Jan Irving Writes:Mask

Mask

Hiding behind the safe mask of Obsidian, his online persona, Kain Mitchell woos Nick Anders, an untouched artist. Nick tells himself that Obsidian is merely his erotic muse, but when Kain drags him down into his dark world, echoing the myth of Hades and Persephone, Nick discovers he wants to see him, touch him, and move beyond the limitations of masks. Because as seductive as Obsidian is, Nick senses Kain’s real isolation.

Implicated for the murders of young men matching Nick’s description, Kain lives under a shadow, and troubled by the mystery, Nick pushes to get closer. Driven to prove Kain’s innocence, Nick pursues the killer with Kain’s reluctant help—and strives to become the human submissive and tender lover needed by the lonely and otherworldly warrior.

Purchase Mask in ebook HERE or print HERE.

Excerpt from Mask

Kain didn't need much light, not anymore. Still, he closed his sensitive eyes, trying to block out the pounding in his skull.

One thing could answer his pain. Soothe it. Distract him as always. And at last he was under Kain's roof, where he should be.

Nick.

Kain got up from his chair and drifted through the library, taking in the books covered in dust bunnies. What must Nick think of his excuse for hiring him? Still, there were some older volumes here and a large collection of art books in the alcove.

He should know since he'd scoured some book dealers to collect them specially.

He closed his eyes as he drifted into the hallway, fingertips brushing the wall. He could almost sense the warm trail left by Nick as he walked through the drafty space. Catch his scent almost, which he hadn't been able to detect in the crowded and over warm pancake house the first time he'd been close to him.

Nick was under his roof.

A savage satisfaction gripped Kain as he unlocked Nick's bedroom door with his special key.

Nick was sprawled over the large bed, face mashed into the pillow, arms out, hands curled like the abandoned fall leaves outdoors.

Kain stared at him, knowing he should probably feel some qualms about what he'd done to bring this young man under his roof. Cassandra had certainly scolded him.

You are not yourself. How can you be so cruel and manipulative, Kain? She'd pressed him.

But he'd been willing to do anything from that first night when Nick had dared to debate with him over something trivial in the chat room. His passion, his innocence, had come through the wires, touching Kain. Fixing his attention so that he'd shoved aside the boyfriend, brought Nick here at last.

"I don't want to hurt you," he whispered. "Nick..."

A gloved hand reached out, stroked the pale back, from the knob of the slender, fragile neck and down the slope that led to a rounded ass. Kain cupped it, closing his eyes. Squeezing gently. Shit! He wanted--

Nick snuffled into his pillow, shifting his legs and then turning over onto his back, baring his body to Kain's hungry gaze.

Nick so vulnerable hurt Kain. He had the urge to protect him as much as to take him.

He closed his eyes now, reliving watching Nick perform through one of the cameras. How he'd lost himself, doing everything Obsidian asked, giving himself completely.

Kain had burned with lust and frustration, locked in his study, locked in his other persona, and unable to go to Nick, to truly make contact.

But how would Nick react if he saw Kain, his true face?

Kain took a deep breath, flashing back to shortly after the fire, hiring someone and not taking enough care in hiding himself.

His gut twisted.

Nick wouldn't turn him away like that, would he?

In the chat room he desired Obsidian, responded to him eagerly, wanting his domination, his care.

Unable to resist, Kain pushed Nick's legs open a little wider. When he didn't stir, he pressed his face against the young man's skin.

Nick.

Reviews of Mask

Read the five-star review of Mask from Literary Nymphs:

Mask is a fast read, not because of its size (over 200 pages) but because once you start it, you won't be able to put it down. The story is centered on two lonely men, one a young, innocent artist and the other a reclusive, jaded businessman who meet in a chat room. Drawn to each other from the beginning of their relationship in a world that is often dark, intense and occasionally violent, they will have to survive many tests before they can find their happily ever after.

Filled with strong interesting characters, a story line that will keep you on your seat and some intensely hot sex scenes, Mask is a must read for any M/M lover.

The entire review here.

Read the five-star review of Mask from Rainbow Reviews:

Ms. Irving has created a Gothic style contemporary paranormal romance with many interesting twists that keep the reader spellbound until the very end. I loved how the story began as an internet chat that continued throughout the story between Nick and Kain. The paranormal aspects of the story added mystery and depth to the plot line. It was incredible to watch the growing relationship and changes that occur in Nick and Kain as they accept each other's love. Things don't go smoothly as they deal with the difficulties in each other's lives knowing that their love strengthens and supports them. Thanks go to Ms. Irving for an incredible story.

The entire review here.

Read the four and a half star review of Mask from Jen at Dark Diva Reviews:

Mask by Jan Irving is a book with a very unique twist to storytelling. I have never read a book that utilized instant messaging as a technique to get into the personalities of the characters. I have to admit, it was a little odd at first, but I really grew to love it. The quick banter was fascinating and revealing as to Nick and Kain’s personalities. The way in which Jan Irving allowed the characters to have a security in the instant messaging that they didn’t have face to face really came through for me. Not only did this lead to interesting character dimensionality, it also allowed the reader to feel Nick and Kain’s insecurities in a way that I really didn’t think would be possible without this technique.

The entire review here.