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Lord and Master #2
Taking Work Home
It was just an office affair, with wonderful sex. Young scientist Mark Paulson liked older men, especially tall, dark, and very handsome men like his new boss. Self-made millionaire Steven Frost had no trouble finding sex, but what he needed was a friend who shared his interests; someone like the young assistant he'd just hired. What started as simply great sex between friends has become much, much more, and now they're engaged.
Life's never that simple, of course. Other people have an interest in Steven's welfare and Steven's money, and they're not about to let the pretty little PA half his age take control of either. There's a reason why Steven was still single at the age of forty-four, and some of his family are intent on ensuring that Mark finds out about it the hard way. But Mark already knows—true love is about more than champagne and roses.
Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable; anal play/intercourse, male/male sexual practices.
Life's never that simple, of course. Other people have an interest in Steven's welfare and Steven's money, and they're not about to let the pretty little PA half his age take control of either. There's a reason why Steven was still single at the age of forty-four, and some of his family are intent on ensuring that Mark finds out about it the hard way. But Mark already knows—true love is about more than champagne and roses.
Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable; anal play/intercourse, male/male sexual practices.
143 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2008
2 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Jules Jones
26 books49 followersJules Jones is a British author of science fiction and erotic romance, mostly with m/m themes. Much of her work is cross-genre, being science fiction or fantasy with a strong romance element. Her day job is materials science, and it tends to show -- many of her characters are scientists, engineers, and sundry other geeks.
***
I write science fiction, fantasy and romance. I read *lots* of things.
My main library catalogue is over on LibraryThing, because I'm the sort of anal-retentive bibliophile who wants to record the exact print run and page count of my individual copy of a book. This account's always going to be a somewhat out of date and partial mirror. But it lets me put my book reading log up on GoodReads to share with my friends over here. :-)
***
I write science fiction, fantasy and romance. I read *lots* of things.
My main library catalogue is over on LibraryThing, because I'm the sort of anal-retentive bibliophile who wants to record the exact print run and page count of my individual copy of a book. This account's always going to be a somewhat out of date and partial mirror. But it lets me put my book reading log up on GoodReads to share with my friends over here. :-)
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 11, 2011
I liked this continuation of Mark and Steven's story, and as someone with bipolar disorder, I found it really interesting to read about it in such detail in a romance book. The author really nails some things on the head and I thought it was really touching to see bipolar honestly dealt with. I also had to crack up because this is the most british book I've read in a while! Tea tea everywhere! I love it!
June 15, 2009
The second volume of Lord and Master series was as good as the first volume. The plot was fresh and made a nice insight in to the development of characters. Mark, young fresh PhD who was PA of the self made millionaire Stephen. Oh yes age difference, social difference is the main motor of the book. It was so charming to read about them making trough the obstacles not only those of society (family and such) but also with dealing with Stephens mood swings and bipolar disorder.
dnf
January 16, 2017Ok, starting a series with the second book is probably not a really clever idea. Even if it can be read as a standalone, this is no fun. I would need to know what happened first because like this the story just drags and is really really boring...
However I have no idea how this book ended on my bought shelf, but I am absolutely sure that I will not spend another € 5,- for the first part of this novella, so this will go to my DNF shelf, without a rating...
However I have no idea how this book ended on my bought shelf, but I am absolutely sure that I will not spend another € 5,- for the first part of this novella, so this will go to my DNF shelf, without a rating...
February 20, 2012
Bored out of my wits. Couldn't finish it.
May 21, 2013
It isn't often that I can say that a novel, or a short two-book series like this one, completely catches me off-guard in the way it approaches a (rather hoary) trope: that of the hot young apprentice falling head-over-heels for his equally hot, older, far more successful boss or master.
As I mentioned in my review of Lord and Master, the first novel in this series, I figured, based on the cover art and the title, that I was approaching another story that would be using Oy ("Occidental yaoi") as its basis. Steven Frost, the self-made chemical engineering millionaire has hired the two-decades younger PhD-seeking student, Mark Paulson, as his PA. A lot of my initial feelings were verified right off: Steven hired Mark to show his straight CEO buddies that trophy secretaries are not just nubile young women; in addition, the sex was immediate, hot and totally seme/uke. (Guess who's top, and who's bottoming.)
Then about half-way through the first novel, a whole lot changes. For my thoughts about the switch-up, see my review of Lord and Master>.
Lord and Master 2 takes place during the two-year period between the penultimate and final chapters of the first novel.
I alluded to the fact that Steven is not the perfect seme, in that sometimes he not only wants to bottom but, more importantly, he isn't nearly as perfect as he has appeared initially. I don't think I have ever seen mental illness presented so matter-of-factly as it is in this lead-up to the men's moving-in together. Even Ethan, Who Loved Carter dealt in more of a roundabout way with the traumas affecting both its MCs.
This is an absolutely fascinating study of how a mental illness can actually help a man succeed in the business world, while serving, equally, to facilitate the destruction of any love relationship he seeks to enter into.
Telling anything more would only serve to "spoiler" the entire second novel as well as the second half of the first. However, added to the illness problem is the fact that much of Steven's family has presumed that he will never marry, never father children and that, therefore, his money and his power and position at his company are coming, by familial inheritance, directly to the male children of Steven's siblings.
How Mark and Steven deal with their male/male power struggles, as well as their oft-troubled relationship, forms the basis of a fascinating study of how a solid love can be severely tested by external forces that have no business coming between the two men.
There will be many who will find this series to be too real, and unpleasant, to be of interest. For me, however, it was a wonderful exercise in how a very clichéd trope can be routed thoroughly. I was very happily surprised by the unexpected aspects of this novel, and can recommend it highly to anyone who isn't seeking the standard Oy storyline.
Kudos to Jules Jones for addressing not only an unusual aspect of the ongoing male/male struggle for relationship dominance, but for making the success or failure of that relationship quasi-dependent on outside forces having nothing to do with the two men's love for each other.
I liked this series quite a bit. It's not Ethan, Who Loved Carter (that's a totally unique and, possibly, a one-of-a-kind story), but this is a genuinely honest look at an unusual facet of men and their relationship struggles.
As I mentioned in my review of Lord and Master, the first novel in this series, I figured, based on the cover art and the title, that I was approaching another story that would be using Oy ("Occidental yaoi") as its basis. Steven Frost, the self-made chemical engineering millionaire has hired the two-decades younger PhD-seeking student, Mark Paulson, as his PA. A lot of my initial feelings were verified right off: Steven hired Mark to show his straight CEO buddies that trophy secretaries are not just nubile young women; in addition, the sex was immediate, hot and totally seme/uke. (Guess who's top, and who's bottoming.)
Then about half-way through the first novel, a whole lot changes. For my thoughts about the switch-up, see my review of Lord and Master>.
Lord and Master 2 takes place during the two-year period between the penultimate and final chapters of the first novel.
I alluded to the fact that Steven is not the perfect seme, in that sometimes he not only wants to bottom but, more importantly, he isn't nearly as perfect as he has appeared initially. I don't think I have ever seen mental illness presented so matter-of-factly as it is in this lead-up to the men's moving-in together. Even Ethan, Who Loved Carter dealt in more of a roundabout way with the traumas affecting both its MCs.
This is an absolutely fascinating study of how a mental illness can actually help a man succeed in the business world, while serving, equally, to facilitate the destruction of any love relationship he seeks to enter into.
Telling anything more would only serve to "spoiler" the entire second novel as well as the second half of the first. However, added to the illness problem is the fact that much of Steven's family has presumed that he will never marry, never father children and that, therefore, his money and his power and position at his company are coming, by familial inheritance, directly to the male children of Steven's siblings.
How Mark and Steven deal with their male/male power struggles, as well as their oft-troubled relationship, forms the basis of a fascinating study of how a solid love can be severely tested by external forces that have no business coming between the two men.
There will be many who will find this series to be too real, and unpleasant, to be of interest. For me, however, it was a wonderful exercise in how a very clichéd trope can be routed thoroughly. I was very happily surprised by the unexpected aspects of this novel, and can recommend it highly to anyone who isn't seeking the standard Oy storyline.
Kudos to Jules Jones for addressing not only an unusual aspect of the ongoing male/male struggle for relationship dominance, but for making the success or failure of that relationship quasi-dependent on outside forces having nothing to do with the two men's love for each other.
I liked this series quite a bit. It's not Ethan, Who Loved Carter (that's a totally unique and, possibly, a one-of-a-kind story), but this is a genuinely honest look at an unusual facet of men and their relationship struggles.
September 22, 2022
Mark has enjoyed working for Steven and developing a relationship with him outside of work. Steven and Mark now have to face Steven's family and Steven knows that it will be a mess of accusations from his narrow-minded family members. Watching Mark put various members of Steven's family on notice that he wasn't going to deal with their bs was terrific to watch.
Mark and Steven were interesting in the first book, and this one was just as good. We got to see more about Steven running his company and his outlook on the future when it comes to Mark. We also saw a different side of Mark as he stood up for Steven many times throughout the book.
Mark and Steven were interesting in the first book, and this one was just as good. We got to see more about Steven running his company and his outlook on the future when it comes to Mark. We also saw a different side of Mark as he stood up for Steven many times throughout the book.
August 2, 2016
2015 Re-read:
This one took a little while to get going.
I suppose it shows that these stories after book one are really just… the author’s exploration of the relationship. The actual plot was covered in the book. Now this brings up consequences and ties up some loose ends – which I appreciate – but it doesn’t feel quite as cohesive. Or maybe it’s just that the shine has worn off somewhat by added clarity. Too much explaining, perhaps. Too much verbalizing of those explanations by the characters, I suppose. Not as badly as in the smaller in-between story, but it is definitely there.
And it made me realize that a lot of what I liked about the first book was accidental rather than on purpose and possibly rather the result of a writing fault than a quality. Not that any of this lessens the appeal of book one. It’s just one of those odd things.
In any event, I enjoyed reading this. Especially when it geared up for the glorious ending. Sure, that part was quite openly self-indulgent in presenting to some key figures just how perfect Mark really is (not the slightest bit of subtlety there), but I don’t actually mind that. It did make for a satisfying finale.
All in all this was a wonderful way to end things.
As with the short story after book one, I'll add my review for the final short story right here for lack of a better place:
Flight Of Dreams (4 stars)
Loveliness. This was a completely cute and very short story. Completely in keeping with the characters. :3
I’m not sad that I’m done now with this small series, but it was a wonderful revisiting.
And yes, this last bit is not much of a review, but I still and always recommend to hunt down this small final story to round out the complete tale. <3
This one took a little while to get going.
I suppose it shows that these stories after book one are really just… the author’s exploration of the relationship. The actual plot was covered in the book. Now this brings up consequences and ties up some loose ends – which I appreciate – but it doesn’t feel quite as cohesive. Or maybe it’s just that the shine has worn off somewhat by added clarity. Too much explaining, perhaps. Too much verbalizing of those explanations by the characters, I suppose. Not as badly as in the smaller in-between story, but it is definitely there.
And it made me realize that a lot of what I liked about the first book was accidental rather than on purpose and possibly rather the result of a writing fault than a quality. Not that any of this lessens the appeal of book one. It’s just one of those odd things.
In any event, I enjoyed reading this. Especially when it geared up for the glorious ending. Sure, that part was quite openly self-indulgent in presenting to some key figures just how perfect Mark really is (not the slightest bit of subtlety there), but I don’t actually mind that. It did make for a satisfying finale.
All in all this was a wonderful way to end things.
As with the short story after book one, I'll add my review for the final short story right here for lack of a better place:
Flight Of Dreams (4 stars)
Loveliness. This was a completely cute and very short story. Completely in keeping with the characters. :3
I’m not sad that I’m done now with this small series, but it was a wonderful revisiting.
And yes, this last bit is not much of a review, but I still and always recommend to hunt down this small final story to round out the complete tale. <3
July 17, 2014
A Lovely Piece of Filler for the Curious
A Lovely Piece of Filler for the Curious
This story is not so much a continuation of Mark and Steven's story, but a kind of flashback to a pivotal point in their relationship to each other and Steven's family. In the first story, Lord and Master, Mark knew that the wide difference in ages between the two of them would cause comment, in both their private and professional friendships. Now they get to see Steven's family's reactions to the news of their engagement, a family that never expected to see Steven in a long-term relationship, or give someone else access to Steven's company other than his niece and nephews. This story was good, in that it gave further insight into the dynamics of their relationship, and how they could make this last past the first glow of acknowledged love. Also, I liked how the author presented their sex life. While there was passion in many of their joinings, sometimes Mark accommodated Steven even if he wasn't particularly interested himself at the moment, or Steven looked to it as a tension release, not as an act that had to represent undying love at the time. This seemed fascinating because it reflected an honest view of a physical side to relationships, that while one partner might not be in the mood, they try to help the other out. Not that Mark was a pushover, but he chose his time to stand his ground carefully, not out of pique or spite. That this aspect wasn't used as a pointless exercise of drama between them really impressed me for some reason. If you've read the first story, you'll definitely want to get this one as well.
A Lovely Piece of Filler for the Curious
This story is not so much a continuation of Mark and Steven's story, but a kind of flashback to a pivotal point in their relationship to each other and Steven's family. In the first story, Lord and Master, Mark knew that the wide difference in ages between the two of them would cause comment, in both their private and professional friendships. Now they get to see Steven's family's reactions to the news of their engagement, a family that never expected to see Steven in a long-term relationship, or give someone else access to Steven's company other than his niece and nephews. This story was good, in that it gave further insight into the dynamics of their relationship, and how they could make this last past the first glow of acknowledged love. Also, I liked how the author presented their sex life. While there was passion in many of their joinings, sometimes Mark accommodated Steven even if he wasn't particularly interested himself at the moment, or Steven looked to it as a tension release, not as an act that had to represent undying love at the time. This seemed fascinating because it reflected an honest view of a physical side to relationships, that while one partner might not be in the mood, they try to help the other out. Not that Mark was a pushover, but he chose his time to stand his ground carefully, not out of pique or spite. That this aspect wasn't used as a pointless exercise of drama between them really impressed me for some reason. If you've read the first story, you'll definitely want to get this one as well.
July 26, 2014
I loved this even more than the first one! Leonard is a complete git - well meaning or not, because what he does just isn't right. I have a lot of experience with mental illness, and that isn't something that is alright *ever*.
Anyway, Steven and Mark are both firm in their love and they both know what they're doing together, and reading that is a joy and a pleasure. I'm a firm fan!
Anyway, Steven and Mark are both firm in their love and they both know what they're doing together, and reading that is a joy and a pleasure. I'm a firm fan!
May 20, 2010
Super sequel, lovely gentle story.
October 7, 2012
This was a bit better than the first one.. Still overuse of rubbers.. Hehehe...
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews