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Wine & Song #1
Songs You Know by Heart
When David was younger, he spent a lot of Saturday nights on his knees: in alleys, in men’s rooms, occasionally behind a hedge in Central Park. He liked it rough and he still does, but he tries to be safer about his choice of partners and locations these days.
He didn’t expect an attempted mugging to be the cause of his relapse. The guy shoves him up against a tree and puts a knife to his throat, and something in his voice makes David want to offer him anything – so he does.
It was a stupid idea – David’s had a million of them – but he got it out of his system. When his mugger shows up at his door in the rain like a lost puppy, it’s hard to say who is more surprised when David invites him to come inside.
Previously published under another pen name - Songs You Know by Heart, by Dr. Noh.
Contains explicit scenes.
He didn’t expect an attempted mugging to be the cause of his relapse. The guy shoves him up against a tree and puts a knife to his throat, and something in his voice makes David want to offer him anything – so he does.
It was a stupid idea – David’s had a million of them – but he got it out of his system. When his mugger shows up at his door in the rain like a lost puppy, it’s hard to say who is more surprised when David invites him to come inside.
Previously published under another pen name - Songs You Know by Heart, by Dr. Noh.
Contains explicit scenes.
95 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2008
13 people are currently reading
366 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
January 5, 2018
This is a review for the whole 5-novella series, since it pulled me in to where I bought one after the other without stopping, reading until 2 AM. I no longer remember individual installments, but the series as a whole was engaging, with distinct characters whom I cared about, so I'm giving it 5 stars despite any improbabilities and flaws. Each installment ends on a resting point, not a cliffhanger, but the HFNs are thin and I think it does need to be read as a whole.
David is a guy in his late thirties who needs his sex with an edge of danger and pain, humiliation and submission. When he was younger, he sought that in BDSM clubs and in bars and alleyways, knowing that he was risking his safety, unable to find satisfaction in tamer ways. One evening, walking home from a costume party, he's grabbed from behind by a young man who holds a knife to his neck and demands his money. He isn't carrying any, and as the would-be mugger gets frustrated, David finds himself turned on by the encounter, and offering his services instead. The mugger sends him on his way, but a week later David finds himself heading through the same park and gets jumped by the same guy and that encounter goes much more in the direction of his fantasies.
The improbable start to this relationship is made to seem somehow plausible by David's needs, his ennui, his taste for reckless danger with his sex, and his underlying desperation that he can never get exactly what he craves elsewhere. His satisfaction with his wealthy life is at such a low ebb that it becomes just barely plausible he would endanger it with the choices he makes towards a young stranger. The very unlikeliness of it was oddly appealing.
Jasper/Jazz turns out to be a broke 21-year-old musician, living rough, desperate for just enough cash to land a piano playing job, and far from a hardened criminal. As they dance around the edges of each other's lives for a while, they find that Jazz's natural bent toward domination fits David's need to subjugate himself to someone else. Jazz has never been with a man before, and his willingness to accept his bisexuality, D/s, and the bits of exhibitionist kink, seems a bit smooth, given his small town working class background. On the other hand, he is a musician with an artist's openness to experiences.
This is a fast-sex, slow-romance series. Jazz has never even thought about a relationship with a man, and David has always assumed he wasn't the relationship type. Jazz is prickly about finances, seventeen years younger, and still figuring out his future. There's a lot of working through on both the emotional and physical sides of things. And as David begins to include Jazz in various parts of his life, they will encounter people who have known David a long time, who have preconceptions, affections, grudges, and jealousies that can derail a determined but fairly naive young man.
As improbable as the beginning was, this still felt real, as these two very different men forge their obstacle-laden way forward. David mostly fights his own fears and habitual ways of thinking, and his perception of their age difference as an inevitable ending, with his awareness of how little Jazz has yet seen and decided about the shape of his future. Jazz deals with the wealth difference, his jealousies, and his musical ambitions set against his life with David. Both men have some family baggage that tinges their lives. The series is emotional, but not angsty, hot but not gratuitously so as each encounter plays a part in their developing relationship. The BDSM is far more D/s than SM. (In fact, my one real quibble was the degree to which David's needs and desires for sharper play seemed to soften when with Jazz.) I finished the series satisfied, and yet would read more of these two any time. Added to my favorites.
David is a guy in his late thirties who needs his sex with an edge of danger and pain, humiliation and submission. When he was younger, he sought that in BDSM clubs and in bars and alleyways, knowing that he was risking his safety, unable to find satisfaction in tamer ways. One evening, walking home from a costume party, he's grabbed from behind by a young man who holds a knife to his neck and demands his money. He isn't carrying any, and as the would-be mugger gets frustrated, David finds himself turned on by the encounter, and offering his services instead. The mugger sends him on his way, but a week later David finds himself heading through the same park and gets jumped by the same guy and that encounter goes much more in the direction of his fantasies.
The improbable start to this relationship is made to seem somehow plausible by David's needs, his ennui, his taste for reckless danger with his sex, and his underlying desperation that he can never get exactly what he craves elsewhere. His satisfaction with his wealthy life is at such a low ebb that it becomes just barely plausible he would endanger it with the choices he makes towards a young stranger. The very unlikeliness of it was oddly appealing.
Jasper/Jazz turns out to be a broke 21-year-old musician, living rough, desperate for just enough cash to land a piano playing job, and far from a hardened criminal. As they dance around the edges of each other's lives for a while, they find that Jazz's natural bent toward domination fits David's need to subjugate himself to someone else. Jazz has never been with a man before, and his willingness to accept his bisexuality, D/s, and the bits of exhibitionist kink, seems a bit smooth, given his small town working class background. On the other hand, he is a musician with an artist's openness to experiences.
This is a fast-sex, slow-romance series. Jazz has never even thought about a relationship with a man, and David has always assumed he wasn't the relationship type. Jazz is prickly about finances, seventeen years younger, and still figuring out his future. There's a lot of working through on both the emotional and physical sides of things. And as David begins to include Jazz in various parts of his life, they will encounter people who have known David a long time, who have preconceptions, affections, grudges, and jealousies that can derail a determined but fairly naive young man.
As improbable as the beginning was, this still felt real, as these two very different men forge their obstacle-laden way forward. David mostly fights his own fears and habitual ways of thinking, and his perception of their age difference as an inevitable ending, with his awareness of how little Jazz has yet seen and decided about the shape of his future. Jazz deals with the wealth difference, his jealousies, and his musical ambitions set against his life with David. Both men have some family baggage that tinges their lives. The series is emotional, but not angsty, hot but not gratuitously so as each encounter plays a part in their developing relationship. The BDSM is far more D/s than SM. (In fact, my one real quibble was the degree to which David's needs and desires for sharper play seemed to soften when with Jazz.) I finished the series satisfied, and yet would read more of these two any time. Added to my favorites.
October 16, 2019
*2,75 stars*
I have the distinct feeling I’m missing something here.
No doubt this short novella is different. To call it a BDSM romance is maybe a little bit exaggerated, even though it contains elements of dom/sub power play and David is part of the scene off page.
To me it felt like one of these (for me) weird modern dramas where you have to guess half of the staff that’s going on and are left hanging dry at the end, still unsure what exactly is going on. And the abrupt ending, leaving tons of stuff open, doesn’t help either.
What David does in this novella is downright bonkers. Like insane with an intent on getting killed. I found it really difficult to wrap my head around that, and it’s not the sex we are talking about, although safety here is also dubious.
Tbh, I can’t even say whether I liked it or not.
I finished it anyway.
What remains is a simple – WTH???????
I have the distinct feeling I’m missing something here.
No doubt this short novella is different. To call it a BDSM romance is maybe a little bit exaggerated, even though it contains elements of dom/sub power play and David is part of the scene off page.
To me it felt like one of these (for me) weird modern dramas where you have to guess half of the staff that’s going on and are left hanging dry at the end, still unsure what exactly is going on. And the abrupt ending, leaving tons of stuff open, doesn’t help either.
What David does in this novella is downright bonkers. Like insane with an intent on getting killed. I found it really difficult to wrap my head around that, and it’s not the sex we are talking about, although safety here is also dubious.
Tbh, I can’t even say whether I liked it or not.
I finished it anyway.
What remains is a simple – WTH???????
July 2, 2014
3.5 Happily in Love Stars
FREE TO READ GOODY!!!
What a wonderful, surprising short read. In under 20k words I connected enough to laugh at, worry for and even tear up a bit during this read.
David, the wealthy, snobish curmugeon "meets" Jazz, the talented, but uneducated street-kid and nothing is the same for either of them again. As their unlikely story unfolds what becomes most apparent is how much these two opposites need each other.
If you like a story with hot, hot, hot sexy scenes, an age difference, and a grouch that just needs a little tender loving care (at the hands of a unbeknownst-to-himself Dom) give this a shot. I can almost promise that you'll be smiling at the end.
There are BDSM tendencies, a possibly difficult to swallow (ehem) beginning and a bit of a rushed feel, but none of that kept me from absolutely enjoying this story. I recommend it without hesitation. Much, much to enjoy here :)
~ ~ ~
Join our Group Read for the FREE read in the SSBB Group here:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
If you're not already a member you should be. All FREE reads that haven't failed to amaze me yet!
Hope to see you.
FREE TO READ GOODY!!!
What a wonderful, surprising short read. In under 20k words I connected enough to laugh at, worry for and even tear up a bit during this read.
David, the wealthy, snobish curmugeon "meets" Jazz, the talented, but uneducated street-kid and nothing is the same for either of them again. As their unlikely story unfolds what becomes most apparent is how much these two opposites need each other.
If you like a story with hot, hot, hot sexy scenes, an age difference, and a grouch that just needs a little tender loving care (at the hands of a unbeknownst-to-himself Dom) give this a shot. I can almost promise that you'll be smiling at the end.
There are BDSM tendencies, a possibly difficult to swallow (ehem) beginning and a bit of a rushed feel, but none of that kept me from absolutely enjoying this story. I recommend it without hesitation. Much, much to enjoy here :)
~ ~ ~
Join our Group Read for the FREE read in the SSBB Group here:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
If you're not already a member you should be. All FREE reads that haven't failed to amaze me yet!
Hope to see you.
December 1, 2017
Highly enjoyable series! #teamdavid
March 5, 2012
3.5 stars. Good short m/m romance about a wealthy jerk of a businessman with a taste for rough sex who offers to blow the straight guy who mugs him in the park, never expecting to see him again...
April 4, 2016
Now this is the kind of May-December D-s I like. 3.5 stars
March 11, 2018
A promising start
The premise of this novella - a rich guy ending up with the younger guy who mugs him in a park - was just too intriguing for me to pass up. It is definitely not all smooth sailing for them, but pretty entertaining for me as a reader. I look forward to reading more in the series.
The premise of this novella - a rich guy ending up with the younger guy who mugs him in a park - was just too intriguing for me to pass up. It is definitely not all smooth sailing for them, but pretty entertaining for me as a reader. I look forward to reading more in the series.
Read
January 10, 2012Excellent example of just how good internet m/m can be. A short story, but excellent complexity and character building with so few words. And fun. Heh.
August 27, 2016
Why should this be okay with two men, when it would stink to hell and back with a het couple?
Very unlikeable characters, irritating sarky prose.
Very unlikeable characters, irritating sarky prose.
December 16, 2018
This was quite an unusual book, and that's precisely what I liked about it. I couldn't help but compare it to another, which I very much liked, but I realize that's not exactly fair of me to do, so I'm not gonna disclose the other book. Besides, I think it was a mere coincidence.
It's been written in a humorous way, and even if the events themselves weren't that funny, I smiled a lot.
There were some aspects of this story I'm not sure you guys will like; I'm somewhere in the middle, neutral. For example:
It started out with a not so realistic encounter between the two men. And I scratched my head, like 'what the hell' but I just kept going and I'm so glad I did.
David is a neat freak and a workaholic, who's into BDSM. I suspect he needs it too, though we didn't get to the why just yet. Jazz is not gay. But for some reason he enjoyed his first experience with David and he kept going back for more.
They sought out each other constantly. Like magnets, one pushed the other pulled.
This book is about the beginning of their story and it was more physical than anything else. I already peeked into the next, it continues right where the first left off, and I see it going into the romance territory. So this will be a nice journey.
It's been written in a humorous way, and even if the events themselves weren't that funny, I smiled a lot.
There were some aspects of this story I'm not sure you guys will like; I'm somewhere in the middle, neutral. For example:
It started out with a not so realistic encounter between the two men. And I scratched my head, like 'what the hell' but I just kept going and I'm so glad I did.
David is a neat freak and a workaholic, who's into BDSM. I suspect he needs it too, though we didn't get to the why just yet. Jazz is not gay. But for some reason he enjoyed his first experience with David and he kept going back for more.
They sought out each other constantly. Like magnets, one pushed the other pulled.
This book is about the beginning of their story and it was more physical than anything else. I already peeked into the next, it continues right where the first left off, and I see it going into the romance territory. So this will be a nice journey.
February 12, 2019
Voy a reseñar la serie al completo porque no se puede leer uno sin el otro y va ganando calidad conforme pasan los libros.
En principio era un libro más con temática D/s (aunque completamente diferente a muchas otras) pero al final es la historia completa de cómo una relación se va cimentando poco a poco aunque al principio te parezca que "no pegan ni con cola"
Me encantaron los MC, los secundarios no tienen desperdicio,los diálogos son muy ágiles y agudos y el desarrollo de la historia me gustó mucho, y como pasan muchas cosas a lo largo de los cinco libros estás enganchada hasta que se acaba.
Y además hay sex.... lots of sex.... hacia el final acaba resultando un poco "cansino" pero en los primeros libros les ayuda mucho en su relación por lo cual se acepta y hasta agradece.
En principio era un libro más con temática D/s (aunque completamente diferente a muchas otras) pero al final es la historia completa de cómo una relación se va cimentando poco a poco aunque al principio te parezca que "no pegan ni con cola"
Me encantaron los MC, los secundarios no tienen desperdicio,los diálogos son muy ágiles y agudos y el desarrollo de la historia me gustó mucho, y como pasan muchas cosas a lo largo de los cinco libros estás enganchada hasta que se acaba.
Y además hay sex.... lots of sex.... hacia el final acaba resultando un poco "cansino" pero en los primeros libros les ayuda mucho en su relación por lo cual se acepta y hasta agradece.
May 10, 2024
Somewhere over Georgia, he tucked it between the pages of The Plague to mark his place and closed his eyes. He dreamt of rats, a whole concert hall full of them, every beady eye intent on the stage where Jazz was playing.
为什么我写不出这样的句子这样的故事！I'm envious!
为什么我写不出这样的句子这样的故事！I'm envious!
July 29, 2016
I saw this rec'd on tumblr as good and free and I jumped on it. And those are probably the two best descriptors of it. I liked the main characters and their developing romance. It felt a little thin in terms of backstory and characterization. About halfway through I started wondering if this was fanfic with the names scrubbed off. I couldn't tell you what of, but it seemed to lack the background details that you wouldn't need if you already knew the characters from some other canon. It also took place in the Fake New York that populates so many fanfics, that is a place that calls itself NYC but is someplace where people own houses and mostly get around by car.
I think I read that the author wrote this book a couple of years before the sequels. In the sneak peek of the second one, New York seems like real New York all of a sudden. And I wonder if the other things I was iffy on are resolved by the author being a few years worth of experience better. I might have to pick up the next one to find out, even if it's not free.
I think I read that the author wrote this book a couple of years before the sequels. In the sneak peek of the second one, New York seems like real New York all of a sudden. And I wonder if the other things I was iffy on are resolved by the author being a few years worth of experience better. I might have to pick up the next one to find out, even if it's not free.
September 20, 2013
I wasn’t really sure whether I would like this one in the beginning. Mainly because I couldn’t quite grasp David’s reactions to being mugged. But the plot was interesting enough to keep me going and then the story somehow got better and better. The characters grew on me and there were some great dialogues. Loved David’s dry humor and the sex scenes were deliciously rough. The ending was rather sweet without being sappy. Overall, a very enjoyable read.
January 3, 2016
Strongly written and compelling though unhealthy/unrealistic relationship.
Age difference, difference of social standing, rough sex.
Difficult to rate because in honestly I can't claim to like either characters or the story itself but Dr Noh does spin a good story and it's worth a look for something different.
Age difference, difference of social standing, rough sex.
Difficult to rate because in honestly I can't claim to like either characters or the story itself but Dr Noh does spin a good story and it's worth a look for something different.
August 6, 2014
*squint David got some kind of subliminal death wish? Or is that just rich-people-ness?
I think, weirdly enough, I actually kind of liked it. There are tons of unsafe implications in so many things, but somehow, the characters come to a weird sort of equilibrium.
I think, weirdly enough, I actually kind of liked it. There are tons of unsafe implications in so many things, but somehow, the characters come to a weird sort of equilibrium.
Want to read
July 24, 2016Currently free for Kindle. 7/24/16
January 14, 2023
So far, this is good! I'm enjoying it and looking forward to the next book. The characters are keeping me entertained, and I'm wondering where this is headed, especially since there are four more books . The book is short, so I feel like not much has happened yet, but the book definitely did have an interesting start
July 6, 2017
Very interesting character dynamic. Jazz and David make no sense together--and, yet, they make perfect sense. Sexy, emotional, and sweet, this first book in the series will make you want to read more and more.
October 27, 2018
3.75stars
March 10, 2019
Quick and easy - certainly not safe, sane and consensual - but I loved David and Jazz, nonetheless. The book ends on a HFN note, but there are more in the series, which all follow the same couple.
January 17, 2016
I'd read this once before, when it was published online, but I'd enjoyed it so much that I was delighted to find it as a story I could actually buy, and own, for myself. Time has not really changed the delight I feel in this story, though it's obviously not for all comers.
A love story that begins with an armed robbery is fairly fantastical--the stuff of fantasy--but (for me, at least) Kos manages to make it work in a way that a lot more conventional romances have not. There's an accidental-ness to the way that Jazz and David fall into a relationship with each other than meshes with the way I've fallen into most of my relationships (minus the armed robbery) that makes it feel both genuine and charming.
Jazz is a blunt instrument (heh), which is probably the only kind of person that has any chance of hammering through David's well constructed defenses, if only because they never anticipated the need to fight against someone as artless or as Jazz.
There's something cock-eyed and unlikely about the two of them that really works for me, and I was pleased to see that Kos continued their story in two other volumes (that I'm looking forward to reading). It's an 'against all odds' kind of romance that I can't help but cheering for.
A love story that begins with an armed robbery is fairly fantastical--the stuff of fantasy--but (for me, at least) Kos manages to make it work in a way that a lot more conventional romances have not. There's an accidental-ness to the way that Jazz and David fall into a relationship with each other than meshes with the way I've fallen into most of my relationships (minus the armed robbery) that makes it feel both genuine and charming.
Jazz is a blunt instrument (heh), which is probably the only kind of person that has any chance of hammering through David's well constructed defenses, if only because they never anticipated the need to fight against someone as artless or as Jazz.
There's something cock-eyed and unlikely about the two of them that really works for me, and I was pleased to see that Kos continued their story in two other volumes (that I'm looking forward to reading). It's an 'against all odds' kind of romance that I can't help but cheering for.
May 9, 2024
"It's not perfect, but its flaws seem to work for it rather than against it."
David's comment on the Cheval Blanc (wine) also perfectly described my feelings for this instalment.
This is a rather atypical BDSM (or D/s) book. I loved the power dynamics between David and Jazz: inexperienced younger dom (he was such an eager puppy!) being taken advantage of by experienced older sub who played a more dominant role outside the bedroom, power imbalance (social class, income, education, etc.), push and pull... Just my catnip!!!
I think the story could flow more coherently if we could know more about David's feelings and thoughts. His snarky manner sometimes seemed to be rather abrupt and illogical to me. That being said, I also kind of loved the ambiguousness brought by the current execution.
Heading on to the next book. I have a strong feeling that this is going to be a five-star series for me.
David's comment on the Cheval Blanc (wine) also perfectly described my feelings for this instalment.
This is a rather atypical BDSM (or D/s) book. I loved the power dynamics between David and Jazz: inexperienced younger dom (he was such an eager puppy!) being taken advantage of by experienced older sub who played a more dominant role outside the bedroom, power imbalance (social class, income, education, etc.), push and pull... Just my catnip!!!
I think the story could flow more coherently if we could know more about David's feelings and thoughts. His snarky manner sometimes seemed to be rather abrupt and illogical to me. That being said, I also kind of loved the ambiguousness brought by the current execution.
Heading on to the next book. I have a strong feeling that this is going to be a five-star series for me.
January 3, 2016
Gotta be honest, the first chapter didn't grab me. In some ways it was hot, but it seemed so insanely risky and self-destructive behavior that it wasn't very believable. But it kept going, and be still my jaded little heart.
David is such an asshole. But Jazz is just a sexy little powerhouse that won't take no for an answer, and is either too stubborn or stupid or wonderful to let David push him away.
This was a great combination of sexy and dirty, and sweet and heartwarming. And it's FREE!
July 2014 group read in Shousetsu Bang*Bang
David is such an asshole. But Jazz is just a sexy little powerhouse that won't take no for an answer, and is either too stubborn or stupid or wonderful to let David push him away.
This was a great combination of sexy and dirty, and sweet and heartwarming. And it's FREE!
July 2014 group read in Shousetsu Bang*Bang
April 3, 2013
3.8
Liked :)...would have liked more if David was a bit less of a bastard.
Liked :)...would have liked more if David was a bit less of a bastard.
May 17, 2017
This was a surprisingly sexy read. Surprising, because I normally shy away from BDSM stories. It’s something I just don’t get—I’m not judging, mind you, but it’s my thing at all and so I stay away from stories with a BDSM background/topic. However, I’ve read some of EK’s online fiction and found all of the fics I’ve read quite brilliant, and when I found out she’s a published author, too, I had to give this a try.
And here’s the thing. For some reason I expected a BDSM club kind of setting and all the stuff that usually makes me feel uneasy, but while David does pay a couple of fleeting visits to a club, it’s not about that at all. It’s about two men meeting under, well, unusual circumstances and who are—unplanned, unwilling and quite taken by surprise—slithering into what slowly, slowly develops into a relationship, which is nothing David ever wanted. But Jazz does, and David wants Jazz, and so it somehow happens despite his best attempts at being an arse.
It’s a story of two men who are utterly different and yet meet at eye level and everything they do is happening because they both want it—despite the relationship thing—and it’s all written in a way that even a BDSM-ignoramus like myself can somehow relate to, and so yes, it’s a sexy read. And I’m perfectly ready to go for Part 2 now.
So 4 out of 5 stars for the pleasant surprise and the great storytelling voice.
And here’s the thing. For some reason I expected a BDSM club kind of setting and all the stuff that usually makes me feel uneasy, but while David does pay a couple of fleeting visits to a club, it’s not about that at all. It’s about two men meeting under, well, unusual circumstances and who are—unplanned, unwilling and quite taken by surprise—slithering into what slowly, slowly develops into a relationship, which is nothing David ever wanted. But Jazz does, and David wants Jazz, and so it somehow happens despite his best attempts at being an arse.
It’s a story of two men who are utterly different and yet meet at eye level and everything they do is happening because they both want it—despite the relationship thing—and it’s all written in a way that even a BDSM-ignoramus like myself can somehow relate to, and so yes, it’s a sexy read. And I’m perfectly ready to go for Part 2 now.
So 4 out of 5 stars for the pleasant surprise and the great storytelling voice.
June 25, 2018
I... I actually really liked this, haha. David makes SUPER QUESTIONABLE choices, but it kind of works? You know he's screwed up and the relationship with Jazz is crazy, but you never really feel bad for him because he basically goes into things with eyes wide open. If you want to feel kind of bad about someone it would probably be Jazz who doesn't really understand what's going on, but c'mon Jazz tried to mug David so... It almost balances out. /squint
David is pretty much a jerk and doesn't try to hide it. He's older and he's jaded. He and relationships don't really mix, and it's kind of telling how the people he hangs out with the most work for him. Jazz is in over his head, but it doesn't excuse the fact that he tried to mug someone, even if he really sucks at it. He also kind of barges into David's life and makes himself at home because why not. It freaks David the fuck out (but... emotions wise, not because he thinks Jazz is going to do something horrible to him), which he demonstrates by being emotionally constipated and sleeps with people he doesn't actually want to sleep with.
Would this actually work in real life? HELL NO. Good thing this is a book then. A fun, fun book that I really rather enjoyed, even if I know it's not for everyone.
David is pretty much a jerk and doesn't try to hide it. He's older and he's jaded. He and relationships don't really mix, and it's kind of telling how the people he hangs out with the most work for him. Jazz is in over his head, but it doesn't excuse the fact that he tried to mug someone, even if he really sucks at it. He also kind of barges into David's life and makes himself at home because why not. It freaks David the fuck out (but... emotions wise, not because he thinks Jazz is going to do something horrible to him), which he demonstrates by being emotionally constipated and sleeps with people he doesn't actually want to sleep with.
Would this actually work in real life? HELL NO. Good thing this is a book then. A fun, fun book that I really rather enjoyed, even if I know it's not for everyone.
March 9, 2019
A strong 4 stars from me (4.5?? It did a lot of difficult things well, I kind of feel like I should grade on a curve here), this was excellent.
Romance novella with some really great non-con kink. No, it's not negotiated or gone about in any kind of safe way and yes it's super hot. Also an age difference (if you're into that) where the less experienced partner is topping.
A main character who's a major asshole is a fine line to walk but this novella walks it perfectly. And David is very much an asshole. He's mean so he doesn't have to deal with anyone else's feelings, he's rude so he can protect himself. But it works here! He's awful, but ugh, I loved it.
I don't usually do read-alikes but since believable-but-not-RACK-may-december-BDSM is such a niche: if you're looking for something along the lines of For Real this might hit the spot.
Romance novella with some really great non-con kink. No, it's not negotiated or gone about in any kind of safe way and yes it's super hot. Also an age difference (if you're into that) where the less experienced partner is topping.
A main character who's a major asshole is a fine line to walk but this novella walks it perfectly. And David is very much an asshole. He's mean so he doesn't have to deal with anyone else's feelings, he's rude so he can protect himself. But it works here! He's awful, but ugh, I loved it.
I don't usually do read-alikes but since believable-but-not-RACK-may-december-BDSM is such a niche: if you're looking for something along the lines of For Real this might hit the spot.
December 26, 2021
Interesting reading this shortly after For Real. It has some of the same plot beats--age difference relationship with BDSM where the older man is the sub and kind of an asshole who hates being emotionally vulnerable, basically, except this book is shorter and a bit more extreme. Sure, Toby might have a pare key to Laurie's house eventually, but Jazz moves in after like... a week? Less? and zero conversation except initial permission to stay the night. And Laurie may have attachment issues but David is out here like "yes you can stay in my house. yes you can use my suits and steal my silver if you so desire. yes I will talk you up to your employer. no you cannot kiss me or say anything nice ever!!!! this isn't a relationship this is a... I don't know! don't ask me!!!"
August 17, 2018
You just can't review this book alone. Because there is so much more to this story than there is written in this first book. You have to think of it as the first chapter.
And the more the more you read, the more you learn about David and Jazz.
What starts out as really, really strange way of meeting a guy develops into a beautiful story.
They seem contrary, their age gap, their upcoming, their view of the world. David confident and arrogant on the outside, submitting in the bedroom. Jazz unsecure with the world and what to expect or evolve with his life.
And yet they compliment each other and it is just beautiful to watch their relationship and love grow.
I first hesitated to buy the other books (the first is free on KU) but now I'm really happy I bought the whole bundle! It was worth every Euro!
And the more the more you read, the more you learn about David and Jazz.
What starts out as really, really strange way of meeting a guy develops into a beautiful story.
They seem contrary, their age gap, their upcoming, their view of the world. David confident and arrogant on the outside, submitting in the bedroom. Jazz unsecure with the world and what to expect or evolve with his life.
And yet they compliment each other and it is just beautiful to watch their relationship and love grow.
I first hesitated to buy the other books (the first is free on KU) but now I'm really happy I bought the whole bundle! It was worth every Euro!
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