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Gods and Chaos #1
Chaos Magic
Sam is a broken young man, searching for temporary escape from his demons--inside and out. Running from abusive ex-lover Marcus, the God of Fear, Sam finds himself in the arms of the hottest man to step foot into his life: Hector. Hector proves to be the Daddy Sam needs and wants, but the road is a very rocky and often terrifying one. As Marcus digs his claws deeper into Sam, it threatens to tear everything Sam and Hector have built together apart.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
September 5, 2015
Disclaimer: This review is in no way meant to be a attack and/or judgment of anyone who lives the D/S lifestyle. Anything I say is aimed at the characters, and the relationship dynamic they have in this story.
I started this book not knowing it was D/S, and I kept reading knowing it wasn't exactly my cup of tea thinking maybe I would give it a couple of stars, and move on about my day. I was concerned by Hector's jealousy, the awful things he accused Sam of doing, the age gap, Hector's unceasing demands for perfection on Sam's part, Sam's history of abuse and his unwillingness to advocate for his needs, and Hector's unwillingness to listen to and to trust Sam. I wasn't loving it, but I wasn't hating it either until the end, and then the rage set in.
Rant begins
End rant (sort of)
So, in summary, a book that I thought would be okay, not bad, but not great either, turned into something that made me very, VERY
angry.
This might come off a bit strong, but I have strong feelings when it comes to abuse, and hate this recent trend I've seen across many different genres that seems to minimalize abuse, or treat what has come to be known as warning signs of abuse as romantic.
I started this book not knowing it was D/S, and I kept reading knowing it wasn't exactly my cup of tea thinking maybe I would give it a couple of stars, and move on about my day. I was concerned by Hector's jealousy, the awful things he accused Sam of doing, the age gap, Hector's unceasing demands for perfection on Sam's part, Sam's history of abuse and his unwillingness to advocate for his needs, and Hector's unwillingness to listen to and to trust Sam. I wasn't loving it, but I wasn't hating it either until the end, and then the rage set in.
Rant begins
End rant (sort of)
So, in summary, a book that I thought would be okay, not bad, but not great either, turned into something that made me very, VERY
angry.
This might come off a bit strong, but I have strong feelings when it comes to abuse, and hate this recent trend I've seen across many different genres that seems to minimalize abuse, or treat what has come to be known as warning signs of abuse as romantic.
November 1, 2015
4.5
I thought this was fantastic, with a brilliant and original fantasy set-up that worked amazingly both on its own paranormal terms and as an allegory of modern relationships. It along with the sequel, Love Runes, are also now among my favorite BDSM novels ever. Though I'm pretty much obsessed with most permutations of the D/s dynamic, I usually don't like novels that (purport to) focus on BDSM lifestyle, which I personally label "club" novels. They often feel rote, and a disproportionate number rely on the trope of all-knowing-Dom-saves-tragiboy.
This book managed that rare feat of focusing on two leads with serious flaws that seemed authentic rather than contrived. Both Sam and Hector have to struggle hard for their relationship, so conflicts between them felt organic and inevitable, with real stakes since their relationship was actually fragile and might easily have failed.
It also should be pointed out here: the sex in this book was ridiculously hot. Like scorching. Think ghost peppers.
Bottom line: I LOVED IT. LOOOOOOOOVED IT.
I thought this was fantastic, with a brilliant and original fantasy set-up that worked amazingly both on its own paranormal terms and as an allegory of modern relationships. It along with the sequel, Love Runes, are also now among my favorite BDSM novels ever. Though I'm pretty much obsessed with most permutations of the D/s dynamic, I usually don't like novels that (purport to) focus on BDSM lifestyle, which I personally label "club" novels. They often feel rote, and a disproportionate number rely on the trope of all-knowing-Dom-saves-tragiboy.
This book managed that rare feat of focusing on two leads with serious flaws that seemed authentic rather than contrived. Both Sam and Hector have to struggle hard for their relationship, so conflicts between them felt organic and inevitable, with real stakes since their relationship was actually fragile and might easily have failed.
It also should be pointed out here: the sex in this book was ridiculously hot. Like scorching. Think ghost peppers.
Bottom line: I LOVED IT. LOOOOOOOOVED IT.
September 30, 2010
To prepare myself for writing a character who is into BDSM, I asked my Goodreads buddy, Kate, what were the best BDSM books she’d read. She named a few, half of which I already had, but one I hadn’t was “Chaos Magic” by Jay Lygon.
Crappy cover, no headless torso or hunky guys to perv over, just lots of purple and yellow and what looked like a shrine.
I started reading.
By page 3, I had emailed Kate to say that the book rocked. Well, actually the comment was “…love it already. That's what subs are like, horny as fuck. Hope the standard stays that high.”
By page 24, I was searching the web to find out who Jay Lygon was.
By page 65, I was searching for my credit card and hoping Torquere Press’s 15% off offer was still valid so I could buy everything else he/she had written. You can never be sure nowadays. Doesn’t matter. At least there was no giggling gerties, chicks with dicks or any of the other things that put me off when I’m reading m/m.
By page 150, things started to turn sour. From now on I’d be judging all my attempts at humor against this and mine would come up wanting.
By the end, I was ready to hand in my Writer’s Union Card. Sometimes for an author there is nothing more depressing than coming across one who does all the things you’re trying to do, but, oh, so much better.
You’re laughing but you’re crying.
According to its hero, Sam, mirth pours from the outside corners of people’s eyes, sorrow from the inside.
Mine were watering from both ends.
Why? Because this book does another thing I’ve been trying to do and does it brilliantly, ie deal with difficult subjects in a way that ensures the reader appreciates the message while still being entertained.
At first glance, the book might be about BDSM, at second glance it might be about a weird sort of real world ‘magic’, but underlying all this is an incredibly powerful story about fear, depression, loss of control, lack of self worth and most of all domestic violence.
I’d read advertisements and articles in gay newspapers about support groups for victims, quoting stats that say the incidence is much higher in the LGBT community but often because of various factors is never reported. It’s a subject that’s rarely if ever included in m/m romances which is understandable in a way. Yet this difficult but real problem is at the heart of “Chaos Magic” just as it is at the heart of its hero, Sammy.
Jay Lygon uses humor, like the white ropes that Sammy loves so much to wrap that subject up. Winding it around and around with cunning knots, exposing just the vulnerable parts. Making the process bearable and at the same time increasing the intensity when the harsh reality is inflicted.
The main ropes are the Gods that Sammy sees. Like Angelena the God of traffic:
Okay, maybe it’s a case of ‘What rock have you been hiding under, AB?’ because everyone else has heard of “Chaos Magic” and read it. But if you haven’t and you love reading a story where the sex scenes are an integral part, and if you want an emotionally satisfying read that packs a punch, get on the back of Jay Lygon’s bike, hang on for grim death and let him take you on the ride of your life.
I’d give it six stars if I could, failing that I’m happy to take one off every review I’ve ever had for one of my stories, just to put this one up that little bit higher. Jay Lygon is the God of writing.
Crappy cover, no headless torso or hunky guys to perv over, just lots of purple and yellow and what looked like a shrine.
I started reading.
By page 3, I had emailed Kate to say that the book rocked. Well, actually the comment was “…love it already. That's what subs are like, horny as fuck. Hope the standard stays that high.”
By page 24, I was searching the web to find out who Jay Lygon was.
By page 65, I was searching for my credit card and hoping Torquere Press’s 15% off offer was still valid so I could buy everything else he/she had written. You can never be sure nowadays. Doesn’t matter. At least there was no giggling gerties, chicks with dicks or any of the other things that put me off when I’m reading m/m.
By page 150, things started to turn sour. From now on I’d be judging all my attempts at humor against this and mine would come up wanting.
By the end, I was ready to hand in my Writer’s Union Card. Sometimes for an author there is nothing more depressing than coming across one who does all the things you’re trying to do, but, oh, so much better.
You’re laughing but you’re crying.
According to its hero, Sam, mirth pours from the outside corners of people’s eyes, sorrow from the inside.
Mine were watering from both ends.
Why? Because this book does another thing I’ve been trying to do and does it brilliantly, ie deal with difficult subjects in a way that ensures the reader appreciates the message while still being entertained.
At first glance, the book might be about BDSM, at second glance it might be about a weird sort of real world ‘magic’, but underlying all this is an incredibly powerful story about fear, depression, loss of control, lack of self worth and most of all domestic violence.
I’d read advertisements and articles in gay newspapers about support groups for victims, quoting stats that say the incidence is much higher in the LGBT community but often because of various factors is never reported. It’s a subject that’s rarely if ever included in m/m romances which is understandable in a way. Yet this difficult but real problem is at the heart of “Chaos Magic” just as it is at the heart of its hero, Sammy.
Jay Lygon uses humor, like the white ropes that Sammy loves so much to wrap that subject up. Winding it around and around with cunning knots, exposing just the vulnerable parts. Making the process bearable and at the same time increasing the intensity when the harsh reality is inflicted.
The main ropes are the Gods that Sammy sees. Like Angelena the God of traffic:
“From Simi Valley to south of Tijuana is a solid band of humanity, probably 20 million people, and every single soul, no matter what religion they think they follow, prays to the Goddess every time they hit the road. That’s an impressive power base. I mean, think about it.”This Ducati restoring God is aided by Deal, the God of Negotiation, and the Thai born Crash, the God of computers. These beings take on a life of their own as they look after Sam and try to steer him on the right course. Mind you even they argue amongst themselves much as the Gods on Olympus used to:
“You pray to the Goddess of Traffic every day,” the Lotto God complained. “No one thinks of me until the pot reaches thirty million.”But at the heart of the story are Sam and his new Master. The question is, will the past continue to haunt Sam or will he be able to overcome his fear and find out who he truly is.
Okay, maybe it’s a case of ‘What rock have you been hiding under, AB?’ because everyone else has heard of “Chaos Magic” and read it. But if you haven’t and you love reading a story where the sex scenes are an integral part, and if you want an emotionally satisfying read that packs a punch, get on the back of Jay Lygon’s bike, hang on for grim death and let him take you on the ride of your life.
I’d give it six stars if I could, failing that I’m happy to take one off every review I’ve ever had for one of my stories, just to put this one up that little bit higher. Jay Lygon is the God of writing.
April 27, 2013
My brain isn't offering up much besides "WTF!" at this moment, so this review is comprised of the scraps and scrapes I am able to eke out from the thin perimetre surrounding the wtf-ness that has expanded to dominate my brain's acreage at this point.
This should have been a ten star read for me. Polytheism / gods + open communication and worship of said deities + allegorisation of Fear, Love, Sex and Self-Realisation + being "right up my big daddy alley" = written just for me.
I gave this two stars because I did really enjoy the deities and the allegorisation of actualisation. Those elements meant a lot to me and they kept me reading. Other than that...
0% to 20% = This is fantastic! I'm loving this. Yaaay gods. Yum daddy.
20% to 40% = Okaaaaaay. Hmmm. Where is this going? Hector is starting to be problematic. Room for recovery, but, really, please pull back from the brink of destruction now.
40% to 60% = Stop! This is maddening and terribly sad. Hector is a total asshole and this is abuse! God, this is getting painful to read :-(
60% to 75% = No! Seriously! This is horrible! This is crazy. My heart is aching over this emotional abuse. Nooooooo!
75% to 95% = What. The. Ever. Loving. Fuck!
What the...I'm gonna need Botox, I'm switching between frowning so deeply and my eyebrows being pulled so sharply to my hairline in alternations between deep disgust and furious shock in my inability to believe the depths of this dysfunction.
95% to 100% = Literal deus ex machina and a truly rubbish attempt at wrapping up the ridiculous, at justifying the unjustifiable, at salvaging a shitfest, at reclaiming meaning from a story that reveals how poor some people's grasp is on what actually constitutes love and lust.
There are varying ways to have sex and varying avenues to love but the difference lays in expression not in definition. Sam and Hector cannot personify or be gods of actualities that their authorial creator has so debased here.
ETA: one week later-- Because I rate books based upon my personal experience with them, upon what they made me feel, or learn I have to add two stars to this for the very poignant, pertinent and timely lesson of the need to be extremely careful of that which and who you make your gods.
This should have been a ten star read for me. Polytheism / gods + open communication and worship of said deities + allegorisation of Fear, Love, Sex and Self-Realisation + being "right up my big daddy alley" = written just for me.
I gave this two stars because I did really enjoy the deities and the allegorisation of actualisation. Those elements meant a lot to me and they kept me reading. Other than that...
0% to 20% = This is fantastic! I'm loving this. Yaaay gods. Yum daddy.
20% to 40% = Okaaaaaay. Hmmm. Where is this going? Hector is starting to be problematic. Room for recovery, but, really, please pull back from the brink of destruction now.
40% to 60% = Stop! This is maddening and terribly sad. Hector is a total asshole and this is abuse! God, this is getting painful to read :-(
60% to 75% = No! Seriously! This is horrible! This is crazy. My heart is aching over this emotional abuse. Nooooooo!
75% to 95% = What. The. Ever. Loving. Fuck!
What the...I'm gonna need Botox, I'm switching between frowning so deeply and my eyebrows being pulled so sharply to my hairline in alternations between deep disgust and furious shock in my inability to believe the depths of this dysfunction.
95% to 100% = Literal deus ex machina and a truly rubbish attempt at wrapping up the ridiculous, at justifying the unjustifiable, at salvaging a shitfest, at reclaiming meaning from a story that reveals how poor some people's grasp is on what actually constitutes love and lust.
There are varying ways to have sex and varying avenues to love but the difference lays in expression not in definition. Sam and Hector cannot personify or be gods of actualities that their authorial creator has so debased here.
ETA: one week later-- Because I rate books based upon my personal experience with them, upon what they made me feel, or learn I have to add two stars to this for the very poignant, pertinent and timely lesson of the need to be extremely careful of that which and who you make your gods.
August 14, 2009
What a great unique take on the concept of gods and on the look at a D/s relationship. Finally for once a Dom that is not a mind reader, has his own issues and triggers and is by no interpretation, perfect. I am hooked and can't wait to read the next in the series.
This is not for the faint of heart though. The BDSM elements do get a bit extreme and so far they are more common than any real sex. Those scenes are erotic in their own way, but very little "making love" happens in this book.
This is not for the faint of heart though. The BDSM elements do get a bit extreme and so far they are more common than any real sex. Those scenes are erotic in their own way, but very little "making love" happens in this book.
August 22, 2022
If I could give negative stars I would.
First 30% - The premise is interesting, the gods among us thing is great. Magical realism. BDSM. I love it, so far.
Except then we get to the part where MC1 has PTSD from a previous abusive relationship, and MC2 turns out to be controlling and abusive himself, but it’s OK because it’s “true love” and it’s protecting MC1 from himself. Add in some victim blaming, some slut shaming, and magical dick at the end. Ugh. I hate this so much. And it was written just well enough to be truly insidious, not something I could just put down and be done with - I had to know how it ended.
Do not recommend.
First 30% - The premise is interesting, the gods among us thing is great. Magical realism. BDSM. I love it, so far.
Except then we get to the part where MC1 has PTSD from a previous abusive relationship, and MC2 turns out to be controlling and abusive himself, but it’s OK because it’s “true love” and it’s protecting MC1 from himself. Add in some victim blaming, some slut shaming, and magical dick at the end. Ugh. I hate this so much. And it was written just well enough to be truly insidious, not something I could just put down and be done with - I had to know how it ended.
Do not recommend.
November 17, 2012
"Chaos Magic" is not a typical M/M romance, in fact I wonder if it could be categorized as a romance. It's a pretty good story, has a good mix of fantasy, contemporary and the author's interpretation of mythology (which was unique - everyday people being Gods & Goddesses)
The beginning of the story took awhile to actually grasp my attention but once I finally became invested in "Chaos Magic", it became a pretty intense ride. For fans of BDSM and not sugar kink, this is a story you might appreciate. This story really is not for everyone - so fans of clear cut HEA and paper hearts and crystal butterflies need not apply.
Here's my bottom line:
The story - 8/10 - It's engaging. The characters will make you feel something whether it is love or hate...it's something. I felt for Sam, a victim of abuse and self denial, I'm happy he finally crossed the bridge to self worth. I wasn't too keen on how he used Hector to help him figure it out.
At first I was fond of Hector, then it went to dislike, then hate. Now I just tolerate him. He wasn't so much of a dick in the beginning, towards the end he was smelling himself or something. I'd like to have some one on one time with him - me, him, a baseball bat and a locked door where I only had the key. I think I disliked him more than Marcus and Marcus was the villain.
But as I said - the characters will evoke something out of you. This usually indicates it's a good story.
The delivery - 6/10 - To me, a bit sluggish in the beginning - I thought I would give up on the book a few times but I am happy I didn't. The last 5% though made me wonder...I wasn't extremely pleased with the ending but it is a HEA, I guess.
You like man on man action but angst, hurt/comfort, domestic abuse, BDSM and some mythology thrown in? This is a read for you.
Will I continue with this series? Yep. I need to see what happens with Sam and Hector. But not right away. THREE & A HALF STARS
The beginning of the story took awhile to actually grasp my attention but once I finally became invested in "Chaos Magic", it became a pretty intense ride. For fans of BDSM and not sugar kink, this is a story you might appreciate. This story really is not for everyone - so fans of clear cut HEA and paper hearts and crystal butterflies need not apply.
Here's my bottom line:
The story - 8/10 - It's engaging. The characters will make you feel something whether it is love or hate...it's something. I felt for Sam, a victim of abuse and self denial, I'm happy he finally crossed the bridge to self worth. I wasn't too keen on how he used Hector to help him figure it out.
At first I was fond of Hector, then it went to dislike, then hate. Now I just tolerate him. He wasn't so much of a dick in the beginning, towards the end he was smelling himself or something. I'd like to have some one on one time with him - me, him, a baseball bat and a locked door where I only had the key. I think I disliked him more than Marcus and Marcus was the villain.
But as I said - the characters will evoke something out of you. This usually indicates it's a good story.
The delivery - 6/10 - To me, a bit sluggish in the beginning - I thought I would give up on the book a few times but I am happy I didn't. The last 5% though made me wonder...I wasn't extremely pleased with the ending but it is a HEA, I guess.
You like man on man action but angst, hurt/comfort, domestic abuse, BDSM and some mythology thrown in? This is a read for you.
Will I continue with this series? Yep. I need to see what happens with Sam and Hector. But not right away. THREE & A HALF STARS
October 23, 2018
3.5 stars
I didn't enjoy/love this book like I did the first time I read it 9 years ago.
Original review...
I love, love, love this book. It's like a breath of fresh air with it's concept of Gods and Magic mixed in with a BDSM Master/slave lifestyle. If BDSM is not a subject you're comfortable with this may not be the book for you but if you enjoy reading about it or want to try something new I have no doubt this book and the next two in the series will blow you away.
This is the story of Sam Dewey, a true submissive and "pain slut" who was hurt badly by his ex-lover Marcus, the God of Fear. Even though it's been a few months Sam is still not fully recovered from his bad experience when he meets Hector Garza, who is a legend in the BDSM community. Sam immediately recognizes in Hector the leather-daddy Master he needs and they embark on a relationship that is by turns explosively hot, comforting and even a bit scary for Sam. Surrounded by some of the other Gods he worships and also by the ghost of Hector's grandmother, Sam slowly tries to build a life with his Papi. However, all is not rosy as Marcus continues to try and get Sam back.
This was a really fascinating story with many different factors involved in the story. Sam and Hector, the Gods, their lifestyle, friends and jobs yet it all just goes together so well. As I mentioned at the beginning, this is a very graphic look into a Master/slave relationship, and some scenes in the book may not be for everyone. However, with that said, I loved the book and highly recommend it. Ms. Lygon's writing is fabulous, from her descriptions of Long Beach where most of the book is set, to Sam's "internal" Japanese teahouse where he goes in search of his subspace, I found myself right there with Sam and Hector. This series is definitely one I will reread in the future!!
I didn't enjoy/love this book like I did the first time I read it 9 years ago.
Original review...
I love, love, love this book. It's like a breath of fresh air with it's concept of Gods and Magic mixed in with a BDSM Master/slave lifestyle. If BDSM is not a subject you're comfortable with this may not be the book for you but if you enjoy reading about it or want to try something new I have no doubt this book and the next two in the series will blow you away.
This is the story of Sam Dewey, a true submissive and "pain slut" who was hurt badly by his ex-lover Marcus, the God of Fear. Even though it's been a few months Sam is still not fully recovered from his bad experience when he meets Hector Garza, who is a legend in the BDSM community. Sam immediately recognizes in Hector the leather-daddy Master he needs and they embark on a relationship that is by turns explosively hot, comforting and even a bit scary for Sam. Surrounded by some of the other Gods he worships and also by the ghost of Hector's grandmother, Sam slowly tries to build a life with his Papi. However, all is not rosy as Marcus continues to try and get Sam back.
This was a really fascinating story with many different factors involved in the story. Sam and Hector, the Gods, their lifestyle, friends and jobs yet it all just goes together so well. As I mentioned at the beginning, this is a very graphic look into a Master/slave relationship, and some scenes in the book may not be for everyone. However, with that said, I loved the book and highly recommend it. Ms. Lygon's writing is fabulous, from her descriptions of Long Beach where most of the book is set, to Sam's "internal" Japanese teahouse where he goes in search of his subspace, I found myself right there with Sam and Hector. This series is definitely one I will reread in the future!!
April 20, 2013
A very creative romance that had parts that were completely inspired and other parts that I found uncomfortable and hard to read.
I LOVED the world that Lygon built—where Sam, a witch living in LA, could create gods out of regular people due to the intense power of his worship. Biker Angelina is the Goddess of Traffic; svelte Deal, the Goddess of Negotiation; neighbor Crash, the god of Computers, and abusive ex-boyfriend/master Marcus, the stinking God of Fear.
I loved the ways that Sam’s power filtered into the story, how his orgasm would cause ripples in the world around him (causing some lust-filled havoc to those nearby), and I loved how his Gods looked out for him, especially as he tried to recover from his past abusive relationship, and tried to regain a life of intimacy and trust with new bf/master Hector.
I also dug some of the imagery, especially when Sam retreated within himself to his “internal Japanese teahouse,” a multi-room inner sanctum where he went to get away from the world, or to explore when he was blissed out in subspace.
(I also dug that Sam is a bit of an unreliable first-person narrator, and details of his fears and intentions are sometimes only know to the reader by what other characters say.
What was harder for me: Sam is into a heavier BDSM pain-play than what I’m personally interested in reading about. I get why he likes it—it releases him in a way that other things don’t, and he craves the control that Hector provides, but I wasn’t super into the scenes so much that dotted throughout the book. (I did like how respectful Hector was to Sam’s limits, even his unspoken ones like not taking full body photos.)
What was the biggest hurdle though were the themes of domestic violence, both past and present. Sam was constantly struggling to get out from his ex’s evil influence that seeped in around him, and also was dealing with Hector’s knee-jerk jealousy and control issues. I totally get that Hector LOVES Sam, and the sweet post-scenes afterglow of them cuddling were awesome, but I had such a hard time enjoying the story with Hector’s fear and mistrust returning over and over again and battering at hopeful Sam who just wanted Hector to be happy. It just tasted really sour to me, so even when the fix-it denouncement comes very late in the book (like post-90%), and Sam regains his power, it didn’t feel like enough, and I kind of wished Sam took his awesome sexy self someplace else to get his HEA.
Your mileage will vary though and what pinged me may not strike you as hard, and you may enjoy it much more. For me, I loved the creativity of the world, and wished the whole book was full of those quirks and details. I can’t get into reformed abuser MCs though in a romance book (even though Hector isn’t in the same league as ex Marcus, he is still a reformed abuser by the end.) I just find the whole thing really upsetting, and for me, the world of sudden divinity and gods rising out of traffic jams felt more real and believable than the man groveling to be taken back after what had happened. I’ll take the traffic jam gods any day, thank you.
I LOVED the world that Lygon built—where Sam, a witch living in LA, could create gods out of regular people due to the intense power of his worship. Biker Angelina is the Goddess of Traffic; svelte Deal, the Goddess of Negotiation; neighbor Crash, the god of Computers, and abusive ex-boyfriend/master Marcus, the stinking God of Fear.
I loved the ways that Sam’s power filtered into the story, how his orgasm would cause ripples in the world around him (causing some lust-filled havoc to those nearby), and I loved how his Gods looked out for him, especially as he tried to recover from his past abusive relationship, and tried to regain a life of intimacy and trust with new bf/master Hector.
I also dug some of the imagery, especially when Sam retreated within himself to his “internal Japanese teahouse,” a multi-room inner sanctum where he went to get away from the world, or to explore when he was blissed out in subspace.
(I also dug that Sam is a bit of an unreliable first-person narrator, and details of his fears and intentions are sometimes only know to the reader by what other characters say.
What was harder for me: Sam is into a heavier BDSM pain-play than what I’m personally interested in reading about. I get why he likes it—it releases him in a way that other things don’t, and he craves the control that Hector provides, but I wasn’t super into the scenes so much that dotted throughout the book. (I did like how respectful Hector was to Sam’s limits, even his unspoken ones like not taking full body photos.)
What was the biggest hurdle though were the themes of domestic violence, both past and present. Sam was constantly struggling to get out from his ex’s evil influence that seeped in around him, and also was dealing with Hector’s knee-jerk jealousy and control issues. I totally get that Hector LOVES Sam, and the sweet post-scenes afterglow of them cuddling were awesome, but I had such a hard time enjoying the story with Hector’s fear and mistrust returning over and over again and battering at hopeful Sam who just wanted Hector to be happy. It just tasted really sour to me, so even when the fix-it denouncement comes very late in the book (like post-90%), and Sam regains his power, it didn’t feel like enough, and I kind of wished Sam took his awesome sexy self someplace else to get his HEA.
Your mileage will vary though and what pinged me may not strike you as hard, and you may enjoy it much more. For me, I loved the creativity of the world, and wished the whole book was full of those quirks and details. I can’t get into reformed abuser MCs though in a romance book (even though Hector isn’t in the same league as ex Marcus, he is still a reformed abuser by the end.) I just find the whole thing really upsetting, and for me, the world of sudden divinity and gods rising out of traffic jams felt more real and believable than the man groveling to be taken back after what had happened. I’ll take the traffic jam gods any day, thank you.
July 27, 2010
What a fantastic read! I love the gods/religion aspect. You can create a god just by praying to it. So there is a god of traffic and computer crashes etc... Such a fun, unique concept.
And frankly the sex is smoking hot. Sam is into spanking and rope bondage - oh yeah :D
I think the only thing that kept this from a 5 star read was some of the technical aspects of the gods & religion. I still have some questions in my mind - maybe those will be worked out in the following 2 books. But rest assured that if you have any interest in D/s - you will love this book :)
And frankly the sex is smoking hot. Sam is into spanking and rope bondage - oh yeah :D
I think the only thing that kept this from a 5 star read was some of the technical aspects of the gods & religion. I still have some questions in my mind - maybe those will be worked out in the following 2 books. But rest assured that if you have any interest in D/s - you will love this book :)
August 6, 2010
I gave this one 5 stars because the descriptions of Sam's feelings and panics were so real that I felt them myself. I even cried at one point.
The problems that Sam is dealing with were something I could relate to and made my connection to this character very strong. I am eager to read the next in this series to see where we go from here. :)
The problems that Sam is dealing with were something I could relate to and made my connection to this character very strong. I am eager to read the next in this series to see where we go from here. :)
July 11, 2012
This book has a terrible Amazon blurb - instead of being enticing it was actually offputting. It made the book sound like one of those pseudo-greek-mythology fictions that were popular a few years ago (possibly because the name Hector brought the Iliad to mind).
It would get recommended by GW, I would look at the blurb, and decide not to read it. Repeat and rinse from my memory and repeat again.
But so many readers whose opinion I trust kept praising the book, that I finally caved in, and it turned out to be something completely different!
Sam is a pagan believer whose worship is so sincere and powerful that he can incarnate gods by worshipping them. Some of them are very appropos, like the goddess of traffic (he lives in Los Angeles) and some are tricky like the Deal, the goddess of deal-making. Sam's rebounding from an abusive ex and finds Hector, a strong, controlling, and uber-jealous dominant. Hector's jealousy stems from the fact that he dated a series of cheaters before Sam. So this book is really about adorably weird sub Sam coping with his history of abuse, a still-persistent abuser, and a new jealous lover, set against a quirky background of modern L.A. with meddlesome living gods as side characters.
All the characters are drawn really well and this is a story that comes to life in vibrant color. There are some really hot scenes, but for me this book wasn't about the hot sex so much as it was about Sam's recovery and rejuvenation. This book has a nice conclusory ending, but I'm still happy that there are books 2 and 3 to look forward to. :)
It would get recommended by GW, I would look at the blurb, and decide not to read it. Repeat and rinse from my memory and repeat again.
But so many readers whose opinion I trust kept praising the book, that I finally caved in, and it turned out to be something completely different!
Sam is a pagan believer whose worship is so sincere and powerful that he can incarnate gods by worshipping them. Some of them are very appropos, like the goddess of traffic (he lives in Los Angeles) and some are tricky like the Deal, the goddess of deal-making. Sam's rebounding from an abusive ex and finds Hector, a strong, controlling, and uber-jealous dominant. Hector's jealousy stems from the fact that he dated a series of cheaters before Sam. So this book is really about adorably weird sub Sam coping with his history of abuse, a still-persistent abuser, and a new jealous lover, set against a quirky background of modern L.A. with meddlesome living gods as side characters.
All the characters are drawn really well and this is a story that comes to life in vibrant color. There are some really hot scenes, but for me this book wasn't about the hot sex so much as it was about Sam's recovery and rejuvenation. This book has a nice conclusory ending, but I'm still happy that there are books 2 and 3 to look forward to. :)
Want to read
June 20, 2016I'm doing something I rarely do and that's leave a sort of review before I've finished. For all that everyone and their mother I know who has read this loves it I am really fighting myself to finish.
I'm quite sure I'm as frustrated as Sam at this point at about 40% in. To be honest I'm not seeing Hector as any great Dom. In fact I don't even think he's a very good Dom most of the time. Although I do participate in a BDSM lifestyle and I certainly read a ton of kinky books (of all types from tame to non con rape) this D/s was completely unappealing to me. The amount of perfection expected by Hector I feel borders on (if it doesn't hit) abusive. Abuse is not only physical to me. The severe amount of rules and how he completely takes over so much of Sam's life left me feeling increasingly like Sam was going away and becoming something else. I think that's the opposite of what I'm supposed to be feeling - I get I'm supposed to be thinking all of the demands of Hector are somehow "freeing" Sam but it doesn't feel like that.
It reminds me *exactly* of organized religions that are heavily rule based. Do this the one right way or you'll be punished. You must strive for and achieve perfection. Less than that is not good enough. Leaving a bad taste in my mouth. But I'm going to continue...
I'm quite sure I'm as frustrated as Sam at this point at about 40% in. To be honest I'm not seeing Hector as any great Dom. In fact I don't even think he's a very good Dom most of the time. Although I do participate in a BDSM lifestyle and I certainly read a ton of kinky books (of all types from tame to non con rape) this D/s was completely unappealing to me. The amount of perfection expected by Hector I feel borders on (if it doesn't hit) abusive. Abuse is not only physical to me. The severe amount of rules and how he completely takes over so much of Sam's life left me feeling increasingly like Sam was going away and becoming something else. I think that's the opposite of what I'm supposed to be feeling - I get I'm supposed to be thinking all of the demands of Hector are somehow "freeing" Sam but it doesn't feel like that.
It reminds me *exactly* of organized religions that are heavily rule based. Do this the one right way or you'll be punished. You must strive for and achieve perfection. Less than that is not good enough. Leaving a bad taste in my mouth. But I'm going to continue...
December 14, 2012
Wild freaky melange of movie director trivia, LA pop culture, religion and BDSM. I loved the messy swirling mass of concepts that left you off-balance and wondering what was up.
February 28, 2012
Why I waited so long to read this book, I don't know, but the title fits perfectly. There is a lot of chaos--both good and bad--in this highly imaginative and highly hot BDSM M/M romance by Jay Lygon. Firstly and foremost, Lygon gets extra stars for his multicultural Long Beach/Belmont Shores setting and characters. Too many authors when setting their stories in Los Angeles, write about an L.A. that is somehow devoid of people of color, which is a freaking impossibility. What I loved was his Long Beach is the Long Beach I know well with its mix of students, immigrants, gay and lesbian folk and old-timers, the rich and the poor.
Oh wait, I do know the reason I skipped this. Because I hate BDSM books in which the submissive is some emotional/physical wreck and needs the firm hand of a Daddy to make things right. This plot device makes me cringe and it's been done to death (with varying degrees of success but mostly bad). However, I found myself really being into Sam's head and understanding his fears, especially of his ex-lover, the abusive Marcus. I liked Sam's quirky and sometimes self-depreciating sense of humor, but also the fact that deep inside he know who and what he is. What can I say about Hector the Daddy of Daddies? But he's not some stereotypical Dominant--he's got scars and he doesn't know everything. He can and is an asshole to Sam. I appreciate authors who understand that no matter how good a Top is, they aren't mind-readers and they are subject to human failings. Way too many books (most of which fall into the straight romance category for reasons I will be happy to discuss later) create the magical Daddy/Domaninant who knows exactly what the sub needs and when. Boring and so not real.
What really made Chaos Magic stand out was the fact that it's an interracial romance, something that always fires my happy jets. I loved the feel Lygon gave for Hector's life and his upbringing. Nanna was a hoot. I also loved all the gods and goddesses who are a part and parcel of Sam's life and being. The Goddess of Traffic is one I'm sure we've all prayed to at given times, but never did we imagine she was a bike-building, Harley-riding, no-nonsense chick. There were times where fantasy and reality collided but somehow it works. I realize there's a part two to this story so I'm out to get it. Sam and Hector's story is really just beginning. If you're looking for something that goes against the grain, and with characters--including the gods and goddesses--who feel like real people, and mostly if you're picky about your BDSM, this book will work for you.
Oh wait, I do know the reason I skipped this. Because I hate BDSM books in which the submissive is some emotional/physical wreck and needs the firm hand of a Daddy to make things right. This plot device makes me cringe and it's been done to death (with varying degrees of success but mostly bad). However, I found myself really being into Sam's head and understanding his fears, especially of his ex-lover, the abusive Marcus. I liked Sam's quirky and sometimes self-depreciating sense of humor, but also the fact that deep inside he know who and what he is. What can I say about Hector the Daddy of Daddies? But he's not some stereotypical Dominant--he's got scars and he doesn't know everything. He can and is an asshole to Sam. I appreciate authors who understand that no matter how good a Top is, they aren't mind-readers and they are subject to human failings. Way too many books (most of which fall into the straight romance category for reasons I will be happy to discuss later) create the magical Daddy/Domaninant who knows exactly what the sub needs and when. Boring and so not real.
What really made Chaos Magic stand out was the fact that it's an interracial romance, something that always fires my happy jets. I loved the feel Lygon gave for Hector's life and his upbringing. Nanna was a hoot. I also loved all the gods and goddesses who are a part and parcel of Sam's life and being. The Goddess of Traffic is one I'm sure we've all prayed to at given times, but never did we imagine she was a bike-building, Harley-riding, no-nonsense chick. There were times where fantasy and reality collided but somehow it works. I realize there's a part two to this story so I'm out to get it. Sam and Hector's story is really just beginning. If you're looking for something that goes against the grain, and with characters--including the gods and goddesses--who feel like real people, and mostly if you're picky about your BDSM, this book will work for you.
October 27, 2012
This book is wonderfully imaginative - for a long time I debated whether the paranormal aspects were all in the head of Sam, the narrator, or whether this was true urban fantasy. Sam is a wonderful character. His past relationship with an abusive Dom shades much of his daily life, from his fears about places he might meet his ex, Marcus, to his moments of panic. And his insistence that this is all minor and he is really fine, rings painfully true. I adored Sam.
Hector, the new Dom who takes him on, sometimes seems a little out his depth because he doesn't have a good handle on Sam's emotions and where they take Sam. Sometimes a small remark has a deep impact on Sam because of his past or who he is, and Hector misses it. I liked the way that generated realistic conflicts, and was a little annoyed that a paranormal moment was used to rectify things. But for the most part I loved the paranormal aspects, the idea that gods who are fervently prayed to gain power (hence the status of the Goddess of Traffic.)
The BDSM worked okay for me - I don't "get" BDSM unless the author really makes me feel why the character needs it. I saw that Sam did, but what he needed felt more extreme than I could connect with. I did appreciate Hector's tenderness with his Boy afterward. It made up for some of his lack of perceptiveness, and he became very human. This story kept me guessing and feeling along with Sam, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I immediately started the sequel.
Hector, the new Dom who takes him on, sometimes seems a little out his depth because he doesn't have a good handle on Sam's emotions and where they take Sam. Sometimes a small remark has a deep impact on Sam because of his past or who he is, and Hector misses it. I liked the way that generated realistic conflicts, and was a little annoyed that a paranormal moment was used to rectify things. But for the most part I loved the paranormal aspects, the idea that gods who are fervently prayed to gain power (hence the status of the Goddess of Traffic.)
The BDSM worked okay for me - I don't "get" BDSM unless the author really makes me feel why the character needs it. I saw that Sam did, but what he needed felt more extreme than I could connect with. I did appreciate Hector's tenderness with his Boy afterward. It made up for some of his lack of perceptiveness, and he became very human. This story kept me guessing and feeling along with Sam, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I immediately started the sequel.
March 18, 2012
Having just read the reviews for this book, I can see that I am in the minority as to my opinion. And, I don't think that I'll be able to adequately describe why I'm only giving this book 2 stars, but I'll try.
Sam is trying to get over his past abusive relationship with Marcus. He thinks that he has found the perfect Dom in Hector, but no matter what Sam does to please Hector, Hector is rarely satisfied. And as Sam's frustration grows, so does my own. I felt no love between the characters. I would NOT call this a romance. It just seemed like Hector was looking for someone who would be submissive to him, and Sam was looking for someone who would be dominant and would punish him, and since they found that in each other, they started a relationship and moved in together. Neither seemed to 'get' what the other was looking for. Sam was never the perfect sub, and Hector was never the perfect Dom. I think that they should have just called it a day and moved on.
This read like a contemporary novel, but then a god would pop into the picture and voice his/her opinion. I didn't think that aspect of the story was very well developed.
Anyway, I have already bought the next two books in this series, but I can't say that I am anxious to read them.
Sam is trying to get over his past abusive relationship with Marcus. He thinks that he has found the perfect Dom in Hector, but no matter what Sam does to please Hector, Hector is rarely satisfied. And as Sam's frustration grows, so does my own. I felt no love between the characters. I would NOT call this a romance. It just seemed like Hector was looking for someone who would be submissive to him, and Sam was looking for someone who would be dominant and would punish him, and since they found that in each other, they started a relationship and moved in together. Neither seemed to 'get' what the other was looking for. Sam was never the perfect sub, and Hector was never the perfect Dom. I think that they should have just called it a day and moved on.
This read like a contemporary novel, but then a god would pop into the picture and voice his/her opinion. I didn't think that aspect of the story was very well developed.
Anyway, I have already bought the next two books in this series, but I can't say that I am anxious to read them.
September 12, 2010
I actually don't know what to feel after reading this book. I loved Sam. I could so feel and understand his anxieties, how he tried to do everything, even disappearing and losing his SELF and just being a bottomless shelf; just to please Hector, his jealous control-freak Master. It's obvious I didn't like him.
Nevertheless, I liked the book and will read the next in the series and see how this relationship develops.
Nevertheless, I liked the book and will read the next in the series and see how this relationship develops.
October 16, 2015
As much as I hated Hector, ok hate is strong - dislike is better, I still really enjoyed this book. Such a unique story!
August 2, 2017
Необычная книга, и написана неплохо.
Главный герой может силой молитв делать из обычных людей богов (например, бывший Дом-абьюзер - Бог страха, нынешний - Бог любви). Половину книги я думала, что это аллегория, и боги, призраки, магия - исключительно в голове ГГ. Оказалось, что нет. Поэтому минус полбалла за всю эту позаимственную у Геймана "божественную" хренотень.
Половина книга - это БДСМ сцены. БДСМ у них 24/7, и в который раз убеждаюсь, что такой вариант отношений - не мое. Axel's Pup, наверное, единственный нормальный пример.
Сюжет: парень-саб, жертва домашнего насилия, знакомится с Домом, который тоже начинает закручивать гайки: жесткими манипуляциями заставляет переехать к себе; без его разрешения из дома выходить нельзя; на других мужчин (бейсбол по телевизору!) смотреть нельзя; продукты покупай только те, что он скажет; с работы увольняйся - сиди дома, готовь мне борщи; если что сделаешь не так - уматывай (а уходить-то уже некуда - Дом об этом позаботился). Больно читать, как парень с работой, спортивными увлечениями, друзьями все больше и больше превращается в раба, который только и делает, что готовит еду, убирает дом и вылизывает ботинки своего хозяина. В итоге, вся эта ситуация взрывается. Последние 25 процентов книги - просто пипец. Ставлю четыре звезды за вызванные эмоции (что в последнее время - редкость).
Еще минус полбалла за конец:
Главный герой может силой молитв делать из обычных людей богов (например, бывший Дом-абьюзер - Бог страха, нынешний - Бог любви). Половину книги я думала, что это аллегория, и боги, призраки, магия - исключительно в голове ГГ. Оказалось, что нет. Поэтому минус полбалла за всю эту позаимственную у Геймана "божественную" хренотень.
Половина книга - это БДСМ сцены. БДСМ у них 24/7, и в который раз убеждаюсь, что такой вариант отношений - не мое. Axel's Pup, наверное, единственный нормальный пример.
Сюжет: парень-саб, жертва домашнего насилия, знакомится с Домом, который тоже начинает закручивать гайки: жесткими манипуляциями заставляет переехать к себе; без его разрешения из дома выходить нельзя; на других мужчин (бейсбол по телевизору!) смотреть нельзя; продукты покупай только те, что он скажет; с работы увольняйся - сиди дома, готовь мне борщи; если что сделаешь не так - уматывай (а уходить-то уже некуда - Дом об этом позаботился). Больно читать, как парень с работой, спортивными увлечениями, друзьями все больше и больше превращается в раба, который только и делает, что готовит еду, убирает дом и вылизывает ботинки своего хозяина. В итоге, вся эта ситуация взрывается. Последние 25 процентов книги - просто пипец. Ставлю четыре звезды за вызванные эмоции (что в последнее время - редкость).
Еще минус полбалла за конец:
October 24, 2011
What on earth is going on? I feel like I've been dropped in the middle of a series with absolutely no background. I had to double check several times to make sure there wasn't another book before this one. I was very confused for a long time, but I ended up enjoying this book.
I gave it a 4 because of the creativity. The world created by Mr. Lygon was pretty clever. I liked all the gods and goddesses. I also shed a couple of tears in a few of the scenes. I sad for Sam. He is so sweet and terribly abused. Marcus should be shot. I can't stand him.
I'm so fascinated by this world that I have to read the next. The ending of the story finally brought it all together for me. Excellent.
I gave it a 4 because of the creativity. The world created by Mr. Lygon was pretty clever. I liked all the gods and goddesses. I also shed a couple of tears in a few of the scenes. I sad for Sam. He is so sweet and terribly abused. Marcus should be shot. I can't stand him.
I'm so fascinated by this world that I have to read the next. The ending of the story finally brought it all together for me. Excellent.
July 8, 2012
This started out strong: a stern, growly Dom, some nice hurt/comfort, clever first-person narration by Sam. Unfortunately, for me it was all downhill from there. I tuned out for most of the god and goddess stuff. Hector turned emotionally abusive. And then the dreaded stalker subplot. All in all, this story just imploded in a cloud of crazy.
September 7, 2017
2.5 Stars Look somehow I should have liked this better than I did, but I just didn't feel like the relationship was balanced. I didn't like Hector. He didn't come across as a good Dom to me. All I could see was how much further and further into his spiral he was pushing Sam. I liked Sam, but that was it. I'm not sure if I want to read the rest of the series or not.
I did enjoy the way the Gods/Goddess were set up in this book. That was unique and fresh. But because most of the book felt like PWP it just didn't work as a whole for me.
I did enjoy the way the Gods/Goddess were set up in this book. That was unique and fresh. But because most of the book felt like PWP it just didn't work as a whole for me.
Read
February 27, 2013Dang. Can I give this book a "none of the above" rating? Please?
I have no idea what to think of this book overall. First, in the interest of full disclosure, the 24/7-Daddy/boy-domestic discipline type of relationship is SOOOO not my thing. It tends to make me cringe, sneer, roll my eyes, get nauseous, shudder in revulsion, and/or throw a book across the room, depending on the specific relationship portrayed. So I'm not the target audience for this book, in a big way.
That said -- and dangit, I'm gonna spoiler tag the whole next section of this review, 'cause I just don't want to restrain myself with the spoilers on this one --
So -- I have no idea how to rate this book. If I rated different sections, my section ratings would vary from 1 to 4 stars. 3 stars is too mediocre a rating to acknowledge the highs and lows of the book, 1 star ignores the highs, and 4 stars ignores the lows. Sigh.
For now, at least, no rating!
I have no idea what to think of this book overall. First, in the interest of full disclosure, the 24/7-Daddy/boy-domestic discipline type of relationship is SOOOO not my thing. It tends to make me cringe, sneer, roll my eyes, get nauseous, shudder in revulsion, and/or throw a book across the room, depending on the specific relationship portrayed. So I'm not the target audience for this book, in a big way.
That said -- and dangit, I'm gonna spoiler tag the whole next section of this review, 'cause I just don't want to restrain myself with the spoilers on this one --
So -- I have no idea how to rate this book. If I rated different sections, my section ratings would vary from 1 to 4 stars. 3 stars is too mediocre a rating to acknowledge the highs and lows of the book, 1 star ignores the highs, and 4 stars ignores the lows. Sigh.
For now, at least, no rating!
Read
March 25, 2009All right, I can't explain well what this book is like and what it has left to me. It's chaotic, energy, fantasy, fear, pain, pleasure... all mixed up in an huge melting pot.
Sam is a twenty-something years old guy who wants with all himself a Master in his life; he needs him, he craves him. He wants sex, yes, but not only, he wants to be dominate by someone, to be controlled. But he is just escaped from an abusive partner, that still manages to influence him and prevents him to find a real partner. Sam, like many before him, thinks he deserves to be beaten, and so he deserves the pain Marcus inflicts to him, and it is not the pain/pleasure he really wants.
Then he meets Hector, a forty-something Dominant, with an high propension to sadism. But Hector is also a caring person, who wants to rule his boy, but also protects him. He is the very daddy Sam wants, if only he manages to go over his fear.
Around them we have an huge set of supporting characters, made of gods, goddess and even a ghost. You will learn that a god is real only if you believe in him, only if you worship him: so a god could be also your neighbour, if you believe in him.
Jay Lygon succeedes in balancing well the delicate relation between pleasure and pain, boy and Master, sex and love, sex and fear...
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1603703691/?...
Sam is a twenty-something years old guy who wants with all himself a Master in his life; he needs him, he craves him. He wants sex, yes, but not only, he wants to be dominate by someone, to be controlled. But he is just escaped from an abusive partner, that still manages to influence him and prevents him to find a real partner. Sam, like many before him, thinks he deserves to be beaten, and so he deserves the pain Marcus inflicts to him, and it is not the pain/pleasure he really wants.
Then he meets Hector, a forty-something Dominant, with an high propension to sadism. But Hector is also a caring person, who wants to rule his boy, but also protects him. He is the very daddy Sam wants, if only he manages to go over his fear.
Around them we have an huge set of supporting characters, made of gods, goddess and even a ghost. You will learn that a god is real only if you believe in him, only if you worship him: so a god could be also your neighbour, if you believe in him.
Jay Lygon succeedes in balancing well the delicate relation between pleasure and pain, boy and Master, sex and love, sex and fear...
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1603703691/?...
November 25, 2012
I found the book confusing. In the beginning, I wondered if Sam just lived in his own world and much of what he thought was not real. Judging by the ending and description of the sequel, I guess his beliefs were real. Hector did not seem like a good Dom to me; he was selfish and did not tell Sam clearly what was required of him. He did not communicate well with Sam and gave conflicting messages. The ending was a HFN ending to me because Hector is suppose to make changes for the relationship to work. Readers are not shown those changes or given an epilogue to show the two working well together. The story ends quickly after a big discord almost ends the couple. The discord was settled and the story given a happy ending but I would have liked to see the two actually make the relationship work. I would have also liked to be shown that Sam could keep his job.
June 19, 2017
★★★★☆½ ~ 4.5 Stars
1st-person POV's always make a character a bit more difficult to get. You get Sam's side and to flesh Sam out, you get everyone around Sam's perceptions of Sam.
Sam is a bratty sub with an appetite for pain. Which knowledge in the wrong hands, can mean bad things for Sam, like Sam's previous beau, Marcus. He has hidden his wounds instead of dealing with them.
When he meets Hector, he sees the Daddy he needs. But Hector comes with his own baggage.
Let's go on Hector and Sam's journey.
1st-person POV's always make a character a bit more difficult to get. You get Sam's side and to flesh Sam out, you get everyone around Sam's perceptions of Sam.
Sam is a bratty sub with an appetite for pain. Which knowledge in the wrong hands, can mean bad things for Sam, like Sam's previous beau, Marcus. He has hidden his wounds instead of dealing with them.
When he meets Hector, he sees the Daddy he needs. But Hector comes with his own baggage.
Let's go on Hector and Sam's journey.
May 26, 2012
Hmmmmm, this book was quite something - very unusual but also very entertaining. I am the first to admit that I am easily entertained, but this one was unique. It took me a bit of getting used to the ideas that made this book different (not the sex - the characters) so original and a bit quirky too. But once I started going with the flow and not trying to analyze it too much I found myself rather amused and enjoyed the story. I will definitely be reading the next in the series.
October 5, 2010
Very good kinky m/m urban fantasy series about a willful submissive who's also a powerful witch and who worships an unusual set of gods: the God of Traffic, The God of Negotiation, etc. As he tries to stay out of the way of his abusive ex, he meets a powerful and compelling dominant and his whole life changes.
July 12, 2016
This started as a bit of a slow burner for me but come the end I couldn't put it down. Although it's part of a series I liked the way the story ended, it felt complete. I'm looking forward to the next book.
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