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Different Hearts #8

Romancing My Submissive

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Teasing Max

Max’s workplace crush is an unrequited one.
After the dumpster fire that was his first BDSM relationship, Maxwell Russo is ready to try again. Maybe. No, most certainly not. Burn me once, shame on you, burn me twice, shame on me. Despite the friends he has since made in the community, he refuses to get burned a second time… unless it’s Harrison doing the burning. The financial analyst and eye candy who works at the same company had lived rent-free in Max’s head since he’d first walked through the front doors. It was a shame Harrison didn’t even know Max existed. The things he would let that man do to him.

Or is it?
Harrison Sheffield wasn’t sure when Max had first snagged his attention, but snagged it he had. Firmly. Now, all he needed was an in. Thanks to the much-needed rebranding of a failing cosmetics company and their boss’s unusual way of doing things, Harrison and Max are partnering up for the first time. In the guise of cooperation, Harrison seeks out Max to hash out the details of their assignment and overhears something interesting. Max is submissive? MAX? And he’s been hurt before? This is not going to be easy.

Spoiling Cindy

Cindy is on the lookout for a Daddy, and her friend Red thinks he has just the man for her.
Cynthia Campbell is tired of casual playdates and play partners who aren’t looking for anything serious. She wants a Daddy. Now. But with gaining custody of her younger sister and moving her into her house, Cindy barely has time to play let alone hit the club and look into potential partners. But Red, a friend and fellow little, has come to the rescue. He’s throwing a party and thinks his Daddy’s coworker needs a little for himself. He might not be a Daddy—yet—but Cindy can show him the way.

If Dave’s best friend can get himself a little, Dave can too.
After Dave Kelly’s sister Sarah had informed him of her new favorite reading genre—age play romance—he forced himself not to think about it even as thoughts crept into his mind. That was until Red came sweeping into his life. Seeing the potential, he nudged Nate to pursue Red, and pursue him he did. Seeing the two of them settle happily into a relationship, Dave decides it’s his turn to find a little of his own. And he already has a prospect. When Red had first dragged Nate to his BDSM club, Nate had met a cute little girl he said was just Dave’s type. And it just so happens she is invited to Red’s party. What luck? So is Dave.

Author’s Notes
1: These stories do not occur chronologically. Teasing Max takes place before book 7: Waiting For Derek. Spoiling Cindy takes place at the end of book 2: Fixing Little Red.
2: I write cute, sweet, feel-good romance with a liberal dose of BDSM throughout. If you’re looking for hardcore/dark BDSM, this isn’t the book for you.
3: In the previous book, I know I said this one would be a four-part anthology, but plans change, and foolish authors write way more than they expect when they fall in love with their characters. I explain a bit more in the End Note, but expect the other two couples to make their debut sometime in the next couple of months.

This book is intended for Adult (18+) readers. I try to write all my books so they can be read and understood as stand-alone stories. However, reading them in order will create a more complete and rich experience as past characters can and will make surprise appearances.

~71k words

Stories BDSM, Kink, Power Exchange Relationships, Fast Feelings, Super Sweet Overload, and Happily Ever Afters. Teasing MM Sexual Content, References to a Past Abusive Relationship, Very Light Humiliation Kink, Some Bondage. Spoiling MF Sexual Content, Age Play, Daddy Kink, Spanking, No Diaper Play, Maybe a Teddy Bear Fetish (not acknowledged but most likely there).

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2023

84 people are currently reading
124 people want to read

About the author

Izaia Winter

8 books364 followers

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5 stars
125 (41%)
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101 (33%)
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61 (20%)
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12 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Rainbow Reads and Reviews.
249 reviews10 followers
May 31, 2023
😫

I’m no sure how to review this book.

I’ve been anxiously awaiting this book since my first read through of Waiting for Derek. I checked Twitter and Amazon weekly in hopes that this book was on its way. When someone posted in a group that it was up for pre-order, I immediately jumped on Amazon to place my order. Luckily for me, I managed to check out the info before purchasing.

I was apprehensive after noticing that this book included a MM book and one that is MF. I haven’t read hetero romance since 2017, and it’s not something that I enjoy reading Anytime there’s a mixed sexuality anthology, I skip all the MF stories.

Unfortunately for me, Cindy’s story was better than Max’s.

Max and Harrison have had mutual crushes on each other for almost a year. Harrison decides to pursue Max after overhearing Max mention his crush and his submission. Their relationship progression fit.

During their first power exchange scene, Max asks what Harrison would like to be called. Harrison told Max to call him baby rather than an honorific such as Sir, Daddy, Master, etc. It ruined the rest of their story for me. Not only did it mess up the flow of the kink for me, but Max’s over use of the word was annoying af. Harrison calling Max honey only exacerbated the issue. After those nick names were introduced, the rest of their interactions were cringey at best.

Their story was disappointing. I’d hoped for more, but this one missed the mark. I’m reminded of how I felt when finishing Spencer’s book. The best qualities of the author’s writing were missing from this one.

Unfortunately for me, Cindy’s story was more Izaia’s style that I know and love. I refuse to yuck someone’s yum, but as a woman who strictly reads MM romance, I got Icked out by the squishy bits as my friend Erin said 🤣. I completely skimmed over their intimate scenes. Their relationship moved at warp speed, but again, most of these couples and the throuple did as well.

All in all, I wish Izaia put both MM stories in one book and the MF stories in the other. Im immensely grateful that I paid attention to the cover and title rather than blindly placing a preorder.

Profile Image for Anna.
2,049 reviews350 followers
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May 31, 2023
Literally so good. I feel like we've been waiting forever for this anthology and to know we get two books now bc the author made the stories longer is the best thing! I really loved both Teasing Max and Spoiling Cindy. The one thing I wish we would've seen more of is the dynamic between Dave, Cindy, and Melanie though. It was a bit glossed over and I think it would've played a huge part in Dave and Cindy's relationship. I'm super freaking excited for Trusting Chelsey though which is one we got a snippet of at the end and will be in the next book. A female Dom and a male sub, yes. And the fact that it's Chelsey and Danny? Even better. I can't wait!
Profile Image for els✨.
1,088 reviews44 followers
January 23, 2024
Teasing Max:

- an MM novella! workplace romance, BDSM, humiliation k!nk, found family trope!
- aw i’m so glad Max gets a happy ending 🥹
- not Harrison getting trapped on the roof 💀
- what they do for a job acc sounds so interesting 😂
- they’re so sweet together i love them!
- so upset for Max having that trauma response 🥺
- absolutely love that Harrison put it to rest as soon as he could!
- great conversations had before any k!nk scenes happened between the two
- i’m not sure how i feel about the ‘baby’ use and how much it’s used
- the dirty talk in this one is stupid hot
- so many sex scenes packed into this novella and i am here for it!
- i do like that Max can use the ‘baby’ thing in public and people wouldn’t know
- the French toast scene 🥵
- i loooove that the epilogue was at the church but wish we’d acc had one of the scenes Max was imagining!!
- really really enjoyed this novella, so glad Max got a happy ending and they were perfect for each other

Spoiling Cindy:
- an age play novella! instalove, BDSM, found family trope!
- i cannot tell you how happy i am that we have a little slice of Cindy and Dave
- this one had more plot than the full length novels hahaha
- her sister is so sweet
- Kane and Kyle being over protective 🥹
- was fun getting some Red scenes from other POV’s
- okay with the smüt straight off that bat i love that
- their play date was acc the sweetest! and had some great smüt scenes
- SHE’S A DOCTOR?!
- don’t know how i feel about the bear….
- i wish we’d had a scene at the club with everyone! if this is the last in the series (pls pray that it is not) it would of been nice to have everyone together for the end
- but the epilogue was super cute with her meeting the family and the bird house!
- this was a super sweet novella!! it was just so fun to watch them come together! i’ve been thinking about them since Red and Nate’s book!
Profile Image for Mandy (MP Book Reviews).
5,012 reviews45 followers
June 18, 2023
These are two stories that are connected to the series. Teasing Max is like #6.5 in the series and Spoiling Cindy is like #2.5.

Teasing Max - 4*

Maxwell Russo is ready to try again with a BDSM relationship but his workplace crush is with Harrison Sheffield and he knows that he could easily go for one with him. Harrison just wants an in so that he can get closer to Max and start the kind of relationship that he desperately wants. Thankfully they are put on the rebranding of a failing cosmetics company and that is all he needs.

I enjoyed this story and the way that Harrison was able to take charge and give Max everything that the needed, This was a sweet story that made me smile. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was a MM story with mature content and a BDSM-like D/s relationship.

Spoiling Cindy - 2*

Cindy (Cynthia Campbell) is looking for a Daddy and her friend Red thinks he has just the man for her. She has custody of her younger sister and so has little time to find her perfect Daddy but all the casual playdates and play partners have been unfulfilling. Dave Kelly is an EMT and the partner of Red's Daddy Nate. He is looking for a special little girl to care for and having struck out at the local BDSM club he hopes he might find the right person at Red's party.

I found this difficult going for some reason - I just didn't connect with Cindy. I found her caution around her sister and her timidness not very endearing. I did however like Dave who was a nice guy. Easy to read and understand. This was an MF book with a little mature content and a BDSM-like DDLG relationship
23 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2023
I was so excited to see that Izaia Winter had written an additional book to the Different Hearts series.
These two stories did not disappoint. The first story, Romancing my Submissive, was centered on Max and Harrison. These two men have been dancing around each other for a while. By dancing I mean, both want each other, but think the other doesn't. Max and Harrison are such a good fit for each other. Max had been burned before and didn't want to get hurt again. Harrison didn't want to hurt Max. When an opportunity to work together is dumped in Harrison's lap he jumps at the chance to work with Max. These two dance around each other, but when they touch the world burns up. Max is finally loved by someone who understands his submissive side and Harrison makes sure Max feels loved.
Second story Spoiling Cindy, is the story about Red's friend Cindy. We met Red and Nate is book 2 of the series. Nate's best friend Dave pushes Nate to go after Red. Now Red is going to show Dave, that Cindy is Dave's little for life. Dave and Cindy hit it off and have some bumps, but find love in the end.

This whole series is wonderful. The love that Izaia puts into her writing her characters and their stories is evident. Each story touches my heart and teaches others about love throughout the whole series. Read this series and enjoy pure love.
Profile Image for Denise GremoryKohta.
4,288 reviews7 followers
June 22, 2023
This was a fun read.

I love when you get more than one story. This one gives us two. The first has Harrison and Max. I liked how funny it was. Also, there will be some things that will spark your memory. The only thing I wasn’t fond of was the over use of their pet names. With Cindy and Dave’s story we get the sweetest little girl and some very hot times. I love how the author mentioned how kink is different for everybody in a way that blended into the story and didn’t come out as listed facts. I enjoyed this one so much more.
Profile Image for America.
703 reviews2 followers
September 19, 2023
The first story was cute, although I couldn't get past the nicknames they gave each other.
My problem was with the second one, because I just can't understand, why every single age play book that I have read between a man and a woman, everything comes down to sex and spanking? We get to read sweetness when there's age play between two men. So what's up with that? I just don't get it! I wanted more sweetness and less sex, so I'm a little bit disappointed, especially because I really, really like this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
498 reviews11 followers
November 19, 2023
Syrupy Sweet

Like all the other books in this series, this one was just as sweet. Harrison and Max work for the same company but in different departments and find out that they are paired up for a project. Max goes to Harrison's apartment to work and their chemistry is off the charts. Max loves being submissive and Harrison wants to give Màx everything he craves. They make such a cute couple. I didn't read the second story as it was MF. I highly recommend this series and can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Tam.
Author 21 books103 followers
September 29, 2023
2 little shorts, an m/m of two coworkers crushing who through an overheard conversation about kink motivates them to move forward. The second was Nate's partner and Red's friend Cindy. They meet at Red's house and it move pretty quickly. Cindy has custody of her teen sister so that's an added loop but they move pretty quick, as these stories do. So both okay, you get to see some of the previous people in books.
Profile Image for Katy Beth Mckee.
4,739 reviews66 followers
March 13, 2025
This book contains two stories. the first is Teasing Max which is a MM D/s story. I like the way Harrison and Max work. They create the relationship they want. The second story is Spoiling Cindy which is a MF age play story. Cindy has a lot of responsibilities and wants some little time to relax. Davis is at the right place at the right time to help out. This is a great start to a relationship.
254 reviews1 follower
May 30, 2023
Great reads

Yes!!! I’ve been waiting for this author to release another book forever! Seeing characters that stood out in previous books get there own stories was very sweet. Even though these stories are a MM & a MF, I didn’t mind because I’m happy Dave got his little. Looking forward to the next book.
1,132 reviews
June 4, 2023
Enjoyable

I enjoyed this book. I was especially happy to read Max’s story as I remembered him from Healing Carson’s Little and was glad that he found his HEA with Harrison. I also liked that Dave, a pivotal side character from Fixing Little Red, found someone to explore age play with as he was clearly interested.
Profile Image for Michelle.
Author 1 book19 followers
June 5, 2023
So good!

I'm always so happy whenever a new Winter book is out. This one was so good. Both stories were sweet and I fell in love with the characters. What I CAN'T wait for though is Trusting Chelsey! I cannot wait to get a dominant female story where it's not full of dumb tropes but is instead about kind, loving woman happy to lead in a dynamic. Seriously. Overjoyed.
Profile Image for Tracey.
2,248 reviews
June 15, 2023
2.25 stars

Teasing Max: 1.5 stars
This was so boring and bland. There was too much talking and the story felt overly descriptive.

Spoiling Cindy: 3 stars
This Daddy/girl story was sweet and very steamy. I liked the chemistry between Cindy and Dave. I would read a whole book about their relationship and navigating Cindy having custody of her little sister.
Profile Image for Chris.
235 reviews4 followers
June 5, 2023
Must read for series reader

Loved this book because I have been reading and loving this series since the first book. Definitely should read at least a few of the others in the series first.
45 reviews
June 3, 2023
love it!

So happy with both of these stories. This author is amazing!!!! I would highly recommend this author. Love it! So good.
118 reviews
June 4, 2023
good stories

I enjoyed them both a lot. I’ve been hoping for a follow up story for Cindy and Max especially, so I was so excited to finally see it. I really like this whole series.
243 reviews4 followers
June 24, 2023
Cute and sweet

Just like the previous books in this series I enjoyed these two stories. They weren't as long but were definitely satisfying.
Profile Image for Demonia Shadow.
60 reviews
January 13, 2025
I don't really like 'baby' in vanilla books. And i definitely don't like it here. It ruined the whole d/s dynamic for me. And it was so overused by Max that all sex scenes were ruined as well
225 reviews6 followers
June 19, 2023
I’ve been waiting for Cindy’s story and I was kinda disappointed. I felt like the story went at warp speed. Heavy on the sex during age play. Somehow I wanted Cindy’s story to be more sweet/caregivery and Max’s story to be less sweet. Did not like the baby/honey names in his story.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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