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Catalyst #1
Catalyst
After a near-fatal accident, Logan Walker seeks help to control the compulsive blood fetish that almost cost his submissive's life. Help happens to be in the form of an athletic, smart psychologist by the name of Dr. Kasper Bromley. Kasper, though, soon finds himself swept up in the fantasies Logan came to him to control. Reluctantly throwing his ethics to the wind, Kasper submits himself to Logan, gambling his career, his future, and his heart on this intriguing man and the lifestyle he offers. But when Kasper's desires outpace Logan's, the young doctor is swept down into a whirlpool of sex and sadism that even Logan's love may not be enough to rescue him from.
243 pages, Paperback
First published February 8, 2011
19 people are currently reading
676 people want to read
About the author
S.L. Armstrong
56 books132 followersSupport S.L. Armstrong & K. Piet on Patreon!
S.L. Armstrong has been writing for as long as she can remember. Art and reading have played a large part in her life since young childhood, but around fourteen, writing became her passion. Voraciously consuming every book in front of her opened up hundreds of worlds in her head, and she soon wanted to create worlds for other people as well. She has a particular fondness for gothic horror, horror, high fantasy, urban fantasy, and romance novels. The authors she turns to time and again are Stephen King, L.J. Smith, V.C. Andrews, R.L. Stine, and Anne Rice, among others. She has no shame in picking up the young adult novels she loved as a child, and she will talk your ear off about grammar and punctuation.
After she married her husband over seventeen years ago, she began to truly delve into the world of writing for public consumption. It was sheer chance that she stumbled on M/M fanfiction, and she's not looked back. Though fanfiction will always have a fond place in her heart, she soon grew tired of playing in other people's sandboxes. When she discovered M/M romance, and how it was now a legitimate branch of romance writing, she knew her course. S.L. plans to release F/F, M/M, M/F, and multiple partner books as she continues her writing career. M/M romance is where her heart lies, no matter what else she may write or read, and it's where she keeps returning to. There is something about two men passionately in love that just makes her heart melt, and she has no intention of giving that up anytime soon.
S.L. Armstrong lives in Florida with her husband, partner, two dogs, and twelve cats. She hates the heat and longs for a northern, snowy climate. She writes with K. Piet on a number of projects, but she also writes her own solitary titles as well.
S.L. Armstrong has been writing for as long as she can remember. Art and reading have played a large part in her life since young childhood, but around fourteen, writing became her passion. Voraciously consuming every book in front of her opened up hundreds of worlds in her head, and she soon wanted to create worlds for other people as well. She has a particular fondness for gothic horror, horror, high fantasy, urban fantasy, and romance novels. The authors she turns to time and again are Stephen King, L.J. Smith, V.C. Andrews, R.L. Stine, and Anne Rice, among others. She has no shame in picking up the young adult novels she loved as a child, and she will talk your ear off about grammar and punctuation.
After she married her husband over seventeen years ago, she began to truly delve into the world of writing for public consumption. It was sheer chance that she stumbled on M/M fanfiction, and she's not looked back. Though fanfiction will always have a fond place in her heart, she soon grew tired of playing in other people's sandboxes. When she discovered M/M romance, and how it was now a legitimate branch of romance writing, she knew her course. S.L. plans to release F/F, M/M, M/F, and multiple partner books as she continues her writing career. M/M romance is where her heart lies, no matter what else she may write or read, and it's where she keeps returning to. There is something about two men passionately in love that just makes her heart melt, and she has no intention of giving that up anytime soon.
S.L. Armstrong lives in Florida with her husband, partner, two dogs, and twelve cats. She hates the heat and longs for a northern, snowy climate. She writes with K. Piet on a number of projects, but she also writes her own solitary titles as well.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
February 23, 2014
Oh, isn’t blood so damn beautiful? That gorgeous crimson that pumps hotly through your veins, makes your cheeks flush and comfortingly, inevitably flows out of cuts, guarantees bruises more colorful than the woods in autumn…and that taste! Which is unlike anything else and best served hot; spicy yet sweet, only slightly syrupy, with a metallic tang.
You don’t share my sentiment? Don’t worry about it. A selection of my friends’ reactions to me reading this book (lol!):
Friend 1: Ewww, really?
Friend 2: *blink*…um..ok
Friend 3: Uh ok?
Friend 4: Blood play *Yuck*.
But..will you look at him?
To add sex and an edge of danger to THIS….I… well, I wouldn’t want to go there myself, but I can imagine the level of intensity that must accompany bloodplay.
And the funny thing about Catalyst is that it really isn’t as dark and ‘disgusting’ as you might assume. Quite the opposite actually! The bloodplay element appears to be introduced mostly to provide an interesting opening and excuse for the two MCs to meet during their lengthy patient & therapist sessions. What follows is anything but hold-your-breath edgeplay and the exploration of the mind of someone who lusts for blood. Instead, the focus is on relationship issues and on the therapist’s discovery of the BDSM scene. As the blurb mentions, he loses sight of what’s considered safe, sane and consensual. Something the authors emphasize in a way that borders on lecturing. It’s not what I had expected and I have to admit that I didn’t enjoy having to alter my expectations all that much. Basically, I had hoped for a more thrilling and intense read.
Catalyst started out interesting enough, with a man admitting to his therapist how his obsession with bloodplay almost cost the life of an ex-lover. For a change, I didn’t mind these information bombs in disguise sessions all that much. They were a crucial part of the plot. What followed were a few sex scenes, a visit to a BDSM club, actual bloodplay taking a backseat to the daily humdrum and a patient/therapist affair that ran hot and cold and that took off in a direction I didn’t really believe in.
Sure, some of these sex scenes vaguely made my belly tingle (except for the cumming on command thingy, that got old after the third time). Truth to be told though, I think the dash of D/s was responsible for this rather than the writing. The author’s style will perhaps not be to everyone’s taste. Its lushness sometimes struck a chord with me. But often the attempts to reach for poetic quality didn’t convince. In fact, Catalyst suffered a bit from it. Especially during the sex scenes the long-winded dialogue seemed contrived.
All in all, my reading pleasure ran as hot and cold as the relationship of the MCs. It felt to me as if an interesting idea that could’ve made for an intensely passionate and tragic story collapsed like a soufflé over the course of the book, ending in an average BDSM story that wasn’t particularly enthralling or refreshing in my eyes. Of course, your mileage may vary! If you like BDSM with struggling characters and somewhat purple prose, changes are that you will enjoy this. In that case, don’t let the bloodplay factor put you off, this book is less dark, dirty and dangerous than you’d expect.
You don’t share my sentiment? Don’t worry about it. A selection of my friends’ reactions to me reading this book (lol!):
Friend 1: Ewww, really?
Friend 2: *blink*…um..ok
Friend 3: Uh ok?
Friend 4: Blood play *Yuck*.
But..will you look at him?
To add sex and an edge of danger to THIS….I… well, I wouldn’t want to go there myself, but I can imagine the level of intensity that must accompany bloodplay.
And the funny thing about Catalyst is that it really isn’t as dark and ‘disgusting’ as you might assume. Quite the opposite actually! The bloodplay element appears to be introduced mostly to provide an interesting opening and excuse for the two MCs to meet during their lengthy patient & therapist sessions. What follows is anything but hold-your-breath edgeplay and the exploration of the mind of someone who lusts for blood. Instead, the focus is on relationship issues and on the therapist’s discovery of the BDSM scene. As the blurb mentions, he loses sight of what’s considered safe, sane and consensual. Something the authors emphasize in a way that borders on lecturing. It’s not what I had expected and I have to admit that I didn’t enjoy having to alter my expectations all that much. Basically, I had hoped for a more thrilling and intense read.
Catalyst started out interesting enough, with a man admitting to his therapist how his obsession with bloodplay almost cost the life of an ex-lover. For a change, I didn’t mind these information bombs in disguise sessions all that much. They were a crucial part of the plot. What followed were a few sex scenes, a visit to a BDSM club, actual bloodplay taking a backseat to the daily humdrum and a patient/therapist affair that ran hot and cold and that took off in a direction I didn’t really believe in.
Sure, some of these sex scenes vaguely made my belly tingle (except for the cumming on command thingy, that got old after the third time). Truth to be told though, I think the dash of D/s was responsible for this rather than the writing. The author’s style will perhaps not be to everyone’s taste. Its lushness sometimes struck a chord with me. But often the attempts to reach for poetic quality didn’t convince. In fact, Catalyst suffered a bit from it. Especially during the sex scenes the long-winded dialogue seemed contrived.
All in all, my reading pleasure ran as hot and cold as the relationship of the MCs. It felt to me as if an interesting idea that could’ve made for an intensely passionate and tragic story collapsed like a soufflé over the course of the book, ending in an average BDSM story that wasn’t particularly enthralling or refreshing in my eyes. Of course, your mileage may vary! If you like BDSM with struggling characters and somewhat purple prose, changes are that you will enjoy this. In that case, don’t let the bloodplay factor put you off, this book is less dark, dirty and dangerous than you’d expect.
February 22, 2011
4.5 stars
This review contains spoilers.
This book took BDSM into a more realistic setting than many romance novels. Not all doms are rich and settled, not all submissives are young and twinkish.
It also tells the story of a man who has held himself on a tight rein, a psychologist with a neurosis concerning how others view his life. His sex is vanilla, his life is vanilla...until a patient comes into his office and begins talking about sexual proclivities that are shocking and arousing. Kasper, the psychologist, doesn't want to be moved by what he hears but these deviations excite him. Once Kasper steps over that line, testing the waters of BDSM, he finds that his tight rein held back an addict. With Kasper, there is tight control or there is no control. This is not a pretty, paint by number romance. It's not the story of a man who is spanked a few times and his whole life settles into place. It's the story of a man who finds a new side of his psyche and then has to learn to control it and accept it and work it into the life he nearly destroys with these struggles. The romance that develops is stronger because of the struggles. It's not a roses and candy and rainbows type of read.
This review contains spoilers.
This book took BDSM into a more realistic setting than many romance novels. Not all doms are rich and settled, not all submissives are young and twinkish.
It also tells the story of a man who has held himself on a tight rein, a psychologist with a neurosis concerning how others view his life. His sex is vanilla, his life is vanilla...until a patient comes into his office and begins talking about sexual proclivities that are shocking and arousing. Kasper, the psychologist, doesn't want to be moved by what he hears but these deviations excite him. Once Kasper steps over that line, testing the waters of BDSM, he finds that his tight rein held back an addict. With Kasper, there is tight control or there is no control. This is not a pretty, paint by number romance. It's not the story of a man who is spanked a few times and his whole life settles into place. It's the story of a man who finds a new side of his psyche and then has to learn to control it and accept it and work it into the life he nearly destroys with these struggles. The romance that develops is stronger because of the struggles. It's not a roses and candy and rainbows type of read.
Read
January 25, 2015Somewhere between negative stars and 3, so I'll stick with no stars.
IT'S UNRATEABLE!
That's something, right?
This was recommended to me because I'm a kinky bitch and it is kinky. Hella kinky. Look at all those shelves it landed on! And I don't even have a shelf for CBT. Perhaps I should remedy that. Most of the kink was good up until it wasn't. I still think Logan screwed the pooch on his "handling" of the topping from the bottom issue. Any dominant that let's his anger into a scene is a dangerous thing indeed, but I guess it was required to create conflict.
Conflict… more like
Logan and Kasper went all over me. I had to take a break from them and their lunacy because I kept getting so worked up. I can't decide if that's a good or bad thing. I tip my hat to S.L. Armstrong for getting me angry enough to not only give my kindle the double bird but have to put myself in timeout.
What tipped the scales was how close this book hits to home with Kasper being a psychologist and Logan his patient. HIS PATIENT!!! I know it's fiction. I read the blurb beforehand. I knew what I was getting into, but I just didn't expect for it go on as long as it did nor to be as affected by their ludicrous decision to continue fucking and attempting to have a therapeutic relationship. Simultaneously. What in the country fuck makes ANYONE think that's a wise course of action to take?
It just went on and on and on. I kept thinking "you've got to be kidding me, right?", but no they just kept meeting week after week. The straw that broke the camel's back was the party at Adam's house when Adam, Kasper's "best friend", proceeds to unload all of Kasper's dirty laundry to Logan in the middle of a barbecue!
*double finger*
That is precisely what it took to muster up the strength to tackle the rest of this. Either it was the wine or the second half improved. Tough to say. They did FINALLY put an end to their working relationship. Thankfully. That helped, but I still don't like either one of these MCs.
I have empathy for them and their respective plights, baggage and inner demons, but it doesn't mean I liked them. They make bad decisions, have piss poor communication and are manipulative. I had a difficult time believing a psychologist and an experienced dominant would be this atrociously bad at communication. They never talk, really talk until the last 20ish percent which was too little too late to redeem either one of them.
In hindsight, I should've just skimmed to the kinky bits and saved myself and my blood pressure.
Still, I can't help thinking that this is what authors strive for, isn't it? To affect their readers, to shake them up and make them uncomfortable? Mission accomplished. In spades. I'll not forget this book anytime soon.
Recommend to those who enjoy torturous reads.
IT'S UNRATEABLE!
That's something, right?
This was recommended to me because I'm a kinky bitch and it is kinky. Hella kinky. Look at all those shelves it landed on! And I don't even have a shelf for CBT. Perhaps I should remedy that. Most of the kink was good up until it wasn't. I still think Logan screwed the pooch on his "handling" of the topping from the bottom issue. Any dominant that let's his anger into a scene is a dangerous thing indeed, but I guess it was required to create conflict.
Conflict… more like
Logan and Kasper went all over me. I had to take a break from them and their lunacy because I kept getting so worked up. I can't decide if that's a good or bad thing. I tip my hat to S.L. Armstrong for getting me angry enough to not only give my kindle the double bird but have to put myself in timeout.
What tipped the scales was how close this book hits to home with Kasper being a psychologist and Logan his patient. HIS PATIENT!!! I know it's fiction. I read the blurb beforehand. I knew what I was getting into, but I just didn't expect for it go on as long as it did nor to be as affected by their ludicrous decision to continue fucking and attempting to have a therapeutic relationship. Simultaneously. What in the country fuck makes ANYONE think that's a wise course of action to take?
It just went on and on and on. I kept thinking "you've got to be kidding me, right?", but no they just kept meeting week after week. The straw that broke the camel's back was the party at Adam's house when Adam, Kasper's "best friend", proceeds to unload all of Kasper's dirty laundry to Logan in the middle of a barbecue!
*double finger*
That is precisely what it took to muster up the strength to tackle the rest of this. Either it was the wine or the second half improved. Tough to say. They did FINALLY put an end to their working relationship. Thankfully. That helped, but I still don't like either one of these MCs.
I have empathy for them and their respective plights, baggage and inner demons, but it doesn't mean I liked them. They make bad decisions, have piss poor communication and are manipulative. I had a difficult time believing a psychologist and an experienced dominant would be this atrociously bad at communication. They never talk, really talk until the last 20ish percent which was too little too late to redeem either one of them.
In hindsight, I should've just skimmed to the kinky bits and saved myself and my blood pressure.
Still, I can't help thinking that this is what authors strive for, isn't it? To affect their readers, to shake them up and make them uncomfortable? Mission accomplished. In spades. I'll not forget this book anytime soon.
Recommend to those who enjoy torturous reads.
July 23, 2016
Blood, pain and perfection--a dangerous mix.
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.
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?
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:
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."
December 18, 2011
^^ KINK AT ITS BEST!^^
4.5
More of my reviews and ramblings at PANTS OFF REVIEWS
I am at a serious loss on how to write a review for this book. I wanna say some profound stuff and be articulate about it (doubt it). Heads up, you wont find all that here (told you). Catalyst is dirty, sexy, and crazy goodness. I had no expectations when I started this book. My eyes were all over the beautiful cover, and I knew I was going to be reading a BDSM novel. I got so much more than anticipated; Catalyst is all you will love in bdsm novel. Its dark with the right amount of kink, offers a soft side, but not too soft and the plot is insane with its content. I never saw so much darkness coming, and it was from the least expected character.
We meet Logan, who is meeting with his Psychologist for the first time. Logan has a blood fetish, and he’s feeling that it’s become unsafe for him to have a partner since he put his last submissive in the hospital. He is afraid that the hunger he has for tasting his partner’s blood during intimacy will lead to lack of control causing him to harm yet another person. Therefore, he seeks help from Dr Kasper Bromley, in hopes he will be able to control and then stop his urge for blood.
The sessions between Logan and Kasper are dark, and could be somewhat disturbing to most readers. Logan talks about his fixation on blood, the taste of it the smell of it, and it how it brings fulfillment during sex. His doctor is not unaffected by these sessions, the chemistry between the two is strong, and the Dom in Logan calls out to Kasper. However, a patient/doctor relationship is strictly forbidden and both men will risk it all for the heat flaring between them.
I thought to myself ‘there is no way this book could get any more intense’; man was I in for a surprise. The relationship between Kasper and Logan is hellaciously hot but equally unhealthy. Kasper, as Logan’s doctor before knows him in a way others don’t. His uses the information to be manipulative, knowing that it will cause Logan harm or possibly himself. You see, Kasper has gotten a taste of the BDSM lifestyle and he is finding it perfect for him. Suddenly it becomes all about Kasper, without a care for Logan, because Kas will strive to be the best ‘pain slut’ the bdsm scene has ever seen. It all spirals out of order, because the once Dr Control, has lost control.
I absolutely enjoyed this book talk about new and exciting. I loved the blood (yep). There is something very sexy about the forbidden and living on the edge. Nothing more deliciously forbidden like wanting to drink or taste someone’s blood (I.E obsessions with PNR and vampires), and the spanking and being tied up just adds a heightened sexiness. This book is more than sex; it delves into ‘how far are you willing to go satisfy your needs’. Kasper and Logan portray every element beautifully. I loved these characters, and the world created by the authors, this alternative lifestyle is kicking ass.
It is very clear that a lot of research and thought went into writing this book. Though I am fairly new to the BDSM reading scene, I have total respect for this book, because it offers great respect to an alternative sexual lifestyle. It’s more than just kink, it’s more than just what others may view as a weird way of getting off. Catalyst is the book that proves this; the characters prove this. Pain and humiliation is not what it’s all about, the control and creating a safe environment and knowing your limits is the true way of BDSM
(All though the pain/humiliation can hurt soooo good).
Overall, a truly pants losing read. A nice balance of romantic and intense mixed with the darkly forbidden. I recommend this if you are looking for a different type of read, because sometimes ‘normal’ sucks.
4.5
More of my reviews and ramblings at PANTS OFF REVIEWS
I am at a serious loss on how to write a review for this book. I wanna say some profound stuff and be articulate about it (doubt it). Heads up, you wont find all that here (told you). Catalyst is dirty, sexy, and crazy goodness. I had no expectations when I started this book. My eyes were all over the beautiful cover, and I knew I was going to be reading a BDSM novel. I got so much more than anticipated; Catalyst is all you will love in bdsm novel. Its dark with the right amount of kink, offers a soft side, but not too soft and the plot is insane with its content. I never saw so much darkness coming, and it was from the least expected character.
We meet Logan, who is meeting with his Psychologist for the first time. Logan has a blood fetish, and he’s feeling that it’s become unsafe for him to have a partner since he put his last submissive in the hospital. He is afraid that the hunger he has for tasting his partner’s blood during intimacy will lead to lack of control causing him to harm yet another person. Therefore, he seeks help from Dr Kasper Bromley, in hopes he will be able to control and then stop his urge for blood.
The sessions between Logan and Kasper are dark, and could be somewhat disturbing to most readers. Logan talks about his fixation on blood, the taste of it the smell of it, and it how it brings fulfillment during sex. His doctor is not unaffected by these sessions, the chemistry between the two is strong, and the Dom in Logan calls out to Kasper. However, a patient/doctor relationship is strictly forbidden and both men will risk it all for the heat flaring between them.
I thought to myself ‘there is no way this book could get any more intense’; man was I in for a surprise. The relationship between Kasper and Logan is hellaciously hot but equally unhealthy. Kasper, as Logan’s doctor before knows him in a way others don’t. His uses the information to be manipulative, knowing that it will cause Logan harm or possibly himself. You see, Kasper has gotten a taste of the BDSM lifestyle and he is finding it perfect for him. Suddenly it becomes all about Kasper, without a care for Logan, because Kas will strive to be the best ‘pain slut’ the bdsm scene has ever seen. It all spirals out of order, because the once Dr Control, has lost control.
I absolutely enjoyed this book talk about new and exciting. I loved the blood (yep). There is something very sexy about the forbidden and living on the edge. Nothing more deliciously forbidden like wanting to drink or taste someone’s blood (I.E obsessions with PNR and vampires), and the spanking and being tied up just adds a heightened sexiness. This book is more than sex; it delves into ‘how far are you willing to go satisfy your needs’. Kasper and Logan portray every element beautifully. I loved these characters, and the world created by the authors, this alternative lifestyle is kicking ass.
It is very clear that a lot of research and thought went into writing this book. Though I am fairly new to the BDSM reading scene, I have total respect for this book, because it offers great respect to an alternative sexual lifestyle. It’s more than just kink, it’s more than just what others may view as a weird way of getting off. Catalyst is the book that proves this; the characters prove this. Pain and humiliation is not what it’s all about, the control and creating a safe environment and knowing your limits is the true way of BDSM
(All though the pain/humiliation can hurt soooo good).
Overall, a truly pants losing read. A nice balance of romantic and intense mixed with the darkly forbidden. I recommend this if you are looking for a different type of read, because sometimes ‘normal’ sucks.
March 12, 2013
4.5 Stars..I almost gave it a whole star just for the fact that it wasn't the 'norm'.
Logan has decided he needs to see a shrink to try and help him control is blood fetish. Dr. Bromley (Kasper) is just the shrink to help him...or is he?!
I had a hard time putting this one down to do things like feed my family or clean house, lol. This book was really well written, was filled with lots of kink, humiliation and self realization among other things. The blood play isn't what I was expecting and I actually wish there would have been a bit more. (is that odd?)
Thanks Barbie for the awesome recommendation and the loan! I look forward to reading more by this author.
Logan has decided he needs to see a shrink to try and help him control is blood fetish. Dr. Bromley (Kasper) is just the shrink to help him...or is he?!
I had a hard time putting this one down to do things like feed my family or clean house, lol. This book was really well written, was filled with lots of kink, humiliation and self realization among other things. The blood play isn't what I was expecting and I actually wish there would have been a bit more. (is that odd?)
Thanks Barbie for the awesome recommendation and the loan! I look forward to reading more by this author.
March 9, 2011
** 4.75 stars **
Catalyst tells the story of Logan, an accomplished Dom whose cravings for blood have recently crossed the line into negligence to his latest sub, ultimately putting him in the hospital after Logan’s haze of lust at the taste caused him to slip and nick an artery with his sterile razor. The story starts in the office of Dr. Kasper Bromley, a psychiatrist, with a hesitant and slowly building dialogue between patient and practitioner. Logan came for help, finally telling himself that his cravings are sick and he can go no further. Since the incident only a month or so prior, Logan has only been able to come by pricking his own fingers and drinking the blood. The harder he tries to resist, the quicker he seems to fail at his self-imposed limits.
Kasper, for all that his money, education, and connections may seem, is not a happy man. He has done everything in his life to please other people, mostly his father, who even in death seems to hold a hand over his son’s decisions. Yet, even with this knowledge, Kasper continues to believe that he is content, if not happy, with his life. It takes his new patient, Logan, to show him a world where submission can mean a break from the daily rigor of keeping his life in constant control. The more Logan tells him of the culture, the more Kasper’s fantasies of submission spiral away from him. The more he fantasizes of Logan, however, the less he is able to hide from Logan’s steady and watchful gaze. Logan can see that they’ve crossed a line somewhere, but now the only blood he craves is Kasper’s. Unable to keep his rigid conformity, Kasper unleashes his deperation to please and their roles reverse. Now Kasper is the student, and Logan sets out to teach him everything he knows. Ultimately, however, their lives are moving in different directions. While Logan is slowly coming to balance his cravings for blood, Kasper’s desire to please at whatever cost is affecting the trust that Logan has implicitly placed in his care, as his doctor. With that trust breached, their relationship is set up for failure, and Kasper seems hell-bent on pushing his limitations further than humanly possible.
The most beautiful aspect of this novel are the characters, Logan and Kasper. To deal with a topic such as blood play in a contemporary setting and for the fetish not to come across as a glorification or purely for shock and awe, the reader needs to feel a connection to the characters and understand why this fetish is important to them. The understanding that is implicit in the writing of this book shows that the authors gave these characters the care that they deserved, and because of that I felt for them and cared about their growth. Logan starts to learn this early on as an aspect of his therapy with Kasper. Why does drinking blood make him feel powerful? Is it really a sickness, or is it a fetish like any other that happens to have a higher risk? For all of Logan’s hangups at the beginning of the story, he really is quite a healthy man. He first felt the taste of blood as he lost his virginity and bit into his lover’s neck as they came. That association, of blood with release and reward, fueled his fantasies and over the years became a full time addiction. One thing cannot go without the other. Kasper, on the other hand, is a very repressed man. In fact, he has repressed his repression, living in a safe world and inside a safe mind. The passion that is fueled by his conversations with Logan give him the oppurtunity to relinquish the control that he has so tightly bound himself to during the 37 years of his life. The problem that Logan soon begins to understand, is that Kasper cannot trade a habit of control with an addiction to submission without first dealing with that repression. The consequences of shifting those feelings onto a fetish that can be dangerous are an absence of limitations, and an absence of limitations is asking for trouble.
For the full review, please visit Reviews by Jessewave.
Catalyst tells the story of Logan, an accomplished Dom whose cravings for blood have recently crossed the line into negligence to his latest sub, ultimately putting him in the hospital after Logan’s haze of lust at the taste caused him to slip and nick an artery with his sterile razor. The story starts in the office of Dr. Kasper Bromley, a psychiatrist, with a hesitant and slowly building dialogue between patient and practitioner. Logan came for help, finally telling himself that his cravings are sick and he can go no further. Since the incident only a month or so prior, Logan has only been able to come by pricking his own fingers and drinking the blood. The harder he tries to resist, the quicker he seems to fail at his self-imposed limits.
Kasper, for all that his money, education, and connections may seem, is not a happy man. He has done everything in his life to please other people, mostly his father, who even in death seems to hold a hand over his son’s decisions. Yet, even with this knowledge, Kasper continues to believe that he is content, if not happy, with his life. It takes his new patient, Logan, to show him a world where submission can mean a break from the daily rigor of keeping his life in constant control. The more Logan tells him of the culture, the more Kasper’s fantasies of submission spiral away from him. The more he fantasizes of Logan, however, the less he is able to hide from Logan’s steady and watchful gaze. Logan can see that they’ve crossed a line somewhere, but now the only blood he craves is Kasper’s. Unable to keep his rigid conformity, Kasper unleashes his deperation to please and their roles reverse. Now Kasper is the student, and Logan sets out to teach him everything he knows. Ultimately, however, their lives are moving in different directions. While Logan is slowly coming to balance his cravings for blood, Kasper’s desire to please at whatever cost is affecting the trust that Logan has implicitly placed in his care, as his doctor. With that trust breached, their relationship is set up for failure, and Kasper seems hell-bent on pushing his limitations further than humanly possible.
The most beautiful aspect of this novel are the characters, Logan and Kasper. To deal with a topic such as blood play in a contemporary setting and for the fetish not to come across as a glorification or purely for shock and awe, the reader needs to feel a connection to the characters and understand why this fetish is important to them. The understanding that is implicit in the writing of this book shows that the authors gave these characters the care that they deserved, and because of that I felt for them and cared about their growth. Logan starts to learn this early on as an aspect of his therapy with Kasper. Why does drinking blood make him feel powerful? Is it really a sickness, or is it a fetish like any other that happens to have a higher risk? For all of Logan’s hangups at the beginning of the story, he really is quite a healthy man. He first felt the taste of blood as he lost his virginity and bit into his lover’s neck as they came. That association, of blood with release and reward, fueled his fantasies and over the years became a full time addiction. One thing cannot go without the other. Kasper, on the other hand, is a very repressed man. In fact, he has repressed his repression, living in a safe world and inside a safe mind. The passion that is fueled by his conversations with Logan give him the oppurtunity to relinquish the control that he has so tightly bound himself to during the 37 years of his life. The problem that Logan soon begins to understand, is that Kasper cannot trade a habit of control with an addiction to submission without first dealing with that repression. The consequences of shifting those feelings onto a fetish that can be dangerous are an absence of limitations, and an absence of limitations is asking for trouble.
For the full review, please visit Reviews by Jessewave.
January 3, 2012
I thought this ws an interesting book. I was resistant at first to the idea that one MC was a therapist in a sexual relationship with his client, however, in the overall storyline, this actually worked well, because it's about an MC who finally caves in to his darkest desires, and struggles with acknowledging limits; his inability to draw a line between his professional responsibilities and his sexual wants was just one more example of being out-of-control. I also liked the Dom being working-class and the sub being a middle-class professional (similar to Uneven). Overall this was a nice variation to the standard BDSM theme.
February 23, 2011
Catalyst is a hardcore BDSM story filled with tension and emotion. The characters are flawed, human, and very complex. The BDSM kink featured – in this case blood play – is woven intricately into the story. It’s essential to the characters, their dynamic, their obsessions, and ultimately their failure or success as a couple. The complexity of the men is what elevates the story from being simply a heavy BDSM erotica into an angst filled emotional journey. The writing is somewhat languid but with each story I read by this duo it gets tighter and crisper. I personally like Catalyst more than anything I’ve read by these authors and easily recommend it to readers.
The blurb in this case is pretty spot on. The story is the journey of Logan Walker and his lover Kasper Bromley. Kasper is the psychologist that Logan starts seeing to help with his blood fetish and obsession. Initially the two are merely professional but the attraction can’t be denied. Soon Kasper is so overwhelmed with his fantasies that he gives into Logan and starts a journey into submission that soon turns dark. When Kasper’s issues start to take over their relationship, Logan isn’t sure what to do. With Kasper spiraling deeper and deeper into the scary areas of BDSM and Logan fearful of his own dark needs, the situation becomes explosive.
The plot is very character driven but moves along at a crisp pace and good tone. There is some suspension of disbelief required with Kasper’s job and his professional ethics though. One major compliant is that I just couldn’t ever believe Kasper would throw away his morals to get involved with a patient. Not only get involved but continue under the pretense of “treatment” when clearly that professional relationship was shattered and broken. Added to this issue the one of safety which when dealing with blood is not minor but I could get past that for the sake of fictional romance. I would have also liked to see Kasper end the therapy after the first time they had sex. This issue may seem small but it overshadows the first part of the story for me. I kept thinking how unlikely and unrealistic it would be for Kasper to act like he did. However that said, it’s a familiar trope (doctor/patient) in romance and the writing does a credible job of justifying and showing how certain things evolved.
Once the issue of therapy is set aside, the real intensity and conflict to the story take place. At this point (about halfway through) I couldn’t put the book down. The story becomes compelling and fascinating as Kasper goes deeper and deeper into his obsession and submission with Logan. There are subtle, quiet warning signs that all is not well with both men yet the reader is swept up with their passion and need. It should probably end but they’re so in love and don’t want it to end, nor do they want to harm each other. Neither is perfect and here the characterization is complex and well crafted. Kasper is arguably the more damaged of the two but their chemistry and dynamic together create another layer of intensity on top of their own problems.
The drama of their relationship, the arguments, the rock bottom, and then the slow road to recovery is simply fascinating. I especially love that when the two find their way back together, that doesn’t mean a happy ending. I really appreciate that the story didn’t ignore the men’s needs and desires simply because it led to disaster. Instead it asks the question of can such deep obsessions be moderated at all and how do they handle such needs together and separately. There are no simple, easy answers to the questions asked and that is the most engaging aspect of the story. The twists keep you guessing about what will happen, just how far the story will take you.
The writing tries to focus on showing the reader the actions and offers a lot of interesting dialogue. There are a few clumsy information dumps – such as the conversation between Kasper’s best friend and Logan – but the focus on the main characters keeps this to a minimum. The prose tends to be more languid, with a careful, thoughtful feel to the choices and uses more words than necessary to get a point across. Sometimes the story will repeat information just offered. I would have liked Logan and Kasper’s past to be introduced earlier as the beginning is slow to take off.
These issues are pretty minor compared to the engrossing story though. The dark sides of BDSM are well portrayed here and without judgment. Instead the story is compelling and by turns fascinating, especially the end when Kasper and Logan are deeply into their domination/submission. The beginning starts slow so I recommend readers stick with it as it does slowly pick up the pace to a quick end.
The blurb in this case is pretty spot on. The story is the journey of Logan Walker and his lover Kasper Bromley. Kasper is the psychologist that Logan starts seeing to help with his blood fetish and obsession. Initially the two are merely professional but the attraction can’t be denied. Soon Kasper is so overwhelmed with his fantasies that he gives into Logan and starts a journey into submission that soon turns dark. When Kasper’s issues start to take over their relationship, Logan isn’t sure what to do. With Kasper spiraling deeper and deeper into the scary areas of BDSM and Logan fearful of his own dark needs, the situation becomes explosive.
The plot is very character driven but moves along at a crisp pace and good tone. There is some suspension of disbelief required with Kasper’s job and his professional ethics though. One major compliant is that I just couldn’t ever believe Kasper would throw away his morals to get involved with a patient. Not only get involved but continue under the pretense of “treatment” when clearly that professional relationship was shattered and broken. Added to this issue the one of safety which when dealing with blood is not minor but I could get past that for the sake of fictional romance. I would have also liked to see Kasper end the therapy after the first time they had sex. This issue may seem small but it overshadows the first part of the story for me. I kept thinking how unlikely and unrealistic it would be for Kasper to act like he did. However that said, it’s a familiar trope (doctor/patient) in romance and the writing does a credible job of justifying and showing how certain things evolved.
Once the issue of therapy is set aside, the real intensity and conflict to the story take place. At this point (about halfway through) I couldn’t put the book down. The story becomes compelling and fascinating as Kasper goes deeper and deeper into his obsession and submission with Logan. There are subtle, quiet warning signs that all is not well with both men yet the reader is swept up with their passion and need. It should probably end but they’re so in love and don’t want it to end, nor do they want to harm each other. Neither is perfect and here the characterization is complex and well crafted. Kasper is arguably the more damaged of the two but their chemistry and dynamic together create another layer of intensity on top of their own problems.
The drama of their relationship, the arguments, the rock bottom, and then the slow road to recovery is simply fascinating. I especially love that when the two find their way back together, that doesn’t mean a happy ending. I really appreciate that the story didn’t ignore the men’s needs and desires simply because it led to disaster. Instead it asks the question of can such deep obsessions be moderated at all and how do they handle such needs together and separately. There are no simple, easy answers to the questions asked and that is the most engaging aspect of the story. The twists keep you guessing about what will happen, just how far the story will take you.
The writing tries to focus on showing the reader the actions and offers a lot of interesting dialogue. There are a few clumsy information dumps – such as the conversation between Kasper’s best friend and Logan – but the focus on the main characters keeps this to a minimum. The prose tends to be more languid, with a careful, thoughtful feel to the choices and uses more words than necessary to get a point across. Sometimes the story will repeat information just offered. I would have liked Logan and Kasper’s past to be introduced earlier as the beginning is slow to take off.
These issues are pretty minor compared to the engrossing story though. The dark sides of BDSM are well portrayed here and without judgment. Instead the story is compelling and by turns fascinating, especially the end when Kasper and Logan are deeply into their domination/submission. The beginning starts slow so I recommend readers stick with it as it does slowly pick up the pace to a quick end.
August 5, 2011
My Review on The Romance Reviews.
What happens when two people with extreme sexual desires and no limits are paired together? Bad things is what happens. Dangerous situations, visits to the hospital or even death could occur. Fortunately, in CATALYST, there is no death.
This intense BDSM book focused on the S/M side and specifically blood play is not for the uninitiated. I felt mixed about this book because it is yet another book where it shows people in the lifestyle as mentally unstable. This rubs me the wrong way, even though I understand the two authors' reason for employing this device in their storytelling.
Kasper nearly drowns into the world of BDSM because of his patient, Logan. Logan comes to him for therapy and opens the gateway into BDSM for Kasper. Logan's fetish is to make his sub bleed while having sex. Logan literally loves the taste of blood and can't orgasm without it. Logan's last experience scared him and caused him to seek for help because he sent his sub to the hospital by nicking an artery. Obviously, Logan is into edge play and he messed up big time as a Dom. What I found interesting is, in the book, it doesn't come across as damage as an occurrence everyone accepts. Anyone mildly into the lifestyle knows this can happen. Mistakes happen and people are harmed unintentionally. People learn from their mistakes and try not to let it happen again.
What I thought was a story about trying to control Logan's intense desire for blood play actually turned into a story of Kasper's descent into hell. This was an unexpected twist and it nearly broke my heart. The fact that Logan is the catalyst which sends Kasper into a spiral of pain slut debauchery is even more crushing for me. This story caused me to be ill at ease with the message it sent. I would hope those who are not part of the BDSM lifestyle understand how delicately the authors tried to ensure a decent portrayal of the BDSM lifestyle. The subtlety may be lost on some. I caught the glimpses to show what Kasper did was wrong. His inability to use his safeword which forced Dom/mes past their hard limit was a good point. Taking drugs before a scene is even a bigger no-no which the authors did a good job of pointing out. While I don't believe it is the job of the author to teach people the rules and etiquettes of the BDSM lifestyle, I did appreciate how they showed it.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and I was caught up and engaged in the two main characters, Kasper and Logan. I enjoyed the power exchange, which was never mentioned but demonstrated over the course of this story. I recommend this lovely little piece to those who enjoy the harder sides to BDSM.
What happens when two people with extreme sexual desires and no limits are paired together? Bad things is what happens. Dangerous situations, visits to the hospital or even death could occur. Fortunately, in CATALYST, there is no death.
This intense BDSM book focused on the S/M side and specifically blood play is not for the uninitiated. I felt mixed about this book because it is yet another book where it shows people in the lifestyle as mentally unstable. This rubs me the wrong way, even though I understand the two authors' reason for employing this device in their storytelling.
Kasper nearly drowns into the world of BDSM because of his patient, Logan. Logan comes to him for therapy and opens the gateway into BDSM for Kasper. Logan's fetish is to make his sub bleed while having sex. Logan literally loves the taste of blood and can't orgasm without it. Logan's last experience scared him and caused him to seek for help because he sent his sub to the hospital by nicking an artery. Obviously, Logan is into edge play and he messed up big time as a Dom. What I found interesting is, in the book, it doesn't come across as damage as an occurrence everyone accepts. Anyone mildly into the lifestyle knows this can happen. Mistakes happen and people are harmed unintentionally. People learn from their mistakes and try not to let it happen again.
What I thought was a story about trying to control Logan's intense desire for blood play actually turned into a story of Kasper's descent into hell. This was an unexpected twist and it nearly broke my heart. The fact that Logan is the catalyst which sends Kasper into a spiral of pain slut debauchery is even more crushing for me. This story caused me to be ill at ease with the message it sent. I would hope those who are not part of the BDSM lifestyle understand how delicately the authors tried to ensure a decent portrayal of the BDSM lifestyle. The subtlety may be lost on some. I caught the glimpses to show what Kasper did was wrong. His inability to use his safeword which forced Dom/mes past their hard limit was a good point. Taking drugs before a scene is even a bigger no-no which the authors did a good job of pointing out. While I don't believe it is the job of the author to teach people the rules and etiquettes of the BDSM lifestyle, I did appreciate how they showed it.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and I was caught up and engaged in the two main characters, Kasper and Logan. I enjoyed the power exchange, which was never mentioned but demonstrated over the course of this story. I recommend this lovely little piece to those who enjoy the harder sides to BDSM.
September 19, 2011
This hit several different areas of emotion for me. I wasn't sure that I was going to like it because it is hard for me to find an uptight psychologist sexy. I did struggle a little in the beginning for a couple of reasons. First Logan is seeing a psychologist (Kasper) because he has a blood fetish that he believes is out of control. I did grit my teeth a time or too through Logan's appointments. Second because I am totally green when it comes to blood fetish. BUT the fetish isn't really what the story is about.
In many ways it is a story of Kasper's awakening to things he has hidden from himself. He has this need for perfection that contributes to the manic downward spiral that his life takes when Kasper tries to reach for the unobtainable.
There is the forbidden relationship between doctor and patient that turns into a love story. Logan and Kasper together were intense and very erotic. Each battling their own addictions at times made the story incredibly sad for me. And then Logan (my hero) steps in and pulls Kasper back from the edge as he tries to find that balance between needs, desires, and additions for the both of them.
The only thing that I would have liked better is a longer period between acknowledgement/acceptance and the HEA at the end. This is well written but I needed more time between that intense discussion and the final scene to make me more in tune to the place Logan and Kasper ended up.
In many ways it is a story of Kasper's awakening to things he has hidden from himself. He has this need for perfection that contributes to the manic downward spiral that his life takes when Kasper tries to reach for the unobtainable.
There is the forbidden relationship between doctor and patient that turns into a love story. Logan and Kasper together were intense and very erotic. Each battling their own addictions at times made the story incredibly sad for me. And then Logan (my hero) steps in and pulls Kasper back from the edge as he tries to find that balance between needs, desires, and additions for the both of them.
The only thing that I would have liked better is a longer period between acknowledgement/acceptance and the HEA at the end. This is well written but I needed more time between that intense discussion and the final scene to make me more in tune to the place Logan and Kasper ended up.
November 21, 2012
At times uncomfortable, this is really more an exploration of addiction than BDSM. It so happens the addiction takes shape within BDSM - which provides an additional punch to it. The two main characters were very well drawn, complete and complex and flawed. Oh so very flawed. Struggling - in a way that you don't expect when you start. This first starts as Logan's story but it soon ends up Kasper's...and his tale is even more the compelling for it since you've glimpsed what can be. Very emotional - and the journey was so much intimate with the feelings of Logan and Kasper that it will wipe you out. I thought it would be hard for me to read so much about the blood play as that is NMK (not my kink) but that was such the surface issue. I grew to really appreciate Logan - and how he saves things.
A fascinating journey - one that will stay with you for quite some time.
A fascinating journey - one that will stay with you for quite some time.
July 23, 2012
Damn, that's it, just damn! This book was one roller coaster ride of pain, want, need, lust and more pain. It was so different than most books about BDSM with the wealthy dom and the younger, smaller sub. I don't have the right words, but if BDSM in books is something you enjoy, then this book would be a really, really great addition to your bookshelf.
March 24, 2011
I`m so glad,that I don`t have their problems!
February 8, 2013
Darkly delicious. A story of love and addiction and how the former can master the latter. Really liked & enjoyed the story.
November 3, 2012
Really liked some parts of it and really disliked others
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 7/10
PROS:
- A blood fetish is one of those things that I simply can’t wrap my mind around, yet I found myself wondering whether it was doing Logan more harm or good to attend therapy to get rid of his compulsion. That’s a sign of good writing, I think: to make me identify so much with a character whose desires are so very different than mine.
- There’s a lot of sex in the book--probably 50 percent of it is bedroom scenes--and once I got over my dislike of the way the guys met, I liked those scenes. A few times, Logan’s dominant personality really shows itself, and it’s very hot, especially when he’s facing off with other Doms and protecting Kasper from them.
- This story explores the slippery slope of BDSM play that doesn’t have any boundaries, and the authors did a very good job with this. Some of the scenes detailing Kasper’s downward spiral are frightening and quite sad.
- Some of the secondary characters took a while to grow on me, but I ended up liking a couple of them very much.
CONS:
- I got incredibly annoyed by all the psychologist-like things Kasper does during the first half of the story: prescribing drug after drug, pasting a bland but understanding expression on his face, addressing the symptoms of Logan’s issues rather than the issues themselves. It took me quite a while to think kindly of Kasper because I so disliked his professional persona.
- (This is sort of an extension of the point above.) The reason the two men meet and get together bothered me, and then the fact that they continue with the therapy sessions even after their relationship has turned physical grated on me more and more as the story progressed. There’s simply no way anyone could maintain the amount of emotional distance required for a professional relationship after having sex with someone, and it irritated me to no end that Kasper tries to do just that.
- There are quite a few errors that I found grating because they should have been easy to catch and fix. This sentence, for example, contains 2 mistakes (a missing word and a misspelled one) that make its meaning almost indiscernible: “It was too much, all the vile promises he been longing fore.”
Overall comments: I ended up liking the relationship in this book (once I got past my dislike of the circumstances in which the men meet), but I wouldn’t recommend it for beginners to the BDSM genre. Aside from the focus on a blood fetish and severe pain games, Kasper also struggles mightily with his desire to submit, often thinking of himself as disgusting and depraved. There are also several chapters that I found difficult to read because the men are apart or fighting or simply not meeting each other’s needs emotionally or physically.
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 7/10
PROS:
- A blood fetish is one of those things that I simply can’t wrap my mind around, yet I found myself wondering whether it was doing Logan more harm or good to attend therapy to get rid of his compulsion. That’s a sign of good writing, I think: to make me identify so much with a character whose desires are so very different than mine.
- There’s a lot of sex in the book--probably 50 percent of it is bedroom scenes--and once I got over my dislike of the way the guys met, I liked those scenes. A few times, Logan’s dominant personality really shows itself, and it’s very hot, especially when he’s facing off with other Doms and protecting Kasper from them.
- This story explores the slippery slope of BDSM play that doesn’t have any boundaries, and the authors did a very good job with this. Some of the scenes detailing Kasper’s downward spiral are frightening and quite sad.
- Some of the secondary characters took a while to grow on me, but I ended up liking a couple of them very much.
CONS:
- I got incredibly annoyed by all the psychologist-like things Kasper does during the first half of the story: prescribing drug after drug, pasting a bland but understanding expression on his face, addressing the symptoms of Logan’s issues rather than the issues themselves. It took me quite a while to think kindly of Kasper because I so disliked his professional persona.
- (This is sort of an extension of the point above.) The reason the two men meet and get together bothered me, and then the fact that they continue with the therapy sessions even after their relationship has turned physical grated on me more and more as the story progressed. There’s simply no way anyone could maintain the amount of emotional distance required for a professional relationship after having sex with someone, and it irritated me to no end that Kasper tries to do just that.
- There are quite a few errors that I found grating because they should have been easy to catch and fix. This sentence, for example, contains 2 mistakes (a missing word and a misspelled one) that make its meaning almost indiscernible: “It was too much, all the vile promises he been longing fore.”
Overall comments: I ended up liking the relationship in this book (once I got past my dislike of the circumstances in which the men meet), but I wouldn’t recommend it for beginners to the BDSM genre. Aside from the focus on a blood fetish and severe pain games, Kasper also struggles mightily with his desire to submit, often thinking of himself as disgusting and depraved. There are also several chapters that I found difficult to read because the men are apart or fighting or simply not meeting each other’s needs emotionally or physically.
August 3, 2014
3.5 stars This is not for the light reader. And although it definitely pushed my comfort zone, I did enjoy this book. The first half slowly develops Kasper and Logan's relationship as patient and doctor, and than as lovers. This progression feels subtle and natural and I was never bored. Then the story takes an interesting twist. What began as Logan seeking help for an out of control fetish, turns into a downward spiral for Kasper. They switch roles in who is the mature, responsible one, but the perspective of the book also shifts from Logan to Kasper. It is heart-breaking to read at times, and the conflict definitely lasts till the last possible minute. But it ended on a sweet, realistic, and healthy note.
I felt deeply for both characters throughout the book, and thought they were very well-developed and complex. In particular, I respected Logan's ability to know what was and was not healthy for him, and to act accordingly. I would have liked to see Adam more in the second half of the book, because he sort of dropped off the face of the planet. But no other major complaints.
P.S. You know when you love a story and although it may not be conducive to being a full-out series, you wish you could follow the characters? Wish no longer! Free shorts of Logan and Kasper: Worth The Rush, A Good Life, and Stress Relief
Lent out in Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
I felt deeply for both characters throughout the book, and thought they were very well-developed and complex. In particular, I respected Logan's ability to know what was and was not healthy for him, and to act accordingly. I would have liked to see Adam more in the second half of the book, because he sort of dropped off the face of the planet. But no other major complaints.
P.S. You know when you love a story and although it may not be conducive to being a full-out series, you wish you could follow the characters? Wish no longer! Free shorts of Logan and Kasper: Worth The Rush, A Good Life, and Stress Relief
Lent out in Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
February 21, 2012
I wasn't too sure about this when I started reading. I was afraid the blood fetish aspect would be a bit hard to grasp and would feel unrealistic. While that is the main issue that sets this story in motion, it goes so far beyond that, you almost forget it was the real problem to begin with. It didn't take long to see that Logan was a more serious and experienced Dom than he first appears.
For me, this is a story of misunderstandings and things getting out of control. Logan loses control with his blood fetish, which he tries to curtail with a more fulfilling relationship than he had in the past. The doctor/patient lines are crossed, though Kasper does seem to helping Logan. When he Kasper is submitting to him, it is almost as though Logan forgets about the blood fetish for a while. But then things get out of hand for Kasper, as he continues to push and manipulate Logan into giving him more pain. Logan realizes he cannot give Kasper what he needs without breaking his own boundaries and steps back, which sends Kasper on a course of destruction and addiction.
Logan steps back in to try and help Kasper get healthy again. Kasper finally comes to the understanding that he seeks the pain because he believes that is the only way he can reach subspace. The story then changes to their journey into finding safer ways to achieve this and find the peace and fulfillment they are each seeking.
The BDSM is a very big part of this story, and while some stories seem to go over the top with scenes almost for shock value, this one does not. One thing that I found very refreshing was Logan's insistence that Kasper NOT call him Sir. I'm looking forward to reading more about these guys.
For me, this is a story of misunderstandings and things getting out of control. Logan loses control with his blood fetish, which he tries to curtail with a more fulfilling relationship than he had in the past. The doctor/patient lines are crossed, though Kasper does seem to helping Logan. When he Kasper is submitting to him, it is almost as though Logan forgets about the blood fetish for a while. But then things get out of hand for Kasper, as he continues to push and manipulate Logan into giving him more pain. Logan realizes he cannot give Kasper what he needs without breaking his own boundaries and steps back, which sends Kasper on a course of destruction and addiction.
Logan steps back in to try and help Kasper get healthy again. Kasper finally comes to the understanding that he seeks the pain because he believes that is the only way he can reach subspace. The story then changes to their journey into finding safer ways to achieve this and find the peace and fulfillment they are each seeking.
The BDSM is a very big part of this story, and while some stories seem to go over the top with scenes almost for shock value, this one does not. One thing that I found very refreshing was Logan's insistence that Kasper NOT call him Sir. I'm looking forward to reading more about these guys.
November 16, 2011
First let me say, this was a very well written story and although the content of the story wasn't for me, I was very much impressed with the talent of these two authors. When I put in my request for the pick it for me, I did say hard limits didn't freak me out. That being said, I didn't know my limits and now I do know one of them, okay two of them. First the blood fetish in this book was unlike the sexy vampire needing it for sustenance, taking from a lover so they could continue to exists. Cutting people, or ones self while jerking off pushed me to a limit and I kind of wished I had a safeword at times. The second limit for me personally was I could never, ever, through the entire story, no matter how well written get over the abuse committed by Kasper. When he crossed the line and started sleeping with a patient who had come to him to help with his "fetish." Kasper used it for his own need, completely disregarding his oath as a professional care giver and worse abused his patient for his own desires. Thus those two issues explains my rating. It is a personal opinion based on the content of the story and in no way takes away from the authors or their craft. Had this been written or edited poorly I would have struggled to even give it a 1-star. It simply wasn't a story I was comfortable with.
August 17, 2014
I really liked this read. Both characters end up fighting a lot of demons and I found myself really feeling for these two characters.
Logan is trying to control his addition to blood play and that's something I couldn't really relate to (not my kink) but I think the author does a good job of explaining where it came from and how it developed into something that has taken him over in a pretty savage way.
Kasper is trying to help him and does so many great and caring things for Logan to help him get his life back in control and interestingly enough, it's Kasper who ends up flying out of control!
That's all I'll say about it.
It is a BSDM novel, There is blood play (not my thing, but it didn't totally squee me out) There are some scenes that are a bit graphic and violent if that's not your thing. But, there's also a love story in the midst of it and I think it's worth the read!
Logan is trying to control his addition to blood play and that's something I couldn't really relate to (not my kink) but I think the author does a good job of explaining where it came from and how it developed into something that has taken him over in a pretty savage way.
Kasper is trying to help him and does so many great and caring things for Logan to help him get his life back in control and interestingly enough, it's Kasper who ends up flying out of control!
That's all I'll say about it.
It is a BSDM novel, There is blood play (not my thing, but it didn't totally squee me out) There are some scenes that are a bit graphic and violent if that's not your thing. But, there's also a love story in the midst of it and I think it's worth the read!
March 19, 2011
This was a very intense read, unputdownable for a big part of it. The blood play evened out a bit in the end, but never the BDSm theme, so the faint at heart among you beware! This isn't for everyone, neither for the BDSM nor for the heavy psychological exploration that occurs as Logan and Kasper slowly come to know each other, and equally slowly come to realize that there's no need to be afraid or ashamed of who or what either of them is. Happiness and fulfillment comes in may colors, and theirs just happens to be red and black. An enthralling, at times disturbing but ultimately highly satisfying read about finding love through acceptance and respect.
September 1, 2016
Holy nuggets this book was intense. And fucked up. Mentally.
If you ever want to read BDSM that just crosses that fine line of "sane" then this is it. Kasper nearly kills himself because he's such a pain (slut) addict. He has no limits so it does cause some hair-pulling drama and arguments between them.
Overall, I gotta admit, adding a little bit of drugs abuse in a BDSM based novel is okay with me. Maybe that's just my fucked up mind, but I quite enjoyed this story. Kasper's drive for perfection bugged me a bit, but overall I thought the story was amazing.
P.S. Sounding though...this book will NOT make me like it, I swear to gosh.
If you ever want to read BDSM that just crosses that fine line of "sane" then this is it. Kasper nearly kills himself because he's such a pain (slut) addict. He has no limits so it does cause some hair-pulling drama and arguments between them.
Overall, I gotta admit, adding a little bit of drugs abuse in a BDSM based novel is okay with me. Maybe that's just my fucked up mind, but I quite enjoyed this story. Kasper's drive for perfection bugged me a bit, but overall I thought the story was amazing.
P.S. Sounding though...this book will NOT make me like it, I swear to gosh.
July 7, 2011
3.5 stars
Well-written although not always an easy read. The blood fetish was a bit ick for me at times and for some readers the BDSM towards the end may be too much. Their relationship goes from doctor/patient to Dom/sub and the ramifications for them are both good and bad. Overall a somewhat dark story but a good read nevertheless.
Well-written although not always an easy read. The blood fetish was a bit ick for me at times and for some readers the BDSM towards the end may be too much. Their relationship goes from doctor/patient to Dom/sub and the ramifications for them are both good and bad. Overall a somewhat dark story but a good read nevertheless.
February 13, 2012
Crazy take on a modern day vampire. Blood fetish and play isn't my thing.
December 3, 2011
Just could not finish, maybe some day ill pick it back up.
probably-not
September 29, 2012Blood play so probably too hard core for me.
September 2, 2019
Well, GUH. Very, very hot!
That said, this book is also a journey through addiction, desire, and love, and the author handles these issues spectacularly.
The stumbles and successes of the characters felt so real and believable to me. The author didn't make the characters' desires just a "I'm different and therefore special, so there!" theme. The story is much more raw and honest and, of course, shows the consequences of over-the-top limits. I really liked this book and I would recommend it to anyone who's ever felt like an outsider for their desires. And to everyone else, of course.
That said, this book is also a journey through addiction, desire, and love, and the author handles these issues spectacularly.
The stumbles and successes of the characters felt so real and believable to me. The author didn't make the characters' desires just a "I'm different and therefore special, so there!" theme. The story is much more raw and honest and, of course, shows the consequences of over-the-top limits. I really liked this book and I would recommend it to anyone who's ever felt like an outsider for their desires. And to everyone else, of course.
July 1, 2019
Abuse, pure and simple. From one MC's blood-drinking fetish (and no, not in a vampire sort of way) to a therapist being willing to have sex with his patient and the depths of unsafe BDSM, this book tells a story that didn't need to be told.
March 10, 2017
wtf did I read? oO
May 28, 2012
Overall
There are definitely elements of this book I enjoyed, including Logan's struggle with his fetish and its dangers, Kasper's struggles to accept submission and the extremes he takes it, and what he and Logan do to mend their relationship. However, much of this was spoiled for me by the start of their relationship and their transition from patient-doctor to lovers. I have family in the mental health field and I peripherally work in the field, influencing my reaction to Kasper's behavior. I enjoyed the many elements of the story, but could never really sink into the characters, story, or situation.
Review
Although the authors address Kasper's ethical dilemma, the situation still rubbed me wrong. Seriously wrong. I felt like Kasper could/should have approached the situation differently with the same end results. Instead of saying "Oh, hey, I'm attracted to you and we're going to start a relationship, stop being my patient," he continues to see Logan as a client despite their first sexual encounter. This annoyed me to no end, but people not as involved in the field may not feel the same way.
In addition, there are some excuses as to why Kasper behaves this way, including the self-destructive behavior he exhibits later in the book and the reasons behind why he became a psychologist. I can admit that logically I see the reasons behind his behavior, and I know that people are still people and make stupid decisions, but I also know it influenced my feelings on the book.
Logan's decision to seek out help for his blood fetish is well handled, as while part of him recognizes that the fetish is "weird" by outside standards and he goes in expecting to be judged on it, the majority of him is comfortable with his involvement in BDSM. He--and Kasper--both recognize that the blood fetish isn't inherently bad, but when the fetish is in power rather than Logan and when that means Logan loses control and endangers the sub, then the fetish becomes "bad." This of course expands into Kasper's exploration of the BDSM world and becomes an almost mirror image of the experience.
I liked Kasper's fall in BDSM and how he slowly slipped farther in, both positively and negatively, as he struggled to prove himself. It's obvious the psychologist could use some therapy of his own, which several characters recognize by the end. His reaction to Logan's external therapy sessions is also interesting and gives a good look inside Kasper's head--especially after everything he's gone through.
Finally, the ending was satisfying. Despite a rocky beginning for me, I was happy with how everything worked out and where the characters ended up--maybe not fixed, but working on helping each other heal.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
There are definitely elements of this book I enjoyed, including Logan's struggle with his fetish and its dangers, Kasper's struggles to accept submission and the extremes he takes it, and what he and Logan do to mend their relationship. However, much of this was spoiled for me by the start of their relationship and their transition from patient-doctor to lovers. I have family in the mental health field and I peripherally work in the field, influencing my reaction to Kasper's behavior. I enjoyed the many elements of the story, but could never really sink into the characters, story, or situation.
Review
Although the authors address Kasper's ethical dilemma, the situation still rubbed me wrong. Seriously wrong. I felt like Kasper could/should have approached the situation differently with the same end results. Instead of saying "Oh, hey, I'm attracted to you and we're going to start a relationship, stop being my patient," he continues to see Logan as a client despite their first sexual encounter. This annoyed me to no end, but people not as involved in the field may not feel the same way.
In addition, there are some excuses as to why Kasper behaves this way, including the self-destructive behavior he exhibits later in the book and the reasons behind why he became a psychologist. I can admit that logically I see the reasons behind his behavior, and I know that people are still people and make stupid decisions, but I also know it influenced my feelings on the book.
Logan's decision to seek out help for his blood fetish is well handled, as while part of him recognizes that the fetish is "weird" by outside standards and he goes in expecting to be judged on it, the majority of him is comfortable with his involvement in BDSM. He--and Kasper--both recognize that the blood fetish isn't inherently bad, but when the fetish is in power rather than Logan and when that means Logan loses control and endangers the sub, then the fetish becomes "bad." This of course expands into Kasper's exploration of the BDSM world and becomes an almost mirror image of the experience.
I liked Kasper's fall in BDSM and how he slowly slipped farther in, both positively and negatively, as he struggled to prove himself. It's obvious the psychologist could use some therapy of his own, which several characters recognize by the end. His reaction to Logan's external therapy sessions is also interesting and gives a good look inside Kasper's head--especially after everything he's gone through.
Finally, the ending was satisfying. Despite a rocky beginning for me, I was happy with how everything worked out and where the characters ended up--maybe not fixed, but working on helping each other heal.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
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