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Silken Collar
I was commanded to bond. To prove my strength through dominance. To lead as all militants must. But everything I was taught is wrong.
My name is Rion, and I'm a soldier who was never meant to command.
Assigned to bond with Kaelen, a brilliant scholar from the Temple of Aerius, I should be the dominant partner. Military tradition demands it. My training requires it. Both our Orders expect it.
But Kaelen sees through my carefully constructed facade to the truth I've hidden my entire life.
I don't want to lead. I want to submit.
Under his confident guidance, I discover that surrender isn't weakness. It's liberation. That kneeling for him feels more natural than standing over others. That his quiet commands awaken something in me I never dared acknowledge.
But our bond defies every expectation, challenges every tradition. In a world where militants must dominate and scholars must submit, we've found the opposite to be true.
As our connection deepens beyond anything either Order has seen before, we face an impossible conform to roles that will slowly poison us both, or risk everything to honor what we've discovered together.
Some bonds can only survive by breaking all the rules.
Silken Collar is the second story in the Pleasure Palace series and features role reversal, a scholar with a dominant streak, a military hero who learns to submit, and a guaranteed happy ending. It's practically a nerd/jock story set in ancient fantasy times. This story is 40,000 words long, meaning it's created to be short and easily read in one sitting. This book is written for adults.
My name is Rion, and I'm a soldier who was never meant to command.
Assigned to bond with Kaelen, a brilliant scholar from the Temple of Aerius, I should be the dominant partner. Military tradition demands it. My training requires it. Both our Orders expect it.
But Kaelen sees through my carefully constructed facade to the truth I've hidden my entire life.
I don't want to lead. I want to submit.
Under his confident guidance, I discover that surrender isn't weakness. It's liberation. That kneeling for him feels more natural than standing over others. That his quiet commands awaken something in me I never dared acknowledge.
But our bond defies every expectation, challenges every tradition. In a world where militants must dominate and scholars must submit, we've found the opposite to be true.
As our connection deepens beyond anything either Order has seen before, we face an impossible conform to roles that will slowly poison us both, or risk everything to honor what we've discovered together.
Some bonds can only survive by breaking all the rules.
Silken Collar is the second story in the Pleasure Palace series and features role reversal, a scholar with a dominant streak, a military hero who learns to submit, and a guaranteed happy ending. It's practically a nerd/jock story set in ancient fantasy times. This story is 40,000 words long, meaning it's created to be short and easily read in one sitting. This book is written for adults.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2025
14 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
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June 30, 2025🚩 AI cover
August 4, 2025
This is the second book in the Pleasure Palace series, featuring Rion, a soldier, and Kaelen, a scholar. They are slated to have a Cross-Order bonding ceremony, one in which Rion is expected to have the dominant role, and Kaelen to have the submissive one. Unfortunately for tradition and these two, their bodies and minds understand that for them, these roles are reversed. Kaelen dreams of being the dominant one, to provide guidance and protection for his partner. Rion, on the other hand, recognizes he is not basically a dominant person, although he can act that in his capacity as a soldier, but his preference is more as a submissive, being told what to do and having decisions made for him. The two meet before the ceremony and clarify what they want, so when the bonding happens, both are on the same page. As their bond and connection grow, each day takes them closer to the day they must sever their bond and return to their normal life. Both must search within themselves to decide if that is what they can do, and if not, what might the consequences be.
This book gave me a bit more insight into the bonding and the purpose when combining what I learned in book 1. I appreciated that we got a glimpse of Callis from book 1, and his explanation of the choice he made in Kaelen’s situation. The author’s description of the two men and their interactions with each other did a good job, in my mind, of expressing how Rion’s submission met needs he had away from the rigid expectations of military leadership, and the dominance on the part of Kaelen met his needs as well as fulfilling those of Rion. I was pleased with the ending, not sure if one or both would embrace duty over desire.
I like the physical world building, but would like more on the history of this island and the Orders that appear to dominate and run it. There is a dynamic between the Orders, but I am not sure if it is political, religious, or what. It also speaks to the Palace, with the third book having a Prince in the title, does that mean there is a ruling family along with the Orders? This reminds me of a medieval fortress with ruler, military and religious services all within the same compound. I understand that due to being a shorter book, it isn’t possible to answer all of these things while still having the connection and interaction between the MCs, so do hope more books in the series might address that. There apparently is a population not related to the Orders on the hill, do they have any impact on life and the happenings on the hill, or are they more just background? I think there is potential there to expand this to create a better understanding of this world, adding to the individual stories of those forming the bonds.
I have enjoyed both books so far, and have gotten invested in the characters and the bonds that they form. I look forward to the third book, and possibly others going forward.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book gave me a bit more insight into the bonding and the purpose when combining what I learned in book 1. I appreciated that we got a glimpse of Callis from book 1, and his explanation of the choice he made in Kaelen’s situation. The author’s description of the two men and their interactions with each other did a good job, in my mind, of expressing how Rion’s submission met needs he had away from the rigid expectations of military leadership, and the dominance on the part of Kaelen met his needs as well as fulfilling those of Rion. I was pleased with the ending, not sure if one or both would embrace duty over desire.
I like the physical world building, but would like more on the history of this island and the Orders that appear to dominate and run it. There is a dynamic between the Orders, but I am not sure if it is political, religious, or what. It also speaks to the Palace, with the third book having a Prince in the title, does that mean there is a ruling family along with the Orders? This reminds me of a medieval fortress with ruler, military and religious services all within the same compound. I understand that due to being a shorter book, it isn’t possible to answer all of these things while still having the connection and interaction between the MCs, so do hope more books in the series might address that. There apparently is a population not related to the Orders on the hill, do they have any impact on life and the happenings on the hill, or are they more just background? I think there is potential there to expand this to create a better understanding of this world, adding to the individual stories of those forming the bonds.
I have enjoyed both books so far, and have gotten invested in the characters and the bonds that they form. I look forward to the third book, and possibly others going forward.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 30, 2025
*ARC Review* Thank you to Tavian Cross for sending me a copy!
Intro:
This book is an MM romance between Rion, a Militant (soldier) and Kaelen a scholar.
Tropes/Highlights:
-Dual POV
-MM
-HEA
-Insta Love
Likes:
-Simple read
-Character from the first book appears
Neutrals/Criticisms:
-Wording/descriptions were very repetitive. I think the phrase "Storm eyes/Storm grey eyes" was used every couple of pages.
-There isn't a dramatic climax to the story and the main issue is easily resolved in the last chapter
-Not a lot happens, but the pacing is still weird. At times it seems to drag a little and then the next chapter it has a large jump to the future, so important development is missing.
-There is minimal influence from secondary characters and there isn't a lot of character development from the main characters.
-Like the first book, it is an insta love trope, but it would be nice if the book was longer so there could be more build up and development for not only the main character's relationship, but also more development to secondary characters.
-Dabbled with submissive/dominant relationship, but it felt like it was trying too hard. The submissiveness was repeated or mentioned so much that it took the enjoyment out of the story and made it hard to connect to that aspect of the book
I really couldn't get into this book. I felt like the first book in the series was better because there was more going on and the events were a little more exciting. I probably won't read anymore books in the series if there will be more books. That being said, If you enjoyed the first book in the series, Golden Bond, then you will most likely enjoy this book.
Intro:
This book is an MM romance between Rion, a Militant (soldier) and Kaelen a scholar.
Tropes/Highlights:
-Dual POV
-MM
-HEA
-Insta Love
Likes:
-Simple read
-Character from the first book appears
Neutrals/Criticisms:
-Wording/descriptions were very repetitive. I think the phrase "Storm eyes/Storm grey eyes" was used every couple of pages.
-There isn't a dramatic climax to the story and the main issue is easily resolved in the last chapter
-Not a lot happens, but the pacing is still weird. At times it seems to drag a little and then the next chapter it has a large jump to the future, so important development is missing.
-There is minimal influence from secondary characters and there isn't a lot of character development from the main characters.
-Like the first book, it is an insta love trope, but it would be nice if the book was longer so there could be more build up and development for not only the main character's relationship, but also more development to secondary characters.
-Dabbled with submissive/dominant relationship, but it felt like it was trying too hard. The submissiveness was repeated or mentioned so much that it took the enjoyment out of the story and made it hard to connect to that aspect of the book
I really couldn't get into this book. I felt like the first book in the series was better because there was more going on and the events were a little more exciting. I probably won't read anymore books in the series if there will be more books. That being said, If you enjoyed the first book in the series, Golden Bond, then you will most likely enjoy this book.
August 1, 2025
Intriguing world and short story I read in one sitting as intended.
I liked both mc's and the concept of being shoved in a box that just isn't you and how pretending and acting to be something you really aren't actually kills your soul.
I craved more character growth during and because of the bonding. It was left a little flat in my opinion. It felt like with the snap of the fingers they let out their most vulnerable parts and were able to act against everything they'd been teached and made act like. Even though it'd be freeing to be you I just dont see how you could be able to do that so fast with a stranger even if you fell in love. The transition was too smooth though cute and charming.
There were few in discrepancies but only one major on. When Rion was told about his upcoming bonding they told Kaelen had no previous experiences with bondings. That is also the impression what Kaelens monologues gave. However in chapter 7 Kaelen talked about his previous failed bondings...
It was a nice to read and has a lot of potential. Author has created interesting world with multiple layers.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked both mc's and the concept of being shoved in a box that just isn't you and how pretending and acting to be something you really aren't actually kills your soul.
I craved more character growth during and because of the bonding. It was left a little flat in my opinion. It felt like with the snap of the fingers they let out their most vulnerable parts and were able to act against everything they'd been teached and made act like. Even though it'd be freeing to be you I just dont see how you could be able to do that so fast with a stranger even if you fell in love. The transition was too smooth though cute and charming.
There were few in discrepancies but only one major on. When Rion was told about his upcoming bonding they told Kaelen had no previous experiences with bondings. That is also the impression what Kaelens monologues gave. However in chapter 7 Kaelen talked about his previous failed bondings...
It was a nice to read and has a lot of potential. Author has created interesting world with multiple layers.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2025
I read the first book in the series yesterday and enjoyed this one today. I liked that the characters did quite a bit of soul searching, and in the background of this series is this threat of dominion over the countries that supply this giant temple complex island. There seems to be some disagreement between the service, military, and scholar chapters of this place.
The story went very quickly, and it was not too much angst as both characters for what the other was searching for. There was a continuity part where at the very very beginning one character is said to have no bonding experience at all, and he is rather mature and then 70 pages later he’s being asked about his failed bondings plural. I believe that was supposed to be the other character with the failed Bondings.
Very nice world building, and the descriptions of the beauty of this place are well written. I enjoyed reading it.
The story went very quickly, and it was not too much angst as both characters for what the other was searching for. There was a continuity part where at the very very beginning one character is said to have no bonding experience at all, and he is rather mature and then 70 pages later he’s being asked about his failed bondings plural. I believe that was supposed to be the other character with the failed Bondings.
Very nice world building, and the descriptions of the beauty of this place are well written. I enjoyed reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2025
'I dreamed of kneeling figures and whispered commands, of trust freely given and pleasure carefully earned.
I dreamed of his eyes looking up at me with the kind of devotion that could remake a man's entire understanding of himself.
And when I woke near dawn, I was already planning how to make those dreams reality.'
I loved the first book. It was unique and intriguing, so I was excited for a second book. Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Rion and Kaelen. I liked the dynamic between a dominant scholar and a submissive soldier. But the story was a journey for them- follow traditional roles, or bypass them for what their hearts want instead- for what feels right? These two made such a perfect match and their chemistry was sizzling. I loved the ending, but I wished for an epilogue because I was so curious about what would happen from that point on. I look forward to more stories in this world. 4 stars.
I dreamed of his eyes looking up at me with the kind of devotion that could remake a man's entire understanding of himself.
And when I woke near dawn, I was already planning how to make those dreams reality.'
I loved the first book. It was unique and intriguing, so I was excited for a second book. Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Rion and Kaelen. I liked the dynamic between a dominant scholar and a submissive soldier. But the story was a journey for them- follow traditional roles, or bypass them for what their hearts want instead- for what feels right? These two made such a perfect match and their chemistry was sizzling. I loved the ending, but I wished for an epilogue because I was so curious about what would happen from that point on. I look forward to more stories in this world. 4 stars.
July 29, 2025
An ancient fantasy world filled with temples to the various gods and militant orders who maintain them. Members of the Orders submit to bonds of 28 days, two souls becoming one, learning strength from each other as well as passion. Severing the bond is supposed to send each party back to their order stronger and more at peace with their place in the world.
Not so for Kaelen and Rion. The scholar who has built his sureness and Rion the soldier who has learned strength from submission. And a deep abiding love that does not wish for separation.
This is book two of the Pleasure Palace. It packed a lot into a short novel. Beautifully written.
Not so for Kaelen and Rion. The scholar who has built his sureness and Rion the soldier who has learned strength from submission. And a deep abiding love that does not wish for separation.
This is book two of the Pleasure Palace. It packed a lot into a short novel. Beautifully written.
August 26, 2025
Bonded Together Beyond All Understanding Forever As One
A ceremonial Cross Order Bonding between two men of different pasta and futures to allow them to learn to love each other for 28 days then end it without regrets might work for training some people, but when both feel like they are reversed from their true emotional and knowledge roles, the bonding may allow their real personalities to be revealed and then it becomes impossible to go back to faking it through life and love. Even if that defies the rules of the temporary bonding by bridging the separation into a permanent bonding of souls.
A ceremonial Cross Order Bonding between two men of different pasta and futures to allow them to learn to love each other for 28 days then end it without regrets might work for training some people, but when both feel like they are reversed from their true emotional and knowledge roles, the bonding may allow their real personalities to be revealed and then it becomes impossible to go back to faking it through life and love. Even if that defies the rules of the temporary bonding by bridging the separation into a permanent bonding of souls.
July 30, 2025
Beautifully written.
Interesting world building, it may be a romance but unlike others I have read it's not JUST romance, effort and attention has been given to the larger world the characters live in. There is reasoning behind actions, not simply mindless erotica.
I really enjoy that characters talk to each other openly and honestly, no unnecessary angst over things not said things misheard.
A quick pleasant read.
Interesting world building, it may be a romance but unlike others I have read it's not JUST romance, effort and attention has been given to the larger world the characters live in. There is reasoning behind actions, not simply mindless erotica.
I really enjoy that characters talk to each other openly and honestly, no unnecessary angst over things not said things misheard.
A quick pleasant read.
August 14, 2025
Another stunning installment in the Pleasure Palace series—sensual, subversive, and utterly captivating. Tavian Cross flips expectations on their head with a tender yet blazing role-reversal romance that’s as emotionally rich as it is erotic. The worldbuilding feels lush and lived-in, the characters are layered, and the power dynamics are explored with refreshing depth.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 22, 2025
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I had a really good time with this. It had the beautiful writing that book one had and I enjoyed the romance that developed between the two characters. I enjoyed the setting and the tenderness between the characters. I am excited for the third book in this series to come out.
I had a really good time with this. It had the beautiful writing that book one had and I enjoyed the romance that developed between the two characters. I enjoyed the setting and the tenderness between the characters. I am excited for the third book in this series to come out.
January 23, 2026
Well written and composed story. Great world building and interesting characters and relationships among them. Interesting world build around religion.
IT is a personal journey of two MEN. Discovering their needs and wants. All together an enjoyable read.
Good read for a fans of mm romance.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
IT is a personal journey of two MEN. Discovering their needs and wants. All together an enjoyable read.
Good read for a fans of mm romance.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 2, 2026
I gave this 3 stars but for me it is more of a 2.5. There isn't much to say ab it, the plot is basic sexual awakening, that is all.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews