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StarCrossed #1

Demon Tailz

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Demon Jace Barton owns Tailz, a colorful pub in Salem, along with his twin brother Konnor. Strange folks pass through every day, but on Halloween things tend to get more bizarre. Still, Jace is surprised when Cash Rowan pays him a visit with a tale that stands Jace's hair on end. This dark urban fantasy contains graphic violence and a consensual sexual relationship between non-human twin brothers.

44 pages, ebook

First published October 1, 2008

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173 people want to read

About the author

Reno MacLeod

23 books47 followers
Not For The Faint Of Heart---That sums up my work with Jaye Valentine. I've always spent a good deal of time with the darker side of my imagination. I was never afraid of the dark. In fact, some of my fondest memories are of Saturday afternoons with my dad watching Creature Double Feature with a big bowl of popcorn. Halloween has always been my favorite holiday. Werewolves, angels, demons and vampires were my childhood passions. I guess I never grew up.

I live in a little town famous for its historical ax-murderess, where the Ghost Hunters TAPS has a home office. Salem—famous for witches, Newport—famous for pirates, and Providence—famous for H.P.Lovecraft are all under an hour's drive. I guess I really didn't have a chance of not turning out the way I did."

Reno has also designed and created cover art for many of Reno and Jaye's books as well as the logo for StarCrossed and their website's banner art.

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5 stars
14 (11%)
4 stars
41 (33%)
3 stars
47 (38%)
2 stars
15 (12%)
1 star
4 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Irina Elena.
724 reviews167 followers
February 13, 2014
Alright, let's be fair here: I have no idea what I'm doing reading a random short story while being in the middle of TA.
But let's also be honest: this is not a great story. This is not even a good story. And it has nothing to do with the fact that I've been reading only TA for the past week.

The premise and plot are creative and interesting, if not exactly coherent, but I could have worked with that. Jace and Konnor are demon twins (twincesty twins! Yay!) who live in Salem (witch country! Yay!), Cash is a paranormal critter hunter with a painful past (trauma! Yay!) come to town to end things nicely (suicide! Yay!). Each twin is involved in his story to varying degrees, things get creepy and weird, Jace eats someone... You know, normal stuff. I'm sure you can see the appeal. I wish I hadn't.

I also could have worked with the fact that every other sentence made me want to close my eyes and knock back a shot of vodka because of how sappy it was.
"Need you by my side, little brother. I can't imagine life without you."

Even ignoring the unfortunately omitted pronoun at the beginning of the first sentence, this makes me tear up. And not with joyful love.

The writing is... simple. And unsophisticated. But that doesn't necessarily mean bad, at least most of the time.

But the sex. Oh my god, the SEX.
Let me brighten your day with some quotes, starting with the sexy, extremely sensual vocabulary. Now I don't know about you, but reading things like "super-soft tongue" and "hot, hard meat" in the middle of a sex scene does not make me want to jump the first person to pass me by.

Also, the enchanting dirty talk:
Oh yeah, Jace, lick me, get me good and wet, open me up for you. God, I want it, I want you.

Do you know how it feels to vomit your last three meals and laugh your ass off at the same time? I do now.

Oh, and look at this little gem:
No sooner had he finished unloading [we're presumably talking about half a litre of demon sperm here], Jace witnessed Konnor's orgasm hit with the intensity of a truck careening around a blind corner.

What the fuck even. Why.

But obviously, before that, during a change of position Jace took a hold of his, again, "hard meat" applying pressure to prevent immediate release. Obviously taking inspiration from a nurse's textbook. Or something.

I just want to scrub my eyes with bleach. That would have unfortunate consequences though, so I'll just wash them with my own bitter tears.
If it hadn't been free, I would've pitched a fit.
Profile Image for Karen K.
426 reviews13 followers
February 1, 2011
I have to admit even though this was so short, I absolutely loved it! The world that Jaye and Reno built - are building - is so phenomenal and I just want more. I loved Jace and Konnor (though he wasn't as visible in this first installment) and I just want to know more about them and their relationship, despite generally not being a big reader of the darker, more violent side of m/m romance.

I have to say that one of the reasons I'm rating this book so high - when it's so short - is because of the writing. It's like reading a dream come to life - the words so descriptive, the style so perfect and unassuming. I really admire the skill and obvious patience it took to make this stylistically a joy to read, every image so brought to life, every sentence carefully manipulated so it said exactly what the authors wanted it to say. I get real annoyed really fast when I read books that have a lot of typos or grammatical errors, easily persuading myself to just put the book down until I'm in a better mood. I've never found I had to do that with these authors' books and I really appreciate that.

On to the next chapter. :)
Profile Image for Lily.
3,902 reviews48 followers
June 26, 2009
This book offers a rather unique look into the paranormal world. The description of the shifting process from human to demon and back is very vivid and unlike any other I'd ever read. The reader is never given the chance to forget that Jace and Konnor, while outwardly living life as if they are human are in fact Demons. While most of the book centers on Jace and his encounter with Cash at the end of the book we are shown the deep connection and love between Jace and Konnor.

This book is an excellent introduction into what promises to be a great series. The characters are well developed, the story itself very interesting and the hints of both the Demon twins past life and what the future might bring are tantalizing and make me very happy I waited to read the books until I had all the available stories in hand. If you enjoy reading really well written books featuring paranormal beings, and aren't bothered with twincest, I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Simsala.
524 reviews58 followers
June 12, 2012
Works excellently as an appetite suppressant - the urge to burp was irresistible. That`s where I draw the line, guys!
On to the next book...
Profile Image for Kassa.
1,117 reviews111 followers
October 8, 2009
Salem is a town with a lot of history and in this fantasy/paranormal twist, it’s opened it’s previously pious arms to welcome all manner of creatures. Imagine if you will a church that suddenly opens its doors to the devil and his minions if they promise to behave. How far will that promise extend and are everyone’s standards of behaving the same? Would you trust the devil you knew as long as you could watch him some of the time? That is the interesting paradox that the inhabitants of Salem have agreed to in the StarCrossed world.

Tailz is a local bar, owned and run by demons but popular for their drink specials and tourist trade. It’s no wonder that one of the demon owners, Konnor Barton decides to avoid the tourist specials at Halloween and go camping for a week, leaving his twin bother Jace, to run the bar alone. This scenario brings to mind the nursery rhyme about when cats are away, demons will play. Perhaps not exactly but the general principle seems to be same.

A few minutes before closing the night before Halloween, Cash Rowan walks into Tailz looking for something even he is not sure of. World weary and tired, Cash is known as a Hunter. However, Cash is not an indiscriminate killer; he has a purpose and an agenda. Jace, not only a bartender but a demon, seems curious about the man and his hidden depths. They have an instant spark and recognize something deeper about each other, even if not consciously at first. Their brief interaction leads into an invitation for Cash to join the sexy demon for some fun upstairs.

What follows is an unexpected, gritty, passionate and fascinating encounter. The surprising outcome and twists keep an element of intrigue to the tale. Just when the men seem predictable, their actions turn, catching the reader off guard and wondering what will happen next. When Cash asks for Jace’s help, one has to wonder, will a demon’s help really get you what you want? Or will you find yourself in a situation you never imagined?

The publisher has added a warning to the book regarding the graphic violence and twincest and there is strength to the violence that the faint of heart should avoid. The relationship between the twin brothers, Jace and Konnor, however, was beautifully drawn. Their connection and chemistry fairly sizzled within the pages, and considering the relatively short length, that is an accomplishment. There were just enough hints of a painful past and other potential angels, demons, and members of “Evil-R-Us” to offer endless opportunity and possibility in this wonderfully crafted world.

This is a great turn on the urban fantasy genre with strong, fascinating characters. Jace and Konnor are the main characters, yet the well crafted Cash shows the strength of the authors’ writing. While marketed as a Single Shot, this is clearly a series with more to come, not only from the hanging chad ending but the second in the series is already available with plans for more. I don’t suggest reading this as a romance or a happy ever after fantasy. This is a hard hitting, gritty, and sultry world that are more suited for those who like their characters edgy. Oh and I wouldn’t suggest reading this while camping. I, happily, may never camp again.

http://kassa-rvws.livejournal.com/758...
Profile Image for Brenda Maldonado.
276 reviews29 followers
November 27, 2010
4.5 stars

Demon Tailz is a pretty short story. Yet, in few words, Jaye and Reno managed to create the essence of a great paranormal world, introduce a few key characters, develop one heck of a main character and set the tone for the series. (I think. Will know more after I read book 2 in the StarCrossed Series)

I really enjoyed the way Jaye and Reno present an outlandish plot and extreme characters, while keeping things light. There was a point in the story where I was completely and simultanously torn between, shock, disgust and laughter. Masterful! ...and the ending. Oh! I loved the ending. Needless to say, I will be buying book 2 today.

All that said, this story is not for everyone. I don't want any rotten tomatoes in my face, so I am warning you now... This book is not a romance. It is not your run of the mill erotica. It is, well... dark, somewhat funny, poignant and hot. It also involves a twincest relationship. I liked the combination!

Profile Image for Feliz.
Author 59 books107 followers
August 11, 2011
Only McLeod/ Valentine can pull off a disgusting man-eating 400-pound demon on halloween night going all mushy about a pair of long-separated fated lovers. Beneath all the horns and claws and razor-sharp teeth, Jace is just a big softie, isn't he?
And oh, there's two of him!

This was quirky and weird and delicious, not to mention steaming hot. My first ever twincest, and although I normally avoid those like the plague, this one worked. Perhaps because they are demons and so it doesn't really count?
Profile Image for Adara.
Author 8 books56 followers
November 7, 2010
It was way short, even for just an intro to a series, and the sex was purely just for the sake of it. Not impressed, but as I've chosen the second one for a challenge, I'll give it a shot at least.
Profile Image for Emily.
628 reviews14 followers
November 9, 2011
A fragile balance exists within the town of Salem. Supernaturals of all kinds, including “vampires, were-creatures, angels and demons” are allowed to live amongst the humans of the town. They have quietly integrated themselves into the daily happenings, allowed a “continued, civilized co-existence” as long as the secret remains in Salem.

On the night before Halloween, demon Jace Barton is working at the bar Tailz which he owns with his mirror image twin brother Konnor. While Konnor is off camping for a week to avoid the touristy insanity of Halloween in a town like Salem, Jace is holding down the fort. When Cash Rowan walks through the door, things get very interesting indeed.

Cash is a hunter, looking for a demon for very personal reasons. Jace immediately senses something different about his visitor, a darkness and underlying pain that makes the man quite dangerous. Yet he invites Cash upstairs to his apartment, hoping to learn what Cash is “trying so hard to hide.” Jace hears Cash’s story of the past ten years of his life, and discovers the motive and desired end result of which Jace is intended to play a key role. Will Jace give Cash what he wants and what will Konnor find when he returns from his camping trip?

Demon Tailz is an exciting story with enchanting characters and unexpected twists and turns. The best part about paranormal stories is being introduced to non-human characters and learning all their characteristics and abilities. Jace, and his brother Konnor, are intriguing demons and act as a wonderful introduction to this new world. I was fascinated by the steps in Jace’s change from human to demon-form, and especially the pain he endures during transformation. And of course, as the owners of Tailz, they both have tails, present even in human form, which provide quite a bit of delight and are a personal favorite.

I loved the interactions between Jace and Konnor so very much, and the depth of their love and desire is apparent from the beginning. At the same time there is a quirky, lighthearted humor to their banter that had me laughing out loud. My favorite line is spoken by Konnor, “’Who do you think you are, Jace? The bastard gay love-child of John Edwards and Dr. Kevorkian? Jesus!’” You have to read the story to understand the meaning behind that line, and you won’t be disappointed. Only seven pages of this twenty-four page story find the brothers together but in my eyes it is truly the best part of the story. Their connection is captivating, making these characters instant favorites. Thankfully, according to the authors, Jace and Konnor will be appearing in all future stories and will play some part in the outcome of each.

This story is a bit of a tease, giving away little tidbits of information about Jace and Konnor, such as the pain suffered in their first fifteen years at the mercy of humans capable of unspeakable atrocities and Jace’s left wing that is “a gnarled, deformed mess”. I was left on the edge of my seat when this story ended, as a “pea-sized nugget” was dropped into a vase, desperately wanting to know what will happen next in the town of Salem. It is apparent that there will be consequences to the actions taken by Jace, and I can’t wait to read all about them.

Overall Demon Tailz an exceptional beginning to a new series. I am most definitely anxiously awaiting the next releases, novella StarCrossed 2: Opposite Ends of the Spectrum and novel StarCrossed 3: Objects in the Mirror. The authors are also working on three more stories in the StarCrossed series, so fans will have plenty to keep them happy. I can’t wait to find out where MacLeod and Valentine will take this series and what fascinating characters we have yet to meet!
Profile Image for Elisa Rolle.
Author 107 books237 followers
Read
May 18, 2009
"Famous for the notorious witch trials of 1692, the small seaport town of Salem, Massachusetts had been trying to smudge out the horrible image of murder and injustice for centuries. In a complete turnaround, the town had begun welcoming anyone who was a self-proclaimed witch, and by the early 21st century, one in four Salem residents claimed either to be a witch or to know one."

It seems an idilliac situation, isn't it? A place where everyone would be glad to come, if he is interested on the paranormal side of life. And so it's not strange that Cash Rowan, ghost and demon hunter, chooses Salem as his final point for the Halloween night. But Cash is searching a specific demon, and maybe this time he is lucky. Jace is the owner of the Demon Tailz, a upper-class night club, and he welcomes Cash at open arms... the reader is expecting a hot night but it is not what he will have.

Cash is not searching for sex, and Jace has that side of his life covered since he is in a relationship with his twin brother Konnor. To know what it will happen, you need to read the story, since if I tell you more, I for sure will spoil it, it's only 25 pages long. But despite being so short, the story is really really nice.... well maybe nice is not exactly the right word: it's a mix of splatter and comic, love and sex, Ghost (the movie) meets "The Night of Living Dead" or something similar... I didn't know if I should feel horror or smile or be a sappy romantic.

There are at least three unexpected events: when Cash reveals his real purpose, when Jace helps him, and when Konnor comes back home. All of them gave me a feeling of surprise and a need to re-read the scene to be sure to understand well what it was happening... and since it's, as I said, a 25 pages long story, I believe it's quite an achievement. Can't wait to read the following chapters in a series that I believe will be a favorite of mine.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002VLYZR0/?...
Profile Image for ⚣Michaelle⚣.
3,662 reviews233 followers
March 3, 2017
3.0 Stars

A little bit of Scary, Sweet & Sexy.

About the only thing I didn't like was the MC's repeatedly using each others' names in their dialogue:
"I couldn't sleep with you gone, Konnor."
"I felt bad for him, Konnor."
"Want to feel you now, Jace."
"Oh yeah, Jace..."
"So fucking hot, Konnor."
"Coming in now, Konnor."
"Don't want to hurt you, Konnor."
"Want you to fuck me hard, Jace."
"...so beautiful, Jace, so goddamn beautiful."
"I'll mark you, Konnor..."
"Konnor, over, turn over."
"Oh, Konnor, come with me..."
"It's alright, Konnor, I'm here."


I mean, sure, there was some other dialogue and internal monologue between these sentences but JFC. *eyeroll* Now, if there were more than two characters sexin' it up here I could understand the necessity for clarification - but these two are all alone in this scene. So yeah, that's annoying as fuck.

Otherwise, I'll probably read the next two. Well, because, twincest. *shrug*
Profile Image for Jimmy Hanson.
412 reviews12 followers
May 24, 2010
Graphic and not at all what I expected. Morbid, but in that oh-so fascinating way, like a train-wreck that you just can't stop watching [or reading:].

The plot is odd, kind of piece-meal, and I didn't really 'get it' until the end ... but even then, not entirely. I was torn because Jase seems like such an honestly good guy, then turns demeanor, and you hope his brother is good as well, but information given points otherwise ... and when all is said and done, nothing is exactly clear-cut and clean.

And yet I was satisfied, in that morbid way. Very creatively intriguing, but certainly not for everyone.
Profile Image for Indie Reviews.
139 reviews12 followers
May 10, 2011

My review of the StarCrossed Series: Demon Tailz (Book 1), Opposite Ends of the Spectrum (Book 2), Sangria and Seraphim (Book 2.5), Objects in The Mirror (Book 3) and Angel Tears (Book 3.5) by Reno MacLeod and Jaye Valentine can be found at Indie Reviews.
Profile Image for Sucajo.
739 reviews64 followers
January 7, 2012
This book was a lot darker that I expected it to be but that's not a bad thing. Jace and his twin brother, Konnor, live in Salem a town populated by humans and paranormals. When Jace meets Cash the end result of the evening is not at all what I was expecting! I enjoyed this introduction to what looks to be a very interesting world :)
Profile Image for Ayanna.
1,632 reviews62 followers
April 9, 2013
Ooooh DRAMATIC IRONY~



It's an interesting concept, but it's really brief. I liked it, but it's not quite complete in its own right.
Profile Image for Sarah.
291 reviews24 followers
April 23, 2017
Very entertaining short story with many twists and surprises. Some poor editing in a couple of places but not enough to throw me out of the story.
Profile Image for Tracy's Place.
2,703 reviews46 followers
Read
December 17, 2009
Was great and I really liked the writing...but I couldn't finish it once the twincest started.
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