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Golden Collar #2
Deception
Cyrus and Nadir first met as hungry orphans on Behekam’s streets at twelve years old. They became friends, then partners in the thievery that enabled them to survive, and as they passed their days together, they fell in love. When they are both taken as pleasure slaves in the opulent palace of the Malik of Neyem, love becomes more complicated.
Rumors of an attempt on Malik Bathasar's life put Cyrus and Nadir's relationship to the test—they must pose convincingly as intimate slaves to the young malik as part of a plan to lure the assassin into the open. Teman—Malik Bathasar’s real personal pleasure slave and true lover—was once trained by Cyrus for the same duties, and the attraction and care Cyrus developed for him then still remains. The Malik of Neyem proves an easy man to love and Nadir’s feelings for him grow while they’re pretending to love each other.
Cyrus and Nadir care deeply for each other but they’ve forgotten the first rule of love: communicate in honesty. Their love remains strong enough to weather the changes—if they have the courage not only to face the coming dangers, but to put aside deception and find their truth.
Rumors of an attempt on Malik Bathasar's life put Cyrus and Nadir's relationship to the test—they must pose convincingly as intimate slaves to the young malik as part of a plan to lure the assassin into the open. Teman—Malik Bathasar’s real personal pleasure slave and true lover—was once trained by Cyrus for the same duties, and the attraction and care Cyrus developed for him then still remains. The Malik of Neyem proves an easy man to love and Nadir’s feelings for him grow while they’re pretending to love each other.
Cyrus and Nadir care deeply for each other but they’ve forgotten the first rule of love: communicate in honesty. Their love remains strong enough to weather the changes—if they have the courage not only to face the coming dangers, but to put aside deception and find their truth.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2013
6 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Grace R. Duncan
34 books250 followersGrace Duncan grew up with a wild imagination. She told stories from an early age - many of which got her into trouble. Eventually, she learned to channel that imagination into less troublesome areas, including fanfiction, which is what has led her to writing male/male erotica.
A gypsy in her own right, Grace has lived all over the United States. She has currently set up camp in East Texas with her husband and children - both the human and furry kind.
As one of those rare creatures who loves research, Grace can get lost for hours on the internet, reading up on any number of strange and different topics. She can also be found writing fanfiction, reading fantasy, crime, suspense, romance and other erotica or even dabbling in art.
A gypsy in her own right, Grace has lived all over the United States. She has currently set up camp in East Texas with her husband and children - both the human and furry kind.
As one of those rare creatures who loves research, Grace can get lost for hours on the internet, reading up on any number of strange and different topics. She can also be found writing fanfiction, reading fantasy, crime, suspense, romance and other erotica or even dabbling in art.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 27, 2014
I'll start by saying I haven't read the first book in this series, so I may have had some confusion that could have been cleared up through reading that book first.
I didn't feel like a missed a great deal of detail, and the story worked on it's own quite well. Only some minor references about *before* Bathasar and Teman got together, but was easily figured out, and not all that important to the overall story line for this novel.
Cyrus and Nadir have been pleasure slaves for 7 years but have known each other since they were 12 years old, as street orphans. They have been in love for almost as long as they have been slaves, and have a strong bond.
Bathasar, the malik requests them to help him and his slave/lover Teman, find out who is trying to assassinate him, and be part of his *stealth* personal protection detail, by becoming his personal pleasure slaves. Their job is to be believable in making the general public think the malik is only interested in sex, which would draw the assassin out. As they all become close, Cyrus begins to worry that he is unable to fulfill Nadir's need for service, and that he might lose him to Bathasar. He is also confused about his feelings toward Teman, and doesn't know whether if he loves one, the other will no longer matter.
Mrs Duncan has done a remarkable job of painting a picture of the role of pleasure slaves in this story. I understood how it worked, and what their purpose as slaves was, with some background to show how Cyrus and Nadir ended up where they were. I could really see how much the four characters cared for, and wanted to please each other. Cyrus's lean towards dominance was able to be realised while in Bathasar's chamber. I also got a very clear picture of the world they lived in. It was especially pleasing that the story had just the right amount of detail, without feeling bogged down. It was only what I needed to see to form a complete picture.
The story of the two lovers, and their internal concerns was frustrating at times, and really punches home the need for open communication. This is a key aspect in any relationship, but it was shown to be especially important for this couple, who's existence was to be with others, while nurturing their love for each other.
The sex was just yummy, and hawt. My breath hitched often. I love a good all male menage. Definitely hit my spot for spank worthy.
I feel that the story came to a natural conclusion, and didn't feel rushed or incomplete.
Thank you for the pleasurable read Mrs Duncan. I will be sure to go back and read the first in the series, and keep my eye out on any more that you come up with.
This book was provided by the Author through the BDSM group on goodreads in exchange for an honest review
I didn't feel like a missed a great deal of detail, and the story worked on it's own quite well. Only some minor references about *before* Bathasar and Teman got together, but was easily figured out, and not all that important to the overall story line for this novel.
Cyrus and Nadir have been pleasure slaves for 7 years but have known each other since they were 12 years old, as street orphans. They have been in love for almost as long as they have been slaves, and have a strong bond.
Bathasar, the malik requests them to help him and his slave/lover Teman, find out who is trying to assassinate him, and be part of his *stealth* personal protection detail, by becoming his personal pleasure slaves. Their job is to be believable in making the general public think the malik is only interested in sex, which would draw the assassin out. As they all become close, Cyrus begins to worry that he is unable to fulfill Nadir's need for service, and that he might lose him to Bathasar. He is also confused about his feelings toward Teman, and doesn't know whether if he loves one, the other will no longer matter.
Mrs Duncan has done a remarkable job of painting a picture of the role of pleasure slaves in this story. I understood how it worked, and what their purpose as slaves was, with some background to show how Cyrus and Nadir ended up where they were. I could really see how much the four characters cared for, and wanted to please each other. Cyrus's lean towards dominance was able to be realised while in Bathasar's chamber. I also got a very clear picture of the world they lived in. It was especially pleasing that the story had just the right amount of detail, without feeling bogged down. It was only what I needed to see to form a complete picture.
The story of the two lovers, and their internal concerns was frustrating at times, and really punches home the need for open communication. This is a key aspect in any relationship, but it was shown to be especially important for this couple, who's existence was to be with others, while nurturing their love for each other.
The sex was just yummy, and hawt. My breath hitched often. I love a good all male menage. Definitely hit my spot for spank worthy.
I feel that the story came to a natural conclusion, and didn't feel rushed or incomplete.
Thank you for the pleasurable read Mrs Duncan. I will be sure to go back and read the first in the series, and keep my eye out on any more that you come up with.
This book was provided by the Author through the BDSM group on goodreads in exchange for an honest review
March 4, 2014
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
This is the second book in the Golden Collar series, where we get to see Cyrus and Nadir's story. This one takes place not long after the first Balthasar is now endanger of assassination and asks for Cyrus and Nadir's help in guarding him while pretending to be in love with him. Unlike the first book overall plot is a little more focused but still remains pretty weak and more of a backdrop of sex. But unlike Choices we do get a lot more internal thoughts from both Cyrus and Nadir as the struggle with their feeling of jealousy and attraction.
For me I was excited to see both the internal struggles of both characters and a great deal of time devoted to flashbacks of the two as the met, get captured, and fall in love. What I was missing before in the first book with getting attached to the character was here in this book. We get more than just sex scenes and some time devoted to them both before they were slaves. There are also very meaning full sex scenes that I loved in this book With the more internal thought I can up to a point appreciate Nadir's need to be owned by just one person yet also want to with Cyrus and Cyrus's fear of losing Nadir.
What stops me from rating this book higher is the premise of the book itself. I don't really buy the concept of Bathasar having to have sex and play games with Nadir and Cyrus outside of when they are in public. This of course creates the angst for Cyrus an Nadir as they struggle with their love and growing attraction to Bathasar and Teman but it seems pretty weak reason to base the story around. Also Bathasar is suppose to be a friend to these two but they are hardly allowed time to themselves alone. They are a couple, they are in love, and both Bathasar and Teman know that at least Cyrus is struggling with the sharing. They don't get alot of time to talk to one another or struggle together with what they are going through. Despite the push to make me believe they are treated like people Bathasar cares for I feel they are still basically treated as sex slaves throughout the book. It in a lot of way made me feel like the drama for these characters was forced. Especially in the end where they separate back out into couples again and the "love" between Bathasar/Nadir and Cyrus/Teman becomes just about sex again.
It also drove me up a wall that these guy are screwing around in separate rooms even when they are suppose to be looking out for assassins. Considering the last King was killed, albeit with inside help while playing with his slave, you would think sex won't be the first thing on their mind. Nor would taking Bathasar OUTSIDE of the palace with only Darius and Temen to train him. That leaves him vulnerable without a lot of protection.
Although I did have problems with somethings in the book I have to say that I did enjoy a lot of other things. Certainly if you loved or even liked the first book this one is a very strong follow up with alot of the same element the first book had with some good additions.
This is the second book in the Golden Collar series, where we get to see Cyrus and Nadir's story. This one takes place not long after the first Balthasar is now endanger of assassination and asks for Cyrus and Nadir's help in guarding him while pretending to be in love with him. Unlike the first book overall plot is a little more focused but still remains pretty weak and more of a backdrop of sex. But unlike Choices we do get a lot more internal thoughts from both Cyrus and Nadir as the struggle with their feeling of jealousy and attraction.
For me I was excited to see both the internal struggles of both characters and a great deal of time devoted to flashbacks of the two as the met, get captured, and fall in love. What I was missing before in the first book with getting attached to the character was here in this book. We get more than just sex scenes and some time devoted to them both before they were slaves. There are also very meaning full sex scenes that I loved in this book With the more internal thought I can up to a point appreciate Nadir's need to be owned by just one person yet also want to with Cyrus and Cyrus's fear of losing Nadir.
What stops me from rating this book higher is the premise of the book itself. I don't really buy the concept of Bathasar having to have sex and play games with Nadir and Cyrus outside of when they are in public. This of course creates the angst for Cyrus an Nadir as they struggle with their love and growing attraction to Bathasar and Teman but it seems pretty weak reason to base the story around. Also Bathasar is suppose to be a friend to these two but they are hardly allowed time to themselves alone. They are a couple, they are in love, and both Bathasar and Teman know that at least Cyrus is struggling with the sharing. They don't get alot of time to talk to one another or struggle together with what they are going through. Despite the push to make me believe they are treated like people Bathasar cares for I feel they are still basically treated as sex slaves throughout the book. It in a lot of way made me feel like the drama for these characters was forced. Especially in the end where they separate back out into couples again and the "love" between Bathasar/Nadir and Cyrus/Teman becomes just about sex again.
It also drove me up a wall that these guy are screwing around in separate rooms even when they are suppose to be looking out for assassins. Considering the last King was killed, albeit with inside help while playing with his slave, you would think sex won't be the first thing on their mind. Nor would taking Bathasar OUTSIDE of the palace with only Darius and Temen to train him. That leaves him vulnerable without a lot of protection.
Although I did have problems with somethings in the book I have to say that I did enjoy a lot of other things. Certainly if you loved or even liked the first book this one is a very strong follow up with alot of the same element the first book had with some good additions.
January 1, 2015
★★★★☆
I haven't read the first book in this series Choices
but I was able to read this as a stand-alone. Cyrus and Nadir have been pleasure slaves for seven years and friends and former thieves for much longer. Once they become slaves, a choice they made to avoid being sent to the dungeon, they come to realize they're in love, which is a difficult position for a slave who has no rights to be in. The former ruler, Malik Mukesh, was a vicious, cruel man who treated the slaves as lower than human.
The new Malik, Bathasar, who came into rule in the previous book and was saved by his lover, Teman, also a former pleasure slave now dedicated just to Bathasar, has heard rumors of an assassination attempt. He offers a proposition to Cyrus and Nadir, they can leave the slave wing while functioning as guards and additional lovers to him and Teman.
This brings us to many pages of teasing sexual content in which orgasm is denied regularly although when the command is granted, the culmination is pretty explosive. I finally did start skimming because this is a long book that I think could have been cut.
The world-building was quite descriptive and I could picture it in my mind.
All in all, a book I probably wouldn't reread but I did like for the most part. I am apparently not a good candidate for orgasm denial - I kid you not, it was all about edging and denial - and it was almost too much sexin' for me.
I haven't read the first book in this series Choices
but I was able to read this as a stand-alone. Cyrus and Nadir have been pleasure slaves for seven years and friends and former thieves for much longer. Once they become slaves, a choice they made to avoid being sent to the dungeon, they come to realize they're in love, which is a difficult position for a slave who has no rights to be in. The former ruler, Malik Mukesh, was a vicious, cruel man who treated the slaves as lower than human.The new Malik, Bathasar, who came into rule in the previous book and was saved by his lover, Teman, also a former pleasure slave now dedicated just to Bathasar, has heard rumors of an assassination attempt. He offers a proposition to Cyrus and Nadir, they can leave the slave wing while functioning as guards and additional lovers to him and Teman.
This brings us to many pages of teasing sexual content in which orgasm is denied regularly although when the command is granted, the culmination is pretty explosive. I finally did start skimming because this is a long book that I think could have been cut.
The world-building was quite descriptive and I could picture it in my mind.
All in all, a book I probably wouldn't reread but I did like for the most part. I am apparently not a good candidate for orgasm denial - I kid you not, it was all about edging and denial - and it was almost too much sexin' for me.
October 28, 2014
This book was provided by the Author through the GoodReads BDSM group's r2r program in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I must make it clear that I rarely like historical novels and just as rarely do I like flashbacks. However, I knew before I began that it was an historical, since I've already read the other two in this series and as for the flashbacks... Well, I can't imagine this novel being told any other way.
Ms. Duncan has managed to touch on so many emotional issues with these two couples while entertaining readers all along the way. Watching these three slaves and their malik wade their way through love,jealousy,insecurity,worry,fear,tenderness,desire,domination and submission was a joy. I had moments that I laughed, moments that I cried and moments that I was tied up in knots worrying for these men. That is a sign of truly wonderful writing, when an author can bring me through all of these emotions and leave me smiling at the end.
What a wild, emotionally charged, hot ride Bathasar, Teman, Nadir and Cyrus had while trying to thwart an assassin. Though I must say I certainly didn't see the twist at the end coming, I think it was the perfect ending for this latest visit into their lives. I just hope it's not the last.
I'm dying to be allowed to visit again and see how these men are getting along as well as Darius and Saleh.
I must make it clear that I rarely like historical novels and just as rarely do I like flashbacks. However, I knew before I began that it was an historical, since I've already read the other two in this series and as for the flashbacks... Well, I can't imagine this novel being told any other way.
Ms. Duncan has managed to touch on so many emotional issues with these two couples while entertaining readers all along the way. Watching these three slaves and their malik wade their way through love,jealousy,insecurity,worry,fear,tenderness,desire,domination and submission was a joy. I had moments that I laughed, moments that I cried and moments that I was tied up in knots worrying for these men. That is a sign of truly wonderful writing, when an author can bring me through all of these emotions and leave me smiling at the end.
What a wild, emotionally charged, hot ride Bathasar, Teman, Nadir and Cyrus had while trying to thwart an assassin. Though I must say I certainly didn't see the twist at the end coming, I think it was the perfect ending for this latest visit into their lives. I just hope it's not the last.
I'm dying to be allowed to visit again and see how these men are getting along as well as Darius and Saleh.
January 30, 2018
Updated with thoughts and clarification on the ending and a few other things, after reading other reviews
This book, focusing on Cyrus and Nadir of the Golden Collar series, is a fantastic followup to Choices and Coronation, building on the world and continuing the story. I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again, Grace R. Duncan’s rich worldbuilding makes everything feel so real. Deception is beautifully written with romance, angst, steamy sex scenes, believable characters, and enough political intrigue and action to keep the plot moving along.
I sympathized with the main four characters, even when I wanted to beat one or the other over the head for not doing what he needed to be true to himself, or to gain a sense of security in his relationships, depending on the situation.
I grew to love Nadir, Cyrus, Bathasar, and Teman more through this book even more than I had in Choices. Though this is Cyrus and Nadir’s story, Bathasar and Teman figure heavily in the plot, and all four men grow as the plot develops.
Like Choices, Deception’s story includes sex with more than two men involved. But the difference here is that Deception explores the concept of polyamory - romantic love for more than one person - and the emotional ramifications on all parties. As someone who is familiar with polyamorous relationships, I can say that this was handled both gracefully and realistically.
I have to make note of how much I enjoyed the erotic scenes in Deception. They were varied (more than in Choices) and deliciously written. If you like your sex scenes with some kink (orgasm delay/denial, Master/slave dynamics, sexual conditioning, semipublic play, and a little bit of impact play) this book will be up your alley! The sex scenes are incredibly hot, and each one has its purpose in relationship development or in advancing the plot. For those not used to romances with lots of sex, realize that this is an erotic romance (despite not being categorized as such on the publisher website simply because of how they categorize). And since it focuses on the lives of pleasure slaves, since their lives revolve so much around sex, many sex scenes are par for the course. Though that's not everyone's cup of tea, it certainly is mine.
I loved the ending, which some readers misinterpreted. Let me clarify for anyone curious: I saw it as clear, but my being a beta reader for Grace may contribute to that, and it could have been written with less room for interpretation, I suppose. The free stories on Grace's website in the same universe (Ghalib and Adel's stories) make it even clearer, and I do recommend them.
I look forward to the next trip the author takes us on through Neyem and the surrounding countries.
This book, focusing on Cyrus and Nadir of the Golden Collar series, is a fantastic followup to Choices and Coronation, building on the world and continuing the story. I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again, Grace R. Duncan’s rich worldbuilding makes everything feel so real. Deception is beautifully written with romance, angst, steamy sex scenes, believable characters, and enough political intrigue and action to keep the plot moving along.
I sympathized with the main four characters, even when I wanted to beat one or the other over the head for not doing what he needed to be true to himself, or to gain a sense of security in his relationships, depending on the situation.
I grew to love Nadir, Cyrus, Bathasar, and Teman more through this book even more than I had in Choices. Though this is Cyrus and Nadir’s story, Bathasar and Teman figure heavily in the plot, and all four men grow as the plot develops.
Like Choices, Deception’s story includes sex with more than two men involved. But the difference here is that Deception explores the concept of polyamory - romantic love for more than one person - and the emotional ramifications on all parties. As someone who is familiar with polyamorous relationships, I can say that this was handled both gracefully and realistically.
I have to make note of how much I enjoyed the erotic scenes in Deception. They were varied (more than in Choices) and deliciously written. If you like your sex scenes with some kink (orgasm delay/denial, Master/slave dynamics, sexual conditioning, semipublic play, and a little bit of impact play) this book will be up your alley! The sex scenes are incredibly hot, and each one has its purpose in relationship development or in advancing the plot. For those not used to romances with lots of sex, realize that this is an erotic romance (despite not being categorized as such on the publisher website simply because of how they categorize). And since it focuses on the lives of pleasure slaves, since their lives revolve so much around sex, many sex scenes are par for the course. Though that's not everyone's cup of tea, it certainly is mine.
I loved the ending, which some readers misinterpreted. Let me clarify for anyone curious: I saw it as clear, but my being a beta reader for Grace may contribute to that, and it could have been written with less room for interpretation, I suppose. The free stories on Grace's website in the same universe (Ghalib and Adel's stories) make it even clearer, and I do recommend them.
I look forward to the next trip the author takes us on through Neyem and the surrounding countries.
November 21, 2013
This is an excellent sequel to Choices. I was especially excited to see Nadir and Cyrus' backstory expanded and the stage set for more to come from the author. Definitely a five star!
Read
December 5, 20132.5 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
I’m afraid I’ve been anticipating this book a bit too much a got somewhat disappointed from the delivery.
Deception is a spin-off of Choices; the leading characters are the duo we met on the first book, Cyrus and Nadir. We get to flash back with either one of them, as the story is written from both character’s point of view, at the point when they met each other, bits and pieces of events that led them to their imprisoning and life as sex slaves...
Read the entire review here.
Thommie
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
I’m afraid I’ve been anticipating this book a bit too much a got somewhat disappointed from the delivery.
Deception is a spin-off of Choices; the leading characters are the duo we met on the first book, Cyrus and Nadir. We get to flash back with either one of them, as the story is written from both character’s point of view, at the point when they met each other, bits and pieces of events that led them to their imprisoning and life as sex slaves...
Read the entire review here.
Thommie
August 5, 2016
3.5 Stars. The thing really holding this book back from being a higher rating is the repetitiveness and length. The first 75% was all the same thing over and over again, put just slightly different, with only a little forward plot movement. The last 25% was well paced and the conclusion was great. The detail was rich, the characters individual and the writing and editing were good. Just too much of a good thing.
February 7, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
Yet again, this series leaves me with a really ambiguous feeling after reading. There were certainly a lot of things that I enjoyed about this story but there were a lot of things that really just left me disappointed and I’m having trouble reconciling those competing feelings and evaluating which ones have more weight. Please don’t ask me outright if I liked this book or not. I could tell you which parts I liked and which I didn’t but and overall opinion? A straight yes or no? That’s beyond me.
Read Angi's review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
Yet again, this series leaves me with a really ambiguous feeling after reading. There were certainly a lot of things that I enjoyed about this story but there were a lot of things that really just left me disappointed and I’m having trouble reconciling those competing feelings and evaluating which ones have more weight. Please don’t ask me outright if I liked this book or not. I could tell you which parts I liked and which I didn’t but and overall opinion? A straight yes or no? That’s beyond me.
Read Angi's review in its entirety here.
Want to read
October 4, 2014Won as part of the 2013 Holiday Party in the Erotic Enchants Group! ... but now I can't find the file :(
But Grace re-sent it to me! YAY!!!
But Grace re-sent it to me! YAY!!!
September 12, 2016
Author diverted from the monogamous relationship between Bathasar and Temant from the first book. She created a polyamorous relationship by adding Cyrus and Nadir. It just didn't work.
Want to read
November 9, 2013This summary needs to be rewritten...
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews