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Maestro
Gay and happily married, Leo has helped manage a large, influential nonprofit arts foundation over the past ten years. He has built a friendly rapport with the elderly billionaire who began it, but he has enemies within the foundation.
Leo’s birthday is on February 13, and that has always meant candles on heart-shaped cupcakes and birthday cards with “Happy Valentine’s Day” crossed out. To celebrate, Andrew, Leo’s mystery writer husband, arranges a tryst for Leo with Mel, a gifted violinist who is one of Andrew’s biggest fans.
What started as mere pleasure becomes a three-part harmony as Leo, Andrew, and Mel explore the ways their kinks and needs mesh—until Leo’s enemies attempt to use evidence of the liaison to force him out of his job.
Maestro contains adult content suitable for mature readers only.
Leo’s birthday is on February 13, and that has always meant candles on heart-shaped cupcakes and birthday cards with “Happy Valentine’s Day” crossed out. To celebrate, Andrew, Leo’s mystery writer husband, arranges a tryst for Leo with Mel, a gifted violinist who is one of Andrew’s biggest fans.
What started as mere pleasure becomes a three-part harmony as Leo, Andrew, and Mel explore the ways their kinks and needs mesh—until Leo’s enemies attempt to use evidence of the liaison to force him out of his job.
Maestro contains adult content suitable for mature readers only.
- GenresM M RomanceRomance
56 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 8, 2016
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 9, 2017
3.5 hearts
Loved this set-up for a threesome. It was so different to anything I’ve read before. Andrew and Leo are married and have an open relationship... well Andrew does. They have an agreement where Andrew can have as many ‘trysts’ as he likes as long as he uses a condom. Leo knows Andrew will be coming back to him at the end of the day…. or the next morning, so he’s happy with the open relationship. Leo has only ever been with Andrew and is happy to keep it that way, that is until he meets Mel (also called ‘Irish’). Mel is one of Andrew’s trysts, and his birthday present to Leo.
A few things felt off with their relationship, despite how much I liked the premise of an open relationship. Even though Andrew having trysts is a mutual decision and agreed upon, Leo still uses words such as ‘cheating’ and ‘being faithful’ which made me feel like that's how he saw it, that made me uncomfortable. It’s like he had only agreed to the open relationship to make Andrew happy, not because he was comfortable with it.
Then the connection between the three was fairly rushed, but I generally give leniency in that regard to novellas because there is just not enough time to establish a strong relationship. That being said I liked the way these three interacted with each other, each character was unique and I could clearly see what Mel could add to Leo and Andrews relationship.
The sexual tension and build-up to the threesome was well done. We got to see Leo’s thoughts and concerns about entering into a threesome for the first time and Andrew reassuring him. There were some subtle D/S tones in the sex which was hot. Also a pretty sensual blindfolded, food sex scene which was delicious in every sense of the word.
There was a weird sub-plot about Leo dealing with some homophobic pricks at work which I was half interested in, but this took up too much of an already short storyline. Also, Leo’s work issue resolution was the last scene of the book instead of the three establishing where they'd move on from their night together. It felt a little incomplete.
Definitely a solid HFN. All in all a fun, sexy, unique threesome novella, with a few little niggly issues.
Loved this set-up for a threesome. It was so different to anything I’ve read before. Andrew and Leo are married and have an open relationship... well Andrew does. They have an agreement where Andrew can have as many ‘trysts’ as he likes as long as he uses a condom. Leo knows Andrew will be coming back to him at the end of the day…. or the next morning, so he’s happy with the open relationship. Leo has only ever been with Andrew and is happy to keep it that way, that is until he meets Mel (also called ‘Irish’). Mel is one of Andrew’s trysts, and his birthday present to Leo.
A few things felt off with their relationship, despite how much I liked the premise of an open relationship. Even though Andrew having trysts is a mutual decision and agreed upon, Leo still uses words such as ‘cheating’ and ‘being faithful’ which made me feel like that's how he saw it, that made me uncomfortable. It’s like he had only agreed to the open relationship to make Andrew happy, not because he was comfortable with it.
Then the connection between the three was fairly rushed, but I generally give leniency in that regard to novellas because there is just not enough time to establish a strong relationship. That being said I liked the way these three interacted with each other, each character was unique and I could clearly see what Mel could add to Leo and Andrews relationship.
The sexual tension and build-up to the threesome was well done. We got to see Leo’s thoughts and concerns about entering into a threesome for the first time and Andrew reassuring him. There were some subtle D/S tones in the sex which was hot. Also a pretty sensual blindfolded, food sex scene which was delicious in every sense of the word.
There was a weird sub-plot about Leo dealing with some homophobic pricks at work which I was half interested in, but this took up too much of an already short storyline. Also, Leo’s work issue resolution was the last scene of the book instead of the three establishing where they'd move on from their night together. It felt a little incomplete.
Definitely a solid HFN. All in all a fun, sexy, unique threesome novella, with a few little niggly issues.
May 9, 2020
This was a short quick read that I liked. Leo and Andrew are happily married couple Leo’s birthday is on February 13, and Andrew has a few surprises for him. One of them being the talented violinist Leo meets in the subway Mel. The three of them hook up and have some hot sex. Leo has enemies at his job they don't like the fact that he is gay. This was my first time reading this of author and although I wanted more this book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
February 10, 2016
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
3.75 Stars
Having never heard of this author before Maestro came as a nice surprise to me. Mostly I really enjoyed the story, I felt a few parts could have been better fleshed out or better explained, but Mel, Leo and Andrew’s romp felt a little naughty but with a chance for more.
Leo works for an art foundation and his role there comes with conditions. He has always been honest with him employers regarding his sexuality but there are those within the foundation that frown upon his lifestyle and seem determined to shout loudly about anything they see that isn’t to their liking. Leo’s husband’s birthday gift is definitely one of those things.
Andrew and Leo are married but it hasn’t always been a bed of roses. Andrew’s wandering eye and high sex drive led them to an open relationship for a while, which Leo appeared happy with providing Andrew always came home to him. Latterly Andrew has had to adjust a lot of things in his life due to illness, at the start of the book he seems to be just coming out the other side, his libido is returning amongst other things, but then he throws a curveball when he gives Leo his birthday present.
His birthday gift is Mel. For one night or more isn’t clear and this was where it got slightly awry for me. When the three men get together for their tryst it is entirely consensual and pretty hot but Leo quickly sinks into a submissive state that came out of nowhere. It worked for them on page but I was completely blindsided as there had been no prior discussion or anything to suggest that this was the norm for Leo and Andrew.
Overall it works out well although I can see it not being everyone’s cup of tea. The ending is left with a slightly open ended feel as Leo quiets the nay sayers at work and the leaves the opportunity for more hanging in the balance.
3.75 Stars
Having never heard of this author before Maestro came as a nice surprise to me. Mostly I really enjoyed the story, I felt a few parts could have been better fleshed out or better explained, but Mel, Leo and Andrew’s romp felt a little naughty but with a chance for more.
Leo works for an art foundation and his role there comes with conditions. He has always been honest with him employers regarding his sexuality but there are those within the foundation that frown upon his lifestyle and seem determined to shout loudly about anything they see that isn’t to their liking. Leo’s husband’s birthday gift is definitely one of those things.
Andrew and Leo are married but it hasn’t always been a bed of roses. Andrew’s wandering eye and high sex drive led them to an open relationship for a while, which Leo appeared happy with providing Andrew always came home to him. Latterly Andrew has had to adjust a lot of things in his life due to illness, at the start of the book he seems to be just coming out the other side, his libido is returning amongst other things, but then he throws a curveball when he gives Leo his birthday present.
His birthday gift is Mel. For one night or more isn’t clear and this was where it got slightly awry for me. When the three men get together for their tryst it is entirely consensual and pretty hot but Leo quickly sinks into a submissive state that came out of nowhere. It worked for them on page but I was completely blindsided as there had been no prior discussion or anything to suggest that this was the norm for Leo and Andrew.
Overall it works out well although I can see it not being everyone’s cup of tea. The ending is left with a slightly open ended feel as Leo quiets the nay sayers at work and the leaves the opportunity for more hanging in the balance.
June 4, 2016
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
3.5 sexy stars rounded up to 4* as it was Leo's birthday!
I really enjoyed this short, sensual and very engaging story.
Given its length, I am amazed at how much I know about these men, their careers, foibles and desires - as well as just how hot they are when together! I liked the background story of Leo's job and the issues there. The best bit of all though was that these three men are very comfortable with themselves and with each other - so we get a real feast after a very brief build up. I would love for this to be a whole novel, and maybe with the favourable reception that this author's work should receive, she will think about delving deeper - or maybe giving us a longer follow up.
I will definitely be adding Ms M. Crane Hana to my 'one to watch out for' list of authors.
3.5 sexy stars rounded up to 4* as it was Leo's birthday!
I really enjoyed this short, sensual and very engaging story.
Given its length, I am amazed at how much I know about these men, their careers, foibles and desires - as well as just how hot they are when together! I liked the background story of Leo's job and the issues there. The best bit of all though was that these three men are very comfortable with themselves and with each other - so we get a real feast after a very brief build up. I would love for this to be a whole novel, and maybe with the favourable reception that this author's work should receive, she will think about delving deeper - or maybe giving us a longer follow up.
I will definitely be adding Ms M. Crane Hana to my 'one to watch out for' list of authors.
June 12, 2017
A well done slice of erotica, set in a very cultured setting. I think the characters were drawn pretty well for a rather short story. The world build was very good too, as it featured an author, an artist and an executive. Some background for the characters, particularly for Andrew, was established in a concise but complete way. I'd really like to see a longer, developed story for these men, but this was pretty complete in itself, except for a slightly abrupt ending.
March 24, 2017
Maestro is my first book by author M. Crane Hana and I really enjoyed it. It had just the right amount of drama mixed with sexual heat to make my hour commute this morning very pleasurable.
It starts out simple enough with Andrew and Leo having a great early morning ‘celebration’ for Leo’s birthday. Andrew has made a few surprise arrangements for Leo’s day, one of them being an encounter with a talented violinist Leo meets in the subway. Leo then heads off to work where there is drama surrounding a few enemies within the foundation where he works. Seems they don’t like the fact that he is gay and has a partner. Later on there is another tryst with the violinist only this time it’s a happy ménage. It ends with more office drama where Leo saves the day and triumphs over his enemies.
Maestro is a short read but in that small amount of time, I feel the author gave us quite a bit of info regarding Andrew and Leo for that moment in time. Andrew comes across as a former wild child but has changed (most) of his ways for Leo. Leo I found to be very likable and accepting to Andrew’s creative ways. Throwing Mel into the story added just the right amount of spice not only in the sex department but also to the dynamics of the story. T Leo’s enemies not liking his lifestyle choices and the drama that happens in the office added a nice balance to the storyline.
If I had to gripe about anything, it would be how abruptly I felt the story ended. One minute Leo is getting the upper hand on his enemies and then…the end. What? Hang on. That wasn’t quite a HEA nor can I call it a HFN ending. I can only guess everybody had road off into the sunset all smiles from that ending, so instead of reminiscing on how much I enjoyed the story, my brain is hung up on the ending.
I received this book from the JeepDiva for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine.
Stars - 3, Flames - 4.5
It starts out simple enough with Andrew and Leo having a great early morning ‘celebration’ for Leo’s birthday. Andrew has made a few surprise arrangements for Leo’s day, one of them being an encounter with a talented violinist Leo meets in the subway. Leo then heads off to work where there is drama surrounding a few enemies within the foundation where he works. Seems they don’t like the fact that he is gay and has a partner. Later on there is another tryst with the violinist only this time it’s a happy ménage. It ends with more office drama where Leo saves the day and triumphs over his enemies.
Maestro is a short read but in that small amount of time, I feel the author gave us quite a bit of info regarding Andrew and Leo for that moment in time. Andrew comes across as a former wild child but has changed (most) of his ways for Leo. Leo I found to be very likable and accepting to Andrew’s creative ways. Throwing Mel into the story added just the right amount of spice not only in the sex department but also to the dynamics of the story. T Leo’s enemies not liking his lifestyle choices and the drama that happens in the office added a nice balance to the storyline.
If I had to gripe about anything, it would be how abruptly I felt the story ended. One minute Leo is getting the upper hand on his enemies and then…the end. What? Hang on. That wasn’t quite a HEA nor can I call it a HFN ending. I can only guess everybody had road off into the sunset all smiles from that ending, so instead of reminiscing on how much I enjoyed the story, my brain is hung up on the ending.
I received this book from the JeepDiva for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine.
Stars - 3, Flames - 4.5
February 8, 2016
My rating is actually 3.5 stars.
To paraphrase Susan Sarandon in Bull Durham, “Oh, my…” This is short, sweet, and steaming hot. I don’t recommend this for a commute because you may have to plead a hot flash when desperately fanning yourself to cool off.
The blurb above is actually a pretty good overview. Andrew is coming off of several years of diabetes related illness, a reputation as a party hound, and he’s deeply in love with Leo. Leo loves Andrew back, enough to look away from Andrews trysts because he knows Andrew belongs to him. To celebrate Leo’s birthday, Andrew arranges for a rather unusual personal performance by “Irish” – a violin husker in the subway. When Leo sees “Irish” wearing a one of a kind scarf owned by Andrew, Leo gets far, far more than musical serenade. Doubly so when Leo finds out there’s a second act that evening.
Oh my hotness! The connection between the three men was incredibly well written. I enjoyed the emotional dance that went through Leo’s head over the course of the day and evening – his fears, his hidden anxieties, his love for Andrew and his enjoyment at having all three of them together.
However, even with the fireworks on page – I felt a bit bereft. I wanted more. More Andrew and Leo before birthday, more of all three after birthday, more of Leo’s work situation. In short – a longer story.
But I’m not sure that a longer story would be a better story. Sometimes the strength lies in short, sweet, with lots of heat. And that Maestro delivers in an 1812 Overture style (BOOM!).
Overall, a very enjoyable, fast, and scorching read.
Review cross posted at Gay Book Reviews
Copy of book provided by author for a fair and honest review. Thank you!
To paraphrase Susan Sarandon in Bull Durham, “Oh, my…” This is short, sweet, and steaming hot. I don’t recommend this for a commute because you may have to plead a hot flash when desperately fanning yourself to cool off.
The blurb above is actually a pretty good overview. Andrew is coming off of several years of diabetes related illness, a reputation as a party hound, and he’s deeply in love with Leo. Leo loves Andrew back, enough to look away from Andrews trysts because he knows Andrew belongs to him. To celebrate Leo’s birthday, Andrew arranges for a rather unusual personal performance by “Irish” – a violin husker in the subway. When Leo sees “Irish” wearing a one of a kind scarf owned by Andrew, Leo gets far, far more than musical serenade. Doubly so when Leo finds out there’s a second act that evening.
Oh my hotness! The connection between the three men was incredibly well written. I enjoyed the emotional dance that went through Leo’s head over the course of the day and evening – his fears, his hidden anxieties, his love for Andrew and his enjoyment at having all three of them together.
However, even with the fireworks on page – I felt a bit bereft. I wanted more. More Andrew and Leo before birthday, more of all three after birthday, more of Leo’s work situation. In short – a longer story.
But I’m not sure that a longer story would be a better story. Sometimes the strength lies in short, sweet, with lots of heat. And that Maestro delivers in an 1812 Overture style (BOOM!).
Overall, a very enjoyable, fast, and scorching read.
Review cross posted at Gay Book Reviews
Copy of book provided by author for a fair and honest review. Thank you!
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February 14, 2019Content Warnings
I enjoyed this polyamorous romance quite a bit. It starts out more as an open relationship, with a long history of that, but ends up leaning towards a resolution as a triad, which felt rather sweet. I especially appreciated the way the workplace issue was handled in the story; I admit to being rather concerned about how it might play out when it was introduced, but The sex and kink in the story was lovely and hot, and I especially appreciated how intensely into the music the MC was, and the way he thought through the meaning of the birthday present his husband gave him. This resolves to a happy for now, and I'd gladly read more about these characters, or a longer version of this story. The characterization was complex and the story itself was engaging all the way through. I am definitely going to be looking into this author's backlist.
I enjoyed this polyamorous romance quite a bit. It starts out more as an open relationship, with a long history of that, but ends up leaning towards a resolution as a triad, which felt rather sweet. I especially appreciated the way the workplace issue was handled in the story; I admit to being rather concerned about how it might play out when it was introduced, but The sex and kink in the story was lovely and hot, and I especially appreciated how intensely into the music the MC was, and the way he thought through the meaning of the birthday present his husband gave him. This resolves to a happy for now, and I'd gladly read more about these characters, or a longer version of this story. The characterization was complex and the story itself was engaging all the way through. I am definitely going to be looking into this author's backlist.
June 30, 2016
This is a short story about a couple in New York who’ve been together for years. Andrew has had multiple “extramarital” relations with Leo’s sanctions, but Leo has only ever been with Andrew.
Andrew meets a violinist, Mel, that really gets him excited so he arranges for Leo to have a liaison with him as well.
Suddenly there are problems with being caught in a three-way relationship that leave the men in hiding.
**
This ended on a strange note – maybe a HFN? – but it felt like it stopped in the middle of a scene almost. I wasn’t sure what Andrew was thinking – Leo had never wanted to have anything to do with extra men in their bed, but suddenly he’s going for it with Mel.
While I love ménage – this didn’t work for me.
The writing was fine, but it didn’t feel like a complete story.
2.5 of 5 stars
Andrew meets a violinist, Mel, that really gets him excited so he arranges for Leo to have a liaison with him as well.
Suddenly there are problems with being caught in a three-way relationship that leave the men in hiding.
**
This ended on a strange note – maybe a HFN? – but it felt like it stopped in the middle of a scene almost. I wasn’t sure what Andrew was thinking – Leo had never wanted to have anything to do with extra men in their bed, but suddenly he’s going for it with Mel.
While I love ménage – this didn’t work for me.
The writing was fine, but it didn’t feel like a complete story.
2.5 of 5 stars
December 20, 2016
Hot like burning, sharp and beautifully worded.
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