Brandon Mills versus the V-Card

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Dinos RULE!

Making them fight is always way more fun than just walking them around. Sure, when adults are spying you're all like humdeedum. But as soon as the coast is clear, it's mash potato tar pits and broccoli forest ravaging. So, I approve of Brandon and Alex's adorbs bonding. Totally cute. Like fuck, let me stick my hoarded Lucky Charms' marshmallow stars all over them--sweet and delicious.

Dinosaurs fucking meant something.

Plus, Brandon's whole backstory is way too heavy to just layout and then expect it to all work out fine. The pace with the guys was totally reasonable and that pull between want and fear--perfect. There's nothing like eager virgins and the quest to lose it that has one rooting for the best possible outcome for both Alex and Brandon. Which btw, is awkwardly perfect. So, with all the seriousness underlying the story, I get that the levity provided by Mark's antics and Blake's oblivious good-heartedness is crucial, but I felt like in parts they were too strong and pushed our protagonists, our heroes into wallflowers. 

Problem? Too many characters! And I hate to say since I loved all of them, but it cacophonous. Alex and Brandon's story gets pushed out of the limelight much like their shyness pushes them to the corners of rooms because the bolder and flashier friends hog it. Mark and Deacon, nice to see them again, but they run roughshod over their BFF and little brother multiple times. And Blake... he's awesome and steals the show with his earnest, uncomplicated and inspiring actions. 

So, how do I rate this? No clue. I liked it. A lot. Just wish that Alex and Brandon were stronger than the secondary characters. 

3.5 Stars

Favorite quote:

Sometimes he felt like he was nothing except wasted potential.

The Dark Collector by Vanessa North

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Renaissance.

Learning to be oneself again after being part of a pair takes work. It isn't so much that you've given up who you are, but rather you can't see how that which was once a piece of something else can be self-sustaining again. Oliver has lost his world. He wants just one thing--that last moment. Alas, time stops for no one.

The dark collector is suddenly everything: rival, master, catalyst, and more. What happens when their paths cross is quite exquisite. Rare and tender. Each moment pulling Oliver further. Until he's ..., no you have to read it. I can't tell you. 

So the greedy part of me would say, only four stars, but it was a beautifully plotted short story and deserves every star. The ending is perfect.

Favorite quote:

How can this stranger , whose name I don’t even know, see me if I can’t?

The Dead Past by Kate Aaron

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Understated entertainment.

A wee slice of life in the English countryside just after WWII. All the silly and irrelevant gossip that acts as the sole diversion of Puddledown is driven into a frenzy when a most singular event occurs--MURDER.

Nice cast of characters that would easily support future jaunts through the woods and down the main street of Puddledown. Hugo is a man burdened by never having served and questioning himself on more than one point. Tommy is the new groundskeeper of the neighboring estate and second witness to the gruesome finding. 

What unravels is a cozy mystery with just enough gore to shock one's sensibilities. A madman on the loose and Hugo is determined to find out whom is responsible. Secrets are revealed and lives changed. A fun whodunit to laze away part of an afternoon reading. Off to Book 2.

Favorite quote:

Such men— such strong, virile men— had neither time nor patience for pallid, bookish types, who pinned all their hopes on two lines of Greek, illicitly translated when they had been forbidden from doing so.

3.5 Stars

Coyote's Creed by Vaughn R. Demont

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This was clever. 

At first, I was just puttering along getting a feel for it and sightseeing when I realized that the way the story is written actually makes the reader the frickin' mark in a shell game. You think you're paying attention following along and when you go to turn it over--Slap! Wrong. You were deceived. Distracted.

The weaving of mythologies is really well done. The shredding of tropes was amusing, but maybe a tad heavy-handed. Overall, fun and smart. Btw. Don't feel bad as the reader, everyone gets played. Smile and enjoy the trick. 

Favorite quote:

Despite being tricksters, Coyotes are very serious when it comes to the Feud, and they wouldn’t have one they believe to be weak-blooded playing their game.

How to Train Your Dom in Five Easy Steps by Josephine Myles

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Utterly charming, super-English character study of a diamond-in-the-rough Dom and the posh sub that agrees to show him the ropes by tutoring him. Of course, there's a slight hitch to this magical carpet ride and that's the DENIAL. To be fair, Jeff comes by it honestly, and he's just ignorant--not an ass, which can't be said about others. Luckily, Eddie's true enough to himself for both of them and drags Jeff to the truth. Okay, leads him by the dick to the truth. Sweet GFY. 

Overall, big smiles with some Kink, with a capital "K".

Ethan Who Loved Carter by Ryan Loveless

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This is the kind of story that makes me feel like life has sped up so fast and in the never-ending quest to keep on top of things we've lost sight of really important things. We've become impatient and intolerant of those who don't work/act/contribute to our preconceived ideas of right and acceptable. We've become callous and forgotten how important kindness is. 

Ethan suffered a traumatic brain injury and was significantly impacted as a result. He's an amazing character. I spent half the story wishing I knew him and the other half wanting to cry. But, things happen to all of us and it is important to live for now and forward--not backwards. 

Carter has Tourette's Syndrome and deals with the alienation of its symptoms on a daily basis. Mostly, its just easier not to interact. His frustration was palpable. And I'd be anxious mess in his place. 

There's no changing either of their lives. This is as good as it gets. 

I spent a good portion of this book in awe of both of them and wanting to cry at the same time. It wasn't that I pitied them, but that I wished things weren't so hard. And the challenges in the story, well, they are emotional time bombs. Ethan's family's, wow, just great. Even Elliot, conflicted and teenage hormonal as he is and cruel at times is still great. And I guess that is one of the things I liked most about the story, there were illustrations of how a person could both be good and mean. How each of us has the potential to be an agent for both. So, which one do you want to be? 

“What music do you hear?” Carter asked.
Ethan looked at him. “Yours,” he said, as if Carter should have known.

One final note: I avoided this book for a while because I was really afraid of it taking advantage of the two characters' states of being and using it without regard, sensationalizing it, and ignoring the complexity of each Ethan and Carter's lives. I shouldn't have. 

Overall, emotional story of two marginalized characters struggling to get their HEA.

Favorite quote:

Carter adjusted his previous assessment to count this night as a thousand and one times better than predicted.

Sweetwater by Lisa Henry

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Grit, and bear it.

Western devotees will be pleased with this one. The sense of place is perfect; you can taste the dust in your mouth and the crap whiskey burning it's way through. Just like the settlers here, you've got to fight to get that ending--No free lunch here. You gotta want it and be willing to suffer for it.

Elijah is a wonderful MC. At a time when a physical impairment was a severe disadvantage he does the best he can, but life is not easy and honestly, it can be downright cruel. He takes what he gets because he knows no different and wishing wouldn't change anything. 

But... then there's a bright spot, and frankly, it looks too good to be true. 

Grady. He's the quintessential western male. Driven and bending rules to make enough to live. He's not perfect, but he has clearly defined morals; one can nudge the line, but not obliterate it. Grady knows who he is and what he wants. And he's got his eye on something. 

The hardest part in breaking a skittish horse was staying patient while it tired itself out.

This is a gritty story that doesn't shy away from the ugly realities of life. This is not sanitized for your delicate sensibilities, but it is powerful and grim. And each small success is worthy of celebration. Elijah and Grady's fates, like everyone, are held in a delicate balance. More than a couple breath-holding moments here and sighs of relief. 

Loved the characters (even secondary and tertiary ones), the setting, and the plot, which didn't rely on any overwrought events. There is a good deal of drama in the story, but it never approaches melodramatic.  

Overall, a true to form western that delivers

Favorite quote:

“Sometimes you gotta cut the past loose,” Grady said, “before it drags you down.”

Assimilation, Love, and Other Human Oddities by Lyn Gala

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Think I preferred this one over the first because we get a better look at Ondry and Rownt society. I really enjoy the world building even if the gerontocracy sets me on edge. Plus, Ondry's an absolute sweetheart, I'd let him tail me. 

And, I still want a pillow nest. 

Favorite quote:

"I like how you smell, but if you do not, I also like it when your smell is so faint that it is something for only me.”

What Worse Place Can I Beg Your Love by Syd McGinley

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Engaging, interesting, and well written, but really not my kink. The lack of agency and self are probably the most horrific things I could imagine, so this might be a really great for another reader, but it makes me feel suicidal.

Caged by Sean Michael

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Interspecies Master/slave love story

Shocking only got you immediate obedience, not devotion, not willing submission

This is the story that never was, but could have been. There was a really cool premise to this that made me excited and really looking forward to the story, but after the first 10% it just stopped. The plot was abandoned for an unrelenting sexathon were Tigre's training to be devoted and submissive to Palin after abusive training upbringing was center stage. It was fine and emotional. Yet, I feel like a beautiful promise was abandoned. 

Seriously, Palin is an information broker that can mine data from others by consciousness jumping from a known contact. He gets paid well, but as you can imagine not everyone is thrilled with his abilities or profession. Suspicion is rampant. Loneliness guaranteed. Danger omnipresent. I still want to read THIS story. The one that plays off all this cool shit. 

It's a Sean Michael book so the sex was erotic. Between the whipping, bathing, sounding and fisting there was a smorgasbord of goodies and Eiba and Tigre were trademark SM with the "Mine", "Yours", and "Need". Usually, I'm all up for that and don't mind the plot being missing, but here, because there was the seed of a really fun idea planted, I wanted the story. I really wanted them to stop fucking around and get somewhere with all the cool unrealized potential. *Sigh*

Overall, PWP that could have been so much more.
2.5 Stars

Favorite quote: 

Pleasure and need were offered up without question, Tigre's obedience complete.

Grown Men by Damon Suede

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Pioneer life in space.

Runt has been slotted to terraform a section of a planet located on the edges of everywhere. He's been alone for awhile due to a landing issue and managed to keep it together. He's a bit gruff and unrefined, but likable enough. Still, life is rough and lonely.

That all changes with the next drop shipment. Runt gets more than he bargained for, and now he's got a mystery. Loved the way Runt and Ox were able to communicate, the organic growth of their friendship, and the honestly, loved the world building. All the details of their settlement and farming were great. Runt and Ox, well that's an interesting pair and let's just say that they managed to do just fine with the issues of scale. A bit crude, but sweet and gotta say the ending made me go, "Awww...". Took the rating from 3.5 to 4. 

Suede has a habit of giving you a twist of the tail, and this one doesn't disappoint. There's some scathing rhetoric about cross promotions and corporate overlords; it's funny even though it is the ugly truth. Nice mirroring of the present in the commentary, one of my favorite aspects of science fiction. 

Overall, an unexpected, crudely sweet romance in paradise

Favorite quote, it was blah, blah, blah kitty at the start of the book, but halfway through it was hysterical: 

HardCell means business!

Something Like Summer by Jay Bell

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This... THIS is why I'd never want to relive my teenage years.

All that doubt, wondering, alienation---Ugh. Ben is a great narrator. At times, you want to cringe and others cheer, but like life, it has its ups and downs. To know something about yourself at a young age that makes you significantly different is an experience that isolates. Growth is different, changed and lonely. 

Ben's early teen years came with a harsh lesson. Not all epiphanies lead to happiness. But like a good sword, it gets stronger with each fold and hammer blow. Ben doesn't falter. His resilience is admirable and he's so far ahead of others in his personal growth that he has no confidant to share his hopes, dreams and desires--except for his best friend, Allison. 

Allison is the consummate friend who will support you, cheer you, and tell you when you're an idiot or fuck off when you've screwed up, but in the end they're there. I liked that there was a good give and take to their friendship and not everything had an easy solution. And let's face it, they have serious disagreements about Tim. 

Tim. We all had one of these at some point, the elusive, unreachable, ungettable get. Ben is goofy and awkward and squeezes his way into Tim's life--as barren as it is. Ben is the best thing that's ever happened to Tim and he can't accept it. Heart ripped out #1.

Sucks, but first loves are like that. Reboot. What happens then is Ben's journey to find love. Real love. The kind that is proud, never hides, and surrounds you like a blanket--Jace. Talk about wonderful. Fucking love Jace so hard, and so does Ben. But, the past doesn't always stay in the past...

Heart ripped out #2--bad choice

Heart ripped out #3--I don't want to talk about it. Took me three days to even think about writing this review because of it. Maybe I'm a masochist, but I liked this story. I liked that there was a slightly non traditional trajectory with some realism. At the end, part of me felt like we got to eat our cake and have it, too. It's just a bittersweet cake. 

Overall, an emotional journey that slaps you around

Favorite quote:

"‘ Teach me how to fly, my beautiful butterfly.’” He reached out and ruffled Ben’s hair, his version of a parting kiss."

Lion Hearted by Sommer Marsden

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DNF 41%

Life is too short. Bored by the over-commentating, repetitive phrases, descriptions that take three sentences when two or three words would suffice, and the hyperbolic cliches.

Shaking the Sugar Tree by Nick Wilgus

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I don't think we're in Kansas anymore.

So... this is very Southern. My previous exposures to southern writers did not prepare me for this. Maybe my reading is lacking. Took me a few moments to get into the groove and frankly, I think I was sitting through more than a few of the scenes shaking my head right along with Jackson going, "How do I get off the crazy train?"

Wiley is a loud narrator who does not make nice even if his momma wished we would. He's brash and honest and puts things out there, warts and all. Might be a bit more honesty than I'm use to. Anyway, you can see he didn't fall far from the tree when his Papaw opens his mouth and witness the gems that come out. Rude and offensive pretty much describe every conversation which Papaw takes part in. Inevitably, he manages to become less obnoxious and more endearing, but I think that's after you figure out he's making fun of you for playing along. Let's just say that as far as attention getting maneuvers go, Papaw is hard to ignore.

“We don’t hide crazy,” I said. “We put it on the porch and let it entertain the neighbors.”

Wiley's situation isn't unique and isn't easy. Sole parent to a special needs child living under the poverty level and doing the best he can. Rough barely begins to describe it. But, one look at Noah and you can't help but smile. Noah is one of those rare determined and joy-grabbing people. He's both in his own world and radically interacting with others. He won't be ignored. I fell more than a little in love with him. 

The hard part was watching how those who should really have a vested interest in Noah, didn't. Then there are those who see Wiley and Noah and understand and know: Jackson, Father Ginderbach, Tonya, and Mrs. Humphries. And those who need to be dragged to common sense--it's a distinguished list and longer than it should be. But the journey to make a family in the unforgiving territory surrounding Wiley was a good one. 

The author's note about the story was spot on: This is the story of one man's love for his child. It is beautiful. 

Overall, big, bold and in your face.

Favorite quote: 

For the first time, there was acceptance and, oddly enough, disinterest, as though I had finally reached a point in my life where my peculiarities were so commonplace as to be no longer worth noticing.

With a Kiss by Kim Dare

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Another beautiful loving submission with a Sleeping Beauty/Cinderfella mashup. 

A lot of intense focus on fixing broken Liam so that he can let go of the visceral reaction he has to dominance when all of his previous exposures before Marcus were abusive. Liked the story, but wished there was more meat to the plot. This is a character driven story which begins to feel like getting lost in a the swirl of the gentle cycle on washing machine.

The Half of Us by C. Cardeno

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Conflicted reader ALERT.

To not like this is like kicking puppies. Nothing upsetting or offensive at all, and that's the problem. Conflict is hinted at and then voila! Disappears. All problems swept under the rug or fast-forwarded past. Time is kept via Jason and Abe boink sessions. 

Overall, totally enjoyable, but don't look for anything toothy.

The Slave by Kate Aaron

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Nothing is inviolate in a world at war.

Tam is the beautiful, charming and obedient slave. He was given a task and he fulfilled, now he has to live with his choice. Even when strained, he never regrets his decision. 

Kai is the captured warrior who's presence ignites the crowd's desire to break him by the whatever means necessary--and with great pleasure. His auction price escalates quickly. His journey is to find a place within Master's house. 

Master is the philosopher king example. One that proves that the system can work, whereas in reality it is flawed with no safety measures. A leader who puts the wellbeing of those who are under his care first. 

Very Romantic viewpoint espoused with the lushness and the ending that seems straight out of a Delacroix painting. And what an ending. It will certainly leave a few readers wondering and a few more disgruntled, but honestly, it fits with the situation and the theme. 

A weird quirk or two regarding the time period which seemed nineteenth century, but then having references to military fatigues instead of uniforms and explosives which while developed in the mid-nineteenth century weren't used in the manner depicted until later. 

3.5 Stars 

Favorite quote:

I smiled gently. “Yes, you. You’re the only thing I ever chose for myself.”

Two Steps Back by Lyn Gala

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Solid read, just not my favorite cup of tea. 

I did enjoy it. There are a lot of similarities in the characterizations between this story and Gala's Claimings, Tails, and Other Alien Artifacts. So if you loved that story like I did, then this will be a pleasure read. In fact, the parallels between Liam and Dallin and Ondry and William when stripped down share more than a passing resemblance. There are differences, but their temperaments and the dynamics are spot on. 

It was the fact that William’s reaction to a fight was to pull him even closer, like he valued Dallin enough to keep him.

Unlike Gala's Claiming series, the heat meter is turned up--to Scorch. Some really lovely play that was both erotic and sigh worthy--nicely done and YUMMY!

So did I rate this lower because I'm familiar with Gala's scifi works and miss the added elements--probably. I really like science fiction for the freedom it allows to express radically different viewpoints to traditional contemporary ones without the didacticism. 

Again, my personal bias, I do not enjoy stories that have MCs with extended crises related to religion. I actually have no opinion on what any one does or doesn't believe as long as they don't try to shove it down my throat. Thus, the legitimate and completely understandable family situation surrounding Dallin did not appeal to me. AND... the fire and brimstone proselytizing by his parents raised my hackles. 

Third bias, I really don't like rent boy stories. Weird because I read all sorts of stories that deal with romanticizing objectification and dehumanization, but by placing them in non-contemporary settings I have this psychological separation that allows me to concentrate on the underlying theme. 

Finally, I liked the end, but it felt a bit rushed. Or maybe, I just wanted to see how the threads got untangled. Loved, the realistic treatment at the conclusion. 

Overall, a sexy D/s Cinferfella tale with some religious baggage. 

Favorite quote: 

Yeah, part of him had known it was a stupid dream, but he’d liked that dream.

Splinters by Thorny Sterling

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Smorgasbord of tidbits.

Gotta a little bit of nighttime soap opera goings-on, flair, and kinda touching, too. Not that kind, you pervert. Though, Al would definitely approve and Duke would have no problem getting on board with it either. So at first I was a bit hesitant to to just let go and take the ride, but when I did, it was playful and sweet. Al has a boldness and vulnerability to him that is charming and Duke, well... he's just solid as a rock. 

Nice job on characters that could have been stiff and stereotypes. Each one at first glance appears cardboard, yet managed to come alive. That combined with the pace made it an easy, smooth read. 

Overall, enjoyable with some laughs and some ahhhs. 

3.5 stars

Favorite quote:

Tempt not a desperate man.

Hard Fall by James Buchanan

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Great outdoorsy read with steam, intolerance, and self acceptance.

Joe is a solid, upright citizen. A man who contributes to his community and serves it because that is what he believes is right. He's well respected until it all hits the fan. There's something wrong with him--at least, that's what a portion of his neighbors think. Cue intolerance and homophobia. 

The temptation? Kabe. An ex-con that's settled into the area. When circumstances bring them together they have a hard time separating again. 

There's a lot more to this story than just a biracial, religious romance. There's some great climbing and hiking, and while I don't do the first, this story definitely made me want to do the second--now. Nature lovers take note, a good portion of the story revolves around the open spaces and it has a certain reverence to it. There is a strong emphasis on rock climbing in particular. 

Growing up in an extremely diverse area I find that multicultural stories often have a weird fetish to them or stereotyping that doesn't sit well with me, but here it wasn't an issue at all. Yes, there are instances of skin admiration, but it focused more on tonal hues in the sunlight and difference after a solid spanking--Yum. Gorgeous play that noted the inherent difference, but didn't feel skeevy.

The part that was a bit more uncomfortable for me was the LDS component and Joe's struggle with finding a balance between his beliefs, his orientation, and his church. Honestly, this underlined why I have issues with organized religion. Having a family member who converted during college, I can say that I understood and thought the portrayal of Mormon beliefs and behaviors were in line with what I've observed: missionaries, food stockpiles, tithing, caffeine/alcohol restrictions, and baptisms for the deceased. I have no knowledge of undergarments and Temple activities.

Overall, one man's struggle for acceptance in the wild open spaces of the West. 

3.5 Stars More than three, but not quite a four. 

Favorite quote:

"God may love me, but you don't."

Cheek to Cheek

by Chris Owen

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Charming and funny--a perfect cure for crankiness.

Two hot firefighters, an unexpected development, and scorching hot couplings make for a diverting read. So, I would have been happy with just that, it did make me smile after all, but it came with the BONUS PLAN! What do you get now if you read:

* Female character that is neither a bitch, a hag nor Mary Sue
* Non-objectifying interracial relationship
* Positive portrayal of bisexuality

Oh, and a goofy smile because Mallory and Will are pretty darn enjoyable

Favorite quip:

"Is this because of earlier?" Will was looking at him with deep suspicion. "If I fuck you again will you go back to normal?"

A Cupid's Wager (A Valentine Rainbow)

by Deanna Wadsworth

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Whaaaat? No, no, NO! *shakes ereader for stuck words*
More. Gimmee more. 

I admittedly can be a bit of a hard ass when people start rewriting mythologies to fit their needs, but I had zero qualms here. It was a fun reinterpretation of Graeco-Roman and Mesoamerican myths. First off, I like the cahones of blending those two with fearlessness. Second, it sets up a really adorable and funny story. 

Lio, a cupid, doing some off the records--unsanctioned-- work gets busted by Ethan. Scrambling to recover the situation as much as possible Lio negotiates with Ethan, which is all good and sorta working until his impetuous nature causes him to do something rash. He stabs Ethan with a lust arrow to prove a point. 

Anyway, let's just say that the steamy action that Lio was precipitating with his pro-bono work is soon eclipsed. Hot, romantic and delicious. It ends smoothly, but sets up an opening for more…a lot more. Let's just say a gauntlet was tossed down and has yet to be resolved. 

P.S. Like piercings? Yeah? Dig in. 

Favorite quote:

In his arms, the loneliness that plagued me every day did not exist.

He is Worthy

by Lisa Henry

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Brutal, hard, brilliant. 

Excellent piece of historical fiction. The attention to detail and facts was a beautiful blend. Richly laid out like a banquet this story tells of political intrigue in the last days of Nero's reign. The weaving of history and story--seamless. 

The ancient world was not a soft place even in the most decadent of pleasure palaces. And this was highly entertaining and while I kept guessing where it would end, I was wrong. 

BTW. This totally revved my inner Roman geek

Mark of Gladiator

by Heidi Belleau

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Cunning, Blood and Transmutability

Love me some gladiators, but this one comes with a twist--gladiatrices. Hell Yeah! 

Smart and sexy this story combines an alluring cocktail of gamesmanship and sexual power in the ruthless ladder climbing of ancient Rome. Reading this is truly like watching the Wheel of Fortune spin, who the goddess favors is always changing. And who's in charge? That changes, too. 

This is a meticulously scribed vision of a slice of one family's life and the games they play. The power shifts within the household, the roles people act out and the truth hidden beneath it all--awesome. I figured out the way to the center of this maze rather quickly, but was not once disappointed in the story. If anything, watching the threads being laid down and woven to reach that end were a pleasure and not without a few unexpectedly delightful twists. 

Gods! The best part? Besides watching Rhakshna--yeah, I'm more than a bit bloodthirsty--every single character was both flawed and admirable. Plus the understatement employed to depict the grimmer realities were all the stronger with the gentle delivery. 

::So Happy::

The Slave Catcher

by Lilia Ford

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One gruff bounty hunter and a job he doesn't want.

Surprisingly amusing ride along with Sam as he narrates, showing you the highs and lows as a denizen of one of galaxy's pleasure spots. For a short story this packed a nice range of emotions into a tight package and gives a good smack as you exit.

Favorite quote:

And one of the things you learn is that you don’t go smashing stuff you can’t put back together if you’ve no clue what the results will be— and that includes opening fire on beliefs you disagree with.

Fish and Ghosts

by Rhys Ford

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Not a ghost fan, but had a good time. A very good time. 

Tristan's different and he knows. His family knows it. And they've sent in the big guns to leverage themselves into a position to take matters into their own hands. 

Wolf is the penultimate skeptic and his backstory adds a level of interest to this tale. Along with his crew, they set out for Hoxne Grange to get the skinny on "the hauntings". What they find is something they've never experience before. 

Alright, so the set up for Wolf and Tristan's romance is entertaining and provides good opportunities. The secondary characters of Mara and Meegan are fabulous with Mara edging ahead easily with some spectacular lines:

"Yours is not the first dick I’ve seen, Dr. Kincaid. And it certainly isn’t the best.”

On the other hand, Gidget and Matt were far less endearing with their lack of professionalism and common sense. Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum need to be smacked upside the head a couple times and I would have staked them out for their behavior. 

Best yet, there's a fun little twist at the end;

The blow to the man’s ego was going to be huge, and Tristan allowed himself a small bit of glee over Wolf’s continuing downfall.

Good ghost story with a sweet and feisty romance.

Catalyst

by S.L. Armstong and K. Piet

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Blood, pain and perfection--I dangerous mix.

Admit what is needed and accept that.

Fine advice unless it's used for rationalization.

Damn. Intensely mindfucking with the convergence of two individuals whose needs are truly a dangerous mix that needs to be handled properly. A catalyst for an uncontrolled explosion that could destroy them both. Neither Kasper nor Logan are psychotic, but their respective compulsions drive them in ways that make their combination hazardous.

Edge play is dicey at the best of times, but with a sub who won't safeword--suicidal.

"Not having limits isn't a limit."

What I loved most about this book? 

The Dom's needs and thoughts are expressed. The majority of the story is told from Logan's viewpoint. His desires, his worries, his concerns and sense of responsibility. What happens when his trust is broken?

"I hurt you more than I wanted to. Did you even think about what I might have wanted?"

So much is concentrated on the submissive's side in many stories except when it goes wrong. BDSM is a symbiotic relationship. Abuse is a parasitic one. Here the dynamics of power are explored and what happens when there isn't balance. 

This is not an entry level book and I would not recommend it to most. It deals with extremes. Elements of blood play, humiliation, intense SM, mild CBT, and sounding.

Favorite quote:

"That space is yours, Kas, and I don't need to flay your back for you to reach it."

Pinned

by Maris Black

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3.5 stars

Collegiate love story that hits a couple gravel patches. 

Overall, very enjoyable though one or two OTT moments and a colossally bad decision detracted a bit from my reading pleasure. Jeremy is a guy who is finally escaping the prison of childhood, good riddance:

What I really meant was, Fuck you, you drunk bastard. I’m outta here, and you can rot in hell for all I care.

He's got a plan and he's charging full steam ahead with a passion when a bright, shiny thing distracts him--Beck. Beck is a walking fantasy to Jeremy. Reality check. Jeremy's got to decide what he really wants because he's not getting exactly what he wants.

There’s a little voice in my head telling me I’m pouting like a spoiled child and making an ass of myself, but I don’t listen to that voice very often. It’s way too soft compared to the other voices I’ve got in there.

Drama. Two steps forward, one back. Another back. Step to the side. Anyway, there's the expected friends inserting opinions and "advice" aka meddling. Though I really have a soft spot for Truck and Dan. And surprise! There are females in this book that aren't heinous.

O.O

Truly. 

Favorite passage:

“So you’re saying he might not respect me if I sleep with you?”

Dan laughs. “No, I’m saying I think he’d fucking kill me.”