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Kinky Cupid #1
Once a Brat
Experienced dominant Marcus Tremayne has a stalker. On the plus side, the boy following him around his local leather club is gorgeous and a self-professed submissive. Unfortunately, he’s also inexperienced, bratty, and liable to drive Marcus insane within his incessant chatter and questions.
Bret Daniels fell head over heels with Marcus the moment he first saw him. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to get Marcus’s attention and prove his worth as a submissive. He might not be a traditional sub, but he knows he has a lot to offer a dom who can handle his quirks.
When Marcus gives in and agrees to do a scene with Bret, sparks fly. One scene quickly becomes another, and another. But will it be a case of once a brat, always a brat? Bret intends to prove to Marcus that—expectations and experiences aside—he deserves his master’s collar.
Bret Daniels fell head over heels with Marcus the moment he first saw him. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to get Marcus’s attention and prove his worth as a submissive. He might not be a traditional sub, but he knows he has a lot to offer a dom who can handle his quirks.
When Marcus gives in and agrees to do a scene with Bret, sparks fly. One scene quickly becomes another, and another. But will it be a case of once a brat, always a brat? Bret intends to prove to Marcus that—expectations and experiences aside—he deserves his master’s collar.
95 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2013
21 people are currently reading
580 people want to read
About the author
Kim Dare
160 books1,518 followersKim is a thirty-three year old bisexual submissive from Wales (UK). First published in 2008, she has since released almost 100 BDSM erotic romance titles ranging from short stories to full length novels. Having worked with a host of fantastic e-publishers, she has just moved into self publishing.
While she has occasionally ventured towards other pairings, Kim's first love is still, and probably always will be, Male/Male stories. But, no matter what the pairing, from paranormal to contemporary, and from the sweet to the intense, everything she writes will always feature three things - Kink, Love and a Happy Ending.
While she has occasionally ventured towards other pairings, Kim's first love is still, and probably always will be, Male/Male stories. But, no matter what the pairing, from paranormal to contemporary, and from the sweet to the intense, everything she writes will always feature three things - Kink, Love and a Happy Ending.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
February 12, 2013
Fabulous Kinky Fuckery from one of my favourite Authors Kim Dare… I just love this series!
This story unfolds from both characters points of view and I had to chuckle at their inner monologue and how they deal with their internal battles whilst trying to behave appropriately in their chosen roles as Dom and Sub. Bret has got to be the most unlikely sub ever, he is a brat, cheeky and impulsive and has a big problem with his mouth engaging before his brain. He has no respect for the Etiquette of the D/s role within the club scene for him the only person his brain will submit to is Marcus and even then it is a struggle. Secretly Marcus finds this amusing, and of course pride comes into it too as he knows he is the only one able to control the brat and the fact that his fellow Dom’s are so frustrated with the boys behaviour makes him smile even more.
We meet Bret as an inexperienced wannabe sub, who visits The Spread Eagle for something he feels is missing in his life, something he has fantasised over but has little knowledge and no experience.So when he see’s Marcus, there can be no other, he is a sub with only one Master, any other Dom is insignificant… all he needs to do now, is convince Marcus.
Marcus is dark, brooding, all leather and confidence and.. Oh. So. Delicious! He plays his part to perfection and is only too aware that the boy has been stalking him for weeks but he still makes Bret work for his attention… yet inside we see that despite Bret’s bratty behaviour the boy intrigues him and he is inexplicably drawn to what another Dom would deem intolerable behaviour, Marcus sees it as a challenge, a personality quirk… and to see that angelic face and big blue eyes look at him for guidance so adoringly, is more than he could hope for in a sub… and he wants him!
I loved the relationship between these two characters and Bret’s internal struggle of wills as his submissive wants to please and behave in the manner expected, whilst his cheeky audacious nature wants to push the boundaries, inquisitive as to how Marcus will react, and the thought of punishment is something that excites him. Whilst Marcus gives him just enough wriggle room to still be able to express his playful and inquisitive nature as Bret is definitely not the normal sub who would remain stoically silent whist awaiting instruction. Yet together they find the perfect balance and Bret is ready to commit his heart and soul to the only man that could truly be his Master.
I love Kim Dare’s writing she writes short books but the are totally character driven and she has such a knack of bringing them to life and endearing them to our hearts, it may be BDSM, but we are left with a warm fuzzy feeling of perfection. I always imagine her having fun with her characters getting the balance between their personalities and relationships just right. Although in the case of Bret I imagine he was more than a handful, even for our talented writer.
Another great book form Kim Dare and I am looking forward to more from The Kinky Cupid Universe.
This ARC was Kindly provided by Riptide Publishing through Netgalley
For more reviews, please check out our blog...Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews you can now also find us on... Facebook
This story unfolds from both characters points of view and I had to chuckle at their inner monologue and how they deal with their internal battles whilst trying to behave appropriately in their chosen roles as Dom and Sub. Bret has got to be the most unlikely sub ever, he is a brat, cheeky and impulsive and has a big problem with his mouth engaging before his brain. He has no respect for the Etiquette of the D/s role within the club scene for him the only person his brain will submit to is Marcus and even then it is a struggle. Secretly Marcus finds this amusing, and of course pride comes into it too as he knows he is the only one able to control the brat and the fact that his fellow Dom’s are so frustrated with the boys behaviour makes him smile even more.
We meet Bret as an inexperienced wannabe sub, who visits The Spread Eagle for something he feels is missing in his life, something he has fantasised over but has little knowledge and no experience.So when he see’s Marcus, there can be no other, he is a sub with only one Master, any other Dom is insignificant… all he needs to do now, is convince Marcus.
Marcus is dark, brooding, all leather and confidence and.. Oh. So. Delicious! He plays his part to perfection and is only too aware that the boy has been stalking him for weeks but he still makes Bret work for his attention… yet inside we see that despite Bret’s bratty behaviour the boy intrigues him and he is inexplicably drawn to what another Dom would deem intolerable behaviour, Marcus sees it as a challenge, a personality quirk… and to see that angelic face and big blue eyes look at him for guidance so adoringly, is more than he could hope for in a sub… and he wants him!
I loved the relationship between these two characters and Bret’s internal struggle of wills as his submissive wants to please and behave in the manner expected, whilst his cheeky audacious nature wants to push the boundaries, inquisitive as to how Marcus will react, and the thought of punishment is something that excites him. Whilst Marcus gives him just enough wriggle room to still be able to express his playful and inquisitive nature as Bret is definitely not the normal sub who would remain stoically silent whist awaiting instruction. Yet together they find the perfect balance and Bret is ready to commit his heart and soul to the only man that could truly be his Master.
I love Kim Dare’s writing she writes short books but the are totally character driven and she has such a knack of bringing them to life and endearing them to our hearts, it may be BDSM, but we are left with a warm fuzzy feeling of perfection. I always imagine her having fun with her characters getting the balance between their personalities and relationships just right. Although in the case of Bret I imagine he was more than a handful, even for our talented writer.
Another great book form Kim Dare and I am looking forward to more from The Kinky Cupid Universe.
This ARC was Kindly provided by Riptide Publishing through Netgalley
For more reviews, please check out our blog...Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews you can now also find us on... Facebook
February 9, 2013
Squee! I am a complete fool for this series. I heart Bret. Dare has such a knack for super-loveydovey sugar-kink.
March 25, 2015
This novella was okay but it really didn't do it for me. I usually enjoy this author's fluffy BDSM stories and Bret was cute as a bratty sub. What didn't work for me was the insta-love. I didn't feel a connection between the MCs. There wasn't a lot of heat in their scenes, either.
October 24, 2014
October Author of the Month!!!
3.5 Hearts/Stars
I've been thinking quite a bit about why it is Kim Dare resonates with me so. Let's call a spade a spade. I normally like kink that's harder than what she delivers and erotica that's probably closer to porn than erotica. So why am I so horny for her?
What I've narrowed it down to is twofold. She could turn a legal brief into something akin to a cozy-blanket-with-hot-cocoa-by-a-fire-and-a-great-book kind of good which is a talent in and of itself. But what really impresses me is her ability to construct unique characters. I've not read her complete body of work, but I've never felt like I was reading different permutations of the same characters. That's unreal given how prolific she is and speaks to her creative talent.
Bret and Marcus were yet another example of two unique characters. 'Bret the Brat' really wasn't that bratty, much to my relief. Well, not the bratty that makes me cringe. He's chatty but obedient to Marcus. He's also a newbie to kink but decisive; he's no wallflower. He zeroes in on Marcus straight away and is persistent. I like that. I also liked his intelligence and logic, the way he considers situations and weighs his options rather than acting on impulse.
Marcus is some indeterminate number of years older than Bret and well acquainted with the scene. He's never really committed to a sub before and his feelings for Bret escalate quickly which shocks him. Kim always makes her doms conscientious and adherent to SSC. It's the level of strictness that varies and Marcus values obedience. Bret's motor-mouthiness he finds amusing and it is.
They meet at Spread Eagle (haha! love that name!) and begin working on trust. Things progress nicely mainly focusing on power dynamics. The swing/O-ring gag scene was my personal fave. I liked both of them and their romance, but I feel like it needed more time to percolate before they got to the HEA.
Once a Brat is a great start to a series which I look forward to completing once she's completed editing.
3.5 Hearts/Stars
I've been thinking quite a bit about why it is Kim Dare resonates with me so. Let's call a spade a spade. I normally like kink that's harder than what she delivers and erotica that's probably closer to porn than erotica. So why am I so horny for her?
What I've narrowed it down to is twofold. She could turn a legal brief into something akin to a cozy-blanket-with-hot-cocoa-by-a-fire-and-a-great-book kind of good which is a talent in and of itself. But what really impresses me is her ability to construct unique characters. I've not read her complete body of work, but I've never felt like I was reading different permutations of the same characters. That's unreal given how prolific she is and speaks to her creative talent.
Bret and Marcus were yet another example of two unique characters. 'Bret the Brat' really wasn't that bratty, much to my relief. Well, not the bratty that makes me cringe. He's chatty but obedient to Marcus. He's also a newbie to kink but decisive; he's no wallflower. He zeroes in on Marcus straight away and is persistent. I like that. I also liked his intelligence and logic, the way he considers situations and weighs his options rather than acting on impulse.
Marcus is some indeterminate number of years older than Bret and well acquainted with the scene. He's never really committed to a sub before and his feelings for Bret escalate quickly which shocks him. Kim always makes her doms conscientious and adherent to SSC. It's the level of strictness that varies and Marcus values obedience. Bret's motor-mouthiness he finds amusing and it is.
Maybe most of all, he longed for Marcus to tach him how to kneel, defenceless and vanquished at his master's feet, gratefully submitting to his dominant's better judgement.
They meet at Spread Eagle (haha! love that name!) and begin working on trust. Things progress nicely mainly focusing on power dynamics. The swing/O-ring gag scene was my personal fave. I liked both of them and their romance, but I feel like it needed more time to percolate before they got to the HEA.
Once a Brat is a great start to a series which I look forward to completing once she's completed editing.
February 13, 2013
Very cute story. Bret is a bit of a brat, but in such a way that you just want to pinch his cheeks. He is new to the scene, doesn't just bow down to other doms because that's what he should do. He only cares about Marcus becoming his dom, and Marcus is the only one he is worried about behaving somewhat properly in front of. At the same time, he tries really hard to come to his own realizations and understandings about his submission and what is important for him to achieve. He accomplishes this almost entirely on his own.
I liked seeing him struggle with the easy way of talking too much and the giving in and doing what would please Marcus. He sets his sights on Marcus right away and pretty much just hangs around observing and learning everything he can about him (ok, maybe he is stalking a teensy bit), just biding his time until Marcus will play with him.
Marcus, on the other hand, is a solid character, who wants to uphold his reputation as a good dom. He continually tries to be responsible with Bret, and I enjoyed watching Bret get to him a little at a time. Bret grows on him, just as he grew on my. I really wouldn't mind seeing these two again.
I liked seeing him struggle with the easy way of talking too much and the giving in and doing what would please Marcus. He sets his sights on Marcus right away and pretty much just hangs around observing and learning everything he can about him (ok, maybe he is stalking a teensy bit), just biding his time until Marcus will play with him.
Marcus, on the other hand, is a solid character, who wants to uphold his reputation as a good dom. He continually tries to be responsible with Bret, and I enjoyed watching Bret get to him a little at a time. Bret grows on him, just as he grew on my. I really wouldn't mind seeing these two again.
August 9, 2014
“When I told you that I believe it’s a dom’s place to invite a sub to play, and not a sub’s place to put himself forward by approaching a dom, that wasn’t an invitation for you to stalk me,” Marcus pointed out.
“Really, sir?” Bret opened his big blue eyes wide in apparent shock. “I thought maybe it was one of your kinks, sir."
Belly laugh. :)
June 8, 2013
4.5 STARS (rounded up)--What to expect when there's a young "leather virgin" who comes into a leather bar, sees the Dom of his dreams and stalks said Dom for weeks on end? Oh and I did mention the BDSM newbie is quite deliciously bratty to no end and just begs for spankings?
Expect kinky fun in Kim Dare's "Once a Brat".
Bret has set his sights on older, experienced Dom, Marcus. He's not-so-subtly stalked the man in the Spread Eagle leather bar. He's never been a submissive but he just knew that Marcus would be the man he would choose to submit to. And then I wonder, what is so great about Marcus?
Well with comments from Marcus like this:
"If you wanted to call the shots, you should have chosen to play with a sub rather than a Dom."
Trust me, I was well on my way in lust/like. He respected Bret, never let dominance overpower or quell that big-mouthed streak in Bret. Thou I must say sometimes, I wanted to cup my palm and smack Bret's arse a few times. Luckily, Marcus was able to do and even sign his signature on Bret's ass.
*grins*
When Marcus let Bret know his place...I was in raptures! The lessons he taught Bret were great. And their scenes? They were great especially the first time they played at Marcus' house.
And Bret and that mouth? There's certainly a method to his madness.
"I know I'm a motormouth. And I never have got the knack of bowing and scraping towards guys just because they think they're God's gift to the kinky world. Apparently, that makes me a brat."
Actually, Bret it makes you wonderful in my book. This is a submissive with a spine and an actual thought in his head. Bret never lost himself in gifting Marcus his submission. His opinions and essence that made Bret an interesting character never waned throughout. Some might say he's a brat but I just say it's Bret.
When Kim Dare hits a sweet spot, there's magic. And I found that in "Once a Brat". Sometimes it felt poetic. Other than the declarations of insta-love (which gave me minor niggles of doubt even after Bret's explanation), I couldn't find anything wrong with the story. I enjoyed Marcus. I lovedBrat Bret with an e! And a cute HEA! Viva la opinions!
ARC provided by Riptide Publishing for an honest review.
Expect kinky fun in Kim Dare's "Once a Brat".
Bret has set his sights on older, experienced Dom, Marcus. He's not-so-subtly stalked the man in the Spread Eagle leather bar. He's never been a submissive but he just knew that Marcus would be the man he would choose to submit to. And then I wonder, what is so great about Marcus?
Well with comments from Marcus like this:
"If you wanted to call the shots, you should have chosen to play with a sub rather than a Dom."
Trust me, I was well on my way in lust/like. He respected Bret, never let dominance overpower or quell that big-mouthed streak in Bret. Thou I must say sometimes, I wanted to cup my palm and smack Bret's arse a few times. Luckily, Marcus was able to do and even sign his signature on Bret's ass.
*grins*
When Marcus let Bret know his place...I was in raptures! The lessons he taught Bret were great. And their scenes? They were great especially the first time they played at Marcus' house.
And Bret and that mouth? There's certainly a method to his madness.
"I know I'm a motormouth. And I never have got the knack of bowing and scraping towards guys just because they think they're God's gift to the kinky world. Apparently, that makes me a brat."
Actually, Bret it makes you wonderful in my book. This is a submissive with a spine and an actual thought in his head. Bret never lost himself in gifting Marcus his submission. His opinions and essence that made Bret an interesting character never waned throughout. Some might say he's a brat but I just say it's Bret.
When Kim Dare hits a sweet spot, there's magic. And I found that in "Once a Brat". Sometimes it felt poetic. Other than the declarations of insta-love (which gave me minor niggles of doubt even after Bret's explanation), I couldn't find anything wrong with the story. I enjoyed Marcus. I loved
ARC provided by Riptide Publishing for an honest review.
February 8, 2013
Bret is an inexperienced sub who is hugely attracted to Marcus. He recently joined the club Marcus frequents and at just one look at him Bret decides that Marcus is the one he is submitting to. He doesn't want anyone else unless it is Marcus, so he goes to great lengths to capture his attention to see if he could get him to play.
Marcus is an experienced dom who is frustrated by Bret's attention, he is exasperated but he can't help but be curious about the boy too. After a couple of weeks of making his presence known to Marcus, Bret's efforts are well rewarded when Marcus suddenly decides that he wants to be the one to make Bret submit.
And what a scene THAT was!!! It was hot, enlightening, sexy and did I say HOT? Because it was.
Bret isn't sure if he really is a sub and it isn't until that first scene he has with Marcus that he realizes that he was made to submit - to Marcus and only him. He has no desire to follow typical protocols within the club unless it leads to Marcus' pleasure, for his main goal is to please Marcus with his submission. He controls himself when he wants to comment or ask questions hoping that the reward is as amazing as he thinks it will be. He doubts his actions, his feelings and his thoughts and only Marcus can free him of this. It is only while submitting to Marcus that Bret feels the rightness of being a sub. He learns to let go of his need to talk, to challenge and fill in the silence.
Marcus on the other hand learns to let go in a whole different way. He sees Bret as a challenge and although he feels Bret has a long way to go in learning how to be a submissive, he is amused and charmed by his ways. He is especially pleased to know that he will be Bret's first dom and takes great care in making their first scene memorable. Little by little he lets go of some of his control and starts feeling something for the bratty sub.
Once a Brat is exactly what I have come to expect from author Kim Dare. With a strong, dependable dom in Marcus and an adorable, bratty sub in Bret, Kim Dare brings to the page a sensual, funny story. Their interactions are entertaining as well as insightful. We get to learn bit and pieces of the characters, which really helped me cheer them on and endeared them to me all the more. I loved Bret's honesty and the self-doubts that surfaced because it added to his character and made him seem real. I admired Marcus control, but I have to say that it was a joy to read the moments when he let his control slide and offered Bret the same honesty he handed out.
This was a light, funny and sexy novella with interesting characters that won my heart and an engaging story that left me grinning well after I was finished.
Another winner for Kim Dare!
I received this title from Riptide Publishing though NetGalley in exchange of my honest opinion.
Marcus is an experienced dom who is frustrated by Bret's attention, he is exasperated but he can't help but be curious about the boy too. After a couple of weeks of making his presence known to Marcus, Bret's efforts are well rewarded when Marcus suddenly decides that he wants to be the one to make Bret submit.
And what a scene THAT was!!! It was hot, enlightening, sexy and did I say HOT? Because it was.
Bret isn't sure if he really is a sub and it isn't until that first scene he has with Marcus that he realizes that he was made to submit - to Marcus and only him. He has no desire to follow typical protocols within the club unless it leads to Marcus' pleasure, for his main goal is to please Marcus with his submission. He controls himself when he wants to comment or ask questions hoping that the reward is as amazing as he thinks it will be. He doubts his actions, his feelings and his thoughts and only Marcus can free him of this. It is only while submitting to Marcus that Bret feels the rightness of being a sub. He learns to let go of his need to talk, to challenge and fill in the silence.
Marcus on the other hand learns to let go in a whole different way. He sees Bret as a challenge and although he feels Bret has a long way to go in learning how to be a submissive, he is amused and charmed by his ways. He is especially pleased to know that he will be Bret's first dom and takes great care in making their first scene memorable. Little by little he lets go of some of his control and starts feeling something for the bratty sub.
Once a Brat is exactly what I have come to expect from author Kim Dare. With a strong, dependable dom in Marcus and an adorable, bratty sub in Bret, Kim Dare brings to the page a sensual, funny story. Their interactions are entertaining as well as insightful. We get to learn bit and pieces of the characters, which really helped me cheer them on and endeared them to me all the more. I loved Bret's honesty and the self-doubts that surfaced because it added to his character and made him seem real. I admired Marcus control, but I have to say that it was a joy to read the moments when he let his control slide and offered Bret the same honesty he handed out.
This was a light, funny and sexy novella with interesting characters that won my heart and an engaging story that left me grinning well after I was finished.
Another winner for Kim Dare!
I received this title from Riptide Publishing though NetGalley in exchange of my honest opinion.
February 13, 2013
I won't say this book was amusing but I found a lot of the situations Bret found himself in had me smiling at his reactions. I liked that Bret knew what he wanted and wasn't afraid to go for it. How could Marcus resist that?
The alternating POV's really made this for me. I loved reading especially Marcus' reaction to Bret and how much he enjoyed his attitude. This was a fun, hot story and a good one to read if you like brats because Bret is a stellar one.
The alternating POV's really made this for me. I loved reading especially Marcus' reaction to Bret and how much he enjoyed his attitude. This was a fun, hot story and a good one to read if you like brats because Bret is a stellar one.
February 15, 2013
This is probably my favourite series of Kim's and once again, she didn't let me down.
There were a few things that I liked. A safeword coming into play for starters. And sentences like these:
I think most people fall in love that way, but they put up all these barriers. They try to be sensible and hold themselves back. They won’t admit to themselves that they’re in love, let alone say it out loud to anyone else. Some people go on like that for years.”Bret is seen by others as such a brat, but far more than many of the others do, both Doms and subs, he sees what other people need.
There were a few things that I liked. A safeword coming into play for starters. And sentences like these:
Bret knew it was impossible for anyone else to actually equal his need. There wasn’t enough frustration on the planet to fill two people that close to bursting.The only thing I want now is a story where the sub walks away for whatever reason and that has to be worked through. :)
April 15, 2013
3.5 Stars
I really liked this quick, short read. Kim Dare made these characters real to me. Bret wasn't really that much of a brat in my opinion, just a young man taking his first steps into the BDSM lifestyle. Marcus was a patient, caring man, and that is who makes a good Dom.
As I am a greedy reader, I once again finish a short story like this thinking, I WANT MORE. I will just have to be satisfied that I can always read this one again. (But I still wish it had been a lot longer. Would have liked some more information about these two.)
I really liked this quick, short read. Kim Dare made these characters real to me. Bret wasn't really that much of a brat in my opinion, just a young man taking his first steps into the BDSM lifestyle. Marcus was a patient, caring man, and that is who makes a good Dom.
As I am a greedy reader, I once again finish a short story like this thinking, I WANT MORE. I will just have to be satisfied that I can always read this one again. (But I still wish it had been a lot longer. Would have liked some more information about these two.)
Read
January 24, 2023Very much a BDSM story on the gentle side. I really enjoyed the love-story element. Bret was my favourite, the submissive but so open and honest about what he wants and not afraid to go for it!
March 3, 2013
"Once a Brat" is a hot, short story about a little bratty submissive and a dom who falls head over heals for the cheeky and impulsive boy. It's entertaining and funny. Thank you, Ms Dare. :)
February 23, 2013
I didn't hate it but the whole situation didn't ring true to me.
March 2, 2013
Reviewed at http://scorchingbookreviews.blogspot....
I’ve been a fan of Kim Dare ever since Duck! This MM BDSM Romance is a prequel to the “I Blame Bret” series and it certainly does live up to the standard of the other two. If you like your MM with a BDSM flavour and a bit dose of the “awwww” factor, I highly recommend this author.
Bret has been a major player in both the romance stories of the previous two Doms. Because of this, I already had a picture of him in my head. He is a cheeky, bratty sub with eyes for one Dom; Marcus. In this story, I got a picture of how he successfully stalked and caught the big Dom and it fit perfectly with his role in the elimination of the single status in the other two Dom’s in the club. He made me laugh all the way through but his decision to submit to only one man really brought on the warm and fuzzy feelings for me. It made their bond even stronger in my eyes, their relationship even more precious.
In quite a few of Kim Dare’s books, I find the book is slightly more angled towards the perspective of the submissive. This was the case in this one, which is set more from Bret’s POV, but the story cannot begin without the permission of Marcus to allow the scenes to start. Once he realises that the little stalker has wormed his way inside, he has no choice but to give them a try. I really really enjoyed Marcus’s character. Not many Dom’s would have given such a bratty sub a shot, even laughing along with some of his antics, but he did and the scenes where he Topped him were made all the more hot. How can you resist the submission of a man that submits to no one but you? How do you not fall for that man? Seriously, this book is so cute!
The sex scenes are of course oh so amazing! I was a little perturbed by the lack of negotiation of limits but I assume that, as Bret has absolutely no experience, it was assumed that there would be no limits. There was a safe word as well as limits imposed about how often they could play to keep the over eager newbie safe. Marcus is a pretty dreamy Dom and the scenes mainly take place within the confines of a club....all of these were positive points! There is D/s and S/M but nothing so shocking that readers new to BDSM would go running. It is all very well done.
Another fabulous short story from Kim Dare which is also a fantastic edition to the series. Watching this very bratty sub take down the Dom of his dreams is a lovely way to spend a couple of hours and I highly recommend it. Oh, and it’s the start to the series.....no others need to be read first!
I’ve been a fan of Kim Dare ever since Duck! This MM BDSM Romance is a prequel to the “I Blame Bret” series and it certainly does live up to the standard of the other two. If you like your MM with a BDSM flavour and a bit dose of the “awwww” factor, I highly recommend this author.
Bret has been a major player in both the romance stories of the previous two Doms. Because of this, I already had a picture of him in my head. He is a cheeky, bratty sub with eyes for one Dom; Marcus. In this story, I got a picture of how he successfully stalked and caught the big Dom and it fit perfectly with his role in the elimination of the single status in the other two Dom’s in the club. He made me laugh all the way through but his decision to submit to only one man really brought on the warm and fuzzy feelings for me. It made their bond even stronger in my eyes, their relationship even more precious.
In quite a few of Kim Dare’s books, I find the book is slightly more angled towards the perspective of the submissive. This was the case in this one, which is set more from Bret’s POV, but the story cannot begin without the permission of Marcus to allow the scenes to start. Once he realises that the little stalker has wormed his way inside, he has no choice but to give them a try. I really really enjoyed Marcus’s character. Not many Dom’s would have given such a bratty sub a shot, even laughing along with some of his antics, but he did and the scenes where he Topped him were made all the more hot. How can you resist the submission of a man that submits to no one but you? How do you not fall for that man? Seriously, this book is so cute!
The sex scenes are of course oh so amazing! I was a little perturbed by the lack of negotiation of limits but I assume that, as Bret has absolutely no experience, it was assumed that there would be no limits. There was a safe word as well as limits imposed about how often they could play to keep the over eager newbie safe. Marcus is a pretty dreamy Dom and the scenes mainly take place within the confines of a club....all of these were positive points! There is D/s and S/M but nothing so shocking that readers new to BDSM would go running. It is all very well done.
Another fabulous short story from Kim Dare which is also a fantastic edition to the series. Watching this very bratty sub take down the Dom of his dreams is a lovely way to spend a couple of hours and I highly recommend it. Oh, and it’s the start to the series.....no others need to be read first!
February 21, 2013
FINALLY!!!! Can't wait to read...commencing in three, two...
UPDATE:
Kim Dare NEVER disappoints! I loved this prequel to "Call Me Sir, Boy" - especially because I'm a sucker for the 'how we met' stories. The balance here is perfect - I love how the Dom is intrigued by the brat and instead of going into "teaching lesson' mode, he gives his sub what he needed without changing him. Visceral and perfect.
UPDATE:
Kim Dare NEVER disappoints! I loved this prequel to "Call Me Sir, Boy" - especially because I'm a sucker for the 'how we met' stories. The balance here is perfect - I love how the Dom is intrigued by the brat and instead of going into "teaching lesson' mode, he gives his sub what he needed without changing him. Visceral and perfect.
February 9, 2015
Porn-tastic AND funny - a winning combination!
Love me a bratty sub, and Bret was a good'un.
Love me a bratty sub, and Bret was a good'un.
July 5, 2016
3.5 stars!
June 26, 2019
3.5 stars. Adorable kink! Pushed my buttons and tugged my heartstrings.
February 21, 2013
Review posted at The Armchair Reader.
3.5 stars
It's been a while since I've read anything by Ms. Dare, and though I usually know what to expect with her novellas, I was interested to see what she'd publish with Riptide. It was an enjoyable read, not much different than what I'm used to reading by her -- a short D/s novella, extra sexy with a solid and rather sweet HEA -- but I found the addition of unexpected humor made this a surprisingly fresh read.
Marcus is an experienced Dom who has a stalker. His Dom buddies tease him about his shadow every night they see each other at the Spread Eagle, a rather pretty but bratty and seemingly completely inexperienced submissive. And the boy is very persistent. It's obvious he's inexperienced, he doesn't seem to understand any of the typical rules of conduct of the club and the BDSM scene, which leads to his friends joking about how bratty he is. But despite Marcus' outward reactions to his friends and his stalwart disregard of the kid, he feels excited by his persistence. When he can no longer disregard the red-hot stare into his back, Marcus confronts him and leads him through a public spanking scene at the club. He can't seem to forget Bret, though, and he is saddened by his expectation that Bret will have had enough now that his curiosity is sated. Bret, however, made up his mind the moment he saw Marcus on his first exploration into the club, and one scene won't discourage him from making his true feelings known to the Dom -- that he's the man meant to collar him.
To be honest, I was nervous about reading this story because even with the added benefit of really great editing at Riptide and knowing this would be solidly written, I was nervous that it would be just another of the same, tired BDSM club story. I've read enough of those from Ms. Dare, and though they're enjoyable, I was hoping for something different. I think this story works well with that same pattern and typical plot, but I found the characters in this story rather refreshing. Marcus is a typical Dom, but the duality of the point of view in this novella allows us to see Marcus and his real reactions to Bret, which paints a picture past the respectful and trustworthy Dom and of a rather lonely man full of self-doubt. More emphasis is placed on Marcus' doubts while projecting a calm, steady and built-of-stone facade than on his sexual mastery (though we get that as well… in spades). Likewise, Bret is a rather unique submissive. Usually, we see one of two types of subs -- the shy, needy and inexperienced sub, or the sassy sub that has been around the block a few times and the Dom just loves because they pose more of a challenge. Sometimes those two archetypes are intertwined just a bit. What I and Marcus really liked about Bret, however, is his earnestness combined with is inexperience. He's green and not just fresh to the scene, but his sincerity and impassioned belief that Marcus is the only Dom for him means that he cares little for rules that don't directly come from Marcus himself. I really loved watching Marcus' Dom friends rendered speechless when he gave them cheek, because the whole point is that he doesn't even care that he's talking back to them, he doesn't even mean to, he just doesn't care. The two together made for a rather refreshing combination.
So I would definitely recommend this one to readers. It has a little bit for everyone who is a BDSM fan and likes a sweet story just in time for Valentine's Day. Not only is the plot comfortably familiar as the two get to know one another through scenes at the club and in private, but the characters come through strongly and in just enough of a fashion to give the reader something a little bit new. On the other hand, I would have felt a bit more assured by the Happily Ever After if we knew a little more about Marcus' history. He's at first sincerely afraid to collar a sub, or at least Bret specifically, and we never really learn why or if there was something in his past that made him commitment-shy. Still, the tone of the story is perfectly themed to Valentine's Day, on the sweet and sexy side without too much angsty interference in the feel-good mood.
3.5 stars
It's been a while since I've read anything by Ms. Dare, and though I usually know what to expect with her novellas, I was interested to see what she'd publish with Riptide. It was an enjoyable read, not much different than what I'm used to reading by her -- a short D/s novella, extra sexy with a solid and rather sweet HEA -- but I found the addition of unexpected humor made this a surprisingly fresh read.
Marcus is an experienced Dom who has a stalker. His Dom buddies tease him about his shadow every night they see each other at the Spread Eagle, a rather pretty but bratty and seemingly completely inexperienced submissive. And the boy is very persistent. It's obvious he's inexperienced, he doesn't seem to understand any of the typical rules of conduct of the club and the BDSM scene, which leads to his friends joking about how bratty he is. But despite Marcus' outward reactions to his friends and his stalwart disregard of the kid, he feels excited by his persistence. When he can no longer disregard the red-hot stare into his back, Marcus confronts him and leads him through a public spanking scene at the club. He can't seem to forget Bret, though, and he is saddened by his expectation that Bret will have had enough now that his curiosity is sated. Bret, however, made up his mind the moment he saw Marcus on his first exploration into the club, and one scene won't discourage him from making his true feelings known to the Dom -- that he's the man meant to collar him.
To be honest, I was nervous about reading this story because even with the added benefit of really great editing at Riptide and knowing this would be solidly written, I was nervous that it would be just another of the same, tired BDSM club story. I've read enough of those from Ms. Dare, and though they're enjoyable, I was hoping for something different. I think this story works well with that same pattern and typical plot, but I found the characters in this story rather refreshing. Marcus is a typical Dom, but the duality of the point of view in this novella allows us to see Marcus and his real reactions to Bret, which paints a picture past the respectful and trustworthy Dom and of a rather lonely man full of self-doubt. More emphasis is placed on Marcus' doubts while projecting a calm, steady and built-of-stone facade than on his sexual mastery (though we get that as well… in spades). Likewise, Bret is a rather unique submissive. Usually, we see one of two types of subs -- the shy, needy and inexperienced sub, or the sassy sub that has been around the block a few times and the Dom just loves because they pose more of a challenge. Sometimes those two archetypes are intertwined just a bit. What I and Marcus really liked about Bret, however, is his earnestness combined with is inexperience. He's green and not just fresh to the scene, but his sincerity and impassioned belief that Marcus is the only Dom for him means that he cares little for rules that don't directly come from Marcus himself. I really loved watching Marcus' Dom friends rendered speechless when he gave them cheek, because the whole point is that he doesn't even care that he's talking back to them, he doesn't even mean to, he just doesn't care. The two together made for a rather refreshing combination.
So I would definitely recommend this one to readers. It has a little bit for everyone who is a BDSM fan and likes a sweet story just in time for Valentine's Day. Not only is the plot comfortably familiar as the two get to know one another through scenes at the club and in private, but the characters come through strongly and in just enough of a fashion to give the reader something a little bit new. On the other hand, I would have felt a bit more assured by the Happily Ever After if we knew a little more about Marcus' history. He's at first sincerely afraid to collar a sub, or at least Bret specifically, and we never really learn why or if there was something in his past that made him commitment-shy. Still, the tone of the story is perfectly themed to Valentine's Day, on the sweet and sexy side without too much angsty interference in the feel-good mood.
March 20, 2013
ONCE A BRAT is a hot m/m romance by Kim Dare that features an unlikely sub and an exasperated Dom. At first glance it didn’t seem like these two would work, but Kim Dare worked her literary magic and made them just about perfect for one another.
Bret is new to the BDSM scene and he’s got his sights set high: on Marcus, überDom extraordinaire. Bret knows that he wants Marcus from the moment he laid eyes on him, so he’s decided that he will follow Marcus around the club until Marcus gives him the chance to prove he’s a worthy sub.
Marcus can’t get over this fact that this bratty sub is following him around the club, but eventually the man wears Marcus down and he agrees to do a scene with the sub. What Marcus doesn’t expect is how is how right it feels to have Bret under him. What Bret doesn’t expect is how right it feels to go against his bratty nature and truly submit to Marcus.
And what starts as something temporary blooms into something much more.
ONCE A BRAT was such a treat! I adored Bret. He was how I envision myself as a sub--with a lot of mouth but a whole lot of desire to submit despite his internal machinations. I think that he was exactly what Marcus needed. Marcus took himself way too seriously, so I loved that Bret challenged that.
The story was sexy and sweet, but way too short. I really didn’t want it to end. I wanted to see Marcus and Bret after the whole HEA in the story happened, so I’m hoping that we get to see them again at some point.
My only complaint is I wanted them to know each other more before the declarations of love were uttered. A couple scenes in a club do not see like enough for pledging yourself forever with someone. If we had more relationship development, I think this story would have been just about perfect!
Overall though, ONCE A BRAT was another great one from Kim Dare.
Bret is new to the BDSM scene and he’s got his sights set high: on Marcus, überDom extraordinaire. Bret knows that he wants Marcus from the moment he laid eyes on him, so he’s decided that he will follow Marcus around the club until Marcus gives him the chance to prove he’s a worthy sub.
Marcus can’t get over this fact that this bratty sub is following him around the club, but eventually the man wears Marcus down and he agrees to do a scene with the sub. What Marcus doesn’t expect is how is how right it feels to have Bret under him. What Bret doesn’t expect is how right it feels to go against his bratty nature and truly submit to Marcus.
And what starts as something temporary blooms into something much more.
ONCE A BRAT was such a treat! I adored Bret. He was how I envision myself as a sub--with a lot of mouth but a whole lot of desire to submit despite his internal machinations. I think that he was exactly what Marcus needed. Marcus took himself way too seriously, so I loved that Bret challenged that.
The story was sexy and sweet, but way too short. I really didn’t want it to end. I wanted to see Marcus and Bret after the whole HEA in the story happened, so I’m hoping that we get to see them again at some point.
My only complaint is I wanted them to know each other more before the declarations of love were uttered. A couple scenes in a club do not see like enough for pledging yourself forever with someone. If we had more relationship development, I think this story would have been just about perfect!
Overall though, ONCE A BRAT was another great one from Kim Dare.
February 11, 2013
My Review:
This was a highly fun and entertaining book. Bret, or Brat as Marcus likes to call him, is a twenty year old who desperately wants to become Marcus's submissive. Although he's highly turned on by both the lifestyle and the thought of a scene with Marcus, Bret truly has no idea what to do as a submissive. This is a guy who is very assured and self-aware. He knows what he wants and is never afraid of saying what he thinks. His mouth definitely gets him in trouble. There's only one guy that he wants to submit to...Marcus.
Marcus doesn't know what to do with Bret. The only thing he knows for sure is that he sure doesn't want to be as attracted to his stalker as he is. Bret is too young, too green, too much, but Marcus is fascinated by that mouth in this submissive's body. Everything about Bret says he isn't the submissive that he claims to be, but when he's under Marcus's hand, he becomes putty and it REALLY works for both of these men.
Hot, sexy, and sweet....this book has it all. There were so many moments that I found myself grinning while reading the book. Bret is just so fresh and honest with his need for Marcus, but he's so assured with what he wants. He has a hard time keeping his mouth shut even when he knows it's for his own good.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It only took me only about an hour and a half to read, but I loved every moment of that. I can't wait to read the others in this series, which I assume will be about Marcus's two fellow doms that we met in this book. After they gave Marcus such a hard time, it will be fun to watch them fall.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This was a highly fun and entertaining book. Bret, or Brat as Marcus likes to call him, is a twenty year old who desperately wants to become Marcus's submissive. Although he's highly turned on by both the lifestyle and the thought of a scene with Marcus, Bret truly has no idea what to do as a submissive. This is a guy who is very assured and self-aware. He knows what he wants and is never afraid of saying what he thinks. His mouth definitely gets him in trouble. There's only one guy that he wants to submit to...Marcus.
Marcus doesn't know what to do with Bret. The only thing he knows for sure is that he sure doesn't want to be as attracted to his stalker as he is. Bret is too young, too green, too much, but Marcus is fascinated by that mouth in this submissive's body. Everything about Bret says he isn't the submissive that he claims to be, but when he's under Marcus's hand, he becomes putty and it REALLY works for both of these men.
Hot, sexy, and sweet....this book has it all. There were so many moments that I found myself grinning while reading the book. Bret is just so fresh and honest with his need for Marcus, but he's so assured with what he wants. He has a hard time keeping his mouth shut even when he knows it's for his own good.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It only took me only about an hour and a half to read, but I loved every moment of that. I can't wait to read the others in this series, which I assume will be about Marcus's two fellow doms that we met in this book. After they gave Marcus such a hard time, it will be fun to watch them fall.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
May 12, 2013
Bratty submissives are not my favourite characters. Nor are they people I enjoy being around in real life. It is more the fact that I can't stand bratty people. There is a sudden increase in stories with bratty subs. Some of the authors push it because they claim those in the lifestyle are too uppity with their "one true way" of how a submissive should behave. Not sure what to expect and yet a fan of Ms. Dare, this story is not as I anticipated.
To be clear, Ms. Dare is not one of those authors being pushy about bratty subs and claiming they are more interesting and true to life than those "doormat" subs. Since I don't believe people are one or the other, it's refreshing to see Ms. Dare avoiding these kinds of boring stereotypes. She creates a fresh look at an atypical relationship just budding.
Bret Daniels is a boy who knows next to nothing about BDSM. What he does know is he likes men and he's fallen for dominant Marcus. Marcus is a sought after Dom who isn't appreciative of a pushy submissive. Bret isn't really bratty. He's actual ignorant of BDSM dynamics. Yet he's willing to learn and he's respectful of Marcus. This is a sweet story of a new to BDSM guy finding the right Dom for delicious submission. This m/m romance is recommended to kinky readers who enjoy reading new to BDSM tropes.
*provided by NetGalley
To be clear, Ms. Dare is not one of those authors being pushy about bratty subs and claiming they are more interesting and true to life than those "doormat" subs. Since I don't believe people are one or the other, it's refreshing to see Ms. Dare avoiding these kinds of boring stereotypes. She creates a fresh look at an atypical relationship just budding.
Bret Daniels is a boy who knows next to nothing about BDSM. What he does know is he likes men and he's fallen for dominant Marcus. Marcus is a sought after Dom who isn't appreciative of a pushy submissive. Bret isn't really bratty. He's actual ignorant of BDSM dynamics. Yet he's willing to learn and he's respectful of Marcus. This is a sweet story of a new to BDSM guy finding the right Dom for delicious submission. This m/m romance is recommended to kinky readers who enjoy reading new to BDSM tropes.
*provided by NetGalley
February 18, 2013
Another great Dare! I enjoyed Bret very much - his knowing what he wanted, not giving up, and his inner struggle to do the right thing. I also loved the fact he didn't feel any need to be like other subs - he was perfectly fine in his own place being his own man. I loved how he talked to the other dominants - a nice thing for those of us who get irritated by the fact fiction books often portray a sub as having to be a "sub" for any Dom in the immediate vicinity. In reality respect is always warranted, but not every Dom in your area automatically deserves for you to treat him/her like you are his/her sub. Anyway I tend to really like Dare's writing - and thought this was a pretty good length. Of course there is no scene negotiation, no discussion of STD's and being clean, etc --- but it is fiction. In real life I doubt an experienced Dom would just play with a sub without any discussion of limits and such. It gets a bye here because I really loved their chemistry together - and, again, it's fiction :)
February 21, 2013
ok...unabashedly...unashamedly...I love this author. She is like candy to me--or lollies as the Aussies would say--a sweet treat every time!
Bret (aka the brat) follows Marcus, an unattached Dom, day in, day out until Marcus finally decides to play. And oh my how they play. First off Bret was just a ball of fun and snark and sweet sexy submission and Marcus was all Dom--hard and stalwart and slowly but surely falling in love.
I loved the interplay between these characters. One of the many things Kim Dare does well is dialogue--she makes her characters smart--sassy--and never unbelievable. A dom is just that--a Dom--no namby-pamby "Sweetums" here. Marcus makes the decision to love--he doesn't "fall"--he decides and you get a little thrill when he does--because it is so strong--so sure and, thus, so believable.
Once a Brat takes us on a witty and intelligent journey of what makes a DOm/Sub relationship tick. It is packed full of fun, a little sass and lots of hot, hot moments.
A five star read for me!
Bret (aka the brat) follows Marcus, an unattached Dom, day in, day out until Marcus finally decides to play. And oh my how they play. First off Bret was just a ball of fun and snark and sweet sexy submission and Marcus was all Dom--hard and stalwart and slowly but surely falling in love.
I loved the interplay between these characters. One of the many things Kim Dare does well is dialogue--she makes her characters smart--sassy--and never unbelievable. A dom is just that--a Dom--no namby-pamby "Sweetums" here. Marcus makes the decision to love--he doesn't "fall"--he decides and you get a little thrill when he does--because it is so strong--so sure and, thus, so believable.
Once a Brat takes us on a witty and intelligent journey of what makes a DOm/Sub relationship tick. It is packed full of fun, a little sass and lots of hot, hot moments.
A five star read for me!
February 20, 2014
It was refreshing to read about a sub that felt no need to act submissive toward other Doms besides his own. However, I was a little annoyed by the instalove:
"I loved you the first moment I set eyes on you, sir."
Why? What drew Bret's attention to Marcus that first night?
Just one week after their first scene together, Bret thought:
Marcus was essential to his survival. His heart wouldn't be able to beat without him.
Again, what makes Marcus so special to Bret? No explanation is ever given for this immediate devotion. After finishing the book, I know nothing about Marcus other than that he's a Dom and he likes Bret's cheekiness.
It was a nice light read, but it definitely lacked depth.
"I loved you the first moment I set eyes on you, sir."
Why? What drew Bret's attention to Marcus that first night?
Just one week after their first scene together, Bret thought:
Marcus was essential to his survival. His heart wouldn't be able to beat without him.
Again, what makes Marcus so special to Bret? No explanation is ever given for this immediate devotion. After finishing the book, I know nothing about Marcus other than that he's a Dom and he likes Bret's cheekiness.
It was a nice light read, but it definitely lacked depth.
March 19, 2013
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Bret took one look at Marcus and knew he wanted Marcus to be his Dom. He had no experience as a sub but set out to make his dream come true regardless of his experience.
Marcus was being stalked. The other Doms at The Spread Eagle were making snide remarks to Marcus about the bratty sub so obviously stalking him. He finally had enough and confronted the boy.
This is a short read! Decent story and decent sex. Bret is not as bratty as he could be, IMHO, but still had a cute personality.
Bret took one look at Marcus and knew he wanted Marcus to be his Dom. He had no experience as a sub but set out to make his dream come true regardless of his experience.
Marcus was being stalked. The other Doms at The Spread Eagle were making snide remarks to Marcus about the bratty sub so obviously stalking him. He finally had enough and confronted the boy.
This is a short read! Decent story and decent sex. Bret is not as bratty as he could be, IMHO, but still had a cute personality.
August 3, 2016
Kim Dare can do no wrong really...she writes beautiful BDSM for the reader who is still wearing fetish training wheels...the characters are perfect (not a pimple; ingrown hair; or inadvertent fart to be seen)...the love affair is sweet...*sigh*...if you like your sugar-kink high octane, then this is the author for you...this book is a lovely fluffy little romp with an adorable sub & lovely toppy Dom.
February 10, 2013
A short and sweet romance with two very likeable MCs.
February 12, 2013
Very much enjoyed this book. Bret the Brat & Marcus are perfect for each other & I enjoyed their journey. My only complaint? I wish it had been longer. ;-p
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