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Boy #1
The Good Boy
Introverted college student Lane Moredock is in a bad place. His mother has been arrested for securities fraud, his father is on the run, and everyone, including the SEC, suspects Lane knows where the missing millions are. Lane, with no money and nowhere to live, makes a desperate deal that lands him in trouble and leaves him unwilling to trust a so-called Dom again. Photographer Derek Fields lost money to the Moredocks, and is as sure as anyone that Lane is guilty despite his claims. A chance meeting with Lane shows him there might be something more to the young man than arrogance and privilege, and Derek wonders if Lane might be just what he's been looking for: a sub with the potential to be a life partner. As Lane slowly begins to open up to Derek and explore his needs as a submissive, the investigation closes tighter around him. Lane might be everything that Derek wants, but first Derek needs to trust that Lane is innocent-and Lane needs to trust Derek with the truth.
348 pages, Paperback
First published March 26, 2013
323 people are currently reading
3144 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Henry
104 books2,281 followersI like to tell stories. Mostly with hot guys and happily ever afters. They gotta work for it though. No free lunches on my watch.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 408 reviews
April 5, 2013
Hey, let's talk about the puppy play in here, k? Because Lilia Ford and Monique both already did big raves over this book. It's sweet and good, it's mild Domestic Discipline with some inventive tools, and I liked it a lot.
But the notion of puppy play might put you off. Plainbrownwrapper makes some really good points by saying that puppy play involves "humiliation and dehumanization . . . And yes, it is dehumanization, by definition, no matter how "cute" it may be written".
I do view the puppy play in this a little differently. Although, clearly, Derek calls Lane "pup" a few times, to me Derek and Lane's play is about non-verbal play, rather than framing a human as something other than human.
In feminist psychoanalytic theory there's this concept called the chora: a pre-linguistic state. When we are born, we cannot talk, and we don't yet realise that we, the bit that is us, is separate from everything else. All is us and we are all. Our experience is sensations, and emotions, and needs. As we get older we start to use words at exactly the same time that we grapple with the idea that me is a thing that is seperate from you and that. It's a sense of profound loss, and it's all tied up in our heads with the acquisition of language. We have to take the all-encompassing us-ness, and code it into a form for others to understand; these pale things called words. We pretend language frees us, but really, it enslaves us. There will always be a gap between what we can say, and what is inside, and it's one reason for the pain and loneliness that is the human condition. Language lets us be with others at the same time as it isolates us.
The "puppy play" that Derek and Lane engage in isn't Derek treating Lane like a dog; instead it is Lane attempting to find the chora. It is Lane's release and comfort; achieving closeness by playing in a space where words are no longer used. Lane returns to something primordial and loving, where sensation does the communicating; where touch and sight do the talking.
Words have failed Lane; they let him down and make others misapprehend and misinterpret him. ¹ The non-verbal play lets Lane bypass the treachery of words and allows his body to speak for him: so he can tell Derek those very needs and sensations and desires that we all have such trouble sharing.
The puppy play isn't dehumanizing Lane, it is empowering him.²
I don't think it's coincidence that the authors note Lane licking Derek's hand, neck, face, body, and Derek licking and biting Lane's nipples. These men are returning to this preverbal space, to an exchange of bodily fluids - of wetness - that is the very thing our nice, controlled, clean, sterilized world frowns on. To maintain closed bodily boundaries is the essence of what it is to live in a linguistic world, and why sex is more disturbing than murder to many people.
So, if the words "puppy play" squick you out, it's just not like that.
And also, for more on the chora check out Julia Kristeva's Powers of Horror: An Essay on Abjection, which is an awesome book.
¹ Henry and Rock are pretty clever about this. Lane's parents' lawyer has told him "There are only two words you need to know . . . No comment.”
What ends the wholeness and completeness of the chora is The Law of the Father; the turning of the pre-linguistic into the coded, the felt into the spoken. This loss creates both desire, and the regulation of desire. At the same time, to become a subject, and not an object, we need the Law.
In The Good Boy the Law(yer) of the Father is what cuts Lane off from everyone. In what is nearly the ultimate reduction of thought to word, The Law(yer) of the Father has reduced Lane's verbal expression to two words: no comment. The Law of the Father reduces a universe of fear and loneliness and sorrow and anger and regret to three syllables. This encoding can never function to explain and save Lane. He is the logical extension of the autonomous subject: he lacks all interdependence. Lane has no-one and nothing.
There's no way this is coincidence. In my head is a review of Henry's Dark Space that I really need to get down on paper some time, and she does the same thing there; play with philosophical concepts to make a story that is far more satisfying than average m/m fare.
² Derek frames this as puppy play because dealing with scared, unloved dogs is within his realm of experience. Outside of the non-verbal play, the extent of the puppy-ness is
But the notion of puppy play might put you off. Plainbrownwrapper makes some really good points by saying that puppy play involves "humiliation and dehumanization . . . And yes, it is dehumanization, by definition, no matter how "cute" it may be written".
I do view the puppy play in this a little differently. Although, clearly, Derek calls Lane "pup" a few times, to me Derek and Lane's play is about non-verbal play, rather than framing a human as something other than human.
In feminist psychoanalytic theory there's this concept called the chora: a pre-linguistic state. When we are born, we cannot talk, and we don't yet realise that we, the bit that is us, is separate from everything else. All is us and we are all. Our experience is sensations, and emotions, and needs. As we get older we start to use words at exactly the same time that we grapple with the idea that me is a thing that is seperate from you and that. It's a sense of profound loss, and it's all tied up in our heads with the acquisition of language. We have to take the all-encompassing us-ness, and code it into a form for others to understand; these pale things called words. We pretend language frees us, but really, it enslaves us. There will always be a gap between what we can say, and what is inside, and it's one reason for the pain and loneliness that is the human condition. Language lets us be with others at the same time as it isolates us.
The "puppy play" that Derek and Lane engage in isn't Derek treating Lane like a dog; instead it is Lane attempting to find the chora. It is Lane's release and comfort; achieving closeness by playing in a space where words are no longer used. Lane returns to something primordial and loving, where sensation does the communicating; where touch and sight do the talking.
Words have failed Lane; they let him down and make others misapprehend and misinterpret him. ¹ The non-verbal play lets Lane bypass the treachery of words and allows his body to speak for him: so he can tell Derek those very needs and sensations and desires that we all have such trouble sharing.
The puppy play isn't dehumanizing Lane, it is empowering him.²
I don't think it's coincidence that the authors note Lane licking Derek's hand, neck, face, body, and Derek licking and biting Lane's nipples. These men are returning to this preverbal space, to an exchange of bodily fluids - of wetness - that is the very thing our nice, controlled, clean, sterilized world frowns on. To maintain closed bodily boundaries is the essence of what it is to live in a linguistic world, and why sex is more disturbing than murder to many people.
So, if the words "puppy play" squick you out, it's just not like that.
And also, for more on the chora check out Julia Kristeva's Powers of Horror: An Essay on Abjection, which is an awesome book.
¹ Henry and Rock are pretty clever about this. Lane's parents' lawyer has told him "There are only two words you need to know . . . No comment.”
What ends the wholeness and completeness of the chora is The Law of the Father; the turning of the pre-linguistic into the coded, the felt into the spoken. This loss creates both desire, and the regulation of desire. At the same time, to become a subject, and not an object, we need the Law.
In The Good Boy the Law(yer) of the Father is what cuts Lane off from everyone. In what is nearly the ultimate reduction of thought to word, The Law(yer) of the Father has reduced Lane's verbal expression to two words: no comment. The Law of the Father reduces a universe of fear and loneliness and sorrow and anger and regret to three syllables. This encoding can never function to explain and save Lane. He is the logical extension of the autonomous subject: he lacks all interdependence. Lane has no-one and nothing.
There's no way this is coincidence. In my head is a review of Henry's Dark Space that I really need to get down on paper some time, and she does the same thing there; play with philosophical concepts to make a story that is far more satisfying than average m/m fare.
² Derek frames this as puppy play because dealing with scared, unloved dogs is within his realm of experience. Outside of the non-verbal play, the extent of the puppy-ness is
March 29, 2013
*Note added to end of review re- the puppy play element of the story ~ for those that may be put off by that aspect.
5 Un-bloody-believably-brilliant and emotional stars… the first collaboration between Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock and I want more
I have been looking forward to this book for a few weeks now, loved the synopsis and had a whole load of cover lust going on, and after reading some pretty emotional books recently, this looked perfect. Most of my friends know I love the darker side of the m-m genre with plenty of kink and lots of smut… again this looked perfect! However this book was sooOoo not what I was expecting, it was gut wrenchingly emotional and tore my heart to shreds, the prose had me so absorbed and invested in not only the two MC’s but a whole cast of characters that had me both laughing and crying. I literally couldn’t put this book down, the underlying plot was excellent and very well developed to the point where I was ready to dish out some of my own brand of pain to such selfish, materialistic self centred parents… Grrr!!!
Landon Moredock is alone and lost with only $6.75 to his name, with no friends, his Mother arrested and his father on the run, he is thrown out of his family home by the FBI and is living in a dirty, cheap, ant infested motel and hounded by the press. The media portrays him as a rich playboy, the spoilt and over indulged son of security fraudsters, convinced that Lane knows where the money is, and is in fact hiding it in offshore accounts… but they couldn’t be further from the truth, Lane was as much a victim of his parents greed as all the others they had swindled out of their life savings and investments.
Turning to a family friend Acton Wagner for help he is coerced into making a terrible decision, Acton took advantage of his predicament and used Lane’s trust and vulnerability against him. Acton himself had been burned by Lane’s parents and all that anger and hate was focused on a boy that only wanted to be loved and cared for.
Derek Fields is a photographer yet another victim of the scam and has every reason to hate Landon, and he like everyone else is convinced the boy knows more than he is letting on. Only Derek starts to feel compassion towards Lane… and his innocence, demeanour, all the things that scream sub call to his inner Dom to care and look after him despite his reservations, but it was more than that, he wanted to protect him.
Derek is a lonely, slightly disillusioned with life and a Dom without a sub, not interested in the club scene and at 37 he really just wants someone to share his life with. Lane at 20 is young and badly damaged by not only his parents but also his experience with Acton. Growing up he was thrown into a world he was unable to cope with, the money and status were all his parents dreams and not his own, Lane was an introvert wanting to be inconspicuous, nervous and panicked at any attention. He was lost... never having the love and affection of his parents, he just wants to be loved and his body craves something his mind doesn’t fully understand.
The relationship between these two was incredibly beautiful, Lane just broke my heart and Derek was patent and understanding slowly coaxing him out of his shell, showing him what it is like to be loved, all endorsed by Derek’s amazing family and friends and slowly dispelling Lane’s misconceptions of BDSM. Involving Lane in his work, his sisters menagerie of shelter animals also helped as he could connect with the animals that were unwanted.
"I wish there was a way to tell him I'm not abandoning him" Lane said. "But he won't know. He'll miss me, and he'll wonder why I don't come back. Dogs don't know, do they? I remember reading this story when I was a kid, about a guy who went to war and got killed, and his dog waited for him at the railway station for years." His voice cracked. "Dogs don't understand"
This book is not a sex fest, in fact there is no sex until the last third of the book. There are some pretty brutal acts and although they are off page and a recollection, they still made me want to do some serious damage, also the BDSM is not an inherent part of the book, there is some spanking and mild puppy play but no club scenes or hard core BDSM play… Lane had been abused and Derek’s first and only concern was for Lane’s welfare and safety. This is more about trust, earning it and deserving it. It was about learning to accept and acknowledge a desire as a positive rather than something perverse and how forgiveness and understanding go a long way to help heal a boy that blamed himself for the deeds of others.
If this is the first collaboration from Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock then I am hoping they get their heads together like NOW and start writing some more. This is an excellent book and their writing skills are showcased to perfection, seamlessly woven together and I couldn’t tell you where one began and the other ended. I fell in love with them and the amazing characters they created.
I would just like to add if you are not a person that it happy about the puppy play in this book, which to me was more a therapeutic exercise than a sexual one please see Emma's review she describes it to perfection.
This ARC was provide courtesy of Loose Id for a fair and honest review
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July 30, 2016
I'm in agony, over here.
I decided a while back that I didn't want to be one of those people whose ratings become useless by dint of being uniformly positive. I want my stars to mean something. To be taken as a true measure of my esteem.
Or lack thereof.
Fuck—that sounds awful. This is difficult to explain.
Lemme start again.
I can tell you that this book is very, very smart, and frequently funny, and much darker than you'd think; I can tell you it's sexy as hell, but also savagely poignant, and that it may make you cry; I can tell you that many, many people love it, and that the reasons I don't have nothing to do with the reasons why you might.
I could say those things—because all of those things are true.
But I'll say this, instead:
I have never admired a book I didn't enjoy as much as I admire this one.
***
Read this book, and then visit with Emma—in Goodreads beast-mode—as she brilliantly dissects the genius of the puppy-play device as deployed therein.
***
People say Brin stole the show, but I disagree.
That honor goes to Mr. Zimmerman, whose happy habit of exclaiming things like ‘Syphilitic whore!’ made me giggle like a delinquent any number of times.
***
Read the comments for an explanation as to why you saw this review in your feed 80 times, today.
Feel free to avail yourself of the opportunity to razz me for being a ninny.
I'm friends with Ayanna. I'm used to it.
I decided a while back that I didn't want to be one of those people whose ratings become useless by dint of being uniformly positive. I want my stars to mean something. To be taken as a true measure of my esteem.
Or lack thereof.
Fuck—that sounds awful. This is difficult to explain.
Lemme start again.
I can tell you that this book is very, very smart, and frequently funny, and much darker than you'd think; I can tell you it's sexy as hell, but also savagely poignant, and that it may make you cry; I can tell you that many, many people love it, and that the reasons I don't have nothing to do with the reasons why you might.
I could say those things—because all of those things are true.
But I'll say this, instead:
I have never admired a book I didn't enjoy as much as I admire this one.
***
Read this book, and then visit with Emma—in Goodreads beast-mode—as she brilliantly dissects the genius of the puppy-play device as deployed therein.
***
People say Brin stole the show, but I disagree.
That honor goes to Mr. Zimmerman, whose happy habit of exclaiming things like ‘Syphilitic whore!’ made me giggle like a delinquent any number of times.
***
Read the comments for an explanation as to why you saw this review in your feed 80 times, today.
Feel free to avail yourself of the opportunity to razz me for being a ninny.
I'm friends with Ayanna. I'm used to it.
February 9, 2016
2.5 to 3 stars. Review posted February 9, 2016
Overall just an ok read for me. To be fair, I wasn't in my best mood when I read The Good Boy, though I tried to be a good girl and finish the book which I did - by the skin of my teeth no less. Given the fact that I skimmed so much, it says something about my being invested in the story. Not.
I'm definitely not into the silly puppy play *shudder* and I couldn't for the life of me bring myself to like Lane. Empathizing with him wasn't easy either - I guess I just kept it within a limit too. He was terribly naïve, needy and so bloody clueless. I'm sorry but he's just not my kind of hero. I remember that I didn't particularly like him in the sequel either.
What I enjoyed
The good writing and Mr. Zimmerman, the cheeky and funny little fucker. I also liked the flamboyant Brin.
***********************************
Pre-reading The Good Boy
This ebook as well as The Boy Who Belonged have been gifted to me by Lisa Henry back in March 2015. I only read The Boy Who Belonged, so it's time to give the first one a shot.
Overall just an ok read for me. To be fair, I wasn't in my best mood when I read The Good Boy, though I tried to be a good girl and finish the book which I did - by the skin of my teeth no less. Given the fact that I skimmed so much, it says something about my being invested in the story. Not.
I'm definitely not into the silly puppy play *shudder* and I couldn't for the life of me bring myself to like Lane. Empathizing with him wasn't easy either - I guess I just kept it within a limit too. He was terribly naïve, needy and so bloody clueless. I'm sorry but he's just not my kind of hero. I remember that I didn't particularly like him in the sequel either.
What I enjoyed
The good writing and Mr. Zimmerman, the cheeky and funny little fucker. I also liked the flamboyant Brin.
***********************************
Pre-reading The Good Boy
This ebook as well as The Boy Who Belonged have been gifted to me by Lisa Henry back in March 2015. I only read The Boy Who Belonged, so it's time to give the first one a shot.
December 26, 2020
*Kindle freebie 12/26/20*
**4.5 stars**
I once watched a special on fetishes on National Geographic that featured couples living in alternative sexual lifestyles. One that really jumped out for me was the puppy play couples. This was puppy play. The girl slept in a cage, had these little padded hand and knee thingies, and had a muzzle on the whole time. It was... extreme. (link for all of those interested http://channel.nationalgeographic.com...).
I thought that this book was going to be THAT kind of puppy play. I avoided this book for a long time because of it.
When I finally got around to reading this book I was shocked at how little puppy play factored into their actual relationship. I mean, there are times when the couple get their puppy play on but I would call it, like puppy-play-lite. It was very palpable, even for a person who isn't turned on at all by this particular kink.
What did I think about this book? Honestly, this book was a very dark read for me. It featured abuse and had a very somber tone. The sex, when it did occur, was not particularly erotic (for my tastes) because it is so colored by deep emotional turmoil. What made this book a standout for me was the exceptional writing. These two authors had an outstanding collaboration. The writing was just exactly right. It conveyed the mood and the characters' mental state perfectly. As with all books that I love, I felt completely present in the story.
Another excellent book by these two authors. Thank you for making Lane and Derek's fetishes so accessible that they felt natural and beautiful.
**4.5 stars**
I once watched a special on fetishes on National Geographic that featured couples living in alternative sexual lifestyles. One that really jumped out for me was the puppy play couples. This was puppy play. The girl slept in a cage, had these little padded hand and knee thingies, and had a muzzle on the whole time. It was... extreme. (link for all of those interested http://channel.nationalgeographic.com...).
I thought that this book was going to be THAT kind of puppy play. I avoided this book for a long time because of it.
When I finally got around to reading this book I was shocked at how little puppy play factored into their actual relationship. I mean, there are times when the couple get their puppy play on but I would call it, like puppy-play-lite. It was very palpable, even for a person who isn't turned on at all by this particular kink.
What did I think about this book? Honestly, this book was a very dark read for me. It featured abuse and had a very somber tone. The sex, when it did occur, was not particularly erotic (for my tastes) because it is so colored by deep emotional turmoil. What made this book a standout for me was the exceptional writing. These two authors had an outstanding collaboration. The writing was just exactly right. It conveyed the mood and the characters' mental state perfectly. As with all books that I love, I felt completely present in the story.
Another excellent book by these two authors. Thank you for making Lane and Derek's fetishes so accessible that they felt natural and beautiful.
January 7, 2018
Rumor has it there are puppies in this book.<3
So I’m not going to beat around the bush here: this is my least favorite Lisa Henry to date (not familiar with J.A. Rock’s work YET, so I can’t comment on it). The slow build up, fits and starts, interspersed with a flashback chunk, a sudden miraculous wrap-up and a sugary epilogue, failed to draw me in. Besides, I normally love Henry’s MCs to pieces...until now. Until Lane. My problem with Lane wasn’t that he's such a typical victim. I get the ‘why’s’. But it was too much for me. Way too much. Again and again, his angst was shoveled down my throat (“Please don’t judge me, please don’t reject me, please don’t hurt me”). To a point where I just wanted to lock the weakling up in a bench with the other lap dogs and a baby monitor, down a bottle of wine and run off to dance the night away. And here I thought I was more the nurturing type…
Overall, a miss for me because puppy play is not my kink (YMMV), I didn’t feel any chemistry between the MCs, and Lane had more chemistry with a shy dog called Andy than with his love interest.
Buddy read with the awesome Anna (Bananas!).
So I’m not going to beat around the bush here: this is my least favorite Lisa Henry to date (not familiar with J.A. Rock’s work YET, so I can’t comment on it). The slow build up, fits and starts, interspersed with a flashback chunk, a sudden miraculous wrap-up and a sugary epilogue, failed to draw me in. Besides, I normally love Henry’s MCs to pieces...until now. Until Lane. My problem with Lane wasn’t that he's such a typical victim. I get the ‘why’s’. But it was too much for me. Way too much. Again and again, his angst was shoveled down my throat (“Please don’t judge me, please don’t reject me, please don’t hurt me”). To a point where I just wanted to lock the weakling up in a bench with the other lap dogs and a baby monitor, down a bottle of wine and run off to dance the night away. And here I thought I was more the nurturing type…
Overall, a miss for me because puppy play is not my kink (YMMV), I didn’t feel any chemistry between the MCs, and Lane had more chemistry with a shy dog called Andy than with his love interest.
Buddy read with the awesome Anna (Bananas!).
August 12, 2013
3.5 stars
I was initially wary about reading The Good Boy because of the puppy play, a major sticking point and why I kept it on the back burner, for so long. Finally I dived in Emma soothed me and Leanne convinced me, with delicious.:D All my friends know I'm not a big lover of BDSM and some of the kinks that come with it, surprisingly the puppy play wasn’t as bad or prolonged as I'd imagined. It was okay and its use was very comforting. In saying that, I am sure it will never be the sort of play I can enjoy. I understand it, did I like it, find it erotic? No. I’ve realised that I have become terribly picky of late, maybe even a tiny bit jaded.:(
Lane, poor darling Lane broke my heart, his defence system is silence. What he wants to say and what comes out are two different things. I don’t understand why this sweet, bewildered and frightened sweetie was thrown to the wolves, I felt like bashing a few heads together in my frustration. I was in a rage, I don't get it, why him? Lane wouldn't hurt a fly and he's clearly innocent, why did everyone else have trouble getting the picture? The FBI were a bunch of useless pricks and everyone else involved in this sordid mess.
The complete abandonment and isolation from his greedy parents, lawyers and friends was unbelievable, I guess the naive son is the perfect pawn. The icing on this sad cake was Acton thetrusted fucked up family friend, the evil and despicable bastard who's ruination becomes Lane's, paying a horrific price for his parents misdeeds. Also Stephen coming to rescue at the last minute was a stretch, after the ignored calls from his son he suddenly develops a conscience because Derek guilt’s him into It.? I didn’t believe that for a minute, the storyline was not something I enjoyed reading about and Lane's situation was difficult and tragic.
It wasn't all bad, I loved Derek and Lane's relationship the hurt/comfort, the patience and slow pace. I believed it and if ever I wanted a Dom it would be Derek hands down. The gentleness and love worked for me, I wanted to hug and kiss Derek so much. The secondary characters were a joy, Brin the twinky brat and Mr Zimmerman stole the show with their outrageous and inappropriately, hilarious comments. Loved, loved, loved them. I think what I really missed was that zing and spark of sexuality, this was more of a therapy love relationship than an erotic, sexual feast. That's how I felt about it and as other friends have already said, the focus is more about healing, trust, respect and liberation. Great writing and characters, my issue was I didn't love the story.
I was initially wary about reading The Good Boy because of the puppy play, a major sticking point and why I kept it on the back burner, for so long. Finally I dived in Emma soothed me and Leanne convinced me, with delicious.:D All my friends know I'm not a big lover of BDSM and some of the kinks that come with it, surprisingly the puppy play wasn’t as bad or prolonged as I'd imagined. It was okay and its use was very comforting. In saying that, I am sure it will never be the sort of play I can enjoy. I understand it, did I like it, find it erotic? No. I’ve realised that I have become terribly picky of late, maybe even a tiny bit jaded.:(
Lane, poor darling Lane broke my heart, his defence system is silence. What he wants to say and what comes out are two different things. I don’t understand why this sweet, bewildered and frightened sweetie was thrown to the wolves, I felt like bashing a few heads together in my frustration. I was in a rage, I don't get it, why him? Lane wouldn't hurt a fly and he's clearly innocent, why did everyone else have trouble getting the picture? The FBI were a bunch of useless pricks and everyone else involved in this sordid mess.
The complete abandonment and isolation from his greedy parents, lawyers and friends was unbelievable, I guess the naive son is the perfect pawn. The icing on this sad cake was Acton the
It wasn't all bad, I loved Derek and Lane's relationship the hurt/comfort, the patience and slow pace. I believed it and if ever I wanted a Dom it would be Derek hands down. The gentleness and love worked for me, I wanted to hug and kiss Derek so much. The secondary characters were a joy, Brin the twinky brat and Mr Zimmerman stole the show with their outrageous and inappropriately, hilarious comments. Loved, loved, loved them. I think what I really missed was that zing and spark of sexuality, this was more of a therapy love relationship than an erotic, sexual feast. That's how I felt about it and as other friends have already said, the focus is more about healing, trust, respect and liberation. Great writing and characters, my issue was I didn't love the story.
Read
March 26, 2013** Review by the author **
So, I'm not actually going to review a book I wrote. I will say this: the bits you laugh the hardest at were probably written by J.A. Rock.
If you read it, I hope you like it.
But if you want to ask me anything about The Good Boy, here's the place to do it.
So, I'm not actually going to review a book I wrote. I will say this: the bits you laugh the hardest at were probably written by J.A. Rock.
If you read it, I hope you like it.
But if you want to ask me anything about The Good Boy, here's the place to do it.
March 30, 2013
This was good but I found it incredibly melancholy. Lane was beaten down for much of the story so I found that hard to read for an extended time.
I welcomed the humour from Brin's character, who really stole the show for me and deserves a star just for him. I loved him.
I went into this read not really knowing what to expect with the puppy play but I have to say I was impressed with it. It was very gentle and healing.
One thing that didn't really ring true for me:
I welcomed the humour from Brin's character, who really stole the show for me and deserves a star just for him. I loved him.
I went into this read not really knowing what to expect with the puppy play but I have to say I was impressed with it. It was very gentle and healing.
One thing that didn't really ring true for me:
August 16, 2013
For those of you who have been privy to my reviews, you may have noticed a trend throughout all of them. I don’t tell you what a particular book was about. That’s not who I am. No, I tell you how that story made me feel.
That being said, I’m not sure what I feel about this book. I’m not sure what emotion was evoked from reading this story, mostly because my emotions were all over the place. There were parts where I laughed, parts that infuriated me, parts that made me cry and parts that left me with a stupid grin on my face. I can tell you that I didn’t much care for the setting of the book, but I was absolutely enthralled by the relationship between Lane and Derek. It moved at a pace that felt very real to me. Their reactions to each other felt real to me. This wasn’t the same old trope you read about in most books. Lane wasn’t magically healed and bursting with self confidence by the end of the book. All their problems and worries weren’t conveniently solved in the epilogue. It was a long road that Lane is still traveling in order to go from being a victim to becoming a survivor. As scary as the thought is, I could easily envision this happening in real life. Not the rich kid getting framed (kinda) by his parents part, but the abuse and the emotional neglect and the path taken to overcome the consequences of the abusers’ actions.
I know that I felt a tremendous amount of grief for what Lane had been through, not just with Acton, but throughout his entire life. To me, Stephen was more of a villain than Acton was. As a parent I know that the people in my life who trust me the most are my children and to betray their trust would be just about the worst thing I could ever do. I also felt a fierce protectiveness towards Lane. He was just so incredibly broken and didn’t have the tools to “fix” himself. Luckily, that is where Derek comes in. I felt true admiration for Derek and how he handled the entire situation. He wasn’t perfect but that made it so much better. I could relate to him because of his imperfections. If he had all the answers I think it would have ruined the story for me. But because he made mistakes and - here’s the important part - owned up to them the story was much more believable.
All in all, I enjoyed this book immensely and look forward to reading more from both authors.
Oh, and I adored the secondary characters too. All of them, but especially Mr. Zimmerman. ♥
That being said, I’m not sure what I feel about this book. I’m not sure what emotion was evoked from reading this story, mostly because my emotions were all over the place. There were parts where I laughed, parts that infuriated me, parts that made me cry and parts that left me with a stupid grin on my face. I can tell you that I didn’t much care for the setting of the book, but I was absolutely enthralled by the relationship between Lane and Derek. It moved at a pace that felt very real to me. Their reactions to each other felt real to me. This wasn’t the same old trope you read about in most books. Lane wasn’t magically healed and bursting with self confidence by the end of the book. All their problems and worries weren’t conveniently solved in the epilogue. It was a long road that Lane is still traveling in order to go from being a victim to becoming a survivor. As scary as the thought is, I could easily envision this happening in real life. Not the rich kid getting framed (kinda) by his parents part, but the abuse and the emotional neglect and the path taken to overcome the consequences of the abusers’ actions.
I know that I felt a tremendous amount of grief for what Lane had been through, not just with Acton, but throughout his entire life. To me, Stephen was more of a villain than Acton was. As a parent I know that the people in my life who trust me the most are my children and to betray their trust would be just about the worst thing I could ever do. I also felt a fierce protectiveness towards Lane. He was just so incredibly broken and didn’t have the tools to “fix” himself. Luckily, that is where Derek comes in. I felt true admiration for Derek and how he handled the entire situation. He wasn’t perfect but that made it so much better. I could relate to him because of his imperfections. If he had all the answers I think it would have ruined the story for me. But because he made mistakes and - here’s the important part - owned up to them the story was much more believable.
All in all, I enjoyed this book immensely and look forward to reading more from both authors.
Oh, and I adored the secondary characters too. All of them, but especially Mr. Zimmerman. ♥
October 21, 2015
4.956 glowing stars
This is amazing and magical and very nearly perfect and I ate it up.
There is a lot of hurt in 20 year-old Lane, his world has fallen apart, he’s been abandoned by his criminal parents, universally blamed for something he didn’t do, and mentally and physically fucked-over by a family ‘friend’. He is also a text-book newly awakened Sub in need of a strong hand. He needs structure, decisions made for him and limitations set; he’s always been this way but he never knew what it was he needed to feel ‘normal’. What he gets with the older Derek is an experienced, gentle yet assertive Dom who can show him the way, who’s willing to give him comfort AND rock his world. Once they work through the initial distrust and anger over other issues, these two move into something truly special. The magic here is in how the authors sculpt two irresistibly likable protagonists and make us care for what happens to them.
It seems that I have to talk about the puppy-play given that it’s gotten much attention and may have the potential to put people off. I’m hoping that this won’t be the case because this story is so much more than that. The play is handled in an almost delicate way --
It is consensual and acted out with love, not hurt in mind. Lane initiates it and Derek, surprised by it and new to it, works to figure out how to give him what he’s asking for and needs. It’s something they both fall into. It is not about ugly humiliation, in fact it adds a frisson of excitement for Lane who is still skittish about but drawn to his awakening darker desires.
It is therapeutic, a means for Lane to open up to trusting Derek. And it sets up one of the most hypnotically erotic scenes that I can remember reading in a long time . Here, we learn Derek’s real strength as a perceptive, inventive Dom . He doesn’t stalk about throwing his macho weight around, he’s a man of quiet certainty. Kudos to the writers!
We’re given a great cast of well-drawn secondary characters: Christy and Erin, Derek’s supportive sister and mother; Ferg and Brin, another D/s couple and friends (Brin, also Derek’s flamboyant ex, was hilarious but a little too over-the-top at times, and by the end we’ve grown to love him too.). Rounding out the inmates are a menagerie of damaged animals, residents of the animal shelter run by Derek’s sister. An abused dog name Andy bonds with Lane and a potty-mouthed macaw named Mr. Z adds a lot of laughs. It’s easy to make the correlation between Lane’s finding solace in caring for these animals and his own ‘rehabilitation’ at Derek’s hands.
"Good boy, Derek said. "Still? Lane asked hesitantly. Derek squeezed Lane's hand. "Always."
Earlier, I said nearly perfect -- I have a small nit-pick with the writing... Am I being greedy by wanting the ‘pay off’ between Lane and Derek a little sooner and with a lot less ‘chatter/inner musing’? Hey, this comes from someone who loves drawn out UST and the taut, friction-y, circling mating dance between two people in lust... Here and there, as the story progresses are more patches of that ‘inner dialogue’ or ‘telling’ dragging the flow. Whenever I get to a clog I think that this clever writer could have figured out a better way to package this information...or, just left it out altogether. A little goes a long way, less is more.
In spite of the above-mentioned whine, I thoroughly enjoyed this read, it is seductive, it is crafty and well-crafted. Borrowing from the RL Bernie Madoff ponzy scandal was a clever touch and the character sculpting was simply wonderful. Getting back to another important ingredient, ‘The Good Boy’ has some of the scorchy-est sex scenes to hit my Kindle (I’m talkin’ panties. in. a. twist. Scorch.). Kindle afterglow. Don’t let the puppy stuff dissuade from this sweet, smart, sexy romance.
November 19, 2014
5 huge stars from me! I loved it!! Oh Lane, my heart broke for you from the very beginning. Abandoned by everyone, especially your family who should always have your back. Forced to give up your spoiled rich boy lifestyle, living in a fleabag motel with six dollars to your name, wearing clothes you got from the thrift store. Making a last ditch effort to reach out to the one person you thought was still in your corner, only to find out he wasn’t. My heart hurt for him. He was so broken, so unloved, and convinced he deserved everything he got.
And then there’s Derek, a 38 year old Dom with a struggling photography business. I loved him because he’s not the stereotypical Dom we so often read about. He’s worried about his age and the fact that he hasn’t found someone to spend his life with. He’s worried about the $15k he lost in the scam pulled off by Lane’s parents. He has fears and insecurities like everyone else and I adored him.
The supporting cast was amazing! I loved Brin something fierce (and his bag Vera!). And I just discovered he has his own novella, The Naughty Boy. You can bet I’m moving on to that next. Ferg, Christy, Erin and Mr. Zimmerman the inappropriate parrot – I want to hang out with them all. We should all go out for Triple Tuna Tacos at the Taco Hub!
One of my favorite reads of 2013!
And then there’s Derek, a 38 year old Dom with a struggling photography business. I loved him because he’s not the stereotypical Dom we so often read about. He’s worried about his age and the fact that he hasn’t found someone to spend his life with. He’s worried about the $15k he lost in the scam pulled off by Lane’s parents. He has fears and insecurities like everyone else and I adored him.
The supporting cast was amazing! I loved Brin something fierce (and his bag Vera!). And I just discovered he has his own novella, The Naughty Boy. You can bet I’m moving on to that next. Ferg, Christy, Erin and Mr. Zimmerman the inappropriate parrot – I want to hang out with them all. We should all go out for Triple Tuna Tacos at the Taco Hub!
One of my favorite reads of 2013!
April 18, 2013
I don't know if I like the story as much as I like the emotions it elicited.
There is an aching here that is so deep it hums through the book. There are no perfect characters here; they're all humanly flawed. You can dissect them; praise this and rant about that--but humans are beautiful contradictions. That is one of the fundamental aspects of this story that I enjoyed most. That and the blessed humor to diffuse the tension: Mr. Zimmerman and Brin deserve a nod.
Watching Lane reminds of the fish tank I had as a child, we'd catch the fish and bring them home--occasionally a fish would jump out. You'd scoop it up in your hands and put it back in only to come back hours later and see that it did it again. I've buried a lot of fish, but it's the ones I got to before they expired--gasping for breath, twitching on the floor their wide eyes starting to dry that I almost could talk to, to feel their desperation. I tried to make them happy, but I failed.
Derek doesn't fail. Lane is that fish and Derek knows just how to make him happy. It isn't anything external, but Lane's psyche that he connects with that makes everything else unimportant.
In summary, if you can relate to the quote I selected then you'll feel this story.
Favorite quote:
“No matter what you think about what you deserve,” Derek said finally, “you are loved.”
There is an aching here that is so deep it hums through the book. There are no perfect characters here; they're all humanly flawed. You can dissect them; praise this and rant about that--but humans are beautiful contradictions. That is one of the fundamental aspects of this story that I enjoyed most. That and the blessed humor to diffuse the tension: Mr. Zimmerman and Brin deserve a nod.
Watching Lane reminds of the fish tank I had as a child, we'd catch the fish and bring them home--occasionally a fish would jump out. You'd scoop it up in your hands and put it back in only to come back hours later and see that it did it again. I've buried a lot of fish, but it's the ones I got to before they expired--gasping for breath, twitching on the floor their wide eyes starting to dry that I almost could talk to, to feel their desperation. I tried to make them happy, but I failed.
Derek doesn't fail. Lane is that fish and Derek knows just how to make him happy. It isn't anything external, but Lane's psyche that he connects with that makes everything else unimportant.
In summary, if you can relate to the quote I selected then you'll feel this story.
Favorite quote:
“No matter what you think about what you deserve,” Derek said finally, “you are loved.”
July 27, 2018
Oh boy!
I liked this! Age-gap, hurt, mild puppy play, spanking. Derek, 37 meets Lane, 20. Lane’s family has just defrauded a large portion of wealthy and middle class Americans out of millions. With his mother in jail, his father on the run, Lane faces the wrath of thousands.
He’s also broke, shy, and desperate. His desperation sends him into the violent hands of an old family friend. (Flashbacks of torture, dub-con).
Derek is a photographer who has lost his small savings in the economic scandal. He happens upon Lane several times (how coincidental for the plot) and eventually reaches out to him.
Lane is broken after the abuse of his “friend.” Derek is the Dom to piece his back together.
This healing took a loooonnnnggggg time. Derek is a patient man. Maybe too patient, methinks. Here’s where this story landed in the 3 star range. We stalled with the hurt and patience and didn’t seem to get past 3rd gear. Well, that’s a messed up metaphor, but you get me, right?
Anywho, I enjoyed the story and its bit of kink was fun. I’m going to be looking at my dog’s brush in a whole new way now!
I liked this! Age-gap, hurt, mild puppy play, spanking. Derek, 37 meets Lane, 20. Lane’s family has just defrauded a large portion of wealthy and middle class Americans out of millions. With his mother in jail, his father on the run, Lane faces the wrath of thousands.
He’s also broke, shy, and desperate. His desperation sends him into the violent hands of an old family friend. (Flashbacks of torture, dub-con).
Derek is a photographer who has lost his small savings in the economic scandal. He happens upon Lane several times (how coincidental for the plot) and eventually reaches out to him.
Lane is broken after the abuse of his “friend.” Derek is the Dom to piece his back together.
This healing took a loooonnnnggggg time. Derek is a patient man. Maybe too patient, methinks. Here’s where this story landed in the 3 star range. We stalled with the hurt and patience and didn’t seem to get past 3rd gear. Well, that’s a messed up metaphor, but you get me, right?
Anywho, I enjoyed the story and its bit of kink was fun. I’m going to be looking at my dog’s brush in a whole new way now!
January 2, 2016
***4.5 Stars ***
I smiled.
I frowned.
I laughed.
I teared up.
I Googled some stuff.
...and giggled nervously.
...then had to take a long, cold shower.
I blushed.
I felt a teensy bit envious.
I winced (you put that where?!?).
I cheered.
I sighed happily.
Then two pages later I raged and shook my fist at my Kindle.
I banged my head against a wall (yes, literally)
And laughed some more.
And Googled some more.
And fell just a little bit in love with two incredible main characters.
I smiled.
I frowned.
I laughed.
I teared up.
I Googled some stuff.
...and giggled nervously.
...then had to take a long, cold shower.
I blushed.
I felt a teensy bit envious.
I winced (you put that where?!?).
I cheered.
I sighed happily.
Then two pages later I raged and shook my fist at my Kindle.
I banged my head against a wall (yes, literally)
And laughed some more.
And Googled some more.
And fell just a little bit in love with two incredible main characters.
December 22, 2013
WOW! What a great book! I loved Derek, I loved Lane, I even ended up loving Brin!
Awesome writing with great characters! In the words of Mr. Zimmerman, if you don't read this, you're a fucktard. ;)
Awesome writing with great characters! In the words of Mr. Zimmerman, if you don't read this, you're a fucktard. ;)
Read
July 6, 2017DNF en el 7%. No es para mi, el comienzo del libro me ha parecido poco creíble, y ridículo. Sorry.
August 31, 2025
For starters, I must stress that this book is very well written. The fact that I didn't like it as much as 'The Island' is squarely on my shoulders. I loved most of the characters, Lane in particular, and most of the time, I just wanted to hug him
and tell him everything would turn out OK. Derek was also a really good character, suspicious of Lane at the beginning in view of the crime that Lane's parents had perpetrated, but finally realising that Lane had had nothing to do with it, and was just as much a victim of theirs as everyone else.I'm not going to go into the 'ins and outs' of the plot in this review, Monique in particular has done that very well, and Emma has explained the 'puppy play' kink in depth, and I was very grateful for that, not having previously understood it
....but I can see how it would work for some people....it does appear to be therapeutic rather than sexual, and I would guess that for people whose levels of self-esteem are so rock bottom as to be practically non-existent, it would be extremely helpful.I loved Ferg and Brin, although Brin was a real bitch to Lane at first (and yes I know that sounds stupid....how can a man be a bitch, but you know what I mean!!) and I wanted to give him a real good kick in the 'nads
, but after he decided that none of what had happened was Lane's fault, he started to treat Lane like a younger brother. Derek's mum Erin and his sister Christy were also excellent secondary characters, and the dogs at the sanctuary 
were also good as secondary characters. My star of the book of course was Mr Zimmerman, the macaw from hell 
, and his (it's) outbursts were awesome, crude and so funny. The book's principal bad characters were of course Lane's parents, and a more cold, calculating and thoroughly objectionable and unpleasant pair you couldn't wish to meet. It also has to be said that Acton Wagner, whom Lane thought he could turn to for help, was sadistic in the extreme 
(and yes, you'll have to read the book to find out why), and if he hadn't shot himself, I would have done it for him 
!!To sum up, I did like this book, and as I've already said, the quality of the writing was evident in every page, but for me, it wasn't as enjoyable as 'The Island'.
December 22, 2013
Before... A Madwoman, a Banana, a puppy, and Lisa Henry - why do I feel like someone's going to be injured in this buddy read? Whatever, I'm excited!
And AFTER... Well, this one was a mixed bag. I love me some Lisa Henry, and I did enjoy much of The Good Boy, just not enough of it. I kept waffling between 3 and 4 stars. I've concluded a 3 is usually the more accurate rating in this situation
Here's what worked for me:
1. The characters were a blast at times. Some of their dialogue made me laugh out loud or snicker with glee. That endears me to a book like nothing else.
2. I like Derek. He's a great character - believable, tender, bossy at the right times, manly in that way that just reads HOT, and he's a photographer. What's not to love?
3. The sex was good. Derek and Lane together just worked for me. I like their dynamic. I'd consider reading book 2 for that alone.
4. This is a little thing, but I found Mr. Zimmerman's asides about Dolores to be melancholy and touching in just the right way. They hinted at a sad unknown history and offset, even overshadowed, all those silly lines the parrot spewed incessantly.
On to the bad:
Number 1 with a bullet. Lane's situation, his hard luck story, was BEAT INTO OUR HEADS over and over and over again (see, isn't that repetition annoying?) until I just did not care. Yes, I get how persecuted he is. Yes, I understand how mean people are being to him. Yes, I know he feels all alone and helpless and needs a big, strong man to comfort him - I'll take one too.
My point is, a little goes a long way. Readers are not stupid. You tell us something once or twice, we got it.
2. The first half was too long with way too much setup. Why? See above.
3. Brin was annoying. He's one of those people I would tolerate (read: hate with a passion) in real life. Over the top, unsympathetic, mean, flamboyant in an obnoxious rather than cute way, and yet...I almost liked him by the end of the book. His humor won me over a tiny, tiny bit.
So yeah, a mixed bag.
Okay, the puppy play. Damn but people talk this up, don't they? Yeah, I'm going there too. Having been witness to a small amount of puppy play in real life, I was prepared to also be annoyed by it in this book. It seems so silly. And IT IS.
Isn't all role-playing silly by nature though, by its very design? You're pretending to be something you're not, and being a dog is pretty high up there on the silly meter for me. Right next to acting like you're a giant baby. I honestly don't get how that works for a person, sexually.
End of the day though, it wasn't that weird in the context of the book.
If you're trying to decide if you want to read this, um, good luck. Hopefully something I've said will help you tip the scale either way. As for me, I haven't given up on the authors yet.
And AFTER... Well, this one was a mixed bag. I love me some Lisa Henry, and I did enjoy much of The Good Boy, just not enough of it. I kept waffling between 3 and 4 stars. I've concluded a 3 is usually the more accurate rating in this situation
Here's what worked for me:
1. The characters were a blast at times. Some of their dialogue made me laugh out loud or snicker with glee. That endears me to a book like nothing else.
2. I like Derek. He's a great character - believable, tender, bossy at the right times, manly in that way that just reads HOT, and he's a photographer. What's not to love?
3. The sex was good. Derek and Lane together just worked for me. I like their dynamic. I'd consider reading book 2 for that alone.
4. This is a little thing, but I found Mr. Zimmerman's asides about Dolores to be melancholy and touching in just the right way. They hinted at a sad unknown history and offset, even overshadowed, all those silly lines the parrot spewed incessantly.
On to the bad:
Number 1 with a bullet. Lane's situation, his hard luck story, was BEAT INTO OUR HEADS over and over and over again (see, isn't that repetition annoying?) until I just did not care. Yes, I get how persecuted he is. Yes, I understand how mean people are being to him. Yes, I know he feels all alone and helpless and needs a big, strong man to comfort him - I'll take one too.
My point is, a little goes a long way. Readers are not stupid. You tell us something once or twice, we got it.
2. The first half was too long with way too much setup. Why? See above.
3. Brin was annoying. He's one of those people I would tolerate (read: hate with a passion) in real life. Over the top, unsympathetic, mean, flamboyant in an obnoxious rather than cute way, and yet...I almost liked him by the end of the book. His humor won me over a tiny, tiny bit.
So yeah, a mixed bag.
Okay, the puppy play. Damn but people talk this up, don't they? Yeah, I'm going there too. Having been witness to a small amount of puppy play in real life, I was prepared to also be annoyed by it in this book. It seems so silly. And IT IS.
Isn't all role-playing silly by nature though, by its very design? You're pretending to be something you're not, and being a dog is pretty high up there on the silly meter for me. Right next to acting like you're a giant baby. I honestly don't get how that works for a person, sexually.
End of the day though, it wasn't that weird in the context of the book.
If you're trying to decide if you want to read this, um, good luck. Hopefully something I've said will help you tip the scale either way. As for me, I haven't given up on the authors yet.
July 4, 2013
1.5 Stars
This one wasn't for me. I did not enjoy it. But for my competitive nature (this was a book for my m/m Scavenger Hunt Challenge), I would have DNF'ed this puppy after 25%.
Overnight, Lane became a societal outcast and pariah for his parents' sins. Lost and abandoned, he turned to a family friend who he had had a crush on for the past several years. Unfortunately, Lane's hope and trust were sorely misplaced as he suffered horrific abuse at the hands of this a$$hole. Broken - physically and emotionally - Lane then meets Derek, a Dom. As their tentative friendship blossomed into more, their D/s relationship - including some puppy play - placed Lane firmly on the road to healing and recovery.
This book just wasn't my bag. I didn't care for it at all. It was a dark, depressing tale about horrific abuse, unspeakable greed, and betrayal (especially by Lane's parents). If you'd enjoy that type of set-up and reading about overcoming such challenges through BDSM and puppy play, then by all means pick this one up. For me it's tough because I'm not a big fan of BDSM to begin with. I know others were affected by the puppy play but it wasn't that big a deal to me. I had difficulty with Lane and what he went through. I also didn't care for all the psychobabble about abuse, guilt, puppy play, trust, lack of self-esteem, forgiveness, reconciliation, blah, blah, blah.
Lastly, I had a hard time with the ending.
On a positive note, I gave 1/2 point because I loved the dogs.
Bottom-line: I know I'm in the minority here and I'm happy for all those GR readers who enjoyed this book. Sadly, however, this wasn't my cuppa. At. All.
This one wasn't for me. I did not enjoy it. But for my competitive nature (this was a book for my m/m Scavenger Hunt Challenge), I would have DNF'ed this puppy after 25%.
Overnight, Lane became a societal outcast and pariah for his parents' sins. Lost and abandoned, he turned to a family friend who he had had a crush on for the past several years. Unfortunately, Lane's hope and trust were sorely misplaced as he suffered horrific abuse at the hands of this a$$hole. Broken - physically and emotionally - Lane then meets Derek, a Dom. As their tentative friendship blossomed into more, their D/s relationship - including some puppy play - placed Lane firmly on the road to healing and recovery.
This book just wasn't my bag. I didn't care for it at all. It was a dark, depressing tale about horrific abuse, unspeakable greed, and betrayal (especially by Lane's parents). If you'd enjoy that type of set-up and reading about overcoming such challenges through BDSM and puppy play, then by all means pick this one up. For me it's tough because I'm not a big fan of BDSM to begin with. I know others were affected by the puppy play but it wasn't that big a deal to me. I had difficulty with Lane and what he went through. I also didn't care for all the psychobabble about abuse, guilt, puppy play, trust, lack of self-esteem, forgiveness, reconciliation, blah, blah, blah.
Lastly, I had a hard time with the ending.
On a positive note, I gave 1/2 point because I loved the dogs.
Bottom-line: I know I'm in the minority here and I'm happy for all those GR readers who enjoyed this book. Sadly, however, this wasn't my cuppa. At. All.
January 19, 2015
So I have a new love in my life and his name is Derek...and I'm not (for once) even reading Sterek ff.
This book, this book. *sigh*
It was just right for me. Derek was the perfect hero as far as I was concerned - in that, he was perfect for Lane but not an impossibly perfect in every way character. At the start of the book he made a judgement call based on little fact but instead on impression. Worse, on media portrayed impression. It's a judgement call he will regret, but it shows him as human and I liked that a lot.
Lane - spoilt little rich kid getting his comeuppance? Nuh, huh. Lane is lost and doing the best he knows how. In many, many ways I could see a lot of myself in Lane. Possibly more so than any other character I've read about (and no, it's not because I secretly have submissive urges) but because he wants to be the good boy. He doesn't like being in trouble or causing waves or thinking bad of people or breaking rules. And I can understand that. As much as I sometimes hate it about myself, it is definitely a personality trait I have.
So I understood Lane. I understood his thought process, the way he felt about things. And maybe this was exactly why I fell for Derek so hard - because he was right for Lane. So maybe he appealed to my Lane-esque side.
I don't know that I've ever despised two people as much as Lane's parents. How they treat their son - it hurt me. I could feel Lane's pain. Understand his want to not villain-ise them, to see them in the best light he could. Naivety? Maybe, who knows, but it showed how deeply Lane believed in people. It could have - should have - destroyed him. I'm glad (with some help) it didn't.
By far, the best character in this book was Mr Zimmerman. No nonsense, says it....how he feels it?...and hilariously funny. A big thumbs up for Mr Z!
This book, this book. *sigh*
It was just right for me. Derek was the perfect hero as far as I was concerned - in that, he was perfect for Lane but not an impossibly perfect in every way character. At the start of the book he made a judgement call based on little fact but instead on impression. Worse, on media portrayed impression. It's a judgement call he will regret, but it shows him as human and I liked that a lot.
Lane - spoilt little rich kid getting his comeuppance? Nuh, huh. Lane is lost and doing the best he knows how. In many, many ways I could see a lot of myself in Lane. Possibly more so than any other character I've read about (and no, it's not because I secretly have submissive urges) but because he wants to be the good boy. He doesn't like being in trouble or causing waves or thinking bad of people or breaking rules. And I can understand that. As much as I sometimes hate it about myself, it is definitely a personality trait I have.
So I understood Lane. I understood his thought process, the way he felt about things. And maybe this was exactly why I fell for Derek so hard - because he was right for Lane. So maybe he appealed to my Lane-esque side.
I don't know that I've ever despised two people as much as Lane's parents. How they treat their son - it hurt me. I could feel Lane's pain. Understand his want to not villain-ise them, to see them in the best light he could. Naivety? Maybe, who knows, but it showed how deeply Lane believed in people. It could have - should have - destroyed him. I'm glad (with some help) it didn't.
By far, the best character in this book was Mr Zimmerman. No nonsense, says it....how he feels it?...and hilariously funny. A big thumbs up for Mr Z!
March 23, 2016
Twenty year old college student Landon Moredock has been used and abused by those he trusted. His mother is in jail and his father has abandoned him and left him to fend off the press and the Feds after they are accused of stealing money through their financial firm. The press has vilified him as the heir to the empire and accused him of being in on the scheme and the family friends who lost money have turned their backs on him. He is penniless, homeless and confused.
Derek, a 37 year old photographer, is one of the people who lost money in the Moredock scheme. He also believes in Landon’s guilt and when he briefly sees him at a party in a compromising position, he is even more convinced that the boy is just what the press has portrayed him as. After a couple of chance meetings however, Derek is wondering if things aren't exactly what he thought. Derek gives Lane a chance to work as his assistant during a charity shoot for an animal shelter and he slowly begins to learn the truth behind the stories.
My heart broke so many times for Lane. He suffered significant abuse by someone he trusted and his parents had little use for him other than when it suited their needs. Lane is hurting both physically and emotionally, and is confused by what he wants from Derek in light of what happened to him with family friend Acton. Of course the BDSM in this book will not be for everyone, but I understood the comfort Lane was seeking from the puppy play and thought it fit well with the story.
While there is a lot of darkness in the story, the secondary characters were brilliant. Friends Ferg and his bratty sub Brin, Derek's family and Mr. Zimmerman, the foul mouthed macaw, all add much needed humor. A highly recommended read.
December 6, 2016
Some books are really about the characters, and that's the case in 'The Good Boy'.
The beginning of Lane and Derek's relationship is less than perfect. My heart ached for both of them, especially as more of what Lane went through was revealed throughout the book. He was starved of love his whole life. I wanted to wrap Lane up and cuddle him until he felt cared for.
While I could understand Derek's anger, I was relieved that it didn't take him long to realize that Lane was just as much a victim in the whole fiasco. Kudos to the authors for writing a mature adult who is smart enough to deduce where he should really lay the blame for his woes.
Though Lane is the young college student and Derek is an older experienced man, I'd say both of the MCs were lost and had to find their place in the world. I really liked seeing how Derek and Lane found their happy place through each other.
Not only do the MCs support each other emotionally, but their sexual connection is also undeniable. Puppy kink isn't something I've read before, and frankly it doesn't do much for me. But I could appreciate how it got Lane and Derek going. It also went a long way in showing how Lane slowly healed.
And once the two moved onto kinkier and more familiar (to me) ground, it was hawt.
The secondary characters were great, and just as much a part of the story. I really liked seeing the family Lane built on his own, one that truly loved him for who he was.
Plus, I was glad to see how things played out with the FBI investigation and Lane's parents. His father was absolutely vile, and it looks like his mother won't be too different in book 2.
I know I'm late to the party, but this was a great read. Very much so recommended!
The beginning of Lane and Derek's relationship is less than perfect. My heart ached for both of them, especially as more of what Lane went through was revealed throughout the book. He was starved of love his whole life. I wanted to wrap Lane up and cuddle him until he felt cared for.
While I could understand Derek's anger, I was relieved that it didn't take him long to realize that Lane was just as much a victim in the whole fiasco. Kudos to the authors for writing a mature adult who is smart enough to deduce where he should really lay the blame for his woes.
Though Lane is the young college student and Derek is an older experienced man, I'd say both of the MCs were lost and had to find their place in the world. I really liked seeing how Derek and Lane found their happy place through each other.
Not only do the MCs support each other emotionally, but their sexual connection is also undeniable. Puppy kink isn't something I've read before, and frankly it doesn't do much for me. But I could appreciate how it got Lane and Derek going. It also went a long way in showing how Lane slowly healed.
And once the two moved onto kinkier and more familiar (to me) ground, it was hawt.
The secondary characters were great, and just as much a part of the story. I really liked seeing the family Lane built on his own, one that truly loved him for who he was.
Plus, I was glad to see how things played out with the FBI investigation and Lane's parents. His father was absolutely vile, and it looks like his mother won't be too different in book 2.
I know I'm late to the party, but this was a great read. Very much so recommended!
May 26, 2018
This was a tough book - poor Lane paying the price for his thriving parents... tortured and abused when he really was the most gentle and sweet soul. Derrick was on the end of Lanes parents corruption but he managed to look past the media profile of Lane and began to understand the submissive that he was. Together they formed a beautiful relationship and as Lane slowly began to trust Derrick their world and friendships grew.
May 28, 2013
An admirable collaboration is the first thought that comes into my head. Yes, admirable.
It is obvious that the authors complement each other very well. I am not familiar with J.A Rock’s individual work (yet) but I am familiar with Lisa Henry’s work, namely The Island: her writing is beautiful, raw and dark but always balanced with hope and love. She excels at capturing the essence of a tortured soul, and The Good Boy is no exception.
There is much to admire in the well-constructed plot and the distinctive characterisation, especially the more, er … colourful ones like Mr Zimmerman - a Macaw parrot with Tourette’s and Brin , a bratty Hanna Montana trapped in a gay man’s body. Lane is a character you won’t easily forget; his sweet painfully shy nature is set up to endear him completely to the reader – I defy you not to shed a tear for him, even just a tiny one for the injustice aimed at his arse, uhm … I mean his character.
Derek is not your stereotypical Dom as featured in most BDSM novels, he’s older yes, but not rich and not without his own insecurities and problems. It’s a commendable take on a Dom persona for which the reader benefits from a refreshing perspective.
Mostly I found the mood of this book quite sad. Lane is constantly beaten down and Derek’s poor me, I’m lonely and broke and I’ll end up alone voice rather tiresome.
There is some great comic reprieve whenever Mr Zimmerman’s squawking things like “I used to bend like a Vietnamese hooker, “and “ Fuck it, baby.” That bird cracked me up every time!
Brin offers his own sort of entertainment; but let’s just say … he’s an acquired taste. {I’ll insert my best smirk here} You love him or hate him, either way I just want to bitch slap him and call him fat to see him react.
I felt rather ambivalent with regards to the BDSM element in this novel. BDSM as a healing process is all fine and dandy if that’s your kink, even the puppy play doesn’t raise my eyebrows (much)- I may or may not have giggled at this point.
There is a too obvious metaphorical link with doggie rescue which would have served to justify quite nicely. But when the authors go on and on about the reasoning and psychology of it all – it reads like a politically correct how to handbook, all too carefully scripted so as not to cause offense. This really distracted me from the romance and eroticism. The tenderness and heartfelt emotion is what dominates the sex here, not the smouldering physicality of BDSM.
Overall, this is a sad story, a healing journey where love and trust must conquer all. It wasn’t as raw and dark as I thought it would be. In fact it’s rather sweet and fluffy in spite of Lane’s graphic reflection of abuse.
Do I recommend it? Yes, of course. I can see why this is a favourite for many readers, just not this reader.
Reviewed for the Blog Of Sid Love
March 29, 2013
I was all "Thaswatamtokinabawt!" almost the entire time I was reading this book. It alternated from heartbreaking to hilarious and, while my roommate was looking at me funny while I ugly cried one moment and laughed my ass off the next and it was emotionally exhausting being dragged from one point of the spectrum to the other, I didn't care. This is one of the best releases of the year, and I already know Lisa Henry pretty much shits awesome, but I'm also glad this collaboration happened because J.A. Rock, I think I'm also gonna stalk you now.
The first part of the story was its strongest, IMO, when we were introduced to the players and teased with the possibility of a romance. Lane's part of the story was soul-crushing and we couldn't help but want to give him a couple of bucks and a huge hug. He was broken and abandoned and so damn sad, my heart broke a little every time it was his turn with the story.
Derek wasn't that interesting at first, but he grew on me with just being this solid, stable - albeit financially struggling - guy who was so lonely but also appreciated that he might not have the relationship he wanted but he had some of the most fascinating people and animals surrounding him so it was all good. 'Cause they were pretty awesome - these people and animals around Derek. His sister is what I want to be when I grow up, his mom is always on the lookout for possible subs for him, his ex is a shameless bratty sub who says it like it is, and his sister's macaw spews out lines like, "I used to bend like a Vietnamese hooker."
The middle part dragged a bit for me, however, when the two MCs got it on. It might have been because I wanted to be teased more and wasn't ready for the smexin to commence. Or maybe the MCs got a bit domestic and shit, but there were still so many uncertainties and I wanted at least one of them to be dealt with. I just couldn't enjoy the sex and the normal couple stuff they were doing when there were still conversations they needed to have.
The flashbacks also gave me a bit of a tick. I kinda get why a part of Lane's story had to be told in flashbacks, but I couldn't help but get a little bit pissed every time I had to pause with Lane and Derek's present just to read about the horrible experience Lane had that was implied at the beginning of the book.
Even with the weak middle, the story ended beautifully, though. When things came to a head and Derek and his family got all protective and supportive and Lane took my heart and minced it, it was wonderful.
Oh, and if you're put off by the puppy play part that was mentioned in the blurb and other reviews, Emma wrote a brilliant post about it that made me want to fangirl. So check it out.
And check this book out because Henry and Rock might be my new OTP.
The first part of the story was its strongest, IMO, when we were introduced to the players and teased with the possibility of a romance. Lane's part of the story was soul-crushing and we couldn't help but want to give him a couple of bucks and a huge hug. He was broken and abandoned and so damn sad, my heart broke a little every time it was his turn with the story.
Derek wasn't that interesting at first, but he grew on me with just being this solid, stable - albeit financially struggling - guy who was so lonely but also appreciated that he might not have the relationship he wanted but he had some of the most fascinating people and animals surrounding him so it was all good. 'Cause they were pretty awesome - these people and animals around Derek. His sister is what I want to be when I grow up, his mom is always on the lookout for possible subs for him, his ex is a shameless bratty sub who says it like it is, and his sister's macaw spews out lines like, "I used to bend like a Vietnamese hooker."
The middle part dragged a bit for me, however, when the two MCs got it on. It might have been because I wanted to be teased more and wasn't ready for the smexin to commence. Or maybe the MCs got a bit domestic and shit, but there were still so many uncertainties and I wanted at least one of them to be dealt with. I just couldn't enjoy the sex and the normal couple stuff they were doing when there were still conversations they needed to have.
The flashbacks also gave me a bit of a tick. I kinda get why a part of Lane's story had to be told in flashbacks, but I couldn't help but get a little bit pissed every time I had to pause with Lane and Derek's present just to read about the horrible experience Lane had that was implied at the beginning of the book.
Even with the weak middle, the story ended beautifully, though. When things came to a head and Derek and his family got all protective and supportive and Lane took my heart and minced it, it was wonderful.
Oh, and if you're put off by the puppy play part that was mentioned in the blurb and other reviews, Emma wrote a brilliant post about it that made me want to fangirl. So check it out.
And check this book out because Henry and Rock might be my new OTP.
April 4, 2013
This book ticked allll my little boxes and I LOVED it!
Hurt/comfort, just the right amount of angst, slow burn sizzle, a healthy dollop of kink, great supporting characters with a dash of quirkiness and a romance fraught with tension and lust
Many reviewers have mentioned the sense of melancholy and sadness that runs throughout and I loved it. Shit happens to poor Lane...(get the tissues ready) and then more shit happens and then Henry and Rock bring bloody rescue animals into the mix and there's this dog(more tissues)and.....I had no defense against a charm initiative of this magnitude.
Highly recommended!
Hurt/comfort, just the right amount of angst, slow burn sizzle, a healthy dollop of kink, great supporting characters with a dash of quirkiness and a romance fraught with tension and lust
Many reviewers have mentioned the sense of melancholy and sadness that runs throughout and I loved it. Shit happens to poor Lane...(get the tissues ready) and then more shit happens and then Henry and Rock bring bloody rescue animals into the mix and there's this dog(more tissues)and.....I had no defense against a charm initiative of this magnitude.
Highly recommended!
January 27, 2015
I won't claim to understand the need to either feel or to inflict some of the types of play that takes place in stories like this. Not my thing, but also, not my place to judge what others like.
However, I did really enjoy this book. My heart just broke for Lane, and in the beginning, I was quite angry at Derek for his judgment of Lane. He had every right to be angry, but at the right people. But a good book forces you to think, and that's just what this one did, and I realized that, in Derek's position, I would have probably felt the same. I would have been angry and bitter, and I would have seen Lane exactly the same, as the rich kid who had it all. So maybe now, I'll have more compassion myself, if I ever face a situation like this, and not be too judgy.
However, I did really enjoy this book. My heart just broke for Lane, and in the beginning, I was quite angry at Derek for his judgment of Lane. He had every right to be angry, but at the right people. But a good book forces you to think, and that's just what this one did, and I realized that, in Derek's position, I would have probably felt the same. I would have been angry and bitter, and I would have seen Lane exactly the same, as the rich kid who had it all. So maybe now, I'll have more compassion myself, if I ever face a situation like this, and not be too judgy.
September 10, 2016
5 massive stars from me! I absolutely loved this book and can't believe it took me so long to read it. Lane has been abandoned by his parents and friends and is living in a scummy motel with only a few dollars left in his pocket. He has one last hope and that's old family friend Acton Wagner. When Lane turns up at Wagner's doorstep he's used, abused and left hung out to dry. Enter 37 year old local photographer Derek Fields! Slowly, with much tender loving care things start to improve for Lane and he learns to come out of himself and shine!
August 30, 2025
“You’ve never, like, yanked his pants down and offered to cuddle his monster cock in your slutty little mouth while he pets the inside of your ass with his fist?”
Oh...he better in book 2!
Nice hurt/comfort age-gap romance with lots of rescue dogs. BDSM exploration and cute puppy play with snuggles.
Oh God. His cock was hard. Lane sucked in a deep breath and held it. He waited for his erection to subside, because that was too weird. He was not going to stick his hand down his pants and bring himself off when he was wearing a fucking dog collar.
And hot sauce used appropriately, up the butt and on the cuts!
Ouch to the metal dog slicker brush, that shit has got to hurt.
Longer RTC after I finished book 2.
Not a fan of fucktard used 16 times, although this was published in 2013, were people still saying that back then? Don't ask me, I'm proudly out of touch.
Oh...he better in book 2!
Nice hurt/comfort age-gap romance with lots of rescue dogs. BDSM exploration and cute puppy play with snuggles.
Oh God. His cock was hard. Lane sucked in a deep breath and held it. He waited for his erection to subside, because that was too weird. He was not going to stick his hand down his pants and bring himself off when he was wearing a fucking dog collar.
And hot sauce used appropriately, up the butt and on the cuts!
Ouch to the metal dog slicker brush, that shit has got to hurt.
Longer RTC after I finished book 2.
Not a fan of fucktard used 16 times, although this was published in 2013, were people still saying that back then? Don't ask me, I'm proudly out of touch.
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