What do you think?
Rate this book
Intricate Ties #1
Seeking His Command: An MM Romance of Second Chances
A deeply emotional, romantic tale of healing and redemption. Nervous and seeking escape from his crumbling life, newly divorced Miles Bennet turns to the art of surrender in a last-ditch effort to reclaim his shattered self-worth. At Shimizu Services, an elite sanctuary of power and trust, he meets Darren—a warm, confident professional whose gentle authority offers Miles a lifeline. As Darren guides him through the intricacies of trust, discipline, and total vulnerability, Miles begins to rediscover a strength he thought was lost forever.
As their private sessions of intensive guidance and intricate rope-work deepen, Miles must confront desires he never anticipated, especially when he realizes his journey isn't just about healing… it's about the man holding the line. But can he trust himself—or Darren—enough to truly let go?
A steamy, emotional journey of trust, authority, and the courage to love beyond labels.
The quiet, earnest vulnerability of Shane Hollander (Heated Rivalry) meets the profound healing and protective authority of a Nora Phoenix hero in this high-heat romance where a man broken by trauma discovers his deepest healing lies in the total devotion of a protector's embrace. Heat
As their private sessions of intensive guidance and intricate rope-work deepen, Miles must confront desires he never anticipated, especially when he realizes his journey isn't just about healing… it's about the man holding the line. But can he trust himself—or Darren—enough to truly let go?
A steamy, emotional journey of trust, authority, and the courage to love beyond labels.
The quiet, earnest vulnerability of Shane Hollander (Heated Rivalry) meets the profound healing and protective authority of a Nora Phoenix hero in this high-heat romance where a man broken by trauma discovers his deepest healing lies in the total devotion of a protector's embrace. Heat
ebook
43 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
March 6, 2026
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
This is the first part of a series and it does end on a cliffhanger. That being said, it was a nice quick read. It was interesting to see how Miles decided to try out submission as a way to find both ‘strength and self-worth’ after his life has imploded. There isn’t a clear explanation for what happened yet, and I’ll be honest, until that is revealed I’m going to be a little nervous about what it was and if it will fundamentally change how I view the character.
Nevertheless, it is obvious that Miles is struggling with things, and it is nice to see that having scenes with Darren is having such a positive impact on him. This volume was from Miles’s POV and I’ll be interested to see if we get Darren’s perspective on things in subsequent volumes.
This is the first part of a series and it does end on a cliffhanger. That being said, it was a nice quick read. It was interesting to see how Miles decided to try out submission as a way to find both ‘strength and self-worth’ after his life has imploded. There isn’t a clear explanation for what happened yet, and I’ll be honest, until that is revealed I’m going to be a little nervous about what it was and if it will fundamentally change how I view the character.
Nevertheless, it is obvious that Miles is struggling with things, and it is nice to see that having scenes with Darren is having such a positive impact on him. This volume was from Miles’s POV and I’ll be interested to see if we get Darren’s perspective on things in subsequent volumes.
March 2, 2026
Review for ( Intricate Ties-1) Seeking His Command by A.E. LeMercier
I really enjoyed this story. I loved the way that A.E. LeMercier wrote Miles and Darren. They wrote that the BDSM part of the story was well written. I live the lifestyle, so to see an author writing a beautiful, if not painful, story made me want more, need more, from this author. The pain these two men have gone through just tears your heart apart. The pain that Miles has gone through just made me want to reach in and hug him and tell him it will be ok; things will change. Then there is also Darren, who has gone through heartbreak with relationships, to the point where he just doesn't feel he is meant for more, so with that, he throws himself into his job. Miles shows Darren what he is missing. This story was written so beautifully, I didn't want it to end; I wanted more. I can't wait to see what happens in book two.
Nicole Harvey
I really enjoyed this story. I loved the way that A.E. LeMercier wrote Miles and Darren. They wrote that the BDSM part of the story was well written. I live the lifestyle, so to see an author writing a beautiful, if not painful, story made me want more, need more, from this author. The pain these two men have gone through just tears your heart apart. The pain that Miles has gone through just made me want to reach in and hug him and tell him it will be ok; things will change. Then there is also Darren, who has gone through heartbreak with relationships, to the point where he just doesn't feel he is meant for more, so with that, he throws himself into his job. Miles shows Darren what he is missing. This story was written so beautifully, I didn't want it to end; I wanted more. I can't wait to see what happens in book two.
Nicole Harvey
April 18, 2026
Will rate after finishing the sequel.
March 13, 2026
I received a copy through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
3.8*
Enjoyed the first installment of this “spicy & cozy” BDSM series, as the author describes her style.
Let me start by saying that the opening pages didn’t work very well for me. Miles gives vaguely clinical and unconvincing reasons for seeking out a professional dom. Later, we have more context about his reasons, which feel legitimate and understandable. I wish the beginning pages just stayed with the action and omitted those paragraphs of unsatisfying justification. I’m beyond skeptical about the suggestion of sex fixing mental health issues in romance books. Here though, the MC is in therapy and AA, but feels stuck, so he tries something novel. That’s about as much as we need in those first pages. Kink is inherently emotional and the book shows us how and why the MCs engage in different scenes without overselling or sounding like a scam. Even being skeptical, I came around to the idea that kink can help. It doesn’t fix people and it’s not for everyone, but the situation in this book is convincing, to me at least.
The story has a good pace even as the BDSM scenes are carefully described. Darren is exquisitely patient and complementary. He reinforces Miles’s self-worth in small ways that build upon each other. He also has a few moments of correcting negative self-talk. Beyond all of that though, Darren’s greatest gifts to Miles are moments of peace. Any other potential benefits aside, it’s those moments of clarity and contentment that convinced me about the book’s message. Sometimes just *not feeling bad* is momentous. That’s something I can believe in.
Miles’s devotion is beautiful. He’s desperate for affection of any kind and receives a wealth of it from Darren. Miles is immediately willing to submit to Darren in exchange for that affection. As exchanges go, it’s pretty good. But both of them cross small lines of professionalism throughout while their attraction grows. As the depth of Miles’s emotional devastation becomes clearer to Darren, he tries to provide more support in different ways and crosses more small lines. Miles is so broken, but as Darren says, Miles is strong. ❤️🩹
For quite a while, Miles seems entirely oblivious to his same-sex attraction. Some of that is trauma survival, but some of it is also mental gymnastics. I remember those tactics well from high school. 😂 The arc of Miles’s queer awakening has some face-palm moments, but it’s satisfying just in this first quarter of the series. I was proud of him at the end.
I love the scenes with Miles and Darren looking at photos of shibari. The scenes feel very different, but I love how they inspire Miles and how he connects with Darren over what is becoming a shared passion. Miles responds so intuitively to the pictures and they affect him positively. I also love Miles observing Darren in his teaching environment and how that inspires him to feel proud of both Darren and himself.
We’re left with a good kind of cliffhanger and I’m excited to read book 2.
3.8*
Enjoyed the first installment of this “spicy & cozy” BDSM series, as the author describes her style.
Let me start by saying that the opening pages didn’t work very well for me. Miles gives vaguely clinical and unconvincing reasons for seeking out a professional dom. Later, we have more context about his reasons, which feel legitimate and understandable. I wish the beginning pages just stayed with the action and omitted those paragraphs of unsatisfying justification. I’m beyond skeptical about the suggestion of sex fixing mental health issues in romance books. Here though, the MC is in therapy and AA, but feels stuck, so he tries something novel. That’s about as much as we need in those first pages. Kink is inherently emotional and the book shows us how and why the MCs engage in different scenes without overselling or sounding like a scam. Even being skeptical, I came around to the idea that kink can help. It doesn’t fix people and it’s not for everyone, but the situation in this book is convincing, to me at least.
The story has a good pace even as the BDSM scenes are carefully described. Darren is exquisitely patient and complementary. He reinforces Miles’s self-worth in small ways that build upon each other. He also has a few moments of correcting negative self-talk. Beyond all of that though, Darren’s greatest gifts to Miles are moments of peace. Any other potential benefits aside, it’s those moments of clarity and contentment that convinced me about the book’s message. Sometimes just *not feeling bad* is momentous. That’s something I can believe in.
Miles’s devotion is beautiful. He’s desperate for affection of any kind and receives a wealth of it from Darren. Miles is immediately willing to submit to Darren in exchange for that affection. As exchanges go, it’s pretty good. But both of them cross small lines of professionalism throughout while their attraction grows. As the depth of Miles’s emotional devastation becomes clearer to Darren, he tries to provide more support in different ways and crosses more small lines. Miles is so broken, but as Darren says, Miles is strong. ❤️🩹
For quite a while, Miles seems entirely oblivious to his same-sex attraction. Some of that is trauma survival, but some of it is also mental gymnastics. I remember those tactics well from high school. 😂 The arc of Miles’s queer awakening has some face-palm moments, but it’s satisfying just in this first quarter of the series. I was proud of him at the end.
I love the scenes with Miles and Darren looking at photos of shibari. The scenes feel very different, but I love how they inspire Miles and how he connects with Darren over what is becoming a shared passion. Miles responds so intuitively to the pictures and they affect him positively. I also love Miles observing Darren in his teaching environment and how that inspires him to feel proud of both Darren and himself.
We’re left with a good kind of cliffhanger and I’m excited to read book 2.
March 7, 2026
Full disclosure, I was given the first four books by GRR (thank you!) and read them back to back to back to back like one 700-page chonkster of a book, and therefore I don't have any real sense of where things break in between books, so I'm gonna do my best here, but this run-on sentence is going at the start of each of the four reviews lmao so if I say things that don't fit this book, surprise it's from a different book!
I was really enamored with the idea of kink as a form of therapy, and the ways that Miles and Darren slowly opened up to each other, basically against their wills. BDSM and a dom/sub connection requires so much trust and openness, and while I'm of course not saying anyone irl who is a part of the lifestyle will instantly fall in love, it feels like the possibility is there if they want it, there's no other way for that kind of relationship to work. Miles spends the first several books but especially this book just so broken. He's more than a year out from the initial incident (which takes a while and a lot of breadcrumbs across the books to learn about), he's fighting through quicksand to get through a year of AA and trying to get back to his job, all the while being cut off from his kids because of his ex-wife. Miles absolutely needed Darren, there's no doubt in my mind he wouldn't be alive much longer without him. The exploration of kink in the book is stellar, and honestly parts of it could be used as a primer. Not as a how-to manual, they don't get into all that specificity, but they have a lot of open communication about what they expect to be able to put into and get out of the dynamic, and it made the whole thing really peaceful and comforting.
Thank you to GRR for a copy of this book, this is an honest review.
I was really enamored with the idea of kink as a form of therapy, and the ways that Miles and Darren slowly opened up to each other, basically against their wills. BDSM and a dom/sub connection requires so much trust and openness, and while I'm of course not saying anyone irl who is a part of the lifestyle will instantly fall in love, it feels like the possibility is there if they want it, there's no other way for that kind of relationship to work. Miles spends the first several books but especially this book just so broken. He's more than a year out from the initial incident (which takes a while and a lot of breadcrumbs across the books to learn about), he's fighting through quicksand to get through a year of AA and trying to get back to his job, all the while being cut off from his kids because of his ex-wife. Miles absolutely needed Darren, there's no doubt in my mind he wouldn't be alive much longer without him. The exploration of kink in the book is stellar, and honestly parts of it could be used as a primer. Not as a how-to manual, they don't get into all that specificity, but they have a lot of open communication about what they expect to be able to put into and get out of the dynamic, and it made the whole thing really peaceful and comforting.
Thank you to GRR for a copy of this book, this is an honest review.
February 20, 2026
**4.5**
This is very different to any BDSM romance I've read before. There is more attention to detail, care of both physical and mental health, the education that happens alongside the training that Miles finds himself in desperate need of in a last ditch attempt to save his mental health and recovery.
This is an insanely hot read but it's also just as emotional as Miles connects with Darren on a whole other level to anything he has experienced before. Darren's experience means that Miles is in the safest hands but also that he knows what will be best for him.
It's a guessing game, throughout the story, as to what Miles is trying to recover from. There are hints throughout, with the breakup of his marriage and currently being on leave from his job, but I like that everything isn't just laid out for you. it's established once it fits with the story. There are, of course, good times but there are the bad as well, although those bring them even closer together.
I'm very much looking forward to reading the next book, especially after reading that epilogue!
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
This is very different to any BDSM romance I've read before. There is more attention to detail, care of both physical and mental health, the education that happens alongside the training that Miles finds himself in desperate need of in a last ditch attempt to save his mental health and recovery.
This is an insanely hot read but it's also just as emotional as Miles connects with Darren on a whole other level to anything he has experienced before. Darren's experience means that Miles is in the safest hands but also that he knows what will be best for him.
It's a guessing game, throughout the story, as to what Miles is trying to recover from. There are hints throughout, with the breakup of his marriage and currently being on leave from his job, but I like that everything isn't just laid out for you. it's established once it fits with the story. There are, of course, good times but there are the bad as well, although those bring them even closer together.
I'm very much looking forward to reading the next book, especially after reading that epilogue!
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
March 6, 2026
Darren and Miles the beginning
Very emotional and weirdly sweet BDSM story about Miles who is going through a lot in his life who engages Darren to help him learn to deal with things. I really like how these two characters interact and how the author spins out how the details of Miles problems to keep things interesting. Luckily the next books in this series are already out because I will be diving into them. Shibari is one of my favorite kinks and I don’t find much of it in books, partly because it’s hard to describe well. There is a lot of well written shibari in this book and it’s obvious that A.E. LeMercier has either been involved or has done tons of research because the descriptions of both how it’s done and the emotions and feelings that it provokes are spot on. With so much badly written kink stories out there it’s great to find an author who does it well.
Very emotional and weirdly sweet BDSM story about Miles who is going through a lot in his life who engages Darren to help him learn to deal with things. I really like how these two characters interact and how the author spins out how the details of Miles problems to keep things interesting. Luckily the next books in this series are already out because I will be diving into them. Shibari is one of my favorite kinks and I don’t find much of it in books, partly because it’s hard to describe well. There is a lot of well written shibari in this book and it’s obvious that A.E. LeMercier has either been involved or has done tons of research because the descriptions of both how it’s done and the emotions and feelings that it provokes are spot on. With so much badly written kink stories out there it’s great to find an author who does it well.
February 27, 2026
This seems to be the start of a huge emotional journey. We meet Miles at his lowest and get to see him start to drag his way to the surface again in the capable hands of a professional carer. It's a book about the healing power of surrender and trust and a reminder to not be so hard on yourself. It's pretty hot and although there's no real romance (yet) feelings are involved pretty soon. I liked that the kinky scenes were not just a tool to get our characters off but a step on Miles' emotional development journey. The pacing was just right, the dialogue felt natural and the story sucked you in. I'm happy I get to start with the next one right away.
March 7, 2026
Thank you GRR for the arc!
I find this a hard book to rate.
On one hand, I loved the representation of BDSM. The bondage for the sake of bondage, not to spice up a vanilla scene.
But I disliked Miles as a character. He's so angry and upset his life is ruined but is very quick to blame his ex-wife but I've yet to see any remorse for his own actions. Maybe because the author is hiding the truth from us to slowly reveal what happened.
I'm just not rooting for him much. I do love Darren, the Dom. The tricky situation he's in, getting too invested in a client?
I find this a hard book to rate.
On one hand, I loved the representation of BDSM. The bondage for the sake of bondage, not to spice up a vanilla scene.
But I disliked Miles as a character. He's so angry and upset his life is ruined but is very quick to blame his ex-wife but I've yet to see any remorse for his own actions. Maybe because the author is hiding the truth from us to slowly reveal what happened.
I'm just not rooting for him much. I do love Darren, the Dom. The tricky situation he's in, getting too invested in a client?
February 23, 2026
Can I just hug Miles forever?
I'm feeling all sorts of emotions after reading this! I just want to keep Miles in a huge hug, he's so helpless after everything he's been through. I'm also loving how kind and sweet Darren is, awww I hope he keeps it up because Miles deserves so much love.
How have I taken a fictional character into my heart so fast?
Starting the 2nd book right thus minute!
Beautifuly written, especially at how fast I've become attached to this series.
I'm feeling all sorts of emotions after reading this! I just want to keep Miles in a huge hug, he's so helpless after everything he's been through. I'm also loving how kind and sweet Darren is, awww I hope he keeps it up because Miles deserves so much love.
How have I taken a fictional character into my heart so fast?
Starting the 2nd book right thus minute!
Beautifuly written, especially at how fast I've become attached to this series.
February 23, 2026
Tie me up and call me Miles
I loved the slow, sensuous writing and scene work in this D/s dynamic. Miles is so touch starved and Darren is so thirsty and I cannot wait to see how their interactions continue in the next book.
I loved the slow, sensuous writing and scene work in this D/s dynamic. Miles is so touch starved and Darren is so thirsty and I cannot wait to see how their interactions continue in the next book.
February 28, 2026
A beautiful story in which you get to know Miles as a strong person. How he works his way back from the depths he finds himself in.
But you also get to know Darren as a kind and a sweet dom. He gives Miles the space to regain the strength to stand tall.
But you also get to know Darren as a kind and a sweet dom. He gives Miles the space to regain the strength to stand tall.
March 11, 2026
Ugh this book was so good! The writing quality was a breath of fresh air. The chemistry between the characters was intense and comforting. I've never had a book make me cry while also making me hot!! I am about to devour this series!
March 10, 2026
It was brill start to following Darren and Miles D/s relationship. Miles has a lot to deal with and finding D/s Darren is helping him.
I look forward to the next one as their relationship develops.
I look forward to the next one as their relationship develops.
February 28, 2026
I could tell this book was going to captivate me from the first few words. Before the end of the first chapter I knew I was going to love it. Mason needs help, structure, support, care, you name it. He needs someone to take charge and just let him be.
I truly enjoy a really good BDSM book, especially when it is about more than just the d/s bit of the relationship. Mason is touch starved-love starved. This was a gorgeous book in more ways than one.
“I finally had to admit to myself that the quiet weight of his command was the only thing that might make me feel whole again.”
I truly enjoy a really good BDSM book, especially when it is about more than just the d/s bit of the relationship. Mason is touch starved-love starved. This was a gorgeous book in more ways than one.
“I finally had to admit to myself that the quiet weight of his command was the only thing that might make me feel whole again.”
Want to Read
March 15, 2026BDSM. sounds like Breck and Kai from "Upending Tad" spinoff. has 4 parts!
February 17, 2026
Obsessed with Miles and Darren, short and very spicy. Love seeing Miles's growth and excited to read the next book!
February 1, 2026
A complicated man (Miles) struggles with sobriety and looks for the supportive hero (Darren) that he has needed deep down for a long time. Miles also has a hilarious Ukrainian AA sponsor, named Sasha. Sasha is a spicy lady who clocks Miles for someone who could do with some loving, gentle domination. One thing leads to another, and Miles finds himself working with Darren, who runs a very exclusive power exchange spa. Many sexy shibari sessions that are actually intricately linked to Miles' internal turmoil follow. Darren manages to peel Miles like an onion, both physically and emotionally, until he begins to unravel in the best way possible, and begins to heal. I loved how A. E. LeMercier was able to develop intimacy between these two men under unusual circumstances, and frankly, can't wait to read the sequel to find out what happens next! I also loved the gradual build up to the reveal of what the "incident" was that sent Miles spiraling originally. Learning what he did for a living put a whole other spin on him that I had not been expecting and it was delicious.
The book is a quick read and, although it ends on a "to be continued," there's enough emotional resolution there to make me believe they're headed for their HEA in the sequel.
Grateful to Common Goals Publishing for the ARC.
The book is a quick read and, although it ends on a "to be continued," there's enough emotional resolution there to make me believe they're headed for their HEA in the sequel.
Grateful to Common Goals Publishing for the ARC.
March 6, 2026
*This is an ongoing serial between the two MC’s. The first 4 parts are currently available on KU*
Miles seeks out the very specialized treatments offered by Shimizu Services on recommendation from his sponsor. His life is spiraling—he’s bare knuckling his sobriety, going through a divorce, hasn’t seen his kids in months and had a devastating blow to his career as a police detective. He needs to let go and is immediately comfortable and taken in by the charismatic, calm and controlled Dom, Darren.
I enjoyed this very much and went immediately and read the next 3 parts. Miles and Darren’s “forbidden” dynamic is lovely. If you like BD$M, power-exchange, switches, rope and much, much more I highly recommend.
Miles seeks out the very specialized treatments offered by Shimizu Services on recommendation from his sponsor. His life is spiraling—he’s bare knuckling his sobriety, going through a divorce, hasn’t seen his kids in months and had a devastating blow to his career as a police detective. He needs to let go and is immediately comfortable and taken in by the charismatic, calm and controlled Dom, Darren.
I enjoyed this very much and went immediately and read the next 3 parts. Miles and Darren’s “forbidden” dynamic is lovely. If you like BD$M, power-exchange, switches, rope and much, much more I highly recommend.
January 23, 2026
Fantastically sensual and overwhelmingly healing
Consentual dom/sub relationship? Check.
Beautiful prose and sensual writing? Check.
Emotionally driven plot? Triple check.
If you are looking for a book about emotional healing through sensual play, then this book is for you and all of your closest friends.
Consentual dom/sub relationship? Check.
Beautiful prose and sensual writing? Check.
Emotionally driven plot? Triple check.
If you are looking for a book about emotional healing through sensual play, then this book is for you and all of your closest friends.
March 13, 2026
Sensual, layered, erotic writing that immersed me and kept me reading.
Interesting storytelling, remaining very focused on the intense shibaru/devotee sessions that recovering-from-addiction and losing his family Miles seeks out at Shimizu Services, an “elite sanctuary of power and trust” private club where he seeks to find a dom who will help him get out of his own head. And the man he yearns to submit to turns out to be manager Darren Quinn, who shocks him by agreeing to take him on despite not working with clients very often.
Their connection is intense and lovely, and I found it consistently riveting. I barely realized we learn little about Darren personally at all, he’s so attuned to Miles and careing for him, supporting his needs, figuring out what will help him and letting him become devoted to Darren and his care.
Despite the story being almost entirely set in the club and their sessions, we learn bits here and there about Miles’s conflict. He’s lost access to his children, his ex wife doesn’t trust him at all and has control over whatever happened before, and he is…a police officer whose been demoted, possibly for becoming addicted to substance during an undercover op? But the details are nebulous. Even so, I got enough sense of his struggles that I didn’t notice we don’t learn more, because the focus stays on the beautifully developing connection between him and Darren and how Miles’s relief and desire at being able to turn all control over to Darren helps him calm and start to deal more productively with the clusterfuck that is the rest of his life.
They don’t have sex together per se; it’s a very body positive, “you’re likely to get turned on during these sessions, if that happens, do you want to come in front of me or not?” scenario (Miles is quite enthused, Yes, and does come at Darren’s command), that felt natural and lovely, and I never worried about OP at all for whatever reason (bc usually that’s a concern for me). It’s unclear if Darren has any other clients or not, but somehow that never felt important because nothing like that is ever on Miles’s radar (we’re entirely in his POV), and their intensely personal dynamic kept me out of my own head. Clearly feelings are developing on both sides and they’re a phenomenal match in their kinks and desires but something about the storytelling kept the pressure off romance and stayed focused on how good this unusual treatment was for Miles, and I never started worrying about things I usually care about. Hmm.
While this relationship is paid for, the connection is clearly becoming far more than a job for Darren and more than unusual therapy for Miles, and I’m interested to see how that turns out. The constant check-ins for consent, strong communication, and acceptance of quirks and kinks and care is lovely.
I have zero expertise in BDSM or shibaru and have no idea if the representation is authentic, but it seemed very well done to this layperson who reads a ton of it.
HFN, ending in a hopeful place for their continued connection, despite things going amiss in Miles’s life outside the club. Professional dom – client sub (or devotee) paid relationship. Lovely consensual power exchange, beautiful erotic writing, interesting layered characters. No OP info included, and in this read, I didn’t mind. Miles’s ex-wife is clearly going to be a major antagonist in future books. Recommended.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
Interesting storytelling, remaining very focused on the intense shibaru/devotee sessions that recovering-from-addiction and losing his family Miles seeks out at Shimizu Services, an “elite sanctuary of power and trust” private club where he seeks to find a dom who will help him get out of his own head. And the man he yearns to submit to turns out to be manager Darren Quinn, who shocks him by agreeing to take him on despite not working with clients very often.
Their connection is intense and lovely, and I found it consistently riveting. I barely realized we learn little about Darren personally at all, he’s so attuned to Miles and careing for him, supporting his needs, figuring out what will help him and letting him become devoted to Darren and his care.
Despite the story being almost entirely set in the club and their sessions, we learn bits here and there about Miles’s conflict. He’s lost access to his children, his ex wife doesn’t trust him at all and has control over whatever happened before, and he is…a police officer whose been demoted, possibly for becoming addicted to substance during an undercover op? But the details are nebulous. Even so, I got enough sense of his struggles that I didn’t notice we don’t learn more, because the focus stays on the beautifully developing connection between him and Darren and how Miles’s relief and desire at being able to turn all control over to Darren helps him calm and start to deal more productively with the clusterfuck that is the rest of his life.
They don’t have sex together per se; it’s a very body positive, “you’re likely to get turned on during these sessions, if that happens, do you want to come in front of me or not?” scenario (Miles is quite enthused, Yes, and does come at Darren’s command), that felt natural and lovely, and I never worried about OP at all for whatever reason (bc usually that’s a concern for me). It’s unclear if Darren has any other clients or not, but somehow that never felt important because nothing like that is ever on Miles’s radar (we’re entirely in his POV), and their intensely personal dynamic kept me out of my own head. Clearly feelings are developing on both sides and they’re a phenomenal match in their kinks and desires but something about the storytelling kept the pressure off romance and stayed focused on how good this unusual treatment was for Miles, and I never started worrying about things I usually care about. Hmm.
While this relationship is paid for, the connection is clearly becoming far more than a job for Darren and more than unusual therapy for Miles, and I’m interested to see how that turns out. The constant check-ins for consent, strong communication, and acceptance of quirks and kinks and care is lovely.
I have zero expertise in BDSM or shibaru and have no idea if the representation is authentic, but it seemed very well done to this layperson who reads a ton of it.
HFN, ending in a hopeful place for their continued connection, despite things going amiss in Miles’s life outside the club. Professional dom – client sub (or devotee) paid relationship. Lovely consensual power exchange, beautiful erotic writing, interesting layered characters. No OP info included, and in this read, I didn’t mind. Miles’s ex-wife is clearly going to be a major antagonist in future books. Recommended.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
March 21, 2026
I have read other BDSM books with a power exchange between Dom and sub, but this one is the first I have read to use Shibari as a method for healing through relinquishing the power over oneself totally to another while trusting the one with the power to use it for their benefit. Miles completely submits to Darren in all ways, finding safety and protection in Darren’s caring demeanor, his insistence on consent, frequently checking in for Miles’s comfort, and explaining to Miles exactly what he will do and what he expects so the goals are clear, all while working to build up his self esteem. I could just feel Miles releasing his tension, anxiety, all the feelings which led him here in the first place and putting total trust in Darren not to hurt him, to make sure he is safe. The narrative is step-by-step, I almost feel like I am in the room with them, feeling the release that Miles feels, and soothed by Darren’s calm patience, his measured delivery, and his praise through word and touch.
The fact that Miles is developing feelings for Darren doesn’t feel strange to me at all, and it isn’t stated, but I get the impression Darren isn’t as unaffected as he appears to be. Both characters come across as very real to me, and I am invested in their developing relationship and Miles’s continued growth. Whether or not both feel it, the chemistry is there, and I thought it came through the page with each successive session between them. I do remember from other books I have read that other characters have had similar feelings of the release of stress and a feeling of care and safety in similar situations with their Doms and the use of Shibari.
We don’t know why Miles is seeking this kind of therapy, obviously something drastic happened, so I hope we will get more information in the next book to get further insight into Miles and the demons he is facing. I look forward to the developing relationship between Darren and Miles, and I hope it doesn’t have a negative impact on the progress Miles is making, or on the ability of Darren to see and provide what Miles needs to face his past and be able to move forward, hopefully at Darren’s side. Guess we wait for book 2 to find out where they go from here.
If you would like a peek into the world of Shibari, I think this is an interesting book (and series) to go deeper into that world. At least it has given me a new perspective, short of seeing or experiencing it myself.
I received an advance copy of the book for free and this is my voluntary review.
The fact that Miles is developing feelings for Darren doesn’t feel strange to me at all, and it isn’t stated, but I get the impression Darren isn’t as unaffected as he appears to be. Both characters come across as very real to me, and I am invested in their developing relationship and Miles’s continued growth. Whether or not both feel it, the chemistry is there, and I thought it came through the page with each successive session between them. I do remember from other books I have read that other characters have had similar feelings of the release of stress and a feeling of care and safety in similar situations with their Doms and the use of Shibari.
We don’t know why Miles is seeking this kind of therapy, obviously something drastic happened, so I hope we will get more information in the next book to get further insight into Miles and the demons he is facing. I look forward to the developing relationship between Darren and Miles, and I hope it doesn’t have a negative impact on the progress Miles is making, or on the ability of Darren to see and provide what Miles needs to face his past and be able to move forward, hopefully at Darren’s side. Guess we wait for book 2 to find out where they go from here.
If you would like a peek into the world of Shibari, I think this is an interesting book (and series) to go deeper into that world. At least it has given me a new perspective, short of seeing or experiencing it myself.
I received an advance copy of the book for free and this is my voluntary review.
March 9, 2026
I loved this book! This is the first book I have read that delves into the lifestyle of D/s and doesn’t solely focus on the sexual aspects of it. This book brings to light the other aspects of the Dominant/submissive relationship, such as trust and admiration.
Miles, the submissive, is a suspended police officer who is looking for some order in his out-of-control life. The author hints at a few things that have taken place in his life and I can only assume these topics are covered more in the books to follow. But that being said, you get the overall idea that Miles has been dealt a bad hand recently. Due to this, one of his friends recommends a club that specializes in a few things, one being D/s lifestyle.
Enter Darren. Darren is the manager of this club and takes Miles under his wing as his submissive; this might be the best thing that happens to Miles. Darren is a confident man who knows what he wants in his life and more importantly, he knows what being a true Dominant requires. He knows Miles needs someone to take control from him, maybe not every day, but for a few hours a week. But as education begins, we see a spark of something else, something more than a teacher and student.
You can tell from the initial meeting that Miles is in awe of Darren. Most of their sessions deal with control with some sexually intimate moments toward the end of said sessions mainly as rewards. For the most part though, there is a lot of safe dialogue between Darren and Miles as well as numerous check ins. By the end of this book, you can tell Miles is starting to fall hard but you are left wondering about Darren. There is an epilogue that I will not talk about as to not give anything away, but I will say this – I have bought the next two books and will buy the fourth, because not only was the whole book good and well written, but the epilogue has me securely hooked!
April 12, 2026
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️️
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Both the author and the narrator were new to me.
I loved the writing style, so I quickly got into the story. And it took me a bit by surprise, because the plot was different from all the other BDSM novels I’ve read so far.
The story is emotional. The author describes things in great detail, so I could really picture how Miles was feeling at that moment. He’s going through a tough time and is looking for ways to cope with it in the long run. It quickly becomes clear that Miles is trying to recover from something—it just takes quite a while for me to figure out what. This is briefly recounted in flashbacks every now and then, and the reader only learns the full extent of it at the end. In my opinion, this was well done and added suspense to the story.
Darren’s shibari practices are doing Mike good, and he hopes they’ll help him save his mental health. But Darren, too, carries scars from the past.
I really liked the interaction between the two protagonists, and I found the emotions well portrayed and relatable.
The ending was almost a little too abrupt, but I’m already looking forward to the next volume.
This erotic yet emotional story was narrated by Tyler Laux. He did a great job, as he has an incredible talent for perfectly capturing the right emotions. As a listener, you can immediately sense the emotional state of the protagonists. He brought the story to life. Very well done!
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️️
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Both the author and the narrator were new to me.
I loved the writing style, so I quickly got into the story. And it took me a bit by surprise, because the plot was different from all the other BDSM novels I’ve read so far.
The story is emotional. The author describes things in great detail, so I could really picture how Miles was feeling at that moment. He’s going through a tough time and is looking for ways to cope with it in the long run. It quickly becomes clear that Miles is trying to recover from something—it just takes quite a while for me to figure out what. This is briefly recounted in flashbacks every now and then, and the reader only learns the full extent of it at the end. In my opinion, this was well done and added suspense to the story.
Darren’s shibari practices are doing Mike good, and he hopes they’ll help him save his mental health. But Darren, too, carries scars from the past.
I really liked the interaction between the two protagonists, and I found the emotions well portrayed and relatable.
The ending was almost a little too abrupt, but I’m already looking forward to the next volume.
This erotic yet emotional story was narrated by Tyler Laux. He did a great job, as he has an incredible talent for perfectly capturing the right emotions. As a listener, you can immediately sense the emotional state of the protagonists. He brought the story to life. Very well done!
March 7, 2026
My review
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗
This was a fascinating book. The journey of a broken man seeking self-worth, finding it in an unexpected way, in an unexpected person, and it is fascinating to see how they grow together. Darren is very professional, very aware of what Miles is seeking, and what he needs, and he works hard at giving it to him. Miles is a mess, a gigantic mess, and I feel like Darren is a master at cleaning up messes, and finding a new way of putting a person together. I confess I struggled a bit connecting with Miles, because he came across as the "bad guy" in the divorce, but seeing his efforts, his interactions with Darren, and his vulnerability, helped me see him as the good man he is slowly becoming. I enjoyed the fact that one of the MCs is such a disaster, and we see his journey in being a better person overall. His ex wife is a whole different disaster, and I am looking forward to figuring out what her deal is. I really enjoyed how clueless Miles is, and how Darren handles him, giving him what he needs, giving him what he didn't even know he needed, and slowly falling in love with him. It's such a goregous journey, I am very glad to know I do not have to let these amazing man go, and I can continue seeing Miles' growth, and hopefully, seeing him become who he wants to be.
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗
This was a fascinating book. The journey of a broken man seeking self-worth, finding it in an unexpected way, in an unexpected person, and it is fascinating to see how they grow together. Darren is very professional, very aware of what Miles is seeking, and what he needs, and he works hard at giving it to him. Miles is a mess, a gigantic mess, and I feel like Darren is a master at cleaning up messes, and finding a new way of putting a person together. I confess I struggled a bit connecting with Miles, because he came across as the "bad guy" in the divorce, but seeing his efforts, his interactions with Darren, and his vulnerability, helped me see him as the good man he is slowly becoming. I enjoyed the fact that one of the MCs is such a disaster, and we see his journey in being a better person overall. His ex wife is a whole different disaster, and I am looking forward to figuring out what her deal is. I really enjoyed how clueless Miles is, and how Darren handles him, giving him what he needs, giving him what he didn't even know he needed, and slowly falling in love with him. It's such a goregous journey, I am very glad to know I do not have to let these amazing man go, and I can continue seeing Miles' growth, and hopefully, seeing him become who he wants to be.
February 3, 2026
This is a book about a BDSM dynamic. It's deeply emotional, and very well written. Miles has a troubled past and he goes to Darren for release, who is a professional Dom in a club. They start seeing each other more often and doing more and more scenes, all of them focusing on Shibari. Miles finds out a lot about himself throughout these encounters, and their dynamic grow together more and more. It's not a complete arc, which means, the rest of the story will continue in book 2.
I really enjoyed this! I love BDSM and you can tell the author knows deeply about the scene and how dynamics work, which is refreshing. There's nothing toxic happening, everything is consensual and discussed prior to doing. If you want to read about how a professional BDSM dynamic works, read this.
I'd have liked to know more about Darren, as this was written under Miles' perpective. I can't wait for them to actually become a couple and explore more. I also want to know more about Miles' past.
There's not really a conflict, all of the conflict is internal to Miles, he communicates it clearly to Darren, and they work through it with a scene. I personally like that, I don't love angst, and friends-to-lovers is the best trope, in my opinion.
I'm looking forward to book 2!
I really enjoyed this! I love BDSM and you can tell the author knows deeply about the scene and how dynamics work, which is refreshing. There's nothing toxic happening, everything is consensual and discussed prior to doing. If you want to read about how a professional BDSM dynamic works, read this.
I'd have liked to know more about Darren, as this was written under Miles' perpective. I can't wait for them to actually become a couple and explore more. I also want to know more about Miles' past.
There's not really a conflict, all of the conflict is internal to Miles, he communicates it clearly to Darren, and they work through it with a scene. I personally like that, I don't love angst, and friends-to-lovers is the best trope, in my opinion.
I'm looking forward to book 2!
April 25, 2026
Overall 5 STAR
Performance 5 STAR
Story 5 STAR
First book and I am hooked for this Intricate Ties series!
Beautifully written story of a D/s relationship brought to life by Tyler Laux in his rich tones that I could listen to for hours. I didn’t want it to end. It does end in a cliffhanger as the series follows the same couple through their journey so you will want to read/listen to the books in order. I will try to patiently wait for the next book in the series to be recorded!
I love what I have heard so far and am looking forward to continuing on with Darren’s and Miles’ journey. Darren is the patient, loving and kind dom that Miles needs to learn how to be vulnerable and completely let go. I am hoping as we continue on with their journey we will get to know these men more in depth as they build their relationship with each other. This first part is from Miles POV so we are given small glimpses into knowing him a little bit as he becomes more vulnerable. I hope we will get Darren’s POV as well.
*hurt/comfort *sexual awakening *AA *BDSM *shibari *healing through submission *praise kink *slow burn
This is a new to me author and a new to me narrator and I am excited to listen to more stories from both of them!
Performance 5 STAR
Story 5 STAR
First book and I am hooked for this Intricate Ties series!
Beautifully written story of a D/s relationship brought to life by Tyler Laux in his rich tones that I could listen to for hours. I didn’t want it to end. It does end in a cliffhanger as the series follows the same couple through their journey so you will want to read/listen to the books in order. I will try to patiently wait for the next book in the series to be recorded!
I love what I have heard so far and am looking forward to continuing on with Darren’s and Miles’ journey. Darren is the patient, loving and kind dom that Miles needs to learn how to be vulnerable and completely let go. I am hoping as we continue on with their journey we will get to know these men more in depth as they build their relationship with each other. This first part is from Miles POV so we are given small glimpses into knowing him a little bit as he becomes more vulnerable. I hope we will get Darren’s POV as well.
*hurt/comfort *sexual awakening *AA *BDSM *shibari *healing through submission *praise kink *slow burn
This is a new to me author and a new to me narrator and I am excited to listen to more stories from both of them!
Did Not Finish
May 8, 2026DNF @ 64%
It kinda felt weird for Miles to insist he wasn't gay when he basically immediately showed attraction to Darren right off the bat. It would've made more sense if he acknowledged the attraction but emphasized that wasn't why he was there.
I don't actually have very much to say about this story because I think it treads closer to erotica than romance. The focus was definitely the intimacy and sex rather than a blooming romance between Miles and Darren.
I will say though that despite being focused on sex, the story does have decent legs with regards to Miles' need for someone to tell him what to do. The story very much could've ignored developing Miles' internal conflicts after he got in the door, but I'll give props for the author choosing to let there be a small decompression period where it shows the relief Darren felt from his troubles after each of their sessions.
Oppositeyl, there wasn't really much reason given for Darren falling for Miles considering he should've been used to doing this for his clients. Perhaps that's in the sequel which looks to be this story from his POV.
Mainly DNFing because again, this didn't feel like a romance. No rating since it was well written otherwise.
It kinda felt weird for Miles to insist he wasn't gay when he basically immediately showed attraction to Darren right off the bat. It would've made more sense if he acknowledged the attraction but emphasized that wasn't why he was there.
I don't actually have very much to say about this story because I think it treads closer to erotica than romance. The focus was definitely the intimacy and sex rather than a blooming romance between Miles and Darren.
I will say though that despite being focused on sex, the story does have decent legs with regards to Miles' need for someone to tell him what to do. The story very much could've ignored developing Miles' internal conflicts after he got in the door, but I'll give props for the author choosing to let there be a small decompression period where it shows the relief Darren felt from his troubles after each of their sessions.
Oppositeyl, there wasn't really much reason given for Darren falling for Miles considering he should've been used to doing this for his clients. Perhaps that's in the sequel which looks to be this story from his POV.
Mainly DNFing because again, this didn't feel like a romance. No rating since it was well written otherwise.
March 6, 2026
This book is essentially 22 chapters of foreplay—and it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger… sort of. It marks the beginning of Darren and Miles’s story, setting up a delicious slow burn that gives readers the early stages of their relationship and connection from Miles' POV. By the end, I was left with more questions than answers, as the story only hints at the troubles Miles has gone through with his family/job/drinking problems that led him to Darren’s BDSM studio for “therapy.”
Going into the book, most of my knowledge of the BDSM lifestyle was limited to common stereotypes. I appreciated how the author painted a thoughtful and nuanced picture of what a Dom/sub relationship can look like and the positive impact it can have on someone’s personal growth and healing. The scenes between Darren and Miles were beautifully written and completely captivating, not to mention HOT. 🥵
I especially enjoyed watching the gradual progression of their relationship and the growing trust between them. By the time I reached the ending, I was definitely left wanting more—in the best way.
I’m jumping into the next book immediately to see where their story goes next!
Going into the book, most of my knowledge of the BDSM lifestyle was limited to common stereotypes. I appreciated how the author painted a thoughtful and nuanced picture of what a Dom/sub relationship can look like and the positive impact it can have on someone’s personal growth and healing. The scenes between Darren and Miles were beautifully written and completely captivating, not to mention HOT. 🥵
I especially enjoyed watching the gradual progression of their relationship and the growing trust between them. By the time I reached the ending, I was definitely left wanting more—in the best way.
I’m jumping into the next book immediately to see where their story goes next!
March 28, 2026
The story:
This is a highly talented author who has written an intense, yet nuanced book featuring BDSM as a healing choice. This single first person POV for most of this first book, is told by the main character, Miles. He is a recently divorced father, dealing with alcoholism, and a challenging career.
Miles becomes a sub to the other main character, Darren, who is an experienced Dom. Their romantic dynamic is riveting, and continues to develop over this five book series devoted to their relationship.
Each characters thoughts, speech and reactions are realistic, including the
secondary characters. The spice scenes are steamy and distinctively well done, without being repetitive.
The audiobook:
This is a new to me voice narrator, and I am definitely going to seek out more by him.
His voicing of all the characters was distinctive, without being overblown. He managed to appropriately display all of the characters emotions throughout the book. A stellar performance!
I highly recommend this book and audiobook!
I'm definitely looking forward to the rest of the series coming out on audiobook!
This is a highly talented author who has written an intense, yet nuanced book featuring BDSM as a healing choice. This single first person POV for most of this first book, is told by the main character, Miles. He is a recently divorced father, dealing with alcoholism, and a challenging career.
Miles becomes a sub to the other main character, Darren, who is an experienced Dom. Their romantic dynamic is riveting, and continues to develop over this five book series devoted to their relationship.
Each characters thoughts, speech and reactions are realistic, including the
secondary characters. The spice scenes are steamy and distinctively well done, without being repetitive.
The audiobook:
This is a new to me voice narrator, and I am definitely going to seek out more by him.
His voicing of all the characters was distinctive, without being overblown. He managed to appropriately display all of the characters emotions throughout the book. A stellar performance!
I highly recommend this book and audiobook!
I'm definitely looking forward to the rest of the series coming out on audiobook!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews