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Heart’s Master
A new gay BDSM romance fantasy from award-winning author Elizabeth Schechter. In one tragic night Steven loses his lover, his dreams, and his sight, but he gains the compassionate, caring dominant he has always longed for. He starts to rebuild with Nick, a fellow survivor of the tragedy, and together they discover new heights of love and ecstasy, and the real magic they can create together. Nick must teach Steven not only how to have a healthy and consensual BDSM relationship, but how to navigate the ways of magic. You see, Nick is secretly a mage, and the longer they're together, the more obvious it becomes that Steven is one, too. But as Steven begins to wield his new—and terrifyingly strong—powers, he draws the attention of evil beyond our world. The ancient enemies of the faerie courts have banded together under a cruel, calculating leader, and Steven is the only one standing in his way. Only Steven can defeat this threat... And he doesn't have the first clue where to start.
288 pages, Paperback
Published December 10, 2016
195 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Schechter
58 books99 followersElizabeth Schechter has been called one of the top erotica and alternative sexuality writers in the world. Her writing credits include the award-winning steampunk erotic romance House of Sable Locks, the science fiction BDSM duology Tales from the Arena, and the Celtic fantasy Princes of Air. Her shorter work has appeared in anthologies edited by D.L King (Carnal Machines), Laura Antoniou (No Safewords), and Cecilia Tan (Jingle Balls_; Like a Prince).
Elizabeth lives in Central Florida with her husband and son, and a most accepting circle of friends who are both very amused and very proud of the pervy, fetish writer in their midst.
Elizabeth lives in Central Florida with her husband and son, and a most accepting circle of friends who are both very amused and very proud of the pervy, fetish writer in their midst.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 18, 2017
And if there was one thing that I'd learned in the theatre that I was learning was also true in magic, and that was that showmanship counts for a lot.
I'm wildly impressed. This story takes several different genres and deftly weaves a tale of ancient magic in a modern setting.
Steven Ahearn has a lot to cope with, escaping an abusive relationship he is in a car wreck that leaves him with a fractured body and without sight.
Far from quitting, Steven determines to make the best of a new life for himself even if he can no longer persue his dreams on Broadway.
Having been introduced only on the night of the accident, Nick and Steven are drawn together in adversity. Nick is with Steven every step of the way throughout his recovery and beyond.
I guess I had forgotten that this was anything other than a contemporary romance and a hurt / comfort story (a really good one too) so when the first thread of magic weaved its way into their world, I was as surprised as Steven.
What I find particularly outstanding is first and foremost the positive and realistic way it deals with Steven's life. His life changing loss of sight and the aspects of trauma and PTS. This is handled sensitively and not idly dismissed or overlooked. The love story between Nick and Steven is enriched by the thoughtful unpacking of how a consensual and loving BDSM relationship between them might or might not work.
Their growing relationship is nuanced and clever and does not fall into the ill considered and hugely convenient 'magic penis' trope that some writers with less skill succumb to. I did think that perhaps the strength of their emotion was a little quick but it is a very minor quibble.
Next to recommend this book is the fabulous mix of myth and folklore as the different strands of magic become more apparent and Steven tries to make sense of what is occurring with resilience and humour and a determination not to let his friends and lover down.
I would also like to give a cheer for Steven's bisexual love interest Nick, for whom English is a second language. Sometimes in moments of stress or passion his English is forgotten. I think this is a lovely touch, and am entirely charmed by him. I admire the skilful handling of Nick's role as a father and his determination following the car wreck to bring his young daughter back into his life and away from the exclusive care of her maternal grandmother who does not view a same sex couple as the best environment for her granddaughter Natalie.
I appreciated the clever and thoughtful plotting of the storylines plus the added bonus of some incredibly hot and kinky lovemaking that is out of the ordinary. It enmeshed beautifully with the more traditional vanilla moments that Nick and Steven shared together.
I'm happily convinced that there is certainly an opportunity for a sequel, I will be first in the queue to find out how Steven and Nick share their lives together with Steven's adorable guide dog Mirage and hopefully reunited with Nick's daughter Natalie. Of course exploring more of the contemporary world, and how it merges with ancient and modern folklore would be utterly delightful too, as Steven pointed out:
"Well, in a nutshell, you appear to be involved with some crazy combination of Dumbledore and Gandalf the Gray."Who could ask for more? Well me, sequel please!
***A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review as part of the Male/Male Romance group's Don't Buy My Love event***
September 12, 2019
Well this was interesting. A gay erotic BDSM novel that turns pretty abruptly into an epic fantasy adventure, and the two do NOT mix well, but that might be part of why I found this such a fun read, maybe? I may upgrade from 3 to 4 stars as I let it marinate. The down-to-earth half of the novel is actually pretty great. The way Schechter explores not just sexual pleasure but also trust, trauma, disability, and consent gives the romance a well-rounded feel, and the sex is so character-driven that you almost forget it's erotic fiction.
The fantasy parts ... imagine if you're watching "Brokeback Mountain" and halfway through Ennis meets Frodo and Aragorn and they fight orks to get back to Jack Twist. Or if season 2 of "Looking" were suddenly about Jonathan Groff riding his dragons to take the Iron Throne. It feels that abrupt. The fantasy world-building isn't quite as good as the initial relationship-building -- lots of stuff about elves and High Wizards and magic the feels kind of boilerplate.
Some of it gets real silly, though the bigger problem is veering so far away from the story's foundational romance. Some of those magical Ren Faire characters are fun to spend time with, but that section is more about plot and exposition than about developing meaningful character relationships. But in the end, you know what, it's kind of a hoot.
The fantasy parts ... imagine if you're watching "Brokeback Mountain" and halfway through Ennis meets Frodo and Aragorn and they fight orks to get back to Jack Twist. Or if season 2 of "Looking" were suddenly about Jonathan Groff riding his dragons to take the Iron Throne. It feels that abrupt. The fantasy world-building isn't quite as good as the initial relationship-building -- lots of stuff about elves and High Wizards and magic the feels kind of boilerplate.
Some of it gets real silly, though the bigger problem is veering so far away from the story's foundational romance. Some of those magical Ren Faire characters are fun to spend time with, but that section is more about plot and exposition than about developing meaningful character relationships. But in the end, you know what, it's kind of a hoot.
June 24, 2017
I thought there were some unique aspects to this story but overall it didn't really hold my attention as i would have liked it to. Right off the bat I was intrigued by Steven and his situation, the dynamic he had with those around him. Then tragedy strikes and he find his world turned upside down. He has to relearn to live his life and come to terms with things that keep happening to him. Steven didn't particular have an easy journey of it, add to it he learns there is more to the world he lives in that he didn't know existed until his physically sustains permanent damage to his eyes. I did feel that too much was happening to Steven. I also felt a bit weird about how quickly he moved on from his friend death and how quickly the two decided to enter into a relationship.
I did get introduced to a new aspect of bdsm which was mummification bondage. I didn't know that was a thing until this book. The bdsm aspect was pretty light. Nick being a switch was interesting and a bit mind blowing to me since you don't usually get the see the dom actually submit to their sub.
A free copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
I did get introduced to a new aspect of bdsm which was mummification bondage. I didn't know that was a thing until this book. The bdsm aspect was pretty light. Nick being a switch was interesting and a bit mind blowing to me since you don't usually get the see the dom actually submit to their sub.
A free copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2017
I got a copy of this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I had to say that the magical/paranormal elements took me by surprise, but what a wonderful surprise. The writing was spot on the book moved at a good pace. Even the Jerk character weren't flat but multi dimensional. I think the short brief burst were we see the villain before he is known by the heroes were an excellent use of whetting the appetite. On has to feel sorry for Steven as he seems to lose everything with meaning in his life in one night, His Job, His Home, His lover, his recreated family, as he was about to fulfill his life ambition to be in a broadway show. One Drunk Driver took care of must of it, the other part his Jerk of a lover who abused him took care of the end of having his lover. He wakes up weeks later in a hospital and he is blind.
Oh but he get a new love who is a dom but also has his sub side. Love how Nicolai puts Steven's want in front of his in this budding relationship. I also like the blending of Celtic and Slavic mythos. for the otherworld part of it. As A mythology lover I am always intrigued by blended mythologies and how they work.
There were a few minor error that I noticed but didn't deter from this great read.
I had to say that the magical/paranormal elements took me by surprise, but what a wonderful surprise. The writing was spot on the book moved at a good pace. Even the Jerk character weren't flat but multi dimensional. I think the short brief burst were we see the villain before he is known by the heroes were an excellent use of whetting the appetite. On has to feel sorry for Steven as he seems to lose everything with meaning in his life in one night, His Job, His Home, His lover, his recreated family, as he was about to fulfill his life ambition to be in a broadway show. One Drunk Driver took care of must of it, the other part his Jerk of a lover who abused him took care of the end of having his lover. He wakes up weeks later in a hospital and he is blind.
Oh but he get a new love who is a dom but also has his sub side. Love how Nicolai puts Steven's want in front of his in this budding relationship. I also like the blending of Celtic and Slavic mythos. for the otherworld part of it. As A mythology lover I am always intrigued by blended mythologies and how they work.
There were a few minor error that I noticed but didn't deter from this great read.
July 4, 2017
I got a free copy of this book from the author for an unbiased review.
Oh what a positive surprise this book was. The blurb was enough to get me interested and the first pages took me right into the story. It could have gone so wrong with all the different parts of the story. Some bdsm, some drama with death and a battle for custody and the magic but it all fit together nicely. So if you love bdsm and fantasy and magic this book is just right for you.
I hope there will another one with this MC´s.
Oh what a positive surprise this book was. The blurb was enough to get me interested and the first pages took me right into the story. It could have gone so wrong with all the different parts of the story. Some bdsm, some drama with death and a battle for custody and the magic but it all fit together nicely. So if you love bdsm and fantasy and magic this book is just right for you.
I hope there will another one with this MC´s.
June 19, 2017
I found this book to be very . . . particular. I'm not sure what to think of it.
First, this book had some pretty stiff competition when it came to me and books about blind individuals, given that I've read stuff by authors who have actually gone blind later in life. Sadly, Heart's Master didn't measure up to such august company (Steven would have faced many difficulties that weren't really portrayed accurately in the book), but then that's hard to do, so I did my best not to hold it against the book and judge the book kindly.
Second, Nick dove me batty. As a Dom, he did all kinds of things that that would be traumatic and dangerous to Steven, and I just didn't like it. I sincerely hope that no one goes into this book thinking they can use it as anything approaching a BDSM manual, because they'll end up getting someone seriously damaged or worse.
Third, once Steven got his powers, he became rather over powered, and I didn't like that.
Fourth, there almost seemed to be two books in here, the one before The Big Nick Event, and the one after. It was strange. I rather preferred the one after The Big Nick Event, oddly.
All that being said, I didn't have any trouble finishing the book and rather liked the part after The Big Nick Event, for all that Steven became overpowered.
First, this book had some pretty stiff competition when it came to me and books about blind individuals, given that I've read stuff by authors who have actually gone blind later in life. Sadly, Heart's Master didn't measure up to such august company (Steven would have faced many difficulties that weren't really portrayed accurately in the book), but then that's hard to do, so I did my best not to hold it against the book and judge the book kindly.
Second, Nick dove me batty. As a Dom, he did all kinds of things that that would be traumatic and dangerous to Steven, and I just didn't like it. I sincerely hope that no one goes into this book thinking they can use it as anything approaching a BDSM manual, because they'll end up getting someone seriously damaged or worse.
Third, once Steven got his powers, he became rather over powered, and I didn't like that.
Fourth, there almost seemed to be two books in here, the one before The Big Nick Event, and the one after. It was strange. I rather preferred the one after The Big Nick Event, oddly.
All that being said, I didn't have any trouble finishing the book and rather liked the part after The Big Nick Event, for all that Steven became overpowered.
June 24, 2017
I was given a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this Heart’s Master by Elizabeth Schechter. It was well written and the story very engaging.
Steven has recently escaped an abusive relationship when he meets Nick, a man with many hidden talents. After a car crash which claims almost everything, including Nick’s sight, it is Nick who is there as a guide and lover.
What started out as a modern day romance moves into the realm of BDSM and then on to fantasy - something which I did not expect.
I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy the fantasy side of the story but I did. I liked it and I definitely wanted to keep reading.
I loved Mirage, Steven’s guide dog and familiar.
The only thing that I wanted was to see Nick reunited with his daughter, Natalie. Natalie’s grandmother had taken her when Nick’s lover had died and in parts of the book we are told that Nick was trying to get her back.
I certainly hope that there will be another book featuring these two and that Natalie is returned to her father.
Highly recommended.
I really enjoyed this Heart’s Master by Elizabeth Schechter. It was well written and the story very engaging.
Steven has recently escaped an abusive relationship when he meets Nick, a man with many hidden talents. After a car crash which claims almost everything, including Nick’s sight, it is Nick who is there as a guide and lover.
What started out as a modern day romance moves into the realm of BDSM and then on to fantasy - something which I did not expect.
I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy the fantasy side of the story but I did. I liked it and I definitely wanted to keep reading.
I loved Mirage, Steven’s guide dog and familiar.
The only thing that I wanted was to see Nick reunited with his daughter, Natalie. Natalie’s grandmother had taken her when Nick’s lover had died and in parts of the book we are told that Nick was trying to get her back.
I certainly hope that there will be another book featuring these two and that Natalie is returned to her father.
Highly recommended.
June 24, 2017
This book was received free via the Goodreads Don't Buy my Love program in return for an honest review.
4.5 stars
There's something to be said for reading a review and then forgetting everything you'd read. All I had remembered was that the two main characters were brought together following a tragedy, so imagine my surprise when the lovely BDSM contemoorary suddenly becomes about magic, witches and covens, elves and the inevitable bad guy.
Yup. My head was spinning and definitely in a good way. I enjoyed both main characters even though 95 percent of the story was from Steven's point of view. Nick was fabulous as the Georgian (Soviet) dom. I loved the way he snuck little words in and sometimes reverted to Russian. Steven adapted amazingly well to all that was thrown his way, from a cruel ex to blindness to magic to warrior. Maybe too amazing, but what the hey? It's fiction and I loved it.
4.5 stars
There's something to be said for reading a review and then forgetting everything you'd read. All I had remembered was that the two main characters were brought together following a tragedy, so imagine my surprise when the lovely BDSM contemoorary suddenly becomes about magic, witches and covens, elves and the inevitable bad guy.
Yup. My head was spinning and definitely in a good way. I enjoyed both main characters even though 95 percent of the story was from Steven's point of view. Nick was fabulous as the Georgian (Soviet) dom. I loved the way he snuck little words in and sometimes reverted to Russian. Steven adapted amazingly well to all that was thrown his way, from a cruel ex to blindness to magic to warrior. Maybe too amazing, but what the hey? It's fiction and I loved it.
July 7, 2017
This book was received free via the Goodreads Don't Buy my Love program in return for an honest review
This was truly intriguing mixing elements of BDSM, contemporary and paranormal threads to build a really exciting story.
Nick and Steven meet under tragic circumstances that form an unshakable bond of love...and magic.
Evil stalks them in the shape of a dark faerie king bent on destroying everything in his path.
Elizabeth tells this story in a serialised format which was a little odd when put into book form but it didn't really detract from the storytelling. The world building was excellent and you could feel the love between the two men as it built into something solid and unbreakable. There are dark elements within this story and they are handled well.
I hope there will be more books following this couple...they would be awesome!
This was truly intriguing mixing elements of BDSM, contemporary and paranormal threads to build a really exciting story.
Nick and Steven meet under tragic circumstances that form an unshakable bond of love...and magic.
Evil stalks them in the shape of a dark faerie king bent on destroying everything in his path.
Elizabeth tells this story in a serialised format which was a little odd when put into book form but it didn't really detract from the storytelling. The world building was excellent and you could feel the love between the two men as it built into something solid and unbreakable. There are dark elements within this story and they are handled well.
I hope there will be more books following this couple...they would be awesome!
February 26, 2017
Entertaining, super-steamy and magical
An interesting and entertaining story combining magical fantasy with a developing BDSM relationship between two guys. A novel premise, too, with the main character being blind for most of the story.
There are some very intense sex scenes - think super-heated rather than steamy. I also liked the fact that Steven was rather stumbling his way into working with magic, despite a natural talent.
An interesting and entertaining story combining magical fantasy with a developing BDSM relationship between two guys. A novel premise, too, with the main character being blind for most of the story.
There are some very intense sex scenes - think super-heated rather than steamy. I also liked the fact that Steven was rather stumbling his way into working with magic, despite a natural talent.
February 13, 2017
I was expecting erotica, and got so much more! First of all, the sex scenes were very hot, with only a few that smoldered. The author seems to know a lot about BDSM, what it is and what it is not, unlike some more popular books on the topic. I also appreciated that the main characters were very much in love, totally respectful of each other, and the theme of consent was strong throughout. But on top of the erotic plot, which did not disappoint, there is great character development, and a equally fantastic fantasy plot of magic, mystery and power. I totally want to know what happens next.
So, in effect, a double power-play. I honestly wasn't sure what quality of writing to expect, as this was my first time reading this author, but my expectations were well exceeded, and I will definitely be back for more!
So, in effect, a double power-play. I honestly wasn't sure what quality of writing to expect, as this was my first time reading this author, but my expectations were well exceeded, and I will definitely be back for more!
February 11, 2017
This book sucks you in at the beginning and doesn't let you go until the very end. There is action, adventure, drama, heroes, villains, magic, tragedy, a sprinkling of comic relief, and lots of incredibly well-written sex scenes. At times I felt like a voyeur.
While I want to know what happens next to the main characters, coming up with another crisis requiring their special talents will take time and a deft touch few writers possess. If Elizabeth Schechter decides to continue Nick and Steven's story, I am sure she is more than capable of meeting those particular challenges. In the interim, this is erotic tale is both well-crafted and well-told.
Full disclosure, I met this author a long time ago back when she lived in Virginia. We reconnected a couple of years ago on Facebook. (Doesn't everyone do that eventually?) She put out a call for people to read and review this book and I jumped at the chance since I had enjoyed the one other item of hers that I had read.
While I want to know what happens next to the main characters, coming up with another crisis requiring their special talents will take time and a deft touch few writers possess. If Elizabeth Schechter decides to continue Nick and Steven's story, I am sure she is more than capable of meeting those particular challenges. In the interim, this is erotic tale is both well-crafted and well-told.
Full disclosure, I met this author a long time ago back when she lived in Virginia. We reconnected a couple of years ago on Facebook. (Doesn't everyone do that eventually?) She put out a call for people to read and review this book and I jumped at the chance since I had enjoyed the one other item of hers that I had read.
February 18, 2017
Interesting to start with an abusive BDSM relationship, then to build into one that is consensual and safe(r). Poorly written.
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