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Rear Entrance Video #3
Straight Shooter
This macho jock has a crooked little secret.
College hockey player Austin Puett is in trouble. Unless he starts treating his flamboyantly gay roommate with respect, he’ll lose his room and his job at Rear Entrance Video. But Austin’s got a not-so-straight secret of his own: nothing turns him on more than insults implying he’s gay—even though he’s definitely not!—and all his old coping methods have stopped working.
Pure desperation drives him to rent a Mischievous Pictures porn flick about straight men tricked into servicing Puck, a male dominant. Instead of letting off steam, though, it just leaves him craving more, more, more, and suddenly, Austin finds himself at Mischievous Pictures Studios for an audition. After all, you can be Gay For Pay and still be straight . . . right?
But meeting Liam Williams, the real person behind Puck, confuses Austin even more. Liam really seems to like him as a person, and Austin likes him back. And while Gay For Pay’s okay, what does it make Austin if he still wants Liam when the cameras aren’t rolling?
College hockey player Austin Puett is in trouble. Unless he starts treating his flamboyantly gay roommate with respect, he’ll lose his room and his job at Rear Entrance Video. But Austin’s got a not-so-straight secret of his own: nothing turns him on more than insults implying he’s gay—even though he’s definitely not!—and all his old coping methods have stopped working.
Pure desperation drives him to rent a Mischievous Pictures porn flick about straight men tricked into servicing Puck, a male dominant. Instead of letting off steam, though, it just leaves him craving more, more, more, and suddenly, Austin finds himself at Mischievous Pictures Studios for an audition. After all, you can be Gay For Pay and still be straight . . . right?
But meeting Liam Williams, the real person behind Puck, confuses Austin even more. Liam really seems to like him as a person, and Austin likes him back. And while Gay For Pay’s okay, what does it make Austin if he still wants Liam when the cameras aren’t rolling?
275 pages, Paperback
First published April 5, 2014
9 people are currently reading
656 people want to read
About the author
Heidi Belleau
61 books315 followersHeidi Belleau was born and raised in small town New Brunswick, graduated with a degree in history from Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, and now lives outside of Edmonton, Alberta, with her tradesman husband and two kids. A proud bisexual woman, her writing reflects everything she loves: diverse casts of queer characters, a sense of history and place, equal parts witty and filthy dialogue, the occasional mythological twist, and most of all, love—in all its weird and wonderful forms. She is the author of the REAR ENTRANCE VIDEO series, and the co-author of THE BURNT TOAST B&B. Her latest novel DEAD RINGER, co-authored with Sam Schooler, is out now from Riptide Publishing. Her work has been reviewed in PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY, LIBRARY JOURNAL, and BOOKLIST.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
March 11, 2015
Favorite quote from this book:
Um...
::Mouth suddenly becomes dry::
Um...
::Grip on Kindle grows sweaty::
Hell yeah, Heidi Belleau, hells-to-the-yeah.
This is my favorite solo work from Ms. Belleau to date. It just pushed my buttons in all the best ways. If you have a humiliation/emasculation kink or you are interested in that particular kink, this book is one to check out. I happen to adore dirty talk and so this book worked for me. And, whew, some parts were smoking!
I'll focus a little on the story, which I found to be quite interesting. I liked that the MCs in this book were on a different end of the queer spectrum. Austin wasn't quite straight, more like a little bent with a need to be dominated by someone, and Liam was an honest-to-goodness bisexual. I liked that and I liked them as a pair. The romance was slow to develop, and I was completely okay with that. I like when relationships take time to simmer and I loved the tension and slow-growing affection here.
I actually wish that the author had pushed the humiliation a bit further. Austin was ready to take it balls to the wall and I wanted to see him get really degraded (Is something wrong with me??). I could have used even more sex scenes (like 50 pages or more!) to really flesh out the extent of his kinks. Also, there was something a bit too self-conscious about the writing style that I can't put my finger on. However, overall this was kinkalicious and not a book to be missed!
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Um...
::Mouth suddenly becomes dry::
Um...
::Grip on Kindle grows sweaty::
Hell yeah, Heidi Belleau, hells-to-the-yeah.
This is my favorite solo work from Ms. Belleau to date. It just pushed my buttons in all the best ways. If you have a humiliation/emasculation kink or you are interested in that particular kink, this book is one to check out. I happen to adore dirty talk and so this book worked for me. And, whew, some parts were smoking!
I'll focus a little on the story, which I found to be quite interesting. I liked that the MCs in this book were on a different end of the queer spectrum. Austin wasn't quite straight, more like a little bent with a need to be dominated by someone, and Liam was an honest-to-goodness bisexual. I liked that and I liked them as a pair. The romance was slow to develop, and I was completely okay with that. I like when relationships take time to simmer and I loved the tension and slow-growing affection here.
I actually wish that the author had pushed the humiliation a bit further. Austin was ready to take it balls to the wall and I wanted to see him get really degraded (Is something wrong with me??). I could have used even more sex scenes (like 50 pages or more!) to really flesh out the extent of his kinks. Also, there was something a bit too self-conscious about the writing style that I can't put my finger on. However, overall this was kinkalicious and not a book to be missed!
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
July 22, 2016
right in my five-hole.
man this was fun.
i had the pleasure of serving as hockey beta for this one, which (frustratingly for me—i had to wait until release to see the ending) was only a certain part of the setting. so i was gagging to see what happened to my hot porn star and his smutmonkey masochist.
well, now i've read it—and i can tell you:
fun.
fun is what happened.
i feel a little guilty about it; i'm not into humiliation kink myself, but but i have to say watching this dude get his booty turnt-out like a backlot whore was... agreeable.
maybe schadenfreude is my kink?
cuz he deserved it, the grouchy bastid.
*feral grin*
man this was fun.
i had the pleasure of serving as hockey beta for this one, which (frustratingly for me—i had to wait until release to see the ending) was only a certain part of the setting. so i was gagging to see what happened to my hot porn star and his smutmonkey masochist.
well, now i've read it—and i can tell you:
fun.
fun is what happened.
i feel a little guilty about it; i'm not into humiliation kink myself, but but i have to say watching this dude get his booty turnt-out like a backlot whore was... agreeable.
maybe schadenfreude is my kink?
cuz he deserved it, the grouchy bastid.
*feral grin*
March 27, 2014
This was the story I've waited for!
Bro!
That shit was tight!
The final book in the Rear Entrance Video series packed a serious punch! When I read that Straight Shooter was going have Austin, the stereotypical-macho-asshole-super-straight-jock as a main character, I was there with bells on. And then to get a porn actor/ Dom love interest? I thought I hit the jackpot. But it got better when humiliation kink was also involved. I'm still quelting (quivering + melting) after reading this.
Major Quelts!
This is a strong series. Why? Each books deals with new adult men who question their sexuality, question themselves, change their perception and quietly (or not so quietly) change others' perceptions. I've discussed why I think this author nailed the concept with a fresh dialogue and sense of realness in my previous reviews of "Apple Polisher" and "Wallflower". For me to actually finish a series and want more, it says a lot. The author of this series did an amazing job telling all three main characters' story, introducing complex yet engaging main characters. To me, Christian, Rob/Bobby and Austin were more than characters, they were people. But enough about the Rear Entrance Video series on a whole, let me dish about Straight Shooter and why it's the star of the series.
Austin is a college hockey athlete that sees the world in black and white. He never considered the gray. Austin is a jock, so that means he's straight in his mind. There's just that boner problem he gets when a teammate or another guy calls him a derogatory name. He loves being humiliated. He's had this predilection for years. And his boner situation continues to get worse. Could it be from working a gay porn store? Or maybe having gay roommates? The thoughts can't seem to get out of his head, his internal struggle is major, Dude. He goes to some extreme measures to punish himself for his feelings. For Austin, he can't be gay, he's a jock. But the thought of being made to suck another man off, being made to submit...he can't deny it. He's repressed, in major denial and can be downright offensive. He might come off as prick especially to his roommates (okay, some of the stereotypes he spouted made me want to kick his ass) but there's something about Austin. There's a bit of naivete and vulnerability when you look under his prickly, foolish ways.
Austin tries a new therapy, watching gay porn. He watches STRAIGHT SUB SETUP (Yes the title is exactly as it sounds) and falls in lust with Master Puck, the big dick porn star that seems to handle straight guys into submissiveness with ease. Austin can't help but fantasize about him. And when he actually gets to meet Master Puck aka Liam Williams at Rear Entrance Video, it seems that Austin's perfect solution for getting rid of his urges has appeared. Austin can be the next straight sub to submit to Master Puck. It won't make him gay, right Bro?
From the first meeting, reading Liam and Austin brought a smile to my face. Liam/ Master Puck opens Austin's eyes, handles Austin with ease. Austin worries about labels, his sexuality and himself. It was great to see Austin grow. The story was not heavy with angst or drama. Also, for a book about a porn store worker and a porn star, it was not all about sex. (Don't worry, there's sex and it's smutastic.) There's plot, Dude! (The dirty talk was amazing...*bites lips*)
Liam. *breathy sigh*
He's the type of main character that lingers on the brain. He's such a great Dom. He's not the omnipotent, alpha-hole type of Dom that I've read in stories that do it wrong. He's attentive, caring and just down right sexy. (And the penis piercing is a bonus, Bro!) He's not perfect, his dick doesn't solve the world's problems nor does he use his dick as his brain. The story was based from Austin's POV, so we don't get to explore Liam's POV. All that is shown about Liam, I really enjoyed.
Bro, Dude, the story is mostly about Austin's self acceptance. Identifying as gay or straight was not as important. His lines are blurred, he learned to see the gray. The ending is HEA in my book. It works for Austin and Liam's type of relationship.
Do you need to read the series in order or the previous books before reading Straight Shooter? Nope. This book can be read as a standalone. But dude, you're totally missing out on a rocking series.
BDSM Heavy? Not really. The humiliation kink was a nice touch. But you don't have to clutch your pearls if you're not into the heavier side of the spectrum. I'd say maybe a 5 from a scale from 1-10, where 10 is hella heavy, Dude!
Recommended? Fuck yeah, Bro! I gobbled this shit up in a day! Definitely one of my favorite books of the year, Bro! *chest bump*
P.S. Austin was in major denial and word vomited how straight he was to all. So much so that I developed my own straight-boy-in-the-closet situation. I've named him Hank. All the Bro's and Dude's in this review are totally his. Hank's hella straight, Bro! Fucking A, Bro! (Ignore him not the book, Bro!) *fist bump*
A copy provided by publisher for an honest review
August 23, 2014
3.5 stars
Belleau knows how to push boundaries, exploring the various shades of human sexual psyche.
Remember Austin from the second book? He was such an ass to sweet, sweet Bobby. In this book, his attitude makes a horrible kind of sense. Because it turns out jock straight boy Austin gets a hard-on every time someone calls him a "fag" or "pussy." He has a dirty little secret: He wants to submit. To a man. But that doesn't make him gay, does it? Not exactly.
So what if Austin jacks off to gay porn and has fantasies about Master Puck? And how convenient that Master Puck, aka Liam, visits Rear Entrance Video on a night that Austin is working?
Even though there is a definite BDSM theme here, the book focuses on Austin's emotional growth, his acceptance of his sexuality (which is blurry and remains unlabeled). He learns to decipher between need and want, pain and domination, sex and love.
I do wish this series were set in a kinky sex shop vs. a porn video store masquerading as a sex store. Nobody rents DVDs, porn or otherwise, any more, do they?
There was a lot of internal monologuing, especially at the beginning, that was redundant and unnecessary. I wanted to see Austin interact more with his roommates, and I wanted to see more of Liam and Austin together.
Also, Liam is a porn star, and he's going to stay a porn star, which certainly dampened my excitement a tad. Austin didn't seem to mind, so maybe I'm judging and imposing my own standards on their relationship, but, coupled with some of the loose ends, it didn't a HEA in my book make.
Belleau knows how to push boundaries, exploring the various shades of human sexual psyche.
Remember Austin from the second book? He was such an ass to sweet, sweet Bobby. In this book, his attitude makes a horrible kind of sense. Because it turns out jock straight boy Austin gets a hard-on every time someone calls him a "fag" or "pussy." He has a dirty little secret: He wants to submit. To a man. But that doesn't make him gay, does it? Not exactly.
So what if Austin jacks off to gay porn and has fantasies about Master Puck? And how convenient that Master Puck, aka Liam, visits Rear Entrance Video on a night that Austin is working?
Even though there is a definite BDSM theme here, the book focuses on Austin's emotional growth, his acceptance of his sexuality (which is blurry and remains unlabeled). He learns to decipher between need and want, pain and domination, sex and love.
I do wish this series were set in a kinky sex shop vs. a porn video store masquerading as a sex store. Nobody rents DVDs, porn or otherwise, any more, do they?
There was a lot of internal monologuing, especially at the beginning, that was redundant and unnecessary. I wanted to see Austin interact more with his roommates, and I wanted to see more of Liam and Austin together.
Also, Liam is a porn star, and he's going to stay a porn star, which certainly dampened my excitement a tad. Austin didn't seem to mind, so maybe I'm judging and imposing my own standards on their relationship, but, coupled with some of the loose ends, it didn't a HEA in my book make.
Read
February 23, 2014The final Rear Entrance Video book! My BDSM hockey GFY story that I wrote when I was seriously ill.
Just as a warning, it's all consensual, but it does contain some pretty heavy humiliation kink, as well as homophobic and sexist language/concepts. But I think it still ends with a satisfying romance. :) ALSO PORN STAR HERO WHAT WHAT
ALSO: you can read the excerpt WHICH IS LIKE FIVE CHAPTERS on riptide's website now! http://www.riptidepublishing.com/titl...
Just as a warning, it's all consensual, but it does contain some pretty heavy humiliation kink, as well as homophobic and sexist language/concepts. But I think it still ends with a satisfying romance. :) ALSO PORN STAR HERO WHAT WHAT
ALSO: you can read the excerpt WHICH IS LIKE FIVE CHAPTERS on riptide's website now! http://www.riptidepublishing.com/titl...
February 4, 2014
I received this story as an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was really an interesting story. I didn't know what to expect going into it seeing how Austin acted throughout the rest of the series. I was looking forward to seeing things from his perspective, and I wasn't disappointed.
I was really pleased by what a complicated person Austin turned out to be. It was easy to see him as almost a stereotype in the earlier books, but seeing things from his point of view made me realize exactly what drove his words and actions. I really felt for him and the fear, and self loathing that drove him. I can't imagine how scary his feelings were, and seeing how much he punished himself for his own needs and desires almost broke my heart. He makes so many mistakes, and bad decisions because of this it was hard for me to read in parts.
I was surprised by how much I liked Liam as well. I appreciated how much Liam seems to care for Austin, and how much Austin's self loathing and fear hurts his heart. I loved that Liam wasn't the stereotypical cold, perfect dom. Liam made mistakes, and messed things up like Austin, and it made Liam more human to me, and like him that much more for it.
I love that this series continues to explore a wide array of sexual expression. That the lines are a bit blurred, and it's more than just gay, and straight or even gay, straight, and bi. It makes for such rich characters, and story lines. The relationship between Liam, and Austin might not be traditional, but the feelings and needs that drive it are real, and work for both of them. I appreciated that the Austin and Liam connected not just on a sexual level, but on a personal one as well. I liked that they were friends, and that when real feelings arose it wasn't just based on physical need.
I also appreciated that this book didn't just focus on Austin and Liam's relationship. I liked seeing how Austin and Bobby's interactions change over the course of the story as well. I liked seeing what colored Austin's view of Bobby, and how he learns, and makes a sincere effort to change. Their friendship was really one of the highlights of the story for me. I liked that it wasn't about Liam making Austin accept himself, and how his friends played a role as well. Austin's hockey is well integrated into the story, and I like how big a part it plays. It adds a lot to the story, and seeing Austin interact with the team gave me a better appreciation for his character.
Overall it was a really well told story. Austin frustrated me at times, but I understood where he was coming from. The stress, and the pressure he put on himself, and the terror of discovery that colored all of his actions, and relationships felt honest. I appreciated seeing his growth over the course of the story, and seeing him learn to fully accept himself was wonderful. The ending was well done, and it left me feeling good about where things ended up.
This was really an interesting story. I didn't know what to expect going into it seeing how Austin acted throughout the rest of the series. I was looking forward to seeing things from his perspective, and I wasn't disappointed.
I was really pleased by what a complicated person Austin turned out to be. It was easy to see him as almost a stereotype in the earlier books, but seeing things from his point of view made me realize exactly what drove his words and actions. I really felt for him and the fear, and self loathing that drove him. I can't imagine how scary his feelings were, and seeing how much he punished himself for his own needs and desires almost broke my heart. He makes so many mistakes, and bad decisions because of this it was hard for me to read in parts.
I was surprised by how much I liked Liam as well. I appreciated how much Liam seems to care for Austin, and how much Austin's self loathing and fear hurts his heart. I loved that Liam wasn't the stereotypical cold, perfect dom. Liam made mistakes, and messed things up like Austin, and it made Liam more human to me, and like him that much more for it.
I love that this series continues to explore a wide array of sexual expression. That the lines are a bit blurred, and it's more than just gay, and straight or even gay, straight, and bi. It makes for such rich characters, and story lines. The relationship between Liam, and Austin might not be traditional, but the feelings and needs that drive it are real, and work for both of them. I appreciated that the Austin and Liam connected not just on a sexual level, but on a personal one as well. I liked that they were friends, and that when real feelings arose it wasn't just based on physical need.
I also appreciated that this book didn't just focus on Austin and Liam's relationship. I liked seeing how Austin and Bobby's interactions change over the course of the story as well. I liked seeing what colored Austin's view of Bobby, and how he learns, and makes a sincere effort to change. Their friendship was really one of the highlights of the story for me. I liked that it wasn't about Liam making Austin accept himself, and how his friends played a role as well. Austin's hockey is well integrated into the story, and I like how big a part it plays. It adds a lot to the story, and seeing Austin interact with the team gave me a better appreciation for his character.
Overall it was a really well told story. Austin frustrated me at times, but I understood where he was coming from. The stress, and the pressure he put on himself, and the terror of discovery that colored all of his actions, and relationships felt honest. I appreciated seeing his growth over the course of the story, and seeing him learn to fully accept himself was wonderful. The ending was well done, and it left me feeling good about where things ended up.
April 20, 2016
One thing I’ve noticed throughout the Rear Entrance Video series is the way Heidi Belleau questions the need to put a label on her characters’ sexuality. This was especially noticeable in Wallflower and it is a big theme again in Straight Shooter.
Austin has been having trouble dealing with the changing identities of his housemates, especially Rob, now known as Bobby, and has really backed himself into a corner by coming off as threatening and homophobic. Noah has laid down the law though and Austin has one month to get his act together or be evicted. What nobody realizes though is that Austin is, and has been, struggling with his own sense of identity for a while now and seeing his friends accepting themselves and the happiness they have achieved is making it harder for him to cope. He considers himself straight, but nothing turns him on more than being insulted with a gay slur or a humiliating question of his manliness. His inability to reconcile this with his otherwise “straight” life has caused him serious emotional strain and his questionable coping methods are no longer working all that well. His latest attempt to desensitize himself is to watch gay porn where a straight man is tricked into becoming a sub for Master Puck. Too bad for Austin all this does is turn him on even more. When Liam Williams aka Master Puck himself shows up at Rear Entrance Video, Austin hatches a last desperate plan to work all this out of his system. Liam sees through Austin’s charade and agrees to help him out, provide him with the opportunity to submit himself to the humiliation and degradation he needs, but the relationship becomes a lot more complicated than the two men ever expected.
I was instantly drawn in by Austin’s struggle, his self-loathing and destructive behaviors. The book doesn’t just focus on Austin’s relationship with Liam. Bobby plays a large role for Austin and the rebuilding of their relationship, along with Austin’s interaction with his hockey teammates, really provided great insight into Austin’s motivations for his behavior. Liam considers himself bi-sexual, but is not looking to paste a label on Austin. He believes it when Austin tells him that he’s straight. He never tries to get Austin to label himself as gay or bi, but gives him the outlet and the acceptance to be whatever he wants. I would have liked to see a little more of the private sessions between Liam and Austin and spent just a little less time in Austin’s head, but overall I enjoyed watching Austin come to terms with himself and finding the strength to live his life the way he needs to live it rather than trying to conform to the expected norms.
A copy of the book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Austin has been having trouble dealing with the changing identities of his housemates, especially Rob, now known as Bobby, and has really backed himself into a corner by coming off as threatening and homophobic. Noah has laid down the law though and Austin has one month to get his act together or be evicted. What nobody realizes though is that Austin is, and has been, struggling with his own sense of identity for a while now and seeing his friends accepting themselves and the happiness they have achieved is making it harder for him to cope. He considers himself straight, but nothing turns him on more than being insulted with a gay slur or a humiliating question of his manliness. His inability to reconcile this with his otherwise “straight” life has caused him serious emotional strain and his questionable coping methods are no longer working all that well. His latest attempt to desensitize himself is to watch gay porn where a straight man is tricked into becoming a sub for Master Puck. Too bad for Austin all this does is turn him on even more. When Liam Williams aka Master Puck himself shows up at Rear Entrance Video, Austin hatches a last desperate plan to work all this out of his system. Liam sees through Austin’s charade and agrees to help him out, provide him with the opportunity to submit himself to the humiliation and degradation he needs, but the relationship becomes a lot more complicated than the two men ever expected.
I was instantly drawn in by Austin’s struggle, his self-loathing and destructive behaviors. The book doesn’t just focus on Austin’s relationship with Liam. Bobby plays a large role for Austin and the rebuilding of their relationship, along with Austin’s interaction with his hockey teammates, really provided great insight into Austin’s motivations for his behavior. Liam considers himself bi-sexual, but is not looking to paste a label on Austin. He believes it when Austin tells him that he’s straight. He never tries to get Austin to label himself as gay or bi, but gives him the outlet and the acceptance to be whatever he wants. I would have liked to see a little more of the private sessions between Liam and Austin and spent just a little less time in Austin’s head, but overall I enjoyed watching Austin come to terms with himself and finding the strength to live his life the way he needs to live it rather than trying to conform to the expected norms.
A copy of the book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2014
I struggled to finish the book, for a variety of reasons that are 99% to do with my personal preferences, and not because the book isn't a great book for someone else.
It takes exactly 50% of the book before the MCs get together. This first half is filled with Austin's self-loathing, and I had a really hard time dealing with that. I felt kind of sick the whole time.
I specifically struggled with the whole putting-something-inside-your-body-is-emasculating thing. Yeah, yeah; unstable bodily boundaries and the abject, yadda yadda, but the whole fact that being a girl is considered the worst thing in the universe is upsetting. I always have difficulties enjoying m/m fiction when this is highlighted by an MC. I am, after all, reading to escape misogynistic Western culture and explore alternative ways of experiencing and expressing gender and being, not have my ickyness rubbed in my face.
I felt a really strong disconnect with Liam calling Austin "buddy." I get that this is probably Liam trying to emotionally distance himself from Austin, but wow, it grated. Buddy is what you call 1) a jerk who cuts you off in traffic 2) a three-year old 3) a dog. So I had no sense of caring between Liam and Austin. It gave me the impression that Liam actually didn't like Austin much at all, and was only doing this for Austin's sake. I was pretty surprised he was in love with him. (I just re-read a bit to write this review and encountered “That’s good. Very good, buddy” and my whole mind just goes "yuck, ick, no!" This must be what happens with Ami and "baby".)
We get a couple long D/s scenes with Liam and Austin, which are detailed, and I liked them. But at 74% we get 121 words of plot summary to encompass the entire development of Austin and Liam's sexual relationship. I really, really hate this kind of shortcut. This takes us from a hookup to love. Austins self-hate to self-acceptance. Did not like.
There was tons in the book to like: Japanese survival horror armed with rusty wheelchair parts, for one! Woot! The hockey bits were all great, and the subplot with the team was my favorite part of the book. I love Austins roommates and the wide range of sexuality and self-expression they have. I love the way Belleau highlights that sexuality isn't a binary. The writing is fluid and whisked me right into the storyworld; in fact, if I hadn't been so completely sucked into Austin's head, I wouldn't have had such a tough time with the book. Also yay for good female characters. These good bits just weren't enough, for me personally, to get on board with the MCs.
So, just not my book, I guess. :(
It takes exactly 50% of the book before the MCs get together. This first half is filled with Austin's self-loathing, and I had a really hard time dealing with that. I felt kind of sick the whole time.
I specifically struggled with the whole putting-something-inside-your-body-is-emasculating thing. Yeah, yeah; unstable bodily boundaries and the abject, yadda yadda, but the whole fact that being a girl is considered the worst thing in the universe is upsetting. I always have difficulties enjoying m/m fiction when this is highlighted by an MC. I am, after all, reading to escape misogynistic Western culture and explore alternative ways of experiencing and expressing gender and being, not have my ickyness rubbed in my face.
I felt a really strong disconnect with Liam calling Austin "buddy." I get that this is probably Liam trying to emotionally distance himself from Austin, but wow, it grated. Buddy is what you call 1) a jerk who cuts you off in traffic 2) a three-year old 3) a dog. So I had no sense of caring between Liam and Austin. It gave me the impression that Liam actually didn't like Austin much at all, and was only doing this for Austin's sake. I was pretty surprised he was in love with him. (I just re-read a bit to write this review and encountered “That’s good. Very good, buddy” and my whole mind just goes "yuck, ick, no!" This must be what happens with Ami and "baby".)
We get a couple long D/s scenes with Liam and Austin, which are detailed, and I liked them. But at 74% we get 121 words of plot summary to encompass the entire development of Austin and Liam's sexual relationship. I really, really hate this kind of shortcut. This takes us from a hookup to love. Austins self-hate to self-acceptance. Did not like.
There was tons in the book to like: Japanese survival horror armed with rusty wheelchair parts, for one! Woot! The hockey bits were all great, and the subplot with the team was my favorite part of the book. I love Austins roommates and the wide range of sexuality and self-expression they have. I love the way Belleau highlights that sexuality isn't a binary. The writing is fluid and whisked me right into the storyworld; in fact, if I hadn't been so completely sucked into Austin's head, I wouldn't have had such a tough time with the book. Also yay for good female characters. These good bits just weren't enough, for me personally, to get on board with the MCs.
So, just not my book, I guess. :(
April 24, 2015
Before I start my review, a few clarifications:
Straight Shooter is the story of Canadian collage student and hockey player Austin Puett who has an unusual sexual kink. This kink of his is all consuming and is disrupting his daily life and he begins to actively search for a way to resolve the problem so he can quiet the kink that has now become an obsession. This part of the book was very hard for me to read. Austin literally had no one in his life. He hated himself for how he felt about his sexuality and had no one to turn to for help. No parents, no siblings, no close friends to confide in, no teacher or instructor or wise coach. He just kept having the same inner, hateful dialogue in his head about how damaged he was, and how he was broken. Jesus, it was awful! And this went on for a good 75% of the book.
Eventually he meets and starts a secret relationship with a male porn star named Liam and from Liam he gets the sexual kink he needs. The two of them had a few instances of crazy, hot, kinky, fabulous sex, but equally they had instances of incredibly unconformable, soul shattering-but-not-in-a-good-way sex. It just wasn't fun for me in that hurt/comfort kind of way I usually enjoy.
The last 15% of the book was magical. Glorious! Perfection! I cried tears of joy and celebrated their HEA or HFN or whatever you want to call it. (I always swing on the HEA side.) The boys were a delight once they got on the same page. But, I gotta tell you, I had a really rough time getting to that last 15%.
So, I leave it in your hands. If you can handle the MC beating the shit out of himself (I didn't even get into any of Austin's punishment sessions!) both emotionally and physically for most of this book and can handle real, honest-to-goodness humiliation kink, not the kind where it is solidified in a loving, bonded relationship, but one out of necessity for an MC who feels he deserves it, then go for it! You will love the last 15% too! As for the rest of you who thinks that might be too harsh for them, I urge you to read other reviews over at the Straight Shooter page before taking this off your shelf. It is early days, I understand that, but a lot of folks have already read this and I am in the great minority. That usually makes me a little leery and I always want to make 100% sure all books I review are getting a fair shot.
Cannot recommend.
1. This is the 3rd book in the Rear Entrance Video series. I did not read the first 2 books. Those books concentrated on different characters, but all were present in Straight Shooter. I did feel a little lost at times because of not knowing any of the back story.
2. Pre-release buzz for this book was extremely positive from highly admired GoodRead friends, so I will be sending you over to the Straight Shooter page at the end of my review so you can read those before making your book buying and reading decision.
3. Hockey and BDSM are 2 of my absolute favorite categories in the M/M romance genre. Combined, it's close to "perfect storm" level in my book. Yee Haw!
Straight Shooter is the story of Canadian collage student and hockey player Austin Puett who has an unusual sexual kink. This kink of his is all consuming and is disrupting his daily life and he begins to actively search for a way to resolve the problem so he can quiet the kink that has now become an obsession. This part of the book was very hard for me to read. Austin literally had no one in his life. He hated himself for how he felt about his sexuality and had no one to turn to for help. No parents, no siblings, no close friends to confide in, no teacher or instructor or wise coach. He just kept having the same inner, hateful dialogue in his head about how damaged he was, and how he was broken. Jesus, it was awful! And this went on for a good 75% of the book.
Eventually he meets and starts a secret relationship with a male porn star named Liam and from Liam he gets the sexual kink he needs. The two of them had a few instances of crazy, hot, kinky, fabulous sex, but equally they had instances of incredibly unconformable, soul shattering-but-not-in-a-good-way sex. It just wasn't fun for me in that hurt/comfort kind of way I usually enjoy.
The last 15% of the book was magical. Glorious! Perfection! I cried tears of joy and celebrated their HEA or HFN or whatever you want to call it. (I always swing on the HEA side.) The boys were a delight once they got on the same page. But, I gotta tell you, I had a really rough time getting to that last 15%.
So, I leave it in your hands. If you can handle the MC beating the shit out of himself (I didn't even get into any of Austin's punishment sessions!) both emotionally and physically for most of this book and can handle real, honest-to-goodness humiliation kink, not the kind where it is solidified in a loving, bonded relationship, but one out of necessity for an MC who feels he deserves it, then go for it! You will love the last 15% too! As for the rest of you who thinks that might be too harsh for them, I urge you to read other reviews over at the Straight Shooter page before taking this off your shelf. It is early days, I understand that, but a lot of folks have already read this and I am in the great minority. That usually makes me a little leery and I always want to make 100% sure all books I review are getting a fair shot.
Cannot recommend.
February 5, 2014
I've been waiting for Austin to get his comeuppance ever since Wallflower because he is such an ass. So, I'd do MORE for getting this book as an ARC copy than I'd do for a Klondike Bar. And I'd do a LOT for a Klondike Bar, just sayin'.
I'm not above begging either, jsyk. Just GIMME EEEEET!!!!!
OMG, expected publication is April? Someone hold me, please!!!
***
I inhaled this!!! Yay to Riptide for granting me a review copy. Full review on booklikes and my blog soon.
I'm not above begging either, jsyk. Just GIMME EEEEET!!!!!
OMG, expected publication is April? Someone hold me, please!!!
***
I inhaled this!!! Yay to Riptide for granting me a review copy. Full review on booklikes and my blog soon.
March 15, 2014
Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance
Ms. Belleau finished the Rear Entrance Video series with a bang, not a whimper.
Straight Shooter was one of those reads. You know the ones. The ones that suck you in and you can’t put them down. You have to know. You ignore your friends. You procrastinate on projects. You forego sleep. I started this thinking, ‘I’ll read a few chapters then go back to the other book’. Famous last words. And the other book doesn’t suck. At all. Simply put, Straight Shooter overtook over my life for a day and half.
Austin is like a lot of guys I know and have known. They’re simple and I don’t mean that derogatorily. They see the world in black and white, good or bad. They enjoy the simple pleasures. They don’t need all the extraneous crap people surround themselves with. They may be a bit narrow-minded, but generally speaking they are good, hard working people. Austin is a team player, a hockey player, always has been. Austin’s mentality is: what’s best for the team is what’s best. Like most athletes, he at his finest in a reward/punishment system; he needs validation for his good deeds, but he’s not afraid to take one for the team either.
Austin has backed himself into a corner with his roommates forcing Noah to give him an ultimatum-‘shape up or ship out’. Shortly thereafter the proverbial shit hits the fan with his hockey team and he’s labeled a traitor. Really nothing is going Austin’s way. What’s got him spinning isn’t his roommates’ newly discovered gayness nor his ouster from the hockey team in and of themselves. No. Austin is, as Max so delicately puts it, “repressed”.
Austin has a humiliation fetish. He has done everything he can think of to get rid of it, to purge it from his system including hitting himself, cutting, extreme work outs which cause him actual pain and running until he pukes. Nothing works. Nothing ever works. In fact, it seems to be getting worse putting him at risk for being outted as gay by his teammates since degrading smack talk is de rigueur in the locker room and, coincidentally, exactly what turns him on. Austin needs to find an outlet. Soon.
A customer returns a video one night called STRAIGHT SUB SETUP 4, a BDSM video with Master Puck and Mistress Titiana as the dominants who set up the straight guy. Not gay, right? There’s a girl in it. Naturally, this doesn’t cure him. Next step in the plan is gorging on gay porn, none of which does much for him. Master Puck does it for him. Does that make him gay? As fortune or misfortune would have it Master Puck/Liam Williams, owner of Mischievous Pictures Studios, strolls right into Rear Entrance Video and turns Austin’s life into a waking dream or is it a nightmare?
Austin believes Liam/Master Puck holds the key. He can fix him. He can make it go away. So, in an impulsive and reckless decision he propositions Liam to star in one of his videos and gets turned down. But, Austin’s played this game all his life. Remember, he’s a team player. He knows what it means to sacrifice, to work for what you want, to make a plan and stick to it.
Endurance
Resiliency
Commitment
Discipline
Tenacity
Austin Puett knows what he wants he just has to find a way to get Liam to give it to him without ruining his life and, possibly, his career in the process. However, it has to be a secret and he needs assurances that this doesn’t make him gay! Does it?
This is where I really have to commend Ms. Belleau. Read any non fiction BDSM novel or talk to anyone actively involved in the community and they will confirm that BDSM doesn’t have to involve sex. It’s a power exchange. Austin has a humiliation fetish which Master Puck/Liam plugs directly into. He needs to be forced, overpowered, degraded, punished, used and having all of that done by a man intensifies the humiliation as well as the gratification. I don’t believe Austin could truly let go with a female dominant or that it would be as powerful a connection. He’s been involved in hockey since childhood, works out like a demon and as we would say in the South, is built like a brick shithouse. He needs to be able to fight back and Master Puck provides him that opportunity safely with the added bonus of being male-the cherry on top of his humiliation pie.
Does that make him bisexual? Maybe. I’m on the fence about labeling someone bisexual within this context. Austin needs Liam, wants to serve him, submit to him, wants to make him happy and will do anything to prove he can take it, so he can get his reward. Do they form an intense connection? Sure they do. Will it last? Can anyone definitively say yes to this question? Ever?
The lifeblood of the entirety of this series is these three men-Christian, Rob/Bobby and Austin-grappling with their sexuality. The latter two of which have sexualities that aren’t easily defined in conventional terms. Additionally, they’re in college trying to define their future, in the first flush of independence and trying to carve a place in the world that is their own. Heady stuff. This entire series is phenomenal and has safely ensconced Ms. Belleau at the top of my list of authors tostalk adore, but Straight Shooter is definitely my favorite.
I would label the BDSM in the mild to moderate range. I was actually anticipating heavier play, but I’m probably biased. I believe Ms. Belleau labeled it “heavy”, so I would take her word over mine. For those who enjoy humiliation, Straight Shooter should be right up your alley.
I would like to thank Riptide for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Ms. Belleau finished the Rear Entrance Video series with a bang, not a whimper.
Straight Shooter was one of those reads. You know the ones. The ones that suck you in and you can’t put them down. You have to know. You ignore your friends. You procrastinate on projects. You forego sleep. I started this thinking, ‘I’ll read a few chapters then go back to the other book’. Famous last words. And the other book doesn’t suck. At all. Simply put, Straight Shooter overtook over my life for a day and half.
Austin is like a lot of guys I know and have known. They’re simple and I don’t mean that derogatorily. They see the world in black and white, good or bad. They enjoy the simple pleasures. They don’t need all the extraneous crap people surround themselves with. They may be a bit narrow-minded, but generally speaking they are good, hard working people. Austin is a team player, a hockey player, always has been. Austin’s mentality is: what’s best for the team is what’s best. Like most athletes, he at his finest in a reward/punishment system; he needs validation for his good deeds, but he’s not afraid to take one for the team either.
He was a hockey player, dammit. He wasn’t fucking built to do this much thinking. Split second decisions, that was what Austin was good at.
“Austin was nothing, on his own. But in a team, even a team of two, he was a giant.”
Austin has backed himself into a corner with his roommates forcing Noah to give him an ultimatum-‘shape up or ship out’. Shortly thereafter the proverbial shit hits the fan with his hockey team and he’s labeled a traitor. Really nothing is going Austin’s way. What’s got him spinning isn’t his roommates’ newly discovered gayness nor his ouster from the hockey team in and of themselves. No. Austin is, as Max so delicately puts it, “repressed”.
Austin has a humiliation fetish. He has done everything he can think of to get rid of it, to purge it from his system including hitting himself, cutting, extreme work outs which cause him actual pain and running until he pukes. Nothing works. Nothing ever works. In fact, it seems to be getting worse putting him at risk for being outted as gay by his teammates since degrading smack talk is de rigueur in the locker room and, coincidentally, exactly what turns him on. Austin needs to find an outlet. Soon.
A customer returns a video one night called STRAIGHT SUB SETUP 4, a BDSM video with Master Puck and Mistress Titiana as the dominants who set up the straight guy. Not gay, right? There’s a girl in it. Naturally, this doesn’t cure him. Next step in the plan is gorging on gay porn, none of which does much for him. Master Puck does it for him. Does that make him gay? As fortune or misfortune would have it Master Puck/Liam Williams, owner of Mischievous Pictures Studios, strolls right into Rear Entrance Video and turns Austin’s life into a waking dream or is it a nightmare?
He wanted to lose, and badly. Wanted to lose everything to Liam, be taken down to nothing, give into his terrible urges but take on none of the fault. Because it would be Liam’s fault, Liam’s responsibility. Liam’s responisbility for turning Austin and changing him and breaking him, and then it would be over and Austin would be himself again, and there’d be no guilt at all, except for whatever Liam carried.
Austin believes Liam/Master Puck holds the key. He can fix him. He can make it go away. So, in an impulsive and reckless decision he propositions Liam to star in one of his videos and gets turned down. But, Austin’s played this game all his life. Remember, he’s a team player. He knows what it means to sacrifice, to work for what you want, to make a plan and stick to it.
Endurance
Resiliency
Commitment
Discipline
Tenacity
“Being a part of a team meant conforming.”
Austin Puett knows what he wants he just has to find a way to get Liam to give it to him without ruining his life and, possibly, his career in the process. However, it has to be a secret and he needs assurances that this doesn’t make him gay! Does it?
This is where I really have to commend Ms. Belleau. Read any non fiction BDSM novel or talk to anyone actively involved in the community and they will confirm that BDSM doesn’t have to involve sex. It’s a power exchange. Austin has a humiliation fetish which Master Puck/Liam plugs directly into. He needs to be forced, overpowered, degraded, punished, used and having all of that done by a man intensifies the humiliation as well as the gratification. I don’t believe Austin could truly let go with a female dominant or that it would be as powerful a connection. He’s been involved in hockey since childhood, works out like a demon and as we would say in the South, is built like a brick shithouse. He needs to be able to fight back and Master Puck provides him that opportunity safely with the added bonus of being male-the cherry on top of his humiliation pie.
And that’s what Austin wanted. To be overpowered and used. Sexually. He wasn’t about to start scrubbing Master Puck’s floors unless he was doing it butt naked on his hands and knees.
Does that make him bisexual? Maybe. I’m on the fence about labeling someone bisexual within this context. Austin needs Liam, wants to serve him, submit to him, wants to make him happy and will do anything to prove he can take it, so he can get his reward. Do they form an intense connection? Sure they do. Will it last? Can anyone definitively say yes to this question? Ever?
“As much of myself as I can, for as long as I can.”
The lifeblood of the entirety of this series is these three men-Christian, Rob/Bobby and Austin-grappling with their sexuality. The latter two of which have sexualities that aren’t easily defined in conventional terms. Additionally, they’re in college trying to define their future, in the first flush of independence and trying to carve a place in the world that is their own. Heady stuff. This entire series is phenomenal and has safely ensconced Ms. Belleau at the top of my list of authors to
You made me feel like there was still order in the world. Like even if it felt like everything was falling apart, I knew it never would completely, because you would always be there. In the centre.
I would label the BDSM in the mild to moderate range. I was actually anticipating heavier play, but I’m probably biased. I believe Ms. Belleau labeled it “heavy”, so I would take her word over mine. For those who enjoy humiliation, Straight Shooter should be right up your alley.
I would like to thank Riptide for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 16, 2014
I am shocked. Shocked, I tell you! I did not think I was going to like Austin. At all. In my mind, there was not a chance in the warmest reaches of the Devil’s anus that he would win me over. He came off as an ignorant, empty, narcissistic waste of skin in the other books. I was expecting to dislike his character, thoroughly. All while enjoying his yummy character growth-spurts of course. Because, Heidi Belleau.
I definitely did not expect to like Austin almost instantly. I most certainly did not expect to completely love his character (everything about him, down to the way he inhales oxygen). Austin is confused, conflicted, filled with pain and self-hatred, and just so heartbreakingly lost . More importantly, he is willing to grow and learn from his mistakes. Even make new, or similar, ones along the way. I didn’t stand a chance. There was no way I could stop myself from rooting for Austin to become a better person, to let go of ignorant ideas, figure out who he is, and to accept himself.
Austin challenged me to think. I love that. Alright, I suppose I get how he could be a difficult character for some to read, for many different reasons. He ought to be unlikeable, and I imagine he is to some. His thoughts are many, and long lasting (still, I adored them). His turmoil over his sexuality is some heavy stuff. It takes a lot of time and pain for him to work everything out. Then, in the end, he doesn’t fall neatly and conveniently into a familiar label.
Anyway, I need to tell you about Liam. He is phenomenal. He made this book. He is critical to Austin’s development, and he helped make him loveable. Their interactions alternate between hilarious and intense. Seriously, their initial meeting…epic. It is amazing, amusing, and oh so awkward. I loved it, and their second encounter, and the one after that, and you get the point. Honestly, they just get increasingly better. The dynamic between Liam and Austin is superb. Their relationship grows into something else as the book progresses. And while I really enjoyed their initial moments together, it’s the later ones that are unforgettable.
I think Heidi Belleau’s writing is unique and refreshing. Unexpected, even. I feel like Straight Shooter will be a “love it or hate it,” mostly because it doesn’t exactly deliver what one may expect. Even though it can be sweet at times, it’s largely raw and gritty. The book focuses a lot, and I mean a lot on Austin. On his confusion, his growth, and his inner turmoil. Sure, his relationship with Liam is essential to the plot, but maybe not in the way you’d expect. Additionally, I don’t think they are particularly romantic. Or, maybe I’m wrong. I don’t read a lot of BDSM, so that could all be thematic of the subgenre.
This is my favorite book of the series, thanks to Austin and Liam. They are great individually, and even better together. I highly recommend this to fans of the series, also, to breathers of air.
I’m really sad to see this series come to an end.
*ARC courtesy of Riptide Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 Stars
More reviews at The Morning After Romance
I definitely did not expect to like Austin almost instantly. I most certainly did not expect to completely love his character (everything about him, down to the way he inhales oxygen). Austin is confused, conflicted, filled with pain and self-hatred, and just so heartbreakingly lost . More importantly, he is willing to grow and learn from his mistakes. Even make new, or similar, ones along the way. I didn’t stand a chance. There was no way I could stop myself from rooting for Austin to become a better person, to let go of ignorant ideas, figure out who he is, and to accept himself.
Austin challenged me to think. I love that. Alright, I suppose I get how he could be a difficult character for some to read, for many different reasons. He ought to be unlikeable, and I imagine he is to some. His thoughts are many, and long lasting (still, I adored them). His turmoil over his sexuality is some heavy stuff. It takes a lot of time and pain for him to work everything out. Then, in the end, he doesn’t fall neatly and conveniently into a familiar label.
Anyway, I need to tell you about Liam. He is phenomenal. He made this book. He is critical to Austin’s development, and he helped make him loveable. Their interactions alternate between hilarious and intense. Seriously, their initial meeting…epic. It is amazing, amusing, and oh so awkward. I loved it, and their second encounter, and the one after that, and you get the point. Honestly, they just get increasingly better. The dynamic between Liam and Austin is superb. Their relationship grows into something else as the book progresses. And while I really enjoyed their initial moments together, it’s the later ones that are unforgettable.
I think Heidi Belleau’s writing is unique and refreshing. Unexpected, even. I feel like Straight Shooter will be a “love it or hate it,” mostly because it doesn’t exactly deliver what one may expect. Even though it can be sweet at times, it’s largely raw and gritty. The book focuses a lot, and I mean a lot on Austin. On his confusion, his growth, and his inner turmoil. Sure, his relationship with Liam is essential to the plot, but maybe not in the way you’d expect. Additionally, I don’t think they are particularly romantic. Or, maybe I’m wrong. I don’t read a lot of BDSM, so that could all be thematic of the subgenre.
This is my favorite book of the series, thanks to Austin and Liam. They are great individually, and even better together. I highly recommend this to fans of the series, also, to breathers of air.
I’m really sad to see this series come to an end.
*ARC courtesy of Riptide Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 Stars
More reviews at The Morning After Romance
May 22, 2014
Too much padding.
Too little boy pussy.
This book suffered from what too many others containing kink that is potentially misunderstood or unappealing (to some) suffers from: over-explanation aka padding.
We're overly immersed in Austin's overly angsty mind for an overly extended period of time. Then we're hobbled with over-clarification and definition and seeming justification. Then we finally get some yummy humiliation. Then more drama and some Wikipedia BDSM at the end. (I never quite like Belleau's endings...but still).
Don't get me wrong, the little bit in the middle was good, not great, but good :-)
This just wasn't my humiliation kink book. I'll wait for one that does it justice.
Too little boy pussy.
This book suffered from what too many others containing kink that is potentially misunderstood or unappealing (to some) suffers from: over-explanation aka padding.
We're overly immersed in Austin's overly angsty mind for an overly extended period of time. Then we're hobbled with over-clarification and definition and seeming justification. Then we finally get some yummy humiliation. Then more drama and some Wikipedia BDSM at the end. (I never quite like Belleau's endings...but still).
Don't get me wrong, the little bit in the middle was good, not great, but good :-)
This just wasn't my humiliation kink book. I'll wait for one that does it justice.
April 6, 2014
my quick thoughts, I'll try to write a real review later...
First: I am SO SAD this series is finished. I loved all three books.
Second: I cried. More than a little.
Third: as much as I loved the first two books, this book ended up being the sneak-up from behind overwhelming favorite.
First: I am SO SAD this series is finished. I loved all three books.
Second: I cried. More than a little.
Third: as much as I loved the first two books, this book ended up being the sneak-up from behind overwhelming favorite.
February 26, 2014
So. What do you call somebody if they are not gay, but they aren't exactly straight? That makes for a very interesting and struggling yet soul searching question for our last hold-out in the roommate scenario of the Rear Entrance Video guys.
I was given a copy of this story via NetGalley in return for an honest review. One thing for sure. This book left me questioning myself, and my preconceived ideas of black and white or in this case; gay vs. straight. Is there such a thing as being neither yet being both? Who decides, and who has the right to decide or judge if something makes someone happy?
Austin, our super-uber athletic 'straight' dude from the previous two 'Rear Entrance Video' world is the main protagonist in this story, and I have to tell you, I really struggled to even like the guy. I did empathize with the voices in his head, but he made it very hard to pin down where he was coming from...this story had me running in circles and chasing my tail!
The other MC, Liam or 'Puck' as he's known in the porn industry, well, at times I wanted to get in his head and see what really made him tick, as well. Neither of these guys fit any certain 'role' and actually seemed to be making things up as they went. But it seemed to work for them.
I can't say this book gave me any warm fuzzies. In fact, I was kind of disgruntled when I completed the story, but I think, if anything, it was because so much of the subject matter was more out of my personal comfort zone, as I tend to avoid the subject matter that this story involved. But in this story, it seemed to work for the MCs, and who am I to question what someone needs or enjoys in their sex-life?
I had my eyes squeezed halfway shut through many of the scenes, and was holding my breath, afraid that I was going to see some things I didn't want to .... But, the author pretty much 'edged' and 'almost' went there, without quite doing it...very tastefully done, if there is such a thing with this subject matter *smiles*
I would consider this story more a story of growth, and an HFN rather than an HEA, as the other two stories lead us to believe. I would definitely recommend as a completion to the series, but keep in mind, it is not for the faint of heart.
I was given a copy of this story via NetGalley in return for an honest review. One thing for sure. This book left me questioning myself, and my preconceived ideas of black and white or in this case; gay vs. straight. Is there such a thing as being neither yet being both? Who decides, and who has the right to decide or judge if something makes someone happy?
Austin, our super-uber athletic 'straight' dude from the previous two 'Rear Entrance Video' world is the main protagonist in this story, and I have to tell you, I really struggled to even like the guy. I did empathize with the voices in his head, but he made it very hard to pin down where he was coming from...this story had me running in circles and chasing my tail!
The other MC, Liam or 'Puck' as he's known in the porn industry, well, at times I wanted to get in his head and see what really made him tick, as well. Neither of these guys fit any certain 'role' and actually seemed to be making things up as they went. But it seemed to work for them.
I can't say this book gave me any warm fuzzies. In fact, I was kind of disgruntled when I completed the story, but I think, if anything, it was because so much of the subject matter was more out of my personal comfort zone, as I tend to avoid the subject matter that this story involved. But in this story, it seemed to work for the MCs, and who am I to question what someone needs or enjoys in their sex-life?
I had my eyes squeezed halfway shut through many of the scenes, and was holding my breath, afraid that I was going to see some things I didn't want to .... But, the author pretty much 'edged' and 'almost' went there, without quite doing it...very tastefully done, if there is such a thing with this subject matter *smiles*
I would consider this story more a story of growth, and an HFN rather than an HEA, as the other two stories lead us to believe. I would definitely recommend as a completion to the series, but keep in mind, it is not for the faint of heart.
April 20, 2014
This is a difficult story to rate. At times, I didn't like Austin, especially initially. He's angry and hates himself for his inherent kink (as the blurb implies -- humiliation), and often that makes him act like an asshole. So it isn't always a comfortable story.
But that's okay, because fiction doesn't always have to play it safe, and really it shouldn't. A writer can be aware of reader's buttons to the point of avoiding anything remotely trigger-possible, and I think that's a mistake. So having a homophobic character like Austin in a gay romance is a difficult and brave choice.
But that's not why I'm giving this 5 stars. I liked the book because it was different and kept me reading and interested to the last word. I've dnf'd a number of solid m/m romances lately because it just felt like I'd read the same thing a dozen times. Straight Shooter is definitely not like anything I've read before.
I really liked the complexity of Austin's sexuality--not really gay but not totally straight either--and his journey to accept himself. I am not a big BDSM reader, but I found the dom/sub thing in this book very realistic and touching. So often I don't feel the author makes a good enough case for why a sub needs to be a sub, but in this book, I really felt viscerally Austin's kink for it and need to be given permission to be 'not normal'. The way the relationship between Austin and Liam progressed was very well-done. The 'big misunderstanding' moment was honest and real and hurtful, and the resolution was very satisfying. I would have liked to see more about how Austin's teammates reacted to Austin and Liam (for example, if Liam came to their games) since Austin seemed ill-suited to anything but a hockey career.
This is the first book I've read in the series and it works fine as a stand-alone.
Thanks for the very interesting read, Heidi Belleau. Great job.
But that's okay, because fiction doesn't always have to play it safe, and really it shouldn't. A writer can be aware of reader's buttons to the point of avoiding anything remotely trigger-possible, and I think that's a mistake. So having a homophobic character like Austin in a gay romance is a difficult and brave choice.
But that's not why I'm giving this 5 stars. I liked the book because it was different and kept me reading and interested to the last word. I've dnf'd a number of solid m/m romances lately because it just felt like I'd read the same thing a dozen times. Straight Shooter is definitely not like anything I've read before.
I really liked the complexity of Austin's sexuality--not really gay but not totally straight either--and his journey to accept himself. I am not a big BDSM reader, but I found the dom/sub thing in this book very realistic and touching. So often I don't feel the author makes a good enough case for why a sub needs to be a sub, but in this book, I really felt viscerally Austin's kink for it and need to be given permission to be 'not normal'. The way the relationship between Austin and Liam progressed was very well-done. The 'big misunderstanding' moment was honest and real and hurtful, and the resolution was very satisfying. I would have liked to see more about how Austin's teammates reacted to Austin and Liam (for example, if Liam came to their games) since Austin seemed ill-suited to anything but a hockey career.
This is the first book I've read in the series and it works fine as a stand-alone.
Thanks for the very interesting read, Heidi Belleau. Great job.
August 12, 2016
3.5 Stars
So, I haven't read any of the other books in the series. I don't think that really affected the way I read the book other than maybe I didn't fully internalize Austin's jerkwadness, but honestly, I got enough to want to crack him upside the back of the head. The things that come out of some people's mouths--sheesh!
Also, humiliation kink isn't my favorite. Didn't bother me here, nothing was really out there, in fact at times it seemed quite alluring in the way Austin responded. And this is totally consensual, and Puck is very conscientious and errs on the side of conservative and restrained.
I guess as the last book in the series there was bound to be lots of wrapping up of dangling threads and it was nice addition, but part of me thought it detracted from the main MCs story which was actually quite romantic in an understated manner. I'll probably reread this just to see if I missed something.
Favorite quote:
So, I haven't read any of the other books in the series. I don't think that really affected the way I read the book other than maybe I didn't fully internalize Austin's jerkwadness, but honestly, I got enough to want to crack him upside the back of the head. The things that come out of some people's mouths--sheesh!
Also, humiliation kink isn't my favorite. Didn't bother me here, nothing was really out there, in fact at times it seemed quite alluring in the way Austin responded. And this is totally consensual, and Puck is very conscientious and errs on the side of conservative and restrained.
I guess as the last book in the series there was bound to be lots of wrapping up of dangling threads and it was nice addition, but part of me thought it detracted from the main MCs story which was actually quite romantic in an understated manner. I'll probably reread this just to see if I missed something.
Favorite quote:
Who needed music when you had self-hatred? Now there was a playlist that never ended, that never seemed to lose its motivational power.
December 2, 2014
3 stars
I liked this book but I didn't love it. Why, you may ask? Well, while I love to read about domination and submission as a kink and BDSM in many forms, this one just didn't do it for me. Firstly, I really disliked Austin in the other Rear Entrance Video books, but I tend to dislike that type of Asshole Jock/Fratboy type of personality in general. I know he had some issues and that's why he was a jerk, but I just couldn't get into him, no matter whether he was being broken down by humiliation or not. I also didn't particularly like listening in to so much of Austin's thoughts. All of his self hate made me kind of uncomfortable, and also served to not make me like him even more.
Then came Liam, who I didn't really connect with. His way of calling Austin "buddy" was pretty distancing to me as a reader. Some of the d/s scenes were great but I never got the sense that Austin and Liam were really together, especially with the rushed ending.
I did like reading about the hockey and Austin's friends and I love Heidi Belleau's stye of writing. She's really good at capturing that young, hip voice. I just wish there'd been more of his friends and less of his thoughts.
In all, this book was well written and a good ending to the Rear Entrance Video series.
(This book was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review)
I liked this book but I didn't love it. Why, you may ask? Well, while I love to read about domination and submission as a kink and BDSM in many forms, this one just didn't do it for me. Firstly, I really disliked Austin in the other Rear Entrance Video books, but I tend to dislike that type of Asshole Jock/Fratboy type of personality in general. I know he had some issues and that's why he was a jerk, but I just couldn't get into him, no matter whether he was being broken down by humiliation or not. I also didn't particularly like listening in to so much of Austin's thoughts. All of his self hate made me kind of uncomfortable, and also served to not make me like him even more.
Then came Liam, who I didn't really connect with. His way of calling Austin "buddy" was pretty distancing to me as a reader. Some of the d/s scenes were great but I never got the sense that Austin and Liam were really together, especially with the rushed ending.
I did like reading about the hockey and Austin's friends and I love Heidi Belleau's stye of writing. She's really good at capturing that young, hip voice. I just wish there'd been more of his friends and less of his thoughts.
In all, this book was well written and a good ending to the Rear Entrance Video series.
(This book was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review)
October 13, 2014
I really enjoyed this story, my favorite of the series. I was so anti-Austin before reading this, but he and Liam had such a unique and interesting relationship, and his personal growth was so outstanding, that he's right up there among my favorite characters now.
The author took this straight boy and showed us that he's not really so straight after all, and he's definitely not vanilla or alpha. He's a submissive whose kink is humiliation and dirty talk, and his world finally turns right on its axis when Liam, aka porn star Puck, enters the picture.
I loved the way the author built the story, built the D/s relationship, built Austin's self-awareness, and changed his relationships with his roomies, his team members and finally with Liam.
It was hard to put this down because I couldn't wait to see what humiliation awaited him around the next corner. Well-paced story with a slow burn romance and a very satisfying ending. I definitely recommend this one, especially if you are into any form of kinky sex. 4.5 stars
The author took this straight boy and showed us that he's not really so straight after all, and he's definitely not vanilla or alpha. He's a submissive whose kink is humiliation and dirty talk, and his world finally turns right on its axis when Liam, aka porn star Puck, enters the picture.
I loved the way the author built the story, built the D/s relationship, built Austin's self-awareness, and changed his relationships with his roomies, his team members and finally with Liam.
It was hard to put this down because I couldn't wait to see what humiliation awaited him around the next corner. Well-paced story with a slow burn romance and a very satisfying ending. I definitely recommend this one, especially if you are into any form of kinky sex. 4.5 stars
June 17, 2014
There are some things that are just not my kink, and humiliation is one of them. But this story made me believe and accept that for college hockey player Austin, insults and humiliation fill an aching, long-neglected need. I liked his obliviousness, his naiveté, and even his self-centered viewpoint. He's a young man who has been fighting his own needs and expectations for a long time, in order to do the thing he loves most - play hockey. It's fitting that he's so tangled up in his own head that he bumbles around trying to just live his life. I wasn't quite convinced by what Liam, older, confident, and employed in porn, sees in him so quickly, but I also liked that Liam wasn't a perfect Dom and messed up. He wasn't always confident and he didn't always read Austin right. That part felt human and real.
I've enjoyed this series, which has a nice dose of humor, a range of young gay characters, and some surprises along the way.
I've enjoyed this series, which has a nice dose of humor, a range of young gay characters, and some surprises along the way.
June 10, 2014
Funny:
Kinky, OMFG, so kinky:
But also heartbreaking and heartfelt:
Heidi Belleau just gets better and better -- her voice is modern and true.
Austin had this mental image of strapping down the Westboro Baptist Church and forcing them to watch gay porn until the only things they wanted to protest anymore were bad tattoos.
Kinky, OMFG, so kinky:
“Breed me.” “That’s right, buddy. And where do I breed you?” No question where this was leading. Liam lowered himself, nipping a trail down Austin’s neck to his shoulder. The pleasure of that was enough to distract Austin from the humiliating words his mouth was forming: “Breed me in my boypussy.”
But also heartbreaking and heartfelt:
Who needed music when you had self-hatred? Now there was a playlist that never ended, that never seemed to lose its motivational power.
Heidi Belleau just gets better and better -- her voice is modern and true.
October 13, 2015
This was a fun book to read just not quite what I was hoping for. I don't think I have negative points about this book per say, just aspects I would have enjoyed more if they were different.
So point one, I found this book focused more on Austins fear of being gay and dealing with the labelling of his own sexuality, rather than the humiliation kink.
The humiliation could have definitely been more hashed out! There is a 2 month period where what occurred was just outlined and I really wanted to see Austin go through all that stuff first hand.
But it was interesting to see how Austins perspective of himself and being gay changed as the story progressed. Liam was a pretty cool charcter that I would have loved to read more of. The dirty talk was amazing and I loved it, but like I said more would have been good!
So point one, I found this book focused more on Austins fear of being gay and dealing with the labelling of his own sexuality, rather than the humiliation kink.
The humiliation could have definitely been more hashed out! There is a 2 month period where what occurred was just outlined and I really wanted to see Austin go through all that stuff first hand.
But it was interesting to see how Austins perspective of himself and being gay changed as the story progressed. Liam was a pretty cool charcter that I would have loved to read more of. The dirty talk was amazing and I loved it, but like I said more would have been good!
April 10, 2014
There was just too much endless introspection from Austin for a good portion of the book. I would have preferred that time to be spent on the relationship, which was summarily skimmed after the first meeting. However, it -was- indeed hot, except for that thing with the sushi scene which I just personally found too strange. And I liked Austin, even though I have an aversion to jocks. The big misunderstanding brought Liam down a lot of notches in my eyes because I hate that kind of plot device, but I still liked and rooted for both of them together. My attention did drift off for the end, but I did come back to finish. OK read that I wished I liked a little more because I'm a fan of her writings.
August 4, 2016
Hands down the best book in the series. It hit on kinks you rarely see pulled off in a satisfying and accurate way, this is a sure buy for me when it officially comes out, and something I will be quick to recommend for people looking for a fun kinky read. I love how Belleau dealt with Austin's sexuality through the novel, and it was great to see him grow and develop as a character.
After returning to this book after the offical release, my review stays as strong. The sheer emotional and personal development that Austin goes through over the course of the novel is beautifully excuted. The kink is still spot on and the relationship is just absurdly happy-making for me!
After returning to this book after the offical release, my review stays as strong. The sheer emotional and personal development that Austin goes through over the course of the novel is beautifully excuted. The kink is still spot on and the relationship is just absurdly happy-making for me!
April 30, 2014
Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2014/04/08/...
I was really looking forward to this book, it had hockey and a porn theme, what more could a girl want? However, this book started really slow for me, and never really seemed to pick up.
Austin is struggling to define his sexuality. Between playing hockey and living with gay couples, Austin is bombarded with extremes from both sides of the spectrum. When he takes home a few gay videos in hopes that it’ll help him figure out what he wants once and for all, he’s surprise at how attracted he is to a dominant, Puck.
Liam likes his work as Puck, but meeting Austin is throwing him off his game. Austin is everything that Liam has wanted, but given the age difference and Austin’s confusion, Liam is determined not to push. But when both Austin and Liam can no longer deny what’s going on between them, will either one be able to step up and take their relationship to the next level.
I really struggled to get into this book. I thought it was slow in the beginning, especially since we didn’t even get the chance to meet Liam until almost a third of the way into the book. Austin’s struggle with defining himself was a key factor in the entire book, but I would have liked to see Liam get involved a little bit sooner than he did.
I thought Austin’s involvement with his college hockey team was one of the best aspects of this story, along with his relationship with his roommates. I liked the way the brash, rude, and misogynistic players contrasted with Austin’s roommates who were all content within their own (sometimes kinky) skin. It added another dimension to Austin’s struggle with figuring out his place in the world, and I liked the way he was able to lean on his roommates, and stand up to his teammates. Those two aspects were probably my favorite of the whole book.
While I really wanted to love the romance between Austin and Liam, I just struggled getting into it. Because Austin struggled to define himself, he came across as a bigot and a jerk more often than not. Once he finally got to the point where he felt okay asking for what he wanted, I lost most of my interest in his as a character. And while I started off really liking Liam, there was one scene where his character made a decision that annoyed me. Like with Austin, once it happened, I was over Liam and his attitude, and at that point didn’t really seem to care one way or the other for either of them.
All in all, while Belleau is a wonderful writer, and her plot always seem so interesting, I found myself having a hard time getting into this book. I wanted to love Austin and Liam and cheer them on as they discovered their place together, but unfortunately I just couldn’t connect with either of them.
I give Straight Shooter a C-
I was really looking forward to this book, it had hockey and a porn theme, what more could a girl want? However, this book started really slow for me, and never really seemed to pick up.
Austin is struggling to define his sexuality. Between playing hockey and living with gay couples, Austin is bombarded with extremes from both sides of the spectrum. When he takes home a few gay videos in hopes that it’ll help him figure out what he wants once and for all, he’s surprise at how attracted he is to a dominant, Puck.
Liam likes his work as Puck, but meeting Austin is throwing him off his game. Austin is everything that Liam has wanted, but given the age difference and Austin’s confusion, Liam is determined not to push. But when both Austin and Liam can no longer deny what’s going on between them, will either one be able to step up and take their relationship to the next level.
I really struggled to get into this book. I thought it was slow in the beginning, especially since we didn’t even get the chance to meet Liam until almost a third of the way into the book. Austin’s struggle with defining himself was a key factor in the entire book, but I would have liked to see Liam get involved a little bit sooner than he did.
I thought Austin’s involvement with his college hockey team was one of the best aspects of this story, along with his relationship with his roommates. I liked the way the brash, rude, and misogynistic players contrasted with Austin’s roommates who were all content within their own (sometimes kinky) skin. It added another dimension to Austin’s struggle with figuring out his place in the world, and I liked the way he was able to lean on his roommates, and stand up to his teammates. Those two aspects were probably my favorite of the whole book.
While I really wanted to love the romance between Austin and Liam, I just struggled getting into it. Because Austin struggled to define himself, he came across as a bigot and a jerk more often than not. Once he finally got to the point where he felt okay asking for what he wanted, I lost most of my interest in his as a character. And while I started off really liking Liam, there was one scene where his character made a decision that annoyed me. Like with Austin, once it happened, I was over Liam and his attitude, and at that point didn’t really seem to care one way or the other for either of them.
All in all, while Belleau is a wonderful writer, and her plot always seem so interesting, I found myself having a hard time getting into this book. I wanted to love Austin and Liam and cheer them on as they discovered their place together, but unfortunately I just couldn’t connect with either of them.
I give Straight Shooter a C-
June 28, 2015
It all starts with Austin, the jock asshole, being a dick to his roommates, but especially to the one he deems too gay.
This is want I
But sadly NO, all I got was
Everything can be explained by living with gay guys and working with gay guys. Blame it all on them.
In walks the wise porn star
It's not all black and white.
But then he gets to thinking, something's wrong with me. Maybe I can OD on gay and wipe it right out of me.
Then comes the
but let's experiment. Maybe you can fuck the gay out of me.
This continues and continues and continues some more.
This book was ok. However I was very disappoint in it.
M/M- weak to ok
hockey star- cocky ass
porn star- likable
BDSM- fluffy, weak humiliation, but def not the hardcore that is implied
gay for pay- whatever it takes to get you by
Pet names- buddy, kid, kiddo EWWW!!!
But the ending was just there. Nothing spectacular, really rather lack luster. Actually it felt like a giant cop out. Not sure a 'let's settle, rather than fight' message, was a wise ending choice.
May 22, 2014
This book surprised the hell out of me. I was afraid to read it - afraid the BDSM would be too much for me, afraid Austin would be an irredeemable asshole, afraid I wouldn't understand Austin's sexuality, afraid I wouldn't get to know or like Liam - just afraid. Turns out that was completely unfounded because I loved this. Loved it. I almost never give 5 stars, especially on first read, but this blew me away.
It was so unexpectedly funny. I mean, gosh, it was fucking hilarious at times. My favorite quote: . I laughed out loud so many times. Austin was such a mess of assholishness and anger and ignorance and I had so much fun reading about him flailing around trying to get his shit together.
And best of all, Austin does get his shit together! I love love love character development and this book had it in spades. Austin is an ignorant, homophobic meathead at the beginning of this book and I loved seeing him grow. I loved his relationship with his roommates. I loved his relationship with his hockey team. I loved that there was so much more to him than just his confused sexuality.
I also really liked Liam. Frequently in books with only one point of view I feel like I never get to know the other main character - not so here. I could really feel how Liam felt about Austin. I really appreciated the fact that he was human too, not a magical, mind reading Dom. I really liked seeing him and Austin bond outside of their roles as Dom and sub. I thought him and Austin were perfect for each other. The romance in this book was actually the most successful for me out of the entire series.
I was so afraid to read this and now I actually don't think there's a single niggle I had that is even worth mentioning. It's quite possibly my favorite book I've read so far this year.
It was so unexpectedly funny. I mean, gosh, it was fucking hilarious at times. My favorite quote: . I laughed out loud so many times. Austin was such a mess of assholishness and anger and ignorance and I had so much fun reading about him flailing around trying to get his shit together.
And best of all, Austin does get his shit together! I love love love character development and this book had it in spades. Austin is an ignorant, homophobic meathead at the beginning of this book and I loved seeing him grow. I loved his relationship with his roommates. I loved his relationship with his hockey team. I loved that there was so much more to him than just his confused sexuality.
I also really liked Liam. Frequently in books with only one point of view I feel like I never get to know the other main character - not so here. I could really feel how Liam felt about Austin. I really appreciated the fact that he was human too, not a magical, mind reading Dom. I really liked seeing him and Austin bond outside of their roles as Dom and sub. I thought him and Austin were perfect for each other. The romance in this book was actually the most successful for me out of the entire series.
I was so afraid to read this and now I actually don't think there's a single niggle I had that is even worth mentioning. It's quite possibly my favorite book I've read so far this year.
April 13, 2014
Well, that was unexpected. Although maybe I should have expected it given the previous two books and their unique characters and situations.
First off, I loved the cover. Hockey - yes! I'm an Australian and know next to nothing abuot the game but there is something so hot and sexy about those men on the ice! Porn star - who doesn't like a story about a porn star?
From the title and blurb, I was expected a nice story about Austin struggling with his attraction to a man. But this isn't the story I got. This is a story about Austin's bone deep desire to be dominated by Liam/Puck, his total submission. He is all about the kink and Austin's kink is humiliation.
This was a very satisfying end to the series.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in return for my honest review.
Visit my blog if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place! Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
First off, I loved the cover. Hockey - yes! I'm an Australian and know next to nothing abuot the game but there is something so hot and sexy about those men on the ice! Porn star - who doesn't like a story about a porn star?
From the title and blurb, I was expected a nice story about Austin struggling with his attraction to a man. But this isn't the story I got. This is a story about Austin's bone deep desire to be dominated by Liam/Puck, his total submission. He is all about the kink and Austin's kink is humiliation.
"This time, when Austin moaned, there was nothing miserable about it. Fag. He loved and hated that word. Hated being insulted, hated being thought of as less of a man. Hated his uncontrollable reaction, that sharp feeling of arousal he felt every time he heard it used against him.
Loved that for the first time in his life, he didn't have to hide how much it affected him. The way it made him hot and hard and needy, even as he despised himself. Despised being like this."
This was a very satisfying end to the series.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in return for my honest review.
Visit my blog if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place! Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
April 24, 2015
Loved it! Definitely my favorite book out of the series. Austin was such a mess- I spent the whole book divided between wanting to hug him and wanting to smack him upside the head. The story was pretty strongly focused on Austin and his journey- we didn't even meet Liam in person until the 25% mark. If Austin was a woman, I'd call this Women's Fiction more than a romance novel. I'm not sure what to call it when the main character is a man. Queer Fiction? There are certainly romantic elements, but they were secondary to Austin finding himself. But it was also whoa-damn hot. The chemistry between Austin and Liam was electric, and even when they made missteps, they were so clearly right for each other. There were a few moments toward the end of the book where I wish we could have been in Liam's POV. He was struggling, and I would have liked some perspective on that. And although there were moments when Austin's leaps in personal understand really worked, like after overhearing Beverly and Sandra's conversation, there were a few moments where it felt a little too easy, too. Like the words coming out of his mouth weren't quite his own yet. But I still really loved this story.
February 15, 2014
Heidi Belleau has a great way of making her books about more than just love and sex. Austin is a really complicated guy with a complicated issue. He finds that he needs something more than just sex. He needs to be dominated. Heidi did an excellent job of examining the idea of subspace. Subspace for Austin is a feeling of safety, surety and trust that he finds when being dominated. But coming to terms with his needs and what they mean for him in the grand scheme of things is not an easy thing. Austin is a hockey player surrounded by jocks who are not sure that they want a teammate who is anything other than a STRAIGHT shooter. But Liam shows Austin that things are possible for him and that he can have what he wants and what he needs. I absolutely enjoyed this story even if I could not identify with Austin's needs. Another great book from Heidi Belleau!
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