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Lysander #2
Testing Lysander
Feel the fear and do it anyway.
Lysander Brock is a talented extreme photographer and capturing the perfect picture is his passion. His work takes him all over the world and he is famous for his willingness to take risks for unique images.
Kyle Dawson is tasked by his mysterious employer to obtain Lysander’s services for a dangerous job and he’s prepared to use any method to ensure that the young photographer does as he’s told. Breaking and entering and blackmail are just tools of his trade.
Despite the circumstances, the spark of attraction between Lysander and Kyle is strong. Lysander’s addiction to adrenalin-fuelled adventure holds him captive just as much as Kyle’s brooding, dominant appeal. As a fragile trust builds between them, Kyle takes a gamble and tells Brock the truth about his mission. Can Brock accept the challenges ahead, as a photographer and as a man?
Publisher's This book was previously released in two parts as part of the What's his Passion? collection at Pride Publishing. It has been revised and reedited for re-release.
General Release 12th June 2018
Lysander Brock is a talented extreme photographer and capturing the perfect picture is his passion. His work takes him all over the world and he is famous for his willingness to take risks for unique images.
Kyle Dawson is tasked by his mysterious employer to obtain Lysander’s services for a dangerous job and he’s prepared to use any method to ensure that the young photographer does as he’s told. Breaking and entering and blackmail are just tools of his trade.
Despite the circumstances, the spark of attraction between Lysander and Kyle is strong. Lysander’s addiction to adrenalin-fuelled adventure holds him captive just as much as Kyle’s brooding, dominant appeal. As a fragile trust builds between them, Kyle takes a gamble and tells Brock the truth about his mission. Can Brock accept the challenges ahead, as a photographer and as a man?
Publisher's This book was previously released in two parts as part of the What's his Passion? collection at Pride Publishing. It has been revised and reedited for re-release.
General Release 12th June 2018
- GenresM M RomanceBDSM
193 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2015
4 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
L.M. Somerton
80 books181 followersLucinda lives in a small village in the English countryside, surrounded by rolling hills, cows and sheep. She started writing to fill time between jobs and is now firmly and unashamedly addicted.
She loves the English weather, especially the rain, and adores a thunderstorm. She loves good food, warm company and a crackling fire. She's fascinated by the psychology of relationships, especially between men, and her stories contain some subtle (and some not so subtle) leanings towards BDSM.
She loves the English weather, especially the rain, and adores a thunderstorm. She loves good food, warm company and a crackling fire. She's fascinated by the psychology of relationships, especially between men, and her stories contain some subtle (and some not so subtle) leanings towards BDSM.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 22, 2015
This story was full of action, spy games and beautiful scenery as photographer Lysander Brock and his lover Kyle Dawson head into the Colombian jungle on a mission for Kyle’s mysterious employer. Brock’s trip as a photographer for National Geographic has become cover for an operation to travel to a camp of known terrorists in order to obtain photographic evidence. At this point in my review I do want to note that this novel is a follow up to the short story Picturing Lysander (where the two men meet and the mission is set up) and it jumps right into the story. While enough information is given throughout the book to understand what is going on, not having read the first story I did feel like I missed out on some of the dynamics between Brock and Kyle that were likely addressed in that first book, and I would recommend reading the two in order.
While Kyle is a dominant, self-assured man, Brock is just as confident and adventurous. As lovers, however, Brock is submissive to Kyle, which is something new and a bit confusing to him. When things go wrong on the mission and the men are separated their strength as individuals really shines through. Through dual points of view, Kyle’s possessiveness and fear for Brock came across very well in the writing, while Brock shows incredible strength and resilience in the face of his kidnapping and torture. The story does not end with the completion of the mission and the aftermath is shown mostly from Brock’s point of view as he deals with recovering and questioning his and Kyle’s brief relationship.
There was really a little bit of everything in this story and the characters had chemistry both in and out of bed and the sex scenes were hot, with some light bondage. The adventure part of the story was well done and I could easily picture the beauty of the surroundings. While things were not easy for Kyle and Brock, the fun extra scene at the end of the story had me convinced that the men definitely would find their HEA.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for an honest review.
While Kyle is a dominant, self-assured man, Brock is just as confident and adventurous. As lovers, however, Brock is submissive to Kyle, which is something new and a bit confusing to him. When things go wrong on the mission and the men are separated their strength as individuals really shines through. Through dual points of view, Kyle’s possessiveness and fear for Brock came across very well in the writing, while Brock shows incredible strength and resilience in the face of his kidnapping and torture. The story does not end with the completion of the mission and the aftermath is shown mostly from Brock’s point of view as he deals with recovering and questioning his and Kyle’s brief relationship.
There was really a little bit of everything in this story and the characters had chemistry both in and out of bed and the sex scenes were hot, with some light bondage. The adventure part of the story was well done and I could easily picture the beauty of the surroundings. While things were not easy for Kyle and Brock, the fun extra scene at the end of the story had me convinced that the men definitely would find their HEA.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for an honest review.
September 20, 2018
I received a copy to read and review for Wicked Reads
I will have to say that I didn't read the first book and I think that would have helped. I am not much of an action or suspense reader because those things usually don't work for me except in certain series that I have read. This book had hot sex, action and suspense and I liked it. There were times when things were overly descriptive and I qould just skim over those spots. I liked Brock and Kyle. I liked their dynamic and I could feel the story like I was right there with them.
I will have to say that I didn't read the first book and I think that would have helped. I am not much of an action or suspense reader because those things usually don't work for me except in certain series that I have read. This book had hot sex, action and suspense and I liked it. There were times when things were overly descriptive and I qould just skim over those spots. I liked Brock and Kyle. I liked their dynamic and I could feel the story like I was right there with them.
May 26, 2015
This was a really difficult book to rate and review. It had some elements that I loved and others that threw me slightly. After reading the story, I found out there was a prequel. If I'd known this, and read Picturing Lysander first, I think it would have gone a long way to addressing my issues.
Note: the publisher's website does advise Testing Lysander is a sequel but this wasn't reflected on Goodreads where I checked the book.
The strengths of the story lay in a number of areas. Firstly I really liked the characters. I liked them as individuals and I enjoyed the way they interacted. the book starts with a sex scene from the get-go so the dominant submissive nature of the sexual relationship is pretty clear. Lysander Brock was a complex man - submissive in a sexual role but a risk-taking extreme photographer who was prepared to put his life on the line.
This was a story with lots of action. There is a mission with bad guys and heroic actions. The story takes place in the rainforest and it is very descriptive. Lots of detail about the landscape and the fauna.
The downside was the lack of background - which was obviously provided in the first book. I struggled to understand how Brock had become tangled up in this plot to bring down the terrorists. Once I was past the early chapters and didn't worry about it anymore, it was easier to immerse myself in the story.
This is one for lovers of some action adventure, who want to learn a little about an exotic destination, and enjoy some hot sex on the way. 3.5 to 4 stars.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for my honest review.
Note: the publisher's website does advise Testing Lysander is a sequel but this wasn't reflected on Goodreads where I checked the book.
The strengths of the story lay in a number of areas. Firstly I really liked the characters. I liked them as individuals and I enjoyed the way they interacted. the book starts with a sex scene from the get-go so the dominant submissive nature of the sexual relationship is pretty clear. Lysander Brock was a complex man - submissive in a sexual role but a risk-taking extreme photographer who was prepared to put his life on the line.
This was a story with lots of action. There is a mission with bad guys and heroic actions. The story takes place in the rainforest and it is very descriptive. Lots of detail about the landscape and the fauna.
The downside was the lack of background - which was obviously provided in the first book. I struggled to understand how Brock had become tangled up in this plot to bring down the terrorists. Once I was past the early chapters and didn't worry about it anymore, it was easier to immerse myself in the story.
This is one for lovers of some action adventure, who want to learn a little about an exotic destination, and enjoy some hot sex on the way. 3.5 to 4 stars.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for my honest review.
September 14, 2018
Testing Lysander – LM Somerton
3.5 stars
M/M Mystery, quasi BDSM,
Triggers: Violence and Kidnapping
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
This was a story that including spying and wilderness, BDSM and violence. It was described so well, I could picture where they were, what Brock was seeing through the lens, and how he was feeling the entire time.
Kyle was someone who took a while to “know”. I understood what he wanted and why, but having not read the previous story, his motivations seemed a little lost. Also, his relationship with his job and what he wanted his relationship to be with Brock seemed to be at odds. So much so, that when Brock needed him most, Kyle was absent. While I knew why on an intellectual level, from a reader's standpoint, this was a huge hole for me. He was gone until he wasn't.
While there were some BDSM aspects, I do not believe this was a good representation of BDSM, as the Dom shirked his duties when the going got tough. He wanted to go to him, but duty called instead.
This story still seemed slightly incomplete to me. I felt that there was something missing, but I can’t really put my finger on what. I do hope we get to see more adventures though - as it seems that there will be more coming.
3.5 stars
M/M Mystery, quasi BDSM,
Triggers: Violence and Kidnapping
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
This was a story that including spying and wilderness, BDSM and violence. It was described so well, I could picture where they were, what Brock was seeing through the lens, and how he was feeling the entire time.
Kyle was someone who took a while to “know”. I understood what he wanted and why, but having not read the previous story, his motivations seemed a little lost. Also, his relationship with his job and what he wanted his relationship to be with Brock seemed to be at odds. So much so, that when Brock needed him most, Kyle was absent. While I knew why on an intellectual level, from a reader's standpoint, this was a huge hole for me. He was gone until he wasn't.
While there were some BDSM aspects, I do not believe this was a good representation of BDSM, as the Dom shirked his duties when the going got tough. He wanted to go to him, but duty called instead.
This story still seemed slightly incomplete to me. I felt that there was something missing, but I can’t really put my finger on what. I do hope we get to see more adventures though - as it seems that there will be more coming.
August 26, 2018
You can ready my review of “Testing Lysander” at my web site.
July 16, 2015
ThreeandHalfStars
This was a story that including spying and wilderness, BDSM and violence. It was described so well, I could picture where they were, what Brock was seeing through the lens, and how he was feeling the entire time.
Kyle was someone who took a while to “know”. I understood what he wanted and why, but having not read the previous story, his motivations seemed a little lost. Also, his relationship with his job and what he wanted his relationship to be with Brock seemed to be at odds. So much so, that when Brock needed him most, Kyle was absent.
While there were some BDSM aspects, I do not believe this was a good representation of BDSM, as the Dom shirked his duties when the going got tough. He wanted to go to him, but duty called instead.
This story still seemed slightly incomplete to me. I felt that there was something missing, but I can’t really put my finger on what. I do hope we get to see more adventures from these two though.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
AvidReader
FourStars
This book started out really rocky for me and even after finishing the book... I have no idea how the two men met. Sure, it's hinted at, but there was still a lot left open and unanswered for me about how it came to be.
The adventure part of the book was incredibly good. I couldn't read fast enough to find out what happened and how/if they made it through their mission without getting hurt and whether they accomplished their task.
However, after the mission, the pace of the book almost stopped and I felt myself starting to skim parts because it just didn't interest me or was repetitive. Then at the end things started to get interesting again. I do wish there had been more discussion about things after all that had happened (and the phone call), but then again I suppose if there is a second book we'd get to know more of what the pair have in store for them.
All in all, I enjoyed the book, there was a little bit of bondage, but not enough for me to really classify it as BDSM as a few tie down scenes aren't all that unusual or a spanking here and there.
The writing was very clean though and caught and held my attention quite raptly for about 3/4 of the book so I would say it was a good read. However, there were a few parts (since it was in third person) that I had a hard time figuring out which of the men was thinking/doing and that would throw me off since sometimes we'd be on Kyle's side and sometimes Brock's side.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
~Renee
This was a story that including spying and wilderness, BDSM and violence. It was described so well, I could picture where they were, what Brock was seeing through the lens, and how he was feeling the entire time.
Kyle was someone who took a while to “know”. I understood what he wanted and why, but having not read the previous story, his motivations seemed a little lost. Also, his relationship with his job and what he wanted his relationship to be with Brock seemed to be at odds. So much so, that when Brock needed him most, Kyle was absent.
While there were some BDSM aspects, I do not believe this was a good representation of BDSM, as the Dom shirked his duties when the going got tough. He wanted to go to him, but duty called instead.
This story still seemed slightly incomplete to me. I felt that there was something missing, but I can’t really put my finger on what. I do hope we get to see more adventures from these two though.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
AvidReader
FourStars
This book started out really rocky for me and even after finishing the book... I have no idea how the two men met. Sure, it's hinted at, but there was still a lot left open and unanswered for me about how it came to be.
The adventure part of the book was incredibly good. I couldn't read fast enough to find out what happened and how/if they made it through their mission without getting hurt and whether they accomplished their task.
However, after the mission, the pace of the book almost stopped and I felt myself starting to skim parts because it just didn't interest me or was repetitive. Then at the end things started to get interesting again. I do wish there had been more discussion about things after all that had happened (and the phone call), but then again I suppose if there is a second book we'd get to know more of what the pair have in store for them.
All in all, I enjoyed the book, there was a little bit of bondage, but not enough for me to really classify it as BDSM as a few tie down scenes aren't all that unusual or a spanking here and there.
The writing was very clean though and caught and held my attention quite raptly for about 3/4 of the book so I would say it was a good read. However, there were a few parts (since it was in third person) that I had a hard time figuring out which of the men was thinking/doing and that would throw me off since sometimes we'd be on Kyle's side and sometimes Brock's side.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
~Renee
May 30, 2015
Last September I reviewed an anthology called What’s His Passion. Most of the stories were okay stories, but I felt they were nothing more than a tease and there was so much more to tell in each. The anthology included the short titled Picturing Lysander. My thoughts were: “Picturing Lysander by L.M. Somerton 3 stars out of 5 Well, this had the beginnings of an exciting adventure story with some HOT something extra on the side. The “training exercise” was interesting. But, the story didn’t get to the actual mission. We are kind of left hang about what is going to happen. Very unsatisfactory ending.”
Testing Lysander takes up where Picturing Lysander left off. *sigh* Again I was left a bit disappointed. Oh, the story ended with a satisfactory ending, but it was the getting there I found disappointing. The first half of the book was spent with “preparation” for a trip that had actually been planned weeks before. In other words, there was sex all over the place – for the two days they were reviewing the plans and what they hoped to accomplish. Now, I like hot m/m BDSM sex – a lot – but, I was expecting an action adventure story. By the time Lysander and Kyle finally get on a plane to actually start their mission, I was losing interest. The sex was becoming repetitious and I was falling asleep.
Once they arrived at their destination, things got a bit more exciting. I especially enjoyed the trek through a, basically unexplored, cave system. There was some rather tense, hold your breath moments there. The “captured and tortured” part of the story was relatively brief and rather predictable really. But it provided the vehicle for Kyle to “save the day.”
I think if the ending would have happened there I may have been a bit happier with the story. But, we were treated to some heartbreak and angst before the happy ever after. I guess it was okay, but well, by this time I was just wanting to finish this book. I wasn’t engaged in the story. It didn’t pull me in.
Those readers who like an m/m BDSM story will probably like this, especially if you like just a little bit of action/suspense. Personally, I was looking for more action/suspense. *shrugs* It wasn’t a bad story, but I was looking for something more.
I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Testing Lysander takes up where Picturing Lysander left off. *sigh* Again I was left a bit disappointed. Oh, the story ended with a satisfactory ending, but it was the getting there I found disappointing. The first half of the book was spent with “preparation” for a trip that had actually been planned weeks before. In other words, there was sex all over the place – for the two days they were reviewing the plans and what they hoped to accomplish. Now, I like hot m/m BDSM sex – a lot – but, I was expecting an action adventure story. By the time Lysander and Kyle finally get on a plane to actually start their mission, I was losing interest. The sex was becoming repetitious and I was falling asleep.
Once they arrived at their destination, things got a bit more exciting. I especially enjoyed the trek through a, basically unexplored, cave system. There was some rather tense, hold your breath moments there. The “captured and tortured” part of the story was relatively brief and rather predictable really. But it provided the vehicle for Kyle to “save the day.”
I think if the ending would have happened there I may have been a bit happier with the story. But, we were treated to some heartbreak and angst before the happy ever after. I guess it was okay, but well, by this time I was just wanting to finish this book. I wasn’t engaged in the story. It didn’t pull me in.
Those readers who like an m/m BDSM story will probably like this, especially if you like just a little bit of action/suspense. Personally, I was looking for more action/suspense. *shrugs* It wasn’t a bad story, but I was looking for something more.
I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2015
4 Heart Review by Dan
Testing Lysander picks up where the short story above ended. It is now time for Brock (Lysander) and Kyle to go off on their mission to Columbia. But boy is it going to be a bumpy ride!
I really enjoyed this continuation of Brock and Kyle’s story because it is much different from the cookie cutter m/m romance that so often crosses my path.
Brock’s plans for his expedition for National Geographic coincide perfectly with Kyle’s mysterious company’s need for undercover photography work to expose a dangerous terrorist network running out of the jungle in the exact area where Brock’s expedition is headed.
Once the two travel to Columbia, they need to get to the hidden terrorist camp by traversing a cave system that very few individuals have ever seen and even fewer have traversed. I’ll be honest, the scenes in the cave were well enough written that my claustrophobia kicked in a little, especially the wormhole piece.
What will happen when the terrorists injure Brock and then come to capture him? Will they kill him, or will Kyle find him in time? Will the growing sub/dom relationship between the two men help, or hinder, their mission?
The action in this book was well written and I really felt like the characters were real, including the evil leader of the terrorists. My only slight complaint, I feel like we got to know Brock well during this story, but Kyle is still a mystery. We don’t know anything about his background, history, or even who this mystery employer is. As I said above, I’m sooooo hoping that this isn’t the end of the two men’s story! Hopefully we get more answer on Kyle’s story in the next installment!
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Testing Lysander picks up where the short story above ended. It is now time for Brock (Lysander) and Kyle to go off on their mission to Columbia. But boy is it going to be a bumpy ride!
I really enjoyed this continuation of Brock and Kyle’s story because it is much different from the cookie cutter m/m romance that so often crosses my path.
Brock’s plans for his expedition for National Geographic coincide perfectly with Kyle’s mysterious company’s need for undercover photography work to expose a dangerous terrorist network running out of the jungle in the exact area where Brock’s expedition is headed.
Once the two travel to Columbia, they need to get to the hidden terrorist camp by traversing a cave system that very few individuals have ever seen and even fewer have traversed. I’ll be honest, the scenes in the cave were well enough written that my claustrophobia kicked in a little, especially the wormhole piece.
What will happen when the terrorists injure Brock and then come to capture him? Will they kill him, or will Kyle find him in time? Will the growing sub/dom relationship between the two men help, or hinder, their mission?
The action in this book was well written and I really felt like the characters were real, including the evil leader of the terrorists. My only slight complaint, I feel like we got to know Brock well during this story, but Kyle is still a mystery. We don’t know anything about his background, history, or even who this mystery employer is. As I said above, I’m sooooo hoping that this isn’t the end of the two men’s story! Hopefully we get more answer on Kyle’s story in the next installment!
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
July 5, 2015
After reading the original short in the What’s His Passion? Bundle I couldn’t wait to read this one. The short was one of my favorites, and I loved how Somerton wrote about something that is “normal” (aka the drama, suspense and action) but added something completely different to it – the perspective of everything happening from a photographer who isn’t involved in that world.
For me personally, that added something great to the story because it made it more life-like. The story wasn’t about two die hard action men, which I did love. Lysander’s character was just amazing because it was great to be able to see him grow throughout this book. When things got tough, he got tougher and was willing to fight for what he wanted, and what he needed to do.
Kyle was just great as well. His dominance was done in a great way because it didn’t over through the whole story, but instead added to what was going on. And I really felt like his dominance was part of what was able to make Lysander grow as much as he did.
Now the ending? Holy crap! I want to know what happened in that room! (Trust me, when you get to the end, you’ll know what I mean!)
Overall, I though that this was a great longer version of the original short and I really hope that Somerton makes this into a full series with more adventures from Lysander and Kyle!
Reviewed by Crystal Marie for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
For me personally, that added something great to the story because it made it more life-like. The story wasn’t about two die hard action men, which I did love. Lysander’s character was just amazing because it was great to be able to see him grow throughout this book. When things got tough, he got tougher and was willing to fight for what he wanted, and what he needed to do.
Kyle was just great as well. His dominance was done in a great way because it didn’t over through the whole story, but instead added to what was going on. And I really felt like his dominance was part of what was able to make Lysander grow as much as he did.
Now the ending? Holy crap! I want to know what happened in that room! (Trust me, when you get to the end, you’ll know what I mean!)
Overall, I though that this was a great longer version of the original short and I really hope that Somerton makes this into a full series with more adventures from Lysander and Kyle!
Reviewed by Crystal Marie for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
September 29, 2016
Hmm, not sure. Like Brock (Lysander) - he's honest and forthright; not keen on Kyle, but I suppose his secret job means he has to keep secrets etc etc etc.
Taking Brock to Columbia to photograph some drug-lord criminals is somewhat outside Brock's experience, but Kyle really doesn't give much away. I found him insufferable when he put on his Dom voice just to disconcert Brock. And I honestly think Brock is braver than anyone could be.
Glad they had a HEA, but again, wasn't too pleased how that came about.
Good read, but slightly disappointing in some places.
Taking Brock to Columbia to photograph some drug-lord criminals is somewhat outside Brock's experience, but Kyle really doesn't give much away. I found him insufferable when he put on his Dom voice just to disconcert Brock. And I honestly think Brock is braver than anyone could be.
Glad they had a HEA, but again, wasn't too pleased how that came about.
Good read, but slightly disappointing in some places.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews