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Sons of Tallav #2
Maon: Marshal of Tallav
Maon Keefe has always been told he’s doomed to fail as a husband. He decides never to marry instead focusing on living life as a player and becoming a capable marshal of Tallav. When he is shot and the most-wanted criminal he’s escorting escapes, he fears that his career, his one success in life, is doomed. Assigned to ferret out the cause of missing shipments for a VIP aristocrat, he meets Selina Shirley CEO of the House of Shirley. He finds himself inexplicably attracted to her despite her frumpy appearance. When he meets a hooded and masked, scorching hot Domme, Lasair, at his friend’s BDSM club, he’s torn between the two women. Both fire his imagination and call to his submissive nature. Either might be the woman to change him into successful husband material.
Selina Shirley organizes her life like she organizes her business, taking control of all aspects of each. She’s concluded that she must marry to get an heir and that her future husband must be totally submissive. Mentored by the sector’s most famous sadist, she learns what it takes to be a proper Domme. Then, hidden behind a hood and mask, as Lasair, she meets Maon and her instant attraction to his full submission at the BDSM club leads her to break her own rules and become involved with him. But he’s also the marshal assigned to investigate thefts at her company. When his broad streak of protective alpha male comes into play, it obvious he’s not a 24/7 submissive. To stick to her plan to marry the perfect husband, she must ignore her heart and dump Maon.
Selina Shirley organizes her life like she organizes her business, taking control of all aspects of each. She’s concluded that she must marry to get an heir and that her future husband must be totally submissive. Mentored by the sector’s most famous sadist, she learns what it takes to be a proper Domme. Then, hidden behind a hood and mask, as Lasair, she meets Maon and her instant attraction to his full submission at the BDSM club leads her to break her own rules and become involved with him. But he’s also the marshal assigned to investigate thefts at her company. When his broad streak of protective alpha male comes into play, it obvious he’s not a 24/7 submissive. To stick to her plan to marry the perfect husband, she must ignore her heart and dump Maon.
363 pages, ebook
First published December 6, 2016
About the author
Cailin Briste
18 books123 followersCailin Briste, a USA TODAY bestselling author, writes science fiction suspense romance. Her first series is set in the Tallavan sector of the Federation where the men of Tallav are the marshals that provide protection and justice to the planets in this far off the beaten path are of space. While fighting crime, they also must come to terms with matriarchal system of their home planet, Tallav. Tricky because each is heavily involved in the BDSM lifestyle. Book one is her Dom, book two is her male submissive, and book three is her sexual sadist.
Her second series, A Thief in Love Suspense Romance series, began with a cat burglar who puts together a team to steal priceless art and antiquities from other thieves. Sebastian is a Robin Hood character whose Maid Marion is his equal on the rooftops of their futuristic city. The second in the series is the love story of two others on his team, Cade and Bassinae. Once again the team are breaking into someone's home to take back something that rightfully belongs to someone else, but this time they are also trying to stop a murder.
She has just published A Prince of Her Own in the Once Upon a Rebel Fairytale boxed set. This book will be the first in the Guardians of the Vale, fantasy romance series.
More books in each series are coming as is a new series about a pair of dragon shifters hatched from the same egg and the man they love, bounty hunter Brody Simmons.
Visit http://cailinbriste.com to learn more about Cailin and her work. Subscribe to her newsletter at http://wp.me/p46KU8-7A for information about her latest releases, exclusive giveaways and special prices.
Her second series, A Thief in Love Suspense Romance series, began with a cat burglar who puts together a team to steal priceless art and antiquities from other thieves. Sebastian is a Robin Hood character whose Maid Marion is his equal on the rooftops of their futuristic city. The second in the series is the love story of two others on his team, Cade and Bassinae. Once again the team are breaking into someone's home to take back something that rightfully belongs to someone else, but this time they are also trying to stop a murder.
She has just published A Prince of Her Own in the Once Upon a Rebel Fairytale boxed set. This book will be the first in the Guardians of the Vale, fantasy romance series.
More books in each series are coming as is a new series about a pair of dragon shifters hatched from the same egg and the man they love, bounty hunter Brody Simmons.
Visit http://cailinbriste.com to learn more about Cailin and her work. Subscribe to her newsletter at http://wp.me/p46KU8-7A for information about her latest releases, exclusive giveaways and special prices.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 16, 2018
Maon is a marshal of Tallav, a planet with a matriarchal society. The gender expectations of Tallav are the opposite of what most societies today are used to. The women make the decisions and bring home the bacon while the men are the nurturers and stay home to take care of the children. Maon is convinced he wouldn’t fit well into such a role and has convinced himself the possibility of marrying or having a family isn’t in the cards for a playboy like him. That’s where Selina comes in. Selina Shirley is a Tallavan woman with a dominant streak. She’s also heir to one of the most famous fashion houses in the universe, and ever since her father’s death she has been looking for the ideal husband. A man that would take care of their children and obey her demands while maintaining his emotional distance.
The world-building was ok, but it was too human and familiar for a sci-fi universe with fictional planets. The characters even talk about Guiness and eat things like tortellini and spaghetti carbonara which was strange to me. I couldn’t stop my mind from wandering and wondering if Guiness would actually be significant enough to traverse galaxies and millennia.
The plot was unique, but hard to get into, especially because the romance was so slow moving and I had a hard time connecting to the characters. At first, when Maon sees Selina he finds her to be frumpy. She does purposely dress in shapeless garments to avoid unwanted attention from men, but if the heroine’s going to find the man attractive, I’d appreciate the same feelings from the hero. Maon didn’t find himself attracted to Selina until he saw her as Lasair – her domme persona – but he didn’t know it was her and eventually finds himself torn between his feelings for Lasair and Selina.
The heroine is strong and is the one pushing away. Refreshingly, it’s the hero stumbling all over himself whenever the heroine turns him on. He manages to balance that out with his level of jealousy and protectiveness, though.
Safety:
The world-building was ok, but it was too human and familiar for a sci-fi universe with fictional planets. The characters even talk about Guiness and eat things like tortellini and spaghetti carbonara which was strange to me. I couldn’t stop my mind from wandering and wondering if Guiness would actually be significant enough to traverse galaxies and millennia.
The plot was unique, but hard to get into, especially because the romance was so slow moving and I had a hard time connecting to the characters. At first, when Maon sees Selina he finds her to be frumpy. She does purposely dress in shapeless garments to avoid unwanted attention from men, but if the heroine’s going to find the man attractive, I’d appreciate the same feelings from the hero. Maon didn’t find himself attracted to Selina until he saw her as Lasair – her domme persona – but he didn’t know it was her and eventually finds himself torn between his feelings for Lasair and Selina.
The heroine is strong and is the one pushing away. Refreshingly, it’s the hero stumbling all over himself whenever the heroine turns him on. He manages to balance that out with his level of jealousy and protectiveness, though.
Safety:
February 6, 2017
After taking a brief (well, in the Book Universe, it was more like forever) hiatus from reading BDSM, I realized that I missed it terribly and wanted to jump right in. I’m glad I found the BDSM group here on GR. It has already done its job introducing me to new authors. But I digress…
I love a good Domme story, I really do. So when I saw that this was a Domme/sub Sci-Fi story, I was elated to get started. I should also note that although this is #2 in the Sons of Tallav series, it could totally be read as a stand-alone, and you don’t have to read it in order.
That being said, I really found myself liking the characters and wanted to know more about Selina, especially. I would love to have a separate story for her, a prequel of sorts. The connection between Maon and Selina was instant, but the will she/won’t she was a little frustrating. I would have liked to see a few more Domme/sub scenes between them, but here’s hoping for a third book. The main smuggling plot was a little lost, only because it wasn’t as suspenseful as I would’ve liked. However, that’s not saying that it was crappy. I would also like to see an illustrated version, so that I would be able to see the landscapes and the fashion. Could you imagine?!
Overall, the pace of the book was good, the characters were fairly developed, and the Scenes were right on point. It’s a great read, and I look forward to seeing the series continue, and also seeing more from the author, Cailin Briste
Book & Author Page:
Maon: Marshal of Tallav #2
Provided by the Author through the BDSM Group on Goodreads. https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
I love a good Domme story, I really do. So when I saw that this was a Domme/sub Sci-Fi story, I was elated to get started. I should also note that although this is #2 in the Sons of Tallav series, it could totally be read as a stand-alone, and you don’t have to read it in order.
That being said, I really found myself liking the characters and wanted to know more about Selina, especially. I would love to have a separate story for her, a prequel of sorts. The connection between Maon and Selina was instant, but the will she/won’t she was a little frustrating. I would have liked to see a few more Domme/sub scenes between them, but here’s hoping for a third book. The main smuggling plot was a little lost, only because it wasn’t as suspenseful as I would’ve liked. However, that’s not saying that it was crappy. I would also like to see an illustrated version, so that I would be able to see the landscapes and the fashion. Could you imagine?!
Overall, the pace of the book was good, the characters were fairly developed, and the Scenes were right on point. It’s a great read, and I look forward to seeing the series continue, and also seeing more from the author, Cailin Briste
Book & Author Page:
Maon: Marshal of Tallav #2
Provided by the Author through the BDSM Group on Goodreads. https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
August 17, 2018
DNF. It's not that the book was bad. Just not one for me. I could not get into any of the characters.
February 2, 2017
***I received a copy from the author through the BDSM group TPE bar, in exchange for an honest review***
This is the first time in a long time that a book has kept me up until five in the morning. This book was amazing. The editing was almost perfect. That is so rare these days. The story flowed and kept me intrigued. The action was nonstop and exciting. The details of the scenes and the characters was like the author was seeing the story unfold right in front of her and was able to share those details perfectly. The blurb tells the gist of the story very well.
Maon Keefe is a marshal who cannot accept his own failure. He is driven to be the best in his field despite his personal demons. His goal is to become a data cruncher for the marshal service. Selina Shirley is a fashion designer looking for the perfect husband but she has some baggage of her own. Even though this story is sci-fi it could take place right here and now. There isn't a lot of science involved though the setting is in another star system and there is space travel between planets. The plot centers around missing shipments of clothing and fibers made of the pyantha plant sent out by Ms. Shirley's couture company. The material is much like our hemp. It could be a controlled substance or a useful fiber. Maon is called in to investigate possible theft of the cargo. The theft turns into an investigation of possible drug smuggling. The BDSM in this story is light. Selina is a domme in a matriarchal society. The husband she is looking for must be a total submissive and willing to do her bidding 24/7. Maon is a switch and big flirt with no intention of marriage. This is the first time that I have read a book by this author. I plan on reading her first book in which the story chronologically follows this book.
This is the first time in a long time that a book has kept me up until five in the morning. This book was amazing. The editing was almost perfect. That is so rare these days. The story flowed and kept me intrigued. The action was nonstop and exciting. The details of the scenes and the characters was like the author was seeing the story unfold right in front of her and was able to share those details perfectly. The blurb tells the gist of the story very well.
Maon Keefe is a marshal who cannot accept his own failure. He is driven to be the best in his field despite his personal demons. His goal is to become a data cruncher for the marshal service. Selina Shirley is a fashion designer looking for the perfect husband but she has some baggage of her own. Even though this story is sci-fi it could take place right here and now. There isn't a lot of science involved though the setting is in another star system and there is space travel between planets. The plot centers around missing shipments of clothing and fibers made of the pyantha plant sent out by Ms. Shirley's couture company. The material is much like our hemp. It could be a controlled substance or a useful fiber. Maon is called in to investigate possible theft of the cargo. The theft turns into an investigation of possible drug smuggling. The BDSM in this story is light. Selina is a domme in a matriarchal society. The husband she is looking for must be a total submissive and willing to do her bidding 24/7. Maon is a switch and big flirt with no intention of marriage. This is the first time that I have read a book by this author. I plan on reading her first book in which the story chronologically follows this book.
February 8, 2017
Maon is a marshal he is also a switch always taking dares from his friends never wanting to turn one down he always takes the dare but will his next dare be the one he fails being told he would be a failure like his father he has a drive to prove he won't be
Selina is a designer and new CEO to her family's fashion house she is a dommie her society states she must run things and have a man serve her in all things moan is asked to look into the theft of products that seline has purchased continues to disappear will moan find out who is stealing from seline and will she get moan to be her sub to find out I strongly recommend that you buy and read this book it's worth every penny
I was given this arc copy provided by the Author through the BDSM group on goodreads
Selina is a designer and new CEO to her family's fashion house she is a dommie her society states she must run things and have a man serve her in all things moan is asked to look into the theft of products that seline has purchased continues to disappear will moan find out who is stealing from seline and will she get moan to be her sub to find out I strongly recommend that you buy and read this book it's worth every penny
I was given this arc copy provided by the Author through the BDSM group on goodreads
August 16, 2018
~ Following the strings reveals a tangled web ~
Maon should be feeling at the top of the world, with his job as one of the elite Marshals of Tallav, but it was not the assignment he actually aspires to achieve. Years of trying to prove himself to make possible his dream job of being a data crunch as well as prove his worth to his mother have not met with fruition. Shot while on duty and still recovering from its effects, his Chief assigns him to a job which he is to handle with the utmost discretion. A job which he was not thrilled to be on, until he meets the oddly intriguing Selina and learns many of her family’s business details. Maon knows he will have to fight the attraction to this woman, but he does intend to use all his skills to investigate what is happening with the unexplained missing shipments from the Shirley fashion powerhouse.
Both Maon and Selina have very firmly ensconced beliefs in place which need a lot of airing before they can determine if they can be together… if at all. This is a very slow burn of a romance, with a lot of character development explaining how they became the people they are and how they were so strongly influenced by the important people in their lives. Maon is an interesting dichotomy of secretive submissive and protective marshal - the exact characteristics which make Selina pause and weigh her choices in her search for the perfect husband.
Maon should be feeling at the top of the world, with his job as one of the elite Marshals of Tallav, but it was not the assignment he actually aspires to achieve. Years of trying to prove himself to make possible his dream job of being a data crunch as well as prove his worth to his mother have not met with fruition. Shot while on duty and still recovering from its effects, his Chief assigns him to a job which he is to handle with the utmost discretion. A job which he was not thrilled to be on, until he meets the oddly intriguing Selina and learns many of her family’s business details. Maon knows he will have to fight the attraction to this woman, but he does intend to use all his skills to investigate what is happening with the unexplained missing shipments from the Shirley fashion powerhouse.
Both Maon and Selina have very firmly ensconced beliefs in place which need a lot of airing before they can determine if they can be together… if at all. This is a very slow burn of a romance, with a lot of character development explaining how they became the people they are and how they were so strongly influenced by the important people in their lives. Maon is an interesting dichotomy of secretive submissive and protective marshal - the exact characteristics which make Selina pause and weigh her choices in her search for the perfect husband.
August 16, 2018
Best kinky SF romance evah!
I'm over the moon for Cailin Briste's newest Marshall of Tallav - Maon Keefe. He's a hero like i've never read before - a Marshall of Tallav whose skills and courage are eclipsed by his own toxic self-denigration. He thinks he's a failure. He thinks no one can love him. He's into exhibitionism and has a deeply hidden submissive streak in the bedroom. He's also strong, principled, and incredibly resourceful. In short, he's the perfect match for the one woman on matriarchal Tallav who might be able to love him - Selina- but she's a client, and professional ethics rule. Until they don't. The stunningly erotic and complex love between Maon and Selina plays out against an engrossing plot of intergalactic drug-smuggling, organized crime wars, family feuds, and attempts on Selina's life. The action is thrilling, the suspense is gripping, the BDSM scenes are hot and the sexy romance between Maon and Selina is positively incendiary. I thank Hidden Gems for the ARC, and this is my voluntary, independent and uncompensated opinion: Maon, Marshall of Tallav gets five flaming stars.
I'm over the moon for Cailin Briste's newest Marshall of Tallav - Maon Keefe. He's a hero like i've never read before - a Marshall of Tallav whose skills and courage are eclipsed by his own toxic self-denigration. He thinks he's a failure. He thinks no one can love him. He's into exhibitionism and has a deeply hidden submissive streak in the bedroom. He's also strong, principled, and incredibly resourceful. In short, he's the perfect match for the one woman on matriarchal Tallav who might be able to love him - Selina- but she's a client, and professional ethics rule. Until they don't. The stunningly erotic and complex love between Maon and Selina plays out against an engrossing plot of intergalactic drug-smuggling, organized crime wars, family feuds, and attempts on Selina's life. The action is thrilling, the suspense is gripping, the BDSM scenes are hot and the sexy romance between Maon and Selina is positively incendiary. I thank Hidden Gems for the ARC, and this is my voluntary, independent and uncompensated opinion: Maon, Marshall of Tallav gets five flaming stars.
August 19, 2018
She Wants A Man🐺🍆🌋 With A Slow Hand👋👋
Selina💃💋 has landed on Beta Tau, to go meet with Rand🐺🍆🌋👋🔪, the owner of Whip Hand BDSM club and it's resident sadist. She is the CEO and owner of the sectors biggest fashion house.
Selina💃💋 is going to trade her fashion expertise for a life changing experience into BDSM with Rand! She wants training as a Domme👋👋. She is trying to be secretive about the whole trip, but Maon🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫, a gorgeously handsome Tallav Space Marshall sees her and starts flirting. He is a switch, either a dom👋👋 or a sub, and at different times. He has a happy go lucky personality.
The gist of this book, and the other two, is that the human society of Tallav is run and dominated by women. They own all the property and hold down all the best jobs. The married men take care of The children, and if they leave, they spend their time gambling and being very baaaad naaasssty boys. I guess that makes them irresponsible!
Single Tallav aristocratic males like Maon🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫 and Shane🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫, are Space Marshals. Maon🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫 works on several interesting cases in this book, and he also gets to work on Selina!
ARC Received from HG.
Selina💃💋 has landed on Beta Tau, to go meet with Rand🐺🍆🌋👋🔪, the owner of Whip Hand BDSM club and it's resident sadist. She is the CEO and owner of the sectors biggest fashion house.
Selina💃💋 is going to trade her fashion expertise for a life changing experience into BDSM with Rand! She wants training as a Domme👋👋. She is trying to be secretive about the whole trip, but Maon🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫, a gorgeously handsome Tallav Space Marshall sees her and starts flirting. He is a switch, either a dom👋👋 or a sub, and at different times. He has a happy go lucky personality.
The gist of this book, and the other two, is that the human society of Tallav is run and dominated by women. They own all the property and hold down all the best jobs. The married men take care of The children, and if they leave, they spend their time gambling and being very baaaad naaasssty boys. I guess that makes them irresponsible!
Single Tallav aristocratic males like Maon🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫 and Shane🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫, are Space Marshals. Maon🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫 works on several interesting cases in this book, and he also gets to work on Selina!
ARC Received from HG.
August 12, 2018
Kinky...
Ever read a book and think "there's another story there"? When Maon and Selina was introduced in "Shane", book one in the series, that's what I thought. What a story it is! While this is book two, it actually takes place before book one so don't worry if you read them out of order. Maon and Selina both have a lot of pressure/baggage on them. Selina is under pressure to find the perfect husband...he must be submissive all the time according to their society. Maon has always been told that he wasn't husband material so he became a player. When Maon meets Selina he's attracted and his protective instincts come out. Yet, when he meets Lasair he feels the need to submit. Two women...how to choose? Will Maon find a way to be what "both" women need? Oh, let's not forget that he also needs to find the answer to missing cargo.
*I received an Advance Reader's Copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing*
Ever read a book and think "there's another story there"? When Maon and Selina was introduced in "Shane", book one in the series, that's what I thought. What a story it is! While this is book two, it actually takes place before book one so don't worry if you read them out of order. Maon and Selina both have a lot of pressure/baggage on them. Selina is under pressure to find the perfect husband...he must be submissive all the time according to their society. Maon has always been told that he wasn't husband material so he became a player. When Maon meets Selina he's attracted and his protective instincts come out. Yet, when he meets Lasair he feels the need to submit. Two women...how to choose? Will Maon find a way to be what "both" women need? Oh, let's not forget that he also needs to find the answer to missing cargo.
*I received an Advance Reader's Copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing*
July 1, 2017
Uncaged Book Reviews:
Considering I don’t normally read erotica due to the flimsy plots and sex scenes which have no real purpose other than to titillate the reader, these books are totally different. They have a great plot and the scenes are woven into the plot showing who the men and women are. They may be titillating but are part of the characters. Cailin Briste, the author, transports you to a different world with different values while you get wrapped up in the cases the marshals are working and their love lives.
I give these books five stars for great writing, good editing and stories you want to read again to make sure you didn’t miss some subtle clue along the way to solving the case each marshal is involved in during their pursuit of their women. Reviewed by Barbara
Full review at UncagedBooks.com
Considering I don’t normally read erotica due to the flimsy plots and sex scenes which have no real purpose other than to titillate the reader, these books are totally different. They have a great plot and the scenes are woven into the plot showing who the men and women are. They may be titillating but are part of the characters. Cailin Briste, the author, transports you to a different world with different values while you get wrapped up in the cases the marshals are working and their love lives.
I give these books five stars for great writing, good editing and stories you want to read again to make sure you didn’t miss some subtle clue along the way to solving the case each marshal is involved in during their pursuit of their women. Reviewed by Barbara
Full review at UncagedBooks.com
August 14, 2018
I received a copy from Hidden Gems; this is my honest review.
-Mystery and suspense, love and pain, fear and happiness all in one book.
-Great descriptions of Maon and Selina's relationship, how they respond to each other and the quiet ascend from lust to friendship to love.
-Maon is a viril man but also a sub and doesn't mind showing it. I loved the description: "with a combination of besotted smile and sexy saunter". Selina is a domme with acquired skills and loves to show them in public "she twitched a finger at Maon to follow her".
-Interesting concept of BDSM,which I became more familiar with by reading the first and second book and hopefully the other ones that will follow. Don't miss out and buy the book.
-Open door sex but not too graphic (not erotica).
-Mystery and suspense, love and pain, fear and happiness all in one book.
-Great descriptions of Maon and Selina's relationship, how they respond to each other and the quiet ascend from lust to friendship to love.
-Maon is a viril man but also a sub and doesn't mind showing it. I loved the description: "with a combination of besotted smile and sexy saunter". Selina is a domme with acquired skills and loves to show them in public "she twitched a finger at Maon to follow her".
-Interesting concept of BDSM,which I became more familiar with by reading the first and second book and hopefully the other ones that will follow. Don't miss out and buy the book.
-Open door sex but not too graphic (not erotica).
February 21, 2017
Enthralled with Shane's story I was itching to read Maon's story. Briste does not disappoint. As with Shane, I eagerly gobbled this book. She combines brilliant new worlds already introduced in Shane with erotic romance and a touch of the western, writing an erotic romantic western sci fi. Though this is the second book in the sons of Tallav series, Maon's story occurred 8 years ago. Maon is a contradiction in terms. Born on a matriarchal planet whose dad had deserted him as a child and a harpy for a mother he developed his own unique way of coping with his baggage. He enjoys being a player and exhibitionist, skilfully hiding his true persona. Who could possibly have guessed the true Maon beneath his public façade? He even has Selina CEO of the well-known Fashion House of Shirley fooled. Ah ha not letting on as it would be a spoiler. Briste adroitly spins her yarn as she unfolds the tapestry of his life in another mesmerising read. Maon is drawn to Selina despite her frumpy appearance. She ignites his need to protect and cherish. But, when he meets a mysterious domme Lasair, the attraction is instantaneous. She fires up the submissive in him. Yup Maon is definitely a switch. What prompts a strong character like Maon to submit? There's no doubt that he is attracted to both characters CEO Selina and Lasair the domme. Faced with a dilemma he intends to resolve. Um... yes, one can see what's coming a familiar trope but Briste yet again does what she does best, throws a cat among the doves. Selina has her own baggage heightened by her responsibilities as the only daughter in a matriarchal society. She has to marry to give an heir. Briste cleverly uses their baggage within a BDSM scenario in the unconventional Tallavan societal setting, to spin a rattling juicy yarn. Adroitly exploring their personas, she throws in curveballs keeping one guessing until the very end. A unique story without repetitions it will stay with one long after the last page is read. One is submerged into the Tallavan world as Briste shakes the BDSM scenes until they ooze raw passion. Erotica fans will be thrilled and screaming for fulfilment. Almost perfect, one would have liked Briste to let the rope out a lot more, pun intended. If only she had taken one deeper into the place she so skilfully leads us. She misses the opportunity to explore the flip side of Maon's kinky switch, apart from a casual reference to it at the start and at the end. Though part of a series, this book can be read as a standalone and does have an HEA. More info on the author and Tallav society can be found on Briste's site http://cailinbriste.com.
February 6, 2017
Three and a half stars
“Maon: Marshal of Tallav” by Cailin Briste is the second in the Sons of Tallav series, but can thankfully be read as a standalone novel. The series is about a group of friends who are also law enforcement in a matriarchal society. Maon Keefe is a male who has developed a hedonistic lifestyle and actively avoids relationships and attachments in reaction to being told he is a failure who won’t amount to much. Selina Shirley has taken over as designer at her family’s clothing firm. She looking for the perfect submissive husband because of her own baggage. Each comes to the other’s attention during a visit to a local dungeon, but continue to interact as Maon is assigned to investigate thefts at Selina’s shipping operation.
The book was well edited, but some judicious clips could have streamlined the story. To me, it felt as if there were just a lot of storylines for a single book. I was impatient for the payoff after the two main characters dealt with their issues. There was legitimate heat between the characters from the beginning and a twisty, turny love story with a HEA.
***I received a copy from the author through the BDSM group TPE bar, in exchange for an honest review***
“Maon: Marshal of Tallav” by Cailin Briste is the second in the Sons of Tallav series, but can thankfully be read as a standalone novel. The series is about a group of friends who are also law enforcement in a matriarchal society. Maon Keefe is a male who has developed a hedonistic lifestyle and actively avoids relationships and attachments in reaction to being told he is a failure who won’t amount to much. Selina Shirley has taken over as designer at her family’s clothing firm. She looking for the perfect submissive husband because of her own baggage. Each comes to the other’s attention during a visit to a local dungeon, but continue to interact as Maon is assigned to investigate thefts at Selina’s shipping operation.
The book was well edited, but some judicious clips could have streamlined the story. To me, it felt as if there were just a lot of storylines for a single book. I was impatient for the payoff after the two main characters dealt with their issues. There was legitimate heat between the characters from the beginning and a twisty, turny love story with a HEA.
***I received a copy from the author through the BDSM group TPE bar, in exchange for an honest review***
February 1, 2017
Maon: Marshal of Tallav may be read as a standalone; however, I suggest reading it as part of the series to get a better understanding of the characters. I felt there was more character development when comparing this to Shane: Marshal of Tallav. I really enjoyed witnessing Maon evolve as a character through not only his career but also his personal life. I always appreciate a strong female lead and Selina definitely came through. I loved the chemistry between Maon and Selina and appreciated how natural it seemed considering the story is science fiction. The one character I really hope to see more from in the future is Randolph. I realized after reading Shane’s story that there are some sadist tendencies lurking beneath my surface and I feel I would greatly enjoy Randolph’s story!
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.
January 28, 2017
testing - this review will be removed after testing is completed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2017
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
You know sometimes, when you read a blurb, and your brain maps how you think the book is gonna go, and then you read the book, and its not...quite...what you expected??
This book, right here.
I'm not knocking the book, but my brain had a whole different path for these two, and it went another way, and it left me feeling a little disappointed. And for that, I'm sorry I didn't love it.
Because it is a really GOOD book. Maon's job brings him into contact with Selina, and Selina's secret brings her into contact with Maon, and their BDSM club. And I **think** this might be where I went wrong. Because Selina is a Domme, and Maon and switch, but heavier on the submissive side with the right Domme. Selina pushes all his submissive buttons. But I wanted MORE of them BEFORE Selina reveals her secret, because I read so few books with a strong female Domme and a male sub and I wanted more more MORE!
I did like that the secret isn't dragged out for the whole book. I did like that both Maon and Selina learned that the guilt they carried into their adult lives was misplaced, and unwarranted. I did like that both of them were made to see what, and indeed who, they really wanted.
This is book two in the Marshal of Tallav series. The first book features Shane, Maon's best friend, and I have not read that book. But I wonder if Shane's books comes AFTER this one in the time line, because not once is the female from Shane's book mentioned here, actually the impression I get from THIS book, is that Shane is single. Maybe I misread something, maybe it really is out of line. I dunno. I'd like to read it though.
I did like the way Ms Briste tells her story. The missing shipment story arc turns into something totally unexpected. Very well written.
I'd like to read more of this series, other than Shane. One or two characters piqued my interest.
because my brain went the wrong way, and because it did take me a while to get into the story proper....
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
You know sometimes, when you read a blurb, and your brain maps how you think the book is gonna go, and then you read the book, and its not...quite...what you expected??
This book, right here.
I'm not knocking the book, but my brain had a whole different path for these two, and it went another way, and it left me feeling a little disappointed. And for that, I'm sorry I didn't love it.
Because it is a really GOOD book. Maon's job brings him into contact with Selina, and Selina's secret brings her into contact with Maon, and their BDSM club. And I **think** this might be where I went wrong. Because Selina is a Domme, and Maon and switch, but heavier on the submissive side with the right Domme. Selina pushes all his submissive buttons. But I wanted MORE of them BEFORE Selina reveals her secret, because I read so few books with a strong female Domme and a male sub and I wanted more more MORE!
I did like that the secret isn't dragged out for the whole book. I did like that both Maon and Selina learned that the guilt they carried into their adult lives was misplaced, and unwarranted. I did like that both of them were made to see what, and indeed who, they really wanted.
This is book two in the Marshal of Tallav series. The first book features Shane, Maon's best friend, and I have not read that book. But I wonder if Shane's books comes AFTER this one in the time line, because not once is the female from Shane's book mentioned here, actually the impression I get from THIS book, is that Shane is single. Maybe I misread something, maybe it really is out of line. I dunno. I'd like to read it though.
I did like the way Ms Briste tells her story. The missing shipment story arc turns into something totally unexpected. Very well written.
I'd like to read more of this series, other than Shane. One or two characters piqued my interest.
because my brain went the wrong way, and because it did take me a while to get into the story proper....
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
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