Warning: This book includes mature content such as: sexual content, and/or drug and/or alcohol use, and/or violence.
Series: Rook and Ronin spinoff #1
Published by Selfpublished on 18 December 2013
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Erotica
Pages: 100
Format: eBook
Source: Kindle Purchase
Ford Aston is not too picky about what he wants out of Christmas. He’s not into this holiday—like at all. He doesn’t do presents, or family dinners, or parties, or church.
He does pets. And he’s got one lined up for Christmas Eve. In fact, it’s the highlight of his day. And if he can get through drop-in visits, nosy twelve year olds, an inappropriate conversation with his best friend’s girlfriend, dinner with a family that’s not his, and a party at his mother’s house—well, he might just get home in time to enjoy himself with a stranger and make it all OK.
Slack truly shows the inner workings of Ford’s mind, and he is so complex it’s almost impossible to describe him. Ever since I ‘met’ Ford in the Rook and Ronin series, I fell completely for him. An asshole one second, and showing so much care for Rook the next, he is an enigma. And I am so happy I have finally been able to get to know him a little bit better.
Ford always has this need to be in control, of everything, and this is no exception in Slack. Even just following him around for a not-so-normal day shows him in all his complex glory. Between the ‘pets’ he uses for his BDSM plays, the way he is always around to help out a friend, and how he is willing to walk the extra mile to keep his friends and his mom happy make him feel like a walking talking oxymoron.
More than a little disturbing, I can’t help but be fascinated by Ford at the same time as I find him scary. The fact that he thinks he has no empathy, but he feels bad for a little girl shows that there is so much more than meets the eye when it comes to him. And he might not know himself as well as he thinks he does. Slack is an excellent precursor to TAUT, and I can’t emphasize how happy I am to be able to stay in the strange universe of Rook and Ronin, and follow the other characters I came to know and love.
The writing is flawless, the peek into Ford’s mind is well done, and the way he thought things through before his final chat with Rook was awesome!
As a Jesuit student I was required to attend mass and take theology, but that was the very first change I made in my adult life. No more church.
Literally in the middle of nowhere. Which means I have all this time to sit and stew on why Ronin gets the girls and I get the pets. Fucking pets.
I hated him. I still might hate him a little. Maybe even more than a little.
Besides Rook, of course. She’s not a freak. Her sick ex tried to make her into one, but she’s not a freak. She wants the fairytale – I’d go for that if I could have Rook. I would. I’d give her the fairytale if she wanted it. I’m not against the fairytale. I’m not against marriage and all that shit. I’m just picky. I want what I want and I refuse to settle. I’d rather be alone than settle.
Yea for good writing in an erotica novella. This doesn’t happen all the time. I am glad that you enjoyed it. 🙂
J.A. Huss writes awesome stories, Pamela. And Ford has managed to get a very special place in my literary heart 🙂
Thanks for stopping by.
YES!! I couldn’t agree more, Lexxie. I loved this look into Ford’s head as well and it was a great precursor to Taut. I found it very interesting – after reading both Slack & Taut – that the way Ford looks at himself is in large part based on how others see him. Goodness! I LOVE Ford!! And I’m so glad I can say that about a fictional character and you won’t think less of me, Lexxie! *ha* 🙂 I can’t wait to read your review of Taut. And I’m so very thrilled that you’ve enjoyed your journey into this fictional world along with me! The ride is always better when shared with a great friend!!
**BIG HUGS**
Oh, I would never think less of you because you love a fictional character, Brandee. I actually think more of you thanks to that! I have also read both Slack and Taut already, and I agree with you – the titles are very telling. And Ford certainly has a lot of inner demons to come to peace with.
Book-rides with friends are the best!
Thanks for stopping by, my dear. *BIG HUGS*
Ford sounds like an amazing character, I have seen a lot about him lately.
Ford is awesome, Brandi! He has so many demons to fight, but I love him. Even if Slack and Taut are stand-alone novels, I think you’d enjoy the story even more if you read the Rook and Ronin series first.
Thanks for stopping by.
Squee!! I want to read this so bad! I am glad you enjoyed being in Ford’s twisted head! I really fell for him too and am excited to get more of this world! Awesome review!
Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
Ford is so yummy, and I loved his books so much, Naomi 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Ford sounds like such an interesting character Lexx! The whole oxymoron thing intrigues me. He sounds jealous of Ronin, and I can tell how much he wants Rook. I’ve been dying to read this series, but haven’t had any time for “me” books. I left March a little open, and am hoping to read a few of the books from this series! I missed you friend! I LOVE reading your reviews 🙂
Oh, my, Lindy, I know what you mean! I am trying as best I can to stay away from Netgalley, so that I can read some books I’ve actually bought, too 😀 And the whole Rook and Ronin series with the spin-offs is truly awesome.
I hope you’ll have time for them in March 🙂 *hugs*