Eye of the Beholder by M. D. Grimm
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: Action/Adventure, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (152 pages)
Other: M/M, Anal Sex
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by Dryas

Is it better to risk it all… or never know what could have been?

After surviving an abusive childhood, Vulcan remade himself upon arriving in Los Angeles, California. He became a blacksmith for the paranormal community and strives to earn the respect of the vampire covens and werewolf packs that call LA home. He also prevents the pain of loss by keeping everyone at arm’s length.

But he never planned on meeting a former Roman soldier by the name of Marcus Cassius Vespillo. Something sparks between them and turns into a friendship he never considered possible. He can’t deny his intense attraction to the intelligent, courteous, ancient vampire. And it scares him.
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Though Vulcan is wary of seeking more with Cassius, an attack leaves him at death’s door and forces him to reexamine his priorities. But Cassius has his own secret, one that promises tragedy and loss. And if that wasn’t enough, a slayer arrives in the States, one with a bloody connection to Cassius… and Vulcan himself.

Meet Vulcan, a human blacksmith who makes beautiful metal work for the paranormal community. He did not have a happy childhood; his father was an alcoholic and abused him. He ran away at sixteen and was saved from a life on the streets by Dane. He was the one to teach Vulcan his craft and the lessons for dealing with the customers. Then Vulcan loses Dane, the man he considered to be a father-figure, in a suspicious manner. He now holds everyone at arm’s length so he cannot be hurt again.

Vulcan’s need to keep people away is challenged when he meets a Roman Soldier named Cassius. He is the oldest vampire that Vulcan has ever met. His curiosity gets the better of him, and they have a long and deep conversation about what the Roman Empire was really like. Vulcan lets his guard down a little, as history is one of his weak points. The attraction that Vulcan feels makes him uncomfortable but he can’t help developing a friendship with Cassius. After an attack where Vulcan was badly injured, their relationship becomes stronger. They become lovers, and are trying to keep each other safe since there is a Slayer who is after both of them.

This is a wonderful book, more relationship driven then plot driven. Vulcan is a well-developed character that I couldn’t help falling in love with. He is strong, yet lonely because he’s trying not to form relationships. The author does a good job of managing the flashbacks of his father’s abuse. It was fun to see how Cassius slipped through all of the walls Vulcan put up. I could tell when they first met that they were meant to be together. It was fun to see how protective and possessive Cassius became if anyone tried to hurt him or interrupted their alone time. Cassius has the patience to slowly court Vulcan, as well.

The descriptions of the environment, the life of Los Angeles makes me feel like I was there. The best part for me was when Vulcan was attacked. Cassius’s feelings come through loud and clear. After that Cassius is direct with Vulcan–he wants him for himself no matter what. The intimate scenes between the two are tastefully done, sweet and loving.

I would have liked the author to have kept the pace of the story. It starts out slow but steady, then all of a sudden it picks up. I also thought throwing in the Slayer that killed Dane and whom Cassius had nearly killed before doesn’t seem to quite fit in. It would have been better if that part was more built up.

The devotion that is shown between the two of them, the wonderful descriptions of scenery the sweet and strong relationships makes this a wonderful book. If you love vampires, werewolves, and other paranormal creatures this is a story for you.