O COME ALL YE KINKY

TITLE: O COME ALL YE KINKY

AUTHOR: VARIOUS

                  Sarah Frantz (ed)

Pages: 234

Date: 23/12/2012

Grade: 4

Details: Received from Riptide Publishing

              Through NetGalley

Own/Kindle

You’d think that after about 44 years of being an avid reader I would have a pretty good idea of what I like and don’t like. This book proved to me though that, much to my delight, I’m still able to surprise myself every now and again. Had you asked me a few days ago I would have told you that I generally don’t like short stories and prefer to stay away from same-sex relationships in my books. One seasonal read later I find myself having to change my mind. The stories in this book charmed and captivated me. Of course I liked some more than others, but overall I found this to be a wonderful book of love stories. Yes, all stories are about same-sex couples and all involve power-exchange – BDSM – relationships in some way shape or form. But reading them made me realise something I should have known all along; a love story is a love story, regardless of who or what the people in the relationship are or how they prefer to express their affection. For me this was an eye-opening and warm-hearted (or should I say, hot) holiday read. Perfect for the season we’re in.

Below are short descriptions of the individual stories:

Tree Topper by Jane Davitt: Things are not going well for Martin and Stan. An insecure Dom and his subversive sub are heading for a miserable Christmas and possibly the end of their relationship. But maybe a good talk, some special Christmas presents and a new understanding can make this into the best Christmas yet.

I liked this story because for once we’re dealing with an experienced sub and a novice Dom. Most, if not all of the BDSM stories and books I’ve read so far have dealt with the opposite scenario and it was nice to see the story from the perspective of a enthusiastic but very inexperienced Dom for a change.

‘Twas the Night by Ava Marsh: Christmas day 1820 and Percival Owens is on his way to Michael Barlow’s house. It has been a few months since Percy started visiting Michael. And although he feels guilty about needing to be with the slightly older man and is confused about his need to obey Michael’s every single order, he can’t imagine living without these visits.

Michael is delighted when he hears Percival enter his house. He has been enjoying his evenings with the young, submissive man. But he wants more. Dominating Percy is a delight, but not enough. He wants Percy to voice his needs and wants instead of silently accepting every order. But will Percy be able to overcome his shame and give Michael the one thing he really wants this Christmas?

A lovely story about two men getting to know each other better made extra interesting by the fact that it is set in 1820 when their sort of relationship was still very illegal.

Fireworks by Katie Porter: Rachel and Emma have been in a long-distance relationship for two years but this New Year’s eve will be their last night together. Rachel, the Domme in their relationship is going to Japan for two years and Emma will be left behind. It breaks Emma’s heart to think that she will lose the woman who knows her, her body and her needs so well, that she will have to find a way to go on without the woman she loves. And while Rachel dreads saying goodbye to Emma her fears of commitment and abandonment are far greater than the desire to take Emma with her and start a full-time relationship. Or are they?

I didn't quite get the motivation of one of the characters in this story, but enjoyed the movement towards the happy ever after.

 Candy Caning by L.A. Witt: Stephen and Nate are getting ready for Christmas but it isn't a happy time for them. The prospect of having to visit Nate's family on Christmas Eve and submit themselves to the verbal abuse his mother routinely levels at them has both of them dreading the day. All it takes to make their mood turn festive is for Nate to make a huge decision and an enormous candy cane put to inspired use.

Charming and uplifting.

Submissive Angel by Joey W. Hill: Robert is owns a toy shop and has been single for a long time when he finds Ange behind the dumpster in his yard one night. The younger man has clearly been savagely beaten but still manages to impress Robert with the broken toy he has mended. What really gets to Robert though is Ange’s clearly submissive attitude towards him. Six months later it is coming up to Christmas. Ange has been working for Robert since the day he was found and Robert is finding it ever harder to stay away from him, despite his reservations about returning to his old life-style. When Robert at last gives in to the urge to make Ange submit to him it is an experience better than either of them could have hoped for; an experience that will bring them together in time for Christmas.

A lovely, sexy and truly romantic story with elements that could be supernatural but don’t have to be. Very clever and probably my favourite in this collection.

 Open Return by Elyan Smith: Zach returns home after fifteen years, back to the place where people knew him as Hannah before he left. Fifteen years have been a long time, but not long enough to forget Laura and Scott and the relationship Zach had with them; a relationship in which he submitted, completely, to their desires. It will take a while though to figure out whether or not fifteen years have been too long for the three of them to get back to their earlier intimacy.

This story didn’t work as well for me as the other ones did. I couldn’t quite get my head around Zach and didn’t get a real feel for the relationship between him and Scott and Laura.

Ring Out the Old and In the New by Alexa Snow: It has been two months since Evan was attacked on the tube and left with a scar on his beautiful face. Two months during with Evan has wanted nothing except hide in the house he is sharing with Richard, his partner and Master, while keeping his emotions bottled up and close. But, with Christmas coming up Richard decides it is time for Evan to start facing the world again. Evan is reluctant, sure that after what he has been through life can never be the same, or safe again. But with Richards love, patience and dominance, Evan might just find a way back to the man he used to be.

A beautiful and loving story.

Chance by Kim Dare: Drew knows he is in trouble with his Master, Kingsley. He should never have said that his Master doesn’t do romance, even if it’s true, even if he doesn’t mind. Drew also knows that tonight he is going to pay for opening his big mouth. Before the clock strikes twelve and the New Year starts, Drew may lose the Master he has fallen in love with. Kingsley has been in shock ever since he heard Drew say that he knows his Master doesn’t do love. What if Drew is with him because he wants a Master who doesn’t fall in love with his sub? Will admitting his feelings to Drew cost him his wonderful relationship or might it be the start of a bright and very happy New Year?

Romantic and sexy; a charming read.