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Blue Ruin #1
Some Kind of Stranger
Derek Graves's desire for the perfect sexual "prisoner" has left him with a dark reputation and a string of jilted lovers. He needs a partner who wants the pleasure and the pain he can give. After his search lands him on the wrong end of the fantasy at the hands of ruthless predator, Derek returns to his accustomed hunting ground of Blue Ruin with one purpose in mind: revenge.
He gets it, but he also ends up rescuing the predator's next intended victim, a homeless blue-haired waif who is just Derek's type. He brings the incoherent young man home, needing to find out what he saw, and ensure he won't tell anyone. The scenario couldn't be more perfect to service Derek's dominant fantasies --
Shane "Blue" McGowan wakes up groggy, blindfolded, and chained to a stranger's bed. Upon finding himself in luxurious surroundings, the cunning Blue realizes two things: he has no desire to return to a life on the streets, and his handsome captor stirs strange and unfulfilled longings in him.
Manipulating the terms of his own "imprisonment," Blue swings a place to stay in exchange for his silence about a second stranger left beaten and unconscious behind Blue Ruin. To sweeten the deal, Blue agrees to become Derek's submissive. But as their relationship progresses, Derek finds himself wondering whether Blue is truly at Derek's mercy, or is Derek at his?
Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: BDSM (including bondage, Domination/submission, spanking), homoerotic sexual practices (male/male), masturbation, strong violence.
He gets it, but he also ends up rescuing the predator's next intended victim, a homeless blue-haired waif who is just Derek's type. He brings the incoherent young man home, needing to find out what he saw, and ensure he won't tell anyone. The scenario couldn't be more perfect to service Derek's dominant fantasies --
Shane "Blue" McGowan wakes up groggy, blindfolded, and chained to a stranger's bed. Upon finding himself in luxurious surroundings, the cunning Blue realizes two things: he has no desire to return to a life on the streets, and his handsome captor stirs strange and unfulfilled longings in him.
Manipulating the terms of his own "imprisonment," Blue swings a place to stay in exchange for his silence about a second stranger left beaten and unconscious behind Blue Ruin. To sweeten the deal, Blue agrees to become Derek's submissive. But as their relationship progresses, Derek finds himself wondering whether Blue is truly at Derek's mercy, or is Derek at his?
Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: BDSM (including bondage, Domination/submission, spanking), homoerotic sexual practices (male/male), masturbation, strong violence.
130 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2008
8 people are currently reading
819 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
July 30, 2015
Say what you will about me and my reads, but I got my learn on in this book.
The anus produces an excess of natural lube during orgasm.
Who knew?
I'm still dubious with regard to this being enough lube for the buttsex, but still. Any day I can get my learn on is a good day.
I'll still you what else I liked. The kink.
There is a laundry list of kinky shenanigans all right in my wheelhouse.
Cosseting.
Feeding.
Orgasm denial.
CBT.
Pain.
And the person inflicted all this kink on our sweet buttsex virgin of an MC is a Long-Haired Ginger Sadist named Derek.
Derek has a secret which keeps bringing him back to Blue Ruin to mete out his revenge. One night Blue falls prey to a sexual predator and Derek comes to his rescue. He also pummels the predator who's drugged Blue, but now what?
A little kidnapping never hurt anybody.
Turns out Blue was slightly more coherent than Derek believed him to be, so he can't very well just release him, right?
Right.
I don't mind telling you I was basically vibrating with the excite, but then it took an unexpected detour into Fluffsville.
The kinky bits were good throughout, but I wish it had been rougher before they went all lovey dovey.
Derek does pound that tight lil ass into oblivion. Regularly.
I ain't mad at it.
That coupled with the kink is enough to propel me to read the next in the series.
The storyline is thin. Read: it's mostly porn. Kinky porn. The character development isn't great either because it's mostly kinky porn with a wisp of a thriller storyline that gets resolved very quickly and tidily, I might add.
I'm somewhere between 3-4 Stars. I'll round up. Because kinky porn.
The anus produces an excess of natural lube during orgasm.
Who knew?
I'm still dubious with regard to this being enough lube for the buttsex, but still. Any day I can get my learn on is a good day.
I'll still you what else I liked. The kink.
There is a laundry list of kinky shenanigans all right in my wheelhouse.
Cosseting.
Feeding.
Orgasm denial.
CBT.
Pain.
And the person inflicted all this kink on our sweet buttsex virgin of an MC is a Long-Haired Ginger Sadist named Derek.
Derek has a secret which keeps bringing him back to Blue Ruin to mete out his revenge. One night Blue falls prey to a sexual predator and Derek comes to his rescue. He also pummels the predator who's drugged Blue, but now what?
A little kidnapping never hurt anybody.
Turns out Blue was slightly more coherent than Derek believed him to be, so he can't very well just release him, right?
Right.
I don't mind telling you I was basically vibrating with the excite, but then it took an unexpected detour into Fluffsville.
The kinky bits were good throughout, but I wish it had been rougher before they went all lovey dovey.
Derek does pound that tight lil ass into oblivion. Regularly.
I ain't mad at it.
That coupled with the kink is enough to propel me to read the next in the series.
The storyline is thin. Read: it's mostly porn. Kinky porn. The character development isn't great either because it's mostly kinky porn with a wisp of a thriller storyline that gets resolved very quickly and tidily, I might add.
I'm somewhere between 3-4 Stars. I'll round up. Because kinky porn.
November 26, 2013
A disappointment in every possible way, starting with that cover.
October 10, 2009
Loved.it.all!
The kink, Derek, Blue, Blue's hair, Derek beating down on bad bad man, and the tears, just to name a few. Which by the way reminded me of that song by Enrique Iglesias Love to see you cry: "I don't know why why but I love to see you cry".
I know this is going to sound corny but Derek and Blue completed each other. Derek was the perfect Master for Blue. Teaching untrained Blue the ins and outs of pain/pleasure was fulfilling for Derek. You also got to see how Derek was always there for Blue even outside the bedroom, helping Blue to deal with past traumatic events in his life. I loved that he understood Blue, so much so he knew his likes down to the clothes he dressed him in. Derek also played a great knight in shining armor.
Blue's submissive tendencies were the perfect match to fulfill Derek's cravings. Although Blue was a dichotomy of traits, submissive yet defiant, obedient yet sneakily manipulative, it played really well in his interaction with Derek. It was Blue's implicit trust in Derek that made the story work for me, especially during some of the serious, emotionally challenging scenes. Blue also proved to be influential in Derek's life encouraging him to be a healthier man.
There were small detail that I really enjoyed in the book like the inside joke they shared about the c**k ring that was the perfect sized bracelet for Blue's small wrist, too cute.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed.
The kink, Derek, Blue, Blue's hair, Derek beating down on bad bad man, and the tears, just to name a few. Which by the way reminded me of that song by Enrique Iglesias Love to see you cry: "I don't know why why but I love to see you cry".
I know this is going to sound corny but Derek and Blue completed each other. Derek was the perfect Master for Blue. Teaching untrained Blue the ins and outs of pain/pleasure was fulfilling for Derek. You also got to see how Derek was always there for Blue even outside the bedroom, helping Blue to deal with past traumatic events in his life. I loved that he understood Blue, so much so he knew his likes down to the clothes he dressed him in. Derek also played a great knight in shining armor.
Blue's submissive tendencies were the perfect match to fulfill Derek's cravings. Although Blue was a dichotomy of traits, submissive yet defiant, obedient yet sneakily manipulative, it played really well in his interaction with Derek. It was Blue's implicit trust in Derek that made the story work for me, especially during some of the serious, emotionally challenging scenes. Blue also proved to be influential in Derek's life encouraging him to be a healthier man.
There were small detail that I really enjoyed in the book like the inside joke they shared about the c**k ring that was the perfect sized bracelet for Blue's small wrist, too cute.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed.
July 9, 2013
Lovely, lovely hurt/comfort/ kink. Not torture porn, not formulaic bdsm (come into my dungeon while I interview you to ascertain your hard limits so that we can commence our power exchange at 2000 hrs.....gah!). Blue is a bratty but vulnerable sub, Derek a commanding Dom with a tender side and his own frailties to conceal. The relationship these two develop is complex, sweet and incredibly sexy. I really look forward to reading more in the world of Blue Ruin. Ahem, I might just add that, while reading, you might need to put your fingers in your ears and go "la, la, not listening" while squeezing your eyes closed cos, safe sex, what is that?
March 16, 2011
This was a very entertaining book.
Derek, the dominant, and Blue, the submissive are well matched, they complete each other and they share an episode of abuse. This is what brings them together, because Derek comes to Blue's rescue when he's attacked by the same man who drugged and raped Derek some time before.
The relationship begins on a purely sexual level and predictably develops into a love story, where Derek is especially reluctant to show his true feelings. Blue has run away from his homophobic father, but I think Derek's past is not really shown, there are just little hints at it, but I think he is afraid of being abandoned.
The BDSM scenes are very hot. At the beginning the plot is sex sex sex, but at the end of the book the bad guy reappears as well as Blue's father. I think at the end of the story there are still many things to be told.
Derek, the dominant, and Blue, the submissive are well matched, they complete each other and they share an episode of abuse. This is what brings them together, because Derek comes to Blue's rescue when he's attacked by the same man who drugged and raped Derek some time before.
The relationship begins on a purely sexual level and predictably develops into a love story, where Derek is especially reluctant to show his true feelings. Blue has run away from his homophobic father, but I think Derek's past is not really shown, there are just little hints at it, but I think he is afraid of being abandoned.
The BDSM scenes are very hot. At the beginning the plot is sex sex sex, but at the end of the book the bad guy reappears as well as Blue's father. I think at the end of the story there are still many things to be told.
January 6, 2016
**2015 Reading Challenge W/Josh: #46 A Book Written By An Author With Your Same Initials**
I'm a little disappointed. I really expected to like this one. Idk why it didn't work for me but I just felt a little meh through the whole thing. Not sure if I plan on continuing the series yet. I'll have to think on it.
I'm a little disappointed. I really expected to like this one. Idk why it didn't work for me but I just felt a little meh through the whole thing. Not sure if I plan on continuing the series yet. I'll have to think on it.
December 17, 2011
^^SOMETIMES A STRANGER IS A POTENTIAL LOVER!^^
More of my reviews and ramblings at
I gotta say I love that cover so incredibly pretty and eye catching. Kudos to it being an original cover. I really enjoyed reading this story, the BDSM part of it is light, but spanktacular. It has pretty men and it’s so very yaoi. I was freaking sold on that alone, because yaoi is my everything.
So Derek is out to catch a predator after being drugged and violated, he’s got revenge on the brain. So waiting in the back room of a club/bar, he is waiting for the perve to strike. While being mysterious and investigative in the bar, Derek spots a hotty all pretty boy splendour looking like just his type. Well, Derek is about to catch the man who assaulted him and rescue the boy that caught his eye, and thus begins his Blue Ruin.
Everyone calls him Blue because he has the hair, and he’s just the street kid trying to make it. Until he’s drugged and almost raped and the beautiful man with the auburn hair and exotic eyes comes to his rescue. Blue never expected to end up in a D/s relationship but he’s finding that it works for him. Plus it’s not so bad with someone as beautiful as Derek is.
I really enjoyed reading this book; my opinion might be rather biased because this book has the pretty. I do love my men pretty, and Blue is the epitome of all that. The writing is classic yaoi, which also equals good for me. It’s also very entertaining and moves quite well, it has a small mystery to add a little drama to the story. Though all that doesn’t outshine the awesmazingness that is Derek and Blue.
The BDSM aspect of it all is really light and fun, whether it’s your cuppa or not, there is nothing here to be worried about. Some spanking, light bondage and all that, all very sexy stuff. I really enjoyed this one and am really excited to read the rest in this series. Yep, Blue has ruined me too.
SideNote- My fave scene is when Derek dresses Blue, gawds I loved it so much.
More of my reviews and ramblings at
I gotta say I love that cover so incredibly pretty and eye catching. Kudos to it being an original cover. I really enjoyed reading this story, the BDSM part of it is light, but spanktacular. It has pretty men and it’s so very yaoi. I was freaking sold on that alone, because yaoi is my everything.
So Derek is out to catch a predator after being drugged and violated, he’s got revenge on the brain. So waiting in the back room of a club/bar, he is waiting for the perve to strike. While being mysterious and investigative in the bar, Derek spots a hotty all pretty boy splendour looking like just his type. Well, Derek is about to catch the man who assaulted him and rescue the boy that caught his eye, and thus begins his Blue Ruin.
Everyone calls him Blue because he has the hair, and he’s just the street kid trying to make it. Until he’s drugged and almost raped and the beautiful man with the auburn hair and exotic eyes comes to his rescue. Blue never expected to end up in a D/s relationship but he’s finding that it works for him. Plus it’s not so bad with someone as beautiful as Derek is.
I really enjoyed reading this book; my opinion might be rather biased because this book has the pretty. I do love my men pretty, and Blue is the epitome of all that. The writing is classic yaoi, which also equals good for me. It’s also very entertaining and moves quite well, it has a small mystery to add a little drama to the story. Though all that doesn’t outshine the awesmazingness that is Derek and Blue.
The BDSM aspect of it all is really light and fun, whether it’s your cuppa or not, there is nothing here to be worried about. Some spanking, light bondage and all that, all very sexy stuff. I really enjoyed this one and am really excited to read the rest in this series. Yep, Blue has ruined me too.
SideNote- My fave scene is when Derek dresses Blue, gawds I loved it so much.
April 1, 2011
I downloaded this story after reading Katrina Strauss' "Sleight of Hand." I hesitated to buy it because I wasn't impressed with the cover. But having read the reviews, I decided to take a chance that it was not the typical yaoi writing (PWOP - porn without plot) and I was SO pleased!
Ms. Strauss' characters are solidly three-dimensional. My favorite characterization was Blue, the young son of the local D.A. who is trying to figure out where he fits into society and deal with the pain of his past (suffice it to say, being gay hasn't exactly been a walk in the park for Blue). He was so wonderfully edgy and sweet, all wrapped up into one package, I wanted to take him home with me! And Derek, the "dom," is incredibly dark and sexy. He is also kind-hearted (I loved the contrast between the BDSM here). The relationship between these two men is sweet and sexy, and although it a relationship between the typical yaoi "older, stronger man" and the "younger, boyish, inexperienced man," it had the necessary depth to hold my attention. By the end of the story, I had fallen in love with both men (and purchased the rest of the "Blue Ruin" books!).
A wonderful, romantic, sexy read!
Ms. Strauss' characters are solidly three-dimensional. My favorite characterization was Blue, the young son of the local D.A. who is trying to figure out where he fits into society and deal with the pain of his past (suffice it to say, being gay hasn't exactly been a walk in the park for Blue). He was so wonderfully edgy and sweet, all wrapped up into one package, I wanted to take him home with me! And Derek, the "dom," is incredibly dark and sexy. He is also kind-hearted (I loved the contrast between the BDSM here). The relationship between these two men is sweet and sexy, and although it a relationship between the typical yaoi "older, stronger man" and the "younger, boyish, inexperienced man," it had the necessary depth to hold my attention. By the end of the story, I had fallen in love with both men (and purchased the rest of the "Blue Ruin" books!).
A wonderful, romantic, sexy read!
July 27, 2011
Now I understand why some of my friends are gushing about Ms. Strauss. I enjoyed this book greatly. I liked Derek and his Dom ways. I think I'm still going to classify it as Sugarkink because Derek really was so sweet to me. He played gruff Dom with Blue, but really, he was so gentle. The captive and pet play was hot and quite arousing.
Blue is a bratty sub. He's also pretty funny. I like his sassy attitude. I did feel badly for his lack of acceptance in his family. I'm glad Derek helped him work through some of his bad past experiences.
I think the word I'd use for this book is cute. It was all around sweet, despite the evil villain. I recommend this book to people who like Sugarkink with m/m romance. This is definitely an erotic romance in my book.
Blue is a bratty sub. He's also pretty funny. I like his sassy attitude. I did feel badly for his lack of acceptance in his family. I'm glad Derek helped him work through some of his bad past experiences.
I think the word I'd use for this book is cute. It was all around sweet, despite the evil villain. I recommend this book to people who like Sugarkink with m/m romance. This is definitely an erotic romance in my book.
February 13, 2010
3.5 stars
It's a sweet story ... I do enjoy the relationship of Derek and Blue. Blue is not really a all-the-way submissive type, I like that he can still be mischief around Derek. But I feel that background of both haven't fully explored. I know this is a novella, but I just don't get my heart all squeezed :). I'm not sure that I want to follow the sequel though. Not a fan of the idea of sharing, and I saw three people on a cover. So yeah, I satisfy myself with this one.
It's a sweet story ... I do enjoy the relationship of Derek and Blue. Blue is not really a all-the-way submissive type, I like that he can still be mischief around Derek. But I feel that background of both haven't fully explored. I know this is a novella, but I just don't get my heart all squeezed :). I'm not sure that I want to follow the sequel though. Not a fan of the idea of sharing, and I saw three people on a cover. So yeah, I satisfy myself with this one.
November 28, 2010
Blue Ruin 1: Some Kind of Stranger is the first book in Katrina Strauss� popular Blue Ruin yaoi series. In this series, Ms. Strauss takes the fundamental elements and archetypes that are featured in the Asian illustrated novel (manga) and presents them in Western-style yaoi prose, all the while maintaining the aesthetics of the yaoi tradition. In the introductory book to the series we meet the two beautiful "bishie" (effeminate-looking male) protagonists ~ Derek who takes on the role of the “seme� (dominant) and Blue the “uke� (submissive). In true yaoi style, their relationship is depicted in the context of a dramatic plot with plenty of angst, the resolution of which is highly climatic but with a happy ending.
As the seme, Derek is looking for a uke that can fulfill his sexual fantasies and desires. He needs a partner that craves both pain and pleasure and that can willingly submit to him. While frequenting his usual haunt Blue Ruin for the purpose of exacting revenge on a predator that had previously hurt him, Derek finds Blue.
Blue is a pretty, eighteen-year old blue-haired waif that has dropped out of school, is homeless, and is trying to support himself by busing tables at Blue Ruin. When Blue becomes the predator’s next victim, Derek steps in to rescue him leaving the predator for dead.
Blue wakes up from his drug-induced ordeal blindfolded and chained to Derek’s bed. Derek offers Blue sanctuary in return for Blue’s silence about the stranger left beaten and unconscious behind Blue Ruin. Blue has no desire to return to the danger of the streets, but more importantly, Derek arouses strange and unfulfilled yearnings in him. Blue agrees to become Derek’s submissive.
Blue Ruin 1: Some Kind of Stranger was my introduction to not only the writing of author Katrina Strauss but also to yaoi, and it opened up a completely new world for me within the realm of m/m. Strauss� richly crafted prose, excellent characterization and stunning descriptions offer the reader a sensual feast and make this story a riveting page turner. In addition, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the book cover art by P.L. Nunn that is absolutely beautiful and contributes to the overall sensual experience of Blue Ruin 1. While there is much drama in Some Kind of Stranger, with dark and violent undertones owing to the nature of the predator who remains at large, the focus of Blue Ruin 1 is very much on the burgeoning relationship between Derek and Blue.
Blue is impishly clever and while as the submissive in their relationship he wears the chains it doesn't prevent him from pulling Derek's figurative chains every now and then. He rightfully owns the pet name that he inherits that of “bratty uke� and takes the definition of “topping from the bottom� to an entirely new level.“Through hooded gaze, Blue watched the man braced above him. Biceps taut, chest flexed tight, Derek’s torso glistened with a fine sheen of sweat. As he slammed his pelvis against Blue’s ass, his hair fell into his face and flowed with his movements. His green eyes went dark, his porcelain features mantled with the heat of sex. Blue marveled that he could reduce this suave, sophisticated man to such a primal, barbaric state. He realized, in that moment, he held as much power over his master as the master held over him.�
Derek is a much more dark character by comparison and is very controlled and somewhat regimented, both with respect to his emotions and his surroundings. While Derek is the quintessential seme, he has absolutely no illusions in respect of the feistiness of his submissive.�'I’m going to run you a bath now,� he said sternly, stepping back at arm’s length. “You’re filthy.�
’Oh?� Blue asked. ‘And whose fault is that?� He cocked one brow, and with it, the awe lifted, just a little, and Derek saw the usual sense of cunning and mirth.
Yes, he wanted that too, that indomitable spirit simmering beneath Blue’s submissive veneer. Because as much as he enjoyed bending Blue to his will, he never wanted to lose the satisfaction of knowing he’d caged a feisty tiger cub.�
The strengths of this story are in Strauss� exceptionally written characters and by extension her exploration of Derek and Blue’s relationship, which is complex and multi-layered. While the author assigns certain physical and personality traits to Derek as the seme and Blue as the uke that are commonplace in yaoi, they are not manga paper cut-outs.
Strauss explores the many facets of their relationship starting with its BDSM aspect which is darkly erotic and psychologically seductive. And although BDSM dominates their sexual relationship, it does not necessarily define their relationship in its entirety. While Blue is younger than Derek by some ten years and much more inexperienced, his submission to Derek is not complete.
There is some metal and independence in this character that comes through loud and clear. And as much as it is Derek’s proclivity to control and master his uke, this masks a certain vulnerability which we glimpse in him. Blue’s sense of self and Derek’s understanding that he cannot completely bind Blue foreshadow some of the possible twists and turns that their relationship will likely take as it grows and matures in books to come.
Blue Ruin 1: Some Kind of Stranger by Katrina Strauss is a wonderful reading experience that I recommend to all. In particular, for those curious about yaoi but otherwise uninitiated, Blue Ruin 1 is an excellent place to start.
NOTE: This review was originally published online by Rainbow Reviews on December 6, 2009.
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April 14, 2009This is maybe the best western yaoi style novel I have read till now. Even if there are a lot of M/M romance classified as yaoi, I really have the feeling to read a yaoi style novel in the past with the works by K.B. Forrest and Jet Mykles (even if the characters of Jet Mykles are a little too old to be exactly on the role). How are our "classical" yaoi characters? Well one is young, possibly in his late teens, and one is slightly older and possibly a business man or someone with a good position. One is lithe and cute, the other is handsome and strong. One is smart and pouty, the other his severe but not cruel, au contraire sometime has a weak point that make him even more charming.
So here are our perfect yaoi characters: Blue is a eighteen years old guy, a bun, his father has kicked him out of home when he has discovered that his son prefers men to women. He is pretty and lithe, with blue dyed hair and blue eyes. Derek is a thirty years old software programmer, who works for himself. He lives in a fashion loft in a bohemian district and he has two new-flower parents who have no problem with him being gay. And Derek's weak point is his love for the pleasure/pain games, but till now he hasn't found a partner to really share his love. A one stand night can't be the right one, cause in that relationship you haven't had the change to really now your partner and what are his boundaries.
Blue works in the club where Derek is searching the man who has abused of him some weeks before. What has happened to him is exactly what he doesn't want to have with a partner: someone who inflicts pain during non consensual sex. So when Derek sees the same man trying to go out with Blue, he reacts and beats nearly to death the man and takes Blue home with him. He has the idea to release Blue the next day, after being sure the boy hasn't seen nothing of important. But Blue has not intention to leave the cocoon he has found in Derek's home and arms. When he awakes in a warn and cozy bed (even if handcuffed and blindfolded) he has every intention to make this a permanent situation... speaking of topping from the bottom...
And so starts this relationship with Derek who finally can test his passion with a willing partner and Blue who learns as to relive in the BDSM setting, forgetting all the past bad experience. In the end I have found that Blue is the strongest character: he learns Derek and his taste, and how to use them to tighten the bounds. And learn is the right word, given that Blue is a virgin (at least in one way...). Sometime I have the feeling that Derek doesn't fully understand how Blue is using him, even if in a good way.
The sex is very hot, but not too kinky. The book has plenty of BDSM situations but it doesn't indulge in the more angst aspect of them, making the reading enjoyable and within reach also of whom is not too fond of this genre.
P.S. Wonderful cover of P.L. Nunn, who has created the right mood of the story.
So here are our perfect yaoi characters: Blue is a eighteen years old guy, a bun, his father has kicked him out of home when he has discovered that his son prefers men to women. He is pretty and lithe, with blue dyed hair and blue eyes. Derek is a thirty years old software programmer, who works for himself. He lives in a fashion loft in a bohemian district and he has two new-flower parents who have no problem with him being gay. And Derek's weak point is his love for the pleasure/pain games, but till now he hasn't found a partner to really share his love. A one stand night can't be the right one, cause in that relationship you haven't had the change to really now your partner and what are his boundaries.
Blue works in the club where Derek is searching the man who has abused of him some weeks before. What has happened to him is exactly what he doesn't want to have with a partner: someone who inflicts pain during non consensual sex. So when Derek sees the same man trying to go out with Blue, he reacts and beats nearly to death the man and takes Blue home with him. He has the idea to release Blue the next day, after being sure the boy hasn't seen nothing of important. But Blue has not intention to leave the cocoon he has found in Derek's home and arms. When he awakes in a warn and cozy bed (even if handcuffed and blindfolded) he has every intention to make this a permanent situation... speaking of topping from the bottom...
And so starts this relationship with Derek who finally can test his passion with a willing partner and Blue who learns as to relive in the BDSM setting, forgetting all the past bad experience. In the end I have found that Blue is the strongest character: he learns Derek and his taste, and how to use them to tighten the bounds. And learn is the right word, given that Blue is a virgin (at least in one way...). Sometime I have the feeling that Derek doesn't fully understand how Blue is using him, even if in a good way.
The sex is very hot, but not too kinky. The book has plenty of BDSM situations but it doesn't indulge in the more angst aspect of them, making the reading enjoyable and within reach also of whom is not too fond of this genre.
P.S. Wonderful cover of P.L. Nunn, who has created the right mood of the story.
November 29, 2011
The first book in the Blue Ruin series, this story is an exceptional example of what a talented author Ms. Strauss is. The characters are interesting to start with, but their gradual development really hooks the reader. Derek starts out looking like a man with a very dark, dominant side who may not be very likable. Blue feels like a naive young man, making me worry that what the plot may want to pass off as romance is really abuse by Derek . Yet as the story develops, we find that Derek is truly a caring, knowledgeable Dom and his angst is caused by negative experiences he has internalized without healing, it's not his inherent personality. Blue is really a young man in dire circumstances but he is also a very bright guy, who recognizes a good thing when he sees it and doesn't hesitate to make the best of it. Oh, he's a brat alright!
The BDSM aspect is excellently handled, I thoroughly enjoyed watching Derek train Blue to be his perfect submissive. Something Blue was ready and more than suited for, as we watch him discover and learn all the wonderful things Derek can make him feel. Feelings start to develop between them and, just as I thought things were getting too sweet for my taste, the bad guy shows up and I was treated to some very good action scenes. Wow!
The characters are engaging and three dimensional, the plot is compact and well-developed, the sex scenes are sizzling hot. Overall, a very good book. I'll certainly be buying and reading the rest of the series.
The BDSM aspect is excellently handled, I thoroughly enjoyed watching Derek train Blue to be his perfect submissive. Something Blue was ready and more than suited for, as we watch him discover and learn all the wonderful things Derek can make him feel. Feelings start to develop between them and, just as I thought things were getting too sweet for my taste, the bad guy shows up and I was treated to some very good action scenes. Wow!
The characters are engaging and three dimensional, the plot is compact and well-developed, the sex scenes are sizzling hot. Overall, a very good book. I'll certainly be buying and reading the rest of the series.
October 24, 2010
Many times, when I'm a little hesitant about starting a new series, I'll just buy the first book and test the water - see if I enjoy it enough to move on. I will definitely be buying and reading the rest of this wonderful series!
I love m/m BDSM books and this one did not disappoint. I was initially worried that Derek might be a bit more sadistic than my taste usually runs, but that was not the case and I really enjoyed all of the hot scenes in this book. Derek's actually a bit of a softy at times. Blue is a very interesting character. He's submissive, yes, but he's also a bit bratty and does some topping from the bottom (manipulates through tears, etc.).
There was a nasty bad guy that made for some angst and good action segments in the story. The length of the book was solid and the ending was satisfying, but I appreciate the fact that there's a continuation to the story in additional books.
Don't hesitate to check out the Blue Ruin series - you won't be disappointed!
I love m/m BDSM books and this one did not disappoint. I was initially worried that Derek might be a bit more sadistic than my taste usually runs, but that was not the case and I really enjoyed all of the hot scenes in this book. Derek's actually a bit of a softy at times. Blue is a very interesting character. He's submissive, yes, but he's also a bit bratty and does some topping from the bottom (manipulates through tears, etc.).
There was a nasty bad guy that made for some angst and good action segments in the story. The length of the book was solid and the ending was satisfying, but I appreciate the fact that there's a continuation to the story in additional books.
Don't hesitate to check out the Blue Ruin series - you won't be disappointed!
November 24, 2015
This book left me cold. I didn't find it particularly erotic. At least not nearly as erotic as it's cover art lead me to believe. This book is more like a long short story, or novella, that can be read in one evening (if you're not too sleepy). If Blue Ruin 1 and Blue Ruin 2 were combined into one book, it might then be called a novel and possibly have some substance to it. Anyway, the characters were 2 dimensional at best, and engaged in the usual BDSM that you would expect to find in a book like this, but without nearly as much impact or inventiveness as many of them. It read like pablum not a substantial meal, which was what I was hungry for. Can that be because I read it hot on the heels of finishing Jeff Erno's Puppy Love series, which was wonderfully written down to the last detail and hot as hell? Maybe. In view of that, I gave it 2 stars instead of 1.
October 9, 2009
Well, the most telling thing I can say about this book is that the moment I finished it, I started book two in the Blue Ruin series.
This is clearly more erotica than romance, although the dom, Derek, and the sub, Blue, show every sign of being in this relationship for the long term. It's also erotica in the sense that the sex play dominates (pun intended) the plot. There was a decent plotline, although it disappeared for most of the middle of the book and isn't brought up again till the end.
So, if you're in the mood for character centric BDSM, this will probably appeal. And, unlike some of my recent reads, it reads like professional writing, not cleaned up fanfic.
Recommended.
This is clearly more erotica than romance, although the dom, Derek, and the sub, Blue, show every sign of being in this relationship for the long term. It's also erotica in the sense that the sex play dominates (pun intended) the plot. There was a decent plotline, although it disappeared for most of the middle of the book and isn't brought up again till the end.
So, if you're in the mood for character centric BDSM, this will probably appeal. And, unlike some of my recent reads, it reads like professional writing, not cleaned up fanfic.
Recommended.
November 5, 2016
Derek back at a club to take revenge on a man who drugged him and abused him, he meets Blue a busboy. Later on in the evening he sees Blue having a drink with the man who abused him and eventually follows him outside where a drugged Blue is being forced into a car.
Derek beats the man up and ends up taking Blue home.
What follows is I guess some insta-love. Both men learn they like some pain and Blue is the submissive to Derek's Dominant.
This was a very easy to read book dealing with mild BDSM.
I might continue on reading the series but I am happy where the 2 men are now.
Derek beats the man up and ends up taking Blue home.
What follows is I guess some insta-love. Both men learn they like some pain and Blue is the submissive to Derek's Dominant.
This was a very easy to read book dealing with mild BDSM.
I might continue on reading the series but I am happy where the 2 men are now.
March 5, 2013
I had high expectations of this book, and was hoping for a new must-read series.
It wasn't for me in the end. I tried, persevered up to about 30%, but I found the couple didn't gel for me and so wasn't invested in reading to the end.
Just shows even well reviewed books aren't for everyone.
But still... that cover. I love P.L. Nunn. *stares*
It wasn't for me in the end. I tried, persevered up to about 30%, but I found the couple didn't gel for me and so wasn't invested in reading to the end.
Just shows even well reviewed books aren't for everyone.
But still... that cover. I love P.L. Nunn. *stares*
December 21, 2012
This wasn't too big on plot or anything, but I absolutely adored the build in their relationship, the characters themselves and just how sexy this book was on a whole.
It was such a wonderful, angst-free read. It's the kind of book you always want to reread just to bask in the warm glow of it.
It was such a wonderful, angst-free read. It's the kind of book you always want to reread just to bask in the warm glow of it.
January 30, 2014
Its a nice sweet story filled with loads of kinks but in some scenes,specially before a chapter ended I felt it was rushed a bit or was incomplete other wise Dereck and Blue was a very uncomplicated couple and u will really like them.
November 23, 2013
Review available at: .
Thank you for giving me a copy of the book.
Thank you for giving me a copy of the book.
August 5, 2016
Diverting, sweet and sexy read.
Favorite quote:
Because as much as he enjoyed bending Blue to his will, he never wanted to lose the satisfaction of knowing he’d caged a feisty tiger cub.
Favorite quote:
Because as much as he enjoyed bending Blue to his will, he never wanted to lose the satisfaction of knowing he’d caged a feisty tiger cub.
November 19, 2012
The few BDSM books and stories I've tried in the past tended to go in directions I really didn't like, and they didn't manage to overcome my difficulty understanding the appeal of BDSM. When some of them tried to explain the appeal and how things worked in a more realistic way, the results tended to feel a bit clinical and not terribly sexy. Plus, there was still the issue of things going in directions I couldn't stand.
Katrina Strauss has managed to make it onto my short list of authors who I feel I can trust to write about things that are potential red flags for me, in such a way that I know I'm not going to find myself wishing for brain bleach. Some Kind of Stranger is heavy on sex scenes, and, while BDSM is still not really my thing, I thought the sex scenes still came across as sexy.
What really made this book work for me is that it isn't just about the sex. The storyline involving Derek's former captor/rapist added a bit of suspense at the end, but the suspense was less of a draw than the way this storyline developed Derek's character. In the other BDSM books and stories I've read, I never felt quite sure that the dominants wouldn't end up going too far. I was also bothered by the feeling that, if they did end up going too far, they might not feel a lot of remorse and would probably even end up liking it. I didn't feel like they had actual relationships with their submissives. Derek's experience of being drugged and forced to be a submissive gave him an intense desire never to go too far. As dark as his desires might be, he honestly didn't want to be like the man who had hurt him.
With this being an e-book, it's a little tough to tell, but I'm fairly certain that at least half the book, probably more, is sex scenes. These scenes underscored the amount of trust that Blue could and did learn to have in Derek, and they made it clear that there were lines that Derek would not cross - Blue enjoyed what Derek did to him, and I never got the impression that Derek was trying to demean him or break him. That, in and of itself, made this book better than a lot of the other books and stories I've read the featured BDSM.
What made this book an actual romance (an erotic romance, but still a romance), was that Derek and Blue didn't just have sex, they had an actual relationship - a surprisingly sweet and cute relationship. Blue gradually tells Derek about his past - about the boys who beat him and verbally and emotionally abused him because he was different and, eventually, because it got out that he was gay, about his first incredibly confusing crush on one of the boys who used to torment him, and about his father's disapproval of his sexual orientation. I absolutely loved the scenes where Derek and Blue clashed over their personal styles: Derek has a love for nice clothes and fruity shampoos and conditioners that Blue, whose style is more punk, doesn't really understand. Actually, although BDSM fans might not agree with me, I wouldn't have minded it if the book had had fewer sex scenes and more scenes of Derek and Blue just being together. They made a great couple and had me grinning more than once.
I also liked Derek and Blue as individuals. If I were to try to categorize Derek according to TV tropes terminology, he could be considered a Bastard Boyfriend, although, from Blue's perspective, he's not really a bastard. His goal is to make sure that Blue enjoys what he's doing as much as he does. He's protective of Blue and pampers him - it'll be interesting to see where Strauss takes this in future books, now that Blue no longer has to stay hidden for his and Derek's safety. Derek might turn out to be a tad too restrictive, but, happily, Blue is only submissive up to a certain point. What I really liked about Blue was that he had a spine. He recognized that, although he was the submissive in this relationship, he also had a certain amount of power over Derek, and he enjoyed exercising that power on occasion.
Places I'm glad Strauss didn't go: Strauss never wrote in detail about what Derek did with his former lovers. Since, from the sounds of things, they didn't like their time with Derek to the degree that Blue did, I don't think sex scenes featuring them would have been enjoyable. Strauss never wrote in detail about Derek's experiences with his rapist, and the scene where Blue gets captured is brief and most definitely not written in a way that is intended to titillate.
Overall, I enjoyed this much more than I was expecting to. There are three other books in the series, and I plan on at least reading the next one. Strauss may write about a darker side of sex than I'm usually okay with, but she balances that out by making sure that it's clear the characters have an actual emotional connection. I'm a bit iffy about some of the things that, according to the descriptions, will be coming up in the later books, but I'm willing to trust that Strauss will continue to handle things in ways that won't put me too far outside my comfort zone.
(Original review, with read-alikes and watch-alikes, posted on .)
Katrina Strauss has managed to make it onto my short list of authors who I feel I can trust to write about things that are potential red flags for me, in such a way that I know I'm not going to find myself wishing for brain bleach. Some Kind of Stranger is heavy on sex scenes, and, while BDSM is still not really my thing, I thought the sex scenes still came across as sexy.
What really made this book work for me is that it isn't just about the sex. The storyline involving Derek's former captor/rapist added a bit of suspense at the end, but the suspense was less of a draw than the way this storyline developed Derek's character. In the other BDSM books and stories I've read, I never felt quite sure that the dominants wouldn't end up going too far. I was also bothered by the feeling that, if they did end up going too far, they might not feel a lot of remorse and would probably even end up liking it. I didn't feel like they had actual relationships with their submissives. Derek's experience of being drugged and forced to be a submissive gave him an intense desire never to go too far. As dark as his desires might be, he honestly didn't want to be like the man who had hurt him.
With this being an e-book, it's a little tough to tell, but I'm fairly certain that at least half the book, probably more, is sex scenes. These scenes underscored the amount of trust that Blue could and did learn to have in Derek, and they made it clear that there were lines that Derek would not cross - Blue enjoyed what Derek did to him, and I never got the impression that Derek was trying to demean him or break him. That, in and of itself, made this book better than a lot of the other books and stories I've read the featured BDSM.
What made this book an actual romance (an erotic romance, but still a romance), was that Derek and Blue didn't just have sex, they had an actual relationship - a surprisingly sweet and cute relationship. Blue gradually tells Derek about his past - about the boys who beat him and verbally and emotionally abused him because he was different and, eventually, because it got out that he was gay, about his first incredibly confusing crush on one of the boys who used to torment him, and about his father's disapproval of his sexual orientation. I absolutely loved the scenes where Derek and Blue clashed over their personal styles: Derek has a love for nice clothes and fruity shampoos and conditioners that Blue, whose style is more punk, doesn't really understand. Actually, although BDSM fans might not agree with me, I wouldn't have minded it if the book had had fewer sex scenes and more scenes of Derek and Blue just being together. They made a great couple and had me grinning more than once.
I also liked Derek and Blue as individuals. If I were to try to categorize Derek according to TV tropes terminology, he could be considered a Bastard Boyfriend, although, from Blue's perspective, he's not really a bastard. His goal is to make sure that Blue enjoys what he's doing as much as he does. He's protective of Blue and pampers him - it'll be interesting to see where Strauss takes this in future books, now that Blue no longer has to stay hidden for his and Derek's safety. Derek might turn out to be a tad too restrictive, but, happily, Blue is only submissive up to a certain point. What I really liked about Blue was that he had a spine. He recognized that, although he was the submissive in this relationship, he also had a certain amount of power over Derek, and he enjoyed exercising that power on occasion.
Places I'm glad Strauss didn't go: Strauss never wrote in detail about what Derek did with his former lovers. Since, from the sounds of things, they didn't like their time with Derek to the degree that Blue did, I don't think sex scenes featuring them would have been enjoyable. Strauss never wrote in detail about Derek's experiences with his rapist, and the scene where Blue gets captured is brief and most definitely not written in a way that is intended to titillate.
Overall, I enjoyed this much more than I was expecting to. There are three other books in the series, and I plan on at least reading the next one. Strauss may write about a darker side of sex than I'm usually okay with, but she balances that out by making sure that it's clear the characters have an actual emotional connection. I'm a bit iffy about some of the things that, according to the descriptions, will be coming up in the later books, but I'm willing to trust that Strauss will continue to handle things in ways that won't put me too far outside my comfort zone.
(Original review, with read-alikes and watch-alikes, posted on .)
September 22, 2024
Rating After First Read: 3 Stars
Rating After Second Read: 1 Stars
August 13; 2024
This was a bad idea. This was another book that I thought was probably better than what I rated it initially but unfortunately, that was not the case.
This book has serious issues. Blue aka Shane McGowan is an 18-year-old homeless kid who is saved from possible sexual assault by Derek Graves, who was a previous victim of the same assailant.
What follows is Blue trying to manipulate Derek so that he can finally put an end to his life in the streets. But, the power dynamic in this book is so inherently in Derek's favour that even making it Blue's idea doesn't help the situation. This book treads the line between dub-con and non-con very precariously. In multiple situations, the consent doesn't seem as exhaustive as it ought to be, in others where it appears that consent was explicitly taken the book prefers to skip the actual negotiation and still, in others, there is a complete lack of consent whatsoever.
Derek is hardcore into BDSM and Blue has absolutely no idea what he is agreeing to. There are multiple moments in the book where it seems that Blue hasn't really consented to something that happens in the scene and moreover it seems that that lack of negotiation over consent and scenes comes from a place of ignorance. Blue has no idea about BDSM, Derek is literally the person introducing him to it and Derek already holds too much power over Blue. It is absolutely insane.
The whole nebulous consent issue made this book a nightmare to enjoy. Clearly, on my first read, I didn't pick up on these issues but in this read, I just couldn't overlook the issue and enjoy the kink. I feel like if there was some conversation around consent, safe words, some negotiation of kinks or plays even if it was just like we can try it and then see if you like it and then go from there would have made a ton of difference for me even though it wouldn't have fixed how inherently flawed the power dynamic is in this relationship.
The book is decidedly kinky in ways I like but the fact that it is clear that Blue is way too inexperienced for these types of scenes made it impossible to enjoy. Not only does Derek have all the power in this relationship, he is considerably older as well. The ending does seem to level the playing field somewhat but in other ways, not at all.
This book is about Derek and Blue and how these two characters fall in love with each other but since I literally do not support their relationship, it was very hard for me to find solace in their coming together. All of a sudden, some of the choices later in this series make a lot more sense to me.
Even though I like Blue, it is very clear that he is someone completely out of his depth and just brazing it out on bravado. On the other hand, Derek is just a predator. Their relationship is already so problematic but I feel like the book kind of doubles down on the problems instead of fixing them. Derek should have been a better person than this.
This book was a disappointment and I know I will re-reading the sequels but for now, I am taking a break because this book was a headache.
Rating After Second Read: 1 Stars
August 13; 2024
This was a bad idea. This was another book that I thought was probably better than what I rated it initially but unfortunately, that was not the case.
This book has serious issues. Blue aka Shane McGowan is an 18-year-old homeless kid who is saved from possible sexual assault by Derek Graves, who was a previous victim of the same assailant.
What follows is Blue trying to manipulate Derek so that he can finally put an end to his life in the streets. But, the power dynamic in this book is so inherently in Derek's favour that even making it Blue's idea doesn't help the situation. This book treads the line between dub-con and non-con very precariously. In multiple situations, the consent doesn't seem as exhaustive as it ought to be, in others where it appears that consent was explicitly taken the book prefers to skip the actual negotiation and still, in others, there is a complete lack of consent whatsoever.
Derek is hardcore into BDSM and Blue has absolutely no idea what he is agreeing to. There are multiple moments in the book where it seems that Blue hasn't really consented to something that happens in the scene and moreover it seems that that lack of negotiation over consent and scenes comes from a place of ignorance. Blue has no idea about BDSM, Derek is literally the person introducing him to it and Derek already holds too much power over Blue. It is absolutely insane.
The whole nebulous consent issue made this book a nightmare to enjoy. Clearly, on my first read, I didn't pick up on these issues but in this read, I just couldn't overlook the issue and enjoy the kink. I feel like if there was some conversation around consent, safe words, some negotiation of kinks or plays even if it was just like we can try it and then see if you like it and then go from there would have made a ton of difference for me even though it wouldn't have fixed how inherently flawed the power dynamic is in this relationship.
The book is decidedly kinky in ways I like but the fact that it is clear that Blue is way too inexperienced for these types of scenes made it impossible to enjoy. Not only does Derek have all the power in this relationship, he is considerably older as well. The ending does seem to level the playing field somewhat but in other ways, not at all.
This book is about Derek and Blue and how these two characters fall in love with each other but since I literally do not support their relationship, it was very hard for me to find solace in their coming together. All of a sudden, some of the choices later in this series make a lot more sense to me.
Even though I like Blue, it is very clear that he is someone completely out of his depth and just brazing it out on bravado. On the other hand, Derek is just a predator. Their relationship is already so problematic but I feel like the book kind of doubles down on the problems instead of fixing them. Derek should have been a better person than this.
This book was a disappointment and I know I will re-reading the sequels but for now, I am taking a break because this book was a headache.
May 1, 2010
Though the book is not badly written, they style of the book isn't one that I really enjoy. I don't really like the fantasy world of yaoi-type stories and though this story bypasses some of the more egregious stereotypes of the genre, it still makes a lot of the missteps that I don't enjoy, such as the "magical" relationship based on nothing more than mutual attraction, the lack of dimensional characters (especially in secondary characters) and a deeper focus on the look of the characters than their substance.
As well, the BDSM aspects of the story felt immature and undeveloped. The power dynamic between the protagonists is as magical as their relationship, an instant trust (despite one protag being kidnapped by the other) with no basis, the instinctively correct "knowing" of what each other is feeling and what their intentions are and a handful of Dom/sub stereotypes. It was clear Strauss had done a fair amount of research into the physicality of BDSM, but it didn't feel like she'd done nearly much thinking about the psychological and emotional underpinnings which, again, made the characters feel more like cardboard cliches rather than developed, individual characters.
What little plot there was mostly bookended the pages and pages of erotic exploration, making it feel tacked on and thin. As well, it was all too easily and too melodramatically resolved. As noted above, it's more a fantasy novel--one where all the characters are there to move the romantic protagonists along in their relationship, rather than real people and the protags themselves are only there to get together and have pretty sex and a HEA, rather than fleshed out people with their own agenda. That type of book is not my personal cup of tea, but if you like a higher fantasy quotient in your books than I do, you'll probably like this story.
As well, the BDSM aspects of the story felt immature and undeveloped. The power dynamic between the protagonists is as magical as their relationship, an instant trust (despite one protag being kidnapped by the other) with no basis, the instinctively correct "knowing" of what each other is feeling and what their intentions are and a handful of Dom/sub stereotypes. It was clear Strauss had done a fair amount of research into the physicality of BDSM, but it didn't feel like she'd done nearly much thinking about the psychological and emotional underpinnings which, again, made the characters feel more like cardboard cliches rather than developed, individual characters.
What little plot there was mostly bookended the pages and pages of erotic exploration, making it feel tacked on and thin. As well, it was all too easily and too melodramatically resolved. As noted above, it's more a fantasy novel--one where all the characters are there to move the romantic protagonists along in their relationship, rather than real people and the protags themselves are only there to get together and have pretty sex and a HEA, rather than fleshed out people with their own agenda. That type of book is not my personal cup of tea, but if you like a higher fantasy quotient in your books than I do, you'll probably like this story.
February 24, 2010
When I first started reading "Some Kind of Stranger," I wasn't too sure about it. Derek himself admits to being sadistic in his need to inflict pain on others, and Blue just seems like a little slut, ready to be laid by anything and everything that offers.
Gladly, it got better. I'm not for hard-core BDSM so some of the scenes kind of had me stepping back a bit, only to find out it was unnecessary. Nothing excruciating or demeaning happened between them, and although Derek's treatment of Blue may seem harsh at first [like making him scrub the kitchen floor, tile by tile, practically naked:], it lightened up as it became obvious their fondness for one another was growing. Toward the end, the relationship had balanced out, become a bit more mutual, and very satisfying. I only wish there had been one last sex scene, one that stood out from the others, as I felt their relationship had progressed to a point that their coupling would be both different, and better.
I'm interested enough to possibly read the FUP novels, though I'm not entirely sure. I like threesomes admittedly, but there seems to be a different 'third' in each of the others, which doesn't really jive with my 'one true love/two true loves' romantic streak. ^_^;;
Gladly, it got better. I'm not for hard-core BDSM so some of the scenes kind of had me stepping back a bit, only to find out it was unnecessary. Nothing excruciating or demeaning happened between them, and although Derek's treatment of Blue may seem harsh at first [like making him scrub the kitchen floor, tile by tile, practically naked:], it lightened up as it became obvious their fondness for one another was growing. Toward the end, the relationship had balanced out, become a bit more mutual, and very satisfying. I only wish there had been one last sex scene, one that stood out from the others, as I felt their relationship had progressed to a point that their coupling would be both different, and better.
I'm interested enough to possibly read the FUP novels, though I'm not entirely sure. I like threesomes admittedly, but there seems to be a different 'third' in each of the others, which doesn't really jive with my 'one true love/two true loves' romantic streak. ^_^;;
February 7, 2013
This book was good. It has a good set up of charaters(with some background, leads to a good plot and ends well.
You meet Blue and Derek. Derek is a Dominant who is looking for a willing Submissive, who will endulge in his fantasies. Blue, who is out of a home, meets Derek. They both find each other attractive. Derek meets Blue for the first time, at Blue's place of employment. Derek is out seeking revenge. He was drugged and taken advantage of by a predator. When he sees the same man drugging and taking Blue away, he sweeps in and saves him.
Derek, initially, plans on just helping Blue recover from the after affects of the drug and setting his free. But, Blue remembers who he is when he wakes up, despite being blindfolded and restrained. Blue, who is looking for a place to stay, decides Derek's place is good place to stay. Derek seemed kind hearted, with a dominant side that he kinda likes. Derek likes how Blue is willing to be submissive, but stills has a fiestiness to himself, that keeps him from being dull.
As there relationship evolves, they continue to try to keep track of the predator. How far will each other Derek go to protect Blue? Will Derek and Blue finally be able to admit to there feelings for each other?
You meet Blue and Derek. Derek is a Dominant who is looking for a willing Submissive, who will endulge in his fantasies. Blue, who is out of a home, meets Derek. They both find each other attractive. Derek meets Blue for the first time, at Blue's place of employment. Derek is out seeking revenge. He was drugged and taken advantage of by a predator. When he sees the same man drugging and taking Blue away, he sweeps in and saves him.
Derek, initially, plans on just helping Blue recover from the after affects of the drug and setting his free. But, Blue remembers who he is when he wakes up, despite being blindfolded and restrained. Blue, who is looking for a place to stay, decides Derek's place is good place to stay. Derek seemed kind hearted, with a dominant side that he kinda likes. Derek likes how Blue is willing to be submissive, but stills has a fiestiness to himself, that keeps him from being dull.
As there relationship evolves, they continue to try to keep track of the predator. How far will each other Derek go to protect Blue? Will Derek and Blue finally be able to admit to there feelings for each other?
July 1, 2015
I loved this! It's my first book by Katrina Strauss and I was sad to discover her after her retirement from writing.
Saying that, this book was amazingly good. I wasn't sure about it at first, because the subject matter was quite dark and obviously not leading anywhere good, which is why it's only 4 stars. I did contemplate after the first chapter, whether this was the right book for me, but I'm so glad I kept going.
By the time I'd got to know Blue and Derek, I'd fallen in love with them. Make no mistake, this is no light and fluffy, sugary sweet romance. This is a hard core BDSM Dom/Sub relationship that was sometimes just a little uncomfortable, especially in the beginning. But the relationship and character development were gold! So well written, well plotted and presented that I literally couldn't put it down.
I also kind of love that both boys are damaged, in quite a bit way, because they come together and heal each other, over time. It's not rushed, it's not love at first sight. It's an instant attraction that blossoms into something intense and overpowering.
I'm so looking forward to book 2. Having read the blurb, I just know I'm going to love it.
Saying that, this book was amazingly good. I wasn't sure about it at first, because the subject matter was quite dark and obviously not leading anywhere good, which is why it's only 4 stars. I did contemplate after the first chapter, whether this was the right book for me, but I'm so glad I kept going.
By the time I'd got to know Blue and Derek, I'd fallen in love with them. Make no mistake, this is no light and fluffy, sugary sweet romance. This is a hard core BDSM Dom/Sub relationship that was sometimes just a little uncomfortable, especially in the beginning. But the relationship and character development were gold! So well written, well plotted and presented that I literally couldn't put it down.
I also kind of love that both boys are damaged, in quite a bit way, because they come together and heal each other, over time. It's not rushed, it's not love at first sight. It's an instant attraction that blossoms into something intense and overpowering.
I'm so looking forward to book 2. Having read the blurb, I just know I'm going to love it.
February 12, 2012
It's hard to review a book that really hit all the right marks for me. The story was sweet and sexy, the sex was hot, the main characters were well developed (within the confines of a fairly short novel). spoiler:
The plot was tight and focused mainly on Blue and Derek, which works just fine for me; sometimes all I want when I pick up a romance is romance. The parts of the book about other parts of Derek and Blue's life were well written and well paced, and also worked quite well. The BDSM elements were spot on. There was just the right amount of angst.
Did I mention it hit all the right marks?
My only "complaint" was that I was supposed to spend last night working on my own book, not reading somebody else's! LOL. Oh well. I still count it as time well spent.
The plot was tight and focused mainly on Blue and Derek, which works just fine for me; sometimes all I want when I pick up a romance is romance. The parts of the book about other parts of Derek and Blue's life were well written and well paced, and also worked quite well. The BDSM elements were spot on. There was just the right amount of angst.
Did I mention it hit all the right marks?
My only "complaint" was that I was supposed to spend last night working on my own book, not reading somebody else's! LOL. Oh well. I still count it as time well spent.
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