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Cutting Cords #3
Cleave
Sequel to Vessel On New Year's Eve, Cole Fujiwara stands vigil at his father's deathbed while his surrogate wife, Noriko, gives birth to twins. As Cole contemplates his future, he acknowledges that he's living his father's dream... and that he's probably destroyed his chance at happiness with Sloan, the love of his life. Finding harmony in an emerging D/s relationship has not been without issue for Sloan Driscoll and his Master, Trent Hamilton. Their journey has been littered with mishaps, but their powerful love and sexual connection continue to bind them together-until Sloan comes face to face with Cole for the first time in nine months. The meeting means different things to each of them. To Cole, it's the first step on the path to a reunion. To Sloan, it's a terrible mistake, one he confesses immediately. As for Trent, the bitter realization that a connection between the former lovers still exists forces him to issue an ultimatum. Is Sloan willing to do anything to prove their relationship is worth saving, including becoming Trent's 24/7 slave? And if Sloan stays with Trent, how can Cole ever hope to find happiness again?
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 10, 2012
4 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Mickie B. Ashling
51 books346 followersMICKIE B. ASHLING is the pseudonym of a multi-published author who resides in a suburb outside Chicago. She is a product of her upbringing in various cultures, having lived in Japan, the Philippines, Spain, and the Middle East. Fluent in three languages, she’s a citizen of the world and an interesting mixture of East and West.
Since 2009, Mickie has written several dozen novels in the LGBTQ+ genre—which have been translated into French, Italian, Spanish, and German. A lot of her backlist is “Under Construction” as she slowly transitions from traditional publishing to representing herself. Her goal is to have most of her novels back in the universe by the end of 2023.
CONTACT INFO:
Email: mickie.ashling@gmail.com
Website: mickieashling.com
Blog: mickiebashling.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mickie.ashling
Twitter: @MickieAshling
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/micki...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickieashling/
Since 2009, Mickie has written several dozen novels in the LGBTQ+ genre—which have been translated into French, Italian, Spanish, and German. A lot of her backlist is “Under Construction” as she slowly transitions from traditional publishing to representing herself. Her goal is to have most of her novels back in the universe by the end of 2023.
CONTACT INFO:
Email: mickie.ashling@gmail.com
Website: mickieashling.com
Blog: mickiebashling.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mickie.ashling
Twitter: @MickieAshling
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/micki...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickieashling/
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 16, 2012
I will have to review this after I cool off. The relationship between Trent and Sloan is not a D/s relationship at all, and I have major issues with the way it was portrayed. The use of erotic knife play with a cutter (a mental illness) was nauseating. The D/s relationship was corrupted into a Master/slave relationship without proper consent. And Cole was thrown under the bus.
So angry. Disappointed. Betrayed.
So angry. Disappointed. Betrayed.
December 22, 2021
Everything I expected and more! So perfect!
October 22, 2014
A great romance with a strong D/s undercurrent. Sloan and Trent finally have it all. I should feel sorry for Cole but I can't.
June 17, 2012
same review as v1-2
The cutting cords series is a good example of how you can fall in love with someone but how, over time, if the people involved want different things out of life and desire a different future, things can easily fall apart.
The series did a really good job of not trying to squeeze in too much too fast. Sloan and Cole meet in book 1 at a time in both their lives where things are out of their control and outside expectations are slowly destroying them. Through their relationship they find what they need in their lives in each other. Its a emotional roller coaster and despite how well they fit, they also have their share of problems.
In book 2 its been 5 years and Sloan and Cole have changed a lot from their old selves. Its seen in Sloan's career choice and his more outspoken behavior and in Cole's desire for children at all cost and to follow his families' wishes. This is where what they want for their futures and who they've become start to conflict with their current relationship.
And in book 3 its been almost another year and we're treated to an entire book devoted to mainly Sloan and Cole's resolution to the choices they've made in their lives and where they're going from here.
Despite sometimes hating certain characters with a passion and feeling - at times - like I didn't know why I was continueing to read because things got so sad sometimes, I think this series does a great job at covering how people change and, in doing so, realize that not only might their career, where they live, personal style, or feelings be something they've outgrown but also how people can outgrow a relationship. Its definitely one of those cartharic reads.
As for the BDSM sections of the story, personally I'm not attracted in this genre much at all. I'm fine with the D/S aspects but when it comes to the tools and the 'scenes' I don't find myself interested much. What's good about this story for people who have similar feelings as mine to BDSM is that Sloan himself is fine with the D/S aspects as well but sometimes chafes or flat out refuses the scenes or tools so there's only a very light BDSM tone to what occurs so I wouldn't let that stop you from reading.
The cutting cords series is a good example of how you can fall in love with someone but how, over time, if the people involved want different things out of life and desire a different future, things can easily fall apart.
The series did a really good job of not trying to squeeze in too much too fast. Sloan and Cole meet in book 1 at a time in both their lives where things are out of their control and outside expectations are slowly destroying them. Through their relationship they find what they need in their lives in each other. Its a emotional roller coaster and despite how well they fit, they also have their share of problems.
In book 2 its been 5 years and Sloan and Cole have changed a lot from their old selves. Its seen in Sloan's career choice and his more outspoken behavior and in Cole's desire for children at all cost and to follow his families' wishes. This is where what they want for their futures and who they've become start to conflict with their current relationship.
And in book 3 its been almost another year and we're treated to an entire book devoted to mainly Sloan and Cole's resolution to the choices they've made in their lives and where they're going from here.
Despite sometimes hating certain characters with a passion and feeling - at times - like I didn't know why I was continueing to read because things got so sad sometimes, I think this series does a great job at covering how people change and, in doing so, realize that not only might their career, where they live, personal style, or feelings be something they've outgrown but also how people can outgrow a relationship. Its definitely one of those cartharic reads.
As for the BDSM sections of the story, personally I'm not attracted in this genre much at all. I'm fine with the D/S aspects but when it comes to the tools and the 'scenes' I don't find myself interested much. What's good about this story for people who have similar feelings as mine to BDSM is that Sloan himself is fine with the D/S aspects as well but sometimes chafes or flat out refuses the scenes or tools so there's only a very light BDSM tone to what occurs so I wouldn't let that stop you from reading.
April 27, 2014
Dear Mickie B Ashling.
I have in the past enjoyed your writing, which is often challenging (in a good way). I appreciate that you want to write complex character studies, and that that can become quite painful for your characters (and therefore for me, the reader, as well); I accept that. I do not appreciate that you now completely fuck with this genre while torturing your characters. Genre fiction has certain rules, some of which can be bent and twisted to surprise the reader, some of which are inviolate.
HEA/HFN is inviolate for romance. And no, that does not mean that the main couple spends a book getting together and then breaks up and one of them finds another love 2 books later. It means the main characters get their happy ending with each other, because you spent an entire book letting us get invested in them. Sure, the failure of relationships is part of real life, but I don't read romance for sad, semi-realistic destruction to sour my Wheaties, I read romance for a feel-good experience that makes it all better in the end, to offer relief, escape from real life. I trust that romance will deliver that; it's in the genre contract. Just like when I buy milk chocolate, I don't expect it to contain horse shit. Where do you get off trying to ruin my bedtime enjoyment? And Dreamspinner? What the hell? Maybe you're trying to be all avant-garde, but how about you do that on your own dime! You should not have published this and the previous book without warnings.
Horse shit is fantastic when I am improving the soil in my garden. I read a lot of fiction for other reasons than comfort, and had I encountered this series outside of the romance genre, I'd be fine with it (mostly; IMO Trent is a lousy dom no matter what genre). And I wouldn't feel cheated.
So, thanks, but no thanks. I will not buy another book by you unless it's been vetted by other people, since the publisher can't be trusted either.
I have in the past enjoyed your writing, which is often challenging (in a good way). I appreciate that you want to write complex character studies, and that that can become quite painful for your characters (and therefore for me, the reader, as well); I accept that. I do not appreciate that you now completely fuck with this genre while torturing your characters. Genre fiction has certain rules, some of which can be bent and twisted to surprise the reader, some of which are inviolate.
HEA/HFN is inviolate for romance. And no, that does not mean that the main couple spends a book getting together and then breaks up and one of them finds another love 2 books later. It means the main characters get their happy ending with each other, because you spent an entire book letting us get invested in them. Sure, the failure of relationships is part of real life, but I don't read romance for sad, semi-realistic destruction to sour my Wheaties, I read romance for a feel-good experience that makes it all better in the end, to offer relief, escape from real life. I trust that romance will deliver that; it's in the genre contract. Just like when I buy milk chocolate, I don't expect it to contain horse shit. Where do you get off trying to ruin my bedtime enjoyment? And Dreamspinner? What the hell? Maybe you're trying to be all avant-garde, but how about you do that on your own dime! You should not have published this and the previous book without warnings.
Horse shit is fantastic when I am improving the soil in my garden. I read a lot of fiction for other reasons than comfort, and had I encountered this series outside of the romance genre, I'd be fine with it (mostly; IMO Trent is a lousy dom no matter what genre). And I wouldn't feel cheated.
So, thanks, but no thanks. I will not buy another book by you unless it's been vetted by other people, since the publisher can't be trusted either.
June 26, 2012
When I finished the second book in this series I wasn't exactly happy.
The two main characters had deluded me, especially Cole, and I didn't see how this could get better.
I was wrong, this book is just right.
The two main characters had deluded me, especially Cole, and I didn't see how this could get better.
I was wrong, this book is just right.
May 14, 2012
Well gosh I don't know where to begin. I hate when people give spoilers in a review, especially when a book is this new. So I will try to keep too many details out of this. Now let me say I wasn't a fan of either Trent or Cole. Noriko was someone I just wanted to punch in the mouth!!!When the story started it just hit the ground running. I could feel Sloan's heart being pulled in different directions and I knew almost from the start where it would end up. The ride was sooooo worth it. Now, I said I didn't like Trent or Cole. This story showed so much more of their hearts and minds that I could finally see the good and the bad of both of them. I actually understood more where Cole came from and Trent stole my heart with his 100% support of Sloan. This book made me cry AGAIN and I just couldn't decide where I wanted Sloan to give his heart a home. Cole finally realized the mistake he made, but was it too little too late? Trent wants everything from Sloan, but is he willing to give his all? There are some moments where I felt like telling Sloan to pack up and move on. Through some rough times with Cole and Trent Sloan seemed to find himself, he was finally able to stand up and say "This is what I want, this is what I need." I was shocked to find I loved the ending. It seems they all got a HEA or atleast a HFN. I hope everyone that reads this can atleast feel the peace that finally seems to have found Sloan, and that makes me happy for him. I think I also finally get the message Ms Ashling was trying to convey, this isn't Cole's story or Trent's story, it was all about Sloan. If this turns out to only be a trilogy, that is fine, but I also wouldn't mind an update in the future to make sure everyone is still on the straight and narrow. Thank you Ms Ashling, I haven't felt this attached to a character in a while, you are amazing.
June 16, 2012
Angst lovers take heart...there's plenty to go around in this book for sure.
It's not very often that I bother to write a review on a book I've recently read. Usually a book has to make a pretty deep impression on me, before I feel the need to share my experience. "Cleave" by Mickie B. Ashling is such a book.
I sooooo enjoyed books 1 & 2 in the "Cutting Cords" series, so it was a no brainer that I would be buying & reading the 3rd and final installment into the lives of Cole & Sloan. This book picks up about 9 months down the road from where the 2nd book ended (the big break-up) Even though, the book (and series for that matter) is written from both their points of view, I feel they mainly center around Sloan. To sum the book "Cleave" up...birth, death, heartache, relationships and a wedding. Now it's up to you to find out who gets what, as I don't want to spoil the fun for you.
Hmmm, perhaps this might not be the last book of the series, as I've read other people say...there might just be room for a 4th book. But if not, it's easy to assume the future for these men without a 4th.
Have you ever read a book where you'd just love to meet the characters in real life? (as if they were actually real people) Sloan & Cole are characters I feel I'd love to meet. I love it when a author's work is so believable, that it makes the characters & their stories become a part of your life.
While, perhaps the book it doesn't end as some people might feel it should, the characters all showed growth and maturity, making the ending a reasonable conclusion for sure in my mind. Everyone seemed happy now with the choices they made in the end. I think Sloan is still a work in progress and will always have issues that crop up, but his partner has the knowledge & love to keep him centered.
It's not very often that I bother to write a review on a book I've recently read. Usually a book has to make a pretty deep impression on me, before I feel the need to share my experience. "Cleave" by Mickie B. Ashling is such a book.
I sooooo enjoyed books 1 & 2 in the "Cutting Cords" series, so it was a no brainer that I would be buying & reading the 3rd and final installment into the lives of Cole & Sloan. This book picks up about 9 months down the road from where the 2nd book ended (the big break-up) Even though, the book (and series for that matter) is written from both their points of view, I feel they mainly center around Sloan. To sum the book "Cleave" up...birth, death, heartache, relationships and a wedding. Now it's up to you to find out who gets what, as I don't want to spoil the fun for you.
Hmmm, perhaps this might not be the last book of the series, as I've read other people say...there might just be room for a 4th book. But if not, it's easy to assume the future for these men without a 4th.
Have you ever read a book where you'd just love to meet the characters in real life? (as if they were actually real people) Sloan & Cole are characters I feel I'd love to meet. I love it when a author's work is so believable, that it makes the characters & their stories become a part of your life.
While, perhaps the book it doesn't end as some people might feel it should, the characters all showed growth and maturity, making the ending a reasonable conclusion for sure in my mind. Everyone seemed happy now with the choices they made in the end. I think Sloan is still a work in progress and will always have issues that crop up, but his partner has the knowledge & love to keep him centered.
July 6, 2012
When I saw Cleave on NetGalley, I was not aware that it was part of trilogy.
I was interested in the BDSM side of the story, and even though I haven´t read the first two books it was easy to pick up where the story was coming from.
I found Sloan very interesting, and Trent working on the mysterious side.
The Edge play/knife play well plotted and developed. I am not an expert on the subject but considering Sloan´s past I think the author did a great job working around his state of mind and getting him to a better/safer place.
And with a Dom that was able to handle the situation, taking him into that subspace and bringing him back with a positive experience instead of a hurting one.
Sloan is a character that needs reassurance, need to be told that he is worthy and beautiful and that he is loved.
That doesn´t mean he is the weakest link in the relationship, for all his strong personality Trent lacks the strength to face his own emotions and share them.
Cole, Sloan´s ex-boyfriend, has some serious issues. I want to learn more about him, he is an interesting character.
I think it is a great book, my first time reading the author and I really like her style.
Like I said I am not a BDSM expert but the story line is pretty real and has a good flow.
I will be getting the first two books in the trilogy as soon as possible to get the complete story.
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley
I was interested in the BDSM side of the story, and even though I haven´t read the first two books it was easy to pick up where the story was coming from.
I found Sloan very interesting, and Trent working on the mysterious side.
The Edge play/knife play well plotted and developed. I am not an expert on the subject but considering Sloan´s past I think the author did a great job working around his state of mind and getting him to a better/safer place.
And with a Dom that was able to handle the situation, taking him into that subspace and bringing him back with a positive experience instead of a hurting one.
Sloan is a character that needs reassurance, need to be told that he is worthy and beautiful and that he is loved.
That doesn´t mean he is the weakest link in the relationship, for all his strong personality Trent lacks the strength to face his own emotions and share them.
Cole, Sloan´s ex-boyfriend, has some serious issues. I want to learn more about him, he is an interesting character.
I think it is a great book, my first time reading the author and I really like her style.
Like I said I am not a BDSM expert but the story line is pretty real and has a good flow.
I will be getting the first two books in the trilogy as soon as possible to get the complete story.
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley
July 10, 2012
Just finished reading the book. I fell in love with Sloan and Trent and their special relationship. Finally I even understood Cole and his twisted emotions. Will he find a new love with Bryce? And what about Tin and Max? I would love to read more...
May 26, 2012
I am disappointed. It sort of tie the loose ends of the second but wasn't the way I expect it.
May 25, 2016
I liked this one. Nowhere near as awkward and herky-jerky as Vessel. It really pulled the whole thing together in a satisfying way.
June 12, 2012
Cleave is the third book in the Cutting Cords series. The previous books explored the long-term relationship between Cole and Sloan. When they met they were both deeply troubled men. Sloan was dealing with low self-esteem and fighting the urge to cut himself and Cole was coming to terms with going blind. Their story has been a mixture of happiness and heartbreak. They broke up when Cole decided it was time for him to have children without bothering to consult Sloan first. Sloan was reluctant to have children but willing to take that step if that was what Cole needed. The final straw for him was when Cole decided, for legal reasons, to marry the woman his father had chosen to bear the children. Sloan refused to accept that part of the arrangement and the two men separated.
This book begins with Cole’s wife giving birth to their sons in one hospital room while his father is on his deathbed in another. Cole finally realizes he has made the worst decision of his life by discarding Sloan in favor of granting his father’s dying wish of having grandsons. Throughout their relationship Cole was arrogant, selfish and delusional so I was thrilled to finally see him realize that all of Sloan’s predictions have come true. Cole’s quick decline into severe depression forces them to come together and deal with their unresolved feelings. Of course, in normal Cole fashion, he has to go about repairing the damaged relationship with Sloan by emotionally torturing him even more.
Sloan is in a new relationship with Trent. Trent believes Sloan is a natural submissive and wants to be his master. I liked Trent and loved how he gave Sloan the comfort he needed but hated seeing how harsh he could also be. I realize they’re both consenting adults but it was still grueling for me to read some of the things they were doing. I genuinely care about Sloan so reading about their knife play and the slave punishments handed out over contact with Cole made me very uncomfortable, bordering on nauseous, at times. After seeing Sloan struggle with cutting in the past I had difficulty understanding knife play as being healing and helpful for him. Their relationship was very difficult for me and I was never able to fully embrace it.
Even though there were parts of this book which were uncomfortable and disturbing for me, I still loved the series as a whole. It follows Sloans journey from a disturbed young man all the way to a confident, successful and, most importantly, happy man. His relationship with Cole was heartbreaking at the end but it was realistic and helped both of them to eventually find happiness even if it wasn’t with each other. It’s an intense story that was uplifting even if it enraged me at times. It’s amazingly well written and just so damn good! I loved it and would recommend it to anyone who can appreciate a deeper, darker, more gritty romance.
This book begins with Cole’s wife giving birth to their sons in one hospital room while his father is on his deathbed in another. Cole finally realizes he has made the worst decision of his life by discarding Sloan in favor of granting his father’s dying wish of having grandsons. Throughout their relationship Cole was arrogant, selfish and delusional so I was thrilled to finally see him realize that all of Sloan’s predictions have come true. Cole’s quick decline into severe depression forces them to come together and deal with their unresolved feelings. Of course, in normal Cole fashion, he has to go about repairing the damaged relationship with Sloan by emotionally torturing him even more.
Sloan is in a new relationship with Trent. Trent believes Sloan is a natural submissive and wants to be his master. I liked Trent and loved how he gave Sloan the comfort he needed but hated seeing how harsh he could also be. I realize they’re both consenting adults but it was still grueling for me to read some of the things they were doing. I genuinely care about Sloan so reading about their knife play and the slave punishments handed out over contact with Cole made me very uncomfortable, bordering on nauseous, at times. After seeing Sloan struggle with cutting in the past I had difficulty understanding knife play as being healing and helpful for him. Their relationship was very difficult for me and I was never able to fully embrace it.
Even though there were parts of this book which were uncomfortable and disturbing for me, I still loved the series as a whole. It follows Sloans journey from a disturbed young man all the way to a confident, successful and, most importantly, happy man. His relationship with Cole was heartbreaking at the end but it was realistic and helped both of them to eventually find happiness even if it wasn’t with each other. It’s an intense story that was uplifting even if it enraged me at times. It’s amazingly well written and just so damn good! I loved it and would recommend it to anyone who can appreciate a deeper, darker, more gritty romance.
May 17, 2012
Before anything, I want to make something very clear: I truly, absolutely, adored the book - the writing was, as always with Mickie, beautiful, and the did make perfect sense as an ending to Sloan's saga.
However,
However,
July 7, 2012
Cleave by Mickie B. Ashling is the third book in the Cutting Cords trilogy. In this installment Sloan Driscoll and Trent Hamilton reach some real understanding regarding their Dom/sub relationship, while Cole Fujiwara and the surrogate mother of his twins, Noriko come to a new stage in their relationship.
Cleave is a very appropriate title for this book, since the word can mean both severing and clinging. I loved this particular book in the trilogy. Cleave ties together some of the loose threads in the earlier books. Ashling reveals some of Trent's personal and family background. Before Cleave, Trent was the shadowy, mysterious figure; this book fleshes out his character.
Cleave focuses primarily on the relationship between Sloan and Trent. There are some painful moments with tears and recriminations, as well as more detail on the BDSM lifestyle. Is Sloan really a sub? He finds some aspects of the Dom/sub relationship disturbing. Nevertheless, he is strongly attracted to Trent. The passion between them is very fiery and Sloan needs the boundaries set by Trent.
Read the rest of the review at Creative Ink Romance Reviews.
Cleave is a very appropriate title for this book, since the word can mean both severing and clinging. I loved this particular book in the trilogy. Cleave ties together some of the loose threads in the earlier books. Ashling reveals some of Trent's personal and family background. Before Cleave, Trent was the shadowy, mysterious figure; this book fleshes out his character.
Cleave focuses primarily on the relationship between Sloan and Trent. There are some painful moments with tears and recriminations, as well as more detail on the BDSM lifestyle. Is Sloan really a sub? He finds some aspects of the Dom/sub relationship disturbing. Nevertheless, he is strongly attracted to Trent. The passion between them is very fiery and Sloan needs the boundaries set by Trent.
Read the rest of the review at Creative Ink Romance Reviews.
May 12, 2012
noooo, it's already over, that's what I thought when I looked through the last page.
As for the previous two books, Cleave gives me strong and conflicting feelings and emotions. You can write bad words in the reviews? because to Cole, I would say a lot, but maybe I can forgive him as Sloan (you just do not think about what I did!). Trent, wow, was already a strong character but in this book was superb, sympathetic, supportive, balanced and truly loves and respects Sloan, who is a wonderful person with this un'animo full of love, humility, understanding. Reading this book is like a roller coaster, it is shocking, exciting but also very sweet and has a sense of calm and contentment that you have left, at the end when you look back finished the book on Sloan and Trent.
As for the previous two books, Cleave gives me strong and conflicting feelings and emotions. You can write bad words in the reviews? because to Cole, I would say a lot, but maybe I can forgive him as Sloan (you just do not think about what I did!). Trent, wow, was already a strong character but in this book was superb, sympathetic, supportive, balanced and truly loves and respects Sloan, who is a wonderful person with this un'animo full of love, humility, understanding. Reading this book is like a roller coaster, it is shocking, exciting but also very sweet and has a sense of calm and contentment that you have left, at the end when you look back finished the book on Sloan and Trent.
May 14, 2012
I have just finished reading Cleave by Mickie B. Ashling and all I can say is WOW! I fell in love with the damaged Sloan in Cutting Cords , watched him develop in Vessel but to see him emerge at the end of Cleave is brilliant. He has become so strong and I feel that now he could take on the world and win.
I love the relationship between Sloan and Trent and I feel that it was only Trent who could bring Sloan to his full potential.
I would love at some time to read more about Trent and find out where he came from and what made him into the man who we met in Vessel. Any chance, Ms. Ashling?
I have to give this book 5 stars and I highly recommend it.
I love the relationship between Sloan and Trent and I feel that it was only Trent who could bring Sloan to his full potential.
I would love at some time to read more about Trent and find out where he came from and what made him into the man who we met in Vessel. Any chance, Ms. Ashling?
I have to give this book 5 stars and I highly recommend it.
May 14, 2012
What I loved about this book is where most books fail for me...the first person that you fall in love isn't necessarily the only person you will ever fall in love with. Relationships end and you have to move on and build new relationships.
February 22, 2015
WONDERFUL! Sloan's HEA!! That's all I wanted and I was completely happy with this book. Thank you!!
October 23, 2012
Loved this trilogy and although I wanted to strangle certain characters at various times I think that only shows how involved I got in their lives.
May 21, 2012
So, this didn't go where I thought it might. I'm still digesting and not sure how much I like or dislike that just yet. I'll do my best to rate it for what it is and not where I thought it was going. And the rest of this is going in spoiler tags.
In the end, the greatest thing about this story is its realism. I cannot fault it for where it went or the characters and how true they were to themselves. I guess I enjoyed it for what it was. I'm not sure if I wish it was what it wasn't still. I just don't know.
Fewer foreign words this time. Still some poor editing (last 2 books I checked, Max's surname is Leavitte, not Levitte), but not as many errors as the previous book.
Overall, I sort of feel 'meh' about the rest of the series. I liked the original story, and I don't particularly like where it ended. It was okay, but not what I wanted. I'm not sure why I'm giving it four stars, exactly, except that the realism and the bittersweetness were worth it, even though it's not what I wanted and I didn't exactly buy it in the end. It definitely evoked emotion, and not bad emotion (unlike another story I can think of).
Still. Meh. Where's Tin's story?
In the end, the greatest thing about this story is its realism. I cannot fault it for where it went or the characters and how true they were to themselves. I guess I enjoyed it for what it was. I'm not sure if I wish it was what it wasn't still. I just don't know.
Fewer foreign words this time. Still some poor editing (last 2 books I checked, Max's surname is Leavitte, not Levitte), but not as many errors as the previous book.
Overall, I sort of feel 'meh' about the rest of the series. I liked the original story, and I don't particularly like where it ended. It was okay, but not what I wanted. I'm not sure why I'm giving it four stars, exactly, except that the realism and the bittersweetness were worth it, even though it's not what I wanted and I didn't exactly buy it in the end. It definitely evoked emotion, and not bad emotion (unlike another story I can think of).
Still. Meh. Where's Tin's story?
October 2, 2014
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
4.5 Stars
The surrogate wife is due to give birth and Cole should be over the moon as he finally get wants he wants after giving up so much but he is not in a happy place. His father is dying and he is feeling confused and resentful. Sloan is still not responding the way he expects him to and seems to be happy in a new relationship with Trent.
Trent and Sloan are working out the parameters of their new D/s relationship and everything is rosy and right until Sloan meets his ex at the funeral parlour and the lines become blurred once again. Sloan is nothing but honest and goes straight to Trent to confess his error. He is left having to decide how important Sloan is to him and whether he can tolerate a 24/7 slave relationship until their problems have been resolved.
Cole seems stuck in the past and is still trying to have his cake and eat it. His treatment of Sloan with regards to how he sees their relationship going forward cheapens everything they ever had. As Sloan had warned him months before the surrogate mother starts making demands and will not be easily fobbed off. I am still amazed at Cole’s utter selfishness to get what he wanted!
Whilst Sloan works on gaining Trent’s trust Cole is at home with 2 babies and stuck in a loveless and sexless marriage. Depression slowly creeps in and he finally seems to come to his senses and realise just how badly he has treated the man who was once his world. His entire situation is out of control and he makes a decision that is incredibly stupid but also turns out to be the start of his recovery.
Getting Cole healthy and making him finally realise that their relationship is over allows Sloan to start building a platonic friendship with his ex.
Although still not a fan of Cole’s after his selfish behaviour it was good to see him getting help to be well and finally taking back control of his life. His parents and his own bad behaviour and disregard for anyone else’s feelings ended up nearly killing him.
It finished right before the wedding!!! Ahhhh....waiting for book 4!!
4.5 Stars
The surrogate wife is due to give birth and Cole should be over the moon as he finally get wants he wants after giving up so much but he is not in a happy place. His father is dying and he is feeling confused and resentful. Sloan is still not responding the way he expects him to and seems to be happy in a new relationship with Trent.
Trent and Sloan are working out the parameters of their new D/s relationship and everything is rosy and right until Sloan meets his ex at the funeral parlour and the lines become blurred once again. Sloan is nothing but honest and goes straight to Trent to confess his error. He is left having to decide how important Sloan is to him and whether he can tolerate a 24/7 slave relationship until their problems have been resolved.
Cole seems stuck in the past and is still trying to have his cake and eat it. His treatment of Sloan with regards to how he sees their relationship going forward cheapens everything they ever had. As Sloan had warned him months before the surrogate mother starts making demands and will not be easily fobbed off. I am still amazed at Cole’s utter selfishness to get what he wanted!
Whilst Sloan works on gaining Trent’s trust Cole is at home with 2 babies and stuck in a loveless and sexless marriage. Depression slowly creeps in and he finally seems to come to his senses and realise just how badly he has treated the man who was once his world. His entire situation is out of control and he makes a decision that is incredibly stupid but also turns out to be the start of his recovery.
Getting Cole healthy and making him finally realise that their relationship is over allows Sloan to start building a platonic friendship with his ex.
Although still not a fan of Cole’s after his selfish behaviour it was good to see him getting help to be well and finally taking back control of his life. His parents and his own bad behaviour and disregard for anyone else’s feelings ended up nearly killing him.
It finished right before the wedding!!! Ahhhh....waiting for book 4!!
October 11, 2012
This is the third book in the Cutting Cord Series and is a book with M/M relations with BDSM elements.
The word cleave has two synonym meanings, one is embrace and the second is cutting which seems to be a good description for this book.
Sloan & Trent have been in a relationship together for the last nine months. Trent hasn't said a declaration of love for Sloan. Trent has indirectly told him that he want commitment between them in the way of a collaring.
Cole and Sloan share a history together, being childhood friends then lovers for the last 5 years. Cole and Sloan cut ties with their relationship nine months ago for Cole to succeed in what his family (mostly his father) wanted, a marriage with children. Cole's wife just gave birth to his twin sons just prior to the passing of Cole's father.
On the day of the funeral, an indiscretion occurs between Cole and Sloan. Sloan returns to his home with the intention of telling Trent about it.
What happens when Trent discovers about it?
There seems to be many twists and plots taking place in this book with different POVs which seem to direct the book into a HEA ending...Or is there?
The word cleave has two synonym meanings, one is embrace and the second is cutting which seems to be a good description for this book.
Sloan & Trent have been in a relationship together for the last nine months. Trent hasn't said a declaration of love for Sloan. Trent has indirectly told him that he want commitment between them in the way of a collaring.
Cole and Sloan share a history together, being childhood friends then lovers for the last 5 years. Cole and Sloan cut ties with their relationship nine months ago for Cole to succeed in what his family (mostly his father) wanted, a marriage with children. Cole's wife just gave birth to his twin sons just prior to the passing of Cole's father.
On the day of the funeral, an indiscretion occurs between Cole and Sloan. Sloan returns to his home with the intention of telling Trent about it.
What happens when Trent discovers about it?
There seems to be many twists and plots taking place in this book with different POVs which seem to direct the book into a HEA ending...Or is there?
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