I am kinda puzzled by the reviews that are upset with Riptide withholding tags and warnings. The scene in question is predictable. Every action by our MCs leads to it, it’s inevitable. One of the MC’s is a rent boy, who likes pain with his sex. There is a crime lord who knows about that kink. We know (in general) that crime lords don’t like to share. What do you think is going to happen when a mark is discovered on Elliot? Coddling, love and care? The scene with punishment (caning) is intense, but short, so is the dub/non-con. Elliot knows what to expect. Doesn’t make the whole thing right, but we all, including the MCs, know what to expect. Why surprise, then?

Actually, it took me a minute to recall that particular scene, to the point that I thought it was edited out in my edition.

But we are all different and have different triggers, so I get it. Here is the warning:

WARNING: This book contains torture, non- and/or dub-con. Graphic murder scene.

My personal impression: I loved the story, I loved how contained the sex was, not every other page or even chapter, I loved that there was so much more going on here, there was no “tunnel vision”. The relationship between the MCs is rather a D/S than BDSM. However, the huge minus for me is an obvious suspect, and lack of attention to the clues on the MCs behalf. Full star off for that :/

Moving onto book two. ( )