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Collars and Cuffs #1
An Unlocked Heart
A Collars & Cuffs Story
Since the death of his submissive lover two years ago, Leo hasn’t been living—merely existing. He focuses on making Collars & Cuffs, a BDSM club in Manchester’s gay village, successful. That changes the night he and his business partner have their weekly meeting at Severinos. Leo can’t keep his eyes off the new server. The shy man seems determined to avoid Leo’s gaze, but that’s like a red rag to a bull. Leo loves a challenge.
Alex Daniels works at Severinos to scrape together the money to move out on his own. He struggles with coming out, but he’s drawn to Leo, the gorgeous guy with the icy-blue eyes who’s been eating in his area nearly every night.
Leo won’t let Alex’s hesitance get in the way. He even keeps him away from the club so as not to scare him. And as for telling Alex that Leo is a Dom? Not a good idea. One date becomes two, but date two leads to Leo’s bedroom… and Alex discovers things about himself he never realized—and never wanted anyone to see.
Since the death of his submissive lover two years ago, Leo hasn’t been living—merely existing. He focuses on making Collars & Cuffs, a BDSM club in Manchester’s gay village, successful. That changes the night he and his business partner have their weekly meeting at Severinos. Leo can’t keep his eyes off the new server. The shy man seems determined to avoid Leo’s gaze, but that’s like a red rag to a bull. Leo loves a challenge.
Alex Daniels works at Severinos to scrape together the money to move out on his own. He struggles with coming out, but he’s drawn to Leo, the gorgeous guy with the icy-blue eyes who’s been eating in his area nearly every night.
Leo won’t let Alex’s hesitance get in the way. He even keeps him away from the club so as not to scare him. And as for telling Alex that Leo is a Dom? Not a good idea. One date becomes two, but date two leads to Leo’s bedroom… and Alex discovers things about himself he never realized—and never wanted anyone to see.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2013
309 people are currently reading
2649 people want to read
About the author
K.C. Wells
172 books1,858 followersK.C. Wells lives on an island off the south coast of the UK, surrounded by natural beauty. She writes about men who love men, and can’t even contemplate a life that doesn’t include writing.
The rainbow rose tattoo on her back with the words 'Love is Love' and 'Love Wins' is her way of hoisting a flag. She plans to be writing about men in love - be it sweet and slow, hot or kinky - for a long while to come.
If you want to follow her exploits, you can sign up for her monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cNKHlT
You can stalk – er, find – her in the following places:
E-mail: k.c.wells@btinternet.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCWellsWorld
Twitter: @K_C_Wells
Website: https://www.kcwellswrites.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/k.c.wells
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-c-w...
And for those who like things a little hotter?
There's KC's alter ego, Tantalus, who writes gay erotica.
The rainbow rose tattoo on her back with the words 'Love is Love' and 'Love Wins' is her way of hoisting a flag. She plans to be writing about men in love - be it sweet and slow, hot or kinky - for a long while to come.
If you want to follow her exploits, you can sign up for her monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cNKHlT
You can stalk – er, find – her in the following places:
E-mail: k.c.wells@btinternet.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCWellsWorld
Twitter: @K_C_Wells
Website: https://www.kcwellswrites.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/k.c.wells
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-c-w...
And for those who like things a little hotter?
There's KC's alter ego, Tantalus, who writes gay erotica.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 509 reviews
July 24, 2013
I couldn't possibly give this book any less than 5 stars… the bloody thing had me up all night!
This book is compelling reading, I was totally engrossed and had me hooked from the start, the characterisation is excellent… Leo is perfect, not only as the big bad dom who certainly conjures all kinds of naughty thoughts in my head… but also as a man that is fallible and vulnerable. Alex… I just wanted to wrap in in my arms and hug him, every nuance and idiosyncrasy was clear to me and I wanted to hold his hand and reassure him, let him know that everything would be okay. It’s not just limited to the two MC’s, the secondary characters were also fully fleshed out and with it being the first in a series from the Collars and Cuffs world it excites me that I will also be seeing more from them. The pacing is perfect, the relationship is a journey and there were no quick fixes here it was a slow build which delivered the perfect ending, it wasn’t an easy road and the main protagonists made mistakes along the way and I was certainly shaking my fist at Leo a couple of times… but I LOVED IT!
K.C. Wells has delivered a BDSM novel that is believable… it felt real, and based in UK our two MC’s had lives I could relate to, it may be BDSM, but it’s not hard core, it’s a beautiful romance which is voyage of discovery for young Alex and a re awakening for Leo but the foundations of their relationship are built on getting to know one another outside of that world, where we see their hopes and dreams, fears and anxieties, watch their feelings develop and grow without the distractions of the lifestyle. Yes, it does become a fundamental part of the relationship but that is not what it is based on. What I liked about this book was that, for me it was a fresh approach, It was like looking at the BDSM world through new eyes, where Alex’s knowledge is limited to BDSM novels and the internet and he has no idea what it is that excites him, in fact the feelings it evokes scares the living daylights out of him so he buries it in his mind fearful of his own reactions. Leo’s watches Alex from afar, what he see’s is a boy so painfully shy he is unable to make eye contact, so nervous he becomes clumsy and so timid he finds it hard to speak, but it is Alex’s vulnerability that draws him in, he see’s something in the boy he wants to protect and nurture but his initial reaction is not all about seeing the submissive in him, instead he see’s Alex as someone he would like to date, get to know and for Leo this is a revelation in itself.
Leo Hart is a confident man with an air of authority that is commanding, he owns a BDSM club with his business partner Thomas, although since the death of Gabe, two years previous, who had been his sub for six years, his interest has been perfunctory at best, grieving, lost in the stifling oppressiveness of it, not even noticing men, never mind being interested in them. But at a business meeting with Thomas at a local restaurant he finds that the shy waiter who was unable to look him in the eye has sparked something within him he’d thought lost, never to be re kindled.
Alex Daniels is a student recently returned home from uni, working at Severino’s trying to earn enough money to move out of the house which to him has never been a home, where he is starved of the love and affection from the two people that should envelope him in it, plus he has a brother who in my mind is a little shit and takes sibling rivalry to the point of bullying. Alex is socially awkward and lacks self confidence, he is a loner, who hates confrontation…. his only two friends and confidants Emily and Dave are the only one's aware that he is gay and a virgin, so dating someone is not an experience he relishes, particularly when that man comes in the form of Mr Hart a customer whose mere presence throws him into a state of panic, makes him nervous, tongue tied and self conscious.
For all Leo’s confidence, it had been eight years since he had asked anyone on a date and the experience was nerve wracking, I liked that we saw this side to him, that it wasn't just Alex that was vulnerable. Alex… bless him, is like a deer in headlights unable to utter words never mind make a decision, his mind and body so at odds with each other, however Leo recognises this and taking control is second nature for him and Alex’s relief the decision was made for him, immediately put him at ease.
Leo in the beginning nurtures Alex, helps him explore his sexuality without rushing or forcing the issue, it was tender, sweet, yet still passionate and Alex felt protected and above all, he felt cherished. Watching Leo tentatively take care of Alex, willing to wait for him to learn to love him, living in hope, was both heart warming and heart breaking, as the alternative for him… life without Alex, well, the thought was unbearable. For all his commanding presence and self assured nature, with Alex he was a man unsure, lost to the overwhelming emotion he felt for this boy that had stolen his heart.
Leo gives Alex a confidence he has never had, helping him discover his true nature and understand what it was about him he had labelled “different” not wanting to even open the box he had it firmly locked in, not realising what it was and hadn’t dared to even take a peek. Being Leo’s submissive opened the floodgates to give him the freedom to lose his inhibitions, to be the person that had been hiding in that box and the frightened timid boy has at last found himself in the arms of his master.
We get the perspective from both characters and of course we can see what’s going on, both men are hopelessly in love with each other but scared to voice what is in their hearts… thankfully they have some great friends who can also see it and take it upon themselves on more than one occasion to knock their heads together! The bond of friendship in this book between Leo and Thomas is undeniable… K.C. Wells captured it perfectly, for Thomas, Leo’s well being always comes before the club, he is a true friend and I loved him… He is also the epitome of a Master Dom. Together, Alex and Leo were combustible, Alex may have been a virgin but he was a fast learner and their scenes together were damn HOT! …and there is a lot of squirmy, panty melting sex in this too, which I certainly wasn’t complain about.
Leo and Thomas
Watching Alex grow from the painfully shy boy lacking in confidence into a man comfortable in his own skin, sure of his sexuality, so full of joy at being his masters boy… and seeing Leo, lose the shackles of grief and find not only love again but the man that had been lost to it was just beautiful. K.C. Wells has opened up a new world and given me two characters I fell in love with, her writing cannot be described as anything other than excellent, I saw the whole story perfectly unfold in my minds eye and I can’t wait to get back there for a visit.
This book is compelling reading, I was totally engrossed and had me hooked from the start, the characterisation is excellent… Leo is perfect, not only as the big bad dom who certainly conjures all kinds of naughty thoughts in my head… but also as a man that is fallible and vulnerable. Alex… I just wanted to wrap in in my arms and hug him, every nuance and idiosyncrasy was clear to me and I wanted to hold his hand and reassure him, let him know that everything would be okay. It’s not just limited to the two MC’s, the secondary characters were also fully fleshed out and with it being the first in a series from the Collars and Cuffs world it excites me that I will also be seeing more from them. The pacing is perfect, the relationship is a journey and there were no quick fixes here it was a slow build which delivered the perfect ending, it wasn’t an easy road and the main protagonists made mistakes along the way and I was certainly shaking my fist at Leo a couple of times… but I LOVED IT!
K.C. Wells has delivered a BDSM novel that is believable… it felt real, and based in UK our two MC’s had lives I could relate to, it may be BDSM, but it’s not hard core, it’s a beautiful romance which is voyage of discovery for young Alex and a re awakening for Leo but the foundations of their relationship are built on getting to know one another outside of that world, where we see their hopes and dreams, fears and anxieties, watch their feelings develop and grow without the distractions of the lifestyle. Yes, it does become a fundamental part of the relationship but that is not what it is based on. What I liked about this book was that, for me it was a fresh approach, It was like looking at the BDSM world through new eyes, where Alex’s knowledge is limited to BDSM novels and the internet and he has no idea what it is that excites him, in fact the feelings it evokes scares the living daylights out of him so he buries it in his mind fearful of his own reactions. Leo’s watches Alex from afar, what he see’s is a boy so painfully shy he is unable to make eye contact, so nervous he becomes clumsy and so timid he finds it hard to speak, but it is Alex’s vulnerability that draws him in, he see’s something in the boy he wants to protect and nurture but his initial reaction is not all about seeing the submissive in him, instead he see’s Alex as someone he would like to date, get to know and for Leo this is a revelation in itself.
Leo Hart is a confident man with an air of authority that is commanding, he owns a BDSM club with his business partner Thomas, although since the death of Gabe, two years previous, who had been his sub for six years, his interest has been perfunctory at best, grieving, lost in the stifling oppressiveness of it, not even noticing men, never mind being interested in them. But at a business meeting with Thomas at a local restaurant he finds that the shy waiter who was unable to look him in the eye has sparked something within him he’d thought lost, never to be re kindled.
Alex Daniels is a student recently returned home from uni, working at Severino’s trying to earn enough money to move out of the house which to him has never been a home, where he is starved of the love and affection from the two people that should envelope him in it, plus he has a brother who in my mind is a little shit and takes sibling rivalry to the point of bullying. Alex is socially awkward and lacks self confidence, he is a loner, who hates confrontation…. his only two friends and confidants Emily and Dave are the only one's aware that he is gay and a virgin, so dating someone is not an experience he relishes, particularly when that man comes in the form of Mr Hart a customer whose mere presence throws him into a state of panic, makes him nervous, tongue tied and self conscious.
For all Leo’s confidence, it had been eight years since he had asked anyone on a date and the experience was nerve wracking, I liked that we saw this side to him, that it wasn't just Alex that was vulnerable. Alex… bless him, is like a deer in headlights unable to utter words never mind make a decision, his mind and body so at odds with each other, however Leo recognises this and taking control is second nature for him and Alex’s relief the decision was made for him, immediately put him at ease.
“Want to let me decide where we go?” Leo asked
Alex nodded fervently. God, yes.“Okay then, I’ll book us a table for your day off next week, that all right?”
More fervent nods. Alex might just as well have worn a sign saying “Make decisions for me and I’ll agree to anything you say”
Leo in the beginning nurtures Alex, helps him explore his sexuality without rushing or forcing the issue, it was tender, sweet, yet still passionate and Alex felt protected and above all, he felt cherished. Watching Leo tentatively take care of Alex, willing to wait for him to learn to love him, living in hope, was both heart warming and heart breaking, as the alternative for him… life without Alex, well, the thought was unbearable. For all his commanding presence and self assured nature, with Alex he was a man unsure, lost to the overwhelming emotion he felt for this boy that had stolen his heart.
Leo gives Alex a confidence he has never had, helping him discover his true nature and understand what it was about him he had labelled “different” not wanting to even open the box he had it firmly locked in, not realising what it was and hadn’t dared to even take a peek. Being Leo’s submissive opened the floodgates to give him the freedom to lose his inhibitions, to be the person that had been hiding in that box and the frightened timid boy has at last found himself in the arms of his master.
Alex opened his eyes and looked directly at Leo-and Leo caught his breath. Alex had never looked so beautiful and so at peace as he did in that one perfect moment, made even more perfect when his face broke into a smile. “Oh Sir.” His words were uttered almost as a prayer. “Thank you, Sir”
Leo gazed down at his boy. Falling in love? Who was he kidding? He’d already fallen. Hook, line and sinker.
We get the perspective from both characters and of course we can see what’s going on, both men are hopelessly in love with each other but scared to voice what is in their hearts… thankfully they have some great friends who can also see it and take it upon themselves on more than one occasion to knock their heads together! The bond of friendship in this book between Leo and Thomas is undeniable… K.C. Wells captured it perfectly, for Thomas, Leo’s well being always comes before the club, he is a true friend and I loved him… He is also the epitome of a Master Dom. Together, Alex and Leo were combustible, Alex may have been a virgin but he was a fast learner and their scenes together were damn HOT! …and there is a lot of squirmy, panty melting sex in this too, which I certainly wasn’t complain about.
Leo and Thomas
Watching Alex grow from the painfully shy boy lacking in confidence into a man comfortable in his own skin, sure of his sexuality, so full of joy at being his masters boy… and seeing Leo, lose the shackles of grief and find not only love again but the man that had been lost to it was just beautiful. K.C. Wells has opened up a new world and given me two characters I fell in love with, her writing cannot be described as anything other than excellent, I saw the whole story perfectly unfold in my minds eye and I can’t wait to get back there for a visit.
April 18, 2017
This was a great book. It started off on such a high note, I was on cloud nine, feeling like I had landed in romanceland, where emotions were evoked freely and expertly, and heartstrings were tugged oh-so gently.
The way Leo courted and coaxed Alex out of his shy, virgin shell was just swoon-worthy. At that time, I was religiously praying for a Leo for myself! Where can we find such adorable, loving boyfriends, my dear friends? We sure need a place where we can go and be mesmerised by their chivalrous gestures!
The way that Leo mentioned the runnings of his club was perfectly in line with how I envision BDSM clubs and the atmosphere inside them. Intimidating yet intriguing at the same time. It was wonderful to see how Alex grew confident in his self despite having a cracked-up (and that's putting it lightly!) family to live with. I can so understand how you want some privacy sometimes, even from those you love, and he needed privacy from people who didn't even love him! I wanted to strangle Rob and lock their mother in a dungeon, so she could probably be so shocked that she goes mad! ;)
The sex bits were great, amazingly written. The romance and plot developed at a yummy pace too! I was simply impressed with the diary writing way of hinting to the intimacy bits! Umm, clever! But then there came a time when I felt like there was a lot of extra information and distraction by adding more initmacy scenes when I just wanted to see how their relationship would progress further. The parts were great, mind you, but I wanted the nitty gritty parts, not the fun parts then. So I had to skim a bit by just reading the dialogues and not the background information. I think it only lasted for one or two scenes, not more than that, but it was enough to rob me of the high I was expecting to ride on until the end.
The ending was sweet, real sweet. And we got the premise of the next story, I think. So I am just going to buckle up and finish the journey through different sceneries! ;)
The way Leo courted and coaxed Alex out of his shy, virgin shell was just swoon-worthy. At that time, I was religiously praying for a Leo for myself! Where can we find such adorable, loving boyfriends, my dear friends? We sure need a place where we can go and be mesmerised by their chivalrous gestures!
The way that Leo mentioned the runnings of his club was perfectly in line with how I envision BDSM clubs and the atmosphere inside them. Intimidating yet intriguing at the same time. It was wonderful to see how Alex grew confident in his self despite having a cracked-up (and that's putting it lightly!) family to live with. I can so understand how you want some privacy sometimes, even from those you love, and he needed privacy from people who didn't even love him! I wanted to strangle Rob and lock their mother in a dungeon, so she could probably be so shocked that she goes mad! ;)
The sex bits were great, amazingly written. The romance and plot developed at a yummy pace too! I was simply impressed with the diary writing way of hinting to the intimacy bits! Umm, clever! But then there came a time when I felt like there was a lot of extra information and distraction by adding more initmacy scenes when I just wanted to see how their relationship would progress further. The parts were great, mind you, but I wanted the nitty gritty parts, not the fun parts then. So I had to skim a bit by just reading the dialogues and not the background information. I think it only lasted for one or two scenes, not more than that, but it was enough to rob me of the high I was expecting to ride on until the end.
The ending was sweet, real sweet. And we got the premise of the next story, I think. So I am just going to buckle up and finish the journey through different sceneries! ;)
November 24, 2017
5 Stars
Loved it! It was really good! It was what I needed! I don’t know why it took me too long to read it but here I am!
Leo and Alex saw each other for the first time in the restaurant where Alex works. Alex is twenty-two-year-old. He lives with his parents and his younger brother. He needs money so he can leave his parents’ house. Living there is like living in hell; the lack of privacy, his mother’s sarcasms for everything, his brother’s blackmailing… yep, HELL! Leo is a thirty-seven-year-old Dom. He and his friend has a BDSM club. Two years ago Leo lost his lover and after these years his loss is still fresh. He can’t/won’t be in a relationship. Actually he wasn't intrigued with anyone, until he saw Alex.
These two characters were so perfect with/to each other. I loved that how Alex could trust Leo and how he could rely on him. I loved that how Leo helped him in everything and he didn’t put him under pressure and let Alex choose for himself.
Everything was perfect, it was well-written and well-paced, I didn’t get bored even for a sec! I couldn’t put it down (just for sleeping)! The characters were likable, all of them! Told in multiple POV, 3rd person. It’s the first installment in the "Collars and Cuffs" series but it can be read as a standalone and I’m looking forward to reading the next book! Overall, loved it and hope you enjoy it as well!
Loved it! It was really good! It was what I needed! I don’t know why it took me too long to read it but here I am!
Leo and Alex saw each other for the first time in the restaurant where Alex works. Alex is twenty-two-year-old. He lives with his parents and his younger brother. He needs money so he can leave his parents’ house. Living there is like living in hell; the lack of privacy, his mother’s sarcasms for everything, his brother’s blackmailing… yep, HELL! Leo is a thirty-seven-year-old Dom. He and his friend has a BDSM club. Two years ago Leo lost his lover and after these years his loss is still fresh. He can’t/won’t be in a relationship. Actually he wasn't intrigued with anyone, until he saw Alex.
These two characters were so perfect with/to each other. I loved that how Alex could trust Leo and how he could rely on him. I loved that how Leo helped him in everything and he didn’t put him under pressure and let Alex choose for himself.
Everything was perfect, it was well-written and well-paced, I didn’t get bored even for a sec! I couldn’t put it down (just for sleeping)! The characters were likable, all of them! Told in multiple POV, 3rd person. It’s the first installment in the "Collars and Cuffs" series but it can be read as a standalone and I’m looking forward to reading the next book! Overall, loved it and hope you enjoy it as well!
July 14, 2013
While I did enjoy this book, I did not love it like I thought I might. This book currently has a cumulative review of 4.53 stars with 19 folks rating. That's pretty darned good and convinced me that this was going to be a hot and heavy BDSM romp with heat and heart, my favorite kind. It did have both, but not in quantities to satisfy me personally.
I'm gonna nit-pick now, so there will be spoilers.
If you enjoy very soft-core M/M BDSM and very soft-core healing/comfort, this book will be a good one for you. If you are more advanced and have already enjoyed books like Uneven, Power Exchange, Rough Canvas and anything by Claire Thompson, this will probably feel like having training wheels back on.
I'm gonna nit-pick now, so there will be spoilers.
If you enjoy very soft-core M/M BDSM and very soft-core healing/comfort, this book will be a good one for you. If you are more advanced and have already enjoyed books like Uneven, Power Exchange, Rough Canvas and anything by Claire Thompson, this will probably feel like having training wheels back on.
May 23, 2017
***2.5 Stars***
Had he been so long without desire he'd grown accustomed to its absence, hadn't even noticed as it slipped quietly back into his life?
So, this is my first K.C. Wells book and I'm not sure what to think? It started off strong...I mean look at that quote above....sets the tone, right? I was in for a sensual and emotional journey between two people. Leo, the grieving Dom ready to move on with life and Alex, the introverted and quiet sub ready to discover himself and his carnal desires.
Is that what I got? Kind of....but it was all buried beneath a story that gradually lost momentum and left me easily distracted. But my biggest grievance....the overuse of one word............BOY
You know how once you notice something, you start seeing it everywhere? Like when you're in the market for a new car and you've finally decided you're going to get a Honda Accord....then you start noticing the Accord everywhere on the road. Or you have a pregnancy scare...and all of a sudden you start noticing there's pregnant women everywhere!
Well that's EXACTLY how I felt here. By the time I got to the halfway point...
For those of you who think I'm overreacting, nitpicking or exaggerating...let me ask you...what's too much use of one word over the course of a book? 50? 100? 200? 300?
My answer..............356
Yes, you read that right. THAT is how many times the word "boy" was used over the course of this book. That's more than once per page! For those of you that are about to pick up this book and I've now shown you a Honda Accord with a pregnant woman in it...
Unfortunately, this is the biggest thing I'm taking away from this book. Will I continue with the series? Maybe. But I'll definitely be checking the "boy" count before I jump in.
April 4, 2018
So so cheesy.
This was so cheesy, it was absolutely ridiculous, but I've read it 3 times now and I still really like it.... There is something about the big Dom with a heart of gold and the shy submissive who needs someone to take care of him that gets my heart racing.
Leo has lost his lover and sub 2 years ago in a car accident. He has been closed off to everyone and hasn’t let anyone in since then. All of that changes when his eye catches Alex, a waiter in the restaurant he frequently visits. Leo is immediately attracted to Alex and his shy manners. He sees a natural submissive in him.
Alex is very impressed with Leo, but also a bit terrified. When Leo asks him out he hesitantly accepts. He really likes Leo but is also a bit overwhelmed by his presence. The two start dating, but Leo has yet to tell Alex about the BDSM club he owns… and that he is a Dom. But of course Alex finds out anyway. He feels very hurt that Leo has this other life he has not told Alex about. But after a few weeks Alex understands he overreacted and decides to ask Leo to tell him more about the BDSM world. Alex get more intrigued by the minute and starts to picture himself as a submissive hoping to please his master…
I loved the fact that Leo was a sensitive Dom. He took his time to build a relationship with Alex before they became Dom and sub. But even when they were Master and submissive, they were still Leo and Alex. I really felt the love and not just the domination.
But I do have to admit that every single thing with Alex's family was handled like he was being severely abused while that wasn't the case at all. Sure, his parents weren't all that loving, but it's not like Alex got hit every day. And everyone reacted like they did...
But hey, it satisfied my need for hurt/comfort, so I'll take it.
This was so cheesy, it was absolutely ridiculous, but I've read it 3 times now and I still really like it.... There is something about the big Dom with a heart of gold and the shy submissive who needs someone to take care of him that gets my heart racing.
Leo has lost his lover and sub 2 years ago in a car accident. He has been closed off to everyone and hasn’t let anyone in since then. All of that changes when his eye catches Alex, a waiter in the restaurant he frequently visits. Leo is immediately attracted to Alex and his shy manners. He sees a natural submissive in him.
Alex is very impressed with Leo, but also a bit terrified. When Leo asks him out he hesitantly accepts. He really likes Leo but is also a bit overwhelmed by his presence. The two start dating, but Leo has yet to tell Alex about the BDSM club he owns… and that he is a Dom. But of course Alex finds out anyway. He feels very hurt that Leo has this other life he has not told Alex about. But after a few weeks Alex understands he overreacted and decides to ask Leo to tell him more about the BDSM world. Alex get more intrigued by the minute and starts to picture himself as a submissive hoping to please his master…
I loved the fact that Leo was a sensitive Dom. He took his time to build a relationship with Alex before they became Dom and sub. But even when they were Master and submissive, they were still Leo and Alex. I really felt the love and not just the domination.
But I do have to admit that every single thing with Alex's family was handled like he was being severely abused while that wasn't the case at all. Sure, his parents weren't all that loving, but it's not like Alex got hit every day. And everyone reacted like they did...
But hey, it satisfied my need for hurt/comfort, so I'll take it.
March 27, 2016
DNF AT 45% I wanted to like this book I really did, I mean come on look at the beautiful cover! What a let down. I really HATE when I cant even finish a book. This book Started off fine. I downloaded the sample from Amazon and was happy enough with the writing, oh but how I was wrong. This book went from "eh It will probably get better" to "ugh I can't go on with this stupidity!" Here is a rundown of my major problems:
1. the exaggerated and overuse of the word "boy." Leo the dom could not talk to Alex without calling him boy IN EVERY SENTENCE. (on a side note My inner voice of the characters was so thrown off. These guys are Brits, that's cool I love Brits but no for some reason I kept hearing a US southern cowboy with all the "boy" thrown in.)
.
2. The use of the word "fucking" and all of its derivatives. I'll let Robin williams explain.
so yes I'm not complaining about the use of "very" but the idea is the same the author seems lazy or at a loss for vocabulary words by saying "Alex was so fucking tired or he really fucking loved something." A lot of authors do this and yes its a pet peeve of mine but this was just another nail in the cross for this book.
3. Alex, he is a pansy, a pushover and not very interesting along with having too many tstl moments. I'm fine with someone wanting to be a sub, but that does not automatically give you the personality of a battered child afraid of your own shadow. If you read hard core BDSM novels as a hobby you should not be so shocked or horrified at the idea of anal sex. Sorry Alex man up.
4. "the family"- at this point this is where I really thought the story was lacking in decent writing. The reader hears repeatedly that Alex's family is likely to be unsupportive or overbearing or down right horrible from Alex's view. But no there was not one single instance that I read that SHOWED how the family was bad. In fact short of the little stunt the brother pulled about getting a laptop they seemed downright normal. Was there a big falling out? nope in fact the family DID NOTHING. Maybe they are not supportive but hey life goes on, they don't hate Alex or even seem derogative just uninterested. Downright poor writing if I am supposed to dislike this family but see nothing wrong with them from what I have read.
5. The sex was boring, in fact I started to daydream during the (many)scenes. Now for a book I have marked on my kink shelf I'm surprised I'm saying it's boring, but alas it is.
6. Reference to Fifty Shades of Grey .
Ok so I will embarrassingly admit I have read the whole trilogy. It's not something I'm proud nor did I love any of them so when I say this don't think I'm standing up for 50. However when you diss a book in your own book please make sure that you do not have the same writing flaws glaring back at you.
So yeah those are my main gripes about this book I really wanted to find another M/M author that I could adore. This book did not do it for me. Would I try another K.C. Wells book? Maybe someday but not anytime soon.
Oh and by the way that beautiful cover with two gorgeous men, yeah the main guys in this book are described as nothing like these two. So I'm afraid I did chose a book by its cover and was sadly let down.
1. the exaggerated and overuse of the word "boy." Leo the dom could not talk to Alex without calling him boy IN EVERY SENTENCE. (on a side note My inner voice of the characters was so thrown off. These guys are Brits, that's cool I love Brits but no for some reason I kept hearing a US southern cowboy with all the "boy" thrown in.)
.
2. The use of the word "fucking" and all of its derivatives. I'll let Robin williams explain.
so yes I'm not complaining about the use of "very" but the idea is the same the author seems lazy or at a loss for vocabulary words by saying "Alex was so fucking tired or he really fucking loved something." A lot of authors do this and yes its a pet peeve of mine but this was just another nail in the cross for this book.
3. Alex, he is a pansy, a pushover and not very interesting along with having too many tstl moments. I'm fine with someone wanting to be a sub, but that does not automatically give you the personality of a battered child afraid of your own shadow. If you read hard core BDSM novels as a hobby you should not be so shocked or horrified at the idea of anal sex. Sorry Alex man up.
4. "the family"- at this point this is where I really thought the story was lacking in decent writing. The reader hears repeatedly that Alex's family is likely to be unsupportive or overbearing or down right horrible from Alex's view. But no there was not one single instance that I read that SHOWED how the family was bad. In fact short of the little stunt the brother pulled about getting a laptop they seemed downright normal. Was there a big falling out? nope in fact the family DID NOTHING. Maybe they are not supportive but hey life goes on, they don't hate Alex or even seem derogative just uninterested. Downright poor writing if I am supposed to dislike this family but see nothing wrong with them from what I have read.
5. The sex was boring, in fact I started to daydream during the (many)scenes. Now for a book I have marked on my kink shelf I'm surprised I'm saying it's boring, but alas it is.
6. Reference to Fifty Shades of Grey .
Ok so I will embarrassingly admit I have read the whole trilogy. It's not something I'm proud nor did I love any of them so when I say this don't think I'm standing up for 50. However when you diss a book in your own book please make sure that you do not have the same writing flaws glaring back at you.
So yeah those are my main gripes about this book I really wanted to find another M/M author that I could adore. This book did not do it for me. Would I try another K.C. Wells book? Maybe someday but not anytime soon.
Oh and by the way that beautiful cover with two gorgeous men, yeah the main guys in this book are described as nothing like these two. So I'm afraid I did chose a book by its cover and was sadly let down.
August 21, 2013
4 Huge Stars - a beautiful and tender story about growing, trust, submission and to find inner peace
In this novel there is a topic that is on the limits to what I can feel at ease and comfortable to read about. With several good reviews and praise words, I wanted to give it a try and challenge myself a bit to see that it can be a really nice love story nonetheless. And it was really worth it. These guys and their cautious steps towards love, strong ties and a common life together was absolutely delightful to follow.
Leo, one of a BDSM club owners, deeply mourns his former loved sub's death two years ago. Life feels drab and uninspiring until he meets a beautiful young waiter named Alex. Alex is shy, very inexperienced and can't understand what the older attractive man see in him. After a few dinners, some anxiety and drama begins the tale of grand love and future happiness.
Alex has an unsympathetic family and has not yet left the "closet", which soon leads to an agonized family drama. He has parents, I really have to question - is there such nuts? - and an intolerant awful younger brother. Their manner made me so angry and I can just be a little happy that one of them at least, showed improvement in the end. But fortunately, as somethines in a beautiful love story, is a very caring Leo, who is older strong and secure, there for Alex. ~ Thanks Leo, you got my love just then.
What perhaps made me melt for this story was that it was a personal development of the characters. Two people changed here together, they gave each other new opportunities, conditions and prospects for the future. Grief became strong joy and uncertainty became internal security. Nice and tender, and at its best it was to see the former so brittle and fragile Alex and the way he is really growing in Leo's warm embrace in the end.
And so it was, that thus the (for me) hard topic ~ It is about dominance and submission but it's also mixed with "vanilla-love" and a nice everyday life with tenderness, trust and genuine love. There is visits to the club and some kink playing. And even those parts were quite okay even for me because everything was told in a warm and tender way - Whew!
Overall; a sweet, cute and very romantic M/M story at approximately 300 book pages. I enjoyed - read and enjoy you too.
I LIKE - grand lovely love...
In this novel there is a topic that is on the limits to what I can feel at ease and comfortable to read about. With several good reviews and praise words, I wanted to give it a try and challenge myself a bit to see that it can be a really nice love story nonetheless. And it was really worth it. These guys and their cautious steps towards love, strong ties and a common life together was absolutely delightful to follow.
Leo, one of a BDSM club owners, deeply mourns his former loved sub's death two years ago. Life feels drab and uninspiring until he meets a beautiful young waiter named Alex. Alex is shy, very inexperienced and can't understand what the older attractive man see in him. After a few dinners, some anxiety and drama begins the tale of grand love and future happiness.
‘Leo groaned inti his mouth, braking the kiss. “Oh, fuck, boy.... God, you're enough to make me lose my mind.” Leo stared into Alex's eyes, pupils blown, panting. “This wasn't how I planned it.”
Alex stared up at Leo's eyes in breathless surprise. “Wait... what did you have planned? Leo stilled above him so completely that Alex shivered in anticipation. Goose bumps broke out on his arms. Something was coming....’
Alex has an unsympathetic family and has not yet left the "closet", which soon leads to an agonized family drama. He has parents, I really have to question - is there such nuts? - and an intolerant awful younger brother. Their manner made me so angry and I can just be a little happy that one of them at least, showed improvement in the end. But fortunately, as somethines in a beautiful love story, is a very caring Leo, who is older strong and secure, there for Alex. ~ Thanks Leo, you got my love just then.
What perhaps made me melt for this story was that it was a personal development of the characters. Two people changed here together, they gave each other new opportunities, conditions and prospects for the future. Grief became strong joy and uncertainty became internal security. Nice and tender, and at its best it was to see the former so brittle and fragile Alex and the way he is really growing in Leo's warm embrace in the end.
And so it was, that thus the (for me) hard topic ~ It is about dominance and submission but it's also mixed with "vanilla-love" and a nice everyday life with tenderness, trust and genuine love. There is visits to the club and some kink playing. And even those parts were quite okay even for me because everything was told in a warm and tender way - Whew!
Overall; a sweet, cute and very romantic M/M story at approximately 300 book pages. I enjoyed - read and enjoy you too.
I LIKE - grand lovely love...
April 15, 2017
Another winner and total keeper, I give this one 
I've been **happy dancing** around the room since reading this story. I fell in love with Leo and Alex myself, who were both leading unhappy and lonely lives when they first met, and to anyone who assumes that BDSM and romance can't and won't go together, I can only suggest that you read this book, it's
Right, that's me done, but for a much more in-depth review, I can only direct you to Tina's amazing review of this book...that's what drew me to the story in the first place.
I've been **happy dancing** around the room since reading this story. I fell in love with Leo and Alex myself, who were both leading unhappy and lonely lives when they first met, and to anyone who assumes that BDSM and romance can't and won't go together, I can only suggest that you read this book, it's
Right, that's me done, but for a much more in-depth review, I can only direct you to Tina's amazing review of this book...that's what drew me to the story in the first place.
December 26, 2016
Soooooo....
Seeing how I struggled and fought to get to 75% and considering I did skim through the rest 25% all the way to the end, I believe I am entitled to file this book under "Read" instead of "DNF".
I prefer not to say anything here in the review above the spoiler line except for I did not like it.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS BELOW!!!!
====================================
If Alex is nearly annoying in RL as he is in his diary, than I SO get why his family is fed up with him. 'Cause, like, seriously... Wow, who is this person in the diary trying not to faint during orgasms? LOL Okay, sounds like the inner Goddess is finally coming through - pun intended, lol - and all I see... is - OMFG - Ana(!) on each and every page the BOY pens down. Fuck, yeah! Or NOT!
*
PS If you think my review is weird, try reading Alex's diary. Good luck!
Seeing how I struggled and fought to get to 75% and considering I did skim through the rest 25% all the way to the end, I believe I am entitled to file this book under "Read" instead of "DNF".
I prefer not to say anything here in the review above the spoiler line except for I did not like it.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS BELOW!!!!
====================================
If Alex is nearly annoying in RL as he is in his diary, than I SO get why his family is fed up with him. 'Cause, like, seriously... Wow, who is this person in the diary trying not to faint during orgasms? LOL Okay, sounds like the inner Goddess is finally coming through - pun intended, lol - and all I see... is - OMFG - Ana(!) on each and every page the BOY pens down. Fuck, yeah! Or NOT!
*
PS If you think my review is weird, try reading Alex's diary. Good luck!
August 13, 2013
I am totally fan girling with K.C Wells, wow what an enjoyable read
This story is about love, loss and finding love again.
THE STORY
Leo hart has survived loss his last sub Gage died in a car accident and left him surviving but not living, he shares ownership of his BDSM club with his best friend Thomas, He's Master Leo there but he's never intimate with the subs.
Alex is quiet, timid, living day to day he's been to university and has come home to a cold house where is family lives but doesn't feel at home. Alex works at a restaurant and keeps saving to find a place of his own and one night Leo Hart walks in and is drawn to Alex and there story unfolds.
SIR LEO HART
After loosing his previous love and sub, Leo is thrown into his job he does 'scenes' but he's NEVER intimate with the subs he just can't get past Gage but when he comes across Alex he's drawn to him all of a sudden he has woke up and is feeling things he hasn't in two years. Leo is dominant but he's also loving and caring.
ALEX
Alex is still a virgin, he's nervous and quiet. He doesn't have the most supportive family and has a shit of a brother, he's got a pretty low self a-steam but when he comes to meet leo, Leo makes him nervous and all HOT and bothered.
DRUM ROLL
What I loved
Even though this is yes a BDSM story it's not heavy by any means and is fundamentally a love story, this is about two men who have not much love but find each other which in turn heals there hearts. Alex has never been intimate before he just knows he's gay, Leo is Alex's lover before he's his sub and what I liked is Leo takes his time with Alex there's no rushing, its slow building, he's nurturing, caring and enjoys his company, bit by bit Alex starts to come out of his shell and starts to speak up, they just enjoy each others company. But they definitely have chemistry and we get some Hot scenes so expect the heat to turn up a notch....
Alex is realizing he is drawn to the BDSM world it intrigues him and there's something in it that calms him, having a dom relaxes him enables him to breath better, having someone to make decisions for him settles him. He also still lives with his parents and brother and this likewise is Alex's story of coming out and into a new world and a world of strength and love.
They both fit perfectly. There's some drama but this mainly is an easy read, I struggled to put it down, I got drawn into there relationship right from go, so I'm giving this 5 star's for that reason. loved it.
This author has built some fabulous characters as well, Alex's best friend and pietro another sub, Miles, and Thomas where all there for them.
I will definitely be reading more books from this author and I'm looking forward to maybe a story for Thomas..
This story is about love, loss and finding love again.
THE STORY
Leo hart has survived loss his last sub Gage died in a car accident and left him surviving but not living, he shares ownership of his BDSM club with his best friend Thomas, He's Master Leo there but he's never intimate with the subs.
Alex is quiet, timid, living day to day he's been to university and has come home to a cold house where is family lives but doesn't feel at home. Alex works at a restaurant and keeps saving to find a place of his own and one night Leo Hart walks in and is drawn to Alex and there story unfolds.
SIR LEO HART
After loosing his previous love and sub, Leo is thrown into his job he does 'scenes' but he's NEVER intimate with the subs he just can't get past Gage but when he comes across Alex he's drawn to him all of a sudden he has woke up and is feeling things he hasn't in two years. Leo is dominant but he's also loving and caring.
ALEX
Alex is still a virgin, he's nervous and quiet. He doesn't have the most supportive family and has a shit of a brother, he's got a pretty low self a-steam but when he comes to meet leo, Leo makes him nervous and all HOT and bothered.
DRUM ROLL
What I loved
Even though this is yes a BDSM story it's not heavy by any means and is fundamentally a love story, this is about two men who have not much love but find each other which in turn heals there hearts. Alex has never been intimate before he just knows he's gay, Leo is Alex's lover before he's his sub and what I liked is Leo takes his time with Alex there's no rushing, its slow building, he's nurturing, caring and enjoys his company, bit by bit Alex starts to come out of his shell and starts to speak up, they just enjoy each others company. But they definitely have chemistry and we get some Hot scenes so expect the heat to turn up a notch....
Alex is realizing he is drawn to the BDSM world it intrigues him and there's something in it that calms him, having a dom relaxes him enables him to breath better, having someone to make decisions for him settles him. He also still lives with his parents and brother and this likewise is Alex's story of coming out and into a new world and a world of strength and love.
They both fit perfectly. There's some drama but this mainly is an easy read, I struggled to put it down, I got drawn into there relationship right from go, so I'm giving this 5 star's for that reason. loved it.
This author has built some fabulous characters as well, Alex's best friend and pietro another sub, Miles, and Thomas where all there for them.
I will definitely be reading more books from this author and I'm looking forward to maybe a story for Thomas..
January 8, 2014
I should probably confess that when I read a book, I focus on the characters and their relationship. Do I empathize with them? Do I like them? Can I identify with them? Do their actions make sense to me? Yada yada yada. That being said, I had a hard time with An Unlocked Heart.
Firstly, the two protagonists are complex enough without all the extraneous plot lines. The secondary and tertiary plot lines only served to detract from Alex and Leo being fully realized as characters. All the pertinent character development got glossed over rather than being expounded upon which had the secondary effect of leaving me wanting as a reader. Also, I had a hard time feeling their romance, their connection. They're hot for each other, no doubt about that but, I never understood the reason why exactly they're so hot for each other.
Secondly, Alex begins the story painfully shy so much so that he has difficulty making eye contact with people; yet, he works in a restaurant? How many waiters can hold down a job when their social anxiety keeps them sequestered in the kitchen? The other side to this coin is this is a BDSM story and Alex is the sub in this situation and a virgin. So, I can give latitude in the insecure department but I have issues with the stereotypical sub characteristics-not making eye contact, blushing, stuttering, automatically responding to the "Dom Voice". On top of that, he makes some pretty dramatic character changes over a 5-6 month period, some of which were believable, others not so much. I know, I know the transformative power of love and all that which brings me to Leo.
Leo has lost his sub through a drunk driver 2 years ago and he's been in mourning since. Completely understandable. He's brought out of his bereavement by his attraction to Alex. I understand people moving on and putting things aside and all that. What I had trouble with was the lack of it ever backing up on him during his time with Alex. 2 years of grief, mourning and loss just- POOF!- gone? On the BDSM side, I have issues with insecure Doms. I get that Doms are human and all that but if you've discussed limits, have an agreement in place, know your roles, then get on with it. Stop checking in every 2 seconds and as a Dom that's reportedly "well respected" he needs to work on expressing himself.
Thirdly, the big conflict between these two fell flat for me. I cannot fathom that NO ONE thought it was strange that Alex just walked into an exclusive BDSM club with no history of involvement in BDSM. Then to have the 37 yr old Dom in this relationship wallowing in scotch, growing a beard, waxing existential about the miserable state of his life and barking at everyone within a mile radius because “it’s over” didn’t sit well with me. I mean, I can see the 22 yr old wallowing in… well, not scotch perhaps Pabst Blue Ribbon or whatever the British hipster equivalent is and moping but Leo? He’s the Dom and, more than that, he’s the adult which should connote some aptitude in communication and confrontation. Wrong. Instead their friends have to intervene like they've reverted back to Jr. High.
All that being said, it is very sweet and very romantic if juvenile at times, but it’s not instalove so that’s a point in its favor. It covers all the basics of BDSM; however, there’s very little kink in this kink mostly blow jobs and sex with a healthy heaping of kissing. It held my attention fairly well and it’s well written though it did borrow heavily from Deviations (a personal favorite); I have to respect that. Still, can't work up to giving it more than 2.5 stars, possibly 3. Maybe.
Firstly, the two protagonists are complex enough without all the extraneous plot lines. The secondary and tertiary plot lines only served to detract from Alex and Leo being fully realized as characters. All the pertinent character development got glossed over rather than being expounded upon which had the secondary effect of leaving me wanting as a reader. Also, I had a hard time feeling their romance, their connection. They're hot for each other, no doubt about that but, I never understood the reason why exactly they're so hot for each other.
Secondly, Alex begins the story painfully shy so much so that he has difficulty making eye contact with people; yet, he works in a restaurant? How many waiters can hold down a job when their social anxiety keeps them sequestered in the kitchen? The other side to this coin is this is a BDSM story and Alex is the sub in this situation and a virgin. So, I can give latitude in the insecure department but I have issues with the stereotypical sub characteristics-not making eye contact, blushing, stuttering, automatically responding to the "Dom Voice". On top of that, he makes some pretty dramatic character changes over a 5-6 month period, some of which were believable, others not so much. I know, I know the transformative power of love and all that which brings me to Leo.
Leo has lost his sub through a drunk driver 2 years ago and he's been in mourning since. Completely understandable. He's brought out of his bereavement by his attraction to Alex. I understand people moving on and putting things aside and all that. What I had trouble with was the lack of it ever backing up on him during his time with Alex. 2 years of grief, mourning and loss just- POOF!- gone? On the BDSM side, I have issues with insecure Doms. I get that Doms are human and all that but if you've discussed limits, have an agreement in place, know your roles, then get on with it. Stop checking in every 2 seconds and as a Dom that's reportedly "well respected" he needs to work on expressing himself.
Thirdly, the big conflict between these two fell flat for me. I cannot fathom that NO ONE thought it was strange that Alex just walked into an exclusive BDSM club with no history of involvement in BDSM. Then to have the 37 yr old Dom in this relationship wallowing in scotch, growing a beard, waxing existential about the miserable state of his life and barking at everyone within a mile radius because “it’s over” didn’t sit well with me. I mean, I can see the 22 yr old wallowing in… well, not scotch perhaps Pabst Blue Ribbon or whatever the British hipster equivalent is and moping but Leo? He’s the Dom and, more than that, he’s the adult which should connote some aptitude in communication and confrontation. Wrong. Instead their friends have to intervene like they've reverted back to Jr. High.
All that being said, it is very sweet and very romantic if juvenile at times, but it’s not instalove so that’s a point in its favor. It covers all the basics of BDSM; however, there’s very little kink in this kink mostly blow jobs and sex with a healthy heaping of kissing. It held my attention fairly well and it’s well written though it did borrow heavily from Deviations (a personal favorite); I have to respect that. Still, can't work up to giving it more than 2.5 stars, possibly 3. Maybe.
July 29, 2013
This is the second book by K C Wells I've read and thoroughly enjoyed and its certainly not going to be the last. What a super story, I literally couldn't put it down. I can honestly say I fell hard for sexy Dom Leo and the totally endearing, sweet, skittish Alex and their love story. I know that this isn't hard core BDSM and that suits me fine. I'm only just really getting into reading the odd D/s book, because at one time I wouldn't even have dreamt of picking anything up with those ( for me ) four ominous Capitol letters in them, now I'm pushing my own boundaries a bit more and finding that actually * whispers* ...some aren't so bad at all. Yaaaay go me!!! Whoop!
I adored Making it Personal and saw the rave reviews for this from my friends so I plunged in and I'm so happy I did. Another thing is, its set in my neck of the woods , I live on the doorstep of Manchester so it felt sort of homey and just added that extra connection.
K C writes some smoking hot, hot, hot sex and love scenes and the sexual tension and chemistry is off the charts but they're also REALLY romantic as well and I suppose that's why this is an ideal book for D/s virgins like myself and BDSM dabblers who aren't really quite ready for the darker stories that can be set around it. So I have to say to anyone who isn't really sure about this gem of a book because of the subject matter, just give it a go , its an absolute pleasure to read and I'm pretty damn sure you'll end up all gooey and mushy at the end. I certainly did !
There's lots of things going on in it to satisfy the true romantics amongst us and there's just the right balance of angst and conflict. Some self doubt, crappy families, jealous subs and of course relationship wobbles that are a must in these sorts of stories. Then there's the supporting characters who are equally as entertaining and loveable, well not all.. There are a couple who you will definitely want to give a good slapping too. The clue lies in the words ' Crappy families! '
There are some fantastic reviews out there that will give you a little more in-depth probing - scuse the pun- into the story line so I'll leave that up to you to read those.. Moniques in particular http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/... is awesome. It was the one that pushed me that step forward to downloading this and I'm truly grateful that I did. Thank you M ( luffs ya x )
Another one to add to my keepers never to be deleted, I'm so looking forward now to the next Collars And Cuffs story, which I think is going to be Thomas' book. I likee very, very much. Nah! On second thoughts make that ...love this very, very much. ;)
I adored Making it Personal and saw the rave reviews for this from my friends so I plunged in and I'm so happy I did. Another thing is, its set in my neck of the woods , I live on the doorstep of Manchester so it felt sort of homey and just added that extra connection.
K C writes some smoking hot, hot, hot sex and love scenes and the sexual tension and chemistry is off the charts but they're also REALLY romantic as well and I suppose that's why this is an ideal book for D/s virgins like myself and BDSM dabblers who aren't really quite ready for the darker stories that can be set around it. So I have to say to anyone who isn't really sure about this gem of a book because of the subject matter, just give it a go , its an absolute pleasure to read and I'm pretty damn sure you'll end up all gooey and mushy at the end. I certainly did !
There's lots of things going on in it to satisfy the true romantics amongst us and there's just the right balance of angst and conflict. Some self doubt, crappy families, jealous subs and of course relationship wobbles that are a must in these sorts of stories. Then there's the supporting characters who are equally as entertaining and loveable, well not all.. There are a couple who you will definitely want to give a good slapping too. The clue lies in the words ' Crappy families! '
There are some fantastic reviews out there that will give you a little more in-depth probing - scuse the pun- into the story line so I'll leave that up to you to read those.. Moniques in particular http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/... is awesome. It was the one that pushed me that step forward to downloading this and I'm truly grateful that I did. Thank you M ( luffs ya x )
Another one to add to my keepers never to be deleted, I'm so looking forward now to the next Collars And Cuffs story, which I think is going to be Thomas' book. I likee very, very much. Nah! On second thoughts make that ...love this very, very much. ;)
February 6, 2025
Was this cheesy as hell and extremely camp? Absolutely, but to be fair it's not like its trying to be anything else
June 7, 2017
3.5 Stars
Not being a connoisseur of BDSM, I don't know if I can fairly or adequately review this. However I can say that I thoroughly enjoy the themes of domination and submission, mostly in the form of a character taking charge and administering tender, protective care to a possibly damaged love interest who's in dire need of such attention.
And that's precisely what we have between Leo and Alex, and the slow build with a touch of hurt/comfort perfectly appealed to me. Once Leo's lifestyle is brought to light, my enjoyment diminished a bit, but I have to give points that the smexy times that were, still remained so, despite veering into true roles of "master" and "sub".
I know I'll probably never fully embrace this genre, but it does have its attractive aspects. This had enough of that to keep me interested, ensuring I'll continue to explore the rest of the series.
Not being a connoisseur of BDSM, I don't know if I can fairly or adequately review this. However I can say that I thoroughly enjoy the themes of domination and submission, mostly in the form of a character taking charge and administering tender, protective care to a possibly damaged love interest who's in dire need of such attention.
And that's precisely what we have between Leo and Alex, and the slow build with a touch of hurt/comfort perfectly appealed to me. Once Leo's lifestyle is brought to light, my enjoyment diminished a bit, but I have to give points that the smexy times that were, still remained so, despite veering into true roles of "master" and "sub".
I know I'll probably never fully embrace this genre, but it does have its attractive aspects. This had enough of that to keep me interested, ensuring I'll continue to explore the rest of the series.
August 3, 2013
Since the death of his submissive lover two years ago, Leo hasn’t been living, merely existing. He focuses on making Collars & Cuffs, a BDSM club successful. That changes the night he meets Alex, a new young waiter. The shy man seems determined to avoid Leo’s gaze, but Leo loves a challenge...
We get to know both, Leo’s and Alex’s POVs and we experience their struggles as they explore their growing relationship. Alex has to figure out how to handle the way he responds to Leo's authority. He also has to deal with his family and his coming out to them.
Leo has to deal with how he feels about Alex and his natural submissiveness. But he is also careful to keep his heart locked away where no one can touch it.
The story is the first in the series Collars and Cuffs. It was fun and sexy and I am glad it is a series because I am looking forward to reading the next installment. I hope it's going to be Thomas' story, Leo's business partner, friend and mentor. :)
October 28, 2013
I really loved this book! It's sweet, lovely, romantic and so hot!!! Alex and Leo together are amazing... There were sex scenes that left me breathless... I wouldn't have mind to be in that room watching like everybody else!!! WOW!!!
March 21, 2016
No empieza mal, eso lo concedo, pero en algún momento empieza a torcerse de una manera...
January 2, 2016
Twenty-two year old Alex Daniels has moved back home after the completion of his University degree. He doesn't like living at home because he has no privacy, feels he has to hide he's gay from his parents and eighteen year old brother, and is working at a restaurant job in order to save as much money as possible to move out and get his own flat.
Thirty-seven Leo Hart is a Dom who co-owns a BDSM club and is drawn to the painfully shy man he sees at his favorite restaurant one night. His best friend, and partner, Thomas and restaurant owner Sev encourage his attraction as this is the first time he's been drawn to a man since Leo's former lover and sub of six years was killed by a drunk driver two years ago.
The two men seem made for each other: Leo is a Dom and Alex is naturally submissive who's very interested in getting to know Leo and about BDSM. The two, who have been leading unhappy and lonely lives, fall in love and heal each other.
Sounds great, right? It does, doesn't it? UNFORTUNATELY, I HATED MOST OF THIS STORY.
Now, before I begin ranting please understand this is only my opinion. I am definitely in the minority with this. There are many reviews from people who absolutely loved this novel, including this one here: An Unlocked Heart.
Now that being said let me tell you why I spent most of this story with resting Bitch Face. And kids? There is profanity and spoilers ahead - so if either bother you - turn back now.
Alex is TWENTY-TWO. He behaves more like he is fourteen. No, I'm not kidding. He is terrified of his parents finding out he's gay. I was terrified right along with him! I was thinking and worrying, "Is he going to be beaten (thrown out? killed?) when his parents find out? Why is he so very terrified?" And when you finally get to when he is forced to tell them?
“Leo, I’m scared.” Alex’s eyes were so large and round.
“I know.” Leo tried to keep his tone peaceful and soothing, but he knew inside Alex was a mass of nerves. “Do you think your parents are even the slightest bit homophobic? Is that it?” Alex shook his head. Well, that was one blessing, at any rate. “Then what’s your main concern?”
Alex glanced down at their intertwined hands. “I’m already a failure in their eyes,” he said, his voice trembling. “I don’t want to give them any more reasons to look down on me.”
HE'S A 22 YEAR OLD UNIVERSITY GRADUATE - HOW IS HE A FAILURE?!
Alex behaves as though he is in constant fear, living with his horribly abusive family who treats him terribly. Yet, he was allowed to move home after university, is allowed to come and go without a by-your-leave, has food on the table, and has his own room. He isn't beaten, not a hair on his head, he isn't constantly told he needs to pack his shit soon and leave, or that's he's unwanted, no...what happens is he is confronted all the time with a mother who doesn't really care about her children and a younger brother who's constantly coming into his room without permission.
I seriously hated Alex's shit of a brother and bitch of a mother. Those two. I swear every single scene they were in I wanted to strangle someone. Also, with all the complaining Alex does about no privacy, to the point where he password protects his computer and padlocks his dresser, can someone please explain to me why he never locks his fucking bedroom door? Did it not lock? If not and you go to the trouble of buying a padlock for your dresser, why not buy a lock for your goddamn door?
OH! So first his fuckhead of a brother tries to blackmail Alex into buying him a new computer for his silence when the brother finds out Alex is gay, forcing him to come out. Then later his bitch of a mother sets the police on Leo after his douche bag brother spills the beans about Alex being in a D/s relationship. HE'S A 22 YEAR OLD GROWN ASS MAN WHO NEVER STANDS UP FOR HIMSELF.
May I just say that for a BDSM novel it's actually on the sort of lite side of actual BDSM? It saddens me we lose most of the initial learning period between Alex and Leo becoming Sub and Dominant, only learning about snatches of it through the diary that Leo gives Alex to jot down his thoughts in during the initiation time.
The "scenes" that are there are pretty tame and I kept waiting for it to ratchet up. It didn't. Leo annoyed me because I didn't buy him as a Dom who'd been dominating others for nearly twenty years.
Also, the overuse of the word BOY. I have absolutely no problem with the use of "boy" in a D/s relationship, particularly in a scene, but it is greatly overused here. One reader actually counted and it was used 356 times. For reals. 356 times. I can't even.
Then there was Pietro who is supposed to be Alex's best friend. Yet every single confidence Alex tells him, Pietro literally runs and tells either Thomas, Leo, or Pietro's Dom, Miles. I mean, in one way it was good because Alex and Leo communicated about as well as two rocks, but on the other hand I was like, "Hey! Can't you keep your freaking mouth shut?"
Even I'll admit the next thing is stupid of me, but it annoyed me to no end that Alex's online name was MaybeGay. Every time I heard it I was all, "What's 'maybe' about it? You love cock. You are definitely gay. Change your handle for the love of Pete!"
My biggest rage though is brought about by THE MISCOMMUNICATION. Ohmigod. Would someone please save me from unnecessary miscommunication bullshit?? There was SO much made up stupid miscommunication between Alex and his family and also between Alex and Leo. I mean - isn't one of the cornerstones of any relationship, and especially a BDSM relationship, COMMUNICATION? I can't even express how stupid most of the miscommunication that happens was to me. It was so...I just can't.
Finally there is the narration. While Nick J Russo does a good job, I actually had no idea this was an English novel, set in an English city, with English characters until they were talking about "Manchester" one scene. Then I checked. Yep. It's English. You wouldn't be able to tell from the narration - which uses all American accents for all the characters.
In conclusion, I spent more than half of this story either screaming, "Are you fucking kidding me?!" or "THIS IS BULLSHIT!"
And yet, I enjoyed some of it. I enjoyed the relationship between Leo and Alex when they did communicate with one another. I enjoyed the friendships Alex and Leo had with their friends (mostly). I enjoyed the narration (for the most part). It's just all the rest that tanked this for me. So...there. That's it. That's all I've got.
However, I will say this again, I am very much in the minority with this. Almost EVERYONE else I know loved this story. LOVED IT.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
February 17, 2016
4 Stars
It’s time to rejoice, because in An Unlocked Heart I’ve finally found a BDSM themed book that I truly enjoyed! Who would have thought it possible? Me, loving a BDSM book!? Huh.
I think the fact that the actual BDSM action didn’t really begin until halfway through the book, allowing the couple in question, Alex and Leo, time to interact on-page, and to truly cement themselves as interesting, even lovable characters to the reader. So, by the time Alex discovers Leo’s world of BDSM, I was already invested and even intrigued as to how they would handle the slight transition from new lovers to a D/s relationship. I say “slight transition” because it was already clear how naturally submissive Alex was as a person, so his discovery of BDSM and his exploration of what that might mean for him personally, wasn’t that much of a stretch. It actually honestly felt like a natural progression for his character, and therefore, I was on board with it.
I’ve read in other reviews that this was on the “lighter” side of the BDSM book scale, and if this is so then I’m not sure I would be well equipped to handle a book on the “heavy” side of BDSM. In general, the whole thing just tends to confound me. I’ve read some scenes in my time which left me truly disturbed (not in this book, thank god), but I’ve also read some scenes which have been seriously hot (a few of them in this book – woot woot). I feel like the various facets of BDSM were well explained here, but only the tamest of acts were ever really performed within the scenes between Alex and Leo. I definitely have my own hard and soft limits when it comes to what I find acceptable to read about in the BDSM stories I’ve read, and luckily for me none of these limits were reached here. Although, there seem to be 6 more books in the series which could still shock me stupid – only time will tell.
Ultimately, I really enjoyed Alex and Leo’s story and I look forward to reading further within this series!
It’s time to rejoice, because in An Unlocked Heart I’ve finally found a BDSM themed book that I truly enjoyed! Who would have thought it possible? Me, loving a BDSM book!? Huh.
I think the fact that the actual BDSM action didn’t really begin until halfway through the book, allowing the couple in question, Alex and Leo, time to interact on-page, and to truly cement themselves as interesting, even lovable characters to the reader. So, by the time Alex discovers Leo’s world of BDSM, I was already invested and even intrigued as to how they would handle the slight transition from new lovers to a D/s relationship. I say “slight transition” because it was already clear how naturally submissive Alex was as a person, so his discovery of BDSM and his exploration of what that might mean for him personally, wasn’t that much of a stretch. It actually honestly felt like a natural progression for his character, and therefore, I was on board with it.
I’ve read in other reviews that this was on the “lighter” side of the BDSM book scale, and if this is so then I’m not sure I would be well equipped to handle a book on the “heavy” side of BDSM. In general, the whole thing just tends to confound me. I’ve read some scenes in my time which left me truly disturbed (not in this book, thank god), but I’ve also read some scenes which have been seriously hot (a few of them in this book – woot woot). I feel like the various facets of BDSM were well explained here, but only the tamest of acts were ever really performed within the scenes between Alex and Leo. I definitely have my own hard and soft limits when it comes to what I find acceptable to read about in the BDSM stories I’ve read, and luckily for me none of these limits were reached here. Although, there seem to be 6 more books in the series which could still shock me stupid – only time will tell.
Ultimately, I really enjoyed Alex and Leo’s story and I look forward to reading further within this series!
July 23, 2013
This was a beautiful story of two men fulfilling an emotional need in the other.
Alex is extraordinarily shy and his character is portrayed brilliantly. His mannerisms, actions and dialogue show him to be a naturally submissive person in all aspects of his life. His submissiveness does not feel forced, rather a part of his inner nature.
Leo is also portrayed very naturally. He is a dominant but also a man with a broken heart, grieving for lost love.
The way the two men come together is gentle. There are doubts on both sides but they are drawn together and compliment each other wonderfully. I enjoyed the building of the relationship and thought the use of Alex's diary entries was a unique and cute way of seeing the relationship evolve over time and move the story along.
There are dramas caused by an interfering jealous submissive, a bit of blackmail, unloving parents and a great cast of secondary characters. I am very much looking forward to book 2 in the series!
It is so very interesting to read a book that provides lists of other authors and books. It must be a real tribute to those authors to be called out by this author in her own book! My own To-Be-Read pile got a few additions! Although one certain book did get pulled up for its inaccurate portrayal of the D/s lifestyle but I won't go there.....
I now publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
Alex is extraordinarily shy and his character is portrayed brilliantly. His mannerisms, actions and dialogue show him to be a naturally submissive person in all aspects of his life. His submissiveness does not feel forced, rather a part of his inner nature.
Leo is also portrayed very naturally. He is a dominant but also a man with a broken heart, grieving for lost love.
The way the two men come together is gentle. There are doubts on both sides but they are drawn together and compliment each other wonderfully. I enjoyed the building of the relationship and thought the use of Alex's diary entries was a unique and cute way of seeing the relationship evolve over time and move the story along.
There are dramas caused by an interfering jealous submissive, a bit of blackmail, unloving parents and a great cast of secondary characters. I am very much looking forward to book 2 in the series!
It is so very interesting to read a book that provides lists of other authors and books. It must be a real tribute to those authors to be called out by this author in her own book! My own To-Be-Read pile got a few additions! Although one certain book did get pulled up for its inaccurate portrayal of the D/s lifestyle but I won't go there.....
I now publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
May 16, 2017
*** In Manchester, England, Leo, 37, businessman has dinner with his co-owner.
***Alex, 22 is a waiter and catches Leo's eye. Alex is intrigued, but super shy. Leo begins to court Alex, dinner dates to start, and that hot kissing rocks each man to his core.
Alex is a virgin, shy and sheltered, and Leo makes sure to go slow and build a deep relationship. We get to know more about them as we go, but Alex finds out about Leo's BDSM life, before Leo told him. The confusion is quickly handled and problems smothered. Alex is a natural submissive and loves Leo's dominance.
Leo is a magnificent Dom, supportive when Alex's family, especially his Mom and brother are cruel. Leo only falters when he hesitates to confess his love.
I loved the diary excerpts Alex wrote, because it moved the time they spent together along smoothly, and the highlights were cute and interesting. " Guess who got a spanking..."
This is BDSM (light), at it's best. True relationships, caring Doms, aftercare, sane and consensual play, and trust. These men are a pleasure to watch. They are deeply in love and special. They have sizzling and erotic sex, a smooth flowing tale and a marvelous HEA.
ENJOY !
========
***Alex, 22 is a waiter and catches Leo's eye. Alex is intrigued, but super shy. Leo begins to court Alex, dinner dates to start, and that hot kissing rocks each man to his core.
Alex is a virgin, shy and sheltered, and Leo makes sure to go slow and build a deep relationship. We get to know more about them as we go, but Alex finds out about Leo's BDSM life, before Leo told him. The confusion is quickly handled and problems smothered. Alex is a natural submissive and loves Leo's dominance.
Leo is a magnificent Dom, supportive when Alex's family, especially his Mom and brother are cruel. Leo only falters when he hesitates to confess his love.
I loved the diary excerpts Alex wrote, because it moved the time they spent together along smoothly, and the highlights were cute and interesting. " Guess who got a spanking..."
This is BDSM (light), at it's best. True relationships, caring Doms, aftercare, sane and consensual play, and trust. These men are a pleasure to watch. They are deeply in love and special. They have sizzling and erotic sex, a smooth flowing tale and a marvelous HEA.
ENJOY !
========
July 23, 2014
I really enjoyed the story of Leo and Alex. Leo is an experienced Dom who 2 years ago suffered the death of his longtime lover and sub. Since then, he has not had a relationship or participated much in the scene, although his is co-owner of a BDSM club. Alex is fresh out of university, back living with his family and working as a waiter while trying to save money for his own place. Although Alex is inexperienced he is drawn to the BDSM lifestyle. When Leo and Alex first see each other at the restaurant there is an instant attraction. Alex, however, has little self-confidence and can barely make eye contact with the man.
Alex and Leo begin a relationship, but Leo chooses to hide his involvement in the BDSM lifestyle, fearing it would send Alex running. Of course, it all has to come out at some time. Alex's family dynamics play another big part in the growing relationship between the two.
All in all this was a good story, seen through alternating viewpoints, of Alex's introduction to the BDSM lifestyle and Leo's need to take care of Alex. The fact that the couple starts off as lovers before bringing the BDSM element into the relationship was a big plus for me. The story is well written and contains a lot of sex scenes both vanilla and not. Good secondary characters including Leo's business partner Thomas, and couple Miles and Pietro set up a good cast for future stories.
July 11, 2013
I need to start this review with a confession. I loved Alex and Leo. I loved them so much, in fact, that Kc Wells and Parker Williams are cowriting a book together that links to this world.
Leo has been lost since his submissive lover's death two years ago. A chance meeting with Alex while the younger man worked at a restaurant, was the spark that Leo needed to reignite his passions. Leo is not a typical man, however, and even when their relationship begins to develop, he hides the fact he is a Dom and part owner at the popular Collars and Cuffs BDSM club.
The machinations of another brings everything out in the open, and now Alex has to deal with Leo's secrets, as well as his younger brother's blackmail and the disapproval of his parents.
Kc did an awesome job of bringing these men together and the sex is hot. I can't wait for book 2, Trusting Thomas.
Leo has been lost since his submissive lover's death two years ago. A chance meeting with Alex while the younger man worked at a restaurant, was the spark that Leo needed to reignite his passions. Leo is not a typical man, however, and even when their relationship begins to develop, he hides the fact he is a Dom and part owner at the popular Collars and Cuffs BDSM club.
The machinations of another brings everything out in the open, and now Alex has to deal with Leo's secrets, as well as his younger brother's blackmail and the disapproval of his parents.
Kc did an awesome job of bringing these men together and the sex is hot. I can't wait for book 2, Trusting Thomas.
August 10, 2014
*** 3.5 Stars ***
I loved the build up to the D/s aspects of the relationship between Alex and Leo and that when the "I love yous" were finally said, it felt like the characters had earned them. Still, this story is on the lighter side of the BDSM scale (some light spanking and exhibitionism is about as wild as these two get) and the angst/healing/comfort is relatively low in intensity. I'll definitely read Book 2 in the series, but I'm not exactly in a rush.
I loved the build up to the D/s aspects of the relationship between Alex and Leo and that when the "I love yous" were finally said, it felt like the characters had earned them. Still, this story is on the lighter side of the BDSM scale (some light spanking and exhibitionism is about as wild as these two get) and the angst/healing/comfort is relatively low in intensity. I'll definitely read Book 2 in the series, but I'm not exactly in a rush.
July 15, 2013
Review written for Hearts on Fire Reviews - 3.5 stars
This is a very sweet story for people just dipping their toes in the M/M BDSM pool. The main gist of this story is about BDSM relationships that are more than just dom/sub, though there are a few other things going on as well. Two years ago, Leo lost his previous sub, and lover of six years, to a drunk driver. He hasn’t been able to move on to, or been interested in, another relationship since that loss; that is, until he meets Alex.
Alex has some issues of his own which cause him to be shy and insecure. He is a closeted college graduate who lives with his uncaring family, and who also happens to be a virgin. He works as a waiter at the restaurant where he meets Leo, saving his money so he can move out on his own. Leo is a bit older than Alex, approximately a fifteen-year difference, but it doesn’t seem to be much of an issue, and they seem to hit it off.
Leo also happens to be part owner of a BDSM club. Seeing how skittish Alex is, he withholds that information and concentrates on getting to know Alex and growing their relationship before introducing any kinky ideas. This withholding of information causes them some problems, and friends have to step in. Shortly after, a jealous sub causes problems, and friends have to step in again. When Leo and Alex are on the same page, it was really sweet.
Unfortunately, this story was lacking some depth in certain areas for me. To start with, it was quite cliché and predictable. If you have any experience in this genre, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. Not much new and exciting here. Then, it explains a few times about the difficulty Leo had getting over Gabe’s death, but I never really felt what it was that was so special about them together, other than them being lovers in a BDSM relationship. Also, the heavy usage by Leo of the endearment term “boy” in regards to Alex was a little overdone for my liking, making it seem less sincere, almost like he was trying too hard to be the top dom. Finally, I was hoping for a little heavier, more in-depth BDSM scenes.
On the flip side, if you’re new to this kind of story, it is a perfect starter book, and I’d highly recommend it as something to get you interested in the genre. It takes its time to show some the aspects of strict dom/sub relationships versus lovers who practice BDSM. There isn’t anything too heavy, so it eases you into the lifestyle. And it was a really sweet story about a guy finding love again when he didn’t think it was possible and another young man finding it for the first time.
Now that the groundwork has been laid in this first book of the series, I’m hoping we will get to see something a little more substantial BDSM-wise, perhaps with Thomas, Leo’s business partner and other half owner of Collars & Cuffs, in the next segment.
August 16, 2013
This book is definitely BDSM done sane, safe and consensual. The relationship is between Alex, who begins the book as an introverted virgin with a very secret interest in BDSM, and Leo, a Dom who is part owner of a BDSM club, and who has been grieving for his partner and sub for two years after losing him to a drunk driver. Alex catches Leo's eye, and they begin with a simple date. But both men have other interests that are waiting for trust and communication to be explored.
The love story in this one is fast and sweet, with only minor sidetracking. In fact, if I had one thing that didn't work for me, it was how smoothly everything went. This was almost a primer for doing BDSM right, with Alex's inexperience providing a chance to do exposition on what BDSM should be. Leo was skilled and caring and never put a foot (well, another part of his anatomy) wrong. Alex quickly became trusting and enthusiastic. The biggest conflict in the book could have been solved (or at least made less acute) with a simple lock on a door.
I did enjoy watching these guys together and the sex was hot, but adding just a bit more difficulty within the relationship (in the form of real conflict and less-than-perfect matching, not miscommunication) would have made me love this just that little bit more. Having Alex have more questions, more doubts, or having Leo read him wrong and push too much at some point, would have made this feel more real. Still a sweet easy love story, and a good choice for someone new to reading BDSM, since the scenes are very light and focused mainly on D/s not S/M. The secondary characters were interesting, which is promising in something intended as a series book.
The love story in this one is fast and sweet, with only minor sidetracking. In fact, if I had one thing that didn't work for me, it was how smoothly everything went. This was almost a primer for doing BDSM right, with Alex's inexperience providing a chance to do exposition on what BDSM should be. Leo was skilled and caring and never put a foot (well, another part of his anatomy) wrong. Alex quickly became trusting and enthusiastic. The biggest conflict in the book could have been solved (or at least made less acute) with a simple lock on a door.
I did enjoy watching these guys together and the sex was hot, but adding just a bit more difficulty within the relationship (in the form of real conflict and less-than-perfect matching, not miscommunication) would have made me love this just that little bit more. Having Alex have more questions, more doubts, or having Leo read him wrong and push too much at some point, would have made this feel more real. Still a sweet easy love story, and a good choice for someone new to reading BDSM, since the scenes are very light and focused mainly on D/s not S/M. The secondary characters were interesting, which is promising in something intended as a series book.
April 27, 2017
Overall book rating: 5 Stars
Audio book: N/A
Book cover: 0 Stars
First I am a book cover girl and the covers of this series is the main reason I took so long to read this series. The covers does not look like the characters in the book at all!!!!!!! ( I know don't judge a book by it's cover - But I can't help it, it's just the way I am)
Ok now that I have vented about het cover lets get back to the contents of the book. I LOVE IT!!!! The story of Leo and Alex was just amazing. I went a bit bat crazy at times but luckily for me I have an amazing bestie who got me through the bad " I don't want to read this anymore - oh hell I want to know and that bloody son of a bitch of a brother and that... are going to do" After my rants I just went on and what a journey. This book made me feel!!!
Audio book: N/A
Book cover: 0 Stars
First I am a book cover girl and the covers of this series is the main reason I took so long to read this series. The covers does not look like the characters in the book at all!!!!!!! ( I know don't judge a book by it's cover - But I can't help it, it's just the way I am)
Ok now that I have vented about het cover lets get back to the contents of the book. I LOVE IT!!!! The story of Leo and Alex was just amazing. I went a bit bat crazy at times but luckily for me I have an amazing bestie who got me through the bad " I don't want to read this anymore - oh hell I want to know and that bloody son of a bitch of a brother and that... are going to do" After my rants I just went on and what a journey. This book made me feel!!!
September 2, 2013
Great BDSM story about a Dom who is trying to figure out if he wants to chance love again and a brand spanking new sub who is not sure he is yet. A good bit of kink, a little fumbling, lots of caring and depth = winner! I'm not sure I can add to what others have already written but I so enjoyed Leo and Alex. From the confident but sometimes unsure Leo (it's o.k. to be human and be a Dom!) to the enthusiastic Alex who wants so badly to break out of his shell - plus there is some BDSM 101 in here that feels authentic to the story. It was just enough to give it a bit more realism but then again it's set in a magical club. Enjoyed it!
October 29, 2013
2.5 Stars - I was in the mood for something exactly like this, a light, sweet, caring BDSM story with likeable MC's. It was working out well, goofy grins and all but then those grins turned to frowns and here I am at the end of the story still frowning.
A few minor niggles that added up. For example, Alex and his family situation was a big part of the story, one of the major conflicts and one I wasn't able to understand or relate to in any way whatsoever. What the hell was he bitching about? Part of a family's duty is to make you miserable. You're 22 yrs old, grow up, move out..stop whining! No biggie, though.
What really messed with my head was that Ms. Wells brought other books into her story. She did it enough to be distracting, not a quick shout out or a one-off. For example she mentioned Tobias and Noah from Submission several times. The Deviations series was one of my first M/M BDSM reads when I first discovered I preferred boys getting it on in my books. I've read the entire series a couple of times. It is close to my heart and and one of my favorites to this day.
I'm sure this wasn't the intention and it won't be an issue for most people who read this especially those who haven't read any of the other books mentioned but it drew me out of the story I was supposed to be reading and made me think about old faves and quite frankly I found An Unlocked Heart lacking in comparison.
I liked the writing overall and Thomas made me curious enough to want to read his story but for now I'm going to revisit and spend some time with Tobias and Noah. Can't get them out of my head...
A few minor niggles that added up. For example, Alex and his family situation was a big part of the story, one of the major conflicts and one I wasn't able to understand or relate to in any way whatsoever. What the hell was he bitching about? Part of a family's duty is to make you miserable. You're 22 yrs old, grow up, move out..stop whining! No biggie, though.
What really messed with my head was that Ms. Wells brought other books into her story. She did it enough to be distracting, not a quick shout out or a one-off. For example she mentioned Tobias and Noah from Submission several times. The Deviations series was one of my first M/M BDSM reads when I first discovered I preferred boys getting it on in my books. I've read the entire series a couple of times. It is close to my heart and and one of my favorites to this day.
I'm sure this wasn't the intention and it won't be an issue for most people who read this especially those who haven't read any of the other books mentioned but it drew me out of the story I was supposed to be reading and made me think about old faves and quite frankly I found An Unlocked Heart lacking in comparison.
I liked the writing overall and Thomas made me curious enough to want to read his story but for now I'm going to revisit and spend some time with Tobias and Noah. Can't get them out of my head...
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