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Celestial Justice #1
Araton's Destiny
This edition is no longer available. The book will be re-released by Diversity Novels.
What if you're a guardian angel and fail to do your job?
Araton has been a guardian angel for less than a century when a moment of distraction causes his human charge to be hit by a car. He expects to be punished - and is surprised to find out there is room for leniency - and even a new job. Will he be any better at being a Christmas angel?
Jake is a former pro-football player whose knee injury has prevented him from fulfilling a lifelong dream. He turns his attention to extreme sports instead. When he falls into an ice cave during a solitary trip just before Christmas he believes it is the end of the road for him. Nothing short of a miracle will save him...
What if you're a guardian angel and fail to do your job?
Araton has been a guardian angel for less than a century when a moment of distraction causes his human charge to be hit by a car. He expects to be punished - and is surprised to find out there is room for leniency - and even a new job. Will he be any better at being a Christmas angel?
Jake is a former pro-football player whose knee injury has prevented him from fulfilling a lifelong dream. He turns his attention to extreme sports instead. When he falls into an ice cave during a solitary trip just before Christmas he believes it is the end of the road for him. Nothing short of a miracle will save him...
120 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2010
2 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
About the author
Serena Yates
104 books768 followersI’m a night owl and start writing when everyone else in my time zone is asleep. I’ve loved reading all my life and spent most of my childhood with my nose buried in a book. Although I always wanted to be a writer, financial independence came first. Twenty-some years and a successful business career later I took some online writing classes and never looked back.
Living and working in eight countries has taught me that there is more than one way to get things done. It has instilled tremendous respect for the many different cultures, beliefs, attitudes, and preferences that exist on our planet.
I like exploring those differences in my stories, most of which happen to be romances. My characters have a tendency to want to do their own thing, so I often have to rein them back in. The one thing we all agree on is the desire for a happy ending.
I currently live in Canada, sharing my house with a vast collection of books. I like reading, traveling, spending time with my nieces and listening to classical music. I have a passion for science and learning new languages.
Living and working in eight countries has taught me that there is more than one way to get things done. It has instilled tremendous respect for the many different cultures, beliefs, attitudes, and preferences that exist on our planet.
I like exploring those differences in my stories, most of which happen to be romances. My characters have a tendency to want to do their own thing, so I often have to rein them back in. The one thing we all agree on is the desire for a happy ending.
I currently live in Canada, sharing my house with a vast collection of books. I like reading, traveling, spending time with my nieces and listening to classical music. I have a passion for science and learning new languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
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December 18, 2010Published today, this is the first book in a series that takes a slightly irreverent look at the way Heaven is managed, celestial politics included. The series name, Celestial Justice, is a summary of the thought behind all the books: whatever happens to any of the angels, ex-angels or humans involved, in the end, justice will prevail.
This first story has a Christmas theme, but that only provides a seasonally inspired setting. Araton, an ex-guardian angel, may have a new assignment, but it soon proves to be no easier than his previous job. Jake, a former professional football player, has more problems than Araton knows what to do with....
I hope you enjoy reading this story as much as I loved writing it!
This first story has a Christmas theme, but that only provides a seasonally inspired setting. Araton, an ex-guardian angel, may have a new assignment, but it soon proves to be no easier than his previous job. Jake, a former professional football player, has more problems than Araton knows what to do with....
I hope you enjoy reading this story as much as I loved writing it!
June 9, 2017
I love-love-love angel stories and this one has a nice twist about an angel getting a second chance and finding out that what he really needs more than anything is love. The pacing is never rushed and I'm a fan of that. The over-hasty wrap-up is not my cup of tea. I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
November 3, 2012
Mushy and all about the sex, which didn’t quite work for me
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 6/10
PROS:
- Some of the specifics about angels are fun: their physical forms, their emotions, the way their lives work, etc. I was also amused by the distinctions made between different types of celestial beings.
- Araton is incredibly naïve, never having experienced sexual contact of any sort before meeting Jake, and the author manages to portray Jake in a similar way despite the fact that he’s had a bit more experience than Araton has. The sweet and tentative nature of the physical scenes almost made me feel as though the characters were two teenagers rather than grown men.
- The story’s a quick read, and probably almost half of it consists of lovingly described sex scenes. They’re detailed and drawn-out, and Yates seems to have a gift for writing about what her characters do in the bedroom. (see cons below also)
CONS:
- The whole story felt rushed to me. Descriptions of the setting, relation of key scenes (for example, Araton’s first experiences with sleep and food and physical touch), and even conversations would have had more of an impact on me if they’d been slowed down just a bit and expanded upon.
- The men have sex when they’re still strangers, which means there’s very little buildup. As a result, the sex had zero impact on me.
- The story is rather spectacularly mushy at times. Araton gets Jake a nothing-special-about-it, football-shaped clock for Christmas, and Jake’s response is, “It’s absolutely stunning!”…and Jake is calling Araton “baby” within 24 hours of having met him. Now, I’m one of those people who actually believes that love at first sight (or at least, within a few hours) is possible, but I wasn’t convinced that it happened here. Maybe with more detail I could have been.
Overall comments: The sex is well written and fairly expansive, so if you’re looking for a short story with a healthy dose of erotica, you might try this one. I like to read sex scenes that are between people who have more of an emotional connection than these two guys, though, so overall I didn’t love this one. The sex is the story’s biggest selling point, and the sex didn’t do it for me.
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 6/10
PROS:
- Some of the specifics about angels are fun: their physical forms, their emotions, the way their lives work, etc. I was also amused by the distinctions made between different types of celestial beings.
- Araton is incredibly naïve, never having experienced sexual contact of any sort before meeting Jake, and the author manages to portray Jake in a similar way despite the fact that he’s had a bit more experience than Araton has. The sweet and tentative nature of the physical scenes almost made me feel as though the characters were two teenagers rather than grown men.
- The story’s a quick read, and probably almost half of it consists of lovingly described sex scenes. They’re detailed and drawn-out, and Yates seems to have a gift for writing about what her characters do in the bedroom. (see cons below also)
CONS:
- The whole story felt rushed to me. Descriptions of the setting, relation of key scenes (for example, Araton’s first experiences with sleep and food and physical touch), and even conversations would have had more of an impact on me if they’d been slowed down just a bit and expanded upon.
- The men have sex when they’re still strangers, which means there’s very little buildup. As a result, the sex had zero impact on me.
- The story is rather spectacularly mushy at times. Araton gets Jake a nothing-special-about-it, football-shaped clock for Christmas, and Jake’s response is, “It’s absolutely stunning!”…and Jake is calling Araton “baby” within 24 hours of having met him. Now, I’m one of those people who actually believes that love at first sight (or at least, within a few hours) is possible, but I wasn’t convinced that it happened here. Maybe with more detail I could have been.
Overall comments: The sex is well written and fairly expansive, so if you’re looking for a short story with a healthy dose of erotica, you might try this one. I like to read sex scenes that are between people who have more of an emotional connection than these two guys, though, so overall I didn’t love this one. The sex is the story’s biggest selling point, and the sex didn’t do it for me.
April 4, 2011
I loved this book. The guardian angel them is a time-honored one and I loved that both Araton the angel, and his human, Jake, are both flawed individuals who can only be redeemed by love.
I enjoyed Serena's sense of humor--and her sense of the ridiculous. I am looking forward to book two in this series. These characters really wormed their way into my heart and I want more. MORE!
The sex scenes by the way are scorching...Araton is one bad-ass, sexy angel!!
I enjoyed Serena's sense of humor--and her sense of the ridiculous. I am looking forward to book two in this series. These characters really wormed their way into my heart and I want more. MORE!
The sex scenes by the way are scorching...Araton is one bad-ass, sexy angel!!
December 20, 2010
I want my own angel now!
April 18, 2017
3/5
An alright short read.
An alright short read.
May 20, 2011
**possible plot spoilers**
When Araton fails to keep his charge safe and his charge winds up in a wheelchair, he’s devastated. It had only taken that one moment of inattentiveness to change the man’s life forever. Summoned by The Powers That Be, Araton must face his fate—or must he? His friend, there for moral support, appeals against the decision to banish Araton into the void, and a new phase of Araton’s existence begins.
He must ensure his new charge understands and believes in the spirit of Christmas. However, that’s a tough job because Jake has had his life ruined and no longer believes in anything much. Once a pro footballer, he’s denied his dream of playing because of an injury. No team will touch him now, and with a great void in his life—and I loved the parallel there, with him and Araton both facing voids—he wonders what the hell to do next.
Once healed, Jake throws himself into other things, one of them being a hike over glaciers. He falls into a chasm and, as he looks around he knows there is no chance he will make it out alive. Until something brushes his face—or someone… That someone is Araton, who performs a miracle and flies them out of there and into a cabin. There, they spend time getting to know one another, and Araton reveals what he is. But things have changed for the angel—he has decisions to make, big ones that could change everything.
I loved seeing how Jake’s despondency changed to wonder the more he spent time with Araton. I loved the new things Araton discovered—the simple taste of stew, something we take for granted, for instance. I tasted it right along with him, and it actually made me stop and think—next time I eat something, I’m going to savour it as though it was my first time. I suspect it will taste altogether different when I do.
Together, Jake and Araton make a wonderful pair, and I was happy that the correct decisions were made.
Araton’s Destiny is a great read that held my attention and went along at a pace just right for my tastes. I thoroughly enjoyed it and started book 2 as soon as I finished 1. Here’s hoping the series only continues to grow, because those celestial beings have got me interested to find out more!
January 19, 2011
Standing in any courtroom waiting to face justice would be intimidating enough, but standing in front of the judicial panel for celestial-human affairs in Heaven, would be unimaginably frightening, especially when the actions placing you there weren't deliberate. At the beginning of 'Araton's Destiny', by Serena Yates, that's exactly where Junior Guardian Angel Araton finds himself.
One of the things that I loved most was the interaction between Araton and Jake. Araton was so naive, yet so responsive, trusting that Jake only had his best interests at heart. I wasn't expecting the sex between them to be so toe curling sex, but it was a very enjoyable surprise, definitely scorchingly red-hot! I was gratified to see that Jake took such care to make sure Araton was at ease. Watching their passionate, yet gentle relationship blossom was wonderful. I really liked Araton's gradual transformation both physically and emotionally. I admired the way they accepted the changes going on around them and took it in such stride. Araton may have been sent to Jake as a Christmas Angel in order to help him find a Christmas miracle; however, Araton was his Christmas miracle just as Jake was Araton's.
'Araton's Destiny' is an enjoyable, sweet Christmas story with passionate, wonderfully written love scenes and a great happy ending. It's a marvelous tale about justice, passion and setting things right. It made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside and out and if you are a romantic like me, it will have the same effect on you.
NOTE: This book was provided by Silver Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
One of the things that I loved most was the interaction between Araton and Jake. Araton was so naive, yet so responsive, trusting that Jake only had his best interests at heart. I wasn't expecting the sex between them to be so toe curling sex, but it was a very enjoyable surprise, definitely scorchingly red-hot! I was gratified to see that Jake took such care to make sure Araton was at ease. Watching their passionate, yet gentle relationship blossom was wonderful. I really liked Araton's gradual transformation both physically and emotionally. I admired the way they accepted the changes going on around them and took it in such stride. Araton may have been sent to Jake as a Christmas Angel in order to help him find a Christmas miracle; however, Araton was his Christmas miracle just as Jake was Araton's.
'Araton's Destiny' is an enjoyable, sweet Christmas story with passionate, wonderfully written love scenes and a great happy ending. It's a marvelous tale about justice, passion and setting things right. It made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside and out and if you are a romantic like me, it will have the same effect on you.
NOTE: This book was provided by Silver Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
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April 23, 2013Re-released today, at Diversity Novels!
The content is the same as before, but if you've never read Araton's story, this could be your chance to catch up. Araton may be a guardian angel, but he isn't very good at his job...
The content is the same as before, but if you've never read Araton's story, this could be your chance to catch up. Araton may be a guardian angel, but he isn't very good at his job...
March 3, 2011
What a sweet story with touching scenes about guilt, hope, shattered dreams, new beginnings and love of course! Araton was just too sweet with his naivety.
I am a sucker for happy endings. I can't wait to read Dexter's story.
I am a sucker for happy endings. I can't wait to read Dexter's story.
January 9, 2011
Wonderfully touching story about sacrifices for love. Serena has done it yet again. Would love to see a sequel/update on Aaraton and Jake.
December 26, 2010
Short and sweet story of two men destined to be a part of one another's lives, even though one isn't quite human.
January 26, 2011
Enjoyed this very much. My first angel story and now I'm looking for more. Well written and enjoyable tale!
February 28, 2011
I really loved it *-* It was an amazing read.
I just couldn't stop reading until I had finished. And it took me all night XD
Now, I can't wait for the next book in the series >.<
I just couldn't stop reading until I had finished. And it took me all night XD
Now, I can't wait for the next book in the series >.<
April 1, 2011
This was a good story with interesting twists. I particularly liked the way the background and world were built. The characters were rich, caring, and I grew to like them.
October 21, 2011
Interesting concept... I cannot wait to read more.
June 13, 2011
The premise was interesting, but unfortunately the characters are rather one-dimensional. They are reduced to a few characteristics and they never actually encounter any difficulties.
The book was much too short for a story that could have been quite complex.
I'd have liked to get to know the characters better, liked to learn what makes them tick, I would have loved a bit more background info. No man is an island and at least *football guy* must have had friends or family. I think he mentioned his poor immigrant parents. Are they still alive? How did they deal with his accident? Did anybody (friends, other football players, etc.) ever (try to) interfere with his new way of life?
So many things were just mentioned, like football guy getting his luggage back or the walk through the decorated town. Why not add a phone conversation with some stunned hotel employee to make him deal with the luggage and the rental car. The author could have shown us the walk in more detail. Did they hold hands, walk arm in arm, how did people around them react to the sight? Where was the the window shopping, the sneaking about to obtain presents without the other one noticing, maybe an inner monologue for football guy when he bought the ring, some interaction with an employee in the jewelry store,...anything?
Friends or parents could have phoned on christmas, asking football guy how he's spending the day. I especially missed some nosy interfering. Üeople dropping in with presents, wanting to know how they met, they can't tell the real story, some hemming and hawing, people getting suspicious, yadda yadda... just something to show that these two aren't the only people in the world.
The book was much too short for a story that could have been quite complex.
I'd have liked to get to know the characters better, liked to learn what makes them tick, I would have loved a bit more background info. No man is an island and at least *football guy* must have had friends or family. I think he mentioned his poor immigrant parents. Are they still alive? How did they deal with his accident? Did anybody (friends, other football players, etc.) ever (try to) interfere with his new way of life?
So many things were just mentioned, like football guy getting his luggage back or the walk through the decorated town. Why not add a phone conversation with some stunned hotel employee to make him deal with the luggage and the rental car. The author could have shown us the walk in more detail. Did they hold hands, walk arm in arm, how did people around them react to the sight? Where was the the window shopping, the sneaking about to obtain presents without the other one noticing, maybe an inner monologue for football guy when he bought the ring, some interaction with an employee in the jewelry store,...anything?
Friends or parents could have phoned on christmas, asking football guy how he's spending the day. I especially missed some nosy interfering. Üeople dropping in with presents, wanting to know how they met, they can't tell the real story, some hemming and hawing, people getting suspicious, yadda yadda... just something to show that these two aren't the only people in the world.
December 25, 2010
Araton is a little different from other angels. He craves to be touched and he dreams about writing books. In a moment of inattention, disaster happens and Araton is removed from being a Guardian Angel. Now he has been given a new charge as a Christmas Angel. His duty is to help people to believe in miracles again so that they can get their life back.
Jake is a former football player. He lost his career when he sustained a severe injury to his knee. For the last four years he has been trying to recover and figure out where to go from here when he lost his dream and didn't have anything else that he wanted to do with his life. Indulging in extreme sports, Jake falls down an ice crevice, injuring himself in the process. Unable to get out and losing all his supplies, he believed that this is the end.
Araton has to figure out how to get Jake to believe in miracles without disclosing his angel status, especially when several miracles have already been performed? Well his job just got a little harder because now his wings are gone.
What a great story of Hope and New Beginnings…and of course Love. I loved every minute. Maybe we will get to see Dexter and his Christmas Angel…
Jake is a former football player. He lost his career when he sustained a severe injury to his knee. For the last four years he has been trying to recover and figure out where to go from here when he lost his dream and didn't have anything else that he wanted to do with his life. Indulging in extreme sports, Jake falls down an ice crevice, injuring himself in the process. Unable to get out and losing all his supplies, he believed that this is the end.
Araton has to figure out how to get Jake to believe in miracles without disclosing his angel status, especially when several miracles have already been performed? Well his job just got a little harder because now his wings are gone.
What a great story of Hope and New Beginnings…and of course Love. I loved every minute. Maybe we will get to see Dexter and his Christmas Angel…
December 16, 2013
This book popped up on my Amazon recommended. I had no idea what it was about, saw the two yummy guys on the cover and "Celestial" in the title and thought "gay angels, fab, I'll have that."
It's a Christmas story; which is awesome to read since today is 16th December.
I enjoyed following the changes in Araton's existence, the progression of his relationship with Jake, and the sweet HEA.
My biggest "Yay" moment was the documents making Araton real. It always frustrated me in other books where someone from someplace else or incredibly old become human and I always wondered how they managed with the rest of their mortal life when they technically didn't exist. It was incredibly satisfying reading a book that answered that.
It's a Christmas story; which is awesome to read since today is 16th December.
I enjoyed following the changes in Araton's existence, the progression of his relationship with Jake, and the sweet HEA.
My biggest "Yay" moment was the documents making Araton real. It always frustrated me in other books where someone from someplace else or incredibly old become human and I always wondered how they managed with the rest of their mortal life when they technically didn't exist. It was incredibly satisfying reading a book that answered that.
February 25, 2011
If you have ever been within seconds of a serious accident, and somehow miraculously escape unscathed, you may have an idea of what it feels like to have a guardian angel. And if you are totally accident prone and could trip over an imaginary bump, you may know what it is like to have Araton. I like to think God has a sense of humor, and Serena Yates does a fantastic job of proving it. Her characters are not only drop dead sexy, but wonderfully flawed and human at the same time.
Lototy
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Full Review: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/Book...
Lototy
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Full Review: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/Book...
August 18, 2012
This was a little bit of Christmas magic wrapped up in bromance. It wasn't too bad but there were some consistency issues which spoiled it for me.
Araton had been a guardian angel for years...keeping a close eye on his human...yet he didn't know what a toaster was. I could cope with that until he suddenly 'knew' how to use a coffee machine, a condom & other sundries. If he had learned through observation of his previous human, it would have hung together much better.
It was a quick, sweet read but I don't think I would read it again.
Araton had been a guardian angel for years...keeping a close eye on his human...yet he didn't know what a toaster was. I could cope with that until he suddenly 'knew' how to use a coffee machine, a condom & other sundries. If he had learned through observation of his previous human, it would have hung together much better.
It was a quick, sweet read but I don't think I would read it again.
Read
September 6, 2016Out now, this is the audio book version of last year's Christmas story. It also happens to be the first in the Celestial Justice series. It tells the story of Araton, a junior guardian angel who has trouble with doing his job...
Check out an audio sample and buy the book at Silver Publishing
Check out an audio sample and buy the book at Silver Publishing
December 9, 2012
3.5
Merged review:
3.5 stars
Araton was a guardian angel who was always a little distracted. His distraction ended up causing his charge to get horribly hurt. Araton then had to face the judicial committee and it was decided that he would become a Christmas Angel. His new charge is Jake, who needs a little holiday spirit. Araton and Jake fall for each other, making a sweet couple. This was an easy read, but cute.
Merged review:
3.5 stars
Araton was a guardian angel who was always a little distracted. His distraction ended up causing his charge to get horribly hurt. Araton then had to face the judicial committee and it was decided that he would become a Christmas Angel. His new charge is Jake, who needs a little holiday spirit. Araton and Jake fall for each other, making a sweet couple. This was an easy read, but cute.
April 5, 2012
I think this story was a little to sweet for me. I dont know if I was in more of a mood for a bit of drama or it was just a bit twee.
Im not sure what to write about it - Adorable Angel vs Snarky Shithead LOL
I recommend it for anyone that likes angels - or anyone that is in the mood for a light hearted and easy read. A gentle bit of fluff :)
Im not sure what to write about it - Adorable Angel vs Snarky Shithead LOL
I recommend it for anyone that likes angels - or anyone that is in the mood for a light hearted and easy read. A gentle bit of fluff :)
January 10, 2016
I think I was just thinking too much about the whole thing. Didn't every human get guardian angels or was it only certain humans that got Angels? How was it that no guardian angel messed up in a very long time? I was just confused about the first 50% of the book. But I guess it was ok but I'm not sure if I liked it or hated it.
September 17, 2020
If I hadn't needed to read a book with a title or author that starts with a Y, this would probably still be languishing on Mount TBR. It's sweet, but overall the characters and situations are rather flat and predictable. Still, it's not bad, just not really...great either. Maybe it's actually a 2.75 star book that I'm rounding up to 3. Yeah, sounds about right.
December 22, 2010
Araton's Destiny is a very sweet and well-written story and I look forward to reading more books from this series. My only nit-pick was that the problem with the broken leg and sprained ankle never was addressed.
July 22, 2011
I love m/m romance, fantasy, and angel themed fiction. This was a great combination of all three. I was completely engaged and intwined with the characters from the very beginning and the story held my interest all the way through. I can't wait to start the second one in the trology!
March 16, 2013
I've read this one for a reading challenge. Otherwise I would have skipped it. It's well written, nice to read - but I'm really not into any kind of supernatural or angel - stories.
And I have to say: the end seemed a bit rushed for me and too easy...
And I have to say: the end seemed a bit rushed for me and too easy...
June 27, 2014
Wow! What a super sweet story, though very quick & light on some details. I'd like to give 3 1/2 stars, but am rounding up for the super warm & fuzzy afterglow from this read. Sigh. I'm such a sucker for a HEA. : )
Read for June BotB Challenge Opposites Attract. A10/B11 Angel/Same Sex
Read for June BotB Challenge Opposites Attract. A10/B11 Angel/Same Sex
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews