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Cronin's Key #2
Cronin's Key II
History isn't always what it seems. With the battle of Egypt behind them, Alec and Cronin are enjoying the thrill of new love. Though fate doesn't wait long before throwing them back into the world of weird. They know Alec's blood is special, though its true purpose still eludes them. And given Alec's inability to be changed into a vampire, Cronin is free to drink from him at will. But the ramifications of drinking such powerful blood starts a ripple effect. With the help of Jorge, a disturbing vampire-child with the gift of foresight, Alec and Cronin face a new kind of war. This time their investigations lead them to the borders of China and Mongolia-but it's not what lies in the pits beneath that worries Alec. It's the creator behind it all. In the underground depths of China, amidst a war with the Terracotta Army, they will find out just what the Key is, and what Alec means to the vampire world.
240 pages, Paperback
First published May 22, 2015
198 people are currently reading
859 people want to read
About the author
N.R. Walker
139 books5,179 followersAuthor also writes as A. Voyeur
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn't have it any other way.
She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.
She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things...but likes it even more when they fall in love. She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.
She’s been writing ever since...
https://www.facebook.com/N.R.WalkerAu...
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn't have it any other way.
She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.
She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things...but likes it even more when they fall in love. She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.
She’s been writing ever since...
https://www.facebook.com/N.R.WalkerAu...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 402 reviews
May 15, 2015
~4.5~
Of course I jumped on this book like a drowning man on a life raft, and of course I loved it.
It's N.R. Walker.
It's vampires.
Enough said.
This book has the same blend of magic, suspense, and mystery as the first book.
This time, Cronin and Alec fight an army of Terracotta Vampires and the puppeteer who rules them all.
A child vampire who speaks in tongues predicts the future. But the future is a riddle.
Alec must solve the riddle or die. The other choice is FOREVER.
Alec and Cronin's bond turns dangerous. Alec's blood is powerful; it's ancient; it's the KEY.
I love Alec and Cronin and their ultimate Fated bond.
Cronin growls a lot in this book. Seriously, he growls. ALL. THE. TIME.
I only wish this book had more steam. The first two scenes were fade to black, and even the wild fucking at the end was ... muted.
When I get two powerful men who are terribly in love and LUST, I want to see them EXPLODE on page. We don't get much of that here ... barely enough, I'd say.
But there is history and action, friendship and family. The writing flows, and there's never a dull moment.
Oh, and did I mention the ending?
NO, well damn, listen up:
Also: KILTS. Albeit briefly.
But still.
P.S. Will there be a third book in the series? I'd gladly partake of another delicious dose of Alec and Cronin with more on-page steam, please.
But there are so many interesting secondary characters ... Kennard, Jacques ... the possibilities are endless.
Not that I'm hinting or anything. *clears throat*
Of course I jumped on this book like a drowning man on a life raft, and of course I loved it.
It's N.R. Walker.
It's vampires.
Enough said.
This book has the same blend of magic, suspense, and mystery as the first book.
This time, Cronin and Alec fight an army of Terracotta Vampires and the puppeteer who rules them all.
A child vampire who speaks in tongues predicts the future. But the future is a riddle.
Alec must solve the riddle or die. The other choice is FOREVER.
It wasn't enough. It would never be enough. Never touch enough, never taste enough. They would never be close enough.
Alec and Cronin's bond turns dangerous. Alec's blood is powerful; it's ancient; it's the KEY.
I love Alec and Cronin and their ultimate Fated bond.
Cronin growls a lot in this book. Seriously, he growls. ALL. THE. TIME.
I only wish this book had more steam. The first two scenes were fade to black, and even the wild fucking at the end was ... muted.
When I get two powerful men who are terribly in love and LUST, I want to see them EXPLODE on page. We don't get much of that here ... barely enough, I'd say.
But there is history and action, friendship and family. The writing flows, and there's never a dull moment.
Oh, and did I mention the ending?
NO, well damn, listen up:
Also: KILTS. Albeit briefly.
But still.
P.S. Will there be a third book in the series? I'd gladly partake of another delicious dose of Alec and Cronin with more on-page steam, please.
But there are so many interesting secondary characters ... Kennard, Jacques ... the possibilities are endless.
Not that I'm hinting or anything. *clears throat*
October 29, 2024
✅ Characters
✅ Vampires and powers
✅🆗 Mythology and folklore
✅🆗 Info-dump
✅🆗 Romance and smut (MM)
🆗 Pace
🆗 Plot
DNF at 65%
I tried, but I'm just too bored to continue, and I have much better books to read.
At the end of the first book we discover that Cronin can bite Alec without turning him, and as can be expected, a big part of this book is about figuring out why that is, and how Cronin could manage to turn Alec before he dies, either because of his weird blood, or because of the new threat they have to face.
Honestly, this book felt repetitive to the first one, except it focuses on Asian myths instead of Egyptian myths. The writing felt flat and boring most of the time, and it was just an alternance of info-dump/research and sex scenes, with a few meetings with other vampires here and there. The stakes didn’t feel high, and because much of the tension that was present between Alec and Cronin in the first book is not there anymore, I feel even less involved in their quest and personal life.
As in the first book, the first half of this one (even more than the half actually) is just a long setup for the action that will finally arrive at some point I assume, but I am just too bored to continue until something more exciting happens.
The world-building remains minimalistic in this book. It feels as though 80% of all the action always happens in an apartment, and the fact that Cronin can just leap anywhere makes it so the characters do not travel or see the world besides the apartment and wherever they need to go at this very moment. It got boring after a while… I mean, they even leap from the living room to the bedroom because walking 10 meters is obviously too hard and it would mean waiting an extra 15 seconds to fuck and we can’t have that because Cronin and Alec are incapable of keeping their hands off each other for more than an hour or two… On a side note, there was also a lot of growling involved in the first 65% of the book I read… Like, a lot…
1. Cronin's Key ⭐⭐⭐
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✅ Vampires and powers
✅🆗 Mythology and folklore
✅🆗 Info-dump
✅🆗 Romance and smut (MM)
🆗 Pace
🆗 Plot
DNF at 65%
I tried, but I'm just too bored to continue, and I have much better books to read.
At the end of the first book we discover that Cronin can bite Alec without turning him, and as can be expected, a big part of this book is about figuring out why that is, and how Cronin could manage to turn Alec before he dies, either because of his weird blood, or because of the new threat they have to face.
Honestly, this book felt repetitive to the first one, except it focuses on Asian myths instead of Egyptian myths. The writing felt flat and boring most of the time, and it was just an alternance of info-dump/research and sex scenes, with a few meetings with other vampires here and there. The stakes didn’t feel high, and because much of the tension that was present between Alec and Cronin in the first book is not there anymore, I feel even less involved in their quest and personal life.
As in the first book, the first half of this one (even more than the half actually) is just a long setup for the action that will finally arrive at some point I assume, but I am just too bored to continue until something more exciting happens.
The world-building remains minimalistic in this book. It feels as though 80% of all the action always happens in an apartment, and the fact that Cronin can just leap anywhere makes it so the characters do not travel or see the world besides the apartment and wherever they need to go at this very moment. It got boring after a while… I mean, they even leap from the living room to the bedroom because walking 10 meters is obviously too hard and it would mean waiting an extra 15 seconds to fuck and we can’t have that because Cronin and Alec are incapable of keeping their hands off each other for more than an hour or two… On a side note, there was also a lot of growling involved in the first 65% of the book I read… Like, a lot…
1. Cronin's Key ⭐⭐⭐
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October 28, 2018
Reread October 2018
Another great reread of this series. I love these two so much. They are so swoony!
Originally read June 2018
Okay, so I probably sound like a broken record, but WHY IN THE HELL did I not read this series sooner??? It has everything I love about PNR.
And can I just say, a hot Scottish vampire....*swoon* Loved it. Oh, and that epilogue? PERFECTION!
On to book 3 straightaway....
Another great reread of this series. I love these two so much. They are so swoony!
Originally read June 2018
Okay, so I probably sound like a broken record, but WHY IN THE HELL did I not read this series sooner??? It has everything I love about PNR.
And can I just say, a hot Scottish vampire....*swoon* Loved it. Oh, and that epilogue? PERFECTION!
On to book 3 straightaway....
June 10, 2015
4.5 Stars!!
Alec and Cronin know Alec’s blood is special and Cronin could bite Alex and not change him into a vampire. They have a new set of questions, but this fact also means that Cronin can feed only from Alec. But everything has consequences. Alec’s blood is too powerful and starts to affect not only Cronin, but also Alec. On top of that they find out there’s a new danger. This time they have to fight the Terracotta Army (a vampire army) and to try to figure out how to win the battle and also to find who is responsible for what happened in Egypt and what is about to happen now. Alec and Cronin must find the answers fast before it’s too late.
I really enjoyed this one, but not as much as the first book in the series. The story was interesting, captivating with many twists and turns. I loved the suspense and the mystery. I have to say all the history was fascinating. I love this kind of history. The pace of the story was just perfect IMO.
Alec and Cronin were once again very enjoyable characters. I loved Alec’s personality and Cronin’s possessiveness. Their tenderness for each other was so sweet and their sexual tension was fantastically done, even if there are not too many sex scenes. Anyway, I loved the way they were with each other and also their need to be together. The story wasn’t very steamy, but it was such a romantic read.
The secondary characters were once again great, interesting and can’t wait to read more about them in the next book in the series. There’s a new interesting secondary character Jorge, a vampire child who will ‘help’ Alec and Cronin.
Overall, a fantastic read!
Alec and Cronin know Alec’s blood is special and Cronin could bite Alex and not change him into a vampire. They have a new set of questions, but this fact also means that Cronin can feed only from Alec. But everything has consequences. Alec’s blood is too powerful and starts to affect not only Cronin, but also Alec. On top of that they find out there’s a new danger. This time they have to fight the Terracotta Army (a vampire army) and to try to figure out how to win the battle and also to find who is responsible for what happened in Egypt and what is about to happen now. Alec and Cronin must find the answers fast before it’s too late.
I really enjoyed this one, but not as much as the first book in the series. The story was interesting, captivating with many twists and turns. I loved the suspense and the mystery. I have to say all the history was fascinating. I love this kind of history. The pace of the story was just perfect IMO.
Alec and Cronin were once again very enjoyable characters. I loved Alec’s personality and Cronin’s possessiveness. Their tenderness for each other was so sweet and their sexual tension was fantastically done, even if there are not too many sex scenes. Anyway, I loved the way they were with each other and also their need to be together. The story wasn’t very steamy, but it was such a romantic read.
The secondary characters were once again great, interesting and can’t wait to read more about them in the next book in the series. There’s a new interesting secondary character Jorge, a vampire child who will ‘help’ Alec and Cronin.
Overall, a fantastic read!
February 7, 2017
"Rug mi ort, m'cridhe."Alec has special blood and he can't be changed into a vampire nor get his forever with Cronin until he fullfils his purpose as the Key.
I have you, my heart.
This time Alec and Cronin have to fight a war with the Terracotta Army and find its creator. They also face problems with Alec's powerful blood affecting not only Cronin, who is free to drink from his mate at will, but Alec as well. Alec and Cronin ask Jorge, a disturbing vampire-child with the gift of foresight, for help. He gives them a riddle they have to solve before it's too late.
I loved the history, action and the mystery in this story as much as I did in the first book. I didn't mind that there was a small amount of heat, even with all the sexual tension that was almost constantly going on.
Jorge was a creepy, yet such an adorable kid. I just wanted to pinch his cheeks.
The ending made me so happy. It was amazing!
'When the red hand holds the key, forever is in the stones.'
2nd read: 30-08-2015
February 21, 2017
Loved it. Now book 3.
September 4, 2024
4 Stars
Alec and Cronin are really quite the epically romantic pair. I adore all the talk of being fated and destined and all those other deliciously romantic things that result in possessiveness and growling (so much growling!!) and lots of mine, mine, mine!
On the flip-side, I kind of wish there was a little more happening in the explicit on-page sex department in this instalment. As it was, way too many scenes here were fade-to-black. Normally the lack of on-page smex wouldn't bother me as much, but I feel like I needed more physically intimate moments here BECAUSE of how great their sexual chemistry was, ya know?
My perverted complaining aside, I truly enjoyed all the action and adventure and high stakes of it all. I also love how Walker uses major historical events and puts a vampire twist on the details. It’s so clever and always highly entertaining.
Last but not least, I adored little Jorge, the riddle speaking vampire-child. He was trippy as hell and I loved every scene he was in.
One to go!
Alec and Cronin are really quite the epically romantic pair. I adore all the talk of being fated and destined and all those other deliciously romantic things that result in possessiveness and growling (so much growling!!) and lots of mine, mine, mine!
On the flip-side, I kind of wish there was a little more happening in the explicit on-page sex department in this instalment. As it was, way too many scenes here were fade-to-black. Normally the lack of on-page smex wouldn't bother me as much, but I feel like I needed more physically intimate moments here BECAUSE of how great their sexual chemistry was, ya know?
My perverted complaining aside, I truly enjoyed all the action and adventure and high stakes of it all. I also love how Walker uses major historical events and puts a vampire twist on the details. It’s so clever and always highly entertaining.
Last but not least, I adored little Jorge, the riddle speaking vampire-child. He was trippy as hell and I loved every scene he was in.
One to go!
February 9, 2023
Loved it! Again!
August 16, 2015
BR with Kayl *even though I was really late to the party–sorry, Kayl!–I'm still counting this as a BR ;-)*
I don't even know where to begin, to be quite honest. I was already expecting this second installment to not be as good as the first book, since a lot of people have been disappointed by it. Well, sadly, so was I...
The thing that bothered me most was the repetitiveness. Cronin was growling and groaning every two pages and twice on a page. No one could get close to Alec without Cronin letting out a growl and wanting to rip their head off. And don't even get me started on Eiji's laughing/giggling/smiling/snorting/grinning and whatnot. I loved how upbeat Eiji was in the first book, but I felt like he took it too far here. He was like the friend you can never take seriously. And to top it all off, there was a lot–and I mean a LOT–of blushing and whining on Cronin's side. He came across as an inexperienced teenager, instead of the vampire who has lived for over a thousand years. Really annoying.
Something else which got on my nerves was how exaggerated the history references were this time around. I mean, I loved the Egypt stuff, but now we had Jack the Ripper as a neurotic vampire, the Great Wall of China as an attempt of humans to keep vampires away, and the cherry on top: that sensation you get when you think someone has called your name, yeah, that's supposedly a vampire. *le gasp* Seriously? All these things were too far-fetched for me to believe them to even be remotely possible.
I did like parts of it, though... It was awesome that we got a closer look into Alec's ancestors and the explanation for him being the key, and I liked the fact that Kole was very present and completely accepting of every weird thing that went on around him. I also liked Jorge, although I must admit that I was a little freaked out by him after his first scene with Cronin, Alec and Kennard (I loved Kennard, BTW!). But he was adorable and very helpful the rest of the time. And let's not forget my favorite scene with the lions of Tanzania, which was beautiful!
Will I read the third book? Meh. I don't think so. This book's ending was very good, actually, and I'm definitely satisfied with how things turned out.
I don't even know where to begin, to be quite honest. I was already expecting this second installment to not be as good as the first book, since a lot of people have been disappointed by it. Well, sadly, so was I...
The thing that bothered me most was the repetitiveness. Cronin was growling and groaning every two pages and twice on a page. No one could get close to Alec without Cronin letting out a growl and wanting to rip their head off. And don't even get me started on Eiji's laughing/giggling/smiling/snorting/grinning and whatnot. I loved how upbeat Eiji was in the first book, but I felt like he took it too far here. He was like the friend you can never take seriously. And to top it all off, there was a lot–and I mean a LOT–of blushing and whining on Cronin's side. He came across as an inexperienced teenager, instead of the vampire who has lived for over a thousand years. Really annoying.
Something else which got on my nerves was how exaggerated the history references were this time around. I mean, I loved the Egypt stuff, but now we had Jack the Ripper as a neurotic vampire, the Great Wall of China as an attempt of humans to keep vampires away, and the cherry on top: that sensation you get when you think someone has called your name, yeah, that's supposedly a vampire. *le gasp* Seriously? All these things were too far-fetched for me to believe them to even be remotely possible.
I did like parts of it, though... It was awesome that we got a closer look into Alec's ancestors and the explanation for him being the key, and I liked the fact that Kole was very present and completely accepting of every weird thing that went on around him. I also liked Jorge, although I must admit that I was a little freaked out by him after his first scene with Cronin, Alec and Kennard (I loved Kennard, BTW!). But he was adorable and very helpful the rest of the time. And let's not forget my favorite scene with the lions of Tanzania, which was beautiful!
Will I read the third book? Meh. I don't think so. This book's ending was very good, actually, and I'm definitely satisfied with how things turned out.
"Rug mi ort, m'cridhe."
I have you, my heart.
May 26, 2015
4.5 Stars
I am not usually a huge vampire fan...but this series was wonderful!! Cronin and his fated Alec kept it interesting and entertaining.
Happy Dance, I'm so excited!!
I am not usually a huge vampire fan...but this series was wonderful!! Cronin and his fated Alec kept it interesting and entertaining.
Happy Dance, I'm so excited!!
May 9, 2018
This series just gets better and better. No time for a review now, on to the 3rd book.
July 8, 2018
***3 - 3.5 Stars***
Okay, I will be bald as Kojak anytime soon when the scratching of my head over the rating will go on...
On the one hand, it was better than the first book, on the other hand it was not. The beginning was not as slow as the first one and I got a bit better into it, so I didn't want to throw dice in order to decide if I should DNF it or not for half of the book.
BUT... (yes in capitals, because it's a big but!) somehow the story was repetitive, not to say... commutable(?) with the first one. Replace the Egyptian mummies with the Terracotta Army and Queen Keket with Genghis Khan and you almost know what will happen next...
That doesn't mean I didn't have fun with the story. I like Alec's humor and his movie references in particular and when he asked why nobody told him that Genghis Khan would look like Mr. Miyagi I got some funny looks from a fellow car driver at a red light when I burst out laughing with no one sitting beside me.
I'm still on the fence about the fated relationship between Alec and Cronin, but these two are undeniable cute as hell together and I would have been totally fine with the ending of this book being the end of the series because it was an utterly swoonworthy HEA.
Aaaaand... I actually got more used to Joel Leslie's voices for the characters and I can be very persistent if I want to, so I will definitely listen to the third book because... come on, GARGOYLES????!!!!! ;-)
Okay, I will be bald as Kojak anytime soon when the scratching of my head over the rating will go on...
On the one hand, it was better than the first book, on the other hand it was not. The beginning was not as slow as the first one and I got a bit better into it, so I didn't want to throw dice in order to decide if I should DNF it or not for half of the book.
BUT... (yes in capitals, because it's a big but!) somehow the story was repetitive, not to say... commutable(?) with the first one. Replace the Egyptian mummies with the Terracotta Army and Queen Keket with Genghis Khan and you almost know what will happen next...
That doesn't mean I didn't have fun with the story. I like Alec's humor and his movie references in particular and when he asked why nobody told him that Genghis Khan would look like Mr. Miyagi I got some funny looks from a fellow car driver at a red light when I burst out laughing with no one sitting beside me.
I'm still on the fence about the fated relationship between Alec and Cronin, but these two are undeniable cute as hell together and I would have been totally fine with the ending of this book being the end of the series because it was an utterly swoonworthy HEA.
Aaaaand... I actually got more used to Joel Leslie's voices for the characters and I can be very persistent if I want to, so I will definitely listen to the third book because... come on, GARGOYLES????!!!!! ;-)
February 4, 2019
3.75*
This was another good read.
I like both Alec and Cronin plus all the secondary characters. Talking of characters we meet an interesting new one. Jorge a child vampire, a powerful seer who reminded me initially of Sméagol from The Lord of the Rings.
The story itself is very similar to the last one just substitute Genghis Khan for Queen Keket and the The Terracotta Army for the Egyptian mummies.
It’s straight onto the next one for me now.
This was another good read.
I like both Alec and Cronin plus all the secondary characters. Talking of characters we meet an interesting new one. Jorge a child vampire, a powerful seer who reminded me initially of Sméagol from The Lord of the Rings.
The story itself is very similar to the last one just substitute Genghis Khan for Queen Keket and the The Terracotta Army for the Egyptian mummies.
It’s straight onto the next one for me now.
February 23, 2016
Amazing story line and writing as always. Sigh. This author just always manages to deliver for me. Wonderful sequel. A bit on the light side of the steam spectrum. And the scenes that were there were too short for my taste. But that was my only complaint. Very solid finish for Cronin and Alec. The world-building and mystery were top notch!
May 27, 2015
2.75
This concept and these characters didn't really grab me in the first book. I was curious enough about the story to see where the second book would go though, again, just not really feeling it. Nice guys, nice friends, decent chemistry and a story that wrapped up much quicker than the first book. Surprisingly fast end to the build up actually. I enjoyed it but found myself skimming a bit.
This concept and these characters didn't really grab me in the first book. I was curious enough about the story to see where the second book would go though, again, just not really feeling it. Nice guys, nice friends, decent chemistry and a story that wrapped up much quicker than the first book. Surprisingly fast end to the build up actually. I enjoyed it but found myself skimming a bit.
January 2, 2019
✮4.5 Stars✮
💗
freebie
December 19, 2016** FREE ** All 3 books in the Kronin's Key series, 2016-11-01:
https://www.amazon.com/Cronins-Key-3-...
https://www.amazon.com/Cronins-Key-3-...
May 29, 2015
*** 3,5 stars ***
I didn't like this as much as I did the first. I was bored in the middle of the book, but it picked up towards the end. Never reaching the top, though. It felt a bit...rushed or too easy. The characters wasn't very deep, just on the surface. Cronin did a lot of growling and Eiji did a lot of laughing, which got repetitive.
And I would like to point out that if you have created a character from another country, like Jodis being Norwegian, do the courtesy of be sure to use the language correctly. Just typing a word into Google translate just doesn't cut it! A good old dictionary would have told the difference, I recon, or ask online.
------------------------------
So Jodis should have said "sikkert" instead of "sikre". Just "sikre" doesn't make any sense, and I should know since I am Norwegian.
Release date BR with Elsbeth, Julie, Momo, Sonia, Marco and Paul.
I didn't like this as much as I did the first. I was bored in the middle of the book, but it picked up towards the end. Never reaching the top, though. It felt a bit...rushed or too easy. The characters wasn't very deep, just on the surface. Cronin did a lot of growling and Eiji did a lot of laughing, which got repetitive.
And I would like to point out that if you have created a character from another country, like Jodis being Norwegian, do the courtesy of be sure to use the language correctly. Just typing a word into Google translate just doesn't cut it! A good old dictionary would have told the difference, I recon, or ask online.
------------------------------
It's a message from Jodis," he said, and Alec sighed in relief. "It says 'sikre'".
"Is that some kind of code?"
"Yes," Cronin said flatly. "It's Norwegian for secure. She's telling us it's safe to go back."
------------------------------
Translating "secure" into the Norwegian word "secure" isn't correct. There's a different use of it. As in:
Translating "secure" into the Norwegian word "secure" isn't correct. There's a different use of it. As in:
"I'm going to secure the place." (Jeg skal sikre stedet)
"I'm securing the place". (Jeg sikrer stedet)
"The place is secure." (Stedet er sikkert.)
So Jodis should have said "sikkert" instead of "sikre". Just "sikre" doesn't make any sense, and I should know since I am Norwegian.
Release date BR with Elsbeth, Julie, Momo, Sonia, Marco and Paul.
June 23, 2018
**5+1 stars**
Wow, this book has left me speechless! I think I am in love with Alec and Cronin! This is one f*cking awesome story. I loved the mystery of the new enemy, the mystery of Alec's blood. All the new characters have enriched the book and made it a wonderful read.
Alec and Cronin are together and loving every minute of it. It is a constant adventure. They are sexy, smart, handsome and can make teach others dreams come true - the perfect set up for both and if you add the fact that Cronin has his personal meal always with him - luck has struck, so to speak. But not all is as simple with these two. There is always some crazy who thinks he will dominate the world! But that's not all. Poor Alec, he is special alright. So special, that his poor human body can't handle it. Problem on problem on top of the problem! So when they decide to come and see their new good friend Kennard they don't expect to be drawn into danger again. And then they meet Jorge. Gosh, I loved that little freaky boy. He is quite the character!
...The boy smiled. “We can see dos.” He held up two fingers. “Two?” Alec didn’t really know what that meant, but he went along with it. Jorge nodded. “Eyes and mind. Eyes and mind, here and gone, Jorge sees."...
...Then Jorge took Alec’s hand, startling Alec a little, and studied his watch. “You like it?” Alec said. “Jorge will have it,” the small vampire child said. “Yes, Jorge will have it.” Adelmo intervened. “No, Jorge, it’s not yours. It belongs to Alec.”
The boy glowered and bared his fangs, snarling a little. Alec now understood why Jorge needed a parental caregiver. He was certain, if left unsupervised, Jorge and his childish temper could level a small village if he got angry enough. It was clear Adelmo spent a great deal of time reminding Jorge of his manners...
...Then Jorge shook his head a little and his eyes returned to normal. He grinned his little fanged smile, like he hadn’t just impersonated the kid from The Omen. “Jorge will see you again,” he said cheerfully...
I loved the whole interaction Alec had with him. He was scary, sure, but there was something so lovable about him too. It was hard not to like him.
Cronin and Alec are so hot together. I loved how they just fit even though Alec is still human, he is just what Cronin needs.
...He licked his bloodstained finger and Cronin growled more menacingly, and ripped the bed sheet from Alec’s body. The unbridled power felt like a jolt straight to his cock, and Cronin crawled up his naked form, licking the trail of blood from Alec’s skin and pushing his thighs apart with his own. His hard cock was at Alec’s hole, still slicked with come from before. “Your blood belongs to me,” he snarled.
Alec’s back arched and his cock pulsed, and precome spilled out freely into his navel. “If you want it,” Alec writhed, “then come get it.”
Cronin pushed his hips up into Alec, penetrating him, hard and fast, and sunk his teeth into Alec’s neck at the same time. He fucked as he drank, a closed circuit of pure ecstasy. Alec’s whole body convulsed, impaled at both ends, and unable to contain the pleasure, he came...
...Alec had never felt so full and content. Cronin was inside him, yes, but in more ways than one. He permeated every sense, every cell, and from the way Cronin held him, filled him, it was like he was trying to become one with him...
I really liked all the guessing and researching, the way Alec's mind worked was amazing to see. He put his detective brain to work and as always came up with correct answers. He seemed to know just what questions to ask and where to look. And then it just came to him - he just knew. He and Cronin would have made a great PIs with Jodis and Eiji as their sidekicks if they could get away with it. Well, a girl can dream!
The subsequent battle and saving of Alec was a work of genius. I loved it. It was so lovingly crafted, so detailed, everything so well researched, just magical. I am happy to say that the mystery of Jorge was finally solved too. And I want to add that if he was not there Alec might not have survived at all. It seems that the villains did Cronin a favor in the end. How poetic! They wanted to harm him but unwittingly saved Alec in the end.
The epilogue was sweet and very romantic. It was just the right kind of mushy filled with humor, love and family. I am so glad I found this series. One of the best in my opinion. I highly recommend it!
Wow, this book has left me speechless! I think I am in love with Alec and Cronin! This is one f*cking awesome story. I loved the mystery of the new enemy, the mystery of Alec's blood. All the new characters have enriched the book and made it a wonderful read.
Alec and Cronin are together and loving every minute of it. It is a constant adventure. They are sexy, smart, handsome and can make teach others dreams come true - the perfect set up for both and if you add the fact that Cronin has his personal meal always with him - luck has struck, so to speak. But not all is as simple with these two. There is always some crazy who thinks he will dominate the world! But that's not all. Poor Alec, he is special alright. So special, that his poor human body can't handle it. Problem on problem on top of the problem! So when they decide to come and see their new good friend Kennard they don't expect to be drawn into danger again. And then they meet Jorge. Gosh, I loved that little freaky boy. He is quite the character!
...The boy smiled. “We can see dos.” He held up two fingers. “Two?” Alec didn’t really know what that meant, but he went along with it. Jorge nodded. “Eyes and mind. Eyes and mind, here and gone, Jorge sees."...
...Then Jorge took Alec’s hand, startling Alec a little, and studied his watch. “You like it?” Alec said. “Jorge will have it,” the small vampire child said. “Yes, Jorge will have it.” Adelmo intervened. “No, Jorge, it’s not yours. It belongs to Alec.”
The boy glowered and bared his fangs, snarling a little. Alec now understood why Jorge needed a parental caregiver. He was certain, if left unsupervised, Jorge and his childish temper could level a small village if he got angry enough. It was clear Adelmo spent a great deal of time reminding Jorge of his manners...
...Then Jorge shook his head a little and his eyes returned to normal. He grinned his little fanged smile, like he hadn’t just impersonated the kid from The Omen. “Jorge will see you again,” he said cheerfully...
I loved the whole interaction Alec had with him. He was scary, sure, but there was something so lovable about him too. It was hard not to like him.
Cronin and Alec are so hot together. I loved how they just fit even though Alec is still human, he is just what Cronin needs.
...He licked his bloodstained finger and Cronin growled more menacingly, and ripped the bed sheet from Alec’s body. The unbridled power felt like a jolt straight to his cock, and Cronin crawled up his naked form, licking the trail of blood from Alec’s skin and pushing his thighs apart with his own. His hard cock was at Alec’s hole, still slicked with come from before. “Your blood belongs to me,” he snarled.
Alec’s back arched and his cock pulsed, and precome spilled out freely into his navel. “If you want it,” Alec writhed, “then come get it.”
Cronin pushed his hips up into Alec, penetrating him, hard and fast, and sunk his teeth into Alec’s neck at the same time. He fucked as he drank, a closed circuit of pure ecstasy. Alec’s whole body convulsed, impaled at both ends, and unable to contain the pleasure, he came...
...Alec had never felt so full and content. Cronin was inside him, yes, but in more ways than one. He permeated every sense, every cell, and from the way Cronin held him, filled him, it was like he was trying to become one with him...
I really liked all the guessing and researching, the way Alec's mind worked was amazing to see. He put his detective brain to work and as always came up with correct answers. He seemed to know just what questions to ask and where to look. And then it just came to him - he just knew. He and Cronin would have made a great PIs with Jodis and Eiji as their sidekicks if they could get away with it. Well, a girl can dream!
The subsequent battle and saving of Alec was a work of genius. I loved it. It was so lovingly crafted, so detailed, everything so well researched, just magical. I am happy to say that the mystery of Jorge was finally solved too. And I want to add that if he was not there Alec might not have survived at all. It seems that the villains did Cronin a favor in the end. How poetic! They wanted to harm him but unwittingly saved Alec in the end.
The epilogue was sweet and very romantic. It was just the right kind of mushy filled with humor, love and family. I am so glad I found this series. One of the best in my opinion. I highly recommend it!
May 26, 2015
BR, May 22th Release-day with Julie, Marte, Paul and Marco
* 3,5 stars *
I actually liked this one better than the first one, so I’m going to down-rate (is that a word?) Cronin #1 to 3 stars because IMO I don’t think I could rate Cronin #2 with 4 stars!
I liked that the info dump (excusez le mot) was lesser than Cronin #2.
I enjoyed Alec and Cronin very much!!
"Rug mi ort, m'cridhe."
I have you, my heart.
Although Cronin growled a lot, I loved it…. I loved Cronin’s “mine.mine.mine” behavior!!
“I hate that you must endure this.”
Alec sat up straight and pulled back a little so he could look into Cronin’s eyes. “I know you do. But Cronin, it doesn’t matter what I have to go through. As long as I get you forever, then it’ll all be worth it.”
A happy sigh for the ending…. That was perfection!!
it…So, hope to read more of Alec and Cronin,
January 22, 2021
Traditional Celtic customs and history revealed.
Cronin and the Key are fated mates that are challenged by attempts of ancient prophacies and reborn vampires to take over the world. Things are not simple as a cloaker is hiding vampires and concealing events over thousands of years. But the Key has much more power than anyone realized. Events happen on a blue moon as a river of silver and the five elements threaten the small group of good vampires as thousands of terra cotta soldier statues one to life as breakable toy soldiers and horses struggle to protect the unknown ruler of the most powerful people in history.
But the modern friends have much more knowledge than expected and Jorge sees the truth in his head and shares it to save the Key and the world. All of the past rules are revised as exceptions outdo the rules where the Key is involved with powers and knowledge. And sex and blood.
Cronin and the Key are fated mates that are challenged by attempts of ancient prophacies and reborn vampires to take over the world. Things are not simple as a cloaker is hiding vampires and concealing events over thousands of years. But the Key has much more power than anyone realized. Events happen on a blue moon as a river of silver and the five elements threaten the small group of good vampires as thousands of terra cotta soldier statues one to life as breakable toy soldiers and horses struggle to protect the unknown ruler of the most powerful people in history.
But the modern friends have much more knowledge than expected and Jorge sees the truth in his head and shares it to save the Key and the world. All of the past rules are revised as exceptions outdo the rules where the Key is involved with powers and knowledge. And sex and blood.
August 6, 2018
I loved Cronin's Key II almost as much as I liked the first book. As with Cronin's Key, I found this one to have the perfect mix of history, mythology and vampire lore. It's truly the perfect combo, done in the perfect way to draw me into the story.
Alec is still human and just waiting for whatever event the fates have for him to fulfill his purpose before he can be turned. Also, he is still wanted by the NYPD, so he can't just go roaming around the streets of New York. He's been confined to Cronin's apartment for weeks now. At least he's had Cronin there to help pass the time. What's a human and his fated mate to do? Yup, you've probably guessed it. *wink wink, nudge nudge*
But it doesn't take long, in the grand scheme of things, for Alec's purpose to make itself known and some cryptic clues given by a vampire child with unusual talents give them something to figure out along the way. Plus, Alec's blood is truly something special, and Cronin's consumption of it has some unexpected side effects, so our boys are feeling a bit disconcerted while they struggle to understand the ramifications.
I loved this story from beginning to end. This series is pure brilliance and I will most definitely be reading it again!
Alec is still human and just waiting for whatever event the fates have for him to fulfill his purpose before he can be turned. Also, he is still wanted by the NYPD, so he can't just go roaming around the streets of New York. He's been confined to Cronin's apartment for weeks now. At least he's had Cronin there to help pass the time. What's a human and his fated mate to do? Yup, you've probably guessed it. *wink wink, nudge nudge*
But it doesn't take long, in the grand scheme of things, for Alec's purpose to make itself known and some cryptic clues given by a vampire child with unusual talents give them something to figure out along the way. Plus, Alec's blood is truly something special, and Cronin's consumption of it has some unexpected side effects, so our boys are feeling a bit disconcerted while they struggle to understand the ramifications.
I loved this story from beginning to end. This series is pure brilliance and I will most definitely be reading it again!
June 10, 2017
3.5 Stars
If you love NR Walker then I would say this series is a no brainer. Bonus points if you also love the paranormal setting.
I still appreciate the ingenious way the author ties actual ancient history to the present and seamlessly merges that into vampiric lore. Easy, fun entertainment to say the least.
As a fair warning, not the steamiest read by a long shot, but it seems typical of this author in my opinion. However, this still showcased some yummy possession and claiming, as well as maintaining a wonderful, deeply romantic tone.
Good enough!
If you love NR Walker then I would say this series is a no brainer. Bonus points if you also love the paranormal setting.
I still appreciate the ingenious way the author ties actual ancient history to the present and seamlessly merges that into vampiric lore. Easy, fun entertainment to say the least.
As a fair warning, not the steamiest read by a long shot, but it seems typical of this author in my opinion. However, this still showcased some yummy possession and claiming, as well as maintaining a wonderful, deeply romantic tone.
Good enough!
May 27, 2015
I'm giving this a solid 3.5 stars.
I enjoyed Alec and Cronin just as much as the first book...I just wished there was more about *them* intertwined within the story. I could have also used some additional banter between Alec and Eiji. I loved it, but just wanted more of the parts that I really liked (selfish I know)
Of course, I will read any and all other books within this series! N.R. Walker can do no wrong in my mind (except take too long to write...totally kidding).
I enjoyed Alec and Cronin just as much as the first book...I just wished there was more about *them* intertwined within the story. I could have also used some additional banter between Alec and Eiji. I loved it, but just wanted more of the parts that I really liked (selfish I know)
Of course, I will read any and all other books within this series! N.R. Walker can do no wrong in my mind (except take too long to write...totally kidding).
August 30, 2017
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
I was late to this series only having read book 1 a few days ago. It’s always the books that you put on the back burner that are the ones that end up being the best, or that’s how it always seems to work with me.
After finishing the first book I was left, like everyone else I’m sure, clamouring for book 2. When I got offered it as a review book I was ecstatic and terrified! What if it wasn’t as good? What if I didn’t like the outcome? I was totally invested in Alec and Cronin and wanted their HEA over everything else!
I needn’t have worried. NR Walker gave me everything I hoped for and then some in Cronin’s Key II!
When we left Alec and Cronin in book 1 it was with the knowledge that their work wasn’t finished. They had saved the day, beaten the Queen but the elusive vampire bite that both men had set their hearts on for their forever didn’t work. Cronin seemed able to bite Alec as much and as often as he wanted but the end result was like neither had imagined.
The biting is now one of their problems. Vampires don’t ‘grow’ once changed but suddenly Cronin is noticing a difference in his powers and the only thing that could be causing that is Alec’s blood. Alec is changing too but with no one they can trust to ask for advice the small group have no idea what is happening.
There is also a new crisis to attend to which sees them having to head to China and deal with the deadly Terracotta Army. They count on their allies once again to save both the vampire race and Alec’s life.
The thing I love most about this series is the tension. I would love to have seen more on page sex purely because the author built the tension between them so well. To actually have been able to read it would have made the pages explosive. The changes in them meant it became more difficult to be apart, again the tension the author brought to the pages pulled you into the story and kept you right there in the moment.
NR Walker is a god when it comes to suspense!
The secondary characters were once again amazing but this time we get introduced to Jorge. A child vampire, he has two sides, and is one of the scariest things Alec has ever come across. He may well hold the answer to the latest test but when he only speaks in riddles and channels two personalities Alec isn’t sure if he is a help or a hindrance.
The ending is simple; solve the puzzle or Alec will die. Everyone is more than aware that if they lose Alec they will also lose Cronin as the vampire cannot bear to live without him. The answer as always is in Alec’s blood that is the easy part, first they must work out who is really behind the awakening of some very long dead vampires and put a stop to their plans.
Absolutely PERFECT!!
Just as an afterthought to the author – please tell me this isn’t the last in the series – Kennard has a story to tell I am sure
I was late to this series only having read book 1 a few days ago. It’s always the books that you put on the back burner that are the ones that end up being the best, or that’s how it always seems to work with me.
After finishing the first book I was left, like everyone else I’m sure, clamouring for book 2. When I got offered it as a review book I was ecstatic and terrified! What if it wasn’t as good? What if I didn’t like the outcome? I was totally invested in Alec and Cronin and wanted their HEA over everything else!
I needn’t have worried. NR Walker gave me everything I hoped for and then some in Cronin’s Key II!
When we left Alec and Cronin in book 1 it was with the knowledge that their work wasn’t finished. They had saved the day, beaten the Queen but the elusive vampire bite that both men had set their hearts on for their forever didn’t work. Cronin seemed able to bite Alec as much and as often as he wanted but the end result was like neither had imagined.
The biting is now one of their problems. Vampires don’t ‘grow’ once changed but suddenly Cronin is noticing a difference in his powers and the only thing that could be causing that is Alec’s blood. Alec is changing too but with no one they can trust to ask for advice the small group have no idea what is happening.
There is also a new crisis to attend to which sees them having to head to China and deal with the deadly Terracotta Army. They count on their allies once again to save both the vampire race and Alec’s life.
The thing I love most about this series is the tension. I would love to have seen more on page sex purely because the author built the tension between them so well. To actually have been able to read it would have made the pages explosive. The changes in them meant it became more difficult to be apart, again the tension the author brought to the pages pulled you into the story and kept you right there in the moment.
NR Walker is a god when it comes to suspense!
The secondary characters were once again amazing but this time we get introduced to Jorge. A child vampire, he has two sides, and is one of the scariest things Alec has ever come across. He may well hold the answer to the latest test but when he only speaks in riddles and channels two personalities Alec isn’t sure if he is a help or a hindrance.
The ending is simple; solve the puzzle or Alec will die. Everyone is more than aware that if they lose Alec they will also lose Cronin as the vampire cannot bear to live without him. The answer as always is in Alec’s blood that is the easy part, first they must work out who is really behind the awakening of some very long dead vampires and put a stop to their plans.
Absolutely PERFECT!!
Just as an afterthought to the author – please tell me this isn’t the last in the series – Kennard has a story to tell I am sure
August 14, 2015
Welcome to Indianer Jones meets vampire-zombies part II.
I didn’t mind the awakening of the Chinese Terracotta Army but turning Jack the Ripper and Genghis Khan into vampires, too? Duh…
The romance between Alec and Cronin was nice… but the whole soul mating thing was getting old very quickly… and Alec’s super-trooper-vampire power was in my opinion massively exaggerated. What I missed though, were sparkling skin, golden eyes and an arm wrestling match. :)
I managed to finish the book but wouldn’t buy another installment.
July 18, 2015
4.5 stars!
Review to follow!
Review to follow!
July 14, 2017
*4,5 stars*
Very much in the mould of book one, as action packed and brimming with imagination, albeit with less romance and passion.
But the wonderful HEA (and in this case you can take these words literally) makes up for some of that!
Loved it!
Very much in the mould of book one, as action packed and brimming with imagination, albeit with less romance and passion.
But the wonderful HEA (and in this case you can take these words literally) makes up for some of that!
Loved it!
July 13, 2023
More bite-y than the first one!
Well there's a heck of a lot going on in this book!
I was a bit disappointed with how easily the 'big bad' was defeated, especially after all the build-up which saw Alec and Cronin facing unexpected consequences of all the biting and blood drinking.
However, there were also some epic action elements and I liked the deep dive into Mongol history and the links with Ancient China.
Although, again, some of the factual parts get mixed up and had me scratching my head at times.
Still got mostly fade to black again, which is a shame when you've got fated mates who can't keep their hands off each other, it's a bit surface only at times.
The ending was excellent though and the Epilogue made me happy.
Well there's a heck of a lot going on in this book!
I was a bit disappointed with how easily the 'big bad' was defeated, especially after all the build-up which saw Alec and Cronin facing unexpected consequences of all the biting and blood drinking.
However, there were also some epic action elements and I liked the deep dive into Mongol history and the links with Ancient China.
Although, again, some of the factual parts get mixed up and had me scratching my head at times.
Still got mostly fade to black again, which is a shame when you've got fated mates who can't keep their hands off each other, it's a bit surface only at times.
The ending was excellent though and the Epilogue made me happy.
November 22, 2017
*** 5+++ ADORABLE GROWLING YOU ARE MINE STARS !!!***
N.R. Walker did it again!
My favorite couple of all time, Cronin and Alec is finally here!
Great story, great knowledge, great romance!
All the cuddles, blushes, growling,and all the jealousy 'don't touch him, his mine"', really adorable.
Alec and Cronin were definitely made for each other.
I'm a hardcore Alec and Cronin groupies, and I'm not sorry for that!
I read it with smile on my face, blushed, bit my lip, imagine, imagine...played the scenes in my head...Good thing, I read it at home! :)
I really loved the 'reunion' with Eiji, Jodis, Kole, Kennard.
The kid vampire, Jorge, stole some scenes...that kid! Arrrgh...you guys should meet him and judge him yourself!
The ending was EPIC! I can't ask for more perfect ending and HEA!!!
But, wait!!!
There's book III? And Kennard would be there as well?
OMG! September 2015 can't come fast enough Nic !!!!
This story is awesome, and I loved and enjoyed every words !
Highly recommended !!!
Buddy read with Funzee Shu.
N.R. Walker did it again!
My favorite couple of all time, Cronin and Alec is finally here!
Great story, great knowledge, great romance!
All the cuddles, blushes, growling,and all the jealousy 'don't touch him, his mine"', really adorable.
Alec and Cronin were definitely made for each other.
I'm a hardcore Alec and Cronin groupies, and I'm not sorry for that!
I read it with smile on my face, blushed, bit my lip, imagine, imagine...played the scenes in my head...Good thing, I read it at home! :)
I really loved the 'reunion' with Eiji, Jodis, Kole, Kennard.
The kid vampire, Jorge, stole some scenes...that kid! Arrrgh...you guys should meet him and judge him yourself!
The ending was EPIC! I can't ask for more perfect ending and HEA!!!
But, wait!!!
There's book III? And Kennard would be there as well?
OMG! September 2015 can't come fast enough Nic !!!!
"It doesn’t matter what I have to go through. As long as I get you forever, then it’ll all be worth it.”
Alec had never craved anything like this. He needed Cronin with every cell in his body. It wasn’t enough. It would never be enough. Never touch enough, never taste enough. They would never be close enough.
This story is awesome, and I loved and enjoyed every words !
Highly recommended !!!
Buddy read with Funzee Shu.
Eiji snorted. “Well, not too straight.” He sniffed the air. “There wasn’t anything straight about what you two were doing.”
"“I’d prefer to have you pissed off at me for the next few hundred years than not have any years with you at all, if you know what I mean. If I need to be bitten to be saved, then let them.”
Cronin closed his eyes slowly and gave the smallest of nods.
Eiji snorted. “The next thousand years with you Alec are going to be so much fun.”"
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