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Lonely Hearts #4
Until You Say Otherwise
Richard Harrington is tired of saying goodbye.
Richard is thirty-six and tired of the same old thing. A Dom with a room full of underused toys and life of unfulfilled promise, he decides it’s time to move on from one night stands and to search for something real and lasting. Richard wants someone who will submit and push their limits for him, but the last place he expects to find that person is on his doorstep.
Sam Sanders is determined.
Unable to continue living at home, he packs a few belongings and sets out on his own. Even though he's living in his car, he believes a decent future is within his reach, and he's ready to begin living his life and maybe even find love. With a little bit of luck, and a lot of determination, Sam finds a job and also ends up in the company of a generous and handsome stranger.
Two men are searching.
Sam is still trying to figure out what he wants in life, but Richard already knows. He wants Sam—the vibrant young man with glossy lips, a hungry stare, and who looks so pretty on his knees. With his unconditional acceptance, Richard offers Sam something no one else has and, in turn, Sam inadvertently shows Richard a love he’s never known.
Somewhere along the way, play becomes serious for these two very different men. As Sam works toward being able to stand on his own, Richard is forced to face his growing affection for the man who kneels so willingly at his feet. When a near tragic event puts their relationship into perspective, Richard realizes that sometimes holding on also means letting go. Will Sam be able to reconcile his need to be independent with Richard's desire to keep him forever?
**Author's Note**
Please review the preface for content advisory.
Richard is thirty-six and tired of the same old thing. A Dom with a room full of underused toys and life of unfulfilled promise, he decides it’s time to move on from one night stands and to search for something real and lasting. Richard wants someone who will submit and push their limits for him, but the last place he expects to find that person is on his doorstep.
Sam Sanders is determined.
Unable to continue living at home, he packs a few belongings and sets out on his own. Even though he's living in his car, he believes a decent future is within his reach, and he's ready to begin living his life and maybe even find love. With a little bit of luck, and a lot of determination, Sam finds a job and also ends up in the company of a generous and handsome stranger.
Two men are searching.
Sam is still trying to figure out what he wants in life, but Richard already knows. He wants Sam—the vibrant young man with glossy lips, a hungry stare, and who looks so pretty on his knees. With his unconditional acceptance, Richard offers Sam something no one else has and, in turn, Sam inadvertently shows Richard a love he’s never known.
Somewhere along the way, play becomes serious for these two very different men. As Sam works toward being able to stand on his own, Richard is forced to face his growing affection for the man who kneels so willingly at his feet. When a near tragic event puts their relationship into perspective, Richard realizes that sometimes holding on also means letting go. Will Sam be able to reconcile his need to be independent with Richard's desire to keep him forever?
**Author's Note**
Please review the preface for content advisory.
318 pages, ebook
First published July 4, 2018
104 people are currently reading
369 people want to read
About the author
Kate Hawthorne
93 books939 followersWith over two dozen published romances to her name, Kate Hawthorne has built a recognizable brand around telling emotional stories that pack a figurative (and sometimes literal) punch.
Existing on a steady diet of wine and coffee, Kate spends her days dreaming up angsty stories full of heat, kink, and heart. Kate now lives in Louisville, where she writes romance, reads romance, and hides from the humidity.
Visit her website at http://www.katehawthornebooks.com
Existing on a steady diet of wine and coffee, Kate spends her days dreaming up angsty stories full of heat, kink, and heart. Kate now lives in Louisville, where she writes romance, reads romance, and hides from the humidity.
Visit her website at http://www.katehawthornebooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
July 10, 2018
This is my first time reading this author's work. So I really didn't know what to expect. The plot was not very original but the writing style was light, easy to read. The book is well-edited with the exception of couple of typos but that's minor and can be overlooked.
I genuinely liked both MCs. Richard for all his tough demeanor is a very caring person and Sam although somewhat naive has a good heart. Their first meeting is very amusing, the progression of their relationship is pretty fast. I would have loved this book but for the fact that there was too much s*e*x. By too much I mean it happened in almost every chapter and some chapters had nothing but s*e*x. But I have to give this author her due - she was very creative and very descriptive with all the scenes and during most of them I could sense deep feelings both MCs had for each other. But by 65% percent of the book my reaction turned to "Again already? But you just finished!".
Secondary characters were not well developed and I didn't know much about Christopher or Lake. It would have made the story better for me if it had less sex and more narrative, background story and more dialogue that didn't involve talking about sex although I liked how Richard explained submission and all that entails and what he wants from Sam and how he didn't push...much. Basically, with less scenes and more plot development it would have been a great book. I even would have loved if Richard's cousin Davis had made some kind of trouble for them. It was very low angst and I think it needed more besides all the personal musings of both MCs.
I genuinely liked both MCs. Richard for all his tough demeanor is a very caring person and Sam although somewhat naive has a good heart. Their first meeting is very amusing, the progression of their relationship is pretty fast. I would have loved this book but for the fact that there was too much s*e*x. By too much I mean it happened in almost every chapter and some chapters had nothing but s*e*x. But I have to give this author her due - she was very creative and very descriptive with all the scenes and during most of them I could sense deep feelings both MCs had for each other. But by 65% percent of the book my reaction turned to "Again already? But you just finished!".
Secondary characters were not well developed and I didn't know much about Christopher or Lake. It would have made the story better for me if it had less sex and more narrative, background story and more dialogue that didn't involve talking about sex although I liked how Richard explained submission and all that entails and what he wants from Sam and how he didn't push...much. Basically, with less scenes and more plot development it would have been a great book. I even would have loved if Richard's cousin Davis had made some kind of trouble for them. It was very low angst and I think it needed more besides all the personal musings of both MCs.
July 10, 2018
Anther hard one to rate. I loved Sam. I had a really, really hard time connecting to Richard. Richard was really creepy in his thoughts when he first met Sam and made his offer to stay. While I know the offer actually came from a no strings attached place, because of Richards obsessive thoughts about Sam and submission I felt like it was manipulative at times. But then Richard got Sam and things evened out and I liked Richard more and felt more invested in the book.
I loved the bdsm and kink and how Sam saw it and how Richard appreciated it. After I got over Sam being introduced to it so quickly and just constantly being perfect I really got into the various scenes even if they weren't always that easily to follow along. Sometimes I had no idea how Sam was supposed to be situated, especially on that damn spanking bench. I just had to follow Sam's bliss and let go of my analytical side.
All in all this was a good kinky book. The kind that starts and ends with kink. It doesn't fade out and leave us guessing at what they've been up to as the book goes along. It also has a fairly satisfying epilogue (although I would have liked more info on what Sam had done in those years) and an HEA that was well deserved.
I loved the bdsm and kink and how Sam saw it and how Richard appreciated it. After I got over Sam being introduced to it so quickly and just constantly being perfect I really got into the various scenes even if they weren't always that easily to follow along. Sometimes I had no idea how Sam was supposed to be situated, especially on that damn spanking bench. I just had to follow Sam's bliss and let go of my analytical side.
All in all this was a good kinky book. The kind that starts and ends with kink. It doesn't fade out and leave us guessing at what they've been up to as the book goes along. It also has a fairly satisfying epilogue (although I would have liked more info on what Sam had done in those years) and an HEA that was well deserved.
July 13, 2018
Superb
My fav of this series. Fantastic technical skills coupled with real BDSM knowledge and emotional weight and characters with depth. Raunchy af and sweet and it made me cry.
My fav of this series. Fantastic technical skills coupled with real BDSM knowledge and emotional weight and characters with depth. Raunchy af and sweet and it made me cry.
January 12, 2025
Richard is a man who is growing older... (36 HA!), and he's tired of the "one-night stands". He has been comfortable in his lifestyle for so long that he is not sure if he can completely change it, but he is at the point that he feels he really needs to try. He's working on recovering from the death of his brother who was the long-time partner of his best friend, Christopher.
I felt sorry for...but admired Sam for how he handled his previous unhealthy home life. He has left it all behind for a new start, even if he is still living in his car and trying to get a job in order to be self-sufficient. The one thing that is holding him back is the lack of an address for the job applications. One "out in left field" idea from Sam along with a chance meet-up with Richard, is what starts these two guys on a journey that will change both of their lives, for the better.
The title sums up how their relationship worked. Richard told Sam that anything that they agree to do together, in their relationship as a couple, or in their BDSM activities would ALWAYS be consensual, "Until You Say Otherwise"...then everything STOPS!
This book really has it all. It's kinky, sweet, emotional, kinky, sexy, kinky.... hold on...did I mention it was kinky? :) BDSM scenes are throughout the greatest part of the book...some I thought were a lot more on the dangerous side than the sexy side, but my friend who's into the "lifestyle" assured me that they were actually fairly tame. Okay...that alone is more than a little scary...so quiet obviously this book will diffidently NOT...I repeat NOT, be for everyone, even those of us that read M/M Romances...or for the "faint of heart". The rest of you read on and enjoy...that is..."Until You Say Otherwise." (I just had to work that phrase in... again:)
I felt sorry for...but admired Sam for how he handled his previous unhealthy home life. He has left it all behind for a new start, even if he is still living in his car and trying to get a job in order to be self-sufficient. The one thing that is holding him back is the lack of an address for the job applications. One "out in left field" idea from Sam along with a chance meet-up with Richard, is what starts these two guys on a journey that will change both of their lives, for the better.
The title sums up how their relationship worked. Richard told Sam that anything that they agree to do together, in their relationship as a couple, or in their BDSM activities would ALWAYS be consensual, "Until You Say Otherwise"...then everything STOPS!
This book really has it all. It's kinky, sweet, emotional, kinky, sexy, kinky.... hold on...did I mention it was kinky? :) BDSM scenes are throughout the greatest part of the book...some I thought were a lot more on the dangerous side than the sexy side, but my friend who's into the "lifestyle" assured me that they were actually fairly tame. Okay...that alone is more than a little scary...so quiet obviously this book will diffidently NOT...I repeat NOT, be for everyone, even those of us that read M/M Romances...or for the "faint of heart". The rest of you read on and enjoy...that is..."Until You Say Otherwise." (I just had to work that phrase in... again:)
January 3, 2019
This is an interesting one to rate - I enjoyed many aspects to the story but struggled a bit to buy it. It was definitely a strong BDSM bias and had a general plot, homeless twink, lonely / sad older guy... so why couldn’t I get into it ? Perhaps they started hard core play so quickly ? It just didn’t have that build or angst. Might have to come back to this one.
dnf-not-for-me
July 12, 2018DNF at 74%, not rating. Just not my personal preference for the frequency/quantity of sex scenes. I enjoy reading BDSM scenes and they were written quite well, but there was no room for development of much plot, which I’d prefer.
Read
June 26, 2022DNF @ 55%
June 27, 2018
I fell in love with Richard in Love Comes After. I didn't know much about him, just that he was Chris's best friend and collected cat teapots. He kept a big part of himself hidden from Chris and that's evident in Until You Say Otherwise.
I couldn't wait to get to know Richard in this book. He was a distant enigma that just wanted Chris to be okay. While I wanted him to be okay. It was obvious to me that Richard needed love, and seeing him live his life so alone in this book broke my heart. And then he meets Sam.
Brave, innocent, perfect, adorable Sam.
It's so easy to fall in love with Sam. I didn't even have to think about it, he was sweet and so freaking adorable. He was so brave to do what he did (no spoilers). So innocent in so many ways, yet determined to not only get what he wanted, but to give Richard what he desperately needed—even if he didn't understand it at the time.
Until You Say Otherwise explores a D/s relationship and it is exactly what I look for in these types of books. There's so much trust between these two, even if they don't know each other that well. They just know. They know that they can just be with the other. There's nothing better than that. The trust, the connection—mental, emotional, and physical—between two people in this type of relationship are big reasons why I love BDSM books. Kate Hawthorne puts it all in and does it so beautifully.
Richard broke my heart. He wanted a relationship so bad, and when he meets Sam he's so perfect. But also so young. Richard battles with himself. His back and forth killed me. All I wanted was to see him get everything he deserved. He was so afraid of losing Sam, so afraid of his young lover remembering that he was fourteen years older than him that he almost didn't give them the chance. It was heartbreaking.
Sweet, adorable Sam sees what they can have, even if he doesn't understand it. Even if he wants to learn how to be Sam on his own.
It was hard watching them battle themselves, and so fulfilling to see them give in.
There are so many great scenes between Richard and Sam, both while they're playing and while they're not. One of my favorites might have to do with a buggy whip. I love me a good flogging scene and I really love when the whip comes out, but man, this one takes the cake, y'all. Hell everything in this book soared to my 'Top Favorite Scene' list. There's something else in this book that is so hot. I won't say because I had to wait to find out, it's only fair y'all do too. Let's just say it took something that I normally was 'meh' over and turned it to something I adored when Sam and Richard did it—particularly Sam.
I don't think there's anything else I can say about this book, about these two characters without giving too much away. I love how this book was more intense, more exploratory, with a completely different feel than the other ones. The small cameos and mentions about Chris, Aiden, and Bennet from Love Comes After helps but this book in the same universe as the previous three books, but it has a completely different feel to it. I love when an author can do that. When they can turn a series out in very different directions and still make it work, still have them all fit together.
Y'all will love Richard, you will adore Sam, all you have to do is pick this book up and read it.
I couldn't wait to get to know Richard in this book. He was a distant enigma that just wanted Chris to be okay. While I wanted him to be okay. It was obvious to me that Richard needed love, and seeing him live his life so alone in this book broke my heart. And then he meets Sam.
Brave, innocent, perfect, adorable Sam.
It's so easy to fall in love with Sam. I didn't even have to think about it, he was sweet and so freaking adorable. He was so brave to do what he did (no spoilers). So innocent in so many ways, yet determined to not only get what he wanted, but to give Richard what he desperately needed—even if he didn't understand it at the time.
Until You Say Otherwise explores a D/s relationship and it is exactly what I look for in these types of books. There's so much trust between these two, even if they don't know each other that well. They just know. They know that they can just be with the other. There's nothing better than that. The trust, the connection—mental, emotional, and physical—between two people in this type of relationship are big reasons why I love BDSM books. Kate Hawthorne puts it all in and does it so beautifully.
Richard broke my heart. He wanted a relationship so bad, and when he meets Sam he's so perfect. But also so young. Richard battles with himself. His back and forth killed me. All I wanted was to see him get everything he deserved. He was so afraid of losing Sam, so afraid of his young lover remembering that he was fourteen years older than him that he almost didn't give them the chance. It was heartbreaking.
Sweet, adorable Sam sees what they can have, even if he doesn't understand it. Even if he wants to learn how to be Sam on his own.
It was hard watching them battle themselves, and so fulfilling to see them give in.
There are so many great scenes between Richard and Sam, both while they're playing and while they're not. One of my favorites might have to do with a buggy whip. I love me a good flogging scene and I really love when the whip comes out, but man, this one takes the cake, y'all. Hell everything in this book soared to my 'Top Favorite Scene' list. There's something else in this book that is so hot. I won't say because I had to wait to find out, it's only fair y'all do too. Let's just say it took something that I normally was 'meh' over and turned it to something I adored when Sam and Richard did it—particularly Sam.
I don't think there's anything else I can say about this book, about these two characters without giving too much away. I love how this book was more intense, more exploratory, with a completely different feel than the other ones. The small cameos and mentions about Chris, Aiden, and Bennet from Love Comes After helps but this book in the same universe as the previous three books, but it has a completely different feel to it. I love when an author can do that. When they can turn a series out in very different directions and still make it work, still have them all fit together.
Y'all will love Richard, you will adore Sam, all you have to do is pick this book up and read it.
August 19, 2018
This "series" has been really enjoyable so far and this was no exception. I really loved the progression of Richard and Sam's relationship which had a Cinderfella vibe. I loved that Sam was still independent even though he was a natural sub. I thought the BDSM scenes were well thought out and Sam's kink for Richard's leather shoes was kinda sweet. The fact that Richard embraced Sam's love of lipstick without batting an eye was really special.
did-not-finish
October 18, 2019DNF at *I really can't take it anymore* 27%
June 27, 2018
Richard is a loner, not necessarily happy about it, but he hasn't given up on finding someone to care about. He just doesn't know where to begin looking. When he catches his future trying to steal his mail he has no idea how his life is going to change.
Sam had to leave home because he could no longer put up with his step fathers derision. Living in his car, trying to find a job and not having a lot of luck. He's told he needs an address, so he finds a nice home and uses it for his paperwork. When he tries to retrieve a letter he gets caught by Richard. When he offers Sam a place to stay there is very little hesitation on Sam’s part. Richard makes him feel safe.
Sam finds a playroom and is intrigued. He begins a D/s relationship with Richard, accepting everything the man wants to do with him. Richard’s thoughts are that Sam was meant to be defiled and treasured. Sam just knows that Richard is as necessary to him as breathing.
This was a tough book for me to to review. I don't know a lot about the D/s dynamic but from what I've read on the subject it feels like the author did an excellent job of portraying it. Sam allowed the control to feel like it belonged to Richard but every interaction was designed for Sam’s gratification, thus fulfilling Richard's role in the relationship. Plus it's a really nice love story. I enjoyed the book.
I received an arc of this book.
Sam had to leave home because he could no longer put up with his step fathers derision. Living in his car, trying to find a job and not having a lot of luck. He's told he needs an address, so he finds a nice home and uses it for his paperwork. When he tries to retrieve a letter he gets caught by Richard. When he offers Sam a place to stay there is very little hesitation on Sam’s part. Richard makes him feel safe.
Sam finds a playroom and is intrigued. He begins a D/s relationship with Richard, accepting everything the man wants to do with him. Richard’s thoughts are that Sam was meant to be defiled and treasured. Sam just knows that Richard is as necessary to him as breathing.
This was a tough book for me to to review. I don't know a lot about the D/s dynamic but from what I've read on the subject it feels like the author did an excellent job of portraying it. Sam allowed the control to feel like it belonged to Richard but every interaction was designed for Sam’s gratification, thus fulfilling Richard's role in the relationship. Plus it's a really nice love story. I enjoyed the book.
I received an arc of this book.
July 8, 2018
3.5 stars
This one is a little tricky for me because I didn't like Richard in the last book, and I tried hard to get over it and like him in this one, but I never really got there. I certainly understood him a lot better in this book but for whatever reason, he and I just didn't really click. Something about his interactions with Christopher (an MC from the previous book who also appears in this one on occasion) doesn't sit right with me. On the other hand, I adored Sam, so at least there was that.
And the kink and BDSM in this book worked well, IMO, even if I thought maybe Sam needed a little more education on it sooner. But he was clearly so eager and willing and consenting that it wasn't too much of an issue. I feel like I don't come across breath play often, so that was fun! The trust Sam had in Richard was wonderfully displayed.
I don't want to give away a lot of spoilers, but I have to say the living situation that arises later in the book felt very manufactured to me. One of those "things are going too well, so let's introduce a problem" situations. It's a big plot point in the book that I just didn't enjoy, or even really understand ... no matter how many times Sam tried to explain it. And the fact it didn't last long only goes to show it was essentially unnecessary.
I also can't not say something about the editing. I know indie authors are in a rush to get books out, and I 100 percent understand that. But this one needed more time with the beta readers and/or editor. Things like "Claire turned the sign to 'closed' and locked the door" followed a few paragraphs later by "as Claire locked the door" (I'm paraphrasing). It happened often enough that it started to pull my attention away.
Overall though, if you like BDSM and May/Dec romances, you'll probably find something to like here.
This one is a little tricky for me because I didn't like Richard in the last book, and I tried hard to get over it and like him in this one, but I never really got there. I certainly understood him a lot better in this book but for whatever reason, he and I just didn't really click. Something about his interactions with Christopher (an MC from the previous book who also appears in this one on occasion) doesn't sit right with me. On the other hand, I adored Sam, so at least there was that.
And the kink and BDSM in this book worked well, IMO, even if I thought maybe Sam needed a little more education on it sooner. But he was clearly so eager and willing and consenting that it wasn't too much of an issue. I feel like I don't come across breath play often, so that was fun! The trust Sam had in Richard was wonderfully displayed.
I don't want to give away a lot of spoilers, but I have to say the living situation that arises later in the book felt very manufactured to me. One of those "things are going too well, so let's introduce a problem" situations. It's a big plot point in the book that I just didn't enjoy, or even really understand ... no matter how many times Sam tried to explain it. And the fact it didn't last long only goes to show it was essentially unnecessary.
I also can't not say something about the editing. I know indie authors are in a rush to get books out, and I 100 percent understand that. But this one needed more time with the beta readers and/or editor. Things like "Claire turned the sign to 'closed' and locked the door" followed a few paragraphs later by "as Claire locked the door" (I'm paraphrasing). It happened often enough that it started to pull my attention away.
Overall though, if you like BDSM and May/Dec romances, you'll probably find something to like here.
June 28, 2018
Sigh... this book! It has everything you want in a Dom/sub book. Bondage, breath play, impact play, and body worship. But what it also has that other books sometimes lack is the deep connection and love between the 2 MCs. Richard is just swoon worthy. He is a tortured soul who decides love just isn't worth it... Until he meets Sam, the missing piece to his heart. I haven't read many body worship books. It is done in such a sweet way; it doesn't feel demeaning or degrading. Sam pours his heart and soul into whatever Richard wants. He cries alot during play and I find that so beautiful. I can't express enough the connection between these 2. And the sex...omg it is fire hot! This may just be my favorite of the series. 5+ stars
July 24, 2018
I read the previous book about Christopher, Bennet and Aiden and didn't really catch my attention.
I liked this one better, even at some scenes, like how easily Sam trusted a stranger taking him in, and how comfy him in Richard's house.
I'm not really comfortable with the steam and the BDSM scenes in this book, I admit it that I did some skimming especially the basement scenes. But I liked the story and Sam is adorable, even Richard failed to deny him. He's just too precious and sweet like a lollipop!
June 27, 2018
Kate Hawthorne has outdone herself with this new work of art of hers. I’ve been searching all week for a book with dominance and kink, a little humiliation but a lot of love.... this book is all the above and then some!!!! As told her before I was even halfway through reading, she left no stone unturned.... just read the preface and buckle up because by the time you get to the epilogue.... you’ll be as sated as the main characters.... with a craving to go 💄lipstick💄 shopping 😊😊😊😊😊YOU NEED TO OWN THIS BOOK!(alongside all of her other books) trust me I have them all !
November 11, 2021
Sam is living in his car when the opportunity of a job is presented to him. The only catch, he needs an address. So he "borrows" one. The house is perfect; it's mailbox is outside the gate. Until it isn't. The owner comes home while Sam is trying to figure out how to get into the property and get his mail.
Richard doesn't know what to make of the young man who is requesting to go through his mail. He finds himself offering a home instead.
Sam and Richard's relationship is sweet. With a touch of angst from their pasts. The book moves along, beautifully, drawing you in. The characters mesh nicely. This is a kinky, sexy book with characters you really care about.
Richard doesn't know what to make of the young man who is requesting to go through his mail. He finds himself offering a home instead.
Sam and Richard's relationship is sweet. With a touch of angst from their pasts. The book moves along, beautifully, drawing you in. The characters mesh nicely. This is a kinky, sexy book with characters you really care about.
August 11, 2018
Very well written! Funny when it needed to be and serious when it should! Sam and Richard were a very lovely couple. I would have liked some more post marriage stuff. Overall, I highly recommend the book!
October 27, 2018
Who knew...a Stolen Address Lead to Love!
An intense BDSM relationship between Richard & Sam. I enjoyed how Richard & Sam and the character development. As I’ve said before, I’m ambivalence about some of the BDSM kinks mentioned in this story. Although, I continue to seek out these type books. Go figure!
An intense BDSM relationship between Richard & Sam. I enjoyed how Richard & Sam and the character development. As I’ve said before, I’m ambivalence about some of the BDSM kinks mentioned in this story. Although, I continue to seek out these type books. Go figure!
maybe
November 26, 2018Freebie at the zon.com right now: https://smile.amazon.com/Until-Otherw...
July 1, 2018
Wow.....I knew when we met Richard in the last book that I was going to love him and damn i'm glad when i'm right...Richard broke my heart in places......He really is a man who needed Sam....From the way they got together to the very end.....Perfect.....Sam was just adorable and so sweet...The way he gave himself to Richard was beautiful.....Learning what he liked and what he wanted......I didn't think I'd find anyone to rival my love of Gabriel but Richard is pretty damn close if not level.....An absolutely amazing read and really hope we're going to get more x
January 14, 2021
3.5 I'm torn here because I found the first half of this to be a strong 4 star read but I found my mind wandering towards the end. Still enjoyed this well enough tho.
July 18, 2018
Good Read
Good story. So much sex...at times it seemed like almost too much sex. More conversations were needed. Wow! Can't believe I'm saying that..but it's true. I see from many other reviews, I'm not alone in that opinion. It was however, a good story. I liked the MCs and the connection they formed (mostly through sex) and some heartfelt conversations.
Good story. So much sex...at times it seemed like almost too much sex. More conversations were needed. Wow! Can't believe I'm saying that..but it's true. I see from many other reviews, I'm not alone in that opinion. It was however, a good story. I liked the MCs and the connection they formed (mostly through sex) and some heartfelt conversations.
July 12, 2018
♥¸.•´♥¸.•*´♥¨) ♥¸.•*¨♥
(¸.•´♥ (¸.•`♥Five plus stars with plenty heat and feels.
Until You Say Otherwise is the book I was waiting on ever since I read Christopher's story Love Comes After. Both stories happen concurrently and readers are afforded a taste of what happened in the previous book as well as get Richard's reaction and what was going on with him during Christopher's calls and appearances. I would suggest to readers wanting to indulge in this feast to read Love Comes After just to get a feel of things and understand why these guys were the way they were. It is not necessary, but it will open your eyes to things both books suggested.
"This was all Sam had wanted. This love and comfort. This domesticity with a hint of spice. Friends who were family, and family that loved you no matter what."
When Sam found himself on the outs of his family, he never knew the hands fate dealt him would be his raison d'être in Richard's life. Without an address he could not work, so he found one that would guarantee him access, only to to get caught when desperation came. And then Richard asked him to stay...
"The day Richard had feared for years had finally arrived. He was bored of sex."
I was hooked from the first mention of Richard in the previous book and I was thrilled to get this side of him. He was dominant and sweet and just what Sam needed. Being older, he was hesitant, but slowly Sam wormed his way in, entertwining and entangling his life with that of Richard's. But Sam opened his eyes to newness and he was weary to indulge as he knew how flighty the younger man could become.
I loved these two together and even as Sam tried to sort his feelings out and demand independence, he knew within his hearts of hearts that Richard was the one. And oh, all the feels and emotions and that epilogue!!! I need more, more, more.
And I wonder, will Sam's brother Lake get his own happy ending? Highly recommended and enjoyable to boot. A definite reread on both books. Deserving of my five stars as it kept me entertained and glued to my kindle.
(¸.•´♥ (¸.•`♥Five plus stars with plenty heat and feels.
Until You Say Otherwise is the book I was waiting on ever since I read Christopher's story Love Comes After. Both stories happen concurrently and readers are afforded a taste of what happened in the previous book as well as get Richard's reaction and what was going on with him during Christopher's calls and appearances. I would suggest to readers wanting to indulge in this feast to read Love Comes After just to get a feel of things and understand why these guys were the way they were. It is not necessary, but it will open your eyes to things both books suggested.
"This was all Sam had wanted. This love and comfort. This domesticity with a hint of spice. Friends who were family, and family that loved you no matter what."
When Sam found himself on the outs of his family, he never knew the hands fate dealt him would be his raison d'être in Richard's life. Without an address he could not work, so he found one that would guarantee him access, only to to get caught when desperation came. And then Richard asked him to stay...
"The day Richard had feared for years had finally arrived. He was bored of sex."
I was hooked from the first mention of Richard in the previous book and I was thrilled to get this side of him. He was dominant and sweet and just what Sam needed. Being older, he was hesitant, but slowly Sam wormed his way in, entertwining and entangling his life with that of Richard's. But Sam opened his eyes to newness and he was weary to indulge as he knew how flighty the younger man could become.
I loved these two together and even as Sam tried to sort his feelings out and demand independence, he knew within his hearts of hearts that Richard was the one. And oh, all the feels and emotions and that epilogue!!! I need more, more, more.
And I wonder, will Sam's brother Lake get his own happy ending? Highly recommended and enjoyable to boot. A definite reread on both books. Deserving of my five stars as it kept me entertained and glued to my kindle.
July 15, 2018
4.5/5
+5 million stars for glitter lipstick
This oh so steamy BDSM romance that pushes all the buttons is a follow up to Kate Hawthorne’s Love Comes After. I would say Until You Say Otherwise is a stand alone novel, but that’s easy for me to say since I read Love Comes After. And liked them both. A lot. Now, I would recommend reading them in the proper order since it builds up the anticipation of Richard’s story. And isn’t that what BDSM is about?
Like many of Hawthorne’s Lonely Hearts books, there is a lot of sex and a heavy dose of kink here. With those elements though, comes a great deal of character development and really amazing moments of connection between the characters. What likely draws me back to these books repeatedly is how much high heat is cultivated with so much depth. These storylines cover a breadth of sexual moments: slow burn, high heat, wicked, fun, silly, outrageous, loving, sweet, desperate, and indulgent. Yet in nearly all of them, we are able to understand the characters, their motivations, reasonings, and how those intimacies impact them. That level of depth doesn’t usually happen with so highly sexualized books. That’s what makes these, I believe, so well done.
I would classify this as a high level of BDSM. There is pain play as well as bondage, breath play, and a variety of power exchanges. If that’s your scene, then I highly and strongly recommend this book. If you shy away from too much sex then skip this one.
The bond and connection between Sam and Richard is amazing. I loved watching them develop and learn one another. The cameos from Christopher and “his boys” was great. And, as a huge fan of them in general, I highly appreciated the epilogue, which was truly spectacular.
Available on KU.
Happy Reading!
+5 million stars for glitter lipstick
This oh so steamy BDSM romance that pushes all the buttons is a follow up to Kate Hawthorne’s Love Comes After. I would say Until You Say Otherwise is a stand alone novel, but that’s easy for me to say since I read Love Comes After. And liked them both. A lot. Now, I would recommend reading them in the proper order since it builds up the anticipation of Richard’s story. And isn’t that what BDSM is about?
Like many of Hawthorne’s Lonely Hearts books, there is a lot of sex and a heavy dose of kink here. With those elements though, comes a great deal of character development and really amazing moments of connection between the characters. What likely draws me back to these books repeatedly is how much high heat is cultivated with so much depth. These storylines cover a breadth of sexual moments: slow burn, high heat, wicked, fun, silly, outrageous, loving, sweet, desperate, and indulgent. Yet in nearly all of them, we are able to understand the characters, their motivations, reasonings, and how those intimacies impact them. That level of depth doesn’t usually happen with so highly sexualized books. That’s what makes these, I believe, so well done.
I would classify this as a high level of BDSM. There is pain play as well as bondage, breath play, and a variety of power exchanges. If that’s your scene, then I highly and strongly recommend this book. If you shy away from too much sex then skip this one.
The bond and connection between Sam and Richard is amazing. I loved watching them develop and learn one another. The cameos from Christopher and “his boys” was great. And, as a huge fan of them in general, I highly appreciated the epilogue, which was truly spectacular.
Available on KU.
Happy Reading!
July 6, 2018
Just wow again from Kate Hawthorne!!
This book deals with an older dom and complete newbie to the d/s world.
Richard is still grieving the loss of his brother three years previously as well as supporting his best friend and his brother's partner, Christopher from Love Comes After. When he comes across the innocent and honest Sam, he can't help but want him and offers to help the young man.
Sam, in his struggle to find work when he doesn't have a fixed address, apparently his car doesn't count, makes use of the mailbox of a house that is easily accessible. Until a week later it's been moved inside the gate and Richard comes across Sam trying to figure out how to get his post. He cautiously accepts the help that is offered and soon finds himself discovering so much more about himself, and Richard.
The two men together is so well written! Care is taken by Richard to ensure Sam is fully aware and taken care of her used in the ways he can't even imagine. Sam brings life back into Richard's home, giving him the chance to enjoy the little things again since losing his brother. The natural progression of their relationship doesn't feel rushed or anyone taken advantage of. It's easy to sense the live that blooms between the two and what draws them to each other as each man balance the other out.
It would have been nice to have had a little more interaction with Richard and Christopher but this book takes place alongside Love Comes After so we can understand why it doesn't happen more.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough but he aware that you are reading a book containing the d/s dynamic and actions before you read it
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
This book deals with an older dom and complete newbie to the d/s world.
Richard is still grieving the loss of his brother three years previously as well as supporting his best friend and his brother's partner, Christopher from Love Comes After. When he comes across the innocent and honest Sam, he can't help but want him and offers to help the young man.
Sam, in his struggle to find work when he doesn't have a fixed address, apparently his car doesn't count, makes use of the mailbox of a house that is easily accessible. Until a week later it's been moved inside the gate and Richard comes across Sam trying to figure out how to get his post. He cautiously accepts the help that is offered and soon finds himself discovering so much more about himself, and Richard.
The two men together is so well written! Care is taken by Richard to ensure Sam is fully aware and taken care of her used in the ways he can't even imagine. Sam brings life back into Richard's home, giving him the chance to enjoy the little things again since losing his brother. The natural progression of their relationship doesn't feel rushed or anyone taken advantage of. It's easy to sense the live that blooms between the two and what draws them to each other as each man balance the other out.
It would have been nice to have had a little more interaction with Richard and Christopher but this book takes place alongside Love Comes After so we can understand why it doesn't happen more.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough but he aware that you are reading a book containing the d/s dynamic and actions before you read it
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
July 7, 2024
Sam needs an address to get himself a job. Jumping the fence at a really attractive older man's estate wasn't the best idea he ever had. Richard is commanding, but kind, and he offers him something no one else ever has - a home which is a safe place, a warm bed, and a place to explore parts of himself he never knew before. Richard doesn't date and doesn't take in homeless nineteen-year-olds with soft brown hair and big doe eyes. Something about Sam makes him ache to take care of him and when Richard offers, he doesn't tell him no. Before Sam, he also didn't fall in love, but that's one more thing about Richard he's changed. Sam has altered his entire life and he doesn't want him to go, but if he holds on too tight, he'll lose him forever.
This was such a sweet story with a dose of kink that could be a little extreme thanks to Sam's total trust in Richard. I did understand why Richard let Sam have the freedom that he so badly wanted but it took a very high level of trust to know that he would come back. I loved the way that their relationship developed which displayed their trust in each other and the way that Sam had accepted the new world he had become a part of. Lots of emotions and feelings in this story. Easy to read, feel and u understand. This was an MM story with mature content including a BDSM-like D/s dynamic.
This was such a sweet story with a dose of kink that could be a little extreme thanks to Sam's total trust in Richard. I did understand why Richard let Sam have the freedom that he so badly wanted but it took a very high level of trust to know that he would come back. I loved the way that their relationship developed which displayed their trust in each other and the way that Sam had accepted the new world he had become a part of. Lots of emotions and feelings in this story. Easy to read, feel and u understand. This was an MM story with mature content including a BDSM-like D/s dynamic.
July 9, 2018
This is my first book by the author and I’m excited to read more. I believe this is a sequel of a previous MMM book, and I did find myself really intrigued by the triad side characters, so probably going to read them next.
But! This book was pretty heavily bdsm, which is not totally my thing (despite my favorite MM series being bdsm romance) and it was still really enjoyable. Both Richard and Sam are great characters with unique personalities and interests (Richard collects cat teapots and Sam likes to wear flavored lip gloss) and they just seem to fit without very much effort. The conflict, aside from Sam’s insistence on independence towards the end of the book, is pretty much all external. These characters don’t struggle within their relationship very much, which makes it a pretty sweet read for someone looking for something hot and kinky. It is sad places since we find out rather early that Richard is still coping with a personal loss, but it’s overall a pretty light read (at least for me). Lovely.
But! This book was pretty heavily bdsm, which is not totally my thing (despite my favorite MM series being bdsm romance) and it was still really enjoyable. Both Richard and Sam are great characters with unique personalities and interests (Richard collects cat teapots and Sam likes to wear flavored lip gloss) and they just seem to fit without very much effort. The conflict, aside from Sam’s insistence on independence towards the end of the book, is pretty much all external. These characters don’t struggle within their relationship very much, which makes it a pretty sweet read for someone looking for something hot and kinky. It is sad places since we find out rather early that Richard is still coping with a personal loss, but it’s overall a pretty light read (at least for me). Lovely.
July 10, 2018
So Good
Best book in the series. I know I keep saying that with every new one but it doesn’t make it any less true. This book was perfection.
I simply love Richard and Sam. The way they compliment each other and love each is just beautiful. Watching their relationship evolve took me through a whole gamut of emotions - happy, nervous, horny, and sad. They each have their own baggage but help the other to be stronger.
And there isn’t a good enough description for the level of heat in this book. Like sizzling, scorching, melted Kindle levels of hot. But yet, that being said, this author is really good at making lots of hot sex scenes that are never gratuitous. They are all perfectly placed to flow with the story.
When I say hot, I don’t just mean good sex. I mean filthy, debauched, glorious BDSM. There are implements. And chains. And leather shoes. And so, so much more. But I don’t want to keep going for fear of giving away the fun surprises you will uncover as you read it.
Best book in the series. I know I keep saying that with every new one but it doesn’t make it any less true. This book was perfection.
I simply love Richard and Sam. The way they compliment each other and love each is just beautiful. Watching their relationship evolve took me through a whole gamut of emotions - happy, nervous, horny, and sad. They each have their own baggage but help the other to be stronger.
And there isn’t a good enough description for the level of heat in this book. Like sizzling, scorching, melted Kindle levels of hot. But yet, that being said, this author is really good at making lots of hot sex scenes that are never gratuitous. They are all perfectly placed to flow with the story.
When I say hot, I don’t just mean good sex. I mean filthy, debauched, glorious BDSM. There are implements. And chains. And leather shoes. And so, so much more. But I don’t want to keep going for fear of giving away the fun surprises you will uncover as you read it.
January 17, 2020
I think I fell in love with Richard in Love Comes After. He was a bit character, Chris's best friend and confidant also brother-in-law (sort of you have to read that book to find out). But what we did get was mysterious and intriguing. I loved this story. I think it is my favorite of the series though all the books are awesome.
Richard is just so sexy, Sam is so adorable and the two just fit. Though the story is very sexy with lots of BDSM, lots of sexy times, there is a good storyline to it.
If you like a good BDSM, Dungeons, D's and a really good age-gap I think this is for you.
I did listen to this as Audio and It was good. I will admit I liked the previous narrator better. Where John Dole did a very good job with the narration, pacing and even giving good emotions like sighs and grunts, I was not a fan of some fo the voices, such as Chris, Bennett, Aiden, and Josh. I found those voices all a bit overdone and just strange. Richard's voice was SAF and Sam's was cute and I guess that is all that really mattered.
Richard is just so sexy, Sam is so adorable and the two just fit. Though the story is very sexy with lots of BDSM, lots of sexy times, there is a good storyline to it.
If you like a good BDSM, Dungeons, D's and a really good age-gap I think this is for you.
I did listen to this as Audio and It was good. I will admit I liked the previous narrator better. Where John Dole did a very good job with the narration, pacing and even giving good emotions like sighs and grunts, I was not a fan of some fo the voices, such as Chris, Bennett, Aiden, and Josh. I found those voices all a bit overdone and just strange. Richard's voice was SAF and Sam's was cute and I guess that is all that really mattered.
July 6, 2018
Richard is a man who is growing tired of the one night stands. He has been comfortable in his lifestyle for so long that he is not sure if he can completely change it but he is at the point that he feels he needs to try.
Sam is down on his luck after leaving an unhealthy home. He is living in his car and trying to get a job to be self sufficient but the one thing that is holding him back is the lack of an address for job applications.
One out of the box idea from Sam and a chance meeting with Richard start these two on a journey that will change both of their lives for the better.
I loved Richard when we first met him in The Color Between Us and I could not wait to get to know his story. When we got to know him a little bit more as Chris's friend in Love Comes After I was counting down the days until I could read this book. When I thought no one would possibly top Roland in my world Kate gives us Richard. I loved this book so much and it is absolutely at the top of my re-read list.
Sam is down on his luck after leaving an unhealthy home. He is living in his car and trying to get a job to be self sufficient but the one thing that is holding him back is the lack of an address for job applications.
One out of the box idea from Sam and a chance meeting with Richard start these two on a journey that will change both of their lives for the better.
I loved Richard when we first met him in The Color Between Us and I could not wait to get to know his story. When we got to know him a little bit more as Chris's friend in Love Comes After I was counting down the days until I could read this book. When I thought no one would possibly top Roland in my world Kate gives us Richard. I loved this book so much and it is absolutely at the top of my re-read list.
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