The Choice

The Faction #2

by Addison Albright

Sequel to The Recruit

As a freshly turned vampire, Neil had frozen in panic when he'd found himself face-to-face with his ex-boyfriend, Cameron. Neil thought that misstep and its associated danger was all in the past, but Cameron’s current boyfriend, Dennis, is like a dog with a bone, and a keen imagination. When the two men’s curiosity progresses to the point the vampires consider their secrecy to be endangered, choices must be made.

Now that faction-leader Albert has a blood-mate, he finds himself second-guessing his decisions. Neil would be crushed knowing his mistake led to human deaths, but Albert shouldn’t factor that into the difficult choices he must make. Will Albert’s indecision put the entire vampire establishment in danger? Or is redemption only a flamethrower away?

Genres: Vampires, Paranormal, M M Romance

97 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 5, 2019

About the author

Addison Albright is a writer living in the middle of the USA. Her stories are gay romance in contemporary, fantasy, and paranormal genres. She generally adds a subtle touch of humor, a smidgen of drama/angst, and a healthy dose of slice-of-life to her stories. Her education includes a BS in Education with a major in mathematics and a minor in chemistry. Addison loves spending time with her family, reading, popcorn, boating, french fries, “open window weather,” cats, math, and anything chocolate. She loves to read pretty much anything and everything, anytime and anywhere.

CONNECT WITH ADDISON
EMAIL: addison.albright@gmail.com

FIND ADDISON ON THE WEB

BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/addis...

QUEEROMANCE INK: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-bo...

ACTIVE
WORDPRESS: https://authoraddisonalbright.com
FACEBOOK PAGE: http://www.facebook.com/AddisonAlbright
FACEBOOK PROFILE: https://www.facebook.com/addison.albr...
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/addisonalbright
PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/addisonalbr...

INACTIVE
BLOGGER: http://addison-albright.blogspot.com
LIVEJOURNAL: http://addisonalbright.livejournal.com
YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/user/addisonal...

ADDISON'S PUBLICATIONS

STAND-ALONE STORIES
- The Recruit (Novella)
- The Contingency Plan (Short Story/Novelette)
- Cultivating Love (Short Novel)
- King Kong vs. The Skinny Pirate (FREE Short Story)

SERIES - DREAM ON
- Closets Are for Clothes (Short Novel)

SERIES - VOWS
- ’Til Death Do Us Part (Novel)
- From This Day Forward (Novelette)
- Okay, Then (Short Story in the Vows Box Set)
- To Love and To Cherish (Novel)

BOX SETS
- Vows Series
- Snapshots (a collection of 11 short stories)

ANTHOLOGIES
- Captain Jack and the Snack Attack (a short story in the FREE Make the Yuletide Gay Anthology)

Reviews

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neil, as newborn vampire, and Albert are happy together as blood mates.
In the first book we get to know Cameron an ex of Neil... when he was still human.
Cameron has a partner Dennis... and Dennis is the cause of many troubles and he is a high risk for the vampires. Albert as head of the vampires faction has to take the right decision...
That’s simpler said than done.

A lot of information about how vampires live and work throughout the centuries. All well thought out. There were comments I really laughed at...
It’s an intelligent piece of work. All the perceptions, the use of senses... really wonderful done.
The angst was also nice woven...
The way of writing was very captivating and the environments were awesome.

“Y’all think of everything.” And that’s a fact I loved in this read.

Like I said... I loved a lot in this read, what I missed was some real romance, it felt a bit distance.
With all the knowledge of the faction, I did had a lack of some emotional depth between all the personalities. Maybe there will be more in the next one...?
There will be a next one I hope!

Read and reviewed for Gay Book Promotions

[Amy Spector · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Read of 2023!

I really enjoy the high-tech vampire world-building so far in this series. And, of course, I love Albert and Neil. Especially, Neil, I think. But I'll admit that I was a little disappointed over Dennis because I love few things more than the redeeming of an asshole. But I'm probably in the minority in that. LOL

I'm happy that all the pieces have been set up on the board for the next story. So I'll be waiting!

[Erica Chilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads

3 Stars.

The Choice is the second installment of The Faction series. While I doubt it would be difficult or confusing to read as a standalone, I do suggest reading The Recruit first to get more of the story.

In this installment, Neil is a delivery driver, who accidentally comes upon his ex-boyfriend, who immediately recognizes him even with the disguise and name change. This puts the Faction at risk, and Albert must take precautions.

The ex and his new boyfriend are watched to make sure they don't go looking for Neil, but obviously their minds immediately jump to vampires, which means they are a problem that must be dealt with.

While this was an interesting premise, which made me enjoy this installment more than the first, entertainment-wise, the story itself is still missing key pieces to make it a cohesive read. There is zero emotion, the scenes are not developed, nor are the characters.

The world-building is a bit of a letdown. Vampires are nothing special. They don't bite people, nor do they experience any pleasure or enjoyment (think of us eating cake after dieting, we would at least ENJOY it on an innocent level). They have no special gifts, and the conversion takes less than a second and done. The only thing that is interesting is how they recruit others.

There is no romance, no stream, no flirting or banter, which would be fine if the series didn't feature a thousand-year-old vampire and his Blood Mate, who was over thirty human years at conversion. Their interactions are more befitting for young adult, of characters beneath age sixteen. Everything is moralistic in the extreme, where they don't bite because that's inhuman, or turn anyone against their will, only the dying who fit into a role, yet have no issue murdering humans that learn of the existence of the Faction, which is a bit hypocritical and bizarre. For me, I need flaws and strife, a bit of depth, to make a read realistic, even paranormal in nature.

There is no emotion, intimacy, nor connection. We're just told with a sentence here or there that they are blood mates and that's it.

While the novellas are written well without any editing issues, without some depth, without it feeling as if a checkbox has been clicked, and without everything being so 'perfect', I will not be continuing on with this series.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

This is an odd sequel or serial because while it doesn’t really continue to develop Albert and Neil’s relationship, it also doesn’t offer a second couple for readers to engage with. Some months on from the first book and Neila and Albert are enjoying perfect domestic bliss. Because of the bloodmatch thing, Neil and Albert will apparently experience domestic bliss for the rest of eternity. Which is great - but not very entertaining.

Conflict in this story comes from Neil’s ex-boyfriend and his new partner digging into Neil’s past and present. Albert must make a decision about the two men’s futures and the risks they pose to the vampire community.

Much like the first book, this story moves quickly and relies on tired tropes. There is very little character development and I didn’t find myself invested enough in Dennis or Cameron to care what happens to them. After two books, I’m still not sure I know Neil or Albert terribly well and I don’t really have any desire to know them better.

All sorts of world building has been borrowed from various Urban Fantasy series in these books and I found myself more engaged with matching concepts to original creators than I was with the actual stories. This isn’t a favourite series and finishing this second story was hard work.

[Josh Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Choice follows on from The Recruit (Book one in the series). I highly recommend that you read both books in order, to get the most out of them.

Like book one the story world is well detailed and nicely described. I found it easy to connect with both the characters and the story world. The author weaves the story world history and details nicely in small chunks that blend into the storyline.

I liked the angst in this book, the internal battle Albert has about what to do, does he go with his gut feeling and his brains warning, or does he take a wrong turn to protect Neil’s heart, and in doing so put the Faction at risk of discovery?

The faction is a well-organized machine, but things get a little out of control, can they contain the situation.

I enjoyed the differences between the two new recruits one that accepts the situation and one that is rebellious. Both well rounded characters.

If I have any niggles about this story, it is that we do not get to see enough of the Vampire side of the characters. I’d like to see them in action using their supernatural powers and not mostly technology.

All in all, another great read and a welcome sequel to The Recruit, I eagerly look forward to a possible third book.

[Mari Cardenas · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars!

The Choice is the second book in The Faction series by Addison Albright, while it could be read as a standalone, to get the full impact of this world Ms. Albright has created, I suggest reading them in order.

This book deals with the aftermath of Phillip/Neil's encounter with his ex and how it affects this new life with Albert, his blood-mate. I loved seeing Albert and Neil together, and that Albert was willing to open more of himself to Neil. I also liked that Albert, a 2000-years-old vampire, was so vulnerable in regards to Neil and wanted to ensure his happiness, which led to him making mistakes that he wouldn't have otherwise. It just made Albert more real.

I liked Cameron, Neil's ex, and I didn't care for Dennis, his new bf, so I was very happy with the end result. It was fun to see that the vamps had a bit of a sense of humor with Dennis's transformation. Hee.

This was a very enjoyable read. The way the vampires were organized was really intriguing and sounded plausible enough to make it relatable.

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

[Dixiecowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging and intriguing sequel. Highly Recommend. I fell in love with the MC's in The Recruit and was excited to read more about them in this sequel. The author takes us deeper into the world-building of this interesting and secret world of Vampires. The writing is great and the story-line flowed nicely.

Neil and Albert are continuing to develop their connection and to build their lives together. This story focuses on Neil's ex-boyfriend and some conspiracy theories that he and his current lover explore. I found the story fascinating and i love how the action kept me reading and enjoying it.

This is an awesome sequel to "The Recruit and is not a stand-alone. You will want to read the first book before you read this one.

I was gifted this book from Gay Book Promotions and i freely give my honest opinion and review.

[Teal Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Choice by Addison Albright is the second book in The Faction series.

As as a faction leader, Albert has sections to make, but since meeting his Blood-Mate he sees things through a different midframe. Neil's ex and his new boyfriend are suspicious... looking for proof of vampires. Albert knows what needs to be done but he worries how that will affect Neil.

The story is getting even better. I was sucked into this unique world of vampires in book one and now I am pulled deeper into the story and lives of these characters. Intriguing and entertaining, this is shaping up to be a fantastic series.

I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great sequel to The Recruit. I feel like I got to know Albert better this time, as he had to deal with making difficult decisions for the vampires, while also keeping his bond mate's feelings in mind. Meanwhile, Neil thrived in his relationship with Albert. This one was way more emotional for me, and I just wanted everyone to be okay. I hope to read more from this world in the future, both to see the relationship form between the new bond mates who met in this installment, and to spend more time with Albert and Neil, while learning even more about the vampires and the way they live.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is a continuation of The Recruit. Neil, the bond mate of Albert, the Faction leader, runs into his ex-boyfriend and his current boyfriend and they are curious about Neil. Because of that, Albert, in order to protect the Faction and Neil, he takes care of the problem. You learn more about the Faction in this book and while there is a distinct lack of romance, you see the lengths Albert will go to protect Neil. It a more interesting read, but it still lacks an emotional depth you crave when you read romances. A good read!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent sequel to "The Recruit." A short read to be sure much to my dismay. I so wish it was longer. Albert must make a decision to try and save Cameron, Phil/Neil's ex and Dennis, cameron's boyfriend. Cameron is talked into tracking Neil as Dennis believes that they are vampires. A decision that Albert finds hard to make as he worries about Neil's feelings about the whole thing. a suspenseful story that kept me turning pages. A new world made up by the author that changes how other authors have written about vampires. Just a darn good story

[Patricia Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this marvelous, engaging, intriguing, fantastic, sexy, fresh, original, and totally different twist on the same old stale vampire trope. I was hooked from beginning to end, and can't wait to see what happens next.

[Addison Albright]

Want more? Here are bonus scenes for the books in The Faction Series, The Recruit and The Choice.

[K.S. Trenten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neil has left his mortal life behind for eternity at Albert’s side, but his old existence has taken notice of him, recognized whom and what he is with a hunter’s eye.

This is unacceptable to Albert and his kind; whom are not cruel, but they are ruthlessly protective of their own kind and their secrets. Soon a choice will have been made, a choice that a man’s pride may not be able to take.

It’s a complex situation. I felt for Neil, being caught between someone he once cared about and his beloved Albert, the guilt he felt for exposing himself. I felt for Albert and the other vampires, even when I was a little shocked by their ruthlessness, I understood it. I felt for the men who stumbled over the truth, particularly Cameron. Having to give up his dog for his new existence because he knew too much felt especially harsh. At the same time, I understood that the vampires were frightened by the threat Dennis and Cameron posed along with how easily that threat could grow.

What happened wasn’t a surprise, yet there were a few surprises in store for everyone, not to mention steam and full-on smoulder. I really have hopes, given some of the connections Cameron makes at the end, it may be possible for him to get his dog back.

[W.S. Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read

This is a great story with interesting characters. Addison Albright has written a compelling, and unique romance involving vampires. Highly recommended.