I used to have everything. Then my everything was ripped away from me. Now, instead of the warmth of his love, I feel the coldness of his loss. The darkness that remains in me is frightening.
I don't want to feel anything. The cold has a nice numbing effect. I've decided to embrace it. I've also decided that even though I no longer feel, I do still need. I need to bind, flog, and Dominate younger men.
Especially one in particular. I know he thinks he can change me. Thaw my frozen heart. He cries so beautifully for me; I could almost believe in love again. But I could never love another man the way I did my husband and Master. Not even my eager young submissive. He will never be my love...only my Plaything.
Cole Denton is an ocean lover who finds joy in almost all physical activities. He is especially passionate about baseball and surfing, indulging in them every chance he gets.
His other passion is writing. It began at a young age and followed him through to his time at a university in SoCal where he majored in screenwriting.
After moving to Sin City, Cole has put his knowledge and talent as a writer to work by pursuing a career as a dark fiction author. Cole is enjoying testing his kinky side, in pursuit of all things pleasurable.
My mind is blown once again by the talented writing, shockingly dark and sexy as hell subject matter from the mind of Cole Denton. After reading Plaything it left me immediately wanting the next book in the series to devour. Plaything is book two from Cole Denton’s The Club Oxygen series - I do recommend you read book one, Oxygen, first as it sets up the backstory for Elise. Plaything is a very ballsy book with a controversial theme that not many writers can pull off and especially not in the spectacular way that Denton does it. His ease of narrative pulls you in and you feel as though you are right there in the book. While Elise is left reeling and trying to move on from revelations at the end of Oxygen, Plaything explores how grief can make people act very differently and it challenges the reader to think about the elements of a BDSM relationship and all that it entails. What is healthy, what is acceptable and how those lines can get blurred or completely disregarded. As usual Cole Denton is pushing the boundaries of what is right and wrong or our concept of it and in doing so has delivered another smash hit series that is going to play on your heart and mess with your mind. I can't recommend Plaything enough, I absolutely loved it. Cole Denton is a master of dark fiction.
Cole Denton sucked me into Plaything and I found myself saying just one more chapter until I finished. This book is written in true Cole fashion and will touch you like all his books do, so grab the Kleenex and enjoy the ride. Elise St. James is a broken woman after the death of her husband Jacob (Oxygen). Andrew is an intelligent young man, who missed seeing Elise in the coffee shop where he worked, and when he found out about her husband's death wanted to help her with her grief. Elise and Andrew are on a collision course when the play rules are ignored. Will they overcome or be torn asunder, you will have to read for yourself to see if they make it.
First off, you must read Oxygen: Book 1 in the Club Oxygen series. That being said, I want to hug and throttle these characters equally!! Cole Denton has created a world that will test all of your boundaries and make you question everything you think you know. The darkness in this story is compelling, and sometimes a more than a bit uncomfortable. But you can't stop reading. Because, no matter how disturbed you get, you're also aroused, moved, and entranced by the story, and the players. It's been said before, and I'll second and third the statement, Cole Denton is definitely "carving a name for himself in the world of Dark Romance."
First and foremost, if you haven't read Oxygen yet (book 1 in the series), I strongly recommend that you do as it gives insight to Plaything. Now... on to this book. I'm not even sure I can put into words, the feelings that Cole Denton elicits from his absolute mastery of the written word. Plaything picks up immediately where Oxygen left off. Cole's dark, compelling and at times, difficult subject matter makes you powerless to put this book down and the dynamic characters he created left me with a myriad of emotions. I'm still not sure if it's pity or pure dislike I'm feeling towards one of the characters, but the way Cole weaves such a vivid tale had me captivated from page 1. Cole is an amazing author and I can't wait for the next book of this series.
Wow, I want to slap her around and hug her. This book made me cry. I love all the characters, the writer immediately drew me in to this book. I wanted to throw my book through the room a few times, It is vividly written and addictive. Once you start, you cannot stop. Go Cole I love this series.
It’s imperative that you read the short story Oxygen before reading Plaything, as it sets the tone of the female character. I found it hard to get into the book at the beginning, but then I couldn’t put it down. I’m hoping that Elise is able to redeem herself in the next book, because she was a bit of a loose cannon.
After taking some time out, Elise is ready to try and take her life back, under the tutelage of James she re-enters Club Oxygen. She has a lot to learn, and finding a top and sub who are well suited isn’t an easy task. Suffering from guilt, drowning in anger whilst refusing to face her grief head on, is like waiting for a bomb to go off.
Andrew has missed seeing Elise coming in for coffee, he is thoughtful and tries to do things that might put a smile back on her face. It’s been a tough week for him and he needs to let go of some tension in his favourite club. When he sees her face he does a double take, maybe his daydreams could become reality. He takes a risky step, believing he can help Elise work through her grief.
I've always been a big fan of Cole's books, so I knew this would be another great one. However, this took me to an entirely new level emotionally. It stole my emotions from the 1st page as I read about Elise's heartbreak from losing her beloved husband Jacob. You really feel her loss and despair. Then you meet young Andrew the barista whom you'll discover has suffered several traumatic losses as well. They come together in Club Oxygen a place where they can explore their sexual kinks. Elise is learning a new role and Andrew just may be the one to fulfill those desires but is he secretly hoping for more? Does he get it or will Elise's heart always be closed after losing her husband? Bring the tissues for this book, because you are going to need it and the ending is one I never saw coming! I can't wait for the next book out because this one is not a 5 star book, it's a 100 star book in my opinion.
I’m undecided what I think about this one? I know I don’t like Elise but because I don’t like her is that any reason not to like this story? Or has Cole intentionally written Elise for us not to like her? I can’t condone her behaviour though. This is abuse not Dom/sub play.
Elise was sad and angry over the loss of her husband but that was no excuse for her to ignore the rules between dom and sub. She was selfish, immature, angry and had no regard for those in her care.
Andrew I liked. He craved the feeling of being controlled, punished and humiliated. It made him feel like a sexy, bad boy and he craved the pleasure it gave him but in a controlled and safe environment. However he didn’t deserve to be treated the way he was by Elise. Elise abused him but he made excuses for her terrible behaviour and he knew what she was doing was wrong. Can Elise redeem herself in book 3?
Phenomenal book. I was impressed when I received my paperback of Plaything because Oxygen was added into to it, so I didn't have to dig out my copy of Men of Valor to read it and refresh my memory. Plaything starts out where Oxygen ended and it will break your heart. The story is interesting and takes you on an emotional rollercoaster that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Andrew and other characters are amazing but Elise is a troubled bitch that I wanted to jump in the book and beat the f*ck out of. She is cruel to others, doesn't listen and at the end really messes up. This book does end with a cliffhanger but still a must read.
I need to start by saying I. Am. Loving. This. Series!
I don't think I've ever hated a main character more than I do Elise! I liked her in Oxygen and I knew that going into Plaything I was going to get hit hard with what was coming. I started out heartbroken and my sorrow for Elise ran deep... BUT that quickly turned into rage and hatred. I get Elise's anger and understand the loss her heart and soul had endured, but she lets it blind her. She's selfish, careless, and a danger to not only herself but those around her. With that being said, Plaything is very well written. As usual, Mr. Denton makes you feel his words, and the words in this story STRIKE HARD! I'm anxious for the release of Mistress and I can only hope that Elise opens her eyes and redeems herself.
I have read ALL of Mr. Denton's books and enjoyed them immensely. But this book made me uncomfortable because I guess I can't see myself doing anything like that. You can tell a lot of research went into this book.
Elise had too much anger over the loss of her husband. She got mad over the least little things and basically took it out on Andrew. I hope of the next book is about Elise that Mr. Denton can find a way to redeem her.
Plaything was definitely an emotional rollercoaster!
Grief is such a hard emotion because even with the stages, everyone handles it differently. In this case, Elise channels it into the one thing she’s always wanted to experiment with and it’s making her emotionally unattached. She can’t separate her grief and anger and you can feel her emotions leap off the pages.
Andrew is a masochist and loves pain… something Elise is very familiar with. He so badly wants to be given time with her and when he does, he wants more. When the arrangement is made, at first, things seem to go well. Over time, however Andrew starts to notice little things that raise warning signs.
Elise’s treatment of people, especially Andrew, as she’s learning a new experience for herself was really hard for me to get through. I had to put it down a few times and take a minute. I love it when an author and their story can bring out these emotions in me as a reader. Such an amazing read!!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book begins with the ending of Oxygen. Elise had just lost her husband and Master. Her pain is absolutely unbearable. She turns to Club Oxygen for release and to explore her dominant side. Elise isn't looking for love, only a plaything. She soon meets Andrew, a bottom that loves pain as much as she. Elise's emotions get the better of her and she loses control. The dramatic ending to this installment will leave you speechless.
Cole Denton has once again given us characters that make us cry, laugh, fume and sexually excited!
Elise is a grieving widow returning to the BDSM world. Young Andrew can give her what he thinks she wants, but at what cost? Brandon and James...intriguing.
Not for the faint of heart, but once you’ve read one of Mr. Denton’s books, you’ll be hooked!
I almost have no words for this book. It was phenomenal. It is not for the faint of heart. The emotions that Cole evokes with his well written story are just incredible. He pulls you in and it’s almost impossible to put it down. And then it’s over and you are a full on emotional wreck but begging for the next book. I would highly recommend this book, but be sure to buckle up and enjoy the ride!
My emotions are all over the place right now. I started off feeling so bad for Elise. By the end of the book, I hated her guts and wanted to take Andrew home with me. Cole Denton takes you on an emotional rollercoaster until you don't know which end is up. Fasten your seatbelts, this is going to be a bumpy ride. Get this book ASAP
I absolutely loved this book. Andrew is absolutely fantastic. I can't say anything else. The writing and flow of this book is perfect. I absolutely recommend this book.
I love Cole Denton’s exquisite writing of darkness and damaged souls! Plaything knocked me on my @ss and pushed my boundaries. Note: the books warning is no joke! Proceed with caution but ultimately proceed through this 5 star read with no regrets.
Consider me blown away! This is such an amazing book of emotional ups and downs. As Andrew becomes a PLAYTHING for Elise, things range from good to horrible! I feel sorry for Elise but by the end of this book I want to slap her and take care of Andrew. Fantastic book!
OMG this story grips you tight and won't let go. Elise and Andrew's story is hot and wild. Can't wait to see what happens next! One book by Cole that you don't want to miss.
Blurb: I used to have everything. Then my everything was ripped away from me. Now, instead of the warmth of his love, I feel the coldness of his loss. The darkness that remains in me is frightening.
I don't want to feel anything. The cold has a nice numbing effect. I've decided to embrace it. I've also decided that even though I no longer feel, I do still need. I need to bind, flog, and Dominate younger men.
Especially one in particular. I know he thinks he can change me. Thaw my frozen heart. He cries so beautifully for me; I could almost believe in love again. But I could never love another man the way I did my husband and Master. Not even my eager young submissive. He will never be my love...only my Plaything.
Blurb: I used to have everything. Then my everything was ripped away from me. Now, instead of the warmth of his love, I feel the coldness of his loss. The darkness that remains in me is frightening.
I don't want to feel anything. The cold has a nice numbing effect. I've decided to embrace it. I've also decided that even though I no longer feel, I do still need. I need to bind, flog, and Dominate younger men.
Especially one in particular. I know he thinks he can change me. Thaw my frozen heart. He cries so beautifully for me; I could almost believe in love again. But I could never love another man the way I did my husband and Master. Not even my eager young submissive. He will never be my love...only my Plaything.
This author has truly found his dark side in this book, I am still in a state of shock over what I read, I did enjoy the book. What I thought would be about a woman coming into her own as a Donne turned into a woman out of control. I am enthralled by this book and loved it
This was an emotionally heavy book that tackled some rough topics. Last book we met Jacob and Elise. We learned that he’s a firefighter tasked with helping fight the wildfires that were ravaging Australia. And from the blurb for this book we knew that the fire won.
Elise becomes isolated, too angry to grieve, and her previous outlet has been taken away. As a sadist many of both her and Jacobs tensions or stresses were worked out together. Now seeking a new type of release, Elise’s best friend Liz helps her reenter the life through a new club and sets her up with a mentor. I personally didn’t think she was ready but sometimes change helps you grown and accept the turmoil surrounding your life. And thus I went along with the story. James seems like the perfect mentor to not only guide Elise into her new role but to possibly help her work out her grieving. Problem is she doesn’t want the help. She’s blinded by her own wants, needs, and desires.
There is so much emotion in this story. I wanted to empathize with Elise but I found myself disliking her instead. Since losing Jacob she’s become bitter and angry...so very angry. While we did witness some bargaining and loads of depression we never got to acceptance during this story. If anything Elise would backslide into anger as a coping mechanism - taking her aggression out on others.
As I watched Elise learn her new role in a D/s relationship multiple red flags started to wave everywhere and came to realize Elise simply doesn’t care. She wanted other to hurt on the outside as much as she was on the inside. The last thing she should have done was enter into a plaything contract.
Andrew’s unwavering faith and submission towards Elise, the woman he’s desired for years left me heartbroken. With each passing inner thought I read the hurt grew. It’s been a long time since a book drew on my emotions in such a visceral way. And after THAT ending I again am going to need a break before continuing on with the series. I have a hard time believing Elise has a chance at redemption at this point.
You ever have a book that left you with your heart wrapped around your throat? Where even 3 days after you read it, it still squeezes your heart? I went in completely blind and I was not prepared! Transforming from submissive to Mistress , Elise is taking her next steps after the death of her husband. Her transformation isn't easy while her grief and anger starts to consume her more. Andrew knows Elise from a coffee shop he works at, so when he sees her at a club where she is training he wants to help her. Knowing about grief himself, he jumps at the chance during a session with her to give her fantasy of being her plaything. This is the beginning of the rules be broken but could it be the beginning of something more for the both of them? This book was a dark that I haven't read often , but how the author weaves the story left me shaking with each turn of the page. It was like someone punching in your chest to grab hold of your heart, then leaving it cracked open enough to bleed out and left in a sobbing mess. Your boundaries will be tested, so it will not be for everyone. I even threw my kindle away from me as if it suddenly caught on fire as I gasped for air. I didn't read the first book which might be why I really couldn't understand alot about Elise but at the same time I don't think I could ever connect to a level that she was at. This is a new author to me, as much as my heart won't like it , I will be looking forward to the next book and will be reading the first
Ok I’m not sure yet how I actually feel about this book. Don’t get me wrong, it’s definitely a good book in its own way! Let me try and break it down.... PROS: it draws you in and makes you keep reading to find out what happens next like a feen. It gives you ALL kinds of feels like happiness, sadness, anger, disgust, joy, sexy times and even tears. The story line was good. CONS: I HATED the way it ended cause I just HATE cliffhangers. I HATED how Elise thought and acted, but understood why she was written that way but still. Also hated how blind or in denial Andrew was about the whole situation and how he would second guess himself but again understand why he was written that way. I also felt as though it dragged on a little and little parts were repeated to much. But it’s something I could overlook with how much it drew me in and help me captive to find out how things were gonna go. Overall I was content and enjoyed this one and will continue onto the next book and binge read it of course cause I HAVE to find out what happens next! I just recommend that if you’re not about S\M at all or have triggers with abuse, then I wouldn’t recommend it.
Put another successful writing notch in Cole's flogger!
Whew! Cole yet again, with his style of writing, sucked me in and took me on a journey that set my mind ablaze... His trip into the world of BDSM is so well done, besides all the darkness, he always has you understanding the makings of this world and all it entails. We have been lead to believe all our lives by the Status Quo, that this world is made up of sick deprived people, who lurk around corners,waiting to pounce on innocent unwilling victims... While there are some sick people out there, the true world of BDSM is made up of everyday people who just like a "kinkier" side of sex...Thank God for the James and Russells that exist in the real world that guide people in the lifestyle correctly. Oxygen helped us to understand Elise's background, so that even in her darkest moments, we get her... Not saying her actions and thoughts were correct, but she was consumed by her love, grief and anger with Jacob, so she screwed things up in her head... Andrew Was a light in the darkness...if only she could have seen it... Gave it 4 stars only cause I wanted more...
Firstly you must read Oxygen before Plaything in order to understand the genesis of Elise. This book explores a persons grief and how it can, perhaps irrevocably, corrupt them - changing their outlook and behaviour. Within this is an exploration of the boundaries of acceptable BDSM limits and where they lie. Dark is perhaps an understatement - this is not for the faint hearted or for those for who find themes of humiliation and non consensual scenes upsetting. Honestly, I really like this writers work - the writing itself is impeccable but I did find some of this to be difficult and uncomfortable reading; perhaps that is the point. Elise is cruel, cold and so closed down that it was hard to empathise with her at all - again well written but not easy to read. However Andrew and James were great relatable characters, hope to see more of them. Despite the disturbing subject matter, this is a compelling read and there is no doubt Cole Denton is making a mark on the world of dark romance.
When Elise's life comes crashing down the only way she can pick up the pieces is by taking on the role that Jacob left when he dies. The huntee has now become the hunter. Andrew has felt a connection with Elise for as long as she has come in to the coffee shop, but when he learns the reason she is no longer coming the connection feels even deeper. Loss will bring them together. Elise has a lot of things to learn when she becomes the dominant, and although she is being trained, her need to inflict pain so that she can feel better overrides what is safe. She thinks taking Andrew on as her plaything will fill up the void she is feeling. But will her lack of training do more harm than good? Wow - Cole Denton, you had me on the edge of my seat. I was terrified and beside myself with Andrew's treatment and I just kept yelling at Elise. I hope Andrew gets redemption in the next installment in the series.
WOW, I’m speechless!!!!!! PLAYTHING is UTTERLY AMAZING-Book 2 of the Club Oxygen Series that hooks you from the very first page of the Prologue and does not let go!!! It’s such a wild ride on the emotional rollercoaster I didn’t know if I wanted to cry, cheer, yell, be angry and throw my kindle across the room and then throw a tantrum myself...and I’d do it all over again!!! Cole’s writing of dark, sexy, and kinky is awesome all over the pages, a talent truly unrivaled! The characters, Elise and Andrew are so painstakingly beautiful together and written with a deep twisty storyline that is so messed up but soooooo freaking good, it will stay with you far beyond the final words. This book and Oxygen-Book 1 laid the groundwork for what kind of craziness we can expect to come next in this series. I WOULD URGE ANYONE THAT LOVES DARK, SEXY AND SWOONWORTHY KINK TO READ THIS BOOK!!!!