Annery
Well nothing much to say but that this is how you do smut. aplause
This is part 2 of Pete & Damon's story. After Damon had his way him in Summer Heat Pete has found a way of turning the tables and having Damon as his play thing. And play they do!
This is a short one-handed read and also a load of fun.
The ending establishes what the dynamic of this relationship will be and I'm eager to for the next installment. More please
Wow. Me and Pete both had the wool pulled over our eyes. But in the end I think the surprised one was Damon as things didn't come out as he expected, but in a good way.
I won't say much except that Damon and Pete have a date outside their respective homes and it turns out totally different from what each expected.
This is a perfect installment in the story of Damon & Pete as it opens up the story and the world(s) these two inhabit and makes them real people on the page, particularly Damon who up until know seemed one dimensional. Make no mistake: the hotness of their interactions is intact expect now it's even better because we know more about these men and it ends on a gasp romantic note.
I'm drumming my fingers waiting for the next one. ;-)
3.75
Hmmm ... I liked this. I did. Mostly because it turned out to be something completely different from what I thought it would be. In a good way.
Firsts off if you're looking for a down & dirty sex and later hearts & flowers & unicorns this is not that book. If you are NOT into baseball step away from this book. If you want a quick thank you ma'am? Not this book.
The first half of this book is very much a work place romance, it just so happens that the work place is a baseball team. I'm no expert but I felt like the author got a pretty accurate picture of the locker room dynamics and the whole pre game rituals & superstitions of the players. Iggy & Matt meet at pivotal moments in their careers: Iggy is entering his first year in the majors and Matt is on his last legs. Literally. There's an immediate attraction. At first Iggy is star struck and Matt is lust struck.
I don't think I'm spoiling anything by saying that Matt gets traded and the guys realize that the “just sex relationship” which seemed convenient for two closeted players on the same team has changed and they forge ahead trying to work on a real relationship given the limitations that they have.
The book spans four years in the life of Iggy & Matt and that allows for a realism in the development not only of Iggy & Matt's relationship but in how they deal with being gay men in the world of professional sports and trying for honesty on and off the field. Perhaps the book would've benefited from some editing to make the story shorter, tighter. There could have been more narrative tension, more showing and less telling. I know some will quibble with so much baseball but it's a baseball book!
Being a New Yorker I feel that the author got the City right, at least geographically, but I highly doubt Iggy would be riding the train from Brooklyn to the East Side, more like a car service ... I'll let that slide because I did once have Keith Hernandez stand in front of me on the 5 train. He was headed to Yankee Stadium and I was on my way home so he had to switch to the 4 sigh. It was nice while it lasted but he was recognized. However being Dominican or of Dominican descent I have to take a stand on Iggy's mom making tamales! Unless the lady in question was Mexican or Central American and I missed that part? Tamales? NO. Just no.
Overall I enjoyed this book. Though the sexy times come on early and are indeed hot and though the MCs are pretty clear on their true feelings not long after, this book is still a slow burn because the story is not about them falling in lust and then love as is the usual story but rather what are you willing to sacrifice when your dreams change and how to balance life, love and career when it so happens you're a gay man in professional sports. There's angst but I'd say it is warranted. There are many good friends and family that surround them but we also get the ugly which keeps the story grounded and realistic.
Once again if you are not a baseball fan skip this because a good amount of the book if about the game.
Jack has come back to his home town to lick his wounds and recenter after being battered by life. This brings him back into Logan's orbit.
When Jack and Logan roomed together during their college years Logan was the ultimate party animal, sleeping his way through school but in a very heterosexual way, at least as far as Jack could tell and after one incident too many Jack moved out in order to save his heart from unrequited love. After school Jack moved north and had a life ... and then that ended.
When Jack comes back Logan has one night to convince him that all that transpired in the past was unimportant and that Jack was who he always wanted and that's where I got a little tripped up. The fault lies not in the story or how it's told but the brevity of it. It is a novella and these two did have a short hand due to their long dormant relationship but I did hope for more time to transpire during the story, more time between the talking and the “doing” and more about things that are alluded to but not fleshed out i.e. Jack's parents and family in general.
Overall I did enjoy this friends to lovers story and it does pack a lot of steam. The ending makes it a holiday story too so it was an early Christmas story for me ;-) Didn't so much love the ghost or supernatural turn but I guess it works in the X-mas spirit
Halloween is here and this is a good little nugget to get in the mood.This is your basic Zombie story with a Shifter thrown in for good measure but it oh so very charmingly done. Sounds weird to say about an Apocalyptic tale but there you have it and it's HOT too ‘cause what else would we do come End of Days. LOLWe have Parker from Boston who's just getting his bearings during his first semester away at school in Stanford. He gets a C in a Film Studies paper which he took as an easy-peasy class and goes to lodge a complain with the TA who turns out to be Adam. At first brush they clash and not in a good way but when they meet again as the virus breaks out they go on the run together on Adam's Harley “Mariah” and the rest is bing bang go! If you've watched anything from TWD to “World War Z” you know what's coming but we have the convenient and nice added surprise. Adam is a Werewolf. He's always hid his true nature from others and knows very little about being a Werewolf as his family died when he was a young boy, but it does come in handy.. Parker wants to head to Cape Cod in hopes of meeting up with his family and so starts our MCs cross country journey.I had a blast. I loved that though Parker is the younger and ostensibly nerdier, geekier, twinkier of the two he's plenty bossy, bad-ass and lippy when he needs to be. I loved that Parker is the one who initiates sex, dirty talks and is kinky enough to be turned on by Adam's were self. I love that people in this book acknowledge that Zombie movies & books have been around and use tips accordingly. Yes there's nothing earth shattering here and the boys do run into lots of good luck but I happily rolled with it because the guys are such good guys, plus the story is told from Parker's POV and he's good company. I like that [a:Keira Andrews 1366040 Keira Andrews https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1409084048p2/1366040.jpg] likes people and loves her characters. I'm sure she's not naive and knows there are a**holes along the road but she never dwells on them and for the most part her stories deal with basically good people trying to navigate tricky situations as best they can. Sometimes they fail but except for a few they are not overtly evil. I guess I have inadvertently become a Keira Andrews fan. It's a good thing. ;-)
This was a nice surprise.
In a few pages we get what it means to be an artist's muse and the nature of a profound and meaningful D/s relationship in a thoughtful yet concise way.
We get what it meant for Oliver to feel owned by Jeffrey: cared for and beautiful not demeaned; how he's okay with being put on display for art. I like how Jeffrey is not demonized post-mortem as some abuser or control freak but rather portrayed as a full participant in a loving D/s couple.
The crux of the story is Oliver finally overcoming grief and loss and learning to recognize and embrace himself as whole and worthy individual in spite of losing his partner. Good thing for him he meets “The Dark Collector” Henry who has admired him for years through Jeffrey's work and cares enough to try and give him what he needs to set him free from sorrow.
There is sex in the story. Intense at times and definitely sexy but it's really a story of hurt, comfort, art, second chances in life and lots more that is still spinning in my head. The whole time I was reading this I was thinking of Robert Mapplethorpe, particularly the recent documentary “Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures”.
The story ends in a perfect HFN but I'm very optimistic of a HEA not too far in the horizon.
About the audio: It isn't awful but ... it almost sounds like it was recorded on an iPhone in someone's closet or like an audition for a future professional recording. It lacks polish both in the quality of the recording and in the narrative voices used by [a:Toby Trail|14140058|Toby Trail|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png].
Suspend disbelief. Cancel the eye rolls. Tamp down the desire to smack these two upside the head (particularly you Mav). Say yes to the nonsense.
If you can manage all of the above you'll enjoy an hour or two of hot sexy jocks getting it on and you may even feel a moment of tenderness or two for these knuckleheads. If you need a short read during a commute or while you're in line at the DMV and are okay with getting your freak on in public give it a go. I just wear sunglasses and roll with it. ;)
Mav & Duke (don't you love the names?) are two seemingly clueless jocks coming to the end of their college careers living as non-gay roommates, except for the constant touching, sleeping in the same bed, the kissing etc., all in the name of dares.
The dares increase and so do the glass steaming scenes. And that is the raison d'être for this little slice of fun. Go with it and enjoy.
Did I believe any of it? Meh .... Did I care? Nope. Just checked out my thinking brain and took a fun ride. If I were to put any thought into it I would've strangled Mav ... but I'm not going there.
There is a nice twist to Duke which made me want to give him a big hug and then say “Dude!”
Bros rule! LOL
It's October baseball folks and this was perfect for the season. Another winner!I'm happy to say that this was different from what I thought it would be. Somehow I conjured a down and dirty, D/s thing ahem but I forgot this is [a:Keira Andrews 1366040 Keira Andrews https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1409084048p2/1366040.jpg] and so it is so much more and better.Nico is an up and coming rookie pitcher who has yet to master his emotions on and off the mound. Afraid to act on his sexuality, eager to live up to a father and brother who are also ball players and guilt over the death of his mother he's a bit of a head case. Enter Jake Fitzgerald, a guy on the last legs of his career and a bit jaded. Jake gets traded to Nico's team and management hopes that the paring of experienced catcher and rookie pitcher will bare fruit and it sure does.Aside from providing a very believable flavor and feel for the game, the locker room culture and the mind set of players Keira side steps the sometimes rote D/s relationships in favor of a grounded, real feeling dynamic between two people who happily sync when it comes to sex and life. Jake is the Dom and top here but only because that is what Nico wants and Jake prefers in the bedroom but otherwise Jake has the same fears, worries, regrets and second guessing as anyone does in life and has moments of weakness an vulnerability in which he allows and is glad for Nico's help.Nico benefits from a Dom in the bedroom which allows him to let go and be free of the angst and jitters and also to loosen the reigns of the tight control he always needs in his career. However he is no shrinking violet. He is decisive and assertive when he needs to and unconditional in his loyalty to Jake in spite of everything. I loved all the friends and family that surround these two. We know the world is full of a**holes and Keira doesn't ignore that but she also knows there are good people who are perhaps ignorant but willing to learn and she chooses to populate her books with them. I love it.As an added bonus this book had the feel of “Bull Durham” and that's a good thing. The future looks bright for Nico & Jake and I for one couldn't be happier. Looking forward to spring training. :-)
Review to Come but I freakin' loved this. On a roll with this series11/7/16 Finally time to write a review.Audio by [a:Nick Podehl 2803557 Nick Podehl https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1294338060p2/2803557.jpg] and [a:Saskia Maarleveld 5127861 Saskia Maarleveld https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1370715771p2/5127861.jpg] is fantastic.[a:Sarina Bowen 7737308 Sarina Bowen https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1402702789p2/7737308.jpg] has spun gold from what other writers would call scraps. Andy Baschnagel and Katie Vickery a.k.a “blond” Katie and The Baschnagel Boy from [b:The Year We Hid Away 21798646 The Year We Hid Away (The Ivy Years, #2) Sarina Bowen https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1396306727s/21798646.jpg 41053774] basically side characters who lend color in that book are thrust center stage and boy do they shine in the spotlight. We get to know Katie for more than the jock-dating, shallow party girl we thought her to be and we get a close up of Andy. Shy, socially awkward, bumbling Andy. Except he's not that guy at all. Even though he's a basketball player he's not the Alpha strutting cock, rather he's something better. He's the guy who knows exactly who he is. His strengths and weaknesses and he's okay with it. Every girl/guy deserves and needs an Andy Baschnagel in their life. He's the guy you want to be your long term love. He's the guy who will be by your side while you stand on your own. And Katie is really the girl we all are or want to be: rebelling against our mother's teachings while it runs deep in our veins. The girl who has made a few mistakes but blows out her hair and puts on her stilettos and struts into the bear's den or in this case a sorority party attended by her shitty ex (more on that below).These two find each other on an unexpected date but are smart enough to recognize good fortune when comes their way and that is refreshing.About Katie's ex: another dollop of Sarina Bowen's acumen and charm. In any other book Dash McGibb would be the absolute villain without a shade of anything but bad and yet ... SB recognizes that these are young people. The operative word being young. People finding out who they are, making mistakes and learning who they are along the way. Love it! Maybe there can be a Dash book somewhere along the way. claps
This is the second installment in the Ivy Years and it's a winner. We pick-up the following year with a new freshman class that brings Shannon Ellison a.k.a Scarlet Crowley to Harkness College. Scarlet is running from an ugly family scandal and hoping to reinvent herself which means giving up hockey and entering school as Scarlet a person devoid of a past. Also starting a new year is Bridger McCaulley, Harltey's best friend from [b:The Year We Fell Down 27846624 The Year We Fell Down (The Ivy Years, #1) Sarina Bowen https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1447776522s/27846624.jpg 40239717]. We had an idea in that book of what a tough cookie, straight shooter and loyal friend he is and now his mettle will be tested. He has become responsible for his eight year old sister while doing a double major and having no help mostly because he won't ask for it. Scarlet & Bridger meet and immediately click so the romantic aspect is not their problem but rather all the externals that they can't share with the world or each other. Truth be told they are too young to deal with these issues and when things finally boil over they discover that help, community and friends are not hard to find.I did one less star on this one precisely because there is perhaps a little more reliance on these externals than the growing of the kids as people and also because of some out of left-field revelations and stuff for Scarlet/Shannon.On another note can we please have a “more please” for Andy Baschnagel??? I'm so happy the next book is Andy's.***If you can get the audio by [a:Nick Podehl 2803557 Nick Podehl https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1294338060p2/2803557.jpg] and [a:Saskia Maarleveld 5127861 Saskia Maarleveld https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1370715771p2/5127861.jpg] you won't regret it.***
I wasn't too sure I'd be interested in reading about Steve as he was the “villain” of [b:Drunk in Love 20647672 Drunk in Love (More Than Friends, #2) Aria Grace https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1471915763s/20647672.jpg 39941157] the previous installment in this series. However villain is a strong word and whatever Zach & Ryan allowed to happen was perhaps born out of growing pains and stupidity but nonetheless a choice they made.Turns out Steve has been dealt a few bad hands in life and has also made bad and thoughtless choices but on the plus side he's not in denial and is willing and trying to redeem himself and go down new paths in his life. His chance comes in the form of Joey or as Steve calls him Little Duck, and abused member of a boy harem kept by a mafia boss.Steve rescues Joey from his abuser and starts to discover what it is to be thoughtful and selfless in a relationship. Joey gives the appearance of a shrinking violet but is in fact quite strong and exactly the right foil for Steve.If like myself you are a completist and are doing this series you won't be sorry to read this one. I know it seems like faint praise but ... it was just good. It didn't have me tingling inside. However I will say that Steve & Joey do complement each other quite well and I'm always happy for people finding their joy.The audio by [a:Michael Ferraiuolo 13467952 Michael Ferraiuolo https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] is quite nice. And it made sense to have a different narrator for a different character in the series.
You know when friends keep mentioning a certain restaurant and you are just like “no, I don't really like that kind of food” and then you get the menu and not only order but enjoy everything? Yep. That is me. Generally I don't much go for NA as a genre but I loved this!Corey Callahan is starting college a whole new person from who she was in high school and though he doesn't yet know it so is her dorm room neighbor Adam Hartley.Corey has a spinal cord injury due to an accident and will no longer be able to play hockey while Hartley broke a leg and will be off the ice for the season. They meet as neighbors and pretty quickly bond as friends though Corey would like more but Hartley has a girlfriend to whom he is loyal. I like how they each go on their separate emotional and physical journeys but at the same time become a perfectly synchronized unit.Some have complained about Hartley's relationship with Stacia and his loyalty to her. I am of the opposite opinion. I perfectly understand and he explains why someone like him would be with her and his loyalty is something to be lauded in my mind. I think that sometimes when adults review these YA or NA books they forget the age of the protagonists and what is appropriate and logical behavior at their age. I like that [a:Sarina Bowen 7737308 Sarina Bowen https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1402702789p2/7737308.jpg] has created interesting and well rounded characters who have strengths and weaknesses. I like that there were no villains to create drama, just young people learning their way into the adult world, even Stacia turns out to be not a bad egg. I love Hartley & Corey as a couple and all the friends, family and acquaintances that surround them.Finally I very much liked that there was no miracle cure for Corey but rather a realistic learning curve to lead a normal life as disabled or differently abled person.Brava Ms. Bowen for making us believe that in spite of being still in college these two have a HEA in their future. ***If you can add the audio by [a:Nick Podehl 2803557 Nick Podehl https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1294338060p2/2803557.jpg] and [a:Saskia Maarleveld 5127861 Saskia Maarleveld https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1370715771p2/5127861.jpg] it's totally worth it.***
3.5 This is the continuation of Ryan & Zach's story. The story picks up seven months after [b:More Than Friends 16240204 More Than Friends (More Than Friends #1) Aria Grace https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1471915735s/16240204.jpg 22245404] left off and boy Ryan has taken to life as a gay man like a fish to water. Let's just say he's no stranger to gay porn sites and not necessarily the vanilla ones. No judgement. He's totally into Zach and has jumped with both feet into the relationship which is on the fast lane to HEA.The guys go on a long weekend trip to Portland where Zach has some business meetings. While there they go to dinner at Steve's house. Steve happens to be Zach's ex and lets just say that things don't go well. At all. A separation ensues and I don't know about Zach but for Ryan it's a watershed moment where he gets to seriously embrace himself as a gay man, come out to his parents, and think about what it is and means to be in love with Zach. There's a bit of drama and the resolution is again somewhat rushed. I would've liked another chapter or at least an epilogue but I still trusted the HEA and wouldn't be averse to visiting with these two again.***The narration by [a:Douglas Dale 9878197 Douglas Dale https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] is very good.***
If you've read FSOG and all that came after you may say that this a retread of that same story and up to a point it is. However if you have not or can set them aside you may be pleasantly surprised. It is well done, well written and the protagonists are much more likable, particularly Alexa Holland.In the usual fashion for these stories we have a man who has overcome a terrible childhood and made himself a Master of The Universe at a relatively young age. In this case Caine Carraway he has witnessed his mother's descent into drug addiction, death and later his father's suicide.Enter Alexa Holland who desperately wants to make some sort of amends for her family's role in Caine's terrible past. As these things go Alexa ends up working as a PA for Caine, who has hired her apparently just for the purpose of making her pay for family sins. And of course uncontrollable lust ensues and they embark on a friends with benefits and later lovers arrangement. Yep. One of those. Caine is the usual mixed-up a**hole up to about 70% of the book, always pushing her away and denying that they work as a couple and could be so much more than an affair. The real star here is Alexa. She's strong and clear on who she is and what she wants from life and is willing to put herself out there. She may not be one of those kick ass heroines, not in an overt fashion, but still has spine. It is true that she does stick around for maybe too much of Caine's nonsense but she's being a fighter for what she wants and deserves. Perhaps she skirts being a little too close to her mother's past mistakes. The sex is wonderful all the more so because Alexa is an unapologetic sexual being who enjoys sex and isn't some demure virgin. She and Caine are sizzling and heir puzzle pieces fit.I loved Effie and would have loved to have a second book about Henry but alas his story is wrapped up in the epilogue. Bummer. Finally this was an audio for me and all I have to say is that one whole star of my rating is for [a:Angelica Lee 12635942 Angelica Lee https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]. Her narration is perfection, including the male voices.
3.75 I read this last year and then again this past summer and for some reason failed on both occasions to rate it. However that is no reflection on my enjoyment of the book. I did enjoy it. As a matter of fact the second read came about because I saw there was an audio available and remembered the book fondly enough to give the audio a go. I'm happy I did. [a:Douglas Dale 9878197 Douglas Dale https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] can read anything.This is the story of Ryan, a heretofore straight college student who unexpectedly discovers that he has feelings for a guy. Yes. A GFY story. Though I have a shelf for this trope I don't actually believe in it. I believe in people having late blooming bisexuality and that's a beautiful thing.Ryan goes drinking with a friend and ends up crashing on the sofa of a girl he met at the bar. There is no spark with her but the same can't be said about the attraction that develops with Zach, her cousin who also happens to be an out and proud grad student, TA and gamer. I liked that Ryan and Zach first go out as friends. Zach is a gregarious guy and Ryan is making an effort to expand his social circle and though he doesn't consciously admit it, also trying to find what's lacking in his life.Being that this is a novella things progress rather quickly though not unsatisfactorily. Zach is patient and caring and Ryan's internal struggle doesn't drag out forever and furthermore is believable. The book ends in a very sweet, slightly rushed HFN which is fine because there's a sequel to the story. clap, clap, clap
If you're offended by women being called bitches, whores, property etc. don't even bother with this. However if you want to take a fun ride, with people who live their lives perhaps outside your comfort zone, but honest and true to a moral and ethical code, try this. You may be pleasantly surprised. I was. I did this as an audio so I can't attest to how well written it was or not but I will say that [a:Joanna Wylde 223343 Joanna Wylde https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1458412548p2/223343.jpg] didn't gussie up the main characters. They are who they are. And [a:Stella Bloom 7205549 Stella Bloom https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] was excellent.Marie has come back to the trailer home she grew up in to live with her stoner brother after the final straw (a back-hand) in her straight out-of-high school bad marriage. While living there and through her brother's business dealings she meets members of the Reapers MC and specifically Horse who takes more than a passing interest in her. After a couple of false starts Horse and Marie get together, under less than auspicious circumstances Marie will be the collateral until Jeff repays funds that he has stolen from the Club but Ms. Wylde doesn't drag this out and kudos to her. Pretty soon the cards are on the table these two different people decide to give an honest go at a relationship. It's a fast, bumpy and sexed up ride and my best advice is to just enjoy it. Ms. Wylde does a good job of explaining/justifying the social hierarchy in the MC particularly the status of women. It ain't pretty. But above all she effectively conveys the sexual attraction between Horse & Marie and in the end that's the crux of this story. Through thick and thin these two have the hots for each other and it turns out they're good together too. Go figure! When I get my next Audible credit I may do the next one. ;-)
3.5This the third book in the Portland Heat series which can all be read as stand-alones. This one deals with Chris, the oldest 35 year old in the world! With his ex, Randy, he owns People's Cup, which has two locations and each stays in their corner of Portland. Along comes Lance, the most up-beat, optimistic, perfect whole package. He's the new bakery delivery guy. He's taking over from his cousin Vic from [b:Baked Fresh 23450161 Baked Fresh (Portland Heat, #2) Annabeth Albert https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1416339868s/23450161.jpg 43012647]. He's a full time, perfect-GPA-college student, loving brother, good son, popular friend, good dancer, sizzling hot and ... inexplicably all gaga over Chris. Chris who's maybe 13 years older than him but is obsessed with reminding Lance of how young he is. Chris who is miserable & bitter over where his life and choices have led him, including his ex. Chris who's been stewing for two years having his most meaningful relationships with the fish in his apartment. So yeah ... attractive.I did warm up to Chris later and saw how he, even if reluctantly at first, does provide an oasis of calm for Lance and takes care of him in ways that are perhaps lacking in Lance's hectic life. What I didn't get was what was Lance's original attraction. Perhaps the difficulty came from the fact that the book is told from Chris' POV and perhaps he doesn't sell himself very well being as he is quite self effacing to the point that taking his picture is a feat for Lance. I think he's a bearded, tattooed, tall, red-head which would normally push all my buttons but I had to really close read to get that. Maybe we needed a couple of chapters from Lance's POV.In the end a nice and believable romance develops between these two and I was ready to say yes to Lance way before Chris. As a matter of fact I wanted to smack Chris and shake him out of his self-sacrificing, I'm-too-old, not-good-enough-for-you nonsense. The final resolution and the epilogue worked nicely for me. All in all a nice low angst way to spend a couple of hours. Mostly for Lance. He is the perfect guy. sigh
**4.75 Because if I gave it a 5 I'd feel disloyal to Scott & Tad **I'd been waiting about a year for Max & Sean's story. We were introduced to Max and subsequently Sean during the successive installments of the [b:Upending Tad, A Journey of Erotic Discovery 31338640 Upending Tad, A Journey of Erotic Discovery Kora Knight https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1470193403s/31338640.jpg 52013318] series and got a salivating slice of them in the [b:Sideline Submission 26188475 Sideline Submission (Up-Ending Tad A Journey of Erotic Discovery, #3) Kora Knight https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1440876697s/26188475.jpg 43191433] part so needless to say I was crazy eager to know what deliciousness [a:Kora Knight 8529860 Kora Knight https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1473434379p2/8529860.jpg] had in store for us. However I must acknowledge that I have a Hate/Love/Hate relationship with Doms. Let me explain.I love my subs, can totally understand their needs and desires and mentally understand that to be Happy a Sub needs a Dom to satisfy his/her needs but my rebellious mind wants to drop-kick Doms when they make Subs kneel, leash them, cage them, flog them etc. and my skin crawls at their satisfaction from another's subservience and surrender. They strike me as low self esteem megalomaniacs. So why do I read these D/s stories? Frankly I'm starting to suspect I'm a bit of a masochist. This whole digression is to say that these BDSM stories have a high hurdle for me. The author needs to show/convince me of the rightness of the relationship, of the Dom's deep and utter care for his Sub, of the love underpinning every exchange. It doesn't have to be sexual/couple love but a caring on the part of Dom for the Sub beyond any gratification for himself. I am thrilled to say that Kora has soared beyond all my expectations. She doesn't pick up Max & Sean's story where we last saw them in the [b:Upending Tad, A Journey of Erotic Discovery 31338640 Upending Tad, A Journey of Erotic Discovery Kora Knight https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1470193403s/31338640.jpg 52013318] series, specifically [b:Afterglow 26836397 Afterglow (Up-Ending Tad A Journey of Erotic Discovery #6) Kora Knight https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1443581890s/26836397.jpg 46001137], but rather she takes us back to the beginning, to Max's childhood and adolescence and the events that made him become the man Sean meets. This is a great decision. It allows those who haven't read the Scott & Tad series to jump in without missing anything (though they should totally remedy that ASAP) and for everyone to get the WHY of Max's current mind set: being a Dom but having no relationships outside of his dungeon, which are strictly professional. Yes he cares for the well being of his Subs/Clients but he allows no personal emotional involvement. His closest relationship is with Scott with whom he shares a brotherly bond. As an aside I must say that I choked up a bit when we first meet Scott, a boy who is light years away from the gorgeous man from the [b:Upending Tad, A Journey of Erotic Discovery 31338640 Upending Tad, A Journey of Erotic Discovery Kora Knight https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1470193403s/31338640.jpg 52013318] series. Fortunately for Max along comes Sean. sighSean who has is own story of a less than stellar childhood, which has warped his adult relationships but who's willing to put himself out there for what he wants, who's curious, daring and brave like a cat which coincidentally is a pet name Max uses for him. And like a cat Sean is making his way into Max's life on his own terms even though Max thinks he's the one laying down all the rules. Sean who's mere presence is causing cracks in Max's armor. Yes. I'm a big Sean fan and if Max is who will make him happy I'm crushing a bit on Max too. I already liked him for being such a stand up friend to Scott but now that I know where he's coming from and know that he does have the capacity to love deeply and wholeheartedly I can't wait for the walls to come crumbling down so that Max can finally allow himself to love and be loved in return. In brief to be HAPPY. At the end of this installment we can't say that Max & Sean are in love, more like Sean is in-like and eager to explore his new found kinks and his attraction to Max and poor Max is lulled into believing that he's just enjoying himself with a Sub who's compatible with his dominant side. Such fools we are. LOLMake no mistake. Max is truly a Dom who enjoys his kinks so be ready. Kora doesn't shy from the hard stuff and if you read [b:Sideline Submission 26188475 Sideline Submission (Up-Ending Tad A Journey of Erotic Discovery, #3) Kora Knight https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1440876697s/26188475.jpg 43191433] you'll know what I mean. My only complaint is that I now have to wait until the end of November to get my grabby hands on Part 2 of this beauty.**Warning for those who are very sensitive: child abuse and suicide are both subjects touched upon in this book but not dwelt on ad nauseam. **
I was thinking about why I like reading, watching movies, plays or Art in general and though I thought it was going to be something like “for entertainment” “for escapism” those are not truly the main reasons. It's because I'm infinitely and unabashedly curious about other human beings. What they like, what makes them tick, what life story or experience brought them to this pass and that brings me to this book. I've seen some reviews where people complain or dislike the book because “Malin is mean” or “the BDSM is really raw or not SSC” while I was so glad to have a real life relationship even though none of what Malin & Avery do turns me on except to be glad it makes them happy.
Let me explain. This is the story of two grown men, one a bit immature and the other almost entombed, who fall stumbling, tripping and ignorantly into a D/s and somewhat S&M relationship.
The story is told from Avery's POV and he IS the heart of the book. I love him. I love being in his head, even when he's being annoying. He's irreverent, smart, self-deprecating but not unaware of his professional talent and not a total pushover either. He's also generous and gregarious and brave and I really admire that. He's open and self-aware enough to discover and embrace a heretofore unacknowledged penchant for being “hurt” as a sexual turn on, specifically by his boss. He goes for it.
In the first half of the book, up to chapter 10, the relationship does seem very one sided and perhaps even dangerous, as Avery's friends keep insisting, and that may be true. But as much as I adored Avery and was worried sick for him I also looked back to myself & people I know and all the dumb shit we did and still do that on paper we know is bad or even wrong for us and we do it anyway.
Because we get that breath of life from it, because nothing else ever felt the same, because if the world ends tomorrow we had that moment in time.
So Avery being Avery he jumps without looking into the deep end of the pool and Malin follows him. People seem to think that Malin is just being an a**hole but the truth is that he's as in the dark about BDSM as Avery but just responds to something after having his life on ice due to “reasons”. Proceed to the next half of the book and the light will shine in all the right places.
Avery and Malin find a form of D/s that works for both of them in the manner that most people do: making mistakes, stewing over them and when all else fails talking. And for those who are sticklers over the rules we have Avery's coworker/friend Justin and his boyfriend Brandon who are a by-the-book, card-carrying Dom/sub couple.
In the beginning Malin seems like nothing more than a monosyllabic Sadist taking advantage and yet as Avery later observes: “Why didn't he realize most of Malin's weird behavior is simply that he's awkward?” Even though this is Avery's story to tell the character who really, grew, changed, made life altering choices and passed with flying colors is Malin. I was so happy for both of them by the end that I was going for a group hug but I don't think Malin has changed that much and Thank God! LOL
May I add that I was thrilled that Avery's issues where only romantic relationship centered. He has fantastic friends, a good job at which he excels and kick-ass parents. I love this.
There's a bit of an age difference, 15 yrs or so and what some may think of as a GFY factor but seriously it doesn't even come to mind because these are so non-issues for the MCs, I even forgot about it ‘til just now.
I did the Audio on this too and [a:Derrick McClain|13845656|Derrick McClain|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1431050448p2/13845656.jpg] is perfection in his choice of pacing and distinct voices for every character. Excellent.
This was a wonderful book about redemption, the power of love and the important things in life.
The story is told almost like a fable and takes place in an alternate, but recognizable world, which is imaginatively constructed and detailed to satisfy a sense of realism.
Enitan is a well-to-do, but purposeless young man about town who through fault or omission finds himself banished to The Downs a place rumored to be populated by torturing Demons and worse. What he finds is much different thanks to his rescue by Rig, an enigmatic, healing, gentle but scared hulk of a man.
Under Rig's care Enitan starts to heal physically and spiritually and to see the true value of things and to recognize the beauty in cruel nature, flawed creatures and the power of goodness for goodness sake.
The hurt-comfort in this story had me melting like jelly inside because every emotion is hard earned and real. This is the kind of story that you want to read when you're feeling low because you'll be reacquainted with the power of love, the resilience of the human spirit and to see that blessings do sometimes come dressed as a curse. Go figure.
I'm sure I will be revisiting this story to be enveloped by the warmth of Rig and the love he freely gives.
Re-read 4/21/18
Whatever I said below and I'll add that this is another bit of Matt & Aaron getting to know each other as a couple: quirks, likes, manias etc. It's a good thing and part of what continues to make these two believable as real people. People you'd encounter at brunch, the market, or a club.
***********
Aaron is having the Big Three -O and thanks to Jay a “small party” of 80 gathers at Peter & Jay's house to celebrate the birthday boy.
Matt continues to be ga ga over his luck at landing this beautiful creature as his own which makes him an unhappy camper when he feels that someone else is getting handsy with his man and boy do I love a jealous Matt. And I suspect that Aaron isn't complaining because he does get a Happy Birthday.
Another enjoyable stop in the Matt & Aaron journey to a true HEA
The story is a bit unpolished, but Lane makes that clear at the beginning so no grading on editing just on pleasure and these two are always my cuppa. ;-)
Two questions: Why did I have this sitting, unread in my Kindle for so long? And when will the next book be out?I seriously liked this book. No scratch that. I loved this book. Why? Because the author is going for and succeeds in writing more than a romance. This is an astutely observed character study, a fairly accurate police procedural, a tight suspense/thriller and believable relationship drama between a series of characters that you can't help but want to know more about. The book is long but not in a filler or gratuitous way and never boring. We get the history and the reasons why the characters behave how they do and the icing on the cake is the simmering to scalding relationship that ignites between Austin & Peter.The story however really is about Austin Glass and the unraveling of his tightly wound life.Austin is maybe a little bit selfish, snarky, blind to things that don't involve him or what he wants and quick to strike or shut down before it happens to him. So like I was saying: human. And then Peter comes into his life and everything breaks and that's the best thing ever!This is an insta-lust, slow-burn story where there's intense kissing, BJs, and some frottage but no sex-sex on page and you won't miss it. The progression of lust to real emotion between the MCs is realistic and gut wrenching and ultimately rewarding on every level.I can honestly say that I wanted to spend more time with almost every character here: the wonderful Agelica, Luis and his forbearance, Dave who may be flawed but is ultimately a good friend, Darryl the tough cookie wrapped in a pink hoodie, Rosa who had me at the mention of Burek, Cai with his flawed brilliance and of course Peter, wise beyond his years but with good reason. Loyal to a fault and protective of his heart yet willing to make space for Austin and his myriad issues.Oh Austin. Austin. Austin. The story is told from his POV and we are in excellent and entertaining hands. He's so fed up and yet still an inherently good guy. When, and this is not a spoiler, his HEA comes it is so deserved and satisfying that I had a smile for the rest of the afternoon and immediately started looking for the sequel which is apparently nowhere to found. Life is cruel. I also had the audio by [a:Joseph Norton 5711445 Joseph Norton https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] and maybe I didn't love it, felt slightly rushed at times, but it kind of grew on me and I didn't hate it. ***
This a story of second chances in life in quite a literal way.
Robin & Vic meet at Victory Shelter where they both volunteer. Each is on the path of overcoming life issues and in a sense trying on a new skin.
Robin is a young (23) recovering addict, who has a strained relationship with his family. He has just broken up with a not so nice boyfriend and suffers from survivor's guilt.
Vic is 33 and after devastating losses has transformed himself professionally and physically. And he's been loving' on Robin from afar for a long time until he decides take a chance and go after him if only as a “rebound” guy.
Luckily for us and them things don't stay in the casual mode mostly due to the awesomeness that is Vic. You would be hard pressed to get more lucky than to be loved by Vic. Robin has hit the jackpot. Vic may not be physically perfect like most of the MCs we are used to in romance but he makes up for his perceived shortcomings by being the man Robin needs at any given moment: nurturer, lover and a strong hand to save him from himself in dark hours. He does all this despite his fears and struggles. He does it because he loves Robin wholeheartedly.
I liked the first book in the series but this story I loved. I wished it was longer so that we could have more time with these two perfectly flawed men.