Book Review: The Bacchi by Belinda McBride

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The Bacchi

Written by Belinda McBride

Published by Loose-Id 

274 Pages

 

 

The Bacchi-Book Synopsis 

The Bacchi Lefi Dhrahn lives a life of luxury and decadence, but is tortured by memories of a lost love. He survives the pain by surrounding himself with sex, beauty, and all forms of self-indulgence. When he meets the alluring Inspector Afton Teris, Lefi believes the detective will make a very nice addition to his string of conquests.

Afton Teris is a Valoran hermaphrodite, and like all members of his species, is stern, cerebral and disapproves of the frivolous prostitute. Afton orients as a male, but the beautiful Lefi Dhrahn stirs him sexually, making him question everything he knows about himself. To further confuse his emotions, Afton finds himself tempted by the forbidden pleasures surrounding the Bacchi.

When a kidnapping ring strikes close to home, the two go undercover on a brothel barge to investigate a slavery operation. There, Lefi is confronted by painful memories from his past, while Afton is faced with a horror that threatens his future, and perhaps his very life. Their survival lies with one another, but only if Lefi can set aside his pain and listen to his heart.

Book Review of The Bacchi

From the moment I began reading The Bacchi by Belinda McBride, I was swept away and dropped in another world, one which was brilliantly crafted by the author.

In The Bacchi, Lefi is distressed as his birthday approaches. As the story begins, the author gives us a glimpse inside Lefi’s life of loneliness. “So much of his existence was a sham—a grieving man hidden behind the smiling, sensual mask of the Bacchi,” Belinda McBride writes. The lines following this passage completely engage the reader where every page counts and every word matters.

What impressed me most was Ms.McBride’s talent for world building. She owns an innate ability to create a special universe with a strong commitment demonstrated in her storytelling.

While the setting is superb, I found the interaction between characters most interesting. She obviously paid close attention to detail when she created her characters, mastering the art of individuality with her key players.

Readers of straight M/M romance may hesitate when they first discover there are M/F scenes included in the story. However, these scenes enhance the plot, build the relationship between characters, and help move the story forward. They’re necessary and in Belinda McBride style, written in such a way that will leave you craving more.

The Bacchi by Belinda McBride is unique. I haven’t read anything like this novel in the past, but if this book is an indication of what readers receive when they purchase a Belinda McBride novel, sign me up for auto-buys. An exceptional novel written by an extraordinary author.

~Reviewed by Destiny Blaine~

International bestselling author Destiny Blaine writes in all genres under several pseudonyms. Her pen names have earned bestselling status at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Bookstrand, and All Romance Ebooks. You can find her on the web at www.destinyblaine.com or follow her on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/DestinyBlaine