queer Archives - Page 36 of 36

Why I read it: I have been eagerly awaiting Dylan’s book since the straight boy BJ scene in Feeling Hot (which was my introduction to the series) so I bought this one on release day.

What it’s about: (from Goodreads) When you land in hot water, swim for safety—or let the fire burn. An Out of Uniform StoryClaire McKinley has just experienced every bride’s nightmare. The groom is a no-show, and now she must face five hundred guests alone. Furious and humiliated, Claire seeks help from the most unlikely candidate—her almost-brother-in-law, who promptly whisks her away to his apartment in San Diego, where she can recover her pride in peace and quiet.Dylan Wade is no fan of Claire’s, but no way can he leave the jilted bride in her time of need. Bringing her home seems like a good idea—until he remembers his new roommate. Dylan’s relationship with Aidan is…complicated. And with Claire thrown into the mix, life becomes even more…complicated.Claire is blindsided by her attraction not only to Dylan, but also to Aidan, a man she’s just met. Soon they’re caught up in an all-consuming sexual storm they can’t fight even if they wanted to. Yet Claire wonders if it can last, or if she’s just setting herself up for more heartache.

What worked for me (and what didn’t): I enjoyed this story and it certainly lived up to its title (oh mama! *fans self*), but the ending came too abruptly for me and there were some things glossed over or not mentioned which meant that the book didn’t end quite as well as it started. Still, I was a lot of fun and overall, another great addition to the series.

Both Dylan and Aidan are bisexual. I’m not sure how realistic a depiction of bisexuals it is to suggest that they cannot be content with just one person. Both Aidan and Dylan feel that way – they care deeply about each other and are wildly sexually attracted to each other but they can’t “go a week without a woman”. However, in this book, it works because, it makes the addition of Claire to the relationship feel like it is what stabilises everything – like a stool with a wonky leg maybe. (In menage type relationships I always wonder if one of the trio will feel left out or threatened – here, it was not a consideration.) I have come to accept that most of the menage type stories I read are not terribly grounded in reality. While I enjoyed this aspect of the story, for the record, I don’t think if one is a bisexual that one necessarily has to feel he/she is always missing out, no matter the gender of their partner and I don’t think that all bisexuals are cheating cheatypants’.

Why I read it: I read a review of Safeword (the sequel to this book) recently at SmexyBooks and it reminded me I had this one on my TBR. I’ve already bought Safeword too.

What it’s about (from Goodreads): From the moment Detective Gavin DeGrassi steps into the world of BDSM to solve the brutal slaying of Dom George Kaiser, his course is not his own. Mesmerized by the context in which the victim lived and the images of the lifestyle seared into his soul, Gavin must find a way to navigate these unknown waters. With his personal life in upheaval due to marital trouble, and his professional life uncertain with the assignment of a new partner, Gavin needs all the help he can get understanding the case.Enter Ben Haverson, a psychologist and a well known Dom. With Ben’s help as a consultant and attention to Gavin’s own murky truths, Gavin delves deeper than he ever thought he would into the world of restraints and paddles. Forced to scrutinize his true nature and his innermost desires, Gavin has a choice: keep the fear of submitting at bay, or dive in and solve the case with the knowledge he gains. When another victim is discovered, Gavin’s choice is made for him, and he’s pulled headlong into the deepest, most emotional journey of his life.

Unfortunately for him and Ben, a killer has noticed, has taken stock, and has set his sights on the D/s pair. Can Gavin outwit him, or will his first exchange of power be his last?

Warning: Some readers may find this book triggering and will wish to avoid it. There is off page and on page (male) rape as well as some fairly graphic violence (all on the part of the villain).

What worked for me (and what didn’t): I had heard nothing but good things about this book and it turned out to be just what I was in the mood for. I stayed up way too late the other night finishing it. It’s not without flaws, but overall, it was a great read and I’m excited to read the second book in the series and see where the author takes these characters next.Gavin DeGrassi is a cop from a family of cops. His father is a retired cop. His three brothers are all in law enforcement too. He feels, keenly, the weight of expectation on him. At the start of the story, he and his partner attend the scene of a violent homocide where a man was whipped, beaten, raped and strangled while bound to a St. Andrew’s Cross. The investigation quickly turns to the local BDSM scene and Gavin requests assistance as he is a bit out of his depth with such matters. Dr. Ben Haverson is a Dominant and therapist and is assigned to consult Gavin and his detective partner. The sparks fly between Ben and Gavin when they meet but Gavin is not only deeply closeted, he’s married so it’s not going anywhere.