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Guarding the Gods #4

The Black Key Journal

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This is Tessler's private journal—the journal he’d used as a story outline when he penned his world famous Black Key Trilogy. The three-book set was semi-autobiographical by nature and closely followed the sexual awakening of a young Tessler as he grew into the man he's become today. The journal entries are emotional and incredibly personal as Tessler chronicled his journey as an inexperienced innocent, to an intrigued intern, and out the other side as an able-bodied man with decidedly different tastes than those from before he first stepped through the doors of The Black Key Club.Tessler guarded this journal and the secrets it held between the pages for years to protect himself from the possible judgment of others should the book ever be publicly exposed.Now, he wants to share his journal with you—on his own terms—before someone tries to take that power away from him.“The Black Key Journal” is a full-length novel. It is a companion piece for “More Than My Words,” Book 3 in the Guarding The Gods Series. To better enjoy Tessler's journal, it is strongly suggested that you read Book 3 before you read this novel. There is a considerable amount of ontent in this story with numerous adult MM sexual situations not meant for younger readers. Readers 18+ is strongly advised.

212 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 21, 2018

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About the author

Ann Lister

46 books833 followers
Ann Lister is a native New Englander currently living in Florida with her husband. She has pulled details from her years living in the New England area and uses many local settings and landmarks in her novels.

After graduating art school, marrying, and raising two daughters, she established her own video production company. Her nearly two decades working in video production included work within the music industry and won her a coveted Telly Award. Her 'behind-the-scenes' exposure to the music world and her love of rock music is the inspiration for her erotic rock star romances.

The Rock Gods series gave her Bestselling Author status on Amazon. Beyond The Music, Book 7 in the series, reached #1 in Gay Erotica in the Pre-Order and held that spot for several weeks. The last book in the series launches the spin-off series, Guarding The Gods, which is releasing in early summer 2016.

Fall For Me, Book One in the series was a Finalist in the 2013 Rainbow Award. Each book in this series brings her two favorite elements together: musicians and the love between two men. These stories focus on what it truly means to love; love unconditionally, love without restrictions or labels, love without fear or judgment – to just simply love.

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5 stars
46 (38%)
4 stars
44 (36%)
3 stars
21 (17%)
2 stars
6 (5%)
1 star
3 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Zane Kage.
2,901 reviews28 followers
May 24, 2018
Loved this! Yes, it was hot, andwhat a surprisingly great story told via this journal when I was expecting just the sexy! But I need more! What happens next? This doesn't leave off where Tessler's book picks up. And Lucas. I need to know more about Lucas!
409 reviews3 followers
May 26, 2018
The Black Key

After reading book 3 and finding out about Tessler I wanted to find out about his past. I'm so glad Ann wrote his journal. It's a great read and let's you know how Tessler became to be.
Profile Image for Jennifer Reilley.
1,084 reviews27 followers
May 22, 2018
Sex filled. Erotic dirty.

But come on we knew what to expect getting a look into Tessler’s journal.

He’s young and just getting to experience sex and does it in a way lots of people don’t. He’s experiencing it through a sex club and the sky is the limit. The Agent brings him there to not only show him off but to see others want him.

Tessler wrote this journal to document the journey he went on.

If you want erotic, sexual, one partner , two partners or more follow Tessler on his journey through his journal. You won’t be disappointed. I know I wasn’t.
Profile Image for Joanne Mountford.
317 reviews21 followers
May 15, 2018
One word automatically springs to mind about this book, DIRTY! It’s a delicious dirty, but yeah dirty. Sex isn’t just about love when Tessler was in his younger years, it was experimenting with different partners, multiple partners, in every which way you can think of. So when I say dirty I mean dirty ladies and gentlemen.

Tessler could be like many men out there, even woman. Some people aren’t afraid to test the limits of their sexuality and find what they like and don’t like. Not all of us write such explicit things down, but it was Tessler’s way. That man knew how to have a good time that was for sure. He had choices and he chose to explore. I’m not sure anyone can honestly say they wouldn’t have done the same if were put in the same situation.

Tessler’s journal was definitely not meant for anyone else’s eyes. Reading his most inner darkest secrets, and the sex that often took place was like WOW! This is in no way meant for young readers.

I would take note of of the blurb and read Guarding The Gods Book Three first as it will give you a much better understanding about this journal. If you aren’t bothered about the story, and just want to read about all things sex then go for it. Plenty to be read in this baby that’s for sure.

I knew what to expect when reading this instalment of Guarding The Gods, and Ann Lister did not disappoint me. She hasn’t failed me yet, I doubt she ever will. I am looking forward to the next book in this series. It’s always a pleasure reading about hot bodyguards and of course getting sneak peaks from The Rock Gods.
Profile Image for Lisa Cullinan.
571 reviews27 followers
June 6, 2018
Dirty and steamy read!

When Ann Lister said she was gonna write a book about Gavin/ Tessler’s sexual journey, boy did she bring her A-game!

The journal entries take the reader on a road trip through Tessler’s sexual exploration with The Agent as well as his ... ahem ... participation at a private gay men’s sex club.

Gavin is young, which explains his enthusiasm, quick recovery (you know what I mean!), and his naivety towards the whole experience. He is lovable though ~ remember, this is before he met his “forever man,” Mason.

More Than My Words should definitely be read first. I also would love Ann to write Gavin’s friend, Lukas, (who I fell for hard) into one of her future books ~ Warning: this is some hot MM, MMM, MMMMMMMMM porn😂😂😂
Profile Image for Wendy Moore.
1,332 reviews11 followers
June 4, 2018
Was nervous to start this as I didn't want it to change my opinion of Gavin. I love him and Mason together. This book was a hot, dirty read but it also showed he was ready to be with Mason. My only complaint is I wanted to find out what happened to Lukas. Not that I wanted them together but I want more Lukas!!
Profile Image for Melisha.
364 reviews
July 22, 2018
Another great book

This book is about a young Tessler - before and during the time he became known as Tessler. It was interesting to learn where he started from. I recommend this series and the one is branches off of.
Profile Image for Pam Brooks.
495 reviews2 followers
July 15, 2018
Interestingly Written

I love the worlds that Ann Lister creates. Filled with love, and angst to get to that love, and very hot, interesting men! Lister pens incredible m/m stories, but most importantly she pens characters with lots of love to give. This particular book is the journal of one of those men and the reader gets a serious view into his sexuality and the beginnings of his career. Don't pass this one up.
Profile Image for Sue Milkovich.
1,354 reviews13 followers
August 4, 2018
WHEW!!! HOT, HOT AND MORE HOT!!!

This is exactly what Ann Lister said it was going to be. If you are faint of heart, then don't get this book. If your like me and reading about down and dirty sizzling sex fires you up, you'll love this book. Tessler is the author who swept Mason up in More Than My Words (Guarding The Gods Book 3). You have to read that first because that explains why Tessler releases his personal journal. This is just about Tessler and "The Agent" ( grrr) in the sex club that they went to together. It also lets us meet his only friend Lukas, who I hope to see again sometime. This was a side to a story we don't often get to see. I enjoyed it very much. Get your fans, crank up the central air, get your favorite cool drink. This. Is. A. HOT. One. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS MAGNIFICENT, INCREDIBLE SERIES!!!!!!
Profile Image for Laina Gruver.
1,022 reviews49 followers
May 31, 2018
4 stars

This book is NOT a romance! This is a deliciously filthy look into Tessler's introduction to sex and his sexual awakening. There IS a bit of story in there that lets you see how Gavin, an unpublished virgin, became Tessler, a world-famous author who checked nearly all of his sexual fantasies off his extensive bucket list thanks to his agent taking him to an exclusive sex club.

**EVERYTHING that is written in this journal is consentual and the only 'punishment' is avoidance.**

*****
POV... first person

Did it give me a hangover... no

Standalone or series... companion book from book 3 but CAN be read as a standalone

Would I recommend it... YES

Would I read it again... YES
Profile Image for Denise GremoryKohta.
3,744 reviews5 followers
June 12, 2018
We so needed this!!

When I read More Than Words I really loved it but it did leave me wanting more. There was so many little reading tidbits about Tessler's past. The real driving force in me was in the difference from how Tessler viewed his the with The Agent and how Mason viewed it. Before reading this I agreed with Mason. While I will forever think The Agent is a serious douche I can now see Tessler's view. I understand why he looks back on it like he does. I do have to say this though. I need to re-read More Than Words because I can't remember what happened with Lukas and I really want to know. See, I can never finish a book and not have questions.
www.reviewsforthosewholoveagoodbook.w...
2 reviews
June 2, 2018
depressing one-handed reading. Tessler is gross. didn't believe he was capable of loving or being faithful to Mason after their book and believe it even less now. pretty clear Mason was only a substitute for Lukas (right down to the short spiky blond hair) and next time he comes back into the picture he will cheat on and/or dump Mason...or just force a threeway for more one-handed reading
Profile Image for Cathy.
746 reviews8 followers
August 25, 2019
More than an erotic story

This is a story about sexual awakening. It's about a young man, learning what pleasure is, and how to take what he needs. It's also a story about growing up, forming bonds with other peiple, and learning who he can, and can't trust. I only wish we got more of the story between Tessler and Lukas. We were told what happens in the previous book, "More Than My Words", and I enjoyed reading the genesis of their relationship. Ann Lister is a fabulous story teller, and I truly enjoy her stories.
731 reviews2 followers
February 25, 2021
Interesting look at Tesslers journal

I'm glad that Ann Lister gave us the chance to read this book. It gives great insight into the beginning of Gavin's journey sexually and his first book becoming a reality. I really liked Getting to see how Barry and Gavin ended up together, giving Gavin a chance to explore who he is sexually.. and all of the hot things he gets up to.
I would very much like to read what happens to Lucas in the future.
1,688 reviews6 followers
November 10, 2018
Well, this was a down and out dirty read....that's not a complaint. It was interesting to read this as a journal and get some insight as to how Tessler's career began, his sexual exploration and finding himself. What about Lucas?
1,781 reviews24 followers
January 3, 2023
Tessler’s journal is about young man getting experience in sex he goes to a a sex club and the sky is the limit. This is sex filled. and Erotic. Hot

Loved the narration of Artie Sommers
Profile Image for Saimi Vasquez.
1,548 reviews84 followers
May 28, 2020
Este es el diario de Tessler (uno de los protagonistas del libro More than my words), donde cuenta como fueron sus años desde que conocio a Barry (su ex-agente, ex-amante), que lo introdujo en el Club de donde tuvo la inspiracion para la trilogia erotica con la que tuvo tantos problemas, pero que tambien le dio tanto dinero.
En este diario, vemos la evolucion de Tessler en ese periodo, como escogio su nombre, como y porque salio del Club, y como fue que comenzo con el exito de sus libros de sci-fi.
Al ser un diario, vemos muchas cosas solo desde su punto de vista, pero tambien quedan muchos espacios de tiempo y de historia en blanco, que me gustaria que los mostraran en otro libros de la serie.
Profile Image for Love Bytes Reviews.
2,529 reviews37 followers
December 27, 2018
4,5 heart review by Kat

This was much more than I expected.

You met Tessler in Book 3 “More Than My Words”. He is the love interest of Mason, the personal security team member that was critically hurt in the fire in Berlin during the Black Ice and Ivory Tower concert. He had written the highly successful Black Key Trilogy under the name LJ Mechum. This is the contents of the diary that his agent, Barry Edleman, had stole and was blackmailing him with. Mason was able to retrieve the journal and Tessler wanted to share his thoughts before anyone had the opportunity to take that right away from him.

I had truly despised Barry in the third book but this story took that disgust to a whole new level! Gavin Roth was only 20 years old, and even if he felt he was in control of what was happening and was what he wanted, you can never convince me that “The Agent” wasn’t taking advantage of his naivety and youth. I know there was no emotional connection romantically but Gavin was starry eyed and willing to follow this older man’s lead. He was a virgin and wanted to experience all that was being dangled in front of him. Plus, this was the man that was going to make all his dreams of becoming a published author a reality. Barry was a sleaze and user right from the very start.

Although I know that Tessler gets his HEA with Mason in book 3, I was really invested in Lukas and Gavin together. They seemed so connected. I don’t know what was up with Lukas and would like to know what happened with him in the future. He was the one redeeming person in this story to me with Gavin. He truly cared what happened to him and had his best interest at heart.

I will warn you, I really recommend that you read “More Than My Words” first and then immediately read “The Black Key Journal”. It is available in a two book box set so that makes it really easy to do. It will make more sense even though the journal happens chronologically first. And I will also warn you, this book is crammed full of hot, steamy, wild sex at a gay sex club. It is the journey of a young man’s sexual quest and the knowledge he acquires in his sexual awakening. This is a new direction that this series has taken and I love that we get a glimpse into what made Tessler the man who he now is.

This book was provided for free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
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