Volumes Four, Five and Six of the Upending Tad series:
Prized Possession: With Tad's reservations firmly on the one-eighty, he's finally more at ease exploring this intriguing new part of himself, especially where his attraction, and affections, for Scott are concerned. But when their evening plans get cancelled, Tad winds up watching the guy in action at the gym instead. Kickboxing lessons lead to sparring, which in turn leads to a face-off more erotic than Tad could have ever imagined. With huge new boundaries crossed, both men are floored like never before. Have these milestones finally put all Tad's hang-ups behind him?
Bringing It Home: It’s Friday night and Tad finds himself doing pretty much what he’d expected. Celebrating with his friends at a night club in honor of their buddy Breck’s birthday. The music’s pumping, drinks are flowing, as laughter and dancing bodies abound. Nothing too outlandish, nothing unusual. Until Scott and his own crew show up at the place. Funny how the one person Tad prefers above all others is the last person he wants to see. But now that he’s spotted the guy across the room, he can’t seem to take his eyes off him. Which winds up being a very bad thing. Seems Scott out in public with other attractive men is a much different story than Tad’s used to. As one disturbing event after another unfolds, Tad splits before he loses his mind. But the breather he needs he does not get. In fact, things just go from bad to worse, the night ending on a note he never would have imagined. As things between Scott and him hit rock bottom, the only direction left must be up. If only Tad’s life would follow such a formula. But the path he’s been walking lately has never been that simple. With a world of revelations finally revealed, can Tad find it in himself to make peace with Scott’s past so they can finally head into the future?
Afterglow: With his secret out and uncertainty behind him, Tad finds himself in this new, incredible place. A place where, finally, he can just be himself. Which means no more over-analyzing every feeling Scott stirs inside him. Because now Tad has the confidence to act on them instead. To be with the guy that he’s head over heels for in every imaginable way. In public. In private. Without any reservations. An internal freedom he never knew existed until Scott came and unlocked the door. Experience their story’s epilogue installment, filled with playfulness and promise, laughter and love. And, yup, some of that hot stuff, too.
I should be more annoyed than I am that Kora Knight has me over here putting another incredibly kinky smutty romance onto my favourites shelf. I READ THIS FOR A JOKE, WHY DID A 8 PART FRAT BOY GAY AWAKENING SMUTFEST END UP BEING SO GOOD AND SO WHOLESOME?? 😂😂😭😭
This second volume really focuses on Tad's emotional reconciliation of how much he enjoys Scotts company, the sex they've been having together and how Scott is becoming increasingly important to him and what that means for his future.
I am normally pretty ambivalent towards a third act break up but I loved how it was used here, and in fact book 5 is probably my favourite as a result. Tad's jealousy being fuelled by his insecurities, the confrontation, the emotional honesty when they make up? Chefs kiss 🤌🏼 delicious.
Also, a random aside, one of my favourite things about this set of books, as Tad and Scott get closer and become more comfortable together, is how genuine their chemistry feels. Like they are talking shit to each other and laughing together throughout sex and just genuinely enjoying each other's company and it is SURPRISINGLY WHOLESOME.
Michael Pauley did an amazing job narrating these books. I don't know how he was as able to record some of these lines with a straight face cause some of what he has to read was WILD. His efforts really elevated the reading experiences of these books though, this is another of those entries where I would encourage prioritising the listening experience over reading.
I am beyond shocked that Tad and Scott have earned their way onto my favourite couples list. I don't know what the magic is that Kora Knight is able to weave into my brain with these books but I won't question it.
Justice for Tad and his sex swing fantasies though. Baiting the readers like that was just cruel 😂😂😂.
Content warnings: All books contain very graphic and explicit sexual content. They are very much erotica with plot and depth. I'm going to be honest though and say that there has been so much kink in these books I'll probably miss some CWs but these cover the main ones still.
Book 4: verse relationship, semi public sex, wrestling as foreplay
Book 5: discussion of historical domestic violence and abusive relationships, edging.
Book 6: semi public sex, paddling, use of inanimate objects
Genuinely going to go out and make that "I didn't say it was good, I said I enjoyed it" shelf now lol
I’d say this is comparable to Roe Horvat’s writing and that probably says enough. Ragingly wild spice WITH brilliant character depth and emotional connection.
While books 1-3 were hot and kinky AF, I definitely enjoyed these 3 more because there were genuine feelings between Scott and Tad along with the sexy scenes. Tad comes into his true self in this set and I loved to see it. My one big disappointment was the sex swing because Tad mentions this thing from book 1 and in this one he’s fantasizing about it so for it to be skipped over was a bit mean 😭 That being said, I absolutely adored having Scott’s POV in the last book and was thankful he was trying to break Tad’s use of the word “dude” during sex.
Surprisingly, I am super interested in the spin-off couples especially Max and Sean. I actually read the sample of their book and it made me fucking cry because Max’s backstory is tragic. 😭💔 I almost got the audiobook of this series but Michael Dean narrates it and while I like some of his books, I wasn’t feeling the sample. However, he does have the perfect voice for Tad. 😂
”You’ve upended me,” he groaned. “And now… Shit, now… I don’t wanna do life without you.”
I loved this just as much as the first bundle! 🔥🔥🔥 Despite being erotica, Scott and Tad had more emotional development and growth than some traditional romances I've read. It really was a journey for both of them and I loved it so much 🥹 Their story wasn't just spicy, it was soft and sweet and gave me all the feels. I wasn't ready for it to be over 😭
Once again, Michael Dean was FABULOUS beyond compare in the audiobook. His narration went above and beyond. I'll definitely be listening to this series again 😌
Ugh, so heckin GOOD. If you thought the first bundle had heart, it doesn’t even compare to this one. I was so wrapped up in the romance, I cried, I melted, I almost combusted from the spice! Several breadcrumbs left here for other story lines which is also exciting. To go from thinking this book was all smut, no plot, to being absolutely obsessed with the characters is an impressive feat! Delicious, delectable, romantic, and achy all at once. Love it 😍
Time of death, I mean, percentage of death: 10% Ffs, Tad, my dude, STOP with the pity party and the whatever party you've got going on. 'I don't think he means what he's saying', 'I'm not sure if he likes me' blah blah fucking blah. Ugh. Scott, my man, you deserve SO MUCH BETTER.
I tried. I swear. The kinky spice was perrrrfection. Chef's kiss, 10/10 would recommend. But if Tad's self-doubt had entered the picture one more time I would have self-combusted and not in a fun way. Scott went for groceries before waiting for you at your fucking door to cook you dinner after work. If that doesn't give you a little hint of what's going on you need to go back to school and relearn life. Aaarrgghhh (yes, I'm a pirate)
I might give it another go when I'm feeling more patient than rn. Just for the kinky fuckery of, who do you take me for?
Wow, I absolutely loved this series. Tad and Scott were so much fun to read. For an erotic series (and damn, does Kora Knight do erotica oh so VERY well in these books - so HOT!), there are also so many swoon worthy romantic moments! *sigh* Did I already say I loved it? Can I say it again? Because I really freaking did. I wish there was more.
Oh wait - there will be! Well, sorta..
I'm excited for Max and Sean, and then Breck and Kai... and of course more of Tad and Scott! Sure we can't get more of them as MCs too? Like.. a vacation novella? Or.. meeting Tad's parents? A Christmas story? Finally getting to Max's swing? Anything?!
Fabulous conclusion to Tad and Scott's epic romance
I've thoroughly enjoyed watching Tad find himself through his relationship with Scott and these final three novellas also give the reader a tiny peek inside Scott's head which is fantastic.
The journey is still beyond sensual but there is so much emotion you feel it pouring off the pages as they connect over and over again.
This may be an erotic story but it's absolutely a love story too.
Bundle 1 & 2- Upending Tad - A Journey of Erotic Discovery
My brain feels a bit fried after reading both Bundle 1 and 2 of Upending Tad. That was a lot of BDSM to take on board. But, I’m happy to say that the author Kora Knight ,gave Tad and Scott’s characters and their relationship time to grow and develop without drowning them under the heavy erotic mantle of BDSM as indulged in with Max and Sean, two important side characters in this bundle.
The banter and fun times between Scott and Tad was hilarious at times and lightened what could otherwise have been a heavy BDSM atmosphere. Scott certainly took great care of Tad, showing and teaching in a very natural way.
‘Upending Tad’ Bundle 1 had been in my KU Library for months as a backup, thinking it would be a Frat House, prank, hazing type of “upending”, I certainly wasn’t prepared for such an in-depth, engaging and interesting read that had me searching for Bundle 2 straightaway.
I loved the fact that both Scott and Tad didn’t let their disagreements/misunderstandings fester and dealt with them quickly.
Max and Sean’s relationship is very much more heavy BDSM and I’m happy they are getting their own Book, ‘The Dungeon Black Duology’. I’m prepared for a much grittier read this time as Max has a truckload of baggage hidden behind the image we got of him here.
I’ve already added them (two books) to my KU Library just to know more about Max. BDSM doesn’t ‘float my boat’ as reading for pleasure but the characters here have piqued my interest and I want to know more of the ‘how and why’ of them.
5/5 stars. This whole series did exactly what it meant to, which is hot as fuck MM erotica! The main difference between this and other MM romance/erotica that I've read is the careful detailing of the positions, sensations and pacing of every erotic encounter.
I will never forget the scene in the viewing room where Tad is standing in front of the one way mirror, back arched, hands wrapped around Scott's head behind him, one leg propped up on a table, with that leg then slung over Scott's bent leg, while Scott's pulls Tad flush onto his chest and wraps a hand around his throat and squeezes his base.. you get the idea!!!
Every scene is so easy to visualize and the audiobook narrator does a fantastic job acting out every moan and groan that escapes them as they lose themselves in each other. HAPPY PRIDE MONTH! if you want fuck hot MM erotica with a sufficiently entertaining plot and cute romance, this series is for you!! The audiobook is 5/5 too and I highly suggest giving it a go!
o my lord a wanne distill how this audiobook made me feel. beside the whole sexy part they are wholesome in their communications and show all their emotions in their faces.. the think all the sweet and cute things and omg I'm obsessed. I wanne smack max on the back of the head and I wonder of there is a novella about him and Sean
Sexy as hell. We get more drama and feelings in this second part. More of an understanding of who Scott is and some of his past. We even get a scene from his point of view.
The sex is very hot and doesn’t get boring. I will definitely be rereading it!
A collection containing volumes four, five, and six in the Up-Ending Tad journey of discovery.
The strong writing continues here. Books four and five are a breath of fresh air, as there’s finally no BDSM or bizarre…stuff.
Book six…yeah. It’s not that it’s not hot…because it is. But also she somehow manages to make things even more cringe than in book one. The paddle could possibly be forgiven…if it weren’t for the pool stick. Creepy af.
Scott’s POV is surprisingly lackluster. Disappointing, even.
The author tries really hard to make this gay. And she almost completely succeeds sexually. But the rest of the narrative is straight-up M&M’s, from the repeatedly-thwarted kisses to the sexuality games to the coming out games to the foreign objects to the unnecessary condom usage.
Book five is the standout here. Four is good, but too much of a tease. Book six is tasteless. It ends up dragging down not just this bundle, but the overall series.
Here’s the deets…
Prized Possession
A part of him couldn’t help wondering, though, if it was more than simple nerves. Because every time Scott got him all riled up, Tad didn’t just feel like he was flailing, but tumbling heels-over-head.
Tad remains clueless as to why Max is irate with him.
Tad is slowly coming to terms with the fact that he is gay. Very. Very. Very. Slowly.
Thing was, he wanted to be sure he was gay before he told others as much.
(The author is gonna need to wrap that up quite soon. After all the sex that these two have had, there’s zero room for confusion. Nevermind the actual feelings they have for one another…)
Phone sex is hot.
Scott’s about to make dinner for the both of them, again, when plans change.
Scott is so kind to Tad’s closeted ass, especially throughout the encounters with Tad’s friends.
Kickboxing and wrestling. Great action afterwards.
Tad is definitely irritating, at points, during this book. However, Tad also makes some progress. But will it be enough for Scott?
A feeling of raw possessiveness rose into his chest. Scratch that. He didn’t want to be Scott’s anything. He wanted to be his everything. Didn’t even want Scott to think about anyone else.
😘
Bringing it Home
“All I’ve ever done was all I ever could. Wait. For you to open your eyes and see me. Really see me. Standing here. Waiting. For you.”
Episode Five of Tadpole and The Python.
Tad is out drinking with his friends, celebrating his buddy Breck’s birthday.
But when the guys inadvertently run into each other at the club, Tad gets a taste of his own medicine: how it feels to be someone’s secret side piece.
(Not for nothing, Tad has been such a fucking asshole about the whole Max thing. Like…bitch…you are a closet case who is stringing along the man’s best friend. And you’re salty cuz he throws you some side eye?!?)
Tad finally drops the G bomb. 🙌 With so much of this book being about Tad coming into his own as a gay man, more of his coming out moments would be helpful. We’re just kinda told how it went (with everyone but Jay).
Scott opens up even more. His father, substance abuse, getting fit…His story and his background are dark and beautiful—just like the man himself.
Scott has some…ahem…lessons for Tad.
“Don’t worry, shy boy. I promise to show you everything you need to know.”
Taking his cues from Scott’s tutelage (and maybe some Lil’ Wayne, too), Tad reciprocates.
“The big guy’s dying to go home.” “Classy analogy.”
The first four books are super strong. But this one is legit next level. All the feels, the emotions, and the reveals. WoW! Scott’s confessions, and Tad’s, are amazing. This is an epic love story.
Explosive. Explicit. Riveting. Far and away, the strongest of the bunch so far.
This. Is. Stellar. Breathtaking, descriptive detail. So goddamn sensual. They’ve been making love throughout this entire series, but now they’re both fully cognizant of that fact.
Whatever the case, his expression was the most moving thing that Tad had ever seen. Raw vulnerability. Genuine hope. And this really fucking beautiful kind of trust. Tad’s chest clenched tight in realization. Scott was handing over his heart, too.
Afterglow
“Mm. Because as much as I love being your first…In this…I’d rather be your last.”
It’s a beautiful gay love story, with excellent descriptive detail. But the author’s unsavory preferences creep further and further into this book. Between The Paddling and The Pool Stick fiascos, deductions are obligatory here…
Tad has finally accepted himself. He’s come out as the gay man that he is.
At school, Tad can’t wait to see his boyfriend. Their kiss outside is quite welcome.
Home. What Tad was to Scott in so many ways. Funny, how it happened so fast.
It’s nice to see Tad continuing to check out and assess other men. Not in a cruising manner…just in a holy-shit-I’m-gay-and-wow-there-are-other-hot-dudes-out-there, lightbulb-moment kinda way.
We briefly get Scott’s POV. At last, we learn his last name—it’s Thompson.
Making him inexplicably both master and slave to the man held tight in his arms. His shy boy. His Tad. His absolute everything.
The spanking is…uncomfortable. And the pool stick is downright disgusting.
Talk of testing and safety are satisfying, as this (finally) leads to bareback. Hot sex; different with Tad in control.
“Taste your man.”
Too much time wasted on Max and Sean’s spin-off.
More substance in Scott’s POV would be helpful. Much too surface level. She also doesn’t give him a unique voice; he just sounds like a bossier version of Tad. Scott comes off as…kinda creepy. And he shouldn’t. He’s a good guy with a great heart. Just another misfire from this writer.
Ultimately, relieved that she ended the series here—before she could introduce additional foul foreign objects, itching creams, paddles, floggers, or whatever-the-fuck-else.
Really wish they’d said the L word in book 5 instead…rather than put us through this. Some PDA at school and a cute game of pool (until it’s very much not cute)…and hot sex…aren’t worth the rest of this.
“And here I thought all of that magic shit was crap.” “Not where you and me are concerned.”
Wow...These two just get hotter and hotter....Tad goes to one of Scott's classes and thinks take a sexy turn....Tad topping Scott??....Hell yeah....Tad is more sure of himself and looks like he might be on his way to letting people he loves know he's gay and with a guy...Well I'm hoping he is and I'm hoping he doesn't hurt Scott before he takes that leap x
Bringing It Home:
Damn....This had a bit more angst in than the others....Tad is slowly coming to terms with who he is but Scott...damn..I felt for him.....Tad seeing Scott at the club with his friends didn't sit well....But I love these two and hope they get their act together x
Afterglow:
This has been an amazing book.....This last part brought our two boys completely together....The scenes in this were sizzilingly hot and damn they are just perfect together......I love them both....We get a little bit of Max and Sean at the end too and can't wait to read their book.....x
The first story was the only good one, really. The second was so angsty and boring, and by the third, I just wanted it to be over. (Although, there was a pretty good scene in the 3rd one)
There was so much repetition.
Step 1: have a scene. (There were 2 really good scenes. 1 in the first. 1 in the third story) Step 2: switch viewpoints and then immediately flashback to the scene you just read Step 3: Have some angst Step 4: Flash back to some other scene from one of the previous stories.
Um... yeah. I was there, too. Got it the first time. Yes. The wrestling sex scene was hot. But by the end of these 3 stories, I think we "remembered" the scene like 6 times. Plus remembering all the other sex scenes multiple times as well.
I think that's the only reason that the first 3 stories in this series were acceptable. I hadn't yet hit my limit of how many times I was willing to 'relive' the same sex scenes over and over and over again.
Books 4,5 & 6 of my most favourite and treasured series. I love and adore Scott and Tad and their journey SO much, and throughout my time reading this genre, their story is one that has stuck with me and there is so much to love about it, and if I could, I'm sure I could easily ramble on for pages and tell you exactly why. It's a series that I reread often, I recommend to whoever will listen, and often! and I'm SO glad it came into my life. This series is my benchmark, I love it now and I'll always love it. It's a comfort reread when nothing else does it for me. Five stars is nowhere near enough for this series that has a permanent place in my heart.
I LOVED this series. It started off on the line of PWP but it develops quickly into more than that. So if you start the first one or two *KEEP GOING* - it gets better in terms of story - stat. I liked the premise it started with - particularly the GFY components. Getting inside Tad's head is great - and you feel as if you are taking the journey with him.
And the sex - I canna' lie - it is HOT. The BDSM is hot and not overly preachy nor BDSM101'y. I enjoyed Tad and Scott immensely. This is worth your dollar and your time!
REVIEW: for Audio and Ebook- Volumes 4, 5, 6 By: Kora Knight Narrated by: Michael Pauley
Prized Possession Up-Ending Tad: A Journey of Erotic Discovery, Book 4 Overall 5 out of 5 stars Performance 5 out of 5 stars Story 5 out of 5 stars Reviewed: 03-07-19
I.N.T.E.N.S.E When I thought this series couldn't get hotter , Pop Goes the Weasel , and things get magnitude 7 in the Richter scale hot . Tad and Scott chemistry is intense, passionate and life changing. I never thought I would find wrestling that ... Stimulating. Dizzying. Rousing 😜😍 Michael Pauley performance was pure perfection.
Bringing It Home Up-Ending Tad: A Journey of Erotic Discovery, Book 5 Overall 5 out of 5 stars Performance 5 out of 5 stars Story 5 out of 5 stars Reviewed: 03-07-19
A.D.D.I.C.T.I.V.E This series gets better with each new book. I am sincerely addicted to Tad and Scott story. In Bringing Home , we find that Tad is still insecure about taking the next step; come out and tell the world what are his feelings towards Scott. But , Scott is getting tired of waiting and being someone secret.
Kora Knight have skillfully crafted believable and interesting background and raison d' être for our heroes and secondary characters and in this book we see all of it coming together. Michael Pauley was again blew me away with his perfect narration. I am in love with his voice.
Only an incoherent Velociraptor screech is heard
Overall 5 out of 5 stars Performance 5 out of 5 stars Story 5 out of 5 stars Reviewed: 03-09-19
Afterglow is the perfect conclusion to a really riveting , addictive and entertaining series, that I enjoyed to the max. If you don't believe me , let me give you a glimpse on my current situation: I'm in ratty holey yoga pants, haven't moved from the sofa for more than 12 hours, hair's a rat nest and my new motto is adulting is overrated (smirk) . Yep, Upending Tad , entire book series and this fantastic book epilogue have rock my world and right now its off balance .
Indeed , I am a very happy reader/book listener as Kora Knight wrote a book that help me escape the routine and the everyday grind.
An standing ovation to Michael Pauley , the amazing actor who brought these characters to life. His interpretation and performance was perfect and faultless. It is a true pleasure listening to a book narrated by his smooth and hypnotic.
Fuck Tad, who the hell is Tad? UPEDNING TAJ is what this shit should really be called. It has changed the entire world I knew existed and put it upside down. Like I don’t know how to walk with these new knees. Weak as fuck knees y’all…weak as fucking fuck knees. I am unwell. I have been reborn. I have never read a book like this before. It was literally three scenes but felt like a fucking millennia. Like I had GOOSEBUMPS reading it. When is the last time I’ve been so physically moved by a book {there were literal reactions at MANY times to which I needed just a minute to pull myself together for my sanity} I don’t even know. Y’all I am not a virgin, but I dang near felt like one with my blushing. Ok now that I have worked through MY EMOTIONS with this read, let’s get into it. Tad you frustrated me with being “straight” and all. You continued to grab onto that title even though in your deepest thoughts you knew it was wrong. It fired me up. It made me hate you on levels I am not ready to admit, you are fictitious and I was ready to KILL to prove you wrong. Then I read on. I dove into the psyche of it and realized ah ah ah (in my best Dennis from Jurassic Park voice) there is meaning. This will be purposeful. Scott. I don’t have words. I wasn’t sure how I would like you. You seemed full of yourself. BOI WAS I RIGHT, but because you had reason to be. The carnage you inflicted on that man was absolutely breathtakingly beautiful. Can you do me next? Like right now? Then. Then! THEN, you had the audacity to know yourself; Know your feelings; And share just BITS of emotions as to not scare him and I exploded. My head exploded. My heart exploded. My junk exploded. My person who in 36 years I knew, exploded. I was not them any longer. I am not them now. I am a literal walking orgasm who has no purpose. I take deep breaths and hope to keep composure as I slide into the next volumes in this story. And I reflect on how moved I was through volumes 1, 2, 3 and realize I AM NOT EVEN DONE. Will I even survive??? Hopefully so I can read about Max & Scott too
I found this series by accident, and I love it. I have it on ebook. It's not available in paperback, and some of the language is terrible, so I knocked off one star for that.
It's the first time I have read gay romance, and it was definitely an eye opener. I don't know how realistic it is, but I found this series very sweet. I really like the affection between Tad and Scott.
I had seen Kora Knights Nira Chronicles, and refused to read them, because I HATE scifi romance novels. After reading the Upending Tad series, I read Unearthed and Revived (Max and Sean). After that, I was so desperate for more, I read the Nira Chronicles. One of the best decisions of my life. I am now a Kora Knight convert.
I have since tried reading other gay romance authors, but they're not nearly as good as Kora Knight.
The only thing I don't like about this series is the swearing and the way Tad's university friends talk to each other, which I find a bit juvenile for 24-29 year old men. They say fuck way too much, like a teenager trying to prove he is an adult. All that does is make them seem immature. It reminds me of the Stephenie Meyer Twilight series, and the dumb juvenile phrases in it. They talk like 13 year olds.
I tried the audio version, and the narrator is TERRIBLE, so I didn't buy them. My advice is to stick with the written version.
Overall, despite too much swearing and occasional juvenile language, I absolutely LOVED this series. I highly recommend it.
I don't even know where to begin with this review. Kora Knight is a genius. I absolutely fucking love this series. Why does it have to be over. I really wish Kora would write another book for Tad and Scott. In these books both Tad and Scott go through some huge growing pains. There is heartbreak because Scott is totally out but Tad just can't seem to take the leap and Scott will not live in the shadows. Tad is totally into Scott but coming out is scary. He can do things he never thought he would do with a guy in private but let the public know he's gay. Hell to the no. The thing is his friends pretty much already suspect Tad's gay so it's too bad Tad is so hung up on what others think. Both men learn about each other past in a drunken night where Scott shows up to a bar that Tad is at. Scott is with his friends and doesn't mind PDA with other guys and Tad just can't believe it. How is he so comfortable. Tad eventually get jealous and leaves and that is where things go downhill. Scott follows him home and tells him he can't be with him in the closet. Tad finally tells his friend he is gay and into Scott. His friend tells him he needs to fight for his man. So Tad tells his parents and all his friends and goes to Scott's house to see if he can mend the mess he has made. Tad and Scott do mend the fences. They do have public PDA. They do fall in love. The do have the hottest spiciest sex I have ever read about. Holy batman. It is so steamy. Like at the gym when they are wrestling. Um. Yes sir I'll have another of that one. Their connection is so mesmerizing and I am so happy that they have their HEA. But once again I want more of their story. Narrator Michael Pauley did a fantastic job. He sexy voice and those spicy scenes had me blushing.