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Special Delivery #3
Tough Love
Crescencio “Chenco” Ortiz pulled himself up by his garter straps after his father’s will yanked the financial rug from under his spank-me pumps. He doesn’t need anyone, yet when Steve Vance steps into his life, the prospect of having a sexy leather daddy on tap begins to take on a certain appeal.
There’s a hitch when he learns Steve is friends with Mitch Tedsoe—the half-brother Chenco never knew except through his father’s twisted lies. Despite his reservations, soon Chenco is living his dreams, including a performing gig in Vegas. Now if only he could get Steve to see him as more than just a boy in need of saving.
Steve’s attraction to Chenco is overshadowed by too many demons, ones he knows his would-be lover is too young to slay. Yet as he gets to know the bright, determined young man whose drag act redefines fierce, Steve’s inner sadist trembles with need. He begins to realize Chenco’s relentless tough love might be the only thing that will finally set him free.
Warning: This story contains glamorous drag queens, exhibitionist secondary characters, and no-holds-barred BDSM play, including watersports. Readers advised they may well leave this novel feeling uncharacteristically fierce.
There’s a hitch when he learns Steve is friends with Mitch Tedsoe—the half-brother Chenco never knew except through his father’s twisted lies. Despite his reservations, soon Chenco is living his dreams, including a performing gig in Vegas. Now if only he could get Steve to see him as more than just a boy in need of saving.
Steve’s attraction to Chenco is overshadowed by too many demons, ones he knows his would-be lover is too young to slay. Yet as he gets to know the bright, determined young man whose drag act redefines fierce, Steve’s inner sadist trembles with need. He begins to realize Chenco’s relentless tough love might be the only thing that will finally set him free.
Warning: This story contains glamorous drag queens, exhibitionist secondary characters, and no-holds-barred BDSM play, including watersports. Readers advised they may well leave this novel feeling uncharacteristically fierce.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2014
18 people are currently reading
940 people want to read
About the author
Heidi Cullinan
50 books2,876 followersAuthor of over thirty novels, Midwest-native Heidi Cullinan writes positive-outcome romances for LGBT characters struggling against insurmountable odds because they believe there’s no such thing as too much happy ever after. Heidi’s books have been recommended by Library Journal, USA Today, RT Magazine, and Publishers Weekly. When Heidi isn’t writing, they enjoy gaming, reading manga, manhua, and danmei, playing with cats, and watching too much anime.
Heidi goes by Jun when being spoken to in person or online, and Jun’s pronouns are they/them.
Heidi goes by Jun when being spoken to in person or online, and Jun’s pronouns are they/them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 262 reviews
January 29, 2015
I love this book.
I love it so hard.
I want Steve to be my leather daddy and Chenco to dance for me. Serious kudos to the fabulous Ms. Cullinan for dealing with drag queens and hard-core kink in such a subtle, sensual manner and for weaving a lovely, sweet story at the core of edge and play. Nothing here was weird or wrong; there was healing in the pain.
I loved seeing Mitch find his brother and Chenco find a home. The situation with Steve’s friend Gordy was intense, and the final act was the only one that would allow Steve to move on, as horrific as it was.
And in the end the leather daddy needed love and care as much as the boy.
I feel like I know these men, every single one of them. I fell in love with Mitch (and his dirty mouth) and Sam (and his wanton ways) in book 1. I lived through the tears, the intense threesomes, Kylie, and the marriage proposal to beat them all.
Randy, with his attitude, cockiness, and mad cooking skills, grew on me in book 2, where I also swooned for Ethan, always cool, so slick, and so damn good for Randy. I craved Vegas, poker, motorcycles, and heights.
And then Steve and Chenco came at me with leather and lace. Throw in Caramela, and I was DONE FOR.
The scene in the truck with just the curtain to hide (reveal?) all dirty secrets? SCORCHING.
The last chapter? Melted me into a puddle of nostalgia and tears.
That’s family:
This series.
These MEN.
I love them all.
Even Crabtree.
I love it so hard.
I want Steve to be my leather daddy and Chenco to dance for me. Serious kudos to the fabulous Ms. Cullinan for dealing with drag queens and hard-core kink in such a subtle, sensual manner and for weaving a lovely, sweet story at the core of edge and play. Nothing here was weird or wrong; there was healing in the pain.
I loved seeing Mitch find his brother and Chenco find a home. The situation with Steve’s friend Gordy was intense, and the final act was the only one that would allow Steve to move on, as horrific as it was.
And in the end the leather daddy needed love and care as much as the boy.
I feel like I know these men, every single one of them. I fell in love with Mitch (and his dirty mouth) and Sam (and his wanton ways) in book 1. I lived through the tears, the intense threesomes, Kylie, and the marriage proposal to beat them all.
Randy, with his attitude, cockiness, and mad cooking skills, grew on me in book 2, where I also swooned for Ethan, always cool, so slick, and so damn good for Randy. I craved Vegas, poker, motorcycles, and heights.
And then Steve and Chenco came at me with leather and lace. Throw in Caramela, and I was DONE FOR.
The scene in the truck with just the curtain to hide (reveal?) all dirty secrets? SCORCHING.
The last chapter? Melted me into a puddle of nostalgia and tears.
That’s family:
[Chenco] wasn’t just leaving the valley, he was leaving with his brother. And brother-in-law.
And a card shark, a casino mogul and a gangster.
And his boyfriend and his madmen fresh from the attic.
This series.
These MEN.
I love them all.
Even Crabtree.
April 9, 2014
Daddy kink? - check
Cross dressing Queen? - check
Sadomasochism? - check
A bear/twink romance? - check
Heidi Cullinan? - check
You bet. Where do I sign?
It's official Ms. Cullinan has breached my Top Ten favorite authors list. This was glorious. Let me tell you why.
You know how you read a book, listen to a song or see a movie and maybe you're entertained by it but you forget about it shortly thereafter? Then you have those experiences with something from the entertainment realm and think, 'my God'. The ones that leave an indelible mark? I know for me when it's really good I get caught up, swept away, dwell on it afterwards. It's almost like I'm there immersed in the character(s) and their story. There aren't many authors that can successfully take me on that ride. It takes effort, dedication and skill. Heidi Cullinan has that ability in spades and I respect the fact that she's not afraid of the word count necessary to accomplish this.
Yes, I loved this book and, yes, I loved it due in large part to this form of BDSM. I could wax on and on about the scenes and how stunning they were, how she did a fantastic job of putting the reader in both Chenco and Steve's head space during them, but what makes her work such a joy to read is in the details. The little things that often get overlooked, glossed over, but that make the difference between good, great and outstanding. Each of us have our own idiosyncrasies that when added together make us who we are: how we take our coffee, what order we read the newspaper in, what kind of music we listen to, that we hate radishes or we have a crazy cat obsession. Whatever. All those little nothings that are minutiae of life, the white noise of relationships are, when added together, what make us individuals, special, maybe even unique. They're also what bring a character to life, what makes them relatable, and three-dimensional.
What caught my attention right away in Tough Love was a tiny little grounding thing Steve does. Chenco meets the gang-Randy, Steve, Mitch, Sam-at Club 33 after Caramela has performed. She's shaken by their presence and Randy pushes her limits backstage. She panics and lodges her stiletto in Randy's shoulder. Steve then tightly hugs her and digs his fingernails into her arm which calms her immediately. Every time she starts to unravel he does this and it centers her. Eventually Steve can just touch Chenco's elbow with the same effect. The simple things that make all the difference.
I loved every evolution of Chenco and Steve's relationship; it unfolds and grows organically with twists and turns, ups and downs and an appropriate amount of angst. There's no instalove. They don't go from 0-60. They communicate like real people. Rightly so given that Chenco is a novice. Chenco's wary and scared and he voices all of his concerns to Steve who both listens and reassures him. Steve doesn't expect him to jump into the deep end. What he does expect is for Chenco to trust him to respect his limits, not push him too far too fast and to submit, surrender. He does and it's lovely. Really. The double flogging and piercing scenes are exquisite. I love how possessive and protective Steve is and I loved that Chenco wasn't a wilting flower. Their relationship isn't one-sided; they rely on one another. They're both strong enough to be vulnerable with each other too. The way Ms. Cullinan spaced these scenes out emphasized the progression of their relationship and the increasing trust.
She also did a fantastic job with the differentiation between Chenco and Caramela: how they coexist, are separate and yet not simultaneously, have different strengths and weaknesses which ultimately coalesce and how the transition process psychologically occurs. Caramela is divine. Fierce. Strong. I wish I could see her shine on stage, whipping the crowd into a frenzy, dancing for her Papi with him cheering her on stoically all decked out in his leathers then whisk her away on the back of his Hog after she's lit up the room.
Ms. Cullinan has done an exceptional job of giving each book its own personality, making each of these stories unique. Each has contained the gang, as I've begun to refer to them, which is fine by me. I love the gang and the gang welcomes Chenco with open arms, yet another addition to their ever growing, vagabond family. There is a sequence between Randy and Chenco that is so poignant in its simplicity; I felt like I was there with them at the Alamo flea market drinking mango slushies and eating tacos, watching the world go by and just… being. Randy is still Randy and randy. Fantastic as always. Sam is still adorable. I want him. Badly. Mitch and Chenco are fumbling through how to be brothers who've met for the first time as adults. Ethan and even Crabtree contribute to the magic of Tough Love.
But this story is most definitely Steve and Chenco's and Caramela's. There are subplots that I felt enhanced the main plot rather than detracted from it as I felt happened in Double Blind. Nevertheless, I've never felt like I was reading the same book in a different permutation. Each of the relationships formed in this series are their own special snowflakes. Sam will always have a special place and in no way does Chenco supplant him, but Tough Love is special in its own rite.
This book is a prime example of why I'm so stingy with my stars. When a book of this caliber comes along it should be recognized as such and should breathe that rarefied 5 star air.
Reviewed for
I would like to thank Samhain for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Cross dressing Queen? - check
Sadomasochism? - check
A bear/twink romance? - check
Heidi Cullinan? - check
You bet. Where do I sign?
It's official Ms. Cullinan has breached my Top Ten favorite authors list. This was glorious. Let me tell you why.
You know how you read a book, listen to a song or see a movie and maybe you're entertained by it but you forget about it shortly thereafter? Then you have those experiences with something from the entertainment realm and think, 'my God'. The ones that leave an indelible mark? I know for me when it's really good I get caught up, swept away, dwell on it afterwards. It's almost like I'm there immersed in the character(s) and their story. There aren't many authors that can successfully take me on that ride. It takes effort, dedication and skill. Heidi Cullinan has that ability in spades and I respect the fact that she's not afraid of the word count necessary to accomplish this.
This was no game, no kinky giggle. This was more reverent than a church service, more personal than any priest-led confession. This was closer to the bone than putting on a dress and wig and makeup and releasing his inner queen.
Yes, I loved this book and, yes, I loved it due in large part to this form of BDSM. I could wax on and on about the scenes and how stunning they were, how she did a fantastic job of putting the reader in both Chenco and Steve's head space during them, but what makes her work such a joy to read is in the details. The little things that often get overlooked, glossed over, but that make the difference between good, great and outstanding. Each of us have our own idiosyncrasies that when added together make us who we are: how we take our coffee, what order we read the newspaper in, what kind of music we listen to, that we hate radishes or we have a crazy cat obsession. Whatever. All those little nothings that are minutiae of life, the white noise of relationships are, when added together, what make us individuals, special, maybe even unique. They're also what bring a character to life, what makes them relatable, and three-dimensional.
What caught my attention right away in Tough Love was a tiny little grounding thing Steve does. Chenco meets the gang-Randy, Steve, Mitch, Sam-at Club 33 after Caramela has performed. She's shaken by their presence and Randy pushes her limits backstage. She panics and lodges her stiletto in Randy's shoulder. Steve then tightly hugs her and digs his fingernails into her arm which calms her immediately. Every time she starts to unravel he does this and it centers her. Eventually Steve can just touch Chenco's elbow with the same effect. The simple things that make all the difference.
I loved every evolution of Chenco and Steve's relationship; it unfolds and grows organically with twists and turns, ups and downs and an appropriate amount of angst. There's no instalove. They don't go from 0-60. They communicate like real people. Rightly so given that Chenco is a novice. Chenco's wary and scared and he voices all of his concerns to Steve who both listens and reassures him. Steve doesn't expect him to jump into the deep end. What he does expect is for Chenco to trust him to respect his limits, not push him too far too fast and to submit, surrender. He does and it's lovely. Really. The double flogging and piercing scenes are exquisite. I love how possessive and protective Steve is and I loved that Chenco wasn't a wilting flower. Their relationship isn't one-sided; they rely on one another. They're both strong enough to be vulnerable with each other too. The way Ms. Cullinan spaced these scenes out emphasized the progression of their relationship and the increasing trust.
"It was about, for an hour or two, playing God."
"Every surrender was another chance to be free."
She also did a fantastic job with the differentiation between Chenco and Caramela: how they coexist, are separate and yet not simultaneously, have different strengths and weaknesses which ultimately coalesce and how the transition process psychologically occurs. Caramela is divine. Fierce. Strong. I wish I could see her shine on stage, whipping the crowd into a frenzy, dancing for her Papi with him cheering her on stoically all decked out in his leathers then whisk her away on the back of his Hog after she's lit up the room.
Ms. Cullinan has done an exceptional job of giving each book its own personality, making each of these stories unique. Each has contained the gang, as I've begun to refer to them, which is fine by me. I love the gang and the gang welcomes Chenco with open arms, yet another addition to their ever growing, vagabond family. There is a sequence between Randy and Chenco that is so poignant in its simplicity; I felt like I was there with them at the Alamo flea market drinking mango slushies and eating tacos, watching the world go by and just… being. Randy is still Randy and randy. Fantastic as always. Sam is still adorable. I want him. Badly. Mitch and Chenco are fumbling through how to be brothers who've met for the first time as adults. Ethan and even Crabtree contribute to the magic of Tough Love.
But this story is most definitely Steve and Chenco's and Caramela's. There are subplots that I felt enhanced the main plot rather than detracted from it as I felt happened in Double Blind. Nevertheless, I've never felt like I was reading the same book in a different permutation. Each of the relationships formed in this series are their own special snowflakes. Sam will always have a special place and in no way does Chenco supplant him, but Tough Love is special in its own rite.
"Tough love, baby. It's the most painful, wonderful kind there is."
This book is a prime example of why I'm so stingy with my stars. When a book of this caliber comes along it should be recognized as such and should breathe that rarefied 5 star air.
Reviewed for
I would like to thank Samhain for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 9, 2014
I got to read this with a few of my fellow unicorns! We did a group review on the blog. Here's my two pennies.
Well. Lemme just tell you about this here little story. First, we have Chenco. Chenco the scared little rabbit who hides behind his alter ego (Caramela the Fierce One) because he doesn't know how else to deal with the shit life has thrown at him. He meets Steve The Badass Dom soon after his asshat of a father dies and leaves him abso-freaking-lutely nothing. Nothing but a headache, that is. Oh, and Chenco is Mitch's half brother, but you already know that from the blurb so we won't rehash it here.
I seriously think this is my favorite of the series. Now, I know what you're thinking, "what?!?!? What about RANDY?!?!?!". Yes, yes, Randy is still (and always will be) my favorite character but story-wise, this one knocked it outta the park for me. There was just so much excitement! They were doin' stuff and saying stuff and doin' more stuff and I just ate it all up. I think part of the reason it was my favorite is because it didn't just focus on Chenco and Steve but on all of the characters. I gained more insight into the mind of Crabtree. I got to see Sam grow up and be even more confident in himself than ever before. And I got to see Ethan from a totally different perspective (I ♥ Ethan!).
Even though the kinks in here weren't my kind of thing I still found myself engrossed in the scenes and I was able to get a feel of how much Chenco and Steve were into it and how much it affected them and it really came across in a respectful and entertaining manner.
So, do I recommend you read this book? Why yes, yes I do. Read it. Right now. Now I say!
Come see what everyone thought at:
April 8, 2014
Wow. I don't think I can give a full review of this without including spoilers. And I don't want to use spoiler tags because people will clicky-clicky all over that shit and then be pissed at themselves, and that's no way to start a day, so this is an abbreviated review.
One, this book is intense, and not necessarily in a sexual way, though there are several very intense sexual scenes. This book is intense in the way it examines fear, in the way it examines shame, and in the way it examines the walls we build for ourselves and each other, and the consequences of all that emotional construction work. Intense.
Two, this book crosses lines into kinks not commonly explored on page in mainstream romances. Some readers will struggle with some of them. I struggled with one of them. However, Heidi Cullinan is a very, very talented writer, and it's made very clear the way exploring these kinks brings the two men closer together, and it is very deftly done.
Three, Randy is my guy. I love that clever bastard.
One, this book is intense, and not necessarily in a sexual way, though there are several very intense sexual scenes. This book is intense in the way it examines fear, in the way it examines shame, and in the way it examines the walls we build for ourselves and each other, and the consequences of all that emotional construction work. Intense.
Two, this book crosses lines into kinks not commonly explored on page in mainstream romances. Some readers will struggle with some of them. I struggled with one of them. However, Heidi Cullinan is a very, very talented writer, and it's made very clear the way exploring these kinks brings the two men closer together, and it is very deftly done.
Three, Randy is my guy. I love that clever bastard.
April 24, 2014
Daring and shy and PRETTY.
I have mixed feelings about this story. Anything I didn't like--No. So the Stoic in me should be happy. But, there's the other part of me, the one that wants, that has ideas before reading something that won't shut the fuck up.
Loved It
Hated It
Wished It--DENIED!
Main grievance? Things are too tidy. Too easily achieved. Too perfect. There's only one real struggle here and it comes to a tidy, or not so tidy, end--removed from the equation if you will.
I'd probably rate this 3 stars, but for the fact that as the end of the series--I'm assuming since this was packaged up so pretty with a bow on top and everything--and one that I loved, and Cullinan brought the entire cast full circle that I added another star because the sense of resolution pleased me.
Favorite quotes:
ETA: It has come to my attention that this is not the intended end to the series. In light of that information I have rerated this book to 3 stars from 4 stars.
I have mixed feelings about this story. Anything I didn't like--No. So the Stoic in me should be happy. But, there's the other part of me, the one that wants, that has ideas before reading something that won't shut the fuck up.
Loved It
Chenco's character and the discussion about cross-dressing. His manifestation is beautiful, a creation greater than himself
Bold choice of kinks: some better displayed than others, but the pain play was GORGEOUS
Crabtree
Hated It
Untreated mental illness: I'm all for support from family and friends, but there comes a time when medical intervention is imperative and to not do so is selfish and egoistic. As much as we hate it, love CAN NOT heal all.
Too many kinks: some left marginalized and more a flirt than discussion
Wished It--DENIED!
Timid, vague portrayal of WS (watersports) which is outlined in the briefest terms possible as if too taboo to explore and from the blurb I'd hoped would be more substantial. Ditto on pet play, but to a lesser extent.
Airtime for Chenco and Steve. This series has a fantastic cast of characters which enrich and divert. Unfortunately, I felt like Chenco and Steve often played second fiddle to their supporting cast. Chenco as the primary MC was well developed, but I felt that Steve especially got the short-end of the stick.
Main grievance? Things are too tidy. Too easily achieved. Too perfect. There's only one real struggle here and it comes to a tidy, or not so tidy, end--removed from the equation if you will.
I'd probably rate this 3 stars, but for the fact that as the end of the series--I'm assuming since this was packaged up so pretty with a bow on top and everything--and one that I loved, and Cullinan brought the entire cast full circle that I added another star because the sense of resolution pleased me.
Favorite quotes:
He had not expected this, to be drawn so into pain, to be fucked by it— not by blows or bonds but by the pain itself, his own pain. To be released.
“Don’t push yourself for me. Not out of fear. Don’t you ever, ever yield to me in fear.”
ETA: It has come to my attention that this is not the intended end to the series. In light of that information I have rerated this book to 3 stars from 4 stars.
May 7, 2023
Loved it! This book just steamrolled through my day. I was delighted to have the boys back again (Sam, Mitch, Ethan, and Randy......ohhhh Randy, can't get enough of him). Now we get to meet Chenco and Steve, languishing in Texas. It's a fun ride from Texas to Vegas (especially in the truck).
Chenco has some self doubt to overcome, and Steve has a serious monster of guilt riding him by the name of Gordy. Gordy had a huge role offstage in this book, which I didn't quite understand. This was the only reason I didn't give the book a 5 star rating.
Aside from seeing the boys again, I loved all the kink that I hadn't read before: watersports and needle play (I googled needle play and, well, I had no idea that this was a thing. At all.) This edition 2017 has the extended version of the water scene that was censored by the previous publisher, Samhain. Heidi manages to turn these kinks into trust and comfort and love. It's amazing how she does this.
I also loved the drag aspect to this book--I've a thing for queens. One thing that I did miss and was hoping for was more sexy times for all involved (or with all involved!). The sex and the scenes were steamy and so well crafted that I ached for more of them.
This is one of my favorite series and if you haven't gotten a chance yet, check out the audio version by Iggy Toma, who does all of Heidi's books. The man is a voice god! I truly hope there is another book coming in this series.
Chenco has some self doubt to overcome, and Steve has a serious monster of guilt riding him by the name of Gordy. Gordy had a huge role offstage in this book, which I didn't quite understand. This was the only reason I didn't give the book a 5 star rating.
Aside from seeing the boys again, I loved all the kink that I hadn't read before: watersports and needle play (I googled needle play and, well, I had no idea that this was a thing. At all.) This edition 2017 has the extended version of the water scene that was censored by the previous publisher, Samhain. Heidi manages to turn these kinks into trust and comfort and love. It's amazing how she does this.
I also loved the drag aspect to this book--I've a thing for queens. One thing that I did miss and was hoping for was more sexy times for all involved (or with all involved!). The sex and the scenes were steamy and so well crafted that I ached for more of them.
This is one of my favorite series and if you haven't gotten a chance yet, check out the audio version by Iggy Toma, who does all of Heidi's books. The man is a voice god! I truly hope there is another book coming in this series.
April 8, 2014
It's ridiculous to yearn for a fictional relationship, but goddamn I wanted to be Chenco. I don't want to be a drag queen, I just want Steve. I want what Steve and Chenco have, and no, it does not help that they are fictional and none of it's real. Cullinan made something between them that is just . . . well, fucking UNF, but also the touching of souls. When this part of the book is at its best it's incandescent.
Inside Chenco's head was very beautiful: I think Cullinan's best writing ever. There's a whole bushel of quotes I loved and I'd like to add, but I don't want to spoiler the book.
I adored the glimpses of Sam and Mitch that we got. Randy was good, if it bit more toned down than usual, but then I've always loved Randy turned all the way up to 11. Ethan was a bit more enigmatic. I actually thought the resolution of the Gordy situation was great.
I loved the first 35%, but then I thought the book became more uneven, with too many patches of exposition, particularly about Steve and Chenco's sexual relationship, which I yearned to experience on the page.
Overall it's a 3.652 rounded up, with breath-catching, heart-capturing moments that were ten stars.
Inside Chenco's head was very beautiful: I think Cullinan's best writing ever. There's a whole bushel of quotes I loved and I'd like to add, but I don't want to spoiler the book.
I adored the glimpses of Sam and Mitch that we got. Randy was good, if it bit more toned down than usual, but then I've always loved Randy turned all the way up to 11. Ethan was a bit more enigmatic. I actually thought the resolution of the Gordy situation was great.
I loved the first 35%, but then I thought the book became more uneven, with too many patches of exposition, particularly about Steve and Chenco's sexual relationship, which I yearned to experience on the page.
Overall it's a 3.652 rounded up, with breath-catching, heart-capturing moments that were ten stars.
July 10, 2014
The characters: More Mitch, Sam, Randy, Ethan, and Crabtree? Sign me up! Add in Chenco and Carmela, who I loved, and I was feeling a little giddy. Steve was likeable, and at first, I really liked him, but later on, I felt disconnected from him as he struggled with different worries. Also, Steve's BDSM preferences were outside my comfort zone, which made it even more difficult for me to connect with him. All in all, though, these were interesting, complex personalities that contrasted with each other even as they worked well as a family.
5 big shiny stars
The writing: So much emotion shown through words. Beautiful, consistent characterization. Great details that were slipped into the story. A few spots with too much telling, though, and a lot happened off page, just enough to make me say, wait, what about...
4 stars
The story:
-Simple, interesting, kept me engaged, but more a vehicle for the characters to interact.
-Strong beginning. I loved meeting Steve, Chenco, and Carmela, and I loved how Steve understood Carmela right away.
-The BDSM didn't work for me for me as much as it did in the earlier books. I did like other parts of the BDSM play, though.
-Carmela was such a great character, I wish she'd been present more often. It felt like she was too easily put away.
-I also wish we'd had more Chenco and Mitch time. They were brothers meeting for the first time and we barely saw them together. Chenco had more page time with Randy and Sam.
-After a strong and interesting start, it felt like the story stalled a bit, started to meander. Actually, the whole story was like that, strong scenes that grabbed me interspersed with a lot of telling, summarizing, wrapping up.
3 stars
Overall, 4 stars, but I'm not sure I would have liked it as much as I did if I hadn't read and loved the other books first.
Favorite quote:
Chenco swallowed a whimper. "I'm not a princess, bitch, I'm a queen.
Side note:
I don't think he means to, but Randy tends to steal the show. His personality is so big it draws most of the attention in every scene he's in. Sam does something similar, not just because of who he is, but also because of how everyone else reacts to him. Those two seem to be the main players, even in this story about other people. Of course, that might be my impression because that's just how they affect me :)
Note: A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Previously posted as part of a group review on
5 big shiny stars
The writing: So much emotion shown through words. Beautiful, consistent characterization. Great details that were slipped into the story. A few spots with too much telling, though, and a lot happened off page, just enough to make me say, wait, what about...
4 stars
The story:
-Simple, interesting, kept me engaged, but more a vehicle for the characters to interact.
-Strong beginning. I loved meeting Steve, Chenco, and Carmela, and I loved how Steve understood Carmela right away.
-The BDSM didn't work for me for me as much as it did in the earlier books. I did like other parts of the BDSM play, though.
-Carmela was such a great character, I wish she'd been present more often. It felt like she was too easily put away.
-I also wish we'd had more Chenco and Mitch time. They were brothers meeting for the first time and we barely saw them together. Chenco had more page time with Randy and Sam.
-After a strong and interesting start, it felt like the story stalled a bit, started to meander. Actually, the whole story was like that, strong scenes that grabbed me interspersed with a lot of telling, summarizing, wrapping up.
3 stars
Overall, 4 stars, but I'm not sure I would have liked it as much as I did if I hadn't read and loved the other books first.
Favorite quote:
Chenco swallowed a whimper. "I'm not a princess, bitch, I'm a queen.
Side note:
I don't think he means to, but Randy tends to steal the show. His personality is so big it draws most of the attention in every scene he's in. Sam does something similar, not just because of who he is, but also because of how everyone else reacts to him. Those two seem to be the main players, even in this story about other people. Of course, that might be my impression because that's just how they affect me :)
Note: A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Previously posted as part of a group review on
July 21, 2014
4.5 stars
Drag queens, kink, Sam, Mitch, Randy, Ethan! Be still my beating heart!
Chenco and Steve are a great addition to the Special Delivery cast. Chenco has been rejected by his family numerous times and is at a low point when Steve finds him. Steve only wants to help, but Steve has his own problems and is dealing with crushing feelings of guilt revolving around his old friend and lover Gordy. When Steve and his friends show up at Chenco's job and are faced with his alter ego Caramela, things get heated. Turns out one of these friends is Mitch Tedsoe, the older brother he doesn't know, but has always feared. Soon Chenco has the family he always wanted, and his relationship with Steve is heating up. Steve is a sadist and Chenco is willing to give it a try as he finds himself falling hard. With the help of Steve, Mitch, Sam, Randy, Ethan and Crabtree, Chenco is ready to start a new life in Vegas, but the past follows them all and nothing is going to be easy. Where it looked like Steve was going to be the one caring for Chenco's needs, Chenco soon realizes that it's not just a one way street and underneath the tough guy exterior is someone who needs as much care as Chenco does.
This is a stellar ending to the series, and possibly the most emotionally draining one. All the characters from the previous books return to play a part and Crabtree actually grew on me in this one. As always, Heidi Cullinan writes some great kink. Don't let the warnings keep you from reading this one. While the kink is edgier in this book, it is well done and flows naturally.
Drag queens, kink, Sam, Mitch, Randy, Ethan! Be still my beating heart!
Chenco and Steve are a great addition to the Special Delivery cast. Chenco has been rejected by his family numerous times and is at a low point when Steve finds him. Steve only wants to help, but Steve has his own problems and is dealing with crushing feelings of guilt revolving around his old friend and lover Gordy. When Steve and his friends show up at Chenco's job and are faced with his alter ego Caramela, things get heated. Turns out one of these friends is Mitch Tedsoe, the older brother he doesn't know, but has always feared. Soon Chenco has the family he always wanted, and his relationship with Steve is heating up. Steve is a sadist and Chenco is willing to give it a try as he finds himself falling hard. With the help of Steve, Mitch, Sam, Randy, Ethan and Crabtree, Chenco is ready to start a new life in Vegas, but the past follows them all and nothing is going to be easy. Where it looked like Steve was going to be the one caring for Chenco's needs, Chenco soon realizes that it's not just a one way street and underneath the tough guy exterior is someone who needs as much care as Chenco does.
This is a stellar ending to the series, and possibly the most emotionally draining one. All the characters from the previous books return to play a part and Crabtree actually grew on me in this one. As always, Heidi Cullinan writes some great kink. Don't let the warnings keep you from reading this one. While the kink is edgier in this book, it is well done and flows naturally.
August 9, 2016
3.5 stars
I’m a big fan of this Special Delivery series. We get to peep in on some memorable, quirky characters who really come to life on the page. I have to admit that this addition is a little different. It feels darker, digs a little deeper into relationship dysfunction and sexual kink.
I really like how the author sets these working class guys up in glitzy Las Vegas. Edgy, twisted guys who fit so well in Sin City. True, Tough Love starts in small-town Texas, but its inevitable wind-up is the Vegas strip, that world of artifice and hedonism where it seems dreams can come true. This troupe of players: Mitch, Sam, Randy, Ethan and Crabtree, met in the previous two books, are all working on love, but by different rules than the mainstream. For them, hedonistic indulgence is the norm. And what fun it is for the reader!
So we start in Texas, in Mitch’s hometown, but the focus is on Chenco, a young, sweet-faced guy with two personalities that live comfortably within him. He’s Chenco, roach coach vendor by day, and the fabulous Caramela, drag queen supreme, by night. Chenco isn’t just a guy who likes to drag it up on stage, though. We see him go into full-on dual character mode with his personas switching dominance. This is a gateway glimpse at how he has dealt with the hurt and rejection in his life. He’s such a dichotomy, and I was intrigued and charmed by him.
By stroke of luck only found in romance literature, Chenco meets up with Steve (and his friends, the Vegas troupe) and he discovers a new family and life, and a whole other side to his sexuality. Steve is a leather-daddy sadist who lives the BDSM lifestyle. Craves it, in fact, even while he is haunted by a previous D/s relationship gone very wrong. Chenco is drawn to him, and he and Steve kindle something in each other. It’s a slow smolder, to simmer, to roiling boil.
Steve and Chenco are surrounded by the Las Vegas troupe who become one big adoptive family. So we get a lot of Randy and Ethan, and a taste of Crabtree, too. We especially get more of Mitch and Sam when they share a ride with Steve and Chenko from Texas to Vegas in Mitch’s semi. How many different ways can four men have sex in a cramped semi cab? We get some of the hottest, dirtiest, kinkiest sex scenes to light the page. Let’s just say that things get so steamy, the truck windows must have completely fogged up. Oh boy, it’s panty-melt time.
This ‘Cinderfella’ story -- lonely, starved-for-love boy meets his shining knight -- definitely has it’s darker side. It’s Chenco’s immersion into BDSM via Steve that makes me squirm… it feels like a wicked beguilement. Chenco is initially put off by Steve’s more aggressive kinks. Then, he is slowly seduced into them: needle play (strangely mesmerizing), and watersports (lightly played and not too bad at all). Chenco yearns so hard to be cared for, and is willing to try anything for it. Is it all mixed up in wanting to please Steve too? Chenco’s so much younger than Steve (seventeen years difference between them) and relatively inexperienced. It’s scary how much faith and trust he puts in Steve from the get-go, how he falls into the play. Luckily, he’s in good hands, Steve really wants to help him, and proves worthy of that trust.
It’s a testament to the author’s skill that, along the way, I can put aside my qualms to enjoy Tough Love for the smut-a-liciously romantic ride that it is. Yeah, it’s a spider’s web of lovin’. I really enjoyed Steve and Chenco’s homecoming and visiting with the Las Vegas gang again. Three hot couples… who’s next?
(Note: While this could be enjoyed as a stand-alone, the experience is much richer for reading the series in order.)
Hey! New Name, New Look, New Management! Check out this review and much more on Love Bytes. Here's the pretty linky:
April 9, 2014
HC can make every kink and taboo acceptable and all about love and respect.
Loved it!
Tough Love is pretty much the epitome of why I love reading Heidi Cullinan’s books. The characters have SO many dimensions, that no matter what their kink is, be it needles or Disney princesses, I get it. I don’t have to understand it for myself, but I so understand it for her characters.
Reading the “warning” at the bottom of the blurb, I should think I would say, “Oh, hell no!” And yeah, for me, “Oh, hell no!”, but for Steve and Chenco, the kink was so beyond the act itself, it was almost as if the act didn’t matter, it wasn’t the point. The point was what the act represented the symbolism of respect, trust and release. All things that both Steve and Chenco needed so desperately.
I love that her characters can’t be pigeonholed. Sure Steve is a leather daddy and Chenco is his sub learning all about pain play. At first Chenco seems to be in a desperate state and Steve is going to be his savior, but as the story progressed, I had to wonder, who was saving whom here. Every pairing in this series is so spot on perfect and these two are absolutely no exception.
And, while I love the story, love to read more about my favorite characters (and meet new ones, Caramela – HELLO!) and love the filthy sweetness of it all, what I love most is all the layers in which these guys love. Every act is so much more than just an act and speaks to each of them so personally I feel like I know them inside and out. I really can’t recommend this series enough. And while Tough Love may be new, it’s a classic just like the first two.
Loved it!
Tough Love is pretty much the epitome of why I love reading Heidi Cullinan’s books. The characters have SO many dimensions, that no matter what their kink is, be it needles or Disney princesses, I get it. I don’t have to understand it for myself, but I so understand it for her characters.
Reading the “warning” at the bottom of the blurb, I should think I would say, “Oh, hell no!” And yeah, for me, “Oh, hell no!”, but for Steve and Chenco, the kink was so beyond the act itself, it was almost as if the act didn’t matter, it wasn’t the point. The point was what the act represented the symbolism of respect, trust and release. All things that both Steve and Chenco needed so desperately.
I love that her characters can’t be pigeonholed. Sure Steve is a leather daddy and Chenco is his sub learning all about pain play. At first Chenco seems to be in a desperate state and Steve is going to be his savior, but as the story progressed, I had to wonder, who was saving whom here. Every pairing in this series is so spot on perfect and these two are absolutely no exception.
And, while I love the story, love to read more about my favorite characters (and meet new ones, Caramela – HELLO!) and love the filthy sweetness of it all, what I love most is all the layers in which these guys love. Every act is so much more than just an act and speaks to each of them so personally I feel like I know them inside and out. I really can’t recommend this series enough. And while Tough Love may be new, it’s a classic just like the first two.
September 24, 2022
I read the other two books in this series and liked them, and I really wanted to like this one...but did I? Not even a little bit. I just didn't see what the attractions or the connections the characters had to one another. I've read enough BDSM books that I understood the connection between Chenco and Mitch when Chenco was in his male persona but when he was in the female persona that he performed as...I became lost. Between the relationship dynamics, the group dynamics and the male/female personality of the Chenco...it just didn't work for me. I guess I don't understand the attraction of drag. The start of the story was complex and promising, but everything was way too wrapped up and pretty by the end. I checked back to be sure that it was part of the Special Delivery series. It had some of the same characters but this one was not even in the same league as the other two books.
April 11, 2014
In this third book in the Special Delivery series, we meet two new men - "Chenco” Ortiz, who is Mitch's unexpected 24-year-old half-brother, and Steve Vance, a friend of the guys' who is Mitch's age. We also get small glimpses of Mitch with Sam, Randy with Ethan, and a little more of Randy in his role as fixer and master manipulator.
Chenco is great - a young man, but one who has had no one but himself (and his drag-queen alter ego Caramela) to depend on for a long time. He's afraid, a lot of the time. Afraid of the gangs in his neighborhood, of losing the little trailer he calls home, of his poverty keeping him from giving Caramela her due in pretty things, and of his half-brother Mitch who wrote seriously nasty, homophobic journals as a teenager, which their father made Chenco read. The one time he's not afraid is when Caramela does her thing, up on stage, all shiny and bright and bold and beautiful. That's when Chenco is at his best. He has some friends, but they have their own issues and agendas, and he has really been very alone for a long time. Then he meets up with our guys and finds out Mitch isn't the bogeyman, and that there are people who put an even higher value on Caramela, and on Chenco himself, than he has thought possible.
Steve is older, a Dom and a sadist, with a long history, most of which is tangled in with the life of his childhood best friend Gordy. He and Gordy discovered being gay and liking pain and D/s and other kinks together. But Gordy is mentally unstable, and Steve feels responsible both for his wellbeing and perhaps for some of his issues. That tie to Gordy has kept Steve alone and tied down for a long time. He can't fix Gordy, and he can't leave the area and abandon him, until everyone from Randy to Crabtree comes into town, introducing him to Chenco, who needs a Dom badly. And setting in motion a radical shift in Steve's world.
Heidi Cullinan introduces me to guys whose kinks feel real and organic and understandable, but which don't appeal to me in a personal way. Time and again, she makes me believe that, for these men, their BDSM works to keep them both grounded and aroused. Once again, the men in this book get off on pain and other SM that is beyond my comfort zone. It all works, although Chenco's journey to D/s and M felt less organic than Sam's, perhaps because there was no real sign particularly of masochism, prior to his meeting Steve. I really liked the ending for the little shift that developed in the relationship, because it made them feel more balanced and mature together.
I loved the glimpses we had of the other beloved couples, and would have liked even more, although the main couple here needed to have time in their own book of course. I almost wished Caramela had been a bit less perfect, less brilliantly successful. Instant success did give Chenco more weight and power, to balance the force of nature that was Steve, but felt a little fortuitous. I loved best the quiet moments between the men, and the moments of uncertainty, Chenco's self-doubt, Steve's questioning what he brought to the table with this young man who was moving up and out. As always, Heidi's characters are vivid, unique, and memorable. I heard there might be another book in the series someday (Lincoln? Chenco and a cat? Sam and a baby? And wow, they would be great dads but wouldn't it be a challenge to fit a child into the lifestyle they lead...) and I will eagerly pick up any and all future volumes.
Chenco is great - a young man, but one who has had no one but himself (and his drag-queen alter ego Caramela) to depend on for a long time. He's afraid, a lot of the time. Afraid of the gangs in his neighborhood, of losing the little trailer he calls home, of his poverty keeping him from giving Caramela her due in pretty things, and of his half-brother Mitch who wrote seriously nasty, homophobic journals as a teenager, which their father made Chenco read. The one time he's not afraid is when Caramela does her thing, up on stage, all shiny and bright and bold and beautiful. That's when Chenco is at his best. He has some friends, but they have their own issues and agendas, and he has really been very alone for a long time. Then he meets up with our guys and finds out Mitch isn't the bogeyman, and that there are people who put an even higher value on Caramela, and on Chenco himself, than he has thought possible.
Steve is older, a Dom and a sadist, with a long history, most of which is tangled in with the life of his childhood best friend Gordy. He and Gordy discovered being gay and liking pain and D/s and other kinks together. But Gordy is mentally unstable, and Steve feels responsible both for his wellbeing and perhaps for some of his issues. That tie to Gordy has kept Steve alone and tied down for a long time. He can't fix Gordy, and he can't leave the area and abandon him, until everyone from Randy to Crabtree comes into town, introducing him to Chenco, who needs a Dom badly. And setting in motion a radical shift in Steve's world.
Heidi Cullinan introduces me to guys whose kinks feel real and organic and understandable, but which don't appeal to me in a personal way. Time and again, she makes me believe that, for these men, their BDSM works to keep them both grounded and aroused. Once again, the men in this book get off on pain and other SM that is beyond my comfort zone. It all works, although Chenco's journey to D/s and M felt less organic than Sam's, perhaps because there was no real sign particularly of masochism, prior to his meeting Steve. I really liked the ending for the little shift that developed in the relationship, because it made them feel more balanced and mature together.
I loved the glimpses we had of the other beloved couples, and would have liked even more, although the main couple here needed to have time in their own book of course. I almost wished Caramela had been a bit less perfect, less brilliantly successful. Instant success did give Chenco more weight and power, to balance the force of nature that was Steve, but felt a little fortuitous. I loved best the quiet moments between the men, and the moments of uncertainty, Chenco's self-doubt, Steve's questioning what he brought to the table with this young man who was moving up and out. As always, Heidi's characters are vivid, unique, and memorable. I heard there might be another book in the series someday (Lincoln? Chenco and a cat? Sam and a baby? And wow, they would be great dads but wouldn't it be a challenge to fit a child into the lifestyle they lead...) and I will eagerly pick up any and all future volumes.
January 4, 2015
2.5 stars. (Possible spoilers ahead.)
Good:
Sam and Mitch. I still love them.
Chenco and Steve. These are great characters. A Latino drag queen and a leather daddy? Yes, please.
Heidi's willingness to push boundaries with kink. I loved that she wrote open relationships for the first two books in this series, and I was looking forward to seeing what she did with the heavier kink in this story.
Meh:
The kink itself. It manages to be both too much and not enough. Serious pain is just not my thing, so those scenes are difficult to read. They're interesting in a theoretical way but I did not find them erotic. This would be fine if the pain was balanced with other sexual elements, but it wasn't. Most of the intimacy that would have really made me invested in Chenco and Steve's relationship is glossed over, which brings me to...
The uneven pacing. For such a long book, there is a curious amount of telling instead of showing. Chenco goes from "what's a safeword?" to "by the way, there was fisting a few days ago" in a heartbeat. It's also puzzling that the watersports kink is dangled out as so tantalizing and taboo but is allotted only a couple of euphemistic sentences. Was this a publisher decision?
Sidelining. It felt like Chenco and Steve's relationship was often overshadowed by the presence of all the secondary characters, and even overshadowed by Caramela. And I wish we knew more about Steve. He is defined here mostly by his torment over Gordy.
Awful:
The Gordy subplot. Let me get this straight, you're going to hand a mentally ill man over to Crabtree to "fix" him with BDSM. No. No no no no no.
Good:
Sam and Mitch. I still love them.
Chenco and Steve. These are great characters. A Latino drag queen and a leather daddy? Yes, please.
Heidi's willingness to push boundaries with kink. I loved that she wrote open relationships for the first two books in this series, and I was looking forward to seeing what she did with the heavier kink in this story.
Meh:
The kink itself. It manages to be both too much and not enough. Serious pain is just not my thing, so those scenes are difficult to read. They're interesting in a theoretical way but I did not find them erotic. This would be fine if the pain was balanced with other sexual elements, but it wasn't. Most of the intimacy that would have really made me invested in Chenco and Steve's relationship is glossed over, which brings me to...
The uneven pacing. For such a long book, there is a curious amount of telling instead of showing. Chenco goes from "what's a safeword?" to "by the way, there was fisting a few days ago" in a heartbeat. It's also puzzling that the watersports kink is dangled out as so tantalizing and taboo but is allotted only a couple of euphemistic sentences. Was this a publisher decision?
Sidelining. It felt like Chenco and Steve's relationship was often overshadowed by the presence of all the secondary characters, and even overshadowed by Caramela. And I wish we knew more about Steve. He is defined here mostly by his torment over Gordy.
Awful:
The Gordy subplot. Let me get this straight, you're going to hand a mentally ill man over to Crabtree to "fix" him with BDSM. No. No no no no no.
July 9, 2013
I'm one of only a handful of people that can add this to the "read-in-2013" bookshelf here on Goodreads. Eat your heart out.
April 5, 2014
The boys are back in town!!!
Over the last three months with the re-release of both Special Delivery and Double Blind, I have loved, loved, loved revisiting this series, with Special Delivery being one of my all time favourite books and Randy… well, that man has my heart for sure. Tough Love is the new edition to the family, introducing Steve, all bad ass, leathers AND tattoos! ..as a Dom he has a commanding presence and Oh. So. Very drool worthy. Chenco is our drag queen… all sparkles and sequins, but all that big brash facade hides is an insecure, lost and incredibly lonely boy.
When a mother utters the words…
Over the last three months with the re-release of both Special Delivery and Double Blind, I have loved, loved, loved revisiting this series, with Special Delivery being one of my all time favourite books and Randy… well, that man has my heart for sure. Tough Love is the new edition to the family, introducing Steve, all bad ass, leathers AND tattoos! ..as a Dom he has a commanding presence and Oh. So. Very drool worthy. Chenco is our drag queen… all sparkles and sequins, but all that big brash facade hides is an insecure, lost and incredibly lonely boy.
When a mother utters the words…
You are strong and good, my son. God gave you to me perfect. I am so proud of you, and I love you just the way you are.
…as a child you believe them and for Chenco those words were burned into his soul, but not with the love they should represent, but the hypocrisy and worthlessness that they represented… the pain and rejection of the false utterings of a mother whose love should be unconditional.
Caramela is the alter ego, that protects and gives Chenco the strength to deal with the pain of rejection. Caramela is everything that Chenco has ever wanted to be, confident, feisty, strong, but above all in control. But when the wig comes off and that persona leaves him, Chenco is adrift without an anchor. With the death of his father, a complete and utter bastard… who also happened to be Mitch’s father his life starts to fall apart and that is when Steve finds him.
Steve may not put on a wig and lots of glitter, but he too has his own persona… that of big bad Dom! He comes across as strong and in control, which he is… but it also masks his own loneliness and isolation, there is a blanket of sadness and misery that surrounds Steve… haunted by a past and one man in particular. But Chenco’s youth and spark and Caramela’s dynamic personality ignite something within him he had resigned himself to having lost forever.
Called Monk for his abstinence from sex and relationships, for Steve BDSM is not about the sex, it’s about the control and the power and the ultimate gift of trust and submission, but with Chenco, despite trying to nurture the natural submissive into the lifestyle with that ethos in place, his body yearns for something it hadn’t for over five years… and not just the sex his body seemed to be doing cartwheels over, it’s the emotional as well as the physical connection he yearns for. Chenco called to all his protection instincts, he just wanted to take care of him. Chenco is curious about the lifestyle, as a natural submissive he longs to give up control and trust that Steve could see exactly what he needed without him having to say a word.
If like me you have read countless BDSM books, you’ve heard it all before, an in depth discussion to the BDSM lifestyle and what that would entail for Chenco as a submissive, especially as Steve’s kink is sadism. But as I listened to Steve, it wasn’t just a “how to” manual on BDSM, it was heartfelt, it was his life, and he spoke about it as something he was passionate about, and I don’t mean that sexually. Heidi managed to make me see BDSM as not just some smut and kink I like to read about. For those people that live it, it’s an intense and emotional experience which doesn’t necessarily have to involve an intimate relationship. Much like the poker, and the pivotal role that it played in Randy and Ethan’s relationship, which Heidi managed to make a fascinating experience… haha, for someone that doesn’t like gambling, that was an achievement in itself! The BDSM in Tough Love was just as compelling and engrossing. It wasn’t just Steve’s telling, but also Chenco’s reaction to Steve’s gentle and tender encouragement, analysing his own reactions and feelings, unfamiliar, yet his body and soul craved for all of Steve’s praise, attention and care. Discovering his masochistic streak was a perfect pairing for his Dom’s sadistic streak.
Tough Love, for me had a completely different feel to it than the previous two books. Both Special Delivery and Double Blind were sexually intense, the pages burned up with it. In Tough Love, even though the kink is more prevalent and just as intense, it’s subtle somehow with a lot of it off page, personally this book was more about two lost souls, who more than need each other to survive, each supporting each others weaknesses and drawing from each others strengths, healing their wounds with the kink being a mutual purging of the pain they both endure.
The fabulousness of this book, for me of course was the inclusion of the characters from book 1 and book 2… yes my Randy, I just love him! His character just seems to animate every page he makes an appearance, his snark, humor, just being a pain in the arse… but most of all his incredibly intuitiveness. Chenco being related to Mitch, makes them family, and Mitch’s family, this misfit bunch that they are, are a big part of his life making them Chenco’s family. Sam and Chenco being the same age hit it off, and there is so much testosterone flying around, mainly in the guise of Crabtree.Unassuming yet without a doubt an underlying threat that commands attention, he comes to the rescue again, quietly assured, sussing out the needs of the people that have also become his family.
I have loved this series, the characters and their journeys, and in all honesty, I can’t recommend it enough. As always, Heidi just wowed me with her writing, and just confirms the reason why she is without a doubt one of my favourite authors.
September 6, 2016
A common thought I have when I read a book this good is “How am I going to review this?” How am I? How can I say what reading Tough Love did to me without spilling secrets about myself that you don’t want to know? I can’t and this may be the most babbled review of a Heidi Cullinan book I have wrote yet.
Tough Love, the third book in the Special Delivery series; the deepest and the most intense one for me. This was different. With Sam and Mitch we got this kinky fairy tale in a blue semi. With Randy and Ethan we got the fast paced living of Vegas with the ultimate love story and with Chenco/Caramela and Steve…we get a raw, sensual and breathtaking connection that transcends the norm. Why do I say this? This was more than a boy meets boy and falls in love type of story. I know we get the relationship deal, we get baggage, trust issues, the works in our romances but this…this took the dynamic of love, trust, loyalty and flat out submission (of both men) to a whole new level that as I write this I get goose bumps thinking about it.
I adored the holy hell out of Chenco from word one. When he meets Steve in that alley, I wanted to lift him up and set him in that leather daddy’s arms but that wasn’t my decision to make. Thank goodness it didn’t take long for my want to become a reality. My heart ached for this boy with his insecurities and his fears. He becomes fierce when he lets Caramela out and when he lets her bleed into Chenco, they are unstoppable and can take on anything, anyone and any situation.
Steve…where do I start with you, you gorgeous and sadistic man. I have a soft spot for Doms/Masters who are sadists. There is something about them that fascinates me and while I do not share their love for extreme pain there is a beauty in the power they yield that comes with responsibly for their sub. It’s different with a sadist than it is with a ‘normal’ Dom. Not only do they need that perfect match with a masochist but the patience, the teaching and the aftercare they give makes me swoon and turns me into goo. Steve is stunning; simply stunning and he stole my heart with his wants and his raw vulnerability. Ugh. The man tore me to shreds; I was consumed when he was on the page regardless of the scene, if he was in A scene or just watching his boy on stage and protecting him or having whole day or his love of plugs and ….yeah. I kinda love Steve. Funny I got him as a result of that quiz…
Let me just say that Chenco and Steve have this fire. It smolders, it burns, it flickers and threatens to be snuffed out by unruly animals but it cannot be denied. The push and pull between them, the power play with BDSM, it was insane and I loved every minute of it.
But, what I love about this series the most, aside from the romance and of course sex, is the way it defines family. Chenco is related to Mitch by blood but these men, gangster included, become this dynamic family that would lie down and die for each other. The devotion and selflessness they exhibit throughout each book is amazing. It was great to catch up with Mitch/Sam and Ethan/Randy…Randy you handsome devil and ultimate scene stealer. I swear, even when it’s not your book (points at you ala Lewis Black) you are brighter than the boy called Sunshine and your larger than the sun personality takes over. Not that doing so is a bad thing; where would the boys of the series be without Randy there to have their backs and stack their decks? Have I mentioned before I love Randy? I loved that Sam was more mature and yet still Sam. That Mitch was learning to bend to his ball and chain and accept his past as he let go as well. Ethan with his suits, using the endearment of sweetheart oh I will just stop there before I get overheated thinking about Ethan. Oh boy. These boys….
This was again an absolute joy to read and a great addition to the series. Even the heavy kink, which I happen to love, was done gorgeously and the kink I think may be squicky for most, I wanted more of. Yeah, I admit it. But that scene, THAT scene with Checno and Steve and the decorating *clears throat* damn, it was gorgeous, sexy, intense and so well done. Oh, I cried while I read and experienced it with them. Ack! I can’t forget the drag…I got such a kick out of Caramela and could see her on stage while the crowd chanted Papi! Papi! Papi! and she danced FOR her Papi.
Tough Love…this book just did a number on me…hell this series has done a number on me. I am not sure how Heidi makes scenes in the cab of a blue semi truck so fuckhot but she does. Had I read this series as a teen that grew up in a town full of semi trucks, I think High School could have been a whole different experience if boys such as these existed and…I am just in love and lust with this series. Oh and that end? Best. Ever.
***Excerpt and Giveaway of all three books in the series on my blog,
The Risque Redhead Reads .
Tough Love, the third book in the Special Delivery series; the deepest and the most intense one for me. This was different. With Sam and Mitch we got this kinky fairy tale in a blue semi. With Randy and Ethan we got the fast paced living of Vegas with the ultimate love story and with Chenco/Caramela and Steve…we get a raw, sensual and breathtaking connection that transcends the norm. Why do I say this? This was more than a boy meets boy and falls in love type of story. I know we get the relationship deal, we get baggage, trust issues, the works in our romances but this…this took the dynamic of love, trust, loyalty and flat out submission (of both men) to a whole new level that as I write this I get goose bumps thinking about it.
Every surrender was another chance to be free.
I adored the holy hell out of Chenco from word one. When he meets Steve in that alley, I wanted to lift him up and set him in that leather daddy’s arms but that wasn’t my decision to make. Thank goodness it didn’t take long for my want to become a reality. My heart ached for this boy with his insecurities and his fears. He becomes fierce when he lets Caramela out and when he lets her bleed into Chenco, they are unstoppable and can take on anything, anyone and any situation.
Steve…where do I start with you, you gorgeous and sadistic man. I have a soft spot for Doms/Masters who are sadists. There is something about them that fascinates me and while I do not share their love for extreme pain there is a beauty in the power they yield that comes with responsibly for their sub. It’s different with a sadist than it is with a ‘normal’ Dom. Not only do they need that perfect match with a masochist but the patience, the teaching and the aftercare they give makes me swoon and turns me into goo. Steve is stunning; simply stunning and he stole my heart with his wants and his raw vulnerability. Ugh. The man tore me to shreds; I was consumed when he was on the page regardless of the scene, if he was in A scene or just watching his boy on stage and protecting him or having whole day or his love of plugs and ….yeah. I kinda love Steve. Funny I got him as a result of that quiz…
Let me just say that Chenco and Steve have this fire. It smolders, it burns, it flickers and threatens to be snuffed out by unruly animals but it cannot be denied. The push and pull between them, the power play with BDSM, it was insane and I loved every minute of it.
But, what I love about this series the most, aside from the romance and of course sex, is the way it defines family. Chenco is related to Mitch by blood but these men, gangster included, become this dynamic family that would lie down and die for each other. The devotion and selflessness they exhibit throughout each book is amazing. It was great to catch up with Mitch/Sam and Ethan/Randy…Randy you handsome devil and ultimate scene stealer. I swear, even when it’s not your book (points at you ala Lewis Black) you are brighter than the boy called Sunshine and your larger than the sun personality takes over. Not that doing so is a bad thing; where would the boys of the series be without Randy there to have their backs and stack their decks? Have I mentioned before I love Randy? I loved that Sam was more mature and yet still Sam. That Mitch was learning to bend to his ball and chain and accept his past as he let go as well. Ethan with his suits, using the endearment of sweetheart oh I will just stop there before I get overheated thinking about Ethan. Oh boy. These boys….
This was again an absolute joy to read and a great addition to the series. Even the heavy kink, which I happen to love, was done gorgeously and the kink I think may be squicky for most, I wanted more of. Yeah, I admit it. But that scene, THAT scene with Checno and Steve and the decorating *clears throat* damn, it was gorgeous, sexy, intense and so well done. Oh, I cried while I read and experienced it with them. Ack! I can’t forget the drag…I got such a kick out of Caramela and could see her on stage while the crowd chanted Papi! Papi! Papi! and she danced FOR her Papi.
Tough Love…this book just did a number on me…hell this series has done a number on me. I am not sure how Heidi makes scenes in the cab of a blue semi truck so fuckhot but she does. Had I read this series as a teen that grew up in a town full of semi trucks, I think High School could have been a whole different experience if boys such as these existed and…I am just in love and lust with this series. Oh and that end? Best. Ever.
***Excerpt and Giveaway of all three books in the series on my blog,
The Risque Redhead Reads .
September 14, 2014
SO FAB AND SO KINKY.
Yes, it was. But I will try to elaborate that a little later.
This was a story between Chenco and Steve, two new characters from the Special Delivery universe that didn't exist from the previous books. When I first noticed this, I was wary. Until I get to know them both.
Steve, the leather daddy of your dreams. Bald, sexy, and very sadistic. But his sadistic side is not revulsive, it's actually very endearing. He like to please himself and his lovers by hurting them. He's very passionate with his lifestyle, to point that Chenco couldn't resist to try it. I like his character. He is a perfect match for Chenco/Caramela. I love that he understands both of Chenco's sides and he's so devoted to him/her. The thing that I didn't like about him was when he doubts himself and when he's hung up with Gordy. But I get that it's a normal reaction for what he's gone through.
Chenco (but when he's on stage, she is Caramela), the half-Latin, proud and fierce diva. I love his character!!! When I first started reading this book, I have no idea what this was about. So I didn't know what to expect. As Chenco was introduced, I really really like his character. I'm not really into drag queens, but I'm a Pop Music junkie. So when Caramela started performing her JLo songs, I was taken. I'm sold. My only wish was that she could sing too. But even if she doesn't, it's okay. By the way, I loved how the author wrote about Chenco. It's sensitive and makes you feel proud of him (and yourself). So kudos to that. And I love the way Chenco surrenders to Steve, such a pleasure to read. He's also Mitch's long lost half brother. Mitch had given something really important for Chenco towards the end, but I wished he and Chenco had more scenes.
Okay the kinky part, this has a lot of BDSM. And quite hardcore for that matter. The kinkiest of them are the watersports and the needle play. Beware of these, specially if you don't like those. The watersports were okay to me. But the needles? If I was a sub, it might go to my hard limits. I don't like needles, especially blood. Everytime I get a blood test, I get queasy after. No matter how I steel myself up for it. The needle play scene was fascinating though. And I got quite aroused too. But it must be painful!!!
Sam, Mitch, Randy, Ethan and even Crabtree are back here as secondary characters. And because I love all of them, this might be my favorite set of secondary characters for quite a while. Some things happened to them since Double Blind and Twelve Days of Randy that you have to read for youself to find out.
That last scene made me cry. It was so emotional, I kinda lost it with that one. It was a wonderful ending.
After reading a full series from Ms. Cullinan, I think I have a grasp of her style. I really like her writing, especially her characters. (Thank you for giving us Randy!) Her stories are very very engrossing even if it's a little predictable.
I want to write some more, but the review is getting long. Overall, I loved this but not as much as Double Blind. I hope you'll enjoy this!
A RECOMMENDED READ!
Yes, it was. But I will try to elaborate that a little later.
This was a story between Chenco and Steve, two new characters from the Special Delivery universe that didn't exist from the previous books. When I first noticed this, I was wary. Until I get to know them both.
Steve, the leather daddy of your dreams. Bald, sexy, and very sadistic. But his sadistic side is not revulsive, it's actually very endearing. He like to please himself and his lovers by hurting them. He's very passionate with his lifestyle, to point that Chenco couldn't resist to try it. I like his character. He is a perfect match for Chenco/Caramela. I love that he understands both of Chenco's sides and he's so devoted to him/her. The thing that I didn't like about him was when he doubts himself and when he's hung up with Gordy. But I get that it's a normal reaction for what he's gone through.
Chenco (but when he's on stage, she is Caramela), the half-Latin, proud and fierce diva. I love his character!!! When I first started reading this book, I have no idea what this was about. So I didn't know what to expect. As Chenco was introduced, I really really like his character. I'm not really into drag queens, but I'm a Pop Music junkie. So when Caramela started performing her JLo songs, I was taken. I'm sold. My only wish was that she could sing too. But even if she doesn't, it's okay. By the way, I loved how the author wrote about Chenco. It's sensitive and makes you feel proud of him (and yourself). So kudos to that. And I love the way Chenco surrenders to Steve, such a pleasure to read. He's also Mitch's long lost half brother. Mitch had given something really important for Chenco towards the end, but I wished he and Chenco had more scenes.
Okay the kinky part, this has a lot of BDSM. And quite hardcore for that matter. The kinkiest of them are the watersports and the needle play. Beware of these, specially if you don't like those. The watersports were okay to me. But the needles? If I was a sub, it might go to my hard limits. I don't like needles, especially blood. Everytime I get a blood test, I get queasy after. No matter how I steel myself up for it. The needle play scene was fascinating though. And I got quite aroused too. But it must be painful!!!
Sam, Mitch, Randy, Ethan and even Crabtree are back here as secondary characters. And because I love all of them, this might be my favorite set of secondary characters for quite a while. Some things happened to them since Double Blind and Twelve Days of Randy that you have to read for youself to find out.
That last scene made me cry. It was so emotional, I kinda lost it with that one. It was a wonderful ending.
After reading a full series from Ms. Cullinan, I think I have a grasp of her style. I really like her writing, especially her characters. (Thank you for giving us Randy!) Her stories are very very engrossing even if it's a little predictable.
I want to write some more, but the review is getting long. Overall, I loved this but not as much as Double Blind. I hope you'll enjoy this!
A RECOMMENDED READ!
April 7, 2014
After Mitch’s proposal in Special Delivery, and Randy’s declaration of love to Ethan in Double Blind, I never expected Tough Love to surpass that.
But as incredibly kinky as Chenco and Steve can get, their love declarations were even more powerful, more romantic, needy, unexpected and sexier than anything else.
These two can light a fire with just one look. Sexual tension that drips off the pages of this book.
A whole new world, the drag queens world. Completely unexplored for me, learning the ins and out of how to address them . Steve seems to know everything from the start giving Chenco not just a sense of security but a sense of completion and acceptance that is completely new to Chenco.
The gang is back together, and every interaction reminds me of how much I love these characters. They are the most unconventional family I have ever seen, and they are also the strongest one.
The addition of a half-brother to Mitch’s family, you know how he is about feelings. It takes awhile to wrap his head around it, and funny enough Chenco’s fears are completely unfounded. There is no other family more welcoming and accepting than this one.
Nothing is too much for Steve, he is the one that helps Chenco explore his desires, his needs. Always pushing a little bit more. Because in this relationship the one with the real doubts is Steve. He is afraid once Chenco knows everything about him it will be too much.
But it isn’t, Chenco only sees love in Steve’s actions. A connection, a need that runs so deeply inside Steve that it is a part of him, and just like everything else Chenco opens his heart and his mind to accept it, to share it, to understand.
“You saw me, though. In the alley. You looked at me and you saw me. I was hiding, but I couldn’t hide from you. “
I don’t have a lot of hard limits when it comes to reading, but Heidi pushes them all here. I like to say that boundaries and limits really depend on the writer. Like I don’t read fantasy but if Kaje Harper is writing it I’m there. I don’t read paranormal, but nothing can keep me away from Mary Calmes shifters. Well, here is the same thing, I don’t do a few kinks like water sports but if Heidi is writing it sign me up!
I will never doubt her capability. I was so IN the story that if it didn't happen I would have been annoyed with her, honestly. I was looking forward to it. That and the blood play, bring it on!
It all feels perfect, it all fits perfectly too.
Steve is a man with a past, a dark past that he can’t get rid off. He doesn't want that past to cost him his relationship with Chenco and when he is not sure of how to deal with it, without getting more and more involved, his family comes to the rescue.
Chenco finally finds a place where he belongs, a man that loves him unconditionally. Someone that even with all of his dominance needs Checo’s strength to be able to let go.
Tough Love is the kinkier one by far, but it is also the most emotionally demanding book in the Special Delivery Series.
I really hope the warnings do not scare you off this book, because it really is absolutely worthy pushing your limits a little bit.
Reviewed for Gay List Book Reviews
But as incredibly kinky as Chenco and Steve can get, their love declarations were even more powerful, more romantic, needy, unexpected and sexier than anything else.
These two can light a fire with just one look. Sexual tension that drips off the pages of this book.
A whole new world, the drag queens world. Completely unexplored for me, learning the ins and out of how to address them . Steve seems to know everything from the start giving Chenco not just a sense of security but a sense of completion and acceptance that is completely new to Chenco.
The gang is back together, and every interaction reminds me of how much I love these characters. They are the most unconventional family I have ever seen, and they are also the strongest one.
The addition of a half-brother to Mitch’s family, you know how he is about feelings. It takes awhile to wrap his head around it, and funny enough Chenco’s fears are completely unfounded. There is no other family more welcoming and accepting than this one.
Nothing is too much for Steve, he is the one that helps Chenco explore his desires, his needs. Always pushing a little bit more. Because in this relationship the one with the real doubts is Steve. He is afraid once Chenco knows everything about him it will be too much.
But it isn’t, Chenco only sees love in Steve’s actions. A connection, a need that runs so deeply inside Steve that it is a part of him, and just like everything else Chenco opens his heart and his mind to accept it, to share it, to understand.
“You saw me, though. In the alley. You looked at me and you saw me. I was hiding, but I couldn’t hide from you. “
I don’t have a lot of hard limits when it comes to reading, but Heidi pushes them all here. I like to say that boundaries and limits really depend on the writer. Like I don’t read fantasy but if Kaje Harper is writing it I’m there. I don’t read paranormal, but nothing can keep me away from Mary Calmes shifters. Well, here is the same thing, I don’t do a few kinks like water sports but if Heidi is writing it sign me up!
I will never doubt her capability. I was so IN the story that if it didn't happen I would have been annoyed with her, honestly. I was looking forward to it. That and the blood play, bring it on!
It all feels perfect, it all fits perfectly too.
Steve is a man with a past, a dark past that he can’t get rid off. He doesn't want that past to cost him his relationship with Chenco and when he is not sure of how to deal with it, without getting more and more involved, his family comes to the rescue.
Chenco finally finds a place where he belongs, a man that loves him unconditionally. Someone that even with all of his dominance needs Checo’s strength to be able to let go.
Tough Love is the kinkier one by far, but it is also the most emotionally demanding book in the Special Delivery Series.
I really hope the warnings do not scare you off this book, because it really is absolutely worthy pushing your limits a little bit.
Reviewed for Gay List Book Reviews
March 24, 2014
For my honest and true view of this book, please read …MORE
Goodreads TOS-compliant review (I think, let me know when they tell us what the rules are):
"The book I just read is about two (or three) lovely people, written in beautiful language, by a very good and prolific author. I liked it very, very much.
It is for sale on Amazon.”
DISCLAIMER: My reviews now all have this pretty face, so that all and everyone on Goodreads can stay happy and beatific. I’ll let you know if I change my mind. See the real review above for my thoughts on this book.
Goodreads TOS-compliant review (I think, let me know when they tell us what the rules are):
"The book I just read is about two (or three) lovely people, written in beautiful language, by a very good and prolific author. I liked it very, very much.
It is for sale on Amazon.”
DISCLAIMER: My reviews now all have this pretty face, so that all and everyone on Goodreads can stay happy and beatific. I’ll let you know if I change my mind. See the real review above for my thoughts on this book.
dnf
April 9, 2014I don't know if I am going to rate this one or not. I love most of Heidi Cullinan's work so right now I am at stalemate.
(If I decide to finish the story, I may go ahead and rate.)
In Special Delivery there was a whole lot of internalizing that Sam did that said 'hey this is really what I want and need to get there and if I could find someone to love that part of me and me.....'
In Double Blind Randy was all cards and decks...And I watched him finally use that skill to stack his own deck for a win that would last longer than one game.
I was/am invest in Sam, Mitch, Randy and Ethan with a little of Crabtree on the side. I still felt for each character and could see the romance and love and ummm fellowship (swear its the only word that fits!) these men have with one another
With Chenco and Steve, nothing.
Personally I felt so removed from the story that I simply don't care to read anymore. I don't care of Chenco makes it or Steve stays with Chenco. So I stopped reading.
I am not a fan of blinding pain, mine or anyone else's. I am not a fan of water sports. I knew this going in however I loved all the Special Deliveries before this one and they were definitely outside my comfort zone and I loved them!
Steve and Chenco...ehh not so much. I didn't feel Chenco was really into except for the acceptance and attention. I almost feel if Steve had a different kink Chenco would have jumped on that wagon too. Steve was an ok character but I just could not get myself to care for him. Was it the beatings? Ehh no, I read Leather+Lace Opposites Attract 2 and when Don, the Dom whipped Steve at end, I was literally changing my panties afterwards.
Then the other problem, I kept comparing Tough Love with Leather+ Lace. Not fair no, but there are similarities that can't be ignored.
The writing is stellar and Heidi Cullinan is still one of my favorites, this one just did nothing for me.
(If I decide to finish the story, I may go ahead and rate.)
In Special Delivery there was a whole lot of internalizing that Sam did that said 'hey this is really what I want and need to get there and if I could find someone to love that part of me and me.....'
In Double Blind Randy was all cards and decks...And I watched him finally use that skill to stack his own deck for a win that would last longer than one game.
I was/am invest in Sam, Mitch, Randy and Ethan with a little of Crabtree on the side. I still felt for each character and could see the romance and love and ummm fellowship (swear its the only word that fits!) these men have with one another
With Chenco and Steve, nothing.
Personally I felt so removed from the story that I simply don't care to read anymore. I don't care of Chenco makes it or Steve stays with Chenco. So I stopped reading.
I am not a fan of blinding pain, mine or anyone else's. I am not a fan of water sports. I knew this going in however I loved all the Special Deliveries before this one and they were definitely outside my comfort zone and I loved them!
Steve and Chenco...ehh not so much. I didn't feel Chenco was really into except for the acceptance and attention. I almost feel if Steve had a different kink Chenco would have jumped on that wagon too. Steve was an ok character but I just could not get myself to care for him. Was it the beatings? Ehh no, I read Leather+Lace Opposites Attract 2 and when Don, the Dom whipped Steve at end, I was literally changing my panties afterwards.
Then the other problem, I kept comparing Tough Love with Leather+ Lace. Not fair no, but there are similarities that can't be ignored.
The writing is stellar and Heidi Cullinan is still one of my favorites, this one just did nothing for me.
January 13, 2019
★★★☆☆
1/2019 Reread ~ I still don't care for this one ~ made it to 42%. As far as I'm concerned the Special Delivery series could have ended with The Twelve Days of Randy. This is not a reread like the others.
4/2014
I should have loved it - cross-dressing, Sam/Mitch/Randy/Ethan especially after reading
recently and kinky sex.
But, this had a different vibe than SD, H&C and DB and I can't put my finger on it, other than to say, although I liked Chenco, especially, and Steve, I didn't love them.
Chenco was delightful as both himself and Caramela. And when he called Steve, Papi, SEXY. You totally got when he was Chenco or Caramela but towards the end, he was better able to integrate Caramela's strength into Chenco.
The kinkier sex was not a detraction at all, but Steve was Meh to me. And I kept thinking, Mrs. Rochester (Jane Eyre), whenever Gordy came up and we know how that turned out. Geez, Steve was the tortured hero in this tale.
And with Steve being so possessive, there wasn't going to be a hot, group scene and I really felt the loss. Let's hope that is slated to appear in future books in the series.
I've been waiting for this book for so long and I don't know if I'm just disappointed that it's not what I'd hoped for or maybe it's just me? I can say that this is unlikely to be a reread like the others in this series. What makes us love/feel one book and not another?
Heidi is still my queen that I bow to.
1/2019 Reread ~ I still don't care for this one ~ made it to 42%. As far as I'm concerned the Special Delivery series could have ended with The Twelve Days of Randy. This is not a reread like the others.
4/2014
I should have loved it - cross-dressing, Sam/Mitch/Randy/Ethan especially after reading
recently and kinky sex.But, this had a different vibe than SD, H&C and DB and I can't put my finger on it, other than to say, although I liked Chenco, especially, and Steve, I didn't love them.
Chenco was delightful as both himself and Caramela. And when he called Steve, Papi, SEXY. You totally got when he was Chenco or Caramela but towards the end, he was better able to integrate Caramela's strength into Chenco.
The kinkier sex was not a detraction at all, but Steve was Meh to me. And I kept thinking, Mrs. Rochester (Jane Eyre), whenever Gordy came up and we know how that turned out. Geez, Steve was the tortured hero in this tale.
And with Steve being so possessive, there wasn't going to be a hot, group scene and I really felt the loss. Let's hope that is slated to appear in future books in the series.
I've been waiting for this book for so long and I don't know if I'm just disappointed that it's not what I'd hoped for or maybe it's just me? I can say that this is unlikely to be a reread like the others in this series. What makes us love/feel one book and not another?
Heidi is still my queen that I bow to.
November 24, 2020
Re-read Nov 23, 2020
I so loved this story. Heidi Cullinan is a queen in her own right with an amazing capacity to delve straight to the core of her characters.
Chenco was so sweet and his alter ego Caramela was a force to be reckoned with. Now I usually go ga-ga for the leather daddies but I have to admit that Steve was a hard nut to crack for me at first. Sadists in general tend to scare me a little but this was so well done that I actually learned quite a bit reading this book.
A drag queen and a sadist leather daddy!!! not your typical match; but for some reason it worked really well here. One thing I absolutely adored was that Mitch/Sam, Randy/Ethan and even Crabtree played important roles (not just cameo appearances) so I was able to reminisce a little.
Some hard core BDSM elements here including edging, water-sports and blood-play with needles.
I so loved this story. Heidi Cullinan is a queen in her own right with an amazing capacity to delve straight to the core of her characters.
Chenco was so sweet and his alter ego Caramela was a force to be reckoned with. Now I usually go ga-ga for the leather daddies but I have to admit that Steve was a hard nut to crack for me at first. Sadists in general tend to scare me a little but this was so well done that I actually learned quite a bit reading this book.
A drag queen and a sadist leather daddy!!! not your typical match; but for some reason it worked really well here. One thing I absolutely adored was that Mitch/Sam, Randy/Ethan and even Crabtree played important roles (not just cameo appearances) so I was able to reminisce a little.
Some hard core BDSM elements here including edging, water-sports and blood-play with needles.
April 11, 2014
Review previously posted at
So we're back with the series that made me realise I like a little kink in my reading. *cough* a lot of kink if it involves Randy *cough*
And this gem was certainly no let down. Before I start I will echo Sunny's thoughts that I may not have read/enjoyed this so much without having read the previous two in the series - who knows I may have done, but, as I had already read them and couldn't unread them, it'll forever remain a mystery.
So as well as Sam, Mitch, Randy, Ethan & Crabtree (scary, scary man) we meet Steve & Chenco & Caramela. Caramela is Chenco's drag queen persona and boy does she rule the roost. She was a fabulous character but I also loved her alter ego Chenco. I also loved Steve, a lot. He made me feel safe - he made me feel like Chenco was safe with him. Strange really as he had some kinks going on that I couldn't relate to. The beauty of Heidi Cullinan's writing is that, though I couldn't understand the needle or watersports (or if I'm honest some of the more basic BDSM stuff) I could totally understand the characters' need for them. If I took each individual kink and analysed it in the cold light of day I wouldn't 'get it', but I had such empathy for the characters, purely due to Heidi's writing, that I did get it. I understood their needs and desires and the way they dealt with release and pain and love. In short Heidi Cullinan is a genius.
Of course the original three characters, in particular Randy, were my favourites - I'm pretty sure as long as they have stories to tell I will never get tired of reading them.
So we're back with the series that made me realise I like a little kink in my reading. *cough* a lot of kink if it involves Randy *cough*
And this gem was certainly no let down. Before I start I will echo Sunny's thoughts that I may not have read/enjoyed this so much without having read the previous two in the series - who knows I may have done, but, as I had already read them and couldn't unread them, it'll forever remain a mystery.
So as well as Sam, Mitch, Randy, Ethan & Crabtree (scary, scary man) we meet Steve & Chenco & Caramela. Caramela is Chenco's drag queen persona and boy does she rule the roost. She was a fabulous character but I also loved her alter ego Chenco. I also loved Steve, a lot. He made me feel safe - he made me feel like Chenco was safe with him. Strange really as he had some kinks going on that I couldn't relate to. The beauty of Heidi Cullinan's writing is that, though I couldn't understand the needle or watersports (or if I'm honest some of the more basic BDSM stuff) I could totally understand the characters' need for them. If I took each individual kink and analysed it in the cold light of day I wouldn't 'get it', but I had such empathy for the characters, purely due to Heidi's writing, that I did get it. I understood their needs and desires and the way they dealt with release and pain and love. In short Heidi Cullinan is a genius.
Of course the original three characters, in particular Randy, were my favourites - I'm pretty sure as long as they have stories to tell I will never get tired of reading them.
April 11, 2014
You woulda thought this would have been perfect for my likings...
Watersports = YES! My first time for this. When it's something the MC wants.
And all the other kinky goodness...Needles, Drag Queen, Bald Headed Leather Daddy...hell yes. Please & Thank You!!
So why did this book leave me feeling let down?
First, Gordy. I understand that he was a huge part of who Steve is but there was way to much focus on him and of how he effects Steve.
Second, definitely not enough sexytimes with Chenco & Steve.
Lastly, not enough sexytimes with the guys! When you think Mitch, Sam & Randy you think a whole lotta kinky goodness will be headed your way...what does Heidi have up her sleeve for her boys this time around!!
One of my favorite things about this book is Chenco calling Steve, Papi!! I got a little tingly every time he said it.
From a recent FB Q&A I've read that there could quite possibly be more books to come in this series (Heidi's answer to a question 'if this was it for the boys'... Originally I'd only planned for three, but Sam wants a baby, and Caramela has schemes, and guys keep wandering into Ethan's office. So I'm thinking... yeah. I mean, I have to hook Lincoln up with someone.) I'll for sure be grabbing up any other books in this series. I'm gonna hang on to hope of getting a big old fashioned Orgy!
Watersports = YES! My first time for this. When it's something the MC wants.
And all the other kinky goodness...Needles, Drag Queen, Bald Headed Leather Daddy...hell yes. Please & Thank You!!
So why did this book leave me feeling let down?
First, Gordy. I understand that he was a huge part of who Steve is but there was way to much focus on him and of how he effects Steve.
Second, definitely not enough sexytimes with Chenco & Steve.
Lastly, not enough sexytimes with the guys! When you think Mitch, Sam & Randy you think a whole lotta kinky goodness will be headed your way...what does Heidi have up her sleeve for her boys this time around!!
One of my favorite things about this book is Chenco calling Steve, Papi!! I got a little tingly every time he said it.
From a recent FB Q&A I've read that there could quite possibly be more books to come in this series (Heidi's answer to a question 'if this was it for the boys'... Originally I'd only planned for three, but Sam wants a baby, and Caramela has schemes, and guys keep wandering into Ethan's office. So I'm thinking... yeah. I mean, I have to hook Lincoln up with someone.) I'll for sure be grabbing up any other books in this series. I'm gonna hang on to hope of getting a big old fashioned Orgy!
May 22, 2015
There is some seriously outside the "norm" stuff in this book and while I would still never be tempted to try some of it, Heidi does such a wonderful job describing it that I can see why some would choose to engage. She really made this book (as well as the others in the series) about the couples involved and finding what works for them. It wasn't just a book to exploit taboo and kinky behaviors but a look into the lives, hearts and emotions of all the people in this little family. I'm not a huge fan of BDSM but I really liked how it was presented here.
June 4, 2016
Some heavy bdsm in this third novel in the series, great characterizations. Not so keen on the age gap, leather daddy Steve being forty-one and drag queen Chenco twenty-four; or perhaps it was just the cover that put me off. The guys' relationship deepens despite interference from crazy ex, Gordy.
"Well, he's not a madwoman in your attic anymore, Mr Rochester. I think it's a good start." Steve looked at him like he'd grown an extra head, and Chenco slapped lightly at his neck. "Hey. I'm not so stupid I can't make a Jane Eyre reference."
"Well, he's not a madwoman in your attic anymore, Mr Rochester. I think it's a good start." Steve looked at him like he'd grown an extra head, and Chenco slapped lightly at his neck. "Hey. I'm not so stupid I can't make a Jane Eyre reference."
January 28, 2017
4 Stars
I definetly cried in the end. Happy cried. Loved the HEA.
I appreciate this about Heidi Cullinan: I know I'm not going to read the same book I've read before. So far there is always a new kink or dynamic I haven't seen somewhere else. Even if it's a kink that turns me off I will still read it because I want to learn something new.
This is my first edge play book. I'm fairly certain that is not my thing but I love what it meant to their relationship. I really loved them together and individually and how they came together.
I take away a star for two reasons: 1) the Gordy story line was too much. Way too much. As in over done IMO. It is very possible that I just hated him which means the character was well crafted. 2) I couldn't tell you why but I kept checking to see when it would end and not in a good way.
Kinks I love and I love them in this book: toys, no condoms, Vouyeurism
Kinks mentioned that I wish were explored more: watersports, felching, fisting
I definetly cried in the end. Happy cried. Loved the HEA.
I appreciate this about Heidi Cullinan: I know I'm not going to read the same book I've read before. So far there is always a new kink or dynamic I haven't seen somewhere else. Even if it's a kink that turns me off I will still read it because I want to learn something new.
This is my first edge play book. I'm fairly certain that is not my thing but I love what it meant to their relationship. I really loved them together and individually and how they came together.
I take away a star for two reasons: 1) the Gordy story line was too much. Way too much. As in over done IMO. It is very possible that I just hated him which means the character was well crafted. 2) I couldn't tell you why but I kept checking to see when it would end and not in a good way.
Kinks I love and I love them in this book: toys, no condoms, Vouyeurism
Kinks mentioned that I wish were explored more: watersports, felching, fisting
August 9, 2016
Firstly, HUGE thank you to Heidi! I won a copy of this in her Win it before you buy it comp.
I have loved this series and the different personalities very much and I enjoyed revisiting with Randy, Ethan, Mitch and Sam here. I liked Chenco and Steve too but I don't feel like I really connected with either of them, at least not in the same way as I did with the other characters. I also struggled a little with their sex and/or scenes as the kink turned me off a little. This is no fault of the author, just my own personal preferences.
I did not enjoy how a certain situation was handled towards the end and I feel that it brought the book down. It jumped from that situation to the wrap up, which felt too wrapped up, for want of a better word. This wasn't my cup of tea, but I know most people will no doubt love it. The author is still an auto buy for me and I can't wait to read more in this series if it continues.
3.5 stars rounded up.
I have loved this series and the different personalities very much and I enjoyed revisiting with Randy, Ethan, Mitch and Sam here. I liked Chenco and Steve too but I don't feel like I really connected with either of them, at least not in the same way as I did with the other characters. I also struggled a little with their sex and/or scenes as the kink turned me off a little. This is no fault of the author, just my own personal preferences.
I did not enjoy how a certain situation was handled towards the end and I feel that it brought the book down. It jumped from that situation to the wrap up, which felt too wrapped up, for want of a better word. This wasn't my cup of tea, but I know most people will no doubt love it. The author is still an auto buy for me and I can't wait to read more in this series if it continues.
3.5 stars rounded up.
July 1, 2017
Wow!! Hella kinky, drag queens (<3 Caramela) and big bad Doms, both with their own stories to tell, manipulative little sh**s, Randy and Ethan, Mitch and slutty Sam (in short shorts, sighs) and a mysterious ex mobster character named Evelyn Crabtree whom I've yet to meet in book 2 (yes, yes I read the series out of order, tut tut). Absolutely LOVED it, but would have preferred less needles, eek!! 5 stars from me.
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