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When in Pheme #1
Honey and Pepper
Newly freed from enslavement, Nikias is making a life for himself in the bustling city of Pheme, working at a snack stand, drinking with a group of anti-slavery radicals, and pining for the beautiful law clerk next door. When he sees his crush attacked in the street by an outraged ex-client, it seems it’s finally Nikias’s chance to be the hero.
Kallion doesn’t need a rescue. What he really needs is a skewer of octopus fritters (with extra sauce) and a friend. Nikias can supply both, and maybe, with the help of Nikias’s skill in the kitchen and Kallion’s excellent collection of wine, they can fight past their misunderstandings and the disasters of their pasts to something deeper.
But when civil unrest roils the city and old threats resurface, the trust these two have built will be tested. And they’d both better hope that Kallion’s vicious former master will just stay dead.
Honey & Pepper is a standalone m/m romance and also the first book in the When in Pheme series set in an imaginary ancient world.
Kallion doesn’t need a rescue. What he really needs is a skewer of octopus fritters (with extra sauce) and a friend. Nikias can supply both, and maybe, with the help of Nikias’s skill in the kitchen and Kallion’s excellent collection of wine, they can fight past their misunderstandings and the disasters of their pasts to something deeper.
But when civil unrest roils the city and old threats resurface, the trust these two have built will be tested. And they’d both better hope that Kallion’s vicious former master will just stay dead.
Honey & Pepper is a standalone m/m romance and also the first book in the When in Pheme series set in an imaginary ancient world.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2022
29 people are currently reading
805 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Demas
8 books435 followersA.J. Demas writes about love and imaginary politics in a fictional ancient world. She lives in Toronto, Canada, with her husband and cute daughter.
A.J. also publishes fantasy and historical fiction with a metaphysical twist as Alice Degan.
A.J. also publishes fantasy and historical fiction with a metaphysical twist as Alice Degan.
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March 15, 2022A new AJ Demas book is always a delight. I adore the alt-ancient Mediterranean world with its cats-in-a-sack politics, sexual fluidity, very dark elements, and wonderfully realised setting.
In this series starter we have two men recently freed from enslavement grappling with various issues--how to cope with their new lives, relationships with their former households, and fallout from things that were done to them. Some of this is pretty grim of its nature, but it seemed to me handled with care, especially the tangled and distorted emotions around a "good" slave owner that arise when their victim has known nothing else. And while this is an important theme, it's not allowed to swamp the very sweet and tender love story of a cinnamon roll cook and a twisty lawyer-type finding one another.
There's a great subplot set up which
I had an ARC from the author
In this series starter we have two men recently freed from enslavement grappling with various issues--how to cope with their new lives, relationships with their former households, and fallout from things that were done to them. Some of this is pretty grim of its nature, but it seemed to me handled with care, especially the tangled and distorted emotions around a "good" slave owner that arise when their victim has known nothing else. And while this is an important theme, it's not allowed to swamp the very sweet and tender love story of a cinnamon roll cook and a twisty lawyer-type finding one another.
There's a great subplot set up which
I had an ARC from the author
April 6, 2022
I have wanted to read more from A.J. Demas since I read Sword Dance by the author. And, then I saw this stunning cover and couldn't stop myself from reading it asap.
Although this is the 1st book of a new series, the setting is similar to her previous books. The civilization has an imaginary Roman-Greek flavor against the backdrop of a democratic setup and slave culture. We get a wide variety of discussions around slavery from both the MCs(recently freed slaves) and also from some well-written side characters.
But, essentially the story is of Nikias who is trying to make a new life for himself after being freed by a "good master" and Kallian, who has lived for years under a "cruel Master". The romance is developed slowly, I can't call it slow burn because it just has 220 pages 😔 .
Nikias is a gentle giant, who is always optimistic and Killian has experienced enough to not hope for something good for himself. Both the MCs are opposite in how they have lived their lives as slaves and how they see their new reality. But, I loved that we get to see every new development in the relationship.
I also enjoyed the perfectly paced narration and felt so deeply for the MCs that in some moments I just wanted to hug them. Plus, the atmospheric details, and all those conversations around delectable cuisines, definitely make this book my favorite by A J Demas.
Now, the next book of this series is going to be a must-read for me.
Although this is the 1st book of a new series, the setting is similar to her previous books. The civilization has an imaginary Roman-Greek flavor against the backdrop of a democratic setup and slave culture. We get a wide variety of discussions around slavery from both the MCs(recently freed slaves) and also from some well-written side characters.
But, essentially the story is of Nikias who is trying to make a new life for himself after being freed by a "good master" and Kallian, who has lived for years under a "cruel Master". The romance is developed slowly, I can't call it slow burn because it just has 220 pages 😔 .
Nikias is a gentle giant, who is always optimistic and Killian has experienced enough to not hope for something good for himself. Both the MCs are opposite in how they have lived their lives as slaves and how they see their new reality. But, I loved that we get to see every new development in the relationship.
I also enjoyed the perfectly paced narration and felt so deeply for the MCs that in some moments I just wanted to hug them. Plus, the atmospheric details, and all those conversations around delectable cuisines, definitely make this book my favorite by A J Demas.
Now, the next book of this series is going to be a must-read for me.
January 5, 2025
Copypasting my Amazon review here:
“Honey and Pepper” opens a new series set in the same world as A. J. Demas’s Sword Dance books and “One Night in Boukos.” And, yeah, I have to admit I miss Varazda and Damiskos, but I’m also pleased to welcome Nikias and Kallion, two recently freed slaves who start out having huge crushes on each other and wind up — well, this is an A. J. Demas book, so you know things will work out well for them.
Nikias and Kallion come from very different experiences of enslavement. Nikias, sold into slavery as a child, had a personally kind master who once Nikias grew up was also his lover (but ... no spoilers, but there are some very important qualifiers attached to that description). He’s not formally educated but he has wide-ranging skills, among them cooking and sex, and he hangs out with a bunch of abolitionists and philosophers. (Hello, Lysandros! It’s nice to see you again!)
Kallion, on the other hand, has been well educated (not for his own benefit, but the better to show him off) and spent his adulthood in the household of his first master’s son, a ruthless and psychopathically cruel gangster. For some reason, he refuses to go hang out with Nikias’s abolitionist friends ... hmm. IT'S A MYSTERY.
All the things you love about A. J. Demas are here. The humor (“He passed by the fountain with its gilded statue of a pudgy young god Soukos, playing in a disturbingly intimate way with a dolphin”), the endearing protagonists and Frightful Villains, the offhand characterization and worldbuilding (one of the most unpleasant characters describes two slaves who don’t resemble each other except for their complexions as “a matched set,” which tells you everything about her and about how slave-owners dehumanize slaves and in doing so are themselves dehumanized). I also appreciate that Nikias and Kallion aren’t always jumping to the worst possible conclusions about each other’s behavior, the way so many romance couples do. And while there’s only one extended sex scene, it’s scorchingly hot. I may have literally broken out into a sweat while reading it. I also really appreciate the physicality Demas gives her romantic leads, and so will you if you've gotten a little tired of "the hottest guy he'd ever seen, with a chiseled eight-pack" blah blah blah. Demas doesn't make a whole thing about it, but her lovers are sexy to each other -- *that's* what makes them both believable as individuals, and sexy to us reading about them.
Remember Eurydemos? Yep, he’s still around, glimpsed from afar with a new boy toy. And Satteia, a terrific secondary character in this book, is friends with Agathe Timone and Nione Kukara. So we can imagine Dami and Varazda stopping by Nikias’s snack shop some fine day just after the epilogue of “Honey and Pepper.” And please oh please, A. J. Demas, tell us more about the disgraced former archon Polydoros and his actor. PLEASE. Next book?
If I have a criticism, it’s that the resolution is a bit sudden and entails a deus ex, um, menagerie. But we’re here for the love story, aren’t we? Yes. Yes, we are.
(I reviewed "Honey and Pepper" in exchange for an ARC. It was absolutely no trouble to be honest.)
“Honey and Pepper” opens a new series set in the same world as A. J. Demas’s Sword Dance books and “One Night in Boukos.” And, yeah, I have to admit I miss Varazda and Damiskos, but I’m also pleased to welcome Nikias and Kallion, two recently freed slaves who start out having huge crushes on each other and wind up — well, this is an A. J. Demas book, so you know things will work out well for them.
Nikias and Kallion come from very different experiences of enslavement. Nikias, sold into slavery as a child, had a personally kind master who once Nikias grew up was also his lover (but ... no spoilers, but there are some very important qualifiers attached to that description). He’s not formally educated but he has wide-ranging skills, among them cooking and sex, and he hangs out with a bunch of abolitionists and philosophers. (Hello, Lysandros! It’s nice to see you again!)
Kallion, on the other hand, has been well educated (not for his own benefit, but the better to show him off) and spent his adulthood in the household of his first master’s son, a ruthless and psychopathically cruel gangster. For some reason, he refuses to go hang out with Nikias’s abolitionist friends ... hmm. IT'S A MYSTERY.
All the things you love about A. J. Demas are here. The humor (“He passed by the fountain with its gilded statue of a pudgy young god Soukos, playing in a disturbingly intimate way with a dolphin”), the endearing protagonists and Frightful Villains, the offhand characterization and worldbuilding (one of the most unpleasant characters describes two slaves who don’t resemble each other except for their complexions as “a matched set,” which tells you everything about her and about how slave-owners dehumanize slaves and in doing so are themselves dehumanized). I also appreciate that Nikias and Kallion aren’t always jumping to the worst possible conclusions about each other’s behavior, the way so many romance couples do. And while there’s only one extended sex scene, it’s scorchingly hot. I may have literally broken out into a sweat while reading it. I also really appreciate the physicality Demas gives her romantic leads, and so will you if you've gotten a little tired of "the hottest guy he'd ever seen, with a chiseled eight-pack" blah blah blah. Demas doesn't make a whole thing about it, but her lovers are sexy to each other -- *that's* what makes them both believable as individuals, and sexy to us reading about them.
Remember Eurydemos? Yep, he’s still around, glimpsed from afar with a new boy toy. And Satteia, a terrific secondary character in this book, is friends with Agathe Timone and Nione Kukara. So we can imagine Dami and Varazda stopping by Nikias’s snack shop some fine day just after the epilogue of “Honey and Pepper.” And please oh please, A. J. Demas, tell us more about the disgraced former archon Polydoros and his actor. PLEASE. Next book?
If I have a criticism, it’s that the resolution is a bit sudden and entails a deus ex, um, menagerie. But we’re here for the love story, aren’t we? Yes. Yes, we are.
(I reviewed "Honey and Pepper" in exchange for an ARC. It was absolutely no trouble to be honest.)
April 7, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up
This was delightful. A.J. Demas writes kind books where the MCs respect and value each other. Nikias and Kallion are 3-D MCs with complicated feelings about having been enslaved and then freed. There's a gentleness and low-key humour to their interactions, which left me feeling bathed in warm honey.*
The book's also highly atmospheric & as far as I can tell historically accurate: my Greek classes didn't cover cooking and sex as much as they should have done, so I'm grateful to AJD for going into details. Certainly the complicated structure of Greek society was well represented, even if the position of women within it was perhaps presented a little too positively.
What jarred was the disconnect in plot lines. Spoiler ahead for lots of plot detail.
I've spent more time on what didn't quite work, which is unfair to the book.
The tl;dr: it's charming, tolerant (except of slavery, blackmail and crocodiles), and I will be first in line for book two.
*Maybe don't try this at home?
This was delightful. A.J. Demas writes kind books where the MCs respect and value each other. Nikias and Kallion are 3-D MCs with complicated feelings about having been enslaved and then freed. There's a gentleness and low-key humour to their interactions, which left me feeling bathed in warm honey.*
The book's also highly atmospheric & as far as I can tell historically accurate: my Greek classes didn't cover cooking and sex as much as they should have done, so I'm grateful to AJD for going into details. Certainly the complicated structure of Greek society was well represented, even if the position of women within it was perhaps presented a little too positively.
What jarred was the disconnect in plot lines. Spoiler ahead for lots of plot detail.
I've spent more time on what didn't quite work, which is unfair to the book.
The tl;dr: it's charming, tolerant (except of slavery, blackmail and crocodiles), and I will be first in line for book two.
*Maybe don't try this at home?
April 3, 2022
I was very excited when AJ Demas announced a new series, because I really enjoy her work. In fact, I was counting down the hours until I could read this, and I'm happy to say that I enjoyed it just as much as I hoped to.
This is an m/m romance and it stands alone. You don't need to have read any of her other work. This one only shares a setting (an imaginary version of the ancient Mediterranean, specifically Rome here) with her others. There are a few characters mentioned who were also present in other books. But only the philosopher Lysandros (he was in Strong Wine) is important here, and he gets fully introduced in relation to the new characters. So, no background required.
One of my favorite things about AJ Demas's work is how well she writes character voices, and she does a fantastic job with that here. I loved all the side characters and I can easily imagine (and would read books about!) their lives outside of these pages.
But the spotlight is on Nikias and Kallion, and this book is dual PoV, which worked well for the story. They are lovable and complex characters. The story has a fairly leisurely pace, and there's time for a good amount of domestic fluff, which was all fantastic. I also believe completely in their love for each other. Nikias and Kallion have both had difficult pasts, for different reasons, and their experiences have shaped who they are and allowed them to relate to one another. That's all important here, but it isn't the book's only focus.
Both MCs truly appreciate each other as they are, both physically and otherwise, and I loved everything about that. Nikias is fat and tall, and his size is definitely part of Kallion's attraction to him. The plot also gives both MCs room to embrace their own skills, to encourage each other, and to grow as people.
The non-romance plot has to do with , which I didn't expect at all from the blurb. I don't know how the plot would seem to someone who's more familiar with those kinds of stories than I am, but I liked it and it kept my attention.
As you might guess from the cover and title, there are some lovely food descriptions. I really could praise this book all day, but I'll leave it here. I was delighted to spend more time in this world and to meet these new and wonderful characters. Looking forward to the next book.
Content warnings (to be clear, these are things I noticed, not things I object to or don't object to, and it's not meant to be an exhaustive list):
This is an m/m romance and it stands alone. You don't need to have read any of her other work. This one only shares a setting (an imaginary version of the ancient Mediterranean, specifically Rome here) with her others. There are a few characters mentioned who were also present in other books. But only the philosopher Lysandros (he was in Strong Wine) is important here, and he gets fully introduced in relation to the new characters. So, no background required.
One of my favorite things about AJ Demas's work is how well she writes character voices, and she does a fantastic job with that here. I loved all the side characters and I can easily imagine (and would read books about!) their lives outside of these pages.
But the spotlight is on Nikias and Kallion, and this book is dual PoV, which worked well for the story. They are lovable and complex characters. The story has a fairly leisurely pace, and there's time for a good amount of domestic fluff, which was all fantastic. I also believe completely in their love for each other. Nikias and Kallion have both had difficult pasts, for different reasons, and their experiences have shaped who they are and allowed them to relate to one another. That's all important here, but it isn't the book's only focus.
Both MCs truly appreciate each other as they are, both physically and otherwise, and I loved everything about that. Nikias is fat and tall, and his size is definitely part of Kallion's attraction to him. The plot also gives both MCs room to embrace their own skills, to encourage each other, and to grow as people.
The non-romance plot has to do with , which I didn't expect at all from the blurb. I don't know how the plot would seem to someone who's more familiar with those kinds of stories than I am, but I liked it and it kept my attention.
As you might guess from the cover and title, there are some lovely food descriptions. I really could praise this book all day, but I'll leave it here. I was delighted to spend more time in this world and to meet these new and wonderful characters. Looking forward to the next book.
Content warnings (to be clear, these are things I noticed, not things I object to or don't object to, and it's not meant to be an exhaustive list):
June 17, 2024
Hmmm.
Well, wasn't that great! The only complaints I have are 1: it's only 222 pages long. 2: I want all the books in this series right now .
We are introduced to two delightful young guys who are recently freed slaves of very different temperaments. Stuff happens. I don't want to say more about the story because I want everyone who reads this book to have the same experience I did.
If you have not read any AJ Demas books yet, start now. Thank me later.
What you get are nuanced complex and delightful characters tending to originate in the slave/ lower /middle classes living in a beautifully depicted ?analogue? of the ancient Mediterranean. There tends to be a romance arc, character arcs (A joy of these books is the character discovery as you go along.) and strong parallel plots re other stuff going on which may involve solving a murder or political shenanigans, wars, etc. The writing is charming.
I received an ARC in exchange for a book review. I only do this with a few authors, that I trust enough to always provide the good stuff. Well okay, obviously the author first has to make the ARCs available but you know what I mean.
Well, wasn't that great! The only complaints I have are 1: it's only 222 pages long. 2: I want all the books in this series right now .
We are introduced to two delightful young guys who are recently freed slaves of very different temperaments. Stuff happens. I don't want to say more about the story because I want everyone who reads this book to have the same experience I did.
If you have not read any AJ Demas books yet, start now. Thank me later.
What you get are nuanced complex and delightful characters tending to originate in the slave/ lower /middle classes living in a beautifully depicted ?analogue? of the ancient Mediterranean. There tends to be a romance arc, character arcs (A joy of these books is the character discovery as you go along.) and strong parallel plots re other stuff going on which may involve solving a murder or political shenanigans, wars, etc. The writing is charming.
I received an ARC in exchange for a book review. I only do this with a few authors, that I trust enough to always provide the good stuff. Well okay, obviously the author first has to make the ARCs available but you know what I mean.
January 23, 2025
Two former slaves find love together, and it's told in Demas's classic quaint, calm style. I did like Nikias and Kallion quite a lot. I was a bit bored for the middle part though. It was obvious she was setting up
The sex was a bit cringe in this one for me, especially the sex talk. But is sex talk ever sexy? 🙈 Thankfully, the sex was minimal. I did like seeing how Nikias and Kallion inspired each other to try new things and open up with each other. But the romance was a bit mild for me.
The sex was a bit cringe in this one for me, especially the sex talk. But is sex talk ever sexy? 🙈 Thankfully, the sex was minimal. I did like seeing how Nikias and Kallion inspired each other to try new things and open up with each other. But the romance was a bit mild for me.
March 21, 2022
The starting point of this new trilogy I had the opportunity to read thanks to the author's generosity that provided me with an ARC copy was a promising one.
The writing is very good, as always, and it has that soothing quality to it that despite the hard issues the book address, I hadn't felt any anguish while readinig it.
I liked both characters, they were charming and sweet. And I especially liked that they were normal guys physically speaking. I'm fed up with all those spectaculary well toned bodies described in almost every m/m book. So, I liked that Kallion appreciated Nikias for that.
It would have been nice if all that situation with Kallion former master had been explained further. But, on the other hand, taking into consideration the World situation right now, I'm not sure this wasn't the best decision. We can't have neat solutions in real life, so why go the difficult way in fiction? Still, I think this plot thread could have extended in the whole trilogy.
Overall I liked this very much and this book is a fantastic addition to AJ Demas world of books.
The writing is very good, as always, and it has that soothing quality to it that despite the hard issues the book address, I hadn't felt any anguish while readinig it.
I liked both characters, they were charming and sweet. And I especially liked that they were normal guys physically speaking. I'm fed up with all those spectaculary well toned bodies described in almost every m/m book. So, I liked that Kallion appreciated Nikias for that.
It would have been nice if all that situation with Kallion former master had been explained further. But, on the other hand, taking into consideration the World situation right now, I'm not sure this wasn't the best decision. We can't have neat solutions in real life, so why go the difficult way in fiction? Still, I think this plot thread could have extended in the whole trilogy.
Overall I liked this very much and this book is a fantastic addition to AJ Demas world of books.
June 21, 2022
Cozy m/m romance set in AU Mediterranean world. Both MCs are recently freed slaves trying to build a life on their own. Low conflict, lots of details of everyday life. At the same we get to see the complicated feelings of former slaves re slavery, good masters and their personhood. I appreciate the focus on people being kind and caring, including the partners in the romantic relationship.
I generally prefer higher stakes, more intensity in the romances I read but I can read this one if you are looking low-angst, low-conflict while still feel-good and satisfying romance.
CW: violence, extortion, arson, slavery
I generally prefer higher stakes, more intensity in the romances I read but I can read this one if you are looking low-angst, low-conflict while still feel-good and satisfying romance.
CW: violence, extortion, arson, slavery
May 2, 2022
Sweet, fun and delicious. 😋
That's how I would describe this book, I read it some time ago but I remember it with a smile.
It was about two really good characters who meet each other in no so good situations, in a time where slavery is a thing and people hungry of power are also a thing. Nikkias and Kallion are just two guys trying to navigate their lives after being freed from silvery, trying to built themselves as a person, not a salve, meeting new friends, making a difference, fighting old demons and falling in love.
A very sweet love it was. Adored it! ❤️❤️
That's how I would describe this book, I read it some time ago but I remember it with a smile.
It was about two really good characters who meet each other in no so good situations, in a time where slavery is a thing and people hungry of power are also a thing. Nikkias and Kallion are just two guys trying to navigate their lives after being freed from silvery, trying to built themselves as a person, not a salve, meeting new friends, making a difference, fighting old demons and falling in love.
A very sweet love it was. Adored it! ❤️❤️
September 3, 2022
милий приємний романс у вже знайомих локаціях
January 24, 2023
A very cozy fantasy romance. Set in the same world (city even, in some 3 other books) as Demas other novels, a kind of fantasy (without magic) alt-antiquity greek-roman universe (think kind of Lindsey Davis but more greek and mm romance focused), which is queer normative - but with lots of slavery an issue which is somewhat tackled here... The slavery element was something which has bothered me in her books in contrast with the coziness, but here it is more in focus since the two main characters were recently freed and their complex feelings about it are beautifully handled.
The story is self contained regarding these two characters, but there is clearly a bigger plot ongoing with pirates and politics and maybe even anti-slavery "radicals" (I think Polydoros definitely deserves a book and maybe Lysandros as well. I am all for it anyway). So a bit of the outside plot feels somewhat fractured or rushed, if this book is taken on its own, but like I said, I do think there is more story here, not relevant for these characters, being saved for other parallels books (I hope).
And bordering on I-am-not-a-prude-but territory while there are some explicit sex scenes (probably mandatory for the genre now....), but regarding the sex I wish we got instead (or not instead but as an extra) a bit more of what made them tick, their past history and how that related to them themselves. We are told a bit of Nikias' story, but not much about Kallion's (a kind of suspense is being kept but perhaps without need?) and I would actually think that relevant and interesting more of the feelings, the past, particularly Kallion's rather the mechanics.
Food descriptions are fantastic and totally credible to that type of universe...
And on another territory I-am-not-trained-at-literary-criticism-but-I-have-opinions, I do like her writing very very much. It feels "seamless", easy to follow, easy to understand, unrushed but without dragging action.
Incidentally, the honey and pepper of the title, Nikias is the honey right? Despite Nikias calling Kallion that, Nikias seems the sweet and mountain honey one, while Kallion is the expensive, urban, exotic one like pepper...
Looking forward to more books in this series.
The story is self contained regarding these two characters, but there is clearly a bigger plot ongoing with pirates and politics and maybe even anti-slavery "radicals" (I think Polydoros definitely deserves a book and maybe Lysandros as well. I am all for it anyway). So a bit of the outside plot feels somewhat fractured or rushed, if this book is taken on its own, but like I said, I do think there is more story here, not relevant for these characters, being saved for other parallels books (I hope).
And bordering on I-am-not-a-prude-but territory while there are some explicit sex scenes (probably mandatory for the genre now....), but regarding the sex I wish we got instead (or not instead but as an extra) a bit more of what made them tick, their past history and how that related to them themselves. We are told a bit of Nikias' story, but not much about Kallion's (a kind of suspense is being kept but perhaps without need?) and I would actually think that relevant and interesting more of the feelings, the past, particularly Kallion's rather the mechanics.
Food descriptions are fantastic and totally credible to that type of universe...
And on another territory I-am-not-trained-at-literary-criticism-but-I-have-opinions, I do like her writing very very much. It feels "seamless", easy to follow, easy to understand, unrushed but without dragging action.
Incidentally, the honey and pepper of the title, Nikias is the honey right? Despite Nikias calling Kallion that, Nikias seems the sweet and mountain honey one, while Kallion is the expensive, urban, exotic one like pepper...
Looking forward to more books in this series.
April 2, 2022
This was fluffy and fun, although it felt a little anachronistic with a modern style in an ancient setting. Although the book was really soft, both characters were former slaves and there was some interesting exploration of their feelings around that.
June 18, 2023
This was a catching story and the only complaint I have, is that at some point the focus left the budding romance.
April 11, 2022
I love this author's ability to create a whole world, full of sights and sounds and tastes, customs and history and politics, and to people it with characters I really care about. In an alternate-universe version of the ancient Mediterranean, Nikias was freed when his slave-owner died. He took the chance to move to the city, and has gone to work in a snack vendor stall. One of the customers is a smaller, elegant man who catches Nikias's eye. He tries to woo the law clerk, Kallion, very subtly, with fresh snacks ready to fit his schedule, and longs to be a hero for Kallion.
But when Kallion actually is assaulted on the street, he shows himself quite capable on his own and not in need of Nikias's help. In the aftermath, Nikias can only offer friendship and octopus fritters. Luckily, Kallion's more in need of a friend than a rescue. Himself a recently-freed man, he's trying to work his way through the terrible legacy of schemes and secrets left by his late, cruel and unlamented owner.
This story brings together two excellent characters. Nikias is sweet and practical, naive and hopeful. Sold into slavery as a child, he is sympathetically and complexly presented as a man who didn't recognize his own oppression when he hadn't known otherwise. Now free, he's had blinders removed and hangs out with abolitionists, hoping for change. Kallion's the opposite. A bright and devious man deeply aware of the inherent cruelties of slavery, having experienced many of them, and yet a man who's so dug into his own immediate troubles that the broader issue of abolition hasn't interested him.
Their romance is handled with a sweet light touch and the secondary characters and day-to-day moments are full of humor, balancing what is in some ways a dark tale, and one full of painful topics, to make it feel hopeful and not grim. There's a big looming threat and a thrilling action climax, although the final resolution feels a little too easy. A minor complaint in a book I deeply enjoyed and will reread.
But when Kallion actually is assaulted on the street, he shows himself quite capable on his own and not in need of Nikias's help. In the aftermath, Nikias can only offer friendship and octopus fritters. Luckily, Kallion's more in need of a friend than a rescue. Himself a recently-freed man, he's trying to work his way through the terrible legacy of schemes and secrets left by his late, cruel and unlamented owner.
This story brings together two excellent characters. Nikias is sweet and practical, naive and hopeful. Sold into slavery as a child, he is sympathetically and complexly presented as a man who didn't recognize his own oppression when he hadn't known otherwise. Now free, he's had blinders removed and hangs out with abolitionists, hoping for change. Kallion's the opposite. A bright and devious man deeply aware of the inherent cruelties of slavery, having experienced many of them, and yet a man who's so dug into his own immediate troubles that the broader issue of abolition hasn't interested him.
Their romance is handled with a sweet light touch and the secondary characters and day-to-day moments are full of humor, balancing what is in some ways a dark tale, and one full of painful topics, to make it feel hopeful and not grim. There's a big looming threat and a thrilling action climax, although the final resolution feels a little too easy. A minor complaint in a book I deeply enjoyed and will reread.
April 3, 2022
Any visit to A.J. Demas's ancient historical worlds is a deeply pleasurable excursion to wonderful places populated with delightful characters; and this new series (trilogy) is no exception. I'm desperate for the next book - perhaps it will feature more of the intriguing Polydoros, his actor-friend and the swash-buckling Pantheras! 4.5 stars.
Want to read
March 15, 2022Will I totally buy it first thing as soon as it comes out? Hell yeah.
April 4, 2022
I have received an ARC copy of this book from the author. Thank you very much!
Unfortunately, I believe this is my least favourite of all A.J. Demas' books. I mean, it's still a very good book, and that's why I can't rate it any less than three stars. But if I have to take into account not just the craft of the author but also my personal enjoyment of the story, this is it.
I love A.J. Demas' world and I love her writing style. Honestly. I have read all of her books and they never fail to deliver an amazing and vivid depiction of this fanta-ancient Greece which personally, me being me, I adore. I recognise the love and the study and dedication she put into creating this world as well, and I appreciate it so much. In this, this new book satisfied me totally. As usual, the magnific worldbuilding is there. The city of Pheme (a bit Athens, a bit Thebe, imho?) is alive as were Boukos and Tios in her previous work. And her style, refined and elegant and at the same time lightweight and easy to read, is refreshing as usual.
What went wrong for me this time were the characters. I never warmed up to Kallion, and although his backstory would ideally make him my fave, it didn't happen. I liked Nikias in the beginning, and I was excited to read about a MC who's not the conventional MM stud, but eventually, I realised I didn't like him much as well. I don't know what's the problem with this book and this story for me, really. It touches on themes I always like to read about (slavery, consent, radicals!!), but it does it in a way that didn't pull any strings of my heart. And I think it was because, despite the heaviness of the subject matter, everything was dealt with lightly, with a levity that unfortunately, gave to the characters, their romance and in general to the whole plot a sort of superficiality that stops me to deeply care for the story as a whole. And that is entirely MY problem. I like my reads angstier than this, I'm afraid. And yes, sometimes I do enjoy a nice feelgood romance that's well written and manages to thread lightly but respectfully on heavier themes. This had all the right cards to fit the bill. Unfortunately it didn't, perhaps because I never liked the MCs as people in the first place.
It's entirely me and not you, book.
Unfortunately, I believe this is my least favourite of all A.J. Demas' books. I mean, it's still a very good book, and that's why I can't rate it any less than three stars. But if I have to take into account not just the craft of the author but also my personal enjoyment of the story, this is it.
I love A.J. Demas' world and I love her writing style. Honestly. I have read all of her books and they never fail to deliver an amazing and vivid depiction of this fanta-ancient Greece which personally, me being me, I adore. I recognise the love and the study and dedication she put into creating this world as well, and I appreciate it so much. In this, this new book satisfied me totally. As usual, the magnific worldbuilding is there. The city of Pheme (a bit Athens, a bit Thebe, imho?) is alive as were Boukos and Tios in her previous work. And her style, refined and elegant and at the same time lightweight and easy to read, is refreshing as usual.
What went wrong for me this time were the characters. I never warmed up to Kallion, and although his backstory would ideally make him my fave, it didn't happen. I liked Nikias in the beginning, and I was excited to read about a MC who's not the conventional MM stud, but eventually, I realised I didn't like him much as well. I don't know what's the problem with this book and this story for me, really. It touches on themes I always like to read about (slavery, consent, radicals!!), but it does it in a way that didn't pull any strings of my heart. And I think it was because, despite the heaviness of the subject matter, everything was dealt with lightly, with a levity that unfortunately, gave to the characters, their romance and in general to the whole plot a sort of superficiality that stops me to deeply care for the story as a whole. And that is entirely MY problem. I like my reads angstier than this, I'm afraid. And yes, sometimes I do enjoy a nice feelgood romance that's well written and manages to thread lightly but respectfully on heavier themes. This had all the right cards to fit the bill. Unfortunately it didn't, perhaps because I never liked the MCs as people in the first place.
It's entirely me and not you, book.
March 15, 2023
While well-written, I found Honey and Pepper hard to get through; it was sweet, but not very captivating.
In the beginning of the book, I had a hard time keeping Kallion and Nikias apart - something that was exacerbated by the switching POV - and even halfway in, I couldn't feel much chemistry between them. Having to flip pages halfway through reading just to figure out who's POV it was was a common occurrence throughout the book.
Their chemistry, too, left something to be desired for me - it wasn't unbelievable, persay, and at points they were sweet together - but I didn't find myself rooting for them, or particularly excited when their relationship reached new heights.
Reading this was less like being pulled along, and more like walking through snow. It can be a pleasant experience, even - but it's tiring to do eventually, and certainly doesn't leave you feeling warm.
There are scenes where one character or another gives a speech, and at the end are congratulated for it. I had to read back, because I just... couldn't see where the other characters got anything from it. The speeches were not rousing, nor compelling, nor even emotional. They were just a handful of words, and then a heaved sigh like the character had lugged a boulder. I think that they could have been elevated - even without making the speech itself more impactful - with more senses added throughout. How did the speech stir the room? Did it make the character speaking or listening feel moved in the moment? How did *that* feel?
The last eighty or so pages I read not out of being particularly captivated, but out of a sense of obligation, and not wanting to DNF something that wasn't *unpleasant* to read. But I don't feel particularly accomplished, finishing it - the ending wasn't exactly gratifying nor engaging. In fact, it was nothing short of boring.
Read
July 10, 2022So I'm dnf-ing this book...but not because it did anything wrong. I actually really love the story and characters. I just happen to know where a certain plot point is going (I did the bad thing and scrolled ahead to the end) and I'm not in the right frame of mind to deal with it. It's not anything bad, in fact I find it a good idea. But the whole concept is stressing me out right now, so I'm walking away.
I'm hopeful that I can come back to this later because I absolutely adore everything else about this book.
I'm hopeful that I can come back to this later because I absolutely adore everything else about this book.
April 10, 2022
So, it's been a while since I've had a free day to myself, and as always, there was a pile of laundry and an unending to-do-list with lots of stuff that never gets done when three little monsters (aka kids) are running around. Now the day is basically over and the pile is still sitting next to me and the to-do-list untouched. Because instead, I started reading this story, and then I didn't (couldn't) stop.
It's been a very good day.
It's been a very good day.
April 26, 2022
I was so excited to see that the author had written another book in this world! It's a trilogy too, so I'm very happy with that.
I enjoyed the first book in this series quite a lot, and loved reading from both characters point of view. There are certainly heavy topics in this book like slavery (the two main characters are recently freed slaves) ,but both the main characters were sweet, gentle, and charming to each other and I loved that.
I'm wonder what the second book will be like? The ending of the first book gave the impression that that's all for these two characters..but I do wonder.. i would love it if the series continued with them. Looking forward to more !
I enjoyed the first book in this series quite a lot, and loved reading from both characters point of view. There are certainly heavy topics in this book like slavery (the two main characters are recently freed slaves) ,but both the main characters were sweet, gentle, and charming to each other and I loved that.
I'm wonder what the second book will be like? The ending of the first book gave the impression that that's all for these two characters..but I do wonder.. i would love it if the series continued with them. Looking forward to more !
November 16, 2024
3.5*- I loved the characters and setting - Pheme being a fantasy world inspired by an ancient era really brought this book to life and gave it such a light, cosy vibe. However, certain issues were resolved far too quickly towards the end and I would’ve loved to see more substance, especially as it dealt with some pretty deep topics which posed a significant threat to the characters/society. Overall, a fun read :)
April 13, 2022
Oh, it's so good to be back in Pheme.
Nikias and Kallion have both recently received manumission from their former owners, and their paths intersect through a tangled morass of gangster politics, delicious fried food, anti-slavery radicalization, and, of course, sweet hot attraction. Demas is extraordinarily good at building her worlds, populating them with places and people and customs that feel utterly messy, big-hearted, real: I'm crowing with delight to see that this is book one in a planned series, as at this point I've read everything in her oeuvre and am (eagerly) looking forward to rereading the Sword Dance trilogy, this time in paperback. I initially read them in e-format, but fell in love with Damiskos and Varazda so much that I wanted an even more tactile, tangible experience.
Honestly, while I appreciate Demas' plot navigations, I'd be equally if not more happy if there were no Big Bads to rout, and we could just follow folks through the Phemian streeets, in and out of market stalls, public baths, private homes on hills, while drinking from clay-preserved bottles of wine.
If you like your M/M romance intense, funny, sexy and darkly, sweetly domestic, you couldn't do better than this book, and Demas' extended world.
Nikias and Kallion have both recently received manumission from their former owners, and their paths intersect through a tangled morass of gangster politics, delicious fried food, anti-slavery radicalization, and, of course, sweet hot attraction. Demas is extraordinarily good at building her worlds, populating them with places and people and customs that feel utterly messy, big-hearted, real: I'm crowing with delight to see that this is book one in a planned series, as at this point I've read everything in her oeuvre and am (eagerly) looking forward to rereading the Sword Dance trilogy, this time in paperback. I initially read them in e-format, but fell in love with Damiskos and Varazda so much that I wanted an even more tactile, tangible experience.
Honestly, while I appreciate Demas' plot navigations, I'd be equally if not more happy if there were no Big Bads to rout, and we could just follow folks through the Phemian streeets, in and out of market stalls, public baths, private homes on hills, while drinking from clay-preserved bottles of wine.
If you like your M/M romance intense, funny, sexy and darkly, sweetly domestic, you couldn't do better than this book, and Demas' extended world.
April 25, 2022
I enjoyed this low to mid-angst, low to mid-key hurdles novel very much. It is perfect for reading in bed just before sleep, and that is no small thing for the anxious mind. I loved all the characters, and I read the Sword Dance trilogy so I was familiar with the world already. The slavery issue is, I think, well represented within the strictures of the country. The only thing that puzzles me is the title. Nikias calls Kallion 'honey' but no one calls anyone 'pepper.' Other than that, recommended for anyone else in need of a less challenging story with a satisfying ending.
April 13, 2022
4.25 stars. I do love the stories of A.J. Demas. An alternate world set in Greco-Roman times, with wonderfully rounded characters and interesting plots. Count me in for the series.
May 21, 2022
A+++ setting, a fictional city based on ancient Rome. Loved the characters and the plot. Will definitely read more by this author.
June 12, 2024
Honey and Pepper is a romance story set in a fictional ancient world inspired by what seems to be ancient Rome. I enjoyed reading this one, it has a very nice slice of life cozy vibe to it, despite the serious topics that get addressed. It also feels quite unique and fresh as the setting is quite unlike other books I've read and I liked that.
Honey and Pepper is told from dual point of views of Nikias and Kallion, both are recently freed slaves. Nikias works in a snack stand and Kallion works next door as a law clerk and sometimes stops by for octopus fritters. After talking a bit more after Kallion gets attacked in the streets one day they grow closer. There is a bit of a misunderstanding and drama early on and it bothered me how they both handled that, but I liked how it gave the Nikias the opportunity to re-evaluate some of his beliefs. And after that there was basically no drama at all, just a gentle deepening of their relationship. Even some secrets and things I thought might cause conflict didn't, which was refreshing.
I liked reading about both Nikias and Kallion. Both feel like realistic characters and it's also clear how this world and their past have shaped them. I liked them together and could feel their connection. I also really liked reading about Nikias and the food he made, he likes cooking and there are multiple scenes and descriptions of food. I like reading about food and even though most wasn't food I would eat due to it involving seafood, I still enjoyed reading about it and how food helped bring them together. It's quite the prominent theme in this book and I liked that.
The only thing I did really struggle with is reading about slavery. It just makes me feel sad, angry and even more emotions that this ever was a thing and reading about the thing just didn't make for comfortable reading. And when both characters their pasts came to light and what they had to do for their masters it just made me feel ill. The characters are definitely against the concept and do what they can and hopefully abolition is in the future of this world, but they're not there yet.
To summarize: I enjoyed reading this book. It has a cozy slice of life feel and it set in a fictional ancient world. I liked the unique setting and vibe the book had. I also appreciated how despite an initial misunderstanding the romance doesn't have any drama or conflict. I liked reading about Nikias and Kallion, they both feel like realistic characters who are shaped by the world they live in. I did struggle a bit with reading about the subject matter of slavery, it just didn't sit well with me how normal it was in this world and it made me feel sad and angry to read about it. Hopefully abolition is in the future of this world as there are characters who speak up against slavery. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Honey and Pepper is told from dual point of views of Nikias and Kallion, both are recently freed slaves. Nikias works in a snack stand and Kallion works next door as a law clerk and sometimes stops by for octopus fritters. After talking a bit more after Kallion gets attacked in the streets one day they grow closer. There is a bit of a misunderstanding and drama early on and it bothered me how they both handled that, but I liked how it gave the Nikias the opportunity to re-evaluate some of his beliefs. And after that there was basically no drama at all, just a gentle deepening of their relationship. Even some secrets and things I thought might cause conflict didn't, which was refreshing.
I liked reading about both Nikias and Kallion. Both feel like realistic characters and it's also clear how this world and their past have shaped them. I liked them together and could feel their connection. I also really liked reading about Nikias and the food he made, he likes cooking and there are multiple scenes and descriptions of food. I like reading about food and even though most wasn't food I would eat due to it involving seafood, I still enjoyed reading about it and how food helped bring them together. It's quite the prominent theme in this book and I liked that.
The only thing I did really struggle with is reading about slavery. It just makes me feel sad, angry and even more emotions that this ever was a thing and reading about the thing just didn't make for comfortable reading. And when both characters their pasts came to light and what they had to do for their masters it just made me feel ill. The characters are definitely against the concept and do what they can and hopefully abolition is in the future of this world, but they're not there yet.
To summarize: I enjoyed reading this book. It has a cozy slice of life feel and it set in a fictional ancient world. I liked the unique setting and vibe the book had. I also appreciated how despite an initial misunderstanding the romance doesn't have any drama or conflict. I liked reading about Nikias and Kallion, they both feel like realistic characters who are shaped by the world they live in. I did struggle a bit with reading about the subject matter of slavery, it just didn't sit well with me how normal it was in this world and it made me feel sad and angry to read about it. Hopefully abolition is in the future of this world as there are characters who speak up against slavery. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
March 25, 2022
I was fortunate to receive an ARC from the author.
Honey and Pepper is the first in a new series set in the fictional ancient city of Pheme (yay new book! yay new series! yay time in Pheme!). Our protagonists are recently freed slaves, now making their way in the city. Kallion, a lawyer, has lived there all his life, and while he is now a freedman, he's still tied up in the life and work of his old family, helping the decent younger brother who inherited a decidedly dodgy empire from his villainous older brother. Nikias lived his life away from the degenerate city with his master and his master's family, and is now finding his feet in the big city which, yes, has its vices, but isn't as out and out terrible as his former master would have had him believe. They both desperately need a friend - thankfully circumstances bring them together, and after a bit of a false start, they do find friendship (and, since they'd both secretly been admiring the other, they find more, too).
It's a really sweet story, and while there's an ongoing threat going on through the book, the stakes felt lower (or maybe less immediately urgent) than some of Demas' other books, which meant that there was more space to explore the experiences of Kallion and Nikias, both their relationship, but also their feelings about no longer being slaves. The latter is a complex topic, and I think Demas does a good job of giving space to the characters to feel all their feelings - particularly Nikias, who had a 'good' master, and is trying to reconcile his experience with his increasing belief that the whole system is inherently wrong, regardless of how well slaves are treated. I loved that we got to spend some time with Lysandros (last seen in Strong Wine), who Nikias befriends once he starts attending meetings of the radicals opposed to slavery. He's a good friend - kind, and honouring of Nikias' experiences, but also unafraid to gently challenge him.
Kallion is a complex person - he's experienced life in the household of a cruel master, and he's done his best to help his fellow slaves and the people being swindled by his former master, but has also had to look out for himself because there was no one else to do that. He's worried that he could have done more, and that he might be seen as selfish, and it's good to see him find someone that he can gradually open up to, someone who sees him and loves him for who he is, not what he does (or doesn't, or hasn't been able to do). His relationship with Nikias is centred on care and honest communication, which is just lovely (and, the way Demas writes it, hot).
Plus, we get to see a bit more of Pheme, which I loved, including going to the chariot races, which was fun (plus there's a brief cameo from a philosopher we've met before who is still owed a kick in the head - which made me laugh). Demas' world building is incredible, and I love how each book reveals a bit more of the world, the society and the culture. Oh, and I loved that Nikias was setting up in business as a snack seller - the descriptions of his food were wonderful, and definitely made me wish I could sample some myself.
Looking forward to finding out who will appear in the next book of the series!
Honey and Pepper is the first in a new series set in the fictional ancient city of Pheme (yay new book! yay new series! yay time in Pheme!). Our protagonists are recently freed slaves, now making their way in the city. Kallion, a lawyer, has lived there all his life, and while he is now a freedman, he's still tied up in the life and work of his old family, helping the decent younger brother who inherited a decidedly dodgy empire from his villainous older brother. Nikias lived his life away from the degenerate city with his master and his master's family, and is now finding his feet in the big city which, yes, has its vices, but isn't as out and out terrible as his former master would have had him believe. They both desperately need a friend - thankfully circumstances bring them together, and after a bit of a false start, they do find friendship (and, since they'd both secretly been admiring the other, they find more, too).
It's a really sweet story, and while there's an ongoing threat going on through the book, the stakes felt lower (or maybe less immediately urgent) than some of Demas' other books, which meant that there was more space to explore the experiences of Kallion and Nikias, both their relationship, but also their feelings about no longer being slaves. The latter is a complex topic, and I think Demas does a good job of giving space to the characters to feel all their feelings - particularly Nikias, who had a 'good' master, and is trying to reconcile his experience with his increasing belief that the whole system is inherently wrong, regardless of how well slaves are treated. I loved that we got to spend some time with Lysandros (last seen in Strong Wine), who Nikias befriends once he starts attending meetings of the radicals opposed to slavery. He's a good friend - kind, and honouring of Nikias' experiences, but also unafraid to gently challenge him.
Kallion is a complex person - he's experienced life in the household of a cruel master, and he's done his best to help his fellow slaves and the people being swindled by his former master, but has also had to look out for himself because there was no one else to do that. He's worried that he could have done more, and that he might be seen as selfish, and it's good to see him find someone that he can gradually open up to, someone who sees him and loves him for who he is, not what he does (or doesn't, or hasn't been able to do). His relationship with Nikias is centred on care and honest communication, which is just lovely (and, the way Demas writes it, hot).
Plus, we get to see a bit more of Pheme, which I loved, including going to the chariot races, which was fun (plus there's a brief cameo from a philosopher we've met before who is still owed a kick in the head - which made me laugh). Demas' world building is incredible, and I love how each book reveals a bit more of the world, the society and the culture. Oh, and I loved that Nikias was setting up in business as a snack seller - the descriptions of his food were wonderful, and definitely made me wish I could sample some myself.
Looking forward to finding out who will appear in the next book of the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2022
Starting a book by AJ Demas is something like traveling on a starship, coming out of warp speed, and suddenly being immersed in a new world you might not want to leave (at least, not for a good while). The flow of her writing is a soothing balm, effortlessly transporting you (in this case) into her intoxicating, intriguing, alt-Ancient Mediterranean world. You’re surrounded by new friends, fascinating cities, and intricate schemes before you know it. She has the gift, as a writer, of making her characters’ normal, everyday lives feel enchanting even as the real, and unexpected, plot sneaks up on you.
Her new characters, Nikias, a street food vendor, and Kallion, an ex-slave and secretary for a vicious gangster, are charming and lovable, but there are deep and disturbing currents beneath their new relationship. Kallion, especially, has an incongruous edge to him that Nikias slowly starts to understand.
Demas frequently introduces us to decent, humane people trying to manage lives that could be ground to dust under the weight of larger social forces, and this book is no exception. In Honey & Pepper, she introduces us to new aspects of her fictional world of Pheme, Pyria, Boukos, and other complex cultures.
This book is set in Pheme, where we find philosophers stirring up radical ideas about abolishing slavery, mysterious gangsters running protection rackets, and violent pirates. She explores the complex morality of free men who were once slaves, who must learn to think in new ways about the conflict between societal mores and personal desires.
My only complaint is that I really do want more of Kallion and Nikias and their circle of friends. But that’s a typical reaction for me when reading Demas’ books. If I could ask for one thing - other than, of course, more of these characters - it would be for a map of her quasi-historical, fictional world. After so many books, a visual image of how these cities and cultures connect geographically would be most welcome.
Her new characters, Nikias, a street food vendor, and Kallion, an ex-slave and secretary for a vicious gangster, are charming and lovable, but there are deep and disturbing currents beneath their new relationship. Kallion, especially, has an incongruous edge to him that Nikias slowly starts to understand.
Demas frequently introduces us to decent, humane people trying to manage lives that could be ground to dust under the weight of larger social forces, and this book is no exception. In Honey & Pepper, she introduces us to new aspects of her fictional world of Pheme, Pyria, Boukos, and other complex cultures.
This book is set in Pheme, where we find philosophers stirring up radical ideas about abolishing slavery, mysterious gangsters running protection rackets, and violent pirates. She explores the complex morality of free men who were once slaves, who must learn to think in new ways about the conflict between societal mores and personal desires.
My only complaint is that I really do want more of Kallion and Nikias and their circle of friends. But that’s a typical reaction for me when reading Demas’ books. If I could ask for one thing - other than, of course, more of these characters - it would be for a map of her quasi-historical, fictional world. After so many books, a visual image of how these cities and cultures connect geographically would be most welcome.
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