Book Review: The Slave by Kate Aaron

Reviewed by JustJen

Title: The Slave
Author: Kate Aaron
Series: Free Men #1
Heroes: Tamelik/Kai/Master
Genre: MMM Fantasy
Length: 180 Pages
Publisher: Croft House
Release Date: October 27, 2014
Available at: Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb:  At twenty-seven, Tamelik has been a slave more than half his life, having witnessed his family being murdered in front of him when he was just a child. Naturally submissive, although with a petulant streak, he can’t help but fall in love with the master who treats him kindly.

Tam’s dreams come true when his mistress walks out, leaving her husband behind. For six glorious months, he and his master get to be together. Then Tam is ordered to purchase another slave.

He wants to hate Kai for being unruly and ungrateful. For being of the same race as the men who murdered his family. For being his eventual replacement in their master’s bed. But it’s hard to hate a man who cries himself to sleep, flinches at the slightest touch, and blushes beautifully when he’s kissed.

Seducing Kai has suddenly become more challenge than chore, and with his master’s encouragement, Tam finds himself falling for his new companion. Except… nobody can be in love with two people at once, can they?

Review: There are stories that just suck you right into their world, and this was definitely one of them.

Sweet Tam is in love with his Master and longs for that love in return. He has a pretty good life, as slaves go, and his Master is caring and fair. He has chosen Tam exclusively over the years, even over his wife who left with most of the staff to their other home. Not wanting Tam to be alone as his duties call him away more and more, Master sends Tam to the slave markets to purchase another pleasure slave. Tam is rather conflicted over his Master’s wishes, fearing his is going to be purchasing his replacement, but does as he is told.

Kai is a captured soldier new to slavery. He is a fighter and rather unruly as slaves go. Knowing what could happen if he gets bought by any of the other bidders, Tam makes the purchase, hoping to save Kai in the process.  It takes quite some doing to win Kai over, not only to himself, but to his new position as well. Tam has been a slave since he was a young boy. He barely remembers life before living with the Master and feels he has all he could ever want where he is now. Kai struggled a lot with understanding this. How could being a slave be better on any level than being a free man? Well, over time, he learns, just as he learns to love Tam and eventually the Master as well. Kai has also never been with another man.  He was in love with his best friend who was killed on the battlefield, but his feelings were never made known.  There is a lot at play between these guys, but it was fabulous to see Kai open up and accept Tam as his lover.

On the other side of things, Tam and the Master were sweet and sexy but also rather heart breaking at times. Master is a bit of a big mystery. He obviously cares for Tam, but the bottom line is that they can’t be more than what they are, Master and Slave. But when they are together, there is not much doubt about how everyone feels. He continually pushes Tam and Kai together which confuses Tam. At the same time, Master is extremely patient with regards to Kai, waiting for Kai to warm up to him, showing trust by allowing him freedoms within the walls, etc. It was really enjoyable to watch them all together leading to some pretty steamy scenes. I loved watching the trust and love grow with these two and eventually three.

I was a bit captivated by this story and was extremely thankful that the next one was all lined up and ready to go. It ends on a cliffy, and I couldn’t get the next one opened fast enough. I just had to see how things played out for these guys. This story reads really fast and the world is vividly detailed. If you’re a fan of fantasy stories, slave or not, I definitely recommend you give this gem a try.

Overall Impression: It was amazing

*I received a copy of this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review.*