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Guarded #1
Guarded
On the surface, rock star Jordan Kane has it all. His band No Rules is burning up the charts and headlining a world tour. His bodyguard doubles as a hot, kinky boyfriend who knows just how to push all his buttons. But behind the scenes, he’s suffocating.
Jase Hewitt never imagined he’d have a shot at bedding the larger than life rock star - never mind dominating him - but now he’s worried he’s in over his head. Jordan’s kinks run deep, dark, and sometimes dangerous, putting Jase’s desires to both pleasure and protect him at odds.
They might have a fighting chance at finding the safe, happy medium between what Jordan needs and what Jase is willing to give, but there’s one problem: Daniel, Jordan’s childhood best friend, the band’s talented guitarist — and a volatile, hard-partying drug addict. Jordan is determined to save Daniel from himself, but Jase has been there, done that, and desperately wants to protect Jordan from the inevitable heartache of watching an addict self-destruct.
When Daniel goes off the rails again, Jordan calls off the tour to get him help. Tension within the band skyrockets and pressure from the record label sends Jordan into a dark spiral. Now his band — and his life — are balanced on a knife's edge, and Jase is the only one who can pull him back... but only if the echoes of his own tragic past don't push him over first.
This title was previously published.
Jase Hewitt never imagined he’d have a shot at bedding the larger than life rock star - never mind dominating him - but now he’s worried he’s in over his head. Jordan’s kinks run deep, dark, and sometimes dangerous, putting Jase’s desires to both pleasure and protect him at odds.
They might have a fighting chance at finding the safe, happy medium between what Jordan needs and what Jase is willing to give, but there’s one problem: Daniel, Jordan’s childhood best friend, the band’s talented guitarist — and a volatile, hard-partying drug addict. Jordan is determined to save Daniel from himself, but Jase has been there, done that, and desperately wants to protect Jordan from the inevitable heartache of watching an addict self-destruct.
When Daniel goes off the rails again, Jordan calls off the tour to get him help. Tension within the band skyrockets and pressure from the record label sends Jordan into a dark spiral. Now his band — and his life — are balanced on a knife's edge, and Jase is the only one who can pull him back... but only if the echoes of his own tragic past don't push him over first.
This title was previously published.
521 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 3, 2014
69 people are currently reading
862 people want to read
About the author
Cat Grant
51 books463 followersIf you're looking for epic sci-fi, fantasy, or historicals, that's not me. Contemporary all the way, baby!
However, if you're looking for down to earth, complicated characters dealing with real-world problems (and the occasional comfort read!), I might just fit the bill. :)
My Books:
Courtland Chronicles (m/m & m/m/f)
By Chance
Strictly Business
Complications
The Arrangement
Triad
Allegro Vivace (m/m)
Sonata Appassionata (m/m)
Icon Men (all m/m)
The First Real Thing (2012 EPIC Award Winner - Erotica)
Appearing Nightly
A Fool for You
Habanera (Originally titled Entangled Trio - 2012 EPIC Award Finalist - Erotica) (m/m/f)
Once a Marine (m/m)
Power Play (with Rachel Haimowitz) (m/m BDSM)
Power Play: Resistance
Power Play: Awakening
Irresistible Attraction (all m/m)
Priceless
Doubtless
Fearless
Flawless (2014 EPIC Award Finalist - Short Fiction)
Forthcoming:
The Only One Who Knows (with LA Witt) - January 2014
The Only One Who Matters (with LA Witt) - March 2014
Black Dog (Bannon's Gym #1) - April 2014
Takedown (Bannon's Gym #2) - July 2014
Guarded (with LA Witt) (work in progress)
However, if you're looking for down to earth, complicated characters dealing with real-world problems (and the occasional comfort read!), I might just fit the bill. :)
My Books:
Courtland Chronicles (m/m & m/m/f)
By Chance
Strictly Business
Complications
The Arrangement
Triad
Allegro Vivace (m/m)
Sonata Appassionata (m/m)
Icon Men (all m/m)
The First Real Thing (2012 EPIC Award Winner - Erotica)
Appearing Nightly
A Fool for You
Habanera (Originally titled Entangled Trio - 2012 EPIC Award Finalist - Erotica) (m/m/f)
Once a Marine (m/m)
Power Play (with Rachel Haimowitz) (m/m BDSM)
Power Play: Resistance
Power Play: Awakening
Irresistible Attraction (all m/m)
Priceless
Doubtless
Fearless
Flawless (2014 EPIC Award Finalist - Short Fiction)
Forthcoming:
The Only One Who Knows (with LA Witt) - January 2014
The Only One Who Matters (with LA Witt) - March 2014
Black Dog (Bannon's Gym #1) - April 2014
Takedown (Bannon's Gym #2) - July 2014
Guarded (with LA Witt) (work in progress)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
June 14, 2014
That was exhausting.
If you like watching things self-destruct then this is a great book to read. Honestly, it's probably better than my rating--I need to select my books more carefully because this was not a good fit for me. This is a nasty trip and it's not fun. Let's just say that pain is easy, but repeated dashed hopes are vicious. Might need to take time off from reading.
Favorite quote:
If you like watching things self-destruct then this is a great book to read. Honestly, it's probably better than my rating--I need to select my books more carefully because this was not a good fit for me. This is a nasty trip and it's not fun. Let's just say that pain is easy, but repeated dashed hopes are vicious. Might need to take time off from reading.
Favorite quote:
It was debatable which was a worse flavor of hell: holding onto hope that an addict was going to get it together this time, or the realization that that hope is gone forever.
May 6, 2014
Another BR with Fabulous Girls
Guarded is a pretty emotional journey. We are faced with real issues of addiction in its many forms, and their needs to feel anything, no matter how close to danger they tread.
There is a lot of angst, fear, and loss. But there is also hope and love. Jordan needs Jase to help him remain in control. Jase needs Jordan so he can protect him. At the end of it all, is a story about hitting rock bottom and making a choice. This was an intense read from start to finish! Cat Grant & L.A. Witt did an excellent job with this romance!
Guarded is a pretty emotional journey. We are faced with real issues of addiction in its many forms, and their needs to feel anything, no matter how close to danger they tread.
There is a lot of angst, fear, and loss. But there is also hope and love. Jordan needs Jase to help him remain in control. Jase needs Jordan so he can protect him. At the end of it all, is a story about hitting rock bottom and making a choice. This was an intense read from start to finish! Cat Grant & L.A. Witt did an excellent job with this romance!
May 3, 2014
Emotional, sexy and kinky romance that is full of deep emotions....
Musicians
Hot guys
Fans
Passion
And more
This was an intense read from start to finish. Intense BDSM play was incorporated perfectly throughout the story and showed why individuals are drawn to it as a form of mental escape as you became fully wrapped in these erotically charged scenes. The characters are compelling with deep issues and scenes that left me a bit teary at times.
The glitz and glamour as well as the loneliness and stress of the music world was well described in ways that don't always end happily but keep reality just as it is. The characters weren't perfect ( mostly very flawed) but they made you feel so deep and put you through the emotional roller coaster.
I loved the song with changing lyrics and the ending made my heart swell...
Dark but beautiful read that will tug at your heart and fill you with emotions and clarity
Amazing BR with my ladies
Musicians
Hot guys
Fans
Passion
And more
This was an intense read from start to finish. Intense BDSM play was incorporated perfectly throughout the story and showed why individuals are drawn to it as a form of mental escape as you became fully wrapped in these erotically charged scenes. The characters are compelling with deep issues and scenes that left me a bit teary at times.
The glitz and glamour as well as the loneliness and stress of the music world was well described in ways that don't always end happily but keep reality just as it is. The characters weren't perfect ( mostly very flawed) but they made you feel so deep and put you through the emotional roller coaster.
I loved the song with changing lyrics and the ending made my heart swell...
"I dream your eyes are laughing still
No more goodbyes, no bitter pills
No more white rooms, no more white walls
The wind that howled is silent now…"
Dark but beautiful read that will tug at your heart and fill you with emotions and clarity
Amazing BR with my ladies
May 6, 2014
When I read this book's blurb I thought that it would be a book to love... The reality, however, is that I have some conflicted feelings about the plot.
The relationship between Jordan and Jase, was exciting and very hot, and they actually had a great chemistry. The problem, IMO, of the plot, was that there were too many things happening at the same time. If the story was about a rock star (Jordan) and his bodyguard (Jase), and if they develop a BDSM relationship, it would me much more interesting. What we have here, is that relationship, but the BDSM part was very unreal, there were important details missing... and next to that story, there was Jordan's best friend and member of the band story... Daniel was an addicted, Jordan was trying to take the band on tour, at the same time, trying to protect Daniel from himself, at the same time, trying to have a BDSM relationship with Jase... And Jase was trying to save them all.
And, to end my review, there was a scene that I don't like on M/M books... I don't...
Writing this review left me tired, just like the book.
This was a great BR with amazing friends Here
The relationship between Jordan and Jase, was exciting and very hot, and they actually had a great chemistry. The problem, IMO, of the plot, was that there were too many things happening at the same time. If the story was about a rock star (Jordan) and his bodyguard (Jase), and if they develop a BDSM relationship, it would me much more interesting. What we have here, is that relationship, but the BDSM part was very unreal, there were important details missing... and next to that story, there was Jordan's best friend and member of the band story... Daniel was an addicted, Jordan was trying to take the band on tour, at the same time, trying to protect Daniel from himself, at the same time, trying to have a BDSM relationship with Jase... And Jase was trying to save them all.
And, to end my review, there was a scene that I don't like on M/M books... I don't...
Writing this review left me tired, just like the book.
This was a great BR with amazing friends Here
Read
March 5, 2015A kinky rock star and his equally kinky bodyguard. Available April 7th. :D
May 28, 2017
“I dream your eyes are laughing still
No more goodbyes, no bitter pills
No more white rooms, no more white walls
The wind that howled is silent now…”
I’m writing this now, just moments after the last words have finished, because I want to get this down. Need to keep this feeling with me as I try to come up with the words to describe this book. I usually try to get some distance, to let the immediate rush to pass so I can look objectively at a book. So I can find the words. I just don’t know if I can come up with anything but this:
God fucking damn.
But I guess since they don’t pay me the big bucks to give three word reviews (pity, that) I’ll try to find something more for you guys.
Jordan is a rocker with one hell of a kink. He likes his fucks rough and hard. He likes the feel of a hand around his neck and the sensation of blankness that comes with his lungs struggling for air as he falls into oblivion and orgasm. And he’s found someone who can give that escape in the sweetest and most punishing way. But having Jase, his bodyguard, in and around him is hardly protection from the rest of the world. Or from his best friend, Daniel, who is not-so-slowly spiraling down into a pit of drugs and alcohol. And when Daniel hits rock bottom once again, Jordan is determined to do anything to help him before he loses his best friend forever.
Jase is an ex-rocker, a current bodyguard, and may well be a lover of the tempestuous Jordan Kane. He also knows all about living and loving an addict. He has watched one man he loves stumble and fall through his addiction before it ultimately claimed his life. Jase is determined to do anything he can to save Jordan his fate…even if he knows how impossible that is. But as he grows closer to Jordan, and Daniel falls further and further, Jase fears he is doomed to watch this travesty play out all over again. And if Jordan won’t let him protect him, what’s a bodyguard, lover, and friend to do?
First off I guess I should say this is one hell of a kinky book. And boy does it hit all of my kink highlights. Breath-play, whipping, pain that sinks you so far into subspace that you flying long after the last strike–it is all here. The only thing that might make it even better would if they had thrown in a paddling (or three). Yes, I do love my kink. But I especially love how it was used here.
At first Jordan uses his kinks as an escape, and while there is nothing wrong with that, he went after that escape in the most dangerous way possible. While I’ll admit to finding breath-play hot as hell, it (as well as most of the aspects of BDSM) should be undertaken with a great deal of trust. And a lot of the people he put that trust in were nowhere near deserving of it. But with Jase he finds someone worth it, worth letting go and knowing that there is someone there to protect him, even from himself. And I loved that Jase had some qualms about going into the breath-play aspects of their relationship. Jase has been in the scene for some time, so it isn’t like he doesn’t know what he is doing, but it is dangerous and he knows it. He and Jordan have to work together to come to a place where that trust exists, not only in their bed, but in their lives. But when they reach that place…dear god of leather and restraints, it is hot. And perfect.
Not that the relationship between the two is all about the leather. The issues coming from Daniel’s deterioration are a constant battering on what Jase and Jordan have. Jase has watched this all before, lived it all before, and he knows all too well how it could end. Between not wanting to see Eric (his dead lover) in Daniel’s actions, and not wanting to see Jordan in his shoes, Jase constantly has to choose between offering hope and protecting the man he has come to love. What he chooses in the end is the best decision out of a lousy hand, but I honestly believe it was the only one he could make. And because he did I knew that he was really what Jordan needed.
And Jordan…he loves Daniel. Had loved him once upon a time, until his needs drove Daniel away from their relationship and fractured their friendship. He doesn’t want to give up on Daniel…but damn, every time he has to watch Daniel chose the drugs, it kills them both. I loved how all these conflicting desires tore at the two of them…hell it tore at the three of them. Every hope was always tinged with fear, and each fall came with the knowledge that maybe this time it would be the one where they all lose everything.
There were also some aspects of this book that I really liked…which might cause some others problems. There is a scene near the beginning where Jase is having sex with….a woman (*gasp*) and later on Jordan is dominated by a trans Dom. For some reason (and I have been guilty of this on more than one occasion) a portion of m/m readers react rather strongly to the inclusion of heterosexual sex in our precious gay-boy books. And while I am included at times in that group, I truly loved that it was here. It felt so real. Jase (and Jordan) like both men and women. It is what is natural for them, and they are not ashamed of it. Granted, I’m not in favor of using people to help you forget your somewhat-ex’s idiotic decision to dump your hot Toppy ass, but seeing as it was mutually beneficial for both Jase and the woman…why not? I really appreciate how these authors didn’t feel the need to make a big deal out of what happened, and just let their characters be themselves, without the need for apology or clarification.
This book was hot, this book was heartbreaking, this book was so many things that I desire out of a good story. I loved the music aspect–-and liked that they gave us the final lyrics to the song being written, and rewritten, over the course of the story. It was nice to see what it ended up being. This was a great book, with hot BDSM, but first and foremost it was a wonderful story of love and loss. Everyone reacts in such a way as to make me feel it, because it just feels so real. So painful. So lovely. So goddamn beautiful.
I just loved it.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
May 2, 2014
***3 halfway-there stars*** Also, some spoilers....
Oh, and apparently this is everybody loves, but me..
I liked this book, but I didn't love it. It didn't quite get there. Where actually there is I don't, but I know it didn't get there, just halfway.
This book had three aspects. Jordan as a lead singer in a rock band, Jase and Jordan's kinky/bdsm relationship and Daniel's addiction. So is it a rock star book? Is it a bdsm book? Is it about addiction? I realized it was about ALL of these things together, but at the same time I feel they were only dealt with halfway.
Jordan is the lead singer in a very popular and successful rock band called No Rules. Also part of the band is Jordan's childhood friend Daniel and some "other guys". The "other guys" as they are referred to, are like some shadowy background figures with not much function. Aren't they supposed to be a band on tour? Another band member, Milo, is mention in the beginning, but he is more Daniel's babysitter than anything else. Apparently the band draw tens of thousands of people to their concerts. So is Guarded meant to be a story about a rock band? I didn't feel it. It was just halfway there.
BDSM?
Jase was not what I would call a good Dom. Well, actually I felt he was trying to play the part instead of actually being one. Oh, he dominated Jordan and their interactions were really hot. But their D/S relationship? Also felt halfway there. Why didn't they talk about limits? Why didn't they talk about punishment? That's very basic for bdsm. I mean, safe, sane and consensual. In one scene Jordan gets punished for talking back to Jase. Which he does on several occasions, but this time he's suddenly punished? He got six strokes, with the cane. They haven't even tried the cane before and the first time Jordan is introduced to it is for punishment? *shakes head* Also, the party was a really hot read (oh yeah!), but it felt like a really hard crash course in bdsm when Jordan hadn't tried any of it before. No talk about limits beforehand or anything! Sure, Jordan got a safe word before they went in, but after the single tail scene he was flying so high I don't think he was capable to utter the safe word if he, wanted to. *shakes head again* So the bdsm theme was there, but it felt halfway.
Jordan's kink, breath play
Even reading about Daniel's addiction felt half way. It was kind of predictable (of course he , of course he , of course he , of course he , of course Jordan almost ...). But also very sad and heart wrenching. *big fat tears* Daniel's behavior (depression) after coming out of rehab was like "copy-paste" what Jase had told Jordan about his previous boyfriend Eric's behavior right before he , so how they did not see that coming?
*sigh* I wish the author(s) could have concentrated on ONE (or maybe two) aspect and get that story fully there (where ever there is ;)). I think it could have been so much better! (know-it-all, I am..) As it stands now trying to cover all these aspects at once, it feels like they have bitten over more than they can chew, or trying to do too much at the same time so that nothing it done fully. Just halfway there.
Would I recommend it?
Most of the other reviews have been very positive (4/5 stars). You should read them and try to decide your self
By the way, contains a scene where the sub is shared with another Dom. Also the sub is prepped by another sub. If you're unsure if this scene is for you, here's a bit more info
Oh, and apparently this is everybody loves, but me..
I liked this book, but I didn't love it. It didn't quite get there. Where actually there is I don't, but I know it didn't get there, just halfway.
This book had three aspects. Jordan as a lead singer in a rock band, Jase and Jordan's kinky/bdsm relationship and Daniel's addiction. So is it a rock star book? Is it a bdsm book? Is it about addiction? I realized it was about ALL of these things together, but at the same time I feel they were only dealt with halfway.
Jordan is the lead singer in a very popular and successful rock band called No Rules. Also part of the band is Jordan's childhood friend Daniel and some "other guys". The "other guys" as they are referred to, are like some shadowy background figures with not much function. Aren't they supposed to be a band on tour? Another band member, Milo, is mention in the beginning, but he is more Daniel's babysitter than anything else. Apparently the band draw tens of thousands of people to their concerts. So is Guarded meant to be a story about a rock band? I didn't feel it. It was just halfway there.
BDSM?
Jase was not what I would call a good Dom. Well, actually I felt he was trying to play the part instead of actually being one. Oh, he dominated Jordan and their interactions were really hot. But their D/S relationship? Also felt halfway there. Why didn't they talk about limits? Why didn't they talk about punishment? That's very basic for bdsm. I mean, safe, sane and consensual. In one scene Jordan gets punished for talking back to Jase. Which he does on several occasions, but this time he's suddenly punished? He got six strokes, with the cane. They haven't even tried the cane before and the first time Jordan is introduced to it is for punishment? *shakes head* Also, the party was a really hot read (oh yeah!), but it felt like a really hard crash course in bdsm when Jordan hadn't tried any of it before. No talk about limits beforehand or anything! Sure, Jordan got a safe word before they went in, but after the single tail scene he was flying so high I don't think he was capable to utter the safe word if he, wanted to. *shakes head again* So the bdsm theme was there, but it felt halfway.
Jordan's kink, breath play
Even reading about Daniel's addiction felt half way. It was kind of predictable (of course he , of course he , of course he , of course he , of course Jordan almost ...). But also very sad and heart wrenching. *big fat tears* Daniel's behavior (depression) after coming out of rehab was like "copy-paste" what Jase had told Jordan about his previous boyfriend Eric's behavior right before he , so how they did not see that coming?
*sigh* I wish the author(s) could have concentrated on ONE (or maybe two) aspect and get that story fully there (where ever there is ;)). I think it could have been so much better! (know-it-all, I am..) As it stands now trying to cover all these aspects at once, it feels like they have bitten over more than they can chew, or trying to do too much at the same time so that nothing it done fully. Just halfway there.
Would I recommend it?
Most of the other reviews have been very positive (4/5 stars). You should read them and try to decide your self
By the way, contains a scene where the sub is shared with another Dom. Also the sub is prepped by another sub. If you're unsure if this scene is for you, here's a bit more info
Want to read
January 10, 2015AWESOME kindle freebie 1/10/15!
April 7, 2014
4.5 star review from The Blogger Girls.
Wow, what an emotional rollercoaster this story is and not what I expected at all. There are a few things going on here, or being dealt with, that made this quite an interesting read and different from anything I’ve read before.
Jordan is the band’s front man, living the life of a rock star. He isn’t all that much of a partier and often gets migraines that put him down for the count. Jordan has all kind of issues, the first being finding a sex partner he can trust won’t sell their story, want to extort money, etc. and one he can trust to let go the way he needs. He seems to have found that trust in his bodyguard, Jase. While reluctant at first to give in to Jordan’s darker requests (breath play and/or choking), it doesn’t take him long to care enough to find ways to help meet Jordan’s needs. While he does give Jordan the breath play he craves now and then, he finds other, safer, activities to help Jordan achieve the same peace.
The other main issue here is Jordan’s best friend and lead guitarist, Daniel. Daniel has been suffering from a drug/alcohol addiction for quite some time, but he has covered it up well. Unfortunately, this last tour has pushed him over the edge, as does his jealousy with anyone sleeping with or making Jordan happy. He knows he can’t be what Jordan needs, but that doesn’t help him once he really hits that downward spiral. On the flip side, we have Jordan, who is always trying to help Daniel, wanting him to get better and be happy. Fortunately, or unfortunately, Jase has a lot of experience with having a relationship with an addict. All three of these guys are struggling throughout this story with how to help each other.
While I went into this expecting something kinky and sexy and fun, I was not disappointed to find it pulling on my emotions the way it did. I felt as though I went through the wringer myself when it was all said and done, which I absolutely love a story to do for me every now and then. Don’t get me wrong, there is plenty of hot sex and lots of sweetness here as well. The writing is spot on, as usual, and I highly recommend this if you’re looking for something a little edgier.
April 19, 2014
For me, this was a solid 4 star read pushing toward 5. I'm not a big on recaps, so I've been trying to figure out how to describe this book and the main word that comes to me is balanced. Seems like a bland word to describe what I read, but this book was anything but bland. It really is just that...balanced. Here's what I mean...
When you pick up a book about rock stars, addiction, or BDSM (three of the main themes) you think you know what you're getting. Variations of the storylines have been done many times over by some of the best authors. Here's the deal though, those things served as the framework for this story, but none of the three were overpowering. Although each took center stage at certain times, they were all equals in a sense and took a back seat to the relationship between Jase and Jordan. It made for a powerful story IMO. Angsty and hot. The BDSM wasn't watered down. And the emotional element was certainly there as well. Trifecta!
When you pick up a book about rock stars, addiction, or BDSM (three of the main themes) you think you know what you're getting. Variations of the storylines have been done many times over by some of the best authors. Here's the deal though, those things served as the framework for this story, but none of the three were overpowering. Although each took center stage at certain times, they were all equals in a sense and took a back seat to the relationship between Jase and Jordan. It made for a powerful story IMO. Angsty and hot. The BDSM wasn't watered down. And the emotional element was certainly there as well. Trifecta!
August 14, 2016
I love LA Witt. Some of my favorite books are written by her; Static, Out of Focus, Falling Sky, Market Garden series (w/ Aleksander Voinov). All very different books but every time I pick up one of her books, I know I'm going to get interesting characters, an entertaining plot (even when there's not much of one) and hot smut. I haven't read as much from Cat Grant but I LOVED her brilliantly mind-fucking series, Power Play (co-written with Rachel Haimowitz). This is why I had such high expectations for this one and why I'm so disappointed. This might be more of a rant than a review.
Jordan is the lead singer of the very successful band, No Rules, and Jase is his new bodyguard (and a not so successful musician) on their latest tour . So the first third of this book is about Jordan and Jase first hooking up and the tour. If this is supposed to be a rocker book, I just didn't feel it. SJ Frost writes some good rocker books, the music and the lifestyle is blended well with the story and the characters. Here I didn't see it. Most of the tour is told to us instead of shown. They ride around on the tour buses (Jordan has his own away from the rest of the members of the band) for a few weeks while Jordan and Jase explore their kinky new sex life. Turns out that Jordan likes to be submissive and enjoys breath play. Jase is not so comfortable with the breath play but he can be bossy in bed. We'll get to that later. The band consists of Jordan, his best friend, Daniel and some "other guys". Most of the time, that's how they were referred as or "the rest of the guys". I think there are 4 members including Jordan and Daniel, but I'm not completely sure. We didn't even find out their names until the last third of the book. These are guys Jordan's been playing with for years. He's with them for months at a time during tours, which there have been many of, but they play no significant role in this story or Jordan's life apparently. At this point, Jordan and Jase have still not made themselves very interesting. Jordan is selfish and self absorbed and just seems to be using Jase. Jase just seems star struck and not very self assured. The most interesting person here is Daniel, the drug addicted guitarist. By the time we get to the middle of the book, the tour's over, there hasn't been much music, and the most interesting person so far has been shuffled off to rehab and won't be around for most of this part.
The whole middle part of the book is about Jordan and Jase trying to work out a D/s relationship while Jordan also deals with the pressure and fallout of Daniel's addiction. Let's start with the D/s relationship. Jase SUCKS as a Dom. He just doesn't have that cold confidence like Nick from If it Flies or even the quiet naturalness (for lack of a better word) of Cal from If it Drives. But Jase flounders around the whole time doubting himself and his every move. I just didn't buy him as a Dom and it seemed more like he was trying to play the part instead of actually being one. His inner monologue is constantly about doubting himself. He never inspired any true trust in me so how could I expect it from Jordan. He tried to push the relationship too fast and too soon. He wanted trust without earning it and throwing Jordan into situations he might not have been ready for. Then there's Jordan. Oh Jordan. He just wants to submit, to anyone apparently. I get that Jordan uses sex and breath play just like Daniel uses drugs, to escape reality even for a little while. And he'll let anyone choke him during sex just to get off. So we can't believe that he really trusts Jase just because he puts his life and his safety in his hands. And we obviously see that he doesn't, because he questions him and doubts him at every turn. Then he throws temper tantrums and treats Jase like shit. But Jase keeps coming back for more and he always ends up apologizing to Jordan and blaming himself for Jordan's mistakes. This got old quick. The D/s relationship seemed to work in the bedroom but as soon as they stepped out of it, it fell apart. It would seem that them trying to find equilibrium in this relationship would be interesting. But it wasn't. It was just boring. Everything interesting seemed to happen off page. Apparently they fell in love during the tour even if they didn't admit to it until later, but I never saw it. Like I said, the tour was described in a few paragraphs which mostly consisted of riding the buses and what we did see was a few sex scenes. I saw lust and infatuation, but no love. Then, all this struggle with finding their footing in a D/s relationship and when it finally clicks we're also told about it, not shown. Jase tells us that two weeks have past since the last stumble, and they're all good now. He's found the right balance and Jordan is happy and stress free. Well that's just great, where the hell was I when this happened. Oh yeah, struggling not to throw my nook at the wall. I guess it doesn't matter how they got there since it all goes to shit again anyway.
The sex got pretty tedious, too. Don't get me wrong, it was hot and I'm all for smut, but it didn't move the story along. I think when sex is done right, it progresses along with the story. We go from lust to love, fucking to love making, kink to fulfillment. But since the story wasn't going anywhere neither was the sex. Oh, who the hell am I kidding. Sex doesn't have to have a point. All my bitching probably means I was sick of them, not the sex. There's a scene after they decide to move into more of a BDSM relationship where Jase takes Jordan to his apartment and shows him his toys. They get all hot and bothered from the "smell of leather" and just looking at the toys that Jase fucks Jordan hard then and there, while he goes on about "God, what I want to do to you". WTF, so do it now. You have a closet full of toys and all we get is just another fuck, not even a fucking nipple clamp thrown in or something. Just another sex scene for the hell of it. I'm sure we just had one before it and we'll have one right after at the BDSM party, so what was the point.
The sub plot of Daniel's addiction is what kept me reading. This is where the writers really got to me. I can relate to Jordan and how he struggles to cope with Daniel's addiction and recovery. Daniel isn't just his best friend, he's his family and you just can't walk away from family. I've felt all of Jordan's emotions. The hope that the recovery will stick. The heartbreaking loss of trust in that person, always wondering if this loss or that stress will make him seek refuge in that same way again. Dealing with the mood swings, depression, and awful temper. And the fear that's always with you, that fear every time the phone rings that this will be the day the drug won and you've lost him forever. Even if it's just for a split second and even after years, it's still always there. The thing is, there just wasn't enough of this, and again a lot of it was off page, stuff that happened before this latest fall. And the way Jordan dealt with it was with risky sex and being a selfish little shit.
The last third of the book is was saved it from being a 1 star rating. Daniel's out of rehab, Jordan's composing new music and the band will start recording a new album, we find out the rest of the members names (not that they really matter at all) and it finally gets somewhat interesting. I have to admit, it made me cry. Daniel's depression, Jordan's self destruction, it was all well done. And just when it seems that Jase will finally grow some balls and walk away from Jordan and all his shit, what does he do? Then it all gets tied up in a nice little bow. Jase and Jordan get their HEA along with a strong D/s relationship. That trust that wasn't there before, well we have it now and we see it in that very nicely done shaving scene at the end. But how did we get there? Was just sticking through Jordan's shit enough for Jordan (and me) to trust Jase in this sort of relationship. Maybe. I trust that Jase loves Jordan, and that he'll keep Jordan safe during BDSM scenes, that he knows what he's doing. But as a true Dom, I still don't buy it. Jordan wants and needs a true D/s relationship (I'm thinking Marcus and Thomas in Rough Canvas), but I don't really see Jase being up for the task. At least not at this point.
Jordan is the lead singer of the very successful band, No Rules, and Jase is his new bodyguard (and a not so successful musician) on their latest tour . So the first third of this book is about Jordan and Jase first hooking up and the tour. If this is supposed to be a rocker book, I just didn't feel it. SJ Frost writes some good rocker books, the music and the lifestyle is blended well with the story and the characters. Here I didn't see it. Most of the tour is told to us instead of shown. They ride around on the tour buses (Jordan has his own away from the rest of the members of the band) for a few weeks while Jordan and Jase explore their kinky new sex life. Turns out that Jordan likes to be submissive and enjoys breath play. Jase is not so comfortable with the breath play but he can be bossy in bed. We'll get to that later. The band consists of Jordan, his best friend, Daniel and some "other guys". Most of the time, that's how they were referred as or "the rest of the guys". I think there are 4 members including Jordan and Daniel, but I'm not completely sure. We didn't even find out their names until the last third of the book. These are guys Jordan's been playing with for years. He's with them for months at a time during tours, which there have been many of, but they play no significant role in this story or Jordan's life apparently. At this point, Jordan and Jase have still not made themselves very interesting. Jordan is selfish and self absorbed and just seems to be using Jase. Jase just seems star struck and not very self assured. The most interesting person here is Daniel, the drug addicted guitarist. By the time we get to the middle of the book, the tour's over, there hasn't been much music, and the most interesting person so far has been shuffled off to rehab and won't be around for most of this part.
The whole middle part of the book is about Jordan and Jase trying to work out a D/s relationship while Jordan also deals with the pressure and fallout of Daniel's addiction. Let's start with the D/s relationship. Jase SUCKS as a Dom. He just doesn't have that cold confidence like Nick from If it Flies or even the quiet naturalness (for lack of a better word) of Cal from If it Drives. But Jase flounders around the whole time doubting himself and his every move. I just didn't buy him as a Dom and it seemed more like he was trying to play the part instead of actually being one. His inner monologue is constantly about doubting himself. He never inspired any true trust in me so how could I expect it from Jordan. He tried to push the relationship too fast and too soon. He wanted trust without earning it and throwing Jordan into situations he might not have been ready for. Then there's Jordan. Oh Jordan. He just wants to submit, to anyone apparently. I get that Jordan uses sex and breath play just like Daniel uses drugs, to escape reality even for a little while. And he'll let anyone choke him during sex just to get off. So we can't believe that he really trusts Jase just because he puts his life and his safety in his hands. And we obviously see that he doesn't, because he questions him and doubts him at every turn. Then he throws temper tantrums and treats Jase like shit. But Jase keeps coming back for more and he always ends up apologizing to Jordan and blaming himself for Jordan's mistakes. This got old quick. The D/s relationship seemed to work in the bedroom but as soon as they stepped out of it, it fell apart. It would seem that them trying to find equilibrium in this relationship would be interesting. But it wasn't. It was just boring. Everything interesting seemed to happen off page. Apparently they fell in love during the tour even if they didn't admit to it until later, but I never saw it. Like I said, the tour was described in a few paragraphs which mostly consisted of riding the buses and what we did see was a few sex scenes. I saw lust and infatuation, but no love. Then, all this struggle with finding their footing in a D/s relationship and when it finally clicks we're also told about it, not shown. Jase tells us that two weeks have past since the last stumble, and they're all good now. He's found the right balance and Jordan is happy and stress free. Well that's just great, where the hell was I when this happened. Oh yeah, struggling not to throw my nook at the wall. I guess it doesn't matter how they got there since it all goes to shit again anyway.
The sex got pretty tedious, too. Don't get me wrong, it was hot and I'm all for smut, but it didn't move the story along. I think when sex is done right, it progresses along with the story. We go from lust to love, fucking to love making, kink to fulfillment. But since the story wasn't going anywhere neither was the sex. Oh, who the hell am I kidding. Sex doesn't have to have a point. All my bitching probably means I was sick of them, not the sex. There's a scene after they decide to move into more of a BDSM relationship where Jase takes Jordan to his apartment and shows him his toys. They get all hot and bothered from the "smell of leather" and just looking at the toys that Jase fucks Jordan hard then and there, while he goes on about "God, what I want to do to you". WTF, so do it now. You have a closet full of toys and all we get is just another fuck, not even a fucking nipple clamp thrown in or something. Just another sex scene for the hell of it. I'm sure we just had one before it and we'll have one right after at the BDSM party, so what was the point.
The sub plot of Daniel's addiction is what kept me reading. This is where the writers really got to me. I can relate to Jordan and how he struggles to cope with Daniel's addiction and recovery. Daniel isn't just his best friend, he's his family and you just can't walk away from family. I've felt all of Jordan's emotions. The hope that the recovery will stick. The heartbreaking loss of trust in that person, always wondering if this loss or that stress will make him seek refuge in that same way again. Dealing with the mood swings, depression, and awful temper. And the fear that's always with you, that fear every time the phone rings that this will be the day the drug won and you've lost him forever. Even if it's just for a split second and even after years, it's still always there. The thing is, there just wasn't enough of this, and again a lot of it was off page, stuff that happened before this latest fall. And the way Jordan dealt with it was with risky sex and being a selfish little shit.
The last third of the book is was saved it from being a 1 star rating. Daniel's out of rehab, Jordan's composing new music and the band will start recording a new album, we find out the rest of the members names (not that they really matter at all) and it finally gets somewhat interesting. I have to admit, it made me cry. Daniel's depression, Jordan's self destruction, it was all well done. And just when it seems that Jase will finally grow some balls and walk away from Jordan and all his shit, what does he do? Then it all gets tied up in a nice little bow. Jase and Jordan get their HEA along with a strong D/s relationship. That trust that wasn't there before, well we have it now and we see it in that very nicely done shaving scene at the end. But how did we get there? Was just sticking through Jordan's shit enough for Jordan (and me) to trust Jase in this sort of relationship. Maybe. I trust that Jase loves Jordan, and that he'll keep Jordan safe during BDSM scenes, that he knows what he's doing. But as a true Dom, I still don't buy it. Jordan wants and needs a true D/s relationship (I'm thinking Marcus and Thomas in Rough Canvas), but I don't really see Jase being up for the task. At least not at this point.
April 15, 2014
This book, it’s… good. So good. I loved it so much and it hit me really hard. For me, this is a representation of things I’ve watched happen to so many musicians. Running around in Seattle, before and after college, I’d be hitting the bars, the warehouse spaces, the large venues, searching… searching for those songs, that music, the stuff that feeds my soul. Did I find it? Yeah, I did. But a lot of the time finding that beautiful, soul crushing and healing music often times meant that someone on the other side if it was going through something so painful, no one could understand.
While this book has the kinky sex, the two men finding the right combination that will work for them, we’re also deep into an even more emotional journey. Jordan’s dealing with his best friend’s addictions, while at the same time, dealing with the pressures of being a huge rock star. Jordan needs to let go, to find balance, and turning to Jase is what helps him. But those deep troubles can be too much for anyone. Dealing with Daniel is not easy for Jordan on a good day. And then things get bad. And then things got even worse.
My feelings were off the chart. I cried like a baby, surprising the shit out of myself. If I’m to be honest, I was diggin’ the book fine. I liked the characters, the kinks, the struggles. I didn’t love it, but I liked it well enough. I don’t know if I thought I was as invested in the story as I’d hoped, and then all of a sudden, I’m snot faced and reaching for the tissues. It smacked me on the head and told me to kneel. It made me remember so many things, made me so sad.
While I tried to figure out what to say about this book, I listened to Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here, on repeat. Over and over again, the song giving me goose bumps all over my skin, but this time, for a whole other reason. Of course I’ve always associated this song with loss, but now I’ll never be able to listen to it again without thinking about Jase, Jordan, and of course, Daniel.
And now I’m going to listen to some Mother Love Bone… if you know anything about Seattle music, you’ll understand.
While this book has the kinky sex, the two men finding the right combination that will work for them, we’re also deep into an even more emotional journey. Jordan’s dealing with his best friend’s addictions, while at the same time, dealing with the pressures of being a huge rock star. Jordan needs to let go, to find balance, and turning to Jase is what helps him. But those deep troubles can be too much for anyone. Dealing with Daniel is not easy for Jordan on a good day. And then things get bad. And then things got even worse.
My feelings were off the chart. I cried like a baby, surprising the shit out of myself. If I’m to be honest, I was diggin’ the book fine. I liked the characters, the kinks, the struggles. I didn’t love it, but I liked it well enough. I don’t know if I thought I was as invested in the story as I’d hoped, and then all of a sudden, I’m snot faced and reaching for the tissues. It smacked me on the head and told me to kneel. It made me remember so many things, made me so sad.
While I tried to figure out what to say about this book, I listened to Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here, on repeat. Over and over again, the song giving me goose bumps all over my skin, but this time, for a whole other reason. Of course I’ve always associated this song with loss, but now I’ll never be able to listen to it again without thinking about Jase, Jordan, and of course, Daniel.
And now I’m going to listen to some Mother Love Bone… if you know anything about Seattle music, you’ll understand.
March 23, 2014
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
4.5 Stars
Sexy hot rock star!! How could I say no!!
Jordan Kane is at the pinnacle of his career with his rock band No Rules. He has come a long way from playing small clubs with his best friend and band guitarist Daniel and they should be living the dream right? But the higher you fly the further you drop and with Jordans need for a dangerous kink and Daniels need for any drug he can get his hands on things are about to crash.
Jordan tends to sleep and then fire a lot of male crew members when the band is on the road. Once they realise what he needs they all tend to flee. When Jase Hewitt is assigned as his bodyguard and neither of them could have realised what a perfect fit they may be for each other. Jase is ex-military and a Dom and has no problem providing extra services for a sexy rock star until he realises just how far Jordan wants to go.
Daniel is a bit of a wild card and has been in and out of rehab in the last few years. Friends since their childhood he is immediately jealous of anyone Jordan starts a relationship with and is quick to start manipulating.
In some ways this was like a ménage relationship but with only 2 people in the sexual relationship. Jordan can’t find it in himself to say no to his best friend and over the years their friendship has turned toxic and is damaging them both. When Jase comes onto the scene Daniels insecurities come out once again.
As the stress of being on tour grows Daniels behaviour becomes more erratic and slowly things are getting dangerous and stressful. Jordan finally pulls the plug on the tour and the band all head home but when things take a turn for the worse Jordan finds himself losing control.
With Jase starts having flashbacks to a previous relationship both he and Jordan are both going to have to face their demons if they have any chance at love.
4.5 Stars
Sexy hot rock star!! How could I say no!!
Jordan Kane is at the pinnacle of his career with his rock band No Rules. He has come a long way from playing small clubs with his best friend and band guitarist Daniel and they should be living the dream right? But the higher you fly the further you drop and with Jordans need for a dangerous kink and Daniels need for any drug he can get his hands on things are about to crash.
Jordan tends to sleep and then fire a lot of male crew members when the band is on the road. Once they realise what he needs they all tend to flee. When Jase Hewitt is assigned as his bodyguard and neither of them could have realised what a perfect fit they may be for each other. Jase is ex-military and a Dom and has no problem providing extra services for a sexy rock star until he realises just how far Jordan wants to go.
Daniel is a bit of a wild card and has been in and out of rehab in the last few years. Friends since their childhood he is immediately jealous of anyone Jordan starts a relationship with and is quick to start manipulating.
In some ways this was like a ménage relationship but with only 2 people in the sexual relationship. Jordan can’t find it in himself to say no to his best friend and over the years their friendship has turned toxic and is damaging them both. When Jase comes onto the scene Daniels insecurities come out once again.
As the stress of being on tour grows Daniels behaviour becomes more erratic and slowly things are getting dangerous and stressful. Jordan finally pulls the plug on the tour and the band all head home but when things take a turn for the worse Jordan finds himself losing control.
With Jase starts having flashbacks to a previous relationship both he and Jordan are both going to have to face their demons if they have any chance at love.
May 29, 2015
I love the whole rock star/bodyguard love story, it just flips my switch. Add in some angst, drama, and kink-it's a definite winner. I'm loving the books these two fantastic authors are writing together. Can't wait to see more from them as a team.
January 19, 2016
There are three main threads to this story - the difficulties and pressures of a rock-star life in the public eye, the beginnings of a BDSM relationship for a new sub, and the risks of drug addiction. At times it felt like they were battling each other for story space. The addiction element seemed both the most compelling and the most central. There was a real drive to portray how hard it is to love an addict. Both main characters have been around and around with someone they love, through the cycle of watching helplessly as that person got deeper into drugs, tried to quit, went through rehab, came out, and eventually fell off the wagon again.
Jase lost his boyfriend to drugs. Now he's bodyguard to Jordan, a rock star whose guitar player is circling the same drain. They come together in the shared experience, as Jase tries to help Jordan survive seeing Daniel deal with his addiction. There was an authenticity to the emotions here (even if one plot twist was obvious and really should have been to Jase as well.)
The BDSM thread was less convincing to me, functioning to explain the failure of Jordan's earlier relationships because they didn't match his kink. The club scene came out of nowhere, and didn't fit where the guys seemed to be in their relationship, although other BDSM elements worked better for me
As a minor comment, both POVs are written in alternating first person, which was fine - the voices worked for me and the first person view added intimacy. But... both main character names were similar (Jason and Jordan). This added an unnecessary element of confusion.
I picked this up as a freebie, and it was a fairly engaging read, although not as intense for me as the plot elements would have predicted.
Jase lost his boyfriend to drugs. Now he's bodyguard to Jordan, a rock star whose guitar player is circling the same drain. They come together in the shared experience, as Jase tries to help Jordan survive seeing Daniel deal with his addiction. There was an authenticity to the emotions here (even if one plot twist was obvious and really should have been to Jase as well.)
The BDSM thread was less convincing to me, functioning to explain the failure of Jordan's earlier relationships because they didn't match his kink. The club scene came out of nowhere, and didn't fit where the guys seemed to be in their relationship, although other BDSM elements worked better for me
As a minor comment, both POVs are written in alternating first person, which was fine - the voices worked for me and the first person view added intimacy. But... both main character names were similar (Jason and Jordan). This added an unnecessary element of confusion.
I picked this up as a freebie, and it was a fairly engaging read, although not as intense for me as the plot elements would have predicted.
April 8, 2014
If I was to write my review before 50% it would have had a big old DNF. This was all over the place. The authors had not found a rhythm, the characters were confusing and frankly, not real likable, and I was bored to tears. What kept me going? The few BDSM scenes. No, they weren't particularly great scenes but I was angry enough at that point to see if they were able to pull a save out of their BDSM bag. They made the save, barely. I know it's probably just me but when you start messing around with trying to cure someone's emotional illnesses with BDSM, THEN I have to look at the whole book seriously and see if it rings true. This was NOT consistent. I normally don't give a rat's ass about whether things seems real. Fiction is fiction, right? Well, it is up until they cross that line with me. Then it better ring true. So, they barely pulled it out of the bag by making me at least want to see how this ended. I can't believe that both of these big time authors could not come up with a decent editor. The mistakes were what I would equate with a self-published book. I'll stop fussing now.
April 13, 2014
I read this as a beta reader.
So very good. It’s hot as sin, but also a good emotional roller coaster.
ETA April 13:
One of the things I loved about this book was the whiplash of emotions I went though, especially about Daniel. That the authors had me going from very much disliking him to being heartbroken for him...says a lot.
The other aspect I enjoyed was a glimpse that things between Jase and Jordan could work and what each gave to each other before it all went into crisis.
The ending is a combination of hope mixed with some bittersweet, which is very much like real life, in a way.
Short form: Been wanting to tell people to OMG READ THIS since...oh, the end of February.
So very good. It’s hot as sin, but also a good emotional roller coaster.
ETA April 13:
One of the things I loved about this book was the whiplash of emotions I went though, especially about Daniel. That the authors had me going from very much disliking him to being heartbroken for him...says a lot.
The other aspect I enjoyed was a glimpse that things between Jase and Jordan could work and what each gave to each other before it all went into crisis.
The ending is a combination of hope mixed with some bittersweet, which is very much like real life, in a way.
Short form: Been wanting to tell people to OMG READ THIS since...oh, the end of February.
March 31, 2025
I loved reading this book. Jordon Kane is the lead singer of (No Rules) Jordon is dealing with a lot of stress his best friend and one time lover Daniel. Jase Hewitt is a guitarist who takes a job as Jordon's bodyguard who takes the job when his own band crashes and burns Jase is also a Dom. This was a really good book I felt so bad for Jordon. Daniel is a selfish jerk who has been using Jordon for years and he blames him for his drug problems going so far has paying off Jordon's former lover's because he can't stand to see him with anyone else. Jase has always liked Jordon and the bands music for years he has also heard rumors about Jordon and his kink of breath play and although he is not comfortable with it he does it anyway on their first time together, which I think is dangerous but realizes that Jordon is a submissive and introduces him to his BDSM friends. Daniel is falling apart and Jase has been here before with his ex Eric after a fight with Jordon, Daniel he overdoses and goes into rehab. Jase and Jordon continue to get closer after a fight about Daniel and why he overdosed, which Jase was right. Dealing with people loved one's with a drug addiction is hard with the lying cheating and stealing that they do and your own guilt with giving them tough love. Jase and Jordon get more involved with bdsm with Jase trying to find a less dangerous way to help Jase get what he needs something that he is comfortable with. This was a very good emotional m/m story Jordon was so broken Daniel was a train wreck waiting to happen and they all new what was going to come Jase, because he has seen it before and Jordon, because he wanted to believe that this time it would be different. Jordon who used the only coping skills that he knew I was so glad that that this book had a happy ending. This was my first time reading these authors this book was well written with no grammar errors. If you like reading about hot rock star with BDSM thrown into it I recommend that you read this book.
April 8, 2014
As a fan of rockstar stories I was immediately drawn to this story and the intensity of the emotions on display. The glitz and glamour, as well as the loneliness and stress, of the music world is vividly depicted in ways that don't always end happily but keep reality just a breath away. The characters weren't always perfect but they made you feel and put you through the emotional wringer to the very end.
The authors dealt with real issues of addiction in its many forms along with self-injurious individuals and their needs to feel anything, no matter how close to danger they tread. Lead singer Jordan always wanted fame but he finds it a lonely place where no one can be trusted until bodyguard Jase enters the picture. Jordan enjoys walking on the wild side of sexuality as a form of escape as he always feels as though everyone wants something from him. Jase is the one person who wants Jordan for himself, he just wants to keep him safe and help him express his pain in a safer way though. The two of them are scorching together in numerous m/m sexual encounters, but guitarist Daniel's constantly on the fringe of their relationship keeping them from fully committing because of his jealousy. Daniel is the face of addiction and the authors actually found a way to make him sympathetic towards the end as until that moment his addiction was toxic to everyone around him.
This was an intense read from start to finish. Intense BDSM play was woven perfectly throughout the story and showed why individuals are drawn to it as a form of mental escape as this reader became fully immersed in these erotically charged scenes. The characters are compelling with deep seated issues and scenes that left me a bit teary-eyed at times too. Ms. Grant and Ms. Witt are at the top of their game in this story and I look forward to what they create together next!
The authors dealt with real issues of addiction in its many forms along with self-injurious individuals and their needs to feel anything, no matter how close to danger they tread. Lead singer Jordan always wanted fame but he finds it a lonely place where no one can be trusted until bodyguard Jase enters the picture. Jordan enjoys walking on the wild side of sexuality as a form of escape as he always feels as though everyone wants something from him. Jase is the one person who wants Jordan for himself, he just wants to keep him safe and help him express his pain in a safer way though. The two of them are scorching together in numerous m/m sexual encounters, but guitarist Daniel's constantly on the fringe of their relationship keeping them from fully committing because of his jealousy. Daniel is the face of addiction and the authors actually found a way to make him sympathetic towards the end as until that moment his addiction was toxic to everyone around him.
This was an intense read from start to finish. Intense BDSM play was woven perfectly throughout the story and showed why individuals are drawn to it as a form of mental escape as this reader became fully immersed in these erotically charged scenes. The characters are compelling with deep seated issues and scenes that left me a bit teary-eyed at times too. Ms. Grant and Ms. Witt are at the top of their game in this story and I look forward to what they create together next!
April 12, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Guarded takes on some really heavy themes and I think the authors handle them quite well. On one hand we have the the sexual relationship between Jase and Jordan and the exploration of dominance and submission between them. Jordan has always been kinky, but being famous, has never really had a safe and private place to explore. Jordan is a natural submissive, but his real kink is breath play. So he has been engaging in this act with a series of random partners, risking his safety and public exposure to get his needs met. With Jase, Jordan learns more about the BDSM scene and formal Dom/sub roles.
Read Jay's review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Guarded takes on some really heavy themes and I think the authors handle them quite well. On one hand we have the the sexual relationship between Jase and Jordan and the exploration of dominance and submission between them. Jordan has always been kinky, but being famous, has never really had a safe and private place to explore. Jordan is a natural submissive, but his real kink is breath play. So he has been engaging in this act with a series of random partners, risking his safety and public exposure to get his needs met. With Jase, Jordan learns more about the BDSM scene and formal Dom/sub roles.
Read Jay's review in its entirety here.
January 16, 2015
I really loved this book. But, there was something I REALLY did not agree with.
SPOILER ALERT
There is absolutely no talk of an agreement between Jordan and Jace. None. This seemed incredibly dangerous to me. And Jace seemed very callous using that cane on Jordan all nillie-willie. I took away an entire star for that.
Otherwise, it would have been five stars. Awesome plot. Wonderful character development. Great love scenes. The works! If it was not for the lack of BDSM contract and/or simple agreement of limits, it would have been a five star. Loved them! Oh and I totally cried my eyes out. But I'm not emotionally scarred for life lol ❤️
SPOILER ALERT
There is absolutely no talk of an agreement between Jordan and Jace. None. This seemed incredibly dangerous to me. And Jace seemed very callous using that cane on Jordan all nillie-willie. I took away an entire star for that.
Otherwise, it would have been five stars. Awesome plot. Wonderful character development. Great love scenes. The works! If it was not for the lack of BDSM contract and/or simple agreement of limits, it would have been a five star. Loved them! Oh and I totally cried my eyes out. But I'm not emotionally scarred for life lol ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2014
Nope, didn't work for me. It had all the elements I want - rock star, bodyguard, angst, best friend drama, but still nope.
The story was all over the place, in the beginning it looked like breath play was going to be a big component, but then it just pettered out. Then I thought music was going to be big, but didn't really happen until the end. Bottom line, the story was all over the place and it was flat. I didn't care for Jordan, so it became difficult for me to care about anything he did.
The story was all over the place, in the beginning it looked like breath play was going to be a big component, but then it just pettered out. Then I thought music was going to be big, but didn't really happen until the end. Bottom line, the story was all over the place and it was flat. I didn't care for Jordan, so it became difficult for me to care about anything he did.
April 17, 2014
4 Stars
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
It doesn't take long for Jordan Kane and his bodyguard, Jase Hewitt, to realize they are sexually attracted to each other. Once Jase realized the rumors about Jordan's kinks were real they both began to have some of the best sex ever. Of course, it's not always the best thing for a bodyguard to sleep with the rock star he's meant to be guarding, nor is it good to sleep with your employees. Their relationship serves to further complicate the interpersonal politics of Jordan's band, No Rules. Jordan's lifelong friend and former boyfriend, Daniel, is an addict struggling with his life. Jase has seen abuse up close and personal before as he watched his boyfriend use and abuse for years and ultimately commit suicide. When problems in the band come to a head Daniel has an overdose. Jase finds that awfully convenient. Jordan is not at all appreciative Jase points out Daniel's obvious manipulations and that there has been a pattern of them. Jordan immediately sends Jase away. Both men find themselves somewhat adrift. Neither man is really ready to admit how much their relationship meant, but they are not doing well on their own.
When Jase is called back to work for Jordan they find themselves at a crossroads in their relationship. Both men are ready to admit what they have is so much more than sex. Jase isn't with Jordan because he's an employee, he's there as a boyfriend and Dom. With Daniel slowly getting better in rehab, Jase and Jordan have a somewhat idyllic time of composing music and exploring their various sexual kinks. They find themselves really happy. When Daniel attempts to manipulate the situation from rehab he finds it no longer works. When Jordan and Jase stand as a united front they all do better. Of course, nothing idyllic can last for very long. Daniel is eventually released from rehab and the band is nominated for some musical awards. Things seem good. There is new music to be made, awards are won, and sobriety is within Daniel's grasp. That's when it all turns to shit. Jordan and Jase find their relationship tested in ways Jase can't live through again.
I was riveted to this story. I truly resented the things that made me stop reading. I took my big expensive e Reader to the pool so I could finish. Not only did I really like the story itself, there were a lot of themes I found interesting. I found it incredibly refreshing to have the sub be in financial control of the situation. Too many books have super wealthy doms with poor young subs. In addition to that the concept of the Dom being there for the needs of the sub were further played out in the relationship with Jordan obviously having more personal issues than Jase, even to the extent of using Jase as though he were a drug. Something there simply to take him away from reality. That coupled with an unflinching yet not unsympathetic portrayal of an addict and the destruction they cause to everyone around them made for a fascinating read that I literally did not want to put down.
Whereas I did absolutely love this story there were some aspects of the crafting of this book I didn't love. I felt the foreshadowing to be really obvious. I do like feeling smart and knowing where a story is going, but I don't like to see the plot unfold before me after the first couple of chapters. Daniel's personal trajectory, Jordan's out of control spiral, and the ultimate line up of the band were all things I felt I saw coming far too soon. I was frustrated. In spite of that the story itself was excellent. I would also like to say I enjoy books with multiple first person perspectives.
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
It doesn't take long for Jordan Kane and his bodyguard, Jase Hewitt, to realize they are sexually attracted to each other. Once Jase realized the rumors about Jordan's kinks were real they both began to have some of the best sex ever. Of course, it's not always the best thing for a bodyguard to sleep with the rock star he's meant to be guarding, nor is it good to sleep with your employees. Their relationship serves to further complicate the interpersonal politics of Jordan's band, No Rules. Jordan's lifelong friend and former boyfriend, Daniel, is an addict struggling with his life. Jase has seen abuse up close and personal before as he watched his boyfriend use and abuse for years and ultimately commit suicide. When problems in the band come to a head Daniel has an overdose. Jase finds that awfully convenient. Jordan is not at all appreciative Jase points out Daniel's obvious manipulations and that there has been a pattern of them. Jordan immediately sends Jase away. Both men find themselves somewhat adrift. Neither man is really ready to admit how much their relationship meant, but they are not doing well on their own.
When Jase is called back to work for Jordan they find themselves at a crossroads in their relationship. Both men are ready to admit what they have is so much more than sex. Jase isn't with Jordan because he's an employee, he's there as a boyfriend and Dom. With Daniel slowly getting better in rehab, Jase and Jordan have a somewhat idyllic time of composing music and exploring their various sexual kinks. They find themselves really happy. When Daniel attempts to manipulate the situation from rehab he finds it no longer works. When Jordan and Jase stand as a united front they all do better. Of course, nothing idyllic can last for very long. Daniel is eventually released from rehab and the band is nominated for some musical awards. Things seem good. There is new music to be made, awards are won, and sobriety is within Daniel's grasp. That's when it all turns to shit. Jordan and Jase find their relationship tested in ways Jase can't live through again.
I was riveted to this story. I truly resented the things that made me stop reading. I took my big expensive e Reader to the pool so I could finish. Not only did I really like the story itself, there were a lot of themes I found interesting. I found it incredibly refreshing to have the sub be in financial control of the situation. Too many books have super wealthy doms with poor young subs. In addition to that the concept of the Dom being there for the needs of the sub were further played out in the relationship with Jordan obviously having more personal issues than Jase, even to the extent of using Jase as though he were a drug. Something there simply to take him away from reality. That coupled with an unflinching yet not unsympathetic portrayal of an addict and the destruction they cause to everyone around them made for a fascinating read that I literally did not want to put down.
Whereas I did absolutely love this story there were some aspects of the crafting of this book I didn't love. I felt the foreshadowing to be really obvious. I do like feeling smart and knowing where a story is going, but I don't like to see the plot unfold before me after the first couple of chapters. Daniel's personal trajectory, Jordan's out of control spiral, and the ultimate line up of the band were all things I felt I saw coming far too soon. I was frustrated. In spite of that the story itself was excellent. I would also like to say I enjoy books with multiple first person perspectives.
April 16, 2014
The first two thirds of this book would have rated it five stars, but the last third really drained it for me.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Jordan's kink and his efforts to curb Daniel's habits was fantastic, their bond was obvious from the start and I read on eagerly to find out why.
Daniel was a fantastic troubled character, that was brilliantly done, his death was very hard to read.
The BDSM was well done, although I wondered why Jase didn't let Jordan experience a milder version before the party instead of thrusting him in front of strangers for the first time. (And letting them 'have a go' whilst Jordan was flying). Maybe Jordan's partying ways had him used to multiple partners (possibly) but that was a hell of a lot of trust in that scene.
Like I said, the first two thirds were enjoyable. But sadly the end didn't cover it for me, it was too quickly wrapped up. Jase taking Daniel's job was uncomfortable, it felt disrespectful.
Plus Jase pleaded with Jordan so much to try and stop him spiralling out of control but a quick word from Renee, telling him how torn up Jase was worked better than Jase showing his desperation by flushing Jordan's meds and pouring away the booze. It was way too fast, too easy. Too quick of a turnaround.
After Jordan's sudden realisation, he goes to Jase, the latter honestly too accepting of Jordan's apologies. I wanted Jase to be angry, upset or something, not just looking sullen and telling Jordan how sorry he is that he left him alone. That they'd work on it, that it's all ok. Jase showed so much as a great Dom but in the end it felt flat, he wasn't right for me then. I don't know, Jase just deserved much more of an ending and it didn't work for me. I loved his character throughout this story but in the end, I lost connection with Jase.
As for Jordan, he went wacky at the end, had a way too sudden realisation that he was treating the man he loved like crap and I didn't feel the remorse as much as I should have when he went to apologise. Don't get me wrong, his lifelong friend was gone, too sudden, too soon. I get that. A relapse (for both Daniel and Jordan) was plausible, expected with the way the story moved along but it felt like a role reversal at the end. Jase the sub and Jordan the dom.
I skimmed sentences, not willing to put it down considering how good the book started, but really struggling to find a reason to give it more attention by the end.
And honestly, I bought this because it had L. A. Witt's name to it, loving all of her previous work. I won't stop reading her work, because honestly her books have me reading for the entirety in one sitting. It's just that this one didn't work out for me, others may very well enjoy this.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Jordan's kink and his efforts to curb Daniel's habits was fantastic, their bond was obvious from the start and I read on eagerly to find out why.
Daniel was a fantastic troubled character, that was brilliantly done, his death was very hard to read.
The BDSM was well done, although I wondered why Jase didn't let Jordan experience a milder version before the party instead of thrusting him in front of strangers for the first time. (And letting them 'have a go' whilst Jordan was flying). Maybe Jordan's partying ways had him used to multiple partners (possibly) but that was a hell of a lot of trust in that scene.
Like I said, the first two thirds were enjoyable. But sadly the end didn't cover it for me, it was too quickly wrapped up. Jase taking Daniel's job was uncomfortable, it felt disrespectful.
Plus Jase pleaded with Jordan so much to try and stop him spiralling out of control but a quick word from Renee, telling him how torn up Jase was worked better than Jase showing his desperation by flushing Jordan's meds and pouring away the booze. It was way too fast, too easy. Too quick of a turnaround.
After Jordan's sudden realisation, he goes to Jase, the latter honestly too accepting of Jordan's apologies. I wanted Jase to be angry, upset or something, not just looking sullen and telling Jordan how sorry he is that he left him alone. That they'd work on it, that it's all ok. Jase showed so much as a great Dom but in the end it felt flat, he wasn't right for me then. I don't know, Jase just deserved much more of an ending and it didn't work for me. I loved his character throughout this story but in the end, I lost connection with Jase.
As for Jordan, he went wacky at the end, had a way too sudden realisation that he was treating the man he loved like crap and I didn't feel the remorse as much as I should have when he went to apologise. Don't get me wrong, his lifelong friend was gone, too sudden, too soon. I get that. A relapse (for both Daniel and Jordan) was plausible, expected with the way the story moved along but it felt like a role reversal at the end. Jase the sub and Jordan the dom.
I skimmed sentences, not willing to put it down considering how good the book started, but really struggling to find a reason to give it more attention by the end.
And honestly, I bought this because it had L. A. Witt's name to it, loving all of her previous work. I won't stop reading her work, because honestly her books have me reading for the entirety in one sitting. It's just that this one didn't work out for me, others may very well enjoy this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2014
Jordan Kane is the lead vocalist of the increasingly popular rock band No Rules and favorite of adoring female fans of all ages. Off stage he's been gotten a reputation of loves 'em and leaves 'em as he changes his partners on a nightly basis. Little does the outside world realize that he's not only hiding his true sexuality but he's also a closet submissive desperately searching for a Dom to call his own.
Jase Hewitt thought he'd hit the lottery when he was hired to be Jordan Kane's personal bodyguard until he also became his lover. Life would be perfect if it wasn't for Daniel, another member of the band. Jordan & Daniel have history. And it's complicated.
The question is whether Jase is a temporary f*ck buddy or are the two a match made in Heaven. They may get the chance to find out if the demons of their past and present will allow.
* * * *
This was an emotional gut wrenching story of potential love and drug/alcohol addition that was at times difficult to read. Not the typical journey of hitting the bottom of the barrel with no where else to go but up. No. More a case of how many times can one get slammed to the bottom, rise up, get slammed again, rise, repeat, until something happens to break the cycle. Addiction is an evil mistress with no winners.
The core romance between Jase and Jordan was as dysfuctional as it could be except for the fact that they didn't give up on each other. Loved that. And their relationship seemed so basic yet real that I had to wonder if this story was loosely based on a factual couple. I'd be happy if it was because pain to that degree deserves a HEA ending.
In regards to the adult content. To basically sum things up: any/all scenes were HAWT HAWT HAWT with a side of 'oh baby' The BDSM sent chills down my spine as Jase was more than capable of taking on superstar Jordan. It's not often that the reader experiences scenes from the Dom's POV which may be why I appreciated them scenes so much. I have to add that there is a private home BDSM party that was my favorite scene of the book. William & Renee really know how to put on a heck of a party. What I wouldn't have given to be a participant myself. whimper, whimper
My expectations for this book were far exceeded by the quality of writing skills of the authors to provide such a moving romantic tale and the emotionalism of the ethical problems those having a loved one battling addiction face. I'm a biggie fan.
Jase Hewitt thought he'd hit the lottery when he was hired to be Jordan Kane's personal bodyguard until he also became his lover. Life would be perfect if it wasn't for Daniel, another member of the band. Jordan & Daniel have history. And it's complicated.
The question is whether Jase is a temporary f*ck buddy or are the two a match made in Heaven. They may get the chance to find out if the demons of their past and present will allow.
* * * *
This was an emotional gut wrenching story of potential love and drug/alcohol addition that was at times difficult to read. Not the typical journey of hitting the bottom of the barrel with no where else to go but up. No. More a case of how many times can one get slammed to the bottom, rise up, get slammed again, rise, repeat, until something happens to break the cycle. Addiction is an evil mistress with no winners.
The core romance between Jase and Jordan was as dysfuctional as it could be except for the fact that they didn't give up on each other. Loved that. And their relationship seemed so basic yet real that I had to wonder if this story was loosely based on a factual couple. I'd be happy if it was because pain to that degree deserves a HEA ending.
In regards to the adult content. To basically sum things up: any/all scenes were HAWT HAWT HAWT with a side of 'oh baby' The BDSM sent chills down my spine as Jase was more than capable of taking on superstar Jordan. It's not often that the reader experiences scenes from the Dom's POV which may be why I appreciated them scenes so much. I have to add that there is a private home BDSM party that was my favorite scene of the book. William & Renee really know how to put on a heck of a party. What I wouldn't have given to be a participant myself. whimper, whimper
My expectations for this book were far exceeded by the quality of writing skills of the authors to provide such a moving romantic tale and the emotionalism of the ethical problems those having a loved one battling addiction face. I'm a biggie fan.
November 22, 2014
Jordan Kane and his band No Rules have made to rockstar fame playing stadium-sized live shows for thousands and thousands of fans. Jordan is under a lot of pressure from the record company and his manager to keep delivering the performance everyone expects from him in all aspects of life in the public eye.
But most of all he feels the strain of trying to protect his best friend and fellow band member from self-destructing on drugs. Daniel has been in and out of rehab several times already is currently spending yet another tour moving between the highs of whatever is his current drug-of-choice and depressed lows. And all Jordan can do is watch from the sideline and suffer through his own helplessness.
The two have known each other since childhood. But where Daniel has romantic feelings for Jordan, Jordan sees him more as a brother. A brother he will do just about anything for since Daniel was there for him years ago when he nearly lost himself to drugs and alcohol.
When the book starts, the band is on tour. No Rules are huge and since there is no telling what hysterical fans may be up to, Jordan has hired Jase as a personal bodyguard to accompany him.
The two get closer providing each other with some much needed stress relief; submitting to Jase helps Jordan unwind when the pressure gets to be too much.
Their sexual exploits turn into a real relationship, the D/s aspect taking up an increasingly large part of it. Jase insists on Jordan picking a safeword but other than that they keep it fairly informal; they talk in general about their needs and wants, but there is no contract. I liked that. It worked for them. As long as Jase checks first what Jordan is ok with before throwing him into a scene - like Jordan's first visit to a private BDSM party - there is no need to put everything down in writing.
Things are running fine until Daniel once again spirals out of control. This time he almost takes Jordan with him and the relationship between Jordan and Jase is crushed. Only the intervention of a good friend brings them back on track.
The ending?
But most of all he feels the strain of trying to protect his best friend and fellow band member from self-destructing on drugs. Daniel has been in and out of rehab several times already is currently spending yet another tour moving between the highs of whatever is his current drug-of-choice and depressed lows. And all Jordan can do is watch from the sideline and suffer through his own helplessness.
The two have known each other since childhood. But where Daniel has romantic feelings for Jordan, Jordan sees him more as a brother. A brother he will do just about anything for since Daniel was there for him years ago when he nearly lost himself to drugs and alcohol.
When the book starts, the band is on tour. No Rules are huge and since there is no telling what hysterical fans may be up to, Jordan has hired Jase as a personal bodyguard to accompany him.
The two get closer providing each other with some much needed stress relief; submitting to Jase helps Jordan unwind when the pressure gets to be too much.
Their sexual exploits turn into a real relationship, the D/s aspect taking up an increasingly large part of it. Jase insists on Jordan picking a safeword but other than that they keep it fairly informal; they talk in general about their needs and wants, but there is no contract. I liked that. It worked for them. As long as Jase checks first what Jordan is ok with before throwing him into a scene - like Jordan's first visit to a private BDSM party - there is no need to put everything down in writing.
Things are running fine until Daniel once again spirals out of control. This time he almost takes Jordan with him and the relationship between Jordan and Jase is crushed. Only the intervention of a good friend brings them back on track.
The ending?
February 13, 2015
There were so many things that felt off to me in this book. Things that didn't make sense to me or were just plain wrong. So I think I will just list some things.....
1. Why Did Jordan and Daniel break up? Jordan tells us
2. Why didn't anybody ever consider Jase's music career?
3. How do you go from having a some private relatively mild BDSM at home to a full dungeon experience over night??
4. The collar
5. The band....what band.....who were they, what were their names again?
6. Eric/Daniel....I think they were the same person or at least cut from the same pattern.
7. Ok, this is just a Nurse thing but
What I did like about this book....
1. Renee....hot transwoman
2. Forth into Light -It was beautiful!
1. Why Did Jordan and Daniel break up? Jordan tells us
2. Why didn't anybody ever consider Jase's music career?
3. How do you go from having a some private relatively mild BDSM at home to a full dungeon experience over night??
4. The collar
5. The band....what band.....who were they, what were their names again?
6. Eric/Daniel....I think they were the same person or at least cut from the same pattern.
7. Ok, this is just a Nurse thing but
What I did like about this book....
1. Renee....hot transwoman
2. Forth into Light -It was beautiful!
March 30, 2017
Harsh and emotional headrush
This book screws with the emotions big time but not in a done for shocks way. It's a painful look at addiction and how it can manipulate someone's life even when they're not the one using.
It's also a book about control, how to give it up, how to use it to help someone get out of their own head. It's also about love. It's not pretty but it is realistic in its depiction of desperation but also of hope.
Oh, and Wish You Were Here, yeah that song will do it to me every time.
Not sure I exactly enjoyed this book but it was definitely worth reading.
This book screws with the emotions big time but not in a done for shocks way. It's a painful look at addiction and how it can manipulate someone's life even when they're not the one using.
It's also a book about control, how to give it up, how to use it to help someone get out of their own head. It's also about love. It's not pretty but it is realistic in its depiction of desperation but also of hope.
Oh, and Wish You Were Here, yeah that song will do it to me every time.
Not sure I exactly enjoyed this book but it was definitely worth reading.
started-not-finished
February 9, 2015This is a DNF at 35%. This has absolutely nothing to do with the authors or the writing. This is my first rock star book and I can say that I really don't like rock star books now. Live and learn. I hated the characters! I wanted to tell them all to grow up, stop whining and take some responsibility for your life.
April 25, 2014
Damn.... That was an awesome book! Great writing, great characters, great story, great sex. And the breath play made me uncomfortable, which is a good thing actually. Pushing my boundaries and comfort level is good.
Loved Jase and Jordan, cried a bit, just loved it!
Loved Jase and Jordan, cried a bit, just loved it!
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