Cherished

by Sara York

Scotty Fuller is a man who demands order. His job as a librarian gives him the solace he needs, and a BDSM club provides him with the kind of entertainment he craves. That is until a cute young college student threatens to unglue his carefully pieced-together life and rip open old wounds. Wesley Reese is a shy college student with a problem: he's crushing on the librarian. On a dare he asks the handsome older man on a date, but dating Scotty requires more from Wesley than he can give. When the bondage restraints come out, Wesley knows he's in too deep. Will he change for love? Will he lose himself forever? Or will each man finally be... Cherished? Warning: Contains non-consensual sex

Genres: M M Romance, BDSM, Gay

174 pages, Paperback

First published September 11, 2013

About the author

Sara York, the author of Colorado Wild, twists words together to create worlds where characters make good and bad decisions that don't always work out so well. Romance and books have been a part of Sara York's life since learning to read. Sara York is a trans-male author writing gay romance. Coming out is the best decision Sara York has made. Live your life out loud. Sara York encourages you to be yourself.

Reviews

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly, this book was a hot mess.

I went into this book with a completely open mind, prepared to read some disturbing non-con scenes and ready to give this book a fair shot. Ironically, it wasn't those aspects of the book that bothered me the most.

**Some spoilers below- most spoilers are tagged**

I'll start off with my biggest problem with this book: the writing. Put aside the head hopping (I had so much trouble telling who was talking a lot of the time), I felt like the writing was really choppy and had no anchorage. By that I mean there were multiple time jumps and place jumps that really threw me off kilter. In addition, there was all telling and no showing in this book. I never got there organically with the characters. Scotty and Wesley made these grand statements of love about each other and I felt none that between them. The chemistry wasn't there and I didn't get these two men as a couple. I felt like what they had was really superficial and transparent.

Also, the characters themselves were an issue for me. They almost seemed like they didn't have distinct personalities. I couldn't get any sort of grasp on them- they were transmutable to the point of being confusing. And don't even get me started on the flip-flop in roles in the ending. That felt awkward and strange to me. I also hated everything having to do with Scotty's past. Not only is child molestation, incest, and child prostitution horrifying for me to read about, I hated the over-the-top storyline all together. It was one thing after another was piled on to make Scotty seem sympathetic and give some sort of reasoning for his BDSM lifestyle (which, by the way, is irritating in itself because I'm SICK of "damaged doms"). Also, Aaron's character was ridiculous to the point of being a cartoon villain. It was so excessive, one-dimensional, and unrealistic.

I'm not even going to get into the whole way that the BDSM club was introduced and discuss the different levels of wrongness about that place. I thought that the BDSM aspect of this book wasn't done well. It felt contrived and strained for me.

The one part of the book that most people take issue with, which is the initial rape scene... well, that I actually had less of a problem with. Let me explain. I talked to the author, Sara York, about this book and she told me that many guys have been raped that she has talked to sort of rationalize it in their minds and think, "well, I sort of gave consent so maybe it wasn't rape" and, at first, try to convince themselves that it wasn't rape. I think that this type of reaction from the character actually sort of rang true. I don't think that the author was trivializing rape, but rather showing how someone would try to talk themselves out of thinking it was rape. Now, that being said, I had some major issues with the head-hopping that took place in this scene (which seemed totally random at the time) and why it was even included in the book at all. The over-the-top violence and brutality brought very little to the relationship and character development in the story, and the almost blasé way that they reacted to the death of a close friend was beyond odd.

Overall, I felt very little for the main characters and confused about this book in general. The writing didn't work for me and I hated the abrupt ending. Overall, a huge miss.

**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

[Shelley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly?

I just didn't like it. It's a mess! I felt the whole thing was horribly contrived. I had zero connection with the characters, they where contradictory and fickle in their convictions and the relationship development was shallow. I felt manipulated into feelings that I just could not muster. The whole thing was overshadowed by a over the top sexual predator who hides behind his Dom status. It's disturbing and ridiculous and you won't get any kind of satisfaction from retribution - the author deems it fit to leave that thread hanging.

The truth of it is that I am sick to death of heroes in BDSM romance who have suffered horrific pasts. It seems like there is an unspoken competition to contrive the worst possible background for the hero just to force the readers shock, horror and empathy. I just don't like it! It's not necessary - not everyone in the BDSM lifestyle has had a terrible childhood.

But that's just one of my irritations which is fair to say that it is presents my annoyance across the board, not just this book. This book just highlights the pointlessness of it. There are too many things WRONG with this. I can't be bothered to elaborate.

[Cindi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Review FULL OF SPOILERS can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.


I seriously hate typing bad reviews and this time is no different. However, this book disturbed me on so many levels. Others may enjoy it but it was definitely not for me.


This book was provided by Wilde City Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Gigi · Rating 1 out of 5]

While this book contained some pretty hot BDSM scenes, I was never able to connect emotionally with these two MCs and felt the two MCs were not able to connect with one another. Plus, the story was kind of a big mess. It just plain didn't work for me. At all.

Cannot recommend.

[LiveYourLife BuyTheBook · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

So much of this book just didn’t work for me. I thought I’d like it based on the blurb but I did not. There was rape. More than once. You could argue there was cheating depending on how you feel about it. I certainly didn’t like it. Then there are the selfish and clueless characters. The OTT bad guy. Basically a long list of things I don’t like, so keep that in mind while reading this review....

A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review

.... Then the book just kind of ends. Nothing felt resolved. Aaron the HIV positive rapist is still on the loose. No idea how Dustin is coping. I was just so disappointed in this book. I thought the shame and pride that went on in the club was kind of interesting but it wasn’t ever explored. Most of the sex between Wesley and Scotty was hot. Wesley was pretty adorable. I just can’t help but think this is one of those books where rape or a sexual predator just over shadows everything. It felt sensationalized in this book and I find that so disturbing. I would have preferred the focus to be on the couple and finding how the BDSM lifestyle fit them. The bad guy was so OTT the top he was ridiculous. A more cold and calculating baddie would have had more of an effect on me. Nope. I do not recommend this book obviously.

[Bubbles Hunty Honest & Direct Opinions]

Why this shelf? Just see the negative reviews/status updates

[Silkeeeeeereads · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly, I was expecting to find actions that most men who call themselves Doms do. We tend to glorify Doms nowadays. I know there's are some good ones out there. Most are just sleaze balls with an inflated ego. Anyway, that's not what I found. Actually, I found nothing. The characters never gelled. This is another book I have recently read that felt like it was written by a beginner who was a teen. The language didn't feel adult. The thoughts didn't feel like adult thoughts.

It's a dark read so I was expecting the rapes. That didn't bother me. The BDSM, okay it wasn't written as it should be but honestly, in real life, it's all over the place too. So. That didn't bother me. The problem here is just flat out the writing.

[Avril · Rating 2 out of 5]

So many things didn't make sense in this book. So many.

[T.M. Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scotty is an accidental dominant. He lives the lifestyle because he demands respect and control, and the only place he’s ever found it is within the BDSM lifestyle. He is not cruel though, he believes in protecting the integrity of the lifestyle as well as the submissives. Wesley is an Art student that is crushing big time on Scotty. He finally approaches him and asks him out on a dare. He’s not exactly a submissive, but he would do just about anything for Scotty.

Wesley quickly breaks through nearly every barrier Scotty has built, finding his way to his heart. Scotty wages an inner battles between his heart and mind, afraid to give up the control his dominate side provides and let Wesley into his heart. The last guy he trusted betrayed him. His life has been a misery of misplaced trust and betrayal. Can he truly give himself to Wesley and not be broken, again?

Scotty and Wesley are complete opposites who could have a chance at happiness if they can find a balance of love, trust and compromise. Each one struggles with the possibility of a relationship at different times throughout the story, and for differing reasons. Sex is never really an issue, aside from Scotty trying his damndest to exert his control as a dom at the start, but learning somewhere along the way, he’s just as happy to submit.

This was a very powerful read, I know that is a strong word, but it’s the only one that comes to mind at the moment. York managed to find a balance between the pain and grief inflicted upon her characters, leveling out that content with love and passion. Scotty is assured in his role as a dom, being the caring boyfriend is new and dangerous territory for him. Wesley isn’t a virgin, but his inexperience mixed with his strong personality make it difficult for him to completely be a sub. Where do they find their balance; can they?

The violence in the story is appalling, possibly because I can see the reality in it. If you are a fan of BDSM and stories with a struggle that finds a conclusion, then this would be a book for you. There is some nasty, steamy, passionate sex peppered throughout as well. Bonus!

* I received a copy of this book through MM Good Book Reviews, in exchange for an honest review *

http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad novella.

Full review on my blog soon. Currently available at http://myfictionnook.booklikes.com/po....

[Farrah · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 50%

[Lena Grey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dictionary.com defines cherish as “the act of treating something or someone with affection and tenderness. It involves embracing with interest, indulging, encouraging, and nurturing with care.” Everyone deserves to be cherished. We all need someone in our lives to give us unconditional love and acceptance. Scotty Fuller of 'Cherished' by Sara York, does not want to be cherished because he believes that he doesn't deserve it. Hopefully, he can learn to forgive himself and open up enough to let someone in.

Scotty doesn't do relationships; he thinks that there's no need because once a person gets to know him, they will leave. Scotty can't endure the subsequent pain so he keeps up his shields and doesn't get involved in the first place. Scotty has an unreasonable need to be in control at all times, both physically and emotionally. It's his way of managing his lurid past of abuse. He has never revealed his past to anyone. This seems to be working until he meets Wesley whose sincerity and honesty blows Scotty away; it has him questioning his rules. When he accepts a date with Wesley, he formulates a plan to get him out of his life as quickly as possible which involves taking him to a BDSM club, reasoning that if Wesley can't deal with his lifestyle, then he can't be in Scotty's life. It is really a cruel thing to do, but at this point, Scotty doesn't care. He's used to treating the men he's with like objects for his pleasure. Wesley's horrified reaction tells Scotty all he needs to know except, instead of making his decision to dump Wesley easier, it makes it infinitely harder because he's never known anyone as open as Wesley is. Almost immediately, he realizes that Wesley deserves so much more and begins to yearn for a way to keep him instead. When a crisis occurs, it shows Scotty how precious Wesley is and how much he is willing to compromise to make him happy.

Wesley is adorable, cute, sweet, and naive. He's attracted to Scotty and, on a dare, asks him out on a date. He has no idea how controlling and cold Scotty can be, but he likes him and tries to impress him. His reaction in the club broke my heart and made me want to beat Scotty to a pulp. My only satisfaction came from the fact that Scotty realizes what a great guy Wesley is and regrets bringing him there. Wesley doesn't know how far much he can take of what Scotty obviously wants to dish out, especially in bed, and is miserable trying to sort it all out. He doesn't understand how Scotty can treat him so badly and seem to want him around at the same time. He knows that there are things Scotty is holding back and is discouraged by his lack of trust. Wesley finally gets to the point that he simply can't do some of the things Scotty expects. He's disappointed, but has to be honest with himself. Even when Scotty professes his love and need for Wesley, it still doesn't change the fact that they seem to be incompatible. It becomes a matter of possibly being too little too late.

This is a complicated character-driven story about two men who seem to be opposites, but are inexplicably drawn to each other. Their journey toward that goal is littered with pitfalls which seem to be insurmountable, but they keep trudging on. It's a story of self-discovery and growth as each man struggles to find who they are and what they need. There are some disturbing situations and unexpected occurrences which kept me wondering what would happen next. If you like to read fluff, this is not it, but if you like a complex, thought-provoking tale with lots of angst, action, indecision, and tragedy, then this book may be for you. Thanks, Sara, for the intense story.

NOTE: This book was provided by Wilde City Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Caroline Brand · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE

This is very different from anything I have read by this author previously. This book has damaged characters, rape, violence, dubious consent and cheating. As it has been out for a little while I will try not to delve into the story too much but concentrate on the characters.
Scotty is a librarian who craves control. His childhood was abusive but he has never once revealed the true depths of that abuse to anyone after escaping from it when he was 12. If anyone ever asked who your ideal Dom would be it certainly would not be this man. In previous ‘relationships’ he has not been able to show compassion, love or care. I perceived him as cold as uncaring and not until the last 10% of the story did I start to thaw to him. He demands rather than requests submission and I think the lines are blurred on whether he actually has consent sometimes.
Wesley is very innocent and finds himself attracted to Scotty. The first time they talk in the library should have raised alarm bells. By the time they went on their first date to a BDSM club I felt like Wesley should have been running for the hills. He was way out of his depth, almost abused by another Dom and by the end of the night scared of Scotty. It is probably worth mentioning he had no idea about a D/s relationship so really was thrown in at the deep end.
Aaron, another Dom from the club, is a brute. A dangerous man who is being allowed to play out his psychotic games in a place where the emphasis should have been on safe, sane and consensual. When his depravity moves from the club to Wesleys home we end up with two men in hospital, one of which is nearly dead.
Although in the end Scotty and Wesley seem to make headway with their relationship I still couldn’t feel a real connection or any love. To me there was too much fear. Scotty clearly had too many issues from his past to deal with alone and Wesley was not in a good place after being attacked.
I have enjoyed many books by this author. As is true with anything in life you cannot always like everything all the time. That said, I didn’t dislike it but it is a hard and sometimes uncomfortable read that will not appeal or suit everyone. At the end of the day this a story and that story is about damaged and violent people who don’t get it right.

[books are love · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wesley is so adorable. He's fresh and inexperienced. Sweet and kind and intelligent. Really love him. He is more mature and insightful than the older Scotty.

Scotty has a terrible past that has made him need to have control in all aspects of his life. Wesley is a artistic soul he tests this control to no end. Scotty likes BDSM clubs and Wesley is petrified by them. Yet somehow they like each other. They are easygoing and kind to one another. They connect on all levels with each other.

Than tragedy happens and Wesley starts to doubt himself. At this point I feel for Scotty and cry for Wesley and his friend. They are really all so entwined with each other even if peripherally and insecure in their own way.

Wesley begins to doubt him and Scotty. Scotty begins to crumble to his past and breakdown needing what Wesley provides him. Comfort, love and stability. Wesley is safe and allows Scotty to lose himself without being considered weak but beautiful.

A story of love vs. lust. Control vs. caring and beautifully executed. The intimacy between Wesley and Scotty although sensual are beautifully written. Warning there are some scenes that will touch you because of the subject matter but they are beautifully written.

[Sara · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was honestly quite disappointed in this book. The writing was a bit sloppy, jumping between PoV's so often, I didn't know whose voice i was listening at the moment. The chemistry between the two main characters was off and not believable. Neither were the roles they were put into (Dom/sub) - a fact that was reinforced by the swith in roles at the end.
Where the plot is concerned, there's just too much going on in this book child abuse, molestation, child prostitution, BDSM, rape, murder. With all of this, i wondered there was any room for the actual romance. It felt stretched thin, trying to cram as many plot bunnies as necessary to justify the characters' behaviour and...make it exciting? It just reinforced the idea that most of the times, less is more.

I yearn for a BDSM book that is not about damaged doms, broken and abused subs, or both together - just the story of two people willing to travel down this road together.

[Becky Condit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Please leave comments on my review of Cherished at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....

Wesley cried and screamed, wishing that he’d be saved from this hell.

Cherished? That doesn’t exactly describe what I found in these pages of sexual violence and misunderstandings. The lines between rape, cheating, and violence are very blurred here.

There were some good BDSM scenes but often they dissolved into something that lacked safe, sane and consensual elements. Maybe this just isn’t the book for me. Others who like their stories edgy and on the harsh side of romance may enjoy it very much. It just wasn’t what I expected based on the blurb.

I will continue to read Sara York’s stories because I’ve enjoyed them before. And perhaps I’ll re-read this one later and see if a different day, different frame of mind makes a difference. For now, I’ll just suggest that other readers proceed with caution. Not a bad book but definitely not a sweet romance.

[Cee Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got drawn in because I wanted to see if the premise was gonna help.
While I enjoyed portions of the story, I am still waiting for a true connection between Wes and Scott.
I am not a true fan of BDSM, but if a storyline has it that I am interested in, I follow alone, detached.
This is how I felt with this story.
I hated the hand that had been dealt to Scott, but for him to expect Wes to just fall into his plans kinda had me standing on the outskirts.
I would have truly enjoyed this book if cetain issues had been better addressed.
Maybe a sequel for Wes' friend Dustin...

[The Novel Approach · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a wonderful trip into two wounded lives. I loved seeing them finally start to open up to one another and once they realized that it just might work, there was no doubt they would do anything it took for them both to feel Cherished.

Jackie's full review can be found at The Novel Approach

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A GOOD STORY, FALL IN LOVE WITH WESLEY, AND SCOTTY AS I DID A MIST READ.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually really enjoyed this one. Glad I didn't read the reviews beforehand or I would have missed out on this sexy little jewel.