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The Lost #1-2
The Lost Books 1 & 2
Enter the world of The Lost, a tribe of vampires who are sworn to coexist with humans while leaving them strictly alone. However, that isn’t always possible…
The Lost 1: Broken Vows: Daniel's looking for answers about his sexuality. He’s sure just one night with an older, experienced man will finally answer the questions that have been tormenting him for years. But he doesn’t expect the older man to be a gorgeous vampire named Gabrielle. It’s love at first sight for Daniel but Gabrielle has made a vow not to interfere in human affairs.
The Lost 2: Blood Hustler: James became a vampire almost two hundred years ago and recently lost his only companion. Even though he's lonely, the grief's too fresh to be looking for another man to fill the hole in his heart. Then Tad, a young street hustler, offers to sell James the best sex he’s ever had. James knows he shouldn’t bind a human to him, especially one as young as Tad who hasn’t experienced life yet, but the boy’s hungry heart calls to his own.
Publisher's Note: This book contains one re-edited, revised story previously released by another publisher, and one new, unreleased story. It also contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Anal play/intercourse, male/male sexual practices, violence.
The Lost 1: Broken Vows: Daniel's looking for answers about his sexuality. He’s sure just one night with an older, experienced man will finally answer the questions that have been tormenting him for years. But he doesn’t expect the older man to be a gorgeous vampire named Gabrielle. It’s love at first sight for Daniel but Gabrielle has made a vow not to interfere in human affairs.
The Lost 2: Blood Hustler: James became a vampire almost two hundred years ago and recently lost his only companion. Even though he's lonely, the grief's too fresh to be looking for another man to fill the hole in his heart. Then Tad, a young street hustler, offers to sell James the best sex he’s ever had. James knows he shouldn’t bind a human to him, especially one as young as Tad who hasn’t experienced life yet, but the boy’s hungry heart calls to his own.
Publisher's Note: This book contains one re-edited, revised story previously released by another publisher, and one new, unreleased story. It also contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Anal play/intercourse, male/male sexual practices, violence.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
8 people are currently reading
343 people want to read
About the author
Evangeline Anderson
297 books5,050 followersEvangeline Anderson is a registered MRI tech who would rather be writing. And yes, she is nerdy enough to have a bumper sticker that says “I’d rather be writing.” Honk if you see her! She is thirty-something and lives in Florida with a husband, a son, and two cats. She had been writing erotic fiction for her own gratification for a number of years before it occurred to her to try and get paid for it. To her delight, she found that it was actually possible to get money for having a dirty mind and she has been writing paranormal and Sci-fi erotica steadily ever since.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 9, 2009
When I saw The Lost Books 1 & 2 by Evangeline Anderson, I knew I had to immediately buy it. For one thing, I’m a sucker (pun intended) for a great vampire romance. Since Evangeline is one of my favorite authors, I was very anxious to read this book. I’m glad I did.
Lost Books 1: Broken Vow’s
Daniel has been questioning his sexuality for several years. He’s a nineteen year old virgin, who is a freshman in college and continues to live under his parent’s roof. He longs to be an artist, but his parents are pushing him to get some kind of business degree. Daniel can’t deny his natural artistic gifts. When his father comes across some erotic pictures of naked men that Daniel has drawn, he goes ballistic, and says some very cruel things to Daniel, making him decide to find out once and for all if he’s homosexual or not.
Daniel decides to go out to a specific part of town that is known for gay men to party and hook up. So he gets on a bus to travel there. Because he’s so deep in thought, he misses his stop and must either get out on the next block, or go through the entire bus route again. Walking a block to his destination is not a big deal. But, walking a block that it is a destined area where vampires are allowed to live in peace, could be a major problem.
Even though Daniel doesn’t want to be a hungry vampire’s next tasty drink, he decides to take a chance and get off anyway, thinking he’ll walk quickly to his destination safely.
Unfortunately for Daniel, he doesn’t quite make it.
When a hungry vampire decides to have Daniel as his next meal, he thinks his life is over. But, when a beautiful man comes to his rescue, Daniel is immediately smitten with his savior. Even if his savior is also a vampire.
I don’t want to give too much away about this story, but I will say that
I liked Broken Vow’s. I think I would have LOVED it if the story had been longer. There is an immediate connection between Daniel and his savior, Gabriel, which is undeniable. Plus, the sexual chemistry between them is pretty hot. I understood Gabriel’s point of view of why he felt he like he wanted Daniel to live some before or if they ever formed a bond between them, I hated it for Daniel though.
Because it was such a short story (about 45 pages or so) there isn’t much emotional buildup between Daniel and Gabriel. They pretty much fall for one another at first sight, and the ending wasn’t as tight as I would have liked, but I still liked it, and it had a very happy ending which I am always a sucker for.
The Lost 2: The Hustler
Tad is an eighteen year old dropout, which lives on the streets. Because he has no other way of supporting himself, he’s become a prostitute just to survive. Tad’s homeless, starving and desperate. When he spots a very handsome man walking down the street; not only does the man look like he’s got money, but there’s sadness in his eyes, that calls out to Tad’s heart.
James has been grieving over the death of his companion. As a vampire, James and his friend were together for over two hundred years. Now that he’s alone for the first time in his long life, he’s not sure to do with himself.
When James is solicited by the young Tad for an evening of pleasure, James turns him down. But the young man is persistent and the more James is around him the more he finds himself liking him. Finally, to ward the stubborn man off, James decides to scare him and he shows Tad that he is a vampire hoping to frighten the younger man off.
It doesn’t work.
Instead Tad cuts his wrist to entice the handsome vampire with his blood; instead he gets the attention of an ancient blood-daemon and James finds himself saving the young Tad from a certain painful death.
James decides to take the young man home with him and at least give him a safe place to sleep and some food in his belly for the night, with no strings attached.
Tad has never been around someone as nice as James. Tad finds himself falling for the handsome and surprisingly sweet vampire. The more James and Tad are around each other, the more they begin to honestly like one another. Tad brings out all of James’ protective instincts and he starts feeling a desire for the younger man that soon can’t be denied.
Once again, I’m not going to get too much into the story. The abuse that Tad had to deal with at home is heartbreaking. Tad is naïve and like James he’s a very sweet guy, even though he has been forced to live on the streets. I loved that he and James found an emotional connection with one another.
James was a very honest and noble man, who I though brought out the best in Tad and visa-versa. This story had more angst in it that I thought it would, and I really liked it.
I enjoyed both stories, and I hope that Evangeline writes more about her lost souls. I liked her vampires and I hope to revisit their world again sometime in the future.
4 stars
Lost Books 1: Broken Vow’s
Daniel has been questioning his sexuality for several years. He’s a nineteen year old virgin, who is a freshman in college and continues to live under his parent’s roof. He longs to be an artist, but his parents are pushing him to get some kind of business degree. Daniel can’t deny his natural artistic gifts. When his father comes across some erotic pictures of naked men that Daniel has drawn, he goes ballistic, and says some very cruel things to Daniel, making him decide to find out once and for all if he’s homosexual or not.
Daniel decides to go out to a specific part of town that is known for gay men to party and hook up. So he gets on a bus to travel there. Because he’s so deep in thought, he misses his stop and must either get out on the next block, or go through the entire bus route again. Walking a block to his destination is not a big deal. But, walking a block that it is a destined area where vampires are allowed to live in peace, could be a major problem.
Even though Daniel doesn’t want to be a hungry vampire’s next tasty drink, he decides to take a chance and get off anyway, thinking he’ll walk quickly to his destination safely.
Unfortunately for Daniel, he doesn’t quite make it.
When a hungry vampire decides to have Daniel as his next meal, he thinks his life is over. But, when a beautiful man comes to his rescue, Daniel is immediately smitten with his savior. Even if his savior is also a vampire.
I don’t want to give too much away about this story, but I will say that
I liked Broken Vow’s. I think I would have LOVED it if the story had been longer. There is an immediate connection between Daniel and his savior, Gabriel, which is undeniable. Plus, the sexual chemistry between them is pretty hot. I understood Gabriel’s point of view of why he felt he like he wanted Daniel to live some before or if they ever formed a bond between them, I hated it for Daniel though.
Because it was such a short story (about 45 pages or so) there isn’t much emotional buildup between Daniel and Gabriel. They pretty much fall for one another at first sight, and the ending wasn’t as tight as I would have liked, but I still liked it, and it had a very happy ending which I am always a sucker for.
The Lost 2: The Hustler
Tad is an eighteen year old dropout, which lives on the streets. Because he has no other way of supporting himself, he’s become a prostitute just to survive. Tad’s homeless, starving and desperate. When he spots a very handsome man walking down the street; not only does the man look like he’s got money, but there’s sadness in his eyes, that calls out to Tad’s heart.
James has been grieving over the death of his companion. As a vampire, James and his friend were together for over two hundred years. Now that he’s alone for the first time in his long life, he’s not sure to do with himself.
When James is solicited by the young Tad for an evening of pleasure, James turns him down. But the young man is persistent and the more James is around him the more he finds himself liking him. Finally, to ward the stubborn man off, James decides to scare him and he shows Tad that he is a vampire hoping to frighten the younger man off.
It doesn’t work.
Instead Tad cuts his wrist to entice the handsome vampire with his blood; instead he gets the attention of an ancient blood-daemon and James finds himself saving the young Tad from a certain painful death.
James decides to take the young man home with him and at least give him a safe place to sleep and some food in his belly for the night, with no strings attached.
Tad has never been around someone as nice as James. Tad finds himself falling for the handsome and surprisingly sweet vampire. The more James and Tad are around each other, the more they begin to honestly like one another. Tad brings out all of James’ protective instincts and he starts feeling a desire for the younger man that soon can’t be denied.
Once again, I’m not going to get too much into the story. The abuse that Tad had to deal with at home is heartbreaking. Tad is naïve and like James he’s a very sweet guy, even though he has been forced to live on the streets. I loved that he and James found an emotional connection with one another.
James was a very honest and noble man, who I though brought out the best in Tad and visa-versa. This story had more angst in it that I thought it would, and I really liked it.
I enjoyed both stories, and I hope that Evangeline writes more about her lost souls. I liked her vampires and I hope to revisit their world again sometime in the future.
4 stars
August 22, 2009
Broken Vows is the story of Daniel and Gabriel [the vampire:]. In this telling vampires are known but not treated as enemies. They live in a segregated part of the city a block down from the leather clubs and where men can indulge in their sexual secrets. Daniel was in the mood of such a night when he was a attacked by a vamp and Gabriel rescued him.
Their story was very brief [68 pages or so:]. I loved the beginning.The description of the world and Daniel's turmoil and him meeting Gabriel and their subsequent encounter played out nicely. The ending was...
Blood Hustler features Tad an actual street hustler that 'sells his ass' for food and shelter. But when he runs across James [the vampire:] he realizes he might be able to make extra. He slices himself to intice the Thirst in James. It works. Too well. A blood daemon is also interested in his sweet taste. After being rescued and fed. Tad is ever grateful but also curiously wanting to be more than a hustler and trick as he shows James just how grateful he is. Tad was an interesting character.
These two shorts were entertaining but the heat factor was dimmed. I am spoiled by HOTdamn sexy vamps. These gentlemen were of a different breed altogether. For some reason the characters seemed to have a decorative quality. Looked good for the overall effect but did not have any real depth. I don't excuse the fact that it is a novella because Evangeline Anderson can write novellas that requires a fan, cold drink and sometimes a tissue. I require a minimum of 2 things: character and world has to be strong. Characters fell short here but the idea of vamps co existing and their history could work in another story. Not Evangeline Anderson's best but I still enjoyed reading it. [2.5 of 5 really:]
Their story was very brief [68 pages or so:]. I loved the beginning.The description of the world and Daniel's turmoil and him meeting Gabriel and their subsequent encounter played out nicely. The ending was...
Blood Hustler features Tad an actual street hustler that 'sells his ass' for food and shelter. But when he runs across James [the vampire:] he realizes he might be able to make extra. He slices himself to intice the Thirst in James. It works. Too well. A blood daemon is also interested in his sweet taste. After being rescued and fed. Tad is ever grateful but also curiously wanting to be more than a hustler and trick as he shows James just how grateful he is. Tad was an interesting character.
These two shorts were entertaining but the heat factor was dimmed. I am spoiled by HOTdamn sexy vamps. These gentlemen were of a different breed altogether. For some reason the characters seemed to have a decorative quality. Looked good for the overall effect but did not have any real depth. I don't excuse the fact that it is a novella because Evangeline Anderson can write novellas that requires a fan, cold drink and sometimes a tissue. I require a minimum of 2 things: character and world has to be strong. Characters fell short here but the idea of vamps co existing and their history could work in another story. Not Evangeline Anderson's best but I still enjoyed reading it. [2.5 of 5 really:]
August 20, 2009
Cute stories. Hot in some ways. A lot of missed potential though I think.
The first is rather short and looks like it is an old story she did for another press in 2007 that was reworked for this book. I think it was probably early days for her then. She didn't quite have a real flow to her writing. Situations seemed rushed and awkward at times. The story was too short and had some potential to really tell a strong love story had it not been so rushed.
The second sory tried too hard. She laid it on pretty thick in trying to make us feel sorry for James and Tad. Then it went a little too far with painting them both too innocent or naive even though it was in vastly different ways. This was not necessary and made some of the situations hard to immerse myself in.
But they were both good stories - just not Broken Boundaries by any means.
The first is rather short and looks like it is an old story she did for another press in 2007 that was reworked for this book. I think it was probably early days for her then. She didn't quite have a real flow to her writing. Situations seemed rushed and awkward at times. The story was too short and had some potential to really tell a strong love story had it not been so rushed.
The second sory tried too hard. She laid it on pretty thick in trying to make us feel sorry for James and Tad. Then it went a little too far with painting them both too innocent or naive even though it was in vastly different ways. This was not necessary and made some of the situations hard to immerse myself in.
But they were both good stories - just not Broken Boundaries by any means.
February 24, 2019
DNF @20%
The writing its just horrible and repetitive.
This is the second book I’ve tried to read by this author that I couldn’t finish. I think I am done with her.
The writing its just horrible and repetitive.
This is the second book I’ve tried to read by this author that I couldn’t finish. I think I am done with her.
February 11, 2011
DNF - It was named right, I got LOST, then I put it down and never finished it
August 24, 2011
This author just isn't for me.
March 9, 2018
No es especialmente memorable, una historia de vampiros de tropecientos años que se tiran a niñitos. Hay cosas mejores para leer.
October 2, 2022
2.5 stars
September 4, 2009
Blurb:
Enter the world of The Lost, a tribe of vampires who are sworn to coexist with humans while leaving them strictly alone. However, that isn’t always possible…
The Lost 1: Broken Vows: Daniel's looking for answers about his sexuality. He’s sure just one night with an older, experienced man will finally answer the questions that have been tormenting him for years. But he doesn’t expect the older man to be a gorgeous vampire named Gabrielle. It’s love at first sight for Daniel but Gabrielle has made a vow not to interfere in human affairs.
The Lost 2: Blood Hustler: James became a vampire almost two hundred years ago and recently lost his only companion. Even though he's lonely, the grief's too fresh to be looking for another man to fill the hole in his heart. Then Tad, a young street hustler, offers to sell James the best sex he’s ever had. James knows he shouldn’t bind a human to him, especially one as young as Tad who hasn’t experienced life yet, but the boy’s hungry heart calls to his own.
Bottom line up front:
If it can at all be avoided, ship Broken Vows and go straight to Blood Hustler. Your teeth will thank you. The second book was quite enjoyable, if you can ignore the non-con flashbacks.
The rest:
One of these two books is something that was previously published. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that was Broken Vows. That story is a short piece of saccharine sweet nonsense that shouldn't have been published the first time, never mind inflicted on unsuspecting readers for a second go round. Had it been presented as a stand alone short, it would have taken a short flight into my hard office wall. I highly suggest you fast forward to the second story and skip this one altogether.
Blood Hustler:
James is fairly young as vampires go- just under a few centuries. He has recently lost his partner in what had to be the most unfulfilling relationship ever. The guy he was in love with and turned into his Chosen wasn't into guys, but they stuck it out for over 180 years, with no sex whatsoever, until the other dude got tired and thankfully asked to stop being bitten so he could die. Selfish jackass. At this point, I'm not thinking much of James as a big bad hero. Who sticks with one person for that long when it was a very rare treat to be able to feed from his love's neck, and he never got to get off unless he snuck out of the house and found a hooker?
Be that as it may, James is finally free, and he's wandering about the theater district when some little shirtless imp propositions him. He's not really interested, but the guy is about to be sucked dry by a demon in the not fun spanky way, so he takes the kid home and feeds him.
Tad had been sexually abused by his mother's boyfriend at a young age, and ran away. Of course, he ended up having to be a prostitute on the street to survive, so the whole situation was sort of a wash for him. He's happy that James is such a gentleman...takes him to his house, then feeds and clothes him, all with no strings attached. However, in an interesting twist, Tad actually wants those strings. His initial thought was that he could have one rich sugar daddy to help him out, rather than a bunch of old, fat, married men he had to suck off for a few dollars. But he genuinely likes James, and they become fast friends and lovers.
Tad lives with James for one short but incredibly idyllic month...until his mom shows up and asks him to come home.
There was only one wtf moment in the story that tripped my much-maligned meter. This one, after the first time James gives Tad a suck-and-swallow:
“James, there's something you should know.” He looked down at his feet for a moment, as though ashamed about something. “I…I haven't always been safe. I mean, what you were asking earlier about catching something?” He looked up, searching James's eyes. “I mean, I think I'm clean, but I can't promise you for sure, you know?”
James was unexpectedly touched by the boy's admission.
He was unexpectedly touched???! Dude, you just got told that you possibly just swallowed a mouthful of gonorrhea. "Touched" would not begin to describe my feelings in a similar situation. "Homicidal", maybe. "Highly pissed off and wanting to smack the spit out of this kid's mouth", certainly. Instead, James told Tad that he couldn't catch diseases and not to worry about it. Tad got all bouncy and suggested they skip condoms for the rest of the fun. Oy.
Overall, however, the story was rather charming in it's naivete. The angst and conflict just skirted the edges of overdone, but managed to be restrained before becoming a fatal flaw. Evangeline Anderson is another hit-or-miss author for me, but I've chalked up the second story in this antho as a hit.
Enter the world of The Lost, a tribe of vampires who are sworn to coexist with humans while leaving them strictly alone. However, that isn’t always possible…
The Lost 1: Broken Vows: Daniel's looking for answers about his sexuality. He’s sure just one night with an older, experienced man will finally answer the questions that have been tormenting him for years. But he doesn’t expect the older man to be a gorgeous vampire named Gabrielle. It’s love at first sight for Daniel but Gabrielle has made a vow not to interfere in human affairs.
The Lost 2: Blood Hustler: James became a vampire almost two hundred years ago and recently lost his only companion. Even though he's lonely, the grief's too fresh to be looking for another man to fill the hole in his heart. Then Tad, a young street hustler, offers to sell James the best sex he’s ever had. James knows he shouldn’t bind a human to him, especially one as young as Tad who hasn’t experienced life yet, but the boy’s hungry heart calls to his own.
Bottom line up front:
If it can at all be avoided, ship Broken Vows and go straight to Blood Hustler. Your teeth will thank you. The second book was quite enjoyable, if you can ignore the non-con flashbacks.
The rest:
One of these two books is something that was previously published. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that was Broken Vows. That story is a short piece of saccharine sweet nonsense that shouldn't have been published the first time, never mind inflicted on unsuspecting readers for a second go round. Had it been presented as a stand alone short, it would have taken a short flight into my hard office wall. I highly suggest you fast forward to the second story and skip this one altogether.
Blood Hustler:
James is fairly young as vampires go- just under a few centuries. He has recently lost his partner in what had to be the most unfulfilling relationship ever. The guy he was in love with and turned into his Chosen wasn't into guys, but they stuck it out for over 180 years, with no sex whatsoever, until the other dude got tired and thankfully asked to stop being bitten so he could die. Selfish jackass. At this point, I'm not thinking much of James as a big bad hero. Who sticks with one person for that long when it was a very rare treat to be able to feed from his love's neck, and he never got to get off unless he snuck out of the house and found a hooker?
Be that as it may, James is finally free, and he's wandering about the theater district when some little shirtless imp propositions him. He's not really interested, but the guy is about to be sucked dry by a demon in the not fun spanky way, so he takes the kid home and feeds him.
Tad had been sexually abused by his mother's boyfriend at a young age, and ran away. Of course, he ended up having to be a prostitute on the street to survive, so the whole situation was sort of a wash for him. He's happy that James is such a gentleman...takes him to his house, then feeds and clothes him, all with no strings attached. However, in an interesting twist, Tad actually wants those strings. His initial thought was that he could have one rich sugar daddy to help him out, rather than a bunch of old, fat, married men he had to suck off for a few dollars. But he genuinely likes James, and they become fast friends and lovers.
Tad lives with James for one short but incredibly idyllic month...until his mom shows up and asks him to come home.
There was only one wtf moment in the story that tripped my much-maligned meter. This one, after the first time James gives Tad a suck-and-swallow:
“James, there's something you should know.” He looked down at his feet for a moment, as though ashamed about something. “I…I haven't always been safe. I mean, what you were asking earlier about catching something?” He looked up, searching James's eyes. “I mean, I think I'm clean, but I can't promise you for sure, you know?”
James was unexpectedly touched by the boy's admission.
He was unexpectedly touched???! Dude, you just got told that you possibly just swallowed a mouthful of gonorrhea. "Touched" would not begin to describe my feelings in a similar situation. "Homicidal", maybe. "Highly pissed off and wanting to smack the spit out of this kid's mouth", certainly. Instead, James told Tad that he couldn't catch diseases and not to worry about it. Tad got all bouncy and suggested they skip condoms for the rest of the fun. Oy.
Overall, however, the story was rather charming in it's naivete. The angst and conflict just skirted the edges of overdone, but managed to be restrained before becoming a fatal flaw. Evangeline Anderson is another hit-or-miss author for me, but I've chalked up the second story in this antho as a hit.
August 30, 2009
These two stories feature the same world of vampires – The Lost – as well as innocent, young men with which they bond. The stories themselves are very similar in almost all respects yet lack any significant world building. The writing is often truncated and disjointed with flat characters and exaggerated situations. Even the sex scenes, which the author usually excels at, are surprisingly unimaginative and lukewarm. There is more of an emotional connection than anything between both couples, which may entice romance lovers to enjoy these stories. They’re not horrible but definitely routine, bland, and uninteresting.
The first story Broken Vows is the re-published story and it clearly shows. Here a young man coming of age is trying to understand his sexuality against a backdrop of a homophobic family. He mistakenly ventures into the vampire quadrant of the city and is immediately accosted by the stereotypical evil, skeleton, nasty vampire who bites him. Gabrielle swoops in and saves our intrepid Daniel from harm and in the process initiates Daniel to the joys of gay sex. However, in fitting heroine form – Gabrielle forces Daniel to leave and live his life. Daniel has never forgotten Gabrielle and his dominating personality, waiting until the day Gabrielle decides they can finally be together.
This story is flat, unimaginative, and incredibly short. The writing is perfunctory with barely any interest or fresh descriptions. The world building is non-existent and the vampire presence is the only detail added. The location of the city is neither offered nor described; it could be a small town, a large city, or an underground bunker. The entire action is centered on classic stereotypes for the flat, one-note characters as the innocent pines in love for the hero who must send the young man away for his own good. However the sole encounter is supposed to be enough for said innocent to stand up to his homophobic parents and live a good, yet empty life. The story is not horrible per se, merely the same bland, rote story told numerous times without any new twist or fresh narrative.
The second story Blood Hustler is not much better. Here a naïve young man coming of age runs away from an abusive, homophobic home only to find himself in trouble when an evil, nasty, skeleton-esque vampire decides to munch on him. Thankfully the good, kindhearted vampire in James swoops in to save Tad and show him gay love can be beautiful. Sound familiar? The basics of the second story are exactly the same as the first right down to James sending Tad away for his own good. The only difference in this offering is that Tad has a horrible, abusive past where he’s been hustling to make ends meet after being raped by his mother’s boyfriend. James as well has not been lucky in love and the two gradually experiment sexually and emotionally.
Besides being twice as long as the first story, the added length offers very little to the story. There is no additional world building and as with the first story, there is no explanation of the vampires, The Lost, other than their souls are gone. There is no additional detail or information included; yet the story goes to great melodramatic lengths to explain in detail Tad’s abusive, horrific past. This abuse has predictably led to an aversion to sex, which is cured by the love of a good vampire and not much needed therapy. Also predictable is Tad’s depression without James and the flat, empty characterizations of stereotypical good and evil vampires. Surprisingly the sex scenes included are not sexy and in fact drag on. I found myself bored by the number of scenes that had little action, overdrawn and melodramatic emotion, and awkward exploits.
Both stories are incredibly similar with the second expanded to dwell on the emotional and physical abuse of the two men. The lack of solid world building and detail put these stories at an initial disadvantage that was compounded by the lack of imagination and creativity. It’s not as though this is a horrible book – it’s just predictable, bland, and frankly boring for its similarities. While the writing has problems the biggest issue with the book is that it offers nothing engaging or interesting to hold the reader and does nothing to differentiate itself from the overly bland use of vampires in a basic story of older man/innocent boy. If this theme is one you particularly enjoy, these two might appeal for easy, fast reads. Otherwise, there are better stories – even by this author.
The first story Broken Vows is the re-published story and it clearly shows. Here a young man coming of age is trying to understand his sexuality against a backdrop of a homophobic family. He mistakenly ventures into the vampire quadrant of the city and is immediately accosted by the stereotypical evil, skeleton, nasty vampire who bites him. Gabrielle swoops in and saves our intrepid Daniel from harm and in the process initiates Daniel to the joys of gay sex. However, in fitting heroine form – Gabrielle forces Daniel to leave and live his life. Daniel has never forgotten Gabrielle and his dominating personality, waiting until the day Gabrielle decides they can finally be together.
This story is flat, unimaginative, and incredibly short. The writing is perfunctory with barely any interest or fresh descriptions. The world building is non-existent and the vampire presence is the only detail added. The location of the city is neither offered nor described; it could be a small town, a large city, or an underground bunker. The entire action is centered on classic stereotypes for the flat, one-note characters as the innocent pines in love for the hero who must send the young man away for his own good. However the sole encounter is supposed to be enough for said innocent to stand up to his homophobic parents and live a good, yet empty life. The story is not horrible per se, merely the same bland, rote story told numerous times without any new twist or fresh narrative.
The second story Blood Hustler is not much better. Here a naïve young man coming of age runs away from an abusive, homophobic home only to find himself in trouble when an evil, nasty, skeleton-esque vampire decides to munch on him. Thankfully the good, kindhearted vampire in James swoops in to save Tad and show him gay love can be beautiful. Sound familiar? The basics of the second story are exactly the same as the first right down to James sending Tad away for his own good. The only difference in this offering is that Tad has a horrible, abusive past where he’s been hustling to make ends meet after being raped by his mother’s boyfriend. James as well has not been lucky in love and the two gradually experiment sexually and emotionally.
Besides being twice as long as the first story, the added length offers very little to the story. There is no additional world building and as with the first story, there is no explanation of the vampires, The Lost, other than their souls are gone. There is no additional detail or information included; yet the story goes to great melodramatic lengths to explain in detail Tad’s abusive, horrific past. This abuse has predictably led to an aversion to sex, which is cured by the love of a good vampire and not much needed therapy. Also predictable is Tad’s depression without James and the flat, empty characterizations of stereotypical good and evil vampires. Surprisingly the sex scenes included are not sexy and in fact drag on. I found myself bored by the number of scenes that had little action, overdrawn and melodramatic emotion, and awkward exploits.
Both stories are incredibly similar with the second expanded to dwell on the emotional and physical abuse of the two men. The lack of solid world building and detail put these stories at an initial disadvantage that was compounded by the lack of imagination and creativity. It’s not as though this is a horrible book – it’s just predictable, bland, and frankly boring for its similarities. While the writing has problems the biggest issue with the book is that it offers nothing engaging or interesting to hold the reader and does nothing to differentiate itself from the overly bland use of vampires in a basic story of older man/innocent boy. If this theme is one you particularly enjoy, these two might appeal for easy, fast reads. Otherwise, there are better stories – even by this author.
June 1, 2017
Really liked this duet. Wish she had written more in these two worlds.
September 12, 2013
Yum, vampires!
The Lost Books contain two more or less short stories. The idea that a person is bound to a vampire after the second bite was quite interesting and the writing style, as well as the descriptions were both nicely done.
Oh well, both stories were nice to read in between a longer one I started, but the characters didn't stir any real emotional response in me.
The Lost Books contain two more or less short stories. The idea that a person is bound to a vampire after the second bite was quite interesting and the writing style, as well as the descriptions were both nicely done.
Oh well, both stories were nice to read in between a longer one I started, but the characters didn't stir any real emotional response in me.
June 9, 2013
Wow... I've had this book for long time and I've just finished it today. Well, this book combine my not-first-favorite topics, m/m and vampire. Actually this book contains 2 story. First story is Broken Vows and Second story is Blood Hustler. After read this book, I've finally understood statement 'Born This Way' about m/m relationship. Anderson still use uke-seme principle (lol), only this time, it's about innocent young-boys and more-than-one-century vampires called The Lost. I've realized not all of us have life all rosy and sunshine, sometimes we forge a hard life. I begin to think this story much more alike Cinderella story (lol) --My theme of this month, Cinderella-- After read this story, whether f/m or m/m relationship, some of us want to be saved from this harsh world, and found our happily ever after, just like the fairytale.
September 18, 2014
I usually don't read pure male-to-male stories but I was really curious with this one so I decided to read it. Anyway, this book is about vampires who are called "Lost" and the human males that they eventually fall in love to. The first book is fast paced for me that I wish that there is more on the story than what it includes. The decision that Gabrielle made for Daniel is a good and wise one. The next story is much more dramatic with Tad and James. With Tad's painful past and James' loneliness, they are meant to heal each other's wounds. The final moments is really sweet, and I forgot that they are of the same gender. This book is really enjoyable and makes me try to read other male-to-male books.
September 5, 2009
There are two stories in this edition. The first one "Broken Vow" is weak - very weak, but establishes the rules of the Lost universe and sets the stage for the second story which is much more developed. When I pick up a story, I am hoping for something original and in "Blood Hustler" the vampire protagonist's account of his relationship with his late companion is inventive and haunting. I'd suggest this book for those brief passages alone.
December 6, 2012
It a good book, I consider it more like a "pass time book", both stories are not long, so you can finish them pretty quickly.
I like the second story the most, there was a little bit more plot on it and it was pretty sweet. I loved the characters (Tad and James).
The firs story it's Ok. But I think it needed a little bit more of plot. Everything happened too fast; they met, they went apart and then they were togehter again. I don't know, there was something that was missing for me.
I like the second story the most, there was a little bit more plot on it and it was pretty sweet. I loved the characters (Tad and James).
The firs story it's Ok. But I think it needed a little bit more of plot. Everything happened too fast; they met, they went apart and then they were togehter again. I don't know, there was something that was missing for me.
November 17, 2019
Not bad but not good either. Not even the sex was particularly hot which is shocking from this author. Quick easy read of two similar stories. The world building was not very good for either, but better for the 2nd longer story. The plots had a lot of potential but just never engaged me. I typically love this author and vampire/shifters are my favorite genre, so it really should have been a slam dunk.
December 31, 2009
This is book holds two m/m vampire stories. I like them both, but I wish Broken Vows was a bit longer because I liked it the most. They were well written and the characters interesting and engaging. The Blood Hustler story was a little different vampire story then I read before, but I enjoyed it.
September 12, 2010
Two stories : first one so-so (with bdsm highlighs for which I do not care), second one much more interesting and developped, with a good insight into the characters.
May 8, 2011
I really liked the first story (I would have rated it 4,5), but the second much less.
July 4, 2012
Two stories, both about vampire encounters and both found their love.
January 30, 2015
Definitely not my favorite by this author. The second book was a little better than the first but there wasn't much to either of them.
July 1, 2016
read the first one. I have to say EA finds some pretty ridiculous ways to have th MC have sex. hahah But they almost always work. I just did not like how 8 years meant nothing.
March 5, 2011
I liked this book. Both stories went well together.
December 8, 2011
Absolutely beautiful!!! Both stories were erotic, but Blood Hustler was achingly sweet.
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