“Double Dog Dare” by Chris Owen

For the past few years, Rex has watched his friend Dog accept any and every dare that came across his path.  One night Rex finally approaches Dog with a dare of his own, one that could have utterly delicious results.  The question is, will Dog accept?

“Double Dog Dare” is my favorite story of the anthology.  It’s fast and fun with two incredibly hot heroes that generate some serious heat.  Dog has an easy manner and a sparkling personality that makes it impossible not to be charmed by him.  Rex is the more serious of the pair, but he has a quiet sensuality of his own that drew me to him.  Separately and together, these two packed one heck of a punch and I finished their story with a smile on my face, eager for more.

This is the first story I’ve read by Chris Owen and it’s enough to have me hooked on her work, eagerly looking to glom up her backlist.  I find Ms. Owen’s voice, style, and characters wonderfully appealing and look forward to reading many equally engaging stories from her in the future.

“Number One” by Jay Lygon

All Number One wants is a night alone with Master Ophir.  But when he breaks the rules to do so, his master is livid.  Will Number One’s desire to be closer to his master be the thing that tears them apart?

I was worried reading “Number One” that the story would be bittersweet and not to my taste.  While not a “happy” story, “Number One” surprised me nonetheless in its loveliness.  The bond between Number One and Master Ophir isn’t something to be easily defined, and the insight the story gave into their relationship was fascinating.  “Number One” was gripping and intriguing and I look forward to reading more of Jay Lygon’s work.

“Testing Leather” by Sean Michael

Peter has a surprise for his lover, Samuel.  One afternoon Peter takes him to the home of his friend Marcus, a premiere leatherworker.  Marcus has all manner of delightful toys, and Peter and Samuel are all-too-eager to give a few floggers a try.

“Testing Leather” is a tempting bit of wickedness featuring Peter and Samuel of Sean Michael’s Between Friends series.  Though I have not read any of the Between Friends books, I had no problem following this story and, indeed, found myself somewhat intrigued by the hints given concerning Samuel’s past.  A sexy window into the lives of two committed lovers, “Testing Leather” is sure to please.

Scintillating and hot, Toy Box: Flogger contains three entertaining stories that will please old and new fans of Chris Owen, Jay Lygon, and Sean Michael alike.  Each of these three stories tempt and tease with their combination of lust and love, making Toy Box: Flogger an anthology with as much snap as a flogger itself.