59 reviews for:

Not Safe For Work

L.A. Witt

3.57 AVERAGE


DNF - The endless internal dialogue and lack of genuine kink in the first 30% had me calling this book quits.

jcovington's review

4.0

9 months after casting these beauties as our MCs and I have to say we did pretty damn well, having not read a page.

David as Rick. A powerplayer developer, suit wearing hottie who is a submissive in the bedroom.



Joe as Jon. The architectural model maker who is a dominate powerplayer in the bedroom.



As BDSM goes, this one talked a big game. The things they wanted to do and try and get into with each other left me a little concerned at times that I would be pushed past some limits. And yet when it came to the acts themselves there were points at which I was left wanting more. The intensity of the scenes was off for me. And yet the reactions the guys had following…coming out of “Subspace” or “Top Dropping” left me feeling like I had missed something. Was what they did enough to pull them into these mindsets? It didn’t seem to be to me. But I did get new stuff like the Wartenberg Wheel and Wax…so there was that. ;)

What was lacking for me in the BDSM scenes was made up for in the development of them as a couple. I truly loved the two of them. Their interactions and talks felt real to me. And I loved that they were not always about BDSM…it was almost like they were drawn to each other beyond that and didn’t realize it. While they never really stepped out of their roles in the bedroom the sex definitely was more intimate than I expected.

“Where have you been for the last twenty years?”
“Looking…” He grunted as I bent my fingers inside him. “Looking for you.”

***

As he always did, he came out the front door before I was even up the walk. Our eyes met. We both smiled the way we didn’t dare when we saw each other at the office, and barely contained excitement swelled in my chest. When was the last time the sight of someone made me giddy like this? I had no idea, but the sight of him was damn sure doing it now, and I couldn’t get to the top of those steps fast enough.

***

“You need a Dom. I need a sub. And—”
“And tonight, I just need you.”
All the air rushed out of my lungs. “Me too.”


As an Architect, I was actually quite surprised that I didn’t blow my head off at these scenes. Yes, the Partners of the firm were total douchebags and I really want to believe there are not firms like this out there, but unfortunately some Architects have big ass heads…so… There was a use of the word “blueprints” that made me giggle but for me it was the NSFW studio depicted here that made me feel at home. I loved these scenes and the interactions of these co-workers. The long nights, lack of sleep, 5 hour energy drinks, the comradery, crass talk, etc. was really quite relatable.

There is a little angst here but nothing to OTT for me and how this played out really surprised me and worked.

Overall, this was really much better than I expected and the visuals certainly added another level of enjoyment. Thanks to Marco for the fabulous BR. *Recommended*

And Just Because…




emilyexmas's profile picture

emilyexmas's review

2.5
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

It was fine, but I feel like it could easily have been a DNF. I only kept going after the halfway point because I wasn’t to know the how the relationship would cause conflict and then how the situation would be resolved.

In the end the conflict and resolution were both poorly plotted. It was nowhere near believable that any of the characters would have made those decisions. The power was always in one single character’s hands and the fact that no one else realised or knew was mind boggling.

matson's review

3.75
funny slow-paced

I saw a lot of reviews complaining about the lack of kink in this book, but I think it's kind of more of a realistic view of a relationship. The guys discuss in the beginning that not all encounters have to be kinky, and Rick wanted to take it kind of slow. So it really made sense that there was less kinky sex scenes too. 

I liked that there was no ex drama, no kid drama, the third act breakup was short and not drawn out, and the epilogue was sweet. Part of the book was pretty slow, but I like Nick J Russo so he helped offset the drag. 

**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**

Not Safe for Work is one steamy read. Middle aged realistic male characters with a side of kink...YES PLEASE!

Jon and Rick are super sexy and the BDSM aspect really works in this one. Being of an older age seems to play a part in the understanding and communication of the characters. That really doesn't happen a lot with other books. It gives the book a more realistic feel.

The only negative I had was that even though it seemed to center around Jon, I would have loved more background and just more in general of Rick.

Wicked Reads Review Team
j_bookaholic's profile picture

j_bookaholic's review

3.0

This one didn't hit the right notes for me. It was good and I enjoyed it but it didn't grab me like a Witt story normally does. Loved the ending though.

3.5/5. This was fun! I liked Jon and Rick a lot. I enjoyed the fact that they were more middle-aged as most romance books focus on younger MCs. I also felt like their D/S arrangement felt very real life. It wasn't all bdsm, but included vanilla sex and a relationship as well. And lots of communication. I enjoyed the various power dynamics of their relationship, Rick being the boss, Rick having more money, and Jon's job. I had fun watching them fall for each other and fall in love. It all felt very real, as do most LA Witt books. This was a fun read! 3/5 spice levels.

Notes: d/s, bdsm, coworkers, boss/employee (sort of), more like client/employee?, older MCs, financial differences, met online, divorced mc, single dad
thaisdematte's profile picture

thaisdematte's review

4.0

Second read: 4 stars. I forgot that more than half of the book is made of smut.

Narration: 5★
Story: 5★
Execution: 5★

L.A. Witt never fails to amaze me.

This is the first BDSM book I`ve read from her and boy, it`s a-m-a-z-i-n-g! The characters are very believable, they evolve as a person and as a couple. The drama is well done and not OTP or too melodramatic. The scenes are hot and what I most like about the book was the communication between the MC's. They talk about EVERTHING. Before, during and after the scenes. It`s refreshing really. Another thumbs up it's the kinkiness was only in the bedroom, which I can appreciate. The conversations in the office was hilarious, I love the good banter they have.

Narration wise was flawless, but I think I'm biased because I love Nick J. Russo narration so there is that. I always find fascinating how he can change his voice into something so different, it's almost like another person entirely.

Didn't finish cos the initial attraction and relationship seemed too fast paced. So just skipped to the final few chapters after chapter 15. Still a 5 star read for me tho
emotional funny hopeful fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated