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Not Safe For Work
Bored senseless in a meeting, Jon McNeill amuses himself with a kinky dating app on his phone. Then the app matches him with another user…who’s six feet away. Suddenly Jon finds himself on the same page as someone who’s way above his pay grade: Millionaire property developer Rick Pierce.
The app isn’t kidding, either. They’re a perfect match. Jon’s a Dom, Rick’s a sub, and they both love bondage. Both guys are well into their forties, know their way around the bedroom, and definitely appreciate a good suit. And the best part? They’re a match outside the bedroom too.
But office relationships aren’t easy to keep a secret. When the truth comes out, Jon is certain he’s about to get fired. Instead, he finds himself tangled up in a much bigger mess.
Contains two men who’ve only dreamed of this kind of sex, literal and figurative sex machines, blindfolds, a sub being punished during a business meeting, enough rope to tangle up a millionaire, and a Golden Girls marathon.
This 104,000 word novel was previously published.
The app isn’t kidding, either. They’re a perfect match. Jon’s a Dom, Rick’s a sub, and they both love bondage. Both guys are well into their forties, know their way around the bedroom, and definitely appreciate a good suit. And the best part? They’re a match outside the bedroom too.
But office relationships aren’t easy to keep a secret. When the truth comes out, Jon is certain he’s about to get fired. Instead, he finds himself tangled up in a much bigger mess.
Contains two men who’ve only dreamed of this kind of sex, literal and figurative sex machines, blindfolds, a sub being punished during a business meeting, enough rope to tangle up a millionaire, and a Golden Girls marathon.
This 104,000 word novel was previously published.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2015
216 people are currently reading
1236 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Witt
218 books2,723 followersL.A. Witt and her husband have been exiled from Spain and sent to live in Maine because rhymes are fun. She now divides her time between writing, assuring people she is aware that Maine is cold, wondering where to put her next tattoo, and trying to reason with a surly Maine coon. Rumor has it her arch nemesis, Lauren Gallagher, is also somewhere in the wilds of New England, which is why L.A. is also spending a portion of her time training a team of spec ops lobsters.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews
January 8, 2016
I'm going to start with the happy stuff:
- MCs over 40! YES, PLEASE. These are REAL men with REAL lives who know what they want. So what if their joints creak? They're still hot as fuck. Maturity is SEXY.
- Jon and Rick: orgasm nirvana, y'all! Seriously. The sex here, "vanilla" and otherwise, is no holds barred: licking, sucking, kissing ... and that's just the beginning, which brings me to my next point:
- BDSM light and LOVELY: bondage, blindfolds, Wartenberg pinwheel, cock cage, and more!
- No baby mama drama! Thank you, jesus! Karen, Jon's ex, is cool and supportive. And, hey, no kid drama either. All three of Jon's kids are in college and have their own lives.
- HEA! And a pretty fucking glorious one at that.
What made me frown (a little):
- Jon is ... not a martyr exactly, but certainly carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. Jon's supporting his ex-wife (!) AND paying the kids' way through college and possibly graduate school.
RANT ABOUT THIS IN SPOILERS BELOW (feel free to skip, cause you know how I get):
Jon was willing to break himself and sacrifice his relationship with Rick for the sake of money (and pride), and it ticked me off.
- The "blackmail" Jon allows. This goes hand in hand with my rant above. I wish Jon had been braver. He hides his bisexuality and lives in constant fear of being found out. I get that he worried about his job, but there's a point where you have to stand up for yourself and say, Fuck you.
- Lack of dual POV. Jon is the first-person narrator of this book, and I really, really missed Rick's POV. Rick is submissive but powerful. He's patient and kind ... and, well, what makes him tick exactly? It's like Rick has no faults and no history. I needed to get in his head to understand him better.
- The story dragged a little. There's a lot of talking about BDSM at the beginning, but not a lot of doing. I could have done without the extended work meeting scenes. The middle felt repetitive.
I can't put my finger on it, but I just wasn't as engaged with this story as I wanted to be.
Still recommended; because: mature MCs, sexy times, and, yes, a mutual love of the Golden Girls.
- MCs over 40! YES, PLEASE. These are REAL men with REAL lives who know what they want. So what if their joints creak? They're still hot as fuck. Maturity is SEXY.
- Jon and Rick: orgasm nirvana, y'all! Seriously. The sex here, "vanilla" and otherwise, is no holds barred: licking, sucking, kissing ... and that's just the beginning, which brings me to my next point:
- BDSM light and LOVELY: bondage, blindfolds, Wartenberg pinwheel, cock cage, and more!
- No baby mama drama! Thank you, jesus! Karen, Jon's ex, is cool and supportive. And, hey, no kid drama either. All three of Jon's kids are in college and have their own lives.
- HEA! And a pretty fucking glorious one at that.
What made me frown (a little):
- Jon is ... not a martyr exactly, but certainly carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. Jon's supporting his ex-wife (!) AND paying the kids' way through college and possibly graduate school.
RANT ABOUT THIS IN SPOILERS BELOW (feel free to skip, cause you know how I get):
Jon was willing to break himself and sacrifice his relationship with Rick for the sake of money (and pride), and it ticked me off.
- The "blackmail" Jon allows. This goes hand in hand with my rant above. I wish Jon had been braver. He hides his bisexuality and lives in constant fear of being found out. I get that he worried about his job, but there's a point where you have to stand up for yourself and say, Fuck you.
- Lack of dual POV. Jon is the first-person narrator of this book, and I really, really missed Rick's POV. Rick is submissive but powerful. He's patient and kind ... and, well, what makes him tick exactly? It's like Rick has no faults and no history. I needed to get in his head to understand him better.
- The story dragged a little. There's a lot of talking about BDSM at the beginning, but not a lot of doing. I could have done without the extended work meeting scenes. The middle felt repetitive.
I can't put my finger on it, but I just wasn't as engaged with this story as I wanted to be.
Still recommended; because: mature MCs, sexy times, and, yes, a mutual love of the Golden Girls.
March 1, 2018
1.5 rounded down
I really don’t like being the voice of dissent, but I honestly feel like I walked into a steakhouse mouth watering for a NY strip and the only thing on the menu was hamburger.
The blurb on this book called to me and I answered! I was ready to giddyup all over it and the cover too. It stumps me as to why L.A. Witt’s solo kink doesn’t work for me, but it’s time for me to just accept that as fact and press on. Because Not Safe For Work did not work for me.
Things took a nosedive at 17% when the “dom”, Jon, failed to get his kink on. Let me just speak plainly, if I had a willing submissive in my dungeon for the first time and we’d already had “the talk” I promise you the first thing on my laundry list of things to do would absolutely, unequivocally NOT be fucking him. He would be getting tied up like a Christmas turkey and tortured into a writhing, begging, sweaty mess. So when this joker had him stripped and kneeling and all he could think about was butt sex…
Let’s just say my respect for him took a nosedive as did my interest. I tried to step away a couple times in the vain hope that would reinvigorate my interest.
Unfortunately, that was not in the cards.
In fact, every time I came back and Jon would make a reference to himself as a "dom" or Rick “needing” a dom I inevitably found myself throwing the stink eye and making snide comments.
This book hardly qualifies as BDSM, hence I'm giving it the sugarkink tag despite the wax play, chastity, a fuck machine(!) and rope bondage. Mostly because they were all over in a blink and highly dissatisfying. They have far more vanilla sex than anything else. I appreciate SSC and open communication, but at a certain point…
Seriously. They talk and talk and talk and bored the bejesus out of me. I know it’s supposed to be “relationship development” but it’s about as interesting to read as an audit. What's worse is both of these guys are dull. So dull. I don't care how fantastical you are, the minutiae of daily life is never interesting especially not when you're Joe Schmo.
Another thing that annoyed me was the geriatricness. These guys are in their 40s going on 80 the way Jon makes it sound. He creaks and pops and grunts (not for the obvious reasons) more than my 91 yr old grandma. I felt like I needed to set up a Go Fund Me account for his rapidly approaching nursing home needs.
He’s sure not going to be able to afford it since he’s martyred himself into “having to” pay for all three of his children’s graduate level studies. I appreciate generosity but don’t be stupid and bankrupt yourself. There’s something to be said for working for your own education and, thereby, having a greater appreciation for it. Far be from me to get between a martyr and his/her cause though.
Instead he works himself into the ground in the oddest workplace micromanagement setting, possibly, ever. If I didn’t know better I’d say that CEO has a creepy stalker crush on Jon. It’s weird and never made sense to me.
All the interoffice nonsense added to the tedium. Why do I have to read about foam core and Xacto knives ad nauseum? I know it's a workplace romance but I could've done with a whole lot less workplace. Rick is bored by his job so how is it I’m expected to be blown away by the exciting world of architectural modeling?
And the conflict resolution was a little too Disney for me to buy.
Dual perspectives may have been more appealing since Rick struck me as less... grating, but by the end even he and his constant stuttering were on my last good nerve.
I'm not going to perpetrate and say I hated every single second of this book. There were times where I found myself thinking, 'that was sweet' or 'that's admirable realism', but by and large I found this book unsatisfying. And a chore.
Apologies for any butthurtedness that this review may cause. Unpopular opinion is entirely my own.
A review copy was provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really don’t like being the voice of dissent, but I honestly feel like I walked into a steakhouse mouth watering for a NY strip and the only thing on the menu was hamburger.
The blurb on this book called to me and I answered! I was ready to giddyup all over it and the cover too. It stumps me as to why L.A. Witt’s solo kink doesn’t work for me, but it’s time for me to just accept that as fact and press on. Because Not Safe For Work did not work for me.
Things took a nosedive at 17% when the “dom”, Jon, failed to get his kink on. Let me just speak plainly, if I had a willing submissive in my dungeon for the first time and we’d already had “the talk” I promise you the first thing on my laundry list of things to do would absolutely, unequivocally NOT be fucking him. He would be getting tied up like a Christmas turkey and tortured into a writhing, begging, sweaty mess. So when this joker had him stripped and kneeling and all he could think about was butt sex…
Let’s just say my respect for him took a nosedive as did my interest. I tried to step away a couple times in the vain hope that would reinvigorate my interest.
Unfortunately, that was not in the cards.
In fact, every time I came back and Jon would make a reference to himself as a "dom" or Rick “needing” a dom I inevitably found myself throwing the stink eye and making snide comments.
This book hardly qualifies as BDSM, hence I'm giving it the sugarkink tag despite the wax play, chastity, a fuck machine(!) and rope bondage. Mostly because they were all over in a blink and highly dissatisfying. They have far more vanilla sex than anything else. I appreciate SSC and open communication, but at a certain point…
Seriously. They talk and talk and talk and bored the bejesus out of me. I know it’s supposed to be “relationship development” but it’s about as interesting to read as an audit. What's worse is both of these guys are dull. So dull. I don't care how fantastical you are, the minutiae of daily life is never interesting especially not when you're Joe Schmo.
Another thing that annoyed me was the geriatricness. These guys are in their 40s going on 80 the way Jon makes it sound. He creaks and pops and grunts (not for the obvious reasons) more than my 91 yr old grandma. I felt like I needed to set up a Go Fund Me account for his rapidly approaching nursing home needs.
He’s sure not going to be able to afford it since he’s martyred himself into “having to” pay for all three of his children’s graduate level studies. I appreciate generosity but don’t be stupid and bankrupt yourself. There’s something to be said for working for your own education and, thereby, having a greater appreciation for it. Far be from me to get between a martyr and his/her cause though.
Instead he works himself into the ground in the oddest workplace micromanagement setting, possibly, ever. If I didn’t know better I’d say that CEO has a creepy stalker crush on Jon. It’s weird and never made sense to me.
All the interoffice nonsense added to the tedium. Why do I have to read about foam core and Xacto knives ad nauseum? I know it's a workplace romance but I could've done with a whole lot less workplace. Rick is bored by his job so how is it I’m expected to be blown away by the exciting world of architectural modeling?
And the conflict resolution was a little too Disney for me to buy.
Dual perspectives may have been more appealing since Rick struck me as less... grating, but by the end even he and his constant stuttering were on my last good nerve.
I'm not going to perpetrate and say I hated every single second of this book. There were times where I found myself thinking, 'that was sweet' or 'that's admirable realism', but by and large I found this book unsatisfying. And a chore.
Apologies for any butthurtedness that this review may cause. Unpopular opinion is entirely my own.
A review copy was provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 15, 2015
4.5 stars
I loved this book. And there was one glaring reason I loved it. Jon and Rick were written as real people with real problems. It was so, so refreshing to read about two older men still trying to get their shit together, not alone but together in a loving, committed way. Sure, there was an issue of the appropriateness of their relationship because of the fact that Nick was Jon's boss. Also, the owners of the company were bigoted assholes. But they marched on together, with the loving support of family, friends and co-workers and made it work. For all the right reasons.
Oh, and the sex, with a healthy dose of emotional BDSM play, was hot as fuck. That never hurts.
Highly recommended
Edited to add: Golden Girls marathons! These boys are fans and that is just about as sexy as can be.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
Galley copy provided by NetGalley via Samhain Publishing in exchange for an honest review. And even though I have already read this, I have it pre-ordered for my personal collection. It's that good.
I loved this book. And there was one glaring reason I loved it. Jon and Rick were written as real people with real problems. It was so, so refreshing to read about two older men still trying to get their shit together, not alone but together in a loving, committed way. Sure, there was an issue of the appropriateness of their relationship because of the fact that Nick was Jon's boss. Also, the owners of the company were bigoted assholes. But they marched on together, with the loving support of family, friends and co-workers and made it work. For all the right reasons.
Oh, and the sex, with a healthy dose of emotional BDSM play, was hot as fuck. That never hurts.
Highly recommended
Edited to add: Golden Girls marathons! These boys are fans and that is just about as sexy as can be.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
Galley copy provided by NetGalley via Samhain Publishing in exchange for an honest review. And even though I have already read this, I have it pre-ordered for my personal collection. It's that good.
i-m-a-quitter
December 16, 2015DNF @ 29%
I tried, I really did. I really, really wanted to like this one. I love LA Witt. She had me at the warning: Contains literal and figurative sex machines, blindfolds, a sub being punished during a business meeting, enough rope to tangle up a millionaire, and a Golden Girls marathon.
The reality was I was bored.
20% in and I’m already wanting to skim. Even the sex! What the hell is wrong with me?
It was just sooooooooooo repetitive. The same conversations over and over again.
Sex. Office meeting. Sex. Office meeting. Sex. Office meeting.
I couldn’t even be bothered to skim anymore. After-all, it was 6000+ loc on the Kindle.
I tried, I really did. I really, really wanted to like this one. I love LA Witt. She had me at the warning: Contains literal and figurative sex machines, blindfolds, a sub being punished during a business meeting, enough rope to tangle up a millionaire, and a Golden Girls marathon.
The reality was I was bored.
20% in and I’m already wanting to skim. Even the sex! What the hell is wrong with me?
It was just sooooooooooo repetitive. The same conversations over and over again.
Sex. Office meeting. Sex. Office meeting. Sex. Office meeting.
I couldn’t even be bothered to skim anymore. After-all, it was 6000+ loc on the Kindle.
February 17, 2016
CAUTION: Not Safe for Work could potentially lead to panties being melted right off! Prepare yourselves before picking this book up.
When Jon is pulled into yet another meeting with his firm's biggest client, he never thought it would somehow lead to him hooking up with Rick Pierce - the aforementioned biggest client. But while his boss was blabbering on, trying to appease Rick, he got bored and decided to check his Leahtr app. The app is for kinky people to meet up, so when Jon gets a ping saying someone else is using the app within 6 feet of him, and when he looked up from his phone Rick was staring right at him.
Wow this book was hot! I loved the bedroom scenes between Rick and Jon, they were smexy, and yet very well done. The whole BDSM thing has been done many times before, so it takes something amazing for me to be pleased. With this book, though, there wasn't anything over the top where you could tell the author was just trying to get as dirty as possible. There was a slow build up to the harder scenes and I liked that.
The characters were good and I like Jon and Rick together. It was a nice change to see Jon, the underpaid, not ridiculously handsome guy as the Dom, and the rich, suave guy as the sub. It's not something that happens a lot with these types of books, so I thought the change was a good one.
The only issue I had with the story was Jon. He was a good character but a bit of a do-gooder, and it got a little annoying. He was taking care of his ex-wife, and putting his kids through college, so the issue of money came up a lot because of this, and it made the story drag at times. I think I also got a little annoyed because (And parents please don't kill me) he kept worrying about paying for college for his kids as if they couldn't do it themselves. If he had the money then sure, go for it, more power to you. But speaking as a person who worked full time all through school to pay for school, it is entirely possible for his kids to pay for their schooling!
Overall, a very sexy read that any fan of m/m reads will enjoy. The smexiness was off the charts and we still got a sweet story from Jon and Rick. Recommended for all my friends!
When Jon is pulled into yet another meeting with his firm's biggest client, he never thought it would somehow lead to him hooking up with Rick Pierce - the aforementioned biggest client. But while his boss was blabbering on, trying to appease Rick, he got bored and decided to check his Leahtr app. The app is for kinky people to meet up, so when Jon gets a ping saying someone else is using the app within 6 feet of him, and when he looked up from his phone Rick was staring right at him.
Wow this book was hot! I loved the bedroom scenes between Rick and Jon, they were smexy, and yet very well done. The whole BDSM thing has been done many times before, so it takes something amazing for me to be pleased. With this book, though, there wasn't anything over the top where you could tell the author was just trying to get as dirty as possible. There was a slow build up to the harder scenes and I liked that.
The characters were good and I like Jon and Rick together. It was a nice change to see Jon, the underpaid, not ridiculously handsome guy as the Dom, and the rich, suave guy as the sub. It's not something that happens a lot with these types of books, so I thought the change was a good one.
The only issue I had with the story was Jon. He was a good character but a bit of a do-gooder, and it got a little annoying. He was taking care of his ex-wife, and putting his kids through college, so the issue of money came up a lot because of this, and it made the story drag at times. I think I also got a little annoyed because (And parents please don't kill me) he kept worrying about paying for college for his kids as if they couldn't do it themselves. If he had the money then sure, go for it, more power to you. But speaking as a person who worked full time all through school to pay for school, it is entirely possible for his kids to pay for their schooling!
Overall, a very sexy read that any fan of m/m reads will enjoy. The smexiness was off the charts and we still got a sweet story from Jon and Rick. Recommended for all my friends!
October 9, 2015
There once was a reader named Sheri.
She liked to read about Tom, Dick and Larry.
Shifters and rock stars made her happy.
Uniforms of any kind tickled her fancy.
She never turned any story away.
Till one day a bondage book left her in dismay.
A break from BDSM might be best.
Then LA delivered a treasure chest.
A master with a key….
That appeared to be written...just for me.
Okay, okay...
I'll stop with the declaration of my love for L.A. because I've said it before.
Ahhh hell, in case you missed it-
I lurve her.
If I'm going to read a BDSM book, THIS is exactly the book that I'm searching for. It couldn't have been timed any better and damn if I needed this book. As I mentioned above the last BDSM book I read knocked me back to the edge of reconsidering any other books with this element. It's not my comfort zone, but I like to walk the line, push my limits and Dom/Sub stories are a direct tap into my vein of unease. I've found I usually come out on top and I'm grateful for the awakening.
This was an ecstatic wake-up call that not all Dom's are the same.
Jon works for an architectural firm, he’s the guy that builds all the teeny tiny models of potential builds. He’s middle-aged, divorced, and working like a dog to put his three kids through college. And I freakin’ loved him! This is a good thing because it’s strictly his head that we hang out in. Odd as it may seem, his ex-wife is living with him. They split on good terms, co-parent like rockstars and when Karen was in a tough spot, Jon didn’t hesitate to help her.
Jon has always known he’s bi-sexual but he doesn’t freely announce it. Those closest to him (including his kids) know, but he’s not out at work. Not that he’s ashamed at all, but he’s never had a reason (or a man) to bring to office parties. His work partner Teagan and his crew are a total riot. The NSFW zone AT work made me laugh and laugh and laugh some more.
Jon is suffering through yet another torturous meeting with the clients when he risks a peek at his phone. Ohh wait! I failed to mention Jon is kinky. Yep, he’s got all the toys and a fancy dungeon to play in. He’s been on the lookout for a new sub and never in a million years would he have pegged the firms biggest client as that man. Rick Pierce holds his head high and barks orders like a fierce drill sergeant. Though behind closed doors he’s most comfortable on his knees and at his lover’s mercy.
Mid-forties, creaky knees, silver highlights and the maturity to TALK through problems as they arise. Yes, yes, yes! I will admit that I enjoy a good YA or NA but I’ve grown tired of the standard ‘big misunderstanding’. It was soooo refreshing when these guys confronted the issues and worked around or through them. Well, there is this one BIG thing that Jon attempts to hide from Rick, but Rick calls his bullshit.
They are on complete opposite ends of the tax bracket and Rick is an off-limits client at work….but in the dungeon they are a perfect fit. They more they play, the more they realize they have more in common than their kink. They love to cuddle and snuggle and the aftercare is just as important as the scene. I loved the dom in Jon. He made me feel safe. I was able to cut away any anxiety when ropes, cuffs and *blinks* that machine came out to play because his strong secure hands made sure of it. He’s tough but tender, strong and sensitive, and generous in the bedroom.
The one thing that kept this from 5 full shiny stars would be the repetition. Although I appreciated the reassurance that Jon provided during any scenes, sometimes I wanted to tell him to shut up and get on with it. Ha! He does like brats, so maybe he wouldn’t have minded too much.
I can overlook this slight blemish….Jon and Rick are perfect together and their smoking hot love affair suited me perfectly as well.
*4.5 older-sexy-yes-please stars*
She liked to read about Tom, Dick and Larry.
Shifters and rock stars made her happy.
Uniforms of any kind tickled her fancy.
She never turned any story away.
Till one day a bondage book left her in dismay.
A break from BDSM might be best.
Then LA delivered a treasure chest.
A master with a key….
That appeared to be written...just for me.
Okay, okay...
I'll stop with the declaration of my love for L.A. because I've said it before.
Ahhh hell, in case you missed it-
I lurve her.
If I'm going to read a BDSM book, THIS is exactly the book that I'm searching for. It couldn't have been timed any better and damn if I needed this book. As I mentioned above the last BDSM book I read knocked me back to the edge of reconsidering any other books with this element. It's not my comfort zone, but I like to walk the line, push my limits and Dom/Sub stories are a direct tap into my vein of unease. I've found I usually come out on top and I'm grateful for the awakening.
This was an ecstatic wake-up call that not all Dom's are the same.
Jon works for an architectural firm, he’s the guy that builds all the teeny tiny models of potential builds. He’s middle-aged, divorced, and working like a dog to put his three kids through college. And I freakin’ loved him! This is a good thing because it’s strictly his head that we hang out in. Odd as it may seem, his ex-wife is living with him. They split on good terms, co-parent like rockstars and when Karen was in a tough spot, Jon didn’t hesitate to help her.
Jon has always known he’s bi-sexual but he doesn’t freely announce it. Those closest to him (including his kids) know, but he’s not out at work. Not that he’s ashamed at all, but he’s never had a reason (or a man) to bring to office parties. His work partner Teagan and his crew are a total riot. The NSFW zone AT work made me laugh and laugh and laugh some more.
Jon is suffering through yet another torturous meeting with the clients when he risks a peek at his phone. Ohh wait! I failed to mention Jon is kinky. Yep, he’s got all the toys and a fancy dungeon to play in. He’s been on the lookout for a new sub and never in a million years would he have pegged the firms biggest client as that man. Rick Pierce holds his head high and barks orders like a fierce drill sergeant. Though behind closed doors he’s most comfortable on his knees and at his lover’s mercy.
Mid-forties, creaky knees, silver highlights and the maturity to TALK through problems as they arise. Yes, yes, yes! I will admit that I enjoy a good YA or NA but I’ve grown tired of the standard ‘big misunderstanding’. It was soooo refreshing when these guys confronted the issues and worked around or through them. Well, there is this one BIG thing that Jon attempts to hide from Rick, but Rick calls his bullshit.
They are on complete opposite ends of the tax bracket and Rick is an off-limits client at work….but in the dungeon they are a perfect fit. They more they play, the more they realize they have more in common than their kink. They love to cuddle and snuggle and the aftercare is just as important as the scene. I loved the dom in Jon. He made me feel safe. I was able to cut away any anxiety when ropes, cuffs and *blinks* that machine came out to play because his strong secure hands made sure of it. He’s tough but tender, strong and sensitive, and generous in the bedroom.
The one thing that kept this from 5 full shiny stars would be the repetition. Although I appreciated the reassurance that Jon provided during any scenes, sometimes I wanted to tell him to shut up and get on with it. Ha! He does like brats, so maybe he wouldn’t have minded too much.
I can overlook this slight blemish….Jon and Rick are perfect together and their smoking hot love affair suited me perfectly as well.
*4.5 older-sexy-yes-please stars*
May 8, 2017
4.5 Stars
The blurb says it all for this one. I'm not going to lie - this blurb had me at "Golden Girls marathon".
I loved that for once there was open, honest communication. COMMUNICATION, PEOPLE!! Can I get a hallelujah?
I LOVED that Jon and Rick openly talked to one another, they checked in with one another, they shored each other up and took care of each other. It wasn't all kink all the time. Though there was definitely kink...
I was absolutely entranced with the story and - even when I was raging uncontrollably at the bastards Jon works for -
L.A. Witt created characters I cared about. To be honest, situations and things that would have normally made me crazy were swept away in the love I had for Jon and Rick. There were so many work situations with Jon that I totally related to: the constant meetings interfering with your deadlines, the inappropriate but hysterical banter with co-workers...
I loved that Jon and Rick were in their forties and acted like it. I loved that the characters were highly attracted and wanted each other, but grew into their relationship. I just loved this story...I would totally recommend!
Advanced Review Copy generously provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
***********************************
Warning: Contains literal and figurative sex machines, blindfolds, a sub being punished during a business meeting, enough rope to tangle up a millionaire, and a Golden Girls marathon.
You had me at Golden Girls marathon, Samhain, you had me at Golden Girls.
The blurb says it all for this one. I'm not going to lie - this blurb had me at "Golden Girls marathon".
I loved that for once there was open, honest communication. COMMUNICATION, PEOPLE!! Can I get a hallelujah?
I LOVED that Jon and Rick openly talked to one another, they checked in with one another, they shored each other up and took care of each other. It wasn't all kink all the time. Though there was definitely kink...
I was absolutely entranced with the story and - even when I was raging uncontrollably at the bastards Jon works for -
L.A. Witt created characters I cared about. To be honest, situations and things that would have normally made me crazy were swept away in the love I had for Jon and Rick. There were so many work situations with Jon that I totally related to: the constant meetings interfering with your deadlines, the inappropriate but hysterical banter with co-workers...
I loved that Jon and Rick were in their forties and acted like it. I loved that the characters were highly attracted and wanted each other, but grew into their relationship. I just loved this story...I would totally recommend!
Advanced Review Copy generously provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
***********************************
Warning: Contains literal and figurative sex machines, blindfolds, a sub being punished during a business meeting, enough rope to tangle up a millionaire, and a Golden Girls marathon.
You had me at Golden Girls marathon, Samhain, you had me at Golden Girls.
March 15, 2018
I couldn't possibly be more the wrong reader for this book.
Generally, if I don't like a book I don't comment much on it. It has to be a story that made me ragey for me to spend time ranting.
I hope this won't come across as a rant because it really didn't offend me in any way. But I spent money on the audiobook and 11 hours listening to the narration (hoping something, anything, would pull me into the story.
I didn't happen. I did not connect with either character. I especially did not connect with them as a couple.
They are 42 and 45 year old men. The BDSM theme came across as fake. The rich guy sub never remained in character. The working man dom fell out of character more often than not. It was almost like I was reading a parody or a make-believe version of BDSM.
Given that I don't prefer romance novels with older characters and that BDSM is not a favorite romance theme for me - this book was bound to be difficult. But I stuck with it because I liked most of the secondary characters and I hoped that the twist or "crisis" of the plot would turn it around for me.
I should have known better. The peak of the plot was pretty much the final nail on this book's coffin. It didn't make sense to me!
It was just the final straw. There was simply nothing I liked about this book other than the inapropriate but funny dialogue between co-workers. Neither the MCs nor their story worked for me.
Sorry, but it was awful.
Generally, if I don't like a book I don't comment much on it. It has to be a story that made me ragey for me to spend time ranting.
I hope this won't come across as a rant because it really didn't offend me in any way. But I spent money on the audiobook and 11 hours listening to the narration (hoping something, anything, would pull me into the story.
I didn't happen. I did not connect with either character. I especially did not connect with them as a couple.
They are 42 and 45 year old men. The BDSM theme came across as fake. The rich guy sub never remained in character. The working man dom fell out of character more often than not. It was almost like I was reading a parody or a make-believe version of BDSM.
Given that I don't prefer romance novels with older characters and that BDSM is not a favorite romance theme for me - this book was bound to be difficult. But I stuck with it because I liked most of the secondary characters and I hoped that the twist or "crisis" of the plot would turn it around for me.
I should have known better. The peak of the plot was pretty much the final nail on this book's coffin. It didn't make sense to me!
It was just the final straw. There was simply nothing I liked about this book other than the inapropriate but funny dialogue between co-workers. Neither the MCs nor their story worked for me.
Sorry, but it was awful.
July 5, 2017
:-( DNF at 45%
I have been reading this for 4 days and I am only at 45% but I started to skim from 20% so I think I need to move on to something I will enjoy reading.
Too much about Jon’s work it’s boring and he is a Dom fair enough I have not read many Dom/sub books lately but compared to other Doms I have read he is very vanilla no sir/master or anything I expected just bondage and toys which feature in normal relationships, he has a dungeon they have “played twice” then they always move to the bedroom upstairs to snuggle.
I am disappointed with this as I have been looking forward to reading it and I have enjoyed other L A Witt books.
I am lucky that this was a freebie or otherwise I would have returned it for a refund.
I have been reading this for 4 days and I am only at 45% but I started to skim from 20% so I think I need to move on to something I will enjoy reading.
Too much about Jon’s work it’s boring and he is a Dom fair enough I have not read many Dom/sub books lately but compared to other Doms I have read he is very vanilla no sir/master or anything I expected just bondage and toys which feature in normal relationships, he has a dungeon they have “played twice” then they always move to the bedroom upstairs to snuggle.
I am disappointed with this as I have been looking forward to reading it and I have enjoyed other L A Witt books.
I am lucky that this was a freebie or otherwise I would have returned it for a refund.
February 4, 2016
**2.5 stars**
I'm going to use my friend Wesley's term for this : SUCK. PREP. THRUST. CUM. REPEAT.
It started off great, but even the sex got too repetitive. The kink didn't work at all -actually, despite the promise of kink, there wasn't a lot of BDSM- and I got fed up with the martyr plotline.
November 9, 2015
Put two hot as hell kinky guys in one boring meeting… and let them use Leathr, a kinky dating app while still sitting in said meeting.
What happens next is definitely Not.Safe.For.Work.
Loved that the MCs are over 40, btw… What can a girl want more than a story with fucking hot, sexy mature men?
All in all NSFW is a entertaining written story. The romance is sweet, and the BDSM is light but nontheless sheet burning sexy.
Recommended!
December 15, 2015
Review originally posted at Sinfully.
3.5 stars
Jon, who is bi-sexual and is sharing a house with his ex-wife Karen (and thankfully she is a lovely character and they have a great relationship) is working himself like mad to keep his promise to put their three kids through college and help Karen get back on her feet after a nasty divorce. His job as an architectural modeler is almost now an obsolete position, being taken over by 3D modeling and computers. While he doesn’t love the workplace, he keeps quiet, works plenty of overtime and toes the line. Rick is incredibly wealthy and his firm’s most important client. In fact, without his business it is likely that the company wouldn’t have survived. When they discover their shared kink on the Leathr app during a business meeting, they jump at the chance to hook up. While Rick dominates in the work setting, he needs to submit and he is just the type of submissive Jon is looking for.
I loved that the two MC’s were in the forties and acted like the adults they were. They both have pasts, they both know what they want and need and they talk about it, although there were a few points during the D/s scenes where I thought they talked about it a bit too much. In addition, Rick’s extreme wealth may seem like it would be a sticking point, but between the two of them, it never really enters into their relationship in an intrusive way until outsiders interfere.
While there are several kinks explored, including bondage, sensory and hot wax play and an actual sex machine, I would still characterize the BDSM in the book as on the lighter side. The scenes were hot, but not too intense and we never do get Rick’s POV, just his outward reactions. Jon is an intuitive Dom and their dynamics were a bit different than other stories I’ve read, so I did find it a bit odd in the beginning that he initially held back in the D/s play, but it really didn’t impact the story too much for me as their vanilla sex scenes worked very well.
For the most part there is open and honest communication between the two. Jon is very in tune with Rick’s needs and his state of mind during scenes, they have great chemistry and they appear to get along outside of bed or the dungeon as well, so much so that I did feel they were a perfect match. I understood Jon’s need to hold off for a few days on telling Rick what was going on in the office, but I was a bit taken by surprise that they would break things off rather than continue to brainstorm the matter or think on it for a few days. I could understand both their points of view and why the situation seemed like a no-win for Jon. I loved how it all worked out though and Jon’s realization of what was really important to him and what his pride could and could not take.
There were times where the story dragged a bit for me, much of that was the times where Jon was at work. I really liked both of the characters and their relationship, but I would have loved a bit of Rick’s POV as well. I have to say I could have done with a few less sex scenes and a little more of them interacting at work or even with Jon’s family, who he is working so hard to support. I did like the epilogue, where we finally do get to see Jon and Rick do just that. Overall I enjoyed this story and would recommend it for those who like their men grown up, honest and very sexy with a healthy side of kink.
3.5 stars
Jon, who is bi-sexual and is sharing a house with his ex-wife Karen (and thankfully she is a lovely character and they have a great relationship) is working himself like mad to keep his promise to put their three kids through college and help Karen get back on her feet after a nasty divorce. His job as an architectural modeler is almost now an obsolete position, being taken over by 3D modeling and computers. While he doesn’t love the workplace, he keeps quiet, works plenty of overtime and toes the line. Rick is incredibly wealthy and his firm’s most important client. In fact, without his business it is likely that the company wouldn’t have survived. When they discover their shared kink on the Leathr app during a business meeting, they jump at the chance to hook up. While Rick dominates in the work setting, he needs to submit and he is just the type of submissive Jon is looking for.
I loved that the two MC’s were in the forties and acted like the adults they were. They both have pasts, they both know what they want and need and they talk about it, although there were a few points during the D/s scenes where I thought they talked about it a bit too much. In addition, Rick’s extreme wealth may seem like it would be a sticking point, but between the two of them, it never really enters into their relationship in an intrusive way until outsiders interfere.
While there are several kinks explored, including bondage, sensory and hot wax play and an actual sex machine, I would still characterize the BDSM in the book as on the lighter side. The scenes were hot, but not too intense and we never do get Rick’s POV, just his outward reactions. Jon is an intuitive Dom and their dynamics were a bit different than other stories I’ve read, so I did find it a bit odd in the beginning that he initially held back in the D/s play, but it really didn’t impact the story too much for me as their vanilla sex scenes worked very well.
For the most part there is open and honest communication between the two. Jon is very in tune with Rick’s needs and his state of mind during scenes, they have great chemistry and they appear to get along outside of bed or the dungeon as well, so much so that I did feel they were a perfect match. I understood Jon’s need to hold off for a few days on telling Rick what was going on in the office, but I was a bit taken by surprise that they would break things off rather than continue to brainstorm the matter or think on it for a few days. I could understand both their points of view and why the situation seemed like a no-win for Jon. I loved how it all worked out though and Jon’s realization of what was really important to him and what his pride could and could not take.
There were times where the story dragged a bit for me, much of that was the times where Jon was at work. I really liked both of the characters and their relationship, but I would have loved a bit of Rick’s POV as well. I have to say I could have done with a few less sex scenes and a little more of them interacting at work or even with Jon’s family, who he is working so hard to support. I did like the epilogue, where we finally do get to see Jon and Rick do just that. Overall I enjoyed this story and would recommend it for those who like their men grown up, honest and very sexy with a healthy side of kink.
January 19, 2024
There was a bit of a rocky start here as it’s not immediately obvious who the Dom and who the sub is. Anything involving a role reversal between personal and professional lives was fine with me, but it did take a little while to sort out. Jon builds models for an architecture firm. He finds himself in an interesting situation with his firm’s largest client, Rick Pearce. Rick is the owner of a huge company and is dominating and controlling down to the very last aspect of his professional life...but in his personal life...that's an entirely different story... Rick is an absolute, in every sense of the word... submissive. Rick has been watching and secretly drooling after Jon for quite some time. Jon is a total Dom's Dom, divorced, supporting his ex-wife and paying his children’s college tuition... easy to see that he has a lot on his plate. Jon is a little difficult to read. He's a good guy...totally in line in every way with his responsibilities to others...but when it comes to watching out and protecting himself, it's a different story. He allows himself to be manipulated and blackmailed which was very frustrating, but I understood what his fears and concerns were. The story does have some BDSM aspects in it, but they are very mild. A little more "playtime" between the two guys would have been nice, but not a biggie, as there was lots of incredible passion and chemistry between them. As with all of the books that I have read by L.A. Witt...and there have been ALOT...they have all had a very solid plot, great characters, and always...good, clear writing that keeps the reader "in the story". As you can see, I’m of a 100% fan of this author. Overall....I really liked this story and loved the two main characters. There was a short part that seemed to drag a little but didn't last long enough to affect the storyline. M/M Romance & fans of mild BDSM will more than likely really enjoy this one.
March 3, 2016
2.5 stars.
It was okay.
This book and I, we weren't on the best of terms for a long time. Odd, considering M/M + kink = my favorite combination, and that so far if there was anything I could count on in L.A. Witt's books is that they would be hot. This one failed to meet my great expectations.
The story didn't have a fan in me for several reasons.
Its plot is perfectly described in the blurb, so no need to repeat it. I will say the part about kink was the one that made my finger click on that Request button on NetGalley. I found it interesting the main characters would connect through a kinky dating app, and in a meeting no less. It said they were a match made in the dungeon, and I wished to know more. Unfortunately, it was Jon & Rick's D/s relationship with their kinky games I found underwhelming, and that is the last thing I'd want to feel about kinky games. As it was, Jon & Rick played light. Fans of glitterkink would probably enjoy this more. As for me, it was much lighter BDSM than I'd have preferred. I keep thinking that perhaps I would've liked it more had the story had Rick's POV because he was the submissive in their relationship. I'll never know as Jon's was the only perspective I got to read.
That brings me to the issues I had with Jon's POV. For one, I would've edited out quite a few of his thoughts, including those preceding his nights with Rick. He would go on and on about the endless possibilities of what he could do to Rick, and then actually not do much. After he started seeing Rick his life was mostly work and Rick, and the work part... well, I didn't need so much of it. He pretty much hated his job, and to read about it over and over again wasn't fun. Also not fun: every time Rick would do something Jon didn't tell him to do, or took charge even a little, Jon would call him out on it. It made me mad, and it made me wish they were vanilla. I think that would've been fun, and hot, so, so hot.
My major issue with this book was its length, as in I wished it was much shorter. As to why, I believe it's clear from what I've said so far.
That said, it was thanks to those many pages that at some point towards the end, I started to get into the book. This turned out to be a story that slowly and unexpectedly grew on me. All those things that had annoyed me (as listed above) didn't annoy me anymore. I began to root for Jon to find his happy ending, and that was the only thing that mattered.
In conclusion, even with all those issues I had with it, reading Not Safe for Work wasn't a total bust as I had started to think it would be. We parted ways on a sweet note. So, yay!
***ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.***
September 21, 2015
Jon MacNeil is an architectural modeler--one of a dying breed of people who actually BUILD those fantastic scale models of building designs. He is bisexual, 44 y/o, has three college-going kids and an ex-wife that he's on such good terms with that they actually live together. He works for an architectural firm whose main account is with Horizon Developing, and the CEO of Horizon, Rick Pierce, is swoonworthy.
While trapped in one of those interminable meetings that happen between Jon's bosses and the Horizon bigwigs Jon plays on his phone, and checks his Leathr profile. Imagine his dismay/shock/surprise to find that he has a match to his desire for a kinky, male sub sitting 6 feet away. Yup, 43 y/o millionaire property developer Rick likes to be dominated, and he wants Jon for the job.
Of course, if Jon's bosses find out, heads will roll, but that's the price one might pay for a quality sub, right?
This book is really a delight. The D/s stuff is so down-low. There's not a bunch of Master/slave stuff, nor whipping and begging. Okay, there's a little begging, but Jon and Rick share a kink that is more emotional than physical. Jon likes to play mental dominance games, mostly with bondage and teasing--and Rick is so down with being owned, bossed around and slightly humiliated.
I really loved how this couple went slow with the D/s and did a whole lotta vanilla stuff, too. They became close quickly, and their sexual compatibility is only matched by their personality compatibility. Expect there to be a lot of separation anxiety for these guys, as Jon's job duties constantly encroach on their personal time together. I really enjoyed the ride, with so many fun touchstones, including the camaraderie of Jon's drafting/modeling pals at work. How Jon and Rick were so in tune with each other was great, and how they TALKED TO EACH OTHER! Oh!
You're upset? Well, let's discuss WHY and HOW to fix that! (Amazingly, this solved their problems...)
These guys felt like fully-realized people on the page. Their main conflict rose from Jon's workplace, with a predictable reveal and an unpredictable response. Jon shouldered it well, and he dealt with it even better. Again, honesty is the best policy between lovers and Doms/subs. And Jon's pretty far down the "love" path before he's forced to make tough choices.
I loved the heat, from the kink to the cuddling. And I loved that THEY loved it. They are two very tactile characters, and their rapport was endearing. Rick is a bossy sub, and Jon is a crafty Dom, and the two of them make the cutest mid-life couple I've read in a while. They are past the age of messing around and petty squabbles. They recognize the difficulty in finding a compatible lover, and are mature in the way they interact--always--yet they are also playful, and funny. I adored how they absolutely had to kiss on Rick's porch steps the second Jon climbed them--couldn't even wait to get through the door. That kind of chemistry was so powerful to read.
Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
While trapped in one of those interminable meetings that happen between Jon's bosses and the Horizon bigwigs Jon plays on his phone, and checks his Leathr profile. Imagine his dismay/shock/surprise to find that he has a match to his desire for a kinky, male sub sitting 6 feet away. Yup, 43 y/o millionaire property developer Rick likes to be dominated, and he wants Jon for the job.
Of course, if Jon's bosses find out, heads will roll, but that's the price one might pay for a quality sub, right?
This book is really a delight. The D/s stuff is so down-low. There's not a bunch of Master/slave stuff, nor whipping and begging. Okay, there's a little begging, but Jon and Rick share a kink that is more emotional than physical. Jon likes to play mental dominance games, mostly with bondage and teasing--and Rick is so down with being owned, bossed around and slightly humiliated.
I really loved how this couple went slow with the D/s and did a whole lotta vanilla stuff, too. They became close quickly, and their sexual compatibility is only matched by their personality compatibility. Expect there to be a lot of separation anxiety for these guys, as Jon's job duties constantly encroach on their personal time together. I really enjoyed the ride, with so many fun touchstones, including the camaraderie of Jon's drafting/modeling pals at work. How Jon and Rick were so in tune with each other was great, and how they TALKED TO EACH OTHER! Oh!
You're upset? Well, let's discuss WHY and HOW to fix that! (Amazingly, this solved their problems...)
These guys felt like fully-realized people on the page. Their main conflict rose from Jon's workplace, with a predictable reveal and an unpredictable response. Jon shouldered it well, and he dealt with it even better. Again, honesty is the best policy between lovers and Doms/subs. And Jon's pretty far down the "love" path before he's forced to make tough choices.
I loved the heat, from the kink to the cuddling. And I loved that THEY loved it. They are two very tactile characters, and their rapport was endearing. Rick is a bossy sub, and Jon is a crafty Dom, and the two of them make the cutest mid-life couple I've read in a while. They are past the age of messing around and petty squabbles. They recognize the difficulty in finding a compatible lover, and are mature in the way they interact--always--yet they are also playful, and funny. I adored how they absolutely had to kiss on Rick's porch steps the second Jon climbed them--couldn't even wait to get through the door. That kind of chemistry was so powerful to read.
Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
January 22, 2016
I never thought I would ever be in the situation I am in now: I am STRUGGLING with how to go about reviewing this book!!!
I didn't like Jon and Rick. They seemed to contradict themselves half the time. The plot seemed promising to me judging by the blurb, but the book turned out to be a hoax.
I almost DNF'd the book at 30%, I struggled so much to get into it. But the next day, I, in my most weak moment, decided to give it another shot. I thought that maybe when their secret comes out, the story would have some depth to make me enjoy. Alas, no such thing happened.
I did not get any emotions from the two; it all felt so mechanical to me. Like they were doing a mockery of a scene than have any actual emotional involvement. Noone would've been more surprised than I was when Jon said he loved Rick! WTH??? When did that happen? I didn't see it coming from a million miles away, that's how unpredictable it was.
I liked Jon's crew and enjoyed the parts that had them - they had more depth to them than the MC's. I liked the epilogue 'cause there were more new and fun people to read about. But I hated when Jon and Rick were alone together. Also, there were TOO MANY mentions of their old age. How could us relatively-young people enjoy the characterisations if, constantly, we are having to read about their aching joints? Gosh! I could have done with lesser mentions of that!
The worst let down I have been in a loooooong while!!!!! *sighing while feeling blindsided*
I didn't like Jon and Rick. They seemed to contradict themselves half the time. The plot seemed promising to me judging by the blurb, but the book turned out to be a hoax.
I almost DNF'd the book at 30%, I struggled so much to get into it. But the next day, I, in my most weak moment, decided to give it another shot. I thought that maybe when their secret comes out, the story would have some depth to make me enjoy. Alas, no such thing happened.
I did not get any emotions from the two; it all felt so mechanical to me. Like they were doing a mockery of a scene than have any actual emotional involvement. Noone would've been more surprised than I was when Jon said he loved Rick! WTH??? When did that happen? I didn't see it coming from a million miles away, that's how unpredictable it was.
I liked Jon's crew and enjoyed the parts that had them - they had more depth to them than the MC's. I liked the epilogue 'cause there were more new and fun people to read about. But I hated when Jon and Rick were alone together. Also, there were TOO MANY mentions of their old age. How could us relatively-young people enjoy the characterisations if, constantly, we are having to read about their aching joints? Gosh! I could have done with lesser mentions of that!
The worst let down I have been in a loooooong while!!!!! *sighing while feeling blindsided*
June 18, 2016
I love L.A. Witt, BDSM, and mature guys.
What I don't really love is when a character spends more time up on their cross than down here with the rest of us. I don't love it when a book promises me to be "NSFW", but then misses an opportunity to really knock my socks off. There's nothing groundbreaking here. There's a sex machine and a Wartenberg wheel, a cockcage, some blindfolding and light bondage and zzzzzz...
Seriously, the BDSM aspect was a bit dull. Witt really could've capitalized here since this is a story about two mature men who supposedly know what they want in a sexual relationship. Problem is, half the time it doesn't seem like Jon knows what he wants. He gets awfully insecure and flustered for such a supposedly experienced Dom. I'm not saying Doms can't have insecurities, his mental processes just didn't mesh with how he was presented to the reader.
An enjoyable read while I was in it, but not something I'll be likely to visit again.
What I don't really love is when a character spends more time up on their cross than down here with the rest of us. I don't love it when a book promises me to be "NSFW", but then misses an opportunity to really knock my socks off. There's nothing groundbreaking here. There's a sex machine and a Wartenberg wheel, a cockcage, some blindfolding and light bondage and zzzzzz...
Seriously, the BDSM aspect was a bit dull. Witt really could've capitalized here since this is a story about two mature men who supposedly know what they want in a sexual relationship. Problem is, half the time it doesn't seem like Jon knows what he wants. He gets awfully insecure and flustered for such a supposedly experienced Dom. I'm not saying Doms can't have insecurities, his mental processes just didn't mesh with how he was presented to the reader.
An enjoyable read while I was in it, but not something I'll be likely to visit again.
January 12, 2017
*** 3 not really NSFW stars ***
The start of this book was great when the two MCs match up through the kinky app. The tension and the excitement was almost palpable. Their first kiss in the parking structure was hot, also them falling into bed and find that they are very compatible.
Jon and Rick develops their relationship, but they don't really get kinky until about 60% in. I was surprised of the lack of actual kinky scenes, since I feel the book promises so. There was a lot of talk and thinking on Jon's part about all the things he wanted to do do Rick, but they didn't really get to it. I chucked it up to them taking it slow, since they really didn't know each other, even though they "clicked" instantly. But on their third(?) meeting, Jon invites Rick to his dungeon at his house, and I mentally rubbed my hands together and thought there was going to be some "action". Rick steps through the door and is ordered on his hands and knees by Jon, and then Jon says he can't wait and they just fucks right inside the door without even doing anything. There were several of these instances of promised kink that fell through. And when it did happen, it was all in. Jon went straight for a fuck machine, kink party and hot wax. So there really wasn't anything inbetweens for these guys. The bdsm was all or nothing it seems.
Even when they did the fuck machine and hot wax I would characterize the kink in this for mild. There wasn't anything heavy at all. I didn't quite feel them. I think it has something to do with Rick being kinda flat as a character. I felt I knew Jon's work team and his good friend Teagan much more, than Rick as a main character. Which is a shame. Also in every dom scene, Jon "shivered" and Rick "shuddered", or wise versa. These two words were so overused. I'm not one to usually notices repetitive things, but....
"He shivered as I let him go."
"I suppressed a shiver and reached for his cheek."
"He shivered, laying his arms over the top of mine."
“You ask so nicely. I like that.” He shivered."
"Rick squirmed, as if he were trying and failing not to shiver."
"Rick dropped his gave and shuddered hard."
"Another shudder ran through him, and he tightened around me as goose bumps rose along his spine."
"..and he shuddered, clenching around me."
"Not even a second later, a full-body shudder rocked him."
How about some synonyms, or something at least. There are other things to bdsm/domination scene to just reacting with a shiver or a shudder.
I got bored hearing about Jon's work and his models. Some had been fine, but it too got repetitive. Also the meetings. And the descriptions of cracking knee joints.
On the positive side, though. Witt can write kissing scenes like nobody's business!
She also writes really hot sex scenes. And I liked how Jon and Rick communicated and talked. I just wish I had gotten to know Rick more. What actually made him tick? To me he just shivered and shuddered to everything Jon said and did.
The blurb talks about Jon's work place finding out about them. I felt this ruined the book for me a little too, knowing this from the blurb. I expected them to be found out about on several occasion. I was so in knots about it, and when it did happen at the infamous
In short, an okay story, but not very memorable. It was too long, too much talking and not so much doing, lots of repetition in words (*shudders*) and actions (Jon's work). There are good points too, though. Experiencing Jon and Rick getting to know one another, talking, hanging out and (kinda) doing scenes was sweet. Jon work colleagues were a laugh. I enjoyed all the scenes with them and their ribbing of each other.
"And you've had your nose in that model all day long but haven’t once noticed the massive gay Lego orgy going on in the center of the main conference room.” I blinked.
“A Lego orgy?”
“Yes. A huge one.”
She released an exasperated sigh and rolled her eyes. “Scott and I spent ten whole minutes getting three of them into a proper Lucky Pierre position, and you didn't even notice. I’m insulted. I really am.”
Recommended? Mmm... maybe, but not for the BDSM and the kink aspect, but for relationship and great kissing scenes, sure!
The start of this book was great when the two MCs match up through the kinky app. The tension and the excitement was almost palpable. Their first kiss in the parking structure was hot, also them falling into bed and find that they are very compatible.
Jon and Rick develops their relationship, but they don't really get kinky until about 60% in. I was surprised of the lack of actual kinky scenes, since I feel the book promises so. There was a lot of talk and thinking on Jon's part about all the things he wanted to do do Rick, but they didn't really get to it. I chucked it up to them taking it slow, since they really didn't know each other, even though they "clicked" instantly. But on their third(?) meeting, Jon invites Rick to his dungeon at his house, and I mentally rubbed my hands together and thought there was going to be some "action". Rick steps through the door and is ordered on his hands and knees by Jon, and then Jon says he can't wait and they just fucks right inside the door without even doing anything. There were several of these instances of promised kink that fell through. And when it did happen, it was all in. Jon went straight for a fuck machine, kink party and hot wax. So there really wasn't anything inbetweens for these guys. The bdsm was all or nothing it seems.
Even when they did the fuck machine and hot wax I would characterize the kink in this for mild. There wasn't anything heavy at all. I didn't quite feel them. I think it has something to do with Rick being kinda flat as a character. I felt I knew Jon's work team and his good friend Teagan much more, than Rick as a main character. Which is a shame. Also in every dom scene, Jon "shivered" and Rick "shuddered", or wise versa. These two words were so overused. I'm not one to usually notices repetitive things, but....
"He shivered as I let him go."
"I suppressed a shiver and reached for his cheek."
"He shivered, laying his arms over the top of mine."
“You ask so nicely. I like that.” He shivered."
"Rick squirmed, as if he were trying and failing not to shiver."
"Rick dropped his gave and shuddered hard."
"Another shudder ran through him, and he tightened around me as goose bumps rose along his spine."
"..and he shuddered, clenching around me."
"Not even a second later, a full-body shudder rocked him."
How about some synonyms, or something at least. There are other things to bdsm/domination scene to just reacting with a shiver or a shudder.
I got bored hearing about Jon's work and his models. Some had been fine, but it too got repetitive. Also the meetings. And the descriptions of cracking knee joints.
On the positive side, though. Witt can write kissing scenes like nobody's business!
She also writes really hot sex scenes. And I liked how Jon and Rick communicated and talked. I just wish I had gotten to know Rick more. What actually made him tick? To me he just shivered and shuddered to everything Jon said and did.
The blurb talks about Jon's work place finding out about them. I felt this ruined the book for me a little too, knowing this from the blurb. I expected them to be found out about on several occasion. I was so in knots about it, and when it did happen at the infamous
In short, an okay story, but not very memorable. It was too long, too much talking and not so much doing, lots of repetition in words (*shudders*) and actions (Jon's work). There are good points too, though. Experiencing Jon and Rick getting to know one another, talking, hanging out and (kinda) doing scenes was sweet. Jon work colleagues were a laugh. I enjoyed all the scenes with them and their ribbing of each other.
"And you've had your nose in that model all day long but haven’t once noticed the massive gay Lego orgy going on in the center of the main conference room.” I blinked.
“A Lego orgy?”
“Yes. A huge one.”
She released an exasperated sigh and rolled her eyes. “Scott and I spent ten whole minutes getting three of them into a proper Lucky Pierre position, and you didn't even notice. I’m insulted. I really am.”
Recommended? Mmm... maybe, but not for the BDSM and the kink aspect, but for relationship and great kissing scenes, sure!
December 17, 2017
Nick J. Russo captures these characters so well. I loved his character voices, he has great timing and pacing, and he infuses humor, emotion, and passion into this seamlessly. Nick J. Russo definitely ranks as one of my favorite narrators.
There's a lot I love about this story including that Jon and Rick are in their forties and act like it, are highly attracted to each other, how they express it, and how they grow into their relationship, and the open communication between them. It's not just about the sex - though you really should take note of the Erotica tag - there's a lot of sex. There is also some kink (but it's pretty light all in all) mixed in with a lot of vanilla sex including some rope bondage, a chastity cage, wax play, and even a sex machine all coming in to play.
It's interesting to me how the audio highlights some of the more day-to-day minutiae that I didn't really notice when rocketing through reading, which made this sometimes a little "c'mon, c'mon!" while listening. Also, told from Jon's single POV, I really would have loved to have gotten Rick's POV too. It's even more pronounced when listening to the story and I would have happily done with fewer sex scenes if I could have had some more of Jon and Rick interacting.
All in all though, this is my favorite L.A. Witt story and the narration is the perfect cherry on a sundae. It's a passionate listen - but maybe heed the title and be careful listening to this at work - unless you work alone.
Audio copy of Not Safe For Work provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
December 1, 2015
Just the title of this book makes me cringe in anxiety. When I see these four little words: not safe for work, I think the worst because so many work places have a zero tolerance policy against anything "deviant". This concept is interpreted with such varying degrees, it is almost as if we need to be robots in this world to avoid presenting an improper face. It is draining, especially for those who tend to be a bit more on the rowdy and causal side. Jon is such a person. He works for a conservative firm as an architectural modeler. He is a closeted bisexual male who is tired of the dating game. He wants a submissive he can have a real relationship with. He does come with complications. His roommate is his ex-wife and his paycheck are going towards paying for the kids' education since the original kids savings are all tapped out by his ex-wife.
This set up makes me twitch. There are so many things wrong with Jon's life that just frustrates me. Ms. Witt always does a good job of creating characters who are real with real life problems and complicated situations. These drama ridden people tend to be the vortex of chaos. I cannot stand these people. However, Jon is written in a way that he is still admirable, likeable even if one wants to smack him upside the head. A lot of his problems stem from his own doing. He makes choices which are not advisable. He's not a bad person. He's not a dumb person. His impulsive behaviour tends to trip him up. Which oddly enough, makes him a believable real-life dominant. Jon is not a perfect dom. He cannot read minds. He is not in tune with the world and able to melt a submissive at twenty paces with a raise of an eyebrow. He is a regular joe who enjoys kinks and sometimes, makes mistakes.
This view into the kinky lifestyle works well because it illustrates a plausible job mixed with personal life scenario with a dreaded exposure at work. The conflict in this story is very well done. The pit of my stomach is clenching as I am anticipating this train wreck and HR nightmare to occur. This is a terrible lose-lose situation which places Jon and his submissive, Rick into a bad place. The ramifications of what Jon's bosses ordered him to do as well as how Jon got caught are a legal horror. The way the resolution came out is well done and plausible. Ms. Witt does an excellent job of depicting how a situation gone wrong can be saved. It is not easy and there really are no winners.
The BDSM in this story is lovely. Rick as a submissive is just on the delightful side of bratty. Jon is a dominant who can bring the submissive sweetness out in Rick. The two of them together is an explosive combination. If they were to play in club, they would definitely draw an audience. Their erotic exchange is unmistakable. Their sex is erotic and smoking hot. This erotic romance is recommended to kinky m/m readers who enjoy angst, messy circumstances and happily ever afters.
*provided by NetGalley
This set up makes me twitch. There are so many things wrong with Jon's life that just frustrates me. Ms. Witt always does a good job of creating characters who are real with real life problems and complicated situations. These drama ridden people tend to be the vortex of chaos. I cannot stand these people. However, Jon is written in a way that he is still admirable, likeable even if one wants to smack him upside the head. A lot of his problems stem from his own doing. He makes choices which are not advisable. He's not a bad person. He's not a dumb person. His impulsive behaviour tends to trip him up. Which oddly enough, makes him a believable real-life dominant. Jon is not a perfect dom. He cannot read minds. He is not in tune with the world and able to melt a submissive at twenty paces with a raise of an eyebrow. He is a regular joe who enjoys kinks and sometimes, makes mistakes.
This view into the kinky lifestyle works well because it illustrates a plausible job mixed with personal life scenario with a dreaded exposure at work. The conflict in this story is very well done. The pit of my stomach is clenching as I am anticipating this train wreck and HR nightmare to occur. This is a terrible lose-lose situation which places Jon and his submissive, Rick into a bad place. The ramifications of what Jon's bosses ordered him to do as well as how Jon got caught are a legal horror. The way the resolution came out is well done and plausible. Ms. Witt does an excellent job of depicting how a situation gone wrong can be saved. It is not easy and there really are no winners.
The BDSM in this story is lovely. Rick as a submissive is just on the delightful side of bratty. Jon is a dominant who can bring the submissive sweetness out in Rick. The two of them together is an explosive combination. If they were to play in club, they would definitely draw an audience. Their erotic exchange is unmistakable. Their sex is erotic and smoking hot. This erotic romance is recommended to kinky m/m readers who enjoy angst, messy circumstances and happily ever afters.
*provided by NetGalley
Read
December 13, 2016(Attempted to read Sept 2016)
What I'd expected: BDSM fun times (with a dash of fluff) between two men in their 40s. Perhaps some light angst.
What I got: Generic quasi-kink between two of the dullest characters I've met in a long while. Reading about Jon and Rick (gods, even their names were bland af) quickly became the equivalent of someone forcing me to wear the beigeist and most shapeless khaki pants in the universe. :|
DNF at 10%
What I'd expected: BDSM fun times (with a dash of fluff) between two men in their 40s. Perhaps some light angst.
What I got: Generic quasi-kink between two of the dullest characters I've met in a long while. Reading about Jon and Rick (gods, even their names were bland af) quickly became the equivalent of someone forcing me to wear the beigeist and most shapeless khaki pants in the universe. :|
DNF at 10%
February 1, 2023
What does it say about a book when you finish it in a few hours? Yep, It was really good. I can’t believe I didn’t read this immediately after buying it (in 2021), I’m kicking myself for that—- because I loved this!
Sometimes I appreciate insta-lust sometimes I love the slow burn. This book had both in a way. Even if the MCs met on a kinky app and went from there, I was all in with the relationship buildup. From seeing each other in the office as almost strangers to being compatible in the bedroom in and out of it, Jon and Rick were really sweet together. They were both so likable and their times together really hot. I especially adored their kisses, I can just imagine it! *sigh* Most of all, I love the epilogue and how everything tied up nicely, they deserve that Hea.
Sometimes I appreciate insta-lust sometimes I love the slow burn. This book had both in a way. Even if the MCs met on a kinky app and went from there, I was all in with the relationship buildup. From seeing each other in the office as almost strangers to being compatible in the bedroom in and out of it, Jon and Rick were really sweet together. They were both so likable and their times together really hot. I especially adored their kisses, I can just imagine it! *sigh* Most of all, I love the epilogue and how everything tied up nicely, they deserve that Hea.
July 17, 2018
Darum geht's:
Der Modellbauer Jon McNeill stöbert während einer langweiligen Besprechung in einer BDSM-App und staunt nicht schlecht, als ihm eine perfekte Übereinstimmung mit seinen Vorlieben in nur 2 Metern Entfernung angezeigt wird. Ausgerechnet Rick Pierce, der Geschäftsführer ihres allerwichtigsten Kunden, teilt Jons kinky Seite und ist die perfekte Ergänzung für ihn. Doch es gibt auch viele Dinge, die dafür sprechen würden, die Finger vom dem sexy Millionär zu lassen.
So fand ich's:
Jon ist zu gut für diese Welt. Weil seine Exfrau in zweiter Ehe total daneben gegriffen hat und das College-Geld ihrer gemeinsamen Kinder für ihre Scheidung brauchte, lässt Jon seine Ex bei ihm wohnen und legt sich krumm dabei, ganz alleine drei Kindern eine anspruchsvolle Ausbildung zu finanzieren. Im Job als Modellbauer für ein Architekturbüro wird oft Unmögliches von ihm verlangt - er leistet unter Druck tolle Arbeit, lässt sich die Fehler anderer Leute in die Schuhe schieben und setzt die Firma an erste Stelle.
Jons berufliche Situation spielt eine größere Rolle und hat mich mehr als einmal zur Weißglut gebracht. Er lässt sich von seinem miesen Arbeitgeber ausnutzen und knechten und seine Arbeit wird überhaupt nicht wertgeschätzt. Er bekommt Druck von allen Seiten und erträgt es für meinen Geschmack viel zu lange und oft. Man konnte mit Jons verzwickter Situation viel zu gut mitfühlen, als dass ich so ausführlich und oft von den negativen Auswirkungen hätte lesen wollen. Ich fand diesen Aspekt manchmal sogar bedrückend und Jons allzu selbstlose Art war zwar glaubhaft erzählt, hat mir aber nicht gefallen. Einen kleinen Ausgleich dazu boten die Kabbeleien mit seinem Team, die mich ein paar Mal haben Schmunzeln lassen.
Als Rick ins Spiel kommt, stimmt die Chemie zwischen ihnen sofort und nicht nur die kinky Seite passt bei ihnen perfekt zueinander, sondern auch gegenseitige Anziehung und Harmonie, Zärtlichkeiten und die gleiche Wellenlänge sind auch noch vorhanden. Die gemeinsamen Szenen von Jon und Rick, egal ob BDSM, Vanilla Sex oder Kuscheln auf dem Sofa, lesen sich harmonisch und sexy und man spürt, dass die beiden sich verstehen. Sie sind beide in ihren 40ern, haben Beziehungen hinter sich, aus ihren Fehlern gelernt und reden offen und oft. Das mochte ich wirklich sehr.
Dass Jon Geldsorgen hat und Rick reich ist, dass Jon ein kleiner Angestellter und Rick der hoch geschätzte und wichtigste Kunde seines Arbeitgebers ist, dass ausgerechnet Jon den dominanten und Rick den submissiven Part ihrer BDSM-Sessions ausfüllt, die genau entgegen ihrer Rollen im Berufsleben stehen, dass sie ihre Affäre im Büro geheim halten müssen und sich doch täglich dort über den Weg laufen - das alles kriegen die beiden erstaunlich gut hin und finden immer wieder Wege, ihren kinky Spaß daraus zu ziehen. Zwischendurch hätte ich manchmal ganz gerne eine Straffung der Handlung gehabt oder, dass sie mehr in die Tiefe und ins Detail geht, denn sie war mir besonders in der ersten Hälfte zu ausführlich und doch ein bisschen zu oberflächlich.
Da mich Jons Art immer wieder störte, ich seine Firma zwischendurch richtig hasste, es mir aber durchgehend gut gefiel wie Jon und Rick miteinander umgegangen sind, gibt es unterm Strich ein gemischtes Urteil von mir.
Der Modellbauer Jon McNeill stöbert während einer langweiligen Besprechung in einer BDSM-App und staunt nicht schlecht, als ihm eine perfekte Übereinstimmung mit seinen Vorlieben in nur 2 Metern Entfernung angezeigt wird. Ausgerechnet Rick Pierce, der Geschäftsführer ihres allerwichtigsten Kunden, teilt Jons kinky Seite und ist die perfekte Ergänzung für ihn. Doch es gibt auch viele Dinge, die dafür sprechen würden, die Finger vom dem sexy Millionär zu lassen.
So fand ich's:
Jon ist zu gut für diese Welt. Weil seine Exfrau in zweiter Ehe total daneben gegriffen hat und das College-Geld ihrer gemeinsamen Kinder für ihre Scheidung brauchte, lässt Jon seine Ex bei ihm wohnen und legt sich krumm dabei, ganz alleine drei Kindern eine anspruchsvolle Ausbildung zu finanzieren. Im Job als Modellbauer für ein Architekturbüro wird oft Unmögliches von ihm verlangt - er leistet unter Druck tolle Arbeit, lässt sich die Fehler anderer Leute in die Schuhe schieben und setzt die Firma an erste Stelle.
Jons berufliche Situation spielt eine größere Rolle und hat mich mehr als einmal zur Weißglut gebracht. Er lässt sich von seinem miesen Arbeitgeber ausnutzen und knechten und seine Arbeit wird überhaupt nicht wertgeschätzt. Er bekommt Druck von allen Seiten und erträgt es für meinen Geschmack viel zu lange und oft. Man konnte mit Jons verzwickter Situation viel zu gut mitfühlen, als dass ich so ausführlich und oft von den negativen Auswirkungen hätte lesen wollen. Ich fand diesen Aspekt manchmal sogar bedrückend und Jons allzu selbstlose Art war zwar glaubhaft erzählt, hat mir aber nicht gefallen. Einen kleinen Ausgleich dazu boten die Kabbeleien mit seinem Team, die mich ein paar Mal haben Schmunzeln lassen.
Als Rick ins Spiel kommt, stimmt die Chemie zwischen ihnen sofort und nicht nur die kinky Seite passt bei ihnen perfekt zueinander, sondern auch gegenseitige Anziehung und Harmonie, Zärtlichkeiten und die gleiche Wellenlänge sind auch noch vorhanden. Die gemeinsamen Szenen von Jon und Rick, egal ob BDSM, Vanilla Sex oder Kuscheln auf dem Sofa, lesen sich harmonisch und sexy und man spürt, dass die beiden sich verstehen. Sie sind beide in ihren 40ern, haben Beziehungen hinter sich, aus ihren Fehlern gelernt und reden offen und oft. Das mochte ich wirklich sehr.
Dass Jon Geldsorgen hat und Rick reich ist, dass Jon ein kleiner Angestellter und Rick der hoch geschätzte und wichtigste Kunde seines Arbeitgebers ist, dass ausgerechnet Jon den dominanten und Rick den submissiven Part ihrer BDSM-Sessions ausfüllt, die genau entgegen ihrer Rollen im Berufsleben stehen, dass sie ihre Affäre im Büro geheim halten müssen und sich doch täglich dort über den Weg laufen - das alles kriegen die beiden erstaunlich gut hin und finden immer wieder Wege, ihren kinky Spaß daraus zu ziehen. Zwischendurch hätte ich manchmal ganz gerne eine Straffung der Handlung gehabt oder, dass sie mehr in die Tiefe und ins Detail geht, denn sie war mir besonders in der ersten Hälfte zu ausführlich und doch ein bisschen zu oberflächlich.
Da mich Jons Art immer wieder störte, ich seine Firma zwischendurch richtig hasste, es mir aber durchgehend gut gefiel wie Jon und Rick miteinander umgegangen sind, gibt es unterm Strich ein gemischtes Urteil von mir.
February 4, 2018
4.5 Stars ~ This latest novel by L.A. Witt started off hot and just kept getting hotter. Not that I minded that, particularly, I'm just giving fair warning. I do tend to really enjoy BDSM and the description for 'Not Safe for Work' intrigued me. Two men, in their forties, compatible in so many ways but with a few things standing in their way. I always like the idea of a D/s relationship growing into love, and I had high hopes for Jon and Rick.
"Was I really standing in the doorway of a multimillion-dollar home, kissing the hell out of Rick Pierce with a bag full of kinky sex toys at our feet? Yes. Yes, I was. And despite being barely twenty-four hours into this, it felt absolutely right."
I could easily imagine the excitement of someone being in a business meeting, surreptitiously looking at his new kink app on his phone, and all of a sudden realizing the guy he’s practically perfectly matched with is across the table staring back at him. Jon is an architectural modeler, meaning he and his team hand build 3D images of projects for various companies. Rick is the CEO of a very successful development company that has been using Jon's firm for quite a while. Jon can't understand why this gorgeous, successful millionaire would want to spend his time with Jon who has two ex-wives and three kids he's struggling to put through college.
What starts out as just some after-work fun soon turns into serious feelings, on both sides. How could it not? They are practically perfect for each other in and out of the bedroom. Even with their busy schedules, they make as much time as possible to spend together. Of course Rick has no idea that the owners of Jon's company have warned every member that they are never to speak with Rick, under penalty of HR getting involved. So when one of the owners witnesses a few too many conversations between Jon and Rick, that Jon tries to play off but isn't believed…well, Jon sure isn't prepared for what comes next.
I have to be honest and admit I was a little ambiguous about this story until about halfway in. Neither Jon nor Rick behaved like any Doms or subs I've read by other authors, although I don't mean this in a bad way, at all. It just kind of threw me for a loop, I guess, and looking at it after the fact that turned out to be a good thing. The way the author wrote these men made them so very human to me, with faults, weaknesses, strengths, and vulnerabilities. I truly liked both of them, and the struggle they endured because of Jon's bosses was heartbreaking mainly because it was so realistic.
An excellent novel that I ended up relishing. Thank you, Lori, I look forward to more fabulousness from you.
NOTE: This book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
"Was I really standing in the doorway of a multimillion-dollar home, kissing the hell out of Rick Pierce with a bag full of kinky sex toys at our feet? Yes. Yes, I was. And despite being barely twenty-four hours into this, it felt absolutely right."
I could easily imagine the excitement of someone being in a business meeting, surreptitiously looking at his new kink app on his phone, and all of a sudden realizing the guy he’s practically perfectly matched with is across the table staring back at him. Jon is an architectural modeler, meaning he and his team hand build 3D images of projects for various companies. Rick is the CEO of a very successful development company that has been using Jon's firm for quite a while. Jon can't understand why this gorgeous, successful millionaire would want to spend his time with Jon who has two ex-wives and three kids he's struggling to put through college.
What starts out as just some after-work fun soon turns into serious feelings, on both sides. How could it not? They are practically perfect for each other in and out of the bedroom. Even with their busy schedules, they make as much time as possible to spend together. Of course Rick has no idea that the owners of Jon's company have warned every member that they are never to speak with Rick, under penalty of HR getting involved. So when one of the owners witnesses a few too many conversations between Jon and Rick, that Jon tries to play off but isn't believed…well, Jon sure isn't prepared for what comes next.
I have to be honest and admit I was a little ambiguous about this story until about halfway in. Neither Jon nor Rick behaved like any Doms or subs I've read by other authors, although I don't mean this in a bad way, at all. It just kind of threw me for a loop, I guess, and looking at it after the fact that turned out to be a good thing. The way the author wrote these men made them so very human to me, with faults, weaknesses, strengths, and vulnerabilities. I truly liked both of them, and the struggle they endured because of Jon's bosses was heartbreaking mainly because it was so realistic.
An excellent novel that I ended up relishing. Thank you, Lori, I look forward to more fabulousness from you.
NOTE: This book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
November 11, 2022
This should have been a banger but man, what a snooze fest
This was supposed to be a BDSM story but the characters mostly have vanilla sex and talk.. and talk and talkandtalkandtalk. Then the rest of the time we’re with Jon at the job that he hates. Wtf is the point if his rich boyfriend isn’t flying him around the world and nobody is getting tied up?!
The conflicts in this book are 100% avoidable if someone would just tell Jon that 1) student loans exist and 2) if you don’t want to get caught, don’t do it on camera. The way the workplace issue was resolved was really cringey and gave me secondhand embarrassment
This was supposed to be a BDSM story but the characters mostly have vanilla sex and talk.. and talk and talkandtalkandtalk. Then the rest of the time we’re with Jon at the job that he hates. Wtf is the point if his rich boyfriend isn’t flying him around the world and nobody is getting tied up?!
The conflicts in this book are 100% avoidable if someone would just tell Jon that 1) student loans exist and 2) if you don’t want to get caught, don’t do it on camera. The way the workplace issue was resolved was really cringey and gave me secondhand embarrassment
September 26, 2016
2016 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Not Safe For Work by L.A. Witt
I have read a few other LA Witt books and have loved all of them. She draws readers into the story as if you are there and you can feel the romance developing between the characters. I will always read her first if I get a list of by books to read.
I have read a few other LA Witt books and have loved all of them. She draws readers into the story as if you are there and you can feel the romance developing between the characters. I will always read her first if I get a list of by books to read.
Want to read
January 30, 2023💝 FREE on Amazon today (2/14/2018)! 💝
December 13, 2015
Thank you to SAMHAIN PUBLISHING and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Not Safe for Work is precisely what it touts itself to be – NSFW. It was a steamy read with mature MC’s – both men are over 40, and there was a lot to like about this book. While Rick had his life together, Jon struggled. He had three college aged kids, and he was the one footing the bill for their education. He was walking on eggshells at work in an effort to keep a position that was few and far between due to being phased out by technology. But what I liked about his character was that he didn’t wallow about how much he didn’t like his job. He took the time to appreciate what he could: his lively coworkers and his boss, a woman trying to find her place in an all-boys club, but not too intimated to stand up for what she knew was right. Jon’s release was dominating in the bedroom, and his aim was to find a sub that was just right. Imagine his surprise when the face of his firm’s biggest client – Rick – fits the bill. Rick may have been submissive in the bedroom, but in the boardroom, he was anything but. He was powerful and decisive, and it made it that much more exciting to see him on his knees. Insta-lust doesn’t usually work for me, but I have to say that it did here. Rick and Jon both had very specific needs, and I think the sparks flew from the minute they realized what the other was. They couldn’t keep their hands off each other, even when they knew they were at risk of being found out. There was chemistry galore between them, and they burned up the sheets.
There were a few things I’d like to have seen in this book. More build up in the beginning would have been nice. Things happen pretty quickly once Jon and Rick discover each other on the dating site. I wanted more boardroom flirting. Also, Jon is practically killing himself at work for his kids, but we never meet them until the epilogue. I think seeing him interact with them could have given more depth to his character and his motivation for staying in a lackluster job. And the last thing – I feel like the blurb was a bit misleading in regards to the blackmail. It doesn’t make an appearance until the end of the story, and it didn’t really feel genuine. The biggest hurdle Jon and Rick had were their income brackets, and had that taken center stage, it could been enough to drive the story. And then we could have avoided the public declaration that didn’t feel in character for Rick or Jon.
So, I had some issues with Not Safe for Work, but overall, I think it was a decent read. Jon’s inner struggle with his pride was the highlight of the story for me, and I think that part was really well done. I’m looking forward to diving into this author’s back list.
This review was originally posted at Badass Book Reviews.
Not Safe for Work is precisely what it touts itself to be – NSFW. It was a steamy read with mature MC’s – both men are over 40, and there was a lot to like about this book. While Rick had his life together, Jon struggled. He had three college aged kids, and he was the one footing the bill for their education. He was walking on eggshells at work in an effort to keep a position that was few and far between due to being phased out by technology. But what I liked about his character was that he didn’t wallow about how much he didn’t like his job. He took the time to appreciate what he could: his lively coworkers and his boss, a woman trying to find her place in an all-boys club, but not too intimated to stand up for what she knew was right. Jon’s release was dominating in the bedroom, and his aim was to find a sub that was just right. Imagine his surprise when the face of his firm’s biggest client – Rick – fits the bill. Rick may have been submissive in the bedroom, but in the boardroom, he was anything but. He was powerful and decisive, and it made it that much more exciting to see him on his knees. Insta-lust doesn’t usually work for me, but I have to say that it did here. Rick and Jon both had very specific needs, and I think the sparks flew from the minute they realized what the other was. They couldn’t keep their hands off each other, even when they knew they were at risk of being found out. There was chemistry galore between them, and they burned up the sheets.
There were a few things I’d like to have seen in this book. More build up in the beginning would have been nice. Things happen pretty quickly once Jon and Rick discover each other on the dating site. I wanted more boardroom flirting. Also, Jon is practically killing himself at work for his kids, but we never meet them until the epilogue. I think seeing him interact with them could have given more depth to his character and his motivation for staying in a lackluster job. And the last thing – I feel like the blurb was a bit misleading in regards to the blackmail. It doesn’t make an appearance until the end of the story, and it didn’t really feel genuine. The biggest hurdle Jon and Rick had were their income brackets, and had that taken center stage, it could been enough to drive the story. And then we could have avoided the public declaration that didn’t feel in character for Rick or Jon.
So, I had some issues with Not Safe for Work, but overall, I think it was a decent read. Jon’s inner struggle with his pride was the highlight of the story for me, and I think that part was really well done. I’m looking forward to diving into this author’s back list.
This review was originally posted at Badass Book Reviews.
January 26, 2016
Office Romance / BDSM~ 4 Stars
Jon McNeill and Rick Pierce are in a meeting together while Jon's company pitches prospective to Rick Pierce's company. See Jon works for an architectural firm and Rick is a client bringing the firm mass business. Well after this meeting has gone on, for what seems like forever - Jon jumps on his smart phone to play on a dating app. Not just any dating app, this is for the kinkster's who may like a little bondage and then some. Jon expects to see his nearest match show up a few miles away.....not 2 feet away, sitting in the conference room with him. While Jon looks around the room to see who could be gazing at their phone as if they are scrolling the app as well, low and behold ....it's the VIP of the meeting, Rick Pierce. Rick just happens to look up and give Jon a knowing look and that's all it takes. See while Rick likes to be in charge in the business world, he is very much a submissive in the bedroom or dungeon and Jon is all about Dominating him.
This was a fun book and it gets it's title, not how you would think..so grab a copy and check it out as you watch Rick and Jon maneuver through their NSFW relationship.
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
and Gay Book Reviews
Jon McNeill and Rick Pierce are in a meeting together while Jon's company pitches prospective to Rick Pierce's company. See Jon works for an architectural firm and Rick is a client bringing the firm mass business. Well after this meeting has gone on, for what seems like forever - Jon jumps on his smart phone to play on a dating app. Not just any dating app, this is for the kinkster's who may like a little bondage and then some. Jon expects to see his nearest match show up a few miles away.....not 2 feet away, sitting in the conference room with him. While Jon looks around the room to see who could be gazing at their phone as if they are scrolling the app as well, low and behold ....it's the VIP of the meeting, Rick Pierce. Rick just happens to look up and give Jon a knowing look and that's all it takes. See while Rick likes to be in charge in the business world, he is very much a submissive in the bedroom or dungeon and Jon is all about Dominating him.
This was a fun book and it gets it's title, not how you would think..so grab a copy and check it out as you watch Rick and Jon maneuver through their NSFW relationship.
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
and Gay Book Reviews
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