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Orion's New Leash on Life
The US Recession of 2007 stole Orion Hathaway’s job, his property value, and his savings. With nothing left, he lost something even more his mental health. No longer able to afford the fees to his favorite BDSM club, he becomes a hermit, retreating further into depression and the cocoon of his bed until his friends stage an intervention. They have the perfect solution to get Master O back on his feet. Despite his initial reservations, Orion discovers canine therapy might be just what he needs to become human again.
Roan Matthews is used to flaky Masters weirded out by his pup fetish. Deep down, he desires what all dogs want— a forever home. Unwilling participant Orion Hathaway seems an unlikely candidate at first, but Roan realizes if he can help pull Orion out of his depression, perhaps they can make a new home together.
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2014 Daily Dose package "Mended".
Roan Matthews is used to flaky Masters weirded out by his pup fetish. Deep down, he desires what all dogs want— a forever home. Unwilling participant Orion Hathaway seems an unlikely candidate at first, but Roan realizes if he can help pull Orion out of his depression, perhaps they can make a new home together.
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2014 Daily Dose package "Mended".
79 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2014
36 people want to read
About the author
C. Callenreese
2 books2 followersC. Callenreese is a gay fiction author residing in Los Angeles, and also the founder/writer of the Tumblr All Because of the Boys.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 11, 2014
3.5 Stars
Fun, joyful and unexpectedly thoughtful puppy play
I was unprepared by the sweetness and real investment in this story. The setup is grave when a well executed intervention brings Orion around. The concepts are solid and while one could argue that the timeline is sped up and the results ideal, for a short story, it gives a good deal of depth to both the MCs, the kink, and the supporting characters. It delivered a complete story with a surprising amount of complexity in the allotted space.
I relish and favor celebratory representations of love and acceptance and this story delivers that. Whether or not you can relate to puppy play, the reader can definitely relate to the emotions and struggles of the characters. Master O and Pepper's dynamics are what I enjoy seeing in a D/s relationship, two parties invested in providing for the other, each in their own way. Overall, it is a sweet read that is optimistic and makes you smile.
Favorite quote:
~~A copy was provided to me for a No Glitter Blown review~~
~~~Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews~~~
Fun, joyful and unexpectedly thoughtful puppy play
I was unprepared by the sweetness and real investment in this story. The setup is grave when a well executed intervention brings Orion around. The concepts are solid and while one could argue that the timeline is sped up and the results ideal, for a short story, it gives a good deal of depth to both the MCs, the kink, and the supporting characters. It delivered a complete story with a surprising amount of complexity in the allotted space.
I relish and favor celebratory representations of love and acceptance and this story delivers that. Whether or not you can relate to puppy play, the reader can definitely relate to the emotions and struggles of the characters. Master O and Pepper's dynamics are what I enjoy seeing in a D/s relationship, two parties invested in providing for the other, each in their own way. Overall, it is a sweet read that is optimistic and makes you smile.
Favorite quote:
“Pups need masters, but I never thought about how it could be the other way around.”
~~A copy was provided to me for a No Glitter Blown review~~
~~~Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews~~~
dnf-not-4-me
October 11, 2014I am ALL about consenting adults doing whatever they want together to make each other feel good, absolutely, but this just went a bit too far for my comfort level. Holy shit, the things I can now never un-see. Might have something to do with the fact that my dogs are my children?
Couldn't finish this one, but I wish you luck if you choose to try.
Couldn't finish this one, but I wish you luck if you choose to try.
June 20, 2014
I really liked this one - my only niggle: the end wasn't the end and the epilogue wasn't an epilogue, in fact it was the final chapter. And I missed Pepper's POV.
June 13, 2014
This story is a sweet, somewhat kinky romance between a despondent Master and his new “pup”. You could call it canine therapy, but basically, the idea is to give the despondent Master someone else to focus on and use that to pull him out of his depression. Never mind that the “pup” is actually a man looking for stress relief from his demanding job, the principle is the same. And as kinky as it sounds, when I read this story, I was totally able to see how it can work for both partners in this unusual type of relationship.
Orion is down on his luck, out of a job and depressed because he cannot find a new one. Luckily he has friends who worry about him and come up with a great plan. Not that Orion is very appreciative of their efforts, but having the pup there, and finding him kind of cute, does give him something else to focus on. Orion is a very responsible man, so needing to figure out what to do with his new “puppy” keeps him busy.
Roan, on the other hand, craves the simplicity of role playing to be a dog, of not having to be responsible in his free time. He is clearly into his whole act, and once he explains his reasons and fantasies to Orion, he totally lets go. His playful side comes out, and for someone who is a surgeon’s assistant when he works, taking his mind off things when he is at home is crucial. Yes, play-acting to be a dog is a little unusual, but hey, to each their own, right?
If you like the sweeter side of BDSM and are curious about puppy play and what it can mean to both the “pup” and its Master, if you like stories about men who heal each other, and if you’re looking for a hot, fun read with lots of playful interactions, then you will probably like this short novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Orion is down on his luck, out of a job and depressed because he cannot find a new one. Luckily he has friends who worry about him and come up with a great plan. Not that Orion is very appreciative of their efforts, but having the pup there, and finding him kind of cute, does give him something else to focus on. Orion is a very responsible man, so needing to figure out what to do with his new “puppy” keeps him busy.
Roan, on the other hand, craves the simplicity of role playing to be a dog, of not having to be responsible in his free time. He is clearly into his whole act, and once he explains his reasons and fantasies to Orion, he totally lets go. His playful side comes out, and for someone who is a surgeon’s assistant when he works, taking his mind off things when he is at home is crucial. Yes, play-acting to be a dog is a little unusual, but hey, to each their own, right?
If you like the sweeter side of BDSM and are curious about puppy play and what it can mean to both the “pup” and its Master, if you like stories about men who heal each other, and if you’re looking for a hot, fun read with lots of playful interactions, then you will probably like this short novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
June 19, 2014
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
3.75 Stars
From the moment we meet Orion Hathaway we realise what a dark and desperate place his life has become. He is barely functioning on any level. His day consists of sleeping, applying for jobs, eating poorly and only when he remembers and hopefully taking his anti-depressants. Losing his job was the card that tipped the deck, unable to afford his mortgage his savings have gone along with all his hope. He can no longer afford his membership to the BDSM club that meant so much to him, his life to all intents and purpose seems to be no longer worth any effort.
When his friends take it upon themselves to interfere and try to rouse him out of his self imposed prison they come up with an unusual method. They deliver him a boy for the weekend who enjoys nothing more than being a puppy and is looking for a master to care for him.
Initially overwhelmed, a bit of responsibility might just be what Orion needs. Roan, or Pepper the puppy, leads a stressful life working in a hospital, and his down time is spent in puppy form without having to worry about anything other than playing, eating and cuddling. Roan takes to Orion at their first meeting and agrees to spend the weekend with him.
Company and the need to nurture someone else have a profound effect on Orion and for the first time in months he actually begins to feel. It is not an instant fix, he doesn’t suddenly wake up and everything is right in his world, but after such a dark period in his life he begins to think there may be hope.
These two men provide each other comfort, humour and fun. I enjoyed this short story. Puppy Play may not be everyones kink or idea of fun but for Orion and Roan it worked and brought them joy and a little peace. It is a story of healing and hope and doing what works to obtain it.
3.75 Stars
From the moment we meet Orion Hathaway we realise what a dark and desperate place his life has become. He is barely functioning on any level. His day consists of sleeping, applying for jobs, eating poorly and only when he remembers and hopefully taking his anti-depressants. Losing his job was the card that tipped the deck, unable to afford his mortgage his savings have gone along with all his hope. He can no longer afford his membership to the BDSM club that meant so much to him, his life to all intents and purpose seems to be no longer worth any effort.
When his friends take it upon themselves to interfere and try to rouse him out of his self imposed prison they come up with an unusual method. They deliver him a boy for the weekend who enjoys nothing more than being a puppy and is looking for a master to care for him.
Initially overwhelmed, a bit of responsibility might just be what Orion needs. Roan, or Pepper the puppy, leads a stressful life working in a hospital, and his down time is spent in puppy form without having to worry about anything other than playing, eating and cuddling. Roan takes to Orion at their first meeting and agrees to spend the weekend with him.
Company and the need to nurture someone else have a profound effect on Orion and for the first time in months he actually begins to feel. It is not an instant fix, he doesn’t suddenly wake up and everything is right in his world, but after such a dark period in his life he begins to think there may be hope.
These two men provide each other comfort, humour and fun. I enjoyed this short story. Puppy Play may not be everyones kink or idea of fun but for Orion and Roan it worked and brought them joy and a little peace. It is a story of healing and hope and doing what works to obtain it.
Read
June 1, 2014This is my first professionally edited publication, and my first publication with themes involving alternative gay lifestyles. If you are into pup play, or are just curious or fascinated about it, this is for you.
gayboykink came through with the cover image last minute, and did an excellent job of modeling himself. Please check out his Tumblr - gayboykink.tumblr.com (NSFW).
gayboykink came through with the cover image last minute, and did an excellent job of modeling himself. Please check out his Tumblr - gayboykink.tumblr.com (NSFW).
July 18, 2014
This quick read was the perfect cure for a lousy day. I don't know about you, but my fortunes have faded since the economic meltdown plowed through the US, so I felt an immediate kinship to Orion. He's struggling to survive his debt, and can't really get past it. Emotionally, he's on meds and the days blend in his extended unemployment.
Then, his buddies show up with a surprise: Roan. Roan is a Puppy. He has a bag full of toys and a dog bed and everything. When in his puppy role Roan is a completely subservient male, eager to please his Master and cuddle, play fetch, and eat from his bowl--or his Master's hand. On the outside, Roan is a trauma nurse. His life is stressful, and dropping into his puppy persona allows him to be fun, and frisky and completely cared for. Orion realizes this; and he's not sure he's up for the challenge.
Caring for a Pet requires a lot of focus and effort--something Orion's been lacking what with his depression, and all. He tries hard, however, and it's just the tonic his heart needed. In fact, after the first weekend, Orion misses Roan. They agree to try it on again which prompts Orion to clean up his house, and himself. The pride and purpose he experiences caring for Roan is a balm to Orion. By degrees his mood improves--for the first time in months he looks forward to something: his next session with Roan.
They even hit a BBQ with buddies from the BDSM scene and Orion encounters another Puppy Master. And the socializing restores him. He even meets a contact for a job.
A lot happens in this novella. I liked the scenes. Lots of genuine affection, puppy-style, which gradually changed into human-human affection. It was a sweet tale with a bright ending.
Then, his buddies show up with a surprise: Roan. Roan is a Puppy. He has a bag full of toys and a dog bed and everything. When in his puppy role Roan is a completely subservient male, eager to please his Master and cuddle, play fetch, and eat from his bowl--or his Master's hand. On the outside, Roan is a trauma nurse. His life is stressful, and dropping into his puppy persona allows him to be fun, and frisky and completely cared for. Orion realizes this; and he's not sure he's up for the challenge.
Caring for a Pet requires a lot of focus and effort--something Orion's been lacking what with his depression, and all. He tries hard, however, and it's just the tonic his heart needed. In fact, after the first weekend, Orion misses Roan. They agree to try it on again which prompts Orion to clean up his house, and himself. The pride and purpose he experiences caring for Roan is a balm to Orion. By degrees his mood improves--for the first time in months he looks forward to something: his next session with Roan.
They even hit a BBQ with buddies from the BDSM scene and Orion encounters another Puppy Master. And the socializing restores him. He even meets a contact for a job.
A lot happens in this novella. I liked the scenes. Lots of genuine affection, puppy-style, which gradually changed into human-human affection. It was a sweet tale with a bright ending.
September 14, 2014
No one is immune to the country’s recession; not even a well-respected Dom like Orion. There are days he barely crawls out of bed with depression hitting him as hard as the economy.
The surgical floor in a pediatric unit is often a very stressful and sometimes heart-breaking job. Puppy play is Roan’s way of stepping out of that world and into one where all decisions are made for him.
A knock on the door is the last thing Orion wants to hear. His friends are very persistent; however, and have brought him a puppy, of the beautiful young human male variety. He and Roan hit it off right away, but with Orion’s life in such a shambles he can barely take care of himself let alone someone else.
As far as this type of kink goes, this story plays it off pretty lightly, and with a nice degree of genuine feeling. Orion’s depression is taking over his life, so his friends' intervention is very timely. Roan slips into his puppy role easily, with just the right amount of playfulness and sincerity. Their story is sweet, just a little dirty, and a makes for a light bit of fun reading.
Lototy
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
- See more at: http://coffeetimeromance.com/BookRevi...
The surgical floor in a pediatric unit is often a very stressful and sometimes heart-breaking job. Puppy play is Roan’s way of stepping out of that world and into one where all decisions are made for him.
A knock on the door is the last thing Orion wants to hear. His friends are very persistent; however, and have brought him a puppy, of the beautiful young human male variety. He and Roan hit it off right away, but with Orion’s life in such a shambles he can barely take care of himself let alone someone else.
As far as this type of kink goes, this story plays it off pretty lightly, and with a nice degree of genuine feeling. Orion’s depression is taking over his life, so his friends' intervention is very timely. Roan slips into his puppy role easily, with just the right amount of playfulness and sincerity. Their story is sweet, just a little dirty, and a makes for a light bit of fun reading.
Lototy
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
- See more at: http://coffeetimeromance.com/BookRevi...
July 14, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
Orion’s New Leash on Life is part of the Dreamspinner Press Daily Dose set, Mended. As such, I think it handles the themes of hurt and comfort really well, showing how Orion is healed through his relationship with his pup. It is nice to see this man who has sunk so far into misery find his way out through the focus and attention he gives his submissive. It is clear that Orion has been missing his Dom role since he can no longer afford the club, and finding a focus outside of himself really goes a long way toward helping him heal. Despite the heavy subject matter, this story is actually quite light and fun after the early pages. It is entertaining to see how Pepper breaks through Orion’s defenses, wanting walks when Orion just wants to sleep the day away, and bringing a sense of fun and play to the somber Orion.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
Orion’s New Leash on Life is part of the Dreamspinner Press Daily Dose set, Mended. As such, I think it handles the themes of hurt and comfort really well, showing how Orion is healed through his relationship with his pup. It is nice to see this man who has sunk so far into misery find his way out through the focus and attention he gives his submissive. It is clear that Orion has been missing his Dom role since he can no longer afford the club, and finding a focus outside of himself really goes a long way toward helping him heal. Despite the heavy subject matter, this story is actually quite light and fun after the early pages. It is entertaining to see how Pepper breaks through Orion’s defenses, wanting walks when Orion just wants to sleep the day away, and bringing a sense of fun and play to the somber Orion.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
October 10, 2016
Oh wow.....this was just so sweet...Orion is really down on his life as he's lost his job and money and is deeply depressed until two of his friends bring him a human pup to look after.....Roan is just amazingly sweet and takes to Orion right away and Orion's luck starts to change......I really loved this and will definitely look up more from this author x
October 19, 2014
Just when it seems that Orion is at the end of everything and not sure of way out he is given a very kinky gift for the weekend. Somehow this provides the turning point so that everything comes out better for everyone just from taking the chance.
Read
June 20, 2014Kinks, no thanks
Read
June 22, 2014Two words: pup play
June 14, 2014
4.5 stars
June 27, 2014
2.5 stars, wished it was a bit longer and the progress of the play to be a bit slower and give more time to build their relationship beyond a weekend or two.. Overall a great read.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews