Review: Florentine by Mazarin Stone

Mahiro became a professional figure skater for one reason—to be near the object of his lust from the time he was a teenager, Alex Breschi. But he never advanced far enough for Alex to notice him. Now Alex is retired from skating and working as a thriller author, while Mahiro gracefully bowed out of competition years before to become a successful app developer and practicing Dom in New York City.

Reality and fantasy collide at a penthouse play party when Mahiro meets his idol. Alex is researching a book, and he wants to learn more about the lifestyle. In fact, he wants to be trained as a submissive. By Mahiro.

Mahiro knows it’s a terrible idea. He’s hardly objective, and Alex is a novice. Still, all those years of longing shatter his reserve, and he cannot refuse to have the man of his dreams in his hands. Alex will certainly notice him now, and since Alex is returning to Russia in a few months, Mahiro can have some fun without divulging his past… or his obsession. What does he have to lose?

Just his heart.

For those times when you just want some sweet kink in your life, I give you Florentine.

Still a bit confused about the title since there's no Florentine flogging but no matter. There was enough kink to keep me happy including D/s, spanking, wax play, suspension bondage and some impact play.

There's a fine line when crafting a BDSM romance that requires balance between the BDSM elements and developing the relationship that Mazarin Stone found. I like it best when kink is used to strengthen the connection between dom(me) and sub rather than it being their only connection. I also enjoy when the reader is privy to the sub's experience during scenes; that was less strong, though I did appreciate how much Alex wanted to please Mahiro.

Chemistry, however, is not in short supply between Mahiro and Alex. It was pleasure to watch that chemistry blossom and grow as they journey from an educational arrangement to something more, deeper.

I thoroughly enjoyed that Mahiro wasn't depicted as the prototypical ice cold dom, that's always in control and is virtually omniscient because unrealistic. Stone actually contravened the norm and made Mahiro significantly smaller than Alex which worked for me because submission is a choice that has nothing to do with intimidation or fear. Instead Mahiro is a real person who struggles with anxiety, enjoys cuddling during aftercare and has been smitten with Alex Breschi since forever, so if he didn't have nerves the neighbors would've heard my scoffing at that claptrap.

Tis true I am a sucker for the unrequited love being requited but I was delighted to see Mahiro getting to know and falling in love with the man behind the champion. There were maybe an abundance of endearments that I could've done with less of but if that's my only complaint for a first time author... that ain't bad. This is me we're talking about here. #hardass

I'd even go so far to say that Florentine has all the telltale signs of being a first in a series and I would read the next one which says a lot about the readability of this novel. Stone's ability to construct a honest story especially with regard to the "big secret" that inevitably led to the conflict which was handled in an adult manner e.g. two men using their words and admitting fault worked for me. 

Plus, the sex was in the sweltering neighborhood. Someone is creative and has a penchant for the dirty talk, none of which I am opposed to.

So if you enjoy your kink on the sweeter side à la Kim Dare, give Florentine a go.

A copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Unraveled (Heathens Ink #5) by K.M. Neuhold

Clay:
My mind and body are full of chaos; the only time I can truly feel free is when my hands, arms, and legs are secured. Just because I want to be bound, able to give over my pleasure entirely to another person, doesn’t mean I want to be controlled, humiliated, or made to endure pain. I’m a successful, happy, confident adult man who wants a lover to tie him up. Why is that so scandalous? And why is it so difficult to find? It doesn’t help that I’ve developed a hopeless crush on my straight roommate. Maybe a fulfilling relationship isn’t in the cards for me.

Max:
I’m completely out of control of my life. My ex is trying to take my daughter away from me... again, my dream of owning my own motorcycle repair shop seems out of reach, and somehow, I find myself a thirty-two-year-old man who can’t afford to have a place without a roommate. So, it’s no huge surprise that the idea of being given complete control over someone’s body and pleasure is a major turn-on. I never had any inkling I might be into guys, until my best friend told me he likes to be tied up. Now I’m losing sleep, imagining him bound and begging for me. I can’t figure out if it’s just the kink or if it’s possible I’m falling for him.

Win some. Lose some.

I'm bummed this didn't WOW me. It has good stuff in it that filled me with excite at the outset: kinky, big Italian guy with long hair, rope bondage, friends to lovers... did I mention rope bondage? Lookit, this book will be and has been a win for many. It's very sweet, low angst and has a nice HEA that's achieved with little conflict.

True, you'll probably need to suspend disbelief but there's nothing wrong with that! Everyone needs a light, feel good escape from reality sometimes. In this case, it comes in the form of the tried and true turning the straight guy gay trope with a twist of then making said straight guy a quasi dominant for your bondage needs.

Max nor Clay are well crafted characters and I didn't care for Max, the way his "alpha-ness" was portrayed particularly grated. Clay was more likable with his anxieties and propensity to compulsively clean when stressed. He's also adorable with Max's daughter.

Their friends to lovers romance was straightforward but lacked the depth of emotion that could've made this story richer. It felt rushed and could've done with a challenge or two that would've required them to persevere through thereby strengthening their bond instead of fast-forwarding through major life decisions. I also didn't care for how Max's bisexuality was portrayed.

However, it is very sexy and I wasn't unaffected by how smitten they are with one another. It's not particularly kinky if that's an obstacle, it needn't be; it's more kinky lite, if you will. For me the kink only scratched the psychological surface and lacked the grit that I crave.

Even though this was mostly a miss for me I do recognize how sweet it is and that fluffiness in and of itself is appealing, so I would encourage anyone interested to look at the other reviews before making a final decision.

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

Review: Figure Study (Chiaroscuro #2) by Suzanne Clay

Ainsley and her former student Noma face the aftermath of their unexpected one-night stand in this second story of Chiaroscuro.

The night Ainsley spent gently dominating Noma was far more intimate than any scene she’d ever been in before. The intensity of playing with someone she’d taught and cared about was a completely different experience–and twice as intimidating. She’d had two options: turn Noma away and never see her again, or let her stay for a few hours more.

The years away from scenes have left Ainsley eager for play but unsteady in her role. And memories of a younger Noma, when their relationship was student and mentor, only add to the confusion. A return to familiar ropes and knots, an erotic bondage play, helps Ainsley regain a sense of control and face her vulnerabilities. She must learn to see Noma as an adult woman in every way, risking a dangerous power imbalance, even as her heart begins to yearn for intimacy she’s long hidden from.

As they delve into new scenes, Ainsley and Noma confront past pain and baggage. Only by facing their fear of opening up can they learn to trust each other and share something deeper.

This is my first time reading Suzanne Clay but it will not be my last. I loved everything about this story. Ainsley’s vulnerability and insecurity was sharply contrasted by her confidence in art and dominance. I love her.

Noma is a former student who has grown into a beautiful woman, and Ainsley feels lucky to be in her presence. Noma is confident in what she wants, and is enjoying the opportunity to get to know the woman she’s always admired from afar. They are beautiful together, and this story feels like the beginning of something special for them.

This was deeply sensual and very sexy. The sensuality of the art mixed in with Ainsley and Noma getting to know each other added another layer which was compelling.

I loved the flow of the writing and how easy it was to read. This felt angst free, which is something I needed after getting home from my demanding job. An instant mood lifter. Something to fill my cup and make me swoon.

This is book 2 in a series of Ainsley and Noma, and admittedly I have not read book 1, but I will be doing that, and continuing on with book 3. I’m really excited to read more from this author.

A review copy was provided for an honest opinion.

Review: Reading the Signs by Keira Andrews

This hot-headed rookie needs discipline—on and off the field.

Pitcher Nico Agresta is desperate to live up to his family’s baseball legacy. Since he was a teenager crushing on his big brother’s teammate, he’s known he can’t act on his desires. His father made it clear there should be no queers on the field, but if Nico can win Rookie of the Year like his dad and brother did, maybe he can prove he’s worthy after all.

At 34, veteran catcher Jake Fitzgerald just wants to finish out his contract and retire. His team doesn't have a prayer of making the playoffs, but who needs the stress? Jake lost his passion for the game—and life—after driving away the man he loved, and he swore he’d never risk his heart again.

Then he’s traded to a team that wants a vet behind the plate to tame their new star pitcher. Jake is shocked to find the gangly kid he once knew has grown into a gorgeous young man. But tightly wound Nico is having trouble controlling his temper in his quest for perfection, and Jake needs to teach him patience and restraint on the mound.

When their push and pull explodes into the bedroom, Nico and Jake will both learn how much they’ll risk for love.

This gay sports romance features men who have been repressing their feelings far too long, light BDSM, an age difference, sweaty locker rooms, and a happy ending. 

Finally! A quality sports romance that involves a sport that I'm passionate about! And just in time for the MLB Playoffs!

Not to get too Annie Savoy (Bull Durham reference) but I love baseball. I love going to the ballpark, the chants, Sweet Caroline, the wave, the vendors hawking all sorts of things, the superstitions, the rituals, the uniforms, how long the season is, sabermetrics and most especially the Boston Red Sox. I've been known to get a little exuberant and get a little glassy eyed at certain significant moments-the WS win in 2004, the first time Strasburg pitched, Varitek's last game and undoubtedly will during Papi's last game. There are some great baseball movies but great baseball MM romances are few and far between, at least in my experience.

I don't even have words for how thrilled I was to discover that not only was there superb baseball knowledge in this book, but a moving romance that will go down as one of my favorites.

I actually told SRAL that I felt like this book was written for me which is delusional I know, but when I find a book that works on so many different levels I feel like I've won the lottery. Reading the Signs made me feel like I had hit the jackpot, won the lottery and saved some kids from a burning building. Too much? *shrugs*

Jake Fitzgerald is a veteran catcher who's lost his passion for the game. He seems a little depressed to me and he's definitely lonely in denial about it and isolated. He gets traded from San Francisco to an up and coming team chock-a-block with young players. He's brought on to help rookie pitcher Nico Agresta mature. Nico's a hothead and has a tendency to psych himself out at the first sign of trouble. He's also waaaaayyyy too hard on himself with some bad habits and puts WAY too much pressure on himself to live up to his father and brother, both of whom sound like Hall of Famers. And you know what? There's nothing I like better than couples that affect each other in positive ways and Jake and Nico do. Both on and off the diamond! 

"Tell me how you feel," he whispered.  

"Like there's no going back." 

And as the words left Nico's kiss-swollen lips, Jake recognized that truth deep in his bones.

Both men are closeted to varying degrees. Nico more so than Jake. Plus, he's dealing with more than his fair share of self-loathing for being gay in a family headed by an outspoken bigot. He's also been smitten with Jake since he was a pimply faced teen playing catch in the backyard. As their connection grows it becomes increasingly difficult to hide their attraction. Both have baggage which added depth to them as well as the story. The scenes with Nico's family were meaningful and poignant. They don't get it right and they're certainly not perfect but they make an effort, they try and that's what's most important to Nico. 

The clubhouse dynamics were just fun to read about and I still contend that's the essential element to a great sports romance. Andrews clearly knows a lot about the game, but it's the players, coaches and sometimes owners relationships that make a great story and the Ottawa Caps made for a great story.

The kink is unfussy just like I like it with a little spanking and some rope bondage. Jake is also possessive and protective! I thought my head was going to spin off! The only thing that was missing were manties and I might've passed out if they were included. Really, who needs that? I was already woozy from all the dirty talk, fuckhot sex and how prettily Nico begs. DAMN! He begs like a champ.

The only thing that slightly disappointed me was how the season turned out. But... that's baseball.

This was my first but will most certainly not be my last Keira Andrews. I loved this so much I was sad when it was over, almost immediately wanted to start reading it again and even days later am still thinking about these characters and this story.

Highly recommended. Period.

Now, for a little gratuitous fangirling. Since today opens the MLB Playoffs...

#WinItForPapi
#RSN
#RedSox


According the the Author's Note and a tweet that tickled me...

Keira Andrews is a Jays fan so I wanted to not be hella obnoxious extend my congratulations on making the Wild Card and say good luck in the playoffs. Not too much luck! Just, y'know, a polite amount for all the good feels this book gave me. 

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

Find out more on Goodreads.
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Review: Reckless by Caitlin Ricci

When his best friend, Lee, offered him his sub as part of a bet, Colton Prier never expected more than a clean condo from the boy. But Tate Nicholson is well-trained, eager , and he likes rope play as much as Colton enjoys tying him up. It should have ended after one night, but they begin meeting in secret, and Colton can’t stop thinking about Tate. It’s a betrayal of his friendship with Lee to fall in love with Tate, but Colton can’t help wanting the sub for himself.

He’s not alone in his feelings, either. Tate thought he was happy with Lee. Not completely fulfilled, but happy enough. But as he spends more time with Colton, he realizes Lee isn’t capable of giving him what he wants anyway. Lee demands his full submission, but Tate doesn’t want to be a lifestyle sub. Colton expects his obedience at times but gives him his freedom more often than not, which is more in line with what Tate wants.

When Tate really needs his Dom and Lee isn’t around to help him, he reaches the tipping point and needs to choose who he wants to give his submission to, and to accept the consequences of his choice when he does.

'He wasn't mine. I wasn't supposed to care about him. I shouldn't have held him close, and I shouldn't have pressed myself against him.'

Deliciously uncomfortable. This is one of those stories that kept me gripped and reading too late into the night curious to discover what might happen next.

Told entirely from Colton's perspective this explores the complexities of friendship and relationship with the moral dilemma of what happens when your head tells you one thing and your heart tells you another.

Colton struggles to do the right thing as does the man he is drawn to.

The discomfort comes in several forms - interesting quandaries about choice and consequence. Friendship, acceptance, sacrifice and bravery are all wrapped up in a lovely package of integrity with some very hot rope play thrown in for good measure.

Colton's close friendship group work and socialise together too. It comes as a shock to Colton that after a chance meeting, he begins to develop feelings for his best friend Lee's new lover Tate. More shocking for Colton, he's never found anyone that catches his interest quite so much (although, there's an age gap of well over ten years between them) Colton and Tate seem really compatible.

Like his friend Lee, Colton is a Dom but they have different preferences and different ideologies about what being in the lifestyle means. Tate is young, and has a lot to work out about what to do with his life and his choices. He has a strong sense of duty both to his father a high profile politician and to his master Lee. With more experience perhaps Tate's choices might have been easier, but whatever he decides he wants to be sure he is doing the right thing.

Even if you are curling your lip at the idea of 'cheating' real or imagined, I urge you to give this book a chance as the protagonists strive to do the right thing (or is that the wrong thing in the right way?). If you like guys with integrity and a passion for kink this story comes highly recommended.

Check out on Dreamspinner Press or Goodreads!

Anniversary Shenanigans: Author Visit & Giveaway - Bey Deckard

Bey Deckard has returned to the stable! The whinnies and preening can be heard all around! And such a gracious guest, he brought goodies for all the bad boys and girls. Alright, alright...the good ones can get in on the gifties too!

The Watcher

by 

Bey Deckard

Warning: Non-con elements

I woke up with a start, and it took me a few confused seconds to remember why I couldn’t see or move. Naked except for my socks and jock, I was blindfolded and tied to a chair in my living room.

I licked my lips and swallowed a few times trying to wet my throat. My mind felt sluggish, and the acrid, medicinal taste in my mouth gave me a good idea why that was.

I turned my head, casting about blindly, trying to pick up sound or scent—anything that would tell me whether I was alone in the room… but I knew I wasn’t.

It was that prickling feeling, a throwback to when man wasn’t an apex predator, the one that makes you turn your head in a crowd or pulls you from a deep sleep. I was being watched.

My heartbeat was so loud in my ears that I nearly missed the light footfall to my right.

“I know you’re there.”

The laugh was deeper than I’d imagined it would be, and when he spoke, his voice more cultured.

“And how does that make you feel?” He was standing directly in front of me. “Are you afraid of me?”

I shook my head once.

“You’re not afraid of what I’m here to do to you?” He sounded amused. He knew I was lying.

I shifted, testing the ropes. I could barely move. He was thorough.

When he spoke next, he sounded much closer, as if he had taken a seat or crouched down in front of me. I thought I could feel the heat of his body on my inner thighs, his breath brushing my skin.

“We’ve been chatting online for months, Eric. You’ve told me so much about you… Did you think I wouldn’t be able to track you down?”

When I’d first stumbled upon SociopathWorld.com, I’d only intended to do a little research for an article I was writing, but a series of comments led to further discussions over instant messenger with a man who called himself simply “The Watcher”. He was a self-avowed psychopath and sadist and I quickly became fascinated by our lengthy conversations.

Until he said he wanted to rape me.

His hand touched my knee and I flinched, but I couldn’t move away. He chuckled.

“You’re as handsome as your pictures.” He stroked my thigh. I heard the sound of a zipper. “Ah and you smell so good. Like fear. Did I tell you I could smell fear? It makes my cock stiff.” He let out a long sigh. “I’m touching myself right now. I’m stroking my cock, thinking about how hard I’m going to fuck you with it. How much I’m going to enjoy hurting you.”

I let out a small, frustrated growl and shook my head. His hand inched further up my thigh and he ran his fingers along my covered cock. I clenched my teeth, disgusted and terrified.

“Get the fuck off me you fucking pervert.”

His hand retreated and he laughed, obviously enjoying himself. I thought I could hear him jacking off.

Struggling against the ropes again, I was startled when the futon shifted beneath me. Then I realized what was happening—he was dragging it away from the wall to recline it… to get me into a better position.

“You’re probably good and tight, a nice straight boy like you.”

Panic was starting to steal my breath; I was almost gasping.

“I’ll give you money… anything. Just don’t…”

He just laughed. Then I felt something metal touch my inner thigh and I let out a whimper. The loud schlick and sudden cold air on my balls told me that he’d just cut through my jock. Probably with the kitchen shears. I tried to squirm away from his touch as he pushed the material out of the way, choking when his hand circled my cock.

I turned my head to the side as he began to fondle me. Stroking my cock. Tugging on my balls. Soon he worked a finger inside me and my asshole clenched hard around his knuckle. I was making this horrible moaning noise but I couldn’t stop.

“Oh yes. I’m going to make this hole mine.” It was nearly a purr. The finger pulled out and I heard his footsteps retreat. For a moment I was alone in the room. I lifted my head, wondering what he was doing, but the sound of a plastic lid being flicked open made my pulse race even faster. In seconds he was on top of me, his fingers snarled in my hair and his lubed up cock battering at me, forcing itself into my guts with one brutal push. I let out a yell, my whole body going stiff with pain and horror as he began to fuck me with hard thrusts.

“No no no no…” Tears filled my eyes, spilled down my cheeks. I couldn’t even shake my head. He had me pinned down. His sweat dripped on my face. The stink of him all over me.

All the while he spoke while he slammed his cock into me.

“Such a nice tight hole. I can feel you trying to fight me, Eric. Trying to push me out, but it’s not going to work. You’re just making it more pleasant for me. Oh so fucking tight.” He groaned and then laughed. “Problem is, I’m going to wear your hole out, aren’t I? Perfect little bound straight boy with your ass all blown out from taking my fat cock. But that’s ok, right? When you’re too loose to take my cock, I’m going to see how you like taking a fist.”

“Fuuuck…” I couldn’t hold back. My cock jerked and spat between us and I grunted with the force of my climax—with a gasp he fucked me hard for a few quick thrusts before straining against me, balls deep, a low moan in his throat.

He landed on top of me and we both lay there panting for a moment, but when I groaned in pain, Patrick lifted himself up on his elbows.

“Did I really hurt you?” he asked, tugging down my blindfold. His eyes were wide with worry.

I shook my head and winced. “Not really… but fuck you’re hurting me now. My arms.”

“Oh shit. Sorry!” Patrick rolled off of me and set to work untying the knots. It took a few minutes before I was free, and when the last rope came away, he began to massage my wrists. I could feel the tears drying on my face and the cum cooling on my chest.

I was completely blissed out.

“That was great,” I murmured and Patrick grinned at me, a flush in his cheeks from the praise. “Seriously great.” I squeezed his hand and closed my eyes, drifting on my buzz.

“I thought of something,” he said after a few minutes. “Next time I’m going to tape your mouth shut. I think it’s more realistic… Otherwise why wouldn’t you just yell out?”

Nodding sleepily I smiled. “Sure. I think that’s fine. I’ll just make sure to shave that day. Or we could just pretend like we do with the knockout drug… I’m up for either.”

Patrick settled next to me and I pulled his head onto my shoulder, holding him close. He played with the mess in my chest hair.

“Did you like the bit about the fist?” he asked, sounding almost shy.

“Did I? Shit, what do you think sent me over?” I kissed the top of his head. “I love your dirty mouth.”

I loved more than his mouth, of course. We were a one in a million fit, the pairing of a lifetime, soul mates, and every time we indulged in our particular twisted kink, I think I fell in love with him all over again. I grinned wide, stroking his hair.

“Ok… if I had one complaint—and it’s a tiny, insignificant complaint—but do you really think that ‘The Watcher’ would say fat cock? Sounds too low brow to me. What about just saying big cock?”

Patrick laughed.

“Whatever makes you happy, Eric. You know I'll do it for you.”

+++

Don't forget to let Bey know what you thought of The Watcher in the comments. BMB Reviews would like to thank him for celebrating with us!!

Author Bio:

Artist, Writer, Dog Lover.

Born and raised in a small coastal town in northern Québec, Bey spent his early summers on his uncle’s boat and running wild on the beaches of the surrounding islands, lighting fires and building huts out of driftwood and fishermen’s nets. As an adult, he eventually made his way to university and earned a degree in Art History with a strong focus on Anthropology. Primarily a portrait painter and graphic artist, Bey sat down one day and decided to write about the two things that he felt most passionate about: sex and the sea.

Bey currently lives in the wilds of Montréal with his best buddy, a spotty pit bull named Murphy. 

Author links:

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To enter to win an ebook from Bey Deckard's backlist, please leave a comment on this blog post and let us know your name and a means of contacting you (e.g., email, Twitter handle, link to Goodreads account, etc.)

The giveaway is open until 10:00PM (Pacific time) on 11/18/15. Shortly thereafter, we will contact a winner whom we will select using a highly scientific "names in a hat" method (or, you know, an internet randomizer). Please respond to the winning notification within 48 hours or we will choose another winner.

Group Review: Fated: Blood and Redemption (Baal's Heart, #3)

With the captain’s mind in shambles, Jon and Tom set out to find the passage home through the black mountain range, hoping to find a cure for Baltsaros’s madness. However, when the men are forced to part ways, darkness takes root in the schism created; fate, lust, and vengeance become obsessions threatening to tear apart the fragile bonds holding the three together.

Following on the heels of Sacrificed, Fated takes the pirates on a quest to find those responsible for the captain’s bloody beginnings. But can they survive what awaits them where past and present meet?

Lorix: 5 Hearts

It's all the stars from me on this one. I was so excited to review this ARC, I even put on my #TeamTom T-shirt. I could so have been setting myself up for disappointment, I'm glad to say I enjoyed every word!

"There was still a long road to recovery ahead, but he felt something he hadn't felt in a long time: hope."

We left book two with a broken Baltsaros, Jon acting as Captain and Tom trying to hold it all together. Though there is plenty of action in this story, lots of piratey ploys, I think this really concentrates on the emotional connection between the three MC's. 

Baltsaros believes he is inherently bad, that he is bad to be around and that it is not good for Jon, especially, to be around him. He doesn't know why or what is wrong with him, but the madness that he is suffering means he is a danger to everyone, particularly Jon. Where does this leave Tom? Well, frankly, jealous. Even he knows it's crazy, but to his mind Baltsaros feels so deeply for Jon that he is willing to kill him to save him. And that is pretty much the basis of this story. Unravelling, not just Baltsaros' madness and what made him that way, but the true feelings these three have for each other.

""Yeah, loving you is a real godsdamn hazard," Jon said, grinning."

I mean it's no secret the three of them are scorching in bed. Oh my god are they scorching. Tom will always have my heart, and how he submits in their sex play is so damn hot. The wildest, fiercest person on the ship and he lets it all go to be dominated sometimes. I can't tell you how hot the sex scenes are in this book - ovary exploding hot is the best I can do. I think the fact that we are seeing the emotional connection forging more - so it is both at it's weakest and it's strongest point, just adds to it. 

I like that we learn more about the captain's past, and also Tom's past in this book. It helps bring a better understanding of what makes them tick. The pain and threat of loss is ever present throughout the story and this just helps, both the MC's and the reader, understand all their tics a little more.

The story flits back and forth between present and past, revealing information as necessary. It's a difficult writing choice to pull off, but I think Bey Deckard does it really well. Everything feeds into the story, adding to it, making actions and reactions understandable. It is a beautiful way of writing.

I believe this is the last in the Baal's Heart series - however I also believe there is to be more set in this world. I hope so. I also hope HOPE hope, that we get to see Tom, Baltsaros and Jon again. These characters are going to be hard to let go.

Sunny: 5 Hearts
Fascinating story, complex characters, intense action, sweet and kinky love...this story had it all. My interest was kept the whole way through and I dreaded reaching the end.

Pirate life is not for the faint-hearted, though, and I cringed a few times while reading. Consequences of past mistakes led to unfortunate situations and although I understood the decisions that were made, I hated that any of it happened in the first place.

However, the dark times did move the story forward, and provided opportunities for reflection and growth. They were also nicely balanced by the rest of this intriguing story, especially the sweet loving and steamy times. Scenes that made me smile. And squirm.  Omg...the neediness in Tom after days of chastity *fans self* and rope play! *sigh*
Tom was beautiful in his submission.

There were crazy times, but through everything that happened, there was awesome relationship development between all three MCs. Support, patient understanding, and determination kept things on track.

Hah! Patience...that was something I needed while reading this story. I had so many questions, and I often had to wait for the answers. No continuity issues, just a slow reveal of information, sometimes in the form of flashbacks. At times, those flashbacks were abrupt and caused some confusion, but the history revealed added so much to the story. I loved getting that background, it helped me understand the characters that much more, and gave their relationships even more layers of complexity.

I can't help but think this would make an amazing movie. An epic pirate adventure and love story, focusing on the redemption of an anti-hero pirate captain.

Side note:
So excited for Saban's story!!!

SheReadsALot: 5 Hearts

Nearly a year ago, I got to meet Bey Deckard's pirates, Jon, Tom and Baltsaros. These three men were damaged, cutthroat, vulnerable, sexy and had one hell of a story to tell. The story telling was vivid, the quality was superb. Book #1, Caged cemented itself on my 2014 favorites list. I wouldn't shut up about it. Blabbed to everyone to read this book and if you haven't, seriously read this book. I felt like I got my deepest wish -I'm a bit of a pirate geek. And I never frown upon the kink. Then Book #2, Sacrificed dropped later last year, and I actually read it. (I'm not one for gobbling a series so soon these days unless I'm impressed) I came to care for these men-they were fucked up, fantasy personified, they were gritty and flawed...couldn't help being drawn to them. And now finally, the end of the trilogy..."Fated".

I had high hopes for this one. I listed things that I wanted in this book in my previous reviews: Tom, kink, more adventure and Tom. And I got them all!!

"Their relationship would continue to grow, to change. There would always be pain, and they would be tested... Their triad had the shakiest of foundations, based as it was on mistrust, jealousy, and deception. But ships didn't need pillars pounded into the earth; no, they needed strong, protective hulls that could carry them over the ever-changing waves of an uncaring sea. With trust, hope... love--all things they had built together--they could weather anything."

I didn't think it was more possible to care for these three pirates but I did after reading "Fated". Each book in this series is my favorite but for different reasons. Possible trigger warning: rape, violence.

"Fated" starts where "Sacrificed" left off, Baltsaros damaged and in need of serious TLC, Jon &Tom trying to come to terms with the changes. Their triad formed in "Caged", their foundation was built in "Sacrificed" and in "Fated"? They were tested, by each other and outside forces. But their bond was solid. (Though I'll admit to being nervous about a certain character who'll be getting their own book in the future making the triad a quadouple!) There was more action of the pirating kind. We got to truly learn the backgrounds of Tom and Baltsaros- what made them tick, what shaped them into the men they became to be. This was Baltsaros' book - we get to travel to his homeland, learn his secrets but Tom and Jon were not forgotten. They provided laughs, heart and sex.

My favorite quote (I laughed so hard and still am):

"I'm gonna ask ye ladies a question, and I bloody expect to be answered," he growled. "Who's the scoundrel been doin' some unwanted rootin' of yer cunts for pay?" 

You know what this author delivers really well? The painting a scene...I swear I smelled their smells, I saw what they saw in just a few words. The flashbacks helped provide background and set the tone for the book. Comparing the throuple in Caged to Fated, they evolved.  That is key for making a triad work for me, I need a solid bond - don't give me perfect, I don't need to read hearts and flowers and I want each person to maintain their sense of self. And the dark intertwined with story was pretty well done - glad it didn't fluff it up and stayed true to the men.

Know what else I enjoyed? The sex. Holy cock rings, Batman was that hot. ;P DP and rope bondage? Yes please. Oh! Oh! Oh! And I got two scenes besides ropes and toys that I really, really wanted more of. Hint: the not so usual bottom. I am a happy lady pirate!

I don't want to spoil because if you're reading this, you're probably down with the pirates and want to know what happens in the final showdown. There is pirate action: some thievery, battling on the sea. We get to visit favorite places.  It ends with HEA (for a minute, I was nervous we weren't going to get that). I'm so honored to have read this series and I am soooooooooooo happy about the new development. I have questions about that. I'm going to make a list. But I definitely recommend this series. This author is dope and worth a peek or three - definitely one of my great finds in 2014.

So now I go through pirate withdrawal because getting over one of my favorites of 2015 is tough.

For more information on Goodreads or Booklikes! [Release date: 4/11/15]

Review: The Fifth Son by Blaine Arden

A prince without power 

In a land where magic is commonplace, Prince Llyskel has none. He can’t command spells, he has never been taught to fight, and as the fifth son of the King, he will never rule. Everyone believes he’s a weakling, most of all himself. 

Powerlessness is Llyskel’s problem—and his pleasure. In his secret fantasies, the prince dreams of nothing more than finding himself helpless at another man's hands… particularly the hands of Captain Ariv of the Guards. 

Then Ariv makes Llyskel’s dream a reality, and as the powerless prince surrenders to the soldier’s desire, he finds his own true strength at last. But a web of royal politics is closing around Llyskel, threatening to tear him from his lover, and it will take all his newfound courage to escape…

 ___________________________ contains five shaded black-and-white illustrations by Yana Goya 

NOTE: This is the second revised/re-edited edition of The Fifth Son. It was previously published by Storm Moon Press.

This may sound like a cop out and it probably is, but I have a really hard time reviewing shorts. I love reading them, though so I'm hopeful that practice will make perfect. I get caught up in the cycle of, 'the world building could've been better' or some derivation thereof followed shortly thereafter by, 'but it's a short. Don't be a pill.' 

And on and on it goes.

I will say this little fantasy did surprise me with some kinky rope bondage and an unexpected fetish that I'll get back to shortly. The story is told from Llyskel's perspective. Llyskel is the fifth son and has been cursed with having no magical powers which may not seem like a big deal on the surface, but magical abilities are the primary means of protection. Thus, Llyskel was prevented from playing or training with his siblings because he was "helpless". Llyskel's all protected out and has taken to sneaking outside of castle grounds to paint and just be without the constant supervision of his protector, Neia. Llyskel's a sympathetic character having always being treated as fragile has taken its toll. Little does everyone know (including Llyskel) perhaps he didn't need to be treated like glass after all.

Even though I know this is a short I still think the world building could've been weightier. What are they harvesting? The harvest is mentioned multiple times, but I've no idea what they're harvesting. I know it takes place in fields but are we talking fields of barley or those fields in The Matrix? Big difference. Why do they need an armed force when they seemingly have no enemies? Why does Llyskel need constant protection within his own kingdom? Not to mention they all have magical powers which would make a military force redundant, right? I know some of these things should probably just be accepted as norms, but it would've been helpful to have them mentioned in context to flesh out this AU. Then again, maybe I'm just a picky pill.

The Fifth Son mainly focuses on Llyskel's relationship with Captain Ariv. Did I mention Llyskel's a ginger? A ginger with an… interesting kink. Naughty boy is full of surprises. Luckily for Llyskel Ariv knows just what a naughty boy needs. 

Did not see that coming but boy howdy did I enjoy that surprise. What's more that wasn't even the pièce de résistance! Not telling but I did squeal a teensy lil bit. Also, there are excellent illustrations. I kind of felt like a kid reading a picture book, but the illustration of the rope bondage… yeah, I looked at that for a long time (and possibly went back and looked at it again. Allegedly.)

This author is new to me and I liked this well enough to try another offering from her. I'd happily read something else from this universe. Llyskel has several brothers and Vik from Atan piqued my interest as well. It wasn't perfect but I like her writing style. Recommend for people who enjoy high fantasy with a touch of kink.

An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest opinion.

Find out more on Goodreads.