Bound By Lies

The Manse #1

by Lynn Kelling

Brayden Clare never wanted to return to small town life. Blond, athletic, and struggling with his sexual identity, a casual relationship on the beach in Florida suits him much better. When a family emergency calls him home, he is forced to trade his personal freedom for a job as a bartender in a town where everybody thinks they know who he is, and nobody has a clue—including Brayden.

Jenner Parrish is the owner and operator of Parrish Pub, the social hub of Robertsville, Pennsylvania. Jenner is charming, dominant, and popular since they were both in high school together. Brayden finds his new boss intimidating, and is daunted to find that turns him on. Jenner finds his new recruit intriguing but mustn’t dare to ask an employee to submit to him.

The two men find what they’re seeking at a masked BDSM ball in the next town over, and are startled to discover their desires rest much, much closer to home.

(M/M - For content labels and excerpt, see details on publisher's site.)

Novel (116,000 words)
Genre(s): Contemporary, Gay, Romance, BDSM

Genres: BDSM, M M Romance, Contemporary, Erotica, Romance, Gay, LGBT

326 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 5, 2013

About the author

Lynn Kelling began writing in order to tell stories that aren’t afraid of the dark, don’t hold anything back and always strive to be memorable, forging lasting attachments between character and reader. Her inspiration comes from taking a closer look at behaviors and ideas lurking at the fringes of life—basically anything that people may hesitate to speak of in mixed company, but everyone wonders about anyway. Her work is driven by the taboo in order to expose the humanity within it. Lynn is an artist, designer and lover of any form of creative self-expression that comes from a place of honesty and emotion, whether it's body art or opera. She has had multiple novels published, has written over fifty works of erotic fiction of varying lengths, and always has several novels in progress.

Reviews

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

READ THIS BOOK… It’s excellent!!!



If you love BDSM that is not sugar kink, Lynn Kelling has created two characters that will pull on your emotional heart strings, a big bad ass Dom, and an adorable sweetheart of a slave. Two lost souls, repressed and in denial of what is truly in their hearts and who also happen to be… Off. The. Charts on the hotness scale, as in the panty melting, puddle of lust kind… and Jenner, Oh my God… I WANT HIM!!!

Bound by Lies by Lynn Kelling is my PERFECT BDSM fix… with two MC’s I fell in love with, this was emotional, passionate, erotic and intense… it made me smile and also had me grabbing for the tissues, the characters pissed me off at times and Jenner had me giving him the evil eye on a couple of occasions… but I love that, I love that it made me feel, that I truly cared what happened to them, that I became so emotionally involved and invested in these boys my world practically came to a stand still for the duration… My Kindle informed me this book is 423 pages… that would be the 423 pages that have had to be pried from my hands to perform mundane tasks such as eating! I have devoured and loved every single page, not wanting to put this down for a minute, perfectly paced, with great characterisation… including the secondary characters… this I can only attribute to Ms Kelling’s excellent writing, the style and delivery, all of it, had me engrossed.

Jenner Parrish is a big man, powerful with a confidence that demands attention. He has but two friends, Max and Art with whom he lives and a family he alienates himself from, he is labelled as a cold hearted tough guy, intimidating but this is all a persona he projects, what he wants the world to see… but the real Jenner is hidden, private, keeping everyone at a distance, hiding behind walls and a stoically guarded facade that have kept his secrets hidden.

Brayden Clare, growing up in the small town of Robertsville, Pennsylvania had been both pitied and bullied, always feeling unwanted and alone after his father died and his mother abandoned him, he sees himself as a misfit, weak and worthless, so when he is called back home to the town he had for so many years longed to escape, he could already feel the oppression descending and he is flooded by painful memories from the childhood he thought he had left behind. His responsibilities bear a heavy weight, all at the cost of the freedom and happiness he had lost by returning home and he finds himself withdrawing into the shell of the boy he was, and so hates… once again lost, alone and trapped!

To each other they were the sum of their High school personas, Jenner the jock, Mr Popular… going along with, if not condoning the actions of his peers, something for which he admonishes himself constantly, trying to make amends in his own way as recompense, but he is still haunted by and tied to that past where being in with the “in crowd” was more important than standing up for the weak and vulnerable. Those like Brayden, who is still that boy who lives in fear of the Jenner’s of this world… the boys that took pleasure in tormenting him for his size, for his demeanour… Hell, just for grieving the death of his father!

An anonymous masquerade night at the local Gay Club, Manse see’s both of their lives changed forever… Jenner has been training in the art of domination since the age of eighteen, he is a sadist and in the club scene he can be himself amongst those that understand the lifestyle and he feels safe and comfortable, a way to channel and control his inner demons, but Jenner begins to have doubts about the only thing that has brought him peace… Is he an animal for wanting to hurt the man he loves and wants in his life? Is he taking advantage of Brayden being messed up? Brayden is a masochist, he has no understanding or idea of what it is that he wants or needs, in fact he has very little experience full stop… but his body is yearning for something and in his eyes, Jenner is the only man he wants and the only man who can help him.

“I want to trust you,” Brayden says, a little more loudly. “I want to belong somewhere. I want to be wanted, and not just for sex. I want to be wanted completely and belong… to you.”

I loved the dynamics and the power play of their relationship, it had me tingling from head to toe… how just being near Jenner, Brayden is immediately calmed, all panic and anxiety lost and how Jenner is empowered by having Brayden so selflessly submit because it’s what Brayden needs… Yes, Jenner went a little caveman on him, but Brayden needed to be controlled to finally feel safe and at peace. I also found it quite cute that Jenner is so possessive, his passion for Brayden, intense, erotic… and soooo damn HOT! …and Brayden just absorbs it all, taking it all in as his own, he is consumed by how much Jenner desires and wants him but rather than see him withdraw into his role as a slave, with Jenner he can be strong… but Jenner also allows him to be weak, cry and let out all the pain that has for so long stifled him… and we see him slowly blossom from the timid, shy boy tormented by his past into a man confident, happy, totally at ease and comfortable as Jenner’s slave, it’s what he desires and rather than supress his personality it shines, because he is loved and cherished by a man that is his perfect fit, Brayden finally feels like he belongs and Jenner has found the one thing he thought would never be his, a slave to protect and love.

This is a D/s, S/M, slave/master relationship… one that I can envision as being real, a true to life exploration of each other’s wants and desires, and the difficulties and traumas that I imagine would be part of it, compounded by being gay in a small town community. But it’s also what their personalities dictate they need, that side of the relationship doesn’t overwhelm you in the book either, it is there but it's not the complete focus. This is also an emotional journey for Jenner and Brayden with all their vulnerabilities laid bare and I was captivated by it, watching their relationship grow, seeing the strength they draw from each other to confront their fears, to finally shake off the shackles that had weighed them down… to at last be free. This is not a conventional relationship but it’s theirs and they both embrace it with commitment… to belong, to be seen for who and what they truly are was breath-taking and beautiful to watch… and yes, I was crying!

[LiveYourLife BuyTheBook · Rating 5 out of 5]

♡♥5 Stars - KAPOW!♥♡
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review

Oh man! Where do I start? How much do I write - when there is sooooo much to say? Damn! Wow! Amazing! KAPOW ! Probably not enough wordy bits for a review, right? So here goes.....  

Brayden Clare has had a crap childhood. His mum, Lara, left his dad and then they moved in with his Nana when Lara couldn't manage on her own. His dad soon died, and Lara upsticks going God knows where and leaving her son behind. His school life was miserable - not only did kids whisper about his family life but they also bullied him for supposedly being gay. He leaves that miserable little town straight after graduation and heads to Florida. Now in Miami, it has taken him years, but he is finally accepting who he is, what he is and what he wants and needs in life. Then he gets a phone call from Nana, she is struggling to pay the bills and asks if he can come home and help out. Of course he says yes, even though he dreads returning to Robertsville. He applies for a bartending job at Parrish Pub and comes face to chest with the kind of guy who had made his life so miserable.... Jenner Parrish.  

Jenner Parrish was everything Brayden hated - the ever popular Quarterback - boys wanted to be him, girls wanted to be with him. Jenner, however, lived his life behind that tough guy facade. He hated so much of what he saw his fellow team mates do and say over the years but was too scared to ever speak out, even now at 6ft4 and owner of his own Pub he still feels like he has to hide. All because he is terrified that his secret will be uncovered - the fact he is gay. He totally shuts people out, even his closest friends know not to overstep the mark. From the minute Jenner sees Brayden again, he is obsessed with him. The intensity of Jenner absolutely hooked me. Can a book character make you weak at the knees? He did to me. Such an awesome character.  

When Brayden applies for the job at Parrish Pub Jenner simply cannot refuse, and so it begins - Jenner's bone deep need to have Bray; and Brayden's fear and yet sense of comfort that he feels around Jenner. What I loved about the book... well, one of the many things... is how it deals with the reaction of friends when you are in a BDSM relationship. Even your oldest friends, friends who know you best - seem to assume the worst, they don't understand the lines drawn and the fact that (even with the best intentions) it really has sod all to do with them. This is the only book I remember reading that really addresses this, and the author did a great job with it.  

This book has two of the best MC's I have ever read. Jenner is just wonderful. His intensity almost melted my kindle. The sex scenes are scorching! I am not a huge fan of the Master calling his slave "slut" - I am not sure why, I just hate that. And I didn't like it in this book, but when it is balanced with such overwhelming desire and love? I get over it quick! :-D I did want to reach in and slap Brayden at times - but then I would think of his life and how everyone has left him, and I'd cut him some slack. He is so desperate to be wanted and needed, yet so scared to put himself in that position because he knows it won't last. It never does. Just so beautiful ♥ these guys are going to stay with me forever. Defintely one of my top 5 BDSM books ever. I cannot wait to read more by this author.  

I honestly cannot recommend this book highly enough. Sexy. Sweet. Cute? Fuck your cute! (to understand that last comment you need to read the book :-D ) Go. Buy the Book! You will love it!

SOOOO EXCITED!!! I just saw that there will be a prequel with David and Jenner, and hopefully Shea!! (David trained Jenner ♥) If you haven't read Bound by Lies there is a copy up for grabs - follow the link >>> Win A Copy!!

[Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very different read from the darker stories I have previously read by Lynn Kelling. In Bound by Lies she still delivers the emotionally damaged MC's and their quest to find peace through their chosen lifestyle.

Brayden, who left the small town he grew up in after years of being bullied and talked about as the boy whose mother ran off right before his father died, has now returned home to help his grandmother raise his young cousin. His time away brought him the ability to live the life wanted, including beginning to explore his sexuality without the preconceived judgments of those around him. Jenner Parrish, former high school quarterback, lives a life hiding who he really is from all but two of his closest friends. He creates walls to keep everyone at arm's length and is tormented by his past actions while running with the popular crowd. When he first sees the grown up Brayden, he is instantly attracted, and when Brayden shows up at his bar looking for a job, he can barely control his need.

Jenner is surprised to see Brayden at a masquerade at the local BDSM club, and Jenner claims him for the night, all the while Brayden is unaware of who is under the mask. The two enter into a Master/slave relationship. Brayden is a masochist and Jenner is a sadist, but Brayden fears that what he needs is abnormal, while Jenner's friends question whether Jenner is taking advantage of Brayden. In addition, even though Jenner has a borderline obsessive need for Brayden, it is hard for Brayden to believe Jenner will not just abandon him as both his parents once did.

Lynn Kelling explores not just the relationship between the two main characters, but also the perception of that relationship by those around them. Both men begin the story in the closet, mostly out of the ingrained fear of small town judgments, but the nature of their relationship will soon make it hard to conceal. The chemistry and the sex between Brayden and Jenner is off the charts hot, and the emotional growth between the two was beautifully done. I thought it tied up a little too quickly and neatly at the end, but I thoroughly enjoyed the story.

[Sunny]

My opinion of the first 60% of the book:
Parts of this story were so deliciously hot and intense, but other parts made me so angry... I'm still reeling from the whiplash. When I started spending more time being angry and less being intrigued, I said "enough".

It felt like the D/s relationship was all over the place, especially when the rules were so inconsistent. I really didn't like when Jenner lost control and treated Brayden with contempt.

I hate quitting books because I like knowing what happens to characters, but when my anxiety level goes up and satisfaction goes down, I need to move on.

[Vallie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I. HAVE. NO. FUCKING. WORDS. FOR. THIS. It was amazing!!!! Oh my God! The hotness, the tension, the sex, it was flaming hot!!!! I am in no condition to do any form of proper review, so I'll just rave about it. Yup, that's all I'm capable right now. Raving!!

Jenner and Brayden. Explosive combination! I have been waiting for a book like this for a while! Brayden is a mass of insecurities after years of bullying at school and family drama which the whole town won't stop gossipping about. Coming home after a few years of self-discovery in Florida to take care of his grandma and young cousin, he gets a job at a local pub. Enter Jenner. Oh the hotness! Jenner is a year older than Brayden, barely 23 himself, and the owner of the pub. The big bad dom, intimidating like hell, and massively overpowering next to Brayden, gets immediately drawn to Brayden. After an incognito encounter at a BDSM club a few towns over, Brayden and Jenner enter a master-slave relationship. No one knows that they are even gay, let alone that Brayden wants nothing more than to submit to Jenner's will, as rough as he can get it. The rest of the story focuses on Brayden and Jenner figuring out the balance in their relationship, getting Brayden to not feel ashamed of who he is and what his needs are, and to at last be honest about their honosexuality to the community around them.

Gosh Brayden! He thinks of himself as the biggest loser and freak on the planet, and Jenner tries so hard to show him that he has nothing anymore to fear. The erotic scenes were extremely refreshing and original. There was no clinical BDSM 101 demonstrations, and they seemed to go back and forth from being Jenner and Brayden to master and slave. Their relationship was not rigid, but ever growing and fluid. It's been a while that I read about a BDSM lifestyle that doesn't follow a specific pattern and platform. It was all instinct and going with the flow. Jenner is the experienced one of the two and he guided Brayden in his exploration of this new way of expressing himself sexually. What surprised me is that the book became quite dark and emotional at times, which I didn't expect. Up to about 25%, I really thought this was going to be a long, drawn-out fuckfest. Sooo not the case! We learn so much about their feelings, thoughts, fears, needs, desires, and the author did a great job in not rushing any of it! The story did not lag one little bit, and it was a looooong book! Every chapter is titled, which I love, because I am always trying to figure out what's gonna happen from it. The book was about 800 pages in the Nook, and boy I wanted more more more more more!!!!

Highly, highly, highly recommend this book!!! It's going straight to my favorite list!!!!

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really tough one. I haven’t read a BDSM novel for some time and this one has left me questioning why I actually like this genre in the first place. Not because it’s an awful book but there is a sense of awkwardness to it that made me itch with unease. So bare with me while I remind myself why it is that I read BDSM again.

Oh yeah: I love the dominant man, I love the power and control he exudes and the game he plays to win my trust. When I place myself in the bonds of a fictional submissive it’s like letting go of all responsibility without judgement (even in my imagination). That, is the overall feeling that I crave when I read BDSM. The plots are important too – the set up is there to make it function – to give it credibility. I can’t say that I’ve always been able to relate to every Dom or sub in my novels – but that’s subjective. All BDSM novels vary in their intensity and we all establish our own definition of soft and hard limits as we go, that’s part of the fun and the challenge.

Bound By Lies was a hard limit for me, but not for the reasons that you may think. The problem lies with the Dom in ‘control’ here. To me, he was never ‘in’ control. Jenner Parrish was not ready to be a Dom. He made too many crucial mistakes to redeem my trust. He made me nervous and the early dub-con scene made me white-knuckle mad. Every scene after (and there where loads) prickled – like ants scuttling under my skin. So it’s safe to say I had issues with Jenner Parrish – despite his remorse and sacrificing – he never won me over. But then I’m a stubborn bitch, and you might like him.

Initially Brayden Clare’s need for submission was not credible but the author deliberately reveals the motive at her own pace. While there is no explanation for Brayden’s exceedingly uncharacteristic appearance at Jenner’s BDSM club, it does prove to be the catalyst for their D/s relationship. Handy that, after weeks and weeks of UST and secrets.
This is my first book by Lynn Kelling and admittedly her style threw me. Present tense formatting I can deal with – just. But when it’s from a third person perspective and the focus swings between characters? Not so much – it was very off-putting.

But you know what? I have a soft spot for coming-out tropes and this book is no exception. I also have a soft spot for those who have suffered loss and experienced an abusive past and this is where I was able to empathise with Brayden who suffers from debilitating self-esteem issues. The author did a great job in echoing his fears – I felt his panic and spiking paranoia as if it where my own. I also grew tiresome of it – most probably because it inevitably led to another …scene.

It’s no secret that I don’t like the too neat happy-ever-after, and the whole redemption angle where Jenner finds his, was too easy. Overall this book suffered from my ambivalence toward Jenner – the sex, the declarations of love, the heartfelt emotion … it all suffered.
But that’s not to say it won’t work for you. I’m certainly not giving up on this author yet. I see potential and believe that this is one of her lighter efforts so perhaps I’ll seek out her dark side (Deliver Us) where the Dom has ALL the control. I think I shall find my place there. Fingers crossed.

A 2.5*/MNY review for Boys in our Books

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok I am definitely in the minority here but 2.5 stars was all I could give. I really wanted to love this book - it ticked lots of boxes for me, so what went wrong ? Jenner unfortunately- he was no Master for me and he really did frustrate the heavens out of me. The way he kept calling Bray " slave" at random times but allowed him to top from the bottom, his on and off attempts to be kinky - I just didn't buy it. I felt a disconnect, and even though he spanked, used various restraints etc he didn't exude the power he needed.... being in the closet for so long didn't help either. This was hard work but I'm glad so many others enjoyed it. Clearly I missed something?

[Sandi ♥'s way too many M/M books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok The cover is just HOT! 5 incredible fucking stars! I loved this book. Full review to come.

[Isabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those unforgetable books... a beautiful, sweet, hot and mind-blowing love story! Two young and gorgeous men that drown on each other... they are perfect together, one is the strenght of the other... soul mates, that's what they are! Jenner is a Dom that needs a submissive to give joy to his life. Brayden is a broken man that needs a powerful lover to protect him, to give him the security that he needs to face a very sad past.

I love this book and I won't ever forget it!!!

Thank you very much "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" for giving me the opportunity to win this superb book!!!!

[Kat · Rating 1 out of 5]

0.5 stars for Emma

There are some things which bothered me immensely about this book. Jenner is such a sad excuse for a Dom, he never really has control, he's way too insecure himself, he makes crucial mistakes, he loses his temper with his sub... the first scene at Mason, there's never once the mentioning of a safeword, no discussing of limits or boundaries, the whole thing has a severe dub-con feeling to me... then things like leaving your sub alone in bondage, blindfolded and only with a cell phone in his hand when the dom leaves the apartment, the unprotected sex (twice!) without the subs consent, hurting the sub by twisting his arm until Bray's in tears just because he's upset but then turning it all into a scene to make it ok and so on... In the end Jenner seems to be more one of the bullies he so thoroughly despises than a respectable dom. The fact that Brayden is terrified of him sometimes should perhaps clue Jenner in that not everything is as fine as he thinks...
Jenner claims to be an experienced Dom, having apprenticed many years with a Master, but that's totally unbelievable. Knowing that Brayden is a novice sub who has never done anything like a D/s relationship before, Jenner bullies him more or less into the relationship slthough Bray is too insecure and depressed to enter such a kind of relationship clear-headed. And Brayden, I understand where he comes from, but could the guy perhaps grow some backbone and not let people walk over him all the time? Being a sub requires strength, confidence and self-awareness, things Bray lacks tremendously, he's a nice guy though, vulnerable and desperate for someone to love him. I still don't get what he sees in Jenner...

Some tightening up would have done the plot some good, the story is repetitive and for all the tension built up in it with regards to Jenner and Brayden coming out to their families and hometown it all happens way to smoothly when it finally happens. The towns fine with it, the families are fine with it and have known all along, it wraps up way too easily. I also found it way to convenient that Brayden ended up at Mason in the first place. Him never having shown any interest in BDSM and suddenly he goes to a BDSM club and party? Nice for the story the author has to get Jenner and Brayden together after all but then one could have cut out all the agonizing and pining from afar beforehand it didn't add anything to the story and was just boring.

What also adds too the awkward feeling of the story is the tense it's written in. Present tense, a third person POV and jumping between POVs makes it a difficult reading experience...

Not recommended.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an incredible story!! And the writing is flawless!

Brayden and Jenner are two lost souls. Brayden moves back to his small hometown to help out is Nana, who is caring for his young cousin. He doesn’t want to move back because Robertsville represents everything he was trying to escape… the small town people with their never-ending judgement and gossip. But he has no choice, so he moves home. He gets a job at the local bar, Parrish Pub, owned by Jenner Parrish. Brayden and Jenner went to high school together, but they were anything but friends. Jenner was the popular football quarterback, while Brayden was a social outcast.

Just like Brayden, Jenner struggles with his own demons. He has a hard time living up to all the expectations that are projected upon him. He builds up walls and hardly lets anyone in, even his family. Jenner and Brayden find themselves drawn to one another and enter into a D/s relationship. Their relationship is beautiful. It gives Brayden the support and comfort he needs. And it gives Jenner someone to protect and care for. The BDSM aspect of their relationship was very well written and off-the-charts hot!!

[Simsala]

DNF 46%

I have no idea what Jenner sees in Brayden - the damsel in distress, I have no idea what Brayden sees in Jenner - this sad excuse of a Dom.
Boring plot that runs in circles with characters mulling over the same stuff again and again.
The erotic content in this book is based on forced consent and abuse of power. You can`t order someone so insecure and repressed like Brayden to "be my slave and submit to me" and expect freely given submission in return.
I didn`t believe in this relationship for one second.

And to make it absolutely clear - this is just my opinion.
No rating...

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

OMG This one is hard to review.

I liked the MCs Jenner and Brayden, but their D/s relationship wasn't believable. Jenner was way too young, too moody. I couldn't see him as a true Dom with the ability to cope with Brayden's issues. He was lacking maturity and experience.

When I love a book I suffer with the characters, feel their joy, their sorrow and love... but while reading Bound by Lies nothing like that happened. The MCs remained dull, colorless. Somewhere at 70/75% I struggled against skipping pages.

It's a nice enough read, but it's no competition to the top BDSM books I've read so far.

[Macky · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about Jenner and Brayden? Well apart from the fact that I fell head over heels for the pair of them, they're definite poster boys for denial and self doubt. On the surface coping as 'normally' as they can on a day to day basis, but underneath the facade, living their lives based on pretense as they're both constantly battling demons from their pasts; hiding the true nature of their sexuality from the people they're closest to and in both their cases the cracks are beginning to show!

Brayden struggles to get past the memories of his unfeeling, selfish mother who deserted him after losing his father to cancer. A dysfunctional background, made worse by the bullying and humiliation he suffered as a vulnerable youngster, from the popular jock clique that Jenner was part of. But deeply closeted Jenner's insecurities and guilt lie in his being a part of that crowd. Knowing that while he never physically participated in the cruelty his peers took pleasure in, he used that popularity as a mask to hide his true nature, obtusely choosing to just stand by and let those horrible things happen; choices that have haunted him ever since.

Family responsibilities he can't ignore, bring an already conflicted Brayden back to his old hometown, and into the sights of the one person who encompasses everything he hated about that time in his life. Desperately in need of a job, he inadvertently ends up working at Jenners bar, and from the beginning it's a complicated relationship that even though at times is frustrating and maddening, is also compellingly beautiful, emotionally heart stopping and off the charts HOT!!! Kinky fuckery that had me all of a tremble and totally in awe of Lynn Kellings ability to make the dynamics of their intense, no holds barred play, feel authentic and not just the formulaic 'bdsm 101' you generally find in m/m romance.

For rest of review follow Link-> http://bit.ly/1N2kMWr

[BevS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not going into huge detail, bought the book after reading Gigi's review and a damn fine job she did too!! 5 stars and a from me for this one!!

The present tense writing can be a little off-putting but to those familiar with the author's work it's still annoying but in an irritating way, like that pesky fly that keeps zooming into view and when you try to swat it, it disappears.

The characters in this one were fab...Jenner so dominant and a former jock, now in charge of his family's bar and so doesn't have a lot of time to himself, but when the need arises takes himself off to a club where he's received training from the Dom in charge, and one night he comes across the new employee at his bar Brayden and as he's already seen Bray at the local pool in his tighter than tight swimming shorts, zooms over to pick Bray up before any of the other Doms can. That's it from me, other than to say I loved Max's character, fiercely loyal to Jenner and then to Bray. Great book and I'll put pushing my other Lynn Kelling books up the queue pretty quickly.

[Leanne]

Stopped at around 45% because I couldn't like or believe either MC. I usually have a real soft spot for the weak and vulnerable/fucked up character but I just wanted to slap Brayden. I hated the way Jenner,still just an inexperienced and angry kid himself, bullied Brayden into a D/s relationship. I think that for the BDSM element to seem real and believable(and safe)the Dom must possess some degree of self-awareness, maturity and experience. Jenner did not.

[Tatiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

Хорошее начало, но к концу всё сдулось.

Очень неровная книга, очень… Казалось бы, красивый слог, много незаезженных метафор, но POV-ы порой меняются со скоростью звука: одно предложение от лица одного героя, второе – от лица другого. Опять же, у всех персонажей, даже самых мелких, есть свой POV. Кому это надо?

БДСМ вообще не понравился. Если бы это была просто книжка с небольшим кинком, читалось бы приятнее. Ан нет, Дом трясет регалиями: якобы пять лет обучался у крутого Мастера, но в то же время почему-то совершенно себя не контролирует – не единожды забывает предохраняться (после чего каждый раз стонет «о горе мне, горе!»), не следит за состоянием саба, рыдает во время сцен и т.д. Саб тоже хорош: любимого избивает лучший друг, а он такой: «Ох, отстаньте, я запутался. Ну, всем пока!» и свалил в туман. Очень по-мужски, ага…

[Gitte TotallyBookedBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed on http://totallybookedblog.com/2013/09/...



4.5 Emotional Stars

I didn’t know much about this book going in. I was immediately hooked though and have to say that this storyline is absolutely flawlessly written. I found it to be gritty, the emotions stripped backed to the basic of raw human emotion. It was ugly in places yet in most it was breathtakingly beautiful. Now I’m not a squeamish reader at all. I will read the darkest of the dark and my boundaries are pretty non – existent. However, at times I struggled in this story. Not because it covered aspects of storyline I haven’t read before but because this Author gave such an honest and un-romanticised view of a lifestyle and ‘a pure broken heart that finds love’ which more often than not is prettified for the reader.

“It’s okay to be weak and damaged because Jenner is strong.” – Braden

This story is about Brayden and Jenner, and what a story theirs was. It had just about every emotion you could wish for or feel. It had me in fits of tears one minute, laughing out loud and covering my face the next as I swallowed every word like a reader starved. But it was long, very long and that was the only drawback for me. A few times I found it dragged and the intensity waned, I guess in my opinion it was too descriptive at times when it didn’t need to be, their story was too all-encompassing and overwhelmingly beautiful I completely got it without the superfluous. My other struggle was the present tense written in third person. It took me a long while to get used to it and I have to say if it hadn’t been for the fact that I loved the characters and the storyline I would have put it down unable to continue reading.

The characters of Brayden and Jenner were individually written with pure perfection and I completely got the extreme need they each had of each other. One completed the other, both were a contradiction, but they worked. They were meant to be, I suppose you could say that one offered the strength the other needed to be true to themselves and live the life they were meant to live.

“Gripping the bar’s edge, leaning forward against it, a switch gets flipped in Jenner. He goes into predatory mode as his target, his prey, comes steadily closer, their eyes locked. Everything in Jenner screams at him to take, to plunder, to fuck, and it does so with such force he gets lightheaded with the strength of the need. But as Brayden approaches, something strange happens to his expression. Briefly, upon seeing Jenner, heartache so profound and poignant crosses Brayden’s face…”

The lifestyle which Jenner and Brayden chose to live was written in such detail and with such intensity that yes, at first I thought this is a ‘lamb to slaughter’ type scenario. However, even though it got a bit too much for me at times and I wanted to kick Jenner’s arse really hard, I did understand that this was two consenting adults who both needed and wanted this no matter my feelings on the degree to which they went. Brayden and Jenner are two pretty fucked up people, so broken and hurt that I cried like a baby at times. I fell in love with both. I wanted to climb into my kindle and give comfort and hugs. Each were facing struggles that made life really hard for them.

“Someone hurt you.”

“Are you kidding? My life was hurt. Everything hurt…”

Bound By Lies is M/M BDSM and is not necessarily an easy read at times, especially if you struggle with this genre. However, it was heart-breaking, hot and sexy, beautiful and funny too so the balance was pretty spot on I thought. If you enjoy this type of story I would strongly suggest adding Bound By Lies to your ‘to read list’!

ARC supplied by Author for an honest review

[Day-thief · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,75 ish
This felt different than what I read by Lynn Kelling before and I’m grateful, because, honestly, Whatever The Cost didn’t do much for me.

I read this book in two sittings. I liked the sex and how the plot progressed. I liked that Jenner was a young Dom (the pompous “I’ve been a Master for 5 years” seemed to only partly translate into a controlled behavior on his side). I liked the clash between the life style and reality where friends are concerned about the D/S relationship (although a more realistic behavior on behalf of said friends would have been nice; wouldn’t it be natural to ask a few questions when you learn that your friend is a slave to his boyfriend? The same goes for Brayden – we never see him researching BDSM or asking questions either- weird). I also liked how ambivalent the relationship between Brayden and Jenner was portrayed:

“Little Brayden is fully cognizant that the man towering over him is stronger, quicker, and could do literally anything he wanted. … Jenner Parrish feels the precise moment when Brayden Clare becomes truly afraid of him.”

Some reviewers found abuse of power and dub con here. There’s an obvious power imbalance, but not to the extent that it bothered me. However, I would have preferred Brayden to be a bit more snarky instead of so subdued. The imbalance is addressed a couple of times in the book and Brayden confirms to two of his friends and two of Jenner’s that he wants the relationship. He is inexperienced with sex or submission, but not isolated nor is he emotionally unstable IMO. And Jenner acknowledges the situation:

Jenner: “The safeword is supposed to keep things in check, but if you’re not in the right frame of mind to know when to use it, I should know better than to start anything with you. I have forced myself on you. Maybe I am the bad guy.”
Brayden: “…Everything you do, it’s because I let you do it. My eyes are open.”

You could even turn the whole argument around: everyone thinks Jenner is taking advantage of ‘little Brayden’, but Jenner’s the one smitten with him. Brayden never even considered being with Jenner before their meeting in the BDSM club (btw, major WTF moment: what was Brayden doing in that club? That came out of nowhere and was never explained. Tsk.). Would have been interesting to follow the MCs over a longer period of time and to see what happens when 22-years-old Brayden meets other Doms. Because at no point was I convinced in Brayden’s very early declarations of love (lust and attraction and loneliness yes, but love?).

Sadly, I somehow lost interest in the book at around the 90% mark. Once I got the drift, that everything was resolved and we won’t get ANY noteworthy interaction and dialogue between the family and the MCs, it took me out of the story. The present tense was okay for me; only sometimes did it get a bit over the top and the books then read more like a review essay.
But let me end on a more positive note – the sex! :)

“You know I got off on watching you. That’s what I wanted. That was my fantasy. And it came true. I came so fucking hard last night, seeing you ride my hand. I licked you come from the glove after you left.
- Jesus.”

[Kristie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book... this book made me laugh out loud, cry ugly tears, rejoice and cheer, and gave me so much peace. I'm so happy right now I feel it all the way from my bones, to the tips of my hair.

I love Brayden's vulnerable and soft shyness. I love Jenner's strength, his romantic side that only Brayden sees. For both of them, I love their emotional growth. Both characters are products of a small town. Small towns often mean small minds with little room for other unknown feelings, ways of life or alternative lifestyles. For Bray, being bullied all of his childhood, growing up with a mother that was not emotionally available to him, and then physically removed. A father who was everything to him who then tragically dies from cancer. Brayden does not have the stability and support growing up that he needs. For Jenner, he's the big shot football star. He's the would be bully to Brayden... but he's not. Jenner is a romantic at heart. He's compassionate and caring.

Both Brayden and Jenner have been living in a world of lies for years. Lies they tell themselves, lies they tell the ones they love, and lies that have them bound so tight it was only a matter of time before the band breaks and the lies are all out in the open. In this story where that binding breaks and all is out for the world to see, the growth between Brayden and Jenner is a gift to see. Jenner, learning what it is that Brayden needed from him. Brayden, coming to the realization of those needs and learning to not be afraid or ashamed of them. So beautiful.

Friends and family play an important part of this story and though I really hated Max and Art for a while, they've redeemed themselves. Nan and Bette, all I say about them except that they're perfect. A perfect grandmother for Brayden, a perfect mother for Jenner.

In a book so different from Lynn's other darker tales, this one is bright and shinning. For me, it was like a sunrise. Even through difficult times, I had a warm and fuzzy feeling in my heart. They way Brayden and Jenner grow and push through the issues together warmed my soul.

[Mare SLiTsReaD Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is published on:

http://slitsread.wordpress.com/2013/0...

~4 FloGGerinG StaRs~



I truly enjoy MM books that have a STORY! And this one didn’t fail me! I love books with virgins, coming out and true love.

Brayden, a scared shell of a man who was tortured in highschool for his looks, his life. A man who has abandonment issues and NEEDS LOVE.

“But for Brayden, Jenner is the sea. He’s the home ever sought and the elusive dream that for so long hovered out of reach, like the sunlight shining on rippling water.”



Jenner is the man who gives it to him. A tank of man who hides his sexuality with sarcasm and sheer dominance.



This book would have been a 5 star without the BDSM, cause truly it is a love story. A coming out, being yourself novel. The first time they hold hands, the first time they fuck…





“You are mine now,” Jenner whispers. I’ve marked you. Wanna get down on my knees and lick your thighs clean…”

Their kisses… SMOKING HOTT… the temple kisses, the hand on the small of his back… every endless touch



“Very softly, his expression perfectly composed and inscrutable, Jenner says, “I love you too. More than you know.”

” I love you,” Brayden tells him urgently.”



~4 FloGGerinG StaRs~



Mira~BFA Supreme

[Barb ~rede-2-read~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really amazed at how good this story was. I picked it up because it meets so many of our scavenger hunt points so I didn't expect much more than to gather the points. What I found in this little gem is a whole world of pain for two very damaged, yet very wonderful MCs.

Everyone Brayden has ever loved has left him. Bullied in school, suffering from the sudden death of his father, he loses his mother to her own inability to stay and face reality as she moves away to join the Peace Corps. He's been living in Florida, trying to free himself from his own fears, when he is summoned home by his grandmother who needs his help. He then leaves his friends and his roommate with whom he was beginning to explore a sexual relationship.

He meets Jenner Parrish, owner of Parrish Pub, when he applies for a job as a bartender. Unknown to him, Jenner has seen him at the gym and is lusting over his body. Jenner is damaged too, though it's not as outwardly apparent.

The two meet anonymously at a BDSM club where they wear disguises and never realize that they are with each other until the next day when Brayden notices one of Jenner's tattoos.

The two begin a Master/slave relationship, slowly building trust over time, and slowing building confidence and self-esteem in Brayden and acceptance of his own sexuality in Jenner. There is more bondage in this story than I've seen in others and I liked how the author handled Brayden's need for it.

This story is all about the building of that relationship and their slow and painful journey to coming out, both individually and as a couple. Very well done. Highly recommend. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 because there were no typos at all, and that's so rare it deserves a half star in itself.

[Aerin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a great example on why an author should never write about a topic they have no clue about. There are so many conflicting thigs in Jenner's behavior, there's no way he's a dom with 5 years of training. He acts more like a hormonal teenager, a selfish person that's also unstable and has an anger problem. The author keeps mentioning rules, but those rules change from one day to the next. I also have a problem with Max and Art. They're supposed to have been friends for years and know about Jenner's D/S lifestyle, but act like some imature kids when they confront him. So dissapointed....

And all the bullies and name-calling should not take place between adults. It was almost like I was reading a story about kids in junior high. So much immaturity is not the norm for mature grown-ups.

And the mention of sadomasochism bothered me to no end. Just because Braydy liked to be restrained, and liked rough sex, that does not make him a masochist. Again, if you have no knowledge about a subject matter, then don't write about it.

I'm giving this 2 stars because there were a couple of sweet/er moments there, but in all honesty, if a book has me so bored and frustrated that I have to push myself to finish it, then it doesn't even deserve that.

[Pjm12 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This unusual third person present tense narrative style has the effect of drawing the story out deliberately and effectively. We see both Brayden and Jenner's point of view and their very different situations in life make their attraction and subsequent involvement very interesting.

Jenner's secret Dom life means that noone much in his small home town knows the real man. Brayden's return to look after his Nana and niece have all but sealed his fate as being stuck and feeling trapped.

But when they find their kinks complement each other perfectly, the set pieces are both loving and smexy! And kinky and long and detailed, and there's lots of them, and they are all varied and hot, and did I mention how hot both boys are? Whew *fans self* (although the feather scene pushed my ick buttons)...

I enjoyed getting to know these two. There was enough drama to sustain the length of the novel, and if the ending is all just a little too full of community-spirit and tolerance for them, well, good on you, Robertsville, for not conforming to some terrible rednecked, homophobic small town stereotype.

Must hunt down more of this author's work.

[Tais · Rating 4 out of 5]

Автор молодец. Сумела втянуть, несмотря на мою нелюбовь к персонажам, едва вышедшим из подросткового возраста (здесь - 22 и 23 года).

Собственно, в этом произведении есть то, чего мне часто не хватает в БДСМных книжках:
- Нормальное общение между героями, а не только в стиле "Да, сэр" и "я лучше тебя знаю, что тебе нужно".
- Реально ощущающееся равноправие любовников.
- Новичок не бросается сразу же с головой в незнакомый образ жизни.
- Сомнения в правильности выбранной линии поведения и своих действиях с обеих сторон. Рефлексия. Страх навредить другому. Поиск, нащупывание подходящего обоим.
- Дом регулярно уточняет у саба действительно ли тот согласен с происходящим.

Помимо того, тема взросления, познания и принятия себя, преодоления, камин-аута.

Как я сказала, автор молодец. Жаль только, конец слишком засахарила.

[Dreamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extremely hot m/m bdsm romance full of humour and wit, told in the present tense. Bar owner and closet Dom Jenner is captivated by his new employee Brayden who has returned from Miami to his hometown where he was bullied in high school..

'Gripping the bar's edge, leaning forward against it, a switch gets flipped in Jenner. He goes into predatory mode as his target, his prey, comes steadily closer, their eyes locked. Everything in Jenner screams at him to take, to plunder, to fuck, and it does so with such force he gets lightheaded with the strength of the need.'

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really, really good and very hot! Remove the shock and you're left in awe, which I was. A beautiful love story. A solid 4.5 stars and I'll read this author again. I took off a little bit for the drag in the middle. All that self loathing.

[Coffee Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really great book with interesting, dynamic characters (including some really intriguing minor characters I'd love to read more about in a later book) and a solid plot fueled by hot and hard BDSM scenes. Kelling did a great job of "showing" not "telling" and I spent much of the book with my heart pounding, or tears in my eyes, or both. The book is longer than most, so there's time to get closure for most plot points, and nothing feels rushed or short-changed. I highly recommend it, especially if you're into intense Master/slave dynamics, sadism/pain kink, and non-con/dub-con wrapped up in a great story with a believable HEA.



What I liked:
Brayden is a great character. Tormented and even assaulted in high school by jocks, the scene where he stands up for himself, his boyfriend and his kinks is so perfect that I wanted to cheer. If I got frustrated with Braydy's "backsliding" into the habit of being a victim, I was usually rewarded when he pulled out in time (or soon after) and grew from it. I also loved how Braydy was a natural flirt, when he was comfortable. It made sense and made him seem very appealing, even if he didn't know it, beyond just being cute. While he could be weak and "cry-baby Braydy," he was a lot more than that.

Jenner is one of the most well-rounded, identifiable "Dom" characters I've ever seen in a BDSM story. He is a really good guy, dependable, successful, thoughtful, and intuitive with Braydy, but he's not all-knowing and all-seeing and he makes mistakes. He even gets angry and takes it out on Braydy during a "scene" (which wasn't actually a scene, making it even worse).

Jenner's weak, too, but weak in a different way than Braydy - he doesn't stand up for others when they're being bullied (which is clear is just as damaging to Jenner as being "cry-baby Braydy" is to Braydy). Jenner's inability to do what's right in the face of the "in" crowd is an essential element of his character, and is clearly a big part of why he's so attracted to Braydy, to attone in some way for his previous sins. A Dom that's wrong sometimes (and about important stuff) is refreshing.

The fact that neither Jenner nor Braydy were perfect made the story come alive and give the plot a depth I haven't seen in many BDSM or other M/M books.

I liked that the MCs didn't get together the moment they met - and that Braydy didn't think about Jenner as a potential lover until he's been working for Jenner for weeks. Jenner, on the other hand, does have that instant attraction/insta-love thing for Braydy, but their relationship percolates and we see them get to know each other before the sex starts.

The kink in this book was hot and heavy and totally fit both of the characters and their relationship. It was fairly intense immediately, which was surprising given that Braydy is such an innocent but it works because Kelling shows us those subtle (and not so subtle) moments that make it clear that this power exchange is freely given and the kinks are mostly Braydy's (although Jenner loves to fulfill Braydy's needs and is definitely a sadist who gets off on what he does).

One of my favorite scenes for both the kink/sex and for what it says about the characters and their relationship is when Jenner figures out that Braydy needs to be restrained to feel safe. We get Jenner's POV on this and how the escalation of "force" is always based on cues from Braydy so that it comes across as very giving and caring, despite the violence and pain Jenner's inflicting. I loved the willingness on Jenner's part to give Braydy what he needs but also the acknowledgment that Jenner's needs are deeply kinky, too.

Virginity and dub-con/non-con/rape fantasy is one of my biggest kinks and this book hit that button on steroids. Except for one scene, which was crucial to the plot, Braydy was written as only terrified or forced in ways he was utterly aroused by. I also liked that when Jenner escalates things in their relationship (rules and protocol and punishments), Braydy consents with enthusiasm tinged with terror. It's a perfect combination and makes total sense for the characters.

I liked the escalation of concern for Braydy by Jenner's friends, and that the physical violence of the MC was against Jenner, not Braydy. I'm tired of books where the weaker/smaller/bullied main character is beaten or raped or abused. It was realistic that Jenner's friends thought Braydy was being abused, that overhearing a conversation would escalate that concern, and that Braydy didn't stand up for Jenner at the time. So I thought that whole section of the book was excellent. There was tension, dread, misunderstandings and frustration, and then reconciliation. Later, when Braydy is being threatened and pushed around, he's not hurt - although he is terrified and not in the way he finds arousing.

Speaking of Jenner's friends, I liked them all, especially Max. I don't understand why women in M/M books are either utter villains or are perfect.
Max was supportive but not perfect, gave bad advice, made wrong assumptions, and was just very real. I also don't normally like the "straight woman who finds gay sex hot" trope but here it was set up very clearly why Max felt that way (she was into Braydy and thought he was straight) and it was used well. I also loved Art, and Andre (although we got too little of Andre and I wanted more bang when he came up to see if Braydy was all right).

I also really liked that these characters were monogamous. I've been reading so many books/fics lately where the characters are polyamorous or in open relationships and I needed a happily-ever-after with a monogamous couple (so if there is a sequel, I'm hoping it doesn't go the way Kelling's "Deliver Us" sequel did because that broke my heart).

What I didn't like:
Um, there could have been more kink? It could have been longer? LOL.

Most of my gripes are minor. Braydy going to the masked BDSM party where he hooks up with Jenner was very unbelievable and out of character. Braydy's a virgin and while he knows he likes being restrained, he's so in the closet that I don't buy him going to a party where he'll be leashed and "taken" - especially since we get it all from Jenner's POV and very little explanation by Braydy later. It's too abrupt a behavior change to make sense. It felt a little too contrived/convenient, and since it's a huge plot element in a story with lots of other plot threads woven together very well, it's disappointing.

While Kelling's writing has improved dramatically from earlier books, there are still some style issues that bugged me. Characters being called anything other than proper names or pronouns i.e. "his master called Braydy over" or "his slave sat up on the bed," is distracting, unless it's spoken dialogue "he's my master" or "get up, slave." We have names and personal pronouns for a reason. Kelling doesn't do it that often, but when she does, it's jarring (to me). There's also a bit of head-hopping in terms of POV. Kelling is pretty good about keeping to the POV of the section, so when she does head-hop it's fairly startling.

This is really petty, but Braydy's name bugged the ever-loving shit out of me. Typing "Braydy" in this review so many times has made it worse! It took a good 100 pages before I read past it without pausing to take out the extra "y" (because regardless of how Brayden is spelled, Brady is Brady, in my head.) And then shortening it to "Brayd," which also made me stop and think, oh, typo, she meant "Brady" but typed the letters out of order." I don't normally mind strangely spelled names but this one seriously bugged me because it interrupted the flow of my reading.

Summary
This is a well-written, well-plotted super-kinky book with a monogamous happily ever after. I loved it!

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

What poor tortured souls. Ms. Kelling has created a pair of main characters designed to pull at your heartstrings and twist you up inside. Be warned if you’re not into BDSM this book won’t be for you. There is definitely I pretty strong kink level to this book.

Brayden, known as Cry Baby Braydy throughout high school, has had a rough life for a while now. Losing his father to cancer and having his mom essentially take off, all while Braydy was still in school, has left him really struggling to trust people. Moving to Florida and away from his hometown certainly helped, he has begun to find his own strength again. Still, he struggles with his sexuality and even in his little experimentation hasn’t been able to allow anyone to take him very far. His roommate Andre has only recently been able to get close to him, and even then only forcibly controlling Braydy has allowed him to relax enough to go with it and enjoy. Then just as things were looking up the worst happened. Braydy’s been called home to help out his Nan take care of his younger cousin. Emma’s mother has abandoned her and Braydy can’t stomach the idea of someone else feeling what he did. So he’s on his way back to the backwater tiny town he grew up in.

Jenner is the hometown hero. Quarterback of the football team in high school with all the popularity that went with it he easily stepped into the family shoes to take over the local bar. Everyone in town knows his name and adores him. Terrified to step out on a limb Jenner tears himself up inside keeping his perfect image intact and keeping most people at a distance. Of course no one but his two closest friends know his secret. He may not be quite as perfect as everyone seems to think. Years before Jenner discovered the BDSM scene and he uses his abilities as a Dom to maintain order in his little world.

But his carefully constructed house of cards is about to come toppling down. While at the gym one morning he spies a stunning sun tanned god climbing out of the pool. He’s enchanted. When that same god shyly walks into his bar looking for a job, no matter how torturous it’ll be to his soul, Jenner can’t turn him away. No he’s stuck everyday pining for Braydy and unsure if his affections would be welcome.

These two guys were just so easy to love. Braydy’s initial fear of Jenner, recognizing him as one of the type of guys he struggled with so often in high school, in fact knowing he quite possibly was one of those guys, makes such painful sense. I know exactly how Braydy feels about coming home to a place that can only see you one way even when you yourself know you’ve changed. The small town world can be very unforgiving and hidebound. Braydy still has the innate shyness he’s always had, but he’s not the same lost child he was in high school and it’s painful every time that’s all the town can see. Every little barb people threw at him made me flinch on his behalf. He is really trying to step outside his shell and show people he can be more.

The dichotomy of Jenner’s nature as a Dom and his own massive insecurities was such a lovely draw into his soul. Braydy for all his submissiveness knows what he needs and wants better than Jenner at times. Braydy may need the bounds of BDSM to really be able to let go, to relax, but he recognizes that and is able to accept what Jenner has to offer. Jenner on the other hand feels the need to hide the most basic aspects of his nature from almost everyone around him. He allows certain people to see pieces but it’s only through his relationship with Braydy that he starts to be able to own all of himself.

While it was hard to read at times, and really made me want to take Jenner out back and smack him a bit (Thank you Art! May not have been deserved for the reasons you thought, but Jenner totally deserved that punch!) I think the times he in essence failed as a Dom came from his insecurities with himself. I do feel like Jenner crossed the bounds of the rules safe/sane/consensual a few times, but his true remorse and guilt over it made it hard to hate him. Braydy’s ready acceptance of everything Jenner had to give him also made it a little more tolerable even if still not right. Still Jenner deserved the punch in the face.

I had two minor issues with this book that keep it from a 5 star rating for me. The first was so minor as to really be inconsequential but the feminine nicknames “Marsha” and on a rare occasion “Jenny” were just annoying. I didn’t mind Braydy’s shortening Jenner to Jenn as much, but still. These are two guys and two guys struggling to be the men they should be. They weren’t feminine in the least, but struggling against the towns idea of what being gay means meant they were struggling with their masculinity within themselves. The use of the feminine nicknames just seemed to muddy the waters inferring, unintentionally maybe, that gay men really did have some slight femininity to them just by being gay. Especially when you pair them with Jenner’s best friend Max. A strong female comfortable in her own skin whom the town ostracizes to some extent because she steps outside the bounds of normal conventions and is seen to have relations with multiple men. Giving her the masculine name adds to this idea that in order to be “different” than the normal gender stereotypes one must adopt the characteristics of the other gender. Phew…ok didn’t realize that bothered me as much as it apparently did.

The other one just drove me nuts through the whole book. I hoped I’d get used to it eventually but I never really did. It would throw me out of the flow of the story periodically. Basically this book is written in the 3rd person present tense, which I found to be quite obnoxious. Almost every time I read that present tense verb I’d have to stop and re-read it to realize that no, it really wasn’t written in the more conventional past tense. As I got further into the book I got through longer passages without stopping to grit my teeth, but I still never got over being annoyed by it. It just plain reads strange. Not bad, or wrong, just strange.

Overall though, I really enjoyed this book. I was with Jenner and Braydy as they struggled to find balance within themselves and within their relationship. The D/S nature of their bond grew within the story as well. Braydy truly got more comfortable and confident the more structure Jenner put into how their master/slave dynamic would work. And the scene at the bar for Halloween! Oh so perfect a showing of I’ve got your back. I loved watching these two tortured souls find themselves in their relationship with each other. Neither one of them would have become the man they could be without the other.

[Denise · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 Stars

While reflecting upon the story for this review, I can think of very few things I liked about it. The way the POVs were written, especially Jenner's, were confusing. It wasn't written in one character's POV, but more of a general "looking down upon all of the characters", if that makes sense. The second chapter started off seemingly being the POV of Max, Jenner's friend, but switched to being the POV of both Jenner and Max simultaneously. As a reader, it was jarring, confusing, and took me out of the story due to having to decipher what was going on.

I didn't buy that Jenner had trained to be a Dom for five years. He was inconsistent with his rules, made them up on the fly, and degraded Brayden by constantly calling him "slave", "slut", and "whore". While Brayden does crave being restrained and dominated, the name calling was OTT and unnecessary. There is plenty of kink to be found including sounding, public sex, CBT, straps, bondage, spanking, and a chastity belt but the romance was lacking for me. Jenner was not a believable, or good, Dom in my opinion. I also did not agree with Jenner's decision to deceive Bryaden in the beginning, although it did work out.

The story starts off with a rather graphic, on-page sexual discovery story of Brayden with OM, which I just found odd. It simply wasn't needed and could have been summarized as part of Brayden's history. I didn't like any of the supporting characters except for Andre, which is rather ironic since he was the OM. I found Max and Art, Jenner's friends, to be childish and irrational. It's hard to believe that they're aware of Jenner's BDSM lifestyle and yet jumped to such wild conclusions and acted upon them without even giving Jenner the benefit of the doubt.

Each man is struggling with something. Brayden has severe anxiety from being bullied in high school and Jenner is terrified to tell his family that he's gay. I found some of this angst to be drama just for drama's sake. The conflict comes to a head and is wrapped up rather easily. All in all, I can't say I enjoyed the story.