Blurb: It’s all fun and games until somebody falls in love.
Chase has just arrived at a much anticipated leather convention, and he’s about to lose his mind. Not only is his ex attending, but Chase is also rooming with Derek, a submissive he’s been dying to top. Although Derek is in search of a Dom, he made it painfully clear when the two of them hooked up for a very hot—but very vanilla—night just before the convention that he wasn’t interested in submitting to Chase.
Derek isn’t stupid. No matter how desperate he is to submit to Chase, he wants no part of a rebound relationship. As long as Chase is still pining after the sub who broke his heart a few months ago, Derek’s keeping him at arm’s length. Besides, there’s another Dom at this convention, the gorgeous Master Raul, who Derek is determined to attract.
But when Chase and Derek are confronted with all their kinks, from ropes to leather, bondage to flogging—not to mention each other—they can only ignore their mutual attraction for so long.
Review: Chase and Derek are friends that secretly want to be lovers. A drunken night on the road travelling to a leather convention, Chase hopes to make that dream a reality. But when Derek requests to keep their tryst strictly vanilla, Chase is left confused and wanting more.
A huge aspect of the Dominate and Submissive relationship is trust, can these two friends take that next step, can Derek completely submit to Chase? These two spend the better part of the book pushing each other away. They are so obviously in love, but to damn stubborn to admit it. Both are still wounded from their last relationship and neither wants to be a rebound.
They actively watch each other playing and acting out the Dom/sub roles throughout the convention, just not with each other. Everything comes to a head when Chase takes out his frustration on a submissive while Derek finally gets a shot with Master Raul, the Dom he’s wanted to control him for years, only to realize he already has a Dom, and it’s not Master Raul.
I’m not normally a fan of BDSM, but Witt managed to explore this world of leather, whips, chains, and floggers without turning it into bad porn or the memoirs of an abused submissive. Aside from the angst, I loved the story between these two best friends as they secretly pine for one another while still exploring who they are.
The play scenes are definitely descriptive; if you aren’t a fan of BDSM then this is not the book for you. There is a love story wrapped up in all that leather though, so romance fans that don’t normally read the genre just might like, I sure did. Pretty steamy, graphic and intense… I recommend giving Master a try.
Blurb: Aaron Taylor is a hustler, the dream everyone wants to come true. He has been working at an escort company for the past few months and just when life seems to have gotten better and he is beginning to think that he has a grasp of this line of work, his handler sends him to a new client. Vincent Greene looks like he might just be Aaron’s best client yet but Aaron doesn’t know that Vincent’s cruelty will end up becoming his worst nightmare.
Warning: This book contains scenes of rape, abuse, forced drug abuse and attempted suicide that may disturb some readers.
Review: Aaron works for an escort service providing sex to the highest bidders. He has fallen for one of his clients, but knows there is no future for them. When Aaron is sent to a new client it looks like it might be an enjoyable night, but Vincent has plans for Aaron that turns Aaron’s world into a nightmare.
This is a great story if you are looking for a dark erotica of torment with hidden hope. Aaron is callously taken from his world and shut into a nightmare, beaten and raped to break him down and turn him into a perfect slave. Vincent is a man who only cares about the money. Aaron is just another body, who will turn him a profit. But, first, he has to break him. Aaron has a secret hope though and clings to it during his darkest hours. Vincent begins to fall under Aaron’s spell, even as he tries to break Aaron down.
This story is not for the faint of heart. It is brutal, descriptive, bloody, and nasty. There is a light at the end of the tunnel though. But, that tunnel is long and the light keeps flickering, but it give us, the reader, and hope. Aaron finds himself a prisoner due to his callous bosses. Now he is in the hands of sadist and all Aaron has to cling to is the love he felt for one of his clients. You can’t help but have hope that Aaron will find a way out. But it isn’t a strong hope as you see everything that Aaron goes through. There are no feelings other than loathing for Vincent. There are no redeeming qualities about him, even as he seems to soften towards Aaron. The sexual aspects to this story are all non-con. There is one scene where it isn’t as harsh, but only because Aaron loses himself in fantasy. While Aaron suffers through his nightmare existence, the client he fell for is going through his own crisis and is searching for Aaron. That is something that gives us hope. Especially, when he discovers some of what has happened.
This isn’t a story to read if you like light and fluffy, happily ever after or consensual sex. It’s the story to read if you want harsh and brutal. If you want to see someone being broken or if you want to hold tight to the hope that rescue will eventually come.
Blurb: Darren Black has been watching beautiful, aloof sub Nikolai for some time. Nic is the pushiest bottom he’s ever seen. Doms don’t stick with him for long, but Darren plans on being the one who does.
After spending a night together in one intense scene after another, Darren introduces Nic to the pleasures of waking up with a lover.
Review: This Sealed with A Kink series by Sean Michael is kind of like the petit fours of BDSM. Each story is a scene; each scene is a tasty bite. And Nic might deny it, but all his protests and brattyness aside he sure likes it when Darren takes a bite of him. There may not be any flogging involved, but what Darren can do with his hands (and well-lubed fist) might just tame this bratty bottom!
Blurb: Zygi Wyatt is an intimidating Dom, but he yearns for love just like the next man. However, finding a partner who isn’t scared of his size is no easy task. The easygoing Mo seems like the answer to his prayers.
Love is the stuff of dreams. Ask the god Morpheus—he knows all about it. Mo wants Zygi in a forever kind of way, but he has to be sure of Zygi’s love before he claims him for his mate and reveals his true self.
Unfortunately, Zeus is growing increasingly unhappy with Morpheus, and Ares is determined to throw a monkey wrench into everything. Zygi and Mo will have to brave the wrath of the gods to make their dreams come true.
Review:This story is part of a series and is best read in order. Zygi is a Dom and he has his eye on sexy shy man Mo, Mo seems interested and Zygi can’t wait to have him bound to his bed, but something isn’t quite right and there is a overheard conversation lurking in the back of Zygi’s mind. Mo wants nothing more than to claim his mate Zygi, but first Mo has to come clean as to who he really is and with Zeus and Ares, interfering it isn’t easy.
This story is a great ending to The Gods series. We get to see Zygi and Mo start a tentative relationship, moving slowly before interference causes them problems. Mo is an absolute sweetheart, he’s shy and quiet and although he knows what he wants, he is nervous about asking for it. Zygi is a man used to total control and recognizes a submissive at first glance, Mo is definitely submissive, and Zygi wants Mo to be his. Mo has his secrets though and no matter how much he wants to confess them, he is scared of what Zygi’s reaction will be. Zygi doesn’t know if he will be able to forgive the loss of control but Zygi is made to face what he was being protected form.
Hmmm BDSM woven together with an innocent God and an interesting storyline, what more could a kinky gal ask for? I really liked this storyline, the characters, Mo and Zygi were perfect together, and it was beautiful to see Zygi drawing Mo out, guiding him through the first stages of BDSM and giving Mo confidence. Mo brought out the Dom in Zygi very easily and reacted to the Dom sweetly and sexily. There is some tension and angst when Zygi discovers the truth and Zeus has to have words with him to get him to admit the truth of his own reaction. The story is well written and we see all the guys from the previous books. There was one part of the story that caused me to nearly die, Mo gets the ultimate revenge on Ares and it was so unexpected and funny that I sprayed tea everywhere, snorted it out of my nose and choked as I inhaled it… I have so got to stop drinking tea when I read.
I recommend this to those who love Gods and BDSM, hot sex, plenty of horny foreplay, great characters and a very happy ending.
Blurb: Daytime soap star and part time rancher Marcus Bailey ought to know better than to take in a stray. But there’s something about the streetwise hustler he pulls out of a bar room brawl that makes him throw caution to the wind. Malcolm Quinn, half starved, wary, and bearing the physical and emotional scars of a tough upbringing in foster care, wants nothing to do with charity, nor will he brook anything that hints at pity.
When Marcus offers Malcolm a job and a place to stay, the kid turns him down flat, but all that changes when Marcus’ mare, Sylvie gives birth to a gangly, long eared colt that falls ill soon after birth. Malcolm agrees to stay and help with the foal, never realizing the chain of events that decision will unleash.
Marcus’ jealous and violent partner, Paul Wilson, escalates his abuse of Marcus under the guise of a BDSM arrangement and Malcolm and Marcus are caught up in a rollercoaster ride of violence and scandal. Marcus must find the strength to stand up to Paul and end their relationship, while Malcolm struggles to come to terms with the BDSM lifestyle and become the loving dominant that Marcus needs. Two men from very different worlds, can Malcolm and Marcus surmount the obstacles in their path and forge a future together?
Review: Marcus is a soap actor and part-time rancher. He knows better than to get involved, but one night he comes to the rescue of Malcolm in a bar. Malcolm has been abused in the foster homes he grew up in and when Marcus offers him a helping hand, he is suspicious of his motives. Marcus has problems of his own, when his convenient relationship begins to take a brutal turn, and he isn’t strong enough to walk away without help. Marcus and Malcolm support each other as they both try to weather the scandal and violent threats. Malcolm must come to terms with Marcus’ needs and understand the truth of BDSM.
This story of gay love in the eighties during a time when BDSM was misunderstood and fear of HIV/AIDS was rampant. Marcus is a sub who has fallen into an abusive ‘relationship’. He knows his Dom is going too far, but he doesn’t feel like he can stop him. Malcolm knows abuse when he sees it and the man who has offered him a job and a place to stay is being abused. He might not understand BDSM or why a person would want to be hit, but he offers his support to Marcus. When Marcus’ Dom reacts badly to Marcus walking away from him, it causes Marcus huge problems. But, Malcolm is by his side every step of the way. Now, Malcolm has to do something he never thought he would, he has to learn how to be a Dom.
I did enjoy this story and I thought that the setting was brilliant, but what I loved the most was the brief look at BDSM and AIDS in 1986. Malcolm has a lot to come to terms with when it comes to BDSM, because he has been beaten enough in his life. So for him to try to understand what BDSM was really about makes you love him. Also the fact that he stood by Marcus as his life went down the toilet was brilliant. Marcus was such a sweetheart who just wants someone to love him and give him what he needs. In Malcolm he finds someone who wants to try. There isn’t much sex because of the fears surrounding AIDS at that time. Marcus refuses to risk Malcolm until they are sure they are both clean, because back then they didn’t know how it was spread or how to protect against it. This is more of an emotionally supportive story, with love developing between Malcolm and Marcus. there are no real BDSM scenes, maybe just one or two D/s scenes.
I have to recommend this to those who love early eighties gay difficulties, finding support and love, fighting for the right thing against the odds and developing a love that will stand against time.
Blurb: Damian Learner and his grunge band, Firefly, are on a meteoric rise to success. If they get the right break, fame awaits. Seeking more professional management, Damian independently strikes a bargain with the best agent in the business, Stanley Krane. Unable to afford the penalty for breaking old contracts, Damian agrees when Stan’s best friend, country and Western megastar Vance Ashcroft, offers to buy him out of his old contract.
Overwhelmed by a crippling loan, secretive guilt, Stanley’s expectations, and a volatile relationship with Lenny, Firefly’s lead guitarist, Damian disintegrates. Bad habits of too much sex, booze, and drugs create a rift in the band. Finally Vance, with his understanding of Dominant/submissive behavior, sees that submissives Damian and Lenny are falling into chaos, clinging to each other to try to avoid the inevitable crash.
When the pressure to perform becomes too much and the unthinkable happens, Damian and Lenny have to decide: accept that they need something they can’t get from each other, or burn out and take Firefly with them. Vance is ready to claim Lenny, but even Stan’s hesitant agreement to give Damian the direction he needs might not be enough for Damian—or the band—if he loses Lenny.
Review: Damian (Trevor) is the singer for grunge band, Firefly. Being treated unfairly by their agent has Damian striking a deal with Stanley, the best agent in the business. But, getting out of his current contract is harder than Damian hoped and after paying the way out of his band mates’ contracts, he has to accept the offer of Stan’s friend, Vance, a country and western superstar, to help him buy out his own contract. Tensions are high in the band though and Damian’s volatile relationship with Lenny, Firefly’s lead guitarist, is heading for destruction. As pressure mounts, Damian turns to drink, drugs and anonymous sex and Stan takes the reins of control for Damian, and Vance steps in to take control of Lenny.
When a sub needs to give up control they need a strong hand to guide them, but what happens when the person you want to take control is also a sub? Damian and Lenny love each other, but they can never have what they truly want because neither is strong enough to take control. It affects them both in different ways and it takes interference from outside the band in the shape of agent Stan and his friend Vance for the destruction to break its cycle. Stan and Vance have had been on and off lovers for years, but Stan can’t be a sub for Vance, he has too much Dom in him for that. Vance has his eyes on Lenny and whisks him away when Lenny’s relationship with Damian goes too far. Stan takes Damian in hand and begins to give Damian some of what he needs.
Although Damian/Trevor, Lenny, Stan and Vance are the main couples in this story, the storyline focuses on Damian and Stan and in a smaller part Vance and Lenny. Stan is just what Damian needs. He isn’t a whips and flogger type of Dom, but he is more a control, structure and rules type of person. He also doesn’t take the relationship too far, giving Damian room to heal before embarking into a sexual relationship. Although we see a bit of what is going on between Vance and Lenny, we have no clue what is happening between them. I can only hope that Jaime Samms will give us their full story.
All the characters in this book are great. You have divided feelings as you read what is happening and the truth begins to unfold. There is hot scorching sex between Vance and Stan. a nice touch of D/s between Vance and Lenny and some spectacular loving between Stan and Damian. This storyline is really good and you become invested in Damian as he finds himself without the booze, drugs and sex. You want Stan to succeed as the strong guiding hand, although Stan himself has his own doubts. The things going on with Lenny are harder to see. Mainly because he has become so good at hiding and making himself the victim. I began to resent him for dumping everything on Damian’s shoulders and leaving him to pick up the pieces.
I recommend this story to those who love damaged young men, finding what you long for, a touch of D/s, a controlling Dom, a mess up sub, some really hot sex and a happy ending for Damian and Stan.
Blurb: Micah “Pup” Slayde knows he wants Tackett Austin the moment he lays eyes on him in the Guards of Folsom. Micah wants to have purpose, to be taken care of, and to take care of his Dom—wants to trust him completely, live for him, and belong to him. To become his everything. Micah is sure Tackett is the one. The problem is, in order to be the perfect sub, he needs to stay focused, and that’s not easy for Micah, who suffers from what he refers to as a “broken brain.” Focus and adult attention deficit disorder rarely coexist.
Ever since Ty Callahan and Blake Henderson’s collaring ceremony, Tackett’s been thinking too much about his own loneliness. Even though Ty introduces Micah and urges Tackett to give him a try, Tackett isn’t so easily convinced. He’s spent his life pursuing a successful business career, and the subs he dominates almost never enjoy the kiss of his leather twice. Twenty years Micah’s senior, Tackett has no interest in taking on and taming such a young and naughty sub—but it’s difficult to resist such an adorable pup when he begs.
Warning: Some readers with experience of Mental Health Issues may find some scenes offensive and distressing.
Review: Micah has wanted Tackett from the first second that he set eyes on him. There’s something about the sexy older man who has Micah thinking that Tackett is the man to give him just what he needs. Tackett has been in a funk since his birthday. He isn’t sure what he wants anymore and even though he is tempted by sexy sub Micah, he really doesn’t think that they will be a good match. Being thrown together during a party leads Tackett to accept Micah’s offer and after a night of passion they agree to spend two weeks together to see if they are what the other needs; a disruptive pup and a strict Dom just watch the sparks fly.
S.J.D. Peterson has produced another punch packing, emotional wreaking book. Micah is an incredible character who needs help focusing to become the sub he wants to be. Tackett is a controlling Dom that Micah has chosen to master him. Both man need to find the perfect balance between them to make it work, but with only two weeks to find it and with Micah’s ADD it is a challenge for both men. will Micah be able to find his focus? And will Tackett be able to take on a demanding full-time sub?
This is a brilliantly written book and the sex is hot. The characters are wonderful and make a great couple. The relationship progresses well with some tender moments. Tackett really does try to be the Dom that Micah needs and Micah really does try to focus all his attention on Tackett and tries to become the sub that Tackett needs. The power exchange between them is wonderful, with Tackett turning to Micah when he has a need that he wants met. The sex between them is passionate and will make you burn. There is little angst and that is only when Micah has felt he has failed. There is no real conflict except conflicting feelings, but S.J.D. has still produced a story that many will love and adore.
I had some niggles that disturbed me though. Tackett tries his best to discover just what Micah needs from him and he turns to his friends for advice and while I find that admirable, what disturbed me was, he never asked Micah if he was currently on medication or if he had received any therapy in adulthood. He never guided Micah to talk to a professional or even talked to one himself before diving into using his control and BDSM as a way to get Micah to focus.
I have struggled at great length to keep my personal feelings aside, unfortunately I have failed. This book has received three stars for the characters and the strong feelings that this book invoked, for the attempt at bringing two people together for a loving power exchange and for the passionate sex. If this story hadn’t have touched such a tender subject that was close to my heart, then it would have been a much higher rating and I know that many people will disagree with my rating.
In my eyes this book has failed miserably since the second ADD/ADHD was mentioned, having years of experience with this MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE, reading this book was painful. I could see years of progress being shoved forcefully back into the middle ages. I was proud of myself for getting through this book, but my breaking point was page 171 and I threw up. Being punished for something that can’t be controlled without extensive help from a qualified medical professional was just too much for me to bear. I wanted to stop reading but I couldn’t. I needed to finish this book so I could write this review. While some people with ADD/ADHD do enjoy the lifestyle of BDSM and the structure and peace it can give them, they also, usually, have received medical help with medication and/or Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT); they do not use BDSM as Cognitive behavioral therapy.
Blurb: Can a temporary collar ever lead to a permanent relationship? Mark and Mr. Nolan are about to find out.
Mr. Nolan’s last relationship lasted for over two decades. But, since suddenly finding himself single, two years ago, he has struggled to find a submissive who can fill the void in his life. Maybe a temporary arrangement is exactly what he needs to ease him back into the lifestyle he loves so much.
Mark’s never experienced life under the protection of a good dom. He’s merely had a series of abusive partners. He’s used to being treated as a temporary feature in a man’s life, then thrown away when they tire of him.
When mutual friends push them together, the last thing Mr. Nolan, or Mark, expects is to end up hoping a temporary collar will become permanent.
Reader Advisory: Please note that the stories in the Collared series are connected solely by theme. They can all be read as standalone titles and in any order. Mr. Nolan previously made an appearance as a secondary character in Bi Now, Gay Later, however it is not necessary to have read that book first.
Review: I’ve been a fan of Ms. Dare, since I started reading her books. And although I don’t always go head over heels with all her works, I have to say I did like this one quite a bit. In book three of the Collared series we meet Mr. Nolan and Mark. Each of these characters is interesting in his own way.
Mr. Nolan is a long time Dom who had lost his submissive of twenty plus years for nearly two years now. In all this time his friends have been introducing him with many subs in an attempt to fill the void his Frank left, without results. Mark, on the other hand, is a natural sub who’s had one bad relationship after another with several sadistic and abusive men. His idea of self-worth is utterly disordered and in short terms he’s completely screwed inside out. Damaged is perhaps an understatement.
The pair meets when friends they have in common introduce them and ask Mr. Nolan to take Mark in under his care temporarily. It’s all that’s needed for Mark to try to be worthy of a Dom such as Mr. Nolan. And the sexual part, while not exactly what Mark expected was definitely what he always dreamed. Even if it means that he has to fight a ghost in order to keep it.
I liked this story very much. If it wasn’t for the fact that almost all Ms. Dare’s characters have this common fault of not hearing what’s being said instead making their own conclusions in their head, I would have enjoyed it even more. I suppose the for years abused brain of Mark couldn’t easily accept that a Dom could be kind to him or even considerate, but still it was irritating when he heard one thing and understood another.
Nevertheless this was quite a sweet story as well. This author has a unique ability into making even the shortest of stories and ideas no matter the genre turn into romance. For me that is exactly what this work is about. A romance born out of need and circumstances and perfect timing for both characters. Yet again my dislike for the quickly dropped “I love you” line tampered my enthusiasm, but hey, I’m too cynical to trust that feeling in the spawn of a week.
Bottom end, I loved the story and totally recommend it for fans of the genre.
Blurb: Dante Rivers just lost the rodeo by two one hundredths of a point: he’s frustrated as hell, needs to get laid, and he knows just where to go. That night he meets Ryan Abbott and catches his eye—Ryan watched the rodeo and is still riding high on the rush. The chemistry between them ignites, but Dante, unable to deal with complications, leaves while Ryan’s asleep.
Ryan figures he’ll never see Dante again, but they’re fatefully reunited when Dante’s grandfather, Hy, hires Ryan to help straighten out some old investments. The attraction between Ryan and Dante still sizzles. Sex slowly turns to more, but obstacles abound: Hy’s failing health, Dante’s homophobic sponsor, an attack on Ryan, and Dante’s own struggle with his identity. Any one thing would be enough to separate them permanently… unless they both decide to hang on for the wild ride.
Review: This book really was A Wild Ride! Fast paced, well written, action packed and sexy as hell. Ryan is a no-nonsense, take charge guy in every aspect of his life. Dante has no choice but to be in control at all times. As a professional bull rider losing focus, loosing that control could cost him his life. It’s no surprise that the single most satisfying sexual experience either one of them have, is with each other.
After an emotionally charged encounter, Dante runs. What should have been a one night stand becomes so much more when Ryan walks back into his life. Sparks are definitely flying and the attraction is electric, but Dante is still refusing to admit just how badly he not only wants, but needs the domination Ryan can offer him. As the story progresses their relationship grows and both men have to learn the meaning of the words give and take.
I loved the way Grey kept the story focused on Ryan and Dante, but gave us some fantastic secondary characters as well to round out the story. Dante’s grandfather Hy sort of became the glue that held these two men together. Dante struggles with his identity as Ryan struggles with his past. The chemistry is undeniable, but they’ll face a lot of obstacles on their journey to be together. The illness of a loved one, homophobia and a gay bashing remind us of the day-to-day struggles that gay men have to deal with in order to maintain a relationship. But they also get to have some mind-blowing sex along the way!
If you like stubborn, sexy alpha males then this is a must read for you.
Blurb: Swathed in chiffon and lace, Steven Stanhope owns the stage as Stevie Tricks, lip-synching the songs of the famous gypsy queen. But after he escapes an abusive Master/slave relationship, the only collar he’ll allow around his neck is black velvet.
After a four-year absence, Steve is ready to reclaim his life and the property he left behind. But is it safe? Definitely not if his ex is still into leather. To find out, Steve appears at a charity night for the local BDSM community, using the anonymity of his stage persona to mask his identity.
Instead of his ex-Master, Julius, Steve finds a tangled mess centered around another Master of Leather, Donato Rossi. In order to unravel their ties to the past, Steve and Don must find common ground and work together. In the process, they learn that when it comes to love, sometimes you have to make your own rules.
Review:This story is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone. Steve is finally ready to return home after four years and hopefully reclaim what is his. But, first he has to make sure that his ex-master, Julius, isn’t around and if he is that he isn’t into leather anymore. So Steve appears at a charity event for the local BDSM community and although there is no Julius, there is a Master D who is determined to talk to Steve. Donato is an American leather Master and his new venture in Australia could be hanging in the balance. He has a lot to discuss with Steve, the sub who abandoned his Master and tries to come to some sort of arrangement. But, everything he was told isn’t true and he has to untangle the mess that Julius created. But, can a mentally scarred sub who refuses to have anything to do with BDSM and a confident Dom who loves the lifestyle find a middle ground that suits them?
This is a story about a man who got lost in BDSM and suffered the consequences of a Dom who immersed himself in the Old School Master/slave relationship. Steve fled to the U.K. four years ago when he escaped from an increasingly abusive Master/slave relationship. He left it all behind and worked hard to find himself again. But, now the time has come to reclaim what he left behind. But, nothing is ever easy and Steve has to handle Donato, a leather Master. But, Donato makes him long for things he shouldn’t want anymore. Donato just wants to get business sorted, but Steve proves to be more complex than he realized. Discovering the truth behind Julius and Steve’s relationship leaves him horrified and although Donato and Steve become close, they both know that BDSM is something that Steve just can’t handle anymore, so how can they be together?
I have to say this is a wonderful story of a man discovering what he truly wants and needs and seeking a way to overcome his emotional scars and fears. Steve is a strong character; he has been through hell and with help has come out the other side. But, he still has a past to put to rest. Donato is a hard character to get to know. Although, we get some background on him, he seems to have a shell that surrounds him so we only get to know him superficially. He is a huge help to Steve and they end up meshing very well together. The storyline is very well done and the way it is written is brilliant at drawing you in. making you see the damage done to a young man who wanted to do anything for the man he loved, a man who lost himself in BDSM.
This is a story that shows you that if you don’t limit yourself and don’t know when to pull in the reins, just how wrong things can go. This isn’t just about what is happening in the here and now, but also what happened in the past. Would things have been different if Steve had pulled in the reins sooner? If instead of giving in, he had stuck by his disquiet? Steve has to finally admit to himself that it wasn’t just the BDSM’s fault, and that the two men involved were at fault too. Donato has great patience and it comes in handy when dealing with Steve. He holds him when he has to, but he also lets Steve go when Steve needs it, whether Steve realizes it or not. They make a great couple in this book and the content of the book is scorching and at times erotic. Although, for the first few chapters I had a sour taste in my mouth, because of the opening scenes, those were not my cup of tea at al
I will recommend this to those that love emotionally scarred men, overcoming the past, discovering what you truly want, and finding love again and a happy ending.
Blurb: Born and raised a gypsy in the late eleventh century, Teman values freedom over everything. He and his best friend, Jasim, are thieves for hire—until one night they’re caught and their precious freedom is revoked. Given the choice between the dungeons or palace pleasure slavery, they become slaves, but Teman vows to escape someday.
Bathasar doesn’t want the throne. He supports his brother instead, which suits their sadistic father, Mukesh. When Teman, the handsome slave Bathasar has secretly been watching, saves his life, Bathasar requests a slave for the first time. Before long, Bathasar and Teman fall in love. But all is not well. One day Mukesh brutalizes Teman before the court, angering the empress of a neighboring nation. To appease her, he then offers her Jasim as a gift, and Teman decides to stay with Bathasar for now—despite the abuse he may suffer.
The peace doesn’t last. Mukesh plans to invade Jasim’s new country, and Bathasar must find a way to stop the destruction. But if he succeeds, he’ll ascend to the throne and have the power to grant Teman his liberty. Then Teman will surely leave him. What other choice could a gypsy make?
A Timeless Dreams title: While reaction to same-sex relationships throughout time and across cultures has not always been positive, these stories celebrate M/M love in a manner that may address, minimize, or ignore historical stigma.
Review: It is always your choice. You choose between an iron collar and a gold one, or between a gold one and a unique labeled one, or between a unique labeled one or none at all. It’s always your choice.
Teman had no difficulty choosing the gold collar that would make him a pleasure slave. Yes, his body no longer belonged to him or his life, but that choice held the best possibility for an escape. if only his brain would stop thinking about sex long enough to form a plan.
Then there came Bathasar and when he offered the choice for Teman to be only his slave, his love, his man, the choice was even easier than the first time for Teman. So he traded his plain gold collar, for a better one that held his masters name. A tag that clearly labeled his as Bathasar’s property. And while they were so much more than that, his gypsy soul always craved freedom. But, freedom soon became just a dream when his best friend Jasim was gifted to an Empress and Teman was left alone with only his love to contain him.
But when time came that his one and only love could offer him a life with no collar at all the choice was not so easy anymore. The freedom Teman so much longed for came at a price; choose it and lose your love, chose your love and forget freedom forever.
This was quite a lovely book, one that in my opinion had the potential of being exceptional. This is the tale of a slave that his spirit fed in freedom. The tale of a crown prince that had no love for his crown. The story of a cruel and malicious malik (equal to king), who had no compassion for human life. The malik, Bathasar’s father had a strong sadistic side that cost him the hatred of many people, his own and foreign. Teman’s ability to endure and Bathasar’s infatuation with the slave only fed the malik’s cruelty more, and it caused him to lose control in front of a court dinner when many foreign royalties were present. This in turn caused many treaties downfall. The malik’s insanity though goes further when he tries to assassinate the Empress of Tiantang and assault her country, something Bathasar eagerly tries to prevent. They have one chance to get rid of the cruel ruler and that involves Teman and his ability to endure whatever the malik has in store for him in order to provide distraction. A choice hard to make that might cause him his life.
While this book was very entertaining it had strong weaknesses in the plot both in how the characters reacted and responded, and the incredibly fast way they fell “in love”. In such circumstances as monarchy to be able to display such weakness in front of the court as the Malik did is simply not realistic, even more so to have a guest challenge your authority in your own palace, or get in a position that would draw that such response.
As for the pair’s fast escalating emotions and those of the Empress with Jasim, let just say that I’m not fond in declarations of love the first night a pair gets together. This passage is precisely what I mean:
Bathasar didn’t care that Teman had been a thief, didn’t care that he was now a slave, didn’t care about any of that. He liked Teman’s personality, liked Teman’s humor, liked all of that.
However Bathasar simply never had the chance to get to know Teman and fall in love for Teman himself. While Bathasar might have gathered information and was fascinated with the slave, strong emotions such as love are too much for me to swallow when they came the very first night of their “lovemaking”. I simply wish there was given some time to the pair to bond, it would have made the read much more believable and intense.
Furthermore the balance between the intimate scenes and the story itself was very poor. The sex scenes were numerous and managed to draw focus from the story at the point where you felt the story was only 100 pages in a near 400 pages novel. While steamy-hot is perhaps a huge understatement for the scenes and the intensity they had, it still became tiresome and made you wish they were less. They also gave me a bad taste when it came to Teman’s character. The book starts with a very strong, mysterious Teman, one who was always the level-headed and the one to keep things in control while Jasim was the fly with the wind guy. That person however is lost in the haze of lust and love, making one slight appearance and then lost again. I often felt that it was such a shame for that wonderful personality to be deduced in a mindless pleasure thing.
And as for the action itself, too many lost opportunities in my opinion to create a tension like no other. The fear the malik could cause was a bit lost and sometimes it made no sense as in why he would act the way he did.
So at this point you might very well wonder why give 3.5 hearts at all to this story. As I said, while not exceptional, I enjoyed the read. It was too long, yes but still it did keep me in its hooks and I got completely lost in the story. The fact that the intimate scenes revolve around orgasm denial and frustration are a plus cause I’m just a sucker for mind games and this book is all about that. Kinky, hot, sensual and mind-blowing the erotic scenes were extremely powerful in too many ways. In addition the story is located in eleventh century Arabia, one of my favorite areas, in a time when the harems were in full bloom and indeed human life was nothing more than the ruler’s property.
What can I say, I was fascinated by this story and if you are even remotely interested in all the above I recommend take the dive. Aladdin and Jazmin have nothing on Teman and Bathasar. 😉
Series: Whispering Pines Ranch 05.5 & Guards of Folsom 0.5
Author: S.J.D. Peterson
Genre: Contemporary, BDSM
Length: Short (59pgs)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (March 6th, 2013)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: When Ty left Pegasus for New York, he knew he was falling for Blake but wasn’t sure he could trust him. Blake didn’t know whether he could be vulnerable enough to take on another boy. Since the move to the Big Apple, Blake and Ty have learned how to live with each other. Now they need to let go of their pasts and take the next steps outside the playroom.
Review: This story is a branch off from the Whispering Pines Ranch series and links directly to Ty’s Obsession. Ty and Blake have left Pegasus and settled down in New York. Ty still needs his independence though and works behind the bar at Folsom, a BDSM club, and although he loves Blake he still has trust issues. Blake has done his best to let go of his past and has worked hard to gain Ty’s trust. Although, he wants nothing more than to take care of Ty, he knows he has to let Ty have a bit of independence. But, as a good Dom, he has to reassure his boy and has made plans to prove to Ty once and for all that he will always be Blake’s boy.
S.J.D. brings to us the conclusion to Ty and Blake’s story, giving us a wonderful, sexy, happily ever after and also giving us the opening to a new series. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to catch up with Ty and Blake and to see how they are both doing. Ty and Blake are exactly as we remember them from Ty’s Obsession. Ty still finds it hard to trust and Blake’s wounded heart has healed and now he is trying to prove to Ty, that Ty can trust him. Ty still has moments where he has doubts and thinks that it is only a matter of time before he is discarded, but he tries his best to cast those doubts aside.
Seeing how far both Blake and Ty have come was lovely. It’s wonderful seeing how good they are together and how perfectly suited they are for one another. Seeing Blake take care of his boy and prove to Ty how much he loves and wants him is beautiful. The ceremony moves you as Ty gets everything he has ever hoped for and wanted and Blake gets Ty’s complete trust. Their love-making is erotic, sexy and passionate and just the way they love it.
I will recommend that everyone reads this to catch up on Ty and Blake, to experience their passionate love-making, to celebrate their happiness and also because it is a great way to catch a glimpse of the new Guards Of Folsom series and the first couple Micah and Tackett… Oh, did I also mention it is free?
Blurb: The House of Silence is an elite male bordello catering to the obscenely rich. No matter how extreme or mundane the fantasy, the House of Silence is rumored to serve. Master Charon employs a group of versatile, beautiful young men–some lewd, some innocent, many with tragic pasts and hidden secrets of their own–who depend on him for safety. This volatile mix erupts when danger threatens. (M/M+)
Review: The House of Silence is a house located off the border and is by invitation only. Charon Marqui selects his workers, as well as his guest, very carefully. He has the best boys and the most prestigious clients. Everyone has a dark secret, be it the Boy, the guest, or Charon.
I felt his book started out a bit slow. It read more like an anthology or compilation of short stories. The first few chapters seemed a bit disconnected. Each one was very good and interesting, but I failed at that point to see it as a cohesive story. Then a bit past halfway, things got very intriguing. Once the plot came into view, the story unfolded fast and was quite intriguing. The boys seemed to be forming bonds as well as some of the houseguests. You would think a story of a bordello would have vulgar language and raunchy sex, but this one had none of that. The sex was so sensual and well phrased; it made me swoon and not cringe. By the time I got to the end, I was salivating for the next. I was glad I had it ready to go and didn’t have to wait.
I recommend this to anyone that likes Lords, rich business men, Cabals, dark fantasy, M/M erotica, sensual steamy sex, BDSM (not the soft and flowery kind), D/s, mystery, and intrigue- it’s all here, and more.
Blurb: In the slave city of Spire, Ellis has been discarded. His former master, a man who was supposed to teach him and take care of him, passed away, leaving Ellis alone and in danger of being taken to the Facility. Ellis is desperate to avoid that fate. He seeks a master to take him on, guiding him into adulthood as well as a profession. Ellis has had desire stolen from him—he’s been trained to blush, to submit, to give in. He doesn’t know how to cope with William, a man who wants the real Ellis.
William is a Master, a man born in a neighbour city that does not deal in slavery. He has had bad experiences with slaves in the past, but all that changes when he rescues Harte, a young slave whose abusive master had all but destroyed him. Together, they are content in their mutual roles, not looking for anything more. But when Ellis catches the eye of Harte, and by extension, William, their relationship changes in ways for which they are unprepared.
Harte is a born submissive, a young man who lives for his role. He’s bratty but genuine. William, his master, is his entire life. Harte never expected to have room in his heart for another, but Ellis is beautiful and different and fills a place in his life that he hadn’t known was empty.
If only Ellis could learn to ask for what he desired, what he needed, then maybe William and Harte could help him. But Ellis is trapped inside himself, insecure and afraid. To stay with William, he only has to ask…but that’s the one thing Ellis cannot do…
Review: The most intense thought that burned my head the moment I reached the end of this book was “I must read this again… Now!” The very next one was of how horrific this read was. There is this constant feel of fear all through the book that doesn’t let go, even when I reached the end and there was no more, I still had this fear in me that the next page is going to bring a greater devastating event that would literally kill me reading it. How very fascinating that this author maintained that level of intensity throughout the book. Terrific!
This book is narrated entirely by Ellis point of view. Ellis is unfortunate enough to be smart. In the city of Spire that means that when he reaches the age of 16 years old he must be put for servitude until he’s twenty. And that means that his body, mind and soul no longer belong to his but his master. He is to be trained his master’s profession, he is to serve that master in any sexual way and obey his every whim. He is his property. The unfortunate event of his master’s death leaves Ellis facing the Facility, a place where slaves without a Master to claim them go. A place to avoid at all cost.
In his desperation to find an owner Ellis comes across Harte and his Master, William. Not a very conventional Master/slave relationship one might say. It seems that Harte has his Master wrapped in his little finger. It seems that Harte is a spoilt slave. But those two are perfect and content in their relationship, for that is what it looks like to Ellis, who is dumbfounded to witness how Master William truly cares for his slave. That is almost unbelievable and causes great jealousy to Ellis who wants nothing more than a master to claim him, to own him and care for him like William does.
In an attempt to help a fellow slave from facing the Facility, Harte begs his Master to sponsor Ellis and so Ellis is taken into their home. However, the wonderful environment and care he experience there has Ellis scared. Scared that he will want to be a part of that, and if he’s honest the three of them seem perfect together. But Ellis is the kind of submissive that will never ask. He is not Harte, he will not want or if he does he will never show it.
And this is how a very painful emotionally story begins. A story that follows the horrors a slave endures in the hands of cruel masters, a story that follows the attempt and often failures of those kind Masters to change the law, a story that shows that cruelty is more acceptable than love in this peculiar world.
This is a love story first and foremost. A non-conventional love story between three people who literally go through hell, pain and horrors, a love story that goes against the world itself in order to survive and bloom. I loved all three main characters here. I adored Harte, a seemingly weak person who had an incredible strong will to live and love. I loved William, an amazing Master with an iron personality that bend enough to reach the sweetest feeling and conveyed a strong desire to love and respect him. Most of all I loved Ellis. That character was supreme in his beauty. Insecure most of the time he reached an amazing level of power in the end, when he finally sorted in him what was it that he wanted and that he must take it upon himself to make those wants reality for him.
And as you probably figured out, this book being about slavery, the sexual content was a bit more than explicit. The entire plot revolves around the sexual exploit of people, people being forced for years and years to endure horrible sexual tortures. The scenes are horrible and do not shy away from the gruesomeness or the pain. Many of those scenes may make your stomach churn and cause bile rising in your throat. However there is the threesome relationship of William-Ellis-Harte that will make up for it with a beauty and a balance that might leave you panting. I found them amazingly hot. The scenes were gorgeous and the writing was perfect even if it was seen in only one POV. The dramatic flavor of finality and the loss that was feared at every corner made for some very intense scenes as well. It was a feeling that will keep you constantly on your toes and won’t let you relax at all unless you reach the end line. I loved it, every single bit of this book.
And if you are so inclined and enjoy the hard-core BDSM read you will too love this book. As I said in the beginning of this review, my very first thought when I was done was that I must re-read this book… Now!
Blurb: Rubbing a toppy sub, a submissive Top and a Dom with attitude together is guaranteed to send sparks flying — but what will they ignite?
Meet Tyler Kane. Ballsy and headstrong, he’s far from being the submissive type. Francis Hollister, Dom and proud owner of a BDSM club, couldn’t agree more — and yet, as Tyler carelessly suggests a bet, Francis sees an opportunity arise and decides to take him up on it.
Soon Tyler finds himself in Francis’ club and about to be trained as a sub. When Shae, the gorgeous Top Francis has assigned to teach him, doesn’t appear to be quite as dominant as his role would lead to believe and Francis turns out to be a rather versatile Dom, Tyler sees a perfect match just waiting to be made happen. Too bad though that he’s the only one who sees it. Or maybe he isn’t?
Curious to find out what happens when you rub a submissive Top, a toppy sub and a Dom with attitude together and what exactly the sparks from that explosive combination ignite, Tyler enlists the help of Pierce, Francis’ brother, and his partner Noah, and sets out on a mission.
While Tyler’s plan seems to work out astonishingly well, it seems that there’s more than one man in the club who is pursuing a hidden agenda…
Review: I absolutely loved this book, but if I ever had trouble writing a review then this is the one. I frankly don’t know where to start, how to continue and were to finish. That is perhaps due to the fact that this is a very complicated story in its simplicity. The complication comes to the fact that there is not one couple to focus on rather than triangles and couples within couples and… Oh! Let’s start with the main hero the way I see it.
Tyler is an ordinary guy, a car salesman who is at the moment in London for work. His sex life? Pretty vanilla. That all changes when he meets Francis, a Dom if ever there was one. Somehow Tyler manages to insult Francis’s lifestyle and in return Francis tells Tyler that he wouldn’t last a day in his world. That’s all it takes and Tyler finds himself in a situation where he willingly will submit for a month…
I think in this book the most straightforward character was Tyler, he’s that plain old good guy, with a heart made of gold and a strong sense of friendship. That “I can’t stand people suffering out of stupidity” kind of guy who tries to make thing better for all the people around him. It’s easy to love this character, it’s easy to follow him around and it’s easy to understand his motives. Even the stupid decision of getting himself into sub-training when he clearly isn’t one. J
Next comes Shae, a deeply submissive guy. Shae doesn’t “play” the sub part; Shae is a sub through and through. Unfortunately, a scene gone awfully wrong left Shae shattered, taking away his trust and leaving him incapable to submit. He then is offered the role of a “service Top” at the club and ends in training Tyler on how to be a proper sub… Get the picture? The role reverse is pretty wicked in my humble opinion and the author pulled that off astonishingly well. Shae’s submissive nature collides with Tyler’s domineering nature and the results are fascinating to say at least.
Now Francis is the club owner. He’s the first Dom to train Shae. The two of them go way back and their relationship is clearly deeper than they let on. Francis has tried hard to help Shae overcome his trauma and find himself again, with no results. However, he does not let go so easily. In the story, one would think that Francis is the character that hides the most, and then you’d get confused and think that he’s pretty transparent, and then you’d go back and change your mind again…
There is one thing I can definitely say about this book. It kept me on my toes and in anticipation for the entire duration. For me this book is one of the best to show the different faces of “BDSM”. A perfect example that you cannot label anything, a thing may have lots of meanings and in the end nothing can be generalized as we are all unique and tick differently.
This book is also very, very entertaining if you’re into “BDSM”. I loved all the scenes, I loved looking at them from Tyler’s perspective, I loved looking at them from Shae’s perspective and hell, Francis point of view was thrillingly hot. Their chemistry worked so well for me. I was enchanted with how the trio worked together and I wish there was more to it, it felt it ended too soon for me. Yes, I’m insatiable.
The beauty of this novel was that it was in the end a wonderful love story, a story of friendship and of life with the most unexpected twist. Talk about hidden agendas alright and lessons to be learned. I truly believe that even if you’re not into BDSM you will like this book and if you are into it, then you’ll adore it. Definitely recommended.
Blurb: Liam loves his life as a linguist and trader on the Rownt homeworld, but he has ignored his heart and sexual needs for years. He won’t risk letting anyone come too close because he won’t risk letting anyone see his deeply submissive nature. For him, submission comes with pain. Life burned that lesson into his soul from a young age. This fear keeps him from noticing that the Rownt trader Ondry cares for him.
Ondry may not understand humans, but he recognizes a wounded soul, and his need to protect Liam is quickly outpacing his common sense. They may have laws, culture, and incompatible genitalia in their way, but Ondry knows that he can find a way to overcome all that if he can just overcome the ghosts of Liam’s past. Only then can he take possession of a man he has grown to love.
Review: This book brought such a smile on my face my cheeks still hurt. What a beautiful world Ms. Gala created here, how very fascinating. This story is located on Prarownt, the planet of a reptile-like species called Rownt. Rownt are traders at core, everything in their life is seen in pure logic and calculation in order to gain outmost profit. Their entire take on life, their beliefs and life structure is often not even conceived by human logic.
Liam job is to trade with the Rownt and learn as much as possible from them, about them. He loves his job, he adores this planet, but unfortunately his new Commanding Officer is threatening his life here. His CO’s abuse is taking its toll on him and affecting his trading. Rownt trader Ondry, one of Liam’s favorite, notices his discomfort and changes his entire attitude toward Liam. In his five years on the planet, Liam has never seen such display, never has a Rownt came too close to him and never, ever has one attempted to touch him. Confused he might have somehow unintentionally insulted Ondry, Liam’s control is fast slipping from his hands. His CO’s public confrontation and insults does nothing to help the situation and suddenly Liam find himself in the inexplicable position of being chained in Ondry’s bed.
Confusion, panic, fear and hurt claim Liam’s mind. While the Rownt tries to explain to him that Liam’s new status is to be his palteia, a new term that gives him no explanation at all, Liam only finds his mind drifting to darker places of his past. Back when he was used, abused and shattered to pieces. Burying his sexuality for years this new situation not only awakens him, but it terrifies him. His longing for a strong man who will provide safety and love and his inability to let go and trust has him nearly torn in half. The fact that human and Rownt concepts are so very different do not help at all and Ondry has to find a way to get in his mind and make Liam see life through his eyes. If only Liam would give up and trust him his sanity.
And I am not doing a good job in my attempt to tell you what this story is about. How could I, this book approach so many things. Perhaps if I were to tell you that this books focus is more toward the relationship and feelings aspects than the sexual one. After all, Rownt and Human biology are not compatible. Rownt are a species that do not use sexual intercourse for pleasure, nor intimacy. They do not display such behavior and only use sex to reproduce, the very act being somehow brutal in human eyes.
This book focuses more into D/s relationships, on how a Dom and a sub react, what they expect and what they give, seen from different perspectives. The Rownt logic that sees things human would call brute as normal and vice versa. How one’s status is scorned from some societies and adored from others. How the beauty is in the eyes of the beholder so to speak.
For me this was a lovely read. A great Science Fiction with a wonderful take on BDSM and especially on D/s. I totally loved it, it was brilliant and I strongly recommend it.
Blurb: Mourning the sudden loss of his parents in a car crash, experienced Dom Eric Broderick escapes London society and his high-pressure law firm and retreats to Glebe House in Pittlesburne, a small village in Buckinghamshire. He tours the nearby woods and the charming village, but it’s really the guesthouse’s garden he’s taken with—or, rather, the gardener.
Tom Bestwick maintains the grounds of Glebe House for his fiancée and does odd jobs around the village. With little experience outside Pittlesburne, Tom finds fulfillment through his true passions, rugby and art. He has just one unrealized desire—one the guesthouse’s new occupant would be happy to help him with.
Late one night, while walking through the garden to clear his mood, Eric spies Tom enjoying a BDSM video starring two men. Having a sub to train might just help Eric forget his troubles, but as their feelings deepen, the real world intrudes. Eric can give Tom everything, but not until Tom decides where he’s meant to be.
Review: Hot and intriguing sex, but lacking in romance.
Let me start with the hot & intriguing part:
There is a lot of sex in this book, and not too much lead up before it happens. For a moment, I saw a glimmer of an interesting conflict that could really propel this book on a more mental level (Tom is engaged to a woman), but this is treated more as a simple circumstance that, other than the occasional ‘feel-bad’ reflection, doesn’t mean anything.
If you are put off by cheating, this is not the book for you.
However, if you can get past this, and you are reading to have a little carnal pleasure—or are super curious at an insight into the BDSM lifestyle—then this book has a lot to offer. Because, yeah, the sex is hot and a little mind bending too; I often found myself frowning and cocking my head while turning the screen around as I was reading, as if that would clarify the mental images of exactly how some of this sex worked. (On occasion there were more than two good-looking men involved.)
I think this was the most fascinating part of the story for me; especially considering the author has thirty years personal experience in the BDSM lifestyle. That gave the story/sex elements more credibility. So that is a definite plus.
Now on to the lacking in romance part:
It’s not that there’s no romance in here, in a way, there is a touch of care/love that simmers through between Tom and Eric, but I felt this development grew much, much too quickly. Eric is drawn to Tom from first sight and falls in love in the blink of an eye.
I guess it suits the more erotic story line just fine, but there are glimpses of some really nice writing in the story (especially in the first part of the book) and I can see this author could possibly offer a bit more than mostly mind-bending sex in his stories. (For example, there was so much potential for conflict with Megan, her father, maybe even some of Tom’s rugby players.)
So yeah. Hot and intriguing sex, but lacking in romance.
Blurb: Harper Cole may look like a best-selling author doing research for his next book, but underneath it all, he is a badass Dom and ex-rock star looking for a sub. When he meets a sexy stripper at the local gym, he uses the pretense of doing research for his next erotic novel to get close to the delicious man.
To the world Flame is a self-confident male stripper and acclaimed modern dancer, but deep down, he carries a crippling secret that stops him from trusting anyone. When Harper saves him from a life-threatening attack, Flame starts to open up, and even though his vanilla preferences don’t exactly match with Harper’s plans, he finds himself attracted to the big Dom.
Their worlds collide, leaving both men reeling. Harper is determined to show Flame the benefits of taking a ride on the wild side, but Flame cannot trust his heart to another man. What will it take to bring these two men together? It’s up to Harper, as the Dom, to make it happen… if it’s possible at all.
Review: Seriously, a Dom, best-selling author and an ex-rock star paired up with a sexy stripper and you can’t help but wonder what’s the catch, because it just can’t be as good as that.
I went into this book full of expectations, but it didn’t take all that long to realize I would have an issue with the writing. As soon as Hunter sees Flame, the dancer, he knows he would have him and despite everyone telling him Flame is out of his league and not into the lifestyle; Hunter is persistent enough to get what he wants.
The initial chemistry appealed to me, and I found myself enjoying the sparks between the characters and Hunter’s charm. But every once in a while he would come out with a statement that would just rub me the wrong way. I ignored it for the most part, but by the end of the book I had an opinion of him and it definitely influenced my rating.
Now, the writing style didn’t suite me at all as it happens sometimes, and I found the characters to be too conflicting. They switched from serious to dramatic when it came to Flame and as for Hunter, he was a real Dominant who lived the lifestyle one moment and then someone out of control of his emotions and with a too old-fashioned attitude when it came to subs. I think I probably disliked Hunter more, with his pushy personality and pompous behavior when in my opinion he had very little to offer. The whole conflict/hostage thing seemed over the top and more like a script to one of the old action movies than something to be taken seriously. I loved the starting heat between the guys, but as the story moved one and their character quirks came to the surface neither of them was convincing to me anymore and I lost the little interest I still had in the book.
The appearance of the side characters bored me to be honest. Their dynamics seemed all wrong and I just didn’t want to read about them. But that’s just another little detail among many that got to me in Hurt Me Good.
I don’t have much experience with this author’s work, but the one story I’ve read seemed more solid and it definitely had more defined characters. I’m thinking I’ll just write this down as a venture into something different, and hope for a much better next book.
Publisher: Self-Published (first published in Italy 2009 by Edizioni Croce) English Translation- 2012
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥3Hearts
Blurb: “I cover my lips with a thin layer of blue colour. I look at myself again.
A distorted figure on a white background. I am the one who doesn’t need it, the one who lives alone out of the House. I am the one who doesn’t have a name because it doesn’t matter, the one who doesn’t have a colour at the right place.”
Outskirts of Rome. An Okiya house in which seven boys live together as geisha; leaded by a transsexual Mama-san. They tell with their own words their love and how they sell away themselves..
Warning: Strong sexual content, violence and you will need tissues. Not a romance or a HEA.
Review: Geisha Boys is a very heart-wrenching poignant story of seven young boys plus their Mama-san and how they became rent-boys. I liked how each chapter began with a dossier (character profile) for that character, and then went into his thoughts. The story has a lot of metaphors and is beautifully written; almost prose like.
I recommend it to anyone that likes something different with no HEA, very rough sex, BDSM, rent boys, Golden Showers, a good cry and a reality check once in a while.
Blurb: Tate Mackenzie has signed on for a weekend of kinky fun at the hands of respected Dom, James Lucas. However, James has invited another man, twenty-four year-old Sebastian Doucette, to join in. Thrown together under James’ expert tutelage, the two men experience an instant attraction and begin a tentative relationship on their own time. But James hasn’t been entirely honest with the boys and soon Tate finds himself the focus of two infatuated men. How will he choose the man he wants or the lifestyle he desires to pursue?
Review: I’ve had a nice experience with one of Elisabeth Lister’s books and while that sounds kinky it’s nothing compared to the sexual tension and chemistry this author can create.
That said, I will get into this review with a warning – this is not a ménage, but rather a triangle which eventually ends with just two men together. It is mentioned in the blurb, but if you’re just skimming it like I did, and reading what you want to see you will miss it. So it happened that my whole experience of the book was clouded with my expectations and I analyzed the relationships according to them.
The whole story is told from Tate’s point of view and I read about his enthusiasm about finally having another session with this famous Dom. As the day approached his happiness was almost contagious, but then he found out that the session would involve another man, Sebastian. Tate wanted to meet Sebastian before actually getting naked with him and the sparks flying there were otherworldly. After their weekend with James, the Dom, they decide to explore their relationship a bit more despite having another scheduled session with James.
At first I was disappointed at first by the difference in the chemistry between Tate and James as opposed to the emotions between Tate and Sebastian. They were all supposed to be interested in each other, weren’t they? Instead James was all clipped and scene centered while Sebastian truly enjoyed every moment he and Tate had together. But then as I read on I realized it was actually a strong point of this story because it showed the difference between just a sexual meet, what the three of them experienced that first weekend and something deeper which was the case later on between Tate and Sebastian. Boy was I wrong.
The clipped and almost mechanical scenes continued throughout the story and for some reason I just couldn’t see Tate and Sebastian working out together long-term. When it comes to the professionalism of the sessions, I was pretty satisfied, but the negotiations were glazed over and that dimmed the experience for me some more.
By the end I was really struggling with the rating because the dynamics between the three was so wrong and didn’t work for me at all, but at the end, when I finally realized the book would end with just two men, I hated Tate’s final choice. Both Sebastian and James had their good points as well as bad, but I guess I’m more into the personality of the ‘loser’ in this story and that sealed the deal.
Since I’ve liked this author’s work before, I was surprised at the completely different flow of the story. It wasn’t really my thing even when I wanted to be amazed by it, so for the rest of you – pay attention to the blurb and jump in with your eyes open, tastes are different, and ours might be worlds apart.
Title: Finding Master Right
![WildRide[A]LG](http://mmgoodbookreviews.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/wildridealg-e1365645721784.jpg)
