Review: Convincing Arthur (London Legal #1) by Ava March

A holiday in the country to indulge his wildest fantasies… 

London Legal, Book 1

Arthur Barrington knows exactly what he wants. A practical man. Someone who values discretion. Commitment. In other words, someone like himself. His old friend, Leopold Thornton, an overindulged son of a wealthy viscount with a reputation for vice and debauchery, couldn’t be less of a good candidate. 

Yet when Leopold extends an invitation to his country estate, Arthur agrees. Perhaps a holiday with the sinfully beautiful man will help him get over a recent breakup. Then he can return to his thriving London law practice and resume his quiet life.

Ten years ago, Leopold learned the hard way that patience doesn’t always have its rewards. Now that he has Arthur all to himself, he isn’t going to let a second opportunity pass him by. And he certainly isn’t above using pleasure to tempt Arthur into his bed.

Leopold has only a few days to open Arthur’s eyes to the possibility that he’s the man Arthur is looking for. That his love is genuine—and he’s worthy of Arthur’s heart.

Warning: Includes a gorgeous bad boy who’s been in love with a conservative solicitor for a decade. Indecent acts in a forest between two hot men. Angst. More explicit sex. And expectations turned upside down. 

This is a previously published work. This second edition has been edited with minor changes. For readers who purchased the original edition, this second edition is not substantially different.

When you assume you make an ass out of you and me.

Not me! These two knuckleheads. They are woefully lacking in the communication skills department, but they make up for it in the sex department!

I'm not going to mince words I think this novella is confused about what it's supposed to be. How am I to rate a historical novella that's mostly sex with an outlandish HEA? The sex is hot and bountiful with rimming, felching, buttsex, in the woods... well, you get it. It happens often and it's pretty spine tingling, but the relationship development is lazy.

Arthur and Leopold met about a decade ago when they were 19. Evidently, Leopold fancied Arthur but was too shy? to approach him and missed his window. The implication put forth is that he spiraled into binge drinking and becoming a regular at all the local brothels because of said missed opportunity. That's a pretty big albatross to hang around someone's neck-'everything would've been bliss if you'd chosen me, but since you didn't I stayed foxed, spent all my free time at every gambling hell from London to Nottingham and when I wasn't there I was being buggered by every whore in the greater London area all in an effort to forget you, so if you leave... No pressure or anything.'

Leopold is ready to toss that torch he's been carrying for Arthur into the Thames and get his man! He's heard through the grapevine that Arthur's boyfriend has dumped him. So he invites him to his country estate for a holiday. And he literally pounces on him the moment he arrives. I'm surprised there weren't some watersports happening. Poor guy didn't even get a chance to use the loo! 

They have wild, mind-blowing sex for a couple days with a pheasant hunt thrown in for good measure then there is a little angst driven melodrama which somehow rounds the block to arriving at an HEA?I could go into all the reasons why I find this difficult to swallow, but the bottom line is I find this difficult to swallow.


I would've been happy with a cravat tied to the door to keep out the staff for "x" number of days, weeks, months while they go to town on each other. There is nothing wrong with stroke fic. No one expects fleshed out characters or relationship development, but you throw down an HEA and it's not OTT and meant to be super cheesy? I'm supposed to believe that recently dumped Arthur declares his forever love for a guy he's had sex with a handful of times after a couple days? My suspend reality rubber band laughed at me then smacked me in the face. 

This is what's known as The Sex Fog when the sex is so good you mistake it for love. The problem is I'm not in The Sex Fog. So I give this dudes 6 months. Tops. Before they realize they have zippidy do da in common. 

Ordinarily, I enjoy Ava March and her style. She never skimps on the hotness, but everything else is bland except the cover which is scrumptious. There wasn't enough plot or historical references to sink my teeth into, so how to rate it? 2 hearts? 3 hearts? Confusing-just-should've-gone-for-stroke-fic hearts? Too bad we don't have a jpeg for that last one, so I guess I'll split the difference?


If you want a hot, quick historical read this'll do. Maybe just let it flow over you though and not overthink it.

A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.


Find out more on Goodreads.

Viscount's Wager (Gambling on Love #3) by Ava March

London, 1822

You never forget your first love, but is a second chance worth the gamble?

Anthony, Viscount Rawling, knows exactly what he wants in life and he isn't above having a look about London for it. When he spots recently widowed Gabriel Tilden at a ton function, he thinks he might have found love…again.

Gabriel is as gorgeous and reserved as he was when he broke Anthony's heart seven years ago. But they were only adolescents then…surely Anthony won't hold the incident against him. And especially not when the attraction between them is stronger than ever.

Gabriel came to London in search of distraction, and a teasing Anthony is impossible to resist. As Anthony introduces Gabriel to the pleasures that can be found in the city—and in his bedchamber—their bond deepens into something more. Yet both men are hiding secrets that could pull them apart forever…

Primarily what I'm feeling is an overwhelming sense of ambivalence.

I didn't love it or hate it.

Actually, I was flummoxed as to why I was having such a blasé reaction to this story until Max and Tristan made an appearance. If I'm completely honest, what I enjoyed most were the parts with the couples from books 1 and 2. The minute, the second Max started getting all bossy and grumble-y I knew. 

It's these characters. I'm a character person. Give me at least one good character that I can sink my teeth into and even if the story isn't up to snuff chances are I'll still be enthusiastic. Neither of these characters did a thing for me.

It started off with the premise which I found flimsy. Anthony and Gabriel meet and share a swim in a pond and a kiss when they're 16 and 18, respectively. If anyone else just got the pond scene from A Room with a View in their head, you're not alone. The next day Anthony stumbles across Gabriel kissing a girl whom he subsequently marries. Anthony's understandably upset but then begins 7 yrs worth of moping about the one that got away. I mean, he's not celibate or anything, but he's never satisfied. I find this a tad far-fetched but I'm willing to cede the point and go with the destiny trope.

I love the destiny trope!

Then Gabriel's wife suddenly dies and he fortuitously runs into Anthony in London. And Anthony acts like not a day has passed!

No talking? No questions? No why the hell did you kiss that floozy?

Nope.

Just piss poor communication EXCEPT when it comes to sex. No problem discussing the "intimate matters" and being tenacious about it too.

Their communication issues coupled with their lack of vibrancy, zip, zing, what have you, left a sour taste in my mouth.

I'm sympathetic to their struggles, though they are largely self-inflicted. Then again, that is wont to be the case in this genre. I'm happy they got their HEA. I appreciate the hopeful message of the book, but they are beige. They will live happily ever after in their beige house with beige furniture and have beige fields of barley surrounding them. They will, however, have some toe curling sex which I suspect will lead them to Kinksville in no time. I can always count on Ms. March to bring the hotness.

The writing is lovely as I've come to expect from this author, but I wholeheartedly agree with my buddy reader, Adam, that this final book of the series is unnecessarily fattened up and not in a meaningful way. It could use a stern editor to excise some of the extraneous verbiage. 

I am sorry I didn't love it as much as I expected to since I was so looking forward to it, but it was nice to see all of them together one last time and this will remain one of my favorite historical series.

An ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Find out more on Goodreads.

Blog Tour & Giveaway for the re-release of His Client by Ava March

Look at this cover!!!!!!

Let me tell you. I've read this book and I have one word for you, corset.

You're welcome.

Blurb:

Love wasn't supposed to be part of the bargain…

On every visit to Madame Delacroix’s brothel, Nathaniel Travers requests the same man. Stunningly handsome and highly skilled, Jasper not only shares Nate’s fondness for wickedly erotic games and black leather corsets, but he has become a trusted confidant. And Jasper’s the only person who knows Nate longs for a committed relationship with his childhood friend, Peter Edmonton.

Unrequited love hurts, but it hurts even more when the object of affection is in love with another. Jasper Reed has been working at Delacroix’s for a decade. He’s saved enough to retire, yet he remains at the decadent London brothel. Leaving would mean leaving Nate and the hope someday the rugged gentleman would stop pining for his best friend and realize he loves Jasper, just as Jasper loves him.

Edmonton’s impending marriage looms before them, causing Jasper to take another look at his stubborn heart. Yet Jasper’s a bastard whore, and Nate’s the nephew of a viscount. Surely there can’t be any hope for them…

Note: This is a previously published work. This second edition has been edited with minor changes. For readers who purchased the original edition, this second edition is not substantially different.

Excerpt:

“You’re wonderful, Nate. Any man who wins your heart should count himself very fortunate.”

Jasper’s pulse skipped a beat. But judging by the way Nate arched his brow in sardonic disbelief, the man hadn’t read anything more into Jasper’s statement, nor had he heard the longing hidden behind it.

“Really?”

“Indeed.” Jasper threw him a playful smile. “Who wouldn’t count himself fortunate to be guaranteed a lifetime of orgasms of amazing proportions?” He bumped Nate’s knee with his own. “And very interesting nights.”

Nate rolled his eyes, a hint of smile teasing his lips. “A damned fool, when put that way.”

“Exactly. It’s just that sometimes…” Jasper let out a breath, and when next he spoke, the levity was gone. “Sometimes people are better suited as friends than lovers.” He held Nate’s gaze. “You need to let him go,” he said, just above a whisper, hoping beyond hope Nate could not detect the heavy plea behind his words.

“I know.” His lips barely moved, his voice even softer than Jasper’s. More a low, reluctant rumble from his broad chest than actual words.

Jasper felt himself lean forward, slowly closing the distance between them, pulled by the all-encompassing need to press his lips to Nate’s mouth. To erase that hard, melancholy line.

The kiss started with just the lightest brush of skin against skin, but Jasper felt it down into his bones. Nate opened, and the first brush of Nate’s tongue against his pulled a moan from his throat. He pressed up against the hard bulk of Nate’s side, needing more. A large hand grabbed his hip and tugged. Jasper quickly shifted to straddle Nate’s lap, their kiss unbroken, their tongues stroking together, mouths hungry and eager.

Jasper ground his hips, rubbing his rapidly hardening cock against Nate’s, fueling the flames of lust even higher. Nate gripped his arse, hard enough to leave bruises, but Jasper could not have cared in the slightest. All he wanted was Nate. The man’s body beneath him, behind him… It didn’t matter, as long as he was with him.

His fingers threaded into Nate’s hair, held on tightly to the short strands. He dragged his lips down to the other man’s jaw. Nipped hard and then flicked his tongue over the spot. An inch farther down and he encountered starched linen instead of hot skin.

Starched linen that refused his attempts to free it from Nate’s neck.

He pulled back, glared down at Nate. “Did you use a bloody square knot?” He tugged again on the offending knot.

“Hardly.” Nate chuckled. “I’ll strike you a bargain. I’ll see to mine if you see to yours.”

“Agreed.” The word had barely left his lips before his own cravat was fluttering to the floor. The next moment, he pulled his shirt over his head, flicking it behind him to join the cravat.

He felt the force of Nate’s hot gaze swept over his bare chest as the man undid the intricate knot on his own neck cloth.

“Do you know what would be interesting tonight?” Nate asked, pulling the white linen free and revealing the strong lines of his neck. “The second option.”

“Pardon?” Jasper’s fingers paused, hovering over the fabric-covered buttons on Nate’s dove gray waistcoat. He dragged his gaze up to meet Nate’s.

“The second option from last night.” Nate swept his hands up Jasper’s chest, leaving a path of tingling skin in his wake. “You wear black leather so well.”

*growls*

Author Bio:

Ava March is an author of sexy, emotionally intense M/M historical erotic romances. She loves writing in the Regency time period, where proper decorum is of the utmost importance, but where anything can happen behind closed doors. With over fifteen works to her credit, her books have been finalists in the Rainbow Awards and More Than Magic contest, and deemed 'must-haves' for Historical M/M romance by RT Book Reviews readers. Visit her website at www.AvaMarch.com to find out more about her books or to sign-up for her newsletter.

Available through Amazon for $3.99 as of March 17th!

Find out more on Goodreads.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The contest starts on March 15th at 12:15am and ends on March 21st at 11:59pm. The prize is a $50 Amazon gift card, which we will send to the winner electronically. The contest is being offered tour-wide.

Review: O Come All Ye Kinky edited by Sarah Frantz

Christmas is a time of love and joy, and the New Year is a time of renewal. But they are also times of stress and strife, family drama, pressure and heartache—a potent mix of high expectations and conflicted emotions. Add in power exchange relationships, kinky gift swaps, and unconventional love in a sometimes unforgiving world, and you have a formula for a sizzling anthology of stories that tug at your heart.

From Ava March’s forbidden Regency love among men, to Katie Porter’s scorching hot contemporary tale of two women discovering holiday happiness, everyone will find a favorite here. Pervertible toys abound: Lambda Literary Award finalist L.A. Witt’s candy cane, Jane Davitt’s wrapping paper and tape, and Alexa Snow’s Christmas candles all please and delight. Newcomer Elyan Smith and fan favorite Kim Dare both celebrate New Year’s Eve with romantic flair and kinky fireworks, while bestselling author Joey W. Hill’s poignant story of love lost and regained will lead you home.

Whatever your desires, we invite you to explore new fantasies and old with these eight kinky tales of holiday happy endings.

This anthology offers lots o' kinky, holiday jizz!

Tree Topper by Jane Devitt  ♥♥♥½

Stan and Martin have been in a D/s relationship for some time now, but it's kind of falling apart. Stan is acting up and Martin isn't giving him the discipline that he needs. Basically, these two need to have a chit-chat about who's who in the relationship. I liked the switcharoo from the norm and the Dom was the less confident one, second guessing himself.

Oh, Martin definitely came up with some creative ways to spice things up and to show who's the Dom! It was some kinky holiday fun.

Twas the Night by Ava March ♥♥♥♥

I'm a huge fan of Ava March. Her historicals never fail me and Percy and Michael were no different. Percy has been seeing Michael for some time. And by seeing, I mean visiting him, being a very good boy and then being on his way. He feels like he doesn't have the right to ask for more from Michael since he thinks his wants are unnatural. 

Throughout the kinky scene I was witness to, they start to reveal their feelings towards each other. Michael gave Percy the confidence to ask for what he wants. Literally. It was delicious. 

Fire Works by Katie Porter ♥♥♥½

Rachel and Emma are having one last session together before Rachel moves away for her job. Emma would willingly follow Rachel anywhere, but Rachel refuses to make that kind of commitment.

Holy shiz these girls were hard core. Emma can take a beating! There were all sorts of toys and Rachel loved to use them on her girl. Really hot F/F story.

Candy Caning by L.A. Witt ♥♥♥♥

Stephen and Nate are out Christmas shopping when they spot a huge candy cane. As soon as he sees Stephen pick it up, Nate instantly knows what Stephen intends to do with it. Heh.

Hot and sexy with some sweetness thrown in, exactly what you'd expect from L.A. Witt. Even though the story was mostly sex, it was easy to tell that they had a solid relationship. They had a great dynamic with obvious love for each other. 

Submissive Angel by Joey W. Hill ♥♥♥

After Robert found Ange beaten in an ally he gave Ange a job at his vintage toy shop. They'd been attracted to each other and Ange finally was able to seduce his Master.

This seems to be a common favorite in this anthology, but I couldn't get into it. I think it may be because it was more serious than the previous stories and I just wasn't in the mood for that. 

Open Return by Elyan Smith ♥♥♥

Zach (who used to be Hannah) has returned to his former lovers Scott and Laura after he up and left fifteen years ago.

I really liked the idea of this story. There was a lot of emotion and themes (reunited lovers, menage, trans) crammed into this novella. Also, there was only one very short sex scene when this is an erotic anthology. I was gypped in the sex department! I think this needed to be longer to really delve into the themes and flesh out the characters. 

Ring out the Old and in the New by Alexa Snow ♥♥♥♥

Ever since Evan was attacked he hasn't been the same. He's ashamed of the scar it's left on his face and has been distant with his Dom, Russell. 

Russell was the perfect Dom. He was so kind and understanding towards Evan. He slowly brought him back to himself and showed him there was nothing to be embarrassed about. This one was lighter on the kink, but made up for it with the sweetness.

His Very Last Chance by Kim Dare ♥♥♥♥½

When Kingsley overhears his sub, Drew, saying that his Dom doesn't do love and romance, he sets out to prove his sub wrong.

Kingsley was very creative in his ways of proving Drew wrong. He used all sort of romantic items to prove just how kinkily (<- is that a word? *shrugs*) romantic he is. They were already in a relationship, but they were in that 'do I love him? does he love me?' point, so this scene solidified what they were to each other. They were able to start out the new year with a clean slate, knowing where they stood together. This was my favorite of the anthology.

Well, there you have it. Nothing says Christmas like collars, floggers and butt plugs!

MERRY JIZZMAS EVERYONE!

Anniversary Shenanigans: Author Visit & Giveaway with Ava March

Ava March!!! *squeal* 

Ahem, excuse me. I got a little excited. Ms. March graciously accepted our invitation to celebrate our anniversary by writing a blog post!

Without further ado, may I present Ms. Ava March!

Does Length Matter? 

First off, I must extend my congratulations to Boy Meets Boy Reviews on their first anniversary! And many thanks to the blog team for inviting me to the blog and to share in the anniversary fun. 

Today, I’m chatting about length. When it comes to books, does length matter? Do you think there is a perfect length that leaves one satisfied, without leaving one overstuffed or craving more? Or do you believe it’s not about length, but about what a story does between the pages that matters? 

As an author, I’ve written across the length spectrum. From free short stories that function more as epilogues to short novellas to longer novellas to novels. When I started writing male/male stories, I wrote almost exclusively shorter novellas. But as I got more books under my belt, the stories started getting longer and longer, and try as I might to contain them, the stories didn’t want to stay neat, compact little novellas. Then one day I decided to just let stories be as long or as short as they wanted to be. And it was quite freeing to not worry about length anymore. Whatever I ended up with, I was happy with because it was the length I felt best fit the story. 

As a reader though, my take on length is different. Length matters, but I don’t have a preferred length, nor do I pick books based on the blurb and just accept whatever length the book ends up being. It’s more about my mood. 

• Short stories—when I’m in the mood for something fun and snack-sized that I can read in thirty minutes or less. And if one short story doesn’t quite satisfy the book craving, I can always pick up another short story to read. 

• Novels—when I want to lose myself in a story. Something thick and fat and long with subplots and a cast of secondary characters. Something that will leave me with a massive book-hangover—exhausted yet oh, so happy that I was run through the emotional wringer. 

• Novellas – when I’m in a Goldilocks sort of mood. I don’t want the big bed or the little bed. I want something in between that I can read in an evening but that won’t leave me too hungry for more. 

What about you? Does length matter when you are picking books to read? Do you have a decided preference for a specific length? Or are you more like reader-me, and pick based on your mood? 

About the author:

Ava March is an author of sexy, emotionally intense M/M historical erotic romances. She loves writing in the Regency time period, where proper decorum is of the utmost importance, but where anything can happen behind closed doors. With over fifteen works to her credit, her books have been finalists in the Rainbow Awards and More Than Magic contest, and deemed ‘must-haves’ for Historical M/M romance by RT Book Reviews readers. Visit her website at www.AvaMarch.com to find out more about her books or to sign-up for her newsletter. 

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Ms. March has agreed to give away a print copy of All in with the Duke! 

Max Arrington, the Duke of Pelham, vows to never again let a handsome face blind him to a man's true intentions. But ten months of celibacy and lonely nights drive him to a decadent brothel, where a beautiful young man arouses his illicit passions as never before. Tristan Walsh has grown tired of being used for men's pleasure. But his latest client is different: commanding yet generous, Max makes him feel cared for as well as wanted. Yet Tristan knows he'll never have the choice to leave the brothel and submit only to Max. So when Max invites him to be his guest at his country estate, Tristan eagerly agrees to his terms—days to do as he pleases while Max tends to the dukedom, and nights spent together in wicked play. But when the "business arrangement" begins to deepen into something more, Tristan must face the fact that he has no true place in Max's life—or in Max's guarded heart…



To be entered to win leave a comment WITH your email address so we can contact you once a winner is determined for your physical address. Anywhere in the world, Ms. March has agreed to ship it! Awesome author is awesome. Giveaway ends November 21st at Midnight EST. 

And, p.s., it's one of my favorite books. An excellent, EXCELLENT read.

A big unicorn thank you to Ms. March for stopping by and celebrating with us.

Review: Sharp Love by Ava March

London, 1822

William Drake has lived among thieves, bastards and beggars all his life, doing what's necessary to survive. As a young orphan, that included looking after his best friend, Jack Morgan. But as they grew older, Jack took the honest path, leaving Will behind to fend for himself the only ways he knows how.

When an unsavory errand for his employer brings Jack back to London's underbelly, he needs Will's help. It's there, among the alleys they ran through as children, that the love he's always felt for Will returns. As their nights together grow hotter, Will discovers something new about his old friend—Jack's need to serve extends into the bedchamber.

Will has never fully abandoned his dream of escaping London with Jack. But what could the Duke's driver want with a dishonest cheat like him, beyond a bit of rough sex? It takes the gamble of Will's life to find out if he can win Jack's heart…

Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: D/s theme and elements, and male/male sexual practices.

I'm so happy I was introduced to this author. I feel like I found a kindred spirit. If she would put some kilts, panties and maybe a corset on one of these cats, I'd be over the moon. No? Too much? *shrugs* The cheese stands alone.

Sharp Love overlaps All in with the Duke with the focus on Jack Morgan and his childhood friend, Will Drake. Both were orphaned as children and came to rely upon one another. Will's always been quite clever and Jack was the braun of the operation with his 6'5" burly frame. Neither of them care much for London and Jack made his way out of the stews by finding work with Max leaving Will behind to scrimp, save and engage in some unsavory deeds to accomplish his dreams of a farm in the country.

"Anything for you, Jack."

Jack comes to Will whenever he needs assistance but doesn't believe people like him are destined for everlasting love; never dares to hope that Will may reciprocate his feelings. Jack has been ridiculed and shamed for his desires leaving him defensive, vulnerable and abstinent for the past 6 years. Jack is one of the incantations of submissive that triggers all sorts of gooey feels for me, the servant. He needs to serve and protect. He feels out of sorts otherwise. He needs someone to give the orders which he will follow to the letter. Being 6'5" and massive has been counterproductive thus far, sexually.

Will recognizes "his bashful giant" needs a strong hand quickly, yet still manages to make a few missteps which is precisely what I like about these characters. They struggle, falter, miscommunicate and have both endured hardships. Ms. March has excelled at making all of the characters in this series unique. They are adults, take responsibility for their actions and have honest conversations. There was quite a bit more angst in Sharp Love which bogged down the story for me. Nevertheless, I'm a smitten kitten with this series and this author and cannot wait until the next book!

The kink is of the sugar variety with their burgeoning relationship. There also seemed to be less sexy times, but perhaps that's just my perversity being a glutton. I do love when the big guy is the little guy. A lot.

Yet Jack wanted more. Wanted to drop to his knees. To suck will's cock. To suck Will's cock until his seed was coating Jack's tongue. Wanted to give himself over to Will. Wanted Will to push him up against the door, push Jack's trousers down around his knees, and use him in that dark, dirty alley until he was sobbing with pleasure.

*sputters*
Damn, Ms. March fire off a warning shot before you throw the smack down next time, please.

Recommend to those who love Regency, believable characters who act like adults, angst lovers and great writing.

I would like to thank Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Review: All In with the Duke (Gambling on Love #1) by Ava March

Max Arrington, the Duke of Pelham, vows to never again let a handsome face blind him to a man's true intentions. But ten months of celibacy and lonely nights drive him to a decadent brothel, where a beautiful young man arouses his illicit passions as never before. 


Tristan Walsh has grown tired of being used for men's pleasure. But his latest client is different: commanding yet generous, Max makes him feel cared for as well as wanted. Yet Tristan knows he'll never have the choice to leave the brothel and submit only to Max. 

So when Max invites him to be his guest at his country estate, Tristan eagerly agrees to his terms—days to do as he pleases while Max tends to the dukedom, and nights spent together in wicked play. But when the "business arrangement" begins to deepen into something more, Tristan must face the fact that he has no true place in Max's life—or in Max's guarded heart…

I love Regency romances. What's not to love?

Curricles?

Buggering?

Swives?

Being foxed?

Dandies?

Seriously. I would rock the hell outta that. Every day of the week and twice on Sundays.

True, the sexual repression puts a damper on things, but he's a Duke! Money talks.

Maxwell Robert Michael Arrington, Viscount Shelburne, the Earl of Hertford, and the ninth Duke of Pelham is, by all outward indications, one stodgy fellow. It's always the quiet ones. He's taciturn and isolated in his dukedom. Works all the time. You know what they say about all work and no play. Makes for a grumpy grumperton.

Max's friend, Rawlings, encourages him to work off some steam at Mrs. Rubicon's, a brothel, where he meets Tristan. Lovely Tristan. *sigh* Tristan takes Max's breath away with his lithe beauty and delicate visage. However, underneath that dandy of an exterior lies a spine of steel. He's unflappable and uncowed by Max's intimidating presence.

I loved the synergy of their relationship. Tristan brings out the best in Max, encourages him to live his life rather than toil away behind a desk endlessly punishing himself for a stupid, adolescent outburst. Max tries to resist the lure of Tristan's affable and intoxicating personality, and he does a good job of maintaining his stoicism much longer than most would've lasted against Tristan's considerable charms. Max gives Tristan the confidence to rise above his appointed station in life.

This is my first encounter with Ms. March and I went straight into Sharp Love (book 2 of this series); that's how much I loved this story. These two characters… I fell in love with them. They're both so well developed and their story is so compelling, I sunk right into it and didn't want to leave. I fell in love with this world she's created. I actually was hoping there would be a book about Morgan, Max's driver and man Friday. Guess what? Sharp Love is Morgan's book. YEEEEEEEE!

I loved how Max met Tristan on his terms. I loved how verbal they were, the lack of dramatics, that Max never condescended to Tristan, and how he evolved and blossomed with Tristan, but I particularly loved that Tristan held his ground. He didn't capitulate the minute Max showed up on his doorstep.

Don't EVEN get me started on these two in the bedroom… HOLY MOTHER! 

He wanted Max's bare skin beneath his hands. Wanted to have all that power and strength crouched above him, driving into him, driving him to the edge and shoving him over it.

I have a friend who says we don't really talk about what sex scenes turn us on, we just that the sex was 'hot', so in the interest of full disclosure. The kink level is mild with some bondage, edging and spanking, but oh, the way Tristan begs… will melt your tires. I like kinky. This is not news, but one thing that really gets me is when the dominant puts his submissive in bondage and bottoms. It was my favorite scene in Fettered and here. Scorching. Something about a submissive begging to come while fucking his dominant is… yeah. 

I would highly recommend All In with the Duke. It's beautifully written with superb character development. The story did lull for me a bit in the middle, but it didn't last long and in the grand scheme of things it didn't detract from my loving this book to pieces.