The Blurb:
When his father dies, Thomas is forced to abandon a burgeoning art career in New York. As difficult as it was to give up his lifelong dream, it’s nothing next to walking away from the man he loves. Marcus taught him to embrace who he is, a sexual submissive who responds to the touch of only one Master. But why would the sophisticated Marcus need some farm kid from the South?
Then Marcus shows up and offers him a way to continue his art career and help his family. There’s only one hitch — he asks Thomas to spend a week with him in the Berkshires. Thomas knows he should refuse. But he’s never been able to say no to his Master.
Why I bought it:
I can’t honestly remember. All I know is that this is one of the first m/m romances I ever purchased.
Dislike/like (ending on a high note):
Dislike~ I have seen a couple of reviews and comments by people who have either dismissed or did not finish this book because they were angry at the things Thomas denies or abandons (ie Marcus, his life, his artwork, his sexuality, etc). Yes, he does, but his character develops and grows as the story progresses. To me, Rough Canvas is more about acceptance than it is about denial.
Like~ Thomas and Marcus are complex and flawed characters. Deeply in love with each other, they struggle with their personal issues and circumstances as well as other obstacles to find a way to be together. They sweep the reader along with them on their journey and what more could you want in a book?
Dislike~ This is more of a warning to others than it is one of my own dislikes. This is not a light, fluffy clouds and rainbows read. There are some scenes people will hate because they are confronting and challenging. If this isn’t what you like to read, Rough Canvas isn’t the book for you.
Like~ Joey W Hill is probably one of the best writers of BDSM romance I have ever come across. She understands the lifestyle and all it entails and is able to convey this in an extremely thought provoking way. Her work will make you question any preconceptions you may have about this world.
So, what I think:
I love this story. I have re-read it so many times it’s not funny and never fail to be moved by it.
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‘Tasting’ is my version of a mini-review where I talk a (very) little about what I liked and disliked about a book as well as who I think the story will appeal to. Oh, and I’ve added a bit about why I picked up the book in the first place – sometimes this can be interesting to know.
Kris + Books = Good. *Sometimes*. 
Sounds interesting, Kris. I’m intrigued as to what you might mean by confronting and challenging. Is this to do with the BDSM?Haven’t read much BDSM. In fact I think I’ve only read one ‘proper’ one and a few with some light BDSM moments. Would this be a good one to look at as an accessible way into the genre?
Hey Jen, it’s to do with the approach to BDSM as well as some very emotional scenes where the protags deal with their past and current circumstances. In different ways, both of them have to also deal with family prejudice towards their sexuality. I personally find such situations heartbreaking and they’re always tough for me to read.Re: BDSM – I would recommend this author to anyone wanting to read a proper/ real/ however you want to phrase it story about the lifestyle. To me, she is simply awesome and is definitely the best I’ve read in this genre. I’m not sure I would describe it as ‘accessible’, but I will say that you’ll probably learn more reading one of the books in this ‘Nature of Desire’ series than doing hours of research into BDSM and still not getting your head around it.
Doesn’t sound like my kind of book although usually I like what you like. 🙂 I really have problems getting into anything that is BDSM beyond some light stuff. I don’t find it interesting because I’m always thinking “I don’t get it”. I find there are certain themes I just won’t read, its like my brain shuts off and I lose all interest. End of book for me. *shrug* Life’s too short right? 🙂
BDSM isn’t for everyone, literally and figuratively. :)Having said that I would recommend this author to those intrigued or wanting a ‘real’ taste of the genre because she definitely gives the reader an insight into people’s sexuality, their motivations, what draws them to the lifestyle, etc in a way that you are able to connect with or at the very least gain a better understanding. She also emphasises the romance of BDSM, which may sound strange but, I think, is definitely true.
I read a teddypig review of this (I think it was TP) that made it sound quite good! Glad to see you like it, too.
Hiya CJ. :)I love this book muchly. The author’s approach to BDSM lends itself very well to a deeper exploration of sexuality and love between two men. I think that is one of the reasons why I like it so much. The fact that it is not your typical m/m romance and deals, in a more meaningful way, with issues such as prejudice and acceptance.