The House of Driscoll Book 1 by A. J. Llewellyn and D. J. Manly is a homoerotic paranormal story.

Max is an old vampire who has been with countless men in his lifespan, but none of them ever touched his heart. Max doesn't even believe that love exists. Ages ago during the French Revolution, Max was involved with Galien, a young peasant, and after they were caught in a compromising position, to prevent Galien's execution Max turned him. Max never expected his one act of mercy would alter not only his life, but countless others. Max has received orders from the Vampire Council to clean up the mess that Galien has made in New York City. As the cleaner for the council it is Max's job to fix any problems that could endanger the existence of vampires in the world. Galien has never given up the hope that one day Max will return his feelings and he set things in motion to force Max's hand to return to him. Max turned a young man, Blue, but something went wrong and Blue is out of control killing humans without discrimination and no knowledge of his actions or his past. Max leaves his home, the House of Driscoll, in the charge of his most trusted friend and confidant Katherine, a fellow vampire. On arrival in New York City, Max realizes that there is more to the situation than Galien is revealing and he decides to hold off on the council's orders until he uncovers the truth. Will Max uncover the truth about the killings before the council demands that Max follow their directives? What happened to Blue and how does he fit in with the strange occurrences?

Mr. Llewellyn and Mr. Manly has begun what looks to be an intriguing and riveting story. Max is a complex and fascinating character with his world-weary calloused attitude towards other people unless he considers that individual to be someone in his immediate circle. It was interesting how Max refused to follow orders from the council when he realized that there was a hidden agenda, then placing his own life on the line to protect Blue, someone that he didn't even know. Galien's desire to finally have Max for his own has blinded him to everything else and affected every relationship he has ever had, leaving him unable to form other relationships. Katherine with her love for cars, her quirky and dangerous fascination with herbs leaves the reader unsure of what her next move will be in any situation. Blue's mysterious and scary past is yet to be fully uncovered and adding his desire for Max sets the scene for intrigue and erotic delights. I for one can't wait for the installment in The House of Driscoll series.

Reviewed by: Teresa