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Dungeon #6
Nervous: the new Dungeon
Avery Phoenix
His employees call him The Dragon behind his back.
His sister calls him a secret keeper.
His personal assistant says he's lucky she didn't quit the first month, like all the others assistants.
His brother-in-law tells him to keep his kinky sex games at home.
And Julian Sparks? He's too nervous to say anything at all.
It starts when shy, nervous remote reader Julian Sparks gets called to the home office of Phoenix and Phoenix, a long-standing New York literary agency. Julian recognized a manuscript that was a diamond in the rough, and Avery wants to thank him in person. But to Julian, 'in person' meetings are more terrifying than anything else, and it gets even worse when Avery notices Julian's nails are bitten to the quick.
Julian can't believe this is his life, or that Avery Phoenix, who makes everyone else nervous, actually makes him feel calmer than he's ever felt before.
It ends when - well, does it ever have to end?
Julian's falling for Avery in a big way, but Avery has some pretty big secrets, maybe big enough to send Julian scurrying for home.
His employees call him The Dragon behind his back.
His sister calls him a secret keeper.
His personal assistant says he's lucky she didn't quit the first month, like all the others assistants.
His brother-in-law tells him to keep his kinky sex games at home.
And Julian Sparks? He's too nervous to say anything at all.
It starts when shy, nervous remote reader Julian Sparks gets called to the home office of Phoenix and Phoenix, a long-standing New York literary agency. Julian recognized a manuscript that was a diamond in the rough, and Avery wants to thank him in person. But to Julian, 'in person' meetings are more terrifying than anything else, and it gets even worse when Avery notices Julian's nails are bitten to the quick.
Julian can't believe this is his life, or that Avery Phoenix, who makes everyone else nervous, actually makes him feel calmer than he's ever felt before.
It ends when - well, does it ever have to end?
Julian's falling for Avery in a big way, but Avery has some pretty big secrets, maybe big enough to send Julian scurrying for home.
ebook
First published October 1, 2017
6 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Johnson
18 books72 followersSM Johnson hibernates in a conservative community of northern Wisconsin, where she writes characters who aren't exactly mainstream. Her stories are erotic, romantic and often somewhat unexpected. Visit her on blogspot to feed your hunger for darkly erotic fiction, messy lives, and things that go "naughty" in the night. http://www.smjbookteasers.blogspot.com
Most recent release: Aftermath, February 2017. Next release: Nervous, October 1, 2017. Find my books at Amazon, Smashwords, and other ebook retailers.
Thanks for being readers!
Find me on Facebook! SM Johnson writes
https://www.facebook.com/SMJohnsonWrites
PS - Goodreads insists on periods between the S and the M of SM Johnson. But, for the record, the periods are incorrect. And because of this, also for the record, some of my books DO NOT SHOW UP as my books, but as other S.M. Johnson's books.
Most recent release: Aftermath, February 2017. Next release: Nervous, October 1, 2017. Find my books at Amazon, Smashwords, and other ebook retailers.
Thanks for being readers!
Find me on Facebook! SM Johnson writes
https://www.facebook.com/SMJohnsonWrites
PS - Goodreads insists on periods between the S and the M of SM Johnson. But, for the record, the periods are incorrect. And because of this, also for the record, some of my books DO NOT SHOW UP as my books, but as other S.M. Johnson's books.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 1, 2017
SM Johnson’s new novel, Nervous: The New Dungeon, has a decidedly different feel to it than the earlier books in the Dungeon series. It’s so different I’m still feeling a bit stunned, like my favorite rock band just released a folk album... it’s not what I expected, but it works and I really like it!
Johnson’s creative storytelling, intricate characters, and addictive writing style are all here in Nervous, but there’s a subtlety in this one I hope to see from her again, and soon.
While the Dungeon is one of my favorite series, reading my way through the books is an intense experience. These aren’t simple characters, they’re real and flawed and angry and scared. They live in a world that is sometimes cruel and often unfair but they make their way as best they can.
Johnson weaves unconventional stories around creative circumstances, and when her characters get together amazing things happen.
Nervous is the story of Julian Sparks, a shy and slightly damaged small town guy visiting Manhattan for his job. Immediately drawn to his intimidating boss, Avery Phoenix, the attraction is intense and definitely mutual.
The victim of highly critical parents and a host of neuroses, Julian has worked hard to develop coping skills to deal with his issues. He has become incredibly aware of his reactions and emotions, and he analyzes everything through his internal monologue. Told in the first-person, this novel is all about how Julian feels and reacts, and how he copes with what is happening to him.
Absolutely brilliant with her characters’ relationships, SM Johnson rises to the occasion with Julian and Avery.
The previous Dungeon books move back and forth between the characters giving each of them an opportunity to explain their actions and make amends. Since Nervous is told in the first person, we gradually learn Avery’s story but only as it relates to Julian. I sincerely hope Johnson plans to give us a novel from Avery’s side of things, that would be something to behold.
There are several inspiring messages in Nervous which really hit home for me. My favorite is when Avery tells Julian to just be himself and not worry about “bothering” other people. He says, “You have to trust people to take care of themselves.” What a great thing to explain to a young, insecure man who is trying to make peace with his feelings.
This book doesn’t go as deep into the details and descriptions of the sexual relationship as the previous novels in this series (though there is an amazing edging scene). The pacing of the physical relationship is crucial for both men and is more about the power exchange than the hot and dirty sex. The intimacy is very natural and progresses as Julian gets more comfortable. Avery helps Julian realize the peace submitting can bring him...what Julian comes to describe as an “alternate universe”.
This is one of those books I never wanted to end, and when I finished it I scrolled back and started it again. (After you read it you’ll see why.) I could have easily handled another 200 pages to find out how things progress for this couple and I hope the next book is already in the works. Nervous: The New Dungeon could definitely be read as a standalone, though I truly recommend the whole wonderful series.
Johnson’s creative storytelling, intricate characters, and addictive writing style are all here in Nervous, but there’s a subtlety in this one I hope to see from her again, and soon.
While the Dungeon is one of my favorite series, reading my way through the books is an intense experience. These aren’t simple characters, they’re real and flawed and angry and scared. They live in a world that is sometimes cruel and often unfair but they make their way as best they can.
Johnson weaves unconventional stories around creative circumstances, and when her characters get together amazing things happen.
Nervous is the story of Julian Sparks, a shy and slightly damaged small town guy visiting Manhattan for his job. Immediately drawn to his intimidating boss, Avery Phoenix, the attraction is intense and definitely mutual.
The victim of highly critical parents and a host of neuroses, Julian has worked hard to develop coping skills to deal with his issues. He has become incredibly aware of his reactions and emotions, and he analyzes everything through his internal monologue. Told in the first-person, this novel is all about how Julian feels and reacts, and how he copes with what is happening to him.
Absolutely brilliant with her characters’ relationships, SM Johnson rises to the occasion with Julian and Avery.
The previous Dungeon books move back and forth between the characters giving each of them an opportunity to explain their actions and make amends. Since Nervous is told in the first person, we gradually learn Avery’s story but only as it relates to Julian. I sincerely hope Johnson plans to give us a novel from Avery’s side of things, that would be something to behold.
There are several inspiring messages in Nervous which really hit home for me. My favorite is when Avery tells Julian to just be himself and not worry about “bothering” other people. He says, “You have to trust people to take care of themselves.” What a great thing to explain to a young, insecure man who is trying to make peace with his feelings.
This book doesn’t go as deep into the details and descriptions of the sexual relationship as the previous novels in this series (though there is an amazing edging scene). The pacing of the physical relationship is crucial for both men and is more about the power exchange than the hot and dirty sex. The intimacy is very natural and progresses as Julian gets more comfortable. Avery helps Julian realize the peace submitting can bring him...what Julian comes to describe as an “alternate universe”.
This is one of those books I never wanted to end, and when I finished it I scrolled back and started it again. (After you read it you’ll see why.) I could have easily handled another 200 pages to find out how things progress for this couple and I hope the next book is already in the works. Nervous: The New Dungeon could definitely be read as a standalone, though I truly recommend the whole wonderful series.
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October 3, 2017Giving up @50%
November 13, 2017
Cute BDSM? Definitely! The first half of this book reeled me in. I was cruising along thinking, this is sweet. This is sweet kink. I liked the awkwardness of Jules. I loved the dominance that Avery exerted. I liked their sweet, kinky dance of them getting together. I mean, how many stories start out with meeting your boss and getting tied to a desk with nary a complaint?
So, Avery is a Dom who appears to be grooming innocent, nervous, anxious Julian as his sub. This was the first half and I really enjoyed it. It was a solid 4 Star half.
Then the book just began to drag. I saw inconsistencies in Julian’s behavior. One minute he could barely get a word out, and the next he was talking in full sentences. His level of comfort felt sporadic. Then we also had a BIG SURPRISE I didn’t see coming. This changed the whole dynamic of the book. Not in a bad way, but it really made me think about what I found or thought attractive, and what my own prejudices said about me.
Aside from personal introspection, not much happened in the latter half of the book to really necessitate all that writing. So, 2ish stars for the second half.
One thing for sure, this book was a sweet surprise in more ways than one.
So, Avery is a Dom who appears to be grooming innocent, nervous, anxious Julian as his sub. This was the first half and I really enjoyed it. It was a solid 4 Star half.
Then the book just began to drag. I saw inconsistencies in Julian’s behavior. One minute he could barely get a word out, and the next he was talking in full sentences. His level of comfort felt sporadic. Then we also had a BIG SURPRISE I didn’t see coming. This changed the whole dynamic of the book. Not in a bad way, but it really made me think about what I found or thought attractive, and what my own prejudices said about me.
Aside from personal introspection, not much happened in the latter half of the book to really necessitate all that writing. So, 2ish stars for the second half.
One thing for sure, this book was a sweet surprise in more ways than one.
December 20, 2017
I really enjoyed this series, especially back in the Roman days, but I think when he left, he took something with him, and the books just don’t have the same oomph. They still center around the Dungeon which has been revamped since Roman’s departure. It isn’t as big a factor in this story, but still plays a part.
Julian is a bit of a mess when we meet him. He has always been a nervous wreck and his anxiety has pretty much ruled his life. He doesn’t do well around other people and has managed to find his way by first working in a library and then remotely as a book screener for a publishing company. He reads the many manuscript submissions to bring the potential prospects to the publisher. After finding a particularly successful one, he is brought to the main office for a personal meeting with his boss.
Avery is one of the heads of Phoenix and Phoenix, the publisher where Julian works. His first meeting with Julian sets the tone for the rest of the story. He immediately sees Julian’s anxiety issues and pulls him in having him work side by side in his office where he quickly institutes some rules. Rather than find this odd, Julian realizes that Avery is helping him and decides to just go with it.
While I was really skeptical of the storyline to begin with, the first part of the book was pretty interesting and I really wanted to see where things would go with these two. I did not even remotely see the twist coming, and once over my surprise, had some difficulty with envisioning the characters as they were, and the dynamic/vibe definitely changed (not good or bad, just different). However, it was still extremely interesting and turned out to be perfect for them as a couple, with each giving and getting exactly what they needed.
When they actually visited the Dungeon, I was curious as to how Avery knew Thomas, Dare and Zach. It was great to see them again and doing so well, and the same was true for Doc and Tristan, but I would have liked to have read a little about how Avery got involved with the club.
All in all, I still enjoy this series. I’ve been a fan from the beginning and will continue to read anything else that may come in the future.
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
October 8, 2017
Wow, this author did something really impressive here, and unfortunately, to explain it, I'm going to have to spoil a bit of the plot (it's a minor spoiler, but still).
Nervous, first and foremost, is a love story about two characters who have reasons to be self-protective, but who open up to each other and grow and change the more time they spend together. Avery and Jules are genuinely nice, but complicated, people who fundamentally really want to love and be loved. They both have challenges in their past (and present), and the challenges factor into their self-image and identity, but as they acknowledge those challenges and open up to each other, they become stronger, yet more vulnerable, people. It's about connection.
I recommend this book and will be looking for more things by this author.
Nervous, first and foremost, is a love story about two characters who have reasons to be self-protective, but who open up to each other and grow and change the more time they spend together. Avery and Jules are genuinely nice, but complicated, people who fundamentally really want to love and be loved. They both have challenges in their past (and present), and the challenges factor into their self-image and identity, but as they acknowledge those challenges and open up to each other, they become stronger, yet more vulnerable, people. It's about connection.
I recommend this book and will be looking for more things by this author.
November 16, 2017
So many thoughts running through my head right now! The thing I loved most is the fact that with Avery, Julian has found a stabilizing force in his life. If nothing else, this story will keep your attention. There were things that didn't work so well for me, but that didn't make the story any less well-written and enjoyable! I respect Avery's need to wait for the "right" time to talk with Jules about his "secret" and how his life had changed... but, on the other hand, I would have liked to have seen a bit more "sharing" during the intimate moments. I think issues were explained and dealt with in a very realistic manner and probably answered a few questions that I didn't even know that I needed answers to... this was a good thing! *grin*
I did read this story as a "stand-alone" and may or may not read the other books in this series at a future date. I will say that I intend to pursue this author's work and see what else I can find that may pique my interest! :D
I did read this story as a "stand-alone" and may or may not read the other books in this series at a future date. I will say that I intend to pursue this author's work and see what else I can find that may pique my interest! :D
January 11, 2018
This book was recommended to me by a friend. I had not read the other books in the series, but I didn't feel I missed out on anything. But I do know is that I absolutely loved this book and the characters. As someone with anxiety, I felt the author portrayed the emotions very well.
I will probably write more about this book on a second reading or when I'm more coherent.
I will probably write more about this book on a second reading or when I'm more coherent.
October 11, 2017
Unusual story, both funny and poignant, so much heart. Masterfully written (but deserves a proofreader here and there). "Holy shit!" plot twist that had me pausing to think/feel/question myself. Filed as a Kindle favorite to reread in future.
October 10, 2017
I couldn’t put this book down. I was fascinated by the relationship between Avery and Jules. I don’t want to give anything away so I’ll just say you blew my mind.
December 20, 2017
"He wasn't kidding. Just waiting for me to obey him.
"My eyes found the bathroom door. I could make a run for it, lock myslef in. But Avery had the key. The office door? I could run down that long hallway until I found Stephanie or Evan. But what then, go back to my lonely rented room and pretend I'd never been here? Run away and never see Avery Phoenix again? Would I lose my job? Would I even want to keep my job, having been such a coward."
25% DNF.
This book is technically well write, but centers entirely around an un-negotiated kink relationship. Yes, non-sexual kink still needs to be negotiated. The dominant is the submissive's boss. The submissive is anxiety ridden and scared. The dominant initiates play without any kind of seeking of consent or even acnowledgement that what they're doing is play. There's no seperation between the role of the dominant and the boss and the relationship takes place, to this point at least, almost entirely in a work context. The submissive doesn't understand what kind of relationship they're getting into. They don't believe they can leave it. I got this far hoping that there'd been some kind of negotation, some kind of consent, but this scene was immediately proceded by the dominant asking for consent and the sub not replying. So, yeah, sexy sexy sexual assault. There's the usual 'but the sub wants to really and can't express it' crap which carries precisely 0 weight with me.
No thanks.
I normally don't review books I don't get to at least 50% on but I'll make an exception for lack of consent. I'll give it two stars as the writing quality was good, would be interested to read something by the author where people ask before tying each other to desks.
"My eyes found the bathroom door. I could make a run for it, lock myslef in. But Avery had the key. The office door? I could run down that long hallway until I found Stephanie or Evan. But what then, go back to my lonely rented room and pretend I'd never been here? Run away and never see Avery Phoenix again? Would I lose my job? Would I even want to keep my job, having been such a coward."
25% DNF.
This book is technically well write, but centers entirely around an un-negotiated kink relationship. Yes, non-sexual kink still needs to be negotiated. The dominant is the submissive's boss. The submissive is anxiety ridden and scared. The dominant initiates play without any kind of seeking of consent or even acnowledgement that what they're doing is play. There's no seperation between the role of the dominant and the boss and the relationship takes place, to this point at least, almost entirely in a work context. The submissive doesn't understand what kind of relationship they're getting into. They don't believe they can leave it. I got this far hoping that there'd been some kind of negotation, some kind of consent, but this scene was immediately proceded by the dominant asking for consent and the sub not replying. So, yeah, sexy sexy sexual assault. There's the usual 'but the sub wants to really and can't express it' crap which carries precisely 0 weight with me.
No thanks.
I normally don't review books I don't get to at least 50% on but I'll make an exception for lack of consent. I'll give it two stars as the writing quality was good, would be interested to read something by the author where people ask before tying each other to desks.
November 6, 2017
I really really really loved this book. The dynamic between Julian and Avery was so incredible. Julian's nervous energy needed Avery's calm certainty to sooth him. Avery needed Julian's utter acceptance of everything about him. The reveal that happens is so well done. I didn't see it coming, but then it connected all these dots that made perfect sense. It changes nothing. I have to say, this author isn't a favorite, I'm still bitter with how this series has played out (Team Roman/Dare) and how I got robbed of them but that's a rant for another day. This book really opens my mind. The writing was great so now I know I can enjoy this author. Speaking of Dare, it was great to see, I haven't fully caught up on his story so I don't know how he ended up with who he's with but I'll get there. Same for Doc and his boy, I don't know their story but it's interesting so I'll get there as well. I just am so happy with this book.
April 30, 2018
So, I have been re reading some of the Dungeon series and when I was trying to work out what order they went in I discovered that there is a new one, so I skipped ahead.
This book has side characters from previous books, but could be read as a standalone, although I for one prefer to read books in order.
I liked this book. I liked the first book in the series quite a lot, but as the books went on it all got rather muddled and convoluted and lost some of it's edge to my mind. This book reminded me more of the first one, the excitement of someone new to the scene discovering it for the first time, of being carefully pushed outside their comfort zone. But it's also gentler than the first book somehow.
And there is a plot twist that is rather nicely done in an understated kind of way. I did see it coming, at first I thought the author had made an error , but as things moved on I started to suspect.
However, the book kind of fizzled out at the end for me, it felt a bit unresolved. I wonder if there is more of this series to come.
Still, 4 stars, cos it was definitely an above average read for me.
This book has side characters from previous books, but could be read as a standalone, although I for one prefer to read books in order.
I liked this book. I liked the first book in the series quite a lot, but as the books went on it all got rather muddled and convoluted and lost some of it's edge to my mind. This book reminded me more of the first one, the excitement of someone new to the scene discovering it for the first time, of being carefully pushed outside their comfort zone. But it's also gentler than the first book somehow.
And there is a plot twist that is rather nicely done in an understated kind of way. I did see it coming, at first I thought the author had made an error , but as things moved on I started to suspect.
However, the book kind of fizzled out at the end for me, it felt a bit unresolved. I wonder if there is more of this series to come.
Still, 4 stars, cos it was definitely an above average read for me.
November 8, 2017
The 'nervous' of the title is Julian, a St Paul native who is called to NY by his boss.
Where somehow, and I always fin d this remarkable the boss knows that Jules just happen to have submissive traits.
If anything, I though Jules fell into the relationship a little to quickly and easily. Although tagged as BDSM the BDSM is very light in this book. A few spankings and some tying up.
There is a huge twist, which thinking about it I did see coming as something was said earlier.
I am not sure how I feel about the twist. I didn't know it going into the book, and I wont spoil it for other readers who have not read reviews.
Would I read another book like it, probably not by choice.
Anyway, different.
Where somehow, and I always fin d this remarkable the boss knows that Jules just happen to have submissive traits.
If anything, I though Jules fell into the relationship a little to quickly and easily. Although tagged as BDSM the BDSM is very light in this book. A few spankings and some tying up.
There is a huge twist, which thinking about it I did see coming as something was said earlier.
I am not sure how I feel about the twist. I didn't know it going into the book, and I wont spoil it for other readers who have not read reviews.
Would I read another book like it, probably not by choice.
Anyway, different.
November 27, 2017
Loved this!!!
I'm a huge fan of S.M. Johnson's writing, and I love the Dungeon series. This is a softer, sweeter tale than some of the others, even with all the lovely filthy bits. I loved Jules and Avery as characters and as a couple. They both had a very sweet vulnerability to them, which was really nice to see in both a dominant AND a sub character. I love how S.M.'s characters are never two dimensional or simple but always have many layers and surprises and contradictions... not only in their actions but in their personalities and even their backstories. Like all of S.M.'s books, I highly recommend!
I'm a huge fan of S.M. Johnson's writing, and I love the Dungeon series. This is a softer, sweeter tale than some of the others, even with all the lovely filthy bits. I loved Jules and Avery as characters and as a couple. They both had a very sweet vulnerability to them, which was really nice to see in both a dominant AND a sub character. I love how S.M.'s characters are never two dimensional or simple but always have many layers and surprises and contradictions... not only in their actions but in their personalities and even their backstories. Like all of S.M.'s books, I highly recommend!
December 1, 2017
I liked this more than the most of the earlier part of the series. Mostly because I liked these characters more. I loved Julian and his nervous ticks. Avery was wonderful in how connected to Jules he was. The twists to this story surprised me but worked to further the relationship between the main characters.
I enjoy the writing in this series often more than I've enjoyed the story. I found it really depends on the characters whether I liked the particular book in the series. I like Jules and Avery and I like Dare and his two boys so those storyline I've enjoyed the most. This book had all my favorite boys from before and introduced two new characters I liked. :)
I enjoy the writing in this series often more than I've enjoyed the story. I found it really depends on the characters whether I liked the particular book in the series. I like Jules and Avery and I like Dare and his two boys so those storyline I've enjoyed the most. This book had all my favorite boys from before and introduced two new characters I liked. :)
March 23, 2018
One of my favorite books ever! I have all the Dungeon books on my re-read shelf but Nervous has my favorite MCs. I wish there was a sequel in the works to delve deeper into this relationship, maybe from Avery’s POV. Jules is the kind of character written so well you feel like you really want to know him.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews