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From Afar
Some rules are destined to be broken.
Loneliness. A concept with which Raphael Laurent is very familiar. He's lived a solitary life for 36 years, shunning the excesses of the local vampire clan - until he spots Lord Aleric Vane, the handsome and dissolute third son of a duke. For three years Raphael has watched from a distance, for only when he is near Aleric does the hollow, empty ache in his chest ease.
Cut off from his family for refusing to follow his father's dictates, Aleric's nights are filled with vice. But after three years in London, the city has lost all appeal. Desolate and penniless, his future appears bleak. Until a mysterious man drops from the shadows to drive off a trio of murderous thieves.
When Aleric awakens, he finds himself forever changed. The itch for more that drove him to London is gone. In its place is the feeling that he's known the beautiful Raphael all his life.
But to save Aleric, Raphael had to break the rules, giving him a chance to love the one man he never thought he could have - a chance that could be ripped away by Aleric himself.
Loneliness. A concept with which Raphael Laurent is very familiar. He's lived a solitary life for 36 years, shunning the excesses of the local vampire clan - until he spots Lord Aleric Vane, the handsome and dissolute third son of a duke. For three years Raphael has watched from a distance, for only when he is near Aleric does the hollow, empty ache in his chest ease.
Cut off from his family for refusing to follow his father's dictates, Aleric's nights are filled with vice. But after three years in London, the city has lost all appeal. Desolate and penniless, his future appears bleak. Until a mysterious man drops from the shadows to drive off a trio of murderous thieves.
When Aleric awakens, he finds himself forever changed. The itch for more that drove him to London is gone. In its place is the feeling that he's known the beautiful Raphael all his life.
But to save Aleric, Raphael had to break the rules, giving him a chance to love the one man he never thought he could have - a chance that could be ripped away by Aleric himself.
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First published January 1, 2010
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About the author
Ava March
27 books762 followersAva March is a bestselling author of sexy, emotionally intense M/M historical erotic romances. She loves writing in the Regency time period, where proper decorum is of the utmost importance, but where anything can happen behind closed doors. With over fifteen works to her credit, her books have been finalists in the Rainbow Awards and More Than Magic contest, and deemed ‘must-haves’ for Historical M/M romance by RT Book Reviews readers. Visit her website at www.AvaMarch.com to find out more about her books or to sign-up for her newsletter.
Blog: www.avamarch.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/avamarchbooks/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ava_march
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Blog: www.avamarch.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/avamarchbooks/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ava_march
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/avamarch/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
April 3, 2011
You are having second thoughts about a regency romance with gay vampires?
The story (Without spoilers)
In the regency times two lonely soul will meet in London.
Mr Raphael Laurent with his golden hair and angel face is a vampire, tired of his reclusive life.
In a night of little distraction he will take his hungry eyes from the young gentleman that fill his mind with sexual fantasies. And in this night, seeing that beautiful man dying after a robbery attack, Raphael will turn him too... and a new vampire will born... his name is Lord Aleric Vane
Amazing erotic story, with two HOT vampires, and guess what... none of them sparkles[image error]
Do I have to say more to convince you?
5 stars!
Have fun!
August 25, 2021
3.5
This felt a bit incomplete and finished too abruptly, even for a short story. The romance was very ott, with minimal plot — a stalker vampire gets his guy — but a lot of really nice sex scenes.
This felt a bit incomplete and finished too abruptly, even for a short story. The romance was very ott, with minimal plot — a stalker vampire gets his guy — but a lot of really nice sex scenes.
March 1, 2010
This book was recommended by a very cool friend, and I have to say that I'm thrilled he pointed me in the right direction.
I really enjoyed this book! I was surprised by some of the reviews on here. It left me wondering if we read the same story. The historical setting sucked me in, I loved both of the heroes AND Ava's vampire clan she constructed was very fascinating!
Yes the ending was abrupt, but I know I'll find out all of the answers in the obvious sequel she's going to write.
Very cool book!
I really enjoyed this book! I was surprised by some of the reviews on here. It left me wondering if we read the same story. The historical setting sucked me in, I loved both of the heroes AND Ava's vampire clan she constructed was very fascinating!
Yes the ending was abrupt, but I know I'll find out all of the answers in the obvious sequel she's going to write.
Very cool book!
March 2, 2010
I won actually won this book off of Ava's blog. (Thank you Ava!) One thing about Ava's books is She's consistent with having a quick paced plotline and her heroes are so very sexy!
I loved Ava's vision of vampires and he world they live in and I'm dying to read more about them! I can't wait until the sequel!
I loved Ava's vision of vampires and he world they live in and I'm dying to read more about them! I can't wait until the sequel!
November 8, 2011
This rated 2.5 stars for me.
I really like Ava March's regency stories. There is something incredibly erotic about debauched young nobleman, acting the part in society but letting loose behind closed doors.
However there was too little story in this one. Other than a small introduction in the beginning, there is no real development of the history of the characters.
I really enjoy the author's sex scenes, so alluring in their descriptive nature but this story seemed to have little else. And I need equal parts sex and story to make me love a book, hence the rating.
I really like Ava March's regency stories. There is something incredibly erotic about debauched young nobleman, acting the part in society but letting loose behind closed doors.
However there was too little story in this one. Other than a small introduction in the beginning, there is no real development of the history of the characters.
I really enjoy the author's sex scenes, so alluring in their descriptive nature but this story seemed to have little else. And I need equal parts sex and story to make me love a book, hence the rating.
February 20, 2014
3.5 Stars
Whoa, this one starts with some heady voyeurism. Giddyyyup! That was some serious steam. Okay, moving on ...
I really liked this story and I ADORE Ava March's work. But I'd be less than honest if I didn't admit to being disappointed. The story finished too abruptly and there were a number of loose ends. I am hoping beyond hope that this will magically become a series. (Given the length of time since publication, I'm doubtful but you never know!) I really loved both Raphael and Aleric and the tension AM created between the MCs and Katerina's coven held such promise.
Bottom line: I want, want, want more of this story.
Whoa, this one starts with some heady voyeurism. Giddyyyup! That was some serious steam. Okay, moving on ...
I really liked this story and I ADORE Ava March's work. But I'd be less than honest if I didn't admit to being disappointed. The story finished too abruptly and there were a number of loose ends. I am hoping beyond hope that this will magically become a series. (Given the length of time since publication, I'm doubtful but you never know!) I really loved both Raphael and Aleric and the tension AM created between the MCs and Katerina's coven held such promise.
Bottom line: I want, want, want more of this story.
March 25, 2013
Vamp spies on hot English Lord, turns him to save his life, and then sex sexes the sex. Not much room left for plot or romance, and the story felt unfinished.
November 24, 2010
The beginning of this book is really something else. Wow! I've read two beautiful historical stories by Ava March, where one of the characters has been longing for someone apparently unattainable. Here the things are complicated not because the object of the desire is a lord, but because the pursuer is a vampire.
The opening scene is incredibly erotic: Raphael, the vampire, is spying Lord Aleric's encounter with his mistress. Perched on a tree branch (that's Raphael!). We learn that Raphael has been following Aleric for years and Raphael's desire is described with Ava March's usual intensity. Raphael is not a vampire like all the others in London, he is a loner and loving Aleric from afar is like basking in the sunlight that has been denied to him when he was turned.
Aleric, the lord, leads a dissolute life and has been shunned by his family because he didn't want to conform to his father's wishes. He doesn't have money and barely a roof on his head, he is at the low point of his life. While returning home from the brothel, he is robbed and stabbed to death and Raphael can't help saving him, even if this could be trouble for him.
While their encounters are detailed (and super hot), there are many things that are just hinted at (I'm thinking of the appearing and disappearing of Aleric's gloves, for example) and it's like the author is whispering something in our ear, something secret that reveals the depth of Raphael's devotion. Raphael is more complex a character than Aleric. I wish we had learned more about his turning, because there's a compelling melancholy in him and it's not really explored.
In this book the problem of homosexuality in 1800s England is not so prominent as in other books, because the "inhuman" nature of the two protagonists puts them above the law. Their concerns stem from the resident vampire clan, which is ruled by a woman who sets her eyes on Alaric, much to Raphael's discomfort.
I hope the book will have a sequel. The vampire society of London is only sketched but there was so much more that could have been told. Raphael is concerned for his own and Aleric's security, but the book ends sort of abruptly (but sweetly), that's why I can't give 5 stars.
The opening scene is incredibly erotic: Raphael, the vampire, is spying Lord Aleric's encounter with his mistress. Perched on a tree branch (that's Raphael!). We learn that Raphael has been following Aleric for years and Raphael's desire is described with Ava March's usual intensity. Raphael is not a vampire like all the others in London, he is a loner and loving Aleric from afar is like basking in the sunlight that has been denied to him when he was turned.
Aleric, the lord, leads a dissolute life and has been shunned by his family because he didn't want to conform to his father's wishes. He doesn't have money and barely a roof on his head, he is at the low point of his life. While returning home from the brothel, he is robbed and stabbed to death and Raphael can't help saving him, even if this could be trouble for him.
While their encounters are detailed (and super hot), there are many things that are just hinted at (I'm thinking of the appearing and disappearing of Aleric's gloves, for example) and it's like the author is whispering something in our ear, something secret that reveals the depth of Raphael's devotion. Raphael is more complex a character than Aleric. I wish we had learned more about his turning, because there's a compelling melancholy in him and it's not really explored.
In this book the problem of homosexuality in 1800s England is not so prominent as in other books, because the "inhuman" nature of the two protagonists puts them above the law. Their concerns stem from the resident vampire clan, which is ruled by a woman who sets her eyes on Alaric, much to Raphael's discomfort.
I hope the book will have a sequel. The vampire society of London is only sketched but there was so much more that could have been told. Raphael is concerned for his own and Aleric's security, but the book ends sort of abruptly (but sweetly), that's why I can't give 5 stars.
September 20, 2010
From Afar is a pretty typical Ava March offering. If you’ve read other books by this author you know what you’re going to get - a good historical backdrop against lots of hot sex and gorgeous but brooding characters. Here a vampire is thrown into the mix with the anguished and lonely Raphael. He’s been following Aleric and late one night changes the object of his affection to a vampire rather than let him die.
The strength of the story is really Raphael. He’s a very typical brooding vampire, alone and not fitting with the local decadent clan. He’s desperate to have someone of his own and forms an obsession for a local Lord who’s fallen on hard times. The romance between Aleric and Raphael is hot, heavy, and enticing. The sex is of course dirty, bloody, exciting, and steamy enough to raise your heartbeat. Add in a few velvet frocks and some supernatural strength and the erotica are scenes you’ll read again and again – more than the story itself.
The London background is well crafted as typical of March yet the story ultimately feels somewhat hollow. The vampire clan is intriguing and the lush, evocative descriptions create an eye catching, if dark, atmosphere. Yet these and the various characters introduced are underutilized and actually ignored other than to create brief tension. The main romance has enough tension and conflict within it not to need to the outside stimulus so it’s doubly disappointing that such a great idea is introduced and dropped so quickly.
From Afar is a bit like a small feast. It’s lush, rich, and sensual from the descriptions to the characters. It’s fun to read, incredibly fast at the small novella size and worth the time and money. It’s nothing new from March but it’s what she’s so good at and fans especially will appreciate that.
The strength of the story is really Raphael. He’s a very typical brooding vampire, alone and not fitting with the local decadent clan. He’s desperate to have someone of his own and forms an obsession for a local Lord who’s fallen on hard times. The romance between Aleric and Raphael is hot, heavy, and enticing. The sex is of course dirty, bloody, exciting, and steamy enough to raise your heartbeat. Add in a few velvet frocks and some supernatural strength and the erotica are scenes you’ll read again and again – more than the story itself.
The London background is well crafted as typical of March yet the story ultimately feels somewhat hollow. The vampire clan is intriguing and the lush, evocative descriptions create an eye catching, if dark, atmosphere. Yet these and the various characters introduced are underutilized and actually ignored other than to create brief tension. The main romance has enough tension and conflict within it not to need to the outside stimulus so it’s doubly disappointing that such a great idea is introduced and dropped so quickly.
From Afar is a bit like a small feast. It’s lush, rich, and sensual from the descriptions to the characters. It’s fun to read, incredibly fast at the small novella size and worth the time and money. It’s nothing new from March but it’s what she’s so good at and fans especially will appreciate that.
October 26, 2013
This had potential, but it was too short and ended abruptly with way too many loose ends dangling. I thought perhaps the conclusion was a set up for a sequel, but since this one came out in 2010, I doubt a sequel is forthcoming. I don't usually love vampire stories, but this one had an interesting premise, and the MCs were interesting. There were just too many unresolved, undeveloped plot points.
December 10, 2017
3.5 Stars
I want Roman & Grant's story more than I want an epilogue or follow-up to Aleric & Rafael leaving London...
I want Roman & Grant's story more than I want an epilogue or follow-up to Aleric & Rafael leaving London...
February 22, 2020
I really liked this but felt like it was too short.
February 25, 2010
Raphael Laurent is in love. Problem is the person he is in love with, Lord Aleric Vane, remains a stranger, one he has never spoken to. He watches him though – a lot. Aleric visites Madame Bettes brothel, and Raphael has found a tree that gives him the perfect view into the bedroom and all the indecent things Aleric does with his woman. Raphael also has seen Aleric do things with other men, and knows this is his secret desire. Aleric has been cut off from his family for not going into the church, and spends his last coin at the brothel. His life is going nowhere and he yearns for something different and more.
For three years, Raphael has followed Aleric from a distance, keeping him safe and battling lust so strong it pains him. His voyeurism is not his only secret. Raphael is also a vampire, and after following Aleric home one night, Aleric gets stabbed by robbers. Raphael is seconds too late to stop the thieves and now must make a decision. Let the love of his life rest in peace, or make a life changing decision for them both.
From Afar is Ava March’s first foray into paranormal romance. I really liked the character of Raphael and his desperation and need to get closer to Aleric. You could feel his pain as he watches Aleric with someone else, his anxiety to have a moment with him. And when that moments comes, Aleric is hovering near death. Oh the irony.
Ava March writes such wonderfully romantic, yet naughty love scenes and with a vampire in the mix, we get lots of biting. The passion between these two is scorching from the start. The book is quite short, so their lust is fast and furious. Ava March can write such emotional distress in characters that you can’t help but feel a connection with them, even with the novella length.
Raphael is very concerned the head vampire in London, Katernia will not approve of Aleric in her territory. Much of the story is a build up to a meeting with her and I felt the confrontation with her is a let down and nothing is really resolved. Raphael and Aleric make a decision at the end of the book, but we never hear back from Katernia and I just expected her to be sterner or more of a threat than what she ends up being.
We do meet two other vampires, Roman and Grant and although we only see them for a page or two, I am very intrigued and I hope Ava March revisits this world.
From Afar creates a world where there is definitely more to explore, and I am sure Ava March has more sexy men in store for us.
Rating: 3.5/5
For three years, Raphael has followed Aleric from a distance, keeping him safe and battling lust so strong it pains him. His voyeurism is not his only secret. Raphael is also a vampire, and after following Aleric home one night, Aleric gets stabbed by robbers. Raphael is seconds too late to stop the thieves and now must make a decision. Let the love of his life rest in peace, or make a life changing decision for them both.
From Afar is Ava March’s first foray into paranormal romance. I really liked the character of Raphael and his desperation and need to get closer to Aleric. You could feel his pain as he watches Aleric with someone else, his anxiety to have a moment with him. And when that moments comes, Aleric is hovering near death. Oh the irony.
Ava March writes such wonderfully romantic, yet naughty love scenes and with a vampire in the mix, we get lots of biting. The passion between these two is scorching from the start. The book is quite short, so their lust is fast and furious. Ava March can write such emotional distress in characters that you can’t help but feel a connection with them, even with the novella length.
Raphael is very concerned the head vampire in London, Katernia will not approve of Aleric in her territory. Much of the story is a build up to a meeting with her and I felt the confrontation with her is a let down and nothing is really resolved. Raphael and Aleric make a decision at the end of the book, but we never hear back from Katernia and I just expected her to be sterner or more of a threat than what she ends up being.
We do meet two other vampires, Roman and Grant and although we only see them for a page or two, I am very intrigued and I hope Ava March revisits this world.
From Afar creates a world where there is definitely more to explore, and I am sure Ava March has more sexy men in store for us.
Rating: 3.5/5
April 8, 2012
From Afar is a delightful short story. Emphasis on the short. My biggest complaint is that this story doesn't have more to it. It had all the elements to create an amazing novel but instead settled for being a short story. Because of this there are some questions left unanswered and others that are glossed over in explanation. Despite this though, From Afar is still an engrossing novel with endearing characters and steamy scenes. Raphael is a well-rounded character who I felt very empathetic for. The chemistry between Raphael and Aleric is strong and quite evident and for how short the story was, there was a wealth of side characters that I found interest in. I would have loved to have seen or see more of Grant and Roman. I hope that Ms. March will write a sequel (or spin-off in Grant and Roman's case) for this story. It is worth a read.
February 7, 2017
Audiobook Review:
5 for narration, 3 for story. Let me start by saying a LOVE Ava March. I have all of her books in audio and love every one of them ...until this one. The narrator, like all of her narrators, istop notch and he does a wonderful job. The story starts out fantastic, regency vampires, love from afar, how can you go wrong? Well, when there is more sex than story and when the story abruptly ends with a ton of issues unresolved. If this was the first book in a series, I would understand. But according to her website, it is not. So if you just want some hot vampire sex, this is the book for you. But I have a different expectation for an Ava March book.
5 for narration, 3 for story. Let me start by saying a LOVE Ava March. I have all of her books in audio and love every one of them ...until this one. The narrator, like all of her narrators, istop notch and he does a wonderful job. The story starts out fantastic, regency vampires, love from afar, how can you go wrong? Well, when there is more sex than story and when the story abruptly ends with a ton of issues unresolved. If this was the first book in a series, I would understand. But according to her website, it is not. So if you just want some hot vampire sex, this is the book for you. But I have a different expectation for an Ava March book.
May 18, 2016
Очень жаль ставить такому чудесному автору тройку, но я эту книгу не почувствовала, она меня не проняла. Так..зарисовка интересных моментов и секс. Я не увидела Одиночества Родерика,не поняла, почему он живет в нежилой квартире и лазит в окно босиком, как наследства матери Родерика хватит им на всю жизнь, если они не стареют и т.д. Вместо постоянного секса можно было раскрыть сюжет.
June 28, 2011
This is probably the first Regency M/M I've really enjoyed. I liked the Vampire aspect as well in this story.
April 29, 2012
This book was good except for the ending, there was sooo much more that could have come after. It just felt to short.
August 24, 2013
This was sweet. Would love to read more about Raphael and Aleric once they reach Rome.
Plus, there were some hot voyeuristic scenes in this one.
Plus, there were some hot voyeuristic scenes in this one.
October 28, 2022
(3.5 stars) It’s November 1817 in London, and Raphael Laurent has lived alone for 36 years as a vampire since he was turned. Over the last 3 years he’s become obsessed with the similarly lonely Lord Aleric Vane, who is estranged from his family for disobeying his father’s wishes. When a deadly robbery endangers Aleric, Raphael saves him from death by turning him but there are other dangers the two must navigate. I’m enjoying Ava March’s historical romances and the supernatural twist was a nice touch. The story contains Ava’s trademark steam and I thought the opening obsessive scene where we watch Raphael spy on Aleric was well-written, but I felt this novella needed just a little more story, maybe another twist and turn or more relationship interaction between Raphael and Aleric. The whole story really takes place over about 24-36 hours and it’s pretty straightforward - it felt like a few chapters of a larger book and I wanted to know more. Audio narrator Alex Moorecock gave a good performance.
September 7, 2017
I usually love Ava March's MM Regency romances and throw in some vampire goodness and lots of sex and the result should be really amazing. But it's not. I actually found it hard to even finish this one, even though it's fairly short.
I'm not totally sure exactly what it was that made this one miss the mark for me. Maybe it was the whole vampire-thing, not something I've read about in an Ava March-book before, and I'm not sure that I think it's her forte. Maybe it was just too much sex (yes, there is such a thing).
Since I, like I said, usually like Ms March's books I will continue to read them, but this one was a disappointment, maybe in part because I hold this author to a higher standard.
I'm not totally sure exactly what it was that made this one miss the mark for me. Maybe it was the whole vampire-thing, not something I've read about in an Ava March-book before, and I'm not sure that I think it's her forte. Maybe it was just too much sex (yes, there is such a thing).
Since I, like I said, usually like Ms March's books I will continue to read them, but this one was a disappointment, maybe in part because I hold this author to a higher standard.
February 27, 2018
After finishing a long and nearly insufferable book ****shudder at the incredible boredom and heaviness of the book**** I thought I would try something totally different. From Afar could not have been any different! It was light, implausible and not to be taken seriously. It allowed me to check out for an hour and it added some entertainment to my sleepless night. It wasn't great, but it wasn't terrible either. Think of it like a rebound boyfriend!
November 25, 2024
Raphael is lonely, and has eyes for a man he can't have. Lord Aleric is human. Raphael has been observing Aleric's nightly activities for some time. When he's attacked Raphael intervenes but is unable to prevent Aleric being stabbed. To save him he has to break the rules and change him without his permission. Aleric awakes in the vampire's home and is surprisingly OK with his new life and particularly with Raphael. An interesting short romance.
April 30, 2022
I was quite surprised how short the novel was but good enough for a quick read if your looking for a vampire MxM fix. The writing is good and quite fast paced. I did enjoy it for what it is, *not sounding too bold* porn without plot. I always prefer my stories with plot and romance on the side but still enjoyable for what is in the book. :)
December 28, 2017
The ending was a bit abrupt but the chemistry btwn the two mc was explosive.
January 14, 2019
3.5 stars - super hot and I liked the MCs. However, there was so much potential for more plot to this story with Katerina’s coven and the hint at fated mates. It ended without much of a climax.
June 13, 2019
It's too short, not satisfactory at all. Questions aren't answered and I didn't buy the explication "don't think about it or you'll end up crazy" at all.
August 22, 2021
⭐️3.5⭐️
September 13, 2021
Short and steamy with quite an interesting and imaginative plot. It definitely kept my interest through the entire story.
December 28, 2022
2.5*. This was a total sex fest from start to finish.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews