A Love Like Fire (Juxtan 1) by Tricia Owens
Genre | Gay / Fantasy / Mercenary/Robber/Highwayman / High Fantasy / Magic / Romance |
Reviewed by | Lena Grey on 15-August-2019 |
Genre | Gay / Fantasy / Mercenary/Robber/Highwayman / High Fantasy / Magic / Romance |
Reviewed by | Lena Grey on 15-August-2019 |
When the mercenary Caledon meets a young man named Hadrian, he falls instantly, hopelessly in love with him. Black-haired and silver-eyed, Hadrian is unlike any man Caledon has seen before. His uncertain responses to Caledon's advances only make the mercenary more determined to pursue and win him.
But Hadrian is a mystery, and harbors untold secrets. He hails from an island inhabited by sorcerers and has come to Caledon’s city to recruit the mercenaries for a well-paying job offered by Hadrian’s father. Except the job is a lie. Hadrian is far more dangerous than his disposition suggests, and what he wants with Caledon and the mercenaries of Rhiad will forever change the land and set in motion a prophecy that will bind two men together in love, lust and hatred...until death.
First edition published by the author under the title 'The Sorcerer's Betrayal', February 2012. This edition has been re-written and re-edited.
“...Your love is like a fire that burns for all to see... So let this fire consume my life. Let Your love take me deeper. Pull me closer to where you are, 'cause all I want is more of you…” ~ Hillsong (Love Like Fire)
Caledon, of ‘A Love Like Fire’ by Tricia Owens, is a mercenary. He kills me for money. For, ‘stress relief’ he drinks too much and has sex with whomever strikes his fancy; men or women, but Caledon has never given away his heart. When Hadrian, a mysterious stranger, comes to town, attraction strikes Caledon like a bolt of lightning. Caledon does not understand his attraction to him, but he knows he has to have Hadrian.
Hadrian is there at his father’s request to hire all the mercenaries in the town of Rhaid. When he meets the charismatic Caledon, he doesn’t quite know what to think of him. He is different from the others in a way Hadrian can’t discern. It’s clear that Caledon is interested in him and Hadrian is tempted, but knows it’s not a good idea. Caledon is determined to watch his back whether Hadrian wants him to or not. Hadrian keeps insisting he doesn’t need protection, but Caledon is not convinced. Caledon finally talks Hadrian into meeting him at the stable for a sexual liaison. Caledon has had a lot of physical encounters, but there’s something profoundly different about being with Hadrian. The connection they make is passionate, carnal, yet sensual. Afterward, Caledon is more confused than ever. After having Hadrian, he is not able to simply walk away. From then until he leaves, they are together constantly, forming a strong bond. By the time Hadrian leaves, they are both in love head over heels; it’s a very foreign feeling for Caledon and a new and exciting one for Hadrian, who, for the first time in his life, has someone who cares about him.
With his mission completed, Hadrian returns home; he still doesn’t know why he was given the task of gathering a band of mercenaries, but he is not brave enough to ask. Hadrian is afraid of his father, whom, no matter how hard he tries, he cannot please. It’s always hurt and puzzled him as to why his father is so cold to him and why he is so much harder on him than anyone else. Not only does his father withhold his affection, but no one else can give him kindness either. It’s been a sad life for Hadrian. At least after finding Caledon, he’s experienced the pleasure of human touch and love and he can’t wait to get back to the man. When his father reveals the reason why he wanted Hadrian to collect the mercenaries and enlists his help to carry out his plan, Hadrian is appalled. Hadrian refuses to participate, but his father insists and, in an effort to convince him, he uses magic to torture him into compliance.
I loved this dark but, at the same time, beautiful story with its complex characters and vivid imagery. Caledon and Hadrian are so good together and the bond they form is amazingly strong. It warmed my heart to see the bad boy Caledon fall in love with the untouched, innocent Hadrian. Little did they know what was in store for them. Thanks, Tricia, for the intriguing read. I am looking forward to the next story in the series.
DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been purchased by the reviewer.
Format | ebook |
Length | Novel, 252 pages |
Heat Level | |
Publication Date | 14-March-2019 |
Price | $3.99 ebook, $11.99 paperback |
Buy Link | https://www.amazon.com/Love-Like-Fire-Fantasy-Romance-ebook/dp/B07NK2SCRZ |