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Leather and Lattes #5
Concentration Play
Nolan’s new roommate is no other than his boss’s ex—hot, his perfect match…and a widower who’s not ready to move on.
James needs a fresh start. After losing his husband, he can’t stay in his old town, and moving back to San Francisco offers the chance to heal without stepping on landmines. However, he finds them all on his own. The sparks that flare between him and his new roommate, Nolan, are enough to send him spiraling.
Nolan’s sworn off love. No one’s able to weather his OCD, his breakdowns, his…well, everything. Yet when James moves in, he might’ve met the only person who can. Except James is off-limits, unable to move forward from his loss, which makes living together pure torture—because Nolan has wanted him from the moment they met.
Yet when a new club in the area threatens Nolan’s workplace, Whipped, he and James are on the task. And the more time they spend with each other, the more they can no longer deny the explosive attraction between them. But they’ve barely glued their shattered pieces back together, and one misstep won’t just fracture the bond between them—it’ll break them both.
Enter Whipped, a unique cafe that caters to coffee and kink addicts alike...
James needs a fresh start. After losing his husband, he can’t stay in his old town, and moving back to San Francisco offers the chance to heal without stepping on landmines. However, he finds them all on his own. The sparks that flare between him and his new roommate, Nolan, are enough to send him spiraling.
Nolan’s sworn off love. No one’s able to weather his OCD, his breakdowns, his…well, everything. Yet when James moves in, he might’ve met the only person who can. Except James is off-limits, unable to move forward from his loss, which makes living together pure torture—because Nolan has wanted him from the moment they met.
Yet when a new club in the area threatens Nolan’s workplace, Whipped, he and James are on the task. And the more time they spend with each other, the more they can no longer deny the explosive attraction between them. But they’ve barely glued their shattered pieces back together, and one misstep won’t just fracture the bond between them—it’ll break them both.
Enter Whipped, a unique cafe that caters to coffee and kink addicts alike...
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 4, 2026
About the author
Katherine McIntyre
87 books751 followersGeeky Queer Romance.
Katherine McIntyre is feisty with a big attitude despite their short stature. They write stories featuring snarky women, ragtag crews, and men with bad attitudes—high chance for a passionate speech thrown into the mix. As a genderqueer geek who’s always stepped to their own beat, they've made it their mission to write stories that represent the broad spectrum of people out there. Easily distracted by cats and sugar.
Katherine McIntyre is feisty with a big attitude despite their short stature. They write stories featuring snarky women, ragtag crews, and men with bad attitudes—high chance for a passionate speech thrown into the mix. As a genderqueer geek who’s always stepped to their own beat, they've made it their mission to write stories that represent the broad spectrum of people out there. Easily distracted by cats and sugar.
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August 5, 2026I love Nolan... I've been waiting to see how his book shaped up and how his switchy bratting energy would blend with someone and I wasn't disappointed when I read his journey with James... it's also a love letter to the Whipped and Tabletop Gaming families with a little bit of a suspenseful side quest to boot...
This book addresses past hurts, a little opposites attract and some spicy but not over the top kink, blending that with a love story that builds much slower than the spice (which tbh hits you right in the face at the beginning - no hate for that, obviously)
Best read in order, the story features all the characters from the past books and a few more that are waiting for their hea's.
This book addresses past hurts, a little opposites attract and some spicy but not over the top kink, blending that with a love story that builds much slower than the spice (which tbh hits you right in the face at the beginning - no hate for that, obviously)
Best read in order, the story features all the characters from the past books and a few more that are waiting for their hea's.
Read
August 4, 2026It's not this book, it's me. I just have not been in a high heat mood in a very long time and so they're not working as well for me right now.
Did Not Finish
July 26, 2026DNF at 50%
I usually enjoy this author’s books more than this. However this one was not for me. I have not read other books in this series and I felt really confused in several places. Read the TWs and CWs.
I received an ARC from GRR for an honest review
I usually enjoy this author’s books more than this. However this one was not for me. I have not read other books in this series and I felt really confused in several places. Read the TWs and CWs.
I received an ARC from GRR for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Author
RTC
Review of advance copy received from Author
Concentration Play by Katherine McIntyre is the 5th book in her Leather and Lattes series. It is the story of two men who think they are too broken to find love and how they heal each other and are able to start new lives together. Nolan Turner works at Whipped, a coffee café upstairs with a dungeon downstairs owned by Meg. He is the marketing person for the club with a degree in graphic design and is a member there who is a sub that thrives on pain. He also has a severe case of OCD with many tics and can have melt downs if things aren’t in their right places or done a certain way, and it got worse after something happened to him a while ago. The people at Whipped know this and are very conscious of making sure everything is the way he likes it and he feels very safe and comfortable there. But when he has sought a relationship, it almost always falls apart quickly because others can’t live with his actions or deliver what he needs. James Walker had lived in San Francisco but moved to Sacramento with his husband who he dearly loved. They had a year and a half together and then Andrew fell sick and eventually died leaving James bereft. He was afraid to lose his memories of him and was barely surviving with all his grief so he decided to move back to San Francisco to see if that would help. At his new company he was a security analyst and had some hacking in his background that they didn’t know about. He had been a regular at Whipped before he left so he was happy to be back with people who knew him and what he liked. When he went there, he ran into Nolan and they had a hot scene that left Nolan feeling floaty and wishing for more but James is unable to move on and says no. He is staying in a rental house and Meg says she knows someone who is looking for a roommate in his big house. When James goes to see it, he finds it belongs to Nolan and he isn’t sure he should do it. But Nolan explains that he doesn’t keep roommates very long because of his OCD and James responds that if he tells him everything, he will make sure he sticks to what he needs done and how to do it and decides to rent the room from him, and as time goes on, Nolan has some melt downs but James is undeterred and for the first time he feels seen and accepted for who he is. Meanwhile a new club, Euphoria, has opened and is trolling everything Whipped does and putting that club down, encouraging people to stay away from it. Meg is beside herself and Nolan is trying to figure out how to combat it, especially since they are having a Newbie Night coming up. Meg suggests he gets James to help and try to figure out who is behind this. Carter, a person with a very suspicious past, is the owner of Euphoria, and Ken, who works at the same place as James, also seems to be involved. James digs deep into their pasts and finds some very interesting things about them and when he meets with the Whipped crew and reports what he has found they start doing some brainstorming about what to do about them but know they can’t involve Whipped as a club or it will cause more problems. The more time they spend together the more the attraction grows between them but James still can’t act on it until Nolan’s ex asks to date again and this spurs him on and a talk with his mother and Meg lead him to believe he can move forward without losing his memories of Andrew so he tells Nolan that he is the only one on his radar and since Nolan has waited a long time for a partner who accepts him is thrilled. They kiss and have a very hot scene involving some interesting toys and this healed a part of James’s soul. They continue having hot scenes as well as attending a play night at the club where everyone now knows they are together. After another talk with his mother, James discovers some things he thought he knew weren’t true and realizes he loves Nolan. Things were escalating with Euphoria and were going to come to a head so something had to be done. The Whipped crew got together at Nolan’s house and came up with an idea that could solve their problem and when they put it into effect it did in a spectacular way. After another hot scene both men declare their love for each other and they know they are going to be together always. I really enjoyed this book. Both men were so broken and Nolan felt like he could never be loved because of his OCD and James couldn’t look past that he was alive and Andrew was gone. When they met again, they were a perfect Dom/sub combination and this played out in the many very hot scenes they had, each getting from the other just what they needed. The problem with Euphoria and what it was trying to do to Whipped played throughout the story with James getting information and then getting blackmailed about it, and Nolan coming up with the idea that saved it. During all this time James and Nolan were getting closer and their attraction grew as they healed each other with kindness, care, and comfort until they knew they were in love. The crew at Whipped and James’s mother also played important parts in the story. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like stories about men who think they are too broken to ever find love but are able to get everything they need in each other to heal and fall in love.
Review of advance copy
Concentration Play by Katherine McIntyre
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
⬆️ Ebook ARC
🔀 Dual Third-Person POV
🎨 Cover: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📚 Leather & Lattes Series Book 5
👉 Each book features a different relationship with its own HEA.
👉 Can Be Read as a Standalone, but I highly recommend reading the series in order (for full emotional impact).
🌈 Adult MM Contemporary Romance
👉 Set in San Francisco
👉 Medium Angst
🥵 Kink Café Setting
👉 Non-Monogamous Relationship
❤️🩹 Grief & Healing
❤️🩹 Hurt & Comfort
💻 Security Analyst x Graphic Designer MC
😈 Wicked Sadist x Perfect Pain Slut
👌 Fun Banter & Humor 😜
💯 Super Steamy
👀 Cameos & Crossover (Love This!)
💘 Attraction at First Sight
❤️ Roommates to Lovers
🏡 Forced Proximity
🖤 Widower Learning to Love Again
💔 Two Broken Souls Healing Together
🌶 Spice Menu:
🔥 Dom x Switch/Sub
🚦BDSM (Group play, Impact Play, Flogging, Sounding, Public Kink Scenes, CBT, Nipple Presses, and Wrestling.)
👉 Safe Places & Subspace
🔥 High-Heat Chemistry
🔥 Spice Level (Intensity, not frequency):
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
🌈 MCs:
🎨💻😊👉 Nolan Turner (late 20s), Bisexual, He/Him:
-Marketing & graphic designer at Whipped.
-Long green hair pulled into a low bun, pale skin with black and gray scale tattoos.
-Tall, slender, and graceful, with lithe muscles.
-Looks incredibly sexy in his black kilt or tight yoga pants, and loves wearing kohl around his brown eyes.
-Incredibly kind and sweet.
-Has OCD and manages it with therapy and medication.
-Loves plants (and names every single one 🫠).
-Practices yoga.
-Former Punk musician.
-Switch, but craves submission and is a true masochist.
-Workaholic because he hates going home to an empty house.
-Extremely lonely despite having amazing friends.
✊️🛡️🧩💻👉 James Walker (late 20s), He/Him:
-Security analyst and former hacker.
-Widower still grieving the loss of his husband Andrew.
-Golden-brown skin, broad shoulders, muscular build.
-Quiet, patient, and natural caretaker.
-Experienced Dom and loves impact play.
-Geek who loves D&D and computers.
-Moved back to San Francisco for a fresh start.
-Carries guilt and grief but slowly learns that loving again doesn't erase the love he had before.
⚠️ Content Warnings:
⚠️ Casual Alcohol Consumption
⚠️ Loss of a Spouse (off page)
⚠️ Struggling w/ Grief
⚠️ OCD Flares
⚠️ PTSD From Past Injury
⚠️ Brief Earthquake Scene
🏳️🌈 Tight-Knit Found Family
👏 Solid Character Development
💯 Best Side Characters Full of Bratty Antics 🤭
🥰 Love the Ending
😍 HEA (well-earned)
💭 My Thoughts:
📖 This isn't a story about replacing a lost love. It's about learning that the heart can carry grief and new love at the same time. ❤️
🖤 Nolan and James are deeply lonely people who finally find someone who truly understand the hardest parts of them.
🧠 I really loved the OCD representation. It never romanticizes it or reduces Nolan to his condition. It's simply one part of who he is. (This one hit very close to home for me.)
🫠 James is so respectful and kind. He never tries to "fix" Nolan. He simply asks what he needs and respects it.
🥹 It's so thoughtful that Nolan never tries to replace Andrew. Instead, he makes space for James to keep Andrew's memory alive, and I found that incredibly beautiful.
🔥 I also loved how Kat emphasizes negotiation, limits, hygiene, consent, and aftercare while naturally introducing us to different BDSM practices (and I even learned a few new things 😏).
😭 I have to mention the cemetery scene because it's probably one of the most powerful and emotional moments in the entire series.
☕ And as always, Whipped continues to be one of the most precious found families I've ever read. I really missed this crew. Their sassiness, their bratty antics, and the way they fiercely protect and support one another is just beautiful.
▪︎FAV QUOTES▪︎
😉 Thanks for reading, hope this helps you out!
I received this book as a gift from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
⬆️ Ebook ARC
🔀 Dual Third-Person POV
🎨 Cover: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📚 Leather & Lattes Series Book 5
👉 Each book features a different relationship with its own HEA.
👉 Can Be Read as a Standalone, but I highly recommend reading the series in order (for full emotional impact).
🌈 Adult MM Contemporary Romance
👉 Set in San Francisco
👉 Medium Angst
🥵 Kink Café Setting
👉 Non-Monogamous Relationship
❤️🩹 Grief & Healing
❤️🩹 Hurt & Comfort
💻 Security Analyst x Graphic Designer MC
😈 Wicked Sadist x Perfect Pain Slut
👌 Fun Banter & Humor 😜
💯 Super Steamy
👀 Cameos & Crossover (Love This!)
💘 Attraction at First Sight
❤️ Roommates to Lovers
🏡 Forced Proximity
🖤 Widower Learning to Love Again
💔 Two Broken Souls Healing Together
🌶 Spice Menu:
🔥 Dom x Switch/Sub
🚦BDSM (Group play, Impact Play, Flogging, Sounding, Public Kink Scenes, CBT, Nipple Presses, and Wrestling.)
👉 Safe Places & Subspace
🔥 High-Heat Chemistry
🔥 Spice Level (Intensity, not frequency):
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
🌈 MCs:
🎨💻😊👉 Nolan Turner (late 20s), Bisexual, He/Him:
-Marketing & graphic designer at Whipped.
-Long green hair pulled into a low bun, pale skin with black and gray scale tattoos.
-Tall, slender, and graceful, with lithe muscles.
-Looks incredibly sexy in his black kilt or tight yoga pants, and loves wearing kohl around his brown eyes.
-Incredibly kind and sweet.
-Has OCD and manages it with therapy and medication.
-Loves plants (and names every single one 🫠).
-Practices yoga.
-Former Punk musician.
-Switch, but craves submission and is a true masochist.
-Workaholic because he hates going home to an empty house.
-Extremely lonely despite having amazing friends.
✊️🛡️🧩💻👉 James Walker (late 20s), He/Him:
-Security analyst and former hacker.
-Widower still grieving the loss of his husband Andrew.
-Golden-brown skin, broad shoulders, muscular build.
-Quiet, patient, and natural caretaker.
-Experienced Dom and loves impact play.
-Geek who loves D&D and computers.
-Moved back to San Francisco for a fresh start.
-Carries guilt and grief but slowly learns that loving again doesn't erase the love he had before.
⚠️ Content Warnings:
⚠️ Casual Alcohol Consumption
⚠️ Loss of a Spouse (off page)
⚠️ Struggling w/ Grief
⚠️ OCD Flares
⚠️ PTSD From Past Injury
⚠️ Brief Earthquake Scene
🏳️🌈 Tight-Knit Found Family
👏 Solid Character Development
💯 Best Side Characters Full of Bratty Antics 🤭
🥰 Love the Ending
😍 HEA (well-earned)
💭 My Thoughts:
📖 This isn't a story about replacing a lost love. It's about learning that the heart can carry grief and new love at the same time. ❤️
🖤 Nolan and James are deeply lonely people who finally find someone who truly understand the hardest parts of them.
🧠 I really loved the OCD representation. It never romanticizes it or reduces Nolan to his condition. It's simply one part of who he is. (This one hit very close to home for me.)
🫠 James is so respectful and kind. He never tries to "fix" Nolan. He simply asks what he needs and respects it.
🥹 It's so thoughtful that Nolan never tries to replace Andrew. Instead, he makes space for James to keep Andrew's memory alive, and I found that incredibly beautiful.
🔥 I also loved how Kat emphasizes negotiation, limits, hygiene, consent, and aftercare while naturally introducing us to different BDSM practices (and I even learned a few new things 😏).
😭 I have to mention the cemetery scene because it's probably one of the most powerful and emotional moments in the entire series.
☕ And as always, Whipped continues to be one of the most precious found families I've ever read. I really missed this crew. Their sassiness, their bratty antics, and the way they fiercely protect and support one another is just beautiful.
▪︎FAV QUOTES▪︎
■ They were two raw, broken things, but somehow, they’d managed to find solace in each other.
■ “You took so much,” he murmured. “Such a perfect pain slut.” (James)
■ “I didn’t think I’d ever find anyone who accepted all of me, but you do.” (Nolan)
■ “You make me feel whole again, baby,” James said softly. “I didn’t believe that was possible for me anymore.” (James)
😉 Thanks for reading, hope this helps you out!
I received this book as a gift from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Nolan and James's book is one I've been waiting for. and let me tell you, the wait was well worth it!
I'll start by saying that I love Kat's writing, she has such a way of creating worlds that you just can't help but want to be a part of. I want to visit these places, and meet these absolutely lovely characters, I adore each and every one of them. And honestly, that's quite an accomplishment in itself. Sometimes when there are so many characters, one or two may fall short, or ends up not having as much personality as another one, but that didn't happen here. Each and everyone of Kat's characters has so much personality and all stand on their own, they each add such an important factor to these books that make them what they are.
Nolan and James's journey isn't an easy one, they have a lot to work through, and a lot to discuss, along with trying to figure out who is the one trying to ruin Whipped's reputation. Their path isn't easy, and it isn't painless either, but their journey ended up being so worth it in the end.
I adore Nolan, whenever his character has appeared in the other books, I've always been so curious about him. And now I got to learn more about him and I LOVED it! I just adore him. He's so sweet, and kind, and just not what you'd expect, you know? He's completely unique, and I love that so much.
James is different from Nolan in the sense that he gives a more.. "stoic" energy, don't get me wrong, he's full of life and passion in his own ways, but compared to Nolan's bubbly energy, he's a bit more of a storm cloud. But a rather sweet storm cloud.
Him and Nolan's story does have a bit of angst, both within their relationship and also due to outside circumstances, but the overall story is very sweet and was a joy to read. I love this crew, and I adore how Kat brought the Tabletop crew into this series as well, I just LOVED seeing that.
All in all, another terrific book! I'm so sad this series is almost over :((
I'll start by saying that I love Kat's writing, she has such a way of creating worlds that you just can't help but want to be a part of. I want to visit these places, and meet these absolutely lovely characters, I adore each and every one of them. And honestly, that's quite an accomplishment in itself. Sometimes when there are so many characters, one or two may fall short, or ends up not having as much personality as another one, but that didn't happen here. Each and everyone of Kat's characters has so much personality and all stand on their own, they each add such an important factor to these books that make them what they are.
Nolan and James's journey isn't an easy one, they have a lot to work through, and a lot to discuss, along with trying to figure out who is the one trying to ruin Whipped's reputation. Their path isn't easy, and it isn't painless either, but their journey ended up being so worth it in the end.
I adore Nolan, whenever his character has appeared in the other books, I've always been so curious about him. And now I got to learn more about him and I LOVED it! I just adore him. He's so sweet, and kind, and just not what you'd expect, you know? He's completely unique, and I love that so much.
James is different from Nolan in the sense that he gives a more.. "stoic" energy, don't get me wrong, he's full of life and passion in his own ways, but compared to Nolan's bubbly energy, he's a bit more of a storm cloud. But a rather sweet storm cloud.
Him and Nolan's story does have a bit of angst, both within their relationship and also due to outside circumstances, but the overall story is very sweet and was a joy to read. I love this crew, and I adore how Kat brought the Tabletop crew into this series as well, I just LOVED seeing that.
All in all, another terrific book! I'm so sad this series is almost over :((
August 8, 2026
Honey let me tell you something. I got this book as an advance reader copy from GRR. Didn't really know what to expect but I just found a whole new series to deep dive and love cuz it has everything you want. Sexy men, coffee and Kinks what more could you want.
Now what originally drew me to this book was a couple sentences in the blurb, "Nolan’s new roommate is no other than his boss’s ex—hot, his perfect match…and a widower who’s not ready to move on." "Enter Whipped, a unique cafe that caters to coffee and kink addicts alike."
I was like excuse me what Cafe and Kink addicts sign me up.
Anyway this is book 5 in the leather and lattes series. Yes and when I figured out what the series was about I have went back and bought books one through four to catch myself up. This book is about Nolan and James, two men with their own issues that they feel like they can never love again. James is trying to get over the loss of his husband. He moves to another town to get away from the issues and not have to deal with this issues of that. Only to step into a whole different reality. Now Nolan has wore off love that sweet man is just like I've got my issues ain't nobody can deal with it I'm done with love to heck with y'all. Which is really sad because he does have OCD and is very particular about certain things so he's just needs a little extra love and care. And what happens is James and Nolan both find that care in each other. Nolan is James help to move forward and James is Nolan's understanding of his condition and is very understanding.
Overall this book was a huge huge success in the reading department. I absolutely adored it over the moon about both of the characters thought they were amazing. Immersed immensely in the series thought it was amazing. Now I'm going back to read books one through four because you girl is just hooked on this series now.
Nolan and James
Now what originally drew me to this book was a couple sentences in the blurb, "Nolan’s new roommate is no other than his boss’s ex—hot, his perfect match…and a widower who’s not ready to move on." "Enter Whipped, a unique cafe that caters to coffee and kink addicts alike."
I was like excuse me what Cafe and Kink addicts sign me up.
Anyway this is book 5 in the leather and lattes series. Yes and when I figured out what the series was about I have went back and bought books one through four to catch myself up. This book is about Nolan and James, two men with their own issues that they feel like they can never love again. James is trying to get over the loss of his husband. He moves to another town to get away from the issues and not have to deal with this issues of that. Only to step into a whole different reality. Now Nolan has wore off love that sweet man is just like I've got my issues ain't nobody can deal with it I'm done with love to heck with y'all. Which is really sad because he does have OCD and is very particular about certain things so he's just needs a little extra love and care. And what happens is James and Nolan both find that care in each other. Nolan is James help to move forward and James is Nolan's understanding of his condition and is very understanding.
Overall this book was a huge huge success in the reading department. I absolutely adored it over the moon about both of the characters thought they were amazing. Immersed immensely in the series thought it was amazing. Now I'm going back to read books one through four because you girl is just hooked on this series now.
Nolan and James
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Yet, the steadiness served as a reminder that love was not finite. That it didn’t have the simple beginnings and endings of a book. That it was tangled in the fabric of the universe, something as broad and endless as the starry sky.”
I just love this series of books! They have easily become comfort reads for me. Katherine McIntyre has done it again bringing us into the found family of the Whipped crew in this fifth installment of the Leather and Lattes series. If you want mild angst, high heat, and a hurt/comfort vibe this is the book for you.
Nolan works at Whipped as their marketing guru and is a member of their BDSM scene. He struggles with OCD and it has lost him partners in the past. He’s single and enjoys being in the community but he longs for a deeper connection with someone.
James is a widower who lost his husband Andrew about a year ago and is still grieving. He is an ex-boyfriend of Whipped’s owner Meg and they are still great friends. In fact he and his husband still used to scene with Meg and her husband Tristan before Andrew passed away. James has decided to move back to San Francisco and Meg helps him find a room to rent, which happens to be in Nolan’s house.
Nolan and James have extraordinary chemistry but both are going through some things. At first they plan to just scene together but then feelings begin to develop. There is also a bit of drama with a new BDSM club on the scene which adds another layer to the story.
Concentration Play felt really romantic to me! Katherine McIntyre has some beautifully worded prose throughout that was giving me all the feelings. I think one of my favorite things is getting to see snippets of other characters from the Leather and Lattes series so we remain immersed in this amazing found family. I already can’t wait for the next book in the series but thankfully I can go back and reread these anytime.
I just love this series of books! They have easily become comfort reads for me. Katherine McIntyre has done it again bringing us into the found family of the Whipped crew in this fifth installment of the Leather and Lattes series. If you want mild angst, high heat, and a hurt/comfort vibe this is the book for you.
Nolan works at Whipped as their marketing guru and is a member of their BDSM scene. He struggles with OCD and it has lost him partners in the past. He’s single and enjoys being in the community but he longs for a deeper connection with someone.
James is a widower who lost his husband Andrew about a year ago and is still grieving. He is an ex-boyfriend of Whipped’s owner Meg and they are still great friends. In fact he and his husband still used to scene with Meg and her husband Tristan before Andrew passed away. James has decided to move back to San Francisco and Meg helps him find a room to rent, which happens to be in Nolan’s house.
Nolan and James have extraordinary chemistry but both are going through some things. At first they plan to just scene together but then feelings begin to develop. There is also a bit of drama with a new BDSM club on the scene which adds another layer to the story.
Concentration Play felt really romantic to me! Katherine McIntyre has some beautifully worded prose throughout that was giving me all the feelings. I think one of my favorite things is getting to see snippets of other characters from the Leather and Lattes series so we remain immersed in this amazing found family. I already can’t wait for the next book in the series but thankfully I can go back and reread these anytime.
Review of advance copy received from Author
**I received a complimentary ARC and am leaving a voluntary review**
The characters in this book might be my favorite in the series so far (but it is almost impossible to choose, because they all have a place in my heart!)
The MMCs Nolan and James are such vivid characters, who really come alive and that allows you to connect with them and feel what they are feeling. Nolan's character really spoke to me and, like with so many other characters, I wish he was a real person I could be friends with.
I really loved how brave both Nolan and James were when dealing with past trauma, present challenges and the unknowns of the future. And the message to not waste time when you've got something special because life is short, unpredictable and precious really hit hard.
The found family in this series is unlike any other: they are open, accepting, loving, protective, supportive, super funny, lovingly meddlesome and special. They really are everything anyone could ask for and play such an important role in the story.
Not to mention the bonus snippets we get from the couples/throuples we met and fell in love with in the previous books are always so much fun!
The kink this book explored was quite interesting and not something I was very familiar with before reading this, so I also learned lots of new stuff :D
And the spice between the MMCs was soooo hot, at times practically swoon-worthy in its simplicity. But it was the emotional connection these two had and just how perfect they were for each other that had me melting.
The characters in this book might be my favorite in the series so far (but it is almost impossible to choose, because they all have a place in my heart!)
The MMCs Nolan and James are such vivid characters, who really come alive and that allows you to connect with them and feel what they are feeling. Nolan's character really spoke to me and, like with so many other characters, I wish he was a real person I could be friends with.
I really loved how brave both Nolan and James were when dealing with past trauma, present challenges and the unknowns of the future. And the message to not waste time when you've got something special because life is short, unpredictable and precious really hit hard.
The found family in this series is unlike any other: they are open, accepting, loving, protective, supportive, super funny, lovingly meddlesome and special. They really are everything anyone could ask for and play such an important role in the story.
Not to mention the bonus snippets we get from the couples/throuples we met and fell in love with in the previous books are always so much fun!
The kink this book explored was quite interesting and not something I was very familiar with before reading this, so I also learned lots of new stuff :D
And the spice between the MMCs was soooo hot, at times practically swoon-worthy in its simplicity. But it was the emotional connection these two had and just how perfect they were for each other that had me melting.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Pain play, a switch, and a sadist- all the markings for a book that hits all my plus buttons. Add in some emotions and a bit of angst from the characters' emotional growth, and that's even better.
What I loved about this book is they truly understood each other. James didn't just accommodate Nolan and his mental health adaptations, but he asked questions, was thoughtful, and truly cared right from the get-go.
Nolan was also very understanding and patient as James dealt with his grief and guilt of moving on after losing his husband. It was very nice and touching to see the two of them come together first as friends, then as more as they navigated each other's situations and lives to seamlessly fit into one another's.
On the kink side of things, I very much enjoyed the pain play. It was well done, and Nolan's need for pain was so much fun to see because you can never go wrong with a good impact scene. Throw in some other kinks such as CBT and it's the making for a fun time. One thing I wish for, though was more on the switch side of things. While I did enjoy showing that it's not always an equal showing of dominant and submissive as being a switch is as unique and personal for the individual as everything else when it comes to kink, I would have liked to explore both sides of Nolan a little more.
This book was very character- and relationship-focused, so the plot was a bit quick, imo, and I felt the resolution didn't quite have the stakes it set up to be, but it worked.
Overall, it was a great addition to this series.
What I loved about this book is they truly understood each other. James didn't just accommodate Nolan and his mental health adaptations, but he asked questions, was thoughtful, and truly cared right from the get-go.
Nolan was also very understanding and patient as James dealt with his grief and guilt of moving on after losing his husband. It was very nice and touching to see the two of them come together first as friends, then as more as they navigated each other's situations and lives to seamlessly fit into one another's.
On the kink side of things, I very much enjoyed the pain play. It was well done, and Nolan's need for pain was so much fun to see because you can never go wrong with a good impact scene. Throw in some other kinks such as CBT and it's the making for a fun time. One thing I wish for, though was more on the switch side of things. While I did enjoy showing that it's not always an equal showing of dominant and submissive as being a switch is as unique and personal for the individual as everything else when it comes to kink, I would have liked to explore both sides of Nolan a little more.
This book was very character- and relationship-focused, so the plot was a bit quick, imo, and I felt the resolution didn't quite have the stakes it set up to be, but it worked.
Overall, it was a great addition to this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rating: 4
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 3rd person
Genre: contemporary romance, BDSM, MM
Tropes / tags: hurt / comfort, mental health, found family
I loved being back at Whipped - I just adore this found family! James and Nolan's story was exactly what I had been hoping for, with plenty of sweetness, emotions and kinky scenes!
I'd been looking forward to this pairing, and their chemistry was great right from the beginning. There was a bit of close proximity and matchmaking going on, but Nolan and James were also naturally drawn to each other. The dynamic and feelings developed very naturally between them, but they had some things they needed to work through.
They both had some insecurities, Nolan had OCD and people hadn't always been understanding about it. James was still grieving the loss of his husband and he was feeling guilty about moving on. They were great for each other though, it was sweet to see the support and understanding they shared, and how they started to heal together. It got emotional at times, and I loved the moments of vulnerability and hurt / comfort between them.
The two of them also had a lot of support from the staff and regulars at Whipped, and I always love spending time with this found family. Play nights are always fun to read about, and I really enjoyed seeing Nolan and James scene together. I loved the impact play - there were a lot of hot scenes in this one, and James was fantastic at giving Nolan what he needed. Their romance was overall sweet and low angst, but there were some outside factors that added some tension and angst to their story.
Concentration Play was an excellent addition to the series - James and Nolan's romance was definitely worth the wait! It only took a few chapters for me to get engrossed in this one, and I could barely put it down. I definitely recommend checking out this series if you enjoy character focused stories with great written kink and found family!
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I received a complimentary copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 3rd person
Genre: contemporary romance, BDSM, MM
Tropes / tags: hurt / comfort, mental health, found family
I loved being back at Whipped - I just adore this found family! James and Nolan's story was exactly what I had been hoping for, with plenty of sweetness, emotions and kinky scenes!
I'd been looking forward to this pairing, and their chemistry was great right from the beginning. There was a bit of close proximity and matchmaking going on, but Nolan and James were also naturally drawn to each other. The dynamic and feelings developed very naturally between them, but they had some things they needed to work through.
They both had some insecurities, Nolan had OCD and people hadn't always been understanding about it. James was still grieving the loss of his husband and he was feeling guilty about moving on. They were great for each other though, it was sweet to see the support and understanding they shared, and how they started to heal together. It got emotional at times, and I loved the moments of vulnerability and hurt / comfort between them.
The two of them also had a lot of support from the staff and regulars at Whipped, and I always love spending time with this found family. Play nights are always fun to read about, and I really enjoyed seeing Nolan and James scene together. I loved the impact play - there were a lot of hot scenes in this one, and James was fantastic at giving Nolan what he needed. Their romance was overall sweet and low angst, but there were some outside factors that added some tension and angst to their story.
Concentration Play was an excellent addition to the series - James and Nolan's romance was definitely worth the wait! It only took a few chapters for me to get engrossed in this one, and I could barely put it down. I definitely recommend checking out this series if you enjoy character focused stories with great written kink and found family!
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I received a complimentary copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
August 6, 2026
James moved back to San Francisco after he lost his husband, he found a new job as a security analyst. Little detail: he’s a former hacker.
Nolan is a graphic designer, he designs for social campaigns.
James is a skilled Dom and sadist. Nolan is a switch and a masochist. They meet and have their first scene together at Whipped. It was the most intense scene for both.
A bummer James didn’t want more with Nolan, Nolan would have loved to start something with this amazing and considerate man.
Fate decreed that they would meet after all. Nolan was looking for a tenant, and James was looking for a space to live. Nolan warned him that he has OCD and isn’t the easiest person to deal with.
Nolan learned that James was grieving, and James learned what Nolan has been through.
Nolan found out someone is posting negative things about Whipped on Social Media. This could be the end of Whipped. Ha! Watch these wonderful characters deal with dirt and injustice.
I loved this series and this was another great addition.
The kinky private scenes and the scenes at Whipped are wonderfully carried out, and more than sexy. The way the story developed was just done very well; the author has such a pleasant way of writing.
Review also on LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
Nolan is a graphic designer, he designs for social campaigns.
James is a skilled Dom and sadist. Nolan is a switch and a masochist. They meet and have their first scene together at Whipped. It was the most intense scene for both.
A bummer James didn’t want more with Nolan, Nolan would have loved to start something with this amazing and considerate man.
Fate decreed that they would meet after all. Nolan was looking for a tenant, and James was looking for a space to live. Nolan warned him that he has OCD and isn’t the easiest person to deal with.
Nolan learned that James was grieving, and James learned what Nolan has been through.
Nolan found out someone is posting negative things about Whipped on Social Media. This could be the end of Whipped. Ha! Watch these wonderful characters deal with dirt and injustice.
I loved this series and this was another great addition.
The kinky private scenes and the scenes at Whipped are wonderfully carried out, and more than sexy. The way the story developed was just done very well; the author has such a pleasant way of writing.
Review also on LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
August 6, 2026
Nolan’s new roommate, James, is his boss’s ex and a widower still grieving his husband. James hopes returning to San Francisco will help him heal, but living with Nolan only stirs feelings he isn’t ready to face. Nolan, who’s sworn off love because of his OCD and past heartbreak, is drawn to James immediately — even though James is off‑limits. When a new club threatens Whipped, the two are forced to work together, and their attraction becomes impossible to ignore. Both men are still fragile, and one wrong move could break them instead of bringing them closer.
This story handled grief and OCD with real care, never making light of the struggles both men faced. I loved how Nolan and James were drawn to each other from the start, and how their relationship only stood a chance because they took the time to truly learn one another, their needs, their boundaries, and their aligned kinks. The mystery surrounding the threat against Whipped added a great layer of tension, and the unfolding danger kept the story exciting. The eventual reveal and resolution were satisfying and gave the emotional journey extra weight. There were a lot of emotions throughout, all written with clarity and sensitivity, making them easy to connect with and understand. A heartfelt, layered story that blends healing, attraction, and suspense beautifully. This was an MM story with mature content and BDSM-like dynamics.
This story handled grief and OCD with real care, never making light of the struggles both men faced. I loved how Nolan and James were drawn to each other from the start, and how their relationship only stood a chance because they took the time to truly learn one another, their needs, their boundaries, and their aligned kinks. The mystery surrounding the threat against Whipped added a great layer of tension, and the unfolding danger kept the story exciting. The eventual reveal and resolution were satisfying and gave the emotional journey extra weight. There were a lot of emotions throughout, all written with clarity and sensitivity, making them easy to connect with and understand. A heartfelt, layered story that blends healing, attraction, and suspense beautifully. This was an MM story with mature content and BDSM-like dynamics.
August 7, 2026
Review for (Leather and Lattes-3) Concentration Play by Katherine McIntyre
Triggers & Tropes
Pain play
Sadist
Grief
Pain from losing a spouse
OCD flares
Public kink scenes
CBT
Flogging
Group play
wrestling
Sounding
PTSD
Ok, in most cases this story was my jam. I love a lot of the kink play in this story. I'm not a big reader of stories with group play, but if it's done right, I can. Katherine wrote it well enough that it didn't bother me too much. With everything else in the story, it smoothed it out. I also loved the way this author wrote the pain that they went through with everything. James needs to grow and live again after he loses his husband. All James knew was he needed to get out of where the memories were stopping him from living, so it was time to move to where the memories of his life aren't right in his face. So he goes to San Francisco. Nolan and James become roommates. It might be a little odd since he is living with his boss's ex. The heat between the two of them is off the pages. Nolan doesn't think anyone will look at him twice with his OCD that can cause issues. But when James moves in, he sees that maybe he can have a relationship even with his OCD and pain. I love stories like this, and Katherine McIntyre wrote this story really well. I loved the way their relationship unfolded and couldn't stop reading till the last world. I have to read more by this author.
Nicole Harvey
Triggers & Tropes
Pain play
Sadist
Grief
Pain from losing a spouse
OCD flares
Public kink scenes
CBT
Flogging
Group play
wrestling
Sounding
PTSD
Ok, in most cases this story was my jam. I love a lot of the kink play in this story. I'm not a big reader of stories with group play, but if it's done right, I can. Katherine wrote it well enough that it didn't bother me too much. With everything else in the story, it smoothed it out. I also loved the way this author wrote the pain that they went through with everything. James needs to grow and live again after he loses his husband. All James knew was he needed to get out of where the memories were stopping him from living, so it was time to move to where the memories of his life aren't right in his face. So he goes to San Francisco. Nolan and James become roommates. It might be a little odd since he is living with his boss's ex. The heat between the two of them is off the pages. Nolan doesn't think anyone will look at him twice with his OCD that can cause issues. But when James moves in, he sees that maybe he can have a relationship even with his OCD and pain. I love stories like this, and Katherine McIntyre wrote this story really well. I loved the way their relationship unfolded and couldn't stop reading till the last world. I have to read more by this author.
Nicole Harvey
August 7, 2026
Firstly, let me say I got this book from gay romance reviews and this is me leaving my honest review.
James had moved back to San Francisco after the death of his husband. It had affected James deeply watching the man he loved, suffer and die so decided to come back home. He’s very good friend Meg had a café and kink Club. After a year he was eager to enjoy the club again. And this is where he meets Nolan who works for Meg but also enjoys pain. Their first scene was just what they both needed, but James wasn’t ready to move on. And when James needed somewhere to stay Meg offered him a solution.
Nolan had OCD he had ways that settled him. It had ruined relationships because nobody understood or would listen to what he needed, but thankfully he found that in James. When the Club was experiencing some bad reviews, Meg and Nolan asked for James’s Help as a hacker but would this bring trouble to their door??
There is no hesitation in saying these two had a deep connection. The passion that they shared was off the charts, the trust that they had for one another seem to happen overnight and it just worked for them but was there anything else happening at the same time?? I’ve got to say I really enjoyed this Book for me. There was just something missing, but I don’t know what it is. I can’t put my finger on it myself but I’ve got to say I really looking forward to the next book in the series and I’m a big fan of this author.
James had moved back to San Francisco after the death of his husband. It had affected James deeply watching the man he loved, suffer and die so decided to come back home. He’s very good friend Meg had a café and kink Club. After a year he was eager to enjoy the club again. And this is where he meets Nolan who works for Meg but also enjoys pain. Their first scene was just what they both needed, but James wasn’t ready to move on. And when James needed somewhere to stay Meg offered him a solution.
Nolan had OCD he had ways that settled him. It had ruined relationships because nobody understood or would listen to what he needed, but thankfully he found that in James. When the Club was experiencing some bad reviews, Meg and Nolan asked for James’s Help as a hacker but would this bring trouble to their door??
There is no hesitation in saying these two had a deep connection. The passion that they shared was off the charts, the trust that they had for one another seem to happen overnight and it just worked for them but was there anything else happening at the same time?? I’ve got to say I really enjoyed this Book for me. There was just something missing, but I don’t know what it is. I can’t put my finger on it myself but I’ve got to say I really looking forward to the next book in the series and I’m a big fan of this author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
‼️SPOILERS‼️
I really liked this one. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this one but I was hooked because I go Downey like a roommate to lovers story because I know I sure do.
Nolan and James made my heart flutter because they were just so adorable together. I just knew after their first encounter that something was going to happen.
James moved to San Francisco after needing to heal after his husband’s death. When Nolan has a room opening for his place and he realizes that the man that he met at the club was the one and the same, things get interesting really fast.
When Nolan freaks out and snaps at James, he thought he was going to leave the apartment. That whole scene had me in my feelings and made me want more of how patient they were with one another.
Of course, there’s some drama with “Whipped”, the found family in this book really grabbed at me and I was here for how they all come together.
One of my favorite scenes had to be when James and his mama talk. That really set James they it was really okay to move on.
The “I love you” scene had me in my feelings because if you know what James went through, I was so worried about his reaction to Nolan’s feelings. I really loved the epilogue. It was so special.
I cannot wait for the next book.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
I really liked this one. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this one but I was hooked because I go Downey like a roommate to lovers story because I know I sure do.
Nolan and James made my heart flutter because they were just so adorable together. I just knew after their first encounter that something was going to happen.
James moved to San Francisco after needing to heal after his husband’s death. When Nolan has a room opening for his place and he realizes that the man that he met at the club was the one and the same, things get interesting really fast.
When Nolan freaks out and snaps at James, he thought he was going to leave the apartment. That whole scene had me in my feelings and made me want more of how patient they were with one another.
Of course, there’s some drama with “Whipped”, the found family in this book really grabbed at me and I was here for how they all come together.
One of my favorite scenes had to be when James and his mama talk. That really set James they it was really okay to move on.
The “I love you” scene had me in my feelings because if you know what James went through, I was so worried about his reaction to Nolan’s feelings. I really loved the epilogue. It was so special.
I cannot wait for the next book.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story contains some pretty heavy kink so please read the content warning you can find in the sample on Amazon.
I enjoy reading books about things that I wouldn’t necessarily want to experience in real life and this is one of those books. Moving back to San Francisco is James’ way to escape the overwhelming sadness he feels after the death of his husband. Whipped is a comfortable place for him and his good friend and owner recommends a place for him to rent.
Nolan has extreme OCD and none of his recent boyfriends could tolerate the quirks he needs to function. Enter James, his new renter/roommate. James immediately accepts Nolan for who he is. The fact that Nolan is a pain slut make him perfect for James who is a sadist. It’s a bit far into the story before we find out what has triggered Nolan’s extreme OCD (it was under control before) but that anticipation kept the story moving for me and I couldn’t put it down.
I was happy to learn that there will be one more book in this series. We’ll finally get to find out more about Meg, the owner of Whipped,
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
I enjoy reading books about things that I wouldn’t necessarily want to experience in real life and this is one of those books. Moving back to San Francisco is James’ way to escape the overwhelming sadness he feels after the death of his husband. Whipped is a comfortable place for him and his good friend and owner recommends a place for him to rent.
Nolan has extreme OCD and none of his recent boyfriends could tolerate the quirks he needs to function. Enter James, his new renter/roommate. James immediately accepts Nolan for who he is. The fact that Nolan is a pain slut make him perfect for James who is a sadist. It’s a bit far into the story before we find out what has triggered Nolan’s extreme OCD (it was under control before) but that anticipation kept the story moving for me and I couldn’t put it down.
I was happy to learn that there will be one more book in this series. We’ll finally get to find out more about Meg, the owner of Whipped,
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Concentration Play - Emotional Togetherness
‘One moment he’d been spiraling, spiraling, spiraling, and the next, the first ray of light pierced the interminable dark. How Nolan had realized what he needed, he’d never know, how this man quieted the ghosts haunting him, unfathomable, and yet he couldn’t help but crave his presence. The way he steadily allowed him to breathe for the first time in over a year.’
Katherine McIntyre has once again taken deep feelings and shared them through her ability to write with her heart.
James’ profound loss and Nolan’s daily struggles find a way to connect two wonderful men and help each to become more heathy and happy in Concentration Play. Finding each other, with Meg’s quiet help, placed them in an orbit of support, found through friends at Whipped.
Each, sometimes heartbreakingly painful, step toward the other cleared a path where love enveloped them without having to disregard their past and present emotions. They simply meshed in a way that physically and mentally helped them form a bridge of joy together in this beautiful story of kink and love.
‘One moment he’d been spiraling, spiraling, spiraling, and the next, the first ray of light pierced the interminable dark. How Nolan had realized what he needed, he’d never know, how this man quieted the ghosts haunting him, unfathomable, and yet he couldn’t help but crave his presence. The way he steadily allowed him to breathe for the first time in over a year.’
Katherine McIntyre has once again taken deep feelings and shared them through her ability to write with her heart.
James’ profound loss and Nolan’s daily struggles find a way to connect two wonderful men and help each to become more heathy and happy in Concentration Play. Finding each other, with Meg’s quiet help, placed them in an orbit of support, found through friends at Whipped.
Each, sometimes heartbreakingly painful, step toward the other cleared a path where love enveloped them without having to disregard their past and present emotions. They simply meshed in a way that physically and mentally helped them form a bridge of joy together in this beautiful story of kink and love.
Review of advance copy
OMG, chapter 5 until I realised this was 3rd person POV. And I’d read the book before this in the series! I had to go recheck that other books of McIntyre’s I’d read were 1st person (they are), but I can’t believe I hadn’t noticed.
I’d read Filtration Play in this series and absolutely loved it so jumped at the chance to read this. Nolan and James are gorgeous. I loved their representation and acceptance of each other, they’re absolute sweethearts. There’s some pretty emotional stuff covered in this in relation to mental health, grief and moving on after the loss of a spouse, and it’s really heartfelt and moving.
Plenty of spice and kink also, I’d say there’s more public (at the club Whipped) in this than book 4. I appreciated the representation of the lifestyle and how it worked for both James and Nolan individually and as a couple, as well as the support it and their family at the club offered them.
There’s a little rivalry drama continued from the prior book, but overall a sweet, spicy, kinky love story and I’m looking forward to the final book in the series as well as getting back to books 1 to 3.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
I’d read Filtration Play in this series and absolutely loved it so jumped at the chance to read this. Nolan and James are gorgeous. I loved their representation and acceptance of each other, they’re absolute sweethearts. There’s some pretty emotional stuff covered in this in relation to mental health, grief and moving on after the loss of a spouse, and it’s really heartfelt and moving.
Plenty of spice and kink also, I’d say there’s more public (at the club Whipped) in this than book 4. I appreciated the representation of the lifestyle and how it worked for both James and Nolan individually and as a couple, as well as the support it and their family at the club offered them.
There’s a little rivalry drama continued from the prior book, but overall a sweet, spicy, kinky love story and I’m looking forward to the final book in the series as well as getting back to books 1 to 3.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Thank you, GRR, for the arc!
I was reasonably enjoying this until the 60% mark. Around 4 stars. I liked the challenges both men had and how they handled each other, even tho it almost felt too smoothly sometimes.
The flirting during the discussion to set up some TTRPG for the newbie event annoyed me to no end.
This is my first book in this series, so maybe I am supposed to know these men, but the endless flirting was really off-putting. Like, people, focus! We’re setting up things. Pls stop mentioning flogging every few minutes.
It just sucked the enjoyment I had for this book out of it, and made it such a struggle to keep reading.
This book had such a diverse cast of named characters who all had dynamics together and it made the book confusing and messy, as if I'm reading someone's group chat but don't know anyone there except for maybe one or two.
When I applied for the arc it said "Prior reading NOT required" but I don't agree with that. They're all just flirting with each other, all over the place, but I don't know these people so it feels uncomfortable.
I was reasonably enjoying this until the 60% mark. Around 4 stars. I liked the challenges both men had and how they handled each other, even tho it almost felt too smoothly sometimes.
The flirting during the discussion to set up some TTRPG for the newbie event annoyed me to no end.
This is my first book in this series, so maybe I am supposed to know these men, but the endless flirting was really off-putting. Like, people, focus! We’re setting up things. Pls stop mentioning flogging every few minutes.
It just sucked the enjoyment I had for this book out of it, and made it such a struggle to keep reading.
This book had such a diverse cast of named characters who all had dynamics together and it made the book confusing and messy, as if I'm reading someone's group chat but don't know anyone there except for maybe one or two.
When I applied for the arc it said "Prior reading NOT required" but I don't agree with that. They're all just flirting with each other, all over the place, but I don't know these people so it feels uncomfortable.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, this is the series that keeps on giving. Trust is a critical element of the kink community. So when a chance opportunity after between a widower and someone who is never quite satisfied, they find a perfect match. But the widower is not ready and the other tends to become too much personally and also in the BDSM world. They get a second chance when they become roommates but once again their clear connection and chemistry is thwarted by ghosts of the past. When they decide to move past their fears and past experiences, James and Nolan fall into a beautiful start. But there's trouble lurking and it could affect the community that they love so much. Another winner by Katherine and seriously this series is so good, it has something for everyone and the cast of characters in the series only get better and better.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5/5. I love this series, but I got behind. Even being behind, this one was fantastic. This author does holding each other up and finding home so well. I need to get on catching up because I know I missed so much and it was all too good to miss. My genuine b. I also need more data to secure my Very Favourite MC rankings. In any case, I’ve been reading through it for several days now, and it was difficult to keep being forced to put it down to do real life shit or read another book. (It was the only one I could put down and want to come back to with anticipation, so I chose to make it the one I took my time with.) If you’ve loved this gang from the start, and the world within, you’ll be frothing for this one.
—I received an ARC as part of the author’s ARC team. All ratings, reviews, and unwanted opinions are my own.—
—I received an ARC as part of the author’s ARC team. All ratings, reviews, and unwanted opinions are my own.—
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars rounded up
Concentration Play is the fifth book in the Leather and Lattes series
It’s the story of two broken men who manage to heal.
James moves to San Francisco in search of a change of scenery after his husband’s death; he’s emotionally broken and can’t seem to connect with anyone. During a visit to a club, he meets Nolan, who is also dealing with trauma because his previous partners couldn’t handle his behavior.
One night, during a session, they connect, but James is too afraid to start something—until they begin sharing an apartment.
Another topic discussed here is how important it is to find a safe scene, the importance of mental health and respecting other people's boundaries.
The next one (I think it will be the last one) and I can't wait to read it.
Concentration Play is the fifth book in the Leather and Lattes series
It’s the story of two broken men who manage to heal.
James moves to San Francisco in search of a change of scenery after his husband’s death; he’s emotionally broken and can’t seem to connect with anyone. During a visit to a club, he meets Nolan, who is also dealing with trauma because his previous partners couldn’t handle his behavior.
One night, during a session, they connect, but James is too afraid to start something—until they begin sharing an apartment.
Another topic discussed here is how important it is to find a safe scene, the importance of mental health and respecting other people's boundaries.
The next one (I think it will be the last one) and I can't wait to read it.
Review of advance copy
4.75 ⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
☕ Sadist x masochist
☕ Grief rep (death of a partner)
☕ OCD and ptsd rep
☕ Forced proximity (and they were roommates)
Another amazing Leather and Lattes book! I loved how Nolan and James grew together, through both their issues and found their way to each other. I missed this crew of kinky misfits so much! And the fact that we only get one more book in this series made me very sad. I'm so glad I found this series though. It's full of hurt/comfort, good kink practices, enthusiastic consent, and quite unique pairings and kinks (in my opinion).
I'm so happy I could return to 'Whipped', even if for a little while. If you like good queer representation, kink and a nice dose of hurt/comfort, this series is definitely for you!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
☕ Sadist x masochist
☕ Grief rep (death of a partner)
☕ OCD and ptsd rep
☕ Forced proximity (and they were roommates)
Another amazing Leather and Lattes book! I loved how Nolan and James grew together, through both their issues and found their way to each other. I missed this crew of kinky misfits so much! And the fact that we only get one more book in this series made me very sad. I'm so glad I found this series though. It's full of hurt/comfort, good kink practices, enthusiastic consent, and quite unique pairings and kinks (in my opinion).
I'm so happy I could return to 'Whipped', even if for a little while. If you like good queer representation, kink and a nice dose of hurt/comfort, this series is definitely for you!
August 4, 2026
I really like this series and all of the characters. They are all quirky and have their own different styles and each one of them keep me entertained. I knew Nolan would need somebody special and I'm glad that James is that person. Nolan needs somebody who sees him and doesn't treat him differently while James needed somebody to help him heal. James is open enough to understand Nolan's challenges and just accept them. Together, along with the other team members and friends of Whipped, they're facing a challenge that they will not back down from. This is been such an entertaining series and I love the blending of Whipped and Tabletop
Tavern. I have been a faithful reader of this author and will continue to read any new books that she publishes.
Tavern. I have been a faithful reader of this author and will continue to read any new books that she publishes.
August 5, 2026
What a lovely return to Whipped! Thank you to the author for the advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love Whipped and these characters so much. I’ve missed a few of the books and am very much enticed to return to them as this author has me hooked.
Nolan is the sweetest and I loved how he fit with James. “The crew at Whipped had put his pieces back one by one, and then James came and settled the final piece in place.” Sums it up perfectly.
James is so strong. His grief was encompassing after losing his husband and his healing is far from linear. I appreciated every part. He and Nolan complimented one another and their steam was sizzling.
Well written and paced. Highly recommend!
I love Whipped and these characters so much. I’ve missed a few of the books and am very much enticed to return to them as this author has me hooked.
Nolan is the sweetest and I loved how he fit with James. “The crew at Whipped had put his pieces back one by one, and then James came and settled the final piece in place.” Sums it up perfectly.
James is so strong. His grief was encompassing after losing his husband and his healing is far from linear. I appreciated every part. He and Nolan complimented one another and their steam was sizzling.
Well written and paced. Highly recommend!
August 7, 2026
In this case, both Nolan and James have some serious issues that make them feel that they are not in a position to be with someone. James is a widower and has not moved on from that loss yet. He moves to San Francisco to get away from the pain and memories. But in some ways he moves from the frying pan into the fire. Meeting Nolan awakens something in him. They may not have thought themselves ready to find someone, but the heart and emotions want what they want. So even though they resist, circumstances conspire to get them working together and spending a lot of time with one another. Feelings develop and they find their way, warts and all. This was another good story in this series.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
I have not read the other books in this series, but this new found family for me is one I want to spend more time with, so I will go find and read the first four books. This one tugged so as my heart as it hurt to see the trauma issues Nolan and James are confronting. James inability to move past the death of his true love was so realistically written and begs the question--can we move on from that one true love when they die. Fortunately we can and Nolan is perfect for James. I read this book in one sitting I was so invested in how it ended. Some kink, some trust issues, and perfect couple make it a must read book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Everyone is the perfect match for the right person! And one's heart can love more than once.
As James and Nolan learn after a hawt session at Whipped. It’s not a smooth ride, though. James is still grieving his husband, and Nolan is tainted by people of the past who can’t handle his OCD and mental health.
But James just accepts it all, makes space for it, which takes Nolan a while to learn to trust. And Nolan helps James see that he can love and be loved again. To have fun again.
But while trying to figure all that out, they are also working together to fight off an attack on Whipped by a rival club.
It’s a great story. A meaningful romance and some fun play time to boot
As James and Nolan learn after a hawt session at Whipped. It’s not a smooth ride, though. James is still grieving his husband, and Nolan is tainted by people of the past who can’t handle his OCD and mental health.
But James just accepts it all, makes space for it, which takes Nolan a while to learn to trust. And Nolan helps James see that he can love and be loved again. To have fun again.
But while trying to figure all that out, they are also working together to fight off an attack on Whipped by a rival club.
It’s a great story. A meaningful romance and some fun play time to boot
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