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Indiscreet #1
A Matter of Trust
Donald “Bear” Drummond has almost everything he could want: a high profile, successful real estate career, co-ownership of the city’s most exclusive gay BDSM club, and a string of gorgeous boys interviewing to be his live-in sub. But the boy of his dreams eludes him– until he meets Brian Murphy, a kindhearted and broke IT specialist with a troubled past. Before Bear can win Brian’s trust and forge the relationship he has always desired, he’ll need to overcome his own deep-seated wariness to save Brian from his abusive family and a murderous ex-con seeking revenge against Bear.
For Bear and Brian, it’s all A Matter of Trust
For Bear and Brian, it’s all A Matter of Trust
195 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2010
18 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
A.C. Katt
43 books186 followersAC Katt was born in New York City’s Greenwich Village. She remembers sitting at the fountain in Washington Square Park listening to folk music while they passed the hat. At nine, her parents dragged her to New Jersey where she grew up, married and raised four children and became a voracious reader of romantic fiction. At one time she owned over two thousand novels.
Now, most of AC’s books are electronic (although she still keeps six bookcases of hardcovers), so she never has to give away another book. AC writes GLBT andis to writing, a late bloomer, however, she’s found her niche writing GLBT romance. She currently writes for MLR Press, JMS Books, and Decadent Publishing
Now, most of AC’s books are electronic (although she still keeps six bookcases of hardcovers), so she never has to give away another book. AC writes GLBT andis to writing, a late bloomer, however, she’s found her niche writing GLBT romance. She currently writes for MLR Press, JMS Books, and Decadent Publishing
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 30, 2018
The author used all the usual ingredients to make the recipe of a D/s novel (see below). But there was no D/s meal prepared with it all. There is a few sex scenes. But no real D/s and not at all BDSM. This story tells in endless details the sub's (Brian) miserable past and present and also describes the present difficulties for the Dom -who is also Brian's boss (Bear or Drummond)- to undertake a relationship together. The D/s relationship does not begin until the very end of the book. Bear doesn't cease to repeat that he is a severe and demanding Dom, but we never had the opportunity to see him in action. This is very disappointing for someone who is looking for good BDSM novels.
Recipe for a Gay D/s and BDSM novel:
* The Dom is an alpha male usually jealous. He must be handsome, tall (over 6 feet), sturdy and have a 8-inch or more c*ck. His chest is hairy. He must be able to not let his emotions reflected in his face or in his non-verbal. He is often rich and powerful. The Dom reputation is excellent. He must care for the sub and follow the rules of safe sane and consensual BDSM (e.g. safeword is mandatory). He is highly skilled in the use of whips and other BDSM equipment. He does not share his sub. His office is always huge and well lit (big windows). There is a washroom adjacent to his office. His house is almost a castle and overlooks a magnificent panorama, often a major river. The decoration of the room is in shades of dark blue or all in black leather. It has a four-poster bed. There is always a large fireplace in the living room. The kitchen has all modern equipment and is shiny and clean. His wardrobe always includes designer clothes and Italian shoes. He has often one or many old sport cars in pristine condition. He loves fine wines and quality liqueurs. He does not smoke or, only occasionally, imported cigars of high quality.
* The sub must be smaller than the Dom (the greater the difference in size, the better). He must be in excellent physical shape, without being bulky (rather as a runner or a swimmer). His cock must be of medium size. He must not know too much about the BDSM world (preferably, he is not sure to be gay, possibly a virgin). He should be a little brat, just enough not to be annoying, but not too much. If he cannot cook, he will learn real fast. Must fall in love with his Dom and have at heart to please him.
* The Dom and/or sub must have had a difficult past (e.g. abused childhood) or have been through a recent loss of someone dear, preferably in cruel circumstances.
* In the novel, there must be an event or a situation that makes precarious the relationship between the Dom and the sub. One of the two could be in danger one way or another.
But who says hit recipe says also clichés. I am getting fed up of the flatness of these recipes. I would like to find more originality in the novels I buy.
The only thing that I loved in this book is the first meeting in the boss' office. That was really funny and I laughed.
See other reviews here: http://heartsonfirereviews.com/?tag=D...
Recipe for a Gay D/s and BDSM novel:
* The Dom is an alpha male usually jealous. He must be handsome, tall (over 6 feet), sturdy and have a 8-inch or more c*ck. His chest is hairy. He must be able to not let his emotions reflected in his face or in his non-verbal. He is often rich and powerful. The Dom reputation is excellent. He must care for the sub and follow the rules of safe sane and consensual BDSM (e.g. safeword is mandatory). He is highly skilled in the use of whips and other BDSM equipment. He does not share his sub. His office is always huge and well lit (big windows). There is a washroom adjacent to his office. His house is almost a castle and overlooks a magnificent panorama, often a major river. The decoration of the room is in shades of dark blue or all in black leather. It has a four-poster bed. There is always a large fireplace in the living room. The kitchen has all modern equipment and is shiny and clean. His wardrobe always includes designer clothes and Italian shoes. He has often one or many old sport cars in pristine condition. He loves fine wines and quality liqueurs. He does not smoke or, only occasionally, imported cigars of high quality.
* The sub must be smaller than the Dom (the greater the difference in size, the better). He must be in excellent physical shape, without being bulky (rather as a runner or a swimmer). His cock must be of medium size. He must not know too much about the BDSM world (preferably, he is not sure to be gay, possibly a virgin). He should be a little brat, just enough not to be annoying, but not too much. If he cannot cook, he will learn real fast. Must fall in love with his Dom and have at heart to please him.
* The Dom and/or sub must have had a difficult past (e.g. abused childhood) or have been through a recent loss of someone dear, preferably in cruel circumstances.
* In the novel, there must be an event or a situation that makes precarious the relationship between the Dom and the sub. One of the two could be in danger one way or another.
But who says hit recipe says also clichés. I am getting fed up of the flatness of these recipes. I would like to find more originality in the novels I buy.
The only thing that I loved in this book is the first meeting in the boss' office. That was really funny and I laughed.
See other reviews here: http://heartsonfirereviews.com/?tag=D...
May 4, 2010
The basic story was interesting. The characters were engaging. The writing style was not for me. The over use of names, nicknames and endearments was distracting.
an example:
“So now you are my mother, Reed? Going slow does not mean, not going at all. Reed, I want Brian; I am in love with him. I know I’m going to hear this no matter what, so tell me, Reed and get it over with, please.”
Reed is not even a main character and his name must be in this book 100 times or more. Don't get me started on variations of Don, Donnie, Donald, Donald K. Drummond, Bear, Bear Drummond, Donald Bear Drummond and Papa Bear...which are all the same guy and used to denote the MC in this book often and at various times that have no pattern.
The lack of editing was beyond frustrating. Names were mixed up, commas used indiscriminately, formal versus contracted words were a mixed bag that made reading the sentences stilted and uncomfortable. Italics were used and not used without any pattern to denote thinking/thoughts but not always. Missing quotes and quotes that were not meant to be used among so many other mistakes I had to stop to regroup many times.
On top of all of that the relationship was unrealistic and too swiftly moving. Although chalked up to the Irish Sight and curses of instant and eternal love at first sight it wasn't very believable.
Another place I stumbled was here:
The HR director of Papa Bear, Donald K. Drummond's million dollar real estate firm says to her boss:
I specifically spelled out to Robbins the young man could file both criminal and civil suits against him in Federal Court. He had violated Federal Discrimination Laws and assaulted his victims.
Did I miss something? Since Robbins specifically picked on Brian because he was gay, unless they passed ENDA, I don't think there is a federal law against discriminating in the work force based on sexual orientation.
The setting is New Jersey, they have a state law against it but I don't think poor Brian has a federal case.
And then there is the part where Papa Bear, Donald K. Drummond says
“Brian, are you sure about this? I swear to you, once you’re mine, I’ll never let you leave me. I mean it. I find I am a very possessive man where you are concerned. I would lock you up before I’d let you go.” Bear spoke with unusual, unbridled passion. He grabbed Brian and pulled him into his arms. “Do you understand this, Baby? I would rather kill both you and myself than have another take you from me.”
I know it is only fiction but really? Who is the bigger drama queen here...or the scary potentially violent dominant?
an example:
“So now you are my mother, Reed? Going slow does not mean, not going at all. Reed, I want Brian; I am in love with him. I know I’m going to hear this no matter what, so tell me, Reed and get it over with, please.”
Reed is not even a main character and his name must be in this book 100 times or more. Don't get me started on variations of Don, Donnie, Donald, Donald K. Drummond, Bear, Bear Drummond, Donald Bear Drummond and Papa Bear...which are all the same guy and used to denote the MC in this book often and at various times that have no pattern.
The lack of editing was beyond frustrating. Names were mixed up, commas used indiscriminately, formal versus contracted words were a mixed bag that made reading the sentences stilted and uncomfortable. Italics were used and not used without any pattern to denote thinking/thoughts but not always. Missing quotes and quotes that were not meant to be used among so many other mistakes I had to stop to regroup many times.
On top of all of that the relationship was unrealistic and too swiftly moving. Although chalked up to the Irish Sight and curses of instant and eternal love at first sight it wasn't very believable.
Another place I stumbled was here:
The HR director of Papa Bear, Donald K. Drummond's million dollar real estate firm says to her boss:
I specifically spelled out to Robbins the young man could file both criminal and civil suits against him in Federal Court. He had violated Federal Discrimination Laws and assaulted his victims.
Did I miss something? Since Robbins specifically picked on Brian because he was gay, unless they passed ENDA, I don't think there is a federal law against discriminating in the work force based on sexual orientation.
The setting is New Jersey, they have a state law against it but I don't think poor Brian has a federal case.
And then there is the part where Papa Bear, Donald K. Drummond says
“Brian, are you sure about this? I swear to you, once you’re mine, I’ll never let you leave me. I mean it. I find I am a very possessive man where you are concerned. I would lock you up before I’d let you go.” Bear spoke with unusual, unbridled passion. He grabbed Brian and pulled him into his arms. “Do you understand this, Baby? I would rather kill both you and myself than have another take you from me.”
I know it is only fiction but really? Who is the bigger drama queen here...or the scary potentially violent dominant?
March 9, 2013
I agree with Danny Tyran's review, although I think he was generous in rating this a 2. Danny suggests the author assembled "all the usual ingredients to make the recipe of a D/s novel . . . but there was no D/s meal prepared with it all."
I'd go further. I suggest the author assembled all the ingredients for a D/s novel, then threw them on the floor and pissed on them.
My head spun with how often Bear changed his mind about his cast iron rules. Everything in the book caused an eyeroll. You may wonder why I read book 2 if I hated this one so much: unfortunately I read book 2 first, and didn't hate it. I hated this.
I'd go further. I suggest the author assembled all the ingredients for a D/s novel, then threw them on the floor and pissed on them.
My head spun with how often Bear changed his mind about his cast iron rules. Everything in the book caused an eyeroll. You may wonder why I read book 2 if I hated this one so much: unfortunately I read book 2 first, and didn't hate it. I hated this.
maybe-not
December 15, 2014FREE today at MLR Press! 12/15/14 http://www.mlrbooks.com/Special.php
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December 29, 2014What can I say? This was definitely not my cup of tea. The blurb sounded interesting and for me this would have been a much more enjoyable story if it didn't include "everything but the kitchen sink" worth of problems for the main characters to deal with, which ultimately forced me to abandon my suspension of disbelief and yanked me right out of the story.
In addition, over the course of the book, I really came to dislike Donald. I simply could not understand how someone with his lack of self-control and patience could have been considered a Master Dom in charge of training others. I was also super turned off by his possessive fixations and the way he rushed Brian into a binding relationship while Brian was still recovering from some major physical and mental trauma. I was a bit more forgiving of Brain's character flaws, but I have to admit he frustrated me at times as well.
What it boils down to is that this is just not my type of book. Nothing against the author or the readers who enjoyed it - just different strokes for different folks.
In addition, over the course of the book, I really came to dislike Donald. I simply could not understand how someone with his lack of self-control and patience could have been considered a Master Dom in charge of training others. I was also super turned off by his possessive fixations and the way he rushed Brian into a binding relationship while Brian was still recovering from some major physical and mental trauma. I was a bit more forgiving of Brain's character flaws, but I have to admit he frustrated me at times as well.
What it boils down to is that this is just not my type of book. Nothing against the author or the readers who enjoyed it - just different strokes for different folks.
September 19, 2014
Ugh. You know, I wasn't happy with this book and it was so full of Just No that I didn't even want to write the review but I went ahead and started full on ranting and then (don't even ask what I did because I don't know) I managed to lose the whole thing.
*epically tired*
So I'll just make it quick and snappy. A lot of unrealistic crap going on. The über-toppy-top-Dom was a shining example of a selfish bore and the kind of character that turns me off reading D/s stories. It is all about him. He was more interested in having a sex doll than a real person. He was whiny, inconsistent, and pretty freaking creepy at times.
I know there was a lot more in here that just about killed me but I don't want to think about it anymore, I just want to last save to before I started reading this book and choose to read and pay attention to all the low ratings/reviews this got.
*sulks in corner*
Later thought: I do appreciate that the book wasn't just one scene after another. I get frustrated with that in a lot of BDSM novels (actually with a lot of other genres, too, but that is another gripe). I get that it is a big part of things, but there is so much more to a relationship than sex. If you can manage to make the scenes show the growing of the relationship, awesome, but most of the time they are just about reading The Sexy. *nods*
*epically tired*
So I'll just make it quick and snappy. A lot of unrealistic crap going on. The über-toppy-top-Dom was a shining example of a selfish bore and the kind of character that turns me off reading D/s stories. It is all about him. He was more interested in having a sex doll than a real person. He was whiny, inconsistent, and pretty freaking creepy at times.
I know there was a lot more in here that just about killed me but I don't want to think about it anymore, I just want to last save to before I started reading this book and choose to read and pay attention to all the low ratings/reviews this got.
*sulks in corner*
Later thought: I do appreciate that the book wasn't just one scene after another. I get frustrated with that in a lot of BDSM novels (actually with a lot of other genres, too, but that is another gripe). I get that it is a big part of things, but there is so much more to a relationship than sex. If you can manage to make the scenes show the growing of the relationship, awesome, but most of the time they are just about reading The Sexy. *nods*
September 21, 2012
What can I say about this book? It is certainly full of weird characters, some of whom are business men with severe 'mobster' tendencies. This is also a BDSM story and although not my preferred kind of story, these characters were just so weird and wacky that it made for entertaining reading. The story also has a fairy tale feel to it and sometimes I felt that it would have been better if it had actually been a story about shifters. At least then some of the characters would have felt more authentic.
Donald 'the bear' Drummond is the Master Dom 'prince' who meets his 'Cinderella' in Brian 'the perfect sub' Murphy. Donald is controlling, gruff and shouts a lot. He is also very handy with a whip as some of the baddies find out to their cost. Brian in contrast is lovely, gentle, obedient to a fault and put upon it seems by everyone. He also has the sight and is able to spot his true love instantly.
Of course before they can have their happy ever after Brian has to be rescued from the baddies which include a conniving Auntie, a manipulative mother and a gangster moll landlady. Not to mention the bullying boss who is a member of the KKK and also a right wing Christian. (possible theological contradictions here but never mind)
Despite this array of baddies and lots of woes in his life, Brian is an excellent student and has an MBA and qualifications in accounting and IT (clever or wot?) So after a few skirmishes with the baddies, spilt wine, attraction, and explorations into Donald's philanthropic nature and business acumen, Donald ' the bear' Drummond gets his perfect sub, the baddies get their comeuppance (too right) and all is well.
I enjoyed this story. It isn't all neat and tidy, and has a really weird cast of characters. I didn't take it too seriously. I laughed in all the wrong places, suspended my disbelief and thoroughly enjoyed it. Nice one!
Donald 'the bear' Drummond is the Master Dom 'prince' who meets his 'Cinderella' in Brian 'the perfect sub' Murphy. Donald is controlling, gruff and shouts a lot. He is also very handy with a whip as some of the baddies find out to their cost. Brian in contrast is lovely, gentle, obedient to a fault and put upon it seems by everyone. He also has the sight and is able to spot his true love instantly.
Of course before they can have their happy ever after Brian has to be rescued from the baddies which include a conniving Auntie, a manipulative mother and a gangster moll landlady. Not to mention the bullying boss who is a member of the KKK and also a right wing Christian. (possible theological contradictions here but never mind)
Despite this array of baddies and lots of woes in his life, Brian is an excellent student and has an MBA and qualifications in accounting and IT (clever or wot?) So after a few skirmishes with the baddies, spilt wine, attraction, and explorations into Donald's philanthropic nature and business acumen, Donald ' the bear' Drummond gets his perfect sub, the baddies get their comeuppance (too right) and all is well.
I enjoyed this story. It isn't all neat and tidy, and has a really weird cast of characters. I didn't take it too seriously. I laughed in all the wrong places, suspended my disbelief and thoroughly enjoyed it. Nice one!
July 7, 2016
OCD, PTSD, ESP, abusive parents, lying conniving relatives, Stockholm syndrome, insta-lust, appalingly stilted dialogue, laughable (and probably impossible!) use of a bullwhip, unbelievable characters, deus ex machinas everywhere, millionaire Dom, pick a trope and throw it in.....You name it, it could probably be found somewhere in this book.
I started reading and managed to 60% before I realised I couldn't go on - not because of the story (I had a weird compulsion to continue, as if the writer had imbued the words with some magical addictive force.... read on... read on... read on.......) but because I was laughing too much.
Sorry. This had the potential to be good, but the characters are so effingly clichéd and the MASSIVE info-dumps were like wading through treacle.
ANd one last thing. Come on authors..... Let's be realistic here. Your mother has beaten you to a bloody pulp time after time after time when you were a child and you STILL pay for her medical care (and live a life of utter poverty yourself) rather than let her go into a health care facility???
Like hell you would.
I started reading and managed to 60% before I realised I couldn't go on - not because of the story (I had a weird compulsion to continue, as if the writer had imbued the words with some magical addictive force.... read on... read on... read on.......) but because I was laughing too much.
Sorry. This had the potential to be good, but the characters are so effingly clichéd and the MASSIVE info-dumps were like wading through treacle.
ANd one last thing. Come on authors..... Let's be realistic here. Your mother has beaten you to a bloody pulp time after time after time when you were a child and you STILL pay for her medical care (and live a life of utter poverty yourself) rather than let her go into a health care facility???
Like hell you would.
August 30, 2012
It was quite an annoying reading, there're so many things I didn't like (especially the overly dramatic scenes and distrustful Donald.) It's kind of typical story - a sweet boy mistreated in every possible way meets his fateful love match, they immediately fall in love (why? It's predestined and I supply an easy way of handling things) and start "D/s relationship", that seems just strange to me. Donald is the Dom I have no respect for. I just could't bring myself to believe this story or get into it..
October 21, 2011
I wanted to give this 4 stars because I did like the book. But there were just too many things that clashed or didn't work for me.
Want to read
December 16, 2014FREE at MLR Press on 12/15/14!
Ouch, a LOT of 1-2 star reviews...
Ouch, a LOT of 1-2 star reviews...
December 23, 2014
DNF 70%
Maudlin prose
Saintly mc’s
Extreme Cinderella
Violins in the background
August 6, 2016
Just to be clear: Master Dom Papa Bear Donald K Drummond is nuts. That much becomes apparent pretty much immediately upon diving into his brain space. He’s completely off his rocker, totally delusional.
This is one of those books (authors) I can’t possibly rate. There is insanity and ludicrousness but it’s such incredibly detailed madness, so bizarre and off that I can’t help wanting to read on. Kind of.
Something really weird is going on with the editing – particularly the willy-nilly placement of punctuation. The language is incongruently flowery too – actually more Victorian (or at least historical-romance-flavoured) than befits the modern setting.
Plus, although it is nice to see such a dense collection of fancier words than one tends to encounter in this sort of book, I think clarity should always be the first consideration. The style here reminds me of an over-decorated cake. I am sure some people might love it, and it has its merits in that a lot of description is packed into every single adjective – of which there are too many – but in some ways that lavishness drags things out like stringy gum. Multi-berry-flavoured, I think. There are so many details that it’s kind of impressive. But I would rather be impressed with the story and characters than with the author’s offhand knowledge of expensive living style (?).
Come to think of it, it amuses me how much this reminds me of Barbara Cartland – with her egotistical heroes who are of course the best at anything and are way above considering the comforts or needs of lesser beings, except when they choose to prove their generosity on a whim or to feel superior. To be fair, Donald here is of course a model of generosity in all aspects of life and uses his fantastical resources to make everyone else plush and happy. But he still does not truly care about individuals.
There’s also something deeply sinister about him and his minions. He has the police department in his pocket, and the hospital, and who knows what else. Violating procedure or breaking the law is nothing to him - he can whip someone (in the non-BDSM sense) without incurring any consequences. Scary people. And the only corrective is their own sense of morals. Very scary indeed.
I am not going to address any questions of logic or realism. This has about the same relationship to reality as a creampuff does to the moons of mars. (That comparison might actually be more accurate than it seems. This book is a large bacon-flavoured creampuff of fantasy.)
Before I allow myself to think too much, I feel that the lack of romance, despite the supernatural explosion of “love”, is something that needs to be mentioned. Although maybe this quotation will speak for itself.
This is where it gets seriously scary. I gather this destructive, obsessive and violent “passion” is a trend with YA and NA novels. But it’s still totally sick and as unsexy and unromantic as anything can get.
So it took me a good two thirds or three quarters of the book to conclude that I actually do not like it. (Which possibly helps with the rating, although there’s a slight softening towards the end.) Even if I still plan to read at least one more, possibly the whole series, out of sheer fascination. But it took this long to actually be disgusted rather than dazed.
Interestingly, this is also the point where I began to dislike both main characters. Yes, old Donald was pretty much unlikeable from the start, but Brian follows suit, sadly.
In the end I am mostly just weirded out.
Because I can I will add something from fairly early on that made me laugh out loud with its suddenness.
The funny part is that abrupt switch in the second paragraph from emotional-mushy to providing exact measurements like in the average porn story. So classy! That was a good laugh, though.
I just feel guilty that I subjected my boyfriend to this snippet. (Forgive me!)
This is one of those books (authors) I can’t possibly rate. There is insanity and ludicrousness but it’s such incredibly detailed madness, so bizarre and off that I can’t help wanting to read on. Kind of.
Something really weird is going on with the editing – particularly the willy-nilly placement of punctuation. The language is incongruently flowery too – actually more Victorian (or at least historical-romance-flavoured) than befits the modern setting.
Plus, although it is nice to see such a dense collection of fancier words than one tends to encounter in this sort of book, I think clarity should always be the first consideration. The style here reminds me of an over-decorated cake. I am sure some people might love it, and it has its merits in that a lot of description is packed into every single adjective – of which there are too many – but in some ways that lavishness drags things out like stringy gum. Multi-berry-flavoured, I think. There are so many details that it’s kind of impressive. But I would rather be impressed with the story and characters than with the author’s offhand knowledge of expensive living style (?).
Come to think of it, it amuses me how much this reminds me of Barbara Cartland – with her egotistical heroes who are of course the best at anything and are way above considering the comforts or needs of lesser beings, except when they choose to prove their generosity on a whim or to feel superior. To be fair, Donald here is of course a model of generosity in all aspects of life and uses his fantastical resources to make everyone else plush and happy. But he still does not truly care about individuals.
There’s also something deeply sinister about him and his minions. He has the police department in his pocket, and the hospital, and who knows what else. Violating procedure or breaking the law is nothing to him - he can whip someone (in the non-BDSM sense) without incurring any consequences. Scary people. And the only corrective is their own sense of morals. Very scary indeed.
I am not going to address any questions of logic or realism. This has about the same relationship to reality as a creampuff does to the moons of mars. (That comparison might actually be more accurate than it seems. This book is a large bacon-flavoured creampuff of fantasy.)
Before I allow myself to think too much, I feel that the lack of romance, despite the supernatural explosion of “love”, is something that needs to be mentioned. Although maybe this quotation will speak for itself.
“I would rather kill both you and myself than have another take you from me.”
This is where it gets seriously scary. I gather this destructive, obsessive and violent “passion” is a trend with YA and NA novels. But it’s still totally sick and as unsexy and unromantic as anything can get.
So it took me a good two thirds or three quarters of the book to conclude that I actually do not like it. (Which possibly helps with the rating, although there’s a slight softening towards the end.) Even if I still plan to read at least one more, possibly the whole series, out of sheer fascination. But it took this long to actually be disgusted rather than dazed.
Interestingly, this is also the point where I began to dislike both main characters. Yes, old Donald was pretty much unlikeable from the start, but Brian follows suit, sadly.
In the end I am mostly just weirded out.
Because I can I will add something from fairly early on that made me laugh out loud with its suddenness.
The light in those bright blue eyes seemed to dim. Bear came out to roar. The boy was no more than twenty-two or three. He was much too young to look so defeated. Bear wanted to kiss that look off his face and bring back the sparkle in those bright blue eyes.
He also wanted to see those eyes when he first stuffed his nine-inch, fist thick member into his boy’s well-lubricated ass. He wanted to watch them glassy with ecstasy, shining with mischief and desperate to please his Papa, only his Papa.
The funny part is that abrupt switch in the second paragraph from emotional-mushy to providing exact measurements like in the average porn story. So classy! That was a good laugh, though.
I just feel guilty that I subjected my boyfriend to this snippet. (Forgive me!)
October 15, 2012
I was really excited to read this book, as I love characters who work through their traumatic history to find a healthy and loving relationship. Boy was I wrong- this book does NOT portray safe, sane, and consensual BDSM, and I was disgusted by the last 40 pages.
I tried to put aside my logic and enjoy the story as a fairy tale- I can deal with insta-love, I can deal with the characters immediately making a lifetime commitment to each other during a hugely traumatic time, I can even deal with the bull-shit "testing" the sub has to go through. But I hit my breaking point when the dom basically said "I'd rather kill you and I both than have you with anyone else after we make this commitment to each other"- that's not love, that's abuse. Not a fairy tale, not a good example of mutually respectful BDSM, and makes it seem that one can get over years of abuse and neglect basically overnight.
In other words- don't read it, especially if you have an abuse history of your own.
I tried to put aside my logic and enjoy the story as a fairy tale- I can deal with insta-love, I can deal with the characters immediately making a lifetime commitment to each other during a hugely traumatic time, I can even deal with the bull-shit "testing" the sub has to go through. But I hit my breaking point when the dom basically said "I'd rather kill you and I both than have you with anyone else after we make this commitment to each other"- that's not love, that's abuse. Not a fairy tale, not a good example of mutually respectful BDSM, and makes it seem that one can get over years of abuse and neglect basically overnight.
In other words- don't read it, especially if you have an abuse history of your own.
June 21, 2013
I found this book simply awful ... I really dislike books which portray BDSM as some sort of cult for the emotionally damaged ... 'normal', 'healthy' & 'sane' individuals can be kinky but the characters in this book seemed to use childhood trauma as a justification for their kink ... add in almost comic-book caricature characters for the Doms & subs (Seriously? A fist-sized penis & navy blue eyes??? Really?) ... this book almost caused an epileptic fit as my eyes spent so much time rolling back in exasperation ... if you like your books 'straight to video' bad with cartoon-ish characters; melodramatic drama; & superfluous plot devises then have at this book ... for anyone else, I'd say poke yourself in the eye with a burnt stick before reading this drivel.
January 14, 2015
No. Just no. This was an absolute train wreck. The author had this story worked out in her head but failed to deliver. All the parts were there, they just unfortunately didn't mesh. Inconsistencies in what the characters were saying and doing was exceedingly annoying. Actions happened that were plan incapable of happening. The first chapter was great, but I quickly lost the love with the overly verbose second chapter. MC Brian was pretty well put together, but Dom Donald/Bear/Papa Bea/Master Bear/Sir... just pick one or two, already. Geez! His controlling character was the most insecure of all.
December 29, 2014
This story has so much potential and honestly the potential is the only reason why I finished it. I spent the bulk of the reading confused. One minute Donald is saying you're the love of my life but at the same time will say I'll dump you if you don't follow my rules for this trial run. That doesn't make any sense! The lack of consistency with the characters: they're personalities, physical traits and their communication skills etc. The over the top scenes and much more was a little too much. I think the story needs more work and definitely a lot of close-reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2014
One MC, Bear, is part owner of a BDSM club. Although the lifestyle is significant in the characters makeup it is more a background to the events and interactions. Both Bear and Brian have their problems from the past leading to trust issues. These problems are slowly revealled as the story progresses. This is not a happy story full of light moments but also not a story full of angst. It even has some mystery and revenge. Worth reading.
March 11, 2013
Insta love but okay.
Some heavy issues like mental illness and abuse were kind of brushed over and the whole monster C*ck thing was funny - one of the reasons I kept reading was because I wanted to see what new ways the author was going to use to describe Bear's monstrosity...always funny to read that...
Shallow review from a a shallow reader...
Some heavy issues like mental illness and abuse were kind of brushed over and the whole monster C*ck thing was funny - one of the reasons I kept reading was because I wanted to see what new ways the author was going to use to describe Bear's monstrosity...always funny to read that...
Shallow review from a a shallow reader...
October 21, 2014
A matter of trust
I liked this book to a point I think it would of been better if it was a gay police story instead of Dom/sub book I liked how Brian's lifted came together. I have a problem with a lover callings is partner papa all in all it was good I did want to smack the crap out of the mother and aunt mary.
I liked this book to a point I think it would of been better if it was a gay police story instead of Dom/sub book I liked how Brian's lifted came together. I have a problem with a lover callings is partner papa all in all it was good I did want to smack the crap out of the mother and aunt mary.
December 9, 2014
A good story but not particularly well written. Lots of repetition and awkward sentences. Dramatic moments often felt unnatural. I'm glad that I read one of the later books in the series first (big improvement) otherwise I may never have bother reading more. Worth reading only because it provides background information for the rest of the series.
March 10, 2016
This one didn't work for me. Character development was inconsistent. And the way the characters were referred to was also inconsistent. It left me confused on how they knew each other and what their true relationship/connection was. Plus, I felt many times, there were just too many details and unnecessary explanations.
March 29, 2015
Donald is a master dom looking for a boy of his own. When Brian walks in both of their worlds are changed in an instant. But this encounter sets into motion all kinds of hard things that must be dealt with and gotten through. But their own strengths become evident and they come together on their own terms and ready to be just what the other one needs.
March 22, 2015
Oh my gosh, Brian. Everything bad you could possibly think of, happened to this man. He has suffered too much.
And Bear...I didn't like him very much there at the end (he may not have deserved Brian that much, in my opinion). :(
I didn't expect all that suffering.
And Bear...I didn't like him very much there at the end (he may not have deserved Brian that much, in my opinion). :(
I didn't expect all that suffering.
September 19, 2012
3.5 stars
December 23, 2014
I liked it. It's not one I'll remember but it was the right book for the mood I was in at the time I read it.
May 27, 2016
I love age/gap romances so I might be giving an extra star for that. Otherwise, too much tell and not enough show.
March 11, 2015
kind of silly
December 13, 2016
Loved it
What I love about this author is she always leaves you wanting to read the next book. An the characters are always different and strong in their own way.
What I love about this author is she always leaves you wanting to read the next book. An the characters are always different and strong in their own way.
February 22, 2015
Absolutely LOVED Brian and his Bear!
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