Wednesday 14 October 2015

Review - Alasdair by Ella Frank


Title: Alasdair
Series: Masters Among Monsters #1
Author: Ella Frank
Release Date: October 13, 2015


A DANGEROUS ALLURE
Bestowed with eternal life by the Ancient Vasilios, Alasdair Kyriakous is one of the most feared and ruthless vampires in existence. His name carries weight across all of the seven continents. 

But he is a mystery to his kind, an anomaly among the self-indulgent. While he enjoys the pleasures of the flesh, he is exceptionally particular in his choice of partners and prides himself on his ironclad self-control.

Yet with one look his control will become a thing of the past, and Alasdair will discover that eternal life doesn’t always last forever…

A DEADLY ATTRACTION
Thrust into a world he could never have imagined, Leo Chapel awakens in his worst nightmare. Taken hostage by the dangerously mesmerizing vampire, Alasdair, Leo must rely on his intelligence to escape before he reveals a secret he isn’t even aware he’s hiding.

A FORBIDDEN DESIRE
Unaware that they’ve been brought together by an outside force and are little more than pawns to a higher power, Alasdair and Leo spend time trying to uncover the other’s secrets, the attraction between them growing stronger all the while. 

But enemies are watching and preparing to act against them. When decisions that will alter lives and destinies have to be made—can a dead, grey heart learn to beat again?






Whoa. Hot, sexy, dark and dirty vampire? And a M/M read? COUNT ME IN! I loved everything about this book, even the cliffy ending! 

Alasdair Kyriakous is one of the oldest and most dangerous vampires in existence. His name alone grants him privileges and esteem from other vampires, as well as a bit of jealousy and fear. He’s a bit of a mystery to his kind—not one to “settle” for any old feeding. He is extremely particular about whom he chooses to feed from and play with in his bed. And this time he can’t deny his desire for Leo Chapel.

Leo, a mere human, studies ancient artifacts. So tied to his research, he even dreams of ancient times—but his dreams have turned into a nightmare when he finds himself kidnapped by Alasdair. Leo is absolutely drawn to the handsome vampire, but he knows he must somehow use his intelligence to stay alive.

Alasdair and Leo have been brought together by something with a much higher power than even the Ancient’s possess. Something that has marked both of them for death, but together can they figure it out before their enemies strike?

Oh, Alasdair. Mmm. He’s one confused and conflicted vampire. He’s never felt so drawn to a yielding before—he wants to make Leo “his” but he just needs to convince himself and his Ancient, Vasilios that it’s a good idea with all that’s happening. And Leo. The poor guy was just leaving a bar, minding his own business, when he was thrust into Alasdair’s world. Leo is amazingly smart and strong, and not fazed by what’s going on around him—which he can’t believe either.

I love the give and take of their relationship. Their banter, their lust, their fear and understanding of each other, especially their confusion over their feelings—Alasdair, especially, because he thought his cold, grey heart wouldn’t beat again. Sigh. 

Okay, Ms. Frank, I’m rather anxiously waiting for January to get here with Isadora’s story. 
~ Review by Missy

I didn't even bother with the blurb—fuck, or even the title—when given the chance to receive an early copy of Ella Frank’s latest M/M read. I just said yes, based on my love of the author and the genre. And when Alasdair arrived on my kindle, looking fine as hell on the cover, I was more than a little excited… And rightly so.

A much feared, tightly controlled and highly desirable vampire, Alasdair is not one to succumb to his desires or to lack in restraint. Until he encounters Leo Chapel, a man who threatens his self-control and, potentially, his immortality. 

Leo Chapel had no idea a world beyond his own existed, until he awakened the captive of the captivating Alasdair. Nor was he aware of the secret he was hiding, a secret that the vicious vampire wishes to draw from him. 

Forced together by attraction—and outside interference—Leo and Alasdair attempt to learn all they can about the other in the hopes of saving their own lives. But when the forces that brought them together make their move, the two men have to decide who lives…and who dies. 

Let's get this out of the way first: this may be a paranormal romance—a genre that is often either loved or hated, with little in-between—but it is also one hell of a good story. I used to read a lot of PNR but have greatly slowed down in recent times, so it was nice to dip my toes back into the pond with one of my favorite authors. And because I've not been reading as much in this genre, I can say with honesty (and glee) that Alasdair felt very different and very fresh. 

This story was, no doubt about it, a roller coaster. The electricity in all its forms—be it lust, anger or a combination— between Leo and Alasdair was intense; the eroticism of it, despite the occasional gory glimpses, was oh, so perfect. And the ending was…whoa, fuck me sideways, is it January yet? The cliffhanger-y finish left me a little frustrated, for sure, but also desperate for Isadora’s release, because I. Have. Questions. 

I loved the interesting, deep world Ms. Frank has woven here. The imagery was wonderful, the universe she created rich with classic vampirisms, and yet, still unique with her own personal flair on these famous fictional creatures. I'm so excited about this new series, because even the most vicious of characters have layers I want to penetrate, and history I want to uncover. And so, I ask, is it January yet? 
~ Review by Beth







Ella Frank is the author of the #1 Bestselling Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust and is the co-author of the fan-favorite erotic serial, A Desperate Man. Her Exquisite series has been praised as “scorching hot!” and “enticingly sexy!”

A life-long fan of the romance genre, Ella writes contemporary and erotic fiction and lives with her husband in Portland, OR. You can reach her on the web at www.ellafrank.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ella.frank.author



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