Family Values

The Administration #7.1

by Manna Francis

Another short story in The Administration series.

Warrick asks Toreth to move in with him. Before that fully comes into question, Warrick's half brother, Tarin, is in a car accident. Toreth wonders if foul play in involved.

Genres: M M Romance, BDSM, Dystopia, Science Fiction, Romance, Erotica, LGBT

213 pages

Published May 20, 2009

About the author

I'm the author of The Administration Series, a near-future SF dystopia published by Casperian Books. You can find the series in paperback, e-book, or (partly) on line at the Mannazone website.

I've been writing original slash since 2002 — or homoerotic fiction, m/m romance, yaoi, as you prefer. Original slash is my personal term of choice because I feel it best represents my writing in terms of style and what readers can expect to find there. Individual stories may or may nor be sexually explicit.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Very Close to the Spoiler Line**

Family Values is a story packed—I mean packed with suspense, tension, pressures, and tragedy. Changes that may force Toreth and Warrick to see who their friends and family really are in life and ask--What are they willing to risk for them and each other?

For most of this story, my guts were all kinds of twisted up with fear and dread. Toreth and Warrick’s relationship for me possesses a delicate, precise balance of power, emotion, actions, non-actions, words spoken, and words left unsaid. Here that balance felt off or different to me. This was a couple under pressure. The whole time I was chanting and praying “please, please” don’t let me end the series with this feeling in my stomach. I could feel and taste the stress! Both men were already facing tremendous pressure with changes at work and home. I so want to gush here, but I will hold in my embarrassing noises of joy and move on…So when a family tragedy hits Warrick sending him off on a dangerous search for information, Toreth and Warrick find themselves at odds and on edge. Fighting, doubts, and fears fill the air causing one infuriatingly, stupid move after another! Haha....Then it hit me!

Never doubt Manna Francis. *bows head in awe* Phrases and words teeming with paranoia and heartbreaking doubt in each other even after all this time broke my heart. The overwhelming confusion, uncertainty and terror of commitment were palpable between Toreth and Warrick. Both longing for it, but so scared too. So scared of what their commitment--the effects--will have on their family and themselves. I could feel the Administration in this one like a punch to the face! The all encompassing way it just twists and pushes into your life. The fear of being associated with a political “criminal” or how having a relationship with a corporate can make you a target. Suspense, power, humor, and damn almost said the “L” word fueled these pages from the first word to the last. The political atmosphere and tension added such power to the pages. I am absolutely amazed how Ms. Francis wove all the pieces together. Amazed and relieved that Warrick and Toreth finally found a way to work through the tension together.

I will admit that Warrick almost lost me with his dangerous, suicidal tendencies though. But once upon a time, I thought Warrick let Toreth off the hook with just a nod and a shrug, so….lets call it even. Toreth dazzled and surprised me once again with his control and dare I say maturity with this situation. In the end…*sigh*…I felt and saw the warm, powerful balance again. God, I love these two!

In short, (too late)—Manna Francis is a god and Toreth owns me completely.

I’m really going to miss these guys. How the hell did an “obsessive-compulsive control freak with a clean towel fetish” and an adorable sociopath with a pile of insecurities, faults, and danger zones so completely take over my heart? :D

Off to hunt down a banana and pepper sandwich to “celebrate” (*sniffle*) my last TA stories…..


Favorite Moments:

“Looking up again, he found Toreth sitting facing him, hugging his knees to his chest, grinning. He looked so happy, so incredibly pleased with himself, that Warrick nearly said something stupid.”


“That’s great, Toreth said, while his stomach tried to claw its way out through his spine and run.” --I simply loved that description. :)


“His slight, inviting smile made Toreth want to reach into the paper, shake him awake and fuck him into the mattress until they both came screaming.”

And…Damn I wanted to make it out of here without using a spoiler….haha…

THAT ENDING!!! It was perfect. I sucked in a breath as soon as the knife came into play and never let it out until the last word. HOME. Fucking loved it!

[Lenore · Rating 5 out of 5]

First reaction upon finishing the book at 4 am: I can't believe I'm done. What am I gonna do without Toreth and Warrick?

Early next morning: I can't believe I'm done.

Noon: What am I gonna do without Toreth and Warrick?

Early afternoon: I can't believe I'm done.

Repeat to fade.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew, sometimes, they EXHAUST me.
But...I love them.
Twisted, wicked, and addictive...yes, yes they are.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You know what?" Toreth said. "I'm sick of living out of that fucking suitcase. I just want to have somewhere to call home."

Must learn to live without Toreth and Warrick--

[Trix · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I just want to have somewhere to call home." -- I don't think there could have been a better ending than that. For this book at least!

Manna is perfect at choosing titles. While the main story focused on Warrick's family crisis, there was also Toreth and Warrick moving in together (and all that implied) but also a surprise inclusion of Toreth's family and another glimpse into the man's past.

I have to say I was pretty furious with Warrick in the first half of the book as he took so many unnecessary risks in trying to protect his family and do the right thing for this brother. While Toreth's wasn't 100% correct in his arguments, it had a certain logic to it, considering who they were up against. Without Stable's help (and I have my doubts whether the help was actually that - the man did kill Kate after all) Warrick and Toreth might not have gotten away with it. But every step of the investigation was thrilling to read. The fear that at any moment, things would spiral out of control and land both of them in prison kept me hooked to the story.

And then the whole fiasco of Toreth moving in with Warrick. I cringed every time anyone made the slightest, most innocent comment in reference to it, half fearing they would drive Toreth away (and for a little while, Toreth did decide to abandon the whole idea of living with Warrick). Not go away permanently, since Toreth himself has admitted he can't leave Warrick. But their staying together was something for Warrick, after all the compromises he has made in their relationship. It felt something concrete; something equal to the promise Keir had made to never leave Toreth. I breathed a sigh of relief when Toreth made the surprising request of wanting to move back with Warrick. As I mentioned before, that last parting phrase completely melted my heart.

Then there was the vague references to Toreth's past, leaving me unsure whether he had indeed killed his brother or not. There are always two sides to a story and my heart would side with Toreth but my mind is conflicted by the opposing testimonies. I can only hope more will be revealed in upcoming stories.

I'm glad to see some development and change in Toreth. Actively resisting the ingrained suspicion that Warrick would cheat on him with Carnac (Carnac, of all people!!!). Refusing to storm out of the house whenever they had an argument. Slowly accommodating to the idea of living together with Warrick. A slight decrease in the number of fucks (though that could have been a lapse from the author, not a trait of Toreth's per say). Gradually coming to terms with his feelings and the fact that others are aware of his feelings for Warrick.

It was an impressive read! It's all due to the author: not just for this latest story but for the slow build-up of the characters that made me love them despite their many flaws. I can't accept that it's over. I have to read more of them! Imagining on my own is not as fun as actually reading it! I'm not ready to let them go! I have to have more!

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story!!!!!!

I don't know which got me more Toreth's family story, Toreth's insecurities and vulnerability or Toreth's struggle to protect......

"He'd kill them, Toreth decided on the way down the corridor to General Criminal. Warrick first, then Carnac. Or maybe Carnac first, because if he was caught between murders, he'd prefer to be sure of Carnac."

Although this story is all about Warrick and his family we at last get the answer to the mystery of Toreth's family, the what and how things happened in Toreth's life to mold the man he is now.

"You know what?" Toreth said."I'm sick of living out of that fucking suitcase. I just want to have somewhere to call home."

[Sun · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm…

I’m starting to feel like maybe…just MAYBE…I’m ready for this series to end.

Don’t get me wrong: I could read pages, books, chronicles more of Warrick and Toreth (and throw in some Carnac!). But, the series…which clearly makes it known it’s about THE ADMINISTRATION (duh, Susan)…is starting to bore me.

I just don’t care enough about Toreth’s job. Combine that with the fact that the side characters (especially Sara and Dillion…so aggravatingly pathetic) bug the CRAP out of me, and yet again we don’t get enough of Warrick…I’m left feeling annoyed…and dissatisfied.

Family Values…meh.

Hey Warrick…you’re probably gonna need a flat mate in a couple months. Call me?

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Crazy crazy crazy!

Everybody is effed in the head! I think I'm glad this is over and it ended where it did. If it wasn't for the last sentence...



That is all I have to say about that. Hmph!

[Lisa Arbitrary - AttentionIsArbitrary M/M Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

~~~

Complex characters are the drivers of these stories and the competent writing gives them all an intriguing home to live in. Characters to love, hate, enjoy and even tentatively identify with. We aren't all sadistic or masochistic beings but we all have some of those elements in us or at least a deep desire to understand them better; to better understand ourselves. The Administration's world gives us a place to consider these dark concepts from a distance. A future world where life is just different enough from our own to feel safe to examine our darker natures.

It sounds like I was looking to make deep discoveries about human nature by reading these stories. I wasn't, that was just a side benefit. What I did discover are these intriguing characters that I care about and will be sorry to say goodbye to. To find myself caring for subjects like Toreth who without question challenge the definition of humanity, is a revelation for me. If I was told I would care, deeply, about a torturer before reading this I would have denied it. But I do. Not only do I care about Toreth, I will worry about him and yes, even feel sorry for him. Huh?

I also worry about Warrick, I want him to get what he needs but I think he does.

I love Sara and if I had a wish it would be that she and McLean could work out but maybe that's not for the best.

Dilly surprised me. I started out loving her but by the end she just got more on my nerves. Cele rocks!

Thank you Manna Francis for writing an enriching, enjoyable and complex story. I will certainly be seeking out more of your writing.

~~~

Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:


http://www.attentionisarbitrary.blogspot.com

[Camilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Holy crap.. It took me 3 days to get through this.. Wow..

The last book, 'First Against The Wall' really screwed this series up for me, I guess.. God, I hated what we didnt get in that book, so I just couldnt get into this novella..

Its about Tarin getting in trouble, and Warrick wanting to help him in some way.. Which of course leads to Toreth getting him through it..

This was a 2 star story, right up until the last sentence.. Why the fuck couldnt we have gotten something like that in the last book?

Oh well.. I was in awe of Warrick and Toreth before the last book, and I really hate that I'm not anymore..

[AtenRa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to kill Toreth in this one so badly! And Warrick sometimes, for being so freaking submissive, but it's Warrick, I can't stay mad at him for long.

Toreth was the most obnoxious he's ever been. Or maybe he's been even more obnoxious in the past, but this time it's just really got to me. The level of disrespect he showed during the whole Tarin situation was off the charts. Yes, this is Toreth we are talking about and yes, he hated Tarin but he can obviously see that Warrick is upset. Couldn't he be a little bit more considerate and, I don't know, tactful? I know, Toreth tactful? Pff. Guy has no filter whatsoever. His thoughts about Dillian are getting even darker but in a funny way too. He reminds me of a child, an incredibly spoiled, attention-seeking child. And the nerve he had to interrogate Warrick's niece?I seriously thought that Warrick would go berzerk when he found out, but nah. He even took his side in a way.

*sigh* Warrick, Warrick, Warrick ...
I know when it comes to Toreth, Warrick cannot think straight. He is so in love with him that I honestly believe he would let Toreth get away with murder (he actually has). I used to believe that he would draw the line if say Toreth messed with SimTech or something, but now I'm not so sure. I understand he is submissive when it comes to his sex life, but he has turned completely masochistic when it comes to his relationship with Toreth, and Toreth only. With other people he is not the most domineering, but he is always in control, never taking any shit from anyone. The meaner and harsher Toreth is with him, the more submissive Warrick gets. Francis works that contrast perfectly and that is what makes the books so interesting and unique. I loved a scene in the book when Toreth says something so incredibly crass about Tarin and Warrick just freezes. Then he laughs, telling him he wishes they were alone so they could fuck louder. These kinds of reactions are just mindboggling to me and Francis nails them every time.

Now as for the ending sex scene, what can I say? I absolutely loved it. Even though I am not a huge fan of dark BDSM, that was definitely like nothing I've ever read and in a way very memorable. Everyone's who's read it will remember the sex-knife scene. What I liked most about it was Warrick's reactions, and I am so glad that Francis decided to write the scene from his POV and not Toreth's. I love how she writes Warrick and I wish she'd do it more often. I guess mainly because it humanises Toreth a little bit, since we are seeing him through Warrick's eyes and he adores him, as opposed to always reading from Toreth's POV, with which Francis is completely unforgiving.
The most human I have ever seen Toreth behave is at the last scene when he shares a shower with Warrick. I almost did not believe it, I thought it was one of Toreth's dreams (or nightmares) but fortunately it wasn't, and we got to see how deeply Warrick's gentle handling and endless patience has impacted Toreth and changed him in a very slow and subtle way, his influence on Toreth almost undetected. I would read that scene again and again and again 🖤

[Wealhtheow · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Warrick's half-brother Tarin is in an accident, it puts strain on the family. Toreth and Warrick investigate, but find that dark family secrets might come to light if they press too hard for the truth. Meanwhile, Toreth's estranged mother makes one last bid to see him, resulting in a short but effective scene between her and Sara. The facts of Toreth's childhood--that he had a younger brother who died while with him, and that Toreth's mother (who had never bonded or liked her older son anyway) believed he'd killed him--come to light, but the bit that felt like a punch comes at the end of the scene. Years before, Sara had gone with Toreth to visit his parents for a strained, near silent meeting. My assumption as a reader had been that they'd guilted or forced him into visiting them; it's only after reading this scene that I realized that he was forcing himself on them, and that they had wanted literally nothing to do with their son. And Toreth and Warrick start moving in together, but of course the almost pathologically independent Toreth finds it difficult.

The development of the characters and their relationships is fascinating, and I love that Francis weaves into that complicated political maneuverings and spy work.

[Marlobo ♥ epilogues · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost 4.5 stars.

I loved the suspense plot, an accurate emergent of the subtext and its skepticism.

I loved the progress of the relationship between the MCs too, in this stage Warrick has recovered his assertiveness and Toreth at last has come up to the end of his rope regarding his feelings for Warrick and, in a back and forth movement, he does catharsis.

The last scene is moving, particularly Toreth's last speech.

[Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

After taking a break from this series the only thing that I can say is that I am in love with it all over again. This was one of my favorites in the series since we see so much reguarding Toreth's feelings for Warrick. I really, really liked this one.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 to 5 stars...Awesome series! Really going to miss Toreth and Warrick *sigh*

[Pianisuparse · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 'Family dramas, Warrick and Toreth's relationship is tested as they each face trials and tribulations and they are still both themselves, so there is all those inner struggles and conflicts as well. I love them and this series and I think I'm finally realising that I was hoping for something different but that obviously wouldn't have been true to their characters. I need to be able to disassociate Toreths extramural activities from the love, and it is love damn it, that he feels for Warrick. Because I'm not wired that way I'm struggling. It's also made it harder with Tor actually living with Warrick again. I think I'd rather he wasn't in some ways. I still love these two together but I have to admit I'm not sure the picture I have in my head of where I want these two to end up being is where they will actually be, and that leaves me feeling slightly nervous' stars.

[Simple · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved how far they have come.

[Greendaze · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jan 23, 2022: I’ve thought a lot about my relationship as a reader to Toreth, and it seems that it’s very similar to Warrick’s. We’re both drawn to Toreth, Warrick by his skills in the bedroom, and I by his professional competence. We also both get pissed off by Toreth’s fucking around, and the not infrequent reminders that he doesn’t care about anyone besides Warrick and Sara. But neither of us want to walk away because Francis writes him so carefully. She pulls no punches with who he is, but at the same time, provides just enough background on his past and inner thoughts to humanize him. And by the time our resident sociopath gets his HFN, I was so genuinely relieved for him that tears were shed.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading about Warrick and Toreth. They are such an interesting couple...perfectly matched, each with their own kinks that complement each other. I liked that we got to learn a bit more about Toreth's past and also about Warrick's past as well. I like the side characters of Sara and Cele. Both Toreth and Warrick are screwed up characters. But it was frustrating to see how difficult it was for Toreth to admit that maybe, just maybe, he might want to have a place to call home that is the same place that Warrick calls home. But will he ever be able to be monogamous?? Doubtful, at this point. But I hope he'll eventually be able to get every thing he needs from Warrick alone.

[♥Xeni♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second read: Oct. 29, 2013

---

First read: Sep. 28, 2010

Another longer novel from The Administration, this one digs into Warrick's past and he finds someone he thought was dead. Toreth needs to help Warrick out, lest the new Administration decides he is too much of a treat and has him terminated.

[Danny Tyran · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do not know why but this story seems incomplete to me, as if something very bad or really good should have happened after the accident, but everything was settled fast without much trouble.

Maybe that it is just I who become more and more demanding.

[Emanuela ~plastic duck~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review later...

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hate on me all you want, I can't give this more than 3 stars.

Proper review to follow. Soon. Hopefully.

[peanut•m&ms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roller coaster of feels from beginning to end.

[Mich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be still my heart..."You know what?" Toreth said. "I'm sick of living out of that fucking suitcase. I just want to have somewhere to call home."

::sigh::

[La*La · Rating 5 out of 5]

First read on December 25, 2014.
Re-read on July 12, 2015.

[Miralinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Меня раздражают все женские персонажи в этой серии. Сара с её нытьём и теперь Дилли, которая везде должна сунуть свой нос и выразить своё мнение. -Скажи мне, я должна знать! Задолбала.

[ShilvaH And her books · Rating 5 out of 5]

MORE EMOTIONS FROM TORETH
JUST FUCKING GREAT