Slave Hunt

Rock’s fifth Subs Club kinky erotic contemporary, featuring a close-knit group of submissive queer men in an unnamed American town, begins with club member Riddle innocently organizing a “slave hunt” in which dominants will attempt to chase submissives down. He has no idea that the event will end up dividing his friends, albeit temporarily. As with the other installments, the story bounces from the central character to his friends and back—but Rock is up to 10 point-of-view characters, which feels excessive. Dave is determined to show up his master, who doesn’t think Dave has what it takes to elude capture; Gould wants to prove to his master and their boyfriend that he can open up and share his emotions; Ryan wants to dress his boyfriend in lacy panties and tie him to a whipping post; Miles fights mixed feelings about letting his partner move in. As paintballs fly and emotions rage, Rock provides tantalizing peeks at several happily-ever-afters, proving that while love is messy and never easy, it is always worth the effort. At the end of the hunt, everyone wins, in love if not in sport. Wry banter, genuine love, and moments of hilarious dismay over awkward situations will charm readers. Despite some questionable moments with spatulas, this is a strong addition to Rock’s series. (Oct.)