Taming Ryder by Nicola Haken

 You met Ryder Richardson in Being Sawyer Knight. 

Now, this is his story. 

I’ve done it. I’ve stuck a whopping two fingers up at my parents, I’ve made a name for myself as one of the world’s biggest porn stars and I’ve finally found a family I belong in. Life is amazing. I get paid to do all my favourite things. 

Fuck. Party. Travel the world. 

What’s not to love? 

And then he comes along. Mason George – Back Door Studio’s newest exclusive model and the guy who has the potential to either fuck it all up, or take me on the best ride of my life. ~ Ryder

I’m desperate. I’ve got nothing and nobody left. Entering the daunting world of adult entertainment is less of a dream and more of a necessity. 

Signing as Back Door Studio’s latest model has the ability to either ruin or make me, but I made a vow at my first audition never to let myself regret it. I continue to question myself each day, but no amount of what’s, why’s or what ifs will change where I am or where I’m heading. Am I strong enough to do this? To embrace it? To enjoy it? I have no idea.  The only thing I’m certain of, is that if anyone can teach me who I’m supposed to be, it’s Ryder Richardson. ~ Mason 

 “Because the most exciting things in life always happen via the back door” 

 

I totally fell in love with Ryder in BEING SAWYER KNIGHT. He's not perfect. He has demons and he also craves to be loved, even though he thinks he's not worthy of it. So when Mason comes in for an audition at Back Door Studios and Ryder is paired up with me, he doesn't know what to think of the sparks that he feels when around the new guy. He tries to ignore it. Only making that need stronger in him. And because he is not use to the feelings, he runs in the opposite direction. Ryder has never told anyone about his demons. Not even his best friends. So when Mason finds out what Ryder has been hiding, during a drunken night, Mason is determined more than ever to get close to Ryder and help him sort it all out.

What I love about Nicola's writing is that she just makes you fall so in love with all of the characters. You know them and you want to be there with them. I love this series and can't wait for the next installment with Matt :) 4.5 Stars.

 

I felt on edge throughout the evening, looking over my shoulder in case I saw Mason. I plastered the confident smile people were accustomed to on my face whenever a fan or a camera came my way. Everyone seemed appeased with my little act, even though I felt like I was slowly dying inside. Everyone except Ivan of course.

“He’s not here, kid.”

“Huh?” I said, purposely acting oblivious when Ivan pulled me into a corner.

“You can’t pull that shit on me, Ry. The two of you have been little more than walking ghosts for weeks now. You’ve lost your spark, on and off screen. What’s troubling you? Talk to me.”

“I just…I can’t be around him right now,” I confessed guiltily, my voice cracking.

“Did you two have a thing going on?”

“No,” I assured, shaking my head. “He just… I mean I just…”

“You’re in a bad place, kid. I can see it. I know what that’s like. To feel like you’re trapped in a giant maze. Every time you turn you bang into another wall.”

“Yeah,” I agreed weakly, taken aback by how accurately he described how I was feeling.

“But you know the thing about mazes? They’re almost impossible to get out of alone. The bigger they are the more guidance you need, otherwise by the time you find your own way, it might be too late.”

“I feel trapped, Ivan. I don’t know what to do.”

“Cut down on the pot and alcohol for one. It’s one thing using them to have a good time, chill out every now and then but, kid, I’ve not seen you sober in weeks. That shit fucks with your brain in those quantities.”

I rolled my eyes like a petulant child. I didn’t have the care or the energy for a lecture right now.

“Have you talked to anyone?”

I shook my head.

“I think you need to. I know a good therapist. I could put you in touch if-”

“Hell no,” I said firmly, cutting him off. “I don’t need that shit.”

“Hey, babe, they want you over there for photos.” Seb appeared from nowhere, grinning wildly, high on pride. I saw his face when Ivan’s name was announced as Best Director. The love in his eyes made my dying heart swell, throbbing just slightly as if to remind me it was still there.

“I’ll be back soon,” Ivan said, giving me a one-armed hug. “I’m here for you, kid,” he whispered in my ear. The he patted my shoulder and followed Seb out towards the crowd of models, photographers and fans. I didn’t want to stay and see him again, I couldn’t face it. So, with a heavy heart I turned and weaved my way through the sea of excited bodies towards the exit before hailing a cab to take me home.

Author of the New Adult/Contemporary novels Missing Pieces, Saving Amy and the Take My Hand series, and m/m erotic romance Souls of the Knight series.

I live in Rochdale, England with my wonderful family and when I'm not playing with my imaginary friends I can usually be found looking after my four adorable (sometimes!) children (six if you include the dogs, seven if you include the hubby!) or stalking gay porn stars! All in all I'm just an ordinary mum with an addiction to reading about hot book guys, writing about hot book guys, tattoos and Pepsi Max! Oh, and if my kids ever ask... I moonlight as the Pink Power Ranger ;-)