Adara's Reviews > O Come All Ye Kinky

Tree Toppers by Jane Davitt - 4 stars
I have read stories in the past which tried to get across the idea of the struggles and mistakes of a newbie Dom, but this one has been the best at it thusfar. Martin is very believable in his mistakes and what he learns from them. And in how the situation is corrected. Stan was also in the wrong in how he attempted to go about things between them, but it took a catalyst and a heart to heart to figure out why they were both struggling. Very, very enjoyable read.

'Twas the Night by Ava March - 3 stars
This was a historical, but the historical touches were so light that you could almost not notice but for clothing and brief mention of society. Percy struggles with his desire to submit being considered unmanly. Michael helps him see the strength in submission and deepens their relationship by giving Percy a voice in his submission.

Fireworks by Katie Porter - 4 stars
So, I've been meaning to try a F/F for a while now, and here was my chance. While apparently it's not much my thing as far as turn-ons go, this was a well-balanced, very emotional story of a Domme who's pulling away from the best thing she's ever had because of her own cowardice, and the sub who knows that's exactly what it is and doesn't know how to stop her from doing it. Quite creative in the kink too. =)

Candy Caning by L.A. Witt - 3.5 stars
Erotic encounter wrapped around wanting to avoid family drama and just stay home with the person who loves you most. Nothing more to say on that.

Submissive Angel by Joey W. Hill - 2.5 stars
This story just did not do it for me. It was too long to be short and too short to be long. I had too many questions left about one character, and I was too far in the head of the other one. I actually think this one had too much play in it and don't feel like I learned enough about Ange, only about Robert. It bored me as one long scene, which is a bad thing when this is (I believe) the longest story in the anthology. I think I might actually like it more as a full story and not just a single scene.

Open Return by Elyan Smith - 4.5 stars
There is something about Elyan's writing of trans characters that I really love. There's an emotional edge that's worked in with very subtle details. One word--brittle--stuck with me because that one word was the perfect summation of the entire feeling of this beautiful story. Also, I had no issues with the descriptions of female action in this story, so perhaps it was just the earlier story which didn't turn me on. The reason I gave it 4.5 instead of 5 stars is because (view spoiler)[the end felt more "hope they'll figure it out" than even HFN. There was a very brittle hope for a real happy ending. It just didn't quite hit where I wanted it to. (hide spoiler)] But all in all I really loved this story.

Ring Out the Old and In the New by Alexa Snow - 4 stars
Not only was this story not one long scene (unlike most of them), but there was something emotional beyond the kink in this story as well. One character has a scar on his face from a mugging and the other has to assure him that he can go on with his life, that people aren't just looking past him at the scar. Very touching and well done.

His Very Last Chance by Kim Dare - 4 stars
Another single long scene, but this one touched me with its treatment of men and Masters and misunderstandings. The sub believes that this is his very last chance to impress his Master and get back in his good graces or go their separate ways. The Master is fretting about how to show his sub he actually does have a romantic bone in his body, even if it might be one of the smallest. Fun read.