What do you think?
Rate this book
Different Dynamics #2
Exercising Restraint
Pierce may have a crush on Steve, his sweet, funny personal trainer, but he doesn’t plan to act on it. They have a great relationship in the gym but are also friends outside of it, and Pierce has no intention of jeopardizing that. Besides, he may be an omega, but he’s got a good handle on his body’s biology. He’s not worried he’ll accidentally take things too far.
Steve may have a crush on Pierce, his smart and incredibly hot client, but he’s definitely not planning to say anything anytime soon. Pierce can do way better than Steve, and anyway, Pierce is a pretty casual dater. What Steve wants is anything but casual. And that’s not just the alpha in him.
When Pierce goes to Steve’s gym one snowy afternoon to work out, he thinks nothing of the fact that he’s in heat. He’s taken his libido inhibitor and is wearing his odor blocker, so there’s no chance of bothering Steve. Except, then the blocker wears off.
Steve wants nothing more than to keep himself under control, keep himself from doing something Pierce might not want. But Pierce might have something else in mind…
Exercising Restraint is a non-shifter A/B/O with an HFN.
Steve may have a crush on Pierce, his smart and incredibly hot client, but he’s definitely not planning to say anything anytime soon. Pierce can do way better than Steve, and anyway, Pierce is a pretty casual dater. What Steve wants is anything but casual. And that’s not just the alpha in him.
When Pierce goes to Steve’s gym one snowy afternoon to work out, he thinks nothing of the fact that he’s in heat. He’s taken his libido inhibitor and is wearing his odor blocker, so there’s no chance of bothering Steve. Except, then the blocker wears off.
Steve wants nothing more than to keep himself under control, keep himself from doing something Pierce might not want. But Pierce might have something else in mind…
Exercising Restraint is a non-shifter A/B/O with an HFN.
- GenresM M Romance
ebook
First published July 30, 2018
18 people want to read
About the author
Tamir Drake
2 books3 followersTamir has the tendency to write feelings into everything, no matter how filthy. He’s not all that sorry about it.
Join Tamir's mailing list to stay updated on releases.
Join Tamir's mailing list to stay updated on releases.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 3, 2020
3.5 Hearts
Not necessarily a direct sequel, this is in the same ABO world and briefly features Richard and James from Different Dynamics.
This was an enjoyable, simple, friends to lovers romance where both Pierce and Steve think the other isn’t interested, and neither is brave enough to rock the boat, wanting to preserve their client/trainer relationship by keeping things strictly professional.
However, a fortuitous terrible storm happens, forcing Pierce and Steve into tight quarters just as Pierce starts his heat. Will these two be able to keep the ruse of hiding their feelings from each other or will base urges win out?
Well, of course base urges triumph, but this definitely had more feels and romance than the first book which will surely please many. It also had a slight twist on the ABO characteristics featured, where alpha Steve is the one who loses control a bit, and it’s omega Pierce who has to rein him in.
Overall, an easy sexy short with a nice touch of KNOTTING, where always more *wink* would’ve been much appreciated!
Thanks to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
Not necessarily a direct sequel, this is in the same ABO world and briefly features Richard and James from Different Dynamics.
This was an enjoyable, simple, friends to lovers romance where both Pierce and Steve think the other isn’t interested, and neither is brave enough to rock the boat, wanting to preserve their client/trainer relationship by keeping things strictly professional.
However, a fortuitous terrible storm happens, forcing Pierce and Steve into tight quarters just as Pierce starts his heat. Will these two be able to keep the ruse of hiding their feelings from each other or will base urges win out?
Well, of course base urges triumph, but this definitely had more feels and romance than the first book which will surely please many. It also had a slight twist on the ABO characteristics featured, where alpha Steve is the one who loses control a bit, and it’s omega Pierce who has to rein him in.
Overall, an easy sexy short with a nice touch of KNOTTING, where always more *wink* would’ve been much appreciated!
Thanks to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
August 20, 2018
4.5 stars
Steve is Pierce’s personal trainer. Both think the other is far out of reach. Steve is oblivious about Pierce’s appreciative ogling eyes, he even feels inferior.
When Pierce is going into heat he covers up the smell with blockers.
Steve as an Alpha does smell this covered up heating and has trouble to resist.
With the cold and snow Steve insists to take Pierce home.
The weather is getting worse so Steve has stay the night. As a good Alpha he wants to take care of Pierce but doesn’t want to push and Pierce... wants nothing more than that.
Oh my gosh this was a delicious read, I loved all the tension and when they finally give in they have the hottest sex. It is a short read and enough develops to make it a very appealing story. Their dynamic is really well put together, their personalities were engaging and endearing, gentle, straight, considerate and with some hot spicy sides. I loved that they were not a regular Alpha and Omega this fact made it even more appealing.
Read and reviewed for Diverse Reader
Steve is Pierce’s personal trainer. Both think the other is far out of reach. Steve is oblivious about Pierce’s appreciative ogling eyes, he even feels inferior.
When Pierce is going into heat he covers up the smell with blockers.
Steve as an Alpha does smell this covered up heating and has trouble to resist.
With the cold and snow Steve insists to take Pierce home.
The weather is getting worse so Steve has stay the night. As a good Alpha he wants to take care of Pierce but doesn’t want to push and Pierce... wants nothing more than that.
Oh my gosh this was a delicious read, I loved all the tension and when they finally give in they have the hottest sex. It is a short read and enough develops to make it a very appealing story. Their dynamic is really well put together, their personalities were engaging and endearing, gentle, straight, considerate and with some hot spicy sides. I loved that they were not a regular Alpha and Omega this fact made it even more appealing.
Read and reviewed for Diverse Reader
August 2, 2018
3.5 Stars
This is the second book in this series and the second time I really wish these books were longer. I really liked reading this one (and the previous book) because we get a hot and steamy story but they just left me wanting more. I really do think this was good though and the author made sure that for a shorter book, the flow of the story is really well written and the plot keeps you immersed in the book.
Omega Pierce has a crush on his Alpha personal trainer Steve. Steve is completely oblivious to Pierce’s crush but at the same time, he feels exactly the same way for the other man, too. I think it’s funny when we get a story like this, when both characters are trying to keep their feelings hidden from each other and not realizing that the other person feels the same way. So when a blizzard takes over their city they are pushed into closer contact together, giving them both the chance to come clean about how they feel and possibly, hopefully, turn it into something more. And just like the first book, this one had a somewhat abrupt HFN type ending so I really do hope we get another book to see more of how their relationship plays out in the future.
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.***
This is the second book in this series and the second time I really wish these books were longer. I really liked reading this one (and the previous book) because we get a hot and steamy story but they just left me wanting more. I really do think this was good though and the author made sure that for a shorter book, the flow of the story is really well written and the plot keeps you immersed in the book.
Omega Pierce has a crush on his Alpha personal trainer Steve. Steve is completely oblivious to Pierce’s crush but at the same time, he feels exactly the same way for the other man, too. I think it’s funny when we get a story like this, when both characters are trying to keep their feelings hidden from each other and not realizing that the other person feels the same way. So when a blizzard takes over their city they are pushed into closer contact together, giving them both the chance to come clean about how they feel and possibly, hopefully, turn it into something more. And just like the first book, this one had a somewhat abrupt HFN type ending so I really do hope we get another book to see more of how their relationship plays out in the future.
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.***
August 24, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
Exercising Restraint is the second book in Tamir Drake’s Different Dynamics series, though the story mostly stands alone. Two of the MCs from Different Dynamics show up here briefly, but you don’t need to be familiar with their story to follow along. I enjoyed the first book and found it light, easy fun with an omegaverse twist, and this story has pretty much the same tone. The story is short and things don’t go too deep, but Drake does a nice job establishing the attraction between the guys and the reasons each are hesitant about the relationship. This story isn’t quite as all out sex as the first book, but there are still some scenes that capture the omegaverse heat dynamic. I particularly appreciated how each man is very sensitive to the other’s feelings and works to make sure that the hormones are not unduly influencing the other’s actions.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
Exercising Restraint is the second book in Tamir Drake’s Different Dynamics series, though the story mostly stands alone. Two of the MCs from Different Dynamics show up here briefly, but you don’t need to be familiar with their story to follow along. I enjoyed the first book and found it light, easy fun with an omegaverse twist, and this story has pretty much the same tone. The story is short and things don’t go too deep, but Drake does a nice job establishing the attraction between the guys and the reasons each are hesitant about the relationship. This story isn’t quite as all out sex as the first book, but there are still some scenes that capture the omegaverse heat dynamic. I particularly appreciated how each man is very sensitive to the other’s feelings and works to make sure that the hormones are not unduly influencing the other’s actions.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
July 25, 2018
3.5 stars
This is the second book in the Different Dynamics series. I haven't read Different Dynamics yet, but this is a standalone.
Since Pierce works from home, he goes to the gym three times a week where Steve is his personal trainer. I love stories where there's an unrequited crush and this one did not disappoint! I've read a few A/B/O stories with knotting, but there isn't
I wish this was longer! I would have loved to have read about their Even though this is a short story, there's still a strong HFN ending. I can't wait to read more stories from this new to me author in the future!
An ARC was generously provided, by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book in the Different Dynamics series. I haven't read Different Dynamics yet, but this is a standalone.
Since Pierce works from home, he goes to the gym three times a week where Steve is his personal trainer. I love stories where there's an unrequited crush and this one did not disappoint! I've read a few A/B/O stories with knotting, but there isn't
I wish this was longer! I would have loved to have read about their Even though this is a short story, there's still a strong HFN ending. I can't wait to read more stories from this new to me author in the future!
An ARC was generously provided, by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2018
This review first appeared on the blog Ally's Appraisals: https://wp.me/p37L0Q-Zp
My Thoughts: Exercising Restraint proves to be just as punchy as the first book of the series, Different Dynamics. Set in the same world as the first novel, the second expands upon the concept of the Alpha/Beta/Omega (A/B/O) universe and features two incredibly likeable characters.
While I enjoyed the characters, Richard, James, and Dmitry from the first novel, I really found myself falling in love with Steve and Pierce. Steve, an alpha personal trainer, secretly likes Pierce, an omega client of his. Steve hides his attraction to Pierce, so as not to push the boundaries and remain respectful of their client/trainer relationship.
I really appreciated the respect Steve had for Pierce, there were no overt ‘Alpha’ dominance moment between the two. In comparison to Different Dynamics, it was great seeing a different type of omega character represented.
Throughout the novelette, I found myself really enjoying the sweet hesitancy between the pair. The way they circle around their attraction to each other was a pleasure to read. The fact that James and Richard from the first novel make an appearance, only added to my enjoyment.
One a final note, I really enjoyed Exercising Restraint. I found it both incredibly sweet and sexy, which is a tough tough combo to nail 😛 and am hoping to seeing more of the series!
My Thoughts: Exercising Restraint proves to be just as punchy as the first book of the series, Different Dynamics. Set in the same world as the first novel, the second expands upon the concept of the Alpha/Beta/Omega (A/B/O) universe and features two incredibly likeable characters.
While I enjoyed the characters, Richard, James, and Dmitry from the first novel, I really found myself falling in love with Steve and Pierce. Steve, an alpha personal trainer, secretly likes Pierce, an omega client of his. Steve hides his attraction to Pierce, so as not to push the boundaries and remain respectful of their client/trainer relationship.
I really appreciated the respect Steve had for Pierce, there were no overt ‘Alpha’ dominance moment between the two. In comparison to Different Dynamics, it was great seeing a different type of omega character represented.
Throughout the novelette, I found myself really enjoying the sweet hesitancy between the pair. The way they circle around their attraction to each other was a pleasure to read. The fact that James and Richard from the first novel make an appearance, only added to my enjoyment.
One a final note, I really enjoyed Exercising Restraint. I found it both incredibly sweet and sexy, which is a tough tough combo to nail 😛 and am hoping to seeing more of the series!
August 2, 2018
This was a good quick read. I really enjoyed this book. It is an Alpha/omega non shifter book,
Steve is a trainer and an alpha. Pierce works from home, trains with Steve to stay in shape, and is an omega. Both know what the other is but neither have ever really brought the matter up before. Both men have a secret that they are hiding from the other as well. They both have crushes on the other man but have never mentioned it, acted upon it, or even considered it since they are friends as well as Steve being Pierces employee, so to speak.
Though they have never acted on it, both have thought about it and what it would be like. But neither man wants to take it to the other level for fear of messing up their relationship as it is with one another.
But things are about to be taken out of their hands when Pierce goes into heat and his heat suppressant spray wears off while at a training session. Yes things are extremely uncomfortable for Steve especially but fate has a way of deciding what hat fate wants. And normally fate will get what fate wants in the end. Or will it?
This was such a good read. It was a quick read with a great storyline. I enjoyed the unknown between these two and them muffling their way through things and trying to navigate the unknown. I look forward to more books by Tamir Drake in the future.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Steve is a trainer and an alpha. Pierce works from home, trains with Steve to stay in shape, and is an omega. Both know what the other is but neither have ever really brought the matter up before. Both men have a secret that they are hiding from the other as well. They both have crushes on the other man but have never mentioned it, acted upon it, or even considered it since they are friends as well as Steve being Pierces employee, so to speak.
Though they have never acted on it, both have thought about it and what it would be like. But neither man wants to take it to the other level for fear of messing up their relationship as it is with one another.
But things are about to be taken out of their hands when Pierce goes into heat and his heat suppressant spray wears off while at a training session. Yes things are extremely uncomfortable for Steve especially but fate has a way of deciding what hat fate wants. And normally fate will get what fate wants in the end. Or will it?
This was such a good read. It was a quick read with a great storyline. I enjoyed the unknown between these two and them muffling their way through things and trying to navigate the unknown. I look forward to more books by Tamir Drake in the future.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
July 30, 2018
Great read. Pierce and Steve are couple who are equally adorable and sexy. Love this dynamic and feels it always makes for a great read. Unique world mixed with what you would expect, you'll want to read this again and again. This is a first time read for me from this author, I guess this is the second book in the Different Dynamics Series, but I didn't feel lost at all and can be read as a standalone. Can't wait for the next. This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2018
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Review:
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
I really liked this story just as much as the last one. We get a small chance to see Richard and James from Different Dynamics but there is no requirement to read that book to enjoy this story. Steve is completely oblivious to Pierce’s flirting and doesn’t think that anyone would really want him. Pierce feels safe with Steve and when they get snowed in together finally lets Steve know how he feels.
Perce and Steve have really been dancing around each other since Pierce became Steve’s client this situation just gave them the push they needed. We see mostly Pierce’s point of view and a little bit of Steve’s too. Pierce doesn’t want to make Steve uncomfortable while Steve is worried about making Pierce uncomfortable so they have been dancing around each other. Once they both let their guards down they are perfect together. As always I wish the story would have been longer but know what to expect with this story length. I like their HFN ending and can see them solidifying their relationship in the future.
Cover art by Natasha Snow is great and I love the visual it gives.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
I really liked this story just as much as the last one. We get a small chance to see Richard and James from Different Dynamics but there is no requirement to read that book to enjoy this story. Steve is completely oblivious to Pierce’s flirting and doesn’t think that anyone would really want him. Pierce feels safe with Steve and when they get snowed in together finally lets Steve know how he feels.
Perce and Steve have really been dancing around each other since Pierce became Steve’s client this situation just gave them the push they needed. We see mostly Pierce’s point of view and a little bit of Steve’s too. Pierce doesn’t want to make Steve uncomfortable while Steve is worried about making Pierce uncomfortable so they have been dancing around each other. Once they both let their guards down they are perfect together. As always I wish the story would have been longer but know what to expect with this story length. I like their HFN ending and can see them solidifying their relationship in the future.
Cover art by Natasha Snow is great and I love the visual it gives.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews