What do you think?
Rate this book
Master Bear
William Davis battled down his cancer three times, but he has no energy left for a fourth round. Now, he must make provisions for his sub, Chris. But Chris loves his master and doesn't want a new one. Through their last summer, as William slips away a little at a time, they interview new tops, looking for the one who will take in Chris and care for him.
As man after man fails to meet their standards, each leaves with a warning about the mysterious and dreaded Master Bear. Yet as time grows short, Chris falls for William's hospice nurse, Mike, who was once in the leather scene himself. When William's life winds down in a haze of pain and drugs, and with no firm dom to care for him, Chris is left with the terrifying prospect of Master Bear, and never seeing Mike again...
Genres: Gay / Contemporary / BDSM / Interracial / Multicultural
78 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2010
1 person is currently reading
59 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 17, 2010
I knew this would get reviewed high because of it's unusual plot. I think it felt very manipulative. Like the authors were trying to make me cry and coming up with every trick in the book to push those buttons. Therefore, I resisted.
****spoilers****
On top of that, the whole bear mask thing was silly. If a patron dies in an establishment and in your arms, I am pretty sure the authorities, paramedics, etc are going to ask you to remove your mask while they are speaking to you. Maybe I misunderstood but that didn't seem to be the case. And there was never a good reason for the identity to stay hidden? Did I miss something? What was the point of that?
Additionally, since all of these guys apparently knew and admired Master Bear, why they would try and freak out the sub of the dying dom by implying it would be the worst outcome for him? That just pissed me off. How unfeeling can you be?
****spoilers****
On top of that, the whole bear mask thing was silly. If a patron dies in an establishment and in your arms, I am pretty sure the authorities, paramedics, etc are going to ask you to remove your mask while they are speaking to you. Maybe I misunderstood but that didn't seem to be the case. And there was never a good reason for the identity to stay hidden? Did I miss something? What was the point of that?
Additionally, since all of these guys apparently knew and admired Master Bear, why they would try and freak out the sub of the dying dom by implying it would be the worst outcome for him? That just pissed me off. How unfeeling can you be?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2010
3.5 stars
Spoilers:
Although I enjoyed most of the story, I found it hard to accept that a master wore a bear mask constantly and thought it odd that Chris didnt question it. The man even wore the mask to a memorial service!
I also found it hard to believe that Chris wouldnt have recognized the man simply due to a mask. It was very comic book-ish to think a mask can completely hide all other visible clues to identity.
There was also no explanation to why the other masters felt that Master Bear would be too harsh or rough for the boy. And it seems odd that since Chris had met all the other doms that he wouldnt remember one with a bear mask.
It also was odd that since Chris identified as a sub instead of a slave, that he had absolutely no say in who inherited him, even from such an indulgent master.
Anyway, even with so many holes in the story, I felt for Chris and his situation.
Spoilers:
Although I enjoyed most of the story, I found it hard to accept that a master wore a bear mask constantly and thought it odd that Chris didnt question it. The man even wore the mask to a memorial service!
I also found it hard to believe that Chris wouldnt have recognized the man simply due to a mask. It was very comic book-ish to think a mask can completely hide all other visible clues to identity.
There was also no explanation to why the other masters felt that Master Bear would be too harsh or rough for the boy. And it seems odd that since Chris had met all the other doms that he wouldnt remember one with a bear mask.
It also was odd that since Chris identified as a sub instead of a slave, that he had absolutely no say in who inherited him, even from such an indulgent master.
Anyway, even with so many holes in the story, I felt for Chris and his situation.
May 17, 2010
I really liked this story. I've got to warn you though: get out your box of tissues before you start reading. You'll need them! I should also warn you that this is not a typical BDSM story at all. If you expect lots of hot scenes I believe that you'll be disappointed. If, on the other hand, you're ready to explore the emotional side of a Dom/sub relationship and what happens when the Dom is about to die, I can only recommend this book.
The topic of anyone dying from cancer is difficult enough. Adding the worry about leaving behind a dependant makes it much worse. This story focuses on what happens to the life and emotions of the one who is left behind. Chris is a sub who's never had a 'real' job and has always depended on his master for everything. The heartwrenching pain both he and his dying master go through as they attempt to find a new master to take care of Chris, ideally even love him, is depicted so realistically that it had me crying throughout most of the book.
The solution at the end was so perfect that I was crying again - this time with relief. Don't say I didn't warn you.
The topic of anyone dying from cancer is difficult enough. Adding the worry about leaving behind a dependant makes it much worse. This story focuses on what happens to the life and emotions of the one who is left behind. Chris is a sub who's never had a 'real' job and has always depended on his master for everything. The heartwrenching pain both he and his dying master go through as they attempt to find a new master to take care of Chris, ideally even love him, is depicted so realistically that it had me crying throughout most of the book.
The solution at the end was so perfect that I was crying again - this time with relief. Don't say I didn't warn you.
Read
July 24, 2010It was not easy to decide and pick up this novella, as it would not probably be for everyone who has had the experience of living near someone who was fading away to cancer. But it’s life, and despite all, it’s also hope, the hope that the ones you love will find a way to live after you.
William knows he is dying and now that he is at peace with the idea, his only worry is to find someone who will take care of his sub, Chris. Chris is not a perfect sub, he is not hot commodity, but he was perfect for William; Chris is sweet and shy, not much for a “for showing” sub, but for ordinary William, librarian and fatherly, he was the perfect match.
Now the problem is to find someone else who can be the same perfect match, or at least a good caretaker. William has many friends in the BDSM community, and some of them are interested in Chris; some are quite right, some are just right, but no one is the one. Basically Chris, in his quiet and subdued way, is trying to tell William that he still loves him, that despite the imminent fate, he is not ready to open his heart to someone else. It’s not a passionate love between William and Chris, it’s more a comfortable thing, like a blanket in winter; but it’s what Chris wants, a moderate level of passion, but mostly the reassurance of a balanced and safe environment.
Probably for this reason, more than all the Masters who are testing him, Chris is attracted to Mike, the nurse who is taking care of William. Chris sees in Mike the same comfort and shelter he has with William, and if Mike was a Master, he would be the perfect Master for Chris.
Even if there is the imminent destiny of William, something that is not stoppable, the story is not overly tragic; of course there is an high dose of drama, but in a way it’s a “natural” thing, death can be avoided in some cases, and so you need to live with it. Of course William is dying, of course he is in pain, but at least there is the certainty that he is loved and that he will be fondly remembered. Plus there is the hope that Chris will be take care, that he will have a chance to be happy again, with maybe a different Master, stronger and more passionate than William, but that is not a bad thing.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003O86FRW/?...
William knows he is dying and now that he is at peace with the idea, his only worry is to find someone who will take care of his sub, Chris. Chris is not a perfect sub, he is not hot commodity, but he was perfect for William; Chris is sweet and shy, not much for a “for showing” sub, but for ordinary William, librarian and fatherly, he was the perfect match.
Now the problem is to find someone else who can be the same perfect match, or at least a good caretaker. William has many friends in the BDSM community, and some of them are interested in Chris; some are quite right, some are just right, but no one is the one. Basically Chris, in his quiet and subdued way, is trying to tell William that he still loves him, that despite the imminent fate, he is not ready to open his heart to someone else. It’s not a passionate love between William and Chris, it’s more a comfortable thing, like a blanket in winter; but it’s what Chris wants, a moderate level of passion, but mostly the reassurance of a balanced and safe environment.
Probably for this reason, more than all the Masters who are testing him, Chris is attracted to Mike, the nurse who is taking care of William. Chris sees in Mike the same comfort and shelter he has with William, and if Mike was a Master, he would be the perfect Master for Chris.
Even if there is the imminent destiny of William, something that is not stoppable, the story is not overly tragic; of course there is an high dose of drama, but in a way it’s a “natural” thing, death can be avoided in some cases, and so you need to live with it. Of course William is dying, of course he is in pain, but at least there is the certainty that he is loved and that he will be fondly remembered. Plus there is the hope that Chris will be take care, that he will have a chance to be happy again, with maybe a different Master, stronger and more passionate than William, but that is not a bad thing.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003O86FRW/?...
May 19, 2010
Master William is dying, and before he does, he wants to ensure his sub, Chris, has a new master. Not just any master will do. Whoever is chosen must be able to meet Chris' needs and, more importantly, love Chris.
This story reads like a BDSM take on the tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. When faced with finding a new top, Chris meets one that is too rigid and unyielding, one too soft, and one that seems just right, but not quite. Because he doesn't want to love another after William, his defenses are up to them all.
Hovering in the background is a man who befriends Chris, offering a shoulder to cry on. Because Chris doesn't see the man as an option, he opens his mind and his heart, finding safe haven in a life turned chaotic.
I found it clever that all the prospective tops warned Chris away from Master Bear for, not only did it make him curious, but it also made him fearful enough to run straight into the arms of the one who was perfect for him. William knew what he was doing when he arranged all the meetings.
It's no secret that I love angst. On that score it's like the book was written for me. I was a bit concerned about a trained home health care nurse sedating a cancer patient and then leaving him alone in the house, and then giving him stimulants that.... Never mind, I don't want to give spoilers. Those were my only reservations about the story, and I blame those on my job. Other than that the story was sad and sweet and I'm sure I'll read it again and again.
I'll be looking for other stories by the creators of this little gem.
This story reads like a BDSM take on the tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. When faced with finding a new top, Chris meets one that is too rigid and unyielding, one too soft, and one that seems just right, but not quite. Because he doesn't want to love another after William, his defenses are up to them all.
Hovering in the background is a man who befriends Chris, offering a shoulder to cry on. Because Chris doesn't see the man as an option, he opens his mind and his heart, finding safe haven in a life turned chaotic.
I found it clever that all the prospective tops warned Chris away from Master Bear for, not only did it make him curious, but it also made him fearful enough to run straight into the arms of the one who was perfect for him. William knew what he was doing when he arranged all the meetings.
It's no secret that I love angst. On that score it's like the book was written for me. I was a bit concerned about a trained home health care nurse sedating a cancer patient and then leaving him alone in the house, and then giving him stimulants that.... Never mind, I don't want to give spoilers. Those were my only reservations about the story, and I blame those on my job. Other than that the story was sad and sweet and I'm sure I'll read it again and again.
I'll be looking for other stories by the creators of this little gem.
December 5, 2010
It was rather disappointing read. The story hasn't managed to moved me emotionally (no tears on my part). The big secret was totally transparent and I just waited (in vain) for the reason for this charade. Furthermore I was utterly baffled by Chris attitude, who considered getting sex and affection from one source and mastering and support from another.
March 23, 2011
I was drawn into this story instantly and was completely invested in each character, until a little over mid-way through. At the entrance of Master Bear himself, the novella seemed to start breaking apart. All of the closeness, all of the intimacy and rich emotion so prevalent in the beginning of the novella kind of unravels. There is such distance placed between Master Bear and Chris that, by the time he was revealed, I truly felt that the bonding Chris had done previously just didn't amount to much at all. It was rather disappointing, near the end.
May 17, 2010
Rated 4.5 stars. Very different, very sad, very interesting. Not like the norm. I got to a point where I would think that Doms and Subs were becoming immortal in my eyes and the fiction world till now. First book I've read where the Dom is dying and not wanting his Sub to be left alone works out to finding his replacement to see that 'his boy' is taken care of after he departs from this life. A great change of the reality created in D/s and BDSM fiction.
Warning: Tear jerker!
Warning: Tear jerker!
June 23, 2011
Review: This was a moving and sympathetic story that has stayed in my mind for many days after reading.
Review for Brief Encounters Reviews: http://briefencountersreviews.com/201...
I’ll state up front that I found the blurb misleading re the Master Bear “mystery/threat”. It’s difficult to explain why without plot spoilers, but (one), I don’t think any reader will be in the dark for long and (two) I don’t feel it was the major plot issue as intended. The theme was barely developed (no pun intended LOL), and meeting Master Bear at last gave me a large disbelief-not-suspended moment, as I couldn’t see why Chris was fooled at all. Most of all, in my opinion it wasn’t necessary. The story was well written and touching without it.
The most rewarding part for me was the brave and emotionally moving description of William and Chris’ relationship. There’s no spoiler involved in knowing that William is dying. He and his sub Chris are devoted and so, in amongst their distress at his illness, William is determined to make provision for Chris when he’s gone. The story is a fascinating and sympathetic balance of the progress of William’s illness and his “matchmaking” for Chris.
Chris could have come across as a mere cipher, but his character developed well, even though as a full-time sub, he had no job, limited cooking skills, and no friends or supporters apart from William. This was a sobering viewpoint for the reader, and justified for me why William was trying to place him with a new Master. It was a very intriguing view of a f/t sub’s life. I enjoyed the scenes as each Dom was introduced to Chris – the different styles each man had, and their strengths and weaknesses towards a sub. It was an ambitious move to showcase several lifestyles in one short story, but for me it worked well and I think the book was unique because of it. None of the men was any less than three-dimensional, and it was a skilful way of illustrating the respect that should be and was shown to a sub i.e. Chris.
The authors’ style was a pleasure to read and the story well balanced between the different points of view. There were a few things distracted me – occasionally a missed word; the repetitive use of “the big nurse” instead of a name; the rather stilted dialogue of the Doms; the way Mike apparently considered his personal time with Chris so unprofessional. Such a bad friend to take advantage, yet continued albeit with Chris’ encouragement.
The success of this story for me is the satisfaction of the ending. It was tragic for William of course, but I felt that Chris had become reconciled, and by then so had I. The scene with the other Masters at William’s goodbye was poignant and beautifully respectful. I also appreciated the story continuing, showing Chris coping with his loss, until he’d grown up to some extent and was suitably provided for in his own right. I rate it a B+.
by pettyprose…my opinion alone.
Review for Brief Encounters Reviews: http://briefencountersreviews.com/201...
I’ll state up front that I found the blurb misleading re the Master Bear “mystery/threat”. It’s difficult to explain why without plot spoilers, but (one), I don’t think any reader will be in the dark for long and (two) I don’t feel it was the major plot issue as intended. The theme was barely developed (no pun intended LOL), and meeting Master Bear at last gave me a large disbelief-not-suspended moment, as I couldn’t see why Chris was fooled at all. Most of all, in my opinion it wasn’t necessary. The story was well written and touching without it.
The most rewarding part for me was the brave and emotionally moving description of William and Chris’ relationship. There’s no spoiler involved in knowing that William is dying. He and his sub Chris are devoted and so, in amongst their distress at his illness, William is determined to make provision for Chris when he’s gone. The story is a fascinating and sympathetic balance of the progress of William’s illness and his “matchmaking” for Chris.
Chris could have come across as a mere cipher, but his character developed well, even though as a full-time sub, he had no job, limited cooking skills, and no friends or supporters apart from William. This was a sobering viewpoint for the reader, and justified for me why William was trying to place him with a new Master. It was a very intriguing view of a f/t sub’s life. I enjoyed the scenes as each Dom was introduced to Chris – the different styles each man had, and their strengths and weaknesses towards a sub. It was an ambitious move to showcase several lifestyles in one short story, but for me it worked well and I think the book was unique because of it. None of the men was any less than three-dimensional, and it was a skilful way of illustrating the respect that should be and was shown to a sub i.e. Chris.
The authors’ style was a pleasure to read and the story well balanced between the different points of view. There were a few things distracted me – occasionally a missed word; the repetitive use of “the big nurse” instead of a name; the rather stilted dialogue of the Doms; the way Mike apparently considered his personal time with Chris so unprofessional. Such a bad friend to take advantage, yet continued albeit with Chris’ encouragement.
The success of this story for me is the satisfaction of the ending. It was tragic for William of course, but I felt that Chris had become reconciled, and by then so had I. The scene with the other Masters at William’s goodbye was poignant and beautifully respectful. I also appreciated the story continuing, showing Chris coping with his loss, until he’d grown up to some extent and was suitably provided for in his own right. I rate it a B+.
by pettyprose…my opinion alone.
January 6, 2011
Sad to say, I wasn't impressed with this offering. I felt that most of it was a lot of telling instead of showing, and the language was... simple. Which might have been mainly due to the telling aspect of the story, using very simple, declarative sentences, which just read awkward at times or just terribly simplistic.
I wanted to feel for the characters, but they were very stiff. They felt more superficially created than deeply emotional. There were many times I felt the narrative cheated by just brushing over events rather than delving into the emotional upheaval Chris (the main character) should have been feeling. But we're told of his emotional upheaval instead of experiencing it with him. William was barely there, brushed aside quickly as soon as he abruptly tells Chris he is dying within the first few pages. He felt very much dead and buried before I was a quarter of the way into the novella, and I didn't like that feeling.
There was a lot of potential here, but I just don't think it quite reached it. There were many points I had to set my Kindle aside and shake my head or have a long talk with my partner about what I was reading, from the TPE behaviors I didn't buy into to wording to so-so sex to squirrely timing near the end. (In fact, I thought all the actual sex could have probably been removed with how glossed over the scenes read.) The whole thing felt rushed, thrown together, and just... wasn't really a satisfying read.
I have to say, though, that I didn't tab out of the novella thinking I'd wasted my time. I'd not read anything by either author, which was part of why I'd picked this one up, and I may try something longer by them to just see if it was the format that didn't work (though the subject matter seemed forced, so that might have also been part of the problem).
That is not to say I don't recommend the novella, only that I didn't care for it.
I wanted to feel for the characters, but they were very stiff. They felt more superficially created than deeply emotional. There were many times I felt the narrative cheated by just brushing over events rather than delving into the emotional upheaval Chris (the main character) should have been feeling. But we're told of his emotional upheaval instead of experiencing it with him. William was barely there, brushed aside quickly as soon as he abruptly tells Chris he is dying within the first few pages. He felt very much dead and buried before I was a quarter of the way into the novella, and I didn't like that feeling.
There was a lot of potential here, but I just don't think it quite reached it. There were many points I had to set my Kindle aside and shake my head or have a long talk with my partner about what I was reading, from the TPE behaviors I didn't buy into to wording to so-so sex to squirrely timing near the end. (In fact, I thought all the actual sex could have probably been removed with how glossed over the scenes read.) The whole thing felt rushed, thrown together, and just... wasn't really a satisfying read.
I have to say, though, that I didn't tab out of the novella thinking I'd wasted my time. I'd not read anything by either author, which was part of why I'd picked this one up, and I may try something longer by them to just see if it was the format that didn't work (though the subject matter seemed forced, so that might have also been part of the problem).
That is not to say I don't recommend the novella, only that I didn't care for it.
June 8, 2014
This was a nice somewhat sad story of a sub losing his Master and the search to find one. Despite its short length I really felt for Chris as he watched Willam slowly fade away. I also like the trepidation he felt as all these Master came for interviews of sorts to take his Master's place. The one thing that really could have use more fleshing out was Master Bear's character.
Way to many questions that just aren't answered or explained fully. Since it is a short story I tended to gloss over these flaws since I really liked the characters and felt the story everywhere else was well done.
Way to many questions that just aren't answered or explained fully. Since it is a short story I tended to gloss over these flaws since I really liked the characters and felt the story everywhere else was well done.
June 26, 2010
Probably closer to 3.5 stars. Very sweet yet very sad book since it deals with the death of a lover. I'm not quite sure what prompted me to pick up this book. I don't usually get into BDSM books with master/slave relationships, and while I love angst, I don't usually go for depressing situations. Still, I enjoyed the book and it does end with new love, so it's not all sadness.
I couldn't help but feel for Chris as he went through the emotional rollercoaster of having his lover and master die of cancer. The love Chris and William had for each other felt so real. I also liked how the authors developed Chris and Mike's relationship, letting it progress from friendship to love.
I couldn't help but feel for Chris as he went through the emotional rollercoaster of having his lover and master die of cancer. The love Chris and William had for each other felt so real. I also liked how the authors developed Chris and Mike's relationship, letting it progress from friendship to love.
January 11, 2016
It was okay? I liked the general idea, but it felt so shallow in the end. Why was everybody saying that "Master Bear" was so scary? Why was his identity a secret?
I thought William was kind of a douche too, completely ignoring Chris's wishes re: doms. Try to help him find a new one, sure, but seriously considering somebody that Chris doesn't like? Really? :/
And then once it DOES get revealed, there isn't even a scene between Chris and his new dom. Felt like such a wasted opportunity, since we'd already gotten scenes between Chris and all the other doms.
I thought William was kind of a douche too, completely ignoring Chris's wishes re: doms. Try to help him find a new one, sure, but seriously considering somebody that Chris doesn't like? Really? :/
And then once it DOES get revealed, there isn't even a scene between Chris and his new dom. Felt like such a wasted opportunity, since we'd already gotten scenes between Chris and all the other doms.
January 10, 2011
3.5 stars
Very sad story about a Dom dying of cancer and looking for a new Master for his boy. Nicely written and interesting although the ending was easy to figure out early on. The one thing I didn't like was the whole Bear mask thing. It didn't feel believable that he'd be able to keep it on during the hours after William's death while the club was filled with medical and police personnel and then for another couple of weeks. Overall though I enjoyed reading this story.
Very sad story about a Dom dying of cancer and looking for a new Master for his boy. Nicely written and interesting although the ending was easy to figure out early on. The one thing I didn't like was the whole Bear mask thing. It didn't feel believable that he'd be able to keep it on during the hours after William's death while the club was filled with medical and police personnel and then for another couple of weeks. Overall though I enjoyed reading this story.
September 6, 2015
Though there are some issues with certain circumstances in the story I really enjoyed the overall plot. The idea of a Dom trying to find a home for his dependent sub makes sense. I loved how devoted Chris was to William. Mike make for a very interesting character. I'm unsure why the other Doms were warning against Master Bear. The characters were very likable and easy to connect with. Overall, even with the death of Master William, a warm, fuzzy story.
October 17, 2010
This is a really sweet loving story. It is a short read. You have a Master who is dieing of cancer and he is looking for a new Master for his sub. This is the story of that journey. Amazingly it was not a tear jerker. You only felt warm and fuzzy after reading the story. This is another must read.
March 8, 2011
I was okay with this story until it reached the point of actually meeting Master Bear for the first time. But when Chris failed to recognize him, I lost all respect for him as a character and got yanked completely out of the emotional aspects. It never made sense, just like the warnings about Master Bear always felt unjustified.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
January 6, 2011"Short and bittersweet deathstory."
Visit my blog for a full length detailed review of Master Bear and any other BDSM love stories. ~Miranda
Visit my blog for a full length detailed review of Master Bear and any other BDSM love stories. ~Miranda
May 28, 2010
:'( that is all.
December 14, 2010
2.5 stars
March 18, 2011
I didn't expect to be so touched. I really enjoyed this and I may have blubbed like a girl!
May 27, 2010
Ugh, so freaking sad. Now I'm all emo. Good story. Kinda saw the ending coming tho.
October 25, 2011
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews