Captivated by Kink

by April Cross, Drake Storm

She's the forbidden fantasy. He's the dominant reality she craves.

Andrea
I've fantasized about my best friend's brother for years—ever since that one scorching night on my twenty-first birthday.

When I bump into Cole outside a shop, something powerful reignites between us. His proposition is simple, and I’m addicted after one taste of his control.

I 'll keep our affair secret from everyone we know if it means he'll keep calling me his good girl.

Cole
Andrea is my perfect temptation—twelve years younger and far too innocent for the darkness inside me.

But when she looks at me with yearning, something snaps. I need to feel her surrender, and hear her beg as I push her to the edge of pleasure.

I'm a man who demands complete control in the bedroom, yet she makes me lose mine entirely. She thinks I'm just teaching her submission. What she doesn't realize is that I've already decided—she's mine to keep, consequences be damned.

"Captivated by Kink" is a spicy, forbidden romance about secret desires, first-time submission, and a dominant man who will stop at nothing to possess the one woman he shouldn't want.

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2025

About the author

Writer 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.

Reviews

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

She was always off-limits. Now he's ready to break every rule to keep her.

Andrea never expects to run into Cole again. Her best friend's older brother is the one man she’s spent years trying not to want, but the spark between them hasn’t cooled. A single run-in reignites everything they tried to bury, and this time, walking away isn't so simple.

Cole tells himself she's too young, too innocent, too tied to his past. But when Andrea offers him her trust and her submission, it flips a switch he can’t turn off. Their secret nights blur the line between control and craving, and she’s not the only one learning how far they’ll go.

Behind closed doors, Andrea gives herself over to the rules, the rituals, and the man who demands her obedience. Cole knows exactly how to push her limits, and she keeps coming back for more. But when family pressures and hidden truths surface, their bond is tested in ways neither of them planned for.

From punishment to praise, discipline to devotion, what begins as a secret affair burns into something fierce, addictive, and unexpectedly tender. Their heat is explosive, but it's the emotional surrender that changes everything.

Andrea grows from curious and untested to confident and self-possessed, owning both her desire and her submission. Cole sheds his guarded control and learns what it means to lead with love. Together, they build a connection grounded in trust, intensity, and the freedom to be fully seen.

Ultra-hot and steamy, forbidden, age gap, best friend’s brother, dominant-submissive romance exploring power dynamics, trust, secrecy, control, vulnerability, healing, identity, and the kind of love that binds without breaking. It’s about surrendering without losing yourself and finding freedom in the one person who refuses to let you go.

The Elevator Pitch: A forbidden age gap romance sparks when a dominant man claims the one submissive he was never supposed to touch. Their secret dynamic pushes the limits of control and surrender, blending discipline, desire, and emotional risk. It's steamy, addictive, and unexpectedly tender, with a bond built on trust, power, and submission.

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read one other book by the Cross/Storm dynamic duo, and once again, they’ve completely captivated me. Their ability to weave two distinct voices into a seamless dual perspective is remarkable. Each character feels vivid and real, and together they deliver a raw, emotionally charged story that lingers long after the final page. When Andrea unexpectedly bumps into her best friend’s brother, Cole, it reawakens every memory she’s tried and failed to bury since that unforgettable night four years ago when he took her virginity on her twenty-first birthday. Cole has regretted ghosting her ever since, but Andrea stirs something deep within him, something dangerous. He’s a Dom who craves control and pain and pleasure in equal measure. He’s convinced Andrea is far too innocent for his dark desires. But when she asks him to teach her, everything changes. What follows is a beautifully sensual exploration of trust, vulnerability, and self-discovery. I loved watching Andrea surrender completely, not out of weakness, but out of strength, embracing her desires and stepping boldly into her own power. Her curiosity and openness are like kryptonite to Cole, who quickly realizes his “no feelings” rule doesn’t stand a chance. Andrea is his perfect submissive, but can he find the courage to love her out in the open? Cole’s steady composure when faced with family disapproval only made me love him more, though I found Andrea’s parents’ attitude frustrating when they treat her like a child instead of the capable, passionate woman she’d become. The authors do a brilliant job portraying the delicate balance of dominance and submission, showing how true freedom can exist within trust and surrender. As the story builds toward its emotional climax, one question remains: when love and family collide, will Andrea follow her heart or let fear dictate her choice? This book is a steamy, heartfelt, and empowering journey that celebrates desire, trust, and the courage to claim both.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Slwd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrea and Cole

I just finished “Captivated by Kink” written by April Cross and Drake Storm. This is an age gap, forbidden erotic romance that is the length of a novella. First of all, I liked the dual points of view with April writing as Andrea and Drake writing as Cole. This writing dynamic definitely added to the story, each voice felt unique and different from one another but merged perfectly into a successful story. I enjoyed both the age gap aspect as well as their concern that being together was forbidden for Andrea and Cole so they had to keep their relationship quiet. This created an intense bubble that focused solely on the couple. The characters were both great. Andrea and Cole were established adults entering into a consensual dominant/submissive relationship in the bedroom. These two characters had chemistry in droves, it increased exponentially as the story unfolded. There is a lot of impact play, bondage, edging, toys, sight deprivation, the word ‘slut’ thrown in here and there, and of course, praise. This story is erotica at its best, highly sensual and passionate leading to a deep emotional connection between the couple. Definitely recommended for lovers of the genre.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

[Louise J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four years ago, Andrea and Cole celebrated her 21st birthday in a very memorable way which neither has been able to get out of their heads, but at twelve years younger and as his sister’s best friend, Cole feels that Andrea is totally off limits. Andrea knows that Cole is involved in the local BDSM scene and she wants him to be the one to give her an education. When they run into each other unexpectedly, the spark is still there between them, and Cole can’t resist Andrea’s enticing request to be her teacher, after all he can remain distant and unemotional, right? Wrong. As Cole brings Andrea into his world of dominance and kinks, her openness and determination to try it all breaks down his walls of resistance to feeling and having everything with her, no matter what might stand in their way. This is a thigh clenching read full of kink, mischievousness, steam, tenderness and care with a forever dom/sub partnership – another brilliant collaboration from April and Drake.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Valerie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Booksprout and the authors for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
Both authors are successful in their chosen erotica genres and a collaboration brings the promise of a lot of exciting heat. The previous book in this series showed their ability to write a story from different POV and this novel concentrates on another couple in the interwoven family / friends grouping.
There is a large (but not excessive) age difference which underlines the level of experience each character has, lending itself to the 'learner / teacher' dynamic. Through the exciting, spicy scenes both Andrea and Cole learn more about themselves as they progress their relationship.
I loved the way each character's POV illustrates their sensitivity and feeling, as well as ensuring safety and consent underpin their BDSM relationship.
Another superb erotic book.

[Ms. Le · Rating 3 out of 5]

We met Cole and Andrea in book one as he is Eve’s older brother and her best friend. There are some crossover scenes from their point of view here. I really disliked Cole for much of the story. He had ghosted Andrea for 4 years after taking her virginity on her 21st birthday. Then he played hot and cold with her after meeting again, saying nothing could happen then only a sexual dom/sub relationship with no emotions whilst keeping it secret. Further red flags with the suggestion that he is still playing with other women during this time. Andrea was the mature one and also stood up to her strict parents by herself initially. If she is happy, then I am but she deserved more.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is dual POV with different authors for each POV, well written and edited, and a fast-paced, spicy, age gap, best friend’s brother, second chance, power exchange, contemporary erotic romance. I enjoyed the initiative that Andrea, the female lead, showed as she engaged Cole, the male lead. I was amused by Cole’s reluctant interest, and enjoyed seeing the way he became enthralled with Andrea. I enjoyed the deepening spicy intimacy and empathised with Cole’s concerns regarding Andrea’s interest in his specific interests. I enjoyed Andrea’s building confidence. I enjoyed the happy ending.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Teri Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

The MMC has a hard time believing the FMC would be ok with the stuff he’s into. In this story it’s the MMC who has all the reasons something shouldn’t happen. Usually, it’s the FMC denying feelings. Anyways, the spice is often and fantastic. I loved it. The strong connection between the two main characters can only mean they were meant for each other. This book was well written and easy to follow. I loved the two main characters and was rooting for them. I would definitely recommend this novella.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little sweet and a lot of steam! I love the connection between Cole and Andrea. After a little angst, they know pretty quickly that they complement each other perfectly (in every way). And the “scenes?” Wow. If you like a sweet and spicy D/s dynamic, you’ll love Captivated by Kink. I will definitely be reading more from April Cross.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stan Hutchings · Rating 5 out of 5]

A scorching-hot, dual POV romance
Andrea has had a crush on Cole since her 21st birthday, but he is 12 years older. Now, at 25, she is ready to explore her submissive, masochistic, BDSM fantasies and Cole, with the urge to cause managed, consensual pain, is ready to be her dom. Sparks fly and they enter into an intense sub-dom relationship that is steamy hot and explicitly described. Read the warning label, there’s lots of emotion and serious, consensual action. There is a dual HEA.

[Vievie2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Captivated by Kink - it’s a bold, steamy romance with a strong sense of emotional depth. The dual perspectives of Andrea and Cole give the story real personality, and the intense dynamic between them pulses with energy. If you’re comfortable with erotic content and want something passionate and immersive, this one hits the mark.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[PN_booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the dynamic between the two main characters. The story flowed very nicely and was an easy read. It had some intriguing side characters which I'm guessing will also get their own book eventually. I appreciated that the characters not only had to deal with other people's bias but also their own. This made the story and the characters feel more realistic.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol Demmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story. Andrea has had a thing for Cole since her birthday. Four years later she runs into him and when they have coffee their conversation moves to her birthday night. They make arrangements to test their dom and sub connection that Andrea is interested in trying. This book is full of hot chemistry and a happy ending. I enjoyed this book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old Crush, New Kinks
Andrea has had a crush on Cole since she was 16; they slept together once when she was 21, then never spoke again. Cole has know he was a dominant and too experienced for Andrea (he’s twelve years older) but she’s still the temptation he can’t deny. This story was snappy and, while two different author voices was a bit of an adjustment, it certainly kept the ball rolling! A new combo for me and I quite enjoyed it!

[Kaitie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very hot and sweet novella featuring a secret age-gap romance? Yes please! This book was practically perfect, with the couple having enough of a background to avoid cringy insta-love, lots of spicy scenes, and a very cute love story.

The characters were realistic (for a romance novel) and I loved the difference, but compatibility, in their personalities. Love the experienced dom/newbie sub dynamic so much!

I don't know if the other couples in the book have or will be getting their own stories told, but I'd be here for it! And Jasper with his kinky parties...