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Hunt&Cam4Ever #0.5
On His Knees
Alternative cover edition of ASIN B06XF2N1QP
Sometimes it's the cop who needs to hit the floor...
As a homicide cop, every blood-soaked crime scene settled in my bones and snaked around my spine. There was only one way to exorcise the images from my soul ...
Inside the club, I stopped to scan the room. He was here, Camden Snow. A Norse sex god in the guise of unpretentious youth. Only his ice-blue eyes gave evidence of the Dom who took whomever he wished, whatever way he wanted, with a look and a nod. Merciless.
Cam found me watching him and fixed me with his arctic gaze. This time, I didn't walk away. He cocked an eyebrow. Well?
The last thing I needed was mercy.
I dropped to my knees.
M/M BDSM 13k words. A frank exploration of the D/s dynamic between two powerful men. Consensual. Adult. Intense.
Sometimes it's the cop who needs to hit the floor...
As a homicide cop, every blood-soaked crime scene settled in my bones and snaked around my spine. There was only one way to exorcise the images from my soul ...
Inside the club, I stopped to scan the room. He was here, Camden Snow. A Norse sex god in the guise of unpretentious youth. Only his ice-blue eyes gave evidence of the Dom who took whomever he wished, whatever way he wanted, with a look and a nod. Merciless.
Cam found me watching him and fixed me with his arctic gaze. This time, I didn't walk away. He cocked an eyebrow. Well?
The last thing I needed was mercy.
I dropped to my knees.
M/M BDSM 13k words. A frank exploration of the D/s dynamic between two powerful men. Consensual. Adult. Intense.
73 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 16, 2017
150 people are currently reading
467 people want to read
About the author
Adira August
22 books152 followersADIRAAUGUST@GMAIL.COM
ANOMALOUS BOOKS"
DESIRE FOR TOUCH, BLISS, ECSTASY HAVE BEEN PERMANENTLY UNPUBLISHED. They have been replaced by RIVERHART: Ben&Avia's Story which is the origin of all my books and characters.
ON HIS KNEES is available again as a stand-alone in the RIVERHART ORIGINS series, and also is PART ONE one of MATCHSTICK MEN: BOOK ONE OF HUNT&CAM4eVER 8-book epic mm bdsm love story
ANOMALOUS BOOKS"
DESIRE FOR TOUCH, BLISS, ECSTASY HAVE BEEN PERMANENTLY UNPUBLISHED. They have been replaced by RIVERHART: Ben&Avia's Story which is the origin of all my books and characters.
ON HIS KNEES is available again as a stand-alone in the RIVERHART ORIGINS series, and also is PART ONE one of MATCHSTICK MEN: BOOK ONE OF HUNT&CAM4eVER 8-book epic mm bdsm love story
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
February 15, 2019
3.75 Stras
Told in dual POV, in both 1st and 3rd person. It’s the first installment in the "Hunt&Cam4Ever" series. It’s a short read and I think it’s a prologue to the series. This one was mostly about Cam & Hunter’s chemistry and nothing more. There isn’t any world building or character development. I even didn’t know what they’re doing for a living until the end and there is no romance, at least not yet! Overall, it was an enjoyable read and hope you like it as well!
Told in dual POV, in both 1st and 3rd person. It’s the first installment in the "Hunt&Cam4Ever" series. It’s a short read and I think it’s a prologue to the series. This one was mostly about Cam & Hunter’s chemistry and nothing more. There isn’t any world building or character development. I even didn’t know what they’re doing for a living until the end and there is no romance, at least not yet! Overall, it was an enjoyable read and hope you like it as well!
October 27, 2023
This grabbed me and didn't let go. The writing style is very strange and it took me a while to understand it, if it hadn't been for that, I would have been hooked right from the first page.
Hardcore BDSM, a very violent serial murder as a basis and a cop who is very broken and gets his "therapy session". This is not a romance, net yet!
This scene of various BDSM elements left me breathless, my little heart had trouble getting through it. NO SAFE WORDS! You've been warned. Cam and Hunter know what they're getting into. But as a reader, you should be okay with that too, otherwise there's no point in reading this book.
Oh but it was soooooo incredibly good.
Cam demanded all. No negotiations. No safewords. He didn’t look for compliance or submission. He accepted only perfect and complete surrender. 😳😳😳
The last thing I needed was mercy. I dropped to my knees. 😳😳😳
His lips touched my ear. I shivered. A whisper. "I'm all there is." I went slack. My throat pressed against his palm. He held me up. Strong fingers combed through my hair. I wanted to flex into his touch like a cat, but he hadn't told me I could move. 😳😳😳
Hardcore BDSM, a very violent serial murder as a basis and a cop who is very broken and gets his "therapy session". This is not a romance, net yet!
This scene of various BDSM elements left me breathless, my little heart had trouble getting through it. NO SAFE WORDS! You've been warned. Cam and Hunter know what they're getting into. But as a reader, you should be okay with that too, otherwise there's no point in reading this book.
Oh but it was soooooo incredibly good.
Cam demanded all. No negotiations. No safewords. He didn’t look for compliance or submission. He accepted only perfect and complete surrender. 😳😳😳
The last thing I needed was mercy. I dropped to my knees. 😳😳😳
His lips touched my ear. I shivered. A whisper. "I'm all there is." I went slack. My throat pressed against his palm. He held me up. Strong fingers combed through my hair. I wanted to flex into his touch like a cat, but he hadn't told me I could move. 😳😳😳
June 6, 2017
1.5* rounded up.
Not really my thing for several reasons...
I'm fed up to my gills with "special people who're particularly beautiful and accomplished". One is that super-blond norse god with the chiselled body of a skier (am I supposed to think Thor? ), an Olympic winner, no less. The other is that super-special detective, the bad ass among the bad asses with that speshul snowflake "hot" panther tattoo (scars would have been hot, and a man facing those scars would have been so). Which he has because someone whupped him one with a bicycle chain - which of course never bothered him. Clash of the titans? Superhero fanfiction?
Whatever, I am fed up with special Alphas straight out of the US male box. Both men didn't feel human to me, they felt like plastic tropes. I couldn't connect with either of them, and to enjoy BDSM or erotica I have to be and stay connected.
The writing was unfortunately overwrought, gimmicky, breathy (the "I am fanning myself so hot am I"-type) and very much in the style of current fanfics. I didn't like that all one bit. Instead I prefer reticent and precise prose, which doesn't tell me what to feel and instead allows me to feel and think for myself.
There was far too much and entirely needless sex in this, and not enough painplay. What sex there was, was rape, never mind that the author later tried to do away with that. It legally and technically is rape. When Hunter told Camden to get off, Camden should have gotten off.
An aside: Firstly, no one needs a safeword. People can play without safewords all day long - as long as the top stops whatever they do the moment the bottom says "stop that". Meta-consensual play (play during which nothing will stop what happens) is indeed a (very rare) thing. However, it is halfway healthily and securely done only between longterm partners (which these two absolutely weren't), who are sure of each other and know each other's limits to the nth point (which these two absolutely didn't, either) and lastly, even then it still is a crime, even where BDSM is legal.
I did like one or two short sensual passages, but on the whole the story didn't give me much. There wasn't enough pain play. The little pain play which was there, was half-heartedly written, and, so sorry, but "pain by pegging/fucking" is so not my kink. Fucking someone into submission is neither. Not if you set this up as some sort of BDSM play. This came across as highly off to me. All the security gadgets and leather guards and what-not felt completely overblown on the other side. What happened to simply stringing up a guy by his wrists and having a go? Do American authors currently have this "curious household implements" fetish? What is this about wet towels and belts as percussion instruments lately?
I by the way disliked the allegation that women can't break men down, pain wise. I do that regularly, there is no need for superior muscle power to do that. All you need are the right implements and technique. The funny thing is that the human body is much more fragile than people think.
And I hated the notion that Cam forced himself on Hunter knowing full well that Hunter isn't gay. That's saying something I really don't much like as a statement.
The author has potential, but she needs a ruthless editor who not only helps her contain her purple prose, but also where she enters fanfiction self-service.
Not really my thing for several reasons...
I'm fed up to my gills with "special people who're particularly beautiful and accomplished". One is that super-blond norse god with the chiselled body of a skier (am I supposed to think Thor? ), an Olympic winner, no less. The other is that super-special detective, the bad ass among the bad asses with that speshul snowflake "hot" panther tattoo (scars would have been hot, and a man facing those scars would have been so). Which he has because someone whupped him one with a bicycle chain - which of course never bothered him. Clash of the titans? Superhero fanfiction?
Whatever, I am fed up with special Alphas straight out of the US male box. Both men didn't feel human to me, they felt like plastic tropes. I couldn't connect with either of them, and to enjoy BDSM or erotica I have to be and stay connected.
The writing was unfortunately overwrought, gimmicky, breathy (the "I am fanning myself so hot am I"-type) and very much in the style of current fanfics. I didn't like that all one bit. Instead I prefer reticent and precise prose, which doesn't tell me what to feel and instead allows me to feel and think for myself.
There was far too much and entirely needless sex in this, and not enough painplay. What sex there was, was rape, never mind that the author later tried to do away with that. It legally and technically is rape. When Hunter told Camden to get off, Camden should have gotten off.
An aside: Firstly, no one needs a safeword. People can play without safewords all day long - as long as the top stops whatever they do the moment the bottom says "stop that". Meta-consensual play (play during which nothing will stop what happens) is indeed a (very rare) thing. However, it is halfway healthily and securely done only between longterm partners (which these two absolutely weren't), who are sure of each other and know each other's limits to the nth point (which these two absolutely didn't, either) and lastly, even then it still is a crime, even where BDSM is legal.
I did like one or two short sensual passages, but on the whole the story didn't give me much. There wasn't enough pain play. The little pain play which was there, was half-heartedly written, and, so sorry, but "pain by pegging/fucking" is so not my kink. Fucking someone into submission is neither. Not if you set this up as some sort of BDSM play. This came across as highly off to me. All the security gadgets and leather guards and what-not felt completely overblown on the other side. What happened to simply stringing up a guy by his wrists and having a go? Do American authors currently have this "curious household implements" fetish? What is this about wet towels and belts as percussion instruments lately?
I by the way disliked the allegation that women can't break men down, pain wise. I do that regularly, there is no need for superior muscle power to do that. All you need are the right implements and technique. The funny thing is that the human body is much more fragile than people think.
And I hated the notion that Cam forced himself on Hunter knowing full well that Hunter isn't gay. That's saying something I really don't much like as a statement.
The author has potential, but she needs a ruthless editor who not only helps her contain her purple prose, but also where she enters fanfiction self-service.
August 4, 2017
Very, VERY enjoyable!
Although not categorized as such, there is a book two in this series, and it exceeded my wildest expectations. I fucking loved it! It can be found here: Matchstick Men.
Although not categorized as such, there is a book two in this series, and it exceeded my wildest expectations. I fucking loved it! It can be found here: Matchstick Men.
September 13, 2023
This incredible short story is amazing !
Hunter, big, bold cop had a horrible day and needed release. He went to the discreet BDSM club he frequents. Blonde Adonis and Olympic skier, Camden, is an aloof Dom with wide open rules. They have eyed each other before, but tonight....Hunter kneels before him.
The domination begins, and Camden works the stress, sights and smells Hunter saw at work that day, right out of his system.
This is a deeply emotional short story with tough men finding their match, and each brings the other to their knees.
Super hot BDSM, first time anal, and it's beautiful in the descriptions and feelings.
ENJOY !
=========
Hunter, big, bold cop had a horrible day and needed release. He went to the discreet BDSM club he frequents. Blonde Adonis and Olympic skier, Camden, is an aloof Dom with wide open rules. They have eyed each other before, but tonight....Hunter kneels before him.
The domination begins, and Camden works the stress, sights and smells Hunter saw at work that day, right out of his system.
This is a deeply emotional short story with tough men finding their match, and each brings the other to their knees.
Super hot BDSM, first time anal, and it's beautiful in the descriptions and feelings.
ENJOY !
=========
November 16, 2017
Wow. Just, wow. 73 pages and I'm utterly speechless.
To begin with, the writing was just exceptional. I was pulled right in and was sold on these boys by the fourth page. This book was good. Was it kinky? Sure. Was it erotic? Hell yeah. But that's not all it was. Adira August pushed these characters past their comfort zones and made this book about more than just the domination and submission.
Even though Hunter had conflicts with what he wanted both on a physical and personal level, he wanted Cam so much that he was willing to move beyond his own hangups and give in. And for Cam, who tolerated no limits and allowed no safewords, he had to be damn good at his job. And he was. He didn't allow Hunter a safeword and he didn't give him the option to back out once they'd started, but he also knew that Hunter needed him and he knew that this was about more than just giving in for the hell of it.
Cam was so in-tune with Hunter and wanted to know how and why he made his decision to submit to him. And that might sound irrelevant or not significant enough to stress in a review, but that was an extremely pivotal point in this book and it's what sets Cam apart from other Doms who might decline the use of safewords so that they can take advantage of whoever is submitting to them.
This was my first read from Adira August, and it's too early to tell for sure but... new favorite author? It looks like it might be. It could be love.
On His Knees was only 73 pages and I barely got a glimpse of what Cam and Hunter could be as a couple if they pushed forward in a relationship but I'm already rooting for them and I'm really looking forward to reading the next book.
To begin with, the writing was just exceptional. I was pulled right in and was sold on these boys by the fourth page. This book was good. Was it kinky? Sure. Was it erotic? Hell yeah. But that's not all it was. Adira August pushed these characters past their comfort zones and made this book about more than just the domination and submission.
Even though Hunter had conflicts with what he wanted both on a physical and personal level, he wanted Cam so much that he was willing to move beyond his own hangups and give in. And for Cam, who tolerated no limits and allowed no safewords, he had to be damn good at his job. And he was. He didn't allow Hunter a safeword and he didn't give him the option to back out once they'd started, but he also knew that Hunter needed him and he knew that this was about more than just giving in for the hell of it.
Cam was so in-tune with Hunter and wanted to know how and why he made his decision to submit to him. And that might sound irrelevant or not significant enough to stress in a review, but that was an extremely pivotal point in this book and it's what sets Cam apart from other Doms who might decline the use of safewords so that they can take advantage of whoever is submitting to them.
This was my first read from Adira August, and it's too early to tell for sure but... new favorite author? It looks like it might be. It could be love.
On His Knees was only 73 pages and I barely got a glimpse of what Cam and Hunter could be as a couple if they pushed forward in a relationship but I'm already rooting for them and I'm really looking forward to reading the next book.
June 7, 2017
2 Too much beauty, too little pain stars
Impromptu buddy read of a book in a serie I don't know, so I might miss important background.
A short domination story with potential that unfortunately ended up rubbing me the wrong way in many aspects. I believe some good editing and a more controlled prose would have made wonders.
My issues with this are many, unfortunately, even if I liked several aspects:
-the beauty worshipping
-the weak characterization
-the missed opportunity to really explore a psychological need
-the 'consensual' no-limits scene that still felt rapey to me
-the phrasing and choice of terms that somehow managed to pull me both in and out of the scenes
-the equipment/props/tools listing
-the lack of consequence in some of Hunter's actions/reactions
I appreciated how the author tried to give several layers to such a short story and how she TRIED to build the charisma, control and confidence of Cam as Dom with many little touches and details, how he seemed to have a deeper motivation and long-run considerations behind his choices. He seemed very self-serving in the end. I loved all the touch and spine stimulation. The ending seemed rushed, and a bloody cliffie at that. the pictures and the t-shirt totally anticlimatic. But I guess I liked them together, at times.
Impromptu buddy read of a book in a serie I don't know, so I might miss important background.
A short domination story with potential that unfortunately ended up rubbing me the wrong way in many aspects. I believe some good editing and a more controlled prose would have made wonders.
My issues with this are many, unfortunately, even if I liked several aspects:
-the beauty worshipping
-the weak characterization
-the missed opportunity to really explore a psychological need
-the 'consensual' no-limits scene that still felt rapey to me
-the phrasing and choice of terms that somehow managed to pull me both in and out of the scenes
-the equipment/props/tools listing
-the lack of consequence in some of Hunter's actions/reactions
I appreciated how the author tried to give several layers to such a short story and how she TRIED to build the charisma, control and confidence of Cam as Dom with many little touches and details, how he seemed to have a deeper motivation and long-run considerations behind his choices. He seemed very self-serving in the end. I loved all the touch and spine stimulation. The ending seemed rushed, and a bloody cliffie at that. the pictures and the t-shirt totally anticlimatic. But I guess I liked them together, at times.
January 12, 2018
This was a surprise. I usually find BDSM in books to be rather obsessed on the rules, the punishments, the equipment so much that the characters become objects rather than people. Not so here, August was able to make the people, people, it's about them rather than the minutiae of what they are doing, whether it is kneeling properly or arching the Dom brow to the precise degree.
January 4, 2019
Sweet heavens ... this looks like the start of a smoking hot series ! I found this by fluke and figured why not give it a go ? I really enjoy a strong D/s story and throw in a clever
Storyline and plot and I’m in. Cam & Hunt are going to fog these windows for sure !
Storyline and plot and I’m in. Cam & Hunt are going to fog these windows for sure !
June 7, 2017
Bad M/M. Bad BDSM. BR with Romance & Erotica: Critical, Political, Unsafe and Adult GR group.
I would have DNF after Cam publically humiliated Hunter but I persevered because it was a BR. Cal was an egotistical cruel asshat. Hunter was a spineless doormat. He was also bizarre and inconsistent. This was not a dom and sub meeting each other's needs.
I would have DNF after Cam publically humiliated Hunter but I persevered because it was a BR. Cal was an egotistical cruel asshat. Hunter was a spineless doormat. He was also bizarre and inconsistent. This was not a dom and sub meeting each other's needs.
September 16, 2018
The weekend was spent combing KU for new BDSM authors, auditioning and discarding one after another. First, there is a lot of bad writing out there y'all. I mean. a lot. of baad writing. Good writing is nice if you can get it and in the BDSM genre, it's a special plus if the writer actually knows something about BDSM. Also, tropes are fine, I am indifferent to or enjoy most. Slipping into a book with enjoyable tropes can be like drawing a warm bath. Yes, of course you know what is going to happen, it's part of what makes the read relaxing.
However, there are a few tropes I hate with the heat of a thousand supernovas. In the BDSM genre, right at the top is the Pathetic Submissive. In the vast majority of BDSM reads the submissive partners tend to lack the mental health, common sense and/or strength to make decisions about consent. Their personalities are naive, missish in the extreme (whether male or female) and dysfunctional. They usually have no knowledge of BDSM, (except perhaps a few deep dark secret fantasies), until the Dom shows them their {whispy voice} True Nature. They're the kind of characters about which people will say, as proof of their autonomy, "well, So-and-So was able to do their job really well and without any supervision at all." Talk about damned by faint praise. Little subbie can work, well, isn't that nice? I mean must have read a hundred zillion samples of the Pathetic Submissive. That might be a slight exaggeration, tough to say, my eyes were bleeding pretty badly by that point.
So imagine my joy upon discovering Adira August and her little gem, 'On His Knees'.
Before I go on, the tricky stuff. It is definitely in the dub-con arena, so if that is all triggery or annoying for you, you're going to want to give this a pass.
The writing: August is a real writer, she has the ability to use imagery to provoke emotion. She could use a more ruthless editor to help discipline her prose and she didn't need to wax poetic over the beauty of her protagonists.
The characters: I'm a fan. Both Hunter and Camden are complicated and interesting. And if you enjoy a subversion the trope of the older, bigger rich Dom versus the teeny, virginal, unworldly submissive, you'll enjoy this.
The portrayal of the community felt nearly authentic to me, the cults of personality which develop, the nosiness. And something a little more complicated to express, a kind of benevolent schadenfreude which can be exhibited among Doms regarding certain submissives. The schadenfreude can be a bit less benevolent submissive-to-submissive, depending on the community. Kind of a weird, 'you really need someone to bring you down, I'm so happy for you that you found the person to do it.'
It was refreshing that the sub, Hunter has been in the lifestyle for a while. He knows what works for him and how to get it from his play partners. This night, he wants something he can't orchestrate using his usual tactics. He wants something he can't orchestrate at all. Which is why he chooses Camden. Camden doesn't play using safewords. He decides when a scene starts, when it ends and what will happen within it.
No safewords is about when I normally stop reading. I know there are (crazier than me) people who play this way but it is incredibly dangerous edge play. Most writers who go this route populate the story with the trope Pathetic Sub and a usually out of control Dominant. This was...deliciously different, in so many ways.
However, there are a few tropes I hate with the heat of a thousand supernovas. In the BDSM genre, right at the top is the Pathetic Submissive. In the vast majority of BDSM reads the submissive partners tend to lack the mental health, common sense and/or strength to make decisions about consent. Their personalities are naive, missish in the extreme (whether male or female) and dysfunctional. They usually have no knowledge of BDSM, (except perhaps a few deep dark secret fantasies), until the Dom shows them their {whispy voice} True Nature. They're the kind of characters about which people will say, as proof of their autonomy, "well, So-and-So was able to do their job really well and without any supervision at all." Talk about damned by faint praise. Little subbie can work, well, isn't that nice? I mean must have read a hundred zillion samples of the Pathetic Submissive. That might be a slight exaggeration, tough to say, my eyes were bleeding pretty badly by that point.
So imagine my joy upon discovering Adira August and her little gem, 'On His Knees'.
Before I go on, the tricky stuff. It is definitely in the dub-con arena, so if that is all triggery or annoying for you, you're going to want to give this a pass.
The writing: August is a real writer, she has the ability to use imagery to provoke emotion. She could use a more ruthless editor to help discipline her prose and she didn't need to wax poetic over the beauty of her protagonists.
The characters: I'm a fan. Both Hunter and Camden are complicated and interesting. And if you enjoy a subversion the trope of the older, bigger rich Dom versus the teeny, virginal, unworldly submissive, you'll enjoy this.
The portrayal of the community felt nearly authentic to me, the cults of personality which develop, the nosiness. And something a little more complicated to express, a kind of benevolent schadenfreude which can be exhibited among Doms regarding certain submissives. The schadenfreude can be a bit less benevolent submissive-to-submissive, depending on the community. Kind of a weird, 'you really need someone to bring you down, I'm so happy for you that you found the person to do it.'
It was refreshing that the sub, Hunter has been in the lifestyle for a while. He knows what works for him and how to get it from his play partners. This night, he wants something he can't orchestrate using his usual tactics. He wants something he can't orchestrate at all. Which is why he chooses Camden. Camden doesn't play using safewords. He decides when a scene starts, when it ends and what will happen within it.
No safewords is about when I normally stop reading. I know there are (crazier than me) people who play this way but it is incredibly dangerous edge play. Most writers who go this route populate the story with the trope Pathetic Sub and a usually out of control Dominant. This was...deliciously different, in so many ways.
July 31, 2017
Re-read July 2017 before reading the sequel Matchstick Men
Still so good. I'm upping my rating from 4 to 5 stars because I don't think I appreciated the intricacies of the writing last time. Looking forward to the sequel.
First review
This was a bit of a different take on a Dom/sub relationship and I really enjoyed it.
*This is not a "take the pain then take my cock" D/s book. The story here is sexy, but subtle, and much more of an internal struggle for Hunter that the author played out very convincingly.
*The characters were younger but very mature. Hunter has had a very bad day at work and needs something more than what he usually seeks at his local BDSM club. Camden is an experienced Dom that Hunter generally stays away from because their needs don't usually match.
*The Dom had a"no safeword and no saying no" ethos which at the start had me cringing, but in this instance I think it worked because as it played out you saw he genuinely listened and put his subs care and needs first.
*There is no HEA for these two men as a couple. Hunter
The ending had me interested in more.
Still so good. I'm upping my rating from 4 to 5 stars because I don't think I appreciated the intricacies of the writing last time. Looking forward to the sequel.
First review
This was a bit of a different take on a Dom/sub relationship and I really enjoyed it.
*This is not a "take the pain then take my cock" D/s book. The story here is sexy, but subtle, and much more of an internal struggle for Hunter that the author played out very convincingly.
*The characters were younger but very mature. Hunter has had a very bad day at work and needs something more than what he usually seeks at his local BDSM club. Camden is an experienced Dom that Hunter generally stays away from because their needs don't usually match.
*The Dom had a"no safeword and no saying no" ethos which at the start had me cringing, but in this instance I think it worked because as it played out you saw he genuinely listened and put his subs care and needs first.
*There is no HEA for these two men as a couple. Hunter
The ending had me interested in more.
June 7, 2017
BR with Romance & Erotica: Critical, Political, Unsafe and Adult GR group.
'Six of the best' reasons (pun intended) why On His Knees cheeses me off:
1. Purple prose
On his Knees is to my mind the M/M version of (kinky) Mills & Boon on steroids.
2. Beautiful people
Shallow, shallow and more shallow. Is it really necessary to build a story about a model (also a cop by day) and a 'Norse God' Olympic athlete? That's objectification gone nuts.
3. Rape
'Rape that isn't rape'. Huh? Since when did the definition of rape be that it didn't happen because you didn't ejaculate? I am frankly disgusted. That was penetrative rape without doubt. Worse it was bare back. Unprotected, and without consent.
4. Dom with ESP
Extra sensory perception level dominance. Intuition? If you play with me I can ignore your hard limits because I 'know' what's best for you. I for one, ain't buying it.
These two are not long term partners, they're not friends. They barely know each other. At most, they've passed one and other in the club for five years. They 'know' each other by reputation it seems. Cam is clearly making assumptions. He's an ignorant, arrogant chump and he should go back to Dom School if not straight to prison for rape. (See point 3)
5. Mere Objects of Desire
So everyone in the club lusts after Hunter and or Cam? Really? Including the owner. Everyone. Really?
6. (OMG so many more to choose from and I have to pick one...Let's go with:) No limits
Well okay then you could argue it's their choice to forego Safe, Sane and Consensual limits and decide to play without them. Under these circumstances without previously being intimate or partnering even briefly, it is beyond stupid. That's getting into the too stupid to live trope, and indeed teeters right there, because what does our lovely, leading Dom, Cam have to say about it, when he is choking his play partner of the evening Hunter, who can't breathe and mouths, "Please Sir"?
I've scanned the other reviews before beginning my own, and quite frankly it's like we are reading entirely different books. Erotica? I don't care how many dictionary definitions you care to provide. This ain't it.
This is unrealistic. This is so not my cup of tea, there's no psychological insight, there's limited chemistry and the characters are swooning like aforementioned Mills & Boon tropes.
There are one or two fairly good scenes, and I appreciate how challenging it can be to get much depth into a novella.
I think it is pretty clear that Adira August and I are not a good fit. I enjoyed the buddy read, it seemed like a good idea at the time :)
Whilst this doesn't work for me, there's lots of glowing reviews and if you want to read some quick no limits porn, then this could be just the ticket and it looks like there's more to come.
'Six of the best' reasons (pun intended) why On His Knees cheeses me off:
1. Purple prose
On his Knees is to my mind the M/M version of (kinky) Mills & Boon on steroids.
2. Beautiful people
Shallow, shallow and more shallow. Is it really necessary to build a story about a model (also a cop by day) and a 'Norse God' Olympic athlete? That's objectification gone nuts.
3. Rape
'Rape that isn't rape'. Huh? Since when did the definition of rape be that it didn't happen because you didn't ejaculate? I am frankly disgusted. That was penetrative rape without doubt. Worse it was bare back. Unprotected, and without consent.
4. Dom with ESP
Extra sensory perception level dominance. Intuition? If you play with me I can ignore your hard limits because I 'know' what's best for you. I for one, ain't buying it.
These two are not long term partners, they're not friends. They barely know each other. At most, they've passed one and other in the club for five years. They 'know' each other by reputation it seems. Cam is clearly making assumptions. He's an ignorant, arrogant chump and he should go back to Dom School if not straight to prison for rape. (See point 3)
5. Mere Objects of Desire
So everyone in the club lusts after Hunter and or Cam? Really? Including the owner. Everyone. Really?
6. (OMG so many more to choose from and I have to pick one...Let's go with:) No limits
Well okay then you could argue it's their choice to forego Safe, Sane and Consensual limits and decide to play without them. Under these circumstances without previously being intimate or partnering even briefly, it is beyond stupid. That's getting into the too stupid to live trope, and indeed teeters right there, because what does our lovely, leading Dom, Cam have to say about it, when he is choking his play partner of the evening Hunter, who can't breathe and mouths, "Please Sir"?
'He waited another long moment and let go. "I didn't tell you to beg. If you speak to me, you use my name. Assert yourself again and you'll be unconscious on the floor."'
I've scanned the other reviews before beginning my own, and quite frankly it's like we are reading entirely different books. Erotica? I don't care how many dictionary definitions you care to provide. This ain't it.
This is unrealistic. This is so not my cup of tea, there's no psychological insight, there's limited chemistry and the characters are swooning like aforementioned Mills & Boon tropes.
There are one or two fairly good scenes, and I appreciate how challenging it can be to get much depth into a novella.
I think it is pretty clear that Adira August and I are not a good fit. I enjoyed the buddy read, it seemed like a good idea at the time :)
Whilst this doesn't work for me, there's lots of glowing reviews and if you want to read some quick no limits porn, then this could be just the ticket and it looks like there's more to come.
March 29, 2023
I liked the dynamic between the MCs, but ultimately, this was way too short to sufficiently cover everything it tried to. 🤷♀️ The writing was so-so, a bit immature and flowery, with too much focus on physical attractiveness (of course they’re both the perfect specimens of male beauty 🙄), and too little emotional impact for my taste. I’ll read the next book to see if it improves.
October 17, 2019
the author bundled this into a Special Edition which you can find the Goodreads listing for here
and here's my review
and here's my review
July 20, 2017
Adira August’s On His Knees tempted me with the cover, enticed me at the title, captured me with the synopsis, and sucker punched me with its content. Wow, oh wow!
Stressed from a case Detective Sergeant “Hunter” Dane enters a familiar, yet discreet, BDSM club - Scene and not Heard. His intent? Doing something even he himself doesn’t want to admit to. He’s in search of the one Dom who demands all!
No limits, no safewords - This Dom does not stop until he is done.
Hunt knows exactly what he’s walking into. The kind of Dom Cam is. He also knows what he himself wants and needs. He wants that one Dom to take him where he has not allowed another to come even close and in so doing release his inner demon.
Olympian Camden “Cam” Caulfield Snow knows Hunter, has been waiting for him, as he thinks: “Hunter hid himself inside himself and used a Dom far more thoroughly than any Dom used him.” Even at the tender age of 23 Cam has “experience to break the powerful Dane without crushing him.”
Holy fuck does he ever!
From the moment they interact Cam is a commanding force taking Hunter and the reader on a fantastic physical and mental journey. Dismantling the Detective to give him the release he so desires.
From exhibitionism to humiliation Cam’s moves are calculating from beginning to end keeping you on the edge of your seat for what’s yet to come.
What makes this even more captivating is Cam's utter control at such a young age, Dane's confidence as an older man in allowing his submission to someone so much his junior and a little taboo. What's taboo you ask? Merriam-Webster defines taboo as "banned on grounds of morality or taste." For some, based upon "taste", a couple scenes within On His Knees might be considered taboo.
August does a fantastic job in On His Knees showing that Cam holds the key to Hunter’s true submissive side. With respect to technical aspects of BDSM equipment and safety precautions she portrays a Dom who trains his sub in more ways than one dissipating the ghosts haunting Hunt’s mind and creating an ending that leaves the reader hopeful for more!
Stressed from a case Detective Sergeant “Hunter” Dane enters a familiar, yet discreet, BDSM club - Scene and not Heard. His intent? Doing something even he himself doesn’t want to admit to. He’s in search of the one Dom who demands all!
No limits, no safewords - This Dom does not stop until he is done.
Hunt knows exactly what he’s walking into. The kind of Dom Cam is. He also knows what he himself wants and needs. He wants that one Dom to take him where he has not allowed another to come even close and in so doing release his inner demon.
Olympian Camden “Cam” Caulfield Snow knows Hunter, has been waiting for him, as he thinks: “Hunter hid himself inside himself and used a Dom far more thoroughly than any Dom used him.” Even at the tender age of 23 Cam has “experience to break the powerful Dane without crushing him.”
Holy fuck does he ever!
From the moment they interact Cam is a commanding force taking Hunter and the reader on a fantastic physical and mental journey. Dismantling the Detective to give him the release he so desires.
From exhibitionism to humiliation Cam’s moves are calculating from beginning to end keeping you on the edge of your seat for what’s yet to come.
What makes this even more captivating is Cam's utter control at such a young age, Dane's confidence as an older man in allowing his submission to someone so much his junior and a little taboo. What's taboo you ask? Merriam-Webster defines taboo as "banned on grounds of morality or taste." For some, based upon "taste", a couple scenes within On His Knees might be considered taboo.
August does a fantastic job in On His Knees showing that Cam holds the key to Hunter’s true submissive side. With respect to technical aspects of BDSM equipment and safety precautions she portrays a Dom who trains his sub in more ways than one dissipating the ghosts haunting Hunt’s mind and creating an ending that leaves the reader hopeful for more!
July 20, 2017
People, you gotta READ THIS!!!
I still can't believe how beautiful this was!
I've been lusting after a good story for ages now and finally found something that got me going again. Cam and Hunter, the dynamic of these two pushed so many of my buttons, my heartbeat still gets kind of stuttery two days later.
Yeah the writing wasn't perfect, but the sheer hotness of these two together was through the roof, so... where was I? Oh yes:
*rushes off to the second part*
Side note: On his Knees is free until August 1st on instafreebie and as far as I know this is the first appearance of these two characters so you don’t have to read the other books of the series.
So if you don't necessarily need THE LOVE, but a D/s story that's going to blow your mind, GO FOR IT!
I still can't believe how beautiful this was!
I've been lusting after a good story for ages now and finally found something that got me going again. Cam and Hunter, the dynamic of these two pushed so many of my buttons, my heartbeat still gets kind of stuttery two days later.
"He inserted it slowly, Hunt groaning a soft Oh, God, at the widest point. Pausing there, Cam turned the plug in place, rocking it slightly, knowing he needed time to fully experience his degradation and powerlessness..."
Yeah the writing wasn't perfect, but the sheer hotness of these two together was through the roof, so... where was I? Oh yes:
*rushes off to the second part*
Side note: On his Knees is free until August 1st on instafreebie and as far as I know this is the first appearance of these two characters so you don’t have to read the other books of the series.
So if you don't necessarily need THE LOVE, but a D/s story that's going to blow your mind, GO FOR IT!
June 27, 2018
I'm not going to summarize the story, because others have done an excellent job of it. All I can say is that I picked it up out of curiosity after it was recommended to me, and then ended up sitting in a parking lot instead of driving home because I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN!!! It's short, but WOW, is there heat. Not even super-sexy heat, if that makes sense, since the whole point of the encounter was to help the cop forget his anguish over a horrific crime scene. I loved the way Cam understood Hunter, and was able to give him just what he needed at the moment, even though he'd been waiting to connect with him for a long time. Definitely moving on to Matchstick Men!
July 20, 2017
Excellent
One of the best, well thought out D/s scenes I have read. Invented, imaginative and entertaining. The need to hear more from these two characters is strong, so obviously they have come to life with a masterful pen. Kudos.
One of the best, well thought out D/s scenes I have read. Invented, imaginative and entertaining. The need to hear more from these two characters is strong, so obviously they have come to life with a masterful pen. Kudos.
November 13, 2017
What an absolutely scorching introduction to Hunter and Cam! I can't wait to see what happens next.
January 10, 2018
I am going out on a limb here and telling you I read the first three books in this series one after another. Why? Because the story is just. That. Good. Also, these are not really standalones; there is an overarching storyline, a thread which runs between them all, and the progression of Hunter and Cam’s relationship can only be truly understood by reading these books in order. We first see Hunter in the Desire for Bliss series—an m/f trilogy from this author—which is set at Scene and Not Heard, a BDSM club. These are stories about two very alpha men, each in his own way. On His Knees is the foundation for their story.
Hunter Dane is a cop. A good cop. Some would say, a great cop. He lives the mantra “be in the crime scene, not of the crime scene”. In other words, disassociate yourself from the humane reactions you may have, and learn to look at the world with a clinical eye. But believing you have a dissociative disorder, and actually having one, is the dichotomy that is Hunter Dane. Sometimes, it just all gets to be too much, and Hunter is forced to seek another kind of release. All the Doms at his BDSM club would give their right arm to control him, but Hunter never gives them the chance. Hunter’s limits are exact and inviolable. It is Hunter using the Dom, the Dom bending to his will, not the other way around. Control in everything; even his supposed submission is paramount for Hunt. Until he finally runs into a crime scene he just can’t shake, and it forces him to go looking for the one thing he swore he would never do. Submit to Camden Snow.
Camden Snow is a golden boy. An Olympic skier with the body and coloring of a Norse god. Camden also is about complete control. He demands it of his subs and play partners. There is no safe word. No other law but Cam’s. He demands no negotiations, no compliance on the part of his subs, just complete and utter surrender. It is the way he is made, and he makes no apologies for it. It is up to the sub to decide if that level of submission is what they need, because once the lock is clicked, they are Cam’s and Cam’s only till he says otherwise. Now, ordinarily the lack of a safe word with a Dom would be an issue with me, but in this case, Cam’s play partners know right up front how he controls things. They do not go into things blind. But because we know that Hunt has never been able to give over that level of trust before, and the two men have chemistry that is freaking off the charts, we innately trust Cam right from the get-go because we know that deep down, Hunt does also.
When Hunter drops to his knees for Cam, the relationship between these two explodes. They have danced around each other for years. This isn’t an easy road, but it is charged with so much feeling. Hunter needs Cam for more than just submission, and Cam is out to show him just how much. The addition of the investigations that Hunter goes on, the who-dun-it mixed with the BDSM, keeps you on the edge with this one and makes it a page turner. There is a depth here brought about by great writing, and it hooks you from the first paragraph. I’m a sucker for well developed, character driven stories, and this is one of those, hands down. You will finish this book with a WTF look on your face, and go immediately to book two, Matchstick Men, because the storyline pushes you forward into needing to know the whole story between these two MCs. You just need this story to continue, and thank god it does. I highly recommend this story, but I warn you, you will want to buy them all.
Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach
Hunter Dane is a cop. A good cop. Some would say, a great cop. He lives the mantra “be in the crime scene, not of the crime scene”. In other words, disassociate yourself from the humane reactions you may have, and learn to look at the world with a clinical eye. But believing you have a dissociative disorder, and actually having one, is the dichotomy that is Hunter Dane. Sometimes, it just all gets to be too much, and Hunter is forced to seek another kind of release. All the Doms at his BDSM club would give their right arm to control him, but Hunter never gives them the chance. Hunter’s limits are exact and inviolable. It is Hunter using the Dom, the Dom bending to his will, not the other way around. Control in everything; even his supposed submission is paramount for Hunt. Until he finally runs into a crime scene he just can’t shake, and it forces him to go looking for the one thing he swore he would never do. Submit to Camden Snow.
Camden Snow is a golden boy. An Olympic skier with the body and coloring of a Norse god. Camden also is about complete control. He demands it of his subs and play partners. There is no safe word. No other law but Cam’s. He demands no negotiations, no compliance on the part of his subs, just complete and utter surrender. It is the way he is made, and he makes no apologies for it. It is up to the sub to decide if that level of submission is what they need, because once the lock is clicked, they are Cam’s and Cam’s only till he says otherwise. Now, ordinarily the lack of a safe word with a Dom would be an issue with me, but in this case, Cam’s play partners know right up front how he controls things. They do not go into things blind. But because we know that Hunt has never been able to give over that level of trust before, and the two men have chemistry that is freaking off the charts, we innately trust Cam right from the get-go because we know that deep down, Hunt does also.
Hunter Dane went to his knees for me. Camden Snow stopped breathing for a moment. Everything else receded – the club, the music, the people. Only Hunter remained, bright in a nimbus of light, a single player in the stage of the world, waiting for his cue.
Hunter was the one he watched for. Dark. Damaged. Sculpted. Haunting and haunted.
Cam longed to shatter him, so all his fiery molten interior exploded outward. He’d wanted it from that very first night, stunned by the depth of the dark man’s raw need for his own obliteration. Cam knew instinctively how to get him there.
When Hunter drops to his knees for Cam, the relationship between these two explodes. They have danced around each other for years. This isn’t an easy road, but it is charged with so much feeling. Hunter needs Cam for more than just submission, and Cam is out to show him just how much. The addition of the investigations that Hunter goes on, the who-dun-it mixed with the BDSM, keeps you on the edge with this one and makes it a page turner. There is a depth here brought about by great writing, and it hooks you from the first paragraph. I’m a sucker for well developed, character driven stories, and this is one of those, hands down. You will finish this book with a WTF look on your face, and go immediately to book two, Matchstick Men, because the storyline pushes you forward into needing to know the whole story between these two MCs. You just need this story to continue, and thank god it does. I highly recommend this story, but I warn you, you will want to buy them all.
Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach
July 2, 2018
Well, I liked the first part with Hunt and Cam and their dynamic and BDSM scene, but the story only took up 59% of the book, so it was just a tidbit to whet the appetite.
But then... the excerpt from the main book Matchstick Men started and it has a few M/F scenes--explicit ones -- and that's not my thing so stopping at 75% and I assume I won't be going further in the series.
But then... the excerpt from the main book Matchstick Men started and it has a few M/F scenes--explicit ones -- and that's not my thing so stopping at 75% and I assume I won't be going further in the series.
January 6, 2018
What a way to start my new year's reading. With a bit of BDSM with someone who practise "extreme Domming", a hot cop who needs it, and with me, fascinated. So, 2018 is off with a good start, then!!
June 19, 2018
**4.75stars**
I really liked this short novella. Although it is BDSM at its extreme for me and I can't stand humiliation in any form this author wrote this book in such a way I think I will continue reading the next one. Apart from the sexual scene she was able to make the MCs so human and imperfect and a little shy at moments that made me like them so much. And small pieces of background information about both Hunter and Camden make it seem like I know them already.
I like complex characters and Hunter is so difficult to read and as complicated as they come. There is something in him that is just irresistible. He is closed off, he is tormented and a little broken and even though he says that it's just the way he is I think there is a story here and I really want to know the why of it and figure him out.
Camden is another level of control freak. The way he leads his life and how he dominates his partners is amazing and scary at the same time. He is very precise, even anal about all the things and that's what makes him so good at what he does. He knows how to break Hunter's body so good without breaking the man himself. And then there is that short glimpse of the man who cares very much. I really want to see how their relationship will go.
The whole scene is so masterfully written and has so much more meaning than simple act of s*e*x and physical gratification that it made me look a little different at the whole D/s trope but good kind of different.
There was one thing that I didn't like about this book, and it was the fact that the novella itself was finished as I reached 51% mark and then the next book in the series started in extended snippets and it just pissed me off. I've read about this in an article. Something about a phenomenon called book stuffing - to have more pages than the original work so that you get paid more when your book is rented on KU. So this is what I found in this one. If I wanted to read the next book which I do I would have gone and got in on KU. Why would you stuff it all together and ruin it for me!? Hence the rating! Otherwise a wonderful read and I highly recommend it!
I really liked this short novella. Although it is BDSM at its extreme for me and I can't stand humiliation in any form this author wrote this book in such a way I think I will continue reading the next one. Apart from the sexual scene she was able to make the MCs so human and imperfect and a little shy at moments that made me like them so much. And small pieces of background information about both Hunter and Camden make it seem like I know them already.
I like complex characters and Hunter is so difficult to read and as complicated as they come. There is something in him that is just irresistible. He is closed off, he is tormented and a little broken and even though he says that it's just the way he is I think there is a story here and I really want to know the why of it and figure him out.
Camden is another level of control freak. The way he leads his life and how he dominates his partners is amazing and scary at the same time. He is very precise, even anal about all the things and that's what makes him so good at what he does. He knows how to break Hunter's body so good without breaking the man himself. And then there is that short glimpse of the man who cares very much. I really want to see how their relationship will go.
The whole scene is so masterfully written and has so much more meaning than simple act of s*e*x and physical gratification that it made me look a little different at the whole D/s trope but good kind of different.
There was one thing that I didn't like about this book, and it was the fact that the novella itself was finished as I reached 51% mark and then the next book in the series started in extended snippets and it just pissed me off. I've read about this in an article. Something about a phenomenon called book stuffing - to have more pages than the original work so that you get paid more when your book is rented on KU. So this is what I found in this one. If I wanted to read the next book which I do I would have gone and got in on KU. Why would you stuff it all together and ruin it for me!? Hence the rating! Otherwise a wonderful read and I highly recommend it!
February 6, 2023
I always approach BDSM stories with a slight bit of trepidation since in the hands of the wrong person they can go horribly sideways. On His Knees? Definitely in the hands of the RIGHT person, because the first words in my head—when I wasn’t even halfway through—were “simply mesmerizing”. As in I read it straight through, no interruptions (and heaven help anyone who might have tried), and loved every minute of it.
The laser focus both Hunter and Cam have on each other is steadfast and captivating not just for the two of them but for the reader as well. The intensity level between them skyrockets from the first moment, and stays that way from start to finish. Regardless of the fact that these men have never been together like this before, there is absolutely no question of how perfect their pairing is. Cam is the quintessential Dom to give Hunter exactly what he needs—use whatever figure of speech you want; lock and key, interlocking puzzle pieces…they are all Hunt and Cam.
Even as short as this is, On His Knees packs one heck of a wallop, and will leave you wanting a whole lot more while still giving you a complete introduction to Hunt and Cam. It was a stunning 5-star read for me, and is also now on my Top Recommendations list for the genre. Be aware that this book is strictly for readers 18+ for adult language and explicit sexual content including BDSM.
The laser focus both Hunter and Cam have on each other is steadfast and captivating not just for the two of them but for the reader as well. The intensity level between them skyrockets from the first moment, and stays that way from start to finish. Regardless of the fact that these men have never been together like this before, there is absolutely no question of how perfect their pairing is. Cam is the quintessential Dom to give Hunter exactly what he needs—use whatever figure of speech you want; lock and key, interlocking puzzle pieces…they are all Hunt and Cam.
Even as short as this is, On His Knees packs one heck of a wallop, and will leave you wanting a whole lot more while still giving you a complete introduction to Hunt and Cam. It was a stunning 5-star read for me, and is also now on my Top Recommendations list for the genre. Be aware that this book is strictly for readers 18+ for adult language and explicit sexual content including BDSM.
July 13, 2017
An medal winning Olympian, a dedicated police officer, a private BDSM club and one hot, imaginative (towels!) scene make up the majority of this short read.
Cam and Hunt are likeable if a little scary. They have a certain dynamic, a burgeoning connection... maybe. There could be more, Cam would be on board with that, Hunt not so much. For an emotionally disconnected character Hunt manages to express a fair number of them during the scene. Outside the club he's unwilling, or if you believe him unable to emotionally connect, with Cam, or anyone else. Where they go from here is anyone's guess.
This isn't a romance there isn't a HEA or HFN. What is there is plenty of potential for something to develop. I have so many questions and boy would I love some answers. Hunt and Cam have a story to tell, I for one can't wait to read more.
One word of advice, don't read this on a train journey like I did. It made me squirm and at one point my blushes were hard to hide. Also the very brief flashbacks to Hunter's latest case are horrific and thankfully vague. My imagination did the rest.
I don't often give five stars for short reads (this is only seventy or so pages.) IMO this book deserved them.
*5 Stars*
Cam and Hunt are likeable if a little scary. They have a certain dynamic, a burgeoning connection... maybe. There could be more, Cam would be on board with that, Hunt not so much. For an emotionally disconnected character Hunt manages to express a fair number of them during the scene. Outside the club he's unwilling, or if you believe him unable to emotionally connect, with Cam, or anyone else. Where they go from here is anyone's guess.
This isn't a romance there isn't a HEA or HFN. What is there is plenty of potential for something to develop. I have so many questions and boy would I love some answers. Hunt and Cam have a story to tell, I for one can't wait to read more.
One word of advice, don't read this on a train journey like I did. It made me squirm and at one point my blushes were hard to hide. Also the very brief flashbacks to Hunter's latest case are horrific and thankfully vague. My imagination did the rest.
I don't often give five stars for short reads (this is only seventy or so pages.) IMO this book deserved them.
*5 Stars*
April 5, 2017
I loved the cathartic nature of the relationship between the two MCs. I loved the description of their moments together. I loved that even Cam could have doubt about what he was doing in spite of his knowledge.
But I would have loved to have a longer story. And I would love to read more about them - to see whether they can develop an ongoing relationship.
But I would have loved to have a longer story. And I would love to read more about them - to see whether they can develop an ongoing relationship.
September 21, 2019
First, BDSM and D/s isn't really my jam... if that is the sole focal point for the plot, I'm generally not going to finish reading a book. I know that was the main focus of the first book, but the fact that we have some police procedural stuff going on in the background that I think may come into more focus later on in the series, I'm going to stick with it for a bit.
That being said, the narrative for this was probably one of the oddest I've ever encountered in a book. First there is the prologue, which is 3rd person, past tense from Hunter's POV. Then we have the first chapter which is a 3rd person, present tense omniscient POV. From the second chapter onward, the POV alternatives between Hunter and Cam, with each switch being headed by the narrating character's name... which in my opinion, is pretty redundant seeing as Hunter's POV is told from 1st person, while Cam's POV is told in 3rd person, so it makes it rather obvious who is narrating at the time. I've encountered narratives that have jumped from 1st to 3rd or past to present one or two times before and I've always found them quite jarring to read, but it didn't really bother me in this book, which is in and of itself quite shocking.
Based on the jump from past to present to past, and from 1st to 3rd, not to mention a few flashbacks interspersed throughout (indicated by indentation and italics), I would generally give a book 1-star and most likely mark it as a DNF. But the fact that I wasn't overly perturbed by it makes me want to be more gracious with my rating.
As far as the BDSM and D/s elements, they seem like the author has probably done a bit of research, which always makes it more interesting to read. Hunter and Cam seem like they will be intriguing characters, but I don't feel like the length of this really allowed time for me to get to know them and form any kind of attachment.
I know the next book is a full length story, more than 3x the length of this one, so I hope to see more character building, more plot and a better balance of the BDSM & D/s stuff to the police procedural stuff... not necessary 50/50, but have the policing more than just a background thing.
That being said, the narrative for this was probably one of the oddest I've ever encountered in a book. First there is the prologue, which is 3rd person, past tense from Hunter's POV. Then we have the first chapter which is a 3rd person, present tense omniscient POV. From the second chapter onward, the POV alternatives between Hunter and Cam, with each switch being headed by the narrating character's name... which in my opinion, is pretty redundant seeing as Hunter's POV is told from 1st person, while Cam's POV is told in 3rd person, so it makes it rather obvious who is narrating at the time. I've encountered narratives that have jumped from 1st to 3rd or past to present one or two times before and I've always found them quite jarring to read, but it didn't really bother me in this book, which is in and of itself quite shocking.
Based on the jump from past to present to past, and from 1st to 3rd, not to mention a few flashbacks interspersed throughout (indicated by indentation and italics), I would generally give a book 1-star and most likely mark it as a DNF. But the fact that I wasn't overly perturbed by it makes me want to be more gracious with my rating.
As far as the BDSM and D/s elements, they seem like the author has probably done a bit of research, which always makes it more interesting to read. Hunter and Cam seem like they will be intriguing characters, but I don't feel like the length of this really allowed time for me to get to know them and form any kind of attachment.
I know the next book is a full length story, more than 3x the length of this one, so I hope to see more character building, more plot and a better balance of the BDSM & D/s stuff to the police procedural stuff... not necessary 50/50, but have the policing more than just a background thing.
March 13, 2019
This was a lovely s-l-o-w read that I really really savored. Reminds me of author Ada Maria Soto, which is MY highest recommendation Adira August can get! This wasn't a true bdsm book: more about the relationship between detective Hunter and athlete Camden and how it began. Very interesting. Hunter came from a crime scene and needs to decompress badly. The only person who has the abilities he needs is Cam, who is hardcore. Their scene is told in excrutiating detail for which I was grateful. I will definitely read more from this author.
February 13, 2018
3.75 stars
In the beginning I was so lost by the information about the intros to each chapter. I myself felt it wasn't needed unless it is relevant for the series because this is the introduction of Cam and Hunter.
Hunter Dane is a very haunted and headstrong man and Camden Snow is the only one who sees him for himself. They have be circling around each other until Hunter truly needs him the most and finally submits to him. Cam know that would be the only way he would get what he, himself wanted most. Hunter Dane.
In the beginning I was so lost by the information about the intros to each chapter. I myself felt it wasn't needed unless it is relevant for the series because this is the introduction of Cam and Hunter.
Hunter Dane is a very haunted and headstrong man and Camden Snow is the only one who sees him for himself. They have be circling around each other until Hunter truly needs him the most and finally submits to him. Cam know that would be the only way he would get what he, himself wanted most. Hunter Dane.
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