S.E.X. Review~ Rules of Love by Morticia Knight

Some rules should never be broken…

The year is 1926 and as one of the founding members of the Hampton Road Club, Master Saul has enjoyed the charms of many willing submissives over the years. But the club’s newest boy—the tall, muscular Kenneth—captures his attention more than any man has for a while. If only Kenneth didn’t belong to another Master.

After Kenneth’s Master died, he allowed himself to be lured into a relationship as Master Preston’s slave. As time went on, Preston became crueler to the point where Kenneth now fears for his life. When Preston joins a sadomasochism club, Kenneth begins to yearn for the handsome, older Master the other boys speak so highly of. But he despairs of ever escaping the clutches of Preston, so resigns himself to his miserable fate.

Amidst turmoil at the club over whether there should be rules to keep the boys safe and in light of Preston’s play for power, Saul searches for a way to save Kenneth from what he’s sure is a deadly situation. However, there are several club members who refuse to give up the old ways and insist that no restrictions be placed on their playtime. Saul might be desperate to protect an abused submissive from a vicious Master, but Kenneth is Preston’s property and he swears he’ll never let him go.

Can Saul rescue Kenneth from a madman, or is it already too late?

Publisher Note: This book was previously published under the title The Rules of Love with a different publisher. It has been reedited, revised and expanded. Rules of Love is Book 2 in The Hampton Road Club series, with a satisfying HEA and no cliffhanger. This installment can be read alone, but is best enjoyed after Hesitant Heart (The Hampton Road Club 1).

Just as good as the first go-round, Rules of Love, Hampton Road Club book 2 by Morticia Knight was everything I looked for in a historical romance. Dominant Saul, one of the men of Hampton Road Club wanted things to change at the BDSM gathering house. Enter Kenneth, a sweet older submissive who’d lost his first master, and his new one was slightly off kilter, Saul desired to claim Kenneth for his own.

What I loved about this book, among so many things, was the inception of the rules of play for those in the lifestyle. History shows that everything must have a beginning, and in writing this book, Morticia Knight took the readers to the start of the BDSM contract, the delicate balance between dominant and submissive, and the knowledge that the sub held all the power.

Saul’s gentle demeanor and careful guidance took Kenneth from a dark place, to a place of light and love; a place where the man would be cherished for the beautiful soul he carried and was.

It is no secret that I am a fan of Ms. Knight and her historical writing, So Rules of Love was just up my ally. The characters lived throughout the pages, their grief and sorrow, worries and happiness all shown throughout giving this book an appeal to historical romance and to the M/M genre. History told us what occurred to men who chose to lie with another male, and Ms. Knight gave the readers a safe and consensual place for this love to blossom and flourish.

Definite S.E.X.

A five handcuff review

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2019 ©Evelise Archer All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

S.E.X. Review~ A New Beginning for Angelo by Morticia KNight

A Hampton Road Club story

Angelo wonders if the Hampton Road Club will offer him a new beginning and whether he can love two men at the same time.

Angelo escaped his family’s farm to be with his first and only love in Los Angeles. He meets up with him at Walter’s speakeasy, but their reunion is short-lived when Angelo discovers that his lover is embracing the Roaring Twenties with as many men and as much hooch as he can. With nowhere to stay and no job prospects, Angelo faces an uncertain and scary future.

Ex-prizefighters Bruce and George enjoy their employment at the Hampton Road Club for more than one reason. They can indulge in their passion for sadomasochism and search for the boy who will be the submissive they keep forever. Unfortunately, none of the men at Hampton Road are good prospects. When they run into a forlorn Angelo in the alley outside a speakeasy, their protective instincts kick in. But will they want to do more than just protect Angelo? And will the shy and inexperienced man embrace a lifestyle he never knew existed?

Publisher's Note: This book is linked to the Hampton Road Club series

A New Beginning for Angelo by Morticia Knight was a delightful addition to the Hampton Road Club series. Wonderfully written, Ms. Knight delivered tenderness and adoration in a short span of time with three very different characters.

Bruce and George, together for some time, desired a third to add to and enhance their relationship. The ‘muscle’ of the Hampton Road Club, the men enjoyed the lifestyle but sometimes found it difficult to submit to each other, both being dominants. Searching for the right third proved difficult and arduous, until they encountered Angelo in the back alley of a speakeasy. Recent arrival to California, Angelo was jilted by the man he loved and hoped to begin a life with. Fortunately for Angelo, Bruce and George jumped in to save the day, and soon Angelo discovered what real love was in the loving arms and tender ways of Bruce and George.

The two dominants were strong characters, the yin to each other’s yang. Their personalities melded and complimented, hard and soft, tender and  rough around the edges, the men fought for love, found it and desired to share their attributes with another.

I adored Bruce and George and their tough guy image, yet their hearts burst with love for each other and Angelo.

Angelo, although slightly naïve, learned to succumb to his desires and the lifestyle afforded him as part of a loving triad and a member of an exclusive community.

Morticia Knight never ceases to amaze me with her spot on historical attributes and the portrayal of her characters. A beautiful tribute to a life led in darkness in a time that was not roaring for all.

Definite S.E.X.

A five handcuff review

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2018 ©Evelise Archer All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

S.E.X. Review~ Finding Sanctuary by Morticia Knight

Francesco might not know a thing about being a submissive, but for Master Theo—he’d be willing to learn anything.

Living on the streets of 1920s Los Angeles and pleasuring men in dark alleys for his survival is not how Francesco had thought his life would turn out. But he’s filled with hope that someday—if he learns how to be a respectable fellow—he can make a home for himself and maybe even find a man he really cares for who also cares for him. In the meantime, he hustles to get by and looks for the good where he can find it.

Theo’s existence is safe and predictable. He indulges in his perverse nature at his friend Saul’s sadomasochism club on Hampton Road and negotiates contracts for the Hollywood players and studios. When an enticing little grifter crosses his path one day, the encounter unnerves him. Not because he gets conned, but because the refreshingly open and unaffected young man holds a mirror up to Theo’s own dreary existence. Theo might have plenty of material wealth, but his wealth of spirit can’t compare to the delightful Francesco’s.

Theo rescues Francesco from a dire situation and brings him home. If nothing else, he can at least find the desperate young man some decent employment. Instead, they both find themselves increasingly drawn to each other. But until Theo introduces Francesco to what being a submissive means, he doesn’t dare give his heart away. Francesco has yet to discover the secrets that are hidden behind the walls of the Hampton Road Club.

Publisher's Note: This book is best read in sequence as part of the Hampton Road Club series. This instalment is a prequel to book one and can be read first.

Since meeting Francesco and Theo in the Hampton Road Club series, I have longed to hear their story. Finding Sanctuary by Morticia Knight did not disappoint in conveying their relationship and the couples’ status which they achieved.

Individually, Theo and Francesco were delightful characters. Both enigmatic, larger than life. Together, they soared and brought a new dimension to the series and to each other.

Theo and Francesco were in the other books, but we never received a full glimpse into how they came together and the life Francesco led prior to his involvement with Theo. Well done, Ms. Knight in tying the over-arching themes together.

As always, the 1920’s nuances were well- researched, the backdrop, the mannerisms, and the vocalization of the characters. I especially found the sadomasochism descriptors well defined, as the 1920’s was the start of the world of BDSM as we know it today.

Francesco’s positive attitude and ever-present cheer radiated through the pages, even in times of distress. And Theo’s discovery as a dominant and master cultivated the relationship and the need for the men’s special lifestyle.

No author has drawn me into the historical world of BDSM as Ms. Knight and even though this is the final book in the series, I implore her to regale us with more.

Although the book is number 6 in the series, Finding Sanctuary was actually a prequel. BUT DO NOT read Finding Sanctuary first- read books one-five, then this book. You will not be disappointed in reading the entire Hampton Road Club series.

Definite S.E.X.

A five handcuff review

Amazon Buy Link

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2017 ©Evelise Archer All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

S.E.X. Review~ A Master for Michael by Morticia Knight

A Hampton Road novella

Finding a Master for Michael won’t be easy, but Javier is determined that his boy will have the best—even if it means letting him go.

The Hampton Road Club is a secret gathering-place for men of a more sadomasochistic nature. The 1920s might be roaring, but certain practices are still frowned upon in open society. Michael’s job is to greet the club members as they arrive and to report directly to the club manager, Javier. Sometimes, his direct contact with Javier has nothing to do with the club members and everything to do with submitting to the strict Master.

Javier would give anything to keep Michael as his permanent boy, but he owes his boss, Saul, a great personal debt for helping him when he was at his lowest. Saul taught him that professionalism is the key to keeping things running smoothly at the club. He knows Saul would be greatly disappointed if he were to ever find out about what goes on between him and the club greeter behind closed doors. That’s why he’s never revealed to Michael how he really feels and why he must do the one thing for which he’d never thought he’d have the courage—give Michael away to a new Master.

Morticia Knight's A Master for Michael was everything I knew it would be and so glad I waited to read in its entirety. No one writes historical M/M romance at the inception of BDSM like Ms. Knight!

Michael and Javier were employed at The Hampton Road Club, both dallying in their feeling for each other and immersed into the world of sadomasochism. Leave it to sneaky and ever romantic Saul to give the two men the nudge they need to become Master and boy.

Javier was swoon-worthy~ large, muscled, exotic~ a contrast to the almost timid door greeter, who knew his job and what he wanted out of life. The two men just needed a little help in getting to that point.

Ms. Knight was well-researched. From her descriptors of the Roaring Twenties, to the language spoken by her characters.

Together, the interaction between Javier and Michael illuminated the pages as well as their relationship, thus making this novella a wonderful addition to the series.

Definite S.E.X.

A five handcuff review

Pride Publishing Buy Link

Amazon Buy Link

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2017 ©Evelise Archer All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

S.E.X. Review~ Begging to Serve by Morticia Knight

A feisty, untrained Dominant shows up at Hampton Road. Could he be the right man who Colin’s been saving himself for?

Submissive Colin loves his new life and job at The Hampton Road Club. He doesn’t mean to make the staff angry when he reorganizes everything or to frustrate the available Masters by never letting them touch him. He only wants to serve someone, to make them happy, but he’s also waiting for the right man—the way his grandmother had advised him to do before she died.

Another night, another brawl. Roddy had hoped that Hollywood would have better male prospects than Louisville when it came to playing rough. When Roddy’s latest would-be conquest threatens him with bodily harm, Roddy is chased right into the path of two of Hampton Road’s Masters, Ned and Aaron. They describe a wonderful club to him, where sadomasochistic men can enjoy each other, hidden safely behind the walls of an elegant mansion.

The moment Colin and Roddy spot each other, they fall hard and fast. While Master Saul is thrilled that Colin has finally found someone, what do any of them really know about their new guest?

It seems that Saul’s fears are ungrounded until tragedy strikes in Roddy’s world. It’s then that the validity of Colin and Roddy’s new love is truly tested. Was their bond real, or did Roddy have another agenda he’d kept secret all along?

Colin waited patiently and sometimes not so patiently for a master of his own~ one around the same age who could satisfy his needs. Life at Hampton Road Club was both rewarding and difficult as he yearned for what the other submissives had~ a master to love and cherish.

Roddy had no idea an establishment such as the HRC existed until the Masters took him under their wing in hopes of bringing new blood to the club and a suitable master for Colin.

Begging to Serve brought out a different facet of Morticia Knight’s writing. The characters were much younger than the rest in the series and their personalities needed to reflect this~ a task that also needed to be believable for the time period. I believe that Ms. Knight hit the nail on the head with the ‘speak’ and attitude of the men who hid their true nature in a time period where homosexuality was far from the norm.

Begging to Serve delivered an ample dose of angst and a dollop of love which set the stage for a union made in sadomasochistic heaven.

Book provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review

Definite S.E.X.

A five handcuff review

Pride Publishing Buy Link

2016 ©Evelise Archer All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

S.E.X. Review~ Mastering Love~ Morticia Knight

Evan sees a Master who could be his whole world and Ned sees a beautiful boy in need. But shattered trust and broken hearts could keep them apart forever.

Evan landed on his ex-Master’s doorstep after Master Gabriel dumped him for a virgin. He’d hoped Thomas would take him back, but he’s moved on with his new submissive, Linus. Evan has nowhere to go and barely a penny to his name. Fortunately, Master Aaron and his boy, Sam, invite him to stay at their guesthouse. Alone and abandoned, Evan aches for a Master who can give him more—if only he knew what ‘more’ meant.

Master Ned has finally decided to settle down in one place after traveling on the road for years. He’s always loved the Hampton Road Club—it’s a private sanctuary for men such as himself. The roaring twenties might be freer than ever, but the decadence of the sadomasochistic club could put its members in danger if they’re not discreet.

Ned’s on the lookout for an untried boy who’s ready to fully submit to him on a daily basis. In return, he plans to train and care for his submissive. If he can also find love, then his life will be perfect.
After Evan is introduced to Ned at the club, they have an intense encounter that catches them both by surprise. What should lead to a possible future for them as Master and submissive is destroyed when Ned mysteriously casts Evan aside. Evan wonders if he’ll ever be good enough to keep a Master, and Ned fears he may have lost the best thing that ever happened to him.

Shattered trust and broken hearts have to be repaired before Evan and Ned can find their way to each other—if it’s not already too late.

Reader Advisory: This book contains a scene of exhibitionism.
Publisher's Note: This book is best read in sequence as part of a series.

I have been waiting for this story ever since being introduced to Evan and Ned and as always, Morticia Knight delivered in Mastering Love. When we first met Evan in the previous book of The Hampton Road Club series, I wasn’t sure if I’d like him. I smelled trouble a mile away, but Ms. Knight gave Evan substance and life as she traversed through the murky waters of his misguided life and his potential fulfillment as a submissive. I am never disappointed when Morticia Knight takes hold of a character and creates a multi-dimensional persona.

Ned was the perfect dominant for Evan’s particular desire of submission. Once Ned realizes what he truly wants, he goes full steam ahead in his pursuit of Evan. Together they are a sensual and beautiful couple. Evan’s desires are predicated on his need to be focused on tasks and his servitude towards a master. Ned fulfills those needs.

What I love most about the series is that Ms. Knight is taking everything we know about the world of BDSM and catapulting us back in time to the birth of the lifestyle. The men of the Hampton Road Club are writing the future, protecting themselves, their submissives and those still to come.

A subtle sensuality enflamed with eroticism and deep-rooted loved & desires. Mastering Love hit the high mark as Morticia Knight once again delivered a winner.

Book provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review

Definite S.E.X.

A five handcuff review

Totally Bound Buy Link

S.E.X. Review~ The Fear of Surrender by Morticia Knight

Master Thomas sees a submissive man aching for surrender if only Linus can be convinced not to fear The Hampton Road Club.

Linus never wants to return to Hampton Road after being attacked by a Master there. Even though he aches for the attention of Master Thomas—the one who he’d originally wanted—he isn’t sure he can ever trust another Master not to abuse him again.

Thomas is furious with himself for not protecting the beautiful young submissive whose company he’d enjoyed on a few occasions. He’s relieved that there have been some recent changes to help protect the men who offer themselves at the sadomasochism club. It’s about time to bring Hampton Road into the progressive age of the 1920’s. Now that the new rules are in place, perhaps he can woo Linus into giving him a chance.

As Thomas goes out of his way to be kind to him, Linus wonders if he’s misjudged the Master. He’s still not sure if there’s a future for them. What if he never wants to surrender to another man? When he allows Thomas to teach him the joys of Dominance and submission, Linus discovers that he not only wants to surrender, he wants to be claimed permanently. If only Thomas’ old life doesn’t come back to haunt them and destroy their chance of being together forever.

Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of figging and piercing.

Publisher's Note: This book is best read in sequence as part of a series but can be read as a standalone.

The Fear of Surrender, The Hampton Road Club 3 by Morticia Knight was an enthralling masterpiece. As an avid reader of Ms. Knight’s series’, I’ve known the day would come when the Roaring Twenties would devise and deliver the first set of rules governing BDSM play. The Fear of Surrender did just that, and more.

Linus and Thomas had previously played at Hampton Road, but an unfortunate attack left Linus scarred and scared of his submission and of a partner’s dominance. Always having his sights set on Master Thomas, Linus was willing to give the Dom a chance to explore their relationship and love.

I can’t say enough about the characters in Ms. Knight’s series. Linus tugged at my heart strings and his gentle nature endeared me as his demeanor radiated through his actions and few words.

Thomas, stoic, dominant and tender-hearted created a peaceful safe haven where Linus could be free and cared for.

Ms. Knight’s descriptors transformed me to the 1920’s as the board of the Hampton Road deliberated in forming rules for sadomasochistic play and the adherence to keep submissive men safe.

As an author of M/M historical fiction, Morticia Knight is leaps and bounds above the rest. Her deliverance transports the reader to the behind the scenes of a speakeasy, a BDSM club or the stolen moments between homosexual men attempting to forge a place in history.

Book #4 cannot come soon enough.

Book provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review

Definite S.E.X.

A five handcuff review

Totally Bound Buy Link

S.E.X Review~ The Rules of Love by Morticia Knight

Master Saul is captivated by the beautifully submissive Kenneth and the boy’s love of pain. Unfortunately, Kenneth belongs to Master Preston.

It’s 1926 and as one of the founding members of the Hampton Road Club, Master Saul Liebowitz has enjoyed the charms of many willing submissives over the years. One of the newer submissives to the club has captured his attention more than anyone has in a long time. Kenneth is tall, muscular and also seems to have a greater love of pain than most. If only Kenneth didn’t already belong to another Master.

After Kenneth’s Master died years before, he allowed himself to be taken in by the promises of Master Preston. As time has gone by, Preston has become increasingly crueler to the point where Kenneth fears for his life. They’ve recently joined a sadomasochism club and Kenneth can’t help but yearn for the handsome Master the other boys speak so highly of—Master Saul.

Preston takes things too far one night, and when Saul and his good friend, Master Aaron, do some investigating, they realize that Kenneth might be in real danger. Amidst turmoil at the club over whether there should be rules to keep the boys safe and Preston’s play for power, Saul searches for a way to save Kenneth from what he’s sure is a deadly situation.

Both men fight for what they believe to be the right thing. When they find their way to one another, a wonderful new world opens up to them. But there’s one man out there who refuses to let go of the old ways. Kenneth is his property and Master Preston won’t give him up.

Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of violence and dubious consent.

Publisher's Note: This book is best read in sequence as part of a series but can be read as a standalone.

Rules of Love by Morticia Knight was the evolution of the BDSM club and the safe, sane, and consensuality of a D/s relationship.  Badly treated by his present dom, Kenneth was a man lost in his submissiveness and the ability to find true love. Saul, one of the founding members of the Hampton Road Club has longed for a submissive of his own~ Kenneth.

Saul and other like-minded dominants from the club began to realize that rules for governing their chosen lifestyle needed to be implemented if they want to keep their secrets and desires hidden from the public eye. This attitude came to the forefront when Saul discovered Kenneth was being mistreated by his present master. A rescue mission became top priority.

Ms. Knight has birthed the topic of BDSM, literally and figuratively. Ever present in her series, the sadomasochistic lifestyle has always been a driving force in her novels. Rules of Love took the lifestyle, named it, and gave it a breath of fresh air. As I read each book in her series, I realize that each story while can be read as a standalone, is best read in order to achieve the true appreciation of Ms. Knight’s writing. Each book is a chronological order of birth through the angst and pains of growing where acceptance was not the norm.

The Roaring Twenties were an oxymoron of American history for men and women, but particularly for homosexual men who needed to hide and find solace behind closed doors. Clubs such as the Hampton Roads Club became a part of history where homosexual men were accepted for who they truly were, especially for those who enjoyed a kinkier side to sex and an unconventional relationship.

Beneath the surface, Rules of Love was a beautiful love story~ one that had me crying, reeling and cheering throughout.

Book provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review

Definite S.E.X.

A five handcuff review

 Totally Bound Buy Link

S.E.X. Review~ Hesitant Heart by Morticia Knight

Sam is a naïve young man who arrives in Hollywood to escape his brutal father. When the older, sophisticated Aaron rescues him, Sam discovers what it means to fully surrender himself to another.

Eighteen year-old Sam Cunningham is used to living with lots of secrets. He’s had to hide his true nature his entire life or else incur the wrath of his strict and abusive father. When he’s faced with a horrible ultimatum, he flees to Hollywood where he hopes he can escape the fate his father has planned for him.

Aaron Rubenstein is a wealthy and sophisticated man who loses himself in painting portraits of bound men to help stave off his loneliness and despair. Unable to find a lasting connection with anyone, he’s had to resort to paying lovers not only for their affections, but to be allowed to indulge in his darker passions. Aaron’s only respite is his nights at the Hampton Road sadomasochism club where he’s a respected Dominant.

Naïve and inexperienced in the ways men can please one another, Sam takes a job at a bathhouse where he first glimpses a beautiful older man. Aaron notices the sweet towel boy watching him with interest every time he patronizes the Temple of Eros bathhouse. A traumatic incident for the innocent towel boy triggers Aaron’s protective tendencies and he’s compelled to rescue the gentle Sam from the clutches of the Temple’s manager.

They embark on a journey together that teaches them both things about themselves that they never knew. As their bond deepens and Sam is trained for his first night at the Hampton Road Club, an unknown danger lurks. Will Sam’s father find him and destroy both men’s chance for true happiness together? Or will Aaron protect his boy and keep him for always?

Reader advisory: This book is best read in sequence as part of a series.

A beautiful mixture of sensuality and decadence, Hesitant Heart by Morticia Knight enthralled this reviewer. A spinoff from the Gin and Jazz series, The Hampton Road Club series is sure to be a winner.

Sam and Aaron were the perfect mix of fulfillment, as they complimented each other in and out of the bedroom. Sam’s naiveté gave substance to the story, as Ms. Knight’s exposé was sensual and masculine.

At eighteen, Sam began to make his way in the world, working at a bathhouse where he’d noticed the dominant Aaron. Secretly drawn to Aaron and the magnitude of power he wielded, Sam quickly became enamored.

Aaron, too, had noticed the boy, and recognized his desire to please and submit; the perfect qualities Aaron longed for in a partner.

Ms. Knight delivered a well written historical timepiece portraying the height of the 1920’s, where men of dominance and submissiveness hid their nature unless among friends. A time where homosexuality and BDSM were taboo and not spoken of in polite society.

Sam’s inner strength and sweet disposition captivated not only Aaron and all he encountered, but this reader as well. Sam was a beautiful soul, untainted, and well-guarded by his lover.

Ms. Knight wrote of the learning curve for those following the new world of BDSM with historical accuracy and fluidity. Her writing style weaves a web of intrigue and passion that captures the subtle nuances of the written era and the men in her stories.

Hesitant Heart is a must read. Enigmatic characters, sexy boudoir scenes, and the hidden desires of a domestically dominant relationship.

Definite S.E.X.

A five handcuff review

Totally Bound Buy Link