Candace Blevins

I got an ARC of Wrench which I very much appreciated. I wasn't sure how much I was going to enjoy this one - I've often said that I can appreciate a well-written story, even if the characters' tastes are different from mine. But the Daddy/little dynamic actually makes me uncomfortable in some ways, so it's a bit stronger than just "not to my taste." However, for a Candace Blevins story, I was willing to give it a try.

The first thing to note is that although Wrench (and Khan) are in the Rolling Thunder MC Birmingham series, they are both a bit lighter on actual MC activity in the plots. Not missing, but not as central as some of the other stories. I'd describe these as BDSM with a side of MC.

Although the specific kink isn't my thing, I always appreciate Candace's approach to writing the Dom/sub relationships, which includes a lot of the psychological interaction, along with smoking hot physical play time. Wrench puts such care into learning what Tori both wants and needs, and tailoring their interactions, that I can love him just for that.

This will never be my favourite in the series, but as part of the landscape in the universe and representing the variety of the real world, it works very well indeed.… (plus d'informations)

If you've read my posts before, you know that I'm a fan of Candace Blevin's writing, so when she was concerned that one of her new books might be too extreme, my curiosity was engaged. She kindly sent me a beta copy and here's my review. And my disclaimer: this book is full of trigger-potential material and thus so is the review. If anything is the realm of sadomasochistic sex is uncomfortable to you, I strongly suggest you skip the review and the book.

It never would have occurred to me that I'd describe a book with extremely sadomasochistic BDSM scenes as comforting, but I sort of found it that way. The majority of this book focuses on the development of the relationship between the sadist who spends of a lot of energy reining himself in and the maso-slut who continually walks the line between her needs and her safety. There is enough external drama to set them up to meet, but it doesn't drag out. In the development of their relationship, they are both very self-aware and what could be fraught with craziness is relatively smooth.

They talk; they have crazy, filthy sex; and they figure out what works. And when I say crazy, filthy... I genuinely mean it. This is a TPE relationship with consensual rape (which I know is a disputed term, but it gets the point across), water play, edge play, blood play, basically all the physical extremes and intentionally high levels of damage. Which isn't completely out of the norm for Candace's books, but it stands out because the masochist is human and not able to repair damage like a paranormal creature would.

Khan is, in fact, an evil genius. I love fictional Doms, who lean hard into the psychological aspects of BDSM, in a way that's sadly lacking from most IRL. When Tempe feels the shaved scalp I actually groan-laughed out loud, because it was the perfect touch.

I've said it before, if a scene is well-written, I can get into it, even if the specific activities are outside my personal interests. I love self-aware characters and although this relationship is full of situations that could easily lead to drama explosions, it doesn't. That's why I found it a comforting read - there were no artificial moments of craziness just to expand the plot. The adrenaline all comes from the high-stakes sex.… (plus d'informations)

I received an ARC of Imperfect Gifts in exchange for posting my review.

In the real world, most of us recognize that one person can't be all the things we need and want and that's why harems/reverse harems are so popular in romance. Just collect enough people you love with the characteristics to cover everything you need. As long as they do their own laundry or can afford to have it done. Throw in some sizzling hot, kinky sex and what more could you ask for?

I've said it before and I'll say it again - I love Candace Blevin's work because I genuinely appreciate the introspection and character development that happens in every story. I may not personally be into every kink or power exchange variation, but the scenes are always thoroughly realized, recognize the importance of consent, and I can appreciate the fun that the characters are having, even if I wouldn't want to do it myself.

This author will definitely stay on my one-click list.… (plus d'informations)