The Coven is in turmoil. Three casters escaped from their cells and have cursed Master Stone’s chosen and their unborn child. They killed an unsuspecting soldier before they were dispatched by Master Stone and his right-hand man Cullen Volakis. The Coven now must figure out how to break the curse before it takes the life of the unborn heir to the Crimson Coven. Tobias Yates has spent the last twenty years serving on the Vampire Council, but has returned home to find his beloved coven shaken to its core. Cullen finds a solution to their problems. A Sorcerer of great power can break the curse, but only for a price. Tobias, a man who hates anyone and anything practising magic must now act as bodyguard for this mystical man. Tobias’s parents were murdered by a witch, and he has spent his life making every caster he can find pay for her crimes. The Sorcerer he must now guard is more than meets the eye and Tobias finds himself yearning for the slender young man. Could this be his chosen? Can he make a life with this man or will his prejudice destroy everything before it can even begin?
Lucian Lemaire is the only Sorcerer left walking the earth. At the age of nineteen he is parentless and alone, but for a woman with a heart of stone acting as his guardian, although she acts more like a pimp. She extracts money out of people requiring the extraordinary magic that only a Sorcerer can provide. After his Father’s death, he bound Lucian to this woman, Joan Clinesmith, to repay a moral debt. He must serve her as long as she walks the earth. Lucian is a man trapped in a gilded prison. When he arrives at the Crimson Coven to rid them of their curse he is met by suspicion and hostility, two things he has come to expect from his life. He would love nothing more than to experience the kind of respect and love the Crimson Coven has for each other, but as long as Joan Clinesmith pulls his strings he is nothing but her marionette. Tobias Yates is the only one who can break through and reach his heart, but he can feel the hate and the anger beneath Tobias’ guarded exterior. Do these two have a chance at forever love? Or will pride, duty, and prejudice once again ruin everything?
B.A. Stretke is a Gay Romance and fiction author who publishes through Dreamspinner Press, LLC, and Amazon.com
B.A Stretke began writing as a hobby. He read his first Jane Austen novel as a teen and was instantly hooked. The age-old dream of being a novelist took hold. Now long into adulthood, and a few years as an editor under his belt, B.A. is a full-time writer. B.A. spends his days reading, engaging in sarcasm, and plotting the next storyline, often leaving little headspace for much else. He loves hiking through the Northern Michigan woods he calls home, often finding inspiration for his books. Writing and finding that perfect cup of coffee occupy the rest of his time.
B.A. Stretke lives in Northern Michigan with one royally spoiled cat and his dear friends and family.
Rating 2.5 If you are a fan of vampires, fated mates stories, simple and cheesy plots, and gushing declarations of love, as many do, then this will be an enjoyable read for you. While not plagued by the proofing errors of Stretke's earlier works, the writing is still quite amateurish, with lots of purple prose and stilted construction. The situation is over the top and unsubtle, very melodramatic and overwrought. In the past Stretke's books have sort of been a guilty pleasure for me, despite their many faults. I feel however that they have played out. I always enjoyed the werewolf ones (the Rue Pack books) better than the Crimson Coven ones anyway. I've been reading all of them on KU and definitely feel that this is the way to experience them, rather than purchasing.
This series is an unsure like for me right now; I’m on book 6 right now and I’m so not ok with the dynamics of the relationship between Tobias and Lucian.
How is it a “simple misunderstanding “ when after finding out Lucian is his mate that he still attempted to harm him. Like WTF, he judged his mate before and after knowing him,he was a complete jackass and poor Lucian was so alone in his feelings of rejection and hurt. I would not have been so easy in my forgiveness. Make him grovel some eh...Thankfully after getting pass this dumbassisty, the relationship progressed into who he is supposed to be for Lucian (a protector, shield and lover).
On a plus side with the series, the editing was a bit better with this book; just not impressed with Tobias or his brother. The coven master didn’t show his best character either, even though I understand he was worried for Quinn.the only person who showed any compassion without gaining anything from Lucian was Cullen.overall 3.5 star rating at best!!
I really felt bad for the sorcerer throughout this story. However, Cullen fixed his issues real quick. :) I think that it's pretty unique having a sorcerer stay in the coven with his, chosen, or bonded one,Tobias. Yep, this series is getting a bit exciting, and for now, it's definitely my guilty pleasure. This was excellent. =)
This was probably my favorite in the series! Characters and story line were great and wrapped up some other previous stories. Left an opening for the story to continue. Can't wait for more!
I have to agree with another reviewer that this was one of my favorite stories. Loved Lucian and found Tobias exactly as Lucian described him, "...Tobias Yates, a bigoted, self-righteous, Vampire of massive proportion..." Have enjoyed this series like I have enjoyed all of them.
4.5 Stars Barry White said it best, "My first, my last, my everything. The answer to all my dreams".
So for many finding their Chosen "mate" is typified by the enamoured words in Barry White's song. It's been a while since I've read a Crimson Coven story. This sixth book in the series was exactly what I was in the mood for. Something short, about the paranormal world, and a chance to revisit old friends. I'd forgotten how dramatically Book Five had ended, with death, destruction, caused by a violent clash with Spell Casters.
In this latest to the series, clarity is brought as distinctions are made between Witches, Spell Casters, and Sorcerers. There is a great deal of his hatred towards these magic wielders in the Crimson Coven. The Coven Leader and his much beloved Chosen had been among those irreparably harmed by these evil people. Unfortunately the only way to counter a magical spell is with more magic. The last thing anyone at the plantation wanted. But the necessity was dire.
A very powerful Sorcerer was contacted through his handler / agent / owner to assist the devastated pregnant Dragon shifter. The Coven Master had to wade out of the depths of despair and guilt he was mired in to consent to and pay the exorbitant fee for the Sorcerer to come to the Coven House. His anger and suspension were palpable. But it made no difference to the handler and even less to the magic wielder he'd reluctantly hired.
The Sorcerer was a young man who'd spent more than half his life emotionally shut down and just going through the motions of his craft as dictated by his handler. He was pointed in a particular direction and told what to do. And he hated his life. The absolute last thing he planned to do or even thought possible was to find his "mate". And in Fate's fickle way it turned out to be a man who hated magic wielders.
A Vampire is tasked with following the Sorcerer around to guard him against harm, as well as from doing any harm to the Crimson Coven members. Unfortunately that Vampire and his family had experienced violence at the hands of Witches. Talk about awkward. And to further complication things the Vampire soon realizes that despite his incredulity, the Sorcerer turns out to be his Chosen. What the what?! His brother is more shocked and suspicious since he isn't distracted by the "belief" that their mortal enemy is his mate.
This was a great book to pull me back into the Crimson Coven world. It was interesting, entertaining, and emotional. The characters went the gamut from the sweet Master's Chosen to an uncertain brother, and a innocent Sorcerer. That's not to say there are no villains, there certainly is a dastardly backstabbing for. If you have enjoyed the other books in the series, you won't be disappointed. And if this series is new to you you'll want to read the previous five books to fall in love along with the members of the Crimson Coven.
Love this seriesssss!!! I anticipate the next installment they don't come soon enough.. This story was another good read. I'm piqued to see what drama is coming next now that someone on the council could be back stabbing them. How will it work out now that there is a sorcerer and a seer on there side? Will anyone get hurt this time around? Can't wait for book 7
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The Crimson Coven books are always must-buys for me! Lucian was so sad, and deserves finding his equal so very much. I'm glad that while Tobias immediately recognized his chosen, he struggled with accepting fate's choice for him. But the end of the book makes me wonder if Talbot and Tobias' parents' murders and Lucian's mother's murder were connected in a long term scheme whose purpose was the destruction of both the Lemaire bloodline and the Crimson Coven...
I have been reading this series from the beginning and can hardly wait for the next book to come out. The stories keep the previous characters in each new episode making it more cohesive. The loves or bond mates have their own ups and downs at first but always work through their tragedy,but always leaving you with a opening that leaves you wondering what's next.
Lucian is a sorcerer owned by an evil woman who sends him to the Crimson Coven to reverse a curse against the Master's pregnant chosen for a hefty price. Before that could happen Lucian finds his own chosen in a vampire sent to guard him. Wow, things get complicated quickly and the end will surprise and delight you. A great book. This series just keeps getting better.
What I love about this author is the characters are always unique and different.
I am pleased that Jaime was brought back, but I am also pleased that there is so many characters that are quirky, serious, and some misunderstood. They are not all the same.
So, not a lot of actual vampire action. The mm relationships have become routine with none of the smoldering nor angst. But I want to know what the bigger picture holds. Who's plotting against the coven? What's in store?