Family

The Administration #2.5

by Manna Francis

Another short story in The Administrators series. Toreth gets invited to New Years with Warrick's family.

Genres: M M Romance, BDSM, Dystopia, Short Stories, Science Fiction, Romance, Erotica

44 pages

First published May 20, 2009

About the author

I'm the author of The Administration Series, a near-future SF dystopia published by Casperian Books. You can find the series in paperback, e-book, or (partly) on line at the Mannazone website.

I've been writing original slash since 2002 — or homoerotic fiction, m/m romance, yaoi, as you prefer. Original slash is my personal term of choice because I feel it best represents my writing in terms of style and what readers can expect to find there. Individual stories may or may nor be sexually explicit.

Reviews

[Penny Well Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like I said before, these short-stories and novellas are much more appealing to me that the first book. I am enjoying them a lot! I am starting to get addicted to them.

I struggled some with Toreth wanting Warrick 's sister so much. It bothered me that they are keeping the incident secret from Warrick, that gives it more importance and meaning that I would like it to have.

The twist at the end with Warrick's mom was very interesting, I hope that plot develops further into the next installments. I would like to read a complete book with that story-line.

Now, on with the next one!



My reviews of The Administration series’ books:
Book 1: Mind Fuck - 3 Stars
Book 2: Quid Pro Quo
Book 2.1: Unlucky Break - 2 Stars
Book 2.2: Friday - 3 Stars
Book 2.3: Pancakes - 5 Stars
Book 2.4: Surprises - 4 Stars
Book 2.5: Family - 4 Stars
Book 2.6: Mirror Mirror - 4 Stars
Book 3: Games & Players - 5 Stars
Book 3.1: Game, Set - 4 Stars
Book 3.2: As Long As It Lasted - 3 Stars
Book 3.3:Fuck of the Day - 3 Stars
Book 3.4: Wine, Women and Cushions - 2 Stars
Book 3.5: Playing with Fire - 5 Stars
Book 3.6: All Work and no Play - 3 Stars
Book 3.7: Gee - 2 Stars
Book 3.8:Shopping & Fucking - 5 Stars
Book 3.9: Pool School - 3 Stars
Book 3.95: Without the Game - 4 Stars
Book 4: Control - 4 Stars
Book 4.2: Wait For It - 4 Stars
Book 4.3: Caged - 5 Stars
Book 4.4: Unaccustomed as I Am... - 3 Stars
Book 4.5: Helen - 4 Stars
Book 4.6: Shopping, No Fucking - 4 Stars
Book 4.7: Losing It - 4 Stars
Book 4.8: Coming from America
Book 5: Quis Custodiet - 3.5 Stars
Book 5.2: Gratuitous Kink - 4 Stars
Book 5.3: Then and Now - 4 Stars
Book 5.4: Friends in the Right Places - 2 Stars
Book 5.5: Smoke & Cameras - 4 Stars
Book 5.6: Sunday - 3 Stars
Book 6: First Against the Wall - 4 Stars
Book 7: For Certain Values
Book 7.1: Family Values
Book 7.2: Boy's Toys - 3 Stars
Book 7.3: Make it a Surprise
Book 7.4: Prodigal
Book 8: Blood & Circuses
Book 9: Corpora Delicti
Gratuitous Epilogue

[Sun · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Let the flip-flopping continue! ...I hate Toreth. He’s such an arse!

His attraction to Dillion is disgusting. Yes, I know it’s partially spurred by his feelings about Warrick. But the fact that the entire family visit had him obsessing over her pissed me off. My one satisfaction was when he worried that Dillion would say something to Warrick and Warrick might leave him. Squirm, sucker! And take that slap! Uh huh, uh huh…

I get it, he’s a sociopath. But just because there’s a name for it, doesn’t make it right. Arsehole. (ok, I’ll step down from the pulpit now…ha!)

I am intrigued by mama Kate and her secrets. I’m excited to read this play out…

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

”Do you love him?”

The surprises just keep on coming when Toreth accepts an invitation to spend the New Year holiday with Warrick and his family. Food, spirits (Thank God!), sexy-try-to-be-quiet sex, gifts, pint size stalkers, awkward conversation, and an even more awkward and disturbing attraction—add all that up--you get one hell of a holiday Warrick and Toreth style! :D

Once again, Toreth’s inner voice had me grinning and giggling. Evil, evil bastard! His reaction to the kids was priceless.

Nothing like a family get-together to ignite and reveal tensions, mysteries, and conspiracies. A new game to play and unravel perhaps? Can’t wait.

A fun story filled with little tidbits, chores, and events I never would have imagined. Toreth doing dishes! :o hehe…

”Finally he said, Well, now, that would be an incredibly stupid thing to do, wouldn’t it?”


Off for more….

[Mir · Rating 4 out of 5]

In which we see that going to meet your significant other's family for the holidays is just the same for sociopathic, sex-addict professional torturers as it is for the rest of us proles.

[Julio Genao · Rating 3 out of 5]

More cutting humor and withdrawing-room slapstick.

Plus a quite delicious twist at the end that opens the door to a staggering number of opportunities for Toreth to royally fuck himself for your amusement.

Delightful.

[MaDoReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG... Toreth yo te mato.... Y ese final, telita.

[Lisa Arbitrary - AttentionIsArbitrary M/M Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

~~~

Toreth, toreth, toreth. **shakes head at the kitchen scene**

This short story was so close to reality and yet so removed from anything that we usually experience that it makes for an interesting contrast that should be explored. Most everyone has had the awkward family gathering occasion which can bring out the best and worst in people and that's what this story was based around. Not many, however, can say that they've had that experience while surrounded by espionage.

Manna seems to be able to keep one step ahead of her readers and offers a gut impacting cliff hanger that demands more, immediately

Highly recommended.

~~~

Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:


http://www.attentionisarbitrary.blogspot.com

[Baba · Rating 4 out of 5]

My beloved Toreth feels a little bit concerned about a rather unappealing invitation: a New Year holiday spent with someone else's family. To be clear: Warrick's family. Don't be such a wuss, Toreth! You're a big and tough boy. Okey dokey, let's get it over with…um, I mean the family thing and not my review.

It was quite entertaining to see how Toreth had to deal with his feelings. Meeting Warrick's family was indeed quite intimidating and he felt crowded. It felt loud and unfamiliar as well. To top it off, there was this little girl…Val (Valeria) Yes, UNCLE Val…please meet the sweet Val! Jeez, there were quite a few hilarious moments! Scary Val Toreth was a bit scared of little Val. Isn't it fun to reply to all those nosy questions, is it, Uncle Val?? *sniggers*

The bed jolted as someone sat down. "Fuck off," he mumbled. This elicited a giggle, which most definitely did not belong to Warrick.
"Mummy says that's a very naughty word," Valeria informed him. Toreth groaned. I bet mummy fucking does. "What the-" He groped for something which wasn't a naughty word, gave up, and started again. "What are you doing in here?"

Oh, yes, Toreth, please keep your filthy mouth shut! You know for sure that you should use proper language around innocent little kids.

I didn't like Tarin. Who would like such a jerk anyway? Admittedly, maybe I should cut him some slack considering what did happen to his dad and stepdad. But honestly, I don't know what's to like about this guy. He came across as a homophobe. At least I felt that way.

Family is an entertaining little read that got pretty interesting towards the end of the story and keeps me wanting for more!

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haha, I've just read a few reviews for this one and I'm shocked that some reviewers can't stand Torreth....more than a few 'hate' him apparently. OMG, it couldn't be further from the truth for me. Of course there's plenty of time for my opinion to change but right now he can't do wrong in my eyes!

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The beginning of this book had me laughing so hard. Toreth vs 6 year old female version of well...himself?

" Tell me a story uncle Val." , - Too funny!

Oh the joy I have at Toreth's discomfort turns me into a giggling Gerty every time.

So that was really entertaining and then it wasn't. Nope not at all.

I knew it, I just knew it! Toreth is going to kill me. Warrick is just going to stand by and let Toreth get away with everything and anything. When does Warrick grow a set? Or is he too scared to loose what little of Toreth he has? Gah!!!



The author gives up a real and shocking (to me) look at Toreth's narcissistic and psychotic personality when his uncontrollable desire for Dillian surfaces...again.
I realise now that I have been harboring false illusions as to how perverse this man actually is. Whatever he has is, is so ingrained in his psyche that I have to accept it, he's not going to change, it's a terminal affliction. So now, I hate him. He is just a freaking sick self centered full of shit arsehole with a sex addiction. I wanted to rip his face off and shake him till his teeth rattle. I mean is nobody safe around him? He even has thoughts about Warricks aunt for gawds sake! Why did I fall for him ....WHY?

There is an incredible and fascinating discovery in the family that has the capacity for some explosive plot development in the future, hopefully Toreth will dig himself an early grave or end up shit creek long enough for Warrick to move on. Pfft... wishful thinking I know. Warrick wants him and that's that.

[Irina Elena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Toreth, man, what the hell. Dillian? That's just wrong beyond words and reason. This time, Manna Francis - or Toreth, if that thing about characters being responsible for their actions is true - took it one step too far, toeing the line between attraction, mainly caused by the fact that Warrick and his sister look so alike, and obsession.
Still, I can't even get too mad, because the story is bloody good, as always. Entertaining and suprising all throughout, it also allowed me to take a closer look at Warrick and his relationships with members of his family, particularly Dillian. Even this unpleasant little mess with Toreth has a bright side, because the fact that he's more of an asshole that I thought, and more ruthless, makes him a bit less likeable but a lot more interesting.

And I'm still loving this series. Black magic, I tell you.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

RE-READ 2020
Loved this one...and all the little details I missed the first time around are so shiny, can't believe I missed them!?! Also...yes, little Val is a doll!


Meet the Warricks
Everyone has the 'scary' uncle or bitchy cousin in their family tree but Warrick had a few extra squirrels hiding secrets in his.
Kate? OMG...did not see that coming.
Little Val was darling, Tarin an enormous ass, and Jen rescuing Toreth for a liquor run with a history lesson was super sweet.
I adored seeing 'Uncle Val' squirm & struggle with family-friendly behavior.
And again, the thoughtful present made me smile. He really doesn't see it yet, does he? Men are truly blind at times. Even smart ones.

[LenaRibka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Toreth!...I want to chain you to the wall and whip you HARD!!!!

No, I'm not into BDSM!


I am just DAMN ANGRY with this....ARROGANT asshole!!!

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

What. The. Fuck.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

He should have known better than to get involved with anything to do with families—anyone's family .

Ain't that right!
Families is another very enjoyable short. It's funny, it's hot, and it gives us more insight in our boys; their background, their drives and their urges.

As the intrigue ups a major notch, the romance plot (because really: it is romantic) is developing nicely. To me for now it's clear the boys are deluding themselves in thinking they're just in it for the fucks. Even if they dare not to elaborate on their thoughts in their internal monologues, actions speak louder than words- and hello: holiday weekend at one's family is practically the equivalent of picking out curtains together.
And oh: I stand by my earlier point: Toreth is not a sociopath. He's self centered and on a constant mix of survival and hedonistic mode. But he's fun and caring and I like him a lot.

[DaisyGirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm solidly back to hating Toreth. Despising him. My repulsion has risen to the point where I'm uncomfortable with characters in the book that do not hate him as much as I do. Pfft!

Here's my favorite scene in this story:

Toreth had been sitting in silence for a while when Valeria appeared beside him and, before he could fend her off, climbed onto his knees. He sat, frozen. She made herself comfortable, then turned dark, serious eyes up to him.
"Tell me a story, Uncle Val."

Part of me thought, "Aww, that's so cute!" Another part of me wanted to scream, "Uncle Val is crazy! Get away from him, honey!"

[Lenore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fucking hell!!!

[Marina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mama-Warrick you amaze me!

[Marlobo ♥ epilogues · Rating 4 out of 5]

*hanging open mouth*

[Camilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ended my last review saying how much I loved Toreth..

Well, that quickly faded with the beginning of this short. Here we get told how Toreth had made bets with the guys at work, that he could have sex with a wife to a co-worker, who had died, on the day of the co-workers funeral?? Wtf Toreth?!

And then, I guess its the perfect way to start a short, which is about Warrick taking Toreth home to meet his family for New Years.. Wow.. I wouldnt in a million years, thought he would say yes, but he did, and we get a pretty good short out of it.. If you dont count the fact that Toreth is lusting after Dilly... But at least she slapped him! Way to go, girl!

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our favorite psychopath goes on holiday---this series is total crack

Favorite Quote:

"What could you talk about to your regular fuck's mother? The fucking itself was obviously out, which was a pity because it covered more or less everything he and Warrick did together"

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gosh, Toreth is such an ass!

Also please keep all children away from this dysfunctional man.

[Joana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, wow that was something. Is the plot finally steeling in? I hope so, this looks really promising.

Toreth... get your shit together!

[Trix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, the plot thickens...

Toreth took everyone (including himself) by surprise when he accepted to spend the New Year holidays with Warrick and his family. It was a great opportunity for further character development for both men as well as expand the cast and plot.

What I didn't like was Toreth's eternal chase for new conquests and that his fixation is now Dillian, Warrick's sister. Like Warrick said, I sometimes accept Val's cheating and sometimes not. And this was definitely one of the latter. Yes, it was only a kiss but had it been up to Toreth, his fantasies of having both brother and sister would have come true long ago. I keep hoping that he'll give up this trait of his. But this isn't some cute fairy tale and I doubt Toreth will make much progress in this department... it's hard for people to change habits.

I loved how Warrick's attraction for danger and rough play was explained. Both when Toreth was talking with Dilli but also when Warrick confessed to Dilli and his scene with the belt in the car.

I loved the displays of intimacy and closeness between Toreth and Warrick. Having sex quietly in a house full of relatives, spending the holidays together, slowly changing to accomodate the other. I slow down my reading when I get to those moments.

What a surprise it was to discover the secret agent was Kate. I was thinking aunt Jen. I wonder how this will be developed later on in the story. It's great to read about these interesting and appealing female characters that are not added to the story only to hinder the 2 MC or play the best friend role.

[Mara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh, Toreth. You almost lost me with this one. . .

SPOILERS -->

It didn't even bother me that he wanted to have sex with her. It bothered me that he used Warrick as a tool to get there. Ugh. But he's so almost childlike and clearly unstable, that it's difficult to judge him too harshly. I'm almost more upset with Warrick and Dillian for not EXPLAINING to him why this was wrong on so many levels.

It is clear that Toreth has no clue how to behave in a functional relationship, even as a "casual fuck". It's their fault for not forcing him to understand. The dramatic slap and "I won't tell THIS TIME" did nothing for me. It just made me frustrated and angry that adults are not seeing what Toreth is when it should be so clear.

[La*La · Rating 5 out of 5]

First read on December 16, 2014.
Re-read on July 9, 2015.


This was great on many levels...an intriguing twist with Warrick's family secrets, the whole visit for the New Year which left Toreth squirming and uncomfortable, yet steadily progressing with his relationship with Warrick.

And then Toreth f*cks up.


Not cool, Toreth. Not cool at all.

[Jerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Auntie Dilly? I'm going to be a para 'vestigtor." I split a gut on that one. The whole plane looked at me funny!
Ok, Toreth lusting after Dillian and "forgetting" Warrick is not cool. I guess it's his sociopathic nature to only think of himself. I just find it disgusting.
OMG---Kate is Int-Sec? Using her first son? Toreth reminds her of Leo?

[paracosmere · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always a pity when one of the people you want to end up together still lusted for other fucks. The thing is T had always been like that since the beginning and complaining despite knowing all that made me sound like an idiot. Didn't stop me from wanting to throttle him from time to time though. Just couldn't really get past that is all. Ignoring that though, love everything in this short.

[Scarletine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice to get a bit of background on Warrick and his family. Also nice that Torreth is begining to open himself to the 'relationship' rather than Warrick being 'just a regular fuck'. Progess me thinks!

[Ilhem · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG!!
Quicksands, always!