and just like that, back up to 5 stars! i did not really like book 5, Mistress of Redemption, but Hill has pulled it back!Marcus appears in Holding The Cards, book one in this series. When his father dies, Thomas is forced to abandon a burgeoning art career in New York. As difficult as it was to give up his lifelong dream, it's nothing next to walking away from the man he loves. Marcus taught him to embrace who he is, a sexual submissive who responds to the touch of only one Master. But why would the sophisticated Marcus need some farm kid from the South?Then Marcus shows up and offers him a way to continue his art career and help his family. There's only one hitch — he asks Thomas to spend a week with him in the Berkshires. Thomas knows he should refuse. But he's never been able to say no to his Master.this one isnt so much about the Dom/sub relationship, but about admitting you care, and love someone. about admitting who you really are. Marcus and Thomas are meant to be together, although neither can see that. Marcus does say, very early, he loves Thomas, and it takes time for Thomas to admit that, to himself, and to Marcus. it takes a massive emotional issue for Marcus to finally submit to Thomas, and THAT, dear Joey W.Hill fan, is what this book is about. letting go.totally giving yourself over to one person. regardless of whether he is your sub and you are his Master. beautifully written, with some difficult subjects and painful emotions. super hot scenes, with almost all of it just Marcus and Thomas, except in the club.books 7 and 8 are waiting to be read! An enjoyable, second-chance story packed with eroticism and emotions.There is some back history to this series which might have enhanced the reading experience better if I had read the earlier books. However, it is not necessary to read the previous books and I think this works fine as a standalone.I quite liked this story. I was expecting the erotic moments and these were plentiful. The BDSM scenes were hot and there was a lot of relationship subtext that blended in quite well with those scenes. A little too many erotic scenes though. I got a bit bored. But then this is an erotic romance so I should have been more prepared.Thomas and Marcus make a passionate and appealing couple. They both had a lot of wounds and past issues to work through which made it difficult for them to truly connect. I liked how the emphasis in this book is not just about the submissive opening up to his Dominant. I liked that even in a such a relationship, opening up honestly and leaving yourself vulnerable to another person is seen as a two-way street for a successful relationship.Stellar read.
What do You think about Rough Canvas (2007)?
There was nothing I didn't love....Recommended Read and a definite re-read from me for sure
—Toya
Joey W. Hill is FANTASTIC.This book is FANTASTIC.
—sherryann
