m/m

Bonds Of Denial by Lynda Aicher

Posted on by Dirty Girl Anne
Bonds of Denial (Wicked Play, #5)
Grade-B-
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-Mild Kink
Series-Wicked Play #5
Genre-Contemporary/m/m
Reviewed by Kate
281 pages
 
Rock is a co-owner of the Den, an exclusive BDSM club. He’s also in the closet. After years of serving during ‘don’t ask, don’t tell,’ he’s never really even admitted to himself that he’s gay. However, he’s extremely drawn to Carter, an male escort he first sees on the security screens at the Den.
 
I have read the first 4 books in the Wicked Play series, and loved them all. However, this one was written in such a different direction. And I absolutely loved the new direction. The first 4 centered on the BDSM aspect of the relationships. In this one, BDSM is such a small part of their relationship. A very, teeny, tiny part. Despite the lack of BDSM, this was a steaming hot read.
 
The relationship that develops between Rock and Carter was filled with drama and tons of angst. Carter helped Rock discover things about himself, and Rock did the same for Carter. It was truly a joint partnership. Not a story where one character is near perfect and the other has to make all the changes.
 
I appreciate that the author has populated this series with a diverse group of characters. We have had the standard m/f books (#s 1, 2, and 4). But there has also been a menage book (#3-I loved it!) and now a m/m. They can each be read independently of each other but I would recommend the entire series. I can’t wait to see what the next book in the series brings us. Emotionally gripping with steamy scenes, I know this is one that I will be re-reading.

Took My Breath Away by Thianna D.

Posted on by Dirty Girl Anne

Took My Breath Away
Grade-B
Hotness Levl-Inferno
Kink Level-Mild Kink
Series-All They Ever Needed #2
Genre-Contemporary, BDSM, m/m, domestic discpline

Christian is well on the way to overcoming his trauma from the time he spent in the Middle East.  Logan is looking forward to spending some time with his extended family in New York, but dreading missing Christian while he’s gone.  Throughout it all, they are exploring the possibility of a domestic discipline relationship.

I love the relationship that’s developing between Christian and Logan.  There is so much character growth that happens in the pages of this book.  In the midst of all this self-growth, they both manage to be there when the other needs them.  A wonderful relationship to read and a relationship that has hung around in my mind for a while after finishing it.

As much as I loved Christian and Logan, Logan’s parents continued to bother me.  They are so open with both Christian and Logan-overly open.  I understand that when considering a unique relationship like domestic discipline it may be nice to have a mentor.  I’m just not sure that I can get past the fact that Logan’s parents are the mentors that Logan and Christian choose.  I’m all for a strong relationship between parents and children but some of their conversations made me a bit uncomfortable.  They seemed like conversations that should have happened between best buddies rather than parents and their children (even if they are grown).  But that’s probably all my own hang up.  Maybe it won’t bother others.

Despite all that, I can’t wait to hear what happens next for Logan and Christian.  I’m looking forward to seeing them explore more of the domestic discipline relationship that they’ve only talked about up until now.  Come on, Thianna D,  I need the next installment soon!

As Natural As Breathing by Thianna D.

Posted on by Dirty Girl Anne

As Natural As Breathing
Grade-B
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-Moderate Kink
Series-All They Ever Needed #1
Genre-Contemporary, m/m, BDSM, domestic discipline
Reviewed by Kate
215 pages

Christian returns from the Middle East with more than just scars and a bum leg. He’s dealing with depression and questioning his sexuality. Logan is definitely out of the closet and home from college on Christmas break. Both his parents and his good friend Kelli ask him to look out for Christian and see if Logan can’t help him figure some things out.
 
I really liked both Logan and Christian’s characters. They were deep and complex and together they we so good. Despite being in college, Logan really knows who he is. While a few years older, Christian is struggling with his “damaged” self. When they get together, the relationship is sweet and tender and spicy and hot.
 
As much as I liked Christian and Logan, I was bothered by the secondary characters. Logan’s parents are so easy going and accepting. And open…about everything. No kid needs to know that much about their parents’ sex life if you ask me. I couldn’t help but imagine Logan’s parents as Ward and June Cleaver. Christian was so sure that his parents would hate him if he announced that he was gay that when he finally came out (in a very big way) their reaction was a bit of a disappointment. Sad to say, but I was almost relieved when one of the characters actually had a problem with Christian being gay.
 
A few things I want to mention:
1. This is the first book in a same-couple trilogy. So while it has a happy-for-now ending, we know there are more trials ahead for Christian and Logan,
 2. The blurb mentions domestic discipline. While it is discussed in this book, there is no actual practice shown on the pages (although it does appear that it will be a bigger part of the plot in the 2nd book), and
 3. The BDSM doesn’t go beyond spanking with bare hand and implements.
 
I found this read enthralling and heartfelt. I can’t wait to see what happens to Logan and Christian next.
I’ve never been a huge fan of same-couple series, but it’s reads like this one that just might make me change my mind. Do you have any same-couple series that you would recommend?