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Trained
In the competition to find a husband for Princess Atalanta, Thoros has a certain advantage. He happens to know that he and Atalanta appreciate the same things in a man: an attitude so rebellious it demands to be punished, a spirit so dauntless it can only be tamed by a single master. Yes, Dalin has the hard body and quick mind of a warrior, but Thoros must teach him to meet the hidden challenges in Atalanta’s contests, the ones only he knows are there.
Dalin will do anything to escape the caste he was born into—even marry a woman. If Thoros can help him win Atalanta’s hand, he’ll endure the pain and humiliation of Thoros’s peculiar brand of training, and he’ll pay the price Thoros demands in return from his body and his soul. What Dalin won’t do is admit how much he likes it. He might submit, but he’ll never surrender.
As one competitor after another is eliminated, Dalin’s chances look good. But winning means leaving Thoros’s cottage for Atalanta’s castle, an exchange he’s no longer sure he wants to make. Meanwhile, Thoros is realizing that he’s forged his perfect partner only to give him away. Can two stubborn warriors fight their way to a prize more valuable than a kingdom?
Dalin will do anything to escape the caste he was born into—even marry a woman. If Thoros can help him win Atalanta’s hand, he’ll endure the pain and humiliation of Thoros’s peculiar brand of training, and he’ll pay the price Thoros demands in return from his body and his soul. What Dalin won’t do is admit how much he likes it. He might submit, but he’ll never surrender.
As one competitor after another is eliminated, Dalin’s chances look good. But winning means leaving Thoros’s cottage for Atalanta’s castle, an exchange he’s no longer sure he wants to make. Meanwhile, Thoros is realizing that he’s forged his perfect partner only to give him away. Can two stubborn warriors fight their way to a prize more valuable than a kingdom?
94 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2018
32 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
T.M. Chris
28 books121 followersTanya Michelle (T. M.) Chris writes fun M/M spanking smut stories that hit all the right bottoms. Er, buttons.
You can find Tanya's more romantic, character-driven work under the author name Tanya Chris.
You can find Tanya's more romantic, character-driven work under the author name Tanya Chris.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 6, 2023
Aww, such a cute (sort of historical) erotica master/slave book. I wish it had even more erotica, just a tiny bit more romance and more pages though .
I loved that it wasn’t the I love you kind of book and the HFN was realistic.
BDSM
Non con
Bondage
Humiliation
Punishment
Spanking
I loved that it wasn’t the I love you kind of book and the HFN was realistic.
BDSM
Non con
Bondage
Humiliation
Punishment
Spanking
April 18, 2019
So .... my fellow readers are right. 😁 If you are looking for romance, look elsewhere because this isn’t a romance. But if you are looking for a short and fascinating erotica with heavy BDSM, you are in the right place. 😉 It was enjoyable and really erotic to see Thoros’ journey of breaking Dalin’s spirit. And he sure was a one strong-willed spitfire. 🔥 All in all, I loved this short story with a healthy amount of BDSM. Tanya Chris never disappoints me when it comes to kinky erotica so I’m sure you’ll love this one too if this book is your cuppa. 💙
4 when the pretty thing says yes stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4 when the pretty thing says yes stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 16, 2023
5 stars
A seamless pairing and engaging premise with hot kinky sex galore.
CW: non-con, dub-con,
The dichotomy in this is great, I loved reading about Dalin's desire for agency and how it comes full circle with his choice to submit freely. There's an endless push and pull between Dalin and Thoros, resistance and release, which I found really engaging.
It takes place over about 6 weeks which felt like a good timeline. You can feel the shift in the dynamic between them, from a pure master/slave (and mentor/student) pairing to something more.
This is technically not a romance, there's certainly no declaration of love, but it does have romantic undertones and what I consider a solid HFN. My only niggle with this book is that the ending was a bit too abrupt, I really wanted maybe 10 pages more. I mean, who am I kidding, I wanted a full novel, but we have to be reasonable here.
Sexual content? Well, it's erotica. Blowjobs, prostate stimulation, anal sex (strict top/bottom), .
Kinky? Very. D/s. Edging, spanking, bondage, gags, nipple clamps, self-fellatio (wow), CBT (also wow).
A seamless pairing and engaging premise with hot kinky sex galore.
CW: non-con, dub-con,
The dichotomy in this is great, I loved reading about Dalin's desire for agency and how it comes full circle with his choice to submit freely. There's an endless push and pull between Dalin and Thoros, resistance and release, which I found really engaging.
It takes place over about 6 weeks which felt like a good timeline. You can feel the shift in the dynamic between them, from a pure master/slave (and mentor/student) pairing to something more.
This is technically not a romance, there's certainly no declaration of love, but it does have romantic undertones and what I consider a solid HFN. My only niggle with this book is that the ending was a bit too abrupt, I really wanted maybe 10 pages more. I mean, who am I kidding, I wanted a full novel, but we have to be reasonable here.
Sexual content? Well, it's erotica. Blowjobs, prostate stimulation, anal sex (strict top/bottom), .
Kinky? Very. D/s. Edging, spanking, bondage, gags, nipple clamps, self-fellatio (wow), CBT (also wow).
November 19, 2018
This was ok. It was all about the bdsm and not romance, that's true...but it was all very clinical and I didn't feel any of it.
October 30, 2018
If you want romance, look somewhere else.
If you like straight up BDSM, look no further.
Dalin, a slave, sees an opportunity to gain freedom by entering a contest to win the princess’ hand. Thoros is the warrior who takes him in in hand and trains him for each task. If they are successful, Thoros will win money for himself.
Thoros ends up training him to be his perfect sexual submissive.
Will they be able to stay together in the end?
*ARC provided by author
If you like straight up BDSM, look no further.
Dalin, a slave, sees an opportunity to gain freedom by entering a contest to win the princess’ hand. Thoros is the warrior who takes him in in hand and trains him for each task. If they are successful, Thoros will win money for himself.
Thoros ends up training him to be his perfect sexual submissive.
Will they be able to stay together in the end?
*ARC provided by author
November 12, 2018
4.5 stars Dalin and Thoros
Good god this was a great read. Harsh, painful, gritty and a lot of kinky awesomeness!!
The dynamic about submitting, humiliation, by a hard hand, choose and chosen.. win by breaking.
Thoros will train Dalin to be the best of the best so he can win the contest to marry princess Atalanta.
A training beyond imagination... painful, dirty and with a lot of fuckin... raw and rough.
Thoros wants to break Dalin.. but it seems he’s almost un breakable.
To win Dalin wants to be broken by Thoros... to win... what?
Strong written story, I loved it there were layers at places I didn’t expect. The story was captivating as hell and with an intense focus on two men with a purpose.
When you love some environments like ‘The Gladiator’ and with some awesome dirt this one is for you.
Kindly received an arc from the author.
Good god this was a great read. Harsh, painful, gritty and a lot of kinky awesomeness!!
The dynamic about submitting, humiliation, by a hard hand, choose and chosen.. win by breaking.
Thoros will train Dalin to be the best of the best so he can win the contest to marry princess Atalanta.
A training beyond imagination... painful, dirty and with a lot of fuckin... raw and rough.
Thoros wants to break Dalin.. but it seems he’s almost un breakable.
To win Dalin wants to be broken by Thoros... to win... what?
Strong written story, I loved it there were layers at places I didn’t expect. The story was captivating as hell and with an intense focus on two men with a purpose.
When you love some environments like ‘The Gladiator’ and with some awesome dirt this one is for you.
Kindly received an arc from the author.
May 6, 2023
Aww this was so cute! And hot. Romantic erotica etc etc.
I love the way Thoros broke Dalin down one step at a time and how Dalin slowly caved to getting exactly what he wanted. They truly understood each other and it was so sweet 🥹
The bonus epilogue on the website - ooooho fun kink I haven’t run across before!!
I love how creative Chris is in these books, so much fun to ride along and never know what’s coming. This was more romance and less hilarious than Ruled (I adored Ruled) and good in its own lovely way!
I love the way Thoros broke Dalin down one step at a time and how Dalin slowly caved to getting exactly what he wanted. They truly understood each other and it was so sweet 🥹
The bonus epilogue on the website - ooooho fun kink I haven’t run across before!!
I love how creative Chris is in these books, so much fun to ride along and never know what’s coming. This was more romance and less hilarious than Ruled (I adored Ruled) and good in its own lovely way!
August 30, 2022
I loved Ruled by the same author, and this is another fun erotica set in a fantasy world that features a power imbalance and some mindbreak themes, but somehow never feels overly edgy or forcefully dark. It's truly more amusing than twisted.
The premise is not as OTT as Ruled and it centers on a "couple" this time: The kingdom's princess is organizing a big competition to win her hand in marriage. Thoros will be training one of the contestant and has an advantage over the other trainers; he knows exactly what the princess likes in a man, because they share the same sadistic tastes. He chooses Dalin from the pool of contestants to mold into the perfect submissive for the Princess. His training sessions methods are intense and sexual in nature, but they always ended up truly helping Dalin in the competitions, in some way or another, which I found sincerely funny.
It's so fun and amusing and filled with creative kinks, mostly centered around humiliation and pain play. From the top of my head, we got whipping, spanking, o-gag BJ, orgasm denial, CBT, and lots of different restraints including some... interesting... bondage positions and predicament bondage. Even though Thoros is basically using Dalin as his slave during the training, Dalin has a strong attitude and never stop pushing back, which creates an almost "enemies-to-lovers" vibe, not dissimilar to Under His Heels (by Adara Wolf). It's obviously not a romance (just like UHH), but it has some sweet moments and what I would call a satisfying HFN.
The premise is not as OTT as Ruled and it centers on a "couple" this time: The kingdom's princess is organizing a big competition to win her hand in marriage. Thoros will be training one of the contestant and has an advantage over the other trainers; he knows exactly what the princess likes in a man, because they share the same sadistic tastes. He chooses Dalin from the pool of contestants to mold into the perfect submissive for the Princess. His training sessions methods are intense and sexual in nature, but they always ended up truly helping Dalin in the competitions, in some way or another, which I found sincerely funny.
It's so fun and amusing and filled with creative kinks, mostly centered around humiliation and pain play. From the top of my head, we got whipping, spanking, o-gag BJ, orgasm denial, CBT, and lots of different restraints including some... interesting... bondage positions and predicament bondage. Even though Thoros is basically using Dalin as his slave during the training, Dalin has a strong attitude and never stop pushing back, which creates an almost "enemies-to-lovers" vibe, not dissimilar to Under His Heels (by Adara Wolf). It's obviously not a romance (just like UHH), but it has some sweet moments and what I would call a satisfying HFN.
December 31, 2018
Does what it says on the box. Very nicely, thank you very much.
February 11, 2019
2/5
Your typical pwp, just wasn't working for me.
Your typical pwp, just wasn't working for me.
March 30, 2021
Read the stand alone epilogue first. Damn, that was hot. Corset piercing on a man.
https://tanyachris.com/freestories/tr...
5 stars for the epilogue, 03/29/2021
*****
There is a contest for Princess Atalanta’s hand in marriage. Any man in the kingdom is eligible to enter, no matter what his station, but palace guards each choose a champion to train.
Thoros knows Atalanta better than most. Her fondness for slender youths is well known, but her fondness for sadism is a closer kept secret. So Thoros looks for a candidate with a strength of will.
The fact that Dalin prefers male company is simply a bonus for Thoros, as he shares Atalanta’s predilections.
There are trials of speed (or more accurately, strength), balance, flexibility, grace, and endurance. Thoros’s training methods seem to simply indulge his own lust and sadism, but every lesson helps Dalin in the trials.
Overall, I’d call this dubcon, though the wrestling is clearly noncon. Dalin is reluctant at times, but ultimately willing to do whatever it takes to win.
Includes: forced nudity, impact play (whip), predicament bondage, extreme bondage, spanking, dubcon sex, and no-holds-bar erotic wrestling.
https://tanyachris.com/book/trained/
https://tanyachris.com/freestories/tr...
Tribute
It’s Princess Atalanta’s birthday, and Thoros makes Dalin into the perfect gift by sewing him into predicament bondage using corset piercings. But he didn’t intend to actually give Dalin to Atalanta.
Content warning: features corset piercing (needle play) and predicament bondage
5 stars for the epilogue, 03/29/2021
*****
There is a contest for Princess Atalanta’s hand in marriage. Any man in the kingdom is eligible to enter, no matter what his station, but palace guards each choose a champion to train.
Thoros knows Atalanta better than most. Her fondness for slender youths is well known, but her fondness for sadism is a closer kept secret. So Thoros looks for a candidate with a strength of will.
“I can train for speed.” Thoros gave the leash a jerk. Dalin turned to him with a glare that had him grinning. What he couldn’t train for was that—that wildness, the fierce, unbroken spirit that—once broken—would produce a submission more delicious for its reluctance. Too easily won was too easily forgotten.
The fact that Dalin prefers male company is simply a bonus for Thoros, as he shares Atalanta’s predilections.
There are trials of speed (or more accurately, strength), balance, flexibility, grace, and endurance. Thoros’s training methods seem to simply indulge his own lust and sadism, but every lesson helps Dalin in the trials.
Overall, I’d call this dubcon, though the wrestling is clearly noncon. Dalin is reluctant at times, but ultimately willing to do whatever it takes to win.
Includes: forced nudity, impact play (whip), predicament bondage, extreme bondage, spanking, dubcon sex, and no-holds-bar erotic wrestling.
https://tanyachris.com/book/trained/
December 28, 2018
T.M. Chris always amazes me and this was no different. Her erotica has a very high heat and add in BDSM? Sold on that alone. However, what makes her so unique is her ability to add such depth. There is so much complexity and layers to her story and it makes me want even more from her.
The character development was amazing. There was phenomenal chemistry and watching the two main characters throughout the novella develop was a treat. It definitely went far above traditional erotica. World building was solid and showcased some really interesting aspects.
Most of all the story though was fully developed. I prefer when erotica has a plot to it and this did. It very much tugged on my emotions. It held me captive from the beginning. I can't wait to see more from T.M. Chris because each time I read something by her it somehow exceeds my expectations, just like this one did.
5 stars for an emotional, plot driven and scorching read!
The character development was amazing. There was phenomenal chemistry and watching the two main characters throughout the novella develop was a treat. It definitely went far above traditional erotica. World building was solid and showcased some really interesting aspects.
Most of all the story though was fully developed. I prefer when erotica has a plot to it and this did. It very much tugged on my emotions. It held me captive from the beginning. I can't wait to see more from T.M. Chris because each time I read something by her it somehow exceeds my expectations, just like this one did.
5 stars for an emotional, plot driven and scorching read!
November 13, 2018
I found this warrior/slave MM romance absolutely fascinating, and it certainly kept my attention until the last page was turned. The plot is well-written with unusual occurring events. The characters continue to develop individual personalities throughout the story-line.
It is about: a man (Dalin, a slave) who is prepared to do anything and by any means necessary to escape the castle he was born into. He is being trained by Thoros, a warrior to meet the hidden challenges for Princess Atalanta’s hand.
There is: warriors, slaves, twists & turns, intrigue, humiliation, training, anger, sexual torture, defiance, domination/submission, BDSM, competitions, doubts, decisions, acceptance, steamy scenes & a satisfying ending.
I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to future books from this author.
It is about: a man (Dalin, a slave) who is prepared to do anything and by any means necessary to escape the castle he was born into. He is being trained by Thoros, a warrior to meet the hidden challenges for Princess Atalanta’s hand.
There is: warriors, slaves, twists & turns, intrigue, humiliation, training, anger, sexual torture, defiance, domination/submission, BDSM, competitions, doubts, decisions, acceptance, steamy scenes & a satisfying ending.
I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to future books from this author.
November 24, 2018
Addicting and not the run of the mill
I think Tanya Chris is an amazing writer. Again she writes a story that is not a typical MM Romance. Here we are entered into a different world. The princess has been told to marry, bringing forth a contest to find a man worthy of her. The contest is open to all men no matter their class which brings us to Dalin. Dalin wants to be chosen so that he can have freedom for himself. Dalin and the other men must be chosen by a trainer in a higher class to be entered. Thoros who knows of what the princess likes chooses Dalin. Thoros trains Dalin to be what the princess wants. This story is a loose version of BDSM and has non con scenes. This book is Hard and Hot and addicting. And it has a great ending. I loved it.
I think Tanya Chris is an amazing writer. Again she writes a story that is not a typical MM Romance. Here we are entered into a different world. The princess has been told to marry, bringing forth a contest to find a man worthy of her. The contest is open to all men no matter their class which brings us to Dalin. Dalin wants to be chosen so that he can have freedom for himself. Dalin and the other men must be chosen by a trainer in a higher class to be entered. Thoros who knows of what the princess likes chooses Dalin. Thoros trains Dalin to be what the princess wants. This story is a loose version of BDSM and has non con scenes. This book is Hard and Hot and addicting. And it has a great ending. I loved it.
May 15, 2023
mm - historical (maybe???) - erotic romance - BDSM - noncon and dubcon. This is very similar to The Sleeping Beauty trilogy but more queer and the focus is on one couple. A lot of reviews say that this isn’t an HEA but I disagree. The book is almost completely focused on their sexual relationship and even the scene where for Dalin, it is still completely about Thoros. It’s limited third POV, so the lack of emotions can be disconcerting which is why I didn’t rate it five stars. However, there is one romantic scene that really stuck out to me, where they are sharing a chalice of wine and they both rotate the glass to drink from the same spot. It was surprisingly cute and impactful, perhaps because the shallow POV.
November 13, 2018
Suffering with a payoff😥😳😋 Princess, make it stop?
November 13, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
Chris really knows how to push the limits in her super 🔥steamy 🔥MM adventures! In Trained, she explores the knife edge border between pain and pleasure. With a series of physical challenges to overcome, the trainee Dalin, engaged in a competition to escape a life where he has no control, finds trainer Thoros a dominant who knows how to push him past his limits, USUALLY in aid of Dalin outperforming his competitors. There's oodles of steam and a bit of a twist at the end.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
November 13, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
Chris really knows how to push the limits in her super 🔥steamy 🔥MM adventures! In Trained, she explores the knife edge border between pain and pleasure. With a series of physical challenges to overcome, the trainee Dalin, engaged in a competition to escape a life where he has no control, finds trainer Thoros a dominant who knows how to push him past his limits, USUALLY in aid of Dalin outperforming his competitors. There's oodles of steam and a bit of a twist at the end.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
November 15, 2018
Intense, intriguing, gritty, harsh, story that pushes the limits story. Warrior and slave work together to win a contest and the training process is brutal and interesting. The writing flowed and i was hooked on reading this story from cover to cover.
Thoros and Dalin connection grows and changes as both men progress toward their goals. I found this a fascinating story. Original and insightful.
I was gifted this book from the author and i freely give my review
Thoros and Dalin connection grows and changes as both men progress toward their goals. I found this a fascinating story. Original and insightful.
I was gifted this book from the author and i freely give my review
Read
August 17, 2019So, my fault for not reading the blurb carefully - I saw Atalanta and got too excited. [TWISTED MYTH?! YES PLEASE.]
I also thought it might be M/M/F.
But ... what I read/skimmed it's ... hardcore M/M BDSM
like at one point dude is literally sucking his own cock and ... it's pretty out there for me.
Just ... a no.
I know other people will like this, and it's definitely erotica - so it's a "me not this" thing here.
I also thought it might be M/M/F.
But ... what I read/skimmed it's ... hardcore M/M BDSM
like at one point dude is literally sucking his own cock and ... it's pretty out there for me.
Just ... a no.
I know other people will like this, and it's definitely erotica - so it's a "me not this" thing here.
June 16, 2021
Dalin was determined to win the hand of the princess and to do that, he knew he needed the best trainer and that trainer was Thoros. Thoros was relentless and harsh with Dalin, demanding that Dalin go above and beyond what would be asked of him in the princess's challenges. As the training progressed, Dalin began to crave the demands of Thoros and enjoyed pleasing him. I definitely would not call this a romance, but if it had been a longer story, it could have been.
June 28, 2023
Nice PWP short read. Dalin, wanting to better himself, thinks training to be the husband of Princess Atalanta will be enough - going through all the rounds until he is the last one standing.
Thoros, a trainer & a sadist has other thoughts. Thoros, severe in his training of Dalin, makes Dalin's submission all he needs. Hard, harsh, gritty stuff, but eventually Dalin realises he will only submit to Thoros.
Thoros, a trainer & a sadist has other thoughts. Thoros, severe in his training of Dalin, makes Dalin's submission all he needs. Hard, harsh, gritty stuff, but eventually Dalin realises he will only submit to Thoros.
November 18, 2018
Definitely not your typical romance but a great read. Thoros and Dalin have a great connection and it only grows stronger as Thoros trains Dalin. As training progresses and feelings start coming into play, can they really bear to separate if Dalin wins the contest to marry the princess. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
September 20, 2025
2.5/5
this wasn't necessarily bad, it just wasn't my cup of tea. it took me forever to finish this relatively short novella. the concept of the story was interesting on the surface, but the execution didn't end up holding my interest. i'm also not the biggest fan of erotica, so picking this up was probably my own fault tbh.
this wasn't necessarily bad, it just wasn't my cup of tea. it took me forever to finish this relatively short novella. the concept of the story was interesting on the surface, but the execution didn't end up holding my interest. i'm also not the biggest fan of erotica, so picking this up was probably my own fault tbh.
December 8, 2018
I like this era of gladiators and the lack of modesty towards the lower classes. It was easy to get into and while I appreciated the short read, I would have enjoyed even more depth into the story. The twist at the end was a pleasant surprise though!
dnf
August 29, 2019DNF @ 22%
You say dub-con, I say rape. Dude said NO. Plus fucking a guy until his body responds and saying “you want this” is a classic rapist line to me that probably wouldn’t fly in het erotica.
This one’s not for me.
You say dub-con, I say rape. Dude said NO. Plus fucking a guy until his body responds and saying “you want this” is a classic rapist line to me that probably wouldn’t fly in het erotica.
This one’s not for me.
May 10, 2020
Quick kinky read
This was a quick enjoyable read. The story was well written with lots of kink. Definitely dub con, but that seems to be Tanya Chris’ specialty - getting right to the line of non con without crossing it
This was a quick enjoyable read. The story was well written with lots of kink. Definitely dub con, but that seems to be Tanya Chris’ specialty - getting right to the line of non con without crossing it
August 27, 2023
Trained
I didn’t think I’d enjoy this one very much because “historical” books aren’t my jam but of course I did because it’s a Tanya/T. M. Chris book and she knows how to write these kinds of books well.
Highly recommend.
I didn’t think I’d enjoy this one very much because “historical” books aren’t my jam but of course I did because it’s a Tanya/T. M. Chris book and she knows how to write these kinds of books well.
Highly recommend.
November 17, 2025
Love the premise, and totally down for the BDSM. For an enemies-to-lovers story, it's pretty slight on the transition, but as others have noted, the focus is erotica, not romance. Two-and-a-half stars rounded up to three.
November 3, 2018
Review to follow.
November 14, 2018
Loved this story.
It was unique.
How to train a gladiator.
It was unique.
How to train a gladiator.
November 16, 2018
Lots of hot man on man action!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews