by Christine d'Abo
CHOOSE YOUR SHOT was a unique, erotic adventure that was fun to read, and reread, and reread again.
Tegan has been waiting a year for Maverick’s, her favorite BDSM club, to reopen since a fire destroyed much of the building. Now the club is rebuilt and under new management and Tegan has to decide what flavor of play she is in the mood for. Her choices include subbing to Grant, a Dom she had a brief, one night encounter with a year ago, or playing Domme with Adam, a co-worker she is surprised to learn is in the lifestyle. And then there is Eli, another switch like Tegan, whom she has a long history with and is emotionally attached to.
This book truly is a ‘choose your own adventure.’ I have not read one of these books since grade school, and certainly have never read one in this genre. I had a blast reading this. I am fairly certain I read and reread until I exhausted every possible opportunity and ending. While I had my favorite partner and story, it was fun to explore all the possibilities. There were scenes to satisfy the Domme and the sub as well as the voyeur. There are multiple kinks to explore and multiple partners to explore them with.
This book was a pleasure to read, not only for the story but for the adventure!
Monday, September 16, 2013
Friday, August 30, 2013
Capture & Surrender
by L.A. Witt & Aleksandr Voinov
CAPTURE & SURRENDER is an amazing exploration of the emotional journey from loss of love to acceptance of loneliness to discovery of new possibilities.
Frank, owner of Market Garden, is initially happy when his bartender introduces him to a new possible employee. One of Frank’s most lucrative rentboys has just quit and Frank needs someone else to draw in the crowds- and he believes Stefan can do just that. Stefan is rugged and commanding and looking hot in his camos. The bad news is that Stefan tempts Frank to break his own rule about not fraternizing with his employees. But everything about Stefan is a turn on for Frank and he can’t stay away. Frank decides to invite Stefan to participate in a private, kinky, paintball game. Frank has been part of his friends’ private, “special rules”, paintball league for years, but he is the first to volunteer to referee so he can’t be captured and forced to surrender to his captor’s demands. When Stefan joins the league he decides he doesn’t like those rules and seeks to capture himself one referee! While Frank is attracted to Stefan he believes there are too many obstacles in their way for any sort of future- Frank is older, Stefan is a rentboy and Frank’s employee, and Frank’s heart is still broken from the death of his partner years before. But when Stefan keeps pushing the boundaries of their relationship Frank is forced to take a good look at his life and open himself up to new possibilities.
This story was so, so, so fantastic. While it was a bit of a deviation from the steamy hot, erotic sex of the previous Market Garden books, the depth of emotions completely made up for that. Frank is the most beautiful and dynamic character that is on this twisty, loopy emotional roller coaster that at times gives him an adrenaline high, at times makes him want to throw up, and almost throughout makes him feel scared. Frank has experienced an incredible loss and it has affected him in two ways: 1) he doesn’t ever want to have to go through it again, and 2) he doesn’t want anyone else to ever have to go through it. Because of these strong feelings Frank has pretty much resigned himself to being alone for the rest of his life. Frank, however, does not wallow and focuses his energy on his work and his fantastic and supportive friends. Geoff and Mike are the perfect friends and supporting characters. They are very intuitive of Frank’s moods and needs and offer him comfort and support when he needs it most.
Stefan is the unknown. Frank knows nothing more about him than he has been in the military, he is young, he is American, he is hot, and he is a rentboy. Frank doesn’t know his life experiences or his beliefs and attitudes towards sex and relationships. Stefan is determined to get Frank’s attention and force Frank to look past the age difference and the employee/employer issues. Luckily he doesn’t have to try too hard or for very long. But the expansion of their relationship is not easy and causes some problems for Frank at work and on the paintball field- which kicks Frank’s doubts and fears into high gear all over again. It also forces both of them to face some demons and make some serious decisions about their futures.
The interactions between all of the characters are so honest and the emotions seemed to jump off the page at me. I laughed and cried and felt nervous and excited right along with the characters. Another victory for the Market Garden series- keep ‘em coming!
CAPTURE & SURRENDER is an amazing exploration of the emotional journey from loss of love to acceptance of loneliness to discovery of new possibilities.
Frank, owner of Market Garden, is initially happy when his bartender introduces him to a new possible employee. One of Frank’s most lucrative rentboys has just quit and Frank needs someone else to draw in the crowds- and he believes Stefan can do just that. Stefan is rugged and commanding and looking hot in his camos. The bad news is that Stefan tempts Frank to break his own rule about not fraternizing with his employees. But everything about Stefan is a turn on for Frank and he can’t stay away. Frank decides to invite Stefan to participate in a private, kinky, paintball game. Frank has been part of his friends’ private, “special rules”, paintball league for years, but he is the first to volunteer to referee so he can’t be captured and forced to surrender to his captor’s demands. When Stefan joins the league he decides he doesn’t like those rules and seeks to capture himself one referee! While Frank is attracted to Stefan he believes there are too many obstacles in their way for any sort of future- Frank is older, Stefan is a rentboy and Frank’s employee, and Frank’s heart is still broken from the death of his partner years before. But when Stefan keeps pushing the boundaries of their relationship Frank is forced to take a good look at his life and open himself up to new possibilities.
This story was so, so, so fantastic. While it was a bit of a deviation from the steamy hot, erotic sex of the previous Market Garden books, the depth of emotions completely made up for that. Frank is the most beautiful and dynamic character that is on this twisty, loopy emotional roller coaster that at times gives him an adrenaline high, at times makes him want to throw up, and almost throughout makes him feel scared. Frank has experienced an incredible loss and it has affected him in two ways: 1) he doesn’t ever want to have to go through it again, and 2) he doesn’t want anyone else to ever have to go through it. Because of these strong feelings Frank has pretty much resigned himself to being alone for the rest of his life. Frank, however, does not wallow and focuses his energy on his work and his fantastic and supportive friends. Geoff and Mike are the perfect friends and supporting characters. They are very intuitive of Frank’s moods and needs and offer him comfort and support when he needs it most.
Stefan is the unknown. Frank knows nothing more about him than he has been in the military, he is young, he is American, he is hot, and he is a rentboy. Frank doesn’t know his life experiences or his beliefs and attitudes towards sex and relationships. Stefan is determined to get Frank’s attention and force Frank to look past the age difference and the employee/employer issues. Luckily he doesn’t have to try too hard or for very long. But the expansion of their relationship is not easy and causes some problems for Frank at work and on the paintball field- which kicks Frank’s doubts and fears into high gear all over again. It also forces both of them to face some demons and make some serious decisions about their futures.
The interactions between all of the characters are so honest and the emotions seemed to jump off the page at me. I laughed and cried and felt nervous and excited right along with the characters. Another victory for the Market Garden series- keep ‘em coming!
Christmas on 4th Street
by Susan Mallery
CHRISTMAS ON 4TH STREET allows us to return to Fool’s Gold for another holiday season filled with family, fun, and festivals.
Gabe Boylan is only in town briefly to spend the holidays with his twin brother and his new family, and their parents. Neither Gabe or his brother, Gideon, have spent a holiday, or any extended time, with their parents in years. There are tensions and poor childhood memories blocking their path to happy family bonding. However, Gideon’s new wife is determined to have a successful family Christmas. While in town Gabe runs into new Christmas store owner Noelle. Noelle is not having much luck with her college-age employees who are much more interested in skiing than working; and it is the store’s busiest season. Luckily, Gabe is looking for something to keep him occupied, and out of the house while his parents are there, so he offers to work at the store. Gabe and Noelle work well together and have fun together and neither can deny the growing attraction between the two of them. But Gabe is not made for small town life and he is counting his days until he can leave Fool’s Gold…
Gabe is fantastic and I love how jaded he is at the beginning of the story. He is preparing to see his tough military father who believed in a strict home, and the mother who was too passive to stand up to him. He is on medical leave from his job, which he’s good at, but it isn’t necessarily what he wants to be doing. He is in pain and not dealing well with that. And then there is the town of Fool’s Gold throwing him completely off balance. People he doesn’t know are overly friendly and know an awful lot about him. There are Christmas decorations and festivals that are not Gabe’s usual scene. And Noelle is so sweet, and honest, and in love with the Christmas holiday that he’s not sure he can manage being with her. And Gabe’s belief that love is dangerous has caused a hard shell to build around his heart. Gabe is so out of his element and so uncomfortable that it was pure pleasure to watch his shell crack. Gabe is given some hope when he sees his brother happy and with a family after being held hostage and tortured in the military. He also can’t help but warm up to Gideon’s wife and son, and the people of Fool’s Gold who keep inserting themselves into his life.
Noelle is just getting settled into Fool’s Gold after leaving everything about her past life behind to start fresh and follow her dreams. After facing a life-threatening illness, Noelle appreciates all life has to offer and understands that it can all be taken away too quickly. Her beliefs on love couldn’t be any further from those of Gabe’s, but that doesn’t mean she finds him any less attractive. And because she knows life can be short, she is willing to risk her heart on a man who has his tightly guarded. She is such a sweet and honest character. While she struggles with some feelings of jealousy regarding her friends’ happiness and love, she is genuinely thrilled that they are getting married and having children. And with Christmas being my favorite holiday, I felt a little extra connected to Noelle!
I enjoyed the characters and the relationship. These two were honest and straightforward and both went into their relationship with open eyes. While they weren’t on the same page as far as long-term goals, they were able to agree to some short-term fun and let fate handle the rest.
CHRISTMAS ON 4TH STREET allows us to return to Fool’s Gold for another holiday season filled with family, fun, and festivals.
Gabe Boylan is only in town briefly to spend the holidays with his twin brother and his new family, and their parents. Neither Gabe or his brother, Gideon, have spent a holiday, or any extended time, with their parents in years. There are tensions and poor childhood memories blocking their path to happy family bonding. However, Gideon’s new wife is determined to have a successful family Christmas. While in town Gabe runs into new Christmas store owner Noelle. Noelle is not having much luck with her college-age employees who are much more interested in skiing than working; and it is the store’s busiest season. Luckily, Gabe is looking for something to keep him occupied, and out of the house while his parents are there, so he offers to work at the store. Gabe and Noelle work well together and have fun together and neither can deny the growing attraction between the two of them. But Gabe is not made for small town life and he is counting his days until he can leave Fool’s Gold…
Gabe is fantastic and I love how jaded he is at the beginning of the story. He is preparing to see his tough military father who believed in a strict home, and the mother who was too passive to stand up to him. He is on medical leave from his job, which he’s good at, but it isn’t necessarily what he wants to be doing. He is in pain and not dealing well with that. And then there is the town of Fool’s Gold throwing him completely off balance. People he doesn’t know are overly friendly and know an awful lot about him. There are Christmas decorations and festivals that are not Gabe’s usual scene. And Noelle is so sweet, and honest, and in love with the Christmas holiday that he’s not sure he can manage being with her. And Gabe’s belief that love is dangerous has caused a hard shell to build around his heart. Gabe is so out of his element and so uncomfortable that it was pure pleasure to watch his shell crack. Gabe is given some hope when he sees his brother happy and with a family after being held hostage and tortured in the military. He also can’t help but warm up to Gideon’s wife and son, and the people of Fool’s Gold who keep inserting themselves into his life.
Noelle is just getting settled into Fool’s Gold after leaving everything about her past life behind to start fresh and follow her dreams. After facing a life-threatening illness, Noelle appreciates all life has to offer and understands that it can all be taken away too quickly. Her beliefs on love couldn’t be any further from those of Gabe’s, but that doesn’t mean she finds him any less attractive. And because she knows life can be short, she is willing to risk her heart on a man who has his tightly guarded. She is such a sweet and honest character. While she struggles with some feelings of jealousy regarding her friends’ happiness and love, she is genuinely thrilled that they are getting married and having children. And with Christmas being my favorite holiday, I felt a little extra connected to Noelle!
I enjoyed the characters and the relationship. These two were honest and straightforward and both went into their relationship with open eyes. While they weren’t on the same page as far as long-term goals, they were able to agree to some short-term fun and let fate handle the rest.
Wireless
by L.A. Witt
In WIRELESS, we are taken to a futuristic society where touch is forbidden and sex is only had by fugitives in underground clubs.
In an effort to rid the world of sexually transmitted diseases and the deaths they were causing, the government has banned sex and any physical contact that might lead to sex. Everyone is required to wear head-to-toe suits, including gloves, to avoid skin to skin contact. However, the government recognizes that sexual release is needed to keep people from going mad, so they have created simhouses. This is where people go to get their prescribed dose of orgasms… from a virtual reality machine.
Keith has worked in a simhouse for years and was never effected by the nudity or sexual simulations until Aiden started coming in for sessions. Keith can't explain his feelings towards Aiden, but he knows he has to have his sessions right after Aiden leaves to curb the desire he feels. When Aiden requests a sim partner that looks just like Keith, it confirms Keith's suspicions that Aiden has been flirting with him. Aiden risks his job and his freedom by telling Keith that he participates in wireless sex in underground clubs and wants Keith to come with him. Keith can't resist the temptation and once he's experienced wireless sex, he can't imagine his life without it. Or Aiden.
This story was so unique from anything else I've ever read. I love the idea of using disease elimination as a platform to outlaw sex, but not sexual release. Is this the government's way of making sure people don't go crazy from a buildup of sexual desire or a way for the government to make money through the simhouses? Or both.
The storyline was so detailed and thought out, for example, people not even being able to touch skin with another person for fear of it creating sexual desire. And the illicit underground clubs where people go not just for sex but just to touch other people. The exploration of the idea that humans are meant to have contact with other humans to be functional members of society is fantastic. I loved the author's depictions of the addictive qualities of sex and the risks people will take to get it, like a drug!
The relationship between Aiden and Keith is very sweet and filled with adventure and emotional turmoil. They show us that love is worth taking risks for.
This was a great story that I would love to see expanded upon in a sequel. There are so many more things the author could explore in this world!
In WIRELESS, we are taken to a futuristic society where touch is forbidden and sex is only had by fugitives in underground clubs.
In an effort to rid the world of sexually transmitted diseases and the deaths they were causing, the government has banned sex and any physical contact that might lead to sex. Everyone is required to wear head-to-toe suits, including gloves, to avoid skin to skin contact. However, the government recognizes that sexual release is needed to keep people from going mad, so they have created simhouses. This is where people go to get their prescribed dose of orgasms… from a virtual reality machine.
Keith has worked in a simhouse for years and was never effected by the nudity or sexual simulations until Aiden started coming in for sessions. Keith can't explain his feelings towards Aiden, but he knows he has to have his sessions right after Aiden leaves to curb the desire he feels. When Aiden requests a sim partner that looks just like Keith, it confirms Keith's suspicions that Aiden has been flirting with him. Aiden risks his job and his freedom by telling Keith that he participates in wireless sex in underground clubs and wants Keith to come with him. Keith can't resist the temptation and once he's experienced wireless sex, he can't imagine his life without it. Or Aiden.
This story was so unique from anything else I've ever read. I love the idea of using disease elimination as a platform to outlaw sex, but not sexual release. Is this the government's way of making sure people don't go crazy from a buildup of sexual desire or a way for the government to make money through the simhouses? Or both.
The storyline was so detailed and thought out, for example, people not even being able to touch skin with another person for fear of it creating sexual desire. And the illicit underground clubs where people go not just for sex but just to touch other people. The exploration of the idea that humans are meant to have contact with other humans to be functional members of society is fantastic. I loved the author's depictions of the addictive qualities of sex and the risks people will take to get it, like a drug!
The relationship between Aiden and Keith is very sweet and filled with adventure and emotional turmoil. They show us that love is worth taking risks for.
This was a great story that I would love to see expanded upon in a sequel. There are so many more things the author could explore in this world!
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Satisfying Their Racy Desires
by Tara Rose
SATISFYING THEIR RACY DESIRES is a sweet story about finding love through recovery and healing.
Annalise left her cheating husband and steady career to start over in small town Racy. Since she got to town, she has pretty much laid low, until two handsome men both ask her out on the same day. Oh, and the men happen to be best friends.
Annalise is surprised that the quiet town veterinarian has a story similar to her own; a spouse who used the BDSM lifestyle as an excuse to cheat. The two immediately hit it off and neither can deny the strong, instant attraction they feel for one another. But they also can't deny their shared hesitations in relationships and BDSM.
And then there's the keep-to-himself detective, Chad, who decides to finally ask Annalise out after months of being attracted to her. Again, the chemistry is undeniable, which leads Annalise to question what she is doing with these two men, how she will impact their friendship, and if she's as big of a cheat as her ex-husband. The three of them have to get over past hurts and reset some boundaries in their relationships to have a go at happiness.
The element of this book that made it so enjoyable for me was that Dustin and Chad are best friends. They know everything about each other--except their bedroom desires and whether or not they can share a woman. Watching them discuss the possibilities of this new relationship and talking to friends about how they manage is so much fun. The author does a great job with these potentially awkward conversations. The fact that Chad knows exactly how Dustin's ex-wife hurt him and Dustin knows the details of Chad's painful childhood makes this new relationship dynamic that much more powerful.
And I just love how all three of them are completely selfless about venturing into this relationship. Annalise is not willing to come between two best friends, and neither Chad nor Dustin are willing to upset Annalise or deny her happiness. I really enjoyed the fact that the sexual intensity of the relationship was balanced with lighthearted joking and playfulness.
Another great story from the town of Racy.
SATISFYING THEIR RACY DESIRES is a sweet story about finding love through recovery and healing.
Annalise left her cheating husband and steady career to start over in small town Racy. Since she got to town, she has pretty much laid low, until two handsome men both ask her out on the same day. Oh, and the men happen to be best friends.
Annalise is surprised that the quiet town veterinarian has a story similar to her own; a spouse who used the BDSM lifestyle as an excuse to cheat. The two immediately hit it off and neither can deny the strong, instant attraction they feel for one another. But they also can't deny their shared hesitations in relationships and BDSM.
And then there's the keep-to-himself detective, Chad, who decides to finally ask Annalise out after months of being attracted to her. Again, the chemistry is undeniable, which leads Annalise to question what she is doing with these two men, how she will impact their friendship, and if she's as big of a cheat as her ex-husband. The three of them have to get over past hurts and reset some boundaries in their relationships to have a go at happiness.
The element of this book that made it so enjoyable for me was that Dustin and Chad are best friends. They know everything about each other--except their bedroom desires and whether or not they can share a woman. Watching them discuss the possibilities of this new relationship and talking to friends about how they manage is so much fun. The author does a great job with these potentially awkward conversations. The fact that Chad knows exactly how Dustin's ex-wife hurt him and Dustin knows the details of Chad's painful childhood makes this new relationship dynamic that much more powerful.
And I just love how all three of them are completely selfless about venturing into this relationship. Annalise is not willing to come between two best friends, and neither Chad nor Dustin are willing to upset Annalise or deny her happiness. I really enjoyed the fact that the sexual intensity of the relationship was balanced with lighthearted joking and playfulness.
Another great story from the town of Racy.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Tear You Apart
by Megan Hart
3 stars...
Why not 4 or 5? Because the story seemed stagnant in parts and I'm not sure I enjoyed the characters very much. They were all slightly pretentious and judgmental despite the fact that they were all adulterers (aside from Ross who we don't really know much about). I do not fault Elisabeth for falling out of love with her husband, things had become routine and he obviously took her for granted. However, I did not like the way she dealt with her changed feelings toward her husband. And for Will to preach about how wrong cheating is when he's sleeping with a married woman? And Neeven- I'm not sure what purpose he even served in the story and didn't think it was necessary to keep referencing back to the fact that Elisabeth and he never slept together.
Why not 1or 2? Because Megan Hart has a way of writing these gut wrenching, honest, emotional scenes like no one else. I stayed up until 2 in the morning, in tears, to finish this book because I just wanted to know if love, honestly, loyalty, or commitment would prevail. I couldn't put it down. I did not enjoy the ending, but I appreciated the ending.
3 stars...
Why not 4 or 5? Because the story seemed stagnant in parts and I'm not sure I enjoyed the characters very much. They were all slightly pretentious and judgmental despite the fact that they were all adulterers (aside from Ross who we don't really know much about). I do not fault Elisabeth for falling out of love with her husband, things had become routine and he obviously took her for granted. However, I did not like the way she dealt with her changed feelings toward her husband. And for Will to preach about how wrong cheating is when he's sleeping with a married woman? And Neeven- I'm not sure what purpose he even served in the story and didn't think it was necessary to keep referencing back to the fact that Elisabeth and he never slept together.
Why not 1or 2? Because Megan Hart has a way of writing these gut wrenching, honest, emotional scenes like no one else. I stayed up until 2 in the morning, in tears, to finish this book because I just wanted to know if love, honestly, loyalty, or commitment would prevail. I couldn't put it down. I did not enjoy the ending, but I appreciated the ending.
Friday, August 23, 2013
The Favor
by Megan Hart
THE FAVOR is a story about secrets and the varying and powerful ways they can effect those who keep them.
Janelle Decker was not an easy teenager so her mother sent her to live with her grandmother, Nan. While living with Nan, Janelle developed relationships with the three boys that lived next door, “those Tierney boys.” The oldest Tierney, Gabe, and Janelle fell in love in high school but their relationship was overcast by family secrets, small-town gossip, and fear. Both Gabe and Janelle said they were going to leave the small town of St. Mary’s and make something of themselves. Then there was a tragic accident that made Janelle run and never look back and made Gabe stay put forever. When Janelle returns some 20 years later to take care of an ailing Nan, emotions are ignited and well-kept secrets are slowly revealed.
There were parts of this story that I enjoyed very much, and parts that felt slow, jumbled, and anti-climactic. The flashbacks, while mostly helpful in developing the characters and the plot, were distracting and confusing at times. While much older and more life-experienced, the characters are somewhat stagnant in their emotional development. When Janelle returns to town she and Gabe communicate no better with each other than they did as teenagers. I thought the flashbacks to teenage Gabe and Janelle were precisely written. The inability to communicate and the awkwardness of displaying emotions for two kids with less than perfect upbringings was honest and well-written. The adult relationship between these two is hampered by the secrets of life in the Tierney home and “the favor” that Gabe asked Janelle for when they were teenagers. There is so much build up to the discovery of the favor that I almost felt disappointed when it was finally revealed.
While my criticisms of this book seem aplenty, I did enjoy much of the book. Janelle and her son develop a stronger relationship as the story progresses and Nan is wonderful. Nan brings together whoever is in the room with her and is much more observant than anyone gives her credit for; she brings out the best in those closest to her. The author also does a great job of portraying a families varied reactions to dealing with the impending loss of a loved one. And the story of the Tierney’s, both the parents and the sons, was emotional and, in parts, unpredictable. This story makes you think about what holds families together and what drives them apart; and how different people have different capacities for forgiveness.
THE FAVOR is a story about secrets and the varying and powerful ways they can effect those who keep them.
Janelle Decker was not an easy teenager so her mother sent her to live with her grandmother, Nan. While living with Nan, Janelle developed relationships with the three boys that lived next door, “those Tierney boys.” The oldest Tierney, Gabe, and Janelle fell in love in high school but their relationship was overcast by family secrets, small-town gossip, and fear. Both Gabe and Janelle said they were going to leave the small town of St. Mary’s and make something of themselves. Then there was a tragic accident that made Janelle run and never look back and made Gabe stay put forever. When Janelle returns some 20 years later to take care of an ailing Nan, emotions are ignited and well-kept secrets are slowly revealed.
There were parts of this story that I enjoyed very much, and parts that felt slow, jumbled, and anti-climactic. The flashbacks, while mostly helpful in developing the characters and the plot, were distracting and confusing at times. While much older and more life-experienced, the characters are somewhat stagnant in their emotional development. When Janelle returns to town she and Gabe communicate no better with each other than they did as teenagers. I thought the flashbacks to teenage Gabe and Janelle were precisely written. The inability to communicate and the awkwardness of displaying emotions for two kids with less than perfect upbringings was honest and well-written. The adult relationship between these two is hampered by the secrets of life in the Tierney home and “the favor” that Gabe asked Janelle for when they were teenagers. There is so much build up to the discovery of the favor that I almost felt disappointed when it was finally revealed.
While my criticisms of this book seem aplenty, I did enjoy much of the book. Janelle and her son develop a stronger relationship as the story progresses and Nan is wonderful. Nan brings together whoever is in the room with her and is much more observant than anyone gives her credit for; she brings out the best in those closest to her. The author also does a great job of portraying a families varied reactions to dealing with the impending loss of a loved one. And the story of the Tierney’s, both the parents and the sons, was emotional and, in parts, unpredictable. This story makes you think about what holds families together and what drives them apart; and how different people have different capacities for forgiveness.
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