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The Administration #3.1
Game, Set
Another not-so-short story in The Administration series.
Toreth gets saddled with a Socioanalyst, who just so happenes to know Warrick from long back.
Toreth gets saddled with a Socioanalyst, who just so happenes to know Warrick from long back.
94 pages
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About the author
Manna Francis
46 books630 followersI'm the author of The Administration Series, a near-future SF dystopia published by Casperian Books. You can find the series in paperback, e-book, or (partly) on line at the Mannazone website.
I've been writing original slash since 2002 — or homoerotic fiction, m/m romance, yaoi, as you prefer. Original slash is my personal term of choice because I feel it best represents my writing in terms of style and what readers can expect to find there. Individual stories may or may nor be sexually explicit.
I've been writing original slash since 2002 — or homoerotic fiction, m/m romance, yaoi, as you prefer. Original slash is my personal term of choice because I feel it best represents my writing in terms of style and what readers can expect to find there. Individual stories may or may nor be sexually explicit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
March 14, 2013
4.5 stars.
Carnac, you condescending, conniving, manipulating bastard…this gif is for you…
Loved it!
Toreth is in a very bad mood because a certain socioanalyst with a certain assignment is in the building and Tillotson chose Toreth as Carnac’s ‘personal liaison’. Hmm…it seemed to me that my poor Toreth was sulking around. *pets* *mwah* Feeling better yet, hon? *smirk*
Yes, please. Or better yet…don’t you ever come back…you asshat!
I have another one for Carnac…*gags*
Yeah, Sara, when I saw how you reacted to Carnac’s presence I just thought…well, do you really want to know what I thought? Sarah…you blabbermouth, get a grip already and stop drooling over this moron. It’s annoying. *sigh* I was so pleased though, when you saw beyond his blue fuck-me eyes. Thanks for small favors. Ugh.
Why, what a surprise, Carnac actually knew that he wasn’t naturally likable. I couldn’t agree more, you condescending, manipulating smartass! You give bad blowjobs and you have to analyze everything. Awful. And I don’t like your mind games, Monsieur. Not at all. You simply should fuck off, it would be good for my peace of mind. Besides, I would like to award you a very special place on my Lenore-please-give-me-your-gun shelf. You have every right to be proud of you coz not many characters make it on that specific shelf after all. Yup, I heard you, but you can shut it now otherwise I will have to throttle you to preserve my sanity…perhaps.
Last but not least I need to get it off my chest. Toreth, you are such a slut. You are calling Carnac a fu@king nuisance, you even hate his guts, yet you’re so ready to jump his bones. I mean WTF? Even though the end justifies the means, it’s kinda disgusting, isn’t it? *shakes head*
Fu@k that. Warrick was his, and no one else’s. ‘This SimTech director belongs to…’ him,
I’m wondering if you are right, Toreth.
I almost forgot how much fun I’ve had with Toreth and Warrick and I must admit it’s good to be back. *Baba beams*
Carnac, you condescending, conniving, manipulating bastard…this gif is for you…
Loved it!
Toreth is in a very bad mood because a certain socioanalyst with a certain assignment is in the building and Tillotson chose Toreth as Carnac’s ‘personal liaison’. Hmm…it seemed to me that my poor Toreth was sulking around. *pets* *mwah* Feeling better yet, hon? *smirk*
“What isn’t wrong? I’ve been—“ And he stopped, lost for words, which was something worth seeing. “I’ve been given to this fuxxing spook as some kind of bloody errand boy. Like a…a…pet. His own personal…it’s outrageous. I’m a bloody senior. Tillotson stood there and as good as told me that if I don’t give the smarmy fu@ker—“
“Should I come back later?” asked a velvet-smooth voice from behind her.
Yes, please. Or better yet…don’t you ever come back…you asshat!
I have another one for Carnac…*gags*
There had to be some kind of plea-in-mitigation that would allow him to get away with throttling Carnac. Self-defence of his sanity, perhaps.
It was, technically, sexual harassment, and he was almost tempted to make a complaint, if he could have stomached the utter humiliation. But Carnac got whatever he wanted from management, and since the fu@king was the most bearable part of the whole experience, he probably ought not to tempt fate. At least the man had been quiet now for what?—he managed to check his watch discreetly—for ten blessed minutes.
“The actual fu@king isn’t bad. It’s just the rest of the time that I want to kill him.”
“You were too busy gazing into his bright fuck-me eyes, weren’t you? Well, you’re wasting your time. Unless you’re planning on having the operation, you don’t have a prayer.”
Yeah, Sara, when I saw how you reacted to Carnac’s presence I just thought…well, do you really want to know what I thought? Sarah…you blabbermouth, get a grip already and stop drooling over this moron. It’s annoying. *sigh* I was so pleased though, when you saw beyond his blue fuck-me eyes. Thanks for small favors. Ugh.
Why, what a surprise, Carnac actually knew that he wasn’t naturally likable. I couldn’t agree more, you condescending, manipulating smartass! You give bad blowjobs and you have to analyze everything. Awful. And I don’t like your mind games, Monsieur. Not at all. You simply should fuck off, it would be good for my peace of mind. Besides, I would like to award you a very special place on my Lenore-please-give-me-your-gun shelf. You have every right to be proud of you coz not many characters make it on that specific shelf after all. Yup, I heard you, but you can shut it now otherwise I will have to throttle you to preserve my sanity…perhaps.
Last but not least I need to get it off my chest. Toreth, you are such a slut. You are calling Carnac a fu@king nuisance, you even hate his guts, yet you’re so ready to jump his bones. I mean WTF? Even though the end justifies the means, it’s kinda disgusting, isn’t it? *shakes head*
Fu@k that. Warrick was his, and no one else’s. ‘This SimTech director belongs to…’ him,
I’m wondering if you are right, Toreth.
I almost forgot how much fun I’ve had with Toreth and Warrick and I must admit it’s good to be back. *Baba beams*
December 11, 2018
This one confused me quite a bit.
What a psychological mind fuck!
I don't understand Toreth general behavior here. The whole story doesn't fit well for me, although I did enjoy it, it's just strange. This story hurts.
I understand an open relationship, but not the lying. I don't understand that part of Toreth and I don't get why Warrick tolerates it.
The final sex scene between Warrick and Toreth was pretty hot I must say.
I think I need to sleep this one down, I'm exhausted and I can feel an impending headache coming. I'll pick up the next one tomorrow.
My reviews of The Administration series’ books:
Book 1: Mind Fuck - 3 Stars
Book 2: Quid Pro Quo
Book 2.1: Unlucky Break - 2 Stars
Book 2.2: Friday - 3 Stars
Book 2.3: Pancakes - 5 Stars
Book 2.4: Surprises - 4 Stars
Book 2.5: Family - 4 Stars
Book 2.6: Mirror Mirror - 4 Stars
Book 3: Games & Players - 5 Stars
Book 3.1: Game, Set - 4 Stars
Book 3.2: As Long As It Lasted - 3 Stars
Book 3.3:Fuck of the Day - 3 Stars
Book 3.4: Wine, Women and Cushions - 2 Stars
Book 3.5: Playing with Fire - 5 Stars
Book 3.6: All Work and no Play - 3 Stars
Book 3.7: Gee - 2 Stars
Book 3.8:Shopping & Fucking - 5 Stars
Book 3.9: Pool School - 3 Stars
Book 3.95: Without the Game - 4 Stars
Book 4: Control - 4 Stars
Book 4.2: Wait For It - 4 Stars
Book 4.3: Caged - 5 Stars
Book 4.4: Unaccustomed as I Am... - 3 Stars
Book 4.5: Helen - 4 Stars
Book 4.6: Shopping, No Fucking - 4 Stars
Book 4.7: Losing It - 4 Stars
Book 4.8: Coming from America
Book 5: Quis Custodiet - 3.5 Stars
Book 5.2: Gratuitous Kink - 4 Stars
Book 5.3: Then and Now - 4 Stars
Book 5.4: Friends in the Right Places - 2 Stars
Book 5.5: Smoke & Cameras - 4 Stars
Book 5.6: Sunday - 3 Stars
Book 6: First Against the Wall - 4 Stars
Book 7: For Certain Values
Book 7.1: Family Values
Book 7.2: Boy's Toys - 3 Stars
Book 7.3: Make it a Surprise
Book 7.4: Prodigal
Book 8: Blood & Circuses
Book 9: Corpora Delicti
Gratuitous Epilogue
What a psychological mind fuck!
I don't understand Toreth general behavior here. The whole story doesn't fit well for me, although I did enjoy it, it's just strange. This story hurts.
I understand an open relationship, but not the lying. I don't understand that part of Toreth and I don't get why Warrick tolerates it.
The final sex scene between Warrick and Toreth was pretty hot I must say.
I think I need to sleep this one down, I'm exhausted and I can feel an impending headache coming. I'll pick up the next one tomorrow.
My reviews of The Administration series’ books:
Book 1: Mind Fuck - 3 Stars
Book 2: Quid Pro Quo
Book 2.1: Unlucky Break - 2 Stars
Book 2.2: Friday - 3 Stars
Book 2.3: Pancakes - 5 Stars
Book 2.4: Surprises - 4 Stars
Book 2.5: Family - 4 Stars
Book 2.6: Mirror Mirror - 4 Stars
Book 3: Games & Players - 5 Stars
Book 3.1: Game, Set - 4 Stars
Book 3.2: As Long As It Lasted - 3 Stars
Book 3.3:Fuck of the Day - 3 Stars
Book 3.4: Wine, Women and Cushions - 2 Stars
Book 3.5: Playing with Fire - 5 Stars
Book 3.6: All Work and no Play - 3 Stars
Book 3.7: Gee - 2 Stars
Book 3.8:Shopping & Fucking - 5 Stars
Book 3.9: Pool School - 3 Stars
Book 3.95: Without the Game - 4 Stars
Book 4: Control - 4 Stars
Book 4.2: Wait For It - 4 Stars
Book 4.3: Caged - 5 Stars
Book 4.4: Unaccustomed as I Am... - 3 Stars
Book 4.5: Helen - 4 Stars
Book 4.6: Shopping, No Fucking - 4 Stars
Book 4.7: Losing It - 4 Stars
Book 4.8: Coming from America
Book 5: Quis Custodiet - 3.5 Stars
Book 5.2: Gratuitous Kink - 4 Stars
Book 5.3: Then and Now - 4 Stars
Book 5.4: Friends in the Right Places - 2 Stars
Book 5.5: Smoke & Cameras - 4 Stars
Book 5.6: Sunday - 3 Stars
Book 6: First Against the Wall - 4 Stars
Book 7: For Certain Values
Book 7.1: Family Values
Book 7.2: Boy's Toys - 3 Stars
Book 7.3: Make it a Surprise
Book 7.4: Prodigal
Book 8: Blood & Circuses
Book 9: Corpora Delicti
Gratuitous Epilogue
November 8, 2012
PER-FUCKING-FECTION!!!
One of the BEST pieces of writing I’ve read. Twisted and SMART…so, so smart! Layers and layers of the human psyche and condition and behavior being peeled away…ridiculously BRILLIANT!
Don’t shoot me… I am OBSESSED with Carnac. I kid you not…he’s one of my FAVORITE characters EVER! He is so head-and-shoulders beyond anyone else in this series to date…just mutherf’ing SO GOOD! He’s a lunatic in the most eerie, calculating way. I was so drawn into him that he’s the one character I actually felt like I could TRUST! He makes sense to me! Ha! I savored every thought of his. His plan was genius! And I would have liked to see it play out to success. But, alas, he accepts the failure, understands how it happened, and walked away without a scratch.
It was a little sad to see how everyone in Toreth’s life understands him better than he does himself. I think it would drive him crazy knowing they all see the sociopath in him…and how that actually makes him so easy to be played. Again, I love Warrick in this. I would have been angry that he took Toreth back so easily, but his behavior was spurred both by his feelings towards Toreth as well as his understanding of him. Position of strength.
“Game, Set”, alone, has just shot the series up to the top of my list.
March 22, 2013
Game, Set and Match motherfucker!
Manna Francis is a flipping genius! There are very few authors who have such a massive epic impact on my personal psyche. She blows my ever loving mind and evokes my deepest fears and darkest hatred, then soothes and strokes me with words and actions that leave me breathless and overjoyed simultaneously suffocating me with crazy angst. The plot is so damn clever and I am constantly tripping over myself trying to keep up.
Her characters are riveting and twisted and just addictive; effortlessly they creep under my skin and monopolise my thoughts, driving me nuts; they are a masochistic attraction I cannot turn away from, no matter how much pain they cause me.
Personally I despise infidelity; I know the feeling of betrayal too well and it makes me feel physically sick, I know this isn't what's happening here (not really), but it just freaks me out and when I am so attached and invested in these characters, it hurts like a mother fluffer; so forgive my dramatics please.
At 25 % I wanted to break, scream and wail and then heave with sickness (no lies, that's how much it hurts me). The fact the I persevered is testament to the authors ability to hook, hold and reel a reader in.
Carnac: I have no words for this vile and twisted God-King of mind-fuckery. The minute he walked into the room, I just knew, I knew he was the spawn of Lucifer and Toreth was his mission.
^^"...it's time to see what evil dick tastes like."^^^
What a double edge sword this turns out to be, and in the end I never thought I would be so grateful to the devil himself.
Sara: She is the freaking BOMB! I want to snog the hell out of her for what she does, I LOVE HER!
Toreth: I understand you better now, therefore you are on probation and not on my shit list...for now.
Warrick: Perfectly imperfect. My favorite, favorite.
This was a happy for now ending, but I think I might just accept that and give my heart and mind a rest. I need some sugar right now, so I'll catch these guys up later.
Manna Francis is a flipping genius! There are very few authors who have such a massive epic impact on my personal psyche. She blows my ever loving mind and evokes my deepest fears and darkest hatred, then soothes and strokes me with words and actions that leave me breathless and overjoyed simultaneously suffocating me with crazy angst. The plot is so damn clever and I am constantly tripping over myself trying to keep up.
Her characters are riveting and twisted and just addictive; effortlessly they creep under my skin and monopolise my thoughts, driving me nuts; they are a masochistic attraction I cannot turn away from, no matter how much pain they cause me.
Personally I despise infidelity; I know the feeling of betrayal too well and it makes me feel physically sick, I know this isn't what's happening here (not really), but it just freaks me out and when I am so attached and invested in these characters, it hurts like a mother fluffer; so forgive my dramatics please.
At 25 % I wanted to break, scream and wail and then heave with sickness (no lies, that's how much it hurts me). The fact the I persevered is testament to the authors ability to hook, hold and reel a reader in.
Carnac: I have no words for this vile and twisted God-King of mind-fuckery. The minute he walked into the room, I just knew, I knew he was the spawn of Lucifer and Toreth was his mission.
^^"...it's time to see what evil dick tastes like."^^^
What a double edge sword this turns out to be, and in the end I never thought I would be so grateful to the devil himself.
Sara: She is the freaking BOMB! I want to snog the hell out of her for what she does, I LOVE HER!
Toreth: I understand you better now, therefore you are on probation and not on my shit list...for now.
Warrick: Perfectly imperfect. My favorite, favorite.
This was a happy for now ending, but I think I might just accept that and give my heart and mind a rest. I need some sugar right now, so I'll catch these guys up later.
March 3, 2014
More or less brilliant.
I find myself vaguely disturbed by the intensity of my delight in reading about some truly appalling people doing appalling things to one another, appallingly.
Wickedly funny, coolly malevolent, and incredibly enjoyable.
I need a shower.
I find myself vaguely disturbed by the intensity of my delight in reading about some truly appalling people doing appalling things to one another, appallingly.
Wickedly funny, coolly malevolent, and incredibly enjoyable.
I need a shower.
August 29, 2013
Let me clarify something first.
I'm not the kind of person who gives five stars to books that made them scream and rage and gasp for breath. Strong emotional impact is not enough for me to love a book; if I really don't like what's happening, I'm most probably not going to like the book very much.
This is a hell of a different situation.
I actually wanted to break things – it's not a figure of speech.
Bad things were done, bad reactions were had, bad people were met and good people were wronged. Carnac is an impossibly clever and disgustingly slimy bastard, Toreth is a stupid fuckhead and the good people suffer. Sara tries to help – and because she's a tough bitch she manages – and Warrick can only stay strong and hope for the best. (But good god, if I'd been him, I would have screamed Toreth's brains out of his ears. Or, to use Krissie's wonderful idea, hung him by his balls and spun him around. Until he vomited his guts out.)
Yet, as much as I hated this story – so much so that it made me slightly sick – I also loved it, because Manna Francisuses black magic is a damn fine writer.
This is first class mindfuckery, and it's not hard at all to believe this is what these characters would do if they actually existed, and it's not hard to understand why, as much as it pains me to say so.
I might be disappointed in how things went down, but I'm not disappointed with the story.
And even the way things went down didn't hurt all that much, in the end, because through Carnac's eyes I managed to see the hows and whys and know with complete certainty that nothing was ruined, and Toreth is even more vulnerable than I thought. Manna Francis can break me apart, and then fix me with a sentence.
It's smart, it's brilliantly written, it's painful and exhilarating and fucking idiotic.
Having exhausted what little coherence there was in my brain after it was fucked hard and fast, I'm going to stop here and get to reading the next story – after what I just read, Toreth and Sara fucking seems like a divine balm on my wounded heart.
EDIT - 5 minutes later
*snort* Fuck me, I can't read anything else right now.
What I do feel like doing is cry a little, and then eat ice cream.
Isn't that what people with a broken heart do?
I'm not the kind of person who gives five stars to books that made them scream and rage and gasp for breath. Strong emotional impact is not enough for me to love a book; if I really don't like what's happening, I'm most probably not going to like the book very much.
This is a hell of a different situation.
I actually wanted to break things – it's not a figure of speech.
Bad things were done, bad reactions were had, bad people were met and good people were wronged. Carnac is an impossibly clever and disgustingly slimy bastard, Toreth is a stupid fuckhead and the good people suffer. Sara tries to help – and because she's a tough bitch she manages – and Warrick can only stay strong and hope for the best. (But good god, if I'd been him, I would have screamed Toreth's brains out of his ears. Or, to use Krissie's wonderful idea, hung him by his balls and spun him around. Until he vomited his guts out.)
Yet, as much as I hated this story – so much so that it made me slightly sick – I also loved it, because Manna Francis
This is first class mindfuckery, and it's not hard at all to believe this is what these characters would do if they actually existed, and it's not hard to understand why, as much as it pains me to say so.
I might be disappointed in how things went down, but I'm not disappointed with the story.
And even the way things went down didn't hurt all that much, in the end, because through Carnac's eyes I managed to see the hows and whys and know with complete certainty that nothing was ruined, and Toreth is even more vulnerable than I thought. Manna Francis can break me apart, and then fix me with a sentence.
It's smart, it's brilliantly written, it's painful and exhilarating and fucking idiotic.
Having exhausted what little coherence there was in my brain after it was fucked hard and fast, I'm going to stop here and get to reading the next story – after what I just read, Toreth and Sara fucking seems like a divine balm on my wounded heart.
EDIT - 5 minutes later
*snort* Fuck me, I can't read anything else right now.
What I do feel like doing is cry a little, and then eat ice cream.
Isn't that what people with a broken heart do?
September 14, 2022
Now that was a mind fuck!
November 7, 2012
Pure torture. I'm not even sure how I made it through this one. Whatever novelty I found in Toreth's personality is fading with each story, probably in direct relation to the increasing development of Warrick's feelings for him. This one started and ended feeling imbalanced between the MC's, which I've not felt before now. I could have forgiven it all if maybe they sorted their differences with one damn conversation instead of sex this time.
Why four stars then, you ask? Because the writing is phenomenal, and if an author can make me hate a character (stupid fucking Carnac!) as much as I hate Jean she deserves her dues. I'm going to keep trudging on, but this one drained some enthusiasm from me.
Why four stars then, you ask? Because the writing is phenomenal, and if an author can make me hate a character (stupid fucking Carnac!) as much as I hate Jean she deserves her dues. I'm going to keep trudging on, but this one drained some enthusiasm from me.
February 22, 2012
Toreth, you're such a moron.
December 31, 2020
RE-READ 2020
*sigh* I had nearly forgotten how much I hate Carnac. Yep, he makes my skin crawl and blood boil. This is ironic considering how much I adore Toreth. But, alas, it is what it is. Toreth is brilliantly deranged and I can't help it, he has my heart. And I love Warrick for...loving him.
Behind every good man (or in this case men) is a good woman, in some form or another...
In this case, her name happens to be Sara.
"He's a grown man, Sara, and he's not stupid. She tried to think of a tactful way of saying, Yes, but emotionally he's about ten. On a good day."
amen sister...
"Pair of bloody control freaks—they deserved each other."
you got that right..
"Oh yes, that was what she wanted to hear—the Toreth she knew and had the odd nightmare about."
I never thought I'd agree with you, but yes..please bring back our old terrifying sexy psychopath
Carnac you slimy piece of shit..I couldn't be happier with your failure...
and yes please do go..you are most certainly not welcome.
my all-time favorite line...
"Should I declare a proprietorial interest? Perhaps get you labelled?" He drew a little rectangle in the air. "'This para-investigator belongs to...'"
Ha..priceless Warrick..love it!
*sigh* I had nearly forgotten how much I hate Carnac. Yep, he makes my skin crawl and blood boil. This is ironic considering how much I adore Toreth. But, alas, it is what it is. Toreth is brilliantly deranged and I can't help it, he has my heart. And I love Warrick for...loving him.
Behind every good man (or in this case men) is a good woman, in some form or another...
In this case, her name happens to be Sara.
"He's a grown man, Sara, and he's not stupid. She tried to think of a tactful way of saying, Yes, but emotionally he's about ten. On a good day."
amen sister...
"Pair of bloody control freaks—they deserved each other."
you got that right..
"Oh yes, that was what she wanted to hear—the Toreth she knew and had the odd nightmare about."
I never thought I'd agree with you, but yes..please bring back our old terrifying sexy psychopath
Carnac you slimy piece of shit..I couldn't be happier with your failure...
and yes please do go..you are most certainly not welcome.
my all-time favorite line...
"Should I declare a proprietorial interest? Perhaps get you labelled?" He drew a little rectangle in the air. "'This para-investigator belongs to...'"
Ha..priceless Warrick..love it!
September 24, 2014
3 1/2 Stars - pretty weird and I almost wished that T would fall into the trap
This is not actually a review but more of a current status update on my thoughts and feelings so far about this series.
"Game, set" is the first free short story (3:1) in book #3 and I have an uneasy feeling in my mind after reading it.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sometimes I am struck by how cold and sick this can be. Both of these two men are sometimes so far from what we call common sense, morals and feelings both for our fellow human beings and them we have truly intimate relationships with.
Toreth is pretty much almost completely emotionless, cold, selfish and actually inhuman in many parts. He is still very far from his own inner feelings, and when he knows them, he can not handle them. He just takes what he wants and can not see anything wrong in it. No matter what he does. He makes me so angry. I must say that emotionally, he is still a selfish child who is just looking for his own needs, desires and benefits. He's lying, being dishonest and plays all the time a game with other people. I almost wished he would fall in the trap and be a bit hurt this time. Toreth really need a proper sharp nose burn. One that hurts a lot!
Warrick and his actions, however, surprised me even more. I think he should say no, be a lot tougher and put up some rules against Toreth. Cheeting is never okay... As it is now, it feels like he is willing to do and tolerate almost anything in to "keep" a tiny bit of Toreth ....and of cource their hot encounters. It's a bit sick and it's almost makes me even angrier. It hurts and I'm feel so sad for him.
~ Unless the balance is maintained between these two guys, this will be a horrible and humiliating story in the end. ~
Let it be worthy of love instead. They can play tough but not at the expense of a broken heart and a shattered and ruined self-esteem.
Right now, I can not help but wonder if I can really handle this. I hate it when it starts to feel as if one of the two characters exploits and demeans the other character.
~ I'll read a few more shorties and see if it feels better then. ~
I LIKE - good and interesting but so cold and unpleasant also...
This is not actually a review but more of a current status update on my thoughts and feelings so far about this series.
"Game, set" is the first free short story (3:1) in book #3 and I have an uneasy feeling in my mind after reading it.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sometimes I am struck by how cold and sick this can be. Both of these two men are sometimes so far from what we call common sense, morals and feelings both for our fellow human beings and them we have truly intimate relationships with.
Toreth is pretty much almost completely emotionless, cold, selfish and actually inhuman in many parts. He is still very far from his own inner feelings, and when he knows them, he can not handle them. He just takes what he wants and can not see anything wrong in it. No matter what he does. He makes me so angry. I must say that emotionally, he is still a selfish child who is just looking for his own needs, desires and benefits. He's lying, being dishonest and plays all the time a game with other people. I almost wished he would fall in the trap and be a bit hurt this time. Toreth really need a proper sharp nose burn. One that hurts a lot!
Warrick and his actions, however, surprised me even more. I think he should say no, be a lot tougher and put up some rules against Toreth. Cheeting is never okay... As it is now, it feels like he is willing to do and tolerate almost anything in to "keep" a tiny bit of Toreth ....and of cource their hot encounters. It's a bit sick and it's almost makes me even angrier. It hurts and I'm feel so sad for him.
~ Unless the balance is maintained between these two guys, this will be a horrible and humiliating story in the end. ~
Let it be worthy of love instead. They can play tough but not at the expense of a broken heart and a shattered and ruined self-esteem.
Right now, I can not help but wonder if I can really handle this. I hate it when it starts to feel as if one of the two characters exploits and demeans the other character.
~ I'll read a few more shorties and see if it feels better then. ~
I LIKE - good and interesting but so cold and unpleasant also...
February 11, 2014
Checkmate! Take that Carnac!
Before starting reading this, I totally put my armor suit because I know this would set my alarm bells to hide and duck. But I can't do that. I have and want to read this. So armor suit it is.
Surprise Surprise. I like this one. This gives more view on the characters especially on Warrick's part. That's probably one good deed Carnac did here in this book. Unravel the MC's perception towards their "regular fuck" label. When I think of it, I didn't hate him THAT much. He can be just be so annoying. But I'm sensing a retaliation in the near future so my opinion of him probably will change.
Then there's Toreth. I still can't understand him. He is so possessive of Warrick, getting jealous when he thinks Warrick is fucking someone but he is fucking his way through the city. Nameless and Faceless as it is, it still bothered me. And Warrick, strengthen your resolve for pete's sake! I know Toreth can be irresistible, but come one!
Before starting reading this, I totally put my armor suit because I know this would set my alarm bells to hide and duck. But I can't do that. I have and want to read this. So armor suit it is.
Surprise Surprise. I like this one. This gives more view on the characters especially on Warrick's part. That's probably one good deed Carnac did here in this book. Unravel the MC's perception towards their "regular fuck" label. When I think of it, I didn't hate him THAT much. He can be just be so annoying. But I'm sensing a retaliation in the near future so my opinion of him probably will change.
Then there's Toreth. I still can't understand him. He is so possessive of Warrick, getting jealous when he thinks Warrick is fucking someone but he is fucking his way through the city. Nameless and Faceless as it is, it still bothered me. And Warrick, strengthen your resolve for pete's sake! I know Toreth can be irresistible, but come one!
August 19, 2013
Oh. My. God.
*SCREAAAAAMMMS*
Carnac, you BASTARD. The sick thing? I don't even hate him as much as I should. *weeps in confusion*
Sara truly is perfection in this installment. Tactical gossip, indeed! She is such a beautiful character and utilized so well by Manna. No wonder Warrick and Toreth love her.
For me the line that truly showed how desperate and confused Toreth is was this: "Isn't that what you wanted?". Broke my heart even while I wanted to step on him with my Ebay Jimmy Choos.
*SCREAAAAAMMMS*
Carnac, you BASTARD. The sick thing? I don't even hate him as much as I should. *weeps in confusion*
Sara truly is perfection in this installment. Tactical gossip, indeed! She is such a beautiful character and utilized so well by Manna. No wonder Warrick and Toreth love her.
For me the line that truly showed how desperate and confused Toreth is was this: "Isn't that what you wanted?". Broke my heart even while I wanted to step on him with my Ebay Jimmy Choos.
December 1, 2019
Oh, Toreth. I almost felt sorry for you...
I’m starting to see glimpses of a vulnerable human being.
Toreth was so vulnerable to his own unexamined emotions, so deeply in denial of his needs and motivations, that it would be trivially easy to come up with a response that would devastate him. An interconnected cascade of pain to demonstrate how very wrong he was.
#teamWarrick
I’m starting to see glimpses of a vulnerable human being.
Toreth was so vulnerable to his own unexamined emotions, so deeply in denial of his needs and motivations, that it would be trivially easy to come up with a response that would devastate him. An interconnected cascade of pain to demonstrate how very wrong he was.
#teamWarrick
February 2, 2015
It has become once more clear to me that Toreth is not a NORMAL person next door, from whom we can expect logical acts.
Though it is exactly WHAT makes him such a fascinating character.
"He's a para. They're all the same, aren't they? More or less...They're not normal, basically. That's how they get selected for training in the first place."
Judged on Thoreth they have to have an increased sex drive, that is for sure!
For me it was not about Warrick,
or Carnac,
or Sara
This sequel is about Toreth, only Toreth, always Toreth.
For the main part. Oh YEAH!
The other characters were there only to show us HOW Toreth would act!
His behavior is unpredictable, his libido is enviable and exciting at once, his logic is ridiuculous and awe-inspiring, his way to deal with problems is ridiculous and ingenious at the same time!
He mesmerizes me and I eager to read more!!!!
A little example of the solving of a problem a là Toreth:
"You told him you didn't want to fuck any more, and he just said 'okay'?"
"Yes. Precisely so. And he put a very favorable mention of my work in his report."
"Oh. Right. Then I'll tell him tomorrow."
He grinned happily, a minor but irritating problem solved.
"See? I told you it was no big deal."
February 3, 2013
I think Laura's review says it all.
Quite an intense read, and so neatly packed in a handful of pages. It easily deserves 5 stars. Though, not sure I'll have the stomach to go through it again any time soon.
Quite an intense read, and so neatly packed in a handful of pages. It easily deserves 5 stars. Though, not sure I'll have the stomach to go through it again any time soon.
March 13, 2013
As good as it was, I was bothered by this but not for the same reason a everyone else (Carnac). To me, this story felt different. A new POV, little Warrick/Toreth time and very little Toreth POV made for that. Also: Toreth was definitely shown as a sociopath here. I'm still not sure how I feel about that.
ETA, I've been told it's the strength of The Administration. Like my friend Casey put it: .
Yay!
ETA, I've been told it's the strength of The Administration. Like my friend Casey put it: .
Yay!
August 8, 2012
I hated Carnac from the beginning.
Then I thought it's intersting to see Toreth and Kerrick in different point of view - I learnt a lot.
Then I thought it's intersting to see Toreth and Kerrick in different point of view - I learnt a lot.
October 28, 2012
"I want you. Let me, please."
April 27, 2014
This is my favorite so far--Toreth dealing with Carnac--I had forgotten how well these characters are written-
I read the following quote several times and love it--this is Carnac speaking to Warrick during their dinner:
"I admit that there's a Platonic beauty to the idea that we have finally achieved the pure distilled essence of universal democracy: providing the inept masses with the illusion of an influence over the state which they are utterly unqualified to exercise in actuality. Meanwhile, the Council rules in name, and the heads of departments rule in fact, and all is right in the Administration."
I read the following quote several times and love it--this is Carnac speaking to Warrick during their dinner:
"I admit that there's a Platonic beauty to the idea that we have finally achieved the pure distilled essence of universal democracy: providing the inept masses with the illusion of an influence over the state which they are utterly unqualified to exercise in actuality. Meanwhile, the Council rules in name, and the heads of departments rule in fact, and all is right in the Administration."
January 16, 2013
~~~
This felt a bit different than the other stories in this series in that it took a bit longer for the story to build. That being said, it all culminated into a very satisfying read.
~~~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.blogspot.com
This felt a bit different than the other stories in this series in that it took a bit longer for the story to build. That being said, it all culminated into a very satisfying read.
~~~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.blogspot.com
July 29, 2013
4.0 Stars
Next to Surprises, this was the most impressive installment in this series. Did it piss me off? F*ck, yeah! But I've come to realize that's par for the course with The Administration. I liked the interplay between Toreth, Warrick, Carnac, and especially Sara. I wanted to throttle Toreth (as usual); kick Carnac in the balls for being a manipulative ass; smack Warrick silly for putting up with Toreth's bullshit; and high-five Sara for a job well done!
I'm moving on ... warily.
Next to Surprises, this was the most impressive installment in this series. Did it piss me off? F*ck, yeah! But I've come to realize that's par for the course with The Administration. I liked the interplay between Toreth, Warrick, Carnac, and especially Sara. I wanted to throttle Toreth (as usual); kick Carnac in the balls for being a manipulative ass; smack Warrick silly for putting up with Toreth's bullshit; and high-five Sara for a job well done!
I'm moving on ... warily.
April 27, 2013
Carnac. You annoying prick. Seriously. If it wasn't for the INSANELY satisfying reunion btw. W and T at the end....I was about to throw my Nook out the window. I am unclear what Carnac added to this story. Hopefully he doesnt come back later on...
January 6, 2018
Мучительно пробираюсь через измены, моя неприязнь к «открытым отношениям» мешает проникнуться симпатией к героям. С сестрой было на грани... Тут вообще пиздец полный! Я надеюсь, что не напрасно читаю, что впереди будет что-то светлое...
August 21, 2022
nooooo toreth you idiot bastard😭. im just a little bit in love with Sara.
ok i love the way Carnac got booted but i kinda wanted him to understand better that he was eons away as compared to Sara and Warrick in terms of gaining Toreth's trust.
ok i love the way Carnac got booted but i kinda wanted him to understand better that he was eons away as compared to Sara and Warrick in terms of gaining Toreth's trust.
June 12, 2012
Oh. My. God! Game, Set was absolutely brilliant! The way we get to see Toreth and Warrick through Carnac's eyes and logic! And all the wicked mind games going on.
I was also pleased to witness that Sara had some excellent stage time in this story. I've really grown to like her character and I think her relationship with Toreth is fascinating. But most of all I'm truly dumbfounded about the fact that Toreth keeps fascinating me the most. Because he is, no doubt, the biggest bastard ever. A guy like that would be just impossible to live with in real life, that's for sure. But the bastard in question is intriguing, very much so. In a kinky, heart stopping, breathtaking way. And at times (very briefly!) he is actually pretty sweet. But only for a moment... or two... and usually just on Sunday mornings. ;)
It seems that Toreth makes poor Warrick suffer in so many more ways than only physically. These guys are definitely not taking the easy road through their bumpy affair! Good thing that there is always Toreth's build-in jealousy button for Warrick to push, when nothing else doesn't register to Toreth. This time, though, it wasn't Warrick himself that actually pushed the button. He had some help from a trustworthy ally...
The Administration series is fantastic for re-reading with all the twists and turns and between the lines (and not so between the lines) emotions that these guys have. So, in no time, I will be back reading Game, Set again. :)
I was also pleased to witness that Sara had some excellent stage time in this story. I've really grown to like her character and I think her relationship with Toreth is fascinating. But most of all I'm truly dumbfounded about the fact that Toreth keeps fascinating me the most. Because he is, no doubt, the biggest bastard ever. A guy like that would be just impossible to live with in real life, that's for sure. But the bastard in question is intriguing, very much so. In a kinky, heart stopping, breathtaking way. And at times (very briefly!) he is actually pretty sweet. But only for a moment... or two... and usually just on Sunday mornings. ;)
It seems that Toreth makes poor Warrick suffer in so many more ways than only physically. These guys are definitely not taking the easy road through their bumpy affair! Good thing that there is always Toreth's build-in jealousy button for Warrick to push, when nothing else doesn't register to Toreth. This time, though, it wasn't Warrick himself that actually pushed the button. He had some help from a trustworthy ally...
The Administration series is fantastic for re-reading with all the twists and turns and between the lines (and not so between the lines) emotions that these guys have. So, in no time, I will be back reading Game, Set again. :)
January 2, 2015
Carnac … manipulative bastard. I did not care for him.
Warrick … nicely played, again. From setting up dinner with Carnac to sending Toreth away – it was perfect!
Toreth … why? At least he “grew a pair” and told Carnac “no”.
Sarah … I loved how she planned to “plant the seed” and showed up drunk at Toreth’s doorstep. She’s a sly one and is always looking out for her boss. Way to go sista!
Another fantastic installment to The Administration. Good job Manna!
Warrick … nicely played, again. From setting up dinner with Carnac to sending Toreth away – it was perfect!
Toreth … why? At least he “grew a pair” and told Carnac “no”.
Sarah … I loved how she planned to “plant the seed” and showed up drunk at Toreth’s doorstep. She’s a sly one and is always looking out for her boss. Way to go sista!
Another fantastic installment to The Administration. Good job Manna!
August 5, 2012
Carnac's been added to my ever growing list of characters to be killed deliberately slowly and painfully.
October 22, 2012
What was the point in this one?
Sara said it perfectly "emotionaly he is about 10 on a good day!"
Sara said it perfectly "emotionaly he is about 10 on a good day!"
February 11, 2015
God I wanna kill Toreth! I hope sometime in the future, Warrick throws him out for good and Toreth has to grovel in his knees, to get in his good graces again.
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