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How Long is Forever #1

A Demon's Contract

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Barkley is determined to save his family from the war with the Quathian Empire, but only magic can combat the magic that ravaged his home. So, he sets off to forge a contract with a demon like those from the legends he’d heard as a child.

When Barkley enters the demon plane and begins his search it is Zaxor Vez'gollock who answers his call.

This odd and powerful demon might just be more than Barkley bargained for but nevertheless, he won’t be stopped in his quest to end the war. Barkley’s family, and all of Rilia, is worth any sacrifice he must make in return.

Though perhaps there is more to this creature, and their contract, than first appears.

~80,000 words - warnings for explicit m/m content.

257 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 18, 2018

14 people are currently reading
88 people want to read

About the author

Delmire Hart

11 books100 followers
Delmire Hart is a little ginger kiwi born in the peaceful country of New Zealand before she migrated to the wondrous crazy of Australia. Starting off as an avid fantasy reader and nerd extraordinaire, she was that one weird kid carting around brick-sized novels with glee. This closet romantic didn’t understand just what she was missing out on until she ventured into the depths of the internet seeking the perfect blend of erotic and romantic. Fantasy can be as sexy and sensual as you want it to be! Miss Hart now takes great pleasure mixing steamy gay romances with magical twists and intriguing dynamics. While always a sucker for a happy ending, she is a big believer that the journey to get there is the fun part and endeavours to create varied worlds for all to enjoy.

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5 stars
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43 (44%)
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19 (19%)
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Profile Image for Shin Mon Thway.
663 reviews1,712 followers
November 13, 2018
An unconventional love story between a demon and a human and I enjoyed every moment reading this story.


It all started when Barkley left his village on the border to the capital to contract a demon. He’s hoping to end the war which destroyed his village and border by being able to contract a powerful demon. Unbeknownst to him, magic is not at all it seems. 😌 When he met Zaxor against all odds and become contracted to him, he learnt that the arrogant, sarcastic and snarky demon isn’t all that bad. In fact, despite his arrogance and supremacy, Zaxor went out of his way again and again to help Barkley achieve his goals. A tenuous friendship soon formed and an amorous relationship followed afterwards. But the war is raging on and destroying everything in its path. Barkley and Zaxor have to work together fast and hard if they have the slightest chance to end this war once and for all.


Loved how sarcastic and snarky Zaxor is. Despite all his bravado facade, our demon is lonely and Barkley is a fresh of breath in his never-changing eternal life. 😍 What they have now is a romantic relationship between a demon and a human and the ending was satisfactory although it’s not an ultimate HEA. More like a HFN. I have already stalked Delmire Hart 😂 and she told me there would be a sequel of these two focusing on budding love between them so I can’t freaking wait. 😱 Interesting, refreshing and funny. Plus, the sex was smoking hot! 🔥🔥 Horns and tails guys! 🔥 Horns and tails! 😎 MaMa likely! 😂😁 Can’t recommend enough! 👏




4.5 your lap is my favorite pillow stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Profile Image for ~nikki the recovering book addict.
1,248 reviews2 followers
November 9, 2018
4 wow stars!

I just want to proclaim that I am now a fan of Delmire Hart!

I love this world she’s built. I also love the characters. I can’t decide which one I like best, Barkley or Zaxor. Barkley can be seen as being a bit naive but I like that about him. While Zaxor comes across as any other demon in this world - using humans as amusement but there’s definitely a deeper layer to him. He hides behind this facade of “calculated machinations” but he’s totally someone who cares deeply.

While I loved the story and the author’s voice, the final showdown, if you can even call it that, was a little...anti climatic. I did like the epilogue though. I wasn’t sure if Barkley would...you know.... you’ll know if you read it ;)

I have no idea where this story will go from here. I am definitely looking forward to the next book. When will it be out?!?!?
Profile Image for Marzipop.
625 reviews107 followers
November 10, 2021
3.5 rounded up

I liked the creativity of the world and the creatures in it.

I also felt there was a noticeable lull in some places of the plot. Also some gaps and questions that could have been filled.

Didn't feel much love between the two love interests either... But it was a neat story and world regardless.

Wherever you are and whatever you're doing Delmire I wish you well. I hope one day you're feeling better enough to write again, but if not thank you for the stories.
Profile Image for Pam.
1,018 reviews37 followers
July 31, 2023
It’s a little lightweight, but I’d be reading the sequel right now if it had ever been written, and I added another book by the author to my TBR, so I'm calling it a win!

The romance is... maybe not quite a romance, honestly. It's more...co-workers with benefits because it's convenient? Very tentative HFN, and seriously, I really wish the sequel had been written -- because of the romance, the rest is a complete story -- but I enjoyed it. It's not your typical m/m, which is a good thing in my book :)
Profile Image for SunShiney10.
357 reviews
November 17, 2018
Mmmmmh. Difficult... I kinda liked it, buuut i wouldnt say its a romance. Id say theres more friendship, which perhaps could someday become romance. Just calling someone lover doesnt mean theres love. I could have used a longer epilogue to know about the two. Not sure im buying book two. Sometimes it was a little boring. Unsure about this...
641 reviews6 followers
June 20, 2021
I can't stress how much I wish I didn't pay to read this book. It was incredibly tame, characters were not nuanced, plot was predictable in every way, etc. I need to get choosier about what I spend my time reading.
Profile Image for epiphany .
180 reviews12 followers
August 30, 2020
it was ok but kind of dated and then i found out the author used to write fan fiction of totally captivated and it put things into perspective
Profile Image for Lily.
648 reviews21 followers
December 28, 2018
I want more! I really enjoyed this book. I admired Barkley for damning the rules and contracting a demon to save his family and people. Zaxor was an absolute delight from his cocky attitude, sharp wit, and naughty tail. After they forged their contract they spent some time at the academy which was dreadfully droll compared to the gun-ho start of the tale. Thankfully Zaxor was there to snap Barkley out of his stupor and get things rolling again. And I very much enjoyed the change in Barkley while on campaign with the army vs his previous self at the academy. I felt it said a lot about his development and future. Despite his demon exterior you could really tell how much Zaxor cared for Barkley. Their demon sex was hot and I hope they stay lovers forever in the demon plane!
The dragon and Max was a delightful bonus.
Profile Image for L.D..
1,578 reviews1 follower
December 12, 2019
Barkley is such an intriguing character. He does what he has to do in order to save his family and surivie. Zaxor is a demon who’s lonely and looking for a friend (although he’ll never admit it). Their banter was fun and watching their relationship bloom into friendship and then romance was cute. I loved the worldbuilding and characterization of Barkley as he realized his own strength.

Overall Rating: 4 Stars. The writing was solid, the story was good, and the characters were wonderful. Mix all of that with some amazing worldbuilding and this was a terrific book to read.
Profile Image for Eli.
169 reviews16 followers
August 1, 2019
There was an indefinable sweetness to this novel that I can't really explain. It's a feeling you get along the ride, the way Zaxor rests his head upon Barkley's thight, the light flow of Delmire Hart's writing and the bittersweet tone of the book.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews