Genre: Paranormal, Romance
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
Warlock Jack Webb is at Crofton Hall recovering from spell damage, and his siren heritage is doing him no favours. When he meets Chris, things start to improve, but no one seems to know who or what Chris is, including Chris.
Their best guess is Chris is some sort of really old spectre, but he’s not a ghost or a djinn and somehow his energy is helping to heal Jack. But it’s not just Jack who’s changing. Chris is becoming more corporeal and beginning to remember his past, and why he was put in the jar. Chris is on a path to repentance that no one could have predicted and Jack won’t let him face his past or future on his own.
Repentance is the third Dark Earl novel, including warlocks, elves, fae, strange things in jars, and two damaged souls healing together. Although the third novel, this story could be read as a standalone but best enjoyed as part of the series.
The Review
Warlock Jack Webb was seriously injured while helping Robin Flint save his lover, Prince Simon of the Calanti tribe, and surprisingly, Caitlan Redbourn. Jack is now in residence at Crofton Hall, and Ashley, Alex and Karl are keeping close watch on him. Jack is exhausted, his magic is wonky and he’s feeling useless. He is also concerned that his alternate nature, being siren, could be an issue. He’s kept his ancestry as much of a secret as he can. He’s a well-respected lawyer, and a warlock on the Warlock Rules Committee. But sirens, elves and fae are not easily accepted and are often rejected. And Elves were mean, even to their own.
Ashley Nevin, the Senior Warlock and Jack’s friend, has decided to bring in a new healer, Meredith Byan. But all she does is aggravate Jack, because there is little research on the physiology of sirens. Jack has had enough – he is what he is and that will never change. So he has to deal with the scales, when they show up, as best he can.
Besides Ashley, Karl Venter, the horned demon valet and Alex Reynolds, the elf secretary, add to Jacks issues. They all have their own ideas about spells, potions, wards and what will get Jack back to his normal self. Of course, they are all under the Crofton roof and work for the Dark Earl and vampire Ben Redbourn. Well, except Ashley, who does more than work for Ben.
Then there’s Chris. Chris has been living in a jar for a very long time. He doesn’t know what he is, but he’s unique. He’s very ghostlike, and has no solidity to his body. He doesn’t seem to have magic, like Karl or Alex. What he does have is an echolocation sense, and he get’s his energy from others’ sexual acts.
Chris has now reawakened from a long sleep, and he’s hungry. He certainly takes notice that things have changed when he meets Alex and Karl. He remembers being given as a gift to Anthony by Sebastian Hewel in 1644. Alex, Karl and Chris head off to see Ben, who may be able to answer some of the questions about Chris Ben can also help with getting Chris’s hunger taken care of. After being moved to another room, Chris discovers the most intriguing man in the tub there, and has great concerns about him.
When Jack catches Chris in a precarious position, Jack is willing to give Chris a chance to explain. As Jack and Chris spend time together, changes start to happen. Jack seems to be getting better, and Chris is becoming more solid, to the point he may not be able to live in his jar anymore. Of course, when good things occur, there’s almost always trouble to follow. The elven are on the war path and want to take Chris away.
Chris is a character who is elusive on all levels, naive about many things, and he’s protective and possessive when it comes to Jack. But he’s also a sweetheart. He and Jack turn out to be good for each other.
I loved all the busy bodies in the story: Ashley, Karl and Alex. They just can’t help trying to protect Jack and cause more interruptions then needed. At least Ben, Simon and Sebastian are more level headed, and give their much needed support to Chris and Jack.
Cohen just keeps writing fantastic stories in the “Dark Earls” series. Repentance is especially interesting, because Chris’s character – it’s a lot of fun, filled with humor and emotion and steamy moments, but it does have a serious side too.
I also love how Cohen keeps bringing characters back from the original Crofton series in different roles.
Next up for “Dark Earls”: book four, Interception. Get ready for a dragon!
The Reviewer
Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California. Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018. My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen. New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights. Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read.
I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors.
My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012. She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series. Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book!
As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me. But if a blurb piques my interest I will read the book.
My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing. I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading.
I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews. One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group. Joining her site was such an eye opener. I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre. Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended.
But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.
