What do you think?
Rate this book
SoulShares #1
Hard As Stone
Tiernan Guaire is a Fae in exile. Forced from the Realm into the human world for the unimaginable crime of a brother’s murder, he lives by a century-old vow, to trust no one, and never to allow himself to love or be loved.
Kevin Almstead has just lost his future, to a vote of the partners at his law firm. Trying to escape for an evening, he ventures into Purgatory, the hottest all-male nightclub in Washington, D.C., where he allows himself to be seduced by a stranger with long blond hair and ice-blue eyes.
Drawn into a Soulshare bond with his intended one-night stand, Tiernan soon learns that the most ancient and evil enemy of the Fae still walks the human world, and it will stop at nothing – certainly not Kevin Almstead – to possess the magick of a Noble Fae.
Kevin Almstead has just lost his future, to a vote of the partners at his law firm. Trying to escape for an evening, he ventures into Purgatory, the hottest all-male nightclub in Washington, D.C., where he allows himself to be seduced by a stranger with long blond hair and ice-blue eyes.
Drawn into a Soulshare bond with his intended one-night stand, Tiernan soon learns that the most ancient and evil enemy of the Fae still walks the human world, and it will stop at nothing – certainly not Kevin Almstead – to possess the magick of a Noble Fae.
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 18, 2012
7 people are currently reading
672 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
February 17, 2013
I had no idea what I was in for when I started this book. Boy, was I blown away. The story had everything I love - hot sex, wonderful characters, imagination, action that left me breathless and a simple feeling that I really didn't want this book to end. The plot was incredible, the internal conflict in the characters well written and the interaction between the two men both moving and soooo erotic.
I loved the tale of Tiernan and Kevin, coming together in their Soulshare. Tiernan and his 'human' ride a roller coaster of passion, danger and intrigue before truly coming together as one.
I honestly can't wait for the next book in the series and if I could give this book more than 5 stars I would.
I am a fan. Definitely a fan.
I loved the tale of Tiernan and Kevin, coming together in their Soulshare. Tiernan and his 'human' ride a roller coaster of passion, danger and intrigue before truly coming together as one.
I honestly can't wait for the next book in the series and if I could give this book more than 5 stars I would.
I am a fan. Definitely a fan.
June 6, 2015
Hard as Stone is the first book in Rory Ni Coileain’s Soulshare series and as such it is the world building book of the series. We get to know the Fae and their rather complicated, sometimes unlikeable Realm and its rules. The backstory is told in the prologue and some rather unsavory things happen in the past and off page there but it’s the set up to getting us to the present day story.
Tiernan is a fae who has been exiled to the human world. When fae are exiled they are passed through a kind of sieve that severs part of their soul, leaving them incomplete and unable to return to the Realm of fae unless they are able to find the other piece of their soul which has been placed in a human, someplace, sometime. Rather an impossible task to find it across the world and centuries.
Kevin is an attorney who so far has been unable to reach his goal of becoming a named partner in a law firm. He’s also straight, or so he thinks. One night, to drown his sorrows, he goes into a bar, which turns out to be a gay leather bar and there he meets and hooks up with the now-human Tiernan. I had to suspend belief a little for Kevin to so willingly have gay sex for the first time. It made me think Tiernan needed to be an incubus.
Does Kevin have Tiernan’s soul’s other half? Although that’s not what Tiernan is looking for when they first meet, Tiernan’s “hard as stone” heart wouldn’t let him find out anyway until he sheds some of the baggage he’s carrying about being unworthy of love. Kevin has his own baggage to set down, including what he really wants in life.
This fantasy is a romance with plenty of hot man on man sex. It’s an enjoyable book that you will find difficult to put down and characters who will stay with you after you finish the book. Hard as Stone is a remarkable book with several plots that intertwine smoothly and fully developed characters plus a satisfying ending to wrap it all up.
Tiernan is a fae who has been exiled to the human world. When fae are exiled they are passed through a kind of sieve that severs part of their soul, leaving them incomplete and unable to return to the Realm of fae unless they are able to find the other piece of their soul which has been placed in a human, someplace, sometime. Rather an impossible task to find it across the world and centuries.
Kevin is an attorney who so far has been unable to reach his goal of becoming a named partner in a law firm. He’s also straight, or so he thinks. One night, to drown his sorrows, he goes into a bar, which turns out to be a gay leather bar and there he meets and hooks up with the now-human Tiernan. I had to suspend belief a little for Kevin to so willingly have gay sex for the first time. It made me think Tiernan needed to be an incubus.
Does Kevin have Tiernan’s soul’s other half? Although that’s not what Tiernan is looking for when they first meet, Tiernan’s “hard as stone” heart wouldn’t let him find out anyway until he sheds some of the baggage he’s carrying about being unworthy of love. Kevin has his own baggage to set down, including what he really wants in life.
This fantasy is a romance with plenty of hot man on man sex. It’s an enjoyable book that you will find difficult to put down and characters who will stay with you after you finish the book. Hard as Stone is a remarkable book with several plots that intertwine smoothly and fully developed characters plus a satisfying ending to wrap it all up.
September 1, 2015
An interesting story but it didn't fully capture my attention.
Tiernan Guaire is exiled to the human realm for the murder of his brother. During the process of banishing him his soul is rendered into two and he is doomed to wander the Earth hoping to find the lost part of his soul which now resides in another.
Kevin Almstead is a weary worn lawyer. Tired of striving to make sense of his career he meets Tiernan at a bar and this is where the adventure starts. Kevin has never been attracted to men before and yet he feels a deep connection to Tiernan. After a night together Tiernan realises that Kevin is his soul mate and fearing the changes this will bring to his life he runs away. One week later he is back in Kevin's life revealing all about his fae heritage and the magic that resides within him.
Kevin takes this surprisingly well and the two of them start to make a life together but there is darkness and trouble afoot as enemies begin to appear both fae and human.
I think this story was ok but I didn't really warm to the characters. I usually like fantasy stories but I found this one did not hold my interest. It is an okay story and well written but just didn't have enough excitement for me.
So a nice enough story and well written but just not one for me.
copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Tiernan Guaire is exiled to the human realm for the murder of his brother. During the process of banishing him his soul is rendered into two and he is doomed to wander the Earth hoping to find the lost part of his soul which now resides in another.
Kevin Almstead is a weary worn lawyer. Tired of striving to make sense of his career he meets Tiernan at a bar and this is where the adventure starts. Kevin has never been attracted to men before and yet he feels a deep connection to Tiernan. After a night together Tiernan realises that Kevin is his soul mate and fearing the changes this will bring to his life he runs away. One week later he is back in Kevin's life revealing all about his fae heritage and the magic that resides within him.
Kevin takes this surprisingly well and the two of them start to make a life together but there is darkness and trouble afoot as enemies begin to appear both fae and human.
I think this story was ok but I didn't really warm to the characters. I usually like fantasy stories but I found this one did not hold my interest. It is an okay story and well written but just didn't have enough excitement for me.
So a nice enough story and well written but just not one for me.
copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2015
2.85 stars
I'm troubled. This book is the second edition of the same title published a few years ago, and the start of a series that I keen to read. However, this one felt open-ended, not really completed.
The story told of an earth Fae in exile for crime he committed defending his sister's honor, by killing his brother. Thus, the name Kinslayer stuck. The exiling process going through Realm pattern torn his soul apart, and he only got to live his immortal life with half of his soul.
Fast forward over one an a half centuries later, a lawyer in modern New York firm, stuck in his life. He's done anything right but never felt completion or whole. The half soul rebirth in human form. And when the two halves met, they completed and became whole.
Unbeknownst to them, of course, there were evil in human and magick form after them.
That was the gist of the story, told alternately from Tiernan and Kevin as third person. Both were likable personalities, if a tad stubborn. Their instant chemistry - well, considering the shoulshares - were rather frustrating.
There were lots of gymnastics going on: on the table, in the shower, bed, on the wall, door, you named it! But they didn't talk TALK. Which almost causing the evil villains win. Thing was, I wasn't sure they lost either; the reason why I felt this book like an unfinished one.
Of course, statistically one of the bad guy met his demise and our hero got what he deserved. Though even that should have raised more caution and actions from our MCs.
I missed Tiernan and Kevin beat the big devil here. But MAYBE, they left some stuff unsolved to make way for the pairing in the next book. One could only hope.
Note:
ARC was kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm troubled. This book is the second edition of the same title published a few years ago, and the start of a series that I keen to read. However, this one felt open-ended, not really completed.
The story told of an earth Fae in exile for crime he committed defending his sister's honor, by killing his brother. Thus, the name Kinslayer stuck. The exiling process going through Realm pattern torn his soul apart, and he only got to live his immortal life with half of his soul.
Fast forward over one an a half centuries later, a lawyer in modern New York firm, stuck in his life. He's done anything right but never felt completion or whole. The half soul rebirth in human form. And when the two halves met, they completed and became whole.
Unbeknownst to them, of course, there were evil in human and magick form after them.
That was the gist of the story, told alternately from Tiernan and Kevin as third person. Both were likable personalities, if a tad stubborn. Their instant chemistry - well, considering the shoulshares - were rather frustrating.
There were lots of gymnastics going on: on the table, in the shower, bed, on the wall, door, you named it! But they didn't talk TALK. Which almost causing the evil villains win. Thing was, I wasn't sure they lost either; the reason why I felt this book like an unfinished one.
Of course, statistically one of the bad guy met his demise and our hero got what he deserved. Though even that should have raised more caution and actions from our MCs.
I missed Tiernan and Kevin beat the big devil here. But MAYBE, they left some stuff unsolved to make way for the pairing in the next book. One could only hope.
Note:
ARC was kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2014
‘Hard As Stone’ by Rory Ni Coileain
Beautiful, heart-rending story.
I wish I could give more than 5 stars for this one!
With all the different paranormal romance books I have read that involved the Fae Realm, I never could have imagined one with this perspective. Ms. Coileain has gone where I’ve not seen an author go before, and the resulting story is amazing. Not only are the scene descriptions and dialogue well-written (excellent editing, too!), but the characters were vivid and came across as real (flaws and all) people.
The story is emotionally charged from the very beginning, and that emotion continues throughout all the action and turmoil of the entire book. I was so caught up I found myself not wanting to come to the end.
This is the first book in the SoulShares Series by Rory Ni Coileain and I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to read ‘Gale Force’, SoulShares Volume 2. I highly recommend this work as a must-read for anyone who appreciates the triumph of love that comes from the soul.
Beautiful, heart-rending story.
I wish I could give more than 5 stars for this one!
With all the different paranormal romance books I have read that involved the Fae Realm, I never could have imagined one with this perspective. Ms. Coileain has gone where I’ve not seen an author go before, and the resulting story is amazing. Not only are the scene descriptions and dialogue well-written (excellent editing, too!), but the characters were vivid and came across as real (flaws and all) people.
The story is emotionally charged from the very beginning, and that emotion continues throughout all the action and turmoil of the entire book. I was so caught up I found myself not wanting to come to the end.
This is the first book in the SoulShares Series by Rory Ni Coileain and I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to read ‘Gale Force’, SoulShares Volume 2. I highly recommend this work as a must-read for anyone who appreciates the triumph of love that comes from the soul.
March 26, 2013
Hard As Stone by Rory Ni Coileain is one of the most incredible stories I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Her words transform from simple letters on a page into the most stunning visualizations, captivating the reader from page one. Pick up a copy of this book... You absolutely won't regret it.
October 29, 2012
I'm not very good at reviews, so am not writing chapter and verse, but I did feel the book merited a comment. Much like Marmite (which I hate) I either love a book or hate a book and I definitely loved this book. I would heartily recommend it, especially if you are looking for something a little different from the traditional 'boy meets girl' romance.
November 14, 2012
This book was unlike anything I'd ever read, but in a good way. The author wove a few different plots throughout, had a typical opposites attract and really awesome bad guys, in a bad way. My favorite part were the men in the story, Kevin and Tiernan. The relationship started off a hot mess but the end was beautiful. There was also a new interesting twist on Fae and overall it was a fun read.
December 29, 2012
4 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Tiernan was exiled from the Fae Realm 165 years ago for the unforgivable act of killing his brother, the Pattern tearing his soul in two and leaving him to roam the human Realm, only half the Fae he was. Tiernan chances upon his Soulshare completely by chance in a club and doesn’t realise it till to late, but how can he accept his Soulshare when he can’t love? Kevin is unhappy; he has just been turned down for partner again and decides to drink his sorrows away in an impulsive act. Meeting Tiernan rocks his world more than he could ever realise, and he ends up facing his greatest fear that Tiernan will never love him.
This is an excellent Urban Fantasy story that catches you from the beginning and keeps pulling you along as more of the plot teases your interest. Tiernan committed the most horrific crime of the Fae Realm that of Kinslayer, the punishment is severe and he ends up on the human realm with only half of his soul, meeting Kevin throws him completely and he tries to run and hide in alcohol and sex, but he is drawn back to the man who is the other half of his soul. Kevin doesn’t know what to do when he finds himself thinking and missing Tiernan after just one night with him, but he has other things to think of when he discovers something hinky going on at work, but when Tiernan comes back Kevin discovers things that he never dreamed of and both man and Fae get drawn into a fight for their lives.
Tiernan and Kevin are a very interesting fit, because they are basically one soul so what one lacks the other more than makes up for, but because of that Tiernan is in the firm belief that he will never love and Kevin has all the love for both of them. The storyline that we get pulled into is at times brutal, the thing that hunts them is nasty and evil and the stuff of nightmares, we also have the shady practices that Kevin uncovers at work and the complex relationship that Tiernan and Kevin share.
This is a very nice twist on exiled Fae and it has a lot of passionate sex between Tiernan and Kevin, an interesting baddie or two, gruesome descriptions, some violence, loads more hot sex, and a very sweet and happy ending that has a visitor who makes it clear that nothing is over yet and it is just beginning.
I have to recommend this if you love Urban Fantasy, fantasy, Fae, hot sex, great characters, horrid baddies and a very happy ending.
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Tiernan was exiled from the Fae Realm 165 years ago for the unforgivable act of killing his brother, the Pattern tearing his soul in two and leaving him to roam the human Realm, only half the Fae he was. Tiernan chances upon his Soulshare completely by chance in a club and doesn’t realise it till to late, but how can he accept his Soulshare when he can’t love? Kevin is unhappy; he has just been turned down for partner again and decides to drink his sorrows away in an impulsive act. Meeting Tiernan rocks his world more than he could ever realise, and he ends up facing his greatest fear that Tiernan will never love him.
This is an excellent Urban Fantasy story that catches you from the beginning and keeps pulling you along as more of the plot teases your interest. Tiernan committed the most horrific crime of the Fae Realm that of Kinslayer, the punishment is severe and he ends up on the human realm with only half of his soul, meeting Kevin throws him completely and he tries to run and hide in alcohol and sex, but he is drawn back to the man who is the other half of his soul. Kevin doesn’t know what to do when he finds himself thinking and missing Tiernan after just one night with him, but he has other things to think of when he discovers something hinky going on at work, but when Tiernan comes back Kevin discovers things that he never dreamed of and both man and Fae get drawn into a fight for their lives.
Tiernan and Kevin are a very interesting fit, because they are basically one soul so what one lacks the other more than makes up for, but because of that Tiernan is in the firm belief that he will never love and Kevin has all the love for both of them. The storyline that we get pulled into is at times brutal, the thing that hunts them is nasty and evil and the stuff of nightmares, we also have the shady practices that Kevin uncovers at work and the complex relationship that Tiernan and Kevin share.
This is a very nice twist on exiled Fae and it has a lot of passionate sex between Tiernan and Kevin, an interesting baddie or two, gruesome descriptions, some violence, loads more hot sex, and a very sweet and happy ending that has a visitor who makes it clear that nothing is over yet and it is just beginning.
I have to recommend this if you love Urban Fantasy, fantasy, Fae, hot sex, great characters, horrid baddies and a very happy ending.
October 2, 2014
Rory has built for us an elaborate, rich, and intriguing new world. In this world are malevolent Fae, backstabbing bosses, incestuous siblings (back story only) and murder. This world has magick and powers both in this world and in others. The author spends a good amount of time supporting her very hot love story with a very dense and intense fantasy world full of action and excitement.
Tiernan, our hero, can be difficult to love, especially at first. He is very hard on himself and others, and it isn’t til the end that we really understand just why he struggles so. As a result, sometimes you get frustrated with him, even as you continue root for him. Kevin, on the other hand, is just so darn easy to love. He is sexy and giving and caring and brave… you sometimes agree with Tiernan that he doesn’t deserve such a good guy. But by the end… awwww, you finally get it and we are given a really sweet ending.
This isn’t the type of book you can easily skim or read quickly. So much is going on and the world Rory has built for us requires a fair amount of attention be paid, but that doesn’t mean it’s a difficult read. Not at all. It is more of a story to be savored for its richness, rather than swallowed quickly without tasting.
This is the first in the series, and it looks as though each builds on the other, so reading the series in order is recommended. I can believe this, simply because Rory spends a lot of time building this complex world for us and I can see her wanting us to be invested in the coming stories.
I give it 4.25 hearts. I had to deduct some points because the emotional pay out, though good, could have been a bit more satisfying.
I definitely recommend this book, especially if you have some time to devote to it. It might require extra concentration, but it is worth it. It fulfills on many levels and definitely leaves you happy but excited for more.
Tiernan, our hero, can be difficult to love, especially at first. He is very hard on himself and others, and it isn’t til the end that we really understand just why he struggles so. As a result, sometimes you get frustrated with him, even as you continue root for him. Kevin, on the other hand, is just so darn easy to love. He is sexy and giving and caring and brave… you sometimes agree with Tiernan that he doesn’t deserve such a good guy. But by the end… awwww, you finally get it and we are given a really sweet ending.
This isn’t the type of book you can easily skim or read quickly. So much is going on and the world Rory has built for us requires a fair amount of attention be paid, but that doesn’t mean it’s a difficult read. Not at all. It is more of a story to be savored for its richness, rather than swallowed quickly without tasting.
This is the first in the series, and it looks as though each builds on the other, so reading the series in order is recommended. I can believe this, simply because Rory spends a lot of time building this complex world for us and I can see her wanting us to be invested in the coming stories.
I give it 4.25 hearts. I had to deduct some points because the emotional pay out, though good, could have been a bit more satisfying.
I definitely recommend this book, especially if you have some time to devote to it. It might require extra concentration, but it is worth it. It fulfills on many levels and definitely leaves you happy but excited for more.
August 23, 2015
Can I put more than 5 stars, please?
This was my reaction when I finished “Hard as Stone” and had to rate it as it truly deserves few more. The first sentence sucked me in and by the end I was completely blown away.
The book caught my attention a month ago but I was reading something else at the time and I left it for later. After reading the short story “Obsidian”, however, I moved “Hard as Stone” straight to the top of my TBR list. I was curious if the author would be able to pull the same perfect writing through a whole book.
She does it! In the first book of the “SoulShares” series Ms. Ni Coileain creates “magick”, pure and simple. She builds the world of the Fae with splendid detail, and describes it in the picturesque way she describes the human one. She intertwines the narrative with flashbacks in an intelligent way that is both easy on the reader and fosters the sense of lingering mystery.
Kevin and Tiernan are adorable, each in their own way, and most of all when they are together. The interaction between them both in and out of bed is equally intense and this brings a harmonious feel to their relationship and hard-earned happy end. Oh, and I simply loved the concept of SoulShares.
Another thing that riveted my attention were the scenes with the Marfach. Again, the idea itself is interesting and the way it is described is so amazing you can see it right in front of you.
The ending is well thought out to gently point out to reader what to expect in the next book which is only one of the reasons why I’m impatient to start “Gale Force” right away.
If you want a book that would make your “blood sing like struck crystal” (as Ms. Ni Coileain would put it), don’t hesitate to grab this one.
This was my reaction when I finished “Hard as Stone” and had to rate it as it truly deserves few more. The first sentence sucked me in and by the end I was completely blown away.
The book caught my attention a month ago but I was reading something else at the time and I left it for later. After reading the short story “Obsidian”, however, I moved “Hard as Stone” straight to the top of my TBR list. I was curious if the author would be able to pull the same perfect writing through a whole book.
She does it! In the first book of the “SoulShares” series Ms. Ni Coileain creates “magick”, pure and simple. She builds the world of the Fae with splendid detail, and describes it in the picturesque way she describes the human one. She intertwines the narrative with flashbacks in an intelligent way that is both easy on the reader and fosters the sense of lingering mystery.
Kevin and Tiernan are adorable, each in their own way, and most of all when they are together. The interaction between them both in and out of bed is equally intense and this brings a harmonious feel to their relationship and hard-earned happy end. Oh, and I simply loved the concept of SoulShares.
Another thing that riveted my attention were the scenes with the Marfach. Again, the idea itself is interesting and the way it is described is so amazing you can see it right in front of you.
The ending is well thought out to gently point out to reader what to expect in the next book which is only one of the reasons why I’m impatient to start “Gale Force” right away.
If you want a book that would make your “blood sing like struck crystal” (as Ms. Ni Coileain would put it), don’t hesitate to grab this one.
July 6, 2015
[Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.]
After committing the ultimate crime in the eyes of the Fae, Tiernan Guaire has been exiled to the world of the humans, cut off from the Realm and his people. But in the process, his soul was split in two, leaving him destined to roam until he finds and connects with the human possessing the other half--even if it means eternity. Enter Kevin Almstead, a bright but not very ambitious attorney, who has always felt like something was missing from his life. Little does he know that by walking to Purgatory, a gay nightclub, he just mind find what he's been looking for in more ways than one with Tiernan. But connecting with Tiernan won't be easy. And can the connection they have stand up to the magickal force that's set out to possess Tiernan and find its way back into the human world?
A rather fun and enjoyable read, this combines several elements that I absolutely love in a book. It's an urban fantasy that's just rife with conflict (both internal and external), and the characters are rather dynamic. There is a lot going on here in terms of subplots, but the author has constructed things in such a way that they don't become tangled unnecessarily and are still able to resolve in a way that makes logical sense.
Tiernan and Kevin do fall a bit fast, but when you end up in a SoulShare, I guess that's what happens. I didn't feel the sense of foreboding at the end of the book that I would have expected, but I'm definitely looking forward to picking up the next book in the series to see where things go from here!
After committing the ultimate crime in the eyes of the Fae, Tiernan Guaire has been exiled to the world of the humans, cut off from the Realm and his people. But in the process, his soul was split in two, leaving him destined to roam until he finds and connects with the human possessing the other half--even if it means eternity. Enter Kevin Almstead, a bright but not very ambitious attorney, who has always felt like something was missing from his life. Little does he know that by walking to Purgatory, a gay nightclub, he just mind find what he's been looking for in more ways than one with Tiernan. But connecting with Tiernan won't be easy. And can the connection they have stand up to the magickal force that's set out to possess Tiernan and find its way back into the human world?
A rather fun and enjoyable read, this combines several elements that I absolutely love in a book. It's an urban fantasy that's just rife with conflict (both internal and external), and the characters are rather dynamic. There is a lot going on here in terms of subplots, but the author has constructed things in such a way that they don't become tangled unnecessarily and are still able to resolve in a way that makes logical sense.
Tiernan and Kevin do fall a bit fast, but when you end up in a SoulShare, I guess that's what happens. I didn't feel the sense of foreboding at the end of the book that I would have expected, but I'm definitely looking forward to picking up the next book in the series to see where things go from here!
August 13, 2015
I was really looking forward to Hard as Stone. Off the top of my head I can’t think of any M/M Paranormal Romances I’ve read, so the synopsis really had me excited!
Hard as Stone had so much going for it. The plot was very detailed, the history and world building had the basics that could have been expansive. The problem was the writing was just mediocre for me. What I hoped would be a well thought out plot and world got lost in strange phrasing and overly floral writing that was unnecessary. I almost felt like the author was trying so hard to write a deep book that she overshot. First of all, you can’t really be deep when they’re three sex scenes in the first 3 chapters. Yes, it says Erotica in the description, but it was just a LOT. I suppose I didn’t expect it. Or at least I expected the plot to carry the story at least as much as the sex.
On a whole, I liked Kevin a lot more than I liked Tiernan. I liked Kevin’s story more than I liked the story of the Fae.
Other than those little things the book was less than average. I kept reading, but everything felt generic and in the end I was left completely unsatisfied. I’m pretty sure I won’t continue reading this series.
Thank you to Riverdale Avenue Books and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
If you like this review, check out others like it at Badass Book Reviews.
Hard as Stone had so much going for it. The plot was very detailed, the history and world building had the basics that could have been expansive. The problem was the writing was just mediocre for me. What I hoped would be a well thought out plot and world got lost in strange phrasing and overly floral writing that was unnecessary. I almost felt like the author was trying so hard to write a deep book that she overshot. First of all, you can’t really be deep when they’re three sex scenes in the first 3 chapters. Yes, it says Erotica in the description, but it was just a LOT. I suppose I didn’t expect it. Or at least I expected the plot to carry the story at least as much as the sex.
On a whole, I liked Kevin a lot more than I liked Tiernan. I liked Kevin’s story more than I liked the story of the Fae.
Other than those little things the book was less than average. I kept reading, but everything felt generic and in the end I was left completely unsatisfied. I’m pretty sure I won’t continue reading this series.
Thank you to Riverdale Avenue Books and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
If you like this review, check out others like it at Badass Book Reviews.
August 19, 2014
I received this ARC for an honest review.
I went in to this read completely blind. No background on the story, no history of the author, just opened the book as started reading.
I am so excited to say, I loved this book. The characters were 2 very alpha men, Kevin, a normal everyday human attorney trying to make partner, and Tiernan a kinslayer from the fae world, banished to Earth after he killed his brother.
Taking you on an adventure to the human world, finding his soulshare, and fighting a demon that’s been hunting him since he was banished, Tiernan and Kevin form an unbreakable bond. They come together to fight for their love, their lives and for Kevin’s job.
This is an excellent erotic m/m paranormal read. Well written and detailed to draw the reader into the story, you get lost in the twists, and that's a good thing!!! With a plot that keeps you guessing and an ending that will make you one-click the rest of the series, this story is a great addition to your library.
I went in to this read completely blind. No background on the story, no history of the author, just opened the book as started reading.
I am so excited to say, I loved this book. The characters were 2 very alpha men, Kevin, a normal everyday human attorney trying to make partner, and Tiernan a kinslayer from the fae world, banished to Earth after he killed his brother.
Taking you on an adventure to the human world, finding his soulshare, and fighting a demon that’s been hunting him since he was banished, Tiernan and Kevin form an unbreakable bond. They come together to fight for their love, their lives and for Kevin’s job.
This is an excellent erotic m/m paranormal read. Well written and detailed to draw the reader into the story, you get lost in the twists, and that's a good thing!!! With a plot that keeps you guessing and an ending that will make you one-click the rest of the series, this story is a great addition to your library.
September 22, 2024
Tiernan Guaire is a Fae in exile. Forced from the Realm into the human world for the unimaginable crime of a brother’s murder, he lives by a century-old vow, to trust no one, and never to allow himself to love or be loved.
Kevin Almstead has just lost his future, to a vote of the partners at his law firm. Trying to escape for an evening, he ventures into Purgatory, the hottest all-male nightclub in Washington, D.C., where he allows himself to be seduced by a stranger with long blond hair and ice-blue eyes.
Drawn into a Soulshare bond with his intended one-night stand, Tiernan soon learns that the most ancient and evil enemy of the Fae still walks the human world, and it will stop at nothing – certainly not Kevin Almstead – to possess the magick of a Noble Fae.
The first book in the Soulshares series.
If you like M/M stories with paranormal/mystery/romance…and sex :) These are not to be missed!
5 stars***** from me.
Kevin Almstead has just lost his future, to a vote of the partners at his law firm. Trying to escape for an evening, he ventures into Purgatory, the hottest all-male nightclub in Washington, D.C., where he allows himself to be seduced by a stranger with long blond hair and ice-blue eyes.
Drawn into a Soulshare bond with his intended one-night stand, Tiernan soon learns that the most ancient and evil enemy of the Fae still walks the human world, and it will stop at nothing – certainly not Kevin Almstead – to possess the magick of a Noble Fae.
The first book in the Soulshares series.
If you like M/M stories with paranormal/mystery/romance…and sex :) These are not to be missed!
5 stars***** from me.
February 18, 2014
This book was nothing what I thought it would be. The moment I read past page ten I was drawn into the world of the Fae. Tiernan Guaire draws you in and his initial reaction to Kevin makes the reader want to become Kevin just to experience one night with Tiernan.
Well written and detailed in painting the world that Tiernan Guaire comes from. If you are not an avid reader of m/m give the book a try. Rory leaves enough to the imagination so that the story draws in any type of reader.
Well written and detailed in painting the world that Tiernan Guaire comes from. If you are not an avid reader of m/m give the book a try. Rory leaves enough to the imagination so that the story draws in any type of reader.
October 4, 2015
This review was originally posted on Hot Stuff for Cool People.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Fae, magic, romance, soul mates (of a sort)- what’s not to love? That’s why I originally requested this book for review. But I hadn’t heard very much about this book, and I’d never read the author before, so I didn’t go into it with too many expectations. I just wasn’t really sure what I was getting into.
Turns out this book wasn’t really what I expected at all. It starts with one of our main characters, Tiernan. He’s a fae who, right in the first couple of pages, is accused of murdering his brother and is exiled to the human realm. When he’s exiled, his soul splits in half. The other half of his soul… I don’t know, spins off into the ether? Kind of. And Tiernan knows that half of his soul will eventually come to rest in a person, but Tiernan doesn’t know who it will be, and is pretty dead set against finding that person.
The other half of Tiernan’s soul goes to a human, Kevin. And the two meet in a club one night and Tiernan realizes right away what’s happening, while Kevin starts to fall for Tiernan. But things get even more complicated when an ancient enemy starts trying to get to Tiernan through Kevin, and Kevin starts encountering some pretty serious problems at work.
I really thought this story was going to be about the complexities of falling in love with someone who, literally, shares half of your soul. I thought it was a really interesting concept and I wanted to read about how Tiernan and Kevin navigate that. But the book wasn’t really much about that at all. It was about them falling in love, but it also had a really action-y, exciting plot that I wasn’t expecting at all. And I guess… I was a little disappointed. Which is my fault, not the book’s fault, for expecting it to be something it wasn’t. I just thought the soul sharing deserved a bit more consideration, especially since it felt… a bit narcissistic to me. But again, that’s really my problem, and not the book’s.
What the book actually was, though, was… surprisingly great. I say surprisingly because there are a lot of flaws here. Big ones, small ones. And this was one of those books that I felt a bit guilty reading, because it was kind of like stuffing a big piece of cake in my mouth. It was really good cake. I guess I felt like I probably should have been eating something more nutritious than cake, though. I mean, sometimes the things that were going on just… didn’t make any sense to me- action! But I don’t know why the action is happening! Trauma! But I’m not sure what happened to cause it! …Things like that.
But… but I love cake. Cake holds a valuable place for me. And this book did, too. Who needs more nutritious books? This was sweet and not light, really, at all, but a bit fluffy in places, and sometimes things happened that were wholly, as far as I could see, pointless and solved nothing, but who cares. It was fun and exciting and completely entertaining.
To be fair, there were some things that really did bother me. First, sex stuff- no spoilers, but if you don’t want to read about this… Tiernan and Kevin never use condoms. I know, I know, condoms are annoying, and Tiernan does say at one point that because he’s fae, he can’t carry or get any diseases. But if I was Kevin, I would have absolutely insisted, at the very least during the first time before they ever talk about it, and it bothered me that he didn’t even think about it. Also, I’m pretty sure that… oh god, someone hand me a paper bag for my head… I’m pretty sure than anal sex isn’t… that easy. This couple never uses lube (or spit), they never do any prep (and I realize you don't need a lot, but with no lube?), and this… just doesn’t sound like fun sex to me. It sounds uncomfortable at the least and, in reality, probably painful.
Moving on. More nitpicking. I’m pretty sure it’s winter on the East Coast of the USA when the story takes place, but both men tend to… not wear shirts. Ever, if they can help it, it seems. Even when they go out. And hey, all right, maybe you don’t want to wear a shirt at a club, but wouldn’t you probably put one on just to get there? So you didn’t freeze to death?
Finally, I was really bothered by the way the author constantly referred to both characters as males. Not that they weren’t. I mean, it was the context. “Tiernan replayed the other male’s last utterance…” “Not the behavior of a male who was trying to keep deep dark secrets from his lover.” “How many times had he begged this male not to love him?” I just… It sounded very clinical. And kind of animalistic. I just didn’t understand why the author didn’t use the word ‘man’ instead.
But honestly, these were all things that, for this book at least, I pushed aside, because it was so entertaining. I actually couldn’t put it down. I did feel that, at the end, Tiernan became a bit of a different character, but perhaps that’s excusable within the context of the story. Either way, I’d definitely read more by this author in the future. It was too enjoyable not to.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Fae, magic, romance, soul mates (of a sort)- what’s not to love? That’s why I originally requested this book for review. But I hadn’t heard very much about this book, and I’d never read the author before, so I didn’t go into it with too many expectations. I just wasn’t really sure what I was getting into.
Turns out this book wasn’t really what I expected at all. It starts with one of our main characters, Tiernan. He’s a fae who, right in the first couple of pages, is accused of murdering his brother and is exiled to the human realm. When he’s exiled, his soul splits in half. The other half of his soul… I don’t know, spins off into the ether? Kind of. And Tiernan knows that half of his soul will eventually come to rest in a person, but Tiernan doesn’t know who it will be, and is pretty dead set against finding that person.
The other half of Tiernan’s soul goes to a human, Kevin. And the two meet in a club one night and Tiernan realizes right away what’s happening, while Kevin starts to fall for Tiernan. But things get even more complicated when an ancient enemy starts trying to get to Tiernan through Kevin, and Kevin starts encountering some pretty serious problems at work.
I really thought this story was going to be about the complexities of falling in love with someone who, literally, shares half of your soul. I thought it was a really interesting concept and I wanted to read about how Tiernan and Kevin navigate that. But the book wasn’t really much about that at all. It was about them falling in love, but it also had a really action-y, exciting plot that I wasn’t expecting at all. And I guess… I was a little disappointed. Which is my fault, not the book’s fault, for expecting it to be something it wasn’t. I just thought the soul sharing deserved a bit more consideration, especially since it felt… a bit narcissistic to me. But again, that’s really my problem, and not the book’s.
What the book actually was, though, was… surprisingly great. I say surprisingly because there are a lot of flaws here. Big ones, small ones. And this was one of those books that I felt a bit guilty reading, because it was kind of like stuffing a big piece of cake in my mouth. It was really good cake. I guess I felt like I probably should have been eating something more nutritious than cake, though. I mean, sometimes the things that were going on just… didn’t make any sense to me- action! But I don’t know why the action is happening! Trauma! But I’m not sure what happened to cause it! …Things like that.
But… but I love cake. Cake holds a valuable place for me. And this book did, too. Who needs more nutritious books? This was sweet and not light, really, at all, but a bit fluffy in places, and sometimes things happened that were wholly, as far as I could see, pointless and solved nothing, but who cares. It was fun and exciting and completely entertaining.
To be fair, there were some things that really did bother me. First, sex stuff- no spoilers, but if you don’t want to read about this… Tiernan and Kevin never use condoms. I know, I know, condoms are annoying, and Tiernan does say at one point that because he’s fae, he can’t carry or get any diseases. But if I was Kevin, I would have absolutely insisted, at the very least during the first time before they ever talk about it, and it bothered me that he didn’t even think about it. Also, I’m pretty sure that… oh god, someone hand me a paper bag for my head… I’m pretty sure than anal sex isn’t… that easy. This couple never uses lube (or spit), they never do any prep (and I realize you don't need a lot, but with no lube?), and this… just doesn’t sound like fun sex to me. It sounds uncomfortable at the least and, in reality, probably painful.
Moving on. More nitpicking. I’m pretty sure it’s winter on the East Coast of the USA when the story takes place, but both men tend to… not wear shirts. Ever, if they can help it, it seems. Even when they go out. And hey, all right, maybe you don’t want to wear a shirt at a club, but wouldn’t you probably put one on just to get there? So you didn’t freeze to death?
Finally, I was really bothered by the way the author constantly referred to both characters as males. Not that they weren’t. I mean, it was the context. “Tiernan replayed the other male’s last utterance…” “Not the behavior of a male who was trying to keep deep dark secrets from his lover.” “How many times had he begged this male not to love him?” I just… It sounded very clinical. And kind of animalistic. I just didn’t understand why the author didn’t use the word ‘man’ instead.
But honestly, these were all things that, for this book at least, I pushed aside, because it was so entertaining. I actually couldn’t put it down. I did feel that, at the end, Tiernan became a bit of a different character, but perhaps that’s excusable within the context of the story. Either way, I’d definitely read more by this author in the future. It was too enjoyable not to.
July 10, 2014
3.5 Stars
I love anything involving the Fae, which meant resisting the temptation of Rory Ni Coileain’s Hard as Stone was futile. It’s an erotic novel that has introduced an alternate reality where Tiernan Guaire and Kevin Almstead discover that falling in love with each other is a dangerous proposition.
Tiernan and Kevin worked pretty well for me as a couple—their chemistry was off-the-charts, no question—and they speak body language fluently. Tiernan is the Fae who was exiled to the human plane more than one-hundred-fifty years earlier for committing the crime of fratricide; Kevin is the human who is about to become embroiled in a betrayal that could not only leave him disbarred but imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit.
The insta-love trope has never been a favorite of mine unless it’s backed up by some good relationship building (out of bed) after, even in paranormal/fantasy/urban fantasy where certain rules allow for it. In Tiernan and Kevin’s case, it’s initially a one sided romance and is somewhat more insta-lust, but the point is I had to work a little bit to suspend disbelief of Kevin’s easy-breezy acceptance of his feelings for Tiernan. Considering he’d never been attracted to a man before, I thought it felt a little too convenient, too simple, especially as sex was the factor the author used to build the relationship between the two men. The one thing that kept this relationship from being implausible to me, though, was Tiernan. The self-loathing and baggage he’s been carrying around for more than a century, his belief in his unworthiness, worked as a huge stumbling block in his relationship with Kevin, keeping things one-sided for much of the time. He tried his best to screw Kevin out of his system—man or woman, he wasn’t choosy. Hard as stone? Yep, that was Tiernan’s heart, and Rory Ni Coileain wove a rather romantic element into her folklore that lent some more credibility to the immediate connection these two men felt for each other. The series title says it all—when Tiernan is banished from the Realm, his soul is halved and it’s Kevin who shares the other half.
Tiernan and Kevin’s parallel stories—the demonic monster that’s trying its best to make Tiernan suffer, and the human one who’s trying his damndest to set Kevin up to take the fall for a crime he didn’t commit—worked well, though I thought Kevin’s side story was easier to follow. The draw of Tiernan’s storyline, however, was the acid-trip supernatural aspect of it all, and it was fun getting caught up in the suspense and drama and the freakish nature of it all.
Overall, I liked Hard as Stone and am looking forward to moving along to the next book in the series. If you like a good Fae/Human erotic journey with a sweet fairly tale ending, then this is your go-to novel.
I love anything involving the Fae, which meant resisting the temptation of Rory Ni Coileain’s Hard as Stone was futile. It’s an erotic novel that has introduced an alternate reality where Tiernan Guaire and Kevin Almstead discover that falling in love with each other is a dangerous proposition.
Tiernan and Kevin worked pretty well for me as a couple—their chemistry was off-the-charts, no question—and they speak body language fluently. Tiernan is the Fae who was exiled to the human plane more than one-hundred-fifty years earlier for committing the crime of fratricide; Kevin is the human who is about to become embroiled in a betrayal that could not only leave him disbarred but imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit.
The insta-love trope has never been a favorite of mine unless it’s backed up by some good relationship building (out of bed) after, even in paranormal/fantasy/urban fantasy where certain rules allow for it. In Tiernan and Kevin’s case, it’s initially a one sided romance and is somewhat more insta-lust, but the point is I had to work a little bit to suspend disbelief of Kevin’s easy-breezy acceptance of his feelings for Tiernan. Considering he’d never been attracted to a man before, I thought it felt a little too convenient, too simple, especially as sex was the factor the author used to build the relationship between the two men. The one thing that kept this relationship from being implausible to me, though, was Tiernan. The self-loathing and baggage he’s been carrying around for more than a century, his belief in his unworthiness, worked as a huge stumbling block in his relationship with Kevin, keeping things one-sided for much of the time. He tried his best to screw Kevin out of his system—man or woman, he wasn’t choosy. Hard as stone? Yep, that was Tiernan’s heart, and Rory Ni Coileain wove a rather romantic element into her folklore that lent some more credibility to the immediate connection these two men felt for each other. The series title says it all—when Tiernan is banished from the Realm, his soul is halved and it’s Kevin who shares the other half.
Tiernan and Kevin’s parallel stories—the demonic monster that’s trying its best to make Tiernan suffer, and the human one who’s trying his damndest to set Kevin up to take the fall for a crime he didn’t commit—worked well, though I thought Kevin’s side story was easier to follow. The draw of Tiernan’s storyline, however, was the acid-trip supernatural aspect of it all, and it was fun getting caught up in the suspense and drama and the freakish nature of it all.
Overall, I liked Hard as Stone and am looking forward to moving along to the next book in the series. If you like a good Fae/Human erotic journey with a sweet fairly tale ending, then this is your go-to novel.
September 5, 2014
This review can be found at The Blogger Girls.
Marked as a kinslayer, Tiernan is banished from the Realm and sent to the human world to await the possibility of a souldshare bond. Now, well over a century has passed and Tiernan’s content existence is about to be rocked when he meets Kevin Almstead, the other half of his soul. Kevin’s just been told he has no ambition and passed over, yet again, for a chance as partner at his law firm. He’s not gay but that doesn’t stop him from going to an all-male nightclub for a drink and letting a hot stranger pick him up. But what was meant to be a one-night stand turns into so much more. Can these two figure out what sharing a soul really means before an evil entity consumes them both?
I really, really loved these guys. At first, I was a little confused why Kevin, a straight man, would stop at a gay club but once I started to understand the soulshare bond, I understood why. Still, I really liked that Kevin was so enamored with Tiernan while Tiernan tried his best to keep his distance from Kevin without actually putting distance between them (at least after he gets the denial out of the way). I really liked the fact that there was so much meat behind the fae parts of the stories. I loved learning about them and what Tiernan’s been through, as well as, his magic.
There were a lot of things I had issues with in this book, though, but I’m only going to mention my two biggest problems. Firstly, there was too much sex for my tastes. I got to the point where I ended up skimming it because there was too much, not to mention there was sex with a female and where another being took over Kevin’s body and had sex with Tiernan. That, unfortunately, wasn’t my cup of tea. Secondly, to me, the book had too many side-plots going on that ultimately made the story a little chaotic. At the same time, the multiple conflicts also dragged the story out too much for my liking. Although, I will freely admit that I absolutely adored the ending!
Overall, I liked the book but I did have my issues. It definitely had an intriguing plot and I really enjoyed all the aspects around the fae and soulshare bond, especially the conflicts surrounding that. I felt like the blackmail side-plot was unnecessary in the grand scheme of things but that’s just my opinion. There was too much sex but I still loved the characters. So, if you’re looking for something smutty with an intriguing storyline, definitely give this one a try.
Marked as a kinslayer, Tiernan is banished from the Realm and sent to the human world to await the possibility of a souldshare bond. Now, well over a century has passed and Tiernan’s content existence is about to be rocked when he meets Kevin Almstead, the other half of his soul. Kevin’s just been told he has no ambition and passed over, yet again, for a chance as partner at his law firm. He’s not gay but that doesn’t stop him from going to an all-male nightclub for a drink and letting a hot stranger pick him up. But what was meant to be a one-night stand turns into so much more. Can these two figure out what sharing a soul really means before an evil entity consumes them both?
I really, really loved these guys. At first, I was a little confused why Kevin, a straight man, would stop at a gay club but once I started to understand the soulshare bond, I understood why. Still, I really liked that Kevin was so enamored with Tiernan while Tiernan tried his best to keep his distance from Kevin without actually putting distance between them (at least after he gets the denial out of the way). I really liked the fact that there was so much meat behind the fae parts of the stories. I loved learning about them and what Tiernan’s been through, as well as, his magic.
There were a lot of things I had issues with in this book, though, but I’m only going to mention my two biggest problems. Firstly, there was too much sex for my tastes. I got to the point where I ended up skimming it because there was too much, not to mention there was sex with a female and where another being took over Kevin’s body and had sex with Tiernan. That, unfortunately, wasn’t my cup of tea. Secondly, to me, the book had too many side-plots going on that ultimately made the story a little chaotic. At the same time, the multiple conflicts also dragged the story out too much for my liking. Although, I will freely admit that I absolutely adored the ending!
Overall, I liked the book but I did have my issues. It definitely had an intriguing plot and I really enjoyed all the aspects around the fae and soulshare bond, especially the conflicts surrounding that. I felt like the blackmail side-plot was unnecessary in the grand scheme of things but that’s just my opinion. There was too much sex but I still loved the characters. So, if you’re looking for something smutty with an intriguing storyline, definitely give this one a try.
June 10, 2015
Hard as Stone is the first book in Rory Ni Coileain’s Soulshare series and as such it is the world building book of the series. We get to know the Fae and their rather complicated, sometimes unlikeable Realm and its rules. The backstory is told in the prologue and some rather unsavory things happen in the past and off page there but it’s the set up to getting us to the present day story.
Tiernan is a fae who has been exiled to the human world. When fae are exiled they are passed through a kind of sieve that severs part of their soul, leaving them incomplete and unable to return to the Realm of fae unless they are able to find the other piece of their soul which has been placed in a human, someplace, sometime. Rather an impossible task to find it across the world and centuries.
Kevin is an attorney who so far has been unable to reach his goal of becoming a named partner in a law firm. He’s also straight, or so he thinks. One night, to drown his sorrows, he goes into a bar, which turns out to be a gay leather bar and there he meets and hooks up with the now-human Tiernan. I had to suspend belief a little for Kevin to so willingly have gay sex for the first time. It made me think Tiernan needed to be an incubus.
Does Kevin have Tiernan’s soul’s other half? Although that’s not what Tiernan is looking for when they first meet, Tiernan’s “hard as stone” heart wouldn’t let him find out anyway until he sheds some of the baggage he’s carrying about being unworthy of love. Kevin has his own baggage to set down, including what he really wants in life.
This fantasy is a romance with plenty of hot man on man sex. It’s an enjoyable book that you will find difficult to put down and characters who will stay with you after you finish the book. Hard as Stone is a remarkable book with several plots that intertwine smoothly and fully developed characters plus a satisfying ending to wrap it all up.
Tiernan is a fae who has been exiled to the human world. When fae are exiled they are passed through a kind of sieve that severs part of their soul, leaving them incomplete and unable to return to the Realm of fae unless they are able to find the other piece of their soul which has been placed in a human, someplace, sometime. Rather an impossible task to find it across the world and centuries.
Kevin is an attorney who so far has been unable to reach his goal of becoming a named partner in a law firm. He’s also straight, or so he thinks. One night, to drown his sorrows, he goes into a bar, which turns out to be a gay leather bar and there he meets and hooks up with the now-human Tiernan. I had to suspend belief a little for Kevin to so willingly have gay sex for the first time. It made me think Tiernan needed to be an incubus.
Does Kevin have Tiernan’s soul’s other half? Although that’s not what Tiernan is looking for when they first meet, Tiernan’s “hard as stone” heart wouldn’t let him find out anyway until he sheds some of the baggage he’s carrying about being unworthy of love. Kevin has his own baggage to set down, including what he really wants in life.
This fantasy is a romance with plenty of hot man on man sex. It’s an enjoyable book that you will find difficult to put down and characters who will stay with you after you finish the book. Hard as Stone is a remarkable book with several plots that intertwine smoothly and fully developed characters plus a satisfying ending to wrap it all up.
July 25, 2015
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publish date: 26th May 2015
Full review can also be found on: Paein and Ms4Tune’s Book Blog
I found the concept of this story thoroughly fascinating and I hope to read the rest of the series soon because it's clearly only the beginning of the story. I have to say it was also pretty steamy too!
Kevin put up with a lot from Tiernan, but to be fair, he knew what he was getting into from the start, Tiernan was very clear and he was happy with it. In fact at the end, he got far more than he thought he ever would.
I'm curious as to all the HOWS and WHYS of their world(s), the Sundering and the SoulShares.
And you know what I liked? Keven was completely fine with being fated for Tiernan, despite the fact that he's never been attracted to males before. He later finds a name to label himself with, but I liked how accepting he was and how he didn't agonize over the fact he had no choice in the matter. It was so refreshing to read something where there were no separations, no conflicts and no falling outs. There was a little not talking, but what do you expect when they've just met and they're going to be together forever...
Obviously, this being an adult book, the steamy bits are rather major and crop up regularly, but this book has a good storyline to go with it. It's strong enough to carry through the 4 books of this series and I really want to know what is going to happen next. And it was totally sneaky to throw in not only one of the guys to book 2, but one of them from book 4! Now that one, I want to see how he fits in with this because, having read the blurbs to 2 - 4 it was a complete shocker!
October 26, 2012
Tiernan Guaire is a Fae in exile. Forced from the Realm into the human world for the unimaginable crime of a brother’s murder, he lives by a century-old vow, to trust no one, and never to allow himself to love or be loved.
Kevin Almstead has just lost his future, to a vote of the partners at his law firm. Trying to escape for an evening, he ventures into Purgatory, the hottest all-male nightclub in Washington, D.C., where he allows himself to be seduced by a stranger with long blond hair and ice-blue eyes.
Drawn into a Soulshare bond with his intended one-night stand, Tiernan soon learns that the most ancient and evil enemy of the Fae still walks the human world, and it will stop at nothing – certainly not Kevin Almstead – to possess the magick of a Noble Fae.
I could not put this book down. I started it last night prepared to read enough to get a feel for the story and then planned to put it down and go to bed. I ended up staying up until 2am. Curse you Rory Coileain, for my lack of sleep. This book was raw and gritty. The intense attraction between Kevin and Tiernan leapt off the pages. There were bad guys of the human and paranormal variety. The book was just intense.
I like how the story started out telling us what happened to get Tiernan exiled. I prefer that method to flashbacks that enlighten the reader. I seriously wanted to take the knife and stab Tiernan’s sister myself. That bitch! I fell in love with both of the guys. They are each vulnerable in their own way and that made me love them even more. It was interesting how Kevin starts to come into his own after he meets Tiernan.
This book is a book that will take you on an emotional ride with a satisfying end. So go read this tale of destined lovers who fight enormous odds to be together. I hope you love it as much as I did.
Kevin Almstead has just lost his future, to a vote of the partners at his law firm. Trying to escape for an evening, he ventures into Purgatory, the hottest all-male nightclub in Washington, D.C., where he allows himself to be seduced by a stranger with long blond hair and ice-blue eyes.
Drawn into a Soulshare bond with his intended one-night stand, Tiernan soon learns that the most ancient and evil enemy of the Fae still walks the human world, and it will stop at nothing – certainly not Kevin Almstead – to possess the magick of a Noble Fae.
I could not put this book down. I started it last night prepared to read enough to get a feel for the story and then planned to put it down and go to bed. I ended up staying up until 2am. Curse you Rory Coileain, for my lack of sleep. This book was raw and gritty. The intense attraction between Kevin and Tiernan leapt off the pages. There were bad guys of the human and paranormal variety. The book was just intense.
I like how the story started out telling us what happened to get Tiernan exiled. I prefer that method to flashbacks that enlighten the reader. I seriously wanted to take the knife and stab Tiernan’s sister myself. That bitch! I fell in love with both of the guys. They are each vulnerable in their own way and that made me love them even more. It was interesting how Kevin starts to come into his own after he meets Tiernan.
This book is a book that will take you on an emotional ride with a satisfying end. So go read this tale of destined lovers who fight enormous odds to be together. I hope you love it as much as I did.
August 20, 2014
This was my first time reading anything by this author so I really didn't know what to expect going into this series. But my oh, my.... great chemistry, well written, strong set of characters and HOTT!!!
Tiernan was exiled to the human world for committing murder. He comes with baggage and huge insecurities. He struggles with his feelings for Kevin and goes off and fucks women and men to try to get passed what obviously seems inevitable.
Kevin is looking to drown his sorrows. Turned down yet again to become partner in the Law Firm he works at, he ventures off to an all-male nightclub. It was supposed to be one night. But the blond hair, blue eyed stranger won't stay out of his thoughts.
I loved Kevin. He was just so accepting of everything with Tiernan. And no matter what obstacles were put in their path, he never let up. Although, Tiernan struggles with his feelings and the fact that Kevin is indeed his other half, I loved how he would take care of Kevin and being romantic by setting candles and baths, making sure he got rest when tired and how they both just had a way of reading one another.
This book was full of surprises that’s for sure. This story is full of action, fantasy and lots and lots of hot sex. From demonic monsters to demonic humans and a beautiful relationship that develops between Tiernan and Kevin, this was a great story. At times it was a little confusing for me to follow but I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes to read Urban Fantasy and a beautiful bond between two men.
Tiernan was exiled to the human world for committing murder. He comes with baggage and huge insecurities. He struggles with his feelings for Kevin and goes off and fucks women and men to try to get passed what obviously seems inevitable.
Kevin is looking to drown his sorrows. Turned down yet again to become partner in the Law Firm he works at, he ventures off to an all-male nightclub. It was supposed to be one night. But the blond hair, blue eyed stranger won't stay out of his thoughts.
I loved Kevin. He was just so accepting of everything with Tiernan. And no matter what obstacles were put in their path, he never let up. Although, Tiernan struggles with his feelings and the fact that Kevin is indeed his other half, I loved how he would take care of Kevin and being romantic by setting candles and baths, making sure he got rest when tired and how they both just had a way of reading one another.
This book was full of surprises that’s for sure. This story is full of action, fantasy and lots and lots of hot sex. From demonic monsters to demonic humans and a beautiful relationship that develops between Tiernan and Kevin, this was a great story. At times it was a little confusing for me to follow but I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes to read Urban Fantasy and a beautiful bond between two men.
December 27, 2014
I quite enjoyed this despite it being a genre I wouldn't normally choose (I won this on Elisa Rolle's blog last year).
Tiernan is banned from his home in the Fae realm, destined to roam Earth with only half his soul, unless he can find the human who holds the other half.
Kevin is a lawyer who is just not quite cutting it.
The human side of the story was ok - I did wonder if the yellow coat lady that Kevin sees twice was the Marfach, or if she has more significance somewhere. I did find the weeping cocks and rolling eyes a bit distracting, and Kevin and Tiernan romances was full on.
The Fae elements, especially when Marfach arrived were well written, very detailed and certainly rolled the story along well!
The epilogue sets up lots of future stories quite nicely.
Tiernan is banned from his home in the Fae realm, destined to roam Earth with only half his soul, unless he can find the human who holds the other half.
Kevin is a lawyer who is just not quite cutting it.
The human side of the story was ok - I did wonder if the yellow coat lady that Kevin sees twice was the Marfach, or if she has more significance somewhere. I did find the weeping cocks and rolling eyes a bit distracting, and Kevin and Tiernan romances was full on.
The Fae elements, especially when Marfach arrived were well written, very detailed and certainly rolled the story along well!
The epilogue sets up lots of future stories quite nicely.
January 7, 2014
This is the first story that I have read by Rory and I can
honestly say I loved it and I can't wait to read more of her books.
Hard Stone is the first book in her SoulShares series. Yes it is a
m/m story which I absolutely love that genre. I don't know why I just
do. Rory in my opinion does an awesome job of setting up the scenes and
it flowed nicely. The characters left me craving more and the sex was
pretty hot too. I think the trials and tribulations the characters go throug
left me gasping and craving to read more.
Tiernan and Kevin were just full of passion and emotions that I think
anyone could relate too (even if you are human) and if I could give this
more than 5 stars I would.
honestly say I loved it and I can't wait to read more of her books.
Hard Stone is the first book in her SoulShares series. Yes it is a
m/m story which I absolutely love that genre. I don't know why I just
do. Rory in my opinion does an awesome job of setting up the scenes and
it flowed nicely. The characters left me craving more and the sex was
pretty hot too. I think the trials and tribulations the characters go throug
left me gasping and craving to read more.
Tiernan and Kevin were just full of passion and emotions that I think
anyone could relate too (even if you are human) and if I could give this
more than 5 stars I would.
April 6, 2014
This book is very interesting. I caught me off guard a few times, but I enjoy that because it shows good writing. Charters are likable and I felt like I knew them by the end of the book. There is love and fighting. Some areas were too much on the love for my liking but the action made up for that. I do want to know more about the Fae and a little more about his world, but this is only book one, so I'm hoping there will be more about his world. The last half of the book was my favorite and for that is why I gave Hard as Stone four stars and not five. The first half was just a little are in sucking me in. Again this is the first book and got to lay the story. I see this being a great series to read, and I would tell anyone to pick it up and try it; it's worth it.
January 17, 2013
This book was sexy and flowed well for the most part. My only complaint comes from the sudden appearance of the enemy that had little to no prior historical reference within what we'd learned from the Fae in the beginning. The enemy was also extremely complicated to understand, maybe that was just me. I did find the concept interesting and the use of ley lines was a creative approach, but the plot became muddled with descriptions that had me reading and re-reading to try and understand. Other than that I thoroughly enjoyed both main characters and got a little misty eyed near the end. If you're looking for a different approach on Fae fantasy, this book is for you. Well worth a look.
September 7, 2016
Wow. Rory has created an awesome world of hot sexy males and hot sexy fae. I love the idea of the soul being split by the Pattern and then finding its other half here. This particular couple are especially interesting to me because Kevin has never been attracted to a man before Tiernan.
I tend to read a great deal, and have varied interests, but few authors keep me glued to the page the way Rory does! While some of the finer points of the series do make it easier to understand whats happening if you read them in order, I actually read book 4, I think it was, first and had no trouble keeping up with the story. Some things are clearer now, however!
I tend to read a great deal, and have varied interests, but few authors keep me glued to the page the way Rory does! While some of the finer points of the series do make it easier to understand whats happening if you read them in order, I actually read book 4, I think it was, first and had no trouble keeping up with the story. Some things are clearer now, however!
January 11, 2014
Two lost souls from different realms, each searching for peace, love and a place to belong! Tiernan, a Fae, exiled from his realm with half a soul; Kevin, a lost sould stumbling around in a world of disappointments; they met and sparks fly. The sexual chemistry is explosive and the characters have depth and passion. Enjoyed this well written book and look forward to more from this author.
Received copy for review
Received copy for review
January 31, 2014
This is a fast moving story where all things are possible. The author puts a twist on what I always thought the Fae were. I love the soulshare story. Kevin and Tiernan are an unlikely match but at the same time you can see how they are perfect for each other.
Defiantly a great story gets you involved and rooting for them both.
I would recommend it to anyone that reads paranormal romance and/or urban fantasy.
Defiantly a great story gets you involved and rooting for them both.
I would recommend it to anyone that reads paranormal romance and/or urban fantasy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews