Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Triskelion #1

Breaking the Rules

Rate this book
Saul Reynolds manages a busy bicycle shop in downtown Boulder, Colorado. A recent CU graduate, he’s also a Dom, and has many friends his age in the scene. Saul’s an old soul, and even at twenty-five, he’s had enough experience to understand his own desires. He’s had plenty of lovers and he’s played the role of part-time Dom, but he’s never found the perfect combination of lover and sub in one man.

Troy Finch lost his lover in a rodeo accident twenty years ago, moved to Boulder, and has worked as a line cook in his friend Carter’s diner ever since. He’s attended many parties at Carter’s home with couples in the BDSM lifestyle and feels comfortable in a submissive role, but without a Dom of his own, Troy hasn’t explored what that really means to him. He has needs he doesn’t entirely understand and finds his only outlet at the hands of Carter’s husband, Geoff, a tattoo artist who has used Troy’s skin as a canvas for as long as they’ve known each other, covering Troy in colorful, intricate triskelia.

Troy doesn’t know what he was thinking accepting a dinner invitation from a kid half his age, but everything feels right about their evening together, including Saul’s Dominant side. The rules for a twenty-five year old gay cowboy from years ago, though, are totally different than for a twenty-five year old college grad in Boulder now, and despite Saul’s confidence, Troy isn’t sure whether they can make it work.

Saul and Troy manage to bend a good many rules in the name of caring and compromise, but in the name of love, there are some rules they’re just going to have to break.

416 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 22, 2020

79 people are currently reading
143 people want to read

About the author

Jodi Payne

90 books401 followers
JODI spent too many years in New York and San Francisco stage managing classical plays, edgy fringe work, and the occasional musical. She, therefore, is overdramatic, takes herself way too seriously, and has been known to randomly break out in song. Her men are imperfect but genuine, stubborn but likable, often kinky, and frequently their own worst enemies. They are characters you can’t help but fall in love with while they stumble along the path to their happily ever after.

For those looking to get on her good side, Jodi’s addictions include nonfat lattes, Malbec and tequila however you pour it. She’s also obsessed with Shakespeare and Broadway musicals. She can be found wearing sock monkey gloves while typing when it’s cold, and on the beach enjoying the sun and the ocean when it’s hot. When she’s not writing and/or vacuuming sand out of her laptop, Jodi mentors queer youth and will drop everything for live music. Jodi lives near New York City with her beautiful wife, and together they are mothers of dragons (cleverly disguised as children) and slaves to an enormous polydactyl cat.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
87 (40%)
4 stars
70 (32%)
3 stars
48 (22%)
2 stars
8 (3%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
Profile Image for Saimi Vasquez.
1,965 reviews94 followers
April 13, 2023
Saul no puede creer la suerte que tuvo al chocar con Connor, no solo consiguio un buen amigo, sino tambien la oportunidad de conocer a un hombre que lo atrajo desde el principio, tanto como novio como como sub. Ahora la mejor oportunidad que tiene Saul para conquistarlo es hacerle ver a el y a su "familia" extendida lo mucho que le importa y lo buen Dom que puede ser para el, sin importar la diferencia de edad que exista entre ambos. Pero no va a ser tan facil como pensaba, pero estar al lado de Troy y hacerlo feliz es su mision mas importante, asi que buscara la ayuda de su "familia extendida" para lograrlo y quizas tambien poder incluirse en esta nueva "familia"

La historia de un Dom joven y un Sub mayor siempre son interesantes, sus dinamicas suelen ser diferentes a los libros de Dom/Sub donde el Dom es mayor y el Sub muy joven, pero en este libro casi no se siente la diferencia, si no nos recordaran a cada rato la diferencia de edad, realmente no la hubiera notado para nada. Ademas, aqui los secundarios tienen muchisimo protagonismo, inclusive en el cambio de dinamica al final, que no se si realmente encuadra bien con la trama, despues de todo.
En fin, el libro es entretenido, divertido, que se puede leer para pasar el rato, asi que voy a continuar con la serie esperando que los proximos desarrollen mejor esta historia.
Profile Image for Carol.
3,794 reviews138 followers
May 9, 2023
Saul, who is twenty years younger than his lover, is a strong, patient, loving Dom who is just the man Troy needs. The dynamic of their relationship is beautiful and the strength they gain from each other is amazing. Neither man is without his faults, but together they work to build something that withstands anything that is thrown at them. The authors do a beautiful job of giving the reader everything they need to understand the ins and outs of who these men are. My only complaint is that the ending was a little abrupt. It left me with questions as to how, or if, the four men came together and if that interaction was good or bad for the couples. I’m believe that since I have read other books by these two authors and since this is the first book in the series, that the story will continue in book 2 of this series.
Profile Image for Denise H..
3,249 reviews272 followers
March 13, 2021
Boulder, CO. Deep passion, serious D/s using the rules and all of the comfort needed, with BDSM, and a 24/7 lifestyle, with a younger Dom and older sub.
Troy, 45, green-eyed, bald ginger, tall and slim,

pierced and tattooed ex-rodeo cowboy, has been a diner cook for twenty years, after losing his lover. He has been lonely, with no Dom all of this time, but has accepting friends to lean on.
Saul, 25, blonde and blue-eyed, works at a cycle shop

since he's out of college, and is a Dom who is still learning.

When Saul delivers the rebuilt bicycle he crashed into, he meets up with Carter and in turn, the diner's intriguing cook. The older man draws Saul's attention, and vice versa. Troy is wooed, courted, pursued.

Carter and husband Geoff hold BDSM "get-togethers" at their home once a month, and Saul is invited. Saul approaches beautiful Troy, who is single and alone, and they make plans. Their date had them going to dinner, talking and getting to know each other, likes and dislikes and their reaction to each other is ripe, but Troy is worried about the age difference. For Saul, age is just a number, he wants the older man.

These men are wonderful for each other. They have deep talks, pasts are spoken, along with hopes and their futures. The cast of characters are different, fun, serious and caring.
Their sex and BDSM are well written, explicit, exciting, epic. We see our young Dom learn and teach.

Troy is a fabulous submissive, loves to serve, still learning the structure and figuring out his needs; he's getting the help he's wanted for too long. Now, he's happy and looking forward to being with Saul.
We see their interactions, the mystery of the tattoos Geoff is performing, how his previous relationship worked, and much more. We aren't just told what is going on, we are witnessing it as it happens.

The story has a smooth flow, a bit long, but gripping. Both men find what they have needed and it's a gorgeous thing to see. A health issue brings their bond even closer, and the friends step up in a big way.

This is book one, and I am looking forward to more. (Bondage, praise, no humiliation)
This emotional, passionate, loving tale is worth every minute.
ENJOY !


=====
Profile Image for Kaje Harper.
Author 92 books2,729 followers
October 17, 2022
I enjoyed this story of a young Dom, and the older sub, an ex-rodeo-cowboy turned diner cook. Troy lost his first Dom twenty years ago, and he's been alone ever since, although he has close friends who give him what they can, from the confines of their D/s twosome. The couple's sub, a tattoo artist, uses Troy's tattoo sessions as a kind of scene, switching to give Troy something of what he needs. But it's not really enough, and he's lonely.

In walks Saul, a 25-year-old bike shop manager and Dom with a little experience and a lot of instincts. The attraction is immediate and intense, even if Troy assumes, from his twenty-years more age and road miles, that there can't be anything beyond a little play, at best. Saul is immediately sure though, that Troy is the one he wants for the long haul.

There is some good hurt comfort, and an interesting opening up of Troy's past, and his needs. I thought Saul was a little too good at what he did right out of the gate, and would've liked a bit more fumbling and figuring each other out. But there was some lovely caring and support.

Do note that while this book is HEA for the couple, it's also very early HFN for a broader poly relationship. If your preference is for settled pairs, that may derail the ending for you a bit. For me, it was a fascinating opening up of possibilities, and I'm curious to see where the series goes from here.
Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
9,108 reviews520 followers
October 16, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.

4.25 stars


This is the first book in a new series of BDSM stories, and I think it’s off to a good start. It seems like Saul and Troy are an odd couple because of the age gap, but they really connect both as men and as Dom/sub. Troy has been studying sub life for two decades through his close friendship with Carter and Carter’s husband/sub, Geoff. Geoff has been serving a bit of a Dom role for Troy by means of tattoo work he does for Troy, inking artistic triskelions all over his body. Troy is primed for a Dom, but his friends in the life are a little wary about him being with a young Dom. They have a close-knit community that really serves as surrogate family for many of the Doms and subs in Troy’s acquaintance, including himself. But Saul seems to fit with them—even standing up for Troy’s needs after a serious medical crisis makes him reconsider that diner cook job.

Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
Profile Image for AshPenny37 .
1,033 reviews5 followers
September 24, 2020
Breaking The Rules shows us what happens when you mix a 25 year old Dom with a submissive who seems to have been waiting for him for 20 years.

I'm honestly not sure whether I liked this book or not. On the plus side, I love the triskelion tattoo theme. I think Saul and Troy are both great as MCs and their developing relationship and devotion to each other are sweet. I like the dynamic of their age gap. Generally, I also like most of the circle of support the couple have.

What I struggled with is I didn't like a lot of the interactions with Carter and Geoff, but context didn't become clear to me until very late on in the book. These two men are a huge part of Troy's life and the focal point of that circle of support, so that was a big deal for me. When I was offered the chance to read an ARC, Breaking The Rules was sort of billed as BDSM-lite...more about the people than the kink which suited me as I'm not a huge BDSM fan. There is a massive amount of coverage on teaching the D/s life, however, so I kind of feel it was a little mis-sold. I also found this aspect a bit repetitive, making the book feel a bit too long to me at 450 pages.

My honest opinion is that this is probably just not a book for me. I've read other work by BA Tortuga that I've enjoyed much more. That's not to say it's a bad book...I'm sure that there will be plenty of readers eagerly awaiting the next in the Triskelion series, just not me. 2.5* rounded up.

An ARC was provided by GRR in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Xanthe.
2,540 reviews47 followers
September 29, 2020
Breaking the Rules is a beautifully written story by these to great authors. They've done some wonderful BDSM stories with great characters and this one does not disappoint.
I do love the chance to read a younger dom/older sub story that goes against the preconceived notions of who should be in charge etc. Troy may have more experience around others in the lifestyle but both he and Saul are novices when it comes to a healthy twenty four hour lifestyle/relationship.
Saul may be in his twenties but he knows what and who he wants. He's not shy about moving forward once he catches Troy's attention and building something amazing, something that they are both in need of. Troy definitely surprises himself with how accepting he is of developing something with Saul after being alone for over twenty years after the death of his partner but there is definitely a spark there from the moment he agrees to go to dinner with the younger man.
Troy didn't have the best partner in terms of their dom/sub relationship as well as having to stay in the closet what with the rodeo circuit not being a welcoming place to anyone LGBT over twenty years ago. He'd given up on the idea of anything real for himself, just accepting whatever scraps he could get from friends and the support from his best friend, Geoff and his partner, Carter. Support that really counts later on in the book, from all of their friends.
I love how the authors take the time to build everything between the two men - trust, acceptance, happiness, love. It makes it all seem believable and is so hot and sweet at the same time. This is definitely something I look forward to reading more of with how, towards the end of the book, things take a turn towards more and it's very exciting to think of where they may go from here.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Profile Image for Tina.
2,697 reviews15 followers
October 1, 2020
Breaking the Rules by authors Jodi Payne and BA Tortuga is the first book in The Triskelion series. I loved the emotion in this story. The characters all of them both main and secondary are memorable and I want more of them.

Saul: Manages a bike shop. He is 25 years old and dominate. He is fresh out of college and green as heck in some areas. He wants a lover and a Sub in one man.

Troy: he has had a lot of heartbreak. He lost his partner in a Rodeo accident. That was 20 years ago. He is a line cook, and Submissive. He right now is using his ink as his submissive outlet.

I loved how BDSM ties into this story. It is an unusual way from what I have seen and read before. I like the emotion the most in this book. It will be a series I follow for that intensity between the characters. I want more of that. It is a story where I can fall in love with all the characters and want more. Really loved this one and cannot wait for more from this series in the future.

Five shooting Stars and Recommended Read
Profile Image for Ana  Nimity.
1,304 reviews64 followers
September 26, 2020
The Cowboy and the Dom was my intro to Jodi Payne and BA Tortuga and I enjoyed them thoroughly so I was eager to read Breaking the Rules. It did not disappoint. These characters touched me deeply: Troy, the low-key 45-year-old submissive who's starved for love and Saul, the 25-year-old Dom who falls for him.

Troy melted my heart and I just wanted to scoop him up and take care of him and love on him. Fortunately, Saul does just that, and in all the right ways. The book is their journey and it's a lovely, erotic one. Instant attraction leads to a slow burn romance and while there's a happy ending, there's the hint of another book to come.

My favorite thing about Jodi and BA's power exchange couples is that they know they aren't perfect, they know they're going to make mistakes and are honest about it. Even though there's BDSM involved, they're more about the loving exchange of power between the characters and I drink that up thirstily.

I received an advance copy of this book.
Profile Image for Elin.
938 reviews8 followers
September 30, 2020
This had the making of being a great book, the young Dom and older sub trope which I like. The lifestyle and friendships we get a glimpse of.
But at the same time it was strange, it was sweet and different, but I couldn't truly connect with the characters. Was a bit too much grinding on the same thing, too much talking where it didn't need to be. And the ending was weird to me, as Saul went from a possessive Dom to one who wanted to share within a few months.

I don't know if it was grammar or just the writing style that was off, but words were missing and sentences had a strange structure that threw me off several times.

Saul was a very likeable Dom, he was sweet and attentive. His age show at times but overall he is good at what he does. There is no question about their age difference, things progress smoothly between them.
Troy is adorable and snarky, which makes him a fun sub to read about.

For me the book felt too long with too little happening, it needed something to rock the boat.
This is obviously part of a series because I feel like I was thrown in to the middle of something rather than it having a beginning and an end.
Profile Image for Michelle.
Author 1 book19 followers
September 30, 2020
Loved this

Reading about Saul and Troy was great. I always love the younger Dom older sub books and this one was handled perfectly. Saul came across as mature and experienced in BDSM although he still had a lot to learn from the dynamic he and Troy settled on. While being mature, Saul was realistically young, uncertain, and playful. There were moments when he didn't know what to do and wasn't sure if it was because he was young and dumb or just human and normal. This is something I myself wonder all the time. Troy for his part was dynamic, interesting, and so complex. The dynamic he had with his previous partner was heartbreaking, which made what he found with Saul all the more delightful. I loved each and every side character and can only pray we'll get all of their stories as well. They all seemed rich with backstory that I wanted to dig into!

Can't wait for the next book in this series. Loved it!
Profile Image for Raven and Chris.
3,312 reviews31 followers
September 9, 2020
This book was everything I come to expect from these two authors. I am quickly becoming a fan of BA Tortuga. There is so much to unpack here. This is a low angst book but full of deep themes and feelings that characters have to work through. It isn't a light read but man is it a great book. I devoured this. It is so well written and the main characters are so beautiful. Sean is the manager of a bike shop who is just looking for more and Troy is an older man who has given up on finding what he needs to make his life complete. These two guys really fit together and make the perfect duo. They face so much and come out stronger for it. A truly excellent read and since it is number one in a series, this means we will be treated with more and I will be reading each one! I really recommend this book.
Profile Image for Fay MMBookworm.
3,091 reviews66 followers
October 2, 2020
4.5 stars. A good start as Soul hand delivers a bike back to his client and friend Carter at the coffee diner. I loved the banter and teasing straight off between all the characters.
The first meeting with Soul and Troy was a great one. Troy has his Sir's down well.. A great story as they negotiate being Dom and Sub together and their adventures out doors getting to know each other. Hot sexy scenes included with D&s equipment. Its not until the 60% mark that drama happens for Troy but it all ends okay. Written with both POVs for a HEA ending.
• ink tatts and piercings
• age gap
Soul 25 yr part managed a bicycle shop in tip top workmanship on custom bikes. He was also a Dom and hadn't found a group scene in the town yet.
Troy 45 yrs worked for Carter as a short order cook, a widowed 20 years before and a Sub.
5,704 reviews39 followers
November 25, 2021
this was holy crap.. it was amazing and wonderful.. i didnt put this down until it was over and i was left wishing there was more haha.. i loved the struggles and issues... but also the love and happiness.. it was amazing and i cant wait for the next one
3,387 reviews28 followers
September 20, 2022
Firstly let me say I got this book off gay romance reviews and this is me leaving my honest reviews.
This is the first book in a new series. In this book we learn more about Saul and Troy.
Saul is a Babyface young man in his twenties who works in a bike shop creating the most beautiful personalised bikes available. He works with Emma and they have a really good relationship. Saul is gay and learning all about BDSM and what kinks he’s into. He knows he is a Dom But doesn’t know what the area has to offer in that respect. When he crashes into Carter it seems like fate Had played a hand. He offered to fix Carter’s bike and in doing so he came across Troy Who was the chef at the diner the Carter owned. Saul Did not hide the attraction he felt for Troy and in asking questions to Carter about him he also learnt that they were all into playing scenes/ BDSM. Carter has a husband and they have parties at their house. When Carter invites Saul to one at the weekend he learns that Troy will be there. But that week Saul Make sure to visit the diner every morning for his famous breakfast. And it seems that Troy is enjoying the fact of his baby looks and makes his breakfast into shapes like dogs robots until that day he made him flowers.
Troy was old enough to be his father but that didn’t seem to put the young faced Saul off. And in the end he went out to talk to him as he ate his breakfast. Troy ended up walking away after he accepted going out on a date with him on Friday night. Was he crazy?? Is it time to get back out there?? He had been in a relationship a long time ago which ended when he died. Carter and Geoff are his very good friends, they totally got him. They teased him about it about the baby face man but they helped him pick out his outfit for Friday night. And he was really surprised when they had such a brilliant first date. But how would it go at Carter’s gathering??

There is so much more to the story but I just wanted to tell you about how these two met. They are both such lovely characters in this book and I am gonna thoroughly enjoy this series I know from the other characters around them.
I absolutely loved Saul’s character his outlook on life and his energy. He is just perfect for Troy. Troy didn’t think he’d find happiness again that he hadn’t Saul before. Lots of twists and turns. Don’t get me wrong this book is very long and I would say at times I didn’t think it needed to be that long but I really enjoyed the storyline and I can’t wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Relly.
1,660 reviews29 followers
October 3, 2021
3.75 Stars

Wow this one was a marathon, it was long book. A ton of time was spent discussing the relationship which in a lot of ways was good as it showed the effort and care that went into Saul and Troy coming together but at the same time maybe some of it could have been missed and made the book a little shorter as there were times that it felt like we were going over the same things again.

I loved Saul. I liked that he was younger than Troy and the other Doms and felt like he had to measure up. The funny part was that even though he was the younger of the two he was the most classical in his take on the D/s pairing and had the most training of the two.

I also loved Troy, but with his easy going and ready to please personality it wasn't hard. I felt form in his previous experience as he wasn't treated well and just didn't have the experience to know and better. Then after being on his own for the 20 years, he just didn't believe he deserved it. I liked that Saul made him see himself and also gave him the space to work things out for himself.

I liked that they fell vey easily into their relationship. 24/7 is hard to portray and I'm sure takes a lot of work, but these guys made it seem very natural for them, as they were able to talk freely and had numerous discussions on what was right for them.

My only little niggle, other than the length, was Saul calling Troy "boy" I understood that it as part of their D/s relationship the "Sir" and "boy" but with the age difference and Troy being so much older than Saul and seemed a little wrong to be called boy, it just didn't sit well with me. (maybe just me here)

I'm interested in where the story is going as I have a deep fascination with poly relationships.

***Arc provided by GRR. This is my honest and voluntary review***
515 reviews7 followers
September 26, 2020
Breaking the Rules is a book that explores a Dom/sub relationship, but not in the way you would expect. Sure, there’s some BDSM (although less than you’d think especially given the description), and the sex scenes are indisputably hot. But that’s really just a canvas for the picture painted by these authors of two men growing into a relationship of love, respect, trust and prioritizing the needs of the other in a way that makes them whole. You will absolutely connect with and adore Saul and Troy. Troy is broken but so open and wanting to serve the needs of a partner. Saul is wise beyond his years and it is remarkable the maturity, insight and trust he embodies particularly given his age.

Every time I read BA Tortuga I am struck with how distinct the narrative style is and how unique the story is notwithstanding a common premise. If you are looking for a fast pace or a lot of action, you won’t find that here. This is a slow moving story based primarily on the communication, introspection and interaction between Saul and Troy, and to a lesser extent Carter and Geoff. The book is long, so I did find it became a bit tedious as it approached the end because the pacing stays essentially the same throughout, save an isolated, short-lived injection of angst and action in the middle.

Overall, it’s an unusual spin on the age-gap, Dom/sub tropes with a different feel to it than your typical M/M romance. I highly recommend you give this a read. It sounds like there will be more to this story and I am eager to see how it plays out.
Profile Image for Alexis Woods.
Author 52 books84 followers
October 11, 2020
Very good

Well, I a!ways come out enjoying a Payne and/or Tortuga story, and this book was no exception. A weaving tale of an older sub (Troy) who finds a Dominant in a younger man long after he'd given up finding anyone. Saul is drawn to Troy right off, especially to the chef's French Toast. A round or two of flirting and an admiration of tattoos starts them off right, but Troy has a lot of baggage that needs unpacking in order for them to get to their HEA.

So why not 5 stars? Well, I got lost...a lot. The characters started off great, pretty distinct, but as the story continued (dragged) on, they became less so to the point that if I put the book down and then start reading again I couldn't easily pick out whose POV I should be in. Then that happened in few scenes too. Tortuga has a very unique style that flows but sometimes words get missed or glossed over. (And there were several errors that really messed up sentences.) Also a lot of the conversations didn't sound like true conversation that two people who have. Perhaps it was the length of this book or the more heady subject matter that poked at my brain.

I'll give props to the BDSM and sexually intimate scenes. I thought these were done amazingly well and really helped carry the story.
Profile Image for Becky.
477 reviews12 followers
September 17, 2022
4 Stars - This is the first book I've read by these authors. The blurb intrigued me, although I don't think it does the story justice, and I decided to give it a try. This is hard for me to review because while I absolutely loved the story, I did not like the writing style. I can't put my finger on exactly what I didn't like about the writing, but I felt it didn't quite do the story justice. I did have issues following who was speaking in conversations throughout the book.

The writing may not have been my favorite, but the story was amazing. It had a depth and complexity I haven't had a chance to read in awhile. Saul and Troy have a bit of a rough start, but they end up being great together. I love that we got to see them grow and develop individually and as a couple. I found Troy's relationship with Carter and Geoff a bit odd and even a little off putting. As the story progressed it made more sense and I'm looking forward to seeing the relationship between all four men develop in the next book.

Overall I really enjoyed this book. It had amazing characters and a deep, complex plot. I wasn't a huge fan of the writing style, but it won't stop me from continuing the series.

I received and ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Amanda D.
684 reviews
September 23, 2020
Hot, hot, hot!

This book was very different than I thought it would be when I sat down to read it. While I knew there was an age gap between the characters as well as a D/s relationship, it was so much more than that. Saul, twenty years younger than his lover, is a strong, patient, loving Dom who is just the man Troy needs. The dynamic of their relationship is beautiful and the strength they gain from each other is amazing to watch. Neither man is without his faults, but together they work to build something that withstands anything that is thrown at them and the authors do beautifully at giving the reader everything we need to understand the ins and outs of who these men are. My only gripe is that the ending felt a little abrupt. It left me with questions as to how or if the four men came together and if that interaction was good or bad for the couples. I’m hoping that since this is the first book in the series that the story continues in the next one. This review is written as an honest and unbiased reflection of my thoughts after reading an Advanced Reader’s Copy.
Profile Image for Suzanne Irving.
2,739 reviews24 followers
October 10, 2021
Terrific mm age gap story

There is a large age gap between the two main characters in this book but that is only a small amount of what is going on. Saul is a Dom in his twenties trying hard to be taken seriously by others in the lifestyle. He meets Troy who is twice his age and a submissive. Together they defy people’s expectations and establish their own version of a BDSM relationship. I have read books these two writers have written by themselves before but if this is what they produce together then I think we should maybe just tie them together and make them work with each other all the time. I just adored this book and can’t wait to read the next one. The story between the two main characters is just so heartwarming but definitely sexy as well. One of the really great things is that the side characters are almost as well defined and are not just supporting characters. This book is on the longer side which as an avid reader I loved because I got to know the characters better and gave the authors more time to develop the relationships more naturally. This book felt very real to me and as I finished it I looked up and I felt like I was leaving friends behind.
Profile Image for Sarita Chapdelaine.
1,251 reviews1 follower
September 23, 2020
This is a wonderful start to a new series by two of my favorite authors and I really enjoyed it. Breaking the Rules is well written, super sexy, emotional, sweet, the characters are intriguing and I love the storyline. Troy is amazing and I love that he finally has found the right person for him. Saul may be young but he is determined to be exactly what Troy needs. Together they will have to deal with the large age difference between them and their very different experiences with BDSM. Convincing Troy to give him a chance is not easy but Saul knows it will be worth it in the end. I love how much trust develops between them as they get to know each other and some of the scenes between them are absolutely beautiful. The secondary characters are great and I love the descriptions and meaning behind Troy's tattoos. I didn't love the ending but the rest of the story was so amazing and I look forward to reading the next book in this new series.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Author 2 books1 follower
January 2, 2023
This series has been on my tbr list for a while and I'm happy to have finally prioritised it. In book 1 we meet the older cowboy Roy who lost his lover and dom 22 years ago. After the devastating loss he visits his lover's friend Carter to give him his spurs and finds a new home with Carter and his husband Geoff, a Dom and his sub. He builds himself a new life and friends. However they are all in the life style and as a submissive he is in need of his own Dom which he finally finds in the young Saul. Things progress fast and that is something he has trouble with. He also needs to deal with his past and Saul needs to find his place as a very young Dom between the much older and more experienced doms. They find their way and fall in love but then another opening to find love with Carter and his husband makes them revaluate everything again and when tragedy hits them, can they find their way back again. The challenges and emotions are plenty and well described and the whole journey had my interest. I was drawn into the story from start to finish.
Profile Image for Fran.
1,055 reviews11 followers
September 23, 2020
A young self-assured Dom meets a reluctant older sub.

Self-assured doesn't quite describe Saul. Let's try arrogant, conceited, or over-confident. With those suggested descriptives in mind, the reader finds Saul as the self-assured owner of a cycle shop who prides himself on spreading himself amongst the BDSM world of Boulder. What he doesn't admit to anyone is that he has a quest of finding the ideal combo of sub and holder of his heart. As fate would have it the offering of and acceptance of a dinner date would lead both Saul and Troy to the fulfillment of both their desires. Previous life experience meets today's expectations as a high hurdle is set in this sea of emotion. Both must learn to accept and adapt. This is a reverse December/May theme where young instructs and older learns. Just let me say that the combo of Jodie Payne and BA Tortuga has scored again. This is my honest opinion/review for the ARC I received.
3,048 reviews21 followers
October 8, 2021
What I liked about this story is that all of the things that we don't expect to work do in this couple. There is an age gap of where the younger man is the one who is more dominant. There are all sorts of social expectations that often govern how couples behave and this story was neat in that this couple deliberately built the interaction and the life that they were going to have together not based on norms but instead based on what each of them wanted and needed. For that reason I liked that this was a slow burn because time was needed for them to get where they needed to be. There were steamy parts and the attraction was there as well. But the pace gave each man time to come into his own. For Saul that meant gaining more experience and for Troy it meant becoming more fully integrated into the community that he was a part of. This gave them a chance to do them and made this a really good read.
I received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.
772 reviews7 followers
September 7, 2022
I feel in love with this book from page one! I loved the main characters, Saul and Troy as they were perfect for one another, despite many differences. I loved the twist on the age gap with Saul being dom and Troy the sub trope. Be prepared it is a slow, slow, slow burn with these two, but to be honest that allows for getting to know the characters and actually see them grow and develop. With this slow burn, i felt like i got to know them enough to feel as if they were my friends. As I finished this book, i realized it was about Saul and Troy figuring out who the were and what they want, despite expectations of many others. I also loved the supporting characters of Carter and Geoff. They were flushed out not simply fillers in the book. A good read, long and slow build up but stay with it for awesome payoff. Cannot wait to read book two. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.
Profile Image for Heather.
479 reviews4 followers
September 11, 2022
I *love* stories like this with big emotional connections and deep story lines.

Saul is a baby Dom- a term he hates because while he is in his mid-20's, he knows who he is as a person and what he wants in a partner. A chance encounter with local diner owner, Carter, quickly puts the diner's line cook, Troy, on Saul's radar.

Troy is 20 years older than Saul and hasn't had a steady Dom in 20 years since his partner died. But he's built a life for himself - friends that are like family, a steady job and a home he's proud of. He's not looking for love, especially with someone so much younger than him, but Saul is hard to say no to.

Both Saul and Troy are super well fleshed out and their story evolves naturally - nothing feels rushed or missing. The story ends on an open-ended note, so I can't wait to see how the story evolves as we learn more about Carter and his boy (and Troy's best friend), Geoff.
Profile Image for Melissa Polk.
Author 11 books70 followers
November 6, 2022
I absolutely loved the evolution of Saul and Troy's relationship. The way their dynamic was shown was utterly beautiful. So much respect and a true understanding of how d/s is is somewhat rare to see in a lot of books. That made me very happy.
Won't lie, the way the end worked out didn't sit well with me. After spending a whole book being mindful, I felt like a big decision was made and dynamics shifted in the space of basically a chapter. Made it feel cheap. A lot of that is a me thing, I'm not even going to pretend it isn't. I understand why the authors went the direction that they did. If we're being entirely honest, if I'd read the description for book two, I'd have known what was coming and wouldn't have given this one a try. I'm so torn on that realization because, like I said, most of this book was simply amazing and touched my heart in ways I really needed.
Again, the disappointment is totally on me and 100% personal.
Profile Image for Debby.
1,740 reviews75 followers
October 6, 2021
Saul runs a bicycle shop is downtown Boulder. He meets Troy, who is a local line cook at his friend’s diner. Saul is a Dom and has friends in the scene but has never found the perfect sub and lover. Troy lost his Dom some 20 years ago in a rodeo accident. He has attended some meetings at his friend’s house but have never found the perfect Dom. The Saul asks him out and Troy says yes despite the age difference.

Saul and Troy were perfect for each other in spite of the age difference. Troy was looking for something and Saul knew what he needed. Communication was the key and these two talked about everything and anything until they knew each other’s rules, quirks, and limits. They did break a few rules but only in the name of love. As they explore each other, they build something beautiful and well worth the effort.
203 reviews2 followers
October 5, 2021
Wow, what a book. This book is about the Dom/dev relationship between Troy, a 45 year old submassive and Saul, a 25 year old dominant guy. I love the angegangen the other way round and this in a BDSM love affair is the the topping on the ice.

Both authors are so great in writing the words of friend ship, emotion, sadness, love, submission and dominance, you can feel everything with the characters.

Not only the main characters are great also the others in the group around them are so sweet.

I fell totally in love with Saul, the young Dom, reading his mind when he was not sure about something but real being all what his sub needs.

Im looking forward to the next book in the series, hopefully it’s as Good as this one or my be better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.