Family Values (The Administration #7.1) in The Administration Zone

Dec 28, 2012 Laura rated it it was amazing

**Very Close to the Spoiler Line**

Family Values is a story packed—I mean packed with suspense, tension, pressures, and tragedy. Changes that may force Toreth and Warrick to see who their friends and family really are in life and ask--What are they willing to risk for them and each other?

For most of this story, my guts were all kinds of twisted up with fear and dread. Toreth and Warrick’s relationship for me possesses a delicate, precise balance of power, emotion, actions, non-actions, words sp ...more

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Mar 07, 2012 Lenore rated it it was amazing

Shelves: bdsm, m-m, 2012, freebies, reviewed-by-yours-truly, bring-out-the-gimp, bondage, rec-by-gr-friend, erotica, money-matters

First reaction upon finishing the book at 4 am: I can't believe I'm done. What am I gonna do without Toreth and Warrick?

Early next morning: I can't believe I'm done.

Noon: What am I gonna do without Toreth and Warrick?

Early afternoon: I can't believe I'm done.

Repeat to fade.
...more

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Dec 06, 2012 Sheri rated it really liked it

Shelves: hot-hot-hot, boyz-luvin-boyz, f-r-e-e, manna

Whew, sometimes, they EXHAUST me.
But...I love them.
Twisted, wicked, and addictive...yes, yes they are.

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Nov 06, 2012 Joy rated it it was amazing

"You know what?" Toreth said. "I'm sick of living out of that fucking suitcase. I just want to have somewhere to call home."

Must learn to live without Toreth and Warrick-- ...more

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Feb 16, 2013 Trix rated it it was amazing

Shelves: mm-novels, bdsm, military, action, angst, bi-sexual, abuse, mystery, suspense, drugs

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. "I just want to have somewhere to call home." -- I don't think there could have been a better ending than that. For this book at least!

Manna is perfect at choosing titles. While the main story focused on Warrick's family crisis, there was also Toreth and Warrick moving in together (and all that implied) but also a surprise inclusion of Toreth's family and another glimpse into the man's past.

I have to say I was pretty furious with Warrick in the first half of the book as he took so many unnecessa "I just want to have somewhere to call home." -- I don't think there could have been a better ending than that. For this book at least!

Manna is perfect at choosing titles. While the main story focused on Warrick's family crisis, there was also Toreth and Warrick moving in together (and all that implied) but also a surprise inclusion of Toreth's family and another glimpse into the man's past.

I have to say I was pretty furious with Warrick in the first half of the book as he took so many unnecessary risks in trying to protect his family and do the right thing for this brother. While Toreth's wasn't 100% correct in his arguments, it had a certain logic to it, considering who they were up against. Without Stable's help (and I have my doubts whether the help was actually that - the man did kill Kate after all) Warrick and Toreth might not have gotten away with it. But every step of the investigation was thrilling to read. The fear that at any moment, things would spiral out of control and land both of them in prison kept me hooked to the story.

And then the whole fiasco of Toreth moving in with Warrick. I cringed every time anyone made the slightest, most innocent comment in reference to it, half fearing they would drive Toreth away (and for a little while, Toreth did decide to abandon the whole idea of living with Warrick). Not go away permanently, since Toreth himself has admitted he can't leave Warrick. But their staying together was something for Warrick, after all the compromises he has made in their relationship. It felt something concrete; something equal to the promise Keir had made to never leave Toreth. I breathed a sigh of relief when Toreth made the surprising request of wanting to move back with Warrick. As I mentioned before, that last parting phrase completely melted my heart.

Then there was the vague references to Toreth's past, leaving me unsure whether he had indeed killed his brother or not. There are always two sides to a story and my heart would side with Toreth but my mind is conflicted by the opposing testimonies. I can only hope more will be revealed in upcoming stories.

I'm glad to see some development and change in Toreth. Actively resisting the ingrained suspicion that Warrick would cheat on him with Carnac (Carnac, of all people!!!). Refusing to storm out of the house whenever they had an argument. Slowly accommodating to the idea of living together with Warrick. A slight decrease in the number of fucks (though that could have been a lapse from the author, not a trait of Toreth's per say). Gradually coming to terms with his feelings and the fact that others are aware of his feelings for Warrick.

It was an impressive read! It's all due to the author: not just for this latest story but for the slow build-up of the characters that made me love them despite their many flaws. I can't accept that it's over. I have to read more of them! Imagining on my own is not as fun as actually reading it! I'm not ready to let them go! I have to have more! ...more

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Nov 18, 2012 Sun rated it liked it

Hmmm…

I’m starting to feel like maybe…just MAYBE…I’m ready for this series to end.

Don’t get me wrong: I could read pages, books, chronicles more of Warrick and Toreth (and throw in some Carnac!). But, the series…which clearly makes it known it’s about THE ADMINISTRATION (duh, Susan)…is starting to bore me.

I just don’t care enough about Toreth’s job. Combine that with the fact that the side characters (especially Sara and Dillion…so aggravatingly pathetic) bug the CRAP out of me, and yet again w ...more

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Apr 06, 2013 Shelley rated it liked it

Shelves: addictive-reading, shocking-content, novella, favorite-author, fab-freebie, scared-the-crap-out-of-me, drama-drama-drama, hero-i-want-to-head-butt, dystopia, m-m

Crazy crazy crazy!

Everybody is effed in the head! I think I'm glad this is over and it ended where it did. If it wasn't for the last sentence...

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That is all I have to say about that. Hmph! ...more

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Apr 25, 2012 Lisa Arbitrary - AttentionIsArbitrary M/M Blog rated it it was amazing

Shelves: adult, m-m-romance, dystopian

~~~

Complex characters are the drivers of these stories and the competent writing gives them all an intriguing home to live in. Characters to love, hate, enjoy and even tentatively identify with. We aren't all sadistic or masochistic beings but we all have some of those elements in us or at least a deep desire to understand them better; to better understand ourselves. The Administration's world gives us a place to consider these dark concepts from a distance. A future world where life is just dif ...more

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Mar 29, 2011 Maya rated it it was amazing

After taking a break from this series the only thing that I can say is that I am in love with it all over again. This was one of my favorites in the series since we see so much reguarding Toreth's feelings for Warrick. I really, really liked this one. ...more

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Mar 13, 2013 Kathy rated it really liked it

Shelves: dystopian, m-m, freebie

4.5 to 5 stars...Awesome series! Really going to miss Toreth and Warrick *sigh*

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Dec 11, 2012 Danny Tyran rated it liked it

Shelves: gay, science-fiction, freebies, bdsm, dangerous-heros, d-s, dystopia

I do not know why but this story seems incomplete to me, as if something very bad or really good should have happened after the accident, but everything was settled fast without much trouble.

Maybe that it is just I who become more and more demanding.

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Jun 09, 2013 Mich rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, favorite-series, amaze-balls, hot, m-m, fucked-up-badass-guys, favorite-author

Be still my heart..."You know what?" Toreth said. "I'm sick of living out of that fucking suitcase. I just want to have somewhere to call home."

::sigh:: ...more

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