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Le brave type: Dan Miller a les sciences occultes dans le sang. Aider les ames perdues a trouver le repos n'est pas a la portee de tout le monde, surtout lorsque celles-ci menacent les Vivants. Mais a la mort de ses parents, six annees auparavant, Dan a ete force d'abandonner ses activites pour se consacrer a son frere et sa soeur, tout en se battant pour faire survivre leur ferme, en Caroline du Nord.
Ainsi, lorsque Leif Helsvin, gothique extravagant, apparait sur le pas de sa porte pour lui demander de l'aide afin de se debarrasser d'un necromancien du nom de Runar, la premiere reaction de Dan est de refuser. Ayant deux adolescents a charge, il peine deja a garder la tete hors de l'eau. De plus, le beau Leif represente une tentation bien trop redoutable, et Dan est resolument enferme dans le placard.
Le mauvais garcon: Arborant piercings et tatouages, Leif n'a jamais couche deux fois avec le meme homme. Il peut ainsi s'en tenir a des relations simples, d'autant que son serment d'arreter Runar le fait deriver constamment de ville en ville.
Mais cette fois, Leif a besoin d aide. Une aide incarnee par le tres pragmatique Dan. Comme les braves types sont exclus du menus, Leif devra se contenter de se tenir tranquille, aussi longtemps que necessaire jusqu'a ce qu'ils mettent un terme aux agissements de Runar. Mais, alors que Leif se retrouve de plus en plus implique dans la vie de Dan, il se rend compte qu'il risque non seulement de briser ses regles, mais aussi son coeur.
"
Ainsi, lorsque Leif Helsvin, gothique extravagant, apparait sur le pas de sa porte pour lui demander de l'aide afin de se debarrasser d'un necromancien du nom de Runar, la premiere reaction de Dan est de refuser. Ayant deux adolescents a charge, il peine deja a garder la tete hors de l'eau. De plus, le beau Leif represente une tentation bien trop redoutable, et Dan est resolument enferme dans le placard.
Le mauvais garcon: Arborant piercings et tatouages, Leif n'a jamais couche deux fois avec le meme homme. Il peut ainsi s'en tenir a des relations simples, d'autant que son serment d'arreter Runar le fait deriver constamment de ville en ville.
Mais cette fois, Leif a besoin d aide. Une aide incarnee par le tres pragmatique Dan. Comme les braves types sont exclus du menus, Leif devra se contenter de se tenir tranquille, aussi longtemps que necessaire jusqu'a ce qu'ils mettent un terme aux agissements de Runar. Mais, alors que Leif se retrouve de plus en plus implique dans la vie de Dan, il se rend compte qu'il risque non seulement de briser ses regles, mais aussi son coeur.
"
408 pages, Paperback
First published September 2, 2012
16 people are currently reading
1001 people want to read
About the author
Jordan L. Hawk
84 books2,638 followersJordan L. Hawk is a trans author from North Carolina. Childhood tales of mountain ghosts and mysterious creatures gave him a life-long love of things that go bump in the night. When he isn’t writing, he brews his own beer and tries to keep the cats from destroying the house. His best-selling Whyborne & Griffin series (beginning with Widdershins) can be found in print, ebook, and audiobook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
October 27, 2012
3.25 stars
My problem with this book came from wrong expectation. With nasty haints (ghosts who aren't moving forward) and bleeding houses and exorcisms, which were presented in the first couple of chapters, I approached this book with some notions that it would heavily rely on paranormal/horror element.
Unfortunately for me, this wasn't what the book turned out to be.
Dan and Leif were longing and yearning towards the other. Both were thinking that they 'weren't good enough' for the other. Dan was in the closet and he thought Leif was too experienced, too 'city boy' to ever thinking about being with a farm boy. Leif kept a tragic secret in the past and thought Dan would hate him, if the secrets ever came to light.
Then, there was solo jerk-off scene (personal pet peeve alert!), mushy "baby's" and "sweetheart's" and "please make love to me" following the scenes where everything was finally laid bare. My eyes were practising some muscle-rolling and at one point, I even groaned ut loud for the overloaded sappiness.
Don't get me wrong. I like sappy -- it is different with siccly sweet. But ... it was NOT what I first expected.
As you can see, other reviewers love this book better. So just think of it as romance, with a slight horror/paranormal element. Because apart from what I explained, the paranormal element was pretty well-done.
My problem with this book came from wrong expectation. With nasty haints (ghosts who aren't moving forward) and bleeding houses and exorcisms, which were presented in the first couple of chapters, I approached this book with some notions that it would heavily rely on paranormal/horror element.
Unfortunately for me, this wasn't what the book turned out to be.
Dan and Leif were longing and yearning towards the other. Both were thinking that they 'weren't good enough' for the other. Dan was in the closet and he thought Leif was too experienced, too 'city boy' to ever thinking about being with a farm boy. Leif kept a tragic secret in the past and thought Dan would hate him, if the secrets ever came to light.
Then, there was solo jerk-off scene (personal pet peeve alert!), mushy "baby's" and "sweetheart's" and "please make love to me" following the scenes where everything was finally laid bare. My eyes were practising some muscle-rolling and at one point, I even groaned ut loud for the overloaded sappiness.
Don't get me wrong. I like sappy -- it is different with siccly sweet. But ... it was NOT what I first expected.
As you can see, other reviewers love this book better. So just think of it as romance, with a slight horror/paranormal element. Because apart from what I explained, the paranormal element was pretty well-done.
July 1, 2013
4.25*
Having just discovered Jordan L Hawk I'm now having a bit of a back to back read of her books and loving every one. Hainted hasn't disappointed I'm glad to say. There's something about the way she writes which personally I find really satisfying. Her subject matters are refreshingly different and that lifts them above being just good but formulaic Paranormal m/m romances.
The book is about Haints, haunting spirits that need help passing over with the help of Walkers, groups of people from all walks of life and religions, able to use their inherited but highly trained gifts to send these spirits to their rest. But this isn't about chants, crystals and waving sage around. These Walkers carry swords, knives and fight, sometimes to the death. The Haints themselves are not just energy and mist but solid rambling - and more often than not - putrefying, extremely angry and highly dangerous creatures ( I must stress NOT zombies! ) who sometimes kill!
So you get a solid, exciting story about two of these Walkers meeting and combining forces to stop an evil necromancer from raising and controlling the dead for his own nefarious purposes, joined later by Taryn, another great kick ass female Walker ( Jordan is really good at giving her females proper supporting roles ) and some other secondary characters who aren't just there for window dressing but are integral to the plot. Dans sister Bea and brother Virgil in particular.
The romance side of the story I found was just as engaging as usual. Dan and Leif -the MC's - create great chemistry and ST and as I've read four of her books now, I've come to appreciate that the love scenes when they appear are hot, sexy and sensual without being too in your face. Both these guys are hiding secrets so there's some background angst but I found it fitted the situation really well.
I likee this book a lot but The Whyborne & Griffin series ( which I absolutely adore with a pash ) still has top slot but having said that this is still a Keeper and a thoroughly enjoyable one.
Having just discovered Jordan L Hawk I'm now having a bit of a back to back read of her books and loving every one. Hainted hasn't disappointed I'm glad to say. There's something about the way she writes which personally I find really satisfying. Her subject matters are refreshingly different and that lifts them above being just good but formulaic Paranormal m/m romances.
The book is about Haints, haunting spirits that need help passing over with the help of Walkers, groups of people from all walks of life and religions, able to use their inherited but highly trained gifts to send these spirits to their rest. But this isn't about chants, crystals and waving sage around. These Walkers carry swords, knives and fight, sometimes to the death. The Haints themselves are not just energy and mist but solid rambling - and more often than not - putrefying, extremely angry and highly dangerous creatures ( I must stress NOT zombies! ) who sometimes kill!
So you get a solid, exciting story about two of these Walkers meeting and combining forces to stop an evil necromancer from raising and controlling the dead for his own nefarious purposes, joined later by Taryn, another great kick ass female Walker ( Jordan is really good at giving her females proper supporting roles ) and some other secondary characters who aren't just there for window dressing but are integral to the plot. Dans sister Bea and brother Virgil in particular.
The romance side of the story I found was just as engaging as usual. Dan and Leif -the MC's - create great chemistry and ST and as I've read four of her books now, I've come to appreciate that the love scenes when they appear are hot, sexy and sensual without being too in your face. Both these guys are hiding secrets so there's some background angst but I found it fitted the situation really well.
I likee this book a lot but The Whyborne & Griffin series ( which I absolutely adore with a pash ) still has top slot but having said that this is still a Keeper and a thoroughly enjoyable one.
November 5, 2013
This story is less a creepy magical suspense and more an active battle against evil, featuring two men who have the skills to lay the restless dead. It is notable for a well-imagined paranormal world, where fighting skills and magic are both needed. The haint-workers and their battle against a necromancer caught and held my interest.
The romance element here is sweet, if a little fast. I particularly liked Leif and his difficult past. I also felt for Dan, trapped by guilt and his family obligations. There were a couple of moments that happened off page that I wish I'd seen firsthand (notably the long conversation that marked a reconciliation between the MCs - I'd have loved to hear how Leif told it and how Dan reacted.) The secondary characters were for the most part fairly balanced, neither all evil nor perfect (and even the necromancer had a brief moment of vulnerability.) The romance wasn't as fresh and polished as in Widdershins, but I believe this may have been the author's first published M/M. I would read more stories set in this world, and I will definitely read more from this author.
The romance element here is sweet, if a little fast. I particularly liked Leif and his difficult past. I also felt for Dan, trapped by guilt and his family obligations. There were a couple of moments that happened off page that I wish I'd seen firsthand (notably the long conversation that marked a reconciliation between the MCs - I'd have loved to hear how Leif told it and how Dan reacted.) The secondary characters were for the most part fairly balanced, neither all evil nor perfect (and even the necromancer had a brief moment of vulnerability.) The romance wasn't as fresh and polished as in Widdershins, but I believe this may have been the author's first published M/M. I would read more stories set in this world, and I will definitely read more from this author.
July 2, 2013
I really really liked this! I'd been wanting to try out something of JLH's for quite some time, but I didn't know what to start with so I just kind of left the matter in a corner of my mind to... ferment, I guess. But then this one was temporarily sold as a freebie to celebrate DOMA ruling, and I kind of had to get it. And now I, um, might be a little bit in love with Jordan L. Hawk.
Original magic with some traditional mythology and disgustingly rotten living dead thrown in, sweet, slightly angsty romance and good, solid writing.
The haint/necromancing part of the story was well done. I'm not particularly icky, but I didn't really expect what I got in that aspect, so it very successfully grossed me out. A hint of Northern mythology was interwoven with the thread of the zombie-like haints - something out of a Halloween movie, honestly - and that made for a very original, interesting mix.
I can't say it kept me on the edge of my seat (that might be because I went to the Muse concert in Turin and this event pretty much took over my whole life and it was so amazing okay I'm sorry I'll stop now), but I was nonetheless enthralled and intrigued.
I loved how each Walker believed in and prayed to a different god or goddess of the dead, but I would have liked to see these beliefs compared and understand how each Walker chose their god or goddess and why they never ended up conflicting.
The characters are simply fantastic. I loved them. Quick dramatic character sketch?
Dan - honourable fighter who thinks he's given up when he's actually still giving it all he's got.
Leif - fighting with himself, without knowing how to do it and why.
Virgil - the epitome of the angsty teenage jerk. He made me laugh with how absurd he was.
Taryn - ah, thank fuck for Taryn. People, this is a badass female character. In an M/M romance. It's worth reading the book just for this.
Beatrice - um. Okay. We'll talk about this later.
Mom - oh, dear, I loved Dan's mom. And believe me, it takes skill to make me love a character who dies before the novel even starts.
The romance between Dan and Leif was sweet, heartwarming, pretty sexy and a touch angsty. It uses that "I'm not worthy of you" trope that usually irks me, but believe me when I tell you that in this instance it was really well done and perfectly believable. The only thing it managed to do was squeeze my heart and make me hope with all my might for a HEA. Which I obviously got, hehe.
I feel like I should warn people (okay, this is mainly for you, Trisha) that there is a sex scene between one of the MCs and another character when the two leads aren't in a relationship yet and are still trying to fight their attraction. If it didn't bother me much, it's highly improbable that it will bother someone else.
I've said all the good things - now for some negative points.
1. The dirty talk. Okay, okay, I have a huge issue with dirty talk because it's never good enough for me. But, seriously, "Please, baby, hurry. I need you. I'm ready for you!" Just. No.
2. There were these weird scenes where, in the middle of the action, the characters would just stop and have a chat about the best course of action. Strangely, it made me laugh insted of annying me, so I'm not really complaining.
3. I would have liked to see more of Leif's piercings. They were mentioned in the beginning and then pretty much forgotten. Piercings are hot. Let me see them.
4. I would have liked to see better the difference between what Leif felt for Dan and what he used to feel for Rùnar. That had the potential to be a twisted mess of emotions, but I got just a glimpse of it.
5. The ending reeked of easy cop-out - give me reasons, woman! - but hey, I got my HEA. *shrug*
All in all, none of these things bothered me a lot.
But.
*deep breath* Okay, now the part that literally drove me out of my mind with frustration and anger. It's not a huge deal per se. I would have been able to overlook it - if it weren't for the fact that I have reached my limit. I cannot take one more stupid female character in an M/M book.
Bea. Nice, sweet, clever, mature, 17-year-old Bea. Who did the most humongously stupid thing I have even seen anyone do in a book. I am not exaggerating - just plain retarded. I won't say what she actually did, because I don't want to spoil, but I feel like prospective readers of this book need to know that there's something deeply wrong here. I am firmly against any kind of violence, but if that girl had been my little sister, honest to goodness, I would have slapped her. Hard.
My problem is this: it was stupid. I honestly would have preferred her to turn out being an evil bitch - but this, this I can't take.
Now, I rant - a lot, very often - but I am not unreasonable. So I'm not going to take any stars off for this, because I still enjoyed the book a lot and I think it deserves to be read. But I am still mad as hell.
If I had to give a numeric rating, which I hate to do because a book is not a fucking assignment, this would probably be a 3.5. But I did "really like it", so it gets four stars. Mh. I'm probably being a little generous.
It was a pleasant surprise to find a paranormal romance that is not part of a series, but I would gladly read a sequel. Possibly one where Bea dies.
Ahem, can I get a "fuck yeah" for Corey's badass grandma?
Original magic with some traditional mythology and disgustingly rotten living dead thrown in, sweet, slightly angsty romance and good, solid writing.
The haint/necromancing part of the story was well done. I'm not particularly icky, but I didn't really expect what I got in that aspect, so it very successfully grossed me out. A hint of Northern mythology was interwoven with the thread of the zombie-like haints - something out of a Halloween movie, honestly - and that made for a very original, interesting mix.
I can't say it kept me on the edge of my seat (that might be because I went to the Muse concert in Turin and this event pretty much took over my whole life and it was so amazing okay I'm sorry I'll stop now), but I was nonetheless enthralled and intrigued.
I loved how each Walker believed in and prayed to a different god or goddess of the dead, but I would have liked to see these beliefs compared and understand how each Walker chose their god or goddess and why they never ended up conflicting.
The characters are simply fantastic. I loved them. Quick dramatic character sketch?
Dan - honourable fighter who thinks he's given up when he's actually still giving it all he's got.
Leif - fighting with himself, without knowing how to do it and why.
Virgil - the epitome of the angsty teenage jerk. He made me laugh with how absurd he was.
Taryn - ah, thank fuck for Taryn. People, this is a badass female character. In an M/M romance. It's worth reading the book just for this.
Beatrice - um. Okay. We'll talk about this later.
Mom - oh, dear, I loved Dan's mom. And believe me, it takes skill to make me love a character who dies before the novel even starts.
The romance between Dan and Leif was sweet, heartwarming, pretty sexy and a touch angsty. It uses that "I'm not worthy of you" trope that usually irks me, but believe me when I tell you that in this instance it was really well done and perfectly believable. The only thing it managed to do was squeeze my heart and make me hope with all my might for a HEA. Which I obviously got, hehe.
I feel like I should warn people (okay, this is mainly for you, Trisha) that there is a sex scene between one of the MCs and another character when the two leads aren't in a relationship yet and are still trying to fight their attraction. If it didn't bother me much, it's highly improbable that it will bother someone else.
I've said all the good things - now for some negative points.
1. The dirty talk. Okay, okay, I have a huge issue with dirty talk because it's never good enough for me. But, seriously, "Please, baby, hurry. I need you. I'm ready for you!" Just. No.
2. There were these weird scenes where, in the middle of the action, the characters would just stop and have a chat about the best course of action. Strangely, it made me laugh insted of annying me, so I'm not really complaining.
3. I would have liked to see more of Leif's piercings. They were mentioned in the beginning and then pretty much forgotten. Piercings are hot. Let me see them.
4. I would have liked to see better the difference between what Leif felt for Dan and what he used to feel for Rùnar. That had the potential to be a twisted mess of emotions, but I got just a glimpse of it.
5. The ending reeked of easy cop-out - give me reasons, woman! - but hey, I got my HEA. *shrug*
All in all, none of these things bothered me a lot.
But.
*deep breath* Okay, now the part that literally drove me out of my mind with frustration and anger. It's not a huge deal per se. I would have been able to overlook it - if it weren't for the fact that I have reached my limit. I cannot take one more stupid female character in an M/M book.
Bea. Nice, sweet, clever, mature, 17-year-old Bea. Who did the most humongously stupid thing I have even seen anyone do in a book. I am not exaggerating - just plain retarded. I won't say what she actually did, because I don't want to spoil, but I feel like prospective readers of this book need to know that there's something deeply wrong here. I am firmly against any kind of violence, but if that girl had been my little sister, honest to goodness, I would have slapped her. Hard.
My problem is this: it was stupid. I honestly would have preferred her to turn out being an evil bitch - but this, this I can't take.
Now, I rant - a lot, very often - but I am not unreasonable. So I'm not going to take any stars off for this, because I still enjoyed the book a lot and I think it deserves to be read. But I am still mad as hell.
If I had to give a numeric rating, which I hate to do because a book is not a fucking assignment, this would probably be a 3.5. But I did "really like it", so it gets four stars. Mh. I'm probably being a little generous.
It was a pleasant surprise to find a paranormal romance that is not part of a series, but I would gladly read a sequel. Possibly one where Bea dies.
Ahem, can I get a "fuck yeah" for Corey's badass grandma?
”Trouble finds us all, the saints and the sinners. According to my grandma, anyway. Depending on her mood, she'd add you might as well be a sinner and enjoy it.”
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October 28, 2013Price drop to $0.99 at Amazon US! 10/28/13 :)
November 18, 2020
omgthisbook! @.@
I hate ghosts. I hate zombies. I hate horror.
4.5 stars. Do I make sense? O.o
~~*~~
There are some editorial problems, but not enough to dramatically affect my rating. The ending is a bit predictable and I while was hoping for a darker, more complex finale, I really can't complain about the existing one either.
"Sweethearts" and "babies" caught me by surprise, but - whatever. I've seen couples like that in real life and I thought they were the cutest. My Egyptian-looking classmate and her Scottish highlander prince in a kilt, for example. He frigging adores her and calls her "my love", "my life", "my heart" and "my goddess".... and how the hell does it not come out as the cheesiest names, I have no clue! I melt... ♥ *sigh*
So there you have it :) 4.5 stands.
I hate ghosts. I hate zombies. I hate horror.
4.5 stars. Do I make sense? O.o
~~*~~
There are some editorial problems, but not enough to dramatically affect my rating. The ending is a bit predictable and I while was hoping for a darker, more complex finale, I really can't complain about the existing one either.
"Sweethearts" and "babies" caught me by surprise, but - whatever. I've seen couples like that in real life and I thought they were the cutest. My Egyptian-looking classmate and her Scottish highlander prince in a kilt, for example. He frigging adores her and calls her "my love", "my life", "my heart" and "my goddess".... and how the hell does it not come out as the cheesiest names, I have no clue! I melt... ♥ *sigh*
So there you have it :) 4.5 stands.
March 12, 2014
*sigh* I've discovered an author who's going on my auto buy list!
I started with the Widdershins and then ran out and bought Threshold and Eidolon. ( and considering I am an historical-hater that's saying a lot about those books)
Then I remembered I had this one and couldn't wait to get started.
First let me say, these are all self published and you really get a big bang (and word count) for your buck.
Jordan L. Hawk has a very vivid imagination, slightly freaky and scary, but I can appreciate that.
The blurb just doesn't do this book justice IMHO. I wouldn't have bought it based on the blurb, it's so much more.
Good versus evil, corruption, redemption, freaky scary un-dead, annoying and sullen teenagers, guilt, lots of guilt.
It's about putting others before yourself, doing your best and learning from your mistakes and doing the right thing and maybe just being more than you think you are.
And did I mention the scary stinky un-dead?
Anyway..Dan is just sort of doing what he has to. Not really living his life but taking his responsibility to his siblings very seriously. He really really underestimates himself.
“Leif was so sophisticated, with his fancy car and his sword, and his talk of traveling around hunting necromancers that Dan felt like a kid or a country bumpkin beside him. Way out of Dan’s league, both personally and professionally, but somehow, it made it even more important he not screw this up. He wanted to prove himself, to show Leif he could handle a haint.”
Leif is so full of self doubt and hatred but he wants, he really wants to do the right thing.
“It fit perfectly with his reserve, with the sense he kept a hard shell between the world and the vulnerable core of himself.
And I’m the one he wanted to let inside. It stole his breath and made his chest ache. How can I say no to that?”
This was full of action, fighting paranormal forces, interesting worlds and lore, smart and kickass woman ( Taryn and Bea) and love.
Anyway this book held my attention, kept me on the edge of my seat and I wouldn't mind seeing what the future holds for all of them in another book.
I started with the Widdershins and then ran out and bought Threshold and Eidolon. ( and considering I am an historical-hater that's saying a lot about those books)
Then I remembered I had this one and couldn't wait to get started.
First let me say, these are all self published and you really get a big bang (and word count) for your buck.
Jordan L. Hawk has a very vivid imagination, slightly freaky and scary, but I can appreciate that.
The blurb just doesn't do this book justice IMHO. I wouldn't have bought it based on the blurb, it's so much more.
Good versus evil, corruption, redemption, freaky scary un-dead, annoying and sullen teenagers, guilt, lots of guilt.
It's about putting others before yourself, doing your best and learning from your mistakes and doing the right thing and maybe just being more than you think you are.
And did I mention the scary stinky un-dead?
Anyway..Dan is just sort of doing what he has to. Not really living his life but taking his responsibility to his siblings very seriously. He really really underestimates himself.
“Leif was so sophisticated, with his fancy car and his sword, and his talk of traveling around hunting necromancers that Dan felt like a kid or a country bumpkin beside him. Way out of Dan’s league, both personally and professionally, but somehow, it made it even more important he not screw this up. He wanted to prove himself, to show Leif he could handle a haint.”
Leif is so full of self doubt and hatred but he wants, he really wants to do the right thing.
“It fit perfectly with his reserve, with the sense he kept a hard shell between the world and the vulnerable core of himself.
And I’m the one he wanted to let inside. It stole his breath and made his chest ache. How can I say no to that?”
This was full of action, fighting paranormal forces, interesting worlds and lore, smart and kickass woman ( Taryn and Bea) and love.
Anyway this book held my attention, kept me on the edge of my seat and I wouldn't mind seeing what the future holds for all of them in another book.
January 9, 2014
Well that was a bust… sleeping I mean. I fully intended to read a few chapters before bed when I started this book, soooooo not what happened. I believe it was 5am when I finished. I absolutely could not put this book, there was no way I was going to sleep until I’d devoured it all!
Dan Miller comes from a long line of haint workers, his family has been helping disgruntled and trapped ghosts move on for generations. After the deaths of both of his parents though, and the actions he had to take as a result, Dan has been out of the life for awhile. His entire focus is on making sure his younger siblings have a safe place to grow up and a chance at a better life. It meant leaving college and moving back to the family farm, but it’s what was necessary. Being gay in such a rural town though, well that’s a non-starter.
Goth bad boy Leif Helsvin has been chasing an evil necromancer for years. He’s tracked him across continents as he stirs up evil and claims powerful artifacts from the dead as his own. Following Runal into this small town Leif knew his best chance of catching his enemy would be with the help of the local haint worker. Finding out the woman whose name had been given and her son had given up the trade certainly wasn’t the best-case scenario. Especially when the man he sees before him is so epically drool worthy. Leif doesn’t do relationships, nor really return hook ups. One night stands are all he’ll allow himself. Getting involved with the one man whose help he needs certainly isn’t wise.
First of all the mythology and world building here are FAN-FREAKIN-TASTIC!!! I adored this concept and was fascinated from page one. I love the idea of this sub-culture whose job is to battle haints (ghosts who’re stuck in this world) and force them to move on. I really liked how each one we met was attached to a different death god and had slightly different prayers to help the unlucky soul move on. Dan’s personal history was so heartbreaking. I can’t imagine being made to do what he had to. His strength of character was beautiful and touching. I felt so bad for him as he struggled with the guilt he felt.
I had one little niggle of query building in the back of my brain, and it really was more of a larger world issue than anything super specific to this story. Because of how small town this place was most everyone seemed to know about Dan’s abilities and what they meant. They respected it even if they feared it a little as well. All of that is understandable when the re-animated haints are visible to anyone not just those with the gift. The confusing part was the need Dan and Leif felt to duck the police and the minister at the cemetery like what they did wouldn’t be believed and they needed to hide their work from most of the world at large. I just wasn’t sure in the end how socially acceptable or recognized haint workers were within the wider concept of the world at large. As I said though this really didn’t affect the story, it just was a thought in the back of my head.
I really liked both Dan and Leif. I respected both of these boys by the end of things. Leif is trying to turn his life around and make up for the poor decisions he made as a teenager and younger man. Not to mention Leif is exactly the type of bad boy I find epically drool worthy!!! God, gorgeous, tattooed and pierced…nipple piercings…my brain is running down so many dirty, dirty, yet oh so wonderful paths. *grin* Dan is the good soul you want to cheer for. He really cares about his siblings (Both of which were fun side characters) and wants them to have a better life even if it means sacrificing his own. Watching these two fall in love was really lovely. It wasn’t immediate and it wasn’t easy, but it was perfect. There was great chemistry between them and it was all very sweet.
Frankly the best element of this story though was the unique take on the paranormal. I hadn’t seen a book like this anywhere else and it was so refreshing to read. I would love to see more stories told in this world. It was incredibly unique and I just feel like there is so much more that could be explored here. Loved it all! This book was wonderful and I’m so glad I read it. I really love Ms. Hawk’s writing style and will continue to read more books by her in the future.
Dan Miller comes from a long line of haint workers, his family has been helping disgruntled and trapped ghosts move on for generations. After the deaths of both of his parents though, and the actions he had to take as a result, Dan has been out of the life for awhile. His entire focus is on making sure his younger siblings have a safe place to grow up and a chance at a better life. It meant leaving college and moving back to the family farm, but it’s what was necessary. Being gay in such a rural town though, well that’s a non-starter.
Goth bad boy Leif Helsvin has been chasing an evil necromancer for years. He’s tracked him across continents as he stirs up evil and claims powerful artifacts from the dead as his own. Following Runal into this small town Leif knew his best chance of catching his enemy would be with the help of the local haint worker. Finding out the woman whose name had been given and her son had given up the trade certainly wasn’t the best-case scenario. Especially when the man he sees before him is so epically drool worthy. Leif doesn’t do relationships, nor really return hook ups. One night stands are all he’ll allow himself. Getting involved with the one man whose help he needs certainly isn’t wise.
First of all the mythology and world building here are FAN-FREAKIN-TASTIC!!! I adored this concept and was fascinated from page one. I love the idea of this sub-culture whose job is to battle haints (ghosts who’re stuck in this world) and force them to move on. I really liked how each one we met was attached to a different death god and had slightly different prayers to help the unlucky soul move on. Dan’s personal history was so heartbreaking. I can’t imagine being made to do what he had to. His strength of character was beautiful and touching. I felt so bad for him as he struggled with the guilt he felt.
I had one little niggle of query building in the back of my brain, and it really was more of a larger world issue than anything super specific to this story. Because of how small town this place was most everyone seemed to know about Dan’s abilities and what they meant. They respected it even if they feared it a little as well. All of that is understandable when the re-animated haints are visible to anyone not just those with the gift. The confusing part was the need Dan and Leif felt to duck the police and the minister at the cemetery like what they did wouldn’t be believed and they needed to hide their work from most of the world at large. I just wasn’t sure in the end how socially acceptable or recognized haint workers were within the wider concept of the world at large. As I said though this really didn’t affect the story, it just was a thought in the back of my head.
I really liked both Dan and Leif. I respected both of these boys by the end of things. Leif is trying to turn his life around and make up for the poor decisions he made as a teenager and younger man. Not to mention Leif is exactly the type of bad boy I find epically drool worthy!!! God, gorgeous, tattooed and pierced…nipple piercings…my brain is running down so many dirty, dirty, yet oh so wonderful paths. *grin* Dan is the good soul you want to cheer for. He really cares about his siblings (Both of which were fun side characters) and wants them to have a better life even if it means sacrificing his own. Watching these two fall in love was really lovely. It wasn’t immediate and it wasn’t easy, but it was perfect. There was great chemistry between them and it was all very sweet.
Frankly the best element of this story though was the unique take on the paranormal. I hadn’t seen a book like this anywhere else and it was so refreshing to read. I would love to see more stories told in this world. It was incredibly unique and I just feel like there is so much more that could be explored here. Loved it all! This book was wonderful and I’m so glad I read it. I really love Ms. Hawk’s writing style and will continue to read more books by her in the future.
May 23, 2018
When I pick up any of Jordan L. Hawk's books I know it will be a good one in my personal opinion. Her ability to create new worlds and creatures astounds me. I love paranormal romance and she is the master! This novel started a little bit slow but I think it was the anticipation here that made it so much better for me.
Dan is a simple farmer on the surface but deep inside he carries guilt the size of Texas and so many insecurities that he hides himself from everyone even his family. He is steadfast and loyal. In fact all through the book I began to understand that he was the best of men.
Leif on the other hand is the ultimate bad boy. The way he carries himself with such confidence as if he was born with it is a treat. But his looks and mannerisms hide a wounded soul seeking forgiveness and redemption. Both men are Walkers, they help those ghosts who lingered and can't cross to speed along and move on.
This story contains a lot of betrayal, little and big lies and such a lack of trust that I thought that it would be hard for Dan and Leif to overcome this wall they've built around each other but with the help of friends and family they managed to not only find their way but also to find love. Both Leif and Dan very sexy together but also sweet and at times very cute. I loved their talks, their flirting and dancing around each other's feelings. The novel was well paced as if everything happened right when it should have.
The main villain, Runar, is very much absent almost until the end. The things that get uncovered are really terrifying, the magnitude of man's cruelty knows no bounds. The finale and the ensuing battle are epic. There is no other word to describe it. I loved every page, I just could not put it down. I am glad to say that both Dan and Leif found what they were looking for both deep within themselves and in life.
There were things that slightly annoyed me. One of them was Virgil. I get that you are a hormonal teenager but to act like such a $hit to you brother who dropped everything to be there for you was just beyond pale. I wanted to smack him most of the time. Another one was Marlene. The way she clung to Dan like a bad case of herpes not wanting to let go and insinuating herself in his life. I knew she would somehow ruin it for Dan and she sure did. In that moment I really hated her. I mean out of all the situation her first thought was "How could you do this to me?". I mean seriously it was never about her but she was just selfish enough to make it all about her poor self.
The whole book was well researched, well written. The descriptions were rich and vibrant. I loved this book! I highly recommend it!
Dan is a simple farmer on the surface but deep inside he carries guilt the size of Texas and so many insecurities that he hides himself from everyone even his family. He is steadfast and loyal. In fact all through the book I began to understand that he was the best of men.
Leif on the other hand is the ultimate bad boy. The way he carries himself with such confidence as if he was born with it is a treat. But his looks and mannerisms hide a wounded soul seeking forgiveness and redemption. Both men are Walkers, they help those ghosts who lingered and can't cross to speed along and move on.
This story contains a lot of betrayal, little and big lies and such a lack of trust that I thought that it would be hard for Dan and Leif to overcome this wall they've built around each other but with the help of friends and family they managed to not only find their way but also to find love. Both Leif and Dan very sexy together but also sweet and at times very cute. I loved their talks, their flirting and dancing around each other's feelings. The novel was well paced as if everything happened right when it should have.
The main villain, Runar, is very much absent almost until the end. The things that get uncovered are really terrifying, the magnitude of man's cruelty knows no bounds. The finale and the ensuing battle are epic. There is no other word to describe it. I loved every page, I just could not put it down. I am glad to say that both Dan and Leif found what they were looking for both deep within themselves and in life.
There were things that slightly annoyed me. One of them was Virgil. I get that you are a hormonal teenager but to act like such a $hit to you brother who dropped everything to be there for you was just beyond pale. I wanted to smack him most of the time. Another one was Marlene. The way she clung to Dan like a bad case of herpes not wanting to let go and insinuating herself in his life. I knew she would somehow ruin it for Dan and she sure did. In that moment I really hated her. I mean out of all the situation her first thought was "How could you do this to me?". I mean seriously it was never about her but she was just selfish enough to make it all about her poor self.
The whole book was well researched, well written. The descriptions were rich and vibrant. I loved this book! I highly recommend it!
October 3, 2015
This book was amazing. It had everything I wanted: lots of danger and injury and desperate wanting and angst and a different paranormal take and very good writing and an excellent plot and strong, individual characters and conflict and on and on. I LOVED it! If you like M/M paranormal romances, go read it. This one is fabulous.
I liked that they used a condom even for oral sex. That's important and so many books omit that part.
I really like how Leif puts Dan's father's death into perspective. (medium spoiler)
I really hated but liked, too, because it was realistic, that (big spoiler) I particularly hated that we hear this several times. Only once was necessary, but in places the author goes into WAY too much detail and I was really upset.
It was awesome how when going into danger, Dan didn't promise that he would be back but that he would try his best. I hate when characters promise things they have little control over.
Nitpicks (because what is a Kelly review without them?): Virgil is grounded at one point then the next day or so is still allowed to go out. The dead have flesh hanging from them, even if they've been dead for a century and a half, such as a confederate soldier. With only the burial technology available then, the body would be completely decomposed other than the bones. One bad guy is able to do something that an equally powerful bad guy with the same resources wasn't able to do in the past.
But forget those silly things because the book is so good.
Five plus stars. This is one of the best self-published books I have ever read.
I liked that they used a condom even for oral sex. That's important and so many books omit that part.
I really like how Leif puts Dan's father's death into perspective. (medium spoiler)
I really hated but liked, too, because it was realistic, that (big spoiler) I particularly hated that we hear this several times. Only once was necessary, but in places the author goes into WAY too much detail and I was really upset.
It was awesome how when going into danger, Dan didn't promise that he would be back but that he would try his best. I hate when characters promise things they have little control over.
Nitpicks (because what is a Kelly review without them?): Virgil is grounded at one point then the next day or so is still allowed to go out. The dead have flesh hanging from them, even if they've been dead for a century and a half, such as a confederate soldier. With only the burial technology available then, the body would be completely decomposed other than the bones. One bad guy is able to do something that an equally powerful bad guy with the same resources wasn't able to do in the past.
But forget those silly things because the book is so good.
Five plus stars. This is one of the best self-published books I have ever read.
October 11, 2013
I just love an author who can plot out a new and creative way of presenting paranormal creatures and, not only hold my attention, but have me desperately turning pages (or tapping my kindle) to reveal the next plot twist. This book does it completely. I'm very impressed.
Dan Miller is a Walker, a person who is able to send lost souls, haints, to the Other Side. He hasn't practiced his craft in sex years-- ever since his mother died at the hands of a haint and the resulting despair caused his father to commit suicide. Dan had to personally banish his father's haint and the effort left him unable to continue what had been a family skill handed down generation to generation.
Dan is raising his younger brother and sister and is deeply closeted, due to fear that social services would take them away rather than let them live with a gay man. When Leif Helsvin arrives at Dan's farm, seeking help to banish a powerful necromancer, Runar, everything in Dan's world starts to change.
Without revealing plot twists, which really need to be read to be enjoyed, I can say that Dan is not only caught back up in dealing with haints and in the hunt for Runar, he's fighting his attraction to Leif and it's a losing battle.
There's suspense and adventure and powerful sorcery in this story, as well as a sweet romance and ultimately hope for this troubled couple to finally have a future together. Highly recommend.
Dan Miller is a Walker, a person who is able to send lost souls, haints, to the Other Side. He hasn't practiced his craft in sex years-- ever since his mother died at the hands of a haint and the resulting despair caused his father to commit suicide. Dan had to personally banish his father's haint and the effort left him unable to continue what had been a family skill handed down generation to generation.
Dan is raising his younger brother and sister and is deeply closeted, due to fear that social services would take them away rather than let them live with a gay man. When Leif Helsvin arrives at Dan's farm, seeking help to banish a powerful necromancer, Runar, everything in Dan's world starts to change.
Without revealing plot twists, which really need to be read to be enjoyed, I can say that Dan is not only caught back up in dealing with haints and in the hunt for Runar, he's fighting his attraction to Leif and it's a losing battle.
There's suspense and adventure and powerful sorcery in this story, as well as a sweet romance and ultimately hope for this troubled couple to finally have a future together. Highly recommend.
August 25, 2014
Why do I feel I've just read a very long book? It isn't a long book at all, but so much happens that you can hardly catch a break.
If the characters are not fighting the risen, they are struggling with their own insecurities. And I mean struggling! Dan took that to a whole new level. That was a bit annoying after the tenth time of 'I failed', but I got over it.
Bigots, of course, are not forgotten either. While they don't play any important role in the story, they are still there to make you angry. I wanted one stupid character at least scared and begging (or better yet killed), but didn't get my wish. Not all of them are bad though. Dan is not alone as he thinks.
As usual, Leif and Dan are opposites and Jordan L. Hawk does that really well. Whyborne and Griffin have the advantage of the time setting and mystery as far as I am concerned, but this is also a good story. There is no mystery here. Leif is hunting for an evil necromancer and Dan is helping him.
On the one hand I loved parts of the story. On the other, Dan's issues were too pronounced. I cannot decide how to rate it, so I will just say I liked it and move on. It wouldn't be a lie.
If the characters are not fighting the risen, they are struggling with their own insecurities. And I mean struggling! Dan took that to a whole new level. That was a bit annoying after the tenth time of 'I failed', but I got over it.
Bigots, of course, are not forgotten either. While they don't play any important role in the story, they are still there to make you angry. I wanted one stupid character at least scared and begging (or better yet killed), but didn't get my wish. Not all of them are bad though. Dan is not alone as he thinks.
As usual, Leif and Dan are opposites and Jordan L. Hawk does that really well. Whyborne and Griffin have the advantage of the time setting and mystery as far as I am concerned, but this is also a good story. There is no mystery here. Leif is hunting for an evil necromancer and Dan is helping him.
On the one hand I loved parts of the story. On the other, Dan's issues were too pronounced. I cannot decide how to rate it, so I will just say I liked it and move on. It wouldn't be a lie.
February 26, 2014
I read this in two days. This morning my teenaged daughter borrowed my iPad for school when I still had 20 pages to read and I told her that if she lost it she was no longer my kin and would need to find a new home. Because I had to finish this book.
Oh,and I want to keep Leif as a pet, which is probably illegal, but I drank a whole bottle of wine before I wrote this review, so I don't give a shit.
Oh,and I want to keep Leif as a pet, which is probably illegal, but I drank a whole bottle of wine before I wrote this review, so I don't give a shit.
October 18, 2014
Why haven't I read anything by this author until now?
September 3, 2016
I had two major issues with the story which made me give it 2 stars.
I suppose the plot and the characters just weren't my type. It was an ok read but not something that I'm going to remember on the long run.
I suppose the plot and the characters just weren't my type. It was an ok read but not something that I'm going to remember on the long run.
February 14, 2014
Jordan L. Hawk just plain old rocks as one of the best m/m paranormal writers today. I have read most of her books and have never once been disappointed. Hainted deals with so many intertwined topics from folk lore to raise two siblings without parents. This story is set in the mountains of North Carolina which is steeped in American and Native American folk lore and paranormal beliefs. Strong characters that are believable and a story line that just may be possible grabbed me and wouldn't let me go. The main characters and the well developed secondary characters don't just walk around laying down animated dead, they hurt and bleed and yes love. There are some great plot twists and surprises that keep the story moving at a nice pace. I loved Taryn and her kick ass attitude. It is good to see a strong female character. Dan and Leif were wonderfully flawed characters that pulled strength from their hurts. If you are looking for a walk on the wild side of a paranormal story, this book is for you.
June 30, 2020
A compelling romance masterfully woven with paranormal and urban fantasy themes.
One of the issues I have with fantasy romance is the lack of world-building or some elements don't quite jive with the story. I have no issues whatsoever here. I was completely drawn into this world of haints, haint workers and necromancers.
It doesn't have that feel of trying too hard to be a fantasy romance. The story is told simply and with such skill that the romance just shines in the story and I have this glorious view of a creepy, otherworldly setting in my head.
Make no mistake about it. This is a romance. If you go into this book expecting a serious urban fantasy, you'll be disappointed. The ghostly elements and the urban fantasy setting add a delightfully spicy backdrop to the developing relationship between Dan and Leif.
One of the issues I have with fantasy romance is the lack of world-building or some elements don't quite jive with the story. I have no issues whatsoever here. I was completely drawn into this world of haints, haint workers and necromancers.
It doesn't have that feel of trying too hard to be a fantasy romance. The story is told simply and with such skill that the romance just shines in the story and I have this glorious view of a creepy, otherworldly setting in my head.
Make no mistake about it. This is a romance. If you go into this book expecting a serious urban fantasy, you'll be disappointed. The ghostly elements and the urban fantasy setting add a delightfully spicy backdrop to the developing relationship between Dan and Leif.
June 15, 2020
A very well written and interesting paranormal story. I loved the concept of haints and walkers and really think Hawk did a phenomenal job building a world around this. Our two MCs both have extremely hard pasts, but you can tell it shapes them into who they are, and I personally loved both of them. Dan was just an all around good guy, and was doing everything he could to care for his siblings. He was honorable and compassionate and I adored him. Leif was a typical badboy, smoking hot, and doing everything he could to make up for past wrongs. You could tell how much he truly needed to be accepted, and who better to do that than the resident good guy? So obviously, I enjoyed the romance, but the story was so much more than that. It was spooky, action packed, and I so wish there was more in this world.
March 12, 2017
3.5 Stars!
This was my first book by JLH and I really enjoyed it.
It was outside my usual fare with a whole more gore and nasty things than I'm used to but it was really good!
The book started out a bit slow. Both MCs annoyed the hell out of me for a while. There was also a little bit of action interspersed here and there during the slow moments. BUT when it picked up, it made for an exciting and totally unpredictable reading experience.
There isn't much more I can say other than the fact that JLH just may have found herself her newest follower. :)
This was my first book by JLH and I really enjoyed it.
It was outside my usual fare with a whole more gore and nasty things than I'm used to but it was really good!
The book started out a bit slow. Both MCs annoyed the hell out of me for a while. There was also a little bit of action interspersed here and there during the slow moments. BUT when it picked up, it made for an exciting and totally unpredictable reading experience.
There isn't much more I can say other than the fact that JLH just may have found herself her newest follower. :)
October 4, 2017
Thanks to Krissy for recommending.
This is a very good story line with unique creatures, coming out and HEA. The characters are well developed, and the flow and details of the writing are spot on. A great October read!
This is a very good story line with unique creatures, coming out and HEA. The characters are well developed, and the flow and details of the writing are spot on. A great October read!
October 18, 2014
10/18/2014
Love this even more the second time around *happy sigh* Off to a slightly slow start but immediately plunges you into the World of Haint-Work.
Jordan L Hawk creates a very interesting and compelling world... the energy crackles as you walk in Dan/Leif's shoes as they work to stop Runar.
I love how she built up Dan and Leif's relationship and Leif's relationships with Bea and Virgil... Dan and Leif slowly come to trust one another, building a foundation of trust and respect.
Leif's keeping secrets from everyone. He believes it's for the best and does believe he's worth anything, that he's tainted and not worth redeeming. You are thrust into his painful past from the beginning, as bits and pieces come together throughout the story. My heart broke for him and everything he went through.
He's honestly trying to put things right and stop Runar's madness, planning to leave town the second things are done.
Leif didn't plan on Dan Miller.
Dan has his own painful past... having to raise his brother and sister in the death of his parents, he's doing the best he can to give them a chance of getting out of Ransom Gap and having a better life. He keeps himself in the closet to protect Virgil and Bea from being sent to foster care (in his mind, the people of Ransom Gap may think a gay man raising his siblings wasn't fit. After certain incidents happened later in the book, I can't say I blame Dan much for thinking this way.
Dan is such an amazing/compassionate/stand-up guy and he doesn't see it... putting others before himself and willing to anything for the people he loves.
He and Leif slowly heal each other, not quite making all the pain go away... but now they have each other to lean on. It also helps to heal the fractures of the family, helping them breathe again.
Bea, loved that girl... takes after Dan and their mother (from what we learn of her, Simone sounded like a wonderful lady). Virgil is a little snot sometimes, but I never felt annoyed with him, you can understand where he is coming from and why he's like that.
Taryn: Kickass, strong girl. Once you've got her in your corner, she'll do anything for ya. Love this girl, but would not want to be on her bad side haha. You'd want her with you in a fight that's for sure.
Runar... ooooh! That is one twisted bastard you love to hate. An excellent villain that has you screaming at him and biting your lip, wishing you could reach through the page to smack him, among other things. Not a cardboard cut-out of a character... he genuinely believes Leif is his and that his plan is the right thing and the only way... which makes it even scarier.
This book grabs hold of you and doesn't let go... With re-reading, sometimes there's a thought in the back of your head that says 'Will I love this as much as before?' I fell back in love before 10 pages had passed :). These wonderful people have been in my mind on and off since I first read the book earlier in the year, they feel like real friends to me, which us bookworms always love :-) ;-).
Nicely balanced elements of horror/drama/romance, they all weave together without one overpowering the other.
Highly recommend! *waves* Happy reading!
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Planned re-read in October :)
Pre-review/Pre re-read... how I see these characters:
Love this even more the second time around *happy sigh* Off to a slightly slow start but immediately plunges you into the World of Haint-Work.
Jordan L Hawk creates a very interesting and compelling world... the energy crackles as you walk in Dan/Leif's shoes as they work to stop Runar.
I love how she built up Dan and Leif's relationship and Leif's relationships with Bea and Virgil... Dan and Leif slowly come to trust one another, building a foundation of trust and respect.
Leif's keeping secrets from everyone. He believes it's for the best and does believe he's worth anything, that he's tainted and not worth redeeming. You are thrust into his painful past from the beginning, as bits and pieces come together throughout the story. My heart broke for him and everything he went through.
He's honestly trying to put things right and stop Runar's madness, planning to leave town the second things are done.
Leif didn't plan on Dan Miller.
Dan has his own painful past... having to raise his brother and sister in the death of his parents, he's doing the best he can to give them a chance of getting out of Ransom Gap and having a better life. He keeps himself in the closet to protect Virgil and Bea from being sent to foster care (in his mind, the people of Ransom Gap may think a gay man raising his siblings wasn't fit. After certain incidents happened later in the book, I can't say I blame Dan much for thinking this way.
Dan is such an amazing/compassionate/stand-up guy and he doesn't see it... putting others before himself and willing to anything for the people he loves.
He and Leif slowly heal each other, not quite making all the pain go away... but now they have each other to lean on. It also helps to heal the fractures of the family, helping them breathe again.
Bea, loved that girl... takes after Dan and their mother (from what we learn of her, Simone sounded like a wonderful lady). Virgil is a little snot sometimes, but I never felt annoyed with him, you can understand where he is coming from and why he's like that.
Taryn: Kickass, strong girl. Once you've got her in your corner, she'll do anything for ya. Love this girl, but would not want to be on her bad side haha. You'd want her with you in a fight that's for sure.
Runar... ooooh! That is one twisted bastard you love to hate. An excellent villain that has you screaming at him and biting your lip, wishing you could reach through the page to smack him, among other things. Not a cardboard cut-out of a character... he genuinely believes Leif is his and that his plan is the right thing and the only way... which makes it even scarier.
This book grabs hold of you and doesn't let go... With re-reading, sometimes there's a thought in the back of your head that says 'Will I love this as much as before?' I fell back in love before 10 pages had passed :). These wonderful people have been in my mind on and off since I first read the book earlier in the year, they feel like real friends to me, which us bookworms always love :-) ;-).
Nicely balanced elements of horror/drama/romance, they all weave together without one overpowering the other.
Highly recommend! *waves* Happy reading!
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Planned re-read in October :)
Pre-review/Pre re-read... how I see these characters:
September 2, 2013
4.5 stars
haint: southern colloquialism for a ghost, apparition or lost soul; in folklore and popular culture, the spirit of a deceased person unable to move on to final peace, and capable of appearing in visible form or otherwise manifesting itself to the living
Set in Appalachia country, the land of moonshine and hillbilly sensibility (ah, good memories of Lyn Gala’s Mountain Prey), this paranormal romance takes a more serious route and centers around haint, or ghost, hunting. Our two studly heroes are very good at what they do, called Walkers, they help the hainted to move on or destroy those spirits bent on causing harm. I’m imagining a kind of Dean and Sam of Supernatural TV and fanfic fame.
Leif, a hot, eyeliner-wearing, pierced and studded sword-wielding Nordic-looking new-guy-in-town partners with Dan, the quiet and broody country-boy farmer of the tanned and well-muscled variety for some intense ghost bashing.
What is especially great about this read are the action scenes— the hunting down of a very bad, evil, rat bastard of a necromancer and his hainted minions. Necro-guy has it in for Leif… well, he wants his lover back. But Leif says nuh-uh, homey don’t play that way anymore, and besides he has his eye on sweet Danny boy.
While Leif and Dan quietly try to figure each other out, there’s lots of sexual tension build up and even better, there is falling in like, then lust. And while there’s no insta-anything— refreshing— the denial of attraction is ever-present as both dudes think they’re not good enough for the other. But we know they’re special— the frequent threading of mythology throughout the story illustrates these present-day hunters’ own hero-making deeds.
There are great fight scenes with sword swash-buckling and wand-wielding, haint decapitations, limb whackings and lots of oozing black puddles of ghost ectoplasma-y goop. But don’t let that stop you, this is also an entertaining, well-written and nicely paced romance.
For this review and much more:
July 26, 2016
This is one of those surprising packages. One of those books that for some reason I'm reluctant to start, but once I do I can't imagine why...
A paranormal story that has nothing to do with vampires or shifters is becoming a real find. But this one delivers in spades. The paranormal aspect is very well written and simply set in everyday life.
The characters are well-rounded. Sexy and very lovable, they took me on their journey. The extra's in the book all had their places and roles to play as well. Overall this was a great read and I'm glad I found this one.
A paranormal story that has nothing to do with vampires or shifters is becoming a real find. But this one delivers in spades. The paranormal aspect is very well written and simply set in everyday life.
The characters are well-rounded. Sexy and very lovable, they took me on their journey. The extra's in the book all had their places and roles to play as well. Overall this was a great read and I'm glad I found this one.
March 3, 2017
4.5 Stars
That was probably my favorite Jordan L. Hawk story to date. It just scared the crap out of me - probably more than any of the Whyborne & Griffin or SPECTR books combined (mainly because it's set more real-world than the others). Still got the chills.
That was probably my favorite Jordan L. Hawk story to date. It just scared the crap out of me - probably more than any of the Whyborne & Griffin or SPECTR books combined (mainly because it's set more real-world than the others). Still got the chills.
September 28, 2012
4 stars. Really liked the paranormal aspects in this story. The 'walkers' and 'haints' hooked me good! Loved the creepiness factor of it all. I did have one thing I wanted answered
Loved both main characters and would a loved a little more one on one time with them after everything happens. (but that's just me being greedy!)
Loved both main characters and would a loved a little more one on one time with them after everything happens. (but that's just me being greedy!)
November 4, 2013
I really enjoyed the story and it was refreshingly different from anything I've read before. I very quickly became emotionally invested with both Dan and Leif. I liked the underlying creepiness woven into the book which mixed well with the out-and-out nastiness that appeared at times. There was a lot of world-building and backstory to the book but it was incorporated into the story and it never felt out of place. Definitely a new favourite author.
July 7, 2013
Wow!
I must admit to being slightly confused during the first few chapters of this novel and it took an effort of concentration to understand the characters, the haints and the world in which the aforesaid inhabit.
However, once I realised that a haint is a ghost and not a zombie, the plot fell into place.
Seriously action packed. Seriously paranormal. Descriptive to the point that one can almost imagine oneself watching the movie.
M/M romance in a paranormal setting. Well worth the read.
I must admit to being slightly confused during the first few chapters of this novel and it took an effort of concentration to understand the characters, the haints and the world in which the aforesaid inhabit.
However, once I realised that a haint is a ghost and not a zombie, the plot fell into place.
Seriously action packed. Seriously paranormal. Descriptive to the point that one can almost imagine oneself watching the movie.
M/M romance in a paranormal setting. Well worth the read.
Want to read
June 26, 2013Currently FREE ON SMASHWORDS to celebrate DOMA ruling!!
Use code: CK46P. Go get it!
Jordan L. Hawk rocks. And thanks again Steel.:)
Use code: CK46P. Go get it!
Jordan L. Hawk rocks. And thanks again Steel.:)
September 15, 2015
I loved this! yep, definitely kept me interested. I love Jordan Hawk! *happy dance*
July 9, 2018
3.5 stars
Not my favorite by this author but still an enjoyable read.
Not my favorite by this author but still an enjoyable read.
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