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House of Maedoc #1
His Consort
A new life in New Orleans is all Jason Thorpe had hoped: his quaint little store attracts a devoted staff and his warm, loving heart grants him a loyal circle of friends. He's perfectly content, having left behind the chill of a confusing and danger-filled night in Washington, until he discovers something unbelievable lurking in the steamy darkness of the shadowy streets of the Vieux Carré, something that turns out to be terrifying... and utterly mesmerizing.
The prince of the vampyrs, Varic Maedoc, is visiting New Orleans when he finds out the man who once helped his counselor is there in the Quarter. He thinks to simply meet and thank Jason—until he lays eyes on him. Varic’s devoted himself to protect the honor of his race, and he's never wanted a mate before... but he immediately knows he must have this man, and no one else will do.
Varic may want to bring Jason safely into his world, but someone who doesn’t like the human's soothing influence on vampyrs has deadly plans that would disrupt Varic's dreams. Now, unable to tell friend from foe, Jason finds himself wondering how to hold on to the prince’s heart when he’s fighting for his life.
The prince of the vampyrs, Varic Maedoc, is visiting New Orleans when he finds out the man who once helped his counselor is there in the Quarter. He thinks to simply meet and thank Jason—until he lays eyes on him. Varic’s devoted himself to protect the honor of his race, and he's never wanted a mate before... but he immediately knows he must have this man, and no one else will do.
Varic may want to bring Jason safely into his world, but someone who doesn’t like the human's soothing influence on vampyrs has deadly plans that would disrupt Varic's dreams. Now, unable to tell friend from foe, Jason finds himself wondering how to hold on to the prince’s heart when he’s fighting for his life.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2018
502 people are currently reading
1017 people want to read
About the author
Mary Calmes
125 books5,019 followersMary Calmes believes in romance, happily ever afters, and the faith it takes for her characters to get there. She bleeds coffee, thinks chocolate should be its own food group, and currently lives in Kentucky with a six-pound furry ninja that protects her from baby birds, spiders and the neighbor’s dogs. To stay up to date on her ponderings and pandemonium (as well as the adventures of the ninja) follow her on Twitter @MaryCalmes, connect with her on Facebook, and subscribe to her Mary’s Mob newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 435 reviews
October 29, 2018
Lord, did I hate this book. I was tempted to DNF multiple times and started skimming halfway through.
The MCs don't meet until 40 percent. The first half is pure filler, specifically info dumping via monologue and long conversations. The second half is all violence, vampires, and political intrigue.
This story is an incomprehensible, meandering mess. Relationship development and romance play second fiddle to the saga of the vampyrs.
To be fair, I've never been a Calmes fan. Has this author ever written anything other than a first-person narrative? Because I swear Jason sounded like every other MC she's ever created.
Also, considering the current cultural climate in America, which glorifies violence above all, I resent the continuous focus on guns. Please don't fetishize weapons! There's nothing romantic about a man with a gun.
And why does every black woman have to be exotic and mysterious? That just smacks of revolting stereotypes.
I'm sure to be the sole voice of dissent because everyone seems to love Mary Calmes, but I'm not going to apologize for my opinion. Please read other reviews for a more balanced view.
The MCs don't meet until 40 percent. The first half is pure filler, specifically info dumping via monologue and long conversations. The second half is all violence, vampires, and political intrigue.
This story is an incomprehensible, meandering mess. Relationship development and romance play second fiddle to the saga of the vampyrs.
To be fair, I've never been a Calmes fan. Has this author ever written anything other than a first-person narrative? Because I swear Jason sounded like every other MC she's ever created.
Also, considering the current cultural climate in America, which glorifies violence above all, I resent the continuous focus on guns. Please don't fetishize weapons! There's nothing romantic about a man with a gun.
And why does every black woman have to be exotic and mysterious? That just smacks of revolting stereotypes.
I'm sure to be the sole voice of dissent because everyone seems to love Mary Calmes, but I'm not going to apologize for my opinion. Please read other reviews for a more balanced view.
April 28, 2024
I am a hardcore Mary Calmes fan. Jory is one of my all-time favorite characters and her 'Matter of Time" series is my comfort food ;) You know what I am also a big fan of ?? Vampires !! So I figured this one would be right up my alley.
Well.... turns out I was mostly right. I enjoyed reading this one, but I also have some niggles...
Let me start with the things I liked ;) Vampyrs!!! I liked the world she created and how she showed us. I love how she does PNR. As some others have said, it does kind of remind me of the "Change of Heart" series. I do think you have to be interested in Vampire law and things like that because there is some info dump going on ;) For me... because I am so interested in "all things Vampires"...it was pretty good !!
Now as far as what I didn't like. It takes the MC's a very very long time to even cross paths. I am talking more than 40 % here. I don't mind a slow build romance, but that is not what this was. This is actually an insta-love story, but it just takes 40 % of the story before they lay eyes on each other.
Because it takes them such a long time to meet, but such a short time to fall in love, it felt a bit unfinished... I needed more of the two of them being together... Maybe that is just my greed talking though ;)
All in all, I think Varic and Jason were pretty great (and HOT) together and I hope we will get more ....here's that greed again :P
My reviews are posted on DirtyBooksObsession
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October 29, 2018
I’m a huuuuge Mary fan, but it seems her latest books are a bit of a miss for me. There were parts in this that made me all, oh yeaaaaaah, now we’re talking! And then suddenly I got bombarded with all kind of details about the vampyr world and I was all ooooooh noooo, not this again.
I also felt that the relationship between Jason and Varic was pretty underdeveloped. Now don’t get me wrong, I love Mary’s crazy kind of insta-love, but I also need to see more of the couple together to really feel their love. And there was too much other stuff going on that detracted from that.
This actually reminded me a bit of the Change of Heart series, with its rules and the mate thing and the world building. And that series was a miss for me as well, because just like in this book, it sometimes felt as if the rules were just made up as they went along. There was no real logic to it all. Now sometimes in a Mary book that can be a good thing, like in her contemporaries. But when it’s shifters, or in this case vampyrs, I get lost in the rules and the world and the everything.
We also had the female best friend in this, like in every Mary book, and just like in all the other books, I didn’t like her. It felt like she was just filling. And can I just say how ridiculous it is how in every book this best friend is super angry at the MC for getting himself in danger, while it is never their fault. As if Jason could have stopped someone from shooting at him!
Now it looks like I didn’t like this at all, and that wasn’t the case either. There were some lovely possessive moments a la Mary Calmes, and those were wonderful. But it just wasn’t as good as some of her other book….
I have a feeling only true die hard Mary fans will love this. Or not, like me, but I get annoyed at too much world-building a lot, so don’t pay attention to me.
-----------------------------
An ARC of His Consort was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
I also felt that the relationship between Jason and Varic was pretty underdeveloped. Now don’t get me wrong, I love Mary’s crazy kind of insta-love, but I also need to see more of the couple together to really feel their love. And there was too much other stuff going on that detracted from that.
This actually reminded me a bit of the Change of Heart series, with its rules and the mate thing and the world building. And that series was a miss for me as well, because just like in this book, it sometimes felt as if the rules were just made up as they went along. There was no real logic to it all. Now sometimes in a Mary book that can be a good thing, like in her contemporaries. But when it’s shifters, or in this case vampyrs, I get lost in the rules and the world and the everything.
We also had the female best friend in this, like in every Mary book, and just like in all the other books, I didn’t like her. It felt like she was just filling. And can I just say how ridiculous it is how in every book this best friend is super angry at the MC for getting himself in danger, while it is never their fault. As if Jason could have stopped someone from shooting at him!
Now it looks like I didn’t like this at all, and that wasn’t the case either. There were some lovely possessive moments a la Mary Calmes, and those were wonderful. But it just wasn’t as good as some of her other book….
I have a feeling only true die hard Mary fans will love this. Or not, like me, but I get annoyed at too much world-building a lot, so don’t pay attention to me.
-----------------------------
An ARC of His Consort was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
June 19, 2021
3.5 Stars
Despite my absolute adoration of Marshals, I’ve always felt Calmes’s brand of OTT crazy works more perfectly for the urban fantasy para/supernatural setting and here, as she incorporates her trademark shenanigans towards the legend and lore of vampires, it simply unfolds quite nicely.
Yes, there’s a beautiful human MC who’s clueless of his own irresistible attraction, whose unassuming charming self lures everyone and anyone to his inner circle and that of course, includes vampires. When he saves an important member of the Prince’s entourage, it sets off a chain of events that cannot be undone.
Ensue the requisite insta lust and love, mate bonds, and always those hateful people who are gonna fucking hate, resulting in some well deserved, though never enough, gory violence. Par for the course a’la Change of Heart vibes, this tosses in some new terms, plenty of kick ass warriors, and gleeful peripheral pairings that made me smirk. Don’t forget the nonsensical convos, claiming alpha posturing, and smexy smex that always make me roll my eyes but nevertheless, still gets me to smile and swoon.
Calmes doesn’t fail her fans here. I look forward to the sequel and hope this is another long running series to be addicted to!
Despite my absolute adoration of Marshals, I’ve always felt Calmes’s brand of OTT crazy works more perfectly for the urban fantasy para/supernatural setting and here, as she incorporates her trademark shenanigans towards the legend and lore of vampires, it simply unfolds quite nicely.
Yes, there’s a beautiful human MC who’s clueless of his own irresistible attraction, whose unassuming charming self lures everyone and anyone to his inner circle and that of course, includes vampires. When he saves an important member of the Prince’s entourage, it sets off a chain of events that cannot be undone.
Ensue the requisite insta lust and love, mate bonds, and always those hateful people who are gonna fucking hate, resulting in some well deserved, though never enough, gory violence. Par for the course a’la Change of Heart vibes, this tosses in some new terms, plenty of kick ass warriors, and gleeful peripheral pairings that made me smirk. Don’t forget the nonsensical convos, claiming alpha posturing, and smexy smex that always make me roll my eyes but nevertheless, still gets me to smile and swoon.
Calmes doesn’t fail her fans here. I look forward to the sequel and hope this is another long running series to be addicted to!
February 16, 2021
4 Stars
If you’ve read a Mary Calmes book before, you pretty much know what you’re in for. This was typically silly, OTT, and even meandering at times, often feeling non-sensical in plot, character and overall purpose at several points throughout the story.
But…
But it was also fun, imaginative, sexy, exciting, and unexplainably damn addictive, like many of Calmes’ stories tend to be. She definitely has a “style,” and sometimes it works for me and sometimes it doesn’t (depending on themes and the characters), but this one definitely worked for me. Case in point: I read all 300 pages in under 24 hours (which is hella rare for me), because it’s all I wanted to do once I started.
Myths and legends get a grounded-in-reality tweak here, with vampires becoming more humanized “vampyrs.”
Discovering this hidden world within our world is ex-military man Jason Thorpe, who learns he has a special ability around the blood drinkers that makes him of particular interest and a valuable commodity to their people.
After moving to New Orleans and building a successful new life for himself, surrounded by human and vampyr friends alike, Jason eventually comes under the interest of the House of Maedoc—the royal line of the vampyrs.
Once summoned to meet with the powerful and alluring prince of the vampyrs, Varic Maedoc, life inexplicably changes, and at lightning speed, when Jason realizes that, although he may be human, he’s the perfect mate Varic has been waiting for all these centuries.
As I said, this was fun, imaginative, sexy and exciting, and although there were still too many characters and the MCs (once again) resembled previous MCs from Calmes’ books, I found myself completely enthralled in this vampyr world, very much liking Jason’s character and enjoying his journey in becoming the vampyr prince’s beloved consort.
I’ll definitely be back for the sequel.
If you’ve read a Mary Calmes book before, you pretty much know what you’re in for. This was typically silly, OTT, and even meandering at times, often feeling non-sensical in plot, character and overall purpose at several points throughout the story.
But…
But it was also fun, imaginative, sexy, exciting, and unexplainably damn addictive, like many of Calmes’ stories tend to be. She definitely has a “style,” and sometimes it works for me and sometimes it doesn’t (depending on themes and the characters), but this one definitely worked for me. Case in point: I read all 300 pages in under 24 hours (which is hella rare for me), because it’s all I wanted to do once I started.
Myths and legends get a grounded-in-reality tweak here, with vampires becoming more humanized “vampyrs.”
Discovering this hidden world within our world is ex-military man Jason Thorpe, who learns he has a special ability around the blood drinkers that makes him of particular interest and a valuable commodity to their people.
After moving to New Orleans and building a successful new life for himself, surrounded by human and vampyr friends alike, Jason eventually comes under the interest of the House of Maedoc—the royal line of the vampyrs.
Once summoned to meet with the powerful and alluring prince of the vampyrs, Varic Maedoc, life inexplicably changes, and at lightning speed, when Jason realizes that, although he may be human, he’s the perfect mate Varic has been waiting for all these centuries.
As I said, this was fun, imaginative, sexy and exciting, and although there were still too many characters and the MCs (once again) resembled previous MCs from Calmes’ books, I found myself completely enthralled in this vampyr world, very much liking Jason’s character and enjoying his journey in becoming the vampyr prince’s beloved consort.
I’ll definitely be back for the sequel.
January 31, 2019
What did I just read??
Info dump? Check.
Never ending internal monologues? Check.
Repetitive dialogue? Check.
Superfluous characters? Check.
Unexplained basics of vampyrs? Check.
Way too much detailed explanations on “things”? Check.
Too much conversation during sex? Check.
Hard to believe behavior? Check.
Clueless vampyrs? Check.
Gushing, loving, declarations? Check check check.
This was my yearly foray into the land of Calmes. This was more disappointing than previous unsuccessful ventures—and that says a lot.
The biggest problem here was that iT was a big mess of an info dump with information that wasn’t really essential to the plot.
Speaking of plot, there wasn’t much of one. I guess some stuff happened in between the dumps, but that would have needed a scant 59 pages to get across.
Jason, the “human” MC changed from a solid, kick-ass ex marine to a a a something else. I don’t know what exactly, but it sure as hell was not the character we met at the beginning.
The only good thing about this was Scott R. Smith’s narration.
So, if you’re in for a repetitive history lesson on vampires that doesn’t amount to much of one, this is your ticket. Too bad I can’t undo my trip that ends up with a weak HFN.
Info dump? Check.
Never ending internal monologues? Check.
Repetitive dialogue? Check.
Superfluous characters? Check.
Unexplained basics of vampyrs? Check.
Way too much detailed explanations on “things”? Check.
Too much conversation during sex? Check.
Hard to believe behavior? Check.
Clueless vampyrs? Check.
Gushing, loving, declarations? Check check check.
This was my yearly foray into the land of Calmes. This was more disappointing than previous unsuccessful ventures—and that says a lot.
The biggest problem here was that iT was a big mess of an info dump with information that wasn’t really essential to the plot.
Speaking of plot, there wasn’t much of one. I guess some stuff happened in between the dumps, but that would have needed a scant 59 pages to get across.
Jason, the “human” MC changed from a solid, kick-ass ex marine to a a a something else. I don’t know what exactly, but it sure as hell was not the character we met at the beginning.
The only good thing about this was Scott R. Smith’s narration.
So, if you’re in for a repetitive history lesson on vampires that doesn’t amount to much of one, this is your ticket. Too bad I can’t undo my trip that ends up with a weak HFN.
December 22, 2020
4.5*
I love me some paranormal with a twist and that's what I got in His Consort.
On the face of it, it looks like just another vampire story but there's lots of humour and an interesting back story and a slow drawn out narrative which brings the two MCs together like opposing magnets - everything is leading up to the moment when they meet.
The plot's a bit all over the place I will admit to that, once Jason hit New Orleans I wasn't sure which sphere of the paranormal we were heading into and I am hoping this is the beginning of a new series as there's loads more I want to know.
But oh lordy, the sparks between Jason and Varic are lush, it's all instant attraction without knowing who the other is. There's dastardly plottings in the vampire world, attempts at kidnappings and a whole host of chaotic action before our two heroes end up looking at their HEA but I loved it!
The setting and secondary characters also worked really well for me too, I loved Varic's stoic Security Detail Head Guard Hadrian and his turbulent relationship with Taigo, Advisor to the Prince and the guy Jason had saved from a bunch of deranged vampyrs at the start of the book.
As it's set in New Orleans, there's a slightly odd note throughout the narrative and I think it helped to give a strange feeling to everything that was going on.
I'd love to see this as a Netflix special :)
#ARC kindly received from the publishers Dreamspinner Press in return for an honest and unbiased review.
I love me some paranormal with a twist and that's what I got in His Consort.
On the face of it, it looks like just another vampire story but there's lots of humour and an interesting back story and a slow drawn out narrative which brings the two MCs together like opposing magnets - everything is leading up to the moment when they meet.
The plot's a bit all over the place I will admit to that, once Jason hit New Orleans I wasn't sure which sphere of the paranormal we were heading into and I am hoping this is the beginning of a new series as there's loads more I want to know.
But oh lordy, the sparks between Jason and Varic are lush, it's all instant attraction without knowing who the other is. There's dastardly plottings in the vampire world, attempts at kidnappings and a whole host of chaotic action before our two heroes end up looking at their HEA but I loved it!
The setting and secondary characters also worked really well for me too, I loved Varic's stoic Security Detail Head Guard Hadrian and his turbulent relationship with Taigo, Advisor to the Prince and the guy Jason had saved from a bunch of deranged vampyrs at the start of the book.
As it's set in New Orleans, there's a slightly odd note throughout the narrative and I think it helped to give a strange feeling to everything that was going on.
I'd love to see this as a Netflix special :)
#ARC kindly received from the publishers Dreamspinner Press in return for an honest and unbiased review.
June 5, 2025
Mary Calmes does a great job with building this new world of "Vampyrs" (though it took me some time to stop hearing Ze Frank's voice in my head every time I saw the word Vampyr pronounced, apparently, as vam-pier).
His Consort is told from the single, first person, POV of ex-special forces soldier Jason, has quite a bit of action, some humor, and ends laying a lot of the groundwork for a follow-up.
Fans of Calmes Change of Heart series will find similar world-building and premise, including the main characters not actually meeting until almost halfway through. Actually there are a lot of parallels between His Consort and Change of Heart. So...if you loved one you're reasonably certain to enjoy the other.
It definitely left me with more questions than answers and happy we get a follow up in book 2 His Prince. Paranormal AU, with romantic elements, action, single POV, and a HFN/HEA ending.
3.75 stars rounded up.
Advanced Review Galley copy of His Consort provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
Original review cross-posted 2018 at Gay Book Reviews.
His Consort is told from the single, first person, POV of ex-special forces soldier Jason, has quite a bit of action, some humor, and ends laying a lot of the groundwork for a follow-up.
Fans of Calmes Change of Heart series will find similar world-building and premise, including the main characters not actually meeting until almost halfway through. Actually there are a lot of parallels between His Consort and Change of Heart. So...if you loved one you're reasonably certain to enjoy the other.
It definitely left me with more questions than answers and happy we get a follow up in book 2 His Prince. Paranormal AU, with romantic elements, action, single POV, and a HFN/HEA ending.
3.75 stars rounded up.
Advanced Review Galley copy of His Consort provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
Original review cross-posted 2018 at Gay Book Reviews.
November 22, 2018
Uhhhhhhmmmmmmmm.... I have NO clue how to rate this. On the one hand it was kind of fun (especially in the beginning) on the other.... I would have preferred Tiago and Hadrian's story (also I can't figure out if the name -Hadrian- was ON PURPOSE and hinting at history or if it was a lucky happenstance!?)
But, as I said, I liked the beginning. I liked Jason and his 'take-charge'-attitude, I liked his inquisitiveness and I liked his 'good-ness'!
But THEN things took a turn for the weird and it was... Jarring.
Suddenly the language and actions of the characters became BOMBASTIC or achingly sweet (sometimes at the same time).
Jason lost his spunk, I think, when Varic entered the stage (quite late, I might add) and the friends went from being fun side-characters to almost magical beings and it was OVER THE TOP!
Also there was something with the language and sentences at times. I normally don't comment on it, but it felt like the editor missed something at times? And that seems abnormal since this is DSP and Calmes.
I get that Varic was supposed to speak like he's a THOUSAND years old, but there was something off more than once, and it was strange (will add examples later, when my Kindle is in my hands!)
I don't know, I liked the beginning, but it became soap opera-crazy the further we got...
But, as I said, I liked the beginning. I liked Jason and his 'take-charge'-attitude, I liked his inquisitiveness and I liked his 'good-ness'!
But THEN things took a turn for the weird and it was... Jarring.
Suddenly the language and actions of the characters became BOMBASTIC or achingly sweet (sometimes at the same time).
Jason lost his spunk, I think, when Varic entered the stage (quite late, I might add) and the friends went from being fun side-characters to almost magical beings and it was OVER THE TOP!
Also there was something with the language and sentences at times. I normally don't comment on it, but it felt like the editor missed something at times? And that seems abnormal since this is DSP and Calmes.
I get that Varic was supposed to speak like he's a THOUSAND years old, but there was something off more than once, and it was strange (will add examples later, when my Kindle is in my hands!)
I don't know, I liked the beginning, but it became soap opera-crazy the further we got...
April 14, 2024
Mary Calmes does vampires! Or, well, she does vampyrs.
Indicative from the slight change of the word, Calmes weaves a tale of vampyrs, living amongst the world of humans that is just a bit different from other vampire stories.
I enjoyed the similarities and differences, alike, such as vampyrs being born and not turned. Their governance structure and the wars between socio-economic classes were interesting too.
In typical Calmes fashion, she gives background through the main MC jumping from one thought to the next, relaying different memories which have brought him to the present.
It was the romance that I enjoyed the most about this book. These two seemed more "real" than I would've though from a Calmes paranormal story. I expected a growly alpha vampyr, totally possessive. But Varic was charming and sweet too. The juxtaposition of those traits against the alpha Vampyr Prince was done really well!
And Jason never crossed into doormat territory, which could have happened in this type of world. He belongs to the Prince, after all. It never went there....he always kept his own mind.
The heat was awesome (hawt!). I'm not normally a fan of blood play, but Vampyrs know how to do it well!
Fans of MC won't be disappointed. And she leaves it slightly open for more from this world. The side characters were definitely a bonus!
Indicative from the slight change of the word, Calmes weaves a tale of vampyrs, living amongst the world of humans that is just a bit different from other vampire stories.
I enjoyed the similarities and differences, alike, such as vampyrs being born and not turned. Their governance structure and the wars between socio-economic classes were interesting too.
In typical Calmes fashion, she gives background through the main MC jumping from one thought to the next, relaying different memories which have brought him to the present.
It was the romance that I enjoyed the most about this book. These two seemed more "real" than I would've though from a Calmes paranormal story. I expected a growly alpha vampyr, totally possessive. But Varic was charming and sweet too. The juxtaposition of those traits against the alpha Vampyr Prince was done really well!
And Jason never crossed into doormat territory, which could have happened in this type of world. He belongs to the Prince, after all. It never went there....he always kept his own mind.
The heat was awesome (hawt!). I'm not normally a fan of blood play, but Vampyrs know how to do it well!
Fans of MC won't be disappointed. And she leaves it slightly open for more from this world. The side characters were definitely a bonus!
March 8, 2019
** 3.5 stars **
This was a tough one to rate. I liked parts of it, and despite many people hating the first part of the book I actually loved it the most. After couple of chapters I noticed that Jason had an uncanny resemblance to Jory Harcourt. It didn't bother me since I liked A Matter of Time series. I actually enjoyed reading about Jason and his friends, all the little things that he made possible to happen.
When Jason and Varic meet which is at about 40% of the book, it kind of takes a little leap to the wild side. First, Varic reminds me strongly of Sam Kage what with being arrogant, domineering and heavy handed. I would not mind that kind of behavior if there was a passage of time and valid reasons behind it. Second, Jason is all reluctant and hard to get but next second - it's destiny. That was contradictory and a bit fast for me. Third, I liked Tiago and Hadrian much better.
The second part of the book has a lot of sweet and sugary moments interspersed with hot and heavy intimate encounters, and everyone trying to get a piece of Jason cause he is just that irresistible. But unlike with Jory Jason's naivete grated at times since it was a tad unbelievable him being former marine and POW to be so trusting and chucking it all on "oh well, I guess I am a bad judge of character" sentiment. This book is 55/45 in how much I liked/disliked it. I just wish that the characters themselves didn't remind me of the ones I already know. BTW, Ode made me think of Aja.
This was a tough one to rate. I liked parts of it, and despite many people hating the first part of the book I actually loved it the most. After couple of chapters I noticed that Jason had an uncanny resemblance to Jory Harcourt. It didn't bother me since I liked A Matter of Time series. I actually enjoyed reading about Jason and his friends, all the little things that he made possible to happen.
When Jason and Varic meet which is at about 40% of the book, it kind of takes a little leap to the wild side. First, Varic reminds me strongly of Sam Kage what with being arrogant, domineering and heavy handed. I would not mind that kind of behavior if there was a passage of time and valid reasons behind it. Second, Jason is all reluctant and hard to get but next second - it's destiny. That was contradictory and a bit fast for me. Third, I liked Tiago and Hadrian much better.
The second part of the book has a lot of sweet and sugary moments interspersed with hot and heavy intimate encounters, and everyone trying to get a piece of Jason cause he is just that irresistible. But unlike with Jory Jason's naivete grated at times since it was a tad unbelievable him being former marine and POW to be so trusting and chucking it all on "oh well, I guess I am a bad judge of character" sentiment. This book is 55/45 in how much I liked/disliked it. I just wish that the characters themselves didn't remind me of the ones I already know. BTW, Ode made me think of Aja.
November 22, 2018
1.5 stars
It was like reading the Change of Heart series, which I seriously disliked, only set in the world of vampires. Or rather :::rolls eyes::: vampyrs. Jason = Jin, Varic = Logan. I nearly DNFd several times.
It was like reading the Change of Heart series, which I seriously disliked, only set in the world of vampires. Or rather :::rolls eyes::: vampyrs. Jason = Jin, Varic = Logan. I nearly DNFd several times.
August 7, 2019
Ho comprato il libro solo perchè era di Mary Calmes. Non ho nemmeno letto la trama. Ho letto a malapena chi traduceva perchè ci sono certi traduttori che non voglio in italiano. Fatto sta che appena stavo per iniziarlo ho avuto un pensiero del tipo "È un po' che non leggo un libro con un vampiro" e naturalmente intendo un M/M altrimenti non sarebbe una frase veritiera con Shadowhunters e The Originals in corso. Comunque lo inizio e leggo la trama, il trafiletto prima dell'inizio che si trova anche nella scheda libro sul sito, e vedo che abbiamo i vampiri o meglio poi quando inizia la storia vampyr.
Purtroppo sebbene entusiasta finalmente di avere un libro con i vampiri cioè un M/M con i vampiri non raggiunge la mia piena soddisfazione. Non tutti i libri escono con il buco così ancora amo Mary Calmes. Dopo vari ripensamenti mi sento di scendere a 3☆.
Non so chi sia più antipatico tra Jason o Varic e poi Varic appare solo dopo un bel po' per non dire che succede qualcosa solo a quasi il 60%. Con succede qualcosa intendo qualcosa da M/M e non che so, cosuccia a caso, attentati e robe così.
E poi trovo che il misto di leggende mi urta un po'. Ok, ognuno ha la sua teoria e rispetto all'originale Dracula poi ci siamo inventati tante cose diverse. Alcuni esempi si trovano in Shadowhunter con Simon o in The Vampire Diaries. . In aggiunta ci sono tutte le varie smentite come lo specchio o l'aglio etc... Ma ciò che non tollero è il mischiare il vampyr con il lupo e addirittura con il berserker. Parti dal lupo e la caccia in branco arrivi al berserker norreno (per me il berserker è un'altra cosa ma non dico non abbia fondamento) e il tutto porta poi ai vampyr. Un evoluzione.
Poi ci sono troppi personaggi che insomma dovrebbero essere secondari. Diciamo che avrei preferito un Jason/Varic sin da subito o dopo il primo capitolo. Una volta salvato Tiago. Invece Hadrian, Tiago, Benny, Niko e Cooke sono i mezzo ai piedi e questo allunga il brodo.
EDIT: Aggiungo un ulteriore cosa. Non so che parola abbia usato la Calmes nell'originale ma la "compulsion" (parola che viene usata in The Originals/The Vampire Diaries che leggo in originale) cioè la costrizione di obbedire ad un ordine di un vampiro non è per me vero amore. Il vero amore viene dal cuore e in maniera incondizionata.
Spero il prossimo sia migliore.
Purtroppo sebbene entusiasta finalmente di avere un libro con i vampiri cioè un M/M con i vampiri non raggiunge la mia piena soddisfazione. Non tutti i libri escono con il buco così ancora amo Mary Calmes. Dopo vari ripensamenti mi sento di scendere a 3☆.
Non so chi sia più antipatico tra Jason o Varic e poi Varic appare solo dopo un bel po' per non dire che succede qualcosa solo a quasi il 60%. Con succede qualcosa intendo qualcosa da M/M e non che so, cosuccia a caso, attentati e robe così.
E poi trovo che il misto di leggende mi urta un po'. Ok, ognuno ha la sua teoria e rispetto all'originale Dracula poi ci siamo inventati tante cose diverse. Alcuni esempi si trovano in Shadowhunter con Simon o in The Vampire Diaries. . In aggiunta ci sono tutte le varie smentite come lo specchio o l'aglio etc... Ma ciò che non tollero è il mischiare il vampyr con il lupo e addirittura con il berserker. Parti dal lupo e la caccia in branco arrivi al berserker norreno (per me il berserker è un'altra cosa ma non dico non abbia fondamento) e il tutto porta poi ai vampyr. Un evoluzione.
Poi ci sono troppi personaggi che insomma dovrebbero essere secondari. Diciamo che avrei preferito un Jason/Varic sin da subito o dopo il primo capitolo. Una volta salvato Tiago. Invece Hadrian, Tiago, Benny, Niko e Cooke sono i mezzo ai piedi e questo allunga il brodo.
EDIT: Aggiungo un ulteriore cosa. Non so che parola abbia usato la Calmes nell'originale ma la "compulsion" (parola che viene usata in The Originals/The Vampire Diaries che leggo in originale) cioè la costrizione di obbedire ad un ordine di un vampiro non è per me vero amore. Il vero amore viene dal cuore e in maniera incondizionata.
Spero il prossimo sia migliore.
November 21, 2018
1.5 Stars
I wish I could give this book a higher rating but I cannot in good conscience do so.
The writing was good and the secondary characters were a sort of consolation but the story itself was honestly all over the place.
There were things I liked and others not so much but with a 1.5-Star rating, let's just say the "Cons" vastly outweighed the "Pros".
Pros
-I liked the world building though it got a bit "info dumpy" at a point
-The banter between the characters was good which leads me to my two loves: Tiago and Hadrian. I liked them together and found Tiago annoyingly endearing.
Cons
-The MCs were forgettable (I literally had to check the blurb to remember Jason and Varic's names). Jason had his "abilities" that were never fully explained and Varic was the vampire prince but aside that, I just didn't care about them.
-There was no proper romance. It was instalove and while I don't mind that once in a while when its done right, it just didn't work here. At All. Even the instalust was difficult to believe.
-There were inconsistencies in personalities across the story. Jason was a smart, capable man for about 40% of the book till the EXACT moment he met Varic , then all his common sense went out the window. He just rolled over and switched so fast on me I nearly got whiplash (One moment he was logical, the next, he was agreeing to things without any heed for consequences for the sole reason of Varic (who he had literally just met) demanding it of him. The consent during their first time was also iffy.
I could go on and on with the "Cons" but I'm sure you catch my drift.
I know. I KNOW with PNR one is supposed to suspend belief and I did. I suspended my belief so high it practically went into the stratosphere but it STILL didn't make me like this book any better. I really expected more and can't deny that I'm a bit disappointed.
I hope her next book goes better for me.
*** eARC Was Graciously Provided By The Publisher, DreamSpinner Press In Exchange For An Honest, Unbiased, Review ***
I wish I could give this book a higher rating but I cannot in good conscience do so.
The writing was good and the secondary characters were a sort of consolation but the story itself was honestly all over the place.
There were things I liked and others not so much but with a 1.5-Star rating, let's just say the "Cons" vastly outweighed the "Pros".
Pros
-I liked the world building though it got a bit "info dumpy" at a point
-The banter between the characters was good which leads me to my two loves: Tiago and Hadrian. I liked them together and found Tiago annoyingly endearing.
Cons
-The MCs were forgettable (I literally had to check the blurb to remember Jason and Varic's names). Jason had his "abilities" that were never fully explained and Varic was the vampire prince but aside that, I just didn't care about them.
-There was no proper romance. It was instalove and while I don't mind that once in a while when its done right, it just didn't work here. At All. Even the instalust was difficult to believe.
-There were inconsistencies in personalities across the story. Jason was a smart, capable man for about 40% of the book till the EXACT moment he met Varic , then all his common sense went out the window. He just rolled over and switched so fast on me I nearly got whiplash (One moment he was logical, the next, he was agreeing to things without any heed for consequences for the sole reason of Varic (who he had literally just met) demanding it of him. The consent during their first time was also iffy.
I could go on and on with the "Cons" but I'm sure you catch my drift.
I know. I KNOW with PNR one is supposed to suspend belief and I did. I suspended my belief so high it practically went into the stratosphere but it STILL didn't make me like this book any better. I really expected more and can't deny that I'm a bit disappointed.
I hope her next book goes better for me.
*** eARC Was Graciously Provided By The Publisher, DreamSpinner Press In Exchange For An Honest, Unbiased, Review ***
June 16, 2024
3.5*
Re-read 14h - 15h June 2024.
Having just noticed the third book His Realm is out I decided a re-read was in order. My memory isn’t great but I have very little recollection of this.
While I enjoyed it I’ve reduced my rating. There’s such a huge info dump and I felt the relationship could have been better.
But I’m moving to re-read the second book now.
Original review - 4*
This has been on my to-read list since it first came out. Originally it wasn’t on KU and the reviews were so mixed it just kept getting pushed back. But now the second book is out plus it’s on KU so I decided to give it a try.
This book had me after the first few pages. I was intrigued by the world that has been created here. And curious about Jason. We know he’s different but what is he?
At times it felt like a little too much info had been dumped on me. But for the most part I really enjoyed it. So it’s straight onto the second book now.
Re-read 14h - 15h June 2024.
Having just noticed the third book His Realm is out I decided a re-read was in order. My memory isn’t great but I have very little recollection of this.
While I enjoyed it I’ve reduced my rating. There’s such a huge info dump and I felt the relationship could have been better.
But I’m moving to re-read the second book now.
Original review - 4*
This has been on my to-read list since it first came out. Originally it wasn’t on KU and the reviews were so mixed it just kept getting pushed back. But now the second book is out plus it’s on KU so I decided to give it a try.
This book had me after the first few pages. I was intrigued by the world that has been created here. And curious about Jason. We know he’s different but what is he?
At times it felt like a little too much info had been dumped on me. But for the most part I really enjoyed it. So it’s straight onto the second book now.
November 19, 2023
Reread November 2023
Was Jason always this annoying? And I'd forgotten the MC's don't even get together/meet until 60% or so. Luckily there's a book 2.
Originally read November 2020
MC's typical MO but that's why I read her books. Jason reminded me of Jory and I loved Jory.
Was Jason always this annoying? And I'd forgotten the MC's don't even get together/meet until 60% or so. Luckily there's a book 2.
Originally read November 2020
MC's typical MO but that's why I read her books. Jason reminded me of Jory and I loved Jory.
July 17, 2020
Oh I enjoyed this, highly entertaining.
I heart all things vampires, so this was a treat.
Pretty much Vampyr 101. So much delicious information from the history, hierarchy, conflict within the ranks, biology ect. I do love a thorough world-building even if at times the language/writing style & dialogue was a bit off.
All information divulged to the very curious and studious Jason Thorpe, ex-marine who's thrown into this paranormal world due to his inability to ever walk away from someone in need. Jason is a darling, a bit oblivious, a little too selfless. It's a bit hard to nail Jason down. He is a little bit of everything, strong and fearless but just as capable of submitting and going with the flow. He slips into his role in the paranormal community seamlessly, creating peace and harmony.
The fated-mate/insta-love comes on strong. A look, a conversation. Instant chemistry between Jason and Varic Maedoc , the prince of all of Vampyr's. Despite a bit of miscommunication and pre-conceived notions, it's pretty low-angst between these two. It's hot, heavy, scorching chemistry.
This is just the beginning of what they are to one another and I didn't feel like I really got to know Varic all that well, other than the fact that he wants and needs Jason and will do anything for him. But I expect it will get deeper in the next book.
This isn't perfect. The secondary characters all fell flat for me, except Tiago. I do love me a snarky pretentious vamp. But, it's incredibly entertaining and the chemistry between the mc's and the world building makes up for what the story lacks.
Now I really must read the next book, there is just something about Calmes style that holds my attention.
I heart all things vampires, so this was a treat.
Pretty much Vampyr 101. So much delicious information from the history, hierarchy, conflict within the ranks, biology ect. I do love a thorough world-building even if at times the language/writing style & dialogue was a bit off.
All information divulged to the very curious and studious Jason Thorpe, ex-marine who's thrown into this paranormal world due to his inability to ever walk away from someone in need. Jason is a darling, a bit oblivious, a little too selfless. It's a bit hard to nail Jason down. He is a little bit of everything, strong and fearless but just as capable of submitting and going with the flow. He slips into his role in the paranormal community seamlessly, creating peace and harmony.
The fated-mate/insta-love comes on strong. A look, a conversation. Instant chemistry between Jason and Varic Maedoc , the prince of all of Vampyr's. Despite a bit of miscommunication and pre-conceived notions, it's pretty low-angst between these two. It's hot, heavy, scorching chemistry.
This is just the beginning of what they are to one another and I didn't feel like I really got to know Varic all that well, other than the fact that he wants and needs Jason and will do anything for him. But I expect it will get deeper in the next book.
This isn't perfect. The secondary characters all fell flat for me, except Tiago. I do love me a snarky pretentious vamp. But, it's incredibly entertaining and the chemistry between the mc's and the world building makes up for what the story lacks.
Now I really must read the next book, there is just something about Calmes style that holds my attention.
September 19, 2025
This is one of those cases where I don’t know if I actually liked the book or if I just enjoy the narrator’s voice.
The story was interesting, I guess, a sort of original story about vampires and how they came to be, with a side of fated mates sort of, even if they meet until like 40%. I think I would have liked a bit more challenge in the Prince and Jason getting together, or maybe just a POV from the Prince.
Whatever, I still enjoyed it, but I don’t know if I will continue the series.
The story was interesting, I guess, a sort of original story about vampires and how they came to be, with a side of fated mates sort of, even if they meet until like 40%. I think I would have liked a bit more challenge in the Prince and Jason getting together, or maybe just a POV from the Prince.
Whatever, I still enjoyed it, but I don’t know if I will continue the series.
October 6, 2024
Ok, let’s do this first review of the year. I don’t even know where last year went but here we are. Funny, Mary’s my favorite so I thought starting with her was the best way to kick off 2019, then I realized I kicked off 2018 in the same exact way. Now this has to be a thing, yeah? Yeah. Somebody remind me, 2020 is a year away, haha!
So, Mary doing Vamps just did it for me. And this is not because I actually have a Spark and Ember candle that she gave to me…
Really.
So, this book. I couldn’t put it down and finished it in one day. I was just so interested in where it was going and what was going to happen.
But, it wasn’t perfect and I get a lot of what is being said out there. There are some mixed reviews even from Mary’s biggest fans and I can get that. There is also a lot of talk about the similarities with another favorite couple, Jin and Logan. I can also get that. For me though, it all just fell together and just worked.
I feel like I got the language here where even after a couple reads of Jin and Logan I still feel a little lost and in dire need of a glossary.
Maybe it is because I just love Vamps.
It’s mostly probably definitely Mary.
I loved the mix of stuff we think we know and all the stuff that was brand new.
I love that Jason was big, strong and remained himself. I loved that Varic could be sweet and warm and dare I say a little fragile. They are perfect for each other and I can only hope this is not the end of our time with them. There has to be more adventure and danger and politics and gah, I want to meet the King and Queen!
Overall, like I said, it wasn’t perfect. There were a few things here and there, although, I can’t think of a single one right now, that kept it from being a favorite but I think it was pretty close.
I enjoyed most all of the secondary characters and of course, I loved the setting.
Happy New Year and more please!
So, Mary doing Vamps just did it for me. And this is not because I actually have a Spark and Ember candle that she gave to me…
Really.
So, this book. I couldn’t put it down and finished it in one day. I was just so interested in where it was going and what was going to happen.
But, it wasn’t perfect and I get a lot of what is being said out there. There are some mixed reviews even from Mary’s biggest fans and I can get that. There is also a lot of talk about the similarities with another favorite couple, Jin and Logan. I can also get that. For me though, it all just fell together and just worked.
I feel like I got the language here where even after a couple reads of Jin and Logan I still feel a little lost and in dire need of a glossary.
Maybe it is because I just love Vamps.
It’s mostly probably definitely Mary.
I loved the mix of stuff we think we know and all the stuff that was brand new.
I love that Jason was big, strong and remained himself. I loved that Varic could be sweet and warm and dare I say a little fragile. They are perfect for each other and I can only hope this is not the end of our time with them. There has to be more adventure and danger and politics and gah, I want to meet the King and Queen!
Overall, like I said, it wasn’t perfect. There were a few things here and there, although, I can’t think of a single one right now, that kept it from being a favorite but I think it was pretty close.
I enjoyed most all of the secondary characters and of course, I loved the setting.
Happy New Year and more please!
May 18, 2019
Barely 3 Stars
The info-dumps were just tedious, and while the premise of the story was interesting I wasn't all that engaged until it was almost over. Jason was too perfect and of course everyone loved him (other than the bad guys) and as a character he seemed to me just a re-imagination of JORY. I also wanted more on Varic (who doesn't even make an appearance until well into the book), especially with him and Jason together as there was very little relationship development.
That said, if there is ever a Hadrian & Tiago installment, I'll probably give it a try because their story might be interesting. Ah hell, who am I kidding? I'm pretty much gonna read or listen to everything Mary at some point...
The info-dumps were just tedious, and while the premise of the story was interesting I wasn't all that engaged until it was almost over. Jason was too perfect and of course everyone loved him (other than the bad guys) and as a character he seemed to me just a re-imagination of JORY. I also wanted more on Varic (who doesn't even make an appearance until well into the book), especially with him and Jason together as there was very little relationship development.
That said, if there is ever a Hadrian & Tiago installment, I'll probably give it a try because their story might be interesting. Ah hell, who am I kidding? I'm pretty much gonna read or listen to everything Mary at some point...
August 20, 2019
This is it. No more Mary Calmes for me :(
The books became indistinguishable. Everyone loves and adores the main character(s) Jin, Jory, Jason. Everybody talks in that signature spaghetti dialog, going in circles, interrupting each other and dumping the unnecessary info.
I had to keep skipping pages so I could get to the angsty bits, but even then I realized that I honestly don't care anymore. I know Jin, Jory or Jason will be saved and coddled and made love to no matter what or where, within an inch of his live. Bad guys will die a horrible death and Jin, Jory or Jason will live happily every after as someone's mate or consort or some such.
The books became indistinguishable. Everyone loves and adores the main character(s) Jin, Jory, Jason. Everybody talks in that signature spaghetti dialog, going in circles, interrupting each other and dumping the unnecessary info.
I had to keep skipping pages so I could get to the angsty bits, but even then I realized that I honestly don't care anymore. I know Jin, Jory or Jason will be saved and coddled and made love to no matter what or where, within an inch of his live. Bad guys will die a horrible death and Jin, Jory or Jason will live happily every after as someone's mate or consort or some such.
January 23, 2019
It's Mary Calmes's vampyres on audio...of course I had to hear this...
If you follow my reviews and thank you for doing that by the way, than you also know I've read this book. I'm kind of getting addicted to doing that...reading a story and then listening to the audio...I've discovered it's something that I really enjoy doing. Although it's not often that I want to re-read a book I love listening to audio books...some of them over and over and over again. It's just a thing that I enjoy doing. So since I've already read and reviewed this story as an e-book I'm going to steal from it for some of this review, so if something seems repetitious it's probably because it is...
I have a small group of authors that I'll just read whatever they write and the reasons may vary but mostly it's the entertainment factor and just the fact that for whatever reason I can easily escape into the story and enjoy it without a lot of deep thoughts or intellectual rhetoric involved...what can I say, sometimes a girl just wants to read a story that's entertaining.
So just to summarize there are a number of reasons that I had so much fun reading this story and they've all held true in listening to the audio book and they were...
I really liked both of the MCs. Jason Thorpe was the expected 'everyone loves him' MC and I liked wandering through the first part of the book as his history and character were layered onto him and we got to see how he came to be in New Orleans and the events that slowly converged to bring him together with Varic Maedoc, Prince of the Vampires.
I liked the slightly different twist that the author brought to the origins of these vampires and the interesting collection of secondary characters that helped to flesh out this story characters such as Cooke, Leni and Ode but most of all I loved Tiago and Hadrian...whom, I probably liked even a tiny bit more than Jason and Varic...I think, I'd need to read their story to be sure (this is what we call a subtle hint at my house).
Last but not least I really like how this was all laid out with an underlying theme of Vampyr politics running throughout the story driving both the romance and the mystery/action part of the story. All of this along with the Vampyr social structure, their language combined to create a daunting task of how to share the information with the reader and keep it from being simply a large and ultimately tedious info dump. I loved that these Vampyrs weren't portrayed as a hidden culture existing in modern times with ancient ways...nope, these guy knew about cell phones, computers internet websites but there were still a select few Vampyr stereotypes that popped up in this story as well and that's cool it was a good mix of the new and the familiar.
So all in all for me the audio book was every bit as delightful as the e-book with the addition of new to me narrator Scott Smith and let me say this poor man had some big vocal cords to follow in since out of the 54 English language audio books by this author 30+ of them have been narrated by 3 of my absolute favorite narrators so I admit I was a little nervous about this...what I wasn't was disappointed. Scott Smith's narration definitely ticked off my list of 'things I want in an audio book' and I was left having enjoyed the story and feeling comfortable that should Scott Smith's name show up on future audio books that I'm interested in...everything will sound just fine.
*************************
An audio book of 'His Consort' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
If you follow my reviews and thank you for doing that by the way, than you also know I've read this book. I'm kind of getting addicted to doing that...reading a story and then listening to the audio...I've discovered it's something that I really enjoy doing. Although it's not often that I want to re-read a book I love listening to audio books...some of them over and over and over again. It's just a thing that I enjoy doing. So since I've already read and reviewed this story as an e-book I'm going to steal from it for some of this review, so if something seems repetitious it's probably because it is...
I have a small group of authors that I'll just read whatever they write and the reasons may vary but mostly it's the entertainment factor and just the fact that for whatever reason I can easily escape into the story and enjoy it without a lot of deep thoughts or intellectual rhetoric involved...what can I say, sometimes a girl just wants to read a story that's entertaining.
So just to summarize there are a number of reasons that I had so much fun reading this story and they've all held true in listening to the audio book and they were...
I really liked both of the MCs. Jason Thorpe was the expected 'everyone loves him' MC and I liked wandering through the first part of the book as his history and character were layered onto him and we got to see how he came to be in New Orleans and the events that slowly converged to bring him together with Varic Maedoc, Prince of the Vampires.
I liked the slightly different twist that the author brought to the origins of these vampires and the interesting collection of secondary characters that helped to flesh out this story characters such as Cooke, Leni and Ode but most of all I loved Tiago and Hadrian...whom, I probably liked even a tiny bit more than Jason and Varic...I think, I'd need to read their story to be sure (this is what we call a subtle hint at my house).
Last but not least I really like how this was all laid out with an underlying theme of Vampyr politics running throughout the story driving both the romance and the mystery/action part of the story. All of this along with the Vampyr social structure, their language combined to create a daunting task of how to share the information with the reader and keep it from being simply a large and ultimately tedious info dump. I loved that these Vampyrs weren't portrayed as a hidden culture existing in modern times with ancient ways...nope, these guy knew about cell phones, computers internet websites but there were still a select few Vampyr stereotypes that popped up in this story as well and that's cool it was a good mix of the new and the familiar.
So all in all for me the audio book was every bit as delightful as the e-book with the addition of new to me narrator Scott Smith and let me say this poor man had some big vocal cords to follow in since out of the 54 English language audio books by this author 30+ of them have been narrated by 3 of my absolute favorite narrators so I admit I was a little nervous about this...what I wasn't was disappointed. Scott Smith's narration definitely ticked off my list of 'things I want in an audio book' and I was left having enjoyed the story and feeling comfortable that should Scott Smith's name show up on future audio books that I'm interested in...everything will sound just fine.
*************************
An audio book of 'His Consort' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 20, 2019
His Consort is the story of how ex-special forces soldier Jason Thorpe stumbles upon the secret world of Vampyrs and learns some secrets which will change the course of his life and entwine it inexorably with the vampyrs forever.
Fans of Calmes Change of Heart series will find similar world-building and premise, including the main characters not actually meeting until almost halfway through.
Jason's the every-man character dealing with the ins-and-outs of a world that he thought was only made up. He's got a heart of gold and and a thick head, which helps when dealing with millennia old creatures who think they know everything.
Scott Smith does a good job with unique character voices, a good pace, and I love that he doesn't just robotically read, but infuses emotion to the text. He brings out the humor, emotion, and suspense of the story well.
His Consort is a single POV, urban paranormal featuring vampyrs, with action, intrigue, and some romantic elements, and a HFN/HEA ending. I'm really hoping this turns into a new series. There's definitely the set up for one and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a book 2.
Audio copy of His Consort provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
November 5, 2019
The Narration: 3.75 Pants Off
Not bad, not bad at all.
The Story: 🥴🥴🥴🥱🙄💩 Pants Off
Seriously...
November 26, 2018
No, no, no and no! I refuse to believe that this cesspool of badly copy-edited, barely correct writing, utterly rushed plot, gosshammer-thin characters, and monstrously silly vampire sexploitation came from the pen of the talented Mrs Calmes. I persevered throughout the book because I entertainted the hope that things would get better, alas it has to be conceded that she lost her literary mojo. Where to begin with the critical comments? Nothing feels cohesive between these covers, as witnessed most glaringly in the opening chapter: the narrative shifts in utterly jarring fashion from the present-time narration of the events to lengthy flashbacks meant to provide the why and the how of this in medias res beginning; the motivation for the actions of the human hero are so feeble, so contrived that he ends up looking childish and ridiculous and stupid instead of the model of military valor the author was attempting to paint him like; the sudden, harsh jumps from one idea to another and one situation to the following one are textbook cases of awkwardness (good writers take care to smoothe out the blunt edges of their narrative lest it looks choppy, as here); the introduction of the various supernaturals pertaking of the crisis could hardly have been done more artlessly; last but not least, there is an enormous disproportion between the all-too-hurried, almost desultory happenings at the mansion which end up with our hero escaping in his car with a wounded vampire and the enormously bloated, flaccid dialogue between those two that takes place while they are en route to an hospital. The same arrant disproportion between huge bouts of, mostly idle or preposterous, and at any rate ineffectual, talking, and skeletal narrative mars the following chapters, especially the second one - there we get to see our former military grunt set up roots in New Orleans at record speed and alongside the most cardboard secondary cast I have had the misfortune of encountering in any book for a long time (boy did Ode ennoyed me... that harridan of a human female is a living cliche, and her lengthy chats with Jason occupy entirely too much space while turning the grunt into a momma's boy with no more than three brain cells). The various ways in which Jason becomes a magnet for vampires, like his paranormal allure, are only the pretext for a long info-dump on the blood-sucking world; his sexual abstinence, almost virgin-like, makes no sense whatsoever for a salt-of-the-earth type of man; and so on and so forth. As if all of this was not enough to sink the story, things fail to pick up even when Jason and the vampire prince at long last get to meet; let me mention that 1) there is not the least bit of chemistry between them, 2) the conflict that puts them at odds revolves around idiotic notions that it would be entirely too charitable to nail down as masculine pig-headedness and casual instances of miscommunication, 3) the danger Jason is exposed to only elicits boredom despite Mrs Calmes's very poor attempts at misdirection, since one is very hard put to make head or tail of the rationale behind it, and 4) the romance leaves a lot to be desired, all purple prose when it comes to smexy interludes and no feelings at all between the enraptured human and his beastly lover. Pretty much everything in this book is in bad taste, or incompetently done, or both at once; why should the love element be handled any better? On the whole, a penny dreadful - I am all the more furious that this was my first non academic reading for months...
November 26, 2018
★★★½ — 3.5 Stars!
This was a fun little novel that I liked quite a lot. This book is about a man named Jason who falls in love with a vampire prince named Varic while people are out to kill him and others that he cares for. It was a paranormal romance that kept me interesting and turning the pages.
But this novel wasn’t perfect by any means. Even though there was quite a few things I liked. They were things I didn’t like as well.
CHARACTERS:
1.) Jason — He kind of had an ego and thought he was a badass which at times made him unlikeable but he usually put himself in check which ultimately made him more likable. I like how he was able to admit when he was wrong.
2.) Varic — He was hot, protective, and ultimately I think a good character. BUT he had some flaws I want to discuss. He could be a bit problematic. Like when Jason says he wants space and Varic doesn’t give it to him. It’s like just leave Jason alone for a bit.
3.) Tiago — I loved him! He was sassy, gay, small but scary, deadly, and so much more. I know a lot of people probably wouldn’t like him as he can be a bit of a dick and snobbish about his wealth and place in the kingdom but I cannot help but love him. I would love a spin off with him and Hadrian.
4.) Ode, Hadrian, etc: They didn’t have the most time given to them but overall I liked them all and what they did for our main character.
WRITING:
1.) There was too. Much. Dialogue! You might think this is weird but this book is basically just the main character being spoon fed information over and over and over again. It got repetitive very quickly and honestly boring. It ruined an otherwise good story.
Pros and Cons time!
PROS:
1.) Hot sex
2.) Likable main character with flaws but knows when he steps out of line and gets his ego in check.
3.) Tiago and Ode(Jason’s BFF)
CONS:
1.) Too much spoon feeding of information.
2.) The ending felt a big rushed.
3.) Too much dialogue!
This was a fun little novel that I liked quite a lot. This book is about a man named Jason who falls in love with a vampire prince named Varic while people are out to kill him and others that he cares for. It was a paranormal romance that kept me interesting and turning the pages.
But this novel wasn’t perfect by any means. Even though there was quite a few things I liked. They were things I didn’t like as well.
CHARACTERS:
1.) Jason — He kind of had an ego and thought he was a badass which at times made him unlikeable but he usually put himself in check which ultimately made him more likable. I like how he was able to admit when he was wrong.
2.) Varic — He was hot, protective, and ultimately I think a good character. BUT he had some flaws I want to discuss. He could be a bit problematic. Like when Jason says he wants space and Varic doesn’t give it to him. It’s like just leave Jason alone for a bit.
3.) Tiago — I loved him! He was sassy, gay, small but scary, deadly, and so much more. I know a lot of people probably wouldn’t like him as he can be a bit of a dick and snobbish about his wealth and place in the kingdom but I cannot help but love him. I would love a spin off with him and Hadrian.
4.) Ode, Hadrian, etc: They didn’t have the most time given to them but overall I liked them all and what they did for our main character.
WRITING:
1.) There was too. Much. Dialogue! You might think this is weird but this book is basically just the main character being spoon fed information over and over and over again. It got repetitive very quickly and honestly boring. It ruined an otherwise good story.
Pros and Cons time!
PROS:
1.) Hot sex
2.) Likable main character with flaws but knows when he steps out of line and gets his ego in check.
3.) Tiago and Ode(Jason’s BFF)
CONS:
1.) Too much spoon feeding of information.
2.) The ending felt a big rushed.
3.) Too much dialogue!
January 23, 2019
4.5 stars rounded down because still no 1/2 stars here on GR and while this wasn't quite a 5 stars read it was a hella' good, fun 4+ star read.
These vampires are pretty freakin' epic...
First off let me just say 'I make no apologies. I love Mary Calmes' I have a small group of authors that I'll just read whatever they write and the reasons may vary but mostly it's the entertainment factor and just the fact that for whatever reason I can easily escape into the story and enjoy it without a lot of deep thoughts or intellectual rhetoric involved...sometimes a girl just wants to read a story that's entertaining and with Mary Calmes that's what I get entertainment...pure and simple.
Now, I'll be the first to admit I don't particularly care for vampires...in the world of the supernatural they're near the bottom of my 'want to read' list but it's Mary Calmes so I'll try anything once and in this case 'love it'. I can't say that there's just one reason that I had so much fun with this one, it's more like there were a number of different things that came together at the right time for me.
I liked both of the MC's Jason Thorpe was the expected 'eveyone loves him' MC and I liked wandering through the first part of the book as his history and character were layered onto him and we got to see how he came to be in New Orleans and the events that slowly converged to bring him together with Varic Maedoc, Prince of the Vampires. As well as getting to know Jason the author had a vampire world to create since her vampires have a bit of a different origin than other vampire stories have given us. Plus we were given a few secondary characters that I really enjoyed Jason's vampyr friend Cooke, Leni and Ode, but most of all I would love a book for Tiago and Hadrian...those two were probably in fact my favorite pair in this story more so than even Jason and Varic.
There was a definite Vampyr Politics theme running through the story that drove not only the romance but the mystery/action part of things as well. There was a part of this that was a huge undertaking in its own right and that was setting up the social structure of the vampyr's and their language and then putting it into a book in such a way that it didn't totally drown everything else and for me being able to wander through things with Jason. Learning as he learned kept things from becoming overwhelming and boring. I was delighted by how fact that vampyr's weren't portrayed as a society that lived under a rock and that they not only knew about technology they used it...this to make far more sense than having modern day vampires who are still residing in the dark ages as is sometimes the case. While many of the vampyr stereotypes were tossed out there were also some that were kept...not many but one or two.
I can't say with a certainty that whether this is a standalone or the beginning of a series. There are no indications of future books being planned but the story certainly presents the opportunity for them...so I guess time will tell, won't it.
*************************
A copy of 'His Consort' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
These vampires are pretty freakin' epic...
First off let me just say 'I make no apologies. I love Mary Calmes' I have a small group of authors that I'll just read whatever they write and the reasons may vary but mostly it's the entertainment factor and just the fact that for whatever reason I can easily escape into the story and enjoy it without a lot of deep thoughts or intellectual rhetoric involved...sometimes a girl just wants to read a story that's entertaining and with Mary Calmes that's what I get entertainment...pure and simple.
Now, I'll be the first to admit I don't particularly care for vampires...in the world of the supernatural they're near the bottom of my 'want to read' list but it's Mary Calmes so I'll try anything once and in this case 'love it'. I can't say that there's just one reason that I had so much fun with this one, it's more like there were a number of different things that came together at the right time for me.
I liked both of the MC's Jason Thorpe was the expected 'eveyone loves him' MC and I liked wandering through the first part of the book as his history and character were layered onto him and we got to see how he came to be in New Orleans and the events that slowly converged to bring him together with Varic Maedoc, Prince of the Vampires. As well as getting to know Jason the author had a vampire world to create since her vampires have a bit of a different origin than other vampire stories have given us. Plus we were given a few secondary characters that I really enjoyed Jason's vampyr friend Cooke, Leni and Ode, but most of all I would love a book for Tiago and Hadrian...those two were probably in fact my favorite pair in this story more so than even Jason and Varic.
There was a definite Vampyr Politics theme running through the story that drove not only the romance but the mystery/action part of things as well. There was a part of this that was a huge undertaking in its own right and that was setting up the social structure of the vampyr's and their language and then putting it into a book in such a way that it didn't totally drown everything else and for me being able to wander through things with Jason. Learning as he learned kept things from becoming overwhelming and boring. I was delighted by how fact that vampyr's weren't portrayed as a society that lived under a rock and that they not only knew about technology they used it...this to make far more sense than having modern day vampires who are still residing in the dark ages as is sometimes the case. While many of the vampyr stereotypes were tossed out there were also some that were kept...not many but one or two.
I can't say with a certainty that whether this is a standalone or the beginning of a series. There are no indications of future books being planned but the story certainly presents the opportunity for them...so I guess time will tell, won't it.
*************************
A copy of 'His Consort' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2018
Jason Thorpe, former military, opens a quaint little shop in a home he inherited when one of his former buddies was killed in action. He meets a gregarious and beautiful woman named Ode, who becomes his best friend and business partner and settles down. Little does he know, however, that New Orleans is heavily populated by a vampyr population—some born and some made (result of a vampyr and human mating). Oddly, when he’s around, the two groups don’t feud, but it isn’t until later in the story that we learn of his personal connection to the world of vampyrs when he meets Prince Varic, his apparent mate.
Sadly, I didn’t enjoy this story as much as I had hoped. I’m a huge fan of Mary Calmes and rarely dislike one of her characters, but in this instance, I couldn’t warm up to either Jason, the “everyone loves me" character, so typical of her stories, or to Varic, the vampyr prince—dark, handsome, alpha male.
Like the Change of Heart series, the author needed to build this world from the ground up and though it was interesting, there was more on-page time devoted to the background and world-building than there was for any romance. While building the vampyr world, the author also introduced a whole host of vampyr characters, including those who were pure and those who were made. There was also the world of the royalty: not only Prince Varic, but information about both his parents, the courtesans, and two other characters who had a major role in Varic’s life and in this story.
And then there was Jason and his host of friends, because of course, he’s one of those people who are too good to be true and attract friends like flies to honey. He didn’t work for me because his character didn’t seem to fit with his past behaviors, like his military background and the life choices he’s made. And then that background and life experience didn’t fit with someone who would swoon at his vampyr mate and more or less play the role of a dainty maiden. Granted, he fought alongside the vamps a few times, but he continued to be super sappy over Varic, and I couldn’t warm up to him at all.
Now Varic is another story. In fact, I didn’t like him at any point in the story. He was, as one would expect a vampyr prince who is hundreds of years old to be, quite full of himself. Self-centered, know-it-all, super-alpha male, not considerate of how his actions affect Jason, at first, and simply too OTT. Definitely not my cuppa, and as I said, even toward the end, I was not a fan.
Add to the fact the characters weren’t believable as loving mates, the overabundance of new facts in the world building made this much less than I’d hoped. I liked it. Yes, the story was complex and interesting once I understood the various factions, but I never moved beyond minimal liking it.
ARC provided by the publisher through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.
Sadly, I didn’t enjoy this story as much as I had hoped. I’m a huge fan of Mary Calmes and rarely dislike one of her characters, but in this instance, I couldn’t warm up to either Jason, the “everyone loves me" character, so typical of her stories, or to Varic, the vampyr prince—dark, handsome, alpha male.
Like the Change of Heart series, the author needed to build this world from the ground up and though it was interesting, there was more on-page time devoted to the background and world-building than there was for any romance. While building the vampyr world, the author also introduced a whole host of vampyr characters, including those who were pure and those who were made. There was also the world of the royalty: not only Prince Varic, but information about both his parents, the courtesans, and two other characters who had a major role in Varic’s life and in this story.
And then there was Jason and his host of friends, because of course, he’s one of those people who are too good to be true and attract friends like flies to honey. He didn’t work for me because his character didn’t seem to fit with his past behaviors, like his military background and the life choices he’s made. And then that background and life experience didn’t fit with someone who would swoon at his vampyr mate and more or less play the role of a dainty maiden. Granted, he fought alongside the vamps a few times, but he continued to be super sappy over Varic, and I couldn’t warm up to him at all.
Now Varic is another story. In fact, I didn’t like him at any point in the story. He was, as one would expect a vampyr prince who is hundreds of years old to be, quite full of himself. Self-centered, know-it-all, super-alpha male, not considerate of how his actions affect Jason, at first, and simply too OTT. Definitely not my cuppa, and as I said, even toward the end, I was not a fan.
Add to the fact the characters weren’t believable as loving mates, the overabundance of new facts in the world building made this much less than I’d hoped. I liked it. Yes, the story was complex and interesting once I understood the various factions, but I never moved beyond minimal liking it.
ARC provided by the publisher through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.
November 24, 2018
Let me start by saying that I’m a true Mary Calmes fangirl. If she writes it, I’m going to read it. That being said, her books don’t always work for me. This book falls somewhere in between. There are things about this book that I liked (Jason before he met Varic, and Jason’s OTT Jory-esc friendships). There are also things that I didn’t like (soooo many unpronounceable, made up words that it almost lost me from the beginning). There was a lot of world building. I have no idea if this will be a series, but it read like beginning of one. I guess time will tell.
January 11, 2019
***3.5 stars***
I must be the odd duck out here. See, I loved the book. All the world building, and there was an actual story that was captivating. So much so, it didn’t bother me that the two MCs didn’t meet until much later. Did I wish there was a bit more explanation on why it took Varic quite some time to come to New Orleans, YES. However I was distracted by everything else that it really didn’t occur to me until the very end.
What did bother me was in fact the END 😒. Literally I was reading what I didn’t know was the last page and thought a new chapter awaited me a soon as I turned it. However, much to my dismay I had reached the end. In fact, I kept flipping back-and-forth thinking it was a glitch, but nope, the story stopped there 😳. I am so hoping this will become a series. If not, IMO even with the MCs getting their HEA, there are too many unanswered questions. 🤨
I must be the odd duck out here. See, I loved the book. All the world building, and there was an actual story that was captivating. So much so, it didn’t bother me that the two MCs didn’t meet until much later. Did I wish there was a bit more explanation on why it took Varic quite some time to come to New Orleans, YES. However I was distracted by everything else that it really didn’t occur to me until the very end.
What did bother me was in fact the END 😒. Literally I was reading what I didn’t know was the last page and thought a new chapter awaited me a soon as I turned it. However, much to my dismay I had reached the end. In fact, I kept flipping back-and-forth thinking it was a glitch, but nope, the story stopped there 😳. I am so hoping this will become a series. If not, IMO even with the MCs getting their HEA, there are too many unanswered questions. 🤨
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