Dominique Frost

A Hearts On Fire Review

4.25 STARS--My first Dominique Frost story...definitely will not be my last. "The Price" is fantasy with modern day dialogue. With fantasy, the sky is the limit and the author takes such liberties with giving it an Old World-meets-New World feel. Cale is just a lowly serving boy to famous brothel, nineteen and barely has experienced the world, much less sex. He's awkward, geeky and mouthy. (A winning combo) He happens to catch the reigning war-lord of Havisham's eye.(P.S. I kept picturing Darren as Khal Drogo)

Mistakenly assumed to be a courtesan, Cale is taken again and again (deliciously) by Darren Kaine, weary lord of Havisham. Darren is dark, mysterious and burden laden. Darren tries not care for the smart ass that is Cale but his protests quelled pretty quick when they were in the bedroom.

"Now go to sleep. I'll wake you up when I want you."

"Should I just sleep with my legs spread or what?"

Well mostly.

Cale might have argued but it was not bratty, he just was trying to be recognized for more than what he was assumed to be. And he was more than just a servant or courtesan. Darren had a harsh life and was betrayed by a lover in the past, so he carries baggage and does not show his feelings easily. I enjoy main characters like that a lot. And Cale was a worthy lover because he gave as good as Darren did.

Darren doesn't trust many, there's someone out to kill him and there's minor political intrigue. The story does not get too heavy (which I would have liked or delve too deeply in either main character's background). The story gives enough information...barely. It was one step above bare minimum which did not leave me with too many questions. However, both men's story was so interesting, the ending came off as a bit rushed. It's a HEA but...eh, I wished there was more.

Can I say the sex scenes were hot? And so was the dirty talk.

"And then," Darren continues dizzily, "when we've come, I'll keep you open with my fingers, keep you loose, and when I'm ready, I'll take you again."

The mystery is easily solved. But it plays second fiddle to the Darren/Cale pairing. The secondary characters were pretty great too. And there's potential for another story with a few of them as lead characters...maybe? Hopefully?

This is a quick, sexy read with funny, sarcastic dialogue and likable characters. I just wished it was longer, the characters were discussed in descriptive details (at least once, unless I missed it. I like knowing how to picture my MCs) I would have rated it higher."… (altro)