Marked for Life, by Jaxx Steele

Victor Bradley was raised by a tree sprite after the death of his parents. When he became an adult he moved to the city, but the pull of the forest never left his heart. He took a leave of absence to take care of the only mother he ever knew, but was it his concern for her that brought him back to the forest or was it fate?

SLAVE’s Review

Marked for Life by Jaxx Steele was a truly entertaining short story. I enjoyed the creation/build up of the tension between the hero and foe that lasted for many, many years. The change from fantasy (shifters and fairies) to a more realistic view was done incredibly. To start, I loved Raymond, our 'misunderstood’ nemesis. When he demolished a husband and wife, in wolf form, reverted to human form and reveled in it...I was hooked.

Jaxx, did what he intended to do, provide us with an entertaining story with a beginning, middle and end, but I feel that on this one he just 'broad stroked it'. That is not a bad thing in foreplay or a quickie, yet I just wanted/needed and expected more.
 

However, the story for itself had an easy flow and was an exciting tale of not just love, but retribution, honor and soul mates which is truly a beautiful thing once realized. So I rate this with 3 ½ pens. But I must say this, if Jaxx ever finds the time I would love to see what happens after the story ends with these characters.

Cam's Best Friend, Jaxx Steele

Reynaud Leduc is a Creolyte and endowed with the magical ability to heal anyone. His lover Angele is killed and he is held responsible. As punishment, he was mostly stripped of his magical abilities and shape shifted into an animal form until someone loves him enough to trust him.
Cameron Gamble's café is finally ready to open for business and he can't wait. He has seen a large dog hanging around the building for a while. The dog, Cameron names Mel, seems very smart, gentle and loving so Cameron invites him to live with him. A bond forms between Cameron and Mel that is more than just between a pet and his owner. Will he be enough for Cameron to get over his troubled past?
 
SLAVE's Review
This is a great read. Lots of emotion. I felt the anguish, the anger, the love, even the sex was emotional. I enjoyed learning about the Creolyte people and how they came into being. The Creolyte people were originally regular humans and they evolved where their magical abilities are part of them, but they still retain many human qualities that could create problems if they use their abilities against others. It all seemed plausible.  There were a few questions left unanswered, however, but I look forward to seeing if the author will do a sequel to answer those questions.

4 1/2 pens