An Archangel with a heart of ice… For several millennia Archangel Gabriel has never felt attraction to another being - until now. Gabriel’s latest assignment as a guardian angel is to get a vampire named Dominic Wilde to stop being a gigolo, and to find his destined Judge - a very special human with a pure heart and soul that has the ability to redeem a vampire. An alluring vampire’s love to melt it… Dominic has no interest in finding his Judge, however, since he’s already madly in love with Archangel Gabriel, and has been since the very first moment he laid eyes on the grumpy angel. Will Dominic be able to melt Gabriel’s icy heart, or will he be forced to fall in love with someone else in order to save his soul from Hell? A dangerous enemy lurks in the shadows… Archangel Gabriel is determined to protect Dominic’s smile, and save the vampire from his dark past. When a sadistic centipede demon from Hell named Zepar sets his lascivious sights on Dominic, Gabriel will stop at nothing to protect his ward. But why is he willing to risk everything - even his wings - for Dominic? Could this unknown feeling be love? Trigger warnings BDSM. Rape. One instance of underage rape that occurs while Gabriel is using a scrying bowl to see into Dominic’s past to find out how and why he became a prostitute. This scene isn’t as graphically described as other scenes, which contain sex, and can easily be skipped by avoiding the “scrying scene”.
KuroKoneko Kamen is the bestselling author of the scintillating Demons and Judges paranormal romance series - Wicked Bartender, Incubus Chocolatier, Hollywood Merman, Druid Vampire, Highlander Hellcat, Vampire Punk and Galactic Goth - where the true love of a Judge has the power to redeem a Demon or Vampire of their sins. With a degree in English literature and experiences gained through worldwide travel under her belt, she excels in world building and creating unforgettable characters. Due to her Japanese heritage she’s always possessed an interest in Japanese culture from ancient folktales about yokai, demons, to modern fantasy anime and manga. Even when in the midst of a swashbuckling pirate novel expect a samurai warrior to be thrown into the mix. Keeping her company as she writes are her several dogs and cats, some of which are rescues.
I've owned this book for a while but never started it and I have to say that I really liked it a lot. I loved Gabriel and Dominic and their relationship was sad and beautiful. I knew I'd enjoy the story in the first part when Gabriel almost punched his junk and the book didn't disappoint, there were quit a few times I was laughing at stuff that happened. The ending was bittersweet for me, I don't want to go into detail because it's a spoiler but it was beautiful and one of the few times I've seen the true power of love in a book instead of someone being selfish while calling it love.
Audiobook review: Oh my, where to begin. First, a warning. This book contains both adult and child rape; sexual slavery; BDSM; and a not so holy version of an arch angel. If you have a strong aversion to these issues, please learn from my mistake. To be honest, had I known ahead of time that the rapes would occur, I probably wouldn’t have agreed to listen to the audiobook. The scenes are quite graphic to the point that I was nauseated and contemplated contacting the author to indicate I couldn’t finish the book & wouldn’t be leaving a review since my rating would have been a one star rating. Then I thought better of it. If a fictional story can cause such a reaction, then maybe it is actually well written but just not a topic I can stomach, hence the compromised three star rating. The narrator did a good job with providing unique voices for each character and appropriate tone inflections for each scene.
WARNING: there are spoilers in this comment. I liked this book. I thought it was well written for the most part. At times there was too much description, however. I also was annoyed and frustrated with the main character, Gabriel, and all of his choices. I understand the issues that he faces as a character, but completely changing who Dominic is as a person? Yes, what Gabriel did was help Dominic lead a “happier” life, but at what cost? I feel like this books needs a sequel to itself. I think a sequel would be great in wrapping up these two characters story together. I also believe the new dilemma of Dominic now being a MORTAL would need to be addressed. Like, what happens now with their relationship since he will inevitably die (we hope not but it’s inevitable as a MORTAL)?
All in all, I enjoyed this book but I am left frustrated because of the choices that Gabriel made without any input from Dominic. I need a sequel with their complete HEA, not this HFN ending we were given.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Very delightful, fun, and fantastic read. There was so much involved with this story that I would have a hard time summarizing it. The world building was quite unique and the characters were enchanting, except the evil ones, of course. I really liked Dominic, however, Gabriel not so much, until later in the story. A part of me didn't want Dominic to forget Gabriel, but they were obviously truly meant to be, and they practically turned the universe inside out to be together, Gabriel especially fought for Dominic. It ended well and the story was definitely captivating. :)
Wow! This was better than i expected. I've read a few yaoi books and this is the first one i really enjoyed. I think it should have come with a warning and trigger tag though because some parts were gruesome and disturbing. I rolled my eyes at some parts and had to suspend my disbelief in others (but hey it's fantasy so...) overall i liked it . The narrator was pretty good and added to my enjoyment of the book.
An audio copy was given to me for free by the author with no expectations .
I enjoyed the sacrilege that abounds in this story (e.g. Archangel Gabriel in a gay relationship). Unfortunately, the story is not written at a professional level. There are too many tangents that should have been deleted in the final edit. The plot rambles. Most annoyingly for me, the standard rules of POV are not adhered to and there are unnecessary and arbitrary switches in the POV character.
Still, this is a rather inventive and daring story, so I did appreciate that.
I enjoy BDSM, this was not that. I realize that childhood sexual abuse occurs-I do not appreciate details in a 'romance'. Adult rape is not much better. Do not be fooled by the book blurb. This began as a book with potential and then if fell and fell and fell. The only reason I kept on reading it was that I was hoping the end would make up for it. It was as happy ending, as much as one can have between two people-one of whom is immortal, the other not. Very disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
There might have been a good story somewhere in this mess and or the good basic idea for a Japanese Yaoi. Unfortunately a good idea is never enough as writing a novel requires a set of skills which are essentially absent here.
This was a wonderful story. Kept me on the edge of my seat! Loved the romance and the paranormal. I didn't care for how it ended though. I was expecting a different ending but great story!
I’ve got Gabriel and Dominic stuck in my head! Oh how I wish there was a second book. My mind is racing with the possibilities that life holds for the two of them now. I want to peek into “the timeline” and find out if they have an amazing happily ever after.