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The Devil Will Do
In a land unforgiving of indulgent, dangerous sex, merchantman Eryn does his best to keep his desires in the dark…until the plight of a beautiful prince leads him out of the shadows and into adventures both sensual and terrible.
Capture, curse, and torture litter Eryn’s road to true love, along with carnal delights beyond his most wicked imaginings. His strengths and limitations are exposed—and the hard truth, that nothing holds him back more than the monster of self-loathing in his heart. Prince Wyn might be everything he’s dreamed of in a man—and master—but before Eryn can accept the exquisitely wicked affections of his one true love, he must first save himself…from himself.
This novella was originally published under the title Sweet Son and has been significantly revised.
Capture, curse, and torture litter Eryn’s road to true love, along with carnal delights beyond his most wicked imaginings. His strengths and limitations are exposed—and the hard truth, that nothing holds him back more than the monster of self-loathing in his heart. Prince Wyn might be everything he’s dreamed of in a man—and master—but before Eryn can accept the exquisitely wicked affections of his one true love, he must first save himself…from himself.
This novella was originally published under the title Sweet Son and has been significantly revised.
154 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2010
4 people are currently reading
602 people want to read
About the author
Heidi Cullinan
51 books2,881 followersAuthor of over thirty novels, Midwest-native Heidi Cullinan writes positive-outcome romances for LGBT characters struggling against insurmountable odds because they believe there’s no such thing as too much happy ever after. Heidi’s books have been recommended by Library Journal, USA Today, RT Magazine, and Publishers Weekly. When Heidi isn’t writing, they enjoy gaming, reading manga, manhua, and danmei, playing with cats, and watching too much anime.
Heidi goes by Jun when being spoken to in person or online, and Jun’s pronouns are they/them.
Heidi goes by Jun when being spoken to in person or online, and Jun’s pronouns are they/them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
March 31, 2021
*4.5 stars*
"Hold Yourself open wide for me, slave."
When Eryn didn't move immediately, the pasha slapped his rump. "Show me your rose, and let me see how happy it is at my claiming."
*rolls back eyes in ecstasy*
This book is certainly not for everyone. In fact, I wasn't sure when I agreed to review it that it would be for me. I'm not such a big fan of dub-con or non-con, and I had heard that this story was DARK. I'm not sure if most people read this book before it was heavily revised, but this book was less dark than it was darkly erotic. It caters to a certain kink, and it is one of my favorites. Let's hear a big round of applause for humiliation kink, ladies and gentleman! This book was right up my alley.
I love how Heidi just goes for it. She is wonderfully, deliciously depraved. I have a decidedly freaky-deaky side, and Heidi tapped right into that. If the idea of appeals to you, then you probably will enjoy this story. I enjoyed this story. Many. Times.
I also really liked the fairytale quality of this book. I have a thing for light fantasy of this nature, like Truth in the Dark, and I was sucked right into the story. Sure, this book is largely about sex and, sure, the plot didn't make complete sense, but I didn't really care. I was completely absorbed, and I couldn't put this book down all day.
Though this book is super kinky, it is romantic at it's core. There is a HEA and fated-love kind of romance. However, you have to keep sort of an open mind to get there.
I'm welcoming this book to my favorites of the year list with open arms!
**Copy provided in exchange for an honest review**
"Hold Yourself open wide for me, slave."
When Eryn didn't move immediately, the pasha slapped his rump. "Show me your rose, and let me see how happy it is at my claiming."
*rolls back eyes in ecstasy*
This book is certainly not for everyone. In fact, I wasn't sure when I agreed to review it that it would be for me. I'm not such a big fan of dub-con or non-con, and I had heard that this story was DARK. I'm not sure if most people read this book before it was heavily revised, but this book was less dark than it was darkly erotic. It caters to a certain kink, and it is one of my favorites. Let's hear a big round of applause for humiliation kink, ladies and gentleman! This book was right up my alley.
I love how Heidi just goes for it. She is wonderfully, deliciously depraved. I have a decidedly freaky-deaky side, and Heidi tapped right into that. If the idea of appeals to you, then you probably will enjoy this story. I enjoyed this story. Many. Times.
I also really liked the fairytale quality of this book. I have a thing for light fantasy of this nature, like Truth in the Dark, and I was sucked right into the story. Sure, this book is largely about sex and, sure, the plot didn't make complete sense, but I didn't really care. I was completely absorbed, and I couldn't put this book down all day.
Though this book is super kinky, it is romantic at it's core. There is a HEA and fated-love kind of romance. However, you have to keep sort of an open mind to get there.
I'm welcoming this book to my favorites of the year list with open arms!
**Copy provided in exchange for an honest review**
February 13, 2015
If you're familiar with me you know I love HC. I dubbed her Queen Shit of Fuck Mountain. That being said, I didn't think HC had it in her to be this depraved. As depraved as it is it ironically retains the fairy tale feel throughout. A feat and proof positive that my devotion to her is well placed.
Were HC an actor she'd be one of those that needs no first name-Hoffman, De Niro, Streep. They've earned that rarified last name only air by their diversity and transformative capabilities. They fully immerse themselves into the characters they portray and choose roles that stymie pigeonholing. I don't love everything they put out nor have a read HC's complete backlist, but I respect their abilities regardless. True, HC writes exclusively M/M but she's not bound to any particular sub-genre. The Devil Will Do is further verification of that.
The Devil Will Do is a re-imagining of Snow White minus the dwarves with a poignant undercurrent. Eryn is cast as the prince. Wyn as Snow White. In this retelling Eryn must prove himself worthy to be consort to the future king of the Northern Isles. Eryn goes on a journey of self-discovery that includes debasement, humiliation, gang bangs, exhibitionism, enslavement, torture, demons, witches and ends with true love of himself and his Prince.
It feels odd to say I had a goofy grin on my face while reading a story with all those tags but I did. Not the entire time because it wouldn't have been as satisfying if Eryn's path had been an easy one. Eryn struggles mightily with feelings of unworthiness and self-loathing for his deviant desires, but his desire to save Wyn motivates him to at least try to overcome those feelings. His master pushes at those boundaries, always with the endgame of both preparing him to be worthy of his true love as well as the obstacles that will face him along the way.
Some of those obstacles are harrowing but most of the torture happens off the page, if you're squeamish. And remember this is a fairy tale and they always end happily and usually have some cute animals too. Snow fulfilled that quota. Snow is an imperious white stallion who seems to understand Eryn and is no ordinary stallion. I'll say no more, though.
The Devil Will Do is a delightful read brimming with love, overcoming adversity and self-acceptance. Another favorite of mine from HC.
I only thought she'd earned the moniker Queen Shit of Fuck Mountain before but now…
Yep. It's official now.
Recommend to fans of depraved fairy tales? Whomever you may be.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Were HC an actor she'd be one of those that needs no first name-Hoffman, De Niro, Streep. They've earned that rarified last name only air by their diversity and transformative capabilities. They fully immerse themselves into the characters they portray and choose roles that stymie pigeonholing. I don't love everything they put out nor have a read HC's complete backlist, but I respect their abilities regardless. True, HC writes exclusively M/M but she's not bound to any particular sub-genre. The Devil Will Do is further verification of that.
The Devil Will Do is a re-imagining of Snow White minus the dwarves with a poignant undercurrent. Eryn is cast as the prince. Wyn as Snow White. In this retelling Eryn must prove himself worthy to be consort to the future king of the Northern Isles. Eryn goes on a journey of self-discovery that includes debasement, humiliation, gang bangs, exhibitionism, enslavement, torture, demons, witches and ends with true love of himself and his Prince.
"This is my throat I fuck. I have bought you, and you are mine. This is all you are now. Whatever I tell you to do. To be."
It feels odd to say I had a goofy grin on my face while reading a story with all those tags but I did. Not the entire time because it wouldn't have been as satisfying if Eryn's path had been an easy one. Eryn struggles mightily with feelings of unworthiness and self-loathing for his deviant desires, but his desire to save Wyn motivates him to at least try to overcome those feelings. His master pushes at those boundaries, always with the endgame of both preparing him to be worthy of his true love as well as the obstacles that will face him along the way.
Some of those obstacles are harrowing but most of the torture happens off the page, if you're squeamish. And remember this is a fairy tale and they always end happily and usually have some cute animals too. Snow fulfilled that quota. Snow is an imperious white stallion who seems to understand Eryn and is no ordinary stallion. I'll say no more, though.
The Devil Will Do is a delightful read brimming with love, overcoming adversity and self-acceptance. Another favorite of mine from HC.
I only thought she'd earned the moniker Queen Shit of Fuck Mountain before but now…
His holes were full. He was a hole, accepting. Taking. Enduring. Loving. Oh, he loved every moment of this.
Yep. It's official now.
Recommend to fans of depraved fairy tales? Whomever you may be.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2015
3.5 stars
~~~Disclaimer: I bought this book with its original title, Sweet Son, ages ago. I read it but didn't review/rate. Today I reread it.
The blurb states that the story has been significantly revised, so please keep in mind that this review refers to the original, UNREVISED story.~~~
This novella is DARK, and more an allegory than a romance. This isn't Dante's Inferno by any means; there are no seven circles of hell. But there are demons and torture and an ILLUSION of hell.
Because isn't hell what we make it?
Eryn, on a quest to find his true love, the raven-haired, alabaster-skinned prince of his dreams, is brutalized and demeaned. He becomes the sex slave of a pasha. He's raped by a demon. He suffers and screams and begs.
He does all this to become a stronger man, to learn that his pomp and arrogance were nothing but illusions.
But everything is an illusion.
Eryn finds his prince, oh, yes. But he already had him.
What a twisted little fairy tale this was, a play on Sleeping Beauty, Dante's trek, and Odysseus' journey, with hard-core BDMS mixed in.
Eryn's sexual discovery is at the hands of an older pasha, a powerful magician. Most of the sex is Eryn's torture and submission, all non/dub-con.
The story was sexy and dangerous and totally fucked up. It was also a bit muddled, too abstract at its core.
Heidi Cullinan excels in the contemporary genre, be it naughty or sweet. She is the mistress of truck drivers, casino owners, ranchers, dancers, and naive college boys.
And I BOW DOWN.
This story was not my favorite, but it's still Heidi, so I embrace the pain.
~~~Disclaimer: I bought this book with its original title, Sweet Son, ages ago. I read it but didn't review/rate. Today I reread it.
The blurb states that the story has been significantly revised, so please keep in mind that this review refers to the original, UNREVISED story.~~~
This novella is DARK, and more an allegory than a romance. This isn't Dante's Inferno by any means; there are no seven circles of hell. But there are demons and torture and an ILLUSION of hell.
Because isn't hell what we make it?
Eryn, on a quest to find his true love, the raven-haired, alabaster-skinned prince of his dreams, is brutalized and demeaned. He becomes the sex slave of a pasha. He's raped by a demon. He suffers and screams and begs.
He does all this to become a stronger man, to learn that his pomp and arrogance were nothing but illusions.
But everything is an illusion.
And that was the secret, the truth . . . Strength was not something he achieved or was granted. It was something he claimed.
Eryn finds his prince, oh, yes. But he already had him.
What a twisted little fairy tale this was, a play on Sleeping Beauty, Dante's trek, and Odysseus' journey, with hard-core BDMS mixed in.
Eryn's sexual discovery is at the hands of an older pasha, a powerful magician. Most of the sex is Eryn's torture and submission, all non/dub-con.
The story was sexy and dangerous and totally fucked up. It was also a bit muddled, too abstract at its core.
Heidi Cullinan excels in the contemporary genre, be it naughty or sweet. She is the mistress of truck drivers, casino owners, ranchers, dancers, and naive college boys.
And I BOW DOWN.
This story was not my favorite, but it's still Heidi, so I embrace the pain.
December 9, 2015
This is the dirtiest fairy tale I've ever read.
Also, I really need to stop reading porn on the train. It's a bad habit.
Eryn hates his physical desires. It's bad to want men, but it's even worse to want to be degraded and humiliated. Each time Eryn succumbs to his desires and goes down to the docks to be used and abused by the rough sailors, he comes back full of shame. That is until he dreams of a prince who needs himself. So Eryn sets out to find his prince. Along the way, he's enslaved by a rich pasha. The pasha vows to teach Eryn that his desires do not make him unworthy.
'The Devil Will Do' has some of the classic fairy tale characteristics. There's a prince, magic, a quest, a story based on good versus evil, an MC who needs to believe in himself, and a HEA. The fantasy aspect isn't overly complicated, and it's been used before, but it was done well here.
Of course, what sets this apart is the loads of kinky sex. Like heaping amounts of it. Eryn might feel ashamed of his desires, but that doesn't mean he denies himself the pleasure. In this book, you'll find anal training, group sex, public sex, humiliation, enema play, dub-con, and double penetration. Heidi Cullinan proves once again why she's the master of MM kinkiness.
If you're looking for a sweet romance, this book isn't for you. In fact, the love interest is absent for the vast majority of the book. However, if you want something quick and dirty, this'll be right of your alley.
Also, I really need to stop reading porn on the train. It's a bad habit.
Eryn hates his physical desires. It's bad to want men, but it's even worse to want to be degraded and humiliated. Each time Eryn succumbs to his desires and goes down to the docks to be used and abused by the rough sailors, he comes back full of shame. That is until he dreams of a prince who needs himself. So Eryn sets out to find his prince. Along the way, he's enslaved by a rich pasha. The pasha vows to teach Eryn that his desires do not make him unworthy.
'The Devil Will Do' has some of the classic fairy tale characteristics. There's a prince, magic, a quest, a story based on good versus evil, an MC who needs to believe in himself, and a HEA. The fantasy aspect isn't overly complicated, and it's been used before, but it was done well here.
Of course, what sets this apart is the loads of kinky sex. Like heaping amounts of it. Eryn might feel ashamed of his desires, but that doesn't mean he denies himself the pleasure. In this book, you'll find anal training, group sex, public sex, humiliation, enema play, dub-con, and double penetration. Heidi Cullinan proves once again why she's the master of MM kinkiness.
If you're looking for a sweet romance, this book isn't for you. In fact, the love interest is absent for the vast majority of the book. However, if you want something quick and dirty, this'll be right of your alley.
April 16, 2013
I love fairy tales and this one just ruined it for me. The MC, Eryn has several dreams of his true love and after a while decided to set off on a journey to find said true love. On his way, he comes to an impasse and can't decide which direction to go. An old lady who he can tell is a witch asks him a series of question which he tries to lie his way out of resulting in him being punished by the witch. The punishment for the lies is that he has to declare 3 time he desires men (in his world this can get him sold into slavery or killed). Immediately after he attacked by bandits and becomes their plaything. He doesn't really fight it but just goes with whatever they dish out. Anyway a lot of other things occur and there are a few sexual encounters until he gets to his true love.
I don't mind promiscuity but it's just harsh when Eryn is suppose to be on this great journey to true love but ends up having a great deal of sex on his way. In a way I felt a bit betrayed for Wyn whenever Eryn was being accosted and he actually enjoyed it. I felt when the truth came out concerning Snow and Wyn, near the end that the story got interesting but when Eryn started showing more aggressive dom behavior the story just got awkward..
I don't mind promiscuity but it's just harsh when Eryn is suppose to be on this great journey to true love but ends up having a great deal of sex on his way. In a way I felt a bit betrayed for Wyn whenever Eryn was being accosted and he actually enjoyed it. I felt when the truth came out concerning Snow and Wyn, near the end that the story got interesting but when Eryn started showing more aggressive dom behavior the story just got awkward..
Read
February 4, 2015I'm getting a lot of "where is this on Amazon?" requests. (Book is out today) I'll add the buy links here as they come in, and when they're all set, I'll put them out in my newsletter. It should be soon, hopefully. In the meantime you can get it at Wilde City if you absolutely cannot wait.
http://www.wildecity.com/books/gay-ro...
There's also a blog tour where you can try for all three Wilde City books in paperback. http://www.heidicullinan.com/blog-tou...
The paperback is up on Amazon which makes me think it's in process and the ebook could show up any second: http://www.amazon.com/Devil-Will-Do-H...
http://www.wildecity.com/books/gay-ro...
There's also a blog tour where you can try for all three Wilde City books in paperback. http://www.heidicullinan.com/blog-tou...
The paperback is up on Amazon which makes me think it's in process and the ebook could show up any second: http://www.amazon.com/Devil-Will-Do-H...
February 9, 2015
As you may know, I tend to devour anything and everything Heidi puts out, and when this little treasure came up for a tour and an ARC, I signed up faster than you can blink.
Because - you know - Heidi-freaking-Cullinan!
Fair warning - this isn't the kind of book I've come to expect from this author. But it also is. Lemme explain...
In her kinky, twisted fairytales (magic and illusions included), Heidi tends to cast an unlikely hero in the hero slots. We saw this in Miles & The Magic Flute, and we saw his in Hero. This novel is no different in that aspect, though Eryn is probably even less a likely hero than Miles or Hal, respectively, but it's probably because Eryn is such an unlikely hero that the book's message comes across so clearly.
With The Devil Will Do, Heidi also kicked up the kink-o-meter a few hundred notches, and this book was deliciously depraved. There's humiliation, shame, public display, anal training, demon sex, and most of it is non-con or dub-con at best.
Though - and this has to be made clear - none of it is for titillation purposes, none of it is to excite the reader. Every scene, every act is part of Eryn's journey to learn his own true self and, first and foremost, learn self-acceptance.
And yet, despite the kink, the book retains its fairytale qualities as well. It has a magical quality to it, almost ethereal, dreamlike. The writing flows easily, and while the kink is ever present, it's never described in too much detail - what's important, what is pointed out time and again, is Eryn's path to believing in his own worth.
Eryn's dreams of his fair-skinned prince, his true love, are what set him off on his journey. What he learns on his quest is profound and life-altering.
What stood out for me the most is that this twisted tale of kink is at its very core a love story, a romance. The lengths to which Eryn goes to rescue Wyn, his fated true love, his prince, are extraordinary, and that, my friends, is what makes this book deserve every single star I gave it.
Yeah, it's very kinky. And yeah, I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Again, fair warning. This book isn't for everyone, but if you don't mind (or if you enjoy) the kind of kink included here, please give this a try.
** I received a free copy of this book from its author. A positive review was not promised in return. **
Because - you know - Heidi-freaking-Cullinan!
Fair warning - this isn't the kind of book I've come to expect from this author. But it also is. Lemme explain...
In her kinky, twisted fairytales (magic and illusions included), Heidi tends to cast an unlikely hero in the hero slots. We saw this in Miles & The Magic Flute, and we saw his in Hero. This novel is no different in that aspect, though Eryn is probably even less a likely hero than Miles or Hal, respectively, but it's probably because Eryn is such an unlikely hero that the book's message comes across so clearly.
With The Devil Will Do, Heidi also kicked up the kink-o-meter a few hundred notches, and this book was deliciously depraved. There's humiliation, shame, public display, anal training, demon sex, and most of it is non-con or dub-con at best.
Though - and this has to be made clear - none of it is for titillation purposes, none of it is to excite the reader. Every scene, every act is part of Eryn's journey to learn his own true self and, first and foremost, learn self-acceptance.
And yet, despite the kink, the book retains its fairytale qualities as well. It has a magical quality to it, almost ethereal, dreamlike. The writing flows easily, and while the kink is ever present, it's never described in too much detail - what's important, what is pointed out time and again, is Eryn's path to believing in his own worth.
Eryn's dreams of his fair-skinned prince, his true love, are what set him off on his journey. What he learns on his quest is profound and life-altering.
What stood out for me the most is that this twisted tale of kink is at its very core a love story, a romance. The lengths to which Eryn goes to rescue Wyn, his fated true love, his prince, are extraordinary, and that, my friends, is what makes this book deserve every single star I gave it.
Yeah, it's very kinky. And yeah, I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Again, fair warning. This book isn't for everyone, but if you don't mind (or if you enjoy) the kind of kink included here, please give this a try.
** I received a free copy of this book from its author. A positive review was not promised in return. **
October 20, 2015
Honestly, despite looking at a few reviews before reading this book, I still didn't know what to expect and I think it ended up being even different to what I thought I would expect, if that makes sense.
I think the best way for me to describe this storyline would be, Its a story essentially about Eryn who has a massive humiliation kink, however due to the era and lack of friends he experiences true degradation and abuse and doesn't understand humiliation can be given in a safe environment. When he's enslaved by a Pasha he is taught he is not wrong to want humiliation and can have it in a safely (which is funny because he's a slave). Then of course he is looking for his true love who came to him through dreams and is under and enchantment.
A few things that surprised me in this book were, that I really liked the Pasha, i thought he'd be an evil tryant or something but he genuinely wants to help Eryn and is always kind to him. I mean he still does a lot of mean stuff to Eryn, but its all to help him gain strength to find his true love and Eryn is aware of what will happen to him and consents (once again within reason). Also there was more story line involving Wyn (the prince) than i expected, which was a pleasant surprise, it made me remember why he is sacrificing everything he is.
Obviously this book has some fairly full-on scenes, both extreme humiliation and pain, so if your squeamish I wouldn't recommend this book at all. I however thought this book was very very HOT, some of the lines the Pasha says and the situations Eryn's in..... it's just pure dirty, debauchery goodness!! After reading this though I've discovered that i prefer humiliation handed out within a couple (not by strangers, strangers are, of course welcome to join though :P), Therefore i just LOVED the end scene with Wyn and Eryn, that was fucking HOT!!! It was nice to see Eryn happy and satisfied after he'd been through so much.
I think the best way for me to describe this storyline would be, Its a story essentially about Eryn who has a massive humiliation kink, however due to the era and lack of friends he experiences true degradation and abuse and doesn't understand humiliation can be given in a safe environment. When he's enslaved by a Pasha he is taught he is not wrong to want humiliation and can have it in a safely (which is funny because he's a slave). Then of course he is looking for his true love who came to him through dreams and is under and enchantment.
A few things that surprised me in this book were, that I really liked the Pasha, i thought he'd be an evil tryant or something but he genuinely wants to help Eryn and is always kind to him. I mean he still does a lot of mean stuff to Eryn, but its all to help him gain strength to find his true love and Eryn is aware of what will happen to him and consents (once again within reason). Also there was more story line involving Wyn (the prince) than i expected, which was a pleasant surprise, it made me remember why he is sacrificing everything he is.
Obviously this book has some fairly full-on scenes, both extreme humiliation and pain, so if your squeamish I wouldn't recommend this book at all. I however thought this book was very very HOT, some of the lines the Pasha says and the situations Eryn's in..... it's just pure dirty, debauchery goodness!! After reading this though I've discovered that i prefer humiliation handed out within a couple (not by strangers, strangers are, of course welcome to join though :P), Therefore i just LOVED the end scene with Wyn and Eryn, that was fucking HOT!!! It was nice to see Eryn happy and satisfied after he'd been through so much.
February 15, 2015
Fairy tale feel, as though someone was reading a story, with more telling, summing up. Because of that, there was a separateness/distance that kept the darker parts from being overwhelming.
The writing style also kept me from fully connecting with Eryn, but I appreciated the symbolism surrounding the development of his character.
Can I admit my favorite thing about the book?
Yes, yes I can...the pervy parts were delightfully lewd :P
The writing style also kept me from fully connecting with Eryn, but I appreciated the symbolism surrounding the development of his character.
Can I admit my favorite thing about the book?
Yes, yes I can...the pervy parts were delightfully lewd :P
February 12, 2015
Really enjoyed this grown up fairytale from Heidi. Yes, it's dark in places but a lot of fairytales are, and this seemed to have quite a mixed bag thrown in including possibly Snow White and one or two others as well. Hella kinky at times, humiliation features strongly, but Eryn was genuinely ashamed of feeling the way he did until it was pointed out to him that everyone likes different things, and it wouldn't do for us all to feel the same. I had a grin on my face at the end so that should tell you all you need to know about HEA, and the friendly horse was a big hit in this house. 4 stars ♥♥♥♥
July 17, 2010
Very good bdsm m/m faery tale about a young man who, after having numerous dreams of his true love, sets off to find him. The journey is not at all what he expects... truly a case of "you can't always get what you want, but sometimes you get what you need."
July 9, 2017
3.5 stars
March 3, 2017
3.8 Stars
So, first off: I have to point out that my rating is not the "Liked It" equivalent. It was a star rating based on quality story-telling, tightly edited writing, and hella hot smut. Okay, I liked some of the sex; I just have a hard time with the whole humiliation kink. It's just not my cuppa. More power to those that enjoy it, though!
And power? That's theme of this book, IMHO.
It depicts one wickedly re-imagined fairy-tale...one where the MC wasn't the hero he thought he needed to be in order to save the Prince. Except, he was - he just didn't accept those parts of himself that liked to be used/debased as traits of someone being worthy of love. So, this journey was basically a hero's odyssey. One where he realizes that it takes a certain kind of strength and incredible belief in their own power, to submit the way he does.
(I'd also like to add that it takes an equally strong person to nurture that gift without abusing it; to revel in the beauty of such without breaking the sub. The Pasha was that kind of man...and I hope the Prince is as well.)
So, first off: I have to point out that my rating is not the "Liked It" equivalent. It was a star rating based on quality story-telling, tightly edited writing, and hella hot smut. Okay, I liked some of the sex; I just have a hard time with the whole humiliation kink. It's just not my cuppa. More power to those that enjoy it, though!
And power? That's theme of this book, IMHO.
It depicts one wickedly re-imagined fairy-tale...one where the MC wasn't the hero he thought he needed to be in order to save the Prince. Except, he was - he just didn't accept those parts of himself that liked to be used/debased as traits of someone being worthy of love. So, this journey was basically a hero's odyssey. One where he realizes that it takes a certain kind of strength and incredible belief in their own power, to submit the way he does.
(I'd also like to add that it takes an equally strong person to nurture that gift without abusing it; to revel in the beauty of such without breaking the sub. The Pasha was that kind of man...and I hope the Prince is as well.)
July 21, 2010
Trust author Heidi Cullinan to take a fairy tale and turn it into an exploration of complicated themes of personal growth and redemption. I suspect anyone who has read any of Anne Rice's erotic Sleeping Beauty trilogy will find some resonance with this story, only with a more personal--and romantic--touch. The trials and tribulations of the protagonist are not for the faint of heart, but the eroticism is undeniable. As is the growing recognition of the value of those experiences in the characters internal journey.
The story took some interesting twists and turns, and ended very satisfyingly, not the least because even happily ever after was a psychologically complex and sophisticated glimpse of the dynamics and consequences of power.
This book is proof that eroticism can have a point beyond titillation and romance can be sweet and at the same time more than mindless sentimentality.
The story took some interesting twists and turns, and ended very satisfyingly, not the least because even happily ever after was a psychologically complex and sophisticated glimpse of the dynamics and consequences of power.
This book is proof that eroticism can have a point beyond titillation and romance can be sweet and at the same time more than mindless sentimentality.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2013
I read this short little fairy tale last night and it wasn't up to the standards of Heidi Cullinan's usual work with numerous errors and rather sloppy writing.
It felt more like a porn tale than a short book. The plot was rather lacking and not completely consistent, character development was also light. For what it was, it wasn't horrible, but I expected more from this author.
It felt more like a porn tale than a short book. The plot was rather lacking and not completely consistent, character development was also light. For what it was, it wasn't horrible, but I expected more from this author.
June 22, 2010
Sleeping Beauty has never been so hot! Rawr!!!
February 23, 2015
HOLY SHITBALLS - that was hot and kinky and hot and kinky.....OMG - HC just keeps bringing it! It was a little dark but oh so good! I'm still fanning myself.
February 20, 2013
A fairy tale like no other. Eryn sets out to find his prince, the rumored "sweet son", a prince of the clouds. On the way he is captured by bandits, raped and held hostage only to be captured again when a pasha shows up with his armed guards and takes Eryn from them. The pasha introduces Eryn to pain becoming pleasure, using him until Eryn finally sees what the pasha truly wants from him and is then trained in martial arts. When the bandits return and attack the pasha's camp, Eryn is sent with the pasha's beautiful white horse, his jewels and his page into the forest charged with protecting them. If Eryn can successfully do this, he will be freed. During the next 24 hours he keeps the others safe by submitting to the wishes of a witch and then the cruelty of a demon.
This is a very dark tale, not for the squeamish. The assaults are graphic but necessary to the story as we see later on. Ultimately Eryn becomes stronger and he manages to find his prince and free him from a spell. He uses his new knowledge of control of pain and pleasure, the illusion of power and self-control, and the strength that comes with surrender to help his prince find strength.
I have to admire the very complex mind of the author as she wove a very detailed, very dark tale that ultimately carried a strong uplifting message and they lived "happily ever after".
This is a very dark tale, not for the squeamish. The assaults are graphic but necessary to the story as we see later on. Ultimately Eryn becomes stronger and he manages to find his prince and free him from a spell. He uses his new knowledge of control of pain and pleasure, the illusion of power and self-control, and the strength that comes with surrender to help his prince find strength.
I have to admire the very complex mind of the author as she wove a very detailed, very dark tale that ultimately carried a strong uplifting message and they lived "happily ever after".
December 13, 2010
Sweet Son is one of the Dreamspinner fantasy books that reinterpret classic fairytales as m/m romance stories. This offering is a retelling of Snow White, complete with happy ever after ending and a good dose of magic. Cullinan knows how to weave a good fantasy and this is no different. While the actual characters may not be the focus, the story is all about the moral. Here, the retelling is both faithful and a good departure that conveys the theme while offering a life lesson.
Some themes stand out while reading Sweet Son, and that is how graphic and violent fairytales are. The hero Eryn is a merchant living a pampered and moderately happy life. He’s comfortable with wealth and privilege and although lonely for true love, he’s not quite ready to give up his life comforts to find it. Since the world is not a safe place for men who love other men, Eryn lets his fears overwhelm his desire for love. Until the time that he’s so lonely he goes in search of the true love he’s dreamed about. Of course life is never that simple and Eryn goes through hell – literally – to find his true love.
Eryn is the unquestionable star as he learns how to master himself and his emotions through a variety of humiliating, painful, and torturous episodes. You know the story is going to be dark when the witch promises Eryn will pay for his foolish fear. Oh and Eryn pays, repeatedly. Thankfully the writing is kept deft with that touch for fantasy where the torture and pain are never expanded upon, instead mentioned and forgotten. This helps take away the horror factor when you consider just how truly horrible the things Eryn goes through are. Yet the story isn’t trying to shock readers so like all fairy tales the horrifying is lost under the banner of true love and happy ending.
The characters are less important than the symbols they represent. There is the witch, the magician, the sweet son prince that is Eryn’s true love. Each of these people is important but they feel more like vague concepts than complex personalities. I can’t say this is bad really, although the prince Wyn feels the most flat. The BDSM twist between Eryn and Wyn is unfinished and feels somewhat forced. It makes sense and I like where the story goes with both of them but it feels too fast, too convenient in some ways. Of course that explains all fairy tales so yet another example of how the story stays true to the original intent.
The theme of the fairy tale is timeless and the process Eryn endures to become a better man is supposed to be awe inspiring. It is consider the horrifying acts that happen to Eryn but I’m not sure how he’s changed. He learned how to master Wyn but that feels too much like an act, not a true revelation of his person. He masters Wyn because Wyn wants it more than Eryn wants to be a harsh dominant. I also couldn’t help but feel bad for Eryn because I got the impression he couldn’t express the tenderness and love in his heart that he longed to. Again I just felt the premise very good but execution a bit rushed while wrapping up the happy ending. Overall one of the better and more faithful reinventions that is still fresh and interesting.
Some themes stand out while reading Sweet Son, and that is how graphic and violent fairytales are. The hero Eryn is a merchant living a pampered and moderately happy life. He’s comfortable with wealth and privilege and although lonely for true love, he’s not quite ready to give up his life comforts to find it. Since the world is not a safe place for men who love other men, Eryn lets his fears overwhelm his desire for love. Until the time that he’s so lonely he goes in search of the true love he’s dreamed about. Of course life is never that simple and Eryn goes through hell – literally – to find his true love.
Eryn is the unquestionable star as he learns how to master himself and his emotions through a variety of humiliating, painful, and torturous episodes. You know the story is going to be dark when the witch promises Eryn will pay for his foolish fear. Oh and Eryn pays, repeatedly. Thankfully the writing is kept deft with that touch for fantasy where the torture and pain are never expanded upon, instead mentioned and forgotten. This helps take away the horror factor when you consider just how truly horrible the things Eryn goes through are. Yet the story isn’t trying to shock readers so like all fairy tales the horrifying is lost under the banner of true love and happy ending.
The characters are less important than the symbols they represent. There is the witch, the magician, the sweet son prince that is Eryn’s true love. Each of these people is important but they feel more like vague concepts than complex personalities. I can’t say this is bad really, although the prince Wyn feels the most flat. The BDSM twist between Eryn and Wyn is unfinished and feels somewhat forced. It makes sense and I like where the story goes with both of them but it feels too fast, too convenient in some ways. Of course that explains all fairy tales so yet another example of how the story stays true to the original intent.
The theme of the fairy tale is timeless and the process Eryn endures to become a better man is supposed to be awe inspiring. It is consider the horrifying acts that happen to Eryn but I’m not sure how he’s changed. He learned how to master Wyn but that feels too much like an act, not a true revelation of his person. He masters Wyn because Wyn wants it more than Eryn wants to be a harsh dominant. I also couldn’t help but feel bad for Eryn because I got the impression he couldn’t express the tenderness and love in his heart that he longed to. Again I just felt the premise very good but execution a bit rushed while wrapping up the happy ending. Overall one of the better and more faithful reinventions that is still fresh and interesting.
February 16, 2015
This was a quick and interesting read! While I have read a lot of books in the BDSM genre, this was the first time humiliation kink was the main type. One of the reasons I like Heidi as an author is she does her research and dives 110% into the subject matter!
I'm new to this level of humiliation kink and I'm still trying to process how I feel about it as I'm writing this review, but here is where Heidi stands out as an author - for me, this wasn't so much about the humiliation kink as it was about the main character accepting who he was and how he was and that it was okay and that he was deserving of respect and worthy of love! THAT is what I took away from this book! I already KNEW this of course. I know that the activities we like to partake in the privacy (or not so private) of our bedrooms (or living rooms, kitchen, where ever, you get the idea) is our choice and we are all human being deserving of love and respect.
At first, I found it hard to connect with Eryn, it almost felt like you started reading a quarter into the book and you missed something. The connection evolved the further you read into the story. Or maybe it was trying to connect with the fantasy... merchant, sailors, slave, mystical dreams, a prince, a witch, god parents... there's a lot going on in that realm and for a novella, the world building wasn't so much there until the end. Speaking of the end... the ending action scene... there was SO MUCH going on all at once that I had to re-read it and was like "o k a y...". Again, because this is a novella, this sort of thing tends to happen. Trying to pack a lot of info all at once. For some, it may be a no big deal, for other a tad bit much.
Then there was all the sex... here is Eryn, supposedly trying to find his true love and he's having sex with just about everyone. So if you're looking for that "romance" part, doesn't happen. This is a DARK erotic fantasy novel with romantic elements. Without giving away much, I will say there is that 'instant love' that occurs in romance between the two heroes. Not a big fan of those but hey, that's a romance trope, right?! Right!
I will say, I did like Eryn's and Wyn interactions with each other. From the beginning, they bantered but yet had a connection. And once they finally were together, how they accepted each other for who they were, completely, made it awesome! They totally complimented each other!
Overall, an interesting read. If you're not into group sex or have issues with humiliation kink, this isn't the book for you. Considered yourself warned. Heidi is a great author who has a way with words and does a great job of tell you a story! I wish there would have been more world building to make the story line of the fantasy smoother, but then again, this could be me, wishing there was more story! LOL!
I'm new to this level of humiliation kink and I'm still trying to process how I feel about it as I'm writing this review, but here is where Heidi stands out as an author - for me, this wasn't so much about the humiliation kink as it was about the main character accepting who he was and how he was and that it was okay and that he was deserving of respect and worthy of love! THAT is what I took away from this book! I already KNEW this of course. I know that the activities we like to partake in the privacy (or not so private) of our bedrooms (or living rooms, kitchen, where ever, you get the idea) is our choice and we are all human being deserving of love and respect.
At first, I found it hard to connect with Eryn, it almost felt like you started reading a quarter into the book and you missed something. The connection evolved the further you read into the story. Or maybe it was trying to connect with the fantasy... merchant, sailors, slave, mystical dreams, a prince, a witch, god parents... there's a lot going on in that realm and for a novella, the world building wasn't so much there until the end. Speaking of the end... the ending action scene... there was SO MUCH going on all at once that I had to re-read it and was like "o k a y...". Again, because this is a novella, this sort of thing tends to happen. Trying to pack a lot of info all at once. For some, it may be a no big deal, for other a tad bit much.
Then there was all the sex... here is Eryn, supposedly trying to find his true love and he's having sex with just about everyone. So if you're looking for that "romance" part, doesn't happen. This is a DARK erotic fantasy novel with romantic elements. Without giving away much, I will say there is that 'instant love' that occurs in romance between the two heroes. Not a big fan of those but hey, that's a romance trope, right?! Right!
I will say, I did like Eryn's and Wyn interactions with each other. From the beginning, they bantered but yet had a connection. And once they finally were together, how they accepted each other for who they were, completely, made it awesome! They totally complimented each other!
Overall, an interesting read. If you're not into group sex or have issues with humiliation kink, this isn't the book for you. Considered yourself warned. Heidi is a great author who has a way with words and does a great job of tell you a story! I wish there would have been more world building to make the story line of the fantasy smoother, but then again, this could be me, wishing there was more story! LOL!
July 12, 2015
Heidi Cullinan’s story begins with a ‘Once Upon a Time’ and ends with a ‘Happily Ever After’, but it is far removed from the bedtime stories adults read to their children!
Eryn believes himself to be a ‘deviant’; and attitude forced on him by the society in which he lives. He has tried to fulfill the role expected of him and proposes to a pretty young woman, but he cannot deny his sexual attraction towards men. We feel Eryn’s sense of excitement when he visits the docks, but empathize with the confusion he is left with. Eryn’s feelings of ‘deviancy’ only increase when he admits that he becomes more aroused by being sexually dominated.
Heidi Cullinan links Eryn’s false existence with Wyn’s fantastical one, when the cloud-prince visits Eryn in his dreams, with promises of love and marriage. Eryn’s sense of hope is apparent as he sets off on his journey to rescue his soul-mate.
Eryn’s sexual and spiritual journey is explicitly documented in The Devil Will Do and throughout his experiences we never share the disgust he has for himself. We desperately want him to reach the point of self-acceptance, which will enable him to face the witch and the demon so he can rescue Wyn.
The Devil Will Do has only a small number of primary characters and Heidi Cullinan creates them with a vivid precision, entirely absorbing her reader into this fantasy world of magic and illusion.
Heidi Cullinan is not shy in her description of sex or any of the techniques used by the pasha, but each act has a place in the story, rather than being used for shock-value.
The Devil will Do is the second book I have read by the author and I am already a big fan of hers. I know this will be a hit with fans of the gay erotica genre.
This review originally appeared on GGR-Review http://www.ggr-review.com/review-the-...
Eryn believes himself to be a ‘deviant’; and attitude forced on him by the society in which he lives. He has tried to fulfill the role expected of him and proposes to a pretty young woman, but he cannot deny his sexual attraction towards men. We feel Eryn’s sense of excitement when he visits the docks, but empathize with the confusion he is left with. Eryn’s feelings of ‘deviancy’ only increase when he admits that he becomes more aroused by being sexually dominated.
Heidi Cullinan links Eryn’s false existence with Wyn’s fantastical one, when the cloud-prince visits Eryn in his dreams, with promises of love and marriage. Eryn’s sense of hope is apparent as he sets off on his journey to rescue his soul-mate.
Eryn’s sexual and spiritual journey is explicitly documented in The Devil Will Do and throughout his experiences we never share the disgust he has for himself. We desperately want him to reach the point of self-acceptance, which will enable him to face the witch and the demon so he can rescue Wyn.
The Devil Will Do has only a small number of primary characters and Heidi Cullinan creates them with a vivid precision, entirely absorbing her reader into this fantasy world of magic and illusion.
Heidi Cullinan is not shy in her description of sex or any of the techniques used by the pasha, but each act has a place in the story, rather than being used for shock-value.
The Devil will Do is the second book I have read by the author and I am already a big fan of hers. I know this will be a hit with fans of the gay erotica genre.
This review originally appeared on GGR-Review http://www.ggr-review.com/review-the-...
April 26, 2016
This was an interesting read for me. Heidi Cullinan seems to have to sides to me. One her sweet amazing oh so break your heart books and then there's her, incredibly depraved and kinky books. This falls into the kinky side. This is Sleeping Beauty with crazy amounts of kinky depravity falling all over itself.
The style of this story is a departure from what I normally expect of Ms. Cullinan, but while I enjoyed the story for the most part it wasn't as enjoyable for me as her books normally are. I think in large part because of the nature of the book. This isn't a character piece about two men falling in love so much as it is about one man's struggling to accept his own nature. Most of this story takes place with Eryn alone/captured and not finding himself worthy. He only sees Wyn in his dreams and it's quintessential fairy tale, I've dreamt of you you are my one true love.
But while I don't mind the amounts of crazy sex and shaming so much that seem to be Eryn's kink, I think my biggest problem is that he's accepted that Wyn is his one true love and yet still sleeps with everything. It's one thing when it's an agreed upon kink between two people, they like seeing each other with someone else, but deep down once Eryn had accepted Wyn I didn't want him sleeping with others until they were together. Yet this is one big claim your kink-fest. Of course Wyn's fine with it all as it matches with his kinks, but I want to know that first and that's not possible in a Sleeping Beauty style fairy tale.
Still it was an interesting tale and one I'm happy to have marked off my need to read everything Ms. Cullinan has written. :) 3.5 Stars
The style of this story is a departure from what I normally expect of Ms. Cullinan, but while I enjoyed the story for the most part it wasn't as enjoyable for me as her books normally are. I think in large part because of the nature of the book. This isn't a character piece about two men falling in love so much as it is about one man's struggling to accept his own nature. Most of this story takes place with Eryn alone/captured and not finding himself worthy. He only sees Wyn in his dreams and it's quintessential fairy tale, I've dreamt of you you are my one true love.
But while I don't mind the amounts of crazy sex and shaming so much that seem to be Eryn's kink, I think my biggest problem is that he's accepted that Wyn is his one true love and yet still sleeps with everything. It's one thing when it's an agreed upon kink between two people, they like seeing each other with someone else, but deep down once Eryn had accepted Wyn I didn't want him sleeping with others until they were together. Yet this is one big claim your kink-fest. Of course Wyn's fine with it all as it matches with his kinks, but I want to know that first and that's not possible in a Sleeping Beauty style fairy tale.
Still it was an interesting tale and one I'm happy to have marked off my need to read everything Ms. Cullinan has written. :) 3.5 Stars
February 23, 2015
The Do’s And Don’ts of BDSM – Mastering the Submissive You.
I loved Heidi Cullinan’s books! Ever since I’ve read Nowhere Ranch, I was hooked by her stories – her writing style was just absolutely superb! I haven’t read the novella Sweet Son so I’ve nothing to compare this with so I’m looking at this book as a fresh story which I believe is the main idea why it was revised ^_^
This was a fairly quick read. There’s not much of a dialogue in it – probably 60 percent of it was narration. I’ve this title in my head after reading this story = The Do’s And Don’ts of BDSM – Mastering the Submissive You. LOL. Seriously though, it’s exactly what the story is about in a fairy tale form. I didn’t get attach with a single character, didn’t think the story was that original but like every fairy tale, I went along with it and was glad that it had at least a happy ever after. Is it a story about acceptance? Self-love? Freedom? I honestly can’t give a hundred percent yes but it would really depend how you would look at it and if you’re into this stuff at all. Unfortunately, I wasn’t so it didn’t really work for me at all.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
I loved Heidi Cullinan’s books! Ever since I’ve read Nowhere Ranch, I was hooked by her stories – her writing style was just absolutely superb! I haven’t read the novella Sweet Son so I’ve nothing to compare this with so I’m looking at this book as a fresh story which I believe is the main idea why it was revised ^_^
This was a fairly quick read. There’s not much of a dialogue in it – probably 60 percent of it was narration. I’ve this title in my head after reading this story = The Do’s And Don’ts of BDSM – Mastering the Submissive You. LOL. Seriously though, it’s exactly what the story is about in a fairy tale form. I didn’t get attach with a single character, didn’t think the story was that original but like every fairy tale, I went along with it and was glad that it had at least a happy ever after. Is it a story about acceptance? Self-love? Freedom? I honestly can’t give a hundred percent yes but it would really depend how you would look at it and if you’re into this stuff at all. Unfortunately, I wasn’t so it didn’t really work for me at all.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
February 8, 2015
3.5 stars
Wow, this was unexpected! It's a dark twisted fairy tale that comes with a megaton of humiliation kink, public sex, and bdsm tones. I loved the tone of the book. I haven't read too many mm fairy tale stories and I am thinking I should. Our hero, Eryn, goes through a proper fairy tale adventure, becomes captured, grows as a character, and fights all sort of villains to save his love interest in true fairy tale hero fashion. Now the growth process I just mentioned...? Well. This is where the fairy tale becomes sort of unconventional.
snickers
There's deliciously filthy smexing going on here guys, all in the hopes of helping our hero conquer his fears. Amazing! >b>But. All of that personal development sex and humiliation? It doesn't happen with the love interest. Nope. In fact, the actual love interest doesn't meet our hero until the very end. So, I didn't quite like that, personally, but that's a small niggle really. It was beautifully written and I highly recommend this kinky novella:)
Wow, this was unexpected! It's a dark twisted fairy tale that comes with a megaton of humiliation kink, public sex, and bdsm tones. I loved the tone of the book. I haven't read too many mm fairy tale stories and I am thinking I should. Our hero, Eryn, goes through a proper fairy tale adventure, becomes captured, grows as a character, and fights all sort of villains to save his love interest in true fairy tale hero fashion. Now the growth process I just mentioned...? Well. This is where the fairy tale becomes sort of unconventional.
snickers
There's deliciously filthy smexing going on here guys, all in the hopes of helping our hero conquer his fears. Amazing! >b>But. All of that personal development sex and humiliation? It doesn't happen with the love interest. Nope. In fact, the actual love interest doesn't meet our hero until the very end. So, I didn't quite like that, personally, but that's a small niggle really. It was beautifully written and I highly recommend this kinky novella:)
August 12, 2010
I think this book is something like The Alchemist meets an erotic fairy tale. (I'll change that when I think of an erotic fairytale) Eryn sets off to find true love, but first he must find himself. He also has to gain the strength to save his love, Wyn. The takes him on a journey through and enchanted forest where he meets many creatures that are there to test and/or break his spirit.
I really wanted to like this book so much more than I did. It was too easy for me to put down, which is never a good sign. I think maybe it was just too much for me. In the end I'm at a solid 3.5. Because while I didn't dig on some of the scenes the writing and character development are excellent!
I really wanted to like this book so much more than I did. It was too easy for me to put down, which is never a good sign. I think maybe it was just too much for me. In the end I'm at a solid 3.5. Because while I didn't dig on some of the scenes the writing and character development are excellent!
February 20, 2014
This was just an okay read for me. I don't like books with abuse and I didn't like the pasha's abuse of Eryn.
April 13, 2012
What a sweet, romantic story! This was a unique take on some fairy tales we've grown up with. Also, there were strong BDSM elements. I was caught up in the trials Eryn had to go through to prove that he was worthy of Wyn. it made some of the harsher elements of the story more tolerable for me. This is a quick read so I gobbled it up a few hours.
July 14, 2014
I wish I had never picked this story up. I didn't like it. I'm not happy. I didn't find this sexy or hot or anything but a total turn-off.
Yuck.
I will say that it was because the story was not to my taste, I'm not basing my rating off of the author's writing ability, just my enjoyment of the story, which was non-existent.
Yuck.
I will say that it was because the story was not to my taste, I'm not basing my rating off of the author's writing ability, just my enjoyment of the story, which was non-existent.
June 25, 2016
I've loved every book Heidi has written. However I didn't enjoy this book. It has nothing to do with fantasy genre, kinkiness, or its BDSM nature. Do not simply because I expect to be able to see more of a relationship develops between he character and his true love. Book is still well written but its not a m/m romance. It is a about a man's erotic experiences in bdsm relationships.
February 6, 2015
A young man tests himself and finds his love. That’s the moral of this redone fairytale… that shame closes you off leaving you blind to the possibilities. A very clever retelling. (there's just about every kinky lesson to be learned in this one)
*this is a rewrite of 'Sweet Son'*
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