Yes, Sir

by Ki Brightly, Meg Bawden

River Demchenko, attorney for the Kings of Men MC, takes risks. He craves rough relationships and lives on the edge between acceptable and criminal. When Officer Paxton calls looking for an attorney after his husband mysteriously dies, River takes another questionable leap. Paxton is the only cop who has ever treated him with respect so helping to clear his name only seems fair. After all, everyone deserves a second chance, even a cop.

Officer and Private Investigator Jayce Paxton has his world ripped apart and becomes a widower. He throws himself into his work and is shocked when he stumbles on his lawyer, River, drugged and hurt. River is caught up in a blackmailing scheme, and he’s being threatened by the same people Jayce and his team are investigating as sex traffickers. In order to find the traffickers, Jayce needs to enter a seedy underworld River is all too familiar with. To make the act convincing, Jayce persuades River to pretend he’s his boyfriend—and let people think Jayce is his Dom.

One problem, Jayce likes his role too much.

They need to find the men extorting River before he winds up without a job, or worse. Despite their unexpected attraction, they have to keep their focus on solving the case, or more lives could be destroyed. River has been hurt before and isn’t sure he can deal with more than the sham relationship, but Jayce will give it his all to change River’s mind and keep him safe.

Genres: M M Romance, BDSM, Romance, Contemporary, LGBT, Dark Romance, Erotica

382 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2020

About the author

I spend most of my days writing, editing, and perfecting the craft of storytelling.

A note to readers: I don't hang out on Goodreads or social media, so if you have any questions about my books, please check out my website, which I host with M.D. Gregory.

Reviews

[Saimi Vasquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raine es un abogado exitoso, pero es conocido por la policía como el que "defiende a los malos", y si, suele defender al Club King MC lo que ellos hacen no esta mal, lo que hacen suele ser limpiar la ciudad de los traficantes grandes y la trata de personas. Pero se siente solo, su necesidad de estar en control todo el tiempo por su trabajo lo cansa, quiere un Dom que lo ayude a liberarse, que lo haga ceder el control y descansar, pero nada permanente. Gracias a eso se ve envuelto en un gran problema del que solo podrá salir con la ayuda de sus amigos y el único hombre al que se ha sentido atraído en mucho tiempo. Para eso deberá dejar que este hombre sea su Dom, deberá confiar plenamente en el y aceptar que, tal vez, si puede estar con alguien mas de una noche.

He leído varios libros de esta autora, y casi todos me han gustado. Este no ha sido la excepción. Tiene mucha drama, acción, romance, erotismo, BDSM y la aparición de muchos de los personajes de otras de sus series en este universo. Tienes un par de protas que son de carácter difícil, pero son capaces de entenderse (después de estrellarse varias veces) y aceptar la vida del otro. Te presenta con la fuerza de un sumiso, el tipo de carácter que debe tener para aceptar ceder el control, sobre todo para alguien quien siempre lo tiene. Pero también te presenta a un Dom novato, quien tiene el instinto pero no los conocimientos para llevarlos a cabo. Lo que si sentí, es que falto ese Dom guía, que los apoya en sus exploraciones, además del consabido contrato "consensuado" entre las partes, pero nada de eso le quita lo adictivo que me resulto esta lectura.
Es un libro que agarras y casi no puedes soltar, terminas un capitulo y quieres saber enseguida que va a pasar. Sin embargo, por alguna razón no me gusto el primer libro de la serie The Kings of Men MC, y siento, después de haber leído este libro, que voy a darle una segunda oportunidad, esperando que haya sido que lo leí en un mal momento, o que no estaba acostumbrada al genero.

[Amur Thera · Rating 2 out of 5]

The good
+ River not displaying any jealousy over Jayce's love for Alex
+ Jayce's confidence
+ The effort Jayce put in pursuing River
+ Jayce figuring out River's need for praise and making sure to praise him on the regular
+ River's confidence in his job
+ Jayce feeling no need at all to hide anything about their relationship in public

The neutral
o How did Jayce and his colleague know where to find River when he was with that Xander guy? Were they following River? Or were they following that Sebastian guy and decided that a raid in plain clothing sounded like a wonderful idea?
o River kept fantasizing about being manhandled and preferably even carried by Jayce in a sexual manner, but that never happened
o I have not read Destiny's book, but him referring to himself in third person all the time got old very fast
o I would have liked to read about the facial expressions of Jayce's cop colleagues when they found out about his relationship with River

The bad
- River only took and took, but never gave. He dragged Jayce into a world that could endanger his job, but demanded Jayce follow him anyway. He acted like Jayce was being completely unreasonable when Jayce expressed doubts about this or needed some time to process
- River was a giant asshole to Jayce when Jayce asked him for help on how to be a Dom, and not only as a defense mechanism, but also because he just couldn't fathom Jayce could be a Dom at all
- Jayce's husband was probably murdered, but that whole plotline was dropped and never returned to again
- The only thing River cared about was Dima, and that plotline wasn't resolved either
- Actually, no plotline in this whole book was resolved
- Jayce was a doormat. Yeah, he was really into River, but a relationship is a two-way street and River never really gave anything back to Jayce. It was always Jayce who had to adapt


Unfortuantely, I did not like the relationship in this book at all. River walked all over Jayce without as much as an apology or any attempt at self-reflection. And Jayce let him because he was such a goner for River. All the plotlines besides the romance were left unresolved, so they couldn't save this book either. Unfortunately, this one was not for me and I wouldn't recommend it.

[Sheena ☆ Book Sheenanigans · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Ki Brightly]

Meg and I would love to thank you for once again visiting New Gothenburg, the city with the seediest underbelly in the Northeast.

I have to say, that I've loved River from the very first time he appeared on the page, and I hope that you enjoy River Demchenko, attorney-at-law and all around one-man Snark Fest as much as I loved writing him.

Jayce tugged at my heartstrings as we wrote him, and I didn't expect his story, and thus River's story, to unfurl in quite the way it did, but I don't think it could have gone any other way in retrospect. There is mystery, suspense, and plenty of kinky toys!

Happy reading and welcome back to New Gothenburg!

Ki

[Ula'ndi Hart · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

I just can’t anymore,

• Jayce and his lack of reaction / feelings / care about Alex’s death was totally unrealistic.

• The story immediately starts off with him NOT OUT THERE LOOKING FOR HIS MISSING HUSBAND.. but waiting on the detectives to bring him the bad news?

• The ridiculousness of Jayce actually ticking off Rivers physical attributes after literally JUST being informed that his husband is dead?? Hallo?? What kind of a person is this guy?

• His total lack of putting any energy in finding out what happened to Alex? How and why he was where he was if it was not his usual way of doing things? Oh.. no. He’s dead. It’s so strange. Moving on.

• River, presumably never before having contact with Jayce, jumps right in to defend him because “He doesn’t give him crap like the other cops when he is around?”

• Jayce – and his total lack of drive to reconnect with his long-lost brother?

• That MC.. don’t get me started… in what world are you just going to walk into their space with a COP in tow and no worries about doing said walking in?

• The BDSM and all the wallapalosa about the clubs having to be SUPER careful or the cops will raid them , shut them down, fine them… what the ever loving hell and all? Did I miss something? Was this a historical? News flash.. some COPS are also into BDSM.. it’s not a crime…

• River… well in my humble opinion he can’t be a good attorney because he lacks COMMIN sense in buckets. Yeah.. lets go to the docs.. lets meet up with an unknown online guy who wants to tie me up ect.. lets not worry about the fact that EVEN THE UBER DRIVER has more sense than him? How is someone so totally stupid going to be a good lawyer again?

• The total lack of any realistic emotional reaction from any of the MC’s…

• There is absolutely no emotional reaction from River on his very fresh trauma?

• The BDSM club… THE ALCHOL drinking before a scene…

• River gets into and out of Subspace like a pro hockey player puts a puck in a goal box.

• River’s lack of personality..

I can’t anymore. I’m stopping this.. Sorry.

[thunderlightning · Rating 2 out of 5]

dnf @60%

This is definely a me-not-you kinda dnf. This book had issues that seemed minor but I just couldn't overlook, and halfway through I realized I'm straight up not having a fun time. So dnf because life is too short for this.

Spoilers ahead:

First,, these characters don't know the meaning of processing. There were a lot of major life-altering events that both characters encountered. First Jayce with the dead of his husband, then River with the assult and almost-rape encounter.

The effect of Alex's death on Jayce, or of what we've seen, is too...nonchalant for a couple who were married for years and basically the love of each other's lives. If Jayce loved Alex, we hardly saw it at all.

Jayce claimed he is emotionally numb, but honestly it felt like a cop out for not diving in this emotional trauma.
If felt like we slapped a "11 months later" and got over it.

River on the other hand seemed hardly affected by the assult. He didn't have any issues, he hardly talked, thought, remembered, or mentally struggled with it. The encounter's effect is the same one would get if they lost their phone or a purse; inconvinent but not life-altering. He also jumped back to the BDSM scene with no problems at all. Idk man if I got catfished, locked up, stripped, beaten, drugged, and humiliated, I would at least hesitate or get flashbacks.

This book shys away from hurt-comfort, but if you don't want to include angsty hurt-comfort elements in your book don't write about things that REQUIRES it.

Aside from lack of character depth, I have another MAJOR issue.

Is it just me of River is a... bad sub?

Jayce is new to the BDSM world, and instead of navigating it together River basically told him "if you're not up to it like man then you're not the one for me". Jayce of course magically is a Domest Dom ever Dommed and knows exactly what to do the first time. Bleh.

Also River is too vague. His "bratiness" just feels like emotional manipulation to see if Jayce would take it or how he will deal with it. He was also unwilling to discuss his limits and shut down any conversation before sex, as if Jayce is supposed to read his mind if he was really a good Dom.

Lastly, and what was the last straw, River's relationship with King.

It was this quote from jayce that broke me: "You respect him, and I want that respect from you, I know you've known him for longer than me, but it annoys me."

Imagine wanting basic respect in a relationship? Feeling like your partner won't respect you until you proved your worth aand assertivness as a Dom? Because I also felt River's lack of respect, like how he sits aside whenever someone disrespects Jayce while Jayce does his best to please River really.

Also btw the sex scenes were so meh. So the sex wasn't intersting, the relationship was all sorts of wrong, the side characters were all on River's side, there were no character development or depth.

For me I didn't see why I should continue reading so I stopped.

[Mrs.V · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting plot, with a mystery-to-be-solved behind the scenes; steamy as can be – I mean, if this is Jayce’s experimenting with BDSM imagine what he could pull off as a full-trained Dom! – and a great amount of life-changing events that force these two men together and, ultimately, to put their trust in each other.
A well-written book with great characters in the New Gothemburg universe, which can absolutely be read as a standalone, but why would you want to miss the amazing stories of all the side characters!

[Devoted❤️Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lamb

NG never lacks for excitement and adventure. I would love to visit the clubhouse and just hang out with everyone, especially if River and Jayce drop by. “Being your Sir is thrilling. Let me take care of you. Let me really be your Sir.” And take care they did no matter what was thrown at them. I adored Jayce’s possessiveness and River’s mouthiness. Everything about Jayce and River from their push and pull to their ultimate surrender to love kept me captive. All-around fantastic.

[kitamikeita · Rating 2 out of 5]

Note: I put off writing the reviews since January. I'm slowly catching up. So my memory will vary according to how long ago I read it and how impactful it was.

Unfortunately as soon as I read the synopsis again I rememebered a sort of cringey feeling about this book.

According to my notes, I didn't like how brisk and carefree the MC seemed to be so soon after his husband died.

The entire book I thought I read something set in the same 'world' but wasn't entirely sure. This because apart from a few name the other book I read was entirely unremarkable.

Overall I didn't care much neither for the characters nor for the plot, which was very flimsy.

It had some cute moments, but like 5%, so I often found myself wishing it would end soon, but of course it was a tad long.

[Arta reads at night · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 rounded up
This one was much better than I expected.
I get where all the negative reviews are coming from. The intrigue and suspense can feel a bit glossed over. But that didn’t bother me. They didn’t leave it hanging and as it’s part of a universe, the reader knows how these things are resolved there. Also the resolutions of suspense isn’t the point of this book.
And one of the MCs can come off as a dick. But. I enjoyed this aspect very much. This hard and confident, highly successful man is so believably messed up by his previous experiences, it was kind of amazing. I really loved to see inside the head of River, see all his chaos and all his scrambling to hide his vulnerabilities. It was just awesome 😀

[Katherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Part of the New Gotham world, with the Kings MC. I was intrigued by the character of River Demchenko, the lawyer for the MC. And that he falls in love with a by-the-book police officer. But the execution just didn’t work for me.

Bought from audible.

[ReaderMelodie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually 3.25 ⭐️

[Beaumont · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-ish stars.

Jayce is a 37 year old cop and PI. He’s around six feet tall and jacked. He’s pansexual. His husband dies under somewhat mysterious circumstances, and River is his lawyer when his fellow cops are tempted to go for the easy collar and blame it on Jayce. A year later they meet again and pretend to be a couple and dom/sub to one another to help catch a human trafficker/slaver. He’s intrigued by what he learns about the d/s scene and is even more intrigued by River. He starts to feel like himself again after learning those things. He’s overall a nice guy, and while maybe not sunshiney, he’s definitely closer to it than River.

Note: Jayce’s husband’s death is not the mystery in this book.

River is the lawyer to the Kings of Men MC club (the series by the same author). He’s tall and muscular. He’s gay. It doesn’t list his age but I’d assume around Jayce’s age, maybe a couple years older (River says he’s having a quarter life crisis and Jayce jokes that must mean River is planning to live to 160). He’s very talented but also kind of a mess in his personal life. His heart was broken by an ex, and he’s been in a tailspin since. He yearns to belong to someone and while he isn’t ashamed of his sexual needs, he is cautious from having been burned. He’s reluctant to give in to his attraction to Jayce because he assumes Jayce is a “tourist” on the d/s scene and doesn’t want to get hurt. He’s pretty grumpy as a person.

I like that this book somewhat addresses the difference between arousal and consent. When River got jumped but still got hard from it, he didn’t want to be there or do any of that. It didn’t matter what his body did, he didn’t want it.

This book is pretty heavy on the BDSM, particularly with pain play, praise kink, and devices. That’s not totally my thing, but it wasn’t bad. I skimmed several of the sex scenes but only because of the above. If that’s your thing you’ll probably like it more. I did really enjoy the dynamic of an experienced sub and a newbie dom. That seems to be rare, normally it’s the other way around (which often is less interesting for me).

Once again, I love that the central conflict in this book (like the others I’ve read by this author) is NOT any kind of queerphobia. I read so much of that that it exhausts me. I get enough of it in real life too. It also helps these books be more entertaining and less wincey for me personally. There’s a place in media for portraying and addressing queer trauma, but I’m so tired of most things being queer = trauma. This book is not that. The author did a really good job with that, and her other series I’ve read so far too!

I did NOT love the “drug abuse is a personal failing and not a systemic one” rhetoric that River and the Kings believe. That kind of crap got us the “War on Drugs” and leads to criminalization for drug use, which helps no one. I agreed with Jayce that drug dealers are a problem (even if they only sell to adults), but not that cops are the answer. I also disagreed that people needed to care if human traffickers wound up dead. This is also fiction so we KNOW they’re guilty. In this book we KNOW Brickton trafficked sex slaves willingly. It’s not an issue that the Kings killed him. Jayce was all hurt because “law and order,” but come on. Human. Trafficker. And. Rapist.

Some inconsistencies (like River and others keep mentioning they never asked the Russian woman’s name, Nadia, but they DID and she refused and said it was none of their business). Some awkward similes (“he was gone like a fart in the wind”), etc.

I liked how River and Jayce were with each other. They gave each other what they needed and worked through their growing pains. I also loved that they were both almost middle-aged (the earliest end of it, but still). That’s not common for romance books unless it’s only the man in a straight couple.

Overall I had a fun time with the book and would like to read more in this universe!

[Nile Princess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was so happy to realize River had a book! I LOVED River and Jayce together, and Jayce calling him 'Lamb' made me weak in the knees. I liked the way their relationship developed and how well they fit personality and BDSMwise, (that scene on stage at the club was A+ and I'm not a fan of public scenes!), but a few things made this book a 'more than one sitting' read.

River didn't seem like the same person from previous books. I know that people have public and private personas, but it just felt like reading about a totally different person, even in his dealings with other people. He was just 'soft' in a way he never was before.

Jayce's dislike of the Kings, and King especially, doesn't really work for a long term relationship or any real solution. At least Dallas was having issues and decided to bail on law enforcement. This 'resolution' feels more like a HFN, until real challenges pop up and both River and Jayce have to face reality.

It was alluded to that there might have been foul play in Jayce's husband's death. That never went anywhere. If the authors were going to do that, the timeline should have been pushed back to his husband being deceased longer, so it wasn't fresh. Otherwise, it just made Jayce seem kind of douchenozzley. There was no point to it.

What's the deal with Dima? I'm guessing he'll be addressed in a later book..and will be someone's love interest. The lack of resolution in the epilogue, after River had been so fixated on him all throughout the book, was kind of unfulfilling. Even if he'll be dealt with in another book, there should have been some crumb left for us to give us hope.

Who was that couple at the end with the puppy, and why were we made to notice them? Just another thing that never went anywhere. There were already soooo many characters and storylines in this book (as if we needed Nadia and Conrad) that it just felt overly long and convoluted for no reason.

I absolutely love Ki Brightly and you can tell a lot of work went into this, but while I loved the romantic aspect of it, the rest of it was just nothing I really cared about. As always King (lawd geezus) and Dallas are welcome additions to any book, and it was nice seeing Undertaker and Lee again. I will read anything this author writes and enjoy it, but this one I only enjoyed in parts.

[Mx Phoebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ki Brightly and Meg Bawden continue to team up to give readers a treat with Yes, Sir another book in the “Kings of Men Motorcycle Club” series. Yes, Sir’s title may give the impression that this is just another BDSM book, but it is so much more than that. Brightly and Bawden give us a hard crime and mystery story.

The tale starts before the crime, about a year before when River first has a serious connection with Paxton. Paxton’s husband dies and Paxton is immediately brought in for questioning. He calls his buddy and he sends River. Then they continuously bump into each other and learn revealing things about each other. River has certain tastes and Paxton’s family drama has moved to town.

Fast forward a year later and nothing has changed on either front. Then River is put in a situation that Paxton saves him from and they end up joining forces to find out how River got there. This leads to dark and dangerous paths for both of them.

It also leads Paxton into a more intimate relationship with River as they deem it necessary for him to go undercover as River’s new Dom. Brightly and Bawden create steam, safety, and heat on the ass for the guys. I love the descriptive scenes. Brightly and Bawden insert safety precautions which I adore, you know me “Safety Girl”. They also provide plenty of opportunities for Paxton to grow into his new role.

The unfolding of the mystery is on point. It probably would have helped if I had read another book in the series, but this can be read as a standalone. There are a lot of characters that already have a history with each guy, but the writers do okay in giving a quick snapshot. Though some relationships I would like to delve into further as they look like a good time.

There is plenty of kink and romance. As I said before, River can be such a brat. Paxton has his number pretty quick and the repartee is pretty funny.

I’m joining the motorcycle club a little late, but that’s okay because Yes, Sir is totally worth it. I had a good time reading it and I think if you like a little kink with your mystery then you will too.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a steamy, interesting and entertaining story. River is a high profile attorney, the one King turns to when one of the MC members needs help. Jayce is a cop and part time PI who hates King and the MC. When Jayce is going to be questioned about the death of his husband, he calls the law firm his boss recommended, and River shows up to represent him. Jayce doesn't like River, because he defends King, but lets him do his job. After their done, Jayce is grateful, but he never wants to see River again. Later, Jayce is on the trail of a kidnapping victim the police aren't actively doing anything about. When he and his PI buddies bust into the warehouse they tracked the kid to, they find River there too. In a very awkward situation. Jayce takes care of River, then he and the other PI's find out that it's a sex trafficking ring that had had the kid, and someone took pictures of River. In order to find out who is running the ring, it's decided that Jayce will be River's Sir so they can go into the clubs looking for information. River is hard on himself for his lifestyle, and thinks nobody will ever want to be his Sir for long. But what starts as a ruse quickly turns into something he and Jayce both want. Jayce just needs to convince River that it isn't all fake. As they look for the ring leader, more and more people join in the search. Jayce also finds out that the little brother he left behind when he turned 18 is a member of King's MC. There is a lot going on throughout the storyline, but the focus is on River and Jayce becoming something. This is part of a series, but you don't need to read any of the previous books to enjoy it, but it helps knowing how the minor characters fit in.

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

So worth more stars a brilliant read 10/10 stars
I really don’t know where to begin with this book it was so emotional, my heart went out for Jayce. He went through some loss at the beginning of the book He was slightly confused about his feelings. When he was blamed for the death of his husband thankfully a lawyer came to hand called River Demchenko Who made sure the case didn’t go any further. River was the lawyer to many well-known criminals in the area, but there was something about him for Jayce.
The book then jumps 11 months ahead where River gets himself into some trouble and he is saved by PC Jayce Paxton. It quickly becomes obvious that River had been drugged so Jayce took him back to his home as River didn’t want to go to the hospital.
There was so much chemistry between River and Jayce. River was into some heavy BDSM and Jayce was intrigued could he be the DOM that River needed?? Jayce also been working as a PI and decided to help River find the men that were trying to blackmail him. But he never imagine where this will take them.
This is a fantastic read that has got so many twists and turns it is outstanding I really couldn’t put it down and read it well into the night but I really didn’t care. These two are an amazing team but they’ve got so much to overcome. River doesn’t trust or believe he’s good enough for anybody to really care for him so Jayce has his work cut out for him. There is so much action, there is so much drama, so much passion and it is hot so dam hot. I cannot wait to read another book from KI Brightly and Meg Bawden
OUTSTANDING READ!!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Juniper · Rating 4 out of 5]

River is a sub and the lawyer to the Kings. He's good at his job, and he's made enemies, so when he's drugged, assaulted, and entrapped, he's not happy, but he's not surprised. Jayce is a widowed cop who's dealing with the death of his husband, a legacy of PTSD, and an estranged brother in the Kings. Both of their lives are steeped in drama, and even more drama ensues when Jayce decides to go undercover as River's Dom to help him find justice and escape blackmail. There's a lot going on this book, and plenty of steam as well as angst. It's well written, and I definitely enjoyed the larger community of characters, particularly the Kings. However, this particular relationship wasn't my favorite. For me, Jayce is more chameleon than character-- he's new to BDSM, and acts like it for a bit until a switch somehow flips and suddenly he's completely in control, blurring the boundaries between sexual domination and 24/7 control over every aspect of River's life. Their scenes are hot, but consent isn't always clear-- there are several scenes where it's not obvious how River would be able to use his safeword, and several where that concept isn't even discussed. River seems absolutely fine with things that way, but it's worth pointing out that he has been through the wringer emotionally and, at the start of the story, is engaging in some seriously unhealthy sexual behavior. It's not super clear to me that his relationship with Jayce isn't just more of that behavior, although to be fair I'm sure the character wouldn't agree with me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Yes, Sir by Ki Brightly and Meg Bawden. Although it is supposed to be a standalone book, and I guess it could be enjoyed that way, it would be even better if you had read the Kings of Men MC series by Ki Brightly and M.D. Gregory since the Kings do play a big role in this story. As I have read all but the latest book in the Kings of Men MC series, I really enjoyed knowing who all of the supporting characters were and their backstories, especially since Jayce's brother is a member of the Kings of Men. River Demchenko is the Kings of Men's attorney, so he is used to street justice or clubs that take care of their own problems without involving the police. He is also a sub looking for a Dom that will put him and his needs first instead of second. His desire to find such a Dom will lead him to be in a situation out of his control. It will also lead to him being rescued by a couple of private investigators, one of which is also a cop. It also uncovers a human trafficking ring, something that the Kings of Men do not allow in their territory. However, to find the information that they need on the guys that had taken River, River and Jayce will have to go undercover as Dom and sub. That will be challenging for Jayce since he isn't in the lifestyle, but he does his research, and as River can attest, he is a natural. I loved watching the sarcastic sub try to push his newbie Dom's buttons, and the scenes between them were hot! This was another great book by two of my favorite authors.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie W · Rating 4 out of 5]

River Demchenko is an attorney for Kings of Men MC. He loves taking risks and living life on the edge. You have to if you work for this MC. River receives a call from a cop, liking for help. Seems a natural progression as an attorney. Given River's reputation - not really.

Jayce Paxton, PI and Officer, seeks help after his husband dies under sudden and questionable circumstances. Immersing himself in work isn't helping to ease the pain of his loss. Roads begin to lead to shady situations Jayce could never go on his own. Luck may have fallen in his lap by the way of a certain attorney.

As (not so) luck would have it, River is assisted by none other than Jayce. Being caught up in a scheme is bad enough. Drugged and hurt is another. River's ties to this underworld and Jayce's - and his team's- investigation of the same traffickers, create the perfect storm.

What happens when Jayce pretends to be a Dom and River is his pretend boyfriend? Perfect circumstances to bring these two men together. Releasing hidden desires for the other that may not have been explored in any other setting.

(If this is your fist read from Ki and Meg, you absolutely must try previous books in this series. You will not be disappointed).

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Morgan]

DNFing for now since I'd need to read several books in the King of Men MC series to properly understand everything

I started this book thinking it was a standalone but there's so much characters relations, or events implied that it becomes hard to follow.
Before the first chapter starts it literally says: Prior to the Events of King's Undercover Fed but nowhere before that does it mention that this book is connected to a series until the bibliography at the end and you only know that because of the book title. Undercover Fed being the sixth book btw.
I thought I would run into the same issue with Dirty Secret which is also in the same world but thankfully it was actually possible to read on its own. But while there were still hints about the other books but it felt more like a cameo that would make the reading experience even better for people familiar with this world rather than something you need to know.

I most likely will go back to it later but it will take a while since it adds quite a few books to my TBR 😅

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading this series for a while and I am continually amazed with how well they are written and how the authors keep coming up with new story lines. River has always been an interesting, if seemingly self destructive character who I wondered if he would get his own love story or end up dead. We he got his own book finally, but I was again amazed, this time by who he ends up with. As usual in this series there are terrific sex scenes and lots of action interspersed with us finding out why characters are the way they are and then seeing them change. I keep wondering how long these two writers can keep this series going while still maintaining the quality in the books and then they come out with another one. There really appears to be some foreshadowing near the end of this book so I hope they can keep going as I adore reading these books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hurt so Good!

I really didn't think anything could top Ethan and Madden's story but this one right here...I was blown away on how much I enjoyed reading this. These characters are so easy to love and be all invested in. I really got to know River more in this book with all his snarky and uptight ways...he really just needed someone to take care of him and Jayce was the right person to do it. Jayce with his personal tragedy was able to overcome and feel again...he begin to feel at home with River. This pairing felt right and I love their awakening with each other...the trust and the bond they developed. All in all their journey to love/HEA was entertaining especially with the Kings making an appearance in the story. I will be anxiously waiting for more stories coming out of New Gothenburg. Note to authors...PLEASE keep them coming...LOL

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cara · Rating 2 out of 5]

First thing to note is that whilst this book seems like a standalone story it was clear that this was a spin-off as characters were introduced throughout the book confusing me as a first time reader of these authors.

This book is based around lawyer River Demchenko and cop/PI Jayce Paxton and the story of a human trafficking ring with a bit of BDSM thrown in.

I can see where they wanted to go with this story but for me it just fell short. I didn’t get any romantic vibes from the MCs, the sex trafficking storyline seemed like an afterthought (with each new development being resolved too easily and then only the low level guys ever being caught) and then there’s the BDSM side - I’m not sure where to start with this - no discussion of limits, no safe words discussed until the second scene and then the third and final scene (which honestly left me cold) the sub was gagged with no other option given for safe wording.

The only reason it didn’t get a 1 star is because I did finish it.

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤🔥A great start to the book with lots of feels for Jayce.
The story progresses and its gets complicated with bad guys, trafficking, setups, undercovers and pretend Dom just to start things of.
I loved the chemistry between Jayce he's definitely an alpha and River being the submissive. Hot BDSM scenes play out in make believe even them both wanting the reality of it. Danger and drama's included to take down a sex trafficking amongst other horrible things.
Told with both POVs and a fantastic storyline. I love this writing duo and their books.

Jayce 37 yrs was devastated when his husband dies in an accident. But he's questioned and needed a lawyer. A former marine with PTSD and a cop. Hearing his brother was in town and a Kings MC.
Time jump and things get messy for River being a lawyer, involving pictures.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jayce and River aren't friends, but they are acquainted. Jayce is a cop and River an attorney for the MC in town, Kings of Men. All Jayce knows is that when things go wrong and he's accused of a crime, River shows up to help. Even though his husband just died, they still feel an attraction, which they both ignore. Time passes and River, a naughty boy who likes it really rough, winds up being blackmailed. This time, Jayce is there to help. In order to find the blackmailer, he and River must pretend to be lovers. In order to adapt to River's lifestyle and make it believable, Jayce is going to have to step up and be his Dom. River will need to finally let himself be vulnerable. Their attraction is still there so their make believe is very believable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[RACHEL REED · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5 stars)

This book can be read as a standalone, but I would recommend reading the Kings of MC series firts for maximum enjoyment.

This book was an absolute page turner for me.
It was action packed and filled with suspense and mystery but also had a lot of steamy scenes.
The main characters are not perfect and have their own emotional baggage, but when River and Jayce come together, they heat up the sheets in the best way possible and are unstoppable force together.

This book was exceptionally well written and the authors have made the setting of this story very authentic and original.
The characters were real, relatable and well fleshed out and the authors' writing style was engaging and compelling.

If you like an action packed, steamy opposites attract hurt/comfort, medium angst read with a bratty sub and a pretend Dom, you will absolutely love this.

[T Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has it all. Excellent main characters, terrific supporting ones, as well. Jayce and River, a storyline that keeps you glued to the pages and a roller coaster of events that keep you mesmerized. Good guys win, bad guys lose. I hope there’s more cause I need to know what happens in New Gothenburg with the ongoing trafficking case. I like how there’s an actual story outside of the romantic relationship between the heroes. I like that that isn’t the focus but just a component in the whole story. The relationship between the two, however, was great. The lead up, the times within the investigation and finally the long lasting, on going romance between the two is, again, fantastic. Five stars all the way.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Justine Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! This is another amazing book in the world of New Gothenburg and the Kings, with a bit of a mystery to solve. River, an attorney, has gotten himself into a bit of a mess. Jayce, a cop and PI, takes it upon himself to help River as he seems to be hunting the same person. I love how River and Jayce's involvement starts out as pretend to blend into the BDSM scene to get the information they need but soon ends up so much more real. I love their dynamic as they learn what each other needs from the relationship. I love seeing King and the others from the club in this book. Hayden and Jayce, as brothers, needed to have a conversation. There is so much going on in this book and I didn't want it to end. Definitely recommend this book and The Kings Of Men MC series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[C.B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jayce Paxton, patrol officer was informed his husband, Alex was dead. He drowned. Jayce couldn't believe it because Alex was a marine combat diver. Jayce was an ex marine, also. He suffered from PTSD, but hadn't had an incident for awhile. When the Detectives, Monroe and Pitts showed up, he called his acquaintance, a lawyer Madden Polunin. River Demchenko, Madden's boss/partner showed up and discussed his case. They met again, when Jayce was visiting Alex's body. He was trying to lay down a little baggage, but tripped over River's steamer trunk. They embarked on an undercover operation that led them to do some deep exploring into their personal needs. Is there more to Alex's death? Do Jayce and River have a successful undercover op? Do they manage to lose their luggage? Or do they store it for future use/reference? Interesting story.