If I were to write a wish list of perfect stories, the Ganymede books would be ticking every box. I LOVE this series and the extra delight is that whilst the longer novels explore life from main character Henry's perspective these shorter ones take events already covered and reflect them from his lover Martin's perspective bringing even more depth, understanding and enjoyment.'A Master's Fidelity' is wholly engaging explaining events from the perspective of companion slave Martin, his personal thoughts and motivations, his hopes and wishes underpinning his conversations with fellow slaves and his Master Henry to whom he is 'devoted'.The writing is so beautifully crafted by a true wordsmith that the whole reading experience is pleasure filled rich with description of both character and place. It is truly fascinating to read a worldview from a slave's perspective, especially Martin who is so competitive, conscientious and engaging. At its heart this is a love story and a coming of age for two boys and their friends. The world is full of possibilities and obstacles for them to negotiate. Henry and Martin's growing passion for each other is both exhilarating and scary not only with the usual highs and lows of romance but with the added complication of striving for love and acceptance in a world where social conformity would frown on their relationship and much must be kept undisclosed both to their friends and each other.As the boys grow towards adulthood they can see glimpses of different lives and attitudes and the possibility of sharing and shaping a life more suited to their own expectations. Meanwhile, with the passion of youth they find every opportunity to indulge in the physicality of lovemaking.'A Master's Fidelity' explores the uncertainty, the passion and the hopes and fears of two young lovers who are just beginning to know themselves and each other. I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review. If you are seeking a short story that has depth and beauty and explores social norms in a time of slavery, as well as some hot and heavy love scenes then I heartily recommend this to you.
I love it, love, love, love it!Finally we learn how Martin feels about Henry as their relationship progresses. It should be read after A Proper Lover, as it follows that chronologically. This short focuses on the infamous swap parties that the more hedonistic masters can't get enough of. Henry gets an invite that he feels he cannot refuse and that unleashes a whole lot of angst for Martin! The masters and slaves are excited because they might finally get a chance at sex with beautiful, charming Martin, and of course certain slaves wouldn't mind pleasuring handsome Henry.Will Henry want Martin to service other masters and - much more importantly - will Henry want to be serviced by other slaves??!!! Oh, the feels!!! I'm such a Martin fangirl! I should probably be embarassed.I've been dying to find out more about these erotic swap parties, and finally we get to see what goes on behind those tightly, secretly closed doors. It's so good! A must read!!
Do You like book A Master's Fidelity (2014)?
This ADULT novella is set in an Alternate History world where slaves exist and wealthy people purchase same-sex "companion" slaves for their adolescent children to facilitate "healthy" release of sexual urges. Martin is a slave, and has been bred and raised to be a Companion. He loves sex with boys and has had a lot of experience prior to his sale to Henry Blackwell. He languished for nearly two months before Henry "made use" of him, but now the pleasure is all Martin's!Thing is, Martin knows how the other slave owners feel about him. They want to use him too, and Henry won't allow it. Martin has no real desire to be shared, but he will gladly submit if Henry decides to alow this. When the prospect arises Martin's actually excited to join a slave-swapping party--if nothing else to prove what an excellent Companion his is--but then realizes that if HE is being swapped then all his other Companion friends would have the opportunity to "provide service" to Henry. This, is a frightening prospect for Martin. Will Henry still exalt in sex with him after Tom or Dick or Stuart ply their wiles on his novice owner? This short novella really gets Martin's POV out there, and fans of the series can rest assured that Martin is as all in on Henry as this young Master is on his delicious Companion.I. Love. This. Series. Just sayin'.I got an ARC of this book on account of my Superior FanGirling and moderate author stalking. This is my honest review.
—Veronica