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Giovanni #2
Master's Schiavo
His training never covered how he might serve two Masters, but he’s about to discover his limits.
Patience, humility, subservience, gratitude… these are the virtues of a schiavo.
For three years, Giovanni has followed his Master’s rules with love and devotion. But when Master, a New York City crime lord, must tie up loose ends with the family business, Giovanni is sent away to embark upon a life no one could have prepared him for.
Forced to stay with Signore, Master’s younger brother, Giovanni realizes Signore is everything his Master is not--brash, boisterous, impulsive, and arrogant. He’s determined to test Giovanni’s patience and most of all, his obedience.
Torn by his loyalties to two very different men, Giovanni strives to exemplify his virtues in every way, but he’ll soon discover what happens when serving two Masters proves to be more than he can handle. How far can Giovanni bend before he breaks?
MASTER’S SCHIAVO is an introspective romantic story featuring a submissive shared by two different Dominants. This work contains several references to past abuse and trauma. Trigger warnings for addiction, suicidal ideation, self-harm, illness, and death. This book is meant for entertainment purposes only, not as a guide to safe, sane, and consensual BDSM practices.
Patience, humility, subservience, gratitude… these are the virtues of a schiavo.
For three years, Giovanni has followed his Master’s rules with love and devotion. But when Master, a New York City crime lord, must tie up loose ends with the family business, Giovanni is sent away to embark upon a life no one could have prepared him for.
Forced to stay with Signore, Master’s younger brother, Giovanni realizes Signore is everything his Master is not--brash, boisterous, impulsive, and arrogant. He’s determined to test Giovanni’s patience and most of all, his obedience.
Torn by his loyalties to two very different men, Giovanni strives to exemplify his virtues in every way, but he’ll soon discover what happens when serving two Masters proves to be more than he can handle. How far can Giovanni bend before he breaks?
MASTER’S SCHIAVO is an introspective romantic story featuring a submissive shared by two different Dominants. This work contains several references to past abuse and trauma. Trigger warnings for addiction, suicidal ideation, self-harm, illness, and death. This book is meant for entertainment purposes only, not as a guide to safe, sane, and consensual BDSM practices.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2021
39 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
About the author
Laura Lascarso
30 books502 followersMM+ AUTHOR | Romance so good it hurts
Laura Lascarso wants you to stay up way past your bedtime reading her stories. She aims to inspire more questions than answers in her fiction and believes in the power of storytelling to heal and transform a society.
When not writing, Laura can be found screaming “finish” on the soccer fields, rewatching Avatar: The Last Airbender, and trying to convince politicians to act on climate change. She lives in North Florida with her darling husband and two kids. She loves hearing from readers, and she’d be delighted to hear from you.
Join her Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/LaurasLounge
Sign up for her newsletter at www.lauralascarso.com
Laura Lascarso wants you to stay up way past your bedtime reading her stories. She aims to inspire more questions than answers in her fiction and believes in the power of storytelling to heal and transform a society.
When not writing, Laura can be found screaming “finish” on the soccer fields, rewatching Avatar: The Last Airbender, and trying to convince politicians to act on climate change. She lives in North Florida with her darling husband and two kids. She loves hearing from readers, and she’d be delighted to hear from you.
Join her Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/LaurasLounge
Sign up for her newsletter at www.lauralascarso.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
lost-interested
August 8, 2021DNF @ 32%
I couldn’t connect with the characters and feel their chemistry. I got bored…
I couldn’t connect with the characters and feel their chemistry. I got bored…
July 1, 2021
content warning for: drug abuse, rape, depressing stuff (idk how to word this properly!!)
I loved this. I wasn't ready for the greatness this book will eventually bring. This story is one of the most beautiful written. I wanted to write more in this review but I'm just so tired at this moment. Earlier, I was lying in my bed while reading this and when I finished it there were these emptiness and fullness in me that I felt at the same time. For the BDSM readers out there, we won with this. Because of some chaos in New York, Valentin, known as Master, and his sex slave (schiavo) Gio fled to their Italian villa by the beach. Be it known that the relationship between these two is highly consensual so stop raising your eyebrow. There they met Valentin's younger brother Silvio (Signore). Gio found himself attracted to the cocky and arrogant Silvio. Was it MMM? For me its a no. Was there any cheating involved? No. I was expecting some light kinky novel but it turned out I might have underestimated Laura Lascarso. This book ruined me. I don't know how my next read will ever top this. Her take on BDSM is the best one yet for me. If you want BDSM to the highest degree, this is it. Other authors should take notes!
"Patience, humility, subservience, gratitude… these are the virtues of a schiavo."
I loved this. I wasn't ready for the greatness this book will eventually bring. This story is one of the most beautiful written. I wanted to write more in this review but I'm just so tired at this moment. Earlier, I was lying in my bed while reading this and when I finished it there were these emptiness and fullness in me that I felt at the same time. For the BDSM readers out there, we won with this. Because of some chaos in New York, Valentin, known as Master, and his sex slave (schiavo) Gio fled to their Italian villa by the beach. Be it known that the relationship between these two is highly consensual so stop raising your eyebrow. There they met Valentin's younger brother Silvio (Signore). Gio found himself attracted to the cocky and arrogant Silvio. Was it MMM? For me its a no. Was there any cheating involved? No. I was expecting some light kinky novel but it turned out I might have underestimated Laura Lascarso. This book ruined me. I don't know how my next read will ever top this. Her take on BDSM is the best one yet for me. If you want BDSM to the highest degree, this is it. Other authors should take notes!
June 21, 2021
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
3. 75 stars.
Note that this is not a regular MMM... Gio and Valentin are the original couple, Silvio is Valentin's brother but NOTHING happens at all between the brothers. THIS IS NOT TABOO.
I'm conflicted of how to rate this book. On one hand, it was beautiful, heartwrenching and hopeful. On the other it became too morose for me towards the end which kind of decreased my enjoyment of the book.
The book was gearing up to be a 4.5-5 star read. From the writing style, which for me Laura is great at, to the plot itself to the growth the chracters make... and then the last 20% happens and I'm left feeling unfulfilled and confused.
Let me start with what I loved...
- I loved all the characters here.
Giovanni, the sub, has been trauamtized from a young age whuch led to his addiction to many substances especially heroine. He is mentally ill, has voices that talk to him... that make him cut himself and think about suicide... none of that are spoilers btw they are all in the TW. Then after an especially traumatic experience, Valentin who will become his Master and who is a close friend to the fanily, and the grandfather's right hand man, swoops in and saves Gio.
Valentin: Is a middle aged man, responsible for Gio's whole business and estate after his grandfather's death. He is also a sadist, a Dom, who takes Gio under his wing, disciplines him, keeps him on track and silences the voices in his head.
Silvio: Is Valentin's younger half brother, who we meet later in the story, when Gio and Valentin move back to Italy since Valentin wants to dismantle the business. Silvio is the only person other than Valentin who gets to touch Gio, have sex with him...and eventually become his Sir.
The details revolving around Gio's trauama, the voices that talk to him, the BDSM aspect...all of that was SO WELL WRITTEN. It was beautiful. My heart broke and broke reading this book, but I was always hopeful reading about how the Slave dynamic was helping Gio heal... about how Master's Sadism was not a cure but a guidline for Gio to use and get better. I absolutely loved the therapy aspect Gio was doing too... to reinforce the fact that BDSM isn't a cure-all.
The romance between Gio and his Master and Sir was balanced. The tough love and discipline of Master and the carefree love and lust of Sir whuch trasforms into a solid bond as well.
The Steam... wow. This was a level-10 steam book. Many sex scenes that were all serving a purpose, never a scene just to fill pages. And even though in BDSM books, the sex scenes are almost clinical sometimes, I didn't feel that here. It was cathartic for Gio, connective for Sir and crucial for Master to assert his dominance and show his love.
Now for the niggles...
3. 75 stars.
Note that this is not a regular MMM... Gio and Valentin are the original couple, Silvio is Valentin's brother but NOTHING happens at all between the brothers. THIS IS NOT TABOO.
I'm conflicted of how to rate this book. On one hand, it was beautiful, heartwrenching and hopeful. On the other it became too morose for me towards the end which kind of decreased my enjoyment of the book.
The book was gearing up to be a 4.5-5 star read. From the writing style, which for me Laura is great at, to the plot itself to the growth the chracters make... and then the last 20% happens and I'm left feeling unfulfilled and confused.
Let me start with what I loved...
- I loved all the characters here.
Giovanni, the sub, has been trauamtized from a young age whuch led to his addiction to many substances especially heroine. He is mentally ill, has voices that talk to him... that make him cut himself and think about suicide... none of that are spoilers btw they are all in the TW. Then after an especially traumatic experience, Valentin who will become his Master and who is a close friend to the fanily, and the grandfather's right hand man, swoops in and saves Gio.
Valentin: Is a middle aged man, responsible for Gio's whole business and estate after his grandfather's death. He is also a sadist, a Dom, who takes Gio under his wing, disciplines him, keeps him on track and silences the voices in his head.
Silvio: Is Valentin's younger half brother, who we meet later in the story, when Gio and Valentin move back to Italy since Valentin wants to dismantle the business. Silvio is the only person other than Valentin who gets to touch Gio, have sex with him...and eventually become his Sir.
The details revolving around Gio's trauama, the voices that talk to him, the BDSM aspect...all of that was SO WELL WRITTEN. It was beautiful. My heart broke and broke reading this book, but I was always hopeful reading about how the Slave dynamic was helping Gio heal... about how Master's Sadism was not a cure but a guidline for Gio to use and get better. I absolutely loved the therapy aspect Gio was doing too... to reinforce the fact that BDSM isn't a cure-all.
The romance between Gio and his Master and Sir was balanced. The tough love and discipline of Master and the carefree love and lust of Sir whuch trasforms into a solid bond as well.
The Steam... wow. This was a level-10 steam book. Many sex scenes that were all serving a purpose, never a scene just to fill pages. And even though in BDSM books, the sex scenes are almost clinical sometimes, I didn't feel that here. It was cathartic for Gio, connective for Sir and crucial for Master to assert his dominance and show his love.
Now for the niggles...
July 8, 2021
Is it possible to fall so much in love with a book and still be left heartbroken at the end ? Well ..YES , it is !!!! This book definitely did that to me !
After finishing this incredible and deeply poignant story, it still took me a few days to find the right words and write down this review .
Master’s Schiavo is the emotionally and painfully but so beautiful love story between a slave Gio and his very possesive master Valentin Fortuna who trained his slave with love and a very firm hand .Don ‘t get me wrong ; this is not a sweet love story !!
This is an extremely filthy , hot and very wicked story of the Master/slave dynamic .
Giovanni’s devotion to Master is just out of this world and the love they have for each other ,was so perfect and imperfect at the same time . I found the dynamics of their relationship so well written and so beautifully explored . I just can not really explain this in any other way .
“I crave his presence and his discipline as I once craved drugs. Master knows what I need better than me .
My only fear is that he’ll leave me or that death will part us, as I have lived in its grim shadow my entire life.”
Parts of this story tore at my heart, then there were parts making me so angry at those who abused and raped Gio ,
and because my heart was bleeding for Gio, some other parts left me totally flabbergasted.
“Master collected my brutalized body from the park bench where I’d been dumped the next morning like a piece of garbage”
Then there is Sir , Valentin’s (Master) younger half brother Silvio Fortuna. .
“Please, Sir,” I plead .
“Please, what, Giovanni?” Sir asks .
Master gives me what I need, but Sir gives me what I want. Even still, I have to ask
for it, or beg.
Master has to tie up loose ends with the family business and because it’s not safe to stay with him ,Gio has to stay with Silvio for a while .Sir’s also a Dominant , but oh so different from Master , He’s brash ,impulsive, boisterous and arrogant. and he doesn’t really know how to silence Gio’s demons , demons who start chattering amongst themselves like conniving backstabbing bitches.
With “Master’s Schiavo” Laura Lascarso is brilliantly tackling a very disturbing and outright sensitive subject of the Master/slave dynamic, and she’s dealing with it in a very realistic and intensely exquisite way .This is hands down the best book I’ve been reading this year and one that will stay with me for a very long time !
After finishing this incredible and deeply poignant story, it still took me a few days to find the right words and write down this review .
Master’s Schiavo is the emotionally and painfully but so beautiful love story between a slave Gio and his very possesive master Valentin Fortuna who trained his slave with love and a very firm hand .Don ‘t get me wrong ; this is not a sweet love story !!
This is an extremely filthy , hot and very wicked story of the Master/slave dynamic .
Giovanni’s devotion to Master is just out of this world and the love they have for each other ,was so perfect and imperfect at the same time . I found the dynamics of their relationship so well written and so beautifully explored . I just can not really explain this in any other way .
“I crave his presence and his discipline as I once craved drugs. Master knows what I need better than me .
My only fear is that he’ll leave me or that death will part us, as I have lived in its grim shadow my entire life.”
Parts of this story tore at my heart, then there were parts making me so angry at those who abused and raped Gio ,
and because my heart was bleeding for Gio, some other parts left me totally flabbergasted.
“Master collected my brutalized body from the park bench where I’d been dumped the next morning like a piece of garbage”
Then there is Sir , Valentin’s (Master) younger half brother Silvio Fortuna. .
“Please, Sir,” I plead .
“Please, what, Giovanni?” Sir asks .
Master gives me what I need, but Sir gives me what I want. Even still, I have to ask
for it, or beg.
Master has to tie up loose ends with the family business and because it’s not safe to stay with him ,Gio has to stay with Silvio for a while .Sir’s also a Dominant , but oh so different from Master , He’s brash ,impulsive, boisterous and arrogant. and he doesn’t really know how to silence Gio’s demons , demons who start chattering amongst themselves like conniving backstabbing bitches.
With “Master’s Schiavo” Laura Lascarso is brilliantly tackling a very disturbing and outright sensitive subject of the Master/slave dynamic, and she’s dealing with it in a very realistic and intensely exquisite way .This is hands down the best book I’ve been reading this year and one that will stay with me for a very long time !
August 15, 2022
This book is amazing. The writing is magnificent. I devoured it. Master and his schiavo. Just... wow!! This was an achingly beautiful story. Out of this world characters. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. Signore, a very welcomed inclusion.
The psychology. The philosophical references. Epictetus and stoicism and virtues and BDSM and the Biblical references. So much to unpack. It's also hot AF.
I have to go to bed now. Good luck to me because, shit fuck damn, my Kindle just dropped and my jaw just opened, for reasons. I... I think my mind is blown and I can't actually talk about it in a review. Well, maybe I can but...but I have to ponder some.
Sometimes I try to kid myself and think characters are just characters, nothing more - and I'd be dead wrong. Dead wrong. Dead wrong.
Blog review-
The psychology. The philosophical references. Epictetus and stoicism and virtues and BDSM and the Biblical references. So much to unpack. It's also hot AF.
I have to go to bed now. Good luck to me because, shit fuck damn, my Kindle just dropped and my jaw just opened, for reasons. I... I think my mind is blown and I can't actually talk about it in a review. Well, maybe I can but...but I have to ponder some.
Sometimes I try to kid myself and think characters are just characters, nothing more - and I'd be dead wrong. Dead wrong. Dead wrong.
Blog review-
July 1, 2021
5+++ stars What a glorious story, I was floored and deeply moved by it.
My heart hurts and my eyes are blurry, it goes beyond any expectation I had.
The Master/slave dynamic was masterly and stunningly written. The love and devotion were from out of this universe, it was immense, I felt everything!
Valentin Fortuna is a good Master, taking care of every aspect of Giovanni’s life.
He’s older than young Giovanni, taking care of the family business, he can be shady, but Gio’s well-being is the most important thing for Master. He built a complete safety net around Giovanni.
He knows what triggers Gio and what he’s been through in his young life. Master frees him from explaining, knows when the demons get too loud. Read and shiver.
“patience, humility, subservience, gratitude…”
Master is possessive and I loved every move he made concerns his schiavo, he gives him structure, stability, and rules.
Gio craves to submit to Master, he’s the only person in the world who knows what Gio needs.
They love each other deeply, it goes beyond love, it’s so so much more!
“I live for my Master. I’d die for my Master.”
Under the wings of Master, Giovanni blooms, his demons are quiet.
When Master has to leave for business he hands Giovanni over in the care of Master’s younger brother Silvio. Giovanni is devastated, afraid to be apart from his beloved Master, who is the fundament of his whole being.
Silvio is also a Dominant and nothing like Master!
I was thrilled by the course of this story! A submissive serving two different Dominants.
All Master does is for his schiavo’s well-being, every move, every gesture, it’s something to keep in mind.
The dynamic is exquisite, the scenes are breathtaking, it’s everything you can wish for.
His submission to his Master and Sir is absolutely breathtaking.
The story is passionately told from Giovanni’s introspective view, there couldn’t been a better choice.
The domination is grand, the submission glorious.
There isn’t paper enough to describe what this story did to me.
This whole journey breathes the superlative of love and devotion. It goes beyond any expectation.
The story is deeply moving and beautifully written, with an elegance that is this author’s signature.
I cried and cried, it was beautiful and agonizing at the same time.
I think the author has outdone herself again with this masterpiece. The BDSM exposed is at its finest, the scenery was exclusive, the characters all with depth and unique, the whole story… like I said a masterpiece.
After I read Andre in Flight, back in 2016, I was mesmerized by this author’s work. The dedication, the passion, the elegance, the consideration, the intelligence, the poetical way of writing you can find in the author’s books are of high quality.
Every story is different but always unique, no need to say this narrative is also highly recommended!!
If there were ten stars to rate, this story would get them.
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes LGBTQ bookreviews
My heart hurts and my eyes are blurry, it goes beyond any expectation I had.
The Master/slave dynamic was masterly and stunningly written. The love and devotion were from out of this universe, it was immense, I felt everything!
Valentin Fortuna is a good Master, taking care of every aspect of Giovanni’s life.
He’s older than young Giovanni, taking care of the family business, he can be shady, but Gio’s well-being is the most important thing for Master. He built a complete safety net around Giovanni.
He knows what triggers Gio and what he’s been through in his young life. Master frees him from explaining, knows when the demons get too loud. Read and shiver.
“patience, humility, subservience, gratitude…”
Master is possessive and I loved every move he made concerns his schiavo, he gives him structure, stability, and rules.
Gio craves to submit to Master, he’s the only person in the world who knows what Gio needs.
They love each other deeply, it goes beyond love, it’s so so much more!
“I live for my Master. I’d die for my Master.”
Under the wings of Master, Giovanni blooms, his demons are quiet.
When Master has to leave for business he hands Giovanni over in the care of Master’s younger brother Silvio. Giovanni is devastated, afraid to be apart from his beloved Master, who is the fundament of his whole being.
Silvio is also a Dominant and nothing like Master!
I was thrilled by the course of this story! A submissive serving two different Dominants.
All Master does is for his schiavo’s well-being, every move, every gesture, it’s something to keep in mind.
The dynamic is exquisite, the scenes are breathtaking, it’s everything you can wish for.
His submission to his Master and Sir is absolutely breathtaking.
The story is passionately told from Giovanni’s introspective view, there couldn’t been a better choice.
The domination is grand, the submission glorious.
There isn’t paper enough to describe what this story did to me.
This whole journey breathes the superlative of love and devotion. It goes beyond any expectation.
The story is deeply moving and beautifully written, with an elegance that is this author’s signature.
I cried and cried, it was beautiful and agonizing at the same time.
I think the author has outdone herself again with this masterpiece. The BDSM exposed is at its finest, the scenery was exclusive, the characters all with depth and unique, the whole story… like I said a masterpiece.
After I read Andre in Flight, back in 2016, I was mesmerized by this author’s work. The dedication, the passion, the elegance, the consideration, the intelligence, the poetical way of writing you can find in the author’s books are of high quality.
Every story is different but always unique, no need to say this narrative is also highly recommended!!
If there were ten stars to rate, this story would get them.
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes LGBTQ bookreviews
July 8, 2021
I don't recommend this book.
But if you want your soul and heart ripped out of your body, go ahead and read it. You will cry your eyes out, you will sob into your pillows and you won't know what to do with yourself after finishing the book. But be my guest and read it.
Oh my gosh.
My heart is in million pieces. What in the hell. When you can't trust in BDSM books, what's there left to you, what?! I can't form coherent words right now, because Master... oh god, Master.
This book is one of my favorite not just this year, but in my whole existence. Do you hear me?! This is that perfect.
I love slave/Master stories and reading about BDSM relationships, but I wasn't prepared for this book. Yes, it's Master/slave with many BDSM scenes, but it has mob families and an emotional rollercoaster. I was happily reading this book, comfortable in my bed, then came a knife and guns and my head was spinning so fast I thought I'll lost consciousness. And it was at only 20% I think? I wasn't prepared to be catuious and fear for on of the MC's life. No one told me to be alert at all times.
Valentino aka Master *sigh*, perfection. I don't have other words, sorry, but it's true. And Giovanni/schiavo, oh gosh, cutie pie.
The story has age-gap relationship, with a huge gap (I don't know the correct answer because we don't know Master's age, but I guess 60-70 or more?). The only age we know is Gio's which is 22. And Gio has a grandfather complex - but it's way more then what you think if you hear that phrase.
Why I picked up this book? Because it's about a boy shared by two dominant. And I was curious, I love threesomes and a boy with two Doms. But what I wasn't ready... this book. It's more then sharing, it's more then a boy and two Doms. It's just more on every level. (ps. the two Dom are brothers and Valentino HAS the boy, he is his Master and the center of his world. Then comes Silvio...)
This book is so emotional and so deep. And toward the end... no, I don't want to think about it, it's too painful (but beautiful at the same time).
Loved LOVED the book and the ending is just too perfect and beautiful. I can't function right now. It's the purest love story EVER.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
Ps. I highlighted two scenes, one, the Adam/Eve and snake paralell - that's just so good and must be right! And the second, when Gio is with both Sir and Master and he is cum drunk and the happiest, his only existence is to be two hole for his two partner.
But if you want your soul and heart ripped out of your body, go ahead and read it. You will cry your eyes out, you will sob into your pillows and you won't know what to do with yourself after finishing the book. But be my guest and read it.
Oh my gosh.
My heart is in million pieces. What in the hell. When you can't trust in BDSM books, what's there left to you, what?! I can't form coherent words right now, because Master... oh god, Master.
This book is one of my favorite not just this year, but in my whole existence. Do you hear me?! This is that perfect.
I love slave/Master stories and reading about BDSM relationships, but I wasn't prepared for this book. Yes, it's Master/slave with many BDSM scenes, but it has mob families and an emotional rollercoaster. I was happily reading this book, comfortable in my bed, then came a knife and guns and my head was spinning so fast I thought I'll lost consciousness. And it was at only 20% I think? I wasn't prepared to be catuious and fear for on of the MC's life. No one told me to be alert at all times.
Valentino aka Master *sigh*, perfection. I don't have other words, sorry, but it's true. And Giovanni/schiavo, oh gosh, cutie pie.
The story has age-gap relationship, with a huge gap (I don't know the correct answer because we don't know Master's age, but I guess 60-70 or more?). The only age we know is Gio's which is 22. And Gio has a grandfather complex - but it's way more then what you think if you hear that phrase.
Why I picked up this book? Because it's about a boy shared by two dominant. And I was curious, I love threesomes and a boy with two Doms. But what I wasn't ready... this book. It's more then sharing, it's more then a boy and two Doms. It's just more on every level. (ps. the two Dom are brothers and Valentino HAS the boy, he is his Master and the center of his world. Then comes Silvio...)
This book is so emotional and so deep. And toward the end... no, I don't want to think about it, it's too painful (but beautiful at the same time).
Loved LOVED the book and the ending is just too perfect and beautiful. I can't function right now. It's the purest love story EVER.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
Ps. I highlighted two scenes, one, the Adam/Eve and snake paralell - that's just so good and must be right! And the second, when Gio is with both Sir and Master and he is cum drunk and the happiest, his only existence is to be two hole for his two partner.
December 28, 2023
”I’ve come to accept my own weaknesses for pleasure, for escape. whether I was born this way, or whether it’s a product of my trauma hardly matters, because the result is the same. Master knows what I need better than me. My only fear is that he’ll leave me or that death will part us, as I have lived in its grim shadow, my entire life.”
I’m not usually a fan of MMM romance, especially when combined with bdsm, but I loved Master’s Schiavo. The relationship between Schiavo (Giovanni) and Master (Valentin), and Sir (Silvio) was perfectly balanced, with Giovanni getting exactly what he needed from both his masters. I’m not going to go into the details of Giovanni’s traumatic background and why he needs a Master/slave relationship to function in his everyday life. It’s important to read Giovanni first before reading this book otherwise you’ll miss a lot of context.
Silvio and Valentin (the masters) are complete opposites in personality yet this polyamorous relationship manages to work. The three MCs show the full complexities of the Master/slave relationship and how a healthy power exchange benefits them all. Unlike many BDSM romances, this story is not just one endless glut of kinky sex scenes. There’s a wonderful depth to the emotional connections between Giovanni and his two masters. Giovanni has truly intimate relationships with both men—each one different but authentic. Sir is more playful while Master is more authoritative; as he says ”Master gives me what I need, but Sir gives me what I want.”
The sex scenes are beyond erotic🥵.
”This body is a temple that belongs to my Master, meant for his pleasure, to be defiled and violated only by him. It is the slave’s sacred obligation to take good care of himself because he is Master’s most precious possession.”
“That’s right, tesoro, only I’m allowed to hurt you.”
Even more than his gifts and acts of devotion, this is how I know my Master truly loves me.”
”In all ways, Giovanni. I loved you as a boy, softly. I loved you, and I found you… as your avenger. I loved you when you were a young man trying to find your way. I’ve loved you as my schiavo…” He quiets then and his eyes are misty with emotion. “I think I am most sad that we don’t have much more time, that I might not see you age…”
I’m not usually a fan of MMM romance, especially when combined with bdsm, but I loved Master’s Schiavo. The relationship between Schiavo (Giovanni) and Master (Valentin), and Sir (Silvio) was perfectly balanced, with Giovanni getting exactly what he needed from both his masters. I’m not going to go into the details of Giovanni’s traumatic background and why he needs a Master/slave relationship to function in his everyday life. It’s important to read Giovanni first before reading this book otherwise you’ll miss a lot of context.
Silvio and Valentin (the masters) are complete opposites in personality yet this polyamorous relationship manages to work. The three MCs show the full complexities of the Master/slave relationship and how a healthy power exchange benefits them all. Unlike many BDSM romances, this story is not just one endless glut of kinky sex scenes. There’s a wonderful depth to the emotional connections between Giovanni and his two masters. Giovanni has truly intimate relationships with both men—each one different but authentic. Sir is more playful while Master is more authoritative; as he says ”Master gives me what I need, but Sir gives me what I want.”
The sex scenes are beyond erotic🥵.
”This body is a temple that belongs to my Master, meant for his pleasure, to be defiled and violated only by him. It is the slave’s sacred obligation to take good care of himself because he is Master’s most precious possession.”
“That’s right, tesoro, only I’m allowed to hurt you.”
Even more than his gifts and acts of devotion, this is how I know my Master truly loves me.”
”In all ways, Giovanni. I loved you as a boy, softly. I loved you, and I found you… as your avenger. I loved you when you were a young man trying to find your way. I’ve loved you as my schiavo…” He quiets then and his eyes are misty with emotion. “I think I am most sad that we don’t have much more time, that I might not see you age…”
October 19, 2021
Laura Lascarso paints a stunning picture of recovery, submission, and true love, in her beautifully written novel Master’s Schiavo.
What a unique, and incredibly intimate, bond Giovanni shares with his Master! Ms. Lascarso takes her time setting up the depth of Gio’s past abuse, and exploring how Master has used a M/s dynamic to help his young man regain a sense of self. The story is expertly structured, and unfolds perfectly.
There are plenty of BDSM scenes in Master’s Schiavo. The scenes work to establish the dynamic between Giovanni and his Master, as well as to show his growth as he explores a new relationship with Sir. Truly extraordinary.
The audio is performed by Daniel Carter, a favorite narrator of mine, and I’ve longed to hear more from him. (I had absolutely no idea he had such a lovely American accent!) Mr. Carter infuses Giovanni’s voice with emotion, and delivers an outstanding performance. Hopefully we’ll hear much more from him soon.
an audiobook copy of Master’s Schiavo was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
What a unique, and incredibly intimate, bond Giovanni shares with his Master! Ms. Lascarso takes her time setting up the depth of Gio’s past abuse, and exploring how Master has used a M/s dynamic to help his young man regain a sense of self. The story is expertly structured, and unfolds perfectly.
There are plenty of BDSM scenes in Master’s Schiavo. The scenes work to establish the dynamic between Giovanni and his Master, as well as to show his growth as he explores a new relationship with Sir. Truly extraordinary.
The audio is performed by Daniel Carter, a favorite narrator of mine, and I’ve longed to hear more from him. (I had absolutely no idea he had such a lovely American accent!) Mr. Carter infuses Giovanni’s voice with emotion, and delivers an outstanding performance. Hopefully we’ll hear much more from him soon.
an audiobook copy of Master’s Schiavo was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
July 11, 2021
4.5 stars! Beautiful.
June 14, 2021
Emotional and intense journey for slave Gio and his Master.
Gio has had a very difficult and trauma inducing childhood. The things he went through will break your heart. His Master gives him structure and purpose. It’s what he needs. You question the methods as the story goes forward but when you get down to it Gio wants this life. Craves it even.
Moving to Italy, a new dynamic unfolds. Silvio, the Master’s brother is introduced….You know there is an underlying reason but it’s not revealed until almost the end. Did I wish the ending was different? Perhaps, BUT it definitely gets you thinking. This book is heart heavy and I’m glad I read it. I’m going to have a book hangover for awhile now though 🤯
Gio has had a very difficult and trauma inducing childhood. The things he went through will break your heart. His Master gives him structure and purpose. It’s what he needs. You question the methods as the story goes forward but when you get down to it Gio wants this life. Craves it even.
Moving to Italy, a new dynamic unfolds. Silvio, the Master’s brother is introduced….You know there is an underlying reason but it’s not revealed until almost the end. Did I wish the ending was different? Perhaps, BUT it definitely gets you thinking. This book is heart heavy and I’m glad I read it. I’m going to have a book hangover for awhile now though 🤯
July 2, 2021
Tengo opiniones encontradas...
Brillantemente escrito
Puro BDSM sin edulcorantes, de lo mejorcito, sino lo mejor, que he leído. Sádico y masoquista sin enmascaramientos.
No es un libro romántico, es un libro de emociones puras y duras, difícil por momentos y súper dulce otras veces, la voz de Gio es impresionante y cada página que pasa lo convierte en un personaje cada vez más grandioso de ésos inolvidables.
Pero, y es un PERO que baja estrellas:
Porqué el sumiso/masoquista siempre tiene que serlo debido a un trauma? En este caso múltiples y variados, parece que hay que buscar explicación más allá de la razón para que alguien tenga dichos gustos...... No pasa esto nunca con el Dom, que lo es porque es "él es muy macho.....and because he's worth it!"
No formo parte de esta comunidad/lifestyle, pero me niego a creer que el que lo sea no lo haga por decisión y gustos propios y no por ser un atormentado al que la vida le ha dado solo golpes......!!
Brillantemente escrito
Puro BDSM sin edulcorantes, de lo mejorcito, sino lo mejor, que he leído. Sádico y masoquista sin enmascaramientos.
No es un libro romántico, es un libro de emociones puras y duras, difícil por momentos y súper dulce otras veces, la voz de Gio es impresionante y cada página que pasa lo convierte en un personaje cada vez más grandioso de ésos inolvidables.
Pero, y es un PERO que baja estrellas:
Porqué el sumiso/masoquista siempre tiene que serlo debido a un trauma? En este caso múltiples y variados, parece que hay que buscar explicación más allá de la razón para que alguien tenga dichos gustos...... No pasa esto nunca con el Dom, que lo es porque es "él es muy macho.....and because he's worth it!"
No formo parte de esta comunidad/lifestyle, pero me niego a creer que el que lo sea no lo haga por decisión y gustos propios y no por ser un atormentado al que la vida le ha dado solo golpes......!!
October 19, 2021
I'm reviewing the audio edition. I read/listen to a lot of stories. I try to stick to author’s that I feel make it worth my time to read/listen to their books. This really qualifies as one of those. This is a case where I wish I could rate it above five star. I am not good at reviews but I try to fit my feelings about a book into the review. This story is what I have to call bittersweet. I don’t think I’ve ever used that word before in a review but it seems so fitting here. Giovanni goes through so much in his life. It is impossible to even put myself in his experiences nor would I want to. After some of the worse things that can happen to him, he is in the care/relationship of his Master (Valentin Fortuna). The author did a great job of showing the in-depth feelings between master and slave. It is so deeply emotional. Then Master introduces his younger brother Signore to the lifestyle between him and Gio. Signore is left to care for Gio while Master has to take care of some business. Things change for Gio from their time together. Both Valentin and Signore are totally different men with different personalities. The interaction between them and Gio is intense. The twist to the story had me holding my breath, hoping against hope that I knew where the story was going. It grabbed me and kept me hostage until I finished the story. This book made me a follower of the author. I think the narration by Daniel Carter brought these characters to life. It made the story that much more real.
Read
July 29, 2021DNF @50%
I often love this author but I couldn’t get into this story. There was something too clinical/antiseptic about the relationship between the MCs. I didn’t really believe them as characters.
I often love this author but I couldn’t get into this story. There was something too clinical/antiseptic about the relationship between the MCs. I didn’t really believe them as characters.
June 29, 2021
Wow. I’m at a loss for words. I just finished and I’m broken hearted and uplifted and I feel all the feelings. This book really moved me.
Not only was it incredibly well written, it was sexy and poignant and heart breaking. There wasn’t a moment when I wasn’t completely intrigued. I didn’t want to put it down.
Giovanni is such a complex character. And Master. Don’t get my started on Master. I’m not usually one for sharing in books but this worked. Sir and Master were two halves to a whole and honestly, the few chapters of this book had me sobbing. Lascarso, like Master, had a beautiful plan. It couldn’t have happened any other way.
This might have become one of my new favorites and go to reads. Lascarso is already a favorite author of mine but this book. It will stick with me for a while.
Not only was it incredibly well written, it was sexy and poignant and heart breaking. There wasn’t a moment when I wasn’t completely intrigued. I didn’t want to put it down.
Giovanni is such a complex character. And Master. Don’t get my started on Master. I’m not usually one for sharing in books but this worked. Sir and Master were two halves to a whole and honestly, the few chapters of this book had me sobbing. Lascarso, like Master, had a beautiful plan. It couldn’t have happened any other way.
This might have become one of my new favorites and go to reads. Lascarso is already a favorite author of mine but this book. It will stick with me for a while.
June 25, 2021
4.5 ★
I can’t get over the last couple of chapters. I just can’t. I feel like I need to binge rom-coms and eat a large amount of ice cream to wash out all these feelings. Beautifully written and completely different from A Soft Touch (first book that I read by Laura Lascarso).
Almost the entire first half of the book is focused on Giovanni and his Master , Valentin. Since the entire story is from Giovanni’s POV we learn why he needs this lifestyle and all the things that go through his mind when something triggers him. He demonstrates that being a sub is not a synonym of weakness. All his philosophical questions, while reading or appreciating a painting, were a delight to read.
When Silvio is added to the equation everything changes. For the better, if you ask me. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed Giovanni and Valentin’s dynamic greatly. But Silvio’s inexperience and curiosity incorporated a fresh element to the story. I could relate to him because, honestly, we were learning together not to be judgemental to some of Valentin’s decisions. I like that no matter all the Dom virtues he learnt, he still kept his jovial essence.
Two very different Doms. A sub who needs stability. A heartbroken story, not one I’d recommend if you want something light and fluffy to read. But, if by reading the blurb you think it might be your kind of story, definitely go for it!
*Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a free and honest review*
“Please, Sir,” I plead.
“Please what, Giovanni?” Sir asks. Master gives me what I need, but Sir gives me what I want. Even still, I have to ask for it, or beg.
I can’t get over the last couple of chapters. I just can’t. I feel like I need to binge rom-coms and eat a large amount of ice cream to wash out all these feelings. Beautifully written and completely different from A Soft Touch (first book that I read by Laura Lascarso).
Almost the entire first half of the book is focused on Giovanni and his Master , Valentin. Since the entire story is from Giovanni’s POV we learn why he needs this lifestyle and all the things that go through his mind when something triggers him. He demonstrates that being a sub is not a synonym of weakness. All his philosophical questions, while reading or appreciating a painting, were a delight to read.
When Silvio is added to the equation everything changes. For the better, if you ask me. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed Giovanni and Valentin’s dynamic greatly. But Silvio’s inexperience and curiosity incorporated a fresh element to the story. I could relate to him because, honestly, we were learning together not to be judgemental to some of Valentin’s decisions. I like that no matter all the Dom virtues he learnt, he still kept his jovial essence.
Two very different Doms. A sub who needs stability. A heartbroken story, not one I’d recommend if you want something light and fluffy to read. But, if by reading the blurb you think it might be your kind of story, definitely go for it!
*Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a free and honest review*
June 15, 2021
I really struggled with how to review this honestly while also making sure who reads this review understands that this is a really brilliantly written book.
But it is not for the faint of heart. It is from one perspective and it is a HEAVY perspective. It is dark and obsessed but devoted and horny. By 70%, I didn’t think I could take much more, but that final 30% took me apart and left me totally unsettled by the end. And the end is more of a HFN.
There are aspects of this book that are so brilliant and beautiful they bring tears to my eyes. And sometimes it’s almost clinical in how it’s written. But that’s how it is inside Gio’s head. The order and routine interspersed with painful chaos.
My first book of Laura’s was lovely and I will never hesitate to suggest her to new readers. I’ll just personally proceed with caution after this. 😂
Now I need a drink and a therapy session.
But it is not for the faint of heart. It is from one perspective and it is a HEAVY perspective. It is dark and obsessed but devoted and horny. By 70%, I didn’t think I could take much more, but that final 30% took me apart and left me totally unsettled by the end. And the end is more of a HFN.
There are aspects of this book that are so brilliant and beautiful they bring tears to my eyes. And sometimes it’s almost clinical in how it’s written. But that’s how it is inside Gio’s head. The order and routine interspersed with painful chaos.
My first book of Laura’s was lovely and I will never hesitate to suggest her to new readers. I’ll just personally proceed with caution after this. 😂
Now I need a drink and a therapy session.
June 27, 2021
I don't think I have ever been emotionally eviscerated by a book and it came completely out of left field. Utter devotion and care are portrayed but the root of it all is pleasing the one you hold in the highest esteem. I genuinely don't like to try and guess what will happen in a book I Iike it all to just unfold naturally but there were clues to what would happen and I nearly didn't finish it because I knew heartbreak awaited me. I absolutely loved this book it was the most beautiful yet painful love story that gutted me and will make you cherish your loved ones and hold them close. There is kink, bdsm and love and an incredible tale of bravery and forgiveness. I was enraptured by the journey of getting clean and staying on the right path and the healing done, I just can't heap enough praise on this book.
December 29, 2024
4.5⭐️
This book was so conflicting😩. Ranging from 5 stars rating to DNFing, two days book slum, obsession, and then finally completing it.
I was half way through before I realized it was a book 2 of a stand-alone interconnected series.
This book was well researched and the story telling/writing was beautiful.
I am not even sure if my 4.5⭐️ rating, earned by the way, is based on its ability to entertain me or it’s because I think it’s well researched.
Yep conflicting!!!
This book was so conflicting😩. Ranging from 5 stars rating to DNFing, two days book slum, obsession, and then finally completing it.
I was half way through before I realized it was a book 2 of a stand-alone interconnected series.
This book was well researched and the story telling/writing was beautiful.
I am not even sure if my 4.5⭐️ rating, earned by the way, is based on its ability to entertain me or it’s because I think it’s well researched.
Yep conflicting!!!
July 1, 2021
This was my very first book by Laura Lascarso but it certainly won’t be the last. Absolutely beautifully written, luscious and exotic, this book was amazing. A delicate balance of need, desire and submission - Master, schiavo and Signore are sheer perfection.
October 21, 2021
Warning: book will make you fall in love with the characters and then rip your heart out and then kind of make it better. This is a BDSM MM Romance about a master and his slave. They are an established couple and in their roles. Master Valentin must make a very tough decision for his slave Gio and this enters Silvio, Master's brother. Silvio is new to the lifestyle, but is very interested in the dynamic. Master decides to let Silvio become Gio's Sir. Gio falls for his Sir, as does his Sir for him. This arrangement works even after Master returns from the states after handling his business. Then you find out that Master's secret is hear wrenching, and it is devastating, absolutely devastating. I bawled my eyes out, and still have swollen eyes this morning. Sir is able to help Gio, but Gio has lost trust in everyone around him. Gio needs structure and purpose and when he loses this, the demons in his head try to take over. Finally, he is able to get the structure back, but it is a very hard fought process. I absolutely love books that tear you apart, and this one was such a beautiful story. I loved how must Laura told us about the Master & Slave dynamic and then the sir dynamic. Daniel Carter is a new to me narrator and I thought he nailed this.
Audio ARC provided and this is my honest review.
Audio ARC provided and this is my honest review.
April 10, 2022
I finished the audiobook days ago, and I still can't think of a review worthy enough for it. Laura is a master story teller. She's one of the reasons I became an author in the first place. Her stories are rich in history, her word choices are lush and sophisticated, and I walk away from every one of her books a smarter person. She's just so inspiring. I love that she writes what's in her heart, even if it may not be what's popular. Was this story tough to read? Yes. But tough equals memorable, IMO, and I'd rather read a tough book that I'll remember forever, than an easy one that fades the minute I move on to the next. I know I should be saying something more detailed about the actual story, but I'm still unable to formulate the right words. I loved these men. I loved this story. And I'll forever be a champion of Laura. That's all I got lol.
January 31, 2024
5 stars
I know this book was the first one (even in chronologically it’s the second one in the series). And. It’s a masterpiece. In a way I wish I’d read it first. Then again, this way I knew their backstory.
One of the best bdsm books I’ve read.
I know this book was the first one (even in chronologically it’s the second one in the series). And. It’s a masterpiece. In a way I wish I’d read it first. Then again, this way I knew their backstory.
One of the best bdsm books I’ve read.
June 30, 2021
Wow emotional overload!
October 13, 2021
OKAY. Against my better judgement, I should’ve just left this book alone and returned it on KU. But I skim-read it anyways because I’m weak. But seriously, WHAT THE FUCK.
The blurb and even the BDSM warning at the beginning mentions NOTHING about the ending but seems to hint at a polyam relationship? I’m not even touching the fact that two of the guys were half-brothers (they weren’t together) but it’s more like a polyam triangle? Whatever. Not the point.
THE POINT IS…one of the character DIES at the end???!? From ALS. This book is such bullshit for not warning about this at all. I’m so fucking pissed off right now. It was going well and then went NOPE, GOING TO KILL ONE OF THE LOVE INTERESTS OFF.
This book is shelved in the romance categories on Amazon???? At the time of this review, it’s shelved in Gay Romance, Gay Fiction, and LGBTQ+ Romance (Books). So, no. Get out of here. There’s no HFN or HEA in this book. Just death.
I will never read another book by this author again. This was the absolute betrayal.
Initial review
Conceptually, this book sounds good. But the writing is super awkward. The book is written in first-person. It starts off with Matthew (Giovanni?) narrating (aka info-dumping) his entire life to where we are in the present-day, and?? No one in real life talks like this. It’s so awkward. It doesn’t work for me.
DNF @ 2%.
Content notes so far include a grandparent dying from cancer, drug use, drug addiction, kidnapping, murder, blackmail, and rape.
The blurb and even the BDSM warning at the beginning mentions NOTHING about the ending but seems to hint at a polyam relationship? I’m not even touching the fact that two of the guys were half-brothers (they weren’t together) but it’s more like a polyam triangle? Whatever. Not the point.
THE POINT IS…one of the character DIES at the end???!? From ALS. This book is such bullshit for not warning about this at all. I’m so fucking pissed off right now. It was going well and then went NOPE, GOING TO KILL ONE OF THE LOVE INTERESTS OFF.
This book is shelved in the romance categories on Amazon???? At the time of this review, it’s shelved in Gay Romance, Gay Fiction, and LGBTQ+ Romance (Books). So, no. Get out of here. There’s no HFN or HEA in this book. Just death.
I will never read another book by this author again. This was the absolute betrayal.
Initial review
Conceptually, this book sounds good. But the writing is super awkward. The book is written in first-person. It starts off with Matthew (Giovanni?) narrating (aka info-dumping) his entire life to where we are in the present-day, and?? No one in real life talks like this. It’s so awkward. It doesn’t work for me.
DNF @ 2%.
Content notes so far include a grandparent dying from cancer, drug use, drug addiction, kidnapping, murder, blackmail, and rape.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2021
Laura Lascarso’s Master’s Schiavo stands apart from any other romance I have read. It’s deeply poignant—drawing forth a wide range of intense reader emotions—and lacks frivolity (which is fitting and appreciated in this type of love story). A week after completing the story, I’m left considering the nature of true devotion to a lover. The dire needs of both men are addressed and met through the slave/master relationship in a way that is utterly serious, sometimes grim, and with potential life or death consequences. There is no feeling whatsoever that any game-playing occurs in their physical or emotional interactions. The interactions between the men are necessary to their survival.
Lascarso portrays the love story eloquently in the viewpoint of the slave, Giovanni. Through his inner thoughts we learn of Giovanni’s desperate love, complete devotion, and aching need for his master. And his master, Valentin, loves his slave with such depth that he will sacrifice for him—in the most challenging and devastating of ways.
Valentin secures Giovanni’s security by creating a family, of sorts, that welcomes Valentin’s younger brother. There is a cost and a sacrifice to all of the men involved, but somehow, through each participant’s devotion and giving love, it works.
Master’s Schiavo is a beautiful read with a unique storyline, some difficult concepts, and intense, bittersweet moments. I highly recommend this book.
Lascarso portrays the love story eloquently in the viewpoint of the slave, Giovanni. Through his inner thoughts we learn of Giovanni’s desperate love, complete devotion, and aching need for his master. And his master, Valentin, loves his slave with such depth that he will sacrifice for him—in the most challenging and devastating of ways.
Valentin secures Giovanni’s security by creating a family, of sorts, that welcomes Valentin’s younger brother. There is a cost and a sacrifice to all of the men involved, but somehow, through each participant’s devotion and giving love, it works.
Master’s Schiavo is a beautiful read with a unique storyline, some difficult concepts, and intense, bittersweet moments. I highly recommend this book.
July 12, 2021
Perfect mix of spice, plot, and emotions!
Oh wow. I was expecting this book to be fun, k!nky, steamy times, but it was that and so much more. I liked how the author thrusts the reader right into the middle of an established D/s relationship, then gradually walks the reader through their love and devotion for each other. There is such a deep bond and love between Master and schiavo. I was in tears over some of the achingly tender moments. Without ruining anything, I'll just say that the ending isn't your typical HEA, but it was beautiful and fit this story perfectly. I loved this book and highly recommend it, especially if you are into er0t!ca with plot.
There are some really, really heavy topics discussed, so if you have any potential triggers, read the blurb! Plus there is some sharing, but certainly no cheating.
Oh wow. I was expecting this book to be fun, k!nky, steamy times, but it was that and so much more. I liked how the author thrusts the reader right into the middle of an established D/s relationship, then gradually walks the reader through their love and devotion for each other. There is such a deep bond and love between Master and schiavo. I was in tears over some of the achingly tender moments. Without ruining anything, I'll just say that the ending isn't your typical HEA, but it was beautiful and fit this story perfectly. I loved this book and highly recommend it, especially if you are into er0t!ca with plot.
There are some really, really heavy topics discussed, so if you have any potential triggers, read the blurb! Plus there is some sharing, but certainly no cheating.
December 19, 2021
Warning:
- Past severe abuse and neglect;
- Past gang rape;
- Past self harming.
Giovanni/Matthew recalls all of the above with minute details, but those paragraphs are relatively short.
The first part of the story was engaging, with some action and a past history of both Giovanni and Master revealed.
The second part is a bit stagnant, claustrophobic. Giovanni ends up serving two masters and the action takes places in a very isolated environment.
I am struggling to finish the last 30%. It's monotone and boring :/
- Past severe abuse and neglect;
- Past gang rape;
- Past self harming.
Giovanni/Matthew recalls all of the above with minute details, but those paragraphs are relatively short.
The first part of the story was engaging, with some action and a past history of both Giovanni and Master revealed.
The second part is a bit stagnant, claustrophobic. Giovanni ends up serving two masters and the action takes places in a very isolated environment.
I am struggling to finish the last 30%. It's monotone and boring :/
December 23, 2022
Soooo.
I'm usually not too into this stuff. Actually, I may be not at all into this stuff, because while reading, I could only fathom the idea that Giovanni was going to fall for Silvio and eventually realise that his master had been a bit of an arse with him.
Clearly this didn't happen, because the story is not set this way. What Valentin and Giovanni had was real, in their own way, and Laura Lascarso was very good at making me understand the dynamic of their relationship. And I loved Giovanni. His fighting spirit, his impertinence, and his strength. He was such a beautiful, well-rounded character and it was a great ride, to be in his mind. I liked Silvo as well, the juxtaposition between him and Valentin, and his constant doubts. I found him very human. The prose then is also very pretty and dense, but eventually, I didn't love this because
Two things lower my rating:
- The rhythm is a bit weird. Way too slow at times, waaaay to many sex scenes (which I do understand they're important for characterisation, but sometimes even they even spoke the same sentences?), and too fast in other bits. The ending was quite balanced, instead.
- I can't fucking believe Laura Lascarso didn't find ONE SINGLE ITALIAN PERSON to read this book before publication. Because it's all wrong. From the names (Valentin is born in Italy from an Italian family, and yet he's called Valentin?? WTF?), to the description of what these born-and-grown Italian people do and eat (baked ziti?? Eggs for breakfast?? Only Silvio's obsession with Nutella was on point). The mention of Catholic churches (every church is Italy is a Catholic church, I mean, specifying it's just silly), the stereotypes of the hairy, strong, virile Italian stud... ew. Just, ew. And the random Italian sentences here and there? I have to admit, most of it is correct, albeit a little awkward. But some of it it's just plain weird.
- I just wish for a time when American authors would write about people of other nationalities well. Sob.
Bye now.
I'm usually not too into this stuff. Actually, I may be not at all into this stuff, because while reading, I could only fathom the idea that Giovanni was going to fall for Silvio and eventually realise that his master had been a bit of an arse with him.
Clearly this didn't happen, because the story is not set this way. What Valentin and Giovanni had was real, in their own way, and Laura Lascarso was very good at making me understand the dynamic of their relationship. And I loved Giovanni. His fighting spirit, his impertinence, and his strength. He was such a beautiful, well-rounded character and it was a great ride, to be in his mind. I liked Silvo as well, the juxtaposition between him and Valentin, and his constant doubts. I found him very human. The prose then is also very pretty and dense, but eventually, I didn't love this because
Two things lower my rating:
- The rhythm is a bit weird. Way too slow at times, waaaay to many sex scenes (which I do understand they're important for characterisation, but sometimes even they even spoke the same sentences?), and too fast in other bits. The ending was quite balanced, instead.
- I can't fucking believe Laura Lascarso didn't find ONE SINGLE ITALIAN PERSON to read this book before publication. Because it's all wrong. From the names (Valentin is born in Italy from an Italian family, and yet he's called Valentin?? WTF?), to the description of what these born-and-grown Italian people do and eat (baked ziti?? Eggs for breakfast?? Only Silvio's obsession with Nutella was on point). The mention of Catholic churches (every church is Italy is a Catholic church, I mean, specifying it's just silly), the stereotypes of the hairy, strong, virile Italian stud... ew. Just, ew. And the random Italian sentences here and there? I have to admit, most of it is correct, albeit a little awkward. But some of it it's just plain weird.
- I just wish for a time when American authors would write about people of other nationalities well. Sob.
Bye now.
July 15, 2021
Giovanni a young man with a tortured soul and dark past lives as a full-time slave with a much older dominant, Valentin. Gio belongs to his master in every possible way: body, mind and soul. He lives in a mostly isolated world carefully constructed by Master, a world that shelters him not just from the outside but the demons living inside his head.
It’s an overwhelming turn of events when Silvio takes charge as Gio’s caretaker while Master is back in New York. Silvio (Sir) doesn’t fully understand the choices Gio makes for his life. He questions why this slave can’t have the lifestyle and pursue his dreams, but as he gets to know more about BDSM and what it means to be a Dom and how Gio’s mental health requires the sacrifices he makes, growing respect for the young slave replaces all his doubts.
There’s a bit of BDSM 101 covering mostly the psychology behind the whole dynamic of D/s, but make no mistake, this is not a fluffy read. Be prepared for a some hardcore BDSM and you might be reading some scenes with a bit of a raised eyebrows! (unless your skin is as thick as mine 😉)
A bit of spoiler
Interesting characters, fine story and nice writing made this read an enjoyable one for me. The sex/play scenes are hot even reading them from Gio’s “matter of fact” kind of point of view!
I do recommend it if you like your reads dark, hot and emotional. Enjoy!
Boy with a Basket of Fruit by Caravaggio
It’s an overwhelming turn of events when Silvio takes charge as Gio’s caretaker while Master is back in New York. Silvio (Sir) doesn’t fully understand the choices Gio makes for his life. He questions why this slave can’t have the lifestyle and pursue his dreams, but as he gets to know more about BDSM and what it means to be a Dom and how Gio’s mental health requires the sacrifices he makes, growing respect for the young slave replaces all his doubts.
There’s a bit of BDSM 101 covering mostly the psychology behind the whole dynamic of D/s, but make no mistake, this is not a fluffy read. Be prepared for a some hardcore BDSM and you might be reading some scenes with a bit of a raised eyebrows! (unless your skin is as thick as mine 😉)
A bit of spoiler
Interesting characters, fine story and nice writing made this read an enjoyable one for me. The sex/play scenes are hot even reading them from Gio’s “matter of fact” kind of point of view!
I do recommend it if you like your reads dark, hot and emotional. Enjoy!
Boy with a Basket of Fruit by Caravaggio
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