"4 Stars!...It isn’t easy to write good BDSM and make it come across as natural for the participants. The authors managed to convince me...There were brief episodes of comedy amid the tragedy, which felt exactly right...This was a moving story about love and loss, and the blossoming of new relationships. It won’t be for everyone, but is well worth it for those who are able to keep an open mind about the BDSM subculture."--British Bull Dog, Rainbow Reviews
“4.75 Stars!...An absorbing story...It balances its difficult subject matter with flawless writing and a portrayal of the BDSM world that feels deeply authentic...Readers who want to venture down the path less traveled will find that Master Bear is very much a love story between two men whose devotion for one another never falters even under the worst circumstances that a solid marriage can face...A lot of good stuff in Master Bear...A story that is fearlessly blazing a trail...and it’s totally worth reading.”--Val Kovalin, Reviews By Jessewave
“5 Angels!...Recommended Read!...Angelia Sparrow and Naomi Brooks have written a thought provoking, tear-jerking story that has found its way on my must keep list of books...A wonderfully written story about grief and the importance of having a support system during those difficult moments, second chances at love, and the selflessness that true love provokes in those who only want the best for those they care about.”--NeNe, Fallen Angel Reviews
“B+ Rating!...This was a moving and sympathetic story that has stayed in my mind for many days after reading. The story was well written and touching. The most rewarding part for me was the brave and emotionally moving description of William and Chris’ relationship. The story is a fascinating and sympathetic balance of the progress of William’s illness and his 'matchmaking' for Chris. The author’s style was a pleasure to read and the story well balanced between the different points of view.”--Pettyprose, Brief Encounters Review
...One Thursday, Mike caught up with him in the kitchen. “He’s in a lot of pain today, kid. I’m going to give him a shot. It’ll put him out for about four hours.”
“He’s getting worse,” Chris said softly. “He’s losing weight. He’s weaker and he sleeps a lot more than he used to.”
Mike nodded. “Yes, that’s how this progresses. He’ll need full-time care soon.” Chris looked away and said nothing. Mike laid a hand on his good shoulder. “Do you like pizza?”
Chris clenched his hands on the edge of the counter. “My lover is dying and you’re asking about pizza?” Too well-trained to raise his voice, he let his anger come out as silent tears.
“Shh.” Mike turned him around and folded him into a big, warm embrace. “I’m off after I leave here. I thought you could use some lunch and a chance to be out of the house for a while.”
Chris stayed in Mike’s arms, feeling really at ease for the first time in months. Mike’s strength held him up, the play of muscles under the shirt saying he didn’t have to carry everything all by himself, at least for now. He cried a little more, leaving damp spots on Mike’s Captain Marvel scrubs.
He finally got himself under control and nodded. “If Master says it’s all right.”
William cleared his throat from the kitchen door. Chris started guiltily, almost leaping out of Mike’s arms, and rubbed away the tears.
“I think it would do you a world of good,” William said, smiling at them. “Go on. Shoo.”
Chris disentangled himself and went to William, dropping to his knees at his master’s feet. “I’m sorry, sir.”
William laid a hand on his head and stroked him. “Nothing to be sorry for, dearest. Now, if you two will put me back to bed, I’ll take that shot, please, Mike.”
“Of course, Mr. Davis.”
Chris rose and supported one side while Mike took the other. William walked carefully, as if every step hurt him. They eased him to the bed and Chris helped him lie down as Mike went for his bag. William caught a missed tear by the side of Chris’s nose.
“It’s all right, my boy. This can’t be easy on you. Take all the comfort you need, from anyone you need it from.”
“Only want you, Master.” Chris smiled as William pulled him down for a kiss.
Mike returned and waited. He smiled and took out the hypo. “Let’s shoot you up so Chris and I can sneak off to the No-tell Motel for a secret rendezvous,” he teased.
Chris stifled a laugh at Mike’s silliness. “You rest, sir. I’ll be home soon.”
“I’ll call if I need you.” William’s weak reach in the direction of the phone turned to a snuggle of his pillow that Chris knew well. He had spent many nights inside that snuggle and missed it now that William hurt too much to endure anything touching his stomach
“Yes, sir.” Chris followed Mike out to his bright green compact car. The big nurse unlocked the doors and put his bag in the backseat.
“How do you like your ’za?” Mike asked as he buckled up. “And where do you like it from?” He put the car in gear and rolled down the drive.
“Tony’s just a few blocks down? I like their veggie.”
“Good choice. I’m a carnivore myself.” Mike gave him a smile.
Chris felt an impish smile spreading over his face. “Half and half?”
“Suit yourself. I was going to pop for two smalls.” Mike smiled again. “You’re cute. William’s a lucky man to have you. A lot of cute boys bail at the first sniffle.”
“Not me. He’s...” Chris wasn’t sure he could explain, so he summed up with a cliché, “...everything to me...”