He entered the club on a dare… He stayed because of the Dom…It’s hard enough for Johnny to accept he’s gay… much less his dark fantasies of bondage and domination. Watching a gorgeous Master wield his dominant command with nothing more than a look stirs all Johnny’s forbidden desires. But what could the compelling Dom possibly see in him?Master Eric is tired of the same old players in the … possibly see in him?
Master Eric is tired of the same old players in the scene. He longs for the intense connection of a total power exchange. When he meets Johnny, an innocent newbie ripe for erotic submission, he’s determined to introduce him to the lifestyle… and take him as far as he can go.
Johnny yearns for what Master Eric offers on a soul level, but his fear overcomes his need. So he runs…
And Eric pursues…
more
Golden Boy 4 / 5 stars
Johnny was raised by a bully of a father and never felt like he fit in, always doing what was expected of him, working as a mechanic in his father’s garage. He’s dated girls and been with them sexually but at 24 he never really got what the big deal was about sex until he lesbian friend took him to a GLBT club and turned his world upside down.
Eric is this uber Dom with a reputation for being aloof until he sees Johnny across the room and is determined to find out who that golden boy is and have his wicked way with him.
Discovering your gay at 24 is huge, add to it your submissive after being raised the way he was is a hard adjustment. This first book in the ‘Golden’ series is not only about Johnny embracing his gay and submissive sexuality but Eric learning to be vulnerable and trust again. There are bumps in the roads and they both make mistakes but their love has them both coming together to work on their relationship as well as a lot of kinky, BDSM play and virginal firsts for Johnny.
I was very surprised by the mistakes Eric made, since it was made clear he was such an experienced Dom and a therapist on top of things, the mistakes he made I would have expected from an inexperienced Dom and it didn’t really fit or sit well.
This book is not BDSM lite, there’s spanking, whipping, caning, bondage, and sharing involved as well as other D/s elements that may be hard from some readers or extremely erotic to others depending on your tastes.
Golden Man – 4 / 5 stars
Johnny and Eric’s story continues to grow and strengthen as they work through Eric’s insecurities and delve deeper and deeper into Johnny’s masochistic submissive needs. As well as some of Johnny’s family reconnecting and rebuilding their relationship with each other. I enjoyed the interactions they had with both their families, I would have liked more of those scenes.
Eric is worried that Johnny will find a younger, more dominant man and leave him and his fears drives him into bringing in a sub boy toy for them to play with in hopes to keep Eric. While Eric finds himself tempted, I love that he stayed true to Johnny but I hated that even after they promised not to keep secrets from each other they both did for a short while.
I liked this couple and their romance, even if some of their relationship choices are foreign to me.
Like the previous book there is a lot of BDSM in this book including but not limited to spankings, canings, bondage, partner sharing, CBT and erotic submission which will be erotic to some and hard to read for others.
I received a free copy of this book and I’m voluntarily leaving a review. If you like my reviews I hope you will follow my blog. https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/
3.75 stars
“Golden Boy” (boxed set) by Claire Thompson features Johnny Wilson as he finally learns to embrace his desires and starts to explore BDSM under the guidance of Dom Eric Mendez. There are many obstacles and missteps that threaten their relationship, and both of them must embrace the importance of truth and trust.
This erotic m/m set provides a fascinating look at one man’s journey to accept his sexuality and his proclivity toward submission. I like that Johnny has such a supportive and accepting friend although I wasn’t thrilled with his treatment of her for a time. It was difficult to appreciate Eric’s actions as he started their relationship because he didn’t seem to act as a responsible Dom. The power inequity was distressing, particularly with his missteps, and I didn’t think his actions were appropriate in documenting the journey, although I know that this was necessary to provide the fodder for the painful reveal. I do like that both characters had an arc of discovery and they both grew, particularly in the second volume, and that the relationship deepened and reflected the positive aspects of a total power exchange.
The author did a nice job of creating vivid main characters who are each impressive in their own way. One can’t help but ache for those caught in the abusive relationships that are described, and it was satisfying to see that some progress is made, although I’m still curious about how things played out with the unenlightened members of Johnny’s family. The variety of scenes that are detailed demonstrate a spectrum of BDSM relationships and I am reminded that there are (gulp) quite a few different kinks that can be embraced. Once again, this author has provided a sizzling sexy story with interesting men and I look forward to meeting more of her guys.
A copy was provided for review
ANOTHER HEARTFELT, HONEST, REWARDING STORY FROM THE INCOMPARABLE MS. THOMPSON!
Once again, Claire Thompson has given us a heartfelt, honest, emotionally satisfying story to tug at our heartstrings and teach us a couple of things. Auto mechanic Johnny Wilson is a good guy, despite the poor role models he has in his father and one of his older brothers. Johnny has always done what he believes is expected of him, by his family, his friends and society…but he’s never been truly happy with his life, job or romantic/sexual relationships.
One fateful night, Johnny goes out with close friend Amanda, a gay woman, who takes him to a gay bar. Lightning strikes when Johnny catches the gaze of Eric Mendez, an icon in the gay community and a Dom specializing in S&M. Johnny is mesmerized and, for the first time, feels a magnetic sexual pull that is a physical shock. Can Johnny find himself among all the expectations of others, and embrace the gay, submissive man he is? Johnny’s journey of self-discovery is laced with wit, joy, pain, and consequences revealing how much one must sometimes give up in order to gain one’s own identity and follow one’s truth.
Claire Thompson writes stories full of pathos, discovery and revelation which, while sometimes painful, are always uplifting and ultimately rewarding. Join Johnny, in the Golden Boy/Golden Man Boxed Set, on his journey for personal happiness. If you’re new to Claire Thompson, this will not be your last read of her books. After Johnny’s story, look for Handyman; it’s another heartfelt, satisfying read by the incomparable Ms. Thompson.
I was given a copy of this book in return only for my honest review.
Ms. Thompson’s writing style always pulls me into the world she crafts. IMO her writing ability/strength is providing stellar detail that helps envelop the reader into the plot, the characters, the angst, the growth & journey. And she does this without (again IMO) fluff or filler.
Because of this deft ability Ms. Thompson creates a completely immersive experience readers CARE about, are INVESTED in & INTRIGUED by her stories.
This set is an excellently written & deeply emotional journey of Johnny, from his restrictive & oppressive roots to his finding his true self, love & acceptance, as well as self acceptance as a gay man. I loved the journey, my emotions ranging from empathy, anger, hope, fear, frustration & happiness.
For the reader who wants excellent writing, wants to be immersed, wants to care about characters, wants to be intrigued by a journey, I highly recommend this one.
Intense emotional journey of awakening, exploration, and acceptance
—>>> Johnny’s life gets totally tilt-a-whirled one fateful night when he claps his eyes on one very sexy Dom across a crowd and soon has the epiphany of his life which puts into perspective everything he has been feeling, first and foremost this sense of lack of sexual connection with his girlfriends. He literally runs from the mental impact of this startling realization, a glimmer of self-discovery, but Eric’s lust and curiosity has been now been irrevocably aroused. What follows is an intense emotional journey of awakening, exploration, and acceptance – not just between them, but from those closest to them.
Johnny’s next experiences are made even more of a gritty battle because of some of the choices made by Eric, who is a licensed psychologist, but he simply could not wait to fully immerse his new pet into this very exclusive and dark BDSM subculture. This in itself was for Eric turbulent and untried waters he was desperately trying to navigate, but Eric did call to his darkest fantasies and make them come true. And never mind the narrow-minded and coldly uncompromising family members he had left behind to be with Eric, ties which ruled his old life but no longer have a place with his new sexual orientation.
“The We of Me”
Title: Golden Boy: Two Volume Set
Author: Claire Thompson
Publisher: Romance Unbound Publishing
Format: e-book
Release Date: 1/21/2020
Genre/ Trope/ Theme(s): MM Contemporary Romance; BDSM and D/s elements; Coming out; First time; Family Drama
Page Count: 345p.
SteaMMy Swordplay: 4 out of 5
Sharonica-Stars: 4.5 out of 5
MMy Thoughts and Review:
Searching always searching but never finding the one piece of yourself that is missing. Getting by but your life is just going through the motions while surrounded by a fog that never lets you see more than a couple feet in any one direction.
That’s how life was for twenty-four year old Johnny Wilson. While he didn’t think he had a terrible life, he knew he wasn’t living his best life. He was living the life expected of him by his family, at least in regard to working in the family garage with his dad and two older brothers. Before long he would also be expected to marry a girl from the neighborhood and have a couple kids. A thought that could tamp down any sexual thoughts he might be able to muster. Johnny thought perhaps he was broken. Perhaps some key component got left out of his make-up and that’s why he could never find what his brothers had.
Then one night while out with his best friend and her girl friend, three very important things happened…one: he realized how sheltered a life he had lived for twenty-four years and just how naive he actually was to certain aspects of life, like BDSM, two: just talking about BDSM got him more stirred up than several of his last dates, and three: after eye-locking with a prominent Dom in the community and losing his ability to breathe or stand, he was definitely NOT broken.
This duet reads like one continuous novel, and I am glad they are packaged together, so the reader can enjoy the entire story all at once at one price.
The Story transpires a little over a year and gives the reader many different sides of what a D/s relationship can look like. I read once, years ago now, that “there are as many different types of D/s relationships as there are couples in them.” Meaning, there is no cookie cutter approach to the BDSM lifestyle, as long as the adults are consenting, and hopefully safe and sane. However, even those lines can blurred within each relationship.
That last statement, can be viewed in many lights. In the case of MCs, Master Eric, and Johnny, his sub there were a few instances when the Master pushed his boy beyond what he could or was ready to handle and Johnny safeworded. The first time nearly wrecked what they were building together. The second time, it was seen as a way to back up and see where they needed to work more. Did that mean they weren’t safe, sane, or consensual? To some, maybe, to others, definitely not. It is all about perspective. It is also about the couple. It must also be pointed out that even Doms are human, and not above making mistakes, which Master Eric realized immediately upon Johnny safewording. Lessons learned by all, I would say.
The two men slowly over time worked together to build an impenetrable tower around their relationship. As individuals, they each had to work on slaying their demons. Though they could be there for each other, and stand beside each other, Eric and Johnny had to wield the swords that would silence the monsters in their heads once and for all.
This IS a book about a budding D/s relationship between a seasoned Dom and a virgin sub. Some aspects may be hard to take if you are used to the softer side of D/s books. Claire Thompson is a BDSM veteran and prolific author and though this is the first MM romance of hers I’ve read, I have enjoyed several of her MF series in the past including: Erotic Awakenings and The BDSM Club series, which first introduced me to Thompson, among others. Thompson doesn’t merely show you a few spanking scenes and call it a day. Instead she draws on the primal parts of your psyche that first had you ever pick up a BDSM book in the first place. Then, rather than just scratch an itch she gives your brain a full body BDSM massage and leaves it wrecked but satiated. You may need wine and a nap after.
4.5 i-needed-that-stars•
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The thoughts and opinions expressed are solely mine.
I felt bad that Johnny had to deny so many parts of himself just to be around his family. I liked Amanda she was a good friend to him. Eric was really great for Johnny learning more about himself. I liked that from book one to book two Johnny grows to know himself more. The relationship with Eric grows to a beautiful love story. I didn’t rate this a five star because there were parts of the books I didn’t get into. I did think that Eric and Johnny had great chemistry together and I am glad in the end they got their happy ending. I am also happy that Johnny’s mom and brother Billy were able to come around and be there for him.
I received an ARC and am leaving my honest and voluntary review.
This brings out a lot of emotions. “Watching” Johnny go through this journey was so emotional. Having to question everything that you believed about yourself and over coming everything that you were taught going up is no easy thing to do and go through. “Watching” Dom Eric fall in love also got to me. Such wonderful characters and such an excellent story.
Loved this book and this duet series.
This book encompasses a lot of the subjects I enjoy reading about: MM, BDSM and hot sex scenes.
I always enjoy reading a book when one of the characters is learning about BDSM or sex if a virgin but in this case it’s a man learning about not only his homosexuality but his submissiveness. There’s just something so innocent and naive about it and when this includes a strong dominant teacher, it makes for an an interesting and hot read!
Johnny is the youngest of three children and their father is a Bully. Growing up, he thankfully had an older brother that helped him with the oldest brother that followed in their father’s footsteps. Never quite fitting in, he meets Amanda at the ripe old age of 24. She’s in a relationship with her girlfriend Marlon and sees what Johnny has never seen nor felt! Going out to a gay bar, Johnny is hit in the face with LUST at first sight when he sees Eric. Little does he know but he’s about to meet his destiny. Naivety, shock, family issues and reality throw too much too fast at Johnny. Can he become the gay/submissive man that Eric knows he can be? Will the ultimate Dom Eric fall for naive Johnny? An intense and educational read while being exactly what you would expect from Claire Thompson!
3 1/2 stars
I’m torn on this one. I loved Johnny and his journey of discovery. He was open, honest, and real in his actions and reactions. I like Eric when he was a partner and with Johnny in their everyday life. The trouble was, when Eric became Dom Eric, he was not nice at all. And he recognized he was not nice at all, and continued to be not nice at all. Even Johnny noticed it, and tried to explain it, but Eric overruled him. My heart ached for Johnny, and I worried for him, deeply, at times. It took quite a bit, but I think they finally found their happy place, both in life as partners and in D/s, but it was painful in parts to read about their journey
So many emotions in this story. I was captured.
To follow Johnny and his way into a life worth living was wonderful. Following his family gave an extra touch to the story as well.
Even if it’s a fiction story a lot of the scenes can be related to for many people. I wish it could be true.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
Great story! This box set is about a guy who was raised in a very masculine environment and was taught to think a certain way, but as he matures he realizes that maybe he’s not who he thought he was. As he struggles to figure it all out his family distances itself from him not liking the outcome. The story is very well written and holds your attention til the end. Which turns out with all its ups and downs to end with a HEA!
Johnny struggled his whole life to please a heartless father,Johnny tried to find the right girl but none seemed to ever fit. But on a night out with his best friend he came eye to eye with his soul mate and Master.Johnny couldn’t get the handsome mystery man out of his mind. Finally on a chance meeting he went home with Sir and discovered what he had been missing all his life Submission!
You’re not broken. You just haven’t found the right person for you.
There were so many parts of this book that I really enjoyed. Johnny, who comes from such a male chest thumping environment, who has to submerge his own personality so he fits in to what his father feels is right. Sensitive, sexy and suppressed. I loved the slow awakening to his sensual side. It was a beautiful journey. I could see Amanda and Marlon. We all need people who love and support us when we don’t know what to do.
Eric was a tough one for me. I am so used to the sane, safe and consensual concept that I forgot that just because you’re a Dom doesn’t mean you are infallible to insecurities and fears. Uber hot Eric. He trains submissives and men flock to his magnetic personality. He is the Dom of Doms. It was hard for me to like Eric all the time because he kept showing his humanness when he falls for the taunts of others and overlooks his dom responsibilities. But, that is what makes this set amazing because in real life people make mistakes and it is up to us to recognize them and forgive and move on.
I read and reviewed a copy of this book.
Golden Boy and Golden Man are both fantastic books, and resonated deeply with me (I’m a kinky queer woman). Both books felt real and honest.
I particularly appreciated Johnny and Eric’s encounters with One True Way-ism, the mistaken belief that there is only one acceptable way to practice BDSM. If you do not conform to that, you are not a “real dom” or “real sub,” and there can be intense peer pressure to be Lord Sir Dom-ly Dom or a lower-than-garbage submissive.
Content warning: verbal abuse by family members (not between partners).
This is a very emotional and heartfelt story of Johnny and Eric. First we have Johnny who doesn’t understand why he does not have an emotional connection to women to figuring out he is a gay submissive at heart. Then we have Eric who is the ‘ultimate’ Dom of Doms and has some insecurities especially about loving his submissive. The first book is about Golden Boy Johnny and how he figures out who and what he really is. The second book deals more with Eric and Johnny’s D/S journey, their love story, and Johnny ending up as a Golden Man. There are so many emotions in these book and I really liked how Claire added in about Johnny’s families reactions to his discovery and how they did or did not handle it. These books are well written and even with all the ups and downs you can’t stop reading until it ends.