Antidote

Don't... #2

by Jack L. Pyke

“No head games, no tests. Just us, Jack.”

Videos of Jack having sex with a man who brutally mutilated teenagers for fun should have stayed dead and buried, just like the man who filmed them. So when footage of Jack’s past starts showing up on internet port sites, Jack’s whole world is again turned on its head.

At first, the videos merely unsettle Jack’s fire-and-ice world of Gray Raoul’s BDSM kink and Jan Richards’ gentle, vanilla touch. But when the videos of teenaged Jack get more extreme, even Gray becomes suspicious, leaving Jack isolated from the protection of the Masters’ Circle.

Jack soon finds himself at the mercy of a group of men set on altering Jack’s perceptions of BDSM as brutally as possible. Jack’s sex life is now on camera for a whole new audience, and the only thing he has left to lose is himself.

Genres: BDSM, M M Romance, Dark, Menage, Abuse, M M M, Romance

404 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 5, 2014

About the author

Jack blames her dark writing influences on living close to one of England’s finest forests. Having grown up hearing a history of kidnappings, murders, strange sightings, and sexual exploits her neck of the woods is renowned for, Jack takes that into her writing, having also learned that human coping strategies for intense situations can sometimes make the best of people have disastrously bad moments. Redeeming those flaws is Jack’s drive.

Reviews

[Baba · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 mind f@ck stars. Full review posted May 8, 2014



Antidote is yet another riveting mind f@ck penned by the very talented Jack L. Pyke and the sequel to Don't.... It’s difficult to review and I will keep my thoughts rather general. So, let me cut right to the chase of the matter.

There are no appropriate words to describe how I feel about this novel. None. Don’t…was a friggin' walk in the park compared to Antidote. I’m not someone to beat the proverbial bush, so I must admit that I’ve never read anything like this before. It’s an emotionally draining and very demanding sequel and some stuff shocked the living daylights out of me. I’m not ashamed to admit that I was close to putting the book aside. I really wonder how anyone can survive such an unbearable trauma. This book shredded my heart into a million tiny pieces. We’re not even halfway through the year but I’m sure that Antidote will secure itself a place among my favorite books of 2014. By the way, Antidote is my fourth five-star read of the year.

Don’t…
Just. Fu@@ing. Stop. It.

On the one hand, I just wish I hadn’t read a specific part of the story. On the other hand, I would have missed out on a very essential part that was vital to the entire story. Fact is, the way the author conveyed that part of Antidote was scarily realistic and brilliantly done. Yes, it scared the bejesus out of me and I kid you not, I felt a dire urge to bleach my brain. It’s unsettling how anyone who puts pen to paper can bind you to a story and its characters in such a compelling way. Just don’t…do this to me anymore. I wanted to get rid of those mental shackles. I felt sick and wanted to get away, to dig a hole and fu@@ing hide…I wanted to be anywhere but here. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t suffer from sleep disturbances. Oh my, where the heck was the divine intervention when you needed one? It was so utterly silly and irrational of me to tell them to hang on in there, to friggin' do something. Antidote is one of those rare books that's all kinds of possessive as well as invasive and from which it is very difficult to tear oneself away. It's a book that got under my skin.



Books are a never-ending source of inspiration. However, this time around the well was pitch black and completely and utterly painful.

Touch me, don’t…touch me
It fu@@ing hurts

Panic, so much fear, strength is fading fast
Choking, weeping, sobbing
Don’t…
It’s tearing me apart

A scattering noise
Hear…hear
That’s my bleeding heart that fell apart

Rambling, crawling on the floor, blissful sleep
Help is not far
Give me back my heart

How…
How can I forget
It bloody hurts

Don’t…cry
Shut out the fear, lay your head to rest
Breathe in…breathe out
Breathe away the hurt



Minor quibble
The chuckling and mumbling were too repetitive.


Antidote generates extensive consequences for Gray, Jack, and Jan, individually but it also affects their relationship substantially. That's the reason why I feel so edgy to read Breakdown ASAP. One thing is very obvious to me: a lot of deep-rooted issues will have to be addressed in this book.

While Antidote alternates between Jack and Jan’s POV, I’m absolutely stoked that Jack is going to write Gray Matters from Gray's POV. He's my favorite character and I can't wait to get more into his absorbing mind.

The order for the works:

1) Don't...
2) Antidote (2b: Breakdown slots into Antidote, but
is titled book 3)
4 Gray Matters





Bottom line, Antidote affected me in ways I will probably never forget. It’s twisted, gritty and there’s a violently dark edge to it that refused to let go of its nasty fetters. It doesn’t get any more honest when I say it burned a fu@@ing hole in my body, heart and mind.




Recommended read.


WARNING
Antidote contains very explicit sex and language, BDSM elements, and VIOLENCE abduction/rape, mind manipulation and torture. It’s not for the faint of heart.


Quotes approved by author

All quotes are taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted in the final copy

**ARC courtesy of Jack L. Pyke in exchange for an honest review**


http://forbidden-fiction.com/library/...

[Shile (Hazard's Version) on-hiatus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is emotionally exhausting. At some point I felt it was too much!

After reading this one, I have finally established that my level of dark is different from others. I think Claustrophilia, ruined dark books for me.

I didn’t find this book that dark, or maybe I have just become immuned to torture rape/torture porn as dark content. I find myself interested in reading the aftermath, how the characters cope after the horrible ordeal. And that part delivered. It was emotional and realistic. That is why I will give this one solid 4 stars.

My poor Jack! and Vanilla Jan.

What a ride! It is a toughy one; I loved some parts and didn’t like some parts.



The Characters

Jack – I love this guy. There are people with Issues and then there is Jack. He got ISSUES. His character is interesting to read. I find myself wanting him to be on page throughout. I want to know what is in him mind, how he see the world. Yap! I am in love.

Gray- This Dom is still an enigma but also fascinating. I love his presence in the story, he commands every scene he is in. Gaaah! I love him, freaking love him.

Martin- Ummm! WTF? I have a feeling this guy is going to be trouble. I will be here for all of the mayhem.

Jan?? – ………I like him but i still don't know him, maybe I will as the series progresses.

Jack and Gray have some serious chemistry going on, I still feel like Jan is a third wheel, when it comes to Jan and Jack there is some tiny bit of connection but not that strong. I feel like Jack and Gray are more developed than Jan.

The story

I had a roller-coaster reading time with this one.

The beginning (25%) was good, I got hooked,

The middle (25-60%) a little tough to read,

The next (65-85%) I felt was repetitive.

The rest (85-100%) was emotional, heartfelt, realistic and just fucking amazing.

The writing is unusual and the flow fell off sometimes. I think I will just get used to it, because I am invested in these characters. And somewhere along the story, I believe this stopped being BDSM.

Book 3 here I come.

[Vishous · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC courtesy of Jack L. Pyke in exchange for an honest review*

You know that scene in some horror movies when someone rips somebody's heart outfrom their body and holds it in their hand while the heart keeps beating?

That's how I felt while reading this book. The villain that ripped my heart out was the author. My heart was at author's mercy from the beginning. She kept squeezing it all the time, inflicting so much pain, and so much heartache, that I thought I couldn't make it till the end.



Everybody knows Jack is my precious, my luv, my sweet adorable man... he simply has all of me.Only reading the blurb and anticipating this sequel was making numbers on me. I knew Jack would suffer, I knew it would crush me because I can't read how my luv struggles, how they keep inflicting pain on him, I knew I would die of heartache... but this.... this I did not expect at all!

This book was

SIMPLY PURE PERFECTION IN ALL ITS GLORIOUS DARKNESS!

This book started so beautiful, so perfect, but you knew, you knew shit would happen, you could only just wait, not knowing when or where or how... and then, when it started, you were praying for it to stop, you wanted to turn the page and see the ending of the horror....but the end was nowhere in sight, it only kept getting worse and worse and worse...

Even while reading scenes that were breaking all the pieces of my heart, I loved every word and every sentence. With so much pain in the book, you could see their love for each other all the time. It gave you hope that everything will end fine, you needed that hope, you needed to grasp to something so you could make it till the end through all that violence...

"You make being forced to feel such a fucking dangerous place to be. (.....) 
So fucking sorry for hurting you in ways I'd kill anyone else for, stunner.
You fuck up my world in so many ways, but only ever in every right way that matters anymore."

“Remember I love the bones off you:
 mind, body, soul, every fucking inch. I always will"

....but then the author crushed my heart, shredded it to million of tiny pieces, taking that tiny thing from me, making me cry rivers.



Aftermath destroyed them, they couldn't heal together, they only drifted apart. When everything was supposed to start good again, it all started crumbling down.

“What?” snarled Gray, now up in Jack’s face, hands either side of his head. 
“You tell me, Jack, you tell me what you want, because this silence is fucking killing me. 
Tell me what you want, what you need—and I’ll sit and re-order every sodding piece at your fucking feet..."

Gray couldn't be the strong one anymore, the mighty Dom has fallen and shouted the safe word, ,

Jan hoped the time will heal everything,praying Gray and Jack would find a way to each other again,

and Jack.... he was left alone from the only person he ever truly loved and wanted.

"I whispered heatedly in his ear.
“I got it wrong, so fucking wrong, Gray; I know I hurt you (.....)
I gripped his hair, forcing him to wince.
“This? It’s such a good fucking hurt, it’s us.
It’s the most fucking intense I’ve ever known:
no kink, no chains, no restraint,
just every goddamn ounce of right that comes with touching you."

Antidote @ Forbidden Fiction

[Shelley]

Too much!

That’s what comes to mind when I try not to think back about my feelings on this book. Too much darkness, too much rape, too much sickness, too many psychological head games, too much sadness, too much anger, too much defeat, too much violence, too complicated, too many people in a bed, too much drama, too obscene … just too fucking much!

I’m the last one to shirk away from non-con or a dark deplorable read but somehow on a deeper level this was too much for me. I didn’t cry, I didn’t scream, I didn’t even leak a watery tear …I just didn’t want to look anymore. I felt angry at the words and the scenes playing out in front of my eyes, in my head. I just wanted it all to end and when I thought the worst was over it was only beginning… it was too much. And too much of anything can be poisonous and … I feel poisoned by Antidote (yes, the irony is not lost on me). My tolerance for what I was able to accept was toyed with like the marker on a snakes and ladders game, by the end my heartfelt emotions shut down and I was left feeling exhausted, angry, uncaring, bitter and …defeated.

I didn’t enjoy any of this book, I didn’t even like the beginning which explores the best of this happy triad. I always felt Jan was very much the third and that Jack and Gray would use Jan – unintentionally – too frequently to get what they wanted from each other. I never felt or believed in their fiery need for Jan, it was always Jack and Gray … and that hurts. I don’t like the dangerous motivation behind the non-con either. The author was very brave to tackle this …scenario (?) I just hope and pray that only safe and sane readers pick up this book as it holds some terrifyingly insane - but thoroughly convincing – ideas in psychological reform.

I have major issues with the content of this book, I’m not denying that. I didn’t like how it made my skin crawl and I found it poisonous to the point where (at this time) I don’t want to read another non-con or BDSM book ever again. For me this was too much. BUT as far as psychological thrillers go, it was very good – even though I guessed who was behind it all. The writing and editing is excellent, the pacing is spot on, the dual POV are perfectly placed and I cannot fault this beyond how it made me feel. As far as stars go, I cannot award stars for something that affected me so negatively and well, I just didn’t like it.
So here I have my very first Me-Not-You rating. I suspect most, but certainly not all Don’t … lovers will love this book.

[Emma Sea · Rating 1 out of 5]

“Never use the word, 'very.' It is the weakest word in the English language; doesn't mean anything. If you feel the urge of 'very' coming on, just write the word, 'damn,' in the place of 'very.' The editor will strike out the word, 'damn,' and you will have a good sentence.” -William Allen White

For Jack L. Pyke, replace "Very" with "Fucking"


**

"You watched, he fucking raped, and you, you were fucking hard." Such fucking fire caught his eyes . . . "You were fucking hard . . .on the floor you fucking came and--"
"What, Jack?" I snarled. "Henry raped me and you sat drinking fucking beer downstairs . . . you wouldn't even fucking look at me.
. . .
"My fucking head," he suddenly shouted " . . . fucking loved nothing but you and Grey. But you . . . fucking hard . . . You--"
"Stop," Grey grabbed Jack under the jaw, forcing him against the wall. "Not the fucking same."

**

Pyke does this to install a sense of drama and extreme emotion into her work. But a writer has to be able to do this without upending bucketsful of "fucking" through the text. That's the, you know, craft of writing. Yes, of course you can use one or two to heighten the emotion at a particular climax. And yes, here this represents a vernacular speech pattern in which "fucking" is indeed attached to every possible noun, verb, and adjective. I know this. I'm a Kiwi. I swear like a trooper. But that isn't an excuse to do it in fiction, because it adds nothing. It becomes meaningless noise.

I actually like aspects of the plot of this book; basically, the torture and sexual violence. I liked that. I give that aspect of the plot a 2.75. Although I'm going to pretend the last 15% didn't happen. Because my brain implodes. In a bad way. Please, God, don't let Steelwhisper ever read this book. Why didn't someone stop me from reading this book? C'mon team, you knew making the sole female character into a masculinity-hating psycho she-bitch who had her son gang-raped for two weeks so he'd stop being a weak-ass sub, while at the same time lose his OCD and become "polite, well mannered . . . waiting nicely; wanting nicely" would get me so steamed you could cook clams on my face.. *Deep breath.*

But anyway, Pyke's writing - she has got to work on it. Seriously. Because with better craft she can tell great stories.

ETA: and why in heaven's name would you, in a thriller, title the chapter in which the MC escapes the kidnappers, "Escape."

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

March 2019 - I said I would never read this again, but I'm going back in with the re-edited/updated version. Somebody hold me!

Just as riveting and devestating the second time around.

******

4.5 stars

First off you cannot go into this book without having read Don't... as it picks up where that left off and builds upon the groundwork of that book. Secondly, heed the warnings that this is a seriously difficult book to read, with many potential triggers including abduction, rape, and torture. With that being said, Antidote is a very well done psychological suspense/thriller that again kept me on the edge of my seat and left me spent both emotionally and physically.

I don't want to give away anything more than the blurb offers. The book picks up a few months after Don't... with Jack, Jan and Gray still settling into their relationship and trying to find the balance of vanilla love and affection Jack gets from Jan with the Dom/sub relationship he has with Gray. I loved seeing the three enjoying each other equally and comfortably blending Jan's maybe not completely vanilla needs with the intensity of what Jack and Gray have with each other. Again, as in Don't..., Jack's past comes back to haunt the men and the brutal, horrifying abduction and abuse that Jack and Jan are subsequently put through tears them all apart.

Jack L. Pyke spares nothing in putting us right into Jack and Jan's ordeal. Anyone who has seen my reviews or looked at my shelves here knows I am no stranger to books that push my limits, and this is one of the very few that I had to put down and step away from. The intensity of the emotional and physical torture that Jan and Jack are subjected to had me sick to my stomach, but compelled to read on all the same. As difficult as that part of the story was, the fallout for the three men in the following chapters pained me just as much. Seeing the physical inability of Jack to even be near Jan, yet knowing he loves and needs him brought me to tears. Even when the who and why behind the abduction and torture is revealed it does nothing to bring you a sense of relief.

One of my concerns at the end of Don't... when the triad of Gray, Jack and Jan was set up, was that Jan would be marginalized by Gray as yet another tool to be used to keep Jack together. The Jan we see in Antidote may be vanilla, but he has a strength and determination I did not expect and he will stop at nothing to protect Jack and the love they so clearly have for each other. My respect for and understanding of Gray's character grew by leaps and bounds. It's no secret I was not a Gray fan and although he again handles things poorly, it is always driven by his love for Jack. Jack is the center of the group and he needs both men to keep himself together. The level to which his disorders affect him was only hinted at in Don't, and the blackouts he experiences are more than just some lost time for him.

There is much more healing ahead, but there are also still secrets that are being kept and unknown persons that still may be a threat. I cannot wait to see what Jack L. Pyke has in store for me next.

[Jack Pyke]

This is a very dark psychological thriller. Please take note of the 'very dark' and 'psychological thriller' tags. It's written to play mind games; it gets very hard content. Take a look at the shelves above. There are and will be triggers in this.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

☆ 5 STARS ☆

I don’t know what to say! I never thought that Don’t… could be equalled, how wrong was I? …Brilliant… truly fucking amazing!!!!



an·ti·dote: A remedy or other agent used to neutralize or counteract the effects of a poison.

Sometimes an author comes along that blows you away, knocks the stuffing out of you and leaves you in awe. Jack L. Pyke did that to me seventeen months ago with her début novel Don’t, and now at long last, we have the sequel to that amazing book… Antidote.

These two works of fiction are quite simply outstanding! Ingenious in their originality, and in my humble opinion, unrivalled by any other book within the genre of the dark psychological thriller, which I love! Jack L. Pyke goes to those places where you really don’t want to go, but you just can’t help yourself, the pain so unbearable it makes you cry. This series is a total mind fuck, it will turn you inside out and leave you raw with emotion… Internally and externally my emotions were a mess reading this book, the pain of these characters became my own, leaving me both physically and mentally exhausted, drained… and completely overwhelmed.

And still none of that conveys the intensity. Nor do I have the impact required or desired by me to explain the epic narrative of Antidote, and the psychological-twisted-fucked-up-evil that is played before your eyes. In all seriousness, you won’t want to read it… and yet I defy you to be able to put it down, because from the very first page you will be engrossed. Much the same as the previous book Don’t… this is compelling reading, the likes of which I have never experienced to the same depth. If you’re anything like me, you will be reading this book through a haze of tears, and at points sobbing uncontrollably because the pain of the constriction around your chest and the vice like grip on to your heart just becomes too much and it hurts… Fuck, does it HURT!!!

Check out the full review over at Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews...

[Silkeeeeeereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not going to review this right now. I'm afraid I'll give too much away. I can say I can't recommend this highly enough. It is a MUST READ for Don't fans.

5/15/15 ADDITION

I still can't give a real review on this book. I'm far too close. I can say that Jack L. Pyke is one of those writers that seldom comes along and when you are lucky enough to find such a creature, you follow it around and admire it, learn it's nature; admire the strength and boldness and yes, the heartbreak that it took Jack to write this story. I know it caused her to wring her hands and go through tissues, have sleepless nights, pull herself together and continue. Yes, Jack the woman has balls and they are big ones.

I am so proud of her that she didn't chicken out and wrote this story the way her heart lead her to. Yes, it's brutal and shocking and all of the things that the reviewers have said about it. But it is also the truth as she knows it for her characters that live in her mind. What I think bothers a lot of people is, even though the brutality is so difficult at times, they know that Jack has laid it all out there for her readers and given everything she had in this book. Her characters became more real, more intense and caused us to love them SO DAMN MUCH we wanted to protect them and cry out for the insanity. But it all came together with three men that we love even more than we did in Don't and are rooting for to make it through all of the difficulties that lie ahead for them. To make a reader feel that for three fictional characters takes a tremendous amount of skill and talent. Jack has those things and I'm so proud to call her my friend and I'm proud of her for writing this book. Kudos, Jack. You wrote something that very few could ever hope to write. A story that made people feel for her characters. You should be VERY proud!

Hugs. V

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m out of words... nothing, read: nothing is comparable with this story. And no words can describe what it did to me.
A Top Shelf Masterpiece Psychological BDSM Thriller!
Could Antidote overrule Don’t #1..? Impossible -but-oh-my-freak’n-god, it did, it did..!!
For the first time ever I had trouble to start a story. I didn’t read any reviews because afraid of spoilers. I understand there are some warnings, I heard it from the author and through the grapevine.

So this is how it started. Jan with them as a fresh breeze. Fun, joy getting to know each other more. The power exchange is one of a kind. Gray, for me Master of Masters, knows exactly how to handle Jack, in between deliciously vanilla Jan. Jack is in awe. Jack is in love!

When the torture from his past caught up with him, the torture turns into the most horrible darkest nightmare. Jan is caught into this nightmare.

A dark hurtful passionate story. One of a kind! So much love, I was floored, completely floored!
Watching the three of them was highly and forcefully erotic and enormously arousing!
At times I had to stop, just to collect myself.
Their journey made all my senses on high alert! I wanted to prepare myself but it wasn’t enough. They made me stumble, tremble and fall hard and pull me down into the abyss. I wanted to scream out loud.

We are talking here about an extraordinary, intelligent and masterly developed story. Jack, Gray and Jan are the most amazing characters I’ve ever seen. Jack’s complicated beautiful mind is one of a kind. Gray’s protectiveness over Jack is of a level so high and so deep I’m out of words. Their connection is from a whole other world, again I can’t find words, even looking in the deepest of my soul I can’t find them.

This is one of darkest, vicious reads I’ve ever witnessed, unequaled in every way!
At moments I had to distanced myself, put up a wall up, it was so so hard to digest.
In those moments I thought there would never be light again, it felt so depressingly dark.

When minds opened and mouth speak, the world explode and went silent, I cried my eyes out.

An unequaled story.

Highly recommended!! Not for the faint of heart!

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

OUT.OF.THIS.WORLD.


5 Phenomenal Stars !!!!

Way better than #1Don't

A nerve-racking book, distressing, disturbing and wicked. Some parts of the book were very difficult and frightening to read due to its dark content.
Original and clever. A truly mindfuck story.

I love Jack. For me, HE is the sweet one. Not Jan.
Gray *sigh* :) I need his POV so much!

I also need to mention Elena. Who needs enemies with a mother like Elena?



THAT Machiavellian bitch! Sick in the head. Completely.
Freaking loved this!

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Words cannot describe what I've just read. I just read words, technically, yes, but… to put into words what this book has done to me is next to impossible.

There will be spoilers in this review.

I think about this book and I want to cry, or puke, or cry and puke at the same time. I can't unread this. Okay. Let's be honest here. I like to draw pictures of unicorns, and pet cakes, and everything I like fairly fluffy. This book is practically like sitting a nun down in a room and making her watch some snuff films.

This book, friends, is not for the faint of heart. People warned me. Fuck, Jack L. Pyke warned me, and I was all, "Yeah, bitchin', totally tubular, sounds radical." Little did I know this book may possibly require me some therapy sessions in my future.



Basically, this book is fucked up.

Jack is a fantastic character. God, writing this kind of makes me want to cry like a little baby. I grew really attached to Jack in Don't… He's such a little shit, you can't help but love him. But the things that have happened to him are written and explained so vividly, I feel so drained for him. I feel like I was there, in Jan's place, watching him. I don't know how he can ever recover from this. It's not like he wasn't fucked up in the first place, then throw in this long, drawn-out abduction in Antidote, and you've got yourself a real shit-storm.

I actually learned to love Gray in this book and surprisingly enough, Jan too. It's hard to say. In all menage books I read, I usually lean towards a character or two. Pyke has done such a superb thing for the genre, creating an actual relationship between three men that feels so attached. I can't pick one without the other. I love Jack and Gray together, but I feel like Gray needs someone softer sometimes, someone to balance out Jack's irrational nature. So now my coupling is with Gray and Jan, who, god, broke my heart at the love admission. But I can't leave Jack out. He needs to be somewhere, he means too much to me. So, all in all, I love these three men together.

“Somewhere along the line you fell in love with him, didn’t you?” he said quietly, barely glancing at Gray. Then back at me, he shouted, “What the fuck is wrong with you?”

Martin. Martin confused the fuck outta me in classic Pyke fashion. Love it. I loved Martin being in the story. Oh, he's so sassy and such a little shit. My heart raced reading about him the first time with Gray. I'd secretly love to see a scene with Gray and Martin. I understand why Gray won't, but that doesn't mean a girl can't dream.


The beginning of the book was fantastic. Cute, fun, sweet, watching all of these boys having a gay old time, goofing around and living their fun lives of bickering.

The middle. Well, I had to pause on this book at least four times. It was so hard for me. I get it though. I read the warnings, I looked at the genres, I should've known what I was getting myself into. But not like this. The descriptive nature of Pyke's writing is kind of like a jackhammer (haw haw); it's completely relentless and it draws you in, even if the subject matter is horrifying. And trust me, it's horrifying.

In the end, I didn't think Gray would be the one to opt out, but a huge part of me is glad he did. He was becoming too much like Jack's dad (not Jack's actual dad, but as place-filler), and less like his lover.

This book.. is… so much. It's so much of everything to the point where I was wondering if it was too much. But the thing is, I get it. I get why there was that much intensity and brutality and pain. The story needed it, it's just hard for me to read.

There were parts of the story which literally left me pausing, almost gasping for breath because I forgot to breathe. I wanted to cry or kick something, or mostly just run away. Run away from a book? Sounds ridiculous, right? But try reading this and tell me it doesn't make sense.

Pyke has tortured my beloved boys so much in this book. Her writing is wonderful. I adore it. I admittedly am not even the hugest BDSM fan on the planet, but when Pyke writes it, it feels like it's right up my alley. She's so clever and tricky, making little babies like me read and love books like this one. Her writing is fantastic and if nothing else in this book, her intensity she brings to each of her characters should be noted.

I suppose if I had to think of something, the book felt a little long. Some of the talking, I feel, could've been cut and we could've lost a few pages in the process. But other than the fierce desire to now somehow Men In Black Flashy Pen Thingy the middle part of the book from my brain, I'm very glad I read it and will absolutely be looking for the third installment when it comes out.


---

I don't know how I'm going to review this since I needed to bleach my brain, but I'll damn well try.

Review coming May 26th here:



*ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review*

---

Yeeessss Pllleeeeeassseeeeeeee!!
I honestly feel like I've been waiting for this book since the moment I finished the first one.
I loved Don't... and I absolutely cannot wait to read this!
WANT. NEED.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book! I think this book was better than book one! I couldn't even really think right after reading this story, my mind was so boggled and in a state of "WTF" - Total Mind Melt!



All I knew was I needed more and I had to go right to the next book because my mind is was enthralled in the world created by Jack L. Pyke!! I was so psyched and ready for anything yet I have to admit I was just a little scared too because how was she going to top this book? Well,you will have to read my review for Breakdown, book three in the series to see.

Jack Harrison

 

Jan Richards

 
Gray Raoul

 
So, what is this book about? Well we are back with Jack, Gray, and Jan and we get to see their relationship pick up right as it left off from book one Don't.. but then all hell breaks loose and life changes horrificly for the three. I refuse to give anything away, you need to experience everything just as the author intended with no preconceived ideas.
 

 

These are not soft books, they are hard and you will either love them or hate them.. I love them!! I am in love with Gray even though he can be a right Bastard at times, I wanna hug Jack and make all his pain go away, and Jan - well Jan is just a fucking saint!

In addition to the main three characters the supporting characters that we already knew from book one and new ones we meet from this story are amazingly well developed. You will either love them or hate them, but you wil notice them and understand their importance to Jack.


Overall, this story is going to evoke every emotion you have so get ready! - 5 #mindf*cked Stars!!

Please take a moment to review the Antidote Story Page provided by the publisher to help give more insight into possible triggers and reader/story conflicts.
 

Review Copy of Antidote purchased by the Reviewer.

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you thought Don't... was harsh on Jack, wait until you read this book! In Antidote, Ms. Pyke cranks up the trauma. Jack's past comes rushing to the forefront as his time as Cutter's extreme masochistic painslut phase is broadcast to all. The pedophiles especially get off on Jack's underage porn flicks.

Whilst this latest attack on Jack is going on, Gray seems to be having relationship difficulties with Jack. It is very confusing as to why the relationship goes into the dumps quite so quickly after all they have been through together.

It is best to read this book after reading Forgive us by Ms. Kelling. The tie ins between these two worlds is what makes this story a bit more understandable. Gray's past shows how he's been a rebel and not always Mr. "All Seeing".

The character development in this book is better than the previous. The reader gets to see how Jack, Jan and Gray respond to adversity. The story also introduces more intrigue. There is a hidden force which seems to be doing it's best to break Jack. Who is this group and who is funding the elaborate set up to "fix" Jack from his SM perversions?

Ms. Pyke's writing style is less convoluted this time around. The plot still contains twists and she does a better job of foreshadowing what is to come. What is very disturbing about this story isn't the rape or torture. It's the way two people can so easily disappear without raising any alarms. Even with all of Gray's over protective methods, the kidnappers were still able to make it seem as if two people were just taking a vacation instead of missing.

Ms. Pyke's forte in writing is how well she constructions the "evil" doer's plots. These aren't the average bumbling fools committing petty crimes. These antagonists are well funded with well planned and scarily well executed crimes. For the most part, the men are smart as well as sadistic. Once Gray catches on, he does as he always does, unravels it quickly and determines the culprit. Yet the way this story is left, it seems there is still an unknown assailant hiding in the shadows.

The BDSM in this story is mixed. The scenes between Jan, Jack and Gray are erotically hawt. In contrast, the tortures Jack experiences from others is pure abuse. It may sicken people and it is rather dark. I didn't find any of the sex and scenes with Jack and his kidnappers erotic because Ms. Pyke does a good job of showing how it is wrong. I am one who thoroughly enjoys non-con, the darker the better. In this one, it isn't so much that I didn't enjoy. More that it is clear we are not supposed to enjoy it. This difference was well written and appreciated. For me, even through all the horrors, I'm a bit too jaded to find it quite that horrific. For those who don't like even dub-con, several of these chapters may be a bit too much. This dark thriller is recommended for BDSM lovers who prefer something different.

* Provided by the author for an honest review

[Laxmama · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am totally stunned from this one and at a loss for words, this review might End up being rambling on and on so my apologies in advance.

For me the there were parts almost too difficult for me, I contemplated throwing it in. It was so brutal, painful and for me too gory. I am glad it took a break, looked over some of my GR girls reviews and trusted them. Past that point it was much better. I enjoy the complexity of this story and want to find out what’s really underneath it all. I am really looking forward to the next book. I was riveted later on with the introduction of Martin.

I am “trying” to only listen to the audio. IMO Dan Calley’s narration is phenomenal. I am captivated by him and his range of emotion, the difference of character. I am listening slower than usual did this being heavier in the UK accent and terminology.

On to the next

[Lisa Arbitrary - AttentionIsArbitrary M/M Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

~ ~ ~

Warning per author/publisher: This is extreme psychological reconditioning, the deconstruction of someone's mind. Please be aware that there is extreme non-con in there. There is also kidnap and captivity, with violence. Antidote is extreme dark erotic romance, and will have triggers that will upset on multiple levels.

Goodreads Discussion Here:
Jack, Jan, Gray - Spoilers
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

My Review:

MIND. FUCKINGLY. BRILLIANT.

IF you want to know what psychological manipulation feels like, read Antidote. If you don't. Don't.

This is not a stand-alone. You must read Don't..., first. Then read it again before you start this one. I should have. I struggled to remember pertinent information, but either Jack L. Pyke did her job of implanting information into my brain when I read Don’t, or she did her job of extracting what I had buried and then forced me to remember. Then she tied it all together, expanded on it, ripped it apart and created a brand new beginning.

THE CHARACTERS

“I can’t climb in to my head and order thoughts as easily as I do my sock drawer…”

Jack Harrison – We talk about broken, fucked up characters all the time. Jack trumps them all.

“Jan got you like that, and I fucking loved how even Gray was nearly caught in his gentle trap.”

Jan Richard– Vanilla, intelligent, "normal". His nightmare became mine. Not only does he ground this story, but he lets us see.

“Part of me swore that the search for that quiet was what drove Gray, because the moment Jack quietened, so did he.”

Gray Raoul – Complex. Dangerous. Powerful. His deeply hidden compassion almost did me in.

THE STORY

“There was a brush of his nose along Gray’s jaw for the second time now, and the need to find out the what and why behind it nearly killed me.”

I don’t even think I can tell you anything. I’m short changing this fascinating piece of work by not expounding here, but I fear there is nothing that I can say to do it justice. Not to mention that I’d give something away.

In generalities the book starts on a high. Things are good and this is where it must start, at a pinnacle, both because it has to give you that high to cling on to and also because it makes the depths of despair that much more poignant. There is no light at the bottom, but there is memory of it.

I will just say, IF you’re up for it, read this.

THE WRITING

The brilliance of this work comes from the way the author was able to keep me off kilter and grounded all at once. I was flailing, but for reasons. I couldn’t put the book down. At the same time, I had to take breaks to digest, adjust, and breathe. The intensity caused me to experience real life physical reactions; racing heart rate, tears, depression, and anger. It takes a lot, any more, for me to reach that level of response to writing. It was more than just the nature of the story, it was the writing that gripped me so hard.

Ms. Pyke is building something here. This book took a wild deviation from where I thought this series would go. Not in the nature of the events, but in the nature of where I thought the main players would go. This opens entirely new paths.

I was struck at the end by the way the author’s writing changed to fit the moment. It became lyrical only when it was necessary and it may have saved me. I read the last two pages over and over and over again.

Goodreads Discussion Here:
Jack, Jan, Gray - Spoilers
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

~ ~ ~
I would like to thank Jack L. Pyke and Forbidden Fiction for providing me with an ARC/Review Copy in exchange for my honest review.
~ ~ ~

[Cory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this will be one of those books that stays with me for quite some time. I apologize in advance, but I don't think I can do this review without adding SPOILERS, so please, know this in advance if you choose to read on.

I'm not even sure where to begin. First, I wouldn't even attempt to read this if you have read Don't. This pretty much starts off right where Don't finished. Jack, Jan, and Gray are having a go at it, and, more or less, life is pretty fucking peachy. I really enjoyed the interaction between the three of them. Jack and Gray have known each other for years, and Jan is new to the scene. I like how he is feeling his way with the two of them. I don't think he's totally comfortable with the situation yet, but he absolutely loves Jack, and he is starting to care for Gray.

As often happens in a book when things are going pretty good, something will happen and things will take a turn for the worse. Well, something happened, and things just got all sorts of fucked up. This part of the book was hard to get through, and I'm not a prude by any stretch of the imagination. The things that were done, and how they were done, were awful. I'm not sure which is worse...getting tortured, or watching someone you love getting tortured. Unfortunately, Jack and Jan had to endure both, for days and days. It was brutal and exhausting to read. Not just the parts *while* it was happening, but some of the things that Jack and Jan said to each other after the fact were crushing. I just can't imagine ever being in that type of situation.

From there, it was really just a roller coaster. There were several WTF moments (AKA Martin) while Gray was doing everything in his power to get to the people that hurt Jack and Jan.

Speaking of Gray, I truly believe that he loves Jack, and that Jack loves him, but I don't know if that's enough for them to be together as they seem to hurt each other frequently. I will say that I thought Gray's feelings for Jack really came to light as he was piecing together everything. There wasn't anything that would deter him from helping Jack. This was another crushing part of the book...as Gray was doing everything he could to help Jack, Jack basically accused him of plotting the whole thing. I had never felt sorry for Gray until that point. But believe me, there were so many turns in this book that I don't fault Jack for questioning, but, unfortunately, it was more than Gray could handle.

I will leave it at that...I'm mentally fried, but I loved every minute of it! What else can you ask from from a book?

[Renée · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably one of the darkest books I've ever read, but several special ladies have kept me company through it. I'm over the hump now and still thinking that this is a great series.

5 stars in the reread. This series is so damn special. These three men are so damn special.

[JustJen "Miss Conduct" · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Read: Heed the trigger warnings, but if you find you can handle them, buckle up and get ready for a bit of a wild ride! You absolutely have to read these in order, as this one picks up where Don’t left off – with Jack, Jan and Gray finding their way through their new relationship. We already know Jack has some serious issues, but we are beginning to understand the depth of them and the lengths he (and Gray) go to help Jack cope with them. Jack and Gray have been doing ok with this for many years, but it is clear to see that Jan brings a peace to Jack that was clearly missing.

This is my second time around getting through this book. Rereading is something I generally do not do. However, this series quickly made its way to the top of my favorite list, and it has held that spot ever since. Hence the current reread. It has been an amazing experience seeing these guys again for another go. I found myself excited all over again, even though I knew what happened. It is even more fun reading with someone who is reading them for the first time and having someone to chat about them with. Ms. Pyke has done an unbelievable job creating this story with unbelievably complex characters who share a history that makes you want to gobble up every detail. You want to know the whys and hows, but just like it isn’t easy for the guys, Ms. Pyke doesn’t make it easy on the reader either. Tidbits are revealed like breadcrumbs that have you turning pages like a madman.

This is not your fluffy romance or your hearts and flowers happy ever after lovefest (one of the things I love about it!). It is gritty and edgy yet still manages to be sexy and give you all the feels. There is so much meaning behind certain words (“peachy”) and nicknames (“mukka” and “stunner”) or even the safeword(s) that have so much meaning (“Mercedes” and “Mercedes ‘Fucking’ Benz”) – just hearing them said gives you goosebumps every time. In this installment, Jack (with Jan alongside for the ride) is forced to face his phobias head on in the worst possible way and for all the wrong reasons. It is difficult to see how the damage done can possibly be reversed enough for him to make it back to the men who love him. Understandably, this doesn’t happen overnight, and the toll it takes on each of them oozes off the pages. My heart broke so many times, yet other times, it warmed like a ray of sunshine. Suffice to say, the pain and suffering will be worth it, but it is not an easy road to get there. Other than the trigger warnings, to say anything more about this actual installment would be possibly giving too much away in terms of twists and story. If you’ve made it to this point, you basically know what to expect. I will say that the road ahead isn’t exactly smooth sailing from here on out, but in comparison, finishing this should get you over the hump.

I know I cannot wait to jump into the next installment, even though I’ve already read and know what is to come. But, just as with the first two, I absolutely cannot wait to read about my favorite troubled trio once again. Very few stories have made me want to hide in a corner where nobody can find me just so I can concentrate and get lost in my book, yet this series does it with each installment.

Highly recommend this masterfully written psychological thriller to those who really want to feel the full gamut of emotions. Don’t…get invested in this story as soon as possible. 🙂

Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.

First read: I'm having trouble finding the words for this review. I loved these guys so much in Don't, but this just blasted that out of the water for me. There is so much more involved here that we only just got a taste of in Don't.

Jack, with his disorders, has been coping fairly well and finally seemed to find the perfect balance between Gray, who knows and reads him so well, and Jan, who provides him with the sweet vanilla loving side that Jack doesn't get from Gray. They make the perfect triad.

But, things go horribly wrong when Jack and Jan are kidnapped. This is very rough going. There are a lot of rapes and torturous behavior, all apparently in the guise of psychologically reconditioning Jack out of his phobias. My heart breaks for Jack over and over as he struggles and is forced to face his issues in ways that go against how he has learned to cope.

And, poor Jan. He has to endure so much himself, let alone being forced to watch Jack go through it, and even made to be a part of Jack's reconditioning. Thankfully, he is strong enough when it counts to get them through.

Yet, even after they are safe, the damage that has been done seems irreparable. More layers to Jack are revealed as these three try to resume their lives that have now so drastically changed. Jack is an absolutely fascinating character. With so many layers and issues, you just want to jump in and help him yourself. But then we meet Martin, and that feeling of how bad things must be for him to make appearances.

I could go on and on, but suffice to say, I didn't want this to end. I was not ready for this to end when it did. The story telling is amazing. There are so many details and twists and turns that had me on the edge of my seat, heart in my throat, and wrung out at the end. I absolutely love when a book does that to me, and for that reason alone, this one goes to the top of my fave reads list. I cannot wait for the continuation of this story. In the meantime, I will catch up on Lynn Kelling's Deliver Us series to tide me over.

Highly recommend this read to those who like the dark and edgy twisted mind fucks in their stories.

[Isabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that I'm ready to read this book! I sincerely hope so!


My heart broke so many times while reading this book... I've cried so much... I had to think what to write, how to express everything that I felt with Antidote...

Jack, Gray, Jan... They are so amazing together. Their love is intense, even without admitting their feelings, they belong together, and that is how they should always be! Each one different from the other, different personalities, different attitudes, different cravings... but those strong feelings are there! At the end of Don't... that's what I wanted for their future... together, forever happiness!

I never dreamed with what came with Antidote... not like this! I never realized how deep were Jack's disorders... how ill he was... how much hurt could be inflicted to him and to those he loves! So much suffering... Somewhere, among those pages, I felt numb, not wanting to believe what was happening... I thought someone was having a nightmare... It wasn't... After that came the memories... So dark, so intense, so real!!!




I felt relieve at the ending... To see those three magnificent men together again... The hurt is there and so is the need of time to heal! Jack is better, but he needs more time. Jan, oh sweet Jan... he needs attention, feel safe, be held! He went through so much... And Gray! I love Gray! To me, Gray is perfection!

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

O.M.G. This book about did me in. I had to take my time and read fluff in between because yea, wow So freaking mind fuckeryish <~ It can be a word you shush! Its just amazing!

[Ele · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5 stars*

Brilliant although I feel like someone beat the shit out of me and left me to die. Definitely one of the darkest reads ever and a major mindf@ck. But I'm in good company so...

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read in June 2018.

Now on to book three.

————-

Finished the 'fucking peachy' ride to hell and back. This was awesomeness! Can't wait for the third book!:)

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need a new shelf for this book and I’m going to call it “cutting onions.” Why? Because onions have layers, lots of layers, even those thinnest with the skins, they are all there lying in wait. And when you cut those layers, they bring tears to your eyes and most of the time, the sting and pain from those tears bring you to your knees and leave you unable to function. Yeah. This book is going on the cutting onions shelf as its first issue. Fuck.

This book, with all its twisted pages was brilliant. I am in lust with the author’s brand of storytelling. It’s fucked up and dark but there is this amazing undertone of light, of warmth and of love that leaves me breathless. Yeah, stunner, you and your words are something else.  So the book… that title, Sweet Saint Brigid, all the things it means…

This begins shortly after Don’t… ends. We are together with the newly formed triad of Jack, Jan and Gray and though Jack is still under the weather with a headache, the boys are in a good place. I loved seeing Gray and Jack together after the confessions of love and Jan with Jack is always romantic and beautiful. I have to say, the author does a fantastic job at making you care equally about each man. My first thoughts are always about Jack; he is the center of it all and though there are moments where I just want Jack to be with Jan because Jan is so gentle and Jack gets lost from a simple look the vanilla boy gives him but I know as much as Jan loves the bones off his martial arts guy, he cannot be all that Jack needs. Then you get the moments with Gray and Jack; eleven freaking fracking years between these two and finally they admit the love and it’s so intense and consuming I can imagine them living life away in the manor but Gray, he can’t give Jack what Jan can and these three, they need one another. They complement each other better than any ménage story I have read yet.

As a triad, the intensity was balanced, but take Jack away, things felt odd, too much… too little.

If you have read this or even read Don’t… you know that the happy, it doesn’t last long with Pyke’s work. She takes you to this place where you are comfortable, relaxed and content to turn the page until you feel the unease settle in your soul. You feel the anxiety, the fear and the tension running through your veins about what might happen next and nothing, nothing prepares you for what actually does. Good lord. I would love for this woman to tell me a bed time story but I am afraid my own OCD and anxiety disorder wouldn’t survive.

You fuck up my world in so many ways, but only ever in every right way that matters anymore.

So the boys are happy for now, they are doing what they do; Jack subbing, Gray doming and Jan getting in the middle where he belongs. But the past won’t stay where IT belongs and when the videos Cutter made of Jack turn up on porn sites, things go south and fast. I felt awful for Jack as he ripped open packages trying to find each address and video. It killed me that it killed him and then Gray? The shit he goes through and what he does to Jack? I wanted to punch him in the throat and then pull him in for a hug… fucking peachy right? The push and pull of Gray Raoul is intense but the hurt on Jack? I don’t like that and thankfully, Jan doesn’t either. I loved that Jan stood up to Gray when it came to Jack.  I just wish things could have gone differently.

Life started to get dark very fast.

Dare I say this book is even better than the first? I had seen a few reviews that said this book was too much, too painful to read. I agree at times it was but what I love about the story is that this world you get in the middle, this fucked up and terrible place where unspeakable things happen to men I have grown to love, was stunning. You feel the pain, the hurt and the frustration of it. You are in those rooms, you feel the weight of it all, and you feel the foggy confusion as you try to figure what the actual fuck is going on? You are there with them and you want that bad ass to ride in and save the day but your knight in shining armor isn’t the one who seems so tough on the outside.

But this, again there is so much I want to say and can’t. It’s just amazing to me all that this book has done to me. I have cried so many times and been utterly lost trying to figure out how to make it all okay. I needed it to be okay more than I needed to work because I dedicated an entire day to do dick at work and finish this. I admit it, I am a terrible employee but Jack needed me. Jan needed me and needed to tell Gray what he was hiding and Gray, he needed to go all Tarantino for his boys. GOOD LORD. This book.

“Do you manipulate and control everyone you meet?”

“I keep an eye on the people I care for and I make sure they get what they need out of life. So control and manipulate? Yes, every fucking time.”

I don’t know what else to say. I am a mess. I can’t think straight and through this book I have been nothing but amazed. Amazed by the authors talent to breathe life and deceit and terrible behavior into characters on the page. I adore Jack beyond the beyond and his strength and willingness to try again astounds me. I lust after Gray, I can’t help it, because I feel his love and devotion for those he holds close and cares for. And Jan? I can’t get enough of Jan in whatever I get him. He’s in so deep and so am I. This book, it punched me in the throat, stabbed me in the heart, kicked me in the balls and has left me breathless. Will I read the next book? It’s already bought and loaded. I can’t leave Jack that way, I have to be there for him. I just hope he’s there for me too.

4.5 stars

[F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, well as much as you can love a dark, non-con book. Got totally wound up in the story, though found some parts hard to read but couldn't look away. The book was just so intense and had me so entangled that I need to sit back and come back to reality. The story is so well written that the characters seem real to me and my heart has been lacerated with what happened.
Look forward to the next instalment and hopefully not so much of a mindf..k.
Definitely a harder read than Don't... and potential readers should heed the warnings, they aren't there to entice you to read.
I can't say much without giving away storyline but there is still more to come as the top planners haven't been revealed. The twist was in who helped the bad guys.
Congrats Ms Pyke it was a truly amazing book.

[Christi Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review:
There's a single word for this book...painful. This is a difficult story. Book #1, Don't, explained Jack's disorder issues, but this book delves so much deeper into those and Jack's poor messed up mental state. He's been in such a good place and then in this story it's all blown apart and neither Jan nor Gray are safe from the fall-out. Gah...this book made my heart hurt so much for all three of these characters. Throughout the book I just wanted to wrap up all three of them in a nice snuggly blanket and keep them safe because they are so far from that in this book...it hurts.

Complex characters make up the heart of this story...

*Jack is a Master sub who survived teenage abuse, and came out of it with a whole host of mental disorders including OCD and a couple of others that are so much worse. Through his Dom/sub relationship with Gray for the last 11 years, he's learned how to manage and control his urges so that he can function pretty much normally.

*Gray is a Master Dom. He works for MI5 and is a very powerful man within the bedroom and all of London. He is not a man to be messed with on any level. He's very proprietary about Jack, but underlying all that is a deep emotional tie to him and knowing what he's been through.

*Jan is the third in this triad. He's relatively new to this relationship. He's vanilla, but has still managed to work his way into this relationship with both Jack and Gray with true emotional feelings on all sides. He balances the two extremes that come through Jack and Gray...and gives them a sense of real normality.

The three of them have been together for around 9 months I think at the start of this book. They survived the trauma from the first book where a Dom was messing with Jack's disorder issues, but they made it through it stronger as a triad because of it. This book has a similar trial that the three have to go through but with very different results. It's painful. It's horrific. And it's so emotionally painful to read because I love these three characters and all three of them are devastated in this book. It hurt to read, but at the same time, I couldn't put it down for even a second. I needed to know these three were going to survive and be okay...something that looks so doubtful throughout much of the book.

Jack L. Pyke...wow this author has balls. This is a tough subject matter and she doesn't shy back from it. She also doesn't shrink back from shredding her characters. But she writes an incredibly powerful book that will stick with me for a long time to come. Now...for the next book, I'm really hoping she gives these poor characters some breathing room for happiness. Wow...they've earned it and need some good quality time for healing.

Warning: these books are NOT for the faint of heart. They are hardcore and don't hold anything back. This is the second book in this series and you really need to read book #1 before this one to understand the dynamic between Jack, Jan, and Gray and just how they all handle Jack's disorders normally.

[~ Lei ~ Reading Is An Adventure ~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★☆
I knew going in that Antidote was darker than Don't... and of course, the first 20% or so was kind of light and fluffy, well as light and fluffy as we see from this author, lol. Then it changes and I have to confess that I skipped forward because I had to see the light at the end of the tunnel (well such as it was), and once satisfied, was able to go back and finish the abduction period. Definitely some hard-to-read parts and then the reveal killed me - I didn't guess it ahead of time.

The ending left me wanting more and I do hope these guys get their HEA. I'll try to add more thoughts after I've mulled it over some more.

[Macky · Rating 5 out of 5]

TOTALLY Blew me away again!!! OMG! This book is amazing.. Review to come.

[Trio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely incredible. Seriously, one of the best things I've ever read, ever! It was so beautifully written that I actually highlighted some and I almost never do that.

The characters are just amazing and the way they develop throughout this book is incredible. It was a real emotional journey though - wow.

[Lynn Kelling]

Jack L. Pyke and I have been studying each other's books and living in each other's world for a few months now, so of course I would give her a glowing, praise-filled review for Antidote. I started out as a fan of hers, but now I've been blessed to have been able to borrow her characters for my latest release, Forgive Us , as she will borrow mine in future works in the Don't... series. So, in lieu of a review of Antidote, I'm sharing a private interview I've done with her on the adventures of Jack, Gray and Jan.

A small disclaimer before I do: I receive no financial gain from the sale of Antidote, or any of Jack L. Pyke's future works featuring my characters. We share characters and weave our worlds together simply in the hope of creating a richer, more intriguing, more fun reading experience.

Okay, Jack, let's start at the beginning of this wicked, delicious sequel of yours. The end of Don’t… began to establish the triad of Jack, Jan, and Gray. Has much changed or developed between the three men in the time between the end of Don’t… and the beginning of Antidote, or do they pick up right where they left off?

Jack L: Antidote comes in just a few months after the end Don’t, but it’s very much still at the ‘testing the waters’ stage between all three men. Gray and Jan are trying to work out what they each bring to Jack’s world. Jack is very much into making sure both of them slip effortlessly into his life, and him into theirs. There’s that degree of mistrust from Gray surrounding Jan, and that’s contrasted by Jan’s fear and knowledge over knowing what Gray is capable of. Jack’s just got such a rough and tumble side, though, and he’s out to bring the out the best in both.

Gray is obviously the type of man who prefers to be in control at all times. In what ways do Jan and Jack each challenge him?

Jack L: Jan, he’s the intrigue for Gray, and also the confusion. Where Gray is used to training men at every level of kink, Jan is perfectly happy with his vanilla lifestyle and gives a firm “I’m not here to learn, just love,” attitude. There’s an intelligence to Jan too. It’s not quite ready to stand up to Gray’s, and Gray’s always watching to see just how Jan is going to play out around them and disrupt Jack, which brings in challenges of its own.

Jack… oh heck, where to start. Jack has had such a turbulent history, not helped with how he’s willing to call it all back and become lost within it at times. Antidote highlights just how tragic that can be. Jack’s one huge grinning car crash waiting to happen; Gray’s lived with that, but the real challenge to the Dom, to Gray, comes with how quiet and sensual Jack becomes when he finally lets go and subs purely for to him. It’s a level that’s fleeting, and that’s something that devastating Gray at every turn.

You have three incredibly charismatic men as your main characters. Do you ever play favorites? Who do you enjoy writing the most?

Jack L: Oh maaaan, this is getting me back for asking you who is your favourite, and it’s hard, so hard to answer! I love Jan’s innocence and Jack’s playful ‘putty-in-his-hands, left-chuckling-at-the-soft-gooey-mess’ with getting to touch Jan’s world. To be honest, though, I think it would just have to be the interplay itself between both Gray and Jack that’s the favourite for me.

Jack has such a chaotic appeal it drives me wild just trying to get him to calm down on paper without him tearing some part of me up (probably every part of me through Antidote), but… Gray. Oh boy… Gray. I love his faults, his flaws, how he’s such an uncomplicated character despite his complicated lifestyle. But it’s how these two men combine that pulls at me. Mostly how Jack takes over Gray’s whole world and Gray sits back, watching every move he makes when Jack can’t see it for himself just how dangerous it can be playing around Gray like that. Although, in all honesty, Jack knows exactly what he’s stirring in Gray, and that becomes an appeal all itself: that they push each other’s buttons to the full. So it’s how they combine that’s my favourite to write. They bounce off of each so effortlessly on paper.

Don’t… and Antidote both go to some dark places. Where do you draw inspiration from?

Jack L: This is the cruncher or me. I’m a horror and psychological thriller reader at heart, and my work will always have those deep and dark roots as an author. But I’ve also run into some serious issues as a reader where sometimes feelings and scenes from a novel don’t play out to their full extent. They’ve left me chewing back frustration and wanting to get in pages and throttle characters for not reacting how they should have done. As much as I love to feel the sex appeal, these darker elements for me have to see retribution played out to the full on paper, especially when it comes to the likes of cheating, non-con, spouse abuse, etc. But to do that myself, I have to take the reader through all of the emotions in real time, as they happen, and the places I go to can get very, very dark. Antidote is the hardest and darkest read on all of those levels. It’s not easy by a long shot.

Breakdown is the next novel in the Society of Masters project and is going to be our next glimpse into Jack’s world. Can you tell us a little about it?

Jack L: For those readers still with me after Antidote (I’ll add a nervous chuckle here), Breakdown is literally the five missing months that aren’t covered in Antidote. Jack has a lot of issues to deal with, ones that the people around him can’t help him with anymore. Jan makes a decision for Jack, one that nearly breaks Jack again, but one that starts a very rocky road to recovery. Along the way, we get to see Jack as a reckless and complicated teenager (oh boy), meet Cutter, and also see just how Gray impacts on Jack’s life as Martin starts to stretch his slightly sadistic and vary dark butterfly wings.

Thank you for humoring me and my questions, Jack! You're always a delight to chat and work with and I'm really looking forward to all of the tantalizing adventures for our boys still to come...