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ntdan's review
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Overall content: 3/4
Character portrayal: 2/4
Interpersonal chemistry: 4/4
Creative innovation: 3/4
Writing style: 2/4
Personal enjoyment: 3/4
Total: 17, translates to 3.75 stars
Character portrayal: 2/4
Interpersonal chemistry: 4/4
Creative innovation: 3/4
Writing style: 2/4
Personal enjoyment: 3/4
Total: 17, translates to 3.75 stars
sparklingreader's review
3.0
Not having read any of the other books in this series, I can’t speak to how it compares to them – which can be a good (or bad) thing. I have to judge this book solely on how it read as a stand alone for me. Note, this is a book that goes into BDSM and gets quite hot at times.
What I liked: It was enjoyable, but also very steamy and, at times, a bit slow. This slower pace allowed me get to know the characters in depth. I could easily relate to Heath and his love of books and reading to the point of losing track of time.
What I didn’t like: While I got to know Heath and Xavier well, coming into a series without knowing the other characters made some of the areas a little confusing.
Recommendation: If you like MM romance with some hot BDSM thrown in, definitely pick this one up.
I received this ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Vicky 12/21/19
What I liked: It was enjoyable, but also very steamy and, at times, a bit slow. This slower pace allowed me get to know the characters in depth. I could easily relate to Heath and his love of books and reading to the point of losing track of time.
What I didn’t like: While I got to know Heath and Xavier well, coming into a series without knowing the other characters made some of the areas a little confusing.
Recommendation: If you like MM romance with some hot BDSM thrown in, definitely pick this one up.
I received this ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Vicky 12/21/19
karentje's review
5.0
I loved this new addition to the Secrets family! It stands out a bit from the other books in the series, as it’s quite light as far as BDSM goes, but as for character development and storytelling it is completely up to par with the rest and just a really wonderful love story.
I’m always partial to books with MC’s that own a bookstore, because books… and Heath’s shop seems so inviting and amazing, I wish I could actually visit it and get him to recommend books to me. I loved all the casual mentions of books and authors in this story, some of which were new to me. Must remedy that situation asap!
I loved how Xavier and Heath got together and the way Xavier introduced Heath to the club and the naughty fun they can have while roleplaying. It’s quite a whirlwind romance, almost too good to be true. Everything all rainbows and (proverbial) sunshine until … something happens that might ruin everything for our beloved couple. I cringed inwardly when Xavier made a mess of things at a certain point, as he struggled with his priorities and the whole “honesty is the best policy” thing that tends to be crucial in a good relationship. Though in his defense, he was in between a rock and hard place, and anyway, what’s a romance without a little rough patch to overcome on the way to happily ever after?
As always in this series, as well as in the collars and cuffs series, the MC’s can count on their friends to help them out or lend a listening ear. I absolutely adored seeing Rob again, as well as the other characters from earlier books of course, but Rob is so special. I just love him to bits. He is such a mischievous, vibrant character and then he earned my undying devotion by pitching the idea to start a book club. Team Rob, people.
I’m always partial to books with MC’s that own a bookstore, because books… and Heath’s shop seems so inviting and amazing, I wish I could actually visit it and get him to recommend books to me. I loved all the casual mentions of books and authors in this story, some of which were new to me. Must remedy that situation asap!
I loved how Xavier and Heath got together and the way Xavier introduced Heath to the club and the naughty fun they can have while roleplaying. It’s quite a whirlwind romance, almost too good to be true. Everything all rainbows and (proverbial) sunshine until … something happens that might ruin everything for our beloved couple. I cringed inwardly when Xavier made a mess of things at a certain point, as he struggled with his priorities and the whole “honesty is the best policy” thing that tends to be crucial in a good relationship. Though in his defense, he was in between a rock and hard place, and anyway, what’s a romance without a little rough patch to overcome on the way to happily ever after?
As always in this series, as well as in the collars and cuffs series, the MC’s can count on their friends to help them out or lend a listening ear. I absolutely adored seeing Rob again, as well as the other characters from earlier books of course, but Rob is so special. I just love him to bits. He is such a mischievous, vibrant character and then he earned my undying devotion by pitching the idea to start a book club. Team Rob, people.
jenvile's review
2.0
DNF 30%
It was too cringe and the same old same old like every other BDSM themed book. I want there to be some originality or freshness but I guess with this genre, we’ll keep getting the same old.
It was too cringe and the same old same old like every other BDSM themed book. I want there to be some originality or freshness but I guess with this genre, we’ll keep getting the same old.
karentje's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this new addition to the Secrets family! It stands out a bit from the other books in the series, as it’s quite light as far as BDSM goes, but as for character development and storytelling it is completely up to par with the rest and just a really wonderful love story.
I’m always partial to books with MC’s that own a bookstore, because books… and Heath’s shop seems so inviting and amazing, I wish I could actually visit it and get him to recommend books to me. I loved all the casual mentions of books and authors in this story, some of which were new to me. Must remedy that situation asap!
I loved how Xavier and Heath got together and the way Xavier introduced Heath to the club and the naughty fun they can have while roleplaying. It’s quite a whirlwind romance, almost too good to be true. Everything all rainbows and (proverbial) sunshine until … something happens that might ruin everything for our beloved couple. I cringed inwardly when Xavier made a mess of things at a certain point, as he struggled with his priorities and the whole “honesty is the best policy” thing that tends to be crucial in a good relationship. Though in his defense, he was in between a rock and hard place, and anyway, what’s a romance without a little rough patch to overcome on the way to happily ever after?
As always in this series, as well as in the collars and cuffs series, the MC’s can count on their friends to help them out or lend a listening ear. I absolutely adored seeing Rob again, as well as the other characters from earlier books of course, but Rob is so special. I just love him to bits. He is such a mischievous, vibrant character and then he earned my undying devotion by pitching the idea to start a book club. Team Rob, people.
I’m always partial to books with MC’s that own a bookstore, because books… and Heath’s shop seems so inviting and amazing, I wish I could actually visit it and get him to recommend books to me. I loved all the casual mentions of books and authors in this story, some of which were new to me. Must remedy that situation asap!
I loved how Xavier and Heath got together and the way Xavier introduced Heath to the club and the naughty fun they can have while roleplaying. It’s quite a whirlwind romance, almost too good to be true. Everything all rainbows and (proverbial) sunshine until … something happens that might ruin everything for our beloved couple. I cringed inwardly when Xavier made a mess of things at a certain point, as he struggled with his priorities and the whole “honesty is the best policy” thing that tends to be crucial in a good relationship. Though in his defense, he was in between a rock and hard place, and anyway, what’s a romance without a little rough patch to overcome on the way to happily ever after?
As always in this series, as well as in the collars and cuffs series, the MC’s can count on their friends to help them out or lend a listening ear. I absolutely adored seeing Rob again, as well as the other characters from earlier books of course, but Rob is so special. I just love him to bits. He is such a mischievous, vibrant character and then he earned my undying devotion by pitching the idea to start a book club. Team Rob, people.
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