Protection in The Freeloaders

Mar 18, 2013 Kat rated it it was amazing

Shelves: short-stories-and-novellas, pampers-the-emo-within, all-nighters, blazing-intensity, lingers-in-the-mind, m-m, dub-con-or-non-con, lo-lo-and-jenna-sandwich, my-goddamn-emotions, buddy-read

God, this novella! On my favorites shelf this little gem goes.

I buddy-read Protection and it’s actually pretty rare for my partners in crime and I to be unanimously impressed. But the author with the misleading penname pulled it off once again! If it’s up to me, I’d say T. Baggins is probably one of the better writers in the M/M genre, and she really deserves to be on your radar. You don’t want to know how many times I’ve heard people mention that they’re surprised or blown-away by this author’s God, this novella! On my favorites shelf this little gem goes.

I buddy-read Protection and it’s actually pretty rare for my partners in crime and I to be unanimously impressed. But the author with the misleading penname pulled it off once again! If it’s up to me, I’d say T. Baggins is probably one of the better writers in the M/M genre, and she really deserves to be on your radar. You don’t want to know how many times I’ve heard people mention that they’re surprised or blown-away by this author’s work, not having expected it because she’s so underrated.

And at first glance, this prison story is little more than a humble novella with a cheap-looking cover (no matter what version you pick). But, oh man, appearances – like pennames — can be deceiving! Rather than another horny fantasy about inmates that reads like themed porn, this is a beautifully written and touching story that managed to linger in my mind for days to come. The brilliant thing about Protection is that it packs a punch, but at the same time is neither very grim nor overly sweet. I think it’s one of those stories that could click with many readers for various reasons. There’s constant breath-holding tension, but no angst overkill. There’s heartbreak and sadness that may have turned me into a blubbering mess. But thanks to the undercurrent of sensuality and tenderness I was a blubbering mess with a smile on my face.

This author made me root for her characters, despite them not being perfectly sympathetic lads. No, the men in Wentworth prison are brutally violent (there is a rape scene that can be stomach-churning, so be forewarned), but they are also lonely and longing for affection. More than anything, they feel real. Protection is set in England’s 1930’s and the author did enough research to get the ambiance right as she tells the bittersweet story of a young doctor, Joey, who falls from grace when he is accused of the gross neglect and following death of a pregnant woman. Within the prison walls, the noble and attractive young man soon finds that he’s the weakest among the wolves. When he captures the interest of the leader of the pack, Gabriel, his immediate future looks bleak.

“They won’t help you,” Gabriel said softly. “You know I tell you true. I’ll help you. I’ll protect you. But I’ll have payment. Pick up the cigarette. Let me light it. Tell every man in Wentworth you’re my girl. I’ll go to my grave defending you and expect no more than a kiss before bed at night. Or thereabouts,” he added, grinning.
“I’m no girl,” Cooper said, lips curling back from even white teeth.
“My boy, then. Or just mine. But pick up the goddamn cigarette before the Lovelies decide to give it a go. Eight against one is hard odds, even for me.”

Protection kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Or rather, I arrived at the office with blue-purplish bags underneath my eyes because I read on when I should’ve gone to bed. It was impossible to put down. If I have to mention one thing that I liked less though, it’s probably that due to the novella-length, the big leap from trauma to something else entirely between the MCs felt a tad rushed. A somewhat slower progression would’ve been more plausible. Oh, and although I personally adored the subtle ending (an ending that isn’t at odds with the bittersweet story that comes before it for a change, outstanding!), if you’d rather have a dash of sap (or a huge splash of it), you’ll be pleased with the included Coda, that offers an alternative ending.

earlier ramblings
I just remembered how much I hate going to the dentist. Hate it.
Moving this one to my probably not shelf. But then again, who knew that prison life could be this fucking awesome?!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKtdTJ...
...more

39 likes · Like · see review

Nov 30, 2012 Elizabetta rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: british-isles, hist-rom, abuse-torture, faves, slave-captive-prisoner-hostage, dmc, free-have, e2l-enemy-rival-to-lover, prison-crime-ex-con, best-of-2013

I loved every bit of this, so very good… completely took me by surprise… it’s an historical prison romance; it is violent, hopeful, bittersweet. And so well rendered.

Set in early 20th century England, Gabriel and Joey’s story is told with the distinct voice of the time, straight-forward and dispassionate. The two men, incarcerated in a dismal prison, a post-Victorian hell-hole, become unlikely allies against all odds as they learn to protect each other. It is tense without angst, heart breaking ...more

7 likes · Like · see review

Feb 22, 2012 Sandra rated it really liked it

Shelves: m-m, contemporary-romance, historical-romance, kindle-lent, gay-for-you, under-125-pages

This is a really good novella. It has an interesting and somewhat dark initial story-line that turns into a bit of tragic love story. The two main characters aren't at all one-dimensional, although I got a better feel for Gabe. Most of all I think it was really well written, and gave a realistic portrayal of prison at this time and what these men would really have gone through. The ending was a little abrupt for me, but I accidently stopped reading when I only had two chapters left, so the disjo ...more

5 likes · Like · see review

Dec 21, 2012 Samantha rated it really liked it

Shelves: mm-read

I didn't review this when I originally read this, as I sucked back them, but I accept that.

Still, it's stuck with me, and I still remember the emotions it made me feel. And I read it at least a couple years ago, so that's something quite remarkable.

So, this was me when reading it, I'm pretty sure:

So anyone who wants a big heart breaker? Look no further. You've got it.
...more

4 likes · Like · see review

Jan 11, 2013 LenaLena rated it it was ok

Shelves: mm, historical-fiction, free-reads

Well.

Whaddayaknow?

Historical Sappy Prison Melodrama.

It exists.

3 likes · Like · see review

Mar 31, 2012 Ashley♥Alexis rated it really liked it

Shelves: my-owned-e-books, theme-prison-er, theme-enemies-to-lovers, genre-m-m

um. I have no words. I can't believe I willingly read this knowing how it would end. Okay, I can believe it. This story was amazing. Loved the way it was written, the story, the characters, the emotions. It made the prison life real. I really really wanted a HEA. I read specifically for the HEA and even knowing that wasn't going to happen with these guys it was still so beautiful watching them together. ...more

1 like · Like · see review