Scan barcode
emmalthompson85's review
2.0
"He wasn't kidding. Just waiting for me to obey him.
"My eyes found the bathroom door. I could make a run for it, lock myslef in. But Avery had the key. The office door? I could run down that long hallway until I found Stephanie or Evan. But what then, go back to my lonely rented room and pretend I'd never been here? Run away and never see Avery Phoenix again? Would I lose my job? Would I even want to keep my job, having been such a coward."
25% DNF.
This book is technically well write, but centers entirely around an un-negotiated kink relationship. Yes, non-sexual kink still needs to be negotiated. The dominant is the submissive's boss. The submissive is anxiety ridden and scared. The dominant initiates play without any kind of seeking of consent or even acnowledgement that what they're doing is play. There's no seperation between the role of the dominant and the boss and the relationship takes place, to this point at least, almost entirely in a work context. The submissive doesn't understand what kind of relationship they're getting into. They don't believe they can leave it. I got this far hoping that there'd been some kind of negotation, some kind of consent, but this scene was immediately proceded by the dominant asking for consent and the sub not replying. So, yeah, sexy sexy sexual assault. There's the usual 'but the sub wants to really and can't express it' crap which carries precisely 0 weight with me.
No thanks.
I normally don't review books I don't get to at least 50% on but I'll make an exception for lack of consent. I'll give it two stars as the writing quality was good, would be interested to read something by the author where people ask before tying each other to desks.
"My eyes found the bathroom door. I could make a run for it, lock myslef in. But Avery had the key. The office door? I could run down that long hallway until I found Stephanie or Evan. But what then, go back to my lonely rented room and pretend I'd never been here? Run away and never see Avery Phoenix again? Would I lose my job? Would I even want to keep my job, having been such a coward."
25% DNF.
This book is technically well write, but centers entirely around an un-negotiated kink relationship. Yes, non-sexual kink still needs to be negotiated. The dominant is the submissive's boss. The submissive is anxiety ridden and scared. The dominant initiates play without any kind of seeking of consent or even acnowledgement that what they're doing is play. There's no seperation between the role of the dominant and the boss and the relationship takes place, to this point at least, almost entirely in a work context. The submissive doesn't understand what kind of relationship they're getting into. They don't believe they can leave it. I got this far hoping that there'd been some kind of negotation, some kind of consent, but this scene was immediately proceded by the dominant asking for consent and the sub not replying. So, yeah, sexy sexy sexual assault. There's the usual 'but the sub wants to really and can't express it' crap which carries precisely 0 weight with me.
No thanks.
I normally don't review books I don't get to at least 50% on but I'll make an exception for lack of consent. I'll give it two stars as the writing quality was good, would be interested to read something by the author where people ask before tying each other to desks.
comicsandbookdragon's review
5.0
Let’s start with character development. Julian Sparks is an amazing character. I could feel him in my soul. The way Ms. Johnson depicts Julian’s anxiety disorder was so realistic. I felt like I had to sit on my hands. The exercises that Julian uses are real. They may not work for everyone, but none the less they show one person’s way of coping. I love Julian’s social awkwardness. It is so cute. Sometimes I feel like that on the inside. He is a slush pile reader for a publishing house and it suits him so well. He doesn’t have to people.
Avery Phoenix. The Dragon. The owner of the publishing company Julian works for. He is dominant, forward, and kind of a dick. All the while he is sweet, caring, and professional. His shyness shows in little ways. He is a keeper of secrets and a player of games. The game he plays with Julian is what Julian needs. Avery needs to look after someone and the perfect someone was dropped into his lap. I can’t tell you much about Avery without spoiling the story. Avery moved me. He really did. With all the confidence he has, there was one thing he was unsure of. Julian loves the true Avery.
The story moved me. Piqued my never ending curiosity. I love both of these characters. The writing is smooth. I like having only Julian’s perspective. His inner-monologue is utterly giggle worthy at times. I was hooked from page one. No doubt about it. I am sorry for not delving deeper, but I don’t want to spoil it for you.
The other books in the series are good, but I think that this one is the best. It can be read as a stand-alone, but I do recommend reading Above the Dungeon.
Avery Phoenix. The Dragon. The owner of the publishing company Julian works for. He is dominant, forward, and kind of a dick. All the while he is sweet, caring, and professional. His shyness shows in little ways. He is a keeper of secrets and a player of games. The game he plays with Julian is what Julian needs. Avery needs to look after someone and the perfect someone was dropped into his lap. I can’t tell you much about Avery without spoiling the story. Avery moved me. He really did. With all the confidence he has, there was one thing he was unsure of. Julian loves the true Avery.
The story moved me. Piqued my never ending curiosity. I love both of these characters. The writing is smooth. I like having only Julian’s perspective. His inner-monologue is utterly giggle worthy at times. I was hooked from page one. No doubt about it. I am sorry for not delving deeper, but I don’t want to spoil it for you.
The other books in the series are good, but I think that this one is the best. It can be read as a stand-alone, but I do recommend reading Above the Dungeon.
calila's review
5.0
I really really really loved this book. The dynamic between Julian and Avery was so incredible. Julian's nervous energy needed Avery's calm certainty to sooth him. Avery needed Julian's utter acceptance of everything about him. The reveal that happens is so well done. I didn't see it coming, but then it connected all these dots that made perfect sense. It changes nothing. I have to say, this author isn't a favorite, I'm still bitter with how this series has played out (Team Roman/Dare) and how I got robbed of them but that's a rant for another day. This book really opens my mind. The writing was great so now I know I can enjoy this author. Speaking of Dare, it was great to see, I haven't fully caught up on his story so I don't know how he ended up with who he's with but I'll get there. Same for Doc and his boy, I don't know their story but it's interesting so I'll get there as well. I just am so happy with this book.
More...