Valentina HeartCritiques

Nice idea, but even though the setting is in the future, the book isn't very futuristic and has a minimal amount of science fiction.

One of the main characters, Reji is a 20-something year old Innocent and wants to become an Adult asap, mostly I figured because of his abusive girlfriend who didn't miss a chance to subtly point out that being innocent is somehow wrong. But his problem is that he can't have sex with her because every time they start something he, if I may put it that way, loses his enthusiasm. So he figures maybe he's gay, and goes to a gay bar where he almost gets raped and then saved by a Teacher (Shen) with whom he falls in love with soon after. But no matter how ready he was to loose his innocence, he wasn't ready to be labeled as 'gay'. And that's the main issue of the book - he must come to terms with his sexuality and stop being bothered with everyone knowing he has sex with guys.
Now, the book begins with a story of how humans have 'evolved' and I got the impression from the prologue it was the kind of evolving that everyone (normal) wishes for - humans have seen the pointlessness of wars, and turned to love that is accepted in every way, shape or form. Nobody in Reji's surroundings has an issue with gays, or at least it was not pointed out in the book. So why does Reji has an issue with it? The better part of the book is about the conflict between his heart and his brain. It's almost like he's a time-traveler from our time who came to this new, evolved Earth.
And that's the thing that bothered me the most.

My advice is that you don't read about this world as futuristic but as an alternative universe. That way most things make sense and you can really enjoy it.

*3.5 stars*

This was not exactly what I expected, but it was a good read non the less. One of the things I truly like in this book was the simple fact that the shifters actually had a true wolf "feel". They felt "normal" and human, but at times you could feel or hear the wolf coming though as well.

There was one thing I struggled with though. And no it's not the insta-love, as I don't mind that in a shifter story. Maybe it's just me, but I didn't like the fact that after telling Sebastian that he was raped, and basically been told to "be the bitch" and to "take it bitch" Eshan would use those near exact words to Sebastian

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this story. I am not typically a huge fan of books/stories with a heavy BDSM theme so when I needed one for a challenge, I wanted to find a short, free one. Well, to my delight, I was disappointed this was so short! The prompt for the story was well met by the author and I loved seeing the nonchalance, experimentation, willingness, fear, and eventual realization of the connection between the MC's. Great story.

This was a great story about "what if". If you only had a little bit of time left, how would you spend it? I thought it was great watching the relationship between Jonathan and Nino grow. The only thing that bothered me is that I wish there was just a little more to the story, like an epilogue or something. Although I wonder how realistic the ending is, I was grateful to have a HEA. But, Jonathan made all of these arrangements for the "what if" and then didn't need them. What happened then? Did he just up and quit his job forever or did he go back to work? Despite wanting more of an ending, I really enjoyed the book and the writer's style. Would definitely read more from this author.

I really liked that book. There was a lot of "animal" behavior, you got to see shifter's wild side, not just human. But at the same time - thank god! - there was no manimal sex :)

As one of the group who worked on editing and proofing these stories and helped put the anthologies together I might be considered biased, but these anthologies are definitely worthy of the 5 star rating.

4.75 Stars
This is a real feel-good story with likeable characters and a GFY plot that is deftly handled. I loved watching Jonathan transform from a workaholic "stiff" to an open, adventurous soul. And Nino? Damn, but I want to be just like him when I grow up! ;)

The handling of the medical issue could seem "convenient" to some readers but having experienced something similar with a loved one, I could only smile and smile!

3.75 Stars

Great story that absolutely worked with the photo and the prompt! I was completely drawn into the story and would certainly welcome more about Gavin and Spencer!

A little something for everyone. I loved the variety.

The age-old, and in our thinking now somewhat outdated, custom of marrying off a prince to seal a peace treaty with a foreign nation is the starting point of this story. It seems cruel, doesn't take into consideration what the individual wants, and can only lead to unhappiness and heartbreak. Right? Well, I am relieved to say that in this rendition of the story not all ends up as badly as it starts. The fantasy background provides a great setting, and for those who like stories including male pregnancy, this book will be a treat for that reason alone. The fact that both Prince Rinin (the one being married off) and King Merinej (the one doing the conquering) are strong characters makes for a wonderful tale of love found in unexpected places.

Prince Rinin, or Rin for short, enters this agreement thinking he will lose everything, and that includes his life. Nevertheless, he insists he will not be a part of the king's harem nor a slave. I admired him for standing up for himself despite the fact that he is scared to death. His attitude is very much that of a true prince even if he believes he will never rule. He might not even survive childbirth, but he faces his fate with pride and knowing that he did everything he could to preserve his dignity.

King Merinej, or Merin for short, is only seen trough Rin's eyes in this book, but in this case, I think it was a good choice. The mystery of who he is and what he wants is only lifted gradually, and we learn about him at the same pace as Rin. From the very beginning Merin doesn't seem as cruel or imposing as the reports have made him out to be. No wonder; the stories all came from his former enemies, and Rin's people were not likely to admit the king was actually a just man.

If you like fantasy stories in far-away settings, if royal etiquette and male pregnancy fascinate you, and if you enjoy seeing two men come together as true despite the unequal and involuntary way their relationship started, you will probably like this short book. I was certainly fascinated by it and look forward to the sequel.


NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

The sequel to ‘King's Conquest’ begins right where the first book ended- and starts with a truly heart-wrenching bang. I was certainly glad the blurb warned me about the children's fate, but reading the details was very emotional and touched me deeply. This whole second book was a lot deeper than the first, truly building on what the first volume had started. The characters grew and changed, but so did the circumstances and this world gained some depth. The emerging new enemy added a nice touch of tension, and added to the continuing struggle of Rin and Merin's growing relationship, the whole story just took off for me.

Merin is the one telling the story this time, and I really loved hearing from him. The depth of his feelings for Rin, his loving attempts to help his husband over the loss, and his desperate attempts to stop Rin from wanting to become pregnant again had me fascinated. Add the threat of an invading army, and the sense of adventure is complete.

Rin is more determined than ever to do the right thing for both their kingdoms. He knows the only way to ensure permanent peace is to provide heirs for the newly united country, even if that means risking his life. His love for Merin continues to grow, but he also realizes he can be a partner in more than name. Despite the fact that he was never meant to rule his own kingdom, he turns out to be a pretty good leader. I loved how he discovers this and doesn’t quote know how to deal with this newfound ability.

If you like a good fairy tale that masquerades as a fantasy in foreign lands, if stories that deal with deep emotions and serious loss are your thing, and if you enjoy seeing two men deepen their relationship despite the odds, you will probably like this novella.


NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

2.75 Stars I really enjoyed this book except for the... sex scenes. I understand the whole alpha/beta wolf pack aspect, but what really annoyed me was the whole "Bitch and Slut" remarks during the sex scenes. The writer let's us know how precious the mate is to each other and then these demeaning remarks seemed wrong and degrading. Totally, turned me off.

2.5 stars.

2.5 stars.

4 stars.

When is the sequel coming out? ;)

This was a great love story, well written and Valentina Heart did a fabulous job showing us the love between Gabe and Marlin.

Aside from being among the Bestsellers in Gay Romance for last year, I was drawn by this series for the m-preg theme. I think someone suggested this to me, and being the first one a novella, I thought, why not? The commitment is not too much if I don’t like it, and if I like, there is always book 2. I read it in one night and bought the second novella the same night.

Valentina Heart doesn’t shy away from the chosen theme, and actually, it’s the main reason why Prince Rinin is able to barter a marriage instead of being a sex slave to King Merinej. Rin is now alone, his kingdom lost the war against Merin’s one, and now the council has decided for him: he will be the pawn to beg mercy. Since he was born, Rin wasn’t fated to be a warrior, too fragile and precious; he was special, a man able to give birth, but that is also coming with the almost certainty of death if he tries. And now he is supposed to be a sex slave to Merin, him that doesn’t have any idea of what sex or even the simple contact with a man means. But for once Rin decides to rebel, and proposes to Merin a marriage: he will bear Merin’s child, a child of two kings, someone destined to be powerful and of perfect lineage. If death will come, for Rin it will be better than a life as a slave.

This is for sure a story that appeals to many, but at the same that is not suitable to all. This is a gay version of the Savage Romance, with many of the clichés of that genre, but also with all its attractiveness. It’s not realistic, it’s not about equality in a relationship, it’s about a strong character in relationship with a more fragile one, but fragility doesn’t mean stupidity. Rin is not stupid, he is naïve; he is the first to admit he was not raised to be a leader, and he doesn’t want to be. But at the same time, he is proud of his ancestry, and wants the respect he deserves.

I strongly suggest to approach these two novellas as a whole, and to read both of them close to each other.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008LXYZHM/?tag=elimyrevandra-20

Aside from being among the Bestsellers in Gay Romance for last year, I was drawn by this series for the m-preg theme. I think someone suggested this to me, and being the first one a novella, I thought, why not? The commitment is not too much if I don’t like it, and if I like, there is always book 2. I read it in one night and bought the second novella the same night.

Valentina Heart doesn’t shy away from the chosen theme, and actually, it’s the main reason why Prince Rinin is able to barter a marriage instead of being a sex slave to King Merinej. Rin is now alone, his kingdom lost the war against Merin’s one, and now the council has decided for him: he will be the pawn to beg mercy. Since he was born, Rin wasn’t fated to be a warrior, too fragile and precious; he was special, a man able to give birth, but that is also coming with the almost certainty of death if he tries. And now he is supposed to be a sex slave to Merin, him that doesn’t have any idea of what sex or even the simple contact with a man means. But for once Rin decides to rebel, and proposes to Merin a marriage: he will bear Merin’s child, a child of two kings, someone destined to be powerful and of perfect lineage. If death will come, for Rin it will be better than a life as a slave.

This is for sure a story that appeals to many, but at the same that is not suitable to all. This is a gay version of the Savage Romance, with many of the clichés of that genre, but also with all its attractiveness. It’s not realistic, it’s not about equality in a relationship, it’s about a strong character in relationship with a more fragile one, but fragility doesn’t mean stupidity. Rin is not stupid, he is naïve; he is the first to admit he was not raised to be a leader, and he doesn’t want to be. But at the same time, he is proud of his ancestry, and wants the respect he deserves.

I strongly suggest to approach these two novellas as a whole, and to read both of them close to each other.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0071MU19U/?tag=elimyrevandra-20

Another great mix of M/M stories and at the price can't be beat that's for sure. I did break reading of this book with reading some other books and that made it really easy to enjoy.

The King's Conquest by Valentina Heart is a fantasy romance between Prince Rinin of Kari and King Merinej of Jede, two men brought together to seal the peace between countries in a longstanding war. Prince Rinin, as the war prize, must pay for the peace with his body. An arranged marriage between the heirs of two warring nations is the basis of King's Conquest.Heart creates an alien world where men of a certain lineage can give birth and some can wield magic. There are plots and counter-plots throughout King's Conquest. The story is interesting because of the world building that Heart does. Both Rinin and Merinej are clearly from a different world; Rinin can physically give birth to a child!The science fiction/fantasy elements of this story add nice color to King's Conquest. Heart speaks in Prince Rin's voice throughout the story. From his perspective, there are glimpses of magic-assisted technologies and alien physiologies. The one shortcoming of this story maybe that Heart tells it through the voice of Prince Rin. What are the motivations on King Merinej? Why is he accepting this marriage arrangement? How does Prince Rin's best friend and cousin, Tyn feel about Rin leaving him behind when he goes to Jede? And what about the villain of the tale, the former harem member plotting against the two men as they try to create a working relationship?Many questions remain unanswered at the end of King's Conquest. It's the opening chapter in the Mending the Rift series, so the next chapter might address them. Still, King's Conquest is a good start.Reviewed by Creative Ink by Barb ManningReview originally appeared on QMO Books

Heart has created a futuristic universe where humans are valued based upon their sexual expertise. Teacher status is the highest that a human can achieve, and with it comes notoriety, fame and prestige. Orrin, on the cusp of Teacher status, is kidnapped and forced to teach slaves.

I have to admit that I am a bit confused over whether this is an adult book or a young adult book. The writing style seemed as if the intended audience was young adults however the subject matter said a completely different thing. I found the plot line interesting, but the world building was a bit too simplistic. The characters seemed a bit flat and anyone who wasn't a main character was pretty stereotypical. Overall, I'm not sure whether or not I liked this book.

A lovely story of a m/m couple where one is transgender. Gabe and Marlin's relationship is tender and loving, a happy ending after a long struggle for Marlin. Nicely done.