Fans of dark erotica, rejoice! Marie Sexton has completely outdone herself with One Man’s Trash, the first installment in her The Heretic Doms Club series. Angsty and gritty (with just about every trigger warning I can think of) this is a powerful and heart-rending tale. This story affected me so deeply, just thinking of everything that happened, makes me want to scroll back and experience it all over again.
It is wonderful watching this drama unfold. Marie Sexton made me so happy with the variety of taboo subjects she explores in One Man’s Trash. The characters are complex and interesting, and seeing them grow and change together throughout the story is incredibly moving. As the tension builds, Sexton continues to layer on the drama. This book is dark and erotic and absolute perfection.
I’m completely blown away by the depth of emotion John Solo brings to these characters. Taylor’s anguish, when he breaks down, is absolutely palpable. And Warren’s evolution as the story progresses, as he sheds his bitterness and anger and opens his heart, well I could actually feel it happening. John Solo delivers an incredible performance. This is the best I’ve ever heard him, and considering what a huge fan I am, that’s really saying something!
While the details of Taylor and Warren’s pasts are horrible to learn about (and one of the reasons I’m not saying too much about the story), there are some intensely beautiful moments in One Man’s Trash. I was so moved by the analogy of the mended vase. Warren’s friend Charlie tells Taylor, “‘It’s a Japanese thing. They think when an item’s broken, it doesn’t make it useless. It just adds interest. Becomes part of the item’s history. And the history is what makes it beautiful.’” Though it is broken it still has value, Warren cherishes that vase. One man’s trash, and all that.
Three more books are planned for this series, one for each of the three remaining members of The Heretic Dom’s Club. I can’t wait to get to know each of these men better and find out how they complete their stories. The only thing I’m looking forward to more is hearing John Solo read them to me.