Book Review: The Druid Stone by Heidi Belleau & Violetta Vane

Title: The Druid Stone
Author: Heidi Belleau & Violetta Vane
Genre: Paranormal Romance, M/M Romance
Sensuality Rating: Erotic
Source: review copy from publisher
Published: August 6, 2012 by Carina Press

Sean never asked to be an O'Hara, and he didn't ask to be cursed by one either.

After inheriting a hexed druid stone from his great-grandfather, Sean starts reliving another man's torture and death...every single night. And only one person can help.

Cormac Kelly runs a paranormal investigation business and doesn't have time to deal with misinformed tourists like Sean. But Sean has real magic in his pocket, and even though Cormac is a descendant of legendary druids, he soon finds himself out of his depth...and not because Sean's the first man he's felt anything for in a long time.

The pair develop an unexpected and intensely sexual bond, but are threatened at every turn when Sean's case attracts the unwelcome attention of the mad sidhe lords of ancient Ireland. When Sean and Cormac are thrust backward in time to Ireland's violent history—and their own dark pasts—they must work together to escape the curse and save their fragile relationship.

Reviewed By: J9

In a Nutshell: Decent enough MM romance but unless you’re familiar (or interested) in Celtic myth just confusing and boring.

The Set Up: Sean inherited a hexed druid stone from his great-grandfather and it gives him horrific nightmares. Sean travels to Ireland to seek help from Cormac, a paranormal investigator. But this stone will cause them much peril, as will a man from Cormac past. Can Sean and Cormac overcome creatures from Celtic lore to find love?

Why I Read this Book: I typically enjoy MM romance from this publishing company, Carina Press, and thought I’d give it a try.

What I Liked: I’m a sucker for romance leads who have to overcome their pasts to find love. Sean is a deeply wounded young man who has suffered abuse and overcome addiction. I like that he was a man struggling to put his life in order against tremendous odds and he wouldn’t hurt other people just to get ahead. I also liked the Irish setting with the festivals celebrated by Cormac and his family. This helped Sean see how a healthy family interacts and I liked that. Plus, Cormac has some characters in his family that lightened this otherwise dark novel.

What I Didn’t Like: This is a very long book at over 330 pages on my Nook. The plot of Cormac and Sean trying to get rid of the hexed stone was so long and had so many twists and turns that I honestly found myself skimming yet another fight against mythical Celtic creatures. This plot dominates the book as the two barely escape from one near death experience just to rush into another just like it. I’m sure Celtic lore aficionados will enjoy this but I thought it beyond tedious.

As to the romance, I wanted way more. Cormac’s former lover is missing and presumed dead and this has damaged Cormac so much he’s an altered person. Cormac vacillates between pushing Sean away and sexing him up. This callous treatment of Sean just pained me and Sean’s acceptance of it did too. Plus the resolution allowing Cormac and Sean to be together was weak in my opinion and didn’t feel like resolution at all. (No, I can’t say more or I’ll spoil the ending.)

Finally, MM fans beware, this is a “gay for you” story on Sean’s part and if you’re like me and dislike that trope then this will bum you out too.

IMO: I forced myself to finish this book because I liked Sean but it wasn’t enough for me to recommend it to another reader.

J9’s Rating: