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Trophy Doms New York #2
Tied Down
Ford is a player who loves a good game, and flirting with his best friend’s straight little brother is well within the rules of engagement. But finding out Boston isn’t so straight after all? There’s no playbook for that.
Ford – My best friends say I’m shameless, but I’m just out for a good time. Whether it’s one and done or a quick second round, I’m always ready for the next great adventure, as long as it doesn’t end in a relationship. So what if I’ve made a habit of sleeping with the people my friend Kale employs? It’s still all for the love of getting into bed, and if he thinks hiring his straight younger brother is going to make me change course, he’s in for a rude awakening.
But being propositioned by Boston Sheffield is a scenario I never imagined..
Boston – I know Ford doesn’t expect anything to come from our flirting. For him, it’s only done to irritate my brother, but for me…let’s just say his promises sound a little too good to ignore. Everyone thinks I’m straight, and for the longest time, so did I, but in Ford I see the perfect opportunity to explore another side of myself. Besides, who am I to say no when he smells so good and tastes even better?
For years I’ve been chasing after the feeling of home and, in Ford Carlisle, I’ve finally found it.
Even though it’s uncharted territory, Ford and I are secretly committed to each other. Sooner or later, we’ll need to take our relationship into the real world, but that also means coming clean with his friends and my brother. Ford has never wanted to be monogamous before, and Kale has his own ideas about what’s best for everyone. It’s up to me to make sure they know that Ford and I are not tied down—that together we’re finally free.
Ford – My best friends say I’m shameless, but I’m just out for a good time. Whether it’s one and done or a quick second round, I’m always ready for the next great adventure, as long as it doesn’t end in a relationship. So what if I’ve made a habit of sleeping with the people my friend Kale employs? It’s still all for the love of getting into bed, and if he thinks hiring his straight younger brother is going to make me change course, he’s in for a rude awakening.
But being propositioned by Boston Sheffield is a scenario I never imagined..
Boston – I know Ford doesn’t expect anything to come from our flirting. For him, it’s only done to irritate my brother, but for me…let’s just say his promises sound a little too good to ignore. Everyone thinks I’m straight, and for the longest time, so did I, but in Ford I see the perfect opportunity to explore another side of myself. Besides, who am I to say no when he smells so good and tastes even better?
For years I’ve been chasing after the feeling of home and, in Ford Carlisle, I’ve finally found it.
Even though it’s uncharted territory, Ford and I are secretly committed to each other. Sooner or later, we’ll need to take our relationship into the real world, but that also means coming clean with his friends and my brother. Ford has never wanted to be monogamous before, and Kale has his own ideas about what’s best for everyone. It’s up to me to make sure they know that Ford and I are not tied down—that together we’re finally free.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 8, 2024
89 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
About the author
Kate Hawthorne
93 books939 followersWith over two dozen published romances to her name, Kate Hawthorne has built a recognizable brand around telling emotional stories that pack a figurative (and sometimes literal) punch.
Existing on a steady diet of wine and coffee, Kate spends her days dreaming up angsty stories full of heat, kink, and heart. Kate now lives in Louisville, where she writes romance, reads romance, and hides from the humidity.
Visit her website at http://www.katehawthornebooks.com
Existing on a steady diet of wine and coffee, Kate spends her days dreaming up angsty stories full of heat, kink, and heart. Kate now lives in Louisville, where she writes romance, reads romance, and hides from the humidity.
Visit her website at http://www.katehawthornebooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 4, 2024
All these wonderful characters in this series and the ones that were in her other "Trophy Doms" series that was set in California, have different needs, different dreams, and some different kinks, but they have the same all-encompassing passion for their friendship and for each other.
Ford brings a nearly overpowering hunger to this relationship, a desire to own and to claim, intensified by the overwhelming feelings he's dreamed of having but never had the desire to actually experience before...until Boston...the by 4-minutes younger twin brother of one of his best friends, Kale. I had to chuckle when I read the two brother's names together and realized that Kate Hawthorne had named them after two types of lettuce:)
Ford and Boston both work for Kale...and Kale had long ago let all his "Dommy" friends know that his younger, "straight", brother was off limits to them. Another case of adults telling adults what they can and can't do that I just don't get. Anyway...neither Ford nor Boston could resist one another, and Boston found out that even though he had only dated women before...he now wanted to date Ford, and they would tell Kale when the "time was right". It took almost 300 pages before 'the time was right".
Ford and Boston were just so absolutely perfect for one another, although sometimes they came across as a bit needy, but it only added to, and never distracted, from the growing romance, or the story. They do such a delicious "dance" as they work and sort through all the new experiences that they discover they both have, and all of the wild, uncontrollable things that they both are feeling.... Boston for the first time and Ford...never before like this.
This is book #2 in the series...keep them coming Kate, and I'll keep buying and reading them! Please don't stop with just New York and California. There are 48 other states with thousands of cities that surely would have some sexy Doms and submissives.
Ford brings a nearly overpowering hunger to this relationship, a desire to own and to claim, intensified by the overwhelming feelings he's dreamed of having but never had the desire to actually experience before...until Boston...the by 4-minutes younger twin brother of one of his best friends, Kale. I had to chuckle when I read the two brother's names together and realized that Kate Hawthorne had named them after two types of lettuce:)
Ford and Boston both work for Kale...and Kale had long ago let all his "Dommy" friends know that his younger, "straight", brother was off limits to them. Another case of adults telling adults what they can and can't do that I just don't get. Anyway...neither Ford nor Boston could resist one another, and Boston found out that even though he had only dated women before...he now wanted to date Ford, and they would tell Kale when the "time was right". It took almost 300 pages before 'the time was right".
Ford and Boston were just so absolutely perfect for one another, although sometimes they came across as a bit needy, but it only added to, and never distracted, from the growing romance, or the story. They do such a delicious "dance" as they work and sort through all the new experiences that they discover they both have, and all of the wild, uncontrollable things that they both are feeling.... Boston for the first time and Ford...never before like this.
This is book #2 in the series...keep them coming Kate, and I'll keep buying and reading them! Please don't stop with just New York and California. There are 48 other states with thousands of cities that surely would have some sexy Doms and submissives.
May 24, 2024
RTC closer to release date
April 18, 2025
Ford and Boston
Best friend’s brother? Check! Off-limits? Check! Straight to ?? Yes, please. Boston can't resist his brother’s best friend, Ford, and their first foray adventures were hot, hot, hit! Too bad they have to keep it a secret.
KU, contemporary, book in a series, light BDSM, brother’s BF, D/s
Best friend’s brother? Check! Off-limits? Check! Straight to ?? Yes, please. Boston can't resist his brother’s best friend, Ford, and their first foray adventures were hot, hot, hit! Too bad they have to keep it a secret.
KU, contemporary, book in a series, light BDSM, brother’s BF, D/s
September 13, 2024
It wasn’t that bad but it doesn’t meet my taste in mm romance. There was things that I appreciated, but in the biggest part I had to skip some parts because it made me feel weird.
I still liked the meaning behind the book of searching for something ( a place, a person, a whatever you want) that make you feel at home
I still liked the meaning behind the book of searching for something ( a place, a person, a whatever you want) that make you feel at home
August 13, 2024
I did not realize what kind of story this was from the blurb, relationships like this are not particularly for me so I wasn’t a fan
The only reason I finished it was because it wasn’t badly written, I only dnf books where the writing is horrendous
The only reason I finished it was because it wasn’t badly written, I only dnf books where the writing is horrendous
October 18, 2024
Tied Down was just as much of an emotional rush as All In, with characters who have different needs, dreams, and kinks, but the same encompassing passion for each other that had me at times swooning while at others, daydreaming of some of their moments together.
Ford brings a nearly insatiable *hunger* to this relationship, a desire to feed, to own, to claim, intensified by the overwhelming feelings he's DREAMT of having but never experienced before to the point he hardly knows what to do with himself.
Meanwhile, Boston is perfectly happy being consumed, finding himself irreparably hooked into a relationship he's never experienced before but finding it's more than he's ever had before.
They're both so instantly needy for each other after knowing one another for years and never crossing beyond the bounds of harmless flirting that they don't want to take their hands off each other, yet are terrified of pushing one another to far too fast and chance losing each other. It's such a needy, delicious dance as they work through new experiences and all of the wild, nearly uncontrollable things they're feeling, and, gosh, was it freaking GOOD.
The writing in this is so good too, so easy to read, I found chapters falling away at times while the clock ticked by, and I didn't even notice. My only complaint is that things, thoughts, sentiments, are sometimes unnecessarily repeated several times throughout. But on the whole, this was effortless, absorbing writing that carried me away and delivered beautiful characters and a gorgeously charged romance.
Long story short, I love everything about these characters and the conclusions they found. I'm so excited to dive into the next book, Cried Out, featuring the next of this merry band of kinky gentlemen. Meanwhile, some of the scenes in this book will live with me for a WHILE (forever?), and I can't recommend it enough to anyone who likes a bit of a secret relationship with a gay-for-you storyline and an adorable pair of can't-keep-my-hands-off-of-you duo of main characters.
Ford brings a nearly insatiable *hunger* to this relationship, a desire to feed, to own, to claim, intensified by the overwhelming feelings he's DREAMT of having but never experienced before to the point he hardly knows what to do with himself.
Meanwhile, Boston is perfectly happy being consumed, finding himself irreparably hooked into a relationship he's never experienced before but finding it's more than he's ever had before.
They're both so instantly needy for each other after knowing one another for years and never crossing beyond the bounds of harmless flirting that they don't want to take their hands off each other, yet are terrified of pushing one another to far too fast and chance losing each other. It's such a needy, delicious dance as they work through new experiences and all of the wild, nearly uncontrollable things they're feeling, and, gosh, was it freaking GOOD.
The writing in this is so good too, so easy to read, I found chapters falling away at times while the clock ticked by, and I didn't even notice. My only complaint is that things, thoughts, sentiments, are sometimes unnecessarily repeated several times throughout. But on the whole, this was effortless, absorbing writing that carried me away and delivered beautiful characters and a gorgeously charged romance.
Long story short, I love everything about these characters and the conclusions they found. I'm so excited to dive into the next book, Cried Out, featuring the next of this merry band of kinky gentlemen. Meanwhile, some of the scenes in this book will live with me for a WHILE (forever?), and I can't recommend it enough to anyone who likes a bit of a secret relationship with a gay-for-you storyline and an adorable pair of can't-keep-my-hands-off-of-you duo of main characters.
May 17, 2024
Though Hawthorne hits some of the more generic queer romance tropes in this book, such as best friend's brother and bi-awakening, she always put her unique spin on them. Ford won me over by being unapologetic about who he is (and not liking whiskey) while still trying to do the right thing. Boston wins overall, however, for being honest about what he wants in the first place. Their ending up together is a sweet, sexy ride from the first delightful moment that Boston flirts back, though this book is a much more subtle depiction of D/s than others set in this world. The power exchange is based on the heroes' personalities and character development rather than the trappings of kink, with the dating, quiet moments, and actual sex as swoony as it is spicy. Hawthorne also tweaks the angst expected from the previously mentioned tropes by tying it more into the individual characters (and I adored the arc represented by Boston's twin). The most heartwrenching elements of this book are Ford's acknowledgment of how much he wants with Boston and his willingness to accept the pain of their inevitable end. Luckily, Boston is full of surprises from page 1, willing to forge his own path toward happiness, and his influence makes the eventual resolution feel like the best sort of warm hug.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
September 14, 2025
WELL…
This book had so much potential yet the execution was extremely disappointing.
Everything moved too fast for my liking, and i just can’t believe they truly love each other, I’m sorry.
Ford shamelessly flirts with Boston, his best friend’s twin, tries to get into his pants. And the minute Boston shows interest, he pulls back..? 😭 like uhm…i thought, we thought? like suddenly you’re acting rational? his playboy reputation did not precede him. He changed in the first few chapters like no character development..
Anyway, Boston proposed a purely physical relationship and Ford, the infamous playboy who doesn’t do repeats, who doesn’t do relationships, suddenly wants a romantic relationship with Boston. Instantly…it kinda gave me a whiplash honestly.
The truth is this storyline could’ve worked out perfectly, it just was executed poorly. They fell in love so fast i was genuinely confused for a second like did i skip some chapters? It didn’t feel genuine, did not feel real.
Ford becoming a lover boy out of nowhere was confusing as hell like i’m still confused about that. Kale was also well…i was just very uninterested. I feel like this book had the right premise, it just needed a good execution to work.
This book had so much potential yet the execution was extremely disappointing.
Everything moved too fast for my liking, and i just can’t believe they truly love each other, I’m sorry.
Ford shamelessly flirts with Boston, his best friend’s twin, tries to get into his pants. And the minute Boston shows interest, he pulls back..? 😭 like uhm…i thought, we thought? like suddenly you’re acting rational? his playboy reputation did not precede him. He changed in the first few chapters like no character development..
Anyway, Boston proposed a purely physical relationship and Ford, the infamous playboy who doesn’t do repeats, who doesn’t do relationships, suddenly wants a romantic relationship with Boston. Instantly…it kinda gave me a whiplash honestly.
The truth is this storyline could’ve worked out perfectly, it just was executed poorly. They fell in love so fast i was genuinely confused for a second like did i skip some chapters? It didn’t feel genuine, did not feel real.
Ford becoming a lover boy out of nowhere was confusing as hell like i’m still confused about that. Kale was also well…i was just very uninterested. I feel like this book had the right premise, it just needed a good execution to work.
August 17, 2024
The world of the Trophy Doms continues. Ford has always had the reputation of being a player who is interested in nothing more than one-and-done. His best friend, Kale, has always warned him that one person is off-limits - his brother, Boston. Since Boston is straight, Ford saw no harm in a little innocent flirting.
Boston may have considered himself straight, but something really sparked with Ford and awakened him in ways he had never imagined. At Boston's request, Ford agreed to teach him the mechanics of how to be with a man. Neither expected such powerful feelings to emerge. Both men are concerned at Kale's reactions, so they agree to keep their relationship quiet for a while.
This book has a superb range of emotions with a lot of divergence from the expected trope norms. It keeps the story fresh and interesting. The camaraderie of the Trophy Doms friends group provides warmth and also drama. I've read all the Trophy Doms books and can't wait for the next one. Kate Hawthorne's writing just keeps getting better and better!
Boston may have considered himself straight, but something really sparked with Ford and awakened him in ways he had never imagined. At Boston's request, Ford agreed to teach him the mechanics of how to be with a man. Neither expected such powerful feelings to emerge. Both men are concerned at Kale's reactions, so they agree to keep their relationship quiet for a while.
This book has a superb range of emotions with a lot of divergence from the expected trope norms. It keeps the story fresh and interesting. The camaraderie of the Trophy Doms friends group provides warmth and also drama. I've read all the Trophy Doms books and can't wait for the next one. Kate Hawthorne's writing just keeps getting better and better!
May 4, 2025
This book had a more emotional connection than the first. Ford and Boston had a more even dynamic in and out of the bedroom. The talked to each other , a rarity in some romance novels.
The relationship started as “just sex” with Boston propositioning Ford. Ford was the ultimate playboy never letting anyone get emotionally close. Boston had always thought of himself as straight but something was always missing in his relationships. He was attracted to Ford. It doesn’t take long for feelings to come into play.
Ford isn’t some big bad Dom. He likes kink but loves Boston more. These two find a relationship that works for them. Boston isn’t submissive, but likes to submit upon occasion to Ford. Ford loves kink, but he loves Boston even more. He buys Boston a farm!
Boston’s brother is the only downside to the book. He is hurt when finds out about the relationship. He is fixated on running other people’s lives, but especially Boston’s. Kale is only four minutes older, but loves to push the big brother act. It takes time, but he gets there in the end.
The relationship started as “just sex” with Boston propositioning Ford. Ford was the ultimate playboy never letting anyone get emotionally close. Boston had always thought of himself as straight but something was always missing in his relationships. He was attracted to Ford. It doesn’t take long for feelings to come into play.
Ford isn’t some big bad Dom. He likes kink but loves Boston more. These two find a relationship that works for them. Boston isn’t submissive, but likes to submit upon occasion to Ford. Ford loves kink, but he loves Boston even more. He buys Boston a farm!
Boston’s brother is the only downside to the book. He is hurt when finds out about the relationship. He is fixated on running other people’s lives, but especially Boston’s. Kale is only four minutes older, but loves to push the big brother act. It takes time, but he gets there in the end.
August 12, 2024
Ford is a player who loves a good game, and flirting with his best friend’s straight little brother is well within the rules of engagement. But finding out Boston isn’t so straight after all? There’s no playbook for that. Even though it’s uncharted territory, Ford and Boston are secretly committed to each other. Sooner or later, they'll need to take their relationship into the real world, but that also means coming clean with Ford's friends and Boston's brother. Ford has never wanted to be monogamous before, and Kale has his own ideas about what’s best for everyone. It’s up to Boston to make sure they know that Ford and him are not tied down - that together they’re finally free.
I loved this story of how a determined Boston tamed player Ford and how they faced resistance from Boston's brother. I loved the way that they communicated and were open with each other. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
I loved this story of how a determined Boston tamed player Ford and how they faced resistance from Boston's brother. I loved the way that they communicated and were open with each other. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
July 10, 2025
I really love these series, the New York ones seem a little less fleshed out compared to LA. I really loved the characters here, but felt the plot was super lacking.
It’s literally almost entirely about the secret from Kale (still a weird name) and very little plot to that effect.
Kind of nothing happens. I wasn’t tempted to DNF (characters are delights) but I was skimming for the mention of Kale or their friends. If the entire story was about the reveal, I feel like it could have been a little more fun all around! By the six book in the series, I need a little more than the cut and dry:
They meet
Fall instantly in heavy committed forever love
smex smex smex
Small drama
Epic end twist (aka the farm, that is barely mentioned).
It’s literally almost entirely about the secret from Kale (still a weird name) and very little plot to that effect.
Kind of nothing happens. I wasn’t tempted to DNF (characters are delights) but I was skimming for the mention of Kale or their friends. If the entire story was about the reveal, I feel like it could have been a little more fun all around! By the six book in the series, I need a little more than the cut and dry:
They meet
Fall instantly in heavy committed forever love
smex smex smex
Small drama
Epic end twist (aka the farm, that is barely mentioned).
December 28, 2024
3.5 stars
I liked both Ford and Boston and thought they had great chemistry. Boston was attracted to Ford, and even though he had never been with a man, Boston wanted to start a casual relationship with Ford. Of course that casual relationship gradually turned into love. The sex scenes were hot. Very lite BDSM.
The part that drove me nuts was the secret. Ugh! Keeping things a secret makes the reveal so much worse when the person you're keeping in the dark finds out. In this case, Boston's brother Kale. Boston was super close with his twin brother Kale, so not telling him that he was dating Ford was really hurtful.
Read December 27, 2024
I liked both Ford and Boston and thought they had great chemistry. Boston was attracted to Ford, and even though he had never been with a man, Boston wanted to start a casual relationship with Ford. Of course that casual relationship gradually turned into love. The sex scenes were hot. Very lite BDSM.
The part that drove me nuts was the secret. Ugh! Keeping things a secret makes the reveal so much worse when the person you're keeping in the dark finds out. In this case, Boston's brother Kale. Boston was super close with his twin brother Kale, so not telling him that he was dating Ford was really hurtful.
Read December 27, 2024
August 24, 2024
I love Ford!!
Every time I read one of Kate’s books, I always say “this is my new favorite” and honestly it’s always true because she just gets better and better!! However, I love this one so much!! Ford is a playboy with a secret soft romantic side and somehow the shy, straight boy,Boston, is the one who finally cracks that playboy exterior and I was sooooooo here for it!! I absolutely LOVED Ford and all the ways he loved to take care of Boston. These two were perfection!
Every time I read one of Kate’s books, I always say “this is my new favorite” and honestly it’s always true because she just gets better and better!! However, I love this one so much!! Ford is a playboy with a secret soft romantic side and somehow the shy, straight boy,Boston, is the one who finally cracks that playboy exterior and I was sooooooo here for it!! I absolutely LOVED Ford and all the ways he loved to take care of Boston. These two were perfection!
August 9, 2024
Best friend’s brother
Enjoyed more than book one. Kale is kinda hard to like, both in his own book and here. Which is probably the point. lol I liked that Ford fell first even though he was the more sexually active one and aggressively against commitment. But then he’s a total cinnamon roll for Boston and wanted to give him whatever he wanted. It was very cute to read them fall for each other and make a relationship work so both of them were happy.
Enjoyed more than book one. Kale is kinda hard to like, both in his own book and here. Which is probably the point. lol I liked that Ford fell first even though he was the more sexually active one and aggressively against commitment. But then he’s a total cinnamon roll for Boston and wanted to give him whatever he wanted. It was very cute to read them fall for each other and make a relationship work so both of them were happy.
August 15, 2024
Ford was a much different person than I expected which made me love this book all the more. Kale, however, was a selfish jerk who failed spectacularly at being a decent brother or friend and made me want to shake him. Repeatedly.
October 9, 2024
I'm totally in a Kate Hawthorne groove right now, and I love all of this series and the Trophy doms. This is a sweet book; there's a bit too much of Kale being the big bad, and it's a bit odd that Ford falls so fast, but overall, I really enjoyed this book.
August 13, 2024
Read out of order.
August 13, 2024
DNF at 40%
I don’t like the insta love and I didn’t feel connected to the characters and I feel like there wasn’t enough backstory for that. It was a really fast pace.
I don’t like the insta love and I didn’t feel connected to the characters and I feel like there wasn’t enough backstory for that. It was a really fast pace.
August 13, 2024
Love a good book
I have liked every cook in the series ..waiting for the next one is like waiting for birth to happen lol
I have liked every cook in the series ..waiting for the next one is like waiting for birth to happen lol
August 18, 2024
they just did it… all the time
but they were cute ig
but they were cute ig
August 20, 2024
3.5 stars
August 31, 2024
Second Book
Ford is a player, Boston is straight. When Boston propositions Ford the sparks fly and they both start on a journey finding g themselves and each other.
Ford is a player, Boston is straight. When Boston propositions Ford the sparks fly and they both start on a journey finding g themselves and each other.
Read
October 13, 2024I might retry this one down the track, it wasnt working for me☹️
October 26, 2024
❤️❤️❤️
January 8, 2025
Forbidden
He always been the straight twin. He having second thought and when proposition the play boy what can go wrong
He always been the straight twin. He having second thought and when proposition the play boy what can go wrong
May 31, 2025
I would have given him all the breath in my lungs if he needed it.
August 22, 2025
Brothers best friend but it lacked yearning and any emotional depth.
Retired playboy mmc and a bi guy who likes moving too fast.
Insta love tbh
Retired playboy mmc and a bi guy who likes moving too fast.
Insta love tbh
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews