I’m not hunting him; I’m protecting him.
At least, that’s what I tell myself.
In New York City, a beautiful creature like Tristan Clement should not be walking the streets alone, and I’m the perfect vampire to watch his back.
But what if keeping him safe isn’t enough anymore? What if I want to touch? And taste?
I need him. But I’ve never needed anyone.
In a world where paranormal … taste?
I need him. But I’ve never needed anyone.
In a world where paranormal creatures live amongst us and must follow certain laws, living life as a dangerous loner works for vampire Ethan. Inhabiting his gleaming apartment, wearing his designer suits, jetting around the world as a fanged killer-for-hire, Ethan does it all alone.
That is, until he literally runs into Tristan. Tristan, who is clearly trouble wrapped in skinny jeans and an oversized sweater. Tristan, with his shock of angelic blond curls. Tristan, who plays piano more beautifully than the old masters– and Ethan would know; he saw Beethoven.
Tristan is gorgeous, a little sassy, and irresistible. Also, Ethan is horrified to note, Tristan has no idea how incredibly tempting he is to things that go bump in the night.
Overcome by the urge to keep Tristan safe, Ethan begins to… well, stalk is such a strong word. What starts as an obsession quickly becomes something more, something that Ethan needs. And to his surprise, Tristan seems to need him, too…
This darkly romantic tale delivers steamy passion and a happily ever after. Be advised that Handsome Death includes explicit m/m content, stalking, mentions of past abuse, and graphic violence.
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Spoiler Alert!!!
I loved this book. I am not sure how to write a review without the spoiler tag, as I want to dish about the whole thing! It was sooo good. First, I will try not to be too spoilery…So, first you have the characters, Ethan, the very old vampire who is a mercenary and then you have the very beautiful and musically talented Tristan who is deeply bruised from a rough start to relationships with a terrible boyfriend. So, Ethan believes at first he is just looking out for Tristan in that he watches in waiting to make sure he is safe…well that is bit like a stalker, which Ethan does understand that it is wrong and he shouldn’t be doing it. But you know, he doesn’t quit, and we are better for it! I loved this about Ethan, he was unapologetic in his pursuit of Tristan, but he also knew when to pull back when he was getting to close, especially after their relationship progressed further. He knew he could not do this long term without breaking laws…Fast forward a tiny bit of separation and Ethan finds Tristan after being stabbed and thus begins their forever love in the form of vampire transformation. This is when it took on a bit of a lighter tone, in that there was no chance of them being parted after such.
I truly enjoyed every aspect of this read, and while my first by this author, it is only the beginning. The writing was impeccable and the storyline was intriguing. I just adored this book, narration, characters, side characters and storyline. Very well done.
I picked this up hoping for a comfort read with some steamy vampires and it definitely delivered. For a book with some very harsh and brutal background, this was a very soft and sweet read that somehow felt…wholesome. The MC’s internal dialogue had me chuckling again and again. Great Grumpy sunshine dynamic. While I’m never looking for stellar worldbuilding in a book like this, I definitely enjoyed what was here and also fell hard for the side characters.
This story had me laughing at Ethan’s internal monologue, shedding a tear during the break-up scene, and just left me with an overall happiness. This story is told from Ethan’s point of view which I enjoyed, because Ethan is such an enjoyable character. I highly recommend this vampire romance!
What I Think: I have a confession to make. I jumped over 2 books in my schedule to get to this. It wasn’t deliberate at first. I mistakenly began reading thinking it was the next book on my schedule. By the time I realized what had happened, I was sucked in and just had to finish it. I am not proud of myself but vampires? Size difference? Age difference? Written by Mme. Dobie? A girl can only take so much temptation which is why I thoroughly blame Mme. Dobie for I am blameless here (imagine most angelic halo here). Why did I get sucked in, you ask? Let’s talk. This entire tale was a beautiful fight of self. For both Tris and Ethan, losing of self was the worst thing either of them could ever imagine happening. They’ve both lost so much, been heartbroken and bruised so they’re hanging on to who and what they want to be because they both believe that’s all they’ve got. I am all about honor and being harder on myself than those around me but watching Ethan put up a fight with himself had me giddy with delight because the capitulation that ensues is like a descent into a light madness. And Tris is enough to drive anyone mad. Soft yet strong, sweet yet bruised, fun yet not afraid of intensity. Nothing short of a beast with a heart can protect and keep him but I don’t think he even knows it. Only to find out that his beauty has not left him unscathed either at which point I’m so done with Ethan’s self-battle that if he doesn’t make up his mind soon, I’m going to bite him myself! Then at a point where there should be a lull as I rest from all the heat this tale has caused, Mme. Sara finds a way to sink fear into my heart. I don’t think even Ethan realizes how well he knows Tris, how much he owned him even before the change happened. It’s so unfair how Ethan can be big, bloodthirsty, a mercenary, perfectly classy and still have enough heart to fall apart over a piano tune? Just as I can’t get over how Ethan keeps using big cat words to describe his kitten only to change them to kitty appropriate terms and it always leaves me laughing helplessly. Just know I am definitely starting rope lessons because it’s necessary. The most surprising thing, though? Tris’ strength as he binds his vampire ever closer, seeing him in a way that no one else ever has, accepting all of him even as he gives up all of himself and giving him a family when Ethan was certain he didn’t need one. You might think that Ethan saved Tris, but my hero will always be Tris.
Verdict? A comfort keeper of a fantasy in which light and dark blend together until they become a perfect whole because that’s how love works!
I previously reviewed two titles by this author, Broken News and We Still Live, so when a chance came to review Handsome Death, of course I signed up.
The book stars Ethan, an old vampire, and Tristan, a university student. In the author’s world, vampires, witches, and werewolves are a part of society. They do not hide. There are even “blood” bars where the living can go to mingle with the undead, which I found rather interesting.
The story is told in first-person POV by Ethan the vampire. I didn’t mind that Tristan didn’t get a POV, and that the story focussed solely on Ethan because the story arc had to do with the changes occurring within Ethan after meeting Tristan.
If you’re looking for an action-packed vampire story, Handsome Death won’t give you that. It’s a character-driven plot delving deep into the relationship between Ethan and Tristan, and the effect the budding relationship has on a very jaded Ethan.
I rather enjoyed the focus of this book because living for hundreds of years, losing those you love to death, sickness, etc. would change a person. Especially the changes happening in the world, too. The author’s portrayal of an old vampire is spot on. And for the author to create a character who is going to pique the interest of a jaded immortal who is very old, well, this character had better be really unique. Unfortunately, Tristan didn’t hit the mark for me. I felt he needed something more other than his looks to draw Ethan in at first. Face it, Ethan has lived hundreds of years and has seen many beautiful and stunning people.
Still, I enjoyed watching the changes happen for both of them as their relationship progressed. This was bang on. I recommend you give Handsome Death a read. As always, Sara’s writing is spectacular. She has a true talent for weaving words into a story.
A vampire and a human fall in love, and it makes for an amazing story. I fell for both of these characters – Tristan’s innocence and Ethan’s fascination with Tristan that borders on obsession…and Tris’s vampire fetish that leaves him open to becoming just as obsessed with Ethan. Sara Dobie Bauer weaves a tale that drew me in from the first paragraph, and turned out to be one of those books that I wanted to read quickly to know what happened yet wanted to slow down and savor. I know I’ll read it again!
NYU piano prodigy meets centuries old vampire in this (at first) improbable but delicious romance … Ethan, the vicious vampire mercenary, is captivated by gentle, fragile Tristan — he wants to possess, protect and take him to the edge, and not necessarily in that order. Tristan is not a simple conquest however, and Ethan must examine his own heretofore solitary existence and practices. This pairing will grab you from the first moment and you won’t be able to look away. Highly recommended!
I really liked that this story takes you by surprise more than once. The emotions and the characters are fascinating and you can’t help getting attached to the duo! It’s a very enjoyable story that is perfect for a one – sitting binge!
Ethan and Tristan
Ethan, our handsome vampire, is obsessed with Tristan, a beautiful young guy, a very talented musician.
They run into each other at the coffee shop, that was the first time Ethan saw Tristan, and now, he follows him everywhere and it seems Tristan is attracted to Ethan too.
Tristan is sweet, sensual and when his whispers Ethan’s name… ghawd
Ethan is like a puppy, following Tristan everywhere. He can’t say no to Tristan.
“He pouts, and it’s cuter than fifty kittens.”
When doom enters Tristan’s life Ethan is there, always.
“I might be a seasoned warrior, but I’m his slave.”
The little touches of imperfection were sooo precious.
They are highly sexually together, never repetitive, always delicious.
I loved this very romantic, sensual story very!
Written with an awesomely positive vibe, with lots of romantic, witty and delightful humor.
4.25 stars
Heat Level: 4
A passionate forever love story!
This was a great, fast-paced, and intriguing story. The characters kept me engaged and I wanted to know their story. I loved both Ethan and Tristan. It felt like a fated mates style story even though there was no mention of these two being “destined” to be together.
I felt for Tristan’s past and loved the confidence he gained over the story and his seemingly easy adjustment to his new afterlife. I felt the violence was in a style similar to True Blood and while gory and somewhat graphic is was in the defense of love so it becomes more passionate than just violence for violence’s sake. The story wasn’t as ‘thrilling’ as the blurb made it out to be but it was still a very enjoyable read.
The story was a good escape and I enjoyed the world and unique their love story
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Sara Dobie Bauer managed to take a vicious vampire like Ethan and make him adorable. That’s the only way I can describe his initial reaction to Tris, his bewilderment at not being able to stay away from the beautiful young man. I had so much fun watch Ethan’s dismay turn into fascination, then complete enchantment and adoration.
The author used a humorous storytelling to relate Ethan’s emotions, making me smile even at his most conflicted, pain filled moments. There have been a few of them, but not enough to make the story angsty. As a matter of fact, reading Handsome Death was absolutely a delightful, sweet and entertaining reading experience,from beginning to the end. LOVED IT!
I would rate this 4 stars.
How vampire lore works in this story is layered in through the musings of an unknown narrator, which we learn is Ethan. He uses his skills as a mercenary for a man named Marco. He becomes intrigued by a pretty man in front of a coffee shop, who is a student named Tristan. His protective urges grow, but I’m unclear as to whether vampires have a mating instinct or are obsessive by nature? I don’t like stalking as love, so frankly, I’m glad it’s illegal here, so I guess that answers the question really. Since Tristan has a vampire fetish and their kinks line up well, the story gets steamy very quickly. What saves this for me is that Ethan is actually trying to do the right thing, the struggle is real. It’s also hot, hot, hot. Parts of it are a lust fueled haze of toys, light blood play, bondage, and shibari. If the book would have stayed that way, I’d have been perfectly happy with it as an erotic romance.
This didn’t quite go how I thought it would, so I struggled to figure out why. First, the cover would fit in quite well with the dark erotic gay romance series Criminal Delights (twelve different authors), so I think I subconsciously put it in that category. Of course, Ethan is portrayed over and over again as a ruthless killer for hire, albeit he now kills “the bad guys” although I am unclear who decides that. Mario? So, when this turns into a sweet, sappy romance with flashes of dry humor and a meet the parents, I am perplexed. Then I figured out why: it heads into New Adult territory even though the sole POV is from an ancient vampire. Tristan’s parents are fantasy perfect. Tristan makes Ethan human again. Ethan goes from unlawful to legit without anyone blinking an eye. Tristan realizes his own self worth, thanks to Ethan’s love. It’s all very enjoyable with “all the feels,” but it could have been something more nuanced, more intellectually interesting–and I’ll probably still read it again.
Guy meets guy in a NYC coffee shop. Seems like a rather standard meet cute, no? Well, when one of those guys is a centuries old mercenary vampire, and the other is a young unsuspecting music student, let’s just say it ramps up the intrigue to a mouth-watering level. At first, Ethan finds his draw to this young human completely inexplicable, but the one thing he does feel is an intense desire to protect and safeguard him. Perhaps it’s simply a lustful attraction which will soon fade.
However, as time passes and their relationship evolves, we see how both of these men help the other learn to live again. Tristan has the ability to make this rugged mercenary laugh, and feel something for the first time in a long time. It’s shockingly charming to witness the sensitive romantic side of this tough vampire slowly emerge before us. As for Ethan’s influence on Tristan, he helps this young man move on from a previously troubled relationship which made him feel weak, useless and ugly. It doesn’t take long after being enveloped in Ethan’s arms to feel both beautiful and desired at the same time.
I was confident at the start of the book that Ethan’s mercenary past would in some way insert itself into the bubble which he and Tristan had created for themselves. Perhaps an old enemy would come back to bite him (vampire joke totally intentional). And yet, that never happens. The main focus of the story is really centered on Ethan and Tristan figuring out how they fit into each other’s lives, and discovering that you can find love even when you weren’t looking for it. Overall, an engaging read that highlights the strength and healing nature of true love.
See full review on romance4thebeach.wordpress.com
Handsome Death by Sara Dobie Bauer is a paranormal m/m romance with an age gap because…vampires. I loved the story here – the kink, the steam, the sweetness…. there are some scenes of suspense and angst, but what I really loved was the dynamic between Tristan and Ethan. Hot and fantadtic!!!
Ethan has been a vampire for over two hundred years. He’s not just any vampire, he’s “The French Butcher.” Little does he know that life as he knows it will change forever after he encounters Tristan Clement in a coffee shop. Tristan is beautiful, sweet, and Ethan can’t stay away from him. One thing I loved about this book was that vampires are out and not hidden. They do have rules and regulations but this book didn’t get into vampire politics much, which I totally loved. This story was just about Ethan and Tristan. There isn’t a lot of angst either. It’s just a great love story between these two characters. I found the book very, very good and I do recommend giving it a try if you’re a fan of MM paranormal romance. You won’t be disappointed.
In this world paranormal creatures like vampires, witches and werewolves live peacefully with humans. There are even laws to protect people. Ethan is a two hundred and seventy six old vampire with a dark past and a morally gray present. One day he meets Tris, a twenty year old human, and gets obsessed with him. Surprisingly Tris feels the same way.
I just have to start by saying that I really really love the author’s writing style! The book was so atmospheric and beautifully written! And Ethan is just how I like my vampires. It was a very interesting book. I loved seeing how the relationship between the two of them evolved and I was very curious to find out if Ethan would break the law and turn Tris and how Tris would react. And I have to admit that the way things worked out was very very satisfying.
Great book, I really enjoyed it!
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
3.5 stars for me. I absolutely adored the last book I read by Sara Dobie Bauer but this one didn’t have the same punch for me. It was paranormal which I do enjoy. It was a lovely romance between Tris and Ethan. I kept waiting for that punch in the story….that little something that happens or a reason for the story. There was some interesting points and it was nicely steamy. I suppose I was waiting for some major turmoil which for me wasn’t forthcoming. I did, however, really enjoy Ethan learning that even after several hundred years, there is someone who can change you and show you that you are deserving of love and that family exists in many different forms.
A different take on vampires; I liked it!
This is the second book I’ve read by Sara Dobie Bauer and it couldn’t be more different from the first one I read. That’s not a bad thing, I mention it only because I’m always a bit surprised – at least at first – when I find an author who writes really different types of books and does each one very well.
I don’t read a lot of vampire books and this one was a bit different from any that I’ve read before. The vampires in this story have no limitations on going out in the sun and when they cry, their tears are made of blood. The other thing is that paranormal creatures live freely among humans.
While parts of this story are really dark and violent, it’s ultimately a romantic love story. Ethan runs into Tris coming out of a coffee shop and he is stunned by his beauty. He begins to follow him, telling himself that he needs to make sure Tris stays safe. Ethan doesn’t do relationships and it freaks him out that he can’t stop thinking about Tris.
Tris had a terrible experience with his ex who used to buy him things to control him; he was made to feel like he was worthless and eventually he was tossed aside for someone younger. When Ethan gives him expensive gifts it brings back bad memories and he refuses to take them.
Ethan and Tris are so hot for each other and the sex scenes are a bit intense in places; Tris likes to be tied up and play a bit rough. But beyond the sex, I felt a real connection between these two. Ethan hates that he can’t forget about Tris but Tris ends up making him a better person. On the flip side, Ethan helps Tris to gain confidence in himself and overcome the emotional damage that his ex did.
I really enjoyed everything about this story. There are quite a few interesting supporting characters that Sara Dobie Bauer created in this world and I wouldn’t mind reading their stories.
A copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com*** (posting 4/10/20)
Family
Even vampires need glitter. This book made me feel so much. I laughed, cried, sighed and tumbled into love with Ethan and Tris. Honestly I never stood a chance against them. They’re irresistible and sexy, so sexy. I love Tris’s sass and snark and how protective and affectionate Ethan is.
Really I love the emotions they bring out in each other. “I see you.” This hit me in the heart and made me cry. So proud of Tris and how he handles everything in his life. He’s fierce and his inner strength amazes me. He and Ethan make the best family and I would follow them anywhere.