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Collars & Kittens
As she vies for a date in a whimsical radio contest, she finds herself entangled in a seductive dance of dominance and desire.OliviaRunning away to Oregon, I thought I'd left everything behind--my controlling ex-fiancé, my unfulfilling law career, my old self. At 24, I was ready to rediscover what makes Olivia tick. I planned for solitude, for healing, not for Dalton. One look at him, the rugged, handsome veterinarian, and I'm ready to surrender, to explore desires I thought I'd never experience again. Dalton, with his commanding presence and experienced hands, ignites a fire in me. He's older, wiser, and completely out of my league.
Then fate throws me a lifeline--a radio contest with Dalton as the prize. A date with him? It's a wild, reckless idea. But sometimes, to heal, you need a little bit of reckless.
DaltonIn Hazy Cove, life's simple, predictable. That's how I like it. Then Olivia bursts into my clinic, a whirlwind of youth and vulnerability, challenging every rule I've set for myself. She's too young, too fresh, too... tempting. I'm pushing 40, and the last thing I need is to get tangled up with a girl who's just figuring out her path.
But she's under my skin now, haunting my thoughts with images of her--sweet, submissive, calling me 'sir'. It should have been a one-off appointment, but fate's a tricky thing. Olivia’s entered a contest to win a date with me, and she's offering more than just dinner. She's offering a chance to teach her, to guide her. If I choose her, I might not be able to hold back from claiming everything she's willing to give.
Then fate throws me a lifeline--a radio contest with Dalton as the prize. A date with him? It's a wild, reckless idea. But sometimes, to heal, you need a little bit of reckless.
DaltonIn Hazy Cove, life's simple, predictable. That's how I like it. Then Olivia bursts into my clinic, a whirlwind of youth and vulnerability, challenging every rule I've set for myself. She's too young, too fresh, too... tempting. I'm pushing 40, and the last thing I need is to get tangled up with a girl who's just figuring out her path.
But she's under my skin now, haunting my thoughts with images of her--sweet, submissive, calling me 'sir'. It should have been a one-off appointment, but fate's a tricky thing. Olivia’s entered a contest to win a date with me, and she's offering more than just dinner. She's offering a chance to teach her, to guide her. If I choose her, I might not be able to hold back from claiming everything she's willing to give.
109 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2024
110 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
April Cross
34 books66 followersWriter of spicy stories... okay, I'll be honest, most of my stuff is ghost pepper spicy. I started writing short alien erotic romances and moved into contemporary sharing stories, before branching out with April Cross to give a home for my longer contemporary erotic romances. I prefer to write erotic romances that have an element of power play with guys who like to be in control.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 17, 2024
4.25 stars
Olivia has moved to this small town from Seattle, to start over after leaving her ex, Ben. She's trying to find herself again, and this town seems like the perfect place to be. Everyone is so nice. She takes her cat to the only vet in town and meets Dalton. She's so attracted to him, she can barely form sentences. She knows there is a big difference in their ages and doesn't think they would have any future. Then a radio contest for Valentine's Day is announced and their would be future might not be out of reach!
There is plenty of romance in this story along with some spice, so don't let the title fool you.
I enjoyed getting to know the characters, and while the story was fast paced, the author still developed the characters along with their best friends and a few others. I really liked the story and was rooting for them to get together and hoped for a forever for these two because they both have endured bad relationships. I can't think of anything that I didn't like. This is a very good book. I have only recently discovered April Cross and I am very happy that I have.
Olivia has moved to this small town from Seattle, to start over after leaving her ex, Ben. She's trying to find herself again, and this town seems like the perfect place to be. Everyone is so nice. She takes her cat to the only vet in town and meets Dalton. She's so attracted to him, she can barely form sentences. She knows there is a big difference in their ages and doesn't think they would have any future. Then a radio contest for Valentine's Day is announced and their would be future might not be out of reach!
There is plenty of romance in this story along with some spice, so don't let the title fool you.
I enjoyed getting to know the characters, and while the story was fast paced, the author still developed the characters along with their best friends and a few others. I really liked the story and was rooting for them to get together and hoped for a forever for these two because they both have endured bad relationships. I can't think of anything that I didn't like. This is a very good book. I have only recently discovered April Cross and I am very happy that I have.
February 14, 2024
Purrfect.
This was a really fun, sweet and steamy read. I found Olivia’s character to be a wonderful mix of contradictions - sweet & spicy, shy & daring, timid & fearless, bold and submissive - and Dalton was the perfect blend of soft and dominant. The author wrote a really engaging and endearing love story overflowing with sexy surprises and very well written and arousing erotic scenes.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a really fun, sweet and steamy read. I found Olivia’s character to be a wonderful mix of contradictions - sweet & spicy, shy & daring, timid & fearless, bold and submissive - and Dalton was the perfect blend of soft and dominant. The author wrote a really engaging and endearing love story overflowing with sexy surprises and very well written and arousing erotic scenes.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 15, 2024
After 5 years of a relationship with the wrong man, Olivia realized she was intended to be nothing more than his arm candy and not allowed her independence. She found her courage and left a note that she was leaving. She moved to a charming small touristy town in Oregon called Hazy Cove. She begins teaching yoga as a means of supporting herself. Soon after her arrival, she noticed her cat Agnes seemed to be under the weather. Fortunately, there was a vet's office only a couple of miles away. Her car was in the garage, so she arranged for a ride-share to take Agnes to the vet clinic. She was expecting an older veterinarian and was pleasantly surprised when she met Dr. Dalton Harrington, who was probably only in his late 30's or early 40's, muscular and rugged, and very--good--looking.
For probably the first time in her life, Olivia was tongue-tied and managed to mistakenly introduce herself as Agnes. Embarrassing. Dr. Harrington was so gentle and caring with Agnes, and Olivia was really impressed. She felt a unique connection with him. The feeling was mutual, even though he told himself she was way too young for him. But what's the saying? Age is just a number, right?
Dalton is divorced, the local veterinarian and a frustrated dom. His best friend Travis encourages him to enter a Valentine dating contest, where men are chosen from applicants, their photos are posted on social media for the sponsoring radio station, and then the ladies submit their entries for a bachelor of their choice. The bachelors review the entries and select the winner for their Valentine date. Coincidentally, Olivia saw Dalton's picture and entered to be his date. He had been intrigued when he first met her. Some things she said made him wonder if she might be a submissive, and he picked her as his date so he could learn more about her.
Was the date a success? Does Olivia's ex-fiance' find her and try to get her back? If he does, how does Dalton react? Do they explore the d/s lifestyle? Will their relationship expand and flourish? This is a super sweet and hot age-gap romance with some light d/s elements.
For probably the first time in her life, Olivia was tongue-tied and managed to mistakenly introduce herself as Agnes. Embarrassing. Dr. Harrington was so gentle and caring with Agnes, and Olivia was really impressed. She felt a unique connection with him. The feeling was mutual, even though he told himself she was way too young for him. But what's the saying? Age is just a number, right?
Dalton is divorced, the local veterinarian and a frustrated dom. His best friend Travis encourages him to enter a Valentine dating contest, where men are chosen from applicants, their photos are posted on social media for the sponsoring radio station, and then the ladies submit their entries for a bachelor of their choice. The bachelors review the entries and select the winner for their Valentine date. Coincidentally, Olivia saw Dalton's picture and entered to be his date. He had been intrigued when he first met her. Some things she said made him wonder if she might be a submissive, and he picked her as his date so he could learn more about her.
Was the date a success? Does Olivia's ex-fiance' find her and try to get her back? If he does, how does Dalton react? Do they explore the d/s lifestyle? Will their relationship expand and flourish? This is a super sweet and hot age-gap romance with some light d/s elements.
February 15, 2024
This is Olivia and Dalton's love story. New to the small town of Haven Cove, Olivia is still processing the move she made in a mad dash to leave her abusive ex behind. With no family and her best friend still in the city, it's just her and her cat, Agnes. When Agnes gets sick, Olivia visits the local vet and meets Dalton. He is 100% professional but Olivia definitely feels a spark and she's intrigued.
When she hears that he's entered the radio show contest, Olivia decides to enter as well and knows she has to be brave enough to see where these sparks take her, especially when Dalton picks her for the date!
This was such a cute quick read. Olivia and Dalton have great chemistry and I loved that Olivia always managed to surprise Dalton. She was a mix of shy innocence and sassy boldness, especially when it came to exploring both their kink preferences. It was also nice to see a Dom Hero who was looking for a balance of power exchange. Dalton knew what he wanted and although Olivia's young age was a concern for him, he took his lead from her and never pushed for more or less. They balanced each other perfectly and the story was great for it.
SPOILER-Y EXTRAS:
When she hears that he's entered the radio show contest, Olivia decides to enter as well and knows she has to be brave enough to see where these sparks take her, especially when Dalton picks her for the date!
This was such a cute quick read. Olivia and Dalton have great chemistry and I loved that Olivia always managed to surprise Dalton. She was a mix of shy innocence and sassy boldness, especially when it came to exploring both their kink preferences. It was also nice to see a Dom Hero who was looking for a balance of power exchange. Dalton knew what he wanted and although Olivia's young age was a concern for him, he took his lead from her and never pushed for more or less. They balanced each other perfectly and the story was great for it.
SPOILER-Y EXTRAS:
February 15, 2024
Olivia has moved to Hazy Cove after a bad relationship. She is concerned because her cat, Agatha, is not herself. So she takes her to the local vet.
Dalton is the only vet in the town of Hazy Cove. He is still thinking about her the day after. As he goes about his day thinking of her he hears about a contest on the radio. He fills the application and sends it in. When he learns he's been selected he goes through the list of women and to his surprise sees Olivia's picture. He is entranced and then some when he reads her response to his question. He chooses her. The stage has been set. Now it will depend on how Olivia and Dalton react to each other. Will they open themselves up to something good? Or will they keep themselves locked in the past?
A wonderful story in this series. It's a cute one to read and enjoy any time.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dalton is the only vet in the town of Hazy Cove. He is still thinking about her the day after. As he goes about his day thinking of her he hears about a contest on the radio. He fills the application and sends it in. When he learns he's been selected he goes through the list of women and to his surprise sees Olivia's picture. He is entranced and then some when he reads her response to his question. He chooses her. The stage has been set. Now it will depend on how Olivia and Dalton react to each other. Will they open themselves up to something good? Or will they keep themselves locked in the past?
A wonderful story in this series. It's a cute one to read and enjoy any time.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 17, 2024
This is part of the Love is in the Air set of (delightful) short novels.
The books have a quite obvious set of requirements: small town, low to no angst, BDSM (but not too heavy), M/f, HEA, heavy on the romance. And the setup in all of them is a radio Valentine Day contest.
This book is absolutely delightful. Olivia has come to the small town to forget her obnoxious ex-boyfriend who was getting WAY too controlling. She has a cat she loves. Dalton is the town vet. He is significantly older than Olivia, but not *too* much older. She falls in instalust when she takes her cat in and decides to snag a date with him. Unknown to her, he is also interested in her.
He is being cautious because he doesn't want to seem like the creepy older guy but she thoroughly takes the initiative (including getting a collar and leash for herself). And they are off to the races!
Anyways, a very fun romance. Great sex, great kink, lovely romance. A delightful book all around.
The books have a quite obvious set of requirements: small town, low to no angst, BDSM (but not too heavy), M/f, HEA, heavy on the romance. And the setup in all of them is a radio Valentine Day contest.
This book is absolutely delightful. Olivia has come to the small town to forget her obnoxious ex-boyfriend who was getting WAY too controlling. She has a cat she loves. Dalton is the town vet. He is significantly older than Olivia, but not *too* much older. She falls in instalust when she takes her cat in and decides to snag a date with him. Unknown to her, he is also interested in her.
He is being cautious because he doesn't want to seem like the creepy older guy but she thoroughly takes the initiative (including getting a collar and leash for herself). And they are off to the races!
Anyways, a very fun romance. Great sex, great kink, lovely romance. A delightful book all around.
February 15, 2024
This was a cute read!
Olivia moved to a small town to start over after a disastrous relationship came to an end. She comes across as quite shy and meek, but when her cat Agnes is ill and she visits the local vet, Dalton, there is something about him that awakens her naughty side. Dalton is everything Olivia wants; he's older, handsome, and caring, and she recognises the Dom in him. There is an instant attraction, but neither of them is brave enough to act on their feelings until the local radio runs a dating contest and the two pair up.
Their chemistry together was brilliant; they complimented each other so well, with similar kinks and similar interests. It was light on the Dom/sub-element and pet play, but there were some in the book (as implied by the title), and the spice was written well.
Olivia moved to a small town to start over after a disastrous relationship came to an end. She comes across as quite shy and meek, but when her cat Agnes is ill and she visits the local vet, Dalton, there is something about him that awakens her naughty side. Dalton is everything Olivia wants; he's older, handsome, and caring, and she recognises the Dom in him. There is an instant attraction, but neither of them is brave enough to act on their feelings until the local radio runs a dating contest and the two pair up.
Their chemistry together was brilliant; they complimented each other so well, with similar kinks and similar interests. It was light on the Dom/sub-element and pet play, but there were some in the book (as implied by the title), and the spice was written well.
March 11, 2024
OMG just loved this story and now needing to hunt out the previous titles in the Love Is In the Air series. Lets just say a perfect little sexy storyline to help pass along a dreary weekend of bad weather and boredom to being titillated by some age gap romance. Loved the characters and that whole idea that they are more realistic everyday characters and not some super hot billionaire with an over developed sense of possession really made this story stick out more so for me.
Valentines Day never looked so delicious until you visit this intriguing story, set within a small town in Oregon. Definitely with age comes experience and holy dooley you will be treated nicely to some beautiful scenarios.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Valentines Day never looked so delicious until you visit this intriguing story, set within a small town in Oregon. Definitely with age comes experience and holy dooley you will be treated nicely to some beautiful scenarios.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 23, 2024
Our heroine figured entering the contest would be fun, but she didn't expect to win. And she certainly did not expect the date to turn into something so exciting.
This is book five of the series, but it is written as a standalone. No prior reading is required.
This is an erotic short story with a D/S theme and a bit more. The story is well written and easy to read with a small but fun cast of characters. Our heroine finds that she rather enjoys giving in to our hero. I enjoyed watching all the steamy fun that resulted. Overall, an entertaining story and I look forward to more.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book five of the series, but it is written as a standalone. No prior reading is required.
This is an erotic short story with a D/S theme and a bit more. The story is well written and easy to read with a small but fun cast of characters. Our heroine finds that she rather enjoys giving in to our hero. I enjoyed watching all the steamy fun that resulted. Overall, an entertaining story and I look forward to more.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 6, 2025
Sweet Naughty Kitten Play
Even though it took a while to get to the point this steamy little novella knows what it's doing. It's a little freaky deaky and once the gloves are off the scenes are really hot. There are a lot of kinks flying around: collar & leash, sir/Bear, kitten/stuffies, light pet play, crawl to me, breed your kitten, good girl/good slut. I'm sure I'm missing a couple but the characters are so sweet and it's refreshing that the author adequately placed this as regular contemporary. This is a sweet CR that has BDSM rep and a menacing backstory for the FMC. It works out in the end and leaves on a sweet note.
Even though it took a while to get to the point this steamy little novella knows what it's doing. It's a little freaky deaky and once the gloves are off the scenes are really hot. There are a lot of kinks flying around: collar & leash, sir/Bear, kitten/stuffies, light pet play, crawl to me, breed your kitten, good girl/good slut. I'm sure I'm missing a couple but the characters are so sweet and it's refreshing that the author adequately placed this as regular contemporary. This is a sweet CR that has BDSM rep and a menacing backstory for the FMC. It works out in the end and leaves on a sweet note.
February 17, 2024
Teddy and the Kitten with Claws
Olivia "Kitten" Ruiz and Dr. Dalton "Teddy" Harrington make a very interesting couple. Despite the age difference, they're exactly what the other needs, and it's a cute story.
I love the D/s elements with a little pet play. The dirty talk and nicknames make it that much better. 💋
H = 39; h = 24
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Olivia "Kitten" Ruiz and Dr. Dalton "Teddy" Harrington make a very interesting couple. Despite the age difference, they're exactly what the other needs, and it's a cute story.
That man is going to be the death of me. But what a way to go.
-- Olivia "Kitten" Ruiz
I love the D/s elements with a little pet play. The dirty talk and nicknames make it that much better. 💋
H = 39; h = 24
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
February 17, 2024
I can always count on April Cross to bring lots of spice, and this story is no exception. Olivia is a submissive recovering from an awful relationship. She moves to Oregon and has an opportunity to start over. Dalton, an older soft Dom, is the only veterinarian in their small town. Collars & Kittens is an instalove story that has just enough fun and spice to keep me turning the pages. Nevertheless I wanted more character development and yet I couldn't help rooting for their HEA. Enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 12, 2024
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Their first meeting is memorable as their attraction flares. The radio contest gives Olivia and Dalton their chance to be together. I like how Olivia is both sweet and assertive when she needs to be. They form a good relationship of shared interests.
February 25, 2024
Soft and Fuzzy, With Plenty of Playful Heat
Olivia is new to Hazy Cove, fleeing a nasty ex. Dr. Dalton Harrington is the only veterinarian in town; went he treats Olivia’s cat, the attraction is immediate. I enjoyed how these two fumbled and fell into a relationship that’s perfect for both of them, the right combination of kinky and soft. A great quick and spicy read.
February 11, 2025
A sweet pet play book with a cute kitten and a hard but also soft dom.
I would have loved the story to be longer, so their relationship had more time to develop. Other than that it was a quick and fun read
I would have loved the story to be longer, so their relationship had more time to develop. Other than that it was a quick and fun read
February 17, 2024
Not much of a plot still short and sweetvand very very spicy😏
March 24, 2024
4.8 Cute short read.
September 23, 2024
I fucking LOVED this omg ! This was perfect — sugar, spice and everything nice !!! The writing was decent and I loved the characters ! Such a perfect short steamy read and the breeding? Yes please.
December 3, 2024
its giving wattpad
January 4, 2025
Collars and kittens
Couldn't put it down loved the characters and the storyline so it's a well deserved five stars and I would recommend this book to everyone
Couldn't put it down loved the characters and the storyline so it's a well deserved five stars and I would recommend this book to everyone
January 14, 2025
Good story
A really good story from a new to me author. I had on both kindle and audible but didn’t enjoy the ai voice on audible. Would read further books by this author.
A really good story from a new to me author. I had on both kindle and audible but didn’t enjoy the ai voice on audible. Would read further books by this author.
December 31, 2024
I didn’t realize this was the same series as the 5* Spanking and Sprinkles. Different authors.
March 15, 2024
🌶️spice
🔌 power dynamics
🔭 age gap
📸 instant love
Olivia just loved to a small town to get away from her past, her horrible fiance, and start life over. Dalton, a small town vet with a dominant side finds his way to Olivia. Olivia and Dalton are a perfect match.
A quick read, enjoyed the characters and even the sun characters. They were all written out enough to build a solid understanding for the story.
🔌 power dynamics
🔭 age gap
📸 instant love
Olivia just loved to a small town to get away from her past, her horrible fiance, and start life over. Dalton, a small town vet with a dominant side finds his way to Olivia. Olivia and Dalton are a perfect match.
A quick read, enjoyed the characters and even the sun characters. They were all written out enough to build a solid understanding for the story.
February 29, 2024
This was a cute instalove, age gap novella with elements of power exchange in the relationship. Olivia is a submissive woman who is trying to start a new life after a failed relationship. I liked how she was optimistic and had some “bite” in her! Overall this was a nice novella where everyone (except her ex) has an HEA!
December 4, 2024
Thanks to Booksprout and the author for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
The scene is set within the first couple of pages of this book: Olivia's previous relationship and her new start in a small town. She visits the vet and is hit by an instant attraction. Dalton, the vet, seems fascinated by her reaction but is he interested in her?
I really enjoyed this story, the characters are credible, the romance is lovely and the sexy scenes are well-written and sooooo erotic! Dalton reads like a dream, attractive, fit, caring and he even likes aromatherapy candles! Olivia is the perfect fit for him, I'll leave you to read and enjoy this story.
The scene is set within the first couple of pages of this book: Olivia's previous relationship and her new start in a small town. She visits the vet and is hit by an instant attraction. Dalton, the vet, seems fascinated by her reaction but is he interested in her?
I really enjoyed this story, the characters are credible, the romance is lovely and the sexy scenes are well-written and sooooo erotic! Dalton reads like a dream, attractive, fit, caring and he even likes aromatherapy candles! Olivia is the perfect fit for him, I'll leave you to read and enjoy this story.
March 14, 2025
Not my favorite book, but it was entertaining.
📖 / 2⭐️
📖 / 2⭐️
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews