READING: Harvest of Sighs (Thornchapel #3) by Sierra Simone

Publication date: May 1 2020

Published by: - - 

Genre: Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Erotica, Menage, BDSM

Rating: 

Delphine Dansey carries her heart on the outside of her body; she’s looking for love and chasing dreams. She’s spoiled and selfish, the kind of beautiful that’s made for money and fame. But somehow she’s ended up in my keeping: a pretty submissive I can’t seem to resist, a lover who obsesses and tempts me.

I thought I’d locked my heart away a long time ago, along with all my other weaknesses. But some doors won't stay closed, no matter how hard I fight to keep them shut. She unravels me, just like our friends are unraveling, just like Thornchapel itself is unraveling.

All year long, we’ve been sowing lust and jealousy and pain, heedless of the consequences. But a harvest is inevitable, and so now we must reap our sorrows.

And our sighs.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND READING THE BOOK BEFORE READING THIS REVIEW!

This review is suuuper long because I have much to say. I know it’s boring to read long ass reviews, which is why I divided it in small parts so you can read the part you like and skip the rest 😊

I’m so sad I finished this already! I get so engrossed in these books and the Thornchapel verse, that I feel so empty when I finish them. It’s just hard to come back to reality 😭 

OK so let’s get right into it!
Harvest of Sighs was a bit of a puzzle for me. I can’t quite figure it out. That’s why I was going back and forth with 3 and 4 stars, deciding on 3 one minute and 4 the other.
Harvest of Sighs is definitely different than its predecessors. Apparently, Simone decided to lead the story to a different direction, one I admit I didn’t predict. One with less sex and kink (don’t get me wrong, it hasn't lost its sizzle, not at all) and more character development. Also, we finally see the group interacting with people outside their group and be in places other than Thornchapel, which didn’t happen in the previous books.
I understand the need to change it up, I do. And I admire Simone’s courage to step out of her comfort zone and write something other than the 6 of them having sex in Thornchapel again and again and again, because what’s the point in that? 
Thing is, it didn’t always work. But when it did, it was amazing. 

Rebecca and Delphine
I had my reservations about these two from the beginning. Delphine I like just enough, but Rebecca was always indifferent to me. She is just a cold person with not much going for her, personality-wise. She could be much more interesting (and that goes for Delphine too) if she was given a chance from the beginning. Putting the focus on two background characters in Book 3 of a four-book series and expect us to be on board, it's just too late. If their stories and who they are carried the same weight as Poe, Auden and SS, then yes, probably. If more glimpses of them, past or present, together or with others, were peppered in the previous two books then yes, I might have gotten on board. The little flashback they shared in this book was so well written and sweet, but just not enough and very last minute-y. 
Ultimately, and after a lot of effort on my part, I couldn’t see any chemistry between them, their relationship felt forced to me. Also, the structure of the book didn’t help. Simone would give us back to back Rebecca/Delphine POV chapters, which suddenly stopped in the middle of plot development, followed by a long stretch of Poe/Auden/SS POV. By the time she got back to Rebecca/Delphine I had lost interest, and just wanted to read more Poe/Auden/SS chapters.
I don’t know how this relationship will end, but I think these two should not be together. They were miserable for the entire book, and not in a good way.

Auden and St.Sebastian
Speaking of miserable…how contradictory it is, when it works so badly for one couple and so perfectly for another.
What can I say about these two? They are such a pleasure to read. I was looking forward to their chapters throughout the whole book. Simone does her best writing when it comes to them, and their chemistry is electrifying. 
The scene where SS cried in Auden’s lap ahhhhh 😱. One of my favourite parts of the book. Not only it inspired a lot of emotion, but it was also the trigger of Auden’s change which I absolutely loved. It’s the first time we see Auden doubting the decisions he’s made and the things he’s done. It’s the first time we see him actually stopping to take everything in and realising there is something wrong. I really liked that side of him, and having him of all people have doubts and guilt, this unrelenting Thorn God, it was amazing and beautifully written by Simone. 
Of course, the only person that really gets Auden is SS, that’s why he is the only one Auden confides in, no surprise there. And what followed was so intimate and primal and intense that it would either bring these two together in an unbreakable bond forever, or tear them apart. If you haven’t figured it out yet, their final scene at Thornchapel was my other favourite part of the book, from its beginning to its bitter end. I feel like at this point, Simone can never go wrong with these two, their chemistry is undeniable and effortless.

Incest
That being said, I had a hard time with them this time, I am not gonna lie. 
I admittedly have not read a lot of erotica and BDSM books, so I don’t really know how "bad" things get in books of the genre, but for me personally incest is something I can't get behind, even fictional one. That’s why I didn’t like Forbidden when everyone was praising it, and I certainly didn’t like what it did to my perception of Auden and SS. I liked that SS stood his ground, even though he never stopped lusting after Auden, and put a stop to their sexual relationship. Granted, it was true to character, but a welcome surprise nevertheless, since I was sure Simone would definitely keep them together regardless.
In the end, I begrudgingly accepted what ended up happening between them because of:
1. Their very emotional and gut wrenching scene at the gala 
2. The fact that they are not really brothers. I mean, I’m guessing that in book 4 it will be revealed that SS is actually Delphine’s brother and not Auden’s. 
I’m hoping.
If I’m wrong, I am gonna have to re evaluate my opinion of this book 😬

Poe
Boring as ever. She is no more than a prop at this point. Can Auden and SS ditch her and go live somewhere just the two of them?
Also, the fact that Poe leaves with SS in the end and that it wasn't shown at all! I was shocked. I mean where is Auden’s reaction to losing both of them? Nothing? How can you skip this whole thing, which basically is the heart of the books, their relationship? Very bad.

Becket
I really liked Becket in the previous two books, but I didn’t like what Simone did to him in this one. Right from the start he was shown like this poor lovesick puppy who was following Poe around, something that Auden was not a fan of. In fact, I would definitely not be surprised if Auden wouldn’t hesitate to hurt him if things with him and Poe went sour. I mean, Becket announced he was practically fired and was moving away, and all Auden could muster for his great friend was something along the lines of "OK, see ya". 
I didn’t like how he was pushed to the side on this one, when in the previous two books all 6 of them where in things together and shared this great bond. That goes for Rebecca and Delphine as well. 
The sex with Poe felt desperate, completely the opposite from their scene in the church in Feast of Sparks, which was hot hot hot.
I think he’s not going to survive book 4, unfortunately 💀

While the previous books acted as magnets bringing all 6 of them together, Harvest of Sighs definitely acted as a bomb, blowing them up into little pieces. Some survived, some not.
Bright side: we won't have to wait long for the finale since it's coming out Halloween 2020.

READING: A Feast of Sparks (Thornchapel #2) by Sierra Simone

Publication date: August 1 2019
Published by: Sierra Simone
Genre: Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Erotica, Menage, BDSM
Rating: 

I’m an outcast and a loner, named for death itself. Fate wasn’t supposed to have plans for me.

But then she came back—the girl I once kissed in a thorn-covered chapel in the woods. She came back, and I could no more resist her than I could pry out my own heart. And by some trick of fate, she wants me as much as I want her. The only problem? She also wants the man who owns Thornchapel, Auden Guest.

And so do I.

Eight years ago, I did something to Auden, something terrible. He hurt me back the only way he knew how, and so here we are: our hatred seasoned with pain and my loneliness seasoned with longing. The only thing we can agree on is Proserpina Markham, and she wants us to find a way to be together—all three of us. 

If Auden wants to earn her as his submissive, then he has to earn me as well.

But with the discovery of bones behind the altar and the carnal revel of Beltane fast approaching, it’s becoming clear that Thornchapel’s secrets are much deeper and older than any of us could have ever guessed. And no matter how bright and merry a feast of sparks may be, it’s always followed by ashes. 

And darkness.

Well, I’ll be damned.

Even though my TBR pile is ginormous, I decided that reading the sequel of a book I didn’t like, was the best use of my time. 🙄 But that’s just me, I can’t abandon books. Once I make a commitment, I am in all the way. And A Lesson in Thorns was too intriguing, if nothing else, to not at least try and read the next in the series.

Feast of Sparks starts right where A Lesson of Thorns left off. Not giving anything away, just saying it was something very traumatic and shocking for Poe. So instead of dealing with her grief, she decided instead to have a lengthy BDSM session with Rebecca and Auden, who is now Rebecca’s BDSM student (thirsty for knowledge, that one!). I am not going to judge people’s grieving process and the way they choose to deal with sadness, to each their own. It’s just something about this scene that I found offensive, even though there was not an instance of an objection of any kind or lack of consent. All participants seemed to fully enjoy it, but for me it was too much. I felt like Poe didn’t request the scene because she wanted to deal with her pain and grief, but she just plain wanted to have sex just for the sake of it. That she used what happened to “justify” her incessant need for sex, didn’t sit right with me.

After that, there were short sexy scenes here and there but nothing too major until the very end, something I found very refreshing. Finally we learn about Saint and Auden’s back story and it was a real treat. It was touching and almost romantic to see how much these two loved each other from a very young age and how Auden just adored Saint, which is not apparent in A Lesson of Thorns. He lusted after him sure, but we didn’t see how deep his feelings for him went until now. That was the books’ main difference in my opinion: how unromantic and completely in your face and matter of fact A Lesson of Thorns was, and how more subdued and calm Feast of Sparks was.

That is, until we get to the last scene. Because trust me, there was nothing subdued about that!
We’re talking massive sex free-for-all with all of the characters participating – yes, even the priest. Completely unexplained, out of the blue, but I’m not gonna lie: still hot.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by Feast of Sparks. I don’t know if that’s because I had zero expectations going in, or because it was actually decent. Don’t get me wrong, it was stilled filled with silly moments that made me snort, even though they were supposed to be “serious”, but I am satisfied with the amount of effort Simone put into her characters. They had more interaction with outsiders and they were actually putting some thought into their actions.

But everything was just noise compared to teenagers Auden and Saint seducing each other, that was pure gold.

After feeling exhausted reading about copious amounts of sex, I was ready for the ending everyone has been talking about.
And it was a big one (pun definitely intended) 💣 💣 💣
I’m not going to say I was shocked at the actual revelation, but I was surely shocked about the fact that Simone actually went there. I guessed it right around the middle, but I thought “Nah, no way that’ll happen, it’s too risqué”. But it did, and I don’t know how I feel about it. Obviously I don’t like it, but I am sure it will easily be explained away at the beginning of the next book, so I am not going to be too upset just yet.

Confession: I am definitely going to read book 3. 

READING: A Lesson in Thorns (Thornchapel #1) by Sierra Simone

Publication date: March 19 2019
Published by: Sierra Simone
Genre: Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Erotica, Menage, BDSM
Rating: 

When librarian Poe Markham takes the job at Thornchapel, she only wants two things: to stay away from Thornchapel’s tortured owner, Auden Guest, and to find out what happened to her mother twelve years ago. It should be easy enough—keep her head down while she works in the house’s crumbling private library and while she hunts down any information as to why this remote manor tucked into the fog-shrouded moors would be the last place her mother was seen alive. But Thornchapel has other plans for her... 

As Poe begins uncovering the house’s secrets, both new and old, she’s also pulled into the seductive, elegant world of Auden and his friends—and drawn to Auden’s worst enemy, the beautiful and brooding St. Sebastian. And as Thornchapel slowly tightens its coil of truths and lies around them, Poe, Auden and St. Sebastian start unravelling into filthy, holy pleasure and pain. Together, they awaken a fate that will either anoint them or leave them in ashes… 

"If I don’t come at least once a day, I’m miserable. And yet, I still haven’t had sex."

🙅🏼🔴
I can't, I just can't. I never EVER give up on or DNF books but I disliked this book almost immediately. 
I was this close to abandoning it after only 8% but after much consideration, and honestly because I was bored at work, I decided to give it another chance. So naturally, I skimmed.
And skimmed and skimmed.

Nonsense, nonsense, nonsense, skipping all the unbearable pretentiousness (the female lead's name is Proserpina ffs! Poe for short [...]
Other ridiculous names are Auden, St. Sebastian and Delphine. So you get the gist...

Character development was non existent - the only thing we know about these characters is that they like sex. Like, a lot. There is no other personality or character trait mentioned, no life stories, no background, no talk of families, other friends etc. It's like they exist just to be at Thornchapel and constantly have sex with each other. The only thing we learn from the tiny prologue, is that six 12 year olds performed a fake wedding at a chapel behind some rich boy's house, and then three of them kissed. 10 years later and Proserpina (ugh),being the exceptional librarian that she is (is there a bad librarian?) is summoned to that guy's mansion to go through some old tomes - I don't exactly know what she was doing there to be honest because a) I skimmed and b) didn't really care.
Now, she hasn't seen these people in 10 years, and as soon as she sees one of the guys she kissed when she was a kid, she immediately wants him and is 100% sure belongs to her and all that crap. She then sees the other guy she kissed back then, who is engaged I might add, and she thinks he belongs to her too. And the guy, honourable man that he is, thinks the same.

Skim skim skim, and around halfway in Poe finds an old book with an ancient binding ritual in it which is performed at Thornchapel. One person is the Lord and the other the Bride, and they must unite under the fool moon and whatever else, I didn’t get into details.
Of course all of them (practical strangers) went “Yes, let’s do an orgy!” (as you do), and decided to perform the ritual. 

And thus begins a ridiculously over the top tale of endless boners and wet pussies. 
I know, I know. That is basically the definition of erotica. What else did I expect, right? 
Well, some kind of story for starters. Interesting and likable characters, maybe? I have read other erotica books, granted not many, and while they still have a lot of sex, it wasn’t all about that. The characters resemble real people and they have actual thoughts and emotions that don’t revolve around getting off all the time.

A Lesson in Thorns was pure, unadulterated porn. That’s all.
That being said, it was great porn. The scene with Poe’s spanking and the orgy itself which was like 100 pages long, were admittedly very very hot. I personally had some moral objections about a couple of things, but at that point taking the moral high ground was not an option, considering the book I was reading. 

In a sentence, A Lesson of Thorns was an extremely sensual, tantalising, sexy book of complete nonsense.
If you are in it only for the sex and don't care about the fact that there is no story and all the characters are very unlikeable, then go for it. Otherwise, I personally don't get the hype at all.
----
EDIT: Sorry, did I mention that 4 of the 6 characters were basically described as sex on legs, but at 22 they were still virgins? Yeah.

READING: Corpora Delicti (The Administration #9) by Manna Francis

Publication date: March 1 2017
Published by: Casperian Books
Genre: MM, Adult, Dark, BDSM, Dystopian, Mystery, Sci Fi
Rating: 

On the surface, stability has returned to Europe. According to all the official metrics released to news feeds, the Administration and the corporations are stronger and more united than ever. Only in the most secret of government surveillance departments and corporate security divisions would anyone suggest otherwise.

On the surface, Senior Para-investigator Toreth’s year is ending badly. His boss hates him, his junior is looking for a way out, and his new case seems like a dud. Even the upcoming holidays bring more unwelcome news. But the new year starts him down a trail that will lead him from an unpromising beginning, via an unappetizing corpse, right into the financial heart of the Administration and the highest-stakes investigation of his career.

On the surface, corporate director Keir Warrick’s life is on the up. His virtual reality corporation SimTech has weathered the storm of the revolt, and new opportunities are appearing. Away from work, though, more clouds are gathering. What should be good family news brings concerns for the future. With so many secrets to keep, where can he turn to finally guarantee the safety of his family and corporation? And what will the consequences of his choices be for his relationship with Toreth?

For all the reviews of the Administration series books, including short stories, please visit my page on Goodreads:

The Administration by Manna Francis

Not bad-story was easier to get into than Innocent Blood but not quite as interesting.
Except for Warrick's shenanigans with Cit Surveillance, I found myself mostly in anticipation of his and Toreth's bet-it did not disappoint!

--------

For the last couple of months I have been exclusively reading this series, and have completely immersed myself in Toreth and Warrick's world. The Administration is undoubtedly a very unique series with exceptional writing until the very end.
The mystery part is so well crafted and incredibly detailed, something you don't see often (or rather never) in predominantly "romance" books. Although Francis's best work is with her characters; Toreth and Warrick are so complex and intriguing, that I feel there is still so much to learn about them and their relationship even after 9 books-haven't even scratched the surface (whole book with Toreth's background, please!)

Don't get me wrong, they are very difficult books to get into. I mean, reading 9 almost complete books from a sociopath's POV can be exhausting and a lot of times I found Toreth hideous and disgusting. But for some reason (called "Francis's magical writing") also alluring, highly addictive and dangerously charming. I might have hated myself a little for it, but I did, and that's what makes this series so damn good. My hat's off to you, Mrs Francis.

Now, where is book 10??

READING: First Against The Wall (The Administration #6) by Manna Francis

Publication date: May 1 2010
Published by: Casperian Books
Genre: MM, Adult, Dark, BDSM, Dystopian, Mystery, Sci Fi
Rating: 

Who is leading the rabble to victory?

The systems were failing.

Something had gone badly wrong, and had continued to go wrong for so long that he'd been forced unwillingly to conclude that it had to have hit more than I&I. Revolution has come to the Administration, as the citizens rise up against government and corporate oppression. With old and new enemies all around them, what will the new future hold for despised para-investigator Val Toreth, and corporate highflier Keir Warrick? And how long will that future last? 

I was left speechless from the very first page. 

The revolt happens

 

and there is no explanation, no preamble, no pages and pages of mundane flashbacks. Plus, tortured Toreth? Extra bonus!

I suspect a lot of people loathe Carnac and I totally get it.
Personally, I think he's all kinds of awesome, and he just makes everything so much better! He's an asshole, sure, but isn't Toreth, and we all root for him? Carnac is exactly like Toreth, and I guess that's why he can't stomach the idea of Toreth having two people completely devoted to him (one of them Warrick) whereas he is completely unlovable. He hates that Toreth, the scum of the earth that he is, has the love of Warrick, someone that Carnac respects and let's face it, is in love with. That's why he has made it his life goal to completely destroy Toreth. Yes, his motives were selfish and misguided, but other than that, who can blame him for wanting to eliminate I&I? Only dum dum Warrick who, even though believes the same, he will do anything to save Toreth, even if that means helping the Administration and prolonging its existence.

Speaking of dum dum Warrick, I can't believe he took Toreth in that easily in the end :( Well yes I can, because he's madly in love with him but still! I was also upset by the fact that we were shown Toreth's turmoil over 

losing Warrick, but he was the one who left him! Because why? Carnac said a few words? Does Toreth really think so little of Warrick to not realise that Warrick knows all that already and still loves him? Carnac said Toreth wants Warrick to love him, and he does, but he has done absolutely nothing to earn that love. I guess as soon as Warrick took him back, he would go back to screwing half of New London again because that's just what Toreth does. I was also upset with Sara for being so willing to have sex with Toreth to "ease his pain". Ugh, no wonder Carnac hates Toreth so much, how the hell did he manage to earn this kind of love and loyalty by being such a monster?

Loved it, but it frustrated me sooo much!!

READING: Quis Custodiet (The Administration #5) by Manna Francis

Publication date: October 1 2009
Published by: Casperian Books
Genre: MM, Adult, Dark, BDSM, Dystopian, Mystery, Sci Fi
Rating: 

No protests, no bombings, no subversion. Is it possible that in one part of the European Administration at least, almost all the citizens are happy with their lot in life? It seems unlikely. When the numbers don't add up at the Athens branch of the Investigation and Interrogation Division, Para-investigator Toreth is sent there from New London to review their procedures. With sunshine, a less-than-urgent assignment, and hosts who seem anxious to ensure that he has a good time, it seems like the perfect chance for a holiday on Administration time.

Or it would if he didn't have to leave Sara and the rest of his regular team behind. Working alone for once, as the investigation becomes more complex Toreth finds himself surrounded by people he can't trust. Worse than that, he has to leave Warrick on his own in New London, a situation further complicated by the reappearance of an old adversary.

Maybe I'm a bit biased because this story takes place in my home country and birthplace, but I loved it! Francis's depiction of Greek mentality and behaviour was spot on, and even though everyone speaks English in the Administration, the cultural identity was very distinct. 

The mystery part of the story was very well thought out, with a lot of suspense and intrigue, leaving room for a follow up book later. 

Toreth does something way out of line (must be a day of the week ending in "y") which he keeps secret from Warrick. When Warrick finds out, I expected all hell to break loose. Instead, Warrick does his best angry face for five minutes, Toreth apologises and he promises never to do such thing again (like he hasn't promised that in every book!) and he gets away with a slap on the wrist and probably a great fuck by the end of the day. 
I got so angry with Warrick who is so blinded by his love for Toreth, he doesn't realise how badly he is treated. Although sometimes, I have a feeling he, very obediently and patiently, puts up with it all because in his way he manipulates Toreth as well, he sculpts him into a better, more humane version of himself. Very, very slowly and painstakingly. 
Or he is just that submissive.
Either or. 

Loved the scene in the tub when Warrick dunked Toreth and he freaked out. Always gives me a thrill when Toreth is scared!

T:Can I use your shower?
P:I see no reason why not-since you already have my heart.

Paul, you're fab, I love you ❤️

READING: Control (The Administration #4) by Manna Francis

Publication date: May 1 2009
Published by: Casperian Books
Genre: MM, Adult, Dark, BDSM, Dystopian, Mystery, Sci Fi
Rating: 

Gaining it, keeping it, or losing it, control is more than just a game--it's a critical tool for survival. No more so than in the Administration, where the Investigation and Interrogation Division's Val Toreth faces professional and personal hazards every day. And when an attack on one of the most loyal and valued members of his investigative team makes the professional very personal indeed, Toreth finds himself entangled once more in the darker side of corporate life and crime. He'll need help, not just from his colleagues but from his "regular fuck" Keir Warrick, to make it out the other end safely.

Even away from their offices, Toreth and Warrick find that their jobs create challenges and tensions that threaten their relationship, because finding a balance is all about knowing when to keep control and when to let it go.

Love seeing Toreth scared, it's my new favourite thing! Although I have to admit, he wasn't nearly as terrified as he was in Mindfuck. In Control he was more pissed off and humiliated (They made me kneel) resigned to the idea that he was going to die because of something he did, as opposed to Mindfuck which totally took him by surprise and it was through no fault of his own. 

What surprised me though is that all this time he was kept prisoner, from the moment he was taken, to the moment he was certain they would kill him, to the moment he arrived at Warrick's, not once did he think of him. Not that he loved him and he regretted so many things he didn't say or do, no, none of that. But maybe a "I wish I could fuck Warrick one last time before I die" or something like that. Nope, not even that.
I was a bit disappointed, I'm not gonna lie but it's all my fault for expecting "romantic" like thoughts from Toreth. I should know better by now.

READING: Quid Pro Quo (The Administration #2) by Manna Francis

Publication date: May 27 2008
Published by: Casperian Books
Genre: MM, Adult, Dark, BDSM, Dystopian, Mystery, Sci Fi
Rating: 

When he agrees to do a favor for his old friend Liz Carey in Corporate Fraud, Para-investigator Val Toreth is hoping for a simple case. After all, kidnapping and dismemberment are all in a day's work for the Investigation and Interrogation Division. But in the European Administration, simplicity is often a dangerous illusion, and anyone who goes looking for trouble in the corporate world is certain to find more than they bargained for. Fraud, sabotage, espionage, blackmail, decades-long vendettas, and murder--the more powerful the corporations, the darker their secrets. Corporate insiders and innocent bystanders alike are all too easily caught up in the conflicts, but when suspects can hide behind money and power, what chance is there of any justice?

And on top of everything else, Toreth also has to deal with Keir Warrick. But that's easy. That's just sex.

The main story of the second book is Quid Pro Quo and that's what I'm going to review here, since I rated the short stories individually

QPQ is about a corporate daughter's kidnapping and how Toreth and his team are trying to solve the case . The very careful and precise structure of the story and the amount of detail that went in it, is astonishing. Every character has a reason for being there contributing to the story, as very evidence and fact of the case is important. With no romantic reprieve (Toreth's has almost no interaction with Warrick in this one) you are constantly learning new facts about the kidnapping that usually come from Toreth's team brainstorming scenes. 

For me personally it got a tad tiring in the middle, with no break from the case and most importantly no break from Toreth! The book is entirely told from his POV and let's just say it is not the easiest thing reading such a convoluted book through a sociopath's eyes. His constant false sense of superiority and the way he regards and measures other people up, is sometimes very hard to overlook. Sometimes he is such an asshole that I found it unpleasant (to say the least) being in his head all the time. 

Other than that, mystery and suspense were all there, albeit a bit clinical, but then again that's how The Administration and the corporate world is, which the more I learn about, the more disgusting I found.
I missed Warrick, I'm not going to lie, mostly because through him, Toreth looks a bit saner. Knowing that someone actually likes him and have feelings for him, makes him slightly more human. Only slightly!

READING: Mind Fuck (The Administration #1) by Manna Francis

Publication date: October 29 2007
Published by: Casperian Books
Genre: MM, Adult, Dark, BDSM, Dystopian, Mystery, Sci Fi
Rating: 

There are no bad guys or good guys. There are only better guys and worse guys.

One of the worse guys is Val Toreth. In a world in which torture is a legitimate part of the investigative process, he works for the Investigation and Interrogation Division, where his colleagues can be more dangerous than the criminals he investigates.

One of the better guys is Keir Warrick. His small corporation, SimTech, is developing a "sim" system that places users in a fully immersive virtual reality. A minnow in a murky and dangerous pond, he is only beginning to discover how many compromises may be required for success.

Their home is the dark future dystopia of New London. A totalitarian bureaucracy controls the European Administration, sharing political power with the corporations. The government uses violence and the many divisions of the feared Department of Internal Security to maintain control and crush resistance. The corporations fight among themselves, using lethal force under the euphemism of "corporate sabotage," uniting only to resist attempts by the Administration to extend its influence over them.

Toreth and Warrick are more natural enemies than allies. But mutual attraction and the fight for survival can create unlikely bonds. 

It took me a while to hop on the Administration train, but I'm glad I did!

Mindfuck is so unlike any other mm I've read; it's basically a sci fi/dystopian whodunnit with a splash of romance, if you can call whatever Toreth and Warrick have "romance". Even though it is very high techy and futuristic, it reads more like a crime noir book, or rather a regency crime.

Mindfuck is written almost to perfection. The story is so dense and detailed but never ever boring. It has a lot of scientific terms (neuroscience, psychology) and you have to pay very close attention because they are all pertinent to the case, you need them to understand the kind of world these people live in, and they are also very interesting and fascinating. Simulated reality makes for a very compelling and terrifying notion that adds to the whole murder/mystery vibe.
I hope we see more of it in the future. 

Toreth is a senior investigator and interrogator which in the world of Administration means he is a sociopath.
He leaves by a strict and specific set of moral rules mostly because their application would serve and benefit him. He's driven by self interest only, hates incompetence and has a total disregard for human life if it means ending it will help him in any way. He interrogates and tortures people for a living. "I fuck minds" he very proudly declares to Warrick when they first meet. 
The only real and close relationship he has is with his personal assistant Sara, who, it's evident, he cares for deeply. Why is that and how it all works with his twisted and evil personality? I guess we'll find out in later books. We only have tiny flashes of the characters' back stories but I've bee assured we'll get more later, there are 9 books after all.

Warrick is a tough one to figure out. He is not as straightforwardly monstrous as Toreth but there is a dormant darkness inside him and the only reason it doesn't come out is that his morality is stronger than Toreth's and he more easily distinguishes good from bad. And even if he doesn't sometimes, he at least exhibits some kind of remorse, as opposed to Toreth. Still, his arrogance can only match Toreth's and they always try to one up each other, right until Toreth realises what Warrick truely is after in their "relationship". Then the games start. 

Absolutely fascinating read, can't wait to see how it all plays out!

READING: Just Business by Anna Zabo

Publication date: June 16 2015
Published by: Intermix
Genre: MM, Adult, Romance, BDSM, Contemporary 
Rating: 

Justin White may not look like an up and coming corporate superstar, but his new boss knows he has the smarts, grit, and determination to succeed. Now he just has to convince his company’s CFO, Eli Ovadia. Unfortunately, Justin can’t seem to keep his cool around the domineering Eli—and soon he finds himself taking their heat from the boardroom into the bedroom….

Still haunted by a tragic accident that left him with a wounded leg and broken heart, Eli has a need to be in control. But his desire for Justin makes him want to lose that control—and push them both far beyond their limits. But will his need to dominate Justin drive him away—or will Eli find a way to be the man he needs for both of them? 

Such a weird book. First 10% was good, a little before 30% I lost interest, then the BDSM scene at the club happened and it was great, and then around 80% onwards it kinda deflated for me.
Eli was awesome, I didn't really care for Justin.

I should probably say at this point that I am not into hardcore BDSM. Light bondage and a slap here and there I'm fine with. I like the power play, and I totally get the need to exert control and willingly surrender it, but the need to inflict so much pain on someone else, even if it's concesual, I still can't fully accept. I mean no offense, it's just a completely personal thing.

However. What I found interesting is that I didn't mind BDSM in this book. Maybe because Justin always appeared to be in control (even when Eli thought he was. Pff!) and take what he wanted when he wanted and no more, which gave him some sort of power even when he was being caned bloody.
Unfortunately, in the end, it fell flat and I think it had to do with the fact that the author tried to stuff so many things in there. She didn't know whether to make the book hot and sexy, romantic and sensitive, or angsty and dramatic. One book can be both for sure, but this one wasn't, and the transitions were sudden and awkward. 

Note to self: give more BDSM books a chance :)