Release Me: Duff Coven: Book 1

Duff Coven #1

by Jayda Marx

Callum - Long gone are the days of war, when I raised my sword and fought alongside my people, against wicked, greedy souls of our vampire kind. We were victorious over those who stood against us, and King Felipe took his rightful spot on the throne. He appointed a Coven Master for each region to watch over, guide, and protect our people. He named me Coven Master of my hometown of Beckenridge, Scotland because of my strength, instincts, and fairness. Our village is made up of stone cottages we built ourselves, and is nestled between scenic heathered hills. It holds many businesses where my coven members work and thrive. We’re happy and safe here, and for over a century, we’ve lived at peace. That all changed two days ago when my coven held a Highland Games exhibition to celebrate Prince Dante’s visit and the bonding of two of my security guards, Flynn and Fletcher. Crowds gathered from all around to watch the events, adding excitement, energy, and unfortunately, danger into the mix. A gunman fired a shot at Ben, the prince’s consort, but his bodyguard Sam pushed him to safety and took the bullet. In the chaos of the moment, I was caught off guard by something I’d waited half a millennium for; the faint, sweet scent of my mate. Somewhere in the screaming, rushing crowd was the man whom Fate granted to me to love, cherish and protect for all of eternity. Unfortunately, I couldn’t search for him; my friends’ lives were hanging in the balance and I had to get them to safety. Luckily, everyone survived the ordeal, but all traces of my mate vanished in the wind. I hate the gunman for everything he took from me, and it’s for that reason I’ve put off interrogating him; I’m afraid I can’t be fair and unbiased when I hear his side of the story. But I know I can’t put it off any longer; I need to get answers for Dante and Sam. When I finally step into the shooter’s prison cell, I’m met with the sight of a small man cowering in the corner...and the overwhelming scent of my mate. *This book is the first in a spinoff series following “The Javier Coven”, and I strongly recommend reading those books before beginning this story. This M/M paranormal romance is for readers 18 and up! It contains no cliffhangers or cheating, and has a very happy HEA. It features steamy scenes between a sexy vampire and his fated mate, loads of teeth tingling sweetness, and just a touch of gore.

Genres: M M Romance, Vampires, Paranormal, Romance, Abuse, Fantasy, Supernatural

324 pages, Paperback

First published October 13, 2020

About the author

I live in rural Ohio with my husband and two sons who drive me nuts, but I love them with all my heart. I enjoy reading and writing romance of all types, but gay romance is my forte and favorite! Twice the sexy men? Yes, please! My books tend to be low angst because it hurts my heart, but they do contain lots of heartfelt moments, steamy scenes and a healthy dose of humor. Thank you to everyone for checking out my page and I hope you enjoy my books. Happy reading!

Reviews

[Mariam, · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is actually CUTER than this horror-filled cover.

But I guess that's just Jayda's charm.

[Princess under cover · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too sappy. Not much going on. Don't care about the pretty little gay MC. Meh.

DNF 32%

[magic_of_darkness_and_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet insta-love read. 😍

[Andi]

DNF. Stopped at 55%.

[vrstal · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5. Highlights may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.
House of Obscure Reviews

Content Warnings for book: Physical abuse, emotional abuse, gore, violence, homophobia

Kink: Bondage

Release Me by Jayda Marx is a fated mates vampire romance between the Master Vampire of Duff Coven, Callum, and the 'villain' of the last Javier Coven book, Brodie.

My interest was piqued because of what Brodie did and who he was of how he would be redeemed and brought into this romance, but Marx did not disappoint. Of course we have our tragic back story (read to find that out), and once Callum realized the truth of what happened, he did his best to care for Brodie.

These two were adorable together. Brodie was shut off from a lot of life so the moments of Callum reading to Brodie to teach him how to do so, showering him in gifts, all of it quite sweet. Brodie found his own strength as well, and I liked to see him shine and to find forgiveness with Sam and the others over that whole situation.

We get our big event which had the mark of gore that Javier Coven had as well, but it wasn't as in-depth as some of the books in the previous series. Overall, not a bad read if you want some fluffy possessiveness.

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was looking for conflict and a rocky start into a relationship. I was looking for a struggle. Because there was supposed to be a shooting and a prison. It lasted for about 2 seconds.
Then: cliché and harmony. One of the MCs is a poor mistreated boy, who is always thankful for the gifts he gets and awed by the beauty of the other MC. The other one is your typical knight in shining armor, who loves and adores the other MC unconditionally. Good for him. Boring for me.
If you like sweet and cheesy love stories and to see how someone is treated well in a book, likes and accepts it and how everyone is nice and kind - except the evil ones of course - then this is your story. If not, then consider yourself warned.

[Hugo #freepalestine · Rating 4 out of 5]

No plot just vibes

[⚘.jam · Rating 3 out of 5]

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 3✨️
I actually forgot that I was reading this book!😭 It was okay short and sweet was kinda boring though, which is why I stopped reading this for a while, but really wanted to finish this so I pushed through.

✎𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚎:
𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚊 𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚌𝚒𝚏𝚒𝚌 𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚙𝚎𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚌𝚔 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚖𝚢 𝚐𝚘𝚘𝚍𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚜 𝚝𝚊𝚐𝚜 / 𝚜𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚒𝚝, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚋𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚛𝚗𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚒𝚝 𝚖𝚊𝚢 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚒𝚗 𝚙𝚘𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚋𝚕𝚎 𝚜𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔.
𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚢 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐! ☻

jam✧·˚ ༘

[~BookNeeds~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this series. Just as good as I remember.

[rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

**2.5 stars**

I don’t know why I’m surprised about this but „Release Me“ was more or less identical to literally every single book of the „Javier Coven“ series. Which did make this book very predictable and kinda boring. Even the action bit (y‘know, the one that is always part of the plot) at the end was nothing too exciting.

Oh well, it really wasn’t too bad. I‘ll be continuing this series anyways but this time I‘ll be expecting (almost) the same storyline.

[Ankita Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute

I loved the Javier coven books and I adored this one too. Brodie was such a sweetie and so was Callum. I love how sweet the vampires in the author's world are. Can't wait for book 2!

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another easy, sweet, instalove, low angst read from this author.
Callum and Brodie are perfect together and it’s a joy to watch Brodie bloom when away from his horrific family.

[Meghan_Sapphire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet baby Jesus

HOT HOT HOT. NSFW. I was on my toes, in tears and needed a cold shower all throughout the whole book! So worth the read!

[Steph (semi-hiatus) · Rating 2 out of 5]

And there’s my Jayda Marx limit for the next couple years. We got too corny too fast

[Amos24601 · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the feels

This was everything I love in a Jayda Marx book. All the feels with a little bit of drama and all the sexiness.

We meet Brodie under fairly dire circumstances. Poor guy has a past that would rival Milo’s from book two of the Javier Coven books. Brodie’s story made me want to hug him and tell him everything would be okay. Enter Callum, who thinks he’s going to have to make a pretty difficult decision regarding the circumstances that have landed Brodie in his jailhouse. Fate, however, has a way of mixing things up.

I love the fated mates concept this book has. The one true love for everyone, their soulmate. It’s such a romantic notion and I certainly don’t think we all have soulmates out there, but I love reading about the concept. Once Callum realizes that Brodie is his fated, the true story begins here. A story of two people learning to navigate a new life together. A story of acceptance: acceptance of self and of others.

These two were adorable together and I was so happy that we got to see Callum’s silly side. As Coven Master, you get the impression that he needs to be serious all the time. And he’s definitely serious about Brodie. He takes his roll of mate seriously and starts to help Brodie heal and learn to love. I can’t wait for the next in the series and to get to know Lachlan better.

We also get to check in with all our favorite character from the Javier Coven and they are just as delightful as ever. If you are looking for a feel good story that drips with love, Release me is for you. We may get a sad character story to start with, but there is a HEA right around the corner for him.

*There is some gore towards the end that is described, but it goes along with the story and doesn’t appear extraneous at all.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

********** Contains Spoilers**********

If you don’t like insta-love low-angst happy stories then this book isn’t for you. I enjoyed this book. Man my heart went out for Brodie. He’d been through so much hate and ab*se from his a*sehole father and older brothers. After his older brothers’ caught him checking the neighbour out, they took him home and then he was ab*sed even more than before for being a gay. They’re h*mophobic w*nkers who don’t deserve Brodie. I really just wanted to reach through the pages and hug him. Even after everything Brodie’s been through he’s such a sweetheart. I’m so glad that him and Callum found each other, even if the circumstances aren’t the best. Brodie sh*t Sam, as his older brother told him that if he doesn’t sh*ot Ben (they saw them at the Highland Games) that they’ll k*ll Brodie. Brodie really doesn’t want to sh*ot the man, especially because they haven’t done anything as he knows that they’ll be less angry missing the sh*t than not taking it so he decides to sho*t near Ben but into the ground.

As Sam’s Ben’s bodyguard he jumps towards Ben and knocks him to the ground getting sh*t in the process. In the aftermath of Sam’s sh*oting Callum scented his mate and then lost the trail. He’s completely angry at the sh*oter so he doesn’t go to talk to him for a few days but as soon as he gets to the prison and opens the door, he scents his fated mate. Brodie is curled in corner, and due to his guilt he’s refusing to eat or drink anything. I love that Brodie confessed everything to Callum. Callum gave Brodie all the love a support he’s desperately needed but never gotten. I loved how awesome the Duff Coven are towards Brodie. Especially Callum’s best friend Lachlan and the glass blower Evan. I really liked how Dante, Ben, Bastian, Milo, Sam, Flynn and Fletcher all treated Brodie, and brought him into the fold. I’m glad that Brodie found his place in the world. I’m looking forward to reading Lachlan’s story next. I’d recommend this book, series, universe and author to others.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The long-awaited Duff Coven spin-off is finally here! I was so excited to find out what caused Callum to rush off after what happened in the last book of the Javier Coven. What would cause a vampire to rush off in a frenzy? Catching the scent of your fated mate and what a discovery. Brodie's beginning broke my heart but Callum was right there to pick up the pieces. Their rapport, chemistry, friendship, and love was off the charts. One of my favorite scenes (out of many) was their first date. Callum was so sweet with Brodie trying to ease his sense of low self-worth and nervousness by being tender and kind. The reappearance of members of the Javier Coven was great. I love how open and accepting they were after they discovered Brodie's history of abuse. You do need to read the Javier Coven books in order because there are several important key points in this book that you won't understand. I can't wait for Lachlan's story because he needs some sweet tender loving too and his own HEA :)

[Guardian.angel54 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scottish Vampires and fated mates

Sigh! I swear just when I think it can't get any better - it does! This is the perfect first book in the Duff Coven series and the perfect segue from the Javier Coven series. Callum and Brodie are the perfect compliment to each other and I absolutely loved how much history was introduced in this book. It's sad to imagine anyone having to endure the terrible things that Brodie did but thankfully Callum is there to make sure that the rest of his life is filled with love and care. Of course, all our favorite characters from the first series make an appearance and all I have to say is ... Sam, Sam! I want to be his friend too! Jayda Marx is definitely the Queen of Instalove and feel good stories. The snarky humor and high heat are the perfect combinations and if she writes it I know I'm going to love it! Can't wait for Lachlan's book and I absolutely recommend all the Coven books! Wonderful!

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hurting and helping

A really easy and sweet read!

Brodie has been essentially enslaved by his family his whole life for things beyond his control. When he gets away it is from a terrible event that puts another in danger but brings Brodie into the local vampire clan as a prisoner. When Callum realizes the man is his mate and that more is afoot the entire story comes out and instead of punishment Callum seeks to truly make Brodie his mate and give him the life he has never been able to have.

Things between Brodie and Callum are driven by a mutual and immediate connection and flow very easily. It is sweet seeing Brodie open up after his horrible life and how Callum enjoys teaching him and bringing him out. The story is easy and sweet, a pleasant read when you want something that starts a little rough but smooths out fast and promises a happy end.

[John-Torleif Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the MC’s, but the situation was a bit awkward

Brodie was sweet, but several things in this book didn’t make much sense. How did Brodie’s less than intelligent family get a hold of a gun in a place that has such strict gun laws? Also, I know that Brodie was deliberately denied education, but he never once questioned how this village in Scotland could be under King Filipe’s dominion when there is already a royal family in the UK. Even if some chose not to acknowledge Queen Elizabeth, which Brodie’s family seem to be the kind who refuse to acknowledge any authority not their own, sure.y Brodie would have gathered some kind of general knowledge about there not being a King Felipe, or Leon, of Scotland.

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too saccharine for me & a bit of a confusing world build

The overall plot is good, the characters don’t know if they’re in bucolic Scotland, with stone cottages, low tech but then, main character refers to himself as gay, bit too modern. Cars, video calls etc but the bakery is old worldy. Not quite hitting the mark on Scotland either, not sure why. The dialogue is sooo sweet my teeth hurt. I was looking forward to a whole series but one was enough. Really disappointing cos it could’ve been something special & the bonding threads were over the top even for a paranormal romance.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brodie and Callum FTW

Gah! This was an AMAZING story! Loved Callum so freaking much and Brodie just tugs at the heartstrings so hard.

This is a "low angst" story, but super warning that the angst there is is pretty heavy. Poor Brodie. The romance is so sweet it makes your teeth ache. Gah! Again I say, because I loved this story so much it is almost physically painful.

I could not Possibly recommend this whole series more. If you want sweet love and an awesome (if shortish) story to while away an hour or two this is the world for you to jump into.

[Tonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Safety

My heart hurt for everything that Brodie went through before being introduced to his fabulous future. I absolutely adore him and the way that he opens up once he is able to live his life to the fullest. Of course Callum is fabulous and patient and just absolutely perfect for him and these two are so good together. I really enjoyed getting to know them and the rest of the family that they are surrounded by. I can’t wait to hear more about all of them.

[Anonym · Rating 2 out of 5]

Saccharine.

The cover of this book should have unicorns and gumdrops instead of chains.
Plot: nearly nonexistent. Characters: flat and clichéd. Writing: all tell, no show. Weak vocabulary and stilted dialogue. Psychology: all cheese and sugar.
This author is surprisingly prolific for her lack of skill, and I need to remember her name so I can avoid accidentally picking up her juvenile work going forward.

[Jewels · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweet and sexy!

What I love about these books are the found family of all the different characters coming together. And then the sweet, loving, sexy relationship between the two main characters. While the books are low angst, there’s always some thing that gives the Depth, and this story, well difficult to read about with the trauma and abuse that Brodie suffered, it was what was needed to show how the characters came to be who they were. Love, love, love can’t wait for more!

[PurpleBunny♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great hit for Jayda Marx

Another great hit for Jayda Marx. Callum and Brodie are a perfect match, and I appreciate the low angst. There's kilt wearing Scots and you'll have to read to see what's worn underneath! This was a fun, quick read, and Jayda hasn't let me down on another wonderful adventure. Thank you Jayda!

[Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick sweet read in Jayda Marx signature instalove style. Super low angst with humour throughout. We also get to see glimpses of our old friends from the Javier Coven books. This is the first in a spin off series and features the Master of the Duff Coven, from which Fletcher and Flynn came from. I look forward to more in the series.

[Himom90 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable!

Brodie and Callum’s story is very sweet! Brodie had a rough childhood and his chances of having a long and happy adulthood seem slim until an incident brings him together with his fated mate Callum. I like the tie into the Javier Coven series and that Ben, Sam, Milo and their mates make appearances in this book

[Romance Fan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed and cried throughout this book. So sweet and HOT. I loved seeing the characters from Javier Coven in this book, but that Brodie and Callum had their own story and happily ever after. Loved it.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting for what feels like forever to read about what happened on that field during the end of the Javier Coven series. This was worth the wait! I liked how the first few chapters linked back to the original series. Brodie and Callum were perfect together.