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'Til Kingdom Come
In a time of mystery and magic, one man is seeking to find his destiny. Prince Thrain Blackwater is on a deadly mission to capture the one who can help him get his revenge and make him whole. But in order to do so, he must perform an act of brutality that will alienate the man he hopes to claim as his own.
Prince Elias Trueheart is a Null--a noble of the royal Trueheart line who has no magic of his own. Resigned to a life of obscurity, his entire world is turned upside down the night Thrain comes for him. After the Blackwater prince claims him in a way Elias feels he can never forgive, he kidnaps him as well and drags him back to the snake pit he calls home--Castle Black.
Thrain is certain Elias will hate him forever--and he doesn't blame the other man a bit. Still, he hungers for Elias's love and will do anything to earn it, even if it means facing down his brutal older brother who wants Elias for himself. But will Elias ever return his feelings or is he incapable of forgiving Thrain's crime? He will have to make up his mind very soon for beneath the dark and dangerous Castle Black lies a secret that will unlock Elias's magic and a deadly riddle that will put both his life and Thrain's in peril.
Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Dubious consent, male/male sexual practices, allusion to incest.
Prince Elias Trueheart is a Null--a noble of the royal Trueheart line who has no magic of his own. Resigned to a life of obscurity, his entire world is turned upside down the night Thrain comes for him. After the Blackwater prince claims him in a way Elias feels he can never forgive, he kidnaps him as well and drags him back to the snake pit he calls home--Castle Black.
Thrain is certain Elias will hate him forever--and he doesn't blame the other man a bit. Still, he hungers for Elias's love and will do anything to earn it, even if it means facing down his brutal older brother who wants Elias for himself. But will Elias ever return his feelings or is he incapable of forgiving Thrain's crime? He will have to make up his mind very soon for beneath the dark and dangerous Castle Black lies a secret that will unlock Elias's magic and a deadly riddle that will put both his life and Thrain's in peril.
Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Dubious consent, male/male sexual practices, allusion to incest.
183 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2010
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1098 people want to read
About the author
Evangeline Anderson
297 books5,048 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 - 30 of 89 reviews
November 22, 2014
This is a great fantasy story. No epic quests looking for magical items, though. It is all about the inner journey of two men who don't just have their own personal demons to overcome, but need to find common ground as lovers as well—if a long-standing prophecy is to come true and bring peace to their realms.
Elias starts out as the weaker of the two. He is a "magic null" in a kingdom of mages and suffers some ridicule for it. Not the most self-confident person to start with, he gets taken prisoner and raped by a prince from a neighboring kingdom. He is then told, by the last dragon alive, no less, that said prince is his destiny, and that he will only unleash his own magic with the man's help. It takes Elias a long time to see the wood for the trees, but when he finally gets it, his growth is phenomenal.
Thraine has been mistreated by his father, brutalized by his own brother when he was younger, and knows he will need Elias to help him get revenge. Forced to rape him or see him raped by his evil brother, he has no choice but to hurt him. The knowledge that he may have ruined his chances of Elias ever loving him as much as he comes to love Elias almost destroys him. Not that it motivates him to talk about it or admit his true feelings until it's almost too late.
I really liked the way both men stubbornly struggled on their own, refusing to communicate until the circumstances forced them to change. The setting was good, even if the evil father and brother felt slightly overdone at times. But hey - it's a fairy tale, so I decided to go with it. It was definitely a great ride!
Elias starts out as the weaker of the two. He is a "magic null" in a kingdom of mages and suffers some ridicule for it. Not the most self-confident person to start with, he gets taken prisoner and raped by a prince from a neighboring kingdom. He is then told, by the last dragon alive, no less, that said prince is his destiny, and that he will only unleash his own magic with the man's help. It takes Elias a long time to see the wood for the trees, but when he finally gets it, his growth is phenomenal.
Thraine has been mistreated by his father, brutalized by his own brother when he was younger, and knows he will need Elias to help him get revenge. Forced to rape him or see him raped by his evil brother, he has no choice but to hurt him. The knowledge that he may have ruined his chances of Elias ever loving him as much as he comes to love Elias almost destroys him. Not that it motivates him to talk about it or admit his true feelings until it's almost too late.
I really liked the way both men stubbornly struggled on their own, refusing to communicate until the circumstances forced them to change. The setting was good, even if the evil father and brother felt slightly overdone at times. But hey - it's a fairy tale, so I decided to go with it. It was definitely a great ride!
January 31, 2017
Well.... wasn't
that
painful :/ Had to read it for a challenge and that was my only motivation.
Half a star and a headache.
This is not a nice review, because the book I am attempting to review is a blabbering, overly long, ridiculous mess. Actually, forget the reviewing part, I am so frustrated, I am just going to set my pet peeves free, before my brain bursts in flames.
* World building - none. Not even a room building, tho there was an attempt at a hot-tub building and a dungeon staircase building..... awww, I feel generous, I'll throw in the magical door building. There.
* Contradictions. Left and right. Top and bottom. North and South. Back and forth. Here, there and everywhere @.@
* Talk. Sex. - Overwhelming. Talk. Sex. Talk. Sex. Sex-talk. Pout. Talk/sex. Sex/sex. Magic/sex/talk. Pout. Sex. Talk. At most inconvenient times - more talk, more sex. What a page turner. Seriously, 20-30 at a time - skippity-skip!
* MCs - TSTL. Slower than a glacier. Both of them. Even the dragon said so himself. Poor chap, his life depended on these idiots. I was hoping they would shut up for half a minute to try to use their brains instead of their tongues. No. Only in the very end and by some unexplained miracle the fair princess had a thought revelation.
* Secondary characters. I don't know. There was not enough presence of any other character in this book to be secondary. Not the dragon, not the king, not the wasshispants-brother. MC's dicks have a better chance applying for this position.
* Villains - villainous. I don't know much about them to elaborate. Except for the brother was a rapist and the father was on a witch hunt.
* M/M? Why? M/F could have done just as nicely. Though I concede - it's easier to stroke someone's dick in public, than someone's pussy, what with accessibility and all.
Half a star and a headache.
This is not a nice review, because the book I am attempting to review is a blabbering, overly long, ridiculous mess. Actually, forget the reviewing part, I am so frustrated, I am just going to set my pet peeves free, before my brain bursts in flames.
* World building - none. Not even a room building, tho there was an attempt at a hot-tub building and a dungeon staircase building..... awww, I feel generous, I'll throw in the magical door building. There.
* Contradictions. Left and right. Top and bottom. North and South. Back and forth. Here, there and everywhere @.@
* Talk. Sex. - Overwhelming. Talk. Sex. Talk. Sex. Sex-talk. Pout. Talk/sex. Sex/sex. Magic/sex/talk. Pout. Sex. Talk. At most inconvenient times - more talk, more sex. What a page turner. Seriously, 20-30 at a time - skippity-skip!
* MCs - TSTL. Slower than a glacier. Both of them. Even the dragon said so himself. Poor chap, his life depended on these idiots. I was hoping they would shut up for half a minute to try to use their brains instead of their tongues. No. Only in the very end and by some unexplained miracle the fair prince
* Secondary characters. I don't know. There was not enough presence of any other character in this book to be secondary. Not the dragon, not the king, not the wasshispants-brother. MC's dicks have a better chance applying for this position.
* Villains - villainous. I don't know much about them to elaborate. Except for the brother was a rapist and the father was on a witch hunt.
* M/M? Why? M/F could have done just as nicely. Though I concede - it's easier to stroke someone's dick in public, than someone's pussy, what with accessibility and all.
March 4, 2011
I like EA but her books tend to be all over the spectrum. Some are great, some are horrible, some are just ok. I'm never sure where a particular book will end up but I keep trying since I do like the author. For TKC, the fantasy concept is decent, but the execution leaves something to be desired. The magic healing of sex makes the story kind of ridiculous and completely over the top. I can appreciate some outrageous antics for the sake of humor or the story, this is just so ridiculous I kept rolling my eyes and wanting to throw the book. When the characters have to have sex to save them over and over and over again, the story just becomes so silly you can’t enjoy it.
Elias is a prince of kingdom of magic users. He has inherent magic but it hasn’t manifested yet and Elias is left feeling he may be the only one without any magic at all. His life completely changes when their castle is besieged by a neighboring kingdom, trying to kill all magic users. Elias is saved by Thrain, the second son of the ruler who wants to use Elias to kill his brother and father. Elias isn’t sure he agrees with Thrain’s revenge but when Elias’ magic manifests so hotly that only sexual pleasure can tame it; the two have no choice but to trust each other.
The story at the heart is basically one of royal intrigue. Thrain is the second son of an evil, totally unscrupulous father and equally dastardly brother. Thrain wants to kill the two in revenge and rule his country justly. Elias is supposed to be the tool of Thrain’s revenge if he can just control his newfound magic. Although this is one tried and true historical/fantasy theme, Til Kingdom Come doesn’t go off the rails until it adds the sexual element. Seeing as Thrain is Elias’ captor and he initially rapes Elias there is built in tension about how Elias will come to fall for Thrain and get over his anger.
Unfortunately that is really easy since Elias’ magic is controlled and tempered by sex. Sex with Thrain specifically. Whenever Elias practices his magic, he has to be connected with Thrain in some way. Whether Thrain is jerking Elias off, giving a blowjob or screwing Elias, the sexual pleasure given controls the magic. The greater the pleasure, the deeper the sex, the bigger the orgasm, the less the magic will take over and go wild. So you can imagine there is a ton of sex, a ton of “practicing magic” and so on that has to take place. Plus this sets up the more pressing tension between the men in whether they’re together for mutual benefit or true love.
The plot is over the top sure but the execution is what really makes this silly. The repeated sex scenes with the healing power of a blowjob are just so ridiculous that you can’t take it seriously anymore. Also this creates so many easy resolutions and ways to prolong the tension it’s just frustrating. The characters contradict themselves constantly as well. Elias will acknowledge that Thrain cares for him, seems to love him, and genuinely wants him but then in the next instant will flip and decide Thrain is of course only using him and doesn’t care about him at all. This back and forth is tiring and has no real basis in actions or thoughts. It feels entirely manufactured.
Additionally there are the traditionally super evil villains that are obvious and boring with no nuance or subtly. There is the big magical dragon that only speaks in short sentences and riddles for no real reason. The riddles aren’t even that difficult to figure out yet the two main characters act like they have no clue what the clearly laid out meaning is. There is no real reason for the dragon to speak in riddles either, considering it’s his life they’re trying to save but apparently dragons can only speak in obvious riddles.
Really this is just a silly book that has an over the top plot but the execution does it no favors. Maybe fans of the author won’t mind the healing power of sex concept but Anderson has much better offerings in her back list. Skip this one since not even the fantasy setting is really worthwhile.
Elias is a prince of kingdom of magic users. He has inherent magic but it hasn’t manifested yet and Elias is left feeling he may be the only one without any magic at all. His life completely changes when their castle is besieged by a neighboring kingdom, trying to kill all magic users. Elias is saved by Thrain, the second son of the ruler who wants to use Elias to kill his brother and father. Elias isn’t sure he agrees with Thrain’s revenge but when Elias’ magic manifests so hotly that only sexual pleasure can tame it; the two have no choice but to trust each other.
The story at the heart is basically one of royal intrigue. Thrain is the second son of an evil, totally unscrupulous father and equally dastardly brother. Thrain wants to kill the two in revenge and rule his country justly. Elias is supposed to be the tool of Thrain’s revenge if he can just control his newfound magic. Although this is one tried and true historical/fantasy theme, Til Kingdom Come doesn’t go off the rails until it adds the sexual element. Seeing as Thrain is Elias’ captor and he initially rapes Elias there is built in tension about how Elias will come to fall for Thrain and get over his anger.
Unfortunately that is really easy since Elias’ magic is controlled and tempered by sex. Sex with Thrain specifically. Whenever Elias practices his magic, he has to be connected with Thrain in some way. Whether Thrain is jerking Elias off, giving a blowjob or screwing Elias, the sexual pleasure given controls the magic. The greater the pleasure, the deeper the sex, the bigger the orgasm, the less the magic will take over and go wild. So you can imagine there is a ton of sex, a ton of “practicing magic” and so on that has to take place. Plus this sets up the more pressing tension between the men in whether they’re together for mutual benefit or true love.
The plot is over the top sure but the execution is what really makes this silly. The repeated sex scenes with the healing power of a blowjob are just so ridiculous that you can’t take it seriously anymore. Also this creates so many easy resolutions and ways to prolong the tension it’s just frustrating. The characters contradict themselves constantly as well. Elias will acknowledge that Thrain cares for him, seems to love him, and genuinely wants him but then in the next instant will flip and decide Thrain is of course only using him and doesn’t care about him at all. This back and forth is tiring and has no real basis in actions or thoughts. It feels entirely manufactured.
Additionally there are the traditionally super evil villains that are obvious and boring with no nuance or subtly. There is the big magical dragon that only speaks in short sentences and riddles for no real reason. The riddles aren’t even that difficult to figure out yet the two main characters act like they have no clue what the clearly laid out meaning is. There is no real reason for the dragon to speak in riddles either, considering it’s his life they’re trying to save but apparently dragons can only speak in obvious riddles.
Really this is just a silly book that has an over the top plot but the execution does it no favors. Maybe fans of the author won’t mind the healing power of sex concept but Anderson has much better offerings in her back list. Skip this one since not even the fantasy setting is really worthwhile.
June 12, 2010
I was floored at the concept of touch from one man to another whether to reach out and make that connection or performing a sexual act is what the other needed in order to tame and tamper down the magic from getting out of control. Considering all the books I've now read to date it shouldn't have surprised me. I do enjoy paranormal but this being more with the whole magic and dragons bit is not the same and I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. I did like the story to a degree. There could have been less description, more common ground in both men meeting half way instead of their constant fighting, bantering and bickering and what threw me was the tougher, stronger man of the two took most of the guff thrown at him. For a more stealthier, faster fighter he took more shit than I expected from his brother and his own father, add to that his should be lover and it overwhelmed me to thinking Thrain is a wimp for all that brawn and muscle he's hiding under. Elias who for all his reading and smarts sure as heck wasn't too swift.
So... my rating is more for the creativity of such a story and it was very well written for a fantasy novel, but it went missing for me for all the reasons I mentioned above and for some I had left out. To each their own I guess.
So... my rating is more for the creativity of such a story and it was very well written for a fantasy novel, but it went missing for me for all the reasons I mentioned above and for some I had left out. To each their own I guess.
February 26, 2017
3.2 Stars
Usually I love EA's MM romance novels, but I found myself continuously rolling my eyes and shaking my head at some of the ridiculously overplayed tropes just littered across this book. Maybe the sheer number of them overwhelmed the story and made me not appreciate it as much as I expected to? IDK. The magic peen was the last straw though.
No, seriously, an actual magic peen. It healed all the pain and fear instilled in one of the MCs after years of sexual assault at the hands of his own brother. (No, I didn't bother shelving this as 'cesty 'cause that one is reserved for the consensual kind.) So, yeah. Magic. Peen.
And here there be dragons, too. Well one of them. Captured and tortured, the last of his kind. Yeah, and every time one of them crept into the bowels of the castle to speak with it (in their minds as it "spoke" the "old tongue") I kept getting Merlin flashbacks. Plus, you know, the King was systematically killing/destroying all magic users. Like in Merlin. But a young boy was destined to save the land once he learned to control his own magic. Like in Merlin. *eyeroll* OMG see? There. I did it again.
Whatever. I wanted desperately for this to be like Counterpoint and while there were some similarities as a whole it so very much was not. Meh.
Usually I love EA's MM romance novels, but I found myself continuously rolling my eyes and shaking my head at some of the ridiculously overplayed tropes just littered across this book. Maybe the sheer number of them overwhelmed the story and made me not appreciate it as much as I expected to? IDK. The magic peen was the last straw though.
No, seriously, an actual magic peen. It healed all the pain and fear instilled in one of the MCs after years of sexual assault at the hands of his own brother. (No, I didn't bother shelving this as 'cesty 'cause that one is reserved for the consensual kind.) So, yeah. Magic. Peen.
And here there be dragons, too. Well one of them. Captured and tortured, the last of his kind. Yeah, and every time one of them crept into the bowels of the castle to speak with it (in their minds as it "spoke" the "old tongue") I kept getting Merlin flashbacks. Plus, you know, the King was systematically killing/destroying all magic users. Like in Merlin. But a young boy was destined to save the land once he learned to control his own magic. Like in Merlin. *eyeroll* OMG see? There. I did it again.
Whatever. I wanted desperately for this to be like Counterpoint and while there were some similarities as a whole it so very much was not. Meh.
December 20, 2011
As usual, laugh-out-loud funny. Per my standard Anderson review format, high points:
1. These characters are soooo smart and capable. How do we know this? Because the script says so, that's how.
2. The super "puzzling" riddles, sigh.
3. It's a good thing the Trueharts have that whole magic thing going on since they definitely don't have that whole common sense or listening comprehension thing going on.
5. I'm fairly convinced that this fantasy realm's average day could be encompassed within about 5 Earth hours because nobody ever seems to have enough time. I dare you to count the number times the phrase "I don't have time..." appears in this book. I would have but I didn't have enough time.
4. The big climax is when Elias gives the Empress a name and the world is saved from the Nothing, or wait, I might be getting my fantasy books confused.
P.S.: cough, Castle Peace?
1. These characters are soooo smart and capable. How do we know this? Because the script says so, that's how.
2. The super "puzzling" riddles, sigh.
3. It's a good thing the Trueharts have that whole magic thing going on since they definitely don't have that whole common sense or listening comprehension thing going on.
5. I'm fairly convinced that this fantasy realm's average day could be encompassed within about 5 Earth hours because nobody ever seems to have enough time. I dare you to count the number times the phrase "I don't have time..." appears in this book. I would have but I didn't have enough time.
4. The big climax is when Elias gives the Empress a name and the world is saved from the Nothing, or wait, I might be getting my fantasy books confused.
P.S.: cough, Castle Peace?
November 27, 2012
I don't mind Evangeline Anderson: As far as PWP-ish authors go, she's pretty to-notch. This one is standard EA: Very readable, interesting enough story unless you're expecting something spectacular. It's not great, it's not amazing, but it keeps you interested enough to finish it at least.
What is much more painful is EA's insistence on using awkward excuses for sex/foreplay. Really, he needs a handjob to keep his magic powers under control? Really!? That's so ridiculous I don't even--
And yes, that's basically the plot. They will die unless they have sex. It's also been the plot for the last couple of EA books I've read, so if that's your thing, go for this.
What is much more painful is EA's insistence on using awkward excuses for sex/foreplay. Really, he needs a handjob to keep his magic powers under control? Really!? That's so ridiculous I don't even--
And yes, that's basically the plot. They will die unless they have sex. It's also been the plot for the last couple of EA books I've read, so if that's your thing, go for this.
June 9, 2010
This would have been 5 stars if it were about 20 pages shorter. There was just a bit too much angsty, back and forth "he doesn't really love me" for my taste.
However, the book was solid, the scenes were hot (as always), and the storyline was good. I love how Evangeline Anderson is always able to make having sex into a life or death situation.
However, the book was solid, the scenes were hot (as always), and the storyline was good. I love how Evangeline Anderson is always able to make having sex into a life or death situation.
April 30, 2018
2.5
Elias Trueheart is a prince waiting for his magic to come in. But before that can happen, his kingdom is invaded by the Blackwell's and he is raped and taken captive by Prince Thrain. Thrain didn't want to abuse Elias, but he was forced himself into raping him and he's taken him captive because a dragon told him that he needed Elias in order to complete his revenge against his odious father and brother. Elias still isn't so thrilled about having been raped and now an tool for someone else's vengeance. But he slowly begins to trust Thrain as they learn how to control Elias's magic together. Thrain is in love with Elias, but Elias still doesn't fully trust Thrain.
What the heck did I just read? I think this was smut, with a sort of dash of romance thrown in. But this definitely reminded me of stereotypical FanFiction...you know how they throw in lots of contrived situations and tropes. At least the story didn't have male pregnancy. I did still sort of enjoy it. I think maybe I'm giving points for originality. But I had moments where I wanted to roll my eyes at the ridiculousness. For example, when Thrain has to give Elias a hand job for hours on end so that he can control his magic. Or the fact that Elias has to let Thrain have sex with him in order to gain full control over his magic. I think the reason this felt ridiculous is because there was no logical explanation for it. And the dragon's riddle? Um. Yeah. That was super easy to figure out, and I can't believe these guys were that stupid that it took them 3 weeks to figure it out. I did appreciate some of the angst, especially as it was created by the power imbalance and Elias's resentment at having to submit.
Elias Trueheart is a prince waiting for his magic to come in. But before that can happen, his kingdom is invaded by the Blackwell's and he is raped and taken captive by Prince Thrain. Thrain didn't want to abuse Elias, but he was forced himself into raping him and he's taken him captive because a dragon told him that he needed Elias in order to complete his revenge against his odious father and brother. Elias still isn't so thrilled about having been raped and now an tool for someone else's vengeance. But he slowly begins to trust Thrain as they learn how to control Elias's magic together. Thrain is in love with Elias, but Elias still doesn't fully trust Thrain.
What the heck did I just read? I think this was smut, with a sort of dash of romance thrown in. But this definitely reminded me of stereotypical FanFiction...you know how they throw in lots of contrived situations and tropes. At least the story didn't have male pregnancy. I did still sort of enjoy it. I think maybe I'm giving points for originality. But I had moments where I wanted to roll my eyes at the ridiculousness. For example, when Thrain has to give Elias a hand job for hours on end so that he can control his magic. Or the fact that Elias has to let Thrain have sex with him in order to gain full control over his magic. I think the reason this felt ridiculous is because there was no logical explanation for it. And the dragon's riddle? Um. Yeah. That was super easy to figure out, and I can't believe these guys were that stupid that it took them 3 weeks to figure it out. I did appreciate some of the angst, especially as it was created by the power imbalance and Elias's resentment at having to submit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2017
3.5 stars
Call me crazy, but when it comes to m/m romance, Evangeline Anderson’s books are my number one guilty pleasure. You won’t learn anything from them and they won’t change your views on life because they’re like weird sexual fantasies of a horny 15 year old. But they're well-written, hilarious fantasies and I can't help loving them.
After Broken Boundaries I was prepared for whatever amount of ridiculous and this book didn't shy away from delivering a lot of it.
As a fantasy it works great. It has magic, castles, an evil king and an even more evil brother, dragons (well, dragon, actually) and, of course, two good guys who want to save the kingdom.
As a romance it was ok. If this is your first EA book, you should probably know this author doesn’t do simple and ordinary. You won’t find two guys falling in love with each other in common circumstances. They won’t just like each other, go on a date, start a relationship, etc. because that’s too easy and boring. No. They need to be somehow pushed into that: job requiring them to fly a spaceship being pressed naked together, gay chicken dares. In this book, it’s rape. I know. Awful. And completely unnecessary. I seriously doubted I would like Thrain after the initial rape scene but, surprisingly, the transition from enemies to lovers is pretty well done and he slowly (and convincingly) becomes the good guy.
Then the plot kicks up a notch as Elias discovers his magic and the way to control it. This being EA, you probably guess how it's going to unfold. Yes, the only way to tame the magic and defeat the evil king is through sex. Fortunately, it didn’t go as far as Threain fucking Elias in front of the king or some similar scenario, though I fearfully expected it. I actually loved the way things played out in the end. The final scenes were exciting and they’re the reason I give this book one more star.
The dragon was kind of dumb (sorry, dragon, your inane riddle didn't impress me), despite his alleged wisdom. But the MCs were even dumber, so it all worked out well.
Overall, it's a funtastic read and if you don’t take it too seriously, it falls in the better part of average.
Call me crazy, but when it comes to m/m romance, Evangeline Anderson’s books are my number one guilty pleasure. You won’t learn anything from them and they won’t change your views on life because they’re like weird sexual fantasies of a horny 15 year old. But they're well-written, hilarious fantasies and I can't help loving them.
After Broken Boundaries I was prepared for whatever amount of ridiculous and this book didn't shy away from delivering a lot of it.
As a fantasy it works great. It has magic, castles, an evil king and an even more evil brother, dragons (well, dragon, actually) and, of course, two good guys who want to save the kingdom.
As a romance it was ok. If this is your first EA book, you should probably know this author doesn’t do simple and ordinary. You won’t find two guys falling in love with each other in common circumstances. They won’t just like each other, go on a date, start a relationship, etc. because that’s too easy and boring. No. They need to be somehow pushed into that: job requiring them to fly a spaceship being pressed naked together, gay chicken dares. In this book, it’s rape. I know. Awful. And completely unnecessary. I seriously doubted I would like Thrain after the initial rape scene but, surprisingly, the transition from enemies to lovers is pretty well done and he slowly (and convincingly) becomes the good guy.
Then the plot kicks up a notch as Elias discovers his magic and the way to control it. This being EA, you probably guess how it's going to unfold. Yes, the only way to tame the magic and defeat the evil king is through sex. Fortunately, it didn’t go as far as Threain fucking Elias in front of the king or some similar scenario, though I fearfully expected it. I actually loved the way things played out in the end. The final scenes were exciting and they’re the reason I give this book one more star.
The dragon was kind of dumb (sorry, dragon, your inane riddle didn't impress me), despite his alleged wisdom. But the MCs were even dumber, so it all worked out well.
Overall, it's a funtastic read and if you don’t take it too seriously, it falls in the better part of average.
March 20, 2012
This book read like an awful lot like fan fiction of the BBC series Merlin.
I saw that the publisher is Loose Id... looking at their site, they like recycled tales with an alternative sexual slant so... I'm not that surprised to see that there are parallels. I am surprised no one else mentioned this in review, though. It's just so blatant.
That being said, I liked it - 4 stars worth. There are some heavy themes that might turn some folks off in this one... dubious consent flat-out through to rape. But the sex was hot; the tension in the story kept a tight pace. A good read.
October 29, 2024
It was such a nice book. I enjoyed that we got to know and understand both sides of the story as each character got the chance to describe their feelings moving through the events of the story. The magic elements were nicely introduced in the story (though having to masturbate or having sex to control magic was a bit far-fetched). But what really impressed me in the story is the way Thrain was presented. I really felt his sorrow, angst and love as his relationship to Elias deepened. The sex scenes were nicely balanced with a good historical and political background and interesting portrayal of the characters.
It was my first book by the author, and it sparked an interest for her work. I'm really glad I picked up this story.
P.S.: No idea when I read this. It was that far back. And Goodreads didn't save the date.
It was my first book by the author, and it sparked an interest for her work. I'm really glad I picked up this story.
P.S.: No idea when I read this. It was that far back. And Goodreads didn't save the date.
February 28, 2012
This is the second book I have read in a week where Not sure either of the situations were believable, but as with everything when it comes to Evangeline Anderson I suspend reality & just enjoy the ride. And enjoy it I did. This is the story of two princes. Elias Trueheart comes from a house of magic (even though he himself is a Null) and leads a quiet, innocent life. Thrain Blackwater is the second son of the heartless King Ungor (who despises magic & seeks to destroy all that use it). Thrain knows that Elias is his destiny and seeks to unite himself with Elias. However, before that can occur, an unforgivable act is committed. What follows is a story of evil, magic, dragons and riddles, and learning that things are not always what they seem. Plus the usual EA elements of angst and crazy sexual situations. Yeah, no wonder I liked it so much.
March 30, 2013
Seems like each one of these genre books I've tried so far have been disappointing in the extreme. This one? Ridiculously cliche and floridly written (rhymes with "horridly"; shares many characteristics). If not for that, I could have excused its obvious BBC Merlin fanfic roots - imprisoned dragons, wizards with golden eyes helping princes struggling to be free of their tyrannical fathers - and it's superficial narrative. But that and florid, unrealistic dialogue too? Head + wall. Why? Whyyyyy?
And why do I keep reading them? Either I'm terminally optimistic, or a masochist; possibly both. They can't be all like this, can they? Please, someone tell me there are better writers in this field, or even tell me this was EA fumbling this one. I'm a reasonable person; I'm willing to overlook it when someone is having an off-day.
And why do I keep reading them? Either I'm terminally optimistic, or a masochist; possibly both. They can't be all like this, can they? Please, someone tell me there are better writers in this field, or even tell me this was EA fumbling this one. I'm a reasonable person; I'm willing to overlook it when someone is having an off-day.
May 27, 2013
A "love" story about a rapist and his victim, full of cliches, with a barely there plot which hinged entirely on sex and weak, two dimensional characters...I barely finished the book, facepalming, yawning and rolling my eyes all the way to the end. At times, I couldn't believe the sheer silliness of it. Castle Peace? Sex saves the day, heals, controls magic, etc? Really? I have a feeling the author just wanted to write a prolonged, meaningless PWP, then decided to tack on a flimsy plot and call it a book.
So, therefor, one star.
So, therefor, one star.
June 16, 2010
Very nice fantasy slash, with well written sexual build up and a nice political intrigue backstory (complete with evil family, prophecy, a dragon and learning to use magic).
The dragon and the evil king reminded me a lot of the TV show Merlin - maybe you'd like to take a look at it if you liked this book.
The dragon and the evil king reminded me a lot of the TV show Merlin - maybe you'd like to take a look at it if you liked this book.
February 26, 2014
Generally quite light, in terms of the BDSM and the rape was rather gentle. A Prince is raped and kidnapped by a rival prince and has to pretend to be his bedslave while they fall in love. They have great magic and great power that is unlocked by their love and get to live happily ever after. Simple story...
Not exciting, although I believe at one point, Elias was referred to as a she.
Not exciting, although I believe at one point, Elias was referred to as a she.
September 13, 2013
Magic sperm is definitely not up my alley. Plus this book was SUPER repetitive. They kept having the same conversations over and over again.
I was told that EA is a hit or miss author with her books so I'm definitely willing to give her another try.
I was told that EA is a hit or miss author with her books so I'm definitely willing to give her another try.
October 11, 2014
Пффф...
October 9, 2021
So like the other MM books I've read from this author, this one features the "I don't want to be gay because I'm straight" trope that I've read before. Some reviewers mentioned the length. Yup. This one is kind of long. With lots of sex. And complaining about sex. And pouting about sex. And not really lots of sex, per se, but more like lots of touching. With happy endings...
It was ok. I've read better.
This is one I had in a folder on my computer from Loose ID from over a decade ago. I couldn't find it on Amazon in ebook format, so it's highly possible the author doesn't have the legal rights to it anymore. If you absolutely must have it, they had a paperback of it for sale for around $948.00. Plus shipping. Not like they were price gouging or anything.
Bottom line, if you already own it, its not bad. Lots of sexy times between two guys. If you don't own it, you are not missing a lot. The author has a large range of better written books. I feel like this one must have been one of her earlier works. She has improved as a writer so much since.
It was ok. I've read better.
This is one I had in a folder on my computer from Loose ID from over a decade ago. I couldn't find it on Amazon in ebook format, so it's highly possible the author doesn't have the legal rights to it anymore. If you absolutely must have it, they had a paperback of it for sale for around $948.00. Plus shipping. Not like they were price gouging or anything.
Bottom line, if you already own it, its not bad. Lots of sexy times between two guys. If you don't own it, you are not missing a lot. The author has a large range of better written books. I feel like this one must have been one of her earlier works. She has improved as a writer so much since.
March 19, 2018
I am giving only 2 stars because the book have really disappointed me. The story line could would be really good if the writing allowed it. Both of the characters were likable and strong personas. Unfortunately, their communication and everything they said was just for all the wrong reasons and the language sometime too unrealistic (would you really call on someone "Beloved!" when you're getting their attention?) and when they got their happy ending it just turned to too sweet all of the sudden and I just expected more. Also, who the heck thought that in order to become one with your magic you need to use sex? And when Elias supposedly willingly gives himself to Thrain it doesn't even feel like it's really something he wants (and then it shouldn't have worked should it?). Just a weird concept and I couldn't wrap my mind about it. I am fine with a forced relationship and the slow get-to-know-each-other time, but this way it just didn't work for me and it felt all wrong and unreal.
October 26, 2021
“May your wish be granted. And now, fare you well wherever you fare.”
Weird how this was basically a m/m romance and a nonsexual threesum with a dragon but let's get into the review, shall we?
The story:
An interesting m/m fantasy romance with magic and dragons and fae. A satisfying end to revenge and an overall happy ending.
My review:
There were a few reasons I couldn't give this more praise. The story felt both rushed and seemed to drag along. Things that would have been typically more elaborated upon in most fantasy novels were not and the time taken to develop a stronger romance between the main character were also not elaborated upon. Considering this novel has a foot in each category I would have assumed it would do well with at least one of the categories and yet I found it lacking.
Weird how this was basically a m/m romance and a nonsexual threesum with a dragon but let's get into the review, shall we?
The story:
An interesting m/m fantasy romance with magic and dragons and fae. A satisfying end to revenge and an overall happy ending.
My review:
There were a few reasons I couldn't give this more praise. The story felt both rushed and seemed to drag along. Things that would have been typically more elaborated upon in most fantasy novels were not and the time taken to develop a stronger romance between the main character were also not elaborated upon. Considering this novel has a foot in each category I would have assumed it would do well with at least one of the categories and yet I found it lacking.
October 19, 2019
This was a frustrating read for me. Everyone in this book was tstl. The queen, Elias's cousin, the dragon, Ungor, Baynor, and MCs most of all. I was rolling my eyes so much throughout this book I feel I'm getting cross eyed. That on top of the headache I got trying to push through to finish this mess.
It really wasn't my book but if you enjoy pwp fantasy books, a lot of bickering scenes between the mcs, obvious and uneccessary riddles, one-dimensional villains, and lackluster worldbuilding, this might be for you.
It really wasn't my book but if you enjoy pwp fantasy books, a lot of bickering scenes between the mcs, obvious and uneccessary riddles, one-dimensional villains, and lackluster worldbuilding, this might be for you.
December 21, 2021
Say what you want, how horrible it is... I don't care. I loved it!
Guilty pleasure at max!
I had a feeling, since I saw the descriptions and after that I saw the lamentations in the reviews that it is thaaaaaat awful. I have learned NOT to believe some permanently outraged people. Just to ignore their opinions and go with my intuition. It was a great story, and a hot one, and a healing one.
To the author lady: congrats on putting together so compelling story. Haters gonna hate. Don't care.
Guilty pleasure at max!
I had a feeling, since I saw the descriptions and after that I saw the lamentations in the reviews that it is thaaaaaat awful. I have learned NOT to believe some permanently outraged people. Just to ignore their opinions and go with my intuition. It was a great story, and a hot one, and a healing one.
To the author lady: congrats on putting together so compelling story. Haters gonna hate. Don't care.
March 26, 2020
A lot of people said how horrible the hero was but I fucking loved him. They were calling him a rapist and what not but that’s not the actions of a rapist.
He was so regretful and sorrowful and wanted what’s best for islia (can’t spell his fucking name) in the end. You could really see his affection for him.
Rightfully, islia didn’t give him an easy time after what he did and I loved him for that too. He didn’t give in he made him work for it!
I loved it!
He was so regretful and sorrowful and wanted what’s best for islia (can’t spell his fucking name) in the end. You could really see his affection for him.
Rightfully, islia didn’t give him an easy time after what he did and I loved him for that too. He didn’t give in he made him work for it!
I loved it!
November 5, 2024
Es que mi evangeline Anderson, como anima esta mujer 🥰
Para mí es un buen libro cómo está ambientado me recordó un poco a príncipe cautivo, pero un tanta guerra que na la final casi no entendíamos.
Odie al maldito baynor y ungor, que de los dos el estupido hermano odie más es que les juro que amo los personajes psicópata y eso, pero este Man para mí solo era como un niño que quiere todo lo de su hermano y está enfermo, aparte yo no le perdonó lo que Menlo hizo a mi niño 😭.
Les digo que el libro tiene escenas fuertes, pero no solo es sexo porque vi comentario de una chica diciendo esto es solo sexo, sexo, sexo y nada de historia y yo dije como puede ser si mi evangeline Anderson no escribe esas clases de libro. Pero no crean eso, porque donde ellos se acostaron que para mí es cuando los 2 dan su consentimiento fue hasta la página 209 o por hay.
Hablando de Thrain y Elías a ver está demás decir que los 2 son unos estúpidos total, porque las cosas no se daban y tuvieron malgastando el tiempo porque tenían mala comunicación, cual de los 2 se gustaban pero por miedo no querían decirlo y eso creaban muchas ideas equivocadas y venían los problemas y pelas.
Señoooorrrr me diron dolor de cabeza su idiotas.
Sin duda el libro me gustó por eso le doy 5 estrellas porque se me hizo muy lindo y la historia está bien contada en 269 páginas por hay.
Tampoco puedo decir es un príncipe cautivo porque no, pero la historia de reinos dividido, esclavo y eso es como el ambiente.
Para mí es un buen libro cómo está ambientado me recordó un poco a príncipe cautivo, pero un tanta guerra que na la final casi no entendíamos.
Odie al maldito baynor y ungor, que de los dos el estupido hermano odie más es que les juro que amo los personajes psicópata y eso, pero este Man para mí solo era como un niño que quiere todo lo de su hermano y está enfermo, aparte yo no le perdonó lo que Menlo hizo a mi niño 😭.
Les digo que el libro tiene escenas fuertes, pero no solo es sexo porque vi comentario de una chica diciendo esto es solo sexo, sexo, sexo y nada de historia y yo dije como puede ser si mi evangeline Anderson no escribe esas clases de libro. Pero no crean eso, porque donde ellos se acostaron que para mí es cuando los 2 dan su consentimiento fue hasta la página 209 o por hay.
Hablando de Thrain y Elías a ver está demás decir que los 2 son unos estúpidos total, porque las cosas no se daban y tuvieron malgastando el tiempo porque tenían mala comunicación, cual de los 2 se gustaban pero por miedo no querían decirlo y eso creaban muchas ideas equivocadas y venían los problemas y pelas.
Señoooorrrr me diron dolor de cabeza su idiotas.
Sin duda el libro me gustó por eso le doy 5 estrellas porque se me hizo muy lindo y la historia está bien contada en 269 páginas por hay.
Tampoco puedo decir es un príncipe cautivo porque no, pero la historia de reinos dividido, esclavo y eso es como el ambiente.
June 6, 2018
Not completely pwp but damn close
June 7, 2019
Read this book several years ago and decided to reread. Okay fantasy story. Thrain is a decent guy. Elias does not appreciate how lucky he is and blows hot and cold. They make it in the end.
June 13, 2021
Thrain was strong and caring. Elias was too self absorbed. His grievances became tiresome. Relationship finally solidifiec at end.
January 15, 2023
Dnf. The characters are so stupid. Magic released by fucking? Magic Healing sperm? Wtf?
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