I found myself shocked by how much I loved this Randy. It’s like he is a completely new character in this book. Finally I understand him. Finally I find him amazing, attractive, and fantastic. Finally I get to love him.

I also loved that the wager was on the table from square one, and not a dirty secret.

I loved that Randy had a place to flee to, to stand and look out over the city.

I loved that Slick just got Randy.

And I adored how Randy understood Slick.

This was a delightful story, and a true follow-up to the amazing Special Delivery.

The language is, as always, tight, crafted, and precise. There was, for me, way too much poker in here, but hey, we’re in Vegas. Poker is kind of a backdrop-character there. I can’t say I followed the games too closely, I am truly more of a black or red kind of girl. Sue me.

Crabtree was a brilliant character! So much of Old Vegas felt true.

***

I was given an ARC of the new edition of this book for free from the publisher, Samhain Publishing.

A positive review was neither expected nor promised in return. 

This free short story takes place between Special Delivery and Double Blind, and it is absolutely brilliant. You are advised to read SD first, as there might be a spoiler or two in this one.

There is a wedding, there are questions about equality, there is screaming hot action, and loving understanding between friends. Does that seem like a lot, for a short story? HA! Never you worry, Ms Cullinan also manages to squeeze in understanding of both family and backward-thinking relatives, and I never thought I’d grow to even consider that aunt a human being. Well, color me surprised.

It just sent me to my happy place, on so many levels it’s plain silly

All in all, this is a classic Cullinanian rush.

I am in love.

"Always, Skeet. Always."

***

This short story is a free download from the author’s web site—check www.heidicullinan.com

Be warned, this review is shock-full of spoilers. That’s why there’s a spoiler tag below. But I seriously can’t review it without talking about what happens, so you either read this, or you don’t. And either way, you might love this book, even though I did not.

The language is great. I honestly only found one expression that has become over-used of late, and that was the (animal of choice) “caught in the headlights” — can we please stop using this, now?

I loved the title. How it isn't about wanting to be a kept boy, no, it is about wanting to not be thrown away. Someone to keep me.

The way words are put together is good, it pulls you in, they flow. It’s what the words say that leave me perplexed.

I wanted to love this book, I really did. It had all the pieces that usually make my heart soar, like lonely, young man finding his place, bdsm that I can understand—the kind without pain—the looking for your partner and taking chances, moving across the world to find what your soul needs and reaches out for.

Then it all went south, I’m afraid. Find my review, below, all within spoiler tags.

So, summing the mess up: two plot-device miscoms and a medical emergency—all three totally uncalled for, as they took away from the story about Scott, a fragile, young boy who was just starting to recover his sense of self-worth. Add two huge-ass plot holes. Yeah, no, I don't think so.

Those aren’t Doms. Those are just Dumbs.

***

I was given a free copy of this book by the publisher, Dreamspinner Press, and a positive review wasn’t promised in return.

A short story that holds both gold and beautiful words. A brilliant take on bdsm; my favorite take, the one without all the hurt and pain, but with the control and constriction. And the deep need, the deep emotion and want, and the aftercare that makes sure that things meant something. And then, also the fact that you don’t have to be in the scene all the time.

This young man, Oliver, finds himself in a position of total loss. And then has the luck to stumble upon somebody who can truly make a difference.

I won’t say more, as doing so would walk us all into spoiler land, but suffice it to say that I really, really enjoyed it, especially the language usage. And how the title itself transformed from adjective to noun. 

Sheer brilliance. And hot as hell.

Read it. You won’t regret it.

***

I wanted to read this story as soon as I saw Lisa Henry’s review for it. And I am so glad I got to read it. So glad.

I was given copy of this book as a gift from Paperback Reader, a Booklikes friend, to read from Amazon. I have since sent the gift on down the line. Kind of great concept, really. Thank you, PBR. Both for the book and for the lesson.

I'll gladly admit I squeed when a little girl asked Suzy if she was black, and she replied yes, but then also further described her black mother and Korean father. The little girl turned to her friend and said, "She is like you and me together!"

I admit, it kinda brought a tear to my eye. There was such sweetness there. And it pisses me off that you hardly ever see this kind of interaction with poc in books. 

I salute you, Ms Weatherspoon. Thank you. 

As for the story, heh, mummy kink is perhaps not my kink, but it's a little bit sexy and a little bit fun and a whole lot well-written. That goes a long way, in my book.

*reading on*