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Cage Match
A prince of industry, an imprisoned gladiator, fistfights instead of ballrooms—Cinderella was never this hot.
A master in the arena but a slave when combat is over, Jabez is a cage fighter raised on the streets. When two friends bet on a match, wealthy socialite Andreas wins time with the champion. He feels an instant sizzling connection with the battered warrior and buys out the man’s contract, offering Jabez a chance for a better life.
Uneasy in sudden luxury, Jabez resists attraction to his handsome employer. The two men’s struggle against desire explodes in passionate fighting, but eventually they surrender to lust, which slowly evolves into something more.
When Andreas discovers his family’s corporation hides dark, dangerous secrets, he faces a fight for his life. Meanwhile, Jabez learns what it means to care for someone and puts his body and soul on the line to rescue the man he’s grown to love.
Previously published.
A master in the arena but a slave when combat is over, Jabez is a cage fighter raised on the streets. When two friends bet on a match, wealthy socialite Andreas wins time with the champion. He feels an instant sizzling connection with the battered warrior and buys out the man’s contract, offering Jabez a chance for a better life.
Uneasy in sudden luxury, Jabez resists attraction to his handsome employer. The two men’s struggle against desire explodes in passionate fighting, but eventually they surrender to lust, which slowly evolves into something more.
When Andreas discovers his family’s corporation hides dark, dangerous secrets, he faces a fight for his life. Meanwhile, Jabez learns what it means to care for someone and puts his body and soul on the line to rescue the man he’s grown to love.
Previously published.
191 pages, ebook
First published June 23, 2009
12 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
About the author
Bonnie Dee
135books694followersI began telling stories as a child. Whenever there was a sleepover, I was the designated ghost tale teller. I still have a story printed on yellow legal paper in second grade about a ghost, a witch and a talking cat.
I enjoy dabbling in many genres. Whether you're a fan of contemporary historical or fantasy romance, you'll find something to enjoy among my books. I'm interested in flawed, often damaged, people who find the fulfillment they seek in one another. To stay informed about new releases, please sign up for my newsletter. You can join my street team at FB. Learn more about my backlist at and find me on FB and Twitter @Bonnie_Dee.
I enjoy dabbling in many genres. Whether you're a fan of contemporary historical or fantasy romance, you'll find something to enjoy among my books. I'm interested in flawed, often damaged, people who find the fulfillment they seek in one another. To stay informed about new releases, please sign up for my newsletter. You can join my street team at FB. Learn more about my backlist at and find me on FB and Twitter @Bonnie_Dee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 1, 2023
Andreas is wealthy, young, and very naïve about the real world. He first sees Jabez in a cage fight, and places a bet on him. When he wins the bet, he’s surprised at what he’s given.
“You take what you’ve won, and my friend, you’ve won one full hour to do anything you like with that hard-bodied beast. These guys have all had their shots, so you don’t have to worry about catching anything. Just ride him hard and enjoy that sweaty meat.�
Jabez is serving out his sentence on armed robbery charges in gladiatorial-like fights. He has learned growing up in extreme poverty to do whatever it takes to survive.
Gay romance
Futuristic
Fight training
Political corruption
Andreas is so innocent he doesn’t even realize the danger he places himself in when he buys Jabez’s contract, and brings him home. This story has a slight sci-fi feel to it, but ultimately it’s just a sweet romance.
The puppy play in the last chapter nearly ruined it, but the overall story is so enjoyable, I can put that tiny addition out of my mind.
“You take what you’ve won, and my friend, you’ve won one full hour to do anything you like with that hard-bodied beast. These guys have all had their shots, so you don’t have to worry about catching anything. Just ride him hard and enjoy that sweaty meat.�
Jabez is serving out his sentence on armed robbery charges in gladiatorial-like fights. He has learned growing up in extreme poverty to do whatever it takes to survive.
Gay romance
Futuristic
Fight training
Political corruption
Andreas is so innocent he doesn’t even realize the danger he places himself in when he buys Jabez’s contract, and brings him home. This story has a slight sci-fi feel to it, but ultimately it’s just a sweet romance.
The puppy play in the last chapter nearly ruined it, but the overall story is so enjoyable, I can put that tiny addition out of my mind.
April 18, 2019
Audio � 4.5 stars
Story 2 stars
The audio kept me from skimming and possible DNFing this book.
I can’t put my finger on why this didn’t work for me. Something was missing. I think maybe the story and characters lacked depth?? It was too short of a story to include any real relationship development and a kidnap and rescue mission. The kink at the end really didn’t help matters either.
I would say it’s me and not the book, but considering the average rating is closer to 3 stars than 4…it might just be the book.
Story 2 stars
The audio kept me from skimming and possible DNFing this book.
I can’t put my finger on why this didn’t work for me. Something was missing. I think maybe the story and characters lacked depth?? It was too short of a story to include any real relationship development and a kidnap and rescue mission. The kink at the end really didn’t help matters either.
I would say it’s me and not the book, but considering the average rating is closer to 3 stars than 4…it might just be the book.
October 2, 2019
I liked the concept of the story very much. I just wasn’t feeling the connection between the 2 main characters. Their love felt kind of bland. Kind of a short read so that was ok.
May 3, 2012
...will be back with my review.
Cage Match � 5 stars urban-futuristic
Words that came to mind while reading the story: greed, tenderness, violent, mellow, stark contrast, revealing, gritty, deception, betrayal, sexy, romantic, passionate, intimidating, loving, Zen, stubborn, hard core.
Once upon a time, in a far away land called Brick Town (B-town), there lived a young boy who fought hard to survive. He lived on the streets with his friends, struggling to stay alive. B-town, formally known as Boston, is the ghetto, the old part of the city. Life is rough. But the young man knew that there was a better life out there. And he wanted some of it.
One day he decided that he would take a trip to a new city, hang out with the prosperous Uptown folk in New Englandia, a city built after the plague. The city was not far at all. It was right on the other side of that high ass wall that was built to keep the undesirables out. Yeah, that’s what he was, one of “those� people. He’s goes anyways. And BAM! His visit ended up sending him to prison for armed robbery�
�Jabez � is a troubled man, doesn’t talk much, skilled in street fighting…because he has to survive. He’s got a choice, do the time given or get your prison time is shorted working off the rest of sentence as a cage fighter at the Fight Palace. Gladiator looks good on him folks. Some of his fights were hand-to-hand fights with no weapons or armor. It’s a brutal existence.
Love Andreas� turtle analogy of Jabez.
Cage fighting is another form of entertainment for those who could afford the venue. Rich folk pay big bucks for the thrill of the fight experience. Vicious, violent, grrrrr, woof, bloody, possible loss of life or limb. The crowd is hungry for blood.
Andreas Fortias � is a rich man, very rich. The family name is plastered everywhere. His name and his money get him anything that he wants. He lives in the country, away from the noise and pollution. He surrounds himself with nature and wind chimes. A bit naïve in some things. He likes his adrenaline stoked, likes it a little rough too. Has lots of time on his hands.
One evening while hanging out with his friends at the Fight Palace, Timon, makes a bet with Andreas. Guess who won that one? Andreas ends up in Jabez’s room after the fight for a little play by play. He sees a different man than the one who was in the cage. Jabaz stirs something in Andreas. On another night out Andreas goes back to the Fight Palace to see Jabaz fight again. Before you know it he’s paying off Jabez’s contract and hiring him as a personal trainer to learn some good fighting skills. Riiiight.
“I know you’ve done that. I watched you fight with that man and stab him, but what does it feel like? Not just stabbing, but killing someone.�
“Feels good. Feels like you’re still alive and your enemy is dead.� - Cage Match
Ha! Love that line.
I truly enjoyed this story. Well worth the read. This is a HEA. The story is well written too. It was mellow, man. No eye rollin� can ya hurry up with this one. You get a good sense of who the characters are and how opposites attract. I can so identify with Jabez and his explanation of the Uptown folk and the B-town folk. And Andreas finds out who his friends really are. Nice.
Cage Match � 5 stars urban-futuristic
Words that came to mind while reading the story: greed, tenderness, violent, mellow, stark contrast, revealing, gritty, deception, betrayal, sexy, romantic, passionate, intimidating, loving, Zen, stubborn, hard core.
Once upon a time, in a far away land called Brick Town (B-town), there lived a young boy who fought hard to survive. He lived on the streets with his friends, struggling to stay alive. B-town, formally known as Boston, is the ghetto, the old part of the city. Life is rough. But the young man knew that there was a better life out there. And he wanted some of it.
One day he decided that he would take a trip to a new city, hang out with the prosperous Uptown folk in New Englandia, a city built after the plague. The city was not far at all. It was right on the other side of that high ass wall that was built to keep the undesirables out. Yeah, that’s what he was, one of “those� people. He’s goes anyways. And BAM! His visit ended up sending him to prison for armed robbery�
�Jabez � is a troubled man, doesn’t talk much, skilled in street fighting…because he has to survive. He’s got a choice, do the time given or get your prison time is shorted working off the rest of sentence as a cage fighter at the Fight Palace. Gladiator looks good on him folks. Some of his fights were hand-to-hand fights with no weapons or armor. It’s a brutal existence.
Love Andreas� turtle analogy of Jabez.
Cage fighting is another form of entertainment for those who could afford the venue. Rich folk pay big bucks for the thrill of the fight experience. Vicious, violent, grrrrr, woof, bloody, possible loss of life or limb. The crowd is hungry for blood.
Andreas Fortias � is a rich man, very rich. The family name is plastered everywhere. His name and his money get him anything that he wants. He lives in the country, away from the noise and pollution. He surrounds himself with nature and wind chimes. A bit naïve in some things. He likes his adrenaline stoked, likes it a little rough too. Has lots of time on his hands.
One evening while hanging out with his friends at the Fight Palace, Timon, makes a bet with Andreas. Guess who won that one? Andreas ends up in Jabez’s room after the fight for a little play by play. He sees a different man than the one who was in the cage. Jabaz stirs something in Andreas. On another night out Andreas goes back to the Fight Palace to see Jabaz fight again. Before you know it he’s paying off Jabez’s contract and hiring him as a personal trainer to learn some good fighting skills. Riiiight.
“I know you’ve done that. I watched you fight with that man and stab him, but what does it feel like? Not just stabbing, but killing someone.�
“Feels good. Feels like you’re still alive and your enemy is dead.� - Cage Match
Ha! Love that line.
I truly enjoyed this story. Well worth the read. This is a HEA. The story is well written too. It was mellow, man. No eye rollin� can ya hurry up with this one. You get a good sense of who the characters are and how opposites attract. I can so identify with Jabez and his explanation of the Uptown folk and the B-town folk. And Andreas finds out who his friends really are. Nice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2009
These futuristic Cinderella-type MM romances are my favs, next to the gritty RS I'm addicted to. Nothing complicated about Cage Match and the suspense portion, though light, fitted in well so that this book remained solidly a Cinderella story from start to finish.
Andreas is too good to be true, of course, but this isn't a super novel length book so no time for him to undergo dramatic transformations. He's a pampered uber-rich kid who'd give Paris Hilton a run for her money. Since Andreas is the prince charming, underneath that self-indulgent shell is a gold-hearted do-gooder.
Jabez is serving his jail sentence fighting in gladiatorial matches and Andreas' friends have arranged for them to go. They place their bets and Andreas' is on Jabez. Unknown to Andreas, part of the prize-money is a night with Jabez.
Andreas is smitten from that first encounter and buys Jabez.
I've always wondered what happens after Prince Charming takes Cinderella home to his palace and in Cage Match, I get to indulge in this particular fantasy. I would have given it 5 stars but I tend to leave those for the longer, at least novel-length stories.
Andreas is too good to be true, of course, but this isn't a super novel length book so no time for him to undergo dramatic transformations. He's a pampered uber-rich kid who'd give Paris Hilton a run for her money. Since Andreas is the prince charming, underneath that self-indulgent shell is a gold-hearted do-gooder.
Jabez is serving his jail sentence fighting in gladiatorial matches and Andreas' friends have arranged for them to go. They place their bets and Andreas' is on Jabez. Unknown to Andreas, part of the prize-money is a night with Jabez.
Andreas is smitten from that first encounter and buys Jabez.
I've always wondered what happens after Prince Charming takes Cinderella home to his palace and in Cage Match, I get to indulge in this particular fantasy. I would have given it 5 stars but I tend to leave those for the longer, at least novel-length stories.
May 7, 2012
I really enjoyed this story. Jabez is a total underdog from the wrong side of town. In this world, slaves are forced to cage fight to the death, and Jabez is a champion fighter. Andreas is the rich guy watching the fights, and Jabez, in particular. They are night and day, light and dark, but they make a beautiful match. Andreas has to tread very carefully to earn Jabez' trust.
Andreas uncovers some nasty doings by his family's company while doing research on a project he wants to fund to refurbish and restore the bad area where Jabez came from. There is a bit of mystery, a little intrigue, some kidnapping and abuse when tables get turned on Andreas. These two keep on fighting though, and what you end up with is a story that focuses on the deeper aspect of a relationship. There is slow buildup, and the guys are not having sex on every other page. A very solid 4.5 read for me.
Andreas uncovers some nasty doings by his family's company while doing research on a project he wants to fund to refurbish and restore the bad area where Jabez came from. There is a bit of mystery, a little intrigue, some kidnapping and abuse when tables get turned on Andreas. These two keep on fighting though, and what you end up with is a story that focuses on the deeper aspect of a relationship. There is slow buildup, and the guys are not having sex on every other page. A very solid 4.5 read for me.
June 10, 2019
This one was hard to rate. I liked it, but was't blown away by it...and I think I should have re-read the precis before jumping on this book instead of relying on how it was already on my TBR shelf (and thus, I assumed, was a story I was eager to read) and how it also fit a challenge.
I think I was a bit thrown off at how the beginning reminded me of Aleksandr Voinov's with the enslaved fighter/enslaved prostitute angle (and I ADORED that book). Much to my surprise, this one was actually published first and I wondered if I had read it first as well if I would have enjoyed it more. So I took a couple of days to think it over and, honestly, I don't think I would have rated it much higher. is a shorter book and as such doesn't get into the emotional introspection and character development as deeply, and I look for that in dark themed books.
BUT I did like the Corporatists getting their comeuppance and having an MC that was willing to put his (and his company's) money where his mouth/heart was by not just shining light on an unjust socioeconomic problem but doing something about it. Action, not just lip-service or a convenient tax write-off. (Or a charitable donation to counteract bad press for that would help the homeless population in Seattle. Yes, .)
Also, I thought did a pretty good job with the narration. He's a new-to-me narrator and I think I have only one other of his performances on my To Listen shelf - , which I have read but now look forward to the audio for.
I think I was a bit thrown off at how the beginning reminded me of Aleksandr Voinov's with the enslaved fighter/enslaved prostitute angle (and I ADORED that book). Much to my surprise, this one was actually published first and I wondered if I had read it first as well if I would have enjoyed it more. So I took a couple of days to think it over and, honestly, I don't think I would have rated it much higher. is a shorter book and as such doesn't get into the emotional introspection and character development as deeply, and I look for that in dark themed books.
BUT I did like the Corporatists getting their comeuppance and having an MC that was willing to put his (and his company's) money where his mouth/heart was by not just shining light on an unjust socioeconomic problem but doing something about it. Action, not just lip-service or a convenient tax write-off. (Or a charitable donation to counteract bad press for that would help the homeless population in Seattle. Yes, .)
Also, I thought did a pretty good job with the narration. He's a new-to-me narrator and I think I have only one other of his performances on my To Listen shelf - , which I have read but now look forward to the audio for.
April 20, 2013
I read this book for a challenge, I needed a 'fighter' character. I seen imprisoned gladiator and jumped at this one! I will say that if I had known that it was slightly 'futuristic' I probably woulda passed on it. (Sad to say but I'm not really into these kinda books....with saying that, I'm glad I didn't know because I would have missed out on one pretty awesome book!)
We get to meet Jabez the imprisoned fighter & Andreas the very naive prince of industry. These guys are both sexy and adorable....total opposites, yet they manage to find a common ground to start on and end up falling in love! Through their story we get violence, hurt, betrayal, growth, realization, smoxin hott sex and love. You can't ask for a whole lot more than that! :)
We get to meet Jabez the imprisoned fighter & Andreas the very naive prince of industry. These guys are both sexy and adorable....total opposites, yet they manage to find a common ground to start on and end up falling in love! Through their story we get violence, hurt, betrayal, growth, realization, smoxin hott sex and love. You can't ask for a whole lot more than that! :)
March 24, 2022
I finished it. But why? Next week, I only remember my annoyances.
The 'science fiction' part is not developed. This is a contemporary story with a few times the mention of interplanetary travel thrown in. Call a car a landglider and voila, world building finished. The characters are shallow and have no development. All problems are solved easily and quickly, if they do not disappear by themselves. The plot goes straight from a to b and the few times I thought I knew where it was going I was wrong: it did not go anywhere. Just from a to b.
The 'science fiction' part is not developed. This is a contemporary story with a few times the mention of interplanetary travel thrown in. Call a car a landglider and voila, world building finished. The characters are shallow and have no development. All problems are solved easily and quickly, if they do not disappear by themselves. The plot goes straight from a to b and the few times I thought I knew where it was going I was wrong: it did not go anywhere. Just from a to b.
July 28, 2015
Enjoyed the characters very much and am thrilled they got their happy ending. Could have done without the puppy play at the end, especially considering there was a real dog in the room at the time.
July 17, 2020
An interesting post-apocalyptic world, post-virus-that-wiped-most-people-out. The world isn’t the focus of the story. The focus is a rich man (child of the Big Evil Corporation’s CEO) and his purchased trainer/bodyguard cum lover. The love story was good, albeit unbelievable. It resonated with my white-person guilt and complicated feelings of helplessness during these ‘unprecedented times� of COVID-19 and the awful racism that is tearing everything apart.
Bought as part of audible escape package.
Bought as part of audible escape package.
May 15, 2018
A most tasty morsel provided one is into Cinderfella stories or needs a feel-good, short hurt/comfort romance of the dystopian variety; it helps a lot that Mrs Dee is a clever writer with a gift for characterization, flair for making great secondary characters (special mention for Andreas' father, the stolid corporate figurehead, whose stance vis-à-vis his son remains elusive until the very end, as well as for the kingpin of derelict Boston, whose, unfortunately too few, apparitions stand out and shine), vivid imagination (the scene at the nightclub where Timon appears with a boy painted in gold from head to toe or the first trip of Andreas and Jabez in the car-jet stayed in my mind), and the chops to pen down not only convincing but really exciting martial sequences (both the gladiator match starring Jabez in the very opening and exhibit the great eye for movement combined with crisp wording without which any display of physical prowess can only be all telling and no showing). I was frankly much more engaged into the universe Mrs Dee has created than into the (thin) plot: this reader did not care about beautiful yet shallow Andreas' latest project (I actually find the antics and personality of Timon more interesting)- viz. to own indentured fighter Jabez. Thankfully, Andreas is redeemed in tolerable fashion more by his strong compassion for the shadowy deeds occuring into B-town than by his puppy love for Jabez. Jabez I liked a lot, for all that I groused at the typically cardboard tear-jerking past he is given (once more a lost sister !); thankfully, his background and psyche are treated with a far defter hand, resulting in a strong, not too sensitive yet caring, hero who will come to balance well the new, reformed Andreas.
October 7, 2010
From the moment I picked this one up, I couldn't really put it down. Sometimes I kind of wanted to - especially when it started talking a bit more about Andreas' posh living and childhood - but those parts were so incredibly short that if I just put it down for a moment and came back after washing dishes, I'd immediately be engrossed in it again.
At first it's a bit hard to get a feel for the time and world that Andreas and Jabez live in, and what we are given explains a bit but really not enough in terms of world-building. But that's okay because "Cage Match" wasn't about their world - it was about *them.*
Jabez is a very cool character with emotions that kind of faltered, but in a way that makes complete sense considering what he's been through. Andreas remains insanely positive about ... well, everything ... even when he's kicked in the dirt. I'd argue against anyone being like that, if I hadn't known someone likely that personally. Since I have, I might as well say that was extremely well done, too. Bonnie Dee kept him realistic, and he *did* put his foot down very seriously when it warranted.
Very good novel. One of the first I bought, and I'm sorry it's taken me so very long to read it, now.
At first it's a bit hard to get a feel for the time and world that Andreas and Jabez live in, and what we are given explains a bit but really not enough in terms of world-building. But that's okay because "Cage Match" wasn't about their world - it was about *them.*
Jabez is a very cool character with emotions that kind of faltered, but in a way that makes complete sense considering what he's been through. Andreas remains insanely positive about ... well, everything ... even when he's kicked in the dirt. I'd argue against anyone being like that, if I hadn't known someone likely that personally. Since I have, I might as well say that was extremely well done, too. Bonnie Dee kept him realistic, and he *did* put his foot down very seriously when it warranted.
Very good novel. One of the first I bought, and I'm sorry it's taken me so very long to read it, now.
March 30, 2015
I don't even know what this was. To be completely honest I was expecting a historical all I read was gladiator and I was sold. Except, the book actually takes place in a post apocalyptic world with two class divisions poor and rich.
Not a bad thing that it was set in the future I just wish there had been more depth to the characters and that the gladiator theme had stuck around a little longer.
Not a bad thing that it was set in the future I just wish there had been more depth to the characters and that the gladiator theme had stuck around a little longer.
June 29, 2010
Really a 4.5, and while I don't feel comfortable reviewing a book I read about a year ago, Bonnie Dee writes very well, and the attraction between the protags fairly jumps off the page. It could be longer for a truly satisfying read, but still does not feel rushed.
March 16, 2015
A feel good Cinderella like story. Quite enjoyable.
June 21, 2017
Set in something of a future dystopia, Andreas is a restless, wealthy playboy of sorts whose friends take him to a cage match and purchase the "services" of the winner after he wins the bet on the match. And so Andreas meets and falls in lust with Jabez. He's a former criminal, raised in the future's version of a ghetto and completely distrustful of Andreas...although definitely attracted. This is why he doesn't trust Andreas's motives in buying his contract and hiring him as a martial arts instructor. He's sure he's about to become Andreas's boy toy. But Andreas is respectful and determined not to treat him that way - anything that happens is up to Jabez...and it does happen. As Andreas gets to know Jabez better, he realizes what a waste his life has been and becomes even more determined to make a difference in teh world, especially for the people in Jabez's former neighborhood. But there are people in Andreas's world that don't want this to happen and Jabez will have to protect the man he's coming to love.
This was just okay. It's very hot at times with Jabez and Andreas having some great chemistry and an interesting relationship. I liked that they come at each other from different backgrounds and with this servant/employee kind of obstacle in their way. And because that's there Jabez wants to have control and power, but it doesn't come off as a struggle for power between them. So I liked how that turned out. But the hiring of Jabez for martial arts instruction came across as so contrived and I'm not completely sure it was meant to be. It might have made more sense for Andreas to buy out Jabez' contract to become his bodyguard after Andreas had already started receiving threats...it would have felt more natural probably. But the training did end up being useful in the end, but that's another thing that felt a bit contrived...the whole cage match kidnapping. And it didn't really feel like Andreas dealt with the emotional aspect of those happenings. Still, this was good.
This was just okay. It's very hot at times with Jabez and Andreas having some great chemistry and an interesting relationship. I liked that they come at each other from different backgrounds and with this servant/employee kind of obstacle in their way. And because that's there Jabez wants to have control and power, but it doesn't come off as a struggle for power between them. So I liked how that turned out. But the hiring of Jabez for martial arts instruction came across as so contrived and I'm not completely sure it was meant to be. It might have made more sense for Andreas to buy out Jabez' contract to become his bodyguard after Andreas had already started receiving threats...it would have felt more natural probably. But the training did end up being useful in the end, but that's another thing that felt a bit contrived...the whole cage match kidnapping. And it didn't really feel like Andreas dealt with the emotional aspect of those happenings. Still, this was good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2020
This is one of those books where, if you are willing to suspend disbelief from paragraph one, and just indulge yourself, it's actually quite fantastic.
The world-building was subtle (at least when compared to The Great Male SFF Authors, aka Jordan, Martin, Tolkein et vom) but super effective, and I found myself very intrigued by the scenario. (Maybe because we're in the middle of a great plague ourselves, but I digress...)
I enjoyed the relationship - which normally would have squicked me, power imbalance and all, but idk, this worked, and I think it was because despite Andreas being the employer, he was literally no threat to a dude who'd killed, like, a lot of people. I will admit to some of the sex being not to my taste, but I do mean that in the most subjective way possible - It wasn't problematic, it just wasn't my thing.
The bit that stuck with me the most, though, might have just been a choice of the narrator, I couldn't tell - but having the Upper Class character speak with arguably Latino inflections and the lower-class character sound like Joe America was really a neat way of putting expectations on their heads, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The world-building was subtle (at least when compared to The Great Male SFF Authors, aka Jordan, Martin, Tolkein et vom) but super effective, and I found myself very intrigued by the scenario. (Maybe because we're in the middle of a great plague ourselves, but I digress...)
I enjoyed the relationship - which normally would have squicked me, power imbalance and all, but idk, this worked, and I think it was because despite Andreas being the employer, he was literally no threat to a dude who'd killed, like, a lot of people. I will admit to some of the sex being not to my taste, but I do mean that in the most subjective way possible - It wasn't problematic, it just wasn't my thing.
The bit that stuck with me the most, though, might have just been a choice of the narrator, I couldn't tell - but having the Upper Class character speak with arguably Latino inflections and the lower-class character sound like Joe America was really a neat way of putting expectations on their heads, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
December 21, 2019
This story had good bones. Jabez is rescued from a miserable life that is spent fighting and surviving. Its all he has, all he knows. When Andreas watches one of his matches and is gifted a meeting with Jabez by one of his friends he knows that Jabez belongs with him and buys out his contract. The two quickly start developing feelings for one another and Jabez opens Andreas eyes to what the world is really like. Things do not go smoothly at all. Nothing is easy and when you have the kind of friends that Andreas has who needs enemies?
I liked both characters a lot. Andreas is a little rich and spoiled and a whole lot innocent. Once his eyes are opened to the realities of the world though he is very much a man of action. Jabez was a little harder to read but that is because of the life he has lived I think. I wish that there had been more world building in the story. Things were a bit confusing at times and the story was hard to stay interested in for long stretches. The sex was very hot though.
I liked both characters a lot. Andreas is a little rich and spoiled and a whole lot innocent. Once his eyes are opened to the realities of the world though he is very much a man of action. Jabez was a little harder to read but that is because of the life he has lived I think. I wish that there had been more world building in the story. Things were a bit confusing at times and the story was hard to stay interested in for long stretches. The sex was very hot though.
April 28, 2022
****I read the audiobook version
Long story short: This is a sci-fi MM erotic romance. The world-building in the story was good and unexpectedly interesting. However, the plot became more and more generic as the story went on, ultimately leading to a fluffy but predictable ending.
!!!SPOILERS!!!
Long story long (SPOILERS): The first third of this book was really compelling. I really enjoyed the action sequences and the discussion of what it might be like to re-integrate into society after being held captive. I also liked the development of their relationship and how it was built on mutual consent, as opposed to him being treated like a sex slave. However, the last third of this book felt really rushed and thrown together. There were many characters I wanted to learn more about like the "King" who just showed up for a moment and then were shuffled off again. The ending did not feel very satisfying. But it was a nice light read and if that is what you are in the mood for you could do worse than this!
Long story short: This is a sci-fi MM erotic romance. The world-building in the story was good and unexpectedly interesting. However, the plot became more and more generic as the story went on, ultimately leading to a fluffy but predictable ending.
!!!SPOILERS!!!
Long story long (SPOILERS): The first third of this book was really compelling. I really enjoyed the action sequences and the discussion of what it might be like to re-integrate into society after being held captive. I also liked the development of their relationship and how it was built on mutual consent, as opposed to him being treated like a sex slave. However, the last third of this book felt really rushed and thrown together. There were many characters I wanted to learn more about like the "King" who just showed up for a moment and then were shuffled off again. The ending did not feel very satisfying. But it was a nice light read and if that is what you are in the mood for you could do worse than this!
April 27, 2018
firstly, anyone who knows me knows that i base the stars on a 1-4 scale. 1 - this book shouldn't exist, 2 - hated it, 3 - good read, 4 - that was REALLY good, 5 - LOVED IT. I explain that so you don't look at the fact I rated it 3 and then think its bad. I actually did really enjoy this book but I'm VERY stingy with my 4s and 5s.
Ok, based on the description and comment on the book cover, I expected this book to be some kind of m/m cinderella story. NO!!!! It barely even fits as a rags to riches type. What it is, is two characters from extremely different worlds who are both filled with loneliness and pain that find themselves brought together. It is about two men learning who each other are and what they want for their futures. Mixed into it all is the intrigue and mystery created by lies and coverups. These two men have to figure out if they can accept each other and whether or not they'll survive long enough for the choice to matter.
Ok, based on the description and comment on the book cover, I expected this book to be some kind of m/m cinderella story. NO!!!! It barely even fits as a rags to riches type. What it is, is two characters from extremely different worlds who are both filled with loneliness and pain that find themselves brought together. It is about two men learning who each other are and what they want for their futures. Mixed into it all is the intrigue and mystery created by lies and coverups. These two men have to figure out if they can accept each other and whether or not they'll survive long enough for the choice to matter.
April 11, 2021
A prince of society, pampered and spoiled. A slave, fighting for his life. Their paths cross one night when Andreas and a friend are at the cage fights. Andreas wins a bet and his "prize" is an hour with the slave, Jabez. But one hour wasn't enough to fill Andreas' curiosity.
This book suffered from an identity crisis. It started as a love/smut story, morphed into a corporate crusade, took on a suspense/action novel, and then tried to merge all three into a finale. It could have worked in a longer book but as it stands, it was disjointed. The characters mirrored this aspect. Andreas was shallow and Jabez was understandably closed off but it led to a muddled relationship for way too long in the book. I did feel the ending salvaged much. By the ending, it was clear who the characters were, their bond, and their life made sense.
This book suffered from an identity crisis. It started as a love/smut story, morphed into a corporate crusade, took on a suspense/action novel, and then tried to merge all three into a finale. It could have worked in a longer book but as it stands, it was disjointed. The characters mirrored this aspect. Andreas was shallow and Jabez was understandably closed off but it led to a muddled relationship for way too long in the book. I did feel the ending salvaged much. By the ending, it was clear who the characters were, their bond, and their life made sense.
March 5, 2023
How Joseph and the raindow coat. Yet! It's sm-ut! I fell asleep somewhere in the first chapter. So nothing new added to the genre. Nothing wrong with that. I'll just start skipping the s3x to find the plot. That's when the book Falling to the floor awakens me from my slumber. Yet it's not that bad. I've just heard it before!
It's a gladiator meets future tech with current social issues. How the haves profit off the ill-informed choices of the have nots. The usual prison reform and the protection of low income communities from predatory behaviors of institutions. # IAWThoughts
It's a gladiator meets future tech with current social issues. How the haves profit off the ill-informed choices of the have nots. The usual prison reform and the protection of low income communities from predatory behaviors of institutions. # IAWThoughts
July 4, 2021
Audiobook review.
Torn between 3 and 4 stars. Ultimately went with 4 because this was pretty well done for what it was (cliche theme, heavy on the smut.) But the smut was pretty hot and there was some story to move things along.
There was a nice twist, but things resolved themselves too quickly.
The narrator took some getting used to. I enjoyed his accents.
Torn between 3 and 4 stars. Ultimately went with 4 because this was pretty well done for what it was (cliche theme, heavy on the smut.) But the smut was pretty hot and there was some story to move things along.
There was a nice twist, but things resolved themselves too quickly.
The narrator took some getting used to. I enjoyed his accents.
January 22, 2018
A fighter transforms into a bodyguard.
Romance happens. A problem occurs.
The sex is there and well done.
The audiobook is good. A little bit typical.
Nice to listen to while doing dishes.
😐.
Romance happens. A problem occurs.
The sex is there and well done.
The audiobook is good. A little bit typical.
Nice to listen to while doing dishes.
😐.
Read
June 7, 20192.5
January 8, 2021
just ok. also, the dog thing was weird.
Read
March 6, 2021DNF
September 23, 2022
mt ruim pqpkkkkk
January 29, 2023
Story overall as ok, but I *really* don't see where the Cinderella comes in. Didn't get that at all. The ending felt abrupt, like it was building to a sequel and then gave up
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