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Lap Dance! For Dystopia
Being a post-apocalyptic exotic dancer isn’t easy. Soren just wants to dance on stage and survive the coming winter in the Underground. But when Zale Arison, the governor’s son, pays a visit to inspect the Rose in Winter Pleasure Palace, things get complicated. Soren isn’t looking for a relationship, but finds himself intrigued by the ultra rich and attractive Zale. When Soren’s boss gives him away for the night, his world is turned upside down.
Zale hopes to get in and out of the Rose in Winter as fast as possible. He isn’t expecting to encounter the beautiful dancer Soren, much less bring him home for the evening. Past relationships never worked out for Zale, but he is drawn to Soren who ignites in him an unexpected passion and warmth.
Amidst a virgin auction gone wrong, blackouts, and the state on the verge of total collapse, can Soren and Zale find love and hope in each other?
This novella contains: an asexual relationship, a femme cis man with an autoimmune disease (alopecia areata), a cis man with physical disability (hip injury), hurt/comfort, different social class, dark themes but low relationship angst, some rats
Lap Dance! For Dystopia is a dystopian MM romance with a happy ending.
Content Warning!!! Soren is 17-years-old at the beginning of the story. Zale is 24 and pursues a romantic, non-sexual relationship with him. Nothing sexual (beyond kissing) occurs between the two until after Soren’s 18th birthday.
Zale hopes to get in and out of the Rose in Winter as fast as possible. He isn’t expecting to encounter the beautiful dancer Soren, much less bring him home for the evening. Past relationships never worked out for Zale, but he is drawn to Soren who ignites in him an unexpected passion and warmth.
Amidst a virgin auction gone wrong, blackouts, and the state on the verge of total collapse, can Soren and Zale find love and hope in each other?
This novella contains: an asexual relationship, a femme cis man with an autoimmune disease (alopecia areata), a cis man with physical disability (hip injury), hurt/comfort, different social class, dark themes but low relationship angst, some rats
Lap Dance! For Dystopia is a dystopian MM romance with a happy ending.
Content Warning!!! Soren is 17-years-old at the beginning of the story. Zale is 24 and pursues a romantic, non-sexual relationship with him. Nothing sexual (beyond kissing) occurs between the two until after Soren’s 18th birthday.
96 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2022
8 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 22, 2022
Wow! This is one of those hidden gems that you stumble upon and realize that you've found something really special. I went into this story with no preconceived ideas and was oh so pleasantly surprised. The author takes us on a journey into a dystopian future, where people are valued according to their "number" and those without are given no consideration. It's a world where water is an absolute premium and food is scarce. Soren is a 17 year old dancer at an underground sex club. One night he meets Zale, who has come to inspect the club, and who takes an interest in him. Zale is 24 and the son of the governor, and an 05. Set against a very gritty backdrop of a United States that has literally collapsed, this is a story about two men who are both looking for understanding and love. There is no sex - as Soren is underage - and it's really more of a love affair of the mind and heart. I was completely sucked into the story from the beginning and I'll be jumping into the next book which features a friend of Soren's from the club. Although this was a novella in length, it packed a whole lot of world building and character development into its pages and I was thoroughly impressed. I would absolutely recommend this book and hope that more people discover it, as it really is that good. Very unique and captivating!
January 14, 2023
There are so many things from our present life that get lost in the future, in this world. People become numbers, and all resources are portioned.
Soren is naive, though a fast learner. There is little left for the bottom people in this hierarchy. Soren is inquisitive and kind, and my kind of person for emphasizing dresses with pockets haha. The character growth, to see Soren’s eyes open up to opportunities and knowledge just as his life progresses, I loved it.
Zale is matter of fact and vague, sometimes it felt like trying to read his mind, that is just the character. He even admits that he doesn’t do great at expressing what he really wants.
There is a content warning listed above - Soren is 17 at the beginning of the story. I did not get the Icks or anything with the writing, it kept everything far away from crossing the line into ahhhh, at least for me. This is a short read, I enjoyed it overall and stayed engaged to finish it in one sitting.
Soren is naive, though a fast learner. There is little left for the bottom people in this hierarchy. Soren is inquisitive and kind, and my kind of person for emphasizing dresses with pockets haha. The character growth, to see Soren’s eyes open up to opportunities and knowledge just as his life progresses, I loved it.
Zale is matter of fact and vague, sometimes it felt like trying to read his mind, that is just the character. He even admits that he doesn’t do great at expressing what he really wants.
There is a content warning listed above - Soren is 17 at the beginning of the story. I did not get the Icks or anything with the writing, it kept everything far away from crossing the line into ahhhh, at least for me. This is a short read, I enjoyed it overall and stayed engaged to finish it in one sitting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2022
I enjoyed this take on a dystopian setting. I wish there had been more discussion between Zale & Soren on page. There was a lot of world building that was valuable and enjoyable. The story wasn’t bogged down by that. I just want more of them interacting to really embrace their relationship. Right now I hear that Zale is moving mountains to keep Soren, but they aren’t discussing what that means with each other.
I am looking forward to the next book in this series and I really hope with get a Soren & Zale in Suprema update!
I am looking forward to the next book in this series and I really hope with get a Soren & Zale in Suprema update!
September 11, 2022
Soren is so precious, Zale is so precious, I love them so much it makes me stupid and I can’t even write the review this book deserves.
The worldbuilding is so incredible for a book with only 90 pages and I could read a hundred more stories about this fascinating dystopia. Can’t wait for XVII’s story, but if I’m being 100% honest all I want is a sequel with Soren and Zale being cozy in a house in Suprema, reading New Moon and dancing and having every share of happiness they deserve.
The worldbuilding is so incredible for a book with only 90 pages and I could read a hundred more stories about this fascinating dystopia. Can’t wait for XVII’s story, but if I’m being 100% honest all I want is a sequel with Soren and Zale being cozy in a house in Suprema, reading New Moon and dancing and having every share of happiness they deserve.
November 30, 2022
great short story
I really enjoyed this shorter book. It was very different and original. I don’t want to give anything away so I will just say that the ending was perfect.
I really enjoyed this shorter book. It was very different and original. I don’t want to give anything away so I will just say that the ending was perfect.
September 11, 2022
Omg, okay, where do I start?
This was the very first book I read by this author and I was HOOKED. So much so, from that moment on, I had to read every single book by them.
About this book specifically, I loved the main character and the love interest, where you can find plenty of non-binary and asexual goodness, I loved the relationship and how it progressed - slowly and sweetly.
I mostly loved the immersive way the story hooked me from the first sentence to the last. I couldn't put it down! I think it was mostly because of the interesting dystopian world that was described and how unique it was and generally, I just wanted to know how they'd survive and stay together.
There were tons of sweet moments and angsty moments, and I was there for all of it.
Favorite author, one of my favorite books, 5 star read. :)
This was the very first book I read by this author and I was HOOKED. So much so, from that moment on, I had to read every single book by them.
About this book specifically, I loved the main character and the love interest, where you can find plenty of non-binary and asexual goodness, I loved the relationship and how it progressed - slowly and sweetly.
I mostly loved the immersive way the story hooked me from the first sentence to the last. I couldn't put it down! I think it was mostly because of the interesting dystopian world that was described and how unique it was and generally, I just wanted to know how they'd survive and stay together.
There were tons of sweet moments and angsty moments, and I was there for all of it.
Favorite author, one of my favorite books, 5 star read. :)
January 31, 2025
Me gustó muchísimo la propuesta y temática de este libro, personalmente amo los mundos distópicos y haberlo combinado con un BL fue demasiado interesante. Compré el libro por curiosidad y salí con una joyita 💖 también me gustó que los protagonistas son totalmente distintos a lo que te podrías esperar en un libro, tienen problemáticas y condiciones que no son comunes, y eso da paso a su visibilización.
Le doy 4 estrellas y no 5 porque sentí que iba muy rápido, me faltaron más descripciones, desde los mismos protas hasta personajes secundarios, la distribución de la ciudad, los escenarios, incluso percibí que el momento de tensión pasó demasiado rápido, tiene una temática que se le podía sacar más. Esto no significa que no lo haya disfrutado 🥹
En general fui demasiado fan y definitivamente voy a leer más trabajos de este autorx ✨
Le doy 4 estrellas y no 5 porque sentí que iba muy rápido, me faltaron más descripciones, desde los mismos protas hasta personajes secundarios, la distribución de la ciudad, los escenarios, incluso percibí que el momento de tensión pasó demasiado rápido, tiene una temática que se le podía sacar más. Esto no significa que no lo haya disfrutado 🥹
En general fui demasiado fan y definitivamente voy a leer más trabajos de este autorx ✨
March 3, 2023
rating: 5 stars
loved this sooo much! this is my first book from this author and i will definitely be checking out more! their writing and world caught my attention immediately and made this a super easy read. i loved soren and zale so much i wish this was longer just so i could have more of them lol. such a good read and definitely recommend if you are looking for an good novella/short story read!
loved this sooo much! this is my first book from this author and i will definitely be checking out more! their writing and world caught my attention immediately and made this a super easy read. i loved soren and zale so much i wish this was longer just so i could have more of them lol. such a good read and definitely recommend if you are looking for an good novella/short story read!
February 1, 2025
~ ranting: 5 ☆
~ spice: 1 🌶
Please, Soren and Zale were two cutie little beans, I loved every second of it!
“Soren, I can provide water for the both of us. Your life is more precious than that. You make me feel... something. I can't explain. But you deserve everything. And you will have whatever I can give.”
~ spice: 1 🌶
Please, Soren and Zale were two cutie little beans, I loved every second of it!
“Soren, I can provide water for the both of us. Your life is more precious than that. You make me feel... something. I can't explain. But you deserve everything. And you will have whatever I can give.”
June 27, 2025
Once you get past the kind of weird start, it’s quite a cute little story
May 20, 2023
This story was such a treat!! Seriously, I think everyone needs to check out Lysander's work, it's written in such a way that the story just sucks you in. We're transported to a post-apocalyptic world, and the author does such a beautiful job with character expressions, reactions and attitudes of our main character Soren, that I instantly felt like I was right there with him, living his life in the Underground.
The relationship between Soren and Zale is seriously just so precious. Both of them are so sweet and dear to each other, Zale giving up so much just to be with Soren because he truly cares for him... It makes me want to cry by how beautiful it all is. Ahhhh I loved it all!! 💕💖
The relationship between Soren and Zale is seriously just so precious. Both of them are so sweet and dear to each other, Zale giving up so much just to be with Soren because he truly cares for him... It makes me want to cry by how beautiful it all is. Ahhhh I loved it all!! 💕💖
September 27, 2022
This sweet story really took me by surprise. From the title, I was expecting something very different!
For starters, I'll admit, dystopian stories always have a way of drawing me in. So it's no wonder I enjoyed the hell out of that aspect of it. The author does a brilliant job of building the world. It takes skill to write a good dystopia, and the author has absolutely achieved this in a way that makes you feel as though you are right there living it, imagining yourself in this world. This is especially impressive for a story this length, because it's managed in a way that feels completely natural and interesting. Honestly, the level of thought that would have had to go into planning this world is worthy of the stars, and I haven't even touched on the characters.
The main couple follows the tried and true rich person of power falls for poor nobody, formula. But their relationship is what really makes this stand out. The representation of their sexualities was outstanding! As someone who falls under the asexual spectrum, I was on the verge of tears reading the way the characters so openly discussed their feelings and wants, and were nothing but accepting of each other. This is the kind of representation that could have helped me understand myself without the angst of thinking I was broken. I really hope it gets to be that for someone else one day.
I loved that because the characters had such good communication and understanding with each other, their relationship was the easy part of their story. The dramas they face together, and alone, are more to do with the weird societal practices and discrimination between the classes.
The age gap between Soren and Zale isn't really noticeable because of the maturity in the way both characters are written. There're no moments where the age gap feels like it's causing a power imbalance. In fact, the power imbalance of Zale's position in society is the only thing that I'd normally be nervous to read about, but Soren's character is written to be independently strong. He's willing to do what he has to in order to live, and Zale respects him for it.
Overall, I'm really impressed with this book, every part exceeded my expectations. The author's storytelling is easy to read, with events that keep you from putting the book down. This book gives an immersive experience that will make you truly appreciate our luxurious privilege of unlimited toilet flushes.
For starters, I'll admit, dystopian stories always have a way of drawing me in. So it's no wonder I enjoyed the hell out of that aspect of it. The author does a brilliant job of building the world. It takes skill to write a good dystopia, and the author has absolutely achieved this in a way that makes you feel as though you are right there living it, imagining yourself in this world. This is especially impressive for a story this length, because it's managed in a way that feels completely natural and interesting. Honestly, the level of thought that would have had to go into planning this world is worthy of the stars, and I haven't even touched on the characters.
The main couple follows the tried and true rich person of power falls for poor nobody, formula. But their relationship is what really makes this stand out. The representation of their sexualities was outstanding! As someone who falls under the asexual spectrum, I was on the verge of tears reading the way the characters so openly discussed their feelings and wants, and were nothing but accepting of each other. This is the kind of representation that could have helped me understand myself without the angst of thinking I was broken. I really hope it gets to be that for someone else one day.
I loved that because the characters had such good communication and understanding with each other, their relationship was the easy part of their story. The dramas they face together, and alone, are more to do with the weird societal practices and discrimination between the classes.
The age gap between Soren and Zale isn't really noticeable because of the maturity in the way both characters are written. There're no moments where the age gap feels like it's causing a power imbalance. In fact, the power imbalance of Zale's position in society is the only thing that I'd normally be nervous to read about, but Soren's character is written to be independently strong. He's willing to do what he has to in order to live, and Zale respects him for it.
Overall, I'm really impressed with this book, every part exceeded my expectations. The author's storytelling is easy to read, with events that keep you from putting the book down. This book gives an immersive experience that will make you truly appreciate our luxurious privilege of unlimited toilet flushes.
October 22, 2022
I had no idea what to expect of this book, but I absolutely loved it.
Soren is an exotic dancer in a post apocalyptic world. He has no government number, and barely exists in this new world. Working at the Rose in Winter Pleasure Palace may not be his dream, but it’s getting him through.
Zale is the governor’s son and lives a more comfortable life than most. He knows he feels attraction differently than others, and he’s had a hard time finding a partner because of this. But when he sees Soren, he knows he wants to get to know him.
Zale shows Soren so many things he’s never seen. He gets to ride in a car, have unlimited water, yummy meals and access to books. He’s fascinated by Zale’s world, and the man himself.
One night turns into every Sunday, and as the men get to know each other better, they learn their definition of being lovers is quite similar. They prefer holding each other and reading together to sex, and it works beautifully for them. When the resources and finances in their state grow fire, these two decide to look at a better future together.
This is a very sweet story and two asexual men who find comfort and love in each other, even in a difficult world.
Really beautiful!
Soren is an exotic dancer in a post apocalyptic world. He has no government number, and barely exists in this new world. Working at the Rose in Winter Pleasure Palace may not be his dream, but it’s getting him through.
Zale is the governor’s son and lives a more comfortable life than most. He knows he feels attraction differently than others, and he’s had a hard time finding a partner because of this. But when he sees Soren, he knows he wants to get to know him.
Zale shows Soren so many things he’s never seen. He gets to ride in a car, have unlimited water, yummy meals and access to books. He’s fascinated by Zale’s world, and the man himself.
One night turns into every Sunday, and as the men get to know each other better, they learn their definition of being lovers is quite similar. They prefer holding each other and reading together to sex, and it works beautifully for them. When the resources and finances in their state grow fire, these two decide to look at a better future together.
This is a very sweet story and two asexual men who find comfort and love in each other, even in a difficult world.
Really beautiful!
November 1, 2022
If you haven’t read anything by this author, you’re missing out. This is the third story I’ve read by Lysander and my favorite thus far. The romance, the characters, the plot, the prose, the world building, it’s all so fantastic.
Soren and Zale are both sweet precious baby angels who have never done anything wrong and deserve to be protected at all costs. Their relationship builds so naturally and it’s one of the sweetest, fluffiest romances I’ve ever read. The fact that both mc’s are fantastic asexual rep makes it even better.
I loved everything this book had to offer, but my favorite thing about it is the world building. I am absolutely amazed at the authors ability to build such an interesting and complex world in such a short amount of time. I’m even more impressed because the story never gets bogged down by those descriptions, it is instead weaved so naturally throughout the book that you don’t even realize it’s happening.
I am dying to see more of these characters and this world. Please read this book. Seriously it’s so good.
Soren and Zale are both sweet precious baby angels who have never done anything wrong and deserve to be protected at all costs. Their relationship builds so naturally and it’s one of the sweetest, fluffiest romances I’ve ever read. The fact that both mc’s are fantastic asexual rep makes it even better.
I loved everything this book had to offer, but my favorite thing about it is the world building. I am absolutely amazed at the authors ability to build such an interesting and complex world in such a short amount of time. I’m even more impressed because the story never gets bogged down by those descriptions, it is instead weaved so naturally throughout the book that you don’t even realize it’s happening.
I am dying to see more of these characters and this world. Please read this book. Seriously it’s so good.
February 21, 2025
Short and VERY sweet ace/ace romance set in a dystopian future. As short as it is it somehow managed to pack in SO MUCH worldbuilding and create an intensely beautiful and well realized romance between the two main characters. There is another novella set in the same world and apparently the author is working on a full length novel, which will also hopefully have the same setting as I was fascinated and just wanted to know more. Super highly recommended, this was an unexpected gem for me and I'm so happy to have read it.
September 14, 2023
Loved the world, loved the characters, and especially loved the ace rep. Should have totally read this before Subterranean Pornographer XVII but I hadn't expected to like this world enough to want to read more than one book in it. But now I definitely do, I can't wait for the Liam and Paris story.
January 3, 2025
I understand why many like this one but for me it was just so-so
I don't understand why they start to love each other. The dystopian world was interesting but nothing new. And I feel like I was reading a 15/16 year old. He is17/18 tough...
I don't understand why they start to love each other. The dystopian world was interesting but nothing new. And I feel like I was reading a 15/16 year old. He is17/18 tough...
March 8, 2025
A beautiful and sweet short story set in a devastating potential future some elements of which may be a reality for some even now.
I loved the writing style, the love and deep care displayed by the main character’s unexpected partner and the simple but still satisfying “end”
I loved the writing style, the love and deep care displayed by the main character’s unexpected partner and the simple but still satisfying “end”
December 23, 2022
Sweet couple. I enjoyed this
December 27, 2022
2.5 STARS
Something about it was a bit odd for me, and it made the story as a whole feel off. I'm not sure how i feel about it
Something about it was a bit odd for me, and it made the story as a whole feel off. I'm not sure how i feel about it
January 15, 2023
This was so sweet! I loved reading this from an ace character poem. The world building was really good too, and I just love this couple!
February 17, 2026
My only problem with this story is that there wasn’t enough of it. I need more of this world and these characters.
4.5/5 stars, rounded up to 5.
4.5/5 stars, rounded up to 5.
January 10, 2026
I really enjoyed this novella – it’s short, but Arden doesn’t waste a single word. Through these 96 pages, we get to know Soren, who wants to be a dancer and is trapped in the Rose in Winter Pleasure Palace. Without a number, Soren has little prospects, but the upcoming virgin auction might just allow him to pay off his debts. Enter Zale, the governor’s son, strangely drawn to Soren, who introduces Soren to the world above.
I really liked the worldbuilding here: Arden does a good job of showing us the world Soren and Zale live in, in all its dystopian glory. There are restrictions on electricity, food, and housing. As he works for the Rose in Winter, Soren is able to live in a dorm, but without a number he isn’t allocated any food rations, and is very much expected to fend for himself.
There’s good development around the way things work, and we’re shown a world that has struggled due to environmental disasters. As the novella goes on, things get worse for our characters, with a total collapse imminent. We see it all through Soren’s eyes, too, and though he’s faced a lot of hardship, he’s a sweet character who is still trying to understand the world around him.
There was a particularly lovely scene featuring a book that I, personally, am not a fan of, but Arden writes it in with such care, the use of it becomes a lovely, endearing element of the whole novella. I really liked the way Soren viewed things, and the way he described items that would, to us, be very normal, everyday things. Due to his circumstances, too, he doesn’t take anything for granted. The relationship between Soren and Zale is very sweet, and built up with a lot of care.
Overall, I really enjoyed this post-apocalyptic, dystopian novella, and absolutely recommend it.
I really liked the worldbuilding here: Arden does a good job of showing us the world Soren and Zale live in, in all its dystopian glory. There are restrictions on electricity, food, and housing. As he works for the Rose in Winter, Soren is able to live in a dorm, but without a number he isn’t allocated any food rations, and is very much expected to fend for himself.
There’s good development around the way things work, and we’re shown a world that has struggled due to environmental disasters. As the novella goes on, things get worse for our characters, with a total collapse imminent. We see it all through Soren’s eyes, too, and though he’s faced a lot of hardship, he’s a sweet character who is still trying to understand the world around him.
There was a particularly lovely scene featuring a book that I, personally, am not a fan of, but Arden writes it in with such care, the use of it becomes a lovely, endearing element of the whole novella. I really liked the way Soren viewed things, and the way he described items that would, to us, be very normal, everyday things. Due to his circumstances, too, he doesn’t take anything for granted. The relationship between Soren and Zale is very sweet, and built up with a lot of care.
Overall, I really enjoyed this post-apocalyptic, dystopian novella, and absolutely recommend it.
January 30, 2025
3 stars
Intriguing. I enjoyed the concept more than the execution.
The worldbuilding is interesting, it's a post-apocalyptic setting with rationed food and electricity based on a mostly hereditary numbering system. There are also some great little blips, like them reading an ancient historical book and interpreting the deep meaning...the book is Twilight by Stephanie Meyer.
The characters are interesting and engaging, both on the ace spectrum. Soren is a poor exotic dancer with alopecia, Zane a rich client. But we don't get to know much about their inner workings, it all seems very surface level.
Like, I wonder if Soren ever got to see his dad again? It's mentioned that he visits him, so...I guess it would be a pity to just up and leave with no notice.
It ends on an optimistic note for the MCs, and I do appreciate that there's no grandiose world-saving plot here. This system is fucked, and it is what it is.
Intriguing. I enjoyed the concept more than the execution.
The worldbuilding is interesting, it's a post-apocalyptic setting with rationed food and electricity based on a mostly hereditary numbering system. There are also some great little blips, like them reading an ancient historical book and interpreting the deep meaning...the book is Twilight by Stephanie Meyer.
The characters are interesting and engaging, both on the ace spectrum. Soren is a poor exotic dancer with alopecia, Zane a rich client. But we don't get to know much about their inner workings, it all seems very surface level.
Like, I wonder if Soren ever got to see his dad again? It's mentioned that he visits him, so...I guess it would be a pity to just up and leave with no notice.
It ends on an optimistic note for the MCs, and I do appreciate that there's no grandiose world-saving plot here. This system is fucked, and it is what it is.
August 17, 2025
This is something I’d never think of choosing and a different genre that what I’m used to but it was very easy to get through and quite a short read too. I like that it covers asexual relationships as this is something that’s not usually promoted in books I’ve found so it’s a nice representation. I like how it’s based around social classes too, even in the future, it highlights the struggles lower classes have compared to the higher ones.
I scored it lower purely because it didn’t do much for me in terms of interest or engagement. It was something to pass the time and whilst it was an easy read, I didn’t gain much from it!
I scored it lower purely because it didn’t do much for me in terms of interest or engagement. It was something to pass the time and whilst it was an easy read, I didn’t gain much from it!
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