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My Skin Begs You Please
Mitchell "Minty" Arnold receives some devastating news, setting the light-hearted optimist on a dark and self-destructive path. Luke Montgomery has experience with pain and suffering. In fact, he's a professional at it. With Minty's behavior escalating dangerously, Luke takes it upon himself to help Minty indulge his self-destructive urges in a safe and sane way. But as Minty struggles to overcome his deepest pain, Luke must help him find power in his broken places and love himself unconditionally.
An intense, dark standalone, spinoff Romance novel set in Leta Blake's '90s Coming of Age universe with a guaranteed long-term happy ending for both men—together.
Please carefully consider the content warnings at the beginning of the book.
An intense, dark standalone, spinoff Romance novel set in Leta Blake's '90s Coming of Age universe with a guaranteed long-term happy ending for both men—together.
Please carefully consider the content warnings at the beginning of the book.
480 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2024
130 people are currently reading
711 people want to read
About the author
Leta Blake
65 books1,775 followersAuthor of the bestselling book Smoky Mountain Dreams and fan favorites Training Season, Will & Patrick Wake Up Married, and Slow Heat, Leta Blake has been captivating M/M Romance readers for over a decade. Whether writing contemporary romance or fantasy, she puts her psychology background to use creating complex characters and love stories that feel real. At home in the Southern U.S., Leta works hard at achieving balance between her writing and her family life.
If you'd like to be among the first to know about new releases, you can sign up for Leta's newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/bdn32H
If you'd like to be among the first to know about new releases, you can sign up for Leta's newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/bdn32H
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
April 4, 2024
Haunting. Disturbing. Horrifying. Dark. So dark.
This book hurt. Made me sick. I almost gave up. So many times. I couldn’t keep going.
But I couldn’t abandon Minty in his darkest times. I had to stay. See him through it and hope that he finally finds the happiness he deserves. With Luke.
Spoiler? He did.
Read at your own risk.
This book hurt. Made me sick. I almost gave up. So many times. I couldn’t keep going.
But I couldn’t abandon Minty in his darkest times. I had to stay. See him through it and hope that he finally finds the happiness he deserves. With Luke.
Spoiler? He did.
Read at your own risk.
January 24, 2024
✰ 4.25 stars ✰
“You’re really tempting fate here, you realize.”
“And you’re fate?”
“I am.”
Minty whispered, “Good.”
Ever since Minty splashed across the pages in Peter's coming-of-age-story, I've been intrigued by him; it would be impossible not to feel the full impact of his presence. I know I certainly did. So, when I learned that Minty's story was going to be continued further, I was beyond excited. But, here's the thing; I don't read BDSM - it's not my thing. But, to learn more about him, to see why he behaved the way he did, what lay in store for his future, my heart knew that for him, I would gladly make an exception. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
There is a list of triggers included at the start of the book that will better prepare you of what to expect. But my own discomfort pales in comparison to the haunting shadow over Minty's heart, and the struggles he went through to overcome it. I may not know much about the logistics behind BDSM, but what I can tell you, that this story is more than just that. It is this deeply emotional, overwhelmingly emotional story of the connection that forms between two people - born out of necessity and then something else so intimate, that you can't help but read it and be overwhelmed by it. 😔
“You’re a terrifying surprise,” Luke whispered. “I want to use a whip to get to the heart of you.”
“You can do that. I’ll let you.”
For when twenty-year-old Minty approaches thirty-four year old, Luke to help him with his significant needs - to take him places that will make him forget that he's HIV positive, that he can somehow shed the skin that is clinging to his heart with a more abusive torment that will give him that powerful rush of needing to be claimed -- he never intended for it to become something else entirely - something he wasn't entirely prepared for. 'No matter what, no matter how long it took, I was going to crack this kid open.' And for his sake, neither did Luke. The BDSM scenes were described so tactfully, and dare I say it, almost gracefully; for while uncomfortable, there is such a weighty significance to them that you understand why it has to be as violent and harsh and cruel as it is. 😥
The rollercoaster of feelings that they both endure at the hands of each other - I was stunned at how the author seems to climb into their skin and reach out and pull out their words and desires. 'And my reward for all that work and devotion? Well, I was going to get to see the true heart of him.' Enough that it's not only gnawing at Minty's heart, but my own - that every ache and pain is overcome with such a fierce longing of something else. I can't even express enough without spoiling it, but the writing will speak to you. 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻
“I’m going to teach you to love pain so much you can’t tell the difference between it and pleasure.”
“Or the difference between pain and love?” He said it with a sarcastic slide that made me smile. He was such a masochist, and the sadist in me was roused by that.”
Luke really impressed me; he may have had his own personal, even sadistic reasons for wanting to break Minty - to give into his needs, but when he gets to know Minty for who he is, when he sees him succumb to him, sheds the mask that he's holding up in his presence, the wall over his heart crumbles and he is helpless to him. The strength of devotion that he exhibits in trying to reach out to Minty, while still staying true to his promise of fulfilling the terms of their agreement was heart-breaking, if not so powerful. 'I laughed, my throat gritty with emotion—anger, sadness, hurt for him, and fondness all rolled into one.' Me too, Luke, me too! 😭😭
He's not without his own share of pain; every day feels like it could be the last day, and he wants to do his part in it. If it is to be the best capable son he can be, then he'll do what he can; if he can show Minty the way to a brighter hope, guide him towards the light and see that he will be there for him - I admired his spirit and strength so much. For each instance Minty challenged him - dared to defy his feelings or his strengths, he returned it back - even stronger - even more powerful at showing how much he cared. He was a contrast of himself - someone who could inflict such pain and then be so gentle and tender and affectionate with him - just ... 🫠🫠 The level of hurt/comfort he exuded exceeded my expectations. How his heart was in the right place, how he wanted to love and care for Minty more than just their contract, because he knew that Minty deserved it. 😢
“With it, I was at least powerful and strong. I was a miracle who could take a beating and rise up with rage to embrace the pain and convert it into my own glory.”
And he did, oh God, Minty. My heart broke for him time and time again. 😢 😢 He was a beautiful hopeless romantic, intent on the path of self-destruction - seeking out a way to empower himself over his own feeling of unworthiness. People will say that your inner battles would seem tedious at times, that the war waging in your heart and soul was a contrast to what you thrived on - lived off, but no. 'Where was my easy mirth, my joy, my sparkle? With that HIV test result, crumpled up in the trash and sent to the dump.' It was heart-breaking, it was so painstakingly raw and real. 💔💔 The author makes us get inside his head - all that he feels, all that he thinks, all that he hurts - it is words that emote such raw passion that they enveloped me.
There are not enough words to convey how he is a complex character I will not likely forget for a while. He never shied away from being himself, but he could not learn to love himself and I - the story revolves around how he chooses to see himself. How he wishes for the romantic part of him to get happiness - to get a chance to live longer - to fight stronger, but he doesn't know if it's worth it - that he deserves it. And for every degrading, painful or humiliating act that he experienced, the author showed he became stronger for it. 😟 There are so many internal and physical struggles that are thrown his way that I thought he would crack - that he would regress back - that there was no escape for someone as torn and tormented as him.
“Could I have normal again? Was I allowed?
And what about the symbiotic relationship I wanted with Luke? The give and take of lust and pain… but also something more than that.
Something personal and real. Was that something I could have before I died? Would Luke want to give it?”
But, he proved me wrong. They proved me wrong. 🥲 The journey that Luke took to reach Minty - to bring out the better part of him - was so beautifully done. I loved how Minty learns to trust Luke, how he just doesn't come to rely on him for his hurtful demands, but to seek out this comfort, this ache to feel the void in his heart that has forgotten how to love. And the patient way Luke lets him feel it, experience it all over again, my heart was right there in the trenches - in their clutches with them. Chapters 25 and 26 - I'm not gonna lie, I teared up. 😣😣 The sheer intensity of the range of emotions conflicting Minty's heart and mind, body and soul, in that scene alone, was so viscerally palpable - over the thundering of the rain, my heart was tearing up inside. 'I love you.” It became a sick call and response. He said he hated himself, and I reassured him of my love.' One of the most well-written scenes of the book - just took my breath away at how the author gave purpose to each scene - everything meant something and it delivered them to an ending that was well-deserved and hard-earned for both of them. 🤧🤧
“But I don’t want to off myself, Luke. That’s why I ran, and why I drove here. I want to live because being with you makes my darkness worth carrying.”
While it does slightly work as a stand-alone, I think you'll feel the full impact of Minty's story if you read the complete 90s Coming of Age trilogy before; as we do revisit some old familiar faces and past events are touched upon. And I make it sound like it is entirely a heavy depressing read, but it is not. There is tenderness and love and this healing growth for both of them. There is courage and determination when they face their families, there is acceptance and kindness, when there are those who are friends - who remind them that it's not worth joking about dying too young. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
And there is happiness and joy - one that they both get to experience and share in together. That makes them comfortable with each other without having to hurt each other - to take pride in surviving - for having survived. It's the love to have happiness - to feel it in your core that you can have it. What Luke helped Minty with - how he knew that he was being given an impossible task, that he saw Minty beyond his barriers and gently helped him find a way out of it really spoke to me. I -- it was good. It was honest and it was hopeful and it was love. 🩶🩶
When I look at the title My Skin Begs You Please, I can't help but notice how it reads like an incomplete thought; almost as if Minty is asking us to complete it for him - leaving it up to us to decide what exactly it is, he is pleading for. Please hurt me? Heal me? Hate me? Hold me? Help me?
Or maybe it's all of them. 🥺🥺
Maybe it's all these intense feelings that Minty needed to experience so he could break free of the pain that had enveloped him entirely - to make him accept that he is someone worth fighting for - someone worth living for - someone worth loving - for all that he was and is and ever will be. 🤍🤍
“I love you, Mitchell.” 🫂🫶🏻
*My sincere thanks to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
“You’re really tempting fate here, you realize.”
“And you’re fate?”
“I am.”
Minty whispered, “Good.”
Ever since Minty splashed across the pages in Peter's coming-of-age-story, I've been intrigued by him; it would be impossible not to feel the full impact of his presence. I know I certainly did. So, when I learned that Minty's story was going to be continued further, I was beyond excited. But, here's the thing; I don't read BDSM - it's not my thing. But, to learn more about him, to see why he behaved the way he did, what lay in store for his future, my heart knew that for him, I would gladly make an exception. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
There is a list of triggers included at the start of the book that will better prepare you of what to expect. But my own discomfort pales in comparison to the haunting shadow over Minty's heart, and the struggles he went through to overcome it. I may not know much about the logistics behind BDSM, but what I can tell you, that this story is more than just that. It is this deeply emotional, overwhelmingly emotional story of the connection that forms between two people - born out of necessity and then something else so intimate, that you can't help but read it and be overwhelmed by it. 😔
“You’re a terrifying surprise,” Luke whispered. “I want to use a whip to get to the heart of you.”
“You can do that. I’ll let you.”
For when twenty-year-old Minty approaches thirty-four year old, Luke to help him with his significant needs - to take him places that will make him forget that he's HIV positive, that he can somehow shed the skin that is clinging to his heart with a more abusive torment that will give him that powerful rush of needing to be claimed -- he never intended for it to become something else entirely - something he wasn't entirely prepared for. 'No matter what, no matter how long it took, I was going to crack this kid open.' And for his sake, neither did Luke. The BDSM scenes were described so tactfully, and dare I say it, almost gracefully; for while uncomfortable, there is such a weighty significance to them that you understand why it has to be as violent and harsh and cruel as it is. 😥
The rollercoaster of feelings that they both endure at the hands of each other - I was stunned at how the author seems to climb into their skin and reach out and pull out their words and desires. 'And my reward for all that work and devotion? Well, I was going to get to see the true heart of him.' Enough that it's not only gnawing at Minty's heart, but my own - that every ache and pain is overcome with such a fierce longing of something else. I can't even express enough without spoiling it, but the writing will speak to you. 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻
“I’m going to teach you to love pain so much you can’t tell the difference between it and pleasure.”
“Or the difference between pain and love?” He said it with a sarcastic slide that made me smile. He was such a masochist, and the sadist in me was roused by that.”
Luke really impressed me; he may have had his own personal, even sadistic reasons for wanting to break Minty - to give into his needs, but when he gets to know Minty for who he is, when he sees him succumb to him, sheds the mask that he's holding up in his presence, the wall over his heart crumbles and he is helpless to him. The strength of devotion that he exhibits in trying to reach out to Minty, while still staying true to his promise of fulfilling the terms of their agreement was heart-breaking, if not so powerful. 'I laughed, my throat gritty with emotion—anger, sadness, hurt for him, and fondness all rolled into one.' Me too, Luke, me too! 😭😭
He's not without his own share of pain; every day feels like it could be the last day, and he wants to do his part in it. If it is to be the best capable son he can be, then he'll do what he can; if he can show Minty the way to a brighter hope, guide him towards the light and see that he will be there for him - I admired his spirit and strength so much. For each instance Minty challenged him - dared to defy his feelings or his strengths, he returned it back - even stronger - even more powerful at showing how much he cared. He was a contrast of himself - someone who could inflict such pain and then be so gentle and tender and affectionate with him - just ... 🫠🫠 The level of hurt/comfort he exuded exceeded my expectations. How his heart was in the right place, how he wanted to love and care for Minty more than just their contract, because he knew that Minty deserved it. 😢
“With it, I was at least powerful and strong. I was a miracle who could take a beating and rise up with rage to embrace the pain and convert it into my own glory.”
And he did, oh God, Minty. My heart broke for him time and time again. 😢 😢 He was a beautiful hopeless romantic, intent on the path of self-destruction - seeking out a way to empower himself over his own feeling of unworthiness. People will say that your inner battles would seem tedious at times, that the war waging in your heart and soul was a contrast to what you thrived on - lived off, but no. 'Where was my easy mirth, my joy, my sparkle? With that HIV test result, crumpled up in the trash and sent to the dump.' It was heart-breaking, it was so painstakingly raw and real. 💔💔 The author makes us get inside his head - all that he feels, all that he thinks, all that he hurts - it is words that emote such raw passion that they enveloped me.
There are not enough words to convey how he is a complex character I will not likely forget for a while. He never shied away from being himself, but he could not learn to love himself and I - the story revolves around how he chooses to see himself. How he wishes for the romantic part of him to get happiness - to get a chance to live longer - to fight stronger, but he doesn't know if it's worth it - that he deserves it. And for every degrading, painful or humiliating act that he experienced, the author showed he became stronger for it. 😟 There are so many internal and physical struggles that are thrown his way that I thought he would crack - that he would regress back - that there was no escape for someone as torn and tormented as him.
“Could I have normal again? Was I allowed?
And what about the symbiotic relationship I wanted with Luke? The give and take of lust and pain… but also something more than that.
Something personal and real. Was that something I could have before I died? Would Luke want to give it?”
But, he proved me wrong. They proved me wrong. 🥲 The journey that Luke took to reach Minty - to bring out the better part of him - was so beautifully done. I loved how Minty learns to trust Luke, how he just doesn't come to rely on him for his hurtful demands, but to seek out this comfort, this ache to feel the void in his heart that has forgotten how to love. And the patient way Luke lets him feel it, experience it all over again, my heart was right there in the trenches - in their clutches with them. Chapters 25 and 26 - I'm not gonna lie, I teared up. 😣😣 The sheer intensity of the range of emotions conflicting Minty's heart and mind, body and soul, in that scene alone, was so viscerally palpable - over the thundering of the rain, my heart was tearing up inside. 'I love you.” It became a sick call and response. He said he hated himself, and I reassured him of my love.' One of the most well-written scenes of the book - just took my breath away at how the author gave purpose to each scene - everything meant something and it delivered them to an ending that was well-deserved and hard-earned for both of them. 🤧🤧
“But I don’t want to off myself, Luke. That’s why I ran, and why I drove here. I want to live because being with you makes my darkness worth carrying.”
While it does slightly work as a stand-alone, I think you'll feel the full impact of Minty's story if you read the complete 90s Coming of Age trilogy before; as we do revisit some old familiar faces and past events are touched upon. And I make it sound like it is entirely a heavy depressing read, but it is not. There is tenderness and love and this healing growth for both of them. There is courage and determination when they face their families, there is acceptance and kindness, when there are those who are friends - who remind them that it's not worth joking about dying too young. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
And there is happiness and joy - one that they both get to experience and share in together. That makes them comfortable with each other without having to hurt each other - to take pride in surviving - for having survived. It's the love to have happiness - to feel it in your core that you can have it. What Luke helped Minty with - how he knew that he was being given an impossible task, that he saw Minty beyond his barriers and gently helped him find a way out of it really spoke to me. I -- it was good. It was honest and it was hopeful and it was love. 🩶🩶
When I look at the title My Skin Begs You Please, I can't help but notice how it reads like an incomplete thought; almost as if Minty is asking us to complete it for him - leaving it up to us to decide what exactly it is, he is pleading for. Please hurt me? Heal me? Hate me? Hold me? Help me?
Or maybe it's all of them. 🥺🥺
Maybe it's all these intense feelings that Minty needed to experience so he could break free of the pain that had enveloped him entirely - to make him accept that he is someone worth fighting for - someone worth living for - someone worth loving - for all that he was and is and ever will be. 🤍🤍
“I love you, Mitchell.” 🫂🫶🏻
*My sincere thanks to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 17, 2024
*I received a free ARC of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
If you haven’t already, I would highly recommend reading the Pictures of You series that this story sits alongside. You meet Minty in that series and I think it gives the perfect setup for his story. Also they’re amazing and it’s one of the greatest series’ I’ve ever read.
This story is incredibly gritty and raw and the author does not shy away from some incredibly dark and ugly subject matters so I wouldn’t advise anyone read this without thoroughly checking the content warnings at the start.
I have a huge amount of respect for Leta Blake because she has tackled some things in this book that are truly harrowing and yet none of it feels glamorised and none of it reads like trauma porn which is a difficult line to tread.
I knew from her Training Season series that the author has a good understanding of BDSM to write about it well and that was still the case here. I’d say the main challenge in this was that at points, the BDSM really was being used as a tool for trying to deal with past trauma and that made for some uncomfortable scenes. They were written perfectly in my opinion but were not an easy read.
In the end though, this book just gave a feeling of hopefulness that I didn’t expect. That healing is possible and everybody deserves to be loved. Although this very much feels like Minty’s book, the way Luke loved him, not always perfectly but always steadfastly was beautiful.
I’m not ashamed to say that I wept at the post script section at the end of the book.
Peter’s story was a tough act to follow but this was phenomenal writing. Leta Blake really pulls you apart before she puts you back together in this book but it was completely worth it.
If you haven’t already, I would highly recommend reading the Pictures of You series that this story sits alongside. You meet Minty in that series and I think it gives the perfect setup for his story. Also they’re amazing and it’s one of the greatest series’ I’ve ever read.
This story is incredibly gritty and raw and the author does not shy away from some incredibly dark and ugly subject matters so I wouldn’t advise anyone read this without thoroughly checking the content warnings at the start.
I have a huge amount of respect for Leta Blake because she has tackled some things in this book that are truly harrowing and yet none of it feels glamorised and none of it reads like trauma porn which is a difficult line to tread.
I knew from her Training Season series that the author has a good understanding of BDSM to write about it well and that was still the case here. I’d say the main challenge in this was that at points, the BDSM really was being used as a tool for trying to deal with past trauma and that made for some uncomfortable scenes. They were written perfectly in my opinion but were not an easy read.
In the end though, this book just gave a feeling of hopefulness that I didn’t expect. That healing is possible and everybody deserves to be loved. Although this very much feels like Minty’s book, the way Luke loved him, not always perfectly but always steadfastly was beautiful.
I’m not ashamed to say that I wept at the post script section at the end of the book.
Peter’s story was a tough act to follow but this was phenomenal writing. Leta Blake really pulls you apart before she puts you back together in this book but it was completely worth it.
January 28, 2024
Before you read this book please make sure you read the trigger warnings. This is a very difficult read and will not be for everyone. I also strongly suggest you read Peter’s books before reading this. Besides that series being amazing you also meet Minty and in the third book you get a strong glimpse into what he is going through. I don’t know if I would have felt as strongly about this story without meeting Minty in the 90’s Coming Of Age series.
This book was such a powerful one, Minty has suffered from so much and just doesn’t care anymore. He is having sex with a closeted jock, Kyle, who not only hurts Minty but hates him. If he continues on this path he knows Kyle will most likely kill him. His friends are worried about him and one of them reaches out to Luke, a dominant who will hopefully be able to give Minty the pain he needs in a safe environment.
There is so much involved in Minty’s background that Luke doesn’t think he can be what Minty needs. Their first few scenes only make them both feel like this situation won’t work. But Luke knows that if he can’t help Minty he will go back to Kyle.
This journey these characters go on is a very dark one. I normally don’t read many BDSM books but I loved Minty in Peter’s books and I was immediately invested in his story. The care that Leta Blake took with all of the issues was very important and she wrote a story that was dark, tragic & upsetting but also full of hope, strength and love. This was a special story and it really took my breath away. The epilogue is everything and finishing was so bittersweet.
ARC provided by author for review
All thoughts and opinions are my own
This book was such a powerful one, Minty has suffered from so much and just doesn’t care anymore. He is having sex with a closeted jock, Kyle, who not only hurts Minty but hates him. If he continues on this path he knows Kyle will most likely kill him. His friends are worried about him and one of them reaches out to Luke, a dominant who will hopefully be able to give Minty the pain he needs in a safe environment.
There is so much involved in Minty’s background that Luke doesn’t think he can be what Minty needs. Their first few scenes only make them both feel like this situation won’t work. But Luke knows that if he can’t help Minty he will go back to Kyle.
This journey these characters go on is a very dark one. I normally don’t read many BDSM books but I loved Minty in Peter’s books and I was immediately invested in his story. The care that Leta Blake took with all of the issues was very important and she wrote a story that was dark, tragic & upsetting but also full of hope, strength and love. This was a special story and it really took my breath away. The epilogue is everything and finishing was so bittersweet.
ARC provided by author for review
All thoughts and opinions are my own
April 13, 2024
3.5 stars
Disturbing, horrifying, sad, dark and heavy on the BDSM side.
It was a torture to live in Minty‘s head.
Fortunately, there is a satisfying ending.
Well, this was probably outside my comfort zone…
Disturbing, horrifying, sad, dark and heavy on the BDSM side.
It was a torture to live in Minty‘s head.
Fortunately, there is a satisfying ending.
Well, this was probably outside my comfort zone…
January 21, 2024
A few months ago, I read Peter’s story in the 90s Coming of Age series and loved it so much! My Skin Begs You Please is set in the same universe and revolves around Minty. Minty is a brat, Minty is flamboyant, Minty is a romantic who falls in love every day, but Minty is also a broken boy on the way to self-destruction.
Minty’s story is everything I hoped for and more. It’s raw, intense, heavy, heartbreaking. It’s absolutely not for everyone, but it gives so much hope. Because it’s also sweet and beautiful. I’m blown away by Leta Blake’s writing, I was sent to another universe and couldn’t think about anything else but Minty and Luke for 3 days.
This book made me feel strong emotions and destroyed me a few times but I didn’t expect less coming from Minty. Minty, oh Minty! How I love this bratty boy with my whole heart. I’m so thankful that Barry pushed him to meet with Luke because he needed to be saved in many ways and Luke was the right person to do that. But Luke needed Minty too, it’s not just one-sided. It’s something I love with Leta Blake’s characters, there is no prince charming, all the characters fight their own demons and they need each other to overcome the obstacles on their path. They found their balance together and it was perfect.
I know that I’m not done with thinking about this book, especially after reading the epilogue. I love them all so much, Minty, Luke, Barry, Robert, Daniel, Peter, everyone! I’m going to miss them immensely.
Thank you so much Leta Blake for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of your book.
⚠️ Please, check the trigger warnings before reading this book.
Minty’s story is everything I hoped for and more. It’s raw, intense, heavy, heartbreaking. It’s absolutely not for everyone, but it gives so much hope. Because it’s also sweet and beautiful. I’m blown away by Leta Blake’s writing, I was sent to another universe and couldn’t think about anything else but Minty and Luke for 3 days.
This book made me feel strong emotions and destroyed me a few times but I didn’t expect less coming from Minty. Minty, oh Minty! How I love this bratty boy with my whole heart. I’m so thankful that Barry pushed him to meet with Luke because he needed to be saved in many ways and Luke was the right person to do that. But Luke needed Minty too, it’s not just one-sided. It’s something I love with Leta Blake’s characters, there is no prince charming, all the characters fight their own demons and they need each other to overcome the obstacles on their path. They found their balance together and it was perfect.
I know that I’m not done with thinking about this book, especially after reading the epilogue. I love them all so much, Minty, Luke, Barry, Robert, Daniel, Peter, everyone! I’m going to miss them immensely.
Thank you so much Leta Blake for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of your book.
⚠️ Please, check the trigger warnings before reading this book.
January 17, 2024
I received an ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
My Skin Begs You Please by Leta Blake.
Release date: 2/28/24
★★★★★
Where do I even begin? The 90s series is so special to me.. I have been looking forward to Minty’s story for a while and Leta did not disappoint. I binged this in less than 36 hours because I COULD NOT STOP. Just like Peter’s story, it made me feel every single emotion and then some… This book was so heartbreaking. Minty is so beautiful and raw, unlike any other character I’ve ever read and Luke was made for him. I adore them both.
Leta does such an incredible job at creating characters who feel real.. they all mean so much to me, I am so attached… it’s probably not healthy, but I don’t care because I LOVE THEM ALL.
While some of this book was very sweet and even made me giggle at times, it was a VERY heavy read.. I cried throughout the entire thing.. it made my tummy hurt and I had to just sit back and take a deep breath a few times.. but, those are the best kind of books.. right? The ones that make you feel something.. and Leta sure knows how to write them.
⇨Make sure to check the content warnings before reading⇦
Thank you for this ARC and these characters. They will live in my heart forever.
My Skin Begs You Please by Leta Blake.
Release date: 2/28/24
★★★★★
Where do I even begin? The 90s series is so special to me.. I have been looking forward to Minty’s story for a while and Leta did not disappoint. I binged this in less than 36 hours because I COULD NOT STOP. Just like Peter’s story, it made me feel every single emotion and then some… This book was so heartbreaking. Minty is so beautiful and raw, unlike any other character I’ve ever read and Luke was made for him. I adore them both.
Leta does such an incredible job at creating characters who feel real.. they all mean so much to me, I am so attached… it’s probably not healthy, but I don’t care because I LOVE THEM ALL.
While some of this book was very sweet and even made me giggle at times, it was a VERY heavy read.. I cried throughout the entire thing.. it made my tummy hurt and I had to just sit back and take a deep breath a few times.. but, those are the best kind of books.. right? The ones that make you feel something.. and Leta sure knows how to write them.
⇨Make sure to check the content warnings before reading⇦
Thank you for this ARC and these characters. They will live in my heart forever.
dnf
May 14, 2024DNF
January 23, 2024
First, and most importantly, read the warnings. This book is dark. This book is heavy. If you don't like or can't safely read dark and heavy stuff, please skip.
Now, I like dark and heavy stuff. At one point Leta had said something along the lines of "if you liked the difference between, you'll like this one". So I was excited to get into it not only because I liked the difference between, but also because I really liked Minty as a character in the 90s coming of age series, when we saw him as only a secondary character who was part of Daniel's friend group, and I really wanted him to get a happy ending. And if what Peter sees him live, from the periphery of his life, is heavy, what we see him go through as the main character of his story is even heavier. Peter knew just a silver of it all.
Luke is also a very interesting character. A jaded person who still has hope to contrast Minty as the hopeful romantic whose grown jaded. Pain draws them together, pain holds them together when woven with need and fear, but in the end it all blossoms to love in a very beautiful way. I honestly wish I had better words to describe just how wonderful they are together.
The sexy parts are sexy, but as an asexual who somehow often ends in bdsm and other kinky books for the plot, it wasn't something I am usually very concerned with. But it was merged with the plot like a weave on a tapestry in a way that made it part of the story and its progression, rather than a sexy add on that could be skipped without affecting the plot itself. Or treating the story as an add on to the sexy, as some stories can be guilty of doing. As the characters developed and grew and healed, so did their sex. And, honestly, that's impressive.
The whole book was impressive, down to the short epilogue, in a way I wasn't expecting. I expected to like it, or I wouldn't have started it at all, but this one went beyond what I expected. Could it be read as a stand alone for those that don't want to read the 90s coming of age series? I think it can. Neither spoils the other, and they both stand by themselves, even though they share characters, events, spaces and a timeline.
Do I recommend it? A thousand times yes, so long as none of the warnings would cause issues. If not, then this book is a definite must read as far as I'm concerned.
Now, I like dark and heavy stuff. At one point Leta had said something along the lines of "if you liked the difference between, you'll like this one". So I was excited to get into it not only because I liked the difference between, but also because I really liked Minty as a character in the 90s coming of age series, when we saw him as only a secondary character who was part of Daniel's friend group, and I really wanted him to get a happy ending. And if what Peter sees him live, from the periphery of his life, is heavy, what we see him go through as the main character of his story is even heavier. Peter knew just a silver of it all.
Luke is also a very interesting character. A jaded person who still has hope to contrast Minty as the hopeful romantic whose grown jaded. Pain draws them together, pain holds them together when woven with need and fear, but in the end it all blossoms to love in a very beautiful way. I honestly wish I had better words to describe just how wonderful they are together.
The sexy parts are sexy, but as an asexual who somehow often ends in bdsm and other kinky books for the plot, it wasn't something I am usually very concerned with. But it was merged with the plot like a weave on a tapestry in a way that made it part of the story and its progression, rather than a sexy add on that could be skipped without affecting the plot itself. Or treating the story as an add on to the sexy, as some stories can be guilty of doing. As the characters developed and grew and healed, so did their sex. And, honestly, that's impressive.
The whole book was impressive, down to the short epilogue, in a way I wasn't expecting. I expected to like it, or I wouldn't have started it at all, but this one went beyond what I expected. Could it be read as a stand alone for those that don't want to read the 90s coming of age series? I think it can. Neither spoils the other, and they both stand by themselves, even though they share characters, events, spaces and a timeline.
Do I recommend it? A thousand times yes, so long as none of the warnings would cause issues. If not, then this book is a definite must read as far as I'm concerned.
July 9, 2024
Beautiful and painful, I’m forever changed by the story of Luke and Minty.
Minty Arnold appears as a side character in the 90s Coming of Age trilogy. A candy floss boy flitting from high to high, yet we see glimpses of the steel beneath in his protectiveness toward his friend, Daniel. We also learn of his recent HIV diagnosis and his friends’ concern over his increasingly self-destructive behavior.
Overlapping the trilogy’s timeline, this story begins when Minty is set up with Luke Montgomery, a professional Dom who can safely provide Minty the pain he’s seeking.
Luke is also HIV positive and struggling with family issues while keeping his diagnosis a secret. He’s a strong man, but the trauma Minty carries is unlike anything he was prepared for. When Luke takes Minty on as a sub, he quickly realizes he may be in over his head, but the sparks between them grow into a conflagration neither can control.
This is a dark read, diving to the depths of the characters’ psyche and exploring what lurks there. It’s also a beautiful illustration of the power of acceptance and hope. Without giving too much away, I’ll say few characters have moved me in the way Minty did.
The depiction of BDSM and its meaning to each of them is brilliant. Even kinks I wouldn’t normally enjoy reading were powerful and served a purpose for the participants.
Beautifully written and tight in narrative structure, this is not an easy read but it’s perfect in its construction. I don’t think these characters will ever leave my mind, and I couldn’t ask for more from a book!
I would recommend this for all, but there are stark descriptions of events in Minty’s past that could be triggering for some, so please don’t skip the CWs if you need them!
Minty Arnold appears as a side character in the 90s Coming of Age trilogy. A candy floss boy flitting from high to high, yet we see glimpses of the steel beneath in his protectiveness toward his friend, Daniel. We also learn of his recent HIV diagnosis and his friends’ concern over his increasingly self-destructive behavior.
Overlapping the trilogy’s timeline, this story begins when Minty is set up with Luke Montgomery, a professional Dom who can safely provide Minty the pain he’s seeking.
Luke is also HIV positive and struggling with family issues while keeping his diagnosis a secret. He’s a strong man, but the trauma Minty carries is unlike anything he was prepared for. When Luke takes Minty on as a sub, he quickly realizes he may be in over his head, but the sparks between them grow into a conflagration neither can control.
This is a dark read, diving to the depths of the characters’ psyche and exploring what lurks there. It’s also a beautiful illustration of the power of acceptance and hope. Without giving too much away, I’ll say few characters have moved me in the way Minty did.
The depiction of BDSM and its meaning to each of them is brilliant. Even kinks I wouldn’t normally enjoy reading were powerful and served a purpose for the participants.
Beautifully written and tight in narrative structure, this is not an easy read but it’s perfect in its construction. I don’t think these characters will ever leave my mind, and I couldn’t ask for more from a book!
I would recommend this for all, but there are stark descriptions of events in Minty’s past that could be triggering for some, so please don’t skip the CWs if you need them!
March 7, 2024
“I love seeing you excited about life.”
What a book. The roller-coaster this took me on was insane. I was first introduced to Minty when I read Leta's 90s coming of age series at the end of last year and instantly fell in love with him.
After everything this boy went through, he finally got the story he deserved. Leta did an excellent job at exploring trauma, sexual empowerment, and BDSM dynamics whilst also developing a really sweet and tender love story. Minty's journey back to himself is polarising, but watching the boy who fell in love with everything falling in love with life again was *chefs kiss*. LUKE IS EVERYTHING MINTY DESERVES WHAT A FUCKING ANGEL🫶
So you might be wondering why 4 stars instead of 5? 2 things. 1. I just cannot cope with the use of the words sphincter and anus in a romance (petty i know but i ignored the use of spunk so kudos to me). And 2. There's a particular scene in this that made me so uncomfortable that I actually thought it took away from how powerful it was. It felt a little egregious and unnecessary. Whilst it could be just me who feels this way, I'd highly recommend checking your TW for this one, folks.
My skin begs you please had me feeling all the feelings. Whilst this book is sad and uncomfortable at times it truly is a story of hopefulness and I'll think about it for a long ass time. It's nice to have a story that covers the aids epidemic with a hopeful ending for the MMCs. Overall, it was amazingly researched and well written and I'm super sad to say goodbye to them😭
Also fuck Mintys parents xoxoxox
What a book. The roller-coaster this took me on was insane. I was first introduced to Minty when I read Leta's 90s coming of age series at the end of last year and instantly fell in love with him.
After everything this boy went through, he finally got the story he deserved. Leta did an excellent job at exploring trauma, sexual empowerment, and BDSM dynamics whilst also developing a really sweet and tender love story. Minty's journey back to himself is polarising, but watching the boy who fell in love with everything falling in love with life again was *chefs kiss*. LUKE IS EVERYTHING MINTY DESERVES WHAT A FUCKING ANGEL🫶
So you might be wondering why 4 stars instead of 5? 2 things. 1. I just cannot cope with the use of the words sphincter and anus in a romance (petty i know but i ignored the use of spunk so kudos to me). And 2. There's a particular scene in this that made me so uncomfortable that I actually thought it took away from how powerful it was. It felt a little egregious and unnecessary. Whilst it could be just me who feels this way, I'd highly recommend checking your TW for this one, folks.
My skin begs you please had me feeling all the feelings. Whilst this book is sad and uncomfortable at times it truly is a story of hopefulness and I'll think about it for a long ass time. It's nice to have a story that covers the aids epidemic with a hopeful ending for the MMCs. Overall, it was amazingly researched and well written and I'm super sad to say goodbye to them😭
Also fuck Mintys parents xoxoxox
August 16, 2025
I truly don't have the words to describe how incredible this book is. It is not an easy or conventional story, but it feels real and important.
Since receiving his HIV diagnosis, Minty has been attempting to regain some power by engaging with violent men who despise him, however that in itself comes at a deadly cost. Scared for Minty's life, his friend sets him up with Luke, a professional Dom, who can hurt him in a safe, sane, and consensual way instead.
The BDSM scenes in this book are heavy, and not always healthy, but that's kind of the point. Heed the trigger warnings, and be prepared for extreme degradation, humiliation, and sadism. Whilst these scenes are uncomfortable to read, they are handled with sensitivity and care, and each of them carries a significance.
Leta Blake has done a fantastic job at portraying the Dom/sub dynamic, and all of the nuance that goes into it. She challenges the misconception that Doms are always in control, and portrays Luke's sense of responsibility and insecurity well. Minty's conflict between his desire to submit, his worthiness, and his need to weald power is clear, and it plays a huge role in his character development throughout.
It may seem as though this book is all about kink, but that couldn't be further from the truth. It's about facing your own mortality, sexual empowerment, healing from trauma, and learning to accept love from yourself and from those around you. It says that whatever you have done to survive, you are worthy and you are valid. Leta has not shied away from any of the difficult subjects in this book - it is gritty and raw, but it feels honest above all else.
Leta's writing is truly phenomenal, and as always she has written such complex and well-developed characters who are impossible not to love. Minty in particular is a very complicated character, and his growth throughout the story was a privilege to read. I was left with an immense sense of pride at the end, much the same as I felt when reading Only You.
This book may have a wholly different vibe from the rest of the 90's Coming of Age books, but it is just as beautiful, and I'm grateful to have had the chance to read Minty and Luke's story. If you can stomach the triggers, then this story will absolutely captivate you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Since receiving his HIV diagnosis, Minty has been attempting to regain some power by engaging with violent men who despise him, however that in itself comes at a deadly cost. Scared for Minty's life, his friend sets him up with Luke, a professional Dom, who can hurt him in a safe, sane, and consensual way instead.
The BDSM scenes in this book are heavy, and not always healthy, but that's kind of the point. Heed the trigger warnings, and be prepared for extreme degradation, humiliation, and sadism. Whilst these scenes are uncomfortable to read, they are handled with sensitivity and care, and each of them carries a significance.
Leta Blake has done a fantastic job at portraying the Dom/sub dynamic, and all of the nuance that goes into it. She challenges the misconception that Doms are always in control, and portrays Luke's sense of responsibility and insecurity well. Minty's conflict between his desire to submit, his worthiness, and his need to weald power is clear, and it plays a huge role in his character development throughout.
It may seem as though this book is all about kink, but that couldn't be further from the truth. It's about facing your own mortality, sexual empowerment, healing from trauma, and learning to accept love from yourself and from those around you. It says that whatever you have done to survive, you are worthy and you are valid. Leta has not shied away from any of the difficult subjects in this book - it is gritty and raw, but it feels honest above all else.
Leta's writing is truly phenomenal, and as always she has written such complex and well-developed characters who are impossible not to love. Minty in particular is a very complicated character, and his growth throughout the story was a privilege to read. I was left with an immense sense of pride at the end, much the same as I felt when reading Only You.
This book may have a wholly different vibe from the rest of the 90's Coming of Age books, but it is just as beautiful, and I'm grateful to have had the chance to read Minty and Luke's story. If you can stomach the triggers, then this story will absolutely captivate you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 24, 2025
OK y'all. THIS. BOOK. Gaaaaah, My Skin Begs You Please is SO painful and heartbreaking, but also incredibly cathartic, often sweet, and overall just beautiful. It's a companion novel to the 90s Coming of Age series about side character Minty - if you've read it, you will ABSOLUTELY want to know his story. That said, it can also totally be read as a standalone - most of Minty's backstory is rehashed in this book too. All that said, be prepared to be WRECKED. Check TWs and know that this story is very dark and hard to get through but the ending is so worth it.
OMG, I don't even know what to say about Minty. He's such a ray of sunshine in the 90s Coming of Age books, full of contradictions but ultimately the funniest, fiercest character. After his diagnosis with HIV, however, he goes into a dark place inside himself and all of his inner demons come out. The only way to save him from self destructing even more is to get involved with professional dom Luke. And WOW, y'all, Luke is EXACTLY what Minty needs. Though he is constantly questioning whether he can provide Minty with the kind of help he needs, his intuitiveness, strength, and willingness to go to dark places with Minty seems to be the only things that gets through to him. No wonder they end up falling for each other, their relationship is intense from the very beginning. While a lot of their relationship is incredibly dark, they end up having SO many sweet moments together - pre-diagnosis Minty was a total romantic, and I love that Luke leans into that, even when Minty says he doesn't want it. The BDSM scenes in this book can be a lot - My Skin Begs You Please is NOT playing around with these dynamics. However, with what Minty is going through, you can really see the care and concern that Luke has for him throughout their scenes together.
I was SO FREAKING WORRIED about the ending of this book. There are a lot of elements that seemed like it ensured a "happy for now" scenario. But Y'ALL. The epilogue of this book might be one of the best I've EVER read - it's very well written, but the amount of relief I felt?! WOW. It made the whole thing worth it. I'm tearing up just thinking about it. HIGHLY recommend this book, it'll get added to my year-end favorites list FOR SURE.
OMG, I don't even know what to say about Minty. He's such a ray of sunshine in the 90s Coming of Age books, full of contradictions but ultimately the funniest, fiercest character. After his diagnosis with HIV, however, he goes into a dark place inside himself and all of his inner demons come out. The only way to save him from self destructing even more is to get involved with professional dom Luke. And WOW, y'all, Luke is EXACTLY what Minty needs. Though he is constantly questioning whether he can provide Minty with the kind of help he needs, his intuitiveness, strength, and willingness to go to dark places with Minty seems to be the only things that gets through to him. No wonder they end up falling for each other, their relationship is intense from the very beginning. While a lot of their relationship is incredibly dark, they end up having SO many sweet moments together - pre-diagnosis Minty was a total romantic, and I love that Luke leans into that, even when Minty says he doesn't want it. The BDSM scenes in this book can be a lot - My Skin Begs You Please is NOT playing around with these dynamics. However, with what Minty is going through, you can really see the care and concern that Luke has for him throughout their scenes together.
I was SO FREAKING WORRIED about the ending of this book. There are a lot of elements that seemed like it ensured a "happy for now" scenario. But Y'ALL. The epilogue of this book might be one of the best I've EVER read - it's very well written, but the amount of relief I felt?! WOW. It made the whole thing worth it. I'm tearing up just thinking about it. HIGHLY recommend this book, it'll get added to my year-end favorites list FOR SURE.
June 6, 2024
I don't have words for this book. There is literally nothing I can write that will ever come close to capturing the emotional journey that was My Skin Begs You Please. It took me almost a month and a half to get through it. It was that heavy. The content was waaaaay outside of my comfort zone, but I fell in love with Minty in Leta's 90s series and needed to see his story through to the end 🥹
I got to spend time with Leta right around when the book was being released back in February, and she lovingly told me face-to-face to mind the warnings. Heck, I even got to be the proud owner of the first copy released in the wild ✨ Content warnings usually aren't a concern for me, but when the author tells you in person to mind the warnings, it's best to pay attention. Within the first chapter, it was apparent that this book was a different beast. The content warnings did not play, and neither did Leta when it came to telling the raw, gritty, heartbreaking truth of Minty's life 💔
My Skin Begs You Please is not a book you pick up on a whim. It's a book that will take a lot out of you, and if you're like me, will require pushing pause when it gets to be too much. I struggled with the weight of the first half of the book, but I persisted. It took a lot for me to make it through, but there was a point where the dark clouds parted and I saw a light shining through, a glimmer of hope for Minty. I latched on to that and pressed on to the end, finding the second half of the book an easier read. Like I find with all of Leta's books, the journey through the pain was worth it for the healing and hope in the end. You'll be put through the emotional wringer, but when all is said and done, you'll come out the other side having experienced something beautiful and meaningful that will stay with you forever ❤️🩹
I got to spend time with Leta right around when the book was being released back in February, and she lovingly told me face-to-face to mind the warnings. Heck, I even got to be the proud owner of the first copy released in the wild ✨ Content warnings usually aren't a concern for me, but when the author tells you in person to mind the warnings, it's best to pay attention. Within the first chapter, it was apparent that this book was a different beast. The content warnings did not play, and neither did Leta when it came to telling the raw, gritty, heartbreaking truth of Minty's life 💔
My Skin Begs You Please is not a book you pick up on a whim. It's a book that will take a lot out of you, and if you're like me, will require pushing pause when it gets to be too much. I struggled with the weight of the first half of the book, but I persisted. It took a lot for me to make it through, but there was a point where the dark clouds parted and I saw a light shining through, a glimmer of hope for Minty. I latched on to that and pressed on to the end, finding the second half of the book an easier read. Like I find with all of Leta's books, the journey through the pain was worth it for the healing and hope in the end. You'll be put through the emotional wringer, but when all is said and done, you'll come out the other side having experienced something beautiful and meaningful that will stay with you forever ❤️🩹
November 23, 2025
Minty ha tenido una vida llena de traumas, la mayoría sexuales. Pero la preocupación de sus amigos lo llevan a aceptar iniciar una relación BDSM con un hombre que es "profesional" en el área. Sin embargo, Minty no sabe si será suficiente, si realmente podrá hacerlo sentir como quiere, si puede permitirle olvidar y sentirse fuerte, pero le da una oportunidad. Pero, que pasará si no es lo que le hace falta? Qué pasará si todo se sale de control? Será capaz de aceptar lo que se "supone" que debe querer?
Este es un libro realmente fuerte de leer. Y si, es un romance, si tiene final feliz, pero todas las emociones que plasman los personajes, todas las inseguridades, los temores, su forma de ver la vida, es tan válido en esta historia como en la vida real. Además, la forma con los protas explican como se sienten e intentan hablar y entender sus propias mentes, es algo por lo que todos hemos pasado de una forma u otra.
La mayoría de los libros que he leído de este autor tienen ese trasfondo emocional que te lleva mas a allá del romance o de la erótica, y este libro no es la excepción. Es seguro que leeré otros libro de este autor mas adelante.
Este es un libro realmente fuerte de leer. Y si, es un romance, si tiene final feliz, pero todas las emociones que plasman los personajes, todas las inseguridades, los temores, su forma de ver la vida, es tan válido en esta historia como en la vida real. Además, la forma con los protas explican como se sienten e intentan hablar y entender sus propias mentes, es algo por lo que todos hemos pasado de una forma u otra.
La mayoría de los libros que he leído de este autor tienen ese trasfondo emocional que te lleva mas a allá del romance o de la erótica, y este libro no es la excepción. Es seguro que leeré otros libro de este autor mas adelante.
October 24, 2025
the amount of emotions this book gave me.... it was incredible and I cried me eyes out at the epilogue bit.
Sweet wonderful Minty you deserve the world. I haven't read the 90s coming of age trilogy yet, this was my introduction to Blake and I'm hooked she writes so well. Is also very knowledgeable on BDSM and how to do it right.
I can't express how many emotions this book put me through in words I just loved it so much.
Heed the TW if you go into this it's intense, its graphic, it's a lot but it's about so much healing and love.
Sweet wonderful Minty you deserve the world. I haven't read the 90s coming of age trilogy yet, this was my introduction to Blake and I'm hooked she writes so well. Is also very knowledgeable on BDSM and how to do it right.
I can't express how many emotions this book put me through in words I just loved it so much.
Heed the TW if you go into this it's intense, its graphic, it's a lot but it's about so much healing and love.
January 19, 2024
ARC REVIEW 🌈🦋🧚🏻♂️
Minty’s diagnosis in Only You didn’t leave me with any hope for a HEA in his future. This was a very different vibe to the 90’s coming of age series but gave me the same intense feelings after finishing, I’m so proud and happy for Minty and Luke and everything they went through together!
First of all this book is super heavy. The BDSM part is done so well but it’s also not something you’d pick up for smut, the scenes are often uncomfortable and sad but they’re so important to Minty’s healing, each scene gives a better understanding to his trauma and his journey in loving himself and accepting Luke’s love. I think Leta Blake is a wizard in making you truly feel everything her characters feel and giving you that hard earned happy ending.
I will probably edit this and add more things but right now I just had to get all my thoughts down, what a beautiful ending to such a complex and messed up story 😭😭😭 Leta gives me hope that one day Adam can get his own HEA and I might even enjoy it!
Minty’s diagnosis in Only You didn’t leave me with any hope for a HEA in his future. This was a very different vibe to the 90’s coming of age series but gave me the same intense feelings after finishing, I’m so proud and happy for Minty and Luke and everything they went through together!
First of all this book is super heavy. The BDSM part is done so well but it’s also not something you’d pick up for smut, the scenes are often uncomfortable and sad but they’re so important to Minty’s healing, each scene gives a better understanding to his trauma and his journey in loving himself and accepting Luke’s love. I think Leta Blake is a wizard in making you truly feel everything her characters feel and giving you that hard earned happy ending.
I will probably edit this and add more things but right now I just had to get all my thoughts down, what a beautiful ending to such a complex and messed up story 😭😭😭 Leta gives me hope that one day Adam can get his own HEA and I might even enjoy it!
March 3, 2024
This was maybe one of the most challenging books I’ve ever read. It really pushed my boundaries and while certain things will just never be my preference, they absolutely worked within the context of this book. Without giving anything away, heed the TWs! They are very real and no one should give a lower rating simply because they opted not to pay attention to the contents. (I see this so often and it’s a dirty habit people need to break.)
I want to go into this book but who has that time honey! We need to have a full on conversation to really deep dive. Minty had every reason to hate the world but directed all of his loathing, fear, anger and hate towards himself. He was only just existing and that was even a bit overstating it. He tempted fate on a daily basis. He broke my heart repeatedly throughout the entire book. He needed help!
I wasn’t sure how BDSM would work for him and Luke - mostly because I don’t read much of that kind of dynamic. This was done so well. It put me thru it - it turned me off at times, made me tragically sad and then I felt a bit resigned. Ultimately it was a dynamic both MCs needed in order to not only find their true self but how to allow themselves to be loved and love in return. The amount of acceptance, forgiveness and self love within this book made it a story I will never forget.
I felt like the author not only did their research but was incredibly kind and respectful towards the characters and life at that time. It was messy, complicated, hopeless but it was also the complete opposite by the end. There was so much redemption and hope. I cried a lot A LOT! Minty and Luke were amazing and could make even the hardest of hearts believe in soul deep love!
I want to go into this book but who has that time honey! We need to have a full on conversation to really deep dive. Minty had every reason to hate the world but directed all of his loathing, fear, anger and hate towards himself. He was only just existing and that was even a bit overstating it. He tempted fate on a daily basis. He broke my heart repeatedly throughout the entire book. He needed help!
I wasn’t sure how BDSM would work for him and Luke - mostly because I don’t read much of that kind of dynamic. This was done so well. It put me thru it - it turned me off at times, made me tragically sad and then I felt a bit resigned. Ultimately it was a dynamic both MCs needed in order to not only find their true self but how to allow themselves to be loved and love in return. The amount of acceptance, forgiveness and self love within this book made it a story I will never forget.
I felt like the author not only did their research but was incredibly kind and respectful towards the characters and life at that time. It was messy, complicated, hopeless but it was also the complete opposite by the end. There was so much redemption and hope. I cried a lot A LOT! Minty and Luke were amazing and could make even the hardest of hearts believe in soul deep love!
March 13, 2024
Astounding. Literally took my breath away in sections. I don't think I've ever read a book where the HEA was so fought for and I'm in absolute awe of this book and this story. How Minty and Luke find the light together is simply stunning. The brilliant postscript had me sobbing with happiness for Minty & Luke.
Leta Blake is a genius, and the amount of due diligence, care and appreciation for the complexity of both character's journey was extraordinary.
I will be buying this book in paperback do that it sits proudly beside Peter's trilogy.
I do need to note you absolutely should read the trigger/content warnings before reading this story. They are there for a good reason and this story will not be for everyone.
Leta Blake is a genius, and the amount of due diligence, care and appreciation for the complexity of both character's journey was extraordinary.
I will be buying this book in paperback do that it sits proudly beside Peter's trilogy.
I do need to note you absolutely should read the trigger/content warnings before reading this story. They are there for a good reason and this story will not be for everyone.
February 28, 2024
Wow. I don’t even know what to say. This was a very heavy book. Make sure you read the triggers and take them seriously before diving in. This isn’t a sweet, sexy, easy to fall in love kinda book. It’s heavy, it’s raw and it’s real.
It was such a good book though. I connected with the characters and loved seeing the changes in them as the book progressed. Set in the 90’s, 2 HIV positive MCs, SA, broken men who found each other. My heart stayed heavy the entire time at the realness of the situations. It was a long journey to the HEA but it was worth it.
It was such a good book though. I connected with the characters and loved seeing the changes in them as the book progressed. Set in the 90’s, 2 HIV positive MCs, SA, broken men who found each other. My heart stayed heavy the entire time at the realness of the situations. It was a long journey to the HEA but it was worth it.
September 4, 2024
Extremely emotional and wonderful read.
5 painful stars.
This review will be brief, so as not to spoil the plot for future readers.
Minty (real name Mitchell) is a college student full of self-loathing, hate, anger and a inescapable need for pain and his own degradation. Luke is a non-practicing, older Dom. Both are HIV positive. Both are waiting to die.
Through Luke's friend, Barry, Luke begrudgingly agrees to take Minty on as his sub. What follows is a truly massive untangling of emotions for both men, written with a magnificently worded prose that brings out the character's innermost thoughts and feelings. The plot has the perfect balance of sadness, pain, grief and acceptance that makes it wonderfully pure and passionate. Even the secondary characters, in particular Luke's sister, Betsy, are written with special attention to detail.
The world building is mind-blowing. The balance of darkness, joy, suffering and humor is perfect. The author takes the reader on a engrossing journey with various emotions and experiences that only keep the pages turning and changes Minty and Luke from awaiting death to living their lives instead. I have to state that, to date, this in my favorite book by Leta Blake.
5 painful stars.
This review will be brief, so as not to spoil the plot for future readers.
Minty (real name Mitchell) is a college student full of self-loathing, hate, anger and a inescapable need for pain and his own degradation. Luke is a non-practicing, older Dom. Both are HIV positive. Both are waiting to die.
Through Luke's friend, Barry, Luke begrudgingly agrees to take Minty on as his sub. What follows is a truly massive untangling of emotions for both men, written with a magnificently worded prose that brings out the character's innermost thoughts and feelings. The plot has the perfect balance of sadness, pain, grief and acceptance that makes it wonderfully pure and passionate. Even the secondary characters, in particular Luke's sister, Betsy, are written with special attention to detail.
The world building is mind-blowing. The balance of darkness, joy, suffering and humor is perfect. The author takes the reader on a engrossing journey with various emotions and experiences that only keep the pages turning and changes Minty and Luke from awaiting death to living their lives instead. I have to state that, to date, this in my favorite book by Leta Blake.
March 3, 2024
Post Script'e blioviau upeliais.
Want to read
March 4, 2024How am I only finding out now that Minty got a story?!? I’m excited and scared to read
March 26, 2025
Minty’s story was everything I expected it to be and more. Such a roller coaster of emotions 😭 So happy that Minty & Luke got their HEA. It was definitely hard fought for both of them. Loved the audiobook! Excellent narration by Michael Ferraiuolo.
February 6, 2025
3.5 but that’s on me. I don’t enjoy pain stories - hard core bdsm - and I don’t usually read them but I love the stories this book came from and wanted to read about Minty. It took me almost a week because I struggled with it but I love Luke and Minty.
January 16, 2024
Leta Blake is one of my favorite authors. Warning this book is high angst depicting BDSM, rape and physical violence. Minty's story was hard to read.My heart was very heavy while reading this. Leta did an amazing job with this, as it is not like anything she's ever written before. If you like high angst this book is for you. Great job Leta!
March 8, 2024
I fell in love with Minty the moment I met him in Peter's books. He was fun, sweet, protective, entertaining, and all-around the type of character I always fall for. Who knew he had such a horrible backstory. The Minty we meet in this book is broken, destructive, and angry. He broke my heart. He is someone who deep down wants the big, romantic love story but doesn't believe he deserves it. Minty, no one deserves it more than you do.
The book is a very emotional one and difficult to read at times. There are a lot of sensitive subjects but Leta handles them so well. I will admit that BDSM is not my thing so some of those scenes were hard to get through but they really were integral to the story. Please make sure you read the list of triggers at the start. While this may not be a book for everyone, it was a beautiful story. I do suggest reading the series "'90's Coming of Age" before you dive into this book. That was one of my favorite series of 2023 so definitely worth checking out.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Your majesty
The post-script section at the end of the book. I adored that we got to see Luke & Minty's lives at multiple stages in the future. It ended on such a lovely, hopeful note. Minty got his big love. Just that thought makes me smile while bringing tears to my eyes.
With his throat flushing and still mottled with another man’s bruises, I made up my mind. No matter what, no matter how long it took, I was going to crack this kid open. I was going to hurt him like no other person ever had, and he was going to kneel at my feet, beg me for more, and thank me afterward.
And my reward for all that work and devotion? Well, I was going to get to see the true heart of him. With a kid as gorgeous, conflicted, and confusing as Minty, what sadist wouldn’t want to see that? And it seemed I’d get morning pancakes too. A total win for me.
I hadn’t had many wins lately, and neither had he. Eating pancakes, watching him squirm at my praise? It was the most normal I’d felt in a very long time. That was worth something to me. More than words could say.
“It’s the only reason I’m meeting up with you.” Minty laughed again. There was a bitter tinge to it. “I mean, you’re really hot, and I think I could probably fall in love with the way your smile is kinda crooked on your face, and how you laugh, and how pretty your eyes are. All of you, really. But, like I said, those aren’t the reasons I’m seeing you. If you aren’t going to actually make me suffer, I can always get other hot guys to do the job.”
“I don’t want to die, but I don’t know how to live with this… this thing in me,” he said, rubbing at his chest over his heart, sobs building in his throat. “I want it gone. I want to put it down and walk away from it.”
He pounded his chest. “But it won’t go away. I’ve tried getting high, and having sex, and pretending everything’s fine, and getting hurt, but it keeps on being there inside me.”
I couldn’t remember thinking about my diagnosis or impending death in the last sixteen hours. Just Sir and pain. My new favorite things. And I’d tell him that if he asked.
I could love him. I could truly love him in a way that was real, because he’d seen the worst of me, and he hadn’t run away. Instead, he’d held me, hurt me, and made me fly.
I wanted to swoon from the crushing weight of my feelings.
It was my betraying heart. The stupid thing wanted to be witnessed and cared for, wanted to love and be loved, and for some unknowable reason, it’d gone and set its sights on
Minty. Minty! Of all subs! Of all people!
The kid had a truckload of issues, and I wasn’t the guy to work through them with him. Not outside the dungeon. Maybe not even there.
But tell that to my mouth that had asked him on this date, and to my hands that had bought these flowers, and to my stupid heart that flipped when he walked out of the double doors, and to my eyes that widened when I saw him.
Pink barrettes in his hair, a silvery skirt that went down to his ankles, cowboy boots—of course—and a white, spaghetti strap shirt beneath a soft-looking, pink cardigan. He was gorgeous, and sexy, and sweet like a vanilla ice cream cone.
“You have a safe word,” I reminded him. “You remembered you could use it, right?”
“Yes.” Mitchell walked on his knees to me, reaching out with his hands to grip the outer seams of my jeans. “I remembered. But I didn’t want to use it. I hated how I felt, but…” He closed his eyes and swallowed, like he didn’t want to admit to the truth and felt sickened by it. “But I knew I needed it. Sir, I need to be okay with being loved like that. I want to find a way to like it before I die. I don’t want to be alone. I don’t want to die before I can feel in my heart—” He touched his chest, looking up at me so earnestly that I felt my throat tighten again. “Until I can feel safe being loved and enjoy it.”
“I love you so much, Sir. I know you don’t believe me—no one ever does—but I do. So, please don’t give up on me.” I bent over, rubbing my hands up and down his naked back. “Don’t give up on me either.”
“I don’t want you to have to deal with my hurt. I’m the Dom, and—”
“And you’re mine,” he murmured, kissing my neck and jaw. “I love you. Be honest with me. Please.”
“I want to try making love to you again. This time, no scene. This time, just us. Can you try? Do you want to?”
I thought about it, a fist in my gut. I suddenly understood the “why” of something I’d never been able to explain it before. To let someone love me? I’d need to let myself be truly weak. The protective power I’d learned to wield was strength made of pain—both the infliction and the endurance of it. Sex without pain was, to me, sex without power, without agency.
But now that we were more equal, maybe I didn’t need power if we were both going to be stripped of it. If we were both going to be vulnerable and bare.
Surrender. Let go. Let him love you.
I imagined my heart was trapped inside a giant locket and with every press of his fingers he turned the lock, again and again until it burst open. There. My heart was beating, beating, beating with love and need and fear. So much fear.
Fifteen minutes later, Minty was screaming his head off, and joy flowed inside me like a river. Happiness, love, lust… As unexpected and even unwanted as this relationship might have started out, there was no denying all my needs were satisfied in the person of Mitchell.
My sweet, dirty, horny boy.
“I want to live because being with you makes my darkness worth carrying.”
The room exploded with cheers from below, and my heart exploded with hope and the joy of Minty being safe and with me. The future was roaring into our present, and I had no idea what it was going to bring. Somehow, someway, we’d get through it together.
Because, against all odds, I knew love was on our side.
I wanted to spend the rest of my life with Luke, playing thrilling games like this, and making love upstairs, and kissing on the sofa, and making dinner together, and living. For the first time ever, I was happy.
So fucking happy.
I’d finally won.
A smile creased the corner of his eyes as he whispered it back, and added, “I love myself too. You help me do that. You show me how to love even the worst parts of me.”
“Every part of you is good.”
The book is a very emotional one and difficult to read at times. There are a lot of sensitive subjects but Leta handles them so well. I will admit that BDSM is not my thing so some of those scenes were hard to get through but they really were integral to the story. Please make sure you read the list of triggers at the start. While this may not be a book for everyone, it was a beautiful story. I do suggest reading the series "'90's Coming of Age" before you dive into this book. That was one of my favorite series of 2023 so definitely worth checking out.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Your majesty
The post-script section at the end of the book. I adored that we got to see Luke & Minty's lives at multiple stages in the future. It ended on such a lovely, hopeful note. Minty got his big love. Just that thought makes me smile while bringing tears to my eyes.
With his throat flushing and still mottled with another man’s bruises, I made up my mind. No matter what, no matter how long it took, I was going to crack this kid open. I was going to hurt him like no other person ever had, and he was going to kneel at my feet, beg me for more, and thank me afterward.
And my reward for all that work and devotion? Well, I was going to get to see the true heart of him. With a kid as gorgeous, conflicted, and confusing as Minty, what sadist wouldn’t want to see that? And it seemed I’d get morning pancakes too. A total win for me.
I hadn’t had many wins lately, and neither had he. Eating pancakes, watching him squirm at my praise? It was the most normal I’d felt in a very long time. That was worth something to me. More than words could say.
“It’s the only reason I’m meeting up with you.” Minty laughed again. There was a bitter tinge to it. “I mean, you’re really hot, and I think I could probably fall in love with the way your smile is kinda crooked on your face, and how you laugh, and how pretty your eyes are. All of you, really. But, like I said, those aren’t the reasons I’m seeing you. If you aren’t going to actually make me suffer, I can always get other hot guys to do the job.”
“I don’t want to die, but I don’t know how to live with this… this thing in me,” he said, rubbing at his chest over his heart, sobs building in his throat. “I want it gone. I want to put it down and walk away from it.”
He pounded his chest. “But it won’t go away. I’ve tried getting high, and having sex, and pretending everything’s fine, and getting hurt, but it keeps on being there inside me.”
I couldn’t remember thinking about my diagnosis or impending death in the last sixteen hours. Just Sir and pain. My new favorite things. And I’d tell him that if he asked.
I could love him. I could truly love him in a way that was real, because he’d seen the worst of me, and he hadn’t run away. Instead, he’d held me, hurt me, and made me fly.
I wanted to swoon from the crushing weight of my feelings.
It was my betraying heart. The stupid thing wanted to be witnessed and cared for, wanted to love and be loved, and for some unknowable reason, it’d gone and set its sights on
Minty. Minty! Of all subs! Of all people!
The kid had a truckload of issues, and I wasn’t the guy to work through them with him. Not outside the dungeon. Maybe not even there.
But tell that to my mouth that had asked him on this date, and to my hands that had bought these flowers, and to my stupid heart that flipped when he walked out of the double doors, and to my eyes that widened when I saw him.
Pink barrettes in his hair, a silvery skirt that went down to his ankles, cowboy boots—of course—and a white, spaghetti strap shirt beneath a soft-looking, pink cardigan. He was gorgeous, and sexy, and sweet like a vanilla ice cream cone.
“You have a safe word,” I reminded him. “You remembered you could use it, right?”
“Yes.” Mitchell walked on his knees to me, reaching out with his hands to grip the outer seams of my jeans. “I remembered. But I didn’t want to use it. I hated how I felt, but…” He closed his eyes and swallowed, like he didn’t want to admit to the truth and felt sickened by it. “But I knew I needed it. Sir, I need to be okay with being loved like that. I want to find a way to like it before I die. I don’t want to be alone. I don’t want to die before I can feel in my heart—” He touched his chest, looking up at me so earnestly that I felt my throat tighten again. “Until I can feel safe being loved and enjoy it.”
“I love you so much, Sir. I know you don’t believe me—no one ever does—but I do. So, please don’t give up on me.” I bent over, rubbing my hands up and down his naked back. “Don’t give up on me either.”
“I don’t want you to have to deal with my hurt. I’m the Dom, and—”
“And you’re mine,” he murmured, kissing my neck and jaw. “I love you. Be honest with me. Please.”
“I want to try making love to you again. This time, no scene. This time, just us. Can you try? Do you want to?”
I thought about it, a fist in my gut. I suddenly understood the “why” of something I’d never been able to explain it before. To let someone love me? I’d need to let myself be truly weak. The protective power I’d learned to wield was strength made of pain—both the infliction and the endurance of it. Sex without pain was, to me, sex without power, without agency.
But now that we were more equal, maybe I didn’t need power if we were both going to be stripped of it. If we were both going to be vulnerable and bare.
Surrender. Let go. Let him love you.
I imagined my heart was trapped inside a giant locket and with every press of his fingers he turned the lock, again and again until it burst open. There. My heart was beating, beating, beating with love and need and fear. So much fear.
Fifteen minutes later, Minty was screaming his head off, and joy flowed inside me like a river. Happiness, love, lust… As unexpected and even unwanted as this relationship might have started out, there was no denying all my needs were satisfied in the person of Mitchell.
My sweet, dirty, horny boy.
“I want to live because being with you makes my darkness worth carrying.”
The room exploded with cheers from below, and my heart exploded with hope and the joy of Minty being safe and with me. The future was roaring into our present, and I had no idea what it was going to bring. Somehow, someway, we’d get through it together.
Because, against all odds, I knew love was on our side.
I wanted to spend the rest of my life with Luke, playing thrilling games like this, and making love upstairs, and kissing on the sofa, and making dinner together, and living. For the first time ever, I was happy.
So fucking happy.
I’d finally won.
A smile creased the corner of his eyes as he whispered it back, and added, “I love myself too. You help me do that. You show me how to love even the worst parts of me.”
“Every part of you is good.”
January 28, 2024
Minty is a fairy prince who deserves all the love and healing. Luke is the one to provide that for him.
I love this book on so many levels. It's deep, thoughtful, real, difficult (so difficult) and so loving.
I love this book on so many levels. It's deep, thoughtful, real, difficult (so difficult) and so loving.
March 3, 2024
I wanted to LOVE this book so much! And I just didn't 😭 Something didn't work for me.
I love Minty the Fairy Prince, I really do. His experiences are horrible and we, as a society, must save him at all costs 💕 The story was raw and heartbreaking for sure, and I really liked the growth of the character.
It's just... Coming of age series made me feel ALL the feels, so I had super high expectations with this one too. I consider it a me problem.
I love Minty the Fairy Prince, I really do. His experiences are horrible and we, as a society, must save him at all costs 💕 The story was raw and heartbreaking for sure, and I really liked the growth of the character.
It's just... Coming of age series made me feel ALL the feels, so I had super high expectations with this one too. I consider it a me problem.
March 2, 2024
3,8 ⭐️
I wanted to love this one. I truly did. And I did love some elements of it. It’s not a bad story.
But. I felt like the author wanted to tell this story very much. But she didn’t “need” to tell it. So it falls a little flat. And I was a bit bored.
Though I appreciated the background of this story (where Minty’s experience came from). And I did enjoy parts of this story.
I wanted to love this one. I truly did. And I did love some elements of it. It’s not a bad story.
But. I felt like the author wanted to tell this story very much. But she didn’t “need” to tell it. So it falls a little flat. And I was a bit bored.
Though I appreciated the background of this story (where Minty’s experience came from). And I did enjoy parts of this story.
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