3.5 Stars ( )

The continuation of James and Professor Carson's relationship takes the lack of ethical behavior on the professor's side several steps beyond his morally questionable activities in 'An Inch At A Time'. Set a few years after the events of that book, it is now two years ago that James has walked away from their relationship because he couldn't take the professor's demands any longer and, even more importantly, because he was afraid of losing himself, of having no limits and letting the man do whatever he wanted without regard to James's preferences or real needs. To note: even though this book was published first, it is actually the sequel to the events of book two (which is like a prequel, and contains the beginning of James and Evander's stormy relationship); it is easier to understand it if book two has already been read.

It has been two years since James has left Professor Carson, and as this story unfolds, it becomes very clear why he did. The professor kept pushing him, and while James is now unarguably an academic success, he is afraid. He knows he is prone to addiction (his episode with substance abuse when he was seventeen proved that), he saw how the professor had become his "drug of choice", and he is afraid that he will lose himself unless he can learn to put up some limits. Since he cannot do that inside the relationship, he had to leave. The accidental new contact via text makes James reconsider, since the professor's demands still make him hot and he wants what the man can give him, if only he can learn to push back.

I have to admit that my opinion of the professor isn’t very high after this book. His behavior was somewhat questionable in book one, but since his methods were successful, and James seemed okay with everything he had done to him, I believed it was all okay. Not so in this second story. James is clearly tormented by what further things the professor makes him do, yet he cannot seem to resists. The professor knows James is an addict – yet he never discussed limits with him? A safeword is all well and good, but if Carson gives it to someone he knows to be yearning for his approval, how is James expected to use it? Carson should know that. If he does, and is trying to teach some obscure lesson by overstepping what is decent, then it is so well hidden I did not find any evidence.

This book is deeply troublesome in many respects. The professor's unscrupulous pushing of James into situations of ever-increasingly doubtful consent made me angry. James tries to put up a fight, but I have no idea how successful he will be in the long run. Anyway, the way he resists, by starting to date another man, is highly questionable in itself. Only a third book might be able to clarify some of the murkiness this one left me in. I certainly hope the authors decide to write it! The psychological tension and uncertainties of this volume definitely warrant dome clarification, as far as I am concerned.

If you like stories with a definitely uncomfortable level of "use" of one man by a more powerful man for that one's amusement, if you enjoy characters struggling for emotional and mental independence, and if you want to know what happens to James and Evander after they conclude their very successful academic tutoring, then you should give this book a try. Just know that it contains some questionable morals, a third man introduced into what might or might not be an on-again relationship between James and Professor Carson, and a whole lot of uncertainty as to what will happen next.



NOTE: This book was provided by Riptide Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
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*devious grin*

Giving an Inch"...hmm what a great title. History Grad James Sheridan is inept when it comes to fashion. He needs an outfit to impress the Ph.D candidacy board and his t-shirt and ratty jeans aren't going to cut it. So he's lost in translation at a clothing store, getting flirtatious help from a hot shop assistant, tasked with taking selfies and sending to his sister who is much more fluent in clothes. He accidentally texts his ex of two years, the ever-so-dominant Professor Carson.

And does the hot, sexy, fun begin!

Just reading the snippets of the things James and Carson did in the past (kinksters will be happy - caning, voyeurism, exhibitionism, spanking to name a few), I wanted needed to know more. Plus there was a sense of lightness throughout the story that was enjoyable.

Why did James and Carson break up? The Dom was too demanding for James. James felt he was giving into his professor way too much. Unfortunately, we don't get to read about the break up in depth. But the taste that we do get, is satisfactory.

And the polite and hot shop assistant, Satish? Please keep him. (Kudos for having an Indian love interest, BTW!) He's adorable but I have trepidation for his future as he seems submissive and two subs just calls for a Dom to step in. Hmm, maybe a future triad? What's in store for the professor? What scenes and games will he create for James to participate in? The one he came up with at the clothing store? Delicious.

I was left salivating for more. This is a yummy, sexy series to watch. I need to know what the professor has up his sleeve. I'm sure it will be erotically devious and fun.

This is 45 pages of erotic, light, BDSM fun. I see endless possibilities for the future of these men, so ladies, get the writing!!

(Please.)

ARC provided by Riptide Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review." ( )

I actually really liked Giving an Inch, though I really wanted more like a foot! The story was intriguing and I REALLY wish it would've continued after James left the store. It was steamy, but I so would've wanted a bit more to happen! All-in-all a great quick and sexy read! ( )

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3.5 Stars

Whew! This turned out to be quite a bit more erotic than I was expecting. Where did I get in into my head that this was going to be some sweet, innocent thing? Did I even check who the authors were? *smacks head Luckily for me, I liked the surprise, a lot, and man Heidi and Amelia make a seamless writing team. Btw, there is sweet and even tender here too, it's just wrapped up in a smoking hot scene.

THE CHARACTERS

James Sheridan - Grad student, sub, and he needs a suit. It seems he's in the right department.

Professor Carson - Dom by text? Well, why not? We haven't really even met him yet and I already want more.

Satish - Personal shopper extraordinaire!!!

So beautiful, my sweet. I know how hard it was for you to do that. Thank you.

And with those words, the shame was almost gone, washed away with pride and delight. He'd pleased the Professor. It never got old. It never faded. Not even when he wished and prayed it would.

THE STORY

A little shopping, a little alteration (or is that flirtation), an errant text and a private dressing room lead to a new chapter in James Sheridan's life. In the past his ex-Dom had all the control, but James has learned a few things about himself since leaving his Professor. Even if the Professor still has things James wants, James is determined to get what he needs.


THE WRITING

Really quick, snappy writing. These authors are on a roll.

I was surprised to see the level of attention given to explaining James' internal thought process. He has a lot to work through here. As the story begins we see James as a rather insecure, reserved college student. There is more depth to him than that however and I think it'll be interesting to see where his character goes.

As someone who's had a few thoughts on public exhibition (even dressing room fantasies) I did find parts of this scene to be just a tad over the edge of unbelievability. Still, it was hot and fun to read, so I'm not going to let that hold me back a bit. With the lingering potential of a threesome or something, I for one can't wait to read on.

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I sincerely thank Netgalley and Riptide Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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