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Room for Love #1
Reckless
Pursuing your best friend's dad is never a good idea, but Cameron Motel is feeling reckless. His life is about to change, and Luke is older, attractive...and he represents something Cameron has never had before.
Stability.
Luke didn't mean to get involved with his son's best friend, but Cameron needed a strong hand and Luke was willing to deliver on his promises.
This thing between them is supposed to be a secret, but something as big as love can't stay hidden for long. Then a single phone call sends Cameron further away from home than he'd ever planned to go, and Luke's subconscious keeps him grounded in the past unable to move on.
Cameron is gone, and to get him back, Luke needs to do something big, something bold, something...reckless.
Stability.
Luke didn't mean to get involved with his son's best friend, but Cameron needed a strong hand and Luke was willing to deliver on his promises.
This thing between them is supposed to be a secret, but something as big as love can't stay hidden for long. Then a single phone call sends Cameron further away from home than he'd ever planned to go, and Luke's subconscious keeps him grounded in the past unable to move on.
Cameron is gone, and to get him back, Luke needs to do something big, something bold, something...reckless.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2020
214 people are currently reading
511 people want to read
About the author
Kate Hawthorne
94 books931 followersWith over two dozen published romances to her name, Kate Hawthorne has built a recognizable brand around telling emotional stories that pack a figurative (and sometimes literal) punch.
Existing on a steady diet of wine and coffee, Kate spends her days dreaming up angsty stories full of heat, kink, and heart. Kate now lives in Louisville, where she writes romance, reads romance, and hides from the humidity.
Visit her website at http://www.katehawthornebooks.com
Existing on a steady diet of wine and coffee, Kate spends her days dreaming up angsty stories full of heat, kink, and heart. Kate now lives in Louisville, where she writes romance, reads romance, and hides from the humidity.
Visit her website at http://www.katehawthornebooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
April 13, 2020
2 stars
I LOVED the premise of this story. Young, 18-year-old, best friends with the son of the man you’re having sex with? Hot. But this went so wrong. The book received many great reviews and I feel like I read a different version of the story.
The sex was hot. I have to be honest. I loved that Cameron had 4 or 5 brothers. Can’t remember exactly. But...
1. There was NO beginning to the attraction between young Cameron and forty-something Luke. Cameron’s hanging out with his friend, decides to rub one out early one morning, the dad sees, and BAM instant chemistry. Ok. I’ll buy it.
2. I have no idea-other than sexual preferences-what these men are like. Jobs? Movies? Songs? I don’t even know what state they’re supposed to be in.
3. Cameron and Luke do nothing together but have sex.
4. The relationship between Cameron and his best friend (BFs son) just stops. There’s drama at first, then...?
5. Luke is supposed to be a dominant, but it’s clear the author didn’t research BDSM well or didn’t care much for authenticity. Based on my other complaints, it’s probably both.
If you’re just looking for kink, this is your book.
I LOVED the premise of this story. Young, 18-year-old, best friends with the son of the man you’re having sex with? Hot. But this went so wrong. The book received many great reviews and I feel like I read a different version of the story.
The sex was hot. I have to be honest. I loved that Cameron had 4 or 5 brothers. Can’t remember exactly. But...
1. There was NO beginning to the attraction between young Cameron and forty-something Luke. Cameron’s hanging out with his friend, decides to rub one out early one morning, the dad sees, and BAM instant chemistry. Ok. I’ll buy it.
2. I have no idea-other than sexual preferences-what these men are like. Jobs? Movies? Songs? I don’t even know what state they’re supposed to be in.
3. Cameron and Luke do nothing together but have sex.
4. The relationship between Cameron and his best friend (BFs son) just stops. There’s drama at first, then...?
5. Luke is supposed to be a dominant, but it’s clear the author didn’t research BDSM well or didn’t care much for authenticity. Based on my other complaints, it’s probably both.
If you’re just looking for kink, this is your book.
October 15, 2020
I was really tempted to give this book one star. I just couldn’t like either Cameron or Luke. Cameron was so whiny and spoiled. Oh, he was such a brat. And Luke had to be the weakest Dom I can remember. This book was nothing but whining and fighting and crying. I kept starting to DNF but I’ve really enjoyed Kate’s books before. She’s even written Daddy kink books I loved. I’m afraid to read any more books in this series. If the rest of the brothers are as creepy as Cameron I don’t think I can stand it.
July 13, 2020
Meh. I’m giving up at 23%. I am not sure what is going on between Luke and Cameron. I like BDSM stories, I love age gap stories, and was in the mood for something steamy, but I can’t figure out who is the Dom and who is the sub here. And it just seems like everything started randomly, without much buildup so I’m not into it. And the writing annoys me, it’s too impersonal and I’m not connecting with any of the characters.
April 2, 2020
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
A new author to me, Kate Hawthorne surprised me with this sweet, gentle exploration of a young man’s desire for submission and an older man’s response with his own need for domination. Cameron finds older men attractive, silver foxes in particular, and he’s not afraid to go after what he wants. In this case, it’s his best friend’s dad, Luke, who is single after his long-term partner and sub left the year before.
When Cameron finally decides to take flirting with Luke to a new level, a very reluctant Luke finds he can’t resist the boy and gives in to what each plans to be a summer together before Cameron leaves for college.
Cameron is an eighteen-year-old high school senior when the story opens. His father is a very wealthy entrepreneur who travels the world in his business dealings and is absent both emotionally and physically in the boy’s life. He has five older brothers, but there’s close to twenty years between his oldest brother and Cameron and that brother, Charlie, has taken on a fatherly role over time. I appreciated the way the author introduced the dynamics of his family relationship and his special bond with Charlie. Each of the brothers have page time and I assume they will ultimately have one of the stories as this series progresses.
As the story evolves, Cameron’s plans for college change when he and his brothers suddenly need to spend a year managing a hotel if they want to retain their trust funds, and Cameron’s and Luke’s relationship is tested by the distance this creates. The author uses alternating POVs throughout the story to capture both main character’s reactions to the issues they face. Complicating their relationship is Cameron’s friendship, or lack thereof, with Luke’s son, Eddie, who shuns Cameron when he realizes what’s happening. Eddie was portrayed as a typical eighteen-year-old in his actions and reactions throughout the time of the affair but was surprisingly mature when he realized what the separation caused by Cameron’s move to the hotel was doing to his dad. To be honest, I found the situation with the hotel, his brothers, their inheritance, and the need for isolation to be somewhat unbelievable. This plot device separated the couple for months and yet at one point readers learn they were still in the same state. I had questions galore as to why that created such a huge divide.
For a Dom, Luke was quite aggressive in word and deed during the face-to-face time with Cameron, but once the young man moved, Luke became less and less sure of his role and was plagued with self-doubt about the age gap. He became one of those characters I wanted to slap “upside the head” to jolt him out of his ridiculous self-defeating thoughts. As this went on, I also wondered why this mature man wasn’t taking action to see Cameron in person.
Those who enjoy D/S dynamics, age gap, and hot as fire sex scenes may enjoy this story. The sex does light the e-reader on fire and the push-pull of their dynamic makes for light drama. I would have preferred a more assertive dominant character for Luke, but Cameron was exactly what I expected and I appreciated the author allowing him to have his teen moments. One other thing I found very quirky: Cameron’s last name was Motel and much of the story revolved around he and his brothers running a hotel. Freudian? Or on purpose? This was a bit too bizarre and pulled me from the story a few times. Between that and the geographic distancing plot device, my brain didn’t let my heart completely enjoy this book.
One more note: this may be classified as BDSM but focuses on D/s relationships, and though there is some spanking, there’s no whips, restraints, or other “heavy” BDSM in this story.
A new author to me, Kate Hawthorne surprised me with this sweet, gentle exploration of a young man’s desire for submission and an older man’s response with his own need for domination. Cameron finds older men attractive, silver foxes in particular, and he’s not afraid to go after what he wants. In this case, it’s his best friend’s dad, Luke, who is single after his long-term partner and sub left the year before.
When Cameron finally decides to take flirting with Luke to a new level, a very reluctant Luke finds he can’t resist the boy and gives in to what each plans to be a summer together before Cameron leaves for college.
Cameron is an eighteen-year-old high school senior when the story opens. His father is a very wealthy entrepreneur who travels the world in his business dealings and is absent both emotionally and physically in the boy’s life. He has five older brothers, but there’s close to twenty years between his oldest brother and Cameron and that brother, Charlie, has taken on a fatherly role over time. I appreciated the way the author introduced the dynamics of his family relationship and his special bond with Charlie. Each of the brothers have page time and I assume they will ultimately have one of the stories as this series progresses.
As the story evolves, Cameron’s plans for college change when he and his brothers suddenly need to spend a year managing a hotel if they want to retain their trust funds, and Cameron’s and Luke’s relationship is tested by the distance this creates. The author uses alternating POVs throughout the story to capture both main character’s reactions to the issues they face. Complicating their relationship is Cameron’s friendship, or lack thereof, with Luke’s son, Eddie, who shuns Cameron when he realizes what’s happening. Eddie was portrayed as a typical eighteen-year-old in his actions and reactions throughout the time of the affair but was surprisingly mature when he realized what the separation caused by Cameron’s move to the hotel was doing to his dad. To be honest, I found the situation with the hotel, his brothers, their inheritance, and the need for isolation to be somewhat unbelievable. This plot device separated the couple for months and yet at one point readers learn they were still in the same state. I had questions galore as to why that created such a huge divide.
For a Dom, Luke was quite aggressive in word and deed during the face-to-face time with Cameron, but once the young man moved, Luke became less and less sure of his role and was plagued with self-doubt about the age gap. He became one of those characters I wanted to slap “upside the head” to jolt him out of his ridiculous self-defeating thoughts. As this went on, I also wondered why this mature man wasn’t taking action to see Cameron in person.
Those who enjoy D/S dynamics, age gap, and hot as fire sex scenes may enjoy this story. The sex does light the e-reader on fire and the push-pull of their dynamic makes for light drama. I would have preferred a more assertive dominant character for Luke, but Cameron was exactly what I expected and I appreciated the author allowing him to have his teen moments. One other thing I found very quirky: Cameron’s last name was Motel and much of the story revolved around he and his brothers running a hotel. Freudian? Or on purpose? This was a bit too bizarre and pulled me from the story a few times. Between that and the geographic distancing plot device, my brain didn’t let my heart completely enjoy this book.
One more note: this may be classified as BDSM but focuses on D/s relationships, and though there is some spanking, there’s no whips, restraints, or other “heavy” BDSM in this story.
Read
February 8, 2023Kate Hawthorne is an author who I hadn't had any success with reading in the past, but after reading E.M. Lindsey's On the Market series, it's become increasingly apparent that you miss out on a lot by not having read this series, as there is more and more crossover with each book.
So, I sucked it up decided to give this series a go. I was pleasantly surprised to see Kate Hawthorne's writing had improved, but in the end, this still wasn't a story I was crazy about.
I'm not really into BDSM or D/s themes in books. I don't mind if it's done well, but in this case there is no discussion of safe words, limits, power exchange, safe sex (or otherwise... until after the fact). Lukr can hardly articulate his thoughts, feelings or wants (in and out of the bedroom). It's hard to buy into a healthy relationship, let alone a healthy 24/7 power exchange with such poor communication.
I also felt like the whole relationship kind of came out of nowhere. We are told Cameron had a thing for Luke for about a year and had been trying to put the moves on him, but this is told in a fleetingly line here and there. Since the reader doesn't experience any of this, it just felt like it went from 0 to 60 for me, and the connection just wasn't felt.
I do feel like Luke didn't put up much of a fight before engaging in a sexual relationship with his son's just-turned-18-years-old best friend, 25 years his junior. And I'm not buying how easily their families and friends accepted their relationship. You think at least one of the Motel brothers would have thrown a punch (I'm looking at you, James).
So, overall, I liked the writing but not the romance.
So, I sucked it up decided to give this series a go. I was pleasantly surprised to see Kate Hawthorne's writing had improved, but in the end, this still wasn't a story I was crazy about.
I'm not really into BDSM or D/s themes in books. I don't mind if it's done well, but in this case there is no discussion of safe words, limits, power exchange, safe sex (or otherwise... until after the fact). Lukr can hardly articulate his thoughts, feelings or wants (in and out of the bedroom). It's hard to buy into a healthy relationship, let alone a healthy 24/7 power exchange with such poor communication.
I also felt like the whole relationship kind of came out of nowhere. We are told Cameron had a thing for Luke for about a year and had been trying to put the moves on him, but this is told in a fleetingly line here and there. Since the reader doesn't experience any of this, it just felt like it went from 0 to 60 for me, and the connection just wasn't felt.
I do feel like Luke didn't put up much of a fight before engaging in a sexual relationship with his son's just-turned-18-years-old best friend, 25 years his junior. And I'm not buying how easily their families and friends accepted their relationship. You think at least one of the Motel brothers would have thrown a punch (I'm looking at you, James).
So, overall, I liked the writing but not the romance.
March 5, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Reckless is the first book in Kate Hawthorne’s new Room for Love series, starring Cameron and his brothers. It is a spin-off of sorts from Unfettered, a standalone story featuring Cameron’s half brother, Beau. The timelines of the books overlap, and if you have read Unfettered, you will know about the big life change that happens here for Cameron. Knowing the events of that book sets the stage for this story, however I think you could still read Reckless without having read Unfettered as the background on the family is well explained here.
This story is a pretty extreme age gap with newly turned 18-year-old Cameron falling for his best friend’s father. I think Hawthorne does a nice job developing Cameron’s backstory in a way that shows what an independent and self-reliant man he is. Cameron’s father is largely absentee, and though he is close with his brothers, they are older and he mostly raises himself. So I could understand why Cameron may be more emotionally prepared than other 18-years olds for a relationship, as well as why Luke’s emotional strength and stability would really appeal to him, despite the age gap.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Reckless is the first book in Kate Hawthorne’s new Room for Love series, starring Cameron and his brothers. It is a spin-off of sorts from Unfettered, a standalone story featuring Cameron’s half brother, Beau. The timelines of the books overlap, and if you have read Unfettered, you will know about the big life change that happens here for Cameron. Knowing the events of that book sets the stage for this story, however I think you could still read Reckless without having read Unfettered as the background on the family is well explained here.
This story is a pretty extreme age gap with newly turned 18-year-old Cameron falling for his best friend’s father. I think Hawthorne does a nice job developing Cameron’s backstory in a way that shows what an independent and self-reliant man he is. Cameron’s father is largely absentee, and though he is close with his brothers, they are older and he mostly raises himself. So I could understand why Cameron may be more emotionally prepared than other 18-years olds for a relationship, as well as why Luke’s emotional strength and stability would really appeal to him, despite the age gap.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
April 13, 2020
Straszna mizeria.
February 28, 2020
Kate Hawthorne has always sucked me in with her kinky stories and this book is no exception. Cameron and Luke are so well-written, I loved their relationship from the beginning, even when they made me cry.
Cameron is a bit of a pushy brat, his mouth never stops and I fell in love with him right away. He's so young but he knows what he wants, which is Luke. He wants a family. His brothers are all so older than him and he's alone most of the time, he just wants to feel that someone loves him and really means it. He finds that in Luke, until his world comes crashing down around him.
Luke is still broken from his husband leaving him and he's not expecting a whirlwind like Cameron to want him. He's unsure of having Cameron, which is understandable because Cameron is so much younger than Luke, but when Luke gets his act together it works. Luke gives Cameron almost everything he needs (there's a reason I cried y'all).
Luke and Cameron are so good together, once they figure out how to be together that is. Cameron is so young and his experience shows. He's so eager to please, to be loved and cared for though he doesn't fully understand what being with Luke means at first. His naiveté is endearing and makes me love him that much more because he tries. He pushes and mouths off but he tries his best and that, in my opinion, is the most important thing.
If you've read Unfettered then you've met four of Cameron's brothers already when Beau and Heath go visit them for Christmas. In that book one of them was gone, in this one, you get to meet them all of the Motel brothers. Some are more prolific than others and I cannot wait for their stories. Seeing how everything happened and how Cameron and his brothers end up in Cherry Creek is bittersweet, while their father was never much of a father to them, he still put stipulations on them that forced them together. Though hopefully, this is a good thing for all of them in the end. Not only for Cameron's own loneliness but for all of them. I won't spoil anything for y'all, but Cameron isn't the only one hurting from a life of neglect, he's just the one we first get to see.
I did not expect this book to make me cry. Yes, Cameron's loneliness made me tear up a few times. It was so easy to see that he just wanted love and his brothers, while they cared for him, had their own lives to live. And he never told them how bad it really was for him. Then he has Luke. Until he doesn't. I was hoping that Kate Hawthorne would take a different path for them, but no, she just had to rip my heart into pieces doing what I wanted.
I'm excited to see where this series takes us. I want the Motel brothers to realize their mistakes and patch their family back together, which means I want to see more Beau. I am already excited about the next book in the series because there were so many hints dropped and I need it in my hands even though I just finished book one. I have a feeling that the next book is going to be explosive.
Cameron is a bit of a pushy brat, his mouth never stops and I fell in love with him right away. He's so young but he knows what he wants, which is Luke. He wants a family. His brothers are all so older than him and he's alone most of the time, he just wants to feel that someone loves him and really means it. He finds that in Luke, until his world comes crashing down around him.
Luke is still broken from his husband leaving him and he's not expecting a whirlwind like Cameron to want him. He's unsure of having Cameron, which is understandable because Cameron is so much younger than Luke, but when Luke gets his act together it works. Luke gives Cameron almost everything he needs (there's a reason I cried y'all).
Luke and Cameron are so good together, once they figure out how to be together that is. Cameron is so young and his experience shows. He's so eager to please, to be loved and cared for though he doesn't fully understand what being with Luke means at first. His naiveté is endearing and makes me love him that much more because he tries. He pushes and mouths off but he tries his best and that, in my opinion, is the most important thing.
If you've read Unfettered then you've met four of Cameron's brothers already when Beau and Heath go visit them for Christmas. In that book one of them was gone, in this one, you get to meet them all of the Motel brothers. Some are more prolific than others and I cannot wait for their stories. Seeing how everything happened and how Cameron and his brothers end up in Cherry Creek is bittersweet, while their father was never much of a father to them, he still put stipulations on them that forced them together. Though hopefully, this is a good thing for all of them in the end. Not only for Cameron's own loneliness but for all of them. I won't spoil anything for y'all, but Cameron isn't the only one hurting from a life of neglect, he's just the one we first get to see.
I did not expect this book to make me cry. Yes, Cameron's loneliness made me tear up a few times. It was so easy to see that he just wanted love and his brothers, while they cared for him, had their own lives to live. And he never told them how bad it really was for him. Then he has Luke. Until he doesn't. I was hoping that Kate Hawthorne would take a different path for them, but no, she just had to rip my heart into pieces doing what I wanted.
I'm excited to see where this series takes us. I want the Motel brothers to realize their mistakes and patch their family back together, which means I want to see more Beau. I am already excited about the next book in the series because there were so many hints dropped and I need it in my hands even though I just finished book one. I have a feeling that the next book is going to be explosive.
March 3, 2020
By the time I finished reading, all I could think was "Wow." This book was so much more than the fluffy, light read I expected. Cameron and Luke filled my heart up with so many feelings and I wasn't ready to let them go.
In the beginning, Cameron is just looking for a bit of fun and games. He's sassy, snarky, and determined in his pursuit of Luke. Luke, whose 20-year relationship fell apart seven months before this story starts, is hesitant at first, but something about Cam pulls him in. "He barely remembered what it felt like to be so desired, and now desire was here, wrapped up in the body of Cameron Motel, waiting on his bed for Luke to just say the word." The chemistry between these two was insane. Kate writes some of the best, kinkiest sex scenes and I was blown away by how incredibly dirty and hot Cam and Luke were together. “Right now, I’m going to suck my cum out of this tight ass of yours, then I’m going to feed it to you. Understand?”
What starts out as strictly physical turns into a hazy middle ground of unspoken feelings. Cameron is headed to college in a few weeks, so he doesn't want to get attached to Luke. Luke is afraid that people, particularly his son, won't approve of him dating such a young man. Because no one in this book can be sneaky to save their lives, their secret hookup doesn't stay secret for long and Luke and Cam have to decide if they're worth the risk.
I love how complex and emotional this book was. Luke and Cam experience loss, change, and self discovery all in a short period of time. Their reactions aren't always perfect; sometimes they have misunderstandings and hurt each others' feelings. They don't always make the best decisions, but underneath it all is a deep layer of intimacy and warmth that ties Luke and Cameron together when the world tries to force them apart. "Luke made a safe space for him to have this moment where he could be strong enough to be weak, where his fear and anguish could be wiped away with the strike of Luke’s belt." Even when Luke doubted that he could give Cam what he deserved, even when Cam was lost and so desperately lonely that he lashed out at Luke, they didn't give up on each other. My heart broke for them as they struggled to make a long distance relationship work. “I feel like all we are is a series of goodbyes.” Cameron swallowed and sniffled. “I can’t keep saying goodbye to you.” At the end of the day, Luke and Cam made choices and sacrifices to be together. Their happily ever after was hard fought and well-deserved.
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
In the beginning, Cameron is just looking for a bit of fun and games. He's sassy, snarky, and determined in his pursuit of Luke. Luke, whose 20-year relationship fell apart seven months before this story starts, is hesitant at first, but something about Cam pulls him in. "He barely remembered what it felt like to be so desired, and now desire was here, wrapped up in the body of Cameron Motel, waiting on his bed for Luke to just say the word." The chemistry between these two was insane. Kate writes some of the best, kinkiest sex scenes and I was blown away by how incredibly dirty and hot Cam and Luke were together. “Right now, I’m going to suck my cum out of this tight ass of yours, then I’m going to feed it to you. Understand?”
What starts out as strictly physical turns into a hazy middle ground of unspoken feelings. Cameron is headed to college in a few weeks, so he doesn't want to get attached to Luke. Luke is afraid that people, particularly his son, won't approve of him dating such a young man. Because no one in this book can be sneaky to save their lives, their secret hookup doesn't stay secret for long and Luke and Cam have to decide if they're worth the risk.
I love how complex and emotional this book was. Luke and Cam experience loss, change, and self discovery all in a short period of time. Their reactions aren't always perfect; sometimes they have misunderstandings and hurt each others' feelings. They don't always make the best decisions, but underneath it all is a deep layer of intimacy and warmth that ties Luke and Cameron together when the world tries to force them apart. "Luke made a safe space for him to have this moment where he could be strong enough to be weak, where his fear and anguish could be wiped away with the strike of Luke’s belt." Even when Luke doubted that he could give Cam what he deserved, even when Cam was lost and so desperately lonely that he lashed out at Luke, they didn't give up on each other. My heart broke for them as they struggled to make a long distance relationship work. “I feel like all we are is a series of goodbyes.” Cameron swallowed and sniffled. “I can’t keep saying goodbye to you.” At the end of the day, Luke and Cam made choices and sacrifices to be together. Their happily ever after was hard fought and well-deserved.
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 27, 2021
I’ve read this author before. This is a great mm contemporary story set in the USA. Main characters are Cameron and Luke. Told from duel POV. Cam is Luke’s sons best friend but now Cam is 18 he wants different things. Luke is 6 months out of a relationship with Kevin. Luke is into light BDSM. These two have a rocky road with both families having a hard time accepting their relationship. Cam is the baby of 5 brothers. Great start to the series and introduction to many of the characters what will have their own book in this series.
May 22, 2023
3.5
Adorable and freaking hot. Kate Hawthorne seems like the kind of author for me and I'm so damn glad I finally started this series!
I met Cameron and the rest of the Motel brothers in "Unfettered", and I've been curious about them all since.
And Cameron and Luke's story does not disappoint. Forbidden relationship, age gap, best friend's father, kinky D/s dynamics, first times and a whole lot of steam and angst? Sign me up.
I really adored "Reckless"; there were a couple of things that I disliked (some unnecessary miscommunication and Cameron's behaviour at times), but I adored it nonetheless and I managed to devour it in less than a day. Luke was my favourite out of the two protagonists, but I admit that some of the other Motel brothers left me more intrigued: James and Charlie, especially. I can't wait for their stories, especially considering I already know some stuff about their books *wags eyebrows suggestively*
There was a whole lot of sneaking around and forbidden vibes to their relationship that was decidedly smoking hot; but the angst was considerably less than what I expected, especially in regards to Eddie and Cameron's brothers reaction to their relationship. I was thankful for that, because whew, Luke and Cameron already bring enough relationship angst to the table all by themselves.
I loved following them on their journey towards a HEA, and I also adored how "Unfettered" tied into this book. I wonder if Beau and Heath make an appearance later on? And I'm also veeeeery intrigued by the Luke's friends. I'll have to look into their story asap because I definitely should give another poly story a go.
Anyway, I'm already off to download the next book. I'm obsessed.
Adorable and freaking hot. Kate Hawthorne seems like the kind of author for me and I'm so damn glad I finally started this series!
I met Cameron and the rest of the Motel brothers in "Unfettered", and I've been curious about them all since.
And Cameron and Luke's story does not disappoint. Forbidden relationship, age gap, best friend's father, kinky D/s dynamics, first times and a whole lot of steam and angst? Sign me up.
I really adored "Reckless"; there were a couple of things that I disliked (some unnecessary miscommunication and Cameron's behaviour at times), but I adored it nonetheless and I managed to devour it in less than a day. Luke was my favourite out of the two protagonists, but I admit that some of the other Motel brothers left me more intrigued: James and Charlie, especially. I can't wait for their stories, especially considering I already know some stuff about their books *wags eyebrows suggestively*
There was a whole lot of sneaking around and forbidden vibes to their relationship that was decidedly smoking hot; but the angst was considerably less than what I expected, especially in regards to Eddie and Cameron's brothers reaction to their relationship. I was thankful for that, because whew, Luke and Cameron already bring enough relationship angst to the table all by themselves.
I loved following them on their journey towards a HEA, and I also adored how "Unfettered" tied into this book. I wonder if Beau and Heath make an appearance later on? And I'm also veeeeery intrigued by the Luke's friends. I'll have to look into their story asap because I definitely should give another poly story a go.
Anyway, I'm already off to download the next book. I'm obsessed.
February 6, 2023
This book was not enjoyable for me. I wanted to read the second one, so it only made sense to read the first one. But the characters...were just, uh. In the first chapter, I knew I would not like it, but I kept thinking it would improve. It did not. We have Cameron and Luke, who begin a Dom/Sub relationship, but Cameron is Luke's son's best friend. The age thing bothered me because Cameron was technically still in high school. He was just 18, so that was something. They never had a proper understanding of their relationship, and things escalated rather quickly without them understanding what they needed from each other, which led to many conflicts and back and forth. I felt they had nothing in common, and there was no build-up to the chemistry between the two. It was just a lot, and I did not like this book. Also, Luke was just a selfish shitty Dad. He gave no thought to his son's feelings and only thought about himself and his relationship with Cameron. They both really threw Eddie to the side and gave him no thought. There is literally three pages were Eddie is trying to talk to Luke; Luke knows it but is so wrapped up in his stuff he is not helping his son at all. If you are going to fuck your son's best friend, at least be a good fucking Dad. Just skip this book.
March 7, 2020
This is the first story in a new series, and it introduces us to the Motel brothers. Cameron is the youngest brother, at eighteen, and we get to see him fall in lust, and then love, with his best friend's father. Cameron's feelings are reciprocated by Luke, who is sexy, dominant, and lonely. These two plan on their kinky fling being a short-term thing, but of course, their hearts get in the way.
I really cared about both characters, and I found myself anxious when they were upset. Even though Luke's son Eddie was the same age as Cameron, the years between Luke and Cameron didn't keep me from rooting for them. Cameron needed love and stability, and Luke needed someone to shake up his lonely life and let him love them. They were perfect for each other, even when they tried to deny it. And the dominance and submission made me all tingly!
The author did a great job making me want to know more about Cameron's brothers, too, so I already feel hooked on the series. I can't wait for the next book, and I hope Cameron and Luke show up often throughout the series, so I can see their relationship continue to grow. This is going to be great, and I am so ready!
I really cared about both characters, and I found myself anxious when they were upset. Even though Luke's son Eddie was the same age as Cameron, the years between Luke and Cameron didn't keep me from rooting for them. Cameron needed love and stability, and Luke needed someone to shake up his lonely life and let him love them. They were perfect for each other, even when they tried to deny it. And the dominance and submission made me all tingly!
The author did a great job making me want to know more about Cameron's brothers, too, so I already feel hooked on the series. I can't wait for the next book, and I hope Cameron and Luke show up often throughout the series, so I can see their relationship continue to grow. This is going to be great, and I am so ready!
March 1, 2020
Wow I freaking loved this book!!! From the first page to the last, I could not put it down. Everything about it just worked for me. There was a 24 year age gap, best friends father, first times, power exchange and so much love and feeling! Luke was Cameron's best friend's father, he should have been off limits, but their draw to each other was undeniable and unstoppable. Ms. Hawthorne expertly wrote their connection, it was so realistic and so emotional. They had the struggles you would expect with the obstacles in their path...they were not magically resolved either. There was pain and tension and uncomfortableness and they talked about it, they worked through it to come out ok on the other side...but it wasnt always easy.
This book was also very hot and very kinky and very steamy and this author writes that just so well. The best part about the sexy times was how integral they were to Luke and Cameron's relationship, every encounter was important on their path of discovery to a future together.
My favorite thing about the book were the feelings and the emotions. The love these two had for each other was so evident in every thought, every action, every encounter, it flowed off the pages. The love between the brothers was apparent, the love between Eddie and Luke, the love between Cameron and Eddie...the relationships throughout were just so well done and I cannot wait for the next book in this wonderful series!!!
This book was also very hot and very kinky and very steamy and this author writes that just so well. The best part about the sexy times was how integral they were to Luke and Cameron's relationship, every encounter was important on their path of discovery to a future together.
My favorite thing about the book were the feelings and the emotions. The love these two had for each other was so evident in every thought, every action, every encounter, it flowed off the pages. The love between the brothers was apparent, the love between Eddie and Luke, the love between Cameron and Eddie...the relationships throughout were just so well done and I cannot wait for the next book in this wonderful series!!!
March 12, 2020
Perfect
Omg....This was amazing...I don't usually like books with younger guys in but Cameron was perfect for Luke....Ms Hawthornes usual talent showed through in this one and I will look forward to reading the next x
Omg....This was amazing...I don't usually like books with younger guys in but Cameron was perfect for Luke....Ms Hawthornes usual talent showed through in this one and I will look forward to reading the next x
Want to read
April 3, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/3/2021)! 🎁
December 31, 2021
3.75 stars
January 1, 2022
O.K. Well, that was something…and do I have a something for steamy age gaps and sometimes taboo relationship; Reckless definitely fits the bill. Once the fuse is lit, what shouldn’t be more than a little crush that teenager Cam has on his best friend's dad, Luke, turns out to be the best thing that could have happened to both of them….but with the worst timing!
What goes from a sweet and somewhat secret and serious affair that is what both of these leading men needed, transitions into a long-distance relationship. Thankfully the LDR pushes them both to realize even more about themselves, their wants and desires and how they can fully come to be the best partner for each other...taboos aside
Thank GODS!!!! Because I was gonna throw my kindle at the wall at one point ;) You’ll know what I’m talking about when you get there!
But Reckless was FREAKIN AWESOME!!!!!!! I’ve been excited to finally dive into the Motel brothers ever since they were introduced in the standalone Unfettered and it’s kinda the BEST that sweet Cam gets to go ‘first’ *wink*
But mostly I just loved that we got to see two wonderful men at such completely different stages of age and life come together and learn so much about themselves and their own happiness.
So, I truly can’t wait for more of the Motel brothers and for this happy little town of Cherry Creek. I am truly sucked in by another Hawthorne story, which I feel like is promising me some of the sweeter sides of her amazing kink writing.
Whether the rest of the series goes this route, sweet kinky Kate is kinda adorable!
What goes from a sweet and somewhat secret and serious affair that is what both of these leading men needed, transitions into a long-distance relationship. Thankfully the LDR pushes them both to realize even more about themselves, their wants and desires and how they can fully come to be the best partner for each other...taboos aside
Thank GODS!!!! Because I was gonna throw my kindle at the wall at one point ;) You’ll know what I’m talking about when you get there!
But Reckless was FREAKIN AWESOME!!!!!!! I’ve been excited to finally dive into the Motel brothers ever since they were introduced in the standalone Unfettered and it’s kinda the BEST that sweet Cam gets to go ‘first’ *wink*
But mostly I just loved that we got to see two wonderful men at such completely different stages of age and life come together and learn so much about themselves and their own happiness.
So, I truly can’t wait for more of the Motel brothers and for this happy little town of Cherry Creek. I am truly sucked in by another Hawthorne story, which I feel like is promising me some of the sweeter sides of her amazing kink writing.
Whether the rest of the series goes this route, sweet kinky Kate is kinda adorable!
February 1, 2021
Luke and Cameron are total sweethearts. Cam is the youngest of 5 brothers, he’s a sassy and mouthy teen but at the end of the day he just wants to please and be loved. Luke is Cam’s best friend’s dad. He’s sensitive, caring, still healing from the ugly end of his marriage and has forgotten what it feels like to be desired. He shouldn’t be an option... Neither of them planned on it, but once the spark between them caught, they quickly lost control of the burn. It was just supposed to be a bit of fun, but they fell hard and more than they ever expected. Life isn’t simple though, and as if the age gap wasn’t challenging enough, they face a lot of other big changes.
Transitioning to long distance nearly breaks them and somewhere along the way Luke realizes that while he loves Cameron, he’s still been holding him at arms length afraid to risk his heart again. When he finally lets go and commits to being all in things fall perfectly into place.
In short, I loved them. I do wish a little more of their early explorations were on the page but the story still works out nicely without it. Cam is stubborn and mouthy, always keeping Luke on his toes. Their story is a delicious balance of sweet & kink. Enough sweetness to bring on the feels when things get rocky and just the right amount of kink to steam things up and be a salve to the heartache. This is the first book of a promising series following the brothers and I can’t wait to see more of Cherry Creek. Well done!
Transitioning to long distance nearly breaks them and somewhere along the way Luke realizes that while he loves Cameron, he’s still been holding him at arms length afraid to risk his heart again. When he finally lets go and commits to being all in things fall perfectly into place.
In short, I loved them. I do wish a little more of their early explorations were on the page but the story still works out nicely without it. Cam is stubborn and mouthy, always keeping Luke on his toes. Their story is a delicious balance of sweet & kink. Enough sweetness to bring on the feels when things get rocky and just the right amount of kink to steam things up and be a salve to the heartache. This is the first book of a promising series following the brothers and I can’t wait to see more of Cherry Creek. Well done!
October 7, 2020
This is such a stupid book!
Everything happens so quickly. Something will happen and then it's like: 3 weeks later... obviously the author didn't have any inspiration hahaha
Everything happens so quickly. Something will happen and then it's like: 3 weeks later... obviously the author didn't have any inspiration hahaha
dnf
April 29, 2022DNF @19%
October 19, 2020
The first book in this series about the Motel brothers who inherit a motel in Cherry Creek. Cameron, the youngest of the 4 and best friends with Eddy is finishing school and planning to leave for college after a long road trip with his best friend. But things like falling in love with your best friend's dad and your own dad dying and putting restrictions in his will, is driving him in the opposite direction. Cameron hadn't planned to fall in love and submit to Luke, the handsome older man who was left by his husband for a much younger man. And Luke hadn't planned to fall in love with this sweet boy. It was only supposed to be temporarely until Cameron and Eddy would leave for college. But the way Cameron submits to him is too sweet to pass up. When Cameron leaves for Cherry Creek, they promise that their love won't keep them apart and it will only be for one year. But being away from Luke makes Cameron doubt and realises Luke can't give him what he so desperately needs. In a final phone conversation (which is heartbreaking), Cameron breaks up with Luke so he can go on with his new life. And isn't that the push Luke just needs? He sells his house and makes a deal with his work to go and rescue what he hopes is still there. Will Cameron except him back in his life or is he too late, and all is lost. It is an emotional journey with plenty of steamy encounters, and I can't wait to read what's in store for the rest of his brothers. There is a fifth brother, who they all come to know when their father's will is read. If you want to read his story and the prequel to this series you need to read Unfettered first.
September 18, 2024
It starts out as a strictly physical attraction but quickly morphs into a hot middle ground of unspoken, and so far, unexplored, feelings. Cameron is leaving for college in a few weeks, so he doesn't want to get attached to Luke. Luke is afraid that people, especially his son, won't approve of him dating a very much younger man, (18) ...and to add to the drama...is his son's best friend. Because no one in this story can just be sneaky, their secret hookup doesn't remain a secret for long, and now Luke and Cam have to decide if their relationship is worth what they may be risking.
The death of Cameron's father, (who was no shining star of fatherhood), had added a clause in his will that almost took care of the entire May/December romance. It seems that he owned a lodge, a half a state away, and in order for his 5 sons to collect their shares of a huge amount of money, that they were unaware that he even had, they have to move to the lodge, live there for a year and run it. Each had the option to take a buyout, but they wouldn't receive any of the "big money" if they did this. They also discovered and met their half-brother that they knew nothing about, and he didn't know about them.
I felt sorry for Cameron and Luke, who really did love one another...but hey... there are two more books (which of course I have). Cam's words pretty well sums this up with Cam's words to Luke “I feel like all we are, is a series of goodbyes.” Cameron swallowed and sniffled. “I can’t keep saying goodbye to you.” I had a great deal of admiration for what Luke did to help the problem, even if he did wait almost too long. On to book #2 to see how his plans work out.
The death of Cameron's father, (who was no shining star of fatherhood), had added a clause in his will that almost took care of the entire May/December romance. It seems that he owned a lodge, a half a state away, and in order for his 5 sons to collect their shares of a huge amount of money, that they were unaware that he even had, they have to move to the lodge, live there for a year and run it. Each had the option to take a buyout, but they wouldn't receive any of the "big money" if they did this. They also discovered and met their half-brother that they knew nothing about, and he didn't know about them.
I felt sorry for Cameron and Luke, who really did love one another...but hey... there are two more books (which of course I have). Cam's words pretty well sums this up with Cam's words to Luke “I feel like all we are, is a series of goodbyes.” Cameron swallowed and sniffled. “I can’t keep saying goodbye to you.” I had a great deal of admiration for what Luke did to help the problem, even if he did wait almost too long. On to book #2 to see how his plans work out.
March 11, 2020
Had hoped for more..
I've read a collab that Kate Hawthorne was part of and really enjoyed it. I looked forward to this book thinking it would be just as good. Unfortunately I was a little disappointed. I suppose the story ended well enough with the characters reconnecting with what will hopefully be a happily ever after.
I had a couple of issues with the story. One, I never really felt connected to the characters, especially Luke/Mr. Alexander. I felt his back story was lacking. For example, I assumed he had a job, but it wasn't addressed at all until 75-80% into the book. Luke is the older mc, more dominant, and demanding.. sort of. He's so indecisive and unsure of himself. He comes off as weak to me. Cameron is the younger man, the son's best friend, and also presented as the sub in this story. Yet he comes off as aggressive and like he's chasing down the dominant. It's a very odd dynamic. The story generally made me a little sad, like the mc were never going to be together. They spend so much time hiding, being away from each other, in uncertainty and fighting that it's not a very happy romance. There was so much skipping around too. Just when you think the story will get good the next chapter is another day or week or scene.
I definitely felt more connected to Cameron. I felt more connected to him and his family throughout the story. I honestly wanted to know more about James and Levi, Charlie, and Beau..
I might read book 2, about James and Levi, it looks like their dynamic might be fun. Fingers crossed it's better.
I've read a collab that Kate Hawthorne was part of and really enjoyed it. I looked forward to this book thinking it would be just as good. Unfortunately I was a little disappointed. I suppose the story ended well enough with the characters reconnecting with what will hopefully be a happily ever after.
I had a couple of issues with the story. One, I never really felt connected to the characters, especially Luke/Mr. Alexander. I felt his back story was lacking. For example, I assumed he had a job, but it wasn't addressed at all until 75-80% into the book. Luke is the older mc, more dominant, and demanding.. sort of. He's so indecisive and unsure of himself. He comes off as weak to me. Cameron is the younger man, the son's best friend, and also presented as the sub in this story. Yet he comes off as aggressive and like he's chasing down the dominant. It's a very odd dynamic. The story generally made me a little sad, like the mc were never going to be together. They spend so much time hiding, being away from each other, in uncertainty and fighting that it's not a very happy romance. There was so much skipping around too. Just when you think the story will get good the next chapter is another day or week or scene.
I definitely felt more connected to Cameron. I felt more connected to him and his family throughout the story. I honestly wanted to know more about James and Levi, Charlie, and Beau..
I might read book 2, about James and Levi, it looks like their dynamic might be fun. Fingers crossed it's better.
December 21, 2020
Age gap/my best friend’s father romances aren’t my go-to fare, but I was eager to read the series connected to Lindsey’s On the Market books. This series gives the background context of some of the relationships seen in that series, and this particular book is the “origin story” of the Motel brothers coming to Cherry Creek. Despite the age gap, Cameron is over age 18, and the consent is explicit in all encounters. It is also clear that Luke is not a strange stand-in for a father figure, nor does Cameron have any interest in one.
The level of kink in this book did surprise me. The lack of communication between Luke and Cameron about that aspect of their relationship was my biggest disappointment in this story, even as it was clear that the dynamic they created worked well for both characters. A lovely surprise twist in the storytelling is that Luke, the older partner, experiences the most dramatic change through his character arc. However, it is also clear that Cameron is young enough that his life outlook hasn’t quite solidified. Luke figures out that what the couple needs and wants is not necessarily the same, and it is also Luke who decides to make changes so that those needs and wants can align for their happily ever after.
I’m excited for the next book in this series, which will feature the most intriguing relationship in Cherry Creek—James and Levi. As much as I enjoyed reading about Cameron, Luke, and the Motels arriving in town, part of me still views this book as the necessary background to getting more Levi and James in my life.
The level of kink in this book did surprise me. The lack of communication between Luke and Cameron about that aspect of their relationship was my biggest disappointment in this story, even as it was clear that the dynamic they created worked well for both characters. A lovely surprise twist in the storytelling is that Luke, the older partner, experiences the most dramatic change through his character arc. However, it is also clear that Cameron is young enough that his life outlook hasn’t quite solidified. Luke figures out that what the couple needs and wants is not necessarily the same, and it is also Luke who decides to make changes so that those needs and wants can align for their happily ever after.
I’m excited for the next book in this series, which will feature the most intriguing relationship in Cherry Creek—James and Levi. As much as I enjoyed reading about Cameron, Luke, and the Motels arriving in town, part of me still views this book as the necessary background to getting more Levi and James in my life.
February 7, 2021
I loved Cameron and Luke’s story! With a 24 year age gap, best friend’s father, first times, power exchange and a whole ton of feelings there wasn’t anything not to love! Evan Carolina is a new narrator and I really love the way he narrated this story. I thought the voices were spot on for the characters and his range, pace and flow of the story was great. Having not read the book prior to the audio, I always knew who was “talking” and didn’t have any issues following the story. Evan did a great job drawing me in and I felt so connected to the story. I could feel the pull these two had to each other, even though their relationship should have been a no-go. The emotional connection was so present with these two. I have to say, I loved Cameron! I was so into the way he went after what he wanted with Luke, his best friend’s Dad, and he had no problem asking for it. I love how Luke tried to be everything for Cameron even through the obstacles in their way. Those obstacles, which just about broke my heart, brought out so many emotions between Cameron and Luke, and strengthened their relationship. As we’ve come to expect from this author, the kink and steamy sexy times (holy hotness!!) was at a high level. There was so much emotion behind their kink, which emotionally elevated their relationship forward. I was so invested in Cameron and Luke finding their way, and I was a bit sad when it was over. I’m eager for the rest of this series in audio because there are so many stories I need to hear!
October 26, 2020
I read this right after reading Unfettered. Like Unfettered, this was another large age gap, D/s story. I don't mind D/s stories when done well. I don't mind age gap romances when done well. In this case, the combination of both was just too much. The 18 yo with his best friend's father went beyond kink and crossed the line into creepy, skeevy, squick factor territory. I have invested time into the different "Cherry Creek" series and wanted to learn more about the cast of characters that live there and appear in the different books. Not a lot of character development here, or even romantic love/sex, just a whole lot of D/s 'scenes' cobbled together. We get a glimpse into the older MC's thoughts; that he knew it was wrong to get involved with a barely out of high school kid, yet he did it anyway. The youngest Motel brother was immature and being a whole generation apart, they had nothing in common. It just made no sense. I still hope to read about the remaining Motel brothers. I just hope the rest of this series isn't more D/s themes - 2 books were enough.
Also, it is never really explained WHY the senior Motel stipulated that the 5 brothers (and 1 half-brother) had to move to Cherry Creek and run the Lodge for a year in order to get their Trust inheritance. It seemed like more of a contrived plot device rather than a realistic action.
Also, it is never really explained WHY the senior Motel stipulated that the 5 brothers (and 1 half-brother) had to move to Cherry Creek and run the Lodge for a year in order to get their Trust inheritance. It seemed like more of a contrived plot device rather than a realistic action.
March 11, 2022
An author going off-script can be exciting for a reader or it can be confusing, this story is a bit of both. The comfort in the daddy / dom trope is their masterful presence, that’s not the case here. Kate Hawthorne presents Luke as an experienced older dom who is unclear about what he wants and who seems to get overwhelmed by barely 18 yo Cameron, his son’s precocious best friend. Luke fails to establish or enforce rules and ends up looking inconsistent and muddle-headed; weirdly, his biggest rule seems to be ‘no swearing’. We’re on safer ground with Cameron, he’s inexperienced but eager so everything is new and exciting and I could easily forgive his occasional moodiness or lapses in confidence. Despite some scorching scenes, though, I found the overly sexual relationship unsatisfying. It focused on BDSM rather than communication and I felt that Cameron was being asked to run before he could walk: he was often disciplined when all he needed was a hug and some moral support. I know each of Cameron’s brothers get their own book but the inheritance / hotel plot line which links them all seemed improbable. Audio narrator Evan Carolina has a young voice that totally suits Cameron but he sounded stilted and unconvincing as Luke. Based on this book, I’m not sure I’d seek out the rest in this series.
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