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Concubine

3.88 of 5 stars 3.88 · rating details · 887 ratings · 114 reviews

A BDSM LGBT Futuristic Fantasy

Scholar, captain...war prize. Prince Kael of Korai is stunned when his father gives him to an enemy warlord in a desperate attempt to salvage Korai's reputation. With his country's honor at stake, Kael resolves to submit to Warlord Taren's every debauched whim.

But life in Zandria isn't anything like what Kael imagined. Instead of pain and crue...more

ebook, 148 pages

Published August 10th 2010 by Loose Id LLC (first published August 2010)

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Apr 22, 2013 genao rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Sluts like me—with silicone-based lube and loads of free time.

Recommended to genao by: MostlyDelores

Shelves: novella

A story so stunningly juvenile and silly, I kept wondering if I'd somehow suffered brain trauma without realizing it.

...to match the trauma to my poor cock, you see, which I have abused mercilessly for days, on account of the insanely sexy smut scenes.

In fact, at one point I simply found it convenient to forego the use of pants altogether, thus permitting easy access to my previously-slicked genitalia at a moment's notice, whenever bothersome tumescence occurred.

It got so bad I took a three-day...more

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Mar 25, 2011 Tam rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, fantasy, wizards-magic, demons-angels, bdsm

4.5 stars

In this fantasy story, Kael is a scholar and army leader in his country. They are at war against a neighboring country who are half-demons and have decimated Kael's army. At the formal cessation talks, Kael is stunned to find that his father has gifted him to the warlord, Taren, as his concubine. Kael's country does not condone gay relationships, and he is shocked to say the least that his father would betray him this way. However, he knows if he doesn't do his duty, more people will di...more

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Aug 19, 2011 DarienMoya rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m-a-z-challenge-2011, 2011-reads, demon, fave-books-of-2011, favorites, otherness, my-m-m-lovin, butt-virgins

^^LOVE ME SOME PURPLE!^^

More of my reviews and thoughts on my blog PANTS OFF REVIEWS

Concubine was just pure awesome, I am in all kinds of love with the world the author created. Although, Taren influenced my liking that sexy purple demon who makes me want to burn all my pants. It was incredibly sexy, sweet, and downright sinful. Concubine is so much more than its cover.

We meet Prince Kael, respected and loved by his people and captain of their army. His life is good, but he hates the fighting a...more ^^LOVE ME SOME PURPLE!^^

More of my reviews and thoughts on my blog PANTS OFF REVIEWS

Concubine was just pure awesome, I am in all kinds of love with the world the author created. Although, Taren influenced my liking that sexy purple demon who makes me want to burn all my pants. It was incredibly sexy, sweet, and downright sinful. Concubine is so much more than its cover.

We meet Prince Kael, respected and loved by his people and captain of their army. His life is good, but he hates the fighting and wishes it to end, because the death of his people could have been avoided if only his father had listened. Fighting a war with the demons will eventually lead to their demise, cus they fight like the devil himself. So when his country is about to lose it all, what does his father do (the king)? Gives him up as a war prize, to be concubine to warlord Taren. Did his father miss the part where he was a guy and a fecking Prince!

So being the honour bound guy that Kael is, he decides to submit to Taren for the good of his people. Where he thought the demon would have just bent him over the closest surface. Taren begins a slow seduction and teaches Kael about his world. Leaving the prince confused and angry, because he has always been attracted to women but Taren is bringing out some serious feelings. Plus, all the bondage play is turning Kael on something fierce leading him to call himself some hateful names.

Through it all it quite apparent that they care for each other. In the beginning the relationship might have been one of his master and slave, but I felt that somehow they evolved to something more. On the surface, it looks like Taren is in charge, but if you look closely Kael holds the card. Because Taren would be beastly without him.

I loved Taren; purple is my new fave color. Let me tell you cum has never been particular attractive to me, but somehow a lavender color most definitely kicks it up a notch. It reminds me of sunshine and rainbows *winks*. I also loved the scales, jeez its like keep me away from the fishes, because scales is the new sexy. I guess I could talk about Taren's height, but whom the fuck cares; the man is sex on legs. I equally am a little obsessed with Kael call me a character slut.

(less)

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Oct 18, 2010 Mel rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-book, m-m, short-stories-anthologies

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jan 18, 2012 Emma rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: slave, enemies, mystery

Very enjoyable. Not dub-con at all: Kael and Taren find twue wuv and Kael finds happiness and ultimate sexual fulfillment in submission. The story is about who in the palace wants to get rid of Kael, and this plot is served up in teeny slices in between copious amounts of sex involving lavender oil, glass dildos, ring gags, restraints, and a three-quarters-demon cock.

The writing was competent overall, even if some of the smex got a bit purple. A few details dragged me out of the world of the sto...more

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MandyM Not really my type of book but I LOVE the attention you give to the fabric!! I just have visions of ripping velvet as soon as someone bends their knee...more
updated 18. Januar, 09:47 Uhr

Ayanna Actually, now that you mention it, there really was a lot of purpley sex...
I did rather like the story, though. Kael was ridiculously adorable in a st...more
10. November, 21:59 Uhr

Ayanna Know what? I was rereading Concubine and I came to make a comment about the fabric (Maybe she actually meant velour. That stuff's sort of like velvet,...more
12. Februar, 01:23 Uhr

Jan 17, 2011 BarkLessWagMore rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-book

Wow, simply fantastic and thoroughly entertaining. This is a book to grab when you need to be taken away from reality. Now I fear every book I read in this genre will pale in comparison.

My full review was written for a newsletter and I can't repost it, but it has been archived on the website HERE if you want to torture yourself with more of my gushing.

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Mar 24, 2013 Mercy rated it 3 of 5 stars

I ended up really disappointed with this. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad but I think the positive review from a friend raised my expectation.

Basically my issue with it, is that the whole story was very shallow. It felt to me like the author had reasons for the way things played out but never explained them. I wish we had more insight into the character's motives for their behaviour.

I'll go into a little more detail in the spoiler tags, but do my best not to give any part of the plot away!

(vie ...more I ended up really disappointed with this. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad but I think the positive review from a friend raised my expectation.

Basically my issue with it, is that the whole story was very shallow. It felt to me like the author had reasons for the way things played out but never explained them. I wish we had more insight into the character's motives for their behaviour.

I'll go into a little more detail in the spoiler tags, but do my best not to give any part of the plot away!

(view spoiler)

Overall it was good, just not as good as I hoped. It was cute and sweet, romantic with the beginning of a lot of thought behind it, even if it didn't come through in the writing.

I wish it hadn't been so expensive, if it cost less money I might be less disappointed but I expected more from an ebook at that price :(

You'll probably enjoy it well enough, but it is fluff with a plot that shouldn't be fluffy. A fair bit of the BDSM is just tacked on there without any lead up or reasoning. The writing is pretty good though, which can improve anything :)(less)

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Jan 13, 2013 WillowBe rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: men-loving-men

This could have been so much better! Ms, Knowles has the skills! But she simply plugged into a standard romance formula. I admit a preference for certain kinds of noncon, but this story was at the other end of the scale for how quickly the main charactar adapted. Stockholm syndrome, much? Once the "love question" waws answered, there was nowhere to go but more sex, each becoming increaseingly "out there".

I reallly dislike the trend to lend "edginess" by having S&M in the plot! With the rela...more

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Oct 30, 2012 Charly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Sex-heavy, but with a pretty good plot also

Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.

Rating: 7/10

PROS:
- There’s a definite yaoi influence here: Taren is small and feminine looking, with delicate features and long, silky hair. But the men’s roles are the opposite of what they typically are in yaoi-influenced stories (that is, the smaller, more effeminate character is not strictly the bottom), which I found refreshing.
- Taren, with his early silence and his calm demea...more Sex-heavy, but with a pretty good plot also

Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.

Rating: 7/10

PROS:
- There’s a definite yaoi influence here: Taren is small and feminine looking, with delicate features and long, silky hair. But the men’s roles are the opposite of what they typically are in yaoi-influenced stories (that is, the smaller, more effeminate character is not strictly the bottom), which I found refreshing.
- Taren, with his early silence and his calm demeanor, establishes himself immediately as a confident, controlling character. But he doesn’t have the kind of arrogance that I find annoying; he’s never contemptuous or malicious. In fact, I thought he was a nice mixture of warrior, master, and lover: he’s indulgent and gentle even as he’s uncompromising and stern.
- Kael’s growing affection for Taren is gradual and convincingly written.
- I enjoyed reading the sex scenes. They don’t turn sweet and romantic until well into the story, but even the early ones I found entertaining because sex is basically forbidden in Kael’s country, so he approaches everything he and Taren do in that department with wide-eyed awe and curiosity. The subtle physical differences between Kael and Taren (human and half-demon, respectively) are also rather amusing.
- Knowles does a good job of describing the splendor of the palace where Taren lives with just the right amount of sumptuous detail.

CONS:
- I was a little taken aback by how easily Kael accepts the whole being-sold-into-slavery situation. He does THINK of it with shame, but outwardly he puts up very little resistance. (There *is* an explanation for this in the story--he doesn’t want to dishonor his country by refusing his new owner anything--but it felt thin to me.)
- The whole story is from Kael’s perspective, and there were times when I really wanted a closer look at Taren. I think that would have pushed him from a likeable character to a loveable one for me.
- The author often uses descriptors instead of the characters’ names (“the warlord,” “the smaller man,” “the half demon,” etc.) to identify which character is doing what, and they started to bother me just a bit.

Overall comments: This isn’t badly written, but it’s not incredible either. Knowles relies often on cliché phrases and sentences that don’t actually say much, like this: “Kael was getting heartily sick and tired of the constant changes the past days had thrown at him.” That said, I liked the story here just fine, and there are some good sex scenes (some of which--fair warning--incorporate dubious consent on Kael’s part) with only a small helping of angst.(less)

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Jul 09, 2012 Mary Davis rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Gay Romance

Shelves: books-read-2012

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. B&N Synopsis:

"Scholar, captain...war prize?

Prince Kael of Korai is stunned when his father gives him to an enemy warlord in a desperate attempt to salvage Korai's reputation. With his country's honor at stake, Kael resolves to submit to Warlord Taren's every debauched whim.

But life in Zandria isn't anything like what Kael imagined. Instead of pain and cruelty, Warlord Taren seduces Kael until the bewildered prince craves his Master's every intimate caress. As he sinks into the decadent, sens...more B&N Synopsis:

"Scholar, captain...war prize?

Prince Kael of Korai is stunned when his father gives him to an enemy warlord in a desperate attempt to salvage Korai's reputation. With his country's honor at stake, Kael resolves to submit to Warlord Taren's every debauched whim.

But life in Zandria isn't anything like what Kael imagined. Instead of pain and cruelty, Warlord Taren seduces Kael until the bewildered prince craves his Master's every intimate caress. As he sinks into the decadent, sensual life of a concubine, Kael makes a powerful enemy, one who wants him removed from Zandria by any means necessary.

Betrayed by his body, trapped by his honor, Kael must learn to trust his Master or get them both killed."

I need to read more m/m relationships without the BDSM, because one of the biggest problems I have is buying the idea that a man would be so submissive to another man, so quickly. I have read books where it didn't bother me, but I struggled with this one. On the one hand, yes I get that Kael is being a dutiful son. On the other hand, I don't believe in these quick capitulations. Maybe I'm just ultra-sensitive to the idea of anyone controlling another, beside a parent-child relationship. Regardless, the sex scenes were hot, but inside I was screaming at Kael to show some backbone, to fight a little harder for some independence - something! He's practically a cooped up prisoner, and I don't buy that he doesn't try to find a way to get out of the rooms, explore, walk around and meet others - just doesn't sit well with me.

OK, maybe I'm expecting too much. I also had a problem with the so-called Concubine group, who apparently can't produce decent concubines, which I don't buy either. Nor do I think that one person showing up is going to disrupt the entire system. That's a bit ridiculous.

However, despite these flaws, I was a bit intrigued by the demon; half-demon; and human realms - some that exist together, some seperately. I would have liked to have a broader picture of the society in general, and not just the uber-rich, or the servent class. I also would have liked more of Kael's back-story, his family life, etc., as well as Taren's. Would have made a better story, I think.(less)

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Feb 15, 2012 blub rated it 3 of 5 stars

I thought I would like this book more since I've been hearing great things about it but it didn't really meet my expectations. There were elements in the book I liked and would have liked to have detailed (ex. Kael and Taren getting to know each other more, the ordeals Kael went through, etc.). The horse analogy was a nice touch but I think Kael should have realized sooner what Taren was doing.

Kael was a lot more receptive to the idea of living his new life than I expected someone in that situa...more

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Jan 19, 2012 Kazza rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favourites

My first Jill Knowles book and I loved it. The book reminded me of J L Langley's Sci-Regency and Megan Hart's Order Of Solace series, both of which I can't get enough of. I only wish this was a series because, although it was short, it was good in world building and character development. I truly could visualise the descriptions, not always easy with some writers.

Concubine also had things that work for me personally, master/slave, BDSM, hot sex, M/M, fantasy and an intense connection between th...more

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Jan 05, 2011 Elisa Ramblings added it · review of another edition

In a fantasy world where being a concubine is not the best expectation for your future, but it’s not even a dishonorable end, Kael, youngest son of the prince of Korai, is given as a pawn to the brother of the King of Zandria, the warlord Taren.

Now if you expect the usual Master and slave story, with Kael being a little and pretty man and Taren the strong and rude warrior who will master him, then you are prime for a surprise. The first description you have of Taren is “The warlord was half a h...more In a fantasy world where being a concubine is not the best expectation for your future, but it’s not even a dishonorable end, Kael, youngest son of the prince of Korai, is given as a pawn to the brother of the King of Zandria, the warlord Taren.

Now if you expect the usual Master and slave story, with Kael being a little and pretty man and Taren the strong and rude warrior who will master him, then you are prime for a surprise. The first description you have of Taren is “The warlord was half a hand span below average in height and lacked the heavy muscles of a man used to swinging a broadsword”, so not exactly an intimidating character; moreover later in the novel the reader will receive other details that will help him to imagine Taren as the pretty man you were expecting to be Kael.

And Kael? He is the captain of the roya guard, he is skilled with the sword and an expert in tactics, but sincerely, from here and there, I had of him an idea of a man who was not happy with his role, who would have preferred to be a scholar, to work more with his mind than his body, and above all, he seemed to me a bit too much fussy; indead he was perfect for the role of a princeling, because it was clear that he was used to be served, even if he had a coscience that sometime made him wonder if it was right for him to be so privileged. But the thought was passing and soon forgotten.

Another point that allowed Kael to be able to adapt to the turn from warrior to concubine, is that he had already had gay “curiosity”; in the society in where Kael was living, homosexuality is not illegal but neither fully accepted, gay men are still ostracized even if they were not forbidden to follow their feelings. But for a princeling, for a warrior, it was not allowed, he has responsibilities and duties; responsabilities and duties that his father conveniently forgets when he decides to “gift” Kael as a concubine to a man, well knowing his fate.

In a way I think Kael was grateful for the escape he was given: he can now fully explore man to man sex with the solace that he is “obliged” that is not really his choice; more he is doing the “honorable” thing, obeying his father’s command. It was quite funny when they tried to “rescue” him, and he was like “let me go, let me go, I have to sacrifice myself… having satisfying sex with my captor!”

And with that I introduced the sex factor: the story is very much centered on the debauching of Kael (that as I said is not so much against the idea); more than a warrior society, Kael seems to have moved in a free sex community; no one is questioning his role as concubine, the only problem they have, apparently, is that he is enjoying too much being one, and in his enthusiasm, he is making look bad the real “professionals” of the concubine guild.

Concubine is more light than what I was expecting, as usual I have always the feeling that the fantasy setting has to be for an “heavy” story, but this is not the case.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00466H36I/?...(less)

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Jan 04, 2011 ValerieC rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: jill-knowles

This was a book I saw on Amazon and bought on impulse because the story sounded really interesting and different for me. I stayed up all night reading it. I almost never give a book 5 stars, but this one had me in it's grip.

There are lots of other GoodReads reviews about it, so I won't bother to try and explain the plot again. I found this story to be so sad and disturbing that it still bothers me the day after (time to start a new 'happy' book, I always say).

So many questions come to mind:

- How...more This was a book I saw on Amazon and bought on impulse because the story sounded really interesting and different for me. I stayed up all night reading it. I almost never give a book 5 stars, but this one had me in it's grip.

There are lots of other GoodReads reviews about it, so I won't bother to try and explain the plot again. I found this story to be so sad and disturbing that it still bothers me the day after (time to start a new 'happy' book, I always say).

So many questions come to mind:

- How quickly can a mentally strong person accept dominance from an enemy?
- How quickly can a person deal with what would be an ultimate betrayal by a parent?
- How quickly can a person change their perceived sexuality?
- How quickly could a person live with the fact that they could never again live in their own country because of the knowledge that they had been subjected to a sexual bondage that is totally unacceptable there and would never be forgotten if he returned?

The main protagonist, Kael goes through a life-altering journey that most would not survive mentally without committing suicide or becoming deeply depressed, but he is aided by his new owner Taren's non-violent positive persuasion, compassion, and understanding to accept his fate as much as possible in the first half of the book. Like the allusion to breaking a horse that is in the book... we will do it step by step, but you will comply.

Kael's very strong sense of duty and honor to his people also help him survive such an extreme change of life, although I found that his compliance with Taren and his acceptance of a non-heterosexual bondage was a little too easy and rushed... most men would probably not accept so easily, they would try to hold on to their perceived sexual identity a lot longer (certainly longer than 2-3 days)... even fight it more forcefully, or submit to the stronger man but it would be clear it wasn't enjoyed. Kael does suffer a fair amount of humiliation and mental anguish, but less than a person likely would in reality. He even ruminates on the fact that he submitted to easily. He isn't even very passive-aggressive. Lets just flip that and say it is a heterosexual-identity woman who is forced to become a concubine to another physically-dominant woman... for me, there would be a lot of violence even if I had the knowledge that I could not prevail, not to mention all the depression that would result from a betrayal from a parent, and never being able to go home again. And there is no mistake in this story; Taren makes it clear that Kael has no choice. And Kael knows that he could break the treaty, but he would never be able to live in his own society again.

The bright spot in this relationship is that the two men have respect for each other on many levels, as soldiers, intellectually, etc. Taren even tells Kael (when Kael finally experiences the breakdown anyone would) how much he respects his mental strength to overcome the changes he has. Obviously Taren sensed that Kael would accept dominance and non-heterosexual sex, and he didn't really harm Kael, ever. For Taren's part, his demon side knows that Kael is his mate, and he truly does love him. He never ridicules Kael, although he does humiliate him from time to time with nusity, collars, leashes, etc... this apparently seems to be a cultural thing, because Taren is proud of Kael.

The BDSM here isn't extreme. I know this is a sex book, but a little less would have been welcome and more of a developing relationship between Kael and Taren would have made this a better story. There just isn't that much conversation.

Where the book really fell apart for me was in the epilogue, even though it was it was supposed to show a HEA. Instead of a bawdy show, I would have loved to see a glimpse of a few years into the future where Kael was a scholar or a respected part of Taren's staff and not considered just a concubine (by himself)... something productive and positive for him.

I will likely read this book again in a couple of years because it is a good story.(less)

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Apr 11, 2012 Nicole rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this bit of erotica. It was mainly sex with a small plot, but sometimes, that's exactly what I want. The proofing was as good as--or better than--any mass-market book I've read. That is extremely rare in the genre. From my experience with Loose Id (which is limited so far), they tend to proof better than most, but their editing still isn't great. So I'm guessing that Ms. Knowles is either very exacting in her own work or has great betas.

The plot is short-story length, but filled...more I really enjoyed this bit of erotica. It was mainly sex with a small plot, but sometimes, that's exactly what I want. The proofing was as good as--or better than--any mass-market book I've read. That is extremely rare in the genre. From my experience with Loose Id (which is limited so far), they tend to proof better than most, but their editing still isn't great. So I'm guessing that Ms. Knowles is either very exacting in her own work or has great betas.

The plot is short-story length, but filled out with vivid, visceral, bondage-domination scenes and some very mild s&m. The sexual politics were interesting, if a little thinly explained, but the sexual philosophy was great, and a real breath of fresh air. I was a little unclear on the author's conception of the word 'whore' in this context, as I'm not sure how it applied to Kael, but it was a small thing.

In terms of negatives, the prose was a little clunky at times, made so mostly by the constant switches in descriptive adjectives. When I'm reading a hot scene that is really flowing, my eye scans nouns mainly to make sure I know where the characters are placed. So if I see 'Taryn', then I just gloss over it, barely reading it--like 'T:'. If, on the other hand, I see 'Taryn', then 'the Warlord', then 'the half demon' (which isn't even accurate, according to the story's text,) then 'the smaller man'; and a series of changing descriptors for Kael as well...that just means I need to parse the whole name every time, and brings me out of the action. T and K are easily distinguished, and reading Taryn and Kael--or any of the pairs of descriptors she prefers--would improve the sex scenes tremendously. New descriptors should only be used when their description is specifically important to the moment, AND enhances that moment.

Also, sometimes, word choice was kind of odd. Like in the forensics scene, where the forensic specialist uses the words 'pussy' and 'ass' professionally. This despite the fact that I remember clearly the author using the word 'anal' at other times. If the word 'anal' is used, then 'anus' can be used, and that would be preferable, in a professional setting, to 'ass'. And if you can use, 'anus', you can use 'vagina'. IMO. If the point was to be a little bitter, it failed for me. I did not find it bitter, just weird.

I also agree with some readers' comments on anachronistic fabrics. Not because it's clear what level of technology the culture has reached, but because it doesn't seem to fit with what else we see of things.

The final scene I found kind of difficult to follow and a little embarrassing, but since there was no sex, I didn't mind.

Overall, I found the plot just substantial enough to support the characters, the characters just fleshed-out enough to support the sex, and the sex generally stellar. The sex brings this novella from a 3 to a 4-star.(less)

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Apr 01, 2011 Shira Anthony rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, m-m-slash, smut, captor-captive

I have to say I enjoyed this book, although it was not a "deep" read by any stretch of the imagination. It was well-written and substantial enough, and the sex scenes were satisfying. That said, the subject matter isn't all that original - I've read a number of other books where a prince or some other noble from a straight-laced, homosexual-hating country/region becomes a submissive to a powerful dom and learns to explore his latent sexuality.

Without going any more into the details of the plot...more

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Aug 11, 2010 Betryal rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. 4.5 on this one.

Red Hot! The contents of this book makes your blood boil, your skin prickle and your desire flow, it’s completely an erotic tale in the BDSM genre from the heat of the scenes that take place. There’s a sneaky plot that even develops within the story that eventually unfolds. You might not want to miss experiencing this appetizing and tasty morsel of a read. Also, I wouldn’t say that this book is first person because it’s written in third, but it could surpass as one since it all...more 4.5 on this one.

Red Hot! The contents of this book makes your blood boil, your skin prickle and your desire flow, it’s completely an erotic tale in the BDSM genre from the heat of the scenes that take place. There’s a sneaky plot that even develops within the story that eventually unfolds. You might not want to miss experiencing this appetizing and tasty morsel of a read. Also, I wouldn’t say that this book is first person because it’s written in third, but it could surpass as one since it all generally is told by one character’s POV only.

For a half-demon which is pointed out to us repeatedly and a warlord, Taren is surprisingly caring and patient in taking his time with prepping Kael to be his concubine after Kael is given to the warlord by his father and the feeling of betrayal is great. Kael has never been with a man so he’s virginal in every way in pleasing another of his same sex. Taren takes Kael to the heights of pleasure in masterful ways of seducing Kale, feeding into Kael’s feelings of doubts, betrayal and deception only to have them replaced with mind numbing pleasures, which lead to admiration, companionship and even trust between them as Kael settles gradually into the acceptance of his submissive role.

Apart from the over excessive use of a few words repeatedly the story is finely tuned, verbally well written, masterfully done and I would recommend this one to the BDSM lovers who like these types of genre but with a lighthearted touch to it. You won’t find brutality or pain or mistreatment in the erotic acts other than what should be rightfully painful along with just the control of a master’s erotic touch and the submissive surrender. As the reader, I was completely swept up and swallowed up into their world of eroticism, bondage, and play and had no problems connecting with both characters. Kael’s reactions, nicely detailed took me there and Taren’s soft spoken words kept me enthralled, it penetrated my senses and left me so deeply seated into this book that I was left with wanting more.
(less)

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Aug 28, 2011 Jane rated it 1 of 5 stars Recommends it for: anyone who doesn't know anything about bdsm and the equipment used.

Recommended to Jane by: booklist on goodreads

When one is writing bdsm it is important IMO to let the readers get to know the characters. Basically I had not feel or empathy for the characters.

I felt the author was rushing us past this in an attempt to get to the bdsm. I felt she was rushing instead of tapping into feelings...which I feel play a big part in any bdsm novel.

Also...it fell flat as the author kept reminding the reader many times what a concubine is based on the thoughts of the concubine himself. So although he was unwilling t...more

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Sep 22, 2012 Lilia Ford rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotic-fantasy, mm-erotic, non-con-dub-con-captive, bdsm, slave-pet, uber-alphas

This book bears a lot of similarities to Lisa Henry's Tribute, which I read first but was published later, so I cannot help but think of the books in relationship to each other. Both stories deal with the experience of a young prince being given as a sex slave to a warlord as part of a peace treaty. The comparison does not harm either book, because unsurprisingly the authors focus on very different things.

[Mild Spoilers Alert]
Concubine is not as stressful a read for several reasons. The bond be...more

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Oct 10, 2010 Aurora Alexander rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is a well written story that should have worked, but didn't. Probably a case of it hitting all the wrong buttons for me. Something was missing and I just could not wrap my head around a hea for Kael given the circumstances. The fact that I was not shown the psychological reasons why Taren couldn't have an equal partner outside the bedroom and why Kael would accept the life of a concubine (other than duty) pretty much ruined the story for me and left me feeling dissatisfied. I love BDSM stor...more

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Apr 28, 2013 Maarja rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: magic, romance, epic-fantasy

As most of the reviewers have said, the writing was good and the book was definitely hot, but I found the storyline unrealistic and lacking in character motivation.

(view spoiler)...more

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Apr 15, 2013 Xandra rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: enemies-to-lovers, fantasy-pnr-sci-fi, mm-romance, slaves

The war between the small country of Korai and the decadent, demon-tainted Zandria ends in a painful alliance: Price Kael of Korai is offered as a concubine to the half-demon warlord Taren. Grim fate for a royal price and a respected warrior.

Interesting premise, poor execution.

After Kael wakes up in Taren’s palace and is immediately forced to give him a handjob, the book can only be described as: SEX. Where was the plot? Where is the gradual building of trust, the concern for Kael’s feelings, t...more

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Nov 18, 2011 Zombetha Vexation rated it 3 of 5 stars

I'm a little torn about this book. 90% of it was actually really hot, but then THAT happened! (If you've already read the book, you know what I mean - See Beth's review. If you haven't, when you get to the epilogue, just stop, you'll thank me later.) This is actually my strongest memory of this book, just going, WHAT!?! NOOOOO, towards the end. Other than that, I only had a couple other problems. One was that I wasn't quite sure what outcome I was supposed to be hoping for, that Kael would becom...more

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Aug 16, 2010 Michele Montgomery rated it 5 of 5 stars

Just having read this book, I have to say that the two main characters are still with me. I simply adore Prince Kael and his Master Taren. I also have a new appreciation for the color purple.

Jill did a wonderful job with character description and development that I find myself wishing this was one of those 500 page books. I simply did't want it to end. When I started reading this interesting tale I was really wondering how a Prince would adjust to his new lower status in life by being Taren's c...more

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Mar 16, 2011 SirenBookReviews rated it 3 of 5 stars

Once again, Loose Id delivers beautifully on another trope. The prince-turned-slave trope is one I've always enjoyed, and I loved the author's use of demons here. It added a little twist and some mysteriousness to the usual storyline, making it less typical but still enjoyable.

I did not enjoy the sex scenes as much as I wanted to, which is what kept this from being a four stone review. They weren't bad, but they weren't as hot as they could have been considering the content.

The cover is absolute...more

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May 14, 2013 Margo (DamesUnrestrained.blogspot.com) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: bdsm, better-than-chocolate-books, erotic, fantasy, gay-male-love, hot-sex, reading-it-over-and-over-and-over

Summary
The Prince of a defeated nation, Kael, is surrendered by his father to be the winning Warlord's concubine. Kael discovers an unexpected attraction to his new, male owner, Taren, and must overcome the sexual mores with which he was raised to enjoy this new relationship. Should Kael anger his new master, his family and his country could pay the price so he must strive to please Taren even when it goes against his instincts. This is a fish out of water story in multiple ways with fantasy and...more

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Oct 29, 2011 Tugcenin rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 10-2011-october-books, m-m

I have to admit that I liked the story even though it was fantasy and I am usually not very good with fantasy books. This one wasn't full of fantasy elements to make me remember about it's genre all the time.

The medieval setting was quite interesting and enough details were there to imagine the life style in the Kingdom and by that, it didn't feel unbelievably surreal.

I truly liked both MCs, they had very different personalities yet they felt good together. Kael was a warrior out of duty and a...more

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Sep 13, 2010 Lily rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: bdsm-kinks-master-sub, ebook, m-m, fantasy-paranormal, what-i-read-in-2010

Despite being the Captain of the Gold Company in his father's kingdom Prince Kael of Korai is a gentle man who would have preferred a more scholarly life for himself. When an ill-advised war ends with Korai's loss to the neighboring country of Zandria the Prince finds himself a casualty of war when his father, and King, gives Kael to Warlord Taren of Zandria.

Taren is a half-demon and Kael, honor bound to serve, has no idea what his future will be like when he is forced to submit to the other man...more Despite being the Captain of the Gold Company in his father's kingdom Prince Kael of Korai is a gentle man who would have preferred a more scholarly life for himself. When an ill-advised war ends with Korai's loss to the neighboring country of Zandria the Prince finds himself a casualty of war when his father, and King, gives Kael to Warlord Taren of Zandria.

Taren is a half-demon and Kael, honor bound to serve, has no idea what his future will be like when he is forced to submit to the other man's every wish. But Kael is in for a surprise when Taren sets out to seduce, rather than force, his new concubine. As Kael and Taren grow closer outside forces conspire against them and before long they're fighting for their very lives.

What I liked...

I really liked both protagonists, Prince Kael and Warlord Taren. The men are very different from each other, not only the fact that Taren is half-demon, but also their temperaments and lifestyle choices. While Kael led his men out of duty but would have preferred a life other than that Taren excels as a leader and truly seems made for that life. Taren is also a Master and slowly brings out Kael's submissive side and I felt the Master/concubine (sub) aspect of the story was well told. The sex scenes in the story are well-written and quite erotic and only got better as their relationship deepened.

I also really enjoyed the world building and found the medieval-styled kingdom quite interesting. The author gives enough detail to make the storyline, settings and goings-on feel 'real' and I was invested in Kael and Taren throughout.

What I didn't like...

As the story progressed I found the author's repeated use of the phrase half-demon excessive and annoying. Also while I appreciated the fact that she chose to make Taren the smaller of the two after a while that too was overused. I feel the same when I read stories where the Dom is the taller and more imposing man and the other is always referred to as the smaller man. The constant reminder feels unnecessary.

Overall...

Concubine is a well-written and entertaining story. Kael and Taren are well-drawn characters and their relationship is quite interesting. It's BDSM-lite enough that it won't be a problem for most readers and the addition of magic, a bit of a mystery and some very erotic yet tender moments made this an engaging read.

There are no heavy scenes or painful punishments in this story. In fact Taren is a surprisingly caring and understanding Master. This fantasy tale is a must read for fans of the author and should appeal to readers who enjoy both fantasy and BDSM themed books. Recommended. (less)

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Sep 04, 2010 Nicci rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: bdsm, fantasy, m-m-romance

Prince Kael as a spoil of war is introduced to the lifestyle traditions of his enemies, which are outlawed in his country. He becomes the concubine to Taren, the warlord of Zandria. Taren is half demon and half human. Taren is surprisingly compassionate yet demanding. He trains Kael in the ways of the concubine with a gentle hand considering Zandria employs strong BSDM elements as a way of life. Kael must overcome preconceived ideas of his upbringing if he’s going to survive and submit. He relie...more

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Jul 09, 2011 Liz Blue rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: bdsm, ebook, fantasy, m-m-romance, own

Kael is a prince and a military leader. After his nation is defeated, he is handed over to one of the victors as a concubine as part of the reparations. His honor demands that he submit, but it's far from easy for him.

The nonconsensual/ dubious consent stuff is not something I generally enjoy in contemporaries, but I can enjoy it in fantasy. (Far enough from reality, I guess.) In any case, I really enjoyed this one. The worldbuilding/ plot definitely took a backseat to the romance & sex, but...more

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About Jill Knowles

Jill is a former archaeologist turned full-time writer. In her spare time, she makes fine silver jewelry and is learning glass blowing. She lives in Tucson, Arizona, and is owned by far too many cats.

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Books by Jill Knowles

A Pirate's Primer (Chronicles of the Grey Lady, #1)

A Pirate's Dream (Chronicles of the Grey Lady, #2)

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Quotes from Concubine

“Princes are fighters or administrators. Neither of those things do much to spread joy in the world. Whores, concubines, and catamites, on the other hand, are all about giving satisfaction. Now granted, sexual pleasure is a temporary sort of happiness, but it is better than a new tax or a sword in the gut.” — 2 people liked it

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