Author: Joseph Lance Tonlet
Publisher: Self-Published
Length: 301 Pages
Category: EROTICA, BDSM, D/s, DEGRADATION, SPH, BITTERSWEET
At a Glance: This is in no way a “typical” romance, but the all-consuming love of these men for each other and what they gift to each other in total adoration and devotion is what makes the story. Beautifully written.
Reviewed By: Sadonna
Blurb: Wes has spent his life looking for that one special guy who will understand and love him—all of him. From his tender vanilla side, to his darker debauched side.
Throughout high school, his successful career in the Marines, and as a BDSM Dom, he’s remained confident his partner is out there waiting to be found.
However, several events shake his normally unflappable self–assurance.
And, even after he finds Grif, will his past catch up with him and possibly drive his soul mate away?
Review: Like Grif’s Toy, this story is told in the first person, but this time, we get Wes’ side of the story and his history. Also, like the previous book, the story moves from present to past throughout the narrative. The reader is given the date and context at the beginning of each chapter, so there should be no confusion about the timeframe.
When I read Grif’s Toy, I’d never really experienced a book quite like it. As I mentioned in my review of that book, humiliation kink really is not my thing, but this author handles it beautifully—from both the Dom and the sub side. In this sequel, we learn about Wes’ past and some of the things that have made him into the man he is today with Grif.
Wes’ has a military background, and the initial chapter of this book sets the stage for his Marine experience and some of the events that have shaped his life. As the story progresses, we continue to get glimpses of what it was like for him (and others) to be gay and a Marine during DADT. It’s apparent that violence has played a part in his past and has a direct impact on his current relationship with Grif and the restraint he uses in certain aspects of his discipline with Grif.
The second most meaningful relationship and influence we get to experience in this story is Wes’ relationship with Thomas and Henrik, the Dom and sub he trains with after he is out of the military. Again, the intensity of this relationship and the events that occur around his training, and subsequently, are a great influence on his current state and his relationship with Grif.
Unfortunately, some of the things that have happened over the years have Wes wracked with guilt and because of that guilt and fear of himself, he hasn’t been completely honest with Grif. As time goes on, several events in the present day concern Grif enough to have him asking questions of Wes. When Wes admits that he hasn’t been completely honest with Griff about the past, Griff has to decide how to proceed. Will Grif be able stay with the man who has his heart and soul, but hasn’t trusted him with the complete truth? Or will he have to break from his soulmate? You will just have to read the book to find out.
Wow wow wow! This book, like the first one, was a revelation to me. What a wonderful complement to Grif’s Toy. I would recommend reading this book without reading many spoilery or plot-centric reviews, because I think it’s best experienced without other influences. It’s in no way a “typical” romance, but the all-consuming love of these men for each other and what they gift to each other in total adoration and devotion is what makes the story. The ending really, really got to me, and tears were shed. This is another very special book from an author who isn’t afraid to go where others might fear to tread. Beautifully written and highly recommended.
You can buy Wes’ Denial here:
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