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The Game #7
Adrift in the Embers
Join Little Corey on his journey out of the fire, away from the crippling doubt and uncertainties, and into the healing, adrenaline-inducing, sweet, filthy, and safe embrace of three men starting to realize their dynamic might not be complete just yet.
On a bad day, I blamed my stupid, damaged, autistic brain. No one forced me to be with him. No one forced me to accept what he told me. That I was difficult. Difficult to handle, difficult to please…heck, even difficult to go out to dinner with, considering all my texture issues. On a bad day, I believed every word he said. I was lucky to have him. I loved him so, so much for putting up with me. I was gonna leave my friends and family behind, move with him to Denver, and we were going to be happy together forever.
Then Master Greer opened his big mouth, and I didn’t know what to believe anymore. He was my friend, my favorite Sadist in the whole world, and he was dating two amazing men who were also saying stuff that was painful to hear. Like, I wasn’t difficult at all. Like, the man who was supposed to protect me, love me, and take care of me in our Daddy/Little relationship was in reality abusing me.
I started having good days thanks to them. Good, bewildering, mind-numbing, eye-opening, very good days. It was just extremely important I didn’t get confused by their kindness. They opened up their home to me as an act of friendship. Nothing more, nothing less. As soon as I felt better, I’d be on my way again.
Crap.
-
The Game Series is a BDSM series where romance meets the reality of kink. Sometimes we fall for someone we don’t match with, sometimes vanilla business gets in the way of kinky pleasure, and sometimes we have to compromise and push ourselves to overcome trauma and insecurities. No matter what, one thing is certain. This is not a perfect world—and maybe that’s why the happily ever after feels so good.
On a bad day, I blamed my stupid, damaged, autistic brain. No one forced me to be with him. No one forced me to accept what he told me. That I was difficult. Difficult to handle, difficult to please…heck, even difficult to go out to dinner with, considering all my texture issues. On a bad day, I believed every word he said. I was lucky to have him. I loved him so, so much for putting up with me. I was gonna leave my friends and family behind, move with him to Denver, and we were going to be happy together forever.
Then Master Greer opened his big mouth, and I didn’t know what to believe anymore. He was my friend, my favorite Sadist in the whole world, and he was dating two amazing men who were also saying stuff that was painful to hear. Like, I wasn’t difficult at all. Like, the man who was supposed to protect me, love me, and take care of me in our Daddy/Little relationship was in reality abusing me.
I started having good days thanks to them. Good, bewildering, mind-numbing, eye-opening, very good days. It was just extremely important I didn’t get confused by their kindness. They opened up their home to me as an act of friendship. Nothing more, nothing less. As soon as I felt better, I’d be on my way again.
Crap.
-
The Game Series is a BDSM series where romance meets the reality of kink. Sometimes we fall for someone we don’t match with, sometimes vanilla business gets in the way of kinky pleasure, and sometimes we have to compromise and push ourselves to overcome trauma and insecurities. No matter what, one thing is certain. This is not a perfect world—and maybe that’s why the happily ever after feels so good.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published July 22, 2022
209 people are currently reading
732 people want to read
About the author
Cara Dee
98 books4,109 followers
I'm often stoically silent or, if the topic interests me, a chronic rambler. In other words, I can discuss writing forever and ever. Fiction, in particular. The love story—while a huge draw and constantly present—is secondary for me, because there's so much more to writing romance fiction than just making two (or more) people fall in love and have hot sex. There's a world to build, characters to develop, interests to create, and a topic or two to research thoroughly. Every book is a challenge for me, an opportunity to learn something new, and a puzzle to piece together. I want my characters to come to life, and the only way I know to do that is to give them substance—passions, history, goals, quirks, and strong opinions—and to let them evolve. Additionally, I want my men and women to be relatable. That means allowing room for everyday problems and, for lack of a better word, flaws. My characters will never be perfect.
Wait…this was supposed to be about me, not my writing.
I'm a writey person who loves to write. Always wanderlusting, twitterpating, kinking, and geeking. There's time for hockey and cupcakes, too. But mostly, I just love to write.
I'm often stoically silent or, if the topic interests me, a chronic rambler. In other words, I can discuss writing forever and ever. Fiction, in particular. The love story—while a huge draw and constantly present—is secondary for me, because there's so much more to writing romance fiction than just making two (or more) people fall in love and have hot sex. There's a world to build, characters to develop, interests to create, and a topic or two to research thoroughly. Every book is a challenge for me, an opportunity to learn something new, and a puzzle to piece together. I want my characters to come to life, and the only way I know to do that is to give them substance—passions, history, goals, quirks, and strong opinions—and to let them evolve. Additionally, I want my men and women to be relatable. That means allowing room for everyday problems and, for lack of a better word, flaws. My characters will never be perfect.
Wait…this was supposed to be about me, not my writing.
I'm a writey person who loves to write. Always wanderlusting, twitterpating, kinking, and geeking. There's time for hockey and cupcakes, too. But mostly, I just love to write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
July 31, 2022
4.5 stars
I just enjoyed this book so much. I was really looking forward to reading this book, after I read the previous book in this series and it did not dissapoint me, at all. This book had everything I wanted to read about and it was such an enjoyable reading experience for me.
Brief summary
Corey is in a bad relationship. He has been hanging out with Greer, Sloane and Archie lately, who keep showing him how much better life could be if he was with them instead.
I just adored Corey, so so much. He was such an enjoyable character to read from and his point of view was so lovely to read from. I could really relate to Corey and a lot of his thoughts so I really appreciated being in his head and reading all about it.
I really loved the relationship in this one. It was just so good to me. I really loved their dynamic and everyone really complimented each other. I also loved how much everyone seemed to care for each other and how well their wants and needs fit with the others. I really loved how they all put each other before anything else and how it never felt like anyone was left behind.
I also adored how much everyone cared for Corey and how they kept doing little things to care for him. This book is from Corey’s pov and he was really angsty and just wanted someone to care for him, so I really enjoyed getting to read about him to get everything he wanted.
Also the kink in this book, was just absolutely wonderful and I adored every seconds of it.
I just really appreciated reading this book. It was such an enjoyable experience and I couldn’t have asked for anything more.
I received an arc of this book and this is my honest opinion
I just enjoyed this book so much. I was really looking forward to reading this book, after I read the previous book in this series and it did not dissapoint me, at all. This book had everything I wanted to read about and it was such an enjoyable reading experience for me.
Brief summary
Corey is in a bad relationship. He has been hanging out with Greer, Sloane and Archie lately, who keep showing him how much better life could be if he was with them instead.
I just adored Corey, so so much. He was such an enjoyable character to read from and his point of view was so lovely to read from. I could really relate to Corey and a lot of his thoughts so I really appreciated being in his head and reading all about it.
I really loved the relationship in this one. It was just so good to me. I really loved their dynamic and everyone really complimented each other. I also loved how much everyone seemed to care for each other and how well their wants and needs fit with the others. I really loved how they all put each other before anything else and how it never felt like anyone was left behind.
I also adored how much everyone cared for Corey and how they kept doing little things to care for him. This book is from Corey’s pov and he was really angsty and just wanted someone to care for him, so I really enjoyed getting to read about him to get everything he wanted.
Also the kink in this book, was just absolutely wonderful and I adored every seconds of it.
I just really appreciated reading this book. It was such an enjoyable experience and I couldn’t have asked for anything more.
I received an arc of this book and this is my honest opinion
April 19, 2023
Greer, Archie y Sloan han formado una familia que incluye los hijos de Sloan y Archie, pero Greer siente que pueden ayudar a un sub que le ha preocupado durante muchisimo tiempo, Corey.
Corey se encuentra en una relacion poco convencional, pero el esta convencido que su Dom lo ama y solo quiere lo mejor para el, hasta que un dia su Dom decidio que debian mudarse de estado y que el debia abandonar a toda su gente para seguirlo. Eso, sumado al hecho que le prohibiera mantener su menbresia en McClean House, le hizo comenzar a pensar como era su relacion con su Dom realmente. Pero por si fuera poco, un incendio dentro de McClean House le hace imposible manejarse, pero gracias a la ayuda de Greer y sus compañeros, comienza a ser el de nuevo. Ahora solo tiene que identificar si sus sentimientos por Greer, Archie y Sloan son por un "sindrome de Heroe" o si son realmente por como son ellos. Las decisiones que debe afrontar Corey no son faciles, pero ahora si tiene gente a su lado que sabe que lo apoyara decida lo que decida.
Leer esta serie es como ver una temporada nueva de tu serie de tv favorita, recuerdas a todos los personajes, todos sus dramas, sus personalidades, sus aventuras y te adentras a una nueva. En el caso de este libro, eso es aun mas cierto, ya que es justo la continuacion del libro anterior de la serie, donde vemos al trio de Greer, Archie y Sloan, convertirse en una familia. Ademas, leer los libros de este autor, te hace encariñarte casi de inmediato con los protas, simpatizar con ellos y odiar a aquellos que le hacen daño. Pero tambien, te hace sentir que el amor de los amigos y familia es el mejor apoyo que se puede tener, y que lo mejor es siempre cultivarlo.
En fin, voy a seguir con el resto de los libros publicados de esta serie, esperando sentir esa sensacion de calidez, amor y confianza que me causa seguir leyendo sus libros.
Corey se encuentra en una relacion poco convencional, pero el esta convencido que su Dom lo ama y solo quiere lo mejor para el, hasta que un dia su Dom decidio que debian mudarse de estado y que el debia abandonar a toda su gente para seguirlo. Eso, sumado al hecho que le prohibiera mantener su menbresia en McClean House, le hizo comenzar a pensar como era su relacion con su Dom realmente. Pero por si fuera poco, un incendio dentro de McClean House le hace imposible manejarse, pero gracias a la ayuda de Greer y sus compañeros, comienza a ser el de nuevo. Ahora solo tiene que identificar si sus sentimientos por Greer, Archie y Sloan son por un "sindrome de Heroe" o si son realmente por como son ellos. Las decisiones que debe afrontar Corey no son faciles, pero ahora si tiene gente a su lado que sabe que lo apoyara decida lo que decida.
Leer esta serie es como ver una temporada nueva de tu serie de tv favorita, recuerdas a todos los personajes, todos sus dramas, sus personalidades, sus aventuras y te adentras a una nueva. En el caso de este libro, eso es aun mas cierto, ya que es justo la continuacion del libro anterior de la serie, donde vemos al trio de Greer, Archie y Sloan, convertirse en una familia. Ademas, leer los libros de este autor, te hace encariñarte casi de inmediato con los protas, simpatizar con ellos y odiar a aquellos que le hacen daño. Pero tambien, te hace sentir que el amor de los amigos y familia es el mejor apoyo que se puede tener, y que lo mejor es siempre cultivarlo.
En fin, voy a seguir con el resto de los libros publicados de esta serie, esperando sentir esa sensacion de calidez, amor y confianza que me causa seguir leyendo sus libros.
July 22, 2022
Well that was utterly delicious and sweet, just like Corey Cruz himself.
Cara's back to the top of The Game with this book, it was an absolute joy to watch how Greer, Sloan and Archer enfolded Corey into their family and helped him recover from the abuses (non sexual) his previous "Daddy" had inflicted on his mental state.
Corey is a beautiful mixture of vulnerability, brattishness, sass and sparkle, but his autism also means he sometimes struggles to understand how he's been manipulated by Marcus, the man who should have been protecting him when he regresses into his Little persona.
This was a read in one go book from the minute I picked it up, I needed to find out what was going to happen with Corey, would he move to Denver, away from all his family and friends, would Marcus get away with his awful behaviour (which we've seen glimpses of in previous instalments) and would Greer be able to stand back or would he finally intervene?
All these questions, and more, were answered beautifully as Cara spun this tale of recovery, of finding a family who support, encourage, enhance and protect everyone who comes in their orbit.
And OMG this is one of the hottest, but also amazingly emotionally charged, relationships in the series so far as each one of the four men finds their own personal connection individually, in pairs, as a triad and also as a quartet.
I don't think I could have loved this book more if I tried!
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
Cara's back to the top of The Game with this book, it was an absolute joy to watch how Greer, Sloan and Archer enfolded Corey into their family and helped him recover from the abuses (non sexual) his previous "Daddy" had inflicted on his mental state.
Corey is a beautiful mixture of vulnerability, brattishness, sass and sparkle, but his autism also means he sometimes struggles to understand how he's been manipulated by Marcus, the man who should have been protecting him when he regresses into his Little persona.
This was a read in one go book from the minute I picked it up, I needed to find out what was going to happen with Corey, would he move to Denver, away from all his family and friends, would Marcus get away with his awful behaviour (which we've seen glimpses of in previous instalments) and would Greer be able to stand back or would he finally intervene?
All these questions, and more, were answered beautifully as Cara spun this tale of recovery, of finding a family who support, encourage, enhance and protect everyone who comes in their orbit.
And OMG this is one of the hottest, but also amazingly emotionally charged, relationships in the series so far as each one of the four men finds their own personal connection individually, in pairs, as a triad and also as a quartet.
I don't think I could have loved this book more if I tried!
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
August 11, 2022
* 5 stars *
This is Corey's story, but it's also the companion of book #6, The Shepherd. Corey joins the three characters from there, and they all get their wonderful HEA.
If it's even possible, I liked this installment even more than the start of their story. I think that's because their relationship felt more balanced, and they were actively working toward a future that included all four of them.
I liked Corey's voice a lot. He was adorable most of the time but was also vulnerable and hurting sometimes. Greer, Sloan, and Archie provided the support he needed to find himself again, get out of an abusive relationship and start healing from it.
Other community members were, of course, present, with River, Reese, and Shay, from Breathless - book #3, having the most page time. There was also a very nice and welcomed appearance from a book that's not part of The Game series. It was short, so I hope we'll see a lot more of them in future books.
Whenever I pick up a book by Cara Dee, I get swept up in the world and the characters she has created, no matter what it is, and this time it was no different. I like her author voice and writing style, and I say that with confidence after reading almost every story on her backlist. I hope she'll keep writing and writing and that she'll keep bringing us new characters to fall in love with and new stories to keep us up at night because we just have to read "one more chapter."
~ Copy provided by Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ~
This is Corey's story, but it's also the companion of book #6, The Shepherd. Corey joins the three characters from there, and they all get their wonderful HEA.
If it's even possible, I liked this installment even more than the start of their story. I think that's because their relationship felt more balanced, and they were actively working toward a future that included all four of them.
I liked Corey's voice a lot. He was adorable most of the time but was also vulnerable and hurting sometimes. Greer, Sloan, and Archie provided the support he needed to find himself again, get out of an abusive relationship and start healing from it.
Other community members were, of course, present, with River, Reese, and Shay, from Breathless - book #3, having the most page time. There was also a very nice and welcomed appearance from a book that's not part of The Game series. It was short, so I hope we'll see a lot more of them in future books.
Whenever I pick up a book by Cara Dee, I get swept up in the world and the characters she has created, no matter what it is, and this time it was no different. I like her author voice and writing style, and I say that with confidence after reading almost every story on her backlist. I hope she'll keep writing and writing and that she'll keep bringing us new characters to fall in love with and new stories to keep us up at night because we just have to read "one more chapter."
~ Copy provided by Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ~
July 31, 2022
This series is so hit or miss with me.
July 24, 2022
this series has everything
4.5 stars
Please do not read my review if you want to avoid spoilers.. I simply can’t review without them.
First of all, something I’ve been missing in a lot of series, is found family. And man am I attached to McClean House and the folks a part of it. Knowing how long this series is going to potentially be, I know that’s going to grow even more.
Second, this whole book is from Corey’s perspective. At first I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about that but by the end I’m so happy it was. Not only because we got to go on his journey of really finding himself and realizing how toxic his Daddy was, but also his oh so refreshing commentary on being autistic. Can I get an amen?! Thank you, Cara. Just thank you.
There is kink, although I wish there was more. There was so much to work through, and like the previous one, I felt like these two books and the stories of this quad, is unfinished. Knowing more books in this series are to come, I’m holding out hope there will be more with them. I needed more kink. I needed more as a dynamic with the four of them. I needed more time with Corey and the kids. And I would have loved to have really seen Corey regress. I’m not an age play fanatic, but it felt weird that he was a little and that was only briefly touched on.
But, all that being said, all of that WAS touched on, at least a little bit. We got a taste of everything. And while I say I want more, I ALWAYS say I want more with this series, ya know? This book, this series, hits everything for me. High steam/kink, drama that fits within the themes of the book and isn’t out of place or OTT, found family, humor, all around good writing… accurate rep of autistic characters and characters with PTSD… I look forward to every book, but Corey’s had a little bit of triumph those of us who have been abused can cheer for. Despite the things I missed, those didn’t matter at by the end. I was entertained and in love and just frigging happy. When was the last time a book made me happy?? It’s been a while.
4.5 stars
Please do not read my review if you want to avoid spoilers.. I simply can’t review without them.
First of all, something I’ve been missing in a lot of series, is found family. And man am I attached to McClean House and the folks a part of it. Knowing how long this series is going to potentially be, I know that’s going to grow even more.
Second, this whole book is from Corey’s perspective. At first I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about that but by the end I’m so happy it was. Not only because we got to go on his journey of really finding himself and realizing how toxic his Daddy was, but also his oh so refreshing commentary on being autistic. Can I get an amen?! Thank you, Cara. Just thank you.
There is kink, although I wish there was more. There was so much to work through, and like the previous one, I felt like these two books and the stories of this quad, is unfinished. Knowing more books in this series are to come, I’m holding out hope there will be more with them. I needed more kink. I needed more as a dynamic with the four of them. I needed more time with Corey and the kids. And I would have loved to have really seen Corey regress. I’m not an age play fanatic, but it felt weird that he was a little and that was only briefly touched on.
But, all that being said, all of that WAS touched on, at least a little bit. We got a taste of everything. And while I say I want more, I ALWAYS say I want more with this series, ya know? This book, this series, hits everything for me. High steam/kink, drama that fits within the themes of the book and isn’t out of place or OTT, found family, humor, all around good writing… accurate rep of autistic characters and characters with PTSD… I look forward to every book, but Corey’s had a little bit of triumph those of us who have been abused can cheer for. Despite the things I missed, those didn’t matter at by the end. I was entertained and in love and just frigging happy. When was the last time a book made me happy?? It’s been a while.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2023
Adrift in the Embers - This book has high steam/kink, and drama that fits within the themes of the book and isn’t out of place or over-the-top. It's found family, humor, and just all-around good writing… accurate representation of autistic characters and characters with PTSD. I look forward to every book in this series...but Corey’s story had a bit of triumph. I have worked with some that have been abused so I could cheer for Corney and his "Daddy". I was entertained and in love and just happy with the entire story.
March 8, 2024
reread (4.5/5).
My god, Corey was absolutely precious. His ass of an ex did a good number on him but he found his little heaven with the others on Greer’s farm in no time. So, so beautiful how they all found their place within each other’s hearts.
The breakthrough was perfect. Corey found his own voice again — and of course his inner brat — with the help of Greer, Sloan and Archie.
I loved how Corey got a special moment with every single one of them. Archie being his straightforward self got the ball rolling and I loved that so much. Daddy Sloan had some beautiful moments with little Corey too and Greer, the Sadist, wasn’t left out either. Those few scenes were definitely my favourites.
The best part of the kinks in this book was Corey being a masochist. The few scenes and the few moments of him being in a love/hate relationship with pain were stunning. And also a lot of fun.
I don’t think I loved this book as much as I did when I first read it but it’s still such a beautiful hurt/comfort story but with a little less kink than the previous books.
———
previous rating: 5/5.
The feels in this one!
Cory was such a sweetheart. I was so happy with his journey and I was equally happy that Sloan finally got a bigger part in The Game series. I was rooting for it!
This book was so full of love and emotions, personal growth and hurt/comfort scenes. It was so good! I liked it all, even the relationship between Archie, Greer, Sloan and finally Corey. He fit so good!
I was so surprised how well the relationship between the four worked since the previous book about Greer, Archie and Sloan didn’t work for me at all. So that was a really nice surprise.
And I appreciated how all of them were equally involved with each other. I first kinda thought it would be more of the same dynamic that we got in Doll Parts (more of a two and two dynamic than four in one if that makes sense) but I was wrong and I am really happy about it. It worked really well!
The kink was nice but again, less kink and more romance in this one. I didn’t mind though.
I genuinely loved this one!
My god, Corey was absolutely precious. His ass of an ex did a good number on him but he found his little heaven with the others on Greer’s farm in no time. So, so beautiful how they all found their place within each other’s hearts.
“These three men were going to break my jaw, and not in the indecent way! Just by making me smile so damn much.”
The breakthrough was perfect. Corey found his own voice again — and of course his inner brat — with the help of Greer, Sloan and Archie.
“Greer stared at me. I stared right back, defiant. And for the first time in years, I felt my inner strength making a comeback. Holy shit, it was a heady feeling. I’d felt a fraction of it at events, when I let my brat out to play under organized circumstances, but this was different. This was me, just me, standing my ground against a Dom’s silly logic.”
I loved how Corey got a special moment with every single one of them. Archie being his straightforward self got the ball rolling and I loved that so much. Daddy Sloan had some beautiful moments with little Corey too and Greer, the Sadist, wasn’t left out either. Those few scenes were definitely my favourites.
The best part of the kinks in this book was Corey being a masochist. The few scenes and the few moments of him being in a love/hate relationship with pain were stunning. And also a lot of fun.
“It was the curse of being a masochist. You wanted it, you feared it, you craved it, you had to fight every instinct to run from it. In the end, you begged for it.”
I don’t think I loved this book as much as I did when I first read it but it’s still such a beautiful hurt/comfort story but with a little less kink than the previous books.
———
previous rating: 5/5.
The feels in this one!
Cory was such a sweetheart. I was so happy with his journey and I was equally happy that Sloan finally got a bigger part in The Game series. I was rooting for it!
This book was so full of love and emotions, personal growth and hurt/comfort scenes. It was so good! I liked it all, even the relationship between Archie, Greer, Sloan and finally Corey. He fit so good!
I was so surprised how well the relationship between the four worked since the previous book about Greer, Archie and Sloan didn’t work for me at all. So that was a really nice surprise.
And I appreciated how all of them were equally involved with each other. I first kinda thought it would be more of the same dynamic that we got in Doll Parts (more of a two and two dynamic than four in one if that makes sense) but I was wrong and I am really happy about it. It worked really well!
The kink was nice but again, less kink and more romance in this one. I didn’t mind though.
I genuinely loved this one!
July 17, 2022
ARC receive via Booksprout for honest review
This was a sweet one…and funny. Corey was a relative unknown until the last book and he gets time to shine here and bring Greer, Sloane and Archie along for the ride.
This book was more focused on the relationships growing and changing between the four men than any particular kink. I think it really showcased how the way they are with each other is a lifestyle as opposed to any structured playtime. I loved seeing how they functioned day to day. Even if it seemed to be a bit too perfect at times.
I also appreciated the careful and genuine way they integrate relationship dynamics and kink with the beginnings of falling in love in a bigger context of a family environment with a handful of children at all ages.
Archie, Greer and Sloane are so solid that they give Corey a safe place to land and work his feelings out after his experience with Marcus. Grrrrr…Marcus.
And we get plenty of time with the other characters in this series as well, with the overarching plot of the fallout from the McLean House fire. Which means there’s also plot bunnies running rampant but I wasn’t mad at them at all because they never took me away from these 4 men. Cara Dee knows how to leave breadcrumbs, not cake that spoils your appetite.
I do have to mention a few things that disappointed me…
There’s talk of somnophilia but when it happened it wasn’t very sexy at all and over in a flash.
There’s talk that Sloane is filthy but I didn’t ever see it.
There’s talk of watersports but it didn’t happen on page.
We also don’t really see Corey in full on Little mode which was disappointing.
Maybe due to there being 4 mc’s a lot was edited down? Or potentially these could be plot points for another book. Let’s hope so.
I’m excited to see where this series goes. I hope we get to see not only the new characters but get to revisit previous ones because there’s so so so much to love here. So much more story to tell.
This was a sweet one…and funny. Corey was a relative unknown until the last book and he gets time to shine here and bring Greer, Sloane and Archie along for the ride.
This book was more focused on the relationships growing and changing between the four men than any particular kink. I think it really showcased how the way they are with each other is a lifestyle as opposed to any structured playtime. I loved seeing how they functioned day to day. Even if it seemed to be a bit too perfect at times.
I also appreciated the careful and genuine way they integrate relationship dynamics and kink with the beginnings of falling in love in a bigger context of a family environment with a handful of children at all ages.
Archie, Greer and Sloane are so solid that they give Corey a safe place to land and work his feelings out after his experience with Marcus. Grrrrr…Marcus.
And we get plenty of time with the other characters in this series as well, with the overarching plot of the fallout from the McLean House fire. Which means there’s also plot bunnies running rampant but I wasn’t mad at them at all because they never took me away from these 4 men. Cara Dee knows how to leave breadcrumbs, not cake that spoils your appetite.
I do have to mention a few things that disappointed me…
There’s talk of somnophilia but when it happened it wasn’t very sexy at all and over in a flash.
There’s talk that Sloane is filthy but I didn’t ever see it.
There’s talk of watersports but it didn’t happen on page.
We also don’t really see Corey in full on Little mode which was disappointing.
Maybe due to there being 4 mc’s a lot was edited down? Or potentially these could be plot points for another book. Let’s hope so.
I’m excited to see where this series goes. I hope we get to see not only the new characters but get to revisit previous ones because there’s so so so much to love here. So much more story to tell.
July 23, 2022
I liked it better than Book 1.
July 19, 2022
I’m in awe, what a read, what a story! I think I lack words to describe how AWESOME these men are, how awesome this story is. How tremendously vividly written it is, I could feel every touch, caress, breath, all the love, all the affection, I adored them together and individually. I hope somewhere on this planet there’s something like this in RL, I’ll come crawling on my knees and beg them to join them.
Yes, I’m in love!
Thank you author for putting something amazing on paper, it made the world just a whole lot brighter!
Corey is watching Greer, Archer and Sloan, they’ve got what he wants, but can’t.
Marcus restricts Corey to no end, it’s abusive and the boy doesn’t recognize it. He even wants to take Corey away from everything and everyone he loves, all the way to Denver of all places!
Greer, Sloan and Archer are determined to show Corey how life can be, loving, caring, and joyful.
What a wonderful story!! There’s an amazing dynamic between the four of them, the BDSM lifestyle is present and very palpable, with a customized version when the kids are around. It was perfect!
A high-protocol Master, a slave, a Dom Daddy, and a bratty painslut boy. Four adorable, humorous men!
A big house full of people, Greer is a loving family man, he wants his people under one roof, his roof!
They embraced Corey’s ‘different abilities’ (I loved how he called his autism), fantastically, never tired of his manual, you could see Corey bloom!
A story with mountains of affection, oceans full of love, at times scorching hot you could burn down the house. I laughed with them and cried my eyes out with them.
I don’t wanna leave them, I wanna live with them!
ALL the stars and more, highly recommended!!
You can read is as a stand-alone, but to enjoy it even more pleaaaaase read the Shepherd.
It goes right into my 5+++ shelf just like the Shepherd
Yes, I’m in love!
Thank you author for putting something amazing on paper, it made the world just a whole lot brighter!
Corey is watching Greer, Archer and Sloan, they’ve got what he wants, but can’t.
Marcus restricts Corey to no end, it’s abusive and the boy doesn’t recognize it. He even wants to take Corey away from everything and everyone he loves, all the way to Denver of all places!
Greer, Sloan and Archer are determined to show Corey how life can be, loving, caring, and joyful.
What a wonderful story!! There’s an amazing dynamic between the four of them, the BDSM lifestyle is present and very palpable, with a customized version when the kids are around. It was perfect!
A high-protocol Master, a slave, a Dom Daddy, and a bratty painslut boy. Four adorable, humorous men!
A big house full of people, Greer is a loving family man, he wants his people under one roof, his roof!
They embraced Corey’s ‘different abilities’ (I loved how he called his autism), fantastically, never tired of his manual, you could see Corey bloom!
A story with mountains of affection, oceans full of love, at times scorching hot you could burn down the house. I laughed with them and cried my eyes out with them.
I don’t wanna leave them, I wanna live with them!
ALL the stars and more, highly recommended!!
You can read is as a stand-alone, but to enjoy it even more pleaaaaase read the Shepherd.
It goes right into my 5+++ shelf just like the Shepherd
July 26, 2022
4.5 Stars
August 27, 2025
Color me surprised because, when the book started and I realized the author was planning to make it , I was facepalming for being so oblivious. In hindsight, it should’ve been obvious going by the
Just like the previous book, this one has one POV, in this case Corey’s. Corey is on the high-functioning end of the autistic spectrum and a big part of the book revolves around him becoming aware of the emotional abuse of his current Dom and retaking his life into his own hands. It was very well done, realistic in a there-s-no-magic-wand-to-fix-it way, but the tone wasn’t depressing and there was plenty of space for Corey . Once again, when it comes to 4 people sharing page time, I struggle a bit with how much time each of them and each couple has on page, because as much as I like all of them, I’m inevitably drawn to one character and one couple/dynamic of which I can’t get enough. It doesn’t mean that the balance is off in the story or that there’s actually something missing, it’s a me-thing, and in this case, I don’t think I could’ve ever gotten enough of Sloan and of Sloan & Corey. I would’ve have minded seeing them . Mostly, though, I was disappointed that I never got to have Sloan’s POV, not even in one short chapter. Between this book and the previous one, we never get Archie’s POV, either, but for some reason that wasn’t an issue for me, maybe because Archie’s very good at communicating everything, so there wasn’t much curiosity about seeing the other characters through his eyes. I would’ve loved (and still hope I’ll get the chance eventually) to have that with Sloan.
The pacing of the relationship(s) made sense for where Corey was in life by the beginning of the book and the epilogue was the perfect way to close the book on more solid grounds.
Just like the previous book, this one has one POV, in this case Corey’s. Corey is on the high-functioning end of the autistic spectrum and a big part of the book revolves around him becoming aware of the emotional abuse of his current Dom and retaking his life into his own hands. It was very well done, realistic in a there-s-no-magic-wand-to-fix-it way, but the tone wasn’t depressing and there was plenty of space for Corey . Once again, when it comes to 4 people sharing page time, I struggle a bit with how much time each of them and each couple has on page, because as much as I like all of them, I’m inevitably drawn to one character and one couple/dynamic of which I can’t get enough. It doesn’t mean that the balance is off in the story or that there’s actually something missing, it’s a me-thing, and in this case, I don’t think I could’ve ever gotten enough of Sloan and of Sloan & Corey. I would’ve have minded seeing them . Mostly, though, I was disappointed that I never got to have Sloan’s POV, not even in one short chapter. Between this book and the previous one, we never get Archie’s POV, either, but for some reason that wasn’t an issue for me, maybe because Archie’s very good at communicating everything, so there wasn’t much curiosity about seeing the other characters through his eyes. I would’ve loved (and still hope I’ll get the chance eventually) to have that with Sloan.
The pacing of the relationship(s) made sense for where Corey was in life by the beginning of the book and the epilogue was the perfect way to close the book on more solid grounds.
November 29, 2024
Why did i read this 5 months age version 7
I swear this is not even a bdsm book anymore its just hurt/comfort especially talking about traumaa¿¿¿
I swear this is not even a bdsm book anymore its just hurt/comfort especially talking about traumaa¿¿¿
July 25, 2022
Corey gets his HEA
Sloan, Greer and Archie give Corey a safe place. Marcus was a abuser and it was good that Corey got away from him.
There are so many layers to this book. Told entirely in Corey’s POV, we learn so much of his backstory.
The MMMM dynamic really works in this book. Everyone has their role to play. I love this series. I look forward to many more books in this universe. Like at least 25 right?
Sloan, Greer and Archie give Corey a safe place. Marcus was a abuser and it was good that Corey got away from him.
There are so many layers to this book. Told entirely in Corey’s POV, we learn so much of his backstory.
The MMMM dynamic really works in this book. Everyone has their role to play. I love this series. I look forward to many more books in this universe. Like at least 25 right?
July 24, 2022
I am obsessed with this series and it just keeps getting better. I know I only gave the previous book 3 stars but that's truly because I couldn't get my hands on the sequel right then and there. I'm going back to bump up my rating right after this. :)
I don't think I've seen a more authentic Autistic character written. Usually the author will dance around actually saying a character is Autistic, or the character is written so stereotypically it's almost insulting. Or a combination of both. I especially appreciated the deep dive into food sensitivities and hyperfixation meals.
I also just appreciate the BDSM in this series (and by this author specifically). You can always tell when an author has an intimate understanding vs. just some basic research and conversations.
I don't think I've seen a more authentic Autistic character written. Usually the author will dance around actually saying a character is Autistic, or the character is written so stereotypically it's almost insulting. Or a combination of both. I especially appreciated the deep dive into food sensitivities and hyperfixation meals.
I also just appreciate the BDSM in this series (and by this author specifically). You can always tell when an author has an intimate understanding vs. just some basic research and conversations.
September 29, 2022
I loved Corey's POV & loved Greer, Archie & Sloan here! The 4's relationship was cute & hot, hehe.
This book was hard to read it at the start, my mind hurt that Corey couldn't see how he was being abused...but after his closed ones made him realised, it got better!
I was definitely more relaxed reading this then the previous one (which was my 1st full novel by Cara), not nervous knowing our 3 will handle Corey well. Development of individual relationship was sweet!
I'm looking forward to books of other new guys introduced here, Especially Ty/Lane book. I may read the other books in the future, especially the poly ones which are almost all 🥵.
This book was hard to read it at the start, my mind hurt that Corey couldn't see how he was being abused...but after his closed ones made him realised, it got better!
I was definitely more relaxed reading this then the previous one (which was my 1st full novel by Cara), not nervous knowing our 3 will handle Corey well. Development of individual relationship was sweet!
I'm looking forward to books of other new guys introduced here, Especially Ty/Lane book. I may read the other books in the future, especially the poly ones which are almost all 🥵.
February 18, 2023
3.5 out of 5 ☆’s.
”I'm not saying living with you or me, for that matter—won't come with challenges, but the second a partner uses them against you, you should fucking walk.”
ੈ✩‧₊˚
While I didn’t end up enjoying this novel more than its predecessor — I will say that I loved seeing Greer + Archie + Sloan + Corey’s relationship evolve throughout this novel!
”I'm not saying living with you or me, for that matter—won't come with challenges, but the second a partner uses them against you, you should fucking walk.”
ੈ✩‧₊˚
While I didn’t end up enjoying this novel more than its predecessor — I will say that I loved seeing Greer + Archie + Sloan + Corey’s relationship evolve throughout this novel!
July 13, 2022
Adrift in the Embers is a continuation of the story started in the previous book The Shepherd. After a traumatic event at Mclean House, Corey is invited to stay with Greer, Sloan, and Archie at their farmhouse to recover since Corey’s partner is out of town. Corey has been emotionally abused by his (kink) Daddy Marcus and feels very insecure and like he’s intruding on Greer’s family. Meanwhile Greer, Sloan, and Archie work to undo the emotional damage Marcus has wrought so Corey can see Marcus for the abuser he is, and Corey can feel comfortable being the loudmouthed brat he was before Marcus got his hooks in him.
Written entirely from Corey’s POV, we see Greer’s household from the outside while Corey is slowly folded into their family dynamic. Sloan is immediately drawn to Corey as they effortlessly fall into a Daddy/Little dynamic and Corey learns what a healthy relationship with a Daddy looks like. He also has a previously established Sadist/Masochist dynamic with Greer, although Greer struggles to accept seeing Corey as a sexual partner because of their significant age gap. Archie and Corey also become close and develop a dynamic of their own. I loved all the different kinks all these guys have, all their different relationships with each other and their dynamic as a foursome, plus how it all works with kids in the house (although the kids aren’t in this one quite as much as the previous book).
I really loved how Corey’s autism was portrayed. I feel like some authors have infantilized characters with autism and I was interested to see how it would all play out with Corey being a Little. Being a huge Cara Dee fan, I was not too worried about how she would write it. Corey has a pretty clear separation between his Little time and his grown up time (although he is sexual in his Little time so be aware of that if it’s a problem for you), and when he is in his grown-up mindset, he’s a capable, self-empoyed adult, but his specific struggles caused by his autism are not glossed over or overdone, he’s just a person, living his life, and his disabilty is a part of that. Archie, Greer, and Sloan are very frank and up front about making sure they are aware of and prepared for any special needs he might have, but they don’t make a big deal about it either, it’s the same as if they were discussing kink limits– it’s important, but it’s also just part of their life. I loved these four guys together and I absolutely loved Corey and was so happy to see him get his hard-earned HEA in this story.
Shay, River, and Reese were in this book quite a bit and I loved reading about them again. We also meet or hear about new characters for potential future books in the series (the Mclean gang certainly love to gossip!) and I can’t wait to read more about this wonderful community. I think I may need to reread the first few books again just to get that Mclean House (or is it House Mclean?) fix before the next book is released.
CW: Mild age play, consensual somnophilia, emotional abuse, fire related trauma/nightmares, and as I mentioned before, Corey is sexual while in his Little mindset.
Written entirely from Corey’s POV, we see Greer’s household from the outside while Corey is slowly folded into their family dynamic. Sloan is immediately drawn to Corey as they effortlessly fall into a Daddy/Little dynamic and Corey learns what a healthy relationship with a Daddy looks like. He also has a previously established Sadist/Masochist dynamic with Greer, although Greer struggles to accept seeing Corey as a sexual partner because of their significant age gap. Archie and Corey also become close and develop a dynamic of their own. I loved all the different kinks all these guys have, all their different relationships with each other and their dynamic as a foursome, plus how it all works with kids in the house (although the kids aren’t in this one quite as much as the previous book).
I really loved how Corey’s autism was portrayed. I feel like some authors have infantilized characters with autism and I was interested to see how it would all play out with Corey being a Little. Being a huge Cara Dee fan, I was not too worried about how she would write it. Corey has a pretty clear separation between his Little time and his grown up time (although he is sexual in his Little time so be aware of that if it’s a problem for you), and when he is in his grown-up mindset, he’s a capable, self-empoyed adult, but his specific struggles caused by his autism are not glossed over or overdone, he’s just a person, living his life, and his disabilty is a part of that. Archie, Greer, and Sloan are very frank and up front about making sure they are aware of and prepared for any special needs he might have, but they don’t make a big deal about it either, it’s the same as if they were discussing kink limits– it’s important, but it’s also just part of their life. I loved these four guys together and I absolutely loved Corey and was so happy to see him get his hard-earned HEA in this story.
Shay, River, and Reese were in this book quite a bit and I loved reading about them again. We also meet or hear about new characters for potential future books in the series (the Mclean gang certainly love to gossip!) and I can’t wait to read more about this wonderful community. I think I may need to reread the first few books again just to get that Mclean House (or is it House Mclean?) fix before the next book is released.
CW: Mild age play, consensual somnophilia, emotional abuse, fire related trauma/nightmares, and as I mentioned before, Corey is sexual while in his Little mindset.
July 22, 2022
Well the throuple goes to a quadruple. Sort of? I love this series about people who all belong to the same bdsm club especially because it’s mostly a regular people and not millionaires and people with their V card type of thing. This book brings back Corey who members of the club have been worrying about as he has moved away to live with a not very good Daddy. You could read this book as a stand-alone but the story overlaps with some of the other books and tells how the three some got together. Corey comes back to pack up his apartment and things change for him in a very short space of time. In the clever writing hands of Cara Dee this short timeline doesn’t feel all that unrealistic partly because of all the build up in the previous books in this series. In a way these books feel to me more like one long novel rather than a series of individual books. I highly recommend this book and this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 14, 2022
3.5 - this is definitely one of the better Bdsm series I have read. Normally I get totally put off by grown men communicating as Littles and in childish ways. Having my own little kids yabbering at me constantly means I definitely don’t want to read those voices in my books too! And the age play as a parent weirds me out a little. So this is a purely personal thing. I do however find Cara Dee doesn’t make her Little characters too annoying which is a big win. At times Corey did really frustrate me with his regression but this is all on me personally so I’ve tried not to let it affect my rating of the book as a whole and I’ve rounded it up.
I like the neurodiverse MC and having the book entirely in Corey’s point of view actually works well.
I like the neurodiverse MC and having the book entirely in Corey’s point of view actually works well.
July 23, 2022
Does Cara Dee write anything that's not fantastic? I honestly don't think so. This was another outstanding installment in her The Game Series. This might be my favorite. Or second favorite. I'm not sure. I just know I love Greer/Archie/Sloan/Cory so, so much. Their dynamic is perfect. The kink is top knotch. I ALWAYS learn something new from this series. (Hello, Vampire gloves and waterboarding) Greer broke Marcus's nose and Cory stood up to him in a badass way. I love the found family aspect. The HAE is hard earned and lovely. As always, I cannot wait for the next installment.
July 28, 2022
Corey is in a bad relationship, an abusive relationship and we got a preview of it in the previous book. Shep has been worried about him for a while, but Corey's daddy is making him move to another city and it's now or never to intervene before he's out of reach.
Corey's journey to admiting how deep his partner was mistreating him really resonated with me. From him just putting himself down, to opening his eyes to how he was manipulated and gaslighted.
I love that he could enter this journey surrounded by three amazing men who tried to give him the space and safety to come to terms with his toxic relationship. It really had me emotional everytime Corey would be so amazed and touched at basic decency and care from his partners.
+ bonus for more kinks, every book in this series just goes further. it's never boring.
Corey's journey to admiting how deep his partner was mistreating him really resonated with me. From him just putting himself down, to opening his eyes to how he was manipulated and gaslighted.
I love that he could enter this journey surrounded by three amazing men who tried to give him the space and safety to come to terms with his toxic relationship. It really had me emotional everytime Corey would be so amazed and touched at basic decency and care from his partners.
+ bonus for more kinks, every book in this series just goes further. it's never boring.
January 22, 2025
4.5 ✨
This book was so sweet and beautiful! I love love loved it, and I had so much fun revisiting all of the characters in the larger community. I also loved seeing the softer sides of the more harsh characters (like Colt and River/Reese) when they were standing up against Corey’s abuse. All of the main four characters were so lovable and enjoyable to read about, and I felt like their dynamic worked really well and was really fun to read.
This book was so sweet and beautiful! I love love loved it, and I had so much fun revisiting all of the characters in the larger community. I also loved seeing the softer sides of the more harsh characters (like Colt and River/Reese) when they were standing up against Corey’s abuse. All of the main four characters were so lovable and enjoyable to read about, and I felt like their dynamic worked really well and was really fun to read.
April 6, 2023
A really good book about getting out of an abusive relationship! At the same time a sweet and kinky love story ❤️ Cara Dee’s writing is so good!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
July 13, 2022
We finally get Corey’s story!
Corey has been struggling in his current relationship. His Daddy is extremely tough on him, has many double standards, and makes Corey feel bad about himself constantly. Corey knows his Daddy has made sacrifices for him, but is he in love or in debt?
When a tragic event at House McLean brings the community to its knees, it also brings the members closer than ever before. And in Corey’s moment of need it’s not his Daddy whose there for him. It’s a sexy Daddy Dom, a sweet Slave, and a caring Sadist.
This is an extension of the previous book, the Shepard, where we see Greer, Archie and Sloan continue to develop their relationship while adding the baby boy they’ve been missing. My heart broke for Corey in the previous book and it was great to see him be taken care of and get his HEA 💜
Corey has been struggling in his current relationship. His Daddy is extremely tough on him, has many double standards, and makes Corey feel bad about himself constantly. Corey knows his Daddy has made sacrifices for him, but is he in love or in debt?
When a tragic event at House McLean brings the community to its knees, it also brings the members closer than ever before. And in Corey’s moment of need it’s not his Daddy whose there for him. It’s a sexy Daddy Dom, a sweet Slave, and a caring Sadist.
This is an extension of the previous book, the Shepard, where we see Greer, Archie and Sloan continue to develop their relationship while adding the baby boy they’ve been missing. My heart broke for Corey in the previous book and it was great to see him be taken care of and get his HEA 💜
August 6, 2022
While I really liked Corey, Sloan, Greer and Archie and I thought they made a great foursome, I found this book to be a little boring. I wanted more sexy times and more kink. I did NOT find the scene to be hot, sexy or kinky, but to each their own.
What this book exceled at was found families, honest communication, and an open, accepting kink community. All of the previous men from the rest of the series spend time in this one. They've all become one big, supportive, loving family. It was nice to see, but not very exciting to read about.
What this book exceled at was found families, honest communication, and an open, accepting kink community. All of the previous men from the rest of the series spend time in this one. They've all become one big, supportive, loving family. It was nice to see, but not very exciting to read about.
January 14, 2023
omggggg i love!🖤
“I hope you don’t leave, little one.”
“We’ll seduce them together,”
“Good to have you back, brat.”
“I’m gonna show you how a real Daddy takes care of his little boy.”
Meeting Greer, Sloan, and Archie wasn’t all about finding my kinky haven. I loved everything about them and how family-oriented they were.
“You know you belong to us now, little one,”
“You’re part of our family.”
I freaking loved this book!
I hated everything Marcus put Corey through, he emotionally abused him.
I absolutely loved how Sloan, Greer & Archie helped Corey learn that what he was going through wasn’t okay.
The dynamic between the 4 men is amazing, I love how family-oriented they are and how they brought Corey into the mix of everything, him becoming a part of their family.🥹
🖤MMMM
🖤HEA
🖤Hurt/Comfort (literally 😏 & figuratively)
🖤Daddy/Little
🖤D/s BDSM
🖤Found Family
🖤STEAMYYY
“I hope you don’t leave, little one.”
“We’ll seduce them together,”
“Good to have you back, brat.”
“I’m gonna show you how a real Daddy takes care of his little boy.”
Meeting Greer, Sloan, and Archie wasn’t all about finding my kinky haven. I loved everything about them and how family-oriented they were.
“You know you belong to us now, little one,”
“You’re part of our family.”
I freaking loved this book!
I hated everything Marcus put Corey through, he emotionally abused him.
I absolutely loved how Sloan, Greer & Archie helped Corey learn that what he was going through wasn’t okay.
The dynamic between the 4 men is amazing, I love how family-oriented they are and how they brought Corey into the mix of everything, him becoming a part of their family.🥹
🖤MMMM
🖤HEA
🖤Hurt/Comfort (literally 😏 & figuratively)
🖤Daddy/Little
🖤D/s BDSM
🖤Found Family
🖤STEAMYYY
July 30, 2022
I have always loved Cara Dee's novels but her kinks and mine have finally diverged. I also seem to be in the minority amongst her fans in finding this book boring.
Poly relationship aside which does nothing for me, the insta love, couch psychology…all left me wanting. So much is ridiculous and over the top. And, what about the children? Everyone is boinking in a house full of kids? Remember the Cara of old that addressed such things? Remember Aftermath?
Her next book sounds like more of the same so I’ll pass.
Poly relationship aside which does nothing for me, the insta love, couch psychology…all left me wanting. So much is ridiculous and over the top. And, what about the children? Everyone is boinking in a house full of kids? Remember the Cara of old that addressed such things? Remember Aftermath?
Her next book sounds like more of the same so I’ll pass.
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