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Parlor Games #1
Are You There, Moriarty?
FROM EXCITING AUTHOR OF LGBTQIA+ ROMANCE AE LISTER
Book one in the Parlor Games series
Welcome to Maverick Molly' s— for the Victorian sex rebel in all of us.
Toby Dunn has a fun job.
As a server-slash-performer at a newish establishment called Maverick Molly' s— a gaming parlor and kink club in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada— he dons bloomers and a corset to serve drinks and perform burlesque skits for the men who frequent the place. Maverick Molly' s hearkens back to a darker time, when sodomy was illegal and men who loved other men could be thrown in jail, or worse, for daring to be true to themselves and each other. Maverick Molly' s brings all the positives from that period— the daring dress and ribald performances, the joy in safe spaces and the resilience of people who didn' t let anything stop them— and leaves the negatives in the past, where they belong.
Toby' s life isn' t all fun, and he' s determined to move out of the home he shares with his alcoholic mother and keep up his average in his BA program at the University of Ottawa. Oh, and he' s going to quit smoking... eventually.
But everything changes when charming Alastair Kenney walks up the stairs to the club and invites Toby for a casual hookup at the most prestigious hotel in Ottawa, surprising them both with the intensity of their chemistry.
What happens after that is up to them.
Book one in the Parlor Games series
Welcome to Maverick Molly' s— for the Victorian sex rebel in all of us.
Toby Dunn has a fun job.
As a server-slash-performer at a newish establishment called Maverick Molly' s— a gaming parlor and kink club in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada— he dons bloomers and a corset to serve drinks and perform burlesque skits for the men who frequent the place. Maverick Molly' s hearkens back to a darker time, when sodomy was illegal and men who loved other men could be thrown in jail, or worse, for daring to be true to themselves and each other. Maverick Molly' s brings all the positives from that period— the daring dress and ribald performances, the joy in safe spaces and the resilience of people who didn' t let anything stop them— and leaves the negatives in the past, where they belong.
Toby' s life isn' t all fun, and he' s determined to move out of the home he shares with his alcoholic mother and keep up his average in his BA program at the University of Ottawa. Oh, and he' s going to quit smoking... eventually.
But everything changes when charming Alastair Kenney walks up the stairs to the club and invites Toby for a casual hookup at the most prestigious hotel in Ottawa, surprising them both with the intensity of their chemistry.
What happens after that is up to them.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2024
About the author
A.E. Lister
53 books243 followersExquisite LGBTQ+ Romance. Incendiary encounters, stealthy romance, multiple genres. AE Lister is a Canadian non-binary/gender fluid author with a vivid imagination and a head full of unique and interesting characters. They have been writing for publication since 2011 and have published over 25 books.
Website: https://aelisterauthor.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
January 29, 2024
I am a believer in A.E. Lister.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
❤️ Instant Attraction
🤩 Kink Exploration
❤️ Touch him and 💀 vibes
🤩 Age-Gap
❤️ Reformed Promiscuity
This book takes you on the adventure of Toby, who’s a bit down in the luck department, but loves his job at Maverick Molly’s. It’s there he meets the captivating Alastair Kenney and attraction and one night turns into so much more.
One of the main things I loved was they weren’t boxes Into a heavy feeling D/s kind of relationship. Alastair knew Toby was new to it and allowed himself to be the Dom, clearly in charge, but still an element of himself outside the persona while in a scene. I know that’s not for everyone but it fit their dynamic so well and I felt showed who Alastair truly was.
We deal with some slight angst with Toby’s family, but nothing over the top and again it just develops Toby and helps the dynamic. Toby has his insecurities from his past and they definitely make an appearance but again it just build the characters and the story.
Overall I LOVED this book. It was a quick read, perfect for an afternoon to cleanse your mind and take a trip down kinky lane. I cannot wait for the second books release!
I received an ARC and am reviewing my own person thoughts a d feelings. Thank you A. E. Lister for the opportunity
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
❤️ Instant Attraction
🤩 Kink Exploration
❤️ Touch him and 💀 vibes
🤩 Age-Gap
❤️ Reformed Promiscuity
This book takes you on the adventure of Toby, who’s a bit down in the luck department, but loves his job at Maverick Molly’s. It’s there he meets the captivating Alastair Kenney and attraction and one night turns into so much more.
One of the main things I loved was they weren’t boxes Into a heavy feeling D/s kind of relationship. Alastair knew Toby was new to it and allowed himself to be the Dom, clearly in charge, but still an element of himself outside the persona while in a scene. I know that’s not for everyone but it fit their dynamic so well and I felt showed who Alastair truly was.
We deal with some slight angst with Toby’s family, but nothing over the top and again it just develops Toby and helps the dynamic. Toby has his insecurities from his past and they definitely make an appearance but again it just build the characters and the story.
Overall I LOVED this book. It was a quick read, perfect for an afternoon to cleanse your mind and take a trip down kinky lane. I cannot wait for the second books release!
I received an ARC and am reviewing my own person thoughts a d feelings. Thank you A. E. Lister for the opportunity
February 17, 2024
4⭐️ 3.5🌶️
Toby is a college student that took up a job at Maverick Molly’s to put him through school. While working there he meets Alastair Kenney, a frequent customer of the kinky and bdsm filled room called the Bordello. Following their initial meeting they agree to a one night hookup at a swanky hotel but they get much more in return. Due to family issues, toby is forced to move in with alastair though their situationship is new and fragile. So many things try to stand in their way but fortunately love prevails.
My opinions: Alastair kind of sucked. I loved that their initial meeting was awkward and realistic. Their whole relationship was human and not “book perfect” as so many are. This book is a lot of spice and we do lose some of the plot near the end, but it was such a fun and quick read!! 🖤
I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary opinion!
Toby is a college student that took up a job at Maverick Molly’s to put him through school. While working there he meets Alastair Kenney, a frequent customer of the kinky and bdsm filled room called the Bordello. Following their initial meeting they agree to a one night hookup at a swanky hotel but they get much more in return. Due to family issues, toby is forced to move in with alastair though their situationship is new and fragile. So many things try to stand in their way but fortunately love prevails.
My opinions: Alastair kind of sucked. I loved that their initial meeting was awkward and realistic. Their whole relationship was human and not “book perfect” as so many are. This book is a lot of spice and we do lose some of the plot near the end, but it was such a fun and quick read!! 🖤
I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary opinion!
January 9, 2024
Another gorgeous addition to AE Lister's saucy collection of BDSM centered stories. I adore how intriguing and accessible and downright hot all the kink is in Lister's books. It becomes something to be talked about, explored, and savoured, and not hidden away and whispered about.
Maverick Molly's is definitely my cup of tea, and this gorgeous Victorian parlour comes alive in the first book in the Parlor Games series where sweet Toby gets far more than a pay slip after a night's work. Alastair Kenney is easily one of my favourite Lister characters to date. He's such a gorgeous Dom and yet, he's a helpless little puppy when it comes to Toby. Their dynamic is both sexy and adorable, and believable. And I'm very much looking forward to the next in this series, and secretly hoping we get to spend more time in Maverick Mollys, where the side-characters are as intriguing as the MCs.
Maverick Molly's is definitely my cup of tea, and this gorgeous Victorian parlour comes alive in the first book in the Parlor Games series where sweet Toby gets far more than a pay slip after a night's work. Alastair Kenney is easily one of my favourite Lister characters to date. He's such a gorgeous Dom and yet, he's a helpless little puppy when it comes to Toby. Their dynamic is both sexy and adorable, and believable. And I'm very much looking forward to the next in this series, and secretly hoping we get to spend more time in Maverick Mollys, where the side-characters are as intriguing as the MCs.
January 4, 2024
Alastair and Toby were just right together. Their first encounter in the hotel room, while definitely hot, had this very real edge of awkwardness that I adored. It made both of them seem so real and endearing. As a matter of fact, their whole relationship really did have a realness to it that felt authentic. Especially Toby’s issues with Alastair’s past hookups and being worried he didn’t measure up. It felt so genuine as I was reading.
One of the best parts of this, for me, was Alastair being such a realistic Dom. He wasn’t afraid to break a scene to tell Toby how much he was enjoying himself. He wasn’t afraid to pant and gasp and moan. He wasn’t afraid to let himself be overwhelmed just like Toby was. It made me enjoy Alastair so much more that he wasn’t some stone-faced Dom who was above it all.
This was a great start to a new series. We meet so many interesting people and I hope we get to know them all more as the series continues.
One of the best parts of this, for me, was Alastair being such a realistic Dom. He wasn’t afraid to break a scene to tell Toby how much he was enjoying himself. He wasn’t afraid to pant and gasp and moan. He wasn’t afraid to let himself be overwhelmed just like Toby was. It made me enjoy Alastair so much more that he wasn’t some stone-faced Dom who was above it all.
This was a great start to a new series. We meet so many interesting people and I hope we get to know them all more as the series continues.
September 24, 2024
Less fun than hoped for.
More sleazy than necessary.
Less porn than trauma.
More sleazy than necessary.
Less porn than trauma.
February 24, 2024
Toby and Alistair ❤️
4.5 stars ⭐️
Every time I see an A.E. Lister book come up it's an automatic yes please from me!! Let me tell you, this series is off to a fantastic start. This is a read that automatically catches your attention, not only are both of these characters written with perfection the story is something you can most definitely sink your teeth into and come out so freaking satisfied. These two were so perfect from the moment they laid eyes on each other, you could just feel that they would be explosive and damn they were hot. The relationship build was funny and sweet which is something that you don't generally get out of a Dom/sub read but this relationship was so much more than that. Toby had an innocence about him that Alistair nurtured and cared for above all else, which made these two that much more lovable. Maverick Molly's and its cast of characters is something that I want so much more of. I absolutely recommend this book.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
4.5 stars ⭐️
Every time I see an A.E. Lister book come up it's an automatic yes please from me!! Let me tell you, this series is off to a fantastic start. This is a read that automatically catches your attention, not only are both of these characters written with perfection the story is something you can most definitely sink your teeth into and come out so freaking satisfied. These two were so perfect from the moment they laid eyes on each other, you could just feel that they would be explosive and damn they were hot. The relationship build was funny and sweet which is something that you don't generally get out of a Dom/sub read but this relationship was so much more than that. Toby had an innocence about him that Alistair nurtured and cared for above all else, which made these two that much more lovable. Maverick Molly's and its cast of characters is something that I want so much more of. I absolutely recommend this book.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
February 11, 2024
3/5 This wasn’t totally for me, although it had interesting elements. If you want a kinky book with lots of sex, it might just for you! I would have liked more focus on the whole relationship and clearer discussions of the boundaries outside of scenes. (For example, when a friend/former hookup wants to stay over for a week, Alastair makes the unilateral decision that he can. Alastair and Toby are boyfriends and/or roommates. Shouldn’t this be a joint decision? Alastair ends up being in control pretty much all the time, but that part isn’t discussed, it just develops. I kind of want to get Toby some therapy and help him deal with his terrible childhood and mother, let him grow up a bit more, and then make sure everything is still good with him. I guess the age gap + Dom/sub + BDSM + socio-economic differences made me a little uncertain.)
I appreciated the clear consent and careful experimentation in the scenes themselves but personally didn’t need so many of them. (Once they start visiting the Bordello, it felt a lot like all other aspects of their relationship fell to the wayside. We scarcely see dates, no other sex, mostly it’s just aftercare/recovery or Toby’s family.) I liked the idea of this kinky, respectful club where people look out for one another and are genuinely decent. Esther and Lev were great characters. I loved how genuine and protective they were, and I did like how protective Alastair became as he realised what Toby’s family life was like. I enjoyed the Canadian setting and the recognisable parts of Ottawa.
I received an ARC from GRR. This is my honest review.
I appreciated the clear consent and careful experimentation in the scenes themselves but personally didn’t need so many of them. (Once they start visiting the Bordello, it felt a lot like all other aspects of their relationship fell to the wayside. We scarcely see dates, no other sex, mostly it’s just aftercare/recovery or Toby’s family.) I liked the idea of this kinky, respectful club where people look out for one another and are genuinely decent. Esther and Lev were great characters. I loved how genuine and protective they were, and I did like how protective Alastair became as he realised what Toby’s family life was like. I enjoyed the Canadian setting and the recognisable parts of Ottawa.
I received an ARC from GRR. This is my honest review.
Read
February 20, 2024AE Lister has captured my imagination once again and hooked me on yet another series! Set in Ottawa, the idea of Maverick Molly's captured me from the start, harkening back to a different era in queer history, but definitely giving it a modern twist.
I love the way Toby and Alistair get together and the way this book paces their burgeoning relationship. I also love Toby's bestie, Esther and the side characters we get to know a little more about at Maverick Molly's. I love the way Toby's character grows and develops as they becomes more confident in themself as a genderfluid person and how Alistair blends that into their BDSM relationship and their lives together.
I can't wait to see what happens next at Maverick Molly's in future Parlor Games books!
I love the way Toby and Alistair get together and the way this book paces their burgeoning relationship. I also love Toby's bestie, Esther and the side characters we get to know a little more about at Maverick Molly's. I love the way Toby's character grows and develops as they becomes more confident in themself as a genderfluid person and how Alistair blends that into their BDSM relationship and their lives together.
I can't wait to see what happens next at Maverick Molly's in future Parlor Games books!
February 16, 2024
Rating: 4
Steam: 4
PoV: single, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Main tropes: age gap, kink, forced proximity
Wow, talk about a delicious read! Toby and Alastair was an addictive couple, and them exploring kink together was so, so, sooo good!
I’ve read some of AE Lister’s previous books, and I have to admit I was initially expecting this to be a bit more full on erotica than what it was. I’m definitely not complaining though - Toby and Alastair were so perfect for each other, and I loved the chance to get to know them and see their relationship develop. Toby was precious and I had a lot of fun reading his PoV, he could be a little bit bratty at times, but was mostly just such a sweet and cheeky character.
What was meant to be a one night stand turned into a lot more with these two, and they had this intense chemistry that managed to last throughout the entire book and made for some seriously steamy scene. The BDSM scenes was relatively mild though, and they mostly focused on exploring things and finding out what Toby liked. I really liked how Alastair’s character was written, it was great to see how he was as a Dom, and the way he took care of Toby. It was easy to tell that he was totally smitten by Toby, and I adored how affectionate and sweet they were together.
Are You There, Moriarty? was overall a great read with low angst and high steam. There was a bit of drama, but not within the relationship and it never felt that angsty to me. I really enjoyed this one and struggled with putting it down at times - it was a fantastic start to a new series, and I’m already looking forward to more books.
-
Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the complimentary copy. These are my own honest thoughts and opinions.
Steam: 4
PoV: single, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Main tropes: age gap, kink, forced proximity
Wow, talk about a delicious read! Toby and Alastair was an addictive couple, and them exploring kink together was so, so, sooo good!
I’ve read some of AE Lister’s previous books, and I have to admit I was initially expecting this to be a bit more full on erotica than what it was. I’m definitely not complaining though - Toby and Alastair were so perfect for each other, and I loved the chance to get to know them and see their relationship develop. Toby was precious and I had a lot of fun reading his PoV, he could be a little bit bratty at times, but was mostly just such a sweet and cheeky character.
What was meant to be a one night stand turned into a lot more with these two, and they had this intense chemistry that managed to last throughout the entire book and made for some seriously steamy scene. The BDSM scenes was relatively mild though, and they mostly focused on exploring things and finding out what Toby liked. I really liked how Alastair’s character was written, it was great to see how he was as a Dom, and the way he took care of Toby. It was easy to tell that he was totally smitten by Toby, and I adored how affectionate and sweet they were together.
Are You There, Moriarty? was overall a great read with low angst and high steam. There was a bit of drama, but not within the relationship and it never felt that angsty to me. I really enjoyed this one and struggled with putting it down at times - it was a fantastic start to a new series, and I’m already looking forward to more books.
-
Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the complimentary copy. These are my own honest thoughts and opinions.
February 22, 2024
Wonderful Faux Victorian Club, Romance and Kink
Are you there, Moriarty?
Parlor Games book 1
Author: AE Lister
Twenty years old gender fluid - self identified femme-boy Toby works at Maverick Molly's as a server-slash-performer, twirling in stockings, a chemise and corset, flirting with the best of them.
The club is part part, part interactive theatre and all play.
Speaking of play, one of the private areas at the back is the Bordello, a room outfitted with BDSM toys, furniture and accessories but with a Victorian twist.
The club is essentially a faux gay Victorian Gentlemen's Club.
Toby enjoys the work and gets great tips, so it helps them to avoid a difficult home life with a mother who is either drunk or on drugs and emotionally abuses them.
One night whilst taking a cigarette break out front, they see the sexiest suited and booted man with a few piercings and a sexy grin.
It's instalust and Toby even convinces the newly hired server that the man - Alastair - has bad breath in order to keep him to themselves.
After one amazing - vanilla - night together, Toby is confused when Alastair seems to want more.
There's so much going on in this book and a whole host of terrific secondary characters.
The club owners Jacob and Sebastian are delightful, and Robin the flamboyant server is hilarious, as is sweet, naive Patrick.
However it's the BFF Esther that comes out with claws at the ready when Toby is in trouble.
The club itself is as much a character as the servers and you can literally feel the fin de siecle decadence of the place.
As well as the list, joy and laughter.
It's a safe, comfortable club for the LGBTQIA+ and kink community.
The mother, who we my meet a few times, is a complete juxtaposition to the friendly and secure environments of Maverick Molly's, the Chateau Laurier and Alastair's home.
Amidst the struggles Toby faces with a distressing home, whilst studying and working, they begin a journey discovering their kink tastes through Alastair.
This is very kink positive and it's clear the author knows their stuff.
To top off, they certainly know to write the erotica parts too.
This is hot stuff.
The only disconnect us probably the title. Though it is explained, I took me a minute to click it was related to the historical period not the Holmes' villain. But that's a minor issue.
We get our HEA and that's what matters most.
I'd love to see more HEAs in this, from Nigel, Esther, Lev, Robin and Patrick, and I'd love to learn more about the club owners.
This book exceeds expectations on every level.
Wonderful stuff.
Are you there, Moriarty?
Parlor Games book 1
Author: AE Lister
Twenty years old gender fluid - self identified femme-boy Toby works at Maverick Molly's as a server-slash-performer, twirling in stockings, a chemise and corset, flirting with the best of them.
The club is part part, part interactive theatre and all play.
Speaking of play, one of the private areas at the back is the Bordello, a room outfitted with BDSM toys, furniture and accessories but with a Victorian twist.
The club is essentially a faux gay Victorian Gentlemen's Club.
Toby enjoys the work and gets great tips, so it helps them to avoid a difficult home life with a mother who is either drunk or on drugs and emotionally abuses them.
One night whilst taking a cigarette break out front, they see the sexiest suited and booted man with a few piercings and a sexy grin.
It's instalust and Toby even convinces the newly hired server that the man - Alastair - has bad breath in order to keep him to themselves.
After one amazing - vanilla - night together, Toby is confused when Alastair seems to want more.
There's so much going on in this book and a whole host of terrific secondary characters.
The club owners Jacob and Sebastian are delightful, and Robin the flamboyant server is hilarious, as is sweet, naive Patrick.
However it's the BFF Esther that comes out with claws at the ready when Toby is in trouble.
The club itself is as much a character as the servers and you can literally feel the fin de siecle decadence of the place.
As well as the list, joy and laughter.
It's a safe, comfortable club for the LGBTQIA+ and kink community.
The mother, who we my meet a few times, is a complete juxtaposition to the friendly and secure environments of Maverick Molly's, the Chateau Laurier and Alastair's home.
Amidst the struggles Toby faces with a distressing home, whilst studying and working, they begin a journey discovering their kink tastes through Alastair.
This is very kink positive and it's clear the author knows their stuff.
To top off, they certainly know to write the erotica parts too.
This is hot stuff.
The only disconnect us probably the title. Though it is explained, I took me a minute to click it was related to the historical period not the Holmes' villain. But that's a minor issue.
We get our HEA and that's what matters most.
I'd love to see more HEAs in this, from Nigel, Esther, Lev, Robin and Patrick, and I'd love to learn more about the club owners.
This book exceeds expectations on every level.
Wonderful stuff.
February 23, 2024
Toby is a young man working at a gaming and kink club in present day Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Maverick Molly’s is not your usual kink club, this club is fashioned after a Victorian era club that catered to men who love men in a dangerous time period. Here, Toby dresses up in a corset, chemise, garter belt, stockings and bloomers, ready to serve drinks and do burlesque skits to entertain the patrons, much as the Molly boys did long ago. Toby enjoys his job and his “uniform”, considering himself gender-fluid, getting the chance to bring out his feminine side. The Bordello is the Victorian-themed kink room at Molly’s, a room Toby has been in, but never experienced. When handsome, older Alistair comes into the club one night, the two have a mutual attraction and hook up after Toby’s shift. Thus begins a not-a-one-night stand, but a relationship which starts vanilla but also morphs into a Dom/sub relationship and kink exploration in the Bordello.
Toby is a competent young man, a student and holding down his job, desperate to get away from the abusive mother he lives with. He finally leaves, desperate to find a room anywhere else, and Alistair offers him a choice, leading to sharing a home and moving the relationship further.
The book deals with Toby’s move to independence, his developing feelings for Alistair, his lack of feelings of self worth, and his exploration of a heretofore unknown curiosity about kink, especially as related to Alistair’s activities in the Bordello room at the club. It is a coming of age story as Toby discovers more things about himself, his wants and needs, and his capacity for self acceptance and love. Toby’s character is a fascinating combination of confident adult able to banter with clientele and assume a role, a person confident in his own sexuality and how he expresses himself, yet with parts of an insecure child desiring love, safety, and approval, but hesitant to chase that for himself. Alistair understands Toby and his needs, and is able to give him those things.
There is a great world building in the creation of the place Toby’s work life is centered, as well as a bit of history lesson for someone who has never heard of Molly boys (or girls, for that matter) before. Homosexuality has been around a long time, but acceptance has not, and this is a window into something that men who loved men had available in the past, but not without a risk.
I found this an entertaining read, informative and educational, with some very steamy scenes for spice. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5
I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary review.
Toby is a competent young man, a student and holding down his job, desperate to get away from the abusive mother he lives with. He finally leaves, desperate to find a room anywhere else, and Alistair offers him a choice, leading to sharing a home and moving the relationship further.
The book deals with Toby’s move to independence, his developing feelings for Alistair, his lack of feelings of self worth, and his exploration of a heretofore unknown curiosity about kink, especially as related to Alistair’s activities in the Bordello room at the club. It is a coming of age story as Toby discovers more things about himself, his wants and needs, and his capacity for self acceptance and love. Toby’s character is a fascinating combination of confident adult able to banter with clientele and assume a role, a person confident in his own sexuality and how he expresses himself, yet with parts of an insecure child desiring love, safety, and approval, but hesitant to chase that for himself. Alistair understands Toby and his needs, and is able to give him those things.
There is a great world building in the creation of the place Toby’s work life is centered, as well as a bit of history lesson for someone who has never heard of Molly boys (or girls, for that matter) before. Homosexuality has been around a long time, but acceptance has not, and this is a window into something that men who loved men had available in the past, but not without a risk.
I found this an entertaining read, informative and educational, with some very steamy scenes for spice. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5
I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary review.
February 19, 2024
What an excellent story, I honestly laughed out loud, hiccuping, such a great sense of humor.
The author didn’t just create two wonderful characters, noooo Toby and Alastair were magnificently crafted, I saw them as the wonderful persons they were, heard them, and laughed with them.
These fine-designed characters were such a fresh breath.
Alastair was just amazing, I was a bit dumbfounded by his endearing attitude and all Dom, gosh what a man! And Toby was, I have no words, such a candid and honest soul.
Toby is twenty and works at Maverick Molly’s, a gaming parlor and kink club, as a server slash performer. A dream job, and a way to get out of his toxic mother’s life. ( I don’t want the mother thing to give too much attention because ugh, but she was there) So, let’s focus again on Toby and Alastair!
Alastair is thirty-five and an experienced Dom who visits Maverick Molly’s regularly, always with a different partner, and always directly to the Bordello room, read yourself what happens behind those doors!
No wonder Toby had never seen him before, until now, when he was taking a smoke break in the alley.
Alastair approached to get into the establishment, he stopped, they talked and there was an instant connection. Not that they could do anything together, because Toby can’t get involved with customers. But after work time… dang they went to a hotel.
What happened there left a deep impression on both.
Toby knew Alastair was way out of his league, and it was only a one-night stand.
Sweet Toby, little does he know. Alastair was completely over his head with Toby.
“Well, that’s a…that’s a St. Someone’s cross. I can’t remember the saint,”
Okay, guys, fasten your seatbelts, what follows was more than I could hope for, more of everything!
It was a delight, the scenes were deliciously heady, their relationship and the story altogether just magnificent, or how the French say magnifique, a chef’s kiss!
I wanted to highlight the whole story, and ALL the feels, spoil it here, I won’t of course. Read it yourself, duh!
Reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
The author didn’t just create two wonderful characters, noooo Toby and Alastair were magnificently crafted, I saw them as the wonderful persons they were, heard them, and laughed with them.
These fine-designed characters were such a fresh breath.
Alastair was just amazing, I was a bit dumbfounded by his endearing attitude and all Dom, gosh what a man! And Toby was, I have no words, such a candid and honest soul.
Toby is twenty and works at Maverick Molly’s, a gaming parlor and kink club, as a server slash performer. A dream job, and a way to get out of his toxic mother’s life. ( I don’t want the mother thing to give too much attention because ugh, but she was there) So, let’s focus again on Toby and Alastair!
Alastair is thirty-five and an experienced Dom who visits Maverick Molly’s regularly, always with a different partner, and always directly to the Bordello room, read yourself what happens behind those doors!
No wonder Toby had never seen him before, until now, when he was taking a smoke break in the alley.
Alastair approached to get into the establishment, he stopped, they talked and there was an instant connection. Not that they could do anything together, because Toby can’t get involved with customers. But after work time… dang they went to a hotel.
What happened there left a deep impression on both.
Toby knew Alastair was way out of his league, and it was only a one-night stand.
Sweet Toby, little does he know. Alastair was completely over his head with Toby.
“Well, that’s a…that’s a St. Someone’s cross. I can’t remember the saint,”
Okay, guys, fasten your seatbelts, what follows was more than I could hope for, more of everything!
It was a delight, the scenes were deliciously heady, their relationship and the story altogether just magnificent, or how the French say magnifique, a chef’s kiss!
I wanted to highlight the whole story, and ALL the feels, spoil it here, I won’t of course. Read it yourself, duh!
Reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
February 20, 2024
ARC Review
Thank you, AE Lister for the opportunity to be an ARC reader!
In “Are You There, Moriarty?” AE Lister paints a vivid picture of Maverick Molly’s, a place where Victorian flair meets modern passion in Ottawa, Canada. This book is a journey filled with romance, spice, and self-discovery, making it a captivating read from start to finish.
At the center of the story is Toby Dunn, a young man juggling his job as a server and performer at Maverick Molly’s with his aspirations for a better life. Toby’s struggles with his home life and his dreams add depth to his character, making him someone readers can root for. When Toby meets Alastair Kenney, a charming and mysterious figure, their chemistry is undeniable, leading to a passionate and transformative relationship.
Lister brings Toby and Alastair’s connection to life with electric energy, each interaction pulsing with desire and tension. Alastair’s role as the perfect sugar daddy Dom adds an intriguing layer to their dynamic, making their romance both steamy and memorable. With a spice level that keeps the pages turning, this book delivers on its promises of passion and excitement.
Beyond the romance, “Are You There, Moriarty?” explores themes of identity and acceptance in a way that feels both empowering and heartfelt. Toby’s journey of self-discovery, set against the backdrop of societal expectations, is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.
In summary, “Are You There, Moriarty?” is a must-read for fans of LGBTQIA+ romance and Victorian settings. With its engaging characters, evocative setting, and irresistible blend of passion and intrigue, it’s a book that will keep readers hooked until the very end. AE Lister has crafted a gem of a novel that is sure to leave readers eagerly awaiting the next installment in the Parlor Games series.
Thank you, AE Lister for the opportunity to be an ARC reader!
In “Are You There, Moriarty?” AE Lister paints a vivid picture of Maverick Molly’s, a place where Victorian flair meets modern passion in Ottawa, Canada. This book is a journey filled with romance, spice, and self-discovery, making it a captivating read from start to finish.
At the center of the story is Toby Dunn, a young man juggling his job as a server and performer at Maverick Molly’s with his aspirations for a better life. Toby’s struggles with his home life and his dreams add depth to his character, making him someone readers can root for. When Toby meets Alastair Kenney, a charming and mysterious figure, their chemistry is undeniable, leading to a passionate and transformative relationship.
Lister brings Toby and Alastair’s connection to life with electric energy, each interaction pulsing with desire and tension. Alastair’s role as the perfect sugar daddy Dom adds an intriguing layer to their dynamic, making their romance both steamy and memorable. With a spice level that keeps the pages turning, this book delivers on its promises of passion and excitement.
Beyond the romance, “Are You There, Moriarty?” explores themes of identity and acceptance in a way that feels both empowering and heartfelt. Toby’s journey of self-discovery, set against the backdrop of societal expectations, is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.
In summary, “Are You There, Moriarty?” is a must-read for fans of LGBTQIA+ romance and Victorian settings. With its engaging characters, evocative setting, and irresistible blend of passion and intrigue, it’s a book that will keep readers hooked until the very end. AE Lister has crafted a gem of a novel that is sure to leave readers eagerly awaiting the next installment in the Parlor Games series.
February 21, 2024
🖤💋Are You There, Moriarty // AE Lister💋🖤
Releasing Feb. 20, ‘24
🖤Toby, a feisty, genderfluid femme-boy, with home struggles, works as a “molly-boy” at Victorian inspired shmink club. When he runs into Alastair, an older, handsome and experienced D•m, both are shocked at the rightness of it all!🖤
💋 I just loved this book. I loved everything about it! Toby’s authenticity and exploration of who they are and what makes them happy, and the way that Alastair celebrates everything Toby is, made my little queer heart so happy. Alastair is an A+ D•m and caretaker. Absolute book boyfriend material!💋
🔥This is a shminky book, and a shmink awakening on top of that. The shmink is ridiculously hot but it’s also emotional and character driven, making it TOP TIER SHMINK in my humble opinion! Don’t even get me started on the combination of shmink and hurt comfort, y’all know that’s my bread and butter. 🔥
😈This was my first AE Lister book and it will definitely be the first of many. I was so impressed by the world building, the complex and lovable, yet genuine characters, and the flow of the writing! This was over 300 pages but felt like it just flew by! All my little shmink loving bbs, this is a MUST READ. 😈
🔥🐝D$M- Shmink Awakening
😈 Victorian Shmink Club
💋 Masc/ Femme
🔥 failed one night stand
🖤 Found Family
✨Gender-fluid Rep
⛈️ Boy in Need
❤️🩹 Hurt Comfort
👀 Possessive Protective
⏰ Age Gap
🔥 tags:
Strict Top/ Bottom: yes.
D/s
Pretty Panties ,dress
Pleasure D•m
Dirty T•lk
Feminizing Terms, Gender Play
Edg•ng
Doll Play
Sp🍑nk👏🏻ng / D•scipl•ne /Imp•ct
V•ye•rism Exh•biti•nism
R•le Play
B•ndage
Praise
Br••ding
💋 @read.me.romance
Releasing Feb. 20, ‘24
🖤Toby, a feisty, genderfluid femme-boy, with home struggles, works as a “molly-boy” at Victorian inspired shmink club. When he runs into Alastair, an older, handsome and experienced D•m, both are shocked at the rightness of it all!🖤
💋 I just loved this book. I loved everything about it! Toby’s authenticity and exploration of who they are and what makes them happy, and the way that Alastair celebrates everything Toby is, made my little queer heart so happy. Alastair is an A+ D•m and caretaker. Absolute book boyfriend material!💋
🔥This is a shminky book, and a shmink awakening on top of that. The shmink is ridiculously hot but it’s also emotional and character driven, making it TOP TIER SHMINK in my humble opinion! Don’t even get me started on the combination of shmink and hurt comfort, y’all know that’s my bread and butter. 🔥
😈This was my first AE Lister book and it will definitely be the first of many. I was so impressed by the world building, the complex and lovable, yet genuine characters, and the flow of the writing! This was over 300 pages but felt like it just flew by! All my little shmink loving bbs, this is a MUST READ. 😈
🔥🐝D$M- Shmink Awakening
😈 Victorian Shmink Club
💋 Masc/ Femme
🔥 failed one night stand
🖤 Found Family
✨Gender-fluid Rep
⛈️ Boy in Need
❤️🩹 Hurt Comfort
👀 Possessive Protective
⏰ Age Gap
🔥 tags:
Strict Top/ Bottom: yes.
D/s
Pretty Panties ,dress
Pleasure D•m
Dirty T•lk
Feminizing Terms, Gender Play
Edg•ng
Doll Play
Sp🍑nk👏🏻ng / D•scipl•ne /Imp•ct
V•ye•rism Exh•biti•nism
R•le Play
B•ndage
Praise
Br••ding
💋 @read.me.romance
August 23, 2024
This one wasn’t quite what I expected. Are you there Moriarty? features a gay, Victorian-themed kink club and dom/sub relationship between a young waiter at the club and an older wealthy patron. Toby is a waiter at the club and loves his job. He enjoys dressing up in the uniform and teasing the men who come to play games at the club. He is working hard to save money and move out of his abusive mother’s house when he meets Alastair, a wealthy patron of the club who enjoys using the private back room, the Bordello, to indulge in BDSM fantasies rather than play games in the front parlor. Alastair is immediately taken with Toby and they begin a relationship outside of the club. Things quickly turn to kink when Toby expresses an interest in knowing what happens in the Bordello. This is where things took a turn for me. Once kink was introduced to the relationship it seemed like everything else was forgotten. We didn’t really get to see Alastair and Toby get to know each other and grow to love each other. All of their time together seemed to be devoted to planning scenes in the Bordello, acting out scenes in the Bordello or recovering from scenes in the Bordello. There were occasional check-ins with the situation with Toby’s mom and a slight hiccup when an old hook-up of Alastair’s comes to town but otherwise everything centered around the Bordello. The other thing is the kink explored in the Bordello was very tame. All Alastair and Toby ever did was spanking. It seemed a waste to introduce us to this amazing club with a room filled with all sorts of toys and all we got was some spanking that to be honest could have happened at home and been just as hot.
February 8, 2024
This story had a very nice atmosphere and some historical context I really liked. It is definitely a contemporary romance, despite what the title and cover might suggest. All of this just refers to the name of the gaming parlor and kink club where Toby works, which nods back to Victorian times.
While the author explains the title of the book in the very beginning, I found it had little to nothing to do with the story itself.
The main character of the story is young Toby, whom I found sweet and even a bit innocent. It's his story: about meeting Alastair and their journey to discover kink together, while building a relationship. Tony is a gender-bending/gender-fluid main character and describes himself as a femme boy. There is also mention of a non-binary side character.
There is hardly any angst or suspense. The story has a slow pace.
1st POV from Toby. Alastair is still a bit of a mystery to be after having read the whole book. What does he like (except Toby). What are his hobbies, his dreams and fears?
I feel like the issues with Toby's mom got have been explained a bit more in depth, to really drive home the point, but that might just be me.
There was a bit of repetition and contradictions going on, especially in the beginning. While this is a new series and we get to know some new names, I don't need a reminder of who Sebastian and Jacob are every other page. What made this more confusing, was that these people were described as boyfriends first and as husbands on the next page. Then there were sentences like 'he was always working on Saturday', while Toby just had a Saturday off.
I know, it's not the end of the world and it does only reflect on the writing in the sense these kind of things bring me out of the story a bit.
What really surprised me, was the abrupt ending of the book. I felt like there were still a couple of plot points not entirely resolved and without any epilogue to gently ease me out of the story, I was suddenly left with nothing more. This was the main point for my lower rating. The rest of the story was lovely, but with not much happening. The main point was the relationship between Toby and Alistair and them getting to know each other.
While the author explains the title of the book in the very beginning, I found it had little to nothing to do with the story itself.
The main character of the story is young Toby, whom I found sweet and even a bit innocent. It's his story: about meeting Alastair and their journey to discover kink together, while building a relationship. Tony is a gender-bending/gender-fluid main character and describes himself as a femme boy. There is also mention of a non-binary side character.
There is hardly any angst or suspense. The story has a slow pace.
1st POV from Toby. Alastair is still a bit of a mystery to be after having read the whole book. What does he like (except Toby). What are his hobbies, his dreams and fears?
I feel like the issues with Toby's mom got have been explained a bit more in depth, to really drive home the point, but that might just be me.
There was a bit of repetition and contradictions going on, especially in the beginning. While this is a new series and we get to know some new names, I don't need a reminder of who Sebastian and Jacob are every other page. What made this more confusing, was that these people were described as boyfriends first and as husbands on the next page. Then there were sentences like 'he was always working on Saturday', while Toby just had a Saturday off.
I know, it's not the end of the world and it does only reflect on the writing in the sense these kind of things bring me out of the story a bit.
What really surprised me, was the abrupt ending of the book. I felt like there were still a couple of plot points not entirely resolved and without any epilogue to gently ease me out of the story, I was suddenly left with nothing more. This was the main point for my lower rating. The rest of the story was lovely, but with not much happening. The main point was the relationship between Toby and Alistair and them getting to know each other.
February 18, 2024
Toby works in a club where men are entertained in a Victorian replica of a Molly house. This means that the waiters at the Maverick Molly club are dressed accordingly. Toby needs this job as he is desperate to move away from home and he is also attending college. Toby has had a complicated relationship with his mother for years.
At the club, he meets the much older Alastair, who is a regular guest there and uses a particular room. The two of them immediately feel a mutual attraction, and you notice this as you read. Alastair is more the type for one-night stands. And the next time Alastair shows up at the club, Toby has feelings that shouldn't be there.
The blurb made me curious, but I'm not sure I had this scenario in mind. The writing style is light and easy, the story reads well. There are a few places where the story drags on a bit, but in the next section there is more entertainment and variety. You get to know Toby really well while reading, whereas in my opinion Alastair remains superficially described until the end, which I think is a pity. I liked both of them from the beginning and I found it interesting how their relationship developed. There are some hot scenes and entertaining secondary characters.
Toby's problems with his mother were often mentioned, but I would have liked to know a bit more about them, especially towards the end. And then suddenly there was the end, which came too suddenly for me personally. I would have liked a few more points to be explained.
At the club, he meets the much older Alastair, who is a regular guest there and uses a particular room. The two of them immediately feel a mutual attraction, and you notice this as you read. Alastair is more the type for one-night stands. And the next time Alastair shows up at the club, Toby has feelings that shouldn't be there.
The blurb made me curious, but I'm not sure I had this scenario in mind. The writing style is light and easy, the story reads well. There are a few places where the story drags on a bit, but in the next section there is more entertainment and variety. You get to know Toby really well while reading, whereas in my opinion Alastair remains superficially described until the end, which I think is a pity. I liked both of them from the beginning and I found it interesting how their relationship developed. There are some hot scenes and entertaining secondary characters.
Toby's problems with his mother were often mentioned, but I would have liked to know a bit more about them, especially towards the end. And then suddenly there was the end, which came too suddenly for me personally. I would have liked a few more points to be explained.
October 5, 2026
If you enjoy heaps of heat and kink, this book has it all!
5 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 stars!
This book had me wishing I was Toby, a 20 year old Molly boy working at an old fashioned mid-1800's card playing, baudy bar with its own bordello upstairs that caters to every kink possible called Maverick Molly's.
Toby's home life is miserable. While standing outside the club smoking a cigarette, a stranger approaches him and they begin to chat. The older handsome, man, who's name is Alistair, follows Toby inside to get a taste of the club and see Toby perform his job and his act.
What follows in Toby's initiation into the world of kink and a Dom/sub relationship. Already accustomed to wearing lace panties, a corset, bloomers and makeup, he discovers his desire for kinks of nearly every type with Alistair in the upstairs bordello. He loves being dominated and spanked.
As a majority of the story occurs at Maverick Molly's, the world building is extraordinary. The bordello is described in detail, as are all the devices for domination and various kinks.
The dialogue is emotional, snarky and powerful. (And educational!) The supporting characters; Sebastian and Jacob are the club's owners, Robin is a total man-whore, Patrick is new to the job, and Esther and Lev are Toby's non-binary BFFs.
The story is set in Ottawa, Canada, but there aren't any language barriers. The entire story is told is English.
I absolutely loved this wonderful book and the passion that grows between Toby and Alistair. I would say the conclusion is a HFN with another book (hopefully!!) to follow!!
5 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 stars!
This book had me wishing I was Toby, a 20 year old Molly boy working at an old fashioned mid-1800's card playing, baudy bar with its own bordello upstairs that caters to every kink possible called Maverick Molly's.
Toby's home life is miserable. While standing outside the club smoking a cigarette, a stranger approaches him and they begin to chat. The older handsome, man, who's name is Alistair, follows Toby inside to get a taste of the club and see Toby perform his job and his act.
What follows in Toby's initiation into the world of kink and a Dom/sub relationship. Already accustomed to wearing lace panties, a corset, bloomers and makeup, he discovers his desire for kinks of nearly every type with Alistair in the upstairs bordello. He loves being dominated and spanked.
As a majority of the story occurs at Maverick Molly's, the world building is extraordinary. The bordello is described in detail, as are all the devices for domination and various kinks.
The dialogue is emotional, snarky and powerful. (And educational!) The supporting characters; Sebastian and Jacob are the club's owners, Robin is a total man-whore, Patrick is new to the job, and Esther and Lev are Toby's non-binary BFFs.
The story is set in Ottawa, Canada, but there aren't any language barriers. The entire story is told is English.
I absolutely loved this wonderful book and the passion that grows between Toby and Alistair. I would say the conclusion is a HFN with another book (hopefully!!) to follow!!
February 18, 2024
Are You There Moriarty by A. E. Lister is a fun, steamy, shminky story of Toby and Alastair.
Toby works in a Victorian style club as a server. The servers also get on stage and perform and the uniform is Victorian lingerie. One evening while Toby is out smoking he meets Alastair. Alastair is a dom that frequents the back section of the club which is more of a bdsm club. Toby is a brat of a sub for Alastair. Toby is more vanilla than not but is learning many new things under Alastair's teachings.
This is book one in a new world from A. E. Lister, set in the club Maverick Molly's. The world building is wonderful and we get a glimpse of all the future players. There is a lot of insight into the underground world of the Victorian era gay scene and Lister has done a fabulous job teaching us without bogging us down with too much information. The romance is definitely center stage.
Toby and Alastair's relationship is a lot of fun to see develop. They both come into the experience thinking one time but of course are not successful at keeping to one and done. Alastair learns that vanilla relationships can be very rewarding and satisfying and Toby is learning that spankings hurt but only in the very best ways.
There are a lot of fun things explored in this book and a few trigger warnings you may need to be mindful of. I highly recommend immersing yourself in the world of Maverick Molly's
Toby works in a Victorian style club as a server. The servers also get on stage and perform and the uniform is Victorian lingerie. One evening while Toby is out smoking he meets Alastair. Alastair is a dom that frequents the back section of the club which is more of a bdsm club. Toby is a brat of a sub for Alastair. Toby is more vanilla than not but is learning many new things under Alastair's teachings.
This is book one in a new world from A. E. Lister, set in the club Maverick Molly's. The world building is wonderful and we get a glimpse of all the future players. There is a lot of insight into the underground world of the Victorian era gay scene and Lister has done a fabulous job teaching us without bogging us down with too much information. The romance is definitely center stage.
Toby and Alastair's relationship is a lot of fun to see develop. They both come into the experience thinking one time but of course are not successful at keeping to one and done. Alastair learns that vanilla relationships can be very rewarding and satisfying and Toby is learning that spankings hurt but only in the very best ways.
There are a lot of fun things explored in this book and a few trigger warnings you may need to be mindful of. I highly recommend immersing yourself in the world of Maverick Molly's
August 31, 2024
This is a spicy steamy book and the author doesn't disappoint when it comes to making you connect with the characters.
Toby is trying to save up money to get his own place and not have to worry about living with his mother. He can't stand being there and he made his own family where he works at. He ends up meeting Alastair when he was on break and the instant connection that he felt towards this man, he had to explore it more. He meets up with Alastair for a night that he won't forget but only to get hurt the very next time he sees Alastair and a new boy on his arm when he enters the club.
Alastair comes to the club usually every week with some new boy on his arm. He always takes them to the back room. He arrives at the club but before he even makes into the club, he sees a very attractive boy on break. He chats with him and can't believe the instant connection he has towards him. He brings him somewhere close after his shift and then thought that would be the end of it. He was wrong. He tries to bring someone new to the club only to have a problem.
Toby & Alastair have some things that they have to work on and when they do, man do you feel the emotions and connection between them flare. These two are perfect for each other and the things they come up with in the back room, oh hotness. I love how they explore and figure out what works for the both of them.
I received an ARC through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
Toby is trying to save up money to get his own place and not have to worry about living with his mother. He can't stand being there and he made his own family where he works at. He ends up meeting Alastair when he was on break and the instant connection that he felt towards this man, he had to explore it more. He meets up with Alastair for a night that he won't forget but only to get hurt the very next time he sees Alastair and a new boy on his arm when he enters the club.
Alastair comes to the club usually every week with some new boy on his arm. He always takes them to the back room. He arrives at the club but before he even makes into the club, he sees a very attractive boy on break. He chats with him and can't believe the instant connection he has towards him. He brings him somewhere close after his shift and then thought that would be the end of it. He was wrong. He tries to bring someone new to the club only to have a problem.
Toby & Alastair have some things that they have to work on and when they do, man do you feel the emotions and connection between them flare. These two are perfect for each other and the things they come up with in the back room, oh hotness. I love how they explore and figure out what works for the both of them.
I received an ARC through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
February 18, 2024
Two guys meet at a club. What happens next?
I wanted to read this book because the title and cover were so intriguing. Of course, in my mind it had something to do with a very famous nineteenth century British sleuth. I was wrong. The title is based on a parlor game in Victorian times of that name. Fascinating way to introduce us to Maverick Molly, a club where contemporary men could visit an historical representation of a Molly house during those times, where men of a certain persuasion could be entertained by other men. One of the servers at Maverick Molly is Toby Dunn who is 20yo, a college student and trying desperately to get out of his home. Toby meets Alastair Kenney who is almost 36yo and enjoys the Maverick Molly’s kink room in the back. This book is not angst-free but it is more in the relationship than from outside of it. I should say low angst except for one person, Toby’s mother who becomes a slight irritation in the book albeit a major irritation in Toby’s life.
If you enjoy MM age-gap romance with steam and kink, you will want to read this book. Some parts seemed to drag while others were page-turners. This may very well be my problem more than the book’s. The book is well-written and edited. There were several entertaining secondary characters too. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews.
I wanted to read this book because the title and cover were so intriguing. Of course, in my mind it had something to do with a very famous nineteenth century British sleuth. I was wrong. The title is based on a parlor game in Victorian times of that name. Fascinating way to introduce us to Maverick Molly, a club where contemporary men could visit an historical representation of a Molly house during those times, where men of a certain persuasion could be entertained by other men. One of the servers at Maverick Molly is Toby Dunn who is 20yo, a college student and trying desperately to get out of his home. Toby meets Alastair Kenney who is almost 36yo and enjoys the Maverick Molly’s kink room in the back. This book is not angst-free but it is more in the relationship than from outside of it. I should say low angst except for one person, Toby’s mother who becomes a slight irritation in the book albeit a major irritation in Toby’s life.
If you enjoy MM age-gap romance with steam and kink, you will want to read this book. Some parts seemed to drag while others were page-turners. This may very well be my problem more than the book’s. The book is well-written and edited. There were several entertaining secondary characters too. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews.
August 13, 2024
**I was provided an electronic copy of this work via GayRomanceReviews. Thank you!**
AE Lister presents Are You There, Moriarty? an erotica novel centered on the gay club Maverick Molly's. The setting of the novel is contemporary, though Maverick Molly's embraces the period dress of molly boys for their serving staff. Toby is one of the servers, which leads to his encounter with Alastair Kenney. When Alastair and Toby choose to meet off the clock to pursue their mutual attraction, sparks and floggers fly.
Alastair and Toby are written with individual histories clearly established. Both parties have a certain amount of baggage they bring to the table. To me, that baggage is discussed, but doesn't seem to weigh heavily on the characters other than manifesting in Toby's insecurity in their newly formed relationship. As much as the discussions regarding safe kink are good and welcome and necessary, the actual relationship between Toby and Alastair seemed surface level. The characters of Toby's chosen family and coworkers added quite a bit of joy to the novel overall, but several introduced plot points had loose ends galore.
As such, I found this book to be entertaining and fun, but my feelings settled in around middle of the road overall. I will certainly continue in the world and look forward to future works from Lister.
AE Lister presents Are You There, Moriarty? an erotica novel centered on the gay club Maverick Molly's. The setting of the novel is contemporary, though Maverick Molly's embraces the period dress of molly boys for their serving staff. Toby is one of the servers, which leads to his encounter with Alastair Kenney. When Alastair and Toby choose to meet off the clock to pursue their mutual attraction, sparks and floggers fly.
Alastair and Toby are written with individual histories clearly established. Both parties have a certain amount of baggage they bring to the table. To me, that baggage is discussed, but doesn't seem to weigh heavily on the characters other than manifesting in Toby's insecurity in their newly formed relationship. As much as the discussions regarding safe kink are good and welcome and necessary, the actual relationship between Toby and Alastair seemed surface level. The characters of Toby's chosen family and coworkers added quite a bit of joy to the novel overall, but several introduced plot points had loose ends galore.
As such, I found this book to be entertaining and fun, but my feelings settled in around middle of the road overall. I will certainly continue in the world and look forward to future works from Lister.
February 22, 2024
Sorry I can’t help loving this book and I give it five stars even though I had a couple of problems with it. The thing is that it’s set in my hometown and when you live in Canada that doesn’t happen all that often. It was so much fun to keepy the book itself. I love the idea of this club that takes the idea of historical naughty traditions and clothing and transfers it to a modern gay club. I actually think it’s a great idea and wish it was real. (Of course me not being male nor gay presents a challenge but we work with what we have right?) This book is more about the k1nk relationship than the regular relationship and that part is well written and worth reading if like me you like that kind of thing. I do wish that there was more of real life stuff like Toby doing his homework on etc and I thought the ending was a little bit abrupt but aside from those things I think this is a terrific first volume of what looks like an excellent series.
I got an ARC of this book from GRR and this is my honest review
I got an ARC of this book from GRR and this is my honest review
February 17, 2024
First off let me just say how amazing Maverick Molly’s is as a setting for a romance! And as a setting in general, it was clear that such thought and care went into creating the perfect visuals in the reader's head as they read the book. Molly's was amusing, cute and seductive all at once and I found myself wondering if I could recreate one of the servers outfits for Halloween. Are you there moriarty? Also contained a good amount of angst and darker themes which I appreciate in a romance, the balance between angst, comfort and fluff in this book is good and at no point did I struggle to understand a character's motivations or actions. I will say that I thought the ending was quite abrupt and I didn’t see it as an ending while I was reading it, it would have been fun to get a bit more closure with Toby’s mother and his feelings about Nigel.Overall this was an enjoyable read with distinct and engaging characters.
February 20, 2024
3.5 stars an okay story with only one POV.
This book is set in Canada with Toby who worked in a kink BDSM club and Alistair meeting for the first time to begin their romance.
Toby, 20 years, was a server/performer and on a bad start to his shift, it gets better after his meeting Alistair.
A good first meeting between them, and they hookup fast and sexy scenes happen with a connection they both feel, sadly I didn't.
Alistair, 36 years, was hooked with Toby at first sight.
This was an okay book to read, I couldn't connect with them because I needed Alistair's thoughts in a pov.
Toby has baggage with his mother which has him moving out. I loved Toby’s flirty and fun personality in this.
This was told with Toby’s POV for the story. I had mixed thoughts for the ending. I usually love this authors book but this one didn't get their for me.
*I received an GRR ARC and this is my voluntary thoughts.
This book is set in Canada with Toby who worked in a kink BDSM club and Alistair meeting for the first time to begin their romance.
Toby, 20 years, was a server/performer and on a bad start to his shift, it gets better after his meeting Alistair.
A good first meeting between them, and they hookup fast and sexy scenes happen with a connection they both feel, sadly I didn't.
Alistair, 36 years, was hooked with Toby at first sight.
This was an okay book to read, I couldn't connect with them because I needed Alistair's thoughts in a pov.
Toby has baggage with his mother which has him moving out. I loved Toby’s flirty and fun personality in this.
This was told with Toby’s POV for the story. I had mixed thoughts for the ending. I usually love this authors book but this one didn't get their for me.
*I received an GRR ARC and this is my voluntary thoughts.
February 20, 2024
Are you there? Really good question... As a reader, I was really there with all my senses - AE Lister's excellent descriptions exuded an incredibly strong sense of warmth and comfort and transported me straight to the Victorian era, which was an absolute delight. Subtle touches of humour were woven into all the little details. Alastair and Toby were such a quirky, sweet and charming couple. They made me laugh so much with their first awkward attempts at getting to know each other, dancing around serious topics and falling right into hilarious misunderstandings. There was a slight D/s plotline going, but neither Alastair was an outstanding example of a Dom, nor Toby a submissive. It was more about exploring the kinks and discovering how they fit together as a couple. And all the dirty talk, omg, such a blast!!!
Generally light and low angst, this was my first dive into a historical-themed romance and AE Lister, the perfect guide for such kind of unforgetable experience.
Generally light and low angst, this was my first dive into a historical-themed romance and AE Lister, the perfect guide for such kind of unforgetable experience.
March 5, 2024
Toby works at Maverick Molly’s, a kink/gaming club in the style of a Victorian mollyhouse, to put himself through college. One night, while sneaking a smoke outside, Toby meets older hottie Alastair. They are both smitten, and what was intended as a simple hookup ends up with them changing each other's lives.
There's lots of good communication here, there's very little angst over their age difference, and then there's this absolute unicorn: Our young, horny MC is absolutely drooling over a cock that is not cartoonishly large. Behold:
There's lots of good communication here, there's very little angst over their age difference, and then there's this absolute unicorn: Our young, horny MC is absolutely drooling over a cock that is not cartoonishly large. Behold:
We stared at each other as I tugged at the waistband of his briefs and pulled them down over his healthy erection. His cock bounced free—a lovely, average-sized specimen—smooth and juicy. It was just the right size—big enough to make me catch my breath in anticipation rather than terror. Just the right amount of girth on it and about five inches long. Perfect.
August 20, 2024
Toby works as a molly boy at Maverick Molly's. Alistair is a frequent patron. I guess their meeting would be described as instalust then quickly instalove. They both feel an instant connection and soon Toby moves in with Alistair. Toby quickly explores his newfound kinky side with Alistair.
There is very little angst except for Toby's mother who is an addict and abuses her son.
I really wanted to give this 5 stars but something was missing and I'm not sure what it was. It might be that this is only Toby's POV. I would have liked to know what Alistar was thinking too.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews.
There is very little angst except for Toby's mother who is an addict and abuses her son.
I really wanted to give this 5 stars but something was missing and I'm not sure what it was. It might be that this is only Toby's POV. I would have liked to know what Alistar was thinking too.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews.
February 8, 2024
This is a real awakening story. Both guys are attracted to each other and both are sort of possessive.
Toby is a down on his luck guy who has been down his whole life. When he decides things have to change he turns to his bff but he can’t depend on her help forever.
Alastair never expected to run into Toby in a club he had visited many times before but it only took one time and he was hooked. He doesn’t quite know what to make of Toby.
This is a fun story. Toby, while having his share of problems, is quite entertaining. His personality just can’t help being adorable. Alastair is more than likable. He really puts up with a lot from Toby but he sees what causes Toby to be the way he is.
I really enjoyed this story. This author has a way of making the characters so attractive that the story is done before I was ready.
Toby is a down on his luck guy who has been down his whole life. When he decides things have to change he turns to his bff but he can’t depend on her help forever.
Alastair never expected to run into Toby in a club he had visited many times before but it only took one time and he was hooked. He doesn’t quite know what to make of Toby.
This is a fun story. Toby, while having his share of problems, is quite entertaining. His personality just can’t help being adorable. Alastair is more than likable. He really puts up with a lot from Toby but he sees what causes Toby to be the way he is.
I really enjoyed this story. This author has a way of making the characters so attractive that the story is done before I was ready.
February 17, 2024
This was a really fun read and I enjoyed Alastair and Toby. These two have quite the chemistry and I love the atmosphere that Molly's has. A.E. Lister did an amazing job of creating this space for the two of them to do some exploring, and the kinky scenes are great as usual with their stories. Toby comes from a not great home and his mother is manipulative. Alastair feels like the solution to his problems. While Alastair is sweet and does take care of Toby, I do feel like I would've liked to have seen more communication from these two about their relationship. It does feel a bit up in the air at times, and it was a little awkward when a past friends with benefits comes around for Alastair. Overall though, I did really like these two. Alastair gives safety and structure to Toby's life and I think Toby gives Alastair a person to truly connect with.
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