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Order of the Black Knights #2
Matthias
Order of the Black Knights
From Louisiana swamp rat to revivalist huckster to skilled con artist, Matthias Krall clawed his way out of poverty using his natural gifts of grift and manipulation to become the leader of an exclusive retreat center. Exploiting the guise of spiritual guru, Matthias seduces the rich and powerful into turning over their lives and fortunes to his control. But wealth and a small cadre of loyal followers can’t protect Matthias from the betrayal he knows is imminent. Everyone wants what Matthias has, except for one man who wants to destroy it. Dylan Connelly is a reporter who’s determined to prove the charismatic recluse is not only a fraud but a murderer.
Irresistibly drawn to Dylan despite the warnings in his gut, Matthias lures Dylan to his island retreat, determined to destroy his enemy once and for all.
From Louisiana swamp rat to revivalist huckster to skilled con artist, Matthias Krall clawed his way out of poverty using his natural gifts of grift and manipulation to become the leader of an exclusive retreat center. Exploiting the guise of spiritual guru, Matthias seduces the rich and powerful into turning over their lives and fortunes to his control. But wealth and a small cadre of loyal followers can’t protect Matthias from the betrayal he knows is imminent. Everyone wants what Matthias has, except for one man who wants to destroy it. Dylan Connelly is a reporter who’s determined to prove the charismatic recluse is not only a fraud but a murderer.
Irresistibly drawn to Dylan despite the warnings in his gut, Matthias lures Dylan to his island retreat, determined to destroy his enemy once and for all.
- GenresM M RomanceParanormal
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2016
3 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 30, 2016
Cults are not something I am a big fan of. I hate the exploitation, manipulation and their overall foundation made of lies. So I was not quite sure about this book. But the intriguing part of the blurb was that one of the MC being the leader of the cult in focus and I really wanted an insight to the inner workings of the mind of a successful conman. Behavioral science is real and effective and I wanted to see how the author uses it to structure the intriguing and unique character of Matthias. After finishing this book, I must say I seriously liked the mind games and the dark nature of the book and Matthias was as mesmerizing as promised.
Matthias Krallis the leader of the “Rising Star” retreat where he helps celebrities and other distinguished and successful people to achieve their goals. By his own admission we get that Mathias is a conman who uses his unique talent of hypnotism and reading people to manipulate his clients and get generous donations for his effort. So helping them is not Mathias’s sole intention.
After Matthias’s ex-lover, Jason commits suicide (or so what everyone thinks!!) Dylan Connelly, a journalist with a past connection to Matthias is dead set against exposing him and his con. Matthias is irresistibly drawn to Dylan while dark voices in his mind warn him to stay away from the journalist. Dylan is invited to his island retreat to do a piece on Rising Star but Matthias has his own dark and devious intentions behind it. Will Matthias be able to succumb to his inner dark forces and kill his enemy or will he finally let Dylan break all his walls and love him??? Read to find out!!
I liked the build-up of the story. We know that eventually Matthias and Dylan are going to come face to face so the first half of the story gives a detailed account of the circumstances of how they met in the past and what are the incriminating circumstances that again brings them together after 10 years. We see that Dylan has been affected by Matthias as much as Matthias by Dylan. There is a cosmic force connecting them together which is undeniable but at the same time, Matthias feels a driving need to distrust Dylan and end him. I liked the contrast of these dual feelings going on in Matthias’s head.
Matthias have trained himself to never being vulnerable to anyone. Dylan is his only kryptonite. He wants him but also does not want Dylan to get too close. He has built his empire on a con and Dylan’s presence makes him question his intentions. Matthias is tired of the lies and he desperately wants to break free of his walls and love like a normal person. Matthias was surely a very complicated character with several layers and a potent personality which could bring anyone down to their knees.
I liked the constant environment of “mistrust” in the story. There are no cozy or romantic moments in this story. There is always an underlying sense of tension and impending doom/danger. It keeps the reader on their toes. Also the retreat is completely cut off from the world and gives a perfect feel for the “cult-like” sinister backdrop for the story.
Although I enjoyed the story very much, I had a few hang-ups which did not let me give this book the rating I wanted to. The Knight angle and the past lives of Matthias were not made that clear. I did not get his need to Kill Dylan or why he did kill the person he loves in his previous lives. Also it was not explained properly how this life was any different. If not for that psycho at the end, Matthias would have killed again.
So as much as I did love the dark and mysterious nature of the story, the end did not cut it for me. Matthias’s breaking out of his curse plus his union with Dylan felt rushed. An extra one or two chapters to properly conclude his “curse of being destined to kill the man he loves” would have made the read perfect.
I would recommend this book to those who love to read an unconventional romance with a sinister/mysterious setting. I look forward to the next book in the series.
*This review has been cross posted at GayBookReviews*
Matthias Krallis the leader of the “Rising Star” retreat where he helps celebrities and other distinguished and successful people to achieve their goals. By his own admission we get that Mathias is a conman who uses his unique talent of hypnotism and reading people to manipulate his clients and get generous donations for his effort. So helping them is not Mathias’s sole intention.
After Matthias’s ex-lover, Jason commits suicide (or so what everyone thinks!!) Dylan Connelly, a journalist with a past connection to Matthias is dead set against exposing him and his con. Matthias is irresistibly drawn to Dylan while dark voices in his mind warn him to stay away from the journalist. Dylan is invited to his island retreat to do a piece on Rising Star but Matthias has his own dark and devious intentions behind it. Will Matthias be able to succumb to his inner dark forces and kill his enemy or will he finally let Dylan break all his walls and love him??? Read to find out!!
I liked the build-up of the story. We know that eventually Matthias and Dylan are going to come face to face so the first half of the story gives a detailed account of the circumstances of how they met in the past and what are the incriminating circumstances that again brings them together after 10 years. We see that Dylan has been affected by Matthias as much as Matthias by Dylan. There is a cosmic force connecting them together which is undeniable but at the same time, Matthias feels a driving need to distrust Dylan and end him. I liked the contrast of these dual feelings going on in Matthias’s head.
Matthias have trained himself to never being vulnerable to anyone. Dylan is his only kryptonite. He wants him but also does not want Dylan to get too close. He has built his empire on a con and Dylan’s presence makes him question his intentions. Matthias is tired of the lies and he desperately wants to break free of his walls and love like a normal person. Matthias was surely a very complicated character with several layers and a potent personality which could bring anyone down to their knees.
I liked the constant environment of “mistrust” in the story. There are no cozy or romantic moments in this story. There is always an underlying sense of tension and impending doom/danger. It keeps the reader on their toes. Also the retreat is completely cut off from the world and gives a perfect feel for the “cult-like” sinister backdrop for the story.
Although I enjoyed the story very much, I had a few hang-ups which did not let me give this book the rating I wanted to. The Knight angle and the past lives of Matthias were not made that clear. I did not get his need to Kill Dylan or why he did kill the person he loves in his previous lives. Also it was not explained properly how this life was any different. If not for that psycho at the end, Matthias would have killed again.
So as much as I did love the dark and mysterious nature of the story, the end did not cut it for me. Matthias’s breaking out of his curse plus his union with Dylan felt rushed. An extra one or two chapters to properly conclude his “curse of being destined to kill the man he loves” would have made the read perfect.
I would recommend this book to those who love to read an unconventional romance with a sinister/mysterious setting. I look forward to the next book in the series.
*This review has been cross posted at GayBookReviews*
Read
November 3, 2016DNF @ 61%
**Ragey review to follow**
I have so much rage inside me right now. Utter disappointment for this book. I mean, I was ready to chuck it once Matthias job came out into full discovery. I'm so disappointed in Dylan right right now. No, I'm disappointed in the author. WTF!!!! Are you kidding me? Dylan, you had ONE DAMN JOB. All you had to do was get revenge on account of Jace and your humiliation, but you decided to act like a B**** in heat and succumb to Matthias wilds. I'm so angry. It's been 10 years, you don't know him from Adam or Steve. Not once did you think about the outcome or why you are really there. No, you acted like some pansy ass school girl with a crush on one of the One Direction boys and got your eagle on! ( See meme below for explanation ).
With all this speculation around this cult/non cult, I just expected more from Dylan as a character. If I was Dylan and was super obsessed with an individual who broke my heart and left me like some trash on the road, then I'd be all for getting revenge on his ass. I would be on some spy ish, and some black widow type things. I mean someone did die in the story. Is Jace's death not important anymore. Dylan was all for getting Jace's truth, and instead he distracted about some past one night stand. I don't get it. Besides Matthias looks, nothing else is exciting. Dylan had a lot of cards, but like most men he decided to think with his little head instead of his big one.
I'm slowly simmering down, I couldn't read another page after that. It sucks big time. I wasn't thrilled for the plot. I didn't even enjoy Matthias as a job and hated his little crew even more. I can't even think how Dylan can be with Matthias after all. Sure he didn't kill Jace, but he definitely should be accounted for his death.
I'm angry and I'm done.
December 7, 2016
Matthias Krall came from nothing in the swamps of Louisiana, raised by a con artist mother to be a con artist himself. When his mother married a revivalist preacher, Matthias became a victim of the man's sick perversions. Without any other options, Matthias was driven to murder the man and essentially abandoned by his disbelieving mother. Now Matthias has made a profitable life for himself selling his own version of snake oil.
Dylan has always had fragile self-esteem. Expected to go to West Point but opting to become a journalist instead, he's become the family failure. It doesn't help that he's also gay. Becoming entranced by Matthias only to have Matthias reject him the way he did only threatened to destroy him even more. But now he's not that same naive young man. Now he has ever intention of figuring out how Matthias has gotten so many elite followers, how he runs his super exclusive retreat. But most importantly how he is connected to the "suicide" of musician and client Jace.
Matthias and Dylan have a brief past. One Matthias has given very little thought of throughout the past years. However, Dylan has never gotten over the mystery of Matthias Krall. Now Dylan has his sights on destroying Matthias and exposing him for the fraud he is and the murderer he might be. A week at the exclusive retreat on San Juan Island under the guise of interviewing Matthias and writing a story about Rising Star should give Dylan exactly what he wants. Only Matthias has his own plan for Dylan while he's on the Island.
********************************
This is a utterly and completely different from the first book. Where the first book upset me (even though the writing was great) this book had me sitting here biting my nails unable to put it down. I was on pins and needles waiting to find out where the story was going. They were both playing a game and both winning yet losing at the same time. Right when I thought Dylan would one up Matthias, Matthias would turn it around to come out on top. Then it would flip and Dylan was on top (no pun intended).
How these men would eventually recover from all the deceit and mind f*#%s, I had no clue. I wasn't sure if this could actually end up a HEA or even HFN (don't worry, perfect ending). I have to commend Alexis Duran because this story truly sucked me in and wouldn't let go. As much as I wanted to put it down, I just couldn't.
I loved Dylan and at times wanted to choke him. I adored Matthias and, of course, there were times I wanted to throat punch him. But these two men were definitely a great pair. Their distrust of the other was actually quite comical at times because when it all came to a head, they trusted each other above all others. They were great together.
I am definitely a fan of this series and recommend it for sure!
5 Stars!
*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.*
Dylan has always had fragile self-esteem. Expected to go to West Point but opting to become a journalist instead, he's become the family failure. It doesn't help that he's also gay. Becoming entranced by Matthias only to have Matthias reject him the way he did only threatened to destroy him even more. But now he's not that same naive young man. Now he has ever intention of figuring out how Matthias has gotten so many elite followers, how he runs his super exclusive retreat. But most importantly how he is connected to the "suicide" of musician and client Jace.
Matthias and Dylan have a brief past. One Matthias has given very little thought of throughout the past years. However, Dylan has never gotten over the mystery of Matthias Krall. Now Dylan has his sights on destroying Matthias and exposing him for the fraud he is and the murderer he might be. A week at the exclusive retreat on San Juan Island under the guise of interviewing Matthias and writing a story about Rising Star should give Dylan exactly what he wants. Only Matthias has his own plan for Dylan while he's on the Island.
********************************
This is a utterly and completely different from the first book. Where the first book upset me (even though the writing was great) this book had me sitting here biting my nails unable to put it down. I was on pins and needles waiting to find out where the story was going. They were both playing a game and both winning yet losing at the same time. Right when I thought Dylan would one up Matthias, Matthias would turn it around to come out on top. Then it would flip and Dylan was on top (no pun intended).
How these men would eventually recover from all the deceit and mind f*#%s, I had no clue. I wasn't sure if this could actually end up a HEA or even HFN (don't worry, perfect ending). I have to commend Alexis Duran because this story truly sucked me in and wouldn't let go. As much as I wanted to put it down, I just couldn't.
I loved Dylan and at times wanted to choke him. I adored Matthias and, of course, there were times I wanted to throat punch him. But these two men were definitely a great pair. Their distrust of the other was actually quite comical at times because when it all came to a head, they trusted each other above all others. They were great together.
I am definitely a fan of this series and recommend it for sure!
5 Stars!
*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.*
November 1, 2017
* 3,5 stars*
I liked this one better than the previous one. Maybe because Matthias and I studied the same knowledge about Hypnotism and Mesmerism. And I know how it works.
Holding the power of Black Nights and mastering hypnotism made Matthias undeniable to everyone who's willingly fall for him. It's not that he can do everything he wanted.
Understanding hypnotism, you need to be 'willing' to be hypnotized, or on drugs, or in shock or if you are a person of focus.
The story itself is a kind of slow, and a little bit boring if you're not into hypnotism. I admit I put it down a few time, because...I'm sleepy, like Matthias hypnotized me.
--> Onward.
Dylan was obsessed with Matthias since ten years ago, once a stalker and an admirer, then Matthias left him for humiliation (rejection is hurt, my friend), he's finally found out that he need to come back to Matthias to have a closure.
Matthias was a slut, having sex to whoever he wanted. Having a boyfriend for a while and got bored of Jason. Actually, me and Dylan liked Jace. He's sweet and loved Matthias. But Matthias didn't like a clingy lover, and Julian his assistant, made it easy for him to get rid of Jace. Poor Jace.
And for Jace's sake as well, Dylan came to Matthias resort to find out, about what happened to Jason.
Turns out, everybody hides something, including Matthias. But Matthias hide something about Dylan, as well. He also can't get rid of Dylan out of his head. Even after one sexual encounter ten years ago. Dylan did something to him, he didn't understand.
This is getting interesting, sadly after 80 percent mark of the story. The jealous lover, the family, the betrayal and some action happened at the end of the story. Dylan and Matthias didn't have too much time for romance. Three days of sexual conduct, and suddenly in love?
But, well, at least, it's been ten years of yearning.
And then the sex! The sex is sexy and panty wet worthy. It was slow, mesmerizing, and Matthias and Dylan are definitely got the strong chemistry for the sex only.
Overall, this one is quite enjoyable, especially the sexy times between Dylan and Matthias, ditched the therapy session, this will be better read.
* I was given the ARC by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of a fair and unbiased review, no high rating required.*
I liked this one better than the previous one. Maybe because Matthias and I studied the same knowledge about Hypnotism and Mesmerism. And I know how it works.
Holding the power of Black Nights and mastering hypnotism made Matthias undeniable to everyone who's willingly fall for him. It's not that he can do everything he wanted.
Understanding hypnotism, you need to be 'willing' to be hypnotized, or on drugs, or in shock or if you are a person of focus.
The story itself is a kind of slow, and a little bit boring if you're not into hypnotism. I admit I put it down a few time, because...I'm sleepy, like Matthias hypnotized me.
--> Onward.
Dylan was obsessed with Matthias since ten years ago, once a stalker and an admirer, then Matthias left him for humiliation (rejection is hurt, my friend), he's finally found out that he need to come back to Matthias to have a closure.
Matthias was a slut, having sex to whoever he wanted. Having a boyfriend for a while and got bored of Jason. Actually, me and Dylan liked Jace. He's sweet and loved Matthias. But Matthias didn't like a clingy lover, and Julian his assistant, made it easy for him to get rid of Jace. Poor Jace.
And for Jace's sake as well, Dylan came to Matthias resort to find out, about what happened to Jason.
Turns out, everybody hides something, including Matthias. But Matthias hide something about Dylan, as well. He also can't get rid of Dylan out of his head. Even after one sexual encounter ten years ago. Dylan did something to him, he didn't understand.
This is getting interesting, sadly after 80 percent mark of the story. The jealous lover, the family, the betrayal and some action happened at the end of the story. Dylan and Matthias didn't have too much time for romance. Three days of sexual conduct, and suddenly in love?
But, well, at least, it's been ten years of yearning.
And then the sex! The sex is sexy and panty wet worthy. It was slow, mesmerizing, and Matthias and Dylan are definitely got the strong chemistry for the sex only.
Overall, this one is quite enjoyable, especially the sexy times between Dylan and Matthias, ditched the therapy session, this will be better read.
* I was given the ARC by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of a fair and unbiased review, no high rating required.*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2018
This is the second book of the series and im kinda having a hard time with them. I'm not sure what to think to be honest. The book as a whole isn't bad but I definitely have some issues. I have an issue like I did with the first one. If you despise or hate someone so bad, why would you sleep with them? I understand chemistry and being turned on and yada yada, but if I hated someone that much, I'd be running away. Not running to their arms and screwing their brains out. And the ending left things...I don't know. I was not happy with the ending. When you deal with a subject like hypnosis and manipulation in order to get rich, a con, it can be very touchy. And the way it ended just really made me upset.
Matthias was raised in a small town in Louisiana, by his mom and her many men. He was a poor boy. He hated it. Seemed like in all his lives he started out poor, but he was determined in all of them to become rich. Never having to beg or anything again. He had a gift he learned early on, to hypnotize in a way. He had a gift to manipulate and set a con and he expanded on that turning himself into a multimillionaire 'guru’ with a 'retreat’ everyone wanted to get into. Especially since no one but the invited had a way to even see the place. But people around him are trying to gain more power and things are starting to unravel around him. Especially when Dylan comes back to haunt him. Having not seen Dylan in ten years, he still knew it would be trouble. Dylan had the nose of a bloodhound in the form of a journalist, and for years he's been on Matthias’s trail. After one explosive night of sex, Matthias shut Dylan out of his life to try to keep him out of his business. But when an ex of Matthias’s starts talking about the retreat as a cult and other things, Dylan knew he had to get to the bottom of things. Especially when said ex ends up dead. Now Dylan has to find out what's going on to avenge the death of his so called friend and to see Matthias crumble.
Yet again, sex seems to be the thing here. Dylan set out with a goal in mind and I was all for it. Not that I'm bent on revenge or anything, but sometimes people need a little karma in their lives. What irritates me is Dylan becomes like a dog in heat. Instead of focusing on the job he needed to do to expose Matthias, he hops in bed with him as soon as he can. Heck the first time they don't even make it to a bed. It takes away from Dylan's character somewhat to me. And I loved Dylan. He had such fire and passion. He cares. He wants to do what is right no matter what it takes. Like I said, I understand chemistry. I understand the pull of someone. The draw. But knowing that the person may be responsible for the death of another, knowing that you hate him, why give in to that pull? And even if you couldn't resist once, why keep going back? Knowing after you've done it that it was so wrong. I'm glad that Matthias was willing to finally give up what he has been doing for the sake of Dylan, but to me he should have to pay for what he's done. Instead of riding of into the sunset with a happily ever after. Ugh.
I'm not happy with this book. I'm not complaining about there being sex in the book, don't get me wrong, I just think that with the amount of stuff going on, maybe it needed to be more focused on that? Maybe it's just me.
Matthias was raised in a small town in Louisiana, by his mom and her many men. He was a poor boy. He hated it. Seemed like in all his lives he started out poor, but he was determined in all of them to become rich. Never having to beg or anything again. He had a gift he learned early on, to hypnotize in a way. He had a gift to manipulate and set a con and he expanded on that turning himself into a multimillionaire 'guru’ with a 'retreat’ everyone wanted to get into. Especially since no one but the invited had a way to even see the place. But people around him are trying to gain more power and things are starting to unravel around him. Especially when Dylan comes back to haunt him. Having not seen Dylan in ten years, he still knew it would be trouble. Dylan had the nose of a bloodhound in the form of a journalist, and for years he's been on Matthias’s trail. After one explosive night of sex, Matthias shut Dylan out of his life to try to keep him out of his business. But when an ex of Matthias’s starts talking about the retreat as a cult and other things, Dylan knew he had to get to the bottom of things. Especially when said ex ends up dead. Now Dylan has to find out what's going on to avenge the death of his so called friend and to see Matthias crumble.
Yet again, sex seems to be the thing here. Dylan set out with a goal in mind and I was all for it. Not that I'm bent on revenge or anything, but sometimes people need a little karma in their lives. What irritates me is Dylan becomes like a dog in heat. Instead of focusing on the job he needed to do to expose Matthias, he hops in bed with him as soon as he can. Heck the first time they don't even make it to a bed. It takes away from Dylan's character somewhat to me. And I loved Dylan. He had such fire and passion. He cares. He wants to do what is right no matter what it takes. Like I said, I understand chemistry. I understand the pull of someone. The draw. But knowing that the person may be responsible for the death of another, knowing that you hate him, why give in to that pull? And even if you couldn't resist once, why keep going back? Knowing after you've done it that it was so wrong. I'm glad that Matthias was willing to finally give up what he has been doing for the sake of Dylan, but to me he should have to pay for what he's done. Instead of riding of into the sunset with a happily ever after. Ugh.
I'm not happy with this book. I'm not complaining about there being sex in the book, don't get me wrong, I just think that with the amount of stuff going on, maybe it needed to be more focused on that? Maybe it's just me.
June 9, 2019
3.5
First things first.
El prólogo te lo debo, el principio me enganchó, el nudo me aburrió y el descenlace fue... meh.
La historia realmente podría haber sido muy buena, más allá de que estoy reconociendo un cierto patrón con respecto al inicio de esta saga, y espero que este no continúe.
Me explico: poor child, with a unlucky life, que después renace siendo the best of all the rich guys.
Y ese nudo, simplemente no pude conectar con los personajes, Dylan no actuaba como debería hacerlo una persona que está buscando venganza por tantos años, todo el ingenio que Matthias (y la autora de esta review) buscábamos desaparecía al instánte en el que lo volvió a ver.
Y, disculpad si me quedé dormida en alguna parte, pero... ¿de qué recondito lugar en el universo sacó nuestro empresario hippie ese don? ¿la obsesión con los caballeros? Que no tienen nada que ver con los actuales protagonistas, que yo sepa.
Y el final, arruinó todo, demasiado soso, mis expectativas mataron la historia, literalmente.
Las 3 estrellas y media fue por la introducción, por la emoción que sentí al leer esa tensión por la confrontación inminente; por la llegada de su familia y los divertidos diálogos con Matthias y... nothing more.
First things first.
El prólogo te lo debo, el principio me enganchó, el nudo me aburrió y el descenlace fue... meh.
La historia realmente podría haber sido muy buena, más allá de que estoy reconociendo un cierto patrón con respecto al inicio de esta saga, y espero que este no continúe.
Me explico: poor child, with a unlucky life, que después renace siendo the best of all the rich guys.
Y ese nudo, simplemente no pude conectar con los personajes, Dylan no actuaba como debería hacerlo una persona que está buscando venganza por tantos años, todo el ingenio que Matthias (y la autora de esta review) buscábamos desaparecía al instánte en el que lo volvió a ver.
Y, disculpad si me quedé dormida en alguna parte, pero... ¿de qué recondito lugar en el universo sacó nuestro empresario hippie ese don? ¿la obsesión con los caballeros? Que no tienen nada que ver con los actuales protagonistas, que yo sepa.
Y el final, arruinó todo, demasiado soso, mis expectativas mataron la historia, literalmente.
Las 3 estrellas y media fue por la introducción, por la emoción que sentí al leer esa tensión por la confrontación inminente; por la llegada de su familia y los divertidos diálogos con Matthias y... nothing more.
July 7, 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.
Matthias 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.
Matthias and Dylan's story. As in past lives, Matthias must pardon his enemy Dylan, in order to break the curse he know nothing about. Dylan is a reporter trying to an expose on the runnings of the "retreat" that Matthias and his people run for the rich and powerful.
Enjoyable to read, Entertaining. Highly Recommend.
Matthias 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.
Matthias and Dylan's story. As in past lives, Matthias must pardon his enemy Dylan, in order to break the curse he know nothing about. Dylan is a reporter trying to an expose on the runnings of the "retreat" that Matthias and his people run for the rich and powerful.
Enjoyable to read, Entertaining. Highly Recommend.
January 9, 2017
Matthias is an old soul who is also some sort of Knight. (Not that you see any of it really, except for the beginning of the book.) Dylan is his supposed-to-be lover he's killed in every lifetime until now.
I thought this book was kinda dumb. Dylan never achieves his mission objective of revealing all about Matthias' resort and him being a con. The revelation only comes about as Matthias' assistant/staff shrink abducts Dylan in jealous and with the idea he has to kill him or torture him to protect his boss whom he's in love with.
While I read the entire book, I was severely disappointed with the paranormal aspect of this book, and the whole thing was kinda 'MEH' to me. 1 star.
I thought this book was kinda dumb. Dylan never achieves his mission objective of revealing all about Matthias' resort and him being a con. The revelation only comes about as Matthias' assistant/staff shrink abducts Dylan in jealous and with the idea he has to kill him or torture him to protect his boss whom he's in love with.
While I read the entire book, I was severely disappointed with the paranormal aspect of this book, and the whole thing was kinda 'MEH' to me. 1 star.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2016
I am so stuck in this series. Evil comes in the form of a man claiming to right the wrongs of the universe but in return the one that he takes under his wing has to serve him lifetime after lifetime until that person decides to forgive their enemy I stead of taking revenge.
That is how Matthias ended up where he is now in life. He signed that oath. So for several lifetimes he has killed the same man over and over again. And each lifetime Matthias cannot remember the last or the oath that he took. At the same time each lifetime Matthias comes back stronger then the last and ends up having more wealth then the previous lifetime also.
Dylan is the man that Matthias has killed and seemed revenge on for many lifetimes. Each time Dylan is in love with Matthias but can not break through to the stone cold heart that he has and each time he is killed again and again more in love with Matthias then he was the last time. This current lifetime is no different in that aspect. Dylan fell in love with Matthias the very first time he met him in college and even though things did not work out then, he has never forgotten Matthias. If he was honest with himself he never fell out of love with him either.
When Matthias and his antics into "The Rising Star" comes to light, Dylan cannot pass up the chance to investigate Matthias and see if there is any truth to the rumors of him brainwashing others into following him and in turn giving him large sums of money.
Neither of the men expected to come face to face again. They definitely did not expect the other to get to them. And the last thing they ever expected was the voice in Matthias's head to lead Dylan into danger, especially in danger from Matthias. But that is exactly what happens and no one knows exactly who will come out on top in the end.
I really enjoying reading this series. Evil can get its claws into someone but the thing is how long will it take for that person to realize hat they do not want to let that evil to continue to rule their lives. That is exactly what these characters have to decide in this series. It is not any easy oath that these characters have to take but it is definitely a necessary path. The question that is on my mind the whole way through this book is will evil win in the end or will good finally win out in the end.
This. Ok was such an amazing read and I enjoyed every minute of it. It is an action packed read with a lot of mystery behind it that leaves you questioning what will exactly happen next and to who. It also leaves you wondering who is the bad guy in the end? Such an amazing read. I think others will feel the same way also.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
That is how Matthias ended up where he is now in life. He signed that oath. So for several lifetimes he has killed the same man over and over again. And each lifetime Matthias cannot remember the last or the oath that he took. At the same time each lifetime Matthias comes back stronger then the last and ends up having more wealth then the previous lifetime also.
Dylan is the man that Matthias has killed and seemed revenge on for many lifetimes. Each time Dylan is in love with Matthias but can not break through to the stone cold heart that he has and each time he is killed again and again more in love with Matthias then he was the last time. This current lifetime is no different in that aspect. Dylan fell in love with Matthias the very first time he met him in college and even though things did not work out then, he has never forgotten Matthias. If he was honest with himself he never fell out of love with him either.
When Matthias and his antics into "The Rising Star" comes to light, Dylan cannot pass up the chance to investigate Matthias and see if there is any truth to the rumors of him brainwashing others into following him and in turn giving him large sums of money.
Neither of the men expected to come face to face again. They definitely did not expect the other to get to them. And the last thing they ever expected was the voice in Matthias's head to lead Dylan into danger, especially in danger from Matthias. But that is exactly what happens and no one knows exactly who will come out on top in the end.
I really enjoying reading this series. Evil can get its claws into someone but the thing is how long will it take for that person to realize hat they do not want to let that evil to continue to rule their lives. That is exactly what these characters have to decide in this series. It is not any easy oath that these characters have to take but it is definitely a necessary path. The question that is on my mind the whole way through this book is will evil win in the end or will good finally win out in the end.
This. Ok was such an amazing read and I enjoyed every minute of it. It is an action packed read with a lot of mystery behind it that leaves you questioning what will exactly happen next and to who. It also leaves you wondering who is the bad guy in the end? Such an amazing read. I think others will feel the same way also.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
November 2, 2016
Independent reviewer for Divine Magazine, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book two in the series, but you don't need to have read book one. I have, and it's really hard NOT to compare the two, especially as they are written by different authors. That threw me, I tell ya, because no indication was given in book one that future books would be written by different authors. There is a tiny bit here, in the beginning, just a single line, that gives you a little more information.
Matthias dragged himself out of his childhood and is now a head of a famous retreat. Dylan is hot on his tail, as an investigative reporter, trying to find out the truth behind a rock star's death. Dylan and Matthias have met before, in many lifetimes, and this one might just be the one to break the cycle.
It runs a very similar pattern to book one, and that's why I'm struggling to separate them. Meet, love, kill. Rinse and repeat.
The story itself is well written, from both men's point of view, with no spelling or editing errors I spotted.
Matthias is fully aware of the effect Dylan has on him, he never forgot that one time they had before, those ten years ago. And now, he has Dylan in his lair, Dylan WILL be his again. Dylan is under no illusions that he will end up in Matthias' bed, he just hopes he doesn't end up dead, like the rock star he is investigating.
The ending does feel a little rushed, though. Like oh, I'm running out for pages, lets get it done quick.
And I'm still missing that information about The Order of The Black Knights. I need to know about Moriel, how he finds his recruits, how he feels when they sign up, and when they finally break that cycle. I NEED this, so please??
Because of the rushed ending and the similarities to book one...
4 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book two in the series, but you don't need to have read book one. I have, and it's really hard NOT to compare the two, especially as they are written by different authors. That threw me, I tell ya, because no indication was given in book one that future books would be written by different authors. There is a tiny bit here, in the beginning, just a single line, that gives you a little more information.
Matthias dragged himself out of his childhood and is now a head of a famous retreat. Dylan is hot on his tail, as an investigative reporter, trying to find out the truth behind a rock star's death. Dylan and Matthias have met before, in many lifetimes, and this one might just be the one to break the cycle.
It runs a very similar pattern to book one, and that's why I'm struggling to separate them. Meet, love, kill. Rinse and repeat.
The story itself is well written, from both men's point of view, with no spelling or editing errors I spotted.
Matthias is fully aware of the effect Dylan has on him, he never forgot that one time they had before, those ten years ago. And now, he has Dylan in his lair, Dylan WILL be his again. Dylan is under no illusions that he will end up in Matthias' bed, he just hopes he doesn't end up dead, like the rock star he is investigating.
The ending does feel a little rushed, though. Like oh, I'm running out for pages, lets get it done quick.
And I'm still missing that information about The Order of The Black Knights. I need to know about Moriel, how he finds his recruits, how he feels when they sign up, and when they finally break that cycle. I NEED this, so please??
Because of the rushed ending and the similarities to book one...
4 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
July 3, 2017
***3.88 stars***
I have to say I was a little leery with the “meditation guide” thing. In fact, in the beginning it was a bit daft, but as I read the book it slowly started to get better. I believe I have to attribute my change of feelings to the witty banter between Jason and Dylan. Oh, and poor Jason (and I will have to leave it at that…sorry).
Unlike the first book in the series, this book has to do more with romance and not so much mystery/suspense. Honestly, everything seemed pretty straightforward so I really don’t know why Dreamspinner placed it in that genre. Even so, this book was a nice read that kept me entertained; wanting to know if the two MC’s get to finish what started 10 years ago. Hoping that both Matthias and Dylan would just let down their defenses so that they could finally be together. I will not lie, I was hoping that there was going to be some BDSM between the two given their personalities; however, the author did not take the story in that direction.
In addition, I felt like there should have been more of a reason for “Dylan” ending up being Matthias’ enemy. In the first book, the guy physically and verbally mistreats Gideon. However, in this book “Dylan” was not one of the knights that hurt his mom. In fact, he basically generalized all the knights and lumped them all together. With that said, I feel that this part of the story was not as strong as it could have been.
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 I was a little leery with the “meditation guide” thing. In fact, in the beginning it was a bit daft, but as I read the book it slowly started to get better. I believe I have to attribute my change of feelings to the witty banter between Jason and Dylan. Oh, and poor Jason (and I will have to leave it at that…sorry).
Unlike the first book in the series, this book has to do more with romance and not so much mystery/suspense. Honestly, everything seemed pretty straightforward so I really don’t know why Dreamspinner placed it in that genre. Even so, this book was a nice read that kept me entertained; wanting to know if the two MC’s get to finish what started 10 years ago. Hoping that both Matthias and Dylan would just let down their defenses so that they could finally be together. I will not lie, I was hoping that there was going to be some BDSM between the two given their personalities; however, the author did not take the story in that direction.
In addition, I felt like there should have been more of a reason for “Dylan” ending up being Matthias’ enemy. In the first book, the guy physically and verbally mistreats Gideon. However, in this book “Dylan” was not one of the knights that hurt his mom. In fact, he basically generalized all the knights and lumped them all together. With that said, I feel that this part of the story was not as strong as it could have been.
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.
December 1, 2016
Brilliantly done; the psychology of cults rings true and believable, hypnotism and the dynamics of the inner circle fascinating. The concept of reincarnation until you get it right is an old one, with the added layer of the Order of the Black Knights, men who sold their souls in one lifetime and must pay for it for many more. The only man who can free them is the man who helped to set events in motion.
The men of this series are killers, mercenaries, as their true nature has been altered by the vow they made. Mystery and suspense surrounds them as they try to work their way free through the ages. But love and forgiveness are the key.
I love Alexis Duran’s prose style, and she always writes a visually vivid story, tightly plotted and one I could not put down. This story is exceptional. Even at his most manipulative, Matthias is compelling and sexy and a complete showman—but he never trusts anyone, can’t get himself free of the burden of being Matthias, whatever that might mean. His past lives bleed through even more once he meets Dylan, the reporter sent to investigate him and who is also someone he’d had a very brief fling with when they were college together.
Reading the push and pull of their attraction was fascinating for me and alarming for the secondary characters of Matthias’s inner circle. No one tells the truth on this isolated island, not even the people who come to Matthias for help. Despite the distrust, the rekindling of their romance despite the sharks in the water around them is a wonderful balance to the mystery and suspense aspect.
The men of this series are killers, mercenaries, as their true nature has been altered by the vow they made. Mystery and suspense surrounds them as they try to work their way free through the ages. But love and forgiveness are the key.
I love Alexis Duran’s prose style, and she always writes a visually vivid story, tightly plotted and one I could not put down. This story is exceptional. Even at his most manipulative, Matthias is compelling and sexy and a complete showman—but he never trusts anyone, can’t get himself free of the burden of being Matthias, whatever that might mean. His past lives bleed through even more once he meets Dylan, the reporter sent to investigate him and who is also someone he’d had a very brief fling with when they were college together.
Reading the push and pull of their attraction was fascinating for me and alarming for the secondary characters of Matthias’s inner circle. No one tells the truth on this isolated island, not even the people who come to Matthias for help. Despite the distrust, the rekindling of their romance despite the sharks in the water around them is a wonderful balance to the mystery and suspense aspect.
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