Anniversary Shenanigans: Author Visit + Giveaway - Jane Davitt (NSFW)

We have a special treat today: Jane Davitt! She came out of semi-retirement to write a fic for the shenanigans! It's sure to get your motor running too!

Mixed Messages

By Jane Davitt

I like to make sure there's no mistake about who's in charge so I tell him I'll be the one fucking him, not the other way around, before he pours me a beer. He raises his eyebrows, then shrugs.

"Fine."

Maybe I'd come on a bit strong there. I was happy to be the piece of rough this New York lawyer had brought back to his place for some no-strings sex, but I didn't need to scrape the smile off his face by being rude.

"Sorry. It doesn't work for me otherwise."

He hands me his beer, then splashes a finger of whiskey into a glass, the crystal all sparkles in the soft light of the city, streaming in through the huge windows. "Not a problem. I like controlling men." Huh. Okay then. I don't think of myself as controlling, but, fine. "I have a…request of my own though. I pick the position."

I nod. On his knees, ass up or on his back, legs up; I don't care as long as I get to nail him. He's as polished and bright as the glass, and I want to strip him out of designer and dress him in sweat.

Thirty minutes later, I'm naked in an armchair with him sinking down slowly onto my cock and somewhere, somehow, I'm not calling any shots, only his name, over and over, begging, grinding my ass against leather, hands trapped by his request, but it isn't is it, it's an order and he's gotten me so turned on, desperate for release, that I'm obeying him without a flicker of rebellion.

"That's it," he murmurs, taking me an inch deeper. "Good boy. Hold still, yes, perfect. I'm going to kiss you now, a reward for being so obedient."

The kiss comes with teeth and my nipple throbs, bitten hot. I moan, head angled to watch him, memorising him in case this is the only night I get.

Or will he keep me? Polish me into something as hard and brilliant as he is?

He comes with a groan, marking my flesh, but keeps me waiting for my climax until I've begged nicely.

He didn't lie. He likes controlling men. And he's proving it with every whimper he gets from me, every helpless, desperate word.

I want more, but something tells me to get it I'll need to be on my knees when I ask.

I can do that.

Anyone else need a drink or maybe a cig? We unicorns thank Jane for raising the temperature of the clubhouse and making our 5th memorable!

About the Author:

I'm English by birth, but I moved to Canada twenty years ago, so I have two places I call home. I started writing in my thirties, hammering out millions of words of fanfic with a growing sense that yes, this was something I could do, wanted to do, needed to do.

A decade ago, I became a professional writer of m/m romance and I've never regretted my choice of career. Back then, telling people what I wrote got me raised eyebrows or puzzled looks. Times have changed. Now m/m romance is thriving and I'm happy to be one of the many writers contributing to this always evolving and expanding genre.

[Free reads and my fanfic are here:
Jane Davitt at AO3]

Find her:

Website: http://www.janedavitt.com
Twitter: @janedavitt
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jane.davitt.1

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enter to win a DSP audiobook! Your choice! The giveaway is open until 12:00AM (EST) 11/26/18. Shortly thereafter, we will contact a winner!

Please respond to the winning notification within 48 hours or we will choose another winner. Good luck!

Don't miss entering in our month long unicorn giveaway HERE! It ends 12/1/18!

NSFW Review: The Station by Keira Andrews

Two men exiled to an untamed land must capture love.

Ever since Cambridge-bound Colin Lancaster spied on stable master Patrick Callahan mastering another man, he’s longed for Patrick to do the same to him. When Patrick is caught with his pants down and threatened with death for his crime, Colin speaks up in his defense and confesses his own sinful nature. They’re soon banished to the faraway prison colony of Australia.

Patrick never asked for Colin’s help, and now he’s stuck with the pampered fool. While it’s true that being transported to Australia is a far cry from the luxury Colin is accustomed to, he’s determined to make the best of it and prove himself. Patrick learned long ago that love is a fairy tale, but he’s inexorably drawn to sweet, optimistic Colin despite himself.

From the miserable depths of a prison ship to the vast, untamed Australian outback, Colin and Patrick must rely on each other. Danger lurks everywhere, and when they unexpectedly get the chance to escape to a new life as cowboys, they’ll need each other more than ever.

This historical gay romance from Keira Andrews features an age difference, an eager virgin, hurt/comfort, and of course a happy ending.

Historical? Australia? Cowboys?

The Station begins when Colin is just a boy of 13 and a new stable master, Patrick (22) is hired on at his parents estate. Colin quickly becomes enamored and visits Patrick any chance he can get away. Years go by and when he's 16, Colin spots Patrick getting it on with another man. It turns him on while at the same time spooking him. Colin has to come to terms with his sexual identity and isn’t able to face Patrick after. Pressure from Colin’s parents keep him indoors for much of his teen years. They are determined he attend university while Colin would much rather work with his hands. And Patrick. On Patrick. To Patrick. He isn’t picky, by age 19, Colin wants Patrick.

Patrick is an Irish stable master with a prickly demeanor. He’s been screwed over by people in his past and trusts no one, believes love isn’t real, and sex will only ever be about release and never feelings. Patrick also doesn’t understand why Colin stopped visiting all those years and becomes very cool to the young Lord Lancaster.

Until…

*dramatic music*

Patrick is found “buggering” a man in the stable. Colin steps forward to save Patrick and admits to having a “sinful nature” as well. Both men are spared death and end up on a prison labor ship that’s going to help colonize Australia.

Colin is such a bright eyed man who’s relieved that his inclinations are revealed and that he isn’t heading to college. On this long journey, Patrick and Colin form a tentative friendship with benefits but Patrick remains clear that there’s nothing more to their interactions. Trust no one.

Because they have male interests, both men hit the prisoner lottery and end up escorting a widow and cattle to her station. It’s on this station that both men find their footing- happiness, purpose, friendships, and love. It’s a slow progression with Patrick being of the anti-love and physical release only mentality. Colin wears his heart on his sleeve and Patrick is closed off but cares much more than he lets on. It's beautiful to watch each man find themselves as individuals and then together as lovers and partners.

**Please pardon this review interruption for some gratuitous Aussie cowboy pictures. NSFW**

The secondary characters. *heart eyes* I adored William, Robbie, and Emily. My face sprung a leak as Colin said goodbye to his cousin William. Legit tears. I think it seemed so profound because all of Colin’s family were against him and although William didn’t understand, he still loved him. Isn't that all that should matter? *sniff* Emily, the widow is a strong, independent woman that kicks ass and takes names- usually with a rifle by her side.

This is a captivating and unique story. The part that had me a bit disappointed was the historical element. The first part of the story that took place in London had the language and feels I crave in historical romances. Once they left London, my enjoyment level remained but the historical element seemed to vanish. The language was modernized and it didn’t read any different than some of the non-historical Australian outback romances I’ve read. Again, I very much enjoyed this but historicals are my preferred drug of choice and this read didn’t fully provide the fix I was jonesing for.

I thought this would be angsty AF. It wasn’t and I’m so glad I put on my big girl pants and took a chance. When conditions were miserable, Colin still had hope, found happiness, and felt the relief of a new day, being true to himself, on an unknown Australian adventure. With Patrick. Definitely recommended.

NSFW Review: Lace-Covered Compromise by Silvia Violet

Adam Kingston expects to inherit his father’s multinational conglomerate. When he finds out half of it went to Nate Thomas—an annoying man whose dreams for Kingston Corp.’s future clash with Adam’s need to stave off financial disaster—Adam is furious. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to wrest control of Kingston Corp. from Nate.

Nate may be soft-spoken, but he refuses to be swayed by Adam’s arrogant demands. When Nate accidentally drops a pair of his lacy panties in front of Adam, there’s no mistaking Adam’s interest. Nate hadn’t realized Adam was bisexual, but now that his secret is out, Nate is willing to use Adam’s lust against him if it means protecting the welfare of the company he loves.

For Adam and Nate, hatred and desire are closely linked. Their inability to compromise threatens the company and could expose their tightly held secrets. But as they work together to develop a plan to save Kingston Corp., they begin to realize there might be more to their relationship than anger and lust.

THERE WILL BE GRATUITOUS MANTIES PICS. BRACE YOURSELVES, MY PEOPLES.

Notice the wallpaper?
I think *someone* got the memo.

First, let me say as soon as I read the blurb I said aloud, "it's my book!" Ok, it was more of a squell (squeal + yell) but nevertheless there was some excite happening. Then I hit NetGalley DAILY, like it was my job, waiting for it to appear.

It was worth the wait. It was everything. MY FACE MELTED RIGHT OFF MY FACE!!!!!!!!!!!! My own panties got so confused. They didn't know whether to combust, fly off my body, work as a fire retardant or spin around. Eventually they just began wandering around the house aimlessly, bumping into furniture and walls.

Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and Lace-Covered Compromise is primo. Truly. It was the fine dining equivalent of hate sex enemies to lovers. I wish this book came in liquid form because I would marinate in it. It's sexy as hell, has well developed characters, a sassy and spunky female secondary character and an engaging plot.

And I know you think it's rough
When you're try'na patch us up
And I say honey what is love?
You just say I drink too much

Adam Kingston is a rich, entitled, privileged, spoiled rotten brat. Rude, stubborn and bad at adulting are his default settings, but inside he's insecure, scared and lonely and he drinks too much. His best friend Valerie is the only one that sees through his facade and she takes no shit from him. I loved her. I also loved Adam. He's a mess but I heart him. His parents mailed it in so connecting with others is difficult and he struggles with anxiety. He really needs someone other than Valerie to see the real him, see through all the subterfuge and call him on his bullshit.

The entire story is told through Adam and I think that was the right call for a couple of reasons. The first being to really understand his prickly nature and the second to get a front row seat for his struggle to better himself and save Kingston. Interoffice politics have a fairly large role in the narrative as Adam is SUPER pissed at his father for splitting Kingston Corp between him and his nemesis, Nate Thomas upon his death. Of course he takes it out on Nate, but he's got to find a way to compromise when it comes to Kingston if he wants the company to survive. He's also got to find a way to be honest with himself and those he cares about if he wants to have a meaningful connection with Nate.

Maybe I'm defective
Or maybe I'm dumb
I'm sorry, so sorry for what I've done
Maybe I'm bad natured 
Or maybe I'm young
I'm sorry, so sorry for what I've done

Nate is his opposite in many ways. He's comfortably out, laid back, environmentally conscious and approachable. He also likes his MANTIES and is bossy in the bedroom! He even coordinates his lipstick to his MANTIES. *swallows tongue*

Adam's been keeping his bisexuality under wraps but as soon as he glimpses Nate's pink lace things start to get hot in a hurry. I love it when everyone's into the MANTIES and there's no shame. I also really liked that the MANTIES wearer was the Toppy McTopperton one!

The D/s is mild with a little orgasm denial, face-fucking, non-restraint bondage and begging, all while engaging in public hate sex, mirror sex and some epic rimming. The only thing that was missing was spanking/impact play and quite frankly if that had happened I might've imploded and spun off into space. So thanks for your restraint, Ms. Violet.

The pink, combined with his toned body and a look that said he would fuck me until I screamed. It was too good. [...] He was going to destroy me.

As hot as it was, and it was scorching, I appreciated that Nate's magic peen didn't "fix" Adam. Adam has to use his words to make reparation to Nate. He also makes a really heartfelt and altruistic grand gesture which went a long way towards showing his growth.

And I'm the t-shirt that I wear
Pick the thorns out of my hair
I broke your heart so carelessly
But made the pieces part of me
And now it hurts what we've become
'Cause you taught me how to love
It's me who taught you how to stop

The HEA was the best! Sure, they'll still have differences, ups and downs, and they'll have some fucking fantastic makeup sex.

If you're in need of some smutty goodness with a hefty dose of warm and fuzzy feels give Lace-Covered Compromise a spin.

I've waited for this
I'm ready for it
I've waited for this
I'm ready for it
I been waiting so long

~Nothing But Thieves

werd.

An ARC was provided by NetGalley.

NSFW Review: Aftercare by Tanya Chris

Aayan Denir knows Garrett Hillier was once a high-powered defense attorney, and—thanks to a leaked photograph—he knows Garrett is sexually submissive, which makes him ideally qualified to defend Aayan's brother from the charge of murdering his sub. Aayan would do anything to protect Syed, even if he doesn't understand how Syed could hurt someone he loves. He could never hurt Garrett. He only wants to take care of him—love him, serve him, cherish him. And maybe torture him. Just a little. 

Garrett probably shouldn’t be dating his client’s brother. Right? And what’s the use in a confirmed sub dating a guy who doesn’t want to be a Dom anyway? The important thing is to get Syed cleared of the discriminatory murder charge he’s facing. Aayan is a distraction. But for the first time in the three lonely years since Garrett’s husband died, he’s feeling hope, ambition, and desire. Can he give up the pain he craves to find the love he needs? 

As Syed’s trial date looms, Aayan and Garrett explore what a BDSM relationship means for them, and what they mean to each other. 

Aftercare is a M/M BDSM contemporary romance about Aayan, a Muslim immigrant who’s not sure he can play the Dom role, and Garrett, a submissive attorney who walked away from his life when his husband died. 64,000 words.

Tanya Chris was a new to be author but she's on my radar now. Poor thing. Someone should warn her. So strap in, kids. Cupcake's about to gush, and by "gush" I mean talk your face off.

"When I'm with you it's like spring has come. Everything blooms and fills."

Aftercare was like a breath of fresh air that I inhaled with gusto. Reminiscent of a kinder, gentler Uneven in that Aayan like Gabriel has no real experience with kink, though he has a presence, innate dom qualities and an inner sadist begging to break free. However, Aayan's faith along with a college experience gone bad have done a number on his psyche and led him to squelch his urges. 

I'm not a religious person thus I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the juxtaposition of Aayan's beliefs with his desires. Desires which run counter to Islam in particular his yearning to hurt his male lovers and whereas Islam  values caretaking over violence. Islam also fundamentally prohibits homosexuality and Aayan is gay, something in many ways, I think he's perpetually trying to atone for. These opposing forces blend together to make Aayan a caretaker dom and a reticent sadist, so... crazy, stupid sexy.

He does this come here finger thing... I can't even!

I'm getting ahead of myself. Oops.

His brother Syed's partner and sub, Jaime, was murdered and Syed is the only suspect owing to their lifestyle. Aayan wants Garrett to represent his brother due to his much publicized submissiveness. Garrett's deceased husband Russell took a photo of him kneeling at his feet with an enraptured look on his face and subsequent to his death that photo was made public. Syed bought it. Aayan half fell in love with Garrett from that photo, so his hiring him isn't entirely altruistic.

The attraction between them is palpable but the question then becomes can Aayan meet Garrett's needs? Can he reconcile his sadistic urges with his faith?

The way Chris approached these questions and Aayan's characterization was nuanced and complex, sophisticated. It took Aayan a long time to admit he was gay for fear of disappointing his parents. He even married in an effort to subvert his sexuality, make his parents happy and remain a good Muslim, so the notion of going against god again inspires much angst.

But Garrett pushes all of his sadistic buttons. Makes him want and Garrett wants that pain too. Needs it.

He wanted to shred Garrett into manageable pieces, pieces he could own and control.

Garrett has his fair share of baggage too. Said highly publicized photo of him pretty much destroyed his credibility as a high-powered attorney. He's been doing public defense work since Russell's death 3 yrs ago and existing. Garrett doesn't struggle so much with his feelings for Aayan as adjusting to the difference between him and Russell which captivated me with its simplicity. Can he adjust to only D/s without pain play? Not only that but simply the adjustment to the differences in their dominance and being the sub Aayan needs or wants as opposed to Russell.

They don't always communicate effectively and Garrett does throw out some mixed signals at times but I liked the way their relationship evolved; it felt realistic. They both struggle with their baggage but they both realize what they have has the potential to be something special and neither wants to lose it.

He made Garrett feel like a thing he owned-a precious thing, a thing to be treated carefully, but his all the way through.

The sex has some grade A choice begging! Have I said how much I love it when they beg? Quality begging is difficult to come by. The sex isn't super kinky with some bondage, orgasm denial and a spanking scene. There is a size difference though and Aayan is prone to picking up Garrett and putting him where he wants him. *growls*

I have a bigger fondness for the investigative side of law and this focused on the trial. Overall it held my attention, but I'd still have preferred finding out what happened to Jaime. There were some great secondary characters though including Dashiell and Dharini.

The only real niggle I had was why Aayan wouldn't just talk to Syed about his struggles, but by the same token, I can understand not only being the oldest and not wanting to burden his younger brother but Syed is on trial for his partner's murder so... prolly not the best time.

Both of these characters are likable and genuine and I'd be pleased as punch were there to be a follow up with any of them. What made Aftercare memorable for me was Aayan's unwavering devotion to Garrett. He pursues him with vigor and even before they really "get there", he knows Garrett is his one. He isn't afraid to both show and tell him in a way that didn't make it seem like he was craycraybenaynay, but rather a statement of fact. That combination of confidence and vulnerability... superlatives fail me.

If you like your kink with an extra helping of romance, give Aftercare a try.

"I'm going to love you and hurt you and love you."

A review copy was provided.

SaveSave

NSFW Review: Beneath the Layers Anthology

Eight stories of men who like a little satin and lace.

A Linebacker in Lace by Caitlin Ricci
This ex-linebacker is impossible for his friend to resist.

Satin Secrets by CL Mustafic
Sometimes secrets are better when they’re shared.

Backwards and in High Heels by Elizabeth Coldwell
Tonight he has the chance to live out his dream.

Angels in Delaware by Sita Bethel
When one finds two partners, it helps to dress for the occasion.

All That Entails by E.M. Hamill
A gender-fluid prince with a penchant for gowns finds his unlikely match in an arranged marriage.

After the Dance by Sydney Blackburn
Sometimes happily ever after requires a pretty frock.

A Secret Shared by C.A. Blocke
One sweet secret shared—and a spicy one returned.

Ruffle My Feathers by Asta Idonea
Sometimes love can be found behind a feather boa.

3.0625 average

Let me just tell you how much excite I had when I heard there was going to be a whole book devoted to MANTIES! 

Even though I don't care for anthologies, the MANTIES will not be denied!

WOOF!

Without further ado... my feels. And some NSFW pics.

A Linebacker in Lace by Caitlin Ricci - 2 Hearts

Super rushed. The dialogue's stilted and this "relationship" moves at lightning speed riiiiiight into instalove land. A decent attempt was made to flesh out the characters, but by and large it was a dud; they're still 2D.

Brent is a former football player with a penchant for lace. He meets Arliss at a bar who informs him that his lace is on display. Three whole dates later they're in luuuuubbbb. 

There was very little for me to grasp onto and I'm not a fan of MANTIES wearers feeling shame about said MANTIES wearing so that was a strike against it for me. Also, Arliss works for his sister in her men's lingerie shop, but he seemed inordinately invested in Brent broadening his MANTIES horizons. He straddles the line between supportive and pushy. And it was awkward.

I could actually connect with Arliss on the Power of the MANTIES making one slightly cray but I would've thought during the one sex scene the MANTIES would've played a larger role. Perhaps that's my deviance talking.

Satin Secrets by CL Mustafic - 4 Hearts

I really liked this story. Mustafic developed a tangible connection between the protagonists. They clearly have chemistry and I got good sense of them as characters.

I'm a fan of this kink too. Not just the MANTIES one either. There was some shame over the MANTIES wearing but it seemed to be quickly assuaged.

Sorry this is 16 different kinds of vague but if I say anything more than it's basically a scene between the protagonists, it'll ruin it for everyone. I will say I'm looking forward to reading the novel by this author.

Backwards and in High Heels by Elizabeth Coldwell - 2.5 Hearts

Likable but dry. Billie and Oliver are an established couple and while Oliver's on a work trip to Europe Billie decides to learn some ballroom dances to surprise him. I liked that he's a man on a mission to go all out for his man, complete with a dress and kitten heels as well as the requisite MANTIES.

Billie's a bit of nervous Nelly who struggles with excessive worry over how he's perceived by others and that got a little old, though it did give me a sense of him quickly.  

Bottom line, I like the idea of this story more than the execution of it. It needed some oomph or a hook or maybe a gut punch to make me invest in this slice of life tale. 

I did like the hall sex and the incorporation of the MANTIES into it. Nothing says passion like ripped panties. *eyebrows*

Angels in Delaware by Sita Bethel - 3 Hearts

One word-HEAVY.

This is the heaviest of the anthology, tackling homophobia and its ripple effect destructiveness. 

Angel and Delaware are an established couple looking to add another and have not had much success until they meet Beau at a club one night. Delaware is gender fluid and prefers dresses most of the time whereas Angel leans more femme with guyliner and frequently highlights. Beau's attracted to them, both of them. They're attracted to Beau so BOW CHICKA WOW WOW. 

Their chemistry comes through as a triad and kudos to Bethel for not utilizing the instalove trope. The narrative skirted the preachy line and there were too many tedious details. One thing that niggled was this undercurrent of seemingly derisive attitudes towards casual sex. I get that it's not for everyone, but by the same token, I don't care for negatronic attitudes nor judgeyness towards those who partake either.

Overall, this story struck me as a diamond in the rough and with a little polishing/experience in the writing game will likely improve.

Nevertheless, I bought into the HFN of this triad and appreciated the amount of relationship development Bethel brought to the story as well as the fact that Delaware has zero fucks to give about what other people think of how he dresses. I liked that a lot.

All That Entails by E.M. Hamill - 4.5 Hearts

Lovely! My favorite of the anthology.

This is a fantasy story with an admirable amount of worldbuilding and relationship development between Henry and Darian. Henry is trans F2M who was allowed to be a tomboy up until puberty. He's got a supportive twin brother but his father is cruel. Very cruel. Henry is headstrong and maybe a bit stubborn, but he gives in and becomes Prince Darian's bride even though he hates gowns and corsets and heels.

As luck would have it, he and Darian met at a masked ball once and Darian left an impression.

Darian is gender fluid but leans more femme. All the things Henry despises Darian adores. He's also bisexual but expected to marry well to fill his kingdom's coffers. Never let it be said that serendipity isn't serendipitous. And that dress scene... ALL THE FEELS! SO SWEET!

The writing is strong with well drawn characters that are relatable and likable. This isn't necessarily a romance, more the genesis of something that could turn into something more. What made me uneasy were the pronouns. Every time Henry was misgendered, I winced.

I will definitely be on the lookout for more stories by this author.

After the Dance by Sydney Blackburn - 4 Hearts

This story is so ding dang cute I want to hug it! I'm not sure when or where it's set but it has a very early 1900s vibe to it with the dialogue, attitudes and its chasteness.

Frank is a mechanic and has a crush the size of Montana on Charles Quinn, son of the owner of Dominion Air, where he works. He is a shy fellow who blushes frequently-something I found charming-and is a man of few words. 

Charles is very dashing but being from money he's expected to marry well. To that end, his parents have notified him of an upcoming ball they've arranged wherein he's expected to choose a bride. Trouble is he's pining for Frank. Ahhhhh, unrequited love. Is there anything sweeter? Answer-yes! When there's cross-dressing involved!

I got the sense that Frank is lean with delicate bone structure and pretty. That he can easily fool others about his gender when he's all dolled up which leads to a very sweet HEA. Super sweet. I *may* have floated around on the sugar high for a minute. Or two.

I almost immediately invested into this relationship and these characters. The building of tension between them was admirable given the story's length. My one wish is that the worldbuilding had been better developed and more succinct with more details about the characters, but that would've probably pushed it out of short story range. Overall it was incredibly sweet, made me AWWWWWW and I didn't want it to end. 

A Secret Shared by C.A. Blocke - 3 Hearts

There is a lot of potential in this story. I immediately zeroed in on the nerd/jock trope and *might* have bounced a lil bit when it came out that Tommy, the big, muscle-bound jock was the one into MANTIES. *squeak* One of my many kinks is size difference and when the big guy begged to bottom... Good gravy! *stumbles* 
*drools* 
*chokes a tiny bit*

So many things to like including realistic dialogue but it needed time to percolate to get me to invest in the romance between Tommy and Michael. They are an established couple who are keeping their relaysh on the DL, because QB of the football team, but I've no idea how long they've been together. 

"A Shared Secret" is really more of scene between the two, a sexy scene to be certain, but there's not enough meat on it for me to connect with them, though I did have a huge grin on my face at how accepting Michael is of Tommy's desire to delve deeper into his MANTIES fetish. Man after my own heart, he is.

I'd love to see what this author could do with a full length novel.

Ruffle My Feathers by Asta Idonea - 1.5 Hearts

Oof! I didn't care for this one at all, I'm sorry to say. I've read some of this author's work in the past and enjoyed it so I'm hoping this is just a fluke.

Barrett is a construction worker by day and a drag queen on the weekends. It's his escape and a tightly kept secret and it, among other things, causes him much angst. Keith, after years of living in the closet, decides to hit the drag bar. Because reasons.

Lookit, I get that it's a short story and the inherent limitations contained therein, so I can't understand why SO MUCH time was wasted on minute details. I'm familiar with the mechanics of driving a car and opening a bottle. Those were wasted page time, IMO. Furthermore, there's nothing to differentiate these characters from one another, no depth, though they both have some serious angst over... everything. But the straw that broke the Cupcake's back was why these two are even together. Because they're both gay and work together? That's not enough for me. Not near enough.

I did like that they were accepted by their peers, rendering most of their angst pointless, but I'm sure they'll find something else to angst over soon enough.

There were continuity errors and silly editing mistakes in several of the stories and like every anthology I've ever read there were gems and duds. However, if you're a fan of MANTIES, non-binary or cross-dressing then you should give Beneath the Layers a try. 

A review copy was provided.

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!