Collared by Kari Gregg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars for this testosterone-dazed world of genetic mutation. Gotta love the classical dance of the prey and the predator

I love and appreciate the originality of the premise - A crops engineering disaster caused the mutation of human genetics which leads to dramatic increase in aggressive traits in 99% of the population, only 1% was on the opposite scale. This 1% in the population was known as 'the anomalies'. The mutation has affected them differently as their submissive traits was increased dramatically, so much so that they are no longer capable of self-preservation. These anomalies are in constant state of confusion induced by fear hence in need of a strong protector to survive the new world order in which their kinds are stripped of all rights and status. Soon they are going to be nothing but slaves or pets for the dominants to toy with as they like. Just a piece of property to be owned and used as their betters deemed fit. Needless to say such a premise with absolute power-imbalance as the driving force, angst is a guaranteed scenario. In other words, this a total angst junkie fix.

Connor's state of mind was pretty convincing. We get to witness his struggles to adapt to the rapid changes in his environment and the deterioration of his control over his own will as the mutation takes hold of his mind.

In the name of protection Connor's boss collared him as temporary measure until a suitable master is found. Although Connor craves for David Martin to be his Sir permanently, David was unable to reciprocate as he is straight and already has a fiancée. How would David's fiancée reacts to Connor and would he have a chance to call David his Sir?

Connor has admired handsome Emmett Drake long before the disaster struck. And now he was overwhelmed by Emmett's attention and domineering pursuit to own him as his pet. Does Emmett only sees him as a mere toy to break or was Connor more than just a piece of property?

The journey towards total submission is an extra difficult road for Connor to travel. His previous painful relationship with his abusive ex-lover has left a deep mental scar behind. A broken Connor coupled with his newfound uncontrollable need to submit was torn in trusting another man again. To him it was like jumping from the frying pan into the fire, only this time it was an inferno waiting for him. Would he be consumed by the fire or rise like a phoenix from the ashes?

One man is home and safety the other excites and scratches Connor's itch for deep submission. Who should he surrender his heart and soul to? This unique dystopia story would certainly appeal to D/S and TPE fans. And like I've said before, angst-junkies would also be pleased with it.





I was drawn into the story just after a couple of pages. Got me some of those lovely body-tingles I loved so much whenever a story touches my kinks in a feel-good way. Nice orgasmic little buzz all over until David starts to get on my nerve. To me he is a selfish greedy bastard who wants the best of both worlds. I am not happy with the way he treats his fiancée as it was very unfair, it clearly shows us his unfaithful adulterous heart. I also didn't like the way David thinks he has the right to ask for Connor's submission when he knows perfectly well he could not answer Connor's real needs. David is just a goddamn cockblocker to me! Yeah, I root for Emmett to be Connor's master all the way. At least Emmett knows what he is doing and he has the capacity to give Connor what he deserved and needs. Gawd! I nearly strangled Connor over his indecisiveness in choosing between the two. The maths was so easy a two years old could solved it. NO. I am not happy with that superficial ending. It felt rushed and unreal. I couldn't reconcile David's action at all. So fuck that ending!

Okay so aside from the body-tingles what I did love about this story was the focus on the D/S and the uber hot sex scenes. Two studly doms aggressively posturing each other for dominance in order to fight for the ownership of a sub was way hot. Additionally the premise captured my attention as well as my heart. Oh and the angst was pretty satisfying too.



BOOK DETAILS:
Title: Collared
Author: Kari Gregg
Publication Date: November 28th, 2011
Publisher: Riptide Publishing
Genre: Gay Dystopia Fiction, Erotica, Science Fiction
Type: Novella, approximately 33,573 words
Main Characters: Connor Witt (MC), David Martin (Secondary Character), Emmett Drake (Secondary Character)
Tags/Keywords:

Description:
Trans-Global IT director Connor Witt is a rare and prized anomaly: the aggression centers in his brain have been suppressed rather than stimulated by the mutated crops that so recently took over the world’s food supply. Bewildered by his physical changes and terrified of a world growing more and more predatory, Connor risks harassment and worse until Trans-Global CEO David Martin collars Connor to protect him against men like security consultant Emmett Drake. Men who stalk Connor as sweet, sexy prey. Men to whom the newly submissive Connor feels irresistibly drawn.

But David can’t be Connor’s master; David’s straight. He promises to find a worthy man, though. One willing to court and appreciate Connor as more than just some rich man’s toy.

While the world adapts to the biological disaster and new laws strip away Connor’s rights, David’s resolve to protect his boy slowly grows into something more. But can his new desires keep pace with Emmett’s determination to claim Connor?

One man offers safety; the other is a safer bet. Problem is, Connor’s never sure which is which. The one thing he does know? He wants them both.


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WHERE TO PURCHASE:
★|| RIPTIDE PUBLISHING ||★|| KOBOBOOKS ||★|| BARNES&NOBLE ||★|| AMAZON ||★



* Reviewed on June 3rd, 2014

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Snakes fell like rain, twisting in midair. 

It's probably wrong that this is the second Snakes on a Plane thought I've had in weeks (be glad I didn't post the pic of snakes falling from the plane), but when I think of falling snakes, it's either that or Indiana Jones.

I am review-lazy this week, so I'll give a fast run-down of why I REALLY liked Santa Olivia :

The story was dark. It was strangely apocalyptic and/or screwy militant who-knows-what in form. I don't fully understand how death, disease, grudge-match boxing, sinful clergymen, and mutated people with wolf genes all work together to make a cohesive story, but somehow, it does work.

The characters were not typical. The first main character was a sexually charged female who took to an inexperienced male. The second main character was a young woman who struggled to feel fear, anxiety, or even a sense of danger due to her genetic coding. 

The emotional connections were off the charts. I love when a story is about so much more than just a romance. The relationship between mother and child, brother and sister, and two fellow orphans becoming lovers, were all of equal importance.

I GOT SUPER EMOTIONAL FEELS. TWICE. OR THREE TIMES. MAYBE EVEN FOUR TIMES. 

The setting felt like another character. I pictured the church yard and the statue of Santa Olivia in my mind. I was nervous when Loup was in places she shouldn't be hanging around because I could practically see the danger lurking in every corner. 

I'd highly recommend this book for fans of darker, unique, or emotional stories. For an Urban Fantasy, it was less about ass kicking or bizarre non-humans, and more about survival and tackling hardships. I loved the everyday struggle of the characters fighting to survive. 

There is a f/f romance, but for those unsure if they'd enjoy reading a non-m/f or m/m, I'd say to give the book a chance because it was handled beautifully and tastefully. The slow build eventually burned into something lovely to witness.

Highly recommended!

"Hear, hear." Sister Martha hoisted her water glass. "Let the rigid stick of self-righteousness be dislodged from her very uptight ass."

Father Ramon coughed. "A-fucking-men."