Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Lucien Thorne likes to be in control, but the boy he wants to own may take some convincing.

Gorgeous but shy, Benedict Astor does his best to keep a low profile at the rowing club where he works. However, unbeknown to Benedict, he has attracted the attention of Lucien Thorne, rowing aristocracy, an Olympic medallist and a Lord.

Whilst looking for a new rowing partner, Lucien believes he has found what he needs in Ben. He pushes him to his limits on the water and it becomes clear that rowing with the pretty young man is not his only interest. Ben is attracted to Lucien but confused about his feelings. Lucien is demanding, arrogant and dominant—which Benedict responds to even though he feels he should resist.

Fighting emotions he doesn’t understand, Ben has to contend with the bullying rowing club president and a humiliating auction of promises.

Lucien recognises Ben’s hidden submissive streak and makes his own need for control very clear. He bids for Ben’s time and then forces Ben to admit to his own desire to test the ground between them.

When the deeds to the boat club are gambled away, Lucien and Ben must work together to save it. Will their growing love survive the pressure, Ben’s uncertainty and Lucien’s desire to own him completely?

Publisher's Note: This book has been previously published by Pride Publishing in February 2013. It has been revised and re-edited for release in 2016.

Book Review

I can readily admit that I have a slight fascination with rowing. And the men who do it. *grins* I never grew up anywhere on the northeast coast where it is in fashion, and I've not spent enough time across the pond to be that familiar with it. It's exciting to watch, though, and when I read the blurb for 'Stroke Rate' by LM Somerton, I figured it was a win-win, since I already adore this author.

Ben appealed to me, right from the beginning. He's shy, quiet, but not a pushover, and he's working hard to get through college. Ben isn't wealthy, and he trades work at the rowing club for a small flat above it, and free membership. Ben could care less about competing, he just loves to row, it makes him happy to be on the water by himself, pushing his muscles against the river. Lucien is much harder to quantify. He's gorgeous, no doubt about it, arrogant, and very autocratic. I suppose he's exactly how I would imagine a wealthy British Lord. Lucien is a Dominant, and used to getting his own way. However, the more I got to know him, the more I liked him. Lucien has set his sights on Ben, as his new rowing partner and as his submissive.

Unfortunately for Ben, the president of the rowing club, Seb, is a closeted, mean, power hungry arse, who loves nothing more than pushing Ben for more work, while holding the threat of taking his flat away from him. Seb enjoys making Ben be his slave at the club, but once Lucien and Ben start seeing each other, Seb steps over some serious lines, not only with Ben, but with the future of the boathouse. It's up to Lucien, an Olympic and World gold medalist, and Ben, to save the club.

A wonderful story which I enjoyed very much. Thank you, Lou, my friend, I do so enjoy your boys.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook and print
Length	Novel, 156 pages/54162 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	23-February-2016
Price	$4.50 ebook, $10.50 paperback
Buy Link	https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/stroke-rate