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Serving His Master #5
Heart Thief
After a stint in the Army, Luke Malone finds himself far from his country roots, working casino security in Las Vegas. Just beginning to come to grips with his submissive side, he doesn't stand a chance when powerful Houston millionaire Glenn Griffin sets his sights on the Texas cowboy.
After one hot night of instant connection, Glenn offers Luke a dream job and a lot more. However, all too soon Glenn tires of his latest boy toy. To clear the path for his next conquest, Glenn sends Luke on a business trip to an East Texas ranch in which he has an investment interest. There Luke meets Sawyer, a man with very different ideas about erotic submission and mixing pain with pleasure. In addition to bondage, suspension and whips, with Sawyer there is also tenderness, affirmation and a deep sensual bond like none Luke has ever experienced.
On his own path in search of meaning through spiritual D/s and erotic pain, Sawyer has had troubles of his own. With Luke, he embarks on a journey that opens both their worlds in ways neither had ever imagined. That is, until Glenn decides he wants his boy back. And what Glenn wants, Glenn gets.
After one hot night of instant connection, Glenn offers Luke a dream job and a lot more. However, all too soon Glenn tires of his latest boy toy. To clear the path for his next conquest, Glenn sends Luke on a business trip to an East Texas ranch in which he has an investment interest. There Luke meets Sawyer, a man with very different ideas about erotic submission and mixing pain with pleasure. In addition to bondage, suspension and whips, with Sawyer there is also tenderness, affirmation and a deep sensual bond like none Luke has ever experienced.
On his own path in search of meaning through spiritual D/s and erotic pain, Sawyer has had troubles of his own. With Luke, he embarks on a journey that opens both their worlds in ways neither had ever imagined. That is, until Glenn decides he wants his boy back. And what Glenn wants, Glenn gets.
232 pages, ebook
First published July 4, 2011
About the author
Claire Thompson
169 books1,142 followersClaire has been writing for nearly two decades, and has published over 85 novels. She writes BDSM romance and abduction tales, spanning both m/f and m/m genres. She has received numerous awards for her bestselling work, including the NLA-Int’l Pauline Réage Award and the Golden Flogger Award for best BDSM fiction.. Her darker works press the envelope of what is erotic and what can be a sometimes dangerous slide into the world of sadomasochism. Ultimately her work deals with the human condition, and our constant search for love and intensity of experience.
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https://clairethompson.net
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https://clairethompson.net
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 13, 2023
Rating: 2 Stars
I’m so annoyed with myself.
The first book in this series, The Contract, set my expectations so high that the drivel that follows is just… extra drivel-y. Idk if that’s a word but it is now.
I knew better than to give in to the temptation of this cover and I did it anyway like a moron.
On paper this should have worked… in reality everything just felt off.
The story doesn’t even start until chapter 5 because for some reason we got 4 (!) chapters of Luke being badly introduced to bdsm by a manipulative dom who gives zero fucks about him and treats him like he’s disposable.
😳
I felt bad for him; he’s a sweetheart that got taken in by a smarmster, and ended up in the hands of an abuser who he’s not only sexually involved with but is also working for.
Yes, Luke honey, A LOT is off about this!! This whole mess with Glenn, especially the deliberate power imbalance and control, was very not ok and while I’m glad therelationship bullshit apparently only lasted 3 months before Glenn dropped him like a hot rock for a new toy, I did not need to spend 53 of 152 pages hearing about it. 😠
After Glenn dumps Luke and yeets him to a distant location, aka a ranch he wants him to assess as a potential investment, Luke meets Sawyer and, we’re told, the Super-Est of Super Novas collide when their eyes meet. Or something.
Idk I really didn’t feel it. Like I knew that In theory I was supposed to feel it, but I … didn’t. So.
I really was hoping this was going to turn into some more rope bondage magic, because I was SPOILED AF by the first book in this regard, but noooope. I mean Luke got tied up alright … by a guy he’d known for one whole day, with nary a safe word or safety plan/contract in sight, and ended up in a sex cabin hanging from a rope swing. I’m not kidding. Still better than the wack shit that was going on with Glenn but dude… maybe take things a little slower this time 😵💫🫣
I liked Sawyer; there was good potential there for a strong supportive match between he and Luke where Luke would safely and sanely get what he needs and the romance he craves. It just was not fleshed out/developed enough, felt rushed, and again… the most basic of safety basics wasn’t even there. Not to mention we get 3 months with Luke/Glenn, and ~1 week with Luke/Sawyer??!!
This was not a hate read. I genuinely went in hoping for the best. And yet… here we are.
2 stars earned for the plot framework which had potential to be a really good story.
TLDR: Everything felt too surface level, and disjointed, and unrealistic, and like a gigantic waste of potential.
I’m done… no more in this series for me *she says convincingly, while squinting vaguely at the remaining covers. Damn damn double damn*
I’m so annoyed with myself.
The first book in this series, The Contract, set my expectations so high that the drivel that follows is just… extra drivel-y. Idk if that’s a word but it is now.
I knew better than to give in to the temptation of this cover and I did it anyway like a moron.
On paper this should have worked… in reality everything just felt off.
The story doesn’t even start until chapter 5 because for some reason we got 4 (!) chapters of Luke being badly introduced to bdsm by a manipulative dom who gives zero fucks about him and treats him like he’s disposable.
“That’s called an anal impaler,” Glenn said, coming up close behind Luke. “We’re gonna have a lot of fun with that.” He chuckled. “And this,” Glenn said, pointing to an even more ominous looking device, “is a cock and ball pillory. I call it the ball crusher for short. You get the idea.”
😳
I felt bad for him; he’s a sweetheart that got taken in by a smarmster, and ended up in the hands of an abuser who he’s not only sexually involved with but is also working for.
I’m feeling mean tonight.
Luke wasn’t sure he liked the sound of that, though Glenn was smiling as he said it. Still, something was off about all this.
Yes, Luke honey, A LOT is off about this!! This whole mess with Glenn, especially the deliberate power imbalance and control, was very not ok and while I’m glad the
After Glenn dumps Luke and yeets him to a distant location, aka a ranch he wants him to assess as a potential investment, Luke meets Sawyer and, we’re told, the Super-Est of Super Novas collide when their eyes meet. Or something.
Idk I really didn’t feel it. Like I knew that In theory I was supposed to feel it, but I … didn’t. So.
I really was hoping this was going to turn into some more rope bondage magic, because I was SPOILED AF by the first book in this regard, but noooope. I mean Luke got tied up alright … by a guy he’d known for one whole day, with nary a safe word or safety plan/contract in sight, and ended up in a sex cabin hanging from a rope swing. I’m not kidding. Still better than the wack shit that was going on with Glenn but dude… maybe take things a little slower this time 😵💫🫣
I liked Sawyer; there was good potential there for a strong supportive match between he and Luke where Luke would safely and sanely get what he needs and the romance he craves. It just was not fleshed out/developed enough, felt rushed, and again… the most basic of safety basics wasn’t even there. Not to mention we get 3 months with Luke/Glenn, and ~1 week with Luke/Sawyer??!!
This was not a hate read. I genuinely went in hoping for the best. And yet… here we are.
2 stars earned for the plot framework which had potential to be a really good story.
TLDR: Everything felt too surface level, and disjointed, and unrealistic, and like a gigantic waste of potential.
I’m done… no more in this series for me *she says convincingly, while squinting vaguely at the remaining covers. Damn damn double damn*
July 6, 2021
I enjoyed this book , but didn’t love it. Glen came across as creepy from the start so I was glad when he dumped Luke. I’m certainly not into knife or needle play although I felt that it was handled in a way that didn’t freak me out.
July 26, 2011
Author: Claire Thompson
Publisher: Romance Unbound Publishing
Page Count (ePub): 144
Published: 2011
Rainbow eBooks: $4.76
The heat started right from the start and was very intriguing. A very powerful, wealthy and aggressive Dom going after a hot security guard, a cowboy to boot! As they explored their relationship, their interactions started off sizzling, until their dynamic shifted. Or rather, Luke (the cowboy) finally realizes that their dynamic is not based on love, but something else.
The heat between Griffin and Luke was immediate and intense – I couldn’t put the book down. However, when things shifted for Luke, it was a bit hard to continue reading. The whole “safe, sane and consensual” mantra was, well… missing. I tend to fight it hard to relate as soon as that boundary is crossed. I struggled to continue with the story as it was not clear where it was going. But I kept on, and it was definitely worth it! When Luke figures out what he is really looking for and what a D/s relationship should be about, the results were very enticing.
For the most part, the sex was hot with a good dose of D/s – including some bondage and the somewhat less explored/written about, needle play (I could have done without that, but it was done tastefully). There was a lot of sex, so probably not for someone who likes their plots interrupted or furthered by sexual interactions, and not for the new D/s or m/m reader – there were key missing elements from their D/s play mainly the “safe, sane and consensual” part, along with missing safe words and trust.
Out of four…
Overall Read: ♥♥♥
Sex Heat: ♥♥♥
Plot: ♥♥
I’d recommend this book to those who love a good cowboy story in Texas; hot sex with a new-age feel to a D/s relationship; and most importantly, someone who is committed to reading through the rough parts to get to the goodies awaiting the other side!
Publisher: Romance Unbound Publishing
Page Count (ePub): 144
Published: 2011
Rainbow eBooks: $4.76
The heat started right from the start and was very intriguing. A very powerful, wealthy and aggressive Dom going after a hot security guard, a cowboy to boot! As they explored their relationship, their interactions started off sizzling, until their dynamic shifted. Or rather, Luke (the cowboy) finally realizes that their dynamic is not based on love, but something else.
The heat between Griffin and Luke was immediate and intense – I couldn’t put the book down. However, when things shifted for Luke, it was a bit hard to continue reading. The whole “safe, sane and consensual” mantra was, well… missing. I tend to fight it hard to relate as soon as that boundary is crossed. I struggled to continue with the story as it was not clear where it was going. But I kept on, and it was definitely worth it! When Luke figures out what he is really looking for and what a D/s relationship should be about, the results were very enticing.
For the most part, the sex was hot with a good dose of D/s – including some bondage and the somewhat less explored/written about, needle play (I could have done without that, but it was done tastefully). There was a lot of sex, so probably not for someone who likes their plots interrupted or furthered by sexual interactions, and not for the new D/s or m/m reader – there were key missing elements from their D/s play mainly the “safe, sane and consensual” part, along with missing safe words and trust.
Out of four…
Overall Read: ♥♥♥
Sex Heat: ♥♥♥
Plot: ♥♥
I’d recommend this book to those who love a good cowboy story in Texas; hot sex with a new-age feel to a D/s relationship; and most importantly, someone who is committed to reading through the rough parts to get to the goodies awaiting the other side!
April 21, 2023
I really wanted to like this book but it was seriously a bad example of the BDSM lifestyle. We have Luke, who realized he was a sub when he was approached by Glenn. Glenn is a really wealthy jackhole who pretty much uses the BDSM lifestyle to abuse his Subs. We weren't supposed to like Glenn but we were supposed to like Sawyer. The author was heavy handed with the way she "guided" us readers to those conclusions. Glenn = Bad. Sawyer = Good. I'd rather draw my own conclusions thank you very much. Also, not once did either Doms discuss limits, safe words, or after care (even though Sawyer did provide after care he didn't discuss this with Luke before any scenes started.) As Luke was new to the entire lifestyle all of this should have been number one with Sawyer after realizing Luke was pretty much a newbie even after spending a few months with Glenn. All Sawyer wanted to talk about was some weird pain equals a spiritual experience that could transcend the sub while deep into a scene. It reminded me of some sort of weird stuff a hippie would spout while high on 'shrooms.
Besides all that there was an issue with the romance itself. we spent 1/3 of the book reading about Glenn's abusive tendencies (3 months in Luke's time) and only one week with Sawyer, where they jumped right into Luke being hog tied and hanging from a support beam on the day they met. Somehow, in that week, they fell in love. Of course, when their eyes met that first day birds sang their song of love, butterflies danced, and fireworks burst only for them. Just kidding but almost not. The author did add some poetic flowery words for the Sa-luke couple. Or is that Luyer? I don't know but I probably won't go back and read any more of this series knowing Thompson regularly writes BDSM stories.
Besides all that there was an issue with the romance itself. we spent 1/3 of the book reading about Glenn's abusive tendencies (3 months in Luke's time) and only one week with Sawyer, where they jumped right into Luke being hog tied and hanging from a support beam on the day they met. Somehow, in that week, they fell in love. Of course, when their eyes met that first day birds sang their song of love, butterflies danced, and fireworks burst only for them. Just kidding but almost not. The author did add some poetic flowery words for the Sa-luke couple. Or is that Luyer? I don't know but I probably won't go back and read any more of this series knowing Thompson regularly writes BDSM stories.
Want to read
July 3, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/3/2021)! 🎁
July 9, 2011
4-4,5 stars.
Heart Thief is trademark Claire Thompson.
Strong BDSM theme and content but always exploring the sensual and spiritual
side of a D/s relationship.
What I really,really liked about this book - Dom and sub were equals!
Heart Thief is trademark Claire Thompson.
Strong BDSM theme and content but always exploring the sensual and spiritual
side of a D/s relationship.
What I really,really liked about this book - Dom and sub were equals!
August 14, 2018
After a stint in the Army, Luke Malone finds himself working security in a Las Vegas casino. After one mind blowing night, Luke agrees to return his home state of Texas as an employee of powerful Houston millionaire Glenn Griffin. Luke is intrigued with Glenn as he takes him into submission, but at the same time, Glenn can be abrupt and uncaring. When Glenn tires of Luke, he sends him to evaluate a ranch for investment potential. This clears the way for Glenn's new boy toy.
Devastated, Luke resolves to do his job at the ranch where he meets Sawyer and his father Ben. Realizing their desire for each other, Sawyer shows Luke how he can soar to new heights with Sawyer's care and compassion Sawyer has a very different views of submission and erotic pain. The two establish a deep bond that helps both men cope with their pasts. But then Glenn decides he wants Luke back and he will not take no for an answer.
The contrast between Glenn and Sawyer was obvious. Glenn takes what he wants with little consideration given to his partner. Sawyer, by contrast, takes what is given. Sawyer and Luke together was a thing of beauty and for both men, the real thing. A truly feel good story, pick up Heart Thief and route for Luke and Sawyer. Claire Thompson is blessed with the ability to create amazing heroes and put them into intriguing situations. Add Heart Thief to your list of book and be prepared to enjoy an amazing story.
Devastated, Luke resolves to do his job at the ranch where he meets Sawyer and his father Ben. Realizing their desire for each other, Sawyer shows Luke how he can soar to new heights with Sawyer's care and compassion Sawyer has a very different views of submission and erotic pain. The two establish a deep bond that helps both men cope with their pasts. But then Glenn decides he wants Luke back and he will not take no for an answer.
The contrast between Glenn and Sawyer was obvious. Glenn takes what he wants with little consideration given to his partner. Sawyer, by contrast, takes what is given. Sawyer and Luke together was a thing of beauty and for both men, the real thing. A truly feel good story, pick up Heart Thief and route for Luke and Sawyer. Claire Thompson is blessed with the ability to create amazing heroes and put them into intriguing situations. Add Heart Thief to your list of book and be prepared to enjoy an amazing story.
August 10, 2018
There was a lot of emotion in this book, a lot of sexiness too! Luke has been looking for that one, and he thinks he has found it. He feels hollow emotionally, but the sex is good, and when things are going as he plans, it feels right. When things aren't, he feels horrible, so when it all falls apart, he is upset. Even he realizes he isn't heartbroken, just hurt. When another opportunity presents itself, and feels right, Luke rejects it outright. He doesn't need the hassle, he'd rather be by himself. He doesn't trust he won't get hurt again
Sawyer sees the pain in Luke and knows he needs to have a soft touch and earn his trust. He is willing to take that chance though, because Luke is everything he wants in a partner, in every way. It isn't easy, and there are setbacks, but Sawyer knows Luke is worth it, now he needs to convince Luke of that!
Sawyer sees the pain in Luke and knows he needs to have a soft touch and earn his trust. He is willing to take that chance though, because Luke is everything he wants in a partner, in every way. It isn't easy, and there are setbacks, but Sawyer knows Luke is worth it, now he needs to convince Luke of that!
August 8, 2018
This book shows two relationships. One that has everything that can be wrong in a BDSM relationship and one that shows how it can and should be.
I really couldn't stand Glenn. I just wanted to hit him with that whip myself. I really felt for Luke, he knew that there were things missing and not right, but he was also confused about his own feelings.
i really liked Shawyer and his approach to the Lifestyle. I have never read about this spiritual approach before. I loved how he embraced it and helped Luke deal with his feelings. There was a wonderful easy comradery between them and a sense of rightness.
I really couldn't stand Glenn. I just wanted to hit him with that whip myself. I really felt for Luke, he knew that there were things missing and not right, but he was also confused about his own feelings.
i really liked Shawyer and his approach to the Lifestyle. I have never read about this spiritual approach before. I loved how he embraced it and helped Luke deal with his feelings. There was a wonderful easy comradery between them and a sense of rightness.
November 10, 2022
A tender, spiritual journey of healing.
After only experiencing manipulative relationships, Luke now has an opportunity to explore his submissive side with a balanced yet exciting power exchange dynamic.
Luke learns a lot about himself, how he relates to the world around him, what he is craving and how dysfunctional his previous connections had been. How bullies can be disguised as Doms and how the unassuming and overlooked can be the real deal.
Claire did an excellent job of touching the emotions, creating someone to hate, someone to feel empathy with, someone to urge on, culminating in a loving HEA. Voluntary review.
After only experiencing manipulative relationships, Luke now has an opportunity to explore his submissive side with a balanced yet exciting power exchange dynamic.
Luke learns a lot about himself, how he relates to the world around him, what he is craving and how dysfunctional his previous connections had been. How bullies can be disguised as Doms and how the unassuming and overlooked can be the real deal.
Claire did an excellent job of touching the emotions, creating someone to hate, someone to feel empathy with, someone to urge on, culminating in a loving HEA. Voluntary review.
July 15, 2018
What happens in Vegas does not stay in Vegas!
That's what a young security guard finds out when a swaggering wannabe dom, with a flash personality, swipes him off his feet with the offer of a splendid job and to show him the delights of being his "boy".
Pretty quickly the young man gets shoved off to Texas, his home state, and there he learns was true submission entails.
With uncanny knowledge of the workings of a gay D/s relationship, the author unrolls the true meaning of a bond that is built on trust, understanding and love.
That's what a young security guard finds out when a swaggering wannabe dom, with a flash personality, swipes him off his feet with the offer of a splendid job and to show him the delights of being his "boy".
Pretty quickly the young man gets shoved off to Texas, his home state, and there he learns was true submission entails.
With uncanny knowledge of the workings of a gay D/s relationship, the author unrolls the true meaning of a bond that is built on trust, understanding and love.
July 21, 2018
I really thought I was not going to like this book as I couldn't stand Glenn and every time he called Luke "boy", I thought of 'Heat of the Night' and all the racist negative, attitudes of the South. Sawyer on the other hand was lovely, perhaps because of who he was influenced by what he had been through, but his insight was just what Luke needed. The readers emotions are testament to Claire Thompson's skill in character development and her ability to draw the reader into the emotions of the book.
April 11, 2024
While I don't subscribe to the notion that a romance can only show intimate scenes between the characters who eventually get their happily ever after, I thought way too much time was spent showing how wrong Reed was for Luke before he finally meets Sawyer. Then, I never got enough time to fully appreciate any of the depths of Sawyer's character before the story hit its slightly melodramatic conclusion.
August 1, 2018
An emotional hot and sexy read. I truly enjoyed this book. Although I enjoy smut books like I call them, I enjoy them even more when there is a beautiful love story full of emotions along with the steamy scenes. This book also contains an arrogant alpha male who brings along drama with him. Great book! Love MM stories!
August 21, 2018
Glenn is a total jerk. I wanted to scream at Luke not to follow him. He was so cold.
However, Luke meeting Sawyer was almost like coming home in the literal sense. The instant connection they felt, and the intensity of their interactions. The hotness had of their explorations was off the charts.
Really and truly awesome!
However, Luke meeting Sawyer was almost like coming home in the literal sense. The instant connection they felt, and the intensity of their interactions. The hotness had of their explorations was off the charts.
Really and truly awesome!
November 26, 2019
The idea that being a sub means always being a bottom was put to rest in this story. I liked how the bond between Sawyer and Luke was not about titles or positions but of emotions and letting go. My heart was full reading this and brought tears to my eyes on a few occasions. This was sweet, passionate and very touching.
December 9, 2015
Luke Malone is a security guard for a Las Vegas casino. Young, and fresh out of the army, he's searching for answers about himself, who he is as a gay man and why he's so intrigued with submission and the deep desire to serve dominant men. When he meets Glenn Griffin, a wealthy Texas tycoon, Luke thinks all his questions have been answered. Glenn is very dominant, cocky, and self-assured. He takes Luke under his wing, offers him a lucrative job offer in his company, and moves Luke back to Texas with him. At first it all seems perfect, but soon Luke discovers Glenn is not only confident, but he's also extremely selfish and self-centered. He begins to treat Luke as if he's little more than property, just a trophy and sex object. After a few months, Glenn tires of Luke and replaces him with a new boy toy, then banishes Luke to an assignment in rural eastern Texas on a horse ranch.
It's here on this ranch that Luke really finds his answers. He meets Sawyer, who also is a Dom, but he's very different than Glenn. Sawyer does not pressure Luke, but instead leads him on an incredible journey of self-discovery. He becomes Luke's mentor and breaks through some emotional and mental barriers that Luke didn't even realize he was harboring. Ultimately they fall in love, but of course, life is not that easy. Just when it appears Luke and Sawyer will have their happily-ever-after, Glenn reappears and all hell breaks loose.
Wow, what an amazing story! This was absolutely beautiful. When I finished reading this book, I set it aside for a few days before writing my review, allowing myself some time to absorb the message. I went back through and read some of the scenes that had touched my heart. One in particular really tore me up, and it is where Luke is forced to confront his anger over the hurt that Glenn inflicted on him. "I'm the damn fool that thinks this means anything. I'm the idiot who thought, because I wanted to submit and serve, it would make someone love me! But it never happened. And it probably never will."
This is so heart-wrenching. The sad reality is that so many Doms are more like Glenn than they are like Sawyer. I wish in real life there were more amazing Doms who really loved and cared for their boys the way Sawyer did. I think he's the most wonderful fictional Dom I've ever read. But he's presented in a way that doesn't come across as "too good to be true". He feels real and genuine, and he is also flawed. Beautifully. He's so protective of Luke, and that's what I loved most. Their love for each other is really an example of how the D/s dynamic is supposed to function. They compliment each other, fulfill one another. You know, as in soul mates.
There were also many details of the story that fascinated me. I've never explored (or even heard of) needle play. It kind of grossed me out a bit, but still I thought it was a masterful, well-researched scene that symbolized the bond of trust Sawyer and Luke shared. Also, I liked the inclusion of the Native American and metaphysical elements and the link between pain therapy and spirituality. Really, the story was quite deep...and yet it read like an entertaining, engrossing romance.
I should not have been surprised that this book was so good. Consider the author. It has immediately earned a ranking in my "best-ever BDSM books" pile.
It's here on this ranch that Luke really finds his answers. He meets Sawyer, who also is a Dom, but he's very different than Glenn. Sawyer does not pressure Luke, but instead leads him on an incredible journey of self-discovery. He becomes Luke's mentor and breaks through some emotional and mental barriers that Luke didn't even realize he was harboring. Ultimately they fall in love, but of course, life is not that easy. Just when it appears Luke and Sawyer will have their happily-ever-after, Glenn reappears and all hell breaks loose.
Wow, what an amazing story! This was absolutely beautiful. When I finished reading this book, I set it aside for a few days before writing my review, allowing myself some time to absorb the message. I went back through and read some of the scenes that had touched my heart. One in particular really tore me up, and it is where Luke is forced to confront his anger over the hurt that Glenn inflicted on him. "I'm the damn fool that thinks this means anything. I'm the idiot who thought, because I wanted to submit and serve, it would make someone love me! But it never happened. And it probably never will."
This is so heart-wrenching. The sad reality is that so many Doms are more like Glenn than they are like Sawyer. I wish in real life there were more amazing Doms who really loved and cared for their boys the way Sawyer did. I think he's the most wonderful fictional Dom I've ever read. But he's presented in a way that doesn't come across as "too good to be true". He feels real and genuine, and he is also flawed. Beautifully. He's so protective of Luke, and that's what I loved most. Their love for each other is really an example of how the D/s dynamic is supposed to function. They compliment each other, fulfill one another. You know, as in soul mates.
There were also many details of the story that fascinated me. I've never explored (or even heard of) needle play. It kind of grossed me out a bit, but still I thought it was a masterful, well-researched scene that symbolized the bond of trust Sawyer and Luke shared. Also, I liked the inclusion of the Native American and metaphysical elements and the link between pain therapy and spirituality. Really, the story was quite deep...and yet it read like an entertaining, engrossing romance.
I should not have been surprised that this book was so good. Consider the author. It has immediately earned a ranking in my "best-ever BDSM books" pile.
August 23, 2018
I love Claire Thompson's way with words and the way that she talks about submission and pain. It's just so different to what other authors are doing. It's beautiful and deep and intimate.
Luke is a cowboy who is working in Las Vegas as security. He's always kind of wanted to belong to someone and serve them, but has never found the right man.
Glenn is a rich businessman who comes to the casino where Luke is working, and just whisks Luke off his feet. He gives Luke a job in his organization in Houston, and a place at his house, in his bed. Glenn is a Top, and he wants to Top Luke. They have kinky fun, but Luke starts to feel like something is missing.
All of a sudden, Luke gets sent off to a ranch outside of a small Texas town. He's supposed to evaluate this ranch and take a few weeks and treat it like a working vacation. It seems that Glenn may have moved on. Sawyer is the ranch owner's son, and there's pretty much an instant attraction between Luke and Sawyer.
Oh man, I pretty much wanted to smack seven shades of sh1te out of Glenn from the very first moment we see him. It's pretty obvious that he's a user and doesn't care about anyone else of the feelings. As long as Glenn gets what he wants, he's happy. Sawyer seems like such a nice guy, and I mean a really nice guy, not the kind of nice guy who has to tell you that they are a nice guy. I love how he really sees Luke and wants the best for Luke. The connections that the characters make in this book are just amazing.
Luke is a cowboy who is working in Las Vegas as security. He's always kind of wanted to belong to someone and serve them, but has never found the right man.
Glenn is a rich businessman who comes to the casino where Luke is working, and just whisks Luke off his feet. He gives Luke a job in his organization in Houston, and a place at his house, in his bed. Glenn is a Top, and he wants to Top Luke. They have kinky fun, but Luke starts to feel like something is missing.
All of a sudden, Luke gets sent off to a ranch outside of a small Texas town. He's supposed to evaluate this ranch and take a few weeks and treat it like a working vacation. It seems that Glenn may have moved on. Sawyer is the ranch owner's son, and there's pretty much an instant attraction between Luke and Sawyer.
Oh man, I pretty much wanted to smack seven shades of sh1te out of Glenn from the very first moment we see him. It's pretty obvious that he's a user and doesn't care about anyone else of the feelings. As long as Glenn gets what he wants, he's happy. Sawyer seems like such a nice guy, and I mean a really nice guy, not the kind of nice guy who has to tell you that they are a nice guy. I love how he really sees Luke and wants the best for Luke. The connections that the characters make in this book are just amazing.
Read
August 28, 2013I don’t particularly care for BDSM, especially when it’s done more for show than love, and so I wasn’t particularly liking Glenn, the man Luke falls in love with; I read the blurb, and I knew there was a moment in the story where Luke was finally meeting his real love, but still, with the “bad” introduction he had to D/s, I wasn’t really sure it was possible for him to still enjoy it.
Sawyer is a completely different man from Glenn, not only he is sweet, and caring, he is also open with his feeling; it’s not weakness to admit you are in love, on the contrary it’s proving that you are confident and a well-balanced man. That is a man that can really understand the meaning of BDSM and how it can enhance a relationship.
It’s strange but the story doesn’t span much in the lives of its characters, on the contrary from the moment Luke meets Glenn to the last page, it’s probably little more than one month, but nevertheless, while the reader is sure Glenn is the wrong man, you are also sure Sawyer and Luke’s relationship is destined to last; it’s in their ability to trust each other, despite past misadventures.
Claire Thompson is probably the first author I read with a BDSM theme, Golden Boy, and years later, she is still among the few that is able to deliver a full BDSM novel that rings true to my ears, and not some fake stage act.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1463687230/?...
Sawyer is a completely different man from Glenn, not only he is sweet, and caring, he is also open with his feeling; it’s not weakness to admit you are in love, on the contrary it’s proving that you are confident and a well-balanced man. That is a man that can really understand the meaning of BDSM and how it can enhance a relationship.
It’s strange but the story doesn’t span much in the lives of its characters, on the contrary from the moment Luke meets Glenn to the last page, it’s probably little more than one month, but nevertheless, while the reader is sure Glenn is the wrong man, you are also sure Sawyer and Luke’s relationship is destined to last; it’s in their ability to trust each other, despite past misadventures.
Claire Thompson is probably the first author I read with a BDSM theme, Golden Boy, and years later, she is still among the few that is able to deliver a full BDSM novel that rings true to my ears, and not some fake stage act.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1463687230/?...
August 13, 2011
Luke Malone is drawn into a relationship with Glenn Griffin, a multi-millionaire, and when Glenn tires of him, Luke is sent to evaluate a ranch owned by Ben and Sawyer Croft.
I like Luke. He knows he is submissive and is desperately seeking a Dom who will not only play with him, but develop that relationship into a loving one. His mistake is in believing Glenn might give this to him. Glenn is arrogant and selfish, and Luke soon learns that Glenn only pleases himself; so when a new 'boy' comes along, Luke is dismissed and sent off to the Croft ranch.
There he meets Sawyer, a quiet, thoughtful man, who recognises Luke's submissiveness immediately. Since Luke was originally a farm boy, he naturally sinks into the life of the ranch, realising how much he has missed ranching and horses. He accepts Sawyer's dominance quite easily; and there is an incredible scene where Sawyer ties Luke up and takes a whip to him in order to make Luke get rid of his (denied) anger.
Although the relationship between Luke and Sawyer builds rather quickly, it is evident that both men are deeply affected. The ending, where Glenn is given his marching orders, and Luke remains on the ranch, is very predictable.
An enjoyable read.
I like Luke. He knows he is submissive and is desperately seeking a Dom who will not only play with him, but develop that relationship into a loving one. His mistake is in believing Glenn might give this to him. Glenn is arrogant and selfish, and Luke soon learns that Glenn only pleases himself; so when a new 'boy' comes along, Luke is dismissed and sent off to the Croft ranch.
There he meets Sawyer, a quiet, thoughtful man, who recognises Luke's submissiveness immediately. Since Luke was originally a farm boy, he naturally sinks into the life of the ranch, realising how much he has missed ranching and horses. He accepts Sawyer's dominance quite easily; and there is an incredible scene where Sawyer ties Luke up and takes a whip to him in order to make Luke get rid of his (denied) anger.
Although the relationship between Luke and Sawyer builds rather quickly, it is evident that both men are deeply affected. The ending, where Glenn is given his marching orders, and Luke remains on the ranch, is very predictable.
An enjoyable read.
August 9, 2013
Barely 3 stars. Didn't really "feel" these guys and the BDSM elements just seemed kind of off to me. Lovely smexing but not lovely enough to carry the rest of the book. We had a newbie to the scene just kind of thrown in there without any rules or explanations for him. Kind of scary. I do love cowboys though. :)
July 21, 2014
This is the 2nd time I've read this book and it was just as good as the first time. I don't usually re-read ones where a lot of the story is about the relationship between one of the MC's and another character (in this case the "villian"), which this one is, but it really illustrates how the MC got into the BDSM mindset and how different relationships can be. Very intriguing - a great read.
July 31, 2018
All heart ❤
Avery and JD's story is full of humor, tragity, heart and heat. Like melt your kindle heat. Also love. The storyline pulls you in from the first chapter and keeps you turning pages.
Claire is one of my favorite authors. M/M is not my normal genre. I have found with this author you can't go wrong with anything she writes including this genre. I highly recommend.
Avery and JD's story is full of humor, tragity, heart and heat. Like melt your kindle heat. Also love. The storyline pulls you in from the first chapter and keeps you turning pages.
Claire is one of my favorite authors. M/M is not my normal genre. I have found with this author you can't go wrong with anything she writes including this genre. I highly recommend.
August 3, 2011
Claire Thompson is wonderful at showing the story through her characters eyes. Heart Thief is definitely worth reading. To view this review in its entirety, please visit http://thereadersroundtable.com/eroti...
August 29, 2011
In Heart Thief, Claire Thompson takes Luke Malone on an intensely erotic journey that is as sexual as it is spiritual when he explores his submissive side with two completely different men. To read this review in its entirety, please visit http://www.blackravensreviews.com/?p=...
November 21, 2015
Good romance with strong bdsm elements. 4.5 stars
Want to read
March 20, 2024Purch Amz July 4, 2021
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