Razor blades left by a murderer continue to remind Sam and Thomas of James, the man they lost to violence… whose killer is still out there and seems to be watching them constantly, biding his time.
Meanwhile, their carefully built relationship also teeters on the edge of a knife. Sam’s efforts to be the kind of full-time sub he thinks Thomas wants fail miserably, and Thomas must accept the fact that Sam is unique and his lover’s needs don’t lend themselves to the typical high protocol BDSM lifestyle. They contend with jealousy, confusion, arguments and stress, and when communication starts to break down, they struggle to reconcile their massive differences and learn what it means to be a them.
An emotional misunderstanding might be the last straw--or the opportunity the killer has been waiting for to take Sam out of Thomas’s life once and for all.
JODI spent too many years in New York and San Francisco stage managing classical plays, edgy fringe work, and the occasional musical. She, therefore, is overdramatic, takes herself way too seriously, and has been known to randomly break out in song. Her men are imperfect but genuine, stubborn but likable, often kinky, and frequently their own worst enemies. They are characters you can’t help but fall in love with while they stumble along the path to their happily ever after.
For those looking to get on her good side, Jodi’s addictions include nonfat lattes, Malbec and tequila however you pour it. She’s also obsessed with Shakespeare and Broadway musicals. She can be found wearing sock monkey gloves while typing when it’s cold, and on the beach enjoying the sun and the ocean when it’s hot. When she’s not writing and/or vacuuming sand out of her laptop, Jodi mentors queer youth and will drop everything for live music. Jodi lives near New York City with her beautiful wife, and together they are mothers of dragons (cleverly disguised as children) and slaves to an enormous polydactyl cat.
Sam y Thomas estan aprendiendo a vivir como pareja viendo como encajar sus diferentes mundos y sus diferentes formas de ver la vida. Pero Sam esta intentando entrar en el mundo de Thomas sin entenderlo realmente, solo por el, y Thomas esta frustado porque no entiende que mas puede hacer para que Sam realmente confie en el y se abra totalmente. Si a esto le agregamos la presion del trabajo de ambos, mas la presion del Club para Sam, pareciera todo una bomba de tiempo. Pero las cosas realmente explotan cuando Sam escucha una conversacion de Thomas con Clint y esto lo lleva a ser atrapado, drogado y golpeado duramente. Asi que Thomas deja de lado todas sus dudas y diferencias y se dedica a cuidar de Sam, pero esto sera suficiente para ambos? Que pasara cuando Sam se de cuenta de que Thomas le esta ocultando el origen de su discusion?
Esperaba mucho mas misterio e intriga en este libro, esperaba poder entender mejor a los protas o por lo menos ver un poco mas de interaccion de ellos con otros personajes, pero el libro fue basicamente erotico, muchas escenas eroticas con poco romance, poca conversacion, y la que hubo se sintio como que faltara algo. Aqui senti que el autor estaba forzando unos cambios de personalidad en Sam y Thomas, senti que les faltaba algo, y que, aunque intentan darnos pistas del asesino, lo confunde todo y solo logro que me diera dolor de cabeza intentando entender a los protas. Sin embargo, me gusto bastante la interaccion de ellos con Browie y Angel, pero no se porque agregaron a Bryan y/o Scotty en esa mezcla, seran parte del complot? Alguno de los dos sera el asesino? Porque la policia tarda tanto en involucrarse? Porque destrozar el departamento? Cambiaron las cerraduras? Como entraron? La trama aqui no la senti, solo senti muchas escenas eroticas, a veces desconectadas, y un poco de conversacion que medio-armaron la historia. En fin, voy a terminar de leer la trilogia porque quiero saber quien es el asesino y como van a atraparlo, y si al final, los protas podran entenderse y conseguir una relacion sana y feliz.
I believe I know who killed James, Sam's brother and Thomas's sub. So far...it hasn't been confirmed. I believe the killer has met and talked to Sam several times and Sam has not mentioned this to Thomas. Bad move, Sam! I have read almost everything that these two authors have written. I loved them all and was sucked right into this story. We have a story of finding love...giving deserved respect and power exchange at it's best...a stalking/murder mystery...and as a bonus, we get to meet Sam's brother, the soldier...Bowie, who I hope has met his own very special "someone" in this book when he visits Sam and Thomas. Sam and Thomas are so adorable...so in love, and beyond anything the word "special" could possibly mean. They will make you laugh; they will make you cry; and they will push their way into your heart and stay rooted. Thomas wants and needs so badly for Sam to communicate his needs. It's both painful and lovely to see them still dealing with their shared grief over James, while they fall deeper and deeper in love. Their form of dominance and submission doesn't follow anyone else's rules to intervene, and it's great seeing Thomas learn how to let go of his rigidity to try to be, and want to be, the Dom that Sam needs. Angel, from book #1; the EMT and bouncer at the club that Sam worked at when he first came to New York is still a "best buddy" but now he's that also to Thomas as well as Sam. I do love that man! James' killer is still around and more determined than ever by taking any chance he can to hurt or frighten Sam. I am torn between wanting him arrested and wanting the guys to "handle things". I hate like everything to see this trilogy end, (Ha Ha...I bought the 3 books so rereads are in my future!!) I'm hoping that book three ties up all the loose ends. If not...maybe there will be a book 4 or 5 or 6... in this amazing story. These books absolutely must be read in order as the next book takes off as if there was not an ending of the one before the opening of the next. An absolutely FANTASTIC series!
Thomas and Sam are settling into their life and lifestyle together, learning about it and each other. The threat from the first story is still there, but it's very much in the background here in the second part. I like how much they take care of each other, how they show their feelings for each other. Really the only thing I didn't like this story was the cliffhanger. Yes, cliffhanger! So now I get to wait, but hopefully not for too long.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit, although I felt like the MCs' relationship was often going in circles.
There was less of the overarching story (James' murder, the razor blades, etc., in this book than I thought there would be, and it was completely absent for a good portion, but it's still there are still open.
I really like the way that Thomas is trying to bring out Sam's submission. Their scenes and club trips were very different than most BDSM books I've read, and I liked the way it was written, especially Sam and his ADHD and how it relates to their relationship and their scenes and experiences at the club.
Cowboy, Grief, Danger. Sam and Thomas' s story continues from book one "First Rodeo" Sam was moving forward and in to Thomas place no longer his brother, James (Thomas's ex) after his murder. A razor blade left strikes terror with Sam. Danger is near with a killer. A Christmas event and a new years to celebrate an new lessons begin for the next stage of their lifesyle relationship. I liked Bowie in this he sounds hot and wonder if he gets a story. This needed something to happen somewhere in the middle of the story where it was looking my attention a little. Includes sexy bdsm scenes, reuniting brothers briefly, emotional HDAD issues, past haunts memories and more. Drama at the ending scenes with a HFN. A third book in the series to come.
sweet and interesting story.. very interesting topic.. good writing for the topic.. good characters.. good plot.. i enjoyed this and cant wait to see what book 3 brings.
FR- Alors alors... alors j'avais énormément aimé le premier tome et j'étais assez impatiente de lire ce second volume. Mais je ne sais pas pourquoi, j'ai mis un temps fou à la lire.... Pourtant, tous les éléments que j'ai aimé dans le premier tome étaient toujours présents. L'aspect BDSM, bien qu'un peu plus développé n'est pas trop trash et la relation entre Sam et Thomas est toujours au centre du roman.
L'action est lente. Très lente. Et c'est peut être ce qui a rendu ma lecture plus difficile. Il se passe énormément de choses dans ce tome mais c'est essentiellement au niveau de la relation de Sam et Thomas, que ce soit dans leur relation intime ou dans leur relation Dom-Sub. J'avoue que par certains aspects , Thomas m'agace un peu même si je comprend son point de vue. Il fait preuve de patience par rapport à Sam même si parfois il veut aller trop vite. Sam quand à lui essaye. Il y met vraiment du sien et on sent qu'il ne comprend pas toutes les règles. Ce qui est top pour moi qui m'identifie beaucoup à lui de ce point de vue là.Ce deuxième tome introduit de manière plus poussée, certains personnages à peine vus dans le tome 1. J'ai hâte de savoir ce que les auteures nous réservent pour eux. Je dois avouer que j'étais partie sur une idée précise mais qu'elles semblent nous proposer quelque chose d'autre mais qui me plait beaucoup aussi.
Une fois de plus, l'aspect "une menace pèse sur le héros" n'est pas très développé même si j'ai une petite idée de qui pourrait être le méchant. J'attend de voir si ce point sera mis en avant dans les autres tomes ou pas avant de me prononcer définitivement.
En résumé un second tome plus lent que le premier mais qui fait avancer les personnages dans leur couple et leur quête de l'autre et d'eux même. Une série que je continuerai à suivre avec plaisir.
ENG- So well well ... well I really liked the first volume and I was quite impatient to read this second volume. But I don't know why, it took me a long time to read it .... However, all the elements that I liked in the first volume were still present. The BDSM aspect, although a little more developed is not too trashy and the relationship between Sam and Thomas is still at the center of the novel.
The action is slow. Very slow. And that may be what made my reading more difficult. There is a lot going on in this volume but it is essentially at the level of the relationship of Sam and Thomas, whether in their intimate relationship or in their Dom-Sub relationship. I admit that in certain aspects, Thomas annoys me a little even if I understand his point of view. He is patient with Sam even if sometimes he wants to go too fast. Sam when he tries. He really does his part and you feel that he does not understand all the rules. Which is great for me which identifies me a lot with him from this point of view.
This second volume introduces in more depth, certain characters barely seen in volume 1. I can't wait to know what the authors have in store for them. I must admit that I started on a specific idea but that they seem to offer us something else but which I like a lot too.
Once again, the aspect "a threat hangs over the hero" is not very developed even if I have a little idea of who could be the bad guy. I am waiting to see if this point will be put forward in the other volumes or not before making a final decision.
In summary a second volume slower than the first but which advances the characters in their couple and their quest for the other and themselves. A series that I will continue to follow with pleasure.
I loved the first book in this trilogy because of the incredibly detailed and delicate way the authors took us inside Thomas' and Sam's minds as they grieved for their murdered lover/sub/brother and started to build their own relationship. It was clear in that book how much they came to care for each other, wanted their relationship to work and in fact needed and wanted things only the other could provide. It was also clear, however, that their path to happiness was not going to be an easy one. Sam has real issues with trust, feelings of low self worth, being unable to stand up to his family and be his own person and an inability to communicate his needs in words. His mind races 100 mph when he gets stressed and early in book one, his initial method of calming those racing thoughts was to go to biker bars and initiate fights so the adrenaline would burn off and his head would clear. Thomas on the other hand as a Dom, needs and expects his partner to verbalise their needs, limits and desires. These guys want and need a relationship but their communication styles are so different that it was inevitable theirs would be a rocky road. In this book, we see that hard work happening on a day to day basis and again are masterfully taken by the authors into each man's thoughts and feelings as they first, try to make the other into what they "expect" each other to be rather than dealing with the actual person they are. It is both heartbreaking and exhilarating to feel that struggle for acceptance and accommodation. This book focuses most on the relationship, not the killer who is still out there, which the authors made clear in book one would be the case. That said, however, just as in book one that aspect of the plot I find very creepy and scary. I can't quite figure out how they can frighten me so thoroughly without any of the standard, cliche uses of blood and gore used by less skilled writers. I cannot wait to see how book three wraps up the murderer plot! I also liked the secondary characters here Angel, Clint and even Sam's brother Bowie (who I thought was a real jerk in the first book). Definitely not a stand alone title nor a series to be read out of order.
Book one, First Rodeo, sucked me into this story of finding a healing love in the midst of a stalking/murder mystery. This second book has my panting for more. Sam and Thomas are so special. They make me laugh, they make me cry, and they have found their way into my heart. Thomas is just begging for Sam to communicate his needs, and poor Sam is just all locked up inside. It's both painful and lovely to see them still dealing with their grief over James, even as they fall deeper in love. Their form of dominance and submission doesn't follow anyone else's rules, and I love seeing Thomas learn how to let go of his rigidity to try to be the dom that Sam needs. Bowie turns up here and shows that he really is a good big brother, which I wasn't sure about in book one. And the best friend of all time is still Angel. I love that man! James' killer is back as well, taking any chance he can to hurt or frighten Sam. I am torn between wanting him arrested and wanting the guys to handle things personally. There is one time something happens, and no one goes to the security cameras to find out if they can see his face. I'm hoping that that is discussed in book three. Other than that, I have no issue at all with this amazing story. I am so ready for the next installment, and then any other offerings the authors provide as part of this world. This installment is great, and I'm loving Sam and Thomas so much. I most definitely recommend this book, but only after reading First Rodeo. Fantastic series!
Following on from First Rodeo, Thomas and Sam are learning to live with each other as well as the dynamic between them of Dom and Sub, a world completely new to Sam. He struggles to express himself and understand everything that Thomas wants/needs from him whilst Thomas is getting used to being with someone who has no prior experience of the BDSM world and learning whatever it is that Sam has to offer. It's beautiful to read the connection they've built, especially when their start came from such a sad beginning. Sam is trying to learn who he is and what his place is in New York, a total newcomer and my heart went out to him with how lost he felt on occasion. There's danger straight away in the book with razors being used to inflict pain but after that there's nothing until about 65-70% of the way in and it felt a little sluggish in places, though we got to spend a lot of time with the couple as they try new things together and in day to day life. When the drama kicks in again, tensions mount and the couple's self made family really comes out in strength of support for them both. There's a great supporting cast with several characters that I could see having their own stories in the future, especially Angel and Bowie, Sam's older brother. Overall an enjoyable read and a good continuation of the series. It will be interesting to see where book three takes the couple and the plot of the series. I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Razor’s Edge by authors Jodi Payne and B.A. Tortuga is the second book in the Cowboy and the Dom series. This story picks up where book one left off. This is very much a middle book and should be read in order. There is a cliff hanger type ending, but that is because this book focuses on the relationship between Sam and Thomas. It is very much needed to proceed with the story, so I am happy the authors did this. The love story is wrapped up at the end but the murder mystery part of it is not. Sam and Thomas are both morning the loss of for Thomas a lover and sub and for Sam a brother. They are starting to build a life together. Sam has some major issues to overcome. One he doesn’t share his feelings with Thomas. Thomas is the kind of Dom that needs a sub to talk to him. Sam has a hard time with trust and opening up to people. Thomas is still mourning his sub and lover. He has so many feelings and needs to come to terms with what it means for him. Top it all off there is still a killer out there waiting to strike again. I really liked this story. There is a ton to it and really this is the perfect middle book. I cannot wait to see where this story goes next. I will be waiting to find out.
Many times I'm not crazy about followups focusing on the same couple. Once they're together, the thrill of the chase is over for me but with these characters that's not the case. 4.5 stars because of the abrupt ending.
This is definitely not a standalone, you must read First Rodeo to understand what's going on, but it's a wonderful read, so I encourage you to do that. However, there is an abrupt cliffhanger at the end of Razor's Edge that will keep me waiting until March for the next installment, No Ghosts, so if you don't like cliffhangers, don't even start until that one's out. I'm usually okay with them but this one frustrated me because it showed so much of the book left when it was just the usual acknowledgements, back catalog and a preview chapter that left me even more frustrated because I want to know what happens NOW. I love, love, love Sam Houston O'Reilly, and I care deeply for his partner Thomas. I also want Sam's big brother Bowie (Jim Bowie O'Reilly) to get a story. At this point I can see me wanting to re-read these books. I hope the third one doesn't change that feeling. I received an arc of this book.
Possible spoiler This is a good continuation to the previous book. Once again it gives a great insights into minds of a dom and sub including all the internal struggles and insecurities. Sam's internal musings at the club are brilliant! This book focuses mostly on developing their relationship, learning to know eachothers needs and expectations and balancing it between their lifestyle and everyday lives which proofs to be a challenge since they are living together. On the top of it they are dealing with grief and the killer still letting their presence known. And here we come to the point where this book fell short in my opinion. There should be a better balance between mystery /suspense and their personal struggles, but it feels like the killer came just as an afterthought until the end. Also I think I have a pretty good idea of who that person is - maybe I'll be surprised at the end. Can't wait to find out. I loved the side characters especially Angel, Bowie and Bryan. Interesting dynamics... I really hope they'll get their own book in near future.
This is the first book in this series I have read. I really enjoyed seeing the dynamics of Sam and Thomas's relationship. The safety Sam feels when Thomas is in charge and the care that Thomas takes of Sam is wonderful. In turn, Sam takes amazing care of Thomas as well. There is a lot going on in this book . So many emotional scenes whether the men are at home relaxing and just "being", or when they are at the club. Their love scenes are fantastic and when they do a scene to get what they both need , that too is amazing to see. So many emotions ...fear, anger, frustration and love. I am VERY untrusting and suspicious of one character in this book. Pretty sure he is the killer/ terrorizing character. Only time will tell if I am correct. So to sum it up...this was a great story. A real blood pumping, heart racing, adrenalin spiking book..in all ways. I received an ARC for my honest review.
I am loving this series by Jodi, this is not a normal D/S relationship so Thomas and Sam are still learning, which at times frustrates both of them. I was proud of Sam at the Clubs NYE party Sam tried so hard , he sat behind Thomas, kept his eyes down and I loved the commentry going on in his head made me smile. Unfortunately there are misunderstandings, a roller coaster ride of emotions and wasn’t expecting what happened to Sam.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I can honestly say this is a must read. I love all the characters but only one makes me angry and leaves me wondering can he be the one that killed James and is now after Sam so he can have Thomas to himself, I cannot wait for the next book can’t come quick enough.
This 2nd book in this series (The Cowboy and the Dom) was kind of a disappointment to me. The intrigue is there but instead of dealing with the murderer and his motives we delve into the personal relationship building between Sam and Thomas and their lives within the D/s community of the "club". Their relationship is what binds Books 1 and 2 into an adhesive read. Here we get to know the other men Thomas has come to know and these guys, Angel, Bryan, Clint, and others. There is an interesting hint of a future between maybe Angel and Sam's older hard as nails brother Bowie. An unknown attacker does show up near the end of this book but as with any good author questions are left unanswered and further puzzles are woven to lure the reader back for Book #3 "No Ghosts" which I look forward to discovering soon. I got this read as an ARC from the LesCourt ARC Team for my voluntary review.
I love the mix of characters in this story line. Sam is the little guy. Physically smaller than his partner, his brothers, and his friends. Yet he has a huge heart and is tough as nails. He also has a lot going on in his head. Thomas is the more laid bad Dom who wants to help Sam through all those disturbing thoughts. This is a continuation of their unique joining with a little bit of mystery built in. And I do mean just a little. This story plays more on their relationship. Them finding their way in a Dom/sub relationship and finding their way through their new normal. The mystery part is just a little bit of the story line but does add a bit of intrigue. There is a bit of an abrupt ending and definitely leaves you wanting to find out how they get over the next hurdle in their lives to get to the HEA.
This is an excellent continuation from First Rodeo and I love how Thomas and Sam's relationship continues to evolve even though there are some stumbling blocks as they are still figuring everything out. Sam is trying so hard to be a good sub and it felt like Thomas was asking way too much from him at times. They still have a lot to learn about each other and Sam is slowly adjusting to his new life. They are being maliciously targeted by someone as well and the danger is increasing as time goes on. The secondary characters are amazing and I like how they are so supportive and caring. I wish that the ending wasn't so abrupt as there are many unanswered questions but I am looking forward to reading the next book and seeing what is next for these characters.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Oh man, Razor’s Edge just got hotter and hotter. I love that Sam and Thomas are really developing their relationship even if its still not perfect. I admit that Sam is such a sweet cowboy and all of his dialogue just makes me happy. The mystery keeps growing and becoming more of the story and I definitely have ideas, but I’ll admit I’m not entirely sure who the murderer is and I’m dying to know more about James’ life outside of Thomas and his family. It is definitely getting more sexy and interesting. I absolutely recommend this book and I can’t wait for the last in the trilogy.
As the journey continues for Sam and Thomas you find yourself hoping they can find a way to make their relationship work knowing that in the back ground James's murderer is still stalking these two. As the D/s relationship develops between Thomas and Sam you find that as always communication is necessary for things to go smoothly but maybe even more is the love that you find along the way, hopefully with all the roadblocks these two keep finding in their way they can find their way to each other.
And the saga Continues. In this book we really got a good look at Sam and Thomas as individuals and as a couple. Two different men trying to make this work. They both need something from the other, but trying to find the perfect combination isn't easy. And with someone after them also. Watching the struggle is hard but I know once they find what they are both needing it will be explosive and nothing will be able to stop them. I can't wait for book 3 to get to the conclusion and also to be entertained by some of my favorite characters.
Warning Cliffhanger ahead. If you are not keen on cliffhanger endings, I would wait til the final instalment comes out.
Sam and Thomas are settling into their relationship and roles within it, with Sam trying to give Thomas what he thinks Thomas wants, where as Thomas needs to remember Sam is not his brother and has different needs and stresses. This book is well written and ramps up the tension with the mystery killer leaving ‘gifts’, the characters are great and so supportive of each other, I can’t wait for the next book.
I really liked Book#1 but this was a fabulous step up in plot and pacing - my heart was in my mouth, hoping for and worried for the guys! - and also in the characterisation. Sam and Thomas are unique and sympathetic characters. Together they are great - but, life being what it is, that doesn't mean things go smoothly. I love the way Jodi Payne and BA Tortuga have addressed this, allowing them both to shine individually while trying to build a relationship that's loving and sexy yet robust in the face of the baggage they both carry. Don't often say this - but I can't wait for #3 LOL.
I read this whole series one after the other so I’m posting the broader dates and the same review for all three. First, please start with book one. If you don’t like it don’t bother with the rest, this author is probably not for you. On the other hand, if, like me, you really like it and can’t wait to see where Sam & Thomas go next, you are in the right place. The relationship building arc is wonderful, the MCs are so relatable, the kink is hot and the mystery is a minor player but interesting.
I was pulled into this poignant, fantastic, grab-you-by-the-feels, emotionally charged, amazing, sexy, gritty, raw, intense, powerful, fascinating, and totally awesome story from the very beginning. Watching Sam and Thomas struggle to find their way through the misunderstandings, miscommunications, insecurities, and their own inner demons on top of dealing with the stalker broke my heart, shedding tears of both joy and sadness, and eagerly looking forward to see what happens next.
This is the second book in the trilogy and its a good one. I did have to go and get book one so i could follow this one better. I really enjoyed being able to see Sam and Thomas continue woth their relationship. I wasnt too keen on the reason they came together, the death of a loved one, but the authors have done a great job in molding a true relationship that is unique to these two. I really enjoyed reading this book and cant wait for the third and final one.
In this second book in the series, Sam and Thomas by turns grown closer in trust, but also encounter new obstacles to their relationship. They still encounter issues that may be related to the earlier murder of Sam's brother. Theirs is an unconventional D/s relationship with a med>high level of angst. The book is enjoyable, but feels like it is a little too long, with slow pacing and too much extraneous detail.
This a great continuation of Thomas and Sam's story, I enjoyed following along with them as they worked to build a relationship that worked for them amidst the uncertainty of differing expectations and dealing with the stalker. All in all an enjoyable second installment to the series.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of the book provided by the LesCourt ARC team*
Okay, just finished Razor's Edge....I don't think I can wait until March! Okay here's the summary. HATE: Scotty. LOVE: Sam and Thomas. Want Bowie and Angel together. Sam is a beautiful complicated man. I love him and ache for him. I can't wait for him and Thomas to find their groove. Fantastic story!!! I Think this will be my review. 😉
Amazing continuation of the story of Sam and Thomas. Shows how they are growing their relationship and how they do in the public with their growth as a couple. I took my time to read it because It has a lot going on.
Recommend this to everyone who loves the genre or Jodi and Ba.