BookView Review

BookView Review rated it:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

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NineStar Press

Pub date May 9, 2023

ISBN 978-1648906565

Price $19.99 (USD) Paperback, $6.49 Kindle edition

Packed with thrilling action and romance, Mellman’s latest installment in The Ballot Boy series follows two adorable characters whose electric chemistry intensifies with each page. It’s 1371 and Venice faces a potential threat from an alliance between Lord Carrara of Padua, who unfairly sells salt and attacks Venetian lands, and King Louis of Hungary. Niccolò Saltano, a crossbowman and assistant to the Doge, and Donato Venturi, son of a nobleman and Malian princess, embark on a spy mission in Louis’ court. As war rages on and political turmoil within Venice intensifies, Niccolò and Donato’s relationship is put to the test. The relationship between Nico and Donato is heartwarming, and the intimate moments they share are electric. The bond between the pair serves as the backbone of the plot, providing a sweet purity to the otherwise tumultuous world of political maneuvering and warfare. Mellman expertly weaves together different storylines and settings to create a captivating narrative with a steady rhythm. The vivid descriptions, particularly of Venice, add an atmospheric touch to the story. And the bittersweet ending leaves a lasting impression on readers. Those who are new to the series can jump right in with this book, as it can be read on its own without prior knowledge. A dramatic and passionate LGBTQ romance seething with intense physical intimacy, emotional upheaval, and thrilling conflicts. A page-turner.

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