Rook’s Palace by Alexa Piper

Rook’s Palace by Alexa Piper
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

Emilia is excited to start a house-sitting job, even if the house is creepy and more than a little on the odd side — as odd as the owner’s requests. When she finds an unusual gaming console, she is drawn into a lusty video game in which she crosses paths with five inhuman creatures. She is drawn to them all, but when the five men keep telling her that the game is very much not what it seems, Emilia realizes she can no longer play along.

As the path she follows offers not just desire and intense experiences but also sadness, cruelty, and hurt around every bend, Emilia’s resolve firms: she will free the five men, who tell her they are already a family, already lovers. Whatever she has grown to feel for them, she cannot let them suffer if saving them is within her power.

With the rules of a game she doesn’t understand forcing her to play along, Emilia must find a way to get to the end of the game and get everyone out — whatever the cost. The freedom of her five monsters depends on her.

A steamy Jumanji-type computer game!

That’s what Emilia finds when she house-sits. She is told that if she enters she will find lots of sex, so surprisingly doesn’t answer no when asked if she is sure. What she finds is more than she bargained for though.

This was a quick read with, yes, plenty of sex. I actually felt sorry for Arden. He was the first ‘encounter’ and, as such, I didn’t feel the emotional connection to him as I did to the others that came later. Each of the male characters is very individual and brilliantly described. The objects that Emilia collects is perfect for each one and shows thought by the author, instead of just randomly picking an item out of thin air.

This is the first in a series and I honestly can’t wait to continue the series. I want to know more about Emilia, plus the men, but most especially Radovan!

Enjoyed and recommended by me.