Jana DownsCritiques

Definitely zombie-lite. Also, I always have difficulty accepting that a person with broken (not just cracked) ribs has sex. The pain would be off the charts.½

There are lots of stories about temptation, the vast majority deal with what happens if a good person is tempted to sin or do something bad. What I loved about this book is that it turns this around, and asks what happens if a bad guy (or supposed bad guy) like, say, a demon, is tempted into being good? A very interesting and fun twist on the morals of Heaven and Hell, and one that is written with lots of humor to boot.

Dante is a human rock musician who is tempting enough to have the demons of hell after him – literally. They wish to ‘recruit’ him and, in the tried and proven way well-known since ‘The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus’ (by Christopher Marlowe, later reworked by Goethe), all they need to do is get Dante to sell his soul.

Eroc is the lust demon entrusted with this mission. He is in deep trouble before the story even begins. Being on probation because he was too nice is not a good place to be, and he is willing to do anything to prove that he is a worthy demon. Until he meets Dante in the flesh and discovers there is more to life than having a good time in Hell. His road isn’t easy, his decisions are tough, but the reward, if he can make it work, is true love.

This book made me laugh about the ‘upside-down’ morality which had a logic all its own, I loved the characters and how they interacted, and watching them struggle with the realization of what they really wanted was very entertaining. If you like books about demons, if a slightly different perspective on good and evil doesn’t bother you, and if you think you can stand, maybe even enjoy, the heat a lust demon and his new favorite human can create between each other, you will probably like his book.

Interesting idea for a new series, sort of a mix between paranormal/horror (the zombie threat) and sci-fi. There is a variety of zombies, and the explanation for how they originated is quite interesting. The fact is that this is story set in a post-apocalyptic America and as such has a different set of rules people live by. Part of the fascination of this first book is finding out how it all hangs together and what some of the pitfalls are.

The characters are definitely fun and while not too deeply developed, were interesting enough to keep me reading. The married couple and company owners, Jason and Jim, taking an interest in one of their employees, Ager, as a third for their relationship added some spice and made for a few very hot scenes as hey got to know each other. Adding the sense of danger as they go on a mission to fight zombies provided the tension, while the idea of 'zombie insurance' and the way people deal with this new threat made me laugh. It is so typical of how corporate America would deal with it, seeing it almost overdone to this degree made it humorous for me.

If you're looking for a 'light horror read' with some hot men and lots of 'sexy distractions' in-between all the shooting and adventure, you may like this novel.

The second book in the "Owned" series was slightly different from the first, and I liked that we get to meet the mysterious Eoeans. They are, after all, behind the removal of human males from Earth in the lottery set up to provide them with potential concubines and other species with mates in exchange for keeping Earth virus-free and what remains of the human population healthy and alive.

Alexis is the chosen "sacrifice" in this book, and yes, that is what he sees himself as. His home town handles the lottery quite differently than the one in the first book, and everyone is proud of him for being so lucky. Even his parents, despite the fact he is their only son and heir to the family company. I found that more than weird, but then, it isn’t as if they can do anything to stop the aliens, so maybe it is better that way. Alexis is scared of being a slave (after having survived an abusive boyfriend) and does an admirable job standing up for himself, despite the odds.

Elia is one of many sons of an Eoean prince, and has just come into maturity, He needs a "first concubine" and his father snags him a rare human. Elia isn’t sure what to expect, other than obedience, but that isn’t quite what he gets. From the very beginning he is a lot more understanding than he could have been, and it gradually becomes clear why: his father is a tyrant and Elia has sworn never to become like him. The problem is that this will not be easy, and soon, both Elia an Alexis are in for the fight of their lives.

Much like in the first book, the discovery of the differences and similarities between the Eoeans and humans was fascinating. The descriptions of the alien physiology and mating habits were great, and made for some eyebrow-raising reading.

If you like your science fiction to come with a large helping of cross-cultural differences that need to be explored and figured out, if you enjoy reading about two men who are pretty much made for each other despite coming from different species, and you're looking for a read with lots of imaginative action between the sheets, then you will probably like this novella as much as I did. It's a great continuation for this new series.

A great second book set in Eoean society, this volume tells the story of Jess, best friend to Alexis (who was chosen by the lottery in book two), and Noss, elder brother of Elia (from book two). Even though this is not a direct sequel, it certainly helps if you read that one first. Many of the concepts of Eoean society are taken for granted in this book, and the basic explanation can be found in the earlier volume.

Jess has not had a good life ever since he came out. His parents were never the warm and fuzzy types, but they really started to exploit him once they knew he was gay. When Jess arrives in Eoean society, and his first master has to sell him to cover his gambling debt, Jess doesn't expect much. He's always been discarded or forgotten, so when Noss tells him he only needs a concubine to be recognized as an adult by the Eoean law, Jess isn’t surprised What is a bit of a shock for Jess is discovering Noss's huge family. Noss's father had twelve concubines, with assorted "spawn" (their word for kids), and now that the prince is waiting for his trial, Noss has to take care of all of them. And they just love Jess!

Noss feels it is his duty to take care of the entre family. He is no Arak, the Eoean equivalent of a dominant male leading a house, but he doesn’t think he has a choice. When he gets to know Jess, all he wants is submit to the Earthling. He thinks he can play a double game, but Jess doesn’t like it, and Noss worries about it being permanent if his father gets convicted. Noss has a lot to learn – not just about this strange Earthling who uses slang he doesn’t understand but also about himself.

If you like science fiction stories with men from two different cultures who discover not only their similarities, but get to know themselves a whole lot better, if you enjoy reading about "love working in miraculous ways", and if you're looking for a hot read that offers a romance with a few obstacles (of the internal and stubbornness-born kind), then you will probably like this novella.

In what feels like the final volume of this series, at least for now, the two main characters go into their new relationship with very different expectations. Neither of them ends up being right, and the confusion that follows takes them quite a while to untangle. I enjoyed their struggle for understanding what was going on, and, while the solution seemed obvious to me in many ways, I could also see why it would take them a lot longer to figure it out. Let me explain.

Jack is a human who ended up in prison despite his innocence. As if this weren't bad enough, he is then selected by an extra round of the Eoean lottery. Since he figures life as a slave cannot be much worse than being locked up in prison, he goes willingly, promising to tell nobody he is a convicted criminal. Jack expects to be a sex slave, but nothing could be further from the truth. It derails him for a while, since the sexy alien he ends up with inspires all kinds of fantasies in him, but as soon as he gets his bearings, he goes after Kelr with all he has.

Kelr is a half-Eoean and half Renka. The Renka are new to the series, and quite an interesting alien species. They can influence the universe on a quantum level, resulting in their ability to reshape matter, influence people's emotions, and all kinds of interesting stuff. However, as a consequence, they do not deal well with touch. Kelr grew up believing he could never become physical with a lover, and the few times he tried were painful enough to want him to never try again. As he gets to know Jack, though, things change and Kelr understands that he may have to reconsider.

The process of both men figuring out what they want, in Jack's case, and what they think they cannot have and still want it, in Kelr's case, was absolutely fascinating. Jack is desperate to seduce him, yet understands about the pain and backs off. Kelr is too afraid to try touching Jack, but does want to be his friend. So, long before they solve their issues, each already acts in the other's best interest. And if that isn’t love, I don’t know what is! Beautifully done!

If you like science fiction stories with men from two different cultures who each think they cannot have what they need most but want to make sure the other has what he needs, if you want to find out more about the background to the Eoean's history and the lottery, and if you're looking for a hot read full of smoldering heat and a relatively slow-building romance, then you will probably like this novella.

The newest book in this very entertaining and imaginative science fiction series about aliens who raffle off a certain number of humans once a year, all perfectly legal in exchange for saving humankind from an awful disease, had me very excited to see what Jana Downs has come up with now. And it was so worth it! This is a story about the importance of communication, and not just the linguistic part. With instant translations due to cerebral implants, that has only been an issue where the languages were so incompatible that even translations didn’t help. This volume, on the other hand, deals with a situation where the cultural behaviors behind the language, including body language, are so different that actual communication is almost impossible. A fascinating concept!

Trev is a human who isn’t terribly unhappy with his new alien "master". In fact, the Tanarran is extremely polite, always wants to give Trev presents, and is extremely attractive (if somewhat purple). Trev falls in love, but the lack of an emotional response from Yanai gets to him. He needs to know his lover is involved with him outside the bedroom as well as when they have sex. Which they manage to do often and well. And why does Yania keep calling him "pet"? Trev has a name, darn it! Trevor wants more, and he gets so desperate that he asks for some time off when they arrive on Earth. All he wants to do is have some time to think, and make some friends.

Yanai has no clue what is wrong with the human. He senses something is off, but all the signals he has given Trev about how much the man means to him seem to leave Trev cold. The human still calls him by his given name, instead of giving him an endearment, something only they will share (even though Yanai has long-since started to call him pet). And now he wants to leave? Yanai is devastated, but his culture demands he remain calm, show no emotion, and give the man he loves deeply anything he asks for. Including his freedom, even if it tears Yanai apart.

See where the problem is? It was devastating for me to watch both sides, see how each was misconstruing the other's signals by interpreting them using their own cultural perspective. It took them a while, but even when they finally begin to figure what their issues may be, it is still tough for them to adapt to each other's deeply ingrained ways of behaving. I really enjoyed watching them as they figure out what is what.

If you like science fiction stories with men from two different cultures who don’t even notice they're simply misinterpreting much of what they do, if you enjoy reading about yet another alien culture, one that operates on scents and pheromones, and if you're looking for a hot read full of heated exchanges and emotional upheavals, then you will probably like this novella.

In this second full story about the Quarter Brats and their adventures with members of various supernatural groups in New Orleans, the focus in on Ter, a dragon shifter, and Nicolae, the prince of the vampires. With Ter less than willing to commit to a relationship, and Nicolae desperate to complete the mate bond, these two are in for some tough times. They have to face personal issues and fears, the opinion of Nicolae’s coven, and some horrid meddling from Ter’s estranged family. All of this combined makes for an entertaining, if somewhat intense story with a few creative and unexpected paranormal twists—in short, a definite treat.

Ter has good reason to fear relationships. but running from Nicolae is taking things a little far. Ter’s dragon half knows better, but Ter the human is terrified of falling in love, then being kicked to the curb again. He almost drives Nicolae crazy by hiding from him for months, but when he finally relents a little the battle of wills is far from over. Ter has a few issues, some real concerns about his role, and an awful family to deal with. Between all of that and his lust for Nicolae on a purely physical level, Ter has a few very tough decisions to make.

Nicolae is destined to be the next vampire king, and he is ecstatic when he finds out Ter is his mate. After all, things will be easier once he has the support of a loving partner, right? Nicolae also faces the time on his biological clock running out (a nice twist on vampires’ need for bonding), so when Ter keeps running away, things get desperate. Throughout all of it Nicolae is the perfect gentleman and respects Ter’s wishes even though staying away causes Nicolae physical pain as well as emotional anguish. He is ready to do anything, and once he makes the decision to do whatever it takes, things begin to look up.

If you like stories about stubborn former rent boys who insist on creating their own path, if you enjoy a good struggle for dominance and all the physical fun that can go with it, and if you're looking for an emotional and touching path to growth and a loving relationship, then you will probably like this novella.

This is a very funny story about two nerds pairing up. The competition is intense (at least in Nico’s mind), but the heat between these two is not limited to their chosen field of study!

Nico, who tells the story, has one of the biggest chips in existence on his shoulder. He is used to being the highest-ranked student, and actually bases his identity and self-worth on the fact that he is intelligent and good at what he does. No wonder that Jin taking the ranking away from him rankles – a lot. Add the fact that their professor decides they need to work together on a project, and watch the sparks fly.

Jin seems like a really nice guy – even seen through Nico’s eyes. The evidence of his adoration is there, Nico just refuses to acknowledge it. Jin is much more honest about who he is: while he is a good student and very intelligent, he is less self-confident and feels awkward in social situations. He does want a relationship, but none of his dates seem to work out. And then there is his irrefutable attraction to the annoyingly arrogant Nico…

If you enjoy a battle between two men who know they are attracted to each other but cannot seem to give in, if two nerds figuring out the social aspects of their lives – together – seems like an interesting idea, and if you enjoy very hot physical encounters (with LOTS of chemistry), then you may like this free book as much as I did.

In a cute and unexpectedly dramatic continuation of Gideon and Evan's story, I didn’t just get to see the newly mated couple again, I also got a wonderful insight into their relationship now that they've been going for a while, their friends, and some pack problems that both Evan and Gideon are going to have to deal with. The story starts a little idyllic (and a lot hot) with Gideon and Evan getting ready for Christmas, but quickly changes into dramatic chaos, posing and posturing from a multitude of paranormals, and a delightful explanation for everything that happened.

Gideon , former homeless rent boy, may have mated Evan, become a werewolf when he was bitten, and be practically living at the Cajun King's big mansion, but his insecurities have only retreated about skin deep. There are a few things he really wants, but hasn’t received, and while he looks forward to having a big party with both his friends and Evan's pack members, he is also scared of embarrassing himself and not being accepted. The surprises in store for him not just from the two groups of friends but also from some unexpected outsiders were very entertaining.

Evan was the big surprise for me. I didn’t get to see his point of view in 'Pet du Cajun', so I loved peeking inside his head in this second story. He is as insecure about some things as Gideon, and the interplay with his pack was fun as well as enlightening. With his thoughts now out in the open I have to say, I like him a lot more. He handles himself pretty well, for a big, bad Dominant, and his love for Gideon is as deep as I'd hoped. His unwilling promotion was hilarious, and the way he handles the interlopers (and especially the kid) made me smile.

If you liked the first book, you will probably love this continuation (but you should read them in order). If you want to find out what Gideon and Evan are up to, if you prefer your Christmas parties to be a little on the chaotic side, and if you're looking for a read that is funny, suspenseful, and very hot, the you will probably like this novella.

This is a story about making a new start after being abused in a place you used to call home. Unfortunately this is very true for too many people, especially young people who have no choice but to pick up the pieces and try to build a life elsewhere. It's risky, but what do you do if it's your only choice? It's neither fast nor easy, and Gideon experiences some very tough times before he decides what he wants and goes after it. THAT is what separates those who succeed from those who end up just drifting along or, worse, become the victims of people waiting to exploit them.

Gideon comes to New Orleans, a new city for him, with high hopes. Like many people desperate for a new start for one reason or another, he finds out new starts aren’t all they are made out to be. He ends up as a rent boy and learning whom to trust and what to believe is hard but he is lucky to find a group where members look out for each other. When he gets his big break in the form of a night with the Cajun King, he doesn’t hesitate.

The Cajun King of New Orleans, Evan St. Germaine, knows what he's looking for in a sub. He may not admit it, but he has a big heart and falls for Gideon almost immediately. I can't be for sure, since we never hear from him, but his behavior is pretty clear. And when he does decide there may be long-term potential, he enables Gideon to make the decision in a way that empowers him. Very cleverly written, and extremely emotional to boot.

If you like stories about rent boys 'making good', if you enjoy a good 'battle' between a new sub and an extremely strict but loving Dom, and if you're looking for an emotional and touching path to growth, then you will probably like this book.

A very cute start to a series that could have been called "angels of a different kind", this book had me smiling and admiring the very hot angels in turn. The "rules" of this variation of heavenly lore are definitely different, and it will be fun to explore them over the coming volumes. This first book focuses on setting up the issues and lets us get to know all the characters, each of whom has their very personal quirks. The combination promises to be very entertaining.

Madigan is a half-angel who doesn't believe the archangel Raphael is his father until he is presented with irrefutable evidence in the shape of five angels who tell him they will be his guardians. Although Madigan "rebels" on an intellectual level, his physical reaction is quite different. And added to the threat to his life, even his mental resistance isn't very strong. And when he gives in? Very hot action follows.

The five guardian angels have very different personalities. Bren and Cross hardly even get along, Michel is the naughty one, Dex is the cook, and Yuri gets stuck with long-distance flying. Each of them come from a different choir of angels, bringing various talents to the protective ring they have formed around Madigan. I suspect they will need them all, since the group of fanatic angels trying to kill Madigan for being a half-breed 'abomination' in their eyes, is very violent and will definitely do their best to achieve their goal.

If you like angel stories, if you are curious about a different variation of the rules that make heaven and hell work, and if you enjoy multiple men getting it on in the same bed, you will probably like this book.

I really enjoyed this one. I laughed out loud a few times. Bradley is such a SAM. Love it. Great light read with a touch of drama.

Nice, funny romp, main purpose was to entertain without drama and I think it reaches the target.

When Madigan, the love child of Archangel Raphael, is reaching puberty (and that is at 28 years old human age), he becomes the target of a group of warrior angels who want to kill the “outcome” of what they see as a sin. Raphael asks to his fellow Archangels, Lucifer included, to assign 1 warrior angel each to the protection of his son and here arrive Cross, Yuri, Bren, Dex and Michel.

From being an almost asexual gay man to be bound forever to 5 hunky Angels is a short path; Yuri, the clever of the group, finds out that if they basically mate/marry with Madigan, he will be safe from the threat of the other Angels. It has to be all of them since daddy Raphael, to be extra safe, picked 5 Guardian Angels.

The story basically evolves all in a place, Madigan’s house, and in the span of few days. Madigan, aside from being in “heat” due to his angelic puberty (he is emitting pheromones like crazy) he is at the same time overwhelmed by hot men who cannot be far from him if not for few meters. There is not change he could resist, and of course he will not.

As you can imagine, this is not a serious story; it’s, as I said, a funny romp, the crazy, but sexy, fantasy of an horny man comes alive. Embark in the journey and enjoy the craziness and horniness.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007XJ6ZSM/?tag=elimyrevandra-20