As Natural as Breathing by Thianna Durston Blog Tour

For Christian Darringer, life isn't worth living. Just back from the Middle East—scarred and with permanent damage to one leg—he doesn't think anyone will want him for anything. He didn't plan on meeting someone he can’t stop thinking about. Pulled toward the startling younger man, he begins to question a lot of things—especially his sexuality. Not one to hide from a challenge, he plunges ahead only to find himself more than just attracted to Logan.

Logan Mannette has almost everything he ever wanted: loving parents, happiness, friends, and security. The only thing missing is the love of his life, a love just like his parents have. When he meets Christian at a party, everything changes. Instantly attracted, he does his best to help the sad man and quickly finds himself feeling more than he has ever felt before. Raised in a domestic discipline household, he holds that ideal as what he wants. His interest in spanking has become a fetish and when Christian admits he wants to be spanked, Logan believes he might have found the perfect man.

Just as everything begins for them, Christian's past intercedes and one of his brothers makes waves about him dating a man. When it lands Christian in the hospital, he is forced to reevaluate their budding romance. Being with Logan might feel as natural as breathing, but if it costs Christian everything he cares about, is this new relationship worth it?

Book 1
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Also Available in the All They Ever Needed Boxed Set

Books 1-3
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A Note from the Author

Hello! And welcome to the Release Tour for the rewritten and rereleased All They Ever Needed trilogy. If you haven’t read Logan & Christian’s tale, this is a perfect opportunity to do so.

When As Natural as Breathing was first published 4 years ago, I was excited to get Logan & Christian’s story out there. I loved these two men. Of course, as happens, by the time the 2nd book came out a few months later, I found a few things in the 1st book I wanted to change. I had grown a little as an author in those few months. In the last four years, I’ve grown exponentially in my writing. As such, I was thrilled to get the rights back to all three novels. I rewrote them, but kept the charm of the stories intact.

And now, I can offer the first three novels to the world again – in a far better state than their first incarnation.

While all three novels have gone through a major up-do, the second book in a big way, I most of all love the story and kept the basics the same. Logan & Christian have to battle against the world at times, but their relationship is strengthened by every problem they come across. One of the parts of their relationship that is a major underpinning of the series is how solidifying and helpful having a loving domestic discipline relationship can be. It might not be for everyone, but for Logan & Christian, it’s a path that carries them through the darkest hours.

The first three books in the series are available as separate novels and as a boxed set. (They are meant to be read in order.)

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/M Romance
Triggers: Homophobic tendency, attempted murder, PTSD, Domestic Discipline

I really liked this story. It was fresh, without being overdone, and the dynamic between the two characters, while sometimes very drawn out, eventually came together.

Logan has always been out and proud. His parents are very supportive, funny, and love to embarrass him. Logan has such a great heart and he knows that he is going to do his best to find someone who he can love and who can love him back. While working on his double major, he tries to juggle what he thinks he wants, with his hopes and dreams.

Christian is struggling. He is horrified by the fact that his "friends" were so horrible that he feared for his life. While he is coming to terms with the fact that he may be bisexual or even gay, he is too scared to admit it to himself or his family.

At Logan's family holiday party, he is kind, gentle, and loving with all of the kids who come to the party, but he's the most gentle with Christian. Not really knowing each other, Christian is put at ease and Logan finds himself attracted to Christian.

What follows is a story about friendship, learning to love yourself, and trusting that when you love someone, they love all of you. Because this story spans three books, in this first book, there is more relationship around friendship and exploring Christian's sexuality. While they decide to be in a relationship, there is no domestic discipline between them and no sex. I thought this was a sweet story and I am looking forward to seeing where this story goes.


Veronica – ☆☆☆
I confess to being attracted to this series with the promise of m/m domestic discipline, but this is only one thread that is woven into the story. Christian is scarred mentally and physically after returning from war and is struggling to find his place in life. Logan is happy but wants someone to love and a relationship like his parents have.

I really liked the unhurried pace of the story. Time is taken to set the scene and to get to know the characters. Christian and Logan also take time to get to know each other, so the romance and sexual tension has time to build and slowly suck you in. And I was sucked in.

There were times I had trouble with the author's style. When we get Logan's point of view I found it odd that his parents were referred to by their given names rather than mum or dad. This took a bit of getting used to. Also, the relationship each of the men has with his parents was more of teenager and parent relationship rather than grown man and parent. Having said that, the way Logan talks with his parents about DD and his love life is decidedly adult. This I found unique and a little uncomfortable.

Overall, I found As Natural as Breathing to be quite lovely and I've moved straight on to book #2, Took My Breath Away.


Angie – ☆☆☆
This book was really slow for me, I found myself putting it down and coming back. I liked Christian and Logan. I felt their connection and loved how they interacted with each other, I just felt like something was missing. I wanted more and I felt it moved slow. I am hoping the second book picks up because I really want these two characters to go the distance.

Thianna Durston is a writer by day and supernova by night. Or at least that’s what the faeries tell her. And who is she to deny those pesky *cough* lovely little creatures?

She lives in the Pacific Northwest, though her heart belongs elsewhere. In the meantime, until she can return to the place she calls home, she happily lives in a city that still thinks it’s a small town. Thankfully, it has given her muse lots of amusing places to start a story.

Connect with Thianna

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of As Natural as Breathing (All They Ever Needed #1) by Thianna Durston to read and review for this tour.

Took My Breath Away by Thianna Durston Blog Tour

While unhappy to be missing four weeks of Christian's company, Logan is thrilled to spend a month with his father's relatives in New York. A naturally gregarious individual, he’s used to winning people over and getting things right. Unfortunately the Mannettes are not what he expects and for the first time in his life, he doubts who he is.

Christian has regained some of his old self-esteem and is taking on new challenges. Besides growing in the relationship he has with Logan, he takes the time his boyfriend is away to learn more about domestic discipline. He learns a little online but it is Gregory, Logan's father, where he gains most of his information. Including the fact that his natural strength puts him in a position he doesn’t expect.

Logan hits rock bottom and Christian runs to the rescue. He saves Logan from New York, but puts their relationship in a new sort of peril. When the dust settles, who will be left on top?

Book 2
Buy Links

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B&N  ~  iTunes  ~  Smashwords
A Thia Thing Store


Also Available in the All They Ever Needed Boxed Set

Books 1-3
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  iTunes  ~  Smashwords
A Thia Thing Store

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/M Romance
Triggers: Domestic Discipline, PTSD

This is the second book in this series and you definitely need to read the first book in order to understand what is happening in this book.

Christian and Logan have decided to really throw themselves into this relationship. With Logan still going to school a few hours away and with his impending summer month being spent with the family members he really doesn't know, Christian and Logan try to make the best of their time together.

When Logan goes to New York and sees how his father was raised, he finds himself in a situation that not only shakes him to his core, but puts his whole life into a tail spin. He is lost in a way that he hasn't been since he was a child.

Gregory and Christian are fighting to keep Logan from being submerged in the guilt and horribleness that is Gregory's family. When they find Logan, he's not himself and there are only two things that help him find his way back: (1) His father's loving discipline, and (2) Christian's presence.

This is a story about how Christian and Logan are finding their own way through their relationship – will they be more like Logan's parents or will they find their own way through?

This has some very tender moments and moments where you just want to ring someone's neck. I like where Christian and Logan's relationship is heading, but I do think that there was a lot of back and forth that could have been cut out of the story.


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
I have to say Took My Breath Away had more angst and drama than I was expecting. I was sucked right in. I wasn't surprised by the drama when Logan visited his dad's family in New York, but I wasn't expecting was the drama that came from Christian's family. Wow!

I felt like Christian was maturing and growing stronger. He is working and moves into his own apartment, giving the guys some privacy. But even though they have that privacy, their relationship – both physical and emotional – takes its time, so when they expressed their feelings or took a new step physically, it felt meaningful.

While Logan is away in New York, Christian is able to spend more time with Greg and Kimberly and is able to ask them about domestic discipline and how it works for them as he decides whether it would be right for him and for Logan. Meanwhile in New York, Logan's trip is not turning out at all like he planned and he is having trouble coping.

I loved Took My Breath Away. Not sure if it was easier for me to read than the first book because I was used to the author's writing style or just because I already knew the characters, but this book worked for me. I've already started reading Breathe Each Other In and I look forward to spending more time with Logan and Christian.


Angie – ☆☆☆
I am glad I was able to read the second book right after the first book, everything was fresh in my memory. In this book, Logan goes to New York to see his family, you have to read the first book to understand why this is a big deal. I didn't care for how that all played out either, was over the top. I was hoping to like this book better than the first, but I found myself having the same feelings with this book. I will say though, the interaction with Christian and Logan's family was good, I just love Logan's parents. I do like how the DD relationship has progressed, I think it is good for both Logan and Christian. Here's to hoping I like the last book better.

Thianna Durston is a writer by day and supernova by night. Or at least that’s what the faeries tell her. And who is she to deny those pesky *cough* lovely little creatures?

She lives in the Pacific Northwest, though her heart belongs elsewhere. In the meantime, until she can return to the place she calls home, she happily lives in a city that still thinks it’s a small town. Thankfully, it has given her muse lots of amusing places to start a story.

Connect with Thianna

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Google+  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Took My Breath Away (All They Ever Needed #2) by Thianna Durston to read and review for this tour.

Breathe Each Other In by Thianna Durston Blog Tour

Christian takes to heart everything he learns from Logan's father. As he and Logan go forward in their DD relationship, he finds that he’s willing to not just take on the mantle of head of house, but to embrace it. With Logan graduating from college, Christian takes the next logical step and asks his boyfriend to move in.

Even with the stress of student teaching and trying to figure out what to do after graduation, Logan leaps at the chance to live with the man he loves. The pressure of graduation begins to get to him and the only thing keeping him grounded is the amazing man at his side.

Those closest to them make huge changes in their own lives and when an unexpected job offer lands in Logan's lap, they have to make a life-altering decision. No matter which way they go, they need to give something up. Play it safe and stay home or accept the job and move away from their families? When it comes to decision time, there is one thing they are not willing to part with. That one thing makes all the difference in the world.

Book 3
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Also Available in the All They Ever Needed Boxed Set

Books 1-3
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(Christian has learned about DD and is taking his first baby steps into being the head of his and Logan’s relationship. At a party, Logan witnessed something that upset him. Christian needs to get him to talk about it.)

Logan took a shuddery breath and Christian slowly rubbed his back. “What happened, love?”

“They said horrible things about you,” Logan muttered.

Nodding, Christian let out a soft sigh. “They should meet up with Brian. They could have a hatefest back and forth.” Kissing Logan lightly on the top of his head, he raised one hand to Logan’s chin, prodding his head up until he could look him in the eyes. “What did they say?”

Wincing, Logan shook his head. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

Taking a deep breath, Christian considered that. Normally he would let it go and over time forget all about it, but all of the lessons he had learned from Gregory pointed to one thing: open communication. Pure honesty was at the heart of the kind of relationship they were in.

“Gorgeous, tell me.”

It took a few minutes for Logan to respond. “It’s not important.”

Groaning slightly, Christian grasped his forearms and took a half step backward. “Logan, I know we’re starting out, but you know more than I do how important honesty is in the kind of relationship we’re embarking on. As such, I need for you to tell me what they said, not as any kind of tattletale or gossip, but because we need no secrets between us. Right?”

Christian hoped he was not crossing a line. There was still so much he didn’t understand and this was one of those times he felt like he was walking a tightrope without a net. “You’ll feel that way a lot for a few years,” Gregory had said during one of their talks. “Each time you enforce a rule or ask him to do something for the first time. And when he refuses it will feel even worse. What you need to remember is that no matter how scary it is to do what you need to do, that the end result will put the two of you on firmer ground.”

A strange look of consternation mixed with pleasure crossed Logan’s face. “I know,” he whispered. “But their words… They were so horrible and I don’t want to hurt you.”

Relieved that he was on the right track, Christian thought about what Logan said. “I may not want to hear it, but I won’t let you bear that burden alone, love. Come on.” Taking Logan’s hand, he led him out of the room, up the stairs, and to Logan’s bedroom, closing the door behind him. Together they walked over to the bed and sat down.

Logan wrung his hands together, shooting Christian a pained look. “Are you sure, Christian?”

“Yes.” Christian was positive that Logan blurting out whatever he had heard was important. Did he want to hear it? Not particularly. But Logan needed to share it, that much he understood.

“I was coming down the stairs when I heard Hallie talking to Margaret. Their voices held that… loud whisper quality I always associate with gossip and I paused as gossip is one thing Dad hates with a passion. He can’t stand it. So much that it became one of his rules with Mom and her friends—no gossip in this house.

“I heard what they said.” He paused and gritted his teeth before repeating their words, his tone turning malicious as if that was the only way he could get the words out. “‘I cannot believe Logan is dating such a freak. He could certainly do better than to date someone whose face looks as though he took a razor to it.’

“‘I know. Plus the Darringers are not in his class. He could do so much better.’”

His voice went back to a quiet murmur as he continued. “That’s when I turned and went in there. You came in a few seconds later.” Shuddering slightly, Logan glanced at Christian. His gaze intensified and he raised a finger to trace the long scar that started above Christian’s left eye and ended below his chin. “I don’t really notice your scars. And when I do? I think they make you better looking. They remind me of what a strong man you are, Christian, about how much you had to fight to make it through. How can… how can anyone say such horrible things about you?” he asked in a husky voice. “How can anyone say anything so vulgar about the man I love?”

Internally Christian expected to wince at what the women said but he had come to terms with those kinds of words long ago. People tended to be cruel and judge first. It was Logan’s pain that hurt him the most. Pulling him close, Christian kissed the side of his head. “My dear Logan, I’m sorry you had to hear that. Unfortunately people do say stupid, hurtful things. Plus, I understand how hard that was to share. Thank you for being honest with me.”

That seemed to break whatever hold Logan had on himself and huge sobs came out, almost as bad as the ones Christian heard that night months ago when New York had taken a bad turn for the man he loved. Pulling him forward, Christian laid down on his back with Logan splayed out on top of him, holding him tightly as Logan released whatever was going on inside.

“One of the hardest things,” Gregory had stated two weeks ago, “will be watching the one you love cry and wanting to fix it, yet knowing that what they need to do is to cry it out. Their guilt, pain, whatever negative emotion they are holding inside.”

He had been right. Christian wanted to do anything to stop the horrible pain Logan was releasing and yet knew that was what he needed to do. So Christian stroked his back firmly, holding him tight as Logan let go.

“That’s absolute trust, Christian,” Gregory had told him. “When the one you love and take care of can completely let go in your arms with no shame and no guilt? That is complete trust. Of course,” he admitted with a wry grin, “that’s also the moment you realize the mantel you took on. It’s surprising and a little terrifying the first few times it hits you that you’re responsible for this amazing person.”

Stroking Logan’s head softly with one hand while his other continued to rub his back, Christian only now began to understand what Logan’s father meant. Talking about a domestic discipline relationship in the abstract was one thing, doing what it took to get there was something else entirely.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars
M/M Romance
Triggers: Domestic Discipline

This is the final book in this series. Here, we watch Logan and Christian's relationship develop into a more domestic discipline where Christian is finding his way and Logan is figuring out what he really wants to do for his career.

Logan is student teaching and is stressed about his future. He feels like he's doing well in the school he's student teaching in, but his thoughts about after student teaching are somewhat of a struggle for him.

Christian loves Logan and when he sees him struggling, he allows himself to fully accept who Logan needs. They were able to find a healthy balance between the discipline lifestyle and the kink that both of them enjoy.

There were great scenes in this story where you got to see the relationship develop and grow – between main characters and the family too.

This was probably the book with the most of their relationship in it – them growing into their own roles and figuring out that love is what makes their relationship really blossom. It was an okay ending to the story, but I think that it had a lot more potential.


Veronica – ☆☆☆
The final instalment of Christian and Logan sees their relationship become more serious and committed as they work out how to incorporate the domestic discipline into their lives, which happens in ways I never imaged. Mostly this book is about Christian and Logan living their lives and moving on with a future together.

The story didn't have a lot in the way of ups and down and lacked drama. It is sweet and romantic and has a lovely ending.

I decided to read the All They Ever Needed trilogy because of the domestic discipline aspect of their relationship, but the story has more to offer and I've thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Christian and Logan.


Angie – ☆☆☆☆
FINALLY!!! This book was so much better for me than the first two books. We see how everything turns out. This book felt right for me finally and I really enjoyed it and read it all in one sitting, I was liking it so much. The chemistry was on point, it was super sweet, and it just felt right and real to me. I loved both Logan and Christian from the start, but I love them even more now. And their families... ugh, I love both sets of parents, if only all parents were like them! Great ending to a series, glad I made it through the end, I was pleasantly surprised.

Thianna Durston is a writer by day and supernova by night. Or at least that’s what the faeries tell her. And who is she to deny those pesky *cough* lovely little creatures?

She lives in the Pacific Northwest, though her heart belongs elsewhere. In the meantime, until she can return to the place she calls home, she happily lives in a city that still thinks it’s a small town. Thankfully, it has given her muse lots of amusing places to start a story.

Connect with Thianna

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Google+  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Breathe Each Other In (All They Ever Needed #3) by Thianna Durston to read and review for this tour.

Vespar by Thianna Durston

Special-ops-turned-professional-killer Vespar McKauley is hired to take out Marcolm Rogers, son of his employer’s worst enemy. But Marc isn’t like any hit he’s ever done. He’s just twenty-one, he goes to a private university studying English Lit, and for fun, he plays computer games with his friends. No drugs, no partying, no crime. The day Vespar bumps into Marc and looks into his azure eyes, the world drops out from under him.

With his father in the Chicago crime syndicate, Marc and his mom have stayed out of the limelight, hiding from those who might harm them. He figures he’s safe at a small liberal arts university, all the way across the country. But midway through his senior year, he feels eyes on him and the shadows encroaching. Just as he’s about to run, he meets Vespar and experiences an instant attraction. When Vespar tells him he’s in danger and offers to protect him, Marc wants to believe him. But he’s been hunted before, and this time he isn’t sure he’ll get away. Especially when he finds out he is Vespar’s target.

Book 3
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Dreamspinner Press

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆
This is classic cheesy romance. The old-soul/ancient curse concept gives this story the feel of a paranormal romance even though both characters are actually young humans. The hitman falling for his mark is a familiar trope but Vespar’s curse gives it an original twist.

Marcolm is a college kid who also happens to be on the run from his mobster family. Vespar is given the contract on his life.

We learn a great deal about Marcolm, but he didn’t ever feel completely real to me. He sounds too old to be a college kid and he feels too clueless for someone who has spent his life on the run. We learn very little about Vespar in his current life and he remains a vague Alpha male throughout the story. He does have lots of pretty muscles and cool skills. In the film version, he’d be played by a monosyllabic Arnold or a confused looking Jean-Claude Van Damme.

This is a m/m romance but it doesn’t always read like a relationship between two men. Marcolm is very much a young innocent in distress and Vespar is the conflicted Alpha male who comes to his rescue. I prefer more balanced couples in my romance and to me, this relationship felt very dated as the characters adhered to slightly offensive traditional gender roles.

Some of the sex scenes in this story are completely cringeworthy. Earnest confessions, adorable pet names, and a graphic step-by-step guide to gay sex just didn’t work for me. These two didn’t feel like men and they didn’t sound like a college kid and a hit man. There were a few moments of banter – their arguments over fast food felt somewhat realistic but there were too many breathy sighs and angst filled musings for me.

I enjoyed the adventure and suspense elements of this story but I struggled with the characters and the romance. The concept for the series still interests me and I’m curious to see where this series goes next.

THIANNA DURSTON is a writer by day and supernova by night. Or at least that’s what the faeries tell her. And who is she to deny those pesky *cough* lovely little creatures?

She lives in the Pacific Northwest, though her heart belongs elsewhere. In the meantime, until she can return to the place she calls home, she happily lives in a city that still thinks it’s a small town. Thankfully, it has given her muse lots of amusing places to start a story.

Connect with Thianna

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Google+  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Vespar (Order of the Black Knights #3) by Thianna Durston to read and review.

His Right Choice by Thianna Durston

Nicholas Layton, fresh off his mission for the Mormon church, attends Falcon Pointe University with plans to enjoy his final year of freedom before he gives in and marries his long-term girlfriend. But when he meets a group of gay men, some of whom are ex-Mormons and some who practice loving physical discipline, he finds he is more comfortable with them than anywhere else. Suddenly, he’s straddling the line between good Mormon and gay man.

As an added bonus—or problem, depending—he meets Ethan Kierk, who is good-looking, fun to be around, and who wants to be with him. Nick tries not to think about dating a man, but he can’t help it. He wants Ethan, and that terrifies him.

To avoid his feelings, Nick steels himself to propose to his girlfriend but breaks things off at the last moment. Instead, he jumps headlong into a relationship with Ethan, and it feels so right—until he has to tell his family. When they reject him, he shares his darkest secret with Ethan, hoping Ethan won’t reject him too.

Hoping he made the right choice.

Book 4
Buy Links

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Dreamspinner Press

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
I loved this book. This is an incredibly powerful coming of age story that tackles issues of identity, faith, and truth, with honesty and hope. I’m not sure how I’ve missed this author before, but this book has turned me into a huge fan.

Returning Mormon missionary Nick is wrestling with the weight of his family and church obligations when he starts at Falcon Pointe. The expectation for him to marry his girlfriend and start a family is frightening to the young gay man. A story that could have been very bleak becomes hopeful when Nick meets a group of gay ex-Mormons on campus. Nick’s problems are never glossed over, but the friendships he is offered and the support he is given helps mitigate the pain he experiences as he chooses an identity for the future.

Nick is a brilliant character and the author paints a painfully accurate picture of the grieving process he must go through before he can grow into himself. Ethan is older (though I’m not sure we know quite how old Ethan is) and provides Nick with patient support as he makes decisions for himself. Ethan’s story is also touching, but the focus of this story is Nick and we never see Ethan develop as more than Nick’s partner. I really loved watching Nick’s personal and sexual awakening and I loved the confidence that develops over the course of the story.

At times this is as much a story of the friendship between Nick and his childhood best friend, Deke, as it is a romance, and I loved the way the author allowed this relationship to develop. I also enjoyed the way the author refrains from harsh criticism of the Mormon church, allowing her characters a range of opinions and experiences and providing Nick with several possibilities. This isn’t a preachy, moralising story, it is a book about a boy who faces the awful choice between living a lie, remaining alone for life, or being rejected by his family and church.

I read this book as a standalone, but I’ve already ordered the first book in the series for my Kindle. I really loved it and I can’t wait to read more of this author’s books.


Erica – ☆☆☆☆
5 Stars for the first half
3 Stars for the second half
4 Stars in total.

Thianna Durston is a new-to-me author, and I read His Right Choice as a standalone, not realizing it was the fourth book in the Men of Falcon Pointe series. I was able to fall into the story without any difficulty, only finding the sheer volume of characters daunting. If I had read the series from the beginning, I doubt that would have been an issue.

At the start, I was enthralled with the background on the Mormon religion and how it affected Nick and those around him. After reading about 10%, I decided I wanted to read the series from the beginning after I finished this installment.

I found Durston's writing to be thorough, educated, and well-researched on a topic many MM authors use but without living up to the potential – window-dressing for the romance. To be honest, at the halfway point, I do feel it devolved into that type of read, which I'll explain below.

I enjoyed Nick, Ethan, and the plethora of characters, who were difficult to keep track of who was whom and how they connected to one another. The side stories were interesting and kept me engaged. I loved the true friendship and support shown on the pages, lightening what could have been a very dark read.

But, as I read further along in the book, I began to miss Nick's mental signature from the first half. He was naive, slightly closed-off – brainwashed. Yet his thought patterns changed when the romance aspects were introduced, until he didn't sound like the same character. Being happy doesn't translate to sounding helpless and giggling. Having friends and a big support system is amazing, but at one point it felt like none of them knew each other, and were only with one another to support Nick.

I know that's not the case, but it just felt like Nick wasn't holding up his end of the friendship – offering them not much in return for their devotion. His narrative wasn't emotionally distraught to warrant so many people focused on him. Scene after scene of at least 4 - 6 people showing up to comfort Nick. I know he was going through a difficult time, and I felt for him. But the way it was written showed Nick as weak, immature, younger than he was, and not in a naive, sheltered way. Like he had devolved in age, and was more teenager than the adult I read in the first half. He was thinking of marriage and kids, and by book's end, he can't take care of himself for an hour without supervision.

I wanted Nick to have a backbone like he did in the first 50% of the book, and stop acting like a damsel in distress. I know I sound cold, but I'm pointing it out for those who do read as I do, and for those who don't, they will love this portion. Once or twice, I was understanding, and emotionally hurt for Nick. 50% of the book, wash-repeat of the friends supporting Nick, I emotionally disconnected.

I wanted this to be an empowering story after the amazing beginning, where Nick found himself. But it was more of a support system story, where his friends got him through it, and Nick can't take credit for the transformation.

It was 30% of the novel before I figured out who was to be Nick's love interest, and that 30% was superb character building and storytelling. So I felt whiplashed once the romance started and it was cavity sweet. Near the halfway point, where Nick goes from devout Mormon to free, it was a bit of a shift for me that I didn't enjoy. However, romance fans will swoon over the fuzziness.

Since I hadn't read the prior books, one thread wouldn't have been so out of nowhere if I had, I bet. The spanking. It just appeared out of nowhere, not fitting in with the storyline when it was introduced. So random, and didn't fit the scene it popped out from.

I understand the concept, believe me, I do. But it didn't feel like the right characters to want it, or deliver it. At the very least, there needed to be a seed of the need from the very start of the book, to remove the feeling of 'where did 'that' come from?'

The very beginning of that chapter is where the book veered off for me. Spankings and panties. Giddiness. Giggling. Sex. Many times of rescuing Nick from his own emotions, with pizza and laughs. Every scene began to be a mirror of one prior, drawing the book out. While I realize this was to remove any insta-love, and allow for proper time to pass of love to be achieved, it was redundant.

That was the difference for me. The first half was made up of an organically flowing storyline, while the second half was similar scenes repeated, with the storyline going stagnant for the sake of building romance. Being this is in the romance category, it didn't affect my rating, just my reading enjoyment.

At the end of the book, I felt I knew the other characters more, that Nick still didn't know himself, and that I knew nothing of Ethan except for what he does for Nick. Who is Ethan? Once the romance started, the focus shifted, and the loss of 'getting to know you' (like the walk through the farm and the ballgame) was lost, because everyone was rushing off to meet an upset Nick and bring pizza.

Highly recommended for fans of MM romance, who love the light and fluffy, syrupy sweet romance, but like a religious bent to add depth.

I do plan on starting this series from the beginning, as I was intrigued with the characters I had met but was lost on their backstories. While I enjoy Thianna Durston's writing style, I'll give a few more books to determine if it was just this book, or if a pattern emerges where the depth of the story turns into only romance by mid-book.


Angela – ☆☆☆☆☆
His Right Choice was another 5-star read for me because, yet again, I read it as soon as I got my hands on it and then reread it so I could write my review. I literally cannot help myself. The Men of Falcon Pointe series is an addiction for me – one which I must feed immediately by devouring the book and then take a second read through so that I can savor the story. Like Rafe, Nick does not take up residence in Cory’s house, but unlike Rafe, he has no connection with the men of 959 Brenton Street, so this gave Durston the chance to demonstrate just how small the world can be, especially as Nick was actively avoiding the LDS and GSA groups as he transitioned from his missionary travels and back into college life at Falcon Pointe University.

Unlike the previous young men featured in the series, Nick has a girlfriend and is expected to get engaged soon (at least I don’t remember any of the others having girlfriends). No one knows that he’s attracted to men and he accepts the Mormon Church’s assertion about homosexuality that by marrying and doing his duty to the church, he will be able to overcome his “urges.” Despite his best efforts to avoid temptation, Nick finds himself faced with the young men who have already been in his shoes – Trent, Bastien, Santi, and Rafe. Although Nick’s journey begins with him intending to marry and remain a member of the Mormon Church, the more time he spends with Santi and others, seeing how they’ll support him no matter what choice he makes, and learning that they’re not the deviants the church would have him believe them to be, the more he questions the teachings of the church and his future. And catching the eye of the handsome Ethan – the only person he’s felt a true connection with – makes that path even harder to follow. As Nick comes to terms with the future he wants, fallout from his decision is inevitable and like those before him, he’s stunned by the reactions of those close to him.

Now, trying not to ruin the book for other readers, I found the twist about Ethan’s past to be quite unexpected. I liked it as it set him apart from the other Mormon boys’ partners and it explains why his reaction to the final scene between Nick and his mother is so furious and intense – I’m not sure that such an angry outburst would have been acceptable by any of the other partners. Then again, Nick’s mother’s confrontation with him was one of the harshest compared to those of the previous mothers shown in the series. I loved that Nick’s best friend, Deke, was so supportive of him and stuck by him regardless of each new thing he learned about Nick. I readily admit that I laughed my butt off when Deke discovered that Nick and Ethan were in a domestic discipline relationship; not only was the post-spanking scene hilarious, but it made me that much happier that Deke and Kelli had hit it off. Fans of the series will enjoy getting to catch up with the guys from the earlier books, and I especially enjoyed getting to know Santi better as he forged his friendship with Nick. I found His Right Choice to be another great addition to the Men of Falcon Pointe and am looking forward to the next installment in the series – and I wouldn’t complain if Alan finally found his match because I missed him seeing him this time around.

Also Available in the Men of Falcon Pointe Series

Book 1
Buy Links

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Dreamspinner Press

Book 2
Buy Links

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Dreamspinner Press

Book 3
Buy Links

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Dreamspinner Press

THIANNA DURSTON is a writer by day and supernova by night. Or at least that’s what the faeries tell her. And who is she to deny those pesky *cough* lovely little creatures?

She lives in the Pacific Northwest, though her heart belongs elsewhere. In the meantime, until she can return to the place she calls home, she happily lives in a city that still thinks it’s a small town. Thankfully, it has given her muse lots of amusing places to start a story.

Connect with Thianna

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of His Right Choice (Men of Falcon Pointe #4) by Thianna Durston to read and review.

Corbin’s Bend – Delivered to Love by Thianna Durston & Jamie Ray

Danny Lawrence used to have a great life. Until his parents found out about him making out with a guy. Now, he’s living in his car while working the same delivery job he’s had since college. One small accident lands him at the Corbin’s Bend Medical Center where he meets Phillip.

Phillip Scott, the new CBMC administrator, has an instant attraction to Danny and when he needs a place to convalesce, offers his own home. Small quarters bring their emotions to the front quickly and things heat up.

Danny’s past rockets back in to his life, shaking their rocky foundation. Something needs to give. Will their choices solidify their relationship, or destroy what they’ve built?

Book 2 – Season Four
Buy Links

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B&N  ~  Blushing Books

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angie – ☆☆☆☆
Sweet love story between Danny and Phillip. Danny had an awesome life until someone outs him as being gay. Phillip is finally happy and has a good job, a house and a cat. When an accident happens and the whole Corbin’s Bend community wants to know how Danny is, Phillip has to step in as the hospital administrator. When Phillip sets eyes on Danny he is drawn to him and can’t stay away. Even though they never met before, these two have an instant attraction and it was a great journey seeing their relationship bloom. I really enjoyed this book. I loved all the nicknames Danny gave everyone; I thought it brought even more realism to the story. One of the better Corbin’s Bend books and one of my favorites.

Characters: Well written and easy to relate to
Sex: Yes
Religious: No
Would I recommend to others: Yes
More than one book in the series: Yes
Genre: M/M, Spanking, Romance
Would I read more by this author: Yes


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
I love my regular fix of spanking stories thanks to the Corbin's Bend series – and this one is a goodie!

What I particularly liked was that not only did we really get to see the point of view of both leads, we also got more information about old favourites, through their advice to the couple. I loved the description that Phillip gave on first seeing Danny – it just made the whole story make sense, and be much more intense. I am not always certain that pairings work in Corbin’s Bend stories, but there was no doubt in my mind here.

Sweet, hot, intense, funny in places, and definitely an enjoyable read – thank you again Ms Durston and Ms. Ray.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
Each book in the Corbin's Bend series feels a little like reading your hometown newspaper. Each edition features the newest romantic couple as front page news but there are snippets and features of other couples and residents of the small community that keeps the continuity flowing nicely.

In this edition we meet Danny, a chef/food delivery man for a company out of Boulder. He loves his trips to Corbin's Bend where he has made many friends during the course of dropping off produce and other foodstuffs to the area restaurants. When he was "outed" by someone to his parents, his whole world shifted due to their inability to accept the fact he may be gay. And the "may be gay" is because he really doesn't know. He's made out with one guy and it felt better than anything else he'd experienced with a woman. But did one make out session make him gay? Alone and confused, he doesn't know where to turn and decides to talk to his friends in Corbin's Bend.

Phillip is new to Corbin's Bend, having just been hired as the administrator of the hospital. He came here to start over after being outed as a spankophile to his employers. Apparently being gay was okay but spanking was on the banned behavior list. When he heard about the job in Corbin's Bend, it was like a dream come true. A place to be himself, to be on the inside of a community rather than keeping a part of himself hidden from the world.

As Danny and Phillip’s friendship progresses, you can see the wheels turning in Danny's head. Phillip does his best to help Danny process what he's feeling before finally giving him a copy of his journal. As Danny reads the entries, he realizes that his feelings are not abnormal nor one of a kind.

The slow romance between Danny and Phillip gave this story the believability factor that some stories lack. They got to know each other, their strengths and weaknesses, and truly like each other which just adds to the romance.

Would you like to know more about
Corbin’s Bend?
Check out our
Wicked Reads Guide to the Spanking Community.

Also Available in Corbin’sBend Season Four

Book 1 – Season Four
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Blushing Books

Thianna Durston

Thianna Durston is the author of M/M series All They Ever Needed, Blake/Dusty Chronicles, and more.

She likes to say she’s eclectic, fun, and just a bit naughty. She writes romance with both M/F and M/M main characters. No matter what she writes, all the hot scenes support the story instead of the other way around.

She’s also the creator of and acquisition editor for the Corbin’s Bend spanking romance series. Who else wants to be safe, secure, and spanked in Colorado?

Also writes under the name Thianna D.

Connect with Thianna

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Google+  ~  Pinterest  ~  Blog  ~  tsū


Jamie Ray

Jamie Ray is a writer with a passion for relationships of all kinds, the power of submission, and the importance of equality. Delivered to Love was her first foray into the m/m genre, and she was so grateful to have the opportunity to write with such a prolific and experienced author, who also happened to be a friend. That being said – Delivered to Love may or may not be her only book. Nothing has been decided yet.

Connect with Jamie

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Delivered to Love (Corbin’s Bend Season Four #2) by Thianna Durston & Jamie Ray to read and review for this tour. Review copy was purchased by the blog.