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The Loft Trilogy #1
The Loft
When a former acquaintance of James’ becomes involved with a shady character and James’ efforts to help him backfire, Tate decides it is up to him to save the day even if it means putting himself in danger. (Featuring the characters from Elizabeth Lister's The James Lucas Trilogy)
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Published July 8, 2016
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About the author
Elizabeth Lister
24 books94 followersContemporary, erotic, kinky, queer.
I live in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada with my husband and two children. I have a BA in Psychology and a certificate in Dramatic Scriptwriting. I very much enjoy writing erotic fiction and exploring the vast arena of sexuality and relationships.
Non-binary/gender fluid, She/her/They/them.
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/knowy...
Website: http://aelister.com
Blog: http://moderneroticromance.blogspot.c...
I live in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada with my husband and two children. I have a BA in Psychology and a certificate in Dramatic Scriptwriting. I very much enjoy writing erotic fiction and exploring the vast arena of sexuality and relationships.
Non-binary/gender fluid, She/her/They/them.
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/knowy...
Website: http://aelister.com
Blog: http://moderneroticromance.blogspot.c...
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 20, 2016
Writing: ★★★★★
Story: ★★★★★
Characters: ★★★★★
Overall rating: 5.0
Okay, so as most of my friends know, I don't read M/M and or menage... but I've learned to never say never! I met the author, Elizabeth Lister, on my group when her book came up as the mid-month book read, and I enjoyed the interaction she had with all of us, and several of the members were going to read the book, and to the shock of my friends I decided to give it a go. Thank you for gifting the book to me, Elizabeth, hopefully this review will be considered as my gift to you.
The darker side of this story was with Oliver, a submissive male that found his "Dominant", Terrence, on an online BDSM site. The "Dominant" was actually an abuser hiding behind the definition of BDSM, using it to cover his abusive tendencies.
Tate, what a bratty little sub he can be sometimes! I really enjoyed his character, and the naughty things he said and did in fun. But I also like, that even though he was, at first, jealous of Oliver, he realized that Oliver was in danger and took it upon himself to try and save Oliver, only to find himself in a dangerous situation too.
Sebastian, was another character I really enjoyed, and would love to hear his thoughts as we heard Tate's in this book.
James, well who doesn't love a strong, caring, loving Dominant? James has all of those traits and more. His main concern is always the well being of his submissives... even when they are naughty!
I looked at this book from a submissives point of view, looking through the submissive eyes of Tate, and reading the book for what it truly was about, a relationship between a Dominant and his submissives. And.. it. was. beautiful.
Thank you Elizabeth for writing a book that showed the beauty of this type of relationship, and the difference between BDSM consensual play and abuse. Well done!
Story: ★★★★★
Characters: ★★★★★
Overall rating: 5.0
Okay, so as most of my friends know, I don't read M/M and or menage... but I've learned to never say never! I met the author, Elizabeth Lister, on my group when her book came up as the mid-month book read, and I enjoyed the interaction she had with all of us, and several of the members were going to read the book, and to the shock of my friends I decided to give it a go. Thank you for gifting the book to me, Elizabeth, hopefully this review will be considered as my gift to you.
I went into this read with an open mind about it being an M/m/m, also knowing that it was a BDSM heavy story helped with my decision since I live the lifestyle as a submissive myself.
So, I have to say that I *thoroughly enjoyed* this novella! Ms. Lister brought out the beautiful side of a consensual BDSM relationship. She showed 3 men, James the Dominant, Tate and Sebastian (James') submissives, and the love they shared, the day to day rapport, and she showed how love and respect go hand in hand in these relationships.
The darker side of this story was with Oliver, a submissive male that found his "Dominant", Terrence, on an online BDSM site. The "Dominant" was actually an abuser hiding behind the definition of BDSM, using it to cover his abusive tendencies.
Oliver, though he'd been taught better, didn't practice the *Safe, Sane, and Consensual* (number one) rule of true and healthy BDSM, in this instance with Terrences. I felt that Oliver was more concerned with having a Dominant than being safe. Ms. Lister clearly defines the difference in BDSM and an abusive relationship. For that, I thank her.
Tate, what a bratty little sub he can be sometimes! I really enjoyed his character, and the naughty things he said and did in fun. But I also like, that even though he was, at first, jealous of Oliver, he realized that Oliver was in danger and took it upon himself to try and save Oliver, only to find himself in a dangerous situation too.
Sebastian, was another character I really enjoyed, and would love to hear his thoughts as we heard Tate's in this book.
James, well who doesn't love a strong, caring, loving Dominant? James has all of those traits and more. His main concern is always the well being of his submissives... even when they are naughty!
I looked at this book from a submissives point of view, looking through the submissive eyes of Tate, and reading the book for what it truly was about, a relationship between a Dominant and his submissives. And.. it. was. beautiful.
Thank you Elizabeth for writing a book that showed the beauty of this type of relationship, and the difference between BDSM consensual play and abuse. Well done!
February 11, 2020
The key to great sex is intention and connection
The Loft books are novellas about the characters from The James Lucas Trilogy. I have not yet read this trilogy but intend to do, since I did like reading about them.
James is a controlling Dom who is very much in love with his two subs, Tate & Sebastian. They have a hot and exclusive relationship and James is very committed to them but he is also very adamant about not allowing jealousy into their relationship. When a former student of James comes into their lives, things heat up, and Tate makes some stupid decisions.
Tate's actions, even though improvident, brings the three closer but not without a punishment from James.
James, you never disappoint. And that’s why I love you.
The Loft Trilogy is the spin-off series of the James Lucas Trilogy and is best enjoyed when read in order:
BuddyRead for the The Erogenous Zone, Book of the Month
August 25, 2016
Love Love Loved this book! I have not read the James Lucas trilogy yet and didn't feel I needed too. I was disappointed when the story was over as I had not realized how short it was going to be. I wanted so much more.
James, Tate and Sebastian are the main characters. The story is written from Tate's point of view. Tate and Sebastian being the submissives and James their dominant.
Enter Oliver to the story. He is an ex student of James. Oliver gets himself mixed up with a not so nice dominant. Tate takes it upon himself to try to help Oliver which in turn helps James. I loved the chemistry between the 3 guys. Can't wait to read more!!!
*provided by the Author through the BDSM group on Goodreads.
James, Tate and Sebastian are the main characters. The story is written from Tate's point of view. Tate and Sebastian being the submissives and James their dominant.
Enter Oliver to the story. He is an ex student of James. Oliver gets himself mixed up with a not so nice dominant. Tate takes it upon himself to try to help Oliver which in turn helps James. I loved the chemistry between the 3 guys. Can't wait to read more!!!
*provided by the Author through the BDSM group on Goodreads.
August 23, 2016
I was given this book by the author in return for an honest review via the BDSM Goodreads group.
This was a really nice surprise. I was expecting porn and instead it's a wonderful erotic novella with terrific, rounded characters and a beat-the-monster plot - with an HEA!
I liked Tate, the young, impetuous hero of the story, James the Dom who is totally sane, experienced and tough, and Sebastian, their sweet, sensitive, kind third. They're very human, very attractive, and there are hints of flaws and breaks in their complex relationship that will make a fine novel or two. The writing's good, the pacing excellent, and there's a real sense of time and place.
The only thing I didn't like, and it's really nitpicking, is that visit to the doctor towards the end. I know some readers demand "messages" but all the condom talk and technical information came across as stilted. I'd fiddle with that a little, probably reduce it to a very short paragraph.
But like I said, nitpicking. The Loft is definitely recommended!
This was a really nice surprise. I was expecting porn and instead it's a wonderful erotic novella with terrific, rounded characters and a beat-the-monster plot - with an HEA!
I liked Tate, the young, impetuous hero of the story, James the Dom who is totally sane, experienced and tough, and Sebastian, their sweet, sensitive, kind third. They're very human, very attractive, and there are hints of flaws and breaks in their complex relationship that will make a fine novel or two. The writing's good, the pacing excellent, and there's a real sense of time and place.
The only thing I didn't like, and it's really nitpicking, is that visit to the doctor towards the end. I know some readers demand "messages" but all the condom talk and technical information came across as stilted. I'd fiddle with that a little, probably reduce it to a very short paragraph.
But like I said, nitpicking. The Loft is definitely recommended!
August 17, 2016
Featuring the same 3 MCs from The James Lucas Trilogy this short book takes place some time after they become a threesome.
Whilst out one day James is greeted by Oliver, an old student. Its transpires that Oliver is playing woth a bad dom and ends up injured in hospital.
When I first read the blurb, I thought that maybe this threesome was going to get an an occasoional 4th. I am glad that that isnt the case. I hate extras being added to established groups.
I am looking forward to the remaining books in this series to see if they veer off with Oliver or stay with Tate, Sebastian and James.
Whilst out one day James is greeted by Oliver, an old student. Its transpires that Oliver is playing woth a bad dom and ends up injured in hospital.
When I first read the blurb, I thought that maybe this threesome was going to get an an occasoional 4th. I am glad that that isnt the case. I hate extras being added to established groups.
I am looking forward to the remaining books in this series to see if they veer off with Oliver or stay with Tate, Sebastian and James.
July 26, 2017
7/26 - going to reread to prepare for The Loft.
mmm, I thought for a minute the author was going to go with a different ending... What an interesting series that could be. Anyway, really great story - love these characters.
mmm, I thought for a minute the author was going to go with a different ending... What an interesting series that could be. Anyway, really great story - love these characters.
September 2, 2016
This is a very well written read with a MMM dynamic the just works! If you like BDSM you'll love the quick read. This is my first time reading this author and I'm looking forward to reading more from her!
October 25, 2016
3.5 stars ....I could probably have done with reading the others first ...
August 30, 2016
3.5 stars. I usually have a hard time with novellas because I want more build and depth- but I really enjoyed this one. I think I would have rated it higher and loved it more if I had the back story with these three men. This is my first M/m/m book and it was a very interesting dynamic. I really liked Tate- probably because he was so bratty. I thought the three of them complemented each other so well- James' understated Dom style, Tate's brattiness and Sebastian's compliant nature. The author did a very nice job building the love and connection between them in a short space and that's hard to do (and the sex scenes were hot, too!).
August 31, 2016
It had been a while since I left James, Sebastian, and Tate to get on with their lives without me. Let me tell you, withdrawal was a bitch. Over a year later, The Loft comes onto my radar. I did a double take because my eyes must have been playing tricks on me. Are these three beautiful men about to walk back into my life?
Yes. Yes, they are. Being reacquainted with this trio was everything I hoped it would be. There was love, drama, and the heat! *licks lips* Ooohh, the heat. There was a particularly delicious sounding scene that I can’t stop replaying; it’s now like a mental screen saver that comes on in my head when it’s not occupied with other RW issues.
Steam factor aside, this story touches on a couple of heavy topics like HIV/AIDS and abuse. As a consequence, it’s a novella that is hard to forget when it is a story that is more than just for entertainment value. I appreciate that this story makes the distinction between what is safe, sane, and consensual in BDSM and what is abuse; and that abuse doesn’t discriminate between sex and gender.
A story that is well-written, well-paced, has an engaging and titillating plot, and is educational without being clinical – what more can you want? …Well, a full-length novel – but I’m greedy like that. How long will I have to go without these men? Because the idea of having to wait another year…
*Free copy provided by the Author through the BDSM group on goodreads
Yes. Yes, they are. Being reacquainted with this trio was everything I hoped it would be. There was love, drama, and the heat! *licks lips* Ooohh, the heat. There was a particularly delicious sounding scene that I can’t stop replaying; it’s now like a mental screen saver that comes on in my head when it’s not occupied with other RW issues.
Steam factor aside, this story touches on a couple of heavy topics like HIV/AIDS and abuse. As a consequence, it’s a novella that is hard to forget when it is a story that is more than just for entertainment value. I appreciate that this story makes the distinction between what is safe, sane, and consensual in BDSM and what is abuse; and that abuse doesn’t discriminate between sex and gender.
A story that is well-written, well-paced, has an engaging and titillating plot, and is educational without being clinical – what more can you want? …Well, a full-length novel – but I’m greedy like that. How long will I have to go without these men? Because the idea of having to wait another year…
*Free copy provided by the Author through the BDSM group on goodreads
August 22, 2016
Received from the author in exchange for an honest review via the BDSM Group on Goodreads.
This just happens to be not just my first MMM, but my first MM. What a lovely, hot, and exciting read to start me off! It’s not just a kink story, but an incredible love story, with extremely tight bonds (hehehe!) between three sexy studs who care about each other deeply. A three-way relationship is a dynamic that you don’t always expect to work, but these guys only have eyes for each other.
The relationship aside, it is quite an instructional story, showing the difference between a loving, consensual BDSM relationship, and abuse. The contrasts are quite obvious. The author also touches on points that wouldn’t have even crossed my mind, on how difficult it can be for those in a BDSM relationship to be believed with regards to abuse, even more so for gay men and the extra stigma they have to face.
The story itself is told entirely from Tate’s POV, which means that the other characters aren’t as rounded off. There is enough about James to give his character, but Sebastian feels a little bit left out, especially when you consider that it was pretty easy to get an idea of Terrence’s character.
Great pacing as troubles are encountered and frustrations are worked out in the “Loft”. Am definitely looking forward to reading more, starting with the backstory! ;)
Final rating: ★★★★☆ – Really liked
November 23, 2017
I'm kinda sorry I did not read the James Lucas Trilogy before I read this book. I had a feeling I missed a lot of background info on James and Tate & Sebastian. Still, I enjoyed this book. Although it was a really short story, it was a complete story. For me, it felt like this could have been a true story; genuine and real.
Featuring the same 3 character from The James Lucas Trilogy; this short book takes place some time after they become a threesome.
{Ondanks dat het een kort verhaal was, was het wel een compleet verhaal. Achteraf jammer dat ik niet eerst de James Lucas Trilogy gelezen heb, voordat ik aan dit boek begon...maar ja, dat is achteraf.}
The Erogenous Zone; BotM August 2016.
Featuring the same 3 character from The James Lucas Trilogy; this short book takes place some time after they become a threesome.
{Ondanks dat het een kort verhaal was, was het wel een compleet verhaal. Achteraf jammer dat ik niet eerst de James Lucas Trilogy gelezen heb, voordat ik aan dit boek begon...maar ja, dat is achteraf.}
The Erogenous Zone; BotM August 2016.
October 15, 2016
This short story while short in length was big in content. From the James Lucas stable we are shown a loving, safe,sane and consensual menage BDSM relationship. In contrast we are given the consequences of a wannabe DOM sexually and physically abusing a submissive. In addition we get insight into the HIV/AIDS world and all that entails.
It was lovely to get another look into the lives of James, Tate and Sebastian. Tate is jealous when they bump into Oliver an old acquaintance of James at the local library. He is quickly shown the error of his ways but things get worse when Oliver turns up injured at James flat one night. Tate thinking he can be St George and slay the dragon, lies to James and Sebastian and (fortunately) lives to regret his impetuous action.
5 stars
It was lovely to get another look into the lives of James, Tate and Sebastian. Tate is jealous when they bump into Oliver an old acquaintance of James at the local library. He is quickly shown the error of his ways but things get worse when Oliver turns up injured at James flat one night. Tate thinking he can be St George and slay the dragon, lies to James and Sebastian and (fortunately) lives to regret his impetuous action.
5 stars
December 4, 2016
3.5 stars
Conflicted about this one. I've been reading about these three since the first book came out. I don't feel particularly good about where these three stand. It seems to be working for them though. Also Not sure I appreciated Tate's TSTL moment.
Conflicted about this one. I've been reading about these three since the first book came out. I don't feel particularly good about where these three stand. It seems to be working for them though. Also Not sure I appreciated Tate's TSTL moment.
March 6, 2017
Sunday Shorts has kind of fallen by the wayside a bit this year—mea culpa—but I'm going to play some catch-up. I've been reading short fiction and novellas with a full on clip this year, but the reviewing part?
Well, as I said: mea culpa.
I try to be the guy who owns up when I fall behind (and having a public blog to hold myself accountable to said goals is one of the ways I do manage to say on track). Between the horrendously endless grey-white of winter and my own mood, I went south, dove into reading, and haven't been writing much at all, let alone reviews.
So, to be clear: I fell behind, this has nothing to do with the quality of the books I've been reading, and I totally need to own my mistake in falling behind.
And speaking of having the guts to take ownership of a mistake, let's revisit the guys from Elizabeth Lister's James Lucas trilogy...
Revisiting the trio from the James Lucas Trilogy was like putting on a comfortable pair of shoes (okay, maybe more like a comfortable leather harness), I slipped right into this novella.
When a former acquaintance of James’ becomes involved with a shady character and James’ efforts to help him backfire, Tate decides it is up to him to save the day even if it means putting himself in danger.
So Tate makes a couple of mistakes in this short novella, and from there the whole narrative spins forward. One: he allows himself a moment of jealousy when he sees a former client of James' Loft days speaking with James with an obviously close confidence. That threatens Tate in a way his already polyamorous relationship doesn't, and it's from there the stage is set for his ever-increasing well-meaning but bad choices.
When Tate learns James' old friend is in a troubling and potentially dangerous relationship, he dives into the situation without a lot of forethought, and of course ends up in danger himself.
What Lister does with these three characters is magic on a couple of levels. On the one hand, Lister does her research. Be it consent, contracts, kink of any kind (and there are some rarely seen kinks in this piece—sounding, anyone?), I have never found even a shred of fault in the depiction, which always walks the perfect example of "safe and sane."
Two, the intersection of these three characters with very different points of view balances the queer mentality really, really well. These men live and breathe and exist in very different circles (I love that Lister writes a character who is involved in the church as well as a character who wants nothing to do with religion), have different ages and life experiences, and have formed a unit that's strong without making the parts feel weaker alone.
Well, as I said: mea culpa.
I try to be the guy who owns up when I fall behind (and having a public blog to hold myself accountable to said goals is one of the ways I do manage to say on track). Between the horrendously endless grey-white of winter and my own mood, I went south, dove into reading, and haven't been writing much at all, let alone reviews.
So, to be clear: I fell behind, this has nothing to do with the quality of the books I've been reading, and I totally need to own my mistake in falling behind.
And speaking of having the guts to take ownership of a mistake, let's revisit the guys from Elizabeth Lister's James Lucas trilogy...
Revisiting the trio from the James Lucas Trilogy was like putting on a comfortable pair of shoes (okay, maybe more like a comfortable leather harness), I slipped right into this novella.
When a former acquaintance of James’ becomes involved with a shady character and James’ efforts to help him backfire, Tate decides it is up to him to save the day even if it means putting himself in danger.
So Tate makes a couple of mistakes in this short novella, and from there the whole narrative spins forward. One: he allows himself a moment of jealousy when he sees a former client of James' Loft days speaking with James with an obviously close confidence. That threatens Tate in a way his already polyamorous relationship doesn't, and it's from there the stage is set for his ever-increasing well-meaning but bad choices.
When Tate learns James' old friend is in a troubling and potentially dangerous relationship, he dives into the situation without a lot of forethought, and of course ends up in danger himself.
What Lister does with these three characters is magic on a couple of levels. On the one hand, Lister does her research. Be it consent, contracts, kink of any kind (and there are some rarely seen kinks in this piece—sounding, anyone?), I have never found even a shred of fault in the depiction, which always walks the perfect example of "safe and sane."
Two, the intersection of these three characters with very different points of view balances the queer mentality really, really well. These men live and breathe and exist in very different circles (I love that Lister writes a character who is involved in the church as well as a character who wants nothing to do with religion), have different ages and life experiences, and have formed a unit that's strong without making the parts feel weaker alone.
July 18, 2016
4.5 star review by The Blogger Girls.
I highly recommend you read The James Lucas Trilogy before reading this, as it is the whole story of how these three got to this point. I fell in love with James from the very start and love him even more with Tate and Sebastian. They are now in a pretty comfortable triad, though Tate and Sebastian are living together with James still maintaining his own place, though they all spend much of their time together at both places. The loft is located at James’ place, and is their version of a dungeon.
This short story was so incredibly enjoyable. It contains all of the elements of a full story condensed into a shorter one but without any feeling of something missing. The pacing is good and never feels rushed or that details are skipped over which I find often occurs in shorter stories. This was basically a glimpse of a time in the middle of their relationship which showed they are normal guys with normal feelings and relationship woes. Tate is having some jealousy issues that arise when one of James’ old students wants to resume their sessions.
Even though we get so see a more vulnerable James this time around, when that student runs into trouble after James turned him down, he is always the ever-in-control James that I came to love. He is honest with Tate and Sebastian about their relationship and his commitment to it and remains adamant about not allowing jealousy to interfere. Tate tests things in the name of trying to help James, which almost causes a lot of problems but ends up putting these three right again.
I loved seeing these three again and was so excited to see this little spinoff trilogy. I’m really looking forward to the next two installments and hope they are as well written and fleshed out as this one. These three are in a BDSM relationship, but it is much more than that and not very heavy on the structured side of things. James is an amazing dom, and it shows every time he interacts with Tate and Sebastian. I have definitely enjoyed and recommend that series and now this one as well.
July 25, 2016
Ontario, Canada. James Lucas (gay), enjoyed sex with Sebastian (gay, Pet Luv, church choir singer) more so than with Tate Mackenzie (Sebastian’s gay roomate).
The 3 of them were going to the library.
There they got to meet Oliver (James ex-gay lover).
What happened to Sebasitan & James when they went to the Centretown Pub (gay bar).
What were Terrence Gauthier & Oliver fueding about?
Why did Tate call James?
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written erotic gay (novella) book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great erotic gay movie, or better yet a paid-per-view mini TV series. To be continued. I’m strickly heterosexual. It was just OK for me so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; MLR Press LLC.; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
The 3 of them were going to the library.
There they got to meet Oliver (James ex-gay lover).
What happened to Sebasitan & James when they went to the Centretown Pub (gay bar).
What were Terrence Gauthier & Oliver fueding about?
Why did Tate call James?
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written erotic gay (novella) book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great erotic gay movie, or better yet a paid-per-view mini TV series. To be continued. I’m strickly heterosexual. It was just OK for me so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; MLR Press LLC.; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
dnf
June 23, 2017DNF. MMM, not my cup of tea.
October 26, 2016
Engaging and short read. Definitely worth picking up. Especially if your looking for some seriously hot and steamy scenes.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews