. He is down to earth, he still has his flaws, the author doesn't feel the need to constantly comment on his beauty or super powers and he's got very human intentions and motivations.
Sara's character did disappoint me here. It felt like part of his "kickass-ness" was stolen from him and he was left sounding more like a "trophy boyfriend", of sorts. I still have my hopes high for book 2, though.
The plot was perfect for this kind of not-too-short-but-still-short story. It had action, it had mystery and it was even a bit creepy sometimes. It lacked that final punch to the gut that most grand mysteries usually have and it is quite predictable but still very much enjoyable.
Can I also just mention how much I dislike this cover? It doesn't feet the story, at least not in my opinion. I prefered the sort of cover we got on book 1.
I look forward to the second book!
(It's a bit late for the 'advanced' part but these last weeks have been a mess, I apologize.)
This was a lovely novella. Thaddeus is currently my favorite vampire character in the whole literature world. He is down to earth, he still has his flaws, the author doesn't feel the need to constantly comment on his beauty or super powers and he's got very human intentions and motivations.
Sara's character did disappoint me here. It felt like part of his "kickass-ness" was stolen from him and he was left sounding more like a "trophy boyfriend", of sorts. I still have my hopes high for book 2, though.
The plot was perfect for this kind of not-too-short-but-still-short story. It had action, it had mystery and it was even a bit creepy sometimes. It lacked that final punch to the gut that most grand mysteries usually have and it is quite predictable but still very much enjoyable.
Can I also just mention how much I dislike this cover? It doesn't feet the story, at least not in my opinion. I prefered the sort of cover we got on book 1.
I look forward to the second book!
November 28, 2016
This was a sweet extension of the blossoming affection/love between Thaddeus and Sara during the holiday season in New Orleans. The couple continues to be challenged by their differences and the world around them and the generations they were born to. However, their love withstands the tests life throws at them and strengthens and deepens and they learn to compromise for each other. A light-hearted and joyful holiday read with a sweet ending that will bring a tear or two to your eyes. Enjoy!
November 17, 2016
Lovely Christmas story. Nice romance progression, a little mystery, and seasonal events. Gives me the warm fuzzies.
June 11, 2017
Back to the swamp for Thad and Sara.
Christmas is coming and Sara is starting to decorate the house for the hokidays, however mysterious lights start appearing which have our two intrepid MCs investigating.
A nice interlude with our MCs interacting more with the local town.
Roll on the next book in the series.
Christmas is coming and Sara is starting to decorate the house for the hokidays, however mysterious lights start appearing which have our two intrepid MCs investigating.
A nice interlude with our MCs interacting more with the local town.
Roll on the next book in the series.
November 16, 2016
4.5 Stars ~ If you read and loved Vespers, book one in the Hours of the Night series, you ought to be pretty excited to grab Bonfire. Thaddeus and Sara are spending their first holiday together on the bayou, something Sara aims to make a special occasion of, considering his future with Thad is only as secure as the contract that guarantees his employment until next summer. And with Thad being a vampire and virtually immortal, time itself is a conflict that the mortal Sara means to use as the motivation to help Thad live life to the fullest while he can.
And then, strange things begin to happen, of course. What else would we expect when a demon hunting vampire is involved? Not to mention the fact that the story’s set in Louisiana, an epicenter for the strange and unusual. The folks who are mistrustful of the mysterious Thaddeus Dupont aren’t willing to embrace him in the warmth of the holiday spirit, not when strange lights recall local legends. When a little girl disappears, the pull of the lights and their appearance coinciding with Thad and Sara’s arrival at the Dupont’s ancestral home leads a few neighbors to jump to the obvious conclusion.
The mystery the authors introduce in Bonfire is a great touch. I love holiday romances as much as the next reader, but with the added layer of suspense to go along with Thad’s reticence in the face of Sara’s Christmas spirit, the story’s sweet is benefitted by the substance of these other elements. While the eternal battle for Thad’s lost soul is still an issue, and his deep seated guilt over his sexuality evidently isn’t going away any time soon, we do get a lovely glimpse of a Thaddeus Dupont who’s attempting to emerge from the ennui and beginning to reach for Sara’s love and warmth. The conflict of Thad and Sara’s relationship is also furthered in this novella—the contract and Thad’s vampirism are just a couple of the greater issues that hang over their heads. There is a lot of conversation being avoided at the moment, and these things alone are a great tease to make me anxious for the next book.
Preston’s and Rancourt’s writing styles complement each other beautifully. The contrast in these characters is a great way for them each to show off some versatility in their narrative voices. It all flows together so seamlessly. Finally, while I know the blurb says Bonfire can be read as a standalone, my personal recommendation would be to read Vespers first. It’s well worth it and you’ll have the benefit of knowing Thad and Sara so much better.
Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach Reviews
And then, strange things begin to happen, of course. What else would we expect when a demon hunting vampire is involved? Not to mention the fact that the story’s set in Louisiana, an epicenter for the strange and unusual. The folks who are mistrustful of the mysterious Thaddeus Dupont aren’t willing to embrace him in the warmth of the holiday spirit, not when strange lights recall local legends. When a little girl disappears, the pull of the lights and their appearance coinciding with Thad and Sara’s arrival at the Dupont’s ancestral home leads a few neighbors to jump to the obvious conclusion.
The mystery the authors introduce in Bonfire is a great touch. I love holiday romances as much as the next reader, but with the added layer of suspense to go along with Thad’s reticence in the face of Sara’s Christmas spirit, the story’s sweet is benefitted by the substance of these other elements. While the eternal battle for Thad’s lost soul is still an issue, and his deep seated guilt over his sexuality evidently isn’t going away any time soon, we do get a lovely glimpse of a Thaddeus Dupont who’s attempting to emerge from the ennui and beginning to reach for Sara’s love and warmth. The conflict of Thad and Sara’s relationship is also furthered in this novella—the contract and Thad’s vampirism are just a couple of the greater issues that hang over their heads. There is a lot of conversation being avoided at the moment, and these things alone are a great tease to make me anxious for the next book.
Preston’s and Rancourt’s writing styles complement each other beautifully. The contrast in these characters is a great way for them each to show off some versatility in their narrative voices. It all flows together so seamlessly. Finally, while I know the blurb says Bonfire can be read as a standalone, my personal recommendation would be to read Vespers first. It’s well worth it and you’ll have the benefit of knowing Thad and Sara so much better.
Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach Reviews
November 21, 2016
4.5 STARS
The Christmas stories have begun! And this was one hell of a tale to kick off the season with.
Sara and Thaddeus are back, fully recovered from the events of book #1 and preparing to celebrate the holidays. Well, Sara is preparing for the holidays and Thaddeus is wondering what they’re going to do with all of the lights that Sara ordered online. The two men have settled into a somewhat awkward relationship. While there’s no denying their connection or desire to be in a relationship, Thaddeus is still not comfortable in giving in to his feelings for another man. In fact, it kind of kills the mood for Sara when after each sexual encounter Thaddeus feel the need to spend hours confessing to a priest. But there’s no denying that the two have some serious feelings for each other, so when people begin getting lost in the swamp and the locals point the finger at Thaddeus, Sara is determined that they solve the mystery of the feu follet.
I think that I might have enjoyed this novella even more than the original story. The tone was decidedly more upbeat, which you expect from a holiday story, and while our two MCs might not be completely comfortable in their relationship, I did like reading the dynamics that come with the stage that they’re at. I don’t know why, but the fact that Thaddeus is a devout vampire monk who has reluctantly given in to his attraction to Sara, makes the sex scenes so much sexier.
I also really appreciated the time the authors put into building the mystery part of the plot. Instead of being a cutesy Christmas story with a nod to something slightly creepy, the authors used the swampy setting and paranormal element well to continue the theme of the series while still giving us some holiday sweetness.
Could this actually be read as a standalone? I’m not sure. It’s always hard to say if you’ve already read the previous book, but I don’t think you should attempt this story without reading Vespers first. I think that the awkwardness and uncertainty in Sara and Thaddeus’s relationship will be a little off putting if you don’t know what they’ve come from. And honestly, you’re going to want to read it once you read this novella anyway, so why not just begin in the correct order.
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2016/11/1...
The Christmas stories have begun! And this was one hell of a tale to kick off the season with.
Sara and Thaddeus are back, fully recovered from the events of book #1 and preparing to celebrate the holidays. Well, Sara is preparing for the holidays and Thaddeus is wondering what they’re going to do with all of the lights that Sara ordered online. The two men have settled into a somewhat awkward relationship. While there’s no denying their connection or desire to be in a relationship, Thaddeus is still not comfortable in giving in to his feelings for another man. In fact, it kind of kills the mood for Sara when after each sexual encounter Thaddeus feel the need to spend hours confessing to a priest. But there’s no denying that the two have some serious feelings for each other, so when people begin getting lost in the swamp and the locals point the finger at Thaddeus, Sara is determined that they solve the mystery of the feu follet.
I think that I might have enjoyed this novella even more than the original story. The tone was decidedly more upbeat, which you expect from a holiday story, and while our two MCs might not be completely comfortable in their relationship, I did like reading the dynamics that come with the stage that they’re at. I don’t know why, but the fact that Thaddeus is a devout vampire monk who has reluctantly given in to his attraction to Sara, makes the sex scenes so much sexier.
I also really appreciated the time the authors put into building the mystery part of the plot. Instead of being a cutesy Christmas story with a nod to something slightly creepy, the authors used the swampy setting and paranormal element well to continue the theme of the series while still giving us some holiday sweetness.
Could this actually be read as a standalone? I’m not sure. It’s always hard to say if you’ve already read the previous book, but I don’t think you should attempt this story without reading Vespers first. I think that the awkwardness and uncertainty in Sara and Thaddeus’s relationship will be a little off putting if you don’t know what they’ve come from. And honestly, you’re going to want to read it once you read this novella anyway, so why not just begin in the correct order.
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2016/11/1...
November 22, 2016
Bonfire
Hours of the Night 1.5, Irene Preston & Liv Rancourt
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, LGBTQIA
I loved the first book, and enjoyed this. I very rarely read novellas, but one of the few exceptions is where like this its part of a series I’m already following.
You could read this alone, but I think you’ll get more from it if you read the first book and understand how Sara and Thad came together.
They’re still finding their way, Thad is still struggling with his conscience over his relationship with Sara.
The White Monks – I really dislike them, cold-hearted, unchristian people to my mind. They dangle the hope of forgiveness before poor Thad in exchange for him working for them, risking his life countlessly fighting demons, while they stay safe and smug. They’re just using him IMO, and I think their God would be very angry at the treatment they dish out to him.
One of the things that makes me feel so cross with the Monks is that the characters feel real to me, so in a way my anger is good!!
Anyway, rant over ;-) and back to the story.
Its a Christmas short, bringing Thad into danger from the locals.
I enjoyed the way it played out, how I really felt “there” in the swamps with them, the bringing in of typical vampire/demon/voodoo/witch legends that surround areas like that. Its moving forward, slowly, very slowly, the changes in Thad and Sara’s relationship.
They’re an unlikely duo, the repressed vampire, full of repentance and who has spent the past century working for the monks, fighting Demons, hiding his nature, both vampire and sexual.
Thad was so alone when we first met him, and he seemed to feel that was just punishment for the monster he saw himself as.
Then there’s Sara, totally opposite in nature, exuberant, out and proud, mixed race young man. In many ways he’s incredibly patient with Thad, he’s trying hard to let him lighten up at his own pace, and Thad is trying too but all those decades of routine and blame are hard to get past.
I hope they find their way forward, it looks good so far, and this story cements their relationship a bit more.
Its not just a sexual/love one but something a bit more with Sara and Thad both having a bit extra “sense” of the other than is usual.
A fun short read, that I enjoyed because I already was familiar with this world.
If you like novellas, then you may enjoy this even without reading book one, but its well worth reading too and gives a better understanding of this story.
Stars: Five, a good addition to the series, moving the story forward a little more.
ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers
Hours of the Night 1.5, Irene Preston & Liv Rancourt
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, LGBTQIA
I loved the first book, and enjoyed this. I very rarely read novellas, but one of the few exceptions is where like this its part of a series I’m already following.
You could read this alone, but I think you’ll get more from it if you read the first book and understand how Sara and Thad came together.
They’re still finding their way, Thad is still struggling with his conscience over his relationship with Sara.
The White Monks – I really dislike them, cold-hearted, unchristian people to my mind. They dangle the hope of forgiveness before poor Thad in exchange for him working for them, risking his life countlessly fighting demons, while they stay safe and smug. They’re just using him IMO, and I think their God would be very angry at the treatment they dish out to him.
One of the things that makes me feel so cross with the Monks is that the characters feel real to me, so in a way my anger is good!!
Anyway, rant over ;-) and back to the story.
Its a Christmas short, bringing Thad into danger from the locals.
I enjoyed the way it played out, how I really felt “there” in the swamps with them, the bringing in of typical vampire/demon/voodoo/witch legends that surround areas like that. Its moving forward, slowly, very slowly, the changes in Thad and Sara’s relationship.
They’re an unlikely duo, the repressed vampire, full of repentance and who has spent the past century working for the monks, fighting Demons, hiding his nature, both vampire and sexual.
Thad was so alone when we first met him, and he seemed to feel that was just punishment for the monster he saw himself as.
Then there’s Sara, totally opposite in nature, exuberant, out and proud, mixed race young man. In many ways he’s incredibly patient with Thad, he’s trying hard to let him lighten up at his own pace, and Thad is trying too but all those decades of routine and blame are hard to get past.
I hope they find their way forward, it looks good so far, and this story cements their relationship a bit more.
Its not just a sexual/love one but something a bit more with Sara and Thad both having a bit extra “sense” of the other than is usual.
A fun short read, that I enjoyed because I already was familiar with this world.
If you like novellas, then you may enjoy this even without reading book one, but its well worth reading too and gives a better understanding of this story.
Stars: Five, a good addition to the series, moving the story forward a little more.
ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers
November 16, 2016
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the authors for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.***
BONFIRE is book 1.5 in the Hours of the Night series, but can be perfectly read as a standalone, which is what I did. Despite that, I can assure you that after reading this book, I will try to read Vespers as soon as possible as I was captivated in this world Irene Preston & Liv Rancourt have created.
Thaddeus Dupont is a 115-year-old vampire is spending the holidays on the Bayou with his 22-year-old assistant/boyfriend Sarasija trying to work through the issues in their fairly new relationship. Sara isn't sure Thad will want him to stay after his one-year contract is over and Thad isn't sure if Sara really wants to stay with him in such a solitary place. Thad is willing to do whatever is needed to make Sara happy, though, even put up with having a Christmas tree and lights at the house. However, their preparations are cut short when some ghostly lights appear in the swamp that seem to lead the people in the town to follow them. When eyes start turning towards Thad and Sara, they will have to find the source before something worse than some people being lost happens.
While they are as different from each other as oil and water, seeing as Thaddeus is a Catholic vampire with ties to some monks and Sara is an agnostic human with some interesting features (like he isn't affected by Thad's compulsion and power as the other people they come across are), they do seem to be perfect for one another. It was lovely to see Thad trying to make Sara happy even if he didn't quite share his feelings regarding Christmas and Sara is always trying to think ahead as to not hurt Thad or protect him from how others perceive the brooding vampire. They had great chemistry and I just loved them together, be it just spending time together or investigating or in bed. Never mind that having Thad use some terms of endearment in French definitely was a plus!.
All in all, this was a delightful Christmas story with a touch of mystery and a lot of the fascination that the Bayou holds, with two very lovable leads and a very interesting storyline that kept my attention until the last page. I can't wait to read more of Thad and Sara's adventures!
Rating: 4.5 Stars!!!
BONFIRE is book 1.5 in the Hours of the Night series, but can be perfectly read as a standalone, which is what I did. Despite that, I can assure you that after reading this book, I will try to read Vespers as soon as possible as I was captivated in this world Irene Preston & Liv Rancourt have created.
Thaddeus Dupont is a 115-year-old vampire is spending the holidays on the Bayou with his 22-year-old assistant/boyfriend Sarasija trying to work through the issues in their fairly new relationship. Sara isn't sure Thad will want him to stay after his one-year contract is over and Thad isn't sure if Sara really wants to stay with him in such a solitary place. Thad is willing to do whatever is needed to make Sara happy, though, even put up with having a Christmas tree and lights at the house. However, their preparations are cut short when some ghostly lights appear in the swamp that seem to lead the people in the town to follow them. When eyes start turning towards Thad and Sara, they will have to find the source before something worse than some people being lost happens.
While they are as different from each other as oil and water, seeing as Thaddeus is a Catholic vampire with ties to some monks and Sara is an agnostic human with some interesting features (like he isn't affected by Thad's compulsion and power as the other people they come across are), they do seem to be perfect for one another. It was lovely to see Thad trying to make Sara happy even if he didn't quite share his feelings regarding Christmas and Sara is always trying to think ahead as to not hurt Thad or protect him from how others perceive the brooding vampire. They had great chemistry and I just loved them together, be it just spending time together or investigating or in bed. Never mind that having Thad use some terms of endearment in French definitely was a plus!.
All in all, this was a delightful Christmas story with a touch of mystery and a lot of the fascination that the Bayou holds, with two very lovable leads and a very interesting storyline that kept my attention until the last page. I can't wait to read more of Thad and Sara's adventures!
Rating: 4.5 Stars!!!
December 8, 2016
Reviewed for Rainbow Gold Reviews
I really enjoyed this novella and was glad to read about Sara and Thaddeus again even though it hasn’t been a long wait for me. Both characters are more complex than they look on the outside. Sara was raised with parents who were Athiest and Hindu, but he is a Christmas fanatic. The holiday has always been more about being American to his family and his parents who were immigrants. Celebrating the holidays were important to them though. This year his father isn’t alive and Sara is far from home working for Thaddeus. Thaddeus is reclusive and mysterious. He is a gay vampire who is also a devout Catholic. Before Sara came to work for him he lived his life like a monk, including saying all the prayers of the day. He sleeps in the day and at night doesn’t interact with any of his neighbors, so it is no wonder when some of the townspeople accuse him of creating the feu follet (mysterious lights) that are making people wander around the swamp and getting lost.
Thaddeus has broken out of his shell for Sara a lot already, but in this book, Sara is pushing for more. He wants Thaddeus to become more social, He doesn’t want people coming with pitchforks and suspicions of who and what Thaddeus is. Though the relationship between the two men seems like it plays second fiddle to finding out the real origin of the ghost lights and a missing girl, there are some sweet moments between them. Sara would also really like Thaddeus to stop feeling guilty over being with him intimately. I definitely can’t wait for more of these two to see if Sara is successful with his plans for Thaddeus.
The blurb says that this book can be read as a stand-alone and I suppose it can, but I strongly recommend reading book one in order to understand the dynamics of Sara and Thaddeus’s relationship. I enjoyed this story a lot, and I felt like the content was pretty good for a novella sized story. The two do get to the bottom of the mystery, and happily, no one comes to any real harm because of it. The progress that is made by the end of the book definitely made me happy for now. I definitely recommend this book and the series.
9/10 Pots of Gold (90% Recommended) – Compares to 4.5/5 Stars
I really enjoyed this novella and was glad to read about Sara and Thaddeus again even though it hasn’t been a long wait for me. Both characters are more complex than they look on the outside. Sara was raised with parents who were Athiest and Hindu, but he is a Christmas fanatic. The holiday has always been more about being American to his family and his parents who were immigrants. Celebrating the holidays were important to them though. This year his father isn’t alive and Sara is far from home working for Thaddeus. Thaddeus is reclusive and mysterious. He is a gay vampire who is also a devout Catholic. Before Sara came to work for him he lived his life like a monk, including saying all the prayers of the day. He sleeps in the day and at night doesn’t interact with any of his neighbors, so it is no wonder when some of the townspeople accuse him of creating the feu follet (mysterious lights) that are making people wander around the swamp and getting lost.
Thaddeus has broken out of his shell for Sara a lot already, but in this book, Sara is pushing for more. He wants Thaddeus to become more social, He doesn’t want people coming with pitchforks and suspicions of who and what Thaddeus is. Though the relationship between the two men seems like it plays second fiddle to finding out the real origin of the ghost lights and a missing girl, there are some sweet moments between them. Sara would also really like Thaddeus to stop feeling guilty over being with him intimately. I definitely can’t wait for more of these two to see if Sara is successful with his plans for Thaddeus.
The blurb says that this book can be read as a stand-alone and I suppose it can, but I strongly recommend reading book one in order to understand the dynamics of Sara and Thaddeus’s relationship. I enjoyed this story a lot, and I felt like the content was pretty good for a novella sized story. The two do get to the bottom of the mystery, and happily, no one comes to any real harm because of it. The progress that is made by the end of the book definitely made me happy for now. I definitely recommend this book and the series.
9/10 Pots of Gold (90% Recommended) – Compares to 4.5/5 Stars
November 27, 2016
3.5 stars - (review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)
Thaddeus Dupont isn't your ordinary vampire. He's a hitman for the Catholic church, eliminating the world of the demons he's assigned. He's also a vamp in love with a man, donates money to a women's shelter, and celebrates Christmas.
Yeah, Christmas and vampires shouldn't go together. Picking out a tree, decorating it, and gift exchanging isn't common practice for blood suckers. Stepping out of the norm is was separates Liv and Irene from the other vampire/supernatural writers. For me, I never know what new human quality they'll have Thaddeus possess. It's the tiny things that turn an ordinary book to extraordinary.
Now despite the praise I showed for them, I had to knock off some points for a couple reasons.
1.) Thaddeus is several decades old but he wasn't familiar with the term commando. Seemed quite unlikely.
2.) When Sara went missing in the swamp, Dupont couldn't locate him. He was on the lookout for his light. I thought due to him consuming Sara's blood (quite regularly, too) he would be able to find him anywhere, anytime. Yet, Thaddeus only located him when he heard Sara singing Christmas carols. That section went completely against everything I have learned.
Other than those two things, I rather enjoyed the unorthodox Christmas tale and I think so shall you.
(Find more reviews/ratings at www.superkambrook.com)
Thaddeus Dupont isn't your ordinary vampire. He's a hitman for the Catholic church, eliminating the world of the demons he's assigned. He's also a vamp in love with a man, donates money to a women's shelter, and celebrates Christmas.
Yeah, Christmas and vampires shouldn't go together. Picking out a tree, decorating it, and gift exchanging isn't common practice for blood suckers. Stepping out of the norm is was separates Liv and Irene from the other vampire/supernatural writers. For me, I never know what new human quality they'll have Thaddeus possess. It's the tiny things that turn an ordinary book to extraordinary.
Now despite the praise I showed for them, I had to knock off some points for a couple reasons.
1.) Thaddeus is several decades old but he wasn't familiar with the term commando. Seemed quite unlikely.
2.) When Sara went missing in the swamp, Dupont couldn't locate him. He was on the lookout for his light. I thought due to him consuming Sara's blood (quite regularly, too) he would be able to find him anywhere, anytime. Yet, Thaddeus only located him when he heard Sara singing Christmas carols. That section went completely against everything I have learned.
Other than those two things, I rather enjoyed the unorthodox Christmas tale and I think so shall you.
(Find more reviews/ratings at www.superkambrook.com)
December 8, 2016
Thad and Sara are back and just in time for the holidays. Mysterious lights have arrived at the bayou of New Orleans and they aren't Christmas lights...
This story continues on from Vespers (but it's a stand alone) and we find Thad and Sara coming into their own and more comfortable with each other, their complicated relationship and figuring out the best way a Hindu and vampire should celebrate Christmas. In the midst of that, the lights appear. The effect for the most part, is disorienting people, but before Thad, Sara and some new found neighbors can figure out what they are, a child goes missing.
Both Ms. Rancourt and Ms. Preston did an outstanding job in creating a wonderfully festive, yet eerie atmosphere in the swamp down to the foggy mist, a gypsy type vagabond band singing carols, and a pinch of good old fashion magic.
This is a perfect addition to the Hours of the Night Series and a fun holiday mystery to solve.
I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
This story continues on from Vespers (but it's a stand alone) and we find Thad and Sara coming into their own and more comfortable with each other, their complicated relationship and figuring out the best way a Hindu and vampire should celebrate Christmas. In the midst of that, the lights appear. The effect for the most part, is disorienting people, but before Thad, Sara and some new found neighbors can figure out what they are, a child goes missing.
Both Ms. Rancourt and Ms. Preston did an outstanding job in creating a wonderfully festive, yet eerie atmosphere in the swamp down to the foggy mist, a gypsy type vagabond band singing carols, and a pinch of good old fashion magic.
This is a perfect addition to the Hours of the Night Series and a fun holiday mystery to solve.
I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
November 22, 2016
This is a short and sweet novella in the Hours of the Night series. Thad and Sara are getting ready for Christmas and are drawn in to an unexplained occurrence happening in the town. Mysterious lights in the swamp are compelling the locals to search them out and they emerge later on disoriented. The duo try to solve the mystery before anyone seriously gets hurt.
Thad and Sara seem to be getting closer, but Thad still feels extremely guilty for his budding relationship with Sara, but they do have a genuine fondness for each other and the walls are slowly being torn down. I'm looking forward to the next installment as these two make a great team!
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thad and Sara seem to be getting closer, but Thad still feels extremely guilty for his budding relationship with Sara, but they do have a genuine fondness for each other and the walls are slowly being torn down. I'm looking forward to the next installment as these two make a great team!
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
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