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Kinky in the City #1
Exploration
The reluctant manager of his family’s restaurant, Frankie attempts to live up to the legacy of his father and grandfather. Running a business that isn't his passion and trying to do it without asking for help leaves him turning to less-than-legal means when he wants to surrender control.
Newly divorced, Calvin no longer lives in the closet, leaving him searching for what he most desires- control. So when he finds Frankie on his knees in the back room of a local bar, Calvin sees the sub he’s only ever fantasized about having.
Can Calvin find the confidence to explore his dominant side while showing his younger roommate that submission isn't only about whips and pain?
Newly divorced, Calvin no longer lives in the closet, leaving him searching for what he most desires- control. So when he finds Frankie on his knees in the back room of a local bar, Calvin sees the sub he’s only ever fantasized about having.
Can Calvin find the confidence to explore his dominant side while showing his younger roommate that submission isn't only about whips and pain?
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2018
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664 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
April 24, 2018
The title, the blurb and the cover all looked very promising, but unfortunately the story didn't deliver for me...
The beginning of the book was good and there was a big Italian family with strong bonds and even stronger opinions that it was fun to read about. I liked Calvin's friend Eli, even though he didn't have too much page time, and all four of Frankie's brothers. I liked that one of the MCs was a single dad who had a great relationship with his ex-wife and they had managed to remain friends.
Now the hard part: The cons.
This is supposed to be a book with BDSM elements about a couple discovering the world of kink. I don't think that's the most accurate way to describe the story. It started like that but somewhere along the way it got lost and ended up being a book about a new couple, where one of the partners needed some help with the stress in his life, and their relationships with their families. I was expecting a strong dom/sub dynamic where the power exchange came mainly in the form of control in everyday life situations, but while it started promising it never fully developed and the characters didn't grow as the story moved on.
I was extremely frustrated by the lack of meaningful communication between Frankie and Calvin. Calvin was supposed to be the more experienced one in the BDSM world and the dominant partner in the relationship, while Frankie was the one who took his first tentative steps into that world with the help and guidance of Calvin. (All that apply to the first part of the book where they begin their relationship and it seems like a d/s is where they're heading.)
I think that those kinds of relationships can get very intense very fast and many times that can be dangerous if there is no proper communicaton between the partners. The fact that Frankie didn't know yet anything about his limits, what he was into, what would be a problem for him and basically anything about BDSM and kink, made the need for talking even stronger. Calvin turned out not to be experienced either, but he had more knowledge about it than Frankie, who did some kind of research at the beginning of the story in order to fully understand what kink was and if there was anything he was interested in doing. So I think it was Calvin's job, as the dom and the more experienced partner, to initiate conversations about it and not do anything unless they talked about it first and he knew where Frankie stood 100%.
Calvin and Frankie started their experimentation without discussing limits, punishments, turns ons or turn offs. They just jumped right in with Calvin trying things and Frankie realising he liked them, but that was pure luck as Calvin wasn't sure of Frankie's reception of what he did. This is not a heavy BDSM book, everything they do is pretty light which is fine since we already know that from the blurb, but what I wanted and expected to see was more of a power exchange, for the characters to really feel their roles in the dom/sub relationship, to talk about their problems and their wants, what works and what doesn't, what their expectations are from their relationship, the best way to work together. The one time they went to a BDSM club and it looked like they would finally talk about the subject, Frankie just showed interest in being tied up and that was it. It didn't go anywhere else, it wasn't mentioned again, nothing happened and sadly no conversation either.
It was all very superficial, like they were joking around or playing at being in a relationship with that dynamic. Calvin took on a more dominant role, or attitude, at times but Frankie joked around and Cal playfully scolded him. It didn't sound as if Calvin being dominant was a turn on for Frankie or as if it was something he craved from their relationship. When Calvin acted more dominant it was like an afterthough, like he was trying hard to act that way, not like it was natural for him or like he felt more like himself this way, either just in private or in public too.
The only aspect of their relationship that I can say resembled something like a dom/sub connection was Calvin guiding Frankie through his life so he could have more structure in it. But in the end, even that seemed like Calvin acted more like a life coach for Frankie, just telling him to have better sleeping patterns, eat healthier and cut back at work. There was something missing from their interactions to make it a d/s.
They spent a lot of time apart because Calvin had to drive his son around the country for hockey games and during those days Frankie would struggle because Calvin was away but he would try to cope by himself and Calvin would tell him again that he should be open about being stressed so he could help him along. I don't know, it was all pretty messy, the characters didn't show developement and to be honest the BDSM aspect of the relationship felt fake. It was just a guy who needed help with his stress levels and flourished when he had someone to depend on and to guide him through difficult situations.
Calvin's job was a mystery till the end. Maybe I missed something at the start of the story but the only thing I knew about it by the end of the book is that he had projects, clients and he did something that involved coding. Pretty minor but I kept wondering what he did for a living.
Let's talk about the text now. So. many. errors! I read an ARC so I didn't take it into consideration for my rating, but I sincerely hope it got cleaned up before it got published. It wasn't a case of typos, it was missing words, sentences that didn't make sense because some words were replaced with others and double words.
There was a scene at the end that it was there just to add some drama. It didn't serve any real purpose and the way the aftereffect was handled frustrated me beyond words. I'll be pretty vague as to avoid spoilers, but if Frankie wasn't affected by what happened to the degree that he was, this scene would have gone down a lot better with me. As it was, Frankie was deeply affected and the way the whole thing was handled by the author and the magic solution we were presented with was a no go for me.
So, me and this book are not buddies but I'm not writing off this author. If a book from this series catches my eye in the future I'll give it a try. I don't know if they're getting books, but I'm interested in Eli's, Freddie's and maybe Max's stories.
This review has been cross-posted on The Novel Approach Reviews.
*An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me by the author via The Novel Approach Reviews in exchange for an honest review. *
The beginning of the book was good and there was a big Italian family with strong bonds and even stronger opinions that it was fun to read about. I liked Calvin's friend Eli, even though he didn't have too much page time, and all four of Frankie's brothers. I liked that one of the MCs was a single dad who had a great relationship with his ex-wife and they had managed to remain friends.
Now the hard part: The cons.
This is supposed to be a book with BDSM elements about a couple discovering the world of kink. I don't think that's the most accurate way to describe the story. It started like that but somewhere along the way it got lost and ended up being a book about a new couple, where one of the partners needed some help with the stress in his life, and their relationships with their families. I was expecting a strong dom/sub dynamic where the power exchange came mainly in the form of control in everyday life situations, but while it started promising it never fully developed and the characters didn't grow as the story moved on.
I was extremely frustrated by the lack of meaningful communication between Frankie and Calvin. Calvin was supposed to be the more experienced one in the BDSM world and the dominant partner in the relationship, while Frankie was the one who took his first tentative steps into that world with the help and guidance of Calvin. (All that apply to the first part of the book where they begin their relationship and it seems like a d/s is where they're heading.)
I think that those kinds of relationships can get very intense very fast and many times that can be dangerous if there is no proper communicaton between the partners. The fact that Frankie didn't know yet anything about his limits, what he was into, what would be a problem for him and basically anything about BDSM and kink, made the need for talking even stronger. Calvin turned out not to be experienced either, but he had more knowledge about it than Frankie, who did some kind of research at the beginning of the story in order to fully understand what kink was and if there was anything he was interested in doing. So I think it was Calvin's job, as the dom and the more experienced partner, to initiate conversations about it and not do anything unless they talked about it first and he knew where Frankie stood 100%.
Calvin and Frankie started their experimentation without discussing limits, punishments, turns ons or turn offs. They just jumped right in with Calvin trying things and Frankie realising he liked them, but that was pure luck as Calvin wasn't sure of Frankie's reception of what he did. This is not a heavy BDSM book, everything they do is pretty light which is fine since we already know that from the blurb, but what I wanted and expected to see was more of a power exchange, for the characters to really feel their roles in the dom/sub relationship, to talk about their problems and their wants, what works and what doesn't, what their expectations are from their relationship, the best way to work together. The one time they went to a BDSM club and it looked like they would finally talk about the subject, Frankie just showed interest in being tied up and that was it. It didn't go anywhere else, it wasn't mentioned again, nothing happened and sadly no conversation either.
It was all very superficial, like they were joking around or playing at being in a relationship with that dynamic. Calvin took on a more dominant role, or attitude, at times but Frankie joked around and Cal playfully scolded him. It didn't sound as if Calvin being dominant was a turn on for Frankie or as if it was something he craved from their relationship. When Calvin acted more dominant it was like an afterthough, like he was trying hard to act that way, not like it was natural for him or like he felt more like himself this way, either just in private or in public too.
The only aspect of their relationship that I can say resembled something like a dom/sub connection was Calvin guiding Frankie through his life so he could have more structure in it. But in the end, even that seemed like Calvin acted more like a life coach for Frankie, just telling him to have better sleeping patterns, eat healthier and cut back at work. There was something missing from their interactions to make it a d/s.
They spent a lot of time apart because Calvin had to drive his son around the country for hockey games and during those days Frankie would struggle because Calvin was away but he would try to cope by himself and Calvin would tell him again that he should be open about being stressed so he could help him along. I don't know, it was all pretty messy, the characters didn't show developement and to be honest the BDSM aspect of the relationship felt fake. It was just a guy who needed help with his stress levels and flourished when he had someone to depend on and to guide him through difficult situations.
Calvin's job was a mystery till the end. Maybe I missed something at the start of the story but the only thing I knew about it by the end of the book is that he had projects, clients and he did something that involved coding. Pretty minor but I kept wondering what he did for a living.
Let's talk about the text now. So. many. errors! I read an ARC so I didn't take it into consideration for my rating, but I sincerely hope it got cleaned up before it got published. It wasn't a case of typos, it was missing words, sentences that didn't make sense because some words were replaced with others and double words.
There was a scene at the end that it was there just to add some drama. It didn't serve any real purpose and the way the aftereffect was handled frustrated me beyond words. I'll be pretty vague as to avoid spoilers, but if Frankie wasn't affected by what happened to the degree that he was, this scene would have gone down a lot better with me. As it was, Frankie was deeply affected and the way the whole thing was handled by the author and the magic solution we were presented with was a no go for me.
So, me and this book are not buddies but I'm not writing off this author. If a book from this series catches my eye in the future I'll give it a try. I don't know if they're getting books, but I'm interested in Eli's, Freddie's and maybe Max's stories.
This review has been cross-posted on The Novel Approach Reviews.
*An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me by the author via The Novel Approach Reviews in exchange for an honest review. *
May 15, 2018
I have a lot of mixed feelings about this book, but my overall emotion is enjoyment. Why? Because I'm a kinky, kinky lady and this was a super light version of domestic discipline/daddy kink, even if it isn't quite framed as such.
Quinn Ward is a newbie author, but I like the way their mind works. The story was sweet with strong family element (lots of sequel potentials) and a nice into into a kind of kink that is right up my alley. However, the storytelling itself wasn't always smooth sailing.
Frankie and Calvin go from platonic roommates to more in such a way that I literally kept toggling back between the pages on my Kindle to see if I was missing a chapter. There is talk of cuddling and making dinner and intimacy that didn't go along with the initial set up: i.e. almost strangers that didn't know each other that well and were unaware of each other's sexual orientations. I found it strange that an adult man in his 40s with a teenage child in the house would take a border, but that's just me. There was just something very awkward in the way the relationship dynamic was written at the start.
I also liked the kink, but felt like that was underdeveloped too. Frankie went from not wanting kink or not knowing what it was to wanting to be tied up or having a pseudo- DD relationship. Now, domestic discipline is really, really my thing, so I loved that, but I wanted more rules, more structure. I felt like these two were flying blind, and not in a good way.
The emotions were there for me, but they came on too quickly. I like a really, really slow burn, and this was a bit too fast. However, I really did enjoy Calvin and Frankie as a couple. Age gaps really do it for me!
The book was SO close to being great, but there kept being issues that distracted me or detracted from the story. I think if the author had really gone there with the DD or daddy kink, I would have been in heaven, though. Here's to hoping another brother loves to get spanked!
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
Quinn Ward is a newbie author, but I like the way their mind works. The story was sweet with strong family element (lots of sequel potentials) and a nice into into a kind of kink that is right up my alley. However, the storytelling itself wasn't always smooth sailing.
Frankie and Calvin go from platonic roommates to more in such a way that I literally kept toggling back between the pages on my Kindle to see if I was missing a chapter. There is talk of cuddling and making dinner and intimacy that didn't go along with the initial set up: i.e. almost strangers that didn't know each other that well and were unaware of each other's sexual orientations. I found it strange that an adult man in his 40s with a teenage child in the house would take a border, but that's just me. There was just something very awkward in the way the relationship dynamic was written at the start.
I also liked the kink, but felt like that was underdeveloped too. Frankie went from not wanting kink or not knowing what it was to wanting to be tied up or having a pseudo- DD relationship. Now, domestic discipline is really, really my thing, so I loved that, but I wanted more rules, more structure. I felt like these two were flying blind, and not in a good way.
The emotions were there for me, but they came on too quickly. I like a really, really slow burn, and this was a bit too fast. However, I really did enjoy Calvin and Frankie as a couple. Age gaps really do it for me!
The book was SO close to being great, but there kept being issues that distracted me or detracted from the story. I think if the author had really gone there with the DD or daddy kink, I would have been in heaven, though. Here's to hoping another brother loves to get spanked!
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
April 28, 2018
3.5*
I liked this one but it did take me longer to get into than I thought it would as, on paper, the blurb had lots of my favourite tropes.
I think perhaps, a part of that is that this is very much exploration of kink for both Calvin and Frankie. So there's no full on scenes really, they muddle their way through trying to work out what each of them wants and needs from the relationship.
Which is great in that it's probably far more realistic than a lot of BDSM stories I've read, also meant it was a fair bit tamer than I was expecting. That's on me though, not the author, who offered up a good opener to this new series.
There were things I felt were missing from this story though, we got a lot of depth into Frankie and his big Italian family, but things with Calvin weren't quite as clear outside of his ex wife and son. I have no clue what he does for a living, or how he's friends with Eli, but I did like there was no drama with his ex wife and her new bloke.
Also I don't think the big dramatic incident towards the end of the book was needed at all. I'm honestly not sure what the point of it was at all but it all seemed to just wrap up without any real discussion or examination of how it affected Frankie and his relationship with Calvin.
Overall though more positives than negatives in the book as a whole and I liked the setting and the secondary characters and am looking forward to seeing what happens next.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
I liked this one but it did take me longer to get into than I thought it would as, on paper, the blurb had lots of my favourite tropes.
I think perhaps, a part of that is that this is very much exploration of kink for both Calvin and Frankie. So there's no full on scenes really, they muddle their way through trying to work out what each of them wants and needs from the relationship.
Which is great in that it's probably far more realistic than a lot of BDSM stories I've read, also meant it was a fair bit tamer than I was expecting. That's on me though, not the author, who offered up a good opener to this new series.
There were things I felt were missing from this story though, we got a lot of depth into Frankie and his big Italian family, but things with Calvin weren't quite as clear outside of his ex wife and son. I have no clue what he does for a living, or how he's friends with Eli, but I did like there was no drama with his ex wife and her new bloke.
Also I don't think the big dramatic incident towards the end of the book was needed at all. I'm honestly not sure what the point of it was at all but it all seemed to just wrap up without any real discussion or examination of how it affected Frankie and his relationship with Calvin.
Overall though more positives than negatives in the book as a whole and I liked the setting and the secondary characters and am looking forward to seeing what happens next.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
September 21, 2018
This is my first book by Quinn Ward, and I actually enjoyed quite well. While I was expecting a little more from a series called “Kinky in the City” I found it enjoyable enough.
When Calvin discovers his roommate is giving out blowjobs in a storeroom and being paid for it, he can’t help but be shocked but also a bit turned on to see Frankie on his knees. First, he shouldn’t be thinking of his young roommate in any form of a sexy manner but something about Frankie gets his juices going, and if Frankie is looking for a dick to suck and a way to be on his knees then Calvin will give him a safe place to do so and they will both get what they’ve been craving.
Frankie lives a stressful life. He’s in charge of his family’s restaurant so all the decisions fall on him and sometime she just wants to walk away from it all and leave all the responsibilities. When he’s on his knees though, it all just seems to fade. That is until his roommate catches him and makes a very enticing proposal. This might be the best thing for him or it all might just blow up in his face and he’s willing to take the chance.
The men begin to explore their kink and Calvin becomes a safe place for Frankie. When the stresses of life become too much he knows he’ll go home and Frankie will take care of him. There really isn’t much that happens, the book focuses on two men falling in love while exploring a kink that they both find beneficial. Apart from a bad run in that Frankie has later, its all very tame.
Which brings me to the Kink. It’s all really very tame. I think a “little kinky in the city” is a more apt name. They get down to some stuff but too much for readers who aren’t very much into D/s books. This would be a safe read for those who want a little something something but isn’t into the hardcore aspect of it all.
Overall, this was a cute read. My first Quinn Ward and I am very much looking forward to continuing the series. I found Exploration to be real cute, and the age-gap didn’t hurt either (I’m always here for that trope). Again, a cute read and this won’t be my last Quinn Ward book.
When Calvin discovers his roommate is giving out blowjobs in a storeroom and being paid for it, he can’t help but be shocked but also a bit turned on to see Frankie on his knees. First, he shouldn’t be thinking of his young roommate in any form of a sexy manner but something about Frankie gets his juices going, and if Frankie is looking for a dick to suck and a way to be on his knees then Calvin will give him a safe place to do so and they will both get what they’ve been craving.
Frankie lives a stressful life. He’s in charge of his family’s restaurant so all the decisions fall on him and sometime she just wants to walk away from it all and leave all the responsibilities. When he’s on his knees though, it all just seems to fade. That is until his roommate catches him and makes a very enticing proposal. This might be the best thing for him or it all might just blow up in his face and he’s willing to take the chance.
The men begin to explore their kink and Calvin becomes a safe place for Frankie. When the stresses of life become too much he knows he’ll go home and Frankie will take care of him. There really isn’t much that happens, the book focuses on two men falling in love while exploring a kink that they both find beneficial. Apart from a bad run in that Frankie has later, its all very tame.
Which brings me to the Kink. It’s all really very tame. I think a “little kinky in the city” is a more apt name. They get down to some stuff but too much for readers who aren’t very much into D/s books. This would be a safe read for those who want a little something something but isn’t into the hardcore aspect of it all.
Overall, this was a cute read. My first Quinn Ward and I am very much looking forward to continuing the series. I found Exploration to be real cute, and the age-gap didn’t hurt either (I’m always here for that trope). Again, a cute read and this won’t be my last Quinn Ward book.
April 22, 2018
4.5 ✨
I loved this May/December romance between roommates who decide to explore their kinkier sides. Calvin is recently divorced and pretty new to BDSM and after accidentally walking in on Frankie and a trick in the storage room at his friends bar, sees a need in the other man he can hopefully help fill.
I liked that while the series is called Kinky in the city, the book wasn’t singularly focused on kink. While I am still unclear as to what Calvin does for a living, we do see the men in their everyday lives at work and interacting with family (which for Frankie is one and the same). It was a good balance between sex and kink and everyday life.
Another thing I liked is that Calvin’s teenaged son is a hockey player, which does cause some separation, and you can see how they learn to navigate their new relationship, including kinks when they are apart.
I can’t wait to read the 2 next books in this series, both featuring Frankie’s brothers.
*ARC provided by two chicks obsessed blog
I loved this May/December romance between roommates who decide to explore their kinkier sides. Calvin is recently divorced and pretty new to BDSM and after accidentally walking in on Frankie and a trick in the storage room at his friends bar, sees a need in the other man he can hopefully help fill.
I liked that while the series is called Kinky in the city, the book wasn’t singularly focused on kink. While I am still unclear as to what Calvin does for a living, we do see the men in their everyday lives at work and interacting with family (which for Frankie is one and the same). It was a good balance between sex and kink and everyday life.
Another thing I liked is that Calvin’s teenaged son is a hockey player, which does cause some separation, and you can see how they learn to navigate their new relationship, including kinks when they are apart.
I can’t wait to read the 2 next books in this series, both featuring Frankie’s brothers.
*ARC provided by two chicks obsessed blog
June 23, 2018
3.5 stars. This was a cute low angst read. It very much had the same feel to it as a M.A Innes book. The kink wasn't quite kinky enough for me and the whole thing was a little bit too sweet and soft. I'll still read the rest of the series tho x
January 5, 2021
A Roomies-to-lovers MM Story With Swoons, Great Family, Weird Situations, Fun Moments, Mild BDSM, Love, Care, Heat, A Little Heart-racing Action, Truths & HEA!
I adore Frankie & Calvin, DEVOURED this story in 5hrs.
#My 1st By Quinn Ward, Totally going for More! I'd found this book as a Limited time freebie, The Blurb & The Series name intrigued me + We all know Gay Romances are my Jam, So I immediately started it, Made this my 1st book Of 2021 AND I couldn't be happier!!😍
I Binge Read this entire series in 3 days (1-3 Jan), Sometimes reading to the wee hours of night to find out what happens next❤. Read on to find my Review of the Series as a Whole & Individual Book Review.
FULL SERIES REVIEW
I Fucking Loved it. I got so much more than just Erotic Gay Sex!
The Character & Relationships Development were Awesome, All now own a Special place in my heart. The Marino Italian Family is so sweet & Fun, They have a Family Restaurant where Each 5 of the brothers work. Every book Focuses on Different Brother(s, for the last one😉). Their Dad is no more. I love their Mama!
What makes it different & what I especially liked was that each Couple in their Story talked it out before Misunderstandings could become big troubles. That had been missing in so many books I've read!
This doesn't mean there weren't problems for'em, but Honesty & Trust made Finding the solutions easier.
The BDSM was on the milder Side, But The Gay Sex & Kinks are Damn HOT!
Though I don't Reread much, I'll definitely Reread this series sometime!
INDIVIDUAL BOOK REVIEW
🔥Frankie, Eldest Marino Brother, Is the Manager of their Family Restaurant. He's mostly bad tempered & Very stressed out doing a job he hadn't wanted but was Thrust upon him by his Father. He longs to Submit & Achieves it in a less-than-legal way. He's also a Closeted Gay BUT his Family already Suspects that (& Tony Knew)!
🔥Calvin is Frankie's Older Roommate. He recently came out as Gay, but still has a great relationship with his ex-wife & teen Son that was Awesome! (C's an Attentive dad and Frankie has a good relation with C's kid too.)
~Even as Roommates, They didn't know much about eachother yet!
When Calvin's Friend Eli wanted help to find the hooker in his Bar, C hadn't suspected Frankie to be the one. The talks that followed revealed the Whys & also that both are Gay!
If Frankie wants to be a Sub, Calvin will be his dom. But 1st to Show him That BDSM is not all about Pain & Sex (& Damn does Calvin opens My & Frankie's eyes!)
Frankie's BDSM research was so fun. I also liked how honest Calvin is with Frankie, cares for F, Talks about what's bothering them.
Though Cal knows Some about BDSM, he's also fairly new. It was so lovely to see The two explore the World of Kinks together as their relationship deepens, days pass. And that trip to the BDSM club was HOT!
With Calvin, Frankie's much more calm & Relaxed, Love is Swoony & Sex is such a good Stress-Reliever😁.
Getting past Frankie's Fears & Insecurities was The Main Issue, which Cal did greatly😍. And When F finally came out to his Family, It was dramatic & I'm so happy to see that Mama is so Accepting❤!
Also when F's Bad Choices come back for a vengeance, I'm so glad luck was on his Side!
Calvin+Frankie are perfect for eachother😉. C's meet with the Marino's was Fun! Though there wasn't an epilogue, I'm not sad as In The next 3 books we see how Happy Calvin & Frankie are!
P.s. Freddie & Peter's book is Next!
I adore Frankie & Calvin, DEVOURED this story in 5hrs.
#My 1st By Quinn Ward, Totally going for More! I'd found this book as a Limited time freebie, The Blurb & The Series name intrigued me + We all know Gay Romances are my Jam, So I immediately started it, Made this my 1st book Of 2021 AND I couldn't be happier!!😍
I Binge Read this entire series in 3 days (1-3 Jan), Sometimes reading to the wee hours of night to find out what happens next❤. Read on to find my Review of the Series as a Whole & Individual Book Review.
FULL SERIES REVIEW
I Fucking Loved it. I got so much more than just Erotic Gay Sex!
The Character & Relationships Development were Awesome, All now own a Special place in my heart. The Marino Italian Family is so sweet & Fun, They have a Family Restaurant where Each 5 of the brothers work. Every book Focuses on Different Brother(s, for the last one😉). Their Dad is no more. I love their Mama!
What makes it different & what I especially liked was that each Couple in their Story talked it out before Misunderstandings could become big troubles. That had been missing in so many books I've read!
This doesn't mean there weren't problems for'em, but Honesty & Trust made Finding the solutions easier.
The BDSM was on the milder Side, But The Gay Sex & Kinks are Damn HOT!
Though I don't Reread much, I'll definitely Reread this series sometime!
INDIVIDUAL BOOK REVIEW
🔥Frankie, Eldest Marino Brother, Is the Manager of their Family Restaurant. He's mostly bad tempered & Very stressed out doing a job he hadn't wanted but was Thrust upon him by his Father. He longs to Submit & Achieves it in a less-than-legal way. He's also a Closeted Gay BUT his Family already Suspects that (& Tony Knew)!
🔥Calvin is Frankie's Older Roommate. He recently came out as Gay, but still has a great relationship with his ex-wife & teen Son that was Awesome! (C's an Attentive dad and Frankie has a good relation with C's kid too.)
~Even as Roommates, They didn't know much about eachother yet!
When Calvin's Friend Eli wanted help to find the hooker in his Bar, C hadn't suspected Frankie to be the one. The talks that followed revealed the Whys & also that both are Gay!
If Frankie wants to be a Sub, Calvin will be his dom. But 1st to Show him That BDSM is not all about Pain & Sex (& Damn does Calvin opens My & Frankie's eyes!)
Frankie's BDSM research was so fun. I also liked how honest Calvin is with Frankie, cares for F, Talks about what's bothering them.
Though Cal knows Some about BDSM, he's also fairly new. It was so lovely to see The two explore the World of Kinks together as their relationship deepens, days pass. And that trip to the BDSM club was HOT!
With Calvin, Frankie's much more calm & Relaxed, Love is Swoony & Sex is such a good Stress-Reliever😁.
Getting past Frankie's Fears & Insecurities was The Main Issue, which Cal did greatly😍. And When F finally came out to his Family, It was dramatic & I'm so happy to see that Mama is so Accepting❤!
Also when F's Bad Choices come back for a vengeance, I'm so glad luck was on his Side!
Calvin+Frankie are perfect for eachother😉. C's meet with the Marino's was Fun! Though there wasn't an epilogue, I'm not sad as In The next 3 books we see how Happy Calvin & Frankie are!
P.s. Freddie & Peter's book is Next!
January 22, 2020
¡Lo terminé! Y si, sé que suena tonto pero terminar un libro cuando estás en un bloqueo lector, desde hace meses, es un milagro.
No es el mejor libro que haya leído pero tampoco estaba muy intrigada así que me dió, básicamente, igual. Ni fu ni fa 🤷🏻♀️.
Ahora voy a pasar al 3er libro que me intriga muchísimo más que el 2do. De hecho, el 2do no me interesa para nada 🤦🏻♀️.
No es el mejor libro que haya leído pero tampoco estaba muy intrigada así que me dió, básicamente, igual. Ni fu ni fa 🤷🏻♀️.
Ahora voy a pasar al 3er libro que me intriga muchísimo más que el 2do. De hecho, el 2do no me interesa para nada 🤦🏻♀️.
April 23, 2018
Copy received from author for an honest review
I was lucky enough to read this as it was being written.
And boy was I lucky! I adore the dynamic between Frankie and Calvin, and like Cal, I fell head over heels for Frankie.
I don't want to give anything away about this story, as I feel the reader needs to dive into this book a bit blind and just let yourself go - along with these lovely men.
This is a bit steamier than Quinn Ward's alter egos books - and me likey!
I can't wait for everyone to get their hands on Exploration.
I was lucky enough to read this as it was being written.
And boy was I lucky! I adore the dynamic between Frankie and Calvin, and like Cal, I fell head over heels for Frankie.
I don't want to give anything away about this story, as I feel the reader needs to dive into this book a bit blind and just let yourself go - along with these lovely men.
This is a bit steamier than Quinn Ward's alter egos books - and me likey!
I can't wait for everyone to get their hands on Exploration.
November 23, 2018
Decent story, but I was pretty bored. There's nothing I can really say was "wrong", but I just didn't fully connect ever. I liked the characters for the most part, though I found myself getting annoyed by Calvin on behalf of Frankie. I get the wanting to take care of someone, but that's a far cry from treating someone as incapable of living life. It felt suffocating to read. That's a little strong, but it's close to what I mean. Just let him be grown, dang. But whatever, it was their thing. I just think it all happened a little too easily. And the big "incident" towards the end was meh, it doesn't even end up having any impact or lasting ramifications. Just Meh.
Want to read
February 27, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/27/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
The reluctant manager of his family’s restaurant, Frankie attempts to live up to the legacy of his father and grandfather. Running a business that isn't his passion and trying to do it without asking for help leaves him turning to less-than-legal means when he wants to surrender control.
Newly divorced, Calvin no longer lives in the closet, leaving him searching for what he most desires- control. So when he finds Frankie on his knees in the back room of a local bar, Calvin sees the sub he’s only ever fantasized about having.
Can Calvin find the confidence to explore his dominant side while showing his younger roommate that submission isn't only about whips and pain?
Blurb:
The reluctant manager of his family’s restaurant, Frankie attempts to live up to the legacy of his father and grandfather. Running a business that isn't his passion and trying to do it without asking for help leaves him turning to less-than-legal means when he wants to surrender control.
Newly divorced, Calvin no longer lives in the closet, leaving him searching for what he most desires- control. So when he finds Frankie on his knees in the back room of a local bar, Calvin sees the sub he’s only ever fantasized about having.
Can Calvin find the confidence to explore his dominant side while showing his younger roommate that submission isn't only about whips and pain?
Want to read
February 26, 2019Freebie at the zon.com right now: https://www.amazon.com/Exploration-Ro...
May 27, 2018
-Megan, 4 stars
Frankie has a high stress job running his family restaurant and being in charge of everything it entails. Calvin is living his life on his own terms and being the best dad to his hockey-playing son that he can be.
He offers Frankie a room for rent and everything seems to be working out well between the two. But when Calvin finds Frankie on his knees for another man, Calvin is immediately concerned about his roommate. He can see that Frankie is not taking care of himself and Calvin’s overwhelming need to see to Frankie’s needs is appealing to him immensely.
Calvin’s dominant tendencies are a safe & sane way for Frankie to explore his submissive side. Calvin’s need to take care of Frankie is a satisfying way of allowing him to explore his dominant side. Can Calvin convince Frankie that a relationship between the two of them will not only help him, but also show him how satisfying it can be when it’s explored between two people who really care about one another?
What happens between these two is a scorching discovery of lust, exploring a kinky relationship and what love truly is.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I will most definitely be checking out this author’s other works.
Frankie has a high stress job running his family restaurant and being in charge of everything it entails. Calvin is living his life on his own terms and being the best dad to his hockey-playing son that he can be.
He offers Frankie a room for rent and everything seems to be working out well between the two. But when Calvin finds Frankie on his knees for another man, Calvin is immediately concerned about his roommate. He can see that Frankie is not taking care of himself and Calvin’s overwhelming need to see to Frankie’s needs is appealing to him immensely.
Calvin’s dominant tendencies are a safe & sane way for Frankie to explore his submissive side. Calvin’s need to take care of Frankie is a satisfying way of allowing him to explore his dominant side. Can Calvin convince Frankie that a relationship between the two of them will not only help him, but also show him how satisfying it can be when it’s explored between two people who really care about one another?
What happens between these two is a scorching discovery of lust, exploring a kinky relationship and what love truly is.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I will most definitely be checking out this author’s other works.
April 26, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this friends to lovers romance . There was little to no drama with a slight domineering kink.
Freddie is looking for something and he doesn’t know what until he is caught by his house mate on his knees giving some random guy a bj. His life is hectic running the family business is the last thing he needs he just needs some one to take care of him he just dose not realise it yet.
Calvin was married with a child when he realised that he was gay. He always had that need to dominate and take care of a lover so when he sees frankie on his knees it’s like a light bulb go’s off in his head. He is what frankie needs now he just has to get frankie to admit to it .
I love the chemistry between these two it’s slightly kinky and a bit steamy I loved it. I also loved the side characters and hope we see more of these guys in the next story.
I especially loved momma.
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Freddie is looking for something and he doesn’t know what until he is caught by his house mate on his knees giving some random guy a bj. His life is hectic running the family business is the last thing he needs he just needs some one to take care of him he just dose not realise it yet.
Calvin was married with a child when he realised that he was gay. He always had that need to dominate and take care of a lover so when he sees frankie on his knees it’s like a light bulb go’s off in his head. He is what frankie needs now he just has to get frankie to admit to it .
I love the chemistry between these two it’s slightly kinky and a bit steamy I loved it. I also loved the side characters and hope we see more of these guys in the next story.
I especially loved momma.
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2018
It’s taken me forever to decide how to rate this book.
The first half was strong for me and the second half slowly dissipated the excitement I had reading the first half. The smex was great and I thought there was the potential for good story in addition but it ended more with an okay story. I still felt positive enough to move on to book two in the series.
The first half was strong for me and the second half slowly dissipated the excitement I had reading the first half. The smex was great and I thought there was the potential for good story in addition but it ended more with an okay story. I still felt positive enough to move on to book two in the series.
May 4, 2018
I enjoyed this story very much. Knowing this author, it was everything I wished for: sexy, fun, and romantic. However, reading the blurb, I expected more BDSM elements and kinkiness, but it is rather mild, though.
Against his wishes, Frankie has taken over the family restaurant, and it is stressing him out. His way to relieve the tension is not the healthiest, but he can’t seem to find another way. That is until roommate, Calvin, starts to see Frankie in a different light. He sees beyond Frankie’s snarky attitude to the needy man inside.
Right from the start, I felt the connection between these two. I definitely could feel the dominant side of Calvin, and Frankie is a born submissive. I loved that he still was a bit cocky and bratty, but that he immediately calmed down when he was with Calvin or heard his voice. I also liked that Calvin is not a master dominant, but that he is learning to be one. That makes him more human and endearing. He is not hesitant admitting he wants to explore more and with Frankie, he found the best partner.
As I said, the BDSM was on the mild side, but well done. Together they started exploring what they like and not, but it didn’t stop in the bedroom. Their dom/sub relationship shined through in their everyday life with Calvin taking care of Frankie in subtle, but obvious ways. That made this story also very romantic. It was heartwarming how in tune Calvin was to Frankie’s moods and needs.
Calvin’s son, Ryan, is great, and I liked that his relationship with his ex, Marisa, was normal without anger and hate. Frankie’s family is the quintessential big, boisterous Italian family, bickering among themselves, but who embraces Calvin in their arms without qualms.
One small thing I want to mention is that I found the end a bit rushed. I wouldn’t have minded a bit more expanding on what happened to Frankie, but maybe I’ll find that in the next book.
This is the first book in a series, and I am looking forward to reading more about Calvin, Frankie, and his brothers.
Against his wishes, Frankie has taken over the family restaurant, and it is stressing him out. His way to relieve the tension is not the healthiest, but he can’t seem to find another way. That is until roommate, Calvin, starts to see Frankie in a different light. He sees beyond Frankie’s snarky attitude to the needy man inside.
Right from the start, I felt the connection between these two. I definitely could feel the dominant side of Calvin, and Frankie is a born submissive. I loved that he still was a bit cocky and bratty, but that he immediately calmed down when he was with Calvin or heard his voice. I also liked that Calvin is not a master dominant, but that he is learning to be one. That makes him more human and endearing. He is not hesitant admitting he wants to explore more and with Frankie, he found the best partner.
As I said, the BDSM was on the mild side, but well done. Together they started exploring what they like and not, but it didn’t stop in the bedroom. Their dom/sub relationship shined through in their everyday life with Calvin taking care of Frankie in subtle, but obvious ways. That made this story also very romantic. It was heartwarming how in tune Calvin was to Frankie’s moods and needs.
Calvin’s son, Ryan, is great, and I liked that his relationship with his ex, Marisa, was normal without anger and hate. Frankie’s family is the quintessential big, boisterous Italian family, bickering among themselves, but who embraces Calvin in their arms without qualms.
One small thing I want to mention is that I found the end a bit rushed. I wouldn’t have minded a bit more expanding on what happened to Frankie, but maybe I’ll find that in the next book.
This is the first book in a series, and I am looking forward to reading more about Calvin, Frankie, and his brothers.
April 23, 2018
4.5 Hearts
Exploration is the first book in the Kinky in the City series by Quinn Ward. I do love my M/M and this author’s alter ego so I just had to have the book. It’s does have that added kink from her other novels. But it’s not all about whips and chains with these two. It’s about letting go of some control in all aspects of life. To just feel.
Frankie is stressed beyond belief. He runs the family business even though it’s not his dream. He feels stuck. Stuck in the office and stuck physically and mentally. He isn’t out to his family. He is tension filled except when he goes to Club 83 after hours to let loose and take some control of his life. It’s not the safest way of doing things but it works for him. That was until his older roommate, Calvin catches him in the act. Then, his world is turned upside down.
Calvin had never seen his younger roommate in this light. He always saw him as man who had it together. He now saw he was a man who needed to submit his control. To let go and let someone else take some of his burdens. And Calvin being a man wh likes to control without pain, he could give him exactly what Frankie needed. But will Frankie even want to explore this kind of kink? He was a stubborn man who didn’t enjoy being told what to do.
This story is definitely full of love and respect. I loved that it is different than other types of books on the subject of BDSM. It’s about exploring more mentally than physically. Yes! There is sex. Yummy sex. It does delve into a little pain but only the best kind. No whips and chains here and I was 100% good with that. I do enjoy all types of genres so I wasn’t disappointed, it was actually refreshing. I learned right along with these two that the world of kink isn’t all about sex.
Overall...it’s a great start to a new series! I loved the characters. The story. The heat. It has the perfect blend of sexiness and heart. I am excited to find out whose story is next up.
Quotes:
“It’s hard to explain,” I told him.
“Try. Convince me to say yes.”
“Damn, I didn’t think you could get any hotter, but there’s something stupid sexy about you in those glasses.”
“Well, it sure as hell isn’t supposed to tickle.”
Exploration is the first book in the Kinky in the City series by Quinn Ward. I do love my M/M and this author’s alter ego so I just had to have the book. It’s does have that added kink from her other novels. But it’s not all about whips and chains with these two. It’s about letting go of some control in all aspects of life. To just feel.
Frankie is stressed beyond belief. He runs the family business even though it’s not his dream. He feels stuck. Stuck in the office and stuck physically and mentally. He isn’t out to his family. He is tension filled except when he goes to Club 83 after hours to let loose and take some control of his life. It’s not the safest way of doing things but it works for him. That was until his older roommate, Calvin catches him in the act. Then, his world is turned upside down.
Calvin had never seen his younger roommate in this light. He always saw him as man who had it together. He now saw he was a man who needed to submit his control. To let go and let someone else take some of his burdens. And Calvin being a man wh likes to control without pain, he could give him exactly what Frankie needed. But will Frankie even want to explore this kind of kink? He was a stubborn man who didn’t enjoy being told what to do.
This story is definitely full of love and respect. I loved that it is different than other types of books on the subject of BDSM. It’s about exploring more mentally than physically. Yes! There is sex. Yummy sex. It does delve into a little pain but only the best kind. No whips and chains here and I was 100% good with that. I do enjoy all types of genres so I wasn’t disappointed, it was actually refreshing. I learned right along with these two that the world of kink isn’t all about sex.
Overall...it’s a great start to a new series! I loved the characters. The story. The heat. It has the perfect blend of sexiness and heart. I am excited to find out whose story is next up.
Quotes:
“It’s hard to explain,” I told him.
“Try. Convince me to say yes.”
“Damn, I didn’t think you could get any hotter, but there’s something stupid sexy about you in those glasses.”
“Well, it sure as hell isn’t supposed to tickle.”
Want to read
February 26, 2019Amazon freebie 2/26/2019
https://www.amazon.com/Exploration-Ki...
https://www.amazon.com/Exploration-Ki...
June 4, 2019
Exploration was a kind of book you don't want to stop before you finished it. Some books are just like that. I read a very few from this author, I will definitely looking forward to read her other books
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 25, 2018
The title of this book is absolutely spot on and exactly what you will get with this story. This isn't a BDSM book per say but does deal with power exchange in a very honest and toned down form. I mean there is kink and some real good themes going on through out the book. It's not a heavy BDSM book. It's light on impact and no humiliation or any of the other typical themes you would see but it's like what you would expect lifestyle power exchange to actually be. Like practical and every day aspect and just amazing. So it was a joy to read. It explores the the nurture side of PE. These two characters both need something from the other and them finding that balance is just lovely to read. This is more than just kinky sex or bedroom roles. This book reads true to me and would be a great read for people who are interested in getting a taste of the kinky but not yet ready for the heavier reads out there. It's the little things in this story that give it weight. It's not all leather and cuffs that make relationships kinky. Both of these charters are well drawn out and the extended cast have me super excited about where all the author will go. I truly enjoyed reading this book. It's exactly as Calvin explains it. The fictional idea isn't the only way to be kinky. This is a great addition to any bookshelf and kinky collection because it's real.
May 6, 2018
Exploration (Kinky in the City #1) by Quinn Ward
3 stars
M/M Romance
Triggers: Divorce, slight BDSM talk
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
This is the first book in the series and given the blurb, it was not at all what I was expecting.
Frankie and Calvin are roommates. What Calvin finds Frankie servicing men in the bathroom of a club, Calvin orders Frankie home.
What follows is a series of event that are meant to show a growing relationship, but really, for me, were just that...events. Nothing really tied everything together. Calvin was supposed to have some experience as a Dom, but the reality of the situation was that he was just as inexperienced as Frankie.
Frankie was the sub in this relationship, but in reality, the communication between him and Calvin was so sporadic that it was more of a friends with benefits situation.
Overall, while this book didn't deliver on the relationship piece or the BDSM piece, watching their friendship grow and change did offer some semblance of a story. I hope that the next book in the series is more true to the blurb.
3 stars
M/M Romance
Triggers: Divorce, slight BDSM talk
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
This is the first book in the series and given the blurb, it was not at all what I was expecting.
Frankie and Calvin are roommates. What Calvin finds Frankie servicing men in the bathroom of a club, Calvin orders Frankie home.
What follows is a series of event that are meant to show a growing relationship, but really, for me, were just that...events. Nothing really tied everything together. Calvin was supposed to have some experience as a Dom, but the reality of the situation was that he was just as inexperienced as Frankie.
Frankie was the sub in this relationship, but in reality, the communication between him and Calvin was so sporadic that it was more of a friends with benefits situation.
Overall, while this book didn't deliver on the relationship piece or the BDSM piece, watching their friendship grow and change did offer some semblance of a story. I hope that the next book in the series is more true to the blurb.
October 30, 2021
This is the first book in the Marino series as well as the full Annandale series. Although these books can be read as standalones, I started with the Club 83 series. I wish I would have started with this series. All these characters are referenced in the future books.
* How did the book make you feel?: This is such a good love story. I was happy the whole time I was reading this book. There were hot and steamy scenes which made the book even better.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: The book was told from the point of view of each main character. I was able to get to know each one in more intimacy.
* What did you think about the main characters?: Frankie was missing something in his life and stress made him do things he wasn't proud of. Calvin is a good father and does everything for his son. It was hard for him to tell his son that he is gay. The more I read the more I became attached to these two characters.
* What did you think about the ending?: I was a little disappointed in the ending. I felt there was still so much to be told. I felt it wasn't a complete story, I had unanswered questions.
* What is your impression of the author?: I like this author. She has a way of telling a story with not having to give so much detail that I get bored. I am enjoying these series and will continue to read her books.
I saw these questions on another reviewers post and thought I'd use them.
Serial Romance Librarian
* How did the book make you feel?: This is such a good love story. I was happy the whole time I was reading this book. There were hot and steamy scenes which made the book even better.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: The book was told from the point of view of each main character. I was able to get to know each one in more intimacy.
* What did you think about the main characters?: Frankie was missing something in his life and stress made him do things he wasn't proud of. Calvin is a good father and does everything for his son. It was hard for him to tell his son that he is gay. The more I read the more I became attached to these two characters.
* What did you think about the ending?: I was a little disappointed in the ending. I felt there was still so much to be told. I felt it wasn't a complete story, I had unanswered questions.
* What is your impression of the author?: I like this author. She has a way of telling a story with not having to give so much detail that I get bored. I am enjoying these series and will continue to read her books.
I saw these questions on another reviewers post and thought I'd use them.
Serial Romance Librarian
May 11, 2018
3.5/5
I have no idea what this cover art is about but neither of the MCs are described to look like that.
And maybe that is the root of my struggle with this almost-book. The cover art is clearly eye catching but it only almost fits the storyline. The storyline is almost kinky, but never really goes there entirely. The book is almost really good, but it has awkward parts and unfinished themes and plot constructs. It almost wrapped things up, but then didn’t and had a weird teaser for the next book, which almost made sense. This entire book alludes to one other brother being gay, but the next book is about a totally different brother. The brother who is most like the older MC from this book. Is this a repeat story coming up next? I was almost interested in staying with this series but that next book sounds totally angsty to me and second chance love stories almost never work for me.
All this to say that the book is an easy read and has some fun aspects. I almost gave it a 4, but upon some reflection had to admit that this is a book I will struggle to remember in a week. It almost hit the mark and I hope the author is able to capture more of the bits of brilliance that poked through in this one.
So if you’re looking for some sweet and easy entertainment to amuse you for a while, then this might be your book.
I have no idea what this cover art is about but neither of the MCs are described to look like that.
And maybe that is the root of my struggle with this almost-book. The cover art is clearly eye catching but it only almost fits the storyline. The storyline is almost kinky, but never really goes there entirely. The book is almost really good, but it has awkward parts and unfinished themes and plot constructs. It almost wrapped things up, but then didn’t and had a weird teaser for the next book, which almost made sense. This entire book alludes to one other brother being gay, but the next book is about a totally different brother. The brother who is most like the older MC from this book. Is this a repeat story coming up next? I was almost interested in staying with this series but that next book sounds totally angsty to me and second chance love stories almost never work for me.
All this to say that the book is an easy read and has some fun aspects. I almost gave it a 4, but upon some reflection had to admit that this is a book I will struggle to remember in a week. It almost hit the mark and I hope the author is able to capture more of the bits of brilliance that poked through in this one.
So if you’re looking for some sweet and easy entertainment to amuse you for a while, then this might be your book.
May 14, 2018
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
3.5*s rounded up because both these men deserve more
This is the first in a new series, and I am curious to know whether that means more based around the club they join, or the Marino family - as clearly there was at least one other brother interested in the dynamics Frankie was experiencing.
I liked that both men were new to the scene, and willing to discover their way together. I felt that the kink was definitely light, and that Calvin as the older, more-experienced-at-life partner trod a careful path to getting to be in control, but always in Frankie's best interest. There were lots of other life issues which intervened with their alone time, but the connection was sound, even when rocked.
This was a good start to a new series, and I am curious to see the direction it takes next, and whether we see these men develop their relationship further, both romantically and D/s wise. I must add that the title was a perfect description of this stage of their journey.
3.5*s rounded up because both these men deserve more
This is the first in a new series, and I am curious to know whether that means more based around the club they join, or the Marino family - as clearly there was at least one other brother interested in the dynamics Frankie was experiencing.
I liked that both men were new to the scene, and willing to discover their way together. I felt that the kink was definitely light, and that Calvin as the older, more-experienced-at-life partner trod a careful path to getting to be in control, but always in Frankie's best interest. There were lots of other life issues which intervened with their alone time, but the connection was sound, even when rocked.
This was a good start to a new series, and I am curious to see the direction it takes next, and whether we see these men develop their relationship further, both romantically and D/s wise. I must add that the title was a perfect description of this stage of their journey.
May 9, 2018
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**
Exploration is the first book in the Kinky in the City series.
Calvin is a newly divorced single father. To make ends meet and have more money for his son's hockey he gets a roommate. Everything is going well until while working security in Club 83, Cal catches Frankie in a compromising position. Cal can't make sense of what he's seeing but it definitely has him looking at Frankie with new eyes.
Frankie has the weight of the world on his shoulders. He was trying to fill the shoes of his father and grandfather while running the family restaurant. The stress was almost unbearable. Everyone looks to him for answers. Frankie thinks micromanaging is the way to run the business but making decision after decision is what killed his father. He just needs to let someone else take the wheel for awhile. Lead him in the right directions. Can Cal be that man for him? Can he give up enough control?
Quinn titled this book perfectly. It is all about Exploration. Exploration into the BDSM world. Exploration into a new relationship. Exploration of yourself. I loved that neither character were experts in BDSM but were willing to explore together for whatever the other needed. I can't wait to see what's next!!
Exploration is the first book in the Kinky in the City series.
Calvin is a newly divorced single father. To make ends meet and have more money for his son's hockey he gets a roommate. Everything is going well until while working security in Club 83, Cal catches Frankie in a compromising position. Cal can't make sense of what he's seeing but it definitely has him looking at Frankie with new eyes.
Frankie has the weight of the world on his shoulders. He was trying to fill the shoes of his father and grandfather while running the family restaurant. The stress was almost unbearable. Everyone looks to him for answers. Frankie thinks micromanaging is the way to run the business but making decision after decision is what killed his father. He just needs to let someone else take the wheel for awhile. Lead him in the right directions. Can Cal be that man for him? Can he give up enough control?
Quinn titled this book perfectly. It is all about Exploration. Exploration into the BDSM world. Exploration into a new relationship. Exploration of yourself. I loved that neither character were experts in BDSM but were willing to explore together for whatever the other needed. I can't wait to see what's next!!
May 9, 2018
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is a surprisingly sweet May/December romance between roommates both keen to explore a D/s relationship.
I enjoyed the characters in this book. Frankie is the overworked oldest son in a big Italian family. His responsibility for the family restaurant eats at him and causes him crazy anxiety. Calvin is a divorced single dad who is newly out and new to the kink community. I liked Calvin’s relationship with his son and with his ex-wife and I enjoyed the interactions between Frankie, his brothers and their mother.
The age gap between these two didn’t always work for me. Comments about Frankie having more in common with Calvin’s teenage son weren’t terribly sexy and there were times that the power exchange relationship felt more like a father/son relationship - except Calvin actually had a much more relaxed relationship with his son.
While I appreciated some of the ideas behind this story, I feel like the actual execution of the story is somewhat clumsy. The power exchange element of Calvin and Frankie’s relationship feels awkward in places and somewhat OTT in others. The sexual kink is pretty mild and I found the scenes with Frankie and Calvin discussing their kink quite slow. I didn't always feel the building romance between Calvin and Frankie - somehow the story lacked the tension needed for me to fully engage with a romance.
This is a surprisingly sweet May/December romance between roommates both keen to explore a D/s relationship.
I enjoyed the characters in this book. Frankie is the overworked oldest son in a big Italian family. His responsibility for the family restaurant eats at him and causes him crazy anxiety. Calvin is a divorced single dad who is newly out and new to the kink community. I liked Calvin’s relationship with his son and with his ex-wife and I enjoyed the interactions between Frankie, his brothers and their mother.
The age gap between these two didn’t always work for me. Comments about Frankie having more in common with Calvin’s teenage son weren’t terribly sexy and there were times that the power exchange relationship felt more like a father/son relationship - except Calvin actually had a much more relaxed relationship with his son.
While I appreciated some of the ideas behind this story, I feel like the actual execution of the story is somewhat clumsy. The power exchange element of Calvin and Frankie’s relationship feels awkward in places and somewhat OTT in others. The sexual kink is pretty mild and I found the scenes with Frankie and Calvin discussing their kink quite slow. I didn't always feel the building romance between Calvin and Frankie - somehow the story lacked the tension needed for me to fully engage with a romance.
June 16, 2018
Okay, so not usually a fan of the BDSM genre… It’s just not my thing, however, hot older guys and younger guys needing a firmer hand in the relationship…. Totally my thing.
In this one, we have Frankie who inherited his family restaurant after his dad passes away, even though it wasn’t at all what he envisioned himself doing. Even though it was ran by him, his brothers and their mother, because it was technically “his”, he wanted to run it like his father used to, and that meant taking everything on himself and that was hard for him….. he had to be in control of everything and everyone went to him for answers…. So he needed a way to unwind, to let loose and let someone else be in control for a while… even if it was in the form of tricking for money….. This, I didn’t like… I also don’t like the rent boy trope, I think it’s gross. I guess I’m old fashion, but I don’t know how someone can be comfortable sleeping with someone who prostitutes themselves… I’m like…. Diseases are a real thing, I’d rather not have to worry about that…. And in today’s world… yuck. ANYWAY… in the back room of Cal (Frankie’s much older roommate) catches him in the back room of a club that Cal’s friend owns.
Cal needed some financial help to be able to afford his son’s potential future hockey career and taking him out of town for tournaments and getting him all the expensive gear and stuff, so he gets a roommate. That ends up being Frankie, and even though he’s attracted to the much younger man, he knows he’s got a lot on his shoulders since taking over his family’s business.
It isn’t long that he notices the world sitting on Frnkie’s shoulders and seeing him hooking up with a stranger for money in the back storage closet at the club is a real eye opener for both men. He thinks he knows what Frankie needs, and that’s someone to finally put Frankie’s needs first for once, and he sets about learning the art of Dom/sub roles, but the beginners addition, I’d say.
Although there is spanking and like I said, a firm hand… it’s pretty light compared to other BDSM reads, and I liked that. It wasn’t big into the lifestyle and the power exchange and humiliation and whips and leather and pain and all that. This was the basic fundamentals where Frankie needed someone to take care of him and Cal needed to be the one to do it.
Their relationship was sweet and I enjoyed watching them fall in love with one another. It wasn’t always easy, but it felt real in the aspect that they were learning their way together. I would be interested in reading more about these two, as it kind of ended abruptly. I’m also curious to read more about Frankie’s family and his brothers. I was pleasantly surprised that everyone was so accepting; Cal’s ex and his son, as well as Frankie’s brothers and mom. It made for a nice change.
4 stars for me on this one. On to the next!
In this one, we have Frankie who inherited his family restaurant after his dad passes away, even though it wasn’t at all what he envisioned himself doing. Even though it was ran by him, his brothers and their mother, because it was technically “his”, he wanted to run it like his father used to, and that meant taking everything on himself and that was hard for him….. he had to be in control of everything and everyone went to him for answers…. So he needed a way to unwind, to let loose and let someone else be in control for a while… even if it was in the form of tricking for money….. This, I didn’t like… I also don’t like the rent boy trope, I think it’s gross. I guess I’m old fashion, but I don’t know how someone can be comfortable sleeping with someone who prostitutes themselves… I’m like…. Diseases are a real thing, I’d rather not have to worry about that…. And in today’s world… yuck. ANYWAY… in the back room of Cal (Frankie’s much older roommate) catches him in the back room of a club that Cal’s friend owns.
Cal needed some financial help to be able to afford his son’s potential future hockey career and taking him out of town for tournaments and getting him all the expensive gear and stuff, so he gets a roommate. That ends up being Frankie, and even though he’s attracted to the much younger man, he knows he’s got a lot on his shoulders since taking over his family’s business.
It isn’t long that he notices the world sitting on Frnkie’s shoulders and seeing him hooking up with a stranger for money in the back storage closet at the club is a real eye opener for both men. He thinks he knows what Frankie needs, and that’s someone to finally put Frankie’s needs first for once, and he sets about learning the art of Dom/sub roles, but the beginners addition, I’d say.
Although there is spanking and like I said, a firm hand… it’s pretty light compared to other BDSM reads, and I liked that. It wasn’t big into the lifestyle and the power exchange and humiliation and whips and leather and pain and all that. This was the basic fundamentals where Frankie needed someone to take care of him and Cal needed to be the one to do it.
Their relationship was sweet and I enjoyed watching them fall in love with one another. It wasn’t always easy, but it felt real in the aspect that they were learning their way together. I would be interested in reading more about these two, as it kind of ended abruptly. I’m also curious to read more about Frankie’s family and his brothers. I was pleasantly surprised that everyone was so accepting; Cal’s ex and his son, as well as Frankie’s brothers and mom. It made for a nice change.
4 stars for me on this one. On to the next!
August 26, 2018
I struggled with this book, apparently twice, because after finding it on Kindle Unlimited and thinking "that looks right up my street" I opened it up to find it already part way through, meaning that I'd started it before returned it and completely forgotten about it. This time around I'm giving up at 64%, after really trying to get into it. I'm struggling to explain why I feel so meh about it, there are certainly worse written books out there, but I just kept getting bored. I didn't really engage with either character, and the plot seemed to jump around a bit, although how it managed to do that when simultaneously not much was happening I don't know.
December 30, 2018
A first read for this author. An okay story but I was disappointed about the level of Dom and Sub scenes in this story. The story starts of okay, Calvin was a divorced parent who'd come out, he also liked the power exchange in domination. Both are learning there roles but the book was focused more on taking care of each other from stresses of their works. If you hadn't read this before there are two brothers with similar names, Frankie and Freddie it got me confused til I worked it out. The characters didn't really connect for me especially with a 2 week time jump early in the story lost me from then.
Calvin 41 yrs worked in his home office, offering to help his friend, Eli with his new bar called Club 83. Calvin was security/ bouncer when he sees his housemate, Frankie hooking for money.
Frankie 28 yrs worked in his family's Italian restaurant. (KU read)
Calvin 41 yrs worked in his home office, offering to help his friend, Eli with his new bar called Club 83. Calvin was security/ bouncer when he sees his housemate, Frankie hooking for money.
Frankie 28 yrs worked in his family's Italian restaurant. (KU read)
November 22, 2018
I was really drawn in by this story. The roommates-to-lovers was done so wonderfully, as was the introduction and exploration of BDSM. I love how it was not that cookie-cutter D/s, "Yes, Sir," and that they took the time to debunk and demystify what some popular fiction has put out there. There was also a wonderful cast of secondary characters, with both of their families and I can't wait to see where this series goes! A solid debut for a new author.
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