I found the developing relationships interesting, and how the plot unfolded engaging. There was also a nice emphasis on communication and psychology. And of course, lots of steam. I look forward to the next in the series. ( )

So funny! Loved this one! In all seriousness, there aren't enough stars to express my joy. Great writing shines from these distinct characters. Will is hilarious, but so is Hugh, and jeez, so is Truman, in his weird way. The cast of characters is beautifully peculiar and looks like it will only expand as I read the series. Excuse me, I need to go buy the next one. ( )

bookshelves: read-in-2020, series, low_drama, menage, queer-rom, that-s-some-good-fluff, polyamory

I've had Kris Ripper on my TBR for a long while. I didn't feel like delving into the one that's been sitting there, so I tried this freebie out.

And I gotta say, it was really enjoyable. This definitely crosses a not for everyone boundary, it's based on an experienced Dom training a new submissive for about 50% this is actually the point my friend Gaufre stopped. As she noted, this book lacks a central conflict.

For me, right now, this worked. This book may be all of those who really enjoy communication between characters. I will say, in a very real sense the series title matched the mood. I was invested in the characters but they were all really fine with everything. So it was an interesting, but not incredibly emotional read. It was still romantic in a very real sense, but don't go in expecting traditional relationships, like at all. This book is different.

I will continue to read Kris Ripper. Ze is clearly a talented author with very nice writing and a good amount of humor. I'll be interested to experience zir range and will again be continuing with this series. It's perfect for when I have no idea what to read. 3.75 fluff stars. ( )

Everything I want out of a romance novel. Scorching hot, intimate, emotionally intelligent BDSM and polyamory. Hugh and Will feel like real people with real perspectives, needs, and desires, and the ways in which they aren't quite perfect for one another make this book feel real and true. ( )

(actual rating: 4.5)

Oh wow. Nearly perfect. Haven’t read anything like this before. End of review. No, seriously. This book took a hold of me and it still hasn’t let go. I don’t think it ever will.

The first part is about Hugh and Will. I really felt their relationship developing and I loved it so much. They have chemistry, they have personality and they have banter. But that’s not the only reason why I love Catalysts as much as I do.

It isn’t often that kink is written without sex. Well, later on there is sex in this novel, but it still focusses heavily on the psychological part of it. Everything’s just really, really erotic and you get to experience everything.

The second part introduces Truman, who brings a new dynamic to the relationship. Sadly Hugh and Truman’s relationship doesn’t get the same great developement (it’s like ‘bamm, love!’). They still fit very well together, even though Will has doubts where he fits in this relationship now.

And the wonderfully written kinkiness goes on.

I felt really safe reading this novel, which is a strange concept to me. Losing myself in a book? This happens often. But feeling safe doing so? That’s the first time to me. I want more of it. ( )