Scan barcode
gillianw's review against another edition
3.0
Reviewed for Just Love
2.5 stars
Over the years, I’ve read plenty of books featuring all manner of vampires, but I don’t think I’ve ever read one about a vampire banished to a deserted island for bad behaviour before. Needless to say, I was a more than a little intrigued by this premise.
Andrew has been banished by his coven leader, Michelle, for basically being a murderous sociopath. Surrounded by cannibals, he exists on animal blood and spends his days waiting for the day Michelle will come back and tell him his banishment is over.
When a shipwreck washes up a crew of people onto the shore, Andrew manages to save the only person the cannibals haven’t already eaten, and hustles him back to his lair for a future snack. But instead of drinking the first human blood he’s had in ages, Andrew finds himself nursing the injured Edmund back to health, and for the first time ever, he finds himself unwilling to hurt somebody for sport or mischief. Now he just needs to keep Edmund safe from everybody else – including Michelle.
Right off the bat, I was a little concerned about the cannibals that inhabited this island and how they were presented. It didn’t sit right with me that the only non-white people in this book were described as little more than animals. It’s also not lost on me that during the time this book takes place, white people *did* in fact, treat POC as little more than animals. Worse even. That discomfort stayed with me during the story and is the primary reason why I couldn’t give this book a slightly higher rating.
Despite the tropical setting, the relationship between Andrew and Edmund left me kind of cold. Forced confinement stories should be full of tension and HFN but for most of this story, it seemed like both protagonists were only into each other *because* they were trapped, not in spite of it. As a scientist, Edmund is fascinated by Andrew’s vampirism, and every interaction is more like a science experiment rather than a true attraction. Andrew is fascinated with Edmund as well, but moreso because of his own reaction to him (ie: not killing him on the spot) and how Edmund humanizes him. I don’t know – it just didn’t feel like they cared all that much about each other – not until the very end at least. That’s when I finally saw a glimmer of their true attraction.
I really wanted to like this book more, and I probably would have – even despite the relationship issues – if it weren’t for those damn cannibals. Unfortunately, though, it was an issue that dogged me throughout my read. And every time I wanted to say something nice about the story (and quite honestly, it’s not all bad), I kept thinking about how that part of the story bugged me.
This book is a trilogy, so there is no HEA. At best, it’s an HFN, with the understanding that there is more of the story to come. For my own part, I’m not waiting on tenterhooks for the next installment, but I may pick it up once all three books are released, just to see how the story ends. Until then, I’m okay with waiting.
2.5 stars
Over the years, I’ve read plenty of books featuring all manner of vampires, but I don’t think I’ve ever read one about a vampire banished to a deserted island for bad behaviour before. Needless to say, I was a more than a little intrigued by this premise.
Andrew has been banished by his coven leader, Michelle, for basically being a murderous sociopath. Surrounded by cannibals, he exists on animal blood and spends his days waiting for the day Michelle will come back and tell him his banishment is over.
When a shipwreck washes up a crew of people onto the shore, Andrew manages to save the only person the cannibals haven’t already eaten, and hustles him back to his lair for a future snack. But instead of drinking the first human blood he’s had in ages, Andrew finds himself nursing the injured Edmund back to health, and for the first time ever, he finds himself unwilling to hurt somebody for sport or mischief. Now he just needs to keep Edmund safe from everybody else – including Michelle.
Right off the bat, I was a little concerned about the cannibals that inhabited this island and how they were presented. It didn’t sit right with me that the only non-white people in this book were described as little more than animals. It’s also not lost on me that during the time this book takes place, white people *did* in fact, treat POC as little more than animals. Worse even. That discomfort stayed with me during the story and is the primary reason why I couldn’t give this book a slightly higher rating.
Despite the tropical setting, the relationship between Andrew and Edmund left me kind of cold. Forced confinement stories should be full of tension and HFN but for most of this story, it seemed like both protagonists were only into each other *because* they were trapped, not in spite of it. As a scientist, Edmund is fascinated by Andrew’s vampirism, and every interaction is more like a science experiment rather than a true attraction. Andrew is fascinated with Edmund as well, but moreso because of his own reaction to him (ie: not killing him on the spot) and how Edmund humanizes him. I don’t know – it just didn’t feel like they cared all that much about each other – not until the very end at least. That’s when I finally saw a glimmer of their true attraction.
I really wanted to like this book more, and I probably would have – even despite the relationship issues – if it weren’t for those damn cannibals. Unfortunately, though, it was an issue that dogged me throughout my read. And every time I wanted to say something nice about the story (and quite honestly, it’s not all bad), I kept thinking about how that part of the story bugged me.
This book is a trilogy, so there is no HEA. At best, it’s an HFN, with the understanding that there is more of the story to come. For my own part, I’m not waiting on tenterhooks for the next installment, but I may pick it up once all three books are released, just to see how the story ends. Until then, I’m okay with waiting.
valerieullmerauthor's review against another edition
5.0
This is a very original story about a vampire, Andrew, who has been exiled to a deserted island by the head of his coven, Michelle. He's killed one too many humans and is becoming a problem and finds himself on the island one day. He doesn't know, at first, how to survive or live on an island, but he does make a life for himself.
As he thinks back on his time in New Orleans and comes to terms with the reasons he has come to find himself on the island, he finds Edmund and saves him from the cannibals on the island. As Andrew gets to know Edmund and realizes that he's unlike any human he's ever known, he can't help but fall hard for him. The story is told in some flashbacks and through Andrew's POV only as he gets to know Edmund, but it doesn't detract from the story. This is part one of a continuation, but it's definitely worth the read.
As he thinks back on his time in New Orleans and comes to terms with the reasons he has come to find himself on the island, he finds Edmund and saves him from the cannibals on the island. As Andrew gets to know Edmund and realizes that he's unlike any human he's ever known, he can't help but fall hard for him. The story is told in some flashbacks and through Andrew's POV only as he gets to know Edmund, but it doesn't detract from the story. This is part one of a continuation, but it's definitely worth the read.
the_sassy_bookworm's review against another edition
4.0
I am not usually a historical romance fan, and I avoid serials like the plague, but every once in a while a book intrigues me enough that I step outside my box and give it a chance. Such was the case with this book... 
I am very glad that I decided to give this book a go because I utterly enjoyed every minute of it. It was very well written. It is rather short, so the pace was very quick. The plot was quite original and incredibly engaging. It was smokin' hot. I found both the main characters very likable. Last, it was all wrapped up in a satisfying happy for now ending that implies more adventures to come for these two.
haletostilinski1's review against another edition
2.0
Meh.
That's how I feel after reading this. Just "meh."
It wasn't bad, the writing structure was good, but I didn't feel anything for Andrew or Edmund, or any chemistry between them. The sex was okay, but it wasn't as hot as I was expecting.
This is a short story, so not much happens. And I don't know how I feel about the natives of this island being cannibals and "barbarians." People in the 1800's would have thought them like that though, of course, but all the natives - not white people - were barbarian cannibals, monsters. I think they were meant to draw a parallel to Andrew, who before Edmund had no remorse for those he killed, ever. But honestly I just didn't like it, but I guess they served the purpose of being something that could kill Edmund, but I would have preferred animals like the bore or something to be the threat than for it to be other human beings who served no other purpose than to be monstrous and make Andrew think about himself.
Not that Andrew drawing the parallels between him and the natives made him feel any remorse or will to change - so honestly, what is the point? To get Edmund to see his monstrous ways? That could have been done without the cannibals and honestly, Edmund wasn't that great either.
I have loved reprehensible, amoral characters in books before (hello, [b:Call the Coroner|33975583|Call the Coroner|Avril Ashton|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1485215960s/33975583.jpg|54962366]) so it isn't exactly that Andrew and Edmund both were...just...complete assholes, and both perfect for each other in their lack of morality or any good virtue at all. But really, there was nothing ELSE redeeming about them. Even their "love" for each other didn't feel real, so I didn't feel much for them because they were nothing more than bad people.
And I'm not one that likes villainous type characters all that often, but if they're written well and interestingly, I can like the character. But I didn't find Andrew or Edmund all that interesting.
Andrew has been a vampire for about 800 or so years, and has never felt bad for killing anyone, no remorse at all. There's a scene in the book that's a flashback to him and he doesn't feel one ounce of remorse for it. And that would have been fine if he was interesting at all. But nah, he's just horrible and on top of that, doesn't give a shit about murdering innocent people, so...
And Edmund isn't exactly evil or anything, but he doesn't really give a shit about murdering people (but caterpillars, he can't do????) and he's done it before and he's kind of just an asshole. In that way, he's perfect for Andrew. But also, there wasn't enough with them for them to be interesting. And also, their leap from strangers to "being in love" happens way too fast and unconvincingly. Honestly, we don't get much from Edmund, because not only is this not in his POV, but he just doesn't seem all that interested in Andrew aside from sex and "studying" him when he finds out he's a vampire.
Just...this one wasn't for me. No thanks.
That's how I feel after reading this. Just "meh."
It wasn't bad, the writing structure was good, but I didn't feel anything for Andrew or Edmund, or any chemistry between them. The sex was okay, but it wasn't as hot as I was expecting.
This is a short story, so not much happens. And I don't know how I feel about the natives of this island being cannibals and "barbarians." People in the 1800's would have thought them like that though, of course, but all the natives - not white people - were barbarian cannibals, monsters. I think they were meant to draw a parallel to Andrew, who before Edmund had no remorse for those he killed, ever. But honestly I just didn't like it, but I guess they served the purpose of being something that could kill Edmund, but I would have preferred animals like the bore or something to be the threat than for it to be other human beings who served no other purpose than to be monstrous and make Andrew think about himself.
Not that Andrew drawing the parallels between him and the natives made him feel any remorse or will to change - so honestly, what is the point? To get Edmund to see his monstrous ways? That could have been done without the cannibals and honestly, Edmund wasn't that great either.
I have loved reprehensible, amoral characters in books before (hello, [b:Call the Coroner|33975583|Call the Coroner|Avril Ashton|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1485215960s/33975583.jpg|54962366]) so it isn't exactly that Andrew and Edmund both were...just...complete assholes, and both perfect for each other in their lack of morality or any good virtue at all. But really, there was nothing ELSE redeeming about them. Even their "love" for each other didn't feel real, so I didn't feel much for them because they were nothing more than bad people.
And I'm not one that likes villainous type characters all that often, but if they're written well and interestingly, I can like the character. But I didn't find Andrew or Edmund all that interesting.
Andrew has been a vampire for about 800 or so years, and has never felt bad for killing anyone, no remorse at all. There's a scene in the book that's a flashback to him
Spoiler
murdering a "pure" and honestly sweet prostitute, a young one of 18And Edmund isn't exactly evil or anything, but he doesn't really give a shit about murdering people (but caterpillars, he can't do????) and he's done it before and he's kind of just an asshole. In that way, he's perfect for Andrew. But also, there wasn't enough with them for them to be interesting. And also, their leap from strangers to "being in love" happens way too fast and unconvincingly. Honestly, we don't get much from Edmund, because not only is this not in his POV, but he just doesn't seem all that interested in Andrew aside from sex and "studying" him when he finds out he's a vampire.
Just...this one wasn't for me. No thanks.
junojuniper's review against another edition
4.0
Fast, sweet and very sexy read. Vampires are so easily boring. Not this time. I enjoyed the first person present tense. I was worried at first but it's very well done.
claudiereads's review against another edition
3.0
An exiled vampire, a shipwrecked sailor, and cannibals…
mwlgal's review against another edition
4.0
My first vampire book, and I really enjoyed it. There was a lot packed into 83 pages. Edward and Andrew really complemented one another. Excited to read #2 and see how their relationship progresses,
anexuberantraccoon's review against another edition
4.0
Note: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. More of my reviews can be found on LAAshton.com and at CeLEStial Reviews.
This novella is impressive in a few ways, one of which is how much it can do in so few pages. The prose is lovely, the characters are immediately interesting, and there isn’t a single moment of boredom. I attached to Andrew instantly, and managed to love him even more as the story went on. This vampire story delivers familiar elements without being rote or cliché, and the result is something fun and entirely satisfying.
Plot
While short, Escaping Exile still manages to have multiple plot elements churning in the background. Nothing is overcomplicated or heavy, unfolding naturally into something more complex than “will I eat him or not” and “will the Cannibals eat him or not”. I don’t know how else to describe it outside of it felt good to read. And isn’t that what we all want? A good time? I wanted a good time, and Escaping Exile gave it to me.
The ending brings the piece to a fulfilling conclusion, but also tickles the palette with hints of more. Luckily for all of us, this is the first of a trilogy. I’m already down for more adventures with Andrew and co.
Setting
It’s not often you get vampires in the tropics. I loved the description and attention to detail involving the climate and Andrew’s way of life. It made me feel like I’d been with him for longer than I had, like I could see him doing this routine whether I was there or not.
Characters
Both main characters are great. Period. I loved them both, and they are presented in the same way the setting was—you felt like you understood them even without knowing them. Andrew had my attention from the very first page. His thoughts and attitude toward his exile and vampirism were amusing as hell, and his personality was...
Well, let’s just say he kept me guessing as to how things would pan out. I loved it. Seeing him grow as a character (growth! In such a short piece!) was something I enjoyed greatly. He was not a nice dude before his exile, and I have to warn potential readers that some recounts of his actions are extremely graphic. They are well described, and for that reason they are very uncomfortable.
Novellas are difficult, but Bauer made the process look easy. This was a well told story with real growth and fluid pacing. If you like gay vampires, steamy encounters, and witty narration, this is a piece for you. Also, it’s only 2.99. THREE BUCKS! THREE! It’s definitely worth three dollars.
This novella is impressive in a few ways, one of which is how much it can do in so few pages. The prose is lovely, the characters are immediately interesting, and there isn’t a single moment of boredom. I attached to Andrew instantly, and managed to love him even more as the story went on. This vampire story delivers familiar elements without being rote or cliché, and the result is something fun and entirely satisfying.
Plot
While short, Escaping Exile still manages to have multiple plot elements churning in the background. Nothing is overcomplicated or heavy, unfolding naturally into something more complex than “will I eat him or not” and “will the Cannibals eat him or not”. I don’t know how else to describe it outside of it felt good to read. And isn’t that what we all want? A good time? I wanted a good time, and Escaping Exile gave it to me.
The ending brings the piece to a fulfilling conclusion, but also tickles the palette with hints of more. Luckily for all of us, this is the first of a trilogy. I’m already down for more adventures with Andrew and co.
Setting
It’s not often you get vampires in the tropics. I loved the description and attention to detail involving the climate and Andrew’s way of life. It made me feel like I’d been with him for longer than I had, like I could see him doing this routine whether I was there or not.
Characters
Both main characters are great. Period. I loved them both, and they are presented in the same way the setting was—you felt like you understood them even without knowing them. Andrew had my attention from the very first page. His thoughts and attitude toward his exile and vampirism were amusing as hell, and his personality was...
Well, let’s just say he kept me guessing as to how things would pan out. I loved it. Seeing him grow as a character (growth! In such a short piece!) was something I enjoyed greatly. He was not a nice dude before his exile, and I have to warn potential readers that some recounts of his actions are extremely graphic. They are well described, and for that reason they are very uncomfortable.
Novellas are difficult, but Bauer made the process look easy. This was a well told story with real growth and fluid pacing. If you like gay vampires, steamy encounters, and witty narration, this is a piece for you. Also, it’s only 2.99. THREE BUCKS! THREE! It’s definitely worth three dollars.
thesassybookworm's review against another edition
4.0
I am not usually a historical romance fan, and I avoid serials like the plague, but every once in a while a book intrigues me enough that I step outside my box and give it a chance. Such was the case with this book... I am very glad that I decided to give this book a go because I utterly enjoyed every minute of it. It was very well written. It is rather short, so the pace was very quick. The plot was quite original and incredibly engaging. It was smokin' hot. I found both the main characters very likable. Last, it was all wrapped up in a satisfying happy for now ending that implies more adventures to come for these two.