The Prince’s Priest by V.C. Willis

Dante is a Daemon and the Prince of Bloodeater’s. And on the night when he was supposed to undergo the ceremony that changes him from an ordinary Daemon to a Bloodeater Daemon, he takes the cursed dagger that is needed for the ceremony and leaves the palace. He wants to end the curse that changes his kind and created what is known as “the madness,” but underestimates Viceroy Falco’s desire for power. Dante retreated to a farm in the middle of nowhere, falling for the young nephew of the knight who owns the farm. John’s intent is to travel to the capital, where he will train to become a priest, seeking to unite all people in peace, and helping to end “the madness.” But given who each of them is and who they are meant to become, can they succeed?

I received a review copy of this book. This one is the first book in the Traibon Family series. (I had reviewed the prequel to this series and enjoyed it.) I enjoyed reading this book as well. This one focuses on Dante and his desire to break the curse and to live a life away from what was intended for him, and while he did escape with a plan to live on the farm, as you might guess, it soon becomes apparent that such is not meant to be. His past will find him eventually, and he will have to deal with the responsibilities of being the heir, while seeking to remain near the man he loves, but knows he cannot have without causing John to break his vows to the church. Dante refuses to allow that to happen, despite the clear attraction each has for the other.

I enjoyed reading this book. The story is very engaging and kept me wanting to read far too late into the night. I do need to warn readers that this book does contain some graphic male/male sexual encounters. So it is not recommended for younger readers. The sexual tension between the two men is very clear, and their story made my heart ache for them. There is quite a bit of danger that must be faced, especially once they must return to the town and Dante must once again face the fact that he is the king’s heir. 

Ms. Willis is a very talented writer, and anyone who has read her other books will enjoy this one. Anyone who enjoys M/M romance novels that do include some graphic sexual encounters as an important part of the story will also enjoy this book. There is romance, danger and all that might be expected when dealing with forbidden relationships. So if any of that interests you, I think you will enjoy this book as much as I did. (And yes, I do intend to also review the next book in this series.)

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