It was so good until we got to about 75% of the book. I think the author is amazing and writing descriptions and for a self published story, it's really a treat to read. I find that the landscape is incredibly limited in that everything basically happens within a castle. There isn't a lot of world building, just a lot of focus on the relationship.The relationship is a nice slow burn, but once we get to the sex scenes, it really starts to go down hill. I don't really know if the author is super familiar with the male anatomy or BDSM, but even a small flick to the balls will make a man writhe in pain. Can you imagine how debilitating it would be to actually get WHIPPED on the balls? Men have thrown up after being hit by much less. Men usually don't stay hard after that. It's strange that the book focuses on the bondage element, when it feels like the author has no experience with it or understand how it works. Still, the writing was beautiful enough for me to ignore it and keep on reading. That's my only gripe with the book. It's been a while since I read such a beautiful MM romance. I had this story recommended to me and I finally had the chance to read it. I found it just amazing. It flowed so well considering it was written as a serial story and I read it all at once.The backdrop, plotting, characterization, relationships and narrator's voice were so well done. I jumped in and just enjoyed what came.It is a fantasy story that assumes a master/slave culture. The slave in this one, Sylvan, tells his story of being taken from a cruel, traitorous master and being gifted to the King's son. Nygell does not want a pleasure slave and he is so very different from everyone else that it leaves Sylvan at a loss. With many miscues and false starts, Sylvan comes to understand things- things that will challenge him to his very core.This one offers up moderate BDSM practices, Master/Slave dynamics, and a hedonistic and sensual culture. It is tastefully written, but still strongly sensual.
What do You think about The Violet And The Tom (2009)?
Wonderful story; most appealing main characters; imaginative, unpredictable and well written.
—jbeyea
Any review I attempt wouldn't come close to conveying how much I love this story.
—saradee
