Title: Widdershins
Author: Jordan L. Hawk
Genre: m/m paranormal romance
Print length: 228 pages
Publication date: December 2, 2012
Rating: Four Stars
Blurb: Some things should stay buried.
Repressed scholar Percival Endicott Whyborne has two skills: reading dead languages and hiding in his office at the Ladysmith Museum. After the tragic death of the friend he secretly loved, he’s ruthlessly suppressed any desire for another man.
So when handsome ex-Pinkerton Griffin Flaherty approaches him to translate a mysterious book, Whyborne wants to finish the job and get rid of the detective as quickly as possible. Griffin left the Pinkertons following the death of his partner, hoping to start a new life. But the powerful cult which murdered Glenn has taken root in Widdershins, and only the spells in the book can stop them. Spells the intellectual Whyborne doesn’t believe are real.
As the investigation draws the two men closer, Griffin’s rakish charm threatens to shatter Whyborne’s iron control. When the cult resurrects an evil sorcerer who commands terrifying monsters, can Whyborne overcome his fear and learn to trust? Will Griffin let go of his past and risk falling in love? Or will Griffin’s secrets cost Whyborne both his heart and his life?
Review:
I throughly enjoyed this.
First of all, let me say that this is not a historical novel and I don't believe it was advertised as such. The world seems to be created to resemble a Massachusetts town around late 1800's. Therefore, any complaints that the novel is 'historically inaccurate' hold no validity. That said, even as a created world, it had a much better set stage than most historical novels in the same genre. The feel of the place and the time was so well done that it will suck you right in.
Whyborne is awesome; brilliant and reclusive, he has quite the wit when the situation calls for it. As a gay man in a time when such things are unacceptable, he has his share of issues which include an estrangement from his family and unwillingness to stand up for himself when he'd been wronged. Yet, he is the true hero of this story; a man who, despite his fears and insecurities, does not hesitate to put his life on the line for those he loves.
Griffin on the other hand is a man who appears to be strong and secure in his place in the world. He's funny, charming, and painted with a skillful brush. If you find yourself falling for him alongside Whyborne, do not be alarmed. It's almost impossible not to fall for Griffin. But Griffin is a man with a past and secrets, the type of man that might break your heart without meaning to.
The romance between the two is achingly beautiful. It develops slowly and skillfully; the build up to that first kiss is something that not many writers could accomplish although many have tried.
That said, although the sex scenes steamed up my Kindle, I can't say that I'm in love with them. They seemed a bit blunt after the obvious care that was taken with the romance. Maybe a touch more finesse?
The plot was great. It was well thought out, well presented, with just the right amount of action and suspense. It blended perfectly with the romance. A lot of novels in this genre have one major plot failing. Either the story is based on sex or it's based on sex. Everything else reads like an afterthought or filler for the sex. This is an actual novel with a wonderful sense of balance throughout.
Supporting characters are excellent. They are real without being overpowering and you will love them as much as you love the main characters.
All in all, this writer could have never been called one of my favorites. But this is excellent, excellent work for this genre and I recommend it wholeheartedly. It was loads of fun and I'm looking forward to rereading it.
First of all, let me say that this is not a historical novel and I don't believe it was advertised as such. The world seems to be created to resemble a Massachusetts town around late 1800's. Therefore, any complaints that the novel is 'historically inaccurate' hold no validity. That said, even as a created world, it had a much better set stage than most historical novels in the same genre. The feel of the place and the time was so well done that it will suck you right in.
Whyborne is awesome; brilliant and reclusive, he has quite the wit when the situation calls for it. As a gay man in a time when such things are unacceptable, he has his share of issues which include an estrangement from his family and unwillingness to stand up for himself when he'd been wronged. Yet, he is the true hero of this story; a man who, despite his fears and insecurities, does not hesitate to put his life on the line for those he loves.
Griffin on the other hand is a man who appears to be strong and secure in his place in the world. He's funny, charming, and painted with a skillful brush. If you find yourself falling for him alongside Whyborne, do not be alarmed. It's almost impossible not to fall for Griffin. But Griffin is a man with a past and secrets, the type of man that might break your heart without meaning to.
The romance between the two is achingly beautiful. It develops slowly and skillfully; the build up to that first kiss is something that not many writers could accomplish although many have tried.
That said, although the sex scenes steamed up my Kindle, I can't say that I'm in love with them. They seemed a bit blunt after the obvious care that was taken with the romance. Maybe a touch more finesse?
The plot was great. It was well thought out, well presented, with just the right amount of action and suspense. It blended perfectly with the romance. A lot of novels in this genre have one major plot failing. Either the story is based on sex or it's based on sex. Everything else reads like an afterthought or filler for the sex. This is an actual novel with a wonderful sense of balance throughout.
Supporting characters are excellent. They are real without being overpowering and you will love them as much as you love the main characters.
All in all, this writer could have never been called one of my favorites. But this is excellent, excellent work for this genre and I recommend it wholeheartedly. It was loads of fun and I'm looking forward to rereading it.
Buy it from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Widdershins-Whyborne-Griffin-ebook/dp/B00AHH0YF2/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
More titles by Jordan L. Hawk:
Title: Hainted
Author: Jordan L. Hawk
Genre: m/m paranormal romance
Print length: 248 pages
Publication date: September 2, 2012
Overall reviewer rating: Four and a Half Stars
Blurb: The Good Guy: Haint-working runs in Dan Miller’s blood. Not everyone can help the restless dead cross over, especially when the haunting threatens the Living. But the death of his parents six years ago forced Dan to give it up in exchange for raising his brother and sister, all the while struggling to keep their rural NC farm afloat.
So when the flamboyantly goth Leif Helsvin shows up on Dan’s doorstep looking for help with an evil necromancer named Runar, Dan’s first instinct is to turn him down. With two teenagers to look after, he’s already got all the trouble he can handle. Besides, the sexy Leif is too much of a temptation, and Dan is firmly in the closet.
The Bad Boy: Pierced, tattooed Leif never has sex with the same guy twice. It keeps things simple, especially since his oath to stop Runar has him constantly drifting from one town to the next.
But this time, it looks like Leif is going to need help, in the form of the very down-to-earth Dan. Since Nice Guys are off the menu, Leif just has to keep his hands to himself for as long as it will take to stop Runar’s latest scheme. But as Leif finds himself drawn deeper into Dan’s life, he quickly realizes he’s not just in danger of breaking the rules, but breaking his heart as well.
More titles by Jordan L. Hawk:
Title: Hainted
Author: Jordan L. Hawk
Genre: m/m paranormal romance
Print length: 248 pages
Publication date: September 2, 2012
Overall reviewer rating: Four and a Half Stars
Blurb: The Good Guy: Haint-working runs in Dan Miller’s blood. Not everyone can help the restless dead cross over, especially when the haunting threatens the Living. But the death of his parents six years ago forced Dan to give it up in exchange for raising his brother and sister, all the while struggling to keep their rural NC farm afloat.
So when the flamboyantly goth Leif Helsvin shows up on Dan’s doorstep looking for help with an evil necromancer named Runar, Dan’s first instinct is to turn him down. With two teenagers to look after, he’s already got all the trouble he can handle. Besides, the sexy Leif is too much of a temptation, and Dan is firmly in the closet.
The Bad Boy: Pierced, tattooed Leif never has sex with the same guy twice. It keeps things simple, especially since his oath to stop Runar has him constantly drifting from one town to the next.
But this time, it looks like Leif is going to need help, in the form of the very down-to-earth Dan. Since Nice Guys are off the menu, Leif just has to keep his hands to himself for as long as it will take to stop Runar’s latest scheme. But as Leif finds himself drawn deeper into Dan’s life, he quickly realizes he’s not just in danger of breaking the rules, but breaking his heart as well.
Review by Tana:
Hainted is what I would say is an excellent, well written novel by Jordan L. Hawk. This story is full or suspense and of course a romance and paranormal elements. But this is not just a paranormal romance novel, there is a lot more to this story, it was refreshing to read and learn about being a Hainted something new in the paranormal genre.
We meet Dan who has come home from college to take care of his brother and sister when his mother passes away, Dan's family has being doing Haint work for many years but now his goal is to take care of his brother and sister. Keeping his feelings repressed Dan knows he will never be able to be an openly gay man. Leif who is out trying to stop an evil that has been unleashed, is openly gay and when his and Dan's life's cross paths there is an instant attraction between both men. Dan knows he will never allow himself to have a relationship with Leif ....he has so many secrets hidden within himself....and is very worried about the people in the community and the fear of losing his siblings.
There is sadness and heartbreak while you read this story as you want Dan to overcome his issues and find happiness with Leif. I have to say there are times when you may need a Kleenex. I love knowing there is going to be a happy ending and at times I was worried I wasn't going to see these two men together in the end. But you will have to read it to find out what happens.
This is a fantastic paranormal m/m romance novel, I have given it 4 stars and I definitely will be reading anything Jordan L. Hawk writes as this story was really good. I enjoyed her writing style very much and recommend anyone who enjoys the m/m novels this is a must read.
We meet Dan who has come home from college to take care of his brother and sister when his mother passes away, Dan's family has being doing Haint work for many years but now his goal is to take care of his brother and sister. Keeping his feelings repressed Dan knows he will never be able to be an openly gay man. Leif who is out trying to stop an evil that has been unleashed, is openly gay and when his and Dan's life's cross paths there is an instant attraction between both men. Dan knows he will never allow himself to have a relationship with Leif ....he has so many secrets hidden within himself....and is very worried about the people in the community and the fear of losing his siblings.
There is sadness and heartbreak while you read this story as you want Dan to overcome his issues and find happiness with Leif. I have to say there are times when you may need a Kleenex. I love knowing there is going to be a happy ending and at times I was worried I wasn't going to see these two men together in the end. But you will have to read it to find out what happens.
This is a fantastic paranormal m/m romance novel, I have given it 4 stars and I definitely will be reading anything Jordan L. Hawk writes as this story was really good. I enjoyed her writing style very much and recommend anyone who enjoys the m/m novels this is a must read.
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