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Rubicon
Jordan Lawrie was doomed from her earliest childhood. Her father, a soldier, was killed in a training accident, and her mother wound up jailed when faced with the choice of leaving Jordan at their apartment while she worked at a diner, or being evicted and starving on the streets. This hurled Jordan into a life of abuse at the hands of an array of terrible foster parents, who mostly seemed to delight in beating the child with belts while working her half to death as a virtual slave. But the final set of foster parents treated her as a princess, seeing to her education and putting her feet on the right path to success. These days, she works as a paralegal at a firm specializing in business law. And she feels ready to confront the scars she’s carried inside all these years.
Phillip Lynch is a high school history teacher married to Ruth, a nurse practitioner. Ruth is Phillip’s submissive. They first encounter Jordan when she’s negotiating a scene with their friend Mickey, a scene that instantly goes sideways, hurling Jordan into a panic attack. Ruth tends to Jordan, talking her off the ledge, and proposes an idea to Phillip, to ease the pain of Jordan’s scars while hopefully healing his own scars from horrors his life forced him to endure as well, the post-rape suicide of his sister, and the murder of a kid he tried to save.
Can each of them reach inside and heal the other? Or does the harm already run too deep? Find out …
Phillip Lynch is a high school history teacher married to Ruth, a nurse practitioner. Ruth is Phillip’s submissive. They first encounter Jordan when she’s negotiating a scene with their friend Mickey, a scene that instantly goes sideways, hurling Jordan into a panic attack. Ruth tends to Jordan, talking her off the ledge, and proposes an idea to Phillip, to ease the pain of Jordan’s scars while hopefully healing his own scars from horrors his life forced him to endure as well, the post-rape suicide of his sister, and the murder of a kid he tried to save.
Can each of them reach inside and heal the other? Or does the harm already run too deep? Find out …
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2021
About the author
Lucas X. Black
34 books174 followers'Lucas X. Black is a lifelong dominant living in southern Texas, where he is engaged as a full-time writer. He is formerly a paramedic of many long years’ experience, and often incorporates that knowledge base into his writing. Away from home, he enjoys spicy and exotic foods, loves to fish, and loves going to the movies. In his home, behind the closed doors of his dungeon, he is a sadist and humorist, in love with eliciting a range of sensation and reaction from his oh, so willing victims …' to 'I have been a writer for a number of years, finally branching out into publishing. I grew up in Texas, where much of what I write happens. I've been a R/L dom for almost a quarter century now. I've always liked writing, entering new vistas my mind affords. Life makes us the men and women we are, and I often (changing names to protect not so much the innocent but the delightfully sinful) dip into my life's experiences for the fiction I will be providing you. Thank you for stopping by
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 19, 2021
Have you heard the song “Shallow”? This books reminds me of the song. We are plunged straight away into the deep end. The deep end of the evilness of this world. It’s heartbreaking to know this is a reality to some within the foster system. Thankfully, Jordan eventually finds good parents. However, her time within the system isn’t without scars. She’s searching for something and eventually finds it with Ruth and Phillip. Just as Jordan has scars, so does Phillip. Sadly, his were not doled out by strangers. Phillip might be the leader in the triad but Ruth is what binds them. I feel like she is the strength for both Philip and Jordan. The level of bravery and forgiveness by these two is amazing. For all their broken sadness, they all find one another and the comfort each needs. Don’t think you will escape this story without the extra heart break either. Bring your tissues because as much as this story begins with the tissues, it ends there as well.
April 2, 2021
As I was reading Rubicon I had a lot of emotions going on while reading this amazing book and let me tell you Lucas X. Black is a great storyteller. I mean he puts it all in there, just about every nuisance that we humans experience when things happen to us.
In Rubicon, the layers going on are expertly laid out and take you on the journey of self-discovery for Jordan and Phillip which allows them to confront and bury their pasts. I'm not sure I'm explaining this clearly, so if not grab a copy today and start reading.
In Rubicon, the layers going on are expertly laid out and take you on the journey of self-discovery for Jordan and Phillip which allows them to confront and bury their pasts. I'm not sure I'm explaining this clearly, so if not grab a copy today and start reading.
February 3, 2021
An Emotional Roller Coaster You Won't Soon Forget
*Deep Breath* Ok y'all grab the big box of tissues! Lucas X. Black takes you on an emotional journey of mutual traumas shared by our main characters Phillip and Jordan as they try to navigate their way through healing and exercising the demons of their past through what some may feel as unconventional means with the help of Phillip's wife Ruth. Together the three of them jump many emotional hurdles and somehow come out the other side together at peace. I will say that I myself had to take many pauses reading this book, as parts of it brought up old memories of similar circumstances that I lived through. I had to sit a spell and have a good cry a moment for that place in time and move on. The title of this book is very fitting. Once I had delved into it and all of these old wounds and memories of mine came popping back at me halfway through reading, I had indeed reached to point of no return. I had no other choice but to cross the Rubicon.
*Deep Breath* Ok y'all grab the big box of tissues! Lucas X. Black takes you on an emotional journey of mutual traumas shared by our main characters Phillip and Jordan as they try to navigate their way through healing and exercising the demons of their past through what some may feel as unconventional means with the help of Phillip's wife Ruth. Together the three of them jump many emotional hurdles and somehow come out the other side together at peace. I will say that I myself had to take many pauses reading this book, as parts of it brought up old memories of similar circumstances that I lived through. I had to sit a spell and have a good cry a moment for that place in time and move on. The title of this book is very fitting. Once I had delved into it and all of these old wounds and memories of mine came popping back at me halfway through reading, I had indeed reached to point of no return. I had no other choice but to cross the Rubicon.
February 21, 2021
A Story of Pain, and Healing
This had to be the best book yet I have read thus far by Lucas. Although I feel I have not read a book I haven't fallen in love with yet, this one definitely is above all my favorite. One thing I enjoy about Lucas's books is he will have a word or two I actually do not know the meaning of and will have to look it up. I enjoy the challenge, continued learning, and knowledge for me as I read for pleasure. The second is, Lucas will mention real people in his fiction world sometimes. These real people some I know and some I don't so again I will stop and look then up and learn about them. See...a continued challenge. He keeps me on my toes. This book definitely challenged me and touched me in so many ways. Lucas doesn't start in all easy going and perfect in this book. So grab a tissue box or two.. He blazes on in and puts all the strong raw emotions out there. His main characters Jordan, Phillip and Ruth are full and rounded and ones you care for and love them and just down right want to know them and be in their lives. Lucas goes darker with this novel than any of his others and it is phenomenal. I feel this is more relatable that most realize..this can be life and some of these dark times are in life I can definitely relate. But you know what, secrets and our past makes us who we are, make us stronger and in the end we need to do what is best for us. Towards the last 10 chapters or so when I was reading I had music playing in the background and this song Champion by Carrie Underwood featuring Ludacris came on and all I could think of is Jordan and Phillip who are effected by trauma throughout their lives are the Champions who get up again and they take their lives back. They did all they did to get their lives back with also the loving help of a beautiful soul, Ruth. But, know there was no dry eyes even in the end. I had tears streaming down my face. Life is dark and and this book was an exceptional look into how dark it can be. It was soul toching opening eyes to how dark life can be. What we deem as secrets we think taint us, in fact are the things making us stronger. The ones privledged to see and learn those secrets we trust and expect not to judge but accept us for those demons inside. If you think you have no secrets, or darkness or demons in your life think again. I highly recommend this soul touching book which will open your eyes to pain and healing with the help and love of good people who come into your lives.
This had to be the best book yet I have read thus far by Lucas. Although I feel I have not read a book I haven't fallen in love with yet, this one definitely is above all my favorite. One thing I enjoy about Lucas's books is he will have a word or two I actually do not know the meaning of and will have to look it up. I enjoy the challenge, continued learning, and knowledge for me as I read for pleasure. The second is, Lucas will mention real people in his fiction world sometimes. These real people some I know and some I don't so again I will stop and look then up and learn about them. See...a continued challenge. He keeps me on my toes. This book definitely challenged me and touched me in so many ways. Lucas doesn't start in all easy going and perfect in this book. So grab a tissue box or two.. He blazes on in and puts all the strong raw emotions out there. His main characters Jordan, Phillip and Ruth are full and rounded and ones you care for and love them and just down right want to know them and be in their lives. Lucas goes darker with this novel than any of his others and it is phenomenal. I feel this is more relatable that most realize..this can be life and some of these dark times are in life I can definitely relate. But you know what, secrets and our past makes us who we are, make us stronger and in the end we need to do what is best for us. Towards the last 10 chapters or so when I was reading I had music playing in the background and this song Champion by Carrie Underwood featuring Ludacris came on and all I could think of is Jordan and Phillip who are effected by trauma throughout their lives are the Champions who get up again and they take their lives back. They did all they did to get their lives back with also the loving help of a beautiful soul, Ruth. But, know there was no dry eyes even in the end. I had tears streaming down my face. Life is dark and and this book was an exceptional look into how dark it can be. It was soul toching opening eyes to how dark life can be. What we deem as secrets we think taint us, in fact are the things making us stronger. The ones privledged to see and learn those secrets we trust and expect not to judge but accept us for those demons inside. If you think you have no secrets, or darkness or demons in your life think again. I highly recommend this soul touching book which will open your eyes to pain and healing with the help and love of good people who come into your lives.
February 10, 2021
An emotional connection that resulted with 5 stars and 2 Boxes of tissues
Emotions ran high in this latest by Lucas X Black.
This this writer sucks you in. Gets you invested in these characters. Then tears your heart out!!! This is just one of my favorite passages in this book. A poignant passage if you ask me.
I will say that I used 2 ... Yes 2boxes of tissues for this read. And didn't know how to write this review. It wrecked me.
Hope you will take the this emotional journey and read this book yourself
Enjoy this passage
“This … I crave this life, Jordan, the boundaries, and while I dread this whipping, I embrace the result of a better behaved and chastened Ruth, forgiven by her master and herself. You’re not here to be punished by Phillip but to gain … catharsis … from him, that will, we all pray, bring you newfound peace. You’re not his slave, but our friend, as this dynamic exists. But feel honored by this, Jordan. I was punished five times when we had Colleen, and never once in her presence. That is how much trust we’re investing in you. Colleen saw the welts but never me humiliated and screaming, bound and helpless for my wrongs. I’ll leave it to you to interpret what that all means, Jordan.”
Emotions ran high in this latest by Lucas X Black.
This this writer sucks you in. Gets you invested in these characters. Then tears your heart out!!! This is just one of my favorite passages in this book. A poignant passage if you ask me.
I will say that I used 2 ... Yes 2boxes of tissues for this read. And didn't know how to write this review. It wrecked me.
Hope you will take the this emotional journey and read this book yourself
Enjoy this passage
“This … I crave this life, Jordan, the boundaries, and while I dread this whipping, I embrace the result of a better behaved and chastened Ruth, forgiven by her master and herself. You’re not here to be punished by Phillip but to gain … catharsis … from him, that will, we all pray, bring you newfound peace. You’re not his slave, but our friend, as this dynamic exists. But feel honored by this, Jordan. I was punished five times when we had Colleen, and never once in her presence. That is how much trust we’re investing in you. Colleen saw the welts but never me humiliated and screaming, bound and helpless for my wrongs. I’ll leave it to you to interpret what that all means, Jordan.”
February 5, 2021
This book was amazing. While it was highly emotional. You will not forget it in a hurry. Have tissues handy you will need them. The way in which this author delivers his books always leaves you wanting more. He can make you melt I. Just a few short words. I was drawn into this book from beginning to end. the strength that both Jordan and Phillip can find even after everything they have been through is so inspiring. Jordan’s diary entries and interesting to I really enjoyed reading them and getting an insight into how she felt after they had a scene. And how can you not love Phillip and Ruth they were the sweetest. I highly recommend this reading this book.
February 6, 2021
Lucas weaves another amazing story for us.
Jordan had moved from various foster homes being abused until she finally ends up with a couple who help her build a future, where she is now working as a paralegal, but she still struggles with her past.
Jordan thinks that she knows how to help herself be free from her past, but it doesn’t go as she planned, and she meets Ruth and Phillip.
Ruth sees what Jordan was doing and wants to help her, at the same time she knows that it may help Phillip with his own past that haunts him.
Your taken on their emotional journey, where Ruth believes helping them both in the present, they can heal their pasts.
Jordan had moved from various foster homes being abused until she finally ends up with a couple who help her build a future, where she is now working as a paralegal, but she still struggles with her past.
Jordan thinks that she knows how to help herself be free from her past, but it doesn’t go as she planned, and she meets Ruth and Phillip.
Ruth sees what Jordan was doing and wants to help her, at the same time she knows that it may help Phillip with his own past that haunts him.
Your taken on their emotional journey, where Ruth believes helping them both in the present, they can heal their pasts.
February 16, 2021
Rubicon
A brilliantly written novel by Lucas X Black!
This is a story about about 2 people who connected and found solace with each other, after lives of abuse during their childhoods.
Jordan through her parents and various foster homes, till she was placed with a couple who nurtured her and Phillip at the hands of his parents. Both went on a forgiveness tour with the support of Phillips with Ruth, to visit all the people who had hurt them.
The story also comes with a message that while their childhoods were messed up they each grew to be professional people admired by many.
Very inspirational!
A brilliantly written novel by Lucas X Black!
This is a story about about 2 people who connected and found solace with each other, after lives of abuse during their childhoods.
Jordan through her parents and various foster homes, till she was placed with a couple who nurtured her and Phillip at the hands of his parents. Both went on a forgiveness tour with the support of Phillips with Ruth, to visit all the people who had hurt them.
The story also comes with a message that while their childhoods were messed up they each grew to be professional people admired by many.
Very inspirational!
February 6, 2021
I was hooked the minute that I started reading Rubicon. You will be pulled into the story and love it as much as I have. You will shed tears, laugh, and love every word. I grew to love the characters of Phillip, Ruth and Jordan. There are stories and books that come into your life that make you feel so much: love, compassion heartache and protectiveness that you never want it to end. Lucas Black has written an amazing ,mesmerizing must must read. I cannot say enough about Rubicon except for you to find out for yourself and experience a story that will touch and be with you forever.
July 13, 2021
Reader be warned this story is not for the faint of heart. Fall in love with Jordan, Phillip, and Ruth as they journey through pain, hurt, guilt, love, and loss. See these beautiful souls lean on each other and face their demons; even those we carry with us where ever we go. Watch as Jordan blossoms through love, trust, and lust. How beautiful love can grow with a whip or a strap. Learn how forgiveness sets you free instead of your enemy making the ghost go away. Learn how peoplemay impact those around you in a special way. Finally, discover a love that not even death can separate.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2021
I can't even begin to describe this book! Lucas created characters that pulled at my heart and spoke with deep meaning. He brought the characters to life and made my heart ache. Phillip and Ruth are the sweetest and most caring and giving couple. Ruth reminds me of that phrase, "Stand by your man." The support and love is so beautiful. In the dictionary, under the word Resilience is a picture of Jordan. This book will grab you and hold on to you till the very end...
February 4, 2021
Emotionally intense
Grab your tissues and get what ever emotional support thing you need. This tale is about pain and healing. The good kind love and support through what some might deem unconventional. It will take you to places you won't expect, make you smile, and laugh, then sob again. What an incredible story told through strength and courage. Five stars well deserved!
Grab your tissues and get what ever emotional support thing you need. This tale is about pain and healing. The good kind love and support through what some might deem unconventional. It will take you to places you won't expect, make you smile, and laugh, then sob again. What an incredible story told through strength and courage. Five stars well deserved!
February 26, 2021
Emotional and healing
If you're easily triggered by abuse and suicide, this isn't the book for you. In the story you have Phillip, Ruth and Jordan. Phillip and Jordan both have traumatic pasts and that just happens to bring Jordan into the life of Ruth and Phillip. They help each other to get past certain things that have happened to them
If you're easily triggered by abuse and suicide, this isn't the book for you. In the story you have Phillip, Ruth and Jordan. Phillip and Jordan both have traumatic pasts and that just happens to bring Jordan into the life of Ruth and Phillip. They help each other to get past certain things that have happened to them
August 12, 2021
Amazing
This a book of a journey of self discovery for the characters struggle love emotions beautiful written
Lucas written is so different from what iv read b4
I loved Jordan Diary Rubicon touch me I understand the story
One problem
Lucas why did you kill all the characters off loved to read more
A brilliant read 📚
This a book of a journey of self discovery for the characters struggle love emotions beautiful written
Lucas written is so different from what iv read b4
I loved Jordan Diary Rubicon touch me I understand the story
One problem
Lucas why did you kill all the characters off loved to read more
A brilliant read 📚
February 5, 2021
Phenomenal
Wow !!!! What an amazing book. I started
this book yesterday and couldn't put it down. My heart went out to Jordan and Philip. Two amazing and courageous people. I cried so many years. Thank you for this book Lucas Black.
Wow !!!! What an amazing book. I started
this book yesterday and couldn't put it down. My heart went out to Jordan and Philip. Two amazing and courageous people. I cried so many years. Thank you for this book Lucas Black.
April 11, 2022
This book broke me while putting me back together again. Lucas played my emotions from tears to bust a gut laughter. A highly emotionally charged book that covers some difficult life altering situations that aren’t for the weak. This is one book that deserves more than 5 stars but make sure you have a good stock of tissues and be prepared to not want to stop once you start.
August 4, 2021
Lucas x black is a new author to me. I liked his writing style and I really enjoyed this book.
February 11, 2021
Beyond brilliant of a story - thank you!!
Dear reader: I'm not sure where I want/need to start with my review. Lucas has written another phenomenal book. But, it goes beyond that. He took what he does best (writes an exceptional book), but went dark with it. It's not your typical darkness. No, he took it to a level of truth darkness. He gives us not just the submissive who's damaged and working through their demons, but also the Dom with their demons. He brings them together in hopes they will heal each other. But this is where the truth comes in. Lucas has written their stories to reflect a truth in us, a loved one, or someone we know our knew. It's not farfetched darkness, it's truth darkness in some level. Rubicon is a must read, it just is. I read this book during a time that I was personally dealing with some family issues, and it got me thinking of my past and of the forgiving I need to do that Phillip and Jordan did, in hopes to leave my past there, in the past. Thank you Lucas, not just a beyond fabulous story, but for writing it exactly how you wrote it!! I'm forever thankful!!!
Dear reader: I'm not sure where I want/need to start with my review. Lucas has written another phenomenal book. But, it goes beyond that. He took what he does best (writes an exceptional book), but went dark with it. It's not your typical darkness. No, he took it to a level of truth darkness. He gives us not just the submissive who's damaged and working through their demons, but also the Dom with their demons. He brings them together in hopes they will heal each other. But this is where the truth comes in. Lucas has written their stories to reflect a truth in us, a loved one, or someone we know our knew. It's not farfetched darkness, it's truth darkness in some level. Rubicon is a must read, it just is. I read this book during a time that I was personally dealing with some family issues, and it got me thinking of my past and of the forgiving I need to do that Phillip and Jordan did, in hopes to leave my past there, in the past. Thank you Lucas, not just a beyond fabulous story, but for writing it exactly how you wrote it!! I'm forever thankful!!!
January 10, 2022
Read for the B.A.N.G. Book Club 2022 Challenge – Male Authors category
Wow, that was a traumatic read. Deep themes around abuse, guilt and forgiveness. Should come with trigger warnings galore.
It’s like one of those stereotypical country music songs where tragedy piles on tragedy piles on tragedy, until you can’t take it seriously any more. After the halfway mark, the body count was racking up so fast, I couldn’t help laughing, it was slathered on so thick - which I really don’t think was the author’s intention.
The sex is more cathartic than erotic. I persevered in reading to the bitter end - simply to see the evolution of the polyamorous relationship, which I enjoyed - but I can’t believe, after all that transcendence of suffering, that the author gave us the ending he did.
It left me feeling angry, betrayed and sad. I’m normally a huge fan of closure, but this story deserved an open ending.
Throughout the book, the writing is messy and I found a lot of it annoying and repetitious (particularly conversations and diary entries telling the exact same narrative we have just read as it happened.)
Wow, that was a traumatic read. Deep themes around abuse, guilt and forgiveness. Should come with trigger warnings galore.
It’s like one of those stereotypical country music songs where tragedy piles on tragedy piles on tragedy, until you can’t take it seriously any more. After the halfway mark, the body count was racking up so fast, I couldn’t help laughing, it was slathered on so thick - which I really don’t think was the author’s intention.
The sex is more cathartic than erotic. I persevered in reading to the bitter end - simply to see the evolution of the polyamorous relationship, which I enjoyed - but I can’t believe, after all that transcendence of suffering, that the author gave us the ending he did.
It left me feeling angry, betrayed and sad. I’m normally a huge fan of closure, but this story deserved an open ending.
Throughout the book, the writing is messy and I found a lot of it annoying and repetitious (particularly conversations and diary entries telling the exact same narrative we have just read as it happened.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews