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Fool's Odyssey #1
Fool's Errand
First in the Fool’s Odyssey Trilogy - Xavi is a sometime hooker, sometime gigolo, working the rich pickings of wealthy tourists and bored socialites of Barcelona in 2042. His current meal ticket is Sophia Matas, the wife of a prominent politician. Then Sophia is assassinated and he’s the only witness. Within hours, Xavi finds himself in protective custody and in a safe house. His guardian is Andreas, a vampire liaising with the Barcelona police.
Andreas needs to exert control - of himself, his abilities, and his relationships. Now he must keep Xavi safe. If he can keep Xavi in one place long enough. They embark on an affair that will define who and what they are, played out in an deadly dance of kill-or-be-killed danger.
Andreas needs to exert control - of himself, his abilities, and his relationships. Now he must keep Xavi safe. If he can keep Xavi in one place long enough. They embark on an affair that will define who and what they are, played out in an deadly dance of kill-or-be-killed danger.
432 pages, ebook
First published November 1, 2010
174 people want to read
About the author
Chris Quinton
46 books99 followersChris started creating stories not long after she mastered joined-up writing, somewhat to the bemusement of her parents and her English teachers. But she received plenty of encouragement. Her dad gave her an already old Everest typewriter when she was about ten, and it was probably the best gift she'd ever received – until the inventions of the home-computer and the worldwide web.
Chris's reading and writing interests range from historical, mystery, and paranormal, to science-fiction and fantasy, mostly in the male/male genre. She also writes male/female novels in the name of Chris Power. She refuses to be pigeon-holed and intends to uphold the long and honourable tradition of the Eccentric Brit to the best of her ability. In her spare time [hah!] she reads, embroiders, quilts and knits. In the past she has been a part-time and unpaid amateur archaeologist, and a 15th century re-enactor.
She currently lives in a small and ancient city in the south-west of the United Kingdom, sharing her usually chaotic home with an extended family, two large dogs, fancy mice, sundry goldfish and a young frilled dragon (Australian lizard) aka Trogdorina.
Chris's reading and writing interests range from historical, mystery, and paranormal, to science-fiction and fantasy, mostly in the male/male genre. She also writes male/female novels in the name of Chris Power. She refuses to be pigeon-holed and intends to uphold the long and honourable tradition of the Eccentric Brit to the best of her ability. In her spare time [hah!] she reads, embroiders, quilts and knits. In the past she has been a part-time and unpaid amateur archaeologist, and a 15th century re-enactor.
She currently lives in a small and ancient city in the south-west of the United Kingdom, sharing her usually chaotic home with an extended family, two large dogs, fancy mice, sundry goldfish and a young frilled dragon (Australian lizard) aka Trogdorina.
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November 2, 2010
First in the Fool’s Odyssey Trilogy - Xavi is a sometime hooker, sometime gigolo, working the rich pickings of wealthy tourists and bored socialites of Barcelona in 2042. His current meal ticket is Sophia Matas, the wife of a prominent politician. Then Sophia is assassinated and he’s the only witness. Within hours, Xavi finds himself in protective custody and in a safe house. His guardian is Andreas, a vampire liaising with the Barcelona police.
Andreas needs to exert control - of himself, his abilities, and his relationships. Now he must keep Xavi safe. If he can keep Xavi in one place long enough. They embark on an affair that will define who and what they are, played out in an deadly dance of kill-or-be-killed danger. (MLR)
Review:
Xavi Escudero is introduced as a man of few morals, living by a code of his own - a man certain in his own life. When he is the only witness to murder he becomes a man on the run.
Andreas Rousakis, the vampire - with his unique abilities of enhanced sight, smell, hearing, speed and strength. I adore his dismissal of all the usual vampire tropes, he says "don't believe all you may have read in books or seen on the movie screen." He is no sparkly vampire looking moodily in the distance. Vampirism is a code, a backbone of steel and a twist of unique abilities that make them excellent 'wardens'. They are sometimes partnered with human cops and Andreas has certainly done his time from FBI to local. He is controlled, won't allow himself to be anything but, and the author builds a very clear picture of a 'man' who lets very little of his self out to play.
Of course throwing Xavi in the mix makes it interesting!
I adore this book, Andreas and Xavi connect on so many levels, and this is a love story with an adventure, a mystery, chases, hints of a D/s relationship, fights, and above all a unique insight into a community set in 2042 when vampires have an accepted place in society. Albeit it one looked at with some suspicion...
I can not recommend this book enough, a very satisfying read.
Roll on book 2...soon please...
Andreas needs to exert control - of himself, his abilities, and his relationships. Now he must keep Xavi safe. If he can keep Xavi in one place long enough. They embark on an affair that will define who and what they are, played out in an deadly dance of kill-or-be-killed danger. (MLR)
Review:
Xavi Escudero is introduced as a man of few morals, living by a code of his own - a man certain in his own life. When he is the only witness to murder he becomes a man on the run.
Andreas Rousakis, the vampire - with his unique abilities of enhanced sight, smell, hearing, speed and strength. I adore his dismissal of all the usual vampire tropes, he says "don't believe all you may have read in books or seen on the movie screen." He is no sparkly vampire looking moodily in the distance. Vampirism is a code, a backbone of steel and a twist of unique abilities that make them excellent 'wardens'. They are sometimes partnered with human cops and Andreas has certainly done his time from FBI to local. He is controlled, won't allow himself to be anything but, and the author builds a very clear picture of a 'man' who lets very little of his self out to play.
Of course throwing Xavi in the mix makes it interesting!
I adore this book, Andreas and Xavi connect on so many levels, and this is a love story with an adventure, a mystery, chases, hints of a D/s relationship, fights, and above all a unique insight into a community set in 2042 when vampires have an accepted place in society. Albeit it one looked at with some suspicion...
I can not recommend this book enough, a very satisfying read.
Roll on book 2...soon please...
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November 2, 2010
4,5.
It`s always a game of chance. - Buying and reading a brand new book by an(to me)unknown author.
This time I got lucky.
The setting with Spain in the near future was unusual but felt real.The crime/mystery was average but fast paced with well-written action scenes.Great main-characters. - The self-confident and coolly
alpha-cop-vampire Andreas and the smartass-hooker Xavi were quite a pair.The sexual tension between them was palpable and the sex scenes were hot and emotional.
Unfortunately the end was rushed and a bit over the top but it was nonetheless a great and sometimes funny read.
( Funny? - Okay...it was my black soul gleefully rubbing hands! )
It`s always a game of chance. - Buying and reading a brand new book by an(to me)unknown author.
This time I got lucky.
The setting with Spain in the near future was unusual but felt real.The crime/mystery was average but fast paced with well-written action scenes.Great main-characters. - The self-confident and coolly
alpha-cop-vampire Andreas and the smartass-hooker Xavi were quite a pair.The sexual tension between them was palpable and the sex scenes were hot and emotional.
Unfortunately the end was rushed and a bit over the top but it was nonetheless a great and sometimes funny read.
( Funny? - Okay...it was my black soul gleefully rubbing hands! )
May 2, 2013
Read the entire series Review on The Blog of Sid Love!
Series Review: Fool's Odyssey by Chris Quinton
Book #1: Fool's Errand
4 Stars!
Xavi Escudero is a gigolo by profession. He is highly attracted to older women, especially the ones with lots of gold and money and being a guy with great looks, he doesn’t find it hard to have his way with any of them – committed or not! Currently involved in such a relationship with a famous politician’s wife – Sofia Matas, Xavi suddenly finds himself being an eye-witness of her ruthless murder. The killer doesn’t see him but from where Xavi hides, he has seen the cruel man who had just killed the person he had liked a lot. Though when he realizes, he might have to deal with the cops, he makes a run from the crime scene.
Andreas Rousakis, a Warden of Renaissance community and temporarily liaising with the Barcelona P.D., is a vampire by nature and over a century old by age. He is mentioned to be a foreigner – an American - formerly working with the American security agencies. Partnered with detective Rico Aquilar, he is assigned the case to investigate the Matas murder.
Fighting with his own conscience, Xavi decides to give the PD a call and tell them what he had seen and the name – Raoul, as Sofia called him right before he put four bullets in her body. With his supernatural abilities, Andreas manages to track Xavi down and takes him under his safe custody. And things start to sizzle between the duo soon after …
Chris Quinton builds an entirely new universe for this trilogy and I must say, everything is well-thought of. Renaissance – where Andreas acts as a Warden keeping everything under lawful control – is a place where all the vampires are settled, quite away from the human population. They do not feed on human blood, nor are they much affected by the sun really (and please, they do NOT sparkle, either!). They survive on substitutes that are invented by a commited group of vampire scientists who work on it. Humans know of them ever since UN officially declared their existence, however are wary of them given the prejudices ingrained into their minds. According to this story, the vampires can be made by the traditional, some can even reproduce (rare possibility) but an intriguing concept used by Quinton here was that human can get infected by vampire blood and the transition can get triggered due to blood transfusion. A rather ugly process, as is seen, in my opinion but very smart thesis!
Quinton’s characters are adorable – yes I’d call the stiff, dominant Andreas adorable too. He is, in fact, the most favorite character of mine in this series. Although he remains so tough on the outside, you could see in his thoughts how tender on the inside he really is. Andreas is the one who believes strongly that Xavi is the man he has been looking for for so long! He is romantic and the times when he is jealous, I just felt like pinching his cheeks and saying ‘oh you silly lovesick man!’ or vampire, whatever…
Xavi is rather cocky and gave me quite a few laughs in between the scenes. But he disappointed me a lot with his immature actions. For one thing, he is a runner. When things got too much for him to handle, he would just take off rather facing it. The murder isn’t the only time he does that, by the way. But I must give the author kudos for keeping consistent with the character flaws. Also, Xavi might be a gigolo, but he cares for his ladies. He takes care of them but a simple question coming from Andreas more than once forces him to a thoughtful silence everytime …
“Who takes care of Xavier Peres Escudero?”
Okay that might be a very simple sentence, but everytime Andreas asks him that question, I went “awww”.
The murder mystery - very exciting and keeps your interest up throughout the book. I wouldn’t say it was a mystery really, but still the thrill is there. The action scene is amazing and of course, the sex is hot! But it is what I said it is – the sex. The feelings of the two men are tender but you can’t say they are in love.
It is written well but this one isn’t the best of the series. Weighing with the writing of the third book, this one seems a bit off. Quinton indulges in a lot of detailed descriptions at times, which had me skimming through a lot of parts. But I guess, since it was the first book in the series, it was unavoidable.
Series Review: Fool's Odyssey by Chris Quinton
Book #1: Fool's Errand
4 Stars!
Xavi Escudero is a gigolo by profession. He is highly attracted to older women, especially the ones with lots of gold and money and being a guy with great looks, he doesn’t find it hard to have his way with any of them – committed or not! Currently involved in such a relationship with a famous politician’s wife – Sofia Matas, Xavi suddenly finds himself being an eye-witness of her ruthless murder. The killer doesn’t see him but from where Xavi hides, he has seen the cruel man who had just killed the person he had liked a lot. Though when he realizes, he might have to deal with the cops, he makes a run from the crime scene.
Andreas Rousakis, a Warden of Renaissance community and temporarily liaising with the Barcelona P.D., is a vampire by nature and over a century old by age. He is mentioned to be a foreigner – an American - formerly working with the American security agencies. Partnered with detective Rico Aquilar, he is assigned the case to investigate the Matas murder.
Fighting with his own conscience, Xavi decides to give the PD a call and tell them what he had seen and the name – Raoul, as Sofia called him right before he put four bullets in her body. With his supernatural abilities, Andreas manages to track Xavi down and takes him under his safe custody. And things start to sizzle between the duo soon after …
Chris Quinton builds an entirely new universe for this trilogy and I must say, everything is well-thought of. Renaissance – where Andreas acts as a Warden keeping everything under lawful control – is a place where all the vampires are settled, quite away from the human population. They do not feed on human blood, nor are they much affected by the sun really (and please, they do NOT sparkle, either!). They survive on substitutes that are invented by a commited group of vampire scientists who work on it. Humans know of them ever since UN officially declared their existence, however are wary of them given the prejudices ingrained into their minds. According to this story, the vampires can be made by the traditional, some can even reproduce (rare possibility) but an intriguing concept used by Quinton here was that human can get infected by vampire blood and the transition can get triggered due to blood transfusion. A rather ugly process, as is seen, in my opinion but very smart thesis!
Quinton’s characters are adorable – yes I’d call the stiff, dominant Andreas adorable too. He is, in fact, the most favorite character of mine in this series. Although he remains so tough on the outside, you could see in his thoughts how tender on the inside he really is. Andreas is the one who believes strongly that Xavi is the man he has been looking for for so long! He is romantic and the times when he is jealous, I just felt like pinching his cheeks and saying ‘oh you silly lovesick man!’ or vampire, whatever…
Xavi is rather cocky and gave me quite a few laughs in between the scenes. But he disappointed me a lot with his immature actions. For one thing, he is a runner. When things got too much for him to handle, he would just take off rather facing it. The murder isn’t the only time he does that, by the way. But I must give the author kudos for keeping consistent with the character flaws. Also, Xavi might be a gigolo, but he cares for his ladies. He takes care of them but a simple question coming from Andreas more than once forces him to a thoughtful silence everytime …
“Who takes care of Xavier Peres Escudero?”
Okay that might be a very simple sentence, but everytime Andreas asks him that question, I went “awww”.
The murder mystery - very exciting and keeps your interest up throughout the book. I wouldn’t say it was a mystery really, but still the thrill is there. The action scene is amazing and of course, the sex is hot! But it is what I said it is – the sex. The feelings of the two men are tender but you can’t say they are in love.
It is written well but this one isn’t the best of the series. Weighing with the writing of the third book, this one seems a bit off. Quinton indulges in a lot of detailed descriptions at times, which had me skimming through a lot of parts. But I guess, since it was the first book in the series, it was unavoidable.
January 23, 2015
Now that I've read this I'm kicking myself why I didn't so sooner...
I often find vampire books off-putting for the elaborate vampiric worlds and societies described; I often feel like I've read similar things over and over with only the slightest varieties ever since I picked up my first Anne Rice book. But nothing of that sort occurs in here. The vampire lore in this book is, although not totally new, still interesting and only hinted at; the story is more character-driven, focusing on how Andreas and Xavi find their way together. And yet, Andreas's vampiric nature is an intricate part of both the underlying crime/ thriller plot and the budding relationship between him and Xavi.
I really really liked street-smart, no-pushover Xavi. Andreas, on the other hand, remained a bit more inaccessible to me; maybe because he's meant to be a bit of a mystery while yet fulfilling most Vamp clichés in line with expectations (and additionally shows some interesting Werewolf traits...)
I loved the writing, it pulled me in from the first sentence onward and never let go. A totally engrossing book that makes me curious about the rest of the series.
I often find vampire books off-putting for the elaborate vampiric worlds and societies described; I often feel like I've read similar things over and over with only the slightest varieties ever since I picked up my first Anne Rice book. But nothing of that sort occurs in here. The vampire lore in this book is, although not totally new, still interesting and only hinted at; the story is more character-driven, focusing on how Andreas and Xavi find their way together. And yet, Andreas's vampiric nature is an intricate part of both the underlying crime/ thriller plot and the budding relationship between him and Xavi.
I really really liked street-smart, no-pushover Xavi. Andreas, on the other hand, remained a bit more inaccessible to me; maybe because he's meant to be a bit of a mystery while yet fulfilling most Vamp clichés in line with expectations (and additionally shows some interesting Werewolf traits...)
I loved the writing, it pulled me in from the first sentence onward and never let go. A totally engrossing book that makes me curious about the rest of the series.
April 3, 2011
More like 3.5 stars. The characters are interesting enough, the vampire 'theory' well thought through and the plot engaging and well worked through. What I missed was the chemistry. Don't get me wrong, the sexual tension between the two was squirming hot, but there was just not enough of it. And by the ending I was left a bit disappointed with the development of their relationship.
I'm guessing more of it will be placed in the sequel, but if that turns out not to be the case, I might rethink this rating.
Overall it is nice vampire story I would recommend.
I'm guessing more of it will be placed in the sequel, but if that turns out not to be the case, I might rethink this rating.
Overall it is nice vampire story I would recommend.
January 29, 2015
3.75 stars. I wish I had felt more chemistry between the characters. And Andreas was a little 2-D until a good way into the story. But the story is a solid one and very unique. I will definitely continue the series.
July 29, 2012
In the year 2042, the world hasn’t changed too much. We don’t have flying cars, there are no colonies on far off planets, crimes are still committed, and there is still murder and it still takes good old fashioned law enforcement to solve those crimes.
There is one small difference, around ten years earlier vampires came out of the closet and into the light. Most prefer to live amongst their own kind in communes, some choose to live among the humans, Andreas Rousakis is one such vampire.
Andreas has worked for the NSA and FBI in the USA, and is now a Community Warden at a commune in Spain called Renaissance, and as such is tasked to liaise with the local police to ensure that the internal security of the commune does not cross outside of their boundaries. Inspector Lluis Gavarro isn’t thrilled with the situation but is willing to give Andreas a chance; he assigns Andreas as partner to Detective Ricardo Aquilar for the trial period.
As luck would have it, on the very day Andreas is assigned to partner with Ricardo, the wife of an up and coming politician was found shot to death by her husband. As a vampire Andreas has special skills that just might make him a valuable member of the team and help them to solve the case fast enough to satisfy the powers that be. At the scene, Andreas uses his unique sense of smell to figure out exactly what happened, and he soon realizes that when the murder was committed, there was someone else in the room other than the victim and murderer.
The team is soon finds out that the third party is the victim’s young lover, Xavi Peres Escundero. They must find Xavi, put him in protective custody in hopes that he can help identify the murderer. Xavi is no fool though, after the murder he quickly “borrowed” his lover’s jewelry and made himself disappear. The hunt is on, to add insult to injury the Inspector suspects there is a one of their own involved so Andreas and Ricardo are pretty much on their own.
Ms. Quinton has chosen to go a different direction than most vampire stories. Her vampires can walk in the sun, although it does burn their eyes, they don’t drink blood but drink a tonic instead. Crosses, holy water and garlic do nothing to them. Vampirism is a virus of a sort; there are even portions of the human population who are immune to it.
Andreas had been World War II airman, shot down over Italy and captured, he ended up in a concentration camp in Austria. It was there he met the man who would change him into a vampire and teach him to enjoy his body. When we first meet him, he is what one would expect from a vampire, silent, still, pale and a bad dresser. We soon learn he has a quirky sense of humor, is a great looking guy and under his funeral director clothes has a body that won’t quit.
Xavi grew up on the streets, he had a number of women that he kept happy and got by on his wits and looks. In a pinch and for enough money, Xavi would be with men but he liked women, or so he thought until he met Andreas. Their chemistry was electrical almost from the beginning and it was fun to watch Andreas play with Xavi.
This is a short, quick, fun novella; it only took me an afternoon to read it. Andreas’ personality was so strong that I couldn’t help but like him and I knew under that strong exterior there had to be a softy. Xavi was a little harder to get a read on and without Andreas guiding him along I’m not sure I would have liked him.
This is a murder mystery/love story, so there is violence and sex, both of which fit well into the story. If you are offended by male/male relations, this is not the book for you, but if you enjoy a good, fast paced cop story/love story, you’ll enjoy this book.
Member of the Paranormal Romance Guild Dual Review Team
There is one small difference, around ten years earlier vampires came out of the closet and into the light. Most prefer to live amongst their own kind in communes, some choose to live among the humans, Andreas Rousakis is one such vampire.
Andreas has worked for the NSA and FBI in the USA, and is now a Community Warden at a commune in Spain called Renaissance, and as such is tasked to liaise with the local police to ensure that the internal security of the commune does not cross outside of their boundaries. Inspector Lluis Gavarro isn’t thrilled with the situation but is willing to give Andreas a chance; he assigns Andreas as partner to Detective Ricardo Aquilar for the trial period.
As luck would have it, on the very day Andreas is assigned to partner with Ricardo, the wife of an up and coming politician was found shot to death by her husband. As a vampire Andreas has special skills that just might make him a valuable member of the team and help them to solve the case fast enough to satisfy the powers that be. At the scene, Andreas uses his unique sense of smell to figure out exactly what happened, and he soon realizes that when the murder was committed, there was someone else in the room other than the victim and murderer.
The team is soon finds out that the third party is the victim’s young lover, Xavi Peres Escundero. They must find Xavi, put him in protective custody in hopes that he can help identify the murderer. Xavi is no fool though, after the murder he quickly “borrowed” his lover’s jewelry and made himself disappear. The hunt is on, to add insult to injury the Inspector suspects there is a one of their own involved so Andreas and Ricardo are pretty much on their own.
Ms. Quinton has chosen to go a different direction than most vampire stories. Her vampires can walk in the sun, although it does burn their eyes, they don’t drink blood but drink a tonic instead. Crosses, holy water and garlic do nothing to them. Vampirism is a virus of a sort; there are even portions of the human population who are immune to it.
Andreas had been World War II airman, shot down over Italy and captured, he ended up in a concentration camp in Austria. It was there he met the man who would change him into a vampire and teach him to enjoy his body. When we first meet him, he is what one would expect from a vampire, silent, still, pale and a bad dresser. We soon learn he has a quirky sense of humor, is a great looking guy and under his funeral director clothes has a body that won’t quit.
Xavi grew up on the streets, he had a number of women that he kept happy and got by on his wits and looks. In a pinch and for enough money, Xavi would be with men but he liked women, or so he thought until he met Andreas. Their chemistry was electrical almost from the beginning and it was fun to watch Andreas play with Xavi.
This is a short, quick, fun novella; it only took me an afternoon to read it. Andreas’ personality was so strong that I couldn’t help but like him and I knew under that strong exterior there had to be a softy. Xavi was a little harder to get a read on and without Andreas guiding him along I’m not sure I would have liked him.
This is a murder mystery/love story, so there is violence and sex, both of which fit well into the story. If you are offended by male/male relations, this is not the book for you, but if you enjoy a good, fast paced cop story/love story, you’ll enjoy this book.
Member of the Paranormal Romance Guild Dual Review Team
January 17, 2020
2020 Re-Read
I really like this story. I don't know why I didn't read the next one right away, but I won't make the same mistake this time.
Original 2017 Review:
Vampires, yay!
I really like this story. I don't know why I didn't read the next one right away, but I won't make the same mistake this time.
Original 2017 Review:
Vampires, yay!
November 27, 2022
unique
I have never before read a portrait of a person who longed to kill the object of his love because he loved him nor a portrayal of a dom-sub relationship that is tender and truly loving. The author’s decision to make the central figure a selfish jerk to begin with creates a challenge to overcome, but it risks losing readers unless the counter-impulse begins early. This happens very naturally, and the gradual redemption of the protagonist becomes more interesting than the quite adequate mystery plot.
I have never before read a portrait of a person who longed to kill the object of his love because he loved him nor a portrayal of a dom-sub relationship that is tender and truly loving. The author’s decision to make the central figure a selfish jerk to begin with creates a challenge to overcome, but it risks losing readers unless the counter-impulse begins early. This happens very naturally, and the gradual redemption of the protagonist becomes more interesting than the quite adequate mystery plot.
December 6, 2023
I have never before read a portrait of a person who longed to kill the object of his love because he loved him or a portrayal of a dom-sub relationship that is tender and truly loving. The author’s decision to make the central figure a selfish jerk to begin with creates a challenge to overcome, but it risks losing readers unless the counter-impulse begins early. This happens very naturally in this novel, and the gradual redemption of the protagonist becomes more interesting than the quite adequate mystery plot.
March 24, 2011
Right away, the reader is thrust into a different setting than the usual fare. The story begins in Barcelona, in the year 2042, and young gigolo Xavi Escudero is in the bedroom of his latest partner when a door shuts downstairs. Convinced it’s her husband come home early, Xavi hides, only to witness her murder. The killer leaves without seeing him, and Xavi makes a run for it, stealing some of her jewelry to help fund his necessary disappearance. The case gets assigned to Detective Aguilar, and through a new arrangement, vampire Andreas Rousakis gets placed as his partner. When Xavi calls in to report what he knows, he does so believing that’s the only way he’ll stay alive. Aguilar and Andreas are ordered to find and keep him safe until the killer is caught, a killer who has become aware his crime did not go unseen. Andreas finds him with little effort, and proceeds to keep him in protective custody, even when Xavi keeps trying to escape.
The two heroes are an interesting study in contrasts. Though Xavi has grown up on the streets, he brings an unexpected innocence to the page that belies his tough upbringing. It’s not in what he knows. He reacts out of fear and a strong sense of self-preservation, but beneath it all, a feeling of hope and idealism permeates his thoughts and actions. On the other hand, Andreas has a world of experience behind him, knowledge that steadies his nerves and actions. This is a vampire that knows what he wants, and as he fights his attraction to Xavi, this measured approach controls the pace of the romantic development, each step of the way. Of the two, I was drawn to Andreas more than Xavi. His intelligence and careful control were compelling, intriguing me into wanting to know more. Since this marks the first book in a series, he would be the primary reason I would choose to follow. There’s so much I want to learn about him, as well as being the character I responded to the strongest on an emotional level.
The romance between Xavi and Andreas has a wonderfully slow build-up throughout the first half of the book, mostly because Xavi doesn’t get involved with men unless it’s absolutely financially necessary, but then it seems to take off with a bang, accelerating so quickly into something deeper that I had some serious doubts buying it. I wanted to, but mostly because I wanted Andreas to get what he wanted. However, that acceleration becomes necessary to drive the action of the latter half of the story, so for that, I forgive it to a degree.
Because it’s this relentless blend of action and exposition that is the real attraction of this short novel. Choosing to set it in a futuristic Barcelona creates a unique milieu from the onset, and the author milks this for everything it’s worth. The setting crackles, rich with details, and the pacing barrels forward from plot point to plot point with little room to breathe in between. Since Andreas isn’t actually the primary investigator, this is more action than mystery. The real developments in determining the facts behind the murder come from Aguilar, and often off-screen, so if a reader is looking for a whodunit type of story, this isn’t it. The focus is on Andreas and Xavi, and the constant machinations of their romance and Andreas’s efforts to keep Xavi safe. The end result is an engrossing, entertaining read, with promises of what is yet to come.
The two heroes are an interesting study in contrasts. Though Xavi has grown up on the streets, he brings an unexpected innocence to the page that belies his tough upbringing. It’s not in what he knows. He reacts out of fear and a strong sense of self-preservation, but beneath it all, a feeling of hope and idealism permeates his thoughts and actions. On the other hand, Andreas has a world of experience behind him, knowledge that steadies his nerves and actions. This is a vampire that knows what he wants, and as he fights his attraction to Xavi, this measured approach controls the pace of the romantic development, each step of the way. Of the two, I was drawn to Andreas more than Xavi. His intelligence and careful control were compelling, intriguing me into wanting to know more. Since this marks the first book in a series, he would be the primary reason I would choose to follow. There’s so much I want to learn about him, as well as being the character I responded to the strongest on an emotional level.
The romance between Xavi and Andreas has a wonderfully slow build-up throughout the first half of the book, mostly because Xavi doesn’t get involved with men unless it’s absolutely financially necessary, but then it seems to take off with a bang, accelerating so quickly into something deeper that I had some serious doubts buying it. I wanted to, but mostly because I wanted Andreas to get what he wanted. However, that acceleration becomes necessary to drive the action of the latter half of the story, so for that, I forgive it to a degree.
Because it’s this relentless blend of action and exposition that is the real attraction of this short novel. Choosing to set it in a futuristic Barcelona creates a unique milieu from the onset, and the author milks this for everything it’s worth. The setting crackles, rich with details, and the pacing barrels forward from plot point to plot point with little room to breathe in between. Since Andreas isn’t actually the primary investigator, this is more action than mystery. The real developments in determining the facts behind the murder come from Aguilar, and often off-screen, so if a reader is looking for a whodunit type of story, this isn’t it. The focus is on Andreas and Xavi, and the constant machinations of their romance and Andreas’s efforts to keep Xavi safe. The end result is an engrossing, entertaining read, with promises of what is yet to come.
July 18, 2012
This is not my first book read of this talented author. I am happy to say, I am more than happy to read all of Chris Quinton’s work going down her prestigious list one book at a time. In Fool's Errand, we meet Xavi Peres Escudero. He is a street rat, been on them most of his twenty something years. In order to survive he has become a hooker, a gigolo working the tourists and the rich of his city Barcelona Spain the year 2042.
The year 2042 is important, since it is in the future where vampires have ‘come out’ and are living within the human community. In the USA, the citizens have had more of a problem with their assimilation and so there has been a quiet village set up in Spain called Renaissance for the vampires to live in peace doing farming and otherwise enjoying a quiet existence.
Xavi is the lover of a prominent politician’s wife Sophia Matas. They are sharing a wonderful afternoon when they hear a noise downstairs. Thinking it is her husband returning early from a business trip, Xavi hides under the bed. A man comes standing in the doorway, and as Xavi watches, a man Sophia calls Raoul pulls out a gun starts shooting, killing her. Xavi waits till the coast appears clear, snatching up some of the pieces of jewelry lying all over her dressing table to use to pawn for cash as he tries to flee.
At police head quarters we are introduced to Andreas Rousakis. He is a police officer and a vampire. He is in Spain to be the Community Warden of Renaissance, and be a liaison in the police department. Andreas is being partnered with a local officer Detective Ricardo Aquilar. Both men are called in to investigate the assassination of Sophia Matas. In a matter of hours, Xavi is a person of interest to many. The police want to question him and the killers know him as a witness to the murder. Xavi knows his time is limited and calls someone he trusts in the police department telling him he saw the murder and wants police protection.
Andreas finds Xavi running through an alley being chased by armed men, possibly the killer and his gang. He saves him and calls it in, being told to get Xavi to a safe house. Andreas is an expert in control. Control of himself, his job and his relationships. Xavi is a free spirit always looking after someone. Their staying together begins peeling off the layers of these two men. I shuddered when Andreas whispers in Xavi’s ear, ‘who looks after you, Xavi?’ The two are explosive; the heat builds both on the streets and in the bedroom. This is an affair that will have so many repercussions.
So it is a murder mystery, yes ...It is a wild love story, yes ...It has it all! It has you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Then some more twists after that!!!! This story is an afternoon read and holds your attention till the last. I can not wait to read the next in this series
Review by Gloria Lakritz
Sr Reviewer and Review Chair for the Paranormal Romance Guild
The year 2042 is important, since it is in the future where vampires have ‘come out’ and are living within the human community. In the USA, the citizens have had more of a problem with their assimilation and so there has been a quiet village set up in Spain called Renaissance for the vampires to live in peace doing farming and otherwise enjoying a quiet existence.
Xavi is the lover of a prominent politician’s wife Sophia Matas. They are sharing a wonderful afternoon when they hear a noise downstairs. Thinking it is her husband returning early from a business trip, Xavi hides under the bed. A man comes standing in the doorway, and as Xavi watches, a man Sophia calls Raoul pulls out a gun starts shooting, killing her. Xavi waits till the coast appears clear, snatching up some of the pieces of jewelry lying all over her dressing table to use to pawn for cash as he tries to flee.
At police head quarters we are introduced to Andreas Rousakis. He is a police officer and a vampire. He is in Spain to be the Community Warden of Renaissance, and be a liaison in the police department. Andreas is being partnered with a local officer Detective Ricardo Aquilar. Both men are called in to investigate the assassination of Sophia Matas. In a matter of hours, Xavi is a person of interest to many. The police want to question him and the killers know him as a witness to the murder. Xavi knows his time is limited and calls someone he trusts in the police department telling him he saw the murder and wants police protection.
Andreas finds Xavi running through an alley being chased by armed men, possibly the killer and his gang. He saves him and calls it in, being told to get Xavi to a safe house. Andreas is an expert in control. Control of himself, his job and his relationships. Xavi is a free spirit always looking after someone. Their staying together begins peeling off the layers of these two men. I shuddered when Andreas whispers in Xavi’s ear, ‘who looks after you, Xavi?’ The two are explosive; the heat builds both on the streets and in the bedroom. This is an affair that will have so many repercussions.
So it is a murder mystery, yes ...It is a wild love story, yes ...It has it all! It has you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Then some more twists after that!!!! This story is an afternoon read and holds your attention till the last. I can not wait to read the next in this series
Review by Gloria Lakritz
Sr Reviewer and Review Chair for the Paranormal Romance Guild
October 3, 2015
I didn't like Xavi at all in the beginning. He called Sophia a bitch in his mind. He was very vain and shallow. He took handfuls of her jewelry. He decides to hock it but keeps the necklace she gave him not out of sentimentality but because it looked good on him.
But a little while later he says he doesn't steal? That he only sold a little to help him disappear until he could avenge her death, that she was s good person and didn't deserve to die, etc. that he's got the jewelry for the husband. If that's true, then why did he take it in the first place?
Showing and not telling. Giving us just a piece of the puzzle of his past. Nice.
How is something "steaming gently"?
A hustler that only services women. Huh.
What is CCTV? I thought it meant Closed Caption Television but they make it sound like video cameras for security.
There's a lot of sexual tension but I'm on the fence about it. I'm not really getting the why of it all. I still don't like Xavi and I don't know why Andreas is so devoted when the guy is so obnoxious.
This is the beginnings of a BDSM relationship and right now it's not completely consensual. Xavi is being treated like a child, but then , he's acting like one. maybe that's why it's not totally working for me. It's kind of hot, too, though. Ugh.
Yeah, now I'm very confused. There may not be whips and leather and nipple clamps, but this is hard core TPE by the end.
So not my thing.
Well that was quite a sudden about face.
How he carries the jewelry is clever.
After s rough start, the writing got really good, unlike this sentence which has remained not so good.
This is me being dumb, I'm sure. Why would putting one guy's injury against a vampire's injury help the vampire?
He noticed his arm was strapped down so he couldn't pull out the syringe yet a short conversation later, he pulls out the syringe.
3.75 stars
But a little while later he says he doesn't steal? That he only sold a little to help him disappear until he could avenge her death, that she was s good person and didn't deserve to die, etc. that he's got the jewelry for the husband. If that's true, then why did he take it in the first place?
Showing and not telling. Giving us just a piece of the puzzle of his past. Nice.
How is something "steaming gently"?
A hustler that only services women. Huh.
What is CCTV? I thought it meant Closed Caption Television but they make it sound like video cameras for security.
There's a lot of sexual tension but I'm on the fence about it. I'm not really getting the why of it all. I still don't like Xavi and I don't know why Andreas is so devoted when the guy is so obnoxious.
This is the beginnings of a BDSM relationship and right now it's not completely consensual. Xavi is being treated like a child, but then , he's acting like one. maybe that's why it's not totally working for me. It's kind of hot, too, though. Ugh.
Yeah, now I'm very confused. There may not be whips and leather and nipple clamps, but this is hard core TPE by the end.
So not my thing.
Well that was quite a sudden about face.
How he carries the jewelry is clever.
After s rough start, the writing got really good, unlike this sentence which has remained not so good.
This is me being dumb, I'm sure. Why would putting one guy's injury against a vampire's injury help the vampire?
He noticed his arm was strapped down so he couldn't pull out the syringe yet a short conversation later, he pulls out the syringe.
3.75 stars
April 7, 2012
Fool's Errand is the first novel of of a trilogy, set in Barcelona in the year 2042, 10 years after the world-wide revelation of the existence of Vampires.
Xavi, a young man working as a gigolo to the rich older women of Barcelona, receives more than he bargained for when he inadvertently witnesses his client's assassination. Realizing his presence will be revealed by forensics, he grabs some of his dead client's jewellery to fund his disappearance, and starts running.
As it happens, his late client was the wife of someone important, sparking a police investigation headed by their best detective and his new partner Andreas - a partner who happened to be a Vampire with over 70 years experience of fighting crime, including training with the FBI and NSA.
There is much to admire in this story - the genesis and customs of vampirism an interesting merge of traditional traits and science, while the two main characters and the two main supporting characters have a lot of potential.
I guess the reason this doesn't rate higher is that much of the potential remained exactly that - potential. I think the background of the two main characters was under-explored and for me, the chemistry between Xavi and Andreas lacked a bit of spark. I suspect the next two books in the trilogy will rectify both deficiencies, but as is often the case with shorter novels, I just wish that the lack of length didn't mean a lack of depth. If the two remaining novels do provide the details I missed, I hope that they will be published as one novel, so that by the time I reach the last page in the book, I am left feeling satisfied rather than frustrated.
Xavi, a young man working as a gigolo to the rich older women of Barcelona, receives more than he bargained for when he inadvertently witnesses his client's assassination. Realizing his presence will be revealed by forensics, he grabs some of his dead client's jewellery to fund his disappearance, and starts running.
As it happens, his late client was the wife of someone important, sparking a police investigation headed by their best detective and his new partner Andreas - a partner who happened to be a Vampire with over 70 years experience of fighting crime, including training with the FBI and NSA.
There is much to admire in this story - the genesis and customs of vampirism an interesting merge of traditional traits and science, while the two main characters and the two main supporting characters have a lot of potential.
I guess the reason this doesn't rate higher is that much of the potential remained exactly that - potential. I think the background of the two main characters was under-explored and for me, the chemistry between Xavi and Andreas lacked a bit of spark. I suspect the next two books in the trilogy will rectify both deficiencies, but as is often the case with shorter novels, I just wish that the lack of length didn't mean a lack of depth. If the two remaining novels do provide the details I missed, I hope that they will be published as one novel, so that by the time I reach the last page in the book, I am left feeling satisfied rather than frustrated.
May 24, 2014
I'm kind of stumped on what to rate this book. It has different kind of universe where vampires have come out to the world and live in communities. Much of the dark dangerous aspects are gone since they feed on serum instead of blood, can go out in daylight, and are farmers o_O They seem to slip into the normal part of this world very easily.
As for the story it starts off like it is going to be a murder crime solving one involving Andreas and his partner. I felt it was interesting and good with details, but it quickly turns into a romance with Andreas and Xavi with the murder pretty much pushed aside and dealt with too simply in the end. There is a good tension between the two as the relationship takes center stage they brief circle around each other. For Andreas it is the first time he has felt any emotions for anyone since he was turned. For Xavi it is complete GFY. He wasn't bi-curious at all and even a little homophobic use "fagville" in a chapter before he is sporting wood for Andreas. In the end they both end up in love with each other really fast and I felt there wasn't enough for these two to build from to get where they did in the end.
This book had a mix of things I liked and disliked. It isn't one I dying to pick up the next book but I'm interested enough to hopefully pick up the next book.
As for the story it starts off like it is going to be a murder crime solving one involving Andreas and his partner. I felt it was interesting and good with details, but it quickly turns into a romance with Andreas and Xavi with the murder pretty much pushed aside and dealt with too simply in the end. There is a good tension between the two as the relationship takes center stage they brief circle around each other. For Andreas it is the first time he has felt any emotions for anyone since he was turned. For Xavi it is complete GFY. He wasn't bi-curious at all and even a little homophobic use "fagville" in a chapter before he is sporting wood for Andreas. In the end they both end up in love with each other really fast and I felt there wasn't enough for these two to build from to get where they did in the end.
This book had a mix of things I liked and disliked. It isn't one I dying to pick up the next book but I'm interested enough to hopefully pick up the next book.
January 30, 2015
I won this boook from the author on Sid Love's blog - and I will be buying books 2 & 3!
It is a futuristic vampire story so not my normal fare but the future is near (2042) and is fairly normal except that vampires have been living alongside humans for about 10 yrs (though discord about this in the US is kind of begging for another story). The vampire bits are shown more as a secret weapon in tracking criminals so ultra keen vampire story lovers will probably find it a bit lacking - I thought it was fine.
It is a murder story and whilst this is played quite well, I did find the murders identity a bit of a let down as they hadn't appeared in the story and it could have been anyone
it is also the story of Andreas wooing Xavi, though it is not a hearts and flowers wooing.
I rated at 3.5/3.75 as there was more I wanted from the story (more on Andreas's background, the US issues and the murder issue) but it was quite a gripping and entertaining read, well written, and certainly makes me want to see where the story arc goes and to see if my questions are answered.
It is a futuristic vampire story so not my normal fare but the future is near (2042) and is fairly normal except that vampires have been living alongside humans for about 10 yrs (though discord about this in the US is kind of begging for another story). The vampire bits are shown more as a secret weapon in tracking criminals so ultra keen vampire story lovers will probably find it a bit lacking - I thought it was fine.
It is a murder story and whilst this is played quite well, I did find the murders identity a bit of a let down as they hadn't appeared in the story and it could have been anyone
it is also the story of Andreas wooing Xavi, though it is not a hearts and flowers wooing.
I rated at 3.5/3.75 as there was more I wanted from the story (more on Andreas's background, the US issues and the murder issue) but it was quite a gripping and entertaining read, well written, and certainly makes me want to see where the story arc goes and to see if my questions are answered.
March 22, 2015
I'm not sure how I feel about this. I kinda liked it? It was fast paced and easy to read, but it was also kind of too fast in some ways. Xavi's transition from homophobic vampire hater to being all "I belong to you" towards Andreas happened so fast that I wasn't really sure where it was all coming from. I also think the big sex scene kind of derailed the pace of the story a bit, up until there I had found it pretty hard to put down. The mystery was interesting and I liked the idea of vampires coming out to society in the near future. The vampires also weren't stereotypical, they can go out in daylight and don't have to drink blood. So overall it was pretty interesting, but there were some things that didn't work for me.
Read
April 27, 2015I expect most of my problems were caused by not realizing this is the beginning of a series. The length seems like it's a novella. I could not figure out what the title meant, and the special connection between the 2 MCs is not explored very much. Presumably all is made clear in later books. The sense of place was well done.
January 30, 2011
LMFAO. Barcelona. Xavi. Andreas...... I can't help but think of football slash xD Therefore I just have to read this one!
Pity, this book really was poor and not so much that it was poor in an amusing way. Why was the vampire-aspect even added to this story? Because Vampire books sell?
Pity, this book really was poor and not so much that it was poor in an amusing way. Why was the vampire-aspect even added to this story? Because Vampire books sell?
July 12, 2011
Great beginning, but about 1/2 of the way through I wanted some of the action to re-enter and it finally did 3/4 of the way through the book. Interesting take on vampires and would like to see more in that universe. Still, it was a pretty quick and entertaining read.
March 25, 2015
Very interesting, and a different view of vampires!
It took a while for me to like Xavi. I liked Andreas from the start. :)
It was a hopeful beginning for the both. I'm sure that in the other two books, their relationship would be more explored. I liked Rico, too. Entertaining!
It took a while for me to like Xavi. I liked Andreas from the start. :)
It was a hopeful beginning for the both. I'm sure that in the other two books, their relationship would be more explored. I liked Rico, too. Entertaining!
August 27, 2016
Very well written and a strong story, not overloaded with sex. First book of a series but could be read as a stand alone. The story's not over but it breaks at a good place and there's no cliffhanger.
May 15, 2011
4.5 stars
April 1, 2011
Highly recommended. Can't wait for the next one.
May 29, 2011
Bit of a rocky start, but an enjoyable read. Loved the setting, nice to read a book not set in the US.
April 11, 2012
2.5 stars
January 26, 2013
Absolutely fabulous, I couldn't put it down.
May 10, 2013
An interesting start to the series. I think there is still a lot more to learn about Xavi and Andreas and I'm looking forward to find out what happens to them next.
Read
June 10, 20134 Stars
Please read review at The Blog of Sid Love
Please read review at The Blog of Sid Love
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews