When I First Saw Red

Soldiers and Mercenaries, Book 2

By: Kasia Bacon

Narrated by: Cornell Collins

Length: 4 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

Red: Lázhien’s human. A common Imperial soldier. And my soulmate. How could fate get it so wrong? The demon in me craves this bond with every shred of his being. He pushes me to accept it. This time I won’t yield to his demands.

Lázhien: Red’s a lust demon, a whore and a stuck-up snob. The most beautiful man I’ve ever seen. Pain in the arse. And he hates my guts. I’d be an idiot to pursue him. Yet something about him compels me to make him mine.

When I First Saw Red is a complete and stand-alone short novel with an HEA ending, featuring a couple of reluctant fated soulmates - a demon and a human - trying and failing to defy destiny.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2020 Kasia Bacon (P)2024 Kasia Bacon

Steamy and sweet

This is a wonderful book that packs a punch of both steam and sweetness and interesting and detailed world building. I loved both the MCs, both seperate and together, they proved complex and genuinely likeable. The supporting cast was also interesting and likeable.

Cornell Collins is the perfect narrator for this book, both MCs were spot on in his voice.

I also liked the language of the book, it’s descriptive, both to the point and flourishing at the same time, and very easy on the ears. This book is high heat, low angst, and interesting plot and I’ll be sure to check out more of this author’s work in the furure.

Sexy but communication is needed

This story is a sexy and sweet story but in multiple instances I felt the need to smack them upside the head to just COMMUNICATE GOD DAMMIT. I love the protectiveness and the sex scenes are incredible but I wish there was a little more story, I would pay for just like 10 chapters of them interacting, after they get together because Jesus Christ I was at my limit with the lack of communication.
I absolutely LOVE the narrater. Mr. Collins does each voice and emotion super well, he did an amazing job!
100% recommend this book, especially the audio

*was given a copy for free to review*

Steamy paranormal romance

I absolutely loved this sweet opposites attract paranormal romance

Such a great book with a solid storyline and great characters.

I adore this series and its so well written.

Definitely recommend

a fascinating story

When I First Saw Red is Book 2 in the Soldiers and Mercenaries series. This is a well written fascinating short story about Red and Lázhien. This book captured me from the very beginning. Lázhien knew he wanted time with the demon the first time setting eyes on him, and it didn't matter the cost. Red and Lázhien may be fated, but they fought it until they realize they really were better together. This is an enjoyable book and you don't want to miss it.
Narrator Cornell Collins does an amazing job. He really brings this book to life.

I know this will be a re-listen!

An unexpected mating bond, a demon who requires sex to survive, and a common soldier, make for an arresting story. The occasional touches of humor and the self-deprecating thoughts of the characters (who cannot seem to accept their intense need for one another) adds interest to the tale. I also appreciated the tender moments that incorporated warmth into their encounters, elevating them beyond simple, sexual need. And the epilogue finished the story beautifully (gotta love a confirmed HEA, right?).

The author has a definite talent for using descriptive language that draws you into every scene. Her skill with words weaves a very enjoyable story that was enhanced by the narrator. I find that a good narrator will always augment a well-written tale and this one was a real treat for my ears.

Excellent

I was looking forward to listening to this story. I read it when it came out, and I loved it. In fact, I read it three times in a row..that's how much I liked it. I loved the characters and the love story. The order Universe created by Kasia Bacon is fascinating, and so are her characters. So I jumped at the chance to listen to this story as soon as I had the chance, and I must admit it did not disappoint at all. In fact, I did more or less the same that I did with the written version, I listened to it three times on a row… Cornell Collins’ performance of this story brings the characters to life, providing them with nuances which make them richer and deeper. It specially surprised me his interpretation of Lazhien, whom I had imagined somehow different, maybe softer, but I like Cornell’s version better: rougher and sweeter at the same time.
A great narration to match a great story
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

Interesting storyline

This was a new storyline for me. I really like that the characters had to fight for themselves to get what they needed and didn’t know they needed! It is a shorter listen which worked well.

Kasia Bacon and Cornell Collins for the win!

Kasia Bacon first drew me in with The Order series and the Soldiers and Mercenaries series continues that draw. "When I First Saw Red" is world building, character depth, and navigation of magical pull and emotional love at its finest. The misconceptions that each Red and Lazhien have of each other that push them away, and the soul mate longing that pulls them together, provides for plenty of snark, romance, angst, and hotness. Add to Kasia Bacon's captivating writing the style and performance of Cornell Collins and you've got audiobook gold. My only complaint with Bacon's books is that they are always too short! Ha ha. I always want more.

At my request I was provided this audiobook and happily agreed to give an honest review.

Okkano and Lahzien

The idea of a half-elf and half-incubus intrigued me. Okkano carries around wounds, prejudices, and a low sense of self worth from his past. Lahzien's struggles with guilt have him accepting Okkano's rejection. I loved that Ranelle does her duty as the interfering best friend and drags these two together.

Audiobook: The narrator does a marvelous job.

♡Imperial Soldier & a Lust Demon♡

"When two souls are meant to connect: location, timing and circumstances are all irrelevant. They suddenly become a magnet for one another and despite their efforts to fight it, the universe somehow manipulates it all in their favor, and in that moment, when they finally give in, a new love is born". ♡Anonymous♡
Lazhien and Red's love story is magical. This book is such a treasure. I listened to the audiobook three times in a row. I adored Red, he stole my heart with his sassy wit and hidden insecurities. Lazhien is a beautiful character all around, he's strong and sturdy and that shows in so many aspects of his personality. Not only is he a tough imperial soldier but his steadiness and strength really supported Red. He was solid and such a rock throughout the story. I loved how Lazhien surprised Red quite a bit throughout the story, just in simple ways like their first encounter; Red expected him to act as a brute and instead he was kind, considerate and caring.
My absolute favorite part of this story is when Lazhien gets up to leave the bed and Red pretends to be asleep but his mouth gets the best of him. It was heartbreaking to listen to Red's internal battle when he was second guessing Lazhien intentions, but Lazhien just showed unconditional patience and love. This story gave me so many sweet heart melting moments. ♡♡♡