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Two Steps Back
The poor economy has forced Dallin to return to his old way of life to avoid homelessness, but when his former associate hooks him up with a wealthy Dom, Dallin figures it’s too good to be true. William is older, wealthy, experienced, and a complete dominant. He’s the sort of man who can go to a club and pick up a dozen subs, and yet he wants to hire Dallin.
William knows how to succeed in finance and the bedroom, but trying to keep a relationship going is a far more difficult proposition. Instead of dealing with the messy reality of the club scene or dating, he decides to hire a sub. While William would like to have a long-term relationship develop, he’s not expecting anything. However the longer he plays with Dallin, the more he realizes that he wants more.
Dallin is willing to give his body to William--he enjoys the bondage, the games, and ropes and toys. He’s more wary about trusting William with his heart. William is a master of domination, but for Dallin, he wants to learn to love.
William knows how to succeed in finance and the bedroom, but trying to keep a relationship going is a far more difficult proposition. Instead of dealing with the messy reality of the club scene or dating, he decides to hire a sub. While William would like to have a long-term relationship develop, he’s not expecting anything. However the longer he plays with Dallin, the more he realizes that he wants more.
Dallin is willing to give his body to William--he enjoys the bondage, the games, and ropes and toys. He’s more wary about trusting William with his heart. William is a master of domination, but for Dallin, he wants to learn to love.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2014
14 people are currently reading
389 people want to read
About the author
Lyn Gala
47 books1,166 followersLynsey "Lyn" Gala started writing in the back of her science notebook in third grade and hasn’t stopped since. Westerns starring men with shady pasts gave way to science fiction with questionable protagonists which eventually gave in to any story with a morally ambiguous character. Even the purest heroes have pain and loss and darkness in their hearts, and that’s where she likes to find her stories. Her characters seek to better themselves and find the happy ending (or happier anyway), but it’s writing the struggle that inspires her muse. When she isn’t writing, Lyn Gala teaches in New Mexico.
She first cut her teeth on fanfic: gen, slash, het, and femslash. She prefers to focus on plot: mysteries and monsters and disasters, oh my, but sex can and does happen. Some of her stories focus on power exchange, bondage or bdsm. In her worlds, tops and bottoms are all mature, consenting adults. In fact, stories where they aren't squick her badly, so don't expect to find abuse stories in her journal.
She first cut her teeth on fanfic: gen, slash, het, and femslash. She prefers to focus on plot: mysteries and monsters and disasters, oh my, but sex can and does happen. Some of her stories focus on power exchange, bondage or bdsm. In her worlds, tops and bottoms are all mature, consenting adults. In fact, stories where they aren't squick her badly, so don't expect to find abuse stories in her journal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
January 7, 2018
If anything, Lyn Gala is not a formula writer. It’s amazing how this author keeps reinventing herself in her books. I don’t think I’ve read 2 Galas that had a similar set up. She’s just as comfortable writing scifi tales starring aliens who know best when it comes to ‘their’ humans as she is delivering goofy & spoofy shotgun weddings. You never know quite what to expect beforehand. But there are 2 constant factors in all her works; the BDSM fueled sex scenes are good and so is the writing.
With Two Steps Back, Gala returns to a trope we’re probably all familiar with: the Pretty Woman one. You’ll either have a weakness for these ‘poor rentboy becomes favorite pet of rich business dude’ stories or you’re rolling your eyes right this very moment. Either way, this one is definitely one of the better stories I’ve come across in the Cinderfella sub-genre. It’s endearing, sprinkled with hot scenes, has likable and interesting characters and is, thanks to Gala’s skill, perfectly paced. It’s the kind of read that isn’t too demanding but at the same time greatly satisfying, you know?
So why should you give this one a shot? Firstly, for Gala’s comfortable writing, that won’t have you counting repetitively used words, unconsciously reconstruct sentences in your head or give you the impression that you’re being manipulated or educated as a reader. Secondly, the BDSM is entirely safe, sane and consensual BUT…it’s being given a cheeky twist here, so that the discussion of hard limits and lust-dampening contracts is incorporated into the story in an amusing manner, rather than an obligatory ‘look at me doing this BDSM thing right, y’all’ way. You should know that I’m really not a fan of formalized BDSM and its accompanying lengthy contracts in general, so I’d say it means something that contracts play a big role in this book and I was still excited.
Which brings me to another positive: the rich client in question is an enjoyably flawed character with a need for control in all aspects of his life. It’s not way out there to suspect that William’s somewhere on the edge of the autistic spectrum. He’s great at his job, but has trouble understanding social do’s and don’ts, and thus sucks at sustaining relationships. It’s what brings him to hiring a rentboy. So I found William to be an interesting blend of impressive skill in the bedroom (and on the coffee table) and adorable clumsiness when it came to the social aspects of his dealings with his newly acquired ‘surrogate boyfriend’. The rentboy, the Mormon-raised Dallin (I’m unfamiliar with the name, so please forgive me for associating him with Bilbo Baggings’ dwarf friends) is your average sympathetic, inoffensive narrator. I liked that his life didn’t revolve solely around his sex work.
When it comes to reasons why you would not enjoy this book, there are a few. If you need your Cinderfellas to be really sweet, this one may not do it for you. Things remain understated and subtle rather than sugary and obvious for a good part of the story. Personally, I think Gala made a few unfortunate decisions by excluding certain scenes, such as the first punishment scene. I mean, c’mon, can you honestly expect a ‘BTW, I also got spanked for the first time yesterday, so that happened’ to go over well? Grr! Then there’s Dallin’s Mormon background that haunts him and results in the type of nasty ignorant homophobic cliché family stuff that, frankly, I could’ve done without. I can see how others would say it adds depth to his character though. And finally, if you’re expecting a crazy original Gala, I guess you may find Two Steps Back too middle-of-the-road for this author and therefore slightly underwhelming.
With Two Steps Back, Gala returns to a trope we’re probably all familiar with: the Pretty Woman one. You’ll either have a weakness for these ‘poor rentboy becomes favorite pet of rich business dude’ stories or you’re rolling your eyes right this very moment. Either way, this one is definitely one of the better stories I’ve come across in the Cinderfella sub-genre. It’s endearing, sprinkled with hot scenes, has likable and interesting characters and is, thanks to Gala’s skill, perfectly paced. It’s the kind of read that isn’t too demanding but at the same time greatly satisfying, you know?
So why should you give this one a shot? Firstly, for Gala’s comfortable writing, that won’t have you counting repetitively used words, unconsciously reconstruct sentences in your head or give you the impression that you’re being manipulated or educated as a reader. Secondly, the BDSM is entirely safe, sane and consensual BUT…it’s being given a cheeky twist here, so that the discussion of hard limits and lust-dampening contracts is incorporated into the story in an amusing manner, rather than an obligatory ‘look at me doing this BDSM thing right, y’all’ way. You should know that I’m really not a fan of formalized BDSM and its accompanying lengthy contracts in general, so I’d say it means something that contracts play a big role in this book and I was still excited.
Which brings me to another positive: the rich client in question is an enjoyably flawed character with a need for control in all aspects of his life. It’s not way out there to suspect that William’s somewhere on the edge of the autistic spectrum. He’s great at his job, but has trouble understanding social do’s and don’ts, and thus sucks at sustaining relationships. It’s what brings him to hiring a rentboy. So I found William to be an interesting blend of impressive skill in the bedroom (and on the coffee table) and adorable clumsiness when it came to the social aspects of his dealings with his newly acquired ‘surrogate boyfriend’. The rentboy, the Mormon-raised Dallin (I’m unfamiliar with the name, so please forgive me for associating him with Bilbo Baggings’ dwarf friends) is your average sympathetic, inoffensive narrator. I liked that his life didn’t revolve solely around his sex work.
When it comes to reasons why you would not enjoy this book, there are a few. If you need your Cinderfellas to be really sweet, this one may not do it for you. Things remain understated and subtle rather than sugary and obvious for a good part of the story. Personally, I think Gala made a few unfortunate decisions by excluding certain scenes, such as the first punishment scene. I mean, c’mon, can you honestly expect a ‘BTW, I also got spanked for the first time yesterday, so that happened’ to go over well? Grr! Then there’s Dallin’s Mormon background that haunts him and results in the type of nasty ignorant homophobic cliché family stuff that, frankly, I could’ve done without. I can see how others would say it adds depth to his character though. And finally, if you’re expecting a crazy original Gala, I guess you may find Two Steps Back too middle-of-the-road for this author and therefore slightly underwhelming.
October 30, 2014
The plot was adorably floofy and satisfying at the end of a long day. Surprisingly, for a book about a rent boy and his client, the sex didn't take up an excessive amount of the story (mostly because much of it is related to us as having happened - see below) but the sex there was was creative and fun. Also, yay, William checks in on Dallin all the time, and Dallin expresses nothing but enthusiastic consent. William is a very appealing character and I identified with him a lot. The quantity of character anger and angst was enjoyable, and open and honest discussion between the MCs was appreciated. Yay, William.
It's on the short side for a novel - 3309 locations on kindle - but it made it an easy one-session read. This was a good length, because it's not a demanding plot, and technically I've got a pocketful of niggles about the book. The relationship between William and Dallin was nice, but not riveting, so if it had been a longer read I'm not sure I would have jumped back to finish asap if I had to put the book down. In places there was a lot of summing up and telling, and this diluted the intensity between the men; we heard, rather than saw, how amazing they were together. So, for example, at the beginning of a scene Dallin sees toys laid out on a bed "including a pinwheel and a short flogger" (loc 3155). Then in the same sex scene, only 53 locations later, we get "they'd played with the pinwheel . . . ". I mean, it's a very short scene to elide that whole toy. Why mention it at all, then? And this happened a lot. The development of Dallin and William's relationship is told to us far more through Dallin thinking about how enjoyable something was, instead of us seeing them together. This was very noticeable in their first week together e.g "Last night had been amazing, both the hot sex downstairs and the punishment spanking upstairs." We've only just met our MCs! Please to show us their first ever punishment spanking??
And seriously, chapter 24? Is in the wrong place. Always finish a romance story in a scene with your MCs!
Line editing and proof reading was good; I only spotted one missing word, plus what I think is a missing short sentence, which was a little weird and made me do that re-reading thing a couple of times.
So, yeah, I liked this, but it didn't seem to me to be up to Lyn Gala's usual standard. It's like a first draft that got edited a bit, smoothed and tidied up, but never properly crafted and finished.
I do rec for people who like happy kink with an HEA.
I rate a 3.05, but I am seriously rounding up because pleasure-filled Ondry-thoughts overflowed onto this book.
It's on the short side for a novel - 3309 locations on kindle - but it made it an easy one-session read. This was a good length, because it's not a demanding plot, and technically I've got a pocketful of niggles about the book. The relationship between William and Dallin was nice, but not riveting, so if it had been a longer read I'm not sure I would have jumped back to finish asap if I had to put the book down. In places there was a lot of summing up and telling, and this diluted the intensity between the men; we heard, rather than saw, how amazing they were together. So, for example, at the beginning of a scene Dallin sees toys laid out on a bed "including a pinwheel and a short flogger" (loc 3155). Then in the same sex scene, only 53 locations later, we get "they'd played with the pinwheel . . . ". I mean, it's a very short scene to elide that whole toy. Why mention it at all, then? And this happened a lot. The development of Dallin and William's relationship is told to us far more through Dallin thinking about how enjoyable something was, instead of us seeing them together. This was very noticeable in their first week together e.g "Last night had been amazing, both the hot sex downstairs and the punishment spanking upstairs." We've only just met our MCs! Please to show us their first ever punishment spanking??
And seriously, chapter 24? Is in the wrong place. Always finish a romance story in a scene with your MCs!
Line editing and proof reading was good; I only spotted one missing word, plus what I think is a missing short sentence, which was a little weird and made me do that re-reading thing a couple of times.
So, yeah, I liked this, but it didn't seem to me to be up to Lyn Gala's usual standard. It's like a first draft that got edited a bit, smoothed and tidied up, but never properly crafted and finished.
I do rec for people who like happy kink with an HEA.
I rate a 3.05, but I am seriously rounding up because pleasure-filled Ondry-thoughts overflowed onto this book.
October 31, 2014
Two Steps Back by one of my favorites, Lyn Gala, just did not work for me. It had all the pieces to make a great Pretty Woman style romance, but it fell short in many ways.
MC Dallin is a man who has been trying desperately for 7 years to make his own way in the world after being kicked out of his Mormon home at 16 for being gay. He lived the horrible life of a male prostitute for many years just to survive but had bounced back and finally broke free of that life and started his own business and made enough money to support himself. With a turn in the economy, he saw no other option than to return to his pimp and pick up a few new johns to makes ends meet until his business picked up again.
Dallin's pimp, the fair and honest Ben, sets him up with a full time/long term john named William who has many kinky needs that he believes Dallin is perfect to fulfill. After a one week trial period, William and Dallin hit it off and find they are a good match and sign a D/s and work related contract, allowing Dallin to start paying off his many bills while allowing William to get his daily sexual fix.
Sounds pretty good, huh? Now we can sit back and watch these two have wild and crazy kinky sex and see how their relationship develops. Fun! But that's not what happens. We really don't get to see all that much sex. Some, but not nearly what you'd expect from a novel about a prostitute and a Dom. And the story line takes a huge sidetrack when one of Dallin's brothers runs away from home and Dallin has to scramble to decide what to do with him when he hasn't had any contact with any of his family in over 7 years. Also, Dallin and William had only been together for a few weeks when Dallin's brother gets to town, so the "feelings" between the two men happened pretty fast and furious. (William wants to make everything easy for Dallin and starts buying him things. Dallin refuses these things because he wants to remain self sufficient because he knows he will be heartbroken when their contract is up. He doesn't want to depend on William anymore than he has to.)
Ugh, and the book was just a big mess after all that. I didn't care for it. I thought everything just happened too quickly. I didn't like William's weird anti-social behavior and honestly thought Dallin could do a whole lot better than the millionaire with the heart of gold, crazy as it sounds. I honestly hope I'm in the minority here because I really am a huge Lyn Gala fan.
Sorry, can't recommend this one.
November 9, 2014
This book is interesting for its balance of power between the two MCs. Dallin is a young man who admirably managed to struggle his way up out of homelessness and turning tricks to survive. He's created a business in printing and design. But the economic downturn has him right on the edge. He gave up his apartment, and is sleeping in his office, clinging to a respectable, adult life by his fingernails. A few more clients refusing to pay, a few more jobs not coming his way, and he'll lose the office and with it any hope of making a real life for himself.
So when he can't see another way, Dallin decides to go back to tricking, to earn a little money on the side, just enough to keep his forever-life afloat until things improve. He was lucky, when he was young, to stumble across Ben, a pimp who treated his wage-earning boys well. Ben is his pipeline back into finding johns who might pay for his body and not abuse him. And Ben has just the right guy in mind.
William is an interesting character. Although it's never specified, if I had to guess, I'd say he was somewhere on the Autism spectrum. He's very bright, but rigid and not at all intuitive. He feels like everything can be settled by a well-negotiated contract, including the personal side of life. He doesn't read other people well, and he expects them to be logical and not emotional. He sees no reason not to barge ahead full speed with what he considers the obvious thing to do, and then is shocked when it causes personal conflict. I know a couple of people just like this, and my heart went out to him even more than to Dallin. Expecting people in this world to be simply logical is the road to deep, baffled heartache.
Because of these traits, even though William is the Dom who buys Dallin's time and body and obedience, it's Dallin who feels like he has the upper hand. Dallin understands and feels the ramifications of their situation, as William never does. Dallin is the more volatile, the one who can see clearly, and the one whose reactions are unpredictable from William's point of view.
It's no surprise that William wanted a contractual D/s arrangement that allows him rigid control over his partner, because it simplifies a relationship down to something he thinks he can handle. But because he's not a tyrant, he has to allow Dallin outs and safewords. And so much of life happens outside the bounds of a contract. If they're going to move beyond temporary paid-for sub and wealthy Dom, it will be Dallin who has to bend more often, as he tries to help William see a reality that doesn't make logical sense to him. And doing that without getting mad? Without big flaring fights that William would be very perplexed by? That's Dallin's challenge, even as he begins to fall for the man he sees inside the Dom.
So when he can't see another way, Dallin decides to go back to tricking, to earn a little money on the side, just enough to keep his forever-life afloat until things improve. He was lucky, when he was young, to stumble across Ben, a pimp who treated his wage-earning boys well. Ben is his pipeline back into finding johns who might pay for his body and not abuse him. And Ben has just the right guy in mind.
William is an interesting character. Although it's never specified, if I had to guess, I'd say he was somewhere on the Autism spectrum. He's very bright, but rigid and not at all intuitive. He feels like everything can be settled by a well-negotiated contract, including the personal side of life. He doesn't read other people well, and he expects them to be logical and not emotional. He sees no reason not to barge ahead full speed with what he considers the obvious thing to do, and then is shocked when it causes personal conflict. I know a couple of people just like this, and my heart went out to him even more than to Dallin. Expecting people in this world to be simply logical is the road to deep, baffled heartache.
Because of these traits, even though William is the Dom who buys Dallin's time and body and obedience, it's Dallin who feels like he has the upper hand. Dallin understands and feels the ramifications of their situation, as William never does. Dallin is the more volatile, the one who can see clearly, and the one whose reactions are unpredictable from William's point of view.
It's no surprise that William wanted a contractual D/s arrangement that allows him rigid control over his partner, because it simplifies a relationship down to something he thinks he can handle. But because he's not a tyrant, he has to allow Dallin outs and safewords. And so much of life happens outside the bounds of a contract. If they're going to move beyond temporary paid-for sub and wealthy Dom, it will be Dallin who has to bend more often, as he tries to help William see a reality that doesn't make logical sense to him. And doing that without getting mad? Without big flaring fights that William would be very perplexed by? That's Dallin's challenge, even as he begins to fall for the man he sees inside the Dom.
February 19, 2018
3.5 stars
The set up for Two Steps Back is familiar, a kind of Cinderfella meets Pretty Woman thing. Down on his last dollar, twenty-three year old Dallin is desperate. He’s reduced to living in his office, trying to keep his advertising/design business going, but it’s the economy, stupid. Times are hard all around and the clients are not banging down his door or paying his invoices.
What’s a fellow to do?
Well, there’s always the old rentboy, prostitute job to fall back on. The one he hoped never to go back to. And nice Mormon boys should just not walk Satan’s path.
Never say never.
Dallin goes crawling back to his old pimp, Ben, begging for work. But this time Dallin wants a particular, ready-made client, someone for the longterm who won’t be too much of a freak.
Interesting, since it seems the easy-going Dallin can take some pretty heavy-duty kink:
bondage
edge-play
sensory deprivation
spanky orgasm denial
drop-to-your-knees and suck you dry
subby feed me/I’ll suck your fingers, too…
… that kinda sex play.
But nothing too, too over the top.
Ben has just the guy for him.
older
wealthy
experienced
looking for a long-term, almost live-in, submissive who gets his kinks…
Okay… OCD, stubborn, controlling, and set in his ways… William is not the easiest client.
But, the kinks match up; it just might be a business deal made in heaven. Until Dallin starts growing a pair and wants to keep the D/s play in the bedroom only. William needs to learn to curb his dominant, take-charge ways, and his penchant for trying to solve all of Dallin’s life problems.
There is a lot of page time to setting up the BDSM contract-- all the ins and outs, do’s and don’ts, limits, and penalties. It’s all definitely SSC (safe/sane/consensual). So this is great for the reader who is newer to this scene. It’s BDSM 101. While I found it a little tedious, it fit with these characters. Dallin is so young and needing protection, while William has his definite limit issues.
I didn’t really feel an electric connection between these two. And I didn’t need Dallin to tell me, many times, that he found something ‘hot’. I can read that for myself. I also think all the negotiating, while necessary, diminished the flash. It seemed to take forever to get to the sex… And, I don’t know… William just felt kind of disconnected to me, throughout. He knows what he wants sexually, but he’s kind of colorless, otherwise. Maybe because we really don’t see him interact with any of the other characters in the story? We’re mostly told about his interactions with them.
What I did like was that while they grow and learn to work with each other, Dallin and William don’t lose the essence of their characters. Dallin is still trying to find himself and William is still OCD and interfering.
I am a fan of this author’s work. Whether it’s sci-fi drama (Turbulence), alien tail love (Claimings, Tails, and Other Alien Artifacts), or quirky mountain men (Mountain Prey), it’s been an auto-buy. Two Steps Back doesn't have the same quirky, fizzy appeal of Gala's other work, it doesn't quite jell. While I didn’t really get lost in Dallin and William’s story, while it was generally on the light side, it does have some moments of sexual heat. And this may be enough to give it a try.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher/author in exchange for an honest review. For this and other reviews, author interviews, and general fabulousness, visit Love Bytes:
The set up for Two Steps Back is familiar, a kind of Cinderfella meets Pretty Woman thing. Down on his last dollar, twenty-three year old Dallin is desperate. He’s reduced to living in his office, trying to keep his advertising/design business going, but it’s the economy, stupid. Times are hard all around and the clients are not banging down his door or paying his invoices.
What’s a fellow to do?
Well, there’s always the old rentboy, prostitute job to fall back on. The one he hoped never to go back to. And nice Mormon boys should just not walk Satan’s path.
Never say never.
Dallin goes crawling back to his old pimp, Ben, begging for work. But this time Dallin wants a particular, ready-made client, someone for the longterm who won’t be too much of a freak.
Interesting, since it seems the easy-going Dallin can take some pretty heavy-duty kink:
bondage
edge-play
sensory deprivation
spanky orgasm denial
drop-to-your-knees and suck you dry
subby feed me/I’ll suck your fingers, too…
… that kinda sex play.
But nothing too, too over the top.
Ben has just the guy for him.
older
wealthy
experienced
looking for a long-term, almost live-in, submissive who gets his kinks…
Okay… OCD, stubborn, controlling, and set in his ways… William is not the easiest client.
But, the kinks match up; it just might be a business deal made in heaven. Until Dallin starts growing a pair and wants to keep the D/s play in the bedroom only. William needs to learn to curb his dominant, take-charge ways, and his penchant for trying to solve all of Dallin’s life problems.
There is a lot of page time to setting up the BDSM contract-- all the ins and outs, do’s and don’ts, limits, and penalties. It’s all definitely SSC (safe/sane/consensual). So this is great for the reader who is newer to this scene. It’s BDSM 101. While I found it a little tedious, it fit with these characters. Dallin is so young and needing protection, while William has his definite limit issues.
I didn’t really feel an electric connection between these two. And I didn’t need Dallin to tell me, many times, that he found something ‘hot’. I can read that for myself. I also think all the negotiating, while necessary, diminished the flash. It seemed to take forever to get to the sex… And, I don’t know… William just felt kind of disconnected to me, throughout. He knows what he wants sexually, but he’s kind of colorless, otherwise. Maybe because we really don’t see him interact with any of the other characters in the story? We’re mostly told about his interactions with them.
What I did like was that while they grow and learn to work with each other, Dallin and William don’t lose the essence of their characters. Dallin is still trying to find himself and William is still OCD and interfering.
I am a fan of this author’s work. Whether it’s sci-fi drama (Turbulence), alien tail love (Claimings, Tails, and Other Alien Artifacts), or quirky mountain men (Mountain Prey), it’s been an auto-buy. Two Steps Back doesn't have the same quirky, fizzy appeal of Gala's other work, it doesn't quite jell. While I didn’t really get lost in Dallin and William’s story, while it was generally on the light side, it does have some moments of sexual heat. And this may be enough to give it a try.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher/author in exchange for an honest review. For this and other reviews, author interviews, and general fabulousness, visit Love Bytes:
November 4, 2014
I gotta hand it to Lyn Gala. She sure does give good conversation.
Loved!
Full review soon.
September 17, 2022
Dang, I've owned this book for way too long! Glad I finally got around to reading Lyn Gala's Two Steps Back. In my humble opinion, it could easily have been another 200 pages long and I would have loved every second of Dallin and William's kinky games. Oh well, that's what my imagination is for.
Great family drama, nice age gap and opposites attract, a beautifully written D/s relationship, and Lyn Gala's stunning sex scenes. Winner!
Great family drama, nice age gap and opposites attract, a beautifully written D/s relationship, and Lyn Gala's stunning sex scenes. Winner!
November 5, 2014
Solid read, just not my favorite cup of tea.
I did enjoy it. There are a lot of similarities in the characterizations between this story and Gala's Claimings, Tails, and Other Alien Artifacts. So if you loved that story like I did, then this will be a pleasure read. In fact, the parallels between Liam and Dallin and Ondry and William when stripped down share more than a passing resemblance. There are differences, but their temperaments and the dynamics are spot on.
Unlike Gala's Claiming series, the heat meter is turned up--to Scorch. Some really lovely play that was both erotic and sigh worthy--nicely done and YUMMY!
So did I rate this lower because I'm familiar with Gala's scifi works and miss the added elements--probably. I really like science fiction for the freedom it allows to express radically different viewpoints to traditional contemporary ones without the didacticism.
Again, my personal bias, I do not enjoy stories that have MCs with extended crises related to religion. I actually have no opinion on what any one does or doesn't believe as long as they don't try to shove it down my throat. Thus, the legitimate and completely understandable family situation surrounding Dallin did not appeal to me. AND... the fire and brimstone proselytizing by his parents raised my hackles.
Third bias, I really don't like rent boy stories. Weird because I read all sorts of stories that deal with romanticizing objectification and dehumanization, but by placing them in non-contemporary settings I have this psychological separation that allows me to concentrate on the underlying theme.
Finally, I liked the end, but it felt a bit rushed. Or maybe, I just wanted to see how the threads got untangled. Loved, the realistic treatment at the conclusion.
Overall, a sexy D/s Cinferfella tale with some religious baggage.
Favorite quote:
I did enjoy it. There are a lot of similarities in the characterizations between this story and Gala's Claimings, Tails, and Other Alien Artifacts. So if you loved that story like I did, then this will be a pleasure read. In fact, the parallels between Liam and Dallin and Ondry and William when stripped down share more than a passing resemblance. There are differences, but their temperaments and the dynamics are spot on.
It was the fact that William’s reaction to a fight was to pull him even closer, like he valued Dallin enough to keep him.
Unlike Gala's Claiming series, the heat meter is turned up--to Scorch. Some really lovely play that was both erotic and sigh worthy--nicely done and YUMMY!
So did I rate this lower because I'm familiar with Gala's scifi works and miss the added elements--probably. I really like science fiction for the freedom it allows to express radically different viewpoints to traditional contemporary ones without the didacticism.
Again, my personal bias, I do not enjoy stories that have MCs with extended crises related to religion. I actually have no opinion on what any one does or doesn't believe as long as they don't try to shove it down my throat. Thus, the legitimate and completely understandable family situation surrounding Dallin did not appeal to me. AND... the fire and brimstone proselytizing by his parents raised my hackles.
Third bias, I really don't like rent boy stories. Weird because I read all sorts of stories that deal with romanticizing objectification and dehumanization, but by placing them in non-contemporary settings I have this psychological separation that allows me to concentrate on the underlying theme.
Finally, I liked the end, but it felt a bit rushed. Or maybe, I just wanted to see how the threads got untangled. Loved, the realistic treatment at the conclusion.
Overall, a sexy D/s Cinferfella tale with some religious baggage.
Favorite quote:
Yeah, part of him had known it was a stupid dream, but he’d liked that dream.
March 14, 2016
Possibilities...the world is full of them...
Every morning that we wake up the world has a vast new number of possibilities to offer us, every new person that we meet brings more possibilities into our lives, every time we enter a building, a room, step through a door, answer an e-mail, a phone call, open a book to read a story...the possibilities never cease to change, to alter in some form or way and not always in ways that we can readily see or understand.
Two Steps Back is about two men who meet, neither of them seeing or expecting the same possibilities to come from the relationship until it's nearly too late. Dallin is desperate for money so he can keep himself from living on the streets. William is desperate to be in a relationship to have someone he can love and care about. Ben sees the possibility for both of these men to have what they want but all he can do is bring them together.
This is only the third book that I've read by this author but each one has been different and not just in terms of the plot but the characters have all been unique individuals as well. The only common factor that I've found is that they all have their good points and their flaws. I love this it makes them seem so real...like someone I could actually know.
Thanks to a poor economy Dallin turns to his former pimp, Ben for work to help make ends meet. Ben introduces him to William. A DOM that Ben knows is looking for a regular partner...someone he can build a relationship with.
Watching Dallin and William's relationship go from a 'work' relationship to something more personal as they not only navigate their own personal and emotional obstacles but whatever the world decides to throw at them is at times both heartbreaking and amusing. I really loved the ending for this story it wasn't a neatly wrapped 'and they all lived happily ever package'. Instead it was a tangled mess of emotions and wants and problems with realistic solutions and unending possibilities. It was the difference between a 3 star and a 4 star read for me and it was what made me believe in these 2 men as a possibility.
A special thank you to the lovely M'rella for this lovely and every so enjoyable Christmas present.
Every morning that we wake up the world has a vast new number of possibilities to offer us, every new person that we meet brings more possibilities into our lives, every time we enter a building, a room, step through a door, answer an e-mail, a phone call, open a book to read a story...the possibilities never cease to change, to alter in some form or way and not always in ways that we can readily see or understand.
Two Steps Back is about two men who meet, neither of them seeing or expecting the same possibilities to come from the relationship until it's nearly too late. Dallin is desperate for money so he can keep himself from living on the streets. William is desperate to be in a relationship to have someone he can love and care about. Ben sees the possibility for both of these men to have what they want but all he can do is bring them together.
This is only the third book that I've read by this author but each one has been different and not just in terms of the plot but the characters have all been unique individuals as well. The only common factor that I've found is that they all have their good points and their flaws. I love this it makes them seem so real...like someone I could actually know.
Thanks to a poor economy Dallin turns to his former pimp, Ben for work to help make ends meet. Ben introduces him to William. A DOM that Ben knows is looking for a regular partner...someone he can build a relationship with.
Watching Dallin and William's relationship go from a 'work' relationship to something more personal as they not only navigate their own personal and emotional obstacles but whatever the world decides to throw at them is at times both heartbreaking and amusing. I really loved the ending for this story it wasn't a neatly wrapped 'and they all lived happily ever package'. Instead it was a tangled mess of emotions and wants and problems with realistic solutions and unending possibilities. It was the difference between a 3 star and a 4 star read for me and it was what made me believe in these 2 men as a possibility.
A special thank you to the lovely M'rella for this lovely and every so enjoyable Christmas present.
December 2, 2014
I really enjoyed this. Logical, successful businessman William who has difficulties relating to people and the more emotional Dallin, who has tried to put together a successful business only to again fall back on selling himself make for an intriguing couple. Luckily the two come to a contractual arrangement that allows them to indulge some shared kinks, but also allows William to have a relationship that might otherwise have been impossible. There are some bumps in the road of course, since Dallin doesn't want William's interference in his personal life outside of their "work" relationship and William just can't understand why.
A bit of a twist on the "Pretty Woman"-style story with a good dose of super sexy kink, humor and a bit of a twist I didn't see coming.
A bit of a twist on the "Pretty Woman"-style story with a good dose of super sexy kink, humor and a bit of a twist I didn't see coming.
August 11, 2016
Oh, yeah :D
All the stars for the sex scenes.
William...deliciously pervy.
Dallin...sweetly needy.
Sunny...incredibly turned on.
Wow. This was amazing. The things William did to Dallin, the choices he offered to him. Poor Dallin, they really weren't choices. He was so needy, couldn't refuse.
Even outside the sexytimes, there were great moments. Little things that showed so much about those two men. I loved the characterizations. William, wound a little tightly, practical, logical. Dallin, more random, less in control of himself, but determined to succeed.
Control as a theme was more erotic than I expected, than I've read before. William making Dallin control his orgasms was expected, and hot, but it was the movement control and how that affected Dallin that got me going. Poor, needy Dallin, having to stay there and take it without moving. The frustration when he couldn't pull against restraints, the sounds he made...*shivers*
William was so intent and focused, especially with ass play. I liked that, a lot.
What I didn't like was all the stuff that happened off page. Don't tell me what happened, show me! I liked the overall storyline, but I would have liked a little more...depth? Sometimes it felt like the story was skimming the surface.
Those sex scenes, though...
*fans self*
*** I wrote this review before the author revealed William had Asperger's, and that gave me a new perspective, but it didn't change my thoughts ***
Group review on
All the stars for the sex scenes.
William...deliciously pervy.
Dallin...sweetly needy.
Sunny...incredibly turned on.
Wow. This was amazing. The things William did to Dallin, the choices he offered to him. Poor Dallin, they really weren't choices. He was so needy, couldn't refuse.
Even outside the sexytimes, there were great moments. Little things that showed so much about those two men. I loved the characterizations. William, wound a little tightly, practical, logical. Dallin, more random, less in control of himself, but determined to succeed.
Control as a theme was more erotic than I expected, than I've read before. William making Dallin control his orgasms was expected, and hot, but it was the movement control and how that affected Dallin that got me going. Poor, needy Dallin, having to stay there and take it without moving. The frustration when he couldn't pull against restraints, the sounds he made...*shivers*
William was so intent and focused, especially with ass play. I liked that, a lot.
What I didn't like was all the stuff that happened off page. Don't tell me what happened, show me! I liked the overall storyline, but I would have liked a little more...depth? Sometimes it felt like the story was skimming the surface.
Those sex scenes, though...
*fans self*
*** I wrote this review before the author revealed William had Asperger's, and that gave me a new perspective, but it didn't change my thoughts ***
Group review on
October 27, 2016
For all that this was a BDSM book, it wasn't terribly graphic. Still, William was damn creative in the bedroom and it was pretty sexy in its own way. I was surprised by how deeply I connected with these characters that were so different than myself, but I couldn't seem to fight their pull. Great book. I would totally read again (you know... if I still re-read books).
December 5, 2015
I don't read a lot of this type of BDSM, it's just not my thing, but every once in a while, I'll come across one that just hits all the right notes for me. This was that sort of book. It hit the sexy and the sweet and the angsty, and I've always said that if a book gets me hot, makes me laugh, makes me cry, and is well written and edited, it's a five star for me, so there ya go.
January 8, 2015
Two steps back is generally a phrase used when someone tries to move forward and ends up going backwards. This is frustrating and sometimes demoralizing. For Dallin, taking two steps back is almost soul breaking.
Dallin is a young man who fought hard to be where he is today. He left home at a young age of 16 when his parents kicked him out for his sexual preferences. Now in his early twenties, after finally having his own apartment and running his own business, things start to fall apart as invoices are not paid and his bills are piling up. Returning to his old job of prostitution is his last resort, and when it comes to this point, he returns to his former pimp, hat in hand.
Now this may sound all very depressing but it's not. Dallin's fortune in the pimp he goes to is unheard of. This is the first time I've come across a lawyer for the underprivileged doubling as a pimp. And honestly, it makes a lot of crazy sense. Dallin's pimp finds a wealthy Dom who is looking for a submissive. Dallin's need for a steady income makes him break his own rules and take on a long-term client. William is this client and he's nothing like Dallin's ever come across.
I love the characters in this story. Ms. Gala seems to specialize in males who don't fit into normal society. This is a good hot button for me. I really enjoy seeing things from a different perspective. It makes me think and wonder, which in turns makes me enjoy the book better. William is a man who has difficulty relating to others. He obsesses over specific details. He's anal retentive. In my layman diagnosis, he has some degree of Asperger's. What I love about William is his exacting instructions as well as his love for contracts. William's need for D/s and how he dominates Dallin puts me over the moon. I'm wet with desire and mewling in lust with the orgasm denial and edging scenes.
This book is focused on the D/s and it is just my kind of kink. Too bad William likes males. The job William gives Dallin is a fantasy come true. Not just for Dallin, but for me. It's the kind of job I'd love to have, and to be thoroughly dominated by William would have me in loopy subspace all the time. Life would be so good.
Unfortunately for Dallin, there are conflicts. Dallin does have trigger points and William is good at pushing them by accident. It's hard to watch because Dallin has valid points whilst William has all the good intentions. It's frustrating yet so good when they work through their issues. What hurts most is Dallin's family. This little bit of family drama is painful to see and it makes me wince.
Recently, I've been reading more stories where a person's sexual identity is a point of contention for their loved ones and/or society. This is frustrating to me because I don't get it and I never will. The way Dallin's parents treat him is disgusting. The way his siblings treat him is heartbreaking. With Dallin all alone and at his lowest, William is there for him to lean on. It's a lovely romantic story with delicious D/s.
This kinky romance is highly recommended to readers who enjoy reading about male submissive submitting to an exacting Dom.
June 21, 2018
This was different to other books I've read that share the bdsm theme, but it's written by Lyn Gala so I should have expected that. :)
In some ways Dallin and William remind me of Liam and Ondry. William has similar thought patterns as the Rawnt, and I would say he's probably somewhere on the spectrum. Only this time the setting is contemporary and the culture is wholly human so the experience is very different.
On the whole I really liked the story. Lyn Gala can't disappoint <3
In some ways Dallin and William remind me of Liam and Ondry. William has similar thought patterns as the Rawnt, and I would say he's probably somewhere on the spectrum. Only this time the setting is contemporary and the culture is wholly human so the experience is very different.
On the whole I really liked the story. Lyn Gala can't disappoint <3
October 22, 2016
Reread on 10/22/16. Lyn Gala is always a nice palate cleanser when I've OD'ed on the same same-ie-ness of m/m books.
November 6, 2014
3.5 star review by The Blogger Girls.
Hmmmm, rentboys, kinkiness and a happy ending? My favorite fall back story. There isn’t anything real new or ground breaking here, but it is quite enjoyable nonetheless.
Dallin is getting desparate. He gave up prostituting a while back when he made enough money to give his design business a go. Unfortunately, times have gotten tough, business is hurting, and Dallin is now living out of his office with the rent due and no way to pay. When all else fails, go with what you know. So, he goes crawling back to his handler/pimp who he left on not so good of terms and asked for work.
Turns out that Ben is the bigger man, forgives Dallin and has just the right job for him – A long-term contract with an older gentleman with very specific needs. This leads us to William. He’s a successful businessman with no time to pursue or cultivate the type of relationship he longs for, so he chooses instead to make things easy and pay for it, with the hope that it will some day turn into more.
Much time is spent, in the beginning, and in renegotiations throughout the story, on the actual contract. William is a bit of a control freak, planning everything out in a clear and logical way. Provisions and compensation are made for everything. This works well, until Dillan’s personal life gets in the way and William, somewhat ironically, is unable to control himself from asserting control over Dallin and his life. Granted, he has Dallin’s best interests at heart and only wants to help, but still.
Dallin has a rough time with the concept of losing control of his life outside of the bedroom/contract. He is adamant about maintaining that control without interference from William. Dallin sticks to his guns and doesn’t allow William to steamroll him. William’s actions just about ruin things completely, but feelings and understandings are realized which lead to further negotiations.
The kinky stuff is quite enjoyable – nothing too over the top. There’s quite a bit of edge play and denial, as opposed to pain and punishment, which was nice. Bottom line is that William just likes to control the show. There are a few surprises I didn’t quite see coming, and this is a nice-paced easy read that, while it didn’t completely wow me, I still quite enjoyed.
August 28, 2015
Ох, какая прелесть! Спасибо, Тая :***
November 21, 2022
I liked the book, but I absolutely hated Dillan's entire family. The two main characters of Dillan and William should have spent more time talking over issues and expectations and done less contract signing.
December 11, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
Oh, yes, you guys. This book was so very good. I loved everything about it, from beginning to end, and I didn’t put it down once I got started. This worked for me on just about every level. Stellar writing, great premise, wonderful characters, and a fantastic plot that tied it all together.
The story is told from Dallin’s POV, and it’s him that we get to know the best. I loved this approach as he was the one that was desperate and in need. And still, we got to see his motivation and the moral standards that he has that he won’t waver on. I loved this guy. He wasn’t perfect by any means. He knew his own faults, but he was proud and determined to make it on his own and to take care of his own problems. I loved that he would take assistance from Ben, but only on his own terms. This guy is the kind of man who pulled himself up, but didn’t forget who had helped him in his darkest times.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
Oh, yes, you guys. This book was so very good. I loved everything about it, from beginning to end, and I didn’t put it down once I got started. This worked for me on just about every level. Stellar writing, great premise, wonderful characters, and a fantastic plot that tied it all together.
The story is told from Dallin’s POV, and it’s him that we get to know the best. I loved this approach as he was the one that was desperate and in need. And still, we got to see his motivation and the moral standards that he has that he won’t waver on. I loved this guy. He wasn’t perfect by any means. He knew his own faults, but he was proud and determined to make it on his own and to take care of his own problems. I loved that he would take assistance from Ben, but only on his own terms. This guy is the kind of man who pulled himself up, but didn’t forget who had helped him in his darkest times.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
February 27, 2016
Did I ever mention I love caring Doms?
I loved this one. William was so caring and protective while Dallin so eager to prove he can manage on his own. Their dynamics hit me on the right spots, where Dallin was submissive but still quite independent. I don't like doormats. :P
I'm a bit sensitive to religion and how it's often used for hatred, and I didn't really like it here either. Still, I suppose it's educating per se, to understand the dynamics of most religions. I suppose without religions, conflicts would be more earth bound...
I loved this one. William was so caring and protective while Dallin so eager to prove he can manage on his own. Their dynamics hit me on the right spots, where Dallin was submissive but still quite independent. I don't like doormats. :P
I'm a bit sensitive to religion and how it's often used for hatred, and I didn't really like it here either. Still, I suppose it's educating per se, to understand the dynamics of most religions. I suppose without religions, conflicts would be more earth bound...
November 25, 2014
Okay, this was just so good, logical, and realistic--and hot and satisfying--that it was such an unexpected and unique treat amidst the cornucopia of silly/construed/overly-emotional romance books (both gay and straight) that are so popular nowadays.
This was just a nice read (in a very good way). I really loved Dallin (how mature and grounded he was) and William (how unbending and in control he was--until the end of course) and how they assimilated each other's personalities and spurred change in one another. The story probably could have been expanded more, but then that quite possibly would have changed their relationship dynamic and made the story more into one of those construed-drama types instead of organic. So it's probably best as it is. Though I wouldn't mind a sequel. Hint. Hint. ;)
I also loved their BDSM play-->I gotta get back into that, and when I do, I want a violet wand! No joke, that sounds ridiculously stimulating and up my alley. Thanks for the introduction!
I'm very impressed with this story overall. It was such a refresher. I definitely recommend it.
P.S. And I was just looking back through my many highlights, and wanna mention how funny Dallin is. His wit and conversations with William are hilarious fun! Enjoy.
This was just a nice read (in a very good way). I really loved Dallin (how mature and grounded he was) and William (how unbending and in control he was--until the end of course) and how they assimilated each other's personalities and spurred change in one another. The story probably could have been expanded more, but then that quite possibly would have changed their relationship dynamic and made the story more into one of those construed-drama types instead of organic. So it's probably best as it is. Though I wouldn't mind a sequel. Hint. Hint. ;)
I also loved their BDSM play-->I gotta get back into that, and when I do, I want a violet wand! No joke, that sounds ridiculously stimulating and up my alley. Thanks for the introduction!
I'm very impressed with this story overall. It was such a refresher. I definitely recommend it.
P.S. And I was just looking back through my many highlights, and wanna mention how funny Dallin is. His wit and conversations with William are hilarious fun! Enjoy.
January 24, 2015
I was caught off guard by this. I was saving it as something special and there was nothing interesting about it. It was the Pretty Woman story with some BDSM thrown into the mix.
Dallin acted so immaturely when trying to get his paycheck from that restaurant owner. His relationship with his parents felt very cliche. I knew, before reading, that he would be the victim in the dispute, not forgiven by his homophobic parents and left to fend for himself. His younger brother, Zach, was more bother than anything else. Stayed for a week, just enough to throw a party and get the cops called then discovered he wasn't that upset with his parents and went back home.
Didn't really get into the feel of the submissive nature Dallin displayed in his and William's games. Didn't find the games all that interesting or arousing, truth be told. And signing a contract and being paid after paying taxes was even weirder. Not to mention, for a professional prostitute, Dallin managed to fall in love with William in less than 3 weeks. Got to be some kind of record.
Dallin acted so immaturely when trying to get his paycheck from that restaurant owner. His relationship with his parents felt very cliche. I knew, before reading, that he would be the victim in the dispute, not forgiven by his homophobic parents and left to fend for himself. His younger brother, Zach, was more bother than anything else. Stayed for a week, just enough to throw a party and get the cops called then discovered he wasn't that upset with his parents and went back home.
Didn't really get into the feel of the submissive nature Dallin displayed in his and William's games. Didn't find the games all that interesting or arousing, truth be told. And signing a contract and being paid after paying taxes was even weirder. Not to mention, for a professional prostitute, Dallin managed to fall in love with William in less than 3 weeks. Got to be some kind of record.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2015
I was at a solid 3 star read until "the misunderstanding" which made me weepy so I upped it to 3.5. I thought I would connect more with these guys but while I loved Dallin, I just never "got" William. He was an odd one. He reminded of those kids that can't show their parents any love or emotion. It was a little creepy in a man having a super kinky BDSM sex life with a prostitute. I don't know why, it just freaked me out a little. But the scene towards the end...OMG, it all kind of clicked, I guess. Enjoyable read.
June 30, 2015
I can think of a few dom/sub, relationship-started-off-as-a-paid-contract stories that SHOULD have been as good as this, but disappointed me in some way or another.
Well this is near perfect. I don't usually give 5 stars until my second or third reading, but "Two Steps Back" is definitely a candidate for that 5th star.
A must read if you're even remotely interested in this genre, or are a fan of this author.
Edit: Just as good reading this the second time round. Upped a star.
Well this is near perfect. I don't usually give 5 stars until my second or third reading, but "Two Steps Back" is definitely a candidate for that 5th star.
A must read if you're even remotely interested in this genre, or are a fan of this author.
Edit: Just as good reading this the second time round. Upped a star.
February 5, 2015
4.5 stars.
Originally read on November 3, 2014.
Re-read on February 4, 2015.
I enjoyed every minute of it. Charming, oh-so-reasonable William and fiercely independent Dallin made an awesome couple. I loved their interaction, how they adjusted to each other and made it work.
My only niggle is that the ending seemed incomplete, somehow. I want an epilogue, or even a sequel.
Originally read on November 3, 2014.
Re-read on February 4, 2015.
I enjoyed every minute of it. Charming, oh-so-reasonable William and fiercely independent Dallin made an awesome couple. I loved their interaction, how they adjusted to each other and made it work.
My only niggle is that the ending seemed incomplete, somehow. I want an epilogue, or even a sequel.
October 31, 2016
Overall book rating: 3.5
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3
I have mixed feelings about this one....
Let me say that I really loved the idea behind the story. I have a thing for rent-boys. And Williams’s unique personality worked for me. Figuring out his "Williamese" was funny and enduring at the same time.
I loved the "drama" that unfolded with William at the end, not respecting the lines that Dallin drew in his personal life. Yes he was wrong to do that. YES, I understand WHY he did it, and that kind of made me not so judging of the fact that he didn't listen.
This is where the mixed feelings really stepped in for me I'm afraid. There were moments in the end that I really lost some respect for Dallin. Not only because in my opinion, he took his hurt and rage out on William, but also in the way he chose to handle his family.
Don't get me wrong, they deserve noting good. But the "crude" tasteless things he chose to say to them made me immediately put him in the category of malicious child.
I get that he was hurt, and that he wanted to lash out and inflict pain, but that was just tasteless and completely childish. I'm sorry. By doing what he did, he just gave them more ammunition to think that they are right, and he is wrong.
I did like the whole face-off in Williams’s house and I loved how William opened himself to Dallin, but then again I didn't like the time shipping and total change in their relationship that followed. In my humble opinion the story would have been so much better if it just ended right there in the kitchen.
But unfortunately the ending it did take made it feel rushed and uninspired. I might sound a little harsh there, I know, but I tend to get cranky when something had so much potential and then it falls flat on its face.
I still loved a great deal of this story and I'm not sorry that I read it.
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3
I have mixed feelings about this one....
Let me say that I really loved the idea behind the story. I have a thing for rent-boys. And Williams’s unique personality worked for me. Figuring out his "Williamese" was funny and enduring at the same time.
I loved the "drama" that unfolded with William at the end, not respecting the lines that Dallin drew in his personal life. Yes he was wrong to do that. YES, I understand WHY he did it, and that kind of made me not so judging of the fact that he didn't listen.
This is where the mixed feelings really stepped in for me I'm afraid. There were moments in the end that I really lost some respect for Dallin. Not only because in my opinion, he took his hurt and rage out on William, but also in the way he chose to handle his family.
Don't get me wrong, they deserve noting good. But the "crude" tasteless things he chose to say to them made me immediately put him in the category of malicious child.
I get that he was hurt, and that he wanted to lash out and inflict pain, but that was just tasteless and completely childish. I'm sorry. By doing what he did, he just gave them more ammunition to think that they are right, and he is wrong.
I did like the whole face-off in Williams’s house and I loved how William opened himself to Dallin, but then again I didn't like the time shipping and total change in their relationship that followed. In my humble opinion the story would have been so much better if it just ended right there in the kitchen.
But unfortunately the ending it did take made it feel rushed and uninspired. I might sound a little harsh there, I know, but I tend to get cranky when something had so much potential and then it falls flat on its face.
I still loved a great deal of this story and I'm not sorry that I read it.
November 2, 2015
I love Gala's writing because it's just so damn unusual. She's definitely not a formulaic writer, and her characters are unique in that they genuinely have their own voices, nothing stereotypical. I was reluctant at first to read this one because I'm real tired of the male prostitute angle being employed in so many m/m romances, but thankfully, there aren't any horrific abuse scenes or frustrating cheating scenarios. The power balance between the two main characters is interesting to explore.
December 10, 2014
3.75
Dallin, wow, Dallin. I liked him a lot. Boy was he given some hoooot choices, by William. This was a good story with some very hot sexy times. Sometimes I wanted the storyline to develop just a tad more, especially Dallin's, but I really did enjoy this anyway. Another fun read from Lyn Gala.
Dallin, wow, Dallin. I liked him a lot. Boy was he given some hoooot choices, by William. This was a good story with some very hot sexy times. Sometimes I wanted the storyline to develop just a tad more, especially Dallin's, but I really did enjoy this anyway. Another fun read from Lyn Gala.
January 27, 2019
Kinky and interesting
The kink in this book is great. Predicament bondage, violet wand, spreader bar - all kinds of good stuff.
The seemingly constant strife between the main characters was a little less fun, though I guess maybe it was to highlight that Dallin could stand up for himself and his rights instead of being subservient; it just got a little much for me. I did like that the main conflict of the book was something they had to work through that wasn’t instantly fixed by falling in bed. It was still very much an enjoyable and hot read.
The kink in this book is great. Predicament bondage, violet wand, spreader bar - all kinds of good stuff.
The seemingly constant strife between the main characters was a little less fun, though I guess maybe it was to highlight that Dallin could stand up for himself and his rights instead of being subservient; it just got a little much for me. I did like that the main conflict of the book was something they had to work through that wasn’t instantly fixed by falling in bed. It was still very much an enjoyable and hot read.
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