Quiet Strength

Strength #2

by M.A. Innes

M/m Age Play Romance Eric’s grown more confident. He has to admit that.

With Marcus’s love and support, he’s stronger than ever, but it’s not enough. His daddy’s given him the ability to go after what he wants, but there’s so much more that feels just out of reach. Eric doesn’t want part of the lifestyle or some of the submission…he wants everything.

For Marcus, there’s nothing more beautiful than watching his boy’s confidence grow.

Marcus loves every step that Eric has taken on his journey, but he doesn’t want to push his boy too far, too fast. And when the only part of Marcus’s future that’s clear is Eric by his side, it’s not fair to his boy to rush things. A daddy should be able to provide for his boy. A looming retirement and a questionable future aren’t enough. Not when he wants to give his boy everything.

When it comes to their relationship, Eric is ready to jump in headfirst. But how does Eric show his daddy that everything doesn’t have to be planned out to be perfect?

66k+ words
Story Contains: M/m Sexual Content, mild BDSM, Age Play, Mild ABDL

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

238 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 5, 2018

About the author

M.A. Innes writes kinky and curious things like age play, puppy play, sweet guys in lingerie, cute boys in search of a Daddy and more.

When M.A. Innes wants to write a little more mainstream, she writes under the name: Shaw Montgomery

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Reviews

[Trio · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love these two! Marcus is so understanding and patient, it makes me so happy to see the way he gives Eric the time and support he needs to feel good about himself. I just couldn't enjoy this story more.

Innes shows great insight into Age Play. The way she's explaining all the nuances - both specifics and generalities - definitely makes this particular kink understandable and desirable.

Both of these characters were so desperately in need of a partner, and while everything hasn't been perfect, watching Marcus and Eric work through it all has been wonderful. This is one of the main reasons I read romances...I love a happy ending.

Here's hoping there will be many more episodes to come (with Kenneth Obi narrating!!!).

[Erth]

Not for me. A bit to "out there".

[SoCalBookReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second half of Eric & Marcus’s story. In this book we get the conclusion of their story from Silent Strength. What I love about these books is the very obvious connection and bond the two men form together. They just fit so perfectly in every part of their lives and you can tell they really and truly care a tremendous amount for each other in every action they make, no matter what the context is. They aren’t just “Daddy and Boy” but they are also friends and lovers and partners, and that stands out in every part of this book. The Author always seems to write the most Romantically Kinky books with the sweetest guys. I will never get sick of reading and listening to these books. Even when the topic is “taboo” it’s still so dang sweet.

Getting these books in Audio with Kenneth Obi as the narrator is just an added bonus to reading along with the stories. He really does such a great job bringing out the emotions for each character in the way he interprets each of these books. We not only get to see the difference in Daddy/Marcus and the Boy/Eric. It’s also nice getting to hear from characters that came from some of the authors other books being included in this one as well. It makes me want to go back and re-listen to those audiobooks too. But in this book specifically I liked that the author has used the same narrator. And I really appreciated the consistently great narration we got from him for both of these books.

In the first book Eric was still so timid about his thoughts and feelings and wasn’t confident in himself especially when it came to expressing his wants and needs to Marcus. Now in this book we get to see him become so much stronger in general as a person and also when it comes to being “Daddy’s Boy”. He learns how to voice his thoughts and feelings and learns to trust Daddy and trust in the relationship and bond that they have formed with each other. He realizes that Daddy/Marcus will be there for him no matter what. Marcus is the perfect mix of Daddy and Dom. And I am in love with how his character is portrayed here, how he will do anything to make sure Eric is taken care of and knows he is safe. I liked that Marcus was a cop but didn’t really care too much for what he planned to do after that part of his life/job ended and how long it took him to get to that point but it’s cool that they could both end up working together. **What I would like to know is… Where is Zander… What happened to him and will he get a book?** These books were sweet and it was a great ending to their story. I really hope to see these two added into some other books in the future.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the end of Silent Strength, book #1, Marcus and Eric had met and were beginning to build their Daddy/little relationship. Marcus with his calming and dominant personality had a profound impact on Eric, who found that he had never before been happier. The two begin to immerse themselves more and more into their roles, Marcus as the caring and nurturing "Daddy", and Eric as the "little" who thrives on his "Daddy’s" praise and attention, while sometimes, being a "little" brat. Eric’s earnestness is touching, making it so easy to love him. He wants to please his "Daddy" as well as make him proud. He is trying hard to overcome his biggest flaw, which is expressing his honest emotions and being willing to let down his barriers. We learned in book #1 that during his teen years he had a terrible, life altering experience in high school and his parents turned on him and sent him away to live with his Aunt Sylvia. Aunt Sylvia loved and cared for him, but the entire experience had scared him. He's now learning that his life is much easier when he places his trust in Marcus, who he knows would never hurt him, and to ask Marcus for advice on issues that trouble him...like his work, which stresses him out to no end. Eric finds he is the most content and the happiest when he drops into his “little” persona. Marcus is wanting to retire from the police force, but he doesn't want to retire from life. He wants to pursue something that Erik can quit his stress producing insurance job and the two of them can work at together. I actually saw the opportunity that was perfect before they started seriously looking at it. This book and the one before Silent Strength, intersects with M.A. Innes's "Bound and Controlled" series that she writes under the penname, Shaw Montgomery. I like revisiting characters that I have really liked from other books. A big "thank you" to this author for another book where guys like Erick and Marcus find their true, perfect partner...a partner that will love them forever.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was happy to see that this felt a bit less focussed on the age play and a little more on their relationship as a whole and also more on the BDSM side of things.

Eric and Marcus were still a very happy couple, despite Eric still learning not to be embarrassed about his desires to be daddy’s little boy. I think that was the key to these books. I was thoroughly squeaked out at times, but because Eric was a bit too, I felt okay with it.

I have to say that the first part of this book really focussed on Eric wearing a diaper, but I got through it. The diapers and the binkie were my least favorite parts of these books, but once I decided to just go with it, it was okay. Especially because after that first part there wasn't as much focus on it.

The relationship between Marcus and Eric was so sweet that these two books definitely appealed to my in-need-of-sugary-sweetness side. And that’s why I kept reading this even though it handled a subject I’m not too fond of. It was like watching a train wreck, I couldn’t look away or in this case stop reading. It was so crazy weird, yet interesting on some level. No judgement here.

I do think this is my last book that focusses this much on age play. A little Daddy kink is totally fine for me, but no more binkies, bottles or diapers.

[Valerie ❈M/M Romance Junkie❈]

I think, for the most part, that this story was really unnecessary. Their relationship was on a pretty good trajectory at the end of book one. Maybe an epilogue at the end of book one but not an entire book. I was bored pretty much from the beginning. I actually read a couple of other books before finishing this.

Oh well 🤷🏽‍♀️ On to something else.

[⚣Michaelle⚣ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.2 Stars

[Kaity · Rating 2 out of 5]

2-2.5 stars

Ehh felt like the characters weren’t really consistent with how they were last book with some things. Overall wished for me, but this just kinda fell flat.

[Jamie (TheRebelliousReader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. Didn't love it as much as I loved the first book but this was still a really good ending to the series.

The first book was just a lot cuter and fluffier and the plot was much stronger. This one was a lot of smut. Hot smut, yes absolutely, but it felt like filler. I wanted more. Also, there was way too much emphasis on the friends. I liked them, they were cool but I wasn't here for them. I wanted Eric and Marcus and whenever the friends came around (names are escaping me and I can't be bothered to look) the focus would shift to be all about them. And they were around quite a bit so that got annoying really fast. Also, the pacing wasn't that good. It just jumped ahead without any explanation or connection to the previous scene which made it feel rushed.

It seems like I have a lot of complaints so why the 4 stars? Because I am absolutely trash for this couple. Eric and Marcus are just the cutest things ever and I want to pinch them. I loved seeing their relationship grow and flourish and Eric's character development is pretty fantastic. I'm pretty happy with their ending but the book overall could've been better. I still love this series though I'm not what that says about me as a person and I look forward to continuing on with this authors work.

[Fiatgal · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5. First, I love Eric & Marcus’s story; so loving and sweet. There is little of no conflict in this story, just the journey of this couple and particularly of Eric’s growing comfort with his heartfelt interests. My complaint is similar to the first book, I think the two books could be combined. The writing was excellent, the story just went overly long.

[Alexis Woods · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I greatly enjoyed book one, I found book 2 to only slightly increase the Dynamics established in book 1. Book 2 seemed to do more with Eric wearing a diaper, and had a lot more sex in the story. It got to the point where I was skimming quite a bit of it. Would have liked to seen less sex and more storyline including pushing past where Book 2 ended and how their relationship developed post the new job. Also I want to note that if you scream during sex then that scares me. If you want to shout or yell or moan or grunt, please do that, please do not write that your character screamed out during sex.

[Sue bowdley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series....Marcus is my dream daddy/dom......He treats Eric so good and in this book Eric is really coming into himself....He's getting used to who he is..... I also love how we get other MC's from the authors other books....I really have found the perfect series and the perfect author x

[Bookbeard · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Oley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet 2 book series.

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audio Review

Quiet Strength
By: M.A. Innes
Narrated by: Kenneth Obi
~~~
After enjoying the first one i was eager to listen to the next and finish the story however i was a little disappointed in it. I felt like there was too much time spent trying to re assure us about the nature of the relationship through out this book. But it really wasn't needed. That was covered in the first book, and it was done well enough that by the time we made it to this one the constant reassurance just became redundant and annoying. I as looking for move of the development between them and their lifestyle instead of them just telling me it was ok constantly. I did enjoy what parts of that i got however a lot and i just wish i had more of it.

Kenneth's narration continued to be great for these characters and I think he really captured them and brought them to life.
~~~
After enjoying the first one i was eager to listen to the next and finish the story however i was a little disappointed in it. I felt like there was too much time spent trying to re assure us about the nature of the relationship through out this book. But it really wasn't needed. That was covered in the first book, and it was done well enough that by the time we made it to this one the constant reassurance just became redundant and annoying. I as looking for move of the development between them and their lifestyle instead of them just telling me it was ok constantly. I did enjoy what parts of that i got however a lot and i just wish i had more of it.

Kenneth's narration continued to be great for these characters and I think he really captured them and brought them to life.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one, though not quite as much as Silent Strength. It was nice to see the relationship evolving, but I felt like the "hints" about what they would end up doing after retirement were a little heavy-handed. It was very obvious where the author was going with that from the get-go.

There were a lot of secondary characters in this book and I felt like I was missing something. Do these people have their own stories already? Are they going to be featured in another series? They seems to have too much backstory to be typical supporting cast and, frankly, it kind of detracted from the main story and characters.

I also felt a little confused by the BDSM play. I didn't feel like the author explained how the daddy kink and regular BDSM co-exist for this couple. The previous book seemed to indicate that the characters were not exhibitionists and that they were into the caring aspects of daddy kink more than the punishment. To go from that to parading around and flogging felt out of place to me. Not that the kinks can't co-exist - I just needed more explanation. It almost felt like the author was just itching to write traditional BDSM scenes and put them in their for their own sake rather than them being important to character development or a natural part of this couple's interests. I felt the same way when reading Flawed Perfection.

[Petra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still inconcistent story, the mc's are sort of blurry around the edges. To many side characters who jump in and out of the story, to many plotlines that go nowhere. And honestly, the kink feels the same way to me, as if the author didn't have the guts to go the whole way! More cozy cuddles than hot encounters.

[Jenn (not Lily) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love love LOVE Marcus and Eric!

[Gabbi Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving Daddy Marcus and his Eric (an audio review)

At the end of ‘Silent Strength’, March and Eric were settling into their Daddy/little relationship. Marcus’ calming and dominant personality have had a profound impact on Eric, who has never been happier. More and more, the men are immersing themselves in their roles, Marcus as the caring and nurturing Daddy, and Eric as the little boy who basks in Daddy’s praise and attention while occasionally being a bit of a brat.

‘Quiet Strength’ opens with Eric having lunch with his friend Nathan. That young man was in ‘Flawed Perfection, and has been slowly educating himself about the world of kink, in particular, puppy play. Personally, I would prefer pets and affections rather than diapers and colouring books. But as I’ve said before:

Your kink is not my kink

Again, Eric’s earnestness was so touching. It is so easy to love him. He not only wants to please his Daddy, but he wants to make his Daddy proud. That means opening up emotionally, being willing to let down the last of his barriers. It also means seeking Marcus’ advice on issues – such as work – that he’s always handled himself. He has complete autonomy when they are not ‘in scene’, but Eric finds he is happy now that he is inhabiting more and more of his “little” role.

Yes, there is a sexual component to the relationship, hence the taboo aspect, but this is nowhere near incest. Marcus has no interest in having a boy under legal age. In fact, Eric is all he’s ever wanted, and all he’ll ever need. As his retirement from the police force nears, though, he is increasingly at loose ends and it is Eric who encourages Marcus to investigate alternatives. Now, I saw the solution well before the characters did, but I enjoyed watching them navigate through their new relationship.

As in the previous book, there are diapers. This time though, I kept thinking, ‘just pee already!’ I was so caught up in the story that I really cared about these characters.

Although this is an M.A. Innes book, it intersects with her ‘Bound and Controlled’ series written under Shaw Montgomery. I love revisiting the men from that series that takes place at the BDSM club. Marcus and Eric finally do a scene in a private room and wow, I was jealous.

Two more things happened. The first was Eric taking Marcus home to meet his Aunt Sylvia. She had dropped broad hints in the first book, so her reaction wasn’t a surprise. Secondly, at the beginning of the first book – first scene, in fact – Marcus was seeking a carpenter to build him a particularly unique…piece of furniture. When it arrives at the end of this book, I smiled.

See, Eric and Marcus have made it. They’ve found their perfect partner – a man who will readily accept their kink – a partner who will love them forever.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering, Eric does have a mischievous side. Just ask Marcus after the edging scene.
Kenneth Obi has narrated every book in the series and keeps the different voices distinct – for over 15 men. He also does a fabulous Aunt Sylvia.

So thank you to both M.A. and Kenneth for a wonderful happily ever after for my two favourite men.

[Mari Cardenas · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Quiet Strength is book 2 in this MM Age Play series by MA Innes and it needs to be read/listened to in order.

While I enjoyed Quiet Strength, I think the first book is my favorite. Still, I really liked to see Eric feel more confident in his relationship with Marcus and with others, and have it bleed into other aspects of his life like his work, in this new book. And Marcus was just the perfect blend of Daddy/Dom/partner, always there for Eric for anything he needed.

I loved the sweetness of Marcus and Eric's Daddy/little boy dynamics. I just had no clue that it could be like that, which is why I was wary before starting Silent Strength, and it was even better this time around since Eric found it easier to open himself to Marcus. I also liked that we saw Marcus and Eric as more than just D/lb, but also D/s and as a couple, to the point that Eric offered his support to Marcus as his partner and not just took what he needed as his submissive/little boy.

I adored Nathan, who is such a sweet, funny guy. His interactions with Eric were hilarious!

Kenneth Obi did a great job with the narration, especially with Eric, his voice is perfect for him and just made me feel more connected to his character. I liked his voice for Marcus, too, but I think in the end, when there were other Doms in the scene, their voices tended to be too similar and difficult to identify, which didn't happen with Eric, Nathan or even Zander. His tone is very pleasant and even if the narration wasn't as even as in the first book, it was still very enjoyable.

Overall, though, this was a great addition to the series and I'm sure this isn't the last time I'll listen to it.

[Nese's reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quiet strength follows on from Silent Strength.
Marcus and his boy Eric settle into their lives together
and continue to explore the dynamics of this new family.

Eric still can't believe that he's found a Daddy that is there to pre-empt
all his wants and needs and desires, now he can just relax and let his Daddy take charge.
Marcus has been so desperate to find a boy, to fullfill his needs, that he is
spoiling Eric thoroughly. He is watching his every move and slowly introducing him
to more and more aspects of their desired lifestyle.
He is careful to keep things slow and make Eric come to terms with things
that he desperately desires, but could not attempt without his Daddy's guidance.

In this book the couple spend more time in the BDSM club,
oh wow, the scenes played out in the club are just so.... yeah.

There are so many cross over characters that l loved finding,
especially Eric trying to chat with an excited and adorable Nathan.
More couples for them to mix with, and educate and play with Eric.
There is humour too, that lightens the whole book, with exuberant subs
and the dirty old men and women from Eric's complex.

This type of story may not appeal to a lot of people,
but l would urge you to give it a go.
M.A Innes has a way of pulling you into the story and making you fall in love with all the characters,
and urge them on to full fill their desires whatever shape that may take.

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eric is more confident now and with his Daddy Marcus's love and support he is getting strong than ever but he wants more as he wants to be more submissive and be more of his Daddy's boy. Marcus thinks that there is nothing more beautiful than watching his boy's confidence grow but he doesn't want to push him too fast, especially as having Eric by his side is the only clear thing about his future he needs to find a way to provide for his boy after his retirement from the force. When it comes to their relationship, Eric is ready to jump in headfirst. But how does Eric show his daddy that everything doesn’t have to be planned out to be perfect?

I enjoyed this story with Eric becoming more confident and less bashful as well as more secure in the love between himself and Marcus. I loved the growing relationship between him and his friend Lucas who was a pup. The relationship between Eric and Lucus seemed solid and so I was a little disappointed that some kind of marriage (even if just a proposal) happened between them. It was easy to read, feel and understand. This book contains mature content of a MM BDSM-like DDLB relationship with some use of binkies, spanking and diapers. There were also some D/s toward the end of the book. This is part two and the conclusion of a series.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm always excited to read another wonderful book from one of my favorite authors, M.A. Innes. This is the continuation of the story that began in Silent Strength (and was hinted at in Flawed Perfection). Sweet Eric continues to grow and gain confidence under the patient and loving guidance of his Daddy Dom, Marcus.

I love the relationships here, Marcus and Eric's, of course, but also the friendships they have with others. Nathan and Gabriel show up, and they're as adorable as ever. We also get to see several of the wonderful men from the Bound & Controlled series by the author's other pseudonym, Shaw Montgomery. Plus, we get to meet Zander, who is obviously going to shine brightly soon. (Yay!)

I say it every time, but I think it's important to stress just how loving this story is. Is it kinky and sexy? Yes, absolutely! But there is also so much humor and heart. There is never a doubt that these men are completely committed and in love. As always, the author has provided a fabulous reading experience, and I will patiently await the next installment.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! It continues the story of Eric & Marcus which began in Silent Strength.

Eric is becoming more comfortable with his wants & needs. His relationship with Marcus is moving forward while Marcus is a trying to figure out what to do with his life now he is retiring from the police force.

I felt like we really got into their heads. Knowing their feelings & feeling them all along with both of them. I loved watching Eric grow into his own skin, being able to talk to his daddy about his fears & insecurities. He also begins to open up to Nathan as their friendship strengthens. Both Eric & Nathan becoming more comfortable opening up to each other about their respective lifestyles. It was great to see the friends again and watching a bit more of Nathan's relationship as well as Eric's.

Marcus is the perfect daddy for Eric, always putting the needs & well being of Eric first. I felt their love and enjoyed the feeling of their playfulness, their honesty and the overall genuine feeling of it all.

I would happily recommend this book/series.

[Esther Alayeto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reviewed the audio version of this book.
This is another spectacular book in the series. I love revisiting Eric and Marcus and following their journey as their relationship progresses and their bond deepens. I really like seeing Eric becoming more comfortable with his role as a "little" and Marcus' patience and attention to Eric's needs and wants is incredible. I really love these characters and appreciate that I was able to see their journey together. I also really like seeing characters from the other stories, it's great seeing them again and how they are doing in their relationships also. I hope to see more of Marcus and Eric.
Kenneth Obi once again did a spectacular job of narrating the story and with all of the character voices. He's really good at capturing the emotions of the story.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Leelah🍁♋️ Orion · Rating 4 out of 5]

perfect ending

It was so nice to see this couple grow. If you don’t know this is the second book and isn’t a standalone. I loved watching this couple really find their groove. Find out what worked best for them. That their relationship didn’t have to look like others in the same world and I love that for them. I liked seeing E get more confident in who he is and what this relationship was all about. I also love the author didn’t change his shyness. That he still struggled and still didn’t want to be open with everyone. Not every little or sub wants to be a brat and I appreciate the author not changing him into one. I love the band of friends with similar life styles they had. I wish I had the same so I’ll just live through them. The smexy was yummy. I could use some more diversity though. That’s what kept it from a 4.5-5 star lack of diversity. Bipoc and disabled folks are in the life too and I wish there was some representation.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the continuation of Marcus and Eric's story and it's absolutely wonderful. Seeing them continue their story was just as beautiful as seeing it begin in 'Silent Strength' and just as well written. These two have a connection that goes far beyond their "life style" choices and carries over into everything they experience together. Age play is not my thing, but hearing as it is written by this author makes it enjoyable and understandable. I loved seeing some of the characters from the Bound & Controlled series as well and they way everyone is accepting of one another. Once again this author has written a book about a subject I never thought I could read about and left me patiently waiting for the next book they write.

I listened to this on audible and the narration was wonderful! Kenneth Obi does a wonderful job of bringing Marcus and Eric to life!

[Victorias' KeepinitReal · Rating 5 out of 5]

PERFECT! As always, another great read written by the gifted M.A. Innes. I loved it. Marcus and Eric are so beautiful and I love their sweet connection. Marcus is such a loving Dom/Daddy who loves his Baby boy/sub Eric and his Baby loves him back. This story was so sweet, hot, sensual and emotional too. I couldn't help smiling...grinning really, at the end. I had tears in my eyes because this author has done such an excellent job in drawing the reader in to this beautiful relationship filled with hope, desire and fulfillment. A story so masterfully written..(as usual) you can't help but fall in love with these two remarkable loving men who have found their forever home within each other....FOREVER. Perfect!

[Tam · Rating 2 out of 5]

So I picked this up because I wanted to know what Marcus was going to do when he retired from the police force. He spent a lot of time waffling over what he wanted to do and I could related to that in some ways. BUT, I had to spend so much time scrolling through sex scenes. It was too much. I wanted to get to the story. They say the sex should advance the story but it was just more of the same drawn out sex. Again, I liked Nathan because he's so without a filter and Eric was a bit more open, but still freaking out about most small things. So, eh. I thought the retirement solution made sense but ... it took a lot of scrolling to get to that point.

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completes the story of Eric and Marcus

As Eric settles into his "little" with Marcus as his Daddy, life is becoming more comfortable. I liked the way Ms Innes gave us insight into the feelings they both had as they grew and accepted the lifestyle. As I mentioned in my review of the first book, Silent Strength, this is my first intro into age play and I found it fascinating. I'll be looking for some other books by M.A. Innes. FYI, I was already reading Shaw Montgomery (same person , different pen name) so will need to collect M.A.'s backlist.