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Damned Connections #3
Temperance
A fire mage who believes he’s broken. A vampire who believes he can fix him. A contract that’s going to change everything.
Blaise
I’ve never been good at doing the right thing.
A series of bad choices have left my life in tatters. Everyone is telling me to move on, but how can I? What I did was unforgivable, even if others believe otherwise. My whole world ceased to exist the night I left a human dying on a classroom floor.
I don’t deserve anything good in my life, I know that. But I’m desperate for peace. Just a few moments where I can escape from everything I’ve done.
When Toby offers me a solution that promises just that, I jump at it. I never imagined having a Dom, but with Toby in that role?
Nothing has ever felt so right.
Problem is, this is a contract, not a relationship. A temporary one.
Which means I need to guard my heart and stop myself from falling for this enigmatic vampire.
Like I said, I’ve never been good at doing the right thing.
Toby
I never learn.
Every time I see a needy sub, I can’t help but offer my help. Every time, I forget that it’s a contract and fall too hard and too fast.
I’m the one who fixes them, never the one they choose to spend eternity with. That’s the way it always goes.
When Blaise bursts into my life, I already know how it’s going to end. I can’t stop myself from wanting to help him, but this man has the capacity to break me in whole new ways. Maybe if I keep the boundaries strict between us, I can walk away at the end without another scar on my heart.
Like I said, I never learn.
Temperance is the third book in the Damned Connections series. Featuring a needy sub and a dom who’s trying to avoid heartbreak, this spicy MM PNR romance will pull at your heartstrings. Although this can be read as a standalone, it’s better enjoyed in order. Each book follows a different couple and has a guaranteed HEA.
Blaise
I’ve never been good at doing the right thing.
A series of bad choices have left my life in tatters. Everyone is telling me to move on, but how can I? What I did was unforgivable, even if others believe otherwise. My whole world ceased to exist the night I left a human dying on a classroom floor.
I don’t deserve anything good in my life, I know that. But I’m desperate for peace. Just a few moments where I can escape from everything I’ve done.
When Toby offers me a solution that promises just that, I jump at it. I never imagined having a Dom, but with Toby in that role?
Nothing has ever felt so right.
Problem is, this is a contract, not a relationship. A temporary one.
Which means I need to guard my heart and stop myself from falling for this enigmatic vampire.
Like I said, I’ve never been good at doing the right thing.
Toby
I never learn.
Every time I see a needy sub, I can’t help but offer my help. Every time, I forget that it’s a contract and fall too hard and too fast.
I’m the one who fixes them, never the one they choose to spend eternity with. That’s the way it always goes.
When Blaise bursts into my life, I already know how it’s going to end. I can’t stop myself from wanting to help him, but this man has the capacity to break me in whole new ways. Maybe if I keep the boundaries strict between us, I can walk away at the end without another scar on my heart.
Like I said, I never learn.
Temperance is the third book in the Damned Connections series. Featuring a needy sub and a dom who’s trying to avoid heartbreak, this spicy MM PNR romance will pull at your heartstrings. Although this can be read as a standalone, it’s better enjoyed in order. Each book follows a different couple and has a guaranteed HEA.
422 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2024
About the author
Lark Taylor
15 books702 followersLark lives with her family in southern England. An obsessive romance fan, she loves nothing more than a Happily Ever After – especially if there’s a good plot and a hefty amount of spice along the way. When she’s not reading or writing, she can be found hiding from adult life in escape rooms, travel and the MCU. As a Bi woman with OCD, Lark is a fervent supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community and an advocate for mental health awareness and support.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
August 17, 2024
oh, wow.
i have to admit that i genuinely thought i wouldn’t like this. i wasn’t a fan of both characters, not a fan of the master thing, not a fan of redemption arcs in general and well, you get it.
but it’s lark so i decided to give this a chance.
and i’m so happy that i did!
i absolutely loved this. i loved it so much that i have to buy the paperback even if it’s honestly horrible. but it is what it is, i accepted that authors usually can’t make a pretty cover.
i forgot where i was going with this, but it doesn’t matter because i never make sense.
the important thing is that if you like lark’s books but you’re not sure about this, read this. it’s good.
there is a teeny tiny thing that i wished she’d resolved in a different way, as it’s becoming a bit repetitive. but i eat it up every time, so can i really complain?
another positive, the smut. girlie really brought her best game here.
i have to admit that i genuinely thought i wouldn’t like this. i wasn’t a fan of both characters, not a fan of the master thing, not a fan of redemption arcs in general and well, you get it.
but it’s lark so i decided to give this a chance.
and i’m so happy that i did!
i absolutely loved this. i loved it so much that i have to buy the paperback even if it’s honestly horrible. but it is what it is, i accepted that authors usually can’t make a pretty cover.
i forgot where i was going with this, but it doesn’t matter because i never make sense.
the important thing is that if you like lark’s books but you’re not sure about this, read this. it’s good.
there is a teeny tiny thing that i wished she’d resolved in a different way, as it’s becoming a bit repetitive. but i eat it up every time, so can i really complain?
another positive, the smut. girlie really brought her best game here.
June 6, 2024
I'm disappointed 😔
The fact I'm more intrigued by the side characters - the angels and the kink audience in the epilogue - kinda says it all!
I was so looking forward to Blaise and Toby, but the majority of this book is just retelling events from other books in their POV. When it wasn't a retelling, they were having sex or repeating the same mantras and I was honestly bored and very underwhelmed. I didn't really see where they fell in love?
This just didn't feel like a romance somehow 🤷🏻♀️
The cure for the curse was also painfully obvious as soon as Blaise explained why it didn't affect him but it was dragged out for so long I started thinking it would be more entertaining if it took hold 😬
I was expecting there to be more of an epic romance, similar to Ferry and Leo, but the denial of their feelings dragged on for far too long. There was then a huge time jump of months where they're apart and miserable and I honestly would rather have seen more detail there than in the repetition of previous books. When they finally get together properly it's really rushed and then the book is basically ending, but not without a retelling of part of Matty and Sebastian's book!
If you took out everything that was in the other books I'm not even sure this story would be novella length.
Hoping for more with the Angel series and Danny's book.
The fact I'm more intrigued by the side characters - the angels and the kink audience in the epilogue - kinda says it all!
I was so looking forward to Blaise and Toby, but the majority of this book is just retelling events from other books in their POV. When it wasn't a retelling, they were having sex or repeating the same mantras and I was honestly bored and very underwhelmed. I didn't really see where they fell in love?
This just didn't feel like a romance somehow 🤷🏻♀️
The cure for the curse was also painfully obvious as soon as Blaise explained why it didn't affect him but it was dragged out for so long I started thinking it would be more entertaining if it took hold 😬
I was expecting there to be more of an epic romance, similar to Ferry and Leo, but the denial of their feelings dragged on for far too long. There was then a huge time jump of months where they're apart and miserable and I honestly would rather have seen more detail there than in the repetition of previous books. When they finally get together properly it's really rushed and then the book is basically ending, but not without a retelling of part of Matty and Sebastian's book!
If you took out everything that was in the other books I'm not even sure this story would be novella length.
Hoping for more with the Angel series and Danny's book.
May 26, 2024
It hurts to rate this one as I have, and clearly based on the current average, I'm in the minority with how I feel about this book. I love this author, this series, this world, these characters. And I think fans of this series will still love this one too! But for me personally, this one did not really work for me.
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2024
Temperance is an emotional romance between fire mage Blaise and vampire Toby. Their dynamic is very interesting due to how they begin their relationship. It is very unorthodox but completely fits with their tricky and complicated situation.
I liked how Toby took control by helping Blaise navigate his grief and self-hatred. He was the perfect person to give him strict guidelines while helping him learn to forgive his past transgressions. The much-needed trust between these two is a strong component of their story. Due to Blaise's intense emotional trauma, there is a lot of emotional pain and healing that is unpacked.
Overall I liked this story, it has a strong mental health component that is quite heavy at times, but I found this was necessary for the characters. Their growth and love is a slow process, but completely fit this pair.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
I liked how Toby took control by helping Blaise navigate his grief and self-hatred. He was the perfect person to give him strict guidelines while helping him learn to forgive his past transgressions. The much-needed trust between these two is a strong component of their story. Due to Blaise's intense emotional trauma, there is a lot of emotional pain and healing that is unpacked.
Overall I liked this story, it has a strong mental health component that is quite heavy at times, but I found this was necessary for the characters. Their growth and love is a slow process, but completely fit this pair.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
May 27, 2024
Look, I'm the first one to say this series was good (I did enjoy the other books and the original series too), but this one hit different.
First : we have the same story of the previous books re-told... A lot... So the book felt repetitive and without a new plot (or nothing new really.)
Second : so much smut... I'm talking them banging every other page, it was too much... I didn't feel this was an epic kind of love, It felt like a couple that love to screw and the only thing in common they have was to be compatible in bed. We almost didn't see this characters out of their room, sometimes Lark would say they watched a movie or something and that was the extent of that.
Third : I would almost prefer that she would start the book after they fight (because Toby hide things) and show us how they got back together and how Toby won is trust back. A second chance romance. Instead we get a messy miscommunication trope already used in the previous books.
I wish I could give this a better score, but I just can't...
First : we have the same story of the previous books re-told... A lot... So the book felt repetitive and without a new plot (or nothing new really.)
Second : so much smut... I'm talking them banging every other page, it was too much... I didn't feel this was an epic kind of love, It felt like a couple that love to screw and the only thing in common they have was to be compatible in bed. We almost didn't see this characters out of their room, sometimes Lark would say they watched a movie or something and that was the extent of that.
Third : I would almost prefer that she would start the book after they fight (because Toby hide things) and show us how they got back together and how Toby won is trust back. A second chance romance. Instead we get a messy miscommunication trope already used in the previous books.
I wish I could give this a better score, but I just can't...
May 12, 2024
One of my MOST awaited story which captivated me ❤️.
A kinky hot MM Paranormal romance which is packed with feels & so many emotions 😭🥰, beloved characters, Master/Sub dynamic, a thrilling action-packed story, & a deserving HEA.
I read this on Sunday, DEVOURED within 12hrs! I love Toby & Blaise, well worth the wait for their story. This world Lark made is amazing!
Toby is a vampire, bartender & doc, a social person. He's caretaking, calm, confident, enigmatic; a twink dom (YES, PLEASE 🥵)! He's been an interesting, snarky & protective side character in the Demons' books! But Toby's been hurt by love too, can he keep his walls high or will Blaise break them?
Blaise is a fire mage, introverted, quiet & haunted by his mistakes. He's anxious, hurting 😭 (TW), wants peace. I hated what he did in Harlow's book, but since then my heart aches (tho I did get a lil perverse pleasure from his hurt, but only in River's book. Here, I was team Blaise haha). Toby brought out B's bratty, cute side 🥰; a gentle-giant Sub!
T+B been 👨❤️💋👨 in background, I loved to see so much through their POVs here. It all starts as a contract, but it morphs into so much! But the fear?! The f'ing cursed sword?! IFYKYK. This is the hottest Lark book as of yet 🥵; Love me a vers couple. It's fascinating ride, so hot, all the feels, & so angsty too 🥺. The want, the close calls, possessive, sweetness, OMG. LOVED IT. RTC. A fellow MCU & hot books fan 😉. That epilogue 😳🥵.
Story Ratings:
POV: 1st person, Dual POV
1) Overall Enjoyment—> 5😍/5
2) The Characters: 5❤️/5
3) Top feels: 😁🥺😏☺️😣🤭🤯😓🥵😉🥰😜🗡️🤕🥺🤢😭🙁🤩🥵🧛♂️🔥
4) Steamy scenes: 4.5/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4.25/5
Angst: 4/5 (int + ext) 🥺
Dark: 3.5/5
6) Creativity + world: 5/5
7) Plot arc: (Contract, Kink, Love, PNR Action) 5/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.7/5
A kinky hot MM Paranormal romance which is packed with feels & so many emotions 😭🥰, beloved characters, Master/Sub dynamic, a thrilling action-packed story, & a deserving HEA.
I read this on Sunday, DEVOURED within 12hrs! I love Toby & Blaise, well worth the wait for their story. This world Lark made is amazing!
Toby is a vampire, bartender & doc, a social person. He's caretaking, calm, confident, enigmatic; a twink dom (YES, PLEASE 🥵)! He's been an interesting, snarky & protective side character in the Demons' books! But Toby's been hurt by love too, can he keep his walls high or will Blaise break them?
Blaise is a fire mage, introverted, quiet & haunted by his mistakes. He's anxious, hurting 😭 (TW), wants peace. I hated what he did in Harlow's book, but since then my heart aches (tho I did get a lil perverse pleasure from his hurt, but only in River's book. Here, I was team Blaise haha). Toby brought out B's bratty, cute side 🥰; a gentle-giant Sub!
T+B been 👨❤️💋👨 in background, I loved to see so much through their POVs here. It all starts as a contract, but it morphs into so much! But the fear?! The f'ing cursed sword?! IFYKYK. This is the hottest Lark book as of yet 🥵; Love me a vers couple. It's fascinating ride, so hot, all the feels, & so angsty too 🥺. The want, the close calls, possessive, sweetness, OMG. LOVED IT. RTC. A fellow MCU & hot books fan 😉. That epilogue 😳🥵.
Story Ratings:
POV: 1st person, Dual POV
1) Overall Enjoyment—> 5😍/5
2) The Characters: 5❤️/5
3) Top feels: 😁🥺😏☺️😣🤭🤯😓🥵😉🥰😜🗡️🤕🥺🤢😭🙁🤩🥵🧛♂️🔥
4) Steamy scenes: 4.5/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4.25/5
Angst: 4/5 (int + ext) 🥺
Dark: 3.5/5
6) Creativity + world: 5/5
7) Plot arc: (Contract, Kink, Love, PNR Action) 5/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.7/5
May 24, 2024
I am going to be completely honest. I did not want to read this book. There was something about Toby and Blaise that didn’t excite me. I don’t really know how to explain it. I just wasn’t looking forward to reading their book. I put it off for the longest time. But there is something that I was forgetting, and that was that this author doesn’t write a bad book in my opinion. I should’ve known I would like this. Not as much as the others, but we will get to that.
I’m trying to think how to tell you what this is about without spoiling events from the previous books. Blaise and Toby’s relationship spans over three books, so there are events in this book that are big points in the other books. Did that make sense? IDK. Let me just try my best to explain, and if it doesn’t make sense then you just need to read all the other books. Sorry I don’t make the rules. So Blaise does something really bad and really stupid. Because of it, he’s full of guilt and grief. His mental health is not the best at all. I would check trigger warnings before reading this. So he’s not doing well. Toby notices this and knows that he can help him. They enter a Dom/sub agreement. Not a relationship. They sign a contract and everything *sigh*. But yeah they have this contract wrote out where Toby will help Blaise get back to his normal self at the end of 12 months and that’s it. He will be all fixed and they’ll go their separate ways. No feelings whatsoever. LOL. Spoiler alert, doesn’t work that way. Lots of stuff gets in the way. But what fun would it be if things went as they’re supposed to.
The sex in this? Amazing. I always love a good Dom/sub dynamic. Especially when the Dom is this little twinky (vampire too YUM) and the sub is this big dude. We don’t get a daddy dynamic sadly, but this is amazing as is. Their titles are Master and boy if you were wondering. But yeah, sex was fantastic. There was this voyeurism scene at the end that was especially delicious.
Like I said at the beginning of this review, this wasn’t my favorite out of all the books. Only because I wasn’t a big fan of all the recap of the events. But, I also know that this book wouldn’t be possible if that didn’t happen. Blaise and Toby have been in their relationship during all these events so we need to see them again from their perspective to know how things were going on with them. You are pretty much in the dark about their relationship in all the other books, so this needed to be done, even though I didn’t particularly care for it. That’s my only argument really. And it’s a pointless argument at that since I know why it’s done. So yeah.
This wouldn’t be a book by this author if she didn’t include sad moments. She lives to make readers cry. It’s what keeps her going. Not coffee, just the tears of her supporters. But yeah, sadness x10. I was sad all throughout this book. From the beginning with Blaise’s mental state, the middle when Blaise and Toby were stupid, and the end when Blaise and Toby were stupid again. It’s always so annoying when I know the answers to their problems, but they don’t ask me for help. How is it that I��m smarter than centuries old demons, vampires, and mages oh my? But yeah. Sadness overload. Have the tissues nearby friends.
Anytime I read a book from this author, I always get excited for future characters and their books. I am excited for the next book, which will involve the wolf shifter, Danny. And I want books for all the angels. I need them biblically (hehe!!!). Read this and have fun!
I’m trying to think how to tell you what this is about without spoiling events from the previous books. Blaise and Toby’s relationship spans over three books, so there are events in this book that are big points in the other books. Did that make sense? IDK. Let me just try my best to explain, and if it doesn’t make sense then you just need to read all the other books. Sorry I don’t make the rules. So Blaise does something really bad and really stupid. Because of it, he’s full of guilt and grief. His mental health is not the best at all. I would check trigger warnings before reading this. So he’s not doing well. Toby notices this and knows that he can help him. They enter a Dom/sub agreement. Not a relationship. They sign a contract and everything *sigh*. But yeah they have this contract wrote out where Toby will help Blaise get back to his normal self at the end of 12 months and that’s it. He will be all fixed and they’ll go their separate ways. No feelings whatsoever. LOL. Spoiler alert, doesn’t work that way. Lots of stuff gets in the way. But what fun would it be if things went as they’re supposed to.
The sex in this? Amazing. I always love a good Dom/sub dynamic. Especially when the Dom is this little twinky (vampire too YUM) and the sub is this big dude. We don’t get a daddy dynamic sadly, but this is amazing as is. Their titles are Master and boy if you were wondering. But yeah, sex was fantastic. There was this voyeurism scene at the end that was especially delicious.
Like I said at the beginning of this review, this wasn’t my favorite out of all the books. Only because I wasn’t a big fan of all the recap of the events. But, I also know that this book wouldn’t be possible if that didn’t happen. Blaise and Toby have been in their relationship during all these events so we need to see them again from their perspective to know how things were going on with them. You are pretty much in the dark about their relationship in all the other books, so this needed to be done, even though I didn’t particularly care for it. That’s my only argument really. And it’s a pointless argument at that since I know why it’s done. So yeah.
This wouldn’t be a book by this author if she didn’t include sad moments. She lives to make readers cry. It’s what keeps her going. Not coffee, just the tears of her supporters. But yeah, sadness x10. I was sad all throughout this book. From the beginning with Blaise’s mental state, the middle when Blaise and Toby were stupid, and the end when Blaise and Toby were stupid again. It’s always so annoying when I know the answers to their problems, but they don’t ask me for help. How is it that I��m smarter than centuries old demons, vampires, and mages oh my? But yeah. Sadness overload. Have the tissues nearby friends.
Anytime I read a book from this author, I always get excited for future characters and their books. I am excited for the next book, which will involve the wolf shifter, Danny. And I want books for all the angels. I need them biblically (hehe!!!). Read this and have fun!
May 5, 2024
This book was absolutely amazing! Lark Taylor knows how to write such beautiful stories that make you feel all the feels. I was crying, laughing, swooning and then crying again. I’ve been looking forward to Blaise and Toby’s story and I knew it was going to be good, but this blew all my expectations out of the water. Lark has quickly become an auto buy author for me and I can’t wait for the next book!!
Tropes
🔥Fire mage/vampire
🔥Dom/sub
🔥Praise kink
🔥Spanking
🔥Chosen mates
🔥Found family
Tropes
🔥Fire mage/vampire
🔥Dom/sub
🔥Praise kink
🔥Spanking
🔥Chosen mates
🔥Found family
May 18, 2024
This rating hurts me so much because the rest of the series and the accompanying series were all 3.5+ stars for me. 😭
I liked their relationship but honestly I had a hard time buying the strong emotional connection. We only really ever saw the physical part of their relationship and there were just so many time skips and telling what happened between them instead of showing. I really only enjoyed the last like 30% of the book which showed a new plot line; but most of the meat of the book and action is repeating stuff that happened in the other books so it felt super tedious to read. I just wanted to skip most of it because there were no stakes since I already knew what would happen..
I liked their relationship but honestly I had a hard time buying the strong emotional connection. We only really ever saw the physical part of their relationship and there were just so many time skips and telling what happened between them instead of showing. I really only enjoyed the last like 30% of the book which showed a new plot line; but most of the meat of the book and action is repeating stuff that happened in the other books so it felt super tedious to read. I just wanted to skip most of it because there were no stakes since I already knew what would happen..
May 5, 2024
Fire mage Blaise has made some mistakes that he can't forgive himself for. He's isolated himself from everyone who cares about him in an attempt to atone for what he's done. He doesn't think he deserves happiness and isn't even sure he wants to be alive. The only time he feels any respite from his self loathing is when he's around Toby. Vampire Toby ignores the giant blinking "KEEP AWAY" sign above Blaise's head and tries to help Blaise realize he has so much to live for. Once two enter into a mutually beneficial BDSM-with-benefits arrangement, the lines between friendship and the possibility for more begin to blur. But as Blaise begins to heal and dares to want more from Toby, Toby has some insecurities and pain to work through, or there's no chance for the two of them to find happiness together.
Temperance is book 3 in the Damned Connections series and personally I don't think it's a standalone book. Toby and Blaise's story takes time to develop, and weaves through the first two books in the series as well as the The Reckless Damned series. Prior reading isn't mandatory but the previous books are all very good... for maximum enjoyment start with Devil's Mark. I've read all the books and I'm now dying to go back and read from the beginning again myself.
I really enjoyed the book! Lark is a whiz at giving us characters who are just a little broken and battered, but infinitely worth saving and loving. I'm dying for Danny's story next.
Rating: 4
Angst: 3.5/5
Steam: 3.5/5
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
There was no denying that Blaise was a handsome man. Catnip to guys like me. Who didn't want to have a man twice their size kneeling for them? Bound and waiting for their orders?
That wasn't what this was about though. The physical attraction was there, but that wasn't what drew me to the mage.
It was the jagged edges that needed to be soothed. The confidence that hung around him in tatters. The quiet desperation for someone to guide him. Someone to show him how to live. How to breathe.
That someone was going to be me.
Temperance is book 3 in the Damned Connections series and personally I don't think it's a standalone book. Toby and Blaise's story takes time to develop, and weaves through the first two books in the series as well as the The Reckless Damned series. Prior reading isn't mandatory but the previous books are all very good... for maximum enjoyment start with Devil's Mark. I've read all the books and I'm now dying to go back and read from the beginning again myself.
I really enjoyed the book! Lark is a whiz at giving us characters who are just a little broken and battered, but infinitely worth saving and loving. I'm dying for Danny's story next.
Rating: 4
Angst: 3.5/5
Steam: 3.5/5
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
May 16, 2024
This is absolutely a case of it’s me, not the book. I have been looking forward to Blaise and Toby’s story since we noticed something was going on between them. I was so incredibly excited to start reading.
The things that did work for me was the mental health rep and getting to see all the other MCs again. The mental health rep was excellent. It was such an important part of their story. I am also a huge fan of cameos of past books and this author does that so well for her stories.
I think I was just expecting a different story for them and that’s what’s got me down. Totally my fault. This story was a lot different to me than the others in the series. It definitely focused more on the mental health rep and kink than it did action. Which normally I would be totally fine with but I’ve gotten so used to action in this series.
I definitely recommend this book still if you are wanting a story with excellent mental health rep, a very serious Dom/sub relationship and a higher focus on the relationship than outside plot. I absolutely still look forward to reading more in the series and by this author!
The things that did work for me was the mental health rep and getting to see all the other MCs again. The mental health rep was excellent. It was such an important part of their story. I am also a huge fan of cameos of past books and this author does that so well for her stories.
I think I was just expecting a different story for them and that’s what’s got me down. Totally my fault. This story was a lot different to me than the others in the series. It definitely focused more on the mental health rep and kink than it did action. Which normally I would be totally fine with but I’ve gotten so used to action in this series.
I definitely recommend this book still if you are wanting a story with excellent mental health rep, a very serious Dom/sub relationship and a higher focus on the relationship than outside plot. I absolutely still look forward to reading more in the series and by this author!
May 20, 2024
Tropes: paranormal - vampire /mage, hurt/comfort, size difference
Feels: 2.5/5
Steam*: 3/5 (a fair bit of sex, very kinky, but I found it lacking as far as feels and sensuality went, so I wouldn't really rank the quality of the steam as being great)
Kinks: dirty talk, toys, bdsm, caretaking Dom/sub, exhibitionism, blood drinking
Angst: medium
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: suicidal character, guilt and shame, other man drama in a sense (no cheating!), miscommunication trope, third act break up
Toby is a vampire. Blaise is a mage. Blaise is in a guilt and shame spiral, thinking he's not worthy of people's forgiveness and living. He accidentally killed Bailey and he ran away after instead of trying to help Bailey. Yeah Bailey got reincarnated afterwards and ended up forgiving him, but he can't forgive himself. Toby sees how broken Blaise is, and the caretaking Dom in him wants to fix Blaise. Toby offers Blaise a 12-month contract of a Dom / sub relationship between the two of them, which is nothing time wise for supernatural creatures, but it's long enough to build sustainable habits. Toby is very clear that this is not a relationship, feelings will not be involved. Blaise accepts and is introduced to a kinky world where before he had lived a vanilla life.
But they have conflicts. The contract is between them and they don't communicate that they both want more than the contract. So for most of the book, they think their feelings aren't reciprocated. And there's supernatural s*** going on and their lives are in danger.
Three stars. Well enough written, but not an appealing romance for me.
This book wasn't really for me. There was too much about it that just wasn't to my tastes. Lark develops good stories, she does good world building and development of characters. But this just wasn't appealing or working for me for a variety of reasons.
Things I didn't like:
- From the very beginning, it was thrown in our faces how many times Toby had done this before. How he had had contracts with many many subs before, how everything he did with Blaise, he had done before for his other subs. And Blaise was hurt emotionally at times by those reminders of how he wasn't special. And it wasn't just physical things he did before, Toby has fallen in love multiple times with his subs. To me, this just doesn't set up a romantic premise, their connection did not feel special. Toby didn't even acknowledge that what he was feeling for Blaise was something different /more until approximately 70% in. It was just too long for me to linger in this unromantic headspace.
- I wish that one of them would break the rules of the contract and that they would have a little bit more of an organic relationship. That they would see that the other one was breaking the rules for them and know that this was more than just a contract, and that Blaise was actually more to Toby than his past subs were.
- I didn't enjoy how rigid the power dynamic was between them. It made me uncomfortable at times, I didn't think it was a fair dynamic, so it wasn't a fun dynamic for me to see at play. Toby forced Blaise to talk about things that I didn't feel he had a right to ask him to talk about, because they weren't in a relationship, they were just Dom and sub at the time. I feel like Toby abused his entitlement to honesty and Blaise had a right to privacy, it didn't seem fair that he had to lay himself bare to Toby while Toby didn't reciprocate.
- I didn't love the dynamic between Toby and Blaise as it pertained to loving the other person as they were. Toby wanted to change Blaise, and yes it was for the better because Blaise was in a shame and guilt spiral and was suicidal! But I think Toby took it too far. Toby didn't want to be with Blaise later on in good times or bad, he only wanted to be with him in good times, he wouldn't let Blaise have him in bad times. And I didn't like the message about changing yourself that both of these things sad. It just wasn't a pleasant romantic message to me.
- When they get back together after the third act break up, I didn't like that their first hookup after was a kinky scene. I wanted them to just be together impulsively, without planning. The fact that they pause long enough to stage a scene and put all the kinks to play it's just so staged and inorganic to me. This is my bias/personal preferences coming into play, but I need kink to have a lesser presence in the relationship then it did in this particular book. I need it to not be the sole focus of every sexual encounter they share. I can't think of a sexual encounter they had were the kink wasn't the focus of their sexual encounter. I need the feelings at times to take precedence over the actions. It's so inorganic and cold to me when the feelings are never strong enough to overwhelm them. That they are always cool enough to play out a scene start to finish is just too cold to me. At least some of the time they just need to be together for the sake of being together because they are so desperate. The sex starts to seem like gymnastics to me, like a performance. It loses sensuality points.
- I'm kind of annoyed that this book has encompassed the plot of so many other books in the related 2 series. I know this book stretched over the same time span as some of the other books. So I wanted to give it a pass. At first I was like oh this is kind of a nice shout out. But it just also got kind of repetitive. I've read all those stories before and I wish more of the plot from this particular book wasn't rehashing and repeating those other stories.
- I didn't like the specific exhibitionism scene that we got at the end. I didn't like the direction that Lark took with it. I know that they both had a kink for exhibitionism. But I don't think it was executed in a romantic way. I really dislike how much their audience is participating in this exhibitionism. It's too much about the interaction, they were far too focused on talking about who as a person each of the observers were, and what they were thinking and doing as they watched Blaise and Toby, and how Blaise was watching them and how he felt about them. It needed to be more about Blaise and Toby. I found it distracted from their connection. I wish it was more anonymous, more spur of the moment as opposed to planned. That they were more focused on each other and didn't even notice that there were people around and how they were reacting to them.
Some notable moments:
"“Low, what did you do now?” Harlow’s head snapped around, and it was like a switch had been flipped. His anger and flames vanished as his mate appeared. “Why d’you always assume it’s me?” Bailey shot me a curious glance as he strolled across the kitchen and pulled Harlow into a rough embrace. “Baby, I love you, but it’s always you.”"
"Squeezing the back of his neck, I leaned in close. “You okay?” Blaise swallowed. “Not sure the potential end of the world is something anyone can ever be okay with.” I squeezed him reassuringly. “Try not to worry. Shit like this always happens, world hasn’t ended yet.” “Only takes the once.”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 2.5/5
Steam*: 3/5 (a fair bit of sex, very kinky, but I found it lacking as far as feels and sensuality went, so I wouldn't really rank the quality of the steam as being great)
Kinks: dirty talk, toys, bdsm, caretaking Dom/sub, exhibitionism, blood drinking
Angst: medium
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: suicidal character, guilt and shame, other man drama in a sense (no cheating!), miscommunication trope, third act break up
Toby is a vampire. Blaise is a mage. Blaise is in a guilt and shame spiral, thinking he's not worthy of people's forgiveness and living. He accidentally killed Bailey and he ran away after instead of trying to help Bailey. Yeah Bailey got reincarnated afterwards and ended up forgiving him, but he can't forgive himself. Toby sees how broken Blaise is, and the caretaking Dom in him wants to fix Blaise. Toby offers Blaise a 12-month contract of a Dom / sub relationship between the two of them, which is nothing time wise for supernatural creatures, but it's long enough to build sustainable habits. Toby is very clear that this is not a relationship, feelings will not be involved. Blaise accepts and is introduced to a kinky world where before he had lived a vanilla life.
But they have conflicts. The contract is between them and they don't communicate that they both want more than the contract. So for most of the book, they think their feelings aren't reciprocated. And there's supernatural s*** going on and their lives are in danger.
Three stars. Well enough written, but not an appealing romance for me.
This book wasn't really for me. There was too much about it that just wasn't to my tastes. Lark develops good stories, she does good world building and development of characters. But this just wasn't appealing or working for me for a variety of reasons.
Things I didn't like:
- From the very beginning, it was thrown in our faces how many times Toby had done this before. How he had had contracts with many many subs before, how everything he did with Blaise, he had done before for his other subs. And Blaise was hurt emotionally at times by those reminders of how he wasn't special. And it wasn't just physical things he did before, Toby has fallen in love multiple times with his subs. To me, this just doesn't set up a romantic premise, their connection did not feel special. Toby didn't even acknowledge that what he was feeling for Blaise was something different /more until approximately 70% in. It was just too long for me to linger in this unromantic headspace.
- I wish that one of them would break the rules of the contract and that they would have a little bit more of an organic relationship. That they would see that the other one was breaking the rules for them and know that this was more than just a contract, and that Blaise was actually more to Toby than his past subs were.
- I didn't enjoy how rigid the power dynamic was between them. It made me uncomfortable at times, I didn't think it was a fair dynamic, so it wasn't a fun dynamic for me to see at play. Toby forced Blaise to talk about things that I didn't feel he had a right to ask him to talk about, because they weren't in a relationship, they were just Dom and sub at the time. I feel like Toby abused his entitlement to honesty and Blaise had a right to privacy, it didn't seem fair that he had to lay himself bare to Toby while Toby didn't reciprocate.
- I didn't love the dynamic between Toby and Blaise as it pertained to loving the other person as they were. Toby wanted to change Blaise, and yes it was for the better because Blaise was in a shame and guilt spiral and was suicidal! But I think Toby took it too far. Toby didn't want to be with Blaise later on in good times or bad, he only wanted to be with him in good times, he wouldn't let Blaise have him in bad times. And I didn't like the message about changing yourself that both of these things sad. It just wasn't a pleasant romantic message to me.
- When they get back together after the third act break up, I didn't like that their first hookup after was a kinky scene. I wanted them to just be together impulsively, without planning. The fact that they pause long enough to stage a scene and put all the kinks to play it's just so staged and inorganic to me. This is my bias/personal preferences coming into play, but I need kink to have a lesser presence in the relationship then it did in this particular book. I need it to not be the sole focus of every sexual encounter they share. I can't think of a sexual encounter they had were the kink wasn't the focus of their sexual encounter. I need the feelings at times to take precedence over the actions. It's so inorganic and cold to me when the feelings are never strong enough to overwhelm them. That they are always cool enough to play out a scene start to finish is just too cold to me. At least some of the time they just need to be together for the sake of being together because they are so desperate. The sex starts to seem like gymnastics to me, like a performance. It loses sensuality points.
- I'm kind of annoyed that this book has encompassed the plot of so many other books in the related 2 series. I know this book stretched over the same time span as some of the other books. So I wanted to give it a pass. At first I was like oh this is kind of a nice shout out. But it just also got kind of repetitive. I've read all those stories before and I wish more of the plot from this particular book wasn't rehashing and repeating those other stories.
- I didn't like the specific exhibitionism scene that we got at the end. I didn't like the direction that Lark took with it. I know that they both had a kink for exhibitionism. But I don't think it was executed in a romantic way. I really dislike how much their audience is participating in this exhibitionism. It's too much about the interaction, they were far too focused on talking about who as a person each of the observers were, and what they were thinking and doing as they watched Blaise and Toby, and how Blaise was watching them and how he felt about them. It needed to be more about Blaise and Toby. I found it distracted from their connection. I wish it was more anonymous, more spur of the moment as opposed to planned. That they were more focused on each other and didn't even notice that there were people around and how they were reacting to them.
Some notable moments:
"“Low, what did you do now?” Harlow’s head snapped around, and it was like a switch had been flipped. His anger and flames vanished as his mate appeared. “Why d’you always assume it’s me?” Bailey shot me a curious glance as he strolled across the kitchen and pulled Harlow into a rough embrace. “Baby, I love you, but it’s always you.”"
"Squeezing the back of his neck, I leaned in close. “You okay?” Blaise swallowed. “Not sure the potential end of the world is something anyone can ever be okay with.” I squeezed him reassuringly. “Try not to worry. Shit like this always happens, world hasn’t ended yet.” “Only takes the once.”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2024
"When our contract was up, he'd be happy. I could watch him walk away knowing I'd done what I did best.
I just had to pray that the cost wasn't going to ruin me in the process."
Well, there was quite a lot to unpack here in Blaise and Toby's story, starting with the fact that both MCs appear to be suffering from mental health issues, albeit in different ways. My heart broke for Blaise. He was so lost in his depression and self-depreciation that he couldn't see a way out. He'd essentially stopped living. Blaise spent his days going through the motions, but never truly feeling anything but hopelessness. It got so bad that if Toby hadn't noticed how much he needed help that I don't think Blaise would have made it much longer.
I didn't realize that Toby was going to break my heart too. He came off so strong and confidant in who he was. Knowing Toby was a Dom, I expected that to be who he really was, but appearances can be deceiving. Toby wanted nothing more than to find a mate/sub of his own for keeps, but after a few bad experiences he'd given up on that dream. He'd convinced himself he was content helping others on their way to a happily ever after with someone else.
"I was the man who fixed them, not the one they chose to spend eternity with."
These two drove me nuts with their inability to communicate their true feelings, despite having a contract that required exactly that! Bad form boys, bad form! So much angst could have been avoided if just one of them told the other how they felt. However, I did understand why they didn't. Toby had a history of it blowing up in his face and Blaise had dealt with Toby reminding him on a consistent basis that their relationship was actually not a relationship at all. Honesty is one of the most important parts of a kink contract, so Blaise accepted Toby at his word.
The spice in this one was HOT. I loved the fact that tiny Toby was a Dom, while brick shit house Blaise was a sub. Take that stereotypes!! I also loved how Toby was the sweet kind of Dom who liked to dote on his subs. Blaise needed that in his life, and I think they complemented each other well as a couple in the end.
I just had to pray that the cost wasn't going to ruin me in the process."
Well, there was quite a lot to unpack here in Blaise and Toby's story, starting with the fact that both MCs appear to be suffering from mental health issues, albeit in different ways. My heart broke for Blaise. He was so lost in his depression and self-depreciation that he couldn't see a way out. He'd essentially stopped living. Blaise spent his days going through the motions, but never truly feeling anything but hopelessness. It got so bad that if Toby hadn't noticed how much he needed help that I don't think Blaise would have made it much longer.
I didn't realize that Toby was going to break my heart too. He came off so strong and confidant in who he was. Knowing Toby was a Dom, I expected that to be who he really was, but appearances can be deceiving. Toby wanted nothing more than to find a mate/sub of his own for keeps, but after a few bad experiences he'd given up on that dream. He'd convinced himself he was content helping others on their way to a happily ever after with someone else.
"I was the man who fixed them, not the one they chose to spend eternity with."
These two drove me nuts with their inability to communicate their true feelings, despite having a contract that required exactly that! Bad form boys, bad form! So much angst could have been avoided if just one of them told the other how they felt. However, I did understand why they didn't. Toby had a history of it blowing up in his face and Blaise had dealt with Toby reminding him on a consistent basis that their relationship was actually not a relationship at all. Honesty is one of the most important parts of a kink contract, so Blaise accepted Toby at his word.
The spice in this one was HOT. I loved the fact that tiny Toby was a Dom, while brick shit house Blaise was a sub. Take that stereotypes!! I also loved how Toby was the sweet kind of Dom who liked to dote on his subs. Blaise needed that in his life, and I think they complemented each other well as a couple in the end.
May 9, 2024
Temperance is book three in the Damned Connections series. This MM PNR romance story is about Blaise and Toby.
We met Blaise and Toby in the previous books and I could not wait to read their story. Blaise is a fire mage that believes he is broken. He is consumed by guilt for his past mistakes and thinks he doesn’t deserve to be happy. Toby is a vampire that loves fixing broken boys. He is a Dom that believes he can help Blaise, but fears he could end up heartbroken. Blaise agrees to be Toby’s sub, and they enter into a one year contract. They both need to constantly remind themselves it is not a relationship. Will this stop Blaise and Toby from falling in love?
I loved Blaise and Toby’s dynamic and felt their Dom/sub relationship was well written. They were both what each other needed. It was beautiful to see Blaise heal, and I especially loved how therapy also helped him to overcome his past. Toby had his own pain and insecurities he had to work through. Blaise and Toby had their ups and downs. Their journey was not easy and I was rooting for them to find the happiness and love they deserved.
Their found family is truly amazing and I loved seeing some of my favorite characters again. I really enjoyed that we got to see scenes from the previous books from Blaise and Toby’s POV.
This book definitely gave me all the feels. There were moments that had me swooning, while others had me laughing. There were times I was frustrated. And then there was heartache and tears. I cried so many times over all the struggles and challenges Blaise and Toby had to go through. In the end, my heart was so incredibly happy when they got their HEA.
I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
We met Blaise and Toby in the previous books and I could not wait to read their story. Blaise is a fire mage that believes he is broken. He is consumed by guilt for his past mistakes and thinks he doesn’t deserve to be happy. Toby is a vampire that loves fixing broken boys. He is a Dom that believes he can help Blaise, but fears he could end up heartbroken. Blaise agrees to be Toby’s sub, and they enter into a one year contract. They both need to constantly remind themselves it is not a relationship. Will this stop Blaise and Toby from falling in love?
I loved Blaise and Toby’s dynamic and felt their Dom/sub relationship was well written. They were both what each other needed. It was beautiful to see Blaise heal, and I especially loved how therapy also helped him to overcome his past. Toby had his own pain and insecurities he had to work through. Blaise and Toby had their ups and downs. Their journey was not easy and I was rooting for them to find the happiness and love they deserved.
Their found family is truly amazing and I loved seeing some of my favorite characters again. I really enjoyed that we got to see scenes from the previous books from Blaise and Toby’s POV.
This book definitely gave me all the feels. There were moments that had me swooning, while others had me laughing. There were times I was frustrated. And then there was heartache and tears. I cried so many times over all the struggles and challenges Blaise and Toby had to go through. In the end, my heart was so incredibly happy when they got their HEA.
I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
May 13, 2024
Lark has done it again.
Blaise and Toby are perfect for each other and I’m so glad that we finally got their story after so long. It was worth the wait. 🖤
This book isn’t as action packed or squad focused as the other two books. It’s centered almost exclusively on the couple and their dynamic.
Blaise is guilt personified. He’s a shell of a man and he only feels the spark of life when he is near Toby. Toby instinctively knows what Blaise needs and wants to provide for him. 🥹
They are both martyrs in the most literal sense and would sacrifice anything for those around them but won’t do the same for themselves 😭
They are so sweet and in tune with each other even when they’re not together physically. They just know.
The sacrifices they make are beautiful and heartwarming and I’m so glad we get to love them 🥹🥹🖤
I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary review! 🖤
Blaise and Toby are perfect for each other and I’m so glad that we finally got their story after so long. It was worth the wait. 🖤
This book isn’t as action packed or squad focused as the other two books. It’s centered almost exclusively on the couple and their dynamic.
Blaise is guilt personified. He’s a shell of a man and he only feels the spark of life when he is near Toby. Toby instinctively knows what Blaise needs and wants to provide for him. 🥹
They are both martyrs in the most literal sense and would sacrifice anything for those around them but won’t do the same for themselves 😭
They are so sweet and in tune with each other even when they’re not together physically. They just know.
The sacrifices they make are beautiful and heartwarming and I’m so glad we get to love them 🥹🥹🖤
I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary review! 🖤
May 21, 2024
⭐︎
3.5 stars rounded up
⭐︎
It's always so fun to do a buddy read with the lovely Lilly ❤️! We had so much fun discussing this one!
Hmm...🤔
This could have been better.
After absolutely loving the first two books in this spin-off series, this one was a bit lacking in some areas.
Now, the positives are:
- I absolutely loved Blaise. His character development throughout this was so well done. I loved seeing where he started to where he got to. In large part because of Toby, but also because of himself and the therapy he starts - at the insistence of Toby. The confidence he gains throughout this is wonderfully beautiful to see.
- I liked Toby....when he wasn't be a moron. I didn't love him like I loved Blaise, but I did enjoy his character for the most part. There's just this portion of this book where he makes terrible decisions, acts like a hypocrite, is selfish, etc, and hurts Blaise. He kind of makes up for it - I love when he apologizes and owns up to his shit - but I did wish fore more of him making it up to Blaise.
- Ultimately, these two were the best partner for each other. They both just fit so well together. They needed and wanted each other. I couldn't imagine these two with anyone else.
The "meh"/no thank you parts, though:
- Were the sex, for the most part. It was just very...meh for a lot of this. Mostly because a lot of it was skipped over. We were really missing out on that chemistry/sexual connection because of it. And these two are supposed to have a Dom/sub dynamic - outside of the bedroom as well, sure, but also in the bedroom.
We see outside the bedroom plenty. The romance, overall, was well done. But the sexual chemistry was mostly lacking.
There might have been a scene here or there near the beginning that was pretty good. But the rest was just so-so.
The author skipped out on a lot, in my opinion. Like even just their first blow jobs between each other. Like time was skipped and they were already doing that and more. All these kinks they established off page and it was like...why? I don't remember this author ever skimping out on the sex element like this before, so it was completely new and out of left field.
The only time it was somewhat interesting after the beginning was the end scene. And even then it wasn't wow inducing, as even that skipped quite a bit. It was at least more detailed than previous sex scenes, though.
- I don't think the majority of this should have taken place during the events of the last three books in these series. I think a lot of it could have been condensed so we focused even more on these two. Too much time was spent on these two being a part of events from the other couples' novels. I mean it helped that I skipped the 4th of the OG series, as those events were pretty new to me, but even then, I would have rather went without seeing those events at all if we got to more meatier stuff between these two.
And then the parts that could have really got into the meat of their relationship - like the and the 4 months at the end when they go off on their own to spend time alone in a cabin, rebuilding their relationship (if that is what we are to assume was happening).
Instead that's all skipped over, 8 months of their relationship, just...not detailed at all. Like if the events from the other books were condensed greatly - maybe just vague descriptions of what happened - so much more room could have been spent on those time skips, that were vitally important to their relationship.
- Toby was a complete moron for a good chunk near last part of this book. I wanted to slap him upside the head, and he stubbornly refused to not be a moron until a talk with his therapist friend. Blaise forgave him a tad too easily, imo.
Despite all my frustrations, I would have given this a full 4 stars, if it hadn't be for THREE mentions of other author mentions and their books (and cringe lines like "wow, he's got good taste" about these books 🙄) throughout this. It is SERIOUSLY cringy and tacky and I URGE the author to stop doing this, if she ever reads this review. I don't need what is essentially product placement in these books. .5 stars off automatically for that.
So, I had some problems with this. But I'm generously rounding up because Blaise and Toby (despite Toby's idiocy - he and Sebastian are definitely family members alright!) were good together overall and outside of the sex, they had great romantic chemistry. The things they did for each other were lovely and showed how much they loved each other. This also was engaging all the way through - it was never slow or boring - especially the climax of the story, so that was also a plus.
If it just improved in a few areas (and stopped advertising other MM books ffs), then this could have been a 5 star read.
Still good and enjoyable overall, but also my least favorite of this spin off series so far. Unfortunate, as I was so looking forward to Blaise and Toby's book. Ah well, you can't win 'em all.
I am excited for Danny and Riley's book next (I don't think we've met Riley, right? Or if we did it was in the previous books? Either way I'm excited). I can't wait to see Danny "I don't do relationships and everyone who falls in love are fools" fall head over heels, ass backwards in love. It will be glorious!
Onto the the next! 😍
My Ratings for the Damned Connections Series:
✨ Patience: 5 stars (my review)
✨ Justice: 4.5 stars (my review)
✨ Temperance: 3.5 stars
✨ Humility: TBR
It's always so fun to do a buddy read with the lovely Lilly ❤️! We had so much fun discussing this one!
Hmm...🤔
This could have been better.
After absolutely loving the first two books in this spin-off series, this one was a bit lacking in some areas.
Now, the positives are:
- I absolutely loved Blaise. His character development throughout this was so well done. I loved seeing where he started to where he got to. In large part because of Toby, but also because of himself and the therapy he starts - at the insistence of Toby. The confidence he gains throughout this is wonderfully beautiful to see.
- I liked Toby....when he wasn't be a moron. I didn't love him like I loved Blaise, but I did enjoy his character for the most part. There's just this portion of this book where he makes terrible decisions, acts like a hypocrite, is selfish, etc, and hurts Blaise. He kind of makes up for it - I love when he apologizes and owns up to his shit - but I did wish fore more of him making it up to Blaise.
- Ultimately, these two were the best partner for each other. They both just fit so well together. They needed and wanted each other. I couldn't imagine these two with anyone else.
The "meh"/no thank you parts, though:
- Were the sex, for the most part. It was just very...meh for a lot of this. Mostly because a lot of it was skipped over. We were really missing out on that chemistry/sexual connection because of it. And these two are supposed to have a Dom/sub dynamic - outside of the bedroom as well, sure, but also in the bedroom.
We see outside the bedroom plenty. The romance, overall, was well done. But the sexual chemistry was mostly lacking.
There might have been a scene here or there near the beginning that was pretty good. But the rest was just so-so.
The author skipped out on a lot, in my opinion. Like even just their first blow jobs between each other. Like time was skipped and they were already doing that and more. All these kinks they established off page and it was like...why? I don't remember this author ever skimping out on the sex element like this before, so it was completely new and out of left field.
The only time it was somewhat interesting after the beginning was the end scene. And even then it wasn't wow inducing, as even that skipped quite a bit. It was at least more detailed than previous sex scenes, though.
- I don't think the majority of this should have taken place during the events of the last three books in these series. I think a lot of it could have been condensed so we focused even more on these two. Too much time was spent on these two being a part of events from the other couples' novels. I mean it helped that I skipped the 4th of the OG series, as those events were pretty new to me, but even then, I would have rather went without seeing those events at all if we got to more meatier stuff between these two.
And then the parts that could have really got into the meat of their relationship - like the and the 4 months at the end when they go off on their own to spend time alone in a cabin, rebuilding their relationship (if that is what we are to assume was happening).
Instead that's all skipped over, 8 months of their relationship, just...not detailed at all. Like if the events from the other books were condensed greatly - maybe just vague descriptions of what happened - so much more room could have been spent on those time skips, that were vitally important to their relationship.
- Toby was a complete moron for a good chunk near last part of this book. I wanted to slap him upside the head, and he stubbornly refused to not be a moron until a talk with his therapist friend. Blaise forgave him a tad too easily, imo.
Despite all my frustrations, I would have given this a full 4 stars, if it hadn't be for THREE mentions of other author mentions and their books (and cringe lines like "wow, he's got good taste" about these books 🙄) throughout this. It is SERIOUSLY cringy and tacky and I URGE the author to stop doing this, if she ever reads this review. I don't need what is essentially product placement in these books. .5 stars off automatically for that.
So, I had some problems with this. But I'm generously rounding up because Blaise and Toby (despite Toby's idiocy - he and Sebastian are definitely family members alright!) were good together overall and outside of the sex, they had great romantic chemistry. The things they did for each other were lovely and showed how much they loved each other. This also was engaging all the way through - it was never slow or boring - especially the climax of the story, so that was also a plus.
If it just improved in a few areas (and stopped advertising other MM books ffs), then this could have been a 5 star read.
Still good and enjoyable overall, but also my least favorite of this spin off series so far. Unfortunate, as I was so looking forward to Blaise and Toby's book. Ah well, you can't win 'em all.
I am excited for Danny and Riley's book next (I don't think we've met Riley, right? Or if we did it was in the previous books? Either way I'm excited). I can't wait to see Danny "I don't do relationships and everyone who falls in love are fools" fall head over heels, ass backwards in love. It will be glorious!
Onto the the next! 😍
My Ratings for the Damned Connections Series:
✨ Patience: 5 stars (my review)
✨ Justice: 4.5 stars (my review)
✨ Temperance: 3.5 stars
✨ Humility: TBR
July 26, 2024
3.5
“The real question is, are you willing to listen? ”
Tercera parte del spin-off de la saga The Reckless Damned. Las ganas de ver a estos personajes como protagonistas eran demasiado grande. Igual llevaba desde mitad de la otra saga y ahora que por fin lo he leído, tengo cosas que decir:
“You can’t control your mental health any more than you can stop the earth spinning”.
Por un lado, me ha encantado ver el trasfondo de cada uno de ellos, sus problemas y como los afrontaban. Sin embargo, por otro lado, creo que mis expectativas con esta entrega eran tan altas que en realidad no me ha gustado tanto. Creo que la anterior entrega me gustó demasiado y ha influenciado.
“You can just be yourself with me, without any worries or shame. ”
Con esto no quiero decir que sea mala novela, al contrario. Cada novela va mejorando la escritura de la autora. Sin embargo, lo dicho, yo me esperaba algo más.
No sé como será la siguiente entrega, no las tengo todas conmigo sobre todo por la sinopsis, igual me sorprende.
“To make you feel calm. Safe. Secure.”
“The real question is, are you willing to listen? ”
Tercera parte del spin-off de la saga The Reckless Damned. Las ganas de ver a estos personajes como protagonistas eran demasiado grande. Igual llevaba desde mitad de la otra saga y ahora que por fin lo he leído, tengo cosas que decir:
“You can’t control your mental health any more than you can stop the earth spinning”.
Por un lado, me ha encantado ver el trasfondo de cada uno de ellos, sus problemas y como los afrontaban. Sin embargo, por otro lado, creo que mis expectativas con esta entrega eran tan altas que en realidad no me ha gustado tanto. Creo que la anterior entrega me gustó demasiado y ha influenciado.
“You can just be yourself with me, without any worries or shame. ”
Con esto no quiero decir que sea mala novela, al contrario. Cada novela va mejorando la escritura de la autora. Sin embargo, lo dicho, yo me esperaba algo más.
No sé como será la siguiente entrega, no las tengo todas conmigo sobre todo por la sinopsis, igual me sorprende.
“To make you feel calm. Safe. Secure.”
May 16, 2024
The Damned Connections series continues to be a joyful mix of emotions and high stakes drama. I love all these supernatural babies, and I think Blaise, our broken little fire mage needed the most love of all. Enter Tobes, dom vampire, ready to heal Blaise from the inside out whilst reminding himself no one ever stays - yeah that’s a gut punch because he’s so damn worthy of it all. Their relationship starts as a contract, a dom/sub agreement to help Blaise and boy does it turn into so much more. Their story is heavy on the mental health issues, so please read the triggers if need be, but if you’re good with it, you’ll love them. There is a lot of angst, some “I’m going to slap these boys” miscommunication, and a whole tonne of chemistry, along with a surprising size difference - stereotypes be damned!! There is definitely a big crossover with Larks other books, so I do recommend reading in order - unless you love spoilers, then read away!
May 15, 2024
Temperance is the third book in Lark Taylor’s Damned Connections series. Although it can be read as a standalone, this series is best read in order. For full enjoyment, you’ll want to start with Lark’s Reckless Damned series. Here’s what you can expect from Blaise and Toby:
- MM paranormal romance
- First person dual point of view
- Guaranteed happily ever after
- A fire mage and a vampire
- D/s dynamic
- Chosen mates
- A redemption arc
- Praise kink
- Spanking (as a reward)
- Size difference
- Found family
- Mental health and therapy representation
As always, please review the content and trigger warnings to decide if this book is right for you. Note that this list of warnings may be incomplete. Take care of yourself while reading!
We’ve been teased with Blaise and Toby’s mysterious relationship since we met Blaise in Devil May Care. There’s always a risk of falling short with such an epic buildup, however, that’s 100 percent not the case in Temperance. I absolutely adored Blaise and Toby’s story, and they really give Patience a run for its money as my favourite story in the Damned Connections series.
I really loved that this story took place at the same time as the other books throughout the Reckless Damned and Damned Connections series (for fans of Patience, yes, you get to relive the famous gym scene and it is glorious). As mentioned, Blaise and Toby have a mysterious relationship that intrigues and confuses the other characters throughout those books, and we finally get to see what they had going on! And it was better than I could’ve imagined. The Dom/sub relationship (contract) they enter into at the beginning of this book is perfect for them. The only thing wrong with it is thinking that they could keep their feelings out of the contract, of course. For those that have read Devil May Care, Blaise probably wasn’t your favourite character. He certainly wasn’t mine. I can say without a shred of doubt that he’s completely redeemed himself. His journey of forgiveness and reconciliation with Harlow and Bailey was wonderful and unexpected, but I was definitely cheering them on. I also enjoyed the twists and turns this book took. I don’t want to give too much away, but their story wasn’t what I was expecting in the best way possible. We were also introduced to some new characters which was great, and I’m looking forward to upcoming releases for both the Damned Connections and Hopeless Blessed series.
Let’s take a moment to talk about kink and how it played into Toby and Blaise’s unique relationship. I’m a fan of kink in my books, but it has to be done right and a focus on communication, trust, and aftercare is vital. I thought Lark did a fantastic job at this aspect of the book. Blaise was always treated with the utmost respect, and rewarded for using his safewords as well as being open with Toby. They certainly ran into issues when they realized their feelings went beyond the contract, and they were both frustrating in that aspect at times, but overall I really appreciated how it added to the story. Blaise and Toby were both broken in their own specific ways. They found healing together (and with the help of a therapist which I think is so, so important). The spice in this book was also on point and it will melt your Kindle. Exhibitionism is a tricky kink to portray appropriately, but I think Lark nailed it on the head.
I not only adore this series, but the universe Lark has created in the paranormal romance realm. The mental health representation was great, as always and I love keeping up with our favourite characters! As I mentioned above, although you could read this as a standalone, I think the best way to approach it is to start with Devil's Mark and go from there. Prepare to be obsessed!
I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
- MM paranormal romance
- First person dual point of view
- Guaranteed happily ever after
- A fire mage and a vampire
- D/s dynamic
- Chosen mates
- A redemption arc
- Praise kink
- Spanking (as a reward)
- Size difference
- Found family
- Mental health and therapy representation
As always, please review the content and trigger warnings to decide if this book is right for you. Note that this list of warnings may be incomplete. Take care of yourself while reading!
Maybe I should have found that a turn-off, but I didn’t. It drew me to him even more, like perhaps his ice could cool my fire. Just for a moment.
Just long enough for me to breathe.
We’ve been teased with Blaise and Toby’s mysterious relationship since we met Blaise in Devil May Care. There’s always a risk of falling short with such an epic buildup, however, that’s 100 percent not the case in Temperance. I absolutely adored Blaise and Toby’s story, and they really give Patience a run for its money as my favourite story in the Damned Connections series.
I really loved that this story took place at the same time as the other books throughout the Reckless Damned and Damned Connections series (for fans of Patience, yes, you get to relive the famous gym scene and it is glorious). As mentioned, Blaise and Toby have a mysterious relationship that intrigues and confuses the other characters throughout those books, and we finally get to see what they had going on! And it was better than I could’ve imagined. The Dom/sub relationship (contract) they enter into at the beginning of this book is perfect for them. The only thing wrong with it is thinking that they could keep their feelings out of the contract, of course. For those that have read Devil May Care, Blaise probably wasn’t your favourite character. He certainly wasn’t mine. I can say without a shred of doubt that he’s completely redeemed himself. His journey of forgiveness and reconciliation with Harlow and Bailey was wonderful and unexpected, but I was definitely cheering them on. I also enjoyed the twists and turns this book took. I don’t want to give too much away, but their story wasn’t what I was expecting in the best way possible. We were also introduced to some new characters which was great, and I’m looking forward to upcoming releases for both the Damned Connections and Hopeless Blessed series.
Let’s take a moment to talk about kink and how it played into Toby and Blaise’s unique relationship. I’m a fan of kink in my books, but it has to be done right and a focus on communication, trust, and aftercare is vital. I thought Lark did a fantastic job at this aspect of the book. Blaise was always treated with the utmost respect, and rewarded for using his safewords as well as being open with Toby. They certainly ran into issues when they realized their feelings went beyond the contract, and they were both frustrating in that aspect at times, but overall I really appreciated how it added to the story. Blaise and Toby were both broken in their own specific ways. They found healing together (and with the help of a therapist which I think is so, so important). The spice in this book was also on point and it will melt your Kindle. Exhibitionism is a tricky kink to portray appropriately, but I think Lark nailed it on the head.
I not only adore this series, but the universe Lark has created in the paranormal romance realm. The mental health representation was great, as always and I love keeping up with our favourite characters! As I mentioned above, although you could read this as a standalone, I think the best way to approach it is to start with Devil's Mark and go from there. Prepare to be obsessed!
I shushed him soothingly, still caressing him. His thighs. His abs. His pecs. His throat. His face. “You don’t have to beg, my darling. I’m here to please you. Always.”
I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 17, 2024
***ARC Review***
This is my honest and voluntary review for the ARC I received.
This is the third book in Lark Taylor’s Damned Connections series. Blaise - a fire mage - and Toby - a vampire - are both trying to protect their hearts. Blaise’s journey to finally find peace is hard won and emotional. You should check out the trigger warnings on this one in the Author’s Note.
Blaise is carrying a lot of guilt about a singular moment from his past. Despite everything that happens afterwards, he can’t let his decision/actions that day go and he is drowning in despair. Blaise is seriously struggling. There’s a moment with Toby that breaks up the dark thoughts in Blaise’s head (a nasty encounter with ghasts being the only other thing). It also clues him in to his attraction to Toby. Blaise’s twin, River, has found his mate and other half; so their level of closeness is slightly different.
Toby is drawn to broken men. His desire to help them heal is strong. There is something in Blaise that calls out to Toby. When their contract starts, neither MC expects things to go beyond that. It’s intentional, but it isn’t a relationship. The trust and connection that Toby and Blaise build is important to their dynamic. The D/s relationship in this book highlights the importance of honesty and communication. Things go well, until they don’t. Toby and Blaise have a couple of big hurdles (miscommunication being one of them) to overcome before they can fully commit to one another. In the end, Toby and Blaise manage to help and heal one another. Their HEA is so well deserved, it makes you want to cry.
Of course it’s great seeing the other characters back in this book. I love the found family vibes in this book/series/overlapping series. Also, the spicy scenes and praise kink in this book is top tier. Even without that, the looks between Blaise and Toby!! Whew! This book will give you all kinds of feels, but it’s a worthwhile read. I can’t wait to see Danny’s story, up next in the series.
This is my honest and voluntary review for the ARC I received.
This is the third book in Lark Taylor’s Damned Connections series. Blaise - a fire mage - and Toby - a vampire - are both trying to protect their hearts. Blaise’s journey to finally find peace is hard won and emotional. You should check out the trigger warnings on this one in the Author’s Note.
Blaise is carrying a lot of guilt about a singular moment from his past. Despite everything that happens afterwards, he can’t let his decision/actions that day go and he is drowning in despair. Blaise is seriously struggling. There’s a moment with Toby that breaks up the dark thoughts in Blaise’s head (a nasty encounter with ghasts being the only other thing). It also clues him in to his attraction to Toby. Blaise’s twin, River, has found his mate and other half; so their level of closeness is slightly different.
Toby is drawn to broken men. His desire to help them heal is strong. There is something in Blaise that calls out to Toby. When their contract starts, neither MC expects things to go beyond that. It’s intentional, but it isn’t a relationship. The trust and connection that Toby and Blaise build is important to their dynamic. The D/s relationship in this book highlights the importance of honesty and communication. Things go well, until they don’t. Toby and Blaise have a couple of big hurdles (miscommunication being one of them) to overcome before they can fully commit to one another. In the end, Toby and Blaise manage to help and heal one another. Their HEA is so well deserved, it makes you want to cry.
Of course it’s great seeing the other characters back in this book. I love the found family vibes in this book/series/overlapping series. Also, the spicy scenes and praise kink in this book is top tier. Even without that, the looks between Blaise and Toby!! Whew! This book will give you all kinds of feels, but it’s a worthwhile read. I can’t wait to see Danny’s story, up next in the series.
June 9, 2024
3,5⭐
This books certainly CANT be read as a standalone!
First, i'll start with what I dislike:
I have been looking forward to reading this book since I meet Toby and Blaise in the third book of series The reckless damned. I loved them so so much. Maybe that's why this book didnt really live up to my expectations 😭 I think the personalities were a little bit different, and that the author couldnt make the most about what they could have been. More passionated, more yearning, etc.
- Another problem is that the plot was just the result of the different plots of aaaaall the others book connected to this one. Now I am so grateful for what Onley James did with the last book of Neccessary Evils (starting AFTER everything that had happened in the previous books)... But at the same time I understand why Lark did It. They had so much history together and in some way It needed to be told. However, that's why this book can not be understood without reading the others. All the problems and plot of the other books (that we slready read) are solved again through this one, but not in enough depth to understand them if you only read this book.
- It also seemed like Toby and Blaise were carried sround by everyone but didnt have a proper plot of their own (except for the mental health journey etc). The conflict of the sword was like JAM to me because It was NEW (though I didnt read the MMM book of the series so maybe It wasnt really new).
- I saw other people commenting this: Lark needs to explore other conflicts and inmerse in every character personslity more. The trauma/wounds/conflict feels a little repetitive, as well as the relstionships dinamic between some of her books. I still read them, but It would be so refreshing to see her explore more.
- ALSO. LETS STOP THE MISCOMUNICATION TROPS AND THIRD ACT BREAKUPS!
- The dom/sub thing also didnt look very organic, more like a script to follow and well, I dont like power dinamics so ...
THE GOOD THINGS:
- despite all the bad things, and a little almost dnf at ~160 pages, I ate this book in two days.
- despite hating 3 act break up and miscomunication, I lived for that drama lolol
- Toby and Blaise are actually cute when they are communicating, and the way the fight for each other the last third of the book was 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻 love them
- The cameos of all the characters!!! Harrow, I LOVE YOU.
- Blaise is a cutie potatoe.
- Blaise journey to love himself. Blaise journey to be more compassionate towards himself. (Dont think the dom/sub/i punish you is therapeutic at all though. I was rolling my eyes in certain times with Toby and his lame therapy xd my therapist would have washed her eyes)
- the more action driven plot of the last third-last 100-200 pages of the book: ☺️
I guess like: yes, I expected more, but when I accepted I wasnt gonna get what I wanted, I adapted & enjoyed the book. It was pretty caotic in a not actually good way but at the end i'm nostalgic of what they have gone through and watching them get their HEA was great 🥹
This books certainly CANT be read as a standalone!
First, i'll start with what I dislike:
I have been looking forward to reading this book since I meet Toby and Blaise in the third book of series The reckless damned. I loved them so so much. Maybe that's why this book didnt really live up to my expectations 😭 I think the personalities were a little bit different, and that the author couldnt make the most about what they could have been. More passionated, more yearning, etc.
- Another problem is that the plot was just the result of the different plots of aaaaall the others book connected to this one. Now I am so grateful for what Onley James did with the last book of Neccessary Evils (starting AFTER everything that had happened in the previous books)... But at the same time I understand why Lark did It. They had so much history together and in some way It needed to be told. However, that's why this book can not be understood without reading the others. All the problems and plot of the other books (that we slready read) are solved again through this one, but not in enough depth to understand them if you only read this book.
- It also seemed like Toby and Blaise were carried sround by everyone but didnt have a proper plot of their own (except for the mental health journey etc). The conflict of the sword was like JAM to me because It was NEW (though I didnt read the MMM book of the series so maybe It wasnt really new).
- I saw other people commenting this: Lark needs to explore other conflicts and inmerse in every character personslity more. The trauma/wounds/conflict feels a little repetitive, as well as the relstionships dinamic between some of her books. I still read them, but It would be so refreshing to see her explore more.
- ALSO. LETS STOP THE MISCOMUNICATION TROPS AND THIRD ACT BREAKUPS!
- The dom/sub thing also didnt look very organic, more like a script to follow and well, I dont like power dinamics so ...
THE GOOD THINGS:
- despite all the bad things, and a little almost dnf at ~160 pages, I ate this book in two days.
- despite hating 3 act break up and miscomunication, I lived for that drama lolol
- Toby and Blaise are actually cute when they are communicating, and the way the fight for each other the last third of the book was 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻 love them
- The cameos of all the characters!!! Harrow, I LOVE YOU.
- Blaise is a cutie potatoe.
- Blaise journey to love himself. Blaise journey to be more compassionate towards himself. (Dont think the dom/sub/i punish you is therapeutic at all though. I was rolling my eyes in certain times with Toby and his lame therapy xd my therapist would have washed her eyes)
- the more action driven plot of the last third-last 100-200 pages of the book: ☺️
I guess like: yes, I expected more, but when I accepted I wasnt gonna get what I wanted, I adapted & enjoyed the book. It was pretty caotic in a not actually good way but at the end i'm nostalgic of what they have gone through and watching them get their HEA was great 🥹
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2024
I’ve been waiting so long for this story after being blue balled forever, and it was absolutely freakin’ blaising hot - yes, I’ve been taking pun pointers from River.
The story of Blaise and Toby has been suggested since way back in the Reckless Damned series, and we’ve been teased mercilessly for an eternity. But oh my god was it worth it… hell YES it was. Toby the pint sized vampire as a totally kinky caretaker Dom, and Blaise the self flagellating, hot headed fire mage as a sub - the absolute perfect combination in my opinion.
Lark’s books have had some freaky elements in them thus far (Lucky, Dagon, Dimitri and the sex swing), but this is the first time we’ve majorly delved into the real essence of kink. It was so well done - the contract, the constant communication (well, for the most part), the honesty (again… almost all the time), and the genuine care between Toby and Blaise, ugh it was everything I was waiting for and more.
Because we’ve been blue balled for so long in terms of getting their story, we had the added bonus of diving back into Luck of the Devil, Patience, and minor parts of Justice from both Toby and Blaise’s POV. It was so fun to go back to the old books and see how some of the scenes looked in their eyes - and you just KNOW I am talking about the gym scene from Patience, right? Perfect, hilarious, had me wheezing all over again because it was brilliant.
All in all, Toby and Blaise had their ups and downs, but holy heck they went on a journey together. Blaise managed to move on from the trauma of Bailey’s death and learn how to be happy and enjoy life again, while Toby learned about letting his walls down and not being held back by fear - most importantly he got to experience the joy of being chosen for love, even if a pesky curse kinda got in the way for a bit first.
Basically, this book gets 20 stars from me. It was absolute steamy perfection, and that EPILOGUE, jeez, what a way to finish… for the characters and the readers, am I right?! Congratulations, Lark, it’s another masterpiece. Now bring me Humility because I’m impatient.
**Received an ARC in exchange for my honest review**
The story of Blaise and Toby has been suggested since way back in the Reckless Damned series, and we’ve been teased mercilessly for an eternity. But oh my god was it worth it… hell YES it was. Toby the pint sized vampire as a totally kinky caretaker Dom, and Blaise the self flagellating, hot headed fire mage as a sub - the absolute perfect combination in my opinion.
Lark’s books have had some freaky elements in them thus far (Lucky, Dagon, Dimitri and the sex swing), but this is the first time we’ve majorly delved into the real essence of kink. It was so well done - the contract, the constant communication (well, for the most part), the honesty (again… almost all the time), and the genuine care between Toby and Blaise, ugh it was everything I was waiting for and more.
Because we’ve been blue balled for so long in terms of getting their story, we had the added bonus of diving back into Luck of the Devil, Patience, and minor parts of Justice from both Toby and Blaise’s POV. It was so fun to go back to the old books and see how some of the scenes looked in their eyes - and you just KNOW I am talking about the gym scene from Patience, right? Perfect, hilarious, had me wheezing all over again because it was brilliant.
All in all, Toby and Blaise had their ups and downs, but holy heck they went on a journey together. Blaise managed to move on from the trauma of Bailey’s death and learn how to be happy and enjoy life again, while Toby learned about letting his walls down and not being held back by fear - most importantly he got to experience the joy of being chosen for love, even if a pesky curse kinda got in the way for a bit first.
Basically, this book gets 20 stars from me. It was absolute steamy perfection, and that EPILOGUE, jeez, what a way to finish… for the characters and the readers, am I right?! Congratulations, Lark, it’s another masterpiece. Now bring me Humility because I’m impatient.
**Received an ARC in exchange for my honest review**
May 18, 2024
I've been eagerly anticipating this latest entry in Lark Taylor's Damned Connections series for months, and I'm a little bit heartbroken that I didn't love this one.
The main problem with "Temperance" is the overlapping timeline. It's clearly a structural choice that Taylor planned for -- there were many moments in previous books that hinted at Toby/Blaise happenings that were going on behind the scenes -- but in my opinion, overlapping timelines only work when the experiences of the characters in their respective books are DRASTICALLY different from one another. There need to be two separate driving narrative arcs that are happening independent of one another that twine together at one or multiple points. Ideally those narrative arcs will have different stakes. That's not what we had here.
Instead, Taylor spent a full 65% of "Temperance" retelling the events of the previous books, with few changes to the actual action that was happening. The only difference was that we were watching the same events unfold from the perspective of new people. It's incredibly hard to build emotional tension about a given event when the reader already knows how it's going to turn out, having read the other books it happened in. As a result, a LOT of this book fell flat. For example, it's tough to care about
I love Lark Taylor's work. The universe she's built, with these characters and their lore, is vivid and compelling. I'm going to continue to read anything and everything she publishes. I just really, really hope that "Temperance" was a rare misstep -- an outlier rather than indicative of a trend.
The main problem with "Temperance" is the overlapping timeline. It's clearly a structural choice that Taylor planned for -- there were many moments in previous books that hinted at Toby/Blaise happenings that were going on behind the scenes -- but in my opinion, overlapping timelines only work when the experiences of the characters in their respective books are DRASTICALLY different from one another. There need to be two separate driving narrative arcs that are happening independent of one another that twine together at one or multiple points. Ideally those narrative arcs will have different stakes. That's not what we had here.
Instead, Taylor spent a full 65% of "Temperance" retelling the events of the previous books, with few changes to the actual action that was happening. The only difference was that we were watching the same events unfold from the perspective of new people. It's incredibly hard to build emotional tension about a given event when the reader already knows how it's going to turn out, having read the other books it happened in. As a result, a LOT of this book fell flat. For example, it's tough to care about
I love Lark Taylor's work. The universe she's built, with these characters and their lore, is vivid and compelling. I'm going to continue to read anything and everything she publishes. I just really, really hope that "Temperance" was a rare misstep -- an outlier rather than indicative of a trend.
May 23, 2024
"He nuzzled his face into my neck, pressing an open-mouthed kiss right over my pulse point, making it jump in response. A distant part of me pointed out that I shouldn’t feel this relaxed with a vampire’s fangs so close to my throat. If Toby chose to, he could end my immortality in an instant."
Temperance is book three in Lark Taylor's Damned Connections series, which is a spin-off from her The Reckless Damned books, and if you love MM PNR then this is the series for you! This is Blaise and Toby's story and whilst the dom/sub dynamic is not my thing, I love all the characters, cameos and connections in these books.
What To Expect:
🌶️MM paranormal romance
🌶️dom/sub
🌶️vampire/mage
🌶️size difference
🌶️mental health rep
🌶️chosen mates
🌶️all the steam
🌶️HEA
I can't wait for Danny and Riley's story in Humility!
3.5-4 stars
Temperance is book three in Lark Taylor's Damned Connections series, which is a spin-off from her The Reckless Damned books, and if you love MM PNR then this is the series for you! This is Blaise and Toby's story and whilst the dom/sub dynamic is not my thing, I love all the characters, cameos and connections in these books.
What To Expect:
🌶️MM paranormal romance
🌶️dom/sub
🌶️vampire/mage
🌶️size difference
🌶️mental health rep
🌶️chosen mates
🌶️all the steam
🌶️HEA
I can't wait for Danny and Riley's story in Humility!
3.5-4 stars
Read
July 7, 2024I don´t want to rate the book. I love the series, all the Lark Taylor´s books, minus this.
The mental health rep is brilliant, one of the mc´s is struggling with with events of the past and is unable to overcome them, but basically the book is a recap of the previous books.
The kink is good, because it helps that character, but using the traffic light system, the end for me is red. My fault because i have triggers and one of them is what happens in the last chapter.
The mental health rep is brilliant, one of the mc´s is struggling with with events of the past and is unable to overcome them, but basically the book is a recap of the previous books.
The kink is good, because it helps that character, but using the traffic light system, the end for me is red. My fault because i have triggers and one of them is what happens in the last chapter.
July 20, 2024
lark taylor never misses. this was so freaking good! their dynamic had me salivating. 🔥
May 16, 2024
Well, hot damn. This book. Holy Christ.
Somehow, and I’m still not sure how, Lark managed to take one the most loathed characters in the entire Reckless Damned series and make him a squishy marshmallow that needs to be protected and wrapped in blankets and told he’s a good boy.
First things first: Trigger Warnings. This is a heavy book and features a character with mental illness. Here are the listed CW from the author’s website: “Suicidal ideation, Depression, PTSD, anxiety attacks - all shown on page. Violence, death, illness, stalking, battle are also shown on page.” I would add negative self talk as well just based on the frequency it appears on page.
I had a bit of trepidation going into this one because we know from the outset that Blaise is depressed. He’s having suicidal ideation and having nonstop negative self talk and thoughts. I knew that if this book wasn’t therapy heavy, I was gonna have a real problem with it. We see too many books that feature a magic dick that somehow cures a partner’s mental health and I was afraid that the kink was going to be used to “fix” Blaise instead of actually addressing his mental health with a professional. I should’ve known better and never doubted. This book is very therapy heavy and emphasizes that *everyone* can benefit from therapy. I also appreciate the fact that while this was D/S relationship and there were punishments involved, there was never a punishment for his mental health and things outside of his control - which again is a huge issue I’ve seen in other kink/magic dick books.
Technically this book is billed as being able to to be read as a stand alone. You can do this if you want but you’d end up mad and confused and in a mood to kick puppies. The arc of this story begins during/after book 3 of the previous series and continues into book 4 and then books 1 & 2 of the current series. Other events from both series are heavily referenced. I ended up re-skimming all 4 previous books as I was reading this one so I knew what was going on. Maybe people without goldfish memories wouldn’t have to do that, but I can’t remember what I read yesterday, let alone 6 months ago. Just read all the books in order. This won’t be a hardship. The books are magic and perfect and should be read by all.
After I was finally able to let my guard down and stop worrying that Blaise wasn’t going to get the professional help he desperately needed, I absolutely fell in love with this book. All in all 5 stars and a stellar read.
*ARC Review*
Somehow, and I’m still not sure how, Lark managed to take one the most loathed characters in the entire Reckless Damned series and make him a squishy marshmallow that needs to be protected and wrapped in blankets and told he’s a good boy.
First things first: Trigger Warnings. This is a heavy book and features a character with mental illness. Here are the listed CW from the author’s website: “Suicidal ideation, Depression, PTSD, anxiety attacks - all shown on page. Violence, death, illness, stalking, battle are also shown on page.” I would add negative self talk as well just based on the frequency it appears on page.
I had a bit of trepidation going into this one because we know from the outset that Blaise is depressed. He’s having suicidal ideation and having nonstop negative self talk and thoughts. I knew that if this book wasn’t therapy heavy, I was gonna have a real problem with it. We see too many books that feature a magic dick that somehow cures a partner’s mental health and I was afraid that the kink was going to be used to “fix” Blaise instead of actually addressing his mental health with a professional. I should’ve known better and never doubted. This book is very therapy heavy and emphasizes that *everyone* can benefit from therapy. I also appreciate the fact that while this was D/S relationship and there were punishments involved, there was never a punishment for his mental health and things outside of his control - which again is a huge issue I’ve seen in other kink/magic dick books.
Technically this book is billed as being able to to be read as a stand alone. You can do this if you want but you’d end up mad and confused and in a mood to kick puppies. The arc of this story begins during/after book 3 of the previous series and continues into book 4 and then books 1 & 2 of the current series. Other events from both series are heavily referenced. I ended up re-skimming all 4 previous books as I was reading this one so I knew what was going on. Maybe people without goldfish memories wouldn’t have to do that, but I can’t remember what I read yesterday, let alone 6 months ago. Just read all the books in order. This won’t be a hardship. The books are magic and perfect and should be read by all.
After I was finally able to let my guard down and stop worrying that Blaise wasn’t going to get the professional help he desperately needed, I absolutely fell in love with this book. All in all 5 stars and a stellar read.
*ARC Review*
May 22, 2024
Another amazing book by lark! The destroyer of all hearts!!
Blaze is a fire mage and Toby is a vampire.
Their communication is open and honest about everything except their real feelings. Toby brings Blaise out of his shell again, helps him feel worthy, helps him heal, and helps him reconcile with Bailey (who winds up becoming one of his best friends). When Toby makes a mistake during a fight with the ones coming from Hell who want to overthrow Lucifer, his life is in danger and he tosses Blaise away to keep him from pain–breaking their contract and both of their hearts. He told Blaise that Blaise didn’t understand how he was feeling and sent him away for his own good. Toby didn’t want Blaise to watch him die. Blaise, though devastated by said breakup, spends FOUR MONTHS searching for ways to save Toby.
Eventually Blaise and Toby become chosen mates, but only after Lark rips your heart out and stomps on it some more.
Together, Toby loves fulfilling Blaise’s dreams, including doing a scene where people watch him be edged and fucked hard.
Cried like a damn baby, loved these two, loved how many rules Toby broke, loved watching how Blaise stayed strong even though he was devastated, thus proving that what he had with Toby had helped him and he was strong & capable of feeling without shutting down again, meaning that his feelings should’ve been trusted because of what Toby and Blaise had accomplished together.
🛑Please read the trigger warnings🛑
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
🔥Fire Mage/Vampire
🔥Chosen Mates
🔥Dom/sub
🔥Praise Kink
🔥Spanking
🔥Size Difference
🔥Found Family
Blaze is a fire mage and Toby is a vampire.
Their communication is open and honest about everything except their real feelings. Toby brings Blaise out of his shell again, helps him feel worthy, helps him heal, and helps him reconcile with Bailey (who winds up becoming one of his best friends). When Toby makes a mistake during a fight with the ones coming from Hell who want to overthrow Lucifer, his life is in danger and he tosses Blaise away to keep him from pain–breaking their contract and both of their hearts. He told Blaise that Blaise didn’t understand how he was feeling and sent him away for his own good. Toby didn’t want Blaise to watch him die. Blaise, though devastated by said breakup, spends FOUR MONTHS searching for ways to save Toby.
Eventually Blaise and Toby become chosen mates, but only after Lark rips your heart out and stomps on it some more.
Together, Toby loves fulfilling Blaise’s dreams, including doing a scene where people watch him be edged and fucked hard.
Cried like a damn baby, loved these two, loved how many rules Toby broke, loved watching how Blaise stayed strong even though he was devastated, thus proving that what he had with Toby had helped him and he was strong & capable of feeling without shutting down again, meaning that his feelings should’ve been trusted because of what Toby and Blaise had accomplished together.
🛑Please read the trigger warnings🛑
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
🔥Fire Mage/Vampire
🔥Chosen Mates
🔥Dom/sub
🔥Praise Kink
🔥Spanking
🔥Size Difference
🔥Found Family
May 21, 2024
I am exactly as devastated as I expected to be.
Lark Taylor woke up and chose to write kinky fuckery with the latest installment of the Damned Connections series. I am not mad about it.
To be clear: I didn't think I'd enjoy this one as much because I didn't much like Blaise in the other books. I was wrong, so so wrong, and I sincerely apologize to Lark AND the character.
Blaise and Toby's book, TEMPERANCE, is a whopper at 401 pages - but it goes back a couple of books. Their story was playing out during Luck of the Devil, Patience, and Justice, so there was a lot of ground to cover. We finally get the story on what was going on with all those loaded looks.
Blaise will break your heart. No two ways about it. I've struggled with my depression & and cptsd, and I've had a lot of Blaise's feelings, so I felt even more connected to his character and his pain. Lark did a phenomenal job of taking us there. It was so well done. I cried buckets.
Okay, now for the fun part.
Toby is a dom. A vampire dom, who bartends at The Closet and plays doctor for the human mates of the demon bros. He's been a dom for centuries, and he knows he can help Blaise move past his trauma and start to live again after [redacted]. The most important thing to remember: don't fall in love. It's a contract, not a relationship.
Blaise is a fire mage whose twin is now happily mated, his clan has been wiped out by ghasts, and he knows he will never make up for his GIANT earth shattering fuck up. Falling deeper into his depression and ptsd, he has a meet-violence with Blaise, and the *spark* of attraction was immediate. Now, all he has to do is guard his heart and not fall in love with his master.
If you're looking for found family, saving the earth and preventing the apocalypse, BDSM, D/s, big feelings, miscommunication, devastating moments in the rain, "I lied to protect you", angels, oh gd they're all gonna die again, please Lark don't make me cry anymore, and sex scenes that are kinky and spicy and OTT- then keep your eyes out for TEMPERANCE out May 16th
Lark Taylor woke up and chose to write kinky fuckery with the latest installment of the Damned Connections series. I am not mad about it.
To be clear: I didn't think I'd enjoy this one as much because I didn't much like Blaise in the other books. I was wrong, so so wrong, and I sincerely apologize to Lark AND the character.
Blaise and Toby's book, TEMPERANCE, is a whopper at 401 pages - but it goes back a couple of books. Their story was playing out during Luck of the Devil, Patience, and Justice, so there was a lot of ground to cover. We finally get the story on what was going on with all those loaded looks.
Blaise will break your heart. No two ways about it. I've struggled with my depression & and cptsd, and I've had a lot of Blaise's feelings, so I felt even more connected to his character and his pain. Lark did a phenomenal job of taking us there. It was so well done. I cried buckets.
Okay, now for the fun part.
Toby is a dom. A vampire dom, who bartends at The Closet and plays doctor for the human mates of the demon bros. He's been a dom for centuries, and he knows he can help Blaise move past his trauma and start to live again after [redacted]. The most important thing to remember: don't fall in love. It's a contract, not a relationship.
Blaise is a fire mage whose twin is now happily mated, his clan has been wiped out by ghasts, and he knows he will never make up for his GIANT earth shattering fuck up. Falling deeper into his depression and ptsd, he has a meet-violence with Blaise, and the *spark* of attraction was immediate. Now, all he has to do is guard his heart and not fall in love with his master.
If you're looking for found family, saving the earth and preventing the apocalypse, BDSM, D/s, big feelings, miscommunication, devastating moments in the rain, "I lied to protect you", angels, oh gd they're all gonna die again, please Lark don't make me cry anymore, and sex scenes that are kinky and spicy and OTT- then keep your eyes out for TEMPERANCE out May 16th
May 17, 2024
I’m conflicted on how I felt with this one. I have been eagerly awaiting Blaise and Toby’s story since I first discovered this series in 2022. While I enjoyed their dynamic, I wasn’t really a fan of re-living all the plot from the last three books. I think I would have enjoyed the story more if it had been about them and moving forward, rather than being overshadowed by a story I’ve already read.
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