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X. Aratare
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The Bodyguard: The Artifact Book 1 (A Gay Detective Romance) Kindle Edition

by X. Aratare (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 561 ratings
The Artifact is a gay detective romance series from Raythe Reign. The books contain a sexy bodyguard, his determined young client, an ancient golden sarcophagus, and unsolved mysteries in both their pasts...

When former detective Sean Harding is hired as Dane Gareis' bodyguard, he discovers his destiny.

Dane's life in danger from an ancient cult that seeks the return of a golden sarcophagus that houses their god. The cult has already murdered Dane's father and Dane is next unless someone can stand between him and this evil.

Sean discovers that he wants to give more to Dane than just the protection of his gun arm. Yet Sean believes that his feelings can never be returned, because Dane fears a man's touch.

As the danger grows all around them, can Sean save Dane both from the cult and the ghosts of his past?

Raythe Reign produces escapist, romantic M/M shifter, fantasy, scifi, adventure, and urban fantasy books and graphic novels.


More Supernatural, Paranormal, and Urban Fantasy M/M from X. Aratare:


The Fall


Stand-alone novel, gay historical romance.
Gay romance is forbidden in this 1930s gothic romantic suspense story, but a greater darkness than prejudice haunts our lovers’ steps.

The Cursed Series (Complete)


Gay fairy tale retelling, 3 books.
Nick Fairfax vows to do whatever Lord Bane Dunsaney desires for one year. In exchange, Nick’s family gets a chance to regain their fortune. Is this the worst mistake of Nick’s life, or will it lead to a love only found in fairy tales?

The Merman Series (Complete)


Paranormal romance, 5 books.
Caught by high tide in a cave, Gabriel drowns, but does not die. His destined lover, Mer Prince Casillus Nerion, brings him to the surface, but tells Gabriel that he must return to the waves or perish.

For Gabriel is becoming a merman.
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  1. Book 1 of 3
    The Artifact
  2. Print length
    248 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    June 10, 2014
  5. File size
    1.5 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00EW2DJHI
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Raythe Reign Publishing (June 10, 2014)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 10, 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.5 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 248 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 561 ratings

About the author

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X. Aratare

X. Aratare

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SERIES BY X. ARATARE

Cinders & Ashes (3 books, ongoing)

A high fantasy story of Fae, ancient magic and even more ancient enmity. A loose retelling of Cinderella!

The Vampire's Club (7 books, complete)

This gay vampire romance involves a young man with a secret past and a vampire who is cursed. Love and magic bind them together even as everything and everyone tries to pry them apart.

The Merman (5 books, complete)

This gay paranormal romance series contains psychic powers, a mostly-naked merman lover, an evil scientist, and true love beneath the waves.

The Bodyguard (3 books, complete)

A sexy bodyguard, his determined young client, an ancient golden sarcophagus, and unsolved mysteries in both their pasts... a dark supernatural detective romance.

Cursed (3 books published, complete)

A modern, M/M retelling of Beauty & The Beast with a beautiful mansion setting and a paranormal twist: tiger shifters!

The Dark Earth Manga / Graphic Novel (10 volumes published, expected to be 1)

A high fantasy elven romance. Aidan, an adopted young man, meets Asher, an elven prince. Aidan feels ordinary compared to the beautiful Sidhe, but Asher knows something Aidan doesn’t...

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
561 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's plot interesting, with one noting it's more supernatural than expected, and they appreciate its readability, describing it as an awesome world to get lost in. The character development receives positive feedback, with one customer highlighting the palpable chemistry between the main characters. The writing quality receives mixed reviews, with some praising the fluid writing while others mention typos. Customers consider it an amazing start to the series.

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32 customers mention "Plot"32 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the plot of the book, describing it as an interesting premise with good mystery elements, and one customer notes it's a crack action adventure series.

"...The mystery behind the Ydrath and the blooming romance between the main characters creates a wonderfully intriguing balance that will keep me coming..." Read more

"Excellent story. It captured me in the first pages and kept me interested until the end. HOWEVER, it's the first part of a three-parter...." Read more

"...So each book is amazing and more like 1 story split into parts instead of all at once. The HEA only arrives st the end of the of the last book...." Read more

"I love the concept, I love how this first instalment opens lots of questions and give us only the bare bones of the plot, and yet, we don't feel..." Read more

19 customers mention "Readability"16 positive3 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as an awesome world to get lost in, with one customer noting it kept them interested until the end.

"...I must say I'm surprised at how the story grabbed and held my interest tightly from the start...." Read more

"Excellent story. It captured me in the first pages and kept me interested until the end. HOWEVER, it's the first part of a three-parter...." Read more

"An Awesome world to get lost in, as all X. Aratare Books, e-books, Series & manga are. It think there is even webcomics too on his website...." Read more

"I love the concept, I love how this first instalment opens lots of questions and give us only the bare bones of the plot, and yet, we don't feel..." Read more

13 customers mention "Character development"13 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one customer noting the chemistry between the main characters and another highlighting the creepy-evil nature of the villains.

"...Then, I loved the character development. I love Dane's character, he wasn't at all how I predicted he would be...." Read more

"...The book was good with likable characters. There are a few typos and some continuity errors but they weren't too distracting." Read more

"...X. Aratare has some of the most on point villains and there is often more going on than meets the eye." Read more

"...Interesting story line and good depth of character development. Looking forward to the next book in the series" Read more

4 customers mention "Series quality"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the series, with one mentioning it's now complete.

"A fantastic start to this series! I love the main characters, tons of chemistry and fluff potential...." Read more

"What a great series this is going to be. I'm reading this again to refresh my memory of what it was all about so I can read Book 2...." Read more

"This series is now complete and has a spin off. Love the dark component" Read more

"Amazing Start to a Series..." Read more

14 customers mention "Writing quality"9 positive5 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the writing quality of the book, with some praising its great and fluid style while others point out several typos.

"...Oh no, not in the least. The author's fluid writing played a part in this, because as I said I was hooked from the start...." Read more

"...Anyway, I do recommend THE BODYGUARD. It is well-written and addictive." Read more

"...The book was good with likable characters. There are a few typos and some continuity errors but they weren't too distracting." Read more

"...Great writing and great story, I would definitely recommend this read. (But be warned---if you buy the first, you're gonna have to buy the rest!)" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • A. Nicole
    5.0 out of 5 stars I'm hooked!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I stumbled across this book by accident while on what started as a random yaoi manga search. And while I've typically sent only free software to my PC kindle, the preview of this book had me curious enough to make my first purchase.

    Firstly, I must say I'm surprised at how the story grabbed and held my interest tightly from the start. The plot seemed interesting enough, though I admittedly had these overly contrived ideas of what the story would manifest into. That is, in a sense, a good and bad frame of thinking. To be totally honest, I did feel the story initially took the route I had anticipated, but not in the sense it became boring. Oh no, not in the least. The author's fluid writing played a part in this, because as I said I was hooked from the start. Because of my preconceived idea, the biggest shocker came when the story took a turn I wasn't expecting. The mystery behind everything taking place made it so I didn't want to stop reading. Then, I loved the character development. I love Dane's character, he wasn't at all how I predicted he would be. Don't get me wrong I love Sean, but it's written so I too wished to be Dane's bodyguard. I also feel the romance between the two is building at a decent pace. I would have been utterly turned off if they expressed love at first sight and jumped right into bed, particularly since they're both fighting their inner demons. Instant romances are too typical, especially in male/male works.

    In all, I think this is a great first book in the series and was crushed the moment I realized I'd gotten to the end. I'm anticipating the next installment with much excitement. The mystery behind the Ydrath and the blooming romance between the main characters creates a wonderfully intriguing balance that will keep me coming back for more.

    Tl;DR: I recommend this book.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Daniel B. Reed
    4.0 out of 5 stars Gripping!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Excellent story. It captured me in the first pages and kept me interested until the end. HOWEVER, it's the first part of a three-parter. I'm taking away one star (for 4 stars total) because I didn't have the option to buy all three at once. Anyway, I do recommend THE BODYGUARD. It is well-written and addictive.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Nyxie Jynx Ashling
    5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome world to get lost in
    Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    An Awesome world to get lost in,
    as all X. Aratare Books, e-books, Series & manga are. It think there is even webcomics too on his website. The stories he writes makes ppl finish Book 1 then immediately begin to start on book 2 since each of his books are an immediate continuation of the ones before it.
    It’s similar to X. Aratare’s website where they post chapter by chapter. So each book is amazing and more like 1 story split into parts instead of all at once.
    The HEA only arrives st the end of the of the last book. But every book before is in the series gets left on a bigger and bigger cliffhanger, but it’s done in such a way that it’s more addictive rather than frustrating.
    The books and audiobooks of X. Aratare are must have and are truly awesome to read & listen too with whisper sync. And each book leaves u further on the edge of each cliffhanger, further on the edge of ur seat, ready to read the rest of the each series.
    And when characters fro other series in this world X. Aratare has created is always so very exciting. It’s easy to fall in love with these characters, and it’s a little sad saying goodbye when a story comes together and has its HEA. But seeing the characters pop up thru out his stories is always awesome.
    I,also wanted to add that X. Aratare’s website is definitely worth checking out there are e-books, web comics and more, that are only posted and published to read online is definitely worth checking out under raythereign.com

    thru & thru another amazing beginning by X. Aratare, now if u excuse me I have a book 2 to read lolz
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Clau
    5.0 out of 5 stars Oh, this is intriguing!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I love the concept, I love how this first instalment opens lots of questions and give us only the bare bones of the plot, and yet, we don't feel cheated, but truly enthralled.

    Both, Sean and Dane are complex, damaged characters, and there seems to be something beyond fate that is pushing them together. And I like that, as vulnerable as Dane appears, he really isn't. He has a strong core, and won't be pushed around.

    Branish's role in the story is still unclear. And is he even dead? I don't know what to think. And now that we are at it... which was his relationship with Ms Darnley? And is she on Dane's side or Ydrath's?

    Listening to the second part right now, because I can't wait to know what will come next.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Marie
    3.0 out of 5 stars I would have rated it higher but for the cliffhanger ending, there's too many unanswered ?s
    Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I don't enjoy getting sucked into serial stories. I don't want to pay $10 for the remainder if I'm not assured there is a complete story. The book was good with likable characters. There are a few typos and some continuity errors but they weren't too distracting.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Courtney Tramble
    4.0 out of 5 stars Solid Introduction
    Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I definitely like the book. It was a solid introduction into what is sure to be a very gripping mystery. My biggest complaint is the lack of, well, substance. It feels like the vast majority of this first book was introspection and conversation - both things that I enjoy, but it did get a bit boring during parts.
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  • Renee D.M.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant as always!!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    A fantastic start to this series! I love the main characters, tons of chemistry and fluff potential. I'm extra excited to find out more about the big bad in this one though! X. Aratare has some of the most on point villains and there is often more going on than meets the eye.
    Helpful
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  • Simon Taylor
    5.0 out of 5 stars Well written story
    Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This story demonstrates that love and detective stories can mix. An enjoyable book that promises a lot and delivers. Interesting story line and good depth of character development. Looking forward to the next book in the series
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • sakura beaulieu
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on February 4, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    very good
    Report
  • Nunu
    5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 6, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    The storyline is different to the usual and I enjoyed the book. I am a little bothered by the fact that book 3 is due out in a month and the books in the series seem to be published every 2 years. I might die before reaching the end but I believe this is a 3 book series. Not exactly a cliffhanger ending, which I hate, but definitely unfinished. On to book 2.
    Report
  • CDM
    5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome novel!
    Reviewed in France on November 9, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    As always with X.Aratare, the characters are realistic and we quickly like them. It's great that their relationship isn't going too fast but instead slowly building. They're both haunted by their past, and their feelings and actions depict that very well. They have strong personalities and are, both of them, pretty awesome.

    I was immediately hooked in the story. Couldn't stop reading. The plot is complex and interesting, with just the right amount of dread, mystery, business and romance. I really can't wait for the second book, as the story was getting even more interesting at the end of Book 1!!
    And the sex is great. Even if they don't have it together yet, their alone time is totally hot.

    I strongly recommend this read, for all fans of m/m hot romance with a real and captivating plot. And for all fans of supernatural mystery novels with some m/m romance in it. And, well, for everyone who like good books! ;)
    Report
  • Lara
    4.0 out of 5 stars Promette bene!!
    Reviewed in Italy on February 26, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Questo libro e il primo di una serie e devo dire che mi è veramente piaciuto. Più lo leggevo e più non vedevo l'ora di scoprire come continua, e ora non riesco ad aspettare di leggere il secondo!!! Veramente molto bello. Non gli ho dato 5 stelle perché voglio aspettare di vedere come proseguirà la storia prima di dare il mio verdetto finale. Spero tanto che nel secondo volume verrà approfondita la relazione tra Dane e Sean! La coppia promette molto bene...Comunque lo consiglio a tutti quelli che come me amano le storie con misteri, Bodyguard e yaoi!!!
    Report
  • Alison
    2.0 out of 5 stars 2.5, rounded down.
    Reviewed in Australia on February 3, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I love the tropes and the concept, but it just wasn't handled well. The timeline and pacing were all over the place, with lots of inconsistencies, and while the characters were interesting, 12 hours together was apparently enough to start breaking through deepset trauma. All for healing, but that's not how severe PTSD works at all. (Same with the instant suits, measured up and given a tailored wardrobe full of suits in one afternoon--what in the sweatshop hell was that?)
    The prologue/backstory chapters at the start were the best bits, and I'm pretty salty that the climax was four pages of rushed 'that would never happen/who are these people???' exposition before a "continued in book 2" meh.
    Report

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