What do you think?
Rate this book
Redemption
It’s a different world. Space has been colonized, the wealthy fly to work rather than drive, and slavery is legal.
Jason’s family has been ripped apart by tragedy. The only way he can save the ones left is to offer himself up as a bondmate. The more he’s willing to give, the higher the price he can command. And Jason is willing to give a lot.
Devin is wealthy and heartbroken after the wife he adored walked out on him. He isn’t looking for love. All he wants is a relationship he can control. Buying a bondmate seems like the perfect solution.
Yet when he purchases Jason’s contract, Devin gets more than he bargained for.
Jason’s family has been ripped apart by tragedy. The only way he can save the ones left is to offer himself up as a bondmate. The more he’s willing to give, the higher the price he can command. And Jason is willing to give a lot.
Devin is wealthy and heartbroken after the wife he adored walked out on him. He isn’t looking for love. All he wants is a relationship he can control. Buying a bondmate seems like the perfect solution.
Yet when he purchases Jason’s contract, Devin gets more than he bargained for.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2012
35 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Duncan Craig
4 books32 followersLivvie has been writing in one form or another for more than fifteen years. Enough kind people encouraged her that she decided to try her luck with the wild and woolly world of indie publishing. So far, so good. Olivia Duncan Craig is not her real name. For various reasons, she needs to lead a double life. That may change one day. She is based out of Washington, DC, but travels extensively for work and play. This year's trips include Istanbul, London, Barcelona, the Seychelles and Sydney. She lives with her adorable dog and long-suffering cat. Her apartment overlooks the water. Life is good.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
June 5, 2012
It's a MacGuffin hunt
This book has zero to do with slavery: the whole bondmate thing is just minor window dressing. Neither does the futuristic setting have any relevance (BTW, the future is just like today. No attempt at world building. It's not "a different world". It's exactly the same world!). It is, rather, mob seeks MacGuffin. You've read/seen this plot a thousand times: Riptide, Moonlighting, NCIS, even Murder She Wrote.
Mild, very general spoiler
The book is fine, but here is a situation where the window dressing gives readers an expectation about the book that the author never intended to fulfill. With m/m and slavery I had certain preconceptions, but, like I say, this book has absolutely nothing to do with slavery, issues of self-determination, free will, or the morality of treating people like property. For all practical purposes Jason is just a PA to a rich guy, with whom he is falling in love.
The writing is perfectly fine. The characterisations are pretty one-dimensional. This would be a fine summer beach read (in fact you've probably already read this plot several times as a summer beach read).
At the beginning of the book I thought this was going to be a lot more interesting. The initial relationship between Jason and Devin starts to address issues of ownership, but the author quickly abandons this for a simple, well-worn plot. I think zie has the talent to do better than selling zirself short with this recycled, tired trope.
This book has zero to do with slavery: the whole bondmate thing is just minor window dressing. Neither does the futuristic setting have any relevance (BTW, the future is just like today. No attempt at world building. It's not "a different world". It's exactly the same world!). It is, rather, mob seeks MacGuffin. You've read/seen this plot a thousand times: Riptide, Moonlighting, NCIS, even Murder She Wrote.
Mild, very general spoiler
The book is fine, but here is a situation where the window dressing gives readers an expectation about the book that the author never intended to fulfill. With m/m and slavery I had certain preconceptions, but, like I say, this book has absolutely nothing to do with slavery, issues of self-determination, free will, or the morality of treating people like property. For all practical purposes Jason is just a PA to a rich guy, with whom he is falling in love.
The writing is perfectly fine. The characterisations are pretty one-dimensional. This would be a fine summer beach read (in fact you've probably already read this plot several times as a summer beach read).
At the beginning of the book I thought this was going to be a lot more interesting. The initial relationship between Jason and Devin starts to address issues of ownership, but the author quickly abandons this for a simple, well-worn plot. I think zie has the talent to do better than selling zirself short with this recycled, tired trope.
Read
December 19, 2014
** 2,5 unbelievable stars **
First of all I've got to say that the blurb and the genres tag (on GR) are completely off for this book in my opinion. Which meant the expectation I had before I started this were not met, so I was disappointed about that. Some of the genre tags were: science fiction, bdsm, gay for you, erotica, fantasy. Those didn't fit AT ALL. I would call this book futuristic, not science fiction. Since it seems it's normal for men and women to be with either gender in this book, the "gay for you" tag is also misleading. This was the least erotic book I think I've ever read. And fantasy? Pfft, get the fuck out..
Also the blurb says, "It's a different world. Space has been colonized, the wealthy fly to work rather than fly, and slavery is legal." So I'm thinking it's a futuristic/sci fi setting, right, where it's SO different from how we live to day that it'll be interesting to read about, especially when the blurb mention "bondmate", I was curious to see what that entailed.
Well, this could have been just any other normal MM romance book, except they "fly to work rather than drive", they eat supplements (smoothies and bars) instead of "natural food" (which does exist, but is expensive and rare, so everyone is brought up on supplements). Since the world is so normal the whole bondmate thing didn't work at all. I couldn't quite understand why Devin chose to get one. His friend suggested it, and it was like, "yeah, alright, I try it". But then Jason's contract is for 20, yes twenty, years. (!!!) And they get 72 hours to decide if they are a fit. It just didn't make any sense! That's what I mean with the setting, if it had been vastly different or "something" that made the whole bondmate thing believable, it may have been fine.
What also bothered me was that Devin and Jason didn't talk about what their bonding entailed, so their misunderstandings kind of fell short because I was constantly thinking, "Well, you haven't been talking to each other and telling each other how you would like everything to be!"
It turned very violent at the end. It was all rounded up with a I hate reading about a MC being Devin was playing the part of an "hero", and insisted that he should be a part of
Wow, I'm really slaughtering this book, huh? It wasn't all bad. The beginning was promising, but the book didn't follow through.
January 25, 2021
Different and exciting
I really enjoyed this book. It was a combination of science fiction, a love story, and a thriller. I couldn’t put it down. I’m certainly going to check out other books by Olivia Duncan Craig.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a combination of science fiction, a love story, and a thriller. I couldn’t put it down. I’m certainly going to check out other books by Olivia Duncan Craig.
November 8, 2013
3.5 THE SEX WAS HOTT BUT IM KINDA CONFUSED STARS
THE YEAR IS 2065
JASON BECOMES A BOND MATE, TOO DEVIN….
OK BONDMATE EXPLAINED ~ CHECK
THEY FLY THINGS CALLED SKIPES- THESE ARE AIRCRAFTS, EXPLAINED ~ CHECK
THEY LIVE IN LA… YES LOS ANGELES BUT ON WHAT PLANET?????? THEY TALKED ABOUT EARTH AND THE SURROUNDING PLANETS BUT NEVER ADVISED WHAT PLANET THEY WERE ON. I NEEDED MORE DETAIL ON THIS, I STILL NEED MORE DETAIL ON THIS. I FEEL AS IF I MISSED A WHOLE CHAPTER OR 2.
MY LIKES IN PICS:
OBVS IT’S ALL ABOUT THE SEX! ;)
THE ANGST:
DISLIKES:
CONFUSION
THE NOT ENOUGH KISSING SCENES
THE CHEMISTRY FELT A LIL DISCONNECTED
THE FACT THAT NORMAL FOOD THAT WE EAT TODAY IS UNHEARD OF..IF I HAD TO DRINK SUPPLEMENTS FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE I WOULD SLIT MY WRISTS
ALL IN ALL I WOULD TELL ANYONE TO READ THIS BOOK BECAUSE IT’S DIFFERENT AND IT HAS GREAT SEX SCENES, HAS ACTION, DRAMA, ANGST AND THROW IN SOME LOVE THERE
Mare~Slitsread
THE YEAR IS 2065
JASON BECOMES A BOND MATE, TOO DEVIN….
OK BONDMATE EXPLAINED ~ CHECK
THEY FLY THINGS CALLED SKIPES- THESE ARE AIRCRAFTS, EXPLAINED ~ CHECK
THEY LIVE IN LA… YES LOS ANGELES BUT ON WHAT PLANET?????? THEY TALKED ABOUT EARTH AND THE SURROUNDING PLANETS BUT NEVER ADVISED WHAT PLANET THEY WERE ON. I NEEDED MORE DETAIL ON THIS, I STILL NEED MORE DETAIL ON THIS. I FEEL AS IF I MISSED A WHOLE CHAPTER OR 2.
MY LIKES IN PICS:
OBVS IT’S ALL ABOUT THE SEX! ;)
THE ANGST:
DISLIKES:
CONFUSION
THE NOT ENOUGH KISSING SCENES
THE CHEMISTRY FELT A LIL DISCONNECTED
THE FACT THAT NORMAL FOOD THAT WE EAT TODAY IS UNHEARD OF..IF I HAD TO DRINK SUPPLEMENTS FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE I WOULD SLIT MY WRISTS
ALL IN ALL I WOULD TELL ANYONE TO READ THIS BOOK BECAUSE IT’S DIFFERENT AND IT HAS GREAT SEX SCENES, HAS ACTION, DRAMA, ANGST AND THROW IN SOME LOVE THERE
Mare~Slitsread
May 1, 2017
4 stars (2 for first half, 5 for second)
I enjoyed this story and it wasn't what it sounds like at all. This is not slave fiction. iIn fact, I thought Jason acted way to comfortable in Devon's presence from the beginning. He acted more familiar than most people do at a new job and he was clingy very quickly, too. Both got hurt and attached way too quickly for normal people. For people in their situation? It was ridiculous.
The story was very slow moving at first. It picked up and went much faster once the action started about 3/5ths if the way through. That's when it got really good. The answer to the problem/mystery/conflict was obvious as soon as it came up. (I can't say more than that without giving things away), but it didn't matter. The danger and peril and hospital scenes were wonderful.
I really liked how ethnically diverse the book was but there weren't a lot of strong women who were likeable. There was a kid, too, who acted like a kid his age!
My one nitpick: This is the future and they still have non private answering machines, meaning the kind anyone in the house can hear the message that someone leaves as it's being left? I don't know anyone who has one even now.
I enjoyed this story and it wasn't what it sounds like at all. This is not slave fiction. iIn fact, I thought Jason acted way to comfortable in Devon's presence from the beginning. He acted more familiar than most people do at a new job and he was clingy very quickly, too. Both got hurt and attached way too quickly for normal people. For people in their situation? It was ridiculous.
The story was very slow moving at first. It picked up and went much faster once the action started about 3/5ths if the way through. That's when it got really good. The answer to the problem/mystery/conflict was obvious as soon as it came up. (I can't say more than that without giving things away), but it didn't matter. The danger and peril and hospital scenes were wonderful.
I really liked how ethnically diverse the book was but there weren't a lot of strong women who were likeable. There was a kid, too, who acted like a kid his age!
My one nitpick: This is the future and they still have non private answering machines, meaning the kind anyone in the house can hear the message that someone leaves as it's being left? I don't know anyone who has one even now.
June 10, 2013
I read this one when it first came out and absolutely loved it. I plan on re-reading it over the holidays. Tons of angst, smokin' hot sex and a fabulous HEA. All my requirements met.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
August 10, 2013
I really struggled with this one ... I found the whole 'selling yourself into slavery' difficult to swallow given the behavior of the people Jason came into contact with ... on one hand, slavery was 'respected' because it was all consensual, above board & legal BUT he was treated like a two-bit whore by some people too ... the inconsistencies just pulled me from the story ... I did like the HEA so it was worth finishing the book but it isn't a particularly well-done sci-fi plot IMO.
May 1, 2012
I really liked this book. The setting Is very different -- a time when the rich flit around in their own personal planes, and can afford to eat natural food , when most survive on just supplements. Right there is one of my favourite things :-) boy feeds boy chicken noodle soup. It is also possible to contract someone to live with you, work with you, maybe even sleep with you. Devin has been hurt, his ex wife really did a number on him, his PA has left to have a baby, so he decides to get a male bondmate. Enter Jason - desperately needing credits so he can help his family escape. So he sells himself to Devin - full out bondmate. But of course Devin is a lot more than a rich, spoiled playboy and he really starts to care for Jason.... I mean, chicken noodle soup, nuff said!!
There is the requisite mystery which wasn't completely mysterious but didn't really detract from the beautiful, romantic story -- and there are 2 things (ok 3 including the soup) that I love in a book :
1. Boy takes bullet for boy
2. Hospital bed love scene
I didn't quite get the bullet; but close enough -- loved it! Really loved these guys - Devin Heaven!!
There is the requisite mystery which wasn't completely mysterious but didn't really detract from the beautiful, romantic story -- and there are 2 things (ok 3 including the soup) that I love in a book :
1. Boy takes bullet for boy
2. Hospital bed love scene
I didn't quite get the bullet; but close enough -- loved it! Really loved these guys - Devin Heaven!!
May 7, 2012
This was a nice little gem of a book. I'd say it's more a 3.5 though with hints of 4.
It's got some interesting world building with a futuristic view of the world and a storyline that I don't normally enjoy, characters selling themselves. Bondmating is a way for people to enter into a contract, short term or long term, exchanging their time, companionship, and talents (work and/or pleasure) for money.
Jason is just a regular guy. A regular guy that ends up needing a lot of money and fast. To get it he enters into a brokered contract with a businessman, Devin, who is more than a bit of workaholic, who has also been unlucky in love.
This is a sweet buildup with a bit of angst. I enjoyed the characters and how they learned about each other and moved into the foreign territory of the bondmate. There were a couple or really nice moments as they did this but also a few really uncomfortable ones. I found the ending was rushed so we didn't really get a meaty resolution but it was a satisfying one so I can't complain too much.
If you're in the mood for a nice MM with engaging characters and a hint of sci-fi, pick this one up.
It's got some interesting world building with a futuristic view of the world and a storyline that I don't normally enjoy, characters selling themselves. Bondmating is a way for people to enter into a contract, short term or long term, exchanging their time, companionship, and talents (work and/or pleasure) for money.
Jason is just a regular guy. A regular guy that ends up needing a lot of money and fast. To get it he enters into a brokered contract with a businessman, Devin, who is more than a bit of workaholic, who has also been unlucky in love.
This is a sweet buildup with a bit of angst. I enjoyed the characters and how they learned about each other and moved into the foreign territory of the bondmate. There were a couple or really nice moments as they did this but also a few really uncomfortable ones. I found the ending was rushed so we didn't really get a meaty resolution but it was a satisfying one so I can't complain too much.
If you're in the mood for a nice MM with engaging characters and a hint of sci-fi, pick this one up.
June 4, 2012
This was pretty good. The end was fine. I don't understand why everyone else had such an issue with it.
August 17, 2012
Title: Redemption
Author: Olivia Duncan Craig
Published: ODC Press (self-published) July 1, 2012
Rating: B list
I'm a sucker for world-building. From the moment I picked up The Hobbit, and Terry Brooks' Shannara series, I've loved being completely taken off Earth and into realms unknown, so the premise of this story grabbed me immediately.
From the opening scene, the emotional nuance of this tale got its hooks into me and would not let go. How does one own another person, consider them an investment, and still treat them as a human being with preferences and opinions?
Devin, rich heir to a mining company in the vastness of space, finds himself in that very position after the complications of saving a doomed marriage. On the one hand, owning a bondmate simplifies his life. Not only would he have a companion without all the fuss of romance, but he'll have an assistant on whom he can count to bolster his demanding career, someone who won't find another job or move to another town or, like his last PA, have a baby and decide to be a stay-at-home-mom. That his new assistant will also sometimes share his bed? Well, that's a bonus.
But he never expected Jason, an honorable man who agrees to the contract with eyes open and insists he can handle it. Jason proves quickly he's a good companion, a quick learner, and fantastic in bed. Devin's hit the jackpot, but he never expects the jackpot to hit him back. In love with his bondmate? That's the stuff of fairytales. Bondmates are employees, companions, investments. Not lovers, friends, lifemates. Right?
Jason's compassionate, caring, and impossible not to develop feelings for, but he has a secret. Devin is torn between giving Jason the privacy a human being deserves and digging for information on his very expensive investment. How much is he entitled to since signing on the dotted line?
Jason, to his credit, walks the fine line of truth, not once misrepresenting himself while still maintaining his integrity. "You signed a contract to own me, but you don't have the right to own my past, or my family." I'm paraphrasing, but that's the gist of Jason's closing the subject. He's risked everything, including his freedom, to see his family to safety and he'll be damned if his burgeoning feelings for his contract-holder are going to cloud what he's worked so hard to protect.
The give and take in this story is compelling, believable, and just what you'd expect of two men drawn together under specific terms only to find that those terms limit what could be so much more. Devin's kindness gets under Jason's skin and try as he might, Jason can't relegate him to contract-holder and employer. Devin's a friend and perhaps most dangerous of all, someone Jason comes to love.
Unfortunately, Jason's plan to disappear into the life of a bondmate after his family is safely off-world isn't enough, and Jason's past becomes Devin's problem, putting them both in danger. Truthfully, even without the intrigue and danger, this story would have been a solid, fascinating read. The world Craig builds is complete, detailed, and entirely absorbing, and the struggles between the two main characters are full of unresolved sexual tension—my favorite kind. The author handled their confusing, fluctuating feelings with depth. I cared what happened to Jason, and Devin endeared himself to me by not treating Jason as property (except when he had his head buried in his own ass, and what guy hasn't done that a time or fifteen?), even going so far as to stand up to his powerful, tycoon father on Jason's behalf.
The only reason I'm not putting this on the A List is because there were a handful of times throughout the story that editing missed something. Not enough that I couldn't overlook it, but it wasn't as streamlined as it could have been. However, in looking up information about this author, I see that she's just starting out. This is her first title, self-published only six weeks ago, and she already has another release (which I bought. I couldn't help myself). I see the potential for a fantastic storyteller and I'm confident that over time, these minor niggles will improve. Plot and characterization were spot on, and those little grammatical oopsies weren't significant or frequent enough to frustrate.
This falls between A and B List. Does that mean it's the lovechild of Marilyn and Cher? Wouldn't that be a hoot!
Author: Olivia Duncan Craig
Published: ODC Press (self-published) July 1, 2012
Rating: B list
I'm a sucker for world-building. From the moment I picked up The Hobbit, and Terry Brooks' Shannara series, I've loved being completely taken off Earth and into realms unknown, so the premise of this story grabbed me immediately.
From the opening scene, the emotional nuance of this tale got its hooks into me and would not let go. How does one own another person, consider them an investment, and still treat them as a human being with preferences and opinions?
Devin, rich heir to a mining company in the vastness of space, finds himself in that very position after the complications of saving a doomed marriage. On the one hand, owning a bondmate simplifies his life. Not only would he have a companion without all the fuss of romance, but he'll have an assistant on whom he can count to bolster his demanding career, someone who won't find another job or move to another town or, like his last PA, have a baby and decide to be a stay-at-home-mom. That his new assistant will also sometimes share his bed? Well, that's a bonus.
But he never expected Jason, an honorable man who agrees to the contract with eyes open and insists he can handle it. Jason proves quickly he's a good companion, a quick learner, and fantastic in bed. Devin's hit the jackpot, but he never expects the jackpot to hit him back. In love with his bondmate? That's the stuff of fairytales. Bondmates are employees, companions, investments. Not lovers, friends, lifemates. Right?
Jason's compassionate, caring, and impossible not to develop feelings for, but he has a secret. Devin is torn between giving Jason the privacy a human being deserves and digging for information on his very expensive investment. How much is he entitled to since signing on the dotted line?
Jason, to his credit, walks the fine line of truth, not once misrepresenting himself while still maintaining his integrity. "You signed a contract to own me, but you don't have the right to own my past, or my family." I'm paraphrasing, but that's the gist of Jason's closing the subject. He's risked everything, including his freedom, to see his family to safety and he'll be damned if his burgeoning feelings for his contract-holder are going to cloud what he's worked so hard to protect.
The give and take in this story is compelling, believable, and just what you'd expect of two men drawn together under specific terms only to find that those terms limit what could be so much more. Devin's kindness gets under Jason's skin and try as he might, Jason can't relegate him to contract-holder and employer. Devin's a friend and perhaps most dangerous of all, someone Jason comes to love.
Unfortunately, Jason's plan to disappear into the life of a bondmate after his family is safely off-world isn't enough, and Jason's past becomes Devin's problem, putting them both in danger. Truthfully, even without the intrigue and danger, this story would have been a solid, fascinating read. The world Craig builds is complete, detailed, and entirely absorbing, and the struggles between the two main characters are full of unresolved sexual tension—my favorite kind. The author handled their confusing, fluctuating feelings with depth. I cared what happened to Jason, and Devin endeared himself to me by not treating Jason as property (except when he had his head buried in his own ass, and what guy hasn't done that a time or fifteen?), even going so far as to stand up to his powerful, tycoon father on Jason's behalf.
The only reason I'm not putting this on the A List is because there were a handful of times throughout the story that editing missed something. Not enough that I couldn't overlook it, but it wasn't as streamlined as it could have been. However, in looking up information about this author, I see that she's just starting out. This is her first title, self-published only six weeks ago, and she already has another release (which I bought. I couldn't help myself). I see the potential for a fantastic storyteller and I'm confident that over time, these minor niggles will improve. Plot and characterization were spot on, and those little grammatical oopsies weren't significant or frequent enough to frustrate.
This falls between A and B List. Does that mean it's the lovechild of Marilyn and Cher? Wouldn't that be a hoot!
February 17, 2013
Jason’s family has been targeted by a dangerous criminal. He’s already lost his brother and his parents. To get enough money to send his sister, sister-in-law, and his brother’s children far out of harm’s way, he will sell 25 years of his life. Becoming a bondmate has the added advantage of obscuring his past and hiding him where no one would expect, in the bed of a wealthy man. Virtually a slave, he loses his name, his right to make his own decisions, his right to anything beyond basic human dignity.
This isn’t the tale of abuse you might expect. While being a bondmate is virtual slavery, it is legal and regulated in the future. Jason is expected to be an intimate companion but he also serves as a personal administrative assistant. His skills are respected and he lives a comfortable life, but he is dependent to Devin for everything and that is just the way Devin wants it. After a terrible break-up, he sought out a bondmate to find a relationship he could control. Someone who couldn’t leave him. He quickly realizes, though, that you can’t control someone’s heart. To get what he wants from Jason he will have to open himself to being hurt again.
Romance
I absolutely loved this book. For me the romance always comes first and I enjoyed watching these two men struggle to adjust to new circumstances as they fought to keep their hearts out of the relationship. Jason is no push-over submissive and Devon is as deep and complex as any underground cavern system. Jason is honorable and loyal to the man who saved his family (even if Devon didn’t know that is what he was doing). He also sees through Devon’s sometimes cold demeanor to the lonely, kindhearted man beneath. The author pulled off the delicate balance perfectly. The relationship develops over time and with many stumbles along the way.
Suspense
On the suspense side there is a nice thread of threat to add tension and provide a dramatic, emotional climax to the story, but it doesn’t overpower the relationship and probably wouldn’t satisfy someone looking strictly for a suspense story.
Cultural SciFi
On the SciFi side it gave me so many things to think about and most of them to do with people and relationships, exactly what I enjoy. The book doesn’t try to paint this as either a benevolent solution for all or a terrible abuse either. It paints things squarely in the middle and maybe that is why it worked…at least for me. It is not the future as I hope or expect to see it, but certainly made an interesting story amidst a great romance.
This isn’t the tale of abuse you might expect. While being a bondmate is virtual slavery, it is legal and regulated in the future. Jason is expected to be an intimate companion but he also serves as a personal administrative assistant. His skills are respected and he lives a comfortable life, but he is dependent to Devin for everything and that is just the way Devin wants it. After a terrible break-up, he sought out a bondmate to find a relationship he could control. Someone who couldn’t leave him. He quickly realizes, though, that you can’t control someone’s heart. To get what he wants from Jason he will have to open himself to being hurt again.
Romance
I absolutely loved this book. For me the romance always comes first and I enjoyed watching these two men struggle to adjust to new circumstances as they fought to keep their hearts out of the relationship. Jason is no push-over submissive and Devon is as deep and complex as any underground cavern system. Jason is honorable and loyal to the man who saved his family (even if Devon didn’t know that is what he was doing). He also sees through Devon’s sometimes cold demeanor to the lonely, kindhearted man beneath. The author pulled off the delicate balance perfectly. The relationship develops over time and with many stumbles along the way.
Suspense
On the suspense side there is a nice thread of threat to add tension and provide a dramatic, emotional climax to the story, but it doesn’t overpower the relationship and probably wouldn’t satisfy someone looking strictly for a suspense story.
Cultural SciFi
On the SciFi side it gave me so many things to think about and most of them to do with people and relationships, exactly what I enjoy. The book doesn’t try to paint this as either a benevolent solution for all or a terrible abuse either. It paints things squarely in the middle and maybe that is why it worked…at least for me. It is not the future as I hope or expect to see it, but certainly made an interesting story amidst a great romance.
March 25, 2014
the novel starts with what turns out to be a walk-on character looking in the mirror and giving us a detailed description of herself. no, no, and no. the cliche of a character describing herself in the mirror is bad enough, but the killer is that the character is a total nobody. that's not how you start a dramatic novel. i almost put it away -- for any slush reader it would have not made it past the first page. so i wasn't surprised when i saw it was self-published. dear olivia: read a good book on novel structure. you can write, but you need better technique.
i continued on anyway because i wanted to see what was made of the bondmate concept. the novel improved somewhat, but it remained seriously flawed. the world building is shallow (it's 2065 and all we got is flying cars, single-flavour protein shakes as food, and pleasure planetoids run by mobsters). there is no real exploration of the bondmate concept (indentured slavery; the reason i picked this up), and what we get is contradictory. i didn't take to the characters; there wasn't enough there, and i didn't see why they fell in love with each other (the sex was good; ok, so?). the mystery part was dead obvious long before jason ever fi... no, wait, jason didn't even figure it out. yeah, that didn't endear him to me. not enough agency.
and then the ending was badly constructed and paced. again: a good book on novel structure will do wonders.
1.5 stars. rounding up because it was a halfway decent effort instead of putrid shite. i see potential here, but it needed a strong editor/self-directed effort to set the writer on a better path and make this a more satisfying read.
i continued on anyway because i wanted to see what was made of the bondmate concept. the novel improved somewhat, but it remained seriously flawed. the world building is shallow (it's 2065 and all we got is flying cars, single-flavour protein shakes as food, and pleasure planetoids run by mobsters). there is no real exploration of the bondmate concept (indentured slavery; the reason i picked this up), and what we get is contradictory. i didn't take to the characters; there wasn't enough there, and i didn't see why they fell in love with each other (the sex was good; ok, so?). the mystery part was dead obvious long before jason ever fi... no, wait, jason didn't even figure it out. yeah, that didn't endear him to me. not enough agency.
and then the ending was badly constructed and paced. again: a good book on novel structure will do wonders.
1.5 stars. rounding up because it was a halfway decent effort instead of putrid shite. i see potential here, but it needed a strong editor/self-directed effort to set the writer on a better path and make this a more satisfying read.
May 4, 2012
I was hesitant to purchase this book despite low price and despite good reviews, because slavery novels could be a hit or a *very big miss* for me and they had been a miss in the past much more often than a hit, but then a friend kindly offered to do a kindle loan and I happily accepted. What can I say? I will be buying my own copy as soon as the loan will expire. First and foremost this is not an erotic book IMO, this is a romantic book, the emphasis is on the building relationship between the guys, and there are few sex scenes throughout a very long novel. I personally was not complaining, but note that the readers who want a lot of sex in their books may be dissappointed. I also thought that world building was perfect - very vivid and clear, and some features of that future make this world pretty memorable. I loved what she did with food in that world for example and how amusing it was that Jason was hungry all the time - for some reason in his circumstances I found it very sweet.
All the characters are well drawn, even if they are playing tiny roles in the saga, but Jason and Devin shine. I loved reading about them adjusting their expectations about each other as they went along learning about each other and wanting to know more, struggling with growing feelings. Their journey was a joy to read about and I really did not want to leave them when it was all over.
All the characters are well drawn, even if they are playing tiny roles in the saga, but Jason and Devin shine. I loved reading about them adjusting their expectations about each other as they went along learning about each other and wanting to know more, struggling with growing feelings. Their journey was a joy to read about and I really did not want to leave them when it was all over.
August 27, 2012
This book is amazing and to be honest i wish it was a movie.. lets face it though, that will never happen. Its a shame but here isn't a market big enough.
The start confused me first of all, for whatever reason I didn't see/read/notice that it was set in a different time/world. Like i said it was confusing but i just went with it and it helps the book to make sense especially with themes in it.
Everything fits together well in this book and i started to get so into it that every now and then i kept shouting at the book telling the characters to stop being so silly. (It didn't help) Everything flows well and i got sucked in to what happens next so much that i stayed up until 4am just to finish the damn thing (recommended if your near the end).
The end was satisfying, and thrilling at the same time. I'm not going to say anything else as it will give it away. I think the one down side is that it seems rushed, like the author run out of space in the book and wasn't allowed any more pages. But i was left with a feeling like ... yeah that's fine.
All in all its a great book and i would definitely recommend it to anyone who wanted a short quick satisfying read.
The start confused me first of all, for whatever reason I didn't see/read/notice that it was set in a different time/world. Like i said it was confusing but i just went with it and it helps the book to make sense especially with themes in it.
Everything fits together well in this book and i started to get so into it that every now and then i kept shouting at the book telling the characters to stop being so silly. (It didn't help) Everything flows well and i got sucked in to what happens next so much that i stayed up until 4am just to finish the damn thing (recommended if your near the end).
The end was satisfying, and thrilling at the same time. I'm not going to say anything else as it will give it away. I think the one down side is that it seems rushed, like the author run out of space in the book and wasn't allowed any more pages. But i was left with a feeling like ... yeah that's fine.
All in all its a great book and i would definitely recommend it to anyone who wanted a short quick satisfying read.
October 7, 2013
And this is the reason that people should IGNORE reviews if you see a book and really want to read it. I've had this book sitting in my kindle FOREVER. I bought it despite the negative reviews that were there. Now I get some of what the reviewer issues were with the BOOK, but what they didn't focus on were the parts of the book that were GREAT .. and there were so many things.
Look the book is essentially about selling oneself into slavery. The MC had good reason, but the story wasn't about 'why' he'd sold himself, the story was about the relationship that was forged between the owner and the owned. The other events were meant to provide a backdrop to that interaction to lead the men to each other and to create issues that would bond them together.
Now could the author have added another couple chapter dedicated to the angst of J? Probably but it wouldn't have really done anything for the story except to maybe lend greater sympathy to J which he already had in droves.
So my review ... FANTABULOUS read. Loved it ..
Look the book is essentially about selling oneself into slavery. The MC had good reason, but the story wasn't about 'why' he'd sold himself, the story was about the relationship that was forged between the owner and the owned. The other events were meant to provide a backdrop to that interaction to lead the men to each other and to create issues that would bond them together.
Now could the author have added another couple chapter dedicated to the angst of J? Probably but it wouldn't have really done anything for the story except to maybe lend greater sympathy to J which he already had in droves.
So my review ... FANTABULOUS read. Loved it ..
April 3, 2014
This book is set in the future where you can buy another person's contract much like an indentured servant. Devin buys Jason's contract and becomes both his personal assistant and his companion.
There were some cool things about the future…
everyone eats supplements intead of meals and never gets fat! (sign me up!)
the wealthy fly aircraft instead of driving cars
floating cloud islands
Some things that were not cool..
campy drama
MC with Daddy issues (grow a spine Devin and stand up to your Dad already!)
So, I give it 3 stars for the fairytale quality.
There were some cool things about the future…
everyone eats supplements intead of meals and never gets fat! (sign me up!)
the wealthy fly aircraft instead of driving cars
floating cloud islands
Some things that were not cool..
campy drama
MC with Daddy issues (grow a spine Devin and stand up to your Dad already!)
So, I give it 3 stars for the fairytale quality.
September 18, 2014
This book takes place in a dystopian Los Angeles, though, it is mainly a character story about the two MCs. Devin, rich and wealthy, buys Jason’s contract when he puts himself up for sale as a bondmate.
This story could have gone a lot of ways. It could have been a story about torture or abuse… and there were those elements, but not between the MCs. This was a love story.
I am very forgiving as far as world building is concerned. I know that was a concern for some other reviewers, but I didn’t notice. I enjoyed the journey. I enjoyed the relationship. The only thing I really would have liked, was an epilogue, or perhaps a shorter sequel… The story was wrapped up, but I didn’t feel like it was quite done.
This story could have gone a lot of ways. It could have been a story about torture or abuse… and there were those elements, but not between the MCs. This was a love story.
I am very forgiving as far as world building is concerned. I know that was a concern for some other reviewers, but I didn’t notice. I enjoyed the journey. I enjoyed the relationship. The only thing I really would have liked, was an epilogue, or perhaps a shorter sequel… The story was wrapped up, but I didn’t feel like it was quite done.
June 9, 2012
Really good developed storyline. I got pulled into Jason's fate from the start and I love it all. The story is amazing in my opinion. Jason was really lucky to be bought by Devin. To become Devin's bondmate was interesting plotted idea. Jason's mysterious reason for choosing his path, was pulling part of this story. I was really sad at the end. I wanted more! Jason and Devin were amazing together. We saw how a friendship cannot be bought, but it came develop and expand into love and affection. I loved it all! I would recommend this book to all m/m lovers. The romance between both MC's is sweet and warm!
January 18, 2014
An enjoyable, oddly sweet romance with some slavery themes.
The story is set in a futuristic Earth settings, but the world-building is minimal. The real focus is on the romance between Jason and Devin.
I found the book enjoyable.
It was a little frustrating watching Devin trying to maintain his distance from Jason. His hot and cold act with Jason was understandably hurtful to Jason which I hated. But it all came out good in the end.
The intrigue aspect lent a bit of spice to an otherwise sweet story.
The story is set in a futuristic Earth settings, but the world-building is minimal. The real focus is on the romance between Jason and Devin.
I found the book enjoyable.
It was a little frustrating watching Devin trying to maintain his distance from Jason. His hot and cold act with Jason was understandably hurtful to Jason which I hated. But it all came out good in the end.
The intrigue aspect lent a bit of spice to an otherwise sweet story.
June 4, 2016
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrxZhW...
4.5 stars. Enjoyable m/m sci-fi by newcomer Olivia Duncan Craig. Businessman Devin buys the gorgeous Jason's 20-year contract and so acquires a bond-mate for both business and pleasure.
"You're too tall for me and you're a terrible dancer. You're the worst at saying no - to anything or anyone. And one day you really will eat yourself - or me - into bankruptcy. But I don't want you to go. Not anywhere. Not unless it's with me."
4.5 stars. Enjoyable m/m sci-fi by newcomer Olivia Duncan Craig. Businessman Devin buys the gorgeous Jason's 20-year contract and so acquires a bond-mate for both business and pleasure.
"You're too tall for me and you're a terrible dancer. You're the worst at saying no - to anything or anyone. And one day you really will eat yourself - or me - into bankruptcy. But I don't want you to go. Not anywhere. Not unless it's with me."
June 9, 2012
Both main characters are strange individuals. They did not pull me into them in wish to know them better.
That secret about Jason history is annoying
Using David and Devin at the same time is little hard to remember who is who
The end plot of the book or rather to say explanation about what did really happen to Jason family is exaggerated.
OMG so much writing time wasted.
That secret about Jason history is annoying
Using David and Devin at the same time is little hard to remember who is who
The end plot of the book or rather to say explanation about what did really happen to Jason family is exaggerated.
OMG so much writing time wasted.
December 13, 2015
Almost Perfect
Futuristic take on the master/slave trope. Some more emotional intensity and a more solid landing on the ending would have garnered this book a perfect 5 stars from me. Still a praiseworthy effort and well done.
Futuristic take on the master/slave trope. Some more emotional intensity and a more solid landing on the ending would have garnered this book a perfect 5 stars from me. Still a praiseworthy effort and well done.
July 9, 2020
So the blurb pulled me in to the book, slavery and bondmates sounded like an interesting take on the topic.
I will admit I was expecting something similar to Under his heel by Adara Wolf because selling yourself to an uncertain faith without putting any limits on the contract is what they have in common.
But the story is much less about living as a slave, and rather catching feelings for someone you were determined not to catch feelings for.
Yes Devin owns Jason and he's uncomfortable with it, he only uses that to his advantage once when he's angry and it's brief.
There are space ships but only to fly to and from work. They eat nutrition bars and natural food is a luxury.
The plot happens on earth and there are small mentions of other planets.
While I read the book I could forget that the plot didn't deliver what the blurb was promising and it was a sweet story, with some hot moments. But in the end it wasn't what I set out to buy.
So much of the plot is focusing on a business deal that spans across the book and it's tedious to read about, what they discuss have no impact on the story at all, other than letting Jason portray some skills.
I will admit I was expecting something similar to Under his heel by Adara Wolf because selling yourself to an uncertain faith without putting any limits on the contract is what they have in common.
But the story is much less about living as a slave, and rather catching feelings for someone you were determined not to catch feelings for.
Yes Devin owns Jason and he's uncomfortable with it, he only uses that to his advantage once when he's angry and it's brief.
There are space ships but only to fly to and from work. They eat nutrition bars and natural food is a luxury.
The plot happens on earth and there are small mentions of other planets.
While I read the book I could forget that the plot didn't deliver what the blurb was promising and it was a sweet story, with some hot moments. But in the end it wasn't what I set out to buy.
So much of the plot is focusing on a business deal that spans across the book and it's tedious to read about, what they discuss have no impact on the story at all, other than letting Jason portray some skills.
December 3, 2019
So this really wasn't a BDSM book, but more of a dystopian future where slavery does essentially exist for a profit that the majority goes to a slave. The bondmate system mentioned and the world created by Craig is very unique, and I liked it. The slow burn was delicious, and the secrets/twists were intruiging. I would like more books in this world/series, especially more insight on the training stuff that is only hinted on in the book occasionally.
July 1, 2021
Good, but....
I liked the story overall but we are dealing with slavery, whatever the author may call it. Devin is hard to like for the first bit of the story, self-absorbed and inconsiderate. Jason has sold himself, given up his entire life for reasons that don't become clear until later in the book. If you don't have a problem with a situation that is tantamount to slavery but ends with a very deserving man getting his HEA, give this book a try.
I liked the story overall but we are dealing with slavery, whatever the author may call it. Devin is hard to like for the first bit of the story, self-absorbed and inconsiderate. Jason has sold himself, given up his entire life for reasons that don't become clear until later in the book. If you don't have a problem with a situation that is tantamount to slavery but ends with a very deserving man getting his HEA, give this book a try.
October 1, 2022
So I actually liked this a lot and I liked both MCs. The world building was interesting although needed to be fleshed out some more. I would have also liked an epilogue a few years later where his family was back in LA, and had met Dev.
April 5, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I probably would have given it 5 stars but it needed a proofread and definitely some chapter breaks.
June 5, 2020
2.5 Stars.
September 2, 2012
This is the first book I’ve read by Olivia Duncan Craig and it definitely won’t be my last! I loved the creative world Ms. Duncan created and the storyline was smooth and highly addictive to read. Her easy-style of writing and intriguing and well-written characters quickly captivated me, and held my attention throughout the novel and I hated to see it come to an end.
Jason has a difficult choice to make, but to save his family, he decides to sell himself as a bondmate for a large sum of money for twenty years. Although Jason knows that he’s given up his freedom, his dreams and his sexuality, he’s willing to do what he can to help his family and does it with open eyes.
Devin is a wealthy, successful businessman who is looking for a companion. He’s still stinging from a broken marriage, and although he wants companionship, he’s not looking for any emotional baggage that might come with it. To solve his problem, he decides to purchase a bondmate to be with him, work with him side by side and to fulfill his every need. But that’s easier said than done. Devin is shocked when he meets Jason. He quickly realizes how intelligent and attractive he is, and despite himself, he becomes fascinated by Jason and his mysterious past.
Both men soon realize that although they weren’t looking for it, there is something special between them. As the two men become closer, Jason is still evasive about his past, and Devin can’t help but be curious about it, and the man he’s coming to care about more than he ever though he would. Will Jason’s dangerous past pull the two lovers apart, or will they be able to fight together to survive and to possibly having an amazing future together?
I loved this book! Both characters are very well-written, likeable men. Neither man is perfect, but they strive to do the right thing and they are both basically honorable men. I liked the emotional and sexual tension between them. Neither man is looking to fall in love, so the emotional pull between them takes them by surprise. I also loved the heated attraction that sizzled between them. Their chemistry together was amazing and there were several times I had to cool myself off with a cold glass of water! Whew!
I also appreciated the fact that although there are problems between Jason and Devin, it’s not bogged down with a lot of angst. Now, I’m not saying angst is a bad thing, because I love it, but I think Ms. Craig has managed to mix just the right amount of angst, sweetness and romance making this one of my favorite books I’ve read this year. If you are looking for a fast-paced romance with sexy, intriguing heroes this book is definitely for you! Highly Recommended!
Jason has a difficult choice to make, but to save his family, he decides to sell himself as a bondmate for a large sum of money for twenty years. Although Jason knows that he’s given up his freedom, his dreams and his sexuality, he’s willing to do what he can to help his family and does it with open eyes.
Devin is a wealthy, successful businessman who is looking for a companion. He’s still stinging from a broken marriage, and although he wants companionship, he’s not looking for any emotional baggage that might come with it. To solve his problem, he decides to purchase a bondmate to be with him, work with him side by side and to fulfill his every need. But that’s easier said than done. Devin is shocked when he meets Jason. He quickly realizes how intelligent and attractive he is, and despite himself, he becomes fascinated by Jason and his mysterious past.
Both men soon realize that although they weren’t looking for it, there is something special between them. As the two men become closer, Jason is still evasive about his past, and Devin can’t help but be curious about it, and the man he’s coming to care about more than he ever though he would. Will Jason’s dangerous past pull the two lovers apart, or will they be able to fight together to survive and to possibly having an amazing future together?
I loved this book! Both characters are very well-written, likeable men. Neither man is perfect, but they strive to do the right thing and they are both basically honorable men. I liked the emotional and sexual tension between them. Neither man is looking to fall in love, so the emotional pull between them takes them by surprise. I also loved the heated attraction that sizzled between them. Their chemistry together was amazing and there were several times I had to cool myself off with a cold glass of water! Whew!
I also appreciated the fact that although there are problems between Jason and Devin, it’s not bogged down with a lot of angst. Now, I’m not saying angst is a bad thing, because I love it, but I think Ms. Craig has managed to mix just the right amount of angst, sweetness and romance making this one of my favorite books I’ve read this year. If you are looking for a fast-paced romance with sexy, intriguing heroes this book is definitely for you! Highly Recommended!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews