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Shaded Chains
“Say my fucking name.”
Alex Gardner is a psychiatric nurse, Ross McKendrik a tattoo artist: both know the fears and strains of caring for an old man with dementia: Ross’s father. When lines between father and son are crossed and trust is broken between Alex and Ross—between a sub and Dom—Ross is in a fight for his life to earn the right to hear his sub say his name again. Only having grown up in the Scottish Highlands, Ross’s methods are a little... dangerous, his methods are a little... dark. Love is about to get very, very tough. (M/M)
Alex Gardner is a psychiatric nurse, Ross McKendrik a tattoo artist: both know the fears and strains of caring for an old man with dementia: Ross’s father. When lines between father and son are crossed and trust is broken between Alex and Ross—between a sub and Dom—Ross is in a fight for his life to earn the right to hear his sub say his name again. Only having grown up in the Scottish Highlands, Ross’s methods are a little... dangerous, his methods are a little... dark. Love is about to get very, very tough. (M/M)
102 pages, ebook
First published June 13, 2017
14 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Jack L. Pyke
21 books682 followersJack blames her dark writing influences on living close to one of England’s finest forests. Having grown up hearing a history of kidnappings, murders, strange sightings, and sexual exploits her neck of the woods is renowned for, Jack takes that into her writing, having also learned that human coping strategies for intense situations can sometimes make the best of people have disastrously bad moments. Redeeming those flaws is Jack’s drive.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
December 12, 2020
**** 4.5 stars ****
Available on kindle unlimited ATM.
That moment when you regret not reading a book sooner.
Ele, my friend, you can shoot me now. 😖🔫
Jack L. Pyke's writing is a breath of fresh air. She can do no wrong with me. Her writing is alluring. Besides, I love the way she presents the BDSM element in a story.
I mean, I really LOVE it, because the BDSM scenes aren't there just for the sake of it. Those scenes are there for a propose, she peels the intriguing side of BDSM slowly with delicious layers of psychological motives, tension and a touch of danger.
And they are so bloody convincing!
Available on kindle unlimited ATM.
That moment when you regret not reading a book sooner.
Ele, my friend, you can shoot me now. 😖🔫
Jack L. Pyke's writing is a breath of fresh air. She can do no wrong with me. Her writing is alluring. Besides, I love the way she presents the BDSM element in a story.
I mean, I really LOVE it, because the BDSM scenes aren't there just for the sake of it. Those scenes are there for a propose, she peels the intriguing side of BDSM slowly with delicious layers of psychological motives, tension and a touch of danger.
And they are so bloody convincing!
March 28, 2021
I had some problems following the writing at first, so much that when I was in the middle of the second chapter I decided to go back and start again from the beginning, but maybe it had more to do with me being half asleep the night I first started it than with the book, or maybe I just had to get used to the storytelling style. Anyway, once that was out of the way, I enjoyed this short a lot. I liked how flawed the characters were, especially Ross, and I found the Dom/sub dynamic between Ross and Alex refreshing. There’s nothing like a strong, confident sub and a vulnerable Dom having to clean up his own mess to shake things up a little.
I wouldn’t point this one out as the perfect example of safe, sane and consensual BDSM—not that I would have the competence to do that for any book even if I wanted—but I was in the mood for something with kink, feelings and not saccharine sweet, and this hit the spot just right.
I wouldn’t point this one out as the perfect example of safe, sane and consensual BDSM—not that I would have the competence to do that for any book even if I wanted—but I was in the mood for something with kink, feelings and not saccharine sweet, and this hit the spot just right.
June 12, 2017
Shaded Chains is rewritten from the short story by Jack L. Pyke, His, penned for the 2014 Goodreads M/M Romance Group’s ‘Love’s Landscapes’ event. In this rebranded release Pyke has added depth to her characters and their relationships, as well as expanded the background of the novella.
The erotic romance opens with Alex, a caregiver in the psychiatric facility where his lover Ross’ father is a patient, observing an emotional moment between father and son. Alex ponders Ross’ obvious dismay as his father rebuffs his attempts to engage him. He catches a glimpse of Ross’ sorrow at his father’s reaction, and ponders his lover’s self-perceived inadequacies of being able to care for his dad.
In just a few paragraphs Pyke delves into the complexities of these relationships and sets the stage for the conflicts to come.
When Ross’ frustration over his dad’s condition manifests itself in his anger over the loss of a special pencil, Alex is left hurt both emotionally and physically. I enjoy the way Pyke uses the treasured pencil as an allegory for the relationship between Ross and his dad and the loss it represents.
Ross, reeling from his inability to stop his confused father from hurting Alex, feels his failure as Alex’s Dom.
This, in conjunction with his feelings of helplessness over his father’s decline, cause him to lash out at Alex and start a huge quarrel. As far as Alex is concerned, Ross’ insensitivity requires some serious groveling which Alex is unwilling to allow.
Ross’ method of ensuring Alex will listen to his apology is absolutely fantastic! I’ll just say it is one of the most creative BDSM scenes I’ve read making this book 100% worth a read just for that alone.
In comparison to His, I like the extra depth into the backstory of Ross and his father provided in Shaded Chains. Pyke gives greater insight into the reasons for Ross’ feelings, as well as his father’s despair as he realizes his dementia is getting worse. Additionally, elaboration regarding the nuances of Ross and Alex’s relationship helped me gain a greater feel for the intensity of their connection.
Pyke’s intriguing characters and their dynamics, coupled with the beautiful message “to focus on what matters” created a very meaningful story which I highly recommend.
The erotic romance opens with Alex, a caregiver in the psychiatric facility where his lover Ross’ father is a patient, observing an emotional moment between father and son. Alex ponders Ross’ obvious dismay as his father rebuffs his attempts to engage him. He catches a glimpse of Ross’ sorrow at his father’s reaction, and ponders his lover’s self-perceived inadequacies of being able to care for his dad.
In just a few paragraphs Pyke delves into the complexities of these relationships and sets the stage for the conflicts to come.
When Ross’ frustration over his dad’s condition manifests itself in his anger over the loss of a special pencil, Alex is left hurt both emotionally and physically. I enjoy the way Pyke uses the treasured pencil as an allegory for the relationship between Ross and his dad and the loss it represents.
“The boy still wanting to hold his father’s hand but now settling for what his father had held over the years instead. Understanding and contact, just by a different medium, by a missing link that usually sparked good moments to be lived, shared… remembered, not lost.”
Ross, reeling from his inability to stop his confused father from hurting Alex, feels his failure as Alex’s Dom.
This, in conjunction with his feelings of helplessness over his father’s decline, cause him to lash out at Alex and start a huge quarrel. As far as Alex is concerned, Ross’ insensitivity requires some serious groveling which Alex is unwilling to allow.
Ross’ method of ensuring Alex will listen to his apology is absolutely fantastic! I’ll just say it is one of the most creative BDSM scenes I’ve read making this book 100% worth a read just for that alone.
In comparison to His, I like the extra depth into the backstory of Ross and his father provided in Shaded Chains. Pyke gives greater insight into the reasons for Ross’ feelings, as well as his father’s despair as he realizes his dementia is getting worse. Additionally, elaboration regarding the nuances of Ross and Alex’s relationship helped me gain a greater feel for the intensity of their connection.
Pyke’s intriguing characters and their dynamics, coupled with the beautiful message “to focus on what matters” created a very meaningful story which I highly recommend.
November 7, 2019
That was … intense, and a bit dark.
But no doubt compelling.
I might have held my breath for the last 30%. I mean WTH!?!?
I'm not sure if I can really fully understand the psychology going on between Ross and Alex, but I could certainly see and feel that their D/s relationship is working, that their way of loving means everything, even if Ross's actions seem a bit extreme.
I am fascinated by it, and a bit unsure at the same time.
Jack Pyke’s writing is deep, lyrical and not the easiest to read, however I felt like a snake enthralled by music, weaving my head in time of her writing.
Intriguing.
But no doubt compelling.
I might have held my breath for the last 30%. I mean WTH!?!?
I'm not sure if I can really fully understand the psychology going on between Ross and Alex, but I could certainly see and feel that their D/s relationship is working, that their way of loving means everything, even if Ross's actions seem a bit extreme.
I am fascinated by it, and a bit unsure at the same time.
Jack Pyke’s writing is deep, lyrical and not the easiest to read, however I felt like a snake enthralled by music, weaving my head in time of her writing.
Intriguing.
August 4, 2019
4.5 stars
LOVED! This got me out of my slump. I am not a big fan of BDSM but the way Pyke does it really speaks to me. Add all this relationship angst and I'm sold!
I hope the author does a prequel sometime. Really good!
LOVED! This got me out of my slump. I am not a big fan of BDSM but the way Pyke does it really speaks to me. Add all this relationship angst and I'm sold!
I hope the author does a prequel sometime. Really good!
March 4, 2020
Overall book rating: 5 ++++
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 4.5 for the new cover
Yes. I’ve read this before but for some reason it’s not marked at all on GR.
Never mind though. I still absolutely LOVED this little gem.
It just works in every single aspect.
Go read Katerina’s review! It’s got all the good stuff you need to convince you to give this a try if you like these kinds of reads.
Jack L Pike – WHY DON’T WE GET MORE OF THESE LITTLE GEMS FROM YOU? We’re begging here.
The author has a way with creating and executing characters and relationships and binding it with just enough “Un-vanilla” to make me smile really really broadly. So much more than BDSM here... actual connection and emotion and people has a lover of "BDSM" (Not all forms I'll have you know) I can tell you the mix is rare. This is good stuff.
I’m gonna have to read this one again just to make sure I appreciated every little detail.
Shaded Chains by Jack L Pyke = HAPPY HAPPY ME
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 4.5 for the new cover
Yes. I’ve read this before but for some reason it’s not marked at all on GR.
Never mind though. I still absolutely LOVED this little gem.
It just works in every single aspect.
Go read Katerina’s review! It’s got all the good stuff you need to convince you to give this a try if you like these kinds of reads.
Jack L Pike – WHY DON’T WE GET MORE OF THESE LITTLE GEMS FROM YOU? We’re begging here.
The author has a way with creating and executing characters and relationships and binding it with just enough “Un-vanilla” to make me smile really really broadly. So much more than BDSM here... actual connection and emotion and people has a lover of "BDSM" (Not all forms I'll have you know) I can tell you the mix is rare. This is good stuff.
I’m gonna have to read this one again just to make sure I appreciated every little detail.
Shaded Chains by Jack L Pyke = HAPPY HAPPY ME
Want to read
December 14, 2020Another fabulous gift from SmuttyElf, who decided to make my morning again!! Thanks so much for the book, I’m excited to read it! ❤️
June 16, 2017
A great Dark rework on previously written story. Jack L. Pyke never disappoints with her wicked imagination, a pen, and paper!!
Full review at --> Alpha Book Club
Full review at --> Alpha Book Club
September 3, 2020
Second Reading, July 19, 2019
Just as damn good the second time around!
https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/k...
First Reading, June 16, 2017
There's something so comfortable (and incredibly gratifying) about picking up a book from a favored author. And this one certainly doesn't disappoint...just so fucking good!
Thanks for another great read, Jack!
Just as damn good the second time around!
https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/k...
First Reading, June 16, 2017
There's something so comfortable (and incredibly gratifying) about picking up a book from a favored author. And this one certainly doesn't disappoint...just so fucking good!
Thanks for another great read, Jack!
August 28, 2019
Dark but fun. I must have read His somewhere but I can’t remember where. It was just that part of the story was very familiar. I don’t know if I could have been as forgiving as Alex, but I sure enjoyed their scenes together.
July 20, 2019
Remake of His
June 14, 2017
Well this was an interesting read - I really enjoy this author and I was looking forward to this book. Let me say I liked it but I wished there was more depth to it. I felt like I was getting started and suddenly I'm on 85% ... I would have liked to have spent more time with the MCs - particularly after the resolution of their painful episode. There were some great elements to this book but it lacked a little something that I was wanting.
June 12, 2017
From the moment I began Shaded Chains my emotions were set on edge. In this rewrite of His, written for the 2014 Goodreads M/M Romance Group’s ‘Love’s Landscapes’ event, Jack L. Pyke shakes things up through a subtle play on established rolls; with well-crafted words and glimpses of time that make your heart ache, and understand perfectly, the loss of what is familiar as well as the loss of control. All of which play into the context of the character of the two men and their story which is about to unfold.
Jack doesn’t take long to set the tone and identify roles while turning up the heat with a tattoo scene that would set anyone on fire and leave them cringing all in the same breathe. And somehow each Scottish term Ross utters makes the intimacy beautiful to behold. Needle touching skin, touching heart . . . touching soul.
By using the backdrop of dementia to look through the metaphoric eye of meaning and loss Pyke weaves a tale so full of symbolism it’s hard to escape, and you don’t want to. When it is sweet it pulls at your heartstrings and when it is rough it makes you ache and yearn. I couldn’t imagine Ross and Alex’s story being conveyed any better. Every heat filled conversation of promise is laden with sensuality that displays their connection. A Dom and sub so comfortable in their roles it is voyeuristic to behold.
She even carries that symbolism into a pencil. A Dom with a desire to nurture, protect and care, holding on to a simple connection that once lost suddenly sets off a chain of events that crush a son, a man, a Dom and spark a despair even he can’t control, causing him to lash out at the one person he loves the most.
Shaded Chains is a reflection of how cruel and stubborn we can be to those we are closest to. When we hurt we want them to hurt. Sometimes even when they are our whole world we will back away and dig the knife due to our own perceived inadequacies or when we need them to apologize we push them away for pride. But for those who’ve invested in each other, spent time building links, they know just what to do to remain chained together.
In Shaded Chains’ climax (literally and figuratively) only Jack L. Pyke could master a scene worthy of a Dom knowing his sub so completely. Yet at the same time reflect on the depth of his fear at the loss of trust and how both men’s actions, or lack thereof, got them there. Meanwhile displaying a sub in the midst of an internal fight, giving the ultimate gift of his submission. Her unsurpassed ability to mold the dark with the sweet is something to behold.
“Holding each other as lovers through the faith found in their D/s relationship.”
Don’t let the Master of dark tell you she doesn’t do sweet, Jack L. Pyke just packages it up in devilishly, twisted intimacy: “He’d make damn sure he’d fashion the links so none were ever missing.” Every Shaded Chain a symbol of love lived.
Jack doesn’t take long to set the tone and identify roles while turning up the heat with a tattoo scene that would set anyone on fire and leave them cringing all in the same breathe. And somehow each Scottish term Ross utters makes the intimacy beautiful to behold. Needle touching skin, touching heart . . . touching soul.
By using the backdrop of dementia to look through the metaphoric eye of meaning and loss Pyke weaves a tale so full of symbolism it’s hard to escape, and you don’t want to. When it is sweet it pulls at your heartstrings and when it is rough it makes you ache and yearn. I couldn’t imagine Ross and Alex’s story being conveyed any better. Every heat filled conversation of promise is laden with sensuality that displays their connection. A Dom and sub so comfortable in their roles it is voyeuristic to behold.
She even carries that symbolism into a pencil. A Dom with a desire to nurture, protect and care, holding on to a simple connection that once lost suddenly sets off a chain of events that crush a son, a man, a Dom and spark a despair even he can’t control, causing him to lash out at the one person he loves the most.
Shaded Chains is a reflection of how cruel and stubborn we can be to those we are closest to. When we hurt we want them to hurt. Sometimes even when they are our whole world we will back away and dig the knife due to our own perceived inadequacies or when we need them to apologize we push them away for pride. But for those who’ve invested in each other, spent time building links, they know just what to do to remain chained together.
In Shaded Chains’ climax (literally and figuratively) only Jack L. Pyke could master a scene worthy of a Dom knowing his sub so completely. Yet at the same time reflect on the depth of his fear at the loss of trust and how both men’s actions, or lack thereof, got them there. Meanwhile displaying a sub in the midst of an internal fight, giving the ultimate gift of his submission. Her unsurpassed ability to mold the dark with the sweet is something to behold.
“Holding each other as lovers through the faith found in their D/s relationship.”
Don’t let the Master of dark tell you she doesn’t do sweet, Jack L. Pyke just packages it up in devilishly, twisted intimacy: “He’d make damn sure he’d fashion the links so none were ever missing.” Every Shaded Chain a symbol of love lived.
June 14, 2017
Review by The Blogger Girls.
“Say my fucking name.” With just a line, I was sucked in, knowing I was in store for some classic Jack Pyke that would not disappoint. This story is a bit shorter and less involved than her others, but it still manages to contain all of the elements I have come to expect and love from her stories.
Here, we have a somewhat unique relationship with Alex and Ross. Ross’ father, Chris, has dementia and often doesn’t remember who Ross is which is starting to take its toll on Ross. Alex has been Chris’ caretaker/nurse for the past ten years and in a relationship with Ross for the last five. Due to the client/patient aspect with Alex and Chris, he and Ross have kept their relationship to themselves to keep Alex’ job and career safe. They appear to have a typical relationship, that is, until they are safely home.
Ross is Alex’ dom, but these guys are anything but typical. They engage in a bit of pain play, with bondage and tattooing of certain parts. Here, we are shown a scene that is anticipation of their anniversary which gives deeper meaning to the title “Shaded Chains.” That is also a big part of what these guys focus on when things take a turn for the worst.
Ross has a habit of running away a bit when things get to be too much. Although having Alex in his life has enabled him to cope better, he still runs when he reaches a breaking point with his father. One thing leads to another (i.e. missed phone calls, lack of communication, etc.) and Alex ends up getting hurt. He does not easily forgive though, and Ross is forced to take some drastic measures in order for Alex to hear him out.
Throughout this story, you can feel the intensity of their relationship and feelings. I found it a bit confusing in the beginning trying to keep the characters straight when Chris was in the mix, but once I got that figured out, I was drawn into their lives. They partake in play a bit on the edgier side, but nothing too drastic, and I always felt Ross took care to not take things too far or put Alex in any real danger. I loved Ross’ sexy accent and was rooting for Alex to get his wish of Ross in a kilt. This was another fabulous story from Ms. Pyke that was just a bit dark and edgy and just a bit sweet, which made for a perfect afternoon treat.
Read
January 4, 2021Just couldn’t continue with this...
June 16, 2017
Ok....right....It's no secret that I love all of Jack's books and I loved this when it was HIS.....It's one of my favourite books...and....It still is one of my favourite books.....Alex and Ross are perfect together.....Dom and Sub...Ross is the perfect Dom but he has a bad habit of running.....He hurts Alex in how he treats him over a missing item...How he treated him whilst he was away was appalling and I don't blame Alex for not wanting to talk to him....We get more of Ross and his fathers background in this one....The two hot scenes were just amazing...the tattoo and the end scene....damn....A constant re-read for me and now it's longer and even better I will enjoy it all the more...Just a pity I can't get this in paperback x
Want to read
June 10, 2017Now please....? ;_;
Read
December 14, 2020Another fabulous gift from SmuttyElf, who decided to make my morning again!! Thanks so much for the book, I’m excited to read it! ❤️
January 6, 2020
Definitely kinky, I found myself lost a bit in who was who - first figuring out who the Dom and sub were, as well as which one was the nurse. I just felt a bit lost throughout the story. The setting and dialogue are very atmospheric, and the angst/suffering is conveyed well.
Freebie from author as part of kinky m/m author giveaway
Freebie from author as part of kinky m/m author giveaway
June 13, 2017
REVIEWED FOR LOVE BYTES
When something new from Jack Pyke hits my radar it’s met with excitement and anticipation. At just over 100 pages Shaded Chains is a quick read with Jack’s inimitable style of dark but this one also had a softer side, an undercurrent that was lighter than normal and I think that came from the fact that despite their stresses and everything else that was going on in their lives Alex and Ross were deeply in love.
Ross is in the heart-breaking situation of having to watch his father become lost to himself and those around him as dementia claims the man he used to be. A lot of their time together is spent silently sometimes indulging in their art, something they used to share together, and often times just sitting together and reflecting their past and their present.
Alex is a psychiatric nurse and one of the patient’s he cares for is Ross’s father. This is where it gets a bit complicated for everyone involved as Ross and Alex are also partners, in fact they are in a long term D/s relationship together, but they have to keep that to themselves around Alex’s work colleagues as it may be seen as crossing an ethical line by some.
When an incident causes Ross’s father to lose his temper and lash out the repercussions are far reaching and suddenly the trust between Ross and Alex, which is so important to who they are, is lost and very quickly they both lose control of the situation and their emotions. Underlying problems such as having to keep their relationship a secret are suddenly huge stumbling blocks and neither man is sure how to fix what they have broken.
The fixing turns out be a lot of fun…..eventually. Firstly it stars out dark and risqué as Alex tries to fix them the only way he knows how. Will Ross learn to trust and submit again or will he use his safeword and walk away with his broken heart?
When something new from Jack Pyke hits my radar it’s met with excitement and anticipation. At just over 100 pages Shaded Chains is a quick read with Jack’s inimitable style of dark but this one also had a softer side, an undercurrent that was lighter than normal and I think that came from the fact that despite their stresses and everything else that was going on in their lives Alex and Ross were deeply in love.
Ross is in the heart-breaking situation of having to watch his father become lost to himself and those around him as dementia claims the man he used to be. A lot of their time together is spent silently sometimes indulging in their art, something they used to share together, and often times just sitting together and reflecting their past and their present.
Alex is a psychiatric nurse and one of the patient’s he cares for is Ross’s father. This is where it gets a bit complicated for everyone involved as Ross and Alex are also partners, in fact they are in a long term D/s relationship together, but they have to keep that to themselves around Alex’s work colleagues as it may be seen as crossing an ethical line by some.
When an incident causes Ross’s father to lose his temper and lash out the repercussions are far reaching and suddenly the trust between Ross and Alex, which is so important to who they are, is lost and very quickly they both lose control of the situation and their emotions. Underlying problems such as having to keep their relationship a secret are suddenly huge stumbling blocks and neither man is sure how to fix what they have broken.
The fixing turns out be a lot of fun…..eventually. Firstly it stars out dark and risqué as Alex tries to fix them the only way he knows how. Will Ross learn to trust and submit again or will he use his safeword and walk away with his broken heart?
June 12, 2017
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is a short read, mostly covering a particular incident, but the intensity is built up effectively by giving us the back story as we go along. I particularly liked the links (pun intended) between the chains, the men and the father, and the art.
The relationship between Alex and Ross is many years old, and yet they still maintain a distance at Alex's work place - this places a pressure on them which for the smallest of reasons overflows into a major catastrophe. It relates to a name used, and in fact the titles used through the story are used very effectively to demarcate the current relationship mode of the men. I found the Edinburgh evening's events a little confusing, but in a way it added to the feeling of dissonance and need to make things right.
A short, but satisfying read, with some original BDSM play.
This is a short read, mostly covering a particular incident, but the intensity is built up effectively by giving us the back story as we go along. I particularly liked the links (pun intended) between the chains, the men and the father, and the art.
The relationship between Alex and Ross is many years old, and yet they still maintain a distance at Alex's work place - this places a pressure on them which for the smallest of reasons overflows into a major catastrophe. It relates to a name used, and in fact the titles used through the story are used very effectively to demarcate the current relationship mode of the men. I found the Edinburgh evening's events a little confusing, but in a way it added to the feeling of dissonance and need to make things right.
A short, but satisfying read, with some original BDSM play.
June 12, 2017
Shaded Chains by Jack L. Pyke
3 stars
M/M BDSM light
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Alex and Ross were an odd couple. This was a very short, very under-developed story. Ross is dealing with a father who is in the middle stages of dementia. He is struggling with knowing that his father not only doesn't recognize him, but can no longer do the one thing that brought him so much joy - draw. During one of Alex's shifts, the "big event" happens, and what ensues is best described as a high school temper tantrum.
Ross not only throws the biggest tantrum, but he does so in spectacular fashion. The "trust" that is supposed to be in a BDSM Dom/sub relationship is non-existent in this story. There is barely any chemistry between the two characters.
I think that this could have been a great story but it was either too short or the characters weren't strong enough to stand on their own. I'm not quite sure.
3 stars
M/M BDSM light
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Alex and Ross were an odd couple. This was a very short, very under-developed story. Ross is dealing with a father who is in the middle stages of dementia. He is struggling with knowing that his father not only doesn't recognize him, but can no longer do the one thing that brought him so much joy - draw. During one of Alex's shifts, the "big event" happens, and what ensues is best described as a high school temper tantrum.
Ross not only throws the biggest tantrum, but he does so in spectacular fashion. The "trust" that is supposed to be in a BDSM Dom/sub relationship is non-existent in this story. There is barely any chemistry between the two characters.
I think that this could have been a great story but it was either too short or the characters weren't strong enough to stand on their own. I'm not quite sure.
June 19, 2017
I couldn't remember reading the original short book, so when I went back and looked at my review, it just said loved it.
Alex and Ross have been together for a long time and over the last few years their relationship has changed to a D/s one.
I liked this story. It was fast paced and packed alot into such a short number of pages.
However, I am not really a fan of the kidnapping scene at the end. I wanted Alex to safeword throughout it. I might go back and read the original book at some stage.
Alex and Ross have been together for a long time and over the last few years their relationship has changed to a D/s one.
I liked this story. It was fast paced and packed alot into such a short number of pages.
However, I am not really a fan of the kidnapping scene at the end. I wanted Alex to safeword throughout it. I might go back and read the original book at some stage.
June 6, 2017
I received a copy to read and review for Wicked Reads
I tried really hard to connect with Alex and Ross and I just couldn't. I am not sure if it was because the book was only 100 pages or if it was the authors writing style. I just couldn't get any kind of connection and I wasn't invested in their story. Ross gets ticked off over a pencil, mind you it does have special meaning but Alex was at work and had a job to do when it went missing. When Ross got mad and didn't come home after his trip for work I thought how childish of him. Then the way Ross decided to say he was sorry. I get it, that is what Ross thought would work, but honestly, in the Dom/sub relationship communication is a must and Ross and Alex's relationship didn't have much of that. I am sure others will really enjoy this book, it just wasn't for me.
I tried really hard to connect with Alex and Ross and I just couldn't. I am not sure if it was because the book was only 100 pages or if it was the authors writing style. I just couldn't get any kind of connection and I wasn't invested in their story. Ross gets ticked off over a pencil, mind you it does have special meaning but Alex was at work and had a job to do when it went missing. When Ross got mad and didn't come home after his trip for work I thought how childish of him. Then the way Ross decided to say he was sorry. I get it, that is what Ross thought would work, but honestly, in the Dom/sub relationship communication is a must and Ross and Alex's relationship didn't have much of that. I am sure others will really enjoy this book, it just wasn't for me.
Read
June 14, 2017This was something else and I love it for that.
I only learned this was a reworking of Pyke's previous story Him when I was a few chapters into the story and shrugged it off. I'd never read Him and didn't need to know how the story changed so I kept reading.
For me, this was lovely. I like established couple romances and it's been far too long since I've read the darker side of kink.
The story gives a decent background on the two men so we know the story as we step into their lives. I found it heartbreaking to watch Ross with his father as my mother had dementia though it's not a far along as Chris at this point and drugs keep her lucid 75% of the time right now. But the relationship Ross had with his father, how his father treated him to now being the one who has become the parent? That hit hard because I have to take care of my mom, who wasn't the nicest mother, and it's a fucking tough job to do. So I get it, how he tried to balance being the only child, the only person in Chris' life to take care of him but wanting to run away and live his own life, alone with just he and Alex.
Parental relationships are hard and Ross is simply trying to do what's best for his father while trying to hold on to what little he has left that truly is his dad. Ross loves Alex intensely and passionately and it's love like that which can often burn us to the point of destruction. It takes a steady hand and heart to balance it all out and when a miscommunication turns into hurt which turns into running and turns into a major mess... Ross deals with it the only way he knows how.
Alex was amazing. I felt for him working in his chosen field because I know I couldn't do it. It can be a dangerous job when you have mental instability with patients that can all of the sudden have the strength of power lifters when all you've seen is stoic immobility. Ross' concern for Alex when he'd come home with bruises etc. touched my heart and yet I love how Alex never broke confidentiality. Ross is everything to Alex and you could see how his heart would break watching his Dom, this powerful man almost crumble when he was unrecognizable to his own father.
These two have so much together that when that one thing, one very small thing that is responded to with snap judgments and stupid actions, threatens who they are as a couple and in their D/s world. Action needs to be taken.
I can't say in my real life I would approve of how Ross went about it but for the book - a work of fiction - I will take it and say it was brilliant. Ross and Alex work best and communicate best when they are in their Dom/sub rolls so why wouldn't Ross put that into play to make Alex listen and understand?
The whole last chapter was gorgeous to me. I got all emotional just watching it all unfold and so wanted Alex to give in while simultaneously wanting him to keep his mouth closed. But Ross, goodness he is amazing and the walls just about killed me.
There are moments in here that are dub con but we get them in Alex’s POV and that to me sells dub con. Alex has a safe word (LOVE it by the way) and has been in a D/s relationship long enough to know he can use it and been with Ross long enough to know NO MATTER WHAT, Ross will honor it. Just as Alex respects his Dom, Ross does respect his sub. So that bit of dub con was fine with me and again, that entire last chapter was beautiful.
Wow. I didn’t mean to write this much for a review so I’ll stop now.
I am finding I really like Pyke’s darker side of storytelling the more I read the authors work. After all the fluff I’ve been rolling around in, this book was so needed.
I only learned this was a reworking of Pyke's previous story Him when I was a few chapters into the story and shrugged it off. I'd never read Him and didn't need to know how the story changed so I kept reading.
For me, this was lovely. I like established couple romances and it's been far too long since I've read the darker side of kink.
The story gives a decent background on the two men so we know the story as we step into their lives. I found it heartbreaking to watch Ross with his father as my mother had dementia though it's not a far along as Chris at this point and drugs keep her lucid 75% of the time right now. But the relationship Ross had with his father, how his father treated him to now being the one who has become the parent? That hit hard because I have to take care of my mom, who wasn't the nicest mother, and it's a fucking tough job to do. So I get it, how he tried to balance being the only child, the only person in Chris' life to take care of him but wanting to run away and live his own life, alone with just he and Alex.
Parental relationships are hard and Ross is simply trying to do what's best for his father while trying to hold on to what little he has left that truly is his dad. Ross loves Alex intensely and passionately and it's love like that which can often burn us to the point of destruction. It takes a steady hand and heart to balance it all out and when a miscommunication turns into hurt which turns into running and turns into a major mess... Ross deals with it the only way he knows how.
Alex was amazing. I felt for him working in his chosen field because I know I couldn't do it. It can be a dangerous job when you have mental instability with patients that can all of the sudden have the strength of power lifters when all you've seen is stoic immobility. Ross' concern for Alex when he'd come home with bruises etc. touched my heart and yet I love how Alex never broke confidentiality. Ross is everything to Alex and you could see how his heart would break watching his Dom, this powerful man almost crumble when he was unrecognizable to his own father.
These two have so much together that when that one thing, one very small thing that is responded to with snap judgments and stupid actions, threatens who they are as a couple and in their D/s world. Action needs to be taken.
I can't say in my real life I would approve of how Ross went about it but for the book - a work of fiction - I will take it and say it was brilliant. Ross and Alex work best and communicate best when they are in their Dom/sub rolls so why wouldn't Ross put that into play to make Alex listen and understand?
The whole last chapter was gorgeous to me. I got all emotional just watching it all unfold and so wanted Alex to give in while simultaneously wanting him to keep his mouth closed. But Ross, goodness he is amazing and the walls just about killed me.
There are moments in here that are dub con but we get them in Alex’s POV and that to me sells dub con. Alex has a safe word (LOVE it by the way) and has been in a D/s relationship long enough to know he can use it and been with Ross long enough to know NO MATTER WHAT, Ross will honor it. Just as Alex respects his Dom, Ross does respect his sub. So that bit of dub con was fine with me and again, that entire last chapter was beautiful.
Wow. I didn’t mean to write this much for a review so I’ll stop now.
I am finding I really like Pyke’s darker side of storytelling the more I read the authors work. After all the fluff I’ve been rolling around in, this book was so needed.
December 27, 2020
Alex and Ross a lesson in love
Sometimes it is nice to read a book with an established couple.
Alex and Ross have been together for a long time. There have been emotional struggles along the way.
Ross takes for granted this connection and well Alex makes him feel a little pain as a result.
The push and pull was what I enjoyed about these characters. Very stubborn but for reasons. Great character study in love and keeping it fresh. Enjoyed this immensely.
Sometimes it is nice to read a book with an established couple.
Alex and Ross have been together for a long time. There have been emotional struggles along the way.
Ross takes for granted this connection and well Alex makes him feel a little pain as a result.
The push and pull was what I enjoyed about these characters. Very stubborn but for reasons. Great character study in love and keeping it fresh. Enjoyed this immensely.
June 13, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
2.5 stars
My unvarnished opinion: whatever interest these particular characters and their D/s relationship spark is drowned out by inexplicably stupid behavior and what I might consider (at its most generous) a sexual assault that is borderline rape. Note to potential readers: DO read the disclaimer at the beginning of the book; to be forewarned is to be forearmed. I did not and you can see, my reaction was pretty much outright disgust. Finally, adding insult to injury, the writing is at times nearly incoherent with description.
The first chapter is arguably the most important of any book. Lack of clarity and interest in the opening chapter, pages, paragraphs is a disservice to all. Parts of this book felt so overwrought, so jammed with flowery description as to be confused with attempts at poetry…I guess?
Thankfully, the prose lets up a little as I went through the book. There are still verbose passages tinged in purple, but at least the words made more sense.
Poor style aside, I would recommend reading the Author Notes and the disclaimer before reading the story. Ignore the blurb—it sort of made me think there was going to be something incestuous in the book (there is not). Most importantly, the disclaimer points out the sex acts depicted in the book are not “models for Safe, Sane and consensual forms…of BDSM” and the Author Notes explain the nature of the relationship between Alex and Ross.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
2.5 stars
My unvarnished opinion: whatever interest these particular characters and their D/s relationship spark is drowned out by inexplicably stupid behavior and what I might consider (at its most generous) a sexual assault that is borderline rape. Note to potential readers: DO read the disclaimer at the beginning of the book; to be forewarned is to be forearmed. I did not and you can see, my reaction was pretty much outright disgust. Finally, adding insult to injury, the writing is at times nearly incoherent with description.
The first chapter is arguably the most important of any book. Lack of clarity and interest in the opening chapter, pages, paragraphs is a disservice to all. Parts of this book felt so overwrought, so jammed with flowery description as to be confused with attempts at poetry…I guess?
Thankfully, the prose lets up a little as I went through the book. There are still verbose passages tinged in purple, but at least the words made more sense.
Poor style aside, I would recommend reading the Author Notes and the disclaimer before reading the story. Ignore the blurb—it sort of made me think there was going to be something incestuous in the book (there is not). Most importantly, the disclaimer points out the sex acts depicted in the book are not “models for Safe, Sane and consensual forms…of BDSM” and the Author Notes explain the nature of the relationship between Alex and Ross.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
my-works
July 19, 2019Part of the Keeping it Kinky Giveaway: for seven days only! (July 18-July 24th, 2019)
28 authors, 28 very kinky stories!!!
https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/T...
28 authors, 28 very kinky stories!!!
https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/T...
December 6, 2021
Wow. That's some heavy BDSM and control there. Not sure how I feel about all of that...I think I liked it? Gonna have to think on it for a bit.
June 30, 2017
Are you a fan of Jack L. Pyke? Even if you are not you will love this rework of a story she originally wrote back in 2014. The original name was His, but in this rework she has added depth to her characters, expanded the length some (even though it is still short), and given us a more rounded story.
This novella jumps in from the get-go, so be prepared to come up to speed fast on the dynamics between our MCs, and the stumbling blocks in their lives. Even though the story is short, you come away feeling like you have known these men for quite some time. Pyke gives us a beginning, middle and end in this novella while conveying a sense of time before and time after the snapshot we see. The pacing is done well, and the intensity between the MCs is more ramped up in this rework.
Ross and Alex have been in a relationship for quite some time now. Alex works in a psychiatric facility where Ross’s father is a patient. It’s where they met, with Alex being a primary caregiver for Ross’s father. At the time of the story, they have been dating for over five years but have known each other for over ten. Ross works as a tattoo artist, and the metaphor of shaded chains refers to the rings Ross is inking around Alex’s cock. Right now, they are all shaded and perfect but not quite touching—Ross wants to complete the circlet in true “collared” fashion for their next anniversary.
These two have a complicated BDSM relationship, and the creative ways Ross takes care of Alex could only be thought of by Pyke. They have a good, solid relationship, but Ross screws up; he knows he does. When Ross is unable to shield Alex from the blows (literally) delivered by his own father that are associated with doing his job, Ross doubts himself as a Dom, and makes some wildly bad decisions which have consequences with Alex that he doesn’t foresee. Alex is hurt, and this isn’t the first time Ross has hurt him, so forgiving and forgetting are not on the agenda. Ross must come to accept some hard truths and then convince Alex he can be the partner that Alex needs. The complicated scene that Ross constructs for Alex to prove his point is disturbing, arousing, creative, psychologically challenging and encompassing of them and their love. The way Ross fights for the right to be called Sir again is a little extreme, but right in context with these two men and their relationship.
The figure of Ross’s father was extremely well written, as was the relationship between the two. Anyone who has cared for someone with dementia can relate wholeheartedly with the hot/cold, love/hate, joy and sorrow that you go through. The desperate way Ross tries to hold on to the man his father used to be, with the allegory of the pen, just rips your heart out and stomps on it. Pyke uses her words to create a picture here—that by holding on to his father’s pen, Ross can still hold on to his father—is a picture that evokes emotion from her readers on a visceral level.
I highly recommend this short story! For fans of Pyke, you will recognize her talented wordsmithing capabilities, and if you are new to her work, you will appreciate the depth of feeling and solid time and place she evokes. There are trigger warnings with this one, as with a lot of her work, so make sure you read the fine print as this one is a little dark, a lot erotic, and all Jack L. Pyke.
Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach
This novella jumps in from the get-go, so be prepared to come up to speed fast on the dynamics between our MCs, and the stumbling blocks in their lives. Even though the story is short, you come away feeling like you have known these men for quite some time. Pyke gives us a beginning, middle and end in this novella while conveying a sense of time before and time after the snapshot we see. The pacing is done well, and the intensity between the MCs is more ramped up in this rework.
Ross and Alex have been in a relationship for quite some time now. Alex works in a psychiatric facility where Ross’s father is a patient. It’s where they met, with Alex being a primary caregiver for Ross’s father. At the time of the story, they have been dating for over five years but have known each other for over ten. Ross works as a tattoo artist, and the metaphor of shaded chains refers to the rings Ross is inking around Alex’s cock. Right now, they are all shaded and perfect but not quite touching—Ross wants to complete the circlet in true “collared” fashion for their next anniversary.
These two have a complicated BDSM relationship, and the creative ways Ross takes care of Alex could only be thought of by Pyke. They have a good, solid relationship, but Ross screws up; he knows he does. When Ross is unable to shield Alex from the blows (literally) delivered by his own father that are associated with doing his job, Ross doubts himself as a Dom, and makes some wildly bad decisions which have consequences with Alex that he doesn’t foresee. Alex is hurt, and this isn’t the first time Ross has hurt him, so forgiving and forgetting are not on the agenda. Ross must come to accept some hard truths and then convince Alex he can be the partner that Alex needs. The complicated scene that Ross constructs for Alex to prove his point is disturbing, arousing, creative, psychologically challenging and encompassing of them and their love. The way Ross fights for the right to be called Sir again is a little extreme, but right in context with these two men and their relationship.
Ross held on, marking, claiming at Alex’s throat, whispering Alex’s name, and all the quietest sorries that came with it as Alex made his own claim on his Dom, taking all Ross had left to give.
The figure of Ross’s father was extremely well written, as was the relationship between the two. Anyone who has cared for someone with dementia can relate wholeheartedly with the hot/cold, love/hate, joy and sorrow that you go through. The desperate way Ross tries to hold on to the man his father used to be, with the allegory of the pen, just rips your heart out and stomps on it. Pyke uses her words to create a picture here—that by holding on to his father’s pen, Ross can still hold on to his father—is a picture that evokes emotion from her readers on a visceral level.
…the boy still wanting to hold his father’s hand but now settling for what his father had held over the years instead. Understanding and contact, just by a different medium, by a missing link that usually sparked good moments to be lived, shared…. Remembered, not lost.
I highly recommend this short story! For fans of Pyke, you will recognize her talented wordsmithing capabilities, and if you are new to her work, you will appreciate the depth of feeling and solid time and place she evokes. There are trigger warnings with this one, as with a lot of her work, so make sure you read the fine print as this one is a little dark, a lot erotic, and all Jack L. Pyke.
Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach
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