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A Collar For His Brat #1-3
A Collar For His Brat: Season One Collection
Nate has his life under control. He’s got more money than he knows what to do with, a partnership in the hottest security software company on the planet, and a townhouse overlooking the bay. What more could a single billionaire Dominant want?
Obviously someone who knows when to get down on their knees and beg. But Nate needs more than an obedient submissive, demurely bending to his every whim. He needs someone with teeth.
When trouble-making (and brilliant) programmer Ewan McKinney walks into Nate’s office and recognizes him from the Club, he seems like the worst possible candidate for the role. He’s stubborn, unpredictable, and fiercely independent. Nate knows he should keep his distance, but he can’t stand back and watch Ewan tear his own life apart. Not when it’s becoming painfully clear how Nate wants to take care of him.
Ewan has nothing in his life under control. If he had, he wouldn’t have ended up the pet project of his new boss, who just happens to know Ewan’s kinky little secret. But instead of blackmailing him, Nathaniel Scott seems determined to fix him somehow. It would be hilarious if it wasn’t so tragic
Ewan is determined to prove he doesn’t need Nate’s pity, but the closer they get the more obvious it becomes that Ewan needs someone in his life to tell him ‘no’.
But does it have to be Nate? And why does this feel so much like falling in love?
Obviously someone who knows when to get down on their knees and beg. But Nate needs more than an obedient submissive, demurely bending to his every whim. He needs someone with teeth.
When trouble-making (and brilliant) programmer Ewan McKinney walks into Nate’s office and recognizes him from the Club, he seems like the worst possible candidate for the role. He’s stubborn, unpredictable, and fiercely independent. Nate knows he should keep his distance, but he can’t stand back and watch Ewan tear his own life apart. Not when it’s becoming painfully clear how Nate wants to take care of him.
Ewan has nothing in his life under control. If he had, he wouldn’t have ended up the pet project of his new boss, who just happens to know Ewan’s kinky little secret. But instead of blackmailing him, Nathaniel Scott seems determined to fix him somehow. It would be hilarious if it wasn’t so tragic
Ewan is determined to prove he doesn’t need Nate’s pity, but the closer they get the more obvious it becomes that Ewan needs someone in his life to tell him ‘no’.
But does it have to be Nate? And why does this feel so much like falling in love?
316 pages, ebook
First published December 13, 2018
119 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
March 28, 2020
I did a full reread in anticipation of “Debug”, as this came out soooooo long ago I’d forgotten how much I actually loved these two.
Definitely better to read along with “His boy next door series” this is a pretty sweet and sexy-sadistic almost-romance romance. Reading this you realise why Ewan is so prickly in HBND, but he’s just so endearing. By the end of this there’s no way you can’t be grateful they met each other.
Definitely better to read along with “His boy next door series” this is a pretty sweet and sexy-sadistic almost-romance romance. Reading this you realise why Ewan is so prickly in HBND, but he’s just so endearing. By the end of this there’s no way you can’t be grateful they met each other.
October 17, 2022
Reread. The first time I saw this series (ie, its cover and title) I scoffed. I thought “there’s no way this will actually be good.” At best, I thought it would be mindless smut. Anyway, I was totally wrong and also an asshole about it because this series is SO good.
I think the key is that Ewan and Nate are fantastic - but the side characters are equally as fantastic and their interactions with Ewan and Nate are impactful (…no pun intended) and character-relevant in a way that is rarely the case in books like these, even most of the decent ones. Especially Laurence! I just want him to be happy and find what he’s looking for. As the guy who is wrong for Ewan he could have been a throwaway and he’s so fully fleshed out instead. He just needs to find a nice guy and stop trying to get along with his sister!!
And the super detailed, complex backstory between Nate and Jack - this too could have been hand waved but the level of detail in *what* Nate thinks about when he thinks about his time with Jack (do we ever actually meet Mike, or do I just feel like we do because he is recalled in such specific ways by both Nate and Jack?), the way they fight like people who have known each other for a decade or two and who yet still hide things from each other, the way Nate can be sad for what could have been (even though he knows it really couldn’t have). And Cameron, a very realistically written (but still lovable) teenager who shows up to cramp Nick and Ewan’s style in a really sweet way. I have a very low threshold for annoying teenage plot devices and Cameron never felt like one which is very impressive.
And I have to say I first tried His Boy Next Door, which this is spun off from, and was icked by the age/power difference, but the way this series addresses some of my exact issues by having Nate point them out to Jack directly - super smart, and I definitely will be trying His Boy Next Door again at some point.
I think the key is that Ewan and Nate are fantastic - but the side characters are equally as fantastic and their interactions with Ewan and Nate are impactful (…no pun intended) and character-relevant in a way that is rarely the case in books like these, even most of the decent ones. Especially Laurence! I just want him to be happy and find what he’s looking for. As the guy who is wrong for Ewan he could have been a throwaway and he’s so fully fleshed out instead. He just needs to find a nice guy and stop trying to get along with his sister!!
And the super detailed, complex backstory between Nate and Jack - this too could have been hand waved but the level of detail in *what* Nate thinks about when he thinks about his time with Jack (do we ever actually meet Mike, or do I just feel like we do because he is recalled in such specific ways by both Nate and Jack?), the way they fight like people who have known each other for a decade or two and who yet still hide things from each other, the way Nate can be sad for what could have been (even though he knows it really couldn’t have). And Cameron, a very realistically written (but still lovable) teenager who shows up to cramp Nick and Ewan’s style in a really sweet way. I have a very low threshold for annoying teenage plot devices and Cameron never felt like one which is very impressive.
And I have to say I first tried His Boy Next Door, which this is spun off from, and was icked by the age/power difference, but the way this series addresses some of my exact issues by having Nate point them out to Jack directly - super smart, and I definitely will be trying His Boy Next Door again at some point.
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January 8, 2025this is the freak energy we should all take into 2025
April 22, 2022
Lovely, the book is lovely. I read it. And enjoyed it. And would recommend to others.
Tags: BdSM, sadist / masochist, hurt/comfort, coworkers, snark, companion to HBND
Tags: BdSM, sadist / masochist, hurt/comfort, coworkers, snark, companion to HBND
December 12, 2021
so very different from His Boy Next Door and yet I loved how not only this afforded me a third person’s perspective of Jack and Channon’s relationship but of Jack and Nate’s friendship as well.
not to mention how this pairing stands for itself. Part of me didn’t really know what to expect from this series, but i was pretty happy with what i got.
in fact i wanted a little bit more time with Nate and Ewan, and my heart is a little scared of how these very different relationships are going to mesh moving forward but i’m also kind of terribly excited to find out
not to mention how this pairing stands for itself. Part of me didn’t really know what to expect from this series, but i was pretty happy with what i got.
in fact i wanted a little bit more time with Nate and Ewan, and my heart is a little scared of how these very different relationships are going to mesh moving forward but i’m also kind of terribly excited to find out
August 25, 2019
4.5 bratty stars!!
Oohhh!! I’ve always wondered what Ewan’s story is. Glad we got to know more about him here! He’s such a beautifully complexed character - vulnerable, bratty, sullen, prickly, just to name a few. It’s always fascinated me the dynamic between Ewan and Nate. To finally be allowed into their complicated relationship is honestly a treat! I hope we get more of these two though 🤞
Oohhh!! I’ve always wondered what Ewan’s story is. Glad we got to know more about him here! He’s such a beautifully complexed character - vulnerable, bratty, sullen, prickly, just to name a few. It’s always fascinated me the dynamic between Ewan and Nate. To finally be allowed into their complicated relationship is honestly a treat! I hope we get more of these two though 🤞
June 9, 2022
What a great surprise this was!
In general I shy away from the brat trope and from DD (oh hey, this explains why the few I do read tend to get 5 stars), but this and the partner series His Boy Next Door got rec after rec on the reddit MM_RomanceBooks sub, so I stuck a toe in the water.
Apart from all the usual features that matter to me -- clean writing (not riddled with grammatical, structural, and usage errors, I mean!), sharp dialogue, and appealing MCs whose mutual attraction I can believe in -- this had a terrific dynamic between Nate, the dom, and Ewan, the sub. It's not really a daddy kink, more like a caretaking kink, and the DD doesn't have that creepazoid "Dom knows what is best for sub at all times without exception and also his punishments are always absolutely fair shut up" vibe.
I nope out of a lot of DD stories because the Perfect Dom is so inhuman and the dynamic seems to be centered on beating the prickliness out of the bratty sub. But Nate has the normal doubts you have when you're courting someone wary and defensive and worth the trouble, and Ewan's sharp edges are for the most part not a bug but a feature. It was such a pleasure to watch them finding their way toward what they wanted, needed, loved in each other.
I've been reassured that Season Two won't ruin it all for me by turning these two into cookie-cutter Daddy and boy ... *breaks into a sweat*
In general I shy away from the brat trope and from DD (oh hey, this explains why the few I do read tend to get 5 stars), but this and the partner series His Boy Next Door got rec after rec on the reddit MM_RomanceBooks sub, so I stuck a toe in the water.
Apart from all the usual features that matter to me -- clean writing (not riddled with grammatical, structural, and usage errors, I mean!), sharp dialogue, and appealing MCs whose mutual attraction I can believe in -- this had a terrific dynamic between Nate, the dom, and Ewan, the sub. It's not really a daddy kink, more like a caretaking kink, and the DD doesn't have that creepazoid "Dom knows what is best for sub at all times without exception and also his punishments are always absolutely fair shut up" vibe.
I nope out of a lot of DD stories because the Perfect Dom is so inhuman and the dynamic seems to be centered on beating the prickliness out of the bratty sub. But Nate has the normal doubts you have when you're courting someone wary and defensive and worth the trouble, and Ewan's sharp edges are for the most part not a bug but a feature. It was such a pleasure to watch them finding their way toward what they wanted, needed, loved in each other.
I've been reassured that Season Two won't ruin it all for me by turning these two into cookie-cutter Daddy and boy ... *breaks into a sweat*
November 30, 2024
reread 2024
THESE BOOKS HAVE CRACK COCAINE IN THEM
first read
"Nate had kissed him back, and it had been like kissing the sun."
why!! are!! these!! books!! so!! good!!
this wasn't as smutty as his boy next door, and i don't love nate and ewan as much as i love channon and jack, but i still really enjoyed it!! also loved getting a third person’s perspective of jack and channon’s relationship! i love them!!
THESE BOOKS HAVE CRACK COCAINE IN THEM
first read
"Nate had kissed him back, and it had been like kissing the sun."
why!! are!! these!! books!! so!! good!!
this wasn't as smutty as his boy next door, and i don't love nate and ewan as much as i love channon and jack, but i still really enjoyed it!! also loved getting a third person’s perspective of jack and channon’s relationship! i love them!!
May 18, 2025
Re-reading this and I’m just like, JESUS CHRIST! a 3 star?! Guuuurl, what was I smoking??
I clearly didn’t appreciate this book the first time around. So glad I decided to pick it up again. Maybe I was clueless back then—or maybe I’ve just read way too many meh books lately. but now? I’m OBSESSED. This story hits different. This book deserves WAY more than a measly 3 stars!
What really got me this time? What had me glued for hours, totally unable to focus on anything else? The realness. I know that might sound cheesy, but it’s true. Emotions aren’t simple—we are not simple. It’s all messy and complicated, and this book gets that.
It reminded me that not every author shies away from emotions by watering them down or lining them up in little jars on a shelf. Some stories embrace the chaos—the raw, tangled, real stuff that refuses to be contained—and this one absolutely nailed it.
That’s what I want. I want characters who feel like actual people. Not flat, surface-level make-dos, but characters with depth, flaws, layers—souls. Layers that get stripped away one by one, leaving them vulnerable. Souls that get sucked dry, dirtied, corrupted. Intangible yet believable. And Ewan? I adored him, the little minx. I loved this whole book—its characters, its pacing, everything. It just worked.
I clearly didn’t appreciate this book the first time around. So glad I decided to pick it up again. Maybe I was clueless back then—or maybe I’ve just read way too many meh books lately. but now? I’m OBSESSED. This story hits different. This book deserves WAY more than a measly 3 stars!
What really got me this time? What had me glued for hours, totally unable to focus on anything else? The realness. I know that might sound cheesy, but it’s true. Emotions aren’t simple—we are not simple. It’s all messy and complicated, and this book gets that.
It reminded me that not every author shies away from emotions by watering them down or lining them up in little jars on a shelf. Some stories embrace the chaos—the raw, tangled, real stuff that refuses to be contained—and this one absolutely nailed it.
That’s what I want. I want characters who feel like actual people. Not flat, surface-level make-dos, but characters with depth, flaws, layers—souls. Layers that get stripped away one by one, leaving them vulnerable. Souls that get sucked dry, dirtied, corrupted. Intangible yet believable. And Ewan? I adored him, the little minx. I loved this whole book—its characters, its pacing, everything. It just worked.
June 28, 2022
I really wanted to love this book a much as His Boy Next Door... because heck yeah, let's get into the even weirder stuff!! I loved Nate and Ewan in HBND and I was so excited to get their story.
The good: I love Nate and Ewan the most. I loved the outside perspective on Jack and Channon (especially Jack omg the asshole). I love getting more about Nate and his life and his personality. I really liked his perspective. I loved this look at a much more normal relationship where everyone is allowed to be a complete person.
Unfortunately, I was left wanting MORE. More scenes, more details during the scenes, more of the really intense stuff we keep being PROMISED that they do in bed but we didn't actually get to see much of. I know it's not going to be exactly like HBND, but I did assume it would be at least as much of a boink-fest. Nope. While there was plenty of boinking, there was even more fade-to-black or just describing the kinds of things they kind of got up to. Probably. And the emotional detail that had me falling in love with Channon and Jack wasn't as present. I feel like we didn't get into Nate or especially Ewan's head during the scenes as much.
I don't know, if I hadn't already been sold on their love story in HBND, I don't know that this book would have convinced me. I felt like it was kind of constrained to the plot/timeline of HBND and that made the pacing of their relationship a bit unnatural. Also, I really could have done with more original scenes and fewer reenactments of scenes from HBND. Especially that last one where all four of them boinked... IDK, it felt kind of like a sports recap rather than a reimagining of the scene.
But I'm being really picky because the author set my expectations so high with HBND. I really do love Nate and Ewan the most tho. Glad I read it.
As always, this is a lot of feelings for 4 stars but... I did actually really like it I promise.
The good: I love Nate and Ewan the most. I loved the outside perspective on Jack and Channon (especially Jack omg the asshole). I love getting more about Nate and his life and his personality. I really liked his perspective. I loved this look at a much more normal relationship where everyone is allowed to be a complete person.
Unfortunately, I was left wanting MORE. More scenes, more details during the scenes, more of the really intense stuff we keep being PROMISED that they do in bed but we didn't actually get to see much of. I know it's not going to be exactly like HBND, but I did assume it would be at least as much of a boink-fest. Nope. While there was plenty of boinking, there was even more fade-to-black or just describing the kinds of things they kind of got up to. Probably. And the emotional detail that had me falling in love with Channon and Jack wasn't as present. I feel like we didn't get into Nate or especially Ewan's head during the scenes as much.
I don't know, if I hadn't already been sold on their love story in HBND, I don't know that this book would have convinced me. I felt like it was kind of constrained to the plot/timeline of HBND and that made the pacing of their relationship a bit unnatural. Also, I really could have done with more original scenes and fewer reenactments of scenes from HBND. Especially that last one where all four of them boinked... IDK, it felt kind of like a sports recap rather than a reimagining of the scene.
But I'm being really picky because the author set my expectations so high with HBND. I really do love Nate and Ewan the most tho. Glad I read it.
As always, this is a lot of feelings for 4 stars but... I did actually really like it I promise.
November 21, 2022
M/M, hea, boss/employee, Dom/brat
This story was so cute. I'm not sure what I was expecting (perhaps pure smut), but I was pleased this was what I found.
Ewan is a brat and Nate is a Dominant who seems to be a sadist as well. The stories behind these characters is impressive and I wish the author had fleshed it out more fully. There were so many times I identified with both characters.
This story was so cute. I'm not sure what I was expecting (perhaps pure smut), but I was pleased this was what I found.
Ewan is a brat and Nate is a Dominant who seems to be a sadist as well. The stories behind these characters is impressive and I wish the author had fleshed it out more fully. There were so many times I identified with both characters.
December 26, 2021
Started the year off with these boys and finishing the year with a reread. Bumping these up to 5 stars since I can't get enough of them and they have apparently taken up residence in my heart.
February 21, 2020
3 Stars
This can be read as a standalone but will be more enjoyable if you've read the original series, His Boy Next Door: Season One. I was excited to get Nate's story as he intrigued me but found myself frustrated with Ewan. I didn't mind that Ewan was a brat but his constant trust issues, lashing out, pushing Nate away, and indecisiveness irritated me. Ewan has deep-rooted issues from a previous ex/Dom that carried over into his relationship with Nate, who didn't do anything wrong. I wanted Ewan to just fking talk to Nate about it but that didn't happen until almost the end.
Also, just like His Boy Next Door, Nate kept thinking about his past relationship with Jack. Are they over each other or not?? I understand reminiscing but it crossed into the "I miss you, I wish we could have worked out, I'm jealous you have a boyfriend" category. I really hope they stop that shit or my head's going to explode.
This story focused on feels and not so much on sex. It was even a bit of a slow burn, as things don't really happen for a while. Ewan has a pain kink and their play veers more into edgeplay with the intensity. I didn't find this book particularly steamy but, of course, my sour opinion of Ewan probably influenced that opinion. This definitely has a HFN ending but I know Ewan and Nate feature in the rest of the His Boy Next Door series. I've heard you grow more sympathetic to Ewan as you continue to read so we'll see. Also, there is supposedly a sequel to this book on the way.
This can be read as a standalone but will be more enjoyable if you've read the original series, His Boy Next Door: Season One. I was excited to get Nate's story as he intrigued me but found myself frustrated with Ewan. I didn't mind that Ewan was a brat but his constant trust issues, lashing out, pushing Nate away, and indecisiveness irritated me. Ewan has deep-rooted issues from a previous ex/Dom that carried over into his relationship with Nate, who didn't do anything wrong. I wanted Ewan to just fking talk to Nate about it but that didn't happen until almost the end.
Also, just like His Boy Next Door, Nate kept thinking about his past relationship with Jack. Are they over each other or not?? I understand reminiscing but it crossed into the "I miss you, I wish we could have worked out, I'm jealous you have a boyfriend" category. I really hope they stop that shit or my head's going to explode.
This story focused on feels and not so much on sex. It was even a bit of a slow burn, as things don't really happen for a while. Ewan has a pain kink and their play veers more into edgeplay with the intensity. I didn't find this book particularly steamy but, of course, my sour opinion of Ewan probably influenced that opinion. This definitely has a HFN ending but I know Ewan and Nate feature in the rest of the His Boy Next Door series. I've heard you grow more sympathetic to Ewan as you continue to read so we'll see. Also, there is supposedly a sequel to this book on the way.
August 11, 2019
Really, really damn enjoyable.
Star rating is for what I’ve read of the series as a whole (rather than individual books/installments) and includes:
His Boy Next Door: Season One
His Boy Next Door: Season Two
His Boy Next Door: Season Three
A Collar for His Brat: Season One (Nate and Ewan)
Two Plus Two: Naughty Advent (twenty-four short-shorts)
Collision Course (not technically part of the Boy Next Door series, and free to newsletter subscribers)
Star rating is for what I’ve read of the series as a whole (rather than individual books/installments) and includes:
His Boy Next Door: Season One
His Boy Next Door: Season Two
His Boy Next Door: Season Three
A Collar for His Brat: Season One (Nate and Ewan)
Two Plus Two: Naughty Advent (twenty-four short-shorts)
Collision Course (not technically part of the Boy Next Door series, and free to newsletter subscribers)
April 5, 2019
Feral
I was expecting to like Nate less than Jack, just by virtue of His Boy Next Door being one of my favorite reads this year, and Nate's sadism being an open ended question.
But, I was wrong, I like Nate and Ewan quite a bit. Ewan is jagged and bitey. Nate is a giant geek who loves Star Trek, programming, and punishing bratty behavior -- after he encourages it. They're so endearing. I'm basically sold on R. J. Moray at this point.
Heat: 4/5
Rating: 5/5
Notes: Sadism, masochism, Ewan does not follow s.s.c. with his hook-ups, bratty sub, public beating, flogging, impact play, caning, slapping, boot licking, mild humiliation, frot, oxford style, humbler, mention of shibari. Other things I may have forgotten, apologies, but I think I have it covered.
I was expecting to like Nate less than Jack, just by virtue of His Boy Next Door being one of my favorite reads this year, and Nate's sadism being an open ended question.
But, I was wrong, I like Nate and Ewan quite a bit. Ewan is jagged and bitey. Nate is a giant geek who loves Star Trek, programming, and punishing bratty behavior -- after he encourages it. They're so endearing. I'm basically sold on R. J. Moray at this point.
Heat: 4/5
Rating: 5/5
Notes: Sadism, masochism, Ewan does not follow s.s.c. with his hook-ups, bratty sub, public beating, flogging, impact play, caning, slapping, boot licking, mild humiliation, frot, oxford style, humbler, mention of shibari. Other things I may have forgotten, apologies, but I think I have it covered.
March 1, 2025
Honestly not what I expected from that title?
It was very well written, did not expect that.
But it was also dragging on so long. I was intrigued by book one, but the second book was really unnecessary and boring, I even thought about DNFing.
The third book I liked a lot more again, we finally got to see more kink, but still not what it was hoping for.
It was very well written, did not expect that.
But it was also dragging on so long. I was intrigued by book one, but the second book was really unnecessary and boring, I even thought about DNFing.
The third book I liked a lot more again, we finally got to see more kink, but still not what it was hoping for.
November 1, 2022
3.5 stars
Hmmm I do wish I enjoyed this more but I really didn't connect with the characters much. I get that Ewan was meant to be "bratty" but it was honestly exasperating at times 💀😭 I skimmed most of the middle and the end just out of light curiosity and then just to finish it.
Hmmm I do wish I enjoyed this more but I really didn't connect with the characters much. I get that Ewan was meant to be "bratty" but it was honestly exasperating at times 💀😭 I skimmed most of the middle and the end just out of light curiosity and then just to finish it.
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December 27, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/27/2020)! 🎁
September 6, 2022
I was unsure about reading Nate & Ewan’s story because I was afraid it would be too sadistic for my taste. I was pleasantly surprised that it’s actually a bit of an angsty slow burn and more of a vanilla love story than I expected.
August 5, 2024
liked Ewan. pretty mid but enjoyable felt like it was dragging 60% into it
did-not-finish
November 12, 2025Stopped reading because I realized when I didn’t have time to read it I felt no real inclination to continue. The writing wasn’t bad per se, it was just painfully British and not my type.
August 24, 2019
First up, I do hope there is more planned for this series. This is so much more than sex and kink. I finally get why Nathaniel Scott puts up with prickly, uncompromising Ewan McKinney and why Ewan needs someone like Nate to call him out on his bullshit. The dynamics of their relationship in His Boy Next Door makes so much more sense. It also gives some insight into Jack & Channon's relationship from another person's pov.
December 25, 2021
(Combined review for Volumes One and Two.)
A spin-off from His Boy Next Door, featuring Jack’s best friend Nate and bratty, prickly Ewan who slowly becomes his sub. Nate and Ewan are different from Jack and Channon in basically every way, not only because Ewan is a brat and Channon is perfectly obedient, but also because Nate and Ewan are both conflicted and reluctant about their relationship in a way that Jack and Channon never were. Moray manages to avoid the “he could never want me that way!” trope while evoking many of the same feelings, so that the conflict between the two feels real and not cliche. Also, a lot of the time the “brat” dynamic doesn’t interest me very much because it seems superficial, but here Moray shows how Ewan’s willfulness is integral to his character and why his desire to submit and his desire to resist are two sides of the same coin. Highly recommended both to those who liked His Boy Next Door and also to those who would prefer to read a D/s dynamic that isn’t 24/7.
A spin-off from His Boy Next Door, featuring Jack’s best friend Nate and bratty, prickly Ewan who slowly becomes his sub. Nate and Ewan are different from Jack and Channon in basically every way, not only because Ewan is a brat and Channon is perfectly obedient, but also because Nate and Ewan are both conflicted and reluctant about their relationship in a way that Jack and Channon never were. Moray manages to avoid the “he could never want me that way!” trope while evoking many of the same feelings, so that the conflict between the two feels real and not cliche. Also, a lot of the time the “brat” dynamic doesn’t interest me very much because it seems superficial, but here Moray shows how Ewan’s willfulness is integral to his character and why his desire to submit and his desire to resist are two sides of the same coin. Highly recommended both to those who liked His Boy Next Door and also to those who would prefer to read a D/s dynamic that isn’t 24/7.
April 9, 2025
Después de leer la primera y segunda temporada de Jack y Channon en "The Boy Next Door", empecé a leer el spin-off de Nate y Ewan. Definitivamente no pude evitar leer ambas series en tándem, cortando por capítulos para conocer la perspectiva de los cuatro protagonistas. Sí, soy ansiosa y esto definitivamente me encanta.
Smut con trama describe bien esta historia, pero esta primera parte fue bastante más emocional. No se confunda, querido lector, esto es BDSM con una pareja que evoluciona y con escenas que en esta primera parte te dejan con ganas de más.
April 10, 2025
The only reason not to read this series is because it will ruin all other dom/sub bdsm books for you! Both seasons are the highest quality that the genre offers. The character development is superb, you fall in love with Nate and Ewan, and they become a part of you while you read their story. R J Moray doesn’t shy away from handling big emotions, but I felt that they were handled *so* well in this book, especially with Gary and how that relationship impacted Ewan, and as a result Nate. The kink in this book is on the next level, and the dynamic between Nate and Ewan is so incredible. They need each other so deeply, and they are perfect for each other in the kind of messy way that humans are.
Amazing things about this book:
- Ewan being the bratty sub he is led to the best written sex I have ever read, it was honestly spectacular and should go in some sort of hall of fame of great writing. I love how he is constantly pushing boundaries, and playing right into Nate being the sadist that he is. Just *chefs kiss*
- I loved the interactions with other characters, to watch our beloved Nate and Ewan work through exactly what they need in a relationship via the side characters, like Jack, was so needed and really enriched the story
- Happy ending that felt *right* and didn’t feel rushed, it was perfect
- Lots of amazing hurt/comfort and punishment scenes - I couldn’t get enough and have been reading over and over again!
- Amazing side stories, especially the What If? Date Night story which I have read about 20 times in the last 3 days since I first read it, because its so good, it hits the perfect sweet spot of the dom being angry and annoyed about their subs behaviour, and wanting to punish them, correct them, but also loving that side of them and encouraging it, in a way, because they love it so much. It’s a perfect harmony that can only exist in this universe, with these characters, because of the perfection that is R J Moray and their writing
- I have seen others comment on how the scene near the end where Jack, Nate, Ewan and Channon have a foursome felt like it was glossed over, and a retelling, so to speak, compared to The Boy Next Door. I have to disagree with this as I haven’t actually read The Boy Next Door and don’t plan on it (and I imagine I’m not the only one in this boat!) I read this as a standalone series, I was looking for something a bit different, and was bored of perfect subs with doms who expect them to bend to their every will 24/7. The Boy Next Door seems a bit like that (although I imagine its still very good as R J is a fab writer) so I don’t plan on reading it, and therefore appreciated the retelling of that scene, if it was omitted I never would have read it!
Things I didn’t like as much:
These series is close to perfect, but there were a few things I didn’t love as much:
- Sharing: I’m not a huge fan of sharing as a concept, so that probably played into things, but I didn’t like the Channon and Ewan relationship and how it developed. I like that Nate is the only, perfect person for Ewan, and gives him things only a few people could, but things he desperately needs. So the “crush” on Channon didn’t really make sense to me, because we saw Ewan struggling so much at the beginning of the series, needing punishment, a firm hand, someone to put him in his place (all things that Channon can’t provide because he is the subbiest sub EVER). So for him to finally get that via Nate, to then develop this sort of crush on Channon, didn’t make sense to me, because he should know in his logical brain that Channon couldn’t give him what he needed ultimately. Sure, that doesn’t prevent some crush-like feelings, but near the very end of the last book, Ewan makes a comment about he was worried these feelings with Channon would become overwhelming, and ruin what he had with Nate. I didn’t like that, I felt it sort of soured the special relationship Nate and Ewan have, as really, Ewan shouldn’t be feeling those things when he knows Channon can’t give him what Nate gives him (which he desperately needs). I see them as having a friendship, with the occasional kinky thing thrown in, but nothing further than that.
- I did think that there were one two many comments from Nate about Jack. Jack was Nate’s first sort of love, but there are only so many times you can hear him talk about what Jack is doing, getting pangs of jealously about Jack, before you start to wonder if Nate is really over Jack, or if he will ever really get over him. I think the author likely wanted to cement how much Nate loves and needs Ewan through his constant references and comparisons to his relationship with Jack, but it ultimately just came across like he wasn’t over Jack and would never really be.
Overall though, this series is so very good. So perfect in the way it heals a part of your soul, and then leaves you wide open, wanting and needing more. Even though it was wrapped up wonderfully, I am desperate for more, and have been trawling through the tumblr and twitter of the author for any tidbits, side stories etc including Nate and Ewan. Anyway, stop what you’re doing now and go and read this book. Seriously. It’s that good.
Amazing things about this book:
- Ewan being the bratty sub he is led to the best written sex I have ever read, it was honestly spectacular and should go in some sort of hall of fame of great writing. I love how he is constantly pushing boundaries, and playing right into Nate being the sadist that he is. Just *chefs kiss*
- I loved the interactions with other characters, to watch our beloved Nate and Ewan work through exactly what they need in a relationship via the side characters, like Jack, was so needed and really enriched the story
- Happy ending that felt *right* and didn’t feel rushed, it was perfect
- Lots of amazing hurt/comfort and punishment scenes - I couldn’t get enough and have been reading over and over again!
- Amazing side stories, especially the What If? Date Night story which I have read about 20 times in the last 3 days since I first read it, because its so good, it hits the perfect sweet spot of the dom being angry and annoyed about their subs behaviour, and wanting to punish them, correct them, but also loving that side of them and encouraging it, in a way, because they love it so much. It’s a perfect harmony that can only exist in this universe, with these characters, because of the perfection that is R J Moray and their writing
- I have seen others comment on how the scene near the end where Jack, Nate, Ewan and Channon have a foursome felt like it was glossed over, and a retelling, so to speak, compared to The Boy Next Door. I have to disagree with this as I haven’t actually read The Boy Next Door and don’t plan on it (and I imagine I’m not the only one in this boat!) I read this as a standalone series, I was looking for something a bit different, and was bored of perfect subs with doms who expect them to bend to their every will 24/7. The Boy Next Door seems a bit like that (although I imagine its still very good as R J is a fab writer) so I don’t plan on reading it, and therefore appreciated the retelling of that scene, if it was omitted I never would have read it!
Things I didn’t like as much:
These series is close to perfect, but there were a few things I didn’t love as much:
- Sharing: I’m not a huge fan of sharing as a concept, so that probably played into things, but I didn’t like the Channon and Ewan relationship and how it developed. I like that Nate is the only, perfect person for Ewan, and gives him things only a few people could, but things he desperately needs. So the “crush” on Channon didn’t really make sense to me, because we saw Ewan struggling so much at the beginning of the series, needing punishment, a firm hand, someone to put him in his place (all things that Channon can’t provide because he is the subbiest sub EVER). So for him to finally get that via Nate, to then develop this sort of crush on Channon, didn’t make sense to me, because he should know in his logical brain that Channon couldn’t give him what he needed ultimately. Sure, that doesn’t prevent some crush-like feelings, but near the very end of the last book, Ewan makes a comment about he was worried these feelings with Channon would become overwhelming, and ruin what he had with Nate. I didn’t like that, I felt it sort of soured the special relationship Nate and Ewan have, as really, Ewan shouldn’t be feeling those things when he knows Channon can’t give him what Nate gives him (which he desperately needs). I see them as having a friendship, with the occasional kinky thing thrown in, but nothing further than that.
- I did think that there were one two many comments from Nate about Jack. Jack was Nate’s first sort of love, but there are only so many times you can hear him talk about what Jack is doing, getting pangs of jealously about Jack, before you start to wonder if Nate is really over Jack, or if he will ever really get over him. I think the author likely wanted to cement how much Nate loves and needs Ewan through his constant references and comparisons to his relationship with Jack, but it ultimately just came across like he wasn’t over Jack and would never really be.
Overall though, this series is so very good. So perfect in the way it heals a part of your soul, and then leaves you wide open, wanting and needing more. Even though it was wrapped up wonderfully, I am desperate for more, and have been trawling through the tumblr and twitter of the author for any tidbits, side stories etc including Nate and Ewan. Anyway, stop what you’re doing now and go and read this book. Seriously. It’s that good.
July 1, 2025
4⭐️ 3.5🌶️
📝 Review & thoughts:
This is a review for all of the 6 episodes (which are about 600 pages in total).
I’m so glad I decided to read this. I absolutely adored His Boy Next Door, and loved Ewan & Nate there, so I finally decided to give this spin off a go, even though their brand of sadism and masochism is a bit too strong for my taste.
I’m really glad I did because I they are a wonderful couple and the way Moray writes BDSM stories is just incredible. I’ve never found this level of communication in other books, and the books in the Santa Rita world are all so good.
I love how good Moray is at writing spin offs. Like you see the other main characters from the new couple’s perspective and Moray is so good at writing different perspectives. If you read A Collar for His Brat before His Boy Next Door, you might actually not like Jack at all, but if you read His Boy Next Door, I think you’ll fall in love with him too.
Anyway, totally recommend this read. I truly hope we get more episodes in the future cause I’m definitely not done with this world and these characters!
You can check what k!nks they do below.
🏷️ Tropes & tags (possible spoilers):
MM
BDSM
D/s relationship
Sadist x pain sl*t
Age gap (24/36)
Sassy brat
Workplace romance (boss x employee)
Good communication
POV: 3rd person, dual
Angst: low
Vibe/mood: hot, steamy, kinda sweet
Pet names: baby, baby boy / Sir
HEA: HFN
🌶️ Spice & k!nks (possible spoilers):
BDSM, D/s, punishments, impact play, “good boy”, strong humiliation k!nk, mild praise k!nk, bratty sub, org*sm denial, CNC, mild sharing (only sub with other friend sub)
Strict top/bottom or versatile: top/bottom
Heat: 17 scenes, medium-high heat
⚠️ Content warnings (possible spoilers):
Dubcon: no
Noncon: no
Bad past experiences with Doms (discussed), sub abandoned by Dom (discussed + trauma)
* Fyi about 🌶️ levels: I rate spice on a combination of quantity, quality, length, intensity and explicitness of the scenes. K!nks are listed separately and generally do not directly affect the steam level to keep it fair for non k!nky books.
📝 Review & thoughts:
This is a review for all of the 6 episodes (which are about 600 pages in total).
I’m so glad I decided to read this. I absolutely adored His Boy Next Door, and loved Ewan & Nate there, so I finally decided to give this spin off a go, even though their brand of sadism and masochism is a bit too strong for my taste.
I’m really glad I did because I they are a wonderful couple and the way Moray writes BDSM stories is just incredible. I’ve never found this level of communication in other books, and the books in the Santa Rita world are all so good.
I love how good Moray is at writing spin offs. Like you see the other main characters from the new couple’s perspective and Moray is so good at writing different perspectives. If you read A Collar for His Brat before His Boy Next Door, you might actually not like Jack at all, but if you read His Boy Next Door, I think you’ll fall in love with him too.
Anyway, totally recommend this read. I truly hope we get more episodes in the future cause I’m definitely not done with this world and these characters!
You can check what k!nks they do below.
🏷️ Tropes & tags (possible spoilers):
MM
BDSM
D/s relationship
Sadist x pain sl*t
Age gap (24/36)
Sassy brat
Workplace romance (boss x employee)
Good communication
POV: 3rd person, dual
Angst: low
Vibe/mood: hot, steamy, kinda sweet
Pet names: baby, baby boy / Sir
HEA: HFN
🌶️ Spice & k!nks (possible spoilers):
BDSM, D/s, punishments, impact play, “good boy”, strong humiliation k!nk, mild praise k!nk, bratty sub, org*sm denial, CNC, mild sharing (only sub with other friend sub)
Strict top/bottom or versatile: top/bottom
Heat: 17 scenes, medium-high heat
⚠️ Content warnings (possible spoilers):
Dubcon: no
Noncon: no
Bad past experiences with Doms (discussed), sub abandoned by Dom (discussed + trauma)
* Fyi about 🌶️ levels: I rate spice on a combination of quantity, quality, length, intensity and explicitness of the scenes. K!nks are listed separately and generally do not directly affect the steam level to keep it fair for non k!nky books.
January 12, 2021
Logging this with the read date instead of the three individual books because I feel like that's more fair on my stats for the year.
Review for each individual book: Crash | Override | Reboot
Overall review: I liked the books a lot. I wasn't sure I wanted to continue reading it when I found out the series is not complete, but I went ahead and read the first season in hopes that I would get an actual ending. Luckily for me, I did get one. There is still a lot to go on, but for now, until the series is complete and I, hopefully, don't forget about it, I am satisfied.
I liked the main characters, Ewan and Nate make a great pair with Ewan being very bratty and Nate being very firm. I liked their dynamic and where this is heading.
There is a good amount of anticipation and anxiety and the author spends time with both of the main characters so that you get to know them. I always like that.
The series is fun and kinky while being well written. I only have two complaints: (1) some age got mixed up at some point with a character getting, somehow, younger, and (2) if an editor decides that in a future release they want to erase every 'sidelong' in this, I stand by them. More often than not the word was unnecessary and so frequent it annoyed me.
Bottom line, A Collar For His Brat is a fun series, kinky, and well written.
Review for each individual book: Crash | Override | Reboot
Overall review: I liked the books a lot. I wasn't sure I wanted to continue reading it when I found out the series is not complete, but I went ahead and read the first season in hopes that I would get an actual ending. Luckily for me, I did get one. There is still a lot to go on, but for now, until the series is complete and I, hopefully, don't forget about it, I am satisfied.
I liked the main characters, Ewan and Nate make a great pair with Ewan being very bratty and Nate being very firm. I liked their dynamic and where this is heading.
There is a good amount of anticipation and anxiety and the author spends time with both of the main characters so that you get to know them. I always like that.
The series is fun and kinky while being well written. I only have two complaints: (1) some age got mixed up at some point with a character getting, somehow, younger, and (2) if an editor decides that in a future release they want to erase every 'sidelong' in this, I stand by them. More often than not the word was unnecessary and so frequent it annoyed me.
Bottom line, A Collar For His Brat is a fun series, kinky, and well written.
April 29, 2025
This is a great book in the genre it belongs in. It's really well written, with a great dynamic between the two main characters - they take their time, which I really appreciated. They both need space to come to terms with the fact that they complement each other so well, and what emerges from this is simply fascinating. Ewan is great as the bratty sub - not annoying, but with a lot of charm and depth. And Nate? So much patience, so much Big Boss Dom Energy - it just works really well together.
It's not just about classic BDSM dynamics, but above all about trust, communication and negotiating boundaries in a very sensitive, genuine way. The book takes its time and offers sizzling chemistry as well as real emotional depth.
Not everything was 100% mine, but the changes in perspective make it totally interesting, especially how they feel about their kink and what that means for a relationship. I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens next.
If you're looking for queer romance with D/s elements and a lot of heart, this is the book for you.
It's not just about classic BDSM dynamics, but above all about trust, communication and negotiating boundaries in a very sensitive, genuine way. The book takes its time and offers sizzling chemistry as well as real emotional depth.
Not everything was 100% mine, but the changes in perspective make it totally interesting, especially how they feel about their kink and what that means for a relationship. I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens next.
If you're looking for queer romance with D/s elements and a lot of heart, this is the book for you.
June 22, 2019
Well ....at least Ewan has a backbone.
Nate Scott, who we met in “His Boy Next Door,” finds his match in Ewan, a prickly and defensive sub who pushes Nate’s buttons until Nate pushes back.....
Nate knows his relationship with Jack Nash doesn’t include anything more than the occasional threesome, and he’s jealous of Jack’s newfound bliss with his boy, Channon. When he discovers his subordinate, Ewan, at the Club, Nate’s surprised at his reactions to Ewan’s snarky and spirited refusal to fall at Nate’s feet.....
It’s tough to figure out just why Nate is so willing to tolerate Ewan’s attitude. Ewan’s like a cornered animal....snarling and snapping at anyone who tries to get close. They’re a match made in Kinky Heaven....a sadist Dom and a sub who needs (a lot of) pain to find himself.
I don’t get the pain thing myself, but it’s nice to see Ewan and Nate find each other.
Nate Scott, who we met in “His Boy Next Door,” finds his match in Ewan, a prickly and defensive sub who pushes Nate’s buttons until Nate pushes back.....
Nate knows his relationship with Jack Nash doesn’t include anything more than the occasional threesome, and he’s jealous of Jack’s newfound bliss with his boy, Channon. When he discovers his subordinate, Ewan, at the Club, Nate’s surprised at his reactions to Ewan’s snarky and spirited refusal to fall at Nate’s feet.....
It’s tough to figure out just why Nate is so willing to tolerate Ewan’s attitude. Ewan’s like a cornered animal....snarling and snapping at anyone who tries to get close. They’re a match made in Kinky Heaven....a sadist Dom and a sub who needs (a lot of) pain to find himself.
I don’t get the pain thing myself, but it’s nice to see Ewan and Nate find each other.
October 11, 2022
I loved HBND where we first meet Nate and Ewan, but I was nervous about reading their story. Mostly because, while I love brats, Ewan seemed especially snarky and prickly and kind of unlikeable. It was part of the point I guess, that Jack and Channon don't see Ewan in the same light that Nate does. I was also nervous that Nate's level of sadism would be too much for me. From Channon's point of view, Nate seemed way too rough and sadistic. But that's because Channon isn't really a masochist. He just likes to suffer for his Sir.
Honestly, thhis book, it's actually a pretty slow burn. We don't get a lot of kink OR steamy scenes. It definitely reads like a romance versus an erotica which I don't mind. Nate only hurts Ewan to the extent that he wants to be hurt. Which is a lot, sure. But Nate also wants to daddy him (without that label) and coddle him and love on him. And it's adorable.
Honestly, thhis book, it's actually a pretty slow burn. We don't get a lot of kink OR steamy scenes. It definitely reads like a romance versus an erotica which I don't mind. Nate only hurts Ewan to the extent that he wants to be hurt. Which is a lot, sure. But Nate also wants to daddy him (without that label) and coddle him and love on him. And it's adorable.
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