Dangerous Games by Claire Thompson (Spotlight and review) ADULT

Dangerous Games

by

Claire Thompson

When you play dirty games, the stakes are dangerously high …

Reese Armstrong is striving to get his life on track. He has started a new career, gotten a new apartment…now he has to figure out how to shake the guy who insists on controlling his every move. For years, Reese took part in the deviant bets orchestrated by his wealthy lover, Hank. He’s told himself he’s done with all that, but the terms of this latest bet are more than Reese can refuse. 
As head computer programmer at a software company, Luca Hartman’s professional life is soaring. But his personal life is a lonely mess. When the hot new sales guy takes an interest in him, a world of possibility opens. But Luca’s been burned before, and he’s wary of the sudden attention. Why would Reese, who could have any man he wants, choose geeky, stuttering Luca? Is he truly sincere or should Luca be on the lookout for a string of malicious code?
Disarmed and enchanted by the shy, brilliant Luca, Reese has to make a choice: reject Hank’s dirty tactics or follow through and destroy the potential he sees with Luca. But even if Reese wants to be done with their dangerous games, Hank’s not through with him…
This is Book 1 of the Games of the Heart M/M series. Be sure to check out Book 2 Turning the Tables.
- coming soon!








My review:

4.25 out of 5 stars

Dangerous Games by Claire Thompson features a computer geek named Luca Hartman who gets caught up in an unholy bet made by Reese Armstrong, a colleague at his company. Reese is trying to reinvent his life, but has been in a rut with the man who shaped his life since they were both in high school, even though their malicious games are no longer fun. Once Reese gets to know the shy Luca, he realizes there could be a better way to fulfill his needs, but only if he can find a way to break the chains to his past without destroying his future.

This adult gay BDSM romance provides a delicious mixture of kink and emotionalism as Reese works through the conditioning he’s had since his teen years and discovers there’s a different way to approach a relationship. I enjoyed the way things morphed as Reese’s conscience finally kicks in and he realizes that not only does he need to treat others better but he also deserves to be treated better. There are certain developments that are inevitable, and for me, the resolution of the major conflict is a little contrived, but I still breathed a sigh of relief. Both of the main characters are personable, and I was quickly invested in seeing them work out as a couple and entertained by the apparent role reversal. I am intrigued by the idea of the slimy ex getting his comeuppance, but it’s going to take a lot to redeem him, so I can’t wait to see what the author has in store.

A copy of this title was provided for review 

He's Mine by Claire Thompson (Spotlight and review) ADULT title

He's Mine

by 

Clare Thompson

ADULT title

Blurb:

A new and unexpected love... An ex with revenge on his mind...

Ben’s not in any hurry to fall in love. Sure…he misses the passion and the sweet caress of someone special in his life, but after freeing himself from his last mistake of a boyfriend, it’s time to reevaluate his choices. Until a gorgeous, fascinating guy slips into the seat beside him at a mutual friend’s wedding…then all thoughts of going slow vanish.

Adrian keeps the men in his life at arm’s length…it’s safer for everyone. Casual hookups without emotional entanglements are his specialty, and the guy sitting next to him looks to be perfect for the job. But as the evening progresses, a hot, steady flame of desire flares within him, and Adrian has to tamp down the sparks. Because Ben has the potential to become something different…something more.

When old secrets are revealed, Adrian and Ben must come together to heal past wounds, and that includes dealing with a dangerous ex who won’t take no for an answer. When threats to their personal and professional lives escalate into violence, they will have no choice but to take action to protect their newfound love.



Amazon link



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My review:

3.75 out of 5 stars

He’s Mine by Claire Thompson is a contemporary gay romance that centers around Benjamin (Ben) Samuel Richman and Adrian Charles Taylor. Ben has escaped an abusive relationship and Adrian is still dealing with his own horrific past but somehow they form a connection that intensifies with every passing day. Then the past comes back to haunt them.

This is a story that contrasts the euphoria of a mutual attraction with the nightmare of coping with obsession and violence as well as the challenge of atonement for one’s past mistakes. Those who are concerned with such things should be aware that there are three points of view presented, and those with triggers should use caution if bothered by a bit of violence or the tragic results of driving under the influence. I like the full circle nature of the story and the heat between the two main characters, but wasn’t quite sure I made a connection with either of them. I think that things were a bit compressed, especially with respect to Ben’s family, so some of the following events didn’t quite feel believable to me, but the overall story is entertaining and heartwarming and I look forward to more tales from this prolific author.

A copy of this title was provided to me for review

The Contract by Claire Thompson (spotlight and review) ADULT title

The Contract
by
Claire Thompson
ADULT title


Blurb:

It will take a Master's control to set him free...

Out of work, out of love, and ready for adventure, Jace Thompson jumps at an opportunity to be a service sub at a private BDSM resort in the Florida Keys. As Jace works hard to please the dominant men he serves, he is challenged at every turn by a manipulative trainer who seems hell bent on his failure.  Then Jace meets a true Master, and everything changes.
Master Quinn has rules, and the most important is never to get involved with the service subs. But when he’s asked to assess Jace for his submissive potential, the attraction between them is instant and scorching hot.
Against a backdrop of lush tropical beauty and steamy passion, Jace and Quinn begin a secret, powerful exploration of Domination and submission. But Quinn’s jealous ex-lover has other ideas. Hiding in the shadows, he weaves a tangled web of danger and deception, determined to catch Jace in its snare.



Amazon link

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My review:

3.75 out of 5 stars

The Contract by Claire Thompson is an erotic m/m story that centers around a submissive young man who finds a way to deal with his financial difficulties by indulging in his carnal side on a very unusual secluded island that caters to BDSM aficionados who belong to Club Hieros. Jace is willing to sign a contract that requires that he service the members, but his biggest challenge is going to be the trainers, particularly the older man who makes him wish for the impossible.

This delightfully spicy tale showcases the author’s trademark kink and sensuality and combines it with a bit of mystery. Jace seems like a relatively naïve young man who finds a way to combine his submissive desires with a lucrative position but I wasn’t sure about the insta-lust attraction that forms between him and the older and more experienced Dominant, Quinn. Despite that, the heat and interaction between the two of them is intriguing to watch and there is a great demonstration of the essential qualities of trust and integrity required in a D/s relationship. I thought the creepy “villain” needed to be punished a bit more and I have trouble believing that he is suddenly going to develop integrity, but perhaps he will get a redemption story at some point. Those with triggers should make sure to read the blurb carefully and those in search of an entertaining and sexy BDSM tale, have fun with this story!

A copy of this story was provided to me for review

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