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Florentine
Mahiro became a professional figure skater for one reason―to be near the object of his lust from the time he was a teenager, Alex Breschi. But he never advanced far enough for Alex to notice him. Now Alex is retired from skating and working as a thriller author, while Mahiro gracefully bowed out of competition years before to become a successful app developer and practicing Dom in New York City. Reality and fantasy collide at a penthouse play party when Mahiro meets his idol. Alex is researching a book, and he wants to learn more about the lifestyle. In fact, he wants to be trained as a submissive. By Mahiro. Mahiro knows it’s a terrible idea. He’s hardly objective, and Alex is a novice. Still, all those years of longing shatter his reserve, and he cannot refuse to have the man of his dreams in his hands. Alex will certainly notice him now, and since Alex is returning to Russia in a few months, Mahiro can have some fun without divulging his past… or his obsession. What does he have to lose? Just his heart.
200 pages, Paperback
Published January 28, 2020
3 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Mazarin Stone
2 books8 followersMazarin Stone has been a voracious reader since the age of four but didn't start writing until her thirties. She spent most of her life split between the sunny beaches of Florida and the cornfields of Indiana, until she got married and settled into life in Indianapolis. When she's not battling her dog over nose-tweeting on her laptop's touchscreen or shuttling her son to three different sports at a time, she's an environmental scientist, amateur historian, Sherlock Holmes aficionado, baseball fan, and desperately obsessed with Victorian Era fashion and architecture. This is her first novel, and she's excited to share her life's second act with readers.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 16, 2020
3.5
For those times when you just want some sweet kink in your life, I give you Florentine.
Still a bit confused about the title since there's no Florentine flogging but no matter. There was enough kink to keep me happy including D/s, spanking, wax play, suspension bondage and some impact play.
There's a fine line when crafting a BDSM romance that requires balance between the BDSM elements and developing the relationship that Mazarin Stone found. I like it best when kink is used to strengthen the connection between dom(me) and sub rather than it being their only connection. I also enjoy when the reader is privy to the sub's experience during scenes; that was less strong, though I did appreciate how much Alex wanted to please Mahiro.
Chemistry, however, is not in short supply between Mahiro and Alex. It was pleasure to watch that chemistry blossom and grow as they journey from an educational arrangement to something more, deeper.
I thoroughly enjoyed that Mahiro wasn't depicted as the prototypical ice cold dom, that's always in control and is virtually omniscient because unrealistic. Stone actually contravened the norm and made Mahiro significantly smaller than Alex which worked for me because submission is a choice that has nothing to do with intimidation or fear. Instead Mahiro is a real person who struggles with anxiety, enjoys cuddling during aftercare and has been smitten with Alex Breschi since forever, so if he didn't have nerves the neighbors would've heard my scoffing at that claptrap.
Tis true I am a sucker for the unrequited love being requited but I was delighted to see Mahiro getting to know and falling in love with the man behind the champion. There were maybe an abundance of endearments that I could've done with less of but if that's my only complaint for a first time author... that ain't bad. This is me we're talking about here. #hardass
I'd even go so far to say that Florentine has all the telltale signs of being a first in a series and I would read the next one which says a lot about the readability of this novel. Stone's ability to construct a honest story especially with regard to the "big secret" that inevitably led to the conflict which was handled in an adult manner e.g. two men using their words and admitting fault worked for me.
Plus, the sex was in the sweltering neighborhood. Someone is creative and has a penchant for the dirty talk, none of which I am opposed to.
So if you enjoy your kink on the sweeter side à la Kim Dare, give Florentine a go.
A review copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
For those times when you just want some sweet kink in your life, I give you Florentine.
Still a bit confused about the title since there's no Florentine flogging but no matter. There was enough kink to keep me happy including D/s, spanking, wax play, suspension bondage and some impact play.
There's a fine line when crafting a BDSM romance that requires balance between the BDSM elements and developing the relationship that Mazarin Stone found. I like it best when kink is used to strengthen the connection between dom(me) and sub rather than it being their only connection. I also enjoy when the reader is privy to the sub's experience during scenes; that was less strong, though I did appreciate how much Alex wanted to please Mahiro.
Chemistry, however, is not in short supply between Mahiro and Alex. It was pleasure to watch that chemistry blossom and grow as they journey from an educational arrangement to something more, deeper.
I thoroughly enjoyed that Mahiro wasn't depicted as the prototypical ice cold dom, that's always in control and is virtually omniscient because unrealistic. Stone actually contravened the norm and made Mahiro significantly smaller than Alex which worked for me because submission is a choice that has nothing to do with intimidation or fear. Instead Mahiro is a real person who struggles with anxiety, enjoys cuddling during aftercare and has been smitten with Alex Breschi since forever, so if he didn't have nerves the neighbors would've heard my scoffing at that claptrap.
Tis true I am a sucker for the unrequited love being requited but I was delighted to see Mahiro getting to know and falling in love with the man behind the champion. There were maybe an abundance of endearments that I could've done with less of but if that's my only complaint for a first time author... that ain't bad. This is me we're talking about here. #hardass
I'd even go so far to say that Florentine has all the telltale signs of being a first in a series and I would read the next one which says a lot about the readability of this novel. Stone's ability to construct a honest story especially with regard to the "big secret" that inevitably led to the conflict which was handled in an adult manner e.g. two men using their words and admitting fault worked for me.
Plus, the sex was in the sweltering neighborhood. Someone is creative and has a penchant for the dirty talk, none of which I am opposed to.
So if you enjoy your kink on the sweeter side à la Kim Dare, give Florentine a go.
A review copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2020
Fine for soft erotica, with cutesy romance and light drama.
Not completely the book's fault (aside the soulful cover), that I went in hoping - and was left longing - for something with soul, internal complexity, depth of thought... substance to accompany the banging.
Not completely the book's fault (aside the soulful cover), that I went in hoping - and was left longing - for something with soul, internal complexity, depth of thought... substance to accompany the banging.
odio-jarocho-aka-nope
May 18, 2020A big part of me is dying to read this book. And that cover is just a beaut.
But: DSP book, P2P story, author negatively commented on book bloggers choices, etc... And still, I wanted to read it.
Until author commented on review. Which is my big *no*.
Seriously, just don't. Reviews are for readers, not authors.
Here's the tweet by the way: https://twitter.com/Mazarin221b/statu...
And the review in question? Easy to find. And it's actually three stars. WTF.
But: DSP book, P2P story, author negatively commented on book bloggers choices, etc... And still, I wanted to read it.
Until author commented on review. Which is my big *no*.
Seriously, just don't. Reviews are for readers, not authors.
Here's the tweet by the way: https://twitter.com/Mazarin221b/statu...
And the review in question? Easy to find. And it's actually three stars. WTF.
January 29, 2020
Mazarin has such a great writing style that is immersive, easy, and enjoyable to read.
The scenes which play out pertaining to the BDSM subject matter are believable, and a healthy, accurate depiction of the scene (which I base on what I've heard from friends who are involved in that community). Mahiro always places an emphasis on consent, which is so refreshing to see.
It doesn't take long to be drawn into the dynamics of Mahiro's and Alex's relationship, both in and out of the playroom. Though tension abounds in some of Mahiro's secrets, you still find yourself rooting for them.
If you enjoy M/M relationships, this is absolutely a book for you.
The scenes which play out pertaining to the BDSM subject matter are believable, and a healthy, accurate depiction of the scene (which I base on what I've heard from friends who are involved in that community). Mahiro always places an emphasis on consent, which is so refreshing to see.
It doesn't take long to be drawn into the dynamics of Mahiro's and Alex's relationship, both in and out of the playroom. Though tension abounds in some of Mahiro's secrets, you still find yourself rooting for them.
If you enjoy M/M relationships, this is absolutely a book for you.
January 16, 2020
Florentine is absolutely beautifully written. It's so well done, from the steamy scenes in which BDSM and sex intertwine gorgeously, to the outside-of-scene cute or more serious moments between Mahiro and Alex, to each of their inner conflict. Mahiro's especially got to me, and I appreciate that he has a friend like Adam for support in this tenuous situation! Even when I was nervous or frustrated because of secrets being kept or something, I was rooting for Mahiro and Alex the whole time because they are so lovely as a couple, and as Dom and sub.
Also, as someone who's been to kink social/play events, I was glad to see not just the the intricacies of one couple's dynamics realistically, but also the kink social scene written believably.
Mazarin Stone doesn't pull punches with emotionally intense writing. Part is the plot and dialogue, part is her powerful and wonderfully crafted prose. There's certainly some angst, but the payoff is great and I find the happy ending so satisfying! I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy M/M BDSM erotic romance.
(note: I pre-ordered this book and it arrived early, so that's how I was able to write a review early)
Also, as someone who's been to kink social/play events, I was glad to see not just the the intricacies of one couple's dynamics realistically, but also the kink social scene written believably.
Mazarin Stone doesn't pull punches with emotionally intense writing. Part is the plot and dialogue, part is her powerful and wonderfully crafted prose. There's certainly some angst, but the payoff is great and I find the happy ending so satisfying! I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy M/M BDSM erotic romance.
(note: I pre-ordered this book and it arrived early, so that's how I was able to write a review early)
February 26, 2020
This is amazing and I don't know where to start. I usually don't read Romance, but this one is NOT a fairy tale romance with an unbelievable ending.
I could feel the chemistry between Alex and Mahiro all the time, I could also feel the anxiety they both were feeling while their story developed, and that's not easy to achieve, it requires great writing. I love how both have believable flaws I can relate to (anxiety again).
I think the best point for me is how believable this is, I can imagine them both being real people.
Mazarin's writing is very clear, and there were just a couple scenes I couldn't understand (mainly because I'm not native speaker of English and I have aphantasia).
This feel like it needs a second part, Adam and Chris need their own arch, I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who thinks that way.
I could feel the chemistry between Alex and Mahiro all the time, I could also feel the anxiety they both were feeling while their story developed, and that's not easy to achieve, it requires great writing. I love how both have believable flaws I can relate to (anxiety again).
I think the best point for me is how believable this is, I can imagine them both being real people.
Mazarin's writing is very clear, and there were just a couple scenes I couldn't understand (mainly because I'm not native speaker of English and I have aphantasia).
This feel like it needs a second part, Adam and Chris need their own arch, I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who thinks that way.
February 27, 2021
I don't know what part of Florentine to cheer about the loudest.
* Characters that are so well-drawn that you are invested deeply in them within a few pages.
* Natural, well-written, witty dialogue.
* A fast-moving engrossing story that I devoured in less than two days.
* A romance with just the right amount of angst and conflict.
* Scorching hot sex, that really captures the dom/sub relationship.
But I think what impressed me the most was that it was a really instructional novel about BDSM, but it didn't feel like instruction. I learned a lot, but it never felt like a lecture. This was the perfect escape, and one of those books you wish you could read for the first time more than once.
* Characters that are so well-drawn that you are invested deeply in them within a few pages.
* Natural, well-written, witty dialogue.
* A fast-moving engrossing story that I devoured in less than two days.
* A romance with just the right amount of angst and conflict.
* Scorching hot sex, that really captures the dom/sub relationship.
But I think what impressed me the most was that it was a really instructional novel about BDSM, but it didn't feel like instruction. I learned a lot, but it never felt like a lecture. This was the perfect escape, and one of those books you wish you could read for the first time more than once.
July 20, 2021
This book is honestly one of the best things I have read this year. You really feel for Mahiro and his fears entering this kind of relationship with Alex, from the fears of yet another book about bad BDSM to the fears that arise as their feelings for one another development into something more.
While the dominant point of view of their scenes may not appeal to everyone, I believe having the book being written primary from Mahiro's point of view you get a unique perspective into the scenes, along with a healthy dose of well written, and pretty damn hot, sex. The sections where we are able to read Alex's perspective are well placed and add an emphasis to the story and the emotions they are both feeling during that period. Personally, I am glad for a BDSM based book to not be written from the submissive's point of view.
The BDSM in the book is extremely well researched with excellent discussion of appropriate safety measures, including the use of watchers, something that for a lot of scenes can be very important. The author uses a level of detail in her writing of the scenes that while allowing you to perfectly imagine what is going on does not encourage unsafe replication of the activities. I would not be able to praise the author enough for her use of safewords, the traffic light system and appropriate aftercare, including aftercare of the Dominant, which many people forget is just as important.
When it got to the turning point of Mahiro and Alex's relationship, I'm not sure I've ever cried so much, drama is never necessary for a good book, however, the drama between the two was so heart wrenching I was crying long after it had resolved. I could feel each of their pain through the experience.
Overall a beautiful balence of BDSM, Erotica, Romance and Drama. I would recommend it to anyone that is a fan of both BDSM and Gay Romances.
I cannot wait for what else we may get to see from Mazarin Stone.
While the dominant point of view of their scenes may not appeal to everyone, I believe having the book being written primary from Mahiro's point of view you get a unique perspective into the scenes, along with a healthy dose of well written, and pretty damn hot, sex. The sections where we are able to read Alex's perspective are well placed and add an emphasis to the story and the emotions they are both feeling during that period. Personally, I am glad for a BDSM based book to not be written from the submissive's point of view.
The BDSM in the book is extremely well researched with excellent discussion of appropriate safety measures, including the use of watchers, something that for a lot of scenes can be very important. The author uses a level of detail in her writing of the scenes that while allowing you to perfectly imagine what is going on does not encourage unsafe replication of the activities. I would not be able to praise the author enough for her use of safewords, the traffic light system and appropriate aftercare, including aftercare of the Dominant, which many people forget is just as important.
When it got to the turning point of Mahiro and Alex's relationship, I'm not sure I've ever cried so much, drama is never necessary for a good book, however, the drama between the two was so heart wrenching I was crying long after it had resolved. I could feel each of their pain through the experience.
Overall a beautiful balence of BDSM, Erotica, Romance and Drama. I would recommend it to anyone that is a fan of both BDSM and Gay Romances.
I cannot wait for what else we may get to see from Mazarin Stone.
April 28, 2020
Liked the first 2/3. The climax and clean up... something slipped away for me. Still good and would definitely read another book by this author.
July 10, 2020
I was given a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Generally, I enjoyed this book and I will definitely read more by this author but, at times, I found Florentine a bit confusing. The storyline was enjoyable and the characters very likeable but I was left wondering about the BDSM elements. We are told that Mahiro is a well respected Dom but there were times that I really doubted it. I do not associate a Dom with giggling - a word which was used a couple of times. I was also concerned when he is not completely honest with Alex at the start of their relationship. Mahiro does explain why he acted as he did but, to me, a BDSM relationship must start out with honesty.
For me, the BDSM elements were light and not overly convincing but others may have a different opinion.
As I said though, this book is enjoyable and I will be looking for more titles by this author.
Generally, I enjoyed this book and I will definitely read more by this author but, at times, I found Florentine a bit confusing. The storyline was enjoyable and the characters very likeable but I was left wondering about the BDSM elements. We are told that Mahiro is a well respected Dom but there were times that I really doubted it. I do not associate a Dom with giggling - a word which was used a couple of times. I was also concerned when he is not completely honest with Alex at the start of their relationship. Mahiro does explain why he acted as he did but, to me, a BDSM relationship must start out with honesty.
For me, the BDSM elements were light and not overly convincing but others may have a different opinion.
As I said though, this book is enjoyable and I will be looking for more titles by this author.
July 27, 2020
somwhere between 3 and 4 stars!
August 26, 2020
good, until til 78%, and then it felt like a different book. it wasn't awful...just boring and incongruous.
September 14, 2023
This book is so beautiful. I love the tender relationship between the characters, the BDSM and spice are amazing, and it's just really sweet at the same time. I've read it several times actually and it never gets old
ETA: I just reread it for at least the 15th time and yeah it holds up just as much as the first time. Mahiro and Alex are so cute together but the spice is fiery, and the background characters are equally good and engaging.
ETA: I just reread it for at least the 15th time and yeah it holds up just as much as the first time. Mahiro and Alex are so cute together but the spice is fiery, and the background characters are equally good and engaging.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews