Review: 4.0 on the Masq Scale
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 26, 2014
Staci T.'s ReviewCURSED EVER AFTER by A. C. James is a collection of erotic paranormal short stories (and a preface of a novel to be released in December 2013) centered on a group who work at The Hellfire Club. Vampires and faeries mix together in a combustible BDSM setting, with just enough angst thrown in to keep readers turning the pages, desperate to know more about the characters. This collection serves more as an introduction to the major players (both as they live now as well as their histories), but that doesn’t mean it’s short on steam or character development.“Ruler” focuses on Arie, a vampire, and touches on his emotional issues, namely his heartbreak from a former lover. “Bound” introduces Luna, a faerie who is the daughter of the club’s owner and an emotional punching bag for her family. “Burned” tells Victoria’s story—the betrayal that is still seared into her psyche, and her birth into a new life. “Chained” gives a glimpse into Tessa’s life, showing the softer side of her that few, if any, of the club workers see. Finally, the preface to ETERNAL EVER AFTER gives an indication of how Arie’s emotional issues are going to be tested.CURSED EVER AFTER is a fast read, heavy on the erotic exchanges and just teasing the histories and relationships of the characters. If you have an interest in reading the novels of this series—and now I do—reading these vignettes will give you important back story of the characters’ lives. It will definitely whet your appetite for more. If you aren’t familiar with this series, the collection assembled here will pique your interest. I know it did mine.