When Ylianor Meyer throws in Prince Duncan Caldwell’s face his generous offer to adopt her into the Caldwell family, she has only one thought in mind—to get as far away from the stunningly gorgeous dark-haired prince and his equally striking blond-haired lover, Lord Christopher Templeton before she falls in love with them harder than she already is. Before she becomes their slave for real and surrenders to both without any shame. For each a master in his own standing, one for pleasure, the other for pain.
That’s just the beginning of Book 3 of the Virtus Saga, where nothing is as it seems, not since soul mates Prince Duncan Caldwell and Lord Christopher Templeton share a love that is unrivaled until a fateful knock on Ylianor Meyer’s dilapidated shack changes everything forever. This book picks up right where Book 2, The Game, and Book 1, The Sex, leave off and continues it all—the love and the passion, but also the torrid sex and bloody nightmares. Mostly the unique connection laced with a jealousy and violence that are unknown to their world. Because this isn’t just another erotic dark fantasy series. This is the making of a trio. Of three remarkable characters that have to overcome their uncontrollable lust to face the truth about themselves and their planet, in order to defeat the darkness about to devour them. To be as one whilst three! That’s their real challenge. Because, if they can’t learn to share power and love in equal measures, how will they be able to ensure their world’s survival?
All About the Virtus Saga
Erotic Dark Fantasy Paranormal Romance Series that Explores the Dark and Light Sides of Power and Love between Three People
“Eroticism off the charts!” The Romance Reviews (TRR) – Because “US IS SEX!” The Lord Book 8
The Making of a Trio: the Virtus Saga shows how power and love can be equally shared.
Now completed, Laura Tolomei's erotic dark fantasy series is continuing to receive critical acclaims. The concept of a world free of violence attracts readers. The fiery MM and MMF sex keeps them hooked to every page. The titles say it all. Book 1 The Sex, Book 2 The Game, Book 3 The Festival, Book 4 The Leader, Book 5 The Pledge, Book 6 The Heat, Book 7 The Princess and Book 8 The Lord—they all drip passion and lust woven inside an imaginary frame ruled by magical powers, divided between good and evil and struggling to survive.
The way it all starts and progresses, nothing is as it seems. Soul-mates Prince Duncan Caldwell and Lord Christopher Templeton share a love that is unrivaled, until Duncan takes shelter in Ylianor Meyer's dilapidated shack. Ylianor has always loved Duncan, and while Duncan is attracted to her, she remains a servant—okay to bed, but not acceptable consort material. Unwilling to accept it, Ylianor vows she will do anything, even come head to head with his insufferable lover, to stay at his side.
But there is more going on than either of the three realize. Lord Arthur Fairchild, Leader of the High Council, knows his planet Sendar is doomed unless the predestined Hero steps in and blocks the darkness threatening to take over. And even if one person alone fits the bill, Arthur does the unthinkable—not only does he summon the Hero, but the Hero's consorts as well. Sendar needs these three special people to become fully aware of their powers and learn how to use them together. Sendar needs these three special people to work together above and beyond their personal issues. Sendar needs these three special people to become one whilst being three to make it through the difficult times ahead. If they do not, the Virtus which holds all of Sendar's secrets could destroy them all.
Excerpt
Wrenching Chris by an arm, Duncan led him to a small and quite empty room, pinning him to the wall as soon as he closed the door. “What sick game are you playing with her?”
“Game?” The glue-gray eyes blazed. “I—”
“Be very careful about what you’re about to say, Angel,” he threatened softly. “If I find out you’ve hurt her in any way—”
“I did more than that.” The blue-gray eyes now shone in open dare. “But she loved it. That’s for sure.”
“I don’t believe you.” Not after what he had seen on her beautiful face.
“Then ask her.” Chris, instead, seemed to have no doubts. “I believe it’s no problem for you to find out right now.”
What if he’s right?
Taken aback, the prince released him, hesitating on his next move. Had the concern for his princess’s strained expression gotten the better of him?
For sure, it was driving him into something he had vowed he would never do, interfere in the private matters of the two closest to him.
“Yes, I played that game.” Somehow, the sneaky angel understood it all and took immediate advantage of it. “Though the gods know how you sensed it since she obviously didn’t tell you.”
“She didn’t have to.” Relaxing his stance, Prince Caldwell regarded Chris coldly.
For whatever the reasons that had driven them to repeat a bloody game that had no business existing in his peaceful world, he could not approve of it. Not as a person born and raised in a place that knew no adult violence. Not as a leader of that same world.
“I read it on her face that something wasn’t right.” Still, whatever was eating her could have nothing to do with the game itself, however abject he found it to be.
For he had noticed how all of Chris’s carving the first time around had not turned her off like he would have expected. So she had wanted to try it again. And since she had not suffered any physical harm, something else had obviously upset her. Had the experience been more intense than either she or Chris had imagined?
So something else was responsible for her expression, something that had probably to do with the angel himself.
“And pray, do tell.” Chris returned his icy stare. “Why did you think I had anything to do with it?”
“‘Cause this evening, you dared her to try you. And she did.” The prince frowned, trying to piece together the sensations she had given off. “So what went wrong?”
“Nothing did.” Evidently unable to stand the pressure, the angel lowered his gaze. “All right, so something did.” Save to raise it again in outright provocation. “But I don’t think this is either the time or the place to talk about it.” On the attack again, he pressed his weight against the prince. “Listen, lover. I didn’t mean to hurt her, just wanted to find my way to her like you’ve been telling me to do. And like I’ll have to, if I’ll have to pledge to her,” he whispered seductively.
His husky tone tickling Duncan’s ear, his tongue flickered on it, tracing its edges.
“After all, you’ve been talking about nothing else since you returned.” Pulling back slightly, Chris adjusted his jacket. “To tell you the truth, this pledge thing is a bit sudden for me. I mean, you as a leader and an eventual council seat I might handle. But having her on top of everything else…” The arresting blue-gray eyes misted. “Well, it’s a step too far for me right now.” He shook his head in frustration. “Anyway, since it seems I’ve little choice in the matter—”
“Angel, you have all the choice in the world.” His heart going out to his blond lover, Duncan folded him in his arms.
Not a menacing way anymore, he could have kicked himself for going on the offensive without first analyzing things through.
“Sure I do.” As though resigned, Chris buried his face in Duncan’s chest. “Tell that to my father,” he sneered. “Not that a pledge would be any problem.” Drawing back, he shrugged as though it meant nothing to him. “It would be a real piece of cake,” he snarled maliciously. “Too bad I have no other woman even remotely interesting or that can even come close to being a decent mate. No one I could ask the damn question without hating her for the rest of my life.” He raked his thick hair nervously. “So you see, I’m in deep shit.” He tried his lips on a smile that came out twisted. “And I’ve got you to thank for it all.”
“Me?” Holding him at arm’s length, the prince scrutinized the handsome face. “Why me?”
“‘Cause you played an excellent game.” There was a definite note of admiration, however accusing Chris’s tone sounded. “Making me like her before it became necessary for me to do so.”
“I had no idea it would come down to this.” And that was the goddamn truth!
“That’s the only reason I excuse you.” Suddenly standing down, Chris eased the tension. “But you’ll have to forgive me if I don’t play it your way from now on. And if mine is through pain, rather than pleasure…” He lifted a shoulder as though indifferent to her fate. “Well, she doesn’t seem to mind, so why should you?”
Yeah, why should I? “All right, Angel. I choose to believe you.” Which did not mean he would be foolish enough to ignore how dangerous and unpredictable his phase mate could become. “Explore your pain angle with her all you like.” Taking a step forward, he flattened Chris to the wall again. “But if you ever seriously hurt her, I swear I’ll have your hide.”
“Relax, lover. How could I seriously hurt the only woman I’m eventually going to pledge?” Chris grinned. “It would be against my interest, wouldn’t it?” Reaching up, his lips attacked the prince’s in a ferocious kiss that took Duncan’s breath away. “And now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll return to those hot lays just dying to get a hold of my cock.”
Slipping elegantly from Duncan’s grasp, the angel went for the door and stepped out of the room.
Professional Reviews
Romance at Heart
Christopher Templeton is joint leader along with Prince Duncan Caldwell, and Christopher is an extremely handsome male specimen who by his lover's confession could have anyone he wants as he is tall, elegant, desirable, and has a lithe body that exudes sex from every pore. He loves Duncan with all his heart, yet is annoyed when he wants to bring another woman, Ylianor into their bed, and their already steamy relationship. Christopher has a very jaded view of women, and Ylianor in particular believing them to be unpredictable and fickle, and is under the impression he does not need one in his life. Once Christopher has been left with Ylianor for a while at Blue Oasis, he sees her in a different way, she is not the clinging vine he thought she was originally, and thinks he might have misjudged her. That does not mean his view of her as an interloper has changed, no, he had already made up his mind to loathe her being there, even though he only wants what is best for his lover. A lover of Arthur Fairchild, his former leader, it is interesting that Christopher decided to keep it in the family by being Duncan's lover also. He has a secret resentful streak in his personality he has to try and keep in check, hoping that his lover will not notice. He does have a kind nature, but it is hidden beneath jibes and insults about the woman in Duncan's life.
A handsome man with a huge ego in many ways, Christopher could never imagine anyone being in their bed but Duncan, and he hates to share his love with someone else, especially another woman. He normally likes to keep them at a distance rather than get involved with them and finds it awful that his lover might actually fall for Ylianor. This is set to break their relationship up as he cannot make compromises and is pretty much stubborn about the fact he sees Duncan as his, and his alone. Love is a serious thing where Christopher is concerned, and his obsessive ways have got worse since his lover let Ylianor enter their bedroom. Christopher is a highly sexed type who loves nothing more than to make-love to his male lover which means guilt plays a large part in their relationship at the moment. Christopher is capable of hurting men with his cruelty, and Ylianor has felt the sharp edge of his blade at her throat before, so there is no love lost between them both. His feelings for hurting others could be blamed on his Virt, his power, but could it be that, or just an excuse to use his power and jealousy to fuel his deep seated hatred?
For one who can certainly create an interesting story, Laura Tolomei gives readers a first hand look at an unusual relationship that has the potential to either turn sour, or produce three contented individuals who make it work, and Christopher regardless of his feelings of hatred, and jealousy toward her, he has to please his lover, Duncan by letting him take her to their bed for them all to enjoy. I thought the dialogue significantly conflict based between the two males and the one woman. It made me needs to want the three of them to be happy in some small way and stop their constant bickering long enough to enjoy their love. The Festival: Virtus Saga: Book 3 has all the edge you need to start reading, and keep on finding out more about the character's lives, and what it is that turns them on. The Festival: Virtus Saga: Book 3 is one to buy, but would recommend you read the first two volumes in the saga first as it will make sure youget the full benefit of the story and enjoy the experience to the full. Purchase this novel by Laura Tolomei at eXcite Publishing and immerse yourself in the world of the most sensual characters you will ever meet.
The Romance Read (TRR) rated it 4 Stars
The most gripping part of the story for me was the whole combining of powers that seems to happen when the prince, Chris, and Yilanor come together. Sexually, they are exploring each other in every way imaginable. There is m/m, m/f, m/m/f, and even f/f sex in this book. I guess that's to be expected when you find your power through intercourse. But I found that the sexuality and eroticism flow along with the story. It was fascinating to see the trio navigate this whole new facet of their lives--this power they have--and explore the ways they can use the power sexually. Much more fascinating even was how they found that because of the sexual exploration, they were able to better relate to each other outside of sex as well.
THE FESTIVAL is another entrancing installment of the fantasy romance series the Virtus Saga, and it has a gripping plot, fascinating characters and an immense amount of eroticism. I have a wonderful time reading the series thus far, and I can't wait for more of the series to be unveiled.
The Legend of Vanx Malic: Complete Collection' is a digital box set containing all ten volumes of the International bestselling, award winning, The Legend of Vanx Malic novels.
This is book 2 of my new fantasy trilogy, The Twins of Moon. As Quimbre warns Eefa, 'No world is more riddled with secrets than the eldritch waters we now blithely sail.' Here in the Sea of Stars the twins discover their extraordinary true destiny.
