Showing posts with label Kasia Bacon. Show all posts

Monday, November 29, 2021

New Release-Review: LOOSE CANNONS by Kasia Bacon (An Order Series novella)

Loose Cannons

An Order Series novella

by Kasia Bacon

The life of a Scout is hardly ever dull.
A new mission from Commander Heinnés takes Ervyn and Lochan to the garrison of the Royal Artillery in Derrhwÿn, where the couple find themselves hard-pressed and in a tight spot.

Loose Cannons is an Order Series novella featuring a wee bit of adventure, a hot encounter in the armoury pavilion and the after-effects of a dodgy love talisman. (Don’t try it at home!)

Purchase on Payhip

Carra's Review

Ervyn and Lochan on a mission together where shenanigans can ensue? Yes, please.

I loved this quick look into their lives in what turned out to be a fun escapade with a bit of naughtiness thrown in. The author once again shows a lot of story can be packed into a short read and still leave me fully satisfied.

The guys are ready to pull off a bit of mayhem…that is if they can keep from being caught in an unlikely place. Suffice to say they turn things interesting thanks to Lochan ;-). Even better? The emotional realizations that were snuck into the story—not that fans of the series were in any doubt how these two feel about each other.

Five stars for Loose Cannons, and to get the most enjoyment from this story I strongly recommend you read the first three books in the series first (The Mutt, The Highlander, and The Scouts). You’ll want to get their background and understand where they are in their relationship to this point. Now to just convince the author these two need a full-length epic fantasy book next!

About the Author

A linguist and an avid reader with a particular fondness for fantasy and paranormal genres, KASIA BACON lives in London with her husband. When not tearing her hair out over a translating project, she writes stories about the shenanigans of emotionally constipated assassins and sexy Elves. Otherwise, she can be found shaking her loins at a Zumba class, binging on anime or admiring throwing knives on Pinterest. A lover of MMA and Muay Thai, she also enjoys nature and the great outdoors. She dreams of becoming independently wealthy, leaving the city and moving into her wooden mini-manor—located in the heart of stunning forests resembling those of the Elven Country depicted in her tales.

Website - Amazon - Audible - BookBub - Twitter - Facebook - Instagram - Pinterest - Goodreads - E-mail

For excerpts, free stories and updates about new projects, sign up for Kasia’s newsletter. To access exclusive Order Universe content, join Bacon & Elves on Facebook.

Monday, June 8, 2020

New Release-Review & Excerpt: WHEN I FIRST SAW RED by Kasia Bacon - Includes Giveaway!

When I First Saw Red

by Kasia Bacon

Blurb

RED:

Lázhien’s human. A common Imperial soldier. And my soulmate. How could fate get it so wrong? The demon in me craves this bond with every shred of his being. He pushes me to accept it. This time I won’t yield to his demands.

LÁZHIEN:

Red’s a lust demon, a whore and a stuck-up snob. The most beautiful man I’ve ever seen. Pain in the arse. And he hates my guts. I’d be an idiot to pursue him. Yet something about him compels me to make him mine.

When I First Saw Red is a complete and standalone short novel with an HEA ending, featuring a couple of reluctant fated soulmates—a demon and a human—trying and failing to defy destiny.

Universal Link

Goodreads

Excerpt

A raucous ripple of laughter rang out from the wooden gallery above us, where the more pricey whores kept lodging and conducted their business. Following the source of the commotion, I looked up.

Two men and a woman had just come out of a room on the mezzanine floor. Judging by the way the joke had them all in stitches, it must’ve been top-notch.

The highborn couple, dressed in layers of greys and silvers as the latest fashion dictated, stood in contrast with the shirtless and barefoot whore. He sported only a pair of low-slung, undone breeches, offering the world a generous glimpse of his hips and groin.

I couldn’t make out their words, but I recognised that the merry gathering held a conversation in Common Elven. It didn’t surprise me. For one, it had been the language of the nobles and courtiers since the Emperor had taken the throne thirty-odd years before.

Secondly, the whore was a half-breed Elf.

A closer glance at him and my mouth went dry.

My shaft hardened as I drank in the sight of him— his lean figure, luminous skin and angular eyes. The pointy tips of his ears poked through a cascade of red hair. Not copper, ginger or auburn. Not mahogany. But blood red. Intricate tattoos on the sides of his face announced his Incubus heritage. Obsolete Imperial law still called for the marking of Tii-Matâshi, even though their Magic had declined through the centuries, shrinking their power to a fraction of that possessed by their demonic forefathers.

The redhead’s companions waved their farewells and made for the stairs. He leant over the railing in a nonchalant pose, his sculptured arms folded on top of the barrier. There was a note of arrogance in the way he examined the crowd below and shamelessly displayed his ethereal beauty.

It took a moment, but eventually his gaze fell upon me. At first, he seemed to stare through me. Then he measured me up, blatant and hostile somehow, as though ascertaining my worth, leering at me in a downright insolent manner.

I couldn’t look away, turned-on and irate at the same time. Insane as it might have been, I felt the physical touch of fingers running over my body. The sensation set my flesh on fire.

Perhaps the stories told about the Tii-Matâshi held a grain of truth.

Next thing I knew, his mouth set into a condescending smirk. He averted his eyes and pivoted on his heel. Before he disappeared, I observed his lush hair swish to the side and cover his shoulders and back like a fiery silk cloak.

The slam of his door felt very much like a slap to my face. I flinched.

Carra's Review

Kasia Bacon has just shown that not only can she completely dominate with short story and novella length fantasy romance, but she can also deliver a full length version that just as amazing as well. Ever since I first picked up The Mutt a few years ago, I have been continually impressed at her ability to pack so much story into a shorter format, so I was thrilled to find out that When I First Saw Red was going to be a full short novel. That it is one with soulmates makes it all the better!

Lázhien and Red are definitely opposites in size, personality, and attitude. You know from the moment they spot each other that Red’s dismissive reaction even as their obvious attraction sizzles between them will lead to a bumpy ride. I love that the story is told from both Lázhien’s and Red’s points of view, and that we can see how conflicted Red is from that insight.

Red did frustrate me a bit with his determination not to give in to the connection that is so evidently growing between them. That is something that frustrates me in any genre, and when it’s a character who you can see really wants what fate is bestowing upon them I just want to plead with them to let it happen. I felt that even more so here, since not only can you see it would make him happy, but it would content the demon inside him as well.

I loved this longer glimpse into a new couple based in The Order Universe here in When I First Saw Red, and thoroughly enjoyed this 5-star read. And as if that’s not enough, there was even a glimpse into the author’s next book in this universe to get me excited for more of my favorite couple ;-) If you are a fantasy romance fan and haven’t started reading this author’s works, you’re missing out on some of the best writing in the genre. This particular book can be read as a standalone (but you know I’m going to recommend checking out her other ones first!), and is meant for readers 18+…because Lázhien and Red definitely get hot and steamy!

Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of When I First Saw Red, we are giving 3 lucky winners back-listed eBooks from Kasia Bacon's published works.

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

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About the Author

Website - Amazon - Audible - BookBub - Twitter - Facebook - Instagram - Pinterest - Goodreads - E-mail

For excerpts, free stories and updates about new projects, sign up for Kasia’s newsletter. To access exclusive Order Universe content, join Bacon & Elves on Facebook.

Friday, April 26, 2019

New Release-Excerpt & Giveaway: DON'T FIGHT THE SPARK by Kasia Bacon (Soldiers and Mercenaries #1 - The Order Universe)

Don’t Fight The Spark
by Kasia Bacon

Series: Soldiers and Mercenaries #1 (The Order Universe)

Release Date: April 26, 2019

Subgenre: M/M Fantasy Romance

Purchase Links

Amazon US - Amazon UK - Kobo - Barnes and Noble - iTunes

Author blurbs about Don’t Fight the Spark

“An irresistible gem of a love story. In just six short chapters, Kasia Bacon delivers all the goods: an adorably mismatched couple to root for, a seductive and dangerous fantasy world, and more than a spark of wit and charm. Read at your own risk: the second you finish, you’ll be afflicted with grabby-hands for Book Two.”

—J.C. Lillis, author of HOW TO REPAIR A MECHANICAL HEART and A&B

“Bacon delivers a jewel box world of magic and true-lovers with a yaoi-manga aesthetic so vivid that I can practically see the screen tone.”

—Nicole Kimberling, author of Sea of Stars

Synopsis

As the Light Festival draws near, the Něssyrians craft paper lanterns, awaiting the most important holiday of the year.

The Lyliňg Fighting House, too, prepares for celebration—by laying fresh sand onto the arena and setting up a match against their top pit fighter, the unrivalled Yüuzuki Ōren.

His last match. One he can’t win.

With the odds more than stacked against him, the gorgeous Barbarian is as good as dead. Unless his lover, healer Ĥaiatto Ẽkana, proves himself every bit as determined as he is clever and finds a way to protect the man he'd stop at nothing to save.

Excerpt

“Are you wishing on a star, Yüu?” I perched on his chair and moved in to extract the empty crystal from his grasp. I replaced it with my fingers, lacing them around his.

His gaze found mine, piercing me with an intent stare as if trying to solve a puzzle. He acted collected, as always, but his golden eyes gleamed with something foreign: resignation and sorrow. “If I could offer a lantern for a blessing bestowed upon me this past year, it would be lit for you,” he said. “I’m thankful for every moment you’ve spent with me. For your every kiss. Every smile you’ve given me.”

The teasing grin died on my lips. I knew what Yüu was doing: exactly what Rhēn had suggested I did. Saying goodbye. Preparing me. Letting go. Giving up on us.

Without realising it, I clutched his hand as if it were a lifeline slipping away from me in deep water.

About the Author

A linguist and an avid reader with a particular fondness for fantasy and paranormal genres, KASIA BACON lives in London with her husband. When not tearing her hair out over a translating project, she writes stories about the shenanigans of emotionally constipated assassins and sexy Elves. Otherwise, she can be found shaking her loins at a Zumba class, binging on anime or admiring throwing knives on Pinterest. She has a mild coffee and lemon tart (gluten free) addiction. A lover of MMA and Muay Thai, she also enjoys nature and the great outdoors. She dreams of becoming independently wealthy, leaving the city and moving into her wooden mini-manor—located in the heart of stunning forests resembling those of the Elven Country depicted in her tales.

Website - Amazon - BookBub - Instagram - Facebook - Twitter - Goodreads - Pinterest - Newsletter

Giveaway!

Win a physical copy of Don’t Fight the Spark or one of two Order Universe-inspired stationary sets.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: DON'T FIGHT THE SPARK by Kasia Bacon (Soldiers and Mercenaries #1 - The Order Universe)

Don’t Fight The Spark

by Kasia Bacon

Series: Soldiers and Mercenaries #1 (The Order Universe)

Release Date: April 26, 2019

Subgenre: M/M Fantasy Romance

Order here:

Amazon US - Amazon UK - Kobo - Barnes and Noble - iTunes

* The Order Universe short story The Poison Within will be free on ebook during release-week and the tour, April 22-25. The novella is exclusive to Amazon and can be read through Kindle Unlimited or bought through the links below:

Amazon US - Amazon UK

Synopsis

Author blurbs about Don’t Fight the Spark

—J.C. Lillis, author of HOW TO REPAIR A MECHANICAL HEART and A&B

“Bacon delivers a jewel box world of magic and true-lovers with a yaoi-manga aesthetic so vivid that I can practically see the screen tone.”

—Nicole Kimberling, author of Sea of Stars

Excerpt

I trailed a path of feathery kisses down the bridge of his nose and upper lip until my mouth met with Yüu’s equally eager one. Then I latched on with a moan I couldn’t suppress any longer.

Yüu’s kisses were always sweet and gentle to start with. They quickly became testing, inviting more engagement, only to turn bold and shattering in the end. He kissed like he fought: sounding his opponent out, cranking up the challenge, then leaving them breathless, stunned and completely obliterated.

I welcomed every such defeat delivered by his clever tongue, and this time was no different. Hot-cheeked and a tad winded, I forced myself to break the kiss, at last, gratified at Yüu’s growl of protest. “Let me take care of you, love,” I panted into his ear. “All right?” And with that, I pushed him backwards onto the chair.

Showing no signs of resistance, he allowed me to guide him into a half-lying position.

Once I had him situated right where I wanted him, I drew back slightly, pausing to study the ravishing view sprawled in front of me.

Oh yes. I knew and adored the wild look glittering in his golden eyes. That tightly-wound hunger. That unconcealed want. The way he observed me with parted lips, his body coiled in anticipation, turned my blood into liquid fire.

Without stalling anymore, I let my hands wander across his shoulders and chest, avoiding the bruises and trying not to frown at them. I took a brief detour to tease his dark, hard nipples before continuing my unhurried descent south, caressing every single one of his delicious abdominal ripples. By the time I passed his belly button, having arrived at the edge of the cloth covering his groin, the material below tented over a generously sized bulge. Twitching now and again, it taunted me into uncovering it. And in two pulls at the material, I managed to do just that.

Carra's Review

If there’s one thing of which I can be certain when I pick up a short story or novella by this author, it’s that I am going to get a complete story and come to care for the characters—no matter how short the story’s length is. She is a master at packing a novel’s worth of story into a much shorter medium, and Don’t Fight the Spark is no exception. Giving us another view into The Order universe, this story focuses on two characters who seem trapped in their positions in one of the fighting houses…which hadn’t been an issue for them. Until now that is, when the stakes have climbed to a seemingly insurmountable level.

Yüu is an alpha warrior when fighting in the pit, the best at what he does. His outlook is practical, if resigned, and he is devoted to Ĥaiatto. Ĥaiatto is a healer, and though he has no magic of his own he is able to use magic stored in objects. He’s sweet, and though he might not seem strong, he is brave when it comes to the man he loves and he’ll do whatever it takes to keep Yüu safe. Though Yüu’s fatalistic view of what’s to come irked me just a bit (after all, he’s the big strong warrior, he should be ready to fight, right?), Ĥaiatto’s equally hopeful attempt at securing their future helps to balance things out.

I have to say, I love delving back into The Order universe. From the start, it has been richly detailed and has continued to evolve and gain depth with every story. Here we get to see another aspect of the Assassins’ Guild known as The Order, and get some page time with its Grand Master and some other members.

Though I felt a slight sense that the climax of this story was lighter than I was expecting given the grave outlook being pushed in the time leading up to it, the end result was still worth it…but I wouldn’t have minded a closer look at Ĥaiatto and Yüu’s relationship either leading up to where this book started, or at some point later in the future from where the story ended. Don’t Fight the Spark was a 4.5-star read for me, and is another highly recommended M/M fantasy romance for fans of the genre. This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and some sexual content.

About the Author

Website - Amazon - BookBub - Instagram - Facebook - Twitter - Goodreads - Pinterest - Newsletter

Giveaway!

Win a physical copy of Don’t Fight the Spark or one of two Order Universe-inspired stationary sets.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, August 31, 2017

New Release-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: THE HIGHLANDER by Kasia Bacon (The Order series #2)

The Highlander (The Order series #2)

Author: Kasia Bacon

Cover Artist: Marek Frankowski

Release Date: August 31 2017

Genre/s: Fantasy/Paranormal M/M Romance

Length: Words: 16K No. of Pages: 65

Buy Links

Available on Amazon and KU.

Amazon US - Amazon UK

Goodreads Link

Blurb

I, Lochan of the famed Féyes clan, know all about fighting.

As a half-breed Elf, I have struggled against prejudice and feelings of inadequacy.

A recluse by nature, I have battled my aversion to touch and interaction with others.

To become an assassin of The Order, I have learnt to overcome the limitations of my mind and body.

But denying the power Ervyn Morryés holds over me might be the one fight I lose. The truth is—damn it all—the relentless Highlander brings me to my knees.

Note: This novelette is the second in the Order Series and not a standalone instalment. Reading The Mutt is crucial for its full enjoyment.

Excerpt

I knew my insomnia worried him. Elven Army regulations regarded bedtime as a serious matter. A soldier's body—well-honed, fed and rested—served as their primary weapon. A tired soldier made errors. And errors claimed lives.

To escape further scrutiny, I backed towards my cot and hopped under the blankets.

Of course, Ervyn took it as an invitation. Not that he ever acted as if he needed one. He shrugged out of his heavy leather jerkin and pulled off his boots.

“Come now.” In the near darkness, I heard a smile in his voice. “Let me tuck you into bed, mu'hrōnye.”

He’d fallen into the habit of calling me that. I asked the meaning of it once, but he simply laughed and distracted me by biting on the shell of my ear.

Ghor still hadn’t stirred. For once, I didn’t mind his snoring.

The narrow cot made for a tight fit for Ervyn and me.

Something else felt tight, besides. The crotch of my trousers.

Ervyn’s hand immediately rose to brush my cheek and jaw line. “I missed you,” he murmured.

My pulse jumped a notch.

He tended to say things like that, nonchalant, as if betraying one’s thoughts cost nothing. His impulsivity meant he rarely bothered to conceal his wants and intentions. Such a barefaced approach shocked the hell out of me, although I partly admired, partly envied his readiness to show emotion.

My eyes slid closed at the warm, rough feel of his thickened fingertips: the draw hand of the archer. Somehow this heightened my pleasure. The smell of pine needles, leather and horses hit my nostrils.

His thumb skimmed my bottom lip.

I moaned, already so aroused I could kill with my hard-on. Which, in fairness, would be a handy skill to have for an assassin.

Carra's Review

I was excited to read this second book in The Order series to find out how Ervyn and Lochan’s relationship was evolving. This book is told from Lochan’s point of view, and we get to see both his undeniable attraction to Ervyn but also how conflicted he is about them being together when he believes they will wind up separated from each other soon.

I loved delving back into this world and getting to see Lochan’s side of things. It was already obvious from the first book how deep his and Ervyn’s connection runs, and it’s even more evident here in The Highlander…something that makes Lochan’s heart ache when he thinks of how they will both be headed off to separate assignments soon. The angst factor is definitely upped in this story, enough to actually have me concerned for a bit. Thank goodness Ervyn’s pull is so powerful… (and yes, that’s a tease)

I really like how this world and what goes on there is unfolding, and after the way this story ended I am desperate to read more. There’s romance of course, but there’s also tension, action and excitement as well—all taking place in this great fantasy world setting. I’m in this one for the long haul, and I hope there’s going to be a lot more to come—there’s certainly plenty of directions this series can go from here.

5 angsty stars for The Highlander, and if you’re a fan of M/M fantasy romance you’ll definitely want to start this series if you haven’t already. The Mutt should be read before The Highlander, otherwise you will probably be a bit lost coming into the middle of Ervyn and Lochan’s tale. This book is for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.

Want to know what I thought of book 1, The Mutt? Check out my review on Goodreads!

Meet the Author

A linguist and an avid reader with a particular fondness for fantasy and paranormal genres, KASIA BACON lives in London with her husband. When not tearing her hair out over a translating project, she writes stories about the shenanigans of emotionally constipated assassins and sexy Elves. Otherwise, she can be found shaking her loins at a Zumba class, binging on anime or admiring throwing knives on Pinterest. She has a mild coffee and lemon tart addiction. A lover of MMA and Muay Thai, she also enjoys nature and the great outdoors. She dreams of becoming independently wealthy, leaving the city and moving into her wooden mini-manor—located in the heart of stunning forests resembling those of the Elven Country depicted in her tales.

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