Blog Tour + Giveaway: By Way of Pain (Criminal Delights #11) by J.M. Dabney

Author J.M. Dabney and Vibrant Promotions visit with the By Way of Pain (Criminal Delights #11) blog tour today! Learn more about the dark romance and enter in the giveaway to win your very own eBook copy!

By Way of Pain

Criminal Delights Series, Book 11

J.M. Dabney

M/M Dark Romance

Release Date: 05.20.19

Blurb

Double lives were just the way it was for a man like me. By day I was a man with a reputation above reproach. Even assassins needed backup plans. For fifteen years, life was going without a hitch until I had to take out a witness. When it was time to kill him, beautiful eyes filled with fear urged me to do something else. Yet, in order to do that, I had to break him, and by way of pain, my captive would experience pleasure he'd never dreamed.

This book is part of CRIMINAL DELIGHTS. Each novel can be read as a standalone and contains a dark M/M romance.

Warning: These books are for adult readers who enjoy stories where lines between right and wrong get blurry. High heat, twisted and tantalizing, these are not for the fainthearted.

Trigger Warnings: Title contains the following possible triggers. Humiliation, Violence, Master/slave elements, Male Chastity, Murder, Imprisonment, Dub-Con, and Brief Torture.

Universal Link: books2read.com/CriminalDelights-Pain

Excerpt

I laughed with her through snippets of conversation, my meal, and the dessert I splurged on so I could stay a few minutes longer. I was isolated and wouldn't deny it, yet I also didn't want to admit it to anyone. Feigning happiness was something I'd done for so long that I didn't know whether it was real or a figment of my imagination.

When I would walk inside the house, the lock clicking into place would have it all come back in blaring clarity. At least here or at work, I could pretend I wasn't alone. That someone would miss me if I didn't appear one day. Would they worry? Probably not. I'd be just another regular who disappeared—found another place to go for their meals or a new place to collect a paycheck.

Without an excuse to stay longer, I threw money on the counter to cover my meal and a generous tip. By the time I walked outside, the cool night breeze had blown away the smell of greasy spoon and strong coffee.

On occasion, I thought about testing my theory, just pack up and go away for a while. Only fear kept me from doing so. It wasn't about the unknown or what existed outside of the city, but the fear my disappearance would be nothing more than a momentary blip. A split-second thought of where was he now.

I hated being depressed. Hating knowing that I was that dispensable. A forgettable part of the scenery. I shoved my hands in the deep pant pockets, and my steps were slow as I strode back to my car. Home was only a five-minute ride, and I dreaded it so much. I wanted someone who would miss me, mourn me when I'm gone, and yet I knew I'd just be a vague and fading memory.

J.M. Dabney is a multi-genre author who writes mainly LGBT romance and fiction. They live with a constant diverse cast of characters in their head. No matter their size, shape, race, etc. J.M. lives for one purpose alone, and that’s to make sure they do them justice and give them the happily ever after they deserve. J.M. is dysfunction at its finest and they makes sure their characters are a beautiful kaleidoscope of crazy. There is nothing more they want from telling their stories than to show that no matter the package the characters come in or the damage their pasts have done, that love is love. That normal is never normal and sometimes the so-called broken can still be amazing.

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Review: Torin by Lance Withton

Torin’s anxiety has made it difficult for him to navigate romantic relationships, so instead of trying, he keeps himself occupied with his work. But just because he doesn’t chase relationships doesn’t mean he doesn’t want something, even if he has to get it with a dash of taboo.

At Pillar, the only all-male brothel in the city, Torin makes an appointment with a charming sex worker who goes by the name “Davies.” It becomes hard for Torin to keep his emotions out of the intimacy, and his feelings become more complicated when a designer he works with starts to let on that his interest is more than platonic.

Shy guys are my kryptonite.

This story starts with Torin booking time at a brothel to do some kissing. We aren't told why he's made this decision within the pages, and it doesn't really matter overall. Torin has some deep insecurities, is shy, awkward, and stammers most of the time. He is sweet and endearing as a character. He has clearly been brought up with very conservative beliefs, although the particulars are not explained. It's just there in some of his internal thoughts. None of that matters when he is spending time with Davies.

The story is told from Torin’s point of view so we don’t get to know Davies outside of his role in Torin’s sexual adventures. Even so, he isn’t flat, and his personality for the role he is in is pretty clear. He’s sexy, considerate, and very good at his job. There was nothing I didn’t like about Davies, and he was captivating enough for me to want to know him outside of the context he was in.

For a short story this worked really well. While the timeline jumped from one encounter to the next, I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. I enjoyed going on this journey with Torin, and reading him learn about his sexual self. His awakening was smutty and lovely. There is some light humiliation kink interwoven with some high level heat. There is no mistaking that this is erotica, good erotica. I loved all of the scenes, and I could have happily continued to read more. Torin turned out to be a dirty, dirty boy.

There are some issues I had with the language used towards Davies. I felt like the story was supposed to be sex positive but was slightly contradictory. It was off-putting, and that’s why it doesn’t rate as high for me as if that specific confusion wasn’t in there. Some people may find it sexy and edgy, but it didn’t reach me in that way. Overall I really enjoyed this story though. The author had a very clear idea of what this was about, and delivered it well.

If you’re looking for something short that doesn’t feel bite sized, with some high heat erotica, this is the story for you.

I received a review copy for an honest review.

Tag Team Review: The Christmas Fling (Christmas Town #1) by Heidi Cullinan

Sometimes it takes a village to fall in love.

Eccentric, reclusive, socially awkward project designer Evan Myles doesn’t date. Paying for sex with professionals is so much more efficient and suits his needs well enough. But when he’s on assignment in rural Logan, Minnesota, for the Christmas Town project and a handsome stranger at the bar catches his attention, Evan decides it’s time to break his rule. It doesn’t matter that he’s never so much as flirted before. It can’t be that hard, can it?

Davidson Incorporated lead architect Terry Reid hasn’t been hit on so clumsily in his life. Terry’s the first to admit he’s a neurotic Prince Charming, and he’s kissed his share of male and female frogs, but he’s never met anyone quite like Evan Myles. Evan calls Terry by the wrong name, mistakes Terry for a simple construction worker, and picks apart his work as an architect. Despite this rough start, Terry is lured by the brilliance of Evan’s ideas, his quirky personality, and once they’re alone in Evan’s cabin, the man’s mad skills in bed. Yet Terry knows it takes more than a single night of passion to make a relationship work, and after so many failures, he’s just not ready to try again.

Evan and Terry’s path is strewn with stones neither of them can dislodge. Fortunately, they’re not alone on the road to romance. They’re in Christmas Town, home to matchmakers, meddlers, and more “fairy godfathers” than they could possibly know what to do with.

Most importantly, in Logan, Minnesota, happy ever after is guaranteed.

Adam - 2 Hearts

‘The Christmas Fling’ is a spinoff from Cullinan’s Minnesota Christmas series. The previous series provides context for the ‘Christmas Town’ plot, and existing characters do appear in secondary roles, but I think this book could work fine as a standalone.

The premise of this book requires a bit of a suspension of disbelief. The entire story rests on Evan’s inability to recognize Terry as Kevin. Granted, “Kevin” had a full beard and was skinnier when a drunken Evan met him on a dark night, but it’s a bit of a stretch. The explanation is that Evan’s just not that great with faces.

But I didn’t mind the somewhat flimsy premise. It was a different twist on the one-night stand trope, and I was just excited to get back to the land of never-ending Christmas and gay men galore - Logan, Minnesota.

Plus, that one-night stand definitely brought the heat. Terry - or “Kevin” - gets off on humiliation and submission, though he doesn’t play often. Evan, with his slightly awkward but very upfront manner, makes Terry feel safe enough to indulge in a night of kinky passion.

But Terry struggles with accepting his kink, and with social anxiety, so he runs in the middle of the night. When Terry meets Evan again a few weeks later, it’s as a well-groomed architect, not as the scruffy construction worker Evan had assumed he was.

Their first meeting doesn’t go well. Evan has no clue who Terry is, and Terry’s a bit hurt by that, even if he’d been dreading meeting Evan again. But even so, Terry decides to not let Evan in on the truth about “Kevin”.

I could understand where Terry was coming from at first. Anxiety disorders can force people into poor decisions. Also, it was clear that Terry really did care for Evan, regardless of how he handled the situation.

Evan is easier to understand and connect to. His pining for Kevin was sweet, as was his slow realization that he really liked Terry, once Terry wasn’t so stand-offish.

Both men have their hang-ups and struggle with social cues, but they click well together. I thought the slow build-up of their relationship was sweet - from strangers, to coworkers, to tentative friends, and then more.

What I really didn’t enjoy was how the whole issue of Kevin/Terry just dragged on and on. Though I could empathize with Terry’s inability to tell Evan that he was Kevin, the whole thing just went on way too long for me to be comfortable with it.

The constant repetitiveness of Terry’s inner monologues, and his actions in order to hide his identity, just got tiresome, and detracted from what was otherwise a cute romance.

Though I was glad to see the two get their happy ending, I was no longer invested in their story by that point.


Ann - 2.5 Hearts

I love Logan, MN and its inhabitants with all my Christmas heart so I was very excited to get my hands on The Christmas Fling. I’ve missed this author’s prose and have always fallen into her stories easily and have a hard time putting them down.

The Christmas Fling begins with a sorta kinda mistaken identity premise which leads to some incredibly filthy and delicious play between Evan and Terry (who wasn’t Terry at the time to Evan) and the premise was set. But, then it kind of was derailed. I had some fundamental issues that I had a hard time reconciling in the end.

Both MC’s are very complex characters and I appreciate the author taking on both of these guys and making them mesh. That was no small feat, I can tell you that. I had too many problems with the dynamics between the MC’s and their friends to let them go and it did affect my attitude while I was reading.

Evan does not recognize Terry after their one night and while Terry felt the connection, he is also afraid to connect. So, they work together and pretty much everyone knows but Evan and Terry is so tightly wound about the whole thing he can’t function or bring himself to come clean to Evan. This deception by omission went on way too long. And while it wasn’t meant to be, it felt cruel to do that to Evan as it’s not like he didn’t recognize Terry because he’s such a player, he literally can’t and the whole thing felt incredibly unfair.

Terry has his own mental health struggles and I couldn’t help but feel for him as well. He obviously needed help and was in no way able to get to that at the time, but his “handlers” weren’t nearly as helpful as I expected them to be. I’m giving you the side eye right now Levi. You allegedly have experience with what Terry struggles with and you never really talk to him about it??? WTF??? The only suggestion Levi had was to talk to his therapist bro (which was always hidden under the guise of dating him) or he gave Terry crap for being a fuck up with his personal life. It was all in jest and if he was a casual friend, I wouldn’t be able to blame him, but, sorry this is slightly spoilerish, but not really, it turns out he has personal experience and I just thought back to their previous interactions and got pissed. Dude, Levi, my friend, you did not do well by Terry.

I wanted Evan and Terry to get together and I so enjoyed reading the time they spent together as they “got to know” one another. Unfortunately, the whole misunderstanding hung over them and that was a bummer. It was a good thing these two were also brilliant at their careers with ideal dream jobs and handlers who took care of regular everyday life for them. Good for them, but very much a fairy tale for most, especially those struggling with mental health or social issues. Most people don’t have the luxury to make themselves a bed nest and not go out for days or just disappear when things get to be too much. Most people don’t have that kind of financial security. Those aren’t options and the fact that two characters had those safety nets kind of cheapened the reality of those struggles.

I absolutely loved being back in Logan and I will most definitely be reading the next in the series. I hope to get more of Evan and Terry together because the ending was wonderful if a little abrupt considering everything that built to that moment, but damn it was sweet and I would really like to revisit these guys once they settle into themselves and one another.

**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**

Review: The Valet by S.J. Foxx

After scandalising his family name, wealthy brat Hugo is kicked out of his parent's home in NYC, and tossed into the English countryside. There, he must live with his extended family and learn what it means to be a “gentleman,” or be cut off and left without his inheritance.

Brattish, reckless, and out of control, it seems that Hugo may never learn his manners. That is, until he meets his match: a stoic, no-nonsense valet, Sebastian.

Hugo and Sebastian are swept up in a forbidden fling, and they play a game of power.

Can Sebastian get a handle on his master? Or will Hugo's foolishness leave him penniless?

Well well well, this one took me completely by surprise. How is this S.J. Foxx’s debut novel? Bravo S.J. Foxx, Bravo! I know this isn’t a surprise anymore but I LOVE historical M/M romance. Regency era is my preferred but I dig 1920s and older. I say all that because I’m a picky bitch about them and I really enjoyed this. It was engaging, well written, entertaining, endearing, and hot AF. Two words… feather. duster. I’ll let that sink in while I give you the run down.

Hugo is a spoiled rich kid at 20 years old that was found in bed with another man’s wife (Don’t worry, he’s a big fan of the peen). After bringing shame to the family name, he gets shipped off to his dear ol' Aunt and Uncle in England. If he doesn’t straighten up his act over the next year, he'll lose his inheritance and be cut off. Hugo is whiny and self-destructive when given any opportunity. After arriving at Finchley Hall, he meets Sebastian, who soon becomes his valet. Hugo notices right away the mischievous smiles and wicked gleam in Sebastian’s eyes after every encounter and quickly becomes enamored. After Sebastian finds evidence of Hugo’s preferences, he wastes no time in providing creative ways to pass the hours.

Yes, Let's.

Sebastian was fucking awesome. He was cheeky, rebellious, assertive, dominant, sexually creative, and could reduce Hugo to a whimpering puddle of needy submissive goo with a single look or tone of voice.

“Whilst we’re still sleeping together, you have to know that you don’t own me. I work for you, but you answer to me. Is that understood?”

He had class elitist Hugo role-playing as a valet and getting off on it all the same. Sebastian had him making beds, getting him dressed, cleaning and shining dishes and Hugo was hard as a rock every time and begging for more. Sebastian was a forward thinker and fucked Hugo with the feather duster shaft after making him dust the room.

Two birds. One stone and all that...
There was also humiliation kink, some spanking, and public sex which didn't disappoint. There's a lot of heat between these two and naturally that leads to some sex. A lot of smexy times are to be had by all.

Due to his station, Sebastian was deemed lower class which made the power exchange in the relationship all the more enjoyable and special. Along with all the heat, there were sweet and caring moments that provided depth to their relationship. It wasn’t all rainbow and snowflakes though. Hugo could be an arse when he was in one of his bratty moods. As I mentioned before, he's self-destructive and for the first half lashed out at Sebastian for his own shortfalls. Hugo does realize the err of his ways and feels contrite about his treatment of Sebastian. They get their HEA in the end but it takes some work between them and also overcoming the other obstacles life throws their way.

Trigger warnings: There is drug use and an attempted sexual assault.

I really enjoyed this book and would absolutely recommend it to readers that like an entree of historical romance with a big scoop of sex on the side.

An ARC was provided.

Trivia Question: Name the angsty but topical series that follows the MC’s from their high school years to new adult - one becomes a lawyer, the other had gone into the military to find himself. 10 pts

Guest Review: Turn Up the Heat by Jane Davitt & Alexa Snow

First impressions fool recently dumped Rory into thinking Shannon's a walk on the wild side and the perfect way to get over a failed relationship. Shannon's not about to argue. Not when Rory coaxes him into some of the hottest, roughest sex of his life. But who is Rory falling in love with? A fantasy lover or the real man?

Fighting to keep Rory happy, longing for romance as well as the steamy sessions that leave them bruised and breathless, Shannon's got a lot on his plate even before family and friends complicate matters further.

There's only one solution. Turn up the heat, and hope it doesn't burn their relationship to the ground.

Reviewer: Lost in a Book

Holy kinkfest Batman!! This book was like Wheel of Fortune, kink style. Every spin will land you a prize kink with a…happy ending. *wink wink* Unless you’re into delayed gratification, then this is one for you too. We had spanking, pain, dirty talk, delayed gratification, dirty talk, humiliation, role playing, dirty talk, restraint, thrill of being caught, and being used to name a few of the prizes that were available to Rory and Shannon.

The sex was hot, how could it not be with that much kink to choose from? There wasn’t even a hint of vanilla. Unless you count that one time they cuddled and went to sleep? *shrug* There was a moment when a rubber glove came out that I thought my hard limit was about to approach… False alarm, not an ounce of crisco in sight; they just needed to do a cavity search. The dirty talk. Ohhhh the dirty talk… Shannon was on his A game with them words he speaks.

Shannon meets Rory when he responds to an ad to buy a motorcycle. When Shannon comes back a few days later to test drive it… he ends up test driving more than the motorcycle.

“Promises, promises. I don’t want words, I want action. You drive that bike like you know what you’re doing, but how do you fuck?”

This was supposed to be a one and done type situation. However, Shannon and Rory couldn’t stop thinking about the mind-blowing sex they had and decided a repeat was needed. There wasn’t much outside of sex for most of the book. We know that Rory is a dietitian and Shannon works construction and sometimes a bouncer on weekends. The bulk of the story is built around their sex-life and Rory’s brother, Jude.

Jude has been in a lot of trouble throughout his life and apparently Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is 100% to blame for why Jude can’t make the right choices and function as an adult. Rory is always the one to bail Jude out; literally. This dynamic between the brothers ruined Rory’s relationships with his previous boyfriends and puts a strain on the relationship with his friends and parents. They all feel that he is enabling Jude’s behavior. This strain continues until Shannon comes along and approaches Jude differently than the others by holding him accountable and setting limits. Shannon’s approach to Jude brings him closer to Rory.

A big issue for the MCs in this book was their sexual compatibility. Rory has a strong desire for kink but neither Rory or Shannon have indulged in anything other than vanilla before.

“Who knew desire this overwhelming existed? Separate from love or any real knowledge of the man about to fuck him, his need for rough handling took him over, free from captivity at last, given full rein for the first time.”

This “full rein” puts a chasm in their relationship. Rory is constantly looking for things to turn up the heat and Shannon indulges but then kicks himself for going along with it. Shannon is insecure throughout on his purpose in their relationship

“Being used for sex sounded great in theory. In practice, it was doing a number on his self-esteem.”
“I get him off, fulfill every jerk-off fantasy he dreams up. Is that making him happy? For now, sure, but long-term?”

A huge issue with both men is their lack of communication skills. Neither are able to do what is necessary to further their relationship. There isn’t a discussion on limits or lines and Rory steps right over it.

“Tell me, Doc, if you knew I was as vanilla as the image you project, if my dick was five inches not nine, would you still be interested in me? Because I don’t know who you think you’re dating, but it isn’t the man I see in the mirror. It isn’t me. And you were too busy getting your rocks off to notice I was uncomfortable.”
“I knew it wouldn’t last, but I wanted as much of you as I could get. Should’ve known it was a mistake. Can’t build on sand and expect it to hold up when the tide comes in.”

The remainder of the book brings us on a journey of discovery and limits for Rory and Shannon. They both have to figure out what they want in a relationship and the kink limits they are comfortable with.

This book was alright. The kink and last 25% moved it to 3 stars. The emotional connection was lacking for 75% of the book. I didn’t understand the point of their relationship outside of sex for most of it. It was almost as if they could walk away, no biggie. The remaining 25% really put a spotlight on the missing pieces. I finally got their relationship at the end and I wish that it was more developed throughout. There were some WTF moments that left me shaking my head. You’ll know when you get there. Especially around 74%. These WTF moments were meant to serve as a catalyst to further their relationship but instead really showed the lack of emotional connection.

Speaking of WTF…Let’s talk about the cover? Seriously? I'm a huge fan of beards and facial hair but this bearded guy makes me think he should be driving a creepy white van with candy in his pocket. I know, I know… Don’t judge a book blah blah blah. I judge and that cover doesn’t make me think Turn up the Heat.

Also speaking of WTF, this book had 2 big jumps in time without indication. These jumps left a lot of questions as to how they ended up where they did. One moment it was a hook up and the next they are having dinner with the friends. *confused* The secondary characters were funny and it seems that the next book has been set up nicely with Dex and Elliott.

I didn’t hate this. It was alright and had some enjoyable moments. If the relationship development improves (maybe expand instead of having a time lapse), this could be a decent read and then I would recommend it. If you like dirty talk, I’d recommend it even if their relationship development stays the same. *hawwwwwt*

NSFW Review: The Salt of Your Tears by M. Caspian

Three works of m/m erotica from M. Caspian

In His Skin: Harrison offers Dylan the world. All he asks in return is Dylan follow a few simple rules. 10,731 words

Asking For It: Cole was looking for one night of casual sex. Garrett's going to give Cole everything he thought he couldn't have. 7059 words

A Song in the Blood: Corran MacKenzie signed up to fight a war that wasn't his. In the desert he found Sephtis. And his fate. 6522 words

Averaged!

For the dudes and dudettes who like it extremely dark and kinky!
Twisted folks step right on up!


In His Skin - 4 Hearts

A mute submissive is given the world by his Master, but it comes with a price.

Warning: do not enter if you can't handle pain play, blood play, sharing amongst partners and piercing certain sensitive parts.

Dylan yearns to please his master Harrison. He tries his hardest to follow his rules and be the best that he can be. But he yearns for something...the sea.

Dylan doesn't have to cook or clean. All he has to do is please Harrison, obviously in the bedroom. Though he never utters a word throughout the story, Dylan's thoughts and emotions were very present. The story is slightly mysterious as well as erotic. Who Dylan is and how he came to be with Harrison is the leading the question that pulled me into the story.

I'm not one for pain play, so not on #TeamPain. (#Team Lube represent!) But the verbal humiliation helped ease my squickiness. And when  Harrison and Dylan are alone together, the trademark Caspian possessiveness came tot he forefront, where hot breaths and threats are prevalent.

"Did your hole get enough tonight? Oh, no, wait, it didn't because I haven't fucked you yet. Only me, you hear me? It's only me who gets to have you."

That I liked. I figured out the mystery close to the end. The writing read poetic and a little somber at times. But I was super happy with the concept. It's my kind of paranormal.

At the end, Dylan prioritized what he needed the most. I'd like to think was a HEA.

Please heed the warnings before trying.

Asking For It - 5 Hearts

CHEESUS AND CRACKERS! THIS IS LIKE IT WAS WRITTEN FOR ME!

7+k words - I kid you not, I have about half of this story highlighted.  

"Bet you want it all the time, don't you, a boy like you? I'll have to visit you at work on your lunch break, gag you and tie your hands in the men's room, turn you around in a stall and fuck you 'til you're crying, then make you go back to your afternoon meeting with my seed dripping out of you."

All my favorites words came to play: cockslut, cunt, fuckboy!

Pornupcopia jackpot! Filth! Smut at its finest!

Cole needs. He needs bad. The 22 year old has been a good boy. He's repressed at work, doesn't try to explore the kink, the need in him. And when he tries to finally do something about it with a date with a Daddy type from online, he doesn't meet with much success.

Or does he?

"Your eyes are hungry, did you know that?"

Bar owner and bartender Garrett sees everything that night. And answers the body call Cole has going on.

"But you still need, don't you? It's okay boy. You've found me now."

Semi-public sex, humiliation dirty talk, possessive alpha Dom...I just don't where to begin on the high points.

The thrill Cole feels, the slight, miniscule dub-con feel to it all...oh the words.

If only that pool table could talk.

"I can't wait to fuck you raw, watch you push my cum out, see it dripping out of your hole."

Cole gets shown, owned and is so satisfied by Garret, any reservation has flew the coop.

And I imagine a very cum filled happy ending. From random hookup to lasting D/s relationship...

Aces in my book! ;)
Re-read worthy for sure!


A Song in the Blood - 4.5 Hearts

Where a masochist with a penchant for blood play finally meets his match.

Here's the thing. I started this a little confuzzled.

Then as I read along I realized this was “It is Our Bounden Duty To Protect The Empire”. (Love this new title BTW) and the tags helped make it clearer.

The tags: gun play, extreme violence, paranormal, power exchange, HEA, historical setting, Kiwi MC, extreme violence. All acts are consensual by the way.

Set after the turn of the 20th century, Corran McKenzie is a Kiwi soldier slowly dying in the African desert. He's picked up a friend by the name of Sephtis. And Sephtis watches and goads the young man as his will to live keeps him going.

Now if you look up the name Sephtis, you'll see exactly who Septhis is. Or I should say what he represents. Clever, clever, author. (It's a reason why I rated so high) We get a case study of Corran's life and the start of when he craved real pain and couldn't have his needs fulfilled.

"Your want is delicious."

All he needs is to make it hurt, to bleed.

Sephtis scratches that unfathomable itch. The story starts in 1902 and carries on into present day. There are erotic moments and scenes...like this:

Add that to the mindfuckery and it's a hot little number.

"Did you know your soul hungers? No wonder I heard you all the way out here in the middle of nowhere."

It reminded me of Deckard's "Better The Devil You Know", which had similar depravity, a witty entity and crisp writing.

Recommended for readers who can actually handle the tags, DMC and those who like extreme dark mixed in with their kink.

Find on Goodreads!

Review: All About the Boy by P.A. Friday

Some men like gentle loving—others like to switch up the power. In P.A. Friday’s collection of stories, explore the raunchier, edgier side of lust—a space where domination and control can be the greatest turn-on.

From Stefan finding out the hard way just how straight he isn’t, Jake who has to learn to behave or take his punishment, to Kel juggling two very different lovers at his workplace, doing what you’re told has never been sexier.

What a hot little anthology! I'm rating this a touch higher than I rated the individual stories because as a whole I had a lot of fun reading this and all of the stories were incredibly sexy!


Pretty little Straight Boy - 4.5 Hearts

So good! Loved that sexy little short.

Stefan and Rufus (great name) have been friends since high school and are celebrating finishing university with some other friends. Everyone's getting a bit (lot) drunk and they decide to play hide and seek(?) with forfeits paid if they're found. So Rufus is on the hunt and when he finds Stefan he declares his forfeit is to suck Rufus’ cock. Oh one thing, Stefan is ‘straight’ (que eye roll) but he finds himself in desperate need for some Rufus cock in his mouth.

This had two super super delicious scenes featuring some light D/S and a college boy desperately needing to be filled.

“Please, what?” he asked softly, still pinning Stefan’s hands on either side of his head. He leaned over Stefan. “Please, don’t? Or please, don’t stop? Please, make me beg some more?”

There was enough character development and story to make me understand their dynamic and want them to end up together, but mostly it's just sex *waggles eyebrows*.

“Spread your legs for me, Stefan,” he murmured. “Just like that. I want you to see me, and I want to see your face as I take you. Spread your legs wide for me.”

Making Amends - 4 Hearts

Hm….That was hot and interesting….

Jake is Alessandro's boy, they have an open relationship with Alessandro having other lovers and Jake pleasuring them as Alessandro sees fit. Jake adores Alessandro and adores his life, except when it comes to Leo, Alessandro's long time friend. With the book being purely from Jake's POV we can't help but hate Leo as well, but it's obvious Jake’s dislike is pretty petty.

Alessandro was so handsome, so immediately magnetic in personality, and the majority of his friends were almost as attractive. Leo, however, was plain, even unattractive, with a prominent, beak-like nose and sallow skin. And his attitude always managed to rub Jake the wrong way.

When Jake openly insults Leo, Alessandro sees fit to punish Jake.

Then to make matter more interesting Alessandro hands Jake over to Leo for one night so Jake can really show Leo how sorry he is *snickers*. Let's just say Jake is bratty and Leo definitely gets his pride back.

Office Politics - 3.5 Hearts

So in this one we meet Kel, who is both dominant and submissive and enjoys the extra thrill of having sex at his office.

Kel is currently having sex with two men he works with (separately, they don't know about the other, but no one is exclusive), Peter who is submissive and Dean who enjoys beating up his partners. Kel meets with Peter first and my goodness that was so smoking hot! Exhibitionism people!! They have sex right up against the office window and then naughty Peter has to clean up all the mess he made *tutt tutt*.

Dean and Kel’s scene was really hot as well, reminded me a lot of Uneven (by Anah crow) but it went in a direction I didn't really like. Well maybe it would have been alright if it had had more closure. It didn't really make sense to have a ‘climax’ like this one in the story, just for it to end straight after.

Still super hot though!


Completely recommend this book for a quick compilation of some pretty darn hot D/S stories!

Check out on Goodreads!

Purchase Links:
NineStar Press: http://ninestarpress.com/product/all-about-the-boy/

Did you see the hot GIVEAWAY here?

Interested in more? Check out the Author Bio and Excerpt below!

Author Bio

P.A. Friday fails dismally to write one sort of thing and, when not writing erotica and erotic romance of all sexualities, may be found writing articles on the Regency period, pagan poetry, or science fiction. She loves wine and red peppers, and loathes coffee and mushrooms.

Email: penfriday@gmail.com
Website: http://penelopefriday.com
Twitter: @penelopefriday
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/penelopefriday/

Excerpt

Usually, Jake liked to do as he was told. He obeyed Alessandro’s every whim and behaved impeccably—especially in the presence of his master’s friends.

Usually.

It was not because he feared punishment that he did so, either. Far from it. It was because he loved the look on his master’s face when Jake was obedient. That expression of pride in his boy—in Jake—and the warmth of his smile. Jake would do anything for that look.

Still, there was one of Alessandro’s friends to whom Jake couldn’t take. No matter how many times he met the man, he didn’t warm to him—had, in fact, an instinctive revulsion towards him. In his presence, the temptation to disregard his usual obedience was always strong. It wasn’t the fact that Leo had once been Alessandro’s lover—Alessandro had had, and continued to have, any number of lovers. Indeed, with Alessandro’s permission, several had played with or been pleasured by Jake. But when it came to Leo, the rules changed.

Review: Chained (Bound Gods #2) by Adrienne Wilder

Leo has been sent on a mission to find a missing doxie. And after weeks at Leo’s side, Kaleb is suddenly alone. Free of the cruelty the Chimera, he should be rejoicing. But instead, he becomes aware of a void in his heart, he never knew was there until Leo wasn’t there to fill it. When Leo returns Kaleb is faced with the choice of disobeying Leo—forcing him to take ambrosia—or risk losing him forever.

With a single flower, Leo is back under the control of the Association. And what kind of punishment is suitable for a doxie who disobeys his Master, even though it saves his life? Leo has a list of ideas, starting with Kaleb’s first visit to a Gathering.

At the Gathering of the gods, doxies, and mortal men, Kaleb first lays eyes on Aaron. The beautiful doxie is presented by the god Sol. There he will be fed the ambrosia, Awakened to his journey of immortality, and then serve his god, Sol, for all to see. Only the horror of Aaron’s treatment by Sol makes Kaleb realize monsters come in many forms.

And not all of them hunt doxies.

 Helllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll yessssssssssssssssssssss.

Chained picked up right where The Chimera left off.  Leo is off to find a missing Doxie and left Kaleb without a word. With Leo gone Kaleb was at a bit of a loss with what to do. How was he supposed to act? Did he still have to prepare himself everyday? Kaleb did what he thought his master would want him to do in his absence. He also decided to find out more about the Association and how these men claim to be gods.

When Leo returned he was a little worse for the wear. Kaleb is tricked/persuaded into giving Leo what he's been avoiding in order to save him... ambrosia. Now that Leo has had a taste, there's no going back and he's only becoming even more addicted to Kaleb.

The story focused on the investigation and mystery plot more than the previous book. I would have liked more Kaleb and Leo because they are so spectacularly hot together. There are some major sex scenes with even more kinkiness than the last. Leo likes to dish out the pain and Kaleb likes to take it for his master. But the guy is not a pushover. When he really believes in something, he digs his heels in and stands up for it. I liked that about him and am curious to see where this strength takes him.

As the plot unravels we learn more about Kaleb in this installment and what makes him special in particular. We also find out that Kaleb's brother isn't all that he seems. More doxies and gods were introduced and I'm excited to see more of these characters. Especially Aaron. His story is heartbreaking. He and Kaleb seem to have formed a bond and I hope to see more of that friendship develop.

Bound Gods is shaping up to be a solid series filled with twist and turns, paranormal happenings, and a kinky master/slave relationship. <- what more could a Unicorn as for?

A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review. 

Find out more info on Goodreads.

Tag Team Review: A Seditious Affair (Society of Gentlemen, #2) by K.J. Charles

K. J. Charles turns up the heat in her new Society of Gentlemen novel, as two lovers face off in a sensual duel that challenges their deepest beliefs.
 
Silas Mason has no illusions about himself. He’s not lovable, or even likable. He’s an overbearing idealist, a Radical bookseller and pamphleteer who lives for revolution . . . and for Wednesday nights. Every week he meets anonymously with the same man, in whom Silas has discovered the ideal meld of intellectual companionship and absolute obedience to his sexual commands. But unbeknownst to Silas, his closest friend is also his greatest enemy, with the power to see him hanged—or spare his life.

A loyal, well-born gentleman official, Dominic Frey is torn apart by his affair with Silas. By the light of day, he cannot fathom the intoxicating lust that drives him to meet with the Radical week after week. In the bedroom, everything else falls away. Their needs match, and they are united by sympathy for each other’s deepest vulnerabilities. But when Silas’s politics earn him a death sentence, desire clashes with duty, and Dominic finds himself doing everything he can to save the man who stole his heart.

Cupcake

Let me just say I continue to be dazzled by Charles’s writes. It’s clear she enjoys research something I find highly satisfying myself and I do appreciate any efforts toward depicting historical events accurately.

This series takes place during the Regency period and various actual historical events tie the Society of Gentlemen to their less affluent counterparts. That divide is highlighted in A Seditious Affair probably more so than any of the rest of the series. Possibly. We’ll see what Richard’s story holds in store.

The stories overlap slightly. Here we pick up with Silas and Dom towards the end of the events of A Fashionable Indulgence. They have been meeting for several months by this time. Most of the other gentlemen make appearances none more memorable than daft Ash’s.

Silas, seditionist and ruffian, and Dom, his Tory, having been meeting every Wednesday since some clairvoyant individual paired them up. What they do on those Wednesdays was… ah… surprising? I didn’t realize Charles dabbled in the kink, but my surprise quickly turned to glee at their enterprising kink. Humiliation, bondage, a little pain-good stuff, people! Minus all that high protocol stuff that makes me twitchy.

What I liked best about them is despite their class differences they treat one another as equals even with regard to their kinks, they make allowances for one another. They’re thoughtful, mindful of the other. They are both strong characters who are steadfast and loyal without being inflexible. They’re also likeable.

It’s clear early on that these two have fallen for each other but both of reluctant to admit it because why? What good can possibly come of it? They have no future, right? And, honestly, I had a hard time envisioning a future for them that was plausible. But the conflict and resolution were both delivered with a simplicity and complexity that I bought hook, line and sinker.

Why not 5 hearts then?

As much as I enjoy historical events that’s not what draws me to books such as these; it’s the romance. There was a good bit of politicking in A Fashionable Indulgence to be sure, but I felt it was happily in the sidecar whereas I felt it was vying for the lead role in A Seditious Affair. I liked it slightly more than the 4 hearts I’m giving it, but not quite 4.5 and we don’t have a gif for 4.25 so 4 it is.

Still an excellent read and highly recommended. It could probably be read as a standalone, but would resonate more having read Harry and Julius’s story. As always, your mileage may vary.

Baby

I was very happy for the future pairings in the Society of Gentlemen series. And this series thankfully features a different couple each book. But Cyprian, the redheaded valet/spy make an impression on me. Immensely. I was all over the ginger (go figure). He's cunning and bends the rules? I wanted to spring on top of him like...I dunno what. But I wanted Cyprian like I wanted my next breath. And his book won't be out until next year.

So I figured, A Seditious Affair, (book #2) was going to be a filler book, a stepping stone if you will. I was just going to enjoy the read but knew the main dish would be with the ginger.

K.J. Charles knocked me out with her words...AGAIN!

I shouldn't have underestimated the words of K.J. Charles. Or even thought for a second that it was going to be a filler book. Sweet Cheesus, the couple...their words to one another...the kink...this story!

Consideration, that was what it was...That tiny piece of thoughtfulness from a gentleman who wanted to be fucked into the gutter, but who noticed how the man in the gutter felt.

As per usual, it was word porn for the mind in A Seditious Affair. And K.J. Charles and kink, who knew? BDSM before it was formalized but not heavy for those who shy away from kinkier romances.

Silas, the ham fisted brute with a mega chip on his shoulder who breaks the law while fighting for the every man's rights is the dom in the relationship. He's thoughtful, he's creates the scene and he knows his gentleman sub, Dominic. Through him, Dominic gets to not only recognize the part of himself that has been shamed by his former lover, but he gets to finally have someone in his corner. Dominic was not weak for having his predilections and through Silas, he was even stronger.

If only their lives coincided as easily as their bedroom activities. They were on opposite sides of the fence, gentleman vs. working man. Silas was the seditious writer when not selling books and Dominic worked for the Home Office, the very institution that was trying to snuff out people like Silas. How could they ever have a HEA? At points, I thought it wasn't going to happen. Silas and his stubbornness and pride would get in the way but Charles makes the story work, as well as the men work for their happy ending.

Of course with the help of wonderful supporting characters including, the gentlemen Ricardians, a slew of folk that made the tensions run high and kept the pace going. But I must discuss the standouts

Zoe! I thought I was half in love with Shakespeare...but he has a new contender in Zoe, the ballsy madam of Millay's.

"We all knew who he was except you," Zoe hissed, "and we all knew who you was except him, and how the fuck was anyone to know that you two was too stupid to ask each other?"

I thoroughly enjoy the way this author handles diversity in this time period and she doesn't just make a free black another part of the scenery, seen but not heard. She gives them a voice. She gives them character. And Zoe...she goes onto my faves secondary characters list. She's ballsy and smart...I adored her. Almost as much as the other scene stealer, Mr. Julian Norreys - the star of book #1, A Fashionable Indulgence.

Julian Norreys...I lived for each and every scene he entered, each scathing remark was pleasure unbound. He's still not my fave character from this author but he's a close second. Bless his tongue, may it never part from his head. I think he was even better in this book. I don't know but I'm so tempted to start a Norreys fan club - Harry being the president of course.

Enough about the two breakout characters (though the secondary characters get more depth added to them, so I applaud all of them), this story is isn't just delicious kink (D/s, mind games, bondage, HUMILIATION- score!) and the gut wrenching love Silas and Dominic had for one another. (I'm not spoiling since it's apparent from the first page about their connection)

He'd enjoyed doing that. Marking the Tory, stamping him his. Making sure any trespassing society gentleman would know Silas had been there first.

It's also about politics of the times, the haves maintaining an iron fist grip on the wealth and letting the have nots suffer. It's about social injustice. It's about sedition. And the author researched it thoroughly and added a lot of detail. It might be point that could possibly turn some off. It gets heavy. But to me, this was Silas and Dominic's tale. They were in the thick of politics, so of course, their story would be bloody political. And it's based on real events and it made me sad how close to current events they are right now.

I think the story as a whole worked. There was romance, there was action, there was sex and grit. And most importantly there were words. Lovely words that transported to a favorite time period of mine and showcased a different side. And made it interesting.

While I now purr in glee for the next book (April can't get here soon enough), A Seditious Affair is most certainly not a book to scoff at. Silas and Dominic are a very solid couple, I think even more so that Harry and Julian.

It's one of my favorite reads of the year.

For more information on Goodreads or Booklikes! 

A copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review