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Blowing It #3
Dom on the Side
“I’d love to Dom you one day. You’d be a natural.”
August, 2007. When a one-night stand makes Ryan Jessop a casual offer to introduce him to BDSM, he’s torn between denial of his submissive fantasies and their irresistible pull. Taking a chance, he discovers in Jim a skilled Dominant, and under his guidance, Ryan’s submission blossoms. Unfortunately, guidance is all Jim can offer. The one thing Ryan wants most—a loving Dom to whom he exclusively belongs—is off the table.
Sameer Farouk is the right guy at the wrong time, and as far as Ryan can tell, not kinky. No matter how clearly Ryan can foresee a future with Sameer, he refuses to settle for less than total compatibility, both in and out of the bedroom. Despite their obvious connection, breaking up is the right thing to do, even if it breaks Ryan’s heart.
Torn between them, Ryan must decide if he's prepared to gamble everything on one man, or if he'd be better off with a vanilla boyfriend and a Dom on the side.
*Dom on the Side is a prequel set in the Blowing It universe, and can be read as a standalone.
August, 2007. When a one-night stand makes Ryan Jessop a casual offer to introduce him to BDSM, he’s torn between denial of his submissive fantasies and their irresistible pull. Taking a chance, he discovers in Jim a skilled Dominant, and under his guidance, Ryan’s submission blossoms. Unfortunately, guidance is all Jim can offer. The one thing Ryan wants most—a loving Dom to whom he exclusively belongs—is off the table.
Sameer Farouk is the right guy at the wrong time, and as far as Ryan can tell, not kinky. No matter how clearly Ryan can foresee a future with Sameer, he refuses to settle for less than total compatibility, both in and out of the bedroom. Despite their obvious connection, breaking up is the right thing to do, even if it breaks Ryan’s heart.
Torn between them, Ryan must decide if he's prepared to gamble everything on one man, or if he'd be better off with a vanilla boyfriend and a Dom on the side.
*Dom on the Side is a prequel set in the Blowing It universe, and can be read as a standalone.
285 pages, ebook
First published January 24, 2016
11 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Kate Aaron
36 books338 followersBorn in Liverpool, Kate Aaron is a bestselling author of the #1 LGBT romances What He Wants, Ace, The Slave, and other works.
Kate swapped the North West for the Midwest in October 2015 and married award-winning author AJ Rose. Together they plan to take over the world.
Kate swapped the North West for the Midwest in October 2015 and married award-winning author AJ Rose. Together they plan to take over the world.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 24, 2016
Review originally posted at Sinfully.
Dom on the Side is book 3 in the Blowing It series, but set in 2007 it is a prequel to the first two books. I went into this story knowing nothing about the first two books or the characters and this worked just fine as a standalone. This is the story of Ryan and his discovery of his interest in BDSM and his submissive nature.
A visit to an Amsterdam BDSM club really gets Ryan thinking about what turns him on. Owen is horrified by what they witness, but Ryan finds it speaks to him, yet he feels shame at the same time wondering if the thought of being bound and hit means something is wrong with him. Knowing Owen wouldn’t understand and not really knowing what else to do about it after a disastrous attempt at going to a BDSM club, Ryan tries to push it all aside.
A one night stand with Jim turns into an opportunity Ryan never expected. Jim is a Dominant and although their night together is vanilla sex after a night of drinking, Jim sees something in Ryan and offers up an opportunity for him to submit. Jim is in a committed relationship with his boyfriend Gaz, but the two each have a kink that the other is unable to satisfy. They both have play partners to do that for them and Jim is very clear from the start that he will be whatever Ryan needs as far as a Dom and mentor, but it will be nothing but sex. He will not fall in love, he will not leave Gaz and if Ryan can’t handle that then he needs to stop before it starts.
Jim introduces Ryan to a BDSM club, to people in the lifestyle and Ryan’s eyes are really opened, especially when he meets Jim’s boyfriend Gaz (one of my favorite scenes in the story and a real turning point for Ryan). Ryan learns to see the people under the kink and not to make judgments of things that make him uncomfortable. Ryan is turned on by it all, but still dealing with shame over what he wants; not sure how “being hit” and liking it doesn’t mean something is wrong with him. Jim is not a sadist, and teaches Ryan that the key to his Domination lies within Ryan’s offering of his submission.
Sameer enters Ryan’s life at exactly the wrong time. He is entrenched in exploring things with Jim and trying to reconcile his vanilla life with his kink. Sameer is everything he could want in another man except for the kink. Sameer is an aggressive lover, but Ryan has no doubt that Sameer just wouldn’t be able to give him everything he needs and ultimately when things look to be going beyond casual, Ryan decides Sameer is a complication he can’t afford and that it would only be fair to Sameer to end things before it’s too late. When Owen decides to get involved in their relationship and takes things into his own hands, things go from bad to worse.
This was my first book by the author and I loved Kate Aaron’s take on and respect for the world Ryan is exploring and the many kinks offered. Jim is such a caring, honest and thoughtful guide and friend. There are times where Ryan questions all of his relationships; whether Owen can understand him and if he can continue being a friends when Owen’s well-intended meddling goes too far, whether he is setting himself up for an emotional fall with both Jim and Sameer and whether any of them can actually satisfy what he thinks he needs going forward. He knows what Jim and Gaz have won’t work for him and doesn’t think Sameer can be everything he needs. The biggest stumbling blocks for Ryan in all of this are quick assumptions and misunderstandings.
All of the scenes with Ryan and Jim were extremely well done. Sexy, thoughtful and hot, it’s more than just sex, with Ryan learning something new about himself each time. Jim is a wonderful mentor, friend and lover and an overall fantastic character. Ryan and Sameer also have great chemistry and I could really feel the difference in Ryan’s feelings for both men.
I did find it the story bit slow in the beginning where the author focuses on Ryan’s friendship with Owen (Jim isn’t really introduced until 25% in and Sameer more than halfway through the book), but I imagine those who already know the characters five or so years down the timeline might have a different take on things and appreciate it more.
This story is focused more on Ryan coming to terms with his kink and learning about the BDSM lifestyle, while the romance comes second. Although there is a complete story, there is much more left to tell as far as Ryan and Sameer’s relationship goes and the sequel Sub on Top is expected later this Spring. I’m absolutely looking forward to seeing where the story takes these two characters and hoping to see more of Jim and Gaz as well.
Dom on the Side is book 3 in the Blowing It series, but set in 2007 it is a prequel to the first two books. I went into this story knowing nothing about the first two books or the characters and this worked just fine as a standalone. This is the story of Ryan and his discovery of his interest in BDSM and his submissive nature.
A visit to an Amsterdam BDSM club really gets Ryan thinking about what turns him on. Owen is horrified by what they witness, but Ryan finds it speaks to him, yet he feels shame at the same time wondering if the thought of being bound and hit means something is wrong with him. Knowing Owen wouldn’t understand and not really knowing what else to do about it after a disastrous attempt at going to a BDSM club, Ryan tries to push it all aside.
A one night stand with Jim turns into an opportunity Ryan never expected. Jim is a Dominant and although their night together is vanilla sex after a night of drinking, Jim sees something in Ryan and offers up an opportunity for him to submit. Jim is in a committed relationship with his boyfriend Gaz, but the two each have a kink that the other is unable to satisfy. They both have play partners to do that for them and Jim is very clear from the start that he will be whatever Ryan needs as far as a Dom and mentor, but it will be nothing but sex. He will not fall in love, he will not leave Gaz and if Ryan can’t handle that then he needs to stop before it starts.
Jim introduces Ryan to a BDSM club, to people in the lifestyle and Ryan’s eyes are really opened, especially when he meets Jim’s boyfriend Gaz (one of my favorite scenes in the story and a real turning point for Ryan). Ryan learns to see the people under the kink and not to make judgments of things that make him uncomfortable. Ryan is turned on by it all, but still dealing with shame over what he wants; not sure how “being hit” and liking it doesn’t mean something is wrong with him. Jim is not a sadist, and teaches Ryan that the key to his Domination lies within Ryan’s offering of his submission.
Sameer enters Ryan’s life at exactly the wrong time. He is entrenched in exploring things with Jim and trying to reconcile his vanilla life with his kink. Sameer is everything he could want in another man except for the kink. Sameer is an aggressive lover, but Ryan has no doubt that Sameer just wouldn’t be able to give him everything he needs and ultimately when things look to be going beyond casual, Ryan decides Sameer is a complication he can’t afford and that it would only be fair to Sameer to end things before it’s too late. When Owen decides to get involved in their relationship and takes things into his own hands, things go from bad to worse.
This was my first book by the author and I loved Kate Aaron’s take on and respect for the world Ryan is exploring and the many kinks offered. Jim is such a caring, honest and thoughtful guide and friend. There are times where Ryan questions all of his relationships; whether Owen can understand him and if he can continue being a friends when Owen’s well-intended meddling goes too far, whether he is setting himself up for an emotional fall with both Jim and Sameer and whether any of them can actually satisfy what he thinks he needs going forward. He knows what Jim and Gaz have won’t work for him and doesn’t think Sameer can be everything he needs. The biggest stumbling blocks for Ryan in all of this are quick assumptions and misunderstandings.
All of the scenes with Ryan and Jim were extremely well done. Sexy, thoughtful and hot, it’s more than just sex, with Ryan learning something new about himself each time. Jim is a wonderful mentor, friend and lover and an overall fantastic character. Ryan and Sameer also have great chemistry and I could really feel the difference in Ryan’s feelings for both men.
I did find it the story bit slow in the beginning where the author focuses on Ryan’s friendship with Owen (Jim isn’t really introduced until 25% in and Sameer more than halfway through the book), but I imagine those who already know the characters five or so years down the timeline might have a different take on things and appreciate it more.
This story is focused more on Ryan coming to terms with his kink and learning about the BDSM lifestyle, while the romance comes second. Although there is a complete story, there is much more left to tell as far as Ryan and Sameer’s relationship goes and the sequel Sub on Top is expected later this Spring. I’m absolutely looking forward to seeing where the story takes these two characters and hoping to see more of Jim and Gaz as well.
February 16, 2016
A couple of things.
I didn't feel any chemistry between Ryan and Sameer. At all. None. Boring. Completely.
However, I love the dynamic between Ryan and Jim and the "not falling in love" aspect of this relationship was hot and very anti-trope and I appreciated it. It felt very realistic and could have been done without the Sameer addition so late in the novel.
This book is set in the late 90's or early 2000's but you have to figure that out. Mentions of MySpace Pages is just weird. For something recently released it should have been updated because the timeline doesn't seem consistent.
The author bio says the Author is from England now lives in the US. I think that is why the author goes from British to American throughout the book. I'm just not sure an English computer programmer back then was really pinning his hopes on working for Google or NASA. Is that in character? Maybe it is but it pulled me right out of the book when I read that.
It's worth reading for the Ryan/Jim relationship though. Would like more of Gaz/Liam too.
A stronger beta reader or better editor could have helped steer this book to a higher rating.
I didn't feel any chemistry between Ryan and Sameer. At all. None. Boring. Completely.
However, I love the dynamic between Ryan and Jim and the "not falling in love" aspect of this relationship was hot and very anti-trope and I appreciated it. It felt very realistic and could have been done without the Sameer addition so late in the novel.
This book is set in the late 90's or early 2000's but you have to figure that out. Mentions of MySpace Pages is just weird. For something recently released it should have been updated because the timeline doesn't seem consistent.
The author bio says the Author is from England now lives in the US. I think that is why the author goes from British to American throughout the book. I'm just not sure an English computer programmer back then was really pinning his hopes on working for Google or NASA. Is that in character? Maybe it is but it pulled me right out of the book when I read that.
It's worth reading for the Ryan/Jim relationship though. Would like more of Gaz/Liam too.
A stronger beta reader or better editor could have helped steer this book to a higher rating.
January 25, 2016
~~ I served as a beta-reader for the WIP and received an ARC of the finished book from the author ~~
I very much enjoyed this, review to follow!
I very much enjoyed this, review to follow!
February 7, 2016
This book is seriously good….
I read Blowing It and Balls Up last summer I think, and loved them. Blowing It was fun, a very good story, but not THAT unusual, a good romance with a great couple, I loved it, but it wasn’t surprising. And I don’t mean that in a negative way at all. I loved it. But then I read Balls Up. Holy crap. It hurt me, it wrecked me, I cried and cried. But it was so fucking good. Such a horrible topic, Owen had testicular cancer, and we follow him through his whole treatment. It was awful. But Kate wrote it with such love and care, it broke my heart. And yes, here’s a big spoiler, it has a happy ending. In those two books we met Ryan, Owen’s best friend, and Ryan’s boyfriend Sameer. They were in and out of the picture, as friends are, until Owen hid his illness from them. Once they find out, Ryan was all over Owen, and right there with him. But the story was about Owen, not Ryan and Sameer, so they were a bit of a mystery. Friends, but not the main couple. Until now.
In Dom on the Side, we go back in time, to the early days of the friendship between Owen and Ryan. This is really Ryan’s story, about his relationships with the men in his life. We see lots of Owen, they are young and living together in an apartment, Owen struggling to establish himself as a writer, Ryan on his first job as a teacher. They are best friends, not lovers, but they are so damn sweet. They totally love each other, cuddle, fight, help, and hinder. Owen gives his heart freely and openly, and until Magnus comes a long a lot later, the one stable man in his life is Ryan. Yes, they have other friends, but really it’s Ryan. If only they could be a couple! But no…. Ryan has a need that no one has been able to meet, much less see. Turns out he likes a little kink with his sex, and we get to watch as he learns about the lifestyle through his relationship with Jim.
Ryan and Jim meet and fuck one night, Ryan thinking that will be all it is. But as Jim leaves, he mentions to Ryan that he’d like to “Dom” him. Ryan is not initially interested, but that word lingers in his head. He does some research, including a trip to a fetish bar that does nothing but turn him off. He eventually finds Jim’s profile on a dating site and Ryan gets up the nerve to contact him. The two meet for a drink and a discussion. They come to a mutual understanding, Jim will introduce Ryan to the world of kink, but Ryan has to understand there can be no romance, no love, no relationship beyond that. Jim has a boyfriend. Ryan isn’t sure, but agrees, and off they go. And we get an amazing introduction to the lifestyle as well.
Sameer doesn’t appear until well after the 50% mark. Ryan is satisfied with his “relationship” with Jim, but Owen is not. Owen, who is always looking for love, not only can’t understand why Ryan wants to be hit and hurt, also can’t understand why Ryan is ok with not having love. He keeps after Ryan, who on a drunken outing, takes a man home for some vanilla sex. That’s how we get Sameer in the mix. Sameer seems like a sweet guy, but not kinky. This does not work for Ryan, and he has no plans to hook up with Sameer again. Eventually the two reconnect, and with the meddling of Owen, Ryan begins to date Sameer. But there is always this thing with Jim hanging over his head. He continues to see Jim to get his kinky needs met, and can’t see how a relationship with Sameer can go anywhere. I’ll stop there! So that is the conundrum. Ryan is seeing Jim and Sameer. What to do, what to do!
So what I LOVED about this book was the slow introduction to BDSM that Jim gives to Ryan. I’ve read a lot of BDSM books, and most often both parties are in the lifestyle and just go for it. Or there is an experienced Dom, who overwhelms a new sub, and they go for it. This was a lesson. For Ryan, and for me. Jim is so careful, going over step by step, making Ryan think and feel, taking notes, checking in with him, it was just awesome. I loved their relationship. I loved that Jim was so clear about not wanting love, that it was only for the kink. It’s just a perfect, careful relationship. No romance, no love, at least not THAT kind of love, but caring and kink. Perfection! Then there is Sameer, he’s still a bit of a mystery to me. He actually plays a smaller role in this book, behind Owen and Jim. That was different for me. I hesitate to say there is romance between them, or love, the story ends at the beginning of their relationship, and we don’t get to see much. But that worked very well. This is Ryan’s story, Ryan’s journey, and Ryan’s men. I loved his relationship with the three men in his life, he gets something he needs, but something different from each of them. Kate makes it all work very well. It didn’t feel icky, no cheating, not weirdness. Ryan needs different things from each of them, and he gets that. Owen gives him friendship and unconditional love, Jim gives him kink, and Sameer gives him romantic love. Or will, as they progress and get there I’m sure.
Wow. This was such a different book in so many ways. The late introduction of the main love interest, the slow introduction and education about kink, the non-sexual love between Ryan and Owen, damn, it all worked so very well. Each of these books has been fantastic in their own way, and they fit together just perfectly. This one could be read as a standalone, it actually takes place before Blowing It chronologically, so if you haven’t read the others I’d read this one first. Then go read the others! Just get your tissues out for Balls Up, it’s a rough ride. If you have read the other two, wow. Wait until you read this one! The writing is just superb, the plot is creative, the relationships between the characters perfect, the kink is kinky but not icky, and the vanilla sex is sweet and hot.
I highly recommend this book for many reasons. It’s part of an amazing series, it has great characters, a fantastic story, and a perfect introduction to kink. If you haven’t read any BDSM books this would actually be a great place to start. You’ll probably learn something from it, I did, even after years for reading kinky books!
I sooooo hope we get another one! There’s another couple that needs some help in these books…. maybe we’ll see their story? Please Kate?
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Original review was posted at www.lovebytesreviews.com.
I read Blowing It and Balls Up last summer I think, and loved them. Blowing It was fun, a very good story, but not THAT unusual, a good romance with a great couple, I loved it, but it wasn’t surprising. And I don’t mean that in a negative way at all. I loved it. But then I read Balls Up. Holy crap. It hurt me, it wrecked me, I cried and cried. But it was so fucking good. Such a horrible topic, Owen had testicular cancer, and we follow him through his whole treatment. It was awful. But Kate wrote it with such love and care, it broke my heart. And yes, here’s a big spoiler, it has a happy ending. In those two books we met Ryan, Owen’s best friend, and Ryan’s boyfriend Sameer. They were in and out of the picture, as friends are, until Owen hid his illness from them. Once they find out, Ryan was all over Owen, and right there with him. But the story was about Owen, not Ryan and Sameer, so they were a bit of a mystery. Friends, but not the main couple. Until now.
In Dom on the Side, we go back in time, to the early days of the friendship between Owen and Ryan. This is really Ryan’s story, about his relationships with the men in his life. We see lots of Owen, they are young and living together in an apartment, Owen struggling to establish himself as a writer, Ryan on his first job as a teacher. They are best friends, not lovers, but they are so damn sweet. They totally love each other, cuddle, fight, help, and hinder. Owen gives his heart freely and openly, and until Magnus comes a long a lot later, the one stable man in his life is Ryan. Yes, they have other friends, but really it’s Ryan. If only they could be a couple! But no…. Ryan has a need that no one has been able to meet, much less see. Turns out he likes a little kink with his sex, and we get to watch as he learns about the lifestyle through his relationship with Jim.
Ryan and Jim meet and fuck one night, Ryan thinking that will be all it is. But as Jim leaves, he mentions to Ryan that he’d like to “Dom” him. Ryan is not initially interested, but that word lingers in his head. He does some research, including a trip to a fetish bar that does nothing but turn him off. He eventually finds Jim’s profile on a dating site and Ryan gets up the nerve to contact him. The two meet for a drink and a discussion. They come to a mutual understanding, Jim will introduce Ryan to the world of kink, but Ryan has to understand there can be no romance, no love, no relationship beyond that. Jim has a boyfriend. Ryan isn’t sure, but agrees, and off they go. And we get an amazing introduction to the lifestyle as well.
Sameer doesn’t appear until well after the 50% mark. Ryan is satisfied with his “relationship” with Jim, but Owen is not. Owen, who is always looking for love, not only can’t understand why Ryan wants to be hit and hurt, also can’t understand why Ryan is ok with not having love. He keeps after Ryan, who on a drunken outing, takes a man home for some vanilla sex. That’s how we get Sameer in the mix. Sameer seems like a sweet guy, but not kinky. This does not work for Ryan, and he has no plans to hook up with Sameer again. Eventually the two reconnect, and with the meddling of Owen, Ryan begins to date Sameer. But there is always this thing with Jim hanging over his head. He continues to see Jim to get his kinky needs met, and can’t see how a relationship with Sameer can go anywhere. I’ll stop there! So that is the conundrum. Ryan is seeing Jim and Sameer. What to do, what to do!
So what I LOVED about this book was the slow introduction to BDSM that Jim gives to Ryan. I’ve read a lot of BDSM books, and most often both parties are in the lifestyle and just go for it. Or there is an experienced Dom, who overwhelms a new sub, and they go for it. This was a lesson. For Ryan, and for me. Jim is so careful, going over step by step, making Ryan think and feel, taking notes, checking in with him, it was just awesome. I loved their relationship. I loved that Jim was so clear about not wanting love, that it was only for the kink. It’s just a perfect, careful relationship. No romance, no love, at least not THAT kind of love, but caring and kink. Perfection! Then there is Sameer, he’s still a bit of a mystery to me. He actually plays a smaller role in this book, behind Owen and Jim. That was different for me. I hesitate to say there is romance between them, or love, the story ends at the beginning of their relationship, and we don’t get to see much. But that worked very well. This is Ryan’s story, Ryan’s journey, and Ryan’s men. I loved his relationship with the three men in his life, he gets something he needs, but something different from each of them. Kate makes it all work very well. It didn’t feel icky, no cheating, not weirdness. Ryan needs different things from each of them, and he gets that. Owen gives him friendship and unconditional love, Jim gives him kink, and Sameer gives him romantic love. Or will, as they progress and get there I’m sure.
Wow. This was such a different book in so many ways. The late introduction of the main love interest, the slow introduction and education about kink, the non-sexual love between Ryan and Owen, damn, it all worked so very well. Each of these books has been fantastic in their own way, and they fit together just perfectly. This one could be read as a standalone, it actually takes place before Blowing It chronologically, so if you haven’t read the others I’d read this one first. Then go read the others! Just get your tissues out for Balls Up, it’s a rough ride. If you have read the other two, wow. Wait until you read this one! The writing is just superb, the plot is creative, the relationships between the characters perfect, the kink is kinky but not icky, and the vanilla sex is sweet and hot.
I highly recommend this book for many reasons. It’s part of an amazing series, it has great characters, a fantastic story, and a perfect introduction to kink. If you haven’t read any BDSM books this would actually be a great place to start. You’ll probably learn something from it, I did, even after years for reading kinky books!
I sooooo hope we get another one! There’s another couple that needs some help in these books…. maybe we’ll see their story? Please Kate?
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Original review was posted at www.lovebytesreviews.com.
February 8, 2016
4.5 stars
I haven’t read the first two books in the series, but as the blurb says, this book can be read as a standalone. What the blurb does not say –very misleading in my opinion- is that this isn’t a story about a man torn between two men: vanilla or kink?! Instead, it’s a story of a young man, Ryan, who discovers his submissive side at the hands of a skilful Dom and eventually moves on to form a relationship with another man, Sameer, who yes, at the time of their first meeting is very vanilla. Sameer does not come in the picture until about 55% in the book, and doesn’t get seriously involved with Ryan until about 75-80% in.
This is a story about self-discovery and coming to terms with one’s sexual preferences. So, misleading blurb aside, the author has done a magnificent job of taking us on Ryan’s journey to the world of kink. When I first started reading mm, I gobbled BDSM novels like candy. I read whatever I could get my hands on. From the silly, fru-fru, BDSM light ones, to some very hard-core shit (brilliant shit though). What I absolutely loved about this novel is that it went back to basics –which could have been incredibly boring to read- in a very refreshing and original way. When Ryan decides to accept Jim’s tutelage, he also agrees to not be romantically involved with him. Yes, they have sex during their scenes, but with clearly set boundaries and zero expectations of forming a romantic relationship.
I thought this arrangement was going to be awkward but it was pulled off truly masterfully. When the core principles of BDSM practices have been whishy-washed in shitty novels like 50 Shades of Grey, it’s pretty hard to read yet another novel that talks about safewords, contracts, and negotiating what the dom/sub will allow without rolling your eyes. At least I’m talking about myself, what can I say, maybe for other readers BDSM 101 is a bottomless pit of excitement and intrigue. But. If it’s not, fear not. I don’t even know how to explain it but the author wrote those practical, unsexy, awkward parts of the whole arrangement so freaking well that nothing felt old or overdone.
I especially loved the fact that in this book, Ryan explores his submissive nature in a very meaningful, emotional way. It’s not about trying twenty different types of instruments, or playing in a dungeon only a millionaire could realistically afford. Jim, the Dom, manages time and time again to bring Ryan to ecstasy in a small double room with only a dresser in it, and with whatever stuff he can fit in ONE of the drawers. Jim teaches Ryan the art of trusting someone completely and letting go of any fear, shame, or insecurity when it comes to sexual desire. It’s beautiful to read and even more amazing to see that Ryan learns and grows through all of this. The scenes are extremely sensual. I mean seriously off the charts hot. And yet, it’s very convincing throughout that Ryan and Jim do not fall for each other. They care for each other and respect each other but the teacher-student dynamic is never broken. I thought I’d be bothered by this and that I would start thinking “but whyyyyyyyyyy can’t they be together????!!!!!!” Trust me, it’s just right.
The relationship with Sameer was relatively inconsequential to me in the grand scheme of things in this book. I read in another review that this instalment takes part 5 years prior to one or both the other books in the series, where Sameer and Ryan are in an established relationship. I guess this would make this book a prequel in terms of their relationship. It was interesting to see how they navigated the whole vanilla/kink conflict and I am glad they got a very sweet HEA. Because their relationship didn’t form until very late in the book, we didn’t see too much of them as a couple and I wasn’t as invested in them as you’d expect.
Owen, Ryan’s best friend and flatmate, stole the story for me. I am most definitely reading his book and I will probably go back and read the first two books in the series –whoever they are about.
I highly recommend this to lovers of kink. It’s one of the high quality BDSM-themed novels out there and I guarantee you’ll enjoy it –keeping in mind that the main theme of the book is NOT a romance between Ryan and Sameer.
Highly recommend.
ARC of Dom on the Side provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. See this review at Gay Book Reviews.
I haven’t read the first two books in the series, but as the blurb says, this book can be read as a standalone. What the blurb does not say –very misleading in my opinion- is that this isn’t a story about a man torn between two men: vanilla or kink?! Instead, it’s a story of a young man, Ryan, who discovers his submissive side at the hands of a skilful Dom and eventually moves on to form a relationship with another man, Sameer, who yes, at the time of their first meeting is very vanilla. Sameer does not come in the picture until about 55% in the book, and doesn’t get seriously involved with Ryan until about 75-80% in.
This is a story about self-discovery and coming to terms with one’s sexual preferences. So, misleading blurb aside, the author has done a magnificent job of taking us on Ryan’s journey to the world of kink. When I first started reading mm, I gobbled BDSM novels like candy. I read whatever I could get my hands on. From the silly, fru-fru, BDSM light ones, to some very hard-core shit (brilliant shit though). What I absolutely loved about this novel is that it went back to basics –which could have been incredibly boring to read- in a very refreshing and original way. When Ryan decides to accept Jim’s tutelage, he also agrees to not be romantically involved with him. Yes, they have sex during their scenes, but with clearly set boundaries and zero expectations of forming a romantic relationship.
I thought this arrangement was going to be awkward but it was pulled off truly masterfully. When the core principles of BDSM practices have been whishy-washed in shitty novels like 50 Shades of Grey, it’s pretty hard to read yet another novel that talks about safewords, contracts, and negotiating what the dom/sub will allow without rolling your eyes. At least I’m talking about myself, what can I say, maybe for other readers BDSM 101 is a bottomless pit of excitement and intrigue. But. If it’s not, fear not. I don’t even know how to explain it but the author wrote those practical, unsexy, awkward parts of the whole arrangement so freaking well that nothing felt old or overdone.
I especially loved the fact that in this book, Ryan explores his submissive nature in a very meaningful, emotional way. It’s not about trying twenty different types of instruments, or playing in a dungeon only a millionaire could realistically afford. Jim, the Dom, manages time and time again to bring Ryan to ecstasy in a small double room with only a dresser in it, and with whatever stuff he can fit in ONE of the drawers. Jim teaches Ryan the art of trusting someone completely and letting go of any fear, shame, or insecurity when it comes to sexual desire. It’s beautiful to read and even more amazing to see that Ryan learns and grows through all of this. The scenes are extremely sensual. I mean seriously off the charts hot. And yet, it’s very convincing throughout that Ryan and Jim do not fall for each other. They care for each other and respect each other but the teacher-student dynamic is never broken. I thought I’d be bothered by this and that I would start thinking “but whyyyyyyyyyy can’t they be together????!!!!!!” Trust me, it’s just right.
The relationship with Sameer was relatively inconsequential to me in the grand scheme of things in this book. I read in another review that this instalment takes part 5 years prior to one or both the other books in the series, where Sameer and Ryan are in an established relationship. I guess this would make this book a prequel in terms of their relationship. It was interesting to see how they navigated the whole vanilla/kink conflict and I am glad they got a very sweet HEA. Because their relationship didn’t form until very late in the book, we didn’t see too much of them as a couple and I wasn’t as invested in them as you’d expect.
Owen, Ryan’s best friend and flatmate, stole the story for me. I am most definitely reading his book and I will probably go back and read the first two books in the series –whoever they are about.
I highly recommend this to lovers of kink. It’s one of the high quality BDSM-themed novels out there and I guarantee you’ll enjoy it –keeping in mind that the main theme of the book is NOT a romance between Ryan and Sameer.
Highly recommend.
ARC of Dom on the Side provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. See this review at Gay Book Reviews.
January 31, 2016
Reviewed for From Top to Bottom Reviews.
It's just those eleven words, uttered after a one night stand that make Ryan question what he really wants and who he really is. Before he met Jim he never really thought about being a Submissive or needing a Dom. He was content with his sex-life but those few words break something loose in him.
The book starts with Ryan and Owen in Amsterdam in a BDSM-club watching a whipping-scene. While Owen is shocked by what he sees, Ryan is fascinated - although he doesn't admit to that out of fear of what it would make him. Ryan doesn't understand that side of himself. He feels insecure and is scared that something might be wrong with him.
Ryan is a newly qualified primary school teacher and he absolutely loves his job. It's what he always wanted to do.
When he has a one night stand a few months after visiting the BDSM-club in Amsterdam, Jim, the guy he slept with leaves him conflicted when he says “I’d love to Dom you one day. You’d be a natural.”
It's the moment Ryan really starts to question what he wants, although it takes him a bit to call Jim up on his offer.
This book focuses mainly on Ryan and on his introduction into the world of BDSM. At the beginning of the book he doesn't know anything about this world and the reader follows along while he gains first experiences.
I really enjoyed to see Ryan grow during the book. The way he became more comfortable with who he is and what he needs felt so real.
I like the way Ms. Aaron chose to introduce Ryan and the reader into the BDSM-world.
When I started Dom on the Side I expected this story to be more centered aroud Ryan and Sameer as a couple than it actually is, but after having finished the book I absolutely understand why Kate Aaron told the story this way. Everything else probably wouldn't have felt right in the end because you don't just jump into a D/s relationship without questioning yourself before and being a bit hesitant about certain things. It felt natural that Jim slowly introduced Ryan into the world of BDSM.
It was completely different to what I've seen in other BDSM-themed romance so far. But definitely a good different. Refreshingly different!
I'm not saying other stories set in that world are always the same, but the way Ms Aaron built the story was unalike any other book I've read before. I realise this might not work for everyone but it totally did for me.
From Blowing It and Balls Up we know Ryan and Sameer as an established couple and I was always curious to see how their relationship started, how they met - where everything began.
It isn't until about halfway through Dom on the Side that Ryan (finally ;)) meets Sameer. They decide to have some fun together, but both want nothing serious. Ryan is after all still seeing Jim regularly. Although his relationship with Ryan is only about exploring Ryans submissive side and in no way romantic. Ryan expects that when he finds someone it'll be a Dom for sure and Sameer isn't a Dom so he's surprised when he realises that he's fallen in love with him.
I was surprised that Sameer wasn't in the BDSM-scene already. When I started reading Dom on the Side and saw Ryan wasn't familiar with this world I guessed that Sameer would maybe be a part of "teaching" Ryan. I was totally wrong on that one!
The sex scenes were scorchingly hot. Both the scenes between Ryan and Jim and the scenes with Ryan and Sameer.
I loved the way Ryan and Sameer -unexpectedly for Ryan- fall slowly in love.
There’s something magical about Kate Aaron’s writing. She draws you in and you fall in love with her words and the characters. Her descriptions of the world they live in are so amazing and the way she writes the feelings are so well-worded that even though Ryan does not realise it, the reader sees him falling in love. And it's so beautiful!
Another thing I really loved was that we met Owen again. (I did miss Magnus a bit. *sigh*)
Even though this is Ryans story we got to know Owen better by seeing a totally different side of him. Of course he wouldn't be the same as in Blowing It and Balls Up because Dom on the Side takes place 5 years before.
In Dom on the Side we see more of his wilder side but also more of his vulnerable side when another manuscript gets rejected.
Another aspect I really enjoyed was to see more of Ryans and Owens friendship. Owen feels really protective toward Ryan and at first doesn't understand what Ryan finds so fascinating about BDSM but he's still always supportive and there for Ryan. I don't think anything could break those two up!
I liked that we got the chance to see Owen before he became a successful author and I really wanted to cuddle him and tell him everything would be alright when he thought he'd never be an author. That he just had to survive a few more years and then his dream would come true!
I love all of Kate Aarons books. The writing was fantastic (as always)!
Kate Aaron is one of my favorite authors and you'll see why when you read this! Don't miss out. It is so worth reading and can't wait to read Sub on Top when it comes out in May!
Thank you Ms. Aaron for another amazing story!
It's just those eleven words, uttered after a one night stand that make Ryan question what he really wants and who he really is. Before he met Jim he never really thought about being a Submissive or needing a Dom. He was content with his sex-life but those few words break something loose in him.
The book starts with Ryan and Owen in Amsterdam in a BDSM-club watching a whipping-scene. While Owen is shocked by what he sees, Ryan is fascinated - although he doesn't admit to that out of fear of what it would make him. Ryan doesn't understand that side of himself. He feels insecure and is scared that something might be wrong with him.
Ryan is a newly qualified primary school teacher and he absolutely loves his job. It's what he always wanted to do.
When he has a one night stand a few months after visiting the BDSM-club in Amsterdam, Jim, the guy he slept with leaves him conflicted when he says “I’d love to Dom you one day. You’d be a natural.”
It's the moment Ryan really starts to question what he wants, although it takes him a bit to call Jim up on his offer.
This book focuses mainly on Ryan and on his introduction into the world of BDSM. At the beginning of the book he doesn't know anything about this world and the reader follows along while he gains first experiences.
I really enjoyed to see Ryan grow during the book. The way he became more comfortable with who he is and what he needs felt so real.
I like the way Ms. Aaron chose to introduce Ryan and the reader into the BDSM-world.
When I started Dom on the Side I expected this story to be more centered aroud Ryan and Sameer as a couple than it actually is, but after having finished the book I absolutely understand why Kate Aaron told the story this way. Everything else probably wouldn't have felt right in the end because you don't just jump into a D/s relationship without questioning yourself before and being a bit hesitant about certain things. It felt natural that Jim slowly introduced Ryan into the world of BDSM.
It was completely different to what I've seen in other BDSM-themed romance so far. But definitely a good different. Refreshingly different!
I'm not saying other stories set in that world are always the same, but the way Ms Aaron built the story was unalike any other book I've read before. I realise this might not work for everyone but it totally did for me.
From Blowing It and Balls Up we know Ryan and Sameer as an established couple and I was always curious to see how their relationship started, how they met - where everything began.
It isn't until about halfway through Dom on the Side that Ryan (finally ;)) meets Sameer. They decide to have some fun together, but both want nothing serious. Ryan is after all still seeing Jim regularly. Although his relationship with Ryan is only about exploring Ryans submissive side and in no way romantic. Ryan expects that when he finds someone it'll be a Dom for sure and Sameer isn't a Dom so he's surprised when he realises that he's fallen in love with him.
I was surprised that Sameer wasn't in the BDSM-scene already. When I started reading Dom on the Side and saw Ryan wasn't familiar with this world I guessed that Sameer would maybe be a part of "teaching" Ryan. I was totally wrong on that one!
The sex scenes were scorchingly hot. Both the scenes between Ryan and Jim and the scenes with Ryan and Sameer.
I loved the way Ryan and Sameer -unexpectedly for Ryan- fall slowly in love.
There’s something magical about Kate Aaron’s writing. She draws you in and you fall in love with her words and the characters. Her descriptions of the world they live in are so amazing and the way she writes the feelings are so well-worded that even though Ryan does not realise it, the reader sees him falling in love. And it's so beautiful!
Another thing I really loved was that we met Owen again. (I did miss Magnus a bit. *sigh*)
Even though this is Ryans story we got to know Owen better by seeing a totally different side of him. Of course he wouldn't be the same as in Blowing It and Balls Up because Dom on the Side takes place 5 years before.
In Dom on the Side we see more of his wilder side but also more of his vulnerable side when another manuscript gets rejected.
Another aspect I really enjoyed was to see more of Ryans and Owens friendship. Owen feels really protective toward Ryan and at first doesn't understand what Ryan finds so fascinating about BDSM but he's still always supportive and there for Ryan. I don't think anything could break those two up!
I liked that we got the chance to see Owen before he became a successful author and I really wanted to cuddle him and tell him everything would be alright when he thought he'd never be an author. That he just had to survive a few more years and then his dream would come true!
I love all of Kate Aarons books. The writing was fantastic (as always)!
Kate Aaron is one of my favorite authors and you'll see why when you read this! Don't miss out. It is so worth reading and can't wait to read Sub on Top when it comes out in May!
Thank you Ms. Aaron for another amazing story!
April 28, 2016
Interesting premise and execution of a story where the MCs don't meet until later but one of the MCs has a D/s relationship - learns the ropes - with a man already in a loving (open) relationship.
Full review at -
Full review at -
February 1, 2016
It's writers like Kate Aaron that really raise the bar for authors everywhere. Seriously, each book she writes is not only perfectly researched but she manages to weave with in the facts a story so beautiful you swear you're watching a movie, dreaming a wonderful dream, or in a blissful reality.
Dom on the Side is a BDSM book but it's so much more than that. It's not like any BDSM book I've ever read. Ryan is realizing something monumental about himself and through him, we experience amazing things. This IS Ryan Jessop's story. This is the story of a man not only exploring a side of himself he questioned deeply, but a story of a man realizing his own reality. His needs and wants, and finding someone who will embrace this path with him.
It says it's book 3 in Kate's Blowing It series, but it's a prequel so if you wanted, you could read this first and then 1 and 2... Come on, if George Lucas can do it to Star Wars, Kate can do it here.
But, in all seriousness. Kate brings BDSM into a new light in this book. There are so many facets to this lifestyle and I absolutely LOVED how she didn't shy away from all the different kinks out there and made us (because humans are very judgmental) understand what we did not.
I thoroughly adored this story. Big applause for Kate Aaron! This is a must read.
Dom on the Side is a BDSM book but it's so much more than that. It's not like any BDSM book I've ever read. Ryan is realizing something monumental about himself and through him, we experience amazing things. This IS Ryan Jessop's story. This is the story of a man not only exploring a side of himself he questioned deeply, but a story of a man realizing his own reality. His needs and wants, and finding someone who will embrace this path with him.
It says it's book 3 in Kate's Blowing It series, but it's a prequel so if you wanted, you could read this first and then 1 and 2... Come on, if George Lucas can do it to Star Wars, Kate can do it here.
But, in all seriousness. Kate brings BDSM into a new light in this book. There are so many facets to this lifestyle and I absolutely LOVED how she didn't shy away from all the different kinks out there and made us (because humans are very judgmental) understand what we did not.
I thoroughly adored this story. Big applause for Kate Aaron! This is a must read.
February 6, 2016
This was unsatisfying... In the romance department let me tell you that the best friend gets more page time than the second MC. So, in the end it's more one MC's journey than a true romance book.
Also, if you don't like your MCs having sex with others while they see each other, don't read this one. It happens. There are reasons why it happens, but it still happens.
Also, if you don't like your MCs having sex with others while they see each other, don't read this one. It happens. There are reasons why it happens, but it still happens.
February 16, 2016
The problem with this book is the HEA is very weak. It's more just a book about Ryan and his life venturing into BDSM, with the other hero he ends up coming in at the very end of the book.
So because the sex scenes are all with a different person, it's not...romantic. I felt it more clinical.
Full review coming
So because the sex scenes are all with a different person, it's not...romantic. I felt it more clinical.
Full review coming
February 1, 2016
Right so I went into this with one expectation and got something completely different. I loved parts of this book mainly the chocolate after Ryans sub drop and Gaz, Liam, and Jim's relationship. I want a book about them so bad it hurts. Overall while I loved and greatly enjoyed parts it is a fantastic well written book but it left me frustrated.
I had gone in thinking Jim who I loved him dearly would teach Ryan the ways of kink for a little while and Sameer would come in much sooner than he did. I really wanted a scene even a beginner one with Ryan and Sameer. Its one of those time where yes slow build is awesome but slow build was not agreeing with me. This time it made me growl, and almost start skimming scenes which was bad because the kink is really well done in this book. This is an amazing kink discovery story for Ryan with how he figures out and explores his submissive tendencies
I just really wanted more of Sameer but we didn't see him really until 75% through and this is a long book. Because I kept waiting for Sameer the scenes with Jim and Ryan while hot ended up frustrating me. Then there is Owen, I like grown up author Owen of the previous two books, younger Owen not so much though he is endearing. I spent most of the time wishing for puppy play scenes with Gaz because that one scene in the club with Gaz stole my heart and nothing can fill this hole but him. I am really excited for book two because its more of Sameer who also has my heart along with Gaz.
I had gone in thinking Jim who I loved him dearly would teach Ryan the ways of kink for a little while and Sameer would come in much sooner than he did. I really wanted a scene even a beginner one with Ryan and Sameer. Its one of those time where yes slow build is awesome but slow build was not agreeing with me. This time it made me growl, and almost start skimming scenes which was bad because the kink is really well done in this book. This is an amazing kink discovery story for Ryan with how he figures out and explores his submissive tendencies
I just really wanted more of Sameer but we didn't see him really until 75% through and this is a long book. Because I kept waiting for Sameer the scenes with Jim and Ryan while hot ended up frustrating me. Then there is Owen, I like grown up author Owen of the previous two books, younger Owen not so much though he is endearing. I spent most of the time wishing for puppy play scenes with Gaz because that one scene in the club with Gaz stole my heart and nothing can fill this hole but him. I am really excited for book two because its more of Sameer who also has my heart along with Gaz.
January 10, 2017
I had a hard time getting into this book. I was confused at the beginning with Owen, not realizing we had gone back in time, part of me wishes that this had been book 1 in the series instead of going in time after reading books 1 and 2.
The BDSM part was quite mild but I still struggle with a man in a committed relationship having that sort relationship on the side.it was clearly sexual in nature and I am not sure why that doesnt count as cheating.
After around the 70% mark the book did get better and I was able to finish it quite quickly. Nice to see how Sameer and Ryan got together.
The BDSM part was quite mild but I still struggle with a man in a committed relationship having that sort relationship on the side.it was clearly sexual in nature and I am not sure why that doesnt count as cheating.
After around the 70% mark the book did get better and I was able to finish it quite quickly. Nice to see how Sameer and Ryan got together.
January 26, 2016
I have to admit to buying this book because of the author and the main character rather than the storyline, as BDSM isn't usually my bag, but I'm really pleased I did. This is a great story, not at all extreme, humorous and sexy whilst still conveying Ryan's struggles. It was lovely to see a young Owen too!
December 29, 2017
Decent side story about Sameer and Ryan, but it wasn't at all like I thought it would be in relation to Sameer and Ryan. We hardly got anything about Sameer and Ryan as a couple, which is what I thought it would be. I thought this would be after book 2, but it's a prequal and a story before book 1. So I can't say I was all that thrilled about this because this book is mostly about Ryan and his submissive tendencies way before book 1 takes place so we're still left with a woefully incomplete picture if Sameer and Ryan.2.5 stars.
May 16, 2018
I'm finding out that Kate Aaron is pretty much a five star read for me. She can WRITE!
Ryan exploring his natural submission really intrigued me and his relationship with his Dominant was great.
I only wish that his relationship with Sameer had been delved into. I was left wanting so much more of their dynamic. I want/need a sequel to this one.
Dare I hope?
Ryan exploring his natural submission really intrigued me and his relationship with his Dominant was great.
I only wish that his relationship with Sameer had been delved into. I was left wanting so much more of their dynamic. I want/need a sequel to this one.
Dare I hope?
Want to read
July 10, 2019NTS: If this comes on on the series challenge, I need to buy.
June 9, 2016
ARC provided by the publisher through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.
I have mixed feelings about this story that I’ll mention below, but two important facts readers should know about this story up front—this is a prequel to the other two books in the series and takes place about five years before the start of Blowing It. And the second fact—Sameer, the second MC, isn’t introduced until the latter part of the story (at 75%) so it’s difficult to label this a romance.
The words that started Ryan on the road to BDSM were fairly simple and casually spoken after a one-night stand with a guy named Jim: “I’d love to Dom you one day. You’d be a natural.” He’d always known he was a little kinky, preferring stronger, more dominant men in bed, and he’d visited a club once with his best friend, Owen, but he’d never seriously considered it until those words ate at his subconscious, and he finally gave in and called Jim to talk about it.
Jim introduces him to the world of BDSM and all its various facets, but he makes it very clear from the start that he’s only looking to play with Ryan—he’ll never get serious since he’s already got a life partner. That shocks Ryan and later causes him to add penetrative sex to his list of things he won’t do with Jim, but he gains more understanding of the open relationship Jim and his partner, Gaz, pursue once he meets Gaz at a local BDSM club. That was an experience, not only for Ryan but for readers as well. No spoilers! However, Gaz’s preferences in the scene were totally different from most this reviewer had previously read, but it was the first time it was positively presented, and I felt drawn to learn more about that kink. As a side note—it would be great to see a sequel featuring Gaz and his partner-in-play, Liam.
The author takes us on Ryan’s journey into the world of BDSM play—from his first visit to a club through his weekly sessions with Jim as they explore various forms of play, including use of restraints, paddles, floggers, sounding wands, and more. In fact, most of the story centers around Ryan’s relationship with Jim. Though he wishes desperately to find a man with whom he can experience both worlds, he despairs of ever having that happiness. When he meets Sameer, at first it’s just a one-night stand, and then weeks later he sees him again, and the two begin to seriously date.
But Ryan always shields his heart because he’s desperately afraid he’ll fall in love, and he just knows Sameer will turn away from him if he reveals his kinky side. This leads to an emotional tug-of-war throughout the last fourth of the book.
This story can be read as a standalone since it comes way before the first book in the series. If anything, readers may be prompted to continue Owen’s story with the first two books after they read this. I enjoyed it and the author did an outstanding job in explaining the world of BDSM and many of the aspects of the lifestyle and of the equipment used, however, it fell flat as a romance. Between the fact that Sameer wasn’t introduced until the end of the book, and Ryan’s efforts to remain emotionally uninvolved with him, it really didn’t feel like a romance at all. His relationship with Jim, however, was interesting, emotional, and clearly illustrated many of the aspects of a good Dom-sub relationship. If you are well-versed in BDSM, you may find this story too much of a primer. If you are new to the theme, this book provides a very good foundation, and I would recommend it with the caveat that you won’t be getting a lot of romance. Hot sex? Yes! Romance? No.
I have mixed feelings about this story that I’ll mention below, but two important facts readers should know about this story up front—this is a prequel to the other two books in the series and takes place about five years before the start of Blowing It. And the second fact—Sameer, the second MC, isn’t introduced until the latter part of the story (at 75%) so it’s difficult to label this a romance.
The words that started Ryan on the road to BDSM were fairly simple and casually spoken after a one-night stand with a guy named Jim: “I’d love to Dom you one day. You’d be a natural.” He’d always known he was a little kinky, preferring stronger, more dominant men in bed, and he’d visited a club once with his best friend, Owen, but he’d never seriously considered it until those words ate at his subconscious, and he finally gave in and called Jim to talk about it.
Jim introduces him to the world of BDSM and all its various facets, but he makes it very clear from the start that he’s only looking to play with Ryan—he’ll never get serious since he’s already got a life partner. That shocks Ryan and later causes him to add penetrative sex to his list of things he won’t do with Jim, but he gains more understanding of the open relationship Jim and his partner, Gaz, pursue once he meets Gaz at a local BDSM club. That was an experience, not only for Ryan but for readers as well. No spoilers! However, Gaz’s preferences in the scene were totally different from most this reviewer had previously read, but it was the first time it was positively presented, and I felt drawn to learn more about that kink. As a side note—it would be great to see a sequel featuring Gaz and his partner-in-play, Liam.
The author takes us on Ryan’s journey into the world of BDSM play—from his first visit to a club through his weekly sessions with Jim as they explore various forms of play, including use of restraints, paddles, floggers, sounding wands, and more. In fact, most of the story centers around Ryan’s relationship with Jim. Though he wishes desperately to find a man with whom he can experience both worlds, he despairs of ever having that happiness. When he meets Sameer, at first it’s just a one-night stand, and then weeks later he sees him again, and the two begin to seriously date.
But Ryan always shields his heart because he’s desperately afraid he’ll fall in love, and he just knows Sameer will turn away from him if he reveals his kinky side. This leads to an emotional tug-of-war throughout the last fourth of the book.
This story can be read as a standalone since it comes way before the first book in the series. If anything, readers may be prompted to continue Owen’s story with the first two books after they read this. I enjoyed it and the author did an outstanding job in explaining the world of BDSM and many of the aspects of the lifestyle and of the equipment used, however, it fell flat as a romance. Between the fact that Sameer wasn’t introduced until the end of the book, and Ryan’s efforts to remain emotionally uninvolved with him, it really didn’t feel like a romance at all. His relationship with Jim, however, was interesting, emotional, and clearly illustrated many of the aspects of a good Dom-sub relationship. If you are well-versed in BDSM, you may find this story too much of a primer. If you are new to the theme, this book provides a very good foundation, and I would recommend it with the caveat that you won’t be getting a lot of romance. Hot sex? Yes! Romance? No.
February 7, 2016
If you are looking for a book about one man’s journey to explore his kinky submissive side, then you’ll enjoy this story and I’d give it 4 hearts on that basis. If, however, you are primarily looking for a romance, then you’ll probably be disappointed with this story – especially if you read it as a standalone (2 hearts on that basis). Even if you read the prior books in the series (which I admittedly have not), I don’t get the sense that Ryan is one of the MCs (perhaps a strong secondary character) so it appears that the fourth book in the series might be needed in order to explore more of a romantic (and hopefully kinky) connection between Ryan and his intended beau.
I’m totally down with the whole “whatever floats your boat” mindset and I truly believe there are plenty of folks out there who are able to successfully compartmentalize between their romantic relationships vs. their BDSM lifestyle relationships – meaning they can have a vanilla boyfriend/girlfriend, but have a Dom/sub relationship with someone else. I personally would find it tough to separate the two and I definitely prefer to see them coalesce within the same relationship in my fiction stories.
So, while the writing is good and the basic premise was interesting, I can’t go more than 3 hearts on this as a standalone story. There’s no shortage of hot stuff to read about here, just not enough substance between the right characters and not a lot of foundation yet established for them going forward.
Review posted at...
- 3 hearts
I’m totally down with the whole “whatever floats your boat” mindset and I truly believe there are plenty of folks out there who are able to successfully compartmentalize between their romantic relationships vs. their BDSM lifestyle relationships – meaning they can have a vanilla boyfriend/girlfriend, but have a Dom/sub relationship with someone else. I personally would find it tough to separate the two and I definitely prefer to see them coalesce within the same relationship in my fiction stories.
So, while the writing is good and the basic premise was interesting, I can’t go more than 3 hearts on this as a standalone story. There’s no shortage of hot stuff to read about here, just not enough substance between the right characters and not a lot of foundation yet established for them going forward.
Review posted at...
- 3 hearts
March 8, 2016
The BDSM lifestyle isn't really my area of interest but I did want to know more about the MCs in this book as I loved the other books that are connected to this one.
In fact, I found the subject fascinating, and I felt I had much more understanding of why people would chose to become part of this alternative way of life.
I loved learning more about Ryan's back story, and I was gutted when it ended, I wanted more!
In fact, I found the subject fascinating, and I felt I had much more understanding of why people would chose to become part of this alternative way of life.
I loved learning more about Ryan's back story, and I was gutted when it ended, I wanted more!
March 31, 2016
I'm finding these novels immensely readable but strangely set up. in this one Ryan doesn't meet his one true love until 70% through the book. Most of it is his discovery of his submissive side and the world of BDSM which I found interesting but not emotionally compelling
March 11, 2016
3.5 stars
March 29, 2017
Favorite
This was definitely my favorite of the series and I wish I had read it first, I mistakenly assumed the first book would be kinky because of this book and was sorely let down. Whereas the first book seemed painfully long and took me forever to read, I kept wishing this one wouldn't end! Despite knowing Ryan and Sameer's ending I want to read more about their budding relationship and how the kink develops between them and also more about Jim and Gaz (but mostly Blu cuz he was adorable). I loved this book and pretty please write a sequel to it!
This was definitely my favorite of the series and I wish I had read it first, I mistakenly assumed the first book would be kinky because of this book and was sorely let down. Whereas the first book seemed painfully long and took me forever to read, I kept wishing this one wouldn't end! Despite knowing Ryan and Sameer's ending I want to read more about their budding relationship and how the kink develops between them and also more about Jim and Gaz (but mostly Blu cuz he was adorable). I loved this book and pretty please write a sequel to it!
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