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Sacrifice: The Demon Hunters Book 1
Rian has always been Marco’s protector. Abusive parents, school bullies, older creeps--Rian took them all on. Anything to protect his stepbrother. But what if the person Marco needs protecting from, is Rian himself? For years, Rian tried to deny his need for Marco. To tell himself his desires were wrong. Filthy. Forbidden. But the moment Marco confessed he had the same desires, Rian ran.
It has been three years since Rian saw his stepbrother, and now Marco needs his help more than ever. Selling his body, losing himself in drugs, drowning in shame, Marco doesn’t want Rian to see him like this. But when gay teens across the city start disappearing, there’s no one else he can call. A demonic cult is preying on society’s most vulnerable boys.
These days Rian has found a new way to be a protector; he has joined a team of vigilantes who are keeping the streets safe for Rushton’s gay youth. He knows he can’t get close to Marco, can’t reignite the dangerous desire inside him…but he and his team are the only ones who can help. Rian once swore to keep Marco safe—but is he strong enough to fight the ache inside him? Or will he finally give into his darkest needs?
It has been three years since Rian saw his stepbrother, and now Marco needs his help more than ever. Selling his body, losing himself in drugs, drowning in shame, Marco doesn’t want Rian to see him like this. But when gay teens across the city start disappearing, there’s no one else he can call. A demonic cult is preying on society’s most vulnerable boys.
These days Rian has found a new way to be a protector; he has joined a team of vigilantes who are keeping the streets safe for Rushton’s gay youth. He knows he can’t get close to Marco, can’t reignite the dangerous desire inside him…but he and his team are the only ones who can help. Rian once swore to keep Marco safe—but is he strong enough to fight the ache inside him? Or will he finally give into his darkest needs?
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2021
22 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Kane
40 books91 followersI like writing about boys with TERRIBLE PROBLEMS who nonetheless manage to find love. But seriously, terrible problems. Like, dude, get some therapy before you go on this date.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 24, 2021
Sacrifice: The Demon Hunters Book 1 was my first Rachel Kane read, and I did enjoy it but I had a few issues and some mixed feelings about the book.
I liked the premise of the story - guys going missing from the streets, demonic forces at play, a vigilante group filling in the gap between law enforcement and street justice, the underlying 'forbidden' romance between two of our MCs, Marco and Rian - but at times the writing felt a little bit unsophisticated, and the story was quite slow to build. Once it did, in the back end of the book, it then felt a little rushed and underdeveloped once the darker paranormal side of the story kicked in.
The background of the story is of a homophobic society, where homosexuality is outlawed and gay guys going missing is basically overlooked by law enforcement. There wasn't any real world-building around this element of the story, although that may be expanded upon in later books. I think the story could have benefitted from more of the demonic element, which was good but not overly developed.
The forbidden relationship between Marco and Rian wasn't particularly forbidden - they are only step brothers after all - but there was a lot of use of "little brother/big brother" in the prose which missed the mark for me. There were several steamy scenes which worked well 🔥🔥.
This is the first book in a series - and I'd imagine each of the vigilante team of demon hunters will get their own story - so there is still lots of time for the series to get into its stride.
This was a 3-3.5 star read for me, but definitely worth a go ✨✨✨.
I liked the premise of the story - guys going missing from the streets, demonic forces at play, a vigilante group filling in the gap between law enforcement and street justice, the underlying 'forbidden' romance between two of our MCs, Marco and Rian - but at times the writing felt a little bit unsophisticated, and the story was quite slow to build. Once it did, in the back end of the book, it then felt a little rushed and underdeveloped once the darker paranormal side of the story kicked in.
The background of the story is of a homophobic society, where homosexuality is outlawed and gay guys going missing is basically overlooked by law enforcement. There wasn't any real world-building around this element of the story, although that may be expanded upon in later books. I think the story could have benefitted from more of the demonic element, which was good but not overly developed.
The forbidden relationship between Marco and Rian wasn't particularly forbidden - they are only step brothers after all - but there was a lot of use of "little brother/big brother" in the prose which missed the mark for me. There were several steamy scenes which worked well 🔥🔥.
This is the first book in a series - and I'd imagine each of the vigilante team of demon hunters will get their own story - so there is still lots of time for the series to get into its stride.
This was a 3-3.5 star read for me, but definitely worth a go ✨✨✨.
April 15, 2023
A rare flop from Rachel Kane, whose normally competent books I've enjoyed. This, though, is one to steer away from.
It's not just the tedious business of setting up the first book in a series and giving page time to all the MCs who'll feature in the rest of the series. All sorts of things miss the mark:
* Step-brother romance -
——one bull-headed MC whose stupid actions don't reflect well on his intelligence, but do extend the plot (considerably)
plus
——one ever-so-cute MC with more than a touch of "chicks with dicks" syndrome,
coupled with a criminal lack of communication, and a bad case of "get over yourselves, lads" results in a scarcely credible lacklustre relationship. I could go on...
* Paranormal - look, if you're going to describe Hell, there are only two options:
——the vague - i.e. standard-issue swirling clouds of black and blood-red menace, and passing references to tortured screaming.
——Or, you go the whole hog and explain in stomach-churning detail exactly how the screamers are being tortured.
What you don't do (shouldn't do), at least in a book that takes demons seriously, is humanise your Chief Demon, nor attempt to describe how the denizens of Hell pass their time. Because that simply encourages the Jaded Reader (me) to start poking at the details. "But, if he can do this, why can't he do that? Why exactly did the Chief Demon bar-code a whole city of twinks?"
And before you know it, the jaded R. is posting a two-star review and moaning about how no one does any proper research into their locations these days, and Hell is actually the state of wearing laddered tights & pinching shoes while being stuck in a traffic jam on the M25 in a heatwave & desperate to go to the loo. Sometimes there are cross toddlers involved, sometimes a smoker, sometimes there's a headache and heavy metal, but you get the general drift.
It's not just the tedious business of setting up the first book in a series and giving page time to all the MCs who'll feature in the rest of the series. All sorts of things miss the mark:
* Step-brother romance -
——one bull-headed MC whose stupid actions don't reflect well on his intelligence, but do extend the plot (considerably)
plus
——one ever-so-cute MC with more than a touch of "chicks with dicks" syndrome,
coupled with a criminal lack of communication, and a bad case of "get over yourselves, lads" results in a scarcely credible lacklustre relationship. I could go on...
* Paranormal - look, if you're going to describe Hell, there are only two options:
——the vague - i.e. standard-issue swirling clouds of black and blood-red menace, and passing references to tortured screaming.
——Or, you go the whole hog and explain in stomach-churning detail exactly how the screamers are being tortured.
What you don't do (shouldn't do), at least in a book that takes demons seriously, is humanise your Chief Demon, nor attempt to describe how the denizens of Hell pass their time. Because that simply encourages the Jaded Reader (me) to start poking at the details. "But, if he can do this, why can't he do that? Why exactly did the Chief Demon bar-code a whole city of twinks?"
And before you know it, the jaded R. is posting a two-star review and moaning about how no one does any proper research into their locations these days, and Hell is actually the state of wearing laddered tights & pinching shoes while being stuck in a traffic jam on the M25 in a heatwave & desperate to go to the loo. Sometimes there are cross toddlers involved, sometimes a smoker, sometimes there's a headache and heavy metal, but you get the general drift.
December 14, 2021
This story rubbed me the wrong way from the start.
There's this extremely homophobic city (it's a bit unclear, but in this society, city-specific laws seems to be a thing and Sacrifice is set in the worst city of them all) and Marco - one of the MCs - is a young male prostitute. He has pretty much given up on life, uses drugs, and blames himself for ruining his stepbrother's life. Meanwhile that stepbrother - Rian - is some kind of vigilante working to save as many gay boys he can. But Rian is also bitter as heck and blaming Marco for ruining his life.
It's a dual POV story, and both Marco and Rian keeps dropping hints about this alleged awful "ruining", but details are sparse. Until they're not. And then I wished that they were. Because of course it was the other way around. It was pretty much Rian's fault that Marco was forced into prostitution, and it was absolutely, without a doubt, Rian's fault that Marco kept doing it for years.
I have rarely read a book with such an unlikeable love-interest. Rian is a coward and he treats Marco like crap. And apparently Marco thinks that's perfectly fine.
Unfortunately, the storyline can't compensate for the atrocious romance. It could have been some great dystopian world-building, but in the end, there were just too many things that didn't add up or were just so unlikely they ruined the whole thing.
And don't get me started on the repetitive, incest-guilt. Come on! They're only stepbrothers. There's nothing taboo about that.
And what's with always describing Marco's genitals as small? It's “Marco's little dick this” and “Marco's little dick that”. Stop already, we got it the first time!
And the ending? It's the most awkward, reality-defying, up-side down fuck-scene I've ever read.
Do not recommend.
*** I received a free e-copy of this story and this is my voluntary and unbiased review ***
There's this extremely homophobic city (it's a bit unclear, but in this society, city-specific laws seems to be a thing and Sacrifice is set in the worst city of them all) and Marco - one of the MCs - is a young male prostitute. He has pretty much given up on life, uses drugs, and blames himself for ruining his stepbrother's life. Meanwhile that stepbrother - Rian - is some kind of vigilante working to save as many gay boys he can. But Rian is also bitter as heck and blaming Marco for ruining his life.
It's a dual POV story, and both Marco and Rian keeps dropping hints about this alleged awful "ruining", but details are sparse. Until they're not. And then I wished that they were. Because of course it was the other way around. It was pretty much Rian's fault that Marco was forced into prostitution, and it was absolutely, without a doubt, Rian's fault that Marco kept doing it for years.
I have rarely read a book with such an unlikeable love-interest. Rian is a coward and he treats Marco like crap. And apparently Marco thinks that's perfectly fine.
Unfortunately, the storyline can't compensate for the atrocious romance. It could have been some great dystopian world-building, but in the end, there were just too many things that didn't add up or were just so unlikely they ruined the whole thing.
And don't get me started on the repetitive, incest-guilt. Come on! They're only stepbrothers. There's nothing taboo about that.
And what's with always describing Marco's genitals as small? It's “Marco's little dick this” and “Marco's little dick that”. Stop already, we got it the first time!
And the ending? It's the most awkward, reality-defying, up-side down fuck-scene I've ever read.
Do not recommend.
*** I received a free e-copy of this story and this is my voluntary and unbiased review ***
December 12, 2021
3.5 stars
I had mixed feelings with this one. It wasn’t what I was expecting, but at the same time, the writing itself was polished enough.
The main characters are Rian, a vigilante in a group that saves gay boys who are being trafficked, and Marco, who is currently working the streets. The two of them are step-brothers who grew up together in an abusive household until everything fell apart. Now they are living more or less separate lives…at least until one of Marco’s friends goes missing in front of him so he turns to Rian for help.
Now, the setting of the book and the world-building wasn’t enough for me. In some ways it was just like our own world, such as a solo mention of Europe, but the town this is set in has “sodomy laws” and characters act as though it is more homophobic than the rest of the world. It just wasn’t explained enough for me. Same with a full explanation of Rian’s vigilante team and how they are funded. Yeah, the author does have some fun with it, and it’s supposed to be mysterious, but when you don’t have a rock solid premise it becomes harder for a reader to suspend disbelief elsewhere. As for the romance between Rian and Marco…they are supposed to be stepbrothers, and their backstory includes that, but the book is mostly written as though they aren’t. The word “step” is left out constantly, including during sex scenes (his big brother did this or his little brother did that). Other characters react to the two of them having a relationship as though they are actually related. Plus the emphasis on their size difference… I just was like, sure they’re “step” brothers but the reader is supposed to wink wink realize they aren’t. I don’t know, it just wasn’t what I signed up for so I want other people to be warned.
Overall, though, the plot worked and kept moving forward, even if it felt a little long at points. Like I said, the prose was pretty good and there was a lot of emotion invested, even if I sometimes felt like I was in an episode of Supernatural. Marco and Rian (especially Rian) are super flawed characters, and I liked how their flaws and desires were woven into the supernatural elements of the story. I was intrigued by a certain side character, Vincent, who I hope is explored more in the next book.
I recommend this to readers who are looking for a long, gritty paranormal romance who are comfortable with brothers doing stuff.
I had mixed feelings with this one. It wasn’t what I was expecting, but at the same time, the writing itself was polished enough.
The main characters are Rian, a vigilante in a group that saves gay boys who are being trafficked, and Marco, who is currently working the streets. The two of them are step-brothers who grew up together in an abusive household until everything fell apart. Now they are living more or less separate lives…at least until one of Marco’s friends goes missing in front of him so he turns to Rian for help.
Now, the setting of the book and the world-building wasn’t enough for me. In some ways it was just like our own world, such as a solo mention of Europe, but the town this is set in has “sodomy laws” and characters act as though it is more homophobic than the rest of the world. It just wasn’t explained enough for me. Same with a full explanation of Rian’s vigilante team and how they are funded. Yeah, the author does have some fun with it, and it’s supposed to be mysterious, but when you don’t have a rock solid premise it becomes harder for a reader to suspend disbelief elsewhere. As for the romance between Rian and Marco…they are supposed to be stepbrothers, and their backstory includes that, but the book is mostly written as though they aren’t. The word “step” is left out constantly, including during sex scenes (his big brother did this or his little brother did that). Other characters react to the two of them having a relationship as though they are actually related. Plus the emphasis on their size difference… I just was like, sure they’re “step” brothers but the reader is supposed to wink wink realize they aren’t. I don’t know, it just wasn’t what I signed up for so I want other people to be warned.
Overall, though, the plot worked and kept moving forward, even if it felt a little long at points. Like I said, the prose was pretty good and there was a lot of emotion invested, even if I sometimes felt like I was in an episode of Supernatural. Marco and Rian (especially Rian) are super flawed characters, and I liked how their flaws and desires were woven into the supernatural elements of the story. I was intrigued by a certain side character, Vincent, who I hope is explored more in the next book.
I recommend this to readers who are looking for a long, gritty paranormal romance who are comfortable with brothers doing stuff.
December 21, 2021
I had to sit and think about this one before writing the review.
The writing was really good – nice world-building, the suspense was built up very nicely, and the feelings of despair that Marco and his fellow boys felt forced to live the lives they did, in a place that so clearly didn’t want them, came across very clearly.
I had more trouble connecting with the Vigilante group – Brick, in particular, came across a lot like either the Hulk with his smash attitude or the Thing from the Fantastic Four. To be part of the group that he was in, I would imagine there would need to be more nuance in him. Everyone was a little bit too much of a stereotype for me – the nerd, the sniper, the strong but fair boss/mentor.
The relationship between Rian and Marco was difficult for me to accept/understand, and possibly why I had a hard time writing the review. First of all, I got so annoyed/fed up of Rian concentrating so hard on the forbidden aspect of things. They were stepbrothers, not related by blood, not brought up together – let it go, dude!
Secondly, the sex scenes between the two – were they consensual? Were they always under the influence of the demon? It got kinda mixed up in my head and I found myself almost doubting their feelings for each other because when exactly did they get a chance to explore them as adults? Marco was lost in a world of drugs and sex-work, and Rian was off saving all the helpless boys in their world.
So I guess I wanted to like this far more than I did. When things sped up, it went very quickly and I found the whole thing in hell very interesting, but it also felt like it sped up a little too much. The final battle wasn’t so much a battle as a sleight of hand that I couldn’t help but feel like shouldn’t have worked.
The hook at the end, leading to what appears to be the idea of a series was good, and the vigilante team all seem like they could be interesting MCs. I think I would read the next in the series as I really did enjoy the style of writing.
3.5/5 for me.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The writing was really good – nice world-building, the suspense was built up very nicely, and the feelings of despair that Marco and his fellow boys felt forced to live the lives they did, in a place that so clearly didn’t want them, came across very clearly.
I had more trouble connecting with the Vigilante group – Brick, in particular, came across a lot like either the Hulk with his smash attitude or the Thing from the Fantastic Four. To be part of the group that he was in, I would imagine there would need to be more nuance in him. Everyone was a little bit too much of a stereotype for me – the nerd, the sniper, the strong but fair boss/mentor.
The relationship between Rian and Marco was difficult for me to accept/understand, and possibly why I had a hard time writing the review. First of all, I got so annoyed/fed up of Rian concentrating so hard on the forbidden aspect of things. They were stepbrothers, not related by blood, not brought up together – let it go, dude!
Secondly, the sex scenes between the two – were they consensual? Were they always under the influence of the demon? It got kinda mixed up in my head and I found myself almost doubting their feelings for each other because when exactly did they get a chance to explore them as adults? Marco was lost in a world of drugs and sex-work, and Rian was off saving all the helpless boys in their world.
So I guess I wanted to like this far more than I did. When things sped up, it went very quickly and I found the whole thing in hell very interesting, but it also felt like it sped up a little too much. The final battle wasn’t so much a battle as a sleight of hand that I couldn’t help but feel like shouldn’t have worked.
The hook at the end, leading to what appears to be the idea of a series was good, and the vigilante team all seem like they could be interesting MCs. I think I would read the next in the series as I really did enjoy the style of writing.
3.5/5 for me.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2021
I like the premise, and I generally like the story. It's dark, and there are some things that are really uncomfortable in it. But, I really didn't like Rian a lot of the time, which kind of made it hard for me to really cheer for him. I liked Marco more, usually, but sometimes he got a little woe is me for my personal taste.
I will probably check out any sequel to see if I like the characters more as the series goes on.
I will probably check out any sequel to see if I like the characters more as the series goes on.
December 22, 2021
the first few chapters was hard to read, seeing as i'm in a book slump, doesnt help. BUT IT GOT MORE INTERESTING AND I WAS ALL IN. THIS WAS GOOD.
i love all of them Marco and Rian, including the side characters — Wyatt, Nat, Tristan and Brick. they were funny and enjoyable.
i wasnt expecting the paranormal(?) /otherworldly being in here, but it was a good surprise.
i love all of them Marco and Rian, including the side characters — Wyatt, Nat, Tristan and Brick. they were funny and enjoyable.
i wasnt expecting the paranormal(?) /otherworldly being in here, but it was a good surprise.
December 18, 2021
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a bit of a mixed bag for me. It does contain a taboo pairing so read the trigger warnings before starting this book. The taboo stuff didn't bother me; I found Rian and Marco to both be interesting characters in their own rights and when they were together there were some absolutely smoking hot scenes (like melt my kindle hot!). Alongside this, there was also a lot of internal angst between the pair over their feelings for each other. In my opinion, this was slightly overdone simply because they lasted so long into the book even though they'd crossed plenty of lines by that point. It made Rian appear to do nothing but moan about the same issues and detracted somewhat from other parts of the story.
The plot of the book itself was unpredictable and had plenty of action (warning: a lot of this action was very late into the book!). The secondary characters were interesting and I'd like to find out more about them in future stories in the series. Overall, this is a good read and leaves things open for a second book to pick up where this one ends. The main characters definitely receive a HFN ending and it's clear they will feature (if not star) in book 2 as well. I give it 4 stars because, despite my little niggles with some things, it was a steamy, interesting and unpredictable read.
This book was a bit of a mixed bag for me. It does contain a taboo pairing so read the trigger warnings before starting this book. The taboo stuff didn't bother me; I found Rian and Marco to both be interesting characters in their own rights and when they were together there were some absolutely smoking hot scenes (like melt my kindle hot!). Alongside this, there was also a lot of internal angst between the pair over their feelings for each other. In my opinion, this was slightly overdone simply because they lasted so long into the book even though they'd crossed plenty of lines by that point. It made Rian appear to do nothing but moan about the same issues and detracted somewhat from other parts of the story.
The plot of the book itself was unpredictable and had plenty of action (warning: a lot of this action was very late into the book!). The secondary characters were interesting and I'd like to find out more about them in future stories in the series. Overall, this is a good read and leaves things open for a second book to pick up where this one ends. The main characters definitely receive a HFN ending and it's clear they will feature (if not star) in book 2 as well. I give it 4 stars because, despite my little niggles with some things, it was a steamy, interesting and unpredictable read.
December 20, 2021
It has been three years since Marco has seen his stepbrother, Rian. Yet when he had problems, Rian was the first one he went to. While growing up Rian had always been his protector from bullies, their abusive parents, and other creeps. There years ago, there was a blow up and they parted company. Marco is at a low point in his life – selling his body and doing drugs. He does not want to call upon Rian for help but his friend disappeared under mysterious circumstances, and so he went to his big brother for help. Rian is surprised that his feelings for Marco are still there even though he knows it is wrong.
Rian was hard to like in the beginning. He was judgmental and, perhaps stuffy. Marco was already judging himself and did not need that from Rian. Thrown together to solve the case along with Rian’s partners in a vigilante group that wants to save Rushton’s gay youth, both men had to work together. What they faced is more than any of them had seen before and they did rise to the occasion. The action was tense with unexpected outcomes. The heat level was high and neither Rian nor Marco were sure about the result of that. The ending was perfect and leads to the next book which we shall be awaiting anxiously.
Rian was hard to like in the beginning. He was judgmental and, perhaps stuffy. Marco was already judging himself and did not need that from Rian. Thrown together to solve the case along with Rian’s partners in a vigilante group that wants to save Rushton’s gay youth, both men had to work together. What they faced is more than any of them had seen before and they did rise to the occasion. The action was tense with unexpected outcomes. The heat level was high and neither Rian nor Marco were sure about the result of that. The ending was perfect and leads to the next book which we shall be awaiting anxiously.
December 21, 2021
There were some things I thought this book did really well: the writing is readable and flows from scene to scene and I was never lost for who was talking or what was happening. Did I sometimes wish for slightly more extensive world building? Yes, but there’s room for that development in future books, perhaps. The protagonists have unavoidable chemistry, which I also liked. The taboo aspect of the relationship I thought a bit exaggerated and a cause for excessive angst that I was ready to be done with long before they were– I know they’re stepbrothers– but c’mon. At the risk of sounding jaded here, that’s a fairly mild social norm to break. The mysterious fallout that initially sent them away from each other was not what I was expecting, and kind of frustratingly so. On their own, however, both Rian and Marco are characters who can easily draw you in– they’re complicated, compelling individuals, each in their own way, and while I definitely had moments I didn’t like Rian much, overall I was invested in them both. I don’t want to say too much about the premise (spoilers are no one’s friend) but it definitely takes some turns, especially toward the end, so it’s worth hanging in there to see where they go.
*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 23, 2021
A thrill of a ride. Suspenseful. Good vs evil. Demons. There's something mysterious going on in the small city of Rushton. Young gay teens are vanishing from the streets. When Marco's friend vanishes right before his eyes, he turns to the only person who has always protected him, his estranged stepbrother Rian. It's been three years since the two have seen each other. They didn't part under the best of circumstances. Marco has been in love with Rian for a long time. One fateful night Marco kisses Rian and all hell breaks loose. For the first time Rian doesn't protect Marco and pushes him away. Marco is thrown out of his home and is forced to live on the streets. When Marco asks for Rian's help Rian doesn't want anything to do with him. Rian tries to push him away quickly dismissing his story. Rian quickly changes his mind as more teens go missing. Rian along with his team of vigilantes begin researching the mysterious events and get more than they bargained for. The reason Rian pushed Marco away after the kiss comes to the forefront. Can the team destroy the evil they are facing? Will the unresolved feelings between Marco and Rian be overcome? A real page turner. I highly recommend.
January 21, 2022
Missing guys, demons at play, ragtag group of vigilantes bringing justice to the forgotten, the book is filled with Triggers and a lot of difficult topics. I wasn't sure what the book was trying to deliver when I started reading it.
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My Rating : 3/5 🌟🌟🌟
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The forbidden Romance between Marco and Rian felt forced and kind of toxic, the relationship between them and the group wasnt what I expected. It had a lot of tropes put together and it felt off when they came together. Step brothers, forbidden Romance, vigilante group, sex workers, trafficking, demons, possession, pentagrams, and the list goes on. The only thing that made it better was the drama the story unfolds. Now, the topics this book discussed was heartbreaking and something that happens in real life as well, but I expected more from the execution here. I still wasn't sold on Marco's and Rian's relationship at the end, amd I just wish the story as a whole made more sense wrt the writing style and character development.
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Book 10 - January 2022 / Kindle Unlimited
Tags : Forbidden Love, Second Chance, Demons & Fighting, Found Family
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My Rating : 3/5 🌟🌟🌟
.
The forbidden Romance between Marco and Rian felt forced and kind of toxic, the relationship between them and the group wasnt what I expected. It had a lot of tropes put together and it felt off when they came together. Step brothers, forbidden Romance, vigilante group, sex workers, trafficking, demons, possession, pentagrams, and the list goes on. The only thing that made it better was the drama the story unfolds. Now, the topics this book discussed was heartbreaking and something that happens in real life as well, but I expected more from the execution here. I still wasn't sold on Marco's and Rian's relationship at the end, amd I just wish the story as a whole made more sense wrt the writing style and character development.
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Book 10 - January 2022 / Kindle Unlimited
Tags : Forbidden Love, Second Chance, Demons & Fighting, Found Family
December 13, 2021
Rian and Marco are step brothers. Separated because of their feelings for each other. Rian rescues young gay men from bad situations. Too bad he can’t rescue his own brother. Marco lives on the streets where he sells himself. Living his worst life with the help of drugs and alcohol. Their worlds finally collide, giving each man a shot at what they really need.
There were so many sacrifices made in this book, good and bad. Sacrifices of the heart, personal, work related, and supernatural. Heavy on the angst, although most of it was unnecessary plot point. As far as I’m concerned there isn’t a taboo relationship here. Just two men meant to be together, linked by unfortunate circumstances.
A lot of darkness surrounded the story in one way or another. But there was light at the end.
I received an arc of this book.
There were so many sacrifices made in this book, good and bad. Sacrifices of the heart, personal, work related, and supernatural. Heavy on the angst, although most of it was unnecessary plot point. As far as I’m concerned there isn’t a taboo relationship here. Just two men meant to be together, linked by unfortunate circumstances.
A lot of darkness surrounded the story in one way or another. But there was light at the end.
I received an arc of this book.
December 20, 2021
I usually don't read paranormal romance, but I figured I would give this book a try. I really liked the premise of the story, but I felt totally lost until about 50% of the book when we started to get a little bit more information about the paranormal aspect of the story. I definitely think there was not enough world-building in the story, that's why I was lost. I did love the characters though. Rian and Marco are step-brothers who have been estranged from each other for the past couple of years. Marco's friend disappears and he goes to Rian for help. That's how they get reacquainted with each other. If the story had more world-building and I could get a better picture in my head of what was going on, this would be a totally 5-star book.
December 21, 2021
Great beginning to mm urban fantasy series
This book does focus on one couple Rian and Marco and their forbidden love like the blurb says but most of the story is about how they and Rian’s group end up chasing Demons. I like series that have a strong overall storyline and this series has a great one. The demon aspect is introduced slowly and this intrigued me right from the start. I also enjoyed being able to read Rian and Marco’s thoughts which were used to explore the past that they have as well as their feelings about each other. The “extra” voices in their heads at first amused me and then, well, you will have to read the book to find out about the voices. Grin. Enjoy.
This book does focus on one couple Rian and Marco and their forbidden love like the blurb says but most of the story is about how they and Rian’s group end up chasing Demons. I like series that have a strong overall storyline and this series has a great one. The demon aspect is introduced slowly and this intrigued me right from the start. I also enjoyed being able to read Rian and Marco’s thoughts which were used to explore the past that they have as well as their feelings about each other. The “extra” voices in their heads at first amused me and then, well, you will have to read the book to find out about the voices. Grin. Enjoy.
December 21, 2021
This book was fine. This is a taboo PNR romance. It is about stepbrothers (so if that taboo bothers you then you might want to skip it) Rian and Marco who have been separated for years one has become a vigilante fighting for young gay men living on the streets who can't fight for themselves while the other is living on the streets prostituting himself. I honestly liked Marco. He was a character that you sympathized with and wanted to make sure was ok in the end. Rian, I had trouble with it. He just seems to make things worse. This book is high angst that is kind of like a horror show that you are just hoping is a HEA in the end. The other side characters were interesting and I am going to see where this series goes.
February 8, 2022
DNF at 67%. A cast of clichés (the smart one, the strong and stupid one, the psycho, the sympathetic leader…) too much at face value to be fun, and dialogues that give the feeling either some line is missing or the characters didn't listen to their interlocutor (that was quite surreal when Marco was surprised when Rian mentioned candles whereas Rian had already mentioned them previously). As for the MCs, I can understand being irrational when feelings and emotions are involved, but their attitudes and feelings were so often baffling and beyond understanding that I couldn't relate to any of them, especially when they think something and exactly the contrary a couple of pages later. The plot was not compelling enough to hold my interest.
December 21, 2021
Sacrifice is a paranormal m/m romance and book 1 in The Demon Hunters Series.
I went into this book quite blind and didn’t really know what to expect. But however I was very pleasantly surprised.
This book had my full attention and completely captivated me.
It was refreshing & new and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the book. I couldn’t put it down.
There are so many twists and turns to keep you in suspense and I loved every minute of it.
Stepbrothers who have been parted for a long time after feelings came to the surface. The characters are completely unique and so very different from each other.
This is a must read and would highly recommend.
I went into this book quite blind and didn’t really know what to expect. But however I was very pleasantly surprised.
This book had my full attention and completely captivated me.
It was refreshing & new and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the book. I couldn’t put it down.
There are so many twists and turns to keep you in suspense and I loved every minute of it.
Stepbrothers who have been parted for a long time after feelings came to the surface. The characters are completely unique and so very different from each other.
This is a must read and would highly recommend.
December 22, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
2 stars
This book didn’t work for me from the start, middle, or end. The first problem is the lack of world building. We are told that Marco and Rian live in one of the worst cities with the strictest “sodomy laws,” but none of this is ever explained. Other than the name of the town, we don’t learn where they are or anything about these laws or what they men are up against on a daily basis.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
2 stars
This book didn’t work for me from the start, middle, or end. The first problem is the lack of world building. We are told that Marco and Rian live in one of the worst cities with the strictest “sodomy laws,” but none of this is ever explained. Other than the name of the town, we don’t learn where they are or anything about these laws or what they men are up against on a daily basis.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
December 13, 2021
If you’re up for an intensely exciting, somewhat frightening story then this is definitely it. Marco just about breaks your heart, Rian, well, he too, is a mess but these two get reconnected and all hell breaks loose, literally. This book drags you into the seedier parts of life as well as takes you to the very pit of hell but in the end evil is put at bay.....for a while. The conclusion is not a conclusion at all but a fair warning of what’s to come and it isn’t pretty but it is intriguing with a darkness that leaves you filled with anticipation. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
December 17, 2021
I'm torn about how to rate/review this story. I think the concept has a lot of promise—I was eager to read it—but I found the execution very sloppy. I felt as if I were reading a draft that hadn't gone through any real feedback/editing process. (I don't mean occasional typos—all books have those. I mean characterization, world building, etc.) I would have DNFed if I hadn't received an ARC. I'll give it 2.5 stars because there is an interesting story there somewhere, but I think it needs a lot more work.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for an advance copy of this book.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for an advance copy of this book.
December 20, 2021
This book was meh for me. Rian was kinda whiny and Marco was alternately cavalier about how crappy his life was and then a little suicidal. Their relationship didn’t really have any redeeming qualities, just guilt with a side of self-loathing. I would have liked to see them succeed because their love for each other was powerful and undeniable. More powerful than a demon from hell. The other characters were a little one-dimensional and not particularly interesting except for Vincent.
I won’t be following this series.
I won’t be following this series.
December 21, 2021
This book is a good start to a new series. Rian and Marco are stepbrothers, and have a strong connection. Rian always protected Marco, but when those feelings turn to desire (which Marco reciprocates) they break apart. Their relationship accounts for a lot of the angst in the book, but along with their story is a supernatural/horror story of demons and the sacrifice of young gay men. Action, twists and turns, and some steam kept me engaged in the book from start to finish.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
December 21, 2021
I really enjoyed this story about vigilantes protecting the gay youth of the city from the cult and would have been happy to read that story even with cardboard characters. Kane, however, gives us so much more. Rian and Marco have such a bond growing up and Rian has always been there for Marco until he decided he has to leave him for very personal reasons. Watching Marco's spiral after that is just heartbreaking. There are lots of interesting characters here and I can't wait to see where this series goes.
December 22, 2021
3 Stars 🌟
Urban fantasy lovers are going to appreciate this!! I'll be honest this book is a lot to take in... lots of different characters to learn...tons of information to absorb aside from the main couple Rian and Marco, who were enjoyable to read. I didn't particularly care for the Uber homophobic universe that this book was set in tbh, but that's just my opinion. With all that being said, I will defiantly move onto the next book in the series to see what happens with all of these characters 😊
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
Urban fantasy lovers are going to appreciate this!! I'll be honest this book is a lot to take in... lots of different characters to learn...tons of information to absorb aside from the main couple Rian and Marco, who were enjoyable to read. I didn't particularly care for the Uber homophobic universe that this book was set in tbh, but that's just my opinion. With all that being said, I will defiantly move onto the next book in the series to see what happens with all of these characters 😊
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
December 22, 2021
Marco and Rian had such a hard time growing up and after a kiss things got really tense between them. After a friend of Marco's goes missing he contacts Rian for help. They are characters who can easily draw you in– they’re complicated, compelling individuals, each in their own way. Rian was hard to like in the beginning. He was judgmental and, perhaps stuffy. Marco was already judging himself and did not need that from Rian. I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.
December 13, 2021
A great start!
This was a fun new to start to a series. Marco and Rian had such a hard time, I felt bad for them and wished I could just hug them and squish them together. There’s a lot of angst but with a fun cast of side characters to keep it light enough that I couldn’t put it down!
This was a fun new to start to a series. Marco and Rian had such a hard time, I felt bad for them and wished I could just hug them and squish them together. There’s a lot of angst but with a fun cast of side characters to keep it light enough that I couldn’t put it down!
December 15, 2021
Sacrifice was written like a horror film. I was scared on the edge of my seat scared. Of course there was more going on than men being sacrificed by the devil. There was the story of the two stepbrothers - actually their angst and mutual pining was actually annoying. I enjoyed the devil much better!
December 21, 2021
What an ABSOLUTE gem to read!
I heavily enjoyed myself.
What's not to love?!
Gay Book + Demon (Hunters) = Sacrifice.
I awaited what would happen next with anticipation with every turn of the page so to speak because I read it on Kindle.
I absolutely LOVED this book!
Can't wait for book 2
I heavily enjoyed myself.
What's not to love?!
Gay Book + Demon (Hunters) = Sacrifice.
I awaited what would happen next with anticipation with every turn of the page so to speak because I read it on Kindle.
I absolutely LOVED this book!
Can't wait for book 2
December 21, 2021
Rian and Marco were interesting to me as characters. The story started slow and ended up with a bit of action towards the end. I’m not sure if I really liked the story. It was a bit taboo but that didn’t bother me. I just overall struggled with the story. I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
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