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Market Garden #5
Capture & Surrender
Ever since his partner died, Frank has resigned himself to staying single. He wards off the loneliness by spending time with friends on the paintball field and running his high-end brothel, the Market Garden.
After one of his most lucrative rentboys quits, Frank is thrilled when a gorgeous replacement walks through the door. A former US soldier, Stefan is hot, bold, and perfect for the Market Garden’s clientele, especially those with a thing for camouflage and drill sergeants. He's perfect for Frank, too, except Frank has a rule about not getting involved with his own rentboys.
During a frisky game of paintball, Stefan makes it clear that he doesn't care about the rules. Not the rules of the game, and definitely not Frank's refusal to get involved. He captures Frank on the field using stealth and cunning, and makes it clear that he’ll do anything to keep a hold of him off the field too.
After one of his most lucrative rentboys quits, Frank is thrilled when a gorgeous replacement walks through the door. A former US soldier, Stefan is hot, bold, and perfect for the Market Garden’s clientele, especially those with a thing for camouflage and drill sergeants. He's perfect for Frank, too, except Frank has a rule about not getting involved with his own rentboys.
During a frisky game of paintball, Stefan makes it clear that he doesn't care about the rules. Not the rules of the game, and definitely not Frank's refusal to get involved. He captures Frank on the field using stealth and cunning, and makes it clear that he’ll do anything to keep a hold of him off the field too.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 9, 2013
14 people are currently reading
680 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Witt
205books2,661followersL.A. Witt and her husband have been exiled from Spain and sent to live in Maine because rhymes are fun. She now divides her time between writing, assuring people she is aware that Maine is cold, wondering where to put her next tattoo, and trying to reason with a surly Maine coon. Rumor has it her arch nemesis, Lauren Gallagher, is also somewhere in the wilds of New England, which is why L.A. is also spending a portion of her time training a team of spec ops lobsters.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at .
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at .
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January 9, 2015
Market Garden gets serious with the fifth installment.
(All spoilers are hidden)
There's still plenty of kinky fun going on in (more on that later) but this one packs on content and emotion unseen in the previous titles in this series... And I ate up every page.
As a side note - this book was nominated for a Lambda Literary Award, and it is well deserved.
FRANK
BRANDON
But Frank doesn't get involved with Rent Boys...
He has his reasons:
The main issue being addressed here is that
This was a level of intense emotion which took me by surprise at first. Market Garden hadn't really addressed any potential relationship drama outside the john / Rent Boy dynamic... But I'm so glad & took a chance and addressed some rough issues. It was emotional, beautiful, and completely worth reading.
*clears throat*
In lighter news...
The Kinky paint-ball games were wonderfully sexy and inventive!
There's the requisite safe-words, etc, and Frank and his buddies referee the players... But it made for some seriously hot interactions between players hopped up on adrenaline and testosterone.
They should really sell spectator tickets...
Just sayin'
In addition, I loved the boisterous friendship between Frank, Emily, Geoff, & Mike.
Some of My Favorite Moments:
Read My Other Reviews in the Market Garden Series:
Links will be updated as I finish reviews
1 - - Read my review here
2 - - Read my review here
3 - - Read my review here
4 - - Read my review here
5 - - You're Reading It
6 - - Read my review here
7 - - Read my review here
***I was provided a copy of this book from Riptide Publishing in exchange for an honest review***
(All spoilers are hidden)
...everything about this seemed like a recipe for disaster.We're talking about heavy emotion and serious subjects with this one...
But even if he was headed for the mother of all car crashes, he couldn't bring himself to hit the brake with everything he had, not for his sake, not for Brandon’s sake, or Market Garden’s, or sanity, or morality, or because it wasn't fair or even very balanced.
Seemed all he could do was grip the steering wheel and keep going until something stopped him.
There's still plenty of kinky fun going on in (more on that later) but this one packs on content and emotion unseen in the previous titles in this series... And I ate up every page.
As a side note - this book was nominated for a Lambda Literary Award, and it is well deserved.
FRANK
That silent companionship was as important as the scorching sex, maybe more important in the long run. He could relax with Brandon in his life, and that gratitude was so deep it nearly brought tears to his eyes.Frank is the owner of Market Garden. He is surrounded by London's top-shelf Rent Boys, yet he goes home alone each night...
BRANDON
Brandon grinned at him, and every time he did that, something shifted inside Frank, some weight, or maybe his heart, or his whole damn collection of organs swapped places.Brandon (aka Stefan) is an American who came to London to escape his past. As an ex-military man with a cocky personality, he pushes all of franks buttons...
But Frank doesn't get involved with Rent Boys...
He has his reasons:
The main issue being addressed here is that
This was a level of intense emotion which took me by surprise at first. Market Garden hadn't really addressed any potential relationship drama outside the john / Rent Boy dynamic... But I'm so glad & took a chance and addressed some rough issues. It was emotional, beautiful, and completely worth reading.
*clears throat*
In lighter news...
The Kinky paint-ball games were wonderfully sexy and inventive!
“It’s essentially capture kink.�That's right, to the victor goes the kinky sex!
Stefan’s eyes were bright.
Frank went on. “Basically, you capture someone on the field, he’s yours. Capture a team’s flag? Your team gets the spoils.�
“Spoils of war.� Stefan beamed. “I like it.�
“Figured you might.�
There's the requisite safe-words, etc, and Frank and his buddies referee the players... But it made for some seriously hot interactions between players hopped up on adrenaline and testosterone.
They should really sell spectator tickets...
Just sayin'
In addition, I loved the boisterous friendship between Frank, Emily, Geoff, & Mike.
Emily pointed a finely manicured nail at Brandon. “You, sir, are encouraging them.�How do I get invited to that dinner party? I'd love to see more of that group...
“Me?� Brandon showed his palms. “I was merely suggesting we pay homage to God and thank Him for all the food and wine and company. And stuff.�
“Uh-uh.� She shook her head once. “I paid for this stuff and turned it into something presentable and edible. You say grace to anyone, it’s Saint Emily O’Malley of the Sisters of Infinite Patience with Obnoxious Men.�
“That’s a bit of a mouthful, darling.� Mike straightened his napkin.
“That’s what she said,� Brandon muttered, and Mike burst out laughing.
Some of My Favorite Moments:
Read My Other Reviews in the Market Garden Series:
Links will be updated as I finish reviews
1 - - Read my review here
2 - - Read my review here
3 - - Read my review here
4 - - Read my review here
5 - - You're Reading It
6 - - Read my review here
7 - - Read my review here
***I was provided a copy of this book from Riptide Publishing in exchange for an honest review***
August 30, 2013
3.5 stars
Ok, YES...this is what I was looking for in this series at this point in the game. I loved Jared & Tristan and their very hot, but very short, stories. I, admittedly had some trouble with book 3 (If it Flies) and, because Aleks said I could (ha!), I skipped book 4. (Although, I think I will go back and read it...I'm not done w/ Nick & Spencer yet, I don't think). I just wasn't sure how many more hot shorts I would be into reading.
Witt & Voinov change the game with this one. There's a real STORY here and Frank's and Stefan's building of their relationship was WORTH IT! I have such a soft spot for Frank. I'm so happy that Stefan proved to be a friend and a confidant and a lover. It was a battle...an emotional and heartfelt and painful and tender fight to get them to their HEA. But the real longing and need for each other among this coupling was intense and I was rooting for them to make it. And despite the heavy topics, the SEX was off the charts HOT...oh the gift! :)
Really looking forward to the next installment now...I'm back on board.
Is Raoul next? And...can we get more Tristan and Jared?
December 31, 2013
This book is made my feelings explode! It is an emotional read to be sure. People with a hard time reading about pain and loss might want to proceed with caution.
**No spoilers in this review!**
The latest book in the fabulous "Market Garden" series is very different from the ones proceeding it. It is much heavier, much more serious, though it still retains its trademark sexiness. It is amazing how a book can be that hot yet that emotional at the same time.
Frank is a man with a past and when his newest rentboy, Stefan, walks into Market Garden, Frank knows he is in trouble. Tough and military-sexy, Stefan is just Frank's type. But Frank has his walls up for a reason and he doesn't want to let Stefan in.
My favorite character (by far!) was Frank. He was so starved for affection that it jumped through the page. His pain, his loneliness really got to me. I was near tears for much of the story, to be honest, because I empathized with Frank that deeply. I think the authors did a fabulous job with his character.
I had some slight issues with Stefan though. I wish that this book had been written with a duel POV because I was often unsure as to what Stefan's motivations were. I didn't suspect anything untoward, I just didn't get a good sense as to what drove him. I also was slightly surprised as to the jump from "like" to "love" because I didn't feel like they were quite "there" yet.
Despite my little issues, this book had my complete attention and fully met my exceptions. It was an intensely emotional read for me and one that I won't soon forget.
**No spoilers in this review!**
The latest book in the fabulous "Market Garden" series is very different from the ones proceeding it. It is much heavier, much more serious, though it still retains its trademark sexiness. It is amazing how a book can be that hot yet that emotional at the same time.
Frank is a man with a past and when his newest rentboy, Stefan, walks into Market Garden, Frank knows he is in trouble. Tough and military-sexy, Stefan is just Frank's type. But Frank has his walls up for a reason and he doesn't want to let Stefan in.
My favorite character (by far!) was Frank. He was so starved for affection that it jumped through the page. His pain, his loneliness really got to me. I was near tears for much of the story, to be honest, because I empathized with Frank that deeply. I think the authors did a fabulous job with his character.
I had some slight issues with Stefan though. I wish that this book had been written with a duel POV because I was often unsure as to what Stefan's motivations were. I didn't suspect anything untoward, I just didn't get a good sense as to what drove him. I also was slightly surprised as to the jump from "like" to "love" because I didn't feel like they were quite "there" yet.
Despite my little issues, this book had my complete attention and fully met my exceptions. It was an intensely emotional read for me and one that I won't soon forget.
August 19, 2013
I'm at a loss for where to start.
I guess here: I love Market Garden, and I love Voinov and Witt together, like a kid loves cake.
But this book, sadly, didn't work for me. I liked it; I just didn't love it.
What I've come to expect from this series is a smart, engaging story with fabulous MCs and a lot of dirty (dirty), smexy loving. Light, but not fluffy; tension, but not full blown, nail-biting angst.
I got all that here, but it was…different. Heavier. Capture & Surrender left me feeling depressed. There's a HEA, don't get me wrong, but the story is still so...big, and for me, it just didn't feel like the same series.
By themselves, Frank and Stefan are lovely. But I had a hard time connecting with them as a couple. I kept asking myself why Stefan chose Frank so...completely (and vice versa, for that matter). Here are these two intensely deep, complicated men with serious baggage, and I just couldn't wrap my head around what brought them together at the start (it's very clear what holds them as you read on). There was plenty of delicious, hot sex (yes!). But while the other Market Garden stories felt totally seamless, there were times this one felt choppy to me.
So.
4.5 stars for strong, smart writing, dealing with a difficult subject (which, by the way, I applaud being addressed), 2.5 stars for the feelz= 3 stars total.
I guess here: I love Market Garden, and I love Voinov and Witt together, like a kid loves cake.
But this book, sadly, didn't work for me. I liked it; I just didn't love it.
What I've come to expect from this series is a smart, engaging story with fabulous MCs and a lot of dirty (dirty), smexy loving. Light, but not fluffy; tension, but not full blown, nail-biting angst.
I got all that here, but it was…different. Heavier. Capture & Surrender left me feeling depressed. There's a HEA, don't get me wrong, but the story is still so...big, and for me, it just didn't feel like the same series.
By themselves, Frank and Stefan are lovely. But I had a hard time connecting with them as a couple. I kept asking myself why Stefan chose Frank so...completely (and vice versa, for that matter). Here are these two intensely deep, complicated men with serious baggage, and I just couldn't wrap my head around what brought them together at the start (it's very clear what holds them as you read on). There was plenty of delicious, hot sex (yes!). But while the other Market Garden stories felt totally seamless, there were times this one felt choppy to me.
So.
4.5 stars for strong, smart writing, dealing with a difficult subject (which, by the way, I applaud being addressed), 2.5 stars for the feelz= 3 stars total.
October 19, 2014
***The best sequel in the series for me until now!***
"Holding people away from you, and denying yourself love, doesn't make you strong. If anything, it makes you weaker. Because you're doing it out of fear."
� Sarah Dessen, This Lullaby
I have to confess that I was a bit afraid to read this sequel.
I am a very sensitive reader if it concerns some very sensitive topics. From my view. I can't expect that the issues that I consider as the sensitive ones are also important for the other readers. And vice versa.
The topic AIDS is one of this very sensitive themes for me.
But Aleks and L.Witt made it perfectly. Honestly. Without any kitsch or cliché. Gentle. Convincingly. Trustfully.
I am deeply impressed. I am very excited how they handle this delicate theme.
Frank is a owner of the Market Garden. Ever since his partner died from AIDS, Frank has resigned himself to staying single. It was easier to follow this rules until Stefan, a former US soldier, hot young and dominant, walks through the door. Frank's rule number one- not to be involve in the relationship with his rentboys. But the moment Stefan enters his life nothing seems as simple as it was before. How many has he to bend, to compromise, to give up to be happy? Is it possible to build a new relationship with somebody who is much younger under this circumstances? Can they have a future together?
I couldn't imagine after reading the story of Nick ans Spencer to love another couple more, but Aleks and L.A.Witt made the impossible come true.
Frank and Stefan alias Brandon, they have stolen my heart.
Wonderful, poignant story, like a modern fairy tale. Touching and beautiful, sensual and painful at once, amazing, fascinating, very hot, aroused and in NO CASE in NO WAY cheesy or tasteless.
I am so sad now because there is no any further sequel for this series and I hope to see more of this series in the nearby future.
My casting:
Frank:
Stefan:
I WANT MORE OF THIS WRITING DUO!!!!!
August 25, 2013
Okay. I cried. And laughed. Then, I admit, I cried some more.
This was a beautiful book, so full of soul and heart. And hotness.
As you can see from my status updates, I totally fell into this one, not knowing that it was #5 in a series. Yeah, too many books on my iPad, you just don't see the numbers there. Just the pretty cover.
See, that is SO important for me, that the cover speaks to me. This one really did.
Then it continued speaking to me, in 3rd-limited-Frank-POV, and it was AWESOME to be in his mind. What a man. What a man.
What I simply can't get my head around is the writing, where did one author take over from the other? Because the text flows like a river, uninterrupted, flawless. I had to go back and check, yes, there are two authors here. Amazing, simply amazing. I already knew Mr Voinov, but L.A. Witt is for me a new discovery. In all the good ways.
Not only is this story a statement in a world of unforgiving jackasses, it is also a hymn to love, to opening up, to giving in, to actually accepting love in your life. It is simply beautiful. Fear, love, friendship, illness, life and death.
What I really appreciated was the slow building of backstory, no info-dumping at all, just little by little did I get to see what had been. It was really an unveiling of sorts. Very well done.
Now, to all the things that impressed me, I must also add the hotness and smoking erotic scenes, and I admit it is going to be difficult to match this book. I was happy to see less bdsm and more loving, it's getting so very In the Scene everywhere, these days. Here, there was very little of that, and what was there made perfect sense. It fit into the story. Tender hotness, all mixed into one.
Lastly, I love that the one, female character present, Emily, is a good and sane one. So hard to find one of those, these days. Thank you, authors, for that, too.
Thank you for this whole book. It is beautiful.
This was a beautiful book, so full of soul and heart. And hotness.
As you can see from my status updates, I totally fell into this one, not knowing that it was #5 in a series. Yeah, too many books on my iPad, you just don't see the numbers there. Just the pretty cover.
See, that is SO important for me, that the cover speaks to me. This one really did.
Then it continued speaking to me, in 3rd-limited-Frank-POV, and it was AWESOME to be in his mind. What a man. What a man.
What I simply can't get my head around is the writing, where did one author take over from the other? Because the text flows like a river, uninterrupted, flawless. I had to go back and check, yes, there are two authors here. Amazing, simply amazing. I already knew Mr Voinov, but L.A. Witt is for me a new discovery. In all the good ways.
Not only is this story a statement in a world of unforgiving jackasses, it is also a hymn to love, to opening up, to giving in, to actually accepting love in your life. It is simply beautiful. Fear, love, friendship, illness, life and death.
What I really appreciated was the slow building of backstory, no info-dumping at all, just little by little did I get to see what had been. It was really an unveiling of sorts. Very well done.
Now, to all the things that impressed me, I must also add the hotness and smoking erotic scenes, and I admit it is going to be difficult to match this book. I was happy to see less bdsm and more loving, it's getting so very In the Scene everywhere, these days. Here, there was very little of that, and what was there made perfect sense. It fit into the story. Tender hotness, all mixed into one.
Lastly, I love that the one, female character present, Emily, is a good and sane one. So hard to find one of those, these days. Thank you, authors, for that, too.
Thank you for this whole book. It is beautiful.
December 14, 2018
When I think of the market Garden series I think really sexy and fun and when I picked up Franks story my initial thoughts were exactly the same, when Stefan walks into The Market Garden to take Nicks place and Franks eyeballs every ripped inch of him I thought woohoo this is going to be Sexaay , then when it got to the paintball game I wasn't just thinking I KNEW this was going to be a real sizzle fest because the UST between Frank and Stefan was jumping off the page and after a very hot ( but actually very tender ) interlude with Mike and Geoff before anything really happens between Stefan and Frank, I was practically fanning my face!
So at this point its exactly how I imagined it was going to be until Aleks & Lori threw me a curveball and suddenly I saw everything in a different light and realised exactly why the earlier scene with Frank and his two best friends wasn't just thrown in for the sake of a quick thrill, but was there to show just how much his two wonderful friends cared for him, and the fact that there was an underlying tenderness to the scene became very clear.
From then on it became something much more than just another sexy story and I was really touched by Frank and Stefans journey to find love with each other because both these men have serious issues that could separate them as much as they actually do unite them in a way. There's a lot of soul searching for them to do before they get their HEA and I for one was rooting all the way for them to take the plunge even though its not an easy decision for them but you just know these two will make it work whatever the cost and boy do they deserve it. * sigh*
So you're going to get much more than you bargained for when you pick this fab story up... But don't worry this book is still smokin' hot because when they're together its explosive .... you're just going to get a damn good story to go alongside it.
Loved it!
So at this point its exactly how I imagined it was going to be until Aleks & Lori threw me a curveball and suddenly I saw everything in a different light and realised exactly why the earlier scene with Frank and his two best friends wasn't just thrown in for the sake of a quick thrill, but was there to show just how much his two wonderful friends cared for him, and the fact that there was an underlying tenderness to the scene became very clear.
From then on it became something much more than just another sexy story and I was really touched by Frank and Stefans journey to find love with each other because both these men have serious issues that could separate them as much as they actually do unite them in a way. There's a lot of soul searching for them to do before they get their HEA and I for one was rooting all the way for them to take the plunge even though its not an easy decision for them but you just know these two will make it work whatever the cost and boy do they deserve it. * sigh*
So you're going to get much more than you bargained for when you pick this fab story up... But don't worry this book is still smokin' hot because when they're together its explosive .... you're just going to get a damn good story to go alongside it.
Loved it!
August 17, 2013
Okay, I have to admit I am a sucker for the Market Garden stories. As the first two books were mainly hot pwp the third and especially the fourth book were an entirely different cup of coffee. I loved Nick's fighting for his love to Spencer.
In all of the previous books we got glimpses of the Market garden owner Frank and I was more than curious to read his story in this fifth installment. Btw, it's double the length of the previous books. :)
A few months ago I would have loved if Lori and Aleks had brought Frank together with Raoul, his bartender, but when Raoul brings Stefan into the club my wishes went downhill... in a good way.:)
After Nick has finished his rent-boy career Frank needs a replacement and everything about Stefan is like a wet dream coming true. He's a former US soldier, hot, bold and perfect for the Market Garden’s clients... and perfect for Frank, except he has a rule about not getting involved with his employees.
It's been 18 months that Frank's partner has died and he lives a lonely life. When he's not at the Market Garden he refuges in spending time with friends on the paintball field. LOL What a kinky way to play this game!!! Anyway, Frank invites Stefan to the paintball games who doesn't hesitate to capture Frank on the field and make his own rules. Little does he know that the game he starts playing is going to rattle his whole life.
I don't want to forget the great secondary characters. Emily, Mike and Geoff, Frank's true friends who know what he's dealing with. They support him on every step of his long and tearful way. There's one scene that brought the first tears in my eyes (and not the last):
Frank felt the tension slip from his shoulders... Familiar, friendly, not dangerous at all. Care, respect, friendship. Rely on us, those touches said... it almost made Frank jump; he hadn’t realized how goddamned starved he was for touch... It was the whole goddamned situation, keeping other guys at bay by whatever means necessary. Those barriers didn’t exist for these two, though. And that they cared about him despite everything, that was a bloody miracle.
What I was not expecting were the raw emotions this story provides. Both of them, Frank and Stefan, are dealing with hard pasts. I anticipated a hot, steamy romance and what did I get? A realistic, heartwarming, overwhelming tearjerker. It deals with a sad topic that deserves to be treated with respect. And that's exactly what Lori and Aleks did. Although it left me with a question that still bothers me. How are they going to deal with some things in Frank’s life that should keep Stefan away from him? Don't get me wrong, I love the outcome of the story but the road Frank and Stefan have ahead is going to be a tough one...
Now I'm looking forward to the next installment of the Market Garden books. Isn't it the time to give Raoul a voice?
The “six foot five of South American beefcake who probably wrestled cows for entertainment. Muscle queen, like picked from a catalogue.�
Raoul was a good one, keeping an eye on the new arrivals, another on the bar staff, and a third (and God knew where that one was located on his body) on the rentboys.
Pretty please???
Postscript: And thx again Aleks for the mouth-watering, tummy grumbling, eye-popping, drool inducing, finger-licking, diet destroying foodgasm! :)
May 26, 2014
5 AmazzBalls StArS
I'm a Huge, Huge fan of the Market Garden series, and this was by far my favourite.
Who knew that Paint-balling could be so god damn frickin dangerously Sexy!!
I know if anyone mentions paint-balling my thoughts will immediately go to this story - and I will think of Capture and Surrender with a wicked glint in my eye.
I was in Soho, London the other week having a coffee outside a lovely coffee shop watching the world go by.... it was glorious.....and I must admit my mind wondered to Market Garden as I watched the boys walk by, wondering if perhaps they could have been a Nick, or Jared or a Tristan or even Mr Red Tie guy for that matter. *God, I've got an over active imagination*!!
So any way where was I......Oh Yes.....Frank and Stefan......I L.O.V.E.D. these guys, to me they were men's men and I love a real man, BIG. STRONG. and MACHO.
Stefan
He could be my drill sergeant any day *chuckles*.....he was such an outrageous flirt, cocky and cheeky......I loved him.
Frank
The owner of Market Garden was sincere, deep and loving. I think Witt/Voinov done a fantastic job with his character he totally came alive for me.
I won't go into the plot, as this is a story that one just has to discover in all its layers and complexities as it unfolds.
And finally I loved the author's note at the end....
My thoughts...Yes... because that means we're making progress, and the future looks brighter and more hopeful!!
This was a wonderful read for me...So enjoy People.... because I know I bloody well loved it!!!¬
I'm a Huge, Huge fan of the Market Garden series, and this was by far my favourite.
Who knew that Paint-balling could be so god damn frickin dangerously Sexy!!
I know if anyone mentions paint-balling my thoughts will immediately go to this story - and I will think of Capture and Surrender with a wicked glint in my eye.
I was in Soho, London the other week having a coffee outside a lovely coffee shop watching the world go by.... it was glorious.....and I must admit my mind wondered to Market Garden as I watched the boys walk by, wondering if perhaps they could have been a Nick, or Jared or a Tristan or even Mr Red Tie guy for that matter. *God, I've got an over active imagination*!!
So any way where was I......Oh Yes.....Frank and Stefan......I L.O.V.E.D. these guys, to me they were men's men and I love a real man, BIG. STRONG. and MACHO.
Stefan
He could be my drill sergeant any day *chuckles*.....he was such an outrageous flirt, cocky and cheeky......I loved him.
Frank
The owner of Market Garden was sincere, deep and loving. I think Witt/Voinov done a fantastic job with his character he totally came alive for me.
I won't go into the plot, as this is a story that one just has to discover in all its layers and complexities as it unfolds.
And finally I loved the author's note at the end....
Sometimes, it's good to be outdated
My thoughts...Yes... because that means we're making progress, and the future looks brighter and more hopeful!!
This was a wonderful read for me...So enjoy People.... because I know I bloody well loved it!!!¬
November 20, 2014
Prolly not going to be the most popular review of this book.
I'm starting to think The Wonder Twins named the series after this operation as a form of foreshadowing. My poor rent boys are dropping like flies.
I'll be honest, I feel like this series is going off the rails. It started off as fun, smutty, sometimes kinky little stories involving rent boys telling their shenanigans with their johns. Now I'm on feelz overload. You know how I feel about feelz. I mean, they're alright sometimes, but they are most certainly not what I'm looking for out of this series. Hell, next thing you know Tristan and Jared are going to retire too!
With no rent boys how's the Garden going to stay open? Huh? Riddle me that, Batman. Cupcake needs for these rent boys to suck it up, stop falling IN LUB, and entertain me with some smut, kink and hell, I'll even take some weird interludes. I'm not that picky! Well, except when it comes to all these feelz.
This one started off so promising too. I had been wondering about the owner of the Garden, Frank, and what he was like. Turns out he likes em big, dommish and is into capture kink and voyeurism.
The new rent boy, Stefan, has set his sights on Frank and he fits the Frank's bill in spades and he's extremely determined to GET. HIS. MAN. I liked him almost immediately. He's full of wit and snark and he's got the whole ex-military thing happening for him.
I. WAS. THRILLED.
Capture kink, paintball, wargames, face fucking all while Frank was getting all hot and bothered watching all this go down.
ճ�
Whoa there. WTF? How'd we end up in Serioustown?
Yeah, Frank has a secret and Stefan has a secret and both of them have heartbreaking histories, so, yeah, they are perfect for one another. I'm not even saying that I didn't enjoy their journey and I'm happy they found one another. They're certainly hot for each other and I did like that Frank despite his being 16 yrs Stefan's senior felt comfortable enough with him to let his submissive side come out to play. Zip ties come in handy. I am just saying. That was special. In a nutshell, I liked it, I liked them, it was well written, but too many feelz for me.
Not my favorite of the series and I swear to Christ if Tristan and Jared retire� I may have to quit this series.
MARKET GARDEN: Arguably one of the deadliest and least successful operations of WWII
I'm starting to think The Wonder Twins named the series after this operation as a form of foreshadowing. My poor rent boys are dropping like flies.
I'll be honest, I feel like this series is going off the rails. It started off as fun, smutty, sometimes kinky little stories involving rent boys telling their shenanigans with their johns. Now I'm on feelz overload. You know how I feel about feelz. I mean, they're alright sometimes, but they are most certainly not what I'm looking for out of this series. Hell, next thing you know Tristan and Jared are going to retire too!
With no rent boys how's the Garden going to stay open? Huh? Riddle me that, Batman. Cupcake needs for these rent boys to suck it up, stop falling IN LUB, and entertain me with some smut, kink and hell, I'll even take some weird interludes. I'm not that picky! Well, except when it comes to all these feelz.
This one started off so promising too. I had been wondering about the owner of the Garden, Frank, and what he was like. Turns out he likes em big, dommish and is into capture kink and voyeurism.
The new rent boy, Stefan, has set his sights on Frank and he fits the Frank's bill in spades and he's extremely determined to GET. HIS. MAN. I liked him almost immediately. He's full of wit and snark and he's got the whole ex-military thing happening for him.
I. WAS. THRILLED.
Capture kink, paintball, wargames, face fucking all while Frank was getting all hot and bothered watching all this go down.
ճ�
Whoa there. WTF? How'd we end up in Serioustown?
Yeah, Frank has a secret and Stefan has a secret and both of them have heartbreaking histories, so, yeah, they are perfect for one another. I'm not even saying that I didn't enjoy their journey and I'm happy they found one another. They're certainly hot for each other and I did like that Frank despite his being 16 yrs Stefan's senior felt comfortable enough with him to let his submissive side come out to play. Zip ties come in handy. I am just saying. That was special. In a nutshell, I liked it, I liked them, it was well written, but too many feelz for me.
Not my favorite of the series and I swear to Christ if Tristan and Jared retire� I may have to quit this series.
April 3, 2014
This is a very emotional book... I love the story, the writing... I love the characters... I love the MC's courage and honesty!
August 18, 2013
A surprising addition to the Market Garden series.
It's really hard to discuss this story without giving away too much, so forgive me if this comes across somewhat cagey...
Capture & Surrender follows the lead of previous Market Garden books with it's outrageously sexy scenes and delicious MCs, but there's a difference here. This is not simply a story about two people getting it off in spectacular fashion. Its about two people who want, need and crave things from each other but they have been dealt a terrible hand of cards in life (<- understatement of the century). It's a story about human nature and living life to it's fullest potential. It's also about showing courage and patience.
I am aware that I'm making it sound like a Motivational Hallmark Card, but seriously, this is how it made me feel.
Witt and Voinov brought these characters to life. Stefan is young, intelligent and mature (I was so relieved by this combination). While Frank is strong, brave and kind. We saw both their frailties too. Expressing how i feel for these characters is hard to do without delving into their psyche/motivations and therefore spilling the beans on the plot but I felt for them tremendously.
This book was as steamy as I expected it to be but so, so different. Kudos to the authors :)
It's really hard to discuss this story without giving away too much, so forgive me if this comes across somewhat cagey...
Capture & Surrender follows the lead of previous Market Garden books with it's outrageously sexy scenes and delicious MCs, but there's a difference here. This is not simply a story about two people getting it off in spectacular fashion. Its about two people who want, need and crave things from each other but they have been dealt a terrible hand of cards in life (<- understatement of the century). It's a story about human nature and living life to it's fullest potential. It's also about showing courage and patience.
I am aware that I'm making it sound like a Motivational Hallmark Card, but seriously, this is how it made me feel.
Witt and Voinov brought these characters to life. Stefan is young, intelligent and mature (I was so relieved by this combination). While Frank is strong, brave and kind. We saw both their frailties too. Expressing how i feel for these characters is hard to do without delving into their psyche/motivations and therefore spilling the beans on the plot but I felt for them tremendously.
This book was as steamy as I expected it to be but so, so different. Kudos to the authors :)
June 22, 2020
So... wish I didn’t have to pay for this book. It was OK, I read it all. It was only 222 pages or so. Not much of plot:
Older guy - pimp
Younger man - ex military rentboy
Suddenly can’t recall older guy’s name - has AIDS, but currently healthy
Younger guy - Brandon - also lost a bf to the disease
Don’t know a lot of ppl who would knowingly enter into a serious relationship with someone potentially seriously ill AND who could also risk them, found it a little unbelievable that Brandon would TWICE.
There wasn’t really much “development�, it was insta-lust then rapidly insta-love. And during his, Brandon as Stefan kept his job f*cking ppl for $$, and also just for fun - apparently foreplay for the older guy.
Weird.
Don’t think I will read any more books by either author.
Older guy - pimp
Younger man - ex military rentboy
Suddenly can’t recall older guy’s name - has AIDS, but currently healthy
Younger guy - Brandon - also lost a bf to the disease
Don’t know a lot of ppl who would knowingly enter into a serious relationship with someone potentially seriously ill AND who could also risk them, found it a little unbelievable that Brandon would TWICE.
There wasn’t really much “development�, it was insta-lust then rapidly insta-love. And during his, Brandon as Stefan kept his job f*cking ppl for $$, and also just for fun - apparently foreplay for the older guy.
Weird.
Don’t think I will read any more books by either author.
August 15, 2013
OMG OMG OMG. Need to recover from the awesome to write up a review.
Go buy this now!!!
Also read this review on .
So I have not yet recovered from all the awesomesauce of this book. Still, I'm going to try writing up this review without fangirling/gushing/exclamations of devotion.
Capture & Surrender, book 5 in the Market Garden series set in London, is all about Frank, the owner of the strip club in front and the MM rentboy establishment in the back.
You might remember Frank from and where he had a small supporting role while Nick and Spencer figured it out.
So, Frank. He's in his early 40s, ex-con, bit of a rough around the edges kind of guy. Kind, understanding, conscientious. Takes care of his employees.
Early in this book, one of his rentboys quits, and Carlos, the bartender, brings in someone for replacement. Things get interesting really fast when Stefan walks in, a Yank from across the pond, and Frank finds that the thing he thought dead comes back to life.
The author duo creates an erotic and emotional journey for Frank and Stefan, with a kinky paintball group consisting of Frank's friends Mike and Geoff (who totally need their own book, OMG) and some others playing a big role in the action and plot progression.
I cried a few times. Okay, perhaps more than a few times. The authors allegedly bought Kleenex stock which may have been a sound investment.
The reader spends the entire time in Frank's 3rd person limited POV, so you see all the inner thoughts and all the emotions and all the fear and pain and despair from the start. Frank has a secret, something that only his closest friends know. A secret that plays a huge role in the budding relationship with Stefan and causes Frank's brain to short-circuit into stupidity closer towards the end. What he doesn't know is that Stefan has a secret or two of his own.
We get their backstory bit by bit, through dialogue and interactions and inner musings. There's a good amount of self-deprecating humor, snark and sarcasm, self-chastising and a little bitterness in Frank's thoughts, all which is carefully shown to the reader, without a superfluous word, each sentence carefully phrased and arranged for maximum impact.
Voinov/Witt did a fantastic job carefully and accurately covering the issue of illness and death, and Frank's secret that becomes a catalyst for both the intensification of their relationship and Frank's panicky attempt to be noble towards the end.
The authors' writing styles mesh seamlessly to where you cannot tell what parts where written by whom. It's a credit to them both that they continue to deliver such quality work, book after book.
I highly recommend this entire series. And I'm not above shamelessly begging for more. This was exquisite, and I'm to the point of being spoiled by their awesomesauce writing.
Read this book. Do it. Now.
I received a free copy of the ARC from the publisher via Netgalley. (Thank you, Riptide!)
A positive review was not promised in return.
Go buy this now!!!
Also read this review on .
So I have not yet recovered from all the awesomesauce of this book. Still, I'm going to try writing up this review without fangirling/gushing/exclamations of devotion.
Capture & Surrender, book 5 in the Market Garden series set in London, is all about Frank, the owner of the strip club in front and the MM rentboy establishment in the back.
You might remember Frank from and where he had a small supporting role while Nick and Spencer figured it out.
So, Frank. He's in his early 40s, ex-con, bit of a rough around the edges kind of guy. Kind, understanding, conscientious. Takes care of his employees.
Early in this book, one of his rentboys quits, and Carlos, the bartender, brings in someone for replacement. Things get interesting really fast when Stefan walks in, a Yank from across the pond, and Frank finds that the thing he thought dead comes back to life.
The author duo creates an erotic and emotional journey for Frank and Stefan, with a kinky paintball group consisting of Frank's friends Mike and Geoff (who totally need their own book, OMG) and some others playing a big role in the action and plot progression.
I cried a few times. Okay, perhaps more than a few times. The authors allegedly bought Kleenex stock which may have been a sound investment.
The reader spends the entire time in Frank's 3rd person limited POV, so you see all the inner thoughts and all the emotions and all the fear and pain and despair from the start. Frank has a secret, something that only his closest friends know. A secret that plays a huge role in the budding relationship with Stefan and causes Frank's brain to short-circuit into stupidity closer towards the end. What he doesn't know is that Stefan has a secret or two of his own.
We get their backstory bit by bit, through dialogue and interactions and inner musings. There's a good amount of self-deprecating humor, snark and sarcasm, self-chastising and a little bitterness in Frank's thoughts, all which is carefully shown to the reader, without a superfluous word, each sentence carefully phrased and arranged for maximum impact.
Voinov/Witt did a fantastic job carefully and accurately covering the issue of illness and death, and Frank's secret that becomes a catalyst for both the intensification of their relationship and Frank's panicky attempt to be noble towards the end.
The authors' writing styles mesh seamlessly to where you cannot tell what parts where written by whom. It's a credit to them both that they continue to deliver such quality work, book after book.
I highly recommend this entire series. And I'm not above shamelessly begging for more. This was exquisite, and I'm to the point of being spoiled by their awesomesauce writing.
Read this book. Do it. Now.
I received a free copy of the ARC from the publisher via Netgalley. (Thank you, Riptide!)
A positive review was not promised in return.
December 12, 2013
Humans need to be touched.
The sensory isolation of never being touched is a form of torture probably more insidious than solitary confinement. To see and to not feel, to live without even the barest of touches is cruel. Watching Frank almost killed me. It's also why watching Mike and Geoff pull him in actually made me want to cry even more. There's no way one can discount the beauty in their friendship to merely a menage.
That tenderness and love contrasts to the highly erotic fantasy role play on the paintball field. Scorching hot. This turned my crank just fine--sports with enough pain to know you're going full throttle and aggressive sex to chase it down with--practically perfect in every way. Watching Stefan on the field and in Market Garden was like viewing a big cat stalk.
While the sex was spectacular, it was almost a necessary release from the psychological battering. Having an admirable HIV positive character deal with both the present and the past and put off worrying about the future evoked a lot of complicated emotions. I can see how there will be a contingent of Market Garden readers who are not going to connect with this book. The eroticism here comes with a bite of pain.
This should have been a five star read for me, but I feel like I missed an important piece--Brandon's motivations. I'm still not completely sure how he made that leap from lust to love.
Favorite quote:
The sensory isolation of never being touched is a form of torture probably more insidious than solitary confinement. To see and to not feel, to live without even the barest of touches is cruel. Watching Frank almost killed me. It's also why watching Mike and Geoff pull him in actually made me want to cry even more. There's no way one can discount the beauty in their friendship to merely a menage.
That tenderness and love contrasts to the highly erotic fantasy role play on the paintball field. Scorching hot. This turned my crank just fine--sports with enough pain to know you're going full throttle and aggressive sex to chase it down with--practically perfect in every way. Watching Stefan on the field and in Market Garden was like viewing a big cat stalk.
While the sex was spectacular, it was almost a necessary release from the psychological battering. Having an admirable HIV positive character deal with both the present and the past and put off worrying about the future evoked a lot of complicated emotions. I can see how there will be a contingent of Market Garden readers who are not going to connect with this book. The eroticism here comes with a bite of pain.
This should have been a five star read for me, but I feel like I missed an important piece--Brandon's motivations. I'm still not completely sure how he made that leap from lust to love.
Favorite quote:
Beauty had become an unexpected gift, and one he was so much more gracious about accepting.
July 17, 2017
4.5 stars rounded up! :)
OK, so I had some problems with rating this one...
After Jared & Tristan and Nick & Spencer I was so surprised by this story!
First of all, I didn't expect this part to be about Frank, the owner of Market Garden. But I guess if his rentboys deserve their HEAs then why should he be any worse, huh? ;)
Secondly, Stefan! A sexy, muscular, powerful former soldier... Military fetish, drill sergeants, camo fatigues and paintball??? So NOT up my alley :( The whole idea of "capture & surrender", and "spoils of war" on the paintball field was a little bit too much for me.
But...
But then suddenly Frank and Stefan's story became more emotional and I just couldn't put it down!
I loved how the problem of... was treated in this book. I loved that Frank could find sexual satisfaction, affection and, finally, love after his long grieving and self-denial. And I loved how Stefan understood Frank's problems and reservations. After all,... affected and, at the same time, taught him so much - compassion, taking the joys of life, taking care of being safe...
At the end Frank and Stefan got under my skin - I simply loved them together!
I also loved the small bunch of their friends: Geoff & Mike and Emily.
After the previous, more sex-driven and BDSM-tilted books, this instalment of Market Garden was heavier on plot and much more emotional, and that's what saved the 5-star rating for me (despite that military fetish).
Highly recommended if you like some emotional turmoil and decent plot added to your kinky, rentboys' stories! ;)
OK, so I had some problems with rating this one...
After Jared & Tristan and Nick & Spencer I was so surprised by this story!
First of all, I didn't expect this part to be about Frank, the owner of Market Garden. But I guess if his rentboys deserve their HEAs then why should he be any worse, huh? ;)
Secondly, Stefan! A sexy, muscular, powerful former soldier... Military fetish, drill sergeants, camo fatigues and paintball??? So NOT up my alley :( The whole idea of "capture & surrender", and "spoils of war" on the paintball field was a little bit too much for me.
But...
But then suddenly Frank and Stefan's story became more emotional and I just couldn't put it down!
I loved how the problem of... was treated in this book. I loved that Frank could find sexual satisfaction, affection and, finally, love after his long grieving and self-denial. And I loved how Stefan understood Frank's problems and reservations. After all,... affected and, at the same time, taught him so much - compassion, taking the joys of life, taking care of being safe...
At the end Frank and Stefan got under my skin - I simply loved them together!
I also loved the small bunch of their friends: Geoff & Mike and Emily.
After the previous, more sex-driven and BDSM-tilted books, this instalment of Market Garden was heavier on plot and much more emotional, and that's what saved the 5-star rating for me (despite that military fetish).
Highly recommended if you like some emotional turmoil and decent plot added to your kinky, rentboys' stories! ;)
December 19, 2013
I have grown to love this Market Garden series, for a fun and light type of read this series has been my “go to� in between more intense stories. This book was not light, this story had substance and depth and I loved it!
Like the blurb states Frank has resigned himself to being single. He spends his time with friends and his paintball group. Since the death of his partner he has kept himself separate, alone. He doesn’t hate his life, he has the Market Garden, good friends and good times. But, he has decided it is for the best that he remain alone. Part of me so understood what Frank was feeling and why. This is definitely a story that hits close to home for me.
Frank decides to hire a new rent boy and in walks Stefan, hot, intimidating, ex-military. He pushes all of Frank’s buttons, but he doesn’t screw with the help, so Frank keeps his distance. Their relationship is a slow build up, Stefan to get closer to Frank. And while Frank is definitely interested he has his reasons for trying to keep it casual. While I loved both of these guys, my heart definitely went out to Frank. I felt like I knew why he felt as he did, and the fear in letting someone get close to him.
This story had everything, chemistry, heat, humor, great dialogue, not so much angst that it made me mad, a serious subject matter and staying power. While I have read lots of great books, they all don’t stay with me. This one will definitely be a book I won’t forget.
Like the blurb states Frank has resigned himself to being single. He spends his time with friends and his paintball group. Since the death of his partner he has kept himself separate, alone. He doesn’t hate his life, he has the Market Garden, good friends and good times. But, he has decided it is for the best that he remain alone. Part of me so understood what Frank was feeling and why. This is definitely a story that hits close to home for me.
Frank decides to hire a new rent boy and in walks Stefan, hot, intimidating, ex-military. He pushes all of Frank’s buttons, but he doesn’t screw with the help, so Frank keeps his distance. Their relationship is a slow build up, Stefan to get closer to Frank. And while Frank is definitely interested he has his reasons for trying to keep it casual. While I loved both of these guys, my heart definitely went out to Frank. I felt like I knew why he felt as he did, and the fear in letting someone get close to him.
This story had everything, chemistry, heat, humor, great dialogue, not so much angst that it made me mad, a serious subject matter and staying power. While I have read lots of great books, they all don’t stay with me. This one will definitely be a book I won’t forget.
July 22, 2018
4.5 Stars!
This series just gets better and better.
I've loved all of the main characters. As the series has progressed the storylines have become more developed, which is a plus.
But I am looking forward to getting back to Tristan and Jared.
This series just gets better and better.
I've loved all of the main characters. As the series has progressed the storylines have become more developed, which is a plus.
But I am looking forward to getting back to Tristan and Jared.
August 17, 2013
I don't know what I thought this book was really going to be about. I don't know that I even really read the blurb, though I'm pretty sure I did way back when. I knew who wrote it. I knew I've loved this series so far. I knew it was another one of those have to buy books because of those reasons alone. I've still not gone back to read the blurb again so I'm not sure If what that says would alter my review here. What I do know is that this book made me so happy and sad at the same time. A couple of times I was so sad, unable to breathe or see through tears, I needed to stop for a bit.
So, not remembering what was in the blurb, what description is given for this story of Frank, owner of The Market Garden, I don't want to give too much away. I'll say that Frank's journey is an emotionally tough one. Brandon's journey is equally emotionally difficult. The conscious decisions they make would not be easy for anyone. Unless I was in the same situation, there's no way to know how I'd react. To say that I'd react the same as Brandon would be wrong. There is no way to know. To say that I'd be able to accept what Brandon is offering, given the circumstances, would be foolish. There is no way for me to know now I'd react on either side of coin.
To the easy parts... The sex is smokin' hot. The comedy is great. Frank's friends are amazing. The story is out of this world with emotion. I loved every minute of it and can't wait to find out how the lives of these men go forward. The set up for changes in The Market Garden were great. Waiting for the next book will be painful. I'd recommend this to anyone who wants an easy but emotionally difficult love story. One that breaks your heart and heals it in one breath. It's quick love, but love all the same. Sometimes these quick love stories are the best.
So, not remembering what was in the blurb, what description is given for this story of Frank, owner of The Market Garden, I don't want to give too much away. I'll say that Frank's journey is an emotionally tough one. Brandon's journey is equally emotionally difficult. The conscious decisions they make would not be easy for anyone. Unless I was in the same situation, there's no way to know how I'd react. To say that I'd react the same as Brandon would be wrong. There is no way to know. To say that I'd be able to accept what Brandon is offering, given the circumstances, would be foolish. There is no way for me to know now I'd react on either side of coin.
To the easy parts... The sex is smokin' hot. The comedy is great. Frank's friends are amazing. The story is out of this world with emotion. I loved every minute of it and can't wait to find out how the lives of these men go forward. The set up for changes in The Market Garden were great. Waiting for the next book will be painful. I'd recommend this to anyone who wants an easy but emotionally difficult love story. One that breaks your heart and heals it in one breath. It's quick love, but love all the same. Sometimes these quick love stories are the best.
October 18, 2013
I'm a Market Garden virgin, but this story is easy to read as a stand-alone. I could tell in the first chapter that the previous book must have been about Nick and his partner, but that was a brief scene, with the rest of the story focused on Frank (owner of Market Garden) and Stefan (new Dom for hire).
Here's the thing: This was a quick, smexy, dirty read. I have some minor complaints, but the fact that I gave this one 3 stars can be explained with: "It's not you; it's me." Really. I totally get why people would j'adore this story and swoon it with 4 and 5 star ratings.
I love me some dirty sex, BUT I'm kind of girly about monogamy, so whorehouses and rentboys completely do not float my boat. It's completely right for consenting adults to do whatever the hell strikes their fancy sexually: threesomes, group sex, sex orgies following semi-violent paint ball matches, voyeurism - all fabulous - just not big turn-ons for ME.
I liked both Frank and Stefan. Even though Frank was more than a decade older than Stefan (and Stefan was a Yank, and Frank a Brit), the two men had a lot more in common than was apparent initially. There was a slow burn of attraction between them. I understood Frank's concerns about the relationship and his reasons for pushing Stefan away. Frank's health was treated with honesty and sensitivity.
My biggest complaint (besides my slight squeamishness about whorehouses, high-end or not) was that even though the story was set in London, I only knew that because I was told. There was nothing British about the setting. Indeed, the scenery so to speak felt very generic. There was no sense of London, the culture, the place. It's not that it was off; it was nonexistent. (Having tea a couple times doesn't count!)
Here's the thing: This was a quick, smexy, dirty read. I have some minor complaints, but the fact that I gave this one 3 stars can be explained with: "It's not you; it's me." Really. I totally get why people would j'adore this story and swoon it with 4 and 5 star ratings.
I love me some dirty sex, BUT I'm kind of girly about monogamy, so whorehouses and rentboys completely do not float my boat. It's completely right for consenting adults to do whatever the hell strikes their fancy sexually: threesomes, group sex, sex orgies following semi-violent paint ball matches, voyeurism - all fabulous - just not big turn-ons for ME.
I liked both Frank and Stefan. Even though Frank was more than a decade older than Stefan (and Stefan was a Yank, and Frank a Brit), the two men had a lot more in common than was apparent initially. There was a slow burn of attraction between them. I understood Frank's concerns about the relationship and his reasons for pushing Stefan away. Frank's health was treated with honesty and sensitivity.
My biggest complaint (besides my slight squeamishness about whorehouses, high-end or not) was that even though the story was set in London, I only knew that because I was told. There was nothing British about the setting. Indeed, the scenery so to speak felt very generic. There was no sense of London, the culture, the place. It's not that it was off; it was nonexistent. (Having tea a couple times doesn't count!)
August 15, 2013
So, up until now, the Market Garden books have been--for me--some fun, kinky reads. This book breaks that mold--in a really good way. Anyone who knows me knows i'm kind of a sucker for the emo stuff, and this book totally went there. There were the fun, funny, kinky scenes, but also a pretty serious conflict/subplot which i won't detail here because...spoilers. I try not to do that.
Two authors i adore, a beloved series, fantastic characters. Book tears are the best tears, and i shed plenty this afternoon. :)
Two authors i adore, a beloved series, fantastic characters. Book tears are the best tears, and i shed plenty this afternoon. :)
November 24, 2013
3.5 Stars
Better than the previous ones IMO, with more history and a more touching topic.
Better than the previous ones IMO, with more history and a more touching topic.
August 19, 2013
I have enjoyed this series and I was quite excited about this book but for some reason half way through I felt that I couldn't connect with the MCs. I didn't feel connected to them in the way I had for the other two couples in the earlier books. I think this is fine. I don't think each book should be so similar that readers get used to the kinds of characters in the books. The diversity of the characters and their different issues, their individual chemistry and their different challenges are what makes this series so interesting.
At the half way mark I was thinking this would be a 3 star read for me, but it has turned out to be a 4 star. First of all as usual with a Voinov/Witt partnership the writing is excellent. Then the setting and story as a whole is great. There is continuity and familiarity because we are back in the Market Garden but this time we get to meet the owner of the club, Frank, and we get to see how the Market Garden started and the perspective of the owner not just the clients and lads who work there.
I think part of the reason I didn't connect to the MCs was that I was a little tired of the BDSM aspect and this affected the way I felt about the book in the beginning. We did have BDSM in the two previous books with Nick and Spencer and so having that again kind of dragged for me. It was a bit later on in the story that I began to feel the emotions between the two MCs as they began to deal with their pasts and with the challenges of living with HIV and the loss of loved ones.
I did like the paint ball setting. Not that I have ever played this game but I felt it was quite unique because I haven't seen paint ball in any other story. I will never look at it quite the same having read how these guys played paint ball though.
The best part of the story for me was the portrayal of loss and dealing with loss, and also some of those issues such as HIV related stigma, the issue of disclosing one's status, and confidentiality. These are issues that positive people and people affected by HIV still negotiate 30 years on from the first appearance of the virus. It is good to see characters grappling with these issues in a realistic way.
BUT (big but here) it is not true that being HIV positive means you will ultimately die from an Aids related illness!!!!!!!!! :o
I am glad the authors pointed this out at the end of the book but this isn't a new thing. Of course there isn't a cure yet and there are exceptions but HIV is no longer a death sentence in the global North. We have known for many years that people who are HIV positive can have the same life spans as people who aren't positive if they have access to treatment. So I have to say I hated this aspect in the story.
I hated the way Frank was anticipating an ultimate death from an Aids related illness. I have so many positive friends and none of them live in expectation of eventual death from Aids and yet here was Frank living under the shadow of Aids in a way I haven't seen for absolutely years!! I thought this was awful. I know in the story Brandon did try to address this but for me may be he should have waved some research in front of Frank to show him.
So I had real mixed feelings about this aspect. I liked the HIV related storyline but disagreed very strongly in some respects.
I did like the way the story subtly addresses some of the differences in LGBT rights between the US/UK.
Go UK!!
We have come a long way in the UK, in comparison to many other countries including the US. It was interesting to see these differences being explored by characters in the story. It made the story feel realistic and contemporary and kind of made up in a way for the holes with respect to HIV, because yes they are holes.
I also liked the way that the MCs had to think about their relationship and their jobs just like Nick and Spencer had to in the last two books. This is slightly different because Frank is Brandon's employer so it throws up different kinds of questions for the couple. I think all work place romances have to deal with some of those issues especially if the relationship is employee/employer. Of course this is has a sharper edge because it involved sex work. It was interesting to see the way Frank dealt with this which was totally different to Spencer (who I really liked) in the last book.
So overall I felt this was a great story but with a different kind of vibe to the earlier stories. Despite my niggles I do like the series because it is different. It remains one of my favourites. It is a gritty, edgy series and very realistic too, with realistic conclusions and makes for great reading. I do hope we will get another visit to the Market Garden this year.
At the half way mark I was thinking this would be a 3 star read for me, but it has turned out to be a 4 star. First of all as usual with a Voinov/Witt partnership the writing is excellent. Then the setting and story as a whole is great. There is continuity and familiarity because we are back in the Market Garden but this time we get to meet the owner of the club, Frank, and we get to see how the Market Garden started and the perspective of the owner not just the clients and lads who work there.
I think part of the reason I didn't connect to the MCs was that I was a little tired of the BDSM aspect and this affected the way I felt about the book in the beginning. We did have BDSM in the two previous books with Nick and Spencer and so having that again kind of dragged for me. It was a bit later on in the story that I began to feel the emotions between the two MCs as they began to deal with their pasts and with the challenges of living with HIV and the loss of loved ones.
I did like the paint ball setting. Not that I have ever played this game but I felt it was quite unique because I haven't seen paint ball in any other story. I will never look at it quite the same having read how these guys played paint ball though.
The best part of the story for me was the portrayal of loss and dealing with loss, and also some of those issues such as HIV related stigma, the issue of disclosing one's status, and confidentiality. These are issues that positive people and people affected by HIV still negotiate 30 years on from the first appearance of the virus. It is good to see characters grappling with these issues in a realistic way.
BUT (big but here) it is not true that being HIV positive means you will ultimately die from an Aids related illness!!!!!!!!! :o
I am glad the authors pointed this out at the end of the book but this isn't a new thing. Of course there isn't a cure yet and there are exceptions but HIV is no longer a death sentence in the global North. We have known for many years that people who are HIV positive can have the same life spans as people who aren't positive if they have access to treatment. So I have to say I hated this aspect in the story.
I hated the way Frank was anticipating an ultimate death from an Aids related illness. I have so many positive friends and none of them live in expectation of eventual death from Aids and yet here was Frank living under the shadow of Aids in a way I haven't seen for absolutely years!! I thought this was awful. I know in the story Brandon did try to address this but for me may be he should have waved some research in front of Frank to show him.
So I had real mixed feelings about this aspect. I liked the HIV related storyline but disagreed very strongly in some respects.
I did like the way the story subtly addresses some of the differences in LGBT rights between the US/UK.
Go UK!!
We have come a long way in the UK, in comparison to many other countries including the US. It was interesting to see these differences being explored by characters in the story. It made the story feel realistic and contemporary and kind of made up in a way for the holes with respect to HIV, because yes they are holes.
I also liked the way that the MCs had to think about their relationship and their jobs just like Nick and Spencer had to in the last two books. This is slightly different because Frank is Brandon's employer so it throws up different kinds of questions for the couple. I think all work place romances have to deal with some of those issues especially if the relationship is employee/employer. Of course this is has a sharper edge because it involved sex work. It was interesting to see the way Frank dealt with this which was totally different to Spencer (who I really liked) in the last book.
So overall I felt this was a great story but with a different kind of vibe to the earlier stories. Despite my niggles I do like the series because it is different. It remains one of my favourites. It is a gritty, edgy series and very realistic too, with realistic conclusions and makes for great reading. I do hope we will get another visit to the Market Garden this year.
December 30, 2015
I’m a big fan of the Market Garden series and this was my favorite edition. In Capture & Surrender we learn about Frank, the owner of the Garden, where all the rent boys work. Frank is instantly attracted to Nick’s replacement, Stephan, but doesn’t date his employees so he holds himself back, not wanting to break his own rules.
It starts out with a weekend of paintball, where ANYTHING goes and the attraction builds from there. Stephan is everything Frank wants in a man, but recently lost his partner to AIDS and is afraid to open up again.
I love that this story deals with the issue of AIDS in terms of how to live with the decease on an emotional as well as physical level. Props to Voinov & Witt!
Stephan doesn’t take no for an answer and continues to pursue Frank and Frank can’t deny his feelings. There are lots of tender moments (even brought a tear to my eyes), plenty of sensuous sex, romance and a tiny bit of kink. When the sparks fly between these two it’s very passionite and hot!
We also get a glimpse at Raoul, the hot bartender/asst manager - I'm hoping the next book features his story (hint/hint).
July 22, 2015
It started out as one of the sexiest, hottest, and kinkiest read I've read so far! And then it became dull. And it picked up a little in the end.
MY REVIEWS FOR THE OTHER BOOKS OF THE SERIES:
Quid Pro Quo review
Take It Off review
If It Flies review
If It Fornicates
MY REVIEWS FOR THE OTHER BOOKS OF THE SERIES:
Quid Pro Quo review
Take It Off review
If It Flies review
If It Fornicates
October 5, 2017
This book took me by surprise.
I was expecting a similar vibe to the first four books in the series and it was quite different.
Frank is recovering from a broken heart.
He doesn't play with his rentboys...not even outside of work on the paintball field.
But Stefan comes along and threw his rulebook out the window.
I enjoyed their chase and capture.
The heat level was nearly the same as previous books but overall this was...heavier.
I love my angst books but I just didn't seem to love it here.
Liked it? Yes.
Will I continue on? Yes.
Do I prefer the old covers? Absolutely.
I was expecting a similar vibe to the first four books in the series and it was quite different.
Frank is recovering from a broken heart.
He doesn't play with his rentboys...not even outside of work on the paintball field.
But Stefan comes along and threw his rulebook out the window.
I enjoyed their chase and capture.
The heat level was nearly the same as previous books but overall this was...heavier.
I love my angst books but I just didn't seem to love it here.
Liked it? Yes.
Will I continue on? Yes.
Do I prefer the old covers? Absolutely.
August 16, 2013
Frank is the owner of the Market Garden. He is not looking for a relationship and is content to hang out with his friend and look out for his rentboys. That is until Stefan sauters into Market Garden for a job. From the moment he laid eyes on him, Stefan stirred some feelings Frank had thought were long forgotten. But Frank doesn't get involved with his rentboys. Hell, he doesn't get involved, period.
Stefan is an American ex-soldier trying to find a place where he can fit in. Being a rentboy is not something he set out to do, but it pays well and he's good at it. Handsome, cocky and sexy as hell, he is determined to hook up with Frank and doesn't understand why the older man is trying to keep him at bay. Never one to let the opportunity run by him, he devices a plan to get the sexy, older man alone and have him at his mercy. Little does he know that he and Frank share so much more than an intense attraction.
Phew! Now, I went into this story all geared up to get my mind blown to bits by the usual hard core sensual scenes Team VoinWitt has made successful in previous installments. What I was NOT expecting was to be blind-sided with an array of emotions so overwhelming I ended up crying as if this were a tear-jerker instead of an erotic story. Don't get me wrong, Team VoinWitt brought their expected degree of nuclear-hot scenes. But this time around it went hand in hand with some much appreciated emotions.
Not usually a fan of the insta-love scenario, Team VoinWitt quickly made me a believer. By making Stefan and Frank's connection something deeper than mere attraction, the authors brought a more believable story to the page. One that had me emotionally invested in Frank and Stefan's well-being and cheering them on to make this thing something more.
Both Stefan and Frank were interesting characters to get to know. I loved Frank's sense of propriety, his protectiveness towards his rentboys and his vulnerability. He so desired to be touched and loved, but denied himself thinking that his chance for something meaningful had passed along with his partner. I adored him!
Stefan, on the other hand, won me over with his cockiness and fierce determination to have who he wanted. He was young, but matured beyond his years and it showed in the way he never backed down with Frank. Sexy, tender, funny and assertive - he was everything Frank needed.
Once again, Team VoinWitt outdid themselves with their writing. Their formula is one that has proven to work I always end up wanting more. Well done, Team VoinWitt. Well done, indeed. You managed to draw me in once again, rendering me totally useless for a couple of hours while I was paintballing with the guys, sitting to dinner with friends and enjoying the hell out of Frank's office. *shiver*
Although Capture & Surrender is the fifth book in the Market Garden series, it can be read as a stand alone. But truly, who would pass up the chance to read the other installments? I sure din't. I even think a re-read is overdue.
I received this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange of my honest opinion.
Stefan is an American ex-soldier trying to find a place where he can fit in. Being a rentboy is not something he set out to do, but it pays well and he's good at it. Handsome, cocky and sexy as hell, he is determined to hook up with Frank and doesn't understand why the older man is trying to keep him at bay. Never one to let the opportunity run by him, he devices a plan to get the sexy, older man alone and have him at his mercy. Little does he know that he and Frank share so much more than an intense attraction.
Phew! Now, I went into this story all geared up to get my mind blown to bits by the usual hard core sensual scenes Team VoinWitt has made successful in previous installments. What I was NOT expecting was to be blind-sided with an array of emotions so overwhelming I ended up crying as if this were a tear-jerker instead of an erotic story. Don't get me wrong, Team VoinWitt brought their expected degree of nuclear-hot scenes. But this time around it went hand in hand with some much appreciated emotions.
Not usually a fan of the insta-love scenario, Team VoinWitt quickly made me a believer. By making Stefan and Frank's connection something deeper than mere attraction, the authors brought a more believable story to the page. One that had me emotionally invested in Frank and Stefan's well-being and cheering them on to make this thing something more.
Both Stefan and Frank were interesting characters to get to know. I loved Frank's sense of propriety, his protectiveness towards his rentboys and his vulnerability. He so desired to be touched and loved, but denied himself thinking that his chance for something meaningful had passed along with his partner. I adored him!
Stefan, on the other hand, won me over with his cockiness and fierce determination to have who he wanted. He was young, but matured beyond his years and it showed in the way he never backed down with Frank. Sexy, tender, funny and assertive - he was everything Frank needed.
Once again, Team VoinWitt outdid themselves with their writing. Their formula is one that has proven to work I always end up wanting more. Well done, Team VoinWitt. Well done, indeed. You managed to draw me in once again, rendering me totally useless for a couple of hours while I was paintballing with the guys, sitting to dinner with friends and enjoying the hell out of Frank's office. *shiver*
Although Capture & Surrender is the fifth book in the Market Garden series, it can be read as a stand alone. But truly, who would pass up the chance to read the other installments? I sure din't. I even think a re-read is overdue.
I received this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange of my honest opinion.
September 14, 2013
***Arc provided via Netgalley in exchange for honest review***
This review is posted on .
L. A. Witt & Aleksandr Voinov, what can I say, except that I love your dirty mind! Where do you get these crazy ideas- it's beyond me.
I started reading Market Garden Series, because I wanted a short, sexy & drama-free read after one book which left me completely emotionally drained, and I wanted it to be a MM romance, so after reading A. Voinov's Dark Soul Series which blew my mind, I knew it had to be smth by him. At first I was a bit unsure if this is a right read for me- I mean- brothel & rentboys, because I usually avoid books where the characters have multiple sex-partners, where everything revolves around sex and where there's no actual story, but the first four books in the series are short stories, so I decided to give it a chance.
What to say about these stories except than they are fun & definitely way-too-hot, in fact- beside Dark Soul Series, they are the hottest MM books I ever read.
While the first three stories where more sexy types of reads, this book was also very emotional.It's a story about Frank, the owner of the Market Garden, and Stefan, a former Us soldier and a new rent-boy. Frank is still struggling to move on with his life after he lost his partner to AIDS. He's especially careful about the people who he lets in his life, avoiding relationships completely, because of one secret only his closest friends know which keeps him from having a normal life, but then, one day one hot-as-hell, former Us soldier walks into his bar, applies for the job of the new rent-boy and makes him reconsider his decisions. From the moment they set their eyes on each other, there's this undeniable chemistry between them and no matter how much Frank tries to push him away, Stefan isn't the type of a guy to give up on things, especially on things he really wants and he wants Frank, so the hunt begins.
And when I say hunt, I literally mean it, because the characters of this book engage in a more, hm, how to explain it, I guess- more "modern" & definitely more fun (read- more kinky) type of paintball(at least I never heard of it up until now, but where can I apply xD) , where the person who gets caught gets to be "punished" by the person who caught him who also decides on the type of the punishment, and these punishments were...damn, let's just say- I would let Stefan win every time.
This book also deals with some heavy issues like: prostitution and AIDS. It's a love story, but one kinky love story including orgies, one sexy threesome etc., so if you can't deal with it- this is not a book for you.I have a confession to make: I have a thing for MM military books, so when I saw that one of the characters is a soldier- I knew I had to have this book and I definitely don't regret it. A big thank you to the publishers to grant me an Arc copy for review.
I highly recommend it to every MM fan!
This review is posted on .
L. A. Witt & Aleksandr Voinov, what can I say, except that I love your dirty mind! Where do you get these crazy ideas- it's beyond me.
I started reading Market Garden Series, because I wanted a short, sexy & drama-free read after one book which left me completely emotionally drained, and I wanted it to be a MM romance, so after reading A. Voinov's Dark Soul Series which blew my mind, I knew it had to be smth by him. At first I was a bit unsure if this is a right read for me- I mean- brothel & rentboys, because I usually avoid books where the characters have multiple sex-partners, where everything revolves around sex and where there's no actual story, but the first four books in the series are short stories, so I decided to give it a chance.
What to say about these stories except than they are fun & definitely way-too-hot, in fact- beside Dark Soul Series, they are the hottest MM books I ever read.
While the first three stories where more sexy types of reads, this book was also very emotional.It's a story about Frank, the owner of the Market Garden, and Stefan, a former Us soldier and a new rent-boy. Frank is still struggling to move on with his life after he lost his partner to AIDS. He's especially careful about the people who he lets in his life, avoiding relationships completely, because of one secret only his closest friends know which keeps him from having a normal life, but then, one day one hot-as-hell, former Us soldier walks into his bar, applies for the job of the new rent-boy and makes him reconsider his decisions. From the moment they set their eyes on each other, there's this undeniable chemistry between them and no matter how much Frank tries to push him away, Stefan isn't the type of a guy to give up on things, especially on things he really wants and he wants Frank, so the hunt begins.
And when I say hunt, I literally mean it, because the characters of this book engage in a more, hm, how to explain it, I guess- more "modern" & definitely more fun (read- more kinky) type of paintball(at least I never heard of it up until now, but where can I apply xD) , where the person who gets caught gets to be "punished" by the person who caught him who also decides on the type of the punishment, and these punishments were...damn, let's just say- I would let Stefan win every time.
This book also deals with some heavy issues like: prostitution and AIDS. It's a love story, but one kinky love story including orgies, one sexy threesome etc., so if you can't deal with it- this is not a book for you.I have a confession to make: I have a thing for MM military books, so when I saw that one of the characters is a soldier- I knew I had to have this book and I definitely don't regret it. A big thank you to the publishers to grant me an Arc copy for review.
I highly recommend it to every MM fan!
September 3, 2014
It took me awhile to get into this one. The story flowed well and the sex was hot, but I wasn't connecting with the MCs as a couple. For some reason, I wasn't feeling any tension/chemistry between them, as if I was told about their attraction to each other more than I was shown it.
That changed at about 40%, though, and by 60% I was hooked. Even though I didn't get the initial attraction, later on, there was no denying the tension and chemistry. (That scene in the office...I feel like I should genuflect.) It wasn't just steamy goodness, though. There were also some emotional scenes that really got to me.
Side note: Can Emily be my personal chef?
That changed at about 40%, though, and by 60% I was hooked. Even though I didn't get the initial attraction, later on, there was no denying the tension and chemistry. (That scene in the office...I feel like I should genuflect.) It wasn't just steamy goodness, though. There were also some emotional scenes that really got to me.
Side note: Can Emily be my personal chef?
August 20, 2013
God, I love this series. This book was more serious than the others, some big issues to tackle, but you all know how much I love me some angst. And the whole capture & surrender theme was just so good and hot. A highly recommended read - this book and the entire series.
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