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Switchblade Romance #1
Going Down
Tino Santini is offered the role of personal assistant to his wealthy CEO, after being trapped with him in an elevator on the night before Thanksgiving. It seems a night of scorching sex will do wonders for a flagging career.
Now his new boss wants more of Tino's talented mouth as well as his organisational skills. Neither of them expect their professional relationship and private arrangement to be anything other than business, until a personal tragedy means that Richard needs Tino more than ever.
Wealthy pansexual businessman, Richard Mason, seems to have it all, but a former female lover, a New York gangster and a murky past all threaten to destroy his chance of happiness.
Tino is the sensible employee who gets stuck with Richard in the elevator, but a bottle of cognac, some donuts and an indecent proposal send him on a hedonistic journey of sex, murder and possibly love.
This was originally a standalone short story on Wattpad - basically an excuse for two guys to have hot sex in an elevator, but due to reader demand, I've extended it to a full-length erotic fiction novel. Only the Amazon edition has extra bonus content.
Now his new boss wants more of Tino's talented mouth as well as his organisational skills. Neither of them expect their professional relationship and private arrangement to be anything other than business, until a personal tragedy means that Richard needs Tino more than ever.
Wealthy pansexual businessman, Richard Mason, seems to have it all, but a former female lover, a New York gangster and a murky past all threaten to destroy his chance of happiness.
Tino is the sensible employee who gets stuck with Richard in the elevator, but a bottle of cognac, some donuts and an indecent proposal send him on a hedonistic journey of sex, murder and possibly love.
This was originally a standalone short story on Wattpad - basically an excuse for two guys to have hot sex in an elevator, but due to reader demand, I've extended it to a full-length erotic fiction novel. Only the Amazon edition has extra bonus content.
330 pages, ebook
Published January 13, 2020
32 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Lady Jaguar
11 books23 followersLady Jaguar and S.A. Smythe are the pen names for Jayne Lockwood, who has been writing for over twenty years. Originally a traditionally published author (Savannah Smythe) with Black Lace (Virgin Books) she has worked as a ghostwriter before turning her attention to independent publishing. So far she has written around fifteen novels.
Born and based in the UK, she has also lived in New Jersey, where a lot of her books are based. Now she writes in a rural location, not too far from London, when not being bullied by her husky and house panther. As well as being an author, she is also a wife, mother and strictly amateur aerialist.
Born and based in the UK, she has also lived in New Jersey, where a lot of her books are based. Now she writes in a rural location, not too far from London, when not being bullied by her husky and house panther. As well as being an author, she is also a wife, mother and strictly amateur aerialist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
April 30, 2023
I don’t know if I loved this book because my expectations were very low due to the author’s pen name(God, let it be a pen name! Lol, jk, I know it is) and the fact that it says erotica or because it is indeed good. Or at least better than 70% of the books published lately . Now don’t go thinking it’s a complex,smart literary gem, because it’s not, it’s a simple and easy read but I enjoyed it quite a lot and I think it’s underrated because I really believe many would love it .
Let me tell you what’s about.
It’s about a simple office clerk who isn’t appreciated at his job at a big corporate company (I have no idea what that company does, either it wasn’t said or it flew over my head) and who one day gets stuck in an elevator with the CEO of the company for a night. A CEO who is an ex mob thug and kind of an asshole . They eat, drink, fuck and part ways. Then the CEO needs a PA and he remembers what a stand up guy the clerk was and that he’d like to tap that ass again so he hires him. And thus they embark in a 350 pages of fucking and working. And they fuck a lot, it’s true but their relationship isn’t easy because Richard, the CEO, is a cold dangerous bastard who is still obsessed with his ex and who sometimes makes our clerk miserable . To quote Laura’s review, he’s “mercurial,intense, demanding, impulsive,evil-tempered at times and yet not such a bad guy at all in the end” .He’s indeed violent at times and he’s an ass but then he falls for our Tino and he’s marshmallow for him (well not quite, he’s still a big bad wolf but I loved him) . The sex is good and not repetitive and boring , the characters are awesome and complicated and the plot , though a bit over the place is entertaining and enjoyable and even a bit dark. The writing could also be improved but it was quite a freaking good read. I recommend it.
PD. I like the cover on my paperback better.
Let me tell you what’s about.
It’s about a simple office clerk who isn’t appreciated at his job at a big corporate company (I have no idea what that company does, either it wasn’t said or it flew over my head) and who one day gets stuck in an elevator with the CEO of the company for a night. A CEO who is an ex mob thug and kind of an asshole . They eat, drink, fuck and part ways. Then the CEO needs a PA and he remembers what a stand up guy the clerk was and that he’d like to tap that ass again so he hires him. And thus they embark in a 350 pages of fucking and working. And they fuck a lot, it’s true but their relationship isn’t easy because Richard, the CEO, is a cold dangerous bastard who is still obsessed with his ex and who sometimes makes our clerk miserable . To quote Laura’s review, he’s “mercurial,intense, demanding, impulsive,evil-tempered at times and yet not such a bad guy at all in the end” .He’s indeed violent at times and he’s an ass but then he falls for our Tino and he’s marshmallow for him (well not quite, he’s still a big bad wolf but I loved him) . The sex is good and not repetitive and boring , the characters are awesome and complicated and the plot , though a bit over the place is entertaining and enjoyable and even a bit dark. The writing could also be improved but it was quite a freaking good read. I recommend it.
PD. I like the cover on my paperback better.
June 1, 2023
4.5 Near perfect imperfection stars
Wow. This was much, much more than I expected when I read the blurb and decided to give it a try. I read M/M now and then, maybe once or twice per year, and I typically like when the Hs are more on equal footing (meaning they are around the same age, not extreme opposites, etc.). This was not the case here, but I loved the way these two ended up being imperfectly perfect together.
Richard Mason is the CEO of a major corporation. He is known to be and is admittedly indiscriminate when it comes to his sex life: he identifies as pan-sexual but orders from a menu ranging from fast food to filet mignon (his analogy).
Valentino Santini is the youngest son of a proud old school Italian father; he is openly gay but has not officially come out to his whole family for fear of disappointing his macho brothers and father, though his grandmother has known for a long time and is supportive. Tino has been working for a company for years but recently has had to deal with a crappy boss that was once his peer and now that the guy is the boss, he is tougher on Tino than others under his employ.
Though there were messages that went out to the members of the office building that they should leave by 6 PM on the Wednesday before the Thanksgiving holiday due to maintenance work scheduled to take place over the long holiday weekend, Tino is stuck working late because he was tardy for work after helping his neighbor and the neighbor's asthmatic child. But his boss doesn't care the reason; he tells Tino he has to finish a report that evening or not return the next work day. Tino finishes up his work around 8 PM, and as he leaves, he decides to freshen up for a night on the town, a rare indulgence, by putting on a little makeup, stepping into some sassy heels, and sprucing up his outfit. As he struts to the elevator, he realizes that the CEO of the company is already in it and is immediately embarrassed. Before they can reach the main level, the elevator suddenly stops. The emergency call button does not work and Richard is unable to get a cell signal. They are well and truly stuck together at least for the night. After some awkward conversations that turn more personal, Richard makes a move on Tino and tops him in the elevator a few times before the cavalry arrives to rescue them. Though Richard tells Tino it can't happen again, he decides later that weekend that Tino could take the place of his PA (personal assistant) who needs more time with her ailing husband. Mixing business and pleasure shouldn't be a problem for a man that says he is incapable of love, right?
The summary above is the first few chapters, and then it goes all different and interesting directions from there. I found myself staying up WAY too late "on a school night" reading this because I could not put it down! The characters were interesting, realistic, and flawed; they felt very real and their struggles were (mostly) relatable, or at least believable. Richard's character in particular had many layers that were slowly revealed (to some extent; I am not sure we know all of his secrets yet). Tino was a good foil for him because he didn't put up with his sh!t and added levity when things got too serious or started to head that way.
And holy wow was it STEAMY - early and often. Like, VERY often. Hot, hot, hot! Definitely recommended if you are a fan of M/M with steam, intrigue, imperfect characters, and a solid plot line. There are two more books in this series; I didn't realize they were continuations of Richard & Tino's story, but this can be read as a standalone because it does have a HEA/epilogue that provides closure/finality.
Note - the only reason it got 4.5 and not 5 stars is that there IS domestic violence and threat of it in the book, and that was a problem for me.
Plot --- 4.5/5
Writing Style --- 4.75/5
Main Characters --- 4.75/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Steam Level* --- 4.5/5 (everything 2 men can enjoy with one another - no 3rd parties)
Violence --- yes - nothing overly graphic but some
Triggers --- yes - see item in spoiler above and also
Language --- yes
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
Wow. This was much, much more than I expected when I read the blurb and decided to give it a try. I read M/M now and then, maybe once or twice per year, and I typically like when the Hs are more on equal footing (meaning they are around the same age, not extreme opposites, etc.). This was not the case here, but I loved the way these two ended up being imperfectly perfect together.
Richard Mason is the CEO of a major corporation. He is known to be and is admittedly indiscriminate when it comes to his sex life: he identifies as pan-sexual but orders from a menu ranging from fast food to filet mignon (his analogy).
Valentino Santini is the youngest son of a proud old school Italian father; he is openly gay but has not officially come out to his whole family for fear of disappointing his macho brothers and father, though his grandmother has known for a long time and is supportive. Tino has been working for a company for years but recently has had to deal with a crappy boss that was once his peer and now that the guy is the boss, he is tougher on Tino than others under his employ.
Though there were messages that went out to the members of the office building that they should leave by 6 PM on the Wednesday before the Thanksgiving holiday due to maintenance work scheduled to take place over the long holiday weekend, Tino is stuck working late because he was tardy for work after helping his neighbor and the neighbor's asthmatic child. But his boss doesn't care the reason; he tells Tino he has to finish a report that evening or not return the next work day. Tino finishes up his work around 8 PM, and as he leaves, he decides to freshen up for a night on the town, a rare indulgence, by putting on a little makeup, stepping into some sassy heels, and sprucing up his outfit. As he struts to the elevator, he realizes that the CEO of the company is already in it and is immediately embarrassed. Before they can reach the main level, the elevator suddenly stops. The emergency call button does not work and Richard is unable to get a cell signal. They are well and truly stuck together at least for the night. After some awkward conversations that turn more personal, Richard makes a move on Tino and tops him in the elevator a few times before the cavalry arrives to rescue them. Though Richard tells Tino it can't happen again, he decides later that weekend that Tino could take the place of his PA (personal assistant) who needs more time with her ailing husband. Mixing business and pleasure shouldn't be a problem for a man that says he is incapable of love, right?
The summary above is the first few chapters, and then it goes all different and interesting directions from there. I found myself staying up WAY too late "on a school night" reading this because I could not put it down! The characters were interesting, realistic, and flawed; they felt very real and their struggles were (mostly) relatable, or at least believable. Richard's character in particular had many layers that were slowly revealed (to some extent; I am not sure we know all of his secrets yet). Tino was a good foil for him because he didn't put up with his sh!t and added levity when things got too serious or started to head that way.
And holy wow was it STEAMY - early and often. Like, VERY often. Hot, hot, hot! Definitely recommended if you are a fan of M/M with steam, intrigue, imperfect characters, and a solid plot line. There are two more books in this series; I didn't realize they were continuations of Richard & Tino's story, but this can be read as a standalone because it does have a HEA/epilogue that provides closure/finality.
Note - the only reason it got 4.5 and not 5 stars is that there IS domestic violence and threat of it in the book, and that was a problem for me.
Plot --- 4.5/5
Writing Style --- 4.75/5
Main Characters --- 4.75/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Steam Level* --- 4.5/5 (everything 2 men can enjoy with one another - no 3rd parties)
Violence --- yes - nothing overly graphic but some
Triggers --- yes - see item in spoiler above and also
Language --- yes
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
April 15, 2021
A gripping M/M erotica with great characters and a solid plot.
Surprising, suspenseful, highly entertaining and damn hot!
When Tino Santini ends up trapped for a full night in an elevator with his wealthy and scary as f*ck CEO, Richard Mason, the last thing he expects is for that night to turn into one of wild hot sex. It's just one night with no strings attached and no consequences whatsoever. That's what both of them tell themselves. Except that Tino can't take his mind of that hot sex, as well as the vulnerability he had glimpsed in his tough CEO's eyes. And Richard can't take his mind of of Tino.
'That man was cute as hell, a genuinely nice person who loved his family.
Who was single.'
And exactly what Richard may be needing. Because Tino seemed to have the integrity and strength to keep him in line, not just professionally but personally. And Richard badly needed someone 'to shake up his life and make him see he was on the road to self-destruct, then help him take a different path.'
The fact that he also had one talented mouth was just a welcome addition.
That's how Tino Santini ends up in the role of personal assistant to Richard Mason. And his new boss wants more of Tino's talented mouth as well as his organisational skills.
It's all supposed to be just a professional relationship with a few extra private arrangements. Just business and nothing more than that.
Tino is properly warned on the first day of his new job. He needs to have the ability to not take shit from anyone, especially his new boss and he shouldn't cross the line from business into love.
As Richard himself puts it...
'Don't make the mistake of falling for me Valentino. ... I break balls, rip hearts to shreds and f*ck like a demon, but I don't do love. Respect, yes, if it's earned, but not love. Never forget that.'
And Tino is ok with that. Until he isn't. The relationship between the two deepens and that line between business and feeling keeps getting more frail each day. But nothing is ever as it seems and a former female lover, a New York gangster and a murky past threaten to destroy the small chance of happiness Tino and Richard seem to glimpse.
Sex, murder and possibly love. This is what Tino unwittingly signs up for when becoming Richard's PA. I don't want to spoil and tell you how it will all end, but make sure to expect a gripping, steamy hot, solid tale.
The characters are both nicely drawn with just the right amount of depth. Their dynamic is intense and captivating and they practically develop before the readers' eyes. I loved to see Tino toughening up and standing up to Richard, just as I loved seeing Richard's transformation from 'blue-chip asshole' to a good guy.
I openly disliked Richard at the beginning of the tale. For his dumb-ass arrogant attitude and his disrespect for Tino. But slowly, along the way, I started warming up to him and even rooting for the guy. Mercurial, intense, demanding, impulsive, evil-tempered at times, and yet, not such a bad guy at all in the end.
All in all, Going Down is an entertaining contemporary M/M erotic romance, with great characters and a solid plot and I highly recommend it to all fans of the genre.
Surprising, suspenseful, highly entertaining and damn hot!
When Tino Santini ends up trapped for a full night in an elevator with his wealthy and scary as f*ck CEO, Richard Mason, the last thing he expects is for that night to turn into one of wild hot sex. It's just one night with no strings attached and no consequences whatsoever. That's what both of them tell themselves. Except that Tino can't take his mind of that hot sex, as well as the vulnerability he had glimpsed in his tough CEO's eyes. And Richard can't take his mind of of Tino.
'That man was cute as hell, a genuinely nice person who loved his family.
Who was single.'
And exactly what Richard may be needing. Because Tino seemed to have the integrity and strength to keep him in line, not just professionally but personally. And Richard badly needed someone 'to shake up his life and make him see he was on the road to self-destruct, then help him take a different path.'
The fact that he also had one talented mouth was just a welcome addition.
That's how Tino Santini ends up in the role of personal assistant to Richard Mason. And his new boss wants more of Tino's talented mouth as well as his organisational skills.
It's all supposed to be just a professional relationship with a few extra private arrangements. Just business and nothing more than that.
Tino is properly warned on the first day of his new job. He needs to have the ability to not take shit from anyone, especially his new boss and he shouldn't cross the line from business into love.
As Richard himself puts it...
'Don't make the mistake of falling for me Valentino. ... I break balls, rip hearts to shreds and f*ck like a demon, but I don't do love. Respect, yes, if it's earned, but not love. Never forget that.'
And Tino is ok with that. Until he isn't. The relationship between the two deepens and that line between business and feeling keeps getting more frail each day. But nothing is ever as it seems and a former female lover, a New York gangster and a murky past threaten to destroy the small chance of happiness Tino and Richard seem to glimpse.
Sex, murder and possibly love. This is what Tino unwittingly signs up for when becoming Richard's PA. I don't want to spoil and tell you how it will all end, but make sure to expect a gripping, steamy hot, solid tale.
The characters are both nicely drawn with just the right amount of depth. Their dynamic is intense and captivating and they practically develop before the readers' eyes. I loved to see Tino toughening up and standing up to Richard, just as I loved seeing Richard's transformation from 'blue-chip asshole' to a good guy.
I openly disliked Richard at the beginning of the tale. For his dumb-ass arrogant attitude and his disrespect for Tino. But slowly, along the way, I started warming up to him and even rooting for the guy. Mercurial, intense, demanding, impulsive, evil-tempered at times, and yet, not such a bad guy at all in the end.
All in all, Going Down is an entertaining contemporary M/M erotic romance, with great characters and a solid plot and I highly recommend it to all fans of the genre.
July 9, 2023
I am rounding this up from 3.5 stars. This is an interesting story. There were just a thing or two that disturbed the flow of the story for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 21, 2023
I got exactly what I expected coming into this book. Tino and Richard were h.o.t. and the power dynamic was there, loud and proud. I honestly enjoyed the progression of the story as well. I've read a lot in this genre, so I never know if I'm going to get something more spice forward or plot forward. This had a really pleasing mixture of both, so much so that there are more books in the series.
Don't worry though, you can read this one solo if you'd like. It has a good conclusion!
Don't worry though, you can read this one solo if you'd like. It has a good conclusion!
February 13, 2020
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. When Tino arrived to work the day before Thanksgiving was to be stuck in an elevator with the CEO of Wolfen. Richard mason was a rumored player. When he big man decides he wants to play with Tino can he really refuse? With page one I disliked how Tinos floor boss is pushing him around, it seemed if Tino unique life style was what the upstart man didn't like. Then the elevator scene at first you will distaste the way Richard talks and treats Tino. Tino claimed to not like BDSM but he is full Sub to the Alpha of the Business. When things get more complicated with his new position Tino. Richard is a wild card while Tino is the one that is the game changer. Not falling for the boss maybe more than Tino can handle but Richard has secrets some more dangerous then Tino can handle. Totally worth a recommend read for this book. It does have emotional and physical struggle that cover a large range of kinks.
March 9, 2020
I was given a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Going Down really surprised me. I was expecting romance, love and some humour but, instead, I got a book in which no one is who they appeared to be - and I'm including Tino in this group. Everyone has secrets and none of the characters are the people that we first meet.
The book is a romance and starts when Tino and company CEO Richard are trapped in an elevator for hours. Some very hot sex occurs but Tino is warned what happens in the elevator stays in the elevator. Obviously, this doesn't prove to be the case.
We have gangsters, some very mild BDSM elements and we have Pagan. More that this though we have Tino and Richard - the main characters who have so much more to offer both each other and the readers.
I really enjoyed this book and I will be looking for more by this author.
Definitely recommended.
Going Down really surprised me. I was expecting romance, love and some humour but, instead, I got a book in which no one is who they appeared to be - and I'm including Tino in this group. Everyone has secrets and none of the characters are the people that we first meet.
The book is a romance and starts when Tino and company CEO Richard are trapped in an elevator for hours. Some very hot sex occurs but Tino is warned what happens in the elevator stays in the elevator. Obviously, this doesn't prove to be the case.
We have gangsters, some very mild BDSM elements and we have Pagan. More that this though we have Tino and Richard - the main characters who have so much more to offer both each other and the readers.
I really enjoyed this book and I will be looking for more by this author.
Definitely recommended.
April 14, 2023
I fell in love with Richard and Tino in Heels for the Holidays and couldn't wait to read this. It certainly didn't disappoint. They are just as funny in this book, and their chemistry is off the charts. This book has the elevator scene (if you know, you know), which was perfect. Richard is Mr Grumpy to Tino's Mr Sunshine, and they just work so well together. I really can't get enough of these two characters; they are messy, gritty and downright naughty! So I've downloaded the next two books for a good binge-read.
If you love steamy MM, these books are definitely for you; you can thank me later.
If you love steamy MM, these books are definitely for you; you can thank me later.
February 18, 2020
phew! *Fanning self* what a saucy and cute story!
I love the relationship and interactions between Tino and Richard. They were so different, yet so compatible.
You gotta read the story to see what I mean.
A perfect story for MM erotica lovers. I found the story easy to read and fast to get hooked into it. The main characters were solid throughout the book and certainly lovable. Engaging story. I look forward to reading the author's other stories. Thank you, Lady Jaguar for putting your stories on KU!
I love the relationship and interactions between Tino and Richard. They were so different, yet so compatible.
You gotta read the story to see what I mean.
A perfect story for MM erotica lovers. I found the story easy to read and fast to get hooked into it. The main characters were solid throughout the book and certainly lovable. Engaging story. I look forward to reading the author's other stories. Thank you, Lady Jaguar for putting your stories on KU!
December 12, 2021
Delicious hotness and grand feelings in this M/M novel!
Going Down by Jayne Lockwood is definitely one of a kind. Within the first few pages, we find ourselves trapped in an elevator, watching Valentino Santini, Tino for short, and Richard Mason, his boss, CEO, and billionaire having one of the hottest man-on-man makeout sessions I’ve read to date.
From the very start I felt endeared to Tino, a young man working in a corporate environment and loving makeup and high heels to go with his suit. He is sweet, kind, has a moral compass and is talented and diligent in his work.
Richard is his stellar opposite, a hard, jaded man of the world who has a double identity as a mobster from the Italo-New Yorker mob. He is a cutthroat not only in business but he possesses a sense of honour amongst thieves and an appreciation for loyalty that sets him apart from the kind of underworld rulers that are merely cruel psychopaths whose word means nothing and whose cruelty knows no bounds.
When Richard seduces Tino, it seems at first that he is using him for sex, one hot night trapped in the elevator. But something about Tino touches him, aside from his stellar oral talents, and he promotes him to the position of his personal assistant. This is, assistant with benefits.
I love how the two men slowly get to know each other, how Richard’s hard shell gradually softens and how Tino gains the confidence to not only stand up to Richard when he is being an asshole but also starts to be able to handle him better.
The story takes us on a wild ride from Manhattan’s corporate world to the New York underbelly of mobster territory. There is action, suspense, lots of dry British humour that I am sure the British author Jayne Lockwood, a.k.a. Lady Jaguar has been born with in copious amounts.
(At this point I’d like to recommend you also check her social media feeds where she posts questions for her characters and lets them answer in persona. The banter between the two men is just hilarious and I fervently hope Ms Lockwood is going to make a book of the collection of it one day.)
The steamy scenes are hot, raw, sometimes crude, sometimes incredibly kinky, sometimes the raw need is perfectly expressed and at other times, the growing love between the two men who are such opposites is the main tender focus of the scenes. This book has all the bandwidth of human emotions, and just as real lovers would, the current emotions between the two men are mirrored in their lovemaking. Or f***ing, as the case may be.
I have to admit that I didn’t like Richard in the beginning but was so rooting for Tino that I followed the story with baited breath and it didn’t take long before I detected the first chinks in Richard’s armour that showed him to be human after all. I cannot tell you the exact moment, I fell in love with him as much as Tino already had but there I was, wanting to hug them both (which Tino might have liked and thought cute but Richard would have totally hated, I am sure).
There are a lot of hot scenes in this book but it never runs into the dangerous waters of being merely erotica. The plot is solid, suspenseful and engaging, at times, I was sitting bold upright, at others, swearing under my breath, or I might have wiped my eyes a time or two as well. Even the supporting cast was wonderful, some characters didn’t appear much and didn’t need a lot of fleshing out, others had more poignant roles and were leaping off the page, each expressing perfectly their own unique character. I think my favourite supporting roles were the couple running the bar. I won’t go into detail because I want to avoid spoilers but those two really touched my heart as well so deeply.
As for Tino, I was watching him spread his wings like a proud Mama Bear and when he “handled” Richard, daring to be bold, despite being scared at the same time, I almost jumped up and down with glee. I loved his character arc, his gradual emancipation and the many moments I expected something else, something less, and he surprised me with his sass all over again.
This book really is #4 in the Closer Than Blood series which I didn’t know at the time when I started it but it totally works as a standalone as well, although characters from the previous books in the series are recurring. Lockwood managed to weave their backstory into the narration in such an expert way that I had all the information I needed at hand to understand who was who to whom and yet, it never felt like info-dumping at all.
There was never a dull moment reading this book from the first to the last page and I cannot recommend it highly enough. A deserved five stars for this masterpiece of gay love, only because there aren’t more to give. I would if I could!
Going Down by Jayne Lockwood is definitely one of a kind. Within the first few pages, we find ourselves trapped in an elevator, watching Valentino Santini, Tino for short, and Richard Mason, his boss, CEO, and billionaire having one of the hottest man-on-man makeout sessions I’ve read to date.
From the very start I felt endeared to Tino, a young man working in a corporate environment and loving makeup and high heels to go with his suit. He is sweet, kind, has a moral compass and is talented and diligent in his work.
Richard is his stellar opposite, a hard, jaded man of the world who has a double identity as a mobster from the Italo-New Yorker mob. He is a cutthroat not only in business but he possesses a sense of honour amongst thieves and an appreciation for loyalty that sets him apart from the kind of underworld rulers that are merely cruel psychopaths whose word means nothing and whose cruelty knows no bounds.
When Richard seduces Tino, it seems at first that he is using him for sex, one hot night trapped in the elevator. But something about Tino touches him, aside from his stellar oral talents, and he promotes him to the position of his personal assistant. This is, assistant with benefits.
I love how the two men slowly get to know each other, how Richard’s hard shell gradually softens and how Tino gains the confidence to not only stand up to Richard when he is being an asshole but also starts to be able to handle him better.
The story takes us on a wild ride from Manhattan’s corporate world to the New York underbelly of mobster territory. There is action, suspense, lots of dry British humour that I am sure the British author Jayne Lockwood, a.k.a. Lady Jaguar has been born with in copious amounts.
(At this point I’d like to recommend you also check her social media feeds where she posts questions for her characters and lets them answer in persona. The banter between the two men is just hilarious and I fervently hope Ms Lockwood is going to make a book of the collection of it one day.)
The steamy scenes are hot, raw, sometimes crude, sometimes incredibly kinky, sometimes the raw need is perfectly expressed and at other times, the growing love between the two men who are such opposites is the main tender focus of the scenes. This book has all the bandwidth of human emotions, and just as real lovers would, the current emotions between the two men are mirrored in their lovemaking. Or f***ing, as the case may be.
I have to admit that I didn’t like Richard in the beginning but was so rooting for Tino that I followed the story with baited breath and it didn’t take long before I detected the first chinks in Richard’s armour that showed him to be human after all. I cannot tell you the exact moment, I fell in love with him as much as Tino already had but there I was, wanting to hug them both (which Tino might have liked and thought cute but Richard would have totally hated, I am sure).
There are a lot of hot scenes in this book but it never runs into the dangerous waters of being merely erotica. The plot is solid, suspenseful and engaging, at times, I was sitting bold upright, at others, swearing under my breath, or I might have wiped my eyes a time or two as well. Even the supporting cast was wonderful, some characters didn’t appear much and didn’t need a lot of fleshing out, others had more poignant roles and were leaping off the page, each expressing perfectly their own unique character. I think my favourite supporting roles were the couple running the bar. I won’t go into detail because I want to avoid spoilers but those two really touched my heart as well so deeply.
As for Tino, I was watching him spread his wings like a proud Mama Bear and when he “handled” Richard, daring to be bold, despite being scared at the same time, I almost jumped up and down with glee. I loved his character arc, his gradual emancipation and the many moments I expected something else, something less, and he surprised me with his sass all over again.
This book really is #4 in the Closer Than Blood series which I didn’t know at the time when I started it but it totally works as a standalone as well, although characters from the previous books in the series are recurring. Lockwood managed to weave their backstory into the narration in such an expert way that I had all the information I needed at hand to understand who was who to whom and yet, it never felt like info-dumping at all.
There was never a dull moment reading this book from the first to the last page and I cannot recommend it highly enough. A deserved five stars for this masterpiece of gay love, only because there aren’t more to give. I would if I could!
October 20, 2021
Wow, and holy hellfire! I already had it bad for Richard Mason in the Closer than Blood series. This book only added to it. I can say I haven't read many M/M romances, but Lockwood nailed every scene, whether it was intimacy, arguing as lovers do, or professing love for one another. I laughed so hard so many times at Richard's hard-ass antics and loved him for always being himself. The elevator scene had me laughing in tears, and it was absolute perfection. I've never read anything quite like this series, and it is easily five stars across the board from me. I'll be picking up anything else this author has written because I already know it will be brilliant. Maybe even nearly as hot and powerful as Richard bloody Mason.
October 24, 2021
This is a well written book with strong characters in Tino and Richard. The author does a great job building the story and paints her scenes perfectly. It's an entertaining story and I enjoyed reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Read
October 16, 2021Awesome book. I love the build up of the plotline. And was left at the edge of my seat.
September 19, 2023
Age Gap MM Romance
When Tino gets stuck in a lift with his CEO Richard Mason he could never in a million years imagined what would happen. When Tino gets to work on Monday he’s told to pack his stuff and go to the 85th floor . The more Tino gets to know Richard the more he realises he doesn’t know him at all.
When Tino gets stuck in a lift with his CEO Richard Mason he could never in a million years imagined what would happen. When Tino gets to work on Monday he’s told to pack his stuff and go to the 85th floor . The more Tino gets to know Richard the more he realises he doesn’t know him at all.
March 16, 2020
**A free copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review via the MM Romance Group ‘Don’t Buy My Love’ program.**
That was a fast-paced, gripping and lovely tale that starts off as office romance between the seemingly timid, well behaved and nice-at-heart struggling employee -Valen'Tino' Santini ( Damn that's a sexy name) and the Wolfen CEO- 'Richard Mason' after they end up being stuck in a malfunctioned elevator on the eve of Thanksgiving. The attraction is immediate and the two can't get enough of each other as Tino is appointed as Richard's new PA and goes on to make sense of the relationship they share as well as uncover who Richard truly is.
| "Who was he kidding? Richard Mason wasn't regular at all. It was smoke and mirrors, hiding the real man inside. There was more.It wouldn't do to ask too many questions. Richard was still his boss, and that was enough. For now…"|
The best part of the story for me was that what follows is a complete curve ball to the premise and the initial impressions we had of the MCs.
Richard comes off as a spoilt and straight as*hole for the first part of the book, but a surprisingly determined Tino stands his ground and is able to look beyond the facade that Richard puts out to the world, sensing his lost and vulnerable nature.
Tino's character development as well as the way he tackles his feelings and emotions was very well written. Loved the Iron Man movie reference and also the comic dialogues.
The Author's writing style and diction complements the fast paced plot. There is an author note at the beginning of the novel highlighting the same, but I have to add in that the format of the book chapters is a little different from the norm, largely because it was written on Wattpad with a serial update framework in mind, but personally, I found no problems with that.
As an avid Wattpad reader who loves the platform and the opportunity it provides to interact with authors and help co-create stories, it makes me really happy to see yet another great novel make it to the big stage.
Overall, it was a very well written, adorable and sometimes-crazy romance between two strong headed but perfect-as-a couple men.
Highly recommend if you are looking for a good office romance with a bit of mystery, kink and good plot.
That was a fast-paced, gripping and lovely tale that starts off as office romance between the seemingly timid, well behaved and nice-at-heart struggling employee -Valen'Tino' Santini ( Damn that's a sexy name) and the Wolfen CEO- 'Richard Mason' after they end up being stuck in a malfunctioned elevator on the eve of Thanksgiving. The attraction is immediate and the two can't get enough of each other as Tino is appointed as Richard's new PA and goes on to make sense of the relationship they share as well as uncover who Richard truly is.
| "Who was he kidding? Richard Mason wasn't regular at all. It was smoke and mirrors, hiding the real man inside. There was more.It wouldn't do to ask too many questions. Richard was still his boss, and that was enough. For now…"|
The best part of the story for me was that what follows is a complete curve ball to the premise and the initial impressions we had of the MCs.
Richard comes off as a spoilt and straight as*hole for the first part of the book, but a surprisingly determined Tino stands his ground and is able to look beyond the facade that Richard puts out to the world, sensing his lost and vulnerable nature.
Tino's character development as well as the way he tackles his feelings and emotions was very well written. Loved the Iron Man movie reference and also the comic dialogues.
The Author's writing style and diction complements the fast paced plot. There is an author note at the beginning of the novel highlighting the same, but I have to add in that the format of the book chapters is a little different from the norm, largely because it was written on Wattpad with a serial update framework in mind, but personally, I found no problems with that.
As an avid Wattpad reader who loves the platform and the opportunity it provides to interact with authors and help co-create stories, it makes me really happy to see yet another great novel make it to the big stage.
Overall, it was a very well written, adorable and sometimes-crazy romance between two strong headed but perfect-as-a couple men.
Highly recommend if you are looking for a good office romance with a bit of mystery, kink and good plot.
November 16, 2021
GOING DOWN: Closer than Blood, book four by Jayne Lockwood/Lady Jaguar
gets five 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥hot stars for an exciting sequel 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
📙 book four, Going Down, plays a few years after the end of the trilogy and can be read as a standalone. I picked it up because I wanted to know how Richard’s story continues. I assumed he got his HEA at the end of book three, but …
.
Time jump forward. It’s Christmas. The protagonists get into an elevator and need to cope with being stuck in an enclosed space for an undefined length of time. Boring, you might think. Been there before 🤷🏻♀️ But that’s where the “I’ve read it before” effect ends.
.
The resulting dynamic between Richard Mason and Valentino Santini is everything but commonplace. Partly because Richard simply doesn’t fit into any category 😉
At first, I was sad for Richard, but it didn’t last. These two are just too sweet together. Add a shocking death, a dark secret and an abduction to the mix, and you get an enticing story with lots of hot gay sex, but also unexpected gentleness and love.
😮 But once again, Richard’s past threatens to destroy the good in his life. Will everything he longs for fall apart around him once again?
💖 It turns out, Richard Mason has a heart after all once the façade of aloof superiority and wealth is stripped away. A heart that turns out to be more vulnerable than he ever imagined. ❤️🩹 Will he survive when his life suddenly ends up in the hands of a man who despises Richard for various reasons?
💔 And Valentino? Will he cope, or will the darkness surrounding Richard’s past break him beyond repair?
Enjoy the read to find out 😁
gets five 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥hot stars for an exciting sequel 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
📙 book four, Going Down, plays a few years after the end of the trilogy and can be read as a standalone. I picked it up because I wanted to know how Richard’s story continues. I assumed he got his HEA at the end of book three, but …
.
Time jump forward. It’s Christmas. The protagonists get into an elevator and need to cope with being stuck in an enclosed space for an undefined length of time. Boring, you might think. Been there before 🤷🏻♀️ But that’s where the “I’ve read it before” effect ends.
.
The resulting dynamic between Richard Mason and Valentino Santini is everything but commonplace. Partly because Richard simply doesn’t fit into any category 😉
At first, I was sad for Richard, but it didn’t last. These two are just too sweet together. Add a shocking death, a dark secret and an abduction to the mix, and you get an enticing story with lots of hot gay sex, but also unexpected gentleness and love.
😮 But once again, Richard’s past threatens to destroy the good in his life. Will everything he longs for fall apart around him once again?
💖 It turns out, Richard Mason has a heart after all once the façade of aloof superiority and wealth is stripped away. A heart that turns out to be more vulnerable than he ever imagined. ❤️🩹 Will he survive when his life suddenly ends up in the hands of a man who despises Richard for various reasons?
💔 And Valentino? Will he cope, or will the darkness surrounding Richard’s past break him beyond repair?
Enjoy the read to find out 😁
March 15, 2020
Oh! I love every minute spent reading this book. It's damn near unbelievable but it works for me. It was hot but fun. I need you as the reader to not take this book seriously but just enjoy the ride the writer has put out for us. I'm still in disbelief at some of the revelations in this book. Communication is key and the main thing that frustrated me is that these characters didn't do it often enough with the person they should be talking to directly. Going Down is going down as one of my favorite books of 2020. I hope the author continues to publish more because I will be seeking out more books by them in the future.
This book was provided for free by the author in exchange for an honest review via the MMRGP Don’t Buy My Love.
This book was provided for free by the author in exchange for an honest review via the MMRGP Don’t Buy My Love.
January 6, 2022
I will admit that I have been guilty of skimming books. That wasn't the case with Going Down, where I hung on every word. Typically I write the review as I go, again not the case, because it's that hard to put down. And the morsels that are dropped are just enough to whet your appetite to ensure you keep devouring! Tino has a job he hates, what with undeserving co-workers getting promoted over him. Right off the bat, it sounds like my life. What never did happen to me, though, was getting stuck in an elevator with a hot CEO named Richard Mason. And so the whirlwind begins. Tino gets promoted to Mason's PA, and that's when it gets addicting. The relationship and the story deepens. There is no damsel in distress here, because both men can hold their own. It's intricate, clever, and mesmerizing.
February 21, 2020
Going Down
Perfect title for this book, as there was a hell of a lot of ‘going down’! Tino Santini and Richard Mason were so perfectly matched and suited to each other, with such a HUGE amount of chemistry pulsating between them. This story is full of quick witty comebacks with so much vulnerability and eventually love, with a ton of hot, hot sexy times! I couldn’t put it down!
Perfect title for this book, as there was a hell of a lot of ‘going down’! Tino Santini and Richard Mason were so perfectly matched and suited to each other, with such a HUGE amount of chemistry pulsating between them. This story is full of quick witty comebacks with so much vulnerability and eventually love, with a ton of hot, hot sexy times! I couldn’t put it down!
October 30, 2021
Having read the closer than blood series, this one is a little different. I give it a full 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
But here's why...
I love the turn of events and Richard's acceptance of his changing situation. I love having met Tino and learned all about him. I look forward to the next book No Limits.... I recommend this book for anyone who supports the LGBTQ community.
But here's why...
I love the turn of events and Richard's acceptance of his changing situation. I love having met Tino and learned all about him. I look forward to the next book No Limits.... I recommend this book for anyone who supports the LGBTQ community.
November 28, 2021
Lady Jaguar’s books is a must for me. She’s one of my top favorite authors. Her writing is to be admired and her characters are to be cherished. Going Down doesn’t disappoint at all. You just really go wrong with any of her novels.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 18, 2020
Wow what a story. At the beginning it was a bit unbelievable. Who in their right mind lets himself be fucked by the big boss everybody is afraid of on the first personal meeting? No way is this working but the rest is a good written and believable story with hot sex scenes and some mild BDSM.
October 31, 2021
Tino gets gets stuck in the work elevator with his boss Richard Mason and things end up getting hot. When it's over his boss tells him to forget it ever happen. The trouble is Richard can't forget it and wants more of Tino. I really enjoyed this book.
September 14, 2021
A fun twisted adventure - are they going down? Taboo subjects in an professional gangster like setting.
August 12, 2024
A gripping and super steamy M/M dark romance with great characters and a solid plot.
Surprising, suspenseful, highly entertaining and damn hot!
When Tino Santini ends up trapped for a full night in an elevator with his wealthy and scary as f*ck CEO, Richard Mason, the last thing he expects is for that night to turn into one of wild hot sex. It's just one night with no strings attached and no consequences whatsoever. That's what both of them tell themselves. Except that Tino can't take his mind of that hot sex, as well as the vulnerability he had glimpsed in his tough CEO's eyes. And Richard can't take his mind of of Tino.
'That man was cute as hell, a genuinely nice person who loved his family.
Who was single.'
And exactly what Richard may be needing. Because Tino seemed to have the integrity and strength to keep him in line, not just professionally but personally. And Richard badly needed someone 'to shake up his life and make him see he was on the road to self-destruct, then help him take a different path.'
The fact that he also had one talented mouth was just a welcome addition.
That's how Tino Santini ends up in the role of personal assistant to Richard Mason. And his new boss wants more of Tino's talented mouth as well as his organisational skills.
It's all supposed to be just a professional relationship with a few extra private arrangements. Just business and nothing more than that.
Tino is properly warned on the first day of his new job. He needs to have the ability to not take shit from anyone, especially his new boss and he shouldn't cross the line from business into love.
As Richard himself puts it...
'Don't make the mistake of falling for me Valentino. ... I break balls, rip hearts to shreds and f*ck like a demon, but I don't do love. Respect, yes, if it's earned, but not love. Never forget that.'
And Tino is ok with that. Until he isn't. The relationship between the two deepens and that line between business and feeling keeps getting more frail each day. But nothing is ever as it seems and a former female lover, a New York gangster and a murky past threaten to destroy the small chance of happiness Tino and Richard seem to glimpse.
Sex, murder and possibly love. This is what Tino unwittingly signs up for when becoming Richard's PA. I don't want to spoil and tell you how it will all end, but make sure to expect a gripping, steamy hot, solid tale.
The characters are both nicely drawn with just the right amount of depth. Their dynamic is intense and captivating and they practically develop before the readers' eyes. I loved to see Tino toughening up and standing up to Richard, just as I loved seeing Richard's transformation from 'blue-chip asshole' to a good guy.
I openly disliked Richard at the beginning of the tale. For his dumb-ass arrogant attitude and his disrespect for Tino. But slowly, along the way, I started warming up to him and even rooting for the guy. Mercurial, intense, demanding, impulsive, evil-tempered at times, and yet, not such a bad guy at all in the end.
All in all, Going Down is an entertaining contemporary M/M erotic romance, with great characters and a solid plot and I highly recommend it to all fans of the genre.
Surprising, suspenseful, highly entertaining and damn hot!
When Tino Santini ends up trapped for a full night in an elevator with his wealthy and scary as f*ck CEO, Richard Mason, the last thing he expects is for that night to turn into one of wild hot sex. It's just one night with no strings attached and no consequences whatsoever. That's what both of them tell themselves. Except that Tino can't take his mind of that hot sex, as well as the vulnerability he had glimpsed in his tough CEO's eyes. And Richard can't take his mind of of Tino.
'That man was cute as hell, a genuinely nice person who loved his family.
Who was single.'
And exactly what Richard may be needing. Because Tino seemed to have the integrity and strength to keep him in line, not just professionally but personally. And Richard badly needed someone 'to shake up his life and make him see he was on the road to self-destruct, then help him take a different path.'
The fact that he also had one talented mouth was just a welcome addition.
That's how Tino Santini ends up in the role of personal assistant to Richard Mason. And his new boss wants more of Tino's talented mouth as well as his organisational skills.
It's all supposed to be just a professional relationship with a few extra private arrangements. Just business and nothing more than that.
Tino is properly warned on the first day of his new job. He needs to have the ability to not take shit from anyone, especially his new boss and he shouldn't cross the line from business into love.
As Richard himself puts it...
'Don't make the mistake of falling for me Valentino. ... I break balls, rip hearts to shreds and f*ck like a demon, but I don't do love. Respect, yes, if it's earned, but not love. Never forget that.'
And Tino is ok with that. Until he isn't. The relationship between the two deepens and that line between business and feeling keeps getting more frail each day. But nothing is ever as it seems and a former female lover, a New York gangster and a murky past threaten to destroy the small chance of happiness Tino and Richard seem to glimpse.
Sex, murder and possibly love. This is what Tino unwittingly signs up for when becoming Richard's PA. I don't want to spoil and tell you how it will all end, but make sure to expect a gripping, steamy hot, solid tale.
The characters are both nicely drawn with just the right amount of depth. Their dynamic is intense and captivating and they practically develop before the readers' eyes. I loved to see Tino toughening up and standing up to Richard, just as I loved seeing Richard's transformation from 'blue-chip asshole' to a good guy.
I openly disliked Richard at the beginning of the tale. For his dumb-ass arrogant attitude and his disrespect for Tino. But slowly, along the way, I started warming up to him and even rooting for the guy. Mercurial, intense, demanding, impulsive, evil-tempered at times, and yet, not such a bad guy at all in the end.
All in all, Going Down is an entertaining contemporary M/M erotic romance, with great characters and a solid plot and I highly recommend it to all fans of the genre.
August 26, 2024
Richard is a strangely lovable asshole
Okay, there is A LOT to unpack here– but first of all: it was hilarious. The humor was everything I like, even when it was nonsensical, and I had a blast reading that book. I had many many notes of just me, laughing my ass off at how specific some lines were, such as:
"His muscles and ass ached as if he’d been involved in a Roman orgy."
"He’s massive, by the way. My ass feels like the Holland Tunnel..."
Now, about the characters: Tino was lovely. A man in his thirties that is comfortable with himself and his sexuality, that is kind and helpful to others and that doesn't take shit from anybody. I was scared that he'd turn out to be insanely submissive to Richard but (thank goodness) he wasn't: he called him out more than once on bis bs and was amazing at regulating his awful temper.
Richard, on the other hand, was... Something. Hells, he is an ass. Arrogant and demanding, probably not very good on the inside but he knows where his priorities are and is good-ish to those he loves. I say good-ish because the man has a temper... Myeah, we'll get to it. If Tino let some things slide, I definitely said out loud once or twice that "nu-uh, I ain't the one". Well... He both infuriated and occasionally weakened the feminist in me.
Potential spoilers ahead!
Now about the story: I really enjoyed it. I loved the drama and the mystery surrounding certain parts of Richard that weren't revealed right away. I also loved having a look at his "background" in the Montana part, which was both heart-wrenching and lovely as flowers. You can really see and feel their relationship evolving throughout the book... Although their lack of communication killed me! Gosh Tino please, stop assuming stuff and ask him directly! Richard was REALLY obvious about his feelings while Tino was in utter denial UGHHHH.
I also noted that both their families (except for Richard's genitor) were amazing and loving! I was really glad not to be confronted to yet another entirely homophobic and toxic environment, which is refreshing.
All in all, it was good! I felt as though the mobster part wasn't as present as the CEO part but I was ok with it since they were nicely entangled.
"You’re a precious jewel, to be craved, lusted after, desired. Rare and untouchable, apart from a few lucky souls willing to risk everything to claim you."
Okay, there is A LOT to unpack here– but first of all: it was hilarious. The humor was everything I like, even when it was nonsensical, and I had a blast reading that book. I had many many notes of just me, laughing my ass off at how specific some lines were, such as:
"His muscles and ass ached as if he’d been involved in a Roman orgy."
"He’s massive, by the way. My ass feels like the Holland Tunnel..."
Now, about the characters: Tino was lovely. A man in his thirties that is comfortable with himself and his sexuality, that is kind and helpful to others and that doesn't take shit from anybody. I was scared that he'd turn out to be insanely submissive to Richard but (thank goodness) he wasn't: he called him out more than once on bis bs and was amazing at regulating his awful temper.
Richard, on the other hand, was... Something. Hells, he is an ass. Arrogant and demanding, probably not very good on the inside but he knows where his priorities are and is good-ish to those he loves. I say good-ish because the man has a temper... Myeah, we'll get to it. If Tino let some things slide, I definitely said out loud once or twice that "nu-uh, I ain't the one". Well... He both infuriated and occasionally weakened the feminist in me.
Potential spoilers ahead!
Now about the story: I really enjoyed it. I loved the drama and the mystery surrounding certain parts of Richard that weren't revealed right away. I also loved having a look at his "background" in the Montana part, which was both heart-wrenching and lovely as flowers. You can really see and feel their relationship evolving throughout the book... Although their lack of communication killed me! Gosh Tino please, stop assuming stuff and ask him directly! Richard was REALLY obvious about his feelings while Tino was in utter denial UGHHHH.
I also noted that both their families (except for Richard's genitor) were amazing and loving! I was really glad not to be confronted to yet another entirely homophobic and toxic environment, which is refreshing.
All in all, it was good! I felt as though the mobster part wasn't as present as the CEO part but I was ok with it since they were nicely entangled.
"You’re a precious jewel, to be craved, lusted after, desired. Rare and untouchable, apart from a few lucky souls willing to risk everything to claim you."
May 27, 2023
Wow! That’s the word for it. I’ve never thought I’d fall in love with two characters the way I am with Richard and Tino. I’d love them for myself. Going Down tells their story after Richard’s scorching hot relationship with Pagan in Closer than Blood.
Richard needs a PA since his former one has to step out for a while due to family problems, and it was then he meets Tino on a very sexy and fun elevator ride late in the evening. They get stuck together, and sexy things happen between them. Beginning next week, Tino discovers he’s Richard's new PA, and from there their torrid relationship starts.
Lockwood built their characters to perfection, so distinct from one another. Richard is troubled and abrasive, since his past and gangster side always come to haunt him. He needs to balance his life in two worlds, between the Big Bad Wolf Mafia guy and the respectful corporate CEO of Wolfen. He has no talent for communication, and he sees the world in black and white, but he also has a softer side, the one who craves for love and compassion in the middle of all his chaotic self.
Valentino, Tino, is a sweet Italian man who has a kink for Louboutin shoes (and if he looks as good in those heels as I pictured him in my mind, I understand now why Richard fell so in love with him). He was raised with all the love and support a genuine family is supposed to give and teach. He’s down to earth and knows his worth. Tino might fool the world to think of him as a needy, delicate man, but it couldn’t be more wrong. He’s intelligent, caring and a force to reckon with who doesn’t take crap from anyone.
Their love is wild, naughty, messy and delicious and keeps you turning the pages. They dodge all the crap life situations and people throw at them and come victorious in the end. Jayne became one of my favorite authors and I can’t recommend her enough. If you like Dark Mafia Romance and didn’t read the Switchblade series, I don’t know what you’re waiting for. Go! 🔥❤️🔥🔥
Richard needs a PA since his former one has to step out for a while due to family problems, and it was then he meets Tino on a very sexy and fun elevator ride late in the evening. They get stuck together, and sexy things happen between them. Beginning next week, Tino discovers he’s Richard's new PA, and from there their torrid relationship starts.
Lockwood built their characters to perfection, so distinct from one another. Richard is troubled and abrasive, since his past and gangster side always come to haunt him. He needs to balance his life in two worlds, between the Big Bad Wolf Mafia guy and the respectful corporate CEO of Wolfen. He has no talent for communication, and he sees the world in black and white, but he also has a softer side, the one who craves for love and compassion in the middle of all his chaotic self.
Valentino, Tino, is a sweet Italian man who has a kink for Louboutin shoes (and if he looks as good in those heels as I pictured him in my mind, I understand now why Richard fell so in love with him). He was raised with all the love and support a genuine family is supposed to give and teach. He’s down to earth and knows his worth. Tino might fool the world to think of him as a needy, delicate man, but it couldn’t be more wrong. He’s intelligent, caring and a force to reckon with who doesn’t take crap from anyone.
Their love is wild, naughty, messy and delicious and keeps you turning the pages. They dodge all the crap life situations and people throw at them and come victorious in the end. Jayne became one of my favorite authors and I can’t recommend her enough. If you like Dark Mafia Romance and didn’t read the Switchblade series, I don’t know what you’re waiting for. Go! 🔥❤️🔥🔥
July 2, 2023
Bloody Hell, talk about a surprise! Brilliant in its execution as a plot and world building, fabulous and engaging as writing style it took my breath away so much so that I inhaled all the 3 books in one go. But let's look at the first one.
A dark romance that starts with the explosive attraction between Tino and Richard from the moment of their unforgettable extraordinary first meeting in the elevator of the company they both work for / boss-emploee trope/. It was more than painfully obvious how different both characters are from these very first moments. Richard /the CEO/- demanding, cold, arrogantly aloof, used to the world bending to his whims immediately and unquestionably. And Tino - the hot tempered, brutally honest italian boy, pretty as a picture but smart as a whip. Their strong personality collided from the start and the screeching of the clash was deafening. And Going down they really went - in an raging inferno of passion that later couldn't disguise how destructive both of them are to each other - Richard more than Tino. And while Tino didn't know the world of pain he is blindly signing up for, ignoring the warnings Richard gave him bluntly and directly, there was no excuse for Richard who dragged him behind the glamorous curtain of his complicated, dangerous dual life; simply because he is used to take everything that snags his attention and sniffs the light out of it. At the beginning of their intertwined paths, Richard was an absolute narcissist, unwilling to change and compromise, always chasing his own agenda no matter the cost for the people around him. On the other hand - Tino's personal growth and character development were astounding and exponential. He learned in stride to survive without losing his internal fire, warmth and emphaty, but his wide eyed innocence and naivete died a gruesome death.
So now you know that after this splendid beginning was carved into my mental eye, I couldn't stop so I directly plunged into book 2.
Be aware of the triggers, gently listed by the author - they aren't a joke. But if you are a fan of descending darkness and all the doom, gloom and emotional twists, this is an excellent choice.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A dark romance that starts with the explosive attraction between Tino and Richard from the moment of their unforgettable extraordinary first meeting in the elevator of the company they both work for / boss-emploee trope/. It was more than painfully obvious how different both characters are from these very first moments. Richard /the CEO/- demanding, cold, arrogantly aloof, used to the world bending to his whims immediately and unquestionably. And Tino - the hot tempered, brutally honest italian boy, pretty as a picture but smart as a whip. Their strong personality collided from the start and the screeching of the clash was deafening. And Going down they really went - in an raging inferno of passion that later couldn't disguise how destructive both of them are to each other - Richard more than Tino. And while Tino didn't know the world of pain he is blindly signing up for, ignoring the warnings Richard gave him bluntly and directly, there was no excuse for Richard who dragged him behind the glamorous curtain of his complicated, dangerous dual life; simply because he is used to take everything that snags his attention and sniffs the light out of it. At the beginning of their intertwined paths, Richard was an absolute narcissist, unwilling to change and compromise, always chasing his own agenda no matter the cost for the people around him. On the other hand - Tino's personal growth and character development were astounding and exponential. He learned in stride to survive without losing his internal fire, warmth and emphaty, but his wide eyed innocence and naivete died a gruesome death.
So now you know that after this splendid beginning was carved into my mental eye, I couldn't stop so I directly plunged into book 2.
Be aware of the triggers, gently listed by the author - they aren't a joke. But if you are a fan of descending darkness and all the doom, gloom and emotional twists, this is an excellent choice.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 6, 2024
Now, I'm not a prolific reader of heavily steamy romance, but I stumbled over this on Wattpad (was looking for LGBTQIA-related romance initially) and the wittiness and storyline instantly caught my attention! It wasn't as "shallow" as I often expect from these types of novels. Instead, the book is funny, romantic, light-hearted, yet still with plenty of character building/development and depth.
I love the relationship and interactions between Tino and Richard and how it differs from the clichéd CEO/assistant-duo. Tino says it as it is and won't back down, which is a trait I love! And then, obviously, the development between them and what that means for Richard and his growth as a character. They are so different, yet so perfect for each other! I don't want to go into too much detail and spoil, so you would have to read it yourself to find out more :)
The story, as such, is easy to follow, with just the right amount of description, it's well thought out, and just plain entertaining! It was a pleasant read which I binged as quick as my busy parent life allowed :D
So, for anyone looking for some M/M romance and erotica, look no further! This one is definitely worth your while!
I love the relationship and interactions between Tino and Richard and how it differs from the clichéd CEO/assistant-duo. Tino says it as it is and won't back down, which is a trait I love! And then, obviously, the development between them and what that means for Richard and his growth as a character. They are so different, yet so perfect for each other! I don't want to go into too much detail and spoil, so you would have to read it yourself to find out more :)
The story, as such, is easy to follow, with just the right amount of description, it's well thought out, and just plain entertaining! It was a pleasant read which I binged as quick as my busy parent life allowed :D
So, for anyone looking for some M/M romance and erotica, look no further! This one is definitely worth your while!
July 21, 2023
Putting the Personal into PA
Valentino (Tino) has worked for his current employer for five years, slowly working his way up, though he did lose the latest promotion competition.
He suspects some of it is to do with his openly queer status, wearing heels and makeup to work with his suits.
He's busy working late before Thanksgiving break when he ends up in the lift with boss Richard Mason, CEO of the company, when the lift breaks down.
With nothing better to do, they break out the alcohol and edible gifts Tino has for his family.
Then Richard is hungry for something else.
Rescue comes and the first day back to work, Tino is told to pack up his desk.
But it's not to be sacked.
He's given a promotion as Mason's PA to replace Eleanor whose husband is ill.
Rumours and secrets abound, there's sizzling chemistry between the two, there are enemies, deals that need to be sealed and Tino doesn't know if what he has with Mason is real or just sex.
We get to see both of their vulnerabilities, some kink, some romance and anger too.
I really enjoyed this first book and we get a HEA as well as some violent and action-filled moments.
Valentino (Tino) has worked for his current employer for five years, slowly working his way up, though he did lose the latest promotion competition.
He suspects some of it is to do with his openly queer status, wearing heels and makeup to work with his suits.
He's busy working late before Thanksgiving break when he ends up in the lift with boss Richard Mason, CEO of the company, when the lift breaks down.
With nothing better to do, they break out the alcohol and edible gifts Tino has for his family.
Then Richard is hungry for something else.
Rescue comes and the first day back to work, Tino is told to pack up his desk.
But it's not to be sacked.
He's given a promotion as Mason's PA to replace Eleanor whose husband is ill.
Rumours and secrets abound, there's sizzling chemistry between the two, there are enemies, deals that need to be sealed and Tino doesn't know if what he has with Mason is real or just sex.
We get to see both of their vulnerabilities, some kink, some romance and anger too.
I really enjoyed this first book and we get a HEA as well as some violent and action-filled moments.
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