A short but satisfying tale of a sexual encounter between two men at a Regency ball. Opening with Rys working his way through the crowded room towards a tryst with his lover, followed by an extremely hot sex scene with shades of D/s, and a switch to his lover's point of view as they work their way back out of the ball again. There is an elegance to the structure that fits the period perfectly, as they work their way through society towards their risky encounter, and then back out - the whole story being bookended by conversations with an elderly meddlesome dame who could have stepped straight out of a Jane Austen novel.There is more depth to the characterisation than you'd expect in such a short tale, but ultimately I was left wanting more. I think in this case, that was a good thing and I can recommend it to anyone who wants a scorching historical story that - as far as I can tell - remains true to the era. This short begins as Rys prepares to brave a society ball. He’s looking for his lover, Martin and there are some great descriptions of the ball, the people who attend and Rys’s feelings about such an event as he goes from room to room. This description lent a delightful air of anticipation to the story and I was quickly hooked.Once Rys finds Martin the story moves into an extremely hot sex scene with a hint of BDSM role playing (although not enough that it should be offputting for any readers). The sex is well written and also tells the reader much about the trust and affection that both men have for each other. I thought it interesting that we get both men’s point of view with Rys’s excitement at the beginning and then, towards the end, Martin’s reflections on his relationship with Rys and the lengths he goes to to try and keep up with him. This meant that both characters are sympathetic and as well rounded as can be expected for a short story, especially Martin, about whom I managed to learn quite a lot.The only niggle about the story was that, having set up the relationship dynamic, I wished I could have more of the characters. I did wonder whether this story was an add-on to another, longer tale, but it seems not. What a shame because I liked the set-up and the characters and would have liked to have read another book with them, perhaps detailing how they managed to carry on their relationship in such a restrictive society.Overall, despite that niggle, this was a well written and engaging Regency historical short. Those who like historicals and are looking for a quickie can’t go wrong with picking up this short story.
What do You think about Beyond Reckless (2014)?
For short books she does the best. I love this one. Ava's sex scenes are awesome.
—Ardieo
A hot thrill seeking couple make a 25th birthday a night to remember.Recommended.
—shikharkum
Hot and delicious! I really, really hope Ava revisits this couple. Hint. Hint.
—miley
We hope she writes more about these characters.
—blargh
