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Master Class #2
SUBlime: Collected Shorts
Broadway darling Nicky Avery gives commanding performances on stage, but when he comes home at night, it's Devon Turner who commands him. Devon — that's "Sir" to Nicky, of course—owns Nicky heart and soul, and neither of them could possibly be happier with that. This collection of vignettes explores the gifts of submission and domination—Nicky and Devon's ultimate expression of love and trust. The ten short stories range from sweet and sensual to hot and hardcore, from cross-dressing to knife play, and so much more. Dom or sub, curious beginner or 24/7 lifestyler, the stories in Sublime will tease and tantalize, arouse and thrill. And don't mind Devon and Nicky . . . they like to be watched anyway. (Stories include "All-Nighter," "Down in the Woodshop," "Stainless Steel," "Pretty," "Milk Run," "Too Much," "A Hairy Situation," "Wrapped Up," "One for the Road," and "Pony Up.")
47 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2010
5 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Haimowitz
41 books721 followersM/M erotic romance author, freelance writer and editor, sadist with a pesky conscience, shamelessly silly, proudly pervish. I'm a twitter addict (@rachelhaimowitz), and I blog every M/W/F at Fantasy Unbound. To learn all about my current and upcoming projects, please stop by my website. I love to hear from folks, so feel free to drop me a line anytime at metarachel (at) gmail (dot) com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 25, 2010
A freebie! You know I couldn't resist ;)
This is a series of short stories featuring a Dom named Sir (Devon) and his pet Nicky. I don't know the history of these two but am intrigued enough to look around and see if the author has written a book about how they met and how their relationship evolved.
These stories are super short, some of them are on the sweet side while some have very dark edges. They get up to all sorts of naughtiness. I'll start with my least favorite. "All Wrapped Up" just didn't work for me but it's my fault and has nothing to do with the writing. See I just finished up a horrifying true life account of rape, murder and dangerous sex called "Fred and Rose where two very disturbed people tortured people (and killed and dismembered them - some their own children) in a similar manner to what Sir does to Nicky in this story (wrapping him up and leaving only a small hole for a breathing tube). Coming straight off Fred & Rose and then reading this, well, I found it disturbing and hard to find anything hot about it. It was just scary, 'specially the tube bits, ahhhh! All I could picture was monkey faced Fred. Alas, that's my problem.
Anyway, my favorites were "Pretty" so sweet, so hot. I could picture that pretty boy in his pretty pink dress so clearly. The one with "Pony" in the title (sorry EReader is not handy) was a lot of fun. I've always had a thing for pony boys, I guess. Damn that Anne Rice ;) Stuff to do, I may elaborate later but I'd recommend this with caveats for those with a gentle disposition.
This is a series of short stories featuring a Dom named Sir (Devon) and his pet Nicky. I don't know the history of these two but am intrigued enough to look around and see if the author has written a book about how they met and how their relationship evolved.
These stories are super short, some of them are on the sweet side while some have very dark edges. They get up to all sorts of naughtiness. I'll start with my least favorite. "All Wrapped Up" just didn't work for me but it's my fault and has nothing to do with the writing. See I just finished up a horrifying true life account of rape, murder and dangerous sex called "Fred and Rose where two very disturbed people tortured people (and killed and dismembered them - some their own children) in a similar manner to what Sir does to Nicky in this story (wrapping him up and leaving only a small hole for a breathing tube). Coming straight off Fred & Rose and then reading this, well, I found it disturbing and hard to find anything hot about it. It was just scary, 'specially the tube bits, ahhhh! All I could picture was monkey faced Fred. Alas, that's my problem.
Anyway, my favorites were "Pretty" so sweet, so hot. I could picture that pretty boy in his pretty pink dress so clearly. The one with "Pony" in the title (sorry EReader is not handy) was a lot of fun. I've always had a thing for pony boys, I guess. Damn that Anne Rice ;) Stuff to do, I may elaborate later but I'd recommend this with caveats for those with a gentle disposition.
December 21, 2010
This is an awesome collection of short stories primarily featuring Sir and Nicky exploring various scenes/kinks in their D/s relationship. As long as you enjoy BDSM, there's truly a little something here for everyone - and it was a free download so what could possibly be better? Well, how about a major teaser in the form of the first chapter of Rachel's novel Counterpoint!! And as a teaser, it totally worked because I was completely sucked into the spectacular fantasy world of this book and can't wait to get to the full story!!!
I highly recommend this truly "sublime" collection! ;)
I highly recommend this truly "sublime" collection! ;)
December 30, 2010
I really loved this collection of short stories for a number of reasons. First of all, Nicky and Sir (Devon) are engaging characters. My sympathies always go with the sub and Nicky has such a beautiful voice that I was immediately captivated. He's quite a handful and he has Devon wrapped around his finger, but he's really giving and incredibly devoted to Devon.
The short stories are slices of life and we get to know something about them, but they still remain a mystery and this collection only wetted my appetite: I want to know how they met!!!
My favorite story was "Too Much", because it shows Nicky's devotion at his best and it didn't make me cry, but my eyes got watery and I felt that lump in my throat... Ok, I'm in control now.
I really liked the inner rating system. It was accurate, but there was no story that really cause discomfort. Maybe "Stainless Steel" a little bit, but it's because I howl when I cut myself with paper, you can imagine the impression blades have on me. This story was the second best, in my opinion.
There's a lot of humor, especially when Nicky is narrating and when he's pushing his master. I can't check the title of the short story now, I think it was "The Milk Run", it was almost hilarious, because Nicky's puts himself in situations where he thinks he can control the outcome, but Devon is very smart.
Well, the writing was flaweless, the characters were great and it was free! You can't have more than this!
The short stories are slices of life and we get to know something about them, but they still remain a mystery and this collection only wetted my appetite: I want to know how they met!!!
My favorite story was "Too Much", because it shows Nicky's devotion at his best and it didn't make me cry, but my eyes got watery and I felt that lump in my throat... Ok, I'm in control now.
I really liked the inner rating system. It was accurate, but there was no story that really cause discomfort. Maybe "Stainless Steel" a little bit, but it's because I howl when I cut myself with paper, you can imagine the impression blades have on me. This story was the second best, in my opinion.
There's a lot of humor, especially when Nicky is narrating and when he's pushing his master. I can't check the title of the short story now, I think it was "The Milk Run", it was almost hilarious, because Nicky's puts himself in situations where he thinks he can control the outcome, but Devon is very smart.
Well, the writing was flaweless, the characters were great and it was free! You can't have more than this!
November 30, 2011
This was such a great follow-up to Master Class! It isn't a sequel in the traditional sense, because it consists of a series of vignettes that show snapshots of Nicky and Devon's life now that they are together. But, while there wasn't a story, the glimpses I saw were totally fascinating and, added together, helped me find out more about the couple. That was exactly what I had wanted after finishing the first book.
The 10 short pieces were a good mix between various types of kink, as well as levels of intensity. Some were definitely not for the faint-hearted, but the rating of each story at the very beginning of the book is accurate and prepared me for what to expect. They do all have an incredible emotional intensity, and the love and respect Nicky and Devon have for each other shine through as clearly as Nicky's cheekiness.
I would recommend this for readers who are interested in finding out about different kinks, and maybe in experimenting with finding out about heavier play. This is a great 'BDSM taster' and the underlying emotions only made everything more intense.
The 10 short pieces were a good mix between various types of kink, as well as levels of intensity. Some were definitely not for the faint-hearted, but the rating of each story at the very beginning of the book is accurate and prepared me for what to expect. They do all have an incredible emotional intensity, and the love and respect Nicky and Devon have for each other shine through as clearly as Nicky's cheekiness.
I would recommend this for readers who are interested in finding out about different kinks, and maybe in experimenting with finding out about heavier play. This is a great 'BDSM taster' and the underlying emotions only made everything more intense.
June 11, 2012
While I was happy to read some more about Nicky and Devon from Power Play: Awakening, had I approached this as a stand-alone story I would have been quite dissatisfied.
For me, personally, it's all about the relationship. I need to see inside people's heads, over a period of time, and if there's conflict inside those heads then all the better.
These were snapshots of what is clearly a relationship, but left me only annoyed, frustrated, and wanting more (much like Nicky). Most of the stories finished just when I thought they were getting good.
The final story was the most disappointing for me: . Seriously? Just so Nifty.com.
So, a nice addition that makes me feel happy to learn a bit more about the characters, but not one I would necessarily recommend to others.
For me, personally, it's all about the relationship. I need to see inside people's heads, over a period of time, and if there's conflict inside those heads then all the better.
These were snapshots of what is clearly a relationship, but left me only annoyed, frustrated, and wanting more (much like Nicky). Most of the stories finished just when I thought they were getting good.
The final story was the most disappointing for me: . Seriously? Just so Nifty.com.
So, a nice addition that makes me feel happy to learn a bit more about the characters, but not one I would necessarily recommend to others.
May 4, 2011
Really my only problem with this collection is that it felt so short. I devoured the stories in short order and when I got to the end, I was so saddened by the fact that there were not any more. This is a really great collection, but I wish (hope) that one day we might have more from Nicky and Devon. The upside was that after finishing Sublime, I went and read Counterpoint for a second time.
January 30, 2011
I'm going to borrow a classic quote to summarize my take on this collection. "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get."
This is a delightfully delicious assortment of interludes between Sir and Nicky, a dom and sub who mix it up with the perfect combination of sugar and spice and put their very own kinky twist on naughty and nice. I literally devoured this collection and it left me with a craving for more. Proof positive that variety IS the spice of life. And that's all I have to say about that!
This is a delightfully delicious assortment of interludes between Sir and Nicky, a dom and sub who mix it up with the perfect combination of sugar and spice and put their very own kinky twist on naughty and nice. I literally devoured this collection and it left me with a craving for more. Proof positive that variety IS the spice of life. And that's all I have to say about that!
June 7, 2011
Note: This review does not include the last part of the collection, which is the first chapter of the novel Counterpoint.
Overall
This collection is more like an album of snapshots than a series of stories. Each interaction between Sir and Nicky takes place in the span of a couple hours. The writing goes in depth detailing what is happening in each act of submission, but the characters never blossom into fully developed beings. While we are shown brief glimpses into their lives outside of the bedroom (or the kitchen, the living room, etc), it isn't the focus of the story. No plot (not really), but that wasn't the aim of the stories either.
Strengths
BDSM. The stories contained here cover a wide variety of kinks and give fairly good details on the scenes. Much like a variety pack of chips, I liked some more than others, but ended up eating them all anyway. Worth it, if just for the education, with the bonus of no calories to burn off.
Good, strong writing that explained some rather difficult concepts (for the un-initiated) in ways that were accessible. I don't get pony play, but I was happy for Nicky and understood it a little better.
Weaknesses
Development. While I don't mark this collection down for the lack of plot, necessarily, I would love to see more developed characters. It would make quite the hot, steamy novel to see these two develop over a time-line and get more emotional connection to them. For me, this was the weakest part and why it scored so low--if I don't feel emotional connections to the characters, it's hard for me to completely enjoy a book. People who don't need as much squishy heart romance in their books may not be bothered by this.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
Overall
This collection is more like an album of snapshots than a series of stories. Each interaction between Sir and Nicky takes place in the span of a couple hours. The writing goes in depth detailing what is happening in each act of submission, but the characters never blossom into fully developed beings. While we are shown brief glimpses into their lives outside of the bedroom (or the kitchen, the living room, etc), it isn't the focus of the story. No plot (not really), but that wasn't the aim of the stories either.
Strengths
BDSM. The stories contained here cover a wide variety of kinks and give fairly good details on the scenes. Much like a variety pack of chips, I liked some more than others, but ended up eating them all anyway. Worth it, if just for the education, with the bonus of no calories to burn off.
Good, strong writing that explained some rather difficult concepts (for the un-initiated) in ways that were accessible. I don't get pony play, but I was happy for Nicky and understood it a little better.
Weaknesses
Development. While I don't mark this collection down for the lack of plot, necessarily, I would love to see more developed characters. It would make quite the hot, steamy novel to see these two develop over a time-line and get more emotional connection to them. For me, this was the weakest part and why it scored so low--if I don't feel emotional connections to the characters, it's hard for me to completely enjoy a book. People who don't need as much squishy heart romance in their books may not be bothered by this.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
October 12, 2011
This small collection of very short stories is like a BDSM 'sampler' for those curious about the range of dominant/submissive play. All the stories revolve around the submissive Nicky and his dom Devon, or 'Sir' as he's almost always referred to. Each story focuses on a different type of interaction, such as asphyxiation or knife-play. Some of them can be a bit difficult to read.
The stories are stand-alone, and don't provide much background on the two men or how they got together. In some cases, the action is joined in the middle, so we're not even shown how the two got in the particular situation. Also, while there's a lot of sex-play (or foreplay, if you will) there's not a lot of actual sex in the stories.
None of this are really a big negatives. It's more like the BDSM play itself: a big tease. It leaves you wanting more, which is apparently just what the author is delivering later this month: a new book featuring the same couple called "Master Class". I've already pre-ordered it.
The stories are stand-alone, and don't provide much background on the two men or how they got together. In some cases, the action is joined in the middle, so we're not even shown how the two got in the particular situation. Also, while there's a lot of sex-play (or foreplay, if you will) there's not a lot of actual sex in the stories.
None of this are really a big negatives. It's more like the BDSM play itself: a big tease. It leaves you wanting more, which is apparently just what the author is delivering later this month: a new book featuring the same couple called "Master Class". I've already pre-ordered it.
August 29, 2014
This was a good collection of shorts. But don't expect there to be much plot. And these shorts are SHORT. There were a few that I felt got cut too short. In Milk Run, for example, I wanted to go to the store with Nicky and see him interact with people, knowing what hardware he had in him. I wanted to know what happened to him when he got back home with the milk. Otherwise, I thought they were well written with lots of nice descriptions of what was going on.
If you're not looking for a lot of plot, and want to read something you'll finish in an hour or less, then this is the perfect book for you. Also, each story is given a rating at the beginning, so you know the kink level, and what limits get tested, so you are forewarned and if you need to skip a story, it's not going to affect anything. You don't need to read them all in order.
If you're not looking for a lot of plot, and want to read something you'll finish in an hour or less, then this is the perfect book for you. Also, each story is given a rating at the beginning, so you know the kink level, and what limits get tested, so you are forewarned and if you need to skip a story, it's not going to affect anything. You don't need to read them all in order.
September 27, 2012
Continuing the tales of Nicky and Devon as they explore many, many aspects of a D/s relationship. In these assorted short stories, there's something for everyone. I think my favourite was "Milk Run". Devon is a lovely, devious, mischievous Dom, especially when his Nicky steps out of line. :) There's a sweetness to Devon and Nicky that I just love and they are just perfect for each other. Loved it!
February 8, 2011
At only 50+ pages, this was a great collection of short stories featuring Nicky and his Sir. From one end of the kink spectrum to the other, each story was engaging and showed the love and trust between them. Well worth the price of admission. :)
November 12, 2011
A quick read for those who like shorts or only have time for a taste of Rachel's Nicky & Devon. Being the greedy reader I am... the shorts were good but too damned short for me! I hope Rachel will write another - longer - story for Nicky & his Sir.
March 21, 2012
This collection of short stories needs to be read after Master Class. I read them first out of order and didn't understand how Devon could be so cruel to Nicky. After reading Master Class I understood he was giving him what he wanted and needed. Very well written.
November 2, 2011
Great short inside looks at various aspects of BDSM. I don't truly understand Nicky's need for pain, but it's greater insight, nonetheless.
Want to read
December 15, 2010
Freebie!!!!!!I don't know for how long
June 2, 2011
I enjoyed reading this kinky collection of stories about a Dom and his boy. Short little vignettes that range from sweet to super kinky.
Read
December 31, 2012Best. BDSM couple. Ever.
August 13, 2017
I got this because I remember liking Master Class.
Honestly, this was pretty uncomfortable. Even the 'tame' scenes seems to skirt the line between BDSM and... not. It was all... a little much and not in a good way?
Yeah no.
Honestly, this was pretty uncomfortable. Even the 'tame' scenes seems to skirt the line between BDSM and... not. It was all... a little much and not in a good way?
Yeah no.
October 1, 2012
C/C- This is a short (45 pages) collection of even shorter "scenes". Many of the scenes felt incomplete in that they sometimes stop in the middle of the action. There were, for me, hints of character growth, but only hints. While the stories themselves were interesting and well written, they didn't satisfy my craving to get to know these two men better. The grades for these 2 stories reflect that I'm a romance reader first and foremost and the emotional depth was a bit lacking for me here. I'd happily read a full story about them - I know they are married by the time the events of Power Play occur and I know that they don't live "the lifestyle" 24/7 but I don't know really how that works (at least for them) and I don't know how Nicky's career fits in (in Awakening he said that Devon "let him out" to play occasionally - I thought that meant Nicky doesn't work much?) and I don't know how they came to get married. I would love to read that story.
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October 13, 2011
I won this book through the first reads contest and just received it in the mail today.
The writing was good, but it was really short. There are ten short stories in only 42 pages, so they seem more like scenes from a life rather than an actual story. The characters are never described and little to no information about them outside of the sex scenes is ever revealed. The first part to her next story is almost as long as the whole book. I definately could have used some more backround and even the scense themselves could be *way* longer. A lot of the stories ended just as the action was starting and I felt as if I was just getting flashes or excerpts.
I see potential in this author. maybe her longer stories are better. This one I read in less than a half hour.
The writing was good, but it was really short. There are ten short stories in only 42 pages, so they seem more like scenes from a life rather than an actual story. The characters are never described and little to no information about them outside of the sex scenes is ever revealed. The first part to her next story is almost as long as the whole book. I definately could have used some more backround and even the scense themselves could be *way* longer. A lot of the stories ended just as the action was starting and I felt as if I was just getting flashes or excerpts.
I see potential in this author. maybe her longer stories are better. This one I read in less than a half hour.
April 5, 2012
Originally reviewed for TRR (theromancereviews.com)
As the title says this is a collection of short stories. The theme is MM dominance and submission. If you have read Master Class then you will be familiar with The sexy sub Nicky and his Dom Devon. This collection takes a peek at some scenes and sessions ranging from muffication to bondage. If you want to get a glimpse at various BDSM practices but don't want to read a drawn out book, or just want a sample. This would be great for you. There's several different types of fetishes written from both the sub and Dom's perspective. I love this author!
As the title says this is a collection of short stories. The theme is MM dominance and submission. If you have read Master Class then you will be familiar with The sexy sub Nicky and his Dom Devon. This collection takes a peek at some scenes and sessions ranging from muffication to bondage. If you want to get a glimpse at various BDSM practices but don't want to read a drawn out book, or just want a sample. This would be great for you. There's several different types of fetishes written from both the sub and Dom's perspective. I love this author!
April 20, 2016
A collection of shorts featuring Nicky and his Dom, Devon. This is another book I've owned forever and never read. Each chapter was a separate BDSM vignette and I believe I may have liked it even more if I had read it shortly after I read this couple's story originally -- Master Class.
August 14, 2012
Not badly written, but essentially just a series of BDSM scenes with no plot, no character development, and no point, generally 2-3 pages in length.
It ends with a sample chapter from the author's book. Perhaps it is meant as a promotion for that?
It ends with a sample chapter from the author's book. Perhaps it is meant as a promotion for that?
January 28, 2013
I have something against the whole pony kink. I just do. It...bothers me. Rather annoys me. Now, I'm sure that might have some kind of deep psychological implication *rolls eyes* but it is what it is.
April 13, 2013
Hmmm, I liked these stories. I guess I just wish there was more to them. After the first Master Class, I was hoping for development on the relationship. This went past that to the happy comfortable places they are both in. I want more.
June 2, 2014
Wonderful follow-up to Master Class. I was happy to be a fly on the wall and spend some quality time with Nicky and Devon.
April 2, 2016
Well, this wasn't as good as the first one. I think it lack a plot. Right, it's explain in the blurb that are a collection of short stories. They are ok, it's center on the life of Devon and Nicky on their lives as Sir/boy. It is well written but I think it lack the appeal the previous book had.
August 31, 2011
A few very short, cute little stories. Haimowitz has them up for free (or 3 at least) on her goodreads author page.
July 25, 2014
short stories. Meh.. PWP for most of it. Some of the stories are better than others.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews