Don't...

Don't... #1

by Jack L. Pyke

(2019 Re-edited Edition)

“Don’t… bleed for me.” ~ the Unknown.

Saying Don’t around Jack Harrison always did lead him into dangerous grounds on London streets. But now someone knows Jack’s head inside and out, and they’re about to twist all perception and lead him into an underground depravity that nearly sent him down in his youth. As Jack slips further into a dark psychological minefield, only two men offer different paths back to sanity: Gray, a man who knows Jack’s every dark thought, and Jan, the first man to show Jack a “soft lad” approach to head and heart. But with deadly games and ghosts bleeding through into Jack’s reality, it’s a fight to see who out of the three of them will survive long enough to find a way out of the vicious game played by someone known only as… the Unknown.

Genres: BDSM, M M Romance, Dark, Menage, Erotica, Romance, Contemporary

497 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 12, 2012

About the author

Jack blames her dark writing influences on living close to one of England’s finest forests. Having grown up hearing a history of kidnappings, murders, strange sightings, and sexual exploits her neck of the woods is renowned for, Jack takes that into her writing, having also learned that human coping strategies for intense situations can sometimes make the best of people have disastrously bad moments. Redeeming those flaws is Jack’s drive.

Reviews

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just FUCKING PEACHY!!

What an amazing and talented Author! ...Jack L Pyke is a new Author, that will not only be an auto-buy but I will be salivating in anticipation of her next piece of work. This is going straight on the shelf where I keep my most treasured reads, those that demand 5+ Stars… EXCELLENT!!...



Jack Pyke keeps us constantly on a knifes edge, there is not a moment of complacency in this book, I was captivated and engrossed! We are led down a tortuous path where nothing is predictable, it is complex and intriguing, total edge of the seat stuff, that for the most part will have you shouting WTF!!! There is a clever use of dialogue and characters points of view to create an illusion where you think you know what’s going on, when really you haven't got a clue! It is a total MIND FUCK… and that is where this is truly brilliant. As things slowly start to unravel and we get a more of an in depth look at Jack, the layers are slowly peeled away revealing his damaged and flawed psyche and just how those complexities and his illness is contained, with the release, controlled and manipulated by the very illusive and enigmatic Gray.

I was consumed by the amazing character development, with Jack being pivotal to this tale and the story revolving around him with our other two MC’s Jan and Gray both playing their part. Jack is a very complex character with a chequered past, he has his own business and trains youngsters in Karate, which all gives him a sense of purpose and he takes his responsibilities seriously. When he meets Jan, for the first time he meets someone he might actually want to have a relationship with, someone who has no connection to the BDSM circle he is so entwined within.

Jan is in finance and works in the city, his only experience in relationships was being the bit on the side for 10 years to a man who was unable to face his sexuality. These two are immediately attracted to each other and the chemistry between them was sizzling. Jan is a very sweet soul with a gentle nature and the Jack that he is attracted to is confident, hard on the outside but loving and affectionate on the inside, a joker, quick to laugh who is loved and respected by his employees. Yet there is another side to Jack and this man he is not sure he even wants to know!

This man is at the whim of our Master Dom, Gray Raoul, he manipulates and controls proceedings from the sidelines, stoically commanding every appearance he makes, oozing power, he is the epitome of a Master Dom ~ very dark and very fucking dangerous!!

The POV’s are alternated between Jack and Jan and the character development was excruciatingly drip fed, leaving me open mouthed like a baby bird wanting more. Jack, I just loved, a lost soul who’s vulnerability left my heart breaking. Gray on the other hand I spent most of the time shouting expletives that could fill a page, I really disliked him initially and found him very confusing, a Master Dom who gets it so wrong! His error in judgement the misunderstandings and lack of communication and not forgetting the green eyed monster that also rears it’s ugly head, all compounded my frustration and anger revolving around Gray. Jan is just naive and it is his ignorance that left me swearing at him, the whole thing left my blood boiling and my adrenaline levels spiking and… I LOVED it!!

This book is just Brilliant! It’s deeply intense, raw, dark, erotic… a psychological suspense thriller that will have you biting your finger nails and turning to the bottle. This is an all nighter. Ha… don’t think you can put it down. Well, maybe while you jump up and down shouting obscenities at fictional characters as though they were in the same room! and yes, I am sleep depraved and possibly slightly neurotic… But, Shite! This book is good! There is always a provocative undercurrent of desire and lust, it is sexually charged and the potency is dizzying. It is not as dark as some I might read, but If you are a lover of the darker side of fiction this book is for you.

Don’t, was recommended to me by a couple of my friends who know exactly the kind of books I like to read. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! So I bought it downloaded and proceeded into the world of Jack Harrison. It has been a voyage of discovery borne of ignorance as I had no idea what it was about or what to expect, it is for this reason I have not gone into any detail as not knowing will give the most impact and enjoyment.

For more reviews, please check out Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews and you can also find us on Facebook

[Baba · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 kinky and erotic stars.****Review completed December 9, 2013

"The bondage, the whips, the scenes; they…they don't turn me on. Gray--Gray turns me on with his patience, his self-control, his ability to just glance in my direction and hold me still. Mmmmm. He's…he's behind it all, and so long as I know that, I know I can calm myself enough to follow any order, feel any knife without feeling as though I lose control, or feeling like I need to stay in control and hit someone for touching me."

"BDSM isn't all about pain, Jan," Gray said quietly. "It's about letting go and experiencing feelings you haven't yet allowed yourself to discover."

Whew…what the heck did I just read? A big fat yes from moi for the originality of the plot and the kinky sex! *fans self*

Don't read this book if you're not into M/M…

Don't read this book if you're not into HOT man-on-man action…

Don't read this book if you're not into BDSM…

Don't read this book if you're not into a little delicious mind f@ck…

Don't read this book if you're afraid of the unknown...

Don't read this book if you're fainthearted…


Although I must tell you that you're missing out if you're not going to read it.



"Don't…bleed for me, Jack."

Whichever way I look at it, I think it's best to not extensively review Don't…because this story works best when you don't know too much about it. Don't you enjoy original surprises? Don't you enjoy to feel a tingling sensation or a creepy feeling that's going to sneak up on you unexpectedly?

We have three main protagonists. Jack, Jan and Gray. Each of them accomplishes a different role. However, seeing them engaged in a threesome was so gloriously hawt and the very best role of all. Excuse me but I just had to pick up my jaw from the floor!

Jack is Gray's sub. Although there's clearly more to the bone I prefer to not go into details here. Surprise, remember? Jack is a special dude. He's antisocial to boot and suffers from OCD and ODD (Oppositional Defiance Disorder) since he'd been a kid. Jack displays irrational anger, an inability to take responsibility for his own actions as well as the compulsion to disobey authoritative figures. He'd also been diagnosed as having a severe conduct disorder. So, while he's got many flaws, Jack is also very protective and he's fiercely loyal to Gray (and Jan).

I'm actually a bit weary of using BDSM to ease untreated psychological issues. Yet it worked just fine for me in Don't… I felt it really helped Jack to cope with his problems. In fact, he clearly thrived on sexual stimulation and it helped to calm his mind and ease his fears.

Jan is the vanilla type who helped to ground the high-strung Jack. He's actually the least interesting of the trio, IMO. Don't get me wrong, I definitely liked him but he wasn't really capable of heating up my blood. He's nice to have but that's it. No more, no less.

And then there is the most fascinating character. Gray. He's the Master Dom to the Masters' Circle. Gray is training men who want to be a Dom. He's also a big shot at MI5. Gray is Jack's tower of strength. He taught Jack patience, control and respect. Plus, he's the oldest of the trio and I sure as heck love him for being so level-headed, calm and mature. Besides, he's one hell of a sexy man. *licks lips* Nothing can rattle that guy and he's in control at all times. That's actually something I'd like to see happening in Antidote--Gray losing his calm. I'm sure that would up the ante. All things considered I would have loved to see so much more of Gray though. Unfortunately he represented more of a supporting character and yet he clearly was in a leading role nonetheless. A role I enjoyed tremendously.

Be brave, Don't…FEAR Me

Don't… is an original and engagingly penned story. Moreover, it's actually a fascinating head f@ck. The plot and characters are intriguing and the smexy times are panty-melting hot. Add in the fact that some parts of Don't… are slightly disturbing and you can be sure the overall result is a great read. I guarantee you won't be dying of boredom while reading this book.

After reading Don't… I just felt f@cking peachy and I can't freaking wait to get my grabby hands on Antidote!! We don't have a release date yet?


Warning
Don't… contains very explicit sex and language, toys, spanking, bondage and knife play. It also contains ménage scenes. Therefore it's not for the faint of heart.


Recommended read.


http://baba.booklikes.com

[Shile (Hazard's Version) on-hiatus · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

Well! This was different and different is good sometimes.



So many amazing reviews have already been written, i will try keep this short and spoiler free.

I enjoyed the story telling and the writing. It started a bit shaky for me but i stuck with it, and it did get better. There was some humor too. I found myself laughing so hard.



The story revolves around 3 men Jack, Jan and Gray, and told in the POV of Jack and Jan.

I liked Jack a lot, the guy has ISSUES and i want to be here to see him through those issues. His character is so fascinating to read. Jan is starting to grow on me too, i didn't connect with him from the beginning the way i did with Jack but by the end of this one, he was on board my connect train. Gray, I freaking loved.

As for the relationship, it was good there was connection, chemistry but i felt it was too Insta! Now, i got nothing against Insta as long as it is well done! it can work and it worked here. The sex scenes were freaking hot! hot! the good porn hot!

The BDSM approach was different than what i am used to, and i found myself invested into that world. I didn't find this one that dark, i am hoping the rest of the series becomes darker, like really really dark, i see the potential, i hope it delivers.

Overall, i liked it and enjoyed it enough to continue.

[Lyn❤Loves❤Listening to Real Voices Only!!!!❤️🎧📚 Addict ON HIATUS]

I have to call it. I really, really tried, but Dnf @ 76%

It’s completely me and not the book. I don’t have the brain to understand and enjoy the story. Just when I think I’ve taken a step forward in understanding, I take two back into confusion. Maybe one day when I retire and can get consistent 7 to 8 hours of sleeping daily, I’ll come back to this with a less muddled brain.

[Optimist ♰King's Wench♰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I realize the forthcoming statement is oft used on this website, so much so that's it's quickly reaching cliche status however…

WHAT THE FUCK, MAN?!?!

Three important words you should keep in the back of your head while reading this...
▪ ODD
▪ OCD
▪ Control


This book made me feel annoyed, confused, borderline disgusted & pissed off but it made me feel & more importantly think. Rare occurrences & should be treated with an appropriate amount of deference to Jack L. Pyke. It got under my skin & more importantly got me up early. o_O A rarity indeed. Forget about trying to figure it out, just let it flow over you. You're fucked if you try. Sorry.

It is quite humorous at times which is a nice break from the intensity. Characters are reasonably well developed given the genre. Sex & BDSM are fairly intense & smoldering. The psychological aspect is inconsistent but if you're only marginally familiar with psychology you'd never pick up on it. I took it with a grain of salt & still objectively enjoyed the book. Writing is sharp, almost stream of conscious-y at times. It took some adjustment at the onset but I soon settled into the flow of it.

At any rate, a highly enjoyable read. I'll look forward to the next offering by this new author.

[Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilled to hear that Jack L Pyke has gotten her rights back and will be releasing a re-edited version of the story in early 2019!

Third read, the revised and redited version starting 1/22/19

I love Jan even more after the editing! Still a must read book.


------------------------------
Re-read starting 5/8/14 Wonder if I'll warm up to Gray?

I think I even enjoyed it more the second time around when I took my time. I do have a greater appreciation for Gray and the way the relationships turned out, but I still don't like him for his whole handling of the situation. I liked Jan even more and what can I say about Jack besides that I so love him. Can't wait for Antidote next week.
------------------------------

Original review January 2013:
4.5 stars

I could not put this down. Other reviews out there break down the story without giving much away. Enjoyed the many twists and turns. So much character driven emotion. It's dark and sexy (relying heavily on the BDSM theme), but there is so much more as we dive into the relationships between the three MC's and their individual layers. There are heart-stopping moments, but at the same time moments where I felt myself tearing up.

I'm not sure how I feel about the end, but I really do need a sequel to explore where things could go.

[Lisa Arbitrary - AttentionIsArbitrary M/M Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

~ ~ ~

Don’t…
…READ THIS

Don’t…
…CRAVE IT

Don’t…
…READ ALL NIGHT

Don’t…
…JUMP TO CONCLUSIONS

Don’t
…FALL FOR JACK, JAN or GRAY

Don’t…
…WANT MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For the first chapter I had to relearn my British a bit, then I was off and running. I can’t really tell you if I was more into the thriller or the sex content. Both equally, I guess. Hot, sexy, thrilling, edge-of-your-seat stuff here.

Believe it or not this was my first m-m-m ménage read and I loved it. I know that’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but, well, it’s mine. Yay, whole new genre.

THE CHARACTERS

Jack - He’s one complex character. The kind of character that has you asking so many questions. Questions to help you understand human nature and response. I love this stuff. Jack is a Master Dom’s sub, with unique power tendencies and an OCD/ODD condition to just twist things up a bit.

Colour flushed my cheeks… "Caged lover.” Jan’s breath was against my ear. “Intriguing.” A very discreet rub of the back of his hand down the cage shaft.

Jan - Mmmmmm, yeah I really, really like Jan. Sexy, young, intelligent, kind and vanilla in a very, very different world. When he and Jack meet it’s instant attraction and action.

I’d never been around a guy who wore a dress, certainly not one who wore a dress like that. … long legs, small frame, yet when she’d sat on my lap, male had made its presence known, and every confusion in me had disappeared.

Gray - Well here’s the mystery man at his best. Even after finishing this book I’m not completely clear on him. That’s not a bad thing, it just adds to the intrigue.

That was his puller, making you seem like nothing else in the world mattered to him but you. Pity it was only a party trick..

THE STORY

The complexity of this straight-forward story is amazing. Yes, I got lost, then I totally got it only to find out I didn’t know anything. There’s sweet romance mixed with a very twisted background mystery/thriller all surrounded in a wild, privileged BDSM world that even vanilla me wants to be involved in.

Trust, respect, compassion.

I definitely want more and, if I had any complaints, it would be that while the story felt complete I just didn’t get enough. I want to spend more time in the Masters’ Circle and more time watching Jack, Jan and Gray.

THE WRITING

The brilliance in this writing lies in the authors ability to completely wrap you up in the scenes she’s building. She creates a very full world with constantly moving elements that have your mind so focused you-are-there.

Combine that with characters that jump off the page and I think you’ve got it all. Jack’s gruff nature. Jan’s gentle tenderness. Gray’s sophisticated cool. I think there’s something for 'almost' everyone.

EXCEPTIONAL

~ ~ ~

Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:


http://www.attentionisarbitrary.blogspot.com

[Steelwhisper · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5*

This book tried to cover too much ground, to tackle too many things and failed on most counts. It wants to be a crime thriller and isn't, to be a romance and it delivers an unlikely HFN without a real lovestory, a case study of several personality disorders in which it partially succeeds, and some erotic fantasy based on BDSM which fails on both fantasy and BDSM, and for me on erotic content.

This book is a case study of what happens when an author tries on too much and isn't curbed or set right again by a good editor or excellent beta-readers. It could be a perfect case in point for Jesse Wave's post here:

www.reviewsbyjessewave.com/2013/03/01...

I baulked at that blog post mentally when it was published, but while reading "Don't" I suddenly realised that a huge part of my OTT reaction was due to what Wave and her reviewers describe, an overdose. I've really read too many m/m books to be anymore satisfied with the mediocre or unfinished. I don't expect anyone writing ebooks by the dozen to come up with works such as The Charioteer or Maurice or The Single Man, but I want to read something solidly edited, solidly constructed and plotted, and also--to which I come later--to be respectful of its audience. I expect something at least like The Violet and the Tom or Captive in the Dark or Captive Prince: Volume One, which are examples of similar topics, similar worldbuilding, similar attempts at insight and depth into BDSM and challenged minds, without succumbing to quick fixes or shouldering more than advisable. That's why they get well-earned high marks, whereas I for one can't rate “Don’t” high at all.

Additionally it also made me rather angry in parts, and reading reviews, I saw I am not the only being that much alienated. I will try to explain that as well. But first things first: the craft issues which made this a much less than optimal read. I know not every reader pays attention to them. I do however, because after a while certain things really start to grate.

There's sort of a cliched shorthand which very quickly evolved within m/m romance, and has gained ground even among authors fresh from the mint. You find it in both descriptions and dialogue, and I have (see above and Jesse Wave) read it by now in such an abundance, that I wince when coming across it. These expressions were new and exciting the first few times I read them, but when they come from an endless row of authors in always the same sauce of sex scenes they get as irritating as the famous purple prose of early Harlequin novels.

Shorthand expressions like e.g. "fisting" for anything but the sexual activity called "fisting", particularly the fisting of hands in hair or sheets, particularly at the time of passion and ejaculation. I'll just about accept it still for a fist around an object similar to palming something, but I'm rapidly being turned off that as well. "Melting" is another one, unless we talk of melting icecream or butter. "Melting" into a wall while being reamed, or "melting bonelessly" while being kissed or licked or having an orgasm, seriously cliched by now. "Tonguing" as a verb, another culprit, just as "battling" or "fencing" or “tangling” tongues. I'm also so over "saluting" or "standing to attention" penes. There are more such cliches, in this book as well as in others, but this should illustrate what I mean.

There are even pitfalls with new or rare terms, in this book it was for instance "taint", which is the correct anatomical term, yet so quaint it manages to pull me out of the narrative every single time. Others were author inventions, such as “semi” for a semi-hard erection, a word which for me raised the mental image of a semi-detached house instead. Another really obnoxious mannerism adopted by far too many authors is dialogue which leaves out the pronouns: “Mine!”, “Want you!”, “Need you!” accompanied with more staccato language. That doesn’t come over as carried away by passion, it comes over as not very intelligent. Heh, and if you are British and use British SPaG then an ass is a four-legged animal, and an arse is the part people sit on.

Language unto itself. Yes, I grasped it after the first spate of profanities and f-bombs from Jack that he is working class, male and vulgar. That’s again a cliché, which in the case of Jack adds up with the other clichés and posits of his character and in a manner which I find both off-putting and disrespectful. This especially because he is also said to be educated enough to maintain a larger business. You’d think he’d noticed how he talks by then. [A short aside here: it is fortuitous that parallely to this “Gaijin” of Remittance Girl is also a BOM. I recommend this short story for a superior example of how an author can portray criminals and people of a low class or social standing while staying perfectly respectful of them and keeping them deeply human. And that while still managing to make clear who and what they are.]

Cutting it down to maybe 10% or even just 5% would have achieved the same effect without being repetitive and offensive. Jack is supposed to have OCD, ODD and CD and not Tourette. As I generally counted around 10 profanities per page, be it Jan or Jack’s voice with very few exceptions in between this would also have achieved a much leaner prose: 3500 words less or 14 pages easily cut right there which would helped towards taking out the bloat!

Spoilers ahead! If you open, you’ll know what happens! Don’t complain ;)


There were several plotlines to this book: the “romance” between Jan and Jack, the secret ring of Masters and Jack training a new Dom for them, some sub-plot of a quarrel among members and former members of said club, Jack’s attempt at securing a business-deal, Jack’s problems with an apprentice and his libido, Jack’s romance with Gray, Jan’s unresolved issues with his ex, Jan’s training as a Dom, Ben’s attempts at curing Jack, some elaborate MI5-style subplot about a former pedophile attached to Gray and Jack, and totally out of the left field some sick killer intent on doing in Jack and Grey.

This is the very short version. It is here that a good editor (or solid beta) would have begun working with the author. Any of the non-romantic sub-plots and the romance plot(s) would have sufficed to make a good, interesting novel. Two authors who perfected this mesh of crime/thriller and romance plots within the m/m genre are Jordan Castillo Price and Josh Lanyon. They both heed the adage that less is more. But instead in “Don’t” you get a lot of half-formed plot lines which never really come together, and at times obscure each other (not in the manner Agatha Christie would have advised). You get major genre requirements of the (thriller/mystery) subplots which aren’t met, and the resolutions feel very much tacked on. I actually sat there at the end of it and had a big WTF?-moment. In short, this book would have immensely profited from someone cutting out the bloat and nudging the author towards streamlining the whole thing, getting rid of what isn’t needed, making the narrative more compelling. That’s what an editor is there for.

Plot devices, tired tropes and where respect fails:

There are some tropes I am tired of to the point of being nauseated by them by now, and “Don’t” has quite a few of them. There’s the yawn-inducing rich/billionaire/secret BDSM club/secret Master ring-thing. Training Doms instead of subs doesn’t provide the new twist necessary to refresh this. There’s the classic rags-to-riches thing going on between Jan and Jack. Very enervating here: everybody is the epitome of alpha-male with super-powers. Because how else could someone come over as acceptable as a male sub and love interest unless he also is Superman on the sly? Working class men are vulgar, speak and think in profanities and manage to shed that only if they enter the white-collar world of banking and accounting. Huh. Just as offensive is the trope of how easily a person can be beaten, fucked and raped into love and acceptance even though they clearly stated “no” before that.

But what really got my goat badly this time: everyone into BDSM has to have a past of abuse, have a mental illness or be a major dick in the Top role. I’ll not deny that there are some people who have been abused or have a disorder and now are into BDSM. However, what galls is that almost every book I’ve read in the past year which has BDSM-themed content has lifestylers who have a serious psychological issue. Be it PTSD due abuse or rape, be it being so brainwashed by prior Dominants as to be dysfunctional, be it some personality disorder or someone is suffering from a serious mental illness.

I often try to explain things by a “think what if” example. What if in romances about divorced women, all of these women were divorced because they suffer from a disorder like alexithymia or bulimia? What if in romances with PoC all of them are drug addicts or recovered drug addicts? Or former gang members? Not funny? Maybe even very sexist or racist? Right.

So how come it is such an uncontested fashion these days to portray BDSMers as mentally ill or suffering from some disorder or having been abused as a child? And how do authors justify planting that notion in the minds of readers, and please don’t kid yourselves, that’s what you do. Publishers can write hundreds of disclaimers, that still doesn’t change the mental image which is pushed at readers. Propaganda and advertisements are proof it works.

Is it maybe understandable that as a BDSMer, which means someone who already has to daily fight prejudices, who has a very insecure legal status, and can easily lose job, children, personal freedom and reputation over their kink, it doesn’t sit well with you when you always get portrayed as mentally sick? I mean, BDSM just very recently was taken out of the DSM as a mental illness. So why should we like authors putting us consistently back into the loony bin?

Mind, I’m not even saying this shouldn’t be done at all. We have a dearth of stories which portray the actual abuse happening within the lifestyle and address it properly. I’d applaud every author who researched that and wrote a story about it. I’m absolutely sure this could be done and done so well it also would be harrowing, edgy and a page-turner. But please spare me the cliches of kinky=mentally ill and BDSMer=child abuse.

A short word regarding Ben’s wish to “cure” or rather “condition” Jack. One of the sentences Gray utters tells me that it is very likely that Mrs. Kaufman, who was Mrs. Pyke’s counselling profiler for Jack’s OCD/ODD/CD issues, cautioned against a storyline of someone out of the medical profession using BDSM as a means of therapy. That is because it’s not done. No psychiatrist or psychotherapist would do it, they’d risk being struck off for malpractice. There are kink-friendly therapists, but that only means they will take patients who are in the lifestyle and they will not be judgemental about it. Therapy itself will be entirely conventional. I doubt even a post-graduate student would dare infringe. So no, Gray’s shilly-shallying isn’t enough to cover that particular plot hole.

Unfortunately there are more clichés and prejudices, and as such they need to be pointed out:

- men always think with their dicks. Literally and to the point of being repeatedly described.
- men, especially working class men, have to be vulgar. And think and speak in obscenities
- all men hop into bed at the snip of a finger
- all men want to have anal intercourse
- people can be raped/fucked into love
- gay men fall instantly in love (and lust)
- gay men and BDSMers have no problem cheating all around, whoring is no trouble at all
- if you enjoy it then rape is not rape, and torture not torture

As a reader I’d really like to never read them again. With which I come to the story and the characters themselves.

I didn’t like any of the main characters. Jack brushed me against the grain right away, not with his OCD mannerisms, nor with his curious behaviour regarding those commands, instead it was that incessant coarse vulgarity, inside and outside, and the fact that it was obvious early on he was either lying or cheating. His moments of alleged humour came over as taking advantage of the people in his care, or not being very mindful of them. That was underlined by the fact that he put his private pleasures before his work and responsibilities. He behaved with an increasing amount of selfishness, and I simply disbelieved he had fallen in love with Jan (or even properly in lust either).

Jan had an inner voice so similar to that of Jack, just minus a few f-bombs, that I found myself often having to check which one I was reading. He was if anything even less believable and a few things about his background really made no sense, e.g. the Nash villa. For an alleged pepper king he wasn’t driven enough professionally. The way he interpreted being a Dom made him instantly bottom of the barrel at that point. What’s worse, that behaviour was encouraged by both Jack and Gray.

Gray was a straight arse, no ifs, no buts. I’m not even starting on that, I’d be here tomorrow. Let it suffice that given the backstory it would have been easy to behave properly, instead of taking advantage of a teenager in need of a shrink and some care.

The only character I ended up caring about was Steve, who really shouldn’t have been put into the situations he constantly was placed in.

I’ll not go deeply into the nonsense of a Master’s Ring or such a club. I accept that it very unfortunately is a consistent trope the moment you mention BDSM in fiction. But it would be helpful to at least get the BDSM really right. It for example makes no sense at all that they all are so OTT about safety and HIV protection, but then have a completely inexperienced man whip another man across the back without any protection. Given that they have a whole hospital there, and state of art, expensively carved St. Andrews crosses you'd think such a club of billionaires would be able to afford a couple of leather guards against injuries. Especially with a circle which maintains it does Dom-training! It’s not just the kidneys at risk there without a guard.

It makes even less sense to describe a bullwhipping which just isn’t ever done that way, at least with SSC/RACK play, and again certainly not without a variety of guards. A normal cockcage isn’t capable of producing the amount of pain described, and the cage described was a normal one. Even the average pain-play cage isn’t that debilitating. An x-shaped cross is called a St. Andrews. By the way, most BDSMers absolutely resent the connection made here between cutting and BDSM! Just check comments of lifestylers regarding the movie "Secretary" and you'll see that few of us like to--again--be put into the same drawer as people with mental disorders.

What kills me though is the lack of consent over large stretches of this story and the fact that everything is about punishment, and nothing enjoyable. First off, contracts of this type are not valid. I wished authors would cease to treat them as if they were. Secondly, forced compliance equals quite simply no consent at all. As Danny pointed out in his review, there was no consent from that moment onwards. In fact, there was even planned rape when Jan and Gray waylaid Jack at the dojo. He had safeworded prior to that, and so sorry, if you make such a brouhaha about safewords, then you have to own up to the rape you have your characters commit later. As a result the alleged HFN was a pure travesty, one which I didn’t believe in anyway.

As Danny also pointed out, there was a lot which was very curious about the relationships. For one thing sleeping with multiple partners is something you talk about, for it not to be cheating. There was no agreement in that department between Jan and Jack. For another sex is not necessarily a condition of BDSM play. A lot is played without sexual interaction, precisely if and when people play with each other who are not partners. Having Jan fuck and be fucked without even thinking this might be contrary to Jack’s wishes is, well, a curious mindset I haven’t perforce encountered among BDSMers.

The denouement was actually more a complete falling apart of the story. Scenes of drinking and lassitude which were much overdone, a killer completely pulled from the hat, a rape we are supposed to believe is a making up between all parties, a sudden triad as a tacked-on HFN and an end which petered and finally ended somehow. There was no true resolution, no real lovestory, no believable crime plot or thriller.

All that said…

This story had potential and some of the ideas were quite interesting, such as for instance the CCTV surveillance by an invisible man who caters to the submissive streak of another. That was well-nigh brilliant and would have worked very nicely all on its own, with a good lovestory thrown in, much less vulgarity, less attempts to give a Hitchcock here (which would have spared us all the mental illnesses except maybe the OCD which was well-done in my opinion) and a lot less general bloat. I’d have possibly also kept the sub-plot around Sam. That would have made it three plot lines: a mystery, a love story and a work and blokes kind of thing, clean and possibly very elegant.

[Rach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you gorgeous V for reading this one with me- even if you did leave me behind!! :P

Where the heck do I start with my review????



The suspense in this book definitely added to the excitement and mystery of the story. I was gripped wanting to see how the story played out. I swear at one point my nails were digging into my palms so bad they left marks behind!!





DO NOT READ THIS STORY WITH THE LIGHT OFF- like I made the mistake of doing :S

I LOVED the relationship which progressed between Jack and Jan. But at times Jan did get me EXTREMELY FRUSTRATED. This led to me feeling sorry for poor Jack, who I think deserved better.

Jack-



The only downside of the book for me was the way the author switched and changed to various characters points of view. It confused me to the point I was sat there like...



I know I may be the only one who found this to be a problem but it did make me extremely frustrated??

WOULD I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO OTHERS?- YES I would definitely- but be prepared to be thinking aggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhh, OMG, nooooooooooo and WTF??? the whole way through like I was!!

Anyway I'm going to shut up before I bore you all even more with my review lol! But one last thing before I go-

THANK YOU V SWEETHEART I cannot wait for our next buddy read. This song, well the chorus is for you beautiful https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GC5E8...
mwah mwah

[Silkeeeeeereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

To me, this book had all of the characteristics of a Five star book. MM - check; Hot sex- check; BDSM - check; Dark Subject - check; Suspense - check; Romance - check: Ménage - check; HEA - check.

So, if you DON'T like hot, dark MM erotica, DON'T read this book. No, it's not the darkest book ever written but there is enough darkness to wet my appetite. It definitely starts you off with a, "WHO IS THAT VOICE?" All through the middle it's, "What the f*ck? DON'T do this to me!" You rapidly progress to, "No! DON'T do this now!" You end with, "I DON'T know who is in love with whom." You DON'T find that out until the end as in any great book.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR THE DARK AND/OR BDSM MM READER. If you DON'T read this you DON'T know what your are missing!

Saw this pic and immediately thought of this book so I had to slap it in here.

(REREAD 5/29/13 AND IT'S STILL A FIVE STAR)
6/18/19 - Listened to Audio. Still five stars.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous kinky mind fuckery!

I’ll never forget the day I stood at my school noticeboard looking at all the messages for group activities, bible clubs and lists of students who made the first or second team Rugby. Lots of slips of really loud bright colours trying to grab my attention, screaming read me, read me!

I ignored them all, ready to walk away until I saw this plain white sheet of paper folded in half with a pin through the middle with the words “DON’T …READ THIS” I pulled out the pin and read that note word for word. Doesn’t matter what it was about, it was the compulsion to do the opposite of what I was told to do, it was the pull to be bad. I didn’t hesitate for a second, that’s me … the ‘rebel’ Lol ~ ~TRUE STORY ~

This book brought back that moment with such clarity and understanding. My little rebellion does not compare in any way to the extremes in Don’t. Don’t … is pretty a damn genius look into dysfunctional disobedient minds.

The thrill of Don’t has its own constant thumping heartbeat magnified and floodlit with real fear, anticipation and intense trepidation. There are three players in this game and of course the unknown player. The unknown whose voice carries through walls and has eyes and ears everywhere, watching and waiting… whispering. Don’t…

“Don’t …FEAR […]
Fear Encourages Aggressive Rebellion, in which case, yes. Do…FEAR. The unknown. Wholefuckingheartedly.”

It’s all about Jack. This breathtakingly gorgeous man has so many facets it boggles the mind. The humble garage owner and mechanic with a hard exterior and gentle touch.
Jack seems to ooze a chaotic appeal that will consume your every thought for days. He is an enigma and an open book all at once, a sadist and a masochist, a caged dark kinky devil, always fighting fists-first against reason and order.
He scares the hell out of me! And I fucking love him!

Jan walks into Jack's garage after a breakdown and the attraction between them fires insta lust. On the surface Jan seems like a normal city guy, suit and tie, smooth long lines, a vanilla romantic who doesn't do casual. These guys just sizzle together, you can feel it like goosebumps on your skin. They are so hot together...so hot!Don't...forget Jan's a player too. His appearance, the timing his whole purpose is a mind fuck.
I was freaking out, because just who are you Jan?

The writing flip flops from both Jack and Jan's point of view giving the reader only the slightest of clues along the way. My mind was a constant mass of swirling what if's, what the hell's and holy shit's.
It is very well executed and creates a throbbing tension that stays with you even when you stop reading. Every word might have a double meaning, every nuance of a character may be a clue or hint at a serious motivation.

Up until this point the whole thing is such a buzz and then BAM throw in more danger, the greater danger in the form of Gray Raoul. The instigator, the antagonist, the Dom. The one who seems to hold all the cards, makes the rules and enforces them. Older with that slow sexy Richard- Burton voice, all commanding and fierce in presence.
Good god, how I would love to display my sins to him.

So without giving away too much, it's safe to say that the game played between the three are not as clear cut as it seems. None of it goes the way you think it will.

The last 25% really didn't go the way I thought and it took a while to adjust to the new evolving situation. I'm still not sure if it was a believable scenario or not. But that's a personal opinion.

So why only 4 stars? I admit that I am a greedy fussy reader, so it's no surprise when I say I want more. I want Gray, his point of view, more understanding of HIM and his past, his motivations. There was only one thing I didn't like even though it was almost believable...almost. It was this

"MINE, I growled."

Urgh...not the MINE again, please no! Not the reason for it, just that word. No just NO to that word, but then what other can word can be used to describe that kind of possessiveness? I don't know, I'm not the writer.

That being said, I really liked this book a lot. I certainly recommend it. This author is an insta buy for me now. Gripping, intense mindfuckery with the most incredibly deliciously erotic sex scenes ever!

[Vishous · Rating 5 out of 5]

BUDDY READ WITH MY GORGEOUS NAUGHTY QUEEN RACHT!

i can't believe the day actually came, for her to do a buddy read with her minion :)))))))

I don't know how to rate this book... I don't even know how I really feel about this story.. my feelings are literally everywhere!!!!!

Only my beloved JACK deserves 5 brilliant stars!!!!!!
Oh how I love that man! I love him to bones! Seriously one of my favorite main characters I have ever read!



But when it comes to the story....well that is different....

I thought it was amazing but I also did not like it (some part... lots of parts), but with Jack being in that picture I tried to embrace that parts.... do I make any sense?! :/

The story gripped me from the beginning. I just needed to know everything, all the spoilers but I forced myself not to watch them or to find out how will it end and in the end I was glad I didn't...

I was in torture and I was so frustrated so many times and I never knew how I really felt toward some characters but I just could not put it down!

You never know where you really are with this one. Every time I thought I know what was really going, on the next page it all changed!
Toward the end I wanted to cry so many times! I didn't want some things to happen and even though they had some logic (in the book not in my head) I still didn't like them!

I hated Gray in the beginning and I hated him till the end! I never knew what to really think of him and in the end when I started to love him I hated the fact how the book ended (I wanted different ending, I wanted my ending :( huge spoiler alert do not openyes in the end i wanted him to be only with Gray...)

Jan I loved in the beginning and I really felt for him but how the story flowed I started to really hate him and his actions and he was so frustrating and annoyed me so many times! And I ended up not wanting him in the end of the book.... but you never get what you want!

JACK

There are no words for me to describe how much I fell for that guy! I love him to pieces!!!!!
He would be such a delicious dom but given to his past no wonder he needed to be a sub :(
I loved everything about him! How he dealt with things, how he felt all the time, every thing that came out of his mouth...
I just wanted for him to be finally really happy and to have what he always wanted from the beginning!
His relationship with Gray... and his relationship with Jan... I loved it and hated it! It really depended on the chapter.

When he took the fault for Jan's actions... it broke my heart :(

When he shouted both his and his Master's safe words my heart was broken! The way he felt... omg it shattered me to pieces! I was literally sobbing at that part!



The way Jan wanted to learn how to be Gray in Jack's life...

OH THAT MADE ME SO ANGRY!!!!! I WANTED TO SERIOUSLY STRANGLE HIM AND GRAY AND THAT LESSON BECAUSE I AM SORRY BUT THAT IS SERIOUSLY NOT RIGHT TO ME!!!!!!

And it broke my Jack! And only for that I wanted to kill them!!!!!
Then to punish him/teach him lesson for acting the way any normal person would... oh I was killing them in my mind on so many ways!!!!!



The BDSM scene is a bit intense and abusive, and the book is a really huge mindf*ck but I am not sorry I read it because I don't know have I ever loved any character the way I love Jack!


"...you can have me anytime you fucking want; my body, mind, soul, it’s yours...."

[Emma Sea · Rating 2 out of 5]

So . . . Pyke's been doing some narriculture: splicing a pretty standard BDSM scenario onto a really very good thriller root stock.

Up to 37% this was a 5-star. At 42% it dropped sharply to a 2, however it slooooowly started to pick up through out the rest of the book, until it was back to a 3. Then suddenly at 94% Pyke resorted to one of my least bloody liked plot devices. Curse you Jack Pyke. Why why why? It didn't make sense!!!!!! Goddamn it why ruin a good book this way? I fucking hate how this could have been one of my favourite books ever and then it became ordinary.

I might revise this review, because I just finished and my overwhelming sense is of pissiness and rancour.

[Danny Tyran · Rating 3 out of 5]

QUOTES:

“And a part of me wanted him to fail so badly, so K kept the gentle, soft man I’d fallen head over heart for to keep him squirming into the pleasure he so easily allowed to show.” Thought by Jack
“Another good reason for the contract. It stopped all anger, heat. But all anger and heat was who Jack was. And looking at him now, I missed that.” Thought by Jan
“S’ okay. Love, Jack.
I’d never say the L word to any man, not even my old man who had put up with so much shit, and certainly never Gray. Things came a lot easier with Jan, and that was probably the first time I’d found anything about relationships easy admitting it.” Written and thought by Jack
“BDSM isn’t all about pain, Jan,” Gray said quietly. “It’s about letting to and experiencing feelings you haven’t yet allowed yourself to discover.” Gray said that to Jan to convince him that when Jan fucked Jess that was not wrong
“I fucking hurt you just trying to be something you already have [meaning a Dom].” “I wanted to say I’m no Gray, I am no Dom; I just love your sorry ass as me.” Said by Jan to Jack at the end of the story
“I took the contract from his hand, felt how thin it was, all the trouble it has brought, and ripped it up.” thought by Jack

REVIEW:
I was very frustrated throughout the reading of this novel. I even wrote to a GR friend of mine to tell her that I was angry against Gray and Jan due to the signing of the D/s contract and what happened next. It was clear to me from the beginning of the story that Jan was not dominant. The author also makes clear that Jack fell in love with Jan the minute they met. But Jack fell in love with Jan because he was not a dominant; he was just a good guy, kind, caring, loving, in addition to being very attractive. And this is what has attracted Jack to Jan.
Jack does not so much want that Jan to be one of the doms of the Masters’ Circle (not to say Masters’ Circus) that when something happens that made him think that Jan is a trainee dominant, he feels betrayed and he strikes Jan because of his deception. Following that, Jan meets Gray who convinces him to become a dominant of the MC and to sign a D/s contract with Jack. Not to lose Jan, who is afraid that Jack will strike him again and threatens Jack to leave him if he does not sign, Jack agrees to sign this cursed contract.
Jan is afraid that Jack hurts him because he lost his temper just once? But Jan told so many times “It scared the hell out of me”, that I thought “what is he not afraid of?” And who never lost its temper? Who does not deserve a second chance? Who does not deserve the FREE gift of love?
This is simply a forced signature, because it's a “that or nothing” agreement (should we call that an “agreement”?). And Jack is already in love with Jan, he does not want to lose him (the author made that very clear). What follows is a downright rape to me, because at the minute the contract is signed Jan fuck Jack in front of the cold-as-iceberg Gray. Once at home, Jack is forced by Jan to undress in front of a team of workers and of Gray, even if in the contract, nudity is permitted only in private. Again, Jack leaves Jan do what he wants to him. Again, Gray did not seem at all disturbed by Jack’s plight–even though the author tells that Gray has Jack’s well-being at heart. Rubbish! Then, when Jan puts his collar around Jack’s neck, Jan almost suffocates Jack; he does it very roughly.
I felt that contract signing scene and all the psychological and physical violence after that as rape, the worst kind of rape, since it affects not only Jack’s body, but also his mind and heart. It is at this time that I wrote to a GR friend of mine to tell her how much I was angry against the author, Gray and Jan.
Any dominant worthy of the name would see that there is something wrong with this scene and he would understand that the signature of the contract is a serious mistake. But Gray, who is supposedly the Master of all Masters, who is able of a quick glance to see the soul of his sub, and supposed to take care of Jack, whose third rule is “compassion”, is the source of all this evil. He finds this situation between Jan and Jack quite normal. No! It is not. And even a blind man could see that.
I should have known better. I was informed that there was Dub-Con in this story and I have a lot of difficulty reading anything with the Dub-Con and Non-Con. I had trouble breathing when I read this part of the novel and I was uncomfortable until almost the end of the novel where the characters finally decides that maybe that could be a good thing to talk to each other, to try to understand each other.
The author sets out three basic rules in a D/s and BDSM relationship: respect, trust and compassion. I can tell you from experience that we SHOULD add to it all: dialogue, communication; because if the dominant and his sub do not talk, they cannot learn to trust and respect each other. So, even unintentionally, a Dom can make mistakes that suggest he does not show enough compassion. To know his sub and his past, the dominant generally has no other recourse than to talk with him. But Gray, who supposedly knows everything about Jack, says almost nothing to Jan who has no common sense to try to find out more, even if he saw that Jack could react with anger when put under stress. F*ck! It seems to me that the first thing to do would have been to discuss about it all to know what has caused this reaction. But Jan, who supposedly loves Jack, does not even bother to try to understand him. Easier to act all along like a perfect moron and to use the contract to force Jack to accept all his nonsense.
But if they had discussed, there would have been no contract. And if there was no contract, there would not have any problems (or almost no problem) that happened next. And if there was no problem, the author would not have had this story to write.
About the lack of communication and inconsistency of the story and characters: Apparently, Jack and Gray were in love for 9 years but none of them told the other. Jack who knew the minute he saw Jan that he loved him, supposedly didn’t realize that he was in love with Gray. And Gray, who is supposed to nearly see through Jack, would not recognize it too. What the f*ck?!
In addition to all this, Jack is constantly receiving threats from a stranger. Gray, who is a prominent member of MI-5, should have discovered from the beginning of the novel who was the source of these threats and stop it. But no, once again, this guy, who is supposed to care about Jack’s security, seems supremely indifferent. Besides a little research via the CCTV system to know that this does not happen near the house, it does not seem to bother him much.
But I know why Jan acts throughout this novel as a perfect moron, why Jack, who is supposedly a true haywire, leaves Jan act like a jerk to him and why Gray does nothing else than threatening everyone and forcing them to continue under the contract. This is because otherwise there would have been no story. This novel would not exist!
Besides, at the end of the story, while Jack and all masters and subs of the Masters’ Circle are threatened by a serial killer, Gray and Jan go fetch Jack in his dojo to place him in safety. But as soon as they arrived at the dojo, the threesome finds nothing better than to fuck all together! It seems to me that Gray, who is of MI-5, should be wise enough to understand that it is not the moment for it, and to find a faster and more effective means to calm Jack. But Gray, who once again should have Jack’s and Jan’s safety as his first priority, acts like a retarded. Again, if the author did not make him act that way, the threesome would not have been found by Alan Shaw, the crackpot of all crackpots, who wants to kill Gray. How much I understand him!
Personally, I do not think Jack has the profile of the guy with OCD and all the psychological defects he is accused to have throughout this story. He loses patience twice in moments of great stress. So what!? Jan said towards the end of the novel that Jack is very vulnerable (even though he told before to Jess that he was really tough) because he was angry at the hotel and he felt uncomfortable not to be able to close his toothpaste tube while he was drunk. Jack, vulnerable? After receiving all the threats he has received without a fuss? Come on! I have found him far too calm throughout this story. I could not have been able to sleep if treated as he was by a serial killer and even by the guy who is supposed to protect him. While he was mistreated by the Jan and Gray, he receives very serious threats and had to prepare the signing of a new important business contract, all at the same time! I found him extremely strong and courageous. I'd have not been able to sleep in his place. I'd have lost my appetite. No, this guy is definitely not the type psychologically vulnerable that the author wants us to believe. I’d like to be as tough as Jack and to be able to keep my calm as long as he did in such a very difficult situation.
Regarding Jan ... What a moron! I do not understand that Jack fell in love with him. Jan mistreated Jack and does not care to talk even a few words with him most of the time. He does not like to be watched all the time by Big Brother (MC’s masters)? Why did he sign the contract and let MC’s guys installed the CCTV if he likes so much his privacy? Does he sometimes think before making a decision and acting? Yet he did not seem so much disturbed to be watched by Gray while raping Jack right after the signature of the D/s contract.
And Gray ... It's a real iceberg for two-thirds of the story. Indifferent to what happens to Jack. He communicates (if we can say that) only by angry glances, threats and with his whips. A good Dom, that! F*ck, no! I would not like to have such a guy as my Dom.
And all this unlikely band of characters never talks to each other. They decide to do it at the very end of the novel when Jan explains to everyone why they acted as they did. Gray then called Jan "the interpreter", but no need to have a special talent for understanding what has happened and why that happened. I understood all this before the contract is signed. Again, if the author makes his characters speak before in his story, his novel would not have existed in its current form. It would have been a quite different novel, probably as exciting, but more satisfactory, because Jan, the interpreter, could have interpreted the situation between Gray and Jack right at the beginning of the story and come much earlier to the same conclusions. He could have done the same compromise he suggested to Jack and Gray at the end. Not that I believe that there is a chance for such a compromise to stand very long.
So for me, this context is created from scratch by the author to create all these tensions, to put his main characters, particularly Jack, in deep shit until the end of the novel and the “maybe happy ever after”.
About the writing: There is as many 1st person narrators as MCs and since each of them say his part beginning by “I did this” or “I went there” and so on, we never know when we begin a chapter who is speaking. It takes often a few pages to know for sure. That was confusing.
About the message transmitted to us: I do not like the passed on idea that so many doms and subs had a difficult past, that they were harmed or abused, or although they are headcases controlling hardly their reactions. When the authors are going to write us BDSM stories between people sound and sane in body and mind?
Another misconception: Jack laughed when asked if he was fine with needles. As if no masochistic sub had phobia and was absolutely afraid of nothing painful or scary. I am a masochist sub and, if I have no phobia of needles, I do not like at all being pricked at the hospital. The context is different enough from a BDSM scene so that my reaction is different too. That’s not because you are a masochist that you like when you burn yourself while you get something out of the oven, for example. It hurts and I swear when that happens, I do not moan with pleasure.
Although I almost stopped reading this novel after the signature of the D/s contract, I continued to read it because I was hoping that things would improve. They do, but only at the very end. Given my very emotional reaction after the signing, I cannot say that the author did not disturb me. But because of this prefabricated context, the inconsistency of the story and characters, I cannot give a higher rating to this novel.

[Simsala · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will do what the guy on the cover suggests - not revealing anything.
The book is a huge fucking tease and I think it should stay that way.

Just some technicalities and thoughts...
Don`t... is not a mystery/who-done-it. For readers who love to figure out who the bad guy is...DON`T even try - that`s impossible.
A lot of crumbs through the course of the story but they are all misleading. E-reader-bitingly so...
Character AND plot driven the story is complicated, twisted and requires patience...it`s worth it!
Sometimes it felt like switching between contemporary and some alternative universe but that might be just my imagination...

For a Thriller/BDSM themed book I found it pretty tame. Not too violent, not too graphic, not too dark. BUT the story is erotically charged like connected to a power point. No need to worry, the sex doesn`t overpower the plot - `just` two sex scenes and two BDSM scenes (I don`t count blowjobs and minor stuff) but....(insert ice cubes)...

Great characters. MCs, secondary - all of them!
The Mcs: Jack, flawed and volatile - a loose cannon.
Jan, gentle and rather ungently thrown out of his comfort zone. I must admit I underestimated him big time.
But my favorite was Gray, the Master Dom. Powerful, mysterious, dominant...a walking wet dream. A character who triggers hidden cavewoman(man) instincts.;-)

Perhaps I should mention that I loved this book to pieces...

[Fabi NEEDS Email Notifications · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a good thing this isn't a new release now because I don't think I can find words to review it properly.

It was recommended to me as a dark read. It is dark, but it's also rather unique.

I thought it was a bit slow to ramp up, but once it did, it kept me in a bundle of nerves, jaw hanging on the ground for the rest of the 354 pages. I couldn't put it down, yet I didn't want it to end. I don't want to leave these characters. Lucky for me, I started reading this series really late so I have the next book to look forward to.

The only thing I wanted more of was the time it took Jack and Jan to fall for each other.

4.5 stars

[Renée · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was even better on the reread, knowing what I know now. Jack even mentioned Martin a couple times in this book, and we had no idea who he was......

Wish me luck on Book 2 because I will definitely be skipping a certain piece of that.....

[Bey Deckard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is going on my favourites shelf.

On to the next book!

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+++ stars
This was an amazing story. I was somewhat floored by it. At every turning point I was stunned by the unpredictable twist, it was exquisitely done, I just couldn’t believe my eyes.

Jack is a mechanic with his own garage, also working as a martial art teacher at a dojo.
When a gorgeous guy with soft brown eyes brings in a broken car, Jack is more than interested.

Jan is a financial consultant with a broken car and is intrigued by Jack’s personality and even more when he feels Jack’s caged cock.
They start something together and both are more than smitten with each other. Until...

Until it all becomes complicated. This is not an ordinary story, it has so many layers and is so widely spread out, it’s just not simple to describe it without giving too much story away.
One thing I can say: don’t tell Jack ‘don’t’

This journey is all about three men, a thrilling psychological war, many traps, Doms and subs, a safety net, and love. We get to know all these factors throughout the story. Every chapter was one where my mouth was hanging open from all the amazing and intriguing events.

I loved Jan instantly, and Jack, gosh, he was something. I never met a more complicated personality than Jack I loved him hard and together they felt so right.
Jan made Jack forget his shit, until it became too complicated. And then there was Gray!!

Whoa, what can I say about Gray? He has such a strong personality, he brings you to your knees. He just demands it with his whole being, I had a deep respect for him.

Jack oh Jack, the most stubborn man I’ve ever met. I would have thrown the towel in the ring more than once. But Jack nooo, even deeply hurt he stayed dedicated. I loved him for that.

This was one of the most intriguing stories I have ever read, so explosive!! Watching the wick slowly burn before reaching the bomb and BAM.
It was a dark, unpredictable, thrilling, warm, funny, hurtful, emotional, enlightening, honest, witty, thorough, and endearing story.
Gray, Jack and Jan were amazingly put down. Their dynamic was so powerful, my heart skipped more than once watching them.
A story with unbelievably strong content and masterfully written in the most captivating way as possible, the whole scenery was breathtaking.

Silly me I was reading at work at lunch, tears running down my face, how could I explain this.
So, don’t... read at work, hell, don’t... read with anyone around, sit by yourself and go with this tremendous ride!

Highly recommended

Read and reviewed for Diverse Reader

[carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without giving too much away there are aspects of this story I loved and adored and others that raised my ire at times and got me upset and angry. It certainly plays on your emotions. I doubt anyone could read this without going through a whole gamut of emotions. In this the writer of
Overall Don't.... Jack L. Pyke has written an amazing debut novel.
IMO one of the best debut novels I have EVER read. So much so that this will be a BDSM BOM this coming June 2013 and hope many of you come and join us in reading and discussing this roller coaster of a story.

As such I Don't.. Wish to give away too much. I adored the characters created and developed by this author, all of them, good, bad and incidental. You really feel you know them. The bad when finally revealed after many red herrings to throw you off the trail are truly bad and totally unexpected. The good I adored and had respect for in all their needs, hopes, weaknesses, flaws, lusts and loves.

At the end of this you will have begun to know Jack, Jan, Gray, Steve, Sam, Jess and others and want to go on knowing them and more, more...

The story is set in London in a garage where mechanics, manager, and owner work. I did wonder how our Non British readers would think of mentions of Chelsea, as opposed to e.g. US football teams and smiled, I get to read of Giants and Red Sox so why shouldn't they hear of Chelsea FC :)

There is a delicious group of Master Doms that run a society, Master's Circle...here I think , well hope, more stories will tie in with these Masters, a powerful controlling group, where money, power and control is the accepted norm even to possibly national security and Masters and their Master's subs help with training of Doms and subs. Delicious concept, though areas here need developing to be as realistic, as should be, and those familiar with the BDSM lifestyle and training will see some inconsistencies or developments needed here.

Likewise the psychological problems that Jack suffers, has to deal with, and tries to control as much as he can; I know
symptoms can be slightly variable according to individuals and standard treatments vary according to Doctors and countries treatment guidelines but the writer researched with a Doctor in the UK and produced a most lovable and flawed character who affected me deeply in a very positive way.

There is a mystery, a who is the baddy, a who dunnit that runs throughout and best of luck if you guessed, as yours truly didn't , however it is incidental to the relationships, conflicts and resolutions that flow throughout.
In the first chapters I thought the writer male and was impressed by his portrayal of male body awareness. I thought a man was describing being in a shower as lust arose. Later I thought maybe a woman. I now know, so all bets off but loved the thought that I was getting to understand tha male specie a little better, a little more.

Don't... Is a phenomenol debut book, I loved it, reaffirm, not perfect but human, very emotional and rouses the reader's interest and emotions throughout. A couple of intensely erotic encounters amidst many erotic moments. Loved Jack, Jan, Gray, Sam, Steve, Jack's Dad...who could want better family, friends and lovers around. Adored the ending and bereft now it has ended. Thanks Jack, good literary standard and well edited too.
5 stars through and through from me and look forward to June BOM my fellow BDSM friends and hope you will join me for a lively debate.

Retreading it April as part of DMC BOM and preparing for BDSM BOM in June. Reread third time and still found more things missed first time round. No change still 5 stars

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edit: Full Review!

I needed the weekend to think this one over. I knew it was amazing but I had to give myself some time to process. The main plot of this book, IMO, was so thick and so different from anything I've ever read, I felt I should give it more attention.

For once, I'll make this review SPOILER FREE just because I'm recommending it to a lot of people and don't want to ruin it...



First off, this book is bat-shit crazy. Like I have no idea how Pyke thought up this scenario.. but seriously, bravo. I start reading this book and think "Wow okay this is whatever" then the weird shit starts happening and then Jack (MC not author) complies! Because he too, may just be bat-shit crazy. If you start reading this book and thinking it's something ordinary, it's not. Half way through the read I literally lost my mind. I swear. It ran off last week at some point after it blew up a little, because I did NOT see that kind of twist in the plot coming. At all. This book made ME a little bit nutso in the process (in the best way possible, obviously).



If you read my updates as I was reading this book (don't if you haven't read the book.. spoilers and such..), then you know some parts made me so utterly pissed. Pissed at characters for doing dumb things to hurt my perfect angel Jack, who I love and adore and would keep forever. Some characters I started off hating, then ended up liking, and vice versa.

Jack deserves his own shout-out because I think he's a fan-fucking-tanstic main character. I think he's one of my fav MC's from a MM book in a while. He's strong, quirky, unique, a little (maybe a lot?) fucked up, has interesting fetishes, and is extremely loyal. I wanted the whole world for him this entire book.

I kind of wish the ending turned out differently in this book, but I completely understand why it ended the way it did. I wanted someone to have to make a grand sacrifice in the end (someone- anyone!), but I know that's probably not what most readers wanted. Regardless, this entire fucked-up scenario still earned 5 big, shiny starts.

Friends- go read this book. Now. I mean it. Now. So we can chat about it.

[Xing · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 48%

My first issue with this book is the insta-love. Now don't get me wrong - some instances of insta-love are alright if done right. Perhaps guy A witnesses guy B saving kittens, or helping an elderly person across a busy street. Or guy A accidentally save guy B's life while guy B's on the run from some shady bad doers. Just...something.

But here? All guy B (Jan) ever did was show up with a broken car. And all I can attribute guy A's (Jack's) attraction to guy B was all superficial (because let's face it, there was no time for these two men to get to know one another before their eternal love came into the picture). Jan was a good looking bloke with a broken car. So the fact that Jack, a man with psychological issues, a crappy past, and a self-proclaimed "never good with relationships" kind of guy, should fall head over heels for this good lookin' fella. Right?

Right.

And let's not forget the growly "mines" that took place not even 24 hours after these two guys acknowledged one another. I didn't realize Jack was an alpha werewolf who just claimed his mate.

It wasn't all bad at first. There was an interesting dark twist with who I will dub "the voice." But then Jack met Jan and this became some fluffy insta-love story with the occasional reminder that something is amiss.

And even the plot-twist almost mid-way into the book, while interesting and certainly sparked my interest, sank quicker than the Titanic. Because I could see where this story was heading (and based on some reviews, I am not wrong) and I just didn't feel like reading this anymore. Not because the road ahead is something I couldn't stomach, but because I can't stand the driver (i.e. Jan).

Did I mention how much I dislike Jan? So uninteresting. Bland. Boring. I started skimming when the POV switched to him.

So in conclusion, I don't mind menage. I love BDSM. And dark stories make my heart flutter (especially if there's lots of blood and gore and,and non-con! *pants*). But when you introduce a relationship I can't necessarily buy with an uninteresting lead character (Jan), well...I just really don't feel up to this story anymore. Even if it does get better, I shouldn't have to read almost half of the story to get to that point.

So just not for me.

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost didn't finish this one. I hit a wall somewhere around the half-point and was furious. Curiosity, being my greatest weakness, ensured that I persevered. I'm glad I did, but it still doesn't make me less upset about what happened.

This is a suspense and the way it is set up is kind of like playing Pin the Tail on the Donkey--you go round and round mostly blind, occasionally peeking out, and trying to take a stab at where you think things are. That part I got. I actually, imagined worse and yay! Happier ending then I predicted. What can I say, I'm not an optimist. My problem, my huge ugly wart--here's a quarter, go have a rat chew that off your face--revolves around a decision made that I disagree with 100%.

Now I have to use a spoiler because if you haven't read it then it will ruin things. So DON'T CLICK unless you've read it, and if you don't have self-control--that's NOT MY FAULT! Gray's decision to try/allow Jan to try and dominate Jack was a NO--NO Fucking Way! No training, Jack's already compromised from his previous assignment, and Jan's NOT a dominant!!! This is a travesty and a fucking nightmare and pissed me off. Still pissed.

Now the conclusion is way happier than I predicted, my ending was bad, really bad and made my spoiler rant look like nothing. Do I have issues with it? Not really. I'd say more, but again spoiler-->The villain was a bit of a stretch who it turned out to be, but the general clues of where the attacks were coming from were not surprising, just the precise individual responsible.

Overall, entertaining and enjoyable except for the major thorn which aggravated me.

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking for BDSM, dangerous men and suspense? Don't... is the book to read. This new author mixes some hard edgeplay with romance and then adds a dash of suspense. This book almost goes in two different directions yet Ms. Pyle still keeps it together – speeding down a risky path.

This sexy suspense story generates mixed feelings for me. I’m both confused and aroused. The subject material is definitely something I adore – BDSM. This is harder BDSM scenes loosely using old guard leather protocols as well as a bit of edgeplay. The concept is a wet dream fantasy for kinky people who want to live it 24/7.

Jack Harrison is the submissive who runs an auto body shop. Jan Richards is an upper middle class accountant whose Jag breaks down so he brings it into Jack’s shop. Gray Raoul is somehow connected to Jack as an ex-lover. It’s a relationship we don’t fully understand at first. This is basically how the first quarter of the book flows. The reader is completely confused between Jack’s stalker and how Gray relates to Jack. In addition, the story is in first person told from two different character’s point of view.

One of my top ten things to avoid when writing an erotic novel, especially a BDSM one, is to not write in first person. To have a book written with two different characters’ point of view and both be written in first person just about pushed me over the edge. First person is very tricky because it immediately places the reader in the shoes of the character. If the character is not admirable, this can cause the reader to not enjoy the book because they cannot relate to the character. My recommendation is to use third person to avoid confusion and possible reader alienation.

When a book is a long as this one, it’s best to hook the reader in immediately. If the book is hard to follow due to missing information to be revealed later, there is a high chance for readers to not finish the book. I have to be honest. It wasn’t until about 35% of the book I wanted to finish the book instead of forcing myself to get through it. I realize this is a thriller and many of the items to be revealed needed to wait. In this case, my recommendation is to avoid mentioning people who are not fully explained until it’s time for them to appear. Or provide enough information about the character so that readers aren’t constantly wondering how Gray relates to Jack. This wondering is not captivating. It’s frustrating and distracts from the story.

Another pet peeve of mine is using BDSM as some kind of therapy for a mental illness. I find the percentage of mental cases in the BDSM lifestyle is the same as those not in the BDSM lifestyle. However a book which essentially presents a diagnosed psychological disorder being controlled through the BDSM lifestyle is not something I appreciate. Yes, it is mentioned quite clearly in the book that there are licensed therapists who help Jack but it’s still not a trope I enjoy. It worked more or less in this book because I don’t know enough about ODD or OCD to poke holes in Jack’s behaviour.

Deus ex machina is another plot device which generally doesn’t work well for me. The ending to this story resolved in a slightly believable manner, except the perpetrator came out of left field. Yes, it can be pointed out the character was mentioned once before. In 120K word book with thirty-nine chapters, this is what I considered left field.
At this point, one may be wondering how I could still rate this at a four star book. It’s because I really enjoyed the characters. Gray Raoul is a dream Dom. He’s powerful, mysterious, sexy and wealthy. Is this a realistic portrayal? No, but it definitely makes for a hawt character to lust after. Ms. Pyle does a great job of creating her characters. None of them are perfect yet when combined, the chemistry is just right. The dynamics between Jan, Jack and Gray kept me in constant arousal.

In addition to the characters, the mind-fucking is excellent. This entire book is a big mind-fuck and I loved it. I will remember it because there were twists and turns that pulled me in deeper. I will also admit this book is going to be categorized as GlitterKink due to the secret elite BDSM society. This is not a bad thing. I loved this part of it and it plays into my fantasies. If this society really existed, I’d be in a long line waiting to be Master’s sub.

The BDSM in this story is different. It’s focusing heavily on the D/s side of it yet it keeps intermixing SM. The most appealing part is the capture theme along with how well a submissive in this book is protected. A defined hierarchy with enforced rules and powerful Dom/mes is an ultimate fantasy of mine. Ms. Pyle seduces me so well with how she sets up this society as well as how the contracts work. Mixing in exhibitionism as well as a healthy dose of humiliation at times only amps up the sexual heat. The ending punishment is probably one of the better endings I’ve read in a long time. I loved it. This book is recommended for BDSM lovers who want a hard mind fuck.

[Awilk -never sleeps- · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Peachy stars

I Don't know what to write about this amazing book.

I Don't what it is about these characters that touched me so much.

I Don't know how to explain how much Jack broke my heart.

I Don't understand why at times I wanted to hate Gray for the things he did.

I Don't know why this book hasn't been read by everybody who likes a darker m/m read. It grabbed hold of me and didn't let go.

This was unlike anything I had ever read. The twists and turns never stopped. I was compelled to keep reading, even as it was breaking my heart. At times I was confused by my own emotions this book caused.

The only thing I would have changed, and just a tiny bit, was the ending. I was left a little unhappy. I would love to find out a little more of how these three men worked out together. I wanted to see a little more happiness for Jack.

If you like dark m/m reads, Don't miss reading this book.

[Isabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intense, dark, disturbing, sexy and hot... Yes, that's how this book is to me!

Jack is a very complex character, and I had some difficulty following his head and his attitudes! But I felt enthralled by this story, and eager to know more about all the mystery surrounding Jack and Gray! I love Jan's tenderness, and how much he fought to be what he thought Jack needed!



I love Jack, Jan and Gray and I can't wait for Antidote!

[Macky · Rating 5 out of 5]

DON'T : A statement of what should not be done: a contraction of do not : a single word title for a book that just blew the fuck out of my mind!!!

" Don't...
...Fear.
The unknown.
Fear Encourages Aggressive Rebellion, In which case, yes.
Do ... FEAR. The Unknown. Wholefuckingheartedly.
Don't ... FEAR Me
Don't ... Reply to This E-mail
Don't ... Turn Me On
Don't ... Control it
Don't... Bleed
Don't ... Come
Don't ... Leave
Got you Jack! "

Wow...just...WOW! I'm not even sure how I'm going to review this awesome book because at the moment words are failing me. This is psychological battering at its best and I don't just mean for the three complex guys involved in this story, I mean for the reader too, but when you make it to the end, boy is it worth it!

Don't go into this thinking you can just pick it up AND deal with 'Real Life' at the same time because I'm telling you now that isn't going to happen. I wasn't even planning to read this until BDSM week was on the horizon but I had to see what I was letting myself in for when I found out that this one had been chosen for me to read for the post. I glanced at the first page to 'check it out' and at 4am this morning I finally closed my Kindle... that's how compelling this book is, I couldn't put it down. I was gone to the world, nothing else existed outside of the pages of this story. Real Life was just background noise!!!

What can I say about Jack,Jan and Gray? OMG! The three of them put me through a psychological mine field! Everything about them and their perplexing involvement is deliciously warped and twisted. Their sizzling passionate relationships, their murky pasts, the dark kinks that drive their every move, the intense tension that's never far from the surface, the danger, the tricky, convoluted plot that twists and turns, doing a total 180 whenever you think you've got something sussed and of course the mind fuckery that's pretty much relentless, pulling you deeper into what appears to be an unfathomable situation. I was exhausted when I'd finished but also excited, awe struck and totally in love with this story. My favourite BDSM book up to now and even though its not a new release, definitely a gold star read of 2014!

Just wait till you meet these guys yourselves. I swear you'll fall hard and fast for Jack. He's a dark, complicated, gorgeous, loveable, frustrating multi-faceted man. Holy hell, he pulled at my heartstrings, making me melt at times. The beautiful Jan is the least dark of the three, the most gentle but that doesn't make him any less of a mystery, if any of them REALLY surprised me, it was him. There were times when I wanted to shake him because certain situations and misconceptions caused him to lash out at Jack and some of his decisions had me gritting my teeh. It was a a matter of WTF! ...Noooo!! But I still loved him. When he and Jack were together, it was electric. Then last of all we have Gray. Master Dom, master manipulator and one shit scary, enigmatic, controlling, dangerous, secretive man. I hated him but DAMN, at the same time I was drawn to him, like a moth to a flame.

I just couldn't get enough of these men.

This has to be one of the most raw, gritty, erotic, sexually charged novels I've read and its core plot one of the most exciting. The sex scenes are off the charts when it comes to lust and sexual tension and the BDSM scenes and kink pull no punches. It's a clever writer who can take tortuous ideas like this and turn them into such a brilliant, edge of your seat, unputdownable, psychological thriller. I'm still reeling!

Truly amazing!!

Follow link~ http://bit.ly/1um5uo1

[Lynn Kelling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart-pounding, panty-melting, mind-blowing BDSM fun. That's Don't... in a nutshell. It's going down as one of my favorite books of all time, for many reasons, including the rich, layered character portrayals, the zipping, labyrinthine plot, the scorching lust and the fact that you become so intensely engaged in the story that you can't stop reading without finding out what happens next.

This is the story of a young mechanic named Jack that has fought hard in life to survive bad decisions, tough situations and a severe OCD/ODD disorder. Jack is so much more than you might think him to be, and I love that about him. I can't say much more without disclosing spoilers and I would hate to ruin the fun before you've had the chance to let Jack take you on his wild ride.

This book turned me on, it made me furious, scared and thrilled. It left me rooting like a devoted fangirl for the characters even if they'd just majorly pissed me off and any story that can accomplish that level of emotional and mental enthrallment is absolutely one I will cherish. Like any good rollercoaster ride, there are steep, slow climbs, hard unexpected turns, loops and sudden drops. Take the ride, you'll be glad you did and come out crying for more.

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still buzzing from the high that is this book!

Where to start? Okay. I really liked Don’t...

Much of the book, especially the first half, completely messes with your mind, and there are twists and turns to almost the very end. There were a few places early on where I wanted to give up. (It drives me bonkers to read a book where it seems the MC might be loony…joke’s on you, reader!) Anyway, thank goodness I stuck with it! Super-hot chemistry between the three MCs. Did I mention hot? Sigh.

I feel I should clarify something, though. The cover sells this as a BDSM thriller, but it's really more thriller with key players who are into BDSM, if that makes sense. And there were times when I felt Jack was a little too Dom-y to be a sub. But oh, OH, when he was the sub. Ah…

4.5 stars, highly recommend.

[Jewel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was definitely up my tree. Loved!