Reviewed by JustJen
Title: Shaded Chains
Author: Jack L. Pyke
Heroes: Alex Gardner/Ross McKendrik
Genre: MM Contemporary BDSM
Length: 102 Pages
Publisher: Fantastic Fiction Publishing
Release Date: June 13, 2017
Available at: Amazon
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads
Blurb: “Say my fucking name.”
Alex Gardner is a psychiatric nurse, Ross McKendrik a tattoo artist: both know the fears and strains of caring for an old man with dementia: Ross’s father. When lines between father and son are crossed and trust is broken between Alex and Ross—between a sub and Dom—Ross is in a fight for his life to earn the right to hear his sub say his name again. Only having grown up in the Scottish Highlands, Ross’s methods are a little… dangerous, his methods are a little… dark. Love is about to get very, very tough.
Review: “Say my fucking name.” With just a line, I was sucked in, knowing I was in store for some classic Jack Pyke that would not disappoint. This story is a bit shorter and less involved than her others, but it still manages to contain all of the elements I have come to expect and love from her stories.
Here, we have a somewhat unique relationship with Alex and Ross. Ross’ father, Chris, has dementia and often doesn’t remember who Ross is which is starting to take its toll on Ross. Alex has been Chris’ caretaker/nurse for the past ten years and in a relationship with Ross for the last five. Due to the client/patient aspect with Alex and Chris, he and Ross have kept their relationship to themselves to keep Alex’ job and career safe. They appear to have a typical relationship, that is, until they are safely home.
Ross is Alex’ dom, but these guys are anything but typical. They engage in a bit of pain play, with bondage and tattooing of certain parts. Here, we are shown a scene that is anticipation of their anniversary which gives deeper meaning to the title “Shaded Chains.” That is also a big part of what these guys focus on when things take a turn for the worst.
Ross has a habit of running away a bit when things get to be too much. Although having Alex in his life has enabled him to cope better, he still runs when he reaches a breaking point with his father. One thing leads to another (i.e. missed phone calls, lack of communication, etc.) and Alex ends up getting hurt. He does not easily forgive though, and Ross is forced to take some drastic measures in order for Alex to hear him out.
Throughout this story, you can feel the intensity of their relationship and feelings. I found it a bit confusing in the beginning trying to keep the characters straight when Chris was in the mix, but once I got that figured out, I was drawn into their lives. They partake in play a bit on the edgier side, but nothing too drastic, and I always felt Ross took care to not take things too far or put Alex in any real danger. I loved Ross’ sexy accent and was rooting for Alex to get his wish of Ross in a kilt. This was another fabulous story from Ms. Pyke that was just a bit dark and edgy and just a bit sweet, which made for a perfect afternoon treat.
Overall Impression: I loved it!
*I received a copy of this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review.*
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