Review: Pavarus by Jennifer Wright

Let me start by confessing that Jen Wright, the author of Pavarus, is a good friend of mine. Furthermore, I received my copy of the book as a prize in a giveaway at her blog. So of course, I am predisposed toward offering a positive review of this M/M paranormal romance, the first volume in Jen's Finding Home series.

If I hadn't liked Pavarus, I wouldn't have taken the time to review it. However, I did enjoy the book, quite a lot. I'm quite certain I would have felt the same way even if the author had been a total stranger.

Wesley is a short, cute, definitely urban gay man. Despite his youthful and innocent appearance, he's had plenty of sexual partners, but he still hasn't found a guy he wants to settle down with – certainly not Tony, his current boyfriend. Nevertheless, Tony manages to convince Wes to join him on a camping and canoeing trip. Wesley's canoe tumbles over an unexpected falls. The next thing he knows, he's in the middle of a battle between men who look like medieval warriors and honest-to-goodness fire-breathing dragons. He knows he's not in Kansas anymore, but he's not sure where he has ended up. His view of the world is warped still further when he discovers that Remus, the broad shouldered, muscular hunk who saves him from one of the dragons, is a vampire.

Remus, commander of the realm's warriors and second in power only to the vampire sire Keddrick, doesn't understand why he's so drawn to the fair-haired human. It's more than the sweet smell of his blood, though all the warriors seem to find Wesley's scent intoxicating. When Remus is forced to claim Wesley as his mate in order to save him from being ravished by the other vampires, the connection between the two of them only becomes stronger. But Wesley wants to return to earth and Remus has sworn to help him – even if he breaks his own heart in the process.

I'll admit that when I first read the blurb for Pavarus, I had my doubts about the premise. An alternate reality, populated by vampires and dragon shifters? Jennifer Wright makes it work, though. One reason is the vividly drawn characters – not just the heroes Remus and Wesley but also the ancillary characters: charming, nurturing Eveen and her valiant mate Aliam, Remus' loyal second in command; tortured half-breed Zane, fighting to prove he's as tough as any full-blooded vampire; Zane's close friend Larken, desperately in love with Zane but suspecting that his feelings will never be returned; wise, mysterious and regal Keddrick, who rules the vampires with discipline, courage and compassion. They're all very real, and I gather that many of them get their own stories (and loves) in later books of the series.

Then there's the sex. (You knew I'd get to that, right?) Pavarus isn't awash with sex scenes. Remus and Wesley don't actually experience intercourse until two thirds of the way through the book. The tension between them, the near-irresistible attraction, builds gradually, torturing them both, since both men are convinced (for different reasons) that they should not be lovers. When they finally do get around to doing the deed, the results are predictably but deliciously incandescent.

One fun aspect of writing paranormal romance is that you add a bit of magic to the sexual connection. Paranormal lust can be more powerful and all-consuming than real world desire. You can toss in some telepathy, so that sex becomes a joining of minds and spirits as well as bodies. The extrasensory aspects of making love to your destined soul mate serve to heighten and refine the physical sensations. Of course one can have an experience of communion even in a realistic novel, but a paranormal setting makes the whole thing more believable. When Remus and Wesley finally come together, you can't help but believe they're fated to be lovers.

The book does have a tendency to repeat words during the clinches. I'm sure that as an author, I notice this more than the average reader. Aside from this minor flaw, the sex scenes in Pavarus are intense, both emotionally and physically. Also, despite my comments above about magical license in paranormal novels, the sex in this novel has some delightfully realistic touches. I particularly enjoyed Remus' reluctance and confusion the first time he and Wesley have penetrative sex. Normally, Remus plays the dominant role in their relationship, but in this scene the tables are turned. Remus is afraid and unsure. The far more knowledgeable Wes, on the other hand, is self-assured, even a bit cocky (no pun intended). The whole scene felt extremely plausible. A man who has never had any homoerotic experience is naturally going to be nervous, just like any other virgin.

Possibly the best aspect of Pavarus, though, is its vivid portrayal of Remus' and Wesley's suffering when they are parted. I don't want to give away the ending. I'll just say that I really felt the agony of their separation. Which of course made their ultimate reunion all the more satisfying.

If you like M/M paranormal romance with complex interactions and authentic emotion, I think you'll enjoy Pavarus.

Now I'm going to have to read the next two books in the series.

Welcome to my world (I mean, the one I created)

By Jennifer Wright (Guest Blogger)

As always, I’d like to start off with a big ‘Thank You’ to Lisabet for having me as a guest today.

Recently, I reached out and asked a simple question – what do you want to know? I want to take the opportunity to answer people’s questions about me or my books. And I will say I got some pretty awesome questions from the lovely Lisabet herself. So, I selected a few to answer. :)

Is it all one universe, or is each book separate?

For anyone that hasn’t read the series, you’re about to get a spoiler with this question and may want to move on to the next one! It is all one universe. In my ‘world’, Pavarus is actually where it all began. The humans, vampires, and dragons found portals that allowed them to travel to different realms within the same world – one of those realms being Earth. From there, it was the humans that left Pavarus to claim Earth as their own. Over time, the knowledge of Pavarus was lost amongst the humans on Earth, that is why Wes has no idea what’s going on (in the first book) when he falls through a portal and into Pavarus.

In what ways is your world different from ours?

The Earth ‘side’ is just the same as ours is now, but Pavarus is more or less stuck in the lifestyle of  Medieval times – castles, swords, lords, peasants, their clothes, etc. Keddrick, sire of the vampires, chose to not follow in Earth’s footsteps and decided that his world should remain simpler than Earth. Though, simpler doesn’t always mean easier, if that makes any sense.

Would you ever want to live there?

This one’s easy. Yes, but only if I’ve got a hunky vampire warrior as a mate. ;)

Now, I hope you all enjoy a teasing excerpt from my upcoming release, Airos: Finding Home Series book 3. Currently, Airos is up for pre-order at Total-E-Bound at a 15% discount! But come this Friday, October 18^th, you can buy Airos at a 10% discount and read it right away. So, don’t miss out on the savings!

Book blurb:

Zane has everything in his life under control and in order, but can he keep it that way when a young dragon is thrown into his life?

Zane was meant to be a warrior—end of story. Though he may not have had the most pleasant life living at the coven, he still loved being there. But the steadiness of his world came to a halt all within one day’s events. A man he never saw coming has pushed the boundaries of what little normalcy he has, and learning of a secret love is just confusing him even more. Zane has never felt more torn on what he should be feeling…and for whom. Though, if he assumed having two men plaguing his every waking thought was hard enough, learning of the danger his mother is in nearly has his head spinning off into another dimension.

The leader of the Dráguns is threatening to take everything away from him, his best friend is slipping further and further away from him, and a little dragon is managing to get under his skin in more ways than one. Sorting out what he has to do, what he wants, and what’s right for him will be the biggest challenge he’s ever been faced with. Will he follow his heart or will he take the easy path…or is the easy path the right path to begin with?

Excerpt:

Bo waited for Wesley to knock on the bathroom door but nearly shot up out of the water when Zane came bursting in.

“Dear gods, Zane, you nearly scared me half to death.” He let out a deep breath and placed his hand over his chest, his heart thundering beneath his touch. “So, how did everything go with…?” He trailed off as Zane stormed over to him, the heat in his eyes making Bo sink down into the water a little.

“What are you doing?”

Bo felt so small as the vampire towered over him, but he wasn’t about to show the thin line of fear the man always seemed to make him feel. “What does it look like I’m doing? I’m bathing.”

Stepping closer, his hands fisted at his sides, Zane growled out, “That’s not what I mean and you know it.”

Bo glanced away. I can do this. I can be strong.

“Bo!”

Turning back, Bo gave Zane a look of innocence. “What?”

Zane’s lips briefly thinned out in a tight line. “Why are you still here?”

“You heard Augustus, he didn’t think it was a good idea to travel,” he replied, swishing the water around him as if nothing was wrong—as if he didn’t notice the vampire’s rising annoyance.

Suddenly Zane was at his side, kneeling on the floor next to the tub. “That’s bullshit! You risked your life earlier by climbing down the side of a castle—all so you could get away from here. Then you had every opportunity to go home earlier, but you didn’t. Why?”

Bo glanced away again. This wasn’t going at all the way he’d imagined. Yes, he had hoped to talk to Zane privately, but he’d never thought it’d be like this. Steeling his shoulders, he said, “Yes, I tried to escape, but that was when I had thought that I was still a prisoner. Keddrick made it clear that I am now a guest, so I felt it was best to take Augustus’ advice—for my own well-being.”

Zane’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t believe you. I saw the way you looked at me. Why did you look at me like that? What were you thinking?”

Gods, this is not at all how I imagined it going. “Can you please hand me a towel?”

A muscle flexed alongside the vampire’s jaw and he made no movement to do as Bo had asked.

Huffing, Bo got up and stepped out of the tub then retrieved a towel from a nearby shelf. He ignored the small growl that echoed in the room. All he had wanted was a chance to get to know Zane, to find out what this bond between them meant. He knew Zane had said he didn’t want Bo here, but he hadn’t expected the vampire to act this way at his staying for just one more evening.

“Damn it, Bo, answer me! Why are you still here?”

Bo spun around to face him. “Why do you care!” he shouted. “What does it matter if I’m here another night?”

“Because you confuse me!” Zane hollered back.

The vampire almost seemed surprised by what he’d said, but the look was gone too quickly for Bo to be sure.

Zane rubbed his hands over his face then let out a frustrated sigh. “My life was balanced before, and since you’ve been here you’ve done nothing but trip me up.” He glared down at Bo. “I’m doing things that I never would have done before. I’m saying things that I would have never said. And I can’t seem to stop it. It’s all because of you.”

A fire ignite inside Bo and he glared right back at him. “Well, I’m sorry that I messed with your precious structure here.” He stepped forward and Zane took a step back, his eyes beginning to widen the closer Bo got to him. “Believe me, that was not my intention at all.” Bo kept advancing on Zane, and Zane kept stepping back until he bumped into the counter. “But don’t worry, I’ll be out of your hair first thing tomorrow evening, because trust me when I say that I don’t want to be here just as much as you don’t want me to be!”

He was now mere inches from Zane—practically standing on his tip-toes so he could at least get somewhat face to face with him. Anger raced through his veins as he waited, preparing himself for Zane to yell back at him.

Bo gasped when Zane’s hand was suddenly around the nape of his neck, pulling him closer, closing what little distance was between them. He stood there frozen in place as Zane kissed him, completely shocked by the vampire’s actions.

The kiss was bruising and over within moments. At first Bo stared up at Zane in disbelief and confusion, but that quickly melted away at the sight of the passion in the vampire’s eyes.

“Dear gods, what you do to me,” Zane growled, then kissed him again.

About me

I was born in Arizona, but have spent the better part of my life in Wisconsin.  While I enjoy living close to my family, my heart longs to live in the South – or anywhere where the winters are warmer, and I hope to someday get there.  I love writing, and try to dedicate as much of my free time to it (ha! what free time?).  If I’m not typing away on my laptop, you’ll find me with my nose buried in a book, or with my loving boyfriend debating on what movie to watch and the never ending back and forth decision of what we should have for dinner.  I love spending time with my family and boyfriend, cuddling with my two cats, and laughing as much as possible (cuz I like to think I'm funny :-D).

Some little tidbits about me are – I love horses and cats, I have a really big sweet-tooth, and I've been told I like to talk with my hands (insert hand gestures here).

Where you can buy my books –

Total-E-Bound: http://www.total-e-bound.com/authordetail.asp?A_ID=253

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Jennifer-Wright/e/B00A2I2F80/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

ARe: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=author&qString=Jennifer+Wright

Where you can find me –

Blog: http://authorjenwright.wordpress.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJenniferWright

Twitter: https://twitter.com/_JenWright

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/JenniferWright

Off the Beaten Path

By Jennifer Wright (Guest Blogger)

One of my biggest fears is a reader becoming disappointed with something I may write.

For each book I have the basic outline planned out in my head before I even sit down to write it. There are times that a character may slightly change the course of the story, or lead a scene in a direction that I may not have intended for them to go, but the story still ends the same. I make that decision – not them. But what if the path I take them down leads to heartache? What if the character doesn’t get what they want – or, should I say, what the reader may want for them?

I’m all for the cookie-cutter storyline and happy ending, but my books have to have twists, turns and angsts that’ll have your heart beating faster in anticipation, sadness or happiness – all that a reader (hopefully) won’t see coming. I want to keep them intrigued and wanting to read more. But if they do not get something they want, will that be it for them? Do I take the chance of writing something they may not have seen coming – something they may not like or want – for the possibility of a great book?

Karen and Rachel both love Tom; everybody’s rooting for Tom and Karen to get-together, but Tom ends up with Rachel.

There will still be love. There will still be a happily ever after. I will have just stepped off the path and steered it in a different direction – a path less taken.

I, first and always, will write what my heart, mind and soul tells me to. But my number one question is, is a reader willing to take that path with me, is that what some would want to read as well, or would they rather stick to a road they know and that is safe?

So, everybody, what would you rather have in a book – would you prefer a book to be safe and possibly (I hate to say it) predictable, or would you like to read something off the path?

Tell me your answer in a comment below and you’ll be entered in to win an e-copy of Morvea: Finding Home Series book 2. Be sure to leave an email address in the body of the comment so I know where to send the book to. ;)

A winner will be chosen on Monday the 18^th using random.org.

Now, on to the excerpt!

Book blurb

Keddrick has denied claiming his mate for four years, separating them by worlds just to keep the man he loves safe…from him. Can he resist temptation when his love lands on his doorstep in need of help? 

Eli has lusted after Keddrick from the moment the vampire stepped through the portal and into Earth. He had desperately wanted to follow along when Keddrick returned to Pavarus, but it wasn’t allowed—not to mention that Eli was under the impression that Keddrick was straight. Four years later his wish has come true, but not in the way he wanted. Barely escaping death by the hands of Wayland, head of the human council on Earth, Eli flees to Pavarus in search of help. The line of events that gets him there releases a hidden secret deep inside him he never knew existed, and will soon change his life forever. 
Keddrick’s restraint towards Eli is being seriously tested, and every day Eli stays with him at the coven, it gets harder. He wants to keep his distance, but at the same time he wants to do everything he can to please Eli. As time goes on, he feels his resolve slowly crumble, his love for the man too strong to ignore. When Keddrick finds out about Wayland’s threat on his and Eli’s lives, he is determined to stop the madman anyway he can, even if that means going against Eli’s pleas for him not to.  
Through blood and tears, years of love and moments of betrayal, can these two men find their way through the hardships and into a life of happiness in each other’s arms?

Excerpt 

Eli gasped when another sharp pain sliced through his head. Groaning, he clutched at his skull as bright lights blinded his vision.

And with a flash, images flooded his mind like an old, silent picture show.

Flash.

Eli standing in his office with three men.

Flash.

Rick, Larry and him tied up in an old, abandoned warehouse.

Flash.

Wayland standing before him, accusing him and Keddrick of trying to rule Earth.

Wayland confessing his own plans to rule Earth once he and Keddrick were ‘out of his way’.

Flash.

Larry dead—shot in the head.

Flash.

Him and Rick escaping.

Flash.

Eli getting shot and Rick face down on the pavement—dead.

Flash.

Eli lifting his hand to ward off his enemy.

Flash.

The man hurtling backwards into the street by an unseen force—then the car slamming into his body.

Eli sucked in a deep breath when his vision had cleared and he tried his hardest not to cry out.

“Eli?” Keddrick sounded alarmed, his words loud in Eli’s ear.

This time he did cry out when Keddrick grabbed his arm. The pain from the vampire’s touch had Eli jumping out of his chair and stumbling backwards till his butt hit the back of the couch. When a few of the men stood, he yelled, “Stay away from me!” The thought of anyone touching him made his skin burn.

“Eli, what is wrong?”

Keddrick’s words were more forceful this time, but Eli ignored them as a new surge exploded through his body. Every cell inside him felt like it was coming to life, vibrating and roaring for release.

He barely heard Keddrick’s order for someone to get Isa. Fuck that! He didn’t want that witch anywhere near him. This was all her fault anyway. The side effect of whatever she’d given him was wreaking havoc on his body. A hum sounded in his ears, and everything around him soon faded out as the hum became piercing.

He clutched at his head again and screamed.

~~~~

The sound of Eli’s screams cut at Keddrick’s soul. He wanted to go to his mate, to comfort him, but Eli’s warning had him rooted in place. It was hard, though, when the tears started streaming down Eli’s face. He stepped forward, ready to pull Eli into his arms anyway, when Aliam burst into the room with Isa.

When Aliam dropped her before him, she covered her ears and yelled angrily, “What is the meaning of this?”

He didn’t bother apologising, just said, “I need more of that potion you gave to Eli last night.”

“No!” she said. Keddrick growled at her. “No, he said he didn’t want my help,” she said as she pointed to Eli.

Eli’s screams continued to fill the air.

“Damn it, woman! Can’t you see he’s in pain?” Keddrick closed the little distance that was between them. “Help him. Now!” The words were so forceful the walls seemed to vibrate.

Isa’s eyes widened and she took a step back. “I—”

She was cut off by Wesley’s gasp. When Keddrick turned to look at him, his jaw dropped. The maps and papers that’d been scattered across the table now floated in the air. Keddrick glanced around the room, taking in all the items that hovered over the surfaces they’d once sat on. He flinched when Eli’s screams suddenly became louder, forcing everyone to cover their ears. The furniture began to shake before it too started to rise up—up and up till Keddrick could see the bottom of the couch.

Keddrick looked at Eli. The man’s face was red, his eyes squeezed shut, his head thrown back as his fingers clenched in his hair.

Suddenly, Eli’s screams stopped, and everything in the room came crashing down around them.

Keddrick reached Eli just before he hit the floor. Gathering his mate into his arms, he rushed to lie Eli down on the couch, amazed it hadn’t broken.

He cupped Eli’s face in his hands. “Eli, baby, wake up.”

Buy links

Total-E-Bound

Amazon

Amazon UK
Kobo 
All Romance eBooks

About Me

I was born in Arizona, but have spent the better part of my life in Wisconsin.  While I enjoy living close to my family, my heart longs to live in the South – or anywhere where the winters are warmer, and I hope to someday get there.  I love writing, and try to dedicate as much of my free time to it (ha! what free time?).  If I’m not typing away on my laptop, you’ll find me with my nose buried in a book, or with my loving boyfriend debating on what movie to watch and the never ending back and forth decision of what we should have for dinner.  I love spending time with my family and boyfriend, cuddling with my two cats, and laughing as much as possible (cuz I like to think I'm funny :-D).

Some little tidbits about me are – I love horses and cats, I have a really big sweet-tooth, and I've been told I like to talk with my hands (insert hand gestures here).

My Links

Blog: http://authorjenwright.wordpress.com/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/JenniferWright
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_JenWright
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJenniferWright 
Total-E-Bound author page: http://www.total-e-bound.com/authordetail.asp?A_ID=253 
Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Jennifer-Wright/e/B00A2I2F80/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

New and Naughty

“Anybody know of any blog hops?”

My friend and fellow author Jen Wright asked this question on one of my author lists about a week ago. Actually, I'd just finished participating in a great hop (Nicole Morgan's Hot Winter Nights), but I hadn't heard about any that were coming up.

“Nah, sorry.” I wrote back. “But we could create one. My mother always told me 'If you want something done, do it yourself.”

“Why not?” she replied. “My dad says the same thing.”

From these humble beginnings rose our New Year's blog hop extravaganza, “Something New, Something Naughty”.

It was Jen who came up with the title. Meanwhile, I wanted to offer a grand prize that would be a bit different, something more unusual than a bookstore voucher. “How about a gift certificate from EdenFantasys?,” I suggested. “That seems appropriate to the 'new and naughty' theme.”

What's EdenFantasys? My very favorite adult emporium. EdenFantasys has every sort of erotic product you can imagine – not just sex toys (though their variety in this realm is impressive – maybe even a bit scary!) but also bath, beauty and massage products, lingerie and fetish wear (many available in plus sizes), hilarious adult games and party favors, and erotic books (including lots of collections that include my stories, I'm pleased to note!). After Jen and I decided to do the hop, I spent some time (way too much time, actually) browsing at edenfantasys.com, drooling over the corsets and the restraints, reading the contributor profiles, and wondering whether I might incorporate some of the more exotic devices on offer into the BDSM steampunk novel I'm currently working on.

The site is more than a on-line store, though. EF is a community of everyday people who are interested in all things sexual - sort of a sexual social network. There are forums, videos, and an online magazine. The product reviews seem to be written by real customers, not sales folk. You can tell because sometimes the comments are not 100% positive. (“I can't really figure out how to use this...”, began one post that I read!)

One feature I just noticed on this visit is the interview section (many with authors and editors I know personally). EF has adopted an unusual format in which different members of the EF community each ask one question of the interview subject – similar to a chat or a press conference. Normally I find interviews a bit boring, but this is a new twist on a well-trod idea.

Anyway...trust me, if you win the grand prize in our blog hop – a $50 gift voucher - you will not be disappointed! Fifty bucks goes quite a long way at EF. In addition, we're giving away two $25 bookstore gift certificates, to your choice of Amazon, B&N, All Romance Ebooks, or Total-E-Bound (a publisher Jen and I share). Plus every single author participating in the hop will be giving away his or her own prize to someone who comments on that individual post.

So when is all this happening? January 10^th through 13^th of next year. We wanted to give you something to look forward to, after all the parties and celebrations were over.

If you're an author and you want to participate, click here to sign up. Registration will close on the 3^rd of January, so you have a bit of time to think about whether you really want to get involved in this madness. (You do! Believe me, you do!) Jen has a more detailed instructions over at her blog.

If you're a reader, keep your eyes and ears open. We'll be posting reminders on our blogs, on readers loops, and anywhere else we can think of.

Come join in the fun! If being naughty is new to you – try it. You'll like it!

My Writing - My Life!

By Jennifer Wright (Guest Blogger)

I’d like to start off by giving a big thank you to Lisabet for hosting me today. I’m really excited to be here.

I've had a couple of people ask me,“Why do you write m/m romance?”  Well that's easy... because I enjoy it.  I started out writing m/f romance, and I did enjoy that, but writing about two men finding love and getting hot and bothered together is soooooo much better!

I'll admit that at first I was a little scared to write m/m romance.  I was worried that people would think differently of me and even act differently around me - or not be around me at all anymore.  I even kept the m/m books I read to myself, hidden on the bottom shelf of my bookcase, making sure none of the covers could be seen. Trying to find a way to hide the cover while I was reading them was hard as ever, but I did it.  I loved - and still do of course - reading m/m romance, but I let the world and its ugly views it still has get to me, so I kept that part of my life a secret.  It finally got to the point, though, that my writing wasn't as creative anymore.  I felt deep down that I could do so much better.  It took about a year to realize it was because I was writing the wrong genre.

After reading and being inspired by a series by my favorite m/m author, JL Langley, I said screw it!  If I want to write gay romance, then I will!  Who cares what other people think? It's my writing, it's my life, and I'm going to do what I want to do.  People can accept me or not, it makes no difference to me. Boy did I get all worked up for nothing because my family and boyfriend are behind me 100%. I don’t go shouting to the world the type of genre I write, but if someone asks I generally tell them. There are the few cases that I only say ‘romance’ and then finagle my way around describing my books without actually revealing they’re m/m, but I only do this to keep the peace. There are still those people that I have to associate with that I’d rather not have animosity between us just because they’re not accepting of it. I do it for my peace of mind – not theirs.

So, Pavarus actually started out as an m/f romance. Instead of Wesley, the heroine’s name was Elena. I was probably a good third of the way through the story when I decided to change it. Let me tell you something, going through that much writing and changing every she/her to he/him/his is a big pain in the butt. Not to mention how many scenes I had to change because ‘putting on the dress…’ no longer fit.

It was worth it, though, because until then I had never had this much fun writing. It finally feels natural – it finally feels right. The words and storyline come to me so much easier now.

With that being said, how about I give you a little taste of Pavarus.

Book Blurb

Thrown into another world where dangerous creatures live and rule, will Wesley stay and find love with a vampire, or will the terrors of an unknown realm have him running home?

On a camping trip in Louisiana, Wesley finds himself sucked down a hidden portal and thrown into another realm where he meets Remus, a warrior vampire. With the help of Remus, Wesley embarks on an adventure to find his way home, back to a world not filled with vampires and dragons and magic folk. Along his journey, the handsome vampire finds his way into Wesley’s heart. But will his love for Remus overcome his fears of the creatures that reign in this world?

Remus has never wanted a man before but finds himself drawn to Wesley despite his denying efforts. He’s happy with his life as the Commander of the vampires, and has had no interest in finding a mate. But after Wesley is kidnapped, Remus discovers his feelings for the man are stronger than he thought. Is he strong enough, though, to honour Wesley’s wish to return home, and let go of the man he loves?

Excerpt

Wes woke to a light, bouncy, swaying motion. It was soothing, and all he wanted to do was cuddle up against the soft cotton that covered the hard chest where his cheek rested. Somehow he knew that the strong arms around him would keep him safe and that he could rest for a little while longer.

“Are you going to wake up enough for me to put you down?” a gentle voice asked.

Wes tried burrowing deeper in his arms. “No. Why would I want to do that?”

The man’s laugh rumbled in his chest like a deep lullaby. So relaxing. Wes breathed in deep, taking in his scent—Remus’ scent—and he smelt wonderful.

Wait. Man? Remus?

Vampire!

Wes gasped and jerked his body right out of Remus’ arms, landing flat on his ass.

Ouch!

“Well, that just wasn’t smart. If you asked, I would have set you down.” Remus reached down for him.

Wes scooted back. “Don’t touch me!”

“I’m not going to hurt you, Wesley. If I wanted to hurt you, don’t you think I would have done it already?”

“I don’t know, you’re a vampire, I don’t know what I’m supposed to think.”

“So, you do know that I’m a vampire?”

“That’s what you told me. Were you lying?”

“No, I wasn’t lying, I am a vampire. I’m just surprised you’re taking it so well now, considering how you reacted earlier.”

“Yeah, well, one can only handle so much craziness in one night, and I’d say the fire-breathing dragons and the ‘we’re on a different planet’ took up a lot of that.” Wes pointed up. “Not to mention the two moons. So right now, I’m up to believing just about anything. Besides, with some of the things I’ve seen you do…”

With furrowed eyebrows, Remus crouched down in front of him. “Wesley, I’m glad you believe me about being a vampire, now I need you to believe me when I say we’re not on a different planet. We’re on Pavarus, and always have been.”

“No. I don’t care where you’re from, but I’m from Earth.” Wes frowned at him. “Stop looking at me like that.”

The man shook his head. “I refuse to believe Zane and his thinking you’re crazy. But I am beginning to think you’ve bumped your head or something, and maybe you’re confused. Let’s just get you to Gamden and they’ll be able to help you.”

“What? No.” Wes didn’t feel comfortable being with a vampire, and would admit he was afraid—at least of the others—but for some reason the thought of leaving Remus and being left with strangers was worse. “I don’t want to go to Gamden.”

Remus sighed and stood back up. “You have to. I know of nowhere else to take you.”

Wes looked around, as if the trees would give him an answer. “I could go with you.”

“No.”

“Why not?” Wes stood up, trying pointlessly to dust his pants off.

Remus reached out and brushed his thumb across Wes’ cheek. “Because, there is no room for a human in my world.”

“Please. I don’t want to be left at Gamden.” Wes knew his voice cracked but he couldn’t help it. Vampire or not, Remus was all he knew, and he wasn’t ashamed to beg. “Please.”

Moments passed as Remus just stared at him. Wes’ hope began to blossom, that whatever internal battle Remus had going on inside him…

Pavarus: Finding Home Series #1 is available today at Total-E-Bound!

Buy link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=1831

Giveaway

Want more? Just leave a comment and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win an e-copy of Pavarus. The cut-off time to enter will be at midnight on Friday the 9th of November (US Central Time) and a winner will be randomly chosen. Please include your email address at the bottom of your comment to be eligible for the giveaway – if there’s no address I won’t know where to send the book ;)

Bio

I was born in Arizona, but have spent the better part of my life in Wisconsin. While I enjoy living close to my family, my heart longs to live in the South—or anywhere where the winters are warmer, and I hope to someday get there. I love writing, and try to dedicate as much of my free time to it (ha! what free time?). If I’m not typing away on my laptop, you’ll find me with my nose buried in a book, or with my loving boyfriend debating on what movie to watch and the never ending back and forth decision of what we should have for dinner. I love spending time with my family and boyfriend, cuddling with my two cats, and laughing as much as possible (cuz I like to think I’m funny J).

Some little tidbits about me are - I love horses and cats, I have a really big sweet-tooth, and I’ve been told I like to talk with my hands (insert hand gestures here).

My links

Blog: www.authorjenwright.wordpress.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/_JenWright

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/117019946000205455450/posts