This very aptly titled short story takes an interesting look at one of the role play kinks that are a little "farther out there", so to speak. There can be slight unease when thinking about one of the partners taking on the role of pretending to be an animal, just like with doggie play, but when I thought about it, it's still role play at the end of the day. And as long as both partners are consenting adults, what this story made me realize is that is isn't really all that different from any other role play, or Dom/sub situations that human imagination can come up with. And this story is one of the most lovingly written, "soft", and understanding versions of what can go on in the "pretend stables" that I have ever read.

Jack is not really happy at the beginning of this tale. He has a shitty job, but it is all he has. He lives in a tiny apartment, but at least it's his space, and he has an on-again-off-again boyfriend who really doesn't deserve that name. In fact, the first few pages of this story were hard for me to read, and I was really scared this would veer off into horrible-land. You see, Billy, the so-called boyfriend, drops Jack off at a farm in the middle of nowhere, leaving him with a total stranger and telling him he'll stay there for two weeks. Bam. Just like that. What a shitty way to end even a pseudo-relationship. Jack is devastated, and angry and quite certain he and Billy are over. He has no way to escape, since Billy took the car.

BUT.

Then there is Daniel, a tall and very studly guy in riding uniform with warm hands and a kind smile. He says he will be Jack's groom for the next two weeks. The next thing he does, before anything happens, is ask for Jack's safeword. And that is when I dared hope this was going to be okay, since this is always the first thing that needs to be agreed when "playing" like this, especially when two strangers meet for the first time. Daniel doesn’t explain too much, he just starts introducing Jack to the details of being a pretend-pony, but Jack does admit, just to himself at that stage, that he is curious about pony play. He figures that Billy must have gotten into his computer and seen his secret files. Jack may not think it is real, although he fervently wishes it were so, but Daniel soon begins to prove to him that it can be wonderful, lots of fun, and extremely arousing.

One thing became very clear for me when reading this particular story: for a partner who is trying to give up control, to stop thinking, or to pretend reality doesn’t exist for a while, impersonating a pony, or a dog, can really be quite freeing. There is no need to talk, the submissive partner only has to do as he's told, and there is lots of potential for praise and rewards.

If you're curious about pony play and want to find out what it's all about, if you enjoy reading abut one partner who gives up control to the other and feels loved and protected as a result, and if you're looking for a hot read that explores some definite kinky areas of play between two men, then you will probably like this short story.



NOTE: This book was provided by Resplendence Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
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A Hearts On Fire Review

3.75 STARS--"I'm going to let you come, colt. Christen the stall."

*gallops wildly*

Sean Michael's "Pony Play" is book #3 from the standalone series Sealed with a Kink. And what a kinky little filly this was (I have so many bad horse jokes, it's not even funny...okay maybe a little)

This story is filled will pony play, penis piercings and enemas, oh my! I will admit this is not my first prance around the pony play paddock. However there was great equipment detail that I looked into deeper on a pony play fetish website...it helps visualize the bits, harnesses, etc.

Jack is sort of kidnapped onto a kinky two week vacation by his ex-lover. His ex leaves him with groom/Master Daniel at a BDSM/pony play training stable. (Side note: The MC's names are Jack and Daniel...LOL) I had to suspend reality and take a trip off the reality trail for a moment of two. Why? A grown man is sort of kidnapped and left with a stranger to participate in an act that he did not consent to? There were minor quibbles but he just went along with it...I neighed with disbelief during those moments.

While suspending reality with my treats of apples and carrot sticks (a true pony boy diet), Jack and Daniel played in some yummy scenes. Harnesses and nipple piercing and reins...Jack learned he was a true pony boy/sub in this 24/7 lifestyle. All Jack wants is someone to call his own who will accept him kinks and all. Luckily, groom/Master Daniel fit the criteria and was as unattached as Jack.

The story is less than 50 pages but was full on the kink. Kinksters will definitely nicker and neigh in kinky delight with this short. Don't expect too much depth or length. Do expect a couple of hot scenes.

"Pony Play" ends with a strong HFN/ light HEA ending. And I'd definitely wouldn't have minded a couple more chapters with the couple. It was a fun read, great for when you want a kinky snack.

*prances*" ( )