The Bodyguard, Book 3

The Artifact #3

by X. Aratare, Matt Haynes (Narrator)

The Artifact is a gay detective romance series from Raythe Reign. The books contain a sexy bodyguard, his determined young client, an ancient golden sarcophagus, and unsolved mysteries in both their pasts...

The stars have aligned. But is that a sign that two lovers will save the world or that a dark god will rule it?
Time is running out for Dane, Sean and the Circle to stop the cultists’ dark god from awakening. The cult leader is Michael Branish, Sean’s old boss and nemesis, who still wants to possess Sean in all ways. Branish’s claws dig deep into the city’s police department, and Sean and Dane’s small Circle is the only thing standing in the way of darkness descending.

As the danger grows, Sean and Dane find strength in their love for one another. Dane determines to shed the last remnants of trauma from his past. Memories of their former lives as Priest and Warrior awaken. Have they been reincarnated to face this great evil? Will their past knowledge be enough for them to succeed against impossible odds?

Raythe Reign produces escapist, romantic M/M shifter, fantasy, scifi, adventure, and urban fantasy books and graphic novels.


More Supernatural, Paranormal, and Urban Fantasy M/M from X. Aratare:
The Fall
Stand-alone novel, gay historical romance.
Gay romance is forbidden in this 1930s gothic romantic suspense story, but a greater darkness than prejudice haunts our lovers’ steps.

The Cursed Series (Complete)
Gay fairy tale retelling, 3 books.
Nick Fairfax vows to do whatever Lord Bane Dunsaney desires for one year. In exchange, Nick’s family gets a chance to regain their fortune. Is this the worst mistake of Nick’s life, or will it lead to a love only found in fairy tales?

The Merman Series (Complete)
Paranormal romance, 5 books.
Caught by high tide in a cave, Gabriel drowns, but does not die. His destined lover, Mer Prince Casillus Nerion, brings him to the surface, but tells Gabriel that he must return to the waves or perish.

For Gabriel is becoming a merman.

Genres: M M Romance, Paranormal, Mystery, Audiobook, Crime, Fantasy, Romance

8 pages, Audiobook

First published October 1, 2018

About the author

X. Aratare is the pseudonym for Raythe Reign's Gay(M/M) books.

Reviews

[Ray-Daze · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really hated this series. The characters are okay for the most part but both Sean and Dane were the dumbest I have ever encountered, especially Sean. I do not believe in any way is he a good detective, he has shown no skill and credibility to that except for his "sixth sense" which isn't what being a detective is all about. This series especially the last book made me so infuriated. I hate the troupe of maybe the bad guy is not so bad after all, maybe he can be saved or redeemed. That is a lie, while you may aim to understand their actions, in no way should you agree nor empathise with them. Branish was a very good villain, a villain not a misunderstood hero, but a villain. Unfortunately, he was paired with not so good heroes. He knew exactly how to manipulate them and make them dance. The victory was hollow to me, the seemed to be happy and celebrate what they have accomplished and that's the exact problem. Who say Branish won't look for other sources, find others, nurture them and grow stronger? But the heroes forget that the only reason he came back was because they knew they wouldn't make him die and would allow him access to the purified one, and once that was done I knew it was a bad ending. There is no HFN or HEA ending. Once I knew Branish escaped, was now able to ingest the purified version, I knew I had wasted my time. This was strengthened by the main characters nonchalance that they had let a manipulator enabler and rapist on the loose instead of letting him die and burning him for good measure. At this point, a more satisfactory ending would have been for the main characters to die.

[Mal Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books that went from weird to weirder. Not in a bad way tho. I found it a fun quick read. Multiple times I would find myself wanting to read the book but not being able to find the time. This is one of those stories that over the course of the series it gets better. I loved the characters and their interactions with one another. With how the story ended it could be continued or left alone. If the author was to continue I would read the series. Definitely recommend this for any lgbt fans.

[joani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it really over?

The battle was won and the good has triumphed but what of the war? This series is supposed to be complete but we left with bit of a cliffhanger. Especially when the bad guy ( you know who) is on the loose. I loved the characters that surround Dane and Sean in their battle against the evil c coming for them. All are deeply bound and loyal to each other. I really wish there was more.

[Nick Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the characters and their relationship but the story got a bit out of hand in this final entry of the story. It started with a bit of a “the mummy” vibes but slowly turned into “men in black”. Without getting into details, it just got a bit too convoluted towards the end. Not exactly how I wanted the trilogy to end but it wasn’t terrible. I did like how the POVs changed between Dane and Sean during some of the chapters.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting series, the resurrection of an alien that wants to dominate the earth. Interesting however, there were numerous grammatical errors in all three books and the use of my bodyguard or the bodyguard instead of Sean, he or his was a distraction for me. However, what is Branish up to? Inquiring minds want to know!

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

And the story ends... but does it, really? There is that last thread in the final chapter that let me hoping that there will be more to come. And, oh! how I hope!

I simply adored the story, the characters, the romance, the narration... everything here is tailored for me *laughs*

I truly enjoyed the books and most certainly I will be checking others by this author.

[Linda.. aka Ahsoka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this series

Dane and Sean are amazing characters and the storyline kept me wanting more.. I loved that there were multiple things happening to the characters at all times.. I just highly recommend

[Jerry Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book wish the author would continue this series

Great story great characters and great sex scenes. I highly recommend this series. Just wish she would write more about these characters.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really

So I can honestly say that I loved this series. I read books 2 & 3 the same day. I had to know how it ended. Of course there’s a HEA, it wouldn’t be a good romance without it. But, is it really over?

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of a kind Read

This author is amazing the the way she bring her characters to life. It like you are there with them every step of the way. They are my go to author for amazing series.

[Denise White · Rating 4 out of 5]

i liked this series and am looking forward to see where the author takes the story further..

[Kelly Ries · Rating 4 out of 5]

You'll need all 3

I'm so glad that all 3 volumes are available this work really needs to be read in one go, just like I did today!

[aria ✧ · Rating 2 out of 5]

the MCs were so dumb🙂😂

[Selipperydickdip · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the build and the twists of this series.
Loved the many relationships with Dane
I would have happily stomped on any of the evil vermin

[Mason · Rating 2 out of 5]

*36 second wet fart noise*

annoyed i spent 3 audible credits on this mess lol rip

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/23/2023)! 🎁

[Grumpy cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read all three books,I still feel like the story is not finished.

[Jonathan Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it!!

I love this author and am subscribed to her website. Highly recommend!! Hope that there will be more of Dane and Sean.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this series, but then I love X. Aratare's writing.