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Hunt&Cam4Ever #1
Matchstick Men
Alternative Cover Edition of ASIN: B071X9X17L
SEX, GAMES & MURDER ~ Want to play?
It was munch night at the most elite underground BDSM club in the Rockies. Relaxed and informal, highlighted by the weekly Matchstick Challenge game.
Now Hunt has a fresh body and a new puzzle to solve in twenty-four hours if he wants to find a killer.
A 48k police procedural with a liberal dose of M/M hotness. Which means our fave full-metal Dom shows up to collect on Hunter's offer of his ... coffer. So to speak.
There are puzzles for the reader and mysteries to be solved. Based on characters introduced in the short story On His Knees. For adults.
SEX, GAMES & MURDER ~ Want to play?
It was munch night at the most elite underground BDSM club in the Rockies. Relaxed and informal, highlighted by the weekly Matchstick Challenge game.
Detective Sergeant Hunter Dane, reigning champion, looked forward to a relaxing evening to start his 3 days off. A few beers on the deck. An interlude with a sweet sub. Stumping a challenger with a new puzzle. Home early for a decent night's sleep.
Now Hunt has a fresh body and a new puzzle to solve in twenty-four hours if he wants to find a killer.
A 48k police procedural with a liberal dose of M/M hotness. Which means our fave full-metal Dom shows up to collect on Hunter's offer of his ... coffer. So to speak.
There are puzzles for the reader and mysteries to be solved. Based on characters introduced in the short story On His Knees. For adults.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 22, 2017
147 people are currently reading
434 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DESIRE FOR TOUCH, BLISS, ECSTASY HAVE BEEN PERMANENTLY UNPUBLISHED. They have been replaced by RIVERHART: Ben&Avia's Story which is the origin of all my books and characters.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DESIRE FOR TOUCH, BLISS, ECSTASY HAVE BEEN PERMANENTLY UNPUBLISHED. They have been replaced by RIVERHART: Ben&Avia's Story which is the origin of all my books and characters.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 160 reviews
February 23, 2019
2 Stars
DNF @ 52%
So far there were three parts (I don’t know if there was more), part one Hunt’s POV was in 3rd person, second part Hunt’s POV was in 1st person, third part Hunt’s POV was in 3rd person AGAIN! Come on!!! Why this alternating POV!!! I really didn’t like the writing style and every time it took time to get used to the MC’s POV. Another thing was the story fell flat for me. Hope you enjoy it more than me!
DNF @ 52%
So far there were three parts (I don’t know if there was more), part one Hunt’s POV was in 3rd person, second part Hunt’s POV was in 1st person, third part Hunt’s POV was in 3rd person AGAIN! Come on!!! Why this alternating POV!!! I really didn’t like the writing style and every time it took time to get used to the MC’s POV. Another thing was the story fell flat for me. Hope you enjoy it more than me!
August 4, 2017
D/s relationships, that are done well, are both my greatest weakness and my greatest pleasure - the two books (thus far) in this series are brilliant!
The characters are SO well rounded, SO vividly written, and their D/s dynamic SO utterly beautiful that I sit here with a book hangover after having finished.
If you haven't yet had the opportunity to check out the first book in the series, On His Knees, it's a must read!
To say that I wait with baited breath for the next installment is a massive understatement!
#daneandcamforever
The characters are SO well rounded, SO vividly written, and their D/s dynamic SO utterly beautiful that I sit here with a book hangover after having finished.
If you haven't yet had the opportunity to check out the first book in the series, On His Knees, it's a must read!
To say that I wait with baited breath for the next installment is a massive understatement!
#daneandcamforever
February 20, 2018
Liked e the mystery, loved the chemistry but the world building around "the most elite underground BDSM club in the Rockies" was surreal.
October 11, 2018
***3.75*** bitching and complaining
I could blame this on OCD or the fact that I somehow find myself in possession 3 books in this series, but that would be disingenuous, to say the least. The truth is that despite the problems I had with On His Knees I was sufficiently intrigued by the MCs to go on with the series. Good News/Bad News? The same issues continue. The good and the bad.
Hunter Dane is a 35 year old maverick detective with the Denver Police Department. He's the guy who gets assigned the difficult cases because of his ability to read a scene devoid of emotion or unnecessary entanglements. He also happens to be super HOT. Enough to be a model for stock photos, the kind that regularly appears on the cover of romance novels. Body only. No face. When he wants to wind down he goes to Seen And Not Heard (SANH), one of the fabled BDSM clubs that populate romance. SANH was created to cater to Denver's millionaires, billionaires, and sundry celebrities. On the verisimilitude column is that Hunter Dane's membership doesn't come due to his stock portfolio but on account of being a cop. The club waives membership fees for EMT, Police, and Firefighters, not for altruistic reasons, but to have an "in" when anything goes wrong. Hunter frequents the club and seems to be some kind of switch between Dom and sub depending on need/mood. Dunno if that's a thing but much of my enjoyment hinged on suspending disbelief on certain matters, with varying degrees of success.
After a particularly harrowing case Hunter feels the need to be punished, broken, taken out of himself, and only one Dom will do: Camden Snow. The events of that night were detailed in On His Knees and are referenced here. When Matchstick Men begins it's about a week later and Hunter comes to the club in Dom mode looking for something light and mellow. Things don't go as smoothly and a club member ends up dead. It's up to Hunter to solve the case before the club membership becomes public knowledge. It's a race against time and a religious, fire & brimstone, black & white police captain, who wouldn't look too kindly on the sexual proclivities of Denver's elite and wouldn't blink twice at exposing them and their kinks to the public. So far so good. The mystery itself is pretty clever, and even though I correctly suspected the 'who' early on, the 'how' was neatly done. A kind of closed room mystery.
In fact there were quite a few things I liked about this, which will probably keep me coming back, that and I own the next two books. I liked that the D/s relationship is flipped, where the Dom is the younger of the two. I liked that Hunter, though not verbalized, seems to be demisexual and bisexual? or fluid? I like to see characters like that develop romantic attachments. It's a challenge for the writer to convince of the truth of the relationship. So far Adira August is doing quite well. I liked that by the end of the book Hunter's problems haven't been solved by magic cock. He does get relief or a reset via his scenes at the club, but he's self aware enough that he knows they're not an end all. They serve more like a salve. He's aware that maybe therapy would be better but … we all do what we like. I also like how unsentimental, practical, clear, and direct Hunter is. Can you tell I liked Hunter? Sadly what I didn't like or rather believe much at all was the other half of the equation.
Camden Snow is a 23 year old Olympic calibre athlete. He's a snowboarder, which put me in mind of Gus Kenworthy, save Gus is cute & adorable, and Cam is consistently and ad nauseum described as "Camden Snow, Norse God of a winter Olympic champion", or other such nonsense. The descriptions of both leads can get a little hyperbolic to say the least. They're not just good looking guys, they're perfect specimens of men who grace our meager earth with their presence. Ugh. Please! However that's neither here nor there. I can totally ignore physical descriptions. My major pause is Cam as a Dom. And yes it has much to do with his age. Is he meant to be some kind of Dalai Lama style sage? The spirit of the prior Lama infused into him, but in the BDSM world? There are some perceptive 23 year olds, but they're not masters of human psyche. Cam doesn't have the life experience to truly understand Hunter's world. His job. I'm also on the fence as to the truth of Hunter & Cam's D/s relationship. There's no basis for it. At all. As discussed in my review of the previous book, the first time Hunter "kneels" for Cam they really know nothing about each other, except by reputation gleaned from club gossip. I don't think they've exchanged more than a glance! And yet they jump headfirst into a scene with no previous convo about anything: likes, dislikes, hard limits, expectations, sexual preference etc. And get this: NO SAFE WORD. Why you ask? Because Cam demands complete and absolute submission and he's so awesome he knows exactly what a sub needs/wants. I'm not a stickler for rules and I'm not super into codified scenes, but seriously? WTF? Cam will butt fuck you, even though he knows you never do ass play, and are quite possibly an anal virgin. Because you need it. He could've gone dildo route, but whatever. However he's super honorable. He won't come. It's not about his (Cam's) sexual satisfaction. It's about Cam as a Dom giving you (the sub, in this case Hunter) what you need. He's generous like that. Check out this exchange, at least they seem to be in agreement. I guess?
"Did you come last night? On the Angel?" Hunt interrupted him. "No," He looked offended. "It wasn't about sex. Coming in you would be … rape. I don't do that." It was a wonder to Hunter that Cam understood so perfectly that ramming his dick painfully into Hunt's ass was one thing, but using him for personal pleasure at that moment was so vastly something else it was unthinkable."
I decided to squint one eye and look at him through the haze of romance. And things were going well until
Another thing that gave me pause was this conflation of Doms & Sadism. I may be wrong, but as far I know not all dominants are sadists. They're not the same thing.
I persisted and chugged along with the story. *shrug* There were other things I liked. One thing which will sound weird is that I appreciated the scenes, in the prior book and this one, of Hunt douching, getting ready for anal sex. I don't have coprophilia or anything close to it, but I must confess that whenever couples, in M/M, go out for dinner and then come home and just skip and hop into penetrative sex my brain does a little "sure, uh-huh".
I also liked the ending. It's sort of a cliff hanger but it shows progression for Hunter. He behaves like an adult and yet you can see some cracks in the armor.
Despite all my complaining I'll soldier on and it wont even hurt. Not a bit.
I could blame this on OCD or the fact that I somehow find myself in possession 3 books in this series, but that would be disingenuous, to say the least. The truth is that despite the problems I had with On His Knees I was sufficiently intrigued by the MCs to go on with the series. Good News/Bad News? The same issues continue. The good and the bad.
Hunter Dane is a 35 year old maverick detective with the Denver Police Department. He's the guy who gets assigned the difficult cases because of his ability to read a scene devoid of emotion or unnecessary entanglements. He also happens to be super HOT. Enough to be a model for stock photos, the kind that regularly appears on the cover of romance novels. Body only. No face. When he wants to wind down he goes to Seen And Not Heard (SANH), one of the fabled BDSM clubs that populate romance. SANH was created to cater to Denver's millionaires, billionaires, and sundry celebrities. On the verisimilitude column is that Hunter Dane's membership doesn't come due to his stock portfolio but on account of being a cop. The club waives membership fees for EMT, Police, and Firefighters, not for altruistic reasons, but to have an "in" when anything goes wrong. Hunter frequents the club and seems to be some kind of switch between Dom and sub depending on need/mood. Dunno if that's a thing but much of my enjoyment hinged on suspending disbelief on certain matters, with varying degrees of success.
After a particularly harrowing case Hunter feels the need to be punished, broken, taken out of himself, and only one Dom will do: Camden Snow. The events of that night were detailed in On His Knees and are referenced here. When Matchstick Men begins it's about a week later and Hunter comes to the club in Dom mode looking for something light and mellow. Things don't go as smoothly and a club member ends up dead. It's up to Hunter to solve the case before the club membership becomes public knowledge. It's a race against time and a religious, fire & brimstone, black & white police captain, who wouldn't look too kindly on the sexual proclivities of Denver's elite and wouldn't blink twice at exposing them and their kinks to the public. So far so good. The mystery itself is pretty clever, and even though I correctly suspected the 'who' early on, the 'how' was neatly done. A kind of closed room mystery.
In fact there were quite a few things I liked about this, which will probably keep me coming back, that and I own the next two books. I liked that the D/s relationship is flipped, where the Dom is the younger of the two. I liked that Hunter, though not verbalized, seems to be demisexual and bisexual? or fluid? I like to see characters like that develop romantic attachments. It's a challenge for the writer to convince of the truth of the relationship. So far Adira August is doing quite well. I liked that by the end of the book Hunter's problems haven't been solved by magic cock. He does get relief or a reset via his scenes at the club, but he's self aware enough that he knows they're not an end all. They serve more like a salve. He's aware that maybe therapy would be better but … we all do what we like. I also like how unsentimental, practical, clear, and direct Hunter is. Can you tell I liked Hunter? Sadly what I didn't like or rather believe much at all was the other half of the equation.
Camden Snow is a 23 year old Olympic calibre athlete. He's a snowboarder, which put me in mind of Gus Kenworthy, save Gus is cute & adorable, and Cam is consistently and ad nauseum described as "Camden Snow, Norse God of a winter Olympic champion", or other such nonsense. The descriptions of both leads can get a little hyperbolic to say the least. They're not just good looking guys, they're perfect specimens of men who grace our meager earth with their presence. Ugh. Please! However that's neither here nor there. I can totally ignore physical descriptions. My major pause is Cam as a Dom. And yes it has much to do with his age. Is he meant to be some kind of Dalai Lama style sage? The spirit of the prior Lama infused into him, but in the BDSM world? There are some perceptive 23 year olds, but they're not masters of human psyche. Cam doesn't have the life experience to truly understand Hunter's world. His job. I'm also on the fence as to the truth of Hunter & Cam's D/s relationship. There's no basis for it. At all. As discussed in my review of the previous book, the first time Hunter "kneels" for Cam they really know nothing about each other, except by reputation gleaned from club gossip. I don't think they've exchanged more than a glance! And yet they jump headfirst into a scene with no previous convo about anything: likes, dislikes, hard limits, expectations, sexual preference etc. And get this: NO SAFE WORD. Why you ask? Because Cam demands complete and absolute submission and he's so awesome he knows exactly what a sub needs/wants. I'm not a stickler for rules and I'm not super into codified scenes, but seriously? WTF? Cam will butt fuck you, even though he knows you never do ass play, and are quite possibly an anal virgin. Because you need it. He could've gone dildo route, but whatever. However he's super honorable. He won't come. It's not about his (Cam's) sexual satisfaction. It's about Cam as a Dom giving you (the sub, in this case Hunter) what you need. He's generous like that. Check out this exchange, at least they seem to be in agreement. I guess?
"Did you come last night? On the Angel?" Hunt interrupted him. "No," He looked offended. "It wasn't about sex. Coming in you would be … rape. I don't do that." It was a wonder to Hunter that Cam understood so perfectly that ramming his dick painfully into Hunt's ass was one thing, but using him for personal pleasure at that moment was so vastly something else it was unthinkable."
I decided to squint one eye and look at him through the haze of romance. And things were going well until
Another thing that gave me pause was this conflation of Doms & Sadism. I may be wrong, but as far I know not all dominants are sadists. They're not the same thing.
I persisted and chugged along with the story. *shrug* There were other things I liked. One thing which will sound weird is that I appreciated the scenes, in the prior book and this one, of Hunt douching, getting ready for anal sex. I don't have coprophilia or anything close to it, but I must confess that whenever couples, in M/M, go out for dinner and then come home and just skip and hop into penetrative sex my brain does a little "sure, uh-huh".
I also liked the ending. It's sort of a cliff hanger but it shows progression for Hunter. He behaves like an adult and yet you can see some cracks in the armor.
Despite all my complaining I'll soldier on and it wont even hurt. Not a bit.
October 22, 2019
This new publication of Matchstick Men incorporates Adira August’s fantastic short story On His Knees into one thrilling novel. In addition, Ms. August states in the author’s note that this edition also includes “previously unpublished material”. So, whether you’re revisiting this series or, like me, enjoying it for the first time, I promise you’re going to devour this dark and erotic tale.
Opening with a rich and beautifully expressive BDSM scene, Adira August introduces us to the two main characters. In just a few pages we learn key nuances of their personalities, as well as the fundamental qualities unique to each of these men. Based on their interactions alone, Ms. August lays the groundwork for a fascinating relationship.
Thirty-five years old and a detective for the Denver police, Sergeant Hunter Dane is a complex and intriguing character. As a bisexual switch, Hunter is a favorite Dominant among the female submissives in the few Male/Female scenes in the book. Despite Hunter’s hard limits, and dismissed by most Doms as a “control freak among subs”, the male Doms are still vying to be the one with whom he makes a connection.
At age twenty-three, Olympic medalist Camdon Snow is the most alluring of all the Doms at their exclusive BDSM club. The stringent rules Cam has for his subs have kept Hunter away… and that’s about to change. These men have been hyper aware of each other over the past two years, and the incredible scene at the start of the novel is just a tantalizing taste of what’s to come.
I could spend this whole review ruminating over the spectacular BDSM scenes, the characters’ motivations, as well as their compelling relationships, but there’s a thrilling murder mystery in Matchstick Men as well. This part of the story is woven seamlessly into the development of Hunter and Camdon’s relationship, and as details of the case come to light, Adira August reveals more of the men and their fascinating personalities.
For me, the best part of Matchstick Men is the depth Ms. August goes into exploring all of the characters. The way the novel is written, from different points of view, we get to know so many interesting details about the fringe characters as well. Observations and reactions to events, as well as their interactions along the way, are key to what makes this book truly spectacular.
With a few titillating loose ends, the way Matchstick Men wraps up had me immediately downloading the next book, Dancing Men, on my Kindle. As a newbie to this series I can only guess at what’s to come, but one thing I’m sure of? I’m hooked!
Opening with a rich and beautifully expressive BDSM scene, Adira August introduces us to the two main characters. In just a few pages we learn key nuances of their personalities, as well as the fundamental qualities unique to each of these men. Based on their interactions alone, Ms. August lays the groundwork for a fascinating relationship.
Thirty-five years old and a detective for the Denver police, Sergeant Hunter Dane is a complex and intriguing character. As a bisexual switch, Hunter is a favorite Dominant among the female submissives in the few Male/Female scenes in the book. Despite Hunter’s hard limits, and dismissed by most Doms as a “control freak among subs”, the male Doms are still vying to be the one with whom he makes a connection.
At age twenty-three, Olympic medalist Camdon Snow is the most alluring of all the Doms at their exclusive BDSM club. The stringent rules Cam has for his subs have kept Hunter away… and that’s about to change. These men have been hyper aware of each other over the past two years, and the incredible scene at the start of the novel is just a tantalizing taste of what’s to come.
I could spend this whole review ruminating over the spectacular BDSM scenes, the characters’ motivations, as well as their compelling relationships, but there’s a thrilling murder mystery in Matchstick Men as well. This part of the story is woven seamlessly into the development of Hunter and Camdon’s relationship, and as details of the case come to light, Adira August reveals more of the men and their fascinating personalities.
For me, the best part of Matchstick Men is the depth Ms. August goes into exploring all of the characters. The way the novel is written, from different points of view, we get to know so many interesting details about the fringe characters as well. Observations and reactions to events, as well as their interactions along the way, are key to what makes this book truly spectacular.
With a few titillating loose ends, the way Matchstick Men wraps up had me immediately downloading the next book, Dancing Men, on my Kindle. As a newbie to this series I can only guess at what’s to come, but one thing I’m sure of? I’m hooked!
September 7, 2022
Hunter es un detective de homicidios, conocido por su objetividad y rapidez para resolver los casos. Pero en el Club "Scene and Not Heard" es conocido como un switch, mayoritariamente Dom, quien considera el sexo con sus companeros de noche como un "limite duro", y que realmente nunca ha sido sumiso con ningun Dom. Pero cuando Cameron aparece en la escena, la atraccion que siente por el hombre es muy fuerte, tanto que prefiere ignorarlo. Hasta que una noche, despues de una semana de trabajo muy fuerte, llega al limite y sabe que debe entregarse al castigo de un Dom de mano dura, tal como Cam es conocido, y asi poder liberar sus demonios.
Pero ahora con un nuevo asesino suelto, y al parecer dentro de la comunidad, el busca la ayuda de Cam para que lo ayude a ver mejor el panorama, y entonces la relacion entre ellos comienza a cambiar. Pero Hunter sera capaz de adaptarse al nuevo cambio con Cam? Cam sera capaz de tener paciencia para darle tiempo a Hunter?
El libro me costo bastante entenderlo las primeras paginas, ya que el autor describe varios puntos de vista entremezclados y tenia tiempo que no leia un libro escrito asi. Pero una vez que le agarras el hilo, la trama resulta entretenida, el misterio bien trabajado, y aunque se sabia, casi desde el inicio, quien podia ser el asesino, el autor supo manejar la trama para que nos confundieramos mas de una vez, al igual que supo manejar la relacion Dom/sub entre Hunter y Cameron.
El unico inconveniente que consegui, fue con Hunter, que con todos los demas era un Dominante, pero con Cameron era totalmente sumiso. No logre entender la psicologia detras de ese cambio, y espero que en los proximos libros podamos entender un poco mas de Hunter y su forma de sentir y ver la vida.
Asi que si, me gusto el libro, la serie se perfila interesante, y voy a continuar con la lectura esperando que se mantenga o mejore con los libros.
Pero ahora con un nuevo asesino suelto, y al parecer dentro de la comunidad, el busca la ayuda de Cam para que lo ayude a ver mejor el panorama, y entonces la relacion entre ellos comienza a cambiar. Pero Hunter sera capaz de adaptarse al nuevo cambio con Cam? Cam sera capaz de tener paciencia para darle tiempo a Hunter?
El libro me costo bastante entenderlo las primeras paginas, ya que el autor describe varios puntos de vista entremezclados y tenia tiempo que no leia un libro escrito asi. Pero una vez que le agarras el hilo, la trama resulta entretenida, el misterio bien trabajado, y aunque se sabia, casi desde el inicio, quien podia ser el asesino, el autor supo manejar la trama para que nos confundieramos mas de una vez, al igual que supo manejar la relacion Dom/sub entre Hunter y Cameron.
El unico inconveniente que consegui, fue con Hunter, que con todos los demas era un Dominante, pero con Cameron era totalmente sumiso. No logre entender la psicologia detras de ese cambio, y espero que en los proximos libros podamos entender un poco mas de Hunter y su forma de sentir y ver la vida.
Asi que si, me gusto el libro, la serie se perfila interesante, y voy a continuar con la lectura esperando que se mantenga o mejore con los libros.
April 24, 2021
Review removed for reason.
October 9, 2022
👏👏FABULOUS 👏👏
I loved this to death!
(Pun intended)
Inside you’ll get:
HAF opening scene! 🔥❤️🔥❤️🥵
D/s scenes
BDSM club
A hot, switch cop
A hot, Dom skier
A murder
A mystery
A cover-up
No HEA
No HFN
Yes to the next 7 books!!
My rec? I couldn’t put it down!! Go for it!
I loved this to death!
(Pun intended)
Inside you’ll get:
HAF opening scene! 🔥❤️🔥❤️🥵
D/s scenes
BDSM club
A hot, switch cop
A hot, Dom skier
A murder
A mystery
A cover-up
No HEA
No HFN
Yes to the next 7 books!!
My rec? I couldn’t put it down!! Go for it!
June 25, 2018
**4.7 stars**
I really enjoyed this book. It was a bit out of my comfort zone story but I still liked it. The mystery of the killer and how it was done was very interesting but the best part was to glean into the investigation a-la-hunter-dane style. It was so neatly done what with how they contained the murder and I got to see how things are done when powerful people's reputations are at stake. Hunter on top of being an exceptionally good detective also knows all of the possible suspects and ins and outs of the workings of the club. His ability to compartmentalize information makes him the best at what he does but that same ability makes it harder for him to connect to others.
...“Hang on," Cam held up a hand. "You're not looking for a suspect, you're trying to eliminate them?" "That's how you find the ones who might have done it. By identifying the ones who couldn’t. When no one could have, you look somewhere else."...
..."Motive is a big part of a crime story on television, but it isn't that much help in a real investigation," I told him. "People kill each other over extra helpings of beans. Motive can be found for almost anyone connected to a victim. Understanding what happened, what data points where, that's how you unravel the crime."...
Cam and Hunter are smoking hot together. The dynamic of their arrangement is sometimes over the top but it suits them and gives them both what they crave. The author did a wonderful job on that front if I may say so. It's not even about s*xual release but about control or lack thereof depending on whom you ask. I really liked Cam. He has such bright personality and keen mind. When he is not in Dom mode he is sweet and understanding.
...His eyes glittered with malicious delight, fixed on my pleading ones as his mouth and fingers worked me over. I watched him do it because he required me to. He watched me watching him because it excited him. In less than a minute, I was desperate for restraint. For a gag. For release. And he was just getting started...
..."You needed me, bad. Even then, I could see it. Right there in front of me. How beautiful it would be to make you suffer. How easy to get lost in your pain. You were magnificent."...
When the killer was revealed I was disappointed. The whole ordeal seemed so personal and the person revealed was used but unseen, so very inconsequential in the scheme of things that it was a bit of let down. I really thought it was someone else. I mean I was all gearing up for some sort of personal and heated confrontation but how it ended felt a little rushed considering how prepared the murderer was before. But I did enjoy Hunter's speculation as to why that person did it.
The end was a bit upsetting but then Cam made it all better. He can always do it - he is such a perfect sadist! I am anticipating the next book to be as good as this one if not better. BTW the matchstick game made me feel a little dumb for a moment! :-) A moment only, mind you!!!
I really enjoyed this book. It was a bit out of my comfort zone story but I still liked it. The mystery of the killer and how it was done was very interesting but the best part was to glean into the investigation a-la-hunter-dane style. It was so neatly done what with how they contained the murder and I got to see how things are done when powerful people's reputations are at stake. Hunter on top of being an exceptionally good detective also knows all of the possible suspects and ins and outs of the workings of the club. His ability to compartmentalize information makes him the best at what he does but that same ability makes it harder for him to connect to others.
...“Hang on," Cam held up a hand. "You're not looking for a suspect, you're trying to eliminate them?" "That's how you find the ones who might have done it. By identifying the ones who couldn’t. When no one could have, you look somewhere else."...
..."Motive is a big part of a crime story on television, but it isn't that much help in a real investigation," I told him. "People kill each other over extra helpings of beans. Motive can be found for almost anyone connected to a victim. Understanding what happened, what data points where, that's how you unravel the crime."...
Cam and Hunter are smoking hot together. The dynamic of their arrangement is sometimes over the top but it suits them and gives them both what they crave. The author did a wonderful job on that front if I may say so. It's not even about s*xual release but about control or lack thereof depending on whom you ask. I really liked Cam. He has such bright personality and keen mind. When he is not in Dom mode he is sweet and understanding.
...His eyes glittered with malicious delight, fixed on my pleading ones as his mouth and fingers worked me over. I watched him do it because he required me to. He watched me watching him because it excited him. In less than a minute, I was desperate for restraint. For a gag. For release. And he was just getting started...
..."You needed me, bad. Even then, I could see it. Right there in front of me. How beautiful it would be to make you suffer. How easy to get lost in your pain. You were magnificent."...
When the killer was revealed I was disappointed. The whole ordeal seemed so personal and the person revealed was used but unseen, so very inconsequential in the scheme of things that it was a bit of let down. I really thought it was someone else. I mean I was all gearing up for some sort of personal and heated confrontation but how it ended felt a little rushed considering how prepared the murderer was before. But I did enjoy Hunter's speculation as to why that person did it.
The end was a bit upsetting but then Cam made it all better. He can always do it - he is such a perfect sadist! I am anticipating the next book to be as good as this one if not better. BTW the matchstick game made me feel a little dumb for a moment! :-) A moment only, mind you!!!
July 18, 2017
4.5 star review by The Blogger Girls.
I first met and became intrigued with Hunt and Cam in On His Knees (available at Instafreebie until August 1, 2017). In that short story, we got a taste of the unique dynamic between these two complex men. Thankfully, their story is continued in Matchstick Men.
Hunter is a homicide detective who is good at his job in part because of his ability to compartmentalize and keep his emotions and feelings away from the job. Unfortunately, he believes he is incapable of having them off the job as well. He is one of the members of an elite and discreet BDSM club that caters mostly to the upperclass, but policemen, firemen, etc. are given membership in return for their services. Hunter is also a bit of a switch in that he doms most of the time (with women), but he subs for men when he needs particular things. Up until recently, he has never truly submitted to anyone, but that all changed the day he gave his all and went to his knees for Cam (in On His Knees). That was an amazing and unique thing to see, and I highly recommend you start there. Anyhoo, with Cam, he was able to truly submit, with Cam being the only one who ended up knowing what he really needed and was able to provide it.
Cam, on the other hand, is all Dom. He is a professional skier (younger than Hunter), but he really seems to have it all together. He has a maturity, especially when dealing with Hunter, but there are times we are reminded that he is still a young 20-something. These guys have some crazy chemistry going on, and while they definitely have a d/s relationship, it is anything but typical. These guys have shared some of the hottest scenes I’ve read in a long time. Hunter makes his misgivings known, and they move forward with a friends with benefits arrangement, though it is easy to see their feelings growing into more. These are complex men that, while they both might not see it yet, are intricate puzzle pieces that just fit together perfectly.
There are a few other things at play here, from the title and how it correlates to the story, to the murder and how it is connected to Hunter and the club. As Hunter tries to figure things out, he uses Cam as a sounding board. I loved that we were shown the answers to the matchstick puzzles at the end of the story and the history behind the name as well. We learned quite a bit more about these guys than we did in the previous story, but it still didn’t feel like enough. I read this in one sitting and was extremely disappointed when I reached the end. These guys definitely have unfinished business, and since it ends on a rather up-in-the-air note, I would probably have to classify it as a cliffhanger. All I know is that I can’t wait for their story to continue and hope we don’t have to wait too long. Highly recommend.
I first met and became intrigued with Hunt and Cam in On His Knees (available at Instafreebie until August 1, 2017). In that short story, we got a taste of the unique dynamic between these two complex men. Thankfully, their story is continued in Matchstick Men.
Hunter is a homicide detective who is good at his job in part because of his ability to compartmentalize and keep his emotions and feelings away from the job. Unfortunately, he believes he is incapable of having them off the job as well. He is one of the members of an elite and discreet BDSM club that caters mostly to the upperclass, but policemen, firemen, etc. are given membership in return for their services. Hunter is also a bit of a switch in that he doms most of the time (with women), but he subs for men when he needs particular things. Up until recently, he has never truly submitted to anyone, but that all changed the day he gave his all and went to his knees for Cam (in On His Knees). That was an amazing and unique thing to see, and I highly recommend you start there. Anyhoo, with Cam, he was able to truly submit, with Cam being the only one who ended up knowing what he really needed and was able to provide it.
Cam, on the other hand, is all Dom. He is a professional skier (younger than Hunter), but he really seems to have it all together. He has a maturity, especially when dealing with Hunter, but there are times we are reminded that he is still a young 20-something. These guys have some crazy chemistry going on, and while they definitely have a d/s relationship, it is anything but typical. These guys have shared some of the hottest scenes I’ve read in a long time. Hunter makes his misgivings known, and they move forward with a friends with benefits arrangement, though it is easy to see their feelings growing into more. These are complex men that, while they both might not see it yet, are intricate puzzle pieces that just fit together perfectly.
There are a few other things at play here, from the title and how it correlates to the story, to the murder and how it is connected to Hunter and the club. As Hunter tries to figure things out, he uses Cam as a sounding board. I loved that we were shown the answers to the matchstick puzzles at the end of the story and the history behind the name as well. We learned quite a bit more about these guys than we did in the previous story, but it still didn’t feel like enough. I read this in one sitting and was extremely disappointed when I reached the end. These guys definitely have unfinished business, and since it ends on a rather up-in-the-air note, I would probably have to classify it as a cliffhanger. All I know is that I can’t wait for their story to continue and hope we don’t have to wait too long. Highly recommend.
November 9, 2021
Sergeant Hunter Dane is a complex and intriguing character, a dedicated homicide detective and a very lonely man. Hunter is a bisexual switch, and sought after as a Dominant among the female submissives in the club he frequents, but although he subs for male Doms, he never really gives them the power they want over him. Hunt will bend his head, and take any amount of punishment, but he never really bends his spirit.
Olympic medalist Camden Snow is ten years younger, and known at the club as the premier Dom. Cam and Hunt have been circling each other for a couple of years, but their personal rules and limits have kept them apart. Until one night when Hunt is ready for what Cam can do to him.
The balance of their D/s relationship begins in the first short novella, where Hunt finally lets himself go as a sub. But that's far from where it's going to end. As a powerful man running a police division, used to exerting authority, and being the final voice in his own sphere, submission is both something Hunt craves, and something that conflicts with parts of his nature.
And for Cam, who has lost the sport he loves to a health issue, being allowed to assist in crime solving via his computer skills is satisfying. But he has to figure out how to obey the man he considers his sub, and what kind of lines they need to draw between work and home.
The mysteries are interesting, and the author gets around some of the constraints of actual police procedure by having Hunt assigned to crimes involving the rich and notorious, where rules get bent. I was engaged in the mystery parts of the stories, but it's the balance of human relationships (including with several side characters) that makes the series engaging.
Book 6 has a bit of a problematic relationship with a trans character, and Book 7 has a relationship cliffhanger, but I enjoyed the entire sweep of this series through 8 main books and a spin-off. Each one has a completed mystery, but the relationship does a lot of building, and changing, through the series.
Olympic medalist Camden Snow is ten years younger, and known at the club as the premier Dom. Cam and Hunt have been circling each other for a couple of years, but their personal rules and limits have kept them apart. Until one night when Hunt is ready for what Cam can do to him.
The balance of their D/s relationship begins in the first short novella, where Hunt finally lets himself go as a sub. But that's far from where it's going to end. As a powerful man running a police division, used to exerting authority, and being the final voice in his own sphere, submission is both something Hunt craves, and something that conflicts with parts of his nature.
And for Cam, who has lost the sport he loves to a health issue, being allowed to assist in crime solving via his computer skills is satisfying. But he has to figure out how to obey the man he considers his sub, and what kind of lines they need to draw between work and home.
The mysteries are interesting, and the author gets around some of the constraints of actual police procedure by having Hunt assigned to crimes involving the rich and notorious, where rules get bent. I was engaged in the mystery parts of the stories, but it's the balance of human relationships (including with several side characters) that makes the series engaging.
Book 6 has a bit of a problematic relationship with a trans character, and Book 7 has a relationship cliffhanger, but I enjoyed the entire sweep of this series through 8 main books and a spin-off. Each one has a completed mystery, but the relationship does a lot of building, and changing, through the series.
December 26, 2020
A story in four parts. It started with On His Knees and oh my goodness that was strong and forceful BDSM. Every step is clearly outlined, just how I like it.
It took Hunter Dane two years to get on his knees for the twenty-three-years-old strong, confident, enigmatic Dominant Camden Snow. Hunter, thirty-five-years-old, is a Dominant himself and he needed Cam badly and wasn’t disappointed.
A strong heart-wrenching scene to get Hunter down and out.
He unraveled Hunter, every part, nothing hiding anymore. Wow, impressive!
They meet again and we learn why there is resistance, anticipation, detachment, fear.
Hunter doesn’t want to love, he compartmented different feelings.
An arrangement ‘Friends with benefits’ is terrifying. Cam is more than just a force for Hunter, he’s intelligent, smart, helpful, and more.
When a woman from the community got killed there are a few options who could be the killer. The crime part was well integrated. All the interactions with both men... it was exactly what I hoped for. They didn’t disappoint!
I highly enjoyed Camden, he was compassionate, real, sweet. The way he makes Hunter feel.
An unbelievable intense narrative! Very enjoyable and engaging.
The end wasn’t satisfying ugh, I want more, and thank goodness there will be more.
It took Hunter Dane two years to get on his knees for the twenty-three-years-old strong, confident, enigmatic Dominant Camden Snow. Hunter, thirty-five-years-old, is a Dominant himself and he needed Cam badly and wasn’t disappointed.
A strong heart-wrenching scene to get Hunter down and out.
He unraveled Hunter, every part, nothing hiding anymore. Wow, impressive!
They meet again and we learn why there is resistance, anticipation, detachment, fear.
Hunter doesn’t want to love, he compartmented different feelings.
An arrangement ‘Friends with benefits’ is terrifying. Cam is more than just a force for Hunter, he’s intelligent, smart, helpful, and more.
When a woman from the community got killed there are a few options who could be the killer. The crime part was well integrated. All the interactions with both men... it was exactly what I hoped for. They didn’t disappoint!
I highly enjoyed Camden, he was compassionate, real, sweet. The way he makes Hunter feel.
An unbelievable intense narrative! Very enjoyable and engaging.
The end wasn’t satisfying ugh, I want more, and thank goodness there will be more.
January 4, 2019
So I’m in ... hooked and enjoying the dynamics of this prickly, yet vulnerable pair. Cam is def the Alpha Dom who is totally in love with Hunter the Alpha sub ! Hunter has only ever submitted to Cam, who is much younger, yet pushes all the buttons Hunter doesn’t want pushed but deep down knows he needs. A great murder mystery- cleverly written and very engaging.
August 14, 2020
If you can ignore the flaws, this murder mystery series is thrilling and sexy and interesting in so many ways. Once the murder mystery element was introduced in Book 1, it had me totally enthralled. And also a little creeped out. I could not read it fast enough, and I could not put it down until the murderer was found, even though I knew that was going to keep me up until 3 a.m.
I don't know the last time I got this drawn into the actual murder part of a murder mystery plot, but I'm pretty sure it was well before I started reading m/m. And that was fun. (I kept checking to make sure my deadbolt was locked!) It took all my willpower not to slam 5 stars on this bad boy when I finished, but... objectively, there's some issues.
Cam's POV was consistently 3rd person, but Hunt's alternated between 1st and 3rd depending on the chapter, and I don't think there was rhyme or reason for it. And then sometimes a chapter would start feeling like it was more 3rd person omniscient, but that never lasted very long. Subsequent books stick with 3rd person, but starting in Book 4 it does that thing where the POV shifts between the MCs whenever the author feels like it, instead of waiting for section changes, and then in Book 5 any character in a scene is fair game for a perspective shift at any given time.
It's so fast-paced once the mystery kicks in that I almost stopped noticing most of this stuff, BUT the mystery takes a while to crop up. The first prologue novella is basically one long BDSM scene in a club, and while my attention never wandered, I did spend a good 30% of this wondering about my GR friends who rated it so high :) The conversation at the end of that scene got me intrigued, though, so I would have jumped to the next book even if it weren't a 2-in-1 sitch (since they're KU).
But there's a few things to be aware of with the BDSM, too. There are certain situations where the MC dom requires no limits and no safewords. 100% of the BDSM in my life comes from m/m novels, so this is something I take on a case-by-case basis, and I'll just say with these characters in this situation it worked for me. It definitely raised a red flag at first, but the only thing that I really had a problem with was the lack of condoms.
By the time I finish this paragraph, I will probably have spent more words discussing condoms than the author/characters did in all five books I've read so far, so for the most part it was out of sight, out of mind. But they never discuss testing, and there's no mention of whether this is a general policy of Cam's or if it's Hunt specific. It's just a strange choice, and it doesn't quite mesh with everything else we know about these characters.
Every single book also had some plot gaps with the mysteries, but not really in a glaringly obvious way (minus the way too specific times of death!!). They just get really intricate and could use some smoothing here and there. Again, it's moving fast enough that by the time I would notice a potential hole, we were already in the midst of something else, and I had no problems letting myself ignore the niggles. (They do also solve these very intricate mysteries in a matter of days, but, you know, that's because they're brilliant OBVIOUSLY, so just roll with it 😂)
Seriously, I just did not care about any of these flaws once the main plot in Book 1 gets going. I got sucked into all of these and felt like I was on the edge of my seat for several books in a row. And I highly enjoyed the ride.
I don't know the last time I got this drawn into the actual murder part of a murder mystery plot, but I'm pretty sure it was well before I started reading m/m. And that was fun. (I kept checking to make sure my deadbolt was locked!) It took all my willpower not to slam 5 stars on this bad boy when I finished, but... objectively, there's some issues.
Cam's POV was consistently 3rd person, but Hunt's alternated between 1st and 3rd depending on the chapter, and I don't think there was rhyme or reason for it. And then sometimes a chapter would start feeling like it was more 3rd person omniscient, but that never lasted very long. Subsequent books stick with 3rd person, but starting in Book 4 it does that thing where the POV shifts between the MCs whenever the author feels like it, instead of waiting for section changes, and then in Book 5 any character in a scene is fair game for a perspective shift at any given time.
It's so fast-paced once the mystery kicks in that I almost stopped noticing most of this stuff, BUT the mystery takes a while to crop up. The first prologue novella is basically one long BDSM scene in a club, and while my attention never wandered, I did spend a good 30% of this wondering about my GR friends who rated it so high :) The conversation at the end of that scene got me intrigued, though, so I would have jumped to the next book even if it weren't a 2-in-1 sitch (since they're KU).
But there's a few things to be aware of with the BDSM, too. There are certain situations where the MC dom requires no limits and no safewords. 100% of the BDSM in my life comes from m/m novels, so this is something I take on a case-by-case basis, and I'll just say with these characters in this situation it worked for me. It definitely raised a red flag at first, but the only thing that I really had a problem with was the lack of condoms.
By the time I finish this paragraph, I will probably have spent more words discussing condoms than the author/characters did in all five books I've read so far, so for the most part it was out of sight, out of mind. But they never discuss testing, and there's no mention of whether this is a general policy of Cam's or if it's Hunt specific. It's just a strange choice, and it doesn't quite mesh with everything else we know about these characters.
Every single book also had some plot gaps with the mysteries, but not really in a glaringly obvious way (minus the way too specific times of death!!). They just get really intricate and could use some smoothing here and there. Again, it's moving fast enough that by the time I would notice a potential hole, we were already in the midst of something else, and I had no problems letting myself ignore the niggles. (They do also solve these very intricate mysteries in a matter of days, but, you know, that's because they're brilliant OBVIOUSLY, so just roll with it 😂)
Seriously, I just did not care about any of these flaws once the main plot in Book 1 gets going. I got sucked into all of these and felt like I was on the edge of my seat for several books in a row. And I highly enjoyed the ride.
June 20, 2017
I really enjoyed the first book that introduced these characters in this book, On His Knees, but his one was so much better. I like that this was a longer book for one but I also like that it got into more details about Hunt and Cam.
This book there is a mystery and murder that Hunt has to figure out who the murderer is why they seem to be fixated on him. To make matters more interesting Hunt has decided to quit fighting the attraction he feels for Cam and to submit to him.
What I do not like about his book is Hunt is so closed off. He acts as if he is emotionless and that nothing gets to him. It is irritating because in my opinion I think that if anyone could take him in handandget him to finally open up it is Cam.
Cam acts as if Hunt's attitude ynowarda connections does not faze him but in my opinion he is in love with Hunt.
The questions is can Hunt catch the killer before they come after someone he cares about? Can Cam get through to Hunt and help him to realize that caring about someone is not a bad thing?
I really really like this series. The chemistry between these two men is off the charts. I cannot wait for the next book to come out, if there is going to be one. I have a feeling it will be steaming.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
This book there is a mystery and murder that Hunt has to figure out who the murderer is why they seem to be fixated on him. To make matters more interesting Hunt has decided to quit fighting the attraction he feels for Cam and to submit to him.
What I do not like about his book is Hunt is so closed off. He acts as if he is emotionless and that nothing gets to him. It is irritating because in my opinion I think that if anyone could take him in handandget him to finally open up it is Cam.
Cam acts as if Hunt's attitude ynowarda connections does not faze him but in my opinion he is in love with Hunt.
The questions is can Hunt catch the killer before they come after someone he cares about? Can Cam get through to Hunt and help him to realize that caring about someone is not a bad thing?
I really really like this series. The chemistry between these two men is off the charts. I cannot wait for the next book to come out, if there is going to be one. I have a feeling it will be steaming.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
September 25, 2025
The whole vibe of this book is what I live for 🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠 Younger top / older bottom with attachment issues? Say less!!! BDSM, D/s dynamics, one MC is a detective and has to solve a mystery. And the young guy, Cam, is still sweet and shy cuz sure hes a Dom but he's still 23 who Doms a 35 year old. I love when authors make their characters seem real, and then on top of that they weave music and art into their story, and it doesn't feel one dimensional!
How do I not dive in straight into book 2!!!
How do I not dive in straight into book 2!!!
July 19, 2017
I don’t even know where to start with Adira August’s Matchstick Men. Cam and Hunter’s introduction in On His Knees was an unexpected fantastic treasure to stumble upon and I could only hope there would be a follow-up to their powerful coupling.
Matchstick Men exceeds all my expectations!
You don’t have to read On His Knees to continue with Matchstick Men but in all honesty if you do not you are doing yourself a disservice to truly appreciate the vivacious dynamic of these two compelling men!
Let me say right up front that if you have an aversion to “girly bits”, and pass this book up because of it, you are going to miss out on one hell of a read, especially if you truly enjoy BDSM D/s portrayals. After all, Hunter is a bisexual switch who is indirectly discovering his perfect match. Any non-male moments in question will fade from your memory as fast as they were put there.
Right from the beginning the set-up for this thriller is great and the mystery unfolds intricately yet quickly. Plus, as any good suspense should, Adira gives you all sorts of suspects to ponder making you think you know who the killer is and suddenly changing course in the next thought.
But all of the suspense is designed to be an engaging backdrop to the real story, which is giving the reader the opportunity to see Cam and Hunt truly to get to know each other and develop their D/s dynamic. Which is what really makes this book soar beyond so many!
A 12 year age difference separates Cam and Hunt, as August relays, “A decade younger and a couple inches shorter…Cam still radiated an aura of power that made Hunt feel slight and hollow and needful.” The two men couldn’t be more different and yet they are perfect for one another.
Cam is an all-encompassing figure and yet at the same time vulnerable which is what endears you to him. I enjoy seeing Cam’s dominance while being shown his internal thoughts of pleasing Hunt, and at the same time being made to understand how he derives his own pleasure.
It’s such a stunning portrayal of satisfaction.
And the way Cam fuels Hunts desire and need for him is so profound. As Adira narrates, “The raw need in Cam’s voice made a savage joy bloom in Hunter’s chest. His body relaxed in full submission.”
I appreciate how the author develops the Dom, it’s in his very nature (down to his posture), and yet she does not shy away from letting the vulnerable 23 year old young man shine through at times while showcasing the immense respect his sub still carries for him in those moments.
There’s this strong maturity for his age and a dominance that entices Hunter to surrender that is just beautiful to see play out.
Hunt thinks he doesn’t develop emotional attachments and yet Cam knows better and that is part of the appeal to their relationship. Cam knows Hunt very well, “’You knelt for me last Friday because of what you feel. You needed those demons exorcised before they eat you alive. You are possessed by feelings, Hunter.’”
And this really is the power of their connection. They know how to play each other, just what to say and do, at just the right time - in, and out, of bed…or a car…or…. Cam brings it out of Hunt in the most exquisitely delicious ways leaving Hunt to ponder how he does it, how he knows!
“How do you always do that?” I asked.
“You mean force you to take what you need?” He pushed damp hair off my forehead.
“Know what I need.”
And when Hunt goes to his knees for Cam you can feel it. Actually feel his need, his desire to give to Cam. Not only for Cam, but truly for himself!
Does the author not say it all here, “That Cam was able to create this in Hunter, this agony of desire and doubt, wanting to please, desperate to escape, drove Cam to a savage need to be inside that molten body feeling the tight quivering of humiliation and hunger and surrender.” Cam makes Hunt feel in all aspects of his life and isn’t that what we all desire? To find that person who can fulfill us completely, even when we’re warring with ourselves?
Don’t get me wrong the murder plot in this book is fantastic and will keep you engaged and intrigued all along, but this truly is a depiction of a beautiful D/s coupling in the making and it deserves to be recognized as such.
Not since the likes of Joseph Lance Tonlet and Jack L. Pyke have I read an author who took me into the headspace of both the Dom and sub in such intimate ways.
Adira August and her boys are definitely tops for me! I’m gonna go out on a limb and say I think Cam is my favorite sadist and Hunt one damn fantastic pushy sub. And with so much sass and vigor between them both you just can’t go wrong!
I’m not usually one for cliffhangers in my reads and both On His Knees and Matchstick Men have them, to a sort. But not in the way you may think… they’re more of a promise. A promise I can’t wait to see play out! With a power dynamic like this, and a backdrop of mystery and intrigue, there is just so much to look forward to.
Matchstick Men exceeds all my expectations!
You don’t have to read On His Knees to continue with Matchstick Men but in all honesty if you do not you are doing yourself a disservice to truly appreciate the vivacious dynamic of these two compelling men!
Let me say right up front that if you have an aversion to “girly bits”, and pass this book up because of it, you are going to miss out on one hell of a read, especially if you truly enjoy BDSM D/s portrayals. After all, Hunter is a bisexual switch who is indirectly discovering his perfect match. Any non-male moments in question will fade from your memory as fast as they were put there.
Right from the beginning the set-up for this thriller is great and the mystery unfolds intricately yet quickly. Plus, as any good suspense should, Adira gives you all sorts of suspects to ponder making you think you know who the killer is and suddenly changing course in the next thought.
But all of the suspense is designed to be an engaging backdrop to the real story, which is giving the reader the opportunity to see Cam and Hunt truly to get to know each other and develop their D/s dynamic. Which is what really makes this book soar beyond so many!
A 12 year age difference separates Cam and Hunt, as August relays, “A decade younger and a couple inches shorter…Cam still radiated an aura of power that made Hunt feel slight and hollow and needful.” The two men couldn’t be more different and yet they are perfect for one another.
Cam is an all-encompassing figure and yet at the same time vulnerable which is what endears you to him. I enjoy seeing Cam’s dominance while being shown his internal thoughts of pleasing Hunt, and at the same time being made to understand how he derives his own pleasure.
It’s such a stunning portrayal of satisfaction.
And the way Cam fuels Hunts desire and need for him is so profound. As Adira narrates, “The raw need in Cam’s voice made a savage joy bloom in Hunter’s chest. His body relaxed in full submission.”
I appreciate how the author develops the Dom, it’s in his very nature (down to his posture), and yet she does not shy away from letting the vulnerable 23 year old young man shine through at times while showcasing the immense respect his sub still carries for him in those moments.
There’s this strong maturity for his age and a dominance that entices Hunter to surrender that is just beautiful to see play out.
Hunt thinks he doesn’t develop emotional attachments and yet Cam knows better and that is part of the appeal to their relationship. Cam knows Hunt very well, “’You knelt for me last Friday because of what you feel. You needed those demons exorcised before they eat you alive. You are possessed by feelings, Hunter.’”
And this really is the power of their connection. They know how to play each other, just what to say and do, at just the right time - in, and out, of bed…or a car…or…. Cam brings it out of Hunt in the most exquisitely delicious ways leaving Hunt to ponder how he does it, how he knows!
“How do you always do that?” I asked.
“You mean force you to take what you need?” He pushed damp hair off my forehead.
“Know what I need.”
And when Hunt goes to his knees for Cam you can feel it. Actually feel his need, his desire to give to Cam. Not only for Cam, but truly for himself!
Does the author not say it all here, “That Cam was able to create this in Hunter, this agony of desire and doubt, wanting to please, desperate to escape, drove Cam to a savage need to be inside that molten body feeling the tight quivering of humiliation and hunger and surrender.” Cam makes Hunt feel in all aspects of his life and isn’t that what we all desire? To find that person who can fulfill us completely, even when we’re warring with ourselves?
Don’t get me wrong the murder plot in this book is fantastic and will keep you engaged and intrigued all along, but this truly is a depiction of a beautiful D/s coupling in the making and it deserves to be recognized as such.
Not since the likes of Joseph Lance Tonlet and Jack L. Pyke have I read an author who took me into the headspace of both the Dom and sub in such intimate ways.
Adira August and her boys are definitely tops for me! I’m gonna go out on a limb and say I think Cam is my favorite sadist and Hunt one damn fantastic pushy sub. And with so much sass and vigor between them both you just can’t go wrong!
I’m not usually one for cliffhangers in my reads and both On His Knees and Matchstick Men have them, to a sort. But not in the way you may think… they’re more of a promise. A promise I can’t wait to see play out! With a power dynamic like this, and a backdrop of mystery and intrigue, there is just so much to look forward to.
February 19, 2018
3.75 stars
I am so ready to see Sexy Dom Camden Snow make stubborn Detective Hunter Dane pay for thinking he knows what's best for him.
Hunter says that he doesn't feel but why was he crying in Cam's hospital room?
I am so ready to see Sexy Dom Camden Snow make stubborn Detective Hunter Dane pay for thinking he knows what's best for him.
Hunter says that he doesn't feel but why was he crying in Cam's hospital room?
July 2, 2017
Oh. My. God.
As an author, I really should be better at writing reviews, but the truth is I suck at it and rarely write them. But I loved this book. Why?
1. Hardened cop. Even better, hardened cop who doesn't believe he has any feelings.
2. Younger Dom. This wasn't even something I thought I'd like! But the contrast between a sweet, blond, young thing and a no limits Dom all in one man is outrageously hot. That he can dominate another Dom into being his sub is even hotter!
3. Murder mystery that doesn't bore me. I'm not really a mystery person, but I do like plot and the believable involvement of the MC's in the case mixed in with plenty of feelings and sex did it for me.
4. The BDSM. I liked the way the really hard core stuff (the "no limits" stuff) happened off-page (although there is a short called On His Knees where the reader can have that). We know the MC's have a little history and move on from there.
5. The whole "I can't resist this guy" thing along with the vulnerable-in-their-own-ways MC's.
6. The author weaves a good story and knows her craft.
Okay, so there really wasn't anything negative about this read. I want to specify that the small amounts of m/f are not off-putting. I write and read M/M exclusively, but a little m/f makes things real. If the MC looks at and appreciates a woman, it makes his intense draw to the man all the more powerful. I sincerely hope this book has or will have a sequel. I need more of these two!
As an author, I really should be better at writing reviews, but the truth is I suck at it and rarely write them. But I loved this book. Why?
1. Hardened cop. Even better, hardened cop who doesn't believe he has any feelings.
2. Younger Dom. This wasn't even something I thought I'd like! But the contrast between a sweet, blond, young thing and a no limits Dom all in one man is outrageously hot. That he can dominate another Dom into being his sub is even hotter!
3. Murder mystery that doesn't bore me. I'm not really a mystery person, but I do like plot and the believable involvement of the MC's in the case mixed in with plenty of feelings and sex did it for me.
4. The BDSM. I liked the way the really hard core stuff (the "no limits" stuff) happened off-page (although there is a short called On His Knees where the reader can have that). We know the MC's have a little history and move on from there.
5. The whole "I can't resist this guy" thing along with the vulnerable-in-their-own-ways MC's.
6. The author weaves a good story and knows her craft.
Okay, so there really wasn't anything negative about this read. I want to specify that the small amounts of m/f are not off-putting. I write and read M/M exclusively, but a little m/f makes things real. If the MC looks at and appreciates a woman, it makes his intense draw to the man all the more powerful. I sincerely hope this book has or will have a sequel. I need more of these two!
February 25, 2022
Awesome start to a series.
December 2, 2017
5/5 stars - Matchstick Men was a surprisingly amazing and well written BDSM mystery.
Hunter Dane makes for one hell of a detective thanks to his ability to compartmentalize and remove his emotions from his work. Some might consider this a gift and a talent, but for Hunter, it's anything but. He lets his detachment bleed over into his personal life and it acts as a curse more than anything else. Still, Hunter has come to terms with the fact that he will never have a real relationship and devotes his life to his job. The club is where he is able to let go, get out of his head, and release some tension. Cam is the only Dom he's ever truly submitted to (as we see in On His Knees) and despite Cam wanting more than just one night with him, Hunter knows that's not a possibility. Throw in some stress from work, one violent murderer, some stalking, and sex like Hunter's never had before, and lines start to get a little blurred.
Usually mysteries aren't my thing. There are so many aspects of plot and character development that the author has to nail for it to even be a decent mystery, but Adira ticked all the boxes! I'll admit, I had absolutely no idea who the killer was until the reveal at the end of the book, but once it was all laid out, I felt like it was right in front of my face the entire time.
And the romance alongside it? Oooooohhhhhhh, boy Adira sure knows how to write a good BDSM romance. Hunter and Cam share some of the hottest bedroom scenes I've read in a while, and I expected no less from Adira after reading On His Knees. No part of the relationship between Hunter and Cam was rushed. Even though Hunter made it clear to Cam that he couldn't be anything more than a friend with benefits, Cam's feelings for Hunter become more and more intense throughout the book. And even though Hunter is loathe to admit it, he's starting to have feelings for Cam too.
Even though I wouldn't say this book ended with an HEA, it's clear that there is more to the story with these two and I'm really looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you haven't read this series already, I'd recommend dipping your toes in the pool with On His Knees.
Hunter Dane makes for one hell of a detective thanks to his ability to compartmentalize and remove his emotions from his work. Some might consider this a gift and a talent, but for Hunter, it's anything but. He lets his detachment bleed over into his personal life and it acts as a curse more than anything else. Still, Hunter has come to terms with the fact that he will never have a real relationship and devotes his life to his job. The club is where he is able to let go, get out of his head, and release some tension. Cam is the only Dom he's ever truly submitted to (as we see in On His Knees) and despite Cam wanting more than just one night with him, Hunter knows that's not a possibility. Throw in some stress from work, one violent murderer, some stalking, and sex like Hunter's never had before, and lines start to get a little blurred.
Usually mysteries aren't my thing. There are so many aspects of plot and character development that the author has to nail for it to even be a decent mystery, but Adira ticked all the boxes! I'll admit, I had absolutely no idea who the killer was until the reveal at the end of the book, but once it was all laid out, I felt like it was right in front of my face the entire time.
And the romance alongside it? Oooooohhhhhhh, boy Adira sure knows how to write a good BDSM romance. Hunter and Cam share some of the hottest bedroom scenes I've read in a while, and I expected no less from Adira after reading On His Knees. No part of the relationship between Hunter and Cam was rushed. Even though Hunter made it clear to Cam that he couldn't be anything more than a friend with benefits, Cam's feelings for Hunter become more and more intense throughout the book. And even though Hunter is loathe to admit it, he's starting to have feelings for Cam too.
Even though I wouldn't say this book ended with an HEA, it's clear that there is more to the story with these two and I'm really looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you haven't read this series already, I'd recommend dipping your toes in the pool with On His Knees.
December 14, 2017
5 Stars
Really enjoyed this one! Felt like I was in a bit of a book funk recently where everything I read was mediocre and I'm so happy that this book has brought me back to just loving a book and being attached to it until its finished.
Also glad to say that the issues I had with the previous book "On His Knees" were no longer an issue in this book. The safe word situation was cleared up and the hard limit thing was explained. For more on this read my previous review.
Cam and Hunters characters individually and together were so much more believable and realistic after getting to know them and getting to see what gives them drive and makes them do and act the way they do. They are extremely intricate and intense personalities that I think the author has done an amazing job exploring.
The added murder mystery element was absolutely fantastic, and although I had a pretty solid idea on who done it about half way through the book the author still managed to make me second guess myself a couple of times with how many suspects were thrown in along the way. This type of book is my favourite to read and I often find that authors try to hard to make everything overly complicated but this one was the perfect balance.
Also loved the whole Matchstick game element in the book, it was like a little game you could play along with since it had the picture of the puzzle in the book rather than just describing it to you which I really liked.
Overall, a fantastic book, complex characters, great plot and a good ending that makes you crave more.
Really enjoyed this one! Felt like I was in a bit of a book funk recently where everything I read was mediocre and I'm so happy that this book has brought me back to just loving a book and being attached to it until its finished.
Also glad to say that the issues I had with the previous book "On His Knees" were no longer an issue in this book. The safe word situation was cleared up and the hard limit thing was explained. For more on this read my previous review.
Cam and Hunters characters individually and together were so much more believable and realistic after getting to know them and getting to see what gives them drive and makes them do and act the way they do. They are extremely intricate and intense personalities that I think the author has done an amazing job exploring.
The added murder mystery element was absolutely fantastic, and although I had a pretty solid idea on who done it about half way through the book the author still managed to make me second guess myself a couple of times with how many suspects were thrown in along the way. This type of book is my favourite to read and I often find that authors try to hard to make everything overly complicated but this one was the perfect balance.
Also loved the whole Matchstick game element in the book, it was like a little game you could play along with since it had the picture of the puzzle in the book rather than just describing it to you which I really liked.
Overall, a fantastic book, complex characters, great plot and a good ending that makes you crave more.
November 11, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
Adira August has released a special edition of the first of her Hunt&Cam4Ever series, Matchstick Men, along with the original novella, On His Knees, that began the multi-book series. This little duo is like a one-two punch that can only begin to be described with words like gritty, visceral, and unashamedly descriptive. This is BDSM at its finest and its most intense. In the span of one night, Cam shatters every one of Hunter’s previous hard limits, dismantles the reserved and nearly emotionless cop, and begins to put him back together.
They will begin a pseudo relationship that will reek of lust, skirt the edge of love, and tear at Hunter’s every reservation. Despite Hunter assuring Cam that he does not emotionally attach to any of the Doms or subs he plays with, Hunter will begin to doubt his own words and question just how much he should be around Cam, who insists on becoming his shadow and partner. Despite Hunter’s good intentions, he will allow Cam to become immersed in the case that has rocked their world—a murder involving a woman at their club—one who openly hated Hunter.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
Adira August has released a special edition of the first of her Hunt&Cam4Ever series, Matchstick Men, along with the original novella, On His Knees, that began the multi-book series. This little duo is like a one-two punch that can only begin to be described with words like gritty, visceral, and unashamedly descriptive. This is BDSM at its finest and its most intense. In the span of one night, Cam shatters every one of Hunter’s previous hard limits, dismantles the reserved and nearly emotionless cop, and begins to put him back together.
They will begin a pseudo relationship that will reek of lust, skirt the edge of love, and tear at Hunter’s every reservation. Despite Hunter assuring Cam that he does not emotionally attach to any of the Doms or subs he plays with, Hunter will begin to doubt his own words and question just how much he should be around Cam, who insists on becoming his shadow and partner. Despite Hunter’s good intentions, he will allow Cam to become immersed in the case that has rocked their world—a murder involving a woman at their club—one who openly hated Hunter.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
July 21, 2017
Satisfying
The 2nd book has furthered the relationships. There is also a, "who dunnit?" that was well written and had enough possibilities that you weren't sure, until you were.
This author is a gifted storyteller, creator of excellent characters and seems well versed in BDSM. I will wait impatiently for the next book and highly recommend On His Knees and Matchstick Men to MM readers who enjoy the BDSM world.
The 2nd book has furthered the relationships. There is also a, "who dunnit?" that was well written and had enough possibilities that you weren't sure, until you were.
This author is a gifted storyteller, creator of excellent characters and seems well versed in BDSM. I will wait impatiently for the next book and highly recommend On His Knees and Matchstick Men to MM readers who enjoy the BDSM world.
January 27, 2019
4.5*
Full RtC
Full RtC
June 23, 2017
Three of my favorite things!
BDSM check, MM check, a really good mystery double check! If you like/love those genres too give this book a chance it's well worth a read.. or two. Also if you haven't read On His Knees go get it! Hunter and Cam's relationship is complicated to say the least so this novella helps with the twists and turns. It's also hot as hell ;-)
That said this book is not lacking in hotness either. I'm seriously impressed with how well Adria August has weaved an erotic MM novel with BDSM and a truly great police procedural mystery. I will be eagerly awaiting the next installment! As an aside to that don't expect a neatly wrapped up ending. Which in its way is good because A.) More Hunter and Cam and B.) It's terribly unrealistic to change a lifetime of beliefs in a week.
BDSM check, MM check, a really good mystery double check! If you like/love those genres too give this book a chance it's well worth a read.. or two. Also if you haven't read On His Knees go get it! Hunter and Cam's relationship is complicated to say the least so this novella helps with the twists and turns. It's also hot as hell ;-)
That said this book is not lacking in hotness either. I'm seriously impressed with how well Adria August has weaved an erotic MM novel with BDSM and a truly great police procedural mystery. I will be eagerly awaiting the next installment! As an aside to that don't expect a neatly wrapped up ending. Which in its way is good because A.) More Hunter and Cam and B.) It's terribly unrealistic to change a lifetime of beliefs in a week.
August 28, 2018
4/5
I was a little bit (just a tiny bit) disappointed that the book didn't pick up the case from the prologue book. On the bright side, it does pick up almost directly from where the last book left off. :D
The author kept the rather unique writing structure from the prologue book, switching between different perspectives from first to third. To be frank I wasn't so convince with it at first. But to my surprised, Adira pull it off beautifully. I barely noticed the switch some time.
The mystery was alright, not as twisted as I expected, but the author did a good job at keeping us guessing. The investigation process was engaging and well researched. My only complained is that it was hard to keep tracks of the supporting characters (maybe it's me and my incapacity to remember names haha) but a lot of these characters have at least 2 or more allias which can get confusing. Like when the killer was revealed and I was like... "Okay okay.... Wait who is that again?"
Overall it was good book. The plot was engaging and the sex was hot. A solid 4 stars from me. :D
I was a little bit (just a tiny bit) disappointed that the book didn't pick up the case from the prologue book. On the bright side, it does pick up almost directly from where the last book left off. :D
The author kept the rather unique writing structure from the prologue book, switching between different perspectives from first to third. To be frank I wasn't so convince with it at first. But to my surprised, Adira pull it off beautifully. I barely noticed the switch some time.
The mystery was alright, not as twisted as I expected, but the author did a good job at keeping us guessing. The investigation process was engaging and well researched. My only complained is that it was hard to keep tracks of the supporting characters (maybe it's me and my incapacity to remember names haha) but a lot of these characters have at least 2 or more allias which can get confusing. Like when the killer was revealed and I was like... "Okay okay.... Wait who is that again?"
Overall it was good book. The plot was engaging and the sex was hot. A solid 4 stars from me. :D
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
January 16, 2018
The relationship begins to deepen for Hunter and Cam, the dance has begun in earnest, and the chemistry, the tautness of their interactions keeps your interest right where August wants it, and that is on Hunt and Cam. We really start to intimately get into Hunter and Cam’s headspace in this book. These characters are so complex, there is such a depth to Adira August’s writing that she once again draws us into the world of her MCs, and takes us on a roller coaster ride of love, horror, joy, and tension.
In this book, we get to see Hunter in a new light, another facet of his personality is revealed, and we see what a good detective he is. Someone has been murdered. And that someone was a Dominatrix at the club Hunter is a member of. In fact, Hunter was the last one to have any interactions with her there, and they weren’t good. Not at all. This first book in the investigations series is a police procedural as much as a romance. Romance just isn’t the right word. The relationship between Hunter and Cam is so much more complicated than “romance” suggests. For two such powerful men, we are shown vulnerabilities in them which up to now weren’t explored.
I appreciated the police work in this story. Yes, I figured out who did it, but the writing was believable and the story was entirely plausible. August weaves a creditable murder/mystery here, all the while keeping her eye on our MCs and their alliance. One thing you will not be while reading this book is bored. The older, hardened cop and the younger but perfectionist Dom—we start to see glimpses of how much these men need each other on a cellular level, all the while trying to discover who killed an unpopular Dominatrix from our favorite club, and not have all its members exposed in the process.
Hunter is bi and he makes no apologies for it, at least not to us. If you decide to forgo this book for that reason, let me tell you it is important. I appreciated the title to this one; I love a good play on words and when a title denotes cleverness in the author. This title is certainly that.
This book also leaves us with somewhat of a cliffhanger. All these books are tied together, an ongoing storyline which continues in the next book. They are not, not really, standalones. I said in my review for the first book in the series, On His Knees, that I read these books straight through, and I meant it. There is a compelling storyline here that draws you into the next book, and you will feel at the end of this one that you just can’t leave them there…. Cam’s determination will take you straight to book three and you won’t be disappointed.
I love these books and this series. Great character driven novels that are well written and contain a depth of story are hard to come by, but these books fit that bill to a tee. Not to mention page melting BDSM, chemistry and two beautiful but flawed main characters. Start with On His Knees and read from there. You won’t be disappointed, and you will probably find yourself with a weekend binge!
Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach
In this book, we get to see Hunter in a new light, another facet of his personality is revealed, and we see what a good detective he is. Someone has been murdered. And that someone was a Dominatrix at the club Hunter is a member of. In fact, Hunter was the last one to have any interactions with her there, and they weren’t good. Not at all. This first book in the investigations series is a police procedural as much as a romance. Romance just isn’t the right word. The relationship between Hunter and Cam is so much more complicated than “romance” suggests. For two such powerful men, we are shown vulnerabilities in them which up to now weren’t explored.
“So tell me how you figured out you needed men for power, women for sex and no one for intimacy,” Cam said. His tone was curious. Polite. Judgement free.
I appreciated the police work in this story. Yes, I figured out who did it, but the writing was believable and the story was entirely plausible. August weaves a creditable murder/mystery here, all the while keeping her eye on our MCs and their alliance. One thing you will not be while reading this book is bored. The older, hardened cop and the younger but perfectionist Dom—we start to see glimpses of how much these men need each other on a cellular level, all the while trying to discover who killed an unpopular Dominatrix from our favorite club, and not have all its members exposed in the process.
It was the very thereness of him that was beautiful. All of a piece. Cam was surety. In the playroom, Cam had soothed him and tortured him with a relentless compassion.
Hunter is bi and he makes no apologies for it, at least not to us. If you decide to forgo this book for that reason, let me tell you it is important. I appreciated the title to this one; I love a good play on words and when a title denotes cleverness in the author. This title is certainly that.
This book also leaves us with somewhat of a cliffhanger. All these books are tied together, an ongoing storyline which continues in the next book. They are not, not really, standalones. I said in my review for the first book in the series, On His Knees, that I read these books straight through, and I meant it. There is a compelling storyline here that draws you into the next book, and you will feel at the end of this one that you just can’t leave them there…. Cam’s determination will take you straight to book three and you won’t be disappointed.
I love these books and this series. Great character driven novels that are well written and contain a depth of story are hard to come by, but these books fit that bill to a tee. Not to mention page melting BDSM, chemistry and two beautiful but flawed main characters. Start with On His Knees and read from there. You won’t be disappointed, and you will probably find yourself with a weekend binge!
Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach
November 24, 2017
A challenge gone wrong has deadly consequences for the loser...
Detective Sergeant Hunter Dane goes to Scene And Not Heard to enjoy his three days leave, but a confrontation and a corpse throw him into a frantic investigation against time, to stop the murderer before the press finds out. He asks for Camden's help, not knowing that he is the focus of the murderer’s obsession, turning Camden in the focus of the murderer’s rage...
The second instalment in this series adds to the enticing relationship between the two main characters (Hunter and Camden) the valuable bonus of an intriguing mystery. Hunter resorts to Cam when he needs help to focus on finding the murderer of one of the most hated members of the very private BDSM club they both belong to. The investigation is painful and really delicate, as the members of the club and possible suspects are really powerful and afraid of any publicity. It is a race against time, and it becomes a very dangerous one when Hunter and Cam realise that the assassin is, in fact, trying to please Hunter with gruesome deeds… Sharing time brings Cam and Hunter close together, to the point where it is no possible to deny that their relationship in no longer one of convenience, but one of growing attachement and care.
The mystery is solid, which makes the book worth reading, but the really interesting thing in this book is the complexity of the main characters. Theirs is a twisted relationship which involves pain and humiliation, but also comradeship and affection. It is intriguing because I cannot seem to fathom where they are headed, it there is going to be a HEA or a heartbreaking farewell… Both Hunter and Camden are two of the most fascinating characters I’ve met lately, and although I am not sure I like them (not book boyfriend for me here, sorry), I’m thrilled by their unusual relationship….
Detective Sergeant Hunter Dane goes to Scene And Not Heard to enjoy his three days leave, but a confrontation and a corpse throw him into a frantic investigation against time, to stop the murderer before the press finds out. He asks for Camden's help, not knowing that he is the focus of the murderer’s obsession, turning Camden in the focus of the murderer’s rage...
The second instalment in this series adds to the enticing relationship between the two main characters (Hunter and Camden) the valuable bonus of an intriguing mystery. Hunter resorts to Cam when he needs help to focus on finding the murderer of one of the most hated members of the very private BDSM club they both belong to. The investigation is painful and really delicate, as the members of the club and possible suspects are really powerful and afraid of any publicity. It is a race against time, and it becomes a very dangerous one when Hunter and Cam realise that the assassin is, in fact, trying to please Hunter with gruesome deeds… Sharing time brings Cam and Hunter close together, to the point where it is no possible to deny that their relationship in no longer one of convenience, but one of growing attachement and care.
The mystery is solid, which makes the book worth reading, but the really interesting thing in this book is the complexity of the main characters. Theirs is a twisted relationship which involves pain and humiliation, but also comradeship and affection. It is intriguing because I cannot seem to fathom where they are headed, it there is going to be a HEA or a heartbreaking farewell… Both Hunter and Camden are two of the most fascinating characters I’ve met lately, and although I am not sure I like them (not book boyfriend for me here, sorry), I’m thrilled by their unusual relationship….
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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