Handcuffs and Pretty Things

Rawlings Men #8

by Kim Dare

Rawlings Men Series, Book 8



Almost every man in the Rawlings family is a cop. Almost. Dane Rawlings likes the finer things in life. As a successful antiques dealer, imposing law and order upon society isn’t one of his main concerns. But that doesn’t mean he can’t appreciate the appeal of a man with handcuffs.

Ross O’Sullivan has worked with lots of Rawlings men, none of them prepared him for Dane. When he’s asked to babysit a Rawlings outside a suspected arson attack, he expects his charge to be tall, dark and handsome. A petite, delicate and pretty Rawlings comes as a shock, and it’s not the only shock Dane has in store for him.

Genres: BDSM, M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Short Stories, Erotica, Fiction

42 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 23, 2011

About the author

Kim is a thirty-three year old bisexual submissive from Wales (UK). First published in 2008, she has since released almost 100 BDSM erotic romance titles ranging from short stories to full length novels. Having worked with a host of fantastic e-publishers, she has just moved into self publishing.

While she has occasionally ventured towards other pairings, Kim's first love is still, and probably always will be, Male/Male stories. But, no matter what the pairing, from paranormal to contemporary, and from the sweet to the intense, everything she writes will always feature three things - Kink, Love and a Happy Ending.

Reviews

[Saimi Vasquez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ross no puede ver algo brillante porque tiene que detenerse a admirarlo, y eso lo lleva con frecuencia a escenas de crimenes que no le corresponden justo cuando esta de dia libre. Pero esta vez, no solo las luces de las patrullas y carros de bomberos le llaman la atencion, sino tambien un hombre Dane Rawlings, el unico Rawlings que no se parece a nada a los demas de su familia y que resulta ser el sub con el que siente una conexion autentica. Ahora solo tiene que hacerle ver a Dane que el puede ser el Dom que su Sub necesita.
Dane no puede creer verse involucrado en un incendio, justo en el precinto donde trabaja casi toda su familia, pero lo que no espera es que le pidan a este policia tan buenmozo que lo acompañe hasta que llegue alguien de su familia a ayudarlo. Pero la atraccion que siente Dane por Ross se ve empañada por el hecho de que es un Dom y el juro que solo iba a tener sexo vainilla. Pero el Sub de Dane es mas fuerte que su voluntad, y ve a Ross como el Dom que realmente puede ser para el, asi que Dane tendra que alejar su miedo y dejar entrar a este nuevo Dom y ver si realmente es el suyo.

La historia la senti como que tenia un par de huecos bastante fuertes, primero el tema de las "Cosas Lindas", no entendi a que se referia el titulo. Tampoco entendi lo que parecio fue un cambio en la personalidad de ambos protas, ademas que la quimica entre ellos tambien me parecio un poco forzada, quizas con un capitulo mas para delinear mejor sus personalidades hubiera bastado, pero como esta la historia se sintio muy debil.
Sin embargo, la serie es interesante, y quede con las ganas de saber un poquito mas de la familia como tal, quizas un epilogo con una de esas "reuniones familiares" donde volvemos a ver a todas las parejas y en la que podamos identificar como es mas o menos el arbol genealogico de esa familia.

[Emma Sea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not one of my favourites by Dare :(

I liked Dane, who reminded me a bit of Jonathan from Strawberries for Dessert, but I was unhappy with how quickly (um, instantaneously) he went from "Nuh uh, no BDSM for me, baby" to "Here, come see my dungeon."

[Alyosha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Who on earth are those guys on the cover? They could fit almost perfectly as any and all the main characters in the series - except for this one's.


Enjoyable series all in all.

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely ending to a delicious series! Ms. Dare always delivers clean cut smexy m/m kinky romances. She certainly knows how to crank up the heat with just a few succinct sentences.

You, bent over this sofa while I plow deep into your arse and make you scream as you come.

You, on your knees in front of me with those pretty lips wrapped around my cock as you take me all the way into your throat.

You, turned over my lap, getting the hardest spanking of your life and loving every minute of it. (loc. 288-290)

Oh boy! Dane, if Ross is ever going to go bi, let me know. Because I'll be happy to take all this on for you. The Rawlings men are sexy and generally dominant. This one, Dane is not only submissive but a slightly built blond. He's still a fighter when he needs to be. Ross is hooked and falls right in line. Short, uncomplicated and easy read. Recommended for m/m lovers looking for some light romance.

[Serena Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great finale to the series (yes, unfortunately this is apparently the last book). Dane is a delightful surprise and Ross - well, he's almost as enigmatic at the end of the book as at the beginning. We find out a lot about Dane but Ross is the typical, taciturn alpha to the bitter end. The only way Dane (and us readers) can figure out what is going on is by looking at his actions. And they are pretty clear!

I loved the ending - both for this story - which is really just the beginning of Ross and Dane's story - and for the series. Perfect!

[Carole-Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last of the Rawlings men books *sob*, but WHAT a cute man Dane is - so untypical of the usual Rawlings traits.

Ross is such a quiet, calm dominant and totally suited to a hesitant Dane; an especially sweet pairing.

A short and sweet story concluding this series (which I hope will be linked together in a paper book or two).

[Trio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, best one of the series. Great characters and a really enjoyable story.

[Dark Haven · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Rating

Handcuffs and Pretty Things is the first book I’ve read by Kim Dare. Though I haven’t read any of the other books in the series it didn’t hinder me from enjoying this short, but tightly drawn novella. I loved Dane’s easy banter and flirtation upon meeting Sully. I also liked the strength Dane portrays in uncomfortable situations. The memories the author gave Dane of his youth that are conveyed in the story to Sully just made him more of a man’s man in my eyes. I really don’t know if I can articulate it as well as I’d like. Some gay men are soft and either want to be cared for or project an image of weakness. Some gay men are alphas males and dominant. Dane isn’t either. He’s a gay male with a soft streak but underneath he has strength, backbone and a knowledge he can take care of himself come what may. Just because he likes kink and is a submissive doesn’t distract from that fact.

As a dominant alpha male Sully is perfect for Dane. He’s character has equal portions of strength, hotness that sizzles, but beyond all that a discerning compassionate eye that sees what Dane needs. I wish this novella was longer. The chemistry between the two characters is wonderful and the sex is smoking. I guess there’s nothing left for me to do but read more in the Rawlings’ series and hope that I’ll get another glimpse of Sully and Dane. These opposites attract and reel me in as well.

[blade · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great way to end "The Rawlings Men" series! Dane is fantastic! And the ending was perfect! Thanks Kim....I'm really going to miss these guys.

Anyone out there who has not yet discovered this series (or this outstanding author), get these stories! Now! They can be read as stand-alone, but I highly recommend you read them in order. And then, re-read them.

All of the Rawlings Men are some how, some way associated with law enforcement. YUM! And if you're new to bdsm or D/s relationships, it's a great series to get you going -- the relationships have kink for sure, but they are also monogamous, sweet, romantic. I promise...you'll fall in love with them!

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the idea of the blonde, small Rawlings. Who happens to be a boxer. Or perhaps, who is a boxer because he isn't as physically intimidating as the other men in his family.

But he wants to be treated as a submissive man who can take care of himself in bed.

I didn't think the cover was appropriate... far too large and muscular and I actually found that somewhat distracting. Throughout the book, the character is supposed to be frail-looking... and on the cover he is no such thing.

But taking the character in the book, I think it was neat him bringing his Dom into the family and needing a Dom not afraid to... Dominate.

[Izzah Zulaikha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read: 19th August 2018

I demand a sequel with all the Rawling’s and a proper family tree! Gdi there’s too manay some of them had to be brothers. Pleaseeeee pretty pleaseeee make my dream become a reality T.T


1st Read: 17th August 2013

I practically screamed in frustration at the end because it was just getting good ><
I turned the next page and it ended :(
It's too short...
And there's too many Rawlings that I had to open goodreads and search back that character was from which story xD
And this one was Dane Rawlings and Ross O'Sullivan ~
Rawlings Men are a nice and hot story for those who are searching for some kinky and short read

[Merith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I sorry to see the end of this series, though I know Kim has many more irons in the fire and a couple sequels to write. The series as a whole has been fantastic reads. Nice and quick with just the loveliest touches of angst and sap, interesting characters and those Rawlings Men! I enjoyed reading touches of them throughout the series - though I think my favorite is still Ed. He's a brat, but so very damn interesting!

Now, about this one... it was good and I really liked Dane. But, it felt a little flat, not up to the usual quality.

[Jimmy Hanson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I genuinely liked the characters, at first - until they ended up in their first scene. From the first s/m scene and on, it just seemed to me like both were trying too hard to be what the other wanted.

Not to mention, the scene itself greatly resembled some of the other scenes used in the other Rawlings stories, and I kind of came away thinking, 'meh. Wasn't really worth it.'

[Wendy❤Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the little bit of unexpectedness that was Dane. Ross seemed like the perfect guy to get beneath the veneer that Dane was outwardly projecting to really understand the mindset of the sub and man himself. I would have loved this particular story to continue. It was just enough to temporarily satisfy a craving, but not enough feed the hunger!

[Katy Beth Mckee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to the Rawling's Men series. Of course this time the tables are turned because the Rawling is the submissive one. And a master decides that not only is he ready for something more permanent but that being perfect isn't as important as he thought.

[Sue bowdley · Rating 5 out of 5]

so sad i've finished this series ...loved it....can't wait to get more x I Thought Dane was just so damned cute and sweet (sorry Dane)...I loved how he used his fem side but was still a little toughie x

[Clover · Rating 4 out of 5]

as always too short but still very good ! I will miss the Rawlings men !

[Adara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite of the series, but definitely a good end to it. (Sad to see it go.) 3.5 stars.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good short kinky m/m romance about one of the Rawlings cousins who is not a cop. This needed to be longer!

[Anke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was by far the best! Sorry that this is the last of the Rawlings Men :(

[Lala · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was adorable.

[Susie]

Sadly this appears to be the last of the Rawlings Men.

Really enjoyed the whole series. Hot, sweet, BDSM - what more would you want.

[Lauralee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice little snack of a story. I really liked both characters and their dynamic.
But as always with these short stories it felt a little rushed and incomplete. Either Dane is mistrusting and wary of Doms and BDSM or he shows Ross to his playroom at the first chance - both within 20 pages is hard to believe.

[Interrupted Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dane and Ross. Another 5 star book in the series. Dane is a wonderful character. Another perfect character match up. Great end to the series.
A, definite reread

[SA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of these short stories, I liked this one the best.

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dane Rawlings is a surprising man with depth. He has gone his own way by not going into law enforcement. Ross, stopping at a fire, starts finding out how unique Dane can be.

[Phaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

2015 Re-read:

This concludes the series.

I realized (and this was obvious all along, but sometimes you become all over again aware of something you took for granted) that in this entire series the subs are the ones in need of saving. Every single one of them, if I recall correctly. All of the dominants seem entirely settled in who they are, while the submissives require special care and end up being in a much better place all around.
Come to think of it, this seems to be the author’s characteristic, although in some cases the doms learn something about themselves too. Plus they often end up finding their perfect counterpart in someone who hasn’t been their type until that moment.
But yeah. Sub rescue mostly, be it from fear or loneliness or bad experiences or sickening stress. I am certainly not complaining about this. I happen to love a good rescue story, no matter whether that the threat was physical, emotional or something a lot less obvious.

It’s just that I keep thinking about another book I read recently (How to Train Your Dom in Five Easy Steps, by Josephine Myles), which turned the tables on this matter. I particularly loved the sub in that one; he managed to be entirely empowered and at ease with himself without any help from a dominant.

Food for thought. For now I am just happy that I enjoy both types or protagonist (the one who needs help, and the one who gives help) in any sort of role.


2012 Review:

Once more, not my favourite book of this series, although certainly better than some.

I liked Dane. Except I have to ask myself why all the submissives invariably have to have issues and uncertainties much larger than the dominants? Using someone like Dane as a character in a book of this kind is brilliant, but the strength under his frail body fades somewhat when the insecurities and the need for reassurance come up this strongly.

Well, it was still fine. Even if the type of BDSM tended towards the harsher and more formal versions. I dunno.
The author usually is great at varying the kinds and levels of submission she portrays but in this series, while the characters themselves vary somewhat, the actual submission aspects do not vary much except for how hard a sub can be pushed. It definitely spills over into full-time for all of them. But since we get eight very happy forever-type couples out of it, I won’t complain.

Of course, finishing this series means I get to jump authors now. … Okay, that sounded wrong.

[Elisa Rolle]

Very short and sexy story about yet another Rawlings man, an English family whose men seem to have two characteristic in common: being constable and gay with a penchant for BDSM kinky sex. But this time there is a difference, this Rawlings man, Dane, is petite and almost feminine; only that you have not to mistaken him for weak, he is also a boxing champion. This time the constable is Ross, one of Dane’s cousins colleague and to return the favour to the family he babysits Dane one night when the man is involved in an arson accident. From babysit to dinner to hot sex the time is short and the passion burning brighter and brighter. But with Dane is not possible to have a casual fling, first of all since Ross needs to gain Dane’s trust, and it’s not simple, and second since, once he goes beyond Dane’s barrier, he meets the strong wall that is Dane’s family, with them it’s full commitment or nothing.

To fully appreciate the series it’s probably better to read 2 or 3 of them together.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0057ZJO7I/?...

[Laura]

Almost every man in the Rawlings family is a cop. Almost. Dane Rawlings likes the finer things in life. As a successful antiques dealer, imposing law and order upon society isn’t one of his main concerns. But that doesn’t mean he can’t appreciate the appeal of a man with handcuffs.

Ross O’Sullivan has worked with lots of Rawlings men, none of them prepared him for Dane. When he’s asked to babysit a Rawlings outside a suspected arson attack, he expects his charge to be tall, dark and handsome. A petite, delicate and pretty Rawlings comes as a shock, and it’s not the only shock Dane has in store for him.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Ross sees Dane for the first time, he considers him a pretty little thing. They flirt with each other at the same time as Ross questions him about the fire. Dane, despite recognizing Ross is dominant, chases Ross. Ross on their first date claims Dane as his sub. How Ross is calms Dane's fears about getting involved with him in a Dom/sub relationship. Neither can help how they feel and that it is permanent.