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The Hampton Road Club #1
Hesitant Heart
Sam might be innocent, but the Roaring Twenties aren’t…
Sam is used to living with lots of secrets. He’s always had to hide who he is or else incur the wrath of his strict and abusive father. After he’s faced with a horrible ultimatum, he flees to Hollywood where he hopes he can escape the specter of his miserable upbringing.
Aaron is a wealthy, sophisticated man who loses himself in painting portraits of bound men to stave off his loneliness and despair. Unable to find a lasting connection with anyone, he has resorted to paying lovers so he can indulge in his darker passions. Aaron’s only respite is the Hampton Road sadomasochism club where he’s a respected Dominant.
Naïve in the ways men can please one another, Sam takes a job at a bathhouse where he first glimpses a handsome older man. Aaron has his interest sparked when he spies a shy towel boy watching him whenever he patronizes the Temple of Eros. When a traumatic event triggers Aaron’s protective nature, he rescues the gentle Sam from the clutches of the disreputable establishment’s manager.
As their bond deepens and Sam is trained for his first night at the Hampton Road Club, an unknown danger lurks. Will Aaron’s heart be crushed once again?
Publisher Note: This book was previously published under the same title with a different publisher. It has been reedited, revised and expanded. Hesitant Heart is Book 1 in The Hampton Road Club series, but there is a satisfying HEA with no cliffhanger!
Sam is used to living with lots of secrets. He’s always had to hide who he is or else incur the wrath of his strict and abusive father. After he’s faced with a horrible ultimatum, he flees to Hollywood where he hopes he can escape the specter of his miserable upbringing.
Aaron is a wealthy, sophisticated man who loses himself in painting portraits of bound men to stave off his loneliness and despair. Unable to find a lasting connection with anyone, he has resorted to paying lovers so he can indulge in his darker passions. Aaron’s only respite is the Hampton Road sadomasochism club where he’s a respected Dominant.
Naïve in the ways men can please one another, Sam takes a job at a bathhouse where he first glimpses a handsome older man. Aaron has his interest sparked when he spies a shy towel boy watching him whenever he patronizes the Temple of Eros. When a traumatic event triggers Aaron’s protective nature, he rescues the gentle Sam from the clutches of the disreputable establishment’s manager.
As their bond deepens and Sam is trained for his first night at the Hampton Road Club, an unknown danger lurks. Will Aaron’s heart be crushed once again?
Publisher Note: This book was previously published under the same title with a different publisher. It has been reedited, revised and expanded. Hesitant Heart is Book 1 in The Hampton Road Club series, but there is a satisfying HEA with no cliffhanger!
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2014
100 people are currently reading
287 people want to read
About the author
Morticia Knight
118 books645 followersUSA Today Bestselling and award-winning author Morticia Knight spends most of her nights writing about men loving men who explore the sweeter side of kink. If there happens to be some friendly bondage or floggings involved, she doesn’t begrudge her characters whatever their filthy little hearts desire. Even though she’s been crafting her tales for more years than she’d like to share—her adventures as a published author began in 2011. With over 70 gay/bisexual romance books and stories available, Morticia is bound to have something for your sexy HEA reading pleasure!
Morticia resides on the North Oregon coast where the fierce winter storms, gray skies and ocean views all conspire to spark her endless imagination.
Morticia resides on the North Oregon coast where the fierce winter storms, gray skies and ocean views all conspire to spark her endless imagination.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
May 12, 2020
and once more we come across the common and extremely annoying romance trope of Sex Workers Are The Fucking Worst!! unlike the other young men he works with, sam doesn't sleep with people for money, and the narrative casts this as making him better than the others, holding a special sort of moral code and innocence. the word "innocence" in relation to sexual matters irritates the fuck out of me anyway.
also, i'm not into dom/sub lifestyle shit. you know, shit that goes outside the bedroom. aaron is obviously in a position of power over sam but it's fine because it just so happens that sam is fine with everything he tells him to do, and it's just... uncomfortable? especially because this is held up as a Good example of a dom/sub relationship and i'm like errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
also, i'm not into dom/sub lifestyle shit. you know, shit that goes outside the bedroom. aaron is obviously in a position of power over sam but it's fine because it just so happens that sam is fine with everything he tells him to do, and it's just... uncomfortable? especially because this is held up as a Good example of a dom/sub relationship and i'm like errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
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November 11, 201811/2018: The new, second edition of Hesitant Heart is now available! Awesome new cover by Emmy Ellis (who did just as great a job on the original one), along with new edits and additional content. The second edition of Rules of Love (Hampton Road Club 2) will be coming in January 2019.
10/12/2018: The first edition of Hesitant Heart is no longer available. I'll be re-editing and publishing the second edition with deleted scenes in November.
10/12/2018: The first edition of Hesitant Heart is no longer available. I'll be re-editing and publishing the second edition with deleted scenes in November.
December 25, 2015
OMG, this was SO SO SO sweet. My teeth still hurt.
And this from a BDSM story.
I’ll read anything with a shy, submissive, younger guy looking for a protector. But even I have my limits. The writing was pretty bad. Everything that happened was mighty convenient.
This book is over the top lovey dovey, sugary sweet, with a serious case of insta-love.
I still loved Sam though. He was a sweetheart.
Anyone looking for a FLUFFY BDSM read without a decent plot, you’ll find it here!
And this from a BDSM story.
I’ll read anything with a shy, submissive, younger guy looking for a protector. But even I have my limits. The writing was pretty bad. Everything that happened was mighty convenient.
This book is over the top lovey dovey, sugary sweet, with a serious case of insta-love.
I still loved Sam though. He was a sweetheart.
Anyone looking for a FLUFFY BDSM read without a decent plot, you’ll find it here!
August 3, 2019
This is my first time reading a story taking place in 1920s Hollywood! I enjoyed imagining black and white settings, the glamour of it all. The story, told from dual POVs, was centered on a young sheltered man Sam and a seasoned Dominant Aaron. Aaron knows exactly what he wants and needs, and Sam's innocence makes that more attractive to Aaron. This is a story of exploration and finding love. Despite all the kink I found Sam and Aaron's relationship rather sweet. I loved how refreshing Sam was and how he brought Aaron out of his gloomy solitude. The intimate scenes were rather interesting because of the time period and the language Ms Knight used. It felt very authentic. I enjoyed Aaron's perceptiveness where Sam was concerned. They were so in tune, it was a joy to read this book. I recommend it.
did-not-finish
November 23, 2014Morticia Knight’s work has been on my radar for a while now and when I read the blurb for Hesitant Heart, I was immediately intrigued. Unfortunately, once I started, I immediately realized it wasn’t a book for me.
Why?
After one day of meeting each other, and when I say “meeting” I mean speaking to each other and having a conversation and not just looking at each other from across the bathhouse… So, after ONE DAY Sam and Aaron are both declaring long lasting commitments to each other…and they hardly even know each other!!!
For example:
Umm, yes, “yesterday” was the day they met.
Umm, yeah, I was done after that last bit…at 38%. Surprisingly I made it that far into the book. The relationship was progressing so swiftly, yet the story was moving so slowing and hardly ANYTHING had happened by 38%…except for Sam’s eagerness to have Aaron teach him all about sex and erotic pain.
Then there was the pet names, which I can usually forgive, but at this point the situation was so unbelievable that I was beyond annoyed.
I didn’t see myself ever believing in Sam and Aaron’s relationship so I didn’t see any reason for me to continue on with this book.
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
Why?
After one day of meeting each other, and when I say “meeting” I mean speaking to each other and having a conversation and not just looking at each other from across the bathhouse… So, after ONE DAY Sam and Aaron are both declaring long lasting commitments to each other…and they hardly even know each other!!!
For example:
“I’ll always stay with you. I told you that yesterday.” ~ Sam
Umm, yes, “yesterday” was the day they met.
“That’s all I ever want to do. I plan on devoting my life to your happiness and well-being.” ~ Aaron
Umm, yeah, I was done after that last bit…at 38%. Surprisingly I made it that far into the book. The relationship was progressing so swiftly, yet the story was moving so slowing and hardly ANYTHING had happened by 38%…except for Sam’s eagerness to have Aaron teach him all about sex and erotic pain.
Then there was the pet names, which I can usually forgive, but at this point the situation was so unbelievable that I was beyond annoyed.
“Little Sam. My sweet, little Sam. All mine.” ~ Aaron
I didn’t see myself ever believing in Sam and Aaron’s relationship so I didn’t see any reason for me to continue on with this book.
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
February 6, 2015
Thanks Goodreads for eating the more thoughtful review I did yesterday, so I'm just going to do a quick one.
Anyway I read this after the second book. I really enjoyed it. Sam is so innocent and naive, having been sheltered and controlled by his power hungry father. Aaron's protective instincts kick in when he realizes Sam is being abused at his job as a bathhouse towel boy and swoops in to help. He can't bear leaving Sam alone and winds up moving him into his house. The relationship progresses quickly, but Sam is an eager student with a lot to learn.
This book is a sweet romance, but there is also plenty of kink. I'm really enjoying the series and the 1920's setting and look forward to continuing with it.
Anyway I read this after the second book. I really enjoyed it. Sam is so innocent and naive, having been sheltered and controlled by his power hungry father. Aaron's protective instincts kick in when he realizes Sam is being abused at his job as a bathhouse towel boy and swoops in to help. He can't bear leaving Sam alone and winds up moving him into his house. The relationship progresses quickly, but Sam is an eager student with a lot to learn.
This book is a sweet romance, but there is also plenty of kink. I'm really enjoying the series and the 1920's setting and look forward to continuing with it.
probably-not-but-freebie
March 8, 2019Freebie at the zon.com right now: https://www.amazon.com/Hesitant-Heart...
October 30, 2014
Original Blog Post: eARC Review: Hesitant Heart (The Hampton Road Club) by Morticia Knight
Set in a time where being closeted was key to survival, the story of the young and truly innocent Sam and his Master Aaron is a beautiful story of ultimate trust and unconditional love. The plot may confuse those who are not all that familiar or comfortable with the BDSM lifestyle, but this is a true romance that is both sweet and erotic at the same time.
Sam was working as a towel boy at a bathhouse in 1920s Hollywood after having run away from a home that was oppressive as it was abusive. Set apart from society, never allowed to any thing modern, Sam was a true naive. It is there that he set eyes on a beautiful, much older man. This man set his heart to hope and feel and Sam just wanted to be in that man's life. The problem is, the man did not really look at him, nor talk to him, not with Sam being very quiet and reserved.
When Sam's boss and co-worker pressure him to do something he had no idea what but just knew was wrong, this was then when Aaron takes notice. The protective instincts come to the fore and he just wanted to care for this young boy. His problem was that he saw himself as some sort of a freak. He had needs he could never voice in polite company and in the process, reclused himself from having real relationships for fear of being found out. His only relief was to pay for his company and to paint. This all changes when he finds Sam.
The story of Sam and Aaron as a couple began really slow. On Aaron's part, he was just plain scared Sam may run when he discovers his 'perverted' needs. On Sam's part, he was confused why the older man would reject him when he declared first off that he would be one to stay. As they got to know each other, they settled and learned each others' needs. Their journey to discovery was slow, gentle and full of love.
This is a historical novel and thus is filled with information that many BDSM readers may not have known at first. The differences in the lifestyle then is very obvious from their being hidden from society or even be a subject of discussion. This read can take readers on a journey of love and compassion as well as a peek into the past. What we consider normal today, society concluded was taboo and even dangerous and schizophrenic.
A definite must read for all those who love BDSM and true romantics at heart.
Set in a time where being closeted was key to survival, the story of the young and truly innocent Sam and his Master Aaron is a beautiful story of ultimate trust and unconditional love. The plot may confuse those who are not all that familiar or comfortable with the BDSM lifestyle, but this is a true romance that is both sweet and erotic at the same time.
Sam was working as a towel boy at a bathhouse in 1920s Hollywood after having run away from a home that was oppressive as it was abusive. Set apart from society, never allowed to any thing modern, Sam was a true naive. It is there that he set eyes on a beautiful, much older man. This man set his heart to hope and feel and Sam just wanted to be in that man's life. The problem is, the man did not really look at him, nor talk to him, not with Sam being very quiet and reserved.
When Sam's boss and co-worker pressure him to do something he had no idea what but just knew was wrong, this was then when Aaron takes notice. The protective instincts come to the fore and he just wanted to care for this young boy. His problem was that he saw himself as some sort of a freak. He had needs he could never voice in polite company and in the process, reclused himself from having real relationships for fear of being found out. His only relief was to pay for his company and to paint. This all changes when he finds Sam.
The story of Sam and Aaron as a couple began really slow. On Aaron's part, he was just plain scared Sam may run when he discovers his 'perverted' needs. On Sam's part, he was confused why the older man would reject him when he declared first off that he would be one to stay. As they got to know each other, they settled and learned each others' needs. Their journey to discovery was slow, gentle and full of love.
This is a historical novel and thus is filled with information that many BDSM readers may not have known at first. The differences in the lifestyle then is very obvious from their being hidden from society or even be a subject of discussion. This read can take readers on a journey of love and compassion as well as a peek into the past. What we consider normal today, society concluded was taboo and even dangerous and schizophrenic.
A definite must read for all those who love BDSM and true romantics at heart.
October 28, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Historical books in this genre are not ones I often gravitate to and stories with a large age differences are also not ones I specifically seek out. But, and here’s the but, Morticia Knight’s name is on this one, so I’m in.
This is a sweet story. Even with the BDSM elements and a few unsavory characters, it remains sweet. Aaron even calls Sam “Little Sam” or “Sweet Sam” throughout the story to further add to the sweetness.
Sam is so sheltered and inexperienced. Inexperienced as in he doesn’t know how a man’s body works sexually. He has always been attracted to men, but has absolutely no idea how men can be together. Sam’s inexperience is drawn well and his sheltered thoughts are well written and match his character. Aaron lives of off his trust fund and has never been able to have an ongoing relationship with a man. His dominant side scares most men, he feels he will never find anyone who will truly love him, and he has taken to paying for companionship on occasion. We are not told Aaron’s exact age, but he is portrayed as being significantly older than Sam, somewhere in the father figure range.
The D/s portion of the story is on the lighter side. While we see Sam embracing being submissive, the scenes of Aaron dominating him have more of a romantic feel to them. It is a true coming of age story for Sam as Aaron takes care of him and loves him. The portions of the story involving Sam’s training have both a show and tell quality to them, as we see some of it and are told of others. This works well to advance the story and keeps it having a somewhat airy and again a romanticized feel to the whole experience. There are heated scenes as we see Sam experience many physical pleasures for the first time. The historical aspect is not overdone and there are touches of the clothing and vehicles of the time to remind us of the era.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Historical books in this genre are not ones I often gravitate to and stories with a large age differences are also not ones I specifically seek out. But, and here’s the but, Morticia Knight’s name is on this one, so I’m in.
This is a sweet story. Even with the BDSM elements and a few unsavory characters, it remains sweet. Aaron even calls Sam “Little Sam” or “Sweet Sam” throughout the story to further add to the sweetness.
Sam is so sheltered and inexperienced. Inexperienced as in he doesn’t know how a man’s body works sexually. He has always been attracted to men, but has absolutely no idea how men can be together. Sam’s inexperience is drawn well and his sheltered thoughts are well written and match his character. Aaron lives of off his trust fund and has never been able to have an ongoing relationship with a man. His dominant side scares most men, he feels he will never find anyone who will truly love him, and he has taken to paying for companionship on occasion. We are not told Aaron’s exact age, but he is portrayed as being significantly older than Sam, somewhere in the father figure range.
The D/s portion of the story is on the lighter side. While we see Sam embracing being submissive, the scenes of Aaron dominating him have more of a romantic feel to them. It is a true coming of age story for Sam as Aaron takes care of him and loves him. The portions of the story involving Sam’s training have both a show and tell quality to them, as we see some of it and are told of others. This works well to advance the story and keeps it having a somewhat airy and again a romanticized feel to the whole experience. There are heated scenes as we see Sam experience many physical pleasures for the first time. The historical aspect is not overdone and there are touches of the clothing and vehicles of the time to remind us of the era.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
October 22, 2014
LOVED it. Pretty hard ♥
There's much to say, but I don't know where to start...
Morticia's beautiful and kinky writing, as well as the wonderful characters and their emotional bond did it for me.
And of course it's a spin-off to one of my most beloved series (( Hollywood Bound )) hence set in 1925! How more awesome can it get?
I'm not crazy about the intense D/s - Master/puppy scene, but I adore the shit out of Hesitant Heart.
Thank you, Morticia ♥
I'll worship the very pages you write on for always. ;)
There's much to say, but I don't know where to start...
Morticia's beautiful and kinky writing, as well as the wonderful characters and their emotional bond did it for me.
And of course it's a spin-off to one of my most beloved series (( Hollywood Bound )) hence set in 1925! How more awesome can it get?
I'm not crazy about the intense D/s - Master/puppy scene, but I adore the shit out of Hesitant Heart.
Thank you, Morticia ♥
I'll worship the very pages you write on for always. ;)
July 3, 2019
💖💖💖 Set in 1925. Ohh I loved this right from the start, sweet Sam is begging to be loved. If only Aaron would wake up and smell the rose. Saul is way super cool for a Dom Sam's baggage story is a sad one and his safety could be in jeopardy if hes found. He's s virgin in all things, sexually and with bdsm submitting, domestic discipline. A beautiful story for both characters each learning about each other, along with Sam's new life. Oh the ending was perfect and I loved the justice Sam's dad got..
Aaron 35 was a Dominant wanting men for pleasure. He looked to attend The Hampton Road Club for safety.
Sam 19 worked at the bathhouse that wasn't good for him with a mean boss.
Aaron 35 was a Dominant wanting men for pleasure. He looked to attend The Hampton Road Club for safety.
Sam 19 worked at the bathhouse that wasn't good for him with a mean boss.
November 22, 2014
A gay romance and BDSM story set in the 1920’s? I normally don’t do historicals but this one intrigued me.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story that kept me involved enough to want to read it through in one sitting. The writing is entertaining, the story is compelling and I really liked the set up: the secret life, the hidden club, the domestically dominant relationship of Master Aaron and beautiful Sam.
Overall, this book is a great read with a nice dose of kinky sexy. It’s sweet and lovely and just good. Recommended!
September 1, 2022
Morticia Knight is a new author to me so I really had no idea what to expect from her writing style, her world-building, or even her character's overall strengths and weaknesses. Wow, was I pleased with all the above? Absolutely. Simply put, the Roaring Twenties were, in many ways, a simpler time but some stigmas and prejudices have not completely gone away so those are completely relatable. This is a M/M D/s romance with all the titillating scenes, the drama and insecurities, a villain in the shadows until he isn't, friendship, loyalty, dominance, submission, and above all, first-time love. What I found the most refreshing is there wasn't this unbelievable over-the-top instant attraction but a subtle building of admiration and chemistry that surrounded the respect these two continued to show each other. I'm impressed with this first book and intend to follow the series as I can fit it into my calendar.
May 9, 2019
Sam & Aaron & Kisses!
A kinky love match between sweet Sam & Dom Aaron. A fun read, not a lot of depth. Interesting enough MCs, tried and true premise. I thought Sam was a little too naive and Aaron a bit too good. This is a BDSM fairytale-ish. Still a fun read! On to the next installment.
A kinky love match between sweet Sam & Dom Aaron. A fun read, not a lot of depth. Interesting enough MCs, tried and true premise. I thought Sam was a little too naive and Aaron a bit too good. This is a BDSM fairytale-ish. Still a fun read! On to the next installment.
March 19, 2019
2-2.5 stars
January 12, 2015
I was provided with one copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. Review first appeared on Nautical Star Books .
In Hesitant heart we first meet Sam, an incredibly innocent young man trying to survive in the bath houses of 1920’s Hollywood. He is willing to work hard to support himself but has absolutely no idea what he has gotten himself into in this less than reputable job.
Aaron is the beautiful older man who frequents the bathhouse that Sam works in. Aaron feels incredibly protective of the sweet young man who keeps watching him. Circumstances force Aaron to rescue Sam from his unsavory surroundings and he begins introducing Sam to the darker passions that he enjoys. But, Sam’s father is determined to reclaim his son. By force if necessary.
I loved Aaron’s character. He was honest and caring, with enough personal angst to make him seem human. He was hesitant to show Sam what he really enjoyed in bed but Sam’s personality seemed to just cry out for a dominant lover. The BDSM flowed slowly, gently and naturally into their sexual relationship.
Sam was incredibly innocent…just a bit too innocent for my liking actually. This book takes place almost 100 years ago and Sam was raised in an incredibly isolated family by a rather dominating and abusive father. But not even knowing the proper terminology for the parts of his body, much less what actual sex involved was hard for me to comprehend. It totally fit with the story line but just wasn’t something that really appealed to me. Part of me wanted him to be more experienced before finding Aaron and entering into a BDSM relationship but I was happy that Aaron was so patient and discussed everything they did with Sam before and after it happened.
Just knowing Sam’s family history, you KNOW what the climax of the story is going to be. Sam’s father is not the type of guy to just let his son leave. I thought the way that Aaron and Sam handled the situation was quite creative…I won’t spoil the surprise for you by saying more!
The one thing that kept me from really falling into this book was the formality of the writing. It was written well in terms of the time period and the fact that Aaron is wealthy and privileged but it just seemed a bit too stiff and formal for my liking.
Overall, though, I think Hesitant Heart was a well written historical romance with the BDSM introduced gently and increasing in intensity as the book progressed. There is wonderful character development and exploration of the actual relationship but a much more minor focus on the sex itself. It’s there and it is hot but there is more to the book than just sex!
In Hesitant heart we first meet Sam, an incredibly innocent young man trying to survive in the bath houses of 1920’s Hollywood. He is willing to work hard to support himself but has absolutely no idea what he has gotten himself into in this less than reputable job.
Aaron is the beautiful older man who frequents the bathhouse that Sam works in. Aaron feels incredibly protective of the sweet young man who keeps watching him. Circumstances force Aaron to rescue Sam from his unsavory surroundings and he begins introducing Sam to the darker passions that he enjoys. But, Sam’s father is determined to reclaim his son. By force if necessary.
I loved Aaron’s character. He was honest and caring, with enough personal angst to make him seem human. He was hesitant to show Sam what he really enjoyed in bed but Sam’s personality seemed to just cry out for a dominant lover. The BDSM flowed slowly, gently and naturally into their sexual relationship.
Sam was incredibly innocent…just a bit too innocent for my liking actually. This book takes place almost 100 years ago and Sam was raised in an incredibly isolated family by a rather dominating and abusive father. But not even knowing the proper terminology for the parts of his body, much less what actual sex involved was hard for me to comprehend. It totally fit with the story line but just wasn’t something that really appealed to me. Part of me wanted him to be more experienced before finding Aaron and entering into a BDSM relationship but I was happy that Aaron was so patient and discussed everything they did with Sam before and after it happened.
Just knowing Sam’s family history, you KNOW what the climax of the story is going to be. Sam’s father is not the type of guy to just let his son leave. I thought the way that Aaron and Sam handled the situation was quite creative…I won’t spoil the surprise for you by saying more!
The one thing that kept me from really falling into this book was the formality of the writing. It was written well in terms of the time period and the fact that Aaron is wealthy and privileged but it just seemed a bit too stiff and formal for my liking.
Overall, though, I think Hesitant Heart was a well written historical romance with the BDSM introduced gently and increasing in intensity as the book progressed. There is wonderful character development and exploration of the actual relationship but a much more minor focus on the sex itself. It’s there and it is hot but there is more to the book than just sex!
August 27, 2017
Book – Hesitant Heart (The Hampton Road Club #1)
Author – Morticia Knight
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 174
Cover – Nice!
POV – 3rd person, dual POV
Would I read it again – Yes!
Genre – LGBT, BDSM, Romance, 1920's
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK, BY TOTALLY BOUND, IN RETURN FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
Warnings: BDSM elements (spanking, obedience, club, pain play), Rent Boys, Homophobia, Parental abuse
Wow!
Now, normally I'd have at least 2 dozen notes and highlights from reading to use as my review. Not in this case. Why? Because I was so engrossed from page one that I didn't want to stop, not even to make notes or make out great quotes. Once I delved into the belly of the beast, I couldn't tear my eyes away.
Quite simply, there was nothing I didn't love about this book.
The historical accuracy of the 1920's lifestyle for gay men was so well explored and explained that even if I hadn't already known how dangerous and hard it was for gay men to live their lives in that time, I would have understood the risks from the story. It was never over-emphasised or exaggerated, but stated in that simple, tolerated way that all gay men had to tolerate the laws and rules of modern living back then.
As for characters, I quickly fell in love with both Sam and Aaron. Together, they weer magnificent and beautiful. Separately, Sam was so innocent and adorable, naive but so willing to learn; Aaron was strong, but gentle and so ready to lead Sam into this unknown world at a pace he deserved. The way they let each other get used to their lifestyle, to the lessons and the changes in their relationship was wonderful. Right from the start, the chemistry was palpable, but beyond that – and most importantly – they communicated, loved each other and openly participated in every aspect of their relationship as equals!
One of the best BDSM novels I've read. Ever.
From the writing to the characterisation, to the pulse-racing anticipation, it was perfection from beginning to end.
“As Aaron descended on him, Sam held his breath. He'd yearned to share a kiss with a man for so long, he thought he might faint from anticipation.” ~ You and me both, Sam. You and me both.
Author – Morticia Knight
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 174
Cover – Nice!
POV – 3rd person, dual POV
Would I read it again – Yes!
Genre – LGBT, BDSM, Romance, 1920's
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK, BY TOTALLY BOUND, IN RETURN FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
Warnings: BDSM elements (spanking, obedience, club, pain play), Rent Boys, Homophobia, Parental abuse
Wow!
Now, normally I'd have at least 2 dozen notes and highlights from reading to use as my review. Not in this case. Why? Because I was so engrossed from page one that I didn't want to stop, not even to make notes or make out great quotes. Once I delved into the belly of the beast, I couldn't tear my eyes away.
Quite simply, there was nothing I didn't love about this book.
The historical accuracy of the 1920's lifestyle for gay men was so well explored and explained that even if I hadn't already known how dangerous and hard it was for gay men to live their lives in that time, I would have understood the risks from the story. It was never over-emphasised or exaggerated, but stated in that simple, tolerated way that all gay men had to tolerate the laws and rules of modern living back then.
As for characters, I quickly fell in love with both Sam and Aaron. Together, they weer magnificent and beautiful. Separately, Sam was so innocent and adorable, naive but so willing to learn; Aaron was strong, but gentle and so ready to lead Sam into this unknown world at a pace he deserved. The way they let each other get used to their lifestyle, to the lessons and the changes in their relationship was wonderful. Right from the start, the chemistry was palpable, but beyond that – and most importantly – they communicated, loved each other and openly participated in every aspect of their relationship as equals!
One of the best BDSM novels I've read. Ever.
From the writing to the characterisation, to the pulse-racing anticipation, it was perfection from beginning to end.
“As Aaron descended on him, Sam held his breath. He'd yearned to share a kiss with a man for so long, he thought he might faint from anticipation.” ~ You and me both, Sam. You and me both.
October 25, 2021
Although the book had a bit of unique flavor in being set in the 1920s, this felt like a pretty standard bdsm story with a 'Experienced dom who is looking for his forever sub'/'Innocent sweet naive virgin boy who doesn't know he's a sub' premise. Very sweet and fluffy with little drama.
June 20, 2015
Smokin' hot & kinky! I'll be reading the rest of this series for sure. :D
November 6, 2018
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
~
Hesitant Heart
The Hampton Road Club #1
2nd Edition
★★★★★
200 Pages
POV: 3rd person, dual POV
Would I read it again?: Of course!
Genre: BDSM, Historical (1920s)
Pairings: MM
Heat Level: ★★★★☆
Content Warning: historic parental abuse, threatening behaviour, BDSM elements (spanking, obedience, club, pain play), rent boys, homophobia
I have loved this book, and this series, ever since I first read it. When this second edition was announced, I was so excited to read the new scenes and see what might have been included. Comparing the page count of the first edition to this one, there are a whopping 26 extra pages.
For me – and it might sound awful, at first, to read – I didn't really notice the new material. BUT, saying that, I know why. Because, as always – and I've re-read this series countless times – I got sucked into the story and I didn't consciously stop to compare and contract both books, to stop and question whether I'd read something before. The whole book has been re-edited, so there were changes throughout, one big new scene that I know was new, but it didn't matter. What mattered is that the entire story is just as sweet, just as beautiful, and just as well written as before.
Do I love that there's new material? Yes. I thought the addition of the big scene with Sam walking in on his boss at the beginning was great, because it added to his naivety and his fear of what might be expected of him. I also thought some of the new edits just clarified the flow a bit, even though I hadn't realised that it was needed.
Yes, with any advanced copy, there were a few tiny mistakes. A quotation mark the wrong way around, a missing word, maybe a missing letter in a word. That's all to be expected in an ARC. I never let it affect my rating unless it's glaringly obvious, everywhere, or affects my understanding of the story. There was a slight slip of inconsistency, right after the big new scene, but I only noticed it because it was within the same chapter. If they'd been in separate chapters, I wouldn't have even thought about it. But, in one scene, Sam is serving Aaron and Saul in the bathhouse and is in his toga, then the next scene switches to Sam changing *out* of his everyday clothes and *into* his toga for a new shift. But, that's the only inconsistency or mistake that I found in the entire book.
I also have to admit that I loved the old cover. I felt it gave off a strong BDSM vibe, and the gold was suitable for the Hollywood-era story. However, I also love the new cover. It has more of a feel for the Hampton Road Club itself, the sensuality of the story, and the era, which is lovely. I've been saving up to buy a few of these in paperback in bulk buys, but now I have to decide which cover I want...or whether to just get both. ;)
Overall, despite having read this series multiple times, I could only stop the new additions as a niggling sense of the unfamiliar. They flowed so seamlessly into the original story and felt so authentic to the characters and their behaviour that it only added a little something extra to an already brilliant novel. The chemistry was still as sweet as ever, Sam was just as innocent, Aaron just as tortured until he found his Little Sam. And, all in all, it's still one of my all-time-favourite MM series.
~
Favourite Quotes
“As Aaron descended on him, Sam held his breath. He'd yearned to share a kiss with a man for so long he thought he might faint from the anticipation.”
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
~
Hesitant Heart
The Hampton Road Club #1
2nd Edition
★★★★★
200 Pages
POV: 3rd person, dual POV
Would I read it again?: Of course!
Genre: BDSM, Historical (1920s)
Pairings: MM
Heat Level: ★★★★☆
Content Warning: historic parental abuse, threatening behaviour, BDSM elements (spanking, obedience, club, pain play), rent boys, homophobia
I have loved this book, and this series, ever since I first read it. When this second edition was announced, I was so excited to read the new scenes and see what might have been included. Comparing the page count of the first edition to this one, there are a whopping 26 extra pages.
For me – and it might sound awful, at first, to read – I didn't really notice the new material. BUT, saying that, I know why. Because, as always – and I've re-read this series countless times – I got sucked into the story and I didn't consciously stop to compare and contract both books, to stop and question whether I'd read something before. The whole book has been re-edited, so there were changes throughout, one big new scene that I know was new, but it didn't matter. What mattered is that the entire story is just as sweet, just as beautiful, and just as well written as before.
Do I love that there's new material? Yes. I thought the addition of the big scene with Sam walking in on his boss at the beginning was great, because it added to his naivety and his fear of what might be expected of him. I also thought some of the new edits just clarified the flow a bit, even though I hadn't realised that it was needed.
Yes, with any advanced copy, there were a few tiny mistakes. A quotation mark the wrong way around, a missing word, maybe a missing letter in a word. That's all to be expected in an ARC. I never let it affect my rating unless it's glaringly obvious, everywhere, or affects my understanding of the story. There was a slight slip of inconsistency, right after the big new scene, but I only noticed it because it was within the same chapter. If they'd been in separate chapters, I wouldn't have even thought about it. But, in one scene, Sam is serving Aaron and Saul in the bathhouse and is in his toga, then the next scene switches to Sam changing *out* of his everyday clothes and *into* his toga for a new shift. But, that's the only inconsistency or mistake that I found in the entire book.
I also have to admit that I loved the old cover. I felt it gave off a strong BDSM vibe, and the gold was suitable for the Hollywood-era story. However, I also love the new cover. It has more of a feel for the Hampton Road Club itself, the sensuality of the story, and the era, which is lovely. I've been saving up to buy a few of these in paperback in bulk buys, but now I have to decide which cover I want...or whether to just get both. ;)
Overall, despite having read this series multiple times, I could only stop the new additions as a niggling sense of the unfamiliar. They flowed so seamlessly into the original story and felt so authentic to the characters and their behaviour that it only added a little something extra to an already brilliant novel. The chemistry was still as sweet as ever, Sam was just as innocent, Aaron just as tortured until he found his Little Sam. And, all in all, it's still one of my all-time-favourite MM series.
~
Favourite Quotes
“As Aaron descended on him, Sam held his breath. He'd yearned to share a kiss with a man for so long he thought he might faint from the anticipation.”
November 30, 2018
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Naive runaway Sam finds himself in a bathhouse as a job. Aaron frequents the bathhouse, and has noticed that Sam has noticed him. When Sam finds himself in a bit of a pickle, Aaron's baser instincts kick in, and his protectiveness goes into overdrive. Is Sam really the submissive Aaron has been waiting for? Will Sam run again, when he understands what Aaron wants??
Thank you, Ms Knight, for a thoroughly enjoyable historical BDSM book! It's been a long time since I read such a book, and I loved this one!
Sam is truly naive, totally, in all ways, a virgin. He knows he doesn't like girls, at all, and he knows Aaron makes him think and feel all kinds of things he never did before, but Sam also knows he NEEDS something else, something he isn't able to voice. When Aaron begins Sam's training as his submissive, the penny drops and Sam fully immerses himself into Aaron's world, one training session at a time.
I loved that Aaron, while fully on board with Sam's "lets have sex now" attitude, he waits. He waits til Sam is really ready for that step. And once they do take that step? Both men fall fast and hard.
I loved that I found it not overly explicit, for some weird reason! It goes into detail, about training and what Sam and Aaron are doing, and it's hot hot hot, but not explicit, if that makes any sense! Reading that bit back, it doesn't, for me, but I can't word it any different! But I needed to say that, and that I loved it.
The way Aaron and Saul, Aaron's friend, deal with Sam's father was well done, and in a way that no one was hurt, and Sam could walk free from the fear that his father represented.
It is set in the 1920s so comes with all the rules and regulations and words of the time. And I really enjoyed that!
Book one in the Hampton Road Club series. I do hope I get to read the rest of them!
Thank you, Ms Knight, for my copy!
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Naive runaway Sam finds himself in a bathhouse as a job. Aaron frequents the bathhouse, and has noticed that Sam has noticed him. When Sam finds himself in a bit of a pickle, Aaron's baser instincts kick in, and his protectiveness goes into overdrive. Is Sam really the submissive Aaron has been waiting for? Will Sam run again, when he understands what Aaron wants??
Thank you, Ms Knight, for a thoroughly enjoyable historical BDSM book! It's been a long time since I read such a book, and I loved this one!
Sam is truly naive, totally, in all ways, a virgin. He knows he doesn't like girls, at all, and he knows Aaron makes him think and feel all kinds of things he never did before, but Sam also knows he NEEDS something else, something he isn't able to voice. When Aaron begins Sam's training as his submissive, the penny drops and Sam fully immerses himself into Aaron's world, one training session at a time.
I loved that Aaron, while fully on board with Sam's "lets have sex now" attitude, he waits. He waits til Sam is really ready for that step. And once they do take that step? Both men fall fast and hard.
I loved that I found it not overly explicit, for some weird reason! It goes into detail, about training and what Sam and Aaron are doing, and it's hot hot hot, but not explicit, if that makes any sense! Reading that bit back, it doesn't, for me, but I can't word it any different! But I needed to say that, and that I loved it.
The way Aaron and Saul, Aaron's friend, deal with Sam's father was well done, and in a way that no one was hurt, and Sam could walk free from the fear that his father represented.
It is set in the 1920s so comes with all the rules and regulations and words of the time. And I really enjoyed that!
Book one in the Hampton Road Club series. I do hope I get to read the rest of them!
Thank you, Ms Knight, for my copy!
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
September 11, 2022
The story was nice about a sweet young man hiding from his abusive father and the Dominant who sets his sights on him and helps him iind a better situation--with him. The author used some of the lingo of the times, especially with the younger, impressionable Sam, and some of it made me laugh because I recall hearing some of those words on old Hollywood black-and-white movies and TV shows. Aaron was a great character as the older Dominant who never believed he would find a submissive who met all his kinks.
This story serves as a good intro to a series, especially because one of the secondary characters, Aaron's friend Saul, definitely needs his own story. I'm not sure how authentic this one was, overall, but it was a good departure from same old/same old contemporaries, and I needed that. One thing stuck me as odd though: the Dom's use of ice water on his sub's burn. In those days, they would have used butter, which we all know now is not a good idea. But just ask my mother or any older person and they'd tell you they'd rush for the butter dish immediately. That discordant note threw me out of the story and made me question whether or not other details were factual or made up for entertaining readers.
So, overall, I liked the story but in the big picture, it wasn't OTT wonderful.
This story serves as a good intro to a series, especially because one of the secondary characters, Aaron's friend Saul, definitely needs his own story. I'm not sure how authentic this one was, overall, but it was a good departure from same old/same old contemporaries, and I needed that. One thing stuck me as odd though: the Dom's use of ice water on his sub's burn. In those days, they would have used butter, which we all know now is not a good idea. But just ask my mother or any older person and they'd tell you they'd rush for the butter dish immediately. That discordant note threw me out of the story and made me question whether or not other details were factual or made up for entertaining readers.
So, overall, I liked the story but in the big picture, it wasn't OTT wonderful.
June 30, 2019
I loved the unusual setting of this story, the 1920s, and all the small historical references the author made. A wonderful change of pace to all the contemporary romances out there and the historical ones set in the all too popular regency period.
Sam is such an innocent, in a way a young man in this day and age could never be, which made his journey quite unique. Aaron is also very much a product of his time, though not nearly as innocent as his young lover, and my heart ached for him because of the slurs that are thrown his way and the self-loathing he feels for being a “deviant”.
I really enjoyed this story! Seeing Sam and Aaron come together and find acceptance and love in each other’s arms was wonderful.
Sam is such an innocent, in a way a young man in this day and age could never be, which made his journey quite unique. Aaron is also very much a product of his time, though not nearly as innocent as his young lover, and my heart ached for him because of the slurs that are thrown his way and the self-loathing he feels for being a “deviant”.
I really enjoyed this story! Seeing Sam and Aaron come together and find acceptance and love in each other’s arms was wonderful.
July 22, 2019
This is a wonderful story of two men rescuing each other from lonely lives. Sam has been brave enough to escape the father who wants to use him for his own political gain, but the young man dreams of someone who will take care of him. Aaron is a dom without a sub, and he sees in Sam the qualities that would make him the perfect boy for Aaron.
I enjoyed watching these two fall for each other, and their D/s relationship was sexy and loving. The secondary characters were wonderful, but the love between Aaron and Sam was always the focal point of the story.
This is a great read, and it is one I certainly recommend.
I enjoyed watching these two fall for each other, and their D/s relationship was sexy and loving. The secondary characters were wonderful, but the love between Aaron and Sam was always the focal point of the story.
This is a great read, and it is one I certainly recommend.
September 9, 2020
This is the sweetest, sexiest story of lonely Aaron, a Dom in search of his perfect Sub, and he finds him in Sam. Sam, the most naive, nervous, and gentlest young 19 year old who has yearnings he doesn't quite understand. But, lucky for him, Aaron is the kindest, most patient teacher, and slowly perfection blossoms. It all seems so perfect, of course it is, of course shit is going to happen. I enjoyed this tale, cute, sexy and loving, I like this authors mindset. There is a bit near the end that I found just a teensy bit disturbing, but it is their preferences and so be it.
February 13, 2024
Saving Sam
Sam ran away from his childhood home in San Francisco to Los Angeles because of his cruel father. When he arrived in LA he took a job in a bathhouse as a towel boy. The Mr Larsen the manager was underhanded and abusive. Saul and Aaron regulars at the establishment noticed Sam’s fear of Mr Larsen. Aaron helps Sam get out from under Larsen’s harassment. This story has many twists and turns as Sam and Aaron embark on a life together. The time is the 1920’s so quite the steamy adventure.
Sam ran away from his childhood home in San Francisco to Los Angeles because of his cruel father. When he arrived in LA he took a job in a bathhouse as a towel boy. The Mr Larsen the manager was underhanded and abusive. Saul and Aaron regulars at the establishment noticed Sam’s fear of Mr Larsen. Aaron helps Sam get out from under Larsen’s harassment. This story has many twists and turns as Sam and Aaron embark on a life together. The time is the 1920’s so quite the steamy adventure.
November 12, 2021
Sam is a sweet, naive, and naturally submissive man. He could have easily been taken advantage of. I love that Aaron never did. Aaron and Sam are a perfect match. Aaron is dominant but caring as a good dominant should be. I love that they were both lonely and found fulfillment and love with each other. They have great chemistry with great scenes. I can't wait to read the whole series!
November 16, 2025
This historical romance is staged in the roaring twenties when being gay is illegal. The Hampton club is a BDSM club and a young man is dropped off there to get a job. A wealthy man takes an interest in the shy towel boy.
January 2, 2018
Complete and absolute fluff (if that can be applied to explicit kink) and completely, indulgently enjoyable.
March 3, 2018
Set in the 1920's. Story set up is great for this book and future books . Good read. Well written.
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