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Destiny Calling #1
Destiny Calling
Destiny lures Colin Leyton to a HMV music store one fine Saturday morning in March where he stumbles across the young and flamboyant Sam Taylor.
Sam has a knack for attracting trouble and a gift for rubbing people up the wrong way.
Against his better judgement Colin finds himself playing white knight when Sam’s antics get out of hand and he lands in bother with two store security guards. He gives him a lift home. Sam tries to charm him into a date, but common sense tells Colin not to get involved, in fact to run for the hills and not look back.
However, destiny hasn’t finished with Colin. Sam comes back into his life in an unexpected way, turning it upside down.
Colin's closest friend Jon turns mentor in a bid to help him sort out his feelings for a man most people love to hate.
Sam has a knack for attracting trouble and a gift for rubbing people up the wrong way.
Against his better judgement Colin finds himself playing white knight when Sam’s antics get out of hand and he lands in bother with two store security guards. He gives him a lift home. Sam tries to charm him into a date, but common sense tells Colin not to get involved, in fact to run for the hills and not look back.
However, destiny hasn’t finished with Colin. Sam comes back into his life in an unexpected way, turning it upside down.
Colin's closest friend Jon turns mentor in a bid to help him sort out his feelings for a man most people love to hate.
262 pages, ebook
First published February 1, 2012
4 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
Fabian Black
40 books48 followersMy pseudonyms: Cat, Fabian Black, Tarn Swan, Gumbie Tales, Nowell Cowardice, Mystic Mog, Skoda.
Fabian Black writes D/s fiction, but with her own unique stamp. There are no dungeons and chains here or any of the usual leather and whip scenarios associated with power exchange fiction. She shows another aspect of the Dom/sub dynamic, weaving beautiful warm hearted, sensitive stories full of emotion, wit and romance all spiced with a little spanking. Stories that will engage, entertain and sometimes surprise you. Have tissues on stand by.
For the record she is a female author located in the UK. She is a keen advocate of GLBT rights and gay marriage.
Fabian Black writes D/s fiction, but with her own unique stamp. There are no dungeons and chains here or any of the usual leather and whip scenarios associated with power exchange fiction. She shows another aspect of the Dom/sub dynamic, weaving beautiful warm hearted, sensitive stories full of emotion, wit and romance all spiced with a little spanking. Stories that will engage, entertain and sometimes surprise you. Have tissues on stand by.
For the record she is a female author located in the UK. She is a keen advocate of GLBT rights and gay marriage.
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February 15, 2012The Most Difficult And Heartbreaking Book I Have Ever Read
The first thing I will say is this: This book is not for everyone. I'm going to try and explain why while explaining why I think that this book was so spot on.
Destiny Calling thoroughly defies any rating that I could give it, so I'm not going to rate it at all. For me, the most important thing about this book is not whether it is a good or a bad book. The most important thing about Destiny Calling is that it's a difficult and honest book.
This book proves the fact that love is not about who deserves who or the reasoning behind things. In my opinion that is the best, most realistic and most honest kind of romance there is.
This story is about Sam and Colin. Sam is bipolar, unmedicated and his moods are all over the place. Colin is a man who's had alot of experience dealing with mental illness. His sister was bipolar and schizophrenic. Eighteen months ago she committed suicide by locking herself in her car, dousing herself in gasoline and setting herself on fire.
The fact that Colin has lived with mental illness for most of his life is a huge reason why he understands Sam, sticks by Sam and can see the Sam that most people don't take the time to see.
When Colin first spots Sam in a music store, Sam is completely manic, making a scene and in danger of being roughed up by two security guards. Colin saves him, drives him home and then tries to forget the young man who reminds Colin so much of his sister. Colin is attracted to Sam but Sam is very clearly unbalanced. A few weeks later Sam shows back up in Colin's life, roughed up and homeless. Colin takes him in and gives him a place to stay.
Here is the first reason why this story will not sit well with alot of people; Sam is unbalanced, point blank. His illness, his history and his lack of medication have made him volatile, rude and EXTREMELY difficult to deal with. This is made clear from the start. Most readers are not going to like Sam. Sometimes I didn't like Sam but even when I didn't like him I felt like he was ripping my heart out. Sam is a character who has very little control over his actions. At one point he confesses that he can't figure out what's wrong with him and that once he starts acting out he can't figure out how to stop himself. He doesn't know how.
Most people want a romance novel where the character would overcome that and be a sympathetic victim that you want to take care of. Sam is not that kind of character because in real life things rarely go that way. Most people will say that there is no excuse, Sam is an adult, he's immature and needs to grow up. All of those things are true. There is no excuse but there is a REASON (there is a difference) and, like it or not, the truth of it is that mental illness is the reason. Fabian Black does not shy away from that even though most people won't be able to make the distinction.
My second point; Colin's love for Sam. Most readers probably will not get why Colin loves Sam. For me, this book was not about WHY Colin loves Sam. It's all about HOW Colin loves Sam. Colin and Sam live together for about two months before entering into a relationship. Colin has seen Sam at his worst and Sam's worst is pretty bad. Colin, though, loves Sam anyway and sees the man that Sam is in those moments when he's somewhat balanced. Colin reads up on how to bring Sam some measure of happiness and peace through D/s. He reads up on how a good diet will help Sam's moods be more balanced and help Sam be a more content person. Colin is not trying to make himself happier by changing Sam. Colin wants SAM to be happier.
And Colin is no Saint with endless patience. He gets angry, he gets annoyed, he gets frustrated and with good reason. He knows that Sam manipulates but he also knows that Sam loves him, needs him and wants him. And no it is not some twisted kind of unhealthy love. It's just...love that expressed in ways that not alot of people understand but Colin and Sam are the only ones who need to understand it.
Colin is the definition of a person that truly knows what love is about. Loving someone with a mental illness is a struggle. It is probably one of the hardest romantic relationships to be in. This book was so realistic in that Colin and Sam's relationship was hard to read about.
I think that mostly this book is not for alot of people because they will spend the whole book questioning why Colin loves Sam, why he stays with Sam. I don't think that's what this love story is about though. It's about how strong love can be, how strong Colin's love is. It's about how love can definitely be enough if you want it to be, if you fight for it.
So, I'm on the fence about recommending this book because many people would hate it. I loved it because it's not a story that tries to justify Sam and Colin's relationship. Like I said before, it's not about WHY they love or WHY they try to make the make the relationship work. It's about the HOW...it's all about the HOW.
The first thing I will say is this: This book is not for everyone. I'm going to try and explain why while explaining why I think that this book was so spot on.
Destiny Calling thoroughly defies any rating that I could give it, so I'm not going to rate it at all. For me, the most important thing about this book is not whether it is a good or a bad book. The most important thing about Destiny Calling is that it's a difficult and honest book.
This book proves the fact that love is not about who deserves who or the reasoning behind things. In my opinion that is the best, most realistic and most honest kind of romance there is.
This story is about Sam and Colin. Sam is bipolar, unmedicated and his moods are all over the place. Colin is a man who's had alot of experience dealing with mental illness. His sister was bipolar and schizophrenic. Eighteen months ago she committed suicide by locking herself in her car, dousing herself in gasoline and setting herself on fire.
The fact that Colin has lived with mental illness for most of his life is a huge reason why he understands Sam, sticks by Sam and can see the Sam that most people don't take the time to see.
When Colin first spots Sam in a music store, Sam is completely manic, making a scene and in danger of being roughed up by two security guards. Colin saves him, drives him home and then tries to forget the young man who reminds Colin so much of his sister. Colin is attracted to Sam but Sam is very clearly unbalanced. A few weeks later Sam shows back up in Colin's life, roughed up and homeless. Colin takes him in and gives him a place to stay.
Here is the first reason why this story will not sit well with alot of people; Sam is unbalanced, point blank. His illness, his history and his lack of medication have made him volatile, rude and EXTREMELY difficult to deal with. This is made clear from the start. Most readers are not going to like Sam. Sometimes I didn't like Sam but even when I didn't like him I felt like he was ripping my heart out. Sam is a character who has very little control over his actions. At one point he confesses that he can't figure out what's wrong with him and that once he starts acting out he can't figure out how to stop himself. He doesn't know how.
Most people want a romance novel where the character would overcome that and be a sympathetic victim that you want to take care of. Sam is not that kind of character because in real life things rarely go that way. Most people will say that there is no excuse, Sam is an adult, he's immature and needs to grow up. All of those things are true. There is no excuse but there is a REASON (there is a difference) and, like it or not, the truth of it is that mental illness is the reason. Fabian Black does not shy away from that even though most people won't be able to make the distinction.
My second point; Colin's love for Sam. Most readers probably will not get why Colin loves Sam. For me, this book was not about WHY Colin loves Sam. It's all about HOW Colin loves Sam. Colin and Sam live together for about two months before entering into a relationship. Colin has seen Sam at his worst and Sam's worst is pretty bad. Colin, though, loves Sam anyway and sees the man that Sam is in those moments when he's somewhat balanced. Colin reads up on how to bring Sam some measure of happiness and peace through D/s. He reads up on how a good diet will help Sam's moods be more balanced and help Sam be a more content person. Colin is not trying to make himself happier by changing Sam. Colin wants SAM to be happier.
And Colin is no Saint with endless patience. He gets angry, he gets annoyed, he gets frustrated and with good reason. He knows that Sam manipulates but he also knows that Sam loves him, needs him and wants him. And no it is not some twisted kind of unhealthy love. It's just...love that expressed in ways that not alot of people understand but Colin and Sam are the only ones who need to understand it.
Colin is the definition of a person that truly knows what love is about. Loving someone with a mental illness is a struggle. It is probably one of the hardest romantic relationships to be in. This book was so realistic in that Colin and Sam's relationship was hard to read about.
I think that mostly this book is not for alot of people because they will spend the whole book questioning why Colin loves Sam, why he stays with Sam. I don't think that's what this love story is about though. It's about how strong love can be, how strong Colin's love is. It's about how love can definitely be enough if you want it to be, if you fight for it.
So, I'm on the fence about recommending this book because many people would hate it. I loved it because it's not a story that tries to justify Sam and Colin's relationship. Like I said before, it's not about WHY they love or WHY they try to make the make the relationship work. It's about the HOW...it's all about the HOW.
February 5, 2012
4 - 4.5 stars. Excellent!
From the minute Colin sees Sam disturbing the peace with an outlandish impromtu performance in a shopping mall he is drawn to him. Despite Sam's provocation of the mall security guards, Colin defends him and offers assistance. But it's not just attraction that draws him to Sam. He recognises in him the same behaviour that led his sister to commit suicide several years previously. Colin drops the irrepressible Sam off at his derelict flat but has trouble shaking the young man from his mind. Several weeks later Sam turns up on his doorstep, beaten, bloody and looking for a refuge.
I LOVED Sam's character. I think any reader who knows someone with a mental illness will recognise and empathise with his vulnerablility, his cleverness, his manipulation and his desperate need for love and acceptance. The author doesn't pull any punches in how difficult it can be to live with someone with Bipolar. The way he treats Colin's family and friends is shocking, but no matter how outrageous he becomes you (like Colin) never stop loving him.
To break the stalemate, Colin decides (on the advice of a friend) to take control of the situation and give Sam's life some discipline and structure. Sam is obviously needing this and it also appeals to Colin's dominant nature. But Colin is a reluctant Dom. He often bursts out laughing whenever Sam plays the fool (Sam is soooo hilarious!), or caves when he thinks he's hurt Sam's feelings. This funny, sexy and poignant story follows their attempt to make a life together and protect Sam from his spiteful and destructive family.
I'm not usually a fan of the "BDSM cures mental illness/trauma" theme. In fact I often hate it with a passion. But this is done BRILLIANTLY! These two guys are a perfect match. The ending is a little HFN and there are some plot points left open. I'm definitely hoping there'll be a sequel. If you want to know more about the type of BDSM this author writes, I think her website explains it perfectly: http://www.fabianblackromance.com/int...
From the minute Colin sees Sam disturbing the peace with an outlandish impromtu performance in a shopping mall he is drawn to him. Despite Sam's provocation of the mall security guards, Colin defends him and offers assistance. But it's not just attraction that draws him to Sam. He recognises in him the same behaviour that led his sister to commit suicide several years previously. Colin drops the irrepressible Sam off at his derelict flat but has trouble shaking the young man from his mind. Several weeks later Sam turns up on his doorstep, beaten, bloody and looking for a refuge.
I LOVED Sam's character. I think any reader who knows someone with a mental illness will recognise and empathise with his vulnerablility, his cleverness, his manipulation and his desperate need for love and acceptance. The author doesn't pull any punches in how difficult it can be to live with someone with Bipolar. The way he treats Colin's family and friends is shocking, but no matter how outrageous he becomes you (like Colin) never stop loving him.
To break the stalemate, Colin decides (on the advice of a friend) to take control of the situation and give Sam's life some discipline and structure. Sam is obviously needing this and it also appeals to Colin's dominant nature. But Colin is a reluctant Dom. He often bursts out laughing whenever Sam plays the fool (Sam is soooo hilarious!), or caves when he thinks he's hurt Sam's feelings. This funny, sexy and poignant story follows their attempt to make a life together and protect Sam from his spiteful and destructive family.
I'm not usually a fan of the "BDSM cures mental illness/trauma" theme. In fact I often hate it with a passion. But this is done BRILLIANTLY! These two guys are a perfect match. The ending is a little HFN and there are some plot points left open. I'm definitely hoping there'll be a sequel. If you want to know more about the type of BDSM this author writes, I think her website explains it perfectly: http://www.fabianblackromance.com/int...
October 16, 2013
DNF at 41%
I was not going to rate this book because it might just be me. I can't read this subject matter. But by the end of my review I found that I wanted to and could accord it one star. I am $6 down and irked from this reading experience. I can rate it accordingly.
This work features too much I can't stomach well:
* Detrimental misunderstanding
* Meddling friends operating from a "greater good" perspective
* A weak Top. Seriously, either you are or you aren't. Step up. I can't deal with weak Tops.
* The Top needing to be topped. It bears repeating. Honestly, either one is or one isn't.
* Too much drama.
* Cinderella-esque cruella family. I like 'overcome toxic family' storylines a lot but there is so much here. It's a bit theatrical.
* Stiff dialogue.
* Off the page and proper 'pinkie-finger out while taking one's tea' sex.
* Repetition. We get the destiny theme. Don't knock the reader over the head with shallow allegory and continous references. It doesn't make the work deep, just tiresome.
I usually enjoy the author's writing but this may have been her "take me serious" book and those never fare well for any author. They always read unnaturally.
Ah well, off to Lendle this goes...
I was not going to rate this book because it might just be me. I can't read this subject matter. But by the end of my review I found that I wanted to and could accord it one star. I am $6 down and irked from this reading experience. I can rate it accordingly.
This work features too much I can't stomach well:
* Detrimental misunderstanding
* Meddling friends operating from a "greater good" perspective
* A weak Top. Seriously, either you are or you aren't. Step up. I can't deal with weak Tops.
* The Top needing to be topped. It bears repeating. Honestly, either one is or one isn't.
* Too much drama.
* Cinderella-esque cruella family. I like 'overcome toxic family' storylines a lot but there is so much here. It's a bit theatrical.
* Stiff dialogue.
* Off the page and proper 'pinkie-finger out while taking one's tea' sex.
* Repetition. We get the destiny theme. Don't knock the reader over the head with shallow allegory and continous references. It doesn't make the work deep, just tiresome.
I usually enjoy the author's writing but this may have been her "take me serious" book and those never fare well for any author. They always read unnaturally.
Ah well, off to Lendle this goes...
August 20, 2015
This story is proof that love is not just rainbow in the sky or falling instantly in love, but hard work, patience and basket of emotions. I love this story because of the hardship both Colin and Sam have go through, daily, but still stay together. This story is my favourite!!
2012/February/ 8 - 5 star rating
Emotionally hard developed and created story. Wow, I'm positive impressed.
Colin was truly a HERO in this story. I'm so glad he found Sam. This way Sam could start a new safe life. We didn't have an inch of boring moments here. Sam was gosh, hard person to be around. With this story we have a prove, that with love and kind strong hand, you can achieve everything. I'm glad, I read this story. Thanks to Fabian Black for writing it.
I HIGHLY Recommend this story, it's a MUST READ.
2012/February/ 8 - 5 star rating
Emotionally hard developed and created story. Wow, I'm positive impressed.
Colin was truly a HERO in this story. I'm so glad he found Sam. This way Sam could start a new safe life. We didn't have an inch of boring moments here. Sam was gosh, hard person to be around. With this story we have a prove, that with love and kind strong hand, you can achieve everything. I'm glad, I read this story. Thanks to Fabian Black for writing it.
I HIGHLY Recommend this story, it's a MUST READ.
November 5, 2012
First half, 4 stars, and very touching and romantic. Second half, 1.5 stars, and I wanted to take a paddle to both the MCs myself.
April 28, 2012
Wow. This was a tough one. I really liked the idea behind this story and I really wanted to have an emotional connection with it. However, Colin and Sam drove me insane. I couldn't figure out who I disliked more - Sam, for his completely obnoxious, rude, hideous behavior, or Colin, for putting up with it and his continious inability to follow through with anything.
I realize Sam had reasons that somewhat explained his behavior, it was one of the things that drew me to this story in the first place, but he was worse than the worst spoiled brat, only he is a adult! Back to Colin. If he threatened to spank Sam to discipline him for his inexcusable antics one more time, only to end up giggling at him, I thought I would scream.
The poor friends suffered at the mouth of Sam throughout this book. I couldn't believe they stuck around to deal with Sam and Colin for as long as they did.
I kept waiting for Sam and Colin to work through Sam's issues, but even at the end, I didnt feel like they resolved much.
I realize Sam had reasons that somewhat explained his behavior, it was one of the things that drew me to this story in the first place, but he was worse than the worst spoiled brat, only he is a adult! Back to Colin. If he threatened to spank Sam to discipline him for his inexcusable antics one more time, only to end up giggling at him, I thought I would scream.
The poor friends suffered at the mouth of Sam throughout this book. I couldn't believe they stuck around to deal with Sam and Colin for as long as they did.
I kept waiting for Sam and Colin to work through Sam's issues, but even at the end, I didnt feel like they resolved much.
October 17, 2013
2.5 Stars
I have mixed feelings about this story. On one hand, I didn't like the character of Sam because he was very immature. I don't know how other books make this kind of character seem likeable but Sam just came across as antagonistic at worst and stubborn at best. It didn't help that a dom-sub theme was going on with all the spanking treatment that Sam got whenever he misbehaved. I mean, I like a complex plot as much as the next guy, but I don't like reading underlying BDSM themes or paranormal story lines woven into a book when the blurb never even mentioned it. It just ends up getting confusing.
The strength of the story lies with the highlight of Sam's sad and abusive past. Upon learning his hardships as a child, my initial annoyance with his stubborness and antagonistic attitude was replaced with sympathy. It didn't hurt that his Teddy Bear was so adorable.
If only the dom-sub theme were taken out or better executed, I would've given it another star.
February 7, 2012
First, I need to go back and rate and review Fabian Black's books, since I have read and enjoyed most all of them before I joined GR! Domestic discipline is a genre close to my heart and Fabian is hands down my favorite author to turn to when I want a "fix".
Beyond how well Fabian handled domestic discipline in this particular situation, the humor was amazing.(See MandyM's review for important stuff, I am hitting the fluff.) Colin's inner dialog and Sam's verbal decimation of anyone he feels takes Colin's attention from him are side-splitting funny. Sam's exploits made me cringe in embarrassment at times. My boss kept asking me what I was "O' Dear Lord"ing about. But I still had to laugh as did Colin. Whether we wanted to or not.
I could go on for a while but I will leave it at this:
If you like to laugh, and like to see a bottom get a good reddening(and a cuddle)when it needs it - PICK THIS UP!
Beyond how well Fabian handled domestic discipline in this particular situation, the humor was amazing.(See MandyM's review for important stuff, I am hitting the fluff.) Colin's inner dialog and Sam's verbal decimation of anyone he feels takes Colin's attention from him are side-splitting funny. Sam's exploits made me cringe in embarrassment at times. My boss kept asking me what I was "O' Dear Lord"ing about. But I still had to laugh as did Colin. Whether we wanted to or not.
I could go on for a while but I will leave it at this:
If you like to laugh, and like to see a bottom get a good reddening(and a cuddle)when it needs it - PICK THIS UP!
February 19, 2012
Great book! I loved Sam's character. He went through so much hardship in his young life. The way he was treated by his "family" broke my heart. I wanted to hug the stuffing out of him, poor dear....however feeling sorry for him didn't stop me from wanting Col to spank his cute little bottom. Sam was afterall very willful and feisty with a sharp tongue. I'm not going to lie, he cracked up several times. He was a so freaking funny even when he was being mean and hateful. I knew it was just his bitch face firmly in place to mask the emotional hurt and pain and insecurity he felt. The vail slipped enough for us to see the real Sam. The Sam was sweet and tender hearted. He got under my skin and stole my heart. I wanted him to be loved and protected. I know Frankenbear was not a real character, but "Aww". I did find myself getting frustrated with Col a lot. I get that Col was uncertain of the discipline lifestyle and wondered if this type of relationship was right for them. However, he did established the guidelines in the relationship and he expected Sam to follow those rules. Or else! Unfortunately, or else very rarely came, Col kept threatening to spank Sam instead of actually doing it. He allowed Sam to spiral out of control without being properly desciplined. As Sam continued to run amuck, I was really afraid Sam was either going to hurt himself or someone (besides Derek) was going to hurt him as a result of one of his "jokes" going wrong. Speaking of cousin D'jerk...what's really going on with him? I mean, he was obsessed with Sam and just damn right stupid with rage...dare I say lust? There was an extra layer of creepiness & ick going on the way he came after Sam on several occasions. Jon & Kit were great. Although, at times it seemed like Kit was vying for brat of month...not that I blame him for his temper. You cant keep talking smack about someone's man and not expect some shade in return. I do want Sam and Kit to get along so they don't try to murder one another every other second. I like them bickering - they would make wonderful frienemies. I'm glad Col had Jon as a mentor. Jon gave Col some real sound advise. And, once Col embraced his role as Dom and took Jon advise things calmed down and were better between Sam and everyone. I want to read more about this group, sequel please!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2012
2.75 stars
Sam is a brat--an annoying, funny, frustrating, sweet brat--who is in desperate need of discipline, structure and unconditional love. Colin wants to give Sam all of those things, especially the unconditional love, much to the dismay of Colin's friends who wonder what he sees in the annoying, insulting Sam.
I really liked the first half of this book. I came to love Sam and to understand his outbursts and tantrums. My heart broke for the way he was raised. What a horrible family he has.
The second half of this book was very frustrating for me. Why? FOLLOW THROUGH!!! When you make rules you have to follow through. Whether it's parent/child, teacher/student, employer/employee, etc. you have to follow through with what you say you will do or it just becomes an empty threat. I can't count how many times that Colin threaten to spank or otherwise punish Sam, yet he rarely did. Sam just continued to walk all over Colin. Colin's friend Jon told him that this was happening, but Colin just let it continue. I actually had to start skimming some of the book because I couldn't take it anymore. It's too bad because, as I said, I really like the first half. I loved both Sam and Colin. I just wish that their relationship had progressed a little differently.
Sam is a brat--an annoying, funny, frustrating, sweet brat--who is in desperate need of discipline, structure and unconditional love. Colin wants to give Sam all of those things, especially the unconditional love, much to the dismay of Colin's friends who wonder what he sees in the annoying, insulting Sam.
I really liked the first half of this book. I came to love Sam and to understand his outbursts and tantrums. My heart broke for the way he was raised. What a horrible family he has.
The second half of this book was very frustrating for me. Why? FOLLOW THROUGH!!! When you make rules you have to follow through. Whether it's parent/child, teacher/student, employer/employee, etc. you have to follow through with what you say you will do or it just becomes an empty threat. I can't count how many times that Colin threaten to spank or otherwise punish Sam, yet he rarely did. Sam just continued to walk all over Colin. Colin's friend Jon told him that this was happening, but Colin just let it continue. I actually had to start skimming some of the book because I couldn't take it anymore. It's too bad because, as I said, I really like the first half. I loved both Sam and Colin. I just wish that their relationship had progressed a little differently.
February 13, 2012
There are times when you read a book which reminds you how hard it is to "really love someone, with all the bad and all the good". Really great work.
February 15, 2012
This is what real life is. Not a bed of roses but enough of chocolate to make LOVE keeps going.
Want to read
February 15, 2012She writes books with an edge although it doesn't looks that way from the blurb. Still interesting
August 5, 2018
I usually love Fabian Black, but I just didn't like Sam! He was so annoying, I could barely make it through the scenes that he was in. I liked Colin okay, and I could even understand that he felt drawn to Sam somehow. But he just couldn't stand up and "Top," as it were. Sam needed a firmer hand, and Colin let him walk all over him.
Kit and Jon, Colin's friends, I liked. Mostly Jon. Kit could have been a bit more developed. I don't think he shone well because Sam tended to make him too upset, and he wasn't able to reveal much of his true personality.
Overall, not my favorite Fabian Black book, and I've read them all. I like a bit of Top/brat fiction, but this brat was way too bratty for my taste.
Kit and Jon, Colin's friends, I liked. Mostly Jon. Kit could have been a bit more developed. I don't think he shone well because Sam tended to make him too upset, and he wasn't able to reveal much of his true personality.
Overall, not my favorite Fabian Black book, and I've read them all. I like a bit of Top/brat fiction, but this brat was way too bratty for my taste.
June 25, 2019
2.5 Stars
This was a tough read, full of angst and a lot of the time on the verge of being depressing. I really struggled with the MCs, it certainly was a case of hate/love. Through most of the story I wanted to throttle Sam he was a really hard character to like and I'm not sure if I can say I ended up liking him. I'm usually a big supporter of difficult or under dog type characters but Sam tried my patience like no other.
March 2, 2012
Ok, I was contemplating to give it 3,5 stars or 4 stars instead. Sam's antics surely lift up the story but at some point it just making me tired. But I do really like this book!
Destiny lures Colin Leyton to a HMV music store one fine Saturday morning in March where he stumbles across the young and flamboyant Sam Taylor.
Sam has a knack for attracting trouble and a gift for rubbing people up the wrong way.
Against his better judgement Colin finds himself playing white knight when Sam’s antics get out of hand and he lands in bother with two store security guards. He gives him a lift home. Sam tries to charm him into a date, but common sense tells Colin not to get involved, in fact to run for the hills and not look back.
However, destiny hasn’t finished with Colin. Sam comes back into his life in an unexpected way, turning it upside down.
There's 2 things that caught me at first. The cover; look at that bright smile on its cover, let alone a bi-colored-eyed teddy bear! And the second one was Sam's antics! Though somewhere in the middle I was a bit tired with his antics. So, it was amazing that Colin could put up with him and stay loving him.
Then, this book was listed in BDSM book, but don't worry I don't find it disturbing (I'm not into BDSM ), instead it's kinda endearing everytime Colin try to disciplining Sam.
And Sam, he's such a quite character. What is it called? Bipolar? Mental illness? Either way, his character was lifted up the story. I can't imagine how's Colin's life without him. Must be a dead boring. Then, that's maybe why he can put up with Sam.
Then, I'll show one of Sam's antics ^_^
Sam: Where are we goin?
Colin: Home
Sam: Whose home?
Colin: Yours
Sam: My, but you do move fast, cheeky, inviting yourself to look at my etching and us virtual strangers. How do you know where I live anyway? Have you been stalking me you bad man?
Colin: I don't know where you live, but when we get to my car, you're going to tell me and I'm going to drive you there.
Sam: What if I refuse? Will you put me under torture, pluck my eyebrows, paint mu nails, perm my hair, pierce my navel?
Colin: no, of course not.
Sam: Oh shame, I could do with makeover
Also, the British feels of this story, another thing that charmed me!
Destiny lures Colin Leyton to a HMV music store one fine Saturday morning in March where he stumbles across the young and flamboyant Sam Taylor.
Sam has a knack for attracting trouble and a gift for rubbing people up the wrong way.
Against his better judgement Colin finds himself playing white knight when Sam’s antics get out of hand and he lands in bother with two store security guards. He gives him a lift home. Sam tries to charm him into a date, but common sense tells Colin not to get involved, in fact to run for the hills and not look back.
However, destiny hasn’t finished with Colin. Sam comes back into his life in an unexpected way, turning it upside down.
There's 2 things that caught me at first. The cover; look at that bright smile on its cover, let alone a bi-colored-eyed teddy bear! And the second one was Sam's antics! Though somewhere in the middle I was a bit tired with his antics. So, it was amazing that Colin could put up with him and stay loving him.
Then, this book was listed in BDSM book, but don't worry I don't find it disturbing (I'm not into BDSM ), instead it's kinda endearing everytime Colin try to disciplining Sam.
And Sam, he's such a quite character. What is it called? Bipolar? Mental illness? Either way, his character was lifted up the story. I can't imagine how's Colin's life without him. Must be a dead boring. Then, that's maybe why he can put up with Sam.
Then, I'll show one of Sam's antics ^_^
Sam: Where are we goin?
Colin: Home
Sam: Whose home?
Colin: Yours
Sam: My, but you do move fast, cheeky, inviting yourself to look at my etching and us virtual strangers. How do you know where I live anyway? Have you been stalking me you bad man?
Colin: I don't know where you live, but when we get to my car, you're going to tell me and I'm going to drive you there.
Sam: What if I refuse? Will you put me under torture, pluck my eyebrows, paint mu nails, perm my hair, pierce my navel?
Colin: no, of course not.
Sam: Oh shame, I could do with makeover
Also, the British feels of this story, another thing that charmed me!
August 11, 2016
3.5 stars
I had a hard time reading this book.. I wanted to put it down and forget about it, but all in all I finished.. Sam, oh my, I really ended-up hating his childish antics. His character was an attention seeking brat, who craved affection. I wanted to throttle him. Fuck that, in all honesty, it was more along the lines of strangling him till he turned a magnificent shade of blue, purple and yellow whatever color you choose....
I had to remind myself that he has SOME SERIOUS issues, but the more and more I read the strangling seemed so much more appealing. I'm not a violent person, but, boy he tested my patience. his character drove me batshit crazy. that's when I found myself in a deep state of depression, Yup, this one will do it for ya'.
But once I calmed down my sudden violent temper(which I swear,I never had until. NOW!!!!) I understood the character the author was portraying and found myself actually understanding what the author intended for the readers to see.
Being in a relationship with someone with a mental disorder/issues can make you want to commit murder, at ever. Can/is a trying thing. It's not easy it puts a strain on your family,friends and social life. It actually takes a special person, who has ample amount of compassion and patience.Col was that person. from the beginning. I believe because of what happened to his sister Suzie (AND THAT WHOLE SITUATION)he knew how to handle it, he had a inkling of what to do..
Jon with all his advice and guidance.. it's not an easy relationship it will never be easy, it's going to be messy and irritating,but the outcome is worth it, it's life, we all know it was never meant to be easy.
This book is not for everyone.. but before you review it for yourselves, give the story time to sink in, because you'll come away with something. and that is when you'll be able to appreciate it for what it is..
I still think Sam was a maliciously evil little bitch.. I would love to bitch slap him a time or two..
I had a hard time reading this book.. I wanted to put it down and forget about it, but all in all I finished.. Sam, oh my, I really ended-up hating his childish antics. His character was an attention seeking brat, who craved affection. I wanted to throttle him. Fuck that, in all honesty, it was more along the lines of strangling him till he turned a magnificent shade of blue, purple and yellow whatever color you choose....
I had to remind myself that he has SOME SERIOUS issues, but the more and more I read the strangling seemed so much more appealing. I'm not a violent person, but, boy he tested my patience. his character drove me batshit crazy. that's when I found myself in a deep state of depression, Yup, this one will do it for ya'.
But once I calmed down my sudden violent temper(which I swear,I never had until. NOW!!!!) I understood the character the author was portraying and found myself actually understanding what the author intended for the readers to see.
Being in a relationship with someone with a mental disorder/issues can make you want to commit murder, at ever. Can/is a trying thing. It's not easy it puts a strain on your family,friends and social life. It actually takes a special person, who has ample amount of compassion and patience.Col was that person. from the beginning. I believe because of what happened to his sister Suzie (AND THAT WHOLE SITUATION)he knew how to handle it, he had a inkling of what to do..
Jon with all his advice and guidance.. it's not an easy relationship it will never be easy, it's going to be messy and irritating,but the outcome is worth it, it's life, we all know it was never meant to be easy.
This book is not for everyone.. but before you review it for yourselves, give the story time to sink in, because you'll come away with something. and that is when you'll be able to appreciate it for what it is..
I still think Sam was a maliciously evil little bitch.. I would love to bitch slap him a time or two..
March 10, 2012
I'm a shallow, shallow woman. I just bought it, after reading several reviews, because of the cute blond guy on the cover (and blonds don't usually do it for me). I am so shallow. Wonder if I'll enjoy the read. :D
I finished reading this book yesterday or the day before and I can still smile when thinking about that cheeky little bugger, Sam. I LOVED Sam and I loved his mouthy ways though I think he's probably hard to be around in real life. I would enjoy spanking the little stinker's bottom very much :D I must be evil. I loved the way he and Colin clicked and I think Sam could have benefitted more from Colin having a stronger backbone when it came to discipline and Sam but, in a way, I can understand his reluctance. The way Sam was treated by his very ancient father, his much older brother and his nephew (a year older than Sam, I believe) was enough to want to make many a person violent. How dare they and how dare that freak of a doctor get away with HIS behaviour too. It incensed me. I felt for poor Sam and I'm glad he had Colin in his corner. As for Jon and Kit... well, grrrrr! Kit pissed me off Royally. What an interfering little arsehole. Colin was a far better person then me because I would have wanted to kick Kit in the nads for what he said and did to Sam and look where Sam ended up as a result. Kit, in my opinion, deserved every barb he received from Sam afterwards.
I don't think everyone deserved Sam's lip, not at all. I think that Sam and Colin's story is far from over and I hope to read more of their tale. I think Sam would benefit from having a stable life, love, probably some really good meds (that don't bugger up his sex drive) and more love. I hope to read more from those two. Not sure I'll read the Jon/Kit follow-up because, as I mentioned, Kit really pissed me off.
I finished reading this book yesterday or the day before and I can still smile when thinking about that cheeky little bugger, Sam. I LOVED Sam and I loved his mouthy ways though I think he's probably hard to be around in real life. I would enjoy spanking the little stinker's bottom very much :D I must be evil. I loved the way he and Colin clicked and I think Sam could have benefitted more from Colin having a stronger backbone when it came to discipline and Sam but, in a way, I can understand his reluctance. The way Sam was treated by his very ancient father, his much older brother and his nephew (a year older than Sam, I believe) was enough to want to make many a person violent. How dare they and how dare that freak of a doctor get away with HIS behaviour too. It incensed me. I felt for poor Sam and I'm glad he had Colin in his corner. As for Jon and Kit... well, grrrrr! Kit pissed me off Royally. What an interfering little arsehole. Colin was a far better person then me because I would have wanted to kick Kit in the nads for what he said and did to Sam and look where Sam ended up as a result. Kit, in my opinion, deserved every barb he received from Sam afterwards.
I don't think everyone deserved Sam's lip, not at all. I think that Sam and Colin's story is far from over and I hope to read more of their tale. I think Sam would benefit from having a stable life, love, probably some really good meds (that don't bugger up his sex drive) and more love. I hope to read more from those two. Not sure I'll read the Jon/Kit follow-up because, as I mentioned, Kit really pissed me off.
August 10, 2012
This is indeed a difficult book to review. I like to read books that leave people not knowing if they love it or hate it. When this is the usual opinion, most books have a lot of feeling. I decided to buy it based on laddie’s review, so she’s the go to girl for this particular story.
The book was good, I liked, but didn’t love it. Which is a shame because it had a lot going for it.
As for the characters, I know that most readers probably hated Sam , but I truly cared for him and did not find him an over the top brat but oddly enough a lovable and funny guy with an unfortunate mental disease. This is what you really have to understand , the fact that Sam is truly ill and that is the reason he acts like he does. Although I’m sure that Sam would be just as smart mouthed and funny and naughty regardless of his illness. The difference lies in the fact that he cannot control himself.
Collin is another story. I wouldn’t have loved him on his own, but I did love him for loving Sam.
I do admit to
It was a good read. This is a late review, I read the book in April and writing this makes me want to give it another shot, maybe I'll see it from another perspective.
The book was good, I liked, but didn’t love it. Which is a shame because it had a lot going for it.
As for the characters, I know that most readers probably hated Sam , but I truly cared for him and did not find him an over the top brat but oddly enough a lovable and funny guy with an unfortunate mental disease. This is what you really have to understand , the fact that Sam is truly ill and that is the reason he acts like he does. Although I’m sure that Sam would be just as smart mouthed and funny and naughty regardless of his illness. The difference lies in the fact that he cannot control himself.
Collin is another story. I wouldn’t have loved him on his own, but I did love him for loving Sam.
I do admit to
It was a good read. This is a late review, I read the book in April and writing this makes me want to give it another shot, maybe I'll see it from another perspective.
February 7, 2012
Some things in the story were a little too over the top, especially Sam's past, which was a bit too much to take: it seems everything bad that could happen, happened to him. Also, for a long while there seemed to be no development in terms of growth for both Sam and the relationship he has with Colin. In spite of that, I did enjoy the book and I especially liked Sam: he is very often obnoxious and over the top with his attitude and his behaviour, but the way he treated Colin's friends and family, trying to separate them from him, spoke about his vulnerability and his need to keep Colin for himself because he was too scared of losing him.
April 23, 2012
Parts of this book were completely heartbreaking and the worst thing of all was that a large part of the reason Sam behaved the way he did was because of the way he had been treated by his own family. At first, I couldn't really see the attraction of Sam for Colin despite the fact that Sam knew what he wanted right from their initial meeting. Sam's behaviour alienated almost everyone in Colin's life but somehow he could see beyond it to the scared young man hiding beneath. Although this was not an easy story to read and Sam's virtually non-existent sense of self-worth bordered on painful, I enjoyed the journey the characters went through as they tried to build a relationship.
February 5, 2012
Not a badly written book and the characters are reasonably well crafted, but unfortunately the use of high drama plot devices grated on me. I can take the odd trashed house, sectioned lover, dodgy doctor, beaten up lover, evil relative, slashed boyfriend, charging bull, broken ankle, and yet another evil relative but not all nine in one book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2012
The storyline wasn't bad but I LOATHE Sam. I was hopeing he would redeem himself by the end of the book but nope, I still hate him. He is a total brat and I could believe Colin put up with his shit. He is rude, puts down Colin's family and friends, disrespects his house and pulls stupid stunts. I understand bipolar/depression but this was a bit too much for me.
May 18, 2012
I was ready to give this three stars, but the ending was so utterly ridiculous I couldn't. I loved the idea of this book and I think the character of Sam was very well written, but there was so much ridiculous stalker plot, and while I felt for Sam I also couldn't stand him. So I can't say I exactly enjoyed this book.
July 15, 2012
Some people liked it but it was NOT my cup of tea. The one MC was so irresponsible and disrespectful and had no shame in the fact that he was a total brat. It seemed like he used his bipolar disorder as an excuse to be an indecent human being and he never redeemed himself throughout the book.
February 9, 2012
I think after reading this one you either end up loving or hating it. And if you do love it you have your reasons that are not really explainable :)...So yeah...I loved it :)
February 9, 2012
3.5 Sam is too damaged (i.e. screwed up) to be very likeable, but it's fascinating seeing the relationship develop
February 22, 2012
4.5 stars
February 21, 2012
I am in love with this book. hilarious, heartbreaking and with an happy ending IT gots all :D I am in heaven :D :D
November 12, 2013
2.5 stars This one is hard for me to rate. I really liked parts, but some of it was very frustrating.
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