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The Vale Chronicles #2
Enemy/Lover
A Puppet no more, Arden must face an identity crisis like no other.
Vampire. Chimera. Angel? Arden is struggling to reconcile the various facets of his shifting nature, and the men he loves are equally divided.
The return of an old alliance threatens the tentative stability the Brotherhood has formed in the wake of their last mission. With the elven kingdom under the rule of Lavien, the capricious young emperor who wants vengeance on Arden for the death of his twisted lover, they'll need all the allies they can get.
Arden's greatest fear, however, comes from within. The Chrysalus is more powerful than ever, and when Arden learns its plan to use him as a vessel of mass destruction, he'll need his lovers to fight alongside him. Before he can begin to unite them, however, he'll have to figure out who—and what—he really is.
Vampire. Chimera. Angel? Arden is struggling to reconcile the various facets of his shifting nature, and the men he loves are equally divided.
The return of an old alliance threatens the tentative stability the Brotherhood has formed in the wake of their last mission. With the elven kingdom under the rule of Lavien, the capricious young emperor who wants vengeance on Arden for the death of his twisted lover, they'll need all the allies they can get.
Arden's greatest fear, however, comes from within. The Chrysalus is more powerful than ever, and when Arden learns its plan to use him as a vessel of mass destruction, he'll need his lovers to fight alongside him. Before he can begin to unite them, however, he'll have to figure out who—and what—he really is.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2019
54 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Joel Abernathy
47 books1,282 followersJoel Abernathy, also writing as L.C. Davis, is a trans author of MM romance. He enjoys writing dark and emotional romance about men loving men in all genres.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 26, 2019
Well, he tried. There is that.
It's not that this series was bad; it wasn't. It's that everything was... basic. It's like the people tried to be deep and contemplative, but they fell short. We are supposed to believe that this man (vampire/chimera/ghoul/angel/WTFever) is special, but how? Why? What does he bring to the table? He's supposed to be everything and more, but he seemed kinda whiney and pathetic. I kept waiting for the moment that he found his ferocity, and he never did. He was only ever as good as the man he was with. I get that overcoming the abusive conditioning from his past was an issue, but come on, man! Get yourself together. All of his self sacrificing crap screamed needy and attention seeking. It never got better.
The storyline had potential. The characters may have been interesting, if we got to know more about them. I didn't feel the bonds they supposedly had. It always felt like things happened off camera, and I was supposed to just accept it. We never learn why being an angel was so bad. We never learn anything about Kasim. We never find out what happened with the chrysalis. I'm disappointed. I wanted to like this. It's just so much meh.
It's not that this series was bad; it wasn't. It's that everything was... basic. It's like the people tried to be deep and contemplative, but they fell short. We are supposed to believe that this man (vampire/chimera/ghoul/angel/WTFever) is special, but how? Why? What does he bring to the table? He's supposed to be everything and more, but he seemed kinda whiney and pathetic. I kept waiting for the moment that he found his ferocity, and he never did. He was only ever as good as the man he was with. I get that overcoming the abusive conditioning from his past was an issue, but come on, man! Get yourself together. All of his self sacrificing crap screamed needy and attention seeking. It never got better.
The storyline had potential. The characters may have been interesting, if we got to know more about them. I didn't feel the bonds they supposedly had. It always felt like things happened off camera, and I was supposed to just accept it. We never learn why being an angel was so bad. We never learn anything about Kasim. We never find out what happened with the chrysalis. I'm disappointed. I wanted to like this. It's just so much meh.
April 30, 2021
This one didn't keep my attention as much as the last one. It just felt rather flat. The characters did one frustrating thing after another; a lot of it didn't even make sense. And I still feel like things between Dusk and Ardan were never fully resolved but swept under the rug of all the drama to be forgotten.
I would read another book by this author but if any more were added to this series I wouldn't read them.
I would read another book by this author but if any more were added to this series I wouldn't read them.
November 13, 2019
Not in too much of a reviewing mood lately...
But I will tell you that even though I really enjoyed this book, I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first. I felt like there was just too much going on at times for it to make any sense... I mean it was like everyone lost their minds there for minute towards the end...
Anyways obviously that displeasure didn’t effect my rating for the book at all because I still really enjoyed the world that Abernathy has created.
Still can’t believe this is LC Davis...
But I will tell you that even though I really enjoyed this book, I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first. I felt like there was just too much going on at times for it to make any sense... I mean it was like everyone lost their minds there for minute towards the end...
Anyways obviously that displeasure didn’t effect my rating for the book at all because I still really enjoyed the world that Abernathy has created.
Still can’t believe this is LC Davis...
September 25, 2019
I absolutely LOVED this marvelous, fantastic, grab-you-by-the-feels, powerful, poignant, amazing, fast paced, emotionally charged, adrenaline soaked, raw, gritty, gripping, intense, smoking hot, and totally awesome tale. I was pulled in from the very first page, and ended up with a massive book hangover because I just could NOT put it down. I recommend getting it ASAP!!!
December 29, 2023
*2.5 stars*
September 23, 2019
I'm not sure if this is the last book we're going to see from this universe, but it does wrap things up nicely for our little harem of men. As with Puppet/Master, the characters are beautifully written and the world building is creative and fantastic. Again, we are dealing with the Elves, Vampires, Fae, and humans, among others. The newest addition is a shifter, so I don't know if we will see more from him or not.
!! This is not a standalone book. It definitely should be read in order. !!
The author picks up pretty much right where the first book ended. Arden is still battling with the Chrysalus for control, and although as a chimera he is special, the men who have sworn to protect him do not believe what he has told them. He still depends on Elan's blood to fight the Chrysalus back, but the power within is burning him from the inside out.
He needs his masters; both of them. But Dusk cannot handle the guilt of what he did at Eric's, and he believes that Arden could not possibly bear to have his touch. Therefore, the only relief Arden gets from the power overload is when Leopold takes him to bed.
The Chrysalus is starting to gain more power over Arden's actions. Due to the life threatening situations the men keep finding Arden in, they decide he must be watched around the clock. After a hard meeting with the board, Dusk comes to his lover to confess a secret and tell of the board's decision. Leo informs Dusk that he will not be available for several days, so it will be his responsibility to care for Arden.
When Arden can take no more, he makes his way to his masters' room. He is surprised when Dusk offers to take care of him, but he misunderstands the situation, and leaves feeling like he's been serviced. Elan wakes to an instant knowledge that Arden is in danger, but when he is certain they are going to meet their demise, an amazing and horrible thing happens. When he makes it back with Arden in his arms, there is no longer any doubting what Arden has told them all along. But now, he is in even more danger, because Kasim is coming home from an assignment, and he is not like them. He will not understand.
Meanwhile, Leopold has created a safe place for Arden to finally find peace. Unfortunately, that peace is shattered when Vox convinces Elan that they must take Arden away. They go against direct orders in hopes of avoiding more harm coming to their boy. While they're away, Arden, Elan, and Vox get together, bringing the final man into Arden's romantic harem. But after the fact, Elan downplays his feelings and hurts Arden in the process.
So much more happens throughout this book, but I don't want to spoil it for you! Hidden valleys are revealed, brothers are betrayed, princes are kidnapped to be sold...what? Lovers sacrifice for the freedom of each other, only to find the other has the same idea, if not for different reasons. The big bad man in the palace is shown mercy no one would expect, and the shifter who follows the rules to a T, finds himself helping, even though that was not necessarily his intention.
But the big plot twist that saves the harem surprised even me. I'm not sure why I was surprised to be surprised, as the author has a tendency to be able to do that to me. But this action changes EVERYTHING for Arden and his harem; including a new noble. However, my absolutely favorite thing about this action, is that it finally pushes Vox to show his vulnerability. And, although it's obvious that Arden depends on, and even loves the other three men, what he has with Vox has always been unique. What they share after this unexpected climax, no pun intended, is so wonderful it made my heart smile.
This book wraps up the story of Arden and his harem: his masters, Leopold and Dusk; the Vampire whose mark he wears, Elan; and the man who has loved him his entire life, Vox. At least for now, the five men are ready for their happily ever after in their new roles in life, and a bed large enough for them all.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *
!! This is not a standalone book. It definitely should be read in order. !!
The author picks up pretty much right where the first book ended. Arden is still battling with the Chrysalus for control, and although as a chimera he is special, the men who have sworn to protect him do not believe what he has told them. He still depends on Elan's blood to fight the Chrysalus back, but the power within is burning him from the inside out.
He needs his masters; both of them. But Dusk cannot handle the guilt of what he did at Eric's, and he believes that Arden could not possibly bear to have his touch. Therefore, the only relief Arden gets from the power overload is when Leopold takes him to bed.
The Chrysalus is starting to gain more power over Arden's actions. Due to the life threatening situations the men keep finding Arden in, they decide he must be watched around the clock. After a hard meeting with the board, Dusk comes to his lover to confess a secret and tell of the board's decision. Leo informs Dusk that he will not be available for several days, so it will be his responsibility to care for Arden.
When Arden can take no more, he makes his way to his masters' room. He is surprised when Dusk offers to take care of him, but he misunderstands the situation, and leaves feeling like he's been serviced. Elan wakes to an instant knowledge that Arden is in danger, but when he is certain they are going to meet their demise, an amazing and horrible thing happens. When he makes it back with Arden in his arms, there is no longer any doubting what Arden has told them all along. But now, he is in even more danger, because Kasim is coming home from an assignment, and he is not like them. He will not understand.
Meanwhile, Leopold has created a safe place for Arden to finally find peace. Unfortunately, that peace is shattered when Vox convinces Elan that they must take Arden away. They go against direct orders in hopes of avoiding more harm coming to their boy. While they're away, Arden, Elan, and Vox get together, bringing the final man into Arden's romantic harem. But after the fact, Elan downplays his feelings and hurts Arden in the process.
So much more happens throughout this book, but I don't want to spoil it for you! Hidden valleys are revealed, brothers are betrayed, princes are kidnapped to be sold...what? Lovers sacrifice for the freedom of each other, only to find the other has the same idea, if not for different reasons. The big bad man in the palace is shown mercy no one would expect, and the shifter who follows the rules to a T, finds himself helping, even though that was not necessarily his intention.
But the big plot twist that saves the harem surprised even me. I'm not sure why I was surprised to be surprised, as the author has a tendency to be able to do that to me. But this action changes EVERYTHING for Arden and his harem; including a new noble. However, my absolutely favorite thing about this action, is that it finally pushes Vox to show his vulnerability. And, although it's obvious that Arden depends on, and even loves the other three men, what he has with Vox has always been unique. What they share after this unexpected climax, no pun intended, is so wonderful it made my heart smile.
This book wraps up the story of Arden and his harem: his masters, Leopold and Dusk; the Vampire whose mark he wears, Elan; and the man who has loved him his entire life, Vox. At least for now, the five men are ready for their happily ever after in their new roles in life, and a bed large enough for them all.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *
September 23, 2019
I'm not sure that I liked how easily Arden dealt with the Chrysalus. I also can't tell if there will be a continuation of this story, or if this is the conclusion.
No one in this story really made choices that I thought were rational, except for Arden. Vox was too quick to jump to the wrong conclusion, and caused so much more drama than was necessary - odd for a being whose emotions are dampened. Elan was oddly passive and let everyone else direct his actions. Leopold was foolishly trusting, somehow not being the tactician he was in the first book. Dusk has dedicated everything that he is to being a protector, and to not compromising doing what's right, and yet, he deliberately introduces chaos and danger to those same people he's vowed to protect with almost no qualms. Alone, of all of them, Arden's fears were believable, and his choices were what I could see his character making.
I hope that this isn't the last that we see in this world because I really don't see the Chrysalus being so easily out-manouvered.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
No one in this story really made choices that I thought were rational, except for Arden. Vox was too quick to jump to the wrong conclusion, and caused so much more drama than was necessary - odd for a being whose emotions are dampened. Elan was oddly passive and let everyone else direct his actions. Leopold was foolishly trusting, somehow not being the tactician he was in the first book. Dusk has dedicated everything that he is to being a protector, and to not compromising doing what's right, and yet, he deliberately introduces chaos and danger to those same people he's vowed to protect with almost no qualms. Alone, of all of them, Arden's fears were believable, and his choices were what I could see his character making.
I hope that this isn't the last that we see in this world because I really don't see the Chrysalus being so easily out-manouvered.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
November 2, 2019
Absolutely wonderful. An amazing tearful and loving story. Joel puts so much passion and love into his books you can't but help to love them.
March 20, 2021
Love the cover, 😊
I received this book by the author and this is my honest opinion.
Okay I was eager after reading the first book where things were settled but still in limbo in some parts and was after re- reading the first book again anxious to get my dirty mitts on this book and yet not wanting to crack open the cover due to a hint of anxiousnous on what was going to happen and whether it would ideally run along the lines of what i wanted to happen. Obviously I got over them jitters and cracked this baby open but oh my god it is a testament on how good this writer is and how he draws the characters out so they become like friends to you and you want them to be happy. It was quite emotional in how vulnerable Arden was and how it was portrayed💜. In the first book, which if you haven't read you definitely need to, to get the best out of this book as it's got a running theme, it was mostly about dusk and Leo and the bond they had with arden, we get this with this book but primarily we got to look at how Arden relationship progressed with Alan and vox. Oh vox, he was a character I definitely wanted more of And we got him in This book It was touching when Arden accepted him regardless of what lies beneath the mask😍 I liked that Arden had a connection with all of them and it's detailed nicely. It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows as they still got the crysalus to overcome, Arden is evolving into what? There not sure?. This book gave us imperfect characters And yet because of their imperfections there relatable and we are rooting for them. Emotional dialogue with each characters given their perspectives so we can see what their feeling. Humour in parts and A well imagined fantasy world of vampires, fae, elfs, chimeras and shifters with intrigue. A really exciting world the author has created and one that can be expanded on. 😍 hearteyes all the way
I received this book by the author and this is my honest opinion.
Okay I was eager after reading the first book where things were settled but still in limbo in some parts and was after re- reading the first book again anxious to get my dirty mitts on this book and yet not wanting to crack open the cover due to a hint of anxiousnous on what was going to happen and whether it would ideally run along the lines of what i wanted to happen. Obviously I got over them jitters and cracked this baby open but oh my god it is a testament on how good this writer is and how he draws the characters out so they become like friends to you and you want them to be happy. It was quite emotional in how vulnerable Arden was and how it was portrayed💜. In the first book, which if you haven't read you definitely need to, to get the best out of this book as it's got a running theme, it was mostly about dusk and Leo and the bond they had with arden, we get this with this book but primarily we got to look at how Arden relationship progressed with Alan and vox. Oh vox, he was a character I definitely wanted more of And we got him in This book It was touching when Arden accepted him regardless of what lies beneath the mask😍 I liked that Arden had a connection with all of them and it's detailed nicely. It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows as they still got the crysalus to overcome, Arden is evolving into what? There not sure?. This book gave us imperfect characters And yet because of their imperfections there relatable and we are rooting for them. Emotional dialogue with each characters given their perspectives so we can see what their feeling. Humour in parts and A well imagined fantasy world of vampires, fae, elfs, chimeras and shifters with intrigue. A really exciting world the author has created and one that can be expanded on. 😍 hearteyes all the way
July 17, 2020
It was fine.
Summary: The Brotherhood freaks out because they think another member who was away on a mission and is returning is going to snitch about Arden and Arden thinks it might be better for everyone if he just dies.
Summary: The Brotherhood freaks out because they think another member who was away on a mission and is returning is going to snitch about Arden and Arden thinks it might be better for everyone if he just dies.
July 9, 2022
Gorsza niż pierwsza część. Szkoda mi bardzo tego pomysłu i historii, bo mogłyby być o wiele lepiej wykonane, brakuje rozwijania relacji, fabuła też jakoś dziwna, cała książka raz w jedną, raz w drugą.
April 10, 2023
It wasn't necessarily bad, but I'm disappointed. I mean, I expected all of them together and not separate threesomes from time to time. I just wish they all loved each other. The story had potential but this just wasn't right. 3 stars feels generous anyways.
January 13, 2024
2,5/5
Było całkiem okej. Przez to, że poprzedni tom czytałam około rok temu to miałam problem z wbiciem się w fabułę. Nie kibicowałam głównym bohaterom. Nie było to coś najlepszego, ale nie było to też najgorsze.
Było całkiem okej. Przez to, że poprzedni tom czytałam około rok temu to miałam problem z wbiciem się w fabułę. Nie kibicowałam głównym bohaterom. Nie było to coś najlepszego, ale nie było to też najgorsze.
October 1, 2020
DNF 63% (ch 24)
It wasn’t bad but it couldn’t keep my attention.
It wasn’t bad but it couldn’t keep my attention.
October 8, 2020
I am so happy with that ending! Loved these guys!!
January 14, 2024
Este es mejor que el primero.
December 28, 2024
2.5
A ghoul, a chymera, a vampire, a fae, an elf, an angel, a shifter etc.
Glorious cast of fantasy characters and premise.
Mind-numbingly tedious personalities, relationships and execution.
A ghoul, a chymera, a vampire, a fae, an elf, an angel, a shifter etc.
Glorious cast of fantasy characters and premise.
Mind-numbingly tedious personalities, relationships and execution.
March 31, 2021
I really wanted to like this one, but it wasn't as good as the first one.
September 26, 2019
[ I received a digital copy for an honest review]
Enemy / Lover is the second book in The Vale Chronicles by Joel Abernathy. If you don't remember the events of the first book I recommend maybe doing a reread because this book picks up after the first book and continues from there.
"To need someone this way was dangerous, he realized, and he needed so many people in such varied, essential ways, he felt like he was animated by the strings they each pulled. "
On top of being a vampire and a Chimera, Arden is coming to terms with also being an Angel. As his life become more out of control he begins to feel like a burden to the men he loves. As the crew of vampire, ghoul, elvin and fae are divided amongst each other Arden has to take matters into his own hands.
"You'd let the world burn for me, " he murmured [...] " No matter the consequences, no matter how many of our friends have to die, you'll never stop trying to protect me."
With everyone going off and doing their own objectives, there is a lot going on with this book. The POV jumps between them and it was a little much at times but it did progress the story, so I wasn't overly bothered by it. These men are each wonderful individually and when they all came together it was perfect. Also, my favorite character Vox, gets much more page time which made me extremely happy. The last 20 percent of the book was exactly what I could have hoped for this makeshift family. The conclusion was completely satisfying and everything I imagined it being.
"The intimacy that had always been between them blossomed into something unfathomable, and when he gave up trying to understand it, it crashed over him in the most delightfully overpowering way."
I can not get enough of Joel Abernathy's writing and this dark erotic paranormal MMM+ series has become a favorite.
Enemy / Lover is the second book in The Vale Chronicles by Joel Abernathy. If you don't remember the events of the first book I recommend maybe doing a reread because this book picks up after the first book and continues from there.
"To need someone this way was dangerous, he realized, and he needed so many people in such varied, essential ways, he felt like he was animated by the strings they each pulled. "
On top of being a vampire and a Chimera, Arden is coming to terms with also being an Angel. As his life become more out of control he begins to feel like a burden to the men he loves. As the crew of vampire, ghoul, elvin and fae are divided amongst each other Arden has to take matters into his own hands.
"You'd let the world burn for me, " he murmured [...] " No matter the consequences, no matter how many of our friends have to die, you'll never stop trying to protect me."
With everyone going off and doing their own objectives, there is a lot going on with this book. The POV jumps between them and it was a little much at times but it did progress the story, so I wasn't overly bothered by it. These men are each wonderful individually and when they all came together it was perfect. Also, my favorite character Vox, gets much more page time which made me extremely happy. The last 20 percent of the book was exactly what I could have hoped for this makeshift family. The conclusion was completely satisfying and everything I imagined it being.
"The intimacy that had always been between them blossomed into something unfathomable, and when he gave up trying to understand it, it crashed over him in the most delightfully overpowering way."
I can not get enough of Joel Abernathy's writing and this dark erotic paranormal MMM+ series has become a favorite.
September 29, 2019
4/5- honestly the rating is for Vox —
Book one: Puppet/Master was perfect. This book picks up from the ending of the first; but, it seemed to flounder under its attempt to wrap up such a complicated story in 244 pages. The POV changes every few pages. The story seems more like world-building for a world that will never complete — this was a duology, the story is done now.
I’m still confused, just like the characters in the book, about what Arden is NOW. I’m confused about what the point of the story in its entirety. Arden began as a lethal pet and now he’s a passive pet. Everything that happened was for what? Freedom? From whom? He’s free from a villainous master but he now has four new ones that are nice. Ok they all claim to love him but what?
For me a happy resolution would have been Arden and Vox getting the fuck out of crazyville and just being together. I am happy we finally got their moment, just them. Because let’s face it in the end this is a slow ass burn trope about Arden and Vox. The book would have been better without trying to be a harem like story, it’s not, there are four dudes that want Arden’s ass and they all get it but never all together. That’s my bitch about harem books, there’s never a scene all together.
I really like Joel Abernathy books. I like his technique in storytelling but this book was a slow read for me. And I skimmed a lot. Like I said, the rating is for Vox.
FYI:
Manual, oral, anal penetration. Sometimes MMM, other times MM.
————
Prompt: friend 5 star read
#bingoathon
#springathonbingochallenge19
Book one: Puppet/Master was perfect. This book picks up from the ending of the first; but, it seemed to flounder under its attempt to wrap up such a complicated story in 244 pages. The POV changes every few pages. The story seems more like world-building for a world that will never complete — this was a duology, the story is done now.
I’m still confused, just like the characters in the book, about what Arden is NOW. I’m confused about what the point of the story in its entirety. Arden began as a lethal pet and now he’s a passive pet. Everything that happened was for what? Freedom? From whom? He’s free from a villainous master but he now has four new ones that are nice. Ok they all claim to love him but what?
For me a happy resolution would have been Arden and Vox getting the fuck out of crazyville and just being together. I am happy we finally got their moment, just them. Because let’s face it in the end this is a slow ass burn trope about Arden and Vox. The book would have been better without trying to be a harem like story, it’s not, there are four dudes that want Arden’s ass and they all get it but never all together. That’s my bitch about harem books, there’s never a scene all together.
I really like Joel Abernathy books. I like his technique in storytelling but this book was a slow read for me. And I skimmed a lot. Like I said, the rating is for Vox.
FYI:
Manual, oral, anal penetration. Sometimes MMM, other times MM.
————
Prompt: friend 5 star read
#bingoathon
#springathonbingochallenge19
September 23, 2019
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
This is the second book in the series and is not a standalone. Please read the books in order as this one picks up from when the last one finished.
Ardan’s journey has been rocky and that’s putting it mildly. So many things come together in this book but my personal favourites consisted on Vox and Elan. Vox loved Ardan like no other: he treasured and protected him but never used him for power or treated him like property. The love these two shared was beautiful and breathtaking. Ardan saw past Vox’s deformities and wasn’t afraid to show him that. Elan was an interesting development which I hoped for but wasn’t really expecting. Elan’s protectiveness and pull towards Ardan was undeniable. Elan wasn’t sappy or good with words but when he owned up to what was in his heart; he didn’t beat around the bush.
Did Dusk redeem himself after book 1? He took his sweet time, getting his head out of his rear end. I don’t think Dusk did enough for Ardan to truly redeem himself. Their love making showed the damaged parts of their relationship.
Leopold protected Arden and took his responsibilities for him seriously. He was a lot more in tune with Arden than Dusk especially, in this book.
This book focused a lot more on Vox, Elan and Arden as opposed, to Dusk and Leo, who were focused upon on in book 1. Arden loved all his men and the ending captured it perfectly.
September 26, 2019
Deliciously complex dark fantasy that is intensely beautiful and will own your heart! Fabulous world-building, incredible story-line and wonderful characters create an outstanding read. Characters are multi-dimensional with strengths and flaws that will show their courage and their despair. The story-line is amazing, creative, intense, complex, action packed and so well developed that i could not put the book down.
This is a terrific story with steamy moments that will heal your heart and lots of moments that remind you that this is a dark romantic fantasy. So much of the story is created and woven with magic, and populated with paranormal beings like; Vampires, Faes, Elves, Humans, ghouls, chimera, and more.
This book has stayed with me because of the rare intensity of connection that i developed with these characters. Each of our characters have struggles and have triumphs. There is so many emotions from betrayal, obsession, heartbreak, hope, disappointment, fear, loss and ultimately love. I am very happy with the conclusion of this book for our main characters; Vox,Elan, Dusk and Leo and of course Arden.
This is the second book in the The Vale Chronicles series and it is not a stand-alone read. You really must read Puppet/Master, book one in this series for an understanding of how the characters got to this point. This is a fantastic read so treat your self to both books!
This is a terrific story with steamy moments that will heal your heart and lots of moments that remind you that this is a dark romantic fantasy. So much of the story is created and woven with magic, and populated with paranormal beings like; Vampires, Faes, Elves, Humans, ghouls, chimera, and more.
This book has stayed with me because of the rare intensity of connection that i developed with these characters. Each of our characters have struggles and have triumphs. There is so many emotions from betrayal, obsession, heartbreak, hope, disappointment, fear, loss and ultimately love. I am very happy with the conclusion of this book for our main characters; Vox,Elan, Dusk and Leo and of course Arden.
This is the second book in the The Vale Chronicles series and it is not a stand-alone read. You really must read Puppet/Master, book one in this series for an understanding of how the characters got to this point. This is a fantastic read so treat your self to both books!
September 24, 2019
I was absolutely drawn in by this fantastic, mythological MMM+ dark romance, the continuation from the first book “Puppet/Master” into this book is smooth & flawless. The plot is extremely well-thought out & written, it takes place in a well-described fictitious world & has excellent details & scene descriptions. The unique characters have complex personalities & they display realistic emotional feelings to the situation they find themselves in.
There is: fae, elves, ghouls, vampires, a shifter, a chimera, an intelligent Chrysalus, twists & turns, intrigue, suspense, drama, mystery, secrets, danger, villains, threats, trust issues, misunderstandings, vulnerability, strange transformation, manipulations, compromises, betrayal, emotional turmoil, devious plans, confrontations, unexpected surprises, choices, some steam, contentment, verbal banter & a well-deserved happy conclusion. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to future books from this talented author & I would definitely recommend this MMM+ dark romance to people who enjoy reading this genre.
There is: fae, elves, ghouls, vampires, a shifter, a chimera, an intelligent Chrysalus, twists & turns, intrigue, suspense, drama, mystery, secrets, danger, villains, threats, trust issues, misunderstandings, vulnerability, strange transformation, manipulations, compromises, betrayal, emotional turmoil, devious plans, confrontations, unexpected surprises, choices, some steam, contentment, verbal banter & a well-deserved happy conclusion. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to future books from this talented author & I would definitely recommend this MMM+ dark romance to people who enjoy reading this genre.
September 30, 2019
I REALLY liked the first book in this series. SO I was expecting something along those lines for the conclusion of this story. It was good, but it didn't have me like the first one. I was expecting more... which I didn't get. BUT, it was still good, just not as good as it could have been.
I liked the dynamic between Arden, Leo and Dusk, but I felt like the whole thing with Vox and Elan was a little forced. It didn't really flow for me. I mean maybe Just me.
Needless to say, I didn't like the conclusion to this story. But Joel Abernathy remains one of my FAVE authors!!
I liked the dynamic between Arden, Leo and Dusk, but I felt like the whole thing with Vox and Elan was a little forced. It didn't really flow for me. I mean maybe Just me.
Needless to say, I didn't like the conclusion to this story. But Joel Abernathy remains one of my FAVE authors!!
January 19, 2020
Is this the end? I still want more. Maybe about Kasim next time? Please?
September 23, 2019
Arden's story continues and concludes in this installment of the Vale Chronicles series, although we will be seeing more of this universe in the future hopefully. We got the first part of Arden's story in Puppet/Master so it is definitely important to read that before reading Enemy/Lover, but well worth the reading time. This well written tale is filled with creativity, imagery, entertainment, steam, and surprises. These characters are intriguing and captivating. I loved it all.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
September 24, 2019
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. Vox, Dusk and Leo and Elan are having to keep watch over Arden. After another near miss with the Chrysalus grip still over Arden mind. With everything already looking bleak for Arden, one more thing out to kill him wasn't much of a worry or is it? With the return of Kasim, can they escape before he figures out just who Arden is or will he be the doom that destroys everyone's hope to help Arden? This was great read, what will you do for love if not sacrifices yourself. You feel so much emotions while you get to know this guys more and more. Highly recommend these books for fun dramatic adventure of the vale world.
September 23, 2019
This title is so true to this storyline. Love strengthens and reunites, and allies are solidified! I loved the tenacity and perseverance of this group. I loved Arden for his strength and his heart. Many things changed, but their core/heart is the same and their goals are for the good of the masses. Love means seeing past the surface and superficial artifices and straight into the loving heart. The banter at the end of the story was quite sweet, light, and heartwarming, especially after all the darkness they had endured. Sublime!
October 3, 2019
Rating: 4 stars
Although really book, I don’t think I liked it as much as I did the first one in the series. I still loved all the characters from the first book. Vox and Arden especially. I just didn’t really like the addition of Kasim. I pretty much disliked him as a character. I also felt let down by the resolution of the conflict with the Chrysalus. I still wanted answers and it seemed a bit anticlimactic. I did like the HEA we got at the end and while it looks like the end of the series, I wonder if we may get another book set in this world in the future.
Although really book, I don’t think I liked it as much as I did the first one in the series. I still loved all the characters from the first book. Vox and Arden especially. I just didn’t really like the addition of Kasim. I pretty much disliked him as a character. I also felt let down by the resolution of the conflict with the Chrysalus. I still wanted answers and it seemed a bit anticlimactic. I did like the HEA we got at the end and while it looks like the end of the series, I wonder if we may get another book set in this world in the future.
October 18, 2019
Enemy Lover!
Total Rating: 3.7 Stars out of 5
Rating Review Rollout:
(1) Blurb vs Story matchup: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(2) Character Development: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(3) Danger/Drama/Thrills/Chills: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(4) Editing/Proofreading: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(5) Entertainment Value: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(6) Feeling the Words: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(7) Flow of the Story: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(8) Keeps my Attention: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(9) MC Appeal: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(10) MC Backstory: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(11) MC Chemistry: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(12) MC Love Connection: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(13) Plot Worthiness: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(14) Sexy Sex Scenes: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(15) Wrap Up of Loose Ends: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Total Rating: 3.7 Stars out of 5
Rating Review Rollout:
(1) Blurb vs Story matchup: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(2) Character Development: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(3) Danger/Drama/Thrills/Chills: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(4) Editing/Proofreading: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(5) Entertainment Value: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(6) Feeling the Words: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(7) Flow of the Story: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(8) Keeps my Attention: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(9) MC Appeal: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(10) MC Backstory: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(11) MC Chemistry: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(12) MC Love Connection: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(13) Plot Worthiness: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(14) Sexy Sex Scenes: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(15) Wrap Up of Loose Ends: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
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