Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Hidden Claws

Rate this book
One has a bleak past, the other has a dark future. Both are owned by a rich widow who breaks, trains, and releases her “rescues” back into society. Faced with a choice between jail time and rehab, Malek Alvarez picks the no brainer. Except, when he wakes up the next morning drugged, collared, and with a new name, he discovers his error. This isn’t rehab, this is the Kennel, and it’s worse than hell. As training begins, Malek soon learns that maybe a life of punishment and reward isn’t so bad, especially when his Master is a beautiful woman who doesn’t shy away from his past sins. Kodi Mason yearns to be more than his Master’s pet. But with time running out, he calls in a favor that drags him down into a dark well of secrets, even as it brings him closer to the woman he loves. Who is Jasmine Richardson? And where did she learn how to play these twisted games that keep these two men on their knees and begging for more? When ominous letters begin to arrive on her doorstep, her past collides with the present, and throws them all into danger. There’s someone watching and waiting, bewitched by the woman who’s sunken her claws into her newest pets. With a threat hanging overhead, a future isn’t guaranteed for any of them. But with all that she has to offer, maybe all this risk will be worth a swift end? This is a dark romance intended for a mature audience. It is a 1st person story with multiple POVs, includes MMF, and a HEA. Please check the author's notes in the front of the book before reading.

403 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 23, 2023

72 people are currently reading
477 people want to read

About the author

M.T. Addams

14 books326 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
96 (41%)
4 stars
74 (32%)
3 stars
46 (20%)
2 stars
10 (4%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
Profile Image for Darkdirtysmut.
267 reviews69 followers
June 23, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and if you like a dominate FMC who has "pets" and two men who couldn't be more different from each other on the outside but find enough similarities together, that they build an amazing friendship that's everlasting.

This book made me angry, cry, laugh, and a few others that I'll leave as a mystery. There's 2 characters that have similar childhoods, one more extreme than the other, but it still helps to break down walls and help them to let go and open up.

When one person uses another to convince a third person to extend a contract, you end up with betrayal, understanding, love, and some pretty intense BDSM situations, whether reward or punishment, there were very enjoyable. Add in a bit of murder stalker mystery you have a very basic explanation of the bones to this book.

Please read the triggers before starting this book, it includes drug use, BDSM, revenge killing, MM, MFM, and a stalker that has interesting friends, along with a whole bunch more. I definitely suggest this book!
Profile Image for warhawke.
1,567 reviews2,227 followers
June 29, 2025
Genre: Erotic Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Multiple
Rating:




Life had not been easy for both Malek Alvarez and Kodi Mason. One was facing a bleak future while the other craved something more meaningful. Under Jasmine Richardson’s firm hand, they were getting what they needed until dangerous situations forced them to reevaluate their lives.



I liked the dynamics between Malek, Kodi, and Jasmine, especially with their backgrounds. However, while I could feel the connection between Kodi and Jasmine, Malek, who was my favorite character, felt more like a best friend to Kodi.

“You’re a natural at sucking dick. Maybe you’re not a toy.” Kodi lets out a huff. “Maybe you’re a service animal.”


Personally, I found the kink on the lighter side, but that didn’t detract from the story. The book pulled me in at the beginning, plateaued a little in the middle, and amped up the excitement toward the end.

Hidden Claws is a story of finding one’s path. It would appeal to readers who enjoy dark, kinky, erotic romance.




⛓️🚫⛓️. . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . .⛓️🚫⛓️


For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:



For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.
Profile Image for momaddictedtobooks.
683 reviews53 followers
June 28, 2023
I really loved this book! It was way different than I thought it’d be. The beginning had me hooked. There are tropes I don’t normally read but I ended up really enjoying the story. I fell in love with all the characters. And I was honestly sad when the book was over. The storyline was very well written. It was dark, spicy, and there was some mystery/suspense. If you like dark romance, you should check this out. You might want to check trigger warnings first because this book won’t be for everyone.
81 reviews3 followers
June 12, 2023
I was really surprised that this was this author's first full length book. It had a great rhythm and flow to it All the characters were really fleshed out there was a story but it also had plenty of spice and smut which I love got to have both. I love the way the author gave her all and this first book it wasn't just a quick let me throw something out there No I can tell that it was thoroughly taking her time in writing. There are not that many books featuring black women as a dominatrix with two subs and the way this author did this book will have me looking for all her next works I'm really excited for what is to come from this author. Luckily I did get one of the last spots for a advanced copy of this book but I honestly feel I would have bought it just from the synopsis alone this book is worth it.
Profile Image for Raymie.
848 reviews79 followers
June 28, 2023
Great book!

This a very taboo book and trigger warnings should be read before reading.

Malek has been in and out of jail since he was 15. When a mysterious woman offers a deal to help keep him out of jail he quickly signs it. It seems good until he wakes up after being drugged in a cage.

This is a dark romance with MMF and a FemDom. The book never slows down and you are drawn in from the first chapter. I love how these men both react to Jasmine.

There is a semi plot within the spice dealing with how jasmine became the way she is and how she deals with her past.

This book is spicy!! There is so much going on and it’s 🥵🥵🥵🥵

Reverse Age Gap
FemDom
Pet Play (shock collar)
Primal Play
Kidnapping
Degrading
Profile Image for Shedevilreads Bookstagram.
2,173 reviews108 followers
June 17, 2023
Hidden Claws by MT Addams is a dark romance.

This is the first book of MT Addams that I have read, and it definitely won't be my last. I was pulled in from the very beginning and couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. I really enjoyed the relationship that bloomed between Jasmine, Kodi, and Malek. Their chemistry was off the charts! I loved that we got all of their points of views throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.

I would highly recommend this book if you like dark romances, forced proximity romances, MMF romances, or reverse age gap romances.
Profile Image for Shana Roszko.
298 reviews13 followers
April 19, 2024
Wow this book was amazing. I love that Jasmine tries to turn men into gentlemen and help better their lives. Also that ending 😲
Profile Image for CC.
1,265 reviews725 followers
July 11, 2025
4★



Kodi Mason is always ready to please his Master and delivering Malek Alvarez to Jasmine Richardson may be the needed link they need, but Jasmine’s past may jeopardize their arrangement.

“You’re a natural at sucking dick. Maybe you’re not a toy.” Kodi lets out a huff. “Maybe you’re a service animal.”

Narrated in multiple POV, mystery surrounds Jasmine’s motives, yet as she sees a kindred soul with her Beastie, Malek, but grooming him to be her pet is a challenge due to his own past. Due to Kodi’s loyalty, and bond with Malek, they become a unique trinity, especially when they must protect their Master.

This dynamic of MMF certainly ticked my boxes, though the kink factor felt a bit on the lighter side for me. I enjoyed the plot about how these characters united, but I would have liked to delve a little deeper into their connection. That said, there were some kinky dirty times that kept me entertained.


*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey*


For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

description
Profile Image for Danielle Piper.
234 reviews25 followers
June 24, 2023
Hidden Claws by MT Addams

Work. Train. Play. Repeat

Welcome to The Kennel

Are you ready to step into the world where you will be broken, degraded, praised, and well taken care of?
Don’t worry Master takes care of her pets.

Malek aka Beastie, never had a chance no one ever beloved him or in him. One night his life went down the drain and he’s never been able to climb off out of that hole, until Officer Mason.

Kodi aka Sweet Pet, wanted to serve and protect ever since his abusive father. He found a way to get out of his bad habits only thing it was only a 6 month stent and he wasn’t ready for it to be over. When he sees an opening to extend his contract sitting in the drunk tank.

Jasmine aka Master, can’t remember her family, all she knows is that she doesn’t ever want anyone to suffer and feel alone as she felt. For years she has taken in the strays and rehabilitated them and set them free. Her recent pets though may be the exception to her “never get attached”.

As Malek resist, and Kodi just want to be with the love of his life, and Jasmine tries to shield them from her past. Can these 3 come together and have their happy ending they’ve all ever wanted. To be loved and to give love? Step into the Kennel and see for yourself.

This is a BDSM story and there is dark pet play, please for all that is holy read the triggers and take them seriously. If you are a “more triggers the better” type reader oh boy the amount of hotness that is in this book with a really great and twisted plot you are going to read it.

Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (not enough chili peppers)

Thank you MT Addams for this epic read, holy freakin hotness! This is my first full on BDSM book and I already need to find more because holy crap is this shit hot!
126 reviews10 followers
June 15, 2023
Dark Pet Play
Prim@l
Femdom
Reverse age gap
Imp@ct Play
Who hurt you
Praise
MMF
Degr@dation
Kidn@pping


M.T. Addams killed it with this dark romance. I fell in love with all three characters, but Malek stole my heart.

Kodi Mason, a cop, is owned by his Master Jasmine. He has fallen in love with her and wants more from her. He comes off as a sweet submissive, but later we see the possessive and feral side of him and I am here for it!

Malek Alvarez wasn’t dealt the best hand when he was younger by his father and it lead him down a bad path. When a drunken night in a bar leads him to a decision between jail and “rehab,” he chooses rehab. Little did he know his life would no longer be his, but belong to his Master.

“Soon, Beastie, I vow. You’re my prisoner now, but things will be different for you than they were for me. I’ll take care of you the right way. I’ll give you a purpose.”

Jasmine Richardson, aka Master, came from a dark background that lead of to a life of needing control. When her husband died, she thought her past was buried with him. That is until a stalker appears that knows all about it.

The spice in this book was 5/5. The way these men were absolutely feral for their Master was HOT!!!! I was living for the banter and tension between Kodi and Malek and the office scene….🥵 I was so happy this ended in a HEA. I don’t think I could have handled a cliff hanger!!

I cannot say enough about this book except please read all trigger warnings. It is DARK!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jenny 🖤.
64 reviews3 followers
June 20, 2023
Alright y’all, I’m about to introduce you to the kennel and once you’re there, you’ll never want to leave. But be ready for all the twist and turns this story takes you on. 😈😈

Malek had nothing in life. No job, no family, and no future. Life was definitely not fair to him and he pretty much gave up on caring about anyone or himself. That is until he gets arrested one night and meets Kodi.

Kodi May look big and scary from the outside but he is a golden retriever with a little bit of psycho mixed in. When he meets Malek, he thinks of a plan to get him more time with his Dom Jasmine by using Malek as a project for her.

Jasmine is not your typical Dom. She has a past she is trying very hard to forget which is why she never wants to get attached to anyone. So instead of relationships she does 6 month contracts for men to stay at the “Kennel” for her to mold into the perfect gentleman. She thinks it’s fool proof because it doesn’t let her catch feelings. That’s was the case until she has both Kodi and Malek at her disposal.

Will the past stay in the past and let her finally be happy? Will Kodi allow Malek into the relationship he wishes he could have with Jasmine? Will they get their HEA?

You’ll just have to read to find out those answers. But let me tell say, once you start this book you won’t want to put it down!

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thank you MT Addams for this dark and wonderful story! I can’t wait to see what you write next!

PLEASE check all triggers before starting and take them seriously 🖤
Profile Image for Smutty  Mayhem.
209 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2023
I’m not sure what I was expecting when I sat down to read this book but it definitely wasn’t what I got. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Not sure if Pet play will ever be my thing but to each their own. It was interesting to get to see a woman in charge since it's not done as often. Jasmine was impressive. She has a dark dark past and enough baggage that she has put her walls up sky high. Kodi is determined to be the person to breakthrough and make sure she keeps him forever. She works with Men on a 6 mom h basis. Kodi is a cop scrambling to figure out how to force her to let him stay. When Malek falls into his lap he sees an opportunity to use him. He calls in a favor and tells her he has the perfect guy for her to help. She comes in and makes an offer. She sells it to a rehab facility and tells him it beats jail. He jumps at the chance to stay out of jail and signs without reading the fine print. What follows is dark and twisty and follows the three as they fall for each other and learn to let love happen even under unusual circumstances. Jas is a Dom who likes to use pet play. Kodi is a willing sub whereas Malek fights hard at first. All of this happens while a stalker makes himself known threatening the only two people she has let herself truly care for. Definitely worth the read. Like I said not really into pet play (which I didn't know cause this is really the first that was this heavy in it) but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story. Check those TWs this one does have some very Dark elements.
Profile Image for Alyx Reese.
358 reviews5 followers
June 24, 2023
Definitely NSFW! Hidden Claws, the name itself is an easter egg warning you that there will be twists aplenty and for the characters anyway, it will be painful.

They say if it doesn't hurt you aren't growing, pretty sure Master Jasmine took that to an all new level. But Malek, aka Beastie and Kodi, aka Sweet Pet, are all in, eventually.

This is not shades of anything, this is straight up BDSM pet play, 24/7 Dom/sub relationship. It's fairly hardcore, so if that's not your kink, you were warned. Both Kodi and Malek have had traumatic childhoods, nothing like Jasmine though. They all have similarities that bring them together and help them form bonds.
While a 24/7 D/s relationship isn't for everyone, seeing how the author had Master help Malek let go of his rage and resentment and guilt and bitterness, then build him back into a man that had confidence, and self esteem, and determination, (She had already done this for Kodi), was amazing. Jasmine was not prepared for just how bonded the three of them would become.

My favorite part of the book is when Kodi says "“I would rather be run over by a tractor and ground into tiny pieces, than feel that kind of emotional agony ever again. I know Beastie already said it, but it needs to be said again. We do things together from here on out." That kind of love is a gift, it was a beautiful story.

But yes, plot twist, scary evil traffickers, stalkers, and other bad history come to make things difficult for our threesome, I could not put it down!
Profile Image for Katie (Katie's Corner Blog).
1,972 reviews68 followers
June 23, 2023
KC Rating: 3🍁 | 1.25🌶️

Fans of Pet Play, you’ll have a field trip with this book! When i was just starting to read the book, my expectations were somewhere along the lines of Unleashed by Xavier Neal (also pet play/life with mafia romance), but while the book has extreme pet play, i wasn’t content with other parts of the book. But let me explain.

First of all, before diving into it; CHECK your TW and CW, as the book is not for everyone, but if this is your jam, enjoy, you are in for a rollercoaster of emotions, and plot developments! Now let me be honest, i guessed who the stalker was somewhere in the middle of the book, and after that was just screaming at the characters for their idiocy of not even thinking to check that person! I mean you have a cop there for hell’s sake! Some simple deduction would have at least garnered some suspicion, but then again, there would not have been the second half of the book.

In the beginning i liked Jasmine’s character, but then she started to piss me off a lot, and at the end i couldn’t really reconcile her with the character she was in the beginning of the book. Mason’s character was probably the best (sans his stupidity at not doing a good job as a cop when diving into Jasmine’s past). The guy knew what he wanted and didn’t care how he got it, and if he needed to break an “innocent” - Malek, well all the better because his end goal was what mattered! Malek’s character is probably the one i should have enjoyed, but he just like jasmine pissed me off somewhere in the middle. Don’t get me wrong he’s an interesting character, but the transition from being a pet to loving Jasmine was a bit rushed or forced in my opinion.

Overall, this is an interesting read, and once you check the TW and deem that it’s your cup of tea, it’s be a great read!
Profile Image for Jamie.
74 reviews1 follower
June 29, 2023
Hidden Claws by MT Addams all I can say is YES! I did not know that a female Dom was what I was missing in my life. I am a very dominant female but love to read about men taking control. But this! This book right here was beautiful! MT Addams killed it with this dark romance. All of the characters stole my heart and my attention but Kodi was my cup of tea. Could not put it down!
Jasmine, who is known as Master, came from a dark background that led her to leading a life where she needs to be in control. Malek was dealt a bad hand as a child which led him down a bad path. One night at a bar, he gets into a drunken fight. That leads to him having to make a decision whether to go jail or rehab. He chooses rehab and quickly finds out rehab isn’t like the rehab he thought it was. His life is no longer his, it is now Master’s. Kodi.. Kodi mmm. Kodi. He is a cop who is owned by his Master and he is a good little submissive… somewhat. He comes off a sweet submissive but later we see his feral and possessive side and oh my! Am I 100% here for it!
There are trigger warnings. That being said, the spice was delicious.. mmm the office scene. The way Kobi and Malek are feral for Jasmine is HOT!!! I enjoyed the fierceness that had for her. There are feelings that develop and Jasmine wants what is best for her pets, even if that means she has to send them away to keep them safe. The fact this book ends with a HEA makes me happy. I do not think I could handle a cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Mystisith.
712 reviews10 followers
June 26, 2023
Premise was good but it kept going downhill one chapter after the other. Nothing gelled well and I found this pseudo Billionaire Domme absolutely unattractive in any way. She didn't even gave me the "authority & smarts aura". Stockholm syndrome is a very tricky trope to pull and with everyone in the story being unhinged it just became an asylum party. The conditioning process was bizarre, like someone who doesn't understand how the human psyche works. Hurdles suddenly magically lifted... Throwing everything at the wall and seeing what sticks...
Thriller wise: The woman is supposedly rich as hell (7 or 8 yachts in her name) but she can't have top notch personal security and investigators to stay ahead of the game with her stalker? Meh.
The relationship between Master and puppy 1 felt uncomfortable. Lies and manipulations everywhere: You can't build romance on this. At one point there should have been some team work (and ahh the bout of noble idiocy at the end really was the final nail in the coffin: sending away the man who is a cop and a proven protector? Really?).
That's why you shouldn't mix Dark (noncon), with Bdsm (CNC): Pick one cause they are not compatible.
Can't believe I'm saying this but too much oral sex kills oral sex and on top of that the M/M action was not enjoyable because of the frenemy setting. It felt cold, toxic...
Bleh, next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lilimomlovesbooks.
260 reviews5 followers
June 15, 2023
Wow, never would I have thought I'd like a book this full to the brim with kinks, but man did MT Addams deliver. I got hooked and could hardly put it down.

The plot follows Malek and his admission to the Kennel, where he finds out that one should always read the whole contract before signing a document...

We also get the POV of Jasmine, or the Master and also Kodi who already has an established contract with Master, but wants there to be more...

I don't really want to say a lot more about the story, because you just have to experience it all while it's happening, so you can be sucked into the story and have it question your sanity every once in a while. The spice is hot, dirty and kinky AF, and there are FM, MM and MFM scenes. Oh, and you get quite a bit of suspense as well.

I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to what other stories this crazy mind of MT can come up with. I received this book in advance and love to be able to leave a review.

Please be aware that this is a dark contemporary book with heavy pet play and a (whole) bunch of kinks and triggers, so make sure you check the list before diving in.
Profile Image for Rachael.
183 reviews3 followers
June 21, 2023
Ohh MY.....

M.T. Addams.... This book.....

Pantie melting 100%

So with that outta the way...

This is an amazing story about how to honestly not to judge a book by its cover. (PG thinking)

Jasmine (Master) is in her line of work due to her past where her control was stolen from her at a young age. With this she gets the chance to have control and help others along the way. One of the Masters pets - Kodi- becomes head over heels in love with Jasmine and comes up with a plan to stay at the Kennel longer to make Jasmine realize that she loves him just as much. Kodi's plan beings Malek to the Kennel unwillingly at first, even tho a contract was signed.

During the training progress Jasmine develops feelings for both men:
Kodi due to him being there for her and showing her that love is truly out there,
Malek due to a shared past that had hurt them both in different ways.

While Jasmine is new to these feelings she knows that she wants nothing but the best for her two pets, even if that means she has to send them away to keep them safe.
Profile Image for Amy Lierz.
99 reviews2 followers
June 19, 2023
Well written characters with so much depth!

Jasmine Richardson is the definition of cultured, rich, beautiful, and all of those other pretty words. But who is she really? How much did she suffer to become this powerful dominatrix?

Malek Alvarez is damaged to the core by the actions of his family ages ago. He carries the shadow of that shame with him like a second skin. When faced with the decision of jail time or spending six months in a rehabilitation facility, Malek jumps feet first without looking. Malek finds that he and fellow “rehab” buddy Detective Kodi Mason are at the mercy of their Master and are expected to behave like the good little pets they are. And when they don’t behave….. Master has no qualms about discipline.

When the past starts rearing its ugly head causing Jasmine to fear for the safety of her pets, she struggles with some hard decisions. This is an exciting story with many twists and turn to keep the reader engaged.
765 reviews19 followers
June 23, 2023
Hidden Claws is the debut novel written by M.T. Addams. The storyline was so well written.

💜 strong main characters
💜 forced proximity
💜 broken past
💜 femdom
💜 🌶🌶🌶🌶 spicy spice

Malek has had a hard life for so long. But, being able to drive his father and brother after getting his learner’s permit was exciting and scary at the same time, especially with the vehicle constantly having a knocking sound. What he didn’t know is how that drive would end and change his life forever. Kodi just wants to make sure Jasmine not only continues to stay in his life, but wants to make sure she knows how much he cares for her. Will Malek’s life ever turn around for the better? Will Kodi be able to show Jasmine his feelings for her?

This book was so good. I enjoyed seeing what was happening for the different character perspectives. There were so many mysteries happening during the story along with what was happening in the relationships occurring with the main characters that you can’t help but be drawn into what was happening. I can’t wait to see what else is written by this author.
Profile Image for Chey.
1,497 reviews50 followers
June 27, 2023
Malek finds himself in an odd position. Offered the choice between jail or a rehabilitation clinic called the Kennel, he of course, chooses the clinic. But what he doesn't expect is for Jasmine, a dominatrix, to take total control of him. He's signed away his rights to leave, so can he make it through this ordeal, or will he possibly find something better in the process?

MT Addams did an amazing job with this book. I was completely invested in the characters right from the start and loved watching Jasmine, Malek and Kodi all come together in one of the wildest situations I've read about. I love that we have a Domme this time and two male subs rather than adding in a female sub just to keep the status quo. It was a refreshing change of pace and the steam was fantastic.

There was one theme I'm not a fan of and that's pet play. It's not my cup of tea, but for those who love it, they will definitely enjoy this book.

Overall rating
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Profile Image for Victoria.
39 reviews
June 29, 2023
First off, read the trigger warnings. This book touches on a lot of dark topics such as human trafficking, family death, drugging and abuse. If you're comfortable with topics such as those read on! This book was so good. Malek has to decide on whether he goes to jail for (yet another) assault, or go to The Kennel, after Officer Mason makes a special call. Six months are all thats required of his 'training' at The Kennel, but things take a turn for the worse. Will Kodi, Malek and Master Jasmine make it out unscathed?

This book was really well written. Loved the pet play scenes, not so much one for the drugging, but it makes sense with the book. I love how Jasmine has taken her own life into her own hands. All three main characters really took a hold of me and just wouldn't let go, if you made me pick a favorite I just couldn't. The spice is deff spicing in this book and I would give it 4/5 chile peppers.
Profile Image for Weena Bernabel.
Author 5 books34 followers
June 19, 2023
DARK!!!! If you don’t know the meaning of DARK—- Read this damn book and FIND OUT!!!! -Holy fking Sht-

I don’t know if I should scream, cry or go to church and bathe myself with holy water. 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨😂😂😂. MA’AM!!!! WTF DID YOU PUT IN THIS BOOK!??? It was like a drug!! Aahhh I got so damn hooked from page 1. Malek oh Malek.

I love the fact that this book had the POV of each character. You can see what everyone was thinking and feeling. The spice on this book whew! 😮‍💨😮‍💨🥵🥵🥵🥵 1000% and the story 1000% perfection. If I could rate this 10 stars ⭐️ I would. Ma’am you did NOT disappoint with this one. Holy sht I’m speechless. I can’t say more because I don’t like adding spoilers. So go and get it bestie and please watch out for the trigger warnings. This book was pure perfection. The DARKER AND THE FILTHIER the better. 🥵❤️
Profile Image for Laura.
278 reviews19 followers
June 21, 2023
I had the privilege of being an ARC reader for MT Addams "Hidden Claw".

I can see what the author is trying to do with their story but sadly it gets lost along the way.

The opening sets up, a trafficking ring that may/may not lead down one road before hitting us with some time layer, where the story line loses itself.

Muddled with poorly written sex scenes, it struggles to find the balance of smutty with story and smut written by someone whose trying to keep up with the whole "me write this? Pfft. Never." Mask.

Another thing that ruined this story is at the beginning - middle, it seemed like it was going the route of trafficking than leading to BDSM like environment before throwing in a crime plot, which felt unnecessary because it hadn't given clues in previous chapters.

I wish MT Addams best of luck with their writing career but their not an author for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rachel.
228 reviews
June 23, 2023
This book was so good! There are some major TW so please make sure to read those first, but if you like spicy scenes, MMF, and some pet play, then you’ll enjoy this! MT Addams did a great job developing the three main characters and making them each interesting and likable. I would have liked some flashbacks from our FMC to better understand and relate to what she went through especially with the blackmail plot line. Also, I enjoyed the pacing of the book, but the climax did feel a little rushed to me. I would have liked more time spent seeing what she was going through and seeing how the MMCs were handling things. These changes would have made the story a lot darker though I’m sure, and being that it is already really dark, I could see that deterring more readers. I love dark romances though, so the darker the better! I can’t wait to see what other books MT Addams has in store!
Profile Image for Anne.
109 reviews2 followers
June 28, 2023
4,5 stars to be more accurate.

Hidden claws...maaaaaan...what a book!
The first 30%-ish I couldn't quite put it, if I like the book tbh. It was really dark with psychological games and stuff (as written in the TW), and I really didn't know if I liked it. I needed to warm up to pet play. This was my first experience with it.

And then came the suspense with a heavy blow. But nothing, absolutely nothing could've prepared me for the last 10%. Holy heck. This was an intense ending with a lot of wtfs! I had a clue, but it went dark fast and a hell of a lot more words I would like to use for that.

I write reviews without spoilers, and it's quite hard for me to write more without any. So, that's it for this review. It's really dark, especially in the end. You need to like pet play in every way, and please read the TW thoroughly!!!!
Profile Image for Anna McCauslin.
182 reviews3 followers
June 29, 2023
MT Addams came blazing onto the scene with one of the hottest books I've ever read with pet play and BDSM. The underlying plot setup with Malek is heart wrenching, and you'll hold back tears as it plays out throughout the book, coming back to haunt him and his mind through healing processes. But above that, is an incredibly spicy training of a new pet, and the interconnected relationship with Kodi, the cop who introduces Malek to their Master, Jasmine. Jasmine's story develops, and the risk and horror behind it will keep you enthralled as though you are in a riveting thriller. Addams has a deep understanding of BDSM pet play, and it was exciting to read the in depth training that is normally skipped. This story has triggers to be aware of, but an excellent read, and some incredibly steamy scenes.
Profile Image for Spicy BookNook Reviews.
353 reviews59 followers
June 15, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

This book....woah!!! I have completely stepped out my comfort zone with this one. I have never read a book that had such dark and intense pet play, but wow this book was absolutely incredible.

Beastie is a rowdy boy but turns into the best pet ever.

Sweet pet aka Kodi is just dreamy, a cop, and a total babe.

And Master....man is she just a spit fire. Her history has molded her into the Dom that she is.

This story takes you on an intense roller coaster of emotional turmoil. But as I said before, I loved it. I was hooked from the start and was so upset when I had to put it down. For this being a debut novel, I was completely taken by surprise!

🔥🔥🔥 THERE ARE A LOT OF TRIGGERS IN THIS BOOK, DO NOT GO IN BLIND IF YOU AREN'T COMFORTABLE WITH SOME OF THESE!
Profile Image for LaTosha Webber.
1,187 reviews72 followers
June 22, 2023
Not quite what I was expecting. It had interesting moments, it had spicy moments, it had sweet moments. Surprisingly I really enjoyed the domme, which isn’t something I usually like. But the pacing got to me and I never really connected with the characters. I didn’t ever feel like I understood anyone’s motivations besides Malek and well he’s came about through dark and toxic circumstances. Conceptually I enjoyed the story but I think we spent a little to much time in Malek’s POV. I was confused by almost everything Jas does outside of playtime and I struggle to call what Kodi feels, love. I think this reads a little more like women’s fiction than romance. I think it was an ok start for the author but there is room for improvement.
Profile Image for Terri Holgate.
89 reviews
Read
July 9, 2023
The start of this book really caught my attention, but to be honest the 'human kennel' was not what I was expecting. In terms of kinks, the pet one is one I do not know much about so it was just unexpected, and for that reason, it was a DNF for me, mostly because I just was not vibing with the main trope. Even though my mafia books almost always have a kidnapping element this just made me feel a bit uncomfortable and I have read some dark stuff.
That being said the actual writing style was great, it flowed and I didn't notice any grammatical errors in the parts I read. There was only one spice scene I got to, it was ok. Nothing amazing but it was also the first so the rest may be a lot better. If you're big into pet play give it a go, but for me - just not my vibe.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.