What do you think?
Rate this book
The Square Peg #1
The Square Peg
Original edition out of print.
Benedict, a successful accountant, who's just been dumped for being boring, is surprised and pleased to learn that he's inherited half ownership in a gay bar from his estranged father, seeing it as a chance to get out of his rut. That's until he meets his new partner, a mouthy, disturbingly hot Brit called Shane, and discovers that the bar's in the red and Shane's not interested in renovations that could drive away their regulars.
When a late-night confrontation turns into the hottest sex either of them has experienced, they realize there's one way to fit a square peg into a round hole, but are they solving problems or papering over the cracks? As they explore the new dynamic between them, pushing their limits until Ben's shocked at where his desire to dominate Shane takes him, the renovations to the bar begin. They're building something new, something good -- but fear and an unexpected act of violence may tear down what they've created.
Benedict, a successful accountant, who's just been dumped for being boring, is surprised and pleased to learn that he's inherited half ownership in a gay bar from his estranged father, seeing it as a chance to get out of his rut. That's until he meets his new partner, a mouthy, disturbingly hot Brit called Shane, and discovers that the bar's in the red and Shane's not interested in renovations that could drive away their regulars.
When a late-night confrontation turns into the hottest sex either of them has experienced, they realize there's one way to fit a square peg into a round hole, but are they solving problems or papering over the cracks? As they explore the new dynamic between them, pushing their limits until Ben's shocked at where his desire to dominate Shane takes him, the renovations to the bar begin. They're building something new, something good -- but fear and an unexpected act of violence may tear down what they've created.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 7, 2012
12 people are currently reading
971 people want to read
About the author
Jane Davitt
64 books479 followersRetired from pro writing, pretty much. Any books where the rights are with me I've put up at A03, along with all my fic, which I'm still writing.
[Free reads and my fanfic are here:
Jane Davitt at AO3]
Thank you to all who read my books. It meant a lot.
[Free reads and my fanfic are here:
Jane Davitt at AO3]
Thank you to all who read my books. It meant a lot.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
March 27, 2018
3.5 Stars!
This was definitely a 3.5 star read for me (get with it Goodreads)....I could round down, because I did skim some towards the end but I'm feeling rather generous and the sex - while a little rough at times for my personal tastes - was pretty damn dirty and hot.
But frankly not much happened in this book other than time spent at the bar and sex.
I really liked the beginning....the whole love-hate thing between snarky Shane and "boring" Benedict . Who by the way turned out to be anything BUT boring. That love-hate thing transferred right in to the bedroom.
Good ole Benny had some kinks....I'm not all that in to the pain kink; however, it wasn't too much for vanilla me.
This book was on the long side. And with the slower pace and lack of much happening plot wise it dragged a bit at times.
The writing was good. And I'm definitely curious about some of the side characters who show up in other books.
So....yeah, at this point I think I will continue on with the series.
This was definitely a 3.5 star read for me (get with it Goodreads)....I could round down, because I did skim some towards the end but I'm feeling rather generous and the sex - while a little rough at times for my personal tastes - was pretty damn dirty and hot.
But frankly not much happened in this book other than time spent at the bar and sex.
I really liked the beginning....the whole love-hate thing between snarky Shane and "boring" Benedict . Who by the way turned out to be anything BUT boring. That love-hate thing transferred right in to the bedroom.
Good ole Benny had some kinks....I'm not all that in to the pain kink; however, it wasn't too much for vanilla me.
This book was on the long side. And with the slower pace and lack of much happening plot wise it dragged a bit at times.
The writing was good. And I'm definitely curious about some of the side characters who show up in other books.
So....yeah, at this point I think I will continue on with the series.
November 17, 2018
This was a delightfully dirty re-read. I do plan on reviewing it this time, when I find the time...
5 dirty stars! Highly recommended to folks that like a little naughty in their M/M romance.
5 dirty stars! Highly recommended to folks that like a little naughty in their M/M romance.
April 13, 2013
4.05 STARS--Can you rate a book those many stars? Well I am so, deal with it. :P
So a non-boring accountant inherits half of a gay bar (The Square Peg) from his father and he has to share the other half with a mouthy Brit? Could be the premise of one naughty joke or pretty good book. Luckily, I found it to be the latter.
The non-boring accountant, Ben has recently been dumped for being too boring (though Ben proved amply why he was not) and the arguments he had the hotheaded Shane read like flirting. They couldn't agree on much but when it came to bedroom antics (or in their case pool table/ women's restroom antics), they spoke mighty fine. ;)
There was BDSM but not too heavy. I did feel slightly disappointed with the amount of times Ben or Shane said they would like to do something like tie Shane down and Ben would ride Shane into next week...it didn't get done. It was like good foreplay but no orgasmic finish. I was a bit put out. Don't get me wrong there was plenty of hot man sex had (nice and rough, at times) but the mention of certain games to be played and they weren't...I pouted a little.
The story on a whole is great. The buildup between Shane and Ben's inevitable relationship was slow and steady with emotional depth. The two men grow to become business partners and lovers. Me likey lots. and then crime that happens to the bar? Not expected, totally came out of left field for me. But I was happy with the ending, so I won't protest too much.
Jane Davitt & Alexa Snow? I think I'm developing a case of a girl crush on your writing...
Seriously. Between the sexy biting, possessiveness and BDSM, I just:
P.S. Thank heavens there will be a future book for Vin because the possibilities with him are endless and I want him to have a HEA too.
So a non-boring accountant inherits half of a gay bar (The Square Peg) from his father and he has to share the other half with a mouthy Brit? Could be the premise of one naughty joke or pretty good book. Luckily, I found it to be the latter.
The non-boring accountant, Ben has recently been dumped for being too boring (though Ben proved amply why he was not) and the arguments he had the hotheaded Shane read like flirting. They couldn't agree on much but when it came to bedroom antics (or in their case pool table/ women's restroom antics), they spoke mighty fine. ;)
There was BDSM but not too heavy. I did feel slightly disappointed with the amount of times Ben or Shane said they would like to do something like tie Shane down and Ben would ride Shane into next week...it didn't get done. It was like good foreplay but no orgasmic finish. I was a bit put out. Don't get me wrong there was plenty of hot man sex had (nice and rough, at times) but the mention of certain games to be played and they weren't...I pouted a little.
The story on a whole is great. The buildup between Shane and Ben's inevitable relationship was slow and steady with emotional depth. The two men grow to become business partners and lovers. Me likey lots. and then crime that happens to the bar? Not expected, totally came out of left field for me. But I was happy with the ending, so I won't protest too much.
Jane Davitt & Alexa Snow? I think I'm developing a case of a girl crush on your writing...
Seriously. Between the sexy biting, possessiveness and BDSM, I just:
P.S. Thank heavens there will be a future book for Vin because the possibilities with him are endless and I want him to have a HEA too.
December 17, 2012
This was so much better then what I was expecting. I loved how the authors chose to be different in which character would be the dominant and which would be submissive.
Ben was an accountant who had not long ago broke up with his partner when he inherited from his absent father half of a bar.
Shane was a cocky, mouthy Englishmen who had spent years living and working at the bar for Ben's Dad, and had been left the other half.
The story begins with these two opposite men being forced together because of the business they now owned together. No nonsense Ben knew changes had to be made, and Shane fought him every step of the way.
Then something happened, and the two clicked in a way they never had before with anyone else. Shane got his submissive needs met, the same way Ben discovered his need to dominate. This part of the story was very well handled and realistic.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about how the two of them grew together, meeting each others needs, and becoming a very strong couple.
There was a well thought out cast of secondary characters, and I would like to see Vin get his own story.
Be warned that Shane does enjoy more pain at times then others, and if that may bother you be careful, but it was only in one scene, and it wasn't anything too far over the top in my opinion.
All in all a great read that I didn't want to put down.
Ben was an accountant who had not long ago broke up with his partner when he inherited from his absent father half of a bar.
Shane was a cocky, mouthy Englishmen who had spent years living and working at the bar for Ben's Dad, and had been left the other half.
The story begins with these two opposite men being forced together because of the business they now owned together. No nonsense Ben knew changes had to be made, and Shane fought him every step of the way.
Then something happened, and the two clicked in a way they never had before with anyone else. Shane got his submissive needs met, the same way Ben discovered his need to dominate. This part of the story was very well handled and realistic.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about how the two of them grew together, meeting each others needs, and becoming a very strong couple.
There was a well thought out cast of secondary characters, and I would like to see Vin get his own story.
Be warned that Shane does enjoy more pain at times then others, and if that may bother you be careful, but it was only in one scene, and it wasn't anything too far over the top in my opinion.
All in all a great read that I didn't want to put down.
July 16, 2013
One of the things I like most about this book is that it shows two men discovering they like rough BDSM dominance/submission play to their sex, but neither one is at all expert or familiar with how it should work. Ben, coming off a breakup with an ex-lover who made him feel boring and inferior, comes alive as he finds his own strength and kinks. Shane, cocky and mouthy and struggling to keep a failing business afloat, is grounded and calmed by submission. They fit together, although it takes some fumbling to get past their early antagonism and the mistakes in how they see each other, and figure it out. I thought the occasional reversals were a nice touch, since the roles they were energized by, were opposite to their public personas.
Occasionally I was surprised that Ben, in particular, didn't research BDSM more, and move a bit more methodically with more emphasis on keeping safe (to match the way he was with seatbelts, for example.) It was hot to see his sudden realization of his needs, and the way that would drive him well out of his comfort zone, but once or twice, , it seemed as though he went further than I expected him to, without it being just in the heat of the moment. And sometimes Shane took something as dominance when I expected him to object, . The reversal of roles was a nice touch, but a few bits of personality disappeared faster than I would have expected.
I really liked both of these guys, particularly Shane, and enjoyed the alternating POV. The secondary characters were good too, and I was interested enough in Vin to be happy when the end of the book included an obvious set-up for his book. The plot with the bar renovation forced the guys to be together a lot, and made the quick transition from angry sparks to sex to love plausible. The climax at the end was a bit contrived, but it allowed for some nice emotion. These two authors write smooth, interesting books with engaging characters.
Occasionally I was surprised that Ben, in particular, didn't research BDSM more, and move a bit more methodically with more emphasis on keeping safe (to match the way he was with seatbelts, for example.) It was hot to see his sudden realization of his needs, and the way that would drive him well out of his comfort zone, but once or twice, , it seemed as though he went further than I expected him to, without it being just in the heat of the moment. And sometimes Shane took something as dominance when I expected him to object, . The reversal of roles was a nice touch, but a few bits of personality disappeared faster than I would have expected.
I really liked both of these guys, particularly Shane, and enjoyed the alternating POV. The secondary characters were good too, and I was interested enough in Vin to be happy when the end of the book included an obvious set-up for his book. The plot with the bar renovation forced the guys to be together a lot, and made the quick transition from angry sparks to sex to love plausible. The climax at the end was a bit contrived, but it allowed for some nice emotion. These two authors write smooth, interesting books with engaging characters.
August 7, 2012
3.5 stars: 3 for the story and MCs, an extra half star for the rough sex and face-slapping.
July 12, 2013
4.5*
First if all I have to say that I'm not a massive fan of BDSM stories, in fact at one time I wouldn't even have looked at one but just recently since joining GR I've started to expand my horizons a wee bit and have bought some books that lie outside my comfort zone. Some choices have worked for me, some haven't but I'm glad to say this is one of the ones that has.I've read two Davitt/ Snow novels and really enjoyed their writing style so when I saw the great reviews for this I thought what the hell it sounds good give it a try.
One thing I do like is a bit of feisty love/hate action at the beginning of a romance and you really get it here when Ben turns up at the bar after his father has died and confronts cocky English guy Shane, ex manager but now part owner with Ben . Of course sparks fly when Ben, who was estranged from his father, puts Shanes back up straight away by coming in and in Shanes mind, starts to interfere in the running of the bar which has been his sole responsibility for years.
The attraction is there pretty much from the start regardless of them clashing and their anger turns to a very palpable sexual tension and attraction that brings out a need to heavily dominate in Ben and a need to really submit in Shane, a complete opposite of what you would expect as Shane is the one with the temper, whilst Ben is the the more staid and calm one of the pair, something that his ex boyfriend had given him an inferiority complex about, making him think he was boring. NOT true at all! The dynamic between them is hot and ultra passionate and when they are involved in their love scenes its electric. The BDSM scenes are pretty intense as Ben also realises that he likes to give pain and Shane is very happy to take anything he gives, but Ben worries that its too intense and it causes some conflict in the budding relationship. I wasn't sure I'd be ok with it because it's put me off in other books but somehow the way this is written I truly had no problem at all. Wait till you get to the game of pool! Phewee!
Of course theres other things happening in the background about the running and renovating of the bar and there's some great secondary characters who are integral to the plot and become the focus in the next book The Broken Triangle specifically Vin the barman, but for me the true enjoyment here was watching these two stubborn complex guys butting heads - and other things - as they discover love along the way.
I got so involved that the Kinks just became another aspect of the story, in fact it wouldn't have worked without them so I'm definitely checking out all the other books by this talented writing duo and I've got Vins story waiting to be read ASAP. Looks like my tastes are changing... a big surprise to me too! Really good and highly recommend.
First if all I have to say that I'm not a massive fan of BDSM stories, in fact at one time I wouldn't even have looked at one but just recently since joining GR I've started to expand my horizons a wee bit and have bought some books that lie outside my comfort zone. Some choices have worked for me, some haven't but I'm glad to say this is one of the ones that has.I've read two Davitt/ Snow novels and really enjoyed their writing style so when I saw the great reviews for this I thought what the hell it sounds good give it a try.
One thing I do like is a bit of feisty love/hate action at the beginning of a romance and you really get it here when Ben turns up at the bar after his father has died and confronts cocky English guy Shane, ex manager but now part owner with Ben . Of course sparks fly when Ben, who was estranged from his father, puts Shanes back up straight away by coming in and in Shanes mind, starts to interfere in the running of the bar which has been his sole responsibility for years.
The attraction is there pretty much from the start regardless of them clashing and their anger turns to a very palpable sexual tension and attraction that brings out a need to heavily dominate in Ben and a need to really submit in Shane, a complete opposite of what you would expect as Shane is the one with the temper, whilst Ben is the the more staid and calm one of the pair, something that his ex boyfriend had given him an inferiority complex about, making him think he was boring. NOT true at all! The dynamic between them is hot and ultra passionate and when they are involved in their love scenes its electric. The BDSM scenes are pretty intense as Ben also realises that he likes to give pain and Shane is very happy to take anything he gives, but Ben worries that its too intense and it causes some conflict in the budding relationship. I wasn't sure I'd be ok with it because it's put me off in other books but somehow the way this is written I truly had no problem at all. Wait till you get to the game of pool! Phewee!
Of course theres other things happening in the background about the running and renovating of the bar and there's some great secondary characters who are integral to the plot and become the focus in the next book The Broken Triangle specifically Vin the barman, but for me the true enjoyment here was watching these two stubborn complex guys butting heads - and other things - as they discover love along the way.
I got so involved that the Kinks just became another aspect of the story, in fact it wouldn't have worked without them so I'm definitely checking out all the other books by this talented writing duo and I've got Vins story waiting to be read ASAP. Looks like my tastes are changing... a big surprise to me too! Really good and highly recommend.
October 7, 2012
Estranged father and son relationship, deceased father leaving behind half ownership of a gay bar and a sexy man owning the other half - where have I read this before? If this sounds similar to My Father's Lover by D.J. Manly, this would be half right. Other than these commonalities, everything else is different.
In THE SQUARE PEG, Ben's father left him at a young age. Upon his father's death, he is surprised to learn he's inherited half of a gay bar owned by his father. The other half is deeded to the current manager of the bar, Shane. Shane is resentful of the pretty boy accountant, Ben. Before Ben can even extend a friendly handshake, Shane rudely dismisses him and points to the door.
The plot is pretty straightforward with two men brought together by a father who wants what is best for both of his sons. One is the son of his heart; the other is the son of his loins. What makes this story different and alluring is the relationship between these two men. Ben and Shane seem to grate on each other. They are the proverbial odd couple. Yet once we get a glimpse of their power dynamics, it becomes clear. They are perfectly complementary with each other. They both exude authority and strength when running the bar and working their day job. When the private time arrives, it becomes a kinky hot erotic power exchange.
Sexy Shane submits to Ben's dominance. Ms. Davitt and Ms. Snow slyly incorporate smexy D/s tones into this m/m romance. The D/s is flaming hawt! Shane is no pushover yet when he yields to mild manner accountant Ben; it is a sight to behold. Ben's flip to aggressive dominance and his dirty talk to Shane during their sexual interludes will wet the panties of any submissive. Although Ben is conflicted with his sudden kinky needs, Shane soothes him and makes what they do together a beautiful and loving experience.
The tale contains more than just two men ripping each other's clothing off. The bar brings the two men together. The renovations and bar crew create a happy family. The realities of running a bar, specifically a gay bar, is clearly shown. The reader is even given an upfront seat in gay bashing. Even though the authors point it out that a conflict wasn't a hate crime, the reader will still feel otherwise. This reality is a sad commentary of our society. Still, the duo authors, Ms. Davitt and Ms. Snow don't drag us down with heavy-handed lectures. Instead, they uplift the reader with a message of new beginnings. Showing how people pull together and start fresh despite adversity is a powerful point delivered in an easy to accept manner. This m/m romance is recommended for kinky readers who enjoy some dirty talking D/s power exchange.
October 25, 2012
Mirror, mirror on the wall...
Is that who the heck I really am?
When Mister Boring finds out he's not as dull as he seems, in fact he's managed to scare himself with how outside the box he is and the ensuing revelations as he explores the benefits of his father's bequest are sweet, hot and burn a bit.
Not for the timid, as it explores moderate S&M and some smoking hot D/s.
P.S. The epilogue is a major cocktease--I want Vin's story. NOW.
Is that who the heck I really am?
When Mister Boring finds out he's not as dull as he seems, in fact he's managed to scare himself with how outside the box he is and the ensuing revelations as he explores the benefits of his father's bequest are sweet, hot and burn a bit.
Not for the timid, as it explores moderate S&M and some smoking hot D/s.
P.S. The epilogue is a major cocktease--I want Vin's story. NOW.
August 12, 2015
I'm really torn on how to rate this one. The writing was solid, the plot was good, and I liked all of the characters. I guess what's getting me is a couple of scenes that really pushed my comfort zone. Times where it felt like Ben was taking out his agitation with other people on Shane, and not doing things for the right reason. So while this probably would have been a solid 4 stars for me, those couple of scenes forced me to knock it down to 3.
Read
December 13, 2016DNF at 25% (Attempted to read Sept. 2016)
Turns out that the excerpt I'd read was the only interesting part of the story.
Ben and Shane, the MCs, had what could be described as an enemies-to-lovers story with some subtle (at least up to the part I read) kink elements.
My problem with this story is that there was no actual motivation for the characters' contempt for each other. It's one thing to have the characters snap at each other if we're given a solid reason for the mutual dislike. It's a whole 'nother thing if they fight for no apparent reason.
I got the impression that the authors weren't sure who Ben and Shane were as people and it showed. One page they would be rather short with each other, the next they would be flirting weirdly.
Another thing that puzzled me was Shane (initially) not wanting help from Ben with regards to the club's finances. Ben's an accountant for gods' sake! Plus, as co-owner of the club, he's got the right to check the books and come up with plans to save their business from closing down.
In short, the more I read, the more I kept going O_o?
So I opted for stop reading it. #Lifestooshortforbadbooks
Turns out that the excerpt I'd read was the only interesting part of the story.
Ben and Shane, the MCs, had what could be described as an enemies-to-lovers story with some subtle (at least up to the part I read) kink elements.
My problem with this story is that there was no actual motivation for the characters' contempt for each other. It's one thing to have the characters snap at each other if we're given a solid reason for the mutual dislike. It's a whole 'nother thing if they fight for no apparent reason.
I got the impression that the authors weren't sure who Ben and Shane were as people and it showed. One page they would be rather short with each other, the next they would be flirting weirdly.
Another thing that puzzled me was Shane (initially) not wanting help from Ben with regards to the club's finances. Ben's an accountant for gods' sake! Plus, as co-owner of the club, he's got the right to check the books and come up with plans to save their business from closing down.
In short, the more I read, the more I kept going O_o?
So I opted for stop reading it. #Lifestooshortforbadbooks
August 8, 2012
Loved the chemistry between the two MC's -totally rocking the whole opposites attract thing. And I loved that it was the supposedly boring, uptight accountant who discovered his kinky dom side. The fact that it didn't always sit comfortably with him at first made it way more real ...and interesting. Enough of these smug, all-knowing doms who never reveal one iota of doubt or vulnerability!
Not quite as good as Room at the Top but I found it a thoroughly enjoyable read!
Not quite as good as Room at the Top but I found it a thoroughly enjoyable read!
November 23, 2018
This is a tough book to rate. I liked the MC’s but I thought the kink wasn’t really expressed well. Benedict, at times, seemed more abusive than kinky which really bothered me.
August 6, 2014
Ben & Shane are thrown together after Ben's father dies & bequeaths him half ownership in his bar, The Square Peg. Ben is an accountant which makes him good with numbers but the bar business is a whole new world & Shane doesn't seem intent on making it an easy transition. Shane's whole world has been turned upside down with this new development as Ben's father was more a silent partner. Needless to say it takes some adjustment. He & Ben generally don't see eye to eye, argue frequently but eventually realize they have to make this work.
I hesitate to call this a coming of age story for fear John Hughes would have me drawn & quartered from beyond the grave but that's what it felt like. Both Ben & Shane are struggling with their feelings, needs, desires, what have you within the context of their burgeoning relationship. Shane for his part seems more accepting of his needs & I think happy that he's found someone to fulfill them without judgment or derision. Ben has a more difficult time accepting his, I think, because they run counter to his personality.
Ben is calm, deliberate, logical, thorough & patient; in short, the complete opposite of Shane. Shane is, quite frankly, a pill to use some old school parlance. He's mouthy, snarky, hot headed & sullen. I'd guess about 40% is sheer bravado, 50% amps up when he's trying to goad Ben into fucking him & 10% is, 'Back up. It's about to get nasty.' But he's got some great one liners plus he's a good person & a loyal friend. But Holy God does he need Ben! Jesus, he is a slob. I felt like I needed to wash my hands & keep hand sanitizer on standby whilst even reading about the condition of The Square Peg. Yuck! I'm surprised he hasn't been sued because someone contracted the ebola virus or at minimum scabies. Ben needs Shane just as much; needs the reassurance that what they're doing is what they both want & needs to be able to do exercise his needs. It seems he's never had the opportunity in the past which makes their relationship thoroughly symbiotic.
The writing is thoughtful as well as thought provoking. The conversations are organic while providing insight into both of their personalities even though they're discussing mundane topics like profit margins, renovations & electricity bills. I felt like both characters were well developed & even the secondary characters lent something to the story. I'm also hoping I didn't get cliffed & there's a follow up involving Vin.
I hesitate to call this a coming of age story for fear John Hughes would have me drawn & quartered from beyond the grave but that's what it felt like. Both Ben & Shane are struggling with their feelings, needs, desires, what have you within the context of their burgeoning relationship. Shane for his part seems more accepting of his needs & I think happy that he's found someone to fulfill them without judgment or derision. Ben has a more difficult time accepting his, I think, because they run counter to his personality.
Ben is calm, deliberate, logical, thorough & patient; in short, the complete opposite of Shane. Shane is, quite frankly, a pill to use some old school parlance. He's mouthy, snarky, hot headed & sullen. I'd guess about 40% is sheer bravado, 50% amps up when he's trying to goad Ben into fucking him & 10% is, 'Back up. It's about to get nasty.' But he's got some great one liners plus he's a good person & a loyal friend. But Holy God does he need Ben! Jesus, he is a slob. I felt like I needed to wash my hands & keep hand sanitizer on standby whilst even reading about the condition of The Square Peg. Yuck! I'm surprised he hasn't been sued because someone contracted the ebola virus or at minimum scabies. Ben needs Shane just as much; needs the reassurance that what they're doing is what they both want & needs to be able to do exercise his needs. It seems he's never had the opportunity in the past which makes their relationship thoroughly symbiotic.
The writing is thoughtful as well as thought provoking. The conversations are organic while providing insight into both of their personalities even though they're discussing mundane topics like profit margins, renovations & electricity bills. I felt like both characters were well developed & even the secondary characters lent something to the story. I'm also hoping I didn't get cliffed & there's a follow up involving Vin.
August 20, 2012
I had mixed feelings about this book. At some points I flew through the pages, eager to see what would happen next, and at other points, I was tapping my toes.
Let me start with the things that had me flying through pages:
• The clean writing. The authors use clear, precise sentences to convey information, and they employ many of the senses in any given scene. That led to a more tactile experience of the book, where I felt, smelled, and heard as well as saw the story being played out.
• The two perspectives. This choice was great. I loved reading how the other felt/thought. It kept things interesting.
• The Square Peg. I liked the idea of the bar and it’s transformation (which nicely echoed the relationship status between Shane and Benedict – at least for the beginning).
• The sex scenes. Yeah, they were pretty hot for the most part. Certainly they had me flushed. ;) (More on this further down . . .)
• Vin. What a wonderful likeable character. His story is going to sweep me away, I can just feel it, and the end of The Square Peg alludes to that story coming pretty soon. This hook was a great way of sucking in readers for wanting more.
The things that made my foot tap:
• The 180 lust to love. This happened too quickly that it didn’t feel real. I would have liked a little more development emotionally between Shane and Benedict.
• Ben as a Dom. I think this was the crux of my issues with the book. When I first started reading, I was introduced to a character who, to me, did not feel the confident Dom type. In fact, I was thinking, if anything, it would have been Shane to be the more aggressive of the two.
Now, as the story progressed, I accepted the fact it wouldn’t be as I anticipated, and went with it, but that first transition made the experience a bit rocky.
• Coming hand-in-hand with this ‘something’s not quite right with Ben as a Dom’ was the way Ben seemed to second guess his actions after giving Shane a firm hand. I wavered with this one. Sometimes I was irritated, I guess I just wanted strong and commanding and no quibbles. Then, at other times, I thought maybe these insecurities show a more realistic side to someone trying out being a Dom for the first time.
Overall though, this was a good read, and I would recommend it to those in the mood for a light, erotic read. It’s fun.
Let me start with the things that had me flying through pages:
• The clean writing. The authors use clear, precise sentences to convey information, and they employ many of the senses in any given scene. That led to a more tactile experience of the book, where I felt, smelled, and heard as well as saw the story being played out.
• The two perspectives. This choice was great. I loved reading how the other felt/thought. It kept things interesting.
• The Square Peg. I liked the idea of the bar and it’s transformation (which nicely echoed the relationship status between Shane and Benedict – at least for the beginning).
• The sex scenes. Yeah, they were pretty hot for the most part. Certainly they had me flushed. ;) (More on this further down . . .)
• Vin. What a wonderful likeable character. His story is going to sweep me away, I can just feel it, and the end of The Square Peg alludes to that story coming pretty soon. This hook was a great way of sucking in readers for wanting more.
The things that made my foot tap:
• The 180 lust to love. This happened too quickly that it didn’t feel real. I would have liked a little more development emotionally between Shane and Benedict.
• Ben as a Dom. I think this was the crux of my issues with the book. When I first started reading, I was introduced to a character who, to me, did not feel the confident Dom type. In fact, I was thinking, if anything, it would have been Shane to be the more aggressive of the two.
Now, as the story progressed, I accepted the fact it wouldn’t be as I anticipated, and went with it, but that first transition made the experience a bit rocky.
• Coming hand-in-hand with this ‘something’s not quite right with Ben as a Dom’ was the way Ben seemed to second guess his actions after giving Shane a firm hand. I wavered with this one. Sometimes I was irritated, I guess I just wanted strong and commanding and no quibbles. Then, at other times, I thought maybe these insecurities show a more realistic side to someone trying out being a Dom for the first time.
Overall though, this was a good read, and I would recommend it to those in the mood for a light, erotic read. It’s fun.
October 22, 2012
3,75 stars
Likeable characters in an opposites attract story with hot smut on the rougher side, foot-tappingly slow in the middle with interesting s/m-relationship dynamics that kept me reading - I wouldn`t mind to read more about these two.
Likeable characters in an opposites attract story with hot smut on the rougher side, foot-tappingly slow in the middle with interesting s/m-relationship dynamics that kept me reading - I wouldn`t mind to read more about these two.
January 14, 2015
Seemingly uptight accountant Ben unexpectedly inherits half-ownership of a gay bar (The Square Peg) from his estranged father. Shane the other owner, having run the bar for Ben's father for years, is hostile and short tempered as he sees Ben as coming in to take over and change the bar he has put his life into.
Ben and Shane are attracted to each other from the beginning. Ben is insecure, his last lover leaving him claiming he was boring, but he has a need to dominate that he has previously been unable to express. Shane, while outwardly bossy, has a need to be submissive in bed. The BDSM between these men is not a well thought out scene, but more a feeling their way through it and doing whatever feels right at the moment. To me, this was a bit dicey as Ben discovers a need to inflict pain that Shane seems more than happy to take.
The story is very well written and the drama mostly comes from the two men trying to turn the bar around and save the business, against outside factors. The bar employees make for intriguing secondary characters, especially goth bartender Vin and the flamboyant, slutty Patrick and the end left me running for the next book to read Vin's story.
Ben and Shane are attracted to each other from the beginning. Ben is insecure, his last lover leaving him claiming he was boring, but he has a need to dominate that he has previously been unable to express. Shane, while outwardly bossy, has a need to be submissive in bed. The BDSM between these men is not a well thought out scene, but more a feeling their way through it and doing whatever feels right at the moment. To me, this was a bit dicey as Ben discovers a need to inflict pain that Shane seems more than happy to take.
The story is very well written and the drama mostly comes from the two men trying to turn the bar around and save the business, against outside factors. The bar employees make for intriguing secondary characters, especially goth bartender Vin and the flamboyant, slutty Patrick and the end left me running for the next book to read Vin's story.
February 15, 2020
Reread
3.75 stars ⭐️
Reread
I enjoyed Ben and Shane’s story but I’m also in two minds about this one. While I liked the new to the BDSM aspect, the whole newness from both guys worried me. Neither really knew what they were doing. You had two guys who were trying something new and there was no safety net. That did worry me. But with that taken out I did enjoy the dance the guys put on getting to know each other.
Looking forward to Vin’s book.
3.75 stars ⭐️
Reread
I enjoyed Ben and Shane’s story but I’m also in two minds about this one. While I liked the new to the BDSM aspect, the whole newness from both guys worried me. Neither really knew what they were doing. You had two guys who were trying something new and there was no safety net. That did worry me. But with that taken out I did enjoy the dance the guys put on getting to know each other.
Looking forward to Vin’s book.
February 24, 2016
I really enjoyed this one - it was an easy read w/enjoyable characters and some pretty hot sex. When I got to the end I was completely surprised - I wish it had gone on longer! I was so wrapped up in the story I finished this book in one day... def will be looking for more from this author.
August 3, 2013
Will review when I arrive home from my hols!!!
April 25, 2014
So we were challenged to pick a book off our TBR list for Spring Cleaning Week; a book that has been on our list the longest. The Square Peg has been on my TBR list for over a year and though I do have one book on my list longer than this, I put it off for personal reasons and I am honestly thrilled I did.
I have been in a funk with books lately, not getting into them as much as I liked and it was becoming a problem. There was no problem with me getting into The Square Peg. Sure, at the first glance of the title I started to sing the theme song to an 80’s show but there are absolutely no similarities with the two forms of entertainment.
This book, I just finished it and I am a total mess. I adored the holy hell out of these boys. The way the authors chose to show a BDSM relationship without the bells, whistles, dungeons and playrooms normally associated was fantastic. It lent itself to the story of Benedict and Shane seamlessly and I fell head over heels for each of them.
Benedict, I liked you from the beginning; walking straight into the bar that is now half yours and confronting the gruff man behind the desk who was Shane. It didn’t matter how you came to be part owner of The Square Peg, you wanted to be part of it and you would deal with Shane to get it. Yeah, *ahem* you would deal with Shane. Your button up exterior was not who you were, you needed the right person to let you become your true self. It was a pleasure to watch you transform.
Shane, oh you British boy with the shaved head, how could I not love you? I was beyond happy when I turned the page and was given your POV. I needed it, needed to feel the want from you when it came to your bar and your Benedict. Who would have though kitchen floors could be so damn hot? Your submission was flawless and even when I was worried you were going to fast and too deep I was mesmerized and calmed being inside your head. It was a gorgeous place to be.
This story was well told; the attraction between the boys was instant but it didn’t feel false. I adored the times with the boys in an out of bed and I loved watching them grow with affection, trust, friendship, partnership and love. They killed me a few times with words and melted me into a puddle of goo at my desk. There may have been squirming as well during a few scenes…I am blushing simply remembering them. Ben and Shane are perfect for each other, just perfect and they will forever have me thinking of them when and if I play a game of pool. Yup, pool.
The Square Peg I cannot think straight right now going over this book, it was perfect for me and while I should be kicking myself at not reading it sooner, I am glad I didn’t. Good things come to those who wait and all that stuff, right? I needed this, the story of Ben and Shane right now. Their love, the intensity of the dynamic between them is what I needed to remind me; I love books about love and can still get lost in them. Lost, yeah…I was so lost in this. The entire crew/family which makes up The Square Peg was a joy to read and I realized Vin gets the next book after that scene in the epilogue? *squee* I am running; running with my fingers across the keyboard and handing over my money to read his story.
I have been in a funk with books lately, not getting into them as much as I liked and it was becoming a problem. There was no problem with me getting into The Square Peg. Sure, at the first glance of the title I started to sing the theme song to an 80’s show but there are absolutely no similarities with the two forms of entertainment.
This book, I just finished it and I am a total mess. I adored the holy hell out of these boys. The way the authors chose to show a BDSM relationship without the bells, whistles, dungeons and playrooms normally associated was fantastic. It lent itself to the story of Benedict and Shane seamlessly and I fell head over heels for each of them.
Benedict, I liked you from the beginning; walking straight into the bar that is now half yours and confronting the gruff man behind the desk who was Shane. It didn’t matter how you came to be part owner of The Square Peg, you wanted to be part of it and you would deal with Shane to get it. Yeah, *ahem* you would deal with Shane. Your button up exterior was not who you were, you needed the right person to let you become your true self. It was a pleasure to watch you transform.
Shane, oh you British boy with the shaved head, how could I not love you? I was beyond happy when I turned the page and was given your POV. I needed it, needed to feel the want from you when it came to your bar and your Benedict. Who would have though kitchen floors could be so damn hot? Your submission was flawless and even when I was worried you were going to fast and too deep I was mesmerized and calmed being inside your head. It was a gorgeous place to be.
This story was well told; the attraction between the boys was instant but it didn’t feel false. I adored the times with the boys in an out of bed and I loved watching them grow with affection, trust, friendship, partnership and love. They killed me a few times with words and melted me into a puddle of goo at my desk. There may have been squirming as well during a few scenes…I am blushing simply remembering them. Ben and Shane are perfect for each other, just perfect and they will forever have me thinking of them when and if I play a game of pool. Yup, pool.
The Square Peg I cannot think straight right now going over this book, it was perfect for me and while I should be kicking myself at not reading it sooner, I am glad I didn’t. Good things come to those who wait and all that stuff, right? I needed this, the story of Ben and Shane right now. Their love, the intensity of the dynamic between them is what I needed to remind me; I love books about love and can still get lost in them. Lost, yeah…I was so lost in this. The entire crew/family which makes up The Square Peg was a joy to read and I realized Vin gets the next book after that scene in the epilogue? *squee* I am running; running with my fingers across the keyboard and handing over my money to read his story.
May 13, 2015
This book was picked for me in a pick it for me challenge. Benedict Lozier who is an accountant who has been dumped by his live in boyfriend when he learned that his estranged father died and left him the co-owner of a gay bar. When he goes to the bar to meet his new partner he notices that the bar is run down and in much need of some major upgrades. Shane Brant is the other partner in the bar he a mouthy and very hot and he is not interested in doing any renovations that could drive away their regular customers. This book was very well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. After a very hot sex scenes in Shane's kitchen after getting drunk Benedict realizes that he likes to dominate and that Shane likes to be dominated. I also liked the other cast members in the story Vin who is a goth virgin holding out for an old high school crush and his bff Patrick and Dave the cook along with Shelly the other bartender. I have read these authors before and I loved how the two Mc's enter act together. Shane was set in his ways and he and Ben argue over every change in the bar it was refreshing to see him give up control in the bedroom. Ben has never done anything like it before his ex told him he was boring, but Shane doesn't find anything boring about him. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series. If you like reading about hot males with hot sex than I recommend that you read this book.
August 17, 2013
Why did I only rate this book a 3.5...hmmmm. Something just wasn't there, I can't place my finger on it exactly but the whole time I was reading I wanted something more. Don't get me wrong it's a good story with hot guys..one with an accent that creeps in every now and again..HOTT but it didn't feel..gosh, I can't even think of the right word.
Ben & Shane are pushed together when someone they both know passes away. The tension to start between these two is crazy, turn that into sexual tension and you have one explosive hook-up and then uncertainty then two guys trying to figure out what they want and where they stand in a relationship..or standing their ground in business.
If you are looking to dip your toe into BDSM read, you could start here if you're unsure. This isn't Club BDSM, it's two guys who know it's what they want but haven't been able to get it with other partners..so it's still new to them that they need that reassurance after to make sure it really is still what he/they want. (Make Sense...lol)
Vin definitely peaked my interest so I'll be continuing the series!
Ben & Shane are pushed together when someone they both know passes away. The tension to start between these two is crazy, turn that into sexual tension and you have one explosive hook-up and then uncertainty then two guys trying to figure out what they want and where they stand in a relationship..or standing their ground in business.
If you are looking to dip your toe into BDSM read, you could start here if you're unsure. This isn't Club BDSM, it's two guys who know it's what they want but haven't been able to get it with other partners..so it's still new to them that they need that reassurance after to make sure it really is still what he/they want. (Make Sense...lol)
Vin definitely peaked my interest so I'll be continuing the series!
March 18, 2013
I could not put this book down. I took my kindle with me everywhere I went just in case I got a few minutes to read. That does not happen very often. More of a 4.5 stars for me but there was no real angst and once again we got one of the MCs saying he was going to do this and that to his man but it never happened which drives me batshit crazy. If they talk about giving a rim job until their partner comes from just their tongue then I want to read about it. Really badly! But hells yeah, the sex was smoking hot. I didn't really like the hitting in the face bit but that's a minor complaint. The rest was off the charts yummy. Pissed I waited so long to read this and now I'm jonesing for Vin's story. Gimme, gimme!
February 8, 2015
3.5 - 4stars
Opposites attract in this book about an accountant and the manager of a bar. Ben is newly out of a relationship where his ex called him boring….welllll I guess you can't call him boring anymore! He suddenly finds his dominant side when he meets Shane. Both men are new to BDSM and somewhat playing at it without any expertise gained from the internet or books that we are aware of as readers. This is not your standard tie me down and fuck me spank me cum in my face! This is fists and slaps across faces….which I personally do not find, umm….exciting. Ben has major guilt about exerting his dominance over Shane…but it does not slow him down from doing it again and again!
Over all fun read!
Opposites attract in this book about an accountant and the manager of a bar. Ben is newly out of a relationship where his ex called him boring….welllll I guess you can't call him boring anymore! He suddenly finds his dominant side when he meets Shane. Both men are new to BDSM and somewhat playing at it without any expertise gained from the internet or books that we are aware of as readers. This is not your standard tie me down and fuck me spank me cum in my face! This is fists and slaps across faces….which I personally do not find, umm….exciting. Ben has major guilt about exerting his dominance over Shane…but it does not slow him down from doing it again and again!
Over all fun read!
August 11, 2012
This books has been a hard read. I enjoyed the non traditional relationship and the premise was interesting and I enjoyed the characters. But, for all that I did feel like the pacing was a little off. It was felt like the middle of the book lacked a little tension the overal story arc was a little uneven. It was the last third of the book where it really picked up for me and I found myself a little more engaged with the story and I can assure I am thoroughly looking forward to reading Vin's story. An ok read, just not great.
July 22, 2013
3.5 stars
Wasn't too sure about these guys at first, as they really don't seem to have much in common. Doesn't take long for that to change, when sparks fly between them. The dominating and push/pull between Ben and Shane was super hot and probably my favorite parts of the whole story.
There is a nice little family of characters working at the Square Peg. I'm really looking forward to seeing something happen with Vin, and Patrick is a little cutie.
November 27, 2015
Another great book from these authors!! This is a story of self discovery, about a man who thinks he's just a straight-laced accountant until he inherits half a gay bar from his deceased father and has a super hot encounter with the other half owner. This story does contain some rough D/s action, but man was it a hot one!
April 8, 2014
I don't really get the pain thing, or the humiliation thing, but these guys do--and they make it hot and sweet and romantic.
April 24, 2022
Very decent m/m opposites-attract story, with good characterisation, a solid secondary cast and - the icing on the gingerbread - a plot involving management consultancy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews