RED:Lázhien’s human. A common Imperial soldier. And my soulmate.How could fate get it so wrong?The demon in me craves this bond with every shred of his being. He pushes me to accept it. This time I won’t yield to his demands.LÁZHIEN:Red’s a lust demon, a whore and a stuck-up snob.The most beautiful man I’ve ever seen. Pain in the arse. And he hates my guts.I’d be an idiot to pursue him. Yet … guts.
I’d be an idiot to pursue him. Yet something about him compels me to make him mine.
When I First Saw Red is a complete and standalone short novel with an HEA ending, featuring a couple of reluctant fated soulmates—a demon and a human—trying and failing to defy destiny.
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Scorching hot and complete. And I mean COMPLETE as in a 400 pages’ novel complete.
Complete because nothing is missing. It’s all there. The steam, the love, the humor, the relationship development. It’s the longest in The Order series and a it’s noticeable.
Complete because we really get to know the characters. The dialogues are a super useful tool here, giving us insight of the situation, their personalities and their backgrounds. Beautifully written as usual.
Complete in the sex scenes. Kasia went all dirty and explicit on us and it was a delight.
Complete is the whole idea of the Tii-Matâshi. I love the two souls or split souls thing, their dichotomous nature and the way Kasia explains it. Loved the absence of freedom the demon inside Red entail. His conflicted self, not just because of that but also his past. It’s exquisite. Really
”I’d long settled for being carried through life like a leaf caught in the wind. With the way my demon constricted me, I’d had limited opportunity to exercise my free will.”
Soul mates who fight the soul matting, the attraction, the inevitability of it. But maybe it’s the idea of the no-inevitability what attracted me the most. There’s an option there, there’s still freedom to choose, and it’s not only the demon imposing himself.
“Accepting a soulmate is a choice, not a prison sentence.”
Complete because Lázhien is yummy. Super deep thought this one, don’t miss it, please.
And complete because —and I’m writing it in capital letters—: THERE’S A SNIPPET FROM THE SCOUTS!!!! *yells loudly* and what an excerpt! Sexy and intriguing. I want, no, scratch that, I NEED more of Ervyn and Lochan.
A highly recommend read which stands alone perfectly, btw.
Great Story & Audible Listen Fascinating & Original! 4.5 Stars
When I First Saw Red
Soldiers and Mercenaries, Book 2
By: Kasia Bacon
Narrated by: Cornell Collins
I enjoyed this book immensely, it is my first written by Kasia Bacon and she has an impressive writing style and way with words, she created a fascinating and imaginative story, a story that grabs your attention immediately and holds it captive for the entire book. There is great world building and character development. This story is a story of soulmates, one a paranormal being, a lust demon, a succubus, the other a human, a soldier, neither one was looking for the other but turns out fate had other plans for them. Ōkkanȏ “Red” Kyatto is the succubus and whore by trade, Lázhien is the soldier who is looking for a good time. He locked eyes with Red and knows he needs to spend the spend time with him, but Red is sought after and but Lázhien finds away to buy himself time with him. And what a time it is, but both get more than they bargained for, it turns out he is Red’s fated mate. Red is not looking for a mate, and it pisses his inner demon off that he wants to break that bond. This did not please Lázhien, but things have a way of working out with help from unlikely sources. There is some brilliant dialogue in this cleverly plotted story that has the perfect balance of drama, angst, humor, heartfelt and emotional moments, and some steamy romance. Kasia Bacon, thank you for this wonderfully original and entertaining story.
And for the terrific narration, Cornell Collins did a fabulous job bringing the characters and their story to life, giving each their own voice and personality, making it easy to follow along and tell who is who. His portrayal of the characters was spot on, he had a complete understanding of each character he portrayed, sounding believable in every role he played and just as I pictured the character to sound. He set the perfect tone for the story, captured the character’s emotions and projected them into his performance. He is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for the great listen.
This is a fun, captivating fantasy story of an exotic brothel worker who has a double personality, part of his spirit being a lust-demon whose presence is a constant push toward sex. Red has coped with it by letting his demon dictate what he does with his body, while making good money and using what time he can claw away from his courtesan lifestyle to paint and draw. It’s not ideal, but it works. Until the day he meets the eyes of a big soldier, across the room in the brothel, and his demon spots its soulmate. A man Red absolutely does not want in his life.
Lázhien lost a wife and child years ago, and wasn’t looking for anything beyond maybe a bed partner for an hour. But he’s a man who likes stability and comfort and he’s suddenly obsessed with the red-haired demon-elf in not just a sexual but a “bring him home and cosset him” way. Unfortunately Red is prickly, stand-offish, and seems determined to push Lázhien away.
Red is a strong man, and determined, but he’s working against his demon, Lázhien, and the demands of fate. It’s going to be an interesting battle.
The characters here were fun, the world-building imaginative and not so complex as to lose the thread of the story. I would have liked a lot more from these two, but that’s not a criticism of this neatly woven little story with its solid HEA
5+++ stars First a shout out because my goodness what a great story!!
Red and Lázhien
Ōkkanȏ Kyatto aka Red is a thirty-three-year-old lust demon a Tii-Matâshi, a whore, earning good money. When a big rough looking bear of a sergeant looks at Red, he’s shocked but Red haughtily turned around and dismissed the man. In shock because dang that was his fated soulmate!
He doesn’t want to be tied to anyone, and he certainly doesn’t need anyone.
Lázhien admires the beauty of the creature standing on the balcony looking down at the buzz of the whorehouse. He also concludes he’s a snob and he wants him!
A bond is hard to deny. Recognize your mate and an intense lust starts. Then an idea pops up in Red’s head, they’ll f*ck each other’s brains out and afterward they will carry on, separately.
After the incredibly intense and most fulfilling night of his life with Lázhien, Red has to survive the next two weeks until the d*mn bond expires.
Lázhien feels hurt by Red and his refusal to bond, he is head over heels.
Stepping into the enchanting Order Universe, a magical world where we can find Incubus, Elves, Mages, and Art was more than breathtaking.
The glossary at the beginning was awesome, I was already sold by all the foreign creative designations.
It was an immensely powerfully written story, it had a snarky dirty language, just delicious!
The emotional parts were also well voiced and palpable.
The way this author expresses the scenery was great to visualize. It all felt right and made sense.
I loved this passionate story enormously, with all the beautiful creatures, strong-headed characters, and thank goodness an hea.
A winner for sure!
The author’s world building concept for this series is brilliant. Well constructed and explained, in a manner that you feel it’s magic and diversity, the way the different species interacted and treated each other. That’s why it was easy to understand why Láhzien and Ókkanó weren’t exactly what they’d expected for a life partner for themselves, let alone for a fated mate.
The idea of Tii-Matâshi was incredible, a demon (either incubus or succubus) in another specie’s body, controlling them, their desires and actions. Most of them ended up in the sex workers industry due to their demon’s insatiable lust, just like Ókkanó (Red). Sadly, it left him without the freedom of choice for most of his life, to a point he didn’t really know his OWN desires and hopes, even if given the opportunity.
And that’s why, when Red realized Láhzien was his fated mate, to him it felt just like another thing decided for him, another choice taken away. A look across a room was all it took for Red to recognize Láhzien and his life altering meaning. Red’s shock and anger, though, were interpreted by the human soldier as disdain and snobbery, causing him to literally see red … besides an incredible fire in his loins and tremor in his heart.
That they’d be incendiary together was a given, considering Red’s incubus. Their meetings were also fired up by Ókkanó’s animosity which made Láhzien’s blood boil, and it was hilarious to see. That was fun, watching them close to jumping at each other’s throats to then share a blazing passion. But what I loved most was how beautifully the author has written their emotional connection. Faught feelings at its finest, really, a soul eating yearning for each other, for finally having that perfect someone jusdt for them.
No doubt, the fates couldn’t have chose better. Irreverent, snarky, impetuous Ókkanó was perfectly balanced by serious, steady, wholesome and responsible Láhzien. For a bit I was worried that fear and pride would be far more stronger than the pull of the fated bond, and they’d lose the precious gift they were offered. But, thanks to a meddling best friend-whom I adored, by the way- and just when everything seemed lost, they finally allowed themselves to just give in to their feelings and grasp happiness.
When I First Saw Red is an amazing read. I loved everything about it: the world, the magic, the laughter, the characters and their romance. Just LOVED IT!
Note: While part of the Order Universe and specifically the Soldiers & Mercenaries series this can be read on its own. Honestly. Nothing happens that eludes to other storylines/events.
Kasia Bacon is already the queen of short stories & novellas. To have her storytelling for four hours is absolutely fantastic. She also used some of that time to ramp up the steam level because Lázhien & Ōkkanȏ (Red) are amazing together. Frequently.
There’s so much more to this story though. Bacon offers an intense fated mates trope while still honoring consent between both of our heroes. While they initially fight that fate has brought them together, they get to know each other and find that they are quite suited. Overcoming Red’s past hurt proves to be the biggest hurdle. I also loved Ranélle’s interference to get these two together.
I’m a sucker for epilogues, but I truly loved this one. It’s always nice when the couple gets a solid HEA.
Narration:
Cornell Collins does a terrific job here. I mean, I already know I love listening to his narrations but this was perfection. He gives all the characters their own unique voice including several different accents. When Lázhien & Ōkkanȏ are having a conversation it sounds like a cast instead of a single narrator. Absolutely brilliant.
Demon and human
Two people who had nothing in common and everything to say that things were not meant to be, so a relationship between a human and a demon isn’t normal, but to these two, it meant everything,
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I enjoyed this story and the characters.
Cornell Collins, as always, was a pleasure to listen to, clean and concise. I did speed up this narration which is usual for me.
When I First Saw Red
Soldiers and Mercenaries, Book 2
By: Kasia Bacon
Narrated by: Cornell Collins
Series: Soldiers and Mercenaries, Book 2
Length: 4 hrs and 21 mins
Overall
Narration
Story
Read at 1.40 speed on Audible
I received this audiobook for free from GRR at my request. My review is my opinion and an honest review – neither the author nor GRR influenced my opinion.
Wow. Just wow
This is my first Kasia Bacon book and it will certainly not be my last.
I am gob-smacked by the talent of this author.
The writing, the world building, the feelings.
I mean….
“My choice. My fate. My love.”
Gah. I melted.
Incubus meets human soldier. Mates, can’t be apart, possessive, jealous. Yesss pleaaaaasssseeee
I love when MCs can’t see anyone but the other.
As for the audiobook by Cornell Collins:
This narrator’s performances are always top notch and it is also the case here.
The voices he gave the characters, the inflections, the emotions…
Just spectacular narration that added to my enjoyment.
This novella was really well written and I really loved the setting and the magic system. shorter books often feel like they’re missing something but this story was complete and beautiful. I loved the characters and their chemistry and I enjoyed learning about their pasts and reading about their journey to their happily ever after. The narrator’s voice was magical. He brought the story to life perfectly!
What I Think: This is my first tale by this Authoress and I smacked myself for not trying harder to get her other tales! If you’re just getting into the Order universe, but want to test the waters, I would suggest you buy one of these standalone tales about Soldiers and the Others that they claim as their own. So, we already know how I feel about the paranormal and Other races and the intro to this tale made me smile wickedly because I knew instantly that the chase is going to be flaming hot! I had already claimed Lazhien before I met Red whom I immediately claimed as well in the hopes that I wouldn’t strangle either of them. Yet, my love for them was as instantaneous as their desire for each other. As Red fought his demon and himself, I drowned with him, even though, goddess, I’m going to smack him so hard if he doesn’t get it together, I’m lost. Solid gone. As if I needed any more reason to love Red, seeing Ranelle’s love for him just confirmed everything I’d already predicted. It’s awful how parents forget just how much power they have in their children’s life. All the negativity and suffering Red has had to suffer in his life are the very root of his resistance to the one thing that finally harmonizes him and his incubus. I loved watching them fight against things one knows and the other doesn’t. Lazhien is the epitome of the perfect soldier yet, one look at Red and he begins that ride. You know it, the one that leads to the slippery slope to love. So slippery that it even disguises itself as lust at first sight while causing highly irrational behavior. Lazhien has Red in the bag and doesn’t even know it. I am so pissed that I swear if Red doesn’t get over himself soon, I’m going to smack him. Then smack Lazhien even harder because I expected him to know better and right now, he’s being so thick-headed that he might as well be a recruit instead of the seasoned, drill sergeant that I know he is. Thankfully, before I burst a vein in my brain, Ranelle stepped in. Ranelle’s reactions are everything I would have done and I love her for it. This is one tale where I do not feel sorry for either of these boys because they needed to get over themselves for the sake of my sanity as they dragged me down with them. That last bit of domesticity was the final icing on this fiery and sensual tale that soothed all the aches and bruises I had endured on this journey.
Verdict? An ode to the fact that sometimes love just needs you to sit, trust, and wait for it to find you. Trust me, it’s so worth it!
Kasia Bacon has done it again! She sure knows how to write and has an amazing imagination. Plus, her writing always captures my attention immediately with the easy flow of the world building and character development.
The chemistry between Red and Lázhien is intoxicating and the need they have for each is a live wire. They are hot and dirty together in the best of ways. these guys learn that fate shouldn’t be dismissed. I loved it
Another excellent book in this connected fantasy universe. This time it’s fated mates, but nothing runs smoothly with a half-elf/incubus whose cattiness is a front for many insecurities and who is determined he’ll not be mated.
Hawt, hawt, hawt, with two complex but adorable characters.
This is longer than most stories in the universe, but still readable in a couple of hours.
Despite being in a shared universe there is no requirement to read any other story to make sense of this. It definitely stands alone.
5 Stars!
Red is a Tii-Matâshi, having two souls or a split soul, one of which is an incubus. He is the main attraction at the Cocks and Hens brothel and absolutely hates military men, which is unfortunate since as fate has it, his soulmate turns out to be Drill Sargeant Lázhien Jhagán. Lázhien is dazzled by Red from the first moment he sees him and wants to have him, even if for only a night and he’s willing to do anything to get it. While Red is aware that Lázhien is his soulmate, he’s determined to have a night with him and then remain apart the next 14 days to sever the bond. Only things aren’t quite as easy as Red expects.
Lázhien was definitely my favorite of the two. He was swoon-worthy, steadfast, yummy, protective and not above letting his pride get in the way of what he wants. Red is a bit more temperamental, LOL. He fears rejection, so he will push Lázhien away rather than be hurt by him, which is understandable all things considered. They have an explosive chemistry and when Red wasn’t fighting his demon’s pull toward their mate, they fit really well together. The sex scenes were hot and I loved that we got to see them together as a couple at least for a little bit.
All in all, this book was like a dream, a bit longer than her other books and written in the exquisite, elegant prose that characterizes Kasia Bacon. Lázhien and Red were amazing, but I also loved Ranélle, who was a fabulous friend for the two of them. Definitely a must-read if you’re a fan of well-written fantasy books.
*** Copy provided for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement. ***
I loved this book. I love the way the author successfully depicted Red as so achingly beautiful and desirable, as well as being an exceedingly talented artist, and yet laden with insecurities and fear. He is snarky and self-reliant, yet with a longing even he doesn’t realize. Lazhien is strong and stubborn, yet smart and dedicated…and bored. When he sees Red, he must have him, and the cost, and Red’s opinion of military men, do not dissuade him. I loved watching them try to deny the attraction and even their own feelings. Thank goodness for the insistence of a demon and the advice of the lovely Ranelle. I loved the epilogue. Truly one of the best I have ever read. It gives the perfect amount of information about where they are now and was absolutely true to how they both were throughout the story. I like that neither character had to change their behavior or who they were to make a connection. They just had to talk, share, open up, and be honest and a little vulnerable. It’s a good (and rare) story that keeps you interested without unnecessary angst, drama, or villainy. This one did and I loved it!
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Choices
Choices, fate and love combine in this fantastic story. Oh how I love Làzhien and Ōkkanô, or as I shall forevermore think of him, Red. I adored Red’s bratty nature but fell in love with the hidden facets of his personality that only a few lucky people know. With Làzhien, he had my heart from the first. His strength, possessiveness and tenderness soothe me and—happily for us—his little fiend. “I want you to choose me the way I choose you.” They may have clashed and been conflicted about many things but that intensity translates to a fiery passion that makes me wish I knew how to draw as I know together they’d make a lovely picture. It’s always a treat to read a book written by Kasia Bacon and this one is a pure joy to read.
A unusual but very enjoyable, MM lust demon/human romance & it can be read as a standalone. The plot is delightfully well-written & entertaining, there are some unexpected situations that definitely kept my attention quite firmly until the end. The characters are likable with quite unique personalities & develop good chemistry as they go on their emotional journey of discovery while they continue to develop throughout the story-line. There is good support from the secondary characters.
It is about: a snarky half-breed elf/lust demon prostitute (Okkano aka Red) is not too impressed when he discovers that his mate (Lázhien) is a common human male imperial soldier naturally Red’s best friend & brothel owner (Ranélle) has to meddle just to ensure there is a HEA.
There is: drama, intrigue, some suspense, humor, incubus/succubus, humans, adventure, action, soulmates, fate, attractions, protectiveness, bonding, misunderstandings, confrontations, manipulations, determination, contentment, love, some steam & a beautiful satisfying conclusion.
Just amazing! When I First Saw Red is absolutely just amazing! I was wowed by my first book of Kasia Bacon. She has amazing world building. I was captivated by the different societies she created. And I was charmed by her characters. I loved the two main characters, Red ( Okkano) and Lazhien, as well as Ranelle. And I was enchanted by their angst and their love story. Kasia Bacon really knows how to write angst that has my whole body clenched with their emotions. And then has me sigh with such longing for their romance. Red and Lazhien has ranked on my top list of favorite couples.
5 incubus-y/soldier-y stars!
“I’d never been one for whorehouses.”
That’s the first line of Kasia Bacon’s great new book, “When I First Saw Red” 🙂 🙂 🙂
Well… I’d ALWAYS been one for whorehouses. Very much so. In my reads… 😉
And Kasia Bacon’s newest MC, Okkano “Red” Kyatto is such an exquisite prostitute that I would’ve been frequenting the Cocks and Hens brothel, well, probably daily 😉
“When I First Saw Red” is a Soldiers and Mercenaries story that evokes images of mediaevalish Japan and fantasy elven countries… It’s subtle and sublime.
IMHO, in terms of writing style and language, it’s Bacon’s best book yet! Yes, it’s longer, and yes, it’s more focused on the poetry of lovemaking (if I may say so) and so it shows the author’s full artistry at weaving a perfect ‘reluctant fated mates’ story: full of contrasts, insecurities and heartwarming affection.
I loved both MCs dearly. I thought that Red would be my favourite hero – an elven halfling whore, with mysterious markings on his face, mysterious past and not-so-mysterious skills in his bedroom… Who wouldn’t like him, right? 😉
And yet, Lazhien Jhagar, a fierce giant of a soldier, stole and warmed my heart with his thoughtfulness, easy smile, and gentle approach towards Red.
Ow! And I want me a mogo cat, too! 😉
Anyway, I don’t want to spoil too much. I must just tell you that this book is so different from the previous The Order Series stories – it’s less “adventurous”, and more focused on the MCs, it’s beautifully poetic and full of little details that make the story flow and seem much more “personal”.
On the other hand, it fits The Order Universe perfectly… Again, you will find here a few strong soldiers, some great banter, a good deal of steam and a little bit of magic…
The secondary characters are endearing and essential, and the mogo cat is cute and sweet 😉
I think one of the best lines from the book is, at the same time, a great sum-up of this story:
“Soldiers and whores go together like dogs and fleas.” 🙂 🙂 🙂
Well, I agree wholeheartedly!
Highly recommended for all The Order fans and also for those of you who love a historical fantasy world with unusual pairings, fierce and sweet MCs, strange, fascinating rituals and beautiful writing! 😉
And off I go to get my “dessert” – the sneak peek of The Scoutswith Lochan and Ervyn, generously provided by Kasia Bacon at the end of When I First Saw Red 🙂
This is a phenomenal story. Longer than Bacon’s previous works, it still gives you a complete world in the pages of the story, so that it can be read as a stand-alone if wanted. The best reluctant mates story I have ever read, you can absolutely feel the longing, and the pain, radiating off the two MCs as they try to deny fate and not create a bond between the two. Red and Lazhien have SCORCHING chemistry together, and you root for them the entire time, but it’s also quite compelling that there is an out to fate in this world. It makes for a much more tense situation, as there is no telling where the two will end up. Both characters are well-rounded and complete, and my heart hurt for them as it was so obvious each wanted the same thing, someone to love and be loved by in return. A human soldier and a split soul elf/lust demon might not seem like they would work too well together, but Bacon proves that wrong with this story and creates a hard won, but beautiful, HEA.
Wow.
Talk about getting lost in a book. The writing just pulled me in. It’s amazing how such a short book can achieve what so many full length ones cannot.
I loved both these characters. Red is a Tii-Matâshi a split soul. One half being a lust demon.
Lázhien a soldier. But not the mindless brute Red imagines.
Both manage to surprise the other.
The attraction and pull between these two is beautiful. The writing is detailed, atmospheric and almost breathtaking. And as always leaves you wanting more.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by the author.