Review: The Red King by Rosemary O'Malley

Title: The Red King

Author: Rosemary O'Malley

Rated: 5/5 Hearts (absolute must read!)

Length: approx 326 pages 

Blurb: 

WHAT HE WANTS

The pirate captain known as Ruaidhri lives only for revenge. Tall and lean, with long fiery hair and a corsair's deadly smile, his body still bears the scars of a brutal captivity at the hands of Maarten Jan de Worrt. Once Ruaidhri was a slave, but now he is the Red King, feared and respected across the high seas. Few know his true name. And fewer still know Ruaidhri will use anyone as a pawn in quest for vengeance - even a beautiful, innocent young man.

WHAT HE NEEDS
Raised in a monastery, the Scottish orphan called Andrew is helpless when pirates slay his guardians and clap him in irons. Ruaidhri offers the virgin lad freedom, but only at a terrible price. Andrew must go to Maarten's bed, seduce and kill him. In Ruaidhri's clutches Andrew will receive the training he needs in the art of violence - and lust.

PIRATE AND VIRGIN
The Red King is more legend than mortal. He fights tirelessly and knows no fear. But Andrew's very innocence, his open and honest nature, threatens to unlock the man inside the pirate. Ruaidhri can tempt Andrew, teaching him the forbidden pleasures of a man's touch. But not without awakening a side of himself he long ago gave up for dead...

Warning: this is an erotic m/m romance intended for mature audiences. It contains explicit sexual situations, frank language, dubious consent, torture, and non-graphic descriptions of abuse of a minor.

Review: 

Let me start off by saying.. I don't like historicals almost as a rule, but that's not exactly true. I don't like badly written historicals. I do however love a well-written novel. And come on, who doesn't like pirates, especially good guy sexy red haired pirates? 

I loved this book and all the characters. This author pulled no punches what so ever. She immerses us fully into the complicated and brutal world of Ruaidhri, and she tempts his heart with the sweet, sheltered Andrew. 

Ruaidhri doesn't know much of kindness, as he was brutalized physically, mentally and sexually at his captor's hands. He cannot see past seeking his revenge on the man that took everything from him. He is willing to sacrifice anything and anyone in order to achieve his victory.  When he takes Andrew captive he offers the young man an impossible choice, Andrew could achieve his freedom by offering himself to one of the most sadistic men ever and killing him. Innocent Andrew teaches the Red King of love, while he tries to teach Andrew of the joys of the flesh, and the violence the young man will need to survive.  

I picked this book up by chance. I have no idea what possessed me to purchase it, but I'm so glad that I did. After reading it, I was astounded. She took every high seas stereotype and busted it out of the water. This world was carefully crafted, passionate, brutal. Amazing.

This book is definitely not for the squeamish. As I said before, she pulls no punches and her characters SUFFER for her craft. It does contain rape, and sadism. So if you can't handle that, don't read it. But if you are looking for an amazing adventure that is scorching hot, amazingly tender, and heartbreakingly brutal, pick this up! 

You may purchase The Red King through Amazon

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There can be Only One.

I've read so many wonderful books this year. EVERY single one of the books on this blog are amazing. Every single one of the authors that I've read (for the most part) this year are amazing writers. I've said it several times this year, but M/M romance probably has hands down some of the best writing across all genres. I've read in the neighborhood (and probably more than) 2000 books this year. So narrowing down the ones published this year and ranking even a top 50 would probably be just about impossible, but I can easily choose my favorite novel. That ONE novel for me that shone above all the rest.

I had the great fortune to happen upon Brandon Shire on twitter. We tweeted back and forth a little, and I found him immensely interesting. I started my review blog On March 7th, 2012, and I already had a few reviews lined up to start. Brandon's book Listening to Dust came out March 10, 2012. Sometime towards the end of March, Brandon emailed me and asked me to review Dust. I had never read Brandon before, so I purchased the Value of Rain before even opening Dust. I read VoR, pretty quickly. Mr. Shire had a distinct voice that was powerful. I read Listening to Dust, and started my review immediately,while I was still trying to see through the tears I was crying. Then I stopped, walked away for a couple of days and came back to the review. To say that this book touched me would be inadequate. It changed me. It made me want to WANT better, Do better, BE better.

Listening to Dust is probably hands down one of  THE best book I've ever read. It's a total bonus that the author is an amazing fellow that I have come to respect and admire VERY much. This self-published author rocked my world. So many readers, and reviewers don't want to take a chance on reading "Indie Authors" but in my experience they are amazingly talented people, and I actually prefer reviewing self-published/small press authors to some of the others.

Thank you very much Brandon for allowing me the honor of reading and reviewing your work. :)

Smoocher's Voice #1 book of the 2012

My Review

Brandon's Website.

Review: Afflicted II By Brandon Shire

Author: Brandon Shire

Rated: 4/5 Stars 

Blurb:

Hunter and Dillon have finally come to terms with the idea that they want more than just hot sex with each other.

But can they make what they found permanent?

Can Dillon let his past go? Or will it intrude upon his present?

Can Hunter open enough to build a future? Can he speak his heart?

Can either of them?

Review:

Afflicted II is set just after the end of Afflicted, and continues on with Hunter and Dillon's story. I already fell for the boys in Afflicted, and I did even more so in this sequel. Actually Hunter in love is a much more likeable character, and not such an ass, however I do recognize a lot of the "new love" mindset with both MC's. 

The story is centered on Hunter and Dillon trying to figure out and deal with their family issues, and Dillon's past in general. Dillon is admittedly in love with Hunter, but Hunter isn't sure if he's there yet. Complicating matters and bringing family problems to the forefront is the fact that Hunter's mother is dating Dillon's cousin Travis. With Travis now in the picture it pushes both men's buttons. Surprisingly, I really liked Hunter's mom in this book. I also really liked Maggie, partly because she calls Hunter on his bullshit. 

Mr Shire's talent for weaving a scene is amazing. I particularly love the way he brings us into Hunter's sightless world. Specifically, the love scene with the rain. (that is all I will say about that!)  I had some issues with what certain things in the story were meant to accomplish, however all in all this is a great read. My biggest complaint as always is that it had to end.  I don't like put spoilers in my reviews, so I will forgo pointing out a few of the reasons I loved this book. 

If you've read Afflicted and loved it, you won't be disappointed with this sequel! 

If you follow the Above link (just Click on Brandon's name) it will take you to Brandon's website, where he has links on where you can purchase Afflicted II. 

**Thank you very much to Brandon for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.