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Thrown to the Lions #1
Ryland's Sacrifice
Principles don't pay tuition fees. When Ryland's math scholarship disappears overnight, he has two choices. He can borrow money from fellow student Jason Burrows, who has very interesting ways of collecting debts. Or, he can volunteer to be thrown to the werelions.One night spent playing the part of a willing human sacrifice will give him enough money to finish his PhD. It seems like a good deal-right up until the moment he finds himself naked, blindfolded, bound and surrounded by lions.
110 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2010
17 people are currently reading
819 people want to read
About the author
Kim Dare
160 books1,507 followersKim is a thirty-three year old bisexual submissive from Wales (UK). First published in 2008, she has since released almost 100 BDSM erotic romance titles ranging from short stories to full length novels. Having worked with a host of fantastic e-publishers, she has just moved into self publishing.
While she has occasionally ventured towards other pairings, Kim's first love is still, and probably always will be, Male/Male stories. But, no matter what the pairing, from paranormal to contemporary, and from the sweet to the intense, everything she writes will always feature three things - Kink, Love and a Happy Ending.
While she has occasionally ventured towards other pairings, Kim's first love is still, and probably always will be, Male/Male stories. But, no matter what the pairing, from paranormal to contemporary, and from the sweet to the intense, everything she writes will always feature three things - Kink, Love and a Happy Ending.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
dnf
December 30, 2024Why did not one tell me this was student/teacher. I hate student teacher even if the student is a PhD candidate, and the teacher is his professor. I wanted sexy shifters. I got student/teacher, and what sounded like (it might not have been, I didn't stick around to find out)a fairly significant age gap (also one of my least favorite things). Not for me at all.
My disappointment might also stem from the fact the title might have lead me to believe that this would be some sort of sexy ménage, and that's what I really wanted.
My disappointment might also stem from the fact the title might have lead me to believe that this would be some sort of sexy ménage, and that's what I really wanted.
July 26, 2018
Mehhhh....
I still can’t believe I’m giving this two stars! It’s the first book of Dare’s that I haven’t liked. It was flat, unsexy, and very short on world-building.
Lion Shifters live amongst humans. They are known. Why do they need weekly “sacrifices” brought to them? There are a lot of unanswered questions in this tale. Unfortunately, I don’t care to discover what their answers might be.
I got bored reading this and even skimmed through the final scene. Sorry Simba, I’ll pass on the rest of the series.
I still can’t believe I’m giving this two stars! It’s the first book of Dare’s that I haven’t liked. It was flat, unsexy, and very short on world-building.
Lion Shifters live amongst humans. They are known. Why do they need weekly “sacrifices” brought to them? There are a lot of unanswered questions in this tale. Unfortunately, I don’t care to discover what their answers might be.
I got bored reading this and even skimmed through the final scene. Sorry Simba, I’ll pass on the rest of the series.
August 13, 2013
O My Lions!
Well this starts off pretty darn tense and edgy and ends in a tub of marshmallow fluff. Voyeuristic beginning with some uncertain moments for Ryland, our adorable and lovable graduate student. His attempts and egregious failure at communicating with Arslan. Likewise, Arslan's equally tragic ability to communicate until something less desirable happens. That said, there is some great tongue and cheek humor at the end--love Ryland's family explanation and the outcome to his listening to the bad idea fairy.
I swear, Dare has a way of selecting names that just peg other associations for me and Arslan had me setting this spinning off into some kinky Narnia with team fun on the Broken Table, but without the scissors and knives. Trust me the side trip my brain took was highly entertaining if just a bit disturbing.
Overall, not amazing, but entertaining with the Dare's trademark possessive and loving D/s. Want to know what the rest of the kinky kitties will get up to in the subsequent books though figuring out Luther and Blaine shouldn't be hard and sweet, sweet Kefir. Hmmm...
Favorite passage:
Well this starts off pretty darn tense and edgy and ends in a tub of marshmallow fluff. Voyeuristic beginning with some uncertain moments for Ryland, our adorable and lovable graduate student. His attempts and egregious failure at communicating with Arslan. Likewise, Arslan's equally tragic ability to communicate until something less desirable happens. That said, there is some great tongue and cheek humor at the end--love Ryland's family explanation and the outcome to his listening to the bad idea fairy.
I swear, Dare has a way of selecting names that just peg other associations for me and Arslan had me setting this spinning off into some kinky Narnia with team fun on the Broken Table, but without the scissors and knives. Trust me the side trip my brain took was highly entertaining if just a bit disturbing.
Overall, not amazing, but entertaining with the Dare's trademark possessive and loving D/s. Want to know what the rest of the kinky kitties will get up to in the subsequent books though figuring out Luther and Blaine shouldn't be hard and sweet, sweet Kefir. Hmmm...
Favorite passage:
“Our traditions exist for a reason. Don't dismiss them as if they were designed as an insult to you."
February 10, 2010
A longer book from Kim Dare…yay. Okay, now for the real info. This new series, revolving around werelions has much of the same style I have come to associate with K. Dare. Lots of introspection from the submissive in the relationship but not too much real soul searching from the Dominant partner. I expect that. It’s probably a lot easier to come to terms with the dominant side of the power exchange but in this case I think we needed a little more insight into Arslan. Maybe not his need for dominance but certainly more vision into the werelion persona. Since the werelions as a species living among humans needs some world building to let us all understand the human/werelion dynamic it could easily have come from Arslan via mental musing or his daily interactions. Of course, standard for Kim also...the sex scenes are hot, hot, hot!
Ryland was a great sympathetic character who made choices I could understand. The BDSM Dom/sub relationship is not as dramatic as in past Kim Dare books. This felt much more subtle even though the beginning was very dramatic and tense. The secondary characters have stayed with me. I feel they added to the scenes they were in rather than leading the scene astray. I especially liked Kefir and can't wait for his book.
I didn’t come away convinced that the whole werelion/human dynamic was fully fleshed out for this series as this first book was written. I don’t really understand the reason that they bring humans into their den in the manner that they do. What is the purpose for that? What do the lions get out of it? Does Arslan not know the people that procure these men? Can he not contact them? Does he really not know that these men are being paid to enter the lions den? Lots of questions that were left unanswered but would have cleared up some of the decisions made and actions taken by both Ryland and Arslan.
Additionally, I am unsure of where the pride fits in with the world. Do the other lions work? Go to school? What is young? Arslan muses to himself about their youth quite often, but how young are they really? The way Arslan interprets his interaction with humans makes it seem, except for his students, it’s a rare thing for him to be in human presence. It’s like he has no idea how to understand humans and that seems unlikely unless there is a much larger werelion population than I originally thought.
The last thing I noticed is that there are no women mentioned in this book. Are there no werelionesses? Are there no female friends, students or colleagues for any of these men? They mention not caring about gender relations but it doesn't explain the lack of women. Not that I want any of them to be love interests, ewww…but still, to have no female interaction anywhere in the book was confusing.
I have great expectations for this series as I can only imagine things will tighten up and holes will be plugged or explained. Even though it may not seem like it, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the next three. They can’t come out soon enough for me.
Ryland was a great sympathetic character who made choices I could understand. The BDSM Dom/sub relationship is not as dramatic as in past Kim Dare books. This felt much more subtle even though the beginning was very dramatic and tense. The secondary characters have stayed with me. I feel they added to the scenes they were in rather than leading the scene astray. I especially liked Kefir and can't wait for his book.
I didn’t come away convinced that the whole werelion/human dynamic was fully fleshed out for this series as this first book was written. I don’t really understand the reason that they bring humans into their den in the manner that they do. What is the purpose for that? What do the lions get out of it? Does Arslan not know the people that procure these men? Can he not contact them? Does he really not know that these men are being paid to enter the lions den? Lots of questions that were left unanswered but would have cleared up some of the decisions made and actions taken by both Ryland and Arslan.
Additionally, I am unsure of where the pride fits in with the world. Do the other lions work? Go to school? What is young? Arslan muses to himself about their youth quite often, but how young are they really? The way Arslan interprets his interaction with humans makes it seem, except for his students, it’s a rare thing for him to be in human presence. It’s like he has no idea how to understand humans and that seems unlikely unless there is a much larger werelion population than I originally thought.
The last thing I noticed is that there are no women mentioned in this book. Are there no werelionesses? Are there no female friends, students or colleagues for any of these men? They mention not caring about gender relations but it doesn't explain the lack of women. Not that I want any of them to be love interests, ewww…but still, to have no female interaction anywhere in the book was confusing.
I have great expectations for this series as I can only imagine things will tighten up and holes will be plugged or explained. Even though it may not seem like it, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the next three. They can’t come out soon enough for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2010
Ok, We have the young student Ryland who needs money for collage fees. he sells himself to the Lions for a night for $2000. Yes he is to be their sex thing for the night! The Lions are shapeshifters and when naked and blindfolded Ryland arrives he is surprised to see a professor Arslan is the pride leader. Arslan is a Dom and older and handsome. Ryland is immediately glad the handsome "SIR" is there
Arslan is delighted to see the timid student and immediately protects him from the rest of the pride and wont share him. He wants Ryland as his mate "PET", but a lot of misunderstandings and angst stand inhis way.
I was surprised to find I really really liked it. I was torn between a 3 and 4 star but gave it the 4 on originality. My real complaint was how short the story was. I was just getting into it and Bang, the end.
It was like a the first couple of chapters from a book! I think that this is kind of more like an introducton to the characters and the series etc. I hope so, and hope that the next installments will be full lenght books. There are NO females in this book, NOT ONE!! Another first for me. M/M only.
Arslan is delighted to see the timid student and immediately protects him from the rest of the pride and wont share him. He wants Ryland as his mate "PET", but a lot of misunderstandings and angst stand inhis way.
I was surprised to find I really really liked it. I was torn between a 3 and 4 star but gave it the 4 on originality. My real complaint was how short the story was. I was just getting into it and Bang, the end.
It was like a the first couple of chapters from a book! I think that this is kind of more like an introducton to the characters and the series etc. I hope so, and hope that the next installments will be full lenght books. There are NO females in this book, NOT ONE!! Another first for me. M/M only.
June 2, 2012
Liked it a lot: Ryland is sweet and cute and desperate to make this D/s thing between him and a werelion work. Ryland's submission was so endearing it made the book for me: quiet and loving, with no pretentious trappings.
I enjoyed this enough it prompted me to read the next two books right away. With all three books together this felt like a single, very enjoyable read. If it was just this one it would have felt a bit short and unfinished, I think.
P.S. Come on, Arse-lan the gay were-lion? That'd be funny for about 2 seconds in a short story, but I grew very weary of it over a whole series.
I enjoyed this enough it prompted me to read the next two books right away. With all three books together this felt like a single, very enjoyable read. If it was just this one it would have felt a bit short and unfinished, I think.
P.S. Come on, Arse-lan the gay were-lion? That'd be funny for about 2 seconds in a short story, but I grew very weary of it over a whole series.
March 11, 2010
I loved this story. It's an interesting variation on a human/shifter relationship where the shifter is so naturally dominant that he doesn't even consider another way of living. He's not trying to prove anything (like so many dominants) - it's just the natural order of things as far as he is concerned. Until the human partner makes him re-think all his values, that is.
Ryland is a student who struggles financially because his family has disowned him (a slight twist there as well). When he agrees to be "thrown to the lions" for money to cover his tuition fees, he is very surprised at what he finds.
It's difficult to say anything more without giving too much away, so all I will say is that Kim Dare has created a new "world" of shifter/human relationships where the interaction is "dictated" by ancient laws. I found that idea fascinating and fresh. I can't wait for the next volume to be released!
Ryland is a student who struggles financially because his family has disowned him (a slight twist there as well). When he agrees to be "thrown to the lions" for money to cover his tuition fees, he is very surprised at what he finds.
It's difficult to say anything more without giving too much away, so all I will say is that Kim Dare has created a new "world" of shifter/human relationships where the interaction is "dictated" by ancient laws. I found that idea fascinating and fresh. I can't wait for the next volume to be released!
August 14, 2012
Oh Kim dare, won't you marry me??!!! I'd like to cuddle in bed and look over your shoulder as you write your magically delicious stories. Because seriously, it's magic. I've been in a reading slump for two weeks and BAM! This book woke me up. I haven't read a Kim dare story that I haven't loved so I should have expected this. I'm a sucker for shifter stories, gay or het and this story was great. I wanted to climb Arslan like the stud he was the huggle Ryland cuz he was so damn cute. I can't say enough good things about this story. It made me happy. Now I must go buy every Kim dare book I don't already own.
September 29, 2019
Ok
3 ⭐️
Re read
Ok story revolving around Ryland and his need to pay off his college tuition, so he agrees to be sent to the lions. I did like that Ryland has enough integrity not to accept Aslan offer without first explaining how he got there.
I just wish the characters actually talked to each other. It would have been nice if Ryland was able to utter a single full sentence and made communication between the characters a lot easier.
3 ⭐️
Re read
Ok story revolving around Ryland and his need to pay off his college tuition, so he agrees to be sent to the lions. I did like that Ryland has enough integrity not to accept Aslan offer without first explaining how he got there.
I just wish the characters actually talked to each other. It would have been nice if Ryland was able to utter a single full sentence and made communication between the characters a lot easier.
March 11, 2010
Ryland is a university student who's lost his funding and is in desperate need of money. Faced with the choice of going to a loan shark with a scary reputation or spending one night with the lions, he chooses the lions.
When he's delivered to them he's blindfolded, hands bound and completely naked. Totally vulnerable and without a clue as to what is going to happen Ryland is surprised to find himself responding to the attentions of a man he can't see. He's even more surprised when the blindfold is removed and he sees Arslan, a Professor from his university.
Arslan is the pride leader and a Dom. As the night goes on the dynamics of the Dom/sub relationship start to take hold as Ryland begins to relax and respond naturally to the older man. All that changes however when Arslan makes Ryland an offer he desperately wants to accept but knows he can't, at least not until he's free to do so. Unable to tell Arslan the truth he turns him down and the men part ways, each knowing they want to be with each other, but not how they'll achieve that.
As usual with the author's stories the theme of D/s is very well written even though it didn't feel as intense as some of her other works. Ryland and Arslan's relationship was interesting to read and I especially liked that Ryland made his choices, some not as well thought out as others, but ultimately he was responsible for himself. Arslan calls him his 'pet' and sees himself as having to take care of Ryland yet at no time was Ryland under Arslan's thumb as can sometimes happen in D/s stories. Things happen to Ryland that normally would have the big strong Dom coming to the rescue but in this case the sub takes care of himself.
I really enjoyed this first book in Kim Dare's new series. I've always liked shifter stories and I was intrigued with the concept of werelions. The story didn't let me down. There are still questions to be answered about this new world such as just how well known the lions are to humans as well as the reason that they have the 'thrown to the lions' nights. This first book in the series did it's job by capturing my interest. I'm looking forward to the next story.
When he's delivered to them he's blindfolded, hands bound and completely naked. Totally vulnerable and without a clue as to what is going to happen Ryland is surprised to find himself responding to the attentions of a man he can't see. He's even more surprised when the blindfold is removed and he sees Arslan, a Professor from his university.
Arslan is the pride leader and a Dom. As the night goes on the dynamics of the Dom/sub relationship start to take hold as Ryland begins to relax and respond naturally to the older man. All that changes however when Arslan makes Ryland an offer he desperately wants to accept but knows he can't, at least not until he's free to do so. Unable to tell Arslan the truth he turns him down and the men part ways, each knowing they want to be with each other, but not how they'll achieve that.
As usual with the author's stories the theme of D/s is very well written even though it didn't feel as intense as some of her other works. Ryland and Arslan's relationship was interesting to read and I especially liked that Ryland made his choices, some not as well thought out as others, but ultimately he was responsible for himself. Arslan calls him his 'pet' and sees himself as having to take care of Ryland yet at no time was Ryland under Arslan's thumb as can sometimes happen in D/s stories. Things happen to Ryland that normally would have the big strong Dom coming to the rescue but in this case the sub takes care of himself.
I really enjoyed this first book in Kim Dare's new series. I've always liked shifter stories and I was intrigued with the concept of werelions. The story didn't let me down. There are still questions to be answered about this new world such as just how well known the lions are to humans as well as the reason that they have the 'thrown to the lions' nights. This first book in the series did it's job by capturing my interest. I'm looking forward to the next story.
March 9, 2010
March 4 - As a general rule I enjoy Kim Dare’s work and I like shifters so hey it should be good for me. I got to page 51 and if it had been paper I would have thrown it. Rather than explain in three sentences what had happened, Ryland comes up with some cockamamie plan (I didn’t even get as far as the whole plan) to “fix” it and you just KNOW it’s going to end badly. I did slam the lid down on my netbook in disgust and go watch a friend’s video of him opening his birthday gifts. Much more satisfying. Sigh. Now Lily tells me it ends without Ryland having to be rescued so I will likely go back and skim the parts that make me crazy and see how it ends but I was kind of stunned by my strong reaction to be honest. I can usually go with the flow with most books and it takes a lot to make be stop cold half way like that. So I’m sure you’ll see how I felt soon enough because I’m compelled to see if Ryland can redeem himself. Stupid boys are not sexy.
March 7 - Okay, I finished it. I can’t believe that Arslan didn’t smack the shit out of him because the bloody kid (I say kid although I think he was 26, he didn’t act it) made no freaking sense half the time he was “explaining”. I read for pages with a frown on my face trying to figure out WTF he was talking about. To be honest, because I found him so frustrating and annoying I just didn’t care about him much at the end. I’m much more interested in the couple Blaine and Luthor or the little guy Kefir. I was kind of like “yeah yeah, go away now, you’re annoying me, let’s get on with the story of someone more interesting whom I like”. Would I read another book in the series? Depends on who it’s about and how much I’m going to have to put up with Mr. I-Talk-In-Riddles-That-Make-No-Sense Ryland. I liked the concept and as I said, I developed an interest in some of the other characters. I wouldn’t say I disliked Ryland, I just stopped caring about him and whether he got a HEA. Not good.
March 7 - Okay, I finished it. I can’t believe that Arslan didn’t smack the shit out of him because the bloody kid (I say kid although I think he was 26, he didn’t act it) made no freaking sense half the time he was “explaining”. I read for pages with a frown on my face trying to figure out WTF he was talking about. To be honest, because I found him so frustrating and annoying I just didn’t care about him much at the end. I’m much more interested in the couple Blaine and Luthor or the little guy Kefir. I was kind of like “yeah yeah, go away now, you’re annoying me, let’s get on with the story of someone more interesting whom I like”. Would I read another book in the series? Depends on who it’s about and how much I’m going to have to put up with Mr. I-Talk-In-Riddles-That-Make-No-Sense Ryland. I liked the concept and as I said, I developed an interest in some of the other characters. I wouldn’t say I disliked Ryland, I just stopped caring about him and whether he got a HEA. Not good.
June 7, 2010
Ryland is a PHD math student trying to pay his way through college. The economy drops and his scholarship is gone so he seeks out way to make cash. He ends up being "thrown to the lions". Which essentially means he volunteers to be a human plaything offered to them. However, he ends finding love with the sexy history Professor Arslan, who is also a werelion.
Ok, here's the thing. There are so many unanswered questions and things left unexplored. It seems like Arslan has picked Ryland as his mate, yet Ryland ends up there purely by accident. It also seems like there is a lot I'm not quite understand about the lions- did they live longer lives? Is the structure of a pride the same as a wolf pack? How does a human fit in? Do they received some sort of extended life? Also, Ryland's big conflict just didn't feel big enough to sustain the whole story. Also, I don't quite know if Ryland had taken an interest in the professor prior to this book. Plus, when compared to a lion, the bad guy in this story wasn't bad enough to arouse any true fear.
I hope as this series continues, we come to learn more about the Were-lions.
Ok, here's the thing. There are so many unanswered questions and things left unexplored. It seems like Arslan has picked Ryland as his mate, yet Ryland ends up there purely by accident. It also seems like there is a lot I'm not quite understand about the lions- did they live longer lives? Is the structure of a pride the same as a wolf pack? How does a human fit in? Do they received some sort of extended life? Also, Ryland's big conflict just didn't feel big enough to sustain the whole story. Also, I don't quite know if Ryland had taken an interest in the professor prior to this book. Plus, when compared to a lion, the bad guy in this story wasn't bad enough to arouse any true fear.
I hope as this series continues, we come to learn more about the Were-lions.
June 19, 2011
2.5
Usually, i love Kim Dare's style of story-telling but this one was just unnecessarily complicated... i just wanted to shake both the MCs and go "Just talk to each other already, you nincompoops!"
And i also didn't appreciate the disconnect that was portrayed between shifter and human behavior.... it felt artificial and forced and that happens when things are not backed by some sort of logic. Even if the shifters were born as lions they primarily live in the human world and primarily in their human forms... The lions behave as if they've never set foot out of their house and have never interacted with humans apart from the pets "thrown" to them.... hmmm... i guess the world building's a bit lacking that's why everything feels fuzzy and unreal and not in a good way...
That said, i liked Ryland's character a lot! :) The way he stood up for what he believed was commendable!
Usually, i love Kim Dare's style of story-telling but this one was just unnecessarily complicated... i just wanted to shake both the MCs and go "Just talk to each other already, you nincompoops!"
And i also didn't appreciate the disconnect that was portrayed between shifter and human behavior.... it felt artificial and forced and that happens when things are not backed by some sort of logic. Even if the shifters were born as lions they primarily live in the human world and primarily in their human forms... The lions behave as if they've never set foot out of their house and have never interacted with humans apart from the pets "thrown" to them.... hmmm... i guess the world building's a bit lacking that's why everything feels fuzzy and unreal and not in a good way...
That said, i liked Ryland's character a lot! :) The way he stood up for what he believed was commendable!
February 13, 2010
The premise, lion shifters, was intriguing and a bit weird for my tastes, but didn't put me off at all. This story world sucked me right in from page 1. Ryland's internal conflict was compelling & his struggle endeared him to me. I would've liked to have seen more (or should I say, deeper?) into Arslan's thoughts & feelings to balance Ryland's, but again, not off-putting.
Adored the longer form from this author...I want to more know about this story world, but that'll come as the series progresses. Can't wait for the next book!
Adored the longer form from this author...I want to more know about this story world, but that'll come as the series progresses. Can't wait for the next book!
February 23, 2010
3.5 stars
I was intrigued with description of this book (and the cover, cough). My experience with shape-shifters are usually werewolves or werecats. So having lions as character is a change.
While I'm not the biggest fan of May/December story, I have no problem with this one. I enjoy this story. There is sufficient angst and emotion -- especially the inner struggle in Ryland, the submissive pet, in trying to prove himself to his Master that he is worth it, worth keeping.
I was intrigued with description of this book (and the cover, cough). My experience with shape-shifters are usually werewolves or werecats. So having lions as character is a change.
While I'm not the biggest fan of May/December story, I have no problem with this one. I enjoy this story. There is sufficient angst and emotion -- especially the inner struggle in Ryland, the submissive pet, in trying to prove himself to his Master that he is worth it, worth keeping.
February 21, 2022
Re-read 2022. It's a sure thing. Just as good as every other time I've picked up this book.
January 9, 2015
2.5 stars Eh, I was hoping for more with this one. I really like Kim Dare's Rawlings Men series, and was hoping for more of that. Meaning sexy, kinky, with some emotional connection (although I'll admit that I usually complain those are a tad too short).
This had a good basis, but went wrong in a few places.
One, the world building. I like in a short or novella where the author just throws you into a new world. Based on what Ryland said about the rumors, we knew right away that shifters are 'out' in this world. Great, thanks! But none of the rest of it was explained. I still don't fully understand the 'sacrifices'. Arslan said Lion's need to learn to be gentle of humans and not to expect them to act as lions would, okay fine. How does having a blindfolded, bound, and naked human as a sex slave for one night teach them that? Also, no one seemed to know who the lions actually were (as people), so how 'out' are they really? There were a few things the Lions said that were meant to make them seem 'other', but these guys live and work in the human world, so I have a hard time understanding how they wouldn't understand human stuff. And lastly, how the fuck do the packs work? Are there no women, or do they just not get to play in the sexy-times games? Arslan said Lions don't judge based on gender/sexual preference.... but all the male Lions were there and participating/expected to participate in this gay orgy.
Two, the sexy-times weren't nearly as sexy as I'd anticipated from previous Dare reads. I appreciate the little twist that happened , fine, but still, the sex was a little bland.
Three, the miscommunication. I'm actually fine with a miscommunication in this story, but I didn't like the way it played out. I wanted more conflict, more emotion. Once it finally got resolved, it all just got resolved too easily. What was the point.
So overall, I was unfortunately a little underwhelmed. I wasn't really interested in continuing with this series but of course they always suck you in with one good character! The runt of the litter seemed sweet and is featured in book 3, Ellery's Duty, where he is actually the submissive and the human is the Dom. I'll admit, I'm intrigued... although hesitant. We shall see.
This had a good basis, but went wrong in a few places.
One, the world building. I like in a short or novella where the author just throws you into a new world. Based on what Ryland said about the rumors, we knew right away that shifters are 'out' in this world. Great, thanks! But none of the rest of it was explained. I still don't fully understand the 'sacrifices'. Arslan said Lion's need to learn to be gentle of humans and not to expect them to act as lions would, okay fine. How does having a blindfolded, bound, and naked human as a sex slave for one night teach them that? Also, no one seemed to know who the lions actually were (as people), so how 'out' are they really? There were a few things the Lions said that were meant to make them seem 'other', but these guys live and work in the human world, so I have a hard time understanding how they wouldn't understand human stuff. And lastly, how the fuck do the packs work? Are there no women, or do they just not get to play in the sexy-times games? Arslan said Lions don't judge based on gender/sexual preference.... but all the male Lions were there and participating/expected to participate in this gay orgy.
Two, the sexy-times weren't nearly as sexy as I'd anticipated from previous Dare reads. I appreciate the little twist that happened , fine, but still, the sex was a little bland.
Three, the miscommunication. I'm actually fine with a miscommunication in this story, but I didn't like the way it played out. I wanted more conflict, more emotion. Once it finally got resolved, it all just got resolved too easily. What was the point.
So overall, I was unfortunately a little underwhelmed. I wasn't really interested in continuing with this series but of course they always suck you in with one good character! The runt of the litter seemed sweet and is featured in book 3, Ellery's Duty, where he is actually the submissive and the human is the Dom. I'll admit, I'm intrigued... although hesitant. We shall see.
November 3, 2016
Another 1/2 star candidate for me, but I'm bumping it up because I find myself curious as to where the series will go.
Let's see. I think it's considered an "open" world as far as the existence of shifters. Ryland heard of the werelions' existence, or maybe their existence locally, through a rumor going around the college. He's a grad student, in need of tuition money, and he chooses the risky but strangely appealing idea of being "thrown to the lions" over the local loan shark.
Unlike the ancient Roman tradition, being thrown to the lions, in this context, is being given to the lion pride as a sex toy for the night. According to the lions, they typically see three types of volunteers - adrenalin junkies, nymphos who will try anything sexually, and whores. Ryland is technically whoring himself out for the tuition, but he doesn't feel like a whore, he wants to stay among the lions for a deeper, more instinctual reason.
The hotness scale is definitely rocked with this one. The bondage games at the beginning and the helplessness Ryland feels when being played with by the lions is delicious.
When the blindfold comes off, a whole different vibe takes over. Ryland recognizes Arslan, the leader of the pride, he's been crushing on him for some time (without realizing that he's a werelion). They fall into a D/s relationship with no effort at all. And, although the pride normally all play with the human of the week together, the alpha wants to keep this particular treat to himself.
As for the "what type of were" details: this is the "magic" rather than the "hearing bones crack and reform" type of lycanthropy. And apparently these werelions only have two forms - human, and fully animal, although the alpha can have claws in human form.
Note: I don't think a location was explicitly mentioned, but the book uses British English conventions.
Let's see. I think it's considered an "open" world as far as the existence of shifters. Ryland heard of the werelions' existence, or maybe their existence locally, through a rumor going around the college. He's a grad student, in need of tuition money, and he chooses the risky but strangely appealing idea of being "thrown to the lions" over the local loan shark.
Unlike the ancient Roman tradition, being thrown to the lions, in this context, is being given to the lion pride as a sex toy for the night. According to the lions, they typically see three types of volunteers - adrenalin junkies, nymphos who will try anything sexually, and whores. Ryland is technically whoring himself out for the tuition, but he doesn't feel like a whore, he wants to stay among the lions for a deeper, more instinctual reason.
The hotness scale is definitely rocked with this one. The bondage games at the beginning and the helplessness Ryland feels when being played with by the lions is delicious.
When the blindfold comes off, a whole different vibe takes over. Ryland recognizes Arslan, the leader of the pride, he's been crushing on him for some time (without realizing that he's a werelion). They fall into a D/s relationship with no effort at all. And, although the pride normally all play with the human of the week together, the alpha wants to keep this particular treat to himself.
As for the "what type of were" details: this is the "magic" rather than the "hearing bones crack and reform" type of lycanthropy. And apparently these werelions only have two forms - human, and fully animal, although the alpha can have claws in human form.
Note: I don't think a location was explicitly mentioned, but the book uses British English conventions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2011
Ugh... What to say?
Well, at least one thing: as a fan of Kim Dare's, I was disappointed in this. Also, there were common spelling errors and that annoyed me to a degree.
What also made me frown was the fact that the lions relationship to humans wasn't really explained. There were shifters, humans were tossed to the lions, end of story.
The most annoying thing though was the instant D/s-ey relationship and the fact that the human just went with it, without ever realizing why he was doing OR without the lion explaining things to him. There was a lot of wondering about things, but very little explaining. Usually I like to make my own conclusions about things, but this time I just didn't have enough information to make those conclusions from.
I'm reading the second part of the series and the same problems are still there. Ugh. We'll see.
August 1, 2010
Wow, this story was so much more than I thought it was going to be. The differences between cultures was never so apparent as between Ryland and Arslan. Surprisingly this made the story all the more realistic and enjoyable. All I can say is read it, read it now.
December 14, 2010
I admire Rylands ideals when faced with the ugly truth. He didn't give up, stuck to his guns and showed that he really can be a part of the pride.
The storyline is interesting and different than any other kind of shifter story.
The storyline is interesting and different than any other kind of shifter story.
November 8, 2014
Not my cuppa tea. A little tiresome to read due to too much repetitions. One could only withstand so many mentions of 'lions' and 'instinct' throughout a story. Plus, I didn't feel much chemistry between the leads. Both leads are quite static and not well developed.
August 2, 2016
Overall book review: 3.25
Audio book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.5
I enjoy Kim Dare. This was a bit short and I would have liked more detail and background but nice inbetween read.
Audio book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.5
I enjoy Kim Dare. This was a bit short and I would have liked more detail and background but nice inbetween read.
August 6, 2012
2.5 stars
The best thing about this was that it was entertaining, as long as I didn't let myself wonder about the motivations or background of either of the main characters or any of the supporting characters. And there's really hot office sex with a professor.... :P
Ryland is the character we're given the most information about--which makes sense, as he's the PoV for the narration. I actually did appreciate that he wasn't given the traditional back story, but that there was an interesting little twist in his family history.
I definitely wanted to know more about the professor and the lions. I can only think of one other series that has lion shifters in it, so I was fascinated by this concept. Unfortunately, however, we're given no insight into the lives of the shifters. All we see of them is that every Saturday they all get together and hang out naked while waiting for their human "sacrifice" for the week to be dropped off on the doorstep. What do the lions do the rest of the week? Why are they always naked when we see them? Do they all live in the professor's house? Why, if they have so many other lion-like mannerisms, and so much emphasis is placed on how much more like lions than humans they are at times, are they all males living together?
But I found my biggest question to be why they need to have the humans "thrown to" them. From the few descriptions we were given, these lions are all nice looking and would not seem to have trouble finding willing partners. Why the necessity of the "sacrifices?"
Okay, so frustrating lore-wise. But it's a Kim Dare book, so the sex is hot and the book as a whole was entertaining. I may continue the series... eventually.
The best thing about this was that it was entertaining, as long as I didn't let myself wonder about the motivations or background of either of the main characters or any of the supporting characters. And there's really hot office sex with a professor.... :P
Ryland is the character we're given the most information about--which makes sense, as he's the PoV for the narration. I actually did appreciate that he wasn't given the traditional back story, but that there was an interesting little twist in his family history.
I definitely wanted to know more about the professor and the lions. I can only think of one other series that has lion shifters in it, so I was fascinated by this concept. Unfortunately, however, we're given no insight into the lives of the shifters. All we see of them is that every Saturday they all get together and hang out naked while waiting for their human "sacrifice" for the week to be dropped off on the doorstep. What do the lions do the rest of the week? Why are they always naked when we see them? Do they all live in the professor's house? Why, if they have so many other lion-like mannerisms, and so much emphasis is placed on how much more like lions than humans they are at times, are they all males living together?
But I found my biggest question to be why they need to have the humans "thrown to" them. From the few descriptions we were given, these lions are all nice looking and would not seem to have trouble finding willing partners. Why the necessity of the "sacrifices?"
Okay, so frustrating lore-wise. But it's a Kim Dare book, so the sex is hot and the book as a whole was entertaining. I may continue the series... eventually.
May 24, 2010
Have to admit, I was a little timid to read this one. I'm very fond of Kim Dare and her style, but from the summary it sounded too much like a possible use-the-human orgy fest than what she normally does.
Thankfully, I can say I was dead-wrong. Ryland does this for stupid reasons I'll admit, but to him in the beginning it seems like the only choice he has; once in the thick of it he realizes oh crap, he is soooo in deep shit. ^__^;; But the lion that comes to him is someone he knows - someone on some level he already trusts - and it's a one-on-one claiming. None of the other lions are allowed near him either before or after, which satisfied my non-orgy paranoias.
The gyst of the 'rite:' the humans are brought to the lions, usually due to desperation for money, and are dropped off blind-folded and cuffed. A single lion [or pair, when it comes to Luther and Blaine:] chooses the human and mates with him in front of the other lions [like sharing a prize:]. And yet in the beginning of the evening the human is given a 'safe-word' to stop everything in it's tracks and end the night at any point.
There is where Kim Dare weaves the magic that enthralls me every time - yes, BDSM, but with caring, with love, with a depth of consideration. In my opinion, it's what every BDSM encounter should have, and I love how Dare weaves them so well.
For this specifically, I got tired of hearing Arslan and Ryland talk about 'instincts.' Beyond that, it was awesome. Would have liked at least one more scene with Arslan and Ryland together too, though, cause together they were schmexy-schmexy, especially the first night. ^_~
Thankfully, I can say I was dead-wrong. Ryland does this for stupid reasons I'll admit, but to him in the beginning it seems like the only choice he has; once in the thick of it he realizes oh crap, he is soooo in deep shit. ^__^;; But the lion that comes to him is someone he knows - someone on some level he already trusts - and it's a one-on-one claiming. None of the other lions are allowed near him either before or after, which satisfied my non-orgy paranoias.
The gyst of the 'rite:' the humans are brought to the lions, usually due to desperation for money, and are dropped off blind-folded and cuffed. A single lion [or pair, when it comes to Luther and Blaine:] chooses the human and mates with him in front of the other lions [like sharing a prize:]. And yet in the beginning of the evening the human is given a 'safe-word' to stop everything in it's tracks and end the night at any point.
There is where Kim Dare weaves the magic that enthralls me every time - yes, BDSM, but with caring, with love, with a depth of consideration. In my opinion, it's what every BDSM encounter should have, and I love how Dare weaves them so well.
For this specifically, I got tired of hearing Arslan and Ryland talk about 'instincts.' Beyond that, it was awesome. Would have liked at least one more scene with Arslan and Ryland together too, though, cause together they were schmexy-schmexy, especially the first night. ^_~
June 20, 2013
Let me preface this review by saying that I love Kim Dare's books ... she creates the fantasy Dom & perfect sub in each book which is comfortingly predictable ... BUT ... this one fell really flat ... the Werelions were so generic in their shifter characteristics that they could have been ANY type of animal ... even Wererabbits ... I wanted more of the lion characteristics to come through ... *starts David Attenborough voice-over* ... 'Lions who find & conquer their mate then proceed to have rumpy pumpy up to 60 times a day until they are too exhausted to get it up. They also 'rape' their chosen partner & ensure copulation by biting the neck of their conquered mate' ... *returns to normal voice* ... I was seriously peeved when the Wererabbits Wererats Werepuppies sorrry Werelions were so bland ... I wanted to read about a headjob utilising a cats tongue; I wanted marathon rumpy pumpy; I wanted the tail to get involved (not THAT way you perv!) ... added to that disappointment, the BDSM aspect was practically non-existent ... toss in the weird sub-plot with Jason; the under-developed characters; & mediocre world-building & I was really disappointed ... given my love of Kim's books I might hold her to a higher standard but I would still say that this book didn't utilise the potential of its characters or plot devices.
March 30, 2010
I am feeling really conflicted about how to rate this, and how I feel about it.
The first chapter alone is 5 stars and yummy, but after that... grrr! So frustrating. I wanted to like it, but there was a lot of illogic and unnecessary angst-iness. A major pet peeve is roadblocks to a relationship occurring when characters won't talk to each other. As I say to my nephews -- use your words and talk to each other. I want the rest of it to be a one, but I think that is mostly due to disappointment that a promising start was wasted.
The first chapter alone is 5 stars and yummy, but after that... grrr! So frustrating. I wanted to like it, but there was a lot of illogic and unnecessary angst-iness. A major pet peeve is roadblocks to a relationship occurring when characters won't talk to each other. As I say to my nephews -- use your words and talk to each other. I want the rest of it to be a one, but I think that is mostly due to disappointment that a promising start was wasted.
March 10, 2011
While this is definitely fantasy land I very much enjoyed it. I thought Arslan was alpha enough to be believable but not so much as to appear unrealistic or harsh. Ryland was interesting as a character and I definitely could appreciate what he was willing to do to correct a situation.
I am looking forward to reading more in the series!
I am looking forward to reading more in the series!
November 17, 2010
Sigh...another masterpiece in my opinion. Loved the opening scenes of the book, i actually felt as if i was there bonded waiting for the lions hehehe...sigh i wish i was to meet Arslan even i know he wouldn't like my girl bits :D...Just a few more book of Ms. Dare to salivate through *evil grin* ...ONWARD!!!
October 13, 2014
Okay, I'm a serious Kim Dare fan! That being said I could not wait for this one to end. The lack of communication between the two MCs was painful. The phrases "small man", "larger man" were used way too much. I was totally lost at Ryland's inability to speak a complete sentence and...oh never mind. I just didn't like this one.
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