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Compulsion
The past always catches up with you. Max Newman should know—he’s been running from his since that one, fateful night.
Now he’s left the darker streets of London behind him and returned to Brighton to lick his wounds. Though he insists the club life is no longer his scene, one evening he lets his friends drag him out dancing. And suddenly the simple life he’s tried to lead gets complicated.
At Compulsion, the Medina Group’s newest hotspot, Max meets Seve Nunez, a member of the Medina management and a man used to taking what he wants. The sexual chemistry between Max and Seve immediately leads to an intimate encounter in the backyard of the club—just the kind of dangerous behaviour Max is trying to forget. Despite that, he can't help but crave more, and Seve seems just as eager.
But Max soon suspects that Seve may not be the scrupulous businessman he claims. Max has seen the Medina Group at work before, and what he saw got a good friend killed. He's not sure what future he has with Seve, but he'll have to decide whether to trust in Seve’s innocence or keep running. The wrong choice could land them both in mortal danger.
Now he’s left the darker streets of London behind him and returned to Brighton to lick his wounds. Though he insists the club life is no longer his scene, one evening he lets his friends drag him out dancing. And suddenly the simple life he’s tried to lead gets complicated.
At Compulsion, the Medina Group’s newest hotspot, Max meets Seve Nunez, a member of the Medina management and a man used to taking what he wants. The sexual chemistry between Max and Seve immediately leads to an intimate encounter in the backyard of the club—just the kind of dangerous behaviour Max is trying to forget. Despite that, he can't help but crave more, and Seve seems just as eager.
But Max soon suspects that Seve may not be the scrupulous businessman he claims. Max has seen the Medina Group at work before, and what he saw got a good friend killed. He's not sure what future he has with Seve, but he'll have to decide whether to trust in Seve’s innocence or keep running. The wrong choice could land them both in mortal danger.
328 pages, Paperback
First published October 28, 2012
4 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
About the author
Clare London
148 books434 followersClare took the pen name London from the city where she lives, loves, and writes. A lone, brave female in a frenetic, testosterone-fuelled family home, she juggles her writing with her other day job as an accountant. She’s written in many genres and across many settings, with award-winning novels and short stories published both online and in print. She says she likes variety in her writing while friends say she’s just fickle, but as long as both theories spawn good fiction, she’s happy. Most of her work features male/male romance and drama with a healthy serving of physical passion, as she enjoys both reading and writing about strong, sympathetic and sexy characters.
Clare currently has several novels sulking at that tricky chapter 3 stage and plenty of other projects in mind . . . she just has to find out where she left them in that frenetic, testosterone-fuelled family home.
All the details and free fiction are available at her website. Visit her today and say hello!
Clare also writes as Stella Shaw and launched a new series of rent boy romances in 2021.
Clare currently has several novels sulking at that tricky chapter 3 stage and plenty of other projects in mind . . . she just has to find out where she left them in that frenetic, testosterone-fuelled family home.
All the details and free fiction are available at her website. Visit her today and say hello!
Clare also writes as Stella Shaw and launched a new series of rent boy romances in 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
November 22, 2012
Compulsion: An irresistible impulse to act, regardless of the rationality of the motivation...
Oh. My. God. What a compelling and fabulous read from a very talented author that has now, most definitely become a must buy for me. I loved this book and when I finished it last night - I wanted more! flicking through the last pages hoping for something - anything! I felt lost, couldn't bear to leave them without a last word, a wave goodbye even!... tears welling in my eyes, I felt bereft.
The writing Ms. London, Excellent. Poignant in its delivery transporting me into Max's sad and lonely world which we see through his eyes, told completely from his perspective, we hear his thoughts and feelings and learn the tragic events that have led him to where he is now - haunted by his previous mistakes and actions he see's himself as a coward and a fuck up! Damaged goods not worthy of love and affection. Consumed by overwhelming guilt for his past and ashamed and humiliated by his weaknesses. Max is now determined to take control of his life and somehow atone for his sins!
Max grew up in the Foster Care system with the only constants in his life being his two friends, Jack and Louis. Whilst at Uni the freedom and the lure of sex, drink and drugs pushed him over the edge and rather than deal with the fallout - he runs away to London. With the Club scene and all inhibitions lost, his hedonistic ways are further unleashed... spiraling his life out of control and into the world of drug dealers and thugs.
Months after running out on them, Max turns up on Jack and Louis doorstep, with only a bag and a couple of quid... a mere shell of his former self. No questions asked, they welcome him with open arms.
Jack and Louis come to life in this book - I want them as my best friends! *faghag, here.. waving* They are great characters and their personalities burst onto the pages of the book, well... Louis does, he is larger than life, gorgeous and an extrovert with a capital E - a bit part actor and dancer - his partner Jack on the other hand is the total opposite, a Forensic Scientist, quiet and a bit of a geek... but all heart, in fact they both are. Max could not wish for two more loyal and compassionate friends. So... after living the last few months as a social hermit, through some arm twisting and emotional blackmail, they manage to persuade Max to a night out at Compulsion...
Compulsion: An irresistible impulse to act, regardless of the rationality of the motivation...
Their eyes meet, a nod of the head and barely two words spoken between them ~ Seve and Max were in the backyard of Compulsion... Fucking!
The Dark and beautiful stranger had set something alight within and whatever Max tried he just could not douse those flames. Anonymous quick fucks were part of his past, the past he was moving away from... but no matter how hard he tried - Seve consumed him. A week later he was back at Compulsion...
Compulsion: An irresistible impulse to act, regardless of the rationality of the motivation...
Severino Nunez ~ a man of very few words but HOLY HELL he has plenty of moves. Sexual energy just oozes from him. A natural predator, arrogant with an aura of confidence and when Max sees him, he is oblivious to everything... seduced by a glance alone, he can't help himself - all rational lost and baser instincts prevail. Together they are depraved, wild, the sex intense... always with a risk or hint at danger... only now it could be their lives that are in danger!
This book with it vivid and evocative descriptive writing, in my minds eye was almost like a Film Noir, seductive... and at times dark in it atmosphere, it was deep and emotional, with murder and intrigue... and plenty of lust, with copious amounts of very hard fast and passionate sex! Ohhh Yes... Seve is now up there with my top Fantasy Lusts... Fire hose needed!
For me this ended as a HFN... I hope Ms. London you might grace us with more from these two... 'cause I think I am in love *flutters eyelashes*
It was great to have an m-m novel that I could completely relate to, as in based in the UK... however with only one faux pas "awesome" hmm.. not a word we use over here, not even from my kids who as teenagers are already so Americanised!
Excellent Book.... READ IT!
For more reviews please visit...Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews
Oh. My. God. What a compelling and fabulous read from a very talented author that has now, most definitely become a must buy for me. I loved this book and when I finished it last night - I wanted more! flicking through the last pages hoping for something - anything! I felt lost, couldn't bear to leave them without a last word, a wave goodbye even!... tears welling in my eyes, I felt bereft.
The writing Ms. London, Excellent. Poignant in its delivery transporting me into Max's sad and lonely world which we see through his eyes, told completely from his perspective, we hear his thoughts and feelings and learn the tragic events that have led him to where he is now - haunted by his previous mistakes and actions he see's himself as a coward and a fuck up! Damaged goods not worthy of love and affection. Consumed by overwhelming guilt for his past and ashamed and humiliated by his weaknesses. Max is now determined to take control of his life and somehow atone for his sins!
Max grew up in the Foster Care system with the only constants in his life being his two friends, Jack and Louis. Whilst at Uni the freedom and the lure of sex, drink and drugs pushed him over the edge and rather than deal with the fallout - he runs away to London. With the Club scene and all inhibitions lost, his hedonistic ways are further unleashed... spiraling his life out of control and into the world of drug dealers and thugs.
Months after running out on them, Max turns up on Jack and Louis doorstep, with only a bag and a couple of quid... a mere shell of his former self. No questions asked, they welcome him with open arms.
Jack and Louis come to life in this book - I want them as my best friends! *faghag, here.. waving* They are great characters and their personalities burst onto the pages of the book, well... Louis does, he is larger than life, gorgeous and an extrovert with a capital E - a bit part actor and dancer - his partner Jack on the other hand is the total opposite, a Forensic Scientist, quiet and a bit of a geek... but all heart, in fact they both are. Max could not wish for two more loyal and compassionate friends. So... after living the last few months as a social hermit, through some arm twisting and emotional blackmail, they manage to persuade Max to a night out at Compulsion...
Compulsion: An irresistible impulse to act, regardless of the rationality of the motivation...
Their eyes meet, a nod of the head and barely two words spoken between them ~ Seve and Max were in the backyard of Compulsion... Fucking!
The Dark and beautiful stranger had set something alight within and whatever Max tried he just could not douse those flames. Anonymous quick fucks were part of his past, the past he was moving away from... but no matter how hard he tried - Seve consumed him. A week later he was back at Compulsion...
Compulsion: An irresistible impulse to act, regardless of the rationality of the motivation...
Severino Nunez ~ a man of very few words but HOLY HELL he has plenty of moves. Sexual energy just oozes from him. A natural predator, arrogant with an aura of confidence and when Max sees him, he is oblivious to everything... seduced by a glance alone, he can't help himself - all rational lost and baser instincts prevail. Together they are depraved, wild, the sex intense... always with a risk or hint at danger... only now it could be their lives that are in danger!
This book with it vivid and evocative descriptive writing, in my minds eye was almost like a Film Noir, seductive... and at times dark in it atmosphere, it was deep and emotional, with murder and intrigue... and plenty of lust, with copious amounts of very hard fast and passionate sex! Ohhh Yes... Seve is now up there with my top Fantasy Lusts... Fire hose needed!
For me this ended as a HFN... I hope Ms. London you might grace us with more from these two... 'cause I think I am in love *flutters eyelashes*
It was great to have an m-m novel that I could completely relate to, as in based in the UK... however with only one faux pas "awesome" hmm.. not a word we use over here, not even from my kids who as teenagers are already so Americanised!
Excellent Book.... READ IT!
For more reviews please visit...Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews
August 15, 2017
★★★★! Compulsion (stand-alone). Max haunted by unresolved trauma hooks up with mysterious Seve only to have his past & present collide with danger & intrigue!
“It didn’t matter, at least not while I was so high on him. Just like we were both high on the impulse and the risk involved. We weren’t so desperate that we wanted to be caught—it wasn’t that kind of recklessness. But the need for each other was always in our next breath…”
Thanks to all the ladies on our buddy read and my co-host Ingela! xoxo (Buddy-read thread!)
Compulsion is Max Newman’s story. Orphaned at age seven he grew in the foster system. While going to University Max was close friends with Jack and Louis. But shortly before his final exam he dropped out and begun living recklessly. Soon his life spun out of control and things went terribly wrong, what exactly will unfold with story.
Six months prior to book’s opening, haunted by secrets and trauma, Max has sought refuge with his friends in a seaside town. He is trying to piece his life back together by becoming a recluse and working at a construction site. One night his friends talk him into coming out with them to the newly re-opened night spot Compulsion.
Severino Nuñez, Seve has come to town to manage Compulsion, part of a family empire. He spots Max and their attraction is instantaneous and a force of nature. It seem neither has a choice in the matter and they end up having sex in the dark against a wall in an enclosed backyard.
And so an addictive, strictly sexual relationship begins. The sex between Max and Seve is single-minded; hot and heavy and in forbidden places. It also causes Max to recall and reflect over his recent stay in London as well as question if he is falling back into his old ways
What started as mostly hot sexy encounters, but with glimpses of hope for more gets complicated when the painful past of Max starts colliding with murky secretive side to Seve. Suddenly the truth stands between them… But what is the truth? Mystery, danger and intrigue takes over story and keeps it going until the end…
MAX NEWMAN: British/23 years/construction worker/University drop-out/Ash blond hair/blue eyes/orphan/bottom (& top).
Max Newman and I were slower at connecting. My fellow buddy-reader Rebecca hit the nail on the head; Max wasn’t as interesting... That said he is likeable; sweet, tender, reflective and my heart hurt for him and for what he had been through. I wanted him to find himself and his footing.
Seven words to describe Max: Charming, reflective, lost, insecure, withdrawn, easy-going and redeeming.
“No one has ever given me more, Max! But you give as much as you take. You’re honest with your desire. I never felt that you surrendered to me, only that you willingly participated.”
SEVERINO NUÑEZ, SEVE : Spanish/~25 years/Manager at Compulsion (part of Media Group)/Nephew to Medina head of family/$$$/black hair/brown eyes/beard/ex-swimmer/top.
Severino Nuñez, Seve kept the story and mystery going for me, but unfortunately he never opened up. There were also sides to his sexuality I would have liked to have seen explored.
Seven words to describe Seve: Enigmatic, commanding, jaded, blunt, elusive, decent and complacent.
“You didn’t expect anything different, did you? But not since you—and not here. I like my sex fast, immediate, and sometimes dangerous. There’s an added excitement to creative locations, don’t you agree?”
Compulsion went from steam to mystery and angst and arrived at peace and closure. But the ending was too abrupt. I’d welcome an epilogue catching up with Max and Seve some years into the future. Aside from not connecting with MCs I enjoyed the storytelling and Briticism, but dialogue felt a bit stilted at times.
Steamy and mind-blowing sex in dangerous places! Mysterious and suspenseful plot! Mistakes and redemption! 4 stars!
“No, I don’t. But I will for you. In fact, I’ll do more than that. I’ll fight for you, Max. I’ll fight to have you for as long as I can.”
***
Max’s rating: 3.5 stars
Seve’s rating: 4 stars
Sex scenes rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4 stars
Storyline concept rating: 3.5 stars
Storytelling skills rating: 4 stars
Story ending rating: 3.5 stars
Book editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): 4.5 stars
************************************************
Overall rating: 4 stars
Would I recommend this book: Yes.
Would I re-read this book: Probably not.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
October 30, 2012
Hot and heavy with a hell of a lot of smouldering passion, its sweaty, hard, fast and the frantic panting and sexiness is astounding. Be prepared, fan, ice, is needed, I am amazed at how much I loved it and the guys are awesome together in every way possible. I did have reservations at first but they were blown out of the water once Max and Seve got all hot under the collar. An unexpected and surprisingly erotic romance, yep I freely admit it, I am a perve.
January 7, 2018
Fuck me. Nothing as frustrating as spotting glimpses of something hot and exciting in a mostly terrible mess of major fails.
This started out okay. Except for the not exactly subtle info dumping that’s going on, the first meeting between Max (who I would later start referring to as The Whiny Little Bitch), and the dark, tall and handsome semi-Spanish Seve (which I couldn’t help but read as ‘STeve’) seemed pretty promising. Their instalust in the night club Compulsion explodes into a dirty back alley quickie, after which they both go their own way without having exchanged more than a few words. After that a few more of those wordless encounters occur in a tiny office space, the back seat of a car, you know how it goes.. well, I don’t personally. Not really. But I guess it makes for smutty fun reading.
So here’s what I’m going to do, I thought. I’m not going to let the barely adequate writing or the lame ass plot and melodramatic dialogue insult my intelligence. Considering that summer has finally arrived in the Netherlands and it’s bloody hot here, I’m going to OPT OUT OF MY BRAIN and just enjoy this smutty ride.
Because except for the attraction between the MC's and the few sex scenes, that most reviewers considered to be hot, this book doesn’t offer much. The MC’s get bogged down in endless, repetitive quarrels about drama I not only couldn’t give a crap about, it didn’t make sense either.
Max a.k.a The Whiny Little Bitch has been plagued with feelings of guilt, ever since a friend of him got stabbed to death before a club in London and Max didn’t go to the police because he was involved in drug dealing for the club’s owner. Instead he flees to Brighton to live with his friends. Months later, his life still revolves around feeling sorry for himself and sulking about what happened back in London. After living as a hermit for months, he finally heads out for a night of clubbing at Compulsion, where he bumps into the larger than life Seve, the club’s manager.
*mild spoilers below*
After Max has let Seve plug all his holes, he discovers that his club and the one back in London are owned by the same family. Seve's family. After that, Mr. High Maintenance can’t stop bugging and whining before, during and after their casual fucks. He creates a soap opera about how wrong Seve’s family is, about how he knows little to nothing about the man himself (while Max is the one who runs off after every fuck) and about how Seve doesn’t trust him with information, about how he probably thinks Max is just one of those casual fucks (chances are you'd be upgraded to his regular fuck if you fucking knocked off the cry-baby act you Whiny Little Bitch, ugh!) and about how his friends gossip about what’s written in the newspapers about Seve’s love life.
Who the fuck does Max think he is anyway, to drag down a fuck buddy he's exchanged 3 words with into his pathetic life?
Push and pull..(x 314)
Worse, their simplistic, drawn out squabbling is carried out in Neanderthal talk ‘n growl (their IQ reminds me of Al’s in Muscling Through, with the difference that Al was supposed to not be the brightest bulb in the box, and funny because of it!) This melodramatic crap makes up for the bulk of Compulsion's 225 pages.
And then there’s of course a completely ludicrous, overwrought in the form of another major info dump in the middle of argument 314.
Possibly recommended for skimming to the sex scenes on a drunken summer night.
This started out okay. Except for the not exactly subtle info dumping that’s going on, the first meeting between Max (who I would later start referring to as The Whiny Little Bitch), and the dark, tall and handsome semi-Spanish Seve (which I couldn’t help but read as ‘STeve’) seemed pretty promising. Their instalust in the night club Compulsion explodes into a dirty back alley quickie, after which they both go their own way without having exchanged more than a few words. After that a few more of those wordless encounters occur in a tiny office space, the back seat of a car, you know how it goes.. well, I don’t personally. Not really. But I guess it makes for smutty fun reading.
So here’s what I’m going to do, I thought. I’m not going to let the barely adequate writing or the lame ass plot and melodramatic dialogue insult my intelligence. Considering that summer has finally arrived in the Netherlands and it’s bloody hot here, I’m going to OPT OUT OF MY BRAIN and just enjoy this smutty ride.
Because except for the attraction between the MC's and the few sex scenes, that most reviewers considered to be hot, this book doesn’t offer much. The MC’s get bogged down in endless, repetitive quarrels about drama I not only couldn’t give a crap about, it didn’t make sense either.
Max a.k.a The Whiny Little Bitch has been plagued with feelings of guilt, ever since a friend of him got stabbed to death before a club in London and Max didn’t go to the police because he was involved in drug dealing for the club’s owner. Instead he flees to Brighton to live with his friends. Months later, his life still revolves around feeling sorry for himself and sulking about what happened back in London. After living as a hermit for months, he finally heads out for a night of clubbing at Compulsion, where he bumps into the larger than life Seve, the club’s manager.
*mild spoilers below*
After Max has let Seve plug all his holes, he discovers that his club and the one back in London are owned by the same family. Seve's family. After that, Mr. High Maintenance can’t stop bugging and whining before, during and after their casual fucks. He creates a soap opera about how wrong Seve’s family is, about how he knows little to nothing about the man himself (while Max is the one who runs off after every fuck) and about how Seve doesn’t trust him with information, about how he probably thinks Max is just one of those casual fucks (chances are you'd be upgraded to his regular fuck if you fucking knocked off the cry-baby act you Whiny Little Bitch, ugh!) and about how his friends gossip about what’s written in the newspapers about Seve’s love life.
Who the fuck does Max think he is anyway, to drag down a fuck buddy he's exchanged 3 words with into his pathetic life?
“I couldn’t believe the bitterness in the words spilling out of me. “Before you tell me to piss off. Because that’s all this is, isn’t it? A fuck. I know that, I’m not stupid. I know the rules. And believe me, I’m the first to enjoy it. But that doesn’t mean you get all of me.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” Seve’s voice was low and angry. “What rules?”
“You know.” I wish I’d never started this.
(...)
He grabbed my arm and turned me to face him. “Is that your problem?”
“Let go of me.”
“I’m not the only one keeping to myself, am I?”
“What the fuck? Just let go, let it drop.” (...)
“I’m not jealous. I’ve got no stake in that.”
“So what the hell is the matter? Tell me!”
“There’s no point. That’s not what we’re about.”
“So what are we about?” Seve said. His voice had lowered again and his eyes had narrowed.
“I’m going, “ I said. “I’ll walk from here.”
“Don’t be ridiculous ---“
“Don’t tell me what to be or not!” I snapped. I turned and strode away.
He didn’t follow.
Push and pull..(x 314)
Worse, their simplistic, drawn out squabbling is carried out in Neanderthal talk ‘n growl (their IQ reminds me of Al’s in Muscling Through, with the difference that Al was supposed to not be the brightest bulb in the box, and funny because of it!) This melodramatic crap makes up for the bulk of Compulsion's 225 pages.
And then there’s of course a completely ludicrous, overwrought in the form of another major info dump in the middle of argument 314.
Possibly recommended for skimming to the sex scenes on a drunken summer night.
couldn-t-get-into-it
February 8, 2014My test-drive ended with a wreck. No rating.
It is very unfortunate that not one single little spark of electricity ran through my whole body while I was reading the sample.
Let me cut right to the chase of the matter. I know it's a bad idea to buy the book. In fact, I don't have the time or appetite to deal with yet another whiny, self-pitying Drama Queen that will turn the story into another of those so-called soap operas. I remember distinctly that Compulsion was sitting on my TBR shelf for quite a while before I decided to dump it when all the mixed reviews popped up. My lovely friend SueBee invited me to join the big buddy read that will start today (February 8th). Since I'm rather careful with my book choices, I decided to download the sample because the average rating of 3.53 sure as hell didn't knock my socks off.
I really do love the beautiful cover. However, the lackluster sample wasn't incentive enough to spend 5.83 euro that might lead me to yet another reading disappointment and of those, I assure you, I've had too many in 2014 already. It just didn't make "click" for me. The author dropped enough hints regarding the scared Max who's miserable all the time and I honestly couldn't care less about his shady past, either.
Cheesy, much?
That quote made my eyes and brain hurt. I just hope it doesn't get worse. BTW, that's the final page of the sample. Baba is running for the hills. *shudder*
A really bad idea.
"…drink?"
Sorry, Baba came back from the hills for a fleeting visit.
Nope, no drink. Give me some good chocolate. Sadly, it's over before it began.
Hope you ladies will have a fun buddy read, though!
I don't know whether it was the fact I'd been drinking or the astonishing glow in those fabulous eyes, but an aura sparked off him like electricity. I didn't even have to touch him to feel it. The current ran through my whole body.
It is very unfortunate that not one single little spark of electricity ran through my whole body while I was reading the sample.
I knew this was a really bad idea. I didn't have the time or appetite for strange fascinations or lustful hookups, not even with a man whose grip around a plain glass made my nerves shudder with the anticipation of feeling that grip on me.
Let me cut right to the chase of the matter. I know it's a bad idea to buy the book. In fact, I don't have the time or appetite to deal with yet another whiny, self-pitying Drama Queen that will turn the story into another of those so-called soap operas. I remember distinctly that Compulsion was sitting on my TBR shelf for quite a while before I decided to dump it when all the mixed reviews popped up. My lovely friend SueBee invited me to join the big buddy read that will start today (February 8th). Since I'm rather careful with my book choices, I decided to download the sample because the average rating of 3.53 sure as hell didn't knock my socks off.
I really do love the beautiful cover. However, the lackluster sample wasn't incentive enough to spend 5.83 euro that might lead me to yet another reading disappointment and of those, I assure you, I've had too many in 2014 already. It just didn't make "click" for me. The author dropped enough hints regarding the scared Max who's miserable all the time and I honestly couldn't care less about his shady past, either.
I was struggling to speak--my throat was as tight as a fist. My nerves were strung as tightly as a guitar string and hummed excitement about as tunefully. Inside my jeans, I felt my balls shift and lift with physical need.
Cheesy, much?
That quote made my eyes and brain hurt. I just hope it doesn't get worse. BTW, that's the final page of the sample. Baba is running for the hills. *shudder*
A really bad idea.
"…drink?"
Sorry, Baba came back from the hills for a fleeting visit.
Nope, no drink. Give me some good chocolate. Sadly, it's over before it began.
Hope you ladies will have a fun buddy read, though!
February 12, 2014
Written February 11, 2014
3 1/2 Doubtful Stars - interesting, somewhat fresh, thrilling and exciting but also "chilly" and rough without that big romantic feeling
I'd a lot of mixed feelings with Compulsion from the begginning. Maybe alredy when my dear GR-friend, SueBee, and I choosed this one for a M/M BR a mounth ago. I knowed that the rating was both high and low but I also read some very promising reviews by some friends I really trust in their good book taste.
During the time I read this rather hard-boiled story - it's just not a very tender or romantic story for a quite long time - my emotions wandered back and forth. I really loved some parts, like the sometimes so weak but also so brave main character Max. Max internal dialogue, thoughts, feelings and of course his two so wonderful, faithful, honorable and funny, gay friends.
However, I found it difficult to really accept and enjoy the coldness and hardness that was in Max encounters with the mysterious and chilly businessman, Seve. ...I just never loved Seve enough, although I can understand why Max was so moved and charmed by that sexy hot man's "need" and interest for him.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Max Newman is back in Brighton after a tough time in London. A year (?) filled with clubs, sex, drugs, booze and some real nasty acquaintances and a lot of less good friends. He is now living with his old buddies, Jack and Louis (...two very sweet guys, I would love to meet again), a truly loving gay couple who do their best to take care of their dear friend, Max.
After a some months for recovery and healing persuades Max' friends him to come with them for a fun Saturday night in town. After some resistance, he follows (to make them happy) and they visit the nightclub Compulsion. The club where Louis also appear on stage and dance sometimes (...to delight for all drooling gay guys there).
Compulsion, is the Medina Group’s newest hotspot and the new boss and manager Seve (Severino) Nuñez is there to check that everything works fine.
Max and Seve meets in the bar that first evening. The sexual chemistry between these two men is immediately amazing strong. Only a half hour later they spend a rough steamy time with each other in the back yard (..against a brick wall). After an impersonal brash quickie is there just a simple (chilly) "thank you and goodbye", but something in Max had already changed.
Max feels like "infected" by Seve's mouth, words and touch - he is already addicted. A week later and Max cannot resist the temptation to visit Compulsion again. ~ And maybe will the alluring, very fascinating and goodlooking man be there this night too... ~ the adventure begin!
This story was partly breathtakingly thrilling, with good suspense. We also got much needed and interesting social criticism regarding drugs, clubbing etc., and I really liked the parts about the heartless mafia tendencies that actually exists and that horrible treatment of young innocent men who become addicted to drugs etc.
Possibly, however, was never this book romantic enough for me. It sucks, but the relationship between these two main characters never reached into my heart.
Compulsion is all the time, next to, unusually smexy and almost rough. The steamy parts are also very nicely written with a huge intensity and quite variable with some new places and elements. ~ Although I feel I'm more fond of when the guys in a M/M romance vary and change roles.
It all ends up fine and I really enjoyed this book when they at last speak with each other that early morning in Seve's flat. In the very last end I got that romantic stuff I always crave so much for.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
In parts very good and well made, with a new and fresh feel, but in other parts difficult to understand and really embrace wholeheartedly. I hesitate and I'm unusually shilly-shallying with how to rate this, in the end, yet so fascinating and partly unforgettable, book and story.
Maybe not for everyone, but if you recently read a dozen of cute, cuddly and romantic M/M romances, this might be something completely different and refreshing. Well made and thought out, is this story also. I will definitely look for more good books by Ms Clare London in the future.
I LIKE - ...Yeh, I must admit i actually did
..and the cover is...freaking great.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks to my sweet friend SueBee and all the girls who joined us for a great BR last weekend.
Our BR thread 8-9 February:
3 1/2 Doubtful Stars - interesting, somewhat fresh, thrilling and exciting but also "chilly" and rough without that big romantic feeling
I'd a lot of mixed feelings with Compulsion from the begginning. Maybe alredy when my dear GR-friend, SueBee, and I choosed this one for a M/M BR a mounth ago. I knowed that the rating was both high and low but I also read some very promising reviews by some friends I really trust in their good book taste.
During the time I read this rather hard-boiled story - it's just not a very tender or romantic story for a quite long time - my emotions wandered back and forth. I really loved some parts, like the sometimes so weak but also so brave main character Max. Max internal dialogue, thoughts, feelings and of course his two so wonderful, faithful, honorable and funny, gay friends.
However, I found it difficult to really accept and enjoy the coldness and hardness that was in Max encounters with the mysterious and chilly businessman, Seve. ...I just never loved Seve enough, although I can understand why Max was so moved and charmed by that sexy hot man's "need" and interest for him.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Max Newman is back in Brighton after a tough time in London. A year (?) filled with clubs, sex, drugs, booze and some real nasty acquaintances and a lot of less good friends. He is now living with his old buddies, Jack and Louis (...two very sweet guys, I would love to meet again), a truly loving gay couple who do their best to take care of their dear friend, Max.
After a some months for recovery and healing persuades Max' friends him to come with them for a fun Saturday night in town. After some resistance, he follows (to make them happy) and they visit the nightclub Compulsion. The club where Louis also appear on stage and dance sometimes (...to delight for all drooling gay guys there).
Compulsion, is the Medina Group’s newest hotspot and the new boss and manager Seve (Severino) Nuñez is there to check that everything works fine.
Max and Seve meets in the bar that first evening. The sexual chemistry between these two men is immediately amazing strong. Only a half hour later they spend a rough steamy time with each other in the back yard (..against a brick wall). After an impersonal brash quickie is there just a simple (chilly) "thank you and goodbye", but something in Max had already changed.
‘The look on his face was awesome; it was soft and hard and bitter all at the same time. It reached right trough me to something far beyond. It was a look of angry challange and also a look of defeat.’
Max feels like "infected" by Seve's mouth, words and touch - he is already addicted. A week later and Max cannot resist the temptation to visit Compulsion again. ~ And maybe will the alluring, very fascinating and goodlooking man be there this night too... ~ the adventure begin!
“I think that you want it to be all about sex. ...”
This story was partly breathtakingly thrilling, with good suspense. We also got much needed and interesting social criticism regarding drugs, clubbing etc., and I really liked the parts about the heartless mafia tendencies that actually exists and that horrible treatment of young innocent men who become addicted to drugs etc.
Possibly, however, was never this book romantic enough for me. It sucks, but the relationship between these two main characters never reached into my heart.
“No one has ever given me more, Max! But you give as much as you take. You’re honest with your desire. I never felt that you surrendered to me, only that you willingly participated.”
Compulsion is all the time, next to, unusually smexy and almost rough. The steamy parts are also very nicely written with a huge intensity and quite variable with some new places and elements. ~ Although I feel I'm more fond of when the guys in a M/M romance vary and change roles.
It all ends up fine and I really enjoyed this book when they at last speak with each other that early morning in Seve's flat. In the very last end I got that romantic stuff I always crave so much for.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
In parts very good and well made, with a new and fresh feel, but in other parts difficult to understand and really embrace wholeheartedly. I hesitate and I'm unusually shilly-shallying with how to rate this, in the end, yet so fascinating and partly unforgettable, book and story.
Maybe not for everyone, but if you recently read a dozen of cute, cuddly and romantic M/M romances, this might be something completely different and refreshing. Well made and thought out, is this story also. I will definitely look for more good books by Ms Clare London in the future.
I LIKE - ...Yeh, I must admit i actually did
..and the cover is...freaking great.~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks to my sweet friend SueBee and all the girls who joined us for a great BR last weekend.
Our BR thread 8-9 February:
February 10, 2014
"" Compulsion : An irresistible impulse to act, regardless of the rationality of the motivation.""
YES I had the impulse of reading this book, with the marvellous girls … BR here
Thanks ❤❤❤
The things I like :
The first encounter
The hot raw sexual scenes
Seve, the dominant powerful and gorgeous spanish!
Don´t like much:
Max , he is sweet… but didn´t captivate me!!
The story flowed to quickly, I miss communication between them, I wanted more, also and very IMPORTANT there was lack of sweetness and cuddling!
Overall a god book for...
days!!
(I gave 4 stars because of Seve... :DD)
YES I had the impulse of reading this book, with the marvellous girls … BR here
Thanks ❤❤❤
The things I like :
The first encounter
The hot raw sexual scenes
Seve, the dominant powerful and gorgeous spanish!
Don´t like much:
Max , he is sweet… but didn´t captivate me!!
The story flowed to quickly, I miss communication between them, I wanted more, also and very IMPORTANT there was lack of sweetness and cuddling!
Overall a god book for...
days!!(I gave 4 stars because of Seve... :DD)
December 29, 2012
Compulsion was the perfect name for this wonderful, compelling story. Clare London has a very descriptive, atmospheric way of writing.
This was not a typical love story. There was no hearts and flowers here. What was here is a story about a man, Max, who had not always made the best decisions coming home after making a mess of his life while living away in London. He needed time to heal, and time to sort out his life. He needed the support of his friends to try and become a man he could be proud of. As the story progressed, we learnt more and more about what Max had been through, and he touched my heartstrings. I wanted good things to happen to him.
Seve was a mystery to me, and now that I have finished the book, he still is in many ways. I am like Max in that I want to know more about this hot as hell man who just oozes sex appeal. Seve is a man who knows who and what he wants and goes out and gets it. He is one of the most interesting characters I have read in a long time.
The secondary characters were wonderful, and I wish this group of character were real and would be my friends as well.
The reason I took a star off this book was the ending. When I got to the last page, I was a little let down. I needed more. I didn't really feel the happy ending. It wasn't concrete enough for me. I do wish that Ms London would write another book for these men, as I need for them to get all the love they deserve.
This was not a typical love story. There was no hearts and flowers here. What was here is a story about a man, Max, who had not always made the best decisions coming home after making a mess of his life while living away in London. He needed time to heal, and time to sort out his life. He needed the support of his friends to try and become a man he could be proud of. As the story progressed, we learnt more and more about what Max had been through, and he touched my heartstrings. I wanted good things to happen to him.
Seve was a mystery to me, and now that I have finished the book, he still is in many ways. I am like Max in that I want to know more about this hot as hell man who just oozes sex appeal. Seve is a man who knows who and what he wants and goes out and gets it. He is one of the most interesting characters I have read in a long time.
The secondary characters were wonderful, and I wish this group of character were real and would be my friends as well.
The reason I took a star off this book was the ending. When I got to the last page, I was a little let down. I needed more. I didn't really feel the happy ending. It wasn't concrete enough for me. I do wish that Ms London would write another book for these men, as I need for them to get all the love they deserve.
March 22, 2023
A an absolute cracker. Top shelf writing - 1 x brooding, tortured bottom. 1 x sexy-Latino, alpha power top. Sexy, sexy, sexy. Good plot, pacing and story. Ice please!!
In depth review at On Top Down Under Book Reviews
In depth review at On Top Down Under Book Reviews
April 4, 2013
Cue record scratching sound effect: SCREEEEEEEEEECH!
Seriously people, I'm the first person to raise a hand and admit I LOVE HOT SEX SCENES in a book, but no amount of hot 'n sweaty sexytime can make up for some of the material I just read.
Let me give you three examples:
Exhibit A: "I could hear his heart hammering against my spine." What? I read that bit at least three times while tilting my head like a confused puppy.
Exhibit B: "I felt clumsy compared against him." Say again? Was this originally written in Greek and then translated with Google?
Exhibit C: "He felt rich and exotic.". This bit evoked visions of an endangered bird.
I wont discuss the plot and depth (or lack) of character profiles but if you're happy to pass your time reading something light and sexy, then I guess this will do.
Sorry to everyone who enjoyed 'Compulsion' but it just didn't work for me.
Seriously people, I'm the first person to raise a hand and admit I LOVE HOT SEX SCENES in a book, but no amount of hot 'n sweaty sexytime can make up for some of the material I just read.
Let me give you three examples:
Exhibit A: "I could hear his heart hammering against my spine." What? I read that bit at least three times while tilting my head like a confused puppy.
Exhibit B: "I felt clumsy compared against him." Say again? Was this originally written in Greek and then translated with Google?
Exhibit C: "He felt rich and exotic.". This bit evoked visions of an endangered bird.
I wont discuss the plot and depth (or lack) of character profiles but if you're happy to pass your time reading something light and sexy, then I guess this will do.
Sorry to everyone who enjoyed 'Compulsion' but it just didn't work for me.
November 16, 2012
4.5 stars
Compulsion is the name of the popular nightclub owned by Seve and where he and Max meet.
Compulsion is that overwhelming need to act towards something.
Seve and Max have an insatiable compulsion for each other.
Compulsions can lead to great things and not so great things.
This is a tricky story of redemption and learning to make things right that have gone horribly wrong -- we are given two complex MC’s whose actions are nuanced by deep issues facing them. It is a story of redemption and renewal with a desperate, all-encompassing love story caught in the middle.
I wasn’t sure all along the way how the author was going to pull this off and that’s a good thing. The ending is definitely a HFN and the subplot about murder and drug running casts a grey pall but don’t let that stop you from sinking into Seve and Max’s story. It’s not all flowers and kittens but it is sensual and engrossing. Rounding up to five stars because I’ll surely be re-reading this one.
February 26, 2016
I tried. Honest I did. But...I could barely finish.
I think it was the 'hot & cold' to the extreme that killed it for me.
Love. Hate. Love. Hate. *grumbles* Decide already!
Speaking of temperature...
Hot? Hell yes, they are sexy and it's erotic to the triple X.
Potential? Sure. I kept thinking, 'okay, this is it' over and over again.
Bottom line? I was annoyed with Max so much that I couldn't enjoy his fast fall with Seve.
It definitely didn't help that I read this following a striking 5 star book set in the streets of London, with homeless teens and the gritty reality that IS living on the streets.
I might have had more patience if the read was timed differently.
I could see some readers thoroughly enjoying this one, I just wasn't one of them.
I think it was the 'hot & cold' to the extreme that killed it for me.
Love. Hate. Love. Hate. *grumbles* Decide already!
Speaking of temperature...
Hot? Hell yes, they are sexy and it's erotic to the triple X.
Potential? Sure. I kept thinking, 'okay, this is it' over and over again.
Bottom line? I was annoyed with Max so much that I couldn't enjoy his fast fall with Seve.
It definitely didn't help that I read this following a striking 5 star book set in the streets of London, with homeless teens and the gritty reality that IS living on the streets.
I might have had more patience if the read was timed differently.
I could see some readers thoroughly enjoying this one, I just wasn't one of them.
February 10, 2014
Firts I want to say that it was a pleasure to be in this BR with all those amazing ladies and friends!
Compulsion BR
Now the book... I was expecting more from it! Though the plot is interesting, the MC's have a very hollow connection and very poor conversations. They have sex, hot sex indeed, but they only speak about Max's distrusts and Seve's family. When finally they talk about their expectations on the relationship and future, they separate. There is no tenderness or passion... there is lust and hot sex!
I wish the ending was more elaborated... I hope the rushed ending means a sequel, where we can see Max and Seve in a serious relationship!
So my conclusions are: the plot is interesting, the sex scenes are amazing, the MCs need more work and improvement.
Compulsion BR
Now the book... I was expecting more from it! Though the plot is interesting, the MC's have a very hollow connection and very poor conversations. They have sex, hot sex indeed, but they only speak about Max's distrusts and Seve's family. When finally they talk about their expectations on the relationship and future, they separate. There is no tenderness or passion... there is lust and hot sex!
I wish the ending was more elaborated... I hope the rushed ending means a sequel, where we can see Max and Seve in a serious relationship!
So my conclusions are: the plot is interesting, the sex scenes are amazing, the MCs need more work and improvement.
February 15, 2014
2.75 sTaRs
Thoroughly enjoyed the buddy read with a fabulous group of ladies, but alias I wish I could say the same about Compulsion.
This book had the makings of being so much better than it actually was.
For me, I just didn't feel the connection between Max & Seve. I'm not really sure I fully liked either Max or Seve!! Max was a little bit annoying and whiny at times which sort of put me off and Seve the alpha male (now I love an alpha male) just didn't do anything for me.
If it wasn't for the fact that it was a Buddy Read I know I would have DNF this book, but I'm glad I persevered as it got slightly better towards the end.
There's no denying there was some HOT sex scenes but again they just seemed like hook ups and no real emotion transpired between the characters.
What can I say....Just wasn't my cup of tea, luv.
Thoroughly enjoyed the buddy read with a fabulous group of ladies, but alias I wish I could say the same about Compulsion.
This book had the makings of being so much better than it actually was.
For me, I just didn't feel the connection between Max & Seve. I'm not really sure I fully liked either Max or Seve!! Max was a little bit annoying and whiny at times which sort of put me off and Seve the alpha male (now I love an alpha male) just didn't do anything for me.
If it wasn't for the fact that it was a Buddy Read I know I would have DNF this book, but I'm glad I persevered as it got slightly better towards the end.
There's no denying there was some HOT sex scenes but again they just seemed like hook ups and no real emotion transpired between the characters.
What can I say....Just wasn't my cup of tea, luv.
February 14, 2013
Enjoyable story with some interesting characters, but I had a hard time connecting with it. Perhaps it was the degree of inner monologue, or the stilted transitions between scenes or maybe just it annoyed me that the communication between Max and Seve was so dreadful even when they got to the "we're trying" stage of their relationship. That said, it was sweet and spicy and a diverting read.
February 10, 2014
FOUR COMPULSIVE STARS
BR with SueBee & Ingela.
So far we have Allison, Irene, Lkay, Deanna, Maria, Vilda, Isabel, Barbara, Lisa, Mishyjo, Audrey, Rebecca, Mo and Baba
I must say, I never expected to enjoy this book to the extent in which I did. The depth of the story, with the drugs and the troubled men, the whole agnsty feel along with the sexual tension was welcomed indeed :3
I don't know how to express myself in terms of the main characters to be honest. I did like them, I was always intrigued. Whereas majority of the BR crew didn't connect to Max, I must admit I did. My heart went out to him, finding out just how dark and painful his past was and the demons he fought. I understood his unconscious need to run. To be the first to leave instead of being left. That fear he had, the unspoken dread made my heart go out to him. As much as a part of me wanted to slap him, shake him in frustration - the other part wanted to just hug him and help him through it all. He was amazing through and through. His willingness :3 His talents *wipes drools* ahah. I liked him.
With Seve now. His was an enigma through and through and I could understand why Max was drawn to him. I got the excited thrill of the way he command and demand things. The way he's always in control, walking with that air of confidence. He was just awesome and down right sexy. I still felt there was some unanswered questions, some clarity of the enigma I wanted to get to know. I feel like I don't really know him - I didn't get to understand him the way I understood Max. But meh - he was okay still and he made up for it with his personality ;3.
The fast life background through and through was interesting. I wish it was delved deeper in, as well as coming on to the end when everything was unravelled. I didn't really like the ending, it felt rushed and as if it was just glued in to reach an end.
With all that said, the book was good - I got distracted alot I must admit lol, but it held my attention enough for me to read the whole thing so that count's for something right?
:D
I'm fast becoming a lover of BRing and hope to participate in more in the coming future <3
Here's the thread: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
BR with SueBee & Ingela.
So far we have Allison, Irene, Lkay, Deanna, Maria, Vilda, Isabel, Barbara, Lisa, Mishyjo, Audrey, Rebecca, Mo and Baba
I must say, I never expected to enjoy this book to the extent in which I did. The depth of the story, with the drugs and the troubled men, the whole agnsty feel along with the sexual tension was welcomed indeed :3
I don't know how to express myself in terms of the main characters to be honest. I did like them, I was always intrigued. Whereas majority of the BR crew didn't connect to Max, I must admit I did. My heart went out to him, finding out just how dark and painful his past was and the demons he fought. I understood his unconscious need to run. To be the first to leave instead of being left. That fear he had, the unspoken dread made my heart go out to him. As much as a part of me wanted to slap him, shake him in frustration - the other part wanted to just hug him and help him through it all. He was amazing through and through. His willingness :3 His talents *wipes drools* ahah. I liked him.
With Seve now. His was an enigma through and through and I could understand why Max was drawn to him. I got the excited thrill of the way he command and demand things. The way he's always in control, walking with that air of confidence. He was just awesome and down right sexy. I still felt there was some unanswered questions, some clarity of the enigma I wanted to get to know. I feel like I don't really know him - I didn't get to understand him the way I understood Max. But meh - he was okay still and he made up for it with his personality ;3.
The fast life background through and through was interesting. I wish it was delved deeper in, as well as coming on to the end when everything was unravelled. I didn't really like the ending, it felt rushed and as if it was just glued in to reach an end.
With all that said, the book was good - I got distracted alot I must admit lol, but it held my attention enough for me to read the whole thing so that count's for something right?
:D
I'm fast becoming a lover of BRing and hope to participate in more in the coming future <3
Here's the thread: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
January 26, 2014
This is probably going to be one of those situations where my GR Friends are going to love this but I just didn't..it was ok.
Ok, I'm not sure how to put my thoughts on this book out there without giving a few things away so beware of the spoilers below….
I guess my biggest gripe with this story is I felt it was
Ok, I'm not sure how to put my thoughts on this book out there without giving a few things away so beware of the spoilers below….
I guess my biggest gripe with this story is I felt it was
January 14, 2013
~CUMPULSION!~
3.75
Ugh, I was soooo frustrated with this book (like grind my effing teeth frustrating). There were parts that were really explosive, intense, and sexy as hell, but after awhile reading, it just started to feel like work. It dragged on too much, and I started to look forward to the ending (which seems to be my feeling for the new year of the books I’ve read).
Max left his sordid past back in London, and he's trying to move on in Brighton by being close to the friends he once left behind. Now he just works, stays away from the partying/club scene, and he is surely not looking for any sort of hook-up in the sexual variety. Because he once got lost in the fast life, and it cost him a friend and Max is definite that he will never make the same mistake again. Until his close buddies drag him off to the club Compulsion, Max vows to stay out of trouble until his eyes land on Mr Tall, Dark, and Sexy. Seve Nunez is exactly the kind of man Max should stay away from, but his body is finally calling out after all this time.
The men begin a sexual affair, blazing hot while they ride each other in some backyard. Its the after the sex that the men aren't so good at, both not looking for anything long term but being unable to resist each other. Max does have some history with Seve's family and their goons, and suddenly that past life he's been running from suddenly is catching up to his present (oh noez).
First off, Seve and Max are very hot together, and them having sex were my fave parts of the book. It's when Max had to actually have conversations with other people is where the book annoyed me. He always only gave some of his story, yet had no problems with throwing out judgment without listening to others. His whole "I can't talk about it. Don't wanna talk about it" mentality frustrated the crap out me. He had his reasons for silence, but when he finally spilled, I was like "meh". Max really irked me!
Really, this was the Max show and I hardly have a strong feel of Seve. I felt like his voice wasn't strong enough (or it was overshadowed by Max's constant interruptions and stubbornness to never listen). Their only connection was through sex (there's this one scene in a car that just makes you feel like a horny teenager) so I can't call this a romance. There was nothing romantic about them together, just dirty sexy lust.
Should You Read It? It's a good book with great writing, but I really felt like it dragged on. If you like, reading about men battling their feelings, then you should check it out. I liked it, but was hoping to like it more. I can't recommend it, but it truly was hot and there were moments when I really enjoyed it.
SideNote- I had to keep reminding myself that Compulsion is spelt with a 'Com' not a 'Cum' :D
3.75
Ugh, I was soooo frustrated with this book (like grind my effing teeth frustrating). There were parts that were really explosive, intense, and sexy as hell, but after awhile reading, it just started to feel like work. It dragged on too much, and I started to look forward to the ending (which seems to be my feeling for the new year of the books I’ve read).
Max left his sordid past back in London, and he's trying to move on in Brighton by being close to the friends he once left behind. Now he just works, stays away from the partying/club scene, and he is surely not looking for any sort of hook-up in the sexual variety. Because he once got lost in the fast life, and it cost him a friend and Max is definite that he will never make the same mistake again. Until his close buddies drag him off to the club Compulsion, Max vows to stay out of trouble until his eyes land on Mr Tall, Dark, and Sexy. Seve Nunez is exactly the kind of man Max should stay away from, but his body is finally calling out after all this time.
The men begin a sexual affair, blazing hot while they ride each other in some backyard. Its the after the sex that the men aren't so good at, both not looking for anything long term but being unable to resist each other. Max does have some history with Seve's family and their goons, and suddenly that past life he's been running from suddenly is catching up to his present (oh noez).
First off, Seve and Max are very hot together, and them having sex were my fave parts of the book. It's when Max had to actually have conversations with other people is where the book annoyed me. He always only gave some of his story, yet had no problems with throwing out judgment without listening to others. His whole "I can't talk about it. Don't wanna talk about it" mentality frustrated the crap out me. He had his reasons for silence, but when he finally spilled, I was like "meh". Max really irked me!
Really, this was the Max show and I hardly have a strong feel of Seve. I felt like his voice wasn't strong enough (or it was overshadowed by Max's constant interruptions and stubbornness to never listen). Their only connection was through sex (there's this one scene in a car that just makes you feel like a horny teenager) so I can't call this a romance. There was nothing romantic about them together, just dirty sexy lust.
Should You Read It? It's a good book with great writing, but I really felt like it dragged on. If you like, reading about men battling their feelings, then you should check it out. I liked it, but was hoping to like it more. I can't recommend it, but it truly was hot and there were moments when I really enjoyed it.
SideNote- I had to keep reminding myself that Compulsion is spelt with a 'Com' not a 'Cum' :D
February 12, 2014
Ugh so where do I start. This book had the makings to be a 5 or a 10 star with me. It had all the makings that I love in a book.
Mafia
Drugs
Gangs
Bad boys
Male on Male hotness
But it just….fell short…. I don’t know.
It was fast paced…. and then really slow…. then fast… then slow….
SometimeI wanted to just do a DNF. I will give it to the author though, she made me want to see this book right to the very end. I wanted to know if Seve was shady, if he lied.
I’m all for public sex. The thrill, yup love it, the drive of anything illicit makes the juices flow but these 2 took that BEYOND. I should have been horny, I should have been…..but…. I wasn’t.
I don’t know. I didn’t feel a connection between the 2 MC’s AT ALL. And I’m all about connection. I need to feel exactly what they feel in those moments and I didn’t.
It’s obviously me. That happens sometimes.
Meh
2.5 stars
But the cover………MMMMMMM….. I could stare at it for hours ;)
Mare~Slitsread
Mafia
Drugs
Gangs
Bad boys
Male on Male hotness
But it just….fell short…. I don’t know.
It was fast paced…. and then really slow…. then fast… then slow….
SometimeI wanted to just do a DNF. I will give it to the author though, she made me want to see this book right to the very end. I wanted to know if Seve was shady, if he lied.
I’m all for public sex. The thrill, yup love it, the drive of anything illicit makes the juices flow but these 2 took that BEYOND. I should have been horny, I should have been…..but…. I wasn’t.
I don’t know. I didn’t feel a connection between the 2 MC’s AT ALL. And I’m all about connection. I need to feel exactly what they feel in those moments and I didn’t.
It’s obviously me. That happens sometimes.
Meh
2.5 stars
But the cover………MMMMMMM….. I could stare at it for hours ;)
Mare~Slitsread
April 7, 2013
This story was very sensual, but the constant push/pull hostility between Max and Seve felt too much like hard work. I never really got past the initial coldness of their relationship, and when the [overwrought] declarations of affection finally came , I couldn't summon enough energy to care. It's not badly written, though, and lots of other readers loved it. Just not me.
December 22, 2012
4.25 An engaging and gratifying story of overwhelming lust and love.
Max is a mess. He's been running from his past, feeling guilty about his friend's death and keeps alienating himself from his friends. He works, he sleeps, he goes through the motions. His only feelings are guilt and disgust at himself. He doesn't want to give into his impulses and needs as he did in the past, so he vows to leave this kind of life behind.
His friends don't know the extent of Max's suffering. Jack and Louis have been Max's friends since school and only want to make him feel better. They have had enough of him moping around and take him out to Compulsion to see Louis dance. There he opens himself a little to Jack, but finds that he can't tell him the whole story. Saved by the start of Louis show, Max runs away to the bar to clear his mind before joining his friend and his whole world is turned on it's axis.
Seve is the manager at Compulsion. Strikingly handsome and with an aura of authority, Seve knows what he wants and how to go about getting it. He is direct to a fault, sexy as sin and exudes lust in every breath or step he takes. He is everything Max desires and the very thing that Max has vowed to stay away from. He is raw and hard in all the right places, but not where it counts the most - in his heart.
What comes next is a set of sexy encounters where the lust runs rampant and where Max's impulses are let loose dragging him deeper into the very world he has been running from.
The author, Clare London, brings to the page a story filled with lust, need and overwhelming turmoil, where Max questions his every move. Throughout the story the range of emotions jump from hesitation to determination, from lust to disgust, from despair to hope and back again to lust. Seve and Max's chemistry in undeniable and their connection only grows deeper with every encounter. Yes, the sex was off-the-charts hot, but necessary. That's how they connect, how they express themselves. Words are useless, but every moan, grunt and touch mean more to them, for if the truth were spoken this whole bubble of lust could be shattered and that in of itself would be unbearable. After a while, Max questions, prods and surrenders when Seve opens himself to him and together they make sense of the world they have been dragged in.
The writing was excellent, even if to me the beginning of the story dragged a bit. I enjoyed the interactions of the characters and the uncertainty of their situation. I especially liked that there were no immediate declarations of love. They lusted after each other and fed their desires throughout the story and in the end their love came naturally and it was everything I expected. The secondary characters all added to the story in their own right and every event brought to the page added nicely to my enjoyment of the story. I wanted to keep on reading and when it ended I still wanted to know more.
I truly did enjoy this book. From the characters to the plot, everything came together seamlessly to make an interesting, gratifying read. I will be looking for more from this author from now on. My only hope would be to get to read more about these characters.
I received this book from Manic Readers and would like to thank them and Dreamspinner Press for granting me the opportunity to read and review this title in exchange of my honest opinion.
Max is a mess. He's been running from his past, feeling guilty about his friend's death and keeps alienating himself from his friends. He works, he sleeps, he goes through the motions. His only feelings are guilt and disgust at himself. He doesn't want to give into his impulses and needs as he did in the past, so he vows to leave this kind of life behind.
His friends don't know the extent of Max's suffering. Jack and Louis have been Max's friends since school and only want to make him feel better. They have had enough of him moping around and take him out to Compulsion to see Louis dance. There he opens himself a little to Jack, but finds that he can't tell him the whole story. Saved by the start of Louis show, Max runs away to the bar to clear his mind before joining his friend and his whole world is turned on it's axis.
Seve is the manager at Compulsion. Strikingly handsome and with an aura of authority, Seve knows what he wants and how to go about getting it. He is direct to a fault, sexy as sin and exudes lust in every breath or step he takes. He is everything Max desires and the very thing that Max has vowed to stay away from. He is raw and hard in all the right places, but not where it counts the most - in his heart.
What comes next is a set of sexy encounters where the lust runs rampant and where Max's impulses are let loose dragging him deeper into the very world he has been running from.
The author, Clare London, brings to the page a story filled with lust, need and overwhelming turmoil, where Max questions his every move. Throughout the story the range of emotions jump from hesitation to determination, from lust to disgust, from despair to hope and back again to lust. Seve and Max's chemistry in undeniable and their connection only grows deeper with every encounter. Yes, the sex was off-the-charts hot, but necessary. That's how they connect, how they express themselves. Words are useless, but every moan, grunt and touch mean more to them, for if the truth were spoken this whole bubble of lust could be shattered and that in of itself would be unbearable. After a while, Max questions, prods and surrenders when Seve opens himself to him and together they make sense of the world they have been dragged in.
The writing was excellent, even if to me the beginning of the story dragged a bit. I enjoyed the interactions of the characters and the uncertainty of their situation. I especially liked that there were no immediate declarations of love. They lusted after each other and fed their desires throughout the story and in the end their love came naturally and it was everything I expected. The secondary characters all added to the story in their own right and every event brought to the page added nicely to my enjoyment of the story. I wanted to keep on reading and when it ended I still wanted to know more.
I truly did enjoy this book. From the characters to the plot, everything came together seamlessly to make an interesting, gratifying read. I will be looking for more from this author from now on. My only hope would be to get to read more about these characters.
I received this book from Manic Readers and would like to thank them and Dreamspinner Press for granting me the opportunity to read and review this title in exchange of my honest opinion.
February 11, 2014
Review posted February 11th.
With nowhere else to go, Max shows up on his friends’ doorstep in Brighton to run away from his past and to change his life around after having a hard time in London. Max tries his very best to leave his past behind and live a uncomplicated life. He is struggling with the feelings he have toward the mistakes he have made and retreats more and more into himself. One night his friends manage to force him to come out with them to a club. A club where Max meets Seve Nuñez and Max’s life suddenly turns complicated again. Seve turns into something Max cannot resist, but Seve’s also closely tied with everything Max is trying to escape and leave in his past.
My ♥’s and ☹ for Compulsion:
♥ Sexual chemistry: There no denying it. This book and the sexual chemistry between Max and Seve is off the charts hot. The steamy moments in this books starts of with a bang and every bang after that only gets more and more explosive.
☹ Flat line: Although I did enjoy the the sexual chemistry, the connection between the characters felt too flat for me to fully enjoy the story. There was little conversation between the main characters, which bothered me. I was ok with it in the beginning, but when it continued throughout the book, it started to get annoying. I also felt that the book ended before I even got to know the characters.
Overall, Compulsion was OK book and a 3 stars read for me. It was OK, but somewhat forgettable. I struggled to connect with the characters and it felt a bit flat (most of the book), but the steamy moments and the mystery aspect as the upsides. I believe a stronger emotional connection between Max and Seve could raise my rating and perception of this book, as well as a less abrupt ending and/or an epilogue.
Thanks to all the lovely ladies who participated and especially to my favorite Swedes, Ingela and SueBee for arranging the BR for this book. I had a blast and would love do it again soon!
With nowhere else to go, Max shows up on his friends’ doorstep in Brighton to run away from his past and to change his life around after having a hard time in London. Max tries his very best to leave his past behind and live a uncomplicated life. He is struggling with the feelings he have toward the mistakes he have made and retreats more and more into himself. One night his friends manage to force him to come out with them to a club. A club where Max meets Seve Nuñez and Max’s life suddenly turns complicated again. Seve turns into something Max cannot resist, but Seve’s also closely tied with everything Max is trying to escape and leave in his past.
My ♥’s and ☹ for Compulsion:
♥ Sexual chemistry: There no denying it. This book and the sexual chemistry between Max and Seve is off the charts hot. The steamy moments in this books starts of with a bang and every bang after that only gets more and more explosive.
☹ Flat line: Although I did enjoy the the sexual chemistry, the connection between the characters felt too flat for me to fully enjoy the story. There was little conversation between the main characters, which bothered me. I was ok with it in the beginning, but when it continued throughout the book, it started to get annoying. I also felt that the book ended before I even got to know the characters.
Overall, Compulsion was OK book and a 3 stars read for me. It was OK, but somewhat forgettable. I struggled to connect with the characters and it felt a bit flat (most of the book), but the steamy moments and the mystery aspect as the upsides. I believe a stronger emotional connection between Max and Seve could raise my rating and perception of this book, as well as a less abrupt ending and/or an epilogue.
Thanks to all the lovely ladies who participated and especially to my favorite Swedes, Ingela and SueBee for arranging the BR for this book. I had a blast and would love do it again soon!
September 26, 2013
Review written for The Blog of Sid Love.
Max is a down-on-his-luck guy who has had it rough ever since his early foster home days. His current situation finds him back home, licking his wounds while staying with friends, Louis and Jack, who have taken him back and offered support with little to no questions asked. They don’t know what the circumstances were that brought him back, but they were there for him, offering support and a place to stay. Max has been hiding though, in a semi-depressed state, since his return. Louis and Jack finally get him to go out with them one evening to Compulsion, the club where Louis will be putting on a dancing show.
Enter Seve (which I had trouble with not calling Steve for most of the story), dark and mysterious manager of Compulsion. The two are drawn together and end up having hot sex in the Club’s back courtyard, barely speaking two words, let alone names. After quite a few more of these types of hot, steamy encounters, they realize they are drawn to each other more than others before and decide to have somewhat of a relationship.
The reasons Max was hiding in the first place become apparent when trouble eventually finds him. Seve is also a member of a prominent mob-type family, though he has stayed clean and on the up and up with his business dealings. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for his family, of which Max had first-hand knowledge. He tried to walk away from that life, but that doesn’t seem to be acceptable to the previous employers.
There is mystery and murder, threats and even some beatings, but underlying all of that is Max and Seve coming to grips with their overwhelming sexual and emotional feelings for each other. They each have secrets and trust issues, but I was totally rooting for them by the end. Max is a bit whiny at times, as he goes on and on about his guilt, but there is so much more to pull you through this story.
The writing was smooth, and the descriptions vivid and easy to picture. I enjoyed this small rollercoaster ride and didn’t want it to end quite were it did. So, I hope this isn’t the last we will see of Max and Seve.
February 22, 2013
3.5 stars
I have mixed feelings about this story. The story itself was pretty good, kind of predictable of where it was going to go, but seemed rushed towards the end. These two had a steamy relationship which was smokin hot at times (most of the time). Max was a little bit annoying and whiny at times which sort of put me off. The story about the corrupt uncle and all seemed a bit familar from another story, but really can't remember which one. While everything wrapped up nicely, I was a little disappointed with how the ending was. I don't know if it was so the reader could draw their own conclusion or if the author was planning another book. An epilouge would have been nice.
I have mixed feelings about this story. The story itself was pretty good, kind of predictable of where it was going to go, but seemed rushed towards the end. These two had a steamy relationship which was smokin hot at times (most of the time). Max was a little bit annoying and whiny at times which sort of put me off. The story about the corrupt uncle and all seemed a bit familar from another story, but really can't remember which one. While everything wrapped up nicely, I was a little disappointed with how the ending was. I don't know if it was so the reader could draw their own conclusion or if the author was planning another book. An epilouge would have been nice.
January 4, 2013
I loved the slow reveal of the extent of Max's part in the seedy dealings with Peck and the Medina group in London, it kept me on my toes! the chemistry between Max and Seve was palpable. Seve was incredibly hot! I always love that mix of arrogance and vulnerability. Great read!
Want to read
January 17, 2014250/1527 (chapter6) left it there, couldn't catch my attention, got really bored. Maybe I'll try it another day... But for now it was too ughh
Read
March 10, 2023Author Note MARCH 2023: This book was originally published in 2012 with another publisher. It’s set in the UK, and I have changed the text back to UK vocabulary and UK English spellings. It’s been re-edited, but you may find references that aren’t as common nowadays, or gadgets and devices that have been overtaken by technology advances! I hope you’ll bear with them, because the underlying story of mystery and romance is so much more important. The story itself remains the same as in 2012, but there’s a whole 13k words of extra content which I hope you’ll enjoy.
Reviewers: If you reviewed the original and would like to revisit the new version - including the fab new cover and the Extra content - but are thinking twice about buying another copy, please contact me about review copies. Thanks!
Reviewers: If you reviewed the original and would like to revisit the new version - including the fab new cover and the Extra content - but are thinking twice about buying another copy, please contact me about review copies. Thanks!
December 5, 2012
Reviewed on Hearts On Fire... http://heartsonfirereviews.com/
Max was a typical young man in London with too much time on his hands and an addictive personality. He took everything to the excess from drugs to sex. All of that changed when a good friend of his gets murdered and he knows that the man he has been running drugs for is responsible. Max flees to the sanctuary of his two friends house in Brighton but just can't seem to leave the past behind. A chance meeting with the manager of a club called Compulsion brings Max too close to the mess that he left behind in London.
I found this book to be well written and writing style was also smooth. The story itself just did not work for me personally. I couldn't connect with either Max or Seve on a personal level. Sure the sex was hot but the men really had nothing else going for them as a couple. Max had his secrets and I enjoyed the way Ms London slowly revealed everything from Max's last day in London. At the same time, all of Max's held in grief and self-loathing grew tiresome after 100 pages of it. I found Seve to be fairly flat as a character. He was the typical gangster's son that one finds in hundreds of books living the high life in denial that his family is anything but upstanding business people. I liked both Louis and Jack but secondary characters just cannot carry the story. The story just lacked depth and credibility for me. The ending, which I have to say was a HFN, was too implausible for me to swallow. I don't see how two fairly weak men were going to be able to anchor each other. This was not a terrible book in that it was well put together by the author but it just did not leave me feeling anything when I finished it.
Max was a typical young man in London with too much time on his hands and an addictive personality. He took everything to the excess from drugs to sex. All of that changed when a good friend of his gets murdered and he knows that the man he has been running drugs for is responsible. Max flees to the sanctuary of his two friends house in Brighton but just can't seem to leave the past behind. A chance meeting with the manager of a club called Compulsion brings Max too close to the mess that he left behind in London.
I found this book to be well written and writing style was also smooth. The story itself just did not work for me personally. I couldn't connect with either Max or Seve on a personal level. Sure the sex was hot but the men really had nothing else going for them as a couple. Max had his secrets and I enjoyed the way Ms London slowly revealed everything from Max's last day in London. At the same time, all of Max's held in grief and self-loathing grew tiresome after 100 pages of it. I found Seve to be fairly flat as a character. He was the typical gangster's son that one finds in hundreds of books living the high life in denial that his family is anything but upstanding business people. I liked both Louis and Jack but secondary characters just cannot carry the story. The story just lacked depth and credibility for me. The ending, which I have to say was a HFN, was too implausible for me to swallow. I don't see how two fairly weak men were going to be able to anchor each other. This was not a terrible book in that it was well put together by the author but it just did not leave me feeling anything when I finished it.
November 4, 2012
3.5 stars
The writing was good. The story it self was pretty good (if not a little predictable at times). The chemistry between the two main characters was good. The secondary characters were interesting & entertaining. And the sex was steaming, smoking hot.
But I just did not connect with this book. Or Max. At all.
Max had a lot of qualities that could have made him endearing. The time in his head gave the readers a chance to understand him and the things he did and why he was the way he was. Gave us a look into the way his mind works, the dirty little secrets of his troubled past, the reasons behind his pain and guilt. It should have been an insightful, explanatory experience. But it just fell short for me.
Max was a handful of emotions that under normal circumstances would make him seem humanly flawed, but in this book I just found myself annoyed beyond words with him and his ever changing feelings/suspicions.
Max isn't a character I hated, I just didn't like him very much.
I will give the writer this, Seve and Max together? Amazing!
Their were moments that grated on my nerves but they were so good together and the sexual tension and gradual lust that turned into love was done very, very well.
Overall, It was a good book. Just didn't connect with this one as well as I thought I would from reading the first expert.
* The half star is for the ending. I really liked it :)
The writing was good. The story it self was pretty good (if not a little predictable at times). The chemistry between the two main characters was good. The secondary characters were interesting & entertaining. And the sex was steaming, smoking hot.
But I just did not connect with this book. Or Max. At all.
Max had a lot of qualities that could have made him endearing. The time in his head gave the readers a chance to understand him and the things he did and why he was the way he was. Gave us a look into the way his mind works, the dirty little secrets of his troubled past, the reasons behind his pain and guilt. It should have been an insightful, explanatory experience. But it just fell short for me.
Max was a handful of emotions that under normal circumstances would make him seem humanly flawed, but in this book I just found myself annoyed beyond words with him and his ever changing feelings/suspicions.
Max isn't a character I hated, I just didn't like him very much.
I will give the writer this, Seve and Max together? Amazing!
Their were moments that grated on my nerves but they were so good together and the sexual tension and gradual lust that turned into love was done very, very well.
Overall, It was a good book. Just didn't connect with this one as well as I thought I would from reading the first expert.
* The half star is for the ending. I really liked it :)
February 9, 2014
Let me start with what I liked. I loved Seve, he was alpha, possessive hotness all the way! I totally connected with him. Also, the sex was perfect and out of this world! Now, what I didn't like. Max. Period, I could not connect with him or his "troubled past". It just all seemed too over rated to me. It never seemed like it was bad enough to have all this emotional drama over. So, it just seemed too fake for me. Also, I felt that there was too much description and not enough talking. Like there was too much narrating. I would not have finished this if it wasn't for knowing that this was a buddy read and someone was suffering through it with me....I'm sorry, I know that sounds rude but I'm just being honest. But, let me say this, I would give one of her other books a try, still, because of how much potential this one had.
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