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scriptrix's review
5.0
This book picked me up and dropped me right into a world that felt exactly like what I imagined while touring Herculaneum and Pompeii. It's a rich history-based fantasy that immediately grounds itself with food thanks to its MC being a cook. The romance was sweet and worthwhile, but what truly set this book apart for me was the worldbuilding. Loved it!
shanaqui's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I really enjoyed A.J. Demas' Honey & Pepper. I wasn't sure if I would, due to the initial misunderstanding (both because it revealed that Nikias had some kind of shame about his desires, and because I wasn't looking forward to the two of them angsting about it). But I gave it a chance anyway, and was glad: Nikias swiftly comes to realise he was rude, and that also makes clear his character as someone who is willing to be wrong, willing to think, willing to self-examine. And Kallion, for his part, forgives easily enough, because the two of them are in a situation created by the fact that they have both been slaves, and they understand how that shapes you.
Nikias is fairly straightforward as a character -- his heart is well and truly on his sleeve. Kallion took longer to open up, but fortunately it didn't happen as a third-act breakup or something like that. Instead, a plot that was already hinted at comes to the fore, and wraps things up enjoyably.
I enjoyed both Nikias and Kallion's characters, and their interactions: the way that Nikias sweetly takes charge because that's what Kallion needs/wants, and the positive communication between them (mostly from Nikias, but I don't think there's ever much doubt about Kallion's needs and wants, even if he's less clearly verbal about them). They work well as a couple, and I liked the supporting characters, too.
The villain of the piece is a bit unsubtle, and that part is all very black-and-white; in such a short book, there isn't really time to add more depth, I suppose, but beside Kallion and Nikias, it felt a bit pantomime villain-y.
One thing to note, though: while slavery isn't romanticised, there's a touch of romanticisation of some of the slave-owning characters. I think that's addressed somewhat by Nikias' firm opinions on the matter (including that he is clear that he loved his master, and still thinks his master acted wrongly), and Kallion also comments on the fact that past inaction matters somewhat in the balance (though he isn't talking directly about the owning of slaves). Still, one of the female characters is rather lionised for deciding to free her slaves and invest in the businesses of freedmen, but prior to that she did put up with an awful lot of slavery and mistreatment of slaves without doing anything about it. It feels like a little bit of a blind spot to me.
Nikias is fairly straightforward as a character -- his heart is well and truly on his sleeve. Kallion took longer to open up, but fortunately it didn't happen as a third-act breakup or something like that. Instead, a plot that was already hinted at comes to the fore, and wraps things up enjoyably.
I enjoyed both Nikias and Kallion's characters, and their interactions: the way that Nikias sweetly takes charge because that's what Kallion needs/wants, and the positive communication between them (mostly from Nikias, but I don't think there's ever much doubt about Kallion's needs and wants, even if he's less clearly verbal about them). They work well as a couple, and I liked the supporting characters, too.
The villain of the piece is a bit unsubtle, and that part is all very black-and-white; in such a short book, there isn't really time to add more depth, I suppose, but beside Kallion and Nikias, it felt a bit pantomime villain-y.
One thing to note, though: while slavery isn't romanticised, there's a touch of romanticisation of some of the slave-owning characters. I think that's addressed somewhat by Nikias' firm opinions on the matter (including that he is clear that he loved his master, and still thinks his master acted wrongly), and Kallion also comments on the fact that past inaction matters somewhat in the balance (though he isn't talking directly about the owning of slaves). Still, one of the female characters is rather lionised for deciding to free her slaves and invest in the businesses of freedmen, but prior to that she did put up with an awful lot of slavery and mistreatment of slaves without doing anything about it. It feels like a little bit of a blind spot to me.
queencarolrules's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
ecmsquared's review
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
ellelainey's review
5.0
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
~
Honey & Pepper (When in Pheme, 1) by A.J. Demas
★★★★★
222 Pages
3rd person, dual character POV
Themes: MM romance, historic Greek-influenced, politics, piracy, gangsters, slavery, cook, law, opposites attract, praise kink, very mild D/s
Triggers: exploration of slavery, freedom, suicide, piracy, racketeering
Genre: MM Romance, Historical
~
World-Building: ★★★★☆
Heat: ★★★☆☆
Chemistry: ★★★★★
Plot: ★★★★☆
Romance: ★★★★★
~
Honey & Pepper is the first book in A.J. Demas' new series, When in Pheme. While it takes place in the same fictional Greek world as their Sword Dance series, there's little cross-over, meaning it can stand entirely alone from the trilogy. However, some moments and characters do feel familiar, such as Lysandros, who made a brief appearance in Book 3 of Sword Dance, and mentions of Agathe Timone and Nione Kukara, who featured in the trilogy.
From the very first chapter, I was sucked in by Nikias and Kallion. Both were so clearly individual, separate, and wholly well-formed characters, from page one. They had their own voices, their own personalities, and their own troubles, both coming from a lifetime of slavery to freedom. Both barely a year free, they're struggling to find their own way in the world, in different ways.
I really loved that even just Chapter 1 gave me such a clear picture of both their personalities. I could understand who they were, where they sat in society, and what their dynamic together might look like as the story progressed. It only got better, as we learned more about each of them. Both have a tragic past they don't want to discuss, but find comfort in each other, to be able to finally confess.
Their physical relationship surprised me a little, only because the roles between them reversed. Though, as time went on, that felt much more natural for the main characters, considering their life experiences and past history of slavery. They indulged in some praise kink, which was handled nicely, as well as a touch of D/s in the bedroom.
Similarly, the world-building is clear from page one. It's very obvious, from the title, the cover, the atmosphere written throughout, and the phrases used by the characters, that this is a Greek-inspired world, historical, and takes place in a bustling city on the cusp of progression. Just as with Sword Dance, the world-building is strong, consistent throughout, and obvious from the start. Though, I will say that it helped to already be familiar with the world from Sword Dance.
As well as exploring a relationship between Nikias and Kallion – filled with its own troubles, and misunderstandings, at first – the story also touches strongly upon slavery. Nikias and Kallion have vastly different experiences of being a slave, and residual feelings of what should be done about slavery. But, te addition of Lysandros as a philosopher and friend to Nikias, helps to add a view that the whole of Pheme is currently debating this issue, as well.
It was interesting to see the debate even drifting into how the Masters viewed their slaves, such as Nikias' master having trouble reconciling his use of Nikias (for lack of a better word) with any kind of emotional attachment. It seemed easier for him to label their “relationship” as slavery and duty, rather than allow Nikias to think he might actually enjoy being with men. It mirrors the struggle a lot of men go through, thinking they're straight and any experience with another man is simply coercion, convenient, a one-off, or whatever other excuse they use. It was nicely explored here, but shown through Nikias' eyes, so we didn't really feel sympathetic to his master over him.
There's also a sub-plot with gangsters and pirates, which felt very fitting, considering some of the characters. The way they wove into Pheme society was reminiscent of the brief mentions within Sword Dance, but took it to the next level and gave it a bit more depth that wouldn't have been appropriate in the previous trilogy. Here, there were tough characters, law makers and breakers, and a perfect setting for some piracy threats.
~
OVERALL
I really enjoyed this. Demas has begun another great series that I'm looking forward to following along with. I'll be here for Book 2, waiting eagerly, in the hope for more from Nikias and Kallion. If not, then I hope some other characters from the story so far manage to make an appearance. I'd love to see some more about Lysandros, and that arguing boyfriend he was hiding from.
~
Favourite Quote
“You've made my life bearable to me, Niki, in a way that it wasn't before. I don't know what I was before I met you.”
“Nobody needed to make you brave.”
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
~
Honey & Pepper (When in Pheme, 1) by A.J. Demas
★★★★★
222 Pages
3rd person, dual character POV
Themes: MM romance, historic Greek-influenced, politics, piracy, gangsters, slavery, cook, law, opposites attract, praise kink, very mild D/s
Triggers: exploration of slavery, freedom, suicide, piracy, racketeering
Genre: MM Romance, Historical
~
World-Building: ★★★★☆
Heat: ★★★☆☆
Chemistry: ★★★★★
Plot: ★★★★☆
Romance: ★★★★★
~
Honey & Pepper is the first book in A.J. Demas' new series, When in Pheme. While it takes place in the same fictional Greek world as their Sword Dance series, there's little cross-over, meaning it can stand entirely alone from the trilogy. However, some moments and characters do feel familiar, such as Lysandros, who made a brief appearance in Book 3 of Sword Dance, and mentions of Agathe Timone and Nione Kukara, who featured in the trilogy.
From the very first chapter, I was sucked in by Nikias and Kallion. Both were so clearly individual, separate, and wholly well-formed characters, from page one. They had their own voices, their own personalities, and their own troubles, both coming from a lifetime of slavery to freedom. Both barely a year free, they're struggling to find their own way in the world, in different ways.
I really loved that even just Chapter 1 gave me such a clear picture of both their personalities. I could understand who they were, where they sat in society, and what their dynamic together might look like as the story progressed. It only got better, as we learned more about each of them. Both have a tragic past they don't want to discuss, but find comfort in each other, to be able to finally confess.
Their physical relationship surprised me a little, only because the roles between them reversed. Though, as time went on, that felt much more natural for the main characters, considering their life experiences and past history of slavery. They indulged in some praise kink, which was handled nicely, as well as a touch of D/s in the bedroom.
Similarly, the world-building is clear from page one. It's very obvious, from the title, the cover, the atmosphere written throughout, and the phrases used by the characters, that this is a Greek-inspired world, historical, and takes place in a bustling city on the cusp of progression. Just as with Sword Dance, the world-building is strong, consistent throughout, and obvious from the start. Though, I will say that it helped to already be familiar with the world from Sword Dance.
As well as exploring a relationship between Nikias and Kallion – filled with its own troubles, and misunderstandings, at first – the story also touches strongly upon slavery. Nikias and Kallion have vastly different experiences of being a slave, and residual feelings of what should be done about slavery. But, te addition of Lysandros as a philosopher and friend to Nikias, helps to add a view that the whole of Pheme is currently debating this issue, as well.
It was interesting to see the debate even drifting into how the Masters viewed their slaves, such as Nikias' master having trouble reconciling his use of Nikias (for lack of a better word) with any kind of emotional attachment. It seemed easier for him to label their “relationship” as slavery and duty, rather than allow Nikias to think he might actually enjoy being with men. It mirrors the struggle a lot of men go through, thinking they're straight and any experience with another man is simply coercion, convenient, a one-off, or whatever other excuse they use. It was nicely explored here, but shown through Nikias' eyes, so we didn't really feel sympathetic to his master over him.
There's also a sub-plot with gangsters and pirates, which felt very fitting, considering some of the characters. The way they wove into Pheme society was reminiscent of the brief mentions within Sword Dance, but took it to the next level and gave it a bit more depth that wouldn't have been appropriate in the previous trilogy. Here, there were tough characters, law makers and breakers, and a perfect setting for some piracy threats.
~
OVERALL
I really enjoyed this. Demas has begun another great series that I'm looking forward to following along with. I'll be here for Book 2, waiting eagerly, in the hope for more from Nikias and Kallion. If not, then I hope some other characters from the story so far manage to make an appearance. I'd love to see some more about Lysandros, and that arguing boyfriend he was hiding from.
~
Favourite Quote
“You've made my life bearable to me, Niki, in a way that it wasn't before. I don't know what I was before I met you.”
“Nobody needed to make you brave.”
marlobo's review
3.0
3.5 stars
The language used by the characters is too contemporary for a historical fiction that takes place in alternate classical antiquity. To my taste, that is a noticeable detriment to an otherwise very nice story.
The language used by the characters is too contemporary for a historical fiction that takes place in alternate classical antiquity. To my taste, that is a noticeable detriment to an otherwise very nice story.
miloblue's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This book was cute. It’s the M/M equivalent of a Swords & Sandals movie with a bit of social commentary sprinkled on top.
rfsammies's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Some scores are weighted differently so final score is 6.9 = 3.5 ⭐
Characters (7): The characters are really good in this book. I think even the more minor characters are fleshed out and make me wish we had stories about each of them too. The villain was a bit cartoonish, but every one else made up for it. Kallion and Nikias are a sweet couple and I enjoyed reading their moon/sun dynamic.I also liked that both the characters were previously slaves and how that shaped their understanding of their world and other people. We saw a good arcs as the boys came more into their own.
Atmosphere (9): I definitely want to read more books in this world. Its a fictional world based off Ancient Greece and I love it so much. I wish we were informed more about what is the difference between this fictional country and actual Ancient Greece.
Writing (6): The writing is good but the spicy scenes? :chefkiss:Nikias dirty talking was so good. I want someone to call me "my honey" now *shivers* I needed more intimate times from the both of them.
Plot (7): The relationship is a slow burn. They didn't really get together until literally at the 50% point. From there it switches from a mainly character driven book to a plot one. I saw the most of the beats coming before they happened, but it was good romp that I would recommend to others.
Intrigue (5): It took me a little finish the book, but not because its wasn't good. It just was a little bit difficult to get through. The first half of the book dragged a bit and I'm not always a fan of "do they, don't they". I do, however, want to read other books from this author, especially if they're in the same universe as this one.
Logic (7): I didn't find any difficulty understanding the world or the politics, I just wish the author went into more details.
Enjoyment (7): I'm glad I read this book and I would recommend this book to anyone looking to read a MM historical fantasy novel with a little bit of spice, a little bit of politics. and some warm fuzzy feels with a HEA.
Characters (7): The characters are really good in this book. I think even the more minor characters are fleshed out and make me wish we had stories about each of them too. The villain was a bit cartoonish, but every one else made up for it. Kallion and Nikias are a sweet couple and I enjoyed reading their moon/sun dynamic.
Atmosphere (9): I definitely want to read more books in this world. Its a fictional world based off Ancient Greece and I love it so much. I wish we were informed more about what is the difference between this fictional country and actual Ancient Greece.
Writing (6): The writing is good but the spicy scenes? :chefkiss:
Plot (7): The relationship is a slow burn. They didn't really get together until literally at the 50% point. From there it switches from a mainly character driven book to a plot one. I saw the most of the beats coming before they happened, but it was good romp that I would recommend to others.
Intrigue (5): It took me a little finish the book, but not because its wasn't good. It just was a little bit difficult to get through. The first half of the book dragged a bit and I'm not always a fan of "do they, don't they". I do, however, want to read other books from this author, especially if they're in the same universe as this one.
Logic (7): I didn't find any difficulty understanding the world or the politics, I just wish the author went into more details.
Enjoyment (7): I'm glad I read this book and I would recommend this book to anyone looking to read a MM historical fantasy novel with a little bit of spice, a little bit of politics. and some warm fuzzy feels with a HEA.
toshi21's review
4.0
This was a thoroughly enjoyable book. The characters were a delight and the setting was as much a character as Nikias and Kallion.
We are introduced to Nikias a snack stall worker who has moved to the big city of Pheme, newly freed, as he prepares octopus fritters for the man he sees every day. He’s not supposed to but he does it to make Kallion feel good.
The romance between the two is so sweet, it makes you swoon interspersed with moments of jobs that exhaust Kallion because of his former owner’s dastardly ways and Nikias trying to find his way.
I love how the author brings you into the story. You can feel the warm sea breezes and picture the baked stone buildings. The attention to detail is astounding. The characters are all unique and I honestly really adore this world and I cannot wait for more in it.
We are introduced to Nikias a snack stall worker who has moved to the big city of Pheme, newly freed, as he prepares octopus fritters for the man he sees every day. He’s not supposed to but he does it to make Kallion feel good.
The romance between the two is so sweet, it makes you swoon interspersed with moments of jobs that exhaust Kallion because of his former owner’s dastardly ways and Nikias trying to find his way.
I love how the author brings you into the story. You can feel the warm sea breezes and picture the baked stone buildings. The attention to detail is astounding. The characters are all unique and I honestly really adore this world and I cannot wait for more in it.