| Title | : | Collared |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1937551091 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781937551094 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | ebook |
| Number of Pages | : | 139 |
| Publication | : | First published November 26, 2011 |
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.
Collared Reviews
-
"Swear that you want me. Me, Conner. And that you'll never let go"
The above is at the end of the book and had me grabbing for the tissues! Even just writing it now I am tearing up. I finished this a few days ago and with one thing and another I have pushed back writing the review, in a way I am glad as I now have a clearer picture of the story and the characters. This, for me was an emotional read, I fully connected with Conner and his struggle with the daily changes in his nature to be totally submissive. Needing a Master. Not wanting, but needing with his whole being. His confusion and pain his hurt and betrayal, his loss of status as a person and the love and need of the two men in his life.
This is a dystopian novel set in a time where mayhem ensues in the wake of mutated food sources, which have triggered aggression in the majority of the population. Connor however is a statistical anomaly to the disruption caused by the mutation, instead his dominant traits are suppressed leaving him increasingly subservient. Not only is it affecting him, but his body is also giving off a scent which is irresistible to those who are dominant - leaving it impossible for him to function without the protection of a Master. Scott had been his Master, but the aggression had affected him more so than others and a relationship that had once been happy had turned abusive leaving Conner not only battered but now also afraid... with some fight still in him he was able to escape but now he was at the mercy of all who would own him!
Connors boss David, becomes aware of the impossible situation of having him work as the Director of IT without a collar to identify him as having a Master, with staff breaking equipment just to be near Conner, it was causing havoc in the building and putting Connor in danger, so even though David is straight and has a Fiancee he is willing to collar him temporarily until he is able to find him a permanent replacement. The Fiancee is a real bitch by the way and I would happily scratch her eyes out!!
Now enter the enigmatic Emmett Drake. He is cocky and arrogant, so self assured and confident not a man willing to accept no as an answer... and he wants Conner. Emmett has such a profound effect on Conner he was just mush! with incoherent ramblings his heart pounding in his ears and legs like jelly! Good grief, he had my knees trembling, never mind Connors!
Conner is trying to become accustomed to his nature, his only want is a Master to care for him, someone to guide him and after David's kindness in taking him in, wrapping him in his arms and making him feel safe, he wants that man to be him, but despite his longing and yearning for David... his body was screaming for Emmett... Yep. Mine too!
My heart was breaking for Conner, in this world where he is stripped of the right to vote, to work, to sit on a jury. Striped of everything that made him a man before the mutation... now in the eyes of the Law he is a slave, a pet, something bought and sold no longer a person but a toy to be played with. Conner did not like what he had become, so dependent and frightened, but there was no stopping it - as hard as he tried to battle it the more confused and upset he became, his mind was in chaos but he could no longer fight the inevitable.
David doesn't see Conner the submissive, to be manipulated and used, he sees inside his soul to the sunshine within, he sees the good and the funny side to Conner, the person that needs to be loved and nurtured, not hurt and damaged. Emmett Drake sees the submissive in Conner that needs to be controlled, the sub that needs direction and focus, rules and punishment! and bless... poor Conner just wants to be loved, cared for and serve his Master.
Kari Gregg is not an author I have read, but I have already loaded my Kindle with another of her books. Her writing brought the characters to life for me... I got them! but most of all I empathised with Conner. There is an issue with the world building, as such there was none, just snippets of information that we picked up from the TV or newspapers, or conversations the characters had. But we never glimpsed the mess the world had become!?! But in retrospect, for me that was OK, because this was really a book focused entirely on the three characters... however, I was gutted!!! This is a HFN. And... what I really wanted was to see the dynamics of the relationship in action... in other words I wanted more! So yes I was sobbing my poor little heart out at the end with emotion, but also because I wanted to see what happened! Please Ms. Gregg, tell me you have a tale tucked up your sleeve you are ready to indulge us with?!?
I loved this book and even though I would have liked the end to be elaborated on I still enjoyed Conner's Journey. I would not call it a BDSM story it is a D/s novel and I highly recommend it.
For more re, please visit...
Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews -
Oh, this one was sooo good! It had lots of feels and the sex was scorching hot! It was very intense and heavy on the D/s and it worked for me. It worked for me very well. It had a plot too! The moral of the story is that, yes, even sweet little slave boys can have their cake and eat it too. :D -
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.
This review has been cross-posted on my blogs:
WHERE TO PURCHASE:
★||
RIPTIDE PUBLISHING ||★||
KOBOBOOKS ||★||
BARNES&NOBLE ||★||
AMAZON ||★
* Reviewed on June 3rd, 2014
*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:* -
Kari Gregg has come up with one hell of a premise—a world where a genetic mutation has rendered all but .1% of the population highly aggressive. That .1% are called anomalies, essentially people who have lost the ability to assert themselves. In this new existence, they are like bleeding seals in a sea of sharks: the more aggressive predators are instinctively drawn to them, and they have no choice but to seek out protectors, praying that protection will not come at too high a price.
It is really brilliant, memorable. I love what she does with it here, though her idea could definitely sustain a much more fully developed story, or even series--I would have liked more world-building, more intrigue, more on the politics. (see link below) Most of that stuff is pretty rushed here--laid out rather than explored. Leaving Connor essentially trapped in his boss’ building, Gregg can restrict the story to focus only on Connor and the two men who vie for him: how he must come to terms with his new status and personality, the ways he tries to hang on to the man he used to be and his confusion and loss when the world refuses him permission to do that, the different ways he needs both David and Emmet. It makes for very compelling stuff, but limited in scope.
Gregg seems to be making a specialty of depicting intensely submissive characters (this book has a lot of similarities to
I, Omega) and she is awfully good at it. I’ve definitely not found anyone out there writing books quite like this. She’s an excellent writer, and creates intense, believable characters. My main complaint is that the book is short, only 139 pages. As I said above, her premise could sustain a far more involved, full-length novel. I definitely hope she is considering a longer sequel.
[For one of my crazier ideas, read the review of this book that I posted on my blog:
http://liliafordromance.blogspot.com/...] -
My feelz are jumbled. I love me a sweet slave boy. You know I do and Connor is sweet, but he's probably more submissive than slave boy. This AU that Gregg has created doesn't explain the event well, but essentially, the changes have resulted in "anomalies" of which Connor is one. Anomalies don't possess a hunter, alpha or dominant personality and apparently can occur in both males and females. Because they don't possess the wherewithal to defend themselves they are "hunted" which translates into being harassed. Sometimes aggressively thereby necessitating a dominant to collar him/her to offer his/her protection. It seems there's no middle ground and some of these people that have morphed into dominants misuse their power. Others seem hellbent on stripping anomalies of all rights and making them things.
Connor was in a seemingly functional relationship prior to the catastrophe which turned his once pleasant boyfriend into a monster that put Connor in the hospital. Connor is understandably reluctant to enter into another relationship, but is being constantly harassed and needs protection before Emmett Drake squirrels him away. David Martin, Connor's boss, steps in to collar him much to Emmett's dismay. Emmett and David kind of have a pissing contest thing happening betwixt them. I was amused. Emmett is gay whereas David is "straight" complicating the situation further. Connor wants and needs both men, but my question is does he really want them or the protection they offer? Who can tell. And he's downright terrified at the thought of being alone/unprotected compounded by the trauma he's experienced and… the kid's a mess. So, are Emmett and David taking advantage? I honestly don't know and the damn thing ended before I could see their dynamics working together and get a better sense of how two dominants and one slave were going to work out the logistics. I believe their hearts are in the right place, but I'm not sure morally they're in the right. Does that even make sense? Anyway…
On the one hand, sweet ginger slave/sub, dirty talk, pretty hot sexy times and a collar. *yum* On the other, ended too abruptly, sub-par world building and a whirlwind of questions about morality and consent. So… 3? 3.5?
-
The idea of this book is very appealing to me. The two-doms-one-sub relationship is definitely interesting, I would love to read more if the author ever decides to write a sequel. 5 stars for that.
However I find Connor very confusing. One moment he's a bright and intelligent person, the next he's nothing but puppy brains, there is no "in-between", no transformation either.
There are also some minor issues, which I am not going to mention - it might be just me and/or the fact that I had to rush through the book.
3.5 stars and rounding up to 4. Will definitely read another book by Kari Gregg :D -
I thought this was a good slave-fic, if not quite as amazing as others have experienced. Connor's level of emotional distress seemed really annoying to me after a while. Also I guess I like an insanely jealous and possessive Dom, so the resolution of the story , was not hot for me.
It was well written, and the world-building was great: enough details to satisfy, without treating the reader like an 8-year-old who needs it all spelt out for them.
Seems short for the price, but overall it was fine. -
I usually love dystopia when the story is not only senseless violence from beginning to end. This little story was exactly what I needed after reading a couple of very hard stories full of non-consensual sex and brutality.
Here is the link for the complete review:
http://heartsonfirereviews.com/?tag=d... -
Holy f*ck.
Wth was that? How did I miss this book? That was f*cking intense.
There's no menage scene whatsoever. They're just...sharing. 2 Doms and 1 sub. I'm completely lost in the story. And omg, that ending. F*cking perfect. *still dazed* -
I have been waiting for this book to be released. This book is HOT. This is a must read, people. If you haven't purchased this book, do so NOW. Forget whatever else is in your TBR pile, put this at the top.
I really liked this book. The concept of a genetic mutation to change people's aggression is not new. While it was clear that there was a mutation, the complexity of this was neither fully explained nor thoroughly developed. If a reader didn't read the blurb or the foreword, chances are there would have been confusion. Still, this book flew by fast. I read ever word and devoured each scene in a sitting.
Connor is an anomaly which makes him biochemically a submissive. Or rather, it brings out his submissive traits. This world where there is an over abundance of aggressive dominants is amusing because it is totally fiction and contrary to what I believe would happen. If a mutation were to occur in real life, my bet would be on a way over abundance of submissives. Still, I liked this world filled with dominants. The two dominants - Emmett and David made me drool. I confess I'd be a puddle at their feet and also be hard pressed to use a safeword. Poor Connor who wasn't in the BDSM lifestyle to begin with is given a crash course introduction on how not to do BDSM. I feel badly for him. What really irks me and why this isn't a 5 star is the misconception of submissives and slaves in this world. That the world Ms. Gregg created treats both so poorly aggravates me and disrespects the gift of submission from a submissive. I realize the world is in turmoil, but it still bugged me.
The one character I truly loathed was Hannah. What a CUNT. Bloody bitch should be shot. Or better yet, I'd like to peg her ass bloody raw, the be-yotch. Fortunately, there were other women in this story who treated a confused and broken Connor as a human. The ending of this story left me hanging and frustrated. I'm starting to think Ms. Gregg's initials should just be CT for cock tease. Every book of hers I've read has left me hanging and wanting to know what is next.
The sex in here is raw, gritty and delicious. I drank down every word with my lust filled eyes. I admit, when Connor was topped, I desperately wished it was me. I guess I have to settle for vicariously living through his point of view. Although Connor believes he doesn't like pain, I have hopes he'll learn the difference between abuse and punishment. Learning about how the world is going into chaos makes me want to dive in and give seminar training on how to take care of a sub, especially watching Connor's breakdowns. I just want to protect the poor anomalies. This story did make me ponder, would I be an anomaly or not...that is the question.
I recommend this for m/m lovers who like TPE mixed with hot D/s. My last parting thoughts on this book - BUY IT! -
4.5 stars - only because I wanted a menage scene at the end. Sci Fi world where a genetically engineered disease created Master/slave relationships amongst the general population. The disease stimulated the aggressive behavior part of the brain in the average person, or in the case of Connor, suppressed it.
The story started a year after the MCs contracted the disease, and they continued to change during the course of the book. David was a natural dominant being a CEO, but had a heart for his employees, especially Connor. The disease made straight David become so possessive that he became sexually attracted to Connor, with a little sadistic streak. Security specialist Emmett was a BDSM Dom before the change and applied his knowledge to training newly affected submissives. The disease really made him hunt Connor as prey and challenge David for ownership. And poor Connor, he just turned into an emotional irrational over-reactive wet rag, when he had been head of IT at David's company. David's attorney girlfriend may not have always been so aggressive and inhuman - the disease did a number on her too - because her devaluation of Connor surprised David.
Connor, being an anomaly, lost his rights as a human citizen during the course of the story. Connor first chose David to collar him for protection, but was also attracted to Emmett. David, who left his girlfriend for Connor, was the strong one of the bunch - he protected Connor legally and financially, cared enough for Connor to share him with Emmett, and forced Emmett to grow a conscience.
I thought it was a cool book because the D/s was induced by disease. The icing on the cake would have been some lifestyle scenarios and a menage scene to see how David and Emmett share Connor. Maybe Ms. Gregg can add that with a rewrite/republish.
But dang it was a scary world. That kind of effect, making people more aggressive, would cause a world war. -
I really liked the world this was set in and the doms were amazing. I wish the sub had not been quite so weepy though. I understand why he was though.
-
Thoroughly enjoyed it! Would LOVE a sequel!
-
First impression - Please, please, please tell me there will be a sequel to this! I need to know what happens next to everyone.
Seriously, there's so many delicious directions the author could continue with with this story! I was seduced by each of these characters and what they went through. The story is told through Conner's POV, so I felt the most for him. The sex scenes were hot, hot, hot.
And really, I just want more of these guys! I want to see how they handle the upcoming laws, their relationships (especially David and Emmett; how would they 'share' Conner?).
Can't recommend this one enough! -
I can`t deny I had fun reading this book - the sniggering,eye-rolling kind of fun.
But seriously...a crybaby(man)/sub like Connor would be better off with a nanny and a pacifier instead of two(!) "masters".... -
Absolutely wonderful! Adored Connor and I liked how David and Emmett both wanted to care for him in different ways. Brilliant book and really, really hope there is more to come!
-
Really enjoyable. I thought the two dom-one sub relationship was really hot and I liked seeing them fight over Connor. I would have enjoyed finding out how that played out.
-
3.5 stars, rounded to 4 because the writing and the story fascinated me.
OK, this one was well out of my comfort range, but I knew that going in so I was prepared. After reading the excerpt I was caught and I stayed caught all the way through. But sissies like me should pay close attention to the warnings and gird their loins. There are BDSM elements, but this is essentially a slave fic.
The good: the story was riveting. The dystopia is unfolding as the story progresses and it is intense. I felt for Connor, whose mind is at war with his instincts, and who is so very powerless to control his own destiny. I also felt felt for the the dominants, the vast majority of whom will never get their emotional needs met, since they outnumber the submissives by a thousand to one. I want to know what happens to Connor next and what is going to happen in the world of the story.
I had some trouble with just how weak and overwhelmed Connor became, but I was heartened at the end when he It gave me hope that Connor will come out the other side with his will and intelligence intact.
What didn't work so well for me: I didn't entirely buy the governmental reaction to the genetic mutation. I felt like like the world would have been more believable and hence scarier if the curtailing of rights were more gradual and believable.
Hannah was over the top for me. This part of the story was chilling and effective, but again, I thought it would be more believable if she acted out of sloppiness and callousness instead of being so very evil.
It was just a little too open ended for me. Unlike other reviewers, I thought Connor was suffiiently sorted at the end in terms of his relationship. But the world-building wasn't quite there for me. I come to this as a long term scifi fan, so this will likely not be an issue for more traditional romance readers. But I couldn't get a read on how the mutation will play out over time. I couldn't tell if the individuals were still in the process of changing - there were comments that indicated they were, but at other times it seemed like the roles were pretty established and set. If there are more stories in this world, I might withdraw this complaint. -
Loved this! It was everything I expected it to be and so much more.
Everyone who was supposed to ooze dominance did, and Connor was perfect in his role of reluctant submissive "anomaly". I loved the aspect of David's character that refused to look at Connor as less of a (hu)man just because his nature was suddenly different from everyone else, even while that's how the rest of the country (world?) was trending.
This is probably spoiler, so...
This universe is very captivating and fascinating to me. It's a playground I think has TONS of potential, and I want to see lots more stories from it. What will happen once they realize a small child is an anomaly? What happens to them? Special schooling for anomalies to protect them from the populace? Sold off for small (or large) fortunes as prizes to the rich and famous? Does legislation evolve to protect anomalies from being beaten to death? Are there any 'switches' in this universe? It seems that dominance/submission is a progressive scale, so what if there was someone who could act dominant enough to not be considered submissive, but who had such cravings, and was eventually found out? God, it's just ENDLESS. I LOVE IT! -
I have to give the five stars just because I thought the premise was so unique(or at least it's the first time I've run across a book with this type of worldwide "virus").
The characters were great. I loved David, who was having trouble with dealing with Connor as his submissive, but he clearly wanted to keep Connor safe and protected.
I think that Emmett scared me quite a bit at the beginning. He sounded like he was going to be one of those stalkers which is a huge "do not read" button for me. But he also wants to take care of Connor, but as a Master... not just a protector.
I feel so bad for Connor, that his whole life, career, freedom has taken such a hit through some freak accident. He struggles so hard to deal and hopefully with the help of both David and Emmett he will be taken care of.
I would absolutely love to hear more about these three, but I believe this world change would make a great series. So much to work with and to see how it affected people in different parts of the country... rural, suburban, military. Gets my mind whirling to think of the possibilities.
This was my first Kari Gregg book... but not my last. I, Omega is on my Kindle already waiting for me.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. -
Well, I thought this was very hot when I read it lo, these many months ago. Then, forgot I'd read it. Hmmm...only memorable reads go in the 5-star bin...
I loved the idea of a world disaster bringing about a genetic mutation for submissiveness and dominance. I liked the tension set up in Connor's world where he was vulnerable to aggression triggered by his comportment and pheromones... A submissive on the loose! At the mercy of the frothing hordes!!! This, coupled with his consuming need for submission was fuel for fire. I loved how Connor found two doms to fill this need and how they had to forge a partnership to keep him. But what I really want is for Connor to get a backbone and deal. I find submissives so much more interesting when they are as much a working part of the partnership as the master. (I recently had problems with another work by Gregg. In
Plunder we get the same issue with a slave/submissive who hasn't really come to grips with his partnership.)
With Connor I want to see how things work out for him and how his world manages these devastating genetic alterations. There's more to this story. -
Interesting world created here, but I could barely stomach this story. The never-ending crying, clinging, carrying around...UGH, humongous turn-off. I couldn't even try to make myself care for the reasoning behind the behavior.
-
Sooo good. Kari Gregg doesn't usually write sequels, but this needs one! And I'll definitely be reading more from her in the future.
Thank you to Mishy for making my first buddy read so fun! You rock. =D -
Instead of creating a character with a history that would explain his submissiveness, Gregg created a gene-manipulated agricultural accident that miraculously turned everyone into aggressive sexual dominants with a small portion of the population growing meeker called anomalies.
Instead of addressing this brilliant set up for a dystopian society introspection, the author used it to turn his pre-mentioned submissive character into a part of a legal slave race, with only a handful of casual references to newspaper topics.
Instead of examining a character’s struggle to reacquaint himself with his changing biology and personality, the author spent half of the novella justifying the fairness of the selected masters—Master and Sir—for the submissive then quickly shifting to the proper BDSM etiquette and sex.
It’s all just so emotionless and depthless. I wasn’t even expecting heavy scifi worldbuilding but I was hoping what had been created would be used to explore the characters and enable their growth. This is supposed to be a story about people adjusting to a new status quo.
To add insult to injury, the BDSM scenes while technically correct—as far as I could tell—weren’t that sexy. Sometimes sexy is all I ask.
P.S. Of course the token woman character is the villain. -
3.5 stars. Connor is a submissive as the result of genetic engineering of the food supply. He is now afraid of being attacked by dominants who outnumber him 1,000 to 1. Connor's character is basically weak-kneed, shaking, having panic attacks and unable to think clearly most of the book, which is not my favorite kind of character, though it fits well with the story line.
Connor desperately wants someone in his life who can make him feel safe and value him as a man as well as a submissive. David and Emmett are both trying to claim him, but David manages to collar him first. But David is straight and cannot meet all of Connor's needs, so Emmett refuses to give up on making the boy his own.
Interesting story and I enjoyed it. -
Thoroughly titillating and a total guilty pleasure. Just as good as I hoped it could be. I couldn't put it down! The sex was searing, and I loved how different but equally valid the two pivotal sexual relationships were.
Some of the worldbuilding (especially in dialogue) got clunky at points, but the world itself was well-realized and interesting. I'm hoping the level of detail and thought means that this book is a series foundation.
I loved how even though this novel was clearly set in a rising dystopia, the central story was one of protection and nurturing, set apart from the horrible world outside.
Sequel please! -
SO NOT my thing. Genetic mutation from bioengineering gone wrong. One man who is caused to be completely submissive. One man who is straight but wants to take care of him and one who is an ass but wants to have him... I will admit to skim reading this one. It is the best I could do without it giving me a headache. BDSM not Alternate Universe are my favorite genres add in menage-ish factor and it was a combo of 3 things I just tolerate in books.... It takes a really special book in any of those genres to to get me excited about it. This was not it.
-
I really enjoyed this book. I just wanted to pull Connor into a great big hug and keep him safe from everything and everyone! I liked that this wasn't a standard run-of-the-mill BDSM story and Like everybody else, I would love to see a sequel :)
-
Another menage book.
Another nope for me. -
Wow - I'm totally impressed. I've never read this author before and I will definitely look for more.
Very interesting premise... Some kind of agricultural problem occurred in the present time and people react differently: some become submissive, some dominant, a lot of intolerance and panic.
The whole story is told from Connor's pov. He is a gay man, the head of tech for a big company, so before the world changes from the agricultural incident he was a well respected (though young for his position) member of the company. This is why the whole switch to total sub is hard for him to adapt to - and it is well developed in the novel. His continuing grasp on his reality is really beautifully revealed - you see him slowly loosing himself. They class Connor as an Anomaly (only 1 of every 1000 people become this) and is therefore extremely valuable because of his ability to serve and pleasure those he deems worthy.
His "sir", David - his boss at work, knows Connor from before the agricultural incident and wants to protect him. He sees his incredible value and wants to help preserve Connor's original person before he was changed by the incident. You can see Connor loosing his own grasp on who he was before - where he had career goals, friends, interests, etc before the incident, after he is slowly unraveling to become this submissive creature who lives to please but is completely insecure because of the damage done by a former lover (who was also ruined by the agricultural incident).
Connor also meets Emmett (freakin' hot) in an elevator at the beginning of the story. Emmett recognizes Connor for the value he is and tries to court him straight away. Connor freaks and goes right back to David who will protect him. David is straight and his girlfriend totally freaks Connor out so they basically kick Connor out while they work on their relationship issues and thankfully Connor meets Emmett who is happy to pounce. They have amazing sex that night and David walks in on them in the AM.
Phew, David realizes his GF is a bitch and that gay love is for him (with Connor) and they have fantastic bathtub sex (my personal favorite after couch sex).
Then David invites Emmett to share Connor and unfortunately the story ends!!! I couldn't believe it. Two more chapters would have made this the perfect book. I would have loved to have seen how they shared Connor - or even if they had used him separately, that would have been fine too. For a story told so eloquently, watching Connor unravel and the way society dealt with Anomalies, I expected the author to see the story to the end. Why can't Connor come full circle and remember himself - his goals, aspirations, loves and hates - from before the agricultural incident? Is he destined to live as a sex slave and brainless rent boy? The author hints that there will be a time when Connor can return to himself
"Emmett smiled at him. His nostrils flared. "You're close. I can smell it. Poor starving baby." The cadence of his strokes increased, zinging through Connor's cock like raw electric current. "Come for me, pet."
Connor stiffened, a wild exultant scream working from his chest as the orgasm raced though him... Something tore loose inside him, deep in his heart, something ethereal and substantial all at once. What he had been and everything he had dreamed to become collided with the man he was now: the Connor who must trust his life, his body, and his heart to a master again with only the hope that this time it would be different. That this time, the one he allowed to claim him wouldn't beat him as Scott [his previous bf] had or abandom him as David had."
So at this point Connor is still realizing the "he" he was before the agricultural incident is still inside him. Literally the next day, when David comes to claim him, he has now forgotten about all this and is simply a submissive sex slave. David is still expecting that with love and nurturing the Connor that was there before is still in there so he tells Emmett that if he wants to be part of the love triangle he is going to have to court Connor too.
Very strange and interesting story. The author has really thought everything out and developed the story perfectly. Nicely told and extremely well done from the first person pov. You totally see Connor unraveling and turning into what society expects Anomalies to be. Thankfully we have David who is planning to support Connor through his change (into what, we're not sure) but hopefully back to some kind of independent creature who isn't just a sex slave. David seems like an upright chap in the start of the book but becomes a verra dirty boy by the end (*wink wink*). Emmett is nothing but a sexy elevator troll and has a fab scene (as I've partially divulged above) with Connor to become his Master.
Over all def four stars, just wish the story would have gone a few weeks further, then it would have been a five starer for me.
