Ganymede Quartet

Wrapped Up In A COLLAR AND TIE–Reviews and Adieus…

Hi there! It’s my great pleasure to share reviews for the final book (and companion!) in the Ganymede Quartet, A COLLAR AND TIE. I have shared reviews for this alternate historical M/M series: A MOST PERSONAL PROPERTY, A PROPER LOVER, and A WILLFUL ROMANTIC, each having a free companion novella as a bonus.

In truth, I adore these boys, and their travails have become mine.

A Collar and Tie (Ganymede Quartet #4)My Review:
This is the FINAL book (sighs from the loss!) of the Ganymede Quartet, and the books need to be read in order.

I have faithfully followed this series, loving every second of Henry’s angst and Martin’s solicitousness. The books are set in an alternate historical period, NYC circa 1901, but in this world slaves are still present, and Companion slaves are purchased by wealthy families for the personal use of their teenaged children. Martin is a Companion from the House of Ganymede who was purchased for Henry Blackwell, scion of the industrialist Hiram Blackwell, seven months ago. Henry’s darkest secret is that he loves Martin, even though it is unnatural and unacceptable gentlemanly behavior.

Henry is a romantic fool, wishing that he could change the world so that his love for Martin could be shared with any, and every, one. He has no desire to marry a woman, even though he knows this is expected. He fears his father will take Martin away if he learns of Henry’s proclivities, and yet he cannot contain his ardor. *swoon*

Henry is a desirable partner for the ladies, because he is wealthy and handsome, and his lack of interest is almost catnip for some of the girls of his acquaintance. Still, Henry’s impulsiveness is bound to get him into more trouble–when he steals private moments at the Metropolitan Ball with Martin. His indiscretion leads to a falling out with his best friend, Louis, and a hasty retreat into the bowels of NYC’s seedy gay society.

I was so enamored of this part–of Henry finding common folk with whom to share his joy over being with Martin. Being that he’s still only 16, Henry’s compass doesn’t necessarily point in the proper direction. Martin’s attempt to steer him rightly is unwelcome, and leads to further discord. Oy vey, Henry! It is meant to be, child, just not the way YOU want it to be…

I had my heart broken along with Henry, though I knew he was being petulant and rotten to Martin. I awaited reconciliation and, like Martin, was rewarded for my patience. As a romance, this book (and series) hits all the marks. It is sexy and sweet and sad and joyous. I have angsted alongside these boys for the better part of a year–and I could go ten more years hearing their wondrous tales.

All the main issues are accounted for: Henry and his parents have a better relationship. Henry learns to deal with his love for Martin in private. People want to be around Henry, despite his “invert” issues. Martin is fantastic and lovely and wonderful and Henry will be a better man for loving him.

This book ends with a satisfying resolution, but I’m still not satisfied. I’m a little bitter that this is the end, in truth. I need more Henry and Martin in my life. I want to know how their lives change. I want to tag along to college, and to see Henry attempt to court a lady. I want he and Martin to live long happy lives together, filled with adventure and love.

I know I won’t see them again like this, and I am melancholy over it.

Sign of a fantastic series….

Interested? You can find A COLLAR AND TIE on Goodreads, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

As is Ms. Glass’ custom, she releases a companion novella from the POV of Henry’s Companion, Martin. This is a freebie, but won’t make much sense for people who don’t read Henry’s book, first.

26093726I adored A FREE CHOICE, which is to be expected, really, as I have adored the series in its entirety.

The book is a wrap on the series, and mostly follows the final three days of A COLLAR AND TIE, from Martin’s perspective. It is lovely and wonderful, and I want more!

Martin has recently reconciled with his master and lover, Henry Blackwell. Henry’s family is an odd mix, and not quite what Martin had hoped for when he was being sold as a Companion last September, but Martin has found love and devotion in his master and he could not have wished for better circumstances.

Martin does wrap up his thoughts on the 14th Street debacle and his misery over Henry’s bad temper quite well. I was so glad to see his playfulness and thoughtfulness come out so strongly. I think Martin is finally comfortable enough to be a partner to Henry, and not solely his slave. I do so want to see them try Chinese food, and go out adventuring with Mr. Ross and Simon! To see them play with Mr. Wilton and Russ.

I think I might not go gracefully into this goodnight, Ms. Glass!

I am not ready for this series to end. And I am eager for further stories to bring them back to me.
*crosses fingers*
*contemplates pact with the devil*

You can find A FREE CHOICE on Goodreads, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

About the Author:
Darrah Glass is a writer and generally inquisitive person who likes her fantasies to be as historically accurate as possible. She loves research, sex scenes, and researching sex scenes. She’s married and happily childless, does yoga, never cleans her house, likes shoes and toenail polish, and is vain about her hair. As far as her priorities are concerned, she’d rather write than do just about anything else, and she drives a 15-year-old car but carries really nice purses.

You can catch up with Darrah on Goodreads, her website and twitter.

Thanks for popping in, and keep reading my friends! 🙂

How He Became A PROPER LOVER–Review and Get Your Free Book

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a newer series I have gone crazy for: The Ganymede Quartet books by Darrah Glass. I reviewed the first book, A MOST PERSONAL PROPERTY, before and it’s a really interesting, fun, sexy read. A PROPER LOVER is the second in a series of alt history/historical books where slavery still exists in the year 1900, and wealthy people purchase same-sex slaves for their adolescent children, so-called “companion” slaves, to allow for disgorgement of sexual tension in a “healthy manner.” The protagonists are teen boys, but this is an ADULT book. There is boatloads of graphic gay sex, which doesn’t trouble me a whit. You are hereby warned.

A Proper Lover (Ganymede Quartet, #2)About the book:
What does it mean to belong to someone?

Henry Blackwell is the happiest he’s ever been, and it’s all because of his companion slave Martin. Every experience, whether it be mundane or spectacular, is improved by having Martin at his side. The better Henry gets to know his slave, the deeper his feelings grow. Though the physical attraction between them is undeniable, Henry’s sure there’s more to their relationship than just sex. He can’t be certain, as it’s never happened before, but he believes he might be falling in love.

Henry’s friends are ready and willing to put their own slaves aside in favor of female companionship, and they’re beginning to wonder why Henry isn’t interested in girls. Henry only wants to be with Martin and doesn’t know how much longer he can use “late bloomer” as an excuse. The holiday season approaches, along with the promise of parties with friends and family. Henry doesn’t want to share Martin with his friends, but he doesn’t like being left out. Will he stand up for himself—and Martin—when it counts?

My Review:
Here’s what I love about these books: the love.

Henry Blackwell is the son, and heir, of the richest man in NYC in 1900. He also has an “unnatural” attraction to his companion slave, Martin. They engage in sex whenever and wherever possible. It’s socially acceptable for Henry to “use” Martin, but not to kiss him, or to ensure that Martin is satisfied. No, proper slave owners simply take their own pleasure and pay no heed to their slaves wishes, or comfort.

But, that isn’t Henry.

He adores Martin, and spoils him whenever possible. Part of Henry’s generosity comes from his own father’s egalitarian example: the Blackwell slaves are some of the most respected on account of their fair treatment. The rest? Henry craves affection. His mother and father are extremely distant parents. The only real love Henry has ever known has come from the slaves of the house and his Uncle Reggie, who moved to Italy nearly a decade ago. And Martin seems more than acceptably affectionate with Henry, too.

Though they have only had sexual relations for a few weeks Henry is sure he loves Martin. This he hides deep inside. It’s hard enough wondering if Martin could return his sentiment, but fearing a luke-warm reception to his fervor keeps Henry from revealing his true feelings–at least verbally. The boys spend a lot of time physically demonstrating their passion.

Before this time Martin believed Henry had no interest in him, and even cast some “slave magic” spells to attract Henry’s regard. Martin confides this to Henry, who endeavors to demonstrate that his love for Martin is not of the magical variety.

The book is so fun. I love the historical setting, and the deepening of the relationship between Henry and Martin. It is for Martin that Henry breaks through his shell, and endeavors to be a better student and brother.

All of Henry’s friends regularly share their slaves, trading them for sexual favors like one might hand off a piece of gum or a sweater to a pal. Henry abhors this idea, though he gets drawn in inadvertently, leaving open the question of fidelity for one’s slave.

I’m so glad it ended how it had! And, I look forward to book three most eagerly. I received an ARC of this book because I’m a super fangirl and begged the author.

Interested? You can find A PROPER LOVER on Goodreads, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

You can test drive this series for free by reading A SUPERIOR SLAVE, the prequel to A MOST PERSONAL PROPERTY, available on Goodreads Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.

You can find Book 1, A MOST PERSONAL PROPERTY, on Goodreads, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

And Book 2.5, A MASTER’S FIDELITY, is also free. And, I loved it. Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

About the Author:
Darrah Glass is a writer and generally inquisitive person who likes her fantasies to be as historically accurate as possible. She loves research, sex scenes, and researching sex scenes. She’s married and happily childless, does yoga, never cleans her house, likes shoes and toenail polish, and is vain about her hair. As far as her priorities are concerned, she’d rather write than do just about anything else, and she drives a 15-year-old car but carries really nice purses.

You can catch up with Darrah on Goodreads, her website and twitter.

Thanks for popping in, and keep reading my friends! 🙂