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Pushing the Envelope #1-16
Pushing the Envelope
When Scott Evans sends an anonymous invitation to the dominant he’s fantasised about for months, he just hopes that Joe Stuart will be curious enough to turn up at the specified address and do a scene with him.
It never occurs to Scott that Joe will send a note back to him, or that something as simple as writing a letter could evolve into a kinky game that will test both men to the limit.
Orders, pleas, kinks and even love—there’s nothing a letter can’t contain once two hot and passionate guys start Pushing The Envelope.
Please This work was previously published in fourteen short story installments. The existing parts of the story have been tweaked and re-edited, and two entirely new installments have been added. This edition is the first time all the installments have been brought together in e-book form.
It never occurs to Scott that Joe will send a note back to him, or that something as simple as writing a letter could evolve into a kinky game that will test both men to the limit.
Orders, pleas, kinks and even love—there’s nothing a letter can’t contain once two hot and passionate guys start Pushing The Envelope.
Please This work was previously published in fourteen short story installments. The existing parts of the story have been tweaked and re-edited, and two entirely new installments have been added. This edition is the first time all the installments have been brought together in e-book form.
435 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2016
9 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
Kim Dare
160 books1,516 followersKim is a thirty-three year old bisexual submissive from Wales (UK). First published in 2008, she has since released almost 100 BDSM erotic romance titles ranging from short stories to full length novels. Having worked with a host of fantastic e-publishers, she has just moved into self publishing.
While she has occasionally ventured towards other pairings, Kim's first love is still, and probably always will be, Male/Male stories. But, no matter what the pairing, from paranormal to contemporary, and from the sweet to the intense, everything she writes will always feature three things - Kink, Love and a Happy Ending.
While she has occasionally ventured towards other pairings, Kim's first love is still, and probably always will be, Male/Male stories. But, no matter what the pairing, from paranormal to contemporary, and from the sweet to the intense, everything she writes will always feature three things - Kink, Love and a Happy Ending.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 17, 2016
4 hearts!
Oh that was fun and kinky, just like Kim Dare always is.
This was originally a series of short stories that were made available in installments. I never read the original series so I can’t comment on any changes to the story-line, I just read this as one story with the knowledge it used to be a serial. There were a lot of elements that made it obvious this used to be a serial. For one, there is a lot of sex! Every chapter is basically a sex scene, which would have been marvellous when they were released as individuals, as one story it can become a lot. I’m not going to take off points for that though, it comes with the territory of publishing a serial in one book, also Dare’s sex is always so incredibly hot, I didn’t mind reading a lot of it ;-). Secondly, there are no side characters, like zero. It's just Joe and Scott kinking it up. As long as you’re prepared for this to feel like a serial, then you’ll do fine.
Now let's move onto the good stuff…..
If you’re a fan of Kim Dare you’ll enjoy this book, it has everything that I’ve come to expect from her.
Close to perfect, possessive Dom.
What I extra loved about Joe was he had multiple jobs and had a pretty cruddy apartment. It was nice to see a non-millionaire Dom.
Absolute perfect, natural, obedient submissive.
Scott also has crippling low self-esteem and it was lovely to see Joe help him overcome that and not completely in the ‘BDSM cures everything’ type of way.
D/S and bondage to the heart's delight.
Like other Dare books I’ve read the kink isn’t heavy but it's always present. Mostly these boys are all about dominating, submitting, bondage and a whole lot of toys. There’s also quite a bit of voyeurism and a hint of exhibitionism.
I think the only place I felt this story lacked was with the feels. I don’t know if it was because it was a serial, but any emotional connection between these two only started at approx 80%. There wasn’t anything (other than sex) for these guys to work through until the end and that left me wanting more emotional depth in their relationship. Also that was a pretty pitiful collaring scene…..
Anyway, I recommend taking your time with this one, reading it in installments even though I got through it fairly quickly. Its sweet, fun and sexy as fuck!
Oh that was fun and kinky, just like Kim Dare always is.
Being with Scott, controlling Scott, claiming ownership over Scott—it all felt so right.
This was originally a series of short stories that were made available in installments. I never read the original series so I can’t comment on any changes to the story-line, I just read this as one story with the knowledge it used to be a serial. There were a lot of elements that made it obvious this used to be a serial. For one, there is a lot of sex! Every chapter is basically a sex scene, which would have been marvellous when they were released as individuals, as one story it can become a lot. I’m not going to take off points for that though, it comes with the territory of publishing a serial in one book, also Dare’s sex is always so incredibly hot, I didn’t mind reading a lot of it ;-). Secondly, there are no side characters, like zero. It's just Joe and Scott kinking it up. As long as you’re prepared for this to feel like a serial, then you’ll do fine.
Now let's move onto the good stuff…..
If you’re a fan of Kim Dare you’ll enjoy this book, it has everything that I’ve come to expect from her.
Close to perfect, possessive Dom.
“You’re mine now, and no one else lays a hand on my sub without my permission,”
What I extra loved about Joe was he had multiple jobs and had a pretty cruddy apartment. It was nice to see a non-millionaire Dom.
Absolute perfect, natural, obedient submissive.
He accepted the bondage with apparent pleasure. His erection remained firm, pointing straight up toward the ceiling of the salon’s back room.
Joe smiled, his own cock growing harder at the sight of Scott’s natural submission.
Scott also has crippling low self-esteem and it was lovely to see Joe help him overcome that and not completely in the ‘BDSM cures everything’ type of way.
D/S and bondage to the heart's delight.
He was perfect. Cock caged, neck collared, but without anything binding him to the chair apart from his own will, he’d never looked better.
Like other Dare books I’ve read the kink isn’t heavy but it's always present. Mostly these boys are all about dominating, submitting, bondage and a whole lot of toys. There’s also quite a bit of voyeurism and a hint of exhibitionism.
I think the only place I felt this story lacked was with the feels. I don’t know if it was because it was a serial, but any emotional connection between these two only started at approx 80%. There wasn’t anything (other than sex) for these guys to work through until the end and that left me wanting more emotional depth in their relationship. Also that was a pretty pitiful collaring scene…..
Anyway, I recommend taking your time with this one, reading it in installments even though I got through it fairly quickly. Its sweet, fun and sexy as fuck!
September 14, 2016
3.5 stars
Pushing the Envelope is actually a consolidated version of 14 short stories that were published in 2011 and 2012. Kim Dare is my most-read author on GoodReads but I skipped this series because I'm not a big fan of serials, especially 14! Yikes, too many, and very expensive. But all shorts are now available for $4.99, a great price for a book that is just shy of 400 pages.
The premise here is excellent. A man named Scott decides to write a letter to a friend named Joe who likes things kinky and is aggressive in the bedroom. Scott is too shy to express his feelings verbally, so the letter seems to be the perfect way to break the ice. What follows is 14 days of kinky BDSM scenes between Scott and Joe. 14! That's a lot of kink for your buck.
The one complaint I have here is that the scenes feel very dated to me. Most BDSM books I have read published in the last few years really strive for the SSC, Safe/Sane/Consensual type of play. Pushing the Envelope's characters didn't start with SCC in mind. In fact, their first scene is before they even spoke of their mutual attraction. I don't proclaim to be a BDSM expert, but I do know what works for me when I read a BDMS book. I like the discussion of expectations and the emotional bond a D/s develop. While Scott and Joe do get to that emotional bond, and love, the first several scenes were hard for me to read.
I am recommending this to fans of BDSM with an emotional payoff. It took a bit to get there, but these boys enjoy their HEA and I enjoyed their hot and kinky, passionate ride.
Galley copy of Pushing the Envelope provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
Pushing the Envelope is actually a consolidated version of 14 short stories that were published in 2011 and 2012. Kim Dare is my most-read author on GoodReads but I skipped this series because I'm not a big fan of serials, especially 14! Yikes, too many, and very expensive. But all shorts are now available for $4.99, a great price for a book that is just shy of 400 pages.
The premise here is excellent. A man named Scott decides to write a letter to a friend named Joe who likes things kinky and is aggressive in the bedroom. Scott is too shy to express his feelings verbally, so the letter seems to be the perfect way to break the ice. What follows is 14 days of kinky BDSM scenes between Scott and Joe. 14! That's a lot of kink for your buck.
The one complaint I have here is that the scenes feel very dated to me. Most BDSM books I have read published in the last few years really strive for the SSC, Safe/Sane/Consensual type of play. Pushing the Envelope's characters didn't start with SCC in mind. In fact, their first scene is before they even spoke of their mutual attraction. I don't proclaim to be a BDSM expert, but I do know what works for me when I read a BDMS book. I like the discussion of expectations and the emotional bond a D/s develop. While Scott and Joe do get to that emotional bond, and love, the first several scenes were hard for me to read.
I am recommending this to fans of BDSM with an emotional payoff. It took a bit to get there, but these boys enjoy their HEA and I enjoyed their hot and kinky, passionate ride.
Galley copy of Pushing the Envelope provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
December 28, 2016
It took me a little while to read this just to break up some of the sex scenes knowing it had been a serial. I'm definitely not complaining though! I liked that Scott and Joe knew each other and eventually developed an emotional connection. I really need that in my BDSM books and these guys were great together.
Want to read
April 1, 2017$1.99 sale 4/1/17 via Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Pushing-Envelo...
September 15, 2016
It’s been a while since the ‘Pushing the Envelope’ stories were published as a series of short stories, and I was jubilant to see that Kim Dare isn’t only self-publishing them as a single book, but that she has added two whole new stories! I never got enough of Scott and Joe the first time around – and, truth be told, I’m still not bored with them - and this rerelease has given me a great “excuse” to go back and read about their pretty unique way of getting together and exploring their kinky side. You see, Scott is a very shy young man (to the point that he stutters when he is flustered or excited), and he can’t get himself to walk up to Joe, the Dom he is interested in, and ask for what he wants – which is to submit. So instead, he sends a letter.
And that is the way these stories are linked together: each installment begins with one of the two men, in alternating order, sending the other a letter. For Scott these missives are an opportunity to express what he fantasizes about and what he is interested in. For Joe, they are ways to test Scott’s determination and obedience. The gradual way they find out how well they fit together is delightful, and it gives them plenty of time to change and grow in their BDSM play, as well as allowing for a budding romance that gets hotter and hotter with each installment.
Interestingly, the story starts from Joe’s point of view. I liked the fact that I got to register his surprise and delight at Scott offering himself up. Joe decides to be careful, always good when you don’t know your partner, and spends time figuring out what Scott wants and what he is ready for. At the same time as all this relatively rational reasoning is going on, the underlying sensuality is clearly making an impression on Joe. With Scott, I got to see the opposite side of the coin. Sensuality, desire, and lust are very much on the surface for him, with the occasional rational thought - or the attempt at rational thought - trying to break through. Scott may be the one who initiated the whole exchange, but he does not stay in control. Exactly as he intended, he is a sub, after all, and exactly as Joe wants.
Each step in this back-and-forth dance is well developed and brings its own challenges. As much fun as the first few tentative episodes are, and as hot as the scenes get by the middle of the book, the final two parts are still my favorites in many ways. By that point, both men have recognized and admitted that there is a lot more than lust between them. But Scott, unbelievable as that may be to the objective observer, still has some doubts as to his importance for Joe. They may be deep down, but they are still present. Joe, of course, has figured this out, and cleverly designs a way to solve this issue once and for all. Scott settling down into complete acceptance was a great ending point. Not only is he now sure he is a sub, but he is also sure of Joe's love – and his own "worthiness” of that love. Joe has finally done his job as a Dom: he has reassured Scott, made him feel secure in his role, and has told him he loves him in more than one way. His reward is to see Scott believe him, and relax into the role of a sub, his sub all the way. I loved the way Joe finally takes over entirely, now that he has Scott's "permission" to do so. He is clearly made for the role, and the symbol of Scott's importance was just what I had expected - and no, it isn’t the collar, there is a far more subtle sign as well, which is just brilliant.
If you like D/s stories that focus on two men figuring out if they fit together beyond the bedroom as well as all the kinky stuff they can come up with, if you enjoy reading about two very hot lovers who cannot wait to get naked together, yet make sure they both understand what it means – each particular time they get together and in the context of sharing their lives fully, and if you’re up for a creative exploration of kink and BDSM, you will probably like this novel as much as I do. This is a fantastic story that entertained and amused me in equal measure and I suspect will do so again every time I revisit it in the future. Well done, Kim, and thank you!
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
And that is the way these stories are linked together: each installment begins with one of the two men, in alternating order, sending the other a letter. For Scott these missives are an opportunity to express what he fantasizes about and what he is interested in. For Joe, they are ways to test Scott’s determination and obedience. The gradual way they find out how well they fit together is delightful, and it gives them plenty of time to change and grow in their BDSM play, as well as allowing for a budding romance that gets hotter and hotter with each installment.
Interestingly, the story starts from Joe’s point of view. I liked the fact that I got to register his surprise and delight at Scott offering himself up. Joe decides to be careful, always good when you don’t know your partner, and spends time figuring out what Scott wants and what he is ready for. At the same time as all this relatively rational reasoning is going on, the underlying sensuality is clearly making an impression on Joe. With Scott, I got to see the opposite side of the coin. Sensuality, desire, and lust are very much on the surface for him, with the occasional rational thought - or the attempt at rational thought - trying to break through. Scott may be the one who initiated the whole exchange, but he does not stay in control. Exactly as he intended, he is a sub, after all, and exactly as Joe wants.
Each step in this back-and-forth dance is well developed and brings its own challenges. As much fun as the first few tentative episodes are, and as hot as the scenes get by the middle of the book, the final two parts are still my favorites in many ways. By that point, both men have recognized and admitted that there is a lot more than lust between them. But Scott, unbelievable as that may be to the objective observer, still has some doubts as to his importance for Joe. They may be deep down, but they are still present. Joe, of course, has figured this out, and cleverly designs a way to solve this issue once and for all. Scott settling down into complete acceptance was a great ending point. Not only is he now sure he is a sub, but he is also sure of Joe's love – and his own "worthiness” of that love. Joe has finally done his job as a Dom: he has reassured Scott, made him feel secure in his role, and has told him he loves him in more than one way. His reward is to see Scott believe him, and relax into the role of a sub, his sub all the way. I loved the way Joe finally takes over entirely, now that he has Scott's "permission" to do so. He is clearly made for the role, and the symbol of Scott's importance was just what I had expected - and no, it isn’t the collar, there is a far more subtle sign as well, which is just brilliant.
If you like D/s stories that focus on two men figuring out if they fit together beyond the bedroom as well as all the kinky stuff they can come up with, if you enjoy reading about two very hot lovers who cannot wait to get naked together, yet make sure they both understand what it means – each particular time they get together and in the context of sharing their lives fully, and if you’re up for a creative exploration of kink and BDSM, you will probably like this novel as much as I do. This is a fantastic story that entertained and amused me in equal measure and I suspect will do so again every time I revisit it in the future. Well done, Kim, and thank you!
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
August 2, 2017
Thoughts to come (very VERY soon) ...
December 2, 2016
This was long. Basically, each chapter is a different scene. Here, there and everywhere. Was it interesting? Yes. Kim Dare knows her subject matter. In this instance however I learned the mechanics but not much else about Scott or Joe. So, Scott is a Submissive and Joe is a Dominant. That's pretty much it. The whole who, what, when, where and why is left unanswered. About 75% in I started counting chapters to the end. Never a good sign.
Kim Dare still rocks in this genre. Hell, even her four star rank is loads better than most of the drivel out there so it wasn't a hardship reading this, I can tell you.
Avian shifters anyone? Hint, hint.
Kim Dare still rocks in this genre. Hell, even her four star rank is loads better than most of the drivel out there so it wasn't a hardship reading this, I can tell you.
Avian shifters anyone? Hint, hint.
July 8, 2017
The first time I read Pushing The Envelope by Kim Dare was when she released it in installment form—one story chapter after another. I recall the waiting in between being such a torture—waiting to see what each envelope would hold—how it would all play out in the end. It was a clever way to release this story—in fact it made me feel much like Scott must have felt each time he waited to see if Joe would finally wise up and cast him aside—after all Scott was such an unschooled submissive—and Joe? Well, in a word, Joe was HOT and a Dom and…well Scott was so very sure he could never really satisfy such a confident man, as Joe appeared to be. Now a few years later, Kim Dare has re-released her story—added a few chapters and done the impossible—made her characters even more tangibly real, hopelessly flawed and more appealing than possible. Just a tweak here and there—a new envelope or two and suddenly this wonderful story became even better—who would have thought it possible?
The premise of this story lay in the very simple form of an invitation—just an address—a specific address for Joe to find. Scott, a quiet, shy submissive who has never felt he stood a chance with anyone like Joe does an impossibly brave and rather foolhardy thing when he invites the bold, confident dom to one night of pleasure—never expecting that the buy one, get one free box of envelopes left carelessly on the dresser would lead to a repeat invite—over and over and over again.
As the two men explore the Dom/sub relationship Scott has offered to Joe, each begins to realize that the other has slowly begun to fill a missing piece in their separate lives. However, Joe could have any submissive he chose while Scott has eyes only for the leather clad Dom he so cavalierly invited that first fateful night. What if Scott can never be enough for Joe? What if he loses his heart to a Dom who could so easily move on, find someone better, more handsome, more confident? What if Scott falls in love and Joe moves on?
The BDSM element in Pushing The Envelope is not a heavy handed one—in fact in terms of playing with toys, whips, etc. it is fairly light in nature and yet—the mindsets—the control Joe has and that Scott gives over is more heady than any other standard BDSM trope I have ever come across. As this novel progresses these two men explore depths of submission that are more erotic than any casual sex scene.
In her novel, author Kim Dare plumbs the depths of what it is to truly submit fully to another—looking not to your own comfort or completion but to making every moment together about the other person—about their desires, their needs, their fulfillment. Scott could not be more compelling as a sub and more beautifully fragile a man. He has always been the underdog—the one left behind—the one not quite good enough—at least in his own mind at any rate. Seeing him grapple with Joe’s continued interest is almost painful and yet long before this novel ends you are there on the sidelines cheering for Scott—trying to make him see what Joe sees—what everyone but Scott sees—how marvelous he truly is.
Meanwhile, in Joe we see a side of the Dominant rarely revealed—one that grapples with how to read this man who has given of himself so fully—how to control the scene and not break the submissive spirit in Scott—how to figure out what lay behind the stuttering pleas and blushing looks Scott so heartfully produces. Joe grows as a Dom—expands his thinking and is challenged to become a better man—a better master to the man who would give of himself so completely and selflessly.
The premise of this story lay in the very simple form of an invitation—just an address—a specific address for Joe to find. Scott, a quiet, shy submissive who has never felt he stood a chance with anyone like Joe does an impossibly brave and rather foolhardy thing when he invites the bold, confident dom to one night of pleasure—never expecting that the buy one, get one free box of envelopes left carelessly on the dresser would lead to a repeat invite—over and over and over again.
As the two men explore the Dom/sub relationship Scott has offered to Joe, each begins to realize that the other has slowly begun to fill a missing piece in their separate lives. However, Joe could have any submissive he chose while Scott has eyes only for the leather clad Dom he so cavalierly invited that first fateful night. What if Scott can never be enough for Joe? What if he loses his heart to a Dom who could so easily move on, find someone better, more handsome, more confident? What if Scott falls in love and Joe moves on?
The BDSM element in Pushing The Envelope is not a heavy handed one—in fact in terms of playing with toys, whips, etc. it is fairly light in nature and yet—the mindsets—the control Joe has and that Scott gives over is more heady than any other standard BDSM trope I have ever come across. As this novel progresses these two men explore depths of submission that are more erotic than any casual sex scene.
In her novel, author Kim Dare plumbs the depths of what it is to truly submit fully to another—looking not to your own comfort or completion but to making every moment together about the other person—about their desires, their needs, their fulfillment. Scott could not be more compelling as a sub and more beautifully fragile a man. He has always been the underdog—the one left behind—the one not quite good enough—at least in his own mind at any rate. Seeing him grapple with Joe’s continued interest is almost painful and yet long before this novel ends you are there on the sidelines cheering for Scott—trying to make him see what Joe sees—what everyone but Scott sees—how marvelous he truly is.
Meanwhile, in Joe we see a side of the Dominant rarely revealed—one that grapples with how to read this man who has given of himself so fully—how to control the scene and not break the submissive spirit in Scott—how to figure out what lay behind the stuttering pleas and blushing looks Scott so heartfully produces. Joe grows as a Dom—expands his thinking and is challenged to become a better man—a better master to the man who would give of himself so completely and selflessly.
October 16, 2016
Perfect read for a rainy Sunday; it's icky outside but all warm and fuzzy inside.
November 28, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
The premise of this story lay in the very simple form of an invitation—just an address—a specific address for Joe to find. Scott, a quiet, shy submissive who has never felt he stood a chance with anyone like Joe does an impossibly brave and rather foolhardy thing when he invites the bold, confident Dom to one night of pleasure—never expecting that the buy one, get one free box of envelopes left carelessly on the dresser would lead to a repeat invite, over and over and over again.
As the two men explore the Dom/sub relationship Scott has offered to Joe, each begins to realize that the other has slowly begun to fill a missing piece in their separate lives. However, Joe could have any submissive he chose while Scott has eyes only for the leather clad Dom he so cavalierly invited that first fateful night. What if Scott can never be enough for Joe? What if he loses his heart to a Dom who could so easily move on, find someone better, more handsome, more confident? What if Scott falls in love and Joe moves on?
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
The premise of this story lay in the very simple form of an invitation—just an address—a specific address for Joe to find. Scott, a quiet, shy submissive who has never felt he stood a chance with anyone like Joe does an impossibly brave and rather foolhardy thing when he invites the bold, confident Dom to one night of pleasure—never expecting that the buy one, get one free box of envelopes left carelessly on the dresser would lead to a repeat invite, over and over and over again.
As the two men explore the Dom/sub relationship Scott has offered to Joe, each begins to realize that the other has slowly begun to fill a missing piece in their separate lives. However, Joe could have any submissive he chose while Scott has eyes only for the leather clad Dom he so cavalierly invited that first fateful night. What if Scott can never be enough for Joe? What if he loses his heart to a Dom who could so easily move on, find someone better, more handsome, more confident? What if Scott falls in love and Joe moves on?
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
September 23, 2016
I'm so glad I held off reading this! When I found out that Kim Dare was going to re-release it, I knew I just had to read it. I'm so glad I did! There's are two new parts added at the end and if you've already read this serial, you definitely want to at least read those parts. The two additional parts solidified the ending for me.
I loved the dual point of view and that they were friends first. It made very easy for me to jump into their first scene. I enjoyed reading Scott and Joe's journey and the last part was perfect!
I loved the dual point of view and that they were friends first. It made very easy for me to jump into their first scene. I enjoyed reading Scott and Joe's journey and the last part was perfect!
September 20, 2016
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars. I enjoyed reading this M/M, D/s, BDSM story by Kim Dare. Apparently it was a multi-part serial at one time that is now in one book. Each "chapter" contains a little different kink so if you get bored with one you can just go on to the next. The D/s are both nice people, and the story is even a little sweet in the romance aspects.
September 29, 2016
I read these as a serial as they first came out and enjoyed them. I was dubious about buying the collection, but decided she'd said there would be new material. The pricepoint made me decide I'd go ahead and I was very glad I did.
I thoroughly enjoyed the visit to their world again, and the new chapters were a nice addition.
I thoroughly enjoyed the visit to their world again, and the new chapters were a nice addition.
October 13, 2016
I love how this story brings two people together. The letter gives Scott the courage to live out some of his fantasy with Joe. Then the letters continue to help them communicate when they can't find the words. I love how all of these were pulled together into one book. This was so much fun to read and even more emotion that I had expected at first.
November 21, 2017
2.5 Stars
March 10, 2018
4.5
Previously read in installments as a serial. Nice to have them all in one book, although it made for a long read. I do think it works better as a serial than a long novel, but still a favorite :)
Previously read in installments as a serial. Nice to have them all in one book, although it made for a long read. I do think it works better as a serial than a long novel, but still a favorite :)
November 18, 2019
3.5 stars
Want to read
December 2, 2023Thank you to my 2023 GR Secret Santa for this gift!!
January 29, 2021
Some stories just get better and better every time you read them, others make you think what was it exactly that made you give them a high rating in the first place?
This one though, as you can guess from my rating, is the former. This is the 4th or so time I've read the story of Joe and Scott and I just love it more with each read. Loved the 2 new chapters, it really added more to their relationship and whenever I get to the angst part (light angst) even though I know what happens I can't help but feel for them every time!!!
I know some people might have a problem at the start of their relationship, 'cos as mentioned by others the SSC (Safe/Sane/Consensual) of the BDSM lifestyle wasn't apparent but Joe and Scott knew each other, and they were logical human beings with no sociopathic tendencies. When I say knew, Joe and Scott were part of the same social circle (they got introduced, conversed some but mostly observed each other).
Their relationship is developed with the exchange of 16 letters, which spans the length, if not a year, it is close to that, and we get to know not only Joe and Scott but how one views the other, with thankfully NOT repeating the same scenes, which really makes you part of the story.
This one though, as you can guess from my rating, is the former. This is the 4th or so time I've read the story of Joe and Scott and I just love it more with each read. Loved the 2 new chapters, it really added more to their relationship and whenever I get to the angst part (light angst) even though I know what happens I can't help but feel for them every time!!!
I know some people might have a problem at the start of their relationship, 'cos as mentioned by others the SSC (Safe/Sane/Consensual) of the BDSM lifestyle wasn't apparent but Joe and Scott knew each other, and they were logical human beings with no sociopathic tendencies. When I say knew, Joe and Scott were part of the same social circle (they got introduced, conversed some but mostly observed each other).
Their relationship is developed with the exchange of 16 letters, which spans the length, if not a year, it is close to that, and we get to know not only Joe and Scott but how one views the other, with thankfully NOT repeating the same scenes, which really makes you part of the story.
November 16, 2016
Pushing the Envelope by Kim Dare, though previously released I loved it all in one story. I think it added to the entire story to have it all in one. Ms. Dare brings a lot of emotion and love to her stories. I love that this one is written as almost love letters to each other. Something I have not seen a lot of in stories.
Joe finds a note in his locker one day at the place he tends bar at. He gets an offer in the note and takes the man up on it. This is the start of a hot and steamy relationship.
Scott is very shy. He doesn't know how to talk to Joe in person. So he uses notes. He wants to learn to be the best sub he can be from Joe and Joe is more than eager to have someone he can train to be just his.
I liked the dynamic between these characters. They have a real chemistry that translates onto the pages. I could smile, feel embarrassed, and cheer for these two. I love stories where I feel a deep connection to the characters and this one is that for me. I highly recommend this one for being different, and for the intense love inside the pages.
Five Shooting Stars
Joe finds a note in his locker one day at the place he tends bar at. He gets an offer in the note and takes the man up on it. This is the start of a hot and steamy relationship.
Scott is very shy. He doesn't know how to talk to Joe in person. So he uses notes. He wants to learn to be the best sub he can be from Joe and Joe is more than eager to have someone he can train to be just his.
I liked the dynamic between these characters. They have a real chemistry that translates onto the pages. I could smile, feel embarrassed, and cheer for these two. I love stories where I feel a deep connection to the characters and this one is that for me. I highly recommend this one for being different, and for the intense love inside the pages.
Five Shooting Stars
December 12, 2016
I'm glad I got to read this all in one book, rather than as how it was originally released, as separate serial short stories. I really loved the journey that Scott and Joe took together, all in its kinky, hot gloriousness!
I enjoyed the second half of these stories more than the first, as that is when the emotions start coming into play. I loved Scott and his stutter, and wanted to give him a hug when his doubts really started to overcome him. Joe was a perfect master for him, bringing out his confidence and helping him make his desires known. Loved the premise and loved this! Fans of the author and kink will enjoy this for sure.
I enjoyed the second half of these stories more than the first, as that is when the emotions start coming into play. I loved Scott and his stutter, and wanted to give him a hug when his doubts really started to overcome him. Joe was a perfect master for him, bringing out his confidence and helping him make his desires known. Loved the premise and loved this! Fans of the author and kink will enjoy this for sure.
March 19, 2017
I tried to read this through. I think it might have been better if I had stopped after each chapter. since it was written as a serial, I should have read it that way.
There was a device used to show that passage of time that began to wear on me. "Mountains rose and fell before he was able to put brain cells together to answer." There were other phrasings for taking a while to respond. It was interesting the first two or three times, but then it got tiresome for me. I've noticed this in other recent Kim Dare books, and it got tiresome there as well.
There was a device used to show that passage of time that began to wear on me. "Mountains rose and fell before he was able to put brain cells together to answer." There were other phrasings for taking a while to respond. It was interesting the first two or three times, but then it got tiresome for me. I've noticed this in other recent Kim Dare books, and it got tiresome there as well.
January 16, 2017
Even though this is told from both POVs, I didn't connect with Joe for some reason. And while I found Scott's insecurity (and stutter) sweet at times, something about both Joe and Scott's personalities were a little over the top or cliche or something. Just ok for me.
September 18, 2016
3.5 stars
February 20, 2018
A good story, and I liked the premise of writing each other notes to move their relationship along. However, Scott’s timidity was just too much at times, and annoyed me.
Bought from kobo
Bought from kobo
March 31, 2017
Loved it!
I love reading books, but I hate writing reviews. That being said, I rate this book: Story: 5/5 stars. Heat level: 5/5 stars.
I love reading books, but I hate writing reviews. That being said, I rate this book: Story: 5/5 stars. Heat level: 5/5 stars.
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