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With a Kiss
When Liam Bates volunteered to visit lonely patients at his local hospital, he expected them to be able to talk back when he chatted to them. But, when he’s assigned to visit a comatose man, he soon finds himself spilling out his whole life story in an effort to fill the silence. It’s not long before the peace and comfort he finds in the man’s hospital room becomes Liam’s refuge from an increasingly hostile world. Vampire Marcus Corrigan has been trapped inside his paralysed body for over three years, unable to communicate with anyone. The chatty young man who visits Marcus quickly captivates him, and Liam’s softly spoken words soon have him determined to rescue the boy from his current life, but, unable to move a muscle, all Marcus can actually do is lay there and listen. There’s only one thing that can wake up Marcus. There’s only one thing that can save Liam’s sanity. Everything is about to change for them both, and it will change with a kiss. Please Also This is the second edition of this title. It has been tweaked and re-edited but the plot has not been changed.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 19, 2011
57 people are currently reading
1218 people want to read
About the author
Kim Dare
160 books1,519 followersKim is a thirty-three year old bisexual submissive from Wales (UK). First published in 2008, she has since released almost 100 BDSM erotic romance titles ranging from short stories to full length novels. Having worked with a host of fantastic e-publishers, she has just moved into self publishing.
While she has occasionally ventured towards other pairings, Kim's first love is still, and probably always will be, Male/Male stories. But, no matter what the pairing, from paranormal to contemporary, and from the sweet to the intense, everything she writes will always feature three things - Kink, Love and a Happy Ending.
While she has occasionally ventured towards other pairings, Kim's first love is still, and probably always will be, Male/Male stories. But, no matter what the pairing, from paranormal to contemporary, and from the sweet to the intense, everything she writes will always feature three things - Kink, Love and a Happy Ending.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 216 reviews
April 15, 2019
DNF @ 42%
November 1, 2014
October - BMB Reviews Author of the Month
4.5 Hearts--*squees*
I definitely enjoy a good story with an abused character. The hurt/comfort element is tops...well for me anyway. In Kim Dare's "With a Kiss", she delivers the most sweetest, kinky story between a human, Liam and a vampire, Marcus.
Don't worry, no lame vampires here. The world that Dare created features a contemporary UK where paranormal beings are known and accepted. Liam is in an abusive relationship, his shitty partner - Ralph controls nearly every aspect of Liam's life...except for one thing. Liam volunteers to talk to vampire coma patient, Marcus, once a week.
This setup lasts for months and sweet submissive, Liam finally has someone to listen to his problems and hard life without judgment. The story starts on New Year's Eve and like the title states it starts "with a kiss". A kiss to change both their lives.
What Dare is magical with is creating simple yet complex characters that show D/s in such a positive light. She gives great power exchange. And you're immersed in the mindset of both main characters that I could understand why Liam was nervous about embracing his submissive side, yet he couldn't help to explore. Or understand Marcus's predatory nature always remained first.
But...this is pure romance. The men take time to fall in love. Liam had to learn to trust in a partner, to trust in himself. Marcus is used to fucking his food, not to viewing a human more than a source if his pleasure. He had to learn how to care for his human and Liam his Master. The hook of their D/s relationship and how their dynamics play into their roles made this story quite the experience.
Why not 5 hearts? I wanted to know more about the paranormal world created. Are vampires only born? Can they change humans into vampires? I want these two to be together forever and ever.
This story is definitely 5 hearts up until 40% then it goes to about 4 hearts until 80%. The last 20% was yummy and definitely 5 hearts worthy.
The sacrifices Marcus made, the patience and care...all while being an alpha Dominant. He's never considered anyone else but himself so reading him fall was everything.
Solid writing, excellent relationship, definitely one of my favorite Dare couples...right up there with Ori and Reynard.
Highly recommended!
A copy provided for an honest review.
4.5 Hearts--*squees*
I definitely enjoy a good story with an abused character. The hurt/comfort element is tops...well for me anyway. In Kim Dare's "With a Kiss", she delivers the most sweetest, kinky story between a human, Liam and a vampire, Marcus.
Don't worry, no lame vampires here. The world that Dare created features a contemporary UK where paranormal beings are known and accepted. Liam is in an abusive relationship, his shitty partner - Ralph controls nearly every aspect of Liam's life...except for one thing. Liam volunteers to talk to vampire coma patient, Marcus, once a week.
This setup lasts for months and sweet submissive, Liam finally has someone to listen to his problems and hard life without judgment. The story starts on New Year's Eve and like the title states it starts "with a kiss". A kiss to change both their lives.
What Dare is magical with is creating simple yet complex characters that show D/s in such a positive light. She gives great power exchange. And you're immersed in the mindset of both main characters that I could understand why Liam was nervous about embracing his submissive side, yet he couldn't help to explore. Or understand Marcus's predatory nature always remained first.
"If all I wanted was convenience I'd get a take-away--pick up a cheap rent boy in a bad part of town and receive everything I wanted from him in the back of my car."
But...this is pure romance. The men take time to fall in love. Liam had to learn to trust in a partner, to trust in himself. Marcus is used to fucking his food, not to viewing a human more than a source if his pleasure. He had to learn how to care for his human and Liam his Master. The hook of their D/s relationship and how their dynamics play into their roles made this story quite the experience.
"In other circumstances, Marcus may well have used and discarded Liam like he would any other human. But, while he was in his coma he had no choice but to listen to Liam--to get to know him the way he's never known another human and learn to see him as something other than a blood supply."
Why not 5 hearts? I wanted to know more about the paranormal world created. Are vampires only born? Can they change humans into vampires? I want these two to be together forever and ever.
This story is definitely 5 hearts up until 40% then it goes to about 4 hearts until 80%. The last 20% was yummy and definitely 5 hearts worthy.
The sacrifices Marcus made, the patience and care...all while being an alpha Dominant. He's never considered anyone else but himself so reading him fall was everything.
"Liam didn't need freedom. He didn't need independence. And he didn't need a master who was willing to give him those things either. Liam needed protecting."
Solid writing, excellent relationship, definitely one of my favorite Dare couples...right up there with Ori and Reynard.
Highly recommended!
A copy provided for an honest review.
Want to read
October 31, 2015Kindle freebie 10/30/15!
April 25, 2020
I personally like my BDSM as light as possible, tending to lean toward a relationship that has more dominant/submissive overtones, and less props, devices and pain. This had more of the former and was not excessive in the latter, which many might find it a bit lacking but I was obviously ok with.
Regardless I thought it did well showing the progression between Liam and Marcus. Liam struggles to overcome his terribly abusive past and Marcus takes wonderful care of him by providing the very safety and reassurance he needs.
I had hoped for a bit more world building but overall a nice hurt/comfort read.
Regardless I thought it did well showing the progression between Liam and Marcus. Liam struggles to overcome his terribly abusive past and Marcus takes wonderful care of him by providing the very safety and reassurance he needs.
I had hoped for a bit more world building but overall a nice hurt/comfort read.
October 22, 2011
This is a fairytale which focuses on what happens AFTER the kiss that awakens the ‘prince’, so to speak. It is also a great vampire story, and has lots of hot sex and even some love thrown in to boot. And, as if that wasn’t enough, we get to see an abused man come to terms with the fact that he is still a sub, despite everything he’s been put through by an asshole who pretended to be a Master. How can you go wrong with those ingredients?
Liam is such a great guy. Abused rather than appreciated, loyal to the point of self-destruction, a quiet man who is hard to get to know, he is too scared to leave his current relationship until he gets some help from Marcus. The fact that the man is a vampire doesn’t worry Liam, but the fact that he is a Dom and attractive, doesn’t make things easier for either of them. With the typical tenacity and curiosity that has meant much trouble for Liam in the past, he now attempts to understand why he still wants Marcus to tie him down.
Marcus is an enigma, one of those ‘tall, dark and handsome’ men who never happen to be around in real life (well, not in mine at least). I thought it was great that he was the ‘helpless’ one initially and had to be woken up with a kiss. That was a nice bit of role reversal and made the story all the more interesting. Watching him gradually pull his life back together, reassert himself and plan revenge on the one who put him into a coma provided great entertainment as well as some mystery and tension.
I loved the slow build of trust between Liam and Marcus, the fact that both main characters have inner demons, their past and real enemies to fight. The gradually growing love and admiration between the two was wonderful. If you like vampire novels, fairy tales and hot men, you will love this book as much as I did.
Liam is such a great guy. Abused rather than appreciated, loyal to the point of self-destruction, a quiet man who is hard to get to know, he is too scared to leave his current relationship until he gets some help from Marcus. The fact that the man is a vampire doesn’t worry Liam, but the fact that he is a Dom and attractive, doesn’t make things easier for either of them. With the typical tenacity and curiosity that has meant much trouble for Liam in the past, he now attempts to understand why he still wants Marcus to tie him down.
Marcus is an enigma, one of those ‘tall, dark and handsome’ men who never happen to be around in real life (well, not in mine at least). I thought it was great that he was the ‘helpless’ one initially and had to be woken up with a kiss. That was a nice bit of role reversal and made the story all the more interesting. Watching him gradually pull his life back together, reassert himself and plan revenge on the one who put him into a coma provided great entertainment as well as some mystery and tension.
I loved the slow build of trust between Liam and Marcus, the fact that both main characters have inner demons, their past and real enemies to fight. The gradually growing love and admiration between the two was wonderful. If you like vampire novels, fairy tales and hot men, you will love this book as much as I did.
October 30, 2015
Another beautiful loving submission with a Sleeping Beauty/Cinderfella mashup.
A lot of intense focus on fixing broken Liam so that he can let go of the visceral reaction he has to dominance when all of his previous exposures before Marcus were abusive. Liked the story, but wished there was more meat to the plot. This is a character driven story which begins to feel like getting lost in a the swirl of the gentle cycle on washing machine.
A lot of intense focus on fixing broken Liam so that he can let go of the visceral reaction he has to dominance when all of his previous exposures before Marcus were abusive. Liked the story, but wished there was more meat to the plot. This is a character driven story which begins to feel like getting lost in a the swirl of the gentle cycle on washing machine.
January 21, 2024
Reread - Jan 2024, Dec 2017 - really enjoyed this the second time round, less formal BDSM than I remembered, which is good! And more healing from Liam's abuse, which was also good, basically a comfort story with a side of vampires.
Review
That was wonderful. I have become a fast fan of Kim Dare and this book just solidifies everything I love about her stories.
This book is basically about Liam healing from an abusive relationship with the help of Marcus, a dominant vampire. And no, BDSM did not heal Liam, Marcus did, with patience and understanding and pushing Liam when it was needed.
I love Dare's paranormal world's and characters. They're so well thought out and everything you want them to be. Marcus was strong, dominant (obviously), sexy and sensual. The feeding was hot and I liked how it was tied in with pleasure.
Liam was a sweetheart and I thought his thought processes and healing was well done. The sex scenes were well placed with his healing and were sexy as hell! Pretty light on the bondage and d/s aspects, but I guess that was appropriate to the story as well.
Review
That was wonderful. I have become a fast fan of Kim Dare and this book just solidifies everything I love about her stories.
This book is basically about Liam healing from an abusive relationship with the help of Marcus, a dominant vampire. And no, BDSM did not heal Liam, Marcus did, with patience and understanding and pushing Liam when it was needed.
I love Dare's paranormal world's and characters. They're so well thought out and everything you want them to be. Marcus was strong, dominant (obviously), sexy and sensual. The feeding was hot and I liked how it was tied in with pleasure.
Liam was a sweetheart and I thought his thought processes and healing was well done. The sex scenes were well placed with his healing and were sexy as hell! Pretty light on the bondage and d/s aspects, but I guess that was appropriate to the story as well.
October 21, 2011
5+++ stars
This book was absolutely, postively enchanting.
A young man named Liam who's in an abusive relationship spends his free time volunteering at a hospital. For six months he talks to a comatose vampire named Marcus, and on New Year's Eve at midnight, Liam kisses Marcus and Marcus wakes up.
There were so many things I loved about this story. I loved Liam because even though he's been in an abusive relationship for quite a while he's not totally beat down. Liam maintained alot of his innocence and he was also alot stronger than he gave himself credit for. I really liked that he had little quirks like his addiction to trashy gossip magazines. It was also great to see a submissive character who wasn't beautiful and bratty. Liam is quiet, a little awkward and average in appearances. It was nice to read about a character that could easily be someone you'd strike up a conversation with in the supermarket because he's looking at the same celebrity gossip that you are.
That brings me to Marcus. Marcus is a complete top, completely dominant, totally stunning and more than a little lost when it comes to figuring out how to deal with his tender feelings for Liam. Kim Dare doesn't make Marcus go through a bunch of angst about his feelings though. Instead, Marcus is determined to be the best Master for Liam, his gentle human submissive, that he can be. That made me believe in Marcus as a Dom. He took charge of the situation, accepted his feelings, and did what was necessary to make Liam feel safe, protected and cared for.
Reading about Marcus and Liam was a treat. It was beautiful to read about the ways Marcus helped Liam heal in the aftermath of his abusive relationship. It was adorable the way Marcus did everything he could to be what Liam needed. Marcus and Liam are in my top ten couples that I really believe are perfect for each other.
I fear that I didn't do this book justice in my review but I hope that anyone reading this decides to pick up this book. It's worth every penny and every minute spent reading it. I recommend.
This book was absolutely, postively enchanting.
A young man named Liam who's in an abusive relationship spends his free time volunteering at a hospital. For six months he talks to a comatose vampire named Marcus, and on New Year's Eve at midnight, Liam kisses Marcus and Marcus wakes up.
There were so many things I loved about this story. I loved Liam because even though he's been in an abusive relationship for quite a while he's not totally beat down. Liam maintained alot of his innocence and he was also alot stronger than he gave himself credit for. I really liked that he had little quirks like his addiction to trashy gossip magazines. It was also great to see a submissive character who wasn't beautiful and bratty. Liam is quiet, a little awkward and average in appearances. It was nice to read about a character that could easily be someone you'd strike up a conversation with in the supermarket because he's looking at the same celebrity gossip that you are.
That brings me to Marcus. Marcus is a complete top, completely dominant, totally stunning and more than a little lost when it comes to figuring out how to deal with his tender feelings for Liam. Kim Dare doesn't make Marcus go through a bunch of angst about his feelings though. Instead, Marcus is determined to be the best Master for Liam, his gentle human submissive, that he can be. That made me believe in Marcus as a Dom. He took charge of the situation, accepted his feelings, and did what was necessary to make Liam feel safe, protected and cared for.
Reading about Marcus and Liam was a treat. It was beautiful to read about the ways Marcus helped Liam heal in the aftermath of his abusive relationship. It was adorable the way Marcus did everything he could to be what Liam needed. Marcus and Liam are in my top ten couples that I really believe are perfect for each other.
I fear that I didn't do this book justice in my review but I hope that anyone reading this decides to pick up this book. It's worth every penny and every minute spent reading it. I recommend.
January 1, 2015
★★★☆☆½
I loved fairy tales especially Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty so, of course, I liked With A Kiss.
Reading to Marcus was Liam's refuge from an abusive boyfriend and even though Marcus was in a coma, he was fully aware of his surroundings and found him getting to know and care about Liam in a way he had never done with another person, vampire or human. When he learned that Liam was being abused all while Liam continued to read frippery to him, he was enraged.
Marcus went very slowly with Liam and took advice on caring for him and worked extremely hard to overcome his deep-seated view of prey and it was lovely when he finally could think of Liam as a lover instead.
I had some unanswered questions - like what was the attraction with Ralph and how long he'd been with him, sometimes it seemed that Liam was really young, but overall this was a sweet Knight in Shining Armor story.
I loved fairy tales especially Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty so, of course, I liked With A Kiss.
Reading to Marcus was Liam's refuge from an abusive boyfriend and even though Marcus was in a coma, he was fully aware of his surroundings and found him getting to know and care about Liam in a way he had never done with another person, vampire or human. When he learned that Liam was being abused all while Liam continued to read frippery to him, he was enraged.
Marcus went very slowly with Liam and took advice on caring for him and worked extremely hard to overcome his deep-seated view of prey and it was lovely when he finally could think of Liam as a lover instead.
I had some unanswered questions - like what was the attraction with Ralph and how long he'd been with him, sometimes it seemed that Liam was really young, but overall this was a sweet Knight in Shining Armor story.
October 22, 2011
Excellent kinky paranormal m/m romance loosely based on Sleeping Beauty. A young man who's being mentally, physically, and sexually abused by his boyfriend comes to the hospital every week for three years to read to a vampire in a mysterious coma. And then the vampires is awakened... This book shines in not trivializing the process of recovering from abuse.
Want to read
October 30, 2015Currently Free at Amazon! 10/30/2015
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January 9, 2012
Marcus...a vampire, bitten by another vampire lies in a coma...seemingly unaware yet so very aware. Liam, a gentle soul...a submissive trapped in a physically abusive relationship, desperate for love...desperate to be loved. A kiss, one drop of blood from a split lip, and both lives are irrevocably changed. Were I to winnow this story down to it's bare bones, I would tell you that Liam while volunteering at the hospital is assigned to read with the comatose vampire, Marcus. For 3 years Liam does just that...reads, talks, confesses all to what appears to be nothing more than a comatose man. In reality, Marcus is trapped within his own body, unable to move but completely aware...he HEARS everything. And so when he is awakened with a kiss from Liam, whom once again has been beaten by his abusive boyfriend, it takes only a small drop of blood that falls from Liam's split lip to revive the vampire. And thus begins the journey of reawakening for both men. For Marcus it is the fight to regain his confidence when the world and all it's vastness threatens to unnerve him. For Liam it is something more...it is a journey toward healing...both physically and mentally. A journey that will ultimately lead Liam to understand that submission does not mean abuse, that joy can be found in the rendering of pain whose intent is not to hurt but to set free, and that love can be found in the arms of a vampire.
With a Kiss is one of the most beautiful love stories I have ever read. Marcus, a predator by nature, learns how to love and cherish the sweet and gentle spirit that is Liam. Liam, a terrified and wounded soul learns that he is worthy of being cherished...in fact, that he has a right to be cherished.
I make no claim to have anything less than incredible respect for this author. I have read much of her work and enjoyed her stories over and over again. But with this novel, Kim Dare once again raises the bar on the paranormal romance genre...taking it to new heights. I defy you to read this book and NOT fall in love with it's characters. Once again, Ms. Dare sweeps us up into her imagination and shows us what a great story is all about.
With a Kiss is one of the most beautiful love stories I have ever read. Marcus, a predator by nature, learns how to love and cherish the sweet and gentle spirit that is Liam. Liam, a terrified and wounded soul learns that he is worthy of being cherished...in fact, that he has a right to be cherished.
I make no claim to have anything less than incredible respect for this author. I have read much of her work and enjoyed her stories over and over again. But with this novel, Kim Dare once again raises the bar on the paranormal romance genre...taking it to new heights. I defy you to read this book and NOT fall in love with it's characters. Once again, Ms. Dare sweeps us up into her imagination and shows us what a great story is all about.
March 17, 2014
I am finding it hard to write a coherent review of this, so here is more an assortment of impressions.
This shared certain similarities with Duck!, a book I liked a great deal: a strong dominant male, a very submissive, "lost-boy" hero, great chemistry. Despite the paranormal theme and the magic kiss of the title, this did not feel nearly so much like a fairy tale, mostly because the picture we receive of Liam's abuse is so harrowing—the constant reflex to look for the door of a room, the compulsive need to apologize, the hyper-awareness of where his abuser is in the house. It was totally compelling and scary, so much that the book really did not feel like a paranormal to me.
Marcus' personality is closely tied to his being a vampire, but then again, almost the only thing we learn about vampires here is that they drink blood and they are really dominant with their human pets. Generally I love uber-alpha characters, and Marcus does not disappoint. Like a lot of Lost-boy heroes, Liam was almost too submissive for me. It is totally explained by the abuse, but he is so lost and so—I have to use the word naive though with caveat that he's obviously seen some pretty horrible stuff—but he's so naive you start to feel like you live in a totally different reality. But I thought Dare developed their relationship very well, especially the sex and D/s elements, where she really makes you believe that Liam would want to give over control to someone he trusted.
I definitely liked the book, but I found it an odd mix of elements. No question the picture of abuse was extremely well-done-- truly scary and all-too believable.
This shared certain similarities with Duck!, a book I liked a great deal: a strong dominant male, a very submissive, "lost-boy" hero, great chemistry. Despite the paranormal theme and the magic kiss of the title, this did not feel nearly so much like a fairy tale, mostly because the picture we receive of Liam's abuse is so harrowing—the constant reflex to look for the door of a room, the compulsive need to apologize, the hyper-awareness of where his abuser is in the house. It was totally compelling and scary, so much that the book really did not feel like a paranormal to me.
Marcus' personality is closely tied to his being a vampire, but then again, almost the only thing we learn about vampires here is that they drink blood and they are really dominant with their human pets. Generally I love uber-alpha characters, and Marcus does not disappoint. Like a lot of Lost-boy heroes, Liam was almost too submissive for me. It is totally explained by the abuse, but he is so lost and so—I have to use the word naive though with caveat that he's obviously seen some pretty horrible stuff—but he's so naive you start to feel like you live in a totally different reality. But I thought Dare developed their relationship very well, especially the sex and D/s elements, where she really makes you believe that Liam would want to give over control to someone he trusted.
I definitely liked the book, but I found it an odd mix of elements. No question the picture of abuse was extremely well-done-- truly scary and all-too believable.
July 26, 2015
Kinda disappointed. I mean, I expected more from the woman who wrote Axel's Pup. Seriously, I loved that book. This one? Meh.
January 13, 2021
Marcus was a vampire in slumber for three years in the hospital. This happened in a world where the existence of vampires was known to humans and kind of co-exist with each other. Liam, a young man suffering from his abusive boyfriend Ralph was a volunteer in the hospital Marcus was slumbering in. Every week, he would "talk" to Marcus and in certain times, he finds comfort in confiding to Marcus. Months went by without knowing that Marcus was listening in his coma state and as the clock struck midnight and the new year came, Liam kissed Marcus on his lips. Marcus woke up from his slumber and started his mission to help Liam get back his life from his abusive boyfriend, help Liam heal and pursue his revenge on the cause of his slumber.
I am usually not a fan of vampire romance but the recovery theme draws me in! The BDSM was kind of downplayed in this book so its good for those who are easily triggered in this to give it a go. I like that the book focuses on Liam's recovery with the help and support from Marcus. Its very heartwarming to see Liam's progress and the ending was the punch I needed for Liam. Adding the Dominant/Submissive element in this story definitely added a lot of flavours especially in terms of trust building between both MC. And since Liam was an abused MC, trust did not come easily.
I am usually not a fan of vampire romance but the recovery theme draws me in! The BDSM was kind of downplayed in this book so its good for those who are easily triggered in this to give it a go. I like that the book focuses on Liam's recovery with the help and support from Marcus. Its very heartwarming to see Liam's progress and the ending was the punch I needed for Liam. Adding the Dominant/Submissive element in this story definitely added a lot of flavours especially in terms of trust building between both MC. And since Liam was an abused MC, trust did not come easily.
August 27, 2016
I really enjoyed this.
"Duck" was the first long story of Kim's that I read. I appreciated the chance for increased character and plot development, so I was pleased to see another one of a similar length. If anything, this one is actually better.
Once again, don't read it filled with expectations of what a BDSM book is like, or a vampire book or even a Kim Dare book. Just accept the story for what it is. Like the ugly duckling twist of "Duck" this one takes the premise of a fairy tale and adds a whole plethora of "what if"s to the story.
Yeah, it's soppy and smutty, but it's also serious in parts. Within the text, Kim is throwing out some pretty hard-hitting observations about a number of issues, like the difference between domestic violence and BDSM play. She just disguises them well.
She also seems to be curbing her over-use of words like prettily and delicately, especially in relation to cock-sucking and lips. Being such a prolific writer and with fans like me who read every one , after a while, these repetitions can grate. I didn't actually count them, but there did seem to be a more conscious effort to avoid her cliched Top/bottom reactions and thoughts which I appreciated.
Don't get me wrong, "With a Kiss" is still very much a Kim Dare book. Her Top is still the strong silent type and her bottom another submissive who need comfort and protection, but if she is trying to branch out and tackle more complicated plots and less obvious scenarios, then I'm a hundred percent behind her, esepcially if she restrains her writing, just as Marcus had to restrain his natural impulses and not go for "easy".
"Duck" was the first long story of Kim's that I read. I appreciated the chance for increased character and plot development, so I was pleased to see another one of a similar length. If anything, this one is actually better.
Once again, don't read it filled with expectations of what a BDSM book is like, or a vampire book or even a Kim Dare book. Just accept the story for what it is. Like the ugly duckling twist of "Duck" this one takes the premise of a fairy tale and adds a whole plethora of "what if"s to the story.
Yeah, it's soppy and smutty, but it's also serious in parts. Within the text, Kim is throwing out some pretty hard-hitting observations about a number of issues, like the difference between domestic violence and BDSM play. She just disguises them well.
She also seems to be curbing her over-use of words like prettily and delicately, especially in relation to cock-sucking and lips. Being such a prolific writer and with fans like me who read every one , after a while, these repetitions can grate. I didn't actually count them, but there did seem to be a more conscious effort to avoid her cliched Top/bottom reactions and thoughts which I appreciated.
Don't get me wrong, "With a Kiss" is still very much a Kim Dare book. Her Top is still the strong silent type and her bottom another submissive who need comfort and protection, but if she is trying to branch out and tackle more complicated plots and less obvious scenarios, then I'm a hundred percent behind her, esepcially if she restrains her writing, just as Marcus had to restrain his natural impulses and not go for "easy".
March 14, 2013
4.25 Stars
Review posted onWorld of Diversity Fictions!
With a Kiss is a great little vampire story, easy to read, no major plot twists a bit of angst with Liam who is oh so adorable and of course that very sexy vampire Marcus. *sigh* I wasn’t really sure what to expect, BDSM stories are not something I’m drawn to fortunately this stories BDSM scenes are very light I found them to be sweet and very loving. Marcus, our sexy vampire isn’t the usual vampire the whole vampire premise in this story is different from any I’ve read. He isn’t hiding, vampires aren’t a secret nor does he sleep during the day and walk the streets at night as a matter of fact this story would have been just as enjoyable to read if Marcus was just a regular businessman not much would have had to change, but I’m happy he is a vampire I have a thing for them. *lol*
Pieces of Liam’s story were heartbreaking, he was such a special character for me and he’s the sweetest thing ever. I loved his “little boy” personality (shy, insecure, full of anxiety) but he has a reason for being that way and that reason is called Ralph, boy I hated that man.
The chemistry between Liam and Marcus jumps off the page right from the beginning even though Marcus is comatose that feeling of a connection between these two was strong and gets stronger when Liam kisses him awake just like in a fairytale. Awwe!
A feel good, warm and fuzzy story with a few hot sex scenes not an overdose of them but just enough, I thought it was perfect.
If you are after something like that then I recommend With a Kiss.
February 4, 2013
3.5 stars.
Very cute story of Liam, a guy in an abusive relationship, and Marcus, the vampire in a coma that he visits regularly at the hospital.
It was a bit hard to connect to the characters at the beginning, especially to Marcus. While in a way I understand Liam's emotional paralysis due to the abuse he has to endure, I wasn't able to see nuances in Marcus' behavior. He's "bossy" attitude grated on me a little bit, it took me a while to find his emotions.
I think the author did a good job at giving Liam time to learn to take hold of his life. He didn't really become assertive, but at least he began to face life. Marcus was a good dominant, always trying to gauge Liam's reaction and not to push his limits, showing an admirable restraint. There is attraction, but not overtly healing sex.
I enjoyed the story, but I didn't find the intensity of other books by Kim Dare. It was as if something was missing. I don't know if the way the story is told was a factor. The story begins after an episode of abuse, with a few flashbacks of Liam's previous visits. I think a linear story telling would have been more effective. Also, I got that vampires are dominants and humans are submissive, but this fact remained a sort of axiom, from which all the rest derived. I like seeing the need of submission, but I didn't really see it here, so I wasn't really blown away by the story.
Very cute story of Liam, a guy in an abusive relationship, and Marcus, the vampire in a coma that he visits regularly at the hospital.
It was a bit hard to connect to the characters at the beginning, especially to Marcus. While in a way I understand Liam's emotional paralysis due to the abuse he has to endure, I wasn't able to see nuances in Marcus' behavior. He's "bossy" attitude grated on me a little bit, it took me a while to find his emotions.
I think the author did a good job at giving Liam time to learn to take hold of his life. He didn't really become assertive, but at least he began to face life. Marcus was a good dominant, always trying to gauge Liam's reaction and not to push his limits, showing an admirable restraint. There is attraction, but not overtly healing sex.
I enjoyed the story, but I didn't find the intensity of other books by Kim Dare. It was as if something was missing. I don't know if the way the story is told was a factor. The story begins after an episode of abuse, with a few flashbacks of Liam's previous visits. I think a linear story telling would have been more effective. Also, I got that vampires are dominants and humans are submissive, but this fact remained a sort of axiom, from which all the rest derived. I like seeing the need of submission, but I didn't really see it here, so I wasn't really blown away by the story.
October 20, 2011
It's a story about your journey to find yourself. Who you really are. It's about a lost soul and a lonely vampire, about trust, inner strength and the discovery of true love.
I really liked that there was no rush in building the story, no hasty developments but the slow and gradual development of a relationship. Liam had to learn to trust again and he had to find and embrace his inner strength whereas Marcus found through Liam his ability to be patient and to put someone elses needs over his own.
One of the best aspects of the book is how the D/s relationship is built. There is no 'you are my sub now, cope with it' but a learning of the rules, the building of trust and finding boundaries and overcoming them.
Liam is strong, he just doesn't know it and I found it great that he could stand up against his abuser. In the end when Marcus confronts Theo one could wonder who is the stronger of the pair, Liam or Marcus; physically its Marcus, but mentally I would say it's Liam with his ability to trust so completely. But in the end both changed a lot and they are quite equal.
I really liked that there was no rush in building the story, no hasty developments but the slow and gradual development of a relationship. Liam had to learn to trust again and he had to find and embrace his inner strength whereas Marcus found through Liam his ability to be patient and to put someone elses needs over his own.
One of the best aspects of the book is how the D/s relationship is built. There is no 'you are my sub now, cope with it' but a learning of the rules, the building of trust and finding boundaries and overcoming them.
Liam is strong, he just doesn't know it and I found it great that he could stand up against his abuser. In the end when Marcus confronts Theo one could wonder who is the stronger of the pair, Liam or Marcus; physically its Marcus, but mentally I would say it's Liam with his ability to trust so completely. But in the end both changed a lot and they are quite equal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2012
If there is a badge to be earned for patience, Marcus should get it. He slowly, gently, draws Liam back from the abyss and loves him back into wellness of spirit and body. Liam was almost gone, and even more than actually killed, his mind and heart were in danger of getting locked away. But Marcus recognized not only a man he could love but who was meant to be his submissive as well. All the steps that Marcus has to do to move Liam from scared rabbit to a man who is healthy enough to know what he wants were a pleasure to read. Each time Liam thought one thing, Marcus did the other. And when Marcus is finally going to get the revenge he deserves to take, even in that he does not because he wants Liam to continue to see him as one of the good guys. I enjoyed watching Marcus become a better man, vampire, and seeing Liam bloom.
April 25, 2013
A nice fairytale where Liam's kiss awakens Marcus from his coma. I loved the premise that Liam had been visiting Marcus for 6 months and sharing his deepest thoughts and secrets with him. I loved the idea that a vampire could fall in love because of this, something that would not usually happen. I loved how Marcus and his actions where portrayed versus how the abusive Ralph behaved. "Seeing Ralph and Marcus standing side by side, the differences between the two men were obvious - and they had nothing to do with the ability to drink blood."
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
October 27, 2011
So very sweet, a cute fairytale romance. Marcus and Liam I liked them their relationship was fantasy like but who cares it was dreamy and lovely. Liam who is mentally scarred by his abusive boyfriend, finds himself visiting Marcus the vampire who has been in a coma for three years and suddenly awakens with a kiss from Liam. The slow build up of their relationship and the tenderness in which Marcus treats Liam is touching and beautiful. A nice love story that put a smile on my face!
August 28, 2012
4.5 stars
For a book with a Master/Submissive plot-line, this is an excellent read. Dare has written this book with care. I loved the overall feel and motivations of the main characters and could really understand their relationship impetus and needs. This type of novel would normally have difficulty conveying love to me, but not in this case. I definitely recommend this book for readers who are a bit leary of BDSM plots, but want to give it a go.
For a book with a Master/Submissive plot-line, this is an excellent read. Dare has written this book with care. I loved the overall feel and motivations of the main characters and could really understand their relationship impetus and needs. This type of novel would normally have difficulty conveying love to me, but not in this case. I definitely recommend this book for readers who are a bit leary of BDSM plots, but want to give it a go.
November 10, 2015
I loved this, but I'm a total sucker for vampires. Plus, I love a story about a dom and a sub where the dom takes such good care of the sub and always has his best interests at heart.
I fell in love with Marcus and how could you not love Liam. A great story!
I fell in love with Marcus and how could you not love Liam. A great story!
October 24, 2011
With a Kiss is quite an unusual book. It’s based very, very loosely on Sleeping Beauty.
Kim Dare’s books contain usually more sex. But the focuses in this one were the characters and the story. The MC's were described with a depth I missed in Kim’s other books.
The main plot was about abuse, what it did to someone and how the involved people learn to overcome it and trust a new lover.
The abusive scenes aren’t described in detail, therefore the hints of it have a bigger impact and I felt deeply with Liam.
The relationship between Liam and Marcus and their development was described very authentic. I fell in love with both of them from the first page. I felt with Marcus and his struggle back to live after 3 years in coma.
The author shows a deep insight in the characters, their fears and their hopes. I enjoyed that Kim Dare didn’t rush through the story but took the time to create a believable plot.
The D/s part was very subtle. A lot of readers labeled this book as BDSM, maybe because the author writes usually more graphic BDSM stories. But “With a Kiss” is not a BDSM read, it’s more a very soft erotic PNR read.
I enjoyed also the vampires. I hate clichés like can’t walk in the sun, holy water, crosses, etc. But Kim’s vampires are a part of the society and aside from the blood drinking and the predator instincts they are more like human beings.
The book entertained me on a high level, therefore I give 5 stars.
Kim Dare’s books contain usually more sex. But the focuses in this one were the characters and the story. The MC's were described with a depth I missed in Kim’s other books.
The main plot was about abuse, what it did to someone and how the involved people learn to overcome it and trust a new lover.
The abusive scenes aren’t described in detail, therefore the hints of it have a bigger impact and I felt deeply with Liam.
The relationship between Liam and Marcus and their development was described very authentic. I fell in love with both of them from the first page. I felt with Marcus and his struggle back to live after 3 years in coma.
The author shows a deep insight in the characters, their fears and their hopes. I enjoyed that Kim Dare didn’t rush through the story but took the time to create a believable plot.
The D/s part was very subtle. A lot of readers labeled this book as BDSM, maybe because the author writes usually more graphic BDSM stories. But “With a Kiss” is not a BDSM read, it’s more a very soft erotic PNR read.
I enjoyed also the vampires. I hate clichés like can’t walk in the sun, holy water, crosses, etc. But Kim’s vampires are a part of the society and aside from the blood drinking and the predator instincts they are more like human beings.
The book entertained me on a high level, therefore I give 5 stars.
March 11, 2012
I got a pile of amazon cards at our early Christmas, and this was one I bought from that loot. Actually, I tried this as a sample first and it was the one I went back and finished because it I was up in the middle of the night and it was so cute.
A friend called Dare "BDSM lite" and that's really the truth, but it's okay. The book is actually sweet as all hell. Dare is always just what you expect, no real twists or sudden turns, but that's a lot of the draw for me. Very much a snuggle-into-your-chair read.
AND it's a vamp book. I really don't like vamps, but this one is just fine. It's incredibly non-traditional vamp, which is part of why I liked it (nobody sparkles, don't worry).
Merged review:
I got a pile of amazon cards at our early Christmas, and this was one I bought from that loot. Actually, I tried this as a sample first and it was the one I went back and finished because it I was up in the middle of the night and it was so cute.
A friend called Dare "BDSM lite" and that's really the truth, but it's okay. The book is actually sweet as all hell. Dare is always just what you expect, no real twists or sudden turns, but that's a lot of the draw for me. Very much a snuggle-into-your-chair read.
AND it's a vamp book. I really don't like vamps, but this one is just fine. It's incredibly non-traditional vamp, which is part of why I liked it (nobody sparkles, don't worry).
A friend called Dare "BDSM lite" and that's really the truth, but it's okay. The book is actually sweet as all hell. Dare is always just what you expect, no real twists or sudden turns, but that's a lot of the draw for me. Very much a snuggle-into-your-chair read.
AND it's a vamp book. I really don't like vamps, but this one is just fine. It's incredibly non-traditional vamp, which is part of why I liked it (nobody sparkles, don't worry).
Merged review:
I got a pile of amazon cards at our early Christmas, and this was one I bought from that loot. Actually, I tried this as a sample first and it was the one I went back and finished because it I was up in the middle of the night and it was so cute.
A friend called Dare "BDSM lite" and that's really the truth, but it's okay. The book is actually sweet as all hell. Dare is always just what you expect, no real twists or sudden turns, but that's a lot of the draw for me. Very much a snuggle-into-your-chair read.
AND it's a vamp book. I really don't like vamps, but this one is just fine. It's incredibly non-traditional vamp, which is part of why I liked it (nobody sparkles, don't worry).
October 22, 2011
For those concerned, light on the D's and not a "yes, sir" in sight that I remember, not from Liam anyway. Nice reviews already, I'll just mention a couple of things.
I felt for Liam. I could feel his fear and panic, his insecurities, the results of being involved in an abusive relationship. Underneath all that I could also feel his strength and his willingness to explore things he didn't know existed about himself. Marcus was great. His surliness jumped off the screen. It was fun to read just how many creative ways he could find to get Theo back for putting him in a coma. He was also constantly baffled on how to deal with Liam as he struggled on changing how he usually viewed humans as a disposable food source into seeing Liam as more than a pet/blood supply. A strong character but nowhere near perfect, there was growth in him too. The rest of the characters were a nice complement to the main couple.
I really liked how nothing was an insta-heal or insta-fix. Bodies weren't healed overnight, mindsets weren't changed overnight, fears weren't swept aside, it was acknowledged that even more time would be needed. That made the story more believable to me even one that is a re-telling of a fairy tale with vampires.
A couple of minor issues here and there. I won't mention those, mostly a result from binging on Kim Dare a while back. An overall enjoyable read.
I felt for Liam. I could feel his fear and panic, his insecurities, the results of being involved in an abusive relationship. Underneath all that I could also feel his strength and his willingness to explore things he didn't know existed about himself. Marcus was great. His surliness jumped off the screen. It was fun to read just how many creative ways he could find to get Theo back for putting him in a coma. He was also constantly baffled on how to deal with Liam as he struggled on changing how he usually viewed humans as a disposable food source into seeing Liam as more than a pet/blood supply. A strong character but nowhere near perfect, there was growth in him too. The rest of the characters were a nice complement to the main couple.
I really liked how nothing was an insta-heal or insta-fix. Bodies weren't healed overnight, mindsets weren't changed overnight, fears weren't swept aside, it was acknowledged that even more time would be needed. That made the story more believable to me even one that is a re-telling of a fairy tale with vampires.
A couple of minor issues here and there. I won't mention those, mostly a result from binging on Kim Dare a while back. An overall enjoyable read.
October 20, 2011
Marcus is a dominant vampire in a coma and his hospital visitor Liam is a sub in a horribly abusive relationship. After 6 months of visiting Marcus, Liam kisses Marcus at midnight on New Year's Eve and Marcus wakes up.
The remainder of the story details Liam's final beating by Ralph - his abusing boyfriend - and Marcus's desire to heal and keep Liam as his own. Marcus has never felt this way about any other human and he has a fierce need to protect Liam. I liked that the story was told from the altnernating POVs of the MCs. Understanding Liam's fear and watching Marcus fight his natural instincts becuase of his love for Liam were well written. As they build their relationship and trust, we are along for the ride.
I usually like Kim Dare's work and she doesn't dissapoint here. The violence here is mostly off-page and not graphic - but the resulting damage is very real. This is a nice, fairly light bdsm story with a good HEA.
The remainder of the story details Liam's final beating by Ralph - his abusing boyfriend - and Marcus's desire to heal and keep Liam as his own. Marcus has never felt this way about any other human and he has a fierce need to protect Liam. I liked that the story was told from the altnernating POVs of the MCs. Understanding Liam's fear and watching Marcus fight his natural instincts becuase of his love for Liam were well written. As they build their relationship and trust, we are along for the ride.
I usually like Kim Dare's work and she doesn't dissapoint here. The violence here is mostly off-page and not graphic - but the resulting damage is very real. This is a nice, fairly light bdsm story with a good HEA.
October 25, 2011
I wished I had liked this more than I did. It doesn't take away stars though, that I didn't like it as much as I'd wanted to.
It's still Kim Dare's excellent writing, it's still a good story, but it never "Wow..."ed me.
It was nice, but I expected more, I suppose. After having loved Duck! to pieces, I suppose I thought this would be as good and was a bit disappointed. Some things could have been fleshed out a bit more and it felt a little too easy on how the big problems were solved. Also when I turned the last page I went "That's it? Erm...okay, I suppose...".
But an okay book still. If you generally like Kim Dare, you'll like this one too.
July 8, 2021
Bounced back and forth between 4 and 5 stars but I'm feeling good so it gets five, besides I can see this one becoming a comfort read when I get into my downswings.
While it deals well with some serious subjects it also doesn't get terribly weighty or depressing with them, there was a nice balance. I think one of the things I liked best was watching both characters grow and change in positive ways.
While it deals well with some serious subjects it also doesn't get terribly weighty or depressing with them, there was a nice balance. I think one of the things I liked best was watching both characters grow and change in positive ways.
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