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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
OMG Laura Kaye has done it again. I just loved these two. The story, the romance, the sex, everything was spot on. A fucking +.
I even got a little teary at all the intense emotions at the end, especially with the epilogue.
This is going to be my February tear jerker #ultimatereadingchallenge book. Mostly because of that epilogue, it really made me cry.
I even got a little teary at all the intense emotions at the end, especially with the epilogue.
This is going to be my February tear jerker #ultimatereadingchallenge book. Mostly because of that epilogue, it really made me cry.
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
‘Twas good
Wow, the intense emotional and physical connection between Alex and Jamie floored me. I loved every second of this book and just wish I had been given more pages to spend with them.
Deeply satisfying.
Deeply satisfying.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
The ending could have better maybe better closure or explanation of their relationship but it was completely worth the read.
So, my first experience with Laura Kaye was an m/m novella in the middle of one of her other series. The storyline of that series was so complex I was completely confused and had to bow out. Interestingly enough, one of the MC’s from that book plays a pretty big role in this book however, this book can be read as a standalone.
Novellas are always a challenge for me…I’m always left wanting more, I don’t like the ‘instalove’ that seems to always happen, but I usually like the lack of extraneous story and angst that sometimes come with the longer novels. Adding in the BDSM relationship, especially the type these two forge, really complicates the length of the story for me.
I was pleasantly surprised by most of this book. I’m guessing because of the length of the book, we don’t have to suffer through Jamie’s inner struggle with his newly discovered sexuality and his desires for something different from his romantic partners. He discovers his new tastes and different sexuality and just embraces it which I appreciated. Even as he discovers his submissive side, he is bold and honest, asking for exactly what he wants. Alex’s struggle – his inner debate on whether or not to start something with Jamie – also doesn’t last long. He is exactly what Jamie needs…a strong-handed Dom who is super sweet with aftercare and in everyday life.
I thought the ‘scenes’ they shared were pretty great, full of what they both needed and palpable emotions between them. My only issue with any of the scenes was when Jamie’s mouth was full, he was not instructed how to ‘safeword’ out of the scene. There should have been a bell to ring, a ball to drop, an advance discussed hand signal…something to get him out of the scene if need be.
The angst was believable which isn’t always the case in novellas. Jamie absolutely BROKE MY HEART with how he tried to get through to Alex and right his wrong. He brought me to tears and I could absolutely feel his emotions down to my soul. However, I felt completely robbed of what should have been the best parts of this book by the way the author ended this story. I’m hiding what happens as it is absolutely a huge spoiler so read at your own risk.
If Ms. Kaye ever decided to write a complete novel-length m/m story, I’d definitely read it however, I don’t know if I can go for another mid-series, novella length m/m story by her.
Novellas are always a challenge for me…I’m always left wanting more, I don’t like the ‘instalove’ that seems to always happen, but I usually like the lack of extraneous story and angst that sometimes come with the longer novels. Adding in the BDSM relationship, especially the type these two forge, really complicates the length of the story for me.
I was pleasantly surprised by most of this book. I’m guessing because of the length of the book, we don’t have to suffer through Jamie’s inner struggle with his newly discovered sexuality and his desires for something different from his romantic partners. He discovers his new tastes and different sexuality and just embraces it which I appreciated. Even as he discovers his submissive side, he is bold and honest, asking for exactly what he wants. Alex’s struggle – his inner debate on whether or not to start something with Jamie – also doesn’t last long. He is exactly what Jamie needs…a strong-handed Dom who is super sweet with aftercare and in everyday life.
I thought the ‘scenes’ they shared were pretty great, full of what they both needed and palpable emotions between them. My only issue with any of the scenes was when Jamie’s mouth was full, he was not instructed how to ‘safeword’ out of the scene. There should have been a bell to ring, a ball to drop, an advance discussed hand signal…something to get him out of the scene if need be.
The angst was believable which isn’t always the case in novellas. Jamie absolutely BROKE MY HEART with how he tried to get through to Alex and right his wrong. He brought me to tears and I could absolutely feel his emotions down to my soul. However, I felt completely robbed of what should have been the best parts of this book by the way the author ended this story. I’m hiding what happens as it is absolutely a huge spoiler so read at your own risk.
Spoiler
I was extremely disappointed that we didn’t get to read about the proposal or get any information about it. Also, did Alex collar Jamie or did they just go for marriage? When did they discuss their future and familial desires and plans? Up until this point…basically until the epilogue…I would have said this was a 4.5 – 5-star book which is unheard of in a novella length book. However, the way this ended knocked this down to at most 3 stars but probably should be 2.5 stars.If Ms. Kaye ever decided to write a complete novel-length m/m story, I’d definitely read it however, I don’t know if I can go for another mid-series, novella length m/m story by her.
ON HIS KNEES is book four in the Blasphemy series but is a short standalone so no worries if you haven't read the rest of this series.
And if you haven't guessed by the super HAWT cover...this is an M/M, erotic romance that deals with BDSM and taboo sex. Jamie is a lawyer who has been in and out of relationships but has been completely unsatisfied with them. He doesn't know what he's looking for, has never tried anything relating to BDSM and has never been with another guy. Alex is a psychiatrist by day and a dominant master by night. He's unhappy with his stagnant life but doesn't want to deal with a "newbie" to the scene.
This book was a little out of my comfort zone but it's Laura Kaye and I love her writing so I gave it a shot and was so surprised how much I liked it (YAY)! Now I have nothing against a good smut story, in fact I have a few in my library but what I look for in a five star read is an ACTUAL story. And that's exactly what Ms. Kaye delivered! More than the illicitly captivating sex scenes, this book is about finding yourself. Being comfortable and accepting of who you truly are.
This isn't a long one, it's novella in length and there's not any crazy drama but it dishes out a powerful message and that's why I loved it! Told from dual POVs with a sweet ending. I received, read and voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
And if you haven't guessed by the super HAWT cover...this is an M/M, erotic romance that deals with BDSM and taboo sex. Jamie is a lawyer who has been in and out of relationships but has been completely unsatisfied with them. He doesn't know what he's looking for, has never tried anything relating to BDSM and has never been with another guy. Alex is a psychiatrist by day and a dominant master by night. He's unhappy with his stagnant life but doesn't want to deal with a "newbie" to the scene.
This book was a little out of my comfort zone but it's Laura Kaye and I love her writing so I gave it a shot and was so surprised how much I liked it (YAY)! Now I have nothing against a good smut story, in fact I have a few in my library but what I look for in a five star read is an ACTUAL story. And that's exactly what Ms. Kaye delivered! More than the illicitly captivating sex scenes, this book is about finding yourself. Being comfortable and accepting of who you truly are.
This isn't a long one, it's novella in length and there's not any crazy drama but it dishes out a powerful message and that's why I loved it! Told from dual POVs with a sweet ending. I received, read and voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I've really enjoyed this series, though BDSM reads are typically not my favorite. It's just not my kink, and I was afraid I'd have a hard time connecting with the characters and their needs. So far, that hasn't been an issue at all. But it was this time. These characters' kinks are on the far end of the S&M part of BDSM, and it was hard for me to get into it. That doesn't take anything away from this author's writing, which is always stellar.
Jamie Fielding is a patent lawyer, and is terrible at relationships, but not for lack of trying. He's never seemed to be able to make it work with a woman. Something is always missing, and he's never been sure what. Funny enough, a conversation with a good friend of his (a familiar face if you've read this author's other series!) puts him on quite a journey of self-discovery. Not only does he come to realize that he's a masochist, but he also realizes that he is bisexual. Through an introduction to another friend of his friend, he gets an invite to check out the private BDSM club, Blasphemy. He's nervous, but so excited to further investigate this previously unknown part of himself. Maybe he can finally find what he's been missing.
Alex McGarry is a psychiatrist, with his own practice. He's also 1/12 owner of the Blasphemy club. He's been unsatisfied with his play there for quite some time, because he wants to settle down with someone. But, that's hard to do sometimes in the lifestyle, especially with his sadism kink. He doesn't need it every time he has sex, but he DOES need it, and so he has to find someone that fully embraces him, and the pain he needs to give them. When Master Kyler asks Alex to give a new tour to a prospective member, he knows Kyler is up to something, but it isn't until he meets Jamie, that he understands why Kyler was so adamant. Their needs align perfectly, but Jamie is very new to the lifestyle, and to being with a man, and Alex isn't sure he has the heart to train a newbie at this point in his life.
Alex and Jamie's chemistry was very strong from the start, and I enjoyed watching Alex fight against Jamie's pull, without success. I enjoyed their interactions with each other when they were getting to know one another. But, their sexual encounters didn't really do it for me, as I am not into humiliation/pain/degradation, and while that was working well for Jamie, it just made me uncomfortable. I don't judge anyone for what they like, but I just couldn't really get into reading about it. I did feel for them, when they had their issues, because I think everyone has wondered if the person they're with is happy and proud to be with them. That's just human nature, and feeling as though that is not the case is devastating.
Alex and Jamie were at different places in their lives, with about a 10 year age difference, but I loved when they realized they weren't so different at all. They were both looking to have a successful, long-term relationship, and they started to realize they could have that with each other. My heart was broken by the way Jamie handled rectifying their issues, and I really felt for him during those scenes. I was a bit mad at Alex for how he was handling it, but I forgave him in the end. My only other issue was that I wish we could have had more resolution between Jamie and his family. I would have liked to have known more about that part of his life and how it resolved.
I enjoyed the brief glimpses of the other Masters and their submissives from the prior books, and I especially loved the super-fun cameos. Even though I couldn't get into the sexy times in this book, the romance itself still came through for me crystal clear, and that is due fully to the talents of the author. I truly enjoy Laura Kaye's voice, and her style, and her world building. She makes you really care for her characters, and because of that, I'll always read anything she writes. There will apparently only be one more book in this series, and I'll be sad to see it go. But, I'm excited for the new series she's announced, and for her getting back to her roots with former military heroes!
ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
Jamie Fielding is a patent lawyer, and is terrible at relationships, but not for lack of trying. He's never seemed to be able to make it work with a woman. Something is always missing, and he's never been sure what. Funny enough, a conversation with a good friend of his (a familiar face if you've read this author's other series!) puts him on quite a journey of self-discovery. Not only does he come to realize that he's a masochist, but he also realizes that he is bisexual. Through an introduction to another friend of his friend, he gets an invite to check out the private BDSM club, Blasphemy. He's nervous, but so excited to further investigate this previously unknown part of himself. Maybe he can finally find what he's been missing.
Alex McGarry is a psychiatrist, with his own practice. He's also 1/12 owner of the Blasphemy club. He's been unsatisfied with his play there for quite some time, because he wants to settle down with someone. But, that's hard to do sometimes in the lifestyle, especially with his sadism kink. He doesn't need it every time he has sex, but he DOES need it, and so he has to find someone that fully embraces him, and the pain he needs to give them. When Master Kyler asks Alex to give a new tour to a prospective member, he knows Kyler is up to something, but it isn't until he meets Jamie, that he understands why Kyler was so adamant. Their needs align perfectly, but Jamie is very new to the lifestyle, and to being with a man, and Alex isn't sure he has the heart to train a newbie at this point in his life.
Alex and Jamie's chemistry was very strong from the start, and I enjoyed watching Alex fight against Jamie's pull, without success. I enjoyed their interactions with each other when they were getting to know one another. But, their sexual encounters didn't really do it for me, as I am not into humiliation/pain/degradation, and while that was working well for Jamie, it just made me uncomfortable. I don't judge anyone for what they like, but I just couldn't really get into reading about it. I did feel for them, when they had their issues, because I think everyone has wondered if the person they're with is happy and proud to be with them. That's just human nature, and feeling as though that is not the case is devastating.
Alex and Jamie were at different places in their lives, with about a 10 year age difference, but I loved when they realized they weren't so different at all. They were both looking to have a successful, long-term relationship, and they started to realize they could have that with each other. My heart was broken by the way Jamie handled rectifying their issues, and I really felt for him during those scenes. I was a bit mad at Alex for how he was handling it, but I forgave him in the end. My only other issue was that I wish we could have had more resolution between Jamie and his family. I would have liked to have known more about that part of his life and how it resolved.
I enjoyed the brief glimpses of the other Masters and their submissives from the prior books, and I especially loved the super-fun cameos. Even though I couldn't get into the sexy times in this book, the romance itself still came through for me crystal clear, and that is due fully to the talents of the author. I truly enjoy Laura Kaye's voice, and her style, and her world building. She makes you really care for her characters, and because of that, I'll always read anything she writes. There will apparently only be one more book in this series, and I'll be sad to see it go. But, I'm excited for the new series she's announced, and for her getting back to her roots with former military heroes!
ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes