The Cost of Eternity (Paperback)

by Shayla Kersten (Author)
Key Phrases: Cost of Eternity, New York, Secret Service (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
For over two hundred years, the cost of eternity for Lorcan MacKenna has been unending loneliness. Territorial creatures of darkness, vampires can't peacefully exist near each other. Human companions age and die, leaving him to face the long nights alone. After the death of his last lover, Lorcan vows to avoid the pain of loss. Until a down-and-out actor finds himself in danger and Lorcan can't resist saving the young man. Kevin St. James never expected to find himself offering sex for money, especially not to men. A desperate need for quick cash, a dark alley, and things go terribly wrong. His dark rescuer brings out feelings hidden so deep, Kevin never realized they were there. Reveling in newfound sensations, Kevin welcomes his new lover. But just as Lorcan has a secret, so too does Kevin.

Product Details

• Paperback: 198 pages
• Publisher: Ellora's Cave (July 25, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1419956655
• ISBN-13: 978-1419956652
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #146,923 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Romantic, erotic and gripping., September 16, 2007

By	R.Parklane (Tokyo, Japan) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

I love "Thirty Days" and am glad to read more from this writer.
The Cost of Eternity is an emotionally charged vampire erotica, with a tightly paced plot. I like both men here. Unlike most vampire tales, the writer does not glorify the vampire character. Rather Lorcan seems quite ordinary in physique which actually makes this character credible and appealing. Kevin is endearing in his innocence and vulnerability and Lorcan's protectiveness over his younger human lover is most touching. I love the chemistry and strong bond between these 2 men. Their sex is hot but it is the emotional pull of the story which I enjoy.
This is the first of a series, as there are 2 books so far, but it is equally satisfying as a "stand alone".

The second book focuses on a different cast of characters with a more complex plot. As for the relationship it is "more than a menage a trois" which I do not favor as I question the romantic notion of a M/M/M/F (ugh...).
Lorcan and Kevin do feature in the second book, 2/3 through the story, and their short appearance certainly enliven the plot. I hope the writer will switch back to Lorcan and Kevin in future volumes.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars As HOT as the Cover., January 6, 2009

By	Hunter Ellis (VA, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Kersten was able to take an old tale and put a new twist on it. The imagery and word play were simply breathtaking. Where the twists and turns were expected, to me anyway, the book was still fantastically written.

7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Blue Ribbons from Romance Junkies!, July 18, 2007

By	Natalie S "ns65" (Nashville) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

Vampire Lorcan MacKenna is so tired of having to hire his blood donors. Unwilling to obtain blood via scare tactics, Lorcan tries his best to make his blood suppliers enjoy giving their blood even though the encounters leave him cold. While he longs for something more, he knows to love someone is to lose him to mortality. It is after one such unemotional feeding that Lorcan comes across a man being accosted in an alley. Seeing the young man's face in the flickering darkness and feeling an instant attraction, Lorcan finds himself saving the hapless victim and taking him home.

Kevin St. James is a starving actor. Literally. Doing his best to make ends meet without asking for help, Kevin has resorted to servicing men for money. It is during one such encounter that Kevin's life is threatened and aid comes in the form of a stranger. When Kevin wakes up and realizes what has happened, he is at once scared and then secretly aroused by the emotions his rescuer brings forth in him.

Lorcan and Kevin explore their relationship and each other. There is just a bit of a problem; while Lorcan hasn't told Kevin he is a vampire, Kevin hasn't revealed something vital either. Will their relationship continue to thrive, or will the exposure of secrets and involvement of others tear them apart?

THE COST OF ETERNITY by new author Shayla Kersten was emphatically one heck of a book. Totally absorbed, I didn't put it down until I finished with it. I laughed, I cried, and I raged at the antagonists. I can't imagine having to make a decision like Kevin had to make. I loved him for his naiveté and I adored Lorcan for his loyalty.

While homoerotic love stories are not for everyone, I found myself forgetting that one small fact and concentrating on the plot. I was blown away by the emotions of the characters and the love they shared. THE COST OF ETERNITY is the second book I have read by Shayla Kersten and, all in all, it was a thoroughly gratifying read. I can't wait to see what else this wonderful new author releases!