Hidden Treasure by V. B. Kildaire is a homoerotic story set.

Five hundred years ago the ruler of Connmeera sent a treasure to the ruler of Ormslea, but it never arrived. What happened to the Connmeera Children and the treasure has been a mystery until a map was found leading through the country of Jarvis. Dorian Pelias is an impoverished noble chosen by Queen Jovenna for the adventure. Dorian isn't your average noble; he is looked down upon as worthless because of his family and little family money. In spite of that, he is a favorite of the queen who hopes that the treasure will bring him the status he has never had. Dorian knows that his stature and background isn't that of a true noble. Jaxom Acheron, a soldier, is sent from Ormslea to accompany Dorian on his quest. Dorian travels with his new dray pony to the meeting point and is immediately enamored with Jaxom. Jaxom feels the same way, but his past reminds him to keep his mind on his quest. Jarvis is a country that holds many unknown surprises for Dorian and Jaxom as they work to unravel the meaning of the map and as they fight unknown dangers, as well as their feelings for each other under control. Will Dorian find the happiness and contentment he has missed all his life? Can Jaxom protect Dorian from dangers from without and from his own feelings?

Ms. Kildaire has created an incredible adventure with characters that come to life for the reader. I was intrigued by the five hundred mystery about what happened to the Lost Children of Connmeera. They must have been frightened being so far from home and the theories about their imprisonment or death were terrifying. It was terrible how Dorian's own people treated him, but in spite of that his beautiful personality surprises everyone he encounters. As Jaxom gets to know Dorian he realizes there is more to Dorian than he ever expected. Dorian's abilities and knowledge continually astounds the reader as the story unfolds. As Dorian and Jaxom become closer, their feelings for each other cause difficulties as they struggle with the need to accomplish their goal. I was disappointed at the end of the story because I felt it ended a little bit abruptly leaving some issues unresolved. I hope that there will be a sequel to tie up the loose ends and find out what happened to Dorian and Jaxom. Overall, I enjoyed and would recommend the story to others to read. Thanks go to Ms. Kildaire for a great read.

Reviewed by: Teresa