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The Trap
There’s no escaping the man at the heart of his memories. Three years ago, David and his college roommate, Ethan, were on the brink of unimaginable success, ready to revolutionize an industry and reap billions. Then David accidentally revealed the attraction he’d never wanted to feel, and certainly never meant Ethan to see. Mortified, he ran from everything that mattered—the fledgling company he’d helped to build, the bright future he’d worked to secure, and the man he couldn’t let himself want. Now he’s built a new life for himself. So what if it’s not the one he hoped for? He’s learned to look only forward, and not to envy the success Ethan achieved without him. He’s even learned to cope with the nightmares. The panic attacks. The failed relationships with women. When an opportunity arises to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime getaway to a private island resort, David never suspects a trap is about to be sprung. One where he’ll be forced to face the truths from which he’s been hiding—and the man from whom he’s never stopped running. This book contains erotic waffles, sexual math, blatant ABBA worship, kidnapping, nude napping, dog-napping, journal hijacking, betrayal, redemption, and red-hot man love so poignant and passionate, you won’t know whether to say “awwwwwww” or “oooooohhh!”
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2010
24 people are currently reading
1093 people want to read
About the author
Indigo Wren
12 books56 followersA pseudonym for Alison Insco.
Like most people, Indigo Wren is a dabbler.
Professionally, she plays violin and viola. And she writes. In addition to her own work, she writes, edits, and proofreads dry, technical stuff—mostly for dry, technical corporations that would probably burst into flames from shock if they ever got a glimpse of what their favorite freelancer writes in her “off hours.”
Unprofessionally, Indigo draws, paints, quilts, devours e-books by the gross, composes music, and avoids cooking at all costs (to the limitless gratitude of every unfortunate who has experienced “food” at her hands).
She believes that a compulsion to write is the real price of being a compulsive reader … that coming up with both sides of a conversation is the safest way to experience multiple-personality disorder … and that love has the power to transcend gender, politics religion, age, and even the great Cat/Dog Person Divide.
She is so very grateful to be spending her life with the love of her life, and hopes that all of her readers are lucky enough to be able to say the same.
Like most people, Indigo Wren is a dabbler.
Professionally, she plays violin and viola. And she writes. In addition to her own work, she writes, edits, and proofreads dry, technical stuff—mostly for dry, technical corporations that would probably burst into flames from shock if they ever got a glimpse of what their favorite freelancer writes in her “off hours.”
Unprofessionally, Indigo draws, paints, quilts, devours e-books by the gross, composes music, and avoids cooking at all costs (to the limitless gratitude of every unfortunate who has experienced “food” at her hands).
She believes that a compulsion to write is the real price of being a compulsive reader … that coming up with both sides of a conversation is the safest way to experience multiple-personality disorder … and that love has the power to transcend gender, politics religion, age, and even the great Cat/Dog Person Divide.
She is so very grateful to be spending her life with the love of her life, and hopes that all of her readers are lucky enough to be able to say the same.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews
August 19, 2018
August 2018
There’s still some questionable shit in here along with dubious consent but I still really like it. Such a sad shame we never got anymore works from the author. Still a solid 4 ⭐️ s
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
^^GETTING TRAPPED IS NEVER THIS GOOD!^^
This book was such a joy to read, from the first few pages I was laughing and fell instantly in love with our lead characters. However, the book is far from perfect but it offers a fantastic and fun filled read. Some readers might have a few problems with the content, but I stepped away from that and focused my attention on the author’s wonderful writing style, and the wonderful story of two stubborn men falling in love.
I am just in awe of how the author came up with the plot; it was highly entertaining and original. David is a man who has given up everything, his chance with a billion dollar company, and ever being happy in a relationship with the opposite sex. There is more beneath his façade of normalcy because he hides a secret yearning. A yearning so strong he is willing to hide who he is, and run away from true happiness. He is hurting, afraid, and in denial of who he truly is and what he truly wants. When an opportunity arrives for a little vacation David takes a chance and goes off to an exotic location, maybe finally he will be able to sleep, and escape the nightmares that plague him. It seems the private getaway is more than it appears, and has the very person David has been running from.
All Ethan wants is his best-friend back and to explore the feelings he has for him. Well David has been making it hard; so he devises a plan to bring him to an island and keep him there. ( Yeh I know its kind of like kidnapping) It is for all the right reasons, and his victim is making things very difficult, always the thinker he rather expected that kind of behaviour from David. So mastermind Ethan comes up with a few ground rules, some a bit extreme and others a very sexy. To win his target will not be easy but with no place to run, there is all the time in the world.
As I mentioned before the humour really got to me, about a few pages in I was in stitches. Our third person narrator David is hilarious, sarcastic, a bit of a dumb-ass, and 100% fun. I really enjoyed the emotional places the author went with the book and the boundaries that were pushed, also the balance of earth shattering emotions, and sexy and intimate sex. This book was all kinds of hot, and reminiscent of a D/s relationship that just pushed it to a completely new level, though it contains nothing scary or odd to divert readers.
I enjoyed the easy relationship that Ethan and David shared, though there are intense moments within the book. We experience the friendship that is Ethan and David through the cloud of emotions and that is why I find this book so compelling. I really enjoyed it and I hope other readers will also, a true romance with hot scenes that had my tummy doing flips and that my friends is no easy accomplishment. I look forward to more books by this author because this book was a pleasure to read.
There’s still some questionable shit in here along with dubious consent but I still really like it. Such a sad shame we never got anymore works from the author. Still a solid 4 ⭐️ s
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
^^GETTING TRAPPED IS NEVER THIS GOOD!^^
This book was such a joy to read, from the first few pages I was laughing and fell instantly in love with our lead characters. However, the book is far from perfect but it offers a fantastic and fun filled read. Some readers might have a few problems with the content, but I stepped away from that and focused my attention on the author’s wonderful writing style, and the wonderful story of two stubborn men falling in love.
I am just in awe of how the author came up with the plot; it was highly entertaining and original. David is a man who has given up everything, his chance with a billion dollar company, and ever being happy in a relationship with the opposite sex. There is more beneath his façade of normalcy because he hides a secret yearning. A yearning so strong he is willing to hide who he is, and run away from true happiness. He is hurting, afraid, and in denial of who he truly is and what he truly wants. When an opportunity arrives for a little vacation David takes a chance and goes off to an exotic location, maybe finally he will be able to sleep, and escape the nightmares that plague him. It seems the private getaway is more than it appears, and has the very person David has been running from.
All Ethan wants is his best-friend back and to explore the feelings he has for him. Well David has been making it hard; so he devises a plan to bring him to an island and keep him there. ( Yeh I know its kind of like kidnapping) It is for all the right reasons, and his victim is making things very difficult, always the thinker he rather expected that kind of behaviour from David. So mastermind Ethan comes up with a few ground rules, some a bit extreme and others a very sexy. To win his target will not be easy but with no place to run, there is all the time in the world.
As I mentioned before the humour really got to me, about a few pages in I was in stitches. Our third person narrator David is hilarious, sarcastic, a bit of a dumb-ass, and 100% fun. I really enjoyed the emotional places the author went with the book and the boundaries that were pushed, also the balance of earth shattering emotions, and sexy and intimate sex. This book was all kinds of hot, and reminiscent of a D/s relationship that just pushed it to a completely new level, though it contains nothing scary or odd to divert readers.
I enjoyed the easy relationship that Ethan and David shared, though there are intense moments within the book. We experience the friendship that is Ethan and David through the cloud of emotions and that is why I find this book so compelling. I really enjoyed it and I hope other readers will also, a true romance with hot scenes that had my tummy doing flips and that my friends is no easy accomplishment. I look forward to more books by this author because this book was a pleasure to read.
December 29, 2014
So the best way to win back the love of your life is to set up some sort of scam where he thinks he's getting a real vacation at a nice resort, but really you trap him on your own private island, and try to control and manipulate him into admitting his feelings, and agreeing to let you control him.
Sounds like true love to me.
Kidnapping, sexual assault, false imprisonment, manipulation, coercion, and mental anguish bordering on torture sound like romance to me.
Sounds like true love to me.
Kidnapping, sexual assault, false imprisonment, manipulation, coercion, and mental anguish bordering on torture sound like romance to me.
February 27, 2014
Sexy, compelling story that bears some resemblance to FSoG--super-hot twenty-something billionaire-dom and his much more modest-in-every-way sub/love--but actually feels believable. It helps that Ethan and David like a lot of real-world couples start off as best friends in college. That gives them a strong stake in each others' welfare that would credibly transcend the money/status differences that make FSoG feel like such a crude wish-fulfillment.
Not that wish-fulfillment is absent here, but it's more thoughtful. The "Trap" scenario is a fascinating exploration of why readers like non-con in fantasy. The hero is kidnapped by the person he has secretly desired for years but was too ashamed and scared to pursue, and then forced to get over his inhibitions and fear to experience mind-boggling pleasure. I liked the characters and found their conversations insightful and moving. (And very funny on the topic of David's love of ABBA). My main reservation was with the last quarter of the story. I'll avoid spoilers but I thought David's choices were the kind you see a lot in romance novels and almost never in real life.
Overall, I really enjoyed it, and if I have to have a gorgeous billionaire hero, I'll take Ethan Locke over any of his fictional competitors any day of the week.
Not that wish-fulfillment is absent here, but it's more thoughtful. The "Trap" scenario is a fascinating exploration of why readers like non-con in fantasy. The hero is kidnapped by the person he has secretly desired for years but was too ashamed and scared to pursue, and then forced to get over his inhibitions and fear to experience mind-boggling pleasure. I liked the characters and found their conversations insightful and moving. (And very funny on the topic of David's love of ABBA). My main reservation was with the last quarter of the story. I'll avoid spoilers but I thought David's choices were the kind you see a lot in romance novels and almost never in real life.
Overall, I really enjoyed it, and if I have to have a gorgeous billionaire hero, I'll take Ethan Locke over any of his fictional competitors any day of the week.
October 22, 2010
1 star is far too generous for this noxious creepy tale. I couldn't finish it, and that takes some doing. I usually keep ploughing on in the hope things improve, but with this I just could not bear it any longer.
For someone to kidnap someone in the name of love is just outrageous, and anyone who decided that someone who did that to them was deserving of their love needs help. There is a name for bonding with your captors - Stockholm syndrome I think - and it is a recognised psychiatric condition. Similarly Battered Spouse syndrome. Either of these would seem to fit the bits I could bring myself to read.
For someone to kidnap someone in the name of love is just outrageous, and anyone who decided that someone who did that to them was deserving of their love needs help. There is a name for bonding with your captors - Stockholm syndrome I think - and it is a recognised psychiatric condition. Similarly Battered Spouse syndrome. Either of these would seem to fit the bits I could bring myself to read.
October 18, 2010
I think this is the first book this author has done but I hope she writes many more to come. The Trap takes you on a full emotional rollercoaster. Both characters are well crafted, lovingly infused with humor, emotion, fear, stubbornness, pain, and anger. Their connection is fiery and dynamic. They push and pull at each other, each afraid of being hurt which creates a lot of tension. At times I wanted to slap both men silly as they deserved their pain and other times wanted to cry with happiness that they were finally getting it. This story is incredibly hot but it’s filled with good emotion and a great connection. You really do end up rooting for the men at the end.
The story is a very clever set up. Best friends and roommates are about to start their new IT company together when an unintended evening has disastrous consequences. Now three years later David has had nothing to do with the company or Ethan since he ran out on both. Ethan’s decided David needs to stop running and sets up an elaborate scheme to bring David to an island where there is no one but Ethan. He’s determined to get David to be honest about his submissive needs, but more so to be honest about his feelings for Ethan.
David is the third person narrator of the story and thus we experience the entire ride through his eyes. And what a ride that is. David is a complicated character, filled with needs, desires, and incredible fear. He ran out on Ethan years ago before he could experience the rejection he was sure would happen and now David is even more determined to save his heart. Ethan is equally determined to break those walls and their chemistry is explosive. Ethan devises a trap where David has to submit to Ethan’s will in order to get anything – food, shelter, medical help – and this dynamic makes for an interesting story.
Ethan is an egomaniac but he has the best intentions and David is far from a weakling. He doesn’t give in right away but once he does, he doesn’t repeatedly rebel but he uses snark and humor to get his point across. That’s his way of protecting his heart and the dialogue is witty and very fun to read. Their back and forth banter combined with incredibly hot sex scenes makes for a story you sink into and don’t want to put down. There is a dominance and submission element but it’s very mild and nothing that should bother any readers. This is likely to always be an element in their sex life but it was also a way for Ethan to get David to be honest and stop hiding.
There are some typical moments in the story such as lying for the good of the other person, which made me want to strangle both men. Then their pining for each other without actually wanting to –do- anything about it, which made me think they deserved their pain. But this just solidifies and actually makes their final resolution together surprisingly affective and emotional. I do wish the story hadn’t trotted out the obvious lies and manipulations to prolong the tension but since the assistant is a good addition, I didn’t mind.
I think this is going to be a big hit with romance fans. The characters are well crafted and great to read with an easy writing style which has the pages turning quickly. The humorous dialogue and well used wit produce some laugh out loud moments and all of this helps get over any frustration with stubborn men. If you’re looking for something incredibly hot with solid emotion and a great happy ending, check this out.
The story is a very clever set up. Best friends and roommates are about to start their new IT company together when an unintended evening has disastrous consequences. Now three years later David has had nothing to do with the company or Ethan since he ran out on both. Ethan’s decided David needs to stop running and sets up an elaborate scheme to bring David to an island where there is no one but Ethan. He’s determined to get David to be honest about his submissive needs, but more so to be honest about his feelings for Ethan.
David is the third person narrator of the story and thus we experience the entire ride through his eyes. And what a ride that is. David is a complicated character, filled with needs, desires, and incredible fear. He ran out on Ethan years ago before he could experience the rejection he was sure would happen and now David is even more determined to save his heart. Ethan is equally determined to break those walls and their chemistry is explosive. Ethan devises a trap where David has to submit to Ethan’s will in order to get anything – food, shelter, medical help – and this dynamic makes for an interesting story.
Ethan is an egomaniac but he has the best intentions and David is far from a weakling. He doesn’t give in right away but once he does, he doesn’t repeatedly rebel but he uses snark and humor to get his point across. That’s his way of protecting his heart and the dialogue is witty and very fun to read. Their back and forth banter combined with incredibly hot sex scenes makes for a story you sink into and don’t want to put down. There is a dominance and submission element but it’s very mild and nothing that should bother any readers. This is likely to always be an element in their sex life but it was also a way for Ethan to get David to be honest and stop hiding.
There are some typical moments in the story such as lying for the good of the other person, which made me want to strangle both men. Then their pining for each other without actually wanting to –do- anything about it, which made me think they deserved their pain. But this just solidifies and actually makes their final resolution together surprisingly affective and emotional. I do wish the story hadn’t trotted out the obvious lies and manipulations to prolong the tension but since the assistant is a good addition, I didn’t mind.
I think this is going to be a big hit with romance fans. The characters are well crafted and great to read with an easy writing style which has the pages turning quickly. The humorous dialogue and well used wit produce some laugh out loud moments and all of this helps get over any frustration with stubborn men. If you’re looking for something incredibly hot with solid emotion and a great happy ending, check this out.
August 2, 2011
So...I read this only because I was challenged by Finn Marlowe, and to be perfectly honest I wasn't expecting to like it at all. Actually I don't really know what I was expecting, but this wasn't it. I think the only part I was bothered by was that none of it really bothered me at all. I actully liked Ethan more than David for the first half of the book. Don't ask me why, because I'm not going to say. Most people probably won't agree. But, by the end, I had connected with them both. I'm glad they were finally able to open up and be honest with and trust each other. I absolutely loved the ending!!
I don't think this book is for everyone. I know people who loved it, hated it, or were deeply disturbed by it. So if you are really curious, I suggest you read other reviews and read the sample before buying. Or just come to it with an open mind.
**This book had one of the longest sex scenes I have ever read!!!
I don't think this book is for everyone. I know people who loved it, hated it, or were deeply disturbed by it. So if you are really curious, I suggest you read other reviews and read the sample before buying. Or just come to it with an open mind.
**This book had one of the longest sex scenes I have ever read!!!
October 30, 2013
4.5 Stars
The Trap is a really excellent first effort from Ms. Wren. I'm actually discomfited by the fact that it's her only effort to date. I'd certainly read more from her. Overall, I felt the writing was strong. I was emotionally invested in both Ethan & David. There are some technical business aspects which may be a bit dry for some readers but I would definitely read this again.
The conversations between Ethan & David felt organic & authentic. David's reaction to being essentially kidnapped felt genuine & realistic. Both Ethan & David are witty & likable. I was quickly engrossed in their story & how exactly they would traverse all the obstacles of their troubled past & present for that matter.
Though I must confess I have an affinity for decoding behaviors-putting the pieces of the puzzle together to figure out what drives the behavior. In that respect, David was fascinating to me. He's erected a defense system that's so intricate that he's literally trapped inside his own anxiety suffused world. He's prickly, closed off, an empty shell. Some of the things that come out of his mouth are vile, cruel even but it's so clear that it's all defense mechanisms that he's constructed to protect himself from… life. He's trapped himself in an ennui over the past 3 yrs until one day he receives an improbable offer for a 5 Star vacation on an exotic resort/spa isle that no one in their right mind would refuse.
After waiting 3 yrs Ethan has carefully & systematically laid his trap. Ethan sensed submissive tendencies in David but winning his trust, breaking through all his defenses is the crux of the problem; so, he's trapped them on this isle alone together to force David to face his fears. He asks for 3 days. 3 days to convince David he can trust Ethan more than anyone else. 3 days to stop running. 3 days to surrender, to let go, to escape from his own tormented mind.
The Trap emphasizes how essential honesty & open communication are to a D/s relationship all of which is underscored by the situation they find themselves in. Granted Ethan did create the situation but he's not a sociopath despite David's accusations.
What made it even more compelling for me is not only is this David's first foray into BDSM but it's also his first same sex relationship made even more endearing by the fact that both Ethan & David have longed for each other for so long. The Trap was affecting & romantic, maybe a little sappy towards the end but what can I say? I like a little sap now & then.
The Trap is a really excellent first effort from Ms. Wren. I'm actually discomfited by the fact that it's her only effort to date. I'd certainly read more from her. Overall, I felt the writing was strong. I was emotionally invested in both Ethan & David. There are some technical business aspects which may be a bit dry for some readers but I would definitely read this again.
The conversations between Ethan & David felt organic & authentic. David's reaction to being essentially kidnapped felt genuine & realistic. Both Ethan & David are witty & likable. I was quickly engrossed in their story & how exactly they would traverse all the obstacles of their troubled past & present for that matter.
Though I must confess I have an affinity for decoding behaviors-putting the pieces of the puzzle together to figure out what drives the behavior. In that respect, David was fascinating to me. He's erected a defense system that's so intricate that he's literally trapped inside his own anxiety suffused world. He's prickly, closed off, an empty shell. Some of the things that come out of his mouth are vile, cruel even but it's so clear that it's all defense mechanisms that he's constructed to protect himself from… life. He's trapped himself in an ennui over the past 3 yrs until one day he receives an improbable offer for a 5 Star vacation on an exotic resort/spa isle that no one in their right mind would refuse.
After waiting 3 yrs Ethan has carefully & systematically laid his trap. Ethan sensed submissive tendencies in David but winning his trust, breaking through all his defenses is the crux of the problem; so, he's trapped them on this isle alone together to force David to face his fears. He asks for 3 days. 3 days to convince David he can trust Ethan more than anyone else. 3 days to stop running. 3 days to surrender, to let go, to escape from his own tormented mind.
“I want to touch you in ways—in places—you’ve never been touched. I want you to give yourself to me and to surrender to whatever I might decide to do. I want you to trust that I will give you exactly what you need.”
The Trap emphasizes how essential honesty & open communication are to a D/s relationship all of which is underscored by the situation they find themselves in. Granted Ethan did create the situation but he's not a sociopath despite David's accusations.
“I want it, too, David. I want you to be ready. But I can’t let you consent just by failing to push me away. I won’t deserve your trust if I let you lie to yourself, or to me.”…
“You have to give me control. Explicitly. I won’t take it until you do.”
What made it even more compelling for me is not only is this David's first foray into BDSM but it's also his first same sex relationship made even more endearing by the fact that both Ethan & David have longed for each other for so long. The Trap was affecting & romantic, maybe a little sappy towards the end but what can I say? I like a little sap now & then.
May 2, 2013
Ok, so I read this book in my pre-GR days, but it's still a favourite. It does require a certain suspension of disbelief in order to get the whole thing rolling though: a rich guy basically arranges to have his old college best mate stranded on a luxurious island with him, and coerces him into sex. But it's also more than that, promise.
There are some elements of dub con here, in that David is totally reliant on Ethan in this situation, and Ethan is pushing him way faster than he wants to go. Although, if Ethan didn't push...no story.
The sex scenes in this book are absolutely mind-blowing. Just fucking awesome, because they are filled with so much emotion -- and no, not the lovey-dovey kind. David's fear is palpable. Ethan's pushiness and his patience sometimes fall out of balance. He's not as in control as he pretends, and David realises that. And sometimes you hate Ethan for pushing David, and sometimes you want Ethan to push harder.
But the hottest scene in this, for me, wasn't even one of the sex scenes. It was when Ethan is hand feeding David. Holy. Hell. And, given that I read this book ages ago and it still stands out in my mind, that's saying something.
And also... when David cuts his hand and Ethan treats it. So much subtext going on there that my brain almost exploded with delight.
Love this book.
There are some elements of dub con here, in that David is totally reliant on Ethan in this situation, and Ethan is pushing him way faster than he wants to go. Although, if Ethan didn't push...no story.
The sex scenes in this book are absolutely mind-blowing. Just fucking awesome, because they are filled with so much emotion -- and no, not the lovey-dovey kind. David's fear is palpable. Ethan's pushiness and his patience sometimes fall out of balance. He's not as in control as he pretends, and David realises that. And sometimes you hate Ethan for pushing David, and sometimes you want Ethan to push harder.
But the hottest scene in this, for me, wasn't even one of the sex scenes. It was when Ethan is hand feeding David. Holy. Hell. And, given that I read this book ages ago and it still stands out in my mind, that's saying something.
And also... when David cuts his hand and Ethan treats it. So much subtext going on there that my brain almost exploded with delight.
Love this book.
August 19, 2011
I was really disappointed with this book.
Dave and Ethan were college roommates and when Dave accidentally reveals he's attracted to Ethan he freaks out and runs. Three years later Ethan tricks him into coming to his private island and trapping him there and controlling every aspect of his freedom, including access to food. Dave has always thought of himself as being straight, and knows that Ethan also is straight, and so has denied his love for Ethan.
Ethan takes it upon himself to prove to Dave that Dave wants sex with him. Basically, the books is several days of Ethan forcing Dave to accept a part of himself he doesn't want to deal with. Especially since he believes Ethan is doing this out of revenge.
The book was one long "date" rape. It was all about "your lips say no, but your body says yes". I felt so sorry for Dave. There was a HEA, but it was kind of cut and dried, no discussion, months of silence, one finally gives in and contacts the other and that's it, everything's fine.
Dave and Ethan were college roommates and when Dave accidentally reveals he's attracted to Ethan he freaks out and runs. Three years later Ethan tricks him into coming to his private island and trapping him there and controlling every aspect of his freedom, including access to food. Dave has always thought of himself as being straight, and knows that Ethan also is straight, and so has denied his love for Ethan.
Ethan takes it upon himself to prove to Dave that Dave wants sex with him. Basically, the books is several days of Ethan forcing Dave to accept a part of himself he doesn't want to deal with. Especially since he believes Ethan is doing this out of revenge.
The book was one long "date" rape. It was all about "your lips say no, but your body says yes". I felt so sorry for Dave. There was a HEA, but it was kind of cut and dried, no discussion, months of silence, one finally gives in and contacts the other and that's it, everything's fine.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2012
I wanted not to like it and I was sure I wouldn't, because:
a - Ethan, the abductor, seemed so cold and total jerk, a billionaire with king-of-the-world delusions;
b - David, the abductee, seemed a scared rabbit of indefinite color, whom I couldn't connect with and whom I found un-engaging.
My not liking the characters didn't change much by the end, but I couldn't put the book down. I only did it for two days because I fell sick, but while I was fighting the nasty bug, my mind was trying to devise a lot of a-la-Trap plots. I think it was proved somewhere that thoughts of sex lowers pain, and if it wasn't proved, I volunteer for the experiment.
When there is a billionaire as lead character, breaking all the laws of countries and propriety, forcing himself on the almost willing other lead character, I think you can't deny there's some bodice-ripping going on (is there a term for m/m romance? trousers-ripper?). Since I'd like to be abducted by a hot billionaire, or by an alien with interesting body parts, the story worked for me. It worked because there are moments when it's unbearably erotic, where the attention is focused on details and sensations, tastes, touches that gave me shudders in a good way. And a brilliant idea. There were also moments that made me roll my eyes, but honestly, I am rarely surprised lately, and why is there only one book by this author? I'd like to read more from her.
Even if there is a dominance/submission dinamics in the book, I didn't want to shelve it as bdsm. It's one of those unshelvable books for which nothing really fits. It's a sort of bold fantasy, where for fantasy I mean "a series of pleasing mental images, usually serving to fulfil a need not gratified in reality". Read at your own peril!
a - Ethan, the abductor, seemed so cold and total jerk, a billionaire with king-of-the-world delusions;
b - David, the abductee, seemed a scared rabbit of indefinite color, whom I couldn't connect with and whom I found un-engaging.
My not liking the characters didn't change much by the end, but I couldn't put the book down. I only did it for two days because I fell sick, but while I was fighting the nasty bug, my mind was trying to devise a lot of a-la-Trap plots. I think it was proved somewhere that thoughts of sex lowers pain, and if it wasn't proved, I volunteer for the experiment.
When there is a billionaire as lead character, breaking all the laws of countries and propriety, forcing himself on the almost willing other lead character, I think you can't deny there's some bodice-ripping going on (is there a term for m/m romance? trousers-ripper?). Since I'd like to be abducted by a hot billionaire, or by an alien with interesting body parts, the story worked for me. It worked because there are moments when it's unbearably erotic, where the attention is focused on details and sensations, tastes, touches that gave me shudders in a good way. And a brilliant idea. There were also moments that made me roll my eyes, but honestly, I am rarely surprised lately, and why is there only one book by this author? I'd like to read more from her.
Even if there is a dominance/submission dinamics in the book, I didn't want to shelve it as bdsm. It's one of those unshelvable books for which nothing really fits. It's a sort of bold fantasy, where for fantasy I mean "a series of pleasing mental images, usually serving to fulfil a need not gratified in reality". Read at your own peril!
August 2, 2011
I almost didn't read this after reading reviews and comments by other readers. I am so glad I went ahead and read it.
For the most part I am not a fan of D/s reads, and perhaps the publisher should have mentioned that aspect of the book in the blurb. In my opinion, this book didn't focus on that. The book was more about the two characters years of emotional commitment and longing. I didn't see the "kidnapping" the way some of the other readers did- it was not a true kidnapping, more of a coercion/intervention. There was certainly no non-con.
If you are on the fence about reading this one, I urge you to read it. I could not put it down. The relationship is special and touching. Don't get focused on one or two passages that some reviewers have quoted. Most books have passages that you roll your eyes at and this one is no different.
For the most part I am not a fan of D/s reads, and perhaps the publisher should have mentioned that aspect of the book in the blurb. In my opinion, this book didn't focus on that. The book was more about the two characters years of emotional commitment and longing. I didn't see the "kidnapping" the way some of the other readers did- it was not a true kidnapping, more of a coercion/intervention. There was certainly no non-con.
If you are on the fence about reading this one, I urge you to read it. I could not put it down. The relationship is special and touching. Don't get focused on one or two passages that some reviewers have quoted. Most books have passages that you roll your eyes at and this one is no different.
August 3, 2011
In many ways I loved this book, The emotions were so vivid, the sex hot and intimate, and the idea unique. I could just never quite let go of the feeling that it was a little too intense. I really needed David to have some painful past experience, some history of rejection or abuse, that would give his deep anxieties and powerful reactions a rational basis. It was so, so good and yet I wanted to smack these two guys and say it's not that big a deal; you shouldn't need this kind of time and effort to get over it. It might have been more clicheed with an abusive past, but it would have given a foundation for all that pain. Still, if deep angst is a favorite of yours, by all means read this one.
September 5, 2012
This was a strange book for me. I really didn't care much for the characters but at the same time, I couldn't put the book down. It had my attention throughout.
Ethan, is a bossy, arrogant, over-bearing SOB and David is basically a weak push-over who's afraid to face his feelings and his past. I didn't have a problem with the "kidnapping". It's clearly wrong and I'm not condoning what Ethan did, but it's not what turned me off from the book. It was the way Ethan spoke to David and treated him that rubbed me the wrong way. Half the time Ethan treated David like a child while David just fell into role. It annoyed the hell out of me. The other half of the time wasn't so bad. There was a lot of the funny dialogue. Ethan with his sexual innuendos and David with the sarcastic insults. It was amusing.
I also didn't buy the D/s elements.
What I did believe was the sexual tension between the two men. I won't be forgetting their first breakfast together anytime soon. The author definitely could build up the tension.
I liked the author's attention to detail as well, the resort, the beach, the sounds, it all came to together to form a vivid picture in my mind.
So basically, this was as ok book that had many memorable parts, both good and bad.
August 21, 2011
Oh stop! This was such a ridiculous story, with such ridiculous characters in the most ridiculous situation. I couldn't believe people even took this seriously enough to worry about David's rights...please. What's not ridiculous is just plain silly. What makes this so annoying is that Indigo Wren has real talent. Skip this one and wait for another one because this is just ridiculous.
October 12, 2011
3.5 stars. This book was recommended by Fiona. I see why she shelved it with her "Pants-rippers" (her M/M version of bodice-rippers) because a lot of this book had a recurring theme of "no means yes". Ethan and David were roommates in college and they came up with the idea for a brilliant internet business. On the eve of their meeting with potential investors, David sees Ethan naked in the shower and becomes aroused while watching. When Ethan catches David "taking care of" his arousal, rather than talking through the events, David runs away, signs over all the rights to the company, and disappears. Ethan drives the company solo and it becomes a huge financial success, worth 2B dollars. Three years later David is taking a vacation on an island paradise and discovers the location of the vacation he paid for is actually a private island owned by none other than his friend and ex-business partner, Ethan.
I kind of liked this book and was simultaneously irritated by it. The fact that Ethan devised this "trap" to lure David to him and finally hash out whatever is between them is either extremely romantic or beyond stalker-ish. And I never could quite decide how I felt about it. David begs to go home, lashes out violently, cries, does almost everything that a "victim" would do, but because Ethan knows him better than himself, Ethan will not take no for an answer. Ethan even withholds food and ties David up. I think that if the book wasn't from David's POV, and you could actually hear him talking to himself with a voice that kept telling him to give in to Ethan and give into his attraction, then it would definitely jump into the creepy and violent realm for me. It was a veeeeery fine line.
I also didn't like David's character. He was basically weak all over. He was weak enough to give up his friendship and his dreams of their partnership 3 years ago. Even if he thought the romance was one-sided, he should've stayed to discuss it instead of running and never looking back. His personality on the island was also annoying. To me it was obvious that Ethan reciprocated his feelings and went through all that trouble to get him out there. Instead of talking it out, he immediately runs away and tries to live on the island for a day without food and water. Stubborn, stubborn man. All the fighting and inner turmoil just seemed a little overdone. You just wanted to give David a shake or a backhanded slap and tell him to get with the program already.
What did I like? I liked Ethan a lot. Yes, I know, he's the pants-ripper who can't take no for an answer. But I am a victim of Stockholm Syndrome by proxy. I liked the banter between the two men, and the glimpses of the lost friendship you could see in that banter.
"May I trust that you slept well?"
"You may trust that I slept the sleep of the deeply, chemically unconscious," snapped David. "And that I dreamt the restful dreams of the soon-to-be-pressing-criminal charges."
I liked the sex. The sex was hot. That takes me back to my first point. I liked Ethan a lot. Ethan too was very hot. *fans self*
I liked this book cover. Again, going back to points one and two. Ethan = hot.
David couldn't stop staring. Ethan wasn't bulky anywhere, just...tight. Tight everywhere. He looked like a Michelangelo statue come to life.
Big deal. Anyone with a billion dollars could look that good. He probably bench presses stacks of money all day long.
At the end of the day, I did want them to get together. For Ethan's sake. I wanted my man Ethan to be happy.
I kind of liked this book and was simultaneously irritated by it. The fact that Ethan devised this "trap" to lure David to him and finally hash out whatever is between them is either extremely romantic or beyond stalker-ish. And I never could quite decide how I felt about it. David begs to go home, lashes out violently, cries, does almost everything that a "victim" would do, but because Ethan knows him better than himself, Ethan will not take no for an answer. Ethan even withholds food and ties David up. I think that if the book wasn't from David's POV, and you could actually hear him talking to himself with a voice that kept telling him to give in to Ethan and give into his attraction, then it would definitely jump into the creepy and violent realm for me. It was a veeeeery fine line.
I also didn't like David's character. He was basically weak all over. He was weak enough to give up his friendship and his dreams of their partnership 3 years ago. Even if he thought the romance was one-sided, he should've stayed to discuss it instead of running and never looking back. His personality on the island was also annoying. To me it was obvious that Ethan reciprocated his feelings and went through all that trouble to get him out there. Instead of talking it out, he immediately runs away and tries to live on the island for a day without food and water. Stubborn, stubborn man. All the fighting and inner turmoil just seemed a little overdone. You just wanted to give David a shake or a backhanded slap and tell him to get with the program already.
What did I like? I liked Ethan a lot. Yes, I know, he's the pants-ripper who can't take no for an answer. But I am a victim of Stockholm Syndrome by proxy. I liked the banter between the two men, and the glimpses of the lost friendship you could see in that banter.
"May I trust that you slept well?"
"You may trust that I slept the sleep of the deeply, chemically unconscious," snapped David. "And that I dreamt the restful dreams of the soon-to-be-pressing-criminal charges."
I liked the sex. The sex was hot. That takes me back to my first point. I liked Ethan a lot. Ethan too was very hot. *fans self*
I liked this book cover. Again, going back to points one and two. Ethan = hot.
David couldn't stop staring. Ethan wasn't bulky anywhere, just...tight. Tight everywhere. He looked like a Michelangelo statue come to life.
Big deal. Anyone with a billion dollars could look that good. He probably bench presses stacks of money all day long.
At the end of the day, I did want them to get together. For Ethan's sake. I wanted my man Ethan to be happy.
September 24, 2015
This was -IMO- an effing brilliant book! The premise was maybe a wee bit crazy, but Indigo Wren wrote a book I could not put down! The character development, the language, the angst, the smex it was beautifully balanced, and I freaking loved it!
December 26, 2010
I enjoyed this book. I'm giving it 4.5 stars which will round up to 5.
The deduction is mainly because of the money angle. By making them so rich, the whole scenario lost a lot of its relevance/believability for me. Perhaps the whole scenario is unbelievable anyway, but, hey, it's a story, most m/m romances don't bear much semblance to real life.
I thought that it was extremely well written, especially for a first book. Given the author's background as an editor, that probably explains the excellent craft.
One of the main themes of the book is the concept of Domination and submission. Does one person have the ability or the right to impose their will on another person? The argument is that they do if the other person is in denial and running away from facing the truth.
This seems to be one aspect that is creeping some reviewers out. But in a way any D/s relationship has this element in it. Maybe the sub may be more willing to start with, but they still have to be taken out of their comfort zone for the whole angle to work.
Unlike some reviewers, I liked the explanation of the psychological aspects of the D/s relationship. I felt that matched the scenario. It wasn't just about the hot sex and the physical attraction, there had to be a degree of rationalisation and explanation accompanying it.
It's interesting the way reviewers found the first part of the book, hard because Ethan creeped them out and he didn't care about David being outside in the rain.
A lot of this stems from the fact it's totally told from David's POV, so we have only body language to go by and what we sense Ethan feels. I got the feeling from the start that Ethan would have been hurting just as much as David both physically and emotionally.
The clues are there, but perhaps the current prevalence of dual POV has made some readers unable to use their imagination, read the clues to see inside the other character's head. Personally I prefer the single POV as that's life.....
The deduction is mainly because of the money angle. By making them so rich, the whole scenario lost a lot of its relevance/believability for me. Perhaps the whole scenario is unbelievable anyway, but, hey, it's a story, most m/m romances don't bear much semblance to real life.
I thought that it was extremely well written, especially for a first book. Given the author's background as an editor, that probably explains the excellent craft.
One of the main themes of the book is the concept of Domination and submission. Does one person have the ability or the right to impose their will on another person? The argument is that they do if the other person is in denial and running away from facing the truth.
This seems to be one aspect that is creeping some reviewers out. But in a way any D/s relationship has this element in it. Maybe the sub may be more willing to start with, but they still have to be taken out of their comfort zone for the whole angle to work.
“I’m serious. I’m talking about complete submission in any sort of sexually charged situation. Psychological, emotional, or physical. Agreeing to this bargain would mean doing whatever I ask of you, without question or hesitation. Even if it’s something that makes you feel uncomfortable or afraid. It would mean trusting that I will not ask you to do something that will hurt you, and giving yourself over to me.”Maybe I was in the mood to read it at the time. Perhaps plotwise the resolution came a little too pat through the actions of a third party and maybe I would have got there by a different route, but then it would have been my book, not the author's.
Unlike some reviewers, I liked the explanation of the psychological aspects of the D/s relationship. I felt that matched the scenario. It wasn't just about the hot sex and the physical attraction, there had to be a degree of rationalisation and explanation accompanying it.
It's interesting the way reviewers found the first part of the book, hard because Ethan creeped them out and he didn't care about David being outside in the rain.
A lot of this stems from the fact it's totally told from David's POV, so we have only body language to go by and what we sense Ethan feels. I got the feeling from the start that Ethan would have been hurting just as much as David both physically and emotionally.
The clues are there, but perhaps the current prevalence of dual POV has made some readers unable to use their imagination, read the clues to see inside the other character's head. Personally I prefer the single POV as that's life.....
May 3, 2014
02.08.2012: Just reread it and I must say, I don't know anymore what had me so in the clouds during the first read - through. It's still well-written, and it's still gripping, but the things Ethan does to David now had me wince more than once.
Is it unlawful detention/ violation/ rape when it's presumably done out of love and care? Is it seduction if the other party involved doesn't have the choice - is denied the choice to reject it? I'm torn.
Original review:
The premise seems a bit strange in the beginning,but as we get to know Ethan better over the course of the story, it becomes clear that this is exactly like him, this is exactly what he'd do. Once we've gotten past the initial disbelief, we're rewarded with a fantastic tale featuring a love that's so deep and passionate it will overcome each and any obstacle, even if the obstacle is the subject of desire himself.
This could have been tacky, but David's slightly ironic, honest voice and the sarcastic banter between him and Ethan made it far from it. Ethan could have been a creepy stalker, but he was portrayed so masterful, even though we only see him through David's eyes, that his motives came across clearly as what they were, honest, ruthless love. A masterful tale that had me glued to it even at times when I really should have done other things, a wonderful love story.
Is it unlawful detention/ violation/ rape when it's presumably done out of love and care? Is it seduction if the other party involved doesn't have the choice - is denied the choice to reject it? I'm torn.
Original review:
The premise seems a bit strange in the beginning,but as we get to know Ethan better over the course of the story, it becomes clear that this is exactly like him, this is exactly what he'd do. Once we've gotten past the initial disbelief, we're rewarded with a fantastic tale featuring a love that's so deep and passionate it will overcome each and any obstacle, even if the obstacle is the subject of desire himself.
This could have been tacky, but David's slightly ironic, honest voice and the sarcastic banter between him and Ethan made it far from it. Ethan could have been a creepy stalker, but he was portrayed so masterful, even though we only see him through David's eyes, that his motives came across clearly as what they were, honest, ruthless love. A masterful tale that had me glued to it even at times when I really should have done other things, a wonderful love story.
November 18, 2014
2.75 stars, rounded up.
I had the strong sense of deja-vu since the beginning of the book..the whole gray zone of dub-con, the stalking and abduction, and "I-know-you-want-it-even-if-you-say-no" - all the makings of a 90-s Harlequin romance.
What saved this from being totally cliché was the friendship the heroes shared. I loved their bickering, the camaraderie - all the times Ethan shed off his creepy alter-persona and just had fun. Sadly, those moments were few and between. The book focused heavily on the sexual relationship between the two, while I was more interested in their lives outside the island. Like how did David manage to start his own company? Why did Ethan wait for three years before he went after David? It all adds to the generally hard-to-buy, fairytal-ish atmosphere of the book. I wanted it all to make sense - but it just didn't. David's idiocy was an especially bitter pill to swallow. To be so poor - and just give up on your dreams like that? Wasn't he supposed to be smart? Ugh.
The ending was rushed and wrapped up too quickly. An epilogue would be a nice touch.
On the plus side, the writing is really good.
I had the strong sense of deja-vu since the beginning of the book..the whole gray zone of dub-con, the stalking and abduction, and "I-know-you-want-it-even-if-you-say-no" - all the makings of a 90-s Harlequin romance.
What saved this from being totally cliché was the friendship the heroes shared. I loved their bickering, the camaraderie - all the times Ethan shed off his creepy alter-persona and just had fun. Sadly, those moments were few and between. The book focused heavily on the sexual relationship between the two, while I was more interested in their lives outside the island. Like how did David manage to start his own company? Why did Ethan wait for three years before he went after David? It all adds to the generally hard-to-buy, fairytal-ish atmosphere of the book. I wanted it all to make sense - but it just didn't. David's idiocy was an especially bitter pill to swallow. To be so poor - and just give up on your dreams like that? Wasn't he supposed to be smart? Ugh.
The ending was rushed and wrapped up too quickly. An epilogue would be a nice touch.
On the plus side, the writing is really good.
April 12, 2011
Where would they be without the first-aid manual?
July 31, 2011
Barely 2 stars.
This story was just not my cup of tea. I have never been so irritated at two main characters in a long time. Ethan was smug, arrogant and annoying in this opinions - he was convinced he knew best.
All he had to do is say - I love you Davo and Im gonna prove to you that you love me back.
I will admit to a bit of page skipping - I got to page 50 and I was just soooo annoyed so i skipped 20 pages and guess what - they were still bitching at each other, so I skipped another 20 pages...yep you guessed it - they were still annoying.
Im not saying that this book is badly written I am just saying that I do not like the theme of this book where one main character is soooo clearly 'the boss'.
The last 30 pages were ok though
This story was just not my cup of tea. I have never been so irritated at two main characters in a long time. Ethan was smug, arrogant and annoying in this opinions - he was convinced he knew best.
All he had to do is say - I love you Davo and Im gonna prove to you that you love me back.
I will admit to a bit of page skipping - I got to page 50 and I was just soooo annoyed so i skipped 20 pages and guess what - they were still bitching at each other, so I skipped another 20 pages...yep you guessed it - they were still annoying.
Im not saying that this book is badly written I am just saying that I do not like the theme of this book where one main character is soooo clearly 'the boss'.
The last 30 pages were ok though
June 4, 2016
An excellent easy reader, best described as warm fuzzy angst! A beautifully written debut novel from Indigo Wren. Enjoyed David's inner voice, this guy has the biggest inferiority complex going. And just loved Ethan, the hot manipulative billionaire.
David Holmes goes on holiday to a luxury island resort to find that it is owned by his ex college room-mate and business partner Ethan Locke. David ran away from Ethan after an embarrassing incident in a hotel room three years ago. Ethan has lure David to the island to seduce him back against his will.
'David reached his free hand up to David's face and laid fingers along the strong jaw, the delicate ear. "Nothing's fair in love and war. Or else everything is."'
David Holmes goes on holiday to a luxury island resort to find that it is owned by his ex college room-mate and business partner Ethan Locke. David ran away from Ethan after an embarrassing incident in a hotel room three years ago. Ethan has lure David to the island to seduce him back against his will.
'David reached his free hand up to David's face and laid fingers along the strong jaw, the delicate ear. "Nothing's fair in love and war. Or else everything is."'
August 3, 2014
Refreshingly entertaining and titillating war of the minds highlighting desperate and aggressive measures some will go to for confrontation of what some refuse to face.
Erotically charged-suspense and sweetly tender moments..of provocative maneuvers of the heart and mind.
------------------
“Enough. Let yourself come, baby. Shoot off for me now. Come into my hand.”
And he cocked a buried finger against that sensitive gland.
Holy mother of God. David jerked violently in response..That’s going to take years off my life.
Erotically charged-suspense and sweetly tender moments..of provocative maneuvers of the heart and mind.
------------------
“Enough. Let yourself come, baby. Shoot off for me now. Come into my hand.”
And he cocked a buried finger against that sensitive gland.
Holy mother of God. David jerked violently in response..That’s going to take years off my life.
October 25, 2010
4.5 stars, but I rounded up. :) Very good m/m romance about two college roommates, best friends, who planned to start a technology company together... until one of them basically flees into the night without a word. And that's all I'm going to say about it, because part of what really drew me into this story was having events unfold for me, without really knowing what was going to happen.
December 21, 2010
4 1/2 starts. A truly sexy, lovely romance about two friends turned lovers. The guys are both so damned stubborn their path to love isn't easy. I loved this and will probably read it many more times.
February 21, 2016
I have read enough. I would really have appreciated a content warning on d/s and non-consensual sex. I don't care how pretty the island is or how rich Ethan is or how secretly gay David might be. No means no and that's it.
March 4, 2014
Wow, sooooo good. And so hot. And the feeelz. This book is what Fifty Shades wishes it could be. *Raving review to come*
(Waffling between 4 and 5 stars, but giving it the fiver, because, considering all the crap I've read, this deserves it.)
(Waffling between 4 and 5 stars, but giving it the fiver, because, considering all the crap I've read, this deserves it.)
December 27, 2024
~*~*~Though this is the first time I've written any review of sorts and definitely the first time I've put it out there, let me clarify that this isn’t a traditional review as much as it is a collection of thoughts and impressions the book has left me with; compelling me to post it here for posterity.~*~*~
WOW … just … wow!!!
This book (a beautiful ‘Gay-For-You’), is absolutely riveting … so beautiful, so multi-dimensional. It introduces: gut-wrenching turmoil; self-inflicted punishment; the staying power of loss; the euphoria of inner peace and forgiveness; combustible mutual attraction; raw unadulterated passion; seduction as sweet as it is scintillating; soul deep friendship, and of course … love - pure, deep, true, irrevocable, everlasting.
Experiencing these two finally coming together drives home an exquisite fact … love can truly heal the most fractured of souls. As the main characters deliver themselves into the clutches of a supernova, all the reader can do is sigh and say … “finally”. While I didn’t want this book to come to an end [please let there be a sequel to this], I step away from it with a feeling of satisfaction and contentment.
Indigo Wren (the author) has an intimate understanding of her craft and wields it with unerring precision. The language; the imagery; the HUMOR [in generous doses, acting as a reprieve and counterbalance to the serious issues addressed here]; the depth and profound insight - she introduces you to two main characters: Ethan and David (both deeply flawed) whom you cannot help but to fall in love with and root for. This is a must read!!! It's very rare for me to be so adamant ... and yet, I am.
And still: My gripe with this book is that it ended quite abruptly, without any hint of the leisure and resolve the reader experiences throughout the book. Perhaps the impression of a "rushed ending" is more an indication of potential sequels in this book's future. Regardless, all (or most) great books have their arguable flaws and I am willing to accept this one.
[Image will be pasted shortly ... ]
::: There were so many beautiful parts to this book and the best way to quote them all would be to (highly) suggest you read the book [see what I did there ;)?]. In the meantime, here are a few milestone snippets ... :::
Quote #1: “Ethan groaned. ‘David. When are you going to get that you can’t magically understand something, just by slapping a ready-made label on it?’
[David:] ‘It’s not like I’m organizing a fucking filing cabinet. I’m trying to figure things out.’
[Ethan:] ‘This won’t help. Think about it. Gay. Bisexual. Bicurious. Ambidextrous. Expi-allidocious. Does the shorthand matter? Does it make anything clearer? Does it change how you feel about yourself, or about me? Let go of the labels and focus on what’s real.”
Quote #2: [Ethan:] “True submission comes from a place of strength,’ Ethan said softly, ‘because submitting means choosing to make yourself vulnerable to another person. It takes real guts to do that. It isn’t a weakness at all – exactly the opposite, in fact.”
Quote#3: [David Internalizes:] “Yes, I want you to tell me you love me, Eath. Tell me you love me just a little bit back. Tell me you aren’t really going to let me go.”
[Image will be pasted shortly ... ]
Note:
Contrary to how this book might be categorized, this isn’t BDSM in the slightest. It introduces a touch of submission … or more specifically, the notion that in order to achieve everything you’ve hoped and dreamed for, you must have the courage to submit to the path that will lead you there.
WOW … just … wow!!!
This book (a beautiful ‘Gay-For-You’), is absolutely riveting … so beautiful, so multi-dimensional. It introduces: gut-wrenching turmoil; self-inflicted punishment; the staying power of loss; the euphoria of inner peace and forgiveness; combustible mutual attraction; raw unadulterated passion; seduction as sweet as it is scintillating; soul deep friendship, and of course … love - pure, deep, true, irrevocable, everlasting.
Experiencing these two finally coming together drives home an exquisite fact … love can truly heal the most fractured of souls. As the main characters deliver themselves into the clutches of a supernova, all the reader can do is sigh and say … “finally”. While I didn’t want this book to come to an end [please let there be a sequel to this], I step away from it with a feeling of satisfaction and contentment.
Indigo Wren (the author) has an intimate understanding of her craft and wields it with unerring precision. The language; the imagery; the HUMOR [in generous doses, acting as a reprieve and counterbalance to the serious issues addressed here]; the depth and profound insight - she introduces you to two main characters: Ethan and David (both deeply flawed) whom you cannot help but to fall in love with and root for. This is a must read!!! It's very rare for me to be so adamant ... and yet, I am.
And still: My gripe with this book is that it ended quite abruptly, without any hint of the leisure and resolve the reader experiences throughout the book. Perhaps the impression of a "rushed ending" is more an indication of potential sequels in this book's future. Regardless, all (or most) great books have their arguable flaws and I am willing to accept this one.
[Image will be pasted shortly ... ]
::: There were so many beautiful parts to this book and the best way to quote them all would be to (highly) suggest you read the book [see what I did there ;)?]. In the meantime, here are a few milestone snippets ... :::
Quote #1: “Ethan groaned. ‘David. When are you going to get that you can’t magically understand something, just by slapping a ready-made label on it?’
[David:] ‘It’s not like I’m organizing a fucking filing cabinet. I’m trying to figure things out.’
[Ethan:] ‘This won’t help. Think about it. Gay. Bisexual. Bicurious. Ambidextrous. Expi-allidocious. Does the shorthand matter? Does it make anything clearer? Does it change how you feel about yourself, or about me? Let go of the labels and focus on what’s real.”
Quote #2: [Ethan:] “True submission comes from a place of strength,’ Ethan said softly, ‘because submitting means choosing to make yourself vulnerable to another person. It takes real guts to do that. It isn’t a weakness at all – exactly the opposite, in fact.”
Quote#3: [David Internalizes:] “Yes, I want you to tell me you love me, Eath. Tell me you love me just a little bit back. Tell me you aren’t really going to let me go.”
[Image will be pasted shortly ... ]
Note:
Contrary to how this book might be categorized, this isn’t BDSM in the slightest. It introduces a touch of submission … or more specifically, the notion that in order to achieve everything you’ve hoped and dreamed for, you must have the courage to submit to the path that will lead you there.
July 13, 2016
DNF at 17%
February 1, 2013
This is a must read book on D/s and trust. Without trust, there will be no D/s relationship or more importantly, love. While some may tag this as GlitterKink because there are ridiculously young and rich men in this story, I'm going to leave it off. While the money came into play to make the story happen, it's not really a focus for me. The focus is on Ethan's systematic tearing down of David's walls.
Ethan and David were roommates in college and they were going to start a business together. It's the proverbial poor boy and rich boy becoming best friends. Except in this case, it's a "gay for you" situation which freaks David out. He overreacted and disappeared from Ethan's life as quickly as he could. The shame and fear David experiences are very well explained and drawn out by Ms. Wren. She builds these characters so well and I'm completely engaged. I feel the scared panicky feelings spinning David out of control. I melt at Ethan's dominance and patience. I love Ethan. He doesn't need fancy toys to dom David. Ethan is a sensual Dom and he's so very good with giving orders.
Ms. Wren does a great job of capturing and showcasing the essence of how a D/s relationship can be. I love it! I loved her dialog. I loved her characters. I loved how the story flowed. I cried when David cried. I felt frustration and heartbreak when Ethan was crushed. The emotional ups and downs in this story is really what makes it a five star for me. I felt so vested in the relationship and prayed for a happily ever after. The D/s and domming scenes were just icing on my cake. I recommend this to m/m readers who want to melt when reading a beginning D/s relationship which starts out rocky and ends up smooth and silky.
Ethan and David were roommates in college and they were going to start a business together. It's the proverbial poor boy and rich boy becoming best friends. Except in this case, it's a "gay for you" situation which freaks David out. He overreacted and disappeared from Ethan's life as quickly as he could. The shame and fear David experiences are very well explained and drawn out by Ms. Wren. She builds these characters so well and I'm completely engaged. I feel the scared panicky feelings spinning David out of control. I melt at Ethan's dominance and patience. I love Ethan. He doesn't need fancy toys to dom David. Ethan is a sensual Dom and he's so very good with giving orders.
Ms. Wren does a great job of capturing and showcasing the essence of how a D/s relationship can be. I love it! I loved her dialog. I loved her characters. I loved how the story flowed. I cried when David cried. I felt frustration and heartbreak when Ethan was crushed. The emotional ups and downs in this story is really what makes it a five star for me. I felt so vested in the relationship and prayed for a happily ever after. The D/s and domming scenes were just icing on my cake. I recommend this to m/m readers who want to melt when reading a beginning D/s relationship which starts out rocky and ends up smooth and silky.
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