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Rorschach Blots
Sev won't go back to the swim team. Sev won't accept his best friend's girlfriend. He will sit behind the art classroom and smoke his joint.
He definitely won't analyze why he wants to spank his teacher.
*Free on Smashwords
Words: 54,380 complete
He definitely won't analyze why he wants to spank his teacher.
*Free on Smashwords
Words: 54,380 complete
163 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2012
11 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
August 22, 2014
astonishing.
not at all what i thought.
i picked this up in one of my moods, listlessly scanning the first page to see if the author gave a shit about the opening line, and 100 pages later i found i could only pause long enough to fap real quick before moving on to the next chapter.
an unfortunate ending as abrupt and clumsy as the rest was nuanced and sophisticated was my only complaint.
this shit is da bomb—and i'm not even into spanking.
truly outstanding. see my first status for more incoherent raving, and then go read this.
recommended, and bonus stars for the cool cover devoid of beheaded torsos brooding over random high school lockers.
not at all what i thought.
i picked this up in one of my moods, listlessly scanning the first page to see if the author gave a shit about the opening line, and 100 pages later i found i could only pause long enough to fap real quick before moving on to the next chapter.
an unfortunate ending as abrupt and clumsy as the rest was nuanced and sophisticated was my only complaint.
this shit is da bomb—and i'm not even into spanking.
truly outstanding. see my first status for more incoherent raving, and then go read this.
recommended, and bonus stars for the cool cover devoid of beheaded torsos brooding over random high school lockers.
December 30, 2014
Yeah, so about that blurb..let me tell you that there’s a difference between a "free book" and Smashwords/the author letting you "set your own price". The outcome is the same: I still snatched it for free. But not without feeling like a miserly, guilty dipshit afterwards. I pledge to pay up $$$ for this author’s other works if I end up loving this one.
But that was last evening...
..before I didn’t go to bed until 3 AM, because I couldn’t stop reading this oddly engrossing book.
And what a peculiar read Rorschach Blots was! It was by no means flawless, nah-ah! The grammar mistakes, typos and incorrect tense switches are numerous. There’s altogether too much giggling going on by the MCs (young girls and psychopaths in clown masks can giggle their heart out: please let adults at least chuckle or something!). The exaggerated descriptions of the MCs’ facial expressions and behavior makes them appear, especially in the beginning, almost theatrical. And a teacher kinking it up in his own classroom, really now? Though a stream of juicy Daily Mail articles comes to mind in which teachers did exactly that and more in real life, so I’m willing to overlook that bit. Also, for the sake of kickstarting this natural BDSM adventure! And, the funkiest thing: for a good couple of pages I simply couldn’t make up my mind. Was the writing in Rorschach Blots just clunky or did the author actually pull off the narration of the slightly off-kilter high school kid perfectly?
Right. So now that I’ve dumped my doubts and annoyances all over you and you’re probably about to make a stealthy escape from this book, STOP. I haven’t lost my mind. Those 5 stars are not a mistake. Though it’s perhaps going to be a little difficult to counter the negatives mentioned above, eh. So let me just start by saying that this book sank its claws into me and didn’t let go. The author really nailed the pacing and plotting here. I found it impossible to put it down once I’d overtaken the initial hurdles: I contemplated peeing in an empty apple juice carton, okay?!
Isn’t this what we all hope to encounter in our reads though?
And I’m pretty confident that what I perceived as clunky narration at first, was actually deliberate. You see, the MC is a high school kid who’s not without issues. Reading his coming of age experiences and troubles from his POV only, having him make decisions based on his character, was a pretty addictive thing. The writing felt real to me, it fit the MC like a glove. Oh sure, Rorschach Blots does feel a bit like a rough draft (no pun intended). I personally found that rather charming. But I admit that by now I’m used to fanfiction that’s a little rough around the edges, so your mileage may vary. More importantly, this book was so compelling that I ended up not caring about all these little things that would normally bug me.
Do give it a go!
But that was last evening...
..before I didn’t go to bed until 3 AM, because I couldn’t stop reading this oddly engrossing book.
And what a peculiar read Rorschach Blots was! It was by no means flawless, nah-ah! The grammar mistakes, typos and incorrect tense switches are numerous. There’s altogether too much giggling going on by the MCs (young girls and psychopaths in clown masks can giggle their heart out: please let adults at least chuckle or something!). The exaggerated descriptions of the MCs’ facial expressions and behavior makes them appear, especially in the beginning, almost theatrical. And a teacher kinking it up in his own classroom, really now? Though a stream of juicy Daily Mail articles comes to mind in which teachers did exactly that and more in real life, so I’m willing to overlook that bit. Also, for the sake of kickstarting this natural BDSM adventure! And, the funkiest thing: for a good couple of pages I simply couldn’t make up my mind. Was the writing in Rorschach Blots just clunky or did the author actually pull off the narration of the slightly off-kilter high school kid perfectly?
Right. So now that I’ve dumped my doubts and annoyances all over you and you’re probably about to make a stealthy escape from this book, STOP. I haven’t lost my mind. Those 5 stars are not a mistake. Though it’s perhaps going to be a little difficult to counter the negatives mentioned above, eh. So let me just start by saying that this book sank its claws into me and didn’t let go. The author really nailed the pacing and plotting here. I found it impossible to put it down once I’d overtaken the initial hurdles: I contemplated peeing in an empty apple juice carton, okay?!
Isn’t this what we all hope to encounter in our reads though?
And I’m pretty confident that what I perceived as clunky narration at first, was actually deliberate. You see, the MC is a high school kid who’s not without issues. Reading his coming of age experiences and troubles from his POV only, having him make decisions based on his character, was a pretty addictive thing. The writing felt real to me, it fit the MC like a glove. Oh sure, Rorschach Blots does feel a bit like a rough draft (no pun intended). I personally found that rather charming. But I admit that by now I’m used to fanfiction that’s a little rough around the edges, so your mileage may vary. More importantly, this book was so compelling that I ended up not caring about all these little things that would normally bug me.
Do give it a go!
December 18, 2013
Damn. This was fucked up.
Yeeeah... :-D
To all my fellow DD lovers, we're not on the ranch anymore. None of Flynn's psychology, no Paul sweetness. This is rough and raw.
It was a bit hard going at the very beginning and there are some copy editing oversights but this had me engaged. I was on the edge of my seat till the end. I especially loved the epilogue.
A train wreck of a story...in a good wtf way ;-)
Yeeeah... :-D
To all my fellow DD lovers, we're not on the ranch anymore. None of Flynn's psychology, no Paul sweetness. This is rough and raw.
It was a bit hard going at the very beginning and there are some copy editing oversights but this had me engaged. I was on the edge of my seat till the end. I especially loved the epilogue.
A train wreck of a story...in a good wtf way ;-)
January 3, 2015
Hot damn, yes, thank you.
I'm officially into BDSM again. I go through phases where it just doesn't do shit for me, but either this is awesome (which it is) or I'm simply in that mood again (which was probably triggered by said awesomeness). Whatever the case, Rorschach Blots wins everything.
On the sex front, well, it called me over to the dark side again, and that pretty much covers it.
On the feelings front - holy shitballs. This baby had me bouncing on my mattress with excitement. It's very emotionally hardcore, because Sev practically invented teenage angst, but it is also so full of antagonistic bravado from all sides that it will make your head spin and your heart have multiple orgasms. It's like an exercise in one-upmanship, and it is beautiful. From the perspective of someone who suffers from acute second-hand embarrassment/humiliation syndrome, this hurts so very, very good.
The relationship development and Sev's gradual acceptance of... life, basically, are portrayed in a way that feels incredibly true to life - and satisfying to an unrealistic extent. (That sorta sounds like a critique. I mean it in the good way.)
I do, like many others, wish the resolution had been fleshed out more. But you can't have everything in life, and this is still, like, THE BEST.
I'm officially into BDSM again. I go through phases where it just doesn't do shit for me, but either this is awesome (which it is) or I'm simply in that mood again (which was probably triggered by said awesomeness). Whatever the case, Rorschach Blots wins everything.
On the sex front, well, it called me over to the dark side again, and that pretty much covers it.
On the feelings front - holy shitballs. This baby had me bouncing on my mattress with excitement. It's very emotionally hardcore, because Sev practically invented teenage angst, but it is also so full of antagonistic bravado from all sides that it will make your head spin and your heart have multiple orgasms. It's like an exercise in one-upmanship, and it is beautiful. From the perspective of someone who suffers from acute second-hand embarrassment/humiliation syndrome, this hurts so very, very good.
The relationship development and Sev's gradual acceptance of... life, basically, are portrayed in a way that feels incredibly true to life - and satisfying to an unrealistic extent. (That sorta sounds like a critique. I mean it in the good way.)
I do, like many others, wish the resolution had been fleshed out more. But you can't have everything in life, and this is still, like, THE BEST.
September 2, 2014
Wow.
It was pretty intense. In a very good way.
I had some problems to get into the story at the beginning.
SPANKING?
I'm not into spanking!
But it is not about a spanking kink, well, it is not ONLY about it. It is more than just THAT.
Well developed characters and a very unusual teacher-student romance.
Is it a romance at all? Yes, definitely.
The writing reminded me a bit of Todd Young, but in a very light style. And I like his writing. A LOT.
I will for sure check the other books of this author.
READ IT!
November 5, 2015
2.5 stars
I spent the whole time reading this book going from high to low. The antics would have me at a low with a raised eyebrow and then a character (Sev) insight would jump me high again and I continue reading. At first I thought this was a one off occassion until the book found its feet but no, I continue feeling this way till the end.
I think this works right into the fantasies of spanking kinksters d/s fans as the antics would go down like hot bread spread with butter for them. For me not so much. Couldn't suspend belief the required amount for me to let myself enjoy this. I liked how Sev was developed though and the flowing nature of the story.
I spent the whole time reading this book going from high to low. The antics would have me at a low with a raised eyebrow and then a character (Sev) insight would jump me high again and I continue reading. At first I thought this was a one off occassion until the book found its feet but no, I continue feeling this way till the end.
I think this works right into the fantasies of spanking kinksters d/s fans as the antics would go down like hot bread spread with butter for them. For me not so much. Couldn't suspend belief the required amount for me to let myself enjoy this. I liked how Sev was developed though and the flowing nature of the story.
November 16, 2014
Pardon me while I fangirl for a moment here. Rorschach Blots was just what I needed to bring me out of my book slump. I began reading it fairly late at night and was completely unable to stop until I finished it. I'll admit I have somewhat unique reading tastes, and this hit the spot. It's got very flawed characters in a fucked up situation (student/teacher) with kink mixed in. When I say flawed, I mean these guys both make some really sketchy decisions, and neither treat the other very well. It's crazy and it's great.
The story is told from Sev's POV, and most of his mistakes are due to the fact he's 18, and thus immature and inexperienced. It gets awkward and uncomfortable at times, but that lends realism to the story. There were so many times I wanted inside Caleb/Mr. Duarte's head to see what thoughts drove his actions.
This book actually really reminded me of Stockholm Syndome, one of my favorite books. There's just something about messed up relationships that make me simultaneously think, "that is soooo wrong, but also soooo hot."
The best part is that this book is free! I elected to pay a couple bucks for it, but that's entirely optional. Of course, as is common with free books, there are a few spelling and grammatical errors, but I was enjoying the story so much that I was able to forgive them. So to sum up, if you are more in the mood for kink and an unconventional relationship that isn't exactly ethical, check this one out!
The story is told from Sev's POV, and most of his mistakes are due to the fact he's 18, and thus immature and inexperienced. It gets awkward and uncomfortable at times, but that lends realism to the story. There were so many times I wanted inside Caleb/Mr. Duarte's head to see what thoughts drove his actions.
This book actually really reminded me of Stockholm Syndome, one of my favorite books. There's just something about messed up relationships that make me simultaneously think, "that is soooo wrong, but also soooo hot."
The best part is that this book is free! I elected to pay a couple bucks for it, but that's entirely optional. Of course, as is common with free books, there are a few spelling and grammatical errors, but I was enjoying the story so much that I was able to forgive them. So to sum up, if you are more in the mood for kink and an unconventional relationship that isn't exactly ethical, check this one out!
on-hiatus
September 22, 2015I might try this again some time: I think I wanted sweet and lovely, so why I picked this book I'll never know. No sugar involved. Only made it 20% in.
January 16, 2015
Before: I have a feeling I'm really going to like this.
After: I LOVED IT. It's really hard to wrap my head around how much fun it is. The story is so unique, so intelligent, and absolutely unapologetic.
Sev is a lazy high school senior who develops a crush on his art teacher, Mr. Duarte, after seeing him spank himself in the art room after hours. Talk about an awkward situation. What happens afterwards is priceless! It’s funny without meaning to (maybe?) and the sexual tension, my god, was so much more than a spanking fetish. The characters are flawed and the relationships are strained, and despite all of the conflicting things, it shines. No, Rorschach Blots shines because of all of these conflicts.
Not many storylines keep me guessing. Not a lot of things shock me, and not a lot of characters prove me wrong. So reading a book that had me speculating and laughing out loud was a singularly fantastic experience. Both Sev and Mr. Duarte are thoroughly realized, yet such atypical characters, that I had no clue what to expect from them. Sev is a horny little bastard, but lovable all the same.
"Are they butterflies?" Janey asks.
I downloaded this for free, but for that scene alone, I will buy another copy of this book. RoughDraftHero, you are hilarious.
It’s only January but this will be one of my top reads of the year, I’m sure. And raise your hand if you did a little spanking research after this one, ha!
After: I LOVED IT. It's really hard to wrap my head around how much fun it is. The story is so unique, so intelligent, and absolutely unapologetic.
Sev is a lazy high school senior who develops a crush on his art teacher, Mr. Duarte, after seeing him spank himself in the art room after hours. Talk about an awkward situation. What happens afterwards is priceless! It’s funny without meaning to (maybe?) and the sexual tension, my god, was so much more than a spanking fetish. The characters are flawed and the relationships are strained, and despite all of the conflicting things, it shines. No, Rorschach Blots shines because of all of these conflicts.
It’s surprising.
Not many storylines keep me guessing. Not a lot of things shock me, and not a lot of characters prove me wrong. So reading a book that had me speculating and laughing out loud was a singularly fantastic experience. Both Sev and Mr. Duarte are thoroughly realized, yet such atypical characters, that I had no clue what to expect from them. Sev is a horny little bastard, but lovable all the same.
"Are they butterflies?" Janey asks.
I downloaded this for free, but for that scene alone, I will buy another copy of this book. RoughDraftHero, you are hilarious.
It’s only January but this will be one of my top reads of the year, I’m sure. And raise your hand if you did a little spanking research after this one, ha!
May 14, 2014
My brain is split right now so this review maybe less useful than usual.
Interesting premise. High school stories are not my regular fare, but the interactions between Sev and Caleb were intriguing. There were some really heartfelt emotions that were laid out in the story without being overly dramatic and pedantic. Both characters had some real issues and I liked that even though the inciting incident was a bit farfetched that the resulting actions between the parties weren't some ridiculous rainbows and unicorns' delusion.
The shifting of tensions and trajectories make this a compelling read. Sev's awkwardness caused by his inexperience is no match for the certainty of what he wants. Quietly emotional and gripping in its understatement. The epilogue can be viewed two ways--I'll leave you to decide which way you see it.
Interesting premise. High school stories are not my regular fare, but the interactions between Sev and Caleb were intriguing. There were some really heartfelt emotions that were laid out in the story without being overly dramatic and pedantic. Both characters had some real issues and I liked that even though the inciting incident was a bit farfetched that the resulting actions between the parties weren't some ridiculous rainbows and unicorns' delusion.
The shifting of tensions and trajectories make this a compelling read. Sev's awkwardness caused by his inexperience is no match for the certainty of what he wants. Quietly emotional and gripping in its understatement. The epilogue can be viewed two ways--I'll leave you to decide which way you see it.
August 27, 2014
Yeah. Hit me baby. Definitely feels like a dry practice run for the later published Stalker (<-which I enjoyed more w/the heavy jock effect). This writer obviously has the talent and penchant for stalking and discipline down pat. Like w/a f'ing wallop. Deviously innocent and yet erotically powered..all on the same page. (IMO) some minor character bumps (Sev's zero sex experience besides his chaste 2nd grade kiss w/a Molly down the street, and zero appeal of his barrette-banged hairstyle & Wally-World-inspired-hip-threads was not an appealing vision of a supposed bold 18-year-old swimming jock) -.-
But fuuuuck!! the "Hands on the hood & spread em" ending was well-f'ing-done.
March 12, 2018
This story of has flaws when it comes to things like typos and grammar mistakes, but I think that sort of adds to its charm in a way. Make it feel as if it really is written by that lazy high school senior, you know! It all felt so real and true to life. And when you look beyond that, the plot is well developed, the pacing just right, and the story deep and complex.
It had me totally engaged, and I found it nearly impossible to put down. I found it only because I was specifically searching for books about an older sub and younger Dom. If it hadn’t been recommended to me, I’d never had picked it up based on the cover and the much less than descriptive blurb. But I was very glad that I did.
Sev had plenty of awkward moments in this, because he’s totally inexperienced and discovering his dominant tendencies at the same time as he is also coming to accept his sexual preference. Even still, he has this certainty about what he wants that I loved. And he totally goes after it.
The way the characters and their relationship developed seemed just right, not rushed or too easy or overly dramatic. The emotions were believable and heartfelt, and the author did a nice job of painting for me the need to submit and/or dominate. The sexual tension was very much there and kept me reading into the night.
Both of these characters had issues, they both made mistakes, said the wrong thing A LOT, and danced around all over the place as they discovered themselves and each other. Sev’s youth caused a nervous awkwardness some of the time, but it was juxtaposed to periods of strength and insight that charmed me. Caleb’s had his neediness, brattiness and his co-dependence with John to worth through. But him and Sev’s back and forth dance around each other was perfect.
When I saw that -fin- after the last chapter, I wanted to scream NO!! It can’t end there. Then came an epilogue that was thoroughly satisfying and had me wanting to do a happy dance.
It had me totally engaged, and I found it nearly impossible to put down. I found it only because I was specifically searching for books about an older sub and younger Dom. If it hadn’t been recommended to me, I’d never had picked it up based on the cover and the much less than descriptive blurb. But I was very glad that I did.
Sev had plenty of awkward moments in this, because he’s totally inexperienced and discovering his dominant tendencies at the same time as he is also coming to accept his sexual preference. Even still, he has this certainty about what he wants that I loved. And he totally goes after it.
The way the characters and their relationship developed seemed just right, not rushed or too easy or overly dramatic. The emotions were believable and heartfelt, and the author did a nice job of painting for me the need to submit and/or dominate. The sexual tension was very much there and kept me reading into the night.
Both of these characters had issues, they both made mistakes, said the wrong thing A LOT, and danced around all over the place as they discovered themselves and each other. Sev’s youth caused a nervous awkwardness some of the time, but it was juxtaposed to periods of strength and insight that charmed me. Caleb’s had his neediness, brattiness and his co-dependence with John to worth through. But him and Sev’s back and forth dance around each other was perfect.
When I saw that -fin- after the last chapter, I wanted to scream NO!! It can’t end there. Then came an epilogue that was thoroughly satisfying and had me wanting to do a happy dance.
October 29, 2015
wow that was... good... actually really good. I'm still pretty confused by that because I actually hated these characters at the beginning of this book. Sev was a whiny, selfish asshole who I wanted to see get punched in the face and Mr Duarte was a manipulative, cruel bastard and yet somehow I now love them both. I think that is pretty amazing writing right there.
There was a lot of emotion in this book! and the characters were so complex, I'm still not sure I have them worked out and I mean the side characters too, every one was nice and everyone was a prick.
The scene's between Sev and Mr Duarte were hot, although that's not what this book is about, but it definitely helped the enjoyment factor and was nice for some manipulative free moments (most of the time).
The epilogue was fucking brilliant, couldn't stop smiling!!!!
Pretty much the quote I feel like sums up this story is:
"Sev, I've done so many shitty things to you."
"We did shitty things to each other."
There was a lot of emotion in this book! and the characters were so complex, I'm still not sure I have them worked out and I mean the side characters too, every one was nice and everyone was a prick.
The scene's between Sev and Mr Duarte were hot, although that's not what this book is about, but it definitely helped the enjoyment factor and was nice for some manipulative free moments (most of the time).
The epilogue was fucking brilliant, couldn't stop smiling!!!!
Pretty much the quote I feel like sums up this story is:
"Sev, I've done so many shitty things to you."
"We did shitty things to each other."
August 27, 2014
4.5
I was wary starting this. I'll just admit it, I'm always a little suspicious of any author who chooses not to write under a name, even a pseudonym. So, RoughDraftHero had me quirking an eyebrow. It's ridiculous, but true.
This book also was not anything like I expected. I went in expecting a little slap and tickle, some rough, dirty spanking and smutty talk, combined with a dash of psuedo-pedo titillation (high-school student). I couldn't have predicted a character as heartfelt and earnest (if a little unstable) as Sev.
Plus, I generally avoid teenaged main characters. I'm in my mid-thirties. I just no longer relate to a lot of the common agnsty, sex-is-such-a-massive-big-deal issues common in teenage-centered plots. In fact, I generally find them really off-putting. It also became apparent early on that the text could do with a little more editing.
My point is that there are plenty of reasons I shouldn't have liked this book. So, when I say that I did, it should be understood that what I mean is that I did, despite all those reasons I shouldn't—all those strikes against it. And I did. I really, really did.
I 100% adored Sev and his obsessive floundering. As Caleb says at one point, how could you hate someone who tries so hard? I could just stop right there, I liked Sev so much. He was just so darned cute. I just want to scoop him up and nibble on him in a slightly inappropriate, but also somewhat motherish fashion.
I also liked Caleb. He's as flustered and lost as Sev, just in a different way. I found his attempt to do the right thing by his student believable and his particular kink hot (even if the sex is never very explicit).
In fact, the lack of sex, oddly, is part of what made the whole thing so endearing. Sev doesn't make the connection between what he's feeling and sexual arousal until 60% into the book. This means that a lot of obvious opportunities to insert gratuitous sex or masterbation scenes are judiciously skipped over on the author's part, allowing the reader to focus less on the lascivious and more on the intrepid relationship.
I did think that the ending came a bit abruptly and the tacked-on epilogue felt a little forced. But I am more than pleased with and surprised by this book. Kinda wishing I could read it again.
I was wary starting this. I'll just admit it, I'm always a little suspicious of any author who chooses not to write under a name, even a pseudonym. So, RoughDraftHero had me quirking an eyebrow. It's ridiculous, but true.
This book also was not anything like I expected. I went in expecting a little slap and tickle, some rough, dirty spanking and smutty talk, combined with a dash of psuedo-pedo titillation (high-school student). I couldn't have predicted a character as heartfelt and earnest (if a little unstable) as Sev.
Plus, I generally avoid teenaged main characters. I'm in my mid-thirties. I just no longer relate to a lot of the common agnsty, sex-is-such-a-massive-big-deal issues common in teenage-centered plots. In fact, I generally find them really off-putting. It also became apparent early on that the text could do with a little more editing.
My point is that there are plenty of reasons I shouldn't have liked this book. So, when I say that I did, it should be understood that what I mean is that I did, despite all those reasons I shouldn't—all those strikes against it. And I did. I really, really did.
I 100% adored Sev and his obsessive floundering. As Caleb says at one point, how could you hate someone who tries so hard? I could just stop right there, I liked Sev so much. He was just so darned cute. I just want to scoop him up and nibble on him in a slightly inappropriate, but also somewhat motherish fashion.
I also liked Caleb. He's as flustered and lost as Sev, just in a different way. I found his attempt to do the right thing by his student believable and his particular kink hot (even if the sex is never very explicit).
In fact, the lack of sex, oddly, is part of what made the whole thing so endearing. Sev doesn't make the connection between what he's feeling and sexual arousal until 60% into the book. This means that a lot of obvious opportunities to insert gratuitous sex or masterbation scenes are judiciously skipped over on the author's part, allowing the reader to focus less on the lascivious and more on the intrepid relationship.
I did think that the ending came a bit abruptly and the tacked-on epilogue felt a little forced. But I am more than pleased with and surprised by this book. Kinda wishing I could read it again.
November 18, 2014
I'm used to scheduling a MILLION hours of downtime following a Jenna rec.
Experience dictates that when Jenna recs you a story, you probably want to lock yourself in a quiet room afterwards whilst you reflect on the gritty, dodgy, disturbing and emotionally overwhelming world you've been pulled into (think Stockholm Syndrome, Flesh Cartel, Clever Boy and their common denominator: DEPRAVITY)... You need some recovery time.
Also. An HFN or HEA will work wonders. Trying to squeeze out the ending from Jenna was just painful yesterday and, unsurprisingly, entirely ineffective (thanks, Lo-La, for your lack of support here).
And this has a point, it does... BECAUSE YOU DO NOT WANT TO KNOW THE ENDING BECAUSE THIS IS WHAT MAKES IT A 4-STAR READ AS OPPOSED TO A 3-STAR READ.
It's an awkward, odd, flawed ending that won't work for everyone, but it works for me precisely for those very reasons. I have a lot to say but guess what? I'm not gonna spoiler anyone. Nu-uh.
Outside of this, though, it's a solid 3-star read; there are some typos, grammatical errors, bizarre tense switches (gah!) and moments that made me cringe deep-down as they provoked odd teenage flashbacks (and that's all you're getting from me).
The plot is fucked up - honestly - WAY too fucked up, with two MCs whose behaviour is ridiculously contradictory at times and rather sad, but you still fall into the trap of empathising with the MCs, whilst being simultaneously horrified.
Don't read this if you...
Nice.
Experience dictates that when Jenna recs you a story, you probably want to lock yourself in a quiet room afterwards whilst you reflect on the gritty, dodgy, disturbing and emotionally overwhelming world you've been pulled into (think Stockholm Syndrome, Flesh Cartel, Clever Boy and their common denominator: DEPRAVITY)... You need some recovery time.
Also. An HFN or HEA will work wonders. Trying to squeeze out the ending from Jenna was just painful yesterday and, unsurprisingly, entirely ineffective (thanks, Lo-La, for your lack of support here).
And this has a point, it does... BECAUSE YOU DO NOT WANT TO KNOW THE ENDING BECAUSE THIS IS WHAT MAKES IT A 4-STAR READ AS OPPOSED TO A 3-STAR READ.
It's an awkward, odd, flawed ending that won't work for everyone, but it works for me precisely for those very reasons. I have a lot to say but guess what? I'm not gonna spoiler anyone. Nu-uh.
Outside of this, though, it's a solid 3-star read; there are some typos, grammatical errors, bizarre tense switches (gah!) and moments that made me cringe deep-down as they provoked odd teenage flashbacks (and that's all you're getting from me).
The plot is fucked up - honestly - WAY too fucked up, with two MCs whose behaviour is ridiculously contradictory at times and rather sad, but you still fall into the trap of empathising with the MCs, whilst being simultaneously horrified.
Don't read this if you...
Nice.
May 6, 2014
Too many conflicts and issues, serious ones, to be addressed in such a short story. It could have been longer and done justice to it all. I would have happily read double the number of pages about Sev and Caleb, no problem. The other big (HUGE) problem was the ending. If it hadn't been for the epilogue, I would have had a stroke when reaching that last page. Nope, not even going to think about it.
Other than the above, and some minor grammar and editing issues, I liked it. The characters won me over from the start.
Other than the above, and some minor grammar and editing issues, I liked it. The characters won me over from the start.
January 27, 2017
Really nice coming of age story of a gay high school senior who matured as a dominant with his submissive art teacher. The character and emotional development was awesome. The ending was a tad abrupt, but the epilogue wrapped it all up.
I literally could not put this book down and stayed up until the early morning to finish. When I woke up, I was still thinking about it! I found this winner while rummaging through Sarah Loves Books bookshelves.
I literally could not put this book down and stayed up until the early morning to finish. When I woke up, I was still thinking about it! I found this winner while rummaging through Sarah Loves Books bookshelves.
August 11, 2016
Er… That was a hot mess. I honestly had no idea what was going on most of the time. I suppose that it makes sense, given that the book is written from the perspective of a teenager. However, I will say that the last five percent was one of the hottest things I've ever read, and that alone was well worth the 2 bucks I paid for this book.
April 26, 2015
The first time I tried reading this book, I made it to perhaps page 10 before the writing and weirdness got to me. This time around, I didn't notice those things as much. Has this text been cleaned up? >_>
What stops me from really liking it are the characters and the general stupidness of them. How can Sev be that stupid and awkward? He's not 14, he's 18! And Mr. Duarte? I couldn't help but find him a bit creepy (and kind of mean? and with a really, really conflicted state of mind).
The thing that is pretty amazing about the story is how it actually evolves, and how it feels appropriate for the relationship between the characters to develop the way it does.
Also, the epilogue? First time ever someone has understood how to properly use one.
What stops me from really liking it are the characters and the general stupidness of them. How can Sev be that stupid and awkward? He's not 14, he's 18! And Mr. Duarte? I couldn't help but find him a bit creepy (and kind of mean? and with a really, really conflicted state of mind).
The thing that is pretty amazing about the story is how it actually evolves, and how it feels appropriate for the relationship between the characters to develop the way it does.
Also, the epilogue? First time ever someone has understood how to properly use one.
December 12, 2013
This book made me very uncomfortable, as it crossed into pretty intense D/s territory that is not really my usual cup of tea. But I got to admit that I liked it. Oh, yeah, baby, I liked it. The power dynamic between the two main characters was really interesting. On the surface, it seemed like Sev (as the D) had all the power, but it was really Caleb (the s) who manipulated everything and called all of the shots. The ending was satisfying as well. It provided a HEA that was realistic, given the two main characters' circumstances. And don't worry: both protags are of age, so you can feel a bit less creepy about enjoying it!
September 28, 2013
I find it difficult to enjoy stories where the characters use kink as a form of therapy ... I much prefer my stories to have emotionally balanced individuals as it's MCs ... for this reason, I'm not rating this short as high as most other readers.
dnf
July 31, 2015DNF @ 25%.
Just wasn't working for me. Then again, I'm not a fan of the high school setting, so perhaps I was just setting myself up for failure.
Just wasn't working for me. Then again, I'm not a fan of the high school setting, so perhaps I was just setting myself up for failure.
September 2, 2016
Down a star for editing issues, otherwise a read I won't forget. I'm actually a little obsessed and want to know what happens next. Loved.
July 6, 2016
3.5 stars...
Ugh...so frustrated right now. But, let's start from well...the start. So, Sev likes to hang out on the patio outside the art classroom smoking pot, and Mr. Caleb Duarte (art professor) likes to spank himself with a belt in a...you guessed it...art classroom. I'm sure you see where this is going.
Now, the characters and the relationship between them. The unhealthiness of it reminded me of another novella by the same author Stalker. Relationship between Abel&Pacer was unhealthy, but these guys take unhealthy and inappropriate on to a whole another level. I was appalled and amused by it at the same time...you can't call it a romance, no, 'cause Sev hasn't been in love with Caleb, he was obsessed with him, but the tension between S&C, the intensity of it got me chewing my nails up until the very end. Not because I cared about characters (although I became fond of Sev by the end), 'cause Sev was a jerk to his best friend (although I understood him on that one), to his best friend's girlfriend (who was a real sweetheart), to his sister, to everyone basically...and to Caleb (the things he said to him...). But not that Caleb was any better in my eyes. It was his fault they got into that situation in the first place, and if maybe he hasn't been so manipulative, if he'd been honest just one time with Sev, maybe Sev wouldn't be such a jerk. And besides, Sev was just 18 years old...he was a teenager, angsty and immature at that, and even though that doesn't excuse him and his behavior, I couldn't judge him.
And yet...I really liked this story, loved it even, up until the very end. The ending is so ordinary, normal...and with a story that's anything but, it didn't fit at all. It basically ruined the whole experience for me.
I'm not sure I'd recommend this story to lovers of a classical romance, but if you want to try something challenging and different, I'd say go for it. Maybe you won't mind the ending (if you're all about HEA)...
Ugh...so frustrated right now. But, let's start from well...the start. So, Sev likes to hang out on the patio outside the art classroom smoking pot, and Mr. Caleb Duarte (art professor) likes to spank himself with a belt in a...you guessed it...art classroom. I'm sure you see where this is going.
Now, the characters and the relationship between them. The unhealthiness of it reminded me of another novella by the same author Stalker. Relationship between Abel&Pacer was unhealthy, but these guys take unhealthy and inappropriate on to a whole another level. I was appalled and amused by it at the same time...you can't call it a romance, no, 'cause Sev hasn't been in love with Caleb, he was obsessed with him, but the tension between S&C, the intensity of it got me chewing my nails up until the very end. Not because I cared about characters (although I became fond of Sev by the end), 'cause Sev was a jerk to his best friend (although I understood him on that one), to his best friend's girlfriend (who was a real sweetheart), to his sister, to everyone basically...and to Caleb (the things he said to him...). But not that Caleb was any better in my eyes. It was his fault they got into that situation in the first place, and if maybe he hasn't been so manipulative, if he'd been honest just one time with Sev, maybe Sev wouldn't be such a jerk. And besides, Sev was just 18 years old...he was a teenager, angsty and immature at that, and even though that doesn't excuse him and his behavior, I couldn't judge him.
And yet...I really liked this story, loved it even, up until the very end. The ending is so ordinary, normal...and with a story that's anything but, it didn't fit at all. It basically ruined the whole experience for me.
I'm not sure I'd recommend this story to lovers of a classical romance, but if you want to try something challenging and different, I'd say go for it. Maybe you won't mind the ending (if you're all about HEA)...
April 15, 2013
Everything seems to be going wrong for Sev. His relationship with his best friend isn't fairing any better ever since he got a girlfriend and has been blowing Sev off, he quit the swim team and he doesn't care enough about his grades. He has also just found out his art teachers very intimate secret while smoking one day after class. Hmmm perhaps he can be of some help to his pastel sweater vests wearing teacher. If only he could convince his teacher to let him be the one for him.
Mr. Duarte can't believe he's just been found out by some stoner n will definitely have to leave now before the situation gets bad. And being blackmailed by the little fucker isn't making the matters any better.
This story is about Sev wanting to be the one to help Mr. Duarte with his secret and to make him leave his one sided fckd up relationship with the PE teacher/swim coach Mr. Simmons. I really really liked Sev. He definitely had his issues but he was totally persistent and was determined when it came to Duarte. He was also crazy jealous over Mr. Duarte and needed to learn how to control his emotions. Mr. Duarte being a dick and knowing exactly what to say to hurt Sev also has Sev thinkin of the other stuff that was going wrong in his life. One being that he realized he was in love with his best friend.
I think that Duarte did tend to be a little harsh on Sev sometimes and I hated how he would manipulate and fck with his feelings but he had his own messed up issues to deal with too.
I didn't want the book to end and i wish we coulda seen more of Sev after high school. He was fcking sexy.
4stars
Mr. Duarte can't believe he's just been found out by some stoner n will definitely have to leave now before the situation gets bad. And being blackmailed by the little fucker isn't making the matters any better.
This story is about Sev wanting to be the one to help Mr. Duarte with his secret and to make him leave his one sided fckd up relationship with the PE teacher/swim coach Mr. Simmons. I really really liked Sev. He definitely had his issues but he was totally persistent and was determined when it came to Duarte. He was also crazy jealous over Mr. Duarte and needed to learn how to control his emotions. Mr. Duarte being a dick and knowing exactly what to say to hurt Sev also has Sev thinkin of the other stuff that was going wrong in his life. One being that he realized he was in love with his best friend.
I think that Duarte did tend to be a little harsh on Sev sometimes and I hated how he would manipulate and fck with his feelings but he had his own messed up issues to deal with too.
I didn't want the book to end and i wish we coulda seen more of Sev after high school. He was fcking sexy.
4stars
August 24, 2014
Wow. Okay, this was not as I expected. It's frustrating, for sure, but also so endearing. I don't know... I'm just thankful that Julio read this. I don't think I'd have seen it otherwise.
This kid, Sev, he's a mess. His teacher, Caleb, he's just as bad. The whole situation is so fucked up, it's really implausible that more people didn't notice something was going on. But since this is fiction... I forgive easily.
There is lots of spanking... spanking that isn't even erotic. It's just weird. And then it's not weird anymore. Later, I found myself anticipating when it would happen again, what the reactions would be, if Caleb would really try and help Sev figure out how to be what he needed. Anything. Nothing went as I expected. Nothing ended up how I'd have liked.
Still... It's really worth reading.
This kid, Sev, he's a mess. His teacher, Caleb, he's just as bad. The whole situation is so fucked up, it's really implausible that more people didn't notice something was going on. But since this is fiction... I forgive easily.
There is lots of spanking... spanking that isn't even erotic. It's just weird. And then it's not weird anymore. Later, I found myself anticipating when it would happen again, what the reactions would be, if Caleb would really try and help Sev figure out how to be what he needed. Anything. Nothing went as I expected. Nothing ended up how I'd have liked.
Still... It's really worth reading.
January 6, 2025
Rating: ★★★★☆
So, even though there's a bit of BDSM in there, it's really just a pure love story about Sev, a high school student, and his art teacher, Mr. Duarte, not some steamy erotica.
They both help each other deal with their impossible love situations and eventually figure out their longing for each other in this forbidden relationship. And yeah, Mr. Duarte can be a bit of a pain with his controlling ways, but Sev is just so ADORABLE!! His puppy-love actions, teenage angst, jealousy, and possessiveness totally make him my favorite character.
純情，抖S，率真，懵懂又癡情，啊啊啊啊～Sev實在是太可愛了！雖然Mr. Duarte也算是個有良知的人，但為人師表真的不太靠譜，最惱火的是他的心機男屬性。看著可愛的Sev被他如此玩弄，讓我心疼得不得了，都把我的母性給激發出來了。
題目Rorschach Blots (墨跡測驗)指代文中是Sev憑記憶畫出來的Mr. Duarte被打的屁股，比喻得太過美妙。
對於揪結的感情線和Pull-and-push 的dynamic我打五個星星。但情節果然十分跳脫，有時會令我好困惑，因而沒給滿分。比如說明明剛剛還在室內，翻個頁就去了游泳池，這種章節還沒換突然就換了個場景和時間點的情況比比皆是。
So, even though there's a bit of BDSM in there, it's really just a pure love story about Sev, a high school student, and his art teacher, Mr. Duarte, not some steamy erotica.
They both help each other deal with their impossible love situations and eventually figure out their longing for each other in this forbidden relationship. And yeah, Mr. Duarte can be a bit of a pain with his controlling ways, but Sev is just so ADORABLE!! His puppy-love actions, teenage angst, jealousy, and possessiveness totally make him my favorite character.
純情，抖S，率真，懵懂又癡情，啊啊啊啊～Sev實在是太可愛了！雖然Mr. Duarte也算是個有良知的人，但為人師表真的不太靠譜，最惱火的是他的心機男屬性。看著可愛的Sev被他如此玩弄，讓我心疼得不得了，都把我的母性給激發出來了。
題目Rorschach Blots (墨跡測驗)指代文中是Sev憑記憶畫出來的Mr. Duarte被打的屁股，比喻得太過美妙。
對於揪結的感情線和Pull-and-push 的dynamic我打五個星星。但情節果然十分跳脫，有時會令我好困惑，因而沒給滿分。比如說明明剛剛還在室內，翻個頁就去了游泳池，這種章節還沒換突然就換了個場景和時間點的情況比比皆是。
May 31, 2016
I think interesting might be the right word here? Or fascinating. I didn't like this story. Didn't like the MCs and I am not really sure I liked the ending either. But I continued reading all the way through anyway...
3-3.5 stars.
3-3.5 stars.
March 27, 2021
This was not at all what I was expecting, and I’m not sure I could really say I liked it... but I certainly couldn’t put it down. It was like watching a train wreck happen — a well written, intentional train wreck.
It was often uncomfortable, but I really didn’t have a problem reading the teacher-student dynamic. That’s a trope I NEVER read, but I would agree with the recommendation I got and all the reviews that say this one really is an exception to that rule. Partly because it’s just one of the many fucked up things happening between these two, which is exactly how it’s presented, and partly because 18-year-old Sev is fully the ringleader in all of it. He’s going through a serious rough patch and clings to this as a distraction for all that it’s worth. Holy shit, Sev.
It’s not a romance, and it’s not smut, but I could never figure out where the hell it was going and it made for an interesting change of pace.
It was often uncomfortable, but I really didn’t have a problem reading the teacher-student dynamic. That’s a trope I NEVER read, but I would agree with the recommendation I got and all the reviews that say this one really is an exception to that rule. Partly because it’s just one of the many fucked up things happening between these two, which is exactly how it’s presented, and partly because 18-year-old Sev is fully the ringleader in all of it. He’s going through a serious rough patch and clings to this as a distraction for all that it’s worth. Holy shit, Sev.
It’s not a romance, and it’s not smut, but I could never figure out where the hell it was going and it made for an interesting change of pace.
April 28, 2018
3~3.5/5
The absurdity of the situation is strangely enthralling. But the dose of high school drama is too heavy. Added in the manipulative nature of both of the main characters, and I find the book more frustrating than enjoyable. My dislike for Caleb, specifically, only grew as the book progress, and the ending held no satisfaction nor resolution for the abrupt climax at all.
The absurdity of the situation is strangely enthralling. But the dose of high school drama is too heavy. Added in the manipulative nature of both of the main characters, and I find the book more frustrating than enjoyable. My dislike for Caleb, specifically, only grew as the book progress, and the ending held no satisfaction nor resolution for the abrupt climax at all.
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