Delayed Gratification

Daniel and Ryan #1

by Tamryn Eradani

Daniel Brown is a man of routine. You might even call him a control freak. So when the new Director of Marketing, Ryan Cole, starts shaking up Daniel’s routine, Daniel doesn’t know how to react. He finds Ryan intriguing, infuriating and oh so attractive, but he doesn’t mix business with pleasure. As their games start to grow kinkier, dare Daniel give in to his desire to let Ryan top him?

Genres: BDSM, M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, LGBT, Queer, Erotica

43 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 16, 2017

About the author

Tamryn studied English and Creative Writing in school but has been writing since she could first hold a pencil. Recently, she’s turned her focus towards writing erotica. She enjoys writing stories where sex comes first, then feelings, because doing things out of order can be fun.

Tamryn has spent the past few months writing the Daniel and Ryan series with a lovely view of mountains out her window, and she’s now searching for a new mountain range to serve as her backdrop as she begins her next project.

Reviews

[* A Reader Obsessed * · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

For one that’s not into hardcore BDSM, my interest was piqued when I read the premise. I’m happy to say I'm not at all sorry for reading this.

Daniel is all about control. He prides himself on it, but he’s not always about self denial - he’s more than willing to let go of his willpower for the right reward. Perhaps fortuitously, new coworker Ryan, sees beyond his strictly ordered life and dangles something oh so enticing right in front of him. Daniel is intrigued and tempted.

Kink-light (thus far) for those who are hedging about reading this. Daniel and Ryan’s first scene was pretty darn hot, definitely leaving Daniel (and me) wanting more.

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniel and Ryan

As a very neat punctual primly person Daniel is distressed when there is out of nowhere a donut on his desk.
Understandable how he reacts in his situation....it's not his donut...
When he finds out the donut is from his colleague Ryan he is even more distressed because it takes to much valuable minutes to process this. Ryan is friendly, funny and hot. He understands Daniel fully and knows his needs. He ask him over for dinner.....

The anticipation....omg.... that was killing, what Daniel's eyes see, what his mind is thinking, what his body wants.... and what he finally gets.....*hand fanning*
When he plays it well, the prize in front of him is his.....or not

Both endearing personalities, not softy but strong. Ryan easy going and Daniel stiff and rigid both so very lovable
Amazing smooth read, exactly written down in the way how the situation is at that specific moment, you can feel how it precisely matched. I could almost hear the background orchestra synchronously with the words, staccato when everything is clear and legato when it's flowing.
It was a delicious read, I loved it!!

I'm thrilled ...there is more coming ....because i'm so not finished with Daniel and Ryan.

"That’s the thing about his self-control. When it’s on, it’s on. And when it’s not, well..."


ARC received from Divine Magazine given by NineStar Press

[Sara]

4.5 Hearts

Daniel is a man after my own heart and mental health. I was right there with him and his rigid schedule down to his morning routine and smoothie. When he walks into his office and sees a donut on his desk, the familiarity of routine is jostled and he begins to wonder just who would know him well enough to see through the control freak to the donut lover. Sounds cheesy? Not really. If you are someone of mine and Daniel’s persuasion the interruption of daily routine is well, not welcome, until it is.

When a donut shows up the following day and Daniel notices a light on in a cubicle and follows it, he sees the new Director of Marketing and bearer of two first names, Ryan Cole with a Krispy Kreme bag. Coincidence? Nah. Seduction? Maaayyybbbeee…

Daniel doesn’t deny himself things because he doesn’t think he deserves them but because the reward of self-control is often more fulfilling than whatever it is he’s denying himself.

The little game of Ryan leaving a donut on Daniel’s desk begins. Daniel tries to resist the allure of the glazed goodness and is actually impressed by Ryan’s tenacity and newly learned respect for Daniel’s personal space. When Daniel’s weekend plans get cancelled and he is left in an empty office, will he let the temptation/reward of the donut win?

I know there is a lot of donut talk in this review but the donut was all about Ryan sizing up Daniel to see if their interests match. When he thinks they do, he decides to ask Daniel over for dinner. You see, Daniel being in control of his life, well it doesn’t always mean he wants to be in control 24/7 if you know what I mean and you know what I mean… right? *winks*

It’s instinct and impulsive decisions driven by need, by finally getting what he wants. The problem he’s found with rigid self-control is that when he loses it, he loses it.

I will admit this seems to move a little fast but when you are on point with someone, when they can read you and what you want, why would you wait? The dinner at Ryan’s was nothing short of sexy and being in Daniel’s head made it oh so enjoyable.

Now while I won’t say more, I will say I am anxious for the next book after that sneak peek and to where this all leads. I have to know and I need a few things done from Daniel and Ryan. Yup. I have needs too.

[Trio · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy Tamryn Eradani's unique writing style. It's very personal, and it makes identifying with the main character easy (even when I have little or nothing in common with them).

If you've read her Enchanting Encounters series then I don't have to explain any more...

So it's not just the writing style that's captivating, I love unusual BDSM relationships and Eradani's way of portraying the lifestyle is so refreshing. Intimate and very clever, I can already see that Daniel and Ryan's story is going to be incredible.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.25 stars

Okay, I’m going to start this review by saying that even though I knew it was a short story, and that it was billed as book one, I didn’t realize it was essentially going to be a serial story. This is the very beginning of Daniel and Ryan’s story, and I mean the very beginning. There’s no resolution, just the very first instance of their tentative steps into a possible relationship. Now while this isn’t exactly a problem, I would have appreciated knowing I was going into a serial story when I picked this one up.

That being said, the chemistry between the characters was the off the charts. Despite a little bit of a stiff feeling when the story opened, Daniel quickly shows exactly who he is and what he wants. When Ryan enters the picture, the two men begin to spark. And then when they finally get to the point of conversation, dinner, and more, they are absolutely electric. They are made for each other and their potential is huge and there is no doubt that going forward, they are going to be something amazing (though not without conflict). The author has laid the perfect foundation for us to see what is could possibly happen next.

Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.

[Meags · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I gobbled this right up. As far as series starters are concerned, this one managed to pull me in effortlessly and hold my full attention until the final page was turned.

This is a shorty, with only 43 pages to set the scene for these two men to meet in their workplace and tentatively begin a mutually beneficial and eagerly sort after D/s relationship.

There is only time for one short D/s scene to play out at the end, and although it was extremely tame on my BDSM book scene scale of sauciness, I still found myself completely enraptured.

Daniel's whole being is one that I already find fascinating and am eager to explore in more depth, hopefully as he learns to place his full trust in Ryan as their time together develops into something more.

Although, fair warning, this one does end abruptly, but, thankfully, there are already 8 or so stories available in this series to keep me satisfied.

[Gabi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought I would be more put off by the writing style, but I enjoyed it.
As many BDSM books I read, I don't remember ever coming across a simple exchange. Because that's what this was. As simple as it could be with Daniel and his routines. They followed the rules. And it was nice for a change, not agonizing over who will get out of line, how much they would hurt each other, etc. Of course, Daniel was overthinking it. He needs to get out of his head and just let go. Maybe Ryan will help with that. I smell complication along the way...
Off to buy the whole series...
3.5 stars

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 kinky stars


First time with this author. Great story and great MC's. Daniel and Ryan can go very far as a series, I hope she has more books planned.

One criticism the book was to short. Needed more!!! Nice warm up though.

[Ariadna · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, let me begin by stating that I'm not in the habit of reading profic short stories. Most of the time, I feel that the story ends just as it's getting to the best parts OR that the author oversells the premise. #Everyonehasreadinglikesanddislikes #Dont@me

I remember the cover for this short story and feeling defeated at the fact that it's only 43 pages long.

BUT THEN, Pixie had reviewed Performance Review, we got to talking, and she gave me a soft rec about the series. I thought the price was OK, snagged a copy, and ended up buying the rest of the stories as soon as I finished this one.

What really sold me on the story was Daniel's dry humor. He's someone who leads a v. strict routine and is, for the most part, OK with that. Only for his world to get flipped all kinds of ways once Ryan starts working at the same web firm.

As far as kink levels go, the kind that we find in this story is mild: it's focused on D/s with a marked interest in obedience.

Although the story IS short, there's enough to get you invested in the way that Daniel and Ryan connect. Highly recommended it.

[annob [on hiatus] · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first episode in this series was not quite the steamy read I was expecting. Instead I found myself immersed in narration from the POV of an MC with strong OCD tendencies. Unexpected but no less enjoyable! And oh, the cover art is delicious, but actually quite far from how I imagine the characters and their world. Less aristocrat & leather, more average office manager type guys.

[Valerie ❈M/M Romance Junkie❈]

most definitely intrigued... on to the next installment

[Jude Sierra · Rating 3 out of 5]

**I received this ARC from Ninestar Press in return for an honest review**

3.5 Stars

I enjoyed this short story and as the beginning of a series, this definitely did its job in intriguing me. I look forward to the next installment. I do love a good BDSM novel that handles the culture well and that is knowledgeable and respectful of it; this book struck me as so. We get good initial character development for Daniel — I loved the donuts that Ryan uses to tempt him, and how they show Daniel’s need for control and the ways in which he allows himself delayed gratification of small pleasures.

While I found that these characters had some chemistry, this particular installment lacked a little heat that I look for in a BDSM book. There’s sexy times, for sure. I was left feeling a tad underwhelmed. Of course, this could easily be because of the brevity of the story — in 28 pages, there’s not a lot of room for the kind of forward movement and momentum you’d get in a longer book. But I was interested enough that I’ll read the second one and get a feel for how much heat the author is going for with these two.

[Elena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a fan of the third person present tense narration and not a fan of the format. I reserve judgment about the rest, there's simply not enough "meat" in this first installment to decide how I feel about anything else.

[VVivacious · Rating 5 out of 5]

A ScatteredThoughtsandRogueWords Review. This review can also be found here.

Daniel Brown is being tempted every day with a glazed donut on his desk. When he realises that the new Director of Marketing, the one with the two first names, Ryan Cole is the guy putting the donuts on his desk, he realises what the donuts actually stand for. The only question remaining is if, Daniel is ready to take Ryan up on his not so innocent offer?

Daniel Brown is a man of routine. Indeed. Daniel is incredibly prim and proper, his body is in shape; he eats super healthy and denies himself all temptations all week long only to reward himself at the end of the week. He is quirky, borderline-OCD but Oh My God! He was just so prim and proper, I wanted to mess him up! But some of his quirks had me empathizing so much, like the fact that he only went around the left side of his secretary’s desk because that way it was two seconds faster and the way he liked being the first one in his office so that he could soak up the quiet. I mean I was in the story the moment we got to meet Daniel.

This book is very well written, like amazingly so. I loved the precise sentences that just cut away all the frills and get to the point. This book is all from Daniel’s point of view but I loved how the author despite being limited by Daniel’s worldview still manages to give us a such a holistic view of Ryan because Oh My God! Ryan.

I was amazed my Ryan he is like so relaxed and calm and not exactly laid-back but kind of like at peace with himself and personally I was wondering how that would translate to his Dominant side but my! Oh My! I was not at all disappointed. It was the most amazing transformation because it wasn’t one means I was finding it hard to reconcile these two aspects of Ryan’s character but the author had it spot on. He was not only a relaxed, calm, at peace with himself kind of guy he was also a Dom, it was just that simple.

The actual scene actually took my breath away because it was so simple and in a way it was all in Daniel’s head. But somehow that entire scene just put everything into perspective.

I honest to God screamed when this book ended because it is really short, like a short-story short but despite being so short it has this wealth of words that impart so much meaning and I am going to ignore the fact that this got over so soon because I know there is a sequel and I just can’t wait to get my greedy hands on it.

Cover Art by Natasha Snow. It is an amazing cover! I loved the dark colours and their dark overtones, it looks amazing and perfectly fits the story.

And now I am going to apologize for abusing the exclamation mark! ;)

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I saw the title under the BDSM tag, I’ll admit I was expecting something a little different. I’m used to rougher ways to show such theme, but this was just amazing.

I loved it. It was so subtle and so much sexier that other representations of DBSM I’d read. I was very skeptical when they talk about dos and don’ts. I was wondering how things might work with so much limitations, but it worked beautifully.

The story had a slow pace that was appropriate while getting to know the main characters. It was so interesting to see how the personalities would connect. They both were really intriguing. What I enjoyed the most was the mind games. It made things so great and it showed how is not necessary to use a lot of instruments to make a great scene.

I also liked how the story didn’t try to force a relationship that clearly wasn’t there. There wasn’t too romantic but, for the time they knew each-other, I was very pleased about how the relationship is starting to develop. I know is only the first book from a series, which brings me joy, I’m so much contented with this characters. I’ll be reading the next books.

* I received copy of this book from the publisher in exchange of an honest review.

[Elliot Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars - not quite a 5 because the ending was too soft a cut off after such an amazing amazing AMAZING build up and just everything.

The characters were amazingly drawn. Loved their interactions, their quirks, the little details that seemed innocuous but really told so much about both of them. I want more. Lots more.

The present tense style was perfect and extremely smooth/well executed. To the point that I rankle at most present tense stories for being present tense, but this one flowed so well that I didn't even catch the tense until I was sucked in. Then I didn't care even when I noticed.

My only real issue (other than feeling the ending was kind of a weak break off point) was that I had no idea how they suspected one another was into D/s. Not sure if I read too fast because I was so engrossed and missed a detail, but it went right over my head if not. When they talked about seeing if their interests lined up, I thought they were talking about being queer. Then Daniel was all "something something Doms" in his head and I wasn't sure how he jumped to it. But it didn't matter in the end. I wanted this to happen so badly that I forcibly suspended my disbelief.

The takeaway: this is the kind of hot, mind-and-libido grabbing D/s I hunt for. Please give me more.

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

This is the first in a serial, and although brief and enticing, is also very satisfying.

Daniel is so uptight, so controlled, such a perfectionist, and new hire Ryan sets about disrupting his life. When they finally meet out of work it is super hot, all by suggestion, and (for me at least) by an unexpected twist, which made it even hotter.

Want an amuse bouche? This will get your erotic taste buds tingling!

Looking forward to the next installment.

[Annie ~ Queer Books Unbound · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked it A LOT!

Did end rather abruptly though (I was so "in" the story I didn't notice I was at 91% already!), so just four stars.
Definitely recommended.

And now I'm waiting for the sequel...

[Pixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As far as introductions go this went well. Sure I was left with more questions than answers but I also smiled when it ended & immediately wanted to read the next one.

[Myriam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoilers to follow, part 1 is really too short to warrant a whole review so I'm doing 1-3 in one.

I'm going to delve into the fandom background of the author a little, if knowing the fandom and fanfic connections of this series could ruin the fun for you please skip this review. If you are like me ALL about the background please read on.

So Tamryn Eradani has written a seriously fandom famous fic in the Supernatural fandom. It's been pulled from AO3, I *think* to publish, but if they honestly plan to go through with it they'll run into the same problem as this series did. For background: Tamryn is a Destiel writer. Destiel is one of the juggernaut ships in the SPN fandom. It consists of Dean Winchester, hunter, and Castiel, Angel of the Lord. Most Destiel fanfiction is Alernate Universe, AU, of the kind where Dean is a kindergarten teacher and Castiel is a doctor or something like that. This is mostly due to the fact that the actual canon doesn't offer much opportunity for these two lovebirds to get together and also because the ship doesn't really make sense - but I digress.

The show itself delights in offering the AU premises up itself and in one famous episode Dean Winchester became Dean Smith. Ad Executive in a paper company. Stuck up to high heaven, anal to a fault and oh so beautifully repressed. Ring any bells? Yes, this is 'Daniel' and fandom wasted no time in building on the foundation delivered by the show and turned Dean Smith into an archetype that many a fifty shades style fic was based on. The problem starts when you take a character that has been collectively fleshed out by fandom and then have to give him a compelling counterpart. It's where Destiel fiction usually falters and Tamryn Eradani hasn't *quite* cracked that code yet either because three parts of the series in and Ryan is just...there.

While I could tell you all about how Daniel likes his coffee and his preferred sheet-threadcount Ryan is still pretty much a mystery. And I'm not even talking about him personally but also in the area where it counts for this series: The sex. Why does he Dom the way he does, what exactly about Daniels submission entices him, etc.

In fanfiction the question of why a couple is attracted to each other and whether their kinks line up is a given. Usually the audience also comes with the built-in background information on the characters to match so there's little work required there either. Here we have a fanfiction construct, welded onto an original story and some really great sexy times sprinkled on top. I liked it but I think without the background knowledge I would have enjoyed it a lot less, I'm still not sure if I want to read the rest of the series.

[JoAnna G · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author. It was short and fast, great flow. The set up was good as well as the writing. I got right in there and was reading it unfold.

Daniel is the epitome of OCD. He is punctual, tidy, he values time management, he wants his body in shape, and he eats a clean healthy way. He can’t allow himself to venture off his schedule. He is a man of strict routine. He takes left path from the secretary's desk because it shaves 2 seconds off the time entering his office. He was quirky, but I loved him. So when he comes into his office and sees a glazed donut, it surprises him. The when it is there the second day, he can’t fathom it. When he finds out one of his colleague Ryan left it for him, it sends him into a small tailspin. He starts overthinking. That’s just Daniel. Daniel and Ryan had never had any prior interactions so eh doesn’t know why.

Ryan is fun, carefree, flirty and most of all messy ok maybe not messy. He is trying to form a friendship at the same time rattle Daniel, in a good way. Ryan was an easy going man. When I read him I liked him instantly. He is what Daniel needs to bring balance to him. At first, I didn’t see where this was going, then when it struck it was like a freight train. I loved it. I don’t know why, but I didn’t see it going the way it did, but I am glad it did. It was what they both needed and wanted.

Daniel has been in control and finally decides that he has been so good he is going to let go and see where it takes him. Oh let me say where it takes him Daniel has to have the ultimate self-control. It was hot and sexy and fun to read. This is the first book so maybe we can read more of them, as it was really just getting started between them. When and if it comes out I will be right there waiting to read it.


*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by JoAnna from Alpha Book Club

[Selen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't keep reading. A grown up man who keeps throwing gift donuts in the trash without touching them. Has the writer heard about hunger in the world? I don't like reading books about characters whom I don't care about.

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really quick read. Just as you feel like you’re getting to know the characters, it’s over. While this story definitely has some erotic content, it’s relatively tame, but I get that is open to interpretation.

As other readers have pointed out, Daniel is OCD. I got that about him, but I never really got to know him, if that makes sense. Likewise with Ryan. I think that in part is due to the narration. I thought it was in third person, present tense, or it could be that the author narrates the story and it’s not actually told in either character’s POV. It’s hard to explain.

The story is slow to get going, with many pages given to the ominous appearance of donuts, and Daniel’s self-control. Once they go on their first date, things get interesting, and then bang it ends. I’m picking this series is going to be released in episodes. While the writing was solid, in this instance, I didn’t buy into the characters. It’s a must for me to want to know more about them.

I am in the minority of not loving this story, so please check out all the wonderful five star reviews. Better yet, go grab a copy and see if this series is for you.

[Blackmermaid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can definitely relate to Daniel as I have OCD. Daniel and Ryan's initial interaction is interesting and I think it was a test for both of them. The two see a possibility for more so they decide to have dinner. Since their dinner went well, the two decide to have a scene. The scene Ryan chooses was perfect for Daniel. I was immediately drawn into this book, and I didn't put it down until the end! Can't wait for The Start of Something New!

[Anthea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Copy Received from author/publisher in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed for Alpha Book Club by Cheryl

This story may be short but it still manages to pack a punch. The reader gets led straight into the very regimented life of Daniel, a man with a relentless need to control every aspect of his being. It means he has each action timed and slotted into his day in the most efficient way possible and he doesn’t stray from this well constructed plan. He is aware that he’s the butt of many jokes in the office but his focus and determination has meant him achieving the success he desires and he doesn’t care that he isn’t winning any popularity contests along the way.

Ryan is our other MC. He is determined to break Daniel’s resolve, placing a doughnut on Daniel’s desk every morning, knowing that eventually one will be eaten rather than thrown away. Despite Daniel’s efforts not to give in, Ryan seems to know how to push his buttons and slowly chips away at him, seemingly giving him the in that he needs, to ask Daniel out.

There is an easy flow to the writing style here with the story being told from the POV of the narrator and not one of the characters. Daniel’s is well defined as a control freak but it would be nice to know a bit more about his personality on a deeper level and what has led him to live his life the way he does. Ryan on the other hand remains a bit of a mystery. While he is certainly likeable, we learn virtually nothing about him other than the two MC’s shared interest in D/s. This is an incredibly short story and could easily have been expanded into a novella at the very least. The ending felt rather abrupt, as it was cut off when the action was only getting started but thankfully, there is another instalment to come and I for one, look forward to reading it to see how things develop between the men.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boring and dull... Do not care for third party dialogs and do not like where the series is about the same couple... will hold my final thoughts on it until I read book two, but am not really looking forward to it... Hope there is some spark..

[Ariana (mostly offline) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this a few weeks ago and darn, I never wrote this review!
So to keep this short and sweet:

I really enjoyed the beginning of this series which holds a lot of promise!
I will definitely return for book 2 at a later time.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short book, part of a series about two co-workers, one a dom and one an OCD freak, discovering their mutual interest in BDSM. This one was okay, a little slow maybe, but I've already purchased #2.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book in the series. Time to get the next one.

[soda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was short, but it was definitely the start of something between Daniel and Ryan. Nothing much happened except for a short scene, but I liked being in Daniel's head. Moving on to the next one.