[REVIEW] The Copper Horse: Pride by K.A. Merikan

The Copper Horse: Pride by K.A. Merikan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Kynthos-the-Archer by: ARC
Recommended for: All human-equine fans, especial those who wish for proper plot to go with their wank material.
Read from February 22 to March 30, 2015

Say yes to Uniporn! Freaking love the sweet surrender and the firm hand.

In comparison to the first book, Pride has upped the humiliation and degradation scale another notch, or rather several notches. Ahem.. that breeding scene was so intense I am melting alongside Copper in that stable under the watchful voyeuristic eyes of the ponies' masters. It's freaking hot! My ereader was smoking up my room. I was so aroused I wish for a pet of my own to go down on me while I watch that intense scene again and again. It could possibly be the highlight of the book really.

Copper is not an honest horse like he always claims to be. He is manipulative, cowardly, greedy and rather self-centered. Yet I couldn't help but to like him. His weak points makes him all the more real and interesting. He does have some likable traits as well and deep down inside he isn't a bad guy. He is just a regular underprivileged guy seeking for better things in life. Actually he is quite endearingly sweet in nature. Pleasing others seems to come naturally to him. Copper is a submissive down to the bones and a total happy bottom. An inborn mare instead of the stallion his master was grooming him to be. I think his hole would cheerfully suck any dicks as long as it makes his beloved master happy. That's how devoted and a good pet horse he is. He is a joy to be ridden and ridden hard would be his best reward for he is truly not fit to be the rider himself.

In Pride, Copper is no longer as self-conflicted as he was when he was first forced into the role of an animal, a mere pet to fulfill another man's dark desire. Copper has learned to appreciate his new lifestyle as a pampered pet and the biggest problem he has now is keeping his sexual disposition of a stud-loving horse a secret from the his master and the household. He fears of being thrown back to the derelict district where he had came from should his master finds out that he was being taken for a ride like a fool. Thing is, it is getting tougher hiding his secrets the more smitten he was by Eric his beautiful master. Would he be able to throw away the last shred of his protective layer in risk of losing his pride as a man? Discarding his remnant of humanity? Embracing his new identity makes him feels loved, alive and freer that without his shackles. It would make his beloved master very happy yet his pride would die along with Reuben the man he once was. Is Eric worthy his love? The Eric that has been and still could be cruel and harsh to him whenever things does not go his way. Still, Copper sees hope when he caught glimpses of Eric's tenderness. One thing for sure, Eric is very fond of his new pet horse and Copper has gained confidence that his precious head is not going to be displayed on the wall of that creepy dining room.

There are times when I felt that Copper is ready to wear a skirt and paint his nails in pretty rainbow colours. Yet I could not not like him. In a way his girlish side makes him all the more adorable even for a buffy guy like him. What I truly feel about Copper? Well I think he makes a damn fine pet horse. He's not going to be able to play stud horse for you but he is one that you'll love to cuddle with and watch him getting fucked hard by a studly stallion. Or you could just do it yourself and make him squeal for you. How delightful!

It is nice that this time around I could get to know Eric better rather than just watching him from a distance, puzzling over what makes him tick. I could feel Eric's loneliness and understands why he did what he did to fill that deep void left by his first stallion's premature departure and the sacrifices he had to make being a member of the ruthless Dal crime family. In a sense Eric is more fleshed out in Pride and that is good move or else he is just another face in the crowd.

While I must confess that there are certain parts that is rather baffling to me which mostly concerns Eric's action towards Copper. One involves his choice of atonement of the wrongs he did to his poor pet. The other I think best to save it since it is tough to avoid being a spoiler.

Overall, Pride is a bloody damn good human-equine erotica which also comes complete with engaging plots to get you glued to your ereader while you are vigorously beating the meat or polishing the pearl in frenzy.

Absolutely adored this book cover. The picture captures Copper in full equine fineries during a debauchery party at his master's mansion.

BOOK DETAILS:

Title:The Copper Horse: Pride - Volume 2 in the ponyplay erotic romance trilogy: The Copper Horse

Author: K.A. Merikan

Publication Date: March 17th, 2015

Publisher: Acerbi&Villani ltd.

Type: Novel (90,000 words)

Genre: M/M dark erotic romance, BDSM

Description:London
1907, twenty years into the zombie Plague

After being kidnapped into slavery by a powerful crime family member - Erik Dal, Reuben is slowly adjusting to his new life. He is now Copper, Erik’s proud stallion, serving in any way his master might require - from pulling a cart, to pleasures in the bedroom. But his journey has only begun, and as he becomes increasingly attached to Erik, his devotion will be evaluated. From getting bred by another owner’s human stallion to Erik marking him forever, each of Reuben’s decisions makes him more of a pet and less of a human.

Becoming Erik’s horse isn’t just about getting pampered, wearing hooves and tack, or providing the master with pleasure. It becomes a violent game of prize and punishment, but when Reuben understands he too has leverage - Erik’s attachment to him - he becomes an active player in the negotiations of his stay at the mansion. But with his master’s grand annual birthday party approaching, his loyalty will be tested like never before, and the tasks he is to perform might prove too much.

Themes: class differences, slavery, steampunk, alternative lifestyle, Victorian, master/servant, captivity, ponyplay, heavy kink, organized crime, violence, power exchange

This review has also been cross-posted on:

WHERE TO PURCHASE:

★|| ALLROMANCE ||★
★|| SMASHWORDS ||★
★|| AMAZON ||★

* Reviewed on August 12th, 2015

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**The ARC was graciously provided by the author.**

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[REVIEW] Tame a Wild Human by Kari Gregg

Tame a Wild Human by Kari Gregg

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Recommended for: M/M Erotica fans who enjoys depravity with their kinky reads.

Read from January 19 to 23, 2015 — I own a copy, read count: 1 

Tame a Wild Human is an unreserved hardcore wolf gangbang great for the spank bank. Downright primal, lustful and depraved. An unapologetic rape fantasy. Know that this is pure erotica, one that aims to get you off not the type to melt your heart with sweet romance. To be clear, there is not a trace of romance within its pages, just sexy dominance and submission cum with plentiful servings of humiliation and degradation. Come on, the poor guy was pumped full of cum inside out I am surprised he didn't drown. But of course I am glad he didn't else I couldn't enjoy more of his debasement in the hands of those insatiable wolves who'd relentlessly drills his abused hole and mouth every wakeful moment.

Wyatt Redding, a 28 years old nice straight guy with a budding career as a lawyer in a good law firm was betrayed by his only family member and found himself bundled up then abandoned in the forest during the fullmoon to be a werewolf pack’s sex toy, a cumhole for the pack to slack their heat. Then this newly converted cumhole grown attached to the man who introduced him to the magic of his virginal prostate. That’s more or less the gist of the story. Do we really need a whole slew of information to get us off? Especially when knowing it is a short story aiming for sexual gratification. In TAWH's case, I’d say bravo for not wasting time nor paper on the world-building and going straight to the juicy and meaty part. Of course such an approach could only work if the sex is good and the writing is as good. TAWH has no problem pulling this stunt off effortlessly. I must thank Ms. Gregg for the lovely alone-time I get while soaking up TAWH. Another plus point for such a book is the flexibility for impromptu re-reads whenever one gets horny and alone as we don't need to read books the size of a phone directory just to enjoy some great self-lovin' sex.

It is unfortunate but unavoidable for this book to encounter censure from part of its readership. The issue arises not entirely due to the hardcore explicit sexual content rather it is a classical case of 'the wrong book for the wrong reader'. Maybe it is due the book cover, TAWH was easily mistaken as one of those shifters romance which is NOT what it is at all! TAWH is out-and-out an erotica with heavy kink topped with non-consent, some dubious consent and explicit violence. In the hands of the right audience this book is a winner as it truly delivers what was promised without pulling any punches. Readers who are looking for some naughty fun with ample humiliation and degradation, master and pet dynamics with heavy handed dominance and submission would undoubtedly find TAWH to be a satisfying read. Those who hates romanticized rapes can rest assured that TAWH has none of it. The rapist remains as the rapist, the victim remains as the victim even-though there is the element of forced-seduction. Rather than romanticising the taboo relationship, the author uses a touch of mind-control with a bit of blood voodoo. I know, I know, it's not natural for a straight boy to suddenly be all willing to submit and be the fuck bitch of another man but hey he never did have a choice - even right down till the end. Those wolves never see humans as their equal, humans are just part of their possession. The wolves never cared or would ever care about the inferior humans. How is that a complex thing to understand?

For this book the most important element to measure is the heat level. I'd say the sex is scorching hot especially so in the beginning of the story when the gangbanging started. That slow fucking was E-RO-TIC like hell. I could almost feel it in my own ass. My body was tingling all over reading that intense fuck scene. Loved that bit of sensory deprivation with the blindfold. I do have to confess that once Wyatt submitted even not exactly by choice, my enjoyment of the sex waned as I liked it more when there's resistance, be it physically or psychologically. That of course is all personal preference.

BOOK DETAILS:

Title: Tame a Wild Human

Author: Kari Gregg

Publication Date: January 19th, 2015

Publisher: Riptide Publishing

Type: Novella (21,759 words)

Genre: Gay Erotica, Shapeshifter, Dystopia, Paranormal

Tags: dubious consent, non-consent, rape(s), gangbang, explicit violence, heavy kink, D/S, dominance & submission, humiliation & degradation, pain & pleasure, bondage, abuse, spanking, forced seduction, deep-throating, gagging, throat rape, master & pet, pet training, dystopia, inter-species, captive, captivity, confinement, sexual torture, sex pet, pleasure slave [dubious consent, non-consent, rape(s), gangbang, explicit violence, heavy kink, D/S, dominance & submission, humiliation & degradation, pain & pleasure, bondage, abuse, spanking, forced seduction, deep-throating, gagging, throat rape, master & pet, pet training, dystopia, inter-species, captive, captivity, confinement, sexual torture, sex pet, pleasure slave (hide spoiler)]

Description:

Drugged, bound, and left as bait on the cusp of the lunar cycle, Wyatt Redding is faced with a terrifying set of no-win scenarios. Best case: he survives the coming days as a werewolf pack’s plaything and returns to the city as a second-class citizen with the mark—and protection—of the pack. Worst case: the wolves sate their lusts with Wyatt’s body, then send him home without their protection, condemning him to live out the rest of his short life as a slave to the worst of humanity’s scorn and abuse.

Wyatt’s only chance is to swallow every ounce of pride, bury his fear, and meekly comply with every wicked desire and carnal demand the wolf pack makes of him. He expects three days of sex and humiliation. What he doesn’t expect is to start enjoying it. Or to grow attached to his captor and pack Alpha, Cole.

As the lunar cycle ends, Wyatt begins to realize that the only thing to fear more than being sent home without the pack’s protection is being sent home at all.

WHERE TO PURCHASE:

★|| RIPTIDE PUBLISHING ||★
★|| SMASHWORDS ||★
★|| AMAZON ||★
★|| KOBOBOOKS ||★
★|| AllRomanceEbooks ||★

* Reviewed on January 24th, 2015

*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*

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[REVIEW] The Glaring (Werecat #2) by Andrew J. Peters

The Glaring (Werecat #2) by Andrew J. Peters

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Read from November 25 to 29, 2014 — I own a copy, read count: 1

Well the premise is still as intriguing as the first book. But too bad I need characters with rationality to make it work unless I am only reading my books superficially or said character is mentally challenged. Unfortunately I am a rather critical reader. It's not unreasonable to demand some standard for books I spent money and time on.

The romance has certainly taken a back seat in this installment and I am not even sure if this book could be called gay erotica or even gay romance. I am rather surprised to find that the anticipated sex scene between the new couple in this book was censored. Huh? Have I been reading a YA all along? Or have this series taken a sudden detour from blood and pain X-rate worthy sex since book one to a PG-13 now?

* Reviewed on 30th November 2014

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[REVIEW] Falling Angels by Cari Waites

Falling Angels by Cari Waites

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Kynthos-the-Archer by: ARC from author.

Recommended for: fans of dark fiction/tragedy

Read from July 04 to 17, 2014 — I own a copy, read count: 1 

Innocent angels, desecrated by greed of man. Wings stolen and defiled they became Earthbound lost souls.

Falling Angels is definitely another dark, soul shattering story just like the rest of Cari Waites' work. Her stories are always unconventional and unpredictable. A story with sex trafficking as a theme combine with violence and torture of the body and soul is indeed heart-wrenching to read.

Despite feeling drained of hope, mutilated and stripped of humanity, Arkady is never ready to return to his maker. His will to live is like a self-sentenced prolongation of his agonies. He would live and breath and fuck for his masters. Their cruelty were relentless yet Arkady could never hate them. His biggest fear was to be worthless to his masters for that would only lead him to certain death. Arkady is crippled without a master.

Be warned that this book is not about love or redemption, it is about lost hope and dreams, total erasure of identity, harsh reconditioning of young men into mere sex object, a tragedy of lost innocence and lives. Even with most of the too hardcore stuff off-page, there's ample other disturbing events and elements to drag readers to the darkest void. Truthfully, I am actually finding it hard to feel the eroticism within its pages although it has body-modification which is one of my favorite kink in erotica.

Photo credit: Fotophi @ Deviantart

BOOK DETAILS:

Title: Falling Angels

Author: Cari Waites

Publication Date: June 27th, 2014

Publisher: Self-pub

Genre: Gay erotica fiction

Type: Short-story, approximately 12,600 words

Major characters:

Spoiler:

Dima aka Arkady (18 yo boy from Arkhangelsk, Russia), Marcus (Slave dealer/human trafficker), Mr. Grace (wealthy slave owner), Troy (detective/police), DCI Harper (Troy's superior)

Keywords/Tags:

Spoiler:

drugging, sold into slavery, pornography filming, human trafficking, sex slave, slavery, prostitution, Stockholm syndrome, rape, extreme body modification, piercings, tattoo, sensory deprivation, blindfold, bodysuit, bondage, castration, objectification, dehumanization, noncon, torture, abuse, violence

Description:

Arkady is a legend.

Arkady is an angel.

Arkady is a slave.

Troy is a voyeur.

Troy is a rescuer.

Troy may be a monster.

This 12 600 word story includes explicit content, including: m/m, non consent, slavery, violence and torture. All characters are 18 years or over.

WHERE TO PURCHASE:

★|| SMASHWORDS ||★|| AMAZON ||★

* Reviewed on July 26th, 2014

*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*
NOTE: This is an ARC (Review Copy) extended to me by the author.

Previous Comments on June 28th, 2014:

(view spoiler)[YAHOO! Finally another Cari Waites production.


I am so excited about this ARC. I can't get enough of her dark stuff. Just the mere mention of her name thrills me.

And it's another dark fiction. I really can't wait to read it.
(hide spoiler)]

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[RANDOM UPDATES] The Archers of Kynthos by KM Harty

The Archers of Kynthos by KM Harty

NOTE: This is my first story prompt at Goodreads M/M Romance Group. Here's the link to that prompt (sorry, only members of that group could view this link)

Is that... my name? On a book? On an erotica novel? A mpreg tentacle sex erotica novel with my name plastered on it?



It's very flattering indeed. I am honored. Thanks, KM Harty.


* July 25th, 2014


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[WANT-TO-READ] Beasts Inside: Potency by A. A. Samuel

Beasts Inside: Potency by A. A. Samuel

I know the blurb was one of those what-the-fuck types. But never say never right?

I am certainly curious about that anthropomorphic red panda and what the hell is a romantic werewolf tentacle violence????

Truthfully I have never read any books with anthropomorphic characters before and I wonder how it works out in a M/M erotica.

So yeah, I am not sure if furries works well for me. But take a look at this dude below, he is kinda cool right?

He reminds me of Guin of Guin Saga, a fantasy novel series by a Japanese author, Kaoru Kurimoto.

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[REVIEW] Push It by Audrey Grace

Push It by Audrey Grace

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Recommended for: Scifi erotica readers. Tentacle erotica beginners.

Read from June 04 to 05, 2014 — I own a copy, read count: 1

Recommended by Lilia Ford on Aug 16, 2013 08:59pm

3.5 Stars. Could have blown my mind away if it has gone all out with the tentacle sex. That part still lacks intensity. It's even tame enough for tentacle erotica beginners

This is the 3rd story from the Harder Series. And it's the best out of the three stories within. Possibly on par with Charlotte Mistry's Gay Tentacles From Space!. Both has a space exploration setting and atmospheric writing. Even the tentacles monster is similar in some ways. The biggest difference was the consent part. Mistry's Gay Tentacles from Space was noncon all the way which was my favorite kind of tentacles smexing, whereas believe it or not Push It was actually consensual through and through. (not exactly a spoiler as it was already implied on the blurb itself).

One thing I am pretty sure is that this book gave me lots of brain activities -- just take a look at my updates on it. My mind was all over the place, in a good and a bad way. The story got me rather excited at several points in the book and then it was ruined by a big WTF moment which I could not ignore enough to continue enjoying the ride as much as I did before. That tentacles morphing idea was foolish and too cartoonish for my taste. It has totally smother the sexual fire that the initial tentacle sex scenes has build-up. But do not despair just yet because somehow the author managed to salvage it enough to revive my interest again. One word of advice, tentacle sex should stay as tentacle sex, changing the core essence would disappoint reader's expectations. Since this book is marketed as tentacle erotica, it's only natural for readers to expect lots of squiggly wriggly action in the smexing. No?

I have to salute Captain Horatio for his principle in life, "Fuck it before it fucks you over". Wise thinking right? I just didn't expect him to be so literal about it. Heh, he's such a horny guy. Just the right man to counter alien invasion. I suspect he's a xenophile and didn't even know it.

Sighhhh... if only the smexing was anything like this:

I wish for this kind of intensity when it comes to tentacle smexing. I could cum just by looking at this picture.

Instead I got something like this:

It wasn't bad but it could have been better. Would be more satisfying if the tentacle sex goes all the way. And I love it when the boys gets dirtied by the monster's zealous attention.

BOOK DETAILS:

Title: Push It

Author: Audrey Grace

Publication Date: September 23rd, 2012

Publisher: Self-pub

Genre: Scifi M/M Erotica

Type: Short Story, approximately 10,000 words

Tags/Keywords: consensual, entrapment, science fiction, space exploration, beyond earth, alien, extraterrestrial, spacewalk, space travel, tentacles monster, tentacles alien, masturbation, anal sex, gay sex, oral sex, xenophilia[ consensual, entrapment, science fiction, space exploration, beyond earth, alien, extraterrestrial, spacewalk, space travel, tentacles monster, tentacles alien, masturbation, anal sex, gay sex, oral sex, xenophilia (hide spoiler)]

Description:

Captain Horatio Hammond and his crew are ice pushers. They shoot asteroids with high ice content into Earth's orbit to be mined for fresh water. When assigned to push a giant cosmic iceberg, one that will guarantee them billions of dollars, Horatio is wary. He's not popular with the company, and wonders why they gave the assignment to him.

His suspicions are confirmed when a giant three-tentacled alien life form erupts from the iceberg, and with a uniquely sexual appetite...

This scorching 10,000+ word novelette depicts Horatio's encounter with the alien tentacle entity, along with graphic descriptions of gay alien tentacle sex, including mutual masturbation, oral sex, anal sex, and a mind-blowing conclusion.

WHERE TO PURCHASE:

★|| AMAZON ||★|| KOBOBOOKS ||★

* Reviewed on June 5th, 2014

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[REVIEW] Collared by Kari Gregg

Collared by Kari Gregg

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Recommended for: TPE and D/S readers

Read from May 28 to June 03, 2014 — I own a copy, read count: 1

3.5 Stars for this testosterone-dazed world of genetic mutation. Gotta love the classical dance of the prey and the predator

I love and appreciate the originality of the premise - A crops engineering disaster caused the mutation of human genetics which leads to dramatic increase in aggressive traits in 99% of the population, only 1% was on the opposite scale. This 1% in the population was known as 'the anomalies'. The mutation has affected them differently as their submissive traits was increased dramatically, so much so that they are no longer capable of self-preservation. These anomalies are in constant state of confusion induced by fear hence in need of a strong protector to survive the new world order in which their kinds are stripped of all rights and status. Soon they are going to be nothing but slaves or pets for the dominants to toy with as they like. Just a piece of property to be owned and used as their betters deemed fit. Needless to say such a premise with absolute power-imbalance as the driving force, angst is a guaranteed scenario. In other words, this a total angst junkie fix.

Connor's state of mind was pretty convincing. We get to witness his struggles to adapt to the rapid changes in his environment and the deterioration of his control over his own will as the mutation takes hold of his mind.

In the name of protection Connor's boss collared him as temporary measure until a suitable master is found. Although Connor craves for David Martin to be his Sir permanently, David was unable to reciprocate as he is straight and already has a fiancée. How would David's fiancée reacts to Connor and would he have a chance to call David his Sir?

Connor has admired handsome Emmett Drake long before the disaster struck. And now he was overwhelmed by Emmett's attention and domineering pursuit to own him as his pet. Does Emmett only sees him as a mere toy to break or was Connor more than just a piece of property?

The journey towards total submission is an extra difficult road for Connor to travel. His previous painful relationship with his abusive ex-lover has left a deep mental scar behind. A broken Connor coupled with his newfound uncontrollable need to submit was torn in trusting another man again. To him it was like jumping from the frying pan into the fire, only this time it was an inferno waiting for him. Would he be consumed by the fire or rise like a phoenix from the ashes?

One man is home and safety the other excites and scratches Connor's itch for deep submission. Who should he surrender his heart and soul to? This unique dystopia story would certainly appeal to D/S and TPE fans. And like I've said before, angst-junkies would also be pleased with it.

I was drawn into the story just after a couple of pages. Got me some of those lovely body-tingles I loved so much whenever a story touches my kinks in a feel-good way. Nice orgasmic little buzz all over until David starts to get on my nerve. To me he is a selfish greedy bastard who wants the best of both worlds. I am not happy with the way he treats his fiancée as it was very unfair, it clearly shows us his unfaithful adulterous heart. I also didn't like the way David thinks he has the right to ask for Connor's submission when he knows perfectly well he could not answer Connor's real needs. David is just a goddamn cockblocker to me! Yeah, I root for Emmett to be Connor's master all the way. At least Emmett knows what he is doing and he has the capacity to give Connor what he deserved and needs. Gawd! I nearly strangled Connor over his indecisiveness in choosing between the two. The maths was so easy a two years old could solved it. NO. I am not happy with that superficial ending. It felt rushed and unreal. I couldn't reconcile David's action at all. So fuck that ending!

Okay so aside from the body-tingles what I did love about this story was the focus on the D/S and the uber hot sex scenes. Two studly doms aggressively posturing each other for dominance in order to fight for the ownership of a sub was way hot. Additionally the premise captured my attention as well as my heart. Oh and the angst was pretty satisfying too.

BOOK DETAILS:

Title: Collared

Author: Kari Gregg

Publication Date: November 28th, 2011

Publisher: Riptide Publishing

Genre: Gay Dystopia Fiction, Erotica, Science Fiction

Type: Novella, approximately 33,573 words

Main Characters: Connor Witt (MC), David Martin (Secondary Character), Emmett Drake (Secondary Character)

Tags/Keywords: dystopia, genetic mutation, genetic disaster, D/S, dominance-submission, master-slave, master-pet, slave fiction, slavefic, TPE (total-power-exchange), BDSM, alternate universe, dom-sub, collaring, collar[ dystopia, genetic mutation, genetic disaster, D/S, dominance-submission, master-slave, master-pet, slave fiction, slavefic, TPE (total-power-exchange), BDSM, alternate universe, dom-sub, collaring, collar (hide spoiler)]

Description:

Trans-Global IT director Connor Witt is a rare and prized anomaly: the aggression centers in his brain have been suppressed rather than stimulated by the mutated crops that so recently took over the world’s food supply. Bewildered by his physical changes and terrified of a world growing more and more predatory, Connor risks harassment and worse until Trans-Global CEO David Martin collars Connor to protect him against men like security consultant Emmett Drake. Men who stalk Connor as sweet, sexy prey. Men to whom the newly submissive Connor feels irresistibly drawn.

But David can’t be Connor’s master; David’s straight. He promises to find a worthy man, though. One willing to court and appreciate Connor as more than just some rich man’s toy.

While the world adapts to the biological disaster and new laws strip away Connor’s rights, David’s resolve to protect his boy slowly grows into something more. But can his new desires keep pace with Emmett’s determination to claim Connor?

One man offers safety; the other is a safer bet. Problem is, Connor’s never sure which is which. The one thing he does know? He wants them both.

WHERE TO PURCHASE:

★|| RIPTIDE PUBLISHING ||★|| KOBOBOOKS ||★|| BARNES&NOBLE ||★|| AMAZON ||★

* Reviewed on June 3rd, 2014

*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*

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[REVIEW] Stockholm Syndrome (Stockholm Syndrome #1) by Richard Rider

Stockholm Syndrome by Richard Rider
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Recommended to Kynthos-the-Archer by: Aimee

Recommended for: Not able to recommend this.

Read from May 22 to 27, 2014 — I own a copy, read count: 1

DNF at 11%. I've tried. I had actually wanted to go beyond 20% to see if things would work out for me and if the writing would improve, but unfortunately it kept grating on my nerves ever since page one. I might try again if I have nothing better to do.

What didn't work for me:

1) Writing Style - it sucks!
- The narrative structure is a mangled piece of framework. To sum up, it was inarticulate.
- Spent half of the time trying to figure out who is talking, who said what. It's a major distraction, a story flow breaker.

2) Characterization - also sucks!
- Absence/lack of motivations in the characters makes it hard to understand them or make sense of their action and rationality. They are so daft it's a pain to read on. I felt like putting a bullet into Lindsay and Pip's empty heads.
- They have zero common sense and the things they do is utterly unreasonable. Brainless bunch really.
- Exaggerated reactions like wanting to pass out just from someone licking cum off his fingers. One would think the poor guy was locked in chastity for eons.

3) Far-Fetched Storyline
- Just too many unrealistic situations to recount. Conflicts was resolved so sloppily that it does not make any sense.
- I am SO not buying the attraction between Lindsay and Pip. This is not even instant-attraction it's sudden-attraction.

Okay so these are the reasons I couldn't go on reading. Besides that the so called sexy scene in the car at the beach gave me goosebumps. Not in a good way kind. Ugh! Pip is just so slutty and Lindsay was behaving like an overexcited fumbling teenager.

I would have to have the willpower of a saint to re-attempt this book again. I am still puzzling over all those 5 stars ratings. What really happened? Why all the rave and hype? Damnit! I am still curious bout this and I am dying to find out for myself. If only I could push on.



* Reviewed on May 27th, 2014

*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*



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[REVIEW] Mated to a Monster by Diana Sheridan

Mated to a Monster by Diana Sheridan
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Recommended for: Not recommended

Read on May 23, 2014 — I own a copy, read count: 1 

Promising premise. BUT... Characterization FAILED. Plot FAILED.

The story could have been great for me as I happen to love such premise.


So what sucks?

• Info dumping (for example: describing the monster in one fell swoop)

• Impossible vantage point (for example: how on earth could the MC tell if the monster have any tail on his behind when the creature was facing him and he has just finished describing its sexual organ to us?)

• MC exhibits missing and inadequate motivations for actions makes him highly unrealistic (for example: how on earth can a person think of food when a hulking King Kong was inches from your face and you have no way of knowing if you might be his snack at the very moment?)

• Lack of plot (this book has lots on eating, cooking and daily mundane stuff but nothing big ever happen nor did it have any conflicts to drive the story)

• Odd/Weird Word Choices (for example: What the fuck is 'sitting tailor-fashion'? Then cum was replaced with 'white stuff' and 'creamy stuff'. Orgasm was described as 'discharging sperm' or 'squirting white stuff'. NOT sexy at all and this is supposed to be erotica damn you!)

• Tons of telling and telling and telling and more telling (It was all about, this and that happened and then this this this and that plus more of this happened)

And damnit! My dream for another Bloodraven meaty arm-size peen busting tight ass was blew to smithereens!

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[REVIEW] King Perry (The Lost and Founds #1) by Edmond Manning

King Perry (The Lost and Founds #1) by Edmond Manning

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Kynthos-the-Archer by: Cdmr9816 (LGBT Fantasy Fiction - May 2014 Pick-it-for-me Challenge)

Recommended for: Give it a go if you love poetry with your M/M romance, unconventional ending and a dash of purple.

Read from May 03 to 14, 2014 — I own a copy, read count: 1

I love it and I hate it with equal vigour. Yet why 4 Stars?

After finishing this book I felt like I have just visited San Fransisco and wanting to physically visit San Fransisco. The book could give the best San Fransisco tourist guide book a run for the money.

I wish for a crazy guide like Vin to take me around but I don't want to be in his head though. His wandering mind annoys me mighty since he is the narrator and the sole POV throughout the story. I know he says the most brilliant thing from time to time but his ever loud mind is a big disturbance to the flow of the story. His out of focus ramblings was highly distracting!

Enigmatic, eccentric Vin is baffling, surprising, cryptic, charming, brilliant, annoying and a total asshole. He has been a dick to Perry, then a tender lover, then back to number one asshole, then the sweetest most romantic guy ever and back to controlling freak! Only, you can't hate him for all those shits he laid on Perry because it is all for the return of "the one true king."

The story goes like this -- Perry met the White Rabbit in the city. While chasing it he fell into the rabbit hole ala Alice minus the voluminous petticoat and full skirt. I am not exactly sure if Vin is that hurrying waistcoated rabbit or if he is the Mad Hatter himself. Cheshire cat is another potential candidate for Vin's true identity. Along the adventure Perry met some Lost Kings and Queens then found himself in front of the Mirror of Forgiveness.

Truthfully I have a love-hate feeling towards this book. They are brilliant parts, unfortunately it was also marred by absolutely draggy and naggy parts. I nearly died of undue frustrations and impatience while wishing for the pace to pick up and the confounding fog to lift before I give up on it. The story did quite a number of twists, twirls and turns which latched onto my curiosity and in turn keeping me interested. I did dozed off a couple of times during the Vin ramblings. Vin, Vin is the most manipulative character I've ever known YET I could fall for a guy like him despite only knowing him for like two full days. I have a thing for the eccentric types as they are a work of art -- they are very much like surrealism art. Nonconformity is exciting to me.

King Perry is not an easy book to devour you have got to have mountainous patience and of course enough sleep to stay alert for better 'read between the lines' processing. There are times when I actually though I am reading a piece of poetry instead of a M/M fiction with enough hot sex to satisfy any horny readers. You have to read it to believe it. I am not pulling anyone's leg here.

This has to be the TALLEST tale I have ever read and I mean it in a good way. A daring and adventurous self-discovery journey to unlock a man's heart to trust and love again. To return a Lost King to the land of the Found Kings is a journey for the brave ones because forgiveness is an act of supreme braveness.

By the way, I adore the ending. Yes it was bittersweet but sweeter than it was bitter really. Fits the story well like a comforting glove, a warm hand guiding your heart to the right place. I can't say this isn't romance for there are certainly quality of excitement and mystery associated with love. Besides that, Vin was truly courting Perry and gave him all the love he could. So you tell me, what is romance?

I am giving this book a 4 stars as I have greatly enjoyed the tour of beautiful San Franscisco and the tour of two vulnerable men's heart.

*SIDE NOTE: I read this book for the LGBT Fantasy Fiction - May 2014 Pick-it-for-me Challenge. Someone picked it for me but don't ask me why I am reading this book for a fantasy fiction group for I have no idea on that as well. It did screw up my expectation a little since I really thought the story has fantasy elements in it.

BOOK DETAILS:

Title: King Perry

Author: Edmond Manning

Publication Date: February 27th, 2012

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance Fiction
Type: Novel, approximately 106,158 words

Main Characters: Vin Vanbly & Perry Mangin

Location/Setting: California, San Fransisco, Sausalito

Tags/Keywords: gay romance, enigmatic character, messiah/god complex, self-re-discovery, adventure[ gay romance, enigma character, messiah/god complex, self-re-discovery, adventure (hide spoiler)]

Description:

In a trendy San Francisco art gallery, out-of-towner Vin Vanbly witnesses an act of compassion that compels him to make investment banker Perry Mangin a mysterious offer: in exchange for a weekend of complete submission, Vin will restore Perry's "kingship" and transform him into the man he was always meant to be.

Despite intense reservations, Perry agrees, setting in motion a chain of events that will test the limits of his body, seduce his senses, and fray his every nerve, (perhaps occasionally breaking the law) while Vin guides him toward his destiny as "the one true king."

Even as Perry rediscovers old grief and new joys within himself, Vin and his shadowy motivations remain enigmas: who is this offbeat stranger guiding them from danger to hilarity to danger? To emerge triumphant, Perry must overcome the greatest challenge alone: embracing his devastating past. But can he succeed by Sunday's sunrise deadline? How can he possibly evolve from an ordinary man into King Perry?

A Bittersweet Dreams title: It's an unfortunate truth: love doesn't always conquer all. Regardless of its strength, sometimes fate intervenes, tragedy strikes, or forces conspire against it. These stories of romance do not offer a traditional happy ending, but the strong and enduring love will still touch your heart and maybe move you to tears.

WHERE TO PURCHASE:

★|| DREAMSPINNER PRESS ||★|| KOBOBOOKS ||★|| AMAZON ||★

* Reviewed on May 16th, 2014

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[AUDIOBOOK REVIEW] Better Than Good (Better Than Good #1) by Lane Hayes

Better Than Good by Lane Hayes

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Recommended for: Slow romance, adorable couple what's not to like?

Read from: April 06 to May 03, 2014 — I own a copy, read count: 1

AUDIOBOOK EDITION

A fun and charming Gay-For-You slow burn romance. And I am freaking loving the audiobook!

It's not easy to love someone who's insecure of relationships and overly protective of their heart. Yet Matt Sullivan knows he had to give it his best shot anyways for he couldn't forget this special person who has caught his heart as never before. He is certain this person is the right guy for him even if gender is a big roadblock for a straight guy like him to hurdle. All he knew was that it felt right. They felt right together.

Things aren't easy for Matt for it was tough trying to convince out-and-proud Aaron Mendez that he is serious and that Aaron wouldn't be just a gay experimentation for him. I couldn't blame Aaron for being so wary of Matt's advances, that guy has been straight his whole life and on top of that he has a girlfriend. Matt Sullivan certainly comes with baggage attached and Aaron is adamant and on travelling light. Smart guy!

The story charmed me with highly relatable characters and realistic situations. Love Matt our protagonist, for his steadfastness and his honesty with his feelings. Aaron isn't shy on admitting his attraction either. I liked that they both knows what they wanted and goes about it maturely. I appreciates that they aren't those guys-in-skirts type of characters. Even effeminate Aaron is manly in some ways. They are convincingly male. Another thing I like much about this story was the focus on the development of the relationship -- to watch them fall in love as they get to know each other was a beautiful thing, it was gradual and natural. The slow and steady courtship was indeed endearing.

They are most adorable together.

I do believe this audio version I am listening to has added extra charms to this simple story. The narrator Tyler Stevens was just fabulous! His voice was easy to listen to and he has successfully brought out the personality of each characters so much so that I felt like I am listening to an audio-drama with multiple voice cast instead of just a one person narration. This is a fine example of how important it is to secure a good audiobook narrator as this person's skill could easily make or break a book.

I don't think I would have enjoyed the story as much if I wasn't listening to this quality audio version. The plotline is a calm and simple one. In other words not much excitement to be had and the major conflict was quite predictable. What makes this story worthwhile was the endearing characters and the sensible romance. Oh yea, and the chemistry between the main characters was undeniable and that's a plus of course.

BOOK DETAILS:

Title: Better Than Good

Series: Better Than Good #1

Author: Lane Hayes

Publication Date: March 24th, 2014

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC

Type: AUDIOBOOK

Read by: Tyler Stevens

Genre: Gay Contemporary Romance

Main Characters: Matt Sullivan, Aaron Mendez

Key Themes: Gay-for-you, Out-for-you, Bisexuality, Slow Burn Romance, Instant Attraction, Straight-to-Gay, Coming Out, Romance[Gay-for-you, Out-for-you, Bisexuality, Slow Burn Romance, Instant Attraction, Straight-to-Gay, Coming Out, Romance (hide spoiler)]

Location/Setting: Georgetown, Washington, D.C., US

Description:

Matt Sullivan understands labels: law student, athlete, heterosexual. He has goals: graduate and begin his career in law. One fateful night, Matt tags along with his gay roommate to a dance club and everything changes. Matt finds himself attracted to the most beautiful man he's ever seen. All labels go flying out the window.

Aaron Mendez doesn't believe in labels, and he’s leery of straight curious men. He makes it clear that he’ll hide his fabulous light for no one. While Aaron can't deny the attraction between him and Matt, he is reluctant to start anything with someone who is still dealing with what this new label means—especially when that someone has a girlfriend.

WHERE TO PURCHASE:

★|| AUDIBLE ||★

* Reviewed on May 5th, 2014

*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*

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[REVIEW] Stung: Winter Special by K.A. Merikan

Stung: Winter Special by K.A. Merikan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Read from April 23 to 25, 2014 — I own a copy, read count: 1

This shorty serves as an epilogue of Stung. While it does not exactly spell out the answers readers are seeking for this unconventional pair of lovers, we at least get a taste of what they are both like when their life is not at stake.

Crunch decided to pay Victor a visit in the city. It was a reunion after a long parting between him and Victor subsequent to the liberation of the Honeyhill prison camp. He wasn't sure if he would be welcome with open arms by the man who fills his every waking moment. The liberated Victor now might not be the needy Victor back then when they first met at the camp.

Right. We get all of Crunch uncertainties and conflicting thoughts in this piece as opposed to the first book where Victor was the center of attention. This is great as we get deeper understanding of Crunch and his motivations. It was good to know outside of his tough demeanor, he is very much like us -- afraid of rejection and getting hurt.

The authors seems to make Victor's feelings less pronounce by intention of building up Crunch and the reader's anxiety over their long awaited reunion. I was just as anxious as Crunch to know how much Victor had changed and if this visit will be a fruitful one. I like that this pair of ingenious authors always knows how to end their stories and it always takes me by surprise. This is one of the many reasons that make it worthwhile to read their books. I love unpredictable and original stories. I would say K.A. Merikan is a worthy investment because you would be sure of not buying yet another recycled story with predictable plot-line and ending.

I am glad to get more of sultry Victor with his simple, honest man Crunch. I could never tire of their playful teasing ways towards one another. Read it to find out if they leave the bed ablaze. Right now, I am craving for some lemon curd scones *sucking at curd blissfully* Crunch is a man with great taste.

BOOK DETAILS:

Title: Stung: Winter Special

Author: K.A. Merikan

Publication Date: January 8th, 2014

Publisher: Acerbi & Villani Ltd

Type: Short Story, approximately 9,000 words

Genre: Dystopian homoerotic romance, M/M, Gay, Erotica, Contemporary, Consensual

Main Characters:

Title of Spoiler:

Crunch (MC) and Victor Sheppard (second MC)

Tags/Keywords:

Title of Spoiler:

alternate universe, reunion, anal sex, blowjob, romance, lovers, age difference, social status difference, upper and lower class social status, rich love interest, poor main character, beauty mark, victorian, gentle and loving sex, adoring lover

Description:

It's been a few months since Crunch and his comrades liberated the mob-run prison camp HoneyHill. But content as he is, Crunch can't forget Victor, the beautiful prisoner with whom he shared a brief affair. Taking a leap of faith, he shows up at Victor's door, but will it turn out he really was missed?

*

This short story is set a few months after the events described in our novel, 'Stung'. It could be read separately, but we advise to read the novel first, as it is not a stand alone.

*

The book contains explicit M/M erotic content.

Wordcount: 9000

This review has also been cross-posted on my blogs:

  

WHERE TO PURCHASE:

★|| SMASHWORDS;; ||★|| ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS ||★|| BARNES&NOBLES; ||★|| AMAZON;; ||★

* Reviewed on April 25th, 2014

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[REVIEW] Lady Night, an Out of the Woods Story by Syd McGinley

Lady Night, an Out of the Woods Story by Syd McGinley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Read from April 15 to 17, 2014 — I own a copy, read count: 1

Five Charming Stars for this precious little story. I would sit by the fire to listen to Tarin spin a tale anytime even in the freezing cold winter.

Frankly I couldn't get enough of Tarin. He is such a joy to read about and there is never a dull moment with him around. He is a nice person but not without flaws, sometimes he did try to be selfish and a little mean. That makes him all the more believable as a person.

This Out of the Woods side story is essentially a prequel sharing the events prior to Tarin and his protector's capture. We would get to learn about how Tarin and the other woodland boys survives in the wild and endure the harsh winter. It was nice to get some of the Out of the Woods backstory.

Tarin is such a talented storyteller. His fireside scary story about the lonesome Lady Night Boy had me hanging on to his words as much as the other boys did. It was indeed the highlight of the book. I was grinning ear-to-ear listening to him scaring the bejesus out of the little ones.

I loved that the author respects her readers intellect, she does not spoon feed us all the answers but lay out the clues nicely for her readers to make the final connection. Another plus point of reading her work is the originality of her premise and plot. She is highly imaginative and creative. Therefore her stories are always engaging.

I would strongly advise readers to at least read Out of the Woods first before touching this side story. Best still, read on until the sequel, Twice-Caught before you read this mini story to get the full effect and enjoyment out of it although this side story is good enough as a standalone. It could even serve as a teaser to get a reader invested enough to try out the series.

BOOK DETAILS:

Title: Lady Night, an Out of the Woods Story

Author: Syd McGinley

Publication Date: October 21st, 2011

Publisher: Torquere Press

Type: Short Story, 6,562 words (approximate)

Genre: Post-apocalypse and Dystopian M/M Fiction, Science Fiction-Futuristic

Main Characters: Tarin (a young woodland boy), Mart (Tarin's former protector in the woods), Cory (a woodland boy under Tarin's protection)[Tarin (a young woodland boy), Mart (Tarin's former protector in the woods), Cory (a woodland boy under Tarin's protection) (hide spoiler)]

Tags/Keywords: Post-apocalypse, Dystopian, Patriarchal society, Matriarch, Totalitarian, Same Sex Relationships, Gay, Feral Child, Wild boys[Post-apocalypse, Dystopian, Patriarchal society, Matriarch, Totalitarian, Same Sex Relationships, Gay, Enslavement, Feral Child, Wild boys (hide spoiler)]

Description:

On nights with big moons, Lady Night Boys look for life…

Wild boy Tarin is only telling a fireside story, but, like all his best intentions, it goes awry. He's survived this year's boy hunt, but now he must learn to protect the younger boys. Proud of his new role, he only meant to scare the boys a little bit with his stories of the undead boys from the maw, but now they're coming true. The hunger, cold, and wild dogs can be struggled against, but how will the woodland boys face a Lady Night Boy?

WHERE TO PURCHASE:

★|| AMAZON ||★

* Reviewed on April 17th, 2014

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[REVIEW] Out of the Woods (Tarin's World # 1) by Syd McGinley

Out of the Woods by Syd McGinley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Recommended for: Open minded fans of M/M & and Dystopia/Apocalypse fiction

Read from March 26 to 31, 2014 — I own a copy, read count: 1

A Captivating Story of the Taming of a Free-spirited Wild Boy in a Post-Apocalypse Totalitarian Society

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading Out of the Woods. It is a pleasure to watch the unique and original storyline unfolds as I tried my best to solve the mysteries surrounding the woodland boys and the men from the Before Times buildings. I pondered on why the men would hunt the boys each Fall? Why would new younger boys kept appearing in the woods skipping and singing. Are these new boys replacements for all those older ones which the men took with them? Where on earth did they come from when there's not a woman in sight? And lastly, why the men honour the Mothers greatly whereas the wood boys idolizes the Lady? These are only part of the mysteries found within the book and I am going to leave a theory of mine towards the end of this review on a major mystery everyone is dying to know. I am going to take my own shot at uncovering the layers of veils for that much speculated mystery.

These mysteries made Out of the Woods a highly compelling story. Apart from this there are other positive areas such as the well crafted characters that are engaging and relatable, amazing world-building with intriguing societal setup and exciting plots that super-glued me to the book.

Each of the characters have their own distinctive personality. And they are all memorable in their own way. This is especially true with Tarin our much adored protagonist. Tarin is a contented wild child of the woodland. His free-spirited ways with his valiant heart and plucky nature won me over. There is an endearing sweet innocent that surrounds him. He is also the character that made this story a whole lot of fun! His guileless approach to his new surroundings in the men's settlement resulted in many hilarious situations. Tarins says the darndest things! He tickles my funny bone countless times with his silly antics. He might appear to be clueless most of the times, yet there are times where he is wise beyond his years. I love him to bits.

The atmospheres at the men's settlement is always buzzing and alive with activities. Their daily lives are fascinating to me. Watching the men trying to reconstruct a civilized society based on what was left behind after what I think was an apocalypse destruction was thought-provoking.

Although there is only one antagonist in this story, I would say he wasn't the biggest threat to our protagonist or to his friends. It was men's greed for power and over ambitiousness of maintaining absolute control over others that made many suffered unfairly. This was nothing but outright tyranny and enslavement in the guise of protection and safety. Hence I reckon this issue as the predominant threat to Tarin and the boys.

The men adopted to a totalitarian societal setup that bears strong resemblance to a militarian organization. They are segregated by ranking and entitled to certain benefits according to their ranks. While the boys will always be boys; they do not have any authority or any actual autonomy. (I am unsure if this is a spoiler, but I decided to hide it to be on the safe side. So explore at your own risk)

Title of Spoiler:

The most, they are viewed as men's possession. A status symbol and a privilege all of the men are vying for; the boys are the ultimate price that bespoke a men's achievements.

This hierarchical system promotes powerplay that encourages oppression of the weakest. While I am fascinated by this societal structure, I am also repulsed by the harsh treatments of the boys because of it. As the judicial system was only made up by several of the top guns, the men are inevitably favored.

MY THEORIES ON THIS UNIQUE MALE DOMINATED WORLD:

Title of Spoiler:

I believe I have a different perspective as to how this extraordinary world came about in comparison with other readers views. Scientific experimentation and gender imbalanced was amongst those theories pointed out by some readers.
As for me, I would like to think of this as a results of an intentional gender segregation designed by the females in order to control over the male population as an effort to contain the male's destructive nature that might have caused the apocalypse. I am guessing the apocalypse gave the females a chance to built a matriarch society with the aim of protecting mankind from further self destruction and extinction. It is some form of a preservation movement.
What supported this idea was because the Mothers only leave males in the woods even when said male has females siblings. For example, Tarin's sister Nalini gets to stay with the Mothers while he and his brother and male cousin was sent off to the woods. There was no mention of men amongst these woman who seems to have higher knowledge and technological advancement. Therefore I suspect they are deliberately keeping the men in the dark, only allowing low technology assistance and under their constant monitoring and commands because of the preservation movement I've just mentioned above. Another point from this angle is that they are also controlling the male population with intent since there was no females made available to these men. Yet this matriarch society manages to produce offspring by themselves and even gets to decide who goes where in the men's society. The Mothers has supreme pick of genes from the obedient pool of man who worships them like goddesses. The men's fanatical idolization of the Mothers felt somewhat like a cult religion.

MY CONCLUSIONS:

Out of the Woods is certainly a character and plot driven story. There are many intriguing aspects in the lives of these men and boys to keep the wheels in my brain spinning endlessly churning out one speculation after another. I always appreciate books that made me think, helps keep my brain from rusting away. Heh.

Sex was sparse and low key. I was quite surprised it wasn't heavy on the sex as the men and the boys are all pretty hedonistic in nature. Don't fret though, because gifts (that's what they called jism/cum) are flying everywhere 'all the time' despite the lack of penetration.

I had SO much fun trying to try to figure out all those new words used to describe Before Times stuff, for example the 'silver duck', 'divid' and 'go-sloshes'. It's quite funny once you get what they actually meant.

I didn't spend time to talk about Tarin's relationship with his man because I wish to focus on the uniqueness of the setting and also to share my impression of the story as a whole. If you must know, the romance aspect wasn't the core of this story. It is more like a sub-plot. Tarin and Garrick did have a rocky beginning and they both have to work out their priorities before their relationship could take the next step. Yes, Garrick is a good man at heart and his patient and caring ways made him suitable for Tarin.

The focus of the story is really on Tarin's struggles on fitting in with the men's civilized community and his effort to find himself again in a strange world he was thrown into. It wasn't an easy feat and he was fighting them every steps. Everything felt wrong to him, his beliefs was scorned, his will and freedom was forcefully taken away from him. His only hope for survival is his submission. In the men's eyes Tarin is just a savage that needed to be tamed and to learn his place amongst the men.

I know some readers might find the woodland boys to be too childlike and dislike the story because the boys' peculiar behaviour would make the men appears like perverted geezers pawing on the kids. Nevertheless I am excusing this odd behavior of the boys because they have essentially lived in seclusion ever since young and devoid of adult attentions or exposure to the civilized world. Therefore it is highly plausible for them to retain their innocence and to displays such level of naivety akin to a young child just on the onset of puberty despite being in their late teens years. Hell! the boys can't even speak properly, they lack vocabulary and grammatical knowledge to make their dialog mature.

All this makes sense to me and I am glad the author has the wisdom to depict these special boys with such strange situations realistically. In fact, I would commend the author for her superb skill at bringing to life such a difficult character to portray, as the main character. Making him an engaging character who not only charmed the readers but carried the storyline effortlessly was an amazing feat.

I wish I could tell you more but I do not want to spoil the story for you. Do read this with an open mind if you wish to gain more than just a capture-captive story. I loved it so much that I picked up the sequel right after putting this book down and finished the second book in record breaking time.

If you wish to explore more of Tarin's world, you might want to check out the author's page dedicated to this wonderful book: TARIN'S WORLD (it is very informative and I really appreciate the author's effort on putting it up. How I wish other books I've ever read has such a page for the readers)

BOOK DETAILS:

Title: Out of the Woods

Author: Syd McGinley

Publication Date: March 22nd, 2011

Publisher: Torquere

Type: Novel, 80,349 words (approximate)

Genre: Post-apocalypse and Dystopian M/M Fiction, Science Fiction-Futuristic

Main Characters:

Title of Spoiler:

Tarin (a young woodland boy), Garrick/Beak-face (a hunter cum Captain and also Tarin's man), Mart (Tarin's former protector in the woods), Cale (a Lieutenant and also Mart's man), Titus (Head of the religious group and a co-commander of the community), Sten (he is a General and a co-commander with Titus), Ofer (an abused community boy), Cory (a woodland boy under Tarin's protection), Edon (Sergeant), Gideon (Healer cum Colonel), Helem (Armorer cum Colonel), Jadon (a Major), Micah (Cadet), Kenan (Cadet)

Tags/Keywords:

Title of Spoiler:

Post-apocalypse, Dystopian, Patriarchal society, Matriarch, Totalitarian, Oppression, Abuse, Same Sex Relationships, Gay, Enslavement, Capture, Captivity, Confinement, Corporal Punishments, Pleasure Slaves, Sex pets, Slavery, Slave training, Military, Military ranking, Hierarchy, Caste System

Description:

Wild boy Tarin is determined not to be captured by the men who live in the decaying Before Times buildings on the other side of Tarin's woodland home, but he's just as determined to protect the younger boys in the woods. No one remembers being a child or knows where all the women have gone or how society crumbled, but for as long as they can remember, boys have lived in the woods and are hunted by the men each Fall. Some boys believe in a mysterious Lady who protects them, while others think the men are magic. Tarin knows better - he's met a man, and escaped by stabbing him. Hunted through the woods as he tries to protect the weaker Cory, Tarin is trapped and claimed by the very man he knifed. All Tarin wants is to stay in the woods and not have to get 'civilized,' but he's carried off into a different world of rules and discipline. Will he be able to survive now that he is Out of the Woods?

Excerpt on Publisher's website (click on the link)

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WHERE TO PURCHASE:

★|| AMAZON ||★|| TORQUERE PRESS ||★

* Reviewed on April 10th, 2014

*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*

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