Tag: GLBT BDSM

Fangs and Floggers by Saloni Quinby

SaloniQuinby_FangsFloggersTitle: Fangs and Floggers

Series: Weapons of Redemption, #5

Author: Saloni Quinby

Genre: Paranormal Erotica / BDSM

Length: Novella (50 pages)

Publisher: Changeling Press (August 23rd, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥ 2 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: To lure his rebellious blood children back into the fold, ancient vampire Tarun abducted the hunter Adrian. He hadn’t bargained on his human prisoner being a match for him in every way — including his darkest desires.

Now, Tarun is the captive and a player in Adrian’s carnal game — an orgasm for an answer. Though Tarun warns Adrian that he won’t like what he hears, the hunter is determined to uncover the secrets of the vampire’s twisted past.

Product Link: http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=2104

Review: This book is part of a series best read in order.

Book #5 in the Weapons of Redemption series follows Tarun’s story. Three thousand years of hidden secrets. Three thousand years of doing, everything he swore not to. The thousand years of guilt. This is the time for Tarun to finally complete his destiny or crash along with it.

While the success of his plan is fifty-fifty, Tarun never even for a moment thought that he might find an ally, lest a lover in one of his captives. Adrian proves him wrong when not only he doesn’t leave him after being offered his freedom, but also he helps him and saves him from his Blood Sons.

However, Adrian’s loyalty does not come cheap. He requires answers and he will go to great lengths to get them.

So when you read the blurb for this story you automatically think that you’ll be reading some sort of sexual “torture,” perhaps orgasm controlling techniques and bondage. Mine did. Sadly, while the author tries to approach that level of kink, it fails horribly. The narration doesn’t help as it is quite bland leaving us with no connection whatsoever with the characters. The characters themselves are supposed to be falling, or already in love with each other, yet those emotions are lost in the blandness of the prose. The BDSM scenes, which usually when properly written are quite mind-blowing, in this case held nothing of the magic that surrounds them. The bonding, the wanting, the needing, and longing were absent, making this one empty and shallow read. The erotic romance this novella was supposed to be lacked eroticism. The romance itself was the most cliché one I’ve read. The blood and fight that one comes to expect were absent too, so what was there left?

The only thing that kept me reading was the background storyline and the secret Tarun had to reveal. That was one good premise to build a story upon, even if said story failed to appeal. It was nice though to see closure for this series, Tarun deserved that much.

 

Into the Heart of the Abyss by I.D. Locke

18332291Title: Into the Heart of the Abyss

Series: Tales of Leather                                              

Author: I.D. Locke

Genre: Erotica / S & M

Length: Short Story (24 pages)

Publisher: Torquere Press (August 24th, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Rhas-Khan is the god of the abyss and Eilian is his lover. The need for pain with their pleasure has Eilian asking Rhas-Khan for a whipping while bound with an extra surprise of Rhas-Khan’s choosing to further spice the session up. Because of the immense love Rhas-Khan has for Eilian, he decides to take the session one step further to please his lover, giving Eilian something he’s often asked for that ultimately leaves them both sated and even deeper in love with each other.

Product Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_180&products_id=3961

Review: Do you dare look into the eyes of the Abyss? Do you dare look into the Abyss of your own soul? Are you strong enough to face it and live to tell the tale?

Many men have the arrogance to believe they can, few ever get out of it sane, one managed to love it and be loved by Abyss himself.

Enticing isn’t it? I thought so myself and I was rewarded with a very well written short erotica. It did help the fact that I’m a sucker for pain-plays and sadomasochistic scenes, for this is a read that will make you cringe if you’re not drawn to the genre.

As it is, it made even me wince and that mean something. I loved how the author made this work, from introduction, where she entices you with glimpses of the Abyss, till the very end, where you get to breathe in their love. I felt every single word of this short electrify my brain with the subtle power it holds.

So if you are a lover of good erotica placed in a fantasy and wrapped in pain and sensuality, while being utterly hot, you’ll love this shorty.

Shane's Submission by Erin M. Leaf

18221987Title: Shane’s Submission

Series: N/A

Author: Erin M. Leaf

Genre: Erotica /Light BDSM

Length: Short Story (31 pages)

Publisher: Evernight Publishing (July 24th, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Shane and Leo have been best friends forever: through high school, dating disasters, and family losses. Lately though, Shane has been feeling more and more unsettled. His girlfriend dumped him because he wouldn’t spank her, and he can’t stop thinking about the kiss he and Leo shared in high school, long before life happened and they grew up.

When Leo confronts Shane about his depression, the whole, unpleasant story about the breakup comes spilling out. Leo offers to spank Shane so he can understand the appeal, and shockingly, Shane wants to agree, but both of them are straight and he’s not sure it’s a good idea. Besides, he’s not into pain and he feels weird asking his best friend for sexual advice—Leo is too important to him to risk their friendship over something like this. So what if he can’t figure out why the idea is so intriguing?

Be Warned: light BDSM, m/m sex

Product Link: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/shanes-submission-by-erin-m-leaf/

Review: Well, if you’re looking for a short story, for escapism purpose only and you don’t really care about the plausibility of the plot, rather prefer two really hot friends that experiment with their curiosity and end up with hot and smexy scenes and love declarations ending it, then by all means this is a perfect such short.

Shane is having a problem. He’s been dumped by his girlfriend for two weeks now and his best friend Leo can’t understand why he’s still cranky. When Shane tells him the reason his ex left him was because he could not bring himself to spank her Leo’s big mouth runs ahead and proposes Shane to be on the receiving end for experimental purposes only. After all, when both were teenagers and had a hard time finding girlfriends, that’s exactly how they learned kissing. On each other…

Are you seeing it yet? Yeah, the bi-curious boys are the theme here and the plot is quite easy to follow. Shane, after squirming and pretending to refuse, finally succumbs to Leo’s whim. One thing leads to another, the past comes smashing heads with memories, and longings gripping them both and not letting them go.

Yes, we have two bi guys who have to come to grips with their sexuality, Shane more than Leo. Yes, we have full on intercourse while both are virgins on male/male lovemaking. Yes, all the while we have this spanking kink and a slight bondage (there is a safeword mentioned there too) to spice thing up a bit.

No, this is not my thing at all. I’ve always been wary of first timers and especially when kinks are combined. I just felt it was way over the top, although if I’m honest I loved the ending scene when both exes barged in and started a confrontation. I found that hilarious really.

So there you have it, take it, or leave it, it’s up to you, and your personal likes.

 

Connection: Angel's Pet by Nana G.

17794771Title: Connection: Angel’s Pet

Series: N/A                         

Author: Nana G.

Genre: Gay BDSM Fantasy / Dystopia

Length: Short Story

Publisher: Smashwords Edition

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Gay BDSM Fantasy. Adam is a submissive masochist living on a planet which systematically persecutes sadomasochists. Like other exposed sadomasochists, he has been forced into a street life. Nevertheless, he is determined to find his sir. Adam believes he is searching for a man, but his search leads him to a black winged angel. The story contains explicit material and is intended for adults only.

Warnings: Sadism/masochism, explicit sex between men, bondage, dominance, and submission.

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Connection-Angels-Pet-ebook/dp/B00CBYNEYC

Review: An immortal being often called an angel or God, and often referred to as monster, Camulus, visits a planet that he finds somehow weird in its society structure. While gays were once upon a time prosecuted and hunted, nowadays they are tolerated by their peers, but everyone in this world has a strong hate/disgust attitude toward masochistic submissives of any genre. Even the once that were once chased and often brutally killed have now same sentiments toward their fellow citizens due to their show of affection and need for mixing their pleasure with pain. Ironic is the fact that sadist don’t bear the same fate as they are far in between and are somewhat tolerated. Ironic is the fact that Comulus is one sadistic creature who adores masochists that are wired to thrive in pain.

When Comulus sets his eyes on Adam, a man of a rare disposition, a pure-breed masochist, he makes up his mind to stop his wandering through the starts, settle on this planet for a while, and enjoy this rarity. And this is how this story begins.

Now, the idea was too enticing for me to pass. A society so judgmental on one aspect of someone’s sexuality or sexual needs that they go into obsession and downright hatred against this small group with outrageous displays of brutality. A relationship between an Immortal and a mortal in the mists of chaos. The birth of outmost trust when fear and betrayal wait in every corner. A sadomasochistic pair whose dynamic should be wondrous to witness and explore. It has everything I require in a read, everything that grips me and make me succumb.

Unfortunately, despite the advantages, this read lacked the one thing that would make it grate. It lacked the connection between book and reader. The narration was too clinical, too detached for you to feel the characters deep in your core. The Angel, a powerful being that should have served the rise in the intensity level, lacked the mysticism of his presence. Adam’s needs and the danger level of his very existence were lost in narration and the way the story was told left you no way of feeling it or relating at a minor point with its characters.

Both Comulu’s and Adam’s introduction was hastily made, with no build up for their interaction, and there is a serious lack of passion as the story start. We only get to see more of them after the second chapter, but then again the text suffered from “telling” and the sensuality, the eroticism, and the powerful dynamics of an S/M relationship blooming were not felt. Every intimate scene was spoilt by the inner thoughts of the characters, taking you away from the scene itself until it was over and you were told the end result. All my eagerness for the masochistic streak of the protagonist was lost, as I did not feel his levels of tolerance; I did not get to lose myself in the magic of such creature and the pleasure of ultimate erotic pain. Even the air suspension scene was lost in thought about completely different things and Adam’s chance to shine was lost in the time leap. Such a shame that one was.

The end itself was in line with the start. The narrator jumped the years and gave us a mild satisfactory end where Adam gets some sort of acceptance from the one who betrayed him while he got a completely different reaction from the one who supposedly loved him. The contradiction made for a perfect example of society and human interactions. I also totally love the last final line.

But all in all, I felt this read did not explore its full possibilities and while it could be quite powerful with its idea, we got a mild, detached story.

Bound by Lies by Lynn Kelling

2370004958750Title:  Bound by Lies

Series: N/A
  
Author: Lynn Kelling
  
Genre:  Contemporary/BDSM

Length: Novel (326 pages)

Publisher: Forbidden Fiction Publishing (August 4th, 2013)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: Brayden Clare never wanted to return to small town life. Blond, athletic, and struggling with his sexual identity, a casual relationship on the beach in Florida suits him much better. When a family emergency calls him home, he is forced to trade his personal freedom for a job as a bartender in a town where everybody thinks they know who he is, and nobody has a clue—including Brayden. Jenner Parrish is the owner and operator of Parrish Pub, the social hub of Robertsville, Pennsylvania. Jenner is charming, dominant, and popular since they were both in high school together. Brayden finds his new boss intimidating, and is daunted to find that turns him on. Jenner finds his new recruit intriguing but mustn’t dare to ask an employee to submit to him. The two men find what they’re seeking at a masked BDSM ball in the next town over, and are startled to discover their desires rest much, much closer to home.
Product Link: http://forbidden-fiction.com/library/story/LK1-1.000108

Reviewer:   GiGi

Review: An intense, hot, and edgy BDSM story. A coming out story involving the closeted high school football player (Mr. popular) who is a secret Dom, Jenner, known only to his two closest friends. When Brayden comes back, he’s forced not only to face his old high school fears, but the fact that his new boss is the hot Dom he connected with at Manse the area exclusive fetish club. To say Jenner and Brayden are conflicted is a huge understatement, but the guys work their way through the many hurdles of their new Slave/Master relationship. Fears of coming out, not only as gay, but as Dom/Sub are very real when even their closest friends try to prevent their relationship from progressing. This book is full of misunderstanding, learning curves, hot D/s situations, and a couple of bar fights to top it off. The BDSM sexual content was hot, but then I enjoy that kink very much. The book is well written, the only complaint I have is that it’s written in third person, I like the use of first or second person POV in books like this. My advice is to grab this book and settle in for a tantalizing tale!

Crossroads by Ty Marton

17853033Title: Crossroads

Series: Master  & Apprentice, #1

Author: Ty Marton

Genre: Adult Erotic Fiction / BDSM

Length: Novella (80 pages)

Publisher: APC Publishing (April 5th, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: After weeks spent hitch-hiking across lonely back highways in search of himself, twenty-one-year-old drifter Colby Booker is starting to worry that he’s getting nowhere fast…

…And then, he hitches a ride from John Larkin, an enigmatic loner living in the Nebraska countryside. Fascinated with this handsome, mysterious man, Colby accepts the offer of a hot meal at John’s secluded cottage, completely unaware that he’s about to discover firsthand the man’s darkest, most intense secrets. As a twisted, kinky connection between the two strangers begins to blossom, Colby dares to hope that he might have finally found what he’s been looking for: his place. But nothing will prepare the budding young slave for what comes next…

[AUTHOR’S NOTE: This is an adult story focused on themes of bondage, discipline, and sadomasochism between adult men over the age of eighteen. Subject matter includes explicit sexual activity and scenes of intense BDSM play (paddling, fisting, watersports, CBT, etc.) It is a work of fiction, and intended purely as fantasy for mature readers. If such material offends you, or if reading or owning such material is prohibited in the area, where you live, then you should find another title.]

Product Link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/303285#longdescr

Review: This is a nicely written book with an intense erotic plot that has two unlikely characters thrown together in an interesting almost-relationship.

Colby is a young man who has been trying to find his place. Nothing makes sense to him anymore so he decided to simply move. He’s been walking, hitchhiking, and generally moving forward for almost a month, but still that sense of nothingness hasn’t left him. Until a mysterious man stops and gives him a ride.

What was meant to be a ride for some miles turns into a strange agreement. John offers Colby food, a place to stay, and training in what he does for 24hrs. In return, Colby will give John his absolute obedience.

And this is the start of a weird Master/slave relationship (if you can call it that) that results in some kinky scenes and strong fetishes. Mainly fisting, rimming, and a display of watersport fetish that quite literally catches you off guard even if you’ve been warned.

In general, I found the writing fascinating and the scenes erotic enough to enjoy them, except for the pissing scene that I simply could not get into and had me reeling a bit. However, my main issue was with the time period. We have here two characters that do not know each other and immediately they get into a most intense scene. The fact that Colby agreed to be treated quite literally like a dog by a complete stranger weirded me out and was off-putting. The fact that it took only 24 hrs for them to get into an intense bond was also disconcerting even if the outcome was quite credible.

The most convincing part of the read for me was the epilogue though as it hooked me on what is to come and made me want to wait around for the other book and grab it. Impressive.

So in the end I strongly suggest you read the author’s note found on the blurb and if you find that interesting then by all means this is a very well written erotica that I don’t hesitate to recommend.

Broken Bonds by Lex Valentine

tmp_60c5ab107f12f2f29cc1c3d8ccb417b0_vg6QLP_html_792e8d1Title:  Broken Bonds

Series: Souls in Bondage, Book #1 

Author:  Lex Valentine

Genre:   BDSM

Length:  Novella (84 pages)

Publisher:  Lex Valentine (December 24th 2012)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   The one thing Haven Noel wants for his Christmas birthday is for his master, Kellen, to love him. But the wonderful Christmas Eve Haven plans for his master goes awry and instead of receiving his master’s love, Haven ends up on the street without his collar. Heartbroken, Haven heads to the club where he and Kellen originally met, only to find it closed.

With a blizzard descending and nowhere to go, Haven curls up on the club doorstep, courting death. Hopeless and shattered, on the verge of losing consciousness, he makes a wish for Kellen to find happiness some day. Two angels with a vested interest in Haven and Kellen’s happiness hear his wish and conspire with Kellen’s family to save Haven’s life, bring love back to Kellen’s heart and give them both the best kinky Christmas ever.

Product Link:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ASZC00U?ie=UTF8&tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00ASZC00U&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  It’s the M/M version of A Christmas Carol, complete with the deceased lover turned Guardian Angel.

Kellen is a Dom with a broken heart. He hasn’t been the same since his longtime partner died several years ago. He took Haven in as his submissive almost a year prior to this Christmas, but he has never fully opened up in the relationship. His partner died just during the Holidays so Kellen refuses to celebrate. When Haven plans a surprise Christmas Eve dinner Kellen is furious and throws Haven out in a blizzard in a fit of anger.

Kellen is visited by an angel, his dead angel, who takes him on a journey of Haven’s life. The road Haven travelled that lead him to Kellen. It doesn’t take long for Kellen to realize his heart is no longer broken, it actually belongs to Haven.

In Valentines ‘Souls in Bondage’ series, Doms are meant to love, protect and shield their subs. It’s written to be a give and take relationship with the dominant in control, needing to control and the submissive relenting, needing to be controlled. Kellen is cruel and hateful at the start, but when he realizes just what’s at stake he quickly changes his tune. I don’t usually read the BDSM because the harshness isn’t my style, but this book and this series is a nice departure from the norm. If you’re looking for something short, heartwarming, and a little bit sexy, then Broken Bonds is a good choice.

 

Hammer and Tongs by B.A. Tortuga

hammerandtongs400Title: Hammer and Tongs

Series:  N/A
  
Author: BA Tortuga
  
Genre:  Western/BDSM

Length: Novella

Publisher: Torquere Press Publishers (July 17th, 2013)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: Virgil is in trouble when he flees to the badlands of New Mexico, and he’s pretty sure the desert is going to kill him before the posse does. He’s running from his past, from a forbidden love. What he finds is half Native-American blacksmith Asa, who happens to be the stuff of dreams. Asa isn’t about to let the skinny man he finds in the desert die. And when Virgil recovers, Asa thinks maybe he’s found a soul mate, just like his friends Tak and Loko have found in each other. Through everyday life and a series of erotic lessons, Asa thinks he can teach Virgil that love shouldn’t have boundaries. Can Virgil accept the plans that Asa, with the help of his friends, have for his future?

Product Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=3946

Reviewer:   GiGi

Review: This is some of the hottest BDSM I’ve read in a while! A fun combination of the old west, cowboys and Native Americans just adds to the character of the book. Every scene is hot, but the scenes involving Tak and Loko just drive me loco! When Virgil gives his body to Asa, hard work, and sex magic medicine ensue. Just the image of a sweaty blacksmith, with muscles, and control get my heart pumping. There are brief confrontations with the white men from town, and the book ends with the distinct feeling that this isn’t the end of the story and that Asa will go to no ends to protect his boy from them. This book is very steamy, and combines sensual and edgy BDSM with ménage scenes. Did I mention I also love the secondary characters of Tak and Loco?! I highly recommend this read for fans of BDSM.

Marginalia by Laney Cairo

tmp_6b02ff9f77b749d40a12d26661677d8a_qgDuaO_html_3bf0f5ceTitle: Marginalia

Author: Laney Cairo

Genre: MM Post-apocalyptic, Sci-fi- BDSM

Length: Novella (81 pages)

Publisher: Torquere Press (July 13 2013)

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Heat: Explicit

Blurb: Bailey likes to cut people—in a purely consensual way—which makes his work as a surgical technician with cosmetic enhancement corporation SirenCare his dream job. His recreational pursuits, however, would displease his employer, so he lives his personal life on the margins of Sydney, away from SirenCare’s corporate enclave, taking his chances in a city without water or power.

Quint is one of his chances, an illegal resident who pulls beer and breaks up fights. Quint’s not used to corporate men with the means to buy water, but he could get accustomed to being with Bailey and Bailey’s friend, Flynn, who engineers new and addictive body mods for SirenCare.

When Immigration incarcerates Quint as an illegal resident, only intervention by a corporation can free him. Can Bailey, with Flynn, persuade SirenCare that a disreputable bar tender is carrying experimental body mods, and should be rescued from detention?

Originally published in the Spiked anthology.

Product Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=78_85&products_id=3940

Reviewer: Cat

Review: Bailey is a cutter in a corporation and has the opportunity if a privileged life in a world where water, power and other stuff is all restricted and for the wealthy. He chooses to live in the outside world not the corporate world because he likes the touch of another man, he can afford some of the conveniences most can’t.

Quint is a bartender and an illegal, but he refused to join the military to get a real identity and job so he takes his chances. He is surprised when he finds out his newest sexual conquest is a corporate and interested in him for more than just a one-night fling. But can a corporate and illegal have anything else? You will have to read and find out!

I have to say at the beginning I got pretty confused, and during the book I had to ponder some of the slang, some I never quite figured out. I think a simple prologue giving us the gist of the timeframe and more about the characters would have helped immensely. Eventually I figured where the setting was( this also  solved a bit of the slang)  but still not  why this was happening or what the characters are, since there was allusions that not all are human. I also wasn’t sure what these implants were or why so many was wanting them ( a couple were easy to guess). But I read on and was glad. The story is very interesting and the characters very intriguing. I liked what I knew of this new world jus to would have liked to known more about it and  a little more about the characters, but the story was sweet, intriguing, suspenseful  and very hot. The ending very satisfying!

Recommendation: If you like futuristic stories, post-apocalyptic ( my favorite sci-fi), intriguing characters, a bit of mystery a good romance and very hot sex I highly recommend this book!

Bitter Bonds by Lex Valentine

519HrllxA6LTitle:  Bitter Bonds

Series:  Souls in Bondage, Book #2  

Author:  Lex Valentine

Genre:   Contemporary/BDSM

Length:  Novella (word count 30,000)

Publisher:  Winterheart Books (June 10th, 2013)

Heat Level:  Moderate to Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   Dominant Jake Conrad isn’t going to get involved in another relationship with a submissive. Burned by two former submissives, Jake vows never to collar one again. Then his best friend Ray brings him a sub like no other. Finn is damaged and bitter, although not as bitter as Jake. The white haired submissive has secrets and talents Jake never dreamed of and the lure of Finn’s need to submit calls to Jake’s soul.

Everyone Finn has ever loved walked away from him. He fears caring for anyone when he knows the outcome will shatter his heart again. When Finn falls for Jake, he gives his lover the ultimate gift, a chance to have the dreams he set aside years before even though he knows that if Jake accepts the gift, he’ll walk out of Finn’s life forever. A slave to his love for his Dominant, the submissive finds his true strength in easing Jake’s bitterness even at the cost of his own happiness.

Product Link:  https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-bitterbonds-1219154-147.html

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  Short, Sexy, and Steamy… my three favorite colors. Bitter Bonds is the story of two emotionally bankrupt men that can only be themselves and be accepted for who they are with each other.

Finn finds himself at a local BDSM bar with all intentions of selling himself to the highest bidding dominant. He’s exhausted, lonely, malnourished, and broke. To spite everything he still has a haunted beauty in his presence. Tall but slender due to the neglect he’s suffered, his white blonde hair and steal grey eyes still draw attention.

The story starts with Ray, a Dom and co-owner of the bar, taking Finn to his friend’s house for shelter and a job. Jake has his own recording studio and is need of someone to help him and he has a safe environment for Finn to get back on his feet as well. Ray has more in mind for the young submissive though; he thinks Finn and his friend and fellow Dom Jake would be the perfect fit. But Jake refuses to dominate anyone ever again after two failed relationships. Not to mention Finn still carries the scars from his previously abusive dominate, and Jake refuses to take advantage of the beautiful young man, no matter how badly his body aches for Finn.

Finn falls in love with Jake almost immediately. The tall muscled man with dark hair and amber eyes makes him feel safe, that alone is reason enough to love him as far as Finn’s concerned. The two enter into a consensual ‘vanilla’ relationship while each one secretly wants more. When Jakes friends point out how willing Finn is to submit and push him on the subject of making him his submissive, Jake panics and runs. Will he be able to push past his issues with being himself? Being the dominate, he wants to be, the dominate Finn needs. Or will he end up breaking the young sub’s heart like everyone Finn has ever loved has done?

I’m not usually a BDSM fan, but Valentine hooked me! I was engrossed in this story from the first page; I was invested in Finn’s character and wanted him to be safe. Valentine did an excellent job of creating a back-story of abuse and misery for him, all the while weaving a present and future full of love and happiness. Jake was conveyed as a big teddy bear with a dominate side that just wanted to wrap Finn up in his arms and protect him, keep him safe regardless.

Highly recommend this book. Even if you aren’t a fan of BDSM it’s conveyed to the reader in a non-violent way, it’s more of a love story between and Dom/sub than a chains, whips, and flogger kind of story. Valentine has a new fan and I can’t wait for book 3!

Power Exchange by A.J. Rose

15982578Title: Power Exchange

Series: Book #1

Author: A.J. Rose

Genre: MM / Action-Mystery / BDSM

Length: Novel (212 pages)

Publisher: Voodoo Lily Press (September 15th, 2013)         

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: From the moment Detective Gavin DeGrassi steps into the world of BDSM to solve the brutal slaying of Dom George Kaiser, his course is not his own. Mesmerized by the context in which the victim lived and the images of the lifestyle seared into his soul, Gavin must find a way to navigate these unknown waters. With his personal life in upheaval due to marital trouble, and his professional life uncertain with the assignment of a new partner, Gavin needs all the help he can get understanding the case.

Enter Ben Haverson, a psychologist and a well-known Dom. With Ben’s help as a consultant and attention to Gavin’s own murky truths, Gavin delves deeper than he ever thought he would into the world of restraints and paddles. Forced to scrutinize his true nature and his innermost desires, Gavin has a choice: keep the fear of submitting at bay, or dive in and solve the case with the knowledge he gains. When another victim is discovered, Gavin’s choice is made for him, and he’s pulled headlong into the deepest, most emotional journey of his life.

Unfortunately, for him and Ben, a killer has noticed, has taken stock, and has set his sights on the D/s pair. Can Gavin outwit him, or will his first exchange of power be his last?

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Power-Exchange-ebook/dp/B009BIHQM2?SubscriptionId=AKIAI6OUWGWMOPK7U5FQ&tag=reviewsbyje06-20

Review: I love reading BDSM related books but this was an odd one for me. We have a murder case that escalates into serial murders BDSM related. We have a Detective who upon investigating for the murder/s he gets intrigues by the lifestyle. We have a lifestyle Doctor who is consulting the police, who falls for the intrigued Detective and decides to show him the ropes. And we have a murderer who seems to get into the victims houses as a guest, slowly closing in on the Detective and the Doctor.

The basic line of this book is pretty awesome. The idea behind it all is fantastic, intriguing, gripping even. But the end result just slipped from my fingers as elusive as water. There were passages and scenes that I loved and had me either laughing or gasping or simply enjoying. But as many such passages there were, there were more to make me halt and think “seriously” disbelieving what I’d been reading, or even making me feel bored.

First of all my huge issue was with the detective work for this story. The murderer was obvious to me the moment he was mentioned. The conviction he did it was made stronger when Detective Gavin finally got around and questioned him. From that moment on I simply couldn’t stand the police work, or lack thereof. There were glaring events, evidence that should have the police pressing on the murder and cracking him way before the half of the book was reached, and the result was that it got tiresome waiting for the inevitable. The ending itself was no surprise and cause only an eye roll from me. Annoyance and frustration were the main emotions caused by the entire police plot.

Second issue that had me reeling was the lead character himself. Gavin started as a deeply closeted man, never one having tried even being with a man, married and not even thinking of shattering that illusion. In the matter of a week, or was it two, he goes from married to divorced and from virgin/closeted to diving into homosexuality and submission vigorously. He had never once told a soul about his sexuality for thirty years, yet he not only confides in his new partner, whom he knows nothing about and has just met, but he also goes ahead and tells her about the lifestyle he’s agreed to. The inconsistency of that had me quite unbalanced trying to figure this character out. In addition, with his horrible detective work, he never much gained higher status than plain stupid in my eyes. As for his submitting to Ben, the way he went from total newbie to “yes, Sir” in seconds, oh Dear Lord. What a turn off.

The rest of the book simply felt like a big textbook on BDSM, too clinical and detached to get into and with so many rules and justifications of everything being done and said that had me bored and yawning endlessly. As I said there were, only few scenes that made me feel something other than boredom in this book and it was such a shame.

Bottom end I didn’t got close to the characters at all. There was a wall keeping at arm’s length despite the book being narrated by Gavin. I didn’t get to feel his feelings or get into what he was getting because the language use for the narration was as I already mention quite clinical. Even when the most gruesome event happened that should have had Gavin’s mind reeling and us shaking with pain and despair it failed to ruse more than an eyebrow. What should have been the highlight of the book, the point that would break any reader into sobs and skin crawling and gut wrenching was lost in a lack of passion and a detachment you could not overcome.

For me this book failed its mission leaving me an odd taste and feeling as if I was in school and being forced to read a subject that while I’m interested in, it can’t hold my interest for more than five minutes.

Safeword by A.J. Rose

17569268Title: Safeword

Series: Sequel to Power Exchange

Author: A.J. Rose

Genre: Action-Mystery / BDSM

Length: Novel (110,000word count)

Publisher: Voodoo Lily Press (June 1st, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Everywhere Detective Gavin DeGrassi looks; he’s reminded of his attack by the Breath Play Killer. It’s in the house he lives in with his partner and Dom, Ben Haverson. It’s in the sympathetic yet pitying looks he receives from his fellow detectives when he returns to the force after a yearlong hiatus. It’s in the suffocating coddling of his entire family, and the relentless reporter demanding an exclusive of his ordeal.

Most of all, it’s in his lack of submission to Ben, who isn’t convinced Gavin’s recovered enough to trust the power exchange between them.

The miraculous recovery of two teen boys from a twisted kidnapper gives him heart, and Gavin’s determined to prove he can handle anything despite increasing strain between him and Ben, painful nightmares, and panic when anyone touches him.

But his next case is too close for comfort: a friend and colleague found raped and murdered in a fate chillingly similar to what could have been his own, and this killer isn’t stopping with one cop. As the body count rises and taunting souvenirs are being hand-delivered to Gavin, he faces a frustrating lack of leads, a crushing need to prove himself, and a sinking suspicion the imprisoned kidnapper’s reach is further than originally thought. A miasma of uncertainty and fear threaten to suffocate him when he asks a question with which he’s overwhelmingly familiar: what happens when a victim is pushed too far?

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Safeword-Power-Exchange-ebook/dp/B00D5605SS/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1370189486&sr=1-3&keywords=Safeword

Review: Gavin and Ben’s story continues here and we see them both trying to overcome the heinous trauma they suffered in Power Exchange.

While we saw our couple in the previews book ending in a lovely scene, here the consequences of that scene awaken Gavin’s hidden horrors. Right when he thought he’d put everything back, the nightmares come back with a vengeance and new fears climb atop the pile of the old ones. Now Gavin has to deal with his work and a new case of a serial killer hunting and brutally killing cops right after violating them, the touch aversion he’s grown where he doesn’t even tolerate his beloved Dom and the stress that comes from being a sun who cannot submit.

Here we see our charming Ben having lost his faith in himself and being unable to be a proper Dom for Gavin as well. We see him fighting his own battle and demons while hiding behind his care for Gavin and his feelings.

The relationship aspect of this book I have to admit I liked much, much more than its prequel. The trauma, the fight of the survivors and the love between the couple reached me and I didn’t see that detachment I kept feeling in book #1. The guys managed to get their feelings at me either that was love or lust or angst and despair, I managed to be right there with them this time. Loved their fight, loved the growth they did (even if they used a leaping time frame again) and adored the submission in the end. Their intimate scenes this time were more sensual than and somehow not as clinical as before and that helped a lot, many of them actually leaving me hot and bothered with their sexiness.

As for the action plot, yet again I found this one much better written. Yes there were times when I thought “c’mon, that’s so obvious” or “there’s a hole right here” but all in all I’m very satisfied with this plot. The Stockholm Syndrome is always a difficult one to approach and I felt this one here was executed very well, maintaining the drama and anxiety levels in balance with the action and intensity. Of course, my “eye roll” was there with how Gavin was affected by the events and how every crazy seemed to be drawn to him. It was kind of hilarious and made me laugh more than once even if right after that I felt a bit guilty for doing so.

Bottom end, I enjoyed this book a lot. It was a book for survivors in all aspects and I loved reading it. Keep in mind this is not an easy book, it’s rather heavy and tugs at your heart with its theme, so I’d recommend it to those who don’t mind a bit cruelty, angst and drama. 

 

Slave to Chaos by Nikki McCoy

17130288Title: Slave to Chaos

Series: Keepers of the Gods 04 

Author: Nikki McCoy

Genre: Paranormal, BDSM

Length: Novel (200pgs)

Publisher: Total E-Bound (28th January 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ – 4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Damaged by the lies of those who should have protected him, Shayne must find the courage to surrender to the love of his mates.

Bred by his mother, the Goddess of Night, to be a weapon against the pantheon of Gods, Shayne is more powerful than any of his kind. He is a broken outcast after being forced at the tender age of twelve to destroy his mother and one of his mates, the God of Chaos. Now, at age nineteen, the only person who can hold him together is his other mate, Collen. But Collen struggles with his own yearning to Master the troubled youth.

Chaos, brought back from the edge of oblivion by his brother, the God of Justice, wants nothing more than to reunite with his mates. A single act from his past, however, has all but made that impossible. Half-Gods that he gifted with magic millennia ago have discovered Shayne’s power and will stop at nothing to use Shayne in their bid to take revenge on the pantheon of Gods who would have killed them out of fear. Now, in order to keep Shayne alive, Chaos must earn the trust of his mates and battle the very sorcerers he enabled.

Will he succeed and show Shayne the true meaning of submission, or will his past rise up to destroy his only chance at love and forgiveness?

Reader Advisory: This book contains M/M/M ménage, BDSM scenes including explicit sex, graphic language, graphic violence, and one scene of rape.

Purchase Link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=1951

Review: This book is part of a series and must be read in order. Shayne is pushing the boundaries trying to get his mate, Collen to react in the way that Shayne needs, to be the Dom to control him. But, nothing that Shayne does pushes Collen over the edge. Collen doesn’t trust himself to be the kind of mate that Shayne wants, so keeps him at arm’s-length. Collen’s past holds him back from even trying and it takes the guidance of his other mate to bring out the Dom in him. Chaos is keeping an eye on both of them from afar. knowing that if he goes to them, then he will bring danger to Shayne, and also knowing that Shayne still blames him for his mother’s, the Goddess of Night, actions. But, Chaos has to step up to the plate when he inadvertently exposes Shayne’s whereabouts. Now, he has to get his two mates to safety, while earning their love.

This is another great installment of Keepers of the Gods with its action, danger, and complicated love story. Shayne, Collen, and Chaos are great characters in this story and they all have their parts to play. Shayne is wanted by a group of half-Gods with magic, Sorcerers. They have plans to use his powers to destroy the Gods. Collen is the glue that will hold Shayne and Chaos together, but he will also be the cause of Shayne’s betrayal. Chaos is pulled in two directions. The oath he swore to the Sorcerers and the love he has for his mates. He has to protect Shayne, but he still has the driving need to see the Gods punished for their betrayal.

This isn’t a book for anyone who is faint of heart, and if you have already read any of Nikki McCoy’s Keepers of the Gods series then you know that she doesn’t pull her punches and this book is no different. There is personal conflict, relationship conflict and business conflict. It gets down and dirty in places and there is unwanted abuse inflicted. There’s hot steamy sex and some lovely BDSM. We also meet some great characters in Marc and Gianni, and we see their romance as well.

I will recommend this to those who love, BDSM, danger, love, forgiveness, hot sex, great characters, and a great ending. If you want your books dark and gritty, with violence and abuse, but with the hope of true love then don’t miss this installment of Keepers of the Gods.  

Captive by David Ellis

1228229Title: Captive

Author: David Ellis

Genre: BDSM, Mystery, Suspense

Length: Novel (211pgs)

Publisher: Tenth Street Press (1st July 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2 – 2 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: With a twist that literally takes your breath away! 

Just a few days away from their civil ceremony, Hugo and Ben’s lives couldn’t be more perfect. Hugo is a talented assistant curator at a local art museum, while Ben is a successful advertising executive. Everyone views them as the ‘dream couple’ – with the exception of Ben’s snooty, disapproving mother. 

Their long awaited honeymoon vacation to South Africa had finally arrived and it had become everything they’d hoped for. Then on their last day, the two handsome men find themselves lured by adventurous sexual fantasies – surrendering to the temptation of extramarital affairs. Unfortunately for Ben, it costs him his freedom. 

Torn apart by a kidnapping, an abductor that wants payment beyond the usual monetary ransom, Hugo’s world is turned upside down as he tries all he can to locate his man. 

Slowly, he becomes exposed to a world of crime and BDSM tucked beneath the murky shadows of beautiful Cape Town. But with the help of new friends, Hugo has the strength to remain hopeful and optimistic that he’ll soon see Ben again.

The story of Hugo and Ben will have you continuously guessing as it takes you down the most unexpected paths. This book is a journey of love and heartbreak, with a twist that will literally take your breath away. Be prepared to become ensnared in a mysterious web of intrigue as one man’s search for his husband leads to self-discovery and tragedy.

Purchase Link: Lulu: http://www.lulu.com/shop/david-ellis/captive/ebook/product-21099579.html

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-captive-1228229-354.html

WARNING: Some readers may find some scenes disturbing, Kidnapping, Rape, Murder.

Review: Ben and Hugo are looking forward to their wedding and honeymoon, with only one or two niggles bothering them. Enjoying their honeymoon to the fullest the pair has a great time until the last day, when both men succumb to temptation but one of them lands in great danger. Hugo’s world is turned upside-down, as Ben’s predicament becomes known. Someone from Ben’s past is pulling the strings for their own amusement and monetary gain and he has no plans on letting Ben slip through his long reaching grasp. As Hugo searches for husband and prays for his safe return, he meets new friends. As the journey is continued, love and loss are discovered.

Okay this story shows the dark side of BDSM, it shows people who prey on others and it shows, that sometimes, love just isn’t enough. Even though Ben loves Hugo he is very much led around by his dick, Hugo isn’t happy with Ben’s promiscuous behavior but he loves the man so lets it go. On their honeymoon, Hugo gives into temptation when Ben is sunning himself by the pool, but Ben is far from innocent as he slinks off for a tryst only to find himself bound and gagged. As Hugo frantically searches for his husband he makes new friends who help and support him, but as Ben’s captivity unfolds Hugo has to wonder if he will ever get his man back. Ben is used, abused, and drugged and his recovery is far from over but the psychological effects are what everyone worries about and they are right to be concerned when his unconscious actions lead to tragedy.

I will be the first to admit that this story wasn’t for me, I don’t like cheating so it started on the wrong note for me when Hugo is thinking of Ben’s indiscretion with his best man before the wedding, it doesn’t get much better when Ben is openly suggesting threesomes and sleeping with other people. I also couldn’t understand what a man like Hugo was doing with such a self-centered prick but each to his own. The story got better as it delved into the psychological effects of the kidnapping and abuse and the glimpse it gave us of Ben and his actions after.

The writing was a bit stilted so it didn’t quite drag us into the horror of what is happening. The storyline left a distinct bad taste in my mouth for how all the men wanted to sleep with others and how they fell in love at the drop of the hat, I also found the last parts of the book harder to swallow and hated Ben for his lack of compassion and grief. I will also warn you that the loving couple at the beginning isn’t the same loving couple we find at the end. I will admit that the story premise was a good one but there were too many things that I personally found distasteful, especially the characters who had the emotional commitment of a gnat.

I will recommend this to those who love dark BDSM, kidnapping and sexual abuse, an interesting story premise, and a happy for now ending. 

 

Room at the Edge by Jane Davitt and Alexa Snow

16247282Title: Room at the Edge

Series:  Room at the Top, Book #2
Author: Jane Davitt and Alexa Snow
Genre:  Contemporary/BDSM/Ménage
Length: Long Novel
Publisher: Loose Id (December 18, 2012)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
 
Blurb: Three sexy men, one hot relationship. In Room at the Top, devoted sub couple Jay and Austin went looking for a no-strings attached Dom and ended up falling for Liam, who, much to his surprise, turned out to be the Dom of their dreams. But their happy ending was only the beginning of their story.

Now Jay is begging Liam to turn up the heat with fire play and Austin wants them all under one roof, no matter what people might think. Caught up in the difficulties and pleasures of their new relationship, it’s easy to miss the way they’re moving dangerously close to the edge of falling apart, not deeper in love.

Product link:  http://www.loose-id.com/authors/g-k/jane-davitt-alexa-snow/room-at-the-edge.html

Reviewer: Heart
 
Review:  Room at the Edge is the second book in the Room at the Top series, which is about two submissive and a dominant working on their collective relationship and exploring their limits. When compared to the first book, it misses the tension and anticipation felt when the men’s bond, and their shared future, was uncertain. This book shows Austin, Jay, and Liam in a more equal relationship with matured needs.

Submissives Austin and Jay have come to depend on their Dom, Liam. They need his attention and presence: their weekly meeting used to be more than enough, but now they crave more.

Liam is really careful with Austin and Jay’s boundaries, and does his best to give both men what they need,while simultaneously satisfying his own desires. Despite this, they are afraid of their relationship falling apart.While Austin and Jay remain an unbreakable unit, Liam feels like a third wheel but is reluctant to rock the boat.

The authors absolutely succeeded in developing this wonderfully kinky story, specifically in terms of the men’s relationship,in sense of both the conventional and their ‘play’. This sequel introduces some new aspects of BDSM,and brings the mens’ other needs to front and center. Snow and Davitt make their character’s interactions, and their dependence on each other, nothing less than a beautiful, pain-stung dance.

Room at the Edge builds slowly, which in this case was a bit of a negative trait, requiring focus and persistence. Even so, I completely enjoyed this sequel and wouldn’t mind reading more about Austin, Jay, and Liam.

Bound by Pleasure by Anitra Lynn McLeod

18046608Title: Bound by Pleasure

Series: Owned 01

Author: Anitra Lynn McLeod

Genre: Science Fiction, BDSM

Length: Novella (129pgs)

Publisher: Siren-BookStrand (15th June 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ – 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Only pleasure could destroy his pain…

When an alien race saves humanity in exchange for a few healthy human males, Hunter Wilkes is terrified to be selected. Those who are chosen are never seen again. Worse, no one knows their fate. Still, Hunter vows to face his destiny like a man, but he’s shocked when he finds himself owned by a terrifying alien.

Kian Lachlan might have a terminal disease that keeps him in constant pain, but that doesn’t mean he believes the hype about Earthlings having curative powers. When his father buys him one anyway, Kian is furious and determined to prove Hunter is as fake as all the other cures he’s been subjected to.

What neither one of them was expecting was discovering a shocking sexual affinity. True roles of master and slave translate perfectly in the bedroom, but Kian’s father didn’t buy Hunter to pleasure his son. He wants a cure and won’t settle for anything less. If Hunter fails, he’ll be sold.

Note: Each book in the Owned series is stand-alone and can be read in any order.

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/bound-by-pleasure

Review: Hunter is scared to death when he receives a letter telling him he has been chosen in the alien lottery, nobody ever knows what happens to the young men who are picked and they are never heard of again. Kian has a terminal illness and his father has bought a human in an effort to cure him, Kian doesn’t believe that anything will ever give him relief from the tormenting pain but finds that with the human, Hunter, it is much more manageable with their sexual encounters. But, Kian’s father expects a full recovery and if he doesn’t get one Hunter will be sold.

This great new series has an alien race coming to the rescue of humans and getting young men as payment. Everyone male knows what a plain white envelope with their name, address and social security number on means, it means you have been chosen in the lottery by the Eoeans and that your life as you know it has ended. Hunter receives his and wonders what he is about to face, but the reality of a metal encased alien never crossed his mind. Kian has suffered for years and Hunter gives him some semblance of peace, their connection as they fall in love is getting stronger and the mythical soul bond just might be true.

This is a very original new science fiction series where the human race was rescued from a deadly disease by an alien race who wants human men as payment. Hunter is a very feisty submissive who goes from fear to arousal when he first meets his owner, Kian, he finds himself attracted to the stronger alien and wants nothing more than to submit to him, but he doesn’t understand what Kian really expects from him when Kian says he has failed. Kian has been promised a human will be able to cure him and is deeply disappointed when it doesn’t happen, he is even more surprised when he learns the human, Hunter, has no clue that he was promised as a cure. It doesn’t stop the two males from getting into a D/s relationship and falling in love and when the two are ripped apart it is discovered that the soul-bond myth is the truth.

The relationship between these two males’ progresses quickly after they both put their cards on the table, they develop a beautiful D/s relationship, which is juicily kinky. Hunter and Kian fall in love but they both hold back a bit until they are nearly lost to each other. This is a great lighthearted story that has a great storyline and some hot kinky sex, the characters are great with each one suiting his role perfectly, and they have hot kinky sex. We get a great background story on both Hunter and Kian… oh did I mention they have hot kinky sex?

I recommend this to those that love kinky science fiction, hot kinky sex, a great storyline and a very happy ending after just a touch of angst.  

 

Bound by Defiance by Jana Downs

ecm-jd-o-boundbydefiance (3)Title: Bound by Defiance

Series: Owned 02

Author: Jana Downs

Genre: Science Fiction, BDSM

Length: Novella (137pgs)

Publisher: Siren BookStrand (22nd June 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Alexis Bedlam has been chosen. Selected by the annual lottery as a sacrifice to the alien race that saved mankind from the Great Plague, he’s none too happy to be carted off to be some alien’s snack pack, love slave maybe, but not someone’s dinner. Little does he know that he’s about to come face to face with the master of his dreams.

Elia, the twenty-seventh spawn of Prince Kranok, has been ordered to wed. Luckily, for him, the annual lottery has provided a being that is rumored to be the perfect first concubine for him. What the rumors didn’t tell him is that his particular human is stubborn, sexy, and determined to make a new path for the both of them in an alien world.

As questions about the legitimacy of Elia’s ownership arise, he will have to decide if he will surrender to authority and follow tradition or if defying his past is worth a future with Alexis.

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/bound-by-defiance

Review: This story is part of a series and can be read as a stand-alone but is best read as part of the series. Alexis has been chosen for the alien lottery and is terrified, being left for pick-up he has no idea what he is about to face. Elia is Eoean and has been ordered to wed now that his mating urges have begun, his father presents him with a human as his first concubine, and Elia begins the process of setting his own home up and getting to grips with his sexy, feisty human. Alexis is just coming to terms with his relationship with Elia when it is threatened and both Alexis and Elia have to decide if they are willing to fight to stay together.

Jana Downs has written an excellent addition to the Owned series, showing the side where the Eoeans keep some of the humans and their settlement on Earth. Elia is now mature enough to have mating instincts and to set up his own house as Arak, his father gifts him with a human, Alexis, as his first concubine but the feisty human may be the only concubine he ever takes. Alexis was chosen for the lottery but at least he is still on Earth, fitting into the Eoeans society isn’t going to be easy but at least Elia seems open to changing some of the rules.

I really enjoyed the way that the Jana Downs has gone down a slightly different tract than Anitra Lynn McLeod; Anitra’s portion of the series is focused on the selling of the humans onto different worlds, while Jana keeps her humans on Earth in the Eoeans settlements. The world building is good and we get more information on the Eoeans because we spend time with them, we still get that BDSM flavor threaded throughout the story (which is hot), and we come to a better understanding of the lottery. Both Alexis and Elia are great characters and boy do they set off sparks together, their relationship isn’t easy and obstacles are put in their way. It also doesn’t help that Elia’s society has certain expectations that clashes with the human society that Alexis has grown up in, but they come to a wonderful compromise before Elia’s fathers’ idiocy nearly ruins it.

I have to recommend this to those who love humans and aliens falling in love, different species merging their cultures, just a touch of BDSM, hot sex, finding your soul mate and the beginning of a very happy ending.