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F.I.S.T.S #1
Sarge
Novellette (16,940 words)
Genre(s): Science Fiction, Erotica, Military, BDSM, Gay
Sometimes it’s just about being in the right place at the right time… with the right person.
Sarge is the short story of a burgeoning D/s relationship between two Space Marines stationed on an alien planet where an endless war drags on.
Sergeant Wilkes is a hard man with a long, celebrated military career.
Brawny, tattooed, and utterly submissive, Murphy is just an interesting diversion… until Sarge realizes he has found something truly rare.
Genre(s): Science Fiction, Erotica, Military, BDSM, Gay
Sometimes it’s just about being in the right place at the right time… with the right person.
Sarge is the short story of a burgeoning D/s relationship between two Space Marines stationed on an alien planet where an endless war drags on.
Sergeant Wilkes is a hard man with a long, celebrated military career.
Brawny, tattooed, and utterly submissive, Murphy is just an interesting diversion… until Sarge realizes he has found something truly rare.
56 pages, ebook
First published October 1, 2014
About the author
Bey Deckard
26 books688 followersArtist, dog lover, and writer of very queer, very adult fiction.
Bey Deckard is the author of a number of novels including the Baal’s Heart books, Max, Beauty and His Beast, and Better the Devil You Know.
Bey lives in Montréal, Canada where he spends most of his time writing, doing graphic work, painting portraits, speaking French, cooking tasty vegetarian eats, or watching more movies than is good for him. If you’re the curious type, www.beydeckard.com is where you’ll find art and free stories by Bey as well as information on his published works.
Bey Deckard is the author of a number of novels including the Baal’s Heart books, Max, Beauty and His Beast, and Better the Devil You Know.
Bey lives in Montréal, Canada where he spends most of his time writing, doing graphic work, painting portraits, speaking French, cooking tasty vegetarian eats, or watching more movies than is good for him. If you’re the curious type, www.beydeckard.com is where you’ll find art and free stories by Bey as well as information on his published works.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
September 6, 2016
Update September 2016: Oh no! New cover fail! That's not Sarge. That guy gives me the willies. Bummer.
First review from Oct. 29, 2014:
So who the fuck is Bey Deckard and how the fuck did s/he get me to sob like a little girl while reading a 50 page story? Loved this kinky gem!!!!!! It's a must read! Kink, BDSM, military boys and, I kid you not, romance! All in 50 short little pages. Highly recommended.
June 2, 2015 review after re-read that includes more than me fangirling the fuck out:
Sarge, the first book in the F.I.S.T.S series, is an otherworldly, futuristic, kinky little gem filled with strong affection and tense military action.
As we begin, Sargent "Sarge" Wilkes, the superior in change of his unit on a dangerous mission on a alien planet, is critically injured in combat. PFL Andrew Murphy does quick work patching him up with high tech healing material and a pink goo pain killer (nicknamed Hubba Bubba) that is placed on the injured person's neck. Sarge's eye has been blown out and Murphy quickly realizes that Sarge is now blinded in his other eye too. Murphy has an idea of how to help Sarge with his blindness and sticks a relay circuit to his and Sarge's heads to see if the neurotransmitters from his sight will transfer over to Sarge's sight so they can get back to base more easily. It works and Sarge is startled to see people and objects giving off a kind of aura. Murphy has a special sight ability of seeing waves that change colors based on people's emotions and different situations. Once Sarge is inside Murphy's head, he cannot suppress his desires and Sarge picks up that Murphy, a very large 6'8" buff soldier, has submissive tendencies and likes pain. Sarge has dominate tendencies and tells Murphy:
And Murph does get Sarge safely back to base and their physical relationship begins.
I can honestly tell you that this is some of the kinkiness, raunchiest, dirtiest sex I have ever read. Murph like pain and humiliation and absolutely blossoms with it. Sarge feels incredibly lucky that someone as big and manly as Murph will let him hurt him for the mutual benefit of both.
As the story progresses, Sarge and Murph become closer and their relationship turns into much more than bed buddies. The men do not express their emotions with one another, but the connection is screamingly obvious to the reader.
How can the kinkiness, raunchiest, dirtiest sex I have ever read also turn into a mind melting love story? Without either of them even expressing their feelings out loud? Well, however Bey Deckard did it, it is an astounding success.
I actually cannot recommend this book highly enough. Yes, it is a short one coming in at about 50 pages, but it packs an extremely emotional punch and even had me weeping at the end. Luckily for us the sequel is already out and it's even better than this one! Go read Murphy now for more with these incredible men.
This review is cross posted at GayBook.Reviews.
First review from Oct. 29, 2014:
So who the fuck is Bey Deckard and how the fuck did s/he get me to sob like a little girl while reading a 50 page story? Loved this kinky gem!!!!!! It's a must read! Kink, BDSM, military boys and, I kid you not, romance! All in 50 short little pages. Highly recommended.
June 2, 2015 review after re-read that includes more than me fangirling the fuck out:
Sarge, the first book in the F.I.S.T.S series, is an otherworldly, futuristic, kinky little gem filled with strong affection and tense military action.
As we begin, Sargent "Sarge" Wilkes, the superior in change of his unit on a dangerous mission on a alien planet, is critically injured in combat. PFL Andrew Murphy does quick work patching him up with high tech healing material and a pink goo pain killer (nicknamed Hubba Bubba) that is placed on the injured person's neck. Sarge's eye has been blown out and Murphy quickly realizes that Sarge is now blinded in his other eye too. Murphy has an idea of how to help Sarge with his blindness and sticks a relay circuit to his and Sarge's heads to see if the neurotransmitters from his sight will transfer over to Sarge's sight so they can get back to base more easily. It works and Sarge is startled to see people and objects giving off a kind of aura. Murphy has a special sight ability of seeing waves that change colors based on people's emotions and different situations. Once Sarge is inside Murphy's head, he cannot suppress his desires and Sarge picks up that Murphy, a very large 6'8" buff soldier, has submissive tendencies and likes pain. Sarge has dominate tendencies and tells Murphy:
"You're a good boy, Murph," he says softly to me. "you get me home, get me patched up, and you'll see what good boys get."
And Murph does get Sarge safely back to base and their physical relationship begins.
I can honestly tell you that this is some of the kinkiness, raunchiest, dirtiest sex I have ever read. Murph like pain and humiliation and absolutely blossoms with it. Sarge feels incredibly lucky that someone as big and manly as Murph will let him hurt him for the mutual benefit of both.
As the story progresses, Sarge and Murph become closer and their relationship turns into much more than bed buddies. The men do not express their emotions with one another, but the connection is screamingly obvious to the reader.
How can the kinkiness, raunchiest, dirtiest sex I have ever read also turn into a mind melting love story? Without either of them even expressing their feelings out loud? Well, however Bey Deckard did it, it is an astounding success.
I actually cannot recommend this book highly enough. Yes, it is a short one coming in at about 50 pages, but it packs an extremely emotional punch and even had me weeping at the end. Luckily for us the sequel is already out and it's even better than this one! Go read Murphy now for more with these incredible men.
This review is cross posted at GayBook.Reviews.
November 1, 2014
4.5 HEARTS--"You're a good boy, Murph," he says softly to me.
"You get me home, get me patched up, and you'll see what good boys get."
That was the line that hooked me when I first learned about this story.
There's nothing like great dirty talk. And when it's paired with great D/s? It's like there's a jackpot to be read. And "Sarge", the first in the F.I.S.T.S. series, definitely has that in spades. In less than sixty pages, it gets the job done to portray a burgeoning relationship between two space marines who are fighting a losing battle on an alien planet.
Murphy is a 6'8" soldier that doesn't speak much (not because he can't, he's quite intelligent) that does not fit the norm because he's submissive. Pause. Let me roll around in this moment for a few more seconds. Submissive big guy bottoming. *nods* That's my shit.
And he's lusting over his senior officer, Sarge, for quite sometime. The elder, Sarge, has picked up on these feelings and acts upon them in quite an erotically charged fashion. He reads Murphy's needs very well and gives his boy the partner he craves.
The story is told in alternating first POV which I love because I think you get the best handle of a main character and their mindset with first POV. Don't lump this as PWP due to the length, this is a well fleshed out story that paints a great setting - it's a desolate alien planet, where the last dregs of human soldiers are losing but still giving their all. Sarge and Murphy share near death experiences, an understanding and a common bond.
The part that really solidified these two men to me were the little things. The responses, the looks, the little gestures. It is more romantic than I expected while still not being overly mushy. I love reading the small things that make for a bigger picture. The story ends with a cliffhanger (with a promise for something more) but since this is book #1, I won't get too antsy. I enjoy Sarge and I think I'm halfway in heavy like with tattooed, doesn't know his worth, Murphy. (What is it with this author creating these brawny as hell subs that I just need to root for?)
Do I recommend? YES, especially D/s fans and unconventional relationship fans.
Will I read more from this author? Of course, He's not a one trick pirate pony and I am so happy to read what else he has brewing in his brain.
So I'll pretend to wait patiently for the next installment while reveling in what I just read...
A copy provided for an honest review.
That was the line that hooked me when I first learned about this story.
There's nothing like great dirty talk. And when it's paired with great D/s? It's like there's a jackpot to be read. And "Sarge", the first in the F.I.S.T.S. series, definitely has that in spades. In less than sixty pages, it gets the job done to portray a burgeoning relationship between two space marines who are fighting a losing battle on an alien planet.
Murphy is a 6'8" soldier that doesn't speak much (not because he can't, he's quite intelligent) that does not fit the norm because he's submissive. Pause. Let me roll around in this moment for a few more seconds. Submissive big guy bottoming. *nods* That's my shit.
And he's lusting over his senior officer, Sarge, for quite sometime. The elder, Sarge, has picked up on these feelings and acts upon them in quite an erotically charged fashion. He reads Murphy's needs very well and gives his boy the partner he craves.
"So are you completely proportionate?" It takes me a second, maybe two, before I realise that he's asking whether I'm packing a peashooter or a rocket launcher in my shorts.
The story is told in alternating first POV which I love because I think you get the best handle of a main character and their mindset with first POV. Don't lump this as PWP due to the length, this is a well fleshed out story that paints a great setting - it's a desolate alien planet, where the last dregs of human soldiers are losing but still giving their all. Sarge and Murphy share near death experiences, an understanding and a common bond.
The part that really solidified these two men to me were the little things. The responses, the looks, the little gestures. It is more romantic than I expected while still not being overly mushy. I love reading the small things that make for a bigger picture. The story ends with a cliffhanger (with a promise for something more) but since this is book #1, I won't get too antsy. I enjoy Sarge and I think I'm halfway in heavy like with tattooed, doesn't know his worth, Murphy. (What is it with this author creating these brawny as hell subs that I just need to root for?)
Do I recommend? YES, especially D/s fans and unconventional relationship fans.
Will I read more from this author? Of course, He's not a one trick pirate pony and I am so happy to read what else he has brewing in his brain.
So I'll pretend to wait patiently for the next installment while reveling in what I just read...
A copy provided for an honest review.
July 27, 2016
I decided to start this book just before going to sleep but was so tired I had to leave it half done (my eyelids weighed a ton). The next morning, just after breakfast, I picked it up again. I remembered it was hot but I had almost forgotten it was incredibly romantic. I was so excited, so moved, so touched, I just wanted to grab my keyboard and write. But I had no words to say. My mind had gone blank. If I was inspired a moment before, the next minute I fell mute.
I'm not going to lie, this year is a good year in books. I feel I've just found my philosophical stone because I can't believe my luck. When this happens, I try to pick books I probably won't like so much, just because I need perspective, because maybe I find a gem without looking for it, because I want to save the good ones for later in case I'm in a crisis, because I need something fast and shallow to "detoxify" my mind after finishing an intense book and before beginning an intense story. I thought this book would be the "too much sex, too little plot" to achieve that detoxification. But I was wrong. Gladly wrong.
Because, yes, it has lots of sex. Because, no, it was never too much sex. Because, yes, it nailed it, exactly what I needed then. Because, no, I didn't miss being alone the whole day. Because, yes, there was love. Because, no, I couldn't get enough. Enough just doesn't exist in this story. There is so much that could have been written. Missing scenes I would have liked to read. Unspoken words I would have not liked to hear. Scenes that maybe, and I emphasize the maybe, would have left me more satisfied. Because I'm greedy and I had a craving after each passing chapter. Words would have meant a waste of breath.
Because sometimes the "Love yous" are just not necessary and even distracts from the important matter of the story. That's what I was trying to say: words were a distraction. And I didn't want to be distracted. I just wanted to roll into Sarge's awe at looking as his pliant and responsive boy. I just wanted to adore Sarge through Murphy's eyes, because that devotion is so well described it had such a shape and consistency, it was tangible. Because it was raw, dirty, naughty, kinky, rough, and every definition in the dictionary, but it was never humiliating or painful or disturbing. It was beautiful. And that is, undoubtedly, worthy of merit. Because the scenes got inside my comfort zone without permission, when they had no right to belong to there.
It took me by surprise. I wasn't expecting it. I was vulnerable. It knocked on my door, got into my heart. I didn’t stand a chance. Cold showers weren’t enough. Liquid nitrogen was the solution. Damn, this book burns. But the devotion burnt me even more. Murphy is blind for everything excepting his duty. That means, serving as a soldier, and but above all, that means, serving Sarge. There is nothing more important than that. Sarge knows it and can't believe how lucky he is. He maneuvers Murphy at every desire of his but little by little he realizes he's not the one in charge. That Murphy has stolen more than a piece of his room. He fights against it, he tries to brush it off, play hard, distance himself, but as Murphy cherishes everything he receives and gives so much more, his walls just break a little more each time till the real nakedness is shown and there is nothing to hide, and no reason to do so.
Sarge and Murphy are an once-in-a-lifetime formula.
Forgive me,
For I did not know.
'Cause I was just a boy
And you were so much more
Than any god could ever plan,
More than a woman or a man.
And now I understand how much I took from you:
That, when everything starts breaking down,
You take the pieces off the ground
And show this wicked town
something beautiful and new.
So when you've got no other choice
You know you can follow my voice
Through the dark turns and noise
Of this wicked little town.
Oh it's a wicked, little town.
Seriously, don't let this pair go. I won't.
*****
This review is for both novellas:
and
. In the second review I display a sort of a geeky facet: Murphy.Review with hot pics here.
October 29, 2014
4.25 Sucker-punch Right to the Kink Stars!
I’m rapidly approaching hero worship with this author. This little nugget packs more of a punch than I had any right to expect in fifty odd pages. Sarge is a well constructed novella with fantastic world building, superb research into military speak, likable characters that are kinky and ON FI-YAH!
For serious. I need a fire extinguisher to put out the still smoldering flames. A DAY LATER!
Sarge and Murphy are part of war with some alien species that has been waging forever or so it seems to them. The backstory on the specifics of the war, the name of the planet and the aliens is lacking, though through some stellar research *side eyes* it looks as though there will be a sequel, so perhaps the specifics will be addressed then. However, the imagery associated with the climate and terrain of the planet is fantastic. It’s hellish. Literally.
The weaponry, military, medical and scientific advancements were clever, unique and added to the world building, but what lent it credence was the military-speak. It was spot on. I live near a military base and have interacted with many soldiers and this is how they talk. Everything is acronyms and shorthand, some of which are silly and leave me wondering why exactly an acronym was necessary, as was the case here. BFR amused me.
Sarge and Murph meet officially in the field where Murph patches up Sarge. It’s quickly clear Murph has a crush on his Sargent and Sarge quickly susses out his proclivities. By the time we next catch up to them Murph is naked in Sarge’s quarters polishing his boots. Did I mention that Murph is “big as a goddamned wall and built like a Roman god.”? And submissive?
“I’m naked because Sarge likes me that way. And that’s fine with me too. After all, my cock is his; if he wants it out in the open, so be it.”
Oh my dear, sweet lord… someone get me an ice pack for that sucker-punch I just took.
Sarge is older, considerably smaller and gruff with a bit of a short fuse whereas Murph is quietly intelligent, patient, thick-skinned and, most importantly, obedient. Such a good boy taking days on end of orgasm denial like a trooper. Did I mention they were hot? I particularly enjoyed the neural link scene and the shower scene and the… oh, you get the idea.
There’s no doubt Mr. Deckard (I really want to call him Bey Bey but I doubt that would go over well.) brings it with the kink and truth be told, that’s really all I was expecting out of Sarge. I was delightfully surprised that there was an actual story. The foundation has been laid and I eagerly anticipate the next installment.
Highly recommend this tasty lil morsel.
Reviewed for
March 1, 2015
Is it hot in here?
...or is it just this book?
You will not believe the amount of brilliance crammed into this little book - This short story combines so many amazing elements it will make your head spin - the fact that the author managed to write such a complex tale in a short amount of space while allowing for seamless continuity and perfect pacing is nothing short of astounding.
What we have here is a military romance between two men in uniform - they are 'Space Marines' battling an alien force on a distant planet - that means we get to layer in all kinds of Sci-Fi badassadry including inventive technology, weapons, and a fabulously creative setting - you know I thrive on originality, and this story is wonderfully unique!
Let's break it down, shall we?
There is a definite D/s theme which spans the relationship of the MCs. You've got your "forbidden fruit/banging the boss" kink since the relationship is between a Private First Class and his Sargent. In addition, there is a pretty substantial age difference between the two men, so I think it's safe to add a bit of Daddy Kink into the mix.
Private First Class Andrew Murphy
Murphy's ingenuity and quick thinking saved the life of his Sargent in the trenches. The connection they forged in that bloody moment will have a lasting effect neither man had planned for...
Sergeant Wilkes
Andrew Murphy might be a fearless giant, but he's always known he is a submissive... Not a lot of men can look at a man like Murphy and understand exactly what he needs... but Sarge can...
Murphy's effortless submission to Wilkes evokes a feeling the battle-hardened Sargent cannot ignore... and that's just the beginning...
The story was intriguing and engaging.
It was not campy or sentimental - the romance between Sarge & Murphy was subdued in comparison to the comfort and camaraderie of having someone you trust at your side.
I have only two complaints about the entire book:
1. Since the POV alternated, it would be nice to have an obvious demarkation of the change (perhaps in the chapter heading) that way it doesn't take me two or three sentences to figure out which character I'm reading.
2. I want the second book... like now. Book one leaves off with a battlefield cliffhanger and I'm dying to find out what happens next!
Overall, I am incredibly impressed with this story, and I'm eager to read the rest of the series.
***The author provided me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review***
...or is it just this book?
"You're a good boy, Murph," he says softly to me. "You get me home, get me patched up, and you'll see what good boys get.Sure, the alien planet might be unbearably hot, but the setting barely holds a candle to the heat being generated between our main characters...
I swear to god, I have never made a sound like it before; half whimper, half gasp, it's past my lips before I can stop it. Sarge sees the effect his words have on me, and he smiles.
You will not believe the amount of brilliance crammed into this little book - This short story combines so many amazing elements it will make your head spin - the fact that the author managed to write such a complex tale in a short amount of space while allowing for seamless continuity and perfect pacing is nothing short of astounding.
What we have here is a military romance between two men in uniform - they are 'Space Marines' battling an alien force on a distant planet - that means we get to layer in all kinds of Sci-Fi badassadry including inventive technology, weapons, and a fabulously creative setting - you know I thrive on originality, and this story is wonderfully unique!
Let's break it down, shall we?
There is a definite D/s theme which spans the relationship of the MCs. You've got your "forbidden fruit/banging the boss" kink since the relationship is between a Private First Class and his Sargent. In addition, there is a pretty substantial age difference between the two men, so I think it's safe to add a bit of Daddy Kink into the mix.
Private First Class Andrew Murphy
I have no shame left. I'm his. One hundred percent. Whatever he wants, he can have it.Murphy is an enigma - a fearless, enormous Marine who typically keeps to himself. His silence is often mistaken for ignorance by the rest of the world, but they are so wrong.
Murphy's ingenuity and quick thinking saved the life of his Sargent in the trenches. The connection they forged in that bloody moment will have a lasting effect neither man had planned for...
Sergeant Wilkes
He's a good boy, my Murphy; never a peep of complaint when I make him wait for his reward... and reward him I do. I'm a man of my word. Hell, the kid had to carry me up on his fucking back for the last mile across scorched desert. I'll keep rewarding him for as long as he'll stay with an old bastard like me.Wilkes tries not to dwell on the fact that bending another man to his will has always held a sexual thrall... How fortuitous that the soldier who saved his life and pulled him from the battlefield would be so eager to serve him.
Andrew Murphy might be a fearless giant, but he's always known he is a submissive... Not a lot of men can look at a man like Murphy and understand exactly what he needs... but Sarge can...
Murphy's effortless submission to Wilkes evokes a feeling the battle-hardened Sargent cannot ignore... and that's just the beginning...
The story was intriguing and engaging.
It was not campy or sentimental - the romance between Sarge & Murphy was subdued in comparison to the comfort and camaraderie of having someone you trust at your side.
I have only two complaints about the entire book:
1. Since the POV alternated, it would be nice to have an obvious demarkation of the change (perhaps in the chapter heading) that way it doesn't take me two or three sentences to figure out which character I'm reading.
2. I want the second book... like now. Book one leaves off with a battlefield cliffhanger and I'm dying to find out what happens next!
Overall, I am incredibly impressed with this story, and I'm eager to read the rest of the series.
***The author provided me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review***
October 27, 2014
Audacious.
When the first scene takes place on a battlefield, on an alien planet somewhere, with a rather graphic description of a serious injury sustained by one of our lead guys (Sarge) as he’s being tended to by his subordinate (Murphy), you wonder what the heck you’ve gotten yourself into.
Then, Sarge propositions Murphy. There, on the battlefield. While he’s seriously wounded. And Murphy gets a stiffy.
“You’re a good boy, Murph,” he says softly to me. “You get me home, get me patched up, and you’ll see what good boys get.”
You just wonder how the writer is going to pull this off and get the sexy going.
This very short sci-fi story sets up a believable wartime drama on an alien planet. It's hot and humid, and the enemy is outgunning the good guys. There are dangerous reconnaissance missions and bloody skirmishes. And lots of things going *kaboom*
Bey Deckard is a new-to-me author, and I am impressed. It’s not easy writing science fiction and romance/erotica, but the author does a good job and has fun doing it. There is just enough techno jargon to set the tone without overwhelming. (A common pitfall in the genre.) The lead characters are well drawn, with surprising nuances, and they mix things up hot 'n sweet. If anything, I could have used a little more info on the bad guys.
Oh, oh, oh, there’s some seriously hot D/s power play on the sidelines.
There is just enough dirty, kinky, spanky, on-his-knees sexytimes to round things out nicely. ’Cause Murphy wants it bad, and Sarge knows just how to take command. Yes, sir, thank you, sir.
Sarge is the start of a series and it's got me primed to check out more of Deckard’s stuff. Definitely recommended.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher/author in exchange for an honest review. For this and other reviews, author interviews, and general fabulousness, visit Love Bytes:
August 8, 2018
It’s short but it IS glorious! So Sarge and Murphy are stuck on a horrible alien planet where the war is never stopping. And at the very unexpected moment, they both found out that they are the missing pieces of each other’s puzzle. It’s fast-paced, thrilling, erotic yet tender and beautiful. It was a lovely relationship between a Dom and Sub and I couldn’t get enough. And Nick J. Russo made it that much more enjoyable to the story. Beautiful narration and top-notch performance. I’m in love. I’m so freaking glad the second audio is already out because I’d die with blue balls if I have to wait. Really really loved it.
5 Please spank me harder Sir stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Audio rating
Story - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Narration - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5 Please spank me harder Sir stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Audio rating
Story - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Narration - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read
August 19, 2016Aug. 19, 2016 - Sarge is now available in Audiobook format: http://geni.us/SargeAB
When you get down to it, it's a sweet love story.
When you get down to it, it's a sweet love story.
April 4, 2017
Whoa.
Dammit Bey. Dammit Nick.
There are so many feels and delicious filth packed into this short novelette and I ate up every word. Telling the story in Dual POV either is the best thing ever or . . . not, and in Sarge, it is the BEST. It’s really the only way the author could have conveyed so much in so little time. Murphy is a BIG space Marine who is actually brilliant but speaks very little because he just isn’t that comfortable with verbal interaction, he’s there to do his duty, and that’s it. There is no one more loyal than Murphy.
Except for maybe Sarge. Sarge has dedicated his life to service and to say the man is tough is an understatement. He has no time for nonsense and when Murph saves his life, Sarge doesn’t waste words when asking about Murphy’s endowment and whether it matches the rest of his frame or not. Why yes Sarge, yes it does. Murphy has had a bit if a lust crush on Sarge for a while now and being a big old sub he doesn’t dare let himself wish that Sarge will dominate him, but when Sarge tells him . . .
“You’re a good boy, Murph,” he says softly to me. “You get me home, get me patched up, and you’ll see what good boys get.”
I swear to god, I have never made a sound like it before; half whimper, half gasp, it’s past my lips before I can stop it. Sarge sees the effect his words have on me, and he smiles.”
I loved the connection between these two and this is really just the beginning between them. You can stop here, but why the hell would you? In order to get the full Sarge and Murphy story, you need to move on to Murphy as soon as you finish Sarge.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
Dammit Bey. Dammit Nick.
There are so many feels and delicious filth packed into this short novelette and I ate up every word. Telling the story in Dual POV either is the best thing ever or . . . not, and in Sarge, it is the BEST. It’s really the only way the author could have conveyed so much in so little time. Murphy is a BIG space Marine who is actually brilliant but speaks very little because he just isn’t that comfortable with verbal interaction, he’s there to do his duty, and that’s it. There is no one more loyal than Murphy.
Except for maybe Sarge. Sarge has dedicated his life to service and to say the man is tough is an understatement. He has no time for nonsense and when Murph saves his life, Sarge doesn’t waste words when asking about Murphy’s endowment and whether it matches the rest of his frame or not. Why yes Sarge, yes it does. Murphy has had a bit if a lust crush on Sarge for a while now and being a big old sub he doesn’t dare let himself wish that Sarge will dominate him, but when Sarge tells him . . .
“You’re a good boy, Murph,” he says softly to me. “You get me home, get me patched up, and you’ll see what good boys get.”
I swear to god, I have never made a sound like it before; half whimper, half gasp, it’s past my lips before I can stop it. Sarge sees the effect his words have on me, and he smiles.”
I loved the connection between these two and this is really just the beginning between them. You can stop here, but why the hell would you? In order to get the full Sarge and Murphy story, you need to move on to Murphy as soon as you finish Sarge.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
September 1, 2016
Edited to add Audio Review - September 1, 2016
4.5 star review by The Blogger Girls.
This story pulled me in immediately, so that I felt as though I was in the trenches right there with Sarge and Murph. I’m not usually a fan of sci-fi stories, but here, I was gobbling up every detail. I found the technical details to be extremely vivid and believable and one of the things I really enjoyed about this story.
These guys are fighting in a war on another planet. They’ve been fighting so long, it almost seems as though they’ve been forgotten about. They get very few supplies, vague orders and limited support. But they keep on doing what they signed up to do – fight the enemy.
Murph is kind of a special guy, and I fell in love with him very quickly. He has a special ability where he can see emotions and feelings in color. He’s loyal and caring, yet not so much for himself. He doesn’t care what others think of him. He’s big and strong and much smarter than everyone believes him to be. He’s poetry in motion as soldiers go, and Sarge is the one to see and take advantage of that. They are a bit gruff and men of few words, yet I had no trouble seeing and feeling what these guys saw in each other.
I would have liked to have seen more about how they went from that day on the battlefield to the D/S relationship they are now in. Murph is beautiful in his submission to Sarge and the scenes are extremely hot and emotional. Sarge tries to play off his feelings as insignificant, at least until they’re tested and put into perspective when Murphy goes dark on a mission, leading Sarge to believe Murph had died.
This is a short story, and it goes by very quickly. Mr. Deckard has done it again writing characters with depth and layers and just plain likable qualities. This story is titled Sarge, but Murphy is the one who steals the show. As is becoming a habit with his books, I’m already longing for more before I’ve even hit the halfway mark. I sincerely hope this isn’t the last we see of these characters. Even though this ends with the promise of an HFN, I’d really like to see where these guys go from here and how they get past the new obstacles they’ll now face upon their return home.
Review - Audio: 5 star Review by The Blogger Girls.
I cannot believe I read this book almost two years ago. Due to the fact that I read a lot of books, write tons of reviews for myself, as well as drafting others for the blog, it takes a talented author to write a story and characters that stand out above that crowd. Mr. Deckard is one of those authors who does it every single time. I have never forgotten any of the details about Sarge and Murphy’s story. In fact, as soon as this audio started rolling, every one of those details and scenes came flooding back. I remembered being on that planet when Murph was patching Sarge up, and was back in that room with them when they took things to another level. Every colorful detail was vivid once again, right down to the kaleidoscope of Murphy’s vision. I can practically feel the oppressive heat of their surroundings, the dust and blood that they’ve practically become accustomed to. This is one short story that packs a heck of a punch, and I was excited to relive it again on audio.
Review – Audio: I don’t listen to that many audios these days, but when I saw this was out, and Nick J. Russo was narrating, I one-clicked faster than a speeding bullet. I wasn’t sure if he would be able to pull off Sarge and Murphy. Let’s face it, they are unique characters and Mr. Deckard has painted very clear pictures of how they act and sound. Well, Mr. Russo did not disappoint. He brought these guys to life giving them distinct voices and mannerisms yet making it seem effortless. It is easy to see why he is such a popular narrator. I really hope he continues with book 2 of this series.
4.5 star review by The Blogger Girls.
This story pulled me in immediately, so that I felt as though I was in the trenches right there with Sarge and Murph. I’m not usually a fan of sci-fi stories, but here, I was gobbling up every detail. I found the technical details to be extremely vivid and believable and one of the things I really enjoyed about this story.
These guys are fighting in a war on another planet. They’ve been fighting so long, it almost seems as though they’ve been forgotten about. They get very few supplies, vague orders and limited support. But they keep on doing what they signed up to do – fight the enemy.
Murph is kind of a special guy, and I fell in love with him very quickly. He has a special ability where he can see emotions and feelings in color. He’s loyal and caring, yet not so much for himself. He doesn’t care what others think of him. He’s big and strong and much smarter than everyone believes him to be. He’s poetry in motion as soldiers go, and Sarge is the one to see and take advantage of that. They are a bit gruff and men of few words, yet I had no trouble seeing and feeling what these guys saw in each other.
I would have liked to have seen more about how they went from that day on the battlefield to the D/S relationship they are now in. Murph is beautiful in his submission to Sarge and the scenes are extremely hot and emotional. Sarge tries to play off his feelings as insignificant, at least until they’re tested and put into perspective when Murphy goes dark on a mission, leading Sarge to believe Murph had died.
This is a short story, and it goes by very quickly. Mr. Deckard has done it again writing characters with depth and layers and just plain likable qualities. This story is titled Sarge, but Murphy is the one who steals the show. As is becoming a habit with his books, I’m already longing for more before I’ve even hit the halfway mark. I sincerely hope this isn’t the last we see of these characters. Even though this ends with the promise of an HFN, I’d really like to see where these guys go from here and how they get past the new obstacles they’ll now face upon their return home.
Review - Audio: 5 star Review by The Blogger Girls.
I cannot believe I read this book almost two years ago. Due to the fact that I read a lot of books, write tons of reviews for myself, as well as drafting others for the blog, it takes a talented author to write a story and characters that stand out above that crowd. Mr. Deckard is one of those authors who does it every single time. I have never forgotten any of the details about Sarge and Murphy’s story. In fact, as soon as this audio started rolling, every one of those details and scenes came flooding back. I remembered being on that planet when Murph was patching Sarge up, and was back in that room with them when they took things to another level. Every colorful detail was vivid once again, right down to the kaleidoscope of Murphy’s vision. I can practically feel the oppressive heat of their surroundings, the dust and blood that they’ve practically become accustomed to. This is one short story that packs a heck of a punch, and I was excited to relive it again on audio.
Review – Audio: I don’t listen to that many audios these days, but when I saw this was out, and Nick J. Russo was narrating, I one-clicked faster than a speeding bullet. I wasn’t sure if he would be able to pull off Sarge and Murphy. Let’s face it, they are unique characters and Mr. Deckard has painted very clear pictures of how they act and sound. Well, Mr. Russo did not disappoint. He brought these guys to life giving them distinct voices and mannerisms yet making it seem effortless. It is easy to see why he is such a popular narrator. I really hope he continues with book 2 of this series.
November 28, 2014
Just Jen "Miss Conduct" has a pretty thorough review of this story, so if you want the whole details of the plot check out that Review.
I'm only going to give my impressions on this story. It's beautiful. It's gritty and rough, and at the same time, lovely. Yes, for such a short story this little undiscovered gem packs quite a punch--which was a surprise for me because even though I love scify, I do not enjoy D/S relationships one bit. But you see, their relationship had to do with devotion more than anything else, and that's what made this story so lovely. Sarge sees something in Murph that he wants to explore, and the more that he tempts, seduces, challenges and tests Murphy, the deeper Sarge falls for his boy. The funny thing is that he doesn't realize how much Boy has hooked his Sarge even though he reacts to any slight that he feels has been done to his boy.
Now Murph, our boy, is an interesting character. People underestimate him because of his quiet manner, and for his size. Murph is all muscle, rough and tumble, tattooed and VERY tall. He is very intelligent, and it doesn't matter to him if his comrades consider him a muscle-bound idiot, a lurking Hulk or whatever they throw as a slur because he knows better. This is something that pisses Sarge off because he doesn't understand it, but Murph is all about honor and devotion as we will get to know throughout this story. Murph just IS. He has a job to do whether loving his Sarge with every bit of his body and soul, or risking his life for the well being of his platoon. He is a quiet hero, the type that does what needs to be done without expecting anything for it, but the satisfaction of doing his job, or what's expected of him, and more than anything, for his beloved Sarge.
I cried at the end of this book. We would be so lucky to have the gentle devotion of someone just like Murph.
Highly recommended. There's scify in this story and it is well done, but what shines through this story is how two men loved each other in an environment where very little survived.
I'm only going to give my impressions on this story. It's beautiful. It's gritty and rough, and at the same time, lovely. Yes, for such a short story this little undiscovered gem packs quite a punch--which was a surprise for me because even though I love scify, I do not enjoy D/S relationships one bit. But you see, their relationship had to do with devotion more than anything else, and that's what made this story so lovely. Sarge sees something in Murph that he wants to explore, and the more that he tempts, seduces, challenges and tests Murphy, the deeper Sarge falls for his boy. The funny thing is that he doesn't realize how much Boy has hooked his Sarge even though he reacts to any slight that he feels has been done to his boy.
Now Murph, our boy, is an interesting character. People underestimate him because of his quiet manner, and for his size. Murph is all muscle, rough and tumble, tattooed and VERY tall. He is very intelligent, and it doesn't matter to him if his comrades consider him a muscle-bound idiot, a lurking Hulk or whatever they throw as a slur because he knows better. This is something that pisses Sarge off because he doesn't understand it, but Murph is all about honor and devotion as we will get to know throughout this story. Murph just IS. He has a job to do whether loving his Sarge with every bit of his body and soul, or risking his life for the well being of his platoon. He is a quiet hero, the type that does what needs to be done without expecting anything for it, but the satisfaction of doing his job, or what's expected of him, and more than anything, for his beloved Sarge.
I cried at the end of this book. We would be so lucky to have the gentle devotion of someone just like Murph.
Highly recommended. There's scify in this story and it is well done, but what shines through this story is how two men loved each other in an environment where very little survived.
January 31, 2015
1.5* rounded up.
There are times when I really have a problem understanding why my friendlist rates something high. This is one of those cases. I have a variety of problems with this.
1. Prose
Why is it that all soldiers get served a voice which is overripe with obscenities, swearing and the language level of a toddler? And not just the voice of a private, the officers are the exact same? And I am supposed to feel attached to these half-wits? I've read the diaries and non-fiction accounts of several hundred soldiers of the Great War and another several dozens of the various wars since, including the current ones. Yes, there are soldiers who're not exactly the epitome of good manners and education, but in general they all come across better equipped and trained in the upstairs department than the typical soldier in an m/m story. Yes, even modern soldiers. It's not just that this is a really trite cliché, it also is by now so bloody boring, that I have to force myself to plod through such narratives. Add to that that this is present tense (costs it a whole * all to itself), and I wasn't bowled over by the prose at all.
2. The Masculine Box
I am so, so, so absolutely unbelievably tired of this. Why do gay men, when they are actually adult men, in m/m have to be firmly lodged inside the typical Masculine Box predominantly found in the US culture? It's not as if that was even remotely correct these days, particularly not among gay men who have good reason to question and at least within their inner selves to challenge this cultural/societal pressure. I have yet to find many authors willing to scrutinise this, but I sure am extremely tired of being presented time and again with characters who aren't even aware of it, and narratives which make this out to be some positive thing.
3. Leather
I think I need to up my ratings for the The Administration series. So far, I'm afraid, Manna Francis is the only writer of m/m who dares write pansexual BDSM for her gay characters. BDSM which reads as if it wasn't pulled straight from some essay waxing poetic about Teh Old Guard or the archetypical Gay Leather Bar. I'm by now not just tired of Master-Daddy/boy dynamics, I'm beginning to loathe reading them. They prescribe one taste, one code of behaviour and one rather one-sided mode of thinking to every gay man interested in BDSM. It's completely insignificant where someone comes from, how he was educated or how he made contact with BDSM, of course he just has to be into what is by now far beyond a stereotype or cliché. Really, give me something else. Something more respectful of choice and intelligence, something more diverse and individual.
4. War and Soldiers
This read like some Sylvester Stallone, Chuck Norris or Steven Seagal movie script. Maybe with a touch of Heinlein. Unreflected rah-rah patriotism, unreflected acceptance of warfare and wars, not even the shimmer of a doubt, except towards army bureaucrats. This extends my feelings of discomfort with reading about stupid male characters to reading about human stupidity in the face of conflict. I'd have been satisfied with the fragment of a small doubt. With one tiny criticising reflection. But there was none.
In the end there was nothing which made me root for either the characters, or the story's outcome. I didn't much care about either, the sex--except for the bottom mentally owning up to not much liking PiA sex--wasn't anything I haven't read before, countless times by now. I do not get why everyone is so taken with this. In the end it was okay. Not bad, but not to my liking either.
There are times when I really have a problem understanding why my friendlist rates something high. This is one of those cases. I have a variety of problems with this.
1. Prose
Why is it that all soldiers get served a voice which is overripe with obscenities, swearing and the language level of a toddler? And not just the voice of a private, the officers are the exact same? And I am supposed to feel attached to these half-wits? I've read the diaries and non-fiction accounts of several hundred soldiers of the Great War and another several dozens of the various wars since, including the current ones. Yes, there are soldiers who're not exactly the epitome of good manners and education, but in general they all come across better equipped and trained in the upstairs department than the typical soldier in an m/m story. Yes, even modern soldiers. It's not just that this is a really trite cliché, it also is by now so bloody boring, that I have to force myself to plod through such narratives. Add to that that this is present tense (costs it a whole * all to itself), and I wasn't bowled over by the prose at all.
2. The Masculine Box
I am so, so, so absolutely unbelievably tired of this. Why do gay men, when they are actually adult men, in m/m have to be firmly lodged inside the typical Masculine Box predominantly found in the US culture? It's not as if that was even remotely correct these days, particularly not among gay men who have good reason to question and at least within their inner selves to challenge this cultural/societal pressure. I have yet to find many authors willing to scrutinise this, but I sure am extremely tired of being presented time and again with characters who aren't even aware of it, and narratives which make this out to be some positive thing.
3. Leather
I think I need to up my ratings for the The Administration series. So far, I'm afraid, Manna Francis is the only writer of m/m who dares write pansexual BDSM for her gay characters. BDSM which reads as if it wasn't pulled straight from some essay waxing poetic about Teh Old Guard or the archetypical Gay Leather Bar. I'm by now not just tired of Master-Daddy/boy dynamics, I'm beginning to loathe reading them. They prescribe one taste, one code of behaviour and one rather one-sided mode of thinking to every gay man interested in BDSM. It's completely insignificant where someone comes from, how he was educated or how he made contact with BDSM, of course he just has to be into what is by now far beyond a stereotype or cliché. Really, give me something else. Something more respectful of choice and intelligence, something more diverse and individual.
4. War and Soldiers
This read like some Sylvester Stallone, Chuck Norris or Steven Seagal movie script. Maybe with a touch of Heinlein. Unreflected rah-rah patriotism, unreflected acceptance of warfare and wars, not even the shimmer of a doubt, except towards army bureaucrats. This extends my feelings of discomfort with reading about stupid male characters to reading about human stupidity in the face of conflict. I'd have been satisfied with the fragment of a small doubt. With one tiny criticising reflection. But there was none.
In the end there was nothing which made me root for either the characters, or the story's outcome. I didn't much care about either, the sex--except for the bottom mentally owning up to not much liking PiA sex--wasn't anything I haven't read before, countless times by now. I do not get why everyone is so taken with this. In the end it was okay. Not bad, but not to my liking either.
January 30, 2015
I liked it, but I would have liked it more if . The D/s was excellent. I got a nice sense of what it did for Murphy. And it was an enjoyable change that he wasn't really into anal sex.
May 14, 2020
4.5 Stars!!! Superb audiobook rendition by Nick J. Russo. I love Mr. Deckard’s writing....typically dark, typically gritty, and definitely hot. Yet above all, what stands out most are his characterizations. No matter how twisted or messed up, these people in his pages have things that fall out of their mouths are REAL...and I’m not just talking body fluids. Words, my friends, words and thoughts, not mindless fluffed up drivel. Although here is dribbling, hehehe.
Real is beauty.
This was a short story about a bunch of nearly forgotten marines fighting advanced alien creatures on a gods forsaken planet. Amongst the dirt, sand, heat and death, a private and a sergeant form a D/s relationship leads to more.
Loved it!!!,
Real is beauty.
This was a short story about a bunch of nearly forgotten marines fighting advanced alien creatures on a gods forsaken planet. Amongst the dirt, sand, heat and death, a private and a sergeant form a D/s relationship leads to more.
Loved it!!!,
April 13, 2015
Two words is all it took to send me scrambling for the BUY button with this one. Space marines! Boom! I was in! :)
But I didn’t see how far or deep Sarge and Murphy got under my skin until I realized I was still thinking about them three days after reading their story.
I’m still thinking about Murphy’s plea “Can I, Sarge?” and the way Sarge’s finger taps and slides over the “M” in Murphy on the door. I can still hear and feel these men!
This unforgettable short story will linger—stick with you. Every nod, bob, and growl!
I’m off to hunt down more from Bey Deckard.
June 30, 2019
The Story: 2 Pants Off
It was all Meh!
The Narration: 2.5 Pants Off
Wasn’t good enough to make the story slightly better.
April 5, 2017
A Double Tag Team review with Ann!
4 HEARTS--Being as I've read this book and enjoyed Sarge to pieces, this audiobook has mighty big shoes to fill.
Murphy, the big hulking submissive soldier who finally gets his man, older Sarge set in a sci-fi erotica action packed short story... I am still grinning.
My feelings for Sarge, as a story, hasn't changed.
Listening to Deckard's words is a different experience for me. The story is still mega hot. Duh, it's a Deckard. But it took me forever to get into the book groove with the narrator, Nick J. Russo.
This is my first time listening to this narrator. I'm still unsure if we're going to be a good match. I got lost very easily, had to re-listen plenty of times. Thankfully, I read the book first. I think it's more of a me thing: the battle between how I imagined Sarge and Murphy to sound vs. Russo's take on it. His Sarge and Murphy voices are similar, but out of the two I enjoyed Sarge more.
Please don't think it was a horrible narration job, whatever form you get your hot hands on Sarge, get it (if the kinks are ones you enjoy).
Toward the end of the story, the narration improved, or it could be because after repeating the book from various locations, I got used to Russo's style. But I think Deckard's words are better read. We'll see, I'm listening to Murphy right after this.
The narration was 3.5 Hearts. My previous rating for Sarge still stands 4.5, so average it out = 4 Hearts
A copy provided for an honest review.
4 HEARTS--Being as I've read this book and enjoyed Sarge to pieces, this audiobook has mighty big shoes to fill.
Murphy, the big hulking submissive soldier who finally gets his man, older Sarge set in a sci-fi erotica action packed short story... I am still grinning.
My feelings for Sarge, as a story, hasn't changed.
Listening to Deckard's words is a different experience for me. The story is still mega hot. Duh, it's a Deckard. But it took me forever to get into the book groove with the narrator, Nick J. Russo.
This is my first time listening to this narrator. I'm still unsure if we're going to be a good match. I got lost very easily, had to re-listen plenty of times. Thankfully, I read the book first. I think it's more of a me thing: the battle between how I imagined Sarge and Murphy to sound vs. Russo's take on it. His Sarge and Murphy voices are similar, but out of the two I enjoyed Sarge more.
Please don't think it was a horrible narration job, whatever form you get your hot hands on Sarge, get it (if the kinks are ones you enjoy).
Toward the end of the story, the narration improved, or it could be because after repeating the book from various locations, I got used to Russo's style. But I think Deckard's words are better read. We'll see, I'm listening to Murphy right after this.
The narration was 3.5 Hearts. My previous rating for Sarge still stands 4.5, so average it out = 4 Hearts
A copy provided for an honest review.
February 10, 2015
Sarge and Murphy, yes I liked. Liked the double POV, the story, the world building, the building up of the relationship, the changes, the making it through.
This scenario reminded me a bit of Starship Troopers but without the bugs and the Ken and Barbie dolls, Rico and Ibanez that is. That's a good thing in my opinion, about the bugs I'm sure you understand and Murphy and Sarge are much better that the pretty dolls, much, much better.
March 9, 2017
Overall book rating: 3.5
Audio Book: Nick J Russo – 4.5
Book Cover: 1 - Hmmmm NO Stars
FIRST - NICK J RUSSO!!! I LOVE Your Murphy!! I swear I’ll listen to a whole recording of him just doing that “Murphy” thing. It’s just toe curling goodness.
I liked the idea of it all. I really like engaging in the “new” of their world and all the little things that adds to it. It’s really brutal and I had to switch gears to ease into it for a moment as we kick off right from the start with a bang. But it makes you want to read/listen? If that makes sense.
Murphy. I’ll just get right to the point and say that by the end of this book I can honestly say that I really really like Murphy. He makes me want to get to know him on a deeper level.
I LOVE his way of being. Quiet, intelligent and at peace with himself. Murphy is interesting in so many ways! His tats and his colour vision all just add to making him draw you in wanting more and more and never really getting enough.
Sarge...well I’m sorry to say he wasn’t on my most adored MC list. I get his gruff demeanour and his in charge thing, but I didn’t really like him as a person.
The one place he sort of redeemed himself in my eyes was where he’s holding on to Murphy and ordering him not to “leave”. Definitely one of the stand out moments of the read.
I get that he cares but really doesn’t want to. I get that it’s not easy for him. I get that caring get’s you killed.
But..my shameless romantic heart wants him to treat Murphy with MORE!
More respect/care/feels!
I know Murphy gets him and that makes my humble little opinion irrelevant but still. Murphy in MY mind deserves better. Murphy deserves everything!!
I read BDSM so no, it’s not that aspect. It’s the ‘respect’ aspect. I just didn’t get a whole lot of that from Sarge. Again, might just be my little romantic heart but that’s that.
On to the next one!
Audio Book: Nick J Russo – 4.5
Book Cover: 1 - Hmmmm NO Stars
FIRST - NICK J RUSSO!!! I LOVE Your Murphy!! I swear I’ll listen to a whole recording of him just doing that “Murphy” thing. It’s just toe curling goodness.
I liked the idea of it all. I really like engaging in the “new” of their world and all the little things that adds to it. It’s really brutal and I had to switch gears to ease into it for a moment as we kick off right from the start with a bang. But it makes you want to read/listen? If that makes sense.
Murphy. I’ll just get right to the point and say that by the end of this book I can honestly say that I really really like Murphy. He makes me want to get to know him on a deeper level.
I LOVE his way of being. Quiet, intelligent and at peace with himself. Murphy is interesting in so many ways! His tats and his colour vision all just add to making him draw you in wanting more and more and never really getting enough.
Sarge...well I’m sorry to say he wasn’t on my most adored MC list. I get his gruff demeanour and his in charge thing, but I didn’t really like him as a person.
The one place he sort of redeemed himself in my eyes was where he’s holding on to Murphy and ordering him not to “leave”. Definitely one of the stand out moments of the read.
I get that he cares but really doesn’t want to. I get that it’s not easy for him. I get that caring get’s you killed.
But..my shameless romantic heart wants him to treat Murphy with MORE!
More respect/care/feels!
I know Murphy gets him and that makes my humble little opinion irrelevant but still. Murphy in MY mind deserves better. Murphy deserves everything!!
I read BDSM so no, it’s not that aspect. It’s the ‘respect’ aspect. I just didn’t get a whole lot of that from Sarge. Again, might just be my little romantic heart but that’s that.
On to the next one!
February 5, 2016
This short sci-fi story is rough and gritty and anything but a comfort read.
If you like hot D/s power play, dirty talk and a strong military guy on his knees this one is the right book for you.
Sarge is the start of a series and while waiting for the next installment I'm going to check out Mr. Deckard’s full novels.
January 31, 2024
Five stars. It deserves all five because Bey Deckard could write about a cat's inner thoughts while napping in a cardboard box and I would be enthralled. Fucking enthralled.
This novella is 65 pages and immediately I was sucked in. Sci-fi, huge ass men shrugging, lying in puddles of blood, making small talk, surviving, and obviously, fucking.
But the inner thoughts, my god, this is what inner thoughts are for: conveying something that isn't being said, illustrating something about the character, feelings, and thoughts that matter, not just pages of random useless thoughts. Concise inner thoughts!
Murphy is a classic silent type, yet we still know a shit ton about him, because of his inner thoughts, and it didn't take 150 pages to do that. I'm impressed.
Concise and fascinating world-building! Christ on a cracker.
I want to copy-paste the whole damn book so you'll read this, but I'll settle for these:
•.To distract myself, I pick up the little collapsible pot from the lip of the trench and gently slide the circle of nano-plastic from the top of it. After I fold away the water-harvester into quarters to stow away, I feel a little reckless and take out a metal thimble. Sarge watches me quietly as I float it in the piss-warm water that collected in the pot. I slap the side of my rifle to release the coolant pod and, with a practiced hand, I pop open the side and let a single drop fall into the thimble. Instantly, ice crackles over the surface of the water, and I lift the thimble out. I look up, slightly shamefaced for showing off now, and offer the water to Sarge.
He accepts it with a wry grin. (Why hello, clever and intricate world-building, nice to meet you.)
• “What were you doing before the war, son?” he asks, leaning back against the wall of the dig-in; he knows we’ve got at least another hour to wait before the massive red sun dips below the horizon, so he’s making conversation.
• See, I’m a big guy. I’m just about 6’8 in my boots. A slab of muscle on a frame that’s almost comically large. Pair that with the fact that I don’t say much, and you’ve got people thinking I’m none too bright. The big dumdum that can tear the arm off an enemy soldier if he’s in the right mood. I shrug. I’m good at shrugging.
• The way he calls me son does something to me. Everyone always thinks that because I look like a big, mean bastard, I’m the dominant type. I can’t count the number of times that I’ve disappointed guys.
• “You’re a good boy, Murph,” he says softly to me. “You get me home, get me patched up, and you’ll see what good boys get.”
• I shouldn’t be complaining. Hell… in my day? Back in my day, you didn’t get a new eyeball if some shit-sucking alien cowboy blew it out with a charge rifle.
• “What makes you think that was about you? You think you’re so fucking precious? Our arrangement doesn’t give you goddamn leave to question my goddamn actions. You’re just a place to park my cock. You get me, son?”
• I think back on my words and wince. You’re just a place to park my cock. I swear to fucking Christ there’s something wrong with my head. (Asshole-y behavior that an MC recognizes on his own, gasp!)
• I close my eyes as he washes me gently like I’m the most important thing in the fucking world.
• Murphy’s not just a resource.
• We’re down to six men. Six men out of a team of eighteen. (Hello, cliffhanger! Never fear, I came prepared and will read the next novella immediately!)
Author themes and content warnings:
Sci-fi, military, BDSM, rough sex, D/s, grumpy/sunshine, bureaucracy, violence.
This novella is 65 pages and immediately I was sucked in. Sci-fi, huge ass men shrugging, lying in puddles of blood, making small talk, surviving, and obviously, fucking.
But the inner thoughts, my god, this is what inner thoughts are for: conveying something that isn't being said, illustrating something about the character, feelings, and thoughts that matter, not just pages of random useless thoughts. Concise inner thoughts!
Murphy is a classic silent type, yet we still know a shit ton about him, because of his inner thoughts, and it didn't take 150 pages to do that. I'm impressed.
Concise and fascinating world-building! Christ on a cracker.
I want to copy-paste the whole damn book so you'll read this, but I'll settle for these:
•.To distract myself, I pick up the little collapsible pot from the lip of the trench and gently slide the circle of nano-plastic from the top of it. After I fold away the water-harvester into quarters to stow away, I feel a little reckless and take out a metal thimble. Sarge watches me quietly as I float it in the piss-warm water that collected in the pot. I slap the side of my rifle to release the coolant pod and, with a practiced hand, I pop open the side and let a single drop fall into the thimble. Instantly, ice crackles over the surface of the water, and I lift the thimble out. I look up, slightly shamefaced for showing off now, and offer the water to Sarge.
He accepts it with a wry grin. (Why hello, clever and intricate world-building, nice to meet you.)
• “What were you doing before the war, son?” he asks, leaning back against the wall of the dig-in; he knows we’ve got at least another hour to wait before the massive red sun dips below the horizon, so he’s making conversation.
• See, I’m a big guy. I’m just about 6’8 in my boots. A slab of muscle on a frame that’s almost comically large. Pair that with the fact that I don’t say much, and you’ve got people thinking I’m none too bright. The big dumdum that can tear the arm off an enemy soldier if he’s in the right mood. I shrug. I’m good at shrugging.
• The way he calls me son does something to me. Everyone always thinks that because I look like a big, mean bastard, I’m the dominant type. I can’t count the number of times that I’ve disappointed guys.
• “You’re a good boy, Murph,” he says softly to me. “You get me home, get me patched up, and you’ll see what good boys get.”
• I shouldn’t be complaining. Hell… in my day? Back in my day, you didn’t get a new eyeball if some shit-sucking alien cowboy blew it out with a charge rifle.
• “What makes you think that was about you? You think you’re so fucking precious? Our arrangement doesn’t give you goddamn leave to question my goddamn actions. You’re just a place to park my cock. You get me, son?”
• I think back on my words and wince. You’re just a place to park my cock. I swear to fucking Christ there’s something wrong with my head. (Asshole-y behavior that an MC recognizes on his own, gasp!)
• I close my eyes as he washes me gently like I’m the most important thing in the fucking world.
• Murphy’s not just a resource.
• We’re down to six men. Six men out of a team of eighteen. (Hello, cliffhanger! Never fear, I came prepared and will read the next novella immediately!)
Author themes and content warnings:
Sci-fi, military, BDSM, rough sex, D/s, grumpy/sunshine, bureaucracy, violence.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2023
This is some excellent science fiction with smut and story. I read the story this time but I recommend the audio with Nick J Russo as narrator. It makes it even better
April 18, 2023
I'm not a sci-fi romance fan, but this worked for me on every level because it included a lot of things I love: military MCs, a gentle giant MC, a grumpy MC and a BDSM relationship between two macho men. It definitely won't be everybody's cup of tea but this author depicted these characters and this relationship exactly the way I was hoping! The lives the MCs live are rough, hard and filthy, the author doesn't shy away from the horrific injuries and death that they encounter during combat and the MCs are just as rough and hard as the environment they live and fight in. (For anybody wondering, the gory bits are in the first and last chapters only.) Despite the MCs being very much talk-through-actions people, the story is filled with emotion. Happiness, fear and love radiate from the MCs without them ever saying the words out loud, which was amazing. It's always great when I spend a story both smiling and crying at different times and that's why this has earned my 5 star rating, despite how short it is.
Sarge is the grumpiest grump I've ever come across. He's a battle hardened Marine whose body is stuffed full of metal prosthetics that have replaced the bits and pieces of himself that have been blown away along his decades long career. He swears too much (one of his favorite words is ASAFP), smiling would probably give him a facial strain and he's allergic to any soft things or behaviors. The way to get on Sarge's good side is to impress him by being tough, strong and being a fantastic soldier. That's exactly who Murphy is, which is why their dynamic works well, despite Sarge being significantly older and Murphy's superior. Murphy is a typical gentle giant. He's literally a huge wall of solid muscle, quiet as a mouse and he enjoys reading in his spare time but when it comes to combat, the man is a relentless and efficient killing machine. Whatever is needed to get the job done, that's what Murphy does.
These two soldiers have been stuck on a random desert planet that's hot as hell where they're waging a losing war against beings/people who we don't learn much about. We don't know why the war is happening or who the other side is but that's the beauty of this story because not knowing those details is the reality for NCOs like Sarge and Murphy. They were shoved into a transport, told they were going to this planet and they needed to kick ass and within 6 months, they'll win. It's been 5 years, they're down to their last supplies and their last men but they have to keep grinding away until the higher ups in their ivory towers finally let them go home. It's a miserable life and that's why the relationship between Sarge and Murphy means so much to both of them.
Murphy has hero worshipped Sarge for years and accidentally reveals his feelings early on in the story. Sarge is intrigued because he's always admired Murphy's quiet but deadly approach to his job. When they discover that they're compatible as BDSM partners, things fall into place fast. There's a tiny bit of daddy kink mixed in, which really isn't my thing but I don't think hardcore fans of that would even consider it daddy kink. Sarge calls Murphy 'son' and 'boy' from time to time but that's the extent of it. I didn't even get strong daddy vibes from it because the terms felt more like an endearment since that's as close to an endearment as Sarge is ever going to get. He'd probably have a stroke if the word 'sweetheart' ever crossed his lips.
It was so sweet how happy Murphy was once Sarge became his dom. All of Murphy's dreams came true and seeing how happy that brute of a man was when he's kneeling naked on the floor and spit-shining Sarge's boots was incredibly sweet. The kinks includes dirty talk, orgasm denial and one spanking scene. What I adored was that the author tells the development of the MCs romance through the changes in the BDSM scenes between them, in particular when it comes to Sarge. The man is a good commander and a good dom so he views being Murphy's dom as something that will allow him to get Murphy's needs taken care of and it's also stress relief for them both. But then something interesting happens. Sarge's heart *gasp* decides to get involved and he thinks this is just the most outrageous thing to ever happen. People like Sarge don't fall in love! Or...do they? LOLOL!!
I loved everything about the pacing of their romance and how the author kept them both in character so well. These guys are soldiers so they're used to communicating through actions instead of words and that's how their entire relationship progresses. As they move from compatible BDSM partners to lovers, the changes they undergo are communicated beautifully through every little action that they both do. That last scene in particular made me sob and I bet Sarge never thought he'd be doing/saying things that made anybody cry (well, maybe out of fear or frustration, but never due to romance).
Everything about this worked for me on every single level and I'm diving right into book 2!
Sarge is the grumpiest grump I've ever come across. He's a battle hardened Marine whose body is stuffed full of metal prosthetics that have replaced the bits and pieces of himself that have been blown away along his decades long career. He swears too much (one of his favorite words is ASAFP), smiling would probably give him a facial strain and he's allergic to any soft things or behaviors. The way to get on Sarge's good side is to impress him by being tough, strong and being a fantastic soldier. That's exactly who Murphy is, which is why their dynamic works well, despite Sarge being significantly older and Murphy's superior. Murphy is a typical gentle giant. He's literally a huge wall of solid muscle, quiet as a mouse and he enjoys reading in his spare time but when it comes to combat, the man is a relentless and efficient killing machine. Whatever is needed to get the job done, that's what Murphy does.
These two soldiers have been stuck on a random desert planet that's hot as hell where they're waging a losing war against beings/people who we don't learn much about. We don't know why the war is happening or who the other side is but that's the beauty of this story because not knowing those details is the reality for NCOs like Sarge and Murphy. They were shoved into a transport, told they were going to this planet and they needed to kick ass and within 6 months, they'll win. It's been 5 years, they're down to their last supplies and their last men but they have to keep grinding away until the higher ups in their ivory towers finally let them go home. It's a miserable life and that's why the relationship between Sarge and Murphy means so much to both of them.
Murphy has hero worshipped Sarge for years and accidentally reveals his feelings early on in the story. Sarge is intrigued because he's always admired Murphy's quiet but deadly approach to his job. When they discover that they're compatible as BDSM partners, things fall into place fast. There's a tiny bit of daddy kink mixed in, which really isn't my thing but I don't think hardcore fans of that would even consider it daddy kink. Sarge calls Murphy 'son' and 'boy' from time to time but that's the extent of it. I didn't even get strong daddy vibes from it because the terms felt more like an endearment since that's as close to an endearment as Sarge is ever going to get. He'd probably have a stroke if the word 'sweetheart' ever crossed his lips.
It was so sweet how happy Murphy was once Sarge became his dom. All of Murphy's dreams came true and seeing how happy that brute of a man was when he's kneeling naked on the floor and spit-shining Sarge's boots was incredibly sweet. The kinks includes dirty talk, orgasm denial and one spanking scene. What I adored was that the author tells the development of the MCs romance through the changes in the BDSM scenes between them, in particular when it comes to Sarge. The man is a good commander and a good dom so he views being Murphy's dom as something that will allow him to get Murphy's needs taken care of and it's also stress relief for them both. But then something interesting happens. Sarge's heart *gasp* decides to get involved and he thinks this is just the most outrageous thing to ever happen. People like Sarge don't fall in love! Or...do they? LOLOL!!
I loved everything about the pacing of their romance and how the author kept them both in character so well. These guys are soldiers so they're used to communicating through actions instead of words and that's how their entire relationship progresses. As they move from compatible BDSM partners to lovers, the changes they undergo are communicated beautifully through every little action that they both do. That last scene in particular made me sob and I bet Sarge never thought he'd be doing/saying things that made anybody cry (well, maybe out of fear or frustration, but never due to romance).
Everything about this worked for me on every single level and I'm diving right into book 2!
March 25, 2015
My response to finishing this story was two-fold. First I thought "Damn, just damn that was good." Then I wondered if I should be upset at the way the story ended. Then decided, "No, it's perfect!" Everyone should read this great M/M story.
More please!
More please!
November 4, 2014
Sweet tease that packs a punch but ends way too soon.
March 12, 2018
Gritty, violent, somewhat gory short novella. Its kinky, smoking hot and romantic almost in spite of itself.
April 9, 2015
I'm stuttering, there's just so much more to this than meets the eye....
Well done!
Well done!
December 25, 2015
I have read my fair share of BDSM books. And what is always important to me is that being a dominant or submissive does not mean you can either acts like an asshole or never stand up for yourself.
And in this one the Sarge really got on my nerves. He was kind of an asshole. He meant well, but things like this do not sit well with me:
Something about Murphy ’s touch is too possessive, too confident. He’s taking liberties with me, assuming I want his help, and it makes me tense, so I shove his hand away.
Being a Dom does not mean you can do whatever you want with your sub’s body. But this is how it is in this book. Sarge does care about Murphy, but he not a very kind person. He gets mad at Murphy for almost dying in the field. He punishes him when Murphy has a wet dream and comes in his sleep. These sort of things made me want to throttle him.
The writing was very good, but the story never did anything for me.
It also ends .
It was a strange book. I didn’t like it.
And in this one the Sarge really got on my nerves. He was kind of an asshole. He meant well, but things like this do not sit well with me:
Something about Murphy ’s touch is too possessive, too confident. He’s taking liberties with me, assuming I want his help, and it makes me tense, so I shove his hand away.
Being a Dom does not mean you can do whatever you want with your sub’s body. But this is how it is in this book. Sarge does care about Murphy, but he not a very kind person. He gets mad at Murphy for almost dying in the field. He punishes him when Murphy has a wet dream and comes in his sleep. These sort of things made me want to throttle him.
The writing was very good, but the story never did anything for me.
It also ends .
It was a strange book. I didn’t like it.
September 2, 2016
I love this story, the way Bey Deckard sets up these characters and then how they develop throughout is just perfectly done. Sarge is an amazing character, he's so gruff and complex and still so honest and straightforward, to watch how his feelings develop for Murphy is really touching.
Since I love this book so much I was thrilled when the audio version was released last weekend! Nick J. Russo (who is always fantastic) did an incredible job with this one. His Sarge is incredible, he really brings an intimacy to the character beyond what I felt for him when I read it myself, and his Murphy is adorable.
100% recommend both reading and listening to this book!
Since I love this book so much I was thrilled when the audio version was released last weekend! Nick J. Russo (who is always fantastic) did an incredible job with this one. His Sarge is incredible, he really brings an intimacy to the character beyond what I felt for him when I read it myself, and his Murphy is adorable.
100% recommend both reading and listening to this book!
April 21, 2015
4.5 stars from me for this well written novella featuring two characters I definitely want to catch up with again...Sarge and Murphy.
'We're not even beating a dead horse, we are the dead horse'. Loved it.
'We're not even beating a dead horse, we are the dead horse'. Loved it.
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