Release Blitz: Over the Emerald Valley (Immortal Jewels) by Lee Colgin
Book Details:
Book Title: Over the Emerald Valley: MM Paranormal Fantasy Romance
Author and Publisher: Lee Colgin
Cover Artist: Natasha Snow
Release Date: April 28, 2022
Genre: MM Paranormal/Fantasy Romance
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Sex-worker, Only One Bed
Themes: Things are never black and white, they’re usually grey
Heat Rating: 4 flames
Length: 61 000 words/ 250 pages
It is a standalone story within a series that you don’t need to read at all to understand this book.
It does not end on a cliffhanger.
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#MM, #Paranormal, #Fantasy, #Romance,
Life as a concubine to the devious Viceroy Abasi isn’t so bad. Temaj has food, shelter, and every inch of his skin is draped in emeralds. What’s freedom worth when weighed against the luxury of the palace?
Solon’s dutiful life earned him the rank of army general to the pharaoh. But when he’s sent on a diplomatic mission to an emerald mine rather than into battle, he senses the end of his career and a lonely retirement.
Temaj is gifted to Solon for his stay, but the last person Solon wants in his bed is a slave sent to spy on him—even if he is a gorgeous, silver-tongued vixen of a man.
Trouble brews when emeralds go missing. With only a clever concubine and the viceroy’s harem on his side, can Solon solve the mystery and escape with his life, or are he and Temaj destined to haunt the walls of the palace forever?
***
Over the Emerald Valley is a gay paranormal romance full of snarky banter, dangerous secrets, steamy stolen moments and only one bed. It’s a stand alone novel within the Immortal Jewels series and can be read first or last with no spoilers, no cliffhangers, and always a happily ever after!
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“Ah, fear not.” Abasi raised a bejeweled finger with a flourish and beckoned forth a new group. “I’m told you prefer men, and I’m nothing if not accommodating.”
Solon preferred willing partners, not slaves, but he wouldn’t risk insulting Abasi with his morals.
There was no easy way to get out of this. He’d have to select one of them.
As the newest line of elegant, supple bodies drew close, Solon caught the gaze of a tall man who moved with the feline grace of a street cat. His honey-colored hair hung in long, loose waves over his shoulders, and his pursed lips said he knew what a gem he was.
That light hair marked him as foreign among all the black silken tresses of the other concubines. Northern. From distant lands. How did he end up in an Egyptian harem so far south?
Solon stared. The man wore no paint, no kohl, and no gaudy decorations, just a simple green linen shift belted at the waist. His beauty needed no enhancement.
Rather than cast his gaze demurely at the floor, as the others had done, the blond met Solon’s stare…and winked.
A real smile at such a display of gumption replaced the fake one on Solon’s lips.
Abasi stood, and a servant bustled to move his chair out of the way. “Come, have a look. Shall I introduce them?”
Solon followed his host to the line of concubines. There were fewer men than women, but still quite the selection. Six men and nine women in total.
“That won’t be necessary.” Solon would prefer to retire alone for the night, but if he had to pick… “I’ve made my choice.”
Abasi knocked him on the back so hard Solon nearly stumbled. “I like a man who knows what he wants. Which will it be?”
The blond, without hesitation, stepped forward. Bold. He peered at Solon through half-lidded eyes, gaze intense, as if daring him to suggest anyone but himself.
“Him.” Solon gestured to the brazen slave, who only then deigned to lower his gaze.
“Ah, well chosen. That is Temaj, a beauty from the north and a wild cat beneath the sheets, or so I’m told. My tastes don’t run toward men.”
“Then why have them in your harem?” The question was out of Solon’s mouth before he could think better of asking. Luckily, the viceroy didn’t seem offended. Rather, the man laughed.
“A proper harem must contain both, dear Solon, for how else are you to please all your guests?”
Solon would never understand the lives of the rich or the royal. When he retired from the army, he wanted only a plot of land, a good mule, decent tools, and, if he was very lucky, perhaps someone to share it with, though he expected to end up alone.
“How do you want him?” asked Abasi.
Solon cocked his head. “What do you mean?”
Abasi gestured to Temaj, who stood silently as if he didn’t mind two men discussing him as if he weren’t there. “How do you want him dressed? Done up? What are your preferences?”
“Oh. Nothing,” said Solon.
Temaj startled and bestowed on him a glower that would send a dog’s tail sticking between its legs.
4 out of 5 (very good)
OVER THE EMERALD VALLEY is a standalone story within the Immortal Jewels series. I haven't read any of the other books in this series although I do love the Outcasts series.
This book is set in ancient Egypt where Solon has been sent on a mission to visit some remote emerald mines where the Pharaoh thinks he is being short-changed. Once there, he is 'gifted' with Temaj, a concubine who may or may not be there to spy on him. He resists the attraction, but not for too long. Temaj has had a rough life but is now making the best of it. Will he help Solon rock the boat, or will he decide he is too comfortable?
I liked how Temaj was able to draw Solon out of himself, although I found his bratty attitude a bit much at times. I know it was his character but it didn't seem to fit with his role all of the time. Abasi must have been a very laidback owner to allow him to speak in such ways in public. Temaj was also able to make Solon see things differently, and I loved his comparisons as he tried to make Solon understand his point of view.
The supporting characters were wonderful and I couldn't help a pang of sadness with Temaj at the thought of not seeing Seli or Met again. And Solon with Neku. I am hoping we will see more of Solon and Temaj's life with Eshe in different books.
Overall, this was a very good read that kept my attention to the end. Recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Lee Colgin has loved vampires since she read Dracula on a hot, sunny beach at 13 years old. She lives in North Carolina with lots of dogs and her husband. No, he's not a vampire, but she loves him anyway. Lee likes to workout so she can eat the maximum amount of cookies with her pizza. Ask her how much she can bench press.
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