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Dungeon #2
Out of the Dungeon
Reality interferes with fantasy... When Jeff is injured in an accident, there's no time for dungeon play. Traction is like non-consensual bondage, and Jeff calls "red." Roman's love for Jeff is as strong as Roman himself, but how much can a man lose before he gives up everything?
Club owner Roman has the perfect Master/slave relationship with his life-partner Jeff, and when they increase the eroticism of their play by bringing Dare into their bed, Roman has everything a man in his position could ever want.
Until the accident.
Now the triangle is completely unbalanced, and Roman and Dare have to figure out how to relate to each other as a twosome.
Everything with Dare is suddenly awkward, so Roman and Vanessa, Jeff's best friend, find comfort in one another. And in the middle of it all, Vanessa begins to suspect she's in way over her head with Suede, her new dominatrix girlfriend.
Sometimes life is messy, and decisions made in crisis have ramifications far beyond the moment. If Roman manages to sort it all out, will Jeff come back?
You can take the Master out of the dungeon, but can you take the Dungeon Master out of Roman?
*
Note to readers: This novel contains scenes with explicit M/M sexual content, one scene with explicit F/F sexual content, and one scene with M/F sexual content (less explicit).
Club owner Roman has the perfect Master/slave relationship with his life-partner Jeff, and when they increase the eroticism of their play by bringing Dare into their bed, Roman has everything a man in his position could ever want.
Until the accident.
Now the triangle is completely unbalanced, and Roman and Dare have to figure out how to relate to each other as a twosome.
Everything with Dare is suddenly awkward, so Roman and Vanessa, Jeff's best friend, find comfort in one another. And in the middle of it all, Vanessa begins to suspect she's in way over her head with Suede, her new dominatrix girlfriend.
Sometimes life is messy, and decisions made in crisis have ramifications far beyond the moment. If Roman manages to sort it all out, will Jeff come back?
You can take the Master out of the dungeon, but can you take the Dungeon Master out of Roman?
*
Note to readers: This novel contains scenes with explicit M/M sexual content, one scene with explicit F/F sexual content, and one scene with M/F sexual content (less explicit).
238 pages, ebook
First published October 24, 2011
11 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Johnson
18 books72 followersSM Johnson hibernates in a conservative community of northern Wisconsin, where she writes characters who aren't exactly mainstream. Her stories are erotic, romantic and often somewhat unexpected. Visit her on blogspot to feed your hunger for darkly erotic fiction, messy lives, and things that go "naughty" in the night. http://www.smjbookteasers.blogspot.com
Most recent release: Aftermath, February 2017. Next release: Nervous, October 1, 2017. Find my books at Amazon, Smashwords, and other ebook retailers.
Thanks for being readers!
Find me on Facebook! SM Johnson writes
https://www.facebook.com/SMJohnsonWrites
PS - Goodreads insists on periods between the S and the M of SM Johnson. But, for the record, the periods are incorrect. And because of this, also for the record, some of my books DO NOT SHOW UP as my books, but as other S.M. Johnson's books.
Most recent release: Aftermath, February 2017. Next release: Nervous, October 1, 2017. Find my books at Amazon, Smashwords, and other ebook retailers.
Thanks for being readers!
Find me on Facebook! SM Johnson writes
https://www.facebook.com/SMJohnsonWrites
PS - Goodreads insists on periods between the S and the M of SM Johnson. But, for the record, the periods are incorrect. And because of this, also for the record, some of my books DO NOT SHOW UP as my books, but as other S.M. Johnson's books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
July 9, 2023
La vida de Roman, Jeff y Dare esta a punto de cambiar de nuevo, cuando Jeff se ve envuelto en un accidente de transito y Dare se da cuenta no quiere ser un sub y menos un esclavo toda su vida. Roman queda solo y triste en su casa y en el club. Pero como las cosas malas siempre vienen juntas, ademas de no tener el dinero para pagar los tratamientos de Jeff, este decide irse a casa de su familia para no molestar a Roman, su club se ve cerrado por un vengativo hombre que fue rechazado, su abuela le pide que regrese a su pueblo natal, y fallece a las pocas semanas.
Asi que ahora los tres deberan volver a reconsiderar sus vidas y planear un nuevo futuro cada uno por su cuenta.
El libro estuvo ok, la trama como tal, fue brincando de un lado a otro sin ninguna linea segura, como si el autor se le fueran ocurriendo ideas y las fuera plasmando en el libro, obligandolas a encajar sin una verdadera razon y esperando que todo resultara logico. No me gusto, como sacaran a Dare de la trama, y agregaron a Vanessa (de verdad? embarazarla?) o como desaparecieron el Club y a todos sus integrantes en la nada. Tampoco me gusto, la linea que le dieron a Dare, de verdad, dejar el BDSM por completo?. Y eso de que Jeff se fuera con sus padres, y Roman estuviera de acuerdo con todo? Donde esta la tristeza? Donde esta el verdadero ruego?
En fin, hubieron muchas cosas en este libro que no le consegui ni pies ni cabeza, pero quiero saber como lo va a arreglar el autor, o por lo menos, quiero entender que quiso hacer con la trama de esta serie y ver hasta donde van a llegar los personajes, asi que voy a continuar con la lectura.
Asi que ahora los tres deberan volver a reconsiderar sus vidas y planear un nuevo futuro cada uno por su cuenta.
El libro estuvo ok, la trama como tal, fue brincando de un lado a otro sin ninguna linea segura, como si el autor se le fueran ocurriendo ideas y las fuera plasmando en el libro, obligandolas a encajar sin una verdadera razon y esperando que todo resultara logico. No me gusto, como sacaran a Dare de la trama, y agregaron a Vanessa (de verdad? embarazarla?) o como desaparecieron el Club y a todos sus integrantes en la nada. Tampoco me gusto, la linea que le dieron a Dare, de verdad, dejar el BDSM por completo?. Y eso de que Jeff se fuera con sus padres, y Roman estuviera de acuerdo con todo? Donde esta la tristeza? Donde esta el verdadero ruego?
En fin, hubieron muchas cosas en este libro que no le consegui ni pies ni cabeza, pero quiero saber como lo va a arreglar el autor, o por lo menos, quiero entender que quiso hacer con la trama de esta serie y ver hasta donde van a llegar los personajes, asi que voy a continuar con la lectura.
November 10, 2012
While I give this four stars, I don't recommend it for most people, because it's the opposite of a romance book. It's a difficult read emotionally. It is therefore far more realistic, but not what I want my escapist fiction reads to be.
October 18, 2017
Why can't I stop being curious about series that are clearly not for me? I still don't like Jeff....like at all. I don't see the great love between Roman and him. They come off very incompatible to me. I still wish Dare and Roman were the focus and main relationship. I'm annoyed that a gay man just randomly slept with a woman because plot, gotta impregnate the one uterus around I guess. I was sad about Roman's granny. But ugh I still wanna know how it all ends up. I hate myself sometimes.
February 1, 2013
I don't know what to say. This was so very different from the first book Above the Dungeon.
This time we seemed to be spending much more time with Roman, the dungeon master, and I loved it. The turns this book took left me with my mouth hanging open. I devoured it in one sitting.
Only complaint was I got to the end, to find the words; want more Roman. Then it tells me I have to wait for another book. Not a problem, but book three isn't out yet, and I don't want to wait. I want my more Roman now!
This time we seemed to be spending much more time with Roman, the dungeon master, and I loved it. The turns this book took left me with my mouth hanging open. I devoured it in one sitting.
Only complaint was I got to the end, to find the words; want more Roman. Then it tells me I have to wait for another book. Not a problem, but book three isn't out yet, and I don't want to wait. I want my more Roman now!
September 4, 2012
Oh no...this ends on an upward swing to HEA. Argh. Hopefully there will be a book 3 because these characters are now firmly entrenched in my life & I NEED to know what happens next.
This book is quite different to the first in that it explores the problems with BDSM when the real world tries to interfere. I'm not saying that it wasn't a good book, merely that it felt more like a transition book rather than a complete, independent story. I'll forgive Johnson for this when book 3 happens. I deducted the 5th star because there were annoying typos in the book which spoiled the experience. Especially when the character was called by the wrong name...makes me snippy as I have to pause & confirm context to see who was actually talking/experiencing the scene. If you loved Above the Dungeon then this book is essential reading; but I wouldn't try to read this book as a stand-alone title.
This book is quite different to the first in that it explores the problems with BDSM when the real world tries to interfere. I'm not saying that it wasn't a good book, merely that it felt more like a transition book rather than a complete, independent story. I'll forgive Johnson for this when book 3 happens. I deducted the 5th star because there were annoying typos in the book which spoiled the experience. Especially when the character was called by the wrong name...makes me snippy as I have to pause & confirm context to see who was actually talking/experiencing the scene. If you loved Above the Dungeon then this book is essential reading; but I wouldn't try to read this book as a stand-alone title.
November 1, 2012
This title is aptly named. Out of the Dungeon is essentially out of the BDSM! When things go wrong for Roman, they really go wrong. The author and a couple of people warned me this book was a bit different than the last. In the last book, we gleefully followed Roman's seduction of Dare. It was hawt! The BDSM D/s was tasty! The beginning of this book continued this trend a bit with some dress up and a smexy anal punishment scene. Oh boy was that one hot! From there on out, it was a freaking train wreck.
Jack is in ICU hit by a truck. He's been wanting to break up with Roman due to Dare. WTF? Seriously? Jack is the one who's always brought another lover into their relationship and the ONE time Roman does it, Jack goes into a snit? He's jealous and won't talk about it. A menage isn't easy and Jack just royally fucks it up. I understand Jack had no control over his accident, but he did have control over what would happen afterward. Roman goes above and beyond for Jack and what does Jack do? He LEAVES HIM! W.T.F? If I didn't like Jack before (which I did not), I really loathe him now. He's not good enough for Roman. I know I'm going to sound like a cruel bitch, but I think Roman would have been better served if Jack died. All the shit Roman has to deal with because he loves Jack is beyond my comprehension. Roman basically gives up EVERYTHING and gets not even a promise in return from Jack. Jack is an asshole. I don't care what anyone says. I don't like him.
The added characters in this story just made the tale messier. Vanessa and Suede were an odd couple. I get why they were added in for the additional drama. Suede was despicable. What a loser and I don't understand why Vanessa stayed for so long. The moment coke was introduced, I would have been out of there like a bat out of hell. What is with all these relationships where one person is so out of balance and making demands they can not keep? I find Suede and Jack to be quite similar. It's disgusting. At least the new guy Zach made some sense and Dare's thread was tied off. I still think there is more to Dare. Will there be another story? I just don't like these unresolved storylines. The story does end in a happily for now manner. It should be interesting to see what can happen next. All I know is that Roman got a really raw deal and I feel badly for him. The only reason why I left this as a 3 star rather than dropping down to a 2 star is because I really felt for Roman. I kept hoping things would turn around for him. Instead, Ms. Johnson just decided to keep kicking Roman in the balls. This story is recommended for m/m lovers who enjoy a bit of kink filled with lots of drama angst.
Jack is in ICU hit by a truck. He's been wanting to break up with Roman due to Dare. WTF? Seriously? Jack is the one who's always brought another lover into their relationship and the ONE time Roman does it, Jack goes into a snit? He's jealous and won't talk about it. A menage isn't easy and Jack just royally fucks it up. I understand Jack had no control over his accident, but he did have control over what would happen afterward. Roman goes above and beyond for Jack and what does Jack do? He LEAVES HIM! W.T.F? If I didn't like Jack before (which I did not), I really loathe him now. He's not good enough for Roman. I know I'm going to sound like a cruel bitch, but I think Roman would have been better served if Jack died. All the shit Roman has to deal with because he loves Jack is beyond my comprehension. Roman basically gives up EVERYTHING and gets not even a promise in return from Jack. Jack is an asshole. I don't care what anyone says. I don't like him.
The added characters in this story just made the tale messier. Vanessa and Suede were an odd couple. I get why they were added in for the additional drama. Suede was despicable. What a loser and I don't understand why Vanessa stayed for so long. The moment coke was introduced, I would have been out of there like a bat out of hell. What is with all these relationships where one person is so out of balance and making demands they can not keep? I find Suede and Jack to be quite similar. It's disgusting. At least the new guy Zach made some sense and Dare's thread was tied off. I still think there is more to Dare. Will there be another story? I just don't like these unresolved storylines. The story does end in a happily for now manner. It should be interesting to see what can happen next. All I know is that Roman got a really raw deal and I feel badly for him. The only reason why I left this as a 3 star rather than dropping down to a 2 star is because I really felt for Roman. I kept hoping things would turn around for him. Instead, Ms. Johnson just decided to keep kicking Roman in the balls. This story is recommended for m/m lovers who enjoy a bit of kink filled with lots of drama angst.
Read
December 19, 2012Hard-core BDSM stories are not really my cup of tea, and so I was a little “scared” to read this novel about the ménages a trois between a 14 years old couple, Roman and Jeff, who are living in a 24/7 Master/slave relationship, and the third “odd man” out, i.e. Dare, the new addition, an addition that was strongly wanted by Roman (from what I understood) and barely accepted by Jeff.
But already from the beginning I realized this novel was analyzing the issues I have with these types of story, without underestimating it; a preface told us that at least one of the three men involved in the ménages a trois (probably Jeff or Dare) are no more comfortable with their arrangement, even if they still find comfort in the “contract”.
From that moment on, the story will take three separate paths: Dare questioning his decision to enter a D/s relationship and the boundaries he can accept and those he doesn’t want to accept; Jeff, in the aftermath of an accident who has left him temporarily immobilized, who is revaluating the concept of “bondage”, what is comfortable and what is not, what he wants in his future and what he cannot no more accept; and also Roman, and his role as “Master”, is he still able to play that role? Or has he to step back and learn again the concept, maybe with different rules?
As in the warning, “Life is messy, and Out of the Dungeon contains depictions of M/M, F/F and F/M couplings”, Out of the Dungeon is almost an excursion on all possible declination of a BDSM story, and how each independent man can relate to it. The solution will not be easy and it has to be “common”, conciliating three or more men (and a woman). Less erotic than expected and way more brainstorming, this novel was not easy but engaging.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ZJ4TX0/?...
But already from the beginning I realized this novel was analyzing the issues I have with these types of story, without underestimating it; a preface told us that at least one of the three men involved in the ménages a trois (probably Jeff or Dare) are no more comfortable with their arrangement, even if they still find comfort in the “contract”.
From that moment on, the story will take three separate paths: Dare questioning his decision to enter a D/s relationship and the boundaries he can accept and those he doesn’t want to accept; Jeff, in the aftermath of an accident who has left him temporarily immobilized, who is revaluating the concept of “bondage”, what is comfortable and what is not, what he wants in his future and what he cannot no more accept; and also Roman, and his role as “Master”, is he still able to play that role? Or has he to step back and learn again the concept, maybe with different rules?
As in the warning, “Life is messy, and Out of the Dungeon contains depictions of M/M, F/F and F/M couplings”, Out of the Dungeon is almost an excursion on all possible declination of a BDSM story, and how each independent man can relate to it. The solution will not be easy and it has to be “common”, conciliating three or more men (and a woman). Less erotic than expected and way more brainstorming, this novel was not easy but engaging.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ZJ4TX0/?...
November 24, 2014
As many reviewers had warned me, this book is much different from book one Above the Dungeon. But "different" worked just fine for me in this sequel that follows our three heroes, Dom Roman and his two subs, Jeff and Dare. All three find their lives in upheaval when Jeff is seriously injured in a traffic accident, and will see their relationships change drastically.
This felt like a somewhat slow read to me, which is exactly what I was in the mood for. I can understand that some readers may have been disappointed with the extensive life issues dealt with in the story, but I found the many unexpected twists and turns fascinating. Doms and subs are people after all, and life can shake them up just as easily as the rest of us. It all felt real to me, as opposed to contrived for the sake of plotting.
I enjoyed the many new characters that Roman was dealing with in the story, including some brief m/f action, and like other readers, sincerely hope there will be a book three soon.
However, I must mention that there were some editing issues with names being changed on several occasions (very disturbing) and a number of typos. I'm hoping to see an updated version for my Kindle so I don't have to deal with that if I re-read the story. Please dear author, clean this up for us.
Update: The author has notified me that errors have now been fixed and an updated version is available for Kindle. Thank You!!
This felt like a somewhat slow read to me, which is exactly what I was in the mood for. I can understand that some readers may have been disappointed with the extensive life issues dealt with in the story, but I found the many unexpected twists and turns fascinating. Doms and subs are people after all, and life can shake them up just as easily as the rest of us. It all felt real to me, as opposed to contrived for the sake of plotting.
I enjoyed the many new characters that Roman was dealing with in the story, including some brief m/f action, and like other readers, sincerely hope there will be a book three soon.
However, I must mention that there were some editing issues with names being changed on several occasions (very disturbing) and a number of typos. I'm hoping to see an updated version for my Kindle so I don't have to deal with that if I re-read the story. Please dear author, clean this up for us.
Update: The author has notified me that errors have now been fixed and an updated version is available for Kindle. Thank You!!
November 7, 2012
This is the sequel of "Above the Dungeon".
I actually read this one back to back with "Above the Dungeon" (book 1 in the series), which made for an interesting contrast. Book 1 is mainly about Roman's seduction of Dare, so I guess I expected book 2 to be more about the relationship between Dare-Jeff-Roman, but it actually ended up having a very different arc, which I found fascinating. Whereas book 1 very much seems to be a growth story for Dare, book 2 was definitely Roman's story in most respects, and showed sides of his character that weren't very visible in book 1, yet definitely felt like believable and realistic character shifts (not out of the blue, what the hell happened? kinds of shifts). It is a tougher book in some ways...more real life stuff happens to the three of them, and at times it has the weight of real life in a way that book 1 didn't. But I read through it just as fast as I had book 1, and felt equally let down at the end, which is generally a sign I was completely wrapped up in the world of the characters and the author. There is a lot of great sex in this one, too, but it's less the focus of the story than book 1, and has more behind it in some ways, especially in some of the scenes with Roman towards the last third of the book, (don't want to give too much away).
I'm definitely looking forward to (and hoping there is a) book 3! Roman, in particular, is a character I don't feel like I've quite gotten enough of yet.
Oh, and I loved naughty granny! lolll
I actually read this one back to back with "Above the Dungeon" (book 1 in the series), which made for an interesting contrast. Book 1 is mainly about Roman's seduction of Dare, so I guess I expected book 2 to be more about the relationship between Dare-Jeff-Roman, but it actually ended up having a very different arc, which I found fascinating. Whereas book 1 very much seems to be a growth story for Dare, book 2 was definitely Roman's story in most respects, and showed sides of his character that weren't very visible in book 1, yet definitely felt like believable and realistic character shifts (not out of the blue, what the hell happened? kinds of shifts). It is a tougher book in some ways...more real life stuff happens to the three of them, and at times it has the weight of real life in a way that book 1 didn't. But I read through it just as fast as I had book 1, and felt equally let down at the end, which is generally a sign I was completely wrapped up in the world of the characters and the author. There is a lot of great sex in this one, too, but it's less the focus of the story than book 1, and has more behind it in some ways, especially in some of the scenes with Roman towards the last third of the book, (don't want to give too much away).
I'm definitely looking forward to (and hoping there is a) book 3! Roman, in particular, is a character I don't feel like I've quite gotten enough of yet.
Oh, and I loved naughty granny! lolll
September 20, 2012
2.5 stars
The sequel to "Above the Dungeon" deals more with the intrusions of regular life than play. And while I enjoy the more reality embracing point of view and not just the fantasy aspect of fetish, the choice of character POVs and changes was disturbing. There wasn't continuity, as a reader I felt off balance and abandoned at times as characters who were so important came and went. While I appreciate that this is relevant to the actual plot--life has changes and one's priorities do change dramatically, it made for more difficult reading and less willingness to invest in the characters.
Second, there were a couple TSTL moments in this one. There were also some shocking character reactions and actions to the course of events. It definitely had a surreal quality to it. But, in the end all of the machinations left me with less trust for all the characters. It wasn't quite like being thrown off a cliff, but close.
Roman comes out as the primary focus and his personal epiphanies are honest and interesting and why I would say if you read and enjoyed Dungeon #1, then go ahead and read this.
The sequel to "Above the Dungeon" deals more with the intrusions of regular life than play. And while I enjoy the more reality embracing point of view and not just the fantasy aspect of fetish, the choice of character POVs and changes was disturbing. There wasn't continuity, as a reader I felt off balance and abandoned at times as characters who were so important came and went. While I appreciate that this is relevant to the actual plot--life has changes and one's priorities do change dramatically, it made for more difficult reading and less willingness to invest in the characters.
Second, there were a couple TSTL moments in this one. There were also some shocking character reactions and actions to the course of events. It definitely had a surreal quality to it. But, in the end all of the machinations left me with less trust for all the characters. It wasn't quite like being thrown off a cliff, but close.
Roman comes out as the primary focus and his personal epiphanies are honest and interesting and why I would say if you read and enjoyed Dungeon #1, then go ahead and read this.
March 19, 2015
Wow...we get thrown for a tailspin right away with Out of the Dungeon, and I will admit to shedding more than a few tears as these guys struggle with the aftermath. It was done from the point of view of all the different main characters, and it was interesting to get into each of their heads to see what was going on with them. It was a deeply emotional read, but I did find myself quite annoyed with Vanessa, Roman, and even Dare too. Poor Van is hung up on Suede to the point where I just started to skim over her lamenting how she isn't being treated right. Girl needed to get a backbone...end of story. Roman and Dare's relationship is complicated at best, but something just didn't feel right. I think each of the characters were going through some very real emotions that were not sugarcoated in the least, but some of their struggles became a tad irritating. But on the flip side of that, I enjoyed that they are all still very imperfect and that we were left with a dubious and very real-life type conclusion that brings us into the next book. And you know I immediately dived into it, because I had to know where the story goes from here! lol
November 4, 2013
You really need to read the previous book in the series before you start on this one. Preferably back to back, or if it's been a while, I suspect a reread may be helpful. (As I read them back to back myself, I don't know how well this story works if you don't remember well what happened in the first story.)
I know some other reviewers don't like this book because of the lack of escapism romance in this story (which never even occurred to me until I read other reviews), but the realistic relationship dynamics of the characters truly trumped the lack of romance for me. This isn't escapism; this could be a real relationship happening somewhere in the country right now.
There was not a moment of this story that I didn't completely understand where the characters were coming from, their motivations for their actions. Thus, I completely accepted the consequences of those actions as presented without hating the characters for anything. Every action and reaction made perfect sense.
This story shocked and amazed me with the turns it took. I think I expected the story to take the usual leading-to-a-happy trope-like turns, which is why I was so totally amazed with the directions this story headed instead (much to the chagrin of other readers,). This wasn't a romantic fantasy of HEA. This is a look at a harsh reality of how things can really play out in a poly relationship. Not everything in life is happy or always works out. Things change. Reality changes. And that is this story's strength, not its weakness.
Jeff and Dare are at a breaking point with each other. Dare intuits what is happening with Jeff and doesn't want to be what makes Jeff and Roman's long-time relationship fall apart. He's also not sure he wants the same thing Roman wants anyway. Jeff doesn't want to speak up to Roman because he puts Roman's happiness before his own, even though it's killing him inside. And Roman is too caught up in what he wants to see what it's doing to Dare or Jeff.
And then Jeff is hit by a truck and things come crashing down. Neither Roman nor Jeff can control the events of the next several months of Jeff's life, which is ultimately what unravels them. But the reality is that each only wants the other to be happy and healthy and is willing to do anything to help the other achieve that end, You may tell me that's not romance, but don't tell me that's not love, because it is. They still love each other more than words can say.
It just cannot be the same love as it was before these events all started. They are different people now because of recent events, and they have to figure out if they can move forward as they are, not try to regain what they lost. And maybe they can move forward.
There are F/F and M/F bits to this book, and they are just as well-driven as the rest of the book. Do not think for a moment that I've described everything which happens in this book in the paragraphs above. There is SO much more that goes on. And every bit of it works together to create a fascinating maelstrom of emotion and activity. It's not HEA, but there is hope in the end. (There is a third book, after all.)
And though I think this book is hands-down better story-wise than the first book, the proofing in this one was lacking, particularly in the last half. There were at least three instances where the name "Dare" should have been "Roman" instead, which seriously messed with my head when I caught them. I had to go back and forth between pages in a couple of cases to make sure I figured out what was intended instead of what was written. Bad form for letting that garbage slip through the proofing cracks. (There are some other proofing issues as well.)
And for those who have read many of my reviews and know how much I harp on proofing, grammar, and such: How much does it say about my feelings on this story that I still choose to give it 5 stars even knowing it had serious issues like that? That's how impressed I was with this book.
I can't wait to read book three. (Though I cringe to think the same proofing issues may exist in the next book. I hope not.)
I know some other reviewers don't like this book because of the lack of escapism romance in this story (which never even occurred to me until I read other reviews), but the realistic relationship dynamics of the characters truly trumped the lack of romance for me. This isn't escapism; this could be a real relationship happening somewhere in the country right now.
There was not a moment of this story that I didn't completely understand where the characters were coming from, their motivations for their actions. Thus, I completely accepted the consequences of those actions as presented without hating the characters for anything. Every action and reaction made perfect sense.
This story shocked and amazed me with the turns it took. I think I expected the story to take the usual leading-to-a-happy trope-like turns, which is why I was so totally amazed with the directions this story headed instead (much to the chagrin of other readers,). This wasn't a romantic fantasy of HEA. This is a look at a harsh reality of how things can really play out in a poly relationship. Not everything in life is happy or always works out. Things change. Reality changes. And that is this story's strength, not its weakness.
Jeff and Dare are at a breaking point with each other. Dare intuits what is happening with Jeff and doesn't want to be what makes Jeff and Roman's long-time relationship fall apart. He's also not sure he wants the same thing Roman wants anyway. Jeff doesn't want to speak up to Roman because he puts Roman's happiness before his own, even though it's killing him inside. And Roman is too caught up in what he wants to see what it's doing to Dare or Jeff.
And then Jeff is hit by a truck and things come crashing down. Neither Roman nor Jeff can control the events of the next several months of Jeff's life, which is ultimately what unravels them. But the reality is that each only wants the other to be happy and healthy and is willing to do anything to help the other achieve that end, You may tell me that's not romance, but don't tell me that's not love, because it is. They still love each other more than words can say.
It just cannot be the same love as it was before these events all started. They are different people now because of recent events, and they have to figure out if they can move forward as they are, not try to regain what they lost. And maybe they can move forward.
There are F/F and M/F bits to this book, and they are just as well-driven as the rest of the book. Do not think for a moment that I've described everything which happens in this book in the paragraphs above. There is SO much more that goes on. And every bit of it works together to create a fascinating maelstrom of emotion and activity. It's not HEA, but there is hope in the end. (There is a third book, after all.)
And though I think this book is hands-down better story-wise than the first book, the proofing in this one was lacking, particularly in the last half. There were at least three instances where the name "Dare" should have been "Roman" instead, which seriously messed with my head when I caught them. I had to go back and forth between pages in a couple of cases to make sure I figured out what was intended instead of what was written. Bad form for letting that garbage slip through the proofing cracks. (There are some other proofing issues as well.)
And for those who have read many of my reviews and know how much I harp on proofing, grammar, and such: How much does it say about my feelings on this story that I still choose to give it 5 stars even knowing it had serious issues like that? That's how impressed I was with this book.
I can't wait to read book three. (Though I cringe to think the same proofing issues may exist in the next book. I hope not.)
February 26, 2012
Boy, did this book take a 180 degree turn from the last book! Now, that's not to say that I didn't like it...it was just really different. Gone was the kinky fun of Above the Dungeon. This book is more serious, less fun. It started with Roman's partner, Jeff, getting in a serious accident and needing months to recover. Jeff, in fact, is in the book very little.
This book is really about Roman, and how his life has changed since Jeff's accident. Vanessa, Jeff's best friend, is in this a lot. Although I like her, I could have used a little less Vanessa & Suede.
Dare, from the previous book, is also not in this very much. (Dear author--please tell me you're writing a fun, kinky book for Dare?!!)
The ending of the book gives me hope that the next book (I hope there's another) will be back to being fun and kinky. The issues that were addressed here were finally beginning to be resolved at the end.
I have to say that I disagree with the blurb when it says that this can be read as a stand-alone. Every character from the previous book is back in this one. This story starts right where the last one ended. I would definitely recommend reading Above the Dungeon first!
This book is really about Roman, and how his life has changed since Jeff's accident. Vanessa, Jeff's best friend, is in this a lot. Although I like her, I could have used a little less Vanessa & Suede.
Dare, from the previous book, is also not in this very much. (Dear author--please tell me you're writing a fun, kinky book for Dare?!!)
The ending of the book gives me hope that the next book (I hope there's another) will be back to being fun and kinky. The issues that were addressed here were finally beginning to be resolved at the end.
I have to say that I disagree with the blurb when it says that this can be read as a stand-alone. Every character from the previous book is back in this one. This story starts right where the last one ended. I would definitely recommend reading Above the Dungeon first!
May 23, 2012
This was not at all what I was expecting. I was up and down throughout this part of the dungeon story. I liked that there was trouble in the threesome relationship and that changes had to be made. They all seemed to be losing something at one point or another. Everyone is unhapy with things but Roman. Then, Jeff's accident changes things for everyone, and their lives spin out of control. Roman deals with his various losses in different ways, but submitting to Thomas was one of the hottest scenes in the book.
There was way too much Vanessa in this story. Her issues with Suede seemed to drag on way too long.
Gigi, aka NaughtyGranny68, is a hoot. Wish there was more of her and less of the Vanessa/Suede drama.
By the end, things seem to be working themselves out in another direction for everyone. I hope we get to see more in another book.
There was way too much Vanessa in this story. Her issues with Suede seemed to drag on way too long.
Gigi, aka NaughtyGranny68, is a hoot. Wish there was more of her and less of the Vanessa/Suede drama.
By the end, things seem to be working themselves out in another direction for everyone. I hope we get to see more in another book.
January 17, 2013
Updated review after reading the revised edition.....
Ms. Johnson has done a wonderful job revising "Out of the Dungeon". She's managed to stay true to the original storyline and characters and yet at the same time she's given us more insight into Roman.
I highly recommend that anyone who loved "Above the Dungeon" but wasn't too enamored with the original "Out of the Dungeon" read this new revised edition. It is fabulous! Roman no longer comes across as such an ass. I can't wait until Book three is released!
Original Review: This was nothing like I'd expected and honestly the way it ended left me thinking WTF?! Can't say more without spoiling it completely so I won't but I seriously this was a total contradiction to things that Roman said. He's a selfish ass!
Ms. Johnson has done a wonderful job revising "Out of the Dungeon". She's managed to stay true to the original storyline and characters and yet at the same time she's given us more insight into Roman.
I highly recommend that anyone who loved "Above the Dungeon" but wasn't too enamored with the original "Out of the Dungeon" read this new revised edition. It is fabulous! Roman no longer comes across as such an ass. I can't wait until Book three is released!
Original Review: This was nothing like I'd expected and honestly the way it ended left me thinking WTF?! Can't say more without spoiling it completely so I won't but I seriously this was a total contradiction to things that Roman said. He's a selfish ass!
September 7, 2012
I'll start out by saying the Out of the Dungeon is really very different from the first book in the series. Usually, when a series seems to really deviate from the first book I'm disappointed BUT NOT THIS TIME. This story is focused much more on the emotions and feelings of the characters. This book focus more on Roman but we do get some insight into the other characters as well. There are also lots of twists and turns in this story but you really get to see the process of deciding what is important in a relationship the way you live your kink or the person themselves. This books is very deep and draws you into the characters lives. I'd really love to see one book that sort of wraps things up and lets us know where all the soul searching finally leads.
June 22, 2016
I enjoyed this one even more than the first book...but Suede sucks the big one.
It focused less on BDSM scenes and more on the changing dynamics in Roman's life. His fascination with Dare has created some problems for Jeff. Then tragedy strikes and Jeff is badly injured. He no longer wants to stay with Roman as he can't perform his duties so goes to recover with his parents. Dare also jumps ship as he wants to pursue a more vanilla lifestyle.
Roman is left rudderless, without his lovers and without his club. So when his grandma calls for help, he goes back home for a while. I don't want to spoil anything but let's just say that a whole bunch of unexpected stuff happens and Roman finds a new path...loved it.
It focused less on BDSM scenes and more on the changing dynamics in Roman's life. His fascination with Dare has created some problems for Jeff. Then tragedy strikes and Jeff is badly injured. He no longer wants to stay with Roman as he can't perform his duties so goes to recover with his parents. Dare also jumps ship as he wants to pursue a more vanilla lifestyle.
Roman is left rudderless, without his lovers and without his club. So when his grandma calls for help, he goes back home for a while. I don't want to spoil anything but let's just say that a whole bunch of unexpected stuff happens and Roman finds a new path...loved it.
November 7, 2013
Many things bothered me about this book, but i'm just gonna talk about the biggest issue for me. Which is all the F/F and M/F. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against it. But that is not why I bought the book at all. There were sooo many different relationships in this book! (Roman/Jeff, Roman/Dare, Roman/Vanessa, Vanessa/Suede, Dare/Zach Roman/Jason) and on top of that you got at least four different POV's that changes rapidly through the book. I mean, the whole Vanessa storyline? I was like ¨what is this doing in the MMM book about Jeff, Roman and Dare?¨
All in all, I ended up not finishing the book.
All in all, I ended up not finishing the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2012
Well who would have guessed that life throws you lemons even in the world of kink - well a little more like hand grenades than lemons. I thought this was such a new twist that I hadn't really read previously about how life tragedies can be thrown at you and how it changes you and molds you into someone different.
I don't know what's going to happen to these men and this women after this story ends but I'm confident that it will be good.
I don't know what's going to happen to these men and this women after this story ends but I'm confident that it will be good.
March 23, 2013
Growing pains.
Dare manned up, followed at a glacial pace by Rowan. I may just live through this after all... LoL! These guy's are paying the cost.
Life, death, the continued pursuit of happiness and BDSM? Yeah.
March 11, 2017
I'm wavering between 3-4 stars, so I guess I'll round it up.
I am definitely getting into this series, the characters are very interesting and there is a method to this author's madness - everything is just taking longer to come together than I'm used to (even in a five book series).
Like Roman, he had to start out as an egocentric asshole in order to figure out he was one and make any changes... his was the character that offended me the most in the first book and he actually turned out to be the most interesting.
There is also just a lot about this author's writing style that took me some getting used to, but it's obviously working since I keep on reading.
I am definitely getting into this series, the characters are very interesting and there is a method to this author's madness - everything is just taking longer to come together than I'm used to (even in a five book series).
Like Roman, he had to start out as an egocentric asshole in order to figure out he was one and make any changes... his was the character that offended me the most in the first book and he actually turned out to be the most interesting.
There is also just a lot about this author's writing style that took me some getting used to, but it's obviously working since I keep on reading.
July 19, 2014
well, that wasn't what i expected, and i am torn as to how i feel about it.
what i did expect, and wanted to happen, was a book to work out the triangle between roman, jeff, and dare that got set up in the first book. that setup was full of unresolved tension, and i was looking forward to an interesting process of resolving that; there was plenty of material here.
what i got was a book that basically destroyed both the relationships between roman and jeff as well as roman and dare, wedged in jeff's best friend vanessa who has a crush on a toxic domme and then sleeps with roman and gets pregnant because both roman and vanessa are TSTL and don't use condoms during their grief-submission fueled romp between the sheets -- while jeff lies in hospital having barely survived an accident, and dare has removed himself from the picture out of guilt. classy, roman and vanessa, classy. there's more mf and ff sex here than mm, and since i bought this book unseen and blurb-unread because i liked the first book (which is very solidly mm) that was beyond annoying. yes, i do mind girl bits in my gay romance/erotica/BDSM.
aside from going completely counter to my general expectations, and therefore feeling neither like a romance nor erotic, there were some interesting things here which i appreciate -- there is a huge difference between fantasy BDSM, and the harsh reality when things go wrong. people can love each other and yet not be able to figure out how to live together. not everyone goes through a traumatic experience and comes out stronger and more appreciative about life afterwards; some people get broken (jeff, in this case). consensual bondage games, even when treated seriously in a 24/7 slave relationship are a very different thing from non-consensual bondage due to a spinal injury, and i can believe that this might throw a serious spanner into the works. i am not sure i like that roman, the super-confident dom, completely loses his grip on all aspects of his life, but i do like how he begins putting the pieces back together. i also appreciate any attempts to show non-traditional family building; we need so much more of that so that people can realize they have many more choices than what is commonly pushed on us by society's standards.
but. but but but. there is just too much destruction here, and characters act in ways that make no sense to me -- jeff's reaction to vanessa's pregnancy is completely unbelievable. jeff and roman's interest in the het chick is ... yeah, totally not gay, and they have both been portrayed as 100% gay before, and jeff even as het-phobic. this strikes me uncomfortably like a straight woman's fantasy of her gay lust objects really just waiting to get with her -- akin to how some straight men fantasize about faux-lesbians who turn into hot bi babes eager to copulate with the straight guy -- i've always thought that was skeevy, and i find the reverse skeevy as well. i am ok with gender fluidity, and i appreciate "love knows no boundaries" but this doesn't feel authentically like either of those.
i also never really came to like jeff and root for him and roman -- i only ever see him as a selfish little queen; he can fall in love, but the first time roman does, jeff does his best to push dare out of the picture, and worst of all, does not hold true to his contract with roman, which actually could handle this situation. i do feel for him right after the accident, but then he basically throws away a 12 year relationship over his new hangup, and sorry, but that's too much. to me that relationship is dead. i feel both roman and jeff are selfish arseholes to dare, who doesn't deserve to be treated this way. dare i really like, and compared to the rest of the selfish lot he actually has a set of functional ethics, but i get very little of him here. which, since he is primarily why i bought this second book (and the third at the same time, which i now mildly regret), leaves me a sad panda.
i wanted to appreciate the non-traditional bits more than i actually did; the book felt like a hot mess with the additional characters who're taking over most of the action, and i was just not happy with that.
what i did expect, and wanted to happen, was a book to work out the triangle between roman, jeff, and dare that got set up in the first book. that setup was full of unresolved tension, and i was looking forward to an interesting process of resolving that; there was plenty of material here.
what i got was a book that basically destroyed both the relationships between roman and jeff as well as roman and dare, wedged in jeff's best friend vanessa who has a crush on a toxic domme and then sleeps with roman and gets pregnant because both roman and vanessa are TSTL and don't use condoms during their grief-submission fueled romp between the sheets -- while jeff lies in hospital having barely survived an accident, and dare has removed himself from the picture out of guilt. classy, roman and vanessa, classy. there's more mf and ff sex here than mm, and since i bought this book unseen and blurb-unread because i liked the first book (which is very solidly mm) that was beyond annoying. yes, i do mind girl bits in my gay romance/erotica/BDSM.
aside from going completely counter to my general expectations, and therefore feeling neither like a romance nor erotic, there were some interesting things here which i appreciate -- there is a huge difference between fantasy BDSM, and the harsh reality when things go wrong. people can love each other and yet not be able to figure out how to live together. not everyone goes through a traumatic experience and comes out stronger and more appreciative about life afterwards; some people get broken (jeff, in this case). consensual bondage games, even when treated seriously in a 24/7 slave relationship are a very different thing from non-consensual bondage due to a spinal injury, and i can believe that this might throw a serious spanner into the works. i am not sure i like that roman, the super-confident dom, completely loses his grip on all aspects of his life, but i do like how he begins putting the pieces back together. i also appreciate any attempts to show non-traditional family building; we need so much more of that so that people can realize they have many more choices than what is commonly pushed on us by society's standards.
but. but but but. there is just too much destruction here, and characters act in ways that make no sense to me -- jeff's reaction to vanessa's pregnancy is completely unbelievable. jeff and roman's interest in the het chick is ... yeah, totally not gay, and they have both been portrayed as 100% gay before, and jeff even as het-phobic. this strikes me uncomfortably like a straight woman's fantasy of her gay lust objects really just waiting to get with her -- akin to how some straight men fantasize about faux-lesbians who turn into hot bi babes eager to copulate with the straight guy -- i've always thought that was skeevy, and i find the reverse skeevy as well. i am ok with gender fluidity, and i appreciate "love knows no boundaries" but this doesn't feel authentically like either of those.
i also never really came to like jeff and root for him and roman -- i only ever see him as a selfish little queen; he can fall in love, but the first time roman does, jeff does his best to push dare out of the picture, and worst of all, does not hold true to his contract with roman, which actually could handle this situation. i do feel for him right after the accident, but then he basically throws away a 12 year relationship over his new hangup, and sorry, but that's too much. to me that relationship is dead. i feel both roman and jeff are selfish arseholes to dare, who doesn't deserve to be treated this way. dare i really like, and compared to the rest of the selfish lot he actually has a set of functional ethics, but i get very little of him here. which, since he is primarily why i bought this second book (and the third at the same time, which i now mildly regret), leaves me a sad panda.
i wanted to appreciate the non-traditional bits more than i actually did; the book felt like a hot mess with the additional characters who're taking over most of the action, and i was just not happy with that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2014
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
3.75 Stars
The story of Roman, Jeff and Dare continues and straight away there is a different feel to the story. Roman is oblivious to how Jeff is really feeling and is also choosing to ignore the fact that Dare is slowly pulling back. Romans behaviour felt a bit off to me as he had been so caring and intuitive in the first book.
With his head in the clouds and thoughts of his contract distracting him Jeff is involved in an accident that leaves him fighting for his life. Dare is immediately there to support him but as the days wear on he backs further and further away determined he must no longer intrude on Roman and Jeff’s relationship.
There is a side story running whilst all this is going on that involves Suede and Vanessa and when Roman finds himself having to provide aftercare for Vanessa when Suede negates her duties he ends up taking her home. I really disliked Roman at this point as his aftercare involved so much more than it should. With his heart breaking for Jeff and the trouble he had with his relationship with Dare I thought he behaved like a total ass!
Roman I am angry with you!!
There is less dungeon and more emotion in this book. The accident is plays a huge role and with Dare leaving to try and find his purpose in life and Jeff going home with his parents to recover Roman is suddenly left alone. His club closes and he finds himself in Minnesota to deal with a family problem. His behaviour is still erratic. He misses Dare and he is broken hearted over Jeff yet he still has this compulsion to mess things up. The news from Vanessa left me stunned, I don’t like her at all, and then at a local fetish club he picks up another sub new to the lifestyle.
Reeling from a death in his family he phones Jeff for support. Jeff is not coping well with his living arrangements and heads to Minnesota to offer support. There is quite obviously something very strong and worth fighting for left between these two men but there are so many outside influences to take into consideration that you have to wonder how it is ever going to work out. I am looking forward to book 3, hoping there will be less Vanessa, and wishing Jeff a speedy recovery.
3.75 Stars
The story of Roman, Jeff and Dare continues and straight away there is a different feel to the story. Roman is oblivious to how Jeff is really feeling and is also choosing to ignore the fact that Dare is slowly pulling back. Romans behaviour felt a bit off to me as he had been so caring and intuitive in the first book.
With his head in the clouds and thoughts of his contract distracting him Jeff is involved in an accident that leaves him fighting for his life. Dare is immediately there to support him but as the days wear on he backs further and further away determined he must no longer intrude on Roman and Jeff’s relationship.
There is a side story running whilst all this is going on that involves Suede and Vanessa and when Roman finds himself having to provide aftercare for Vanessa when Suede negates her duties he ends up taking her home. I really disliked Roman at this point as his aftercare involved so much more than it should. With his heart breaking for Jeff and the trouble he had with his relationship with Dare I thought he behaved like a total ass!
Roman I am angry with you!!
There is less dungeon and more emotion in this book. The accident is plays a huge role and with Dare leaving to try and find his purpose in life and Jeff going home with his parents to recover Roman is suddenly left alone. His club closes and he finds himself in Minnesota to deal with a family problem. His behaviour is still erratic. He misses Dare and he is broken hearted over Jeff yet he still has this compulsion to mess things up. The news from Vanessa left me stunned, I don’t like her at all, and then at a local fetish club he picks up another sub new to the lifestyle.
Reeling from a death in his family he phones Jeff for support. Jeff is not coping well with his living arrangements and heads to Minnesota to offer support. There is quite obviously something very strong and worth fighting for left between these two men but there are so many outside influences to take into consideration that you have to wonder how it is ever going to work out. I am looking forward to book 3, hoping there will be less Vanessa, and wishing Jeff a speedy recovery.
March 24, 2013
This was a transition book and I'm glad I had
in line to read because I would have been depressed.
3.5 stars
Jeff's been injured and broken his neck and is in bondage he can't safeword out of and Roman is reaping the damage to his relationship to Jeff because of Dare. Jeff wants out of the relationship and has gone to his family's home to recover and leaving Roman. They didn't have health insurance and Roman ends up selling everything off, including the club that was his lifeblood, to pay the bills. Dare has also left because he doesn't want to be in the middle and doesn't want to cause any more issues. Roman is down and his 86 year-old grandmother who adores him, has offered him a safe haven, his childhood home to come back to and help her fight his father trying to take guardianship over her.
Grandma is up on the internet and has a Fetlife profile and she passes off her invitation to a party at the local club to Roman and he meets Jason. He's much more cautious in his approach to Jason as he has learned his lesson with Dare even though he doesn't know if Jeff will ever come back to him.
A side story is that Vanessa finally hooks up with Suede, unfortunately Suede doesn't take care of Vanessa after a scene and Roman takes care of her and they end up together the night of Jeff's accident and she ends up pregnant.
This was kind of a depressing book but positive too because it's a new start for Roman and eventually a reconnection with Jeff and a possible addition of Jason.
in line to read because I would have been depressed.3.5 stars
Jeff's been injured and broken his neck and is in bondage he can't safeword out of and Roman is reaping the damage to his relationship to Jeff because of Dare. Jeff wants out of the relationship and has gone to his family's home to recover and leaving Roman. They didn't have health insurance and Roman ends up selling everything off, including the club that was his lifeblood, to pay the bills. Dare has also left because he doesn't want to be in the middle and doesn't want to cause any more issues. Roman is down and his 86 year-old grandmother who adores him, has offered him a safe haven, his childhood home to come back to and help her fight his father trying to take guardianship over her.
Grandma is up on the internet and has a Fetlife profile and she passes off her invitation to a party at the local club to Roman and he meets Jason. He's much more cautious in his approach to Jason as he has learned his lesson with Dare even though he doesn't know if Jeff will ever come back to him.
A side story is that Vanessa finally hooks up with Suede, unfortunately Suede doesn't take care of Vanessa after a scene and Roman takes care of her and they end up together the night of Jeff's accident and she ends up pregnant.
This was kind of a depressing book but positive too because it's a new start for Roman and eventually a reconnection with Jeff and a possible addition of Jason.
December 26, 2011
I actually read this one back to back with "Above the Dungeon" (book 1 in the series), which made for an interesting contrast. Book 1 is mainly about Roman's seduction of Dare, so I guess I expected book 2 to be more about the relationship between Dare-Jeff-Roman, but it actually ended up having a very different arc, which I found fascinating. Whereas book 1 very much seems to be a growth story for Dare, book 2 was definitely Roman's story in most respects, and showed sides of his character that weren't very visible in book 1, yet definitely felt like believable and realistic character shifts (not out of the blue, what the hell happened? kinds of shifts). It is a tougher book in some ways...more real life stuff happens to the three of them, and at times it has the weight of real life in a way that book 1 didn't. But I read through it just as fast as I had book 1, and felt equally let down at the end, which is generally a sign I was completely wrapped up in the world of the characters and the author. There is a lot of great sex in this one, too, but it's less the focus of the story than book 1, and has more behind it in some ways, especially in some of the scenes with Roman towards the last third of the book, (don't want to give too much away).
I'm definitely looking forward to (and hoping there is a) book 3! Roman, in particular, is a character I don't feel like I've quite gotten enough of yet.
I'm definitely looking forward to (and hoping there is a) book 3! Roman, in particular, is a character I don't feel like I've quite gotten enough of yet.
August 4, 2016
I enjoyed the first book of this series, and this second one hasn't disappointed me! I stayed up way to late to finish it.
The story again focuses on the relationship between Roman, Jeff and Dare though this is really the story of Roman's rocky road! We take up about 3 months after the end of the first book, and all is not well.
Jeff is unhappy with the change in dynamics after Dare has joined him and Roman. And whilst a central character, we don't hear much from him due to his accident.
Dare is unhappy too, coming to terms with what he is and is not comfortable with after a sustained experience of the 24/7 life Jeff and Roman lead. He is also growing into himself after being repressed for most of his life and we see a more assured version, especially in crisis.
Roman is a bit oblivious, taking their 'ok's' at face value though his more human side does come out after Jeff's accident and his carefully constructed world is crumbling around him.
I enjoyed the journey that these characters went on in this book even though it wasn't all plain sailing. Have just seen that there is likely to be a third very soon - yay!
The story again focuses on the relationship between Roman, Jeff and Dare though this is really the story of Roman's rocky road! We take up about 3 months after the end of the first book, and all is not well.
Jeff is unhappy with the change in dynamics after Dare has joined him and Roman. And whilst a central character, we don't hear much from him due to his accident.
Dare is unhappy too, coming to terms with what he is and is not comfortable with after a sustained experience of the 24/7 life Jeff and Roman lead. He is also growing into himself after being repressed for most of his life and we see a more assured version, especially in crisis.
Roman is a bit oblivious, taking their 'ok's' at face value though his more human side does come out after Jeff's accident and his carefully constructed world is crumbling around him.
I enjoyed the journey that these characters went on in this book even though it wasn't all plain sailing. Have just seen that there is likely to be a third very soon - yay!
January 15, 2013
Don't read this book until you have read Above the Dungeon. I enjoyed the first book in the series and became very immersed with the characters. This second book threw me a few left curves. I liked that. I liked that it went in a direction that I never suspected. I had not read the synopsis so was surprised about what happened to Jeff.
In the end I felt unsatisfied. I can't say I was pleased with any of the characters endings. There was such great character building and then blah. Too bad really. Perhaps there is another in the series and this really isn't the end. I should investigate further and see as I really hope so. If there is another in the works, I will raise the star rating.
On a side note, I started to wonder if the original version of the book had Roman named Dare and Dare named Roman. On more than one occasion, the name's were mixed up which is a classic word/replace error. Anyway, it bothered me and I see from other reviews that it bothered other readers. Makes me wonder how many people proof read the book before publishing. I would be happy to help out if needed! lol
In the end I felt unsatisfied. I can't say I was pleased with any of the characters endings. There was such great character building and then blah. Too bad really. Perhaps there is another in the series and this really isn't the end. I should investigate further and see as I really hope so. If there is another in the works, I will raise the star rating.
On a side note, I started to wonder if the original version of the book had Roman named Dare and Dare named Roman. On more than one occasion, the name's were mixed up which is a classic word/replace error. Anyway, it bothered me and I see from other reviews that it bothered other readers. Makes me wonder how many people proof read the book before publishing. I would be happy to help out if needed! lol
July 4, 2013
3.5 stars. Man, was this book a struggle. It was just so incredibly different than the first book. The characters didn't feel right. Even considering the accident and how trauma impacts people, they (Roman especially) still felt like completely different characters. And, of course, where the first book had more BDSM elements, this book seemed to be more about the emotional side of things. Although I enjoyed the introspection and emotion, I would've liked more of a balance between the two. For the majority of the book, I felt like the BDSM was left behind.
I'm disappointed with the way Dare was handled. After the first book, what happened with Dare didn't make sense to me. And I'm not sure exactly what to say about the Vanessa storyline. Although after finishing the book, I am curious to see how that story plays out.
It wasn't until I was 86% of the way through the book that I finally glimpsed the Roman from book one. He was finally a Dom again. I missed him greatly. I thoroughly enjoyed the story from that point forward. I found myself being interested in how Jason will fit into the picture. Looking forward to book three.
I'm disappointed with the way Dare was handled. After the first book, what happened with Dare didn't make sense to me. And I'm not sure exactly what to say about the Vanessa storyline. Although after finishing the book, I am curious to see how that story plays out.
It wasn't until I was 86% of the way through the book that I finally glimpsed the Roman from book one. He was finally a Dom again. I missed him greatly. I thoroughly enjoyed the story from that point forward. I found myself being interested in how Jason will fit into the picture. Looking forward to book three.
March 8, 2015
I really wish I had read these closer together. I don't remember all the details from book one. I do remember that it took me quite a wile to click with it fully. Dare was jumping in head first, without even dipping his toe in first to see if he could handle it. It was a little fast, but a whole lot HOT!
This time around...Roman world was crashing down around him.
Roman was in bad shape, dealing with real life, without Jeff, was more difficult than he could have imagined.
I actually thought this one, was more believable than book one, which made it enjoyable. (pov changes were still a slight issue for me, but if I remember correctly, it was an improvement from last time, and not to bad)
And even mid train wreck, there was still some time for some hot scenes.
This time around...Roman world was crashing down around him.
Roman was in bad shape, dealing with real life, without Jeff, was more difficult than he could have imagined.
I actually thought this one, was more believable than book one, which made it enjoyable. (pov changes were still a slight issue for me, but if I remember correctly, it was an improvement from last time, and not to bad)
And even mid train wreck, there was still some time for some hot scenes.
January 22, 2015
I will sometimes catch myself in an argument (with myself, no less) on what is or is not 'fair' to expect from a novel. Sometimes it's simply a questioning of "Well if nothing's wrong, then why hold back on the rating?"
This was solid writing and Johnson stayed true to the characters from the first novel in the series, while placing them in new situations to experience and grow from changes. Although the synopsis and premise are accurate, I felt just a tad of the initial sizzle was missing, but am not sure where or why.
Perhaps it was trade-off in fleshing out Roman's character or his relationships - the mystique of a Dom fading in the pedestrian light of every day life. I am also not sure why I thought Jeff's decision to head home to his parents was suddenly dropped in readers' laps. It was logical, there was a clear progression of events leading up to it, and it made sense at that point in the story. We had had more than enough of his insecurities and jealousies between both titles, so this may be an unfair reaction.
Still gonna read the next in the series.
This was solid writing and Johnson stayed true to the characters from the first novel in the series, while placing them in new situations to experience and grow from changes. Although the synopsis and premise are accurate, I felt just a tad of the initial sizzle was missing, but am not sure where or why.
Perhaps it was trade-off in fleshing out Roman's character or his relationships - the mystique of a Dom fading in the pedestrian light of every day life. I am also not sure why I thought Jeff's decision to head home to his parents was suddenly dropped in readers' laps. It was logical, there was a clear progression of events leading up to it, and it made sense at that point in the story. We had had more than enough of his insecurities and jealousies between both titles, so this may be an unfair reaction.
Still gonna read the next in the series.
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