Golden Boy, Golden Man

Golden #1-2

by Claire Thompson

Johnny Wilson has never been in love. Though women adore his golden-blond good looks, he never seems to connect. Still trying to convince himself he's straight when he checks out a local gay bar, one look at the handsome stranger is enough to set his heart on fire. Half-acknowledged fantasies and dangerous dreams are challenged as Johnny finally faces his own secrets. Eric Mendez, the handsome, much-sought-after Dom in the BDSM gay Manhattan scene, is used to getting just exactly what he wants with a snap of his fingers and a glance from his smoldering eyes. When he first lays eyes on Johnny Wilson, he assumes he's just another pretty boy cruising the clubs for a good time. When Johnny disappears without a trace, he unknowingly takes a piece of Eric's heart with him. Sizzling passion and hidden yearnings to experience the ultimate submission at the hands of another man are brought to the fore in this explicit but romantic exploration of a gay D/s lifestyle. Johnny must come to grips not only with his sexual orientation, but must also find the courage to submit in a loving exchange of power. Rekindle your love affair with Johnny Wilson and Eric Méndez in this sequel to Golden Boy. Golden Man continues Johnny's journey of self-discovery as a gay submissive. Moving past the near-disaster at the gay BDSM club, Johnny strives to please his dominant lover while coming to terms with his family's disapproval of his lifestyle and his fledgling confidence in the scene. Eric, Johnny's sexy Latino lover, must deal with his own issues of trust and commitment. Together they continue to explore their erotic exchange of power with Johnny eager to press his own sensual envelope as Eric learns to intertwine tenderness with the intensity of discipline. The lovers are tested when a man from Eric's past returns to tempt him, while a sexy artist with designs on Johnny makes him wonder if he has what it takes to commit to just one man. Ultimately this is a love story set against the backdrop of disapproving family and temptation from would-be players in the scene. As the exchange of power deepens to a true exchange of love, each man must confront his fear of giving away the thing he holds most precious his heart.

Genres: BDSM, M M Romance, Erotica, Romance, Contemporary, Gay, LGBT

400 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2009

About the author

Claire has been writing for nearly two decades, and has published over 85 novels. She writes BDSM romance and abduction tales, spanning both m/f and m/m genres. She has received numerous awards for her bestselling work, including the NLA-Int’l Pauline Réage Award and the Golden Flogger Award for best BDSM fiction.. Her darker works press the envelope of what is erotic and what can be a sometimes dangerous slide into the world of sadomasochism. Ultimately her work deals with the human condition, and our constant search for love and intensity of experience.
Connect with Claire and get a FREE starter library!
https://clairethompson.net

Reviews

[Natsroshan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my second book by Claire Thompson: I have already tried "Polar Reaction" but never managed to pass the first third of the book.
I want to say that I made a point of honor to finish it and I did not regretted it!

I had hard time getting into the story because the author jumps from a
character-viewpoint to another (without changing the paragraph!) and
it bothered me. (Maybe it was my non-english-native part!)

Otherwise it's a nice story and I liked the main characters. They is a real chemistry between them.

Unfortunately, some sex-scenes were cut off in the middle and it would have broughtmore passion in their relation.
Too bad for a scenario that had a great potential.

[JenMcJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars really. It was intersting and I really did like both characters. There were some loose ends that didn't really get resolved and I thought the ending was a bit abrupt in both books.

[❂ Endless · Rating 1 out of 5]

I cannot bring myself to finish the first book itself...it irked me that much!

Johnny at the age of 24 finally discovers and accepts he's gay..the trigger for it being the enigmatic Eric who is seriously into the BDSM lifestyle. On top of it Eric's a therapist - that makes matters even worse for the callous way the author tries to portray Johnny's tentative first steps into being gay and being a sub. The writer doesn't even give a decent amount of time for Johnny+plus the reader to get used to Johnny being gay...If Eric really cares about the guy then i would expect him to just have normal/vanilla sex with the guy before jumping him with the BDSM lifestyle. He keeps saying he wants to give him time and take things slow...but just 4 days...really!!?? There is no flow of things and it feels quite unreal. Gosh lady i seriously recommend you read Catt Ford's "A Strong Hand" to really know how a non-gay person is brought into the BDSM scenario without upsetting the logical flow of things or the reader's sensibilities(in this case, at least mine).

Secondly, the author introduces seemingly interesting characters but the dialogs she gives to Eric are like a long discourse and feels so entirely unreal that i'm rudely brought out of the universe of the book and can actually hear the female voice of the author droning on with the narration of her book! That is just plain bad!

thus...Abandoned!

*i hate not being able to finish a book! *grumble*

[❤Sharonica-Logic❤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The We of Me"


Title: Golden Boy: Two Volume Set
Author: Claire Thompson
Publisher: Romance Unbound Publishing
Format: e-book
Release Date: 1/21/2020
Genre/ Trope/ Theme(s): MM Contemporary Romance; BDSM and D/s elements; Coming out; First time; Family Drama
Page Count: 345p.
SteaMMy Swordplay: 4 out of 5⚔
Sharonica-Stars: 4.5 out of 5✨



MMy Thoughts and Review:

Searching always searching but never finding the one piece of yourself that is missing. Getting by but your life is just going through the motions while surrounded by a fog that never lets you see more than a couple feet in any one direction.

That's how life was for twenty-four year old Johnny Wilson. While he didn't think he had a terrible life, he knew he wasn't living his best life. He was living the life expected of him by his family, at least in regard to working in the family garage with his dad and two older brothers. Before long he would also be expected to marry a girl from the neighborhood and have a couple kids. A thought that could tamp down any sexual thoughts he might be able to muster. Johnny thought perhaps he was broken. Perhaps some key component got left out of his make-up and that's why he could never find what his brothers had.

Then one night while out with his best friend and her girl friend, three very important things happened...one: he realized how sheltered a life he had lived for twenty-four years and just how naive he actually was to certain aspects of life, like BDSM, two: just talking about BDSM got him more stirred up than several of his last dates, and three: after eye-locking with a prominent Dom in the community and losing his ability to breathe or stand, he was definitely NOT broken.💖

This duet reads like one continuous novel, and I am glad they are packaged together, so the reader can enjoy the entire story all at once at one price.

The Story transpires a little over a year and gives the reader many different sides of what a D/s relationship can look like. I read once, years ago now, that "there are as many different types of D/s relationships as there are couples in them." Meaning, there is no cookie cutter approach to the BDSM lifestyle, as long as the adults are consenting, and hopefully safe and sane. However, even those lines can blurred within each relationship.

That last statement, can be viewed in many lights. In the case of MCs, Master Eric, and Johnny, his sub there were a few instances when the Master pushed his boy beyond what he could or was ready to handle and Johnny safeworded. The first time nearly wrecked what they were building together. The second time, it was seen as a way to back up and see where they needed to work more. Did that mean they weren't safe, sane, or consensual? To some, maybe, to others, definitely not. It is all about perspective. It is also about the couple. It must also be pointed out that even Doms are human, and not above making mistakes, which Master Eric realized immediately upon Johnny safewording. Lessons learned by all, I would say.

The two men slowly over time worked together to build an impenetrable tower around their relationship. As individuals, they each had to work on slaying their demons. Though they could be there for each other, and stand beside each other, Eric and Johnny had to wield the swords that would silence the monsters in their heads once and for all.

This IS a book about a budding D/s relationship between a seasoned Dom and a virgin sub. Some aspects may be hard to take if you are used to the softer side of D/s books. Claire Thompson is a BDSM veteran and prolific author and though this is the first MM romance of hers I've read, I have enjoyed several of her MF series in the past including: Erotic Awakenings and The BDSM Club series, which first introduced me to Thompson, among others. Thompson doesn't merely show you a few spanking scenes and call it a day. Instead she draws on the primal parts of your psyche that first had you ever pick up a BDSM book in the first place. Then, rather than just scratch an itch she gives your brain a full body BDSM massage and leaves it wrecked but satiated.😁 You may need wine and a nap after.

4.5 i-needed-that-stars🌟🌟🌟🌟•✨

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The thoughts and opinions expressed are solely mine.💋

[TinaMarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Golden Boy 4 / 5 stars

Johnny was raised by a bully of a father and never felt like he fit in, always doing what was expected of him, working as a mechanic in his father's garage. He's dated girls and been with them sexually but at 24 he never really got what the big deal was about sex until he lesbian friend took him to a GLBT club and turned his world upside down.

Eric is this uber Dom with a reputation for being aloof until he sees Johnny across the room and is determined to find out who that golden boy is and have his wicked way with him.

Discovering your gay at 24 is huge, add to it your submissive after being raised the way he was is a hard adjustment. This first book in the 'Golden' series is not only about Johnny embracing his gay and submissive sexuality but Eric learning to be vulnerable and trust again. There are bumps in the roads and they both make mistakes but their love has them both coming together to work on their relationship as well as a lot of kinky, BDSM play and virginal firsts for Johnny.

I was very surprised by the mistakes Eric made, since it was made clear he was such an experienced Dom and a therapist on top of things, the mistakes he made I would have expected from an inexperienced Dom and it didn't really fit or sit well.

This book is not BDSM lite, there's spanking, whipping, caning, bondage, and sharing involved as well as other D/s elements that may be hard from some readers or extremely erotic to others depending on your tastes.

Golden Man - 4 / 5 stars

Johnny and Eric's story continues to grow and strengthen as they work through Eric's insecurities and delve deeper and deeper into Johnny's masochistic submissive needs. As well as some of Johnny's family reconnecting and rebuilding their relationship with each other. I enjoyed the interactions they had with both their families, I would have liked more of those scenes.

Eric is worried that Johnny will find a younger, more dominant man and leave him and his fears drives him into bringing in a sub boy toy for them to play with in hopes to keep Eric. While Eric finds himself tempted, I love that he stayed true to Johnny but I hated that even after they promised not to keep secrets from each other they both did for a short while.

I liked this couple and their romance, even if some of their relationship choices are foreign to me.

Like the previous book there is a lot of BDSM in this book including but not limited to spankings, canings, bondage, partner sharing, CBT and erotic submission which will be erotic to some and hard to read for others.

I received a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving a review. If you like my reviews I hope you will follow my blog. https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/

[The Literacy Advocate · Rating 5 out of 5]

ANOTHER HEARTFELT, HONEST, REWARDING STORY FROM THE INCOMPARABLE CLAIRE THOMPSON!

Once again, Claire Thompson has given us a heartfelt, honest, emotionally satisfying story to tug at our heartstrings and teach us a couple of things. Auto mechanic Johnny Wilson is a good guy, despite the poor role models he has in his father and one of his older brothers. Johnny has always done what he believes is expected of him, by his family, his friends and society…but he’s never been truly happy with his life, job or romantic/sexual relationships.

One fateful night, Johnny goes out with close friend Amanda, a gay woman, who takes him to a gay bar. Lightning strikes when Johnny catches the gaze of Eric Mendez, an icon in the gay community and a Dom specializing in S&M. Johnny is mesmerized and, for the first time, feels a magnetic sexual pull that is a physical shock. Can Johnny find himself among all the expectations of others, and embrace the gay, submissive man he is? Johnny’s journey of self-discovery is laced with wit, joy, pain, and consequences revealing how much one must sometimes give up in order to gain one’s own identity and follow one’s truth.

Claire Thompson writes stories full of pathos, discovery and revelation which, while sometimes painful, are always uplifting and ultimately rewarding. Join Johnny, in the Golden Boy/Golden Man Boxed Set, on his journey for personal happiness. If you’re new to Claire Thompson, this will not be your last read of her books. After Johnny’s story, look for Handyman; it’s another heartfelt, satisfying read by the incomparable Ms. Thompson.

I was given a copy of this book in return only for my honest review.

[SBee Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

★ Intense emotional journey of awakening, exploration, and acceptance ★

—>>> Johnny’s life gets totally tilt-a-whirled one fateful night when he claps his eyes on one very sexy Dom across a crowd and soon has the epiphany of his life which puts into perspective everything he has been feeling, first and foremost this sense of lack of sexual connection with his girlfriends. He literally runs from the mental impact of this startling realization, a glimmer of self-discovery, but Eric’s lust and curiosity has been now been irrevocably aroused. What follows is an intense emotional journey of awakening, exploration, and acceptance - not just between them, but from those closest to them.

Johnny’s next experiences are made even more of a gritty battle because of some of the choices made by Eric, who is a licensed psychologist, but he simply could not wait to fully immerse his new pet into this very exclusive and dark BDSM subculture. This in itself was for Eric turbulent and untried waters he was desperately trying to navigate, but Eric did call to his darkest fantasies and make them come true. And never mind the narrow-minded and coldly uncompromising family members he had left behind to be with Eric, ties which ruled his old life but no longer have a place with his new sexual orientation.

[Audrey Pott · Rating 3 out of 5]

This storyline was emotionally draining at times. I liked Johnny immediately he struggled with his relationships with women, it wasn’t until his friend Amanda took him to a gay club that he realised he was gay. Big discovery as his father and older brother were homophobic but his younger brother after the initial shock was fine, the same as the mother. In comes Eric a Dom, I didn’t take to Eric at all at first, when it was just the two of them Eric was good but when he played at his club that’s when Dom Eric at times ignored what Johnny was saying in fact Johnny put up with a lot but eventually had to use his safe word to stop a scene. Trouble was Eric listening to other Doms. This is the first time I’ve not been happy with one of the main characters, which is why I’ve only given 3 stars, the ending was good and Johnny was so sweet and loved his submissive side.

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so.

[KittyLuvr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Thompson's writing style always pulls me into the world she crafts. IMO her writing ability/strength is providing stellar detail that helps envelop the reader into the plot, the characters, the angst, the growth & journey. And she does this without (again IMO) fluff or filler.
Because of this deft ability Ms. Thompson creates a completely immersive experience readers CARE about, are INVESTED in & INTRIGUED by her stories.
This set is an excellently written & deeply emotional journey of Johnny, from his restrictive & oppressive roots to his finding his true self, love & acceptance, as well as self acceptance as a gay man. I loved the journey, my emotions ranging from empathy, anger, hope, fear, frustration & happiness.
For the reader who wants excellent writing, wants to be immersed, wants to care about characters, wants to be intrigued by a journey, I highly recommend this one.

[Leslie Zak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good m/m BDSM story

Johnny is a lost young man, working for his brutal father in the family garage. He makes friends with a young lesbian and she and her partner take him to a club specializing in BDSM clientele. Johnny sees a well known Dom named Eric across the room and is affected so strongly he runs. He discusses his feelings with his friend and she helps him to discover his gay sexuality. He is shocked that he is just figuring that out at age 24. Eric was just as affected when he first saw Johnny and works to find him. They get together and Johnny becomes Eric's submissive. It is a satisfying journey despite Johnny's loss of his family. This book is very strong in the BDSM lifestyle so be warned but it is so darn good and so very well written. I have already bought more books by this author.

[Cindy M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very emotional and heartfelt story of Johnny and Eric. First we have Johnny who doesn't understand why he does not have an emotional connection to women to figuring out he is a gay submissive at heart. Then we have Eric who is the 'ultimate' Dom of Doms and has some insecurities especially about loving his submissive. The first book is about Golden Boy Johnny and how he figures out who and what he really is. The second book deals more with Eric and Johnny's D/S journey, their love story, and Johnny ending up as a Golden Man. There are so many emotions in these book and I really liked how Claire added in about Johnny's families reactions to his discovery and how they did or did not handle it. These books are well written and even with all the ups and downs you can't stop reading until it ends.

[Jacque RidesAndReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book because it was mm mixed with bdsm. Johnny couldn't admit he was gay but when he saw Eric that's all he wanted. These books take you through Johnny's journey of coming out and dealing with his feelings and family.

It was an interesting read and the kink scenes were good but I didn't think it was all consensual and that was a big turnoff for me. The author did a good job at explaining the scene and developing the characters but that might be why it was so hard for me with thinking that some of it was non-consensual.

[Monique Hebert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book and this duet series.
This book encompasses a lot of the subjects I enjoy reading about: MM, BDSM and hot sex scenes.
I always enjoy reading a book when one of the characters is learning about BDSM or sex if a virgin but in this case it's a man learning about not only his homosexuality but his submissiveness. There's just something so innocent and naive about it and when this includes a strong dominant teacher, it makes for an an interesting and hot read!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’re not broken. You just haven’t found the right person for you.
There were so many parts of this book that I really enjoyed. Johnny, who comes from such a male chest thumping environment, who has to submerge his own personality so he fits in to what his father feels is right. Sensitive, sexy and suppressed. I loved the slow awakening to his sensual side. It was a beautiful journey. I could see Amanda and Marlon. We all need people who love and support us when we don’t know what to do.
Eric was a tough one for me. I am so used to the sane, safe and consensual concept that I forgot that just because you’re a Dom doesn’t mean you are infallible to insecurities and fears. Uber hot Eric. He trains submissives and men flock to his magnetic personality. He is the Dom of Doms. It was hard for me to like Eric all the time because he kept showing his humanness when he falls for the taunts of others and overlooks his dom responsibilities. But, that is what makes this set amazing because in real life people make mistakes and it is up to us to recognize them and forgive and move on.

I read and reviewed a copy of this book.

[Sirena Bignell-Comeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are so many things about this book set that I loved. It's hard to say without giving to much away. I love when Johnny fights against what he wants and what he needs. The whole coming to terms with who he really his and what he wants, is something everyone can relate to in every day life. What more can I say I'm looking for more books from this author. I just loved it. I got this book free as ARC.

[Aastha Gupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very engaging and immersive book. A very unique expression of BDSM, that is signature to the author, is expressed in the genre of MxM Romance in a completely new way. The dillema surrounding the main characters, fear and anticipation of acceptance and rejection of oneself and that of by others is expressed very well. Definitely a suggested read.

[Maria G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt bad that Johnny had to deny so many parts of himself just to be around his family. I liked Amanda she was a good friend to him. Eric was really great for Johnny learning more about himself. I liked that from book one to book two Johnny grows to know himself more. The relationship with Eric grows to a beautiful love story. I didn't rate this a five star because there were parts of the books I didn't get into. I did think that Eric and Johnny had great chemistry together and I am glad in the end they got their happy ending. I am also happy that Johnny's mom and brother Billy were able to come around and be there for him.
I received an ARC and am leaving my honest and voluntary review.

[Dar · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars

I’m torn on this one. I loved Johnny and his journey of discovery. He was open, honest, and real in his actions and reactions. I like Eric when he was a partner and with Johnny in their everyday life. The trouble was, when Eric became Dom Eric, he was not nice at all. And he recognized he was not nice at all, and continued to be not nice at all. Even Johnny noticed it, and tried to explain it, but Eric overruled him. My heart ached for Johnny, and I worried for him, deeply, at times. It took quite a bit, but I think they finally found their happy place, both in life as partners and in D/s, but it was painful in parts to read about their journey

[E.]

3.75 stars

Intriguing description of a young naive man's journey into the world of gay sex, BDSM, and submission.

review to follow

[Doreen Frantz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the dynamic of this book...Johnny, an "real man" from a family of "men" finally succumbing to his desires and exploring his true identity....a relationship with another man. I loved his journey and loved his "tribe". Eric, was confusing. He is supposed to be this amazing Dom but I could not reconcile this with the rules of safe, sane and consensual. He, for me at least, broke a number of rules. However, all's well that ends well and this series definitely ended well. Great read, seriously hot scenes, many tender moments and many of life's issues discussed.

[Monique Hebert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book and this duet series.
This book encompasses a lot of the subjects I enjoy reading about: MM, BDSM and hot sex scenes.
I always enjoy reading a book when one of the characters is learning about BDSM or sex if a virgin but in this case it's a man learning about not only his homosexuality but his submissiveness. There's just something so innocent and naive about it and when this includes a strong dominant teacher, it makes for an an interesting and hot read!

[Wolfgirl18 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This brings out a lot of emotions. "Watching" Johnny go through this journey was so emotional. Having to question everything that you believed about yourself and over coming everything that you were taught going up is no easy thing to do and go through. "Watching" Dom Eric fall in love also got to me. Such wonderful characters and such an excellent story.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Golden Boy - this is the coming out and start of submissive training for Johnny by Eric. This practise is told in a lot of detail.
Golden Man - the continuation and fine tuning in Johnny's training and at times I wanted to cry out his safeword for him. I have never been a lover of giving or receiving pain and find this difficult to accept that there are people who crave this.
Claire Thompson has certainly opened my eyes to this lifestyle, but I'm not sure it is what I take pleasure in reading. The story is very well told.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

[T Heinze · Rating 5 out of 5]

This duet is awesome. M/m. BDSM. I love that Master Eric is tamed, but we get the sense of his life experience. Johnny is new to the scene and new to his sexuality. Their relationship moves quickly. Scenes are hot!! I really enjoyed their journey, as well as the family drama. I wanted to punch his dad and older brother! Ugh!
This duet is full length and definitely worth your time! No cliffhangers. The duet is standalone. Highly recommend..

[Brenda Shafii · Rating 5 out of 5]

Johnny struggled his whole life to please a heartless father,Johnny tried to find the right girl but none seemed to ever fit. But on a night out with his best friend he came eye to eye with his soul mate and Master.Johnny couldn’t get the handsome mystery man out of his mind. Finally on a chance meeting he went home with Master Dom Eric and discovered what he had been missing all his life Submission!

[Lorri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story! This box set is about a guy who was raised in a very masculine environment and was taught to think a certain way, but as he matures he realizes that maybe he’s not who he thought he was. As he struggles to figure it all out his family distances itself from him not liking the outcome. The story is very well written and holds your attention til the end. Which turns out with all its ups and downs to end with a HEA!

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many emotions in this story.  I was captured. 
To follow Johnny and his way into a life worth living was wonderful. Following his family gave an extra touch to the story as well. 
Even if it’s a fiction story a lot of the scenes can be related to for many people. I wish it could be true. 

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book 

[Charly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romantic, but painful and hard to read at times

Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.

Rating: 7/10

PROS:
- Amusing, realistic secondary character in Amanda. She reminds me (almost eerily) of one woman in particular I know, with her light-hearted but at times serious attitude and her funky yet feminine fashion sense.
- I enjoyed the depth of the world of the story, particularly the descriptions of the various settings: there are several gay settings described in the two novellas, and each of them is distinct from the others in a real sort of way: there’s the elite BDSM establishment, the less choice BDSM club, the normal gay bar/dance club, the neighborhood pub, etc. With the exception of the extremely high-end BDSM place, I could align each of the settings with a real place I’ve been, and the book’s descriptions are quite good.
- Loved the “love at first sight” element of the story. It’s incredibly romantic, especially when one of the characters is as much a Casanova as Eric is.
- Johnny’s nervousness and constantly fluctuating excitement and hesitation are endearing.
- Surprisingly (and refreshingly) standoffish approach to the sex scenes. They’re detailed, sure, but not near as frequent or graphic as the scenes are in most other BDSM novels I’ve read. This book focuses more on the aspects of control and sadomasochism than the erotic/sexual angle of the lifestyle.

CONS:
- There’s quite a difference between the two characters. The age gap is only 6 years, but the differences in education and sexual experience are profound. Eric has been out and in the scene for a decade and has a Masters degree in psychology (and incidentally, I couldn’t figure out why he was referred to as DR. Méndez; wouldn’t he need a doctoral degree for that?), whereas Johnny has a high school education and is as green as grass both in the gay scene and in the BDSM scene. Granted, Johnny’s lack of education and experience are not his fault, and he jumps head-first into attempts to remedy both situations, but I found their connection a little hard to believe in.
- Hard to read at times. Johnny’s dad--and older brother, to a lesser degree--is horrible. HORRIBLE. And there’s a gut-wrenching scene in a club in which Eric pushes (and pushes…and pushes…) Johnny too far and forces him to safeword--in a BIG, unhappy way--that is wretched. What upsets me most about that scene (other than the obvious fact that I don’t like reading about misery) is how Johnny reacts to it. Rather than retreating into himself and losing faith/trust in Eric, which is how I would have expected someone inexperienced in the scene to react, he gets over it rather quickly. He even reasons with himself that the scenario was partly his fault, a conclusion with which my mind (though admittedly inexpert with regard to BDSM) hastened to wholeheartedly disagree.

Overall comments: This is a romantic story, despite its focus on some of the less sexual aspects of BDSM. It has the sex, don’t get me wrong, but the amount of work required to acclimate Johnny to the scene draws focus away from solely the erotic aspects of the lifestyle. The BDSM elements are heavy and at times painful, so I would suggest you steer clear of this one if you’re a lightweight in that regard.

[JD Waggy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ughhhhhhh noooooo whyyyyyy.

So this is actually two books in one, Golden Boy and its sequel Golden Man. The first isn't that bad; we're introduced to Johnny Wilson, who is exploring coming out and falls in with Eric Mendez, Hot Dom of Hotness. It's a mediocre but interesting portrayal of the navigation of coming out and the building relationship of a Dom and a sub, and has a splash of diversity (that Thompson wants to remind you of All the Time, unfortunately) via Mendez.

The second, however, falls right into the trap of "BDSM Must Be Exhibitionist" that absolutely honks me off. Mendez shoves Wilson into situations they haven't negotiated and for which he isn't ready and then never does the real work of caring for his sub (BAD DOM) when Wilson, understandably, drops like a stone. Then Mendez makes the ultimatum that if Wilson can't get to the poly-exhibitionist-club-total-submission place that Mendez wants, it's not because they're not on the same D/s page but that Wilson is a bad sub. NO. NO NO NO NO. There are so many ways to be a good sub and telling a sub they're bad just because they don't fit your way is TERRIBLE. DO NOT DO THAT. And then there's so much shaming of Wilson when he's attracted to other men even though Mendez put him in that situation. I'm not here for infidelity at all, but I'm also not here for bait-and-switches in which Doms basically set their subs up to fail.

There is one healthy friendship Wilson has with a gal named Amanda (which Mendez kind of cuts off at one point, which is a GINORMOUS red flag that thankfully gets resolved well) and some of Mendez's family gets screen time, which is neat. There are also some decent scenes of Wilson dealing with his internalized homophobia and his moderately abusive-and-homophobic parents and their journey. But mostly, this is just Mendez being an asshat.

The sex is well written but again, comes in this weirdly abusive and manipulative package. Would that Thompson had kept to the feel of the first book and not gone off the rails in the second.

[Lexi Ander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Golden Boy - Johnny Wilson comes from a conservative family were men are men and emotions are for girl. Bullied by his Frank and oldest brother Hank, Johnny tries to keep his head down working his way through the week at the family garage. His girlfirends accuse Johnny of being cold but all he feels is broken on the inside until the days he sees Eric Mendez. Eric got a fleeting glance of Johnny and cannot get the golden boy out of his mind. When the two meet up again, things start to swiftly change. Eric guides Johnny through discovering his submissive side and how to trust but at the same time struggling himself with his own trust issues of letting Johnny into his heart. Will a moment of false bravado blind Eric to push Johnny beyond what he is capable and break their fledglin relationship?

This is ranging between a three and four for me. At times it was too wordy rehashing what is already understood and then it was transistion into something intense, like the last chapter which had me on the verge of tears.

Golden Man - currently reading