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Club Descent #3
Balance
I should have died the day my world imploded around me. Instead, I was delivered into the hands of Will Grady; the first time I met ‘the one that got away.’ A schoolboy error by my hand had him running from my life before I could destroy his too.
The second time we met, he was wrapped around the body of another man, lips locked. No kind words were forthcoming, and I let him walk away, scared to follow.
Third time was a charm and my turn to repay a kindness. When lust came out to play - I couldn’t resist. But I didn’t have the means to give him what he needed, and when he walked away again, I deemed it was for the best.
The fourth time I met Will Grady, he looked as good then as he ever did, even if I thought he was a figment of my imagination. When he found me again, he was still beyond my grasp. But something changed; I was no longer willing to let the man who had held my attention all these years, walk away another time. Chance meetings were not an option.
I held on with both hands, almost losing the one thing I loved most, because without Will, life didn’t bear thinking about. Could I balance what I had with what I wanted and come out the other end on solid ground? There was nowhere to run. I wanted him, he wanted me. But could he love the half-broken man I’d become?
I was ready to hand over my heart. Would he take it, or finally break it?
Only one way to find out…
The second time we met, he was wrapped around the body of another man, lips locked. No kind words were forthcoming, and I let him walk away, scared to follow.
Third time was a charm and my turn to repay a kindness. When lust came out to play - I couldn’t resist. But I didn’t have the means to give him what he needed, and when he walked away again, I deemed it was for the best.
The fourth time I met Will Grady, he looked as good then as he ever did, even if I thought he was a figment of my imagination. When he found me again, he was still beyond my grasp. But something changed; I was no longer willing to let the man who had held my attention all these years, walk away another time. Chance meetings were not an option.
I held on with both hands, almost losing the one thing I loved most, because without Will, life didn’t bear thinking about. Could I balance what I had with what I wanted and come out the other end on solid ground? There was nowhere to run. I wanted him, he wanted me. But could he love the half-broken man I’d become?
I was ready to hand over my heart. Would he take it, or finally break it?
Only one way to find out…
- GenresM M RomanceMental Health
ebook
First published June 27, 2019
4 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
K.A. Sands
23 books73 followersKlaire is a multi genre author who has a passion for reading and more often than not, can be found with her nose stuck in a book. She loves angsty, dark reads but is not averse to the fun, light hearted side either. Typically, a romance reader, of most genres/sub genres, her passion for literature and written words goes back to her childhood when she always dreamed of writing and telling the world her stories.
Not quite a stay at home mum, Klaire has a busy life which she shares with her husband of twenty-five years and her little monkey boy. Her adult children have flown the coop already, but still manage to come home for ‘mama’s lasagne.’ EOL Nurse and business owner are her daytime realities.
Avid eater of mayonnaise and chips, anti-get fitter, lover of cheesy music and a fierce advocate of things close to her heart. She has a bucket list as long as her arm, which includes sky diving and visiting Cambodia. And wants to travel the world.
Great believer in second chances, insta-love (because her love is a product of that), fairy tales and monsters… Klaire just wants to write all the words for you.
Not quite a stay at home mum, Klaire has a busy life which she shares with her husband of twenty-five years and her little monkey boy. Her adult children have flown the coop already, but still manage to come home for ‘mama’s lasagne.’ EOL Nurse and business owner are her daytime realities.
Avid eater of mayonnaise and chips, anti-get fitter, lover of cheesy music and a fierce advocate of things close to her heart. She has a bucket list as long as her arm, which includes sky diving and visiting Cambodia. And wants to travel the world.
Great believer in second chances, insta-love (because her love is a product of that), fairy tales and monsters… Klaire just wants to write all the words for you.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 26, 2019
Will and Grant
The author’s note gave me already goosebumps.
Military Grant is lying in a hospital in London, after he’d been heavily injured, with permanent damage, in Afghanistan. Will is his nurse and for Will Grant is different, not a regular patient.
There is something about this damaged man and he is attracted to him what brings him in conflict with his profession.
Grant thinks Will is gorgeous. Can’t keep his eyes of the man.
Weeks went by and then something happens and Will is gone without a word.
BDSM club Decent is the place for Will to work his stress away. It looks peculiar crazy but Grant his father Jeremy and husband Ed (see #2.5 from the series) are also members of Decent. It’s a small world.
Complicated interactions are what Grant and Will have over the years. A few encounters and it’s always Will who backs off and disappears. They separate again and have their own lives. We can see some real ugliness in Will’s life, we can see how Grant is doing better.
Time flies, one way or another their paths always cross.
Beautiful honest men, not afraid to show emotions. We can see them rise and fall.
Its almost they can’t be together, there is always something. And It’s always heavily intense and emotional when they see each other. But again Will slips through Grant’s fingers.
“He’s been through his fair share and then some”
It’s about a small circle of people all with an indelible important place.
What I loved was there was no emphasis on Grant’s injuries, they were there and it was an important fact, but it was not about thát. It was about two men, who every damn time, one way or another, throughout all the years, in very high and low moments, meet time after time!! It’s inevitable -just inevitable- they’ll meet again. Because it’s their karma.
I was so impressed by this journey. Beautiful personalities, the circumstances heartbreaking. My heart cracked more than once.
This story was stunningly written. I was floored by their personal journeys. I felt deeply involved and so connected. Respect for this sincere story!!
Unbelievable beautiful story, with a profoundly emotional depth that caught my heart.
Highly recommended
The author’s note gave me already goosebumps.
Military Grant is lying in a hospital in London, after he’d been heavily injured, with permanent damage, in Afghanistan. Will is his nurse and for Will Grant is different, not a regular patient.
There is something about this damaged man and he is attracted to him what brings him in conflict with his profession.
Grant thinks Will is gorgeous. Can’t keep his eyes of the man.
Weeks went by and then something happens and Will is gone without a word.
BDSM club Decent is the place for Will to work his stress away. It looks peculiar crazy but Grant his father Jeremy and husband Ed (see #2.5 from the series) are also members of Decent. It’s a small world.
Complicated interactions are what Grant and Will have over the years. A few encounters and it’s always Will who backs off and disappears. They separate again and have their own lives. We can see some real ugliness in Will’s life, we can see how Grant is doing better.
Time flies, one way or another their paths always cross.
Beautiful honest men, not afraid to show emotions. We can see them rise and fall.
Its almost they can’t be together, there is always something. And It’s always heavily intense and emotional when they see each other. But again Will slips through Grant’s fingers.
“He’s been through his fair share and then some”
It’s about a small circle of people all with an indelible important place.
What I loved was there was no emphasis on Grant’s injuries, they were there and it was an important fact, but it was not about thát. It was about two men, who every damn time, one way or another, throughout all the years, in very high and low moments, meet time after time!! It’s inevitable -just inevitable- they’ll meet again. Because it’s their karma.
I was so impressed by this journey. Beautiful personalities, the circumstances heartbreaking. My heart cracked more than once.
This story was stunningly written. I was floored by their personal journeys. I felt deeply involved and so connected. Respect for this sincere story!!
Unbelievable beautiful story, with a profoundly emotional depth that caught my heart.
Highly recommended
July 15, 2019
A long journey to find comfort...
An RN, Will is caring for a wounded veteran in London, deeply injured in Afghanistan. Something about Grant calls to Will, but he remains professional. Part time, Will tends bar at a BDSM sex club, where he’s seen Grant’s two dads. Bad choices and circumstances show us Will’s poor judgement. Grant remains steadfast as he recovers.
Their paths cross several times through the years, and each time the men miss their opportunity to connect. Neither man has their emotions in order. Will is spiraling down, in an abusive relationship at one time, then severely depressed. Grant has his own demons, a scarred body, prosthetic leg, PTSD and guilt.
Grant’s dads are awesome, and Grant moves forward. Will has no one, and asks for help. With a misunderstanding about Grant’s friend, once again our men miss their chance. This is a tremendously long slow burn, because the men have wanted each other from the beginning.
We see sadness, strength, weakness and perseverance. I was happy with the ending, but it took long struggles.
========
An RN, Will is caring for a wounded veteran in London, deeply injured in Afghanistan. Something about Grant calls to Will, but he remains professional. Part time, Will tends bar at a BDSM sex club, where he’s seen Grant’s two dads. Bad choices and circumstances show us Will’s poor judgement. Grant remains steadfast as he recovers.
Their paths cross several times through the years, and each time the men miss their opportunity to connect. Neither man has their emotions in order. Will is spiraling down, in an abusive relationship at one time, then severely depressed. Grant has his own demons, a scarred body, prosthetic leg, PTSD and guilt.
Grant’s dads are awesome, and Grant moves forward. Will has no one, and asks for help. With a misunderstanding about Grant’s friend, once again our men miss their chance. This is a tremendously long slow burn, because the men have wanted each other from the beginning.
We see sadness, strength, weakness and perseverance. I was happy with the ending, but it took long struggles.
========
June 27, 2019
2.75ish Stars
Rounded up because the writing wasn’t bad, I just didn’t like the story so much.
This didn’t end up working for me. The initial conflict didn’t seem like that big of a deal and the fallout disproportionately dramatic. (I mean you quit your job as a nurse to become a bar-tending prostitute because you think you did something unprofessional? OTT)
The following encounters were fine, but the long time jumps seemed unbelievable if they’re supposed to maintain this deep connection.
Also, I hated the direction they took with Grant’s best friend Danny, and was pretty disappointed with how Grant handled the fall out. This is your best friend who’s always been there for you, who you’ve been sleeping with for years, and who’s heart you’ve just broken but you’re just sitting there like, “Omg he has feelings for me, whattt??? I can’t believe this.” And pining for a guy you’ve had 3 interactions with in the past 6 years? Yikes. I know it’s supposed to be romantic longing, but all it really reads as is shitty friendship and obliviousness.
So to sum up this rambling:
- Too many misunderstandings and separations
- Way too much time spanned for the small amount of interaction they have
- Poor, predictable friends-with-benefits gone wrong arrangement
- Too much beginning and middle, not enough end. We barely seem them as a couple
I didn’t hate it, but it just wasn’t for me. Seems like there’s a set up for Danny to have a ménage book coming up - that could be interesting.
Content warning: Strong sexual and physical abuse on page.
Rounded up because the writing wasn’t bad, I just didn’t like the story so much.
This didn’t end up working for me. The initial conflict didn’t seem like that big of a deal and the fallout disproportionately dramatic. (I mean you quit your job as a nurse to become a bar-tending prostitute because you think you did something unprofessional? OTT)
The following encounters were fine, but the long time jumps seemed unbelievable if they’re supposed to maintain this deep connection.
Also, I hated the direction they took with Grant’s best friend Danny, and was pretty disappointed with how Grant handled the fall out. This is your best friend who’s always been there for you, who you’ve been sleeping with for years, and who’s heart you’ve just broken but you’re just sitting there like, “Omg he has feelings for me, whattt??? I can’t believe this.” And pining for a guy you’ve had 3 interactions with in the past 6 years? Yikes. I know it’s supposed to be romantic longing, but all it really reads as is shitty friendship and obliviousness.
So to sum up this rambling:
- Too many misunderstandings and separations
- Way too much time spanned for the small amount of interaction they have
- Poor, predictable friends-with-benefits gone wrong arrangement
- Too much beginning and middle, not enough end. We barely seem them as a couple
I didn’t hate it, but it just wasn’t for me. Seems like there’s a set up for Danny to have a ménage book coming up - that could be interesting.
Content warning: Strong sexual and physical abuse on page.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2019
I'm going to write this review without going into spoiler territory because I want you to experience this amazing story without knowing too many details, and that's going to be hard because there is so much I'd love to say about my feelings on this story. I am absolutely loving the Club Descent series and although you will have met characters in previous books, I feel Balance works perfectly as a standalone read.
For me, this story is incredible. It has been very thought provoking at times as you will have learned from the synopsis that Grant's world changed dramatically, and I thought the author did an amazing job highlighting the effects on Grant without it being too heavy. The story line also shows us Will's side. How he feels, and the emotions that can be induced in his line of work - and not only because of his growing feelings for Grant. Again this was written perfectly for me!
I loved how K.A. Sands arranged this book. An amount of times passes from start to finish and rather than have a lengthy and unnecessary word count, the book is split into different parts skipping to the next important time in Grant and Will's story, but she doesn't forget to let us know what had happened in their lives within that time.... I loved this!
The characters in this book, in this series actually, are amazing!! I've loved seeing more of Jeremy and Ed... two men with hearts of gold that are brimming with love and care.
Danny I feel has a story to tell us, and I would love to think that the author will one day share his story with us.
This has been a story that has brought out all the emotions in me. I've shed tears- so you may want to have a tissue to hand, but then I've laughed too. There have been times when I wanted to knock some sense into the men, and then other times when I just felt a need to comfort them. Balance is a
heartbreakingly beautiful love story that is so perfectly written . I was hooked from the very first chapter and I would recommend for you to read it without a doubt.
For me, this story is incredible. It has been very thought provoking at times as you will have learned from the synopsis that Grant's world changed dramatically, and I thought the author did an amazing job highlighting the effects on Grant without it being too heavy. The story line also shows us Will's side. How he feels, and the emotions that can be induced in his line of work - and not only because of his growing feelings for Grant. Again this was written perfectly for me!
I loved how K.A. Sands arranged this book. An amount of times passes from start to finish and rather than have a lengthy and unnecessary word count, the book is split into different parts skipping to the next important time in Grant and Will's story, but she doesn't forget to let us know what had happened in their lives within that time.... I loved this!
The characters in this book, in this series actually, are amazing!! I've loved seeing more of Jeremy and Ed... two men with hearts of gold that are brimming with love and care.
Danny I feel has a story to tell us, and I would love to think that the author will one day share his story with us.
This has been a story that has brought out all the emotions in me. I've shed tears- so you may want to have a tissue to hand, but then I've laughed too. There have been times when I wanted to knock some sense into the men, and then other times when I just felt a need to comfort them. Balance is a
heartbreakingly beautiful love story that is so perfectly written . I was hooked from the very first chapter and I would recommend for you to read it without a doubt.
June 28, 2019
This is a new to me author and I am absolutely blown away by their talent. This book reeled me in from the first page and kept me thirsting for more. Grant is vet who's come home severely injured and Will is his charge nurse. Immediately, sparks ignite between them. An incident occurs, causing Will to flee because lines were crossed and he fears losing his job. A few years down the road, and Grant isn't doing so well. Physically, he seems to have healed but his mind is a minefield and he stubbornly refuses seeking help to resolve those issues. A chance meeting and Will is back in the forefront of his thoughts. Sparks fly, heated words exchanged, Will is gone again. Against his better judgement, Grant begins a friends with benefits situation with his best friend, Danny. Meanwhile, Will starts dating someone as well. A few years pass and they run into each other again. Grant insists Will take his phone number because he'll be damned if he let's him slip away without some way to contact each other. Things take a turn for the worse and Will finds himself in need of rescue. Grant helps and it seems like they might work things out, but Grant doesn't want to be a rebound and Will fears he may never be enough for Grant. There's a horrible incident and Will realizes he nerds to stop running or risk losing Grant forever. Danny attempts to intervene because lines have become blurred but Grant only wants Will. After so much heartache, these scarred and flawed men finally have their HEA.
July 5, 2019
KA Sand's Balance is a phenomenal story packed with bad timing. This amazing story of Grant and Will's romance took me on a long, emotional journey.
Meeting in a hospital Will, a nurse, sees something special in the wounded Grant. It doesn't take long for him to give into acting inappropriately, starting these two men on a long journey towards love.
Will and Grant's love story is many years in the making. Repeated missed opportunities and complications, and always each other's "one that got away," these two doesn't need just a second chance, but rather a lifetime of chances. To say their journey is problematic is an understatement. Always separated by heavy issues, the reader is repeatedly gutted as can be. Always unable to provide what the other needs at the time, their reasons for being apart are realistic and painful.
Grant suffers from PTSD and had a leg amputated, so his burdens are many. If these are a trigger for a reader, note that the story does not focus on these issues, but rather just works around them.
Their story includes abuse and control by an ex that is heart-wrenching. It includes breath play that some may like and some may not. But most relevant, their story includes pain, hurt, broken hearts, and more. These men have been though so much;a happy ending is exactly what they deserve.
KA Sands is an extraordinary writer. The writing is wonderfully done, with intriguing, interesting, and complex characters. But most impressive is the ability to perfect the time jumps. Some authors may struggle with this technique, but KA Sands excels at appropriate and seamless time jumps.
Balance is a beautiful story of repeated wrong timing between two men who are each struggling with finding themselves as well as struggling to find a way to be together. Both riveting and compelling, I cannot recommend this extraordinary book enough!
Meeting in a hospital Will, a nurse, sees something special in the wounded Grant. It doesn't take long for him to give into acting inappropriately, starting these two men on a long journey towards love.
Will and Grant's love story is many years in the making. Repeated missed opportunities and complications, and always each other's "one that got away," these two doesn't need just a second chance, but rather a lifetime of chances. To say their journey is problematic is an understatement. Always separated by heavy issues, the reader is repeatedly gutted as can be. Always unable to provide what the other needs at the time, their reasons for being apart are realistic and painful.
Grant suffers from PTSD and had a leg amputated, so his burdens are many. If these are a trigger for a reader, note that the story does not focus on these issues, but rather just works around them.
Their story includes abuse and control by an ex that is heart-wrenching. It includes breath play that some may like and some may not. But most relevant, their story includes pain, hurt, broken hearts, and more. These men have been though so much;a happy ending is exactly what they deserve.
KA Sands is an extraordinary writer. The writing is wonderfully done, with intriguing, interesting, and complex characters. But most impressive is the ability to perfect the time jumps. Some authors may struggle with this technique, but KA Sands excels at appropriate and seamless time jumps.
Balance is a beautiful story of repeated wrong timing between two men who are each struggling with finding themselves as well as struggling to find a way to be together. Both riveting and compelling, I cannot recommend this extraordinary book enough!
June 27, 2019
If you are looking for angst, emotion, tension and love in a well written, dramatic story then look no further. Balance has it all and more besides.
I was engrossed in this story from page one. These characters are seriously up against it especially poor Grant, he is so broken, physically and emotionally. His life has been turned upside down; now he has to come to terms with being an amputee and what happened to his body, life and comrades in that bomb blast. I loved Grant, so determined despite so many setbacks. Luckily he has his awesome Dads, Jeremy and Ed, a solid loving couple; then there is Will, his nurse. Poor Will, I wanted to give him a shake at times and tell him to see sense, but then the story would have been cut short, which would have been a shame.
Although the characters appear in some of KA Sands other stories you can read this as a standalone. This is a really well written story, with great characters who have real depth and one I highly recommend you read.
I was engrossed in this story from page one. These characters are seriously up against it especially poor Grant, he is so broken, physically and emotionally. His life has been turned upside down; now he has to come to terms with being an amputee and what happened to his body, life and comrades in that bomb blast. I loved Grant, so determined despite so many setbacks. Luckily he has his awesome Dads, Jeremy and Ed, a solid loving couple; then there is Will, his nurse. Poor Will, I wanted to give him a shake at times and tell him to see sense, but then the story would have been cut short, which would have been a shame.
Although the characters appear in some of KA Sands other stories you can read this as a standalone. This is a really well written story, with great characters who have real depth and one I highly recommend you read.
July 4, 2019
Emotional story that pulls on your heart strings.
Two beautiful men who have undeniable chemistry and pull for each other, but struggle to be in the right place, mentally and physically, at the right time together.
This book is told from dual pov, but spread over about 10 years from their first meeting. As Grant recovers from his horrific injuries gained whilst serving in the military, nurse Will spirals downwards into dark places he struggles to deal with. They never forget each other but always it seems to each other they are the one that got away.
I was really rooting for these two to get it together, both had such different but tough lives, they truly deserved happiness. Their issues were well written and sensitively dealt with but didnt overwhelm their budding love story, even when I wanted to bang their heads together, lol. It is MM and there are hot, sexy times ❤🔥
I've loved this series, hopefully there will be more in the future......Danny perhaps? ;-)
4 stars
Two beautiful men who have undeniable chemistry and pull for each other, but struggle to be in the right place, mentally and physically, at the right time together.
This book is told from dual pov, but spread over about 10 years from their first meeting. As Grant recovers from his horrific injuries gained whilst serving in the military, nurse Will spirals downwards into dark places he struggles to deal with. They never forget each other but always it seems to each other they are the one that got away.
I was really rooting for these two to get it together, both had such different but tough lives, they truly deserved happiness. Their issues were well written and sensitively dealt with but didnt overwhelm their budding love story, even when I wanted to bang their heads together, lol. It is MM and there are hot, sexy times ❤🔥
I've loved this series, hopefully there will be more in the future......Danny perhaps? ;-)
4 stars
June 28, 2019
What a heartfelt emotional ride this story was,with past chances missed at every turn.
Will and Grant you are just going to route for this couple so hard and fall for the heartbreak that they both go through before they get there chance at a hea.
Grant comes back from the army a broken man with wounds that are horrendous and Will is his one on one Nurse at the time when they first meet each other,but it wasn't to be and time and time again they are like ships in the night and it is never the right time,until it is.
This was a slow burn romance that spands over eight years and lost chances,but you never give up on this couple through out and the mistakes that they both make and have to deal with.I love this author's style of writing and i was not disappointed in this story at all.
Totally loved it.Five Huge Stars.
Will and Grant you are just going to route for this couple so hard and fall for the heartbreak that they both go through before they get there chance at a hea.
Grant comes back from the army a broken man with wounds that are horrendous and Will is his one on one Nurse at the time when they first meet each other,but it wasn't to be and time and time again they are like ships in the night and it is never the right time,until it is.
This was a slow burn romance that spands over eight years and lost chances,but you never give up on this couple through out and the mistakes that they both make and have to deal with.I love this author's style of writing and i was not disappointed in this story at all.
Totally loved it.Five Huge Stars.
July 1, 2019
In love with Grant and Will's story when we met Grant in a previous book I was gagging to hear his story and we got it. This author did good at showcasing the push and pull between Will and Grant over the years having always something there but just out of reach till the right Balance allowed them to be with one another. Loved seeing some favourite characters pop in. As always looking forward to what's next.
November 8, 2019
Thank you, again...
Thanks again for another wonderful addition to the series. I was happy for Grant and Will, finally finding that they were meant for each other. For all the turmoil they went through they deserve their HEA.
Thanks again for another wonderful addition to the series. I was happy for Grant and Will, finally finding that they were meant for each other. For all the turmoil they went through they deserve their HEA.
April 19, 2023
Una grata sorpresa y eso que estuve a punto de dejarlo porque lo de los clubs de sexo y demás está muy trillado, pero no va de eso para nada y el hecho de que la relación tarde años en funcionar fue un plus....una vez juntos ya resultó un poco previsible.... pero se lo perdono
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews