Brief Encounters

Title: Of Russian Myth and Lore
Author: CB Conwy
Length: 27 pdf pages,  6700 words.
Publisher: Torquere Press
Genre: m/m BDSM contemporary romance
Rating: B-

Blurb:

Family. In Mischa’s opinion, you can’t live with them. Period. That’s why he’s so reluctant to let Tom meet them, but Mischa’s family decides that they’d like to meet Tom. And an order is an order.

This is a once in a lifetime chance for Tom to see a Russian bear in its natural environment. Mischa’s family seems friendly enough, at least until Mischa’s uncle sends Tom out into the woods by himself. In the middle of the night. However, there’s more to Mischa’s Russian background than Tom knew. In the quiet summer night, Tom learns a thing or two about Russian myth and lore – and about family.

Review:

I was keen to review this story as I’d enjoyed reading CB Conwy’s A Russian Bear, and thought a short about Mischa and Tom could be fun. It certainly was a warm, humorous and pleasant read, and although a little different to what I was expecting after the novel, this wasn’t in a bad way.

A Russian Bear was most definitely a BDSM novel with many erotic scenes featuring a variety of toys, and gave the story of experienced Dom Mischa’s romance with young student Tom – a novice submissive just discovering his taste for kink. However, outside of their occasional scenes, Tom is a feisty character who won’t allow his grumpy boyfriend to call the shots.

Of Russian Myth and Lore is a very different beast – and if it weren’t for the occasional mention of Mischa being a Dom, you probably wouldn’t even be aware of that side of their relationship. This is partly because of Tom and Mischa don’t stay in role 24/7, but especially because Mischa shows another side of himself when in the company of his Russian family. There are some amusing scenes when Mischa first learns that his family have requested a visit from him and Tom: Tom can’t understand why Mischa insists they have to go yet is in such a foul mood at the prospect. As far as Tom is concerned, a holiday in Canada and a chance to learn more about his taciturn partner is something to really look forward to. Mischa is being his usual, tight-lipped self, and will only reveal that his family are very “Russian”, being “loud and rude and obnoxious”.

The aspects of Russian culture that Conwy reveals at Uncle Vasha’s cabin were an amusing blend of  fermenting jars of kvas (a drink Tom isn’t too keen on sampling), vodka drinking (Mischa can’t hold his liquor), and midsummer myths. There are also references to Russian history, such as the story of how Vasha’s parents escaped the Communist regime, but these never felt heavy-handed or judgemental. Most of all, I was enchanted by how Conwy reveals the Russian character and how it is at work in Mischa: making him fatalistic, proud and plain-spoken. However, Mischa’s relatives also reveal a generous, honest and hospitable side to their culture and Tom is welcomed with open arms (after an initial practical joke).

There is much to enjoy in this short, and it rounds out the romance begun in A Russian Bear by delving into the reasons why Mischa is the way he is. Those who liked the novel should welcome this new chapter in the series. However, I’m not sure how well it would work as a standalone as I think you’re rather reliant on knowing the kinky side of Mischa and Tom’s relationship to make proper sense of why the things revealed here are significant to them. That said, if you’re interested in reading an affectionate account of a holiday with a very Russian family, with a bit of cute romance thrown in for good measure, then maybe being ignorant of the Dominant/submissive aspect of Tom and Mischa’s relationship wouldn’t be a problem.