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jackiehorne's review
4.0
3.5 Reyes Walter, the "life coach" or "fixer" of people looking for help coming to terms with their BDSM preferences, and for partners whose own kinks align with theirs, has bullied, manipulated, supported, and nurtured several different kinky couples as they made their way from sex to long-term romance in the previous books in the Compass series. This one is the story of HIS romance, told in his first person voice.
After a tough out-of-town weekend, Rey isn't quite ready to go home to his work assistant/occasional BDSM play partner/lover, Matthew, and so he hits a bar, hoping for a quick stress-relieving hook-up. But instead he meets an attractive but obviously unskilled bartender, Allie Hart, ex-military, African-American, working class and, Rey senses, probable submissive. Competent Rey kicks in, jumping the bar to help Allie, then leaves him a generous tip. He doesn't think he'll return, but when Rey's assistantMatthew announces that one of his other lovers wants to make their relationship exclusive, Rey is left without a home-based sexual outlet. And finds himself drifting back to the bar...
Not my favorite of the series, in large part because our first person narrator does a lot of telling and not as much showing (except in the sex scenes, of course!). We get a fairly good sense of Allie, although I would have liked to have seen/learned more about his life before meeting Rey. We are TOLD why Rey, who is biracial but from a highly financially privileged family, is so damned convinced he must be a superhero and not give himself any time to want anything for himself. But I had a hard time believing in it (or, perhaps, investing emotionally in it), largely because we never get to SEE scenes from his past that would SHOW us why he holds so tight to such a ridiculous belief.
Funny to read this one so soon after reading Amber Belldene's NOT OVER YET, which features a female Episcopal minister who also feels that she cannot give any time from her devotion to her job (helping her parishioners) to allow romance into her life... The "angel" and the "devil," both with the same emotional hang-up...
After a tough out-of-town weekend, Rey isn't quite ready to go home to his work assistant/occasional BDSM play partner/lover, Matthew, and so he hits a bar, hoping for a quick stress-relieving hook-up. But instead he meets an attractive but obviously unskilled bartender, Allie Hart, ex-military, African-American, working class and, Rey senses, probable submissive. Competent Rey kicks in, jumping the bar to help Allie, then leaves him a generous tip. He doesn't think he'll return, but when Rey's assistantMatthew announces that one of his other lovers wants to make their relationship exclusive, Rey is left without a home-based sexual outlet. And finds himself drifting back to the bar...
Not my favorite of the series, in large part because our first person narrator does a lot of telling and not as much showing (except in the sex scenes, of course!). We get a fairly good sense of Allie, although I would have liked to have seen/learned more about his life before meeting Rey. We are TOLD why Rey, who is biracial but from a highly financially privileged family, is so damned convinced he must be a superhero and not give himself any time to want anything for himself. But I had a hard time believing in it (or, perhaps, investing emotionally in it), largely because we never get to SEE scenes from his past that would SHOW us why he holds so tight to such a ridiculous belief.
Funny to read this one so soon after reading Amber Belldene's NOT OVER YET, which features a female Episcopal minister who also feels that she cannot give any time from her devotion to her job (helping her parishioners) to allow romance into her life... The "angel" and the "devil," both with the same emotional hang-up...
elenajohansen's review
3.0
If I were rating this as an emotional reaction to the love story and kink alone, five stars all the way. Rey gets his HEA (finally) at the end of a series I deeply love (if you ignore the novella about Hunter, which I do, because it's just a bad idea from start to finish). The four other books are all brilliant.
This does a lot of things right, representation-wise, and needs to be applauded for that, as well. The two leads are both queer MoC, and Allie specifically is an big, outwardly masculine black man who spends the story coming to terms with his submissive side. It's so blatantly against typecasting (where big black men are always scary!) that I loved it.
But there were representation issues that, while they didn't touch on my experiences directly, did make me uncomfortable. Ableism, in that Rey's disability is treated as a plot twist--though I picked up on the foreshadowing and figured it out early, the reveal is shallow both emotionally and in terms of handling disability with respect. I get that Rey's parents didn't know how to handle it, and that left him with some issues, but those issues aren't explored much before they evaporate as an obstacle to Rey's happiness.
And I'm honestly not sure how to feel about Julian, the trans character. Am I glad a trans man was included as a real possibility for a love interest without Allie treating him any differently than a cis man? Yes. Do I like the way Rey spoke about Julian internally? No--because Rey did make a distinction, and one I didn't feel like it was his to make, when he speculated that Allie might like to be with someone he could have a family with, without intervention. It seemed...callus? Cavalier? It's not entirely clear to me if Julian's trans-ness was public knowledge or not, and while Rey outing him to us as the readers is merely narrative, I was really uncomfortable with his tone, because whatever did or didn't come of Allie's dalliance with Julian while he was separated from Rey, Rey didn't have any business making decisions based on Julian's reproductive status. Which he would know, of course, because Rey knows everything about everyone, so that doesn't actually give me any clue about whether or not Julian is "out" as trans or not.
I tried to look at that as a failing of Rey's arrogance, and it fits--I mean, he is trying to set up his lover with other man as a break-up gift, basically--but it still irks me beyond that. I'm not sure I can explain it any better, but this felt like it fell short of good representation.
This does a lot of things right, representation-wise, and needs to be applauded for that, as well. The two leads are both queer MoC, and Allie specifically is an big, outwardly masculine black man who spends the story coming to terms with his submissive side. It's so blatantly against typecasting (where big black men are always scary!) that I loved it.
But there were representation issues that, while they didn't touch on my experiences directly, did make me uncomfortable. Ableism, in that Rey's disability is treated as a plot twist--though I picked up on the foreshadowing and figured it out early, the reveal is shallow both emotionally and in terms of handling disability with respect. I get that Rey's parents didn't know how to handle it, and that left him with some issues, but those issues aren't explored much before they evaporate as an obstacle to Rey's happiness.
And I'm honestly not sure how to feel about Julian, the trans character. Am I glad a trans man was included as a real possibility for a love interest without Allie treating him any differently than a cis man? Yes. Do I like the way Rey spoke about Julian internally? No--because Rey did make a distinction, and one I didn't feel like it was his to make, when he speculated that Allie might like to be with someone he could have a family with, without intervention. It seemed...callus? Cavalier? It's not entirely clear to me if Julian's trans-ness was public knowledge or not, and while Rey outing him to us as the readers is merely narrative, I was really uncomfortable with his tone, because whatever did or didn't come of Allie's dalliance with Julian while he was separated from Rey, Rey didn't have any business making decisions based on Julian's reproductive status. Which he would know, of course, because Rey knows everything about everyone, so that doesn't actually give me any clue about whether or not Julian is "out" as trans or not.
I tried to look at that as a failing of Rey's arrogance, and it fits--I mean, he is trying to set up his lover with other man as a break-up gift, basically--but it still irks me beyond that. I'm not sure I can explain it any better, but this felt like it fell short of good representation.
briarsreviews's review
5.0
If you're looking for heat this summer don't bother going outside, Tamsen Parker's The Cartographer brings all the heat and so much more!
This book infuriates me. Why, you might ask? Because it's the last (Yes! The last!!) book in the compass series. It's such a wonderful arching storyline over these six books and it's all done! The fantastic part that doesn't infuriate me, is how beautiful this story was tied together.
I really appreciated this book being in Reyes's point of view. Watching our other characters grow with Reyes in the background was wonderful, but having him tie this story together and finished it made it so much better. I wouldn't have wanted any different!!
This book is a sexy ride - M/M, hard R if you catch my drift - with Allie being our protagonists love interest. He is an interesting character - definitely not Cris or India. I really enjoyed his character, but I would have seen him being more stubborn than he actually was. It was a nice change not having him stubborn, but if there's anything "wrong" with this story, that would be my only negative point.
In this book you will find lots of kink and sexy times, but you will also finds lots of heart wrenching back story. What's nice about these novels is it's not just an erotic read without any thought behind it. Tamsen has been getting better and better with her writing abilities with each book she writes. Not only has she increased the sexiness of these books, the characters, back stories and plots have grown with her. It's so wonderful watching her grow with each book and seeing the characters grow along with her.
You could definitely read this book as a standalone, but I would definitely suggest reading the rest of the books. This book won't cause any confusion to those who don't know India/Cris - you might not understand a few references here and there. But, it doesn't take away from the story in any way. Also, readers who haven't gone through the first five books might find they don't connect to Reyes as much as they should. He's a very lovable character, so reading the other books will make you appreciate him so much more than what's just introduced in this story.
Tamsen's writing style is very easy to read - she doesn't use difficult language, but doesn't make it so simple either. Her sentences and words flow smoothly and don't seem choppy like some BDSM novels I have read in the past.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I think this is a great addition to any kinky readers library and is a must read!! If you want some sexiness in your life, pick up some Tamsen Parker books. She's becoming such a fantastic author and is growing so much, it's almost foolish to not pick up her books if you want some super sexy romance in your life!!
Five out of five stars.
This book infuriates me. Why, you might ask? Because it's the last (Yes! The last!!) book in the compass series. It's such a wonderful arching storyline over these six books and it's all done! The fantastic part that doesn't infuriate me, is how beautiful this story was tied together.
I really appreciated this book being in Reyes's point of view. Watching our other characters grow with Reyes in the background was wonderful, but having him tie this story together and finished it made it so much better. I wouldn't have wanted any different!!
This book is a sexy ride - M/M, hard R if you catch my drift - with Allie being our protagonists love interest. He is an interesting character - definitely not Cris or India. I really enjoyed his character, but I would have seen him being more stubborn than he actually was. It was a nice change not having him stubborn, but if there's anything "wrong" with this story, that would be my only negative point.
In this book you will find lots of kink and sexy times, but you will also finds lots of heart wrenching back story. What's nice about these novels is it's not just an erotic read without any thought behind it. Tamsen has been getting better and better with her writing abilities with each book she writes. Not only has she increased the sexiness of these books, the characters, back stories and plots have grown with her. It's so wonderful watching her grow with each book and seeing the characters grow along with her.
You could definitely read this book as a standalone, but I would definitely suggest reading the rest of the books. This book won't cause any confusion to those who don't know India/Cris - you might not understand a few references here and there. But, it doesn't take away from the story in any way. Also, readers who haven't gone through the first five books might find they don't connect to Reyes as much as they should. He's a very lovable character, so reading the other books will make you appreciate him so much more than what's just introduced in this story.
Tamsen's writing style is very easy to read - she doesn't use difficult language, but doesn't make it so simple either. Her sentences and words flow smoothly and don't seem choppy like some BDSM novels I have read in the past.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I think this is a great addition to any kinky readers library and is a must read!! If you want some sexiness in your life, pick up some Tamsen Parker books. She's becoming such a fantastic author and is growing so much, it's almost foolish to not pick up her books if you want some super sexy romance in your life!!
Five out of five stars.
glassesgirl79's review
4.0
In “the cartographer,” readers meet Reyes Walter who serves as matchmaker in previous Tamsen Parker books. The novel opens with Reyes going to a bar after a long night of working with a client. As Reyes orders a drink, he is aroused by the attractive bartender behind the bar then horrified by his terrible drink making skills. After Reyes sees that the bartender named Allie needs help to stave off a thirsty waiting crowd, he jumps behind the counter and helps him makes drinks.
Over time, Reyes and Allie begin a tenuous relationship based on Reyes sex, torment and eventually love. As Reyes finds himself falling in love with Allie, he is frightened by these feelings since he
feels he is not worthy of such pleasures. Allie is devoted to his sister Kendra and while he embraces his identity as a gay black man, he has yet to
embrace his darker desires to be tortured and teased.Throughout the course of this novel, we see Reyes transforming from a distant puppet master to a loving partner. This is a satisfying final book in “the compass” series.
Over time, Reyes and Allie begin a tenuous relationship based on Reyes sex, torment and eventually love. As Reyes finds himself falling in love with Allie, he is frightened by these feelings since he
feels he is not worthy of such pleasures. Allie is devoted to his sister Kendra and while he embraces his identity as a gay black man, he has yet to
embrace his darker desires to be tortured and teased.Throughout the course of this novel, we see Reyes transforming from a distant puppet master to a loving partner. This is a satisfying final book in “the compass” series.
meags's review
5.0
TL;DR: START FROM THE BEGINNING OF THIS SERIES FOR A WALLOP OF A FINISH
***
THE STORY:
I have found that even when a series of romance novels tends to be a collection of "standalones", reading previous books is an asset to the enjoyment of all followups. The books build on each other, creating a universe of world-building in a small section of the world, introducing people, places, and a sensibility that carries through to the rest of the books.
So while The Cartographer is a fantastic book, with a solid arc for both characters, a rich world, and sexy smut, there's something missing for someone that begins reading a series from the final book. However, this book is simply fantastic, and I will be going back to read the previous 5.
This book is about Rey, who I gather is sort of the linchpin to the group of people that comprise the series. He appears to be the one person that brings them all together, and so there's a history to the relationships that precede this book. I was able to follow it, no problem, but I can't help but think it would have been more meaningful and poignant if I'd had all of that backstory to go with it. Rey is the type of person who feels that he needs to help others, to the detriment of his own happiness. So he fights against his relationship with Allie Hart until he can't. It's hard to describe the plot in a way that gives justice to the highs and lows. Rey grooms Allie into the perfect submissive, intending to push him to move on to someone else once their relationship has run its course. But that doesn't work out as planned.
This book is character driven. There is a deep dark secret, but it's well-plotted. I'm unsure if Rey's secret is revealed in earlier novels, but there was enough of a thread to go on to make the reveal not seem cheesy or overplayed.
TECHNICAL ELEMENTS:
Using both first person and present tense is a feat, but Tamsen Parker hits it out of the park. Home run. Kudos. Accolades. People, this is good writing. I can definitely see it not being for everyone, and it kind of pushed me out of my comfort zone a lot. First, it's male/male, which I don't typically read. It's also very heavily BSDM, as Rey is a sadist. There's a lot of heavy kink, which can be offputting to some readers. But the prose is magnificent.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
There was a lot going on in this book, and I have to reiterate again that I think it would have been likely more of an impact if I'd followed the journey of all the characters from book one, which I highly recommend to anyone else considering this book. If the other books are even a fraction as well written as this, then I think it will be a treat to all.
***
BOOK WAS GRACIOUSLY PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
***
THE STORY:
I have found that even when a series of romance novels tends to be a collection of "standalones", reading previous books is an asset to the enjoyment of all followups. The books build on each other, creating a universe of world-building in a small section of the world, introducing people, places, and a sensibility that carries through to the rest of the books.
So while The Cartographer is a fantastic book, with a solid arc for both characters, a rich world, and sexy smut, there's something missing for someone that begins reading a series from the final book. However, this book is simply fantastic, and I will be going back to read the previous 5.
This book is about Rey, who I gather is sort of the linchpin to the group of people that comprise the series. He appears to be the one person that brings them all together, and so there's a history to the relationships that precede this book. I was able to follow it, no problem, but I can't help but think it would have been more meaningful and poignant if I'd had all of that backstory to go with it. Rey is the type of person who feels that he needs to help others, to the detriment of his own happiness. So he fights against his relationship with Allie Hart until he can't. It's hard to describe the plot in a way that gives justice to the highs and lows. Rey grooms Allie into the perfect submissive, intending to push him to move on to someone else once their relationship has run its course. But that doesn't work out as planned.
This book is character driven. There is a deep dark secret, but it's well-plotted. I'm unsure if Rey's secret is revealed in earlier novels, but there was enough of a thread to go on to make the reveal not seem cheesy or overplayed.
TECHNICAL ELEMENTS:
Using both first person and present tense is a feat, but Tamsen Parker hits it out of the park. Home run. Kudos. Accolades. People, this is good writing. I can definitely see it not being for everyone, and it kind of pushed me out of my comfort zone a lot. First, it's male/male, which I don't typically read. It's also very heavily BSDM, as Rey is a sadist. There's a lot of heavy kink, which can be offputting to some readers. But the prose is magnificent.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
There was a lot going on in this book, and I have to reiterate again that I think it would have been likely more of an impact if I'd followed the journey of all the characters from book one, which I highly recommend to anyone else considering this book. If the other books are even a fraction as well written as this, then I think it will be a treat to all.
***
BOOK WAS GRACIOUSLY PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
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