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Wicked Play #5
Bonds of Denial
Length: 9 hours and 36 minutes
It's been twenty years since Rockford Fielding's father punished him for kissing another boy. Now a grown man with a military career behind him, Rock continues to deny his true desires, even while working security at The Den, the most decadent sex club in town. But after a year of watching gorgeous Carter Montgomery come and go on the arms of other men, Rock can no longer resist the cravings he's denied for so long.
Carter has just four months left on his contract with an escort agency, and he doesn't know whether to feel relieved or afraid. Being an escort is all he knows. Adding to his confusion is the way his latest client, the sexy but stoic Rock, makes him feel things he hasn't wanted in years.
One charmingly awkward date turns into two and soon the men are meeting off the clock. But with Rock in the closet and Carter unsure how to pursue a real relationship, how can they build a future both in and out of the bedroom?
89,000 words
It's been twenty years since Rockford Fielding's father punished him for kissing another boy. Now a grown man with a military career behind him, Rock continues to deny his true desires, even while working security at The Den, the most decadent sex club in town. But after a year of watching gorgeous Carter Montgomery come and go on the arms of other men, Rock can no longer resist the cravings he's denied for so long.
Carter has just four months left on his contract with an escort agency, and he doesn't know whether to feel relieved or afraid. Being an escort is all he knows. Adding to his confusion is the way his latest client, the sexy but stoic Rock, makes him feel things he hasn't wanted in years.
One charmingly awkward date turns into two and soon the men are meeting off the clock. But with Rock in the closet and Carter unsure how to pursue a real relationship, how can they build a future both in and out of the bedroom?
89,000 words
10 pages, Audible Audio
First published February 3, 2014
49 people are currently reading
1210 people want to read
About the author
Lynda Aicher
44 books567 followersI love to read. It's a simple fact that has been true since I discovered the worlds of Judy Blume at the age of ten. After years of weekly travel as a consultant implementing computer software into global companies, I ended my nomadic lifestyle to raise my two children. Now, my imagination is my only limitation on where I can go and my writing lets me escape from the daily duties of being a mom, wife, chauffeur, scheduler, cook, teacher, cleaner, and mediator.
If writing wasn't a priority, it would never get done.
If writing wasn't a priority, it would never get done.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews
May 21, 2016
Re-read in July 2015. LOVED IT!
Well, this one kind of came out of left field! I almost didn't read it when I heard there was no BDSM in it, given that it was part 5 in a series of books set in a BDSM club called The Den. This was the first M/M pairing so I hadn't read the other books, and you don't need to in order to enjoy this story. But after reading JustJen and Vallie's 5 star reviews, I was sold, BDSM or not.
34-year-old Rockford Fielding, ex-military man and Army brat, has denied his gay self since he was 14 years old. He works security at the BDSM club The Den where he spots the beautiful male escort Carter Montgomery and realizes he can't deny his gay tendencies any longer. He sees Carter as a perfect way to explore his gay side completely anonymously because of Carter's profession. This is the jumping off point of the book and the rest is a beautiful love story between these two unlikely characters. The build up was slow, the tension was high, the romance was sweet and the sex was Hot. As. Fire. I loved every minute!
Highly recommended for plain 'ol M/M romance fans everywhere. It's just a sweet love story between two good men. What they do for a living does not define either of them in any way, shape or form.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
November 3, 2015
4.25 LET-ME-LOVE-YOU STARS
This was a gamble, what-the-hell kind of book provided by the publisher via NetGalley. And it pretty much blew me away. This book is part of a mostly M/F series (which I haven't read) set at a BDSM club called the Den, but it can definitely be read as a stand-alone. There was some name-dropping of former characters, but I just glossed over that.
The whole whoring business makes me feel dirty. But this book didn't skimp on the bad...or the good. Carter has been an escort for 10 years. It's all he's ever known. It provides him with job security. He's good at it (the acting, the hiding of emotions). But his last contract is coming up for renewal, and he's seriously considering not resigning and making a go at it with his photography instead.
(Thank you Channing Tatum for being you.)
Rock is an ex-military, deeply closeted man who has been obsessing over Carter for well over a year. Rock works in security at the Den, and has watched Carter come and go with a client. There's something about Carter's eyes; Rock sees the loneliness in them, a vulnerability.
(Rock as Gentry; I dare you to look away.)
The men meet (for pay first), and there are sparks. But Carter fucks other men. And Rock is ashamed of his homosexuality.
God, this book was SCORCHING. There is such a connection between the MCs, much more than fucking. The distinction between fucking for pay and making love for passion is driven home over and over. Don't expect BDSM, because neither Rock nor Carter are into that; neither one is a sub, and what they both crave is intimacy, an emotional bond.
As Carter gets to know Rock, his sense of control slips. He is no longer so cavalier about screwing strangers in hotel rooms. He feels things when he's with Carter. But he's scared to let go of the security that escorting provides.
As Rock leaves his shell, he become a huge support for Carter, and he helps Carter as much as Carter helps him.
I loved that despite the potentially angsty story line (rentboys, closeted soldiers, homophobic fathers), there actually wasn't a lot of angst. For the most part, the men communicate with one another. The dialogue was beautifully written, and the characters complex and multifaceted. We SEE the relationship between Carter and Rock develop. We believe it. We root for them.
Perhaps there was slightly too much introspection; the book could have been a tad shorter. And it was a little convenient that Carter immediately had success with his photography. But that could happen, so it's a minor niggle.
And lest I forget to mention, yes, there is a HEA! I would have loved an epilogue, but we get a gorgeous kissing scene followed by brain-melting sex, so it's all good. Highly recommended!
This was a gamble, what-the-hell kind of book provided by the publisher via NetGalley. And it pretty much blew me away. This book is part of a mostly M/F series (which I haven't read) set at a BDSM club called the Den, but it can definitely be read as a stand-alone. There was some name-dropping of former characters, but I just glossed over that.
The whole whoring business makes me feel dirty. But this book didn't skimp on the bad...or the good. Carter has been an escort for 10 years. It's all he's ever known. It provides him with job security. He's good at it (the acting, the hiding of emotions). But his last contract is coming up for renewal, and he's seriously considering not resigning and making a go at it with his photography instead.
(Thank you Channing Tatum for being you.)
Rock is an ex-military, deeply closeted man who has been obsessing over Carter for well over a year. Rock works in security at the Den, and has watched Carter come and go with a client. There's something about Carter's eyes; Rock sees the loneliness in them, a vulnerability.
(Rock as Gentry; I dare you to look away.)
The men meet (for pay first), and there are sparks. But Carter fucks other men. And Rock is ashamed of his homosexuality.
God, this book was SCORCHING. There is such a connection between the MCs, much more than fucking. The distinction between fucking for pay and making love for passion is driven home over and over. Don't expect BDSM, because neither Rock nor Carter are into that; neither one is a sub, and what they both crave is intimacy, an emotional bond.
As Carter gets to know Rock, his sense of control slips. He is no longer so cavalier about screwing strangers in hotel rooms. He feels things when he's with Carter. But he's scared to let go of the security that escorting provides.
As Rock leaves his shell, he become a huge support for Carter, and he helps Carter as much as Carter helps him.
I loved that despite the potentially angsty story line (rentboys, closeted soldiers, homophobic fathers), there actually wasn't a lot of angst. For the most part, the men communicate with one another. The dialogue was beautifully written, and the characters complex and multifaceted. We SEE the relationship between Carter and Rock develop. We believe it. We root for them.
Perhaps there was slightly too much introspection; the book could have been a tad shorter. And it was a little convenient that Carter immediately had success with his photography. But that could happen, so it's a minor niggle.
And lest I forget to mention, yes, there is a HEA! I would have loved an epilogue, but we get a gorgeous kissing scene followed by brain-melting sex, so it's all good. Highly recommended!
September 26, 2016
This one is number 5 of a series of MF & MMF BDSM books that would have normally lost me at the "F" *and* the BDSM, but I took a chance on it anyway.
First, there wasn't a single "F" or BDSM scene to be found in the book. Whew, I was truly relieved on that front. Lady bits and spanking aren't my thing, so sue me.
And it was fine as a stand-alone read and didn't require the previous books to make it an enjoyable read.
Rock and Carter were very well-developed characters. Rock being deathly closeted due to his strict military father and Carter becoming an escort after being rejected by his family upon coming out after high school.
Rock's first two (paid) attempts to get to know Carter fail miserably, but Carter is intrigued and wants to help Rock come to terms with who he is, so they begin meeting off the clock.
One aspect of the book that I liked was the shift of self-confidence from one character to the other. At the beginning, Carter was the strong, bold one, taking the lead in the diner scene, which I particularly enjoyed, where Carter finally got Rock to say "I'm gay" out loud -- for the first time ever, at age 34.
As the story progressed, Rock's level of self-acceptance grew:
[Rock] knew with a clarity that should’ve scared him that he wanted to be Carter’s someone. But it didn’t frighten him. Not even a little.And once Rock was sick of what people thought, including his own father's judgmental bullshit:
And who the fuck made that rule? Who the fuck equated being gay with being a weaker, lower-classed person? Who the fuck defined that being gay was wrong? And why in the fuck had he listened to that crap for so long?
Then as Carter's second 5-year contact with the escort agency is coming to a close, his self-confidence that he can make a go of his photography as an income-generating career make him consider signing on for another 5 years. Eek, just say no, girlfriend! : )
Anyway, that fear then causes Carter to push Rock away and treat him in a way that he never has before -- as if Rock were just a another trick. Sooooo not good.
This causes a major rift that must be overcome and is the main source of drama for the latter half of the book.
The book was a new twist on the old tried and true "Hooker with a Heart of Gold" scenario, but I definitely connected more with Carter than Miz Roberts in Pretty Woman.
A highly-recommended 4.25 stars.
September 30, 2014
Written March 27, 2014
4.8 Tender Love Stars - pleasurably delicate and belivable about life's toughness and daring to change it into something new - ...so very beautifully told
Bond of Denial is indeed a surprising loving and great M/M romance. From the first to the last page, this was a pure pleasure to read and experience.
As a beautiful Cinderella tale with two, slightly disheveled, male Cinderellas with large (frostbite) hearts, but perhaps little hope for something better and more in their lives. These two lovely men get here, in this well-made and tenderly written story, a great new chance for happiness. ~ But dare they take it?
The journey to the big goal, love and eternal happiness, is both anxiety-ridden and heartbreaking, but it meanders slowly forward and made me speechless with admiration.
~**~*~**~*~**~*~**~
Bond of Denial is about a closeted ex military, Rockford Fielding, and his longing for an experienced escort. Rock is while working with the security at The Den, a decadent sex (BDSM) club. After a year of watching the gorgeous escort Carter Montgomery come and go on the arms of other men is Rock totally captivated by Carter. The only man he ever looked extra after on the club's security screens (screens which he reviews night after night in the security room.)
Then at last can Rock no longer resist the cravings he's denied for so long and he book one (expensive) evening with the escort, Carter through the agency. They meet at a hotel (...this book start with that scene) for a dinner, and maybe more. Rock is stiff, quiet and very nervous ...after almost twenty years of denying his deep attraction and inner feelings for other (gay) men. He just can't admit to himself that he really is gay. He want so much 'more' but don't know if he would dare to really 'do' it.
The evening ends - of course - in disaster, and Carter don't understand a thing, but the wheels have started to roll. ~ And soon they meet again.
Carter, on the other hand, has worked as an escort for ten years now. ~ He dare not even to think of the disgusting word 'whore', though there is always there within him. ~ Carter is done with it and really wants out of this, profitable but emotionally tough, business.
Soon is Carter's current (five-years) contract with the agency concluded, and he dreams of daring to attempt on his life's dream - to devote himself to photography instead. ~ But Carter is deeply scared and afraid. He don't know if he can manage to do something else and leave the only "gift" he know he is good at. - To satisfy other men's lusts after a willing male fit body.
I want to point out two facts: 1) This is not a BDSM story.
2) This is not a nasty rough escort / rent-boy story.
This is rather, in my opinion, a very soft, sexy and subtle tale for big love in your life. It's about the hard task of a tightly confined guy (Rock) to actually take the plunge and come out of his secret gay-closet. This novel also tells, in a beautiful (hot) way, about these guys first lovemaking (yummy nice...), their inner fears and anxiety, their great happiness and in the end, their trust and closeness to each other.
The road is very emotional, bubbly and not "obstacle" free. But it is possible, as they both lern, if you are struggling on hard and know that you have found what you really, really want to have.
I was actually often so touched that my tears began to drip, and it clenched tightly in my heart several times. Rock and Carter are among the finest men I ever met in this kind of steamy romance.
Well made and well thought out; summarize it good
Amidst the emotional storm, there was still a calm. These guys' development, and their words and gestures to each other, were stunningly. Kind, but never sugary or silly.
~**~*~**~*~**~*~**~
Part #5 in a series? (no real story spoiler)
Some day I might read one of these other (hetro) parts (stand-alones) because I really liked this authors, Lynda Aicher's lovely tender style and great way with deep emotions in her writing. ~ Very well done, Ms Aicher, I loved your book.
~**~*~**~*~**~*~**~
I could probably write thousands (...more celebration) words about this wonderfully, grandly romantic, M/M story. It has absolutely everything. But it's much better you read the book instead. So don't forget it, let it not be lost in the crowd of all the good M/M romances we hear and read about here on GR every day. ~ This IS a delightful gem.
~ Highly recommended by me!! ~
I LIKE - my romantic (now satisfied) heart just screams; OH YES!
4.8 Tender Love Stars - pleasurably delicate and belivable about life's toughness and daring to change it into something new - ...so very beautifully told
Bond of Denial is indeed a surprising loving and great M/M romance. From the first to the last page, this was a pure pleasure to read and experience.
As a beautiful Cinderella tale with two, slightly disheveled, male Cinderellas with large (frostbite) hearts, but perhaps little hope for something better and more in their lives. These two lovely men get here, in this well-made and tenderly written story, a great new chance for happiness. ~ But dare they take it?
The journey to the big goal, love and eternal happiness, is both anxiety-ridden and heartbreaking, but it meanders slowly forward and made me speechless with admiration.
~**~*~**~*~**~*~**~
Bond of Denial is about a closeted ex military, Rockford Fielding, and his longing for an experienced escort. Rock is while working with the security at The Den, a decadent sex (BDSM) club. After a year of watching the gorgeous escort Carter Montgomery come and go on the arms of other men is Rock totally captivated by Carter. The only man he ever looked extra after on the club's security screens (screens which he reviews night after night in the security room.)
‘Rock's breath was coming out in deep pants heavy enpugh to fog the window. His hands was still curled into a fist...’
Then at last can Rock no longer resist the cravings he's denied for so long and he book one (expensive) evening with the escort, Carter through the agency. They meet at a hotel (...this book start with that scene) for a dinner, and maybe more. Rock is stiff, quiet and very nervous ...after almost twenty years of denying his deep attraction and inner feelings for other (gay) men. He just can't admit to himself that he really is gay. He want so much 'more' but don't know if he would dare to really 'do' it.
The evening ends - of course - in disaster, and Carter don't understand a thing, but the wheels have started to roll. ~ And soon they meet again.
‘Little steps. Small touches. It was nice. Sweet. A dance so different what Carter was used to that the melody wrapped around his heart and plucked at the wish he'd denied himself for years.’
Carter, on the other hand, has worked as an escort for ten years now. ~ He dare not even to think of the disgusting word 'whore', though there is always there within him. ~ Carter is done with it and really wants out of this, profitable but emotionally tough, business.
Soon is Carter's current (five-years) contract with the agency concluded, and he dreams of daring to attempt on his life's dream - to devote himself to photography instead. ~ But Carter is deeply scared and afraid. He don't know if he can manage to do something else and leave the only "gift" he know he is good at. - To satisfy other men's lusts after a willing male fit body.
“There's no point in being ashamed of what you can't change."
I want to point out two facts: 1) This is not a BDSM story.
2) This is not a nasty rough escort / rent-boy story.
This is rather, in my opinion, a very soft, sexy and subtle tale for big love in your life. It's about the hard task of a tightly confined guy (Rock) to actually take the plunge and come out of his secret gay-closet. This novel also tells, in a beautiful (hot) way, about these guys first lovemaking (yummy nice...), their inner fears and anxiety, their great happiness and in the end, their trust and closeness to each other.
The road is very emotional, bubbly and not "obstacle" free. But it is possible, as they both lern, if you are struggling on hard and know that you have found what you really, really want to have.
‘The sound that came from his chest was almost inhuman, filled with years of rage and loss as he finally claimed what he'd sworn he'd never want.
He'd been so fucking wrong.’
I was actually often so touched that my tears began to drip, and it clenched tightly in my heart several times. Rock and Carter are among the finest men I ever met in this kind of steamy romance.
Well made and well thought out; summarize it good
Amidst the emotional storm, there was still a calm. These guys' development, and their words and gestures to each other, were stunningly. Kind, but never sugary or silly.
~**~*~**~*~**~*~**~
Part #5 in a series? (no real story spoiler)
Some day I might read one of these other (hetro) parts (stand-alones) because I really liked this authors, Lynda Aicher's lovely tender style and great way with deep emotions in her writing. ~ Very well done, Ms Aicher, I loved your book.
~**~*~**~*~**~*~**~
I could probably write thousands (...more celebration) words about this wonderfully, grandly romantic, M/M story. It has absolutely everything. But it's much better you read the book instead. So don't forget it, let it not be lost in the crowd of all the good M/M romances we hear and read about here on GR every day. ~ This IS a delightful gem.
~ Highly recommended by me!! ~
I LIKE - my romantic (now satisfied) heart just screams; OH YES!
May 13, 2019
**** 4.5 Stars ****
Rent boys is a trope I am a sucker for, so yeah, I did read a few.
"I may be gutter trash, but I have just as much right as the rich to earn a living and love whoever I want. So yeah, I’m fucking fine with who I am.”
For some reason, the fact that one of the MC's worked at a sex club made me not give this one much credit. I thought the BDSM element mixed with the rent boy wouldn't mesh much. So, I think it's important to stress out that there is not a single ounce of BDSM in the MC's relationship.
Bonds of Denial turned out as a winner. What a huge surprise!
It was so soulful, gentle and emotional without being corny.
Here are all my loves:
I love a well done vulnerable character and here we have TWO.
I love when they are not ashamed of talking about feelings, seeing how much it's a struggle to them.
I loved Rock's evolution, all effort he made to keep Carter and watching him open up.
And I loved all support Carter gave to Rock, making him accept himself.
I loved the tension between the MC's at the beginning.
I loved it gave me all the feels.
Rent boys is a trope I am a sucker for, so yeah, I did read a few.
"I may be gutter trash, but I have just as much right as the rich to earn a living and love whoever I want. So yeah, I’m fucking fine with who I am.”
For some reason, the fact that one of the MC's worked at a sex club made me not give this one much credit. I thought the BDSM element mixed with the rent boy wouldn't mesh much. So, I think it's important to stress out that there is not a single ounce of BDSM in the MC's relationship.
Bonds of Denial turned out as a winner. What a huge surprise!
It was so soulful, gentle and emotional without being corny.
Here are all my loves:
I love a well done vulnerable character and here we have TWO.
I love when they are not ashamed of talking about feelings, seeing how much it's a struggle to them.
I loved Rock's evolution, all effort he made to keep Carter and watching him open up.
And I loved all support Carter gave to Rock, making him accept himself.
I loved the tension between the MC's at the beginning.
I loved it gave me all the feels.
May 21, 2014
5++++ The Best of the Best Stars!!!
Hands down, this book is in my Top 5 Favorite MM reads!!!
Oh how I fell in love with Carter and Rock.
Carter has been an escort for the last ten years. Forced to drop out of college and make his own way, what starts as a means to survive turns in to a way of life.
What he did for a living never mattered to Carter. Carter never allowed himself relationships, he denied himself that connection...believing that no one would want to be with a "whore".
Until he meets Rock.
Rock is buried deep deep in the closet. He comes from a military background and has also spent a lifetime denying himself love, companionship, security, want, need.
Rock works security at The Den, a BDSM club where Carter frequents with a client. Rock has watched Carter for over a year and finally gets the courage to request his services.
Over time, Rock goes from Carter's client to his friend to his lover. And the progression and development of their relationship was simply perfect.
We watch Rock struggle with "coming out" to his friends, to his family. Accepting who is, who he loves and who he wants to be.
We see Carter struggle with the choices he's made in the past and how they have affected his future. Wanting to be enough for Rock, to be something outside of a "whore", to be more.
Oh the pain that these two went through. The strength they had to trust what they felt for each other. The honesty they showed each other. The fear, the hope, the longing. There really are no words...
Simply fantastic....
Brilliant, beautiful, emotional, touching, sweet and sexy!
Note: I did not read the other books in the series before reading this one, and I did not feel lost. The other books in the series are MF and/or MFM. Also, there was no BDSM in this book!
Hands down, this book is in my Top 5 Favorite MM reads!!!
Oh how I fell in love with Carter and Rock.
Carter has been an escort for the last ten years. Forced to drop out of college and make his own way, what starts as a means to survive turns in to a way of life.
What he did for a living never mattered to Carter. Carter never allowed himself relationships, he denied himself that connection...believing that no one would want to be with a "whore".
“He gave them everything they wanted because after all, he was nothing more than the illusion they wanted him to be.”
Until he meets Rock.
Rock is buried deep deep in the closet. He comes from a military background and has also spent a lifetime denying himself love, companionship, security, want, need.
"Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
Rock works security at The Den, a BDSM club where Carter frequents with a client. Rock has watched Carter for over a year and finally gets the courage to request his services.
Over time, Rock goes from Carter's client to his friend to his lover. And the progression and development of their relationship was simply perfect.
We watch Rock struggle with "coming out" to his friends, to his family. Accepting who is, who he loves and who he wants to be.
We see Carter struggle with the choices he's made in the past and how they have affected his future. Wanting to be enough for Rock, to be something outside of a "whore", to be more.
"What if he walked away from what he knew, only to have nothing in the end? No job, no Rock and no money?
Where would he be then?"
Oh the pain that these two went through. The strength they had to trust what they felt for each other. The honesty they showed each other. The fear, the hope, the longing. There really are no words...
Simply fantastic....
Brilliant, beautiful, emotional, touching, sweet and sexy!
Note: I did not read the other books in the series before reading this one, and I did not feel lost. The other books in the series are MF and/or MFM. Also, there was no BDSM in this book!
September 28, 2018
Audio - 2.5 stars Great voice. Not so great performance.
Story - 3.5 stars
The blurb says it all as far as what the story is about.
I LOVED Rock!! He was so endearing. An ex-military man that was not only introverted but shy as well (the man blushed a lot). There was such an innocent quality to him. After being beaten as a teenager by his father for kissing another boy and a gay bashing, that left him facially scarred as an adult, Rock decides to deny who he is...a gay man.
Carter is an escort that Rock noticed a year ago. After a couple of not so successful paid dates, the two start seeing each other off the clock. They eventually become lovers and start dating as a couple. Carter is still working as an escort because he has a few months left to complete his contract. Rock doesn't like that his boyfriend is still seeing clients, but he's supportive and understanding. At this point, I'm loving the story, and the relationship development.
Things go south because of Carter's insecurities. He worries about what his financial situation will be like after he stops escorting. He worries that at some point Rock will be ashamed of having a boyfriend who was paid for sex.
Carter's concerns were valid, but I didn't like the way he lashed out. I also wasn't too crazy about the lengths Rock went through to prove his love for Carter. It didn't fit his character of being the introverted, shy and private type. Showy demonstrations hardly ever do it for me in a story, and definitely did nothing for me in this one.
Story - 3.5 stars
The blurb says it all as far as what the story is about.
I LOVED Rock!! He was so endearing. An ex-military man that was not only introverted but shy as well (the man blushed a lot). There was such an innocent quality to him. After being beaten as a teenager by his father for kissing another boy and a gay bashing, that left him facially scarred as an adult, Rock decides to deny who he is...a gay man.
Carter is an escort that Rock noticed a year ago. After a couple of not so successful paid dates, the two start seeing each other off the clock. They eventually become lovers and start dating as a couple. Carter is still working as an escort because he has a few months left to complete his contract. Rock doesn't like that his boyfriend is still seeing clients, but he's supportive and understanding. At this point, I'm loving the story, and the relationship development.
Things go south because of Carter's insecurities. He worries about what his financial situation will be like after he stops escorting. He worries that at some point Rock will be ashamed of having a boyfriend who was paid for sex.
Carter's concerns were valid, but I didn't like the way he lashed out. I also wasn't too crazy about the lengths Rock went through to prove his love for Carter. It didn't fit his character of being the introverted, shy and private type. Showy demonstrations hardly ever do it for me in a story, and definitely did nothing for me in this one.
June 26, 2021
I don't read anything with even a hint of any lady bits in at all now , so I haven't read anything by Lynda Aicher who I believe is predominantly a het romance writer but I saw all the amazing reviews for this, her first m/m ( even though I believe one of this series is a m/m/f) and I got 'THE VIBES'... and boy am I glad I did.
What a fantastic, emotionally charged, ultra sexy, yet not gratuitous or repetitive, love story this was. I absolutely loved it! Two gorgeous MC's to fall for and a touching romance that had me glued to the book from the start to the finish.
Rockford Fielding is about as closeted as you can get, working security at ' The Den,' a BDSM club, he's become fascinated and attracted to Carter Montgomery, a male escort, who is just on the cusp of working out of his contract.
Their love story is just gorgeous. Carter helps Rock to finally find the courage to admit he's gay and Rock shows Carter that being an escort isn't all that he is, that he's still worthy of true love. Their journey isn't always smooth and they have a few bumpy moments but the love that develops between them is palpable. I felt it growing as the story progressed and it jumps from the page.
The love scenes are to die for and are a vital part of the story. Not just there to titillate, but they are the stuff of the belly tingles! Omg, I swooned more than once! The angst and conflict was just paced just right. Not too kitchen sink and not too gloomy. I have to say, this worked on every level for me and I'll be reading it again and again.
Pretty much a perfect read for moi! ** sigh**
What a fantastic, emotionally charged, ultra sexy, yet not gratuitous or repetitive, love story this was. I absolutely loved it! Two gorgeous MC's to fall for and a touching romance that had me glued to the book from the start to the finish.
Rockford Fielding is about as closeted as you can get, working security at ' The Den,' a BDSM club, he's become fascinated and attracted to Carter Montgomery, a male escort, who is just on the cusp of working out of his contract.
Their love story is just gorgeous. Carter helps Rock to finally find the courage to admit he's gay and Rock shows Carter that being an escort isn't all that he is, that he's still worthy of true love. Their journey isn't always smooth and they have a few bumpy moments but the love that develops between them is palpable. I felt it growing as the story progressed and it jumps from the page.
The love scenes are to die for and are a vital part of the story. Not just there to titillate, but they are the stuff of the belly tingles! Omg, I swooned more than once! The angst and conflict was just paced just right. Not too kitchen sink and not too gloomy. I have to say, this worked on every level for me and I'll be reading it again and again.
Pretty much a perfect read for moi! ** sigh**
February 15, 2023
Overall book rating: 5 Beautiful Stars
Audio book: N/A
Book cover: 4 Stars
Wow....just...I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!! I’m kind of an emotional mess right now really.
Maybe it caught me in the right mood, I don’t know and frankly I don’t really give a damn but I’m all touchy feely inside over this.
So much emotion! So much depth and feel and hurt and regret.... it just really dragged me along like a strong current.
Rockford Fielding is one amazing man and I love him for being who he is, or who he became out of love for Carter. And don’t even get me started on Carter. The story went through a whole turnabout in personality when the stoic withdrawn ex-soldier grows into the stronghold for the one person important enough to make him face his fears and reservations.
The confident Carter gets his stone facade craked into little pieces and has to cope with the consequences. He doesn’t always handle this to well though and it made my heart break for both himself and Rock...
I could quote lines and sing praises but if I start quoting I won’t stop. There’s just to many good stuff in here. So I’ll stick with this. I LOVED it. I’ll even read it again! It was beautiful!
Audio book: N/A
Book cover: 4 Stars
Wow....just...I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!! I’m kind of an emotional mess right now really.
Maybe it caught me in the right mood, I don’t know and frankly I don’t really give a damn but I’m all touchy feely inside over this.
So much emotion! So much depth and feel and hurt and regret.... it just really dragged me along like a strong current.
Rockford Fielding is one amazing man and I love him for being who he is, or who he became out of love for Carter. And don’t even get me started on Carter. The story went through a whole turnabout in personality when the stoic withdrawn ex-soldier grows into the stronghold for the one person important enough to make him face his fears and reservations.
The confident Carter gets his stone facade craked into little pieces and has to cope with the consequences. He doesn’t always handle this to well though and it made my heart break for both himself and Rock...
I could quote lines and sing praises but if I start quoting I won’t stop. There’s just to many good stuff in here. So I’ll stick with this. I LOVED it. I’ll even read it again! It was beautiful!
May 28, 2014
5 - Finding Yourself - Stars
Rock is a former military man who currently does security at the Den, a BSDM nightclub. He is gay but afraid to come out after receiving backlash from his parents years ago.
Carter is a male escort who frequents the Den with his customers. He hates his job but luckily only has 90 days left on his contract. But what then. He's been a whore for the past ten year?
Rock has been in lust with Carter for quite some time after seeing him in the club so he hires him to be his date.
It doesn't go quite the way he expected and he freaks out.
But he's determined to try again at this gay thing so he schedules another date.
They form a great friendship and relationship over time.
Don't get me wrong, they both make mistakes while trying to figure out their relationship
And Rock finally gets out of the closet with Carter's help
His parents still aren't accepting of him being gay.
And Carter doesn't feel he's worthy of Rock since he's still under contract to be a whore.
But Rock loves him anyway.
And we get our happy ending!
Rock is a former military man who currently does security at the Den, a BSDM nightclub. He is gay but afraid to come out after receiving backlash from his parents years ago.
Carter is a male escort who frequents the Den with his customers. He hates his job but luckily only has 90 days left on his contract. But what then. He's been a whore for the past ten year?
Rock has been in lust with Carter for quite some time after seeing him in the club so he hires him to be his date.
It doesn't go quite the way he expected and he freaks out.
But he's determined to try again at this gay thing so he schedules another date.
They form a great friendship and relationship over time.
Don't get me wrong, they both make mistakes while trying to figure out their relationship
And Rock finally gets out of the closet with Carter's help
His parents still aren't accepting of him being gay.
And Carter doesn't feel he's worthy of Rock since he's still under contract to be a whore.
But Rock loves him anyway.
And we get our happy ending!
April 2, 2014
This is a mind-blowing book to me! I was expecting a good book, but what I've read is a story so beautiful, so tender and so honest, that I just want to say a big THANK YOU to Ingela, who recommended it to me!
Rock is an ex-military, who co-own and work as a security, in a BDSM club! He is not a fan of that lifestyle, but he keeps watch over the costumers and guests. That's his job. He is also a very closeted gay. Since his fourteen years old, he denies what he is and what he feels!
Carter, on the other hand, is a male escort. That's his job for almost ten years, and his contract is ending!
Rock secretly desires Carter, since the day Carter went with a client to the club. He wants him and at the same he fears. He fears the world to find out what he is, what he feels... and most of all he fears himself!
This is their story! How Carter helped Rock to be himself, without fear, with confidence, learning to be what he honestly is! This is also the story how Rock helped Carter to overcome the end of a life that he always knew, and to face a new reality.
The beauty of this book relies on the strength that they gave to each other, the love that flourished between them, and how much each one of this men was willing to sacrifice for their happiness! The ending is absolutely magnificent!
Rock is an ex-military, who co-own and work as a security, in a BDSM club! He is not a fan of that lifestyle, but he keeps watch over the costumers and guests. That's his job. He is also a very closeted gay. Since his fourteen years old, he denies what he is and what he feels!
Carter, on the other hand, is a male escort. That's his job for almost ten years, and his contract is ending!
Rock secretly desires Carter, since the day Carter went with a client to the club. He wants him and at the same he fears. He fears the world to find out what he is, what he feels... and most of all he fears himself!
This is their story! How Carter helped Rock to be himself, without fear, with confidence, learning to be what he honestly is! This is also the story how Rock helped Carter to overcome the end of a life that he always knew, and to face a new reality.
The beauty of this book relies on the strength that they gave to each other, the love that flourished between them, and how much each one of this men was willing to sacrifice for their happiness! The ending is absolutely magnificent!
November 30, 2016
4+ stars
This one is gooooooodddd! Loved it! Three of my friends had great reviews for it and I had to read it.
I'm starting to think I have a thing for the Pretty Woman trope. Well the mm version of it, that's it.
Bonds of Denial is part of a series but, luckily, it can be read as a stand alone. I say luckily, because the rest of the books have BDSM in them and that is not at all my cuppa. This book doesn't have BDSM scenes between the main characters.
The link that joins the books in this series is The Den, a BDSM club where Rock works security/intel and is part owner.
Rock is deeeppp in the closet. A-little-deeper-and-he-would-be-in-Narnia deep. He is 34, ex-military, and an army brat son of two army brats. Basically, his family approach to deal with any subject less than comfortable to them is just to ignore it till it goes away. Yeah...
It's so hard for him to accept himself. The first two meetings between him and Carter are heartbreaking.
And Carter... He is so good at being Rock's rock when Rock's going through the process of accepting who he is... And yet, 10 years of being an escort have left his feelings of self value in shreds. He is always waiting for Rock to realize he is worthless and for their relationship to end.
Rock is awesome dealing with that difficult aspect of Carter's life. He is as supportive of Carter as Carter has been of him.
HFN ending for these two. A well written book and an engaging story.
Highly recommend.
Oh, one thing I forgot to mention: if you're looking for that cover, you are in for some dissapointment :( They've changed it and now, instead of that hunk's yummy chest, we have some abstract shit, I mean art, on it...
This one is gooooooodddd! Loved it! Three of my friends had great reviews for it and I had to read it.
I'm starting to think I have a thing for the Pretty Woman trope. Well the mm version of it, that's it.
Bonds of Denial is part of a series but, luckily, it can be read as a stand alone. I say luckily, because the rest of the books have BDSM in them and that is not at all my cuppa. This book doesn't have BDSM scenes between the main characters.
The link that joins the books in this series is The Den, a BDSM club where Rock works security/intel and is part owner.
Rock is deeeppp in the closet. A-little-deeper-and-he-would-be-in-Narnia deep. He is 34, ex-military, and an army brat son of two army brats. Basically, his family approach to deal with any subject less than comfortable to them is just to ignore it till it goes away. Yeah...
It's so hard for him to accept himself. The first two meetings between him and Carter are heartbreaking.
And Carter... He is so good at being Rock's rock when Rock's going through the process of accepting who he is... And yet, 10 years of being an escort have left his feelings of self value in shreds. He is always waiting for Rock to realize he is worthless and for their relationship to end.
Rock is awesome dealing with that difficult aspect of Carter's life. He is as supportive of Carter as Carter has been of him.
HFN ending for these two. A well written book and an engaging story.
Highly recommend.
Oh, one thing I forgot to mention: if you're looking for that cover, you are in for some dissapointment :( They've changed it and now, instead of that hunk's yummy chest, we have some abstract shit, I mean art, on it...
November 4, 2014
So...I was in the mood yesterday to start a hot M/M story and I just happened to come across my friend ***Mirjana ***Let's Sound It Out - - - Mary-On-A*** (shout out girl!) post a status update regarding her regrets at starting this book at work, because now she had "major distress signals coming from her blooming garden of flower petals."
So I said to myself, "Self, we MUST check this book out NOW."
And I'm so glad I did, because this book was AWESOME. It had me all legs in the air like a fainting goat.
And that's pretty much all I have to say, except go grab this if you love m/m...and haven't read it yet (I'm super late to the party.)
You know you want to. Because...
Walt said so.
So I said to myself, "Self, we MUST check this book out NOW."
And I'm so glad I did, because this book was AWESOME. It had me all legs in the air like a fainting goat.
And that's pretty much all I have to say, except go grab this if you love m/m...and haven't read it yet (I'm super late to the party.)
You know you want to. Because...
Walt said so.
January 15, 2015
***4.5 stars***
This was my first book by Lynda Aicher and WOW!!
Was the book hot?
Was the story fantastic?
Did I actually shed a tear?
Did I love the book?
Would I recommend the book?
Is there really more to say?? I may try to actually put sentences together after I come down from the awesome book high! Possible review to come.
This was my first book by Lynda Aicher and WOW!!
Was the book hot?
Was the story fantastic?
Did I actually shed a tear?
Did I love the book?
Would I recommend the book?
Is there really more to say?? I may try to actually put sentences together after I come down from the awesome book high! Possible review to come.
January 17, 2016
Why did I take so long to read this? So good! More of an out for you than a gay for you, I loved the characters, in particular, the complete role reversal from beginning to end. At the start, Carter is the confident, self assured one, but by the end, it's all Rock, taking charge and making Carter see he's worth it. Excellent!
Rock has been denying who he really was for pretty much his whole life, especially since his dad caught him kissing a guy when he was 14. Carter has been an escort for the past 10 years, and he knows who he is, and makes no apologies. It's through their jobs that Rock first sees Carter, and decides maybe the sexy escort can finally help him resolve his urges, in a safe environment where no one has to know.
I loved their first few meetings- how awkward and afraid Rock was, and how supportive and good Carter was. I loved that their relationship took a bit of time, in spite of them initially meeting because Rock paid for it.
And by the end, just 4 months later, the script has flipped entirely. Rock is finally ready to be open about who he is and what he wants, and he wants Carter. Carter wants to get out of the business, but he's so scared, as that's all he knows, and he doesn't really believe that Rock won't just up and leave him one day. I loved how the author totally reversed their roles by the end, how much Rock grew, and how it forced Carter to face who he really was and what he wanted out of life.
Rock has been denying who he really was for pretty much his whole life, especially since his dad caught him kissing a guy when he was 14. Carter has been an escort for the past 10 years, and he knows who he is, and makes no apologies. It's through their jobs that Rock first sees Carter, and decides maybe the sexy escort can finally help him resolve his urges, in a safe environment where no one has to know.
I loved their first few meetings- how awkward and afraid Rock was, and how supportive and good Carter was. I loved that their relationship took a bit of time, in spite of them initially meeting because Rock paid for it.
And by the end, just 4 months later, the script has flipped entirely. Rock is finally ready to be open about who he is and what he wants, and he wants Carter. Carter wants to get out of the business, but he's so scared, as that's all he knows, and he doesn't really believe that Rock won't just up and leave him one day. I loved how the author totally reversed their roles by the end, how much Rock grew, and how it forced Carter to face who he really was and what he wanted out of life.
August 3, 2016
♥♥♥♥♥5 very emotional, tender, sizzlin' stars♥♥♥♥♥
I just could not help falling in love with these two amazing characters from the beginning and rooting for them. Rock and Carter sucked me in from the get-go and would not let go!
Both of these men are superb characters who have dealt with a lot of pain in their lives. Rock, an ex-military man, has been the head of security and a part owner of the exclusive BDSM club The Den for six years. He is also in the closet and has denied who he was . And he had every intention on continuing to deny his sexuality until something happens to him that has not happened before: a man catches his eye and makes him want to be with somebody else for the first time. And this man is Carter Montgomery, an escort who comes to the club every month with a client. Rock decides to arrange an "appointment" with Carter, and from there, their terrific, slow-burn, tender, amazing relationship starts.
On this journey that the pair takes, we learn that Rock is an extremely compassionate, caring, almost shy man that you cannot just help love and want to protect. Carter, who was forced to become an escort out of desperation ten years ago, has stuck in the business because he does not know anything else and is afraid to take the risk to follow his true passion: photography. However, Rock becomes Carter's, well, rock. He shows Carter that he is so much more than his profession, that he is worthy of love, and that he is talented enough to follow his dreams. These men will absolutely melt your heart; they did mine. I highly recommend this astounding novel by Ms. Aicher!
I just could not help falling in love with these two amazing characters from the beginning and rooting for them. Rock and Carter sucked me in from the get-go and would not let go!
Both of these men are superb characters who have dealt with a lot of pain in their lives. Rock, an ex-military man, has been the head of security and a part owner of the exclusive BDSM club The Den for six years. He is also in the closet and has denied who he was . And he had every intention on continuing to deny his sexuality until something happens to him that has not happened before: a man catches his eye and makes him want to be with somebody else for the first time. And this man is Carter Montgomery, an escort who comes to the club every month with a client. Rock decides to arrange an "appointment" with Carter, and from there, their terrific, slow-burn, tender, amazing relationship starts.
On this journey that the pair takes, we learn that Rock is an extremely compassionate, caring, almost shy man that you cannot just help love and want to protect. Carter, who was forced to become an escort out of desperation ten years ago, has stuck in the business because he does not know anything else and is afraid to take the risk to follow his true passion: photography. However, Rock becomes Carter's, well, rock. He shows Carter that he is so much more than his profession, that he is worthy of love, and that he is talented enough to follow his dreams. These men will absolutely melt your heart; they did mine. I highly recommend this astounding novel by Ms. Aicher!
February 15, 2014
... First off and obviously, this is not a fairy tale. Instead it shows just how raw and real and difficult facing up to who we are can really be. It's painful and intense, but if you're willing to make the journey it can take you to places you never thought possible. This was yet another amazing example of why I love m/m so very much. A refreshing and beautiful take on just how romantic and sensitive men can be. I loved it! I kinda lost myself in this book, I love that when that happens ;)
January 31, 2014
WE HAVE A WINNER, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!!!
I sooooo did not see this coming. This book passed every single test. The moment I thought the "big misunderstanding" was about to happen, it didn't! I was dreading that one of the MCs was going to be injured/attacked, cue dramatic hospital scene, didn't happen! I just loved it! And the best thing of all was that it totally snuck up on me.
First, this is not for the impatient and for the adrenaline junkies. If you need suspense and plot twists with your mm, this is not for you. It is a true slow-burn romance that rocked my socks off, but some might find it boring, so be warned.
Second, this is the single best portrayal of true denial I have ever read. So often in mm romance, one of the MCs will be in the closet/in denial about his sexuality with absolutely no qualms about acting on said sexuality, as long as "we don't call it that." The character might f*ck like there's no tomorrow, but still argue that he is NOT GAY. What was refreshing about this story was that Rock, short for Rockford, was in denial, in the closet, and freaking acted like it! The depiction of him going back and forth, doubting himself, experiencing shame, anger, disgust about his desires was extremely realistic and what's more, his actions were 100% congruent with his inner turmoil. He didn't conveniently give in and then regret it, running away etc. He acted on it when he was truly ready. And the author didn't just say so, we were shown every single step in Rock's personal growth and change.
Carter was the male escort who Rock crushed on. Again, the rent-boy storyline is not new to the mm genre by no means, but the author managed to escape the standard cliches of the "I am a whore, I am worthless" plot. Carter was very confident and comfortable in his skin, thank you very much, and yes, he did crumble, he did lose his footing, and he did develop self-esteem issues when the time came. But he did it with dignity, with authenticity, broke the f*ck down devoid of teenage-like theatrics, put on his big boy pants, and got the hell over it.
I think what won me over the most was how real the dialogue felt. I actually felt that I was reading about two real people having a real conversation. As Rock came to the realization that what he was feeling wasn't going away and he couldn't avoid it any longer, he started expressing his emotions to Carter. And the way he did so was so goddamm beautiful, so honest, so vulnerable, I wanted to reach out, give him hot cocoa, and tell him it's gonna be ok. And the amazing thing was that he was so...simple. His words were simple, his reactions were measured, there was nothing to make him unbelievable in any way.
If there is one thing that I would have liked to see done differently was Carter's photography hobby/future career. His alternative option to being a male escort was to focus on his art. How convenient. I see this a lot in rent-boy plots and I can't help but wonder, isn't the person lucky to have a talent they can potentially make a living off of that has not suffered the lack of working experience any other profession would require? And that's what takes a little of the realism I was raving about away. In real life, not everyone is talented like that. Some people have to work hard to learn a trade, or go to school, or just work their way up from zero. I want to see how a person would choose to quit the escort services and start over with absolutely no qualifications to use. No artsy talent to fall back on. What then? Would they go back to school? Get a job flipping burgers?
My little tirade aside, I loved this book and it's going proudly to my favorite list. In case I forgot to mention, the sex scenes are scorching hot when they eventually come, so don't worry about entering an angst-fest with no goodies. There's just enough angst towards the end to tip the balance scales and make the story not boring. I highly highly recommend this to fans of the in denial/in the closet trope.
Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2014
4.5 star review by The Blogger Girls.
I was a tiny bit hesitant to read this fifth book of a mostly m/f series, none of which I read yet. With the exception of book 3, which has a m/m/f ménage, this is the first m/m. While the characters from the previous books do appear, as the stories center around the BDSM club the characters share an interest in, I had no trouble figuring things out, so this can easily be read as a stand-alone. In addition, while the previous books take place with characters more involved in the club, this story doesn’t contain any actual BDSM. I am thrilled to say that I was not disappointed with any of this.
Rockford “Rock” Fielding is an ex-marine who works at the club monitoring the Den’s security cameras. It is here that he sees Carter, the first man he has seen there to stir any actual feelings. Rock has some serious issues of denial and being so far in the closet that he constantly wars with himself for any inkling of gay feelings. There are reasons explaining this, and his inner struggles were extremely well done. This is not an easy road for Rock to travel, but watching him overcome his shame, anger and desires was a real joy. Two guys who have made it a point to not show emotion to other people slowly realize what they mean to each other.
Carter Montgomery is down to the last 4 months of his second 5 year escort contract. He is confident and sexy and not ashamed of his job, although he is ready to move on. He has a fairly steady list of high-paying regular customers, one of which takes him once a month to the Den. Thankfully, Carter decides to help Rock, and he does an amazing job. Unfortunately, Carter is dealing with some problems of his own. It seems he isn’t as confident as he first appears, because he deals with self-esteem issues pertaining to his self-worth outside of his current occupation, as well as whether he has what it takes to make a go of things as a photographer. But these guys are so good for each other. Rock helps Carter just as much as Carter helps Rock.
This is a slow-burn relationship that I thoroughly enjoyed from beginning to end. The dialog was very real and believable. The sex scenes were scorching hot and very well done. By the time I ended this, I wanted to run back and read the rest of the books in this series. This was definitely a job well done by Ms. Aicher.
December 23, 2015
***4.5 Stars ***
One of my favourite books with a porn star or prostitute MC. Sweet, emotional, sexy.
One of my favourite books with a porn star or prostitute MC. Sweet, emotional, sexy.
September 26, 2016
****4.5 stars****
LOVED IT!
LOVED IT!
July 19, 2014
5 learning to love yourself stars!
I first have to say that this series so far has given me solid 3.5 to 4.5 stars. But Bonds of Denial brought finally brought me to a 5 star rating. Unlike the prior four installments, this does not have any BDSM or D/s role playing. This is simply a beautifully told love story between two very worthy characters that have been part of the amazing cast in this series.
Rock has been the strong silent guy throughout this series. He is ex-military and a wiz when it comes to hacking. But beyond that we’ve never seen anything but a hard exterior of a man. But then the cracks start to show. For a year Rock’s been watching this guest waltz through the doors of The Den, once per month he follows him through the lens of a security camera. Watching him. Wanting Him.
Carter is an escort, (We meet him briefly during Tyler, Seth & Allie’s story); his job is having sex with men for money and being what every their fantasy might be. He’s good at his job and he’s never felt remorse or shame for what he does. When he gets the call with a new client, Carter isn’t sure what to expect. He has a list of regulars that he is comfortable with, but this man won’t accept anyone else but him.
Rock has spent thirty-four years denying who he is. But there is something about Carter that he can’t let go of. For the first time in years he wants to pursue a lover, a man. But giving in to his desire just remind him of the shame he feels, wanting something he shouldn’t.
This is a beautifully told story of two men falling in love and finding strength to believe in themselves, to love themselves for the first time in as long as they can remember. I can’t put myself into the shoes of someone that struggles to accept their sexuality to know if how this book portrayed Rock’s pain is accurate. I can assume that each person carries it in their own way, but what I do know is that the way Lynda Aicher told this story made my heart break the weight he carried.
I went into this thinking that Rock was going to be this dominating force of a man and was so taken by surprise by how adorable he was. Although he had been a grown man, a man that went to war for his country, he was still so innocent when it came to the simple act of falling in love and being loved. Every little moment of pure bliss he felt shined through this story in a way that just made me smile.
Carter was unexpected. I figured his line of work would lead to some self-worth issues, especially given the story that we had already seen with Tyler. But the strength that he displayed so easily at the start of this story was heartbreaking to watch shatter once he realized that he had something worth wanting. Something he didn’t want to lose.
I anticipated some high moments of drama and was nearly on pins and needles just waiting for the other shoe to drop. What I didn’t expect is that the moment would be the pure buildup of the story being told. It was executed perfectly and fit with the story. Any drama would have added something to the story, but the pivotal moment was the story. It’s one of those things that can’t be explained because trying to would give away just what that moment was, so I’ll just say that it was perfect.
I absolutely loved this book and these two men. I anticipated a steamy m/m romance that had two alpha males going head to head but got so much more than that.
ARC received on behalf of Carina Press from NetGalley .
I first have to say that this series so far has given me solid 3.5 to 4.5 stars. But Bonds of Denial brought finally brought me to a 5 star rating. Unlike the prior four installments, this does not have any BDSM or D/s role playing. This is simply a beautifully told love story between two very worthy characters that have been part of the amazing cast in this series.
Rock has been the strong silent guy throughout this series. He is ex-military and a wiz when it comes to hacking. But beyond that we’ve never seen anything but a hard exterior of a man. But then the cracks start to show. For a year Rock’s been watching this guest waltz through the doors of The Den, once per month he follows him through the lens of a security camera. Watching him. Wanting Him.
Carter is an escort, (We meet him briefly during Tyler, Seth & Allie’s story); his job is having sex with men for money and being what every their fantasy might be. He’s good at his job and he’s never felt remorse or shame for what he does. When he gets the call with a new client, Carter isn’t sure what to expect. He has a list of regulars that he is comfortable with, but this man won’t accept anyone else but him.
Rock has spent thirty-four years denying who he is. But there is something about Carter that he can’t let go of. For the first time in years he wants to pursue a lover, a man. But giving in to his desire just remind him of the shame he feels, wanting something he shouldn’t.
This is a beautifully told story of two men falling in love and finding strength to believe in themselves, to love themselves for the first time in as long as they can remember. I can’t put myself into the shoes of someone that struggles to accept their sexuality to know if how this book portrayed Rock’s pain is accurate. I can assume that each person carries it in their own way, but what I do know is that the way Lynda Aicher told this story made my heart break the weight he carried.
I went into this thinking that Rock was going to be this dominating force of a man and was so taken by surprise by how adorable he was. Although he had been a grown man, a man that went to war for his country, he was still so innocent when it came to the simple act of falling in love and being loved. Every little moment of pure bliss he felt shined through this story in a way that just made me smile.
Carter was unexpected. I figured his line of work would lead to some self-worth issues, especially given the story that we had already seen with Tyler. But the strength that he displayed so easily at the start of this story was heartbreaking to watch shatter once he realized that he had something worth wanting. Something he didn’t want to lose.
I anticipated some high moments of drama and was nearly on pins and needles just waiting for the other shoe to drop. What I didn’t expect is that the moment would be the pure buildup of the story being told. It was executed perfectly and fit with the story. Any drama would have added something to the story, but the pivotal moment was the story. It’s one of those things that can’t be explained because trying to would give away just what that moment was, so I’ll just say that it was perfect.
I absolutely loved this book and these two men. I anticipated a steamy m/m romance that had two alpha males going head to head but got so much more than that.
ARC received on behalf of Carina Press from NetGalley .
April 6, 2014
5 OMG I LOVE THIS BOOK STARS!!!!!!
I am going to start this review by thanking my sweet friend Ingela for recommending this to me and then giving me a slight push to read it soon! OMG girl, thanks so much!!!
The blurb pretty clearly states what is going on, but honestly if I hadn’t gotten a push to read it I would have put it on a shelf and gotten to it eventually maybe. Rockford Fielding (Rock), is an absolutely yummy, melt my heart, tug at my soul character. Still living and dealing with the emotional scars from his treatment by is dad, he is so far in the closet he doesn’t see a way out. Rock is ex-military, big tough, alpha guy with a vulnerability and emotional scars that absolutely stabbed me in my emotional heart. Although you can feel his anxiety and fear, he chances a few tentative steps towards accepting himself and then a few more. I am such a sucker for a big tough guy with a soft squishy center!! OMG I LOVE THIS MAN!
And while I was in love with Rock enough to carry me through this story, there is also Carter! Carter….Carter! He has been working for an escort company for 10 years and is now months away from the end of his contract. And while Carter gives every outward appearance of being confident and pulled together, inside he has his own demons and fears.
When you love the characters you can forgive quite a bit (at least I can), and this story definitely had some issues that simply didn’t matter to me. One was that Rock could go from so deep in the closet to standing before the world “out and proud” was a bit far-fetch I think. And the way Carter seemed to be his own worst enemy, constantly pushing Rock away so he wouldn’t get hurt emotionally was a tad bit annoying.
What made me hesitant about this book (especially after reading the blurb), is that it was mostly about hot sex (hey, don’t roll your eyes I am not really complaining about hot steamy sex). I enjoy steamy action, I have read plenty of them *thinks back smiling*, but what I really want is a book that grabs me emotionally. I want a book to grab me swift and hard emotionally and never let go till I reach the last page. And when I finally reach that last page and I am a combination of happy for a great ending, and sad because its over. And this is exactly what happened to me at the end of this one.
I am going to start this review by thanking my sweet friend Ingela for recommending this to me and then giving me a slight push to read it soon! OMG girl, thanks so much!!!
The blurb pretty clearly states what is going on, but honestly if I hadn’t gotten a push to read it I would have put it on a shelf and gotten to it eventually maybe. Rockford Fielding (Rock), is an absolutely yummy, melt my heart, tug at my soul character. Still living and dealing with the emotional scars from his treatment by is dad, he is so far in the closet he doesn’t see a way out. Rock is ex-military, big tough, alpha guy with a vulnerability and emotional scars that absolutely stabbed me in my emotional heart. Although you can feel his anxiety and fear, he chances a few tentative steps towards accepting himself and then a few more. I am such a sucker for a big tough guy with a soft squishy center!! OMG I LOVE THIS MAN!
And while I was in love with Rock enough to carry me through this story, there is also Carter! Carter….Carter! He has been working for an escort company for 10 years and is now months away from the end of his contract. And while Carter gives every outward appearance of being confident and pulled together, inside he has his own demons and fears.
When you love the characters you can forgive quite a bit (at least I can), and this story definitely had some issues that simply didn’t matter to me. One was that Rock could go from so deep in the closet to standing before the world “out and proud” was a bit far-fetch I think. And the way Carter seemed to be his own worst enemy, constantly pushing Rock away so he wouldn’t get hurt emotionally was a tad bit annoying.
What made me hesitant about this book (especially after reading the blurb), is that it was mostly about hot sex (hey, don’t roll your eyes I am not really complaining about hot steamy sex). I enjoy steamy action, I have read plenty of them *thinks back smiling*, but what I really want is a book that grabs me emotionally. I want a book to grab me swift and hard emotionally and never let go till I reach the last page. And when I finally reach that last page and I am a combination of happy for a great ending, and sad because its over. And this is exactly what happened to me at the end of this one.
August 13, 2016
3.75 stars
Although this is book 5 in the series, I have not read any of the others and this worked fine as a stand alone. The previous books have been either m/f or m/f/m and this book has no BDSM.
This was an enjoyable story about in the closet Rock finally coming to accept himself after years of DADT and family disapproval. I enjoyed the part of the story where Carter, an escort Rock first saw at the club where he works, helps Rock become comfortable with his sexuality as their relationship goes from business to friends. I liked both MC's and thought it was well written. As Carter and Rock's relationship progresses, however, Carter convinces himself that he is not worth and that Rock will eventually leave him, so he tries to sabotage their relationship before Rock can leave. This is where the book lost me a little as it got repetitive and started to drag a bit with Carter's constant dwelling on how he was not good enough for Rock. Other than that, it was a good coming out story with a just touch of angst and self-made drama.
Although this is book 5 in the series, I have not read any of the others and this worked fine as a stand alone. The previous books have been either m/f or m/f/m and this book has no BDSM.
This was an enjoyable story about in the closet Rock finally coming to accept himself after years of DADT and family disapproval. I enjoyed the part of the story where Carter, an escort Rock first saw at the club where he works, helps Rock become comfortable with his sexuality as their relationship goes from business to friends. I liked both MC's and thought it was well written. As Carter and Rock's relationship progresses, however, Carter convinces himself that he is not worth and that Rock will eventually leave him, so he tries to sabotage their relationship before Rock can leave. This is where the book lost me a little as it got repetitive and started to drag a bit with Carter's constant dwelling on how he was not good enough for Rock. Other than that, it was a good coming out story with a just touch of angst and self-made drama.
August 3, 2016
4.5 Sexy, Angsty Stars!
What do you get when you take a hot gay male escort and put him with an ex-Army "don't ask, don't tell" in-the-closet hunk? A heck of a hot MM read! Flipping loved this!
Carter Montgomery has been a male escort for almost ten years. Banned from his family since coming out, unable to pay for college, a quickie escort job has turned into a career choice for no other reason that he feels he's not good enough for more in life. He's used to being "oohed and aahed" over his looks but nobody has settled deep in his heart for him...until his first "date" with Rock.
Rock is so in the closet, there's no light at the end of his tunnel for him. He was found with a kid at age 14 with a boy and beaten by his bigoted Army father. Since then, he's relied in occasional drunk blow-jobs in dark alleys. No dates, nothing public. He's a security monitor in a Dom Club when he sets his camera lens on Carter. He's a guest and an escort too. He takes a chance...pays for a night with this man. Alone. Nobody will know but them.
I really loved the angsty tug of war of feelings Rock had for Carter. Both these men had their own issues and insecurities and when one was down, the other found the strength to build them up. It wasn't all hearts and flowers but a perfect blend of strength to counteract the other's weakness. Rock has to decide if he wants Carter enough to risk it all and come out to all his friends and bigoted parents.
"People fail to understand that most of us don't want to be gay," Carter said. "We'd never choose it. I doubt anyone would jump up, screaming 'pick me,' to be the brunt of jokes, spit on, beaten, and even killed- all because of who we love. The only choice we have about being gay is how long we suppress or deny it."
Can Rock deal with Carter being an escort and having to share him with his johns? Can Carter believe Rock has feelings for HIM as a person and not only his body? Get past his insecurities of being a male whore? Once he comes out, he'll surely figure out he can do better than a whore, right? They've got their challenges ahead but with their intense feelings and connection prevail?
A great combination of angst, feels, and heat. This book delivered on the heat!
Let it be known this book has zero BDSM. Rock simply works in a Dom Club. I haven't read any other books in the series but I didn't feel that left out. Clearly other characters had their "stories" already but it can be a stand alone. I'd love to read Tyler's story. He is an ex-escort and his book appears to be a MMF/MFM I'm guessing.
And I thank you!
What do you get when you take a hot gay male escort and put him with an ex-Army "don't ask, don't tell" in-the-closet hunk? A heck of a hot MM read! Flipping loved this!
Carter Montgomery has been a male escort for almost ten years. Banned from his family since coming out, unable to pay for college, a quickie escort job has turned into a career choice for no other reason that he feels he's not good enough for more in life. He's used to being "oohed and aahed" over his looks but nobody has settled deep in his heart for him...until his first "date" with Rock.
Rock is so in the closet, there's no light at the end of his tunnel for him. He was found with a kid at age 14 with a boy and beaten by his bigoted Army father. Since then, he's relied in occasional drunk blow-jobs in dark alleys. No dates, nothing public. He's a security monitor in a Dom Club when he sets his camera lens on Carter. He's a guest and an escort too. He takes a chance...pays for a night with this man. Alone. Nobody will know but them.
I really loved the angsty tug of war of feelings Rock had for Carter. Both these men had their own issues and insecurities and when one was down, the other found the strength to build them up. It wasn't all hearts and flowers but a perfect blend of strength to counteract the other's weakness. Rock has to decide if he wants Carter enough to risk it all and come out to all his friends and bigoted parents.
"People fail to understand that most of us don't want to be gay," Carter said. "We'd never choose it. I doubt anyone would jump up, screaming 'pick me,' to be the brunt of jokes, spit on, beaten, and even killed- all because of who we love. The only choice we have about being gay is how long we suppress or deny it."
Can Rock deal with Carter being an escort and having to share him with his johns? Can Carter believe Rock has feelings for HIM as a person and not only his body? Get past his insecurities of being a male whore? Once he comes out, he'll surely figure out he can do better than a whore, right? They've got their challenges ahead but with their intense feelings and connection prevail?
A great combination of angst, feels, and heat. This book delivered on the heat!
Let it be known this book has zero BDSM. Rock simply works in a Dom Club. I haven't read any other books in the series but I didn't feel that left out. Clearly other characters had their "stories" already but it can be a stand alone. I'd love to read Tyler's story. He is an ex-escort and his book appears to be a MMF/MFM I'm guessing.
And I thank you!
![Profile Image for Michelle [Helen Geek].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1448463806i%2F5557851._CR0%2C13%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
May 19, 2015
05/18/2015 --
I really liked this. I haven't read m/m in a while. Haven't been in the mood for it, but liked Rock and Carter. They are in an ARC I read by this author. Different series. The book is about Rock's sister and I liked it. I really liked Rock and how he was with his sister in that book and liked Carter too. He and Rock had a unique and very mature relationship and I wanted to read about it. I started looking at Ms. Aicher's books to see if they had their own story and this is it. Very nice.
A few things that stood out for and I'll highlight about this one:
1 -- Every time I read m/m, I'm struck by just how difficult it is for gay men and women to love freely. It is disturbing to read about how some parents shun their own children merely for who and how they love. This author highlights this and takes us down a story path that is thought provoking. Neither of these characters had much luck in the parent department, but they each handled it in very different ways. I think this makes the story interesting and uniquely m/m.
2 -- I really liked both main characters. Both Rock and Carter are rather unique. Carter seemed to be very confident and comfortable with who he is and where he is in life. Dig a bit deeper and you realize he isn't really. Rock, very tough on the outside. Fearless really. But we learn he isn't and is willing to deny his sexual self his whole life to keep his secret .. until he meets Carter and then he can't seem to control his attraction. He tried to keep it in the closet but begins to need the sense of self and the happiness his relationship with Carter gives to him. He needs it like he needs air or water. These are great characters and we love how they evolve individually and then together as a couple.
3 -- There were some very controversial topics covered in this story and the author handled it well; the military's "don't ask, don't tell" rule, career choices that have huge potential to ruin any relationship, coming out to ones' family, etc. Very delicate footwork and she wrote this nicely for these two characters.
4 -- The intimate scenes between Carter and Rock were just that -- intimate. She writes these episodes with such feeling it takes the reader to the emotional bond being formed between the two. Again, very nicely done.
5 -- Price point is about perfect at around $4.
6 -- The story stands alone. You don't have to read any others in the series. I read #1, then didn't read another until this one and enjoyed it just fine.
A few things that weren't all that:
1 -- It felt like the author was running out of gas the last 50 pages or so. I lost a bit of my interest towards the last.
2 -- I really don't like the covers for this series.
3 -- If what you are looking for is BDSM erotica, this isn't the book for you. Nothing BDSM [other than a mention] is here in this book. I wasn't looking for it. I mentioned above what I was looking for; Rock and Carter, so the book fit my need perfectly.
4 -- This comment may relate to #2 above, but I felt like the author was almost try to do too much; touch on too many taboo topics. These two guys go through personally and as a couple, about everything two gay man can go through. Just a bit much and like I mentioned before, the story started petering out towards the end.
This really is a nice m/m read. I do read m/m, but not often. I'm very glad I read Carter and Rock's story. Well worth your time.
Happy Reading!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Overall Rating = 3.5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 1 / 3 / 2 = 2 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 4 Stars
Character / Secondary Character Development = 4 / 2 = 3 Stars
“Did I like” Hero / 2nd Hero = 4 / 4 = 4 Stars
Story / Background Story Development = 4.5 / 4 = 4 Stars
“Did I like the Damned Thing” = 3.5 Stars
Ending = 3 Stars
Worth the Chili = 5 Stars -- [$3.99 on Amazon]
Smexy [HEAT] Rating = Steamy
281 pages
First sentence: It's been twenty years since Rockford Fielding's father punished him for kissing another boy.
Last sentence: "I'll never stop loving you." Those were the best words Rock had ever heard. "I'll hold you to that."
I really liked this. I haven't read m/m in a while. Haven't been in the mood for it, but liked Rock and Carter. They are in an ARC I read by this author. Different series. The book is about Rock's sister and I liked it. I really liked Rock and how he was with his sister in that book and liked Carter too. He and Rock had a unique and very mature relationship and I wanted to read about it. I started looking at Ms. Aicher's books to see if they had their own story and this is it. Very nice.
A few things that stood out for and I'll highlight about this one:
1 -- Every time I read m/m, I'm struck by just how difficult it is for gay men and women to love freely. It is disturbing to read about how some parents shun their own children merely for who and how they love. This author highlights this and takes us down a story path that is thought provoking. Neither of these characters had much luck in the parent department, but they each handled it in very different ways. I think this makes the story interesting and uniquely m/m.
2 -- I really liked both main characters. Both Rock and Carter are rather unique. Carter seemed to be very confident and comfortable with who he is and where he is in life. Dig a bit deeper and you realize he isn't really. Rock, very tough on the outside. Fearless really. But we learn he isn't and is willing to deny his sexual self his whole life to keep his secret .. until he meets Carter and then he can't seem to control his attraction. He tried to keep it in the closet but begins to need the sense of self and the happiness his relationship with Carter gives to him. He needs it like he needs air or water. These are great characters and we love how they evolve individually and then together as a couple.
3 -- There were some very controversial topics covered in this story and the author handled it well; the military's "don't ask, don't tell" rule, career choices that have huge potential to ruin any relationship, coming out to ones' family, etc. Very delicate footwork and she wrote this nicely for these two characters.
4 -- The intimate scenes between Carter and Rock were just that -- intimate. She writes these episodes with such feeling it takes the reader to the emotional bond being formed between the two. Again, very nicely done.
5 -- Price point is about perfect at around $4.
6 -- The story stands alone. You don't have to read any others in the series. I read #1, then didn't read another until this one and enjoyed it just fine.
A few things that weren't all that:
1 -- It felt like the author was running out of gas the last 50 pages or so. I lost a bit of my interest towards the last.
2 -- I really don't like the covers for this series.
3 -- If what you are looking for is BDSM erotica, this isn't the book for you. Nothing BDSM [other than a mention] is here in this book. I wasn't looking for it. I mentioned above what I was looking for; Rock and Carter, so the book fit my need perfectly.
4 -- This comment may relate to #2 above, but I felt like the author was almost try to do too much; touch on too many taboo topics. These two guys go through personally and as a couple, about everything two gay man can go through. Just a bit much and like I mentioned before, the story started petering out towards the end.
This really is a nice m/m read. I do read m/m, but not often. I'm very glad I read Carter and Rock's story. Well worth your time.
Happy Reading!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Overall Rating = 3.5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 1 / 3 / 2 = 2 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 4 Stars
Character / Secondary Character Development = 4 / 2 = 3 Stars
“Did I like” Hero / 2nd Hero = 4 / 4 = 4 Stars
Story / Background Story Development = 4.5 / 4 = 4 Stars
“Did I like the Damned Thing” = 3.5 Stars
Ending = 3 Stars
Worth the Chili = 5 Stars -- [$3.99 on Amazon]
Smexy [HEAT] Rating = Steamy
281 pages
First sentence: It's been twenty years since Rockford Fielding's father punished him for kissing another boy.
Last sentence: "I'll never stop loving you." Those were the best words Rock had ever heard. "I'll hold you to that."
January 13, 2022
***Audio Review***
Strange that my review for this seems to have disappeared on here but IS still on Audible 🤔🤔🤔. Anyhoo...
August 2016. I would love this author to do more m/m if this particular story is an example of the quality of her writing. It’s not all sex and no storyline, absolutely loved it. There were a few little niggles though, mainly the fact that she kept using pronouns in her sentences which muddled who was speaking. I did like the narrator but am quite convinced that he read most of the story with a heavy cold and again there were a few errors, so 4 stars for Mr McKenna.
Book Review***
You’ve all heard the one about the male escort with a heart of gold and a few self-esteem ‘issues’ and the former DADT army hacker who’s so repressed and in the closet, he’s been denying his feelings for men for over half his life?? No?? Well, let me wholeheartedly recommend this story to you…5 stars from me and a huge
.
Carter is 31, a classy male escort who has been in the business for nearly 10 years now and is so tired of being well paid to ‘service’ his clients, he’s more than ready to retire, he only has a few more months left on his contract and then it’s goodbye to the only world he’s known for quite some time. What he'll do when he ‘retires’ he has no idea, but the very idea of being free from his contract is enough to make him extremely nervous. He's had no problems keeping his private life and his 'business' life separate until he meets Rock, and suddenly feelings become involved.
Rock is 34, a computer wiz who still does contract work for the Army, but is a partner in a BDSM club in Minneapolis [and here I should point out that this book is number 5 in a series by the author but the only one which is solely m/m, and the reason I read it. She’s taken to m/m just like Joey W Hill did with Rough Canvas although I must stress there is NO BDSM in this story]. Rock is an Army brat with 2 siblings, a nasty brother and a lovely sister, oh and a father who beat the s**t out of him when he was 14 for kissing his best friend, and ever since he’s denied his true feelings and tried to conform to what his family expects.
Rock is in charge of security at the club and has been following Carter’s weekly exploits with a regular client….Carter is hot and Rock is attracted to the guy even before they meet in person. He's engineered a 'date' with Carter at a very expensive hotel BUT will Rock be able to loosen up enough to just go with the flow and enjoy himself?? All Carter knows is that a mystery client has bought a few hours of his company and when he finally gets to meet Rock, he's immediately drawn to him. Rock on the other hand is so nervous, his brain practically seizes up and he's reduced to monosyllabic responses to Carter's questions and eventually makes his apologies and escapes which leaves Carter more puzzled than before. The guys do get together again a few days later after Rock eventually pulls his big boy pants on and invites Carter to a hockey game where things go really well. I’ll leave this review here.
Is Carter brave enough to leave the security of his escort 'job' behind and take a chance on something new in his life and an actual relationship without letting his past 'life' interfere?? Is Rock finally able to distance himself from his unhappy past, and the guilty feelings he has from being in the closet, and hopefully grab himself some happiness despite his family and former employers?? Discover for yourselves dear readers.....
Strange that my review for this seems to have disappeared on here but IS still on Audible 🤔🤔🤔. Anyhoo...
August 2016. I would love this author to do more m/m if this particular story is an example of the quality of her writing. It’s not all sex and no storyline, absolutely loved it. There were a few little niggles though, mainly the fact that she kept using pronouns in her sentences which muddled who was speaking. I did like the narrator but am quite convinced that he read most of the story with a heavy cold and again there were a few errors, so 4 stars for Mr McKenna.
Book Review***
You’ve all heard the one about the male escort with a heart of gold and a few self-esteem ‘issues’ and the former DADT army hacker who’s so repressed and in the closet, he’s been denying his feelings for men for over half his life?? No?? Well, let me wholeheartedly recommend this story to you…5 stars from me and a huge
.Carter is 31, a classy male escort who has been in the business for nearly 10 years now and is so tired of being well paid to ‘service’ his clients, he’s more than ready to retire, he only has a few more months left on his contract and then it’s goodbye to the only world he’s known for quite some time. What he'll do when he ‘retires’ he has no idea, but the very idea of being free from his contract is enough to make him extremely nervous. He's had no problems keeping his private life and his 'business' life separate until he meets Rock, and suddenly feelings become involved.
Rock is 34, a computer wiz who still does contract work for the Army, but is a partner in a BDSM club in Minneapolis [and here I should point out that this book is number 5 in a series by the author but the only one which is solely m/m, and the reason I read it. She’s taken to m/m just like Joey W Hill did with Rough Canvas although I must stress there is NO BDSM in this story]. Rock is an Army brat with 2 siblings, a nasty brother and a lovely sister, oh and a father who beat the s**t out of him when he was 14 for kissing his best friend, and ever since he’s denied his true feelings and tried to conform to what his family expects.
Rock is in charge of security at the club and has been following Carter’s weekly exploits with a regular client….Carter is hot and Rock is attracted to the guy even before they meet in person. He's engineered a 'date' with Carter at a very expensive hotel BUT will Rock be able to loosen up enough to just go with the flow and enjoy himself?? All Carter knows is that a mystery client has bought a few hours of his company and when he finally gets to meet Rock, he's immediately drawn to him. Rock on the other hand is so nervous, his brain practically seizes up and he's reduced to monosyllabic responses to Carter's questions and eventually makes his apologies and escapes which leaves Carter more puzzled than before. The guys do get together again a few days later after Rock eventually pulls his big boy pants on and invites Carter to a hockey game where things go really well. I’ll leave this review here.
Is Carter brave enough to leave the security of his escort 'job' behind and take a chance on something new in his life and an actual relationship without letting his past 'life' interfere?? Is Rock finally able to distance himself from his unhappy past, and the guilty feelings he has from being in the closet, and hopefully grab himself some happiness despite his family and former employers?? Discover for yourselves dear readers.....
April 12, 2014
THANK you Ingela for recommending this book to me! I loved it!
Firstly, I'd like to repeat this from Ingela's review (you should read her whole review, by the way. It's beautiful):
1) This is not a BDSM story.
2) This is not a nasty rough escort / rent-boy story.
And this can be read as a stand alone. You don't need to read Wicked Play series #1-4 before reading this. I hadn't.
The formalities are out of the way, now the review!
This book was so filled with love.
Two very different men, with very different backgrounds, but who have the same longing, a longing for something else. This is their story of coming together and finding what they are looking for. Although nothing is certain, they each have their own battles to fight. Sometimes they are their own worst enemy. But victory is sweet when they both pull through, supporting and loving each other.
A very beautiful story. Highly recommended!
I loved it
Firstly, I'd like to repeat this from Ingela's review (you should read her whole review, by the way. It's beautiful):
1) This is not a BDSM story.
2) This is not a nasty rough escort / rent-boy story.
And this can be read as a stand alone. You don't need to read Wicked Play series #1-4 before reading this. I hadn't.
The formalities are out of the way, now the review!
This book was so filled with love.
Two very different men, with very different backgrounds, but who have the same longing, a longing for something else. This is their story of coming together and finding what they are looking for. Although nothing is certain, they each have their own battles to fight. Sometimes they are their own worst enemy. But victory is sweet when they both pull through, supporting and loving each other.
A very beautiful story. Highly recommended!
I loved it
April 2, 2017
4,5 "this was so good" stars for me
I loved the story of Carter and Rock. They were so misserable apart, but together...so sweet and so HAWT. I felt so sorry for Carter and the way he felt about himself. This book was a story about becoming. About who you are and who you really want to be. I hope this author will write more MM books because I enjoyed reading this one very much. I haven't read the other books in this series, so you will have no problem reading it as a stand alone.
And did I mention the Hotness....
I loved the story of Carter and Rock. They were so misserable apart, but together...so sweet and so HAWT. I felt so sorry for Carter and the way he felt about himself. This book was a story about becoming. About who you are and who you really want to be. I hope this author will write more MM books because I enjoyed reading this one very much. I haven't read the other books in this series, so you will have no problem reading it as a stand alone.
And did I mention the Hotness....
March 25, 2014
I LOVED this book! WOW
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