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Men of the Shadows #1
Carillon's Curse
In 1888 Austin, Texas, a shy medium with clubfoot is visited by the horrific ghosts of murdered children and enlists the help of a rugged Texas Ranger to pursue their killer. As the two men hunt the murderer, they find themselves not only in the grip of a taboo love that could—at best—send them to prison, but also in danger of becoming the killer’s next prey.
In the twenty three years of his life, Thomas Carillon has known nothing but unrequited love. People don’t notice him; they only notice his clubfoot. He has given himself up to a solitary existence with only the companionship of his cat and the ghosts who visit him. When a rare child ghost, her massive injuries evident, asks Thomas for help, the only law man that will listen is a hard-bitten Texas Ranger who reawaken’s Thomas’s secret desires. The two grow closer as they chase the killer, but can they hold onto their fragile, budding love in such hard times?
Hadrian Burton thinks Thomas looks like an angel, except for whatever horror he’s hiding in that strange boot. Temporarily leaving life on the range and his complicated past to track down a killer with Thomas, Hadrian finds himself doing something he vowed never to do again—falling in love. Their “congress,” as Thomas calls it, is more intense than he has ever experienced. After a lifetime of virginity, the clubfooted man is going wild, and he doesn’t balk at Hadrian’s unconventional appetites. But they’re too different; Hadrian fears he will only hurt Thomas in the end. And yet, he has never fallen so hard for another man. How can he keep both his and Thomas’s hearts from being broken? And how can he bring the elusive Child Slayer to justice with only the help of a medium and ghosts?
This erotic gay romance contains violence, period homophobia, period racism, period ableism, and graphic sex scenes.
In the twenty three years of his life, Thomas Carillon has known nothing but unrequited love. People don’t notice him; they only notice his clubfoot. He has given himself up to a solitary existence with only the companionship of his cat and the ghosts who visit him. When a rare child ghost, her massive injuries evident, asks Thomas for help, the only law man that will listen is a hard-bitten Texas Ranger who reawaken’s Thomas’s secret desires. The two grow closer as they chase the killer, but can they hold onto their fragile, budding love in such hard times?
Hadrian Burton thinks Thomas looks like an angel, except for whatever horror he’s hiding in that strange boot. Temporarily leaving life on the range and his complicated past to track down a killer with Thomas, Hadrian finds himself doing something he vowed never to do again—falling in love. Their “congress,” as Thomas calls it, is more intense than he has ever experienced. After a lifetime of virginity, the clubfooted man is going wild, and he doesn’t balk at Hadrian’s unconventional appetites. But they’re too different; Hadrian fears he will only hurt Thomas in the end. And yet, he has never fallen so hard for another man. How can he keep both his and Thomas’s hearts from being broken? And how can he bring the elusive Child Slayer to justice with only the help of a medium and ghosts?
This erotic gay romance contains violence, period homophobia, period racism, period ableism, and graphic sex scenes.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2021
4 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Sionnach Wintergreen
28 books48 followersSionnach (pronounced shuhn ukh) Wintergreen is a trans male author of gay romance, epic fantasy, and adult fantasy. His character-driven stories usually involve misfits because he is one. Sionnach has always loved writing and animals; he was a grant writer for an animal rescue group. He lives in Austin, Texas, with his husband and six furbabies—one sweet dog and five spoiled-rotten cats. He also has a wonderful human son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 15, 2021
2 stars
A historical romance with a murder investigation and a protagonist who talks to ghosts sounds like the perfect book for me and I really wish I enjoyed it more than I did.
Brief Summary
It’s 1888, Thomas, who sees ghosts and talks to them, is visited by a 5 years old child, who tells him about a man who sexually assaulted her and killer her. He meets Hadrian, a texas ranger, who helps him in his quest to find the murderer and Thomas and Hadrian fall in love.
I really enjoyed a big part of the book, I loved the atmosphere so much. The historical setting was nice and felt like a good take on the subject, even if sometimes it felt more like 1888 seen through modern eyes and a modern commentary on the topic than a more realistic depiction of that time, it still worked for me and the descriptions of the setting were all super nice. I loved the murder investigation, it was very interesting to follow them on their adventures and to see what they found and how. I really liked how violent the book got too, it didn’t shy away in showing the violence of the events happening and I liked that a lot. It made the book painful to read at times but it really worked well in the context. Also, I loved how the talk of ghosts, that was so much fun to read about.
My one issue with the book is that I didn’t really like Hadrian as a character. Which meant I couldn’t really cheer for the couple. He wasn’t very nice to Thomas and he kept making fun of Thomas’ foot (which is deformed) and he reacted really badly when he saw it for the first time, so much that Thomas tried to bend his foot back into a typical shape with a wrench so Hadrian would love him, because Hadrian made Thomas feel like that was the only way he would want him. That scene just broke my heart. I wanted to reach through my kindle and hug Thomas. I just felt like Thomas was such a sweetheart and that he deserved more than someone who wasn’t always very nice to him and who made fun of his foot. Also, I feel like anyone who makes you feel so bad about yourself that you injure yourself to gain that person’s love, is not worthy of you and your love. Hadrian did get better when they got together but i’m really stubborn and my previous opinion on him didn’t change because he was suddently acting much better, I would have prefered him to be a little nicer from the start. Also, Hadrian never apologized for his previous comments about Thomas foot and I really wish he did. Also, Hadrian was keeping a really big secret (one that could have treatened their entire relationship) from Thomas for 95% of the book, which was something I felt like should have been discussed way before it was, so I also didn’t really like that.
So while I loved a lot of this book, I just never really liked Hadrian as a character, which hindered my opinion of the book as he’s one half of the couple I was supposed to cheer for.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
A historical romance with a murder investigation and a protagonist who talks to ghosts sounds like the perfect book for me and I really wish I enjoyed it more than I did.
Brief Summary
It’s 1888, Thomas, who sees ghosts and talks to them, is visited by a 5 years old child, who tells him about a man who sexually assaulted her and killer her. He meets Hadrian, a texas ranger, who helps him in his quest to find the murderer and Thomas and Hadrian fall in love.
I really enjoyed a big part of the book, I loved the atmosphere so much. The historical setting was nice and felt like a good take on the subject, even if sometimes it felt more like 1888 seen through modern eyes and a modern commentary on the topic than a more realistic depiction of that time, it still worked for me and the descriptions of the setting were all super nice. I loved the murder investigation, it was very interesting to follow them on their adventures and to see what they found and how. I really liked how violent the book got too, it didn’t shy away in showing the violence of the events happening and I liked that a lot. It made the book painful to read at times but it really worked well in the context. Also, I loved how the talk of ghosts, that was so much fun to read about.
My one issue with the book is that I didn’t really like Hadrian as a character. Which meant I couldn’t really cheer for the couple. He wasn’t very nice to Thomas and he kept making fun of Thomas’ foot (which is deformed) and he reacted really badly when he saw it for the first time, so much that Thomas tried to bend his foot back into a typical shape with a wrench so Hadrian would love him, because Hadrian made Thomas feel like that was the only way he would want him. That scene just broke my heart. I wanted to reach through my kindle and hug Thomas. I just felt like Thomas was such a sweetheart and that he deserved more than someone who wasn’t always very nice to him and who made fun of his foot. Also, I feel like anyone who makes you feel so bad about yourself that you injure yourself to gain that person’s love, is not worthy of you and your love. Hadrian did get better when they got together but i’m really stubborn and my previous opinion on him didn’t change because he was suddently acting much better, I would have prefered him to be a little nicer from the start. Also, Hadrian never apologized for his previous comments about Thomas foot and I really wish he did. Also, Hadrian was keeping a really big secret (one that could have treatened their entire relationship) from Thomas for 95% of the book, which was something I felt like should have been discussed way before it was, so I also didn’t really like that.
So while I loved a lot of this book, I just never really liked Hadrian as a character, which hindered my opinion of the book as he’s one half of the couple I was supposed to cheer for.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
January 18, 2022
This book was a five-star read! It’s got ghosts 👻 a gothic, tender-hearted medium 🎩, a rough and tumble Texas Ranger 💪, murder mystery, suspense, smoking hot sex scenes 🔥🔥🔥, and a super sweet ending 😍. Give it a whirl!
December 10, 2021
“Carillon’s Curse” by Sionnach Wintergreen holds its own in the paranormal genre.
Thomas Carillon lives very comfortable. He inherited the mansion from his father. The townspeople look down on Thomas for that also. But his father was never a carpetbagger, just a very smart businessman. The townspeople also look at Thomas as a freak because of his clubfoot and he claims to be a medium. He helps ghost change their appearance and he guides them to cross over to the Great Beyond. Thomas also has a special companion, his cat Gracie.
Thomas and Gracie are sought out by five year old Rebecca. Rebecca has come to Thomas for help and also tells him of a boy who is in danger. Thomas has no choice but to go to the Sheriff, but Jed and Texas Ranger, Hadrian Burton don’t believe him and like many in the town think he’s a freak.
Hadrian Burton, tries to be a sly dog and only has thoughts of lust on his mind. He wheedles his way into Thomas’s confidence but he realizes he’s not going to get what he really want’s from Thomas. The more Hadrian learns from Thomas he decides to stick around and help him. But Hadrian accuses Thomas as being the child slayer, but the table turns quickly, when Thomas comes face to face with the child slayer.
Being the only one to ever see the child slayer, the news reporters start to build Thomas’s reputation as a hero. It puts a target on Thomas’s back, that could lead to his death. Will the towns people come to see Thomas in a different light? Can he call upon the ghosts to help him in finding the violent revenant? Will Thomas and Hadrian overcome their physical and mental burdens, that could slowly destroy their trust and confidence?
Sionnach Wintergreen addresses the homophobia and bigotry of the era with his characters. Constantly people of color are blamed for killings, no matter what Thomas tells them. If Thomas and Hadrians relationship is discovered it could lead to severe punishment and death. They also find that there’s others that have relationships that they keep secret.
The author also does well in the avenue of describing the paranormal events. Although it may seem a little gory, the ability he creates for Thomas makes the passing over for the spirits a beautiful journey.
There’s many secondary characters in the way of ghosts: Mary, Rebecca, John, Otto and Mukwooru. Along with spirits their cultures range from: Native American, Chinese, and Mexican and they all bring their own lore to the story.
“Carillon’s Curse” is fast paced, with humor, suspense, drama, danger, a variety of emotions and very steamy! This was a first time read for me by Sionnach Wintergreen and I have to say, in the way of the 1800’s and paranormal, I liked it and was very entertained!
Thomas Carillon lives very comfortable. He inherited the mansion from his father. The townspeople look down on Thomas for that also. But his father was never a carpetbagger, just a very smart businessman. The townspeople also look at Thomas as a freak because of his clubfoot and he claims to be a medium. He helps ghost change their appearance and he guides them to cross over to the Great Beyond. Thomas also has a special companion, his cat Gracie.
Thomas and Gracie are sought out by five year old Rebecca. Rebecca has come to Thomas for help and also tells him of a boy who is in danger. Thomas has no choice but to go to the Sheriff, but Jed and Texas Ranger, Hadrian Burton don’t believe him and like many in the town think he’s a freak.
Hadrian Burton, tries to be a sly dog and only has thoughts of lust on his mind. He wheedles his way into Thomas’s confidence but he realizes he’s not going to get what he really want’s from Thomas. The more Hadrian learns from Thomas he decides to stick around and help him. But Hadrian accuses Thomas as being the child slayer, but the table turns quickly, when Thomas comes face to face with the child slayer.
Being the only one to ever see the child slayer, the news reporters start to build Thomas’s reputation as a hero. It puts a target on Thomas’s back, that could lead to his death. Will the towns people come to see Thomas in a different light? Can he call upon the ghosts to help him in finding the violent revenant? Will Thomas and Hadrian overcome their physical and mental burdens, that could slowly destroy their trust and confidence?
Sionnach Wintergreen addresses the homophobia and bigotry of the era with his characters. Constantly people of color are blamed for killings, no matter what Thomas tells them. If Thomas and Hadrians relationship is discovered it could lead to severe punishment and death. They also find that there’s others that have relationships that they keep secret.
The author also does well in the avenue of describing the paranormal events. Although it may seem a little gory, the ability he creates for Thomas makes the passing over for the spirits a beautiful journey.
There’s many secondary characters in the way of ghosts: Mary, Rebecca, John, Otto and Mukwooru. Along with spirits their cultures range from: Native American, Chinese, and Mexican and they all bring their own lore to the story.
“Carillon’s Curse” is fast paced, with humor, suspense, drama, danger, a variety of emotions and very steamy! This was a first time read for me by Sionnach Wintergreen and I have to say, in the way of the 1800’s and paranormal, I liked it and was very entertained!
December 22, 2021
3.5 stars but rounded down. So, I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, it was entertaining and I generally enjoyed the read, but on the other, there were things that I really disliked about it. The premise is interesting - Thomas, a disabled medium trying to track down a serial killer by communicating with the ghosts of his victims - I mean, that's awesome. Loved that we had an MC with a visible disability (you don't see this often in MM), enjoyed the historical setting, always game for serial killers, obsessed with the cat. But the romance was all over the place, it goes from zero to a hundred real fast and the MCs are declaring their love for each other after knowing each other for mere days. There was no build-up and no tension, but lots of sex. I also disliked Hadrian, the Texas ranger involved in the case. He was an inconsistent bully. Thomas was also pretty pathetic at points. I feel like this would make a great limited TV series - like I would watch the hell out of it, but the writing could definitely have been tighter.
December 15, 2021
Fascinating historical mm romance
I enjoyed this book a lot. Thomas Carillon’s curse is
1 that he has a clubbed foot
2 that he sees and talks to ghosts
3 that he is gay in the late 1800’s
Maybe Sionnach Wintergreen should have been called Carillons curses?
This is one of the things I like about historical mm romance because there were so many more impediments to having a relationship that authors can bring into the story. Mystery and adventure are introduced by way of a serial killer of children who Thomas and Hadrian try to catch. The historical life of Austin of that time comes to life in all its good and bad glory in the background but it’s the burgeoning love between the two main characters that is the star of this book. Definitely one I will be reading again even if I constantly struggle to get the authors name right. Grin.
I enjoyed this book a lot. Thomas Carillon’s curse is
1 that he has a clubbed foot
2 that he sees and talks to ghosts
3 that he is gay in the late 1800’s
Maybe Sionnach Wintergreen should have been called Carillons curses?
This is one of the things I like about historical mm romance because there were so many more impediments to having a relationship that authors can bring into the story. Mystery and adventure are introduced by way of a serial killer of children who Thomas and Hadrian try to catch. The historical life of Austin of that time comes to life in all its good and bad glory in the background but it’s the burgeoning love between the two main characters that is the star of this book. Definitely one I will be reading again even if I constantly struggle to get the authors name right. Grin.
December 13, 2021
I was not, on several levels, prepared for the intensity of this story. It’s not just the central premise, which involves the hunt for a serial murderer who brutalizes children, but also the pervasive cruelty and indifference of the society the protagonists move through. From the start, I was all in on Thomas-- he’s a caring, dedicated person, deeply empathetic for all that he’s been ostracized and demonized because of his disability. The level of casual cruelty that characterizes his day to day experiences with pretty much every other human is hard to watch– and that’s a feature, not a bug, of a society that seems to pretty much look to rend anything and anyone who reads as “different” into tiny shreds. Hadrian is, at the start, a complete and utter tool. He’s abelist, unthinking, and not nearly as smart as he thinks he is– it’s a struggle to find anything to like about him. It’s a credit to the writing that I began to find him more tolerable and then likable over time: he definitely has an arc to complete that involves some serious growth and development, and it’s worth it to watch that unfold. I honestly can’t recommend this book highly enough: it’s imaginative, interesting, and will draw you in and hold onto you from the first page to the last.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 13, 2021
This is the first book by this author I’ve read. I’m not usually into the more historic stories but something about the blurb grabbed me. It made me stop and think about a time when a person with a physical issue would be so separated, bullied and whispered about. It didn’t help that Thomas was also a medium and gay. Thomas has turned to a solitary life when he is asked for help and in turn needs Texas Ranger Hadrian’s help. As Thomas and Hadrian become acquainted there is a forbidden attraction between them. Again, I had to stop and think about how gay was treated in the period. And again, how mediums are still treated. There were parts of this story that were hard to read such as how some of the victims were treated and who the victims were. I also found it interesting how a gay Texas Ranger worked to fit in. Hadrian also has a few issues of his own and is trying hard to deal with them at the same time he is trying to come to grips with accepting a relationship. I really enjoyed this story. It was one that made me stop and realize where we have come from. The mystery part is good how it is handled and how it unfolds. I look forward to more from this author.
December 10, 2021
Carillon's Curse is one of the most enjoyable books I read this year, and I read fifty books this year.
Beyond smoothly telling an interesting story, it's sexy and also historically accurate, which is big to me since I have a degree in history. Some may consider the character Hadrian a bit rough, but for his time and location, his outlook is on point for where and when he lives.
Sionnach has the gift of making even the supernatural elements of this book seem as if they could occur. The mystery, love and sex add to it, making it even better. Further, I had feelings for these characters, specifically Thomas, who I loved, which I also think is the mark of a good writer. If someone can make me feel something (love, dislike, anything) for a person that doesn't exist, they've done their job well, and Sionnach did do it well.
I honestly didn't want to put the book down, there were times I was doing chores and thinking 'I wish I was reading that book'. I think I finished it in a few hours over three days.
I definitely recommend it for anyone who is into historical fiction, supernatural fiction, or male/male fiction, honestly if you like even just one of those genres, you'll enjoy the book.
Beyond smoothly telling an interesting story, it's sexy and also historically accurate, which is big to me since I have a degree in history. Some may consider the character Hadrian a bit rough, but for his time and location, his outlook is on point for where and when he lives.
Sionnach has the gift of making even the supernatural elements of this book seem as if they could occur. The mystery, love and sex add to it, making it even better. Further, I had feelings for these characters, specifically Thomas, who I loved, which I also think is the mark of a good writer. If someone can make me feel something (love, dislike, anything) for a person that doesn't exist, they've done their job well, and Sionnach did do it well.
I honestly didn't want to put the book down, there were times I was doing chores and thinking 'I wish I was reading that book'. I think I finished it in a few hours over three days.
I definitely recommend it for anyone who is into historical fiction, supernatural fiction, or male/male fiction, honestly if you like even just one of those genres, you'll enjoy the book.
January 2, 2022
So good!
What a great story! I loved Thomas Carillon and Hadrian Burton. Thomas’s gift allows him to see and speak to the dead. When a child murderer strikes, he forms an unlikely alliance with Texas Marshal Burton to find the killer. A partnership grows into passion, but the case may very well tear them apart.
What a great story! I loved Thomas Carillon and Hadrian Burton. Thomas’s gift allows him to see and speak to the dead. When a child murderer strikes, he forms an unlikely alliance with Texas Marshal Burton to find the killer. A partnership grows into passion, but the case may very well tear them apart.
December 10, 2021
As an introduction to Sionnach Wintergreen's writing, Carillon's Curse didn't disappoint.
Thomas Carillon lives in comfort having inherited money from his parents. He is shunned by the townspeople in general for his clubfoot and for his claims to being someone able to communicate with spirits - a medium. However when a five year old girl who was murdered sought his help and told him of a boy who was also in danger, Thomas is forced to seek help from the authorities that didn't really care much for him.
Hadrian Burton, a Texas Ranger who had seen his fair share of horrible things was skeptical of what Thomas said. After all mediums are just shams, however the more he learns about the other man the more he wanted to help him. As the more bodies turn up and more details are revealed, the two men needed to race against time to capture a mad man who thinks himself a tool of God sent to punish sinners.
The period's homophobia and bigotry was difficult to read. People of color, people who are generally different and non-conforming were blamed for crimes that they didn't commit and the danger of having a taboo relationship like the one that Thomas and Hadrian had being punishable by death is just a sad fact that had the two characters be cautious of their blossoming relationship.
The mystery is quite interesting and the supernatural aspect was written well. The book felt like a Western gothic in some ways. The characters are endearing and romance between Thomas and Hadrian was eventually fleshed out though it would've been nice to have Hadrian's past and it's effect on him to have been given a bit more depth. The pacing can be a bit rough at times where some sections flying by way too fast while some parts a bit slow.
Still enjoyed Carillon's Curse. This is a 4 stars out of 5 stars for me.
I received an ARC of this book via GRR and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
Thomas Carillon lives in comfort having inherited money from his parents. He is shunned by the townspeople in general for his clubfoot and for his claims to being someone able to communicate with spirits - a medium. However when a five year old girl who was murdered sought his help and told him of a boy who was also in danger, Thomas is forced to seek help from the authorities that didn't really care much for him.
Hadrian Burton, a Texas Ranger who had seen his fair share of horrible things was skeptical of what Thomas said. After all mediums are just shams, however the more he learns about the other man the more he wanted to help him. As the more bodies turn up and more details are revealed, the two men needed to race against time to capture a mad man who thinks himself a tool of God sent to punish sinners.
The period's homophobia and bigotry was difficult to read. People of color, people who are generally different and non-conforming were blamed for crimes that they didn't commit and the danger of having a taboo relationship like the one that Thomas and Hadrian had being punishable by death is just a sad fact that had the two characters be cautious of their blossoming relationship.
The mystery is quite interesting and the supernatural aspect was written well. The book felt like a Western gothic in some ways. The characters are endearing and romance between Thomas and Hadrian was eventually fleshed out though it would've been nice to have Hadrian's past and it's effect on him to have been given a bit more depth. The pacing can be a bit rough at times where some sections flying by way too fast while some parts a bit slow.
Still enjoyed Carillon's Curse. This is a 4 stars out of 5 stars for me.
I received an ARC of this book via GRR and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
December 12, 2021
Great writing, but I wouldn't expect anything less from this author - I loved her Love Songs For The Lost Worlds series. Historically very accurate including the language. Terms and phrases used fit the times so I presume that a lot of research was put in this one. The result is a riveting historical, paranormal, mystery/romantic suspense thriller that's difficult to put down. I did a bit of Googling myself and found out that actually was a serial killer in Austin area in that time - they didn't target the children though. Just a trigger warning - this book gets very dark and spares almost no details.
The bigotry, prejudices and racism of the times is often highlighted. Characters are complex and I must admit that I had a hard time liking Hadrian at some moments. I would give this book five stars easily if it wasn't for the ending. Don't get me wrong - it's satisfying - I just think that it was wrapped up too quickly and I wish that Hadrian's past was dealt with more depth and in more detail. I must agree with one of the other reviewers - this could be a great series - it would be an auto-buy for me.
Fantastic cover by the way! I was wondering what came first - the book or the cover picture, but I suspect the picture put plot bunnies into author's head, with a great result I must add.
The bigotry, prejudices and racism of the times is often highlighted. Characters are complex and I must admit that I had a hard time liking Hadrian at some moments. I would give this book five stars easily if it wasn't for the ending. Don't get me wrong - it's satisfying - I just think that it was wrapped up too quickly and I wish that Hadrian's past was dealt with more depth and in more detail. I must agree with one of the other reviewers - this could be a great series - it would be an auto-buy for me.
Fantastic cover by the way! I was wondering what came first - the book or the cover picture, but I suspect the picture put plot bunnies into author's head, with a great result I must add.
March 21, 2022
Absolutely adored this book! A perfect murder mystery/thriller romance. In 1888 in Austin, Texas, we meet main character Thomas Carillon, a disabled loner with a unique gift; he can see and communicate with the dead. When the ghost of a brutally murdered girl appears before him, begging for help, Thomas attempts to alert the authorities that there is a killer in their midst. Thomas soon meets Texas Ranger Hadrian Burton and feels an instant attraction. But this is Thomas's first love affair, and Hadrian is hiding secrets of his own. Wintergreen does a fantastic job balancing the macabre, the melancholy, and heart-felt romance. I plan to read more from this author!
November 27, 2022
Unique Plotline and Fun Read
With its unique plotline and interesting characters, this story was quite a surprise. Just reading the summary, I really wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve never read a M/M Paranormal Old-West Murder Mystery Romance before. It reminded me of that old TV Series with Robert Conrad, ‘The Wild Wild West’. I could see the elegance of the era as well as the cowboys as I was reading. The unexpected combination of genres, however, seemed to work wonderfully for this author. I finished it in only two days and thoroughly enjoy it. I would definitely recommend. I’m also looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
With its unique plotline and interesting characters, this story was quite a surprise. Just reading the summary, I really wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve never read a M/M Paranormal Old-West Murder Mystery Romance before. It reminded me of that old TV Series with Robert Conrad, ‘The Wild Wild West’. I could see the elegance of the era as well as the cowboys as I was reading. The unexpected combination of genres, however, seemed to work wonderfully for this author. I finished it in only two days and thoroughly enjoy it. I would definitely recommend. I’m also looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
December 12, 2021
After reading the synopsis for this book,written by Sionnach Wintergreen,a new to me author,I was really looking forward to reading this book.
I am more than happy to say that I absolutely loved this!
The historical setting,the paranormal/horror story,had me hooked right from the first words written and I couldn't put this down.
There is so much more that I want to say about this story but,I won't,as I don't want to spoil this absolute delight for anyone.
I received an ARC copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
I am more than happy to say that I absolutely loved this!
The historical setting,the paranormal/horror story,had me hooked right from the first words written and I couldn't put this down.
There is so much more that I want to say about this story but,I won't,as I don't want to spoil this absolute delight for anyone.
I received an ARC copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
April 4, 2022
Straddling a sweet tender romance is a horrific tale of a child murderer who gets great religious relief from the horrible torture he exacts on these young souls, it's a hard read but each one is described fairly briefly. Besides the unpleasant descriptions of torture there is also homophobia and a preacher talking of 'negroes are descended from Cain and it is their destiny to be enslaved', disgusting but it's part of the story and the maniacal religious beliefs that drives one to brutal acts. BUT, all that aside, this is a wonderful story, it was refreshing to read of a less than perfect man in a mm romance, so often they are drop dead gorgeous, Thomas is cute looking but he has a club foot and severe asthma, he and Hadrian make in interesting pair.
December 14, 2021
Really enjoyed this steamy, paranormal historical. It's wonderful to have the paranormal woven into the otherwise realistic period attitudes toward anything "different" as well as the addition of a good mystery that requires the involvement of a Texas Ranger.
December 14, 2021
This book was great, it’s a historical romance with a murder mystery-children are being killed in awful ways by someone with a warped view of religion. Medium Thomas and Texas Ranger Hadrian are trying to catch this evil man while falling in love, and into bed with each other. Thomas can talk to ghosts, so he uses his abilities to try to help Hadrian bring the killer to justice.
I was a little surprised how Hadrian reacted when he saw Thomas’ clubfoot, he can see horribly murdered children and not bat an eye but a twisted foot turns his stomach?!? He should have thought about how he might react ahead of time and controlled himself better.
Hadrian makes some mistakes along the way, not being totally honest with Thomas and holding himself back, it was great to see them come together at the end and get an HEA. It was also awesome to see that the roles one might expect them to play in bed were different.
I was a little surprised how Hadrian reacted when he saw Thomas’ clubfoot, he can see horribly murdered children and not bat an eye but a twisted foot turns his stomach?!? He should have thought about how he might react ahead of time and controlled himself better.
Hadrian makes some mistakes along the way, not being totally honest with Thomas and holding himself back, it was great to see them come together at the end and get an HEA. It was also awesome to see that the roles one might expect them to play in bed were different.
December 11, 2021
4.5 stars
This book certainly goes to some very dark places and went by too fast, by the end I wanted more and I think this could be a very interesting series.
This book certainly goes to some very dark places and went by too fast, by the end I wanted more and I think this could be a very interesting series.
December 16, 2021
Thomas can see and communicate with ghosts. Hadrian is a Texas Ranger that cannot. Fate brings them together in the search for a killer and their HEA. But before the happy they have to learn to trust the other. I like seeing the struggles they have to face. This is a new to me author that I will read more of in the future.
April 1, 2022
I thought this was a really well-written story with strong characters. It had everything I enjoyed with a paranormal mystery and a sweet love story. I normally do not care for historical stories but I thought this one was well worth reading. Recommend reading.
December 16, 2021
Really good!!
I love a mystery! This was a great read. Thomas is a medium who can speak with ghosts. Hadrian is a Texas Ranger, who in the beginning, is not so nice. They work together to find a murderer. It's pretty awful what this murderer does.
The relationship between Thomas and Hadrian is rough in the beginning but once they admit their attraction, they certainly get busy.
Loved Gracie and Merlin as well.
I love a mystery! This was a great read. Thomas is a medium who can speak with ghosts. Hadrian is a Texas Ranger, who in the beginning, is not so nice. They work together to find a murderer. It's pretty awful what this murderer does.
The relationship between Thomas and Hadrian is rough in the beginning but once they admit their attraction, they certainly get busy.
Loved Gracie and Merlin as well.
December 16, 2021
Carillon's Curse
2 🌟 maybe 2.5
This book had me at the blurb.
THE STORY:
I don't generally gravitate toward fortune-telling/mediums or anything remotely suggesting the occult, but I do love a nice ghost story.
In particular, I was drawn in by the fact that (at last) this was not a story about evil poltergeist characters who are just out to destroy and demolish. This was a story about ghostly victims who were in search of someone to help them. Help to identify and find a serial killer and help them to finally be set free.
The premise was good and sweet. The book started off so well and the Mc, disabled Thomas, really likeable, good at what he did, and so determined to help in spite of having been beaten down his whole life.
The book started to go south the moment mc2 (Hadrian) made an appearance. I have seldom read a character who was so despicable.
And, unfortunately, he never actually managed to redeem himself by the time the book ended.
His cruel, bullying streak never got better even though his apologies and guilt became quite tiresome.
THE WRITING:
It bothered me somewhat that a lot of the time, this book did not appear to be historically accurate. Especially in terminology for the era (late 19th century I think).
There are parts of the dialogue and descriptions that I feel sure would not have been in use at that time:
"phone", "blow**b" "crush" "c*m" to name but a few.
It struck me as inconsistent that one moment (in several Instances) the characters would refer to inercourse as "congress" (very archaic) then the next moment would use very 21st century words and lingo with reference to said "congress".
Which brings me to the topic of...
Far, far, far too much gratuitous sex to 1. Match the plot and the main focus of the story,
2. Make the flow of this story believable or enjoyable.
There is a formidable killer of small innocent children on the loose. He is not only killing them but doing awful things to them. But, the number of times these characters felt it was okay to halt the investigation so they could do bedroom gymnastics was simply ridiculous and really, really annoying. (apart from the fact this happened a full chapter at a time and each time in nauseating detail.)
By 50% I had already regretted paying $5 plus for this book.
I pushed through though because I really wanted to know who the killer was, but when it all started to come to a head, I was lost. The whole scenario just got more outrageous and confusing.
Whew! Was I glad to see the end of this torturous read?!
My advice? Skip it. Go read a vampire book or something.
*Definitely won't recommend.
*I'm awarding 2 stars because I liked the cat and the horses and because the book was quite well edited. I don't recall any typos or blatant grammatical errors.
°Standalone
° Heed the TW for graphic (though justified to suit the plot) VIOLENCE, racism and homophobia.
° not suitable for readers under age 21
2 🌟 maybe 2.5
This book had me at the blurb.
THE STORY:
I don't generally gravitate toward fortune-telling/mediums or anything remotely suggesting the occult, but I do love a nice ghost story.
In particular, I was drawn in by the fact that (at last) this was not a story about evil poltergeist characters who are just out to destroy and demolish. This was a story about ghostly victims who were in search of someone to help them. Help to identify and find a serial killer and help them to finally be set free.
The premise was good and sweet. The book started off so well and the Mc, disabled Thomas, really likeable, good at what he did, and so determined to help in spite of having been beaten down his whole life.
The book started to go south the moment mc2 (Hadrian) made an appearance. I have seldom read a character who was so despicable.
And, unfortunately, he never actually managed to redeem himself by the time the book ended.
His cruel, bullying streak never got better even though his apologies and guilt became quite tiresome.
THE WRITING:
It bothered me somewhat that a lot of the time, this book did not appear to be historically accurate. Especially in terminology for the era (late 19th century I think).
There are parts of the dialogue and descriptions that I feel sure would not have been in use at that time:
"phone", "blow**b" "crush" "c*m" to name but a few.
It struck me as inconsistent that one moment (in several Instances) the characters would refer to inercourse as "congress" (very archaic) then the next moment would use very 21st century words and lingo with reference to said "congress".
Which brings me to the topic of...
Far, far, far too much gratuitous sex to 1. Match the plot and the main focus of the story,
2. Make the flow of this story believable or enjoyable.
There is a formidable killer of small innocent children on the loose. He is not only killing them but doing awful things to them. But, the number of times these characters felt it was okay to halt the investigation so they could do bedroom gymnastics was simply ridiculous and really, really annoying. (apart from the fact this happened a full chapter at a time and each time in nauseating detail.)
By 50% I had already regretted paying $5 plus for this book.
I pushed through though because I really wanted to know who the killer was, but when it all started to come to a head, I was lost. The whole scenario just got more outrageous and confusing.
Whew! Was I glad to see the end of this torturous read?!
My advice? Skip it. Go read a vampire book or something.
*Definitely won't recommend.
*I'm awarding 2 stars because I liked the cat and the horses and because the book was quite well edited. I don't recall any typos or blatant grammatical errors.
°Standalone
° Heed the TW for graphic (though justified to suit the plot) VIOLENCE, racism and homophobia.
° not suitable for readers under age 21
Read
January 14, 2025“It’s not the disability that defines you; it’s how you deal with the challenges the disability presents you with.” ~ Jim Abbott
Thomas Carillion, of ‘Carillon's Curse’ by Sinnoach Wintergreen, lives with his cat, Gracie, in a mansion he inherited from his parents. He rarely ventures outside due to persecution from others because of his clubfoot. People also find him peculiar because he sees and converses with ghosts. When a child ghost appears to him and tells him about her gruesome murder, Thomas feels he must tell someone. He rushes to the sheriff, who does not believe him. A stranger, Hadrian Burton, a Texas Ranger with the sheriff, is curious enough to go with Thomas, drawn by the mystery of Thomas's abilities.
Hadrian is skeptical of Thomas and his abilities, but his curiosity gets the best of him. Thomas describes the murder in such horrible detail that it is beyond reason. Instead of accepting Thomas's abilities, Hadrian decides that the only way Thomas could know what happened was if he were the murderer and arrests him. However, later, Hadrian experiences one of Thomas's encounters, and, as much as he wants not to, Hadrian has to admit that what Thomas can do is real. This experience changes Hadrian's opinion of him. As they pursue the actual murderer together, their interest in each other deepens. When their attraction evolves into something more, it takes both men by surprise.
Sionnach has written an intense, often dark murder mystery and a romance. Thomas's persistence, sensitivity, and intelligence won my heart right away. Hadrian, on the other hand, was more challenging for me to like. His past life experiences explain some of his roughness, but not enough for me. He may be more likable in the next book in the series. Thanks, Sionnach, for the extraordinary tale.
DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book was purchased by the reviewer.
Thomas Carillion, of ‘Carillon's Curse’ by Sinnoach Wintergreen, lives with his cat, Gracie, in a mansion he inherited from his parents. He rarely ventures outside due to persecution from others because of his clubfoot. People also find him peculiar because he sees and converses with ghosts. When a child ghost appears to him and tells him about her gruesome murder, Thomas feels he must tell someone. He rushes to the sheriff, who does not believe him. A stranger, Hadrian Burton, a Texas Ranger with the sheriff, is curious enough to go with Thomas, drawn by the mystery of Thomas's abilities.
Hadrian is skeptical of Thomas and his abilities, but his curiosity gets the best of him. Thomas describes the murder in such horrible detail that it is beyond reason. Instead of accepting Thomas's abilities, Hadrian decides that the only way Thomas could know what happened was if he were the murderer and arrests him. However, later, Hadrian experiences one of Thomas's encounters, and, as much as he wants not to, Hadrian has to admit that what Thomas can do is real. This experience changes Hadrian's opinion of him. As they pursue the actual murderer together, their interest in each other deepens. When their attraction evolves into something more, it takes both men by surprise.
Sionnach has written an intense, often dark murder mystery and a romance. Thomas's persistence, sensitivity, and intelligence won my heart right away. Hadrian, on the other hand, was more challenging for me to like. His past life experiences explain some of his roughness, but not enough for me. He may be more likable in the next book in the series. Thanks, Sionnach, for the extraordinary tale.
DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book was purchased by the reviewer.
February 4, 2022
I wanted to like it. That still counts for something, right?
I just.. couldn't. The first half was just.. what the... I didn't like main characters. Hadrian is a liar. A volatile, reckless, violent person and his relationship with Thomas was abusive. A bit of a spoiler here - first he lies that he believes him to get him into bed, ridiculing Thomas's disability while he is at it, then he abuses him, and then he is all lovey dovey, interspersed with anger, violent outbursts and shouting. That is like a textbook unhealthy, abusive relationship. I just couldn't support them as a couple, I really couldn't. The plot.. It either had to be more or less. Less if it was more centered on the relationships, in which case victims could have been grown ups to lessen the shock factor and gruesomeness of killing children. More centered on the killer, his personality and thinking process if that plot was supposed to be the main feature of the book. Because as it is right now, most of the plot is relationship development and characters sitting around waiting for the killer to strike again, then the killer is caught and it all "okay, we got him, story over". Rather abrupt for all that drama and gruesomeness throughout the book. Like "okay folks, the story is over, let all your anger and violence evaporate, return to life as usual". It didn't feel like enough. So yeah, either more focus on that plot line or less. I still can't support the relationship, which obviously ruined my enjoyment of this book, but that is me and my ideas about how a relationships work. I guess people who enjoy such relationship dynamics would enjoy the books more. For me this is a miss though.
**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**
I just.. couldn't. The first half was just.. what the... I didn't like main characters. Hadrian is a liar. A volatile, reckless, violent person and his relationship with Thomas was abusive. A bit of a spoiler here - first he lies that he believes him to get him into bed, ridiculing Thomas's disability while he is at it, then he abuses him, and then he is all lovey dovey, interspersed with anger, violent outbursts and shouting. That is like a textbook unhealthy, abusive relationship. I just couldn't support them as a couple, I really couldn't. The plot.. It either had to be more or less. Less if it was more centered on the relationships, in which case victims could have been grown ups to lessen the shock factor and gruesomeness of killing children. More centered on the killer, his personality and thinking process if that plot was supposed to be the main feature of the book. Because as it is right now, most of the plot is relationship development and characters sitting around waiting for the killer to strike again, then the killer is caught and it all "okay, we got him, story over". Rather abrupt for all that drama and gruesomeness throughout the book. Like "okay folks, the story is over, let all your anger and violence evaporate, return to life as usual". It didn't feel like enough. So yeah, either more focus on that plot line or less. I still can't support the relationship, which obviously ruined my enjoyment of this book, but that is me and my ideas about how a relationships work. I guess people who enjoy such relationship dynamics would enjoy the books more. For me this is a miss though.
**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**
June 29, 2023
Author Sionnach Wintergreen blends gay romance, erotica, and the supernatural in this deftly written murder mystery set in the late 1800s. I love the fact that the main character, Thomas, has a cat familiar and talks to ghosts. It creates a measure of whimsy to balance some of the gorier scenes and immediately drew me in for its originality. His lover, Hadrian, is a rugged ranger, and the two of them meet in a dark time and place in history for gay men—Texas in 1888—and over the course of the story, their romance blossoms as they band together to stop a vicious serial killer.
Wintergreen has a beautiful style of writing that flows very well, and he is equally as adept with darker subject matters as he is with romance. This story, in my opinion, is one of the most unique concepts I’ve ever read and it’s worthy of becoming the latest supernatural mystery show on HBO or Netflix. If you like m/m romance, or horror novels, or both, this novel will no doubt thrill you.
I received a free Kindle copy of this novel for review and this is my unbiased opinion.
Wintergreen has a beautiful style of writing that flows very well, and he is equally as adept with darker subject matters as he is with romance. This story, in my opinion, is one of the most unique concepts I’ve ever read and it’s worthy of becoming the latest supernatural mystery show on HBO or Netflix. If you like m/m romance, or horror novels, or both, this novel will no doubt thrill you.
I received a free Kindle copy of this novel for review and this is my unbiased opinion.
October 15, 2024
Children are being murdered and Thomas is going to catch the killer - with or without the help of law enforcement. Unfortunately not only is his information coming from ghosts, but also he has a clubfoot, and 1800s Texas is not kind to people who are different. It takes some convincing, but eventually Hadrian, a Texas ranger, agrees to give Thomas a chance.
This is not a romance easily won. There are mistakes and misunderstandings, assumptions and accusations, and period-accurate stereotypes and bigotry. But if you enjoy novels with depth of plot and character, twists and turns, details and world building, you'll enjoy this.
For fans of historical romance, Texas rangers, mediums passionate about helping spirits cross, ghost friends, ghost-detecting cats, murder most foul, and m/m love, this will do it for you.
Make sure you read the content warnings - there are absolutely things that can be difficult for some readers in a variety of different ways.
This is not a romance easily won. There are mistakes and misunderstandings, assumptions and accusations, and period-accurate stereotypes and bigotry. But if you enjoy novels with depth of plot and character, twists and turns, details and world building, you'll enjoy this.
For fans of historical romance, Texas rangers, mediums passionate about helping spirits cross, ghost friends, ghost-detecting cats, murder most foul, and m/m love, this will do it for you.
Make sure you read the content warnings - there are absolutely things that can be difficult for some readers in a variety of different ways.
December 12, 2021
I'm torn about how to review this book. The overall storyline was intriguing and the premises was definitely singular. The mystery kept me glued to the pages, but my problem with the book concerns the characters...mainly Hadrian. I didn't particularly like him, nor did I like some of his actions in general and towards Thomas in particular. And Thomas, while endearing, wasn't a character that I came to love completely.
The only way to describe my feelings about the book is to say that I was intrigued by the plot and curious to see how it would end. Yet, while I'm glad that Hadrian and Thomas found each other, I wasn't one hundred percent invested in their relationship. Hence... I'm torn. But, I consider this an interesting story as a whole and worth a read.
The only way to describe my feelings about the book is to say that I was intrigued by the plot and curious to see how it would end. Yet, while I'm glad that Hadrian and Thomas found each other, I wasn't one hundred percent invested in their relationship. Hence... I'm torn. But, I consider this an interesting story as a whole and worth a read.
May 8, 2022
This book touches on a lot of really difficult to read things. That said--wow! What a book! I read the whole thing in one day. Compelling doesn't begin to describe the plot. Each character was so amazingly real and alive--even the ghosts. I am thoroughly impressed.
October 25, 2024
love the twist with trying to solve the mystery. we see them on opposite side of the goal to find the young boy. he doesn't believe this person when he say speak to ghost
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