Marguerite Labbe

Jacob and Kristair have already been through hell and back, but even though they are finally together, thanks to some clever maneuvering by Kristair, they still can’t seem to get the peaceful life they desire. For one thing, actually living together is harder than they had expected. And for another, the supernatural forces they wanted to leave behind are not letting them go. There are new dangers and more serious threats around every corner, and I was holding on to the edge of my seat more show more than once. ‘Our Sacred Balance’ is a truly worthy finale to an epic series in more ways than one, and I can only recommend you read it yourself. I’m not sure my reviews can truly do it justice.

Kristair, now human again after centuries of being a vampire, needs time to get used to his new/old state of being. Going out in sunlight scares him, getting used to sleeping and dreaming is tough, and trying to go through life without his mystical link/bond to Jacob isn’t easy either. Add the fact that vamps are getting killed all over the place and that Kristair still owes a few favors and there is no way he can stay out of it.

Jacob is happy to have Kristair back, but he is also worried that his lover overestimates his abilities and will run into trouble heedless of the fact that he is no longer as powerful as he used to be. Jacob is also worried about not being able to feel Kristair any longer, and deeper communication – without the bond - is turning out to be much more difficult than he expected. Balance is what he wants – as does Kristair – but it seems almost impossible to get there.

This final book in the trilogy does an excellent job at bringing together all the story threads previously set up, increasing the suspense to almost unbearable levels, and tying up all the loose ends. The final mystery is breathtaking, the intrigue something to write home about, and Jacob and Kristair are certainly kept on their toes trying to stay alive! They have both changed and grown a lot since the first book, and while I enjoyed the story with all its twists and turns, I have to say that their development individually and as a couple, was my favorite part.

If you like supernatural mysteries of the scary kind, if vampire politics, ascended beings, and evil plots are what you’re looking for, and if you want a read that is suspenseful, cleverly written, entertaining, very romantic and occasionally scorching, then you will probably like this novel as much as I do. It’s a worthy final volume in a fantastic trilogy that I won’t forget anytime soon. show less

I've re-read this several times and each time, I find it as engaging (and hot, I won't lie) as the last time.

The MCs' motivations are quite uncomplicated but they and the plot are interestingly written. There's a smattering of intrigue and treachery which might have benefited from a longer build-up. The sex scenes smoldered.

Caelius was the stronger, deeper (because sadder) character for me, despite his privileged circumstances. Gaedrius was a straightforward MC with a convenient and show more believable hatred of his new master. Happily, the authors have made fine use of the enemies-to-lovers trope. I was transported to the world of Spartacus and that was fun!

I'm sure to read this again when I'm in the mood for sexy, sweaty men doing the nasty. Which, judging by the temperature in my study, might be later today. (less) show less

This book surprised me. The synopsis made it sound like another medieval slave falls for his new master story. Nothing wrong with that, of course (I’ve enjoyed many such “romances”), but it never hurts to get more than you’re expecting. The authors gave it a less common take which I enjoyed far more. New slave falls for the current slave! This makes the tale more believable for me, since a relationship based on coercion doesn’t scream romance. I enjoyed the book from the start, but show more it really started to suck me in about a third of the way. The characters started to come alive off the page and I was suddenly immersed in their tale.

The setting is Britain, sometime during the Roman Empire. Wulfgar is a thane perusing his vassals, when he notes a particularly prosperous crofter who shorted him on his tithe. The crofter’s son Aron steps forward to face the music, and the very real possibility that Wulfgar will burn his home down. Instead, Wulfgar offers a terrible choice – his family faces the winter with next to nothing, or he spends the next year as Wulfgar’s thrall (something of an indentured servant). Accompanying the thane is Roman, a slave. Roman is something of a mystery – how did he come to be a slave when he is so obviously educated? Why does he seem to enjoy the attentions of the thane? As Aron becomes accustomed to his new role, he begins to ask these questions himself and in the process he rattles Roman to his core.

This is a romance, so the two fall in love, but the obstacles facing them go beyond the angst found in most M/M romances – though there is a fair share here too. Aron will have his freedom in a year while Roman faces a future of perpetual slavery without the one who stole his heart. Though Aron and Roman are the main characters, Wulfgar’s role is more than just master. He plays an important role in the romance, and his character is completely three-dimensional. In fact, all three are fully realized, and likeable (even the thane!). They are realistic for their time and setting. The plot is well developed, with some of the usual themes, but also unlikely twists and even a alight supernatural element. There is a lot a fair amount of sex (they are both sex slaves after all), but I wouldn’t classify this as erotic romance. The sex is explicit, but not nearly as graphic as in many M/M romances and it fits into the storyline. The authors spend a lot of time building the relationship between Roman and Aron. Overall, it was an excellent novel that I will certainly buy in print when it is finally released and the sequel, "Lotus In The Wild" when it is available this spring. Highly recommended! show less

This is a tender, sweet love story contrasted sharply by it's setting and time. The story takes place over perhaps 2 days in 1967...the Viet Nam war is in full fury and the youth of America protests it vehemently. (I remember it well.) The two MCs are taking part in the march on the Pentagon in 1967. Ricky and Charlie are perfect for each other, each bringing out the best in the other. I loved them and, if wishes really did come true, I would only wish that this book were longer.