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No Regrets #1
No Surrender
No matter what he feels for Wander, he’ll never surrender to him.
I’m in control of my life. That has become Burke’s mantra. He lost control somewhere along the way, descending into a downward spiral until he hit rock bottom. Now he’s back, sober, and determined to never be in that position again. Ever.
That’s why he loves being a dominant. He’s in charge. He can plan everything into detail. He’s in control.
Until he runs into Wander, a private security guy who volunteers to become Burke’s mentor in the club. Wander questions him, challenges him, pushes and prods and pokes until Burke stands with his back against the wall.
But he refuses to surrender, even when Wander evokes feelings in Burke he’s never experienced before. Apparently, he’s not quite as straight as he thought. Whatever. That still doesn’t mean he’ll give in…or that he’ll kneel.
No Surrender is an MM romance featuring a proud, stubborn man who’s hurting and an equally bull-headed man who won’t stop until he’s discovered the truth. It’s the first book in the high heat No Regrets series, a spin off from the No Shame series that can be read on its own, and has a suspense sub plot without cliffhangers. Please check the trigger warnings in the front of the book.
I’m in control of my life. That has become Burke’s mantra. He lost control somewhere along the way, descending into a downward spiral until he hit rock bottom. Now he’s back, sober, and determined to never be in that position again. Ever.
That’s why he loves being a dominant. He’s in charge. He can plan everything into detail. He’s in control.
Until he runs into Wander, a private security guy who volunteers to become Burke’s mentor in the club. Wander questions him, challenges him, pushes and prods and pokes until Burke stands with his back against the wall.
But he refuses to surrender, even when Wander evokes feelings in Burke he’s never experienced before. Apparently, he’s not quite as straight as he thought. Whatever. That still doesn’t mean he’ll give in…or that he’ll kneel.
No Surrender is an MM romance featuring a proud, stubborn man who’s hurting and an equally bull-headed man who won’t stop until he’s discovered the truth. It’s the first book in the high heat No Regrets series, a spin off from the No Shame series that can be read on its own, and has a suspense sub plot without cliffhangers. Please check the trigger warnings in the front of the book.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 17, 2021
323 people are currently reading
474 people want to read
About the author
Nora Phoenix
129 books2,197 followersWould you like the long or the short version of my bio?
The short? You got it.
I write steamy gay romance books and I love it. I also love reading books. Books are everything.
How was that?
A little more detail? Gotcha.
I started writing my first stories when I was a teen…on a freaking typewriter. I still have these, and they’re adorably romantic. And bad, haha. Fear of failing kept me from following my dream to become a romance author, so you can imagine how proud and ecstatic I am that I finally overcame my fears and self doubt and did it. I adore my genre because I love writing and reading about flawed, strong men who are just a tad broken..but find their happy ever after anyway.
My favorite books to read are pretty much all MM/gay romances as long as it has a happy end. Kink is a plus… Aside from that, I also read a lot of nonfiction and not just books on writing. Popular psychology is a favorite topic of mine and so are self help and sociology.
Hobbies? Ain’t nobody got time for that. Just kidding. I love traveling, spending time near the ocean, and hiking. But I love books more.
Come hang out with me in my Facebook Group Nora’s Nook where I share previews, sneak peeks, freebies, fun stuff, and much more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/noras...
Wanna get first dibs on freebies, updates, sales, and more? Sign up for my newsletter (no spamming your inbox full…promise!) here: http://www.noraphoenix.com/newsletter/
You can also stalk me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NoraFromBHR
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nora.phoenix/
On Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/nora-...
The short? You got it.
I write steamy gay romance books and I love it. I also love reading books. Books are everything.
How was that?
A little more detail? Gotcha.
I started writing my first stories when I was a teen…on a freaking typewriter. I still have these, and they’re adorably romantic. And bad, haha. Fear of failing kept me from following my dream to become a romance author, so you can imagine how proud and ecstatic I am that I finally overcame my fears and self doubt and did it. I adore my genre because I love writing and reading about flawed, strong men who are just a tad broken..but find their happy ever after anyway.
My favorite books to read are pretty much all MM/gay romances as long as it has a happy end. Kink is a plus… Aside from that, I also read a lot of nonfiction and not just books on writing. Popular psychology is a favorite topic of mine and so are self help and sociology.
Hobbies? Ain’t nobody got time for that. Just kidding. I love traveling, spending time near the ocean, and hiking. But I love books more.
Come hang out with me in my Facebook Group Nora’s Nook where I share previews, sneak peeks, freebies, fun stuff, and much more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/noras...
Wanna get first dibs on freebies, updates, sales, and more? Sign up for my newsletter (no spamming your inbox full…promise!) here: http://www.noraphoenix.com/newsletter/
You can also stalk me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NoraFromBHR
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nora.phoenix/
On Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/nora-...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
April 25, 2021
DNF. What begins as an incessant pontificating orgy continues as a soap opera with elements of half - hatched psychotherapy. No passion, no sense. The constant mixing of work, sex, uninvited voyeurism, coercion and BDSM is jarring to me, and totally off - putting. Too many side characters and names in the beginning, all fucking each other. The search for a good BDSM book continues.
dnf-for-good
May 3, 202180% DNF I need to stay a way from Nora Phoenix's BDSM books. So far the only books I've enjoyed by her are The Press ( book 1 of White House Men series), I am impatiently waiting for the others to go on audio and Ranger. Both of which did not involve BDSM.
September 21, 2024
To merely call this a "good book" would be a vast understatement. Of course, I'd read the rest of the "No Regrets" series, paying no attention that I had missed this one somehow...BOOK ONE...raise your hand if this surprises you:) The story and the characters were so good that I couldn't stop reading, despite of it being more then 350 pages. I had a bad case of "one more chapter" Syndrome. Sleep is over-rated anyway.
I loved the entire "No Shame" series so was excited to read the book that started the whole thing with Indy and Burke and Wander. Burke was a lost man to begin with...thinking that he needed to be a Dom when all his mannerisms screamed SUB!!. He didn't want to work with or have anything to do with Wander...he didn't think that Wander knew what he was talking about...he soon learned that Wander was his everything. I meet Wander in the other books in the "No Shame" series. His team had been hired by the men of that series but despite of that, I believe this one can easily be read as a standalone, as the focus is completely on Burke, Wander and his team.
I seldom say this because everyone has their own level of acceptance of same-sex romances...but this story will either curl you toes or arouse your total contempt of the characters and the concept of the entire story. Just saying in all fairness this is not for the faint of heart in certain sexual behaviors There are so many different kinks and multiple sexual practices.... but we get a better understanding of the men that inhabit the pages of Nora Phoenix’s works....and I have read and own a lot of her works. Her writing talent is nothing short of a "gift". Thank you, Nora for this one.
I loved the entire "No Shame" series so was excited to read the book that started the whole thing with Indy and Burke and Wander. Burke was a lost man to begin with...thinking that he needed to be a Dom when all his mannerisms screamed SUB!!. He didn't want to work with or have anything to do with Wander...he didn't think that Wander knew what he was talking about...he soon learned that Wander was his everything. I meet Wander in the other books in the "No Shame" series. His team had been hired by the men of that series but despite of that, I believe this one can easily be read as a standalone, as the focus is completely on Burke, Wander and his team.
I seldom say this because everyone has their own level of acceptance of same-sex romances...but this story will either curl you toes or arouse your total contempt of the characters and the concept of the entire story. Just saying in all fairness this is not for the faint of heart in certain sexual behaviors There are so many different kinks and multiple sexual practices.... but we get a better understanding of the men that inhabit the pages of Nora Phoenix’s works....and I have read and own a lot of her works. Her writing talent is nothing short of a "gift". Thank you, Nora for this one.
February 20, 2022
3.5 stars
This was for some reason a book that captured my attention from the start.
Even though this is stated as a standalone I don’t really think you’ll enjoy it as much if you haven’t read the “No Shame” series since Burke is Brad and Blake’s brother.
Burke really redeemed himself I almost cried for him a couple times haha and Wander was a good patient partner for Burke.
Overall a good read and helped me get out of a slump I was seeing myself spiral into!
This was for some reason a book that captured my attention from the start.
Even though this is stated as a standalone I don’t really think you’ll enjoy it as much if you haven’t read the “No Shame” series since Burke is Brad and Blake’s brother.
Burke really redeemed himself I almost cried for him a couple times haha and Wander was a good patient partner for Burke.
Overall a good read and helped me get out of a slump I was seeing myself spiral into!
May 21, 2021
mmmkay. a few different issues. not sure if it's bc i did not read the other series. and fair warning this is subjective and may be influenced by my own politic & comfort level. also maybe 10% of this is me not being able to take a man named "wander" seriously, but i was dry as a desert reading this.
first, the amount of sex without chemistry. it is the equivalent of 2 pieces of furniture fucking. just a rotation of bodies on bodies with no connection. a majority of the men here have no personality beyond sex and servicing other men. and it's *intended* to depict connection, to describe d/s in a nuanced & sexy way, so the fact that none of that came across for me is...yeah. disappointing.
second, the subplot of jesse's security issue--can't express how little i cared about that. i essentially skimmed those parts bc the tone of the story made it nearly useless--the focus was supposedly on wander and burke so. i could really do without this other plot point.
third, and most importantly, almost all characters were fucking annoying. from the backstory given for burke, i think it's incredibly unfair the way his brothers are treating him while he's homeless and recovering from addiction. that whole "I'm prioritizing my relationship with brother #2" thing made me wanna break out in hives.
i'm somewhat informed in bdsm, not a ton, but all scenes made me uncomfortable. like i said before, it was just fucking and sharing men amongst each other, and just no heart in it considering how much the characters talk about heart lol. show me community, then, show me chemistry, show me the bond between these men beyond telling me.
i know this is by no means intended as a resource for bdsm or realistic lives of gay men, nor is this the place to discuss the oversexualizing & dehumanizing nature of the descriptions of sex in this book, so i won't go into it. i've read other books that were just as "bad" in that aspect (i.e. hazard) but idk, this one was just a lot. just personally, this was Not working for me from any angles.
first, the amount of sex without chemistry. it is the equivalent of 2 pieces of furniture fucking. just a rotation of bodies on bodies with no connection. a majority of the men here have no personality beyond sex and servicing other men. and it's *intended* to depict connection, to describe d/s in a nuanced & sexy way, so the fact that none of that came across for me is...yeah. disappointing.
second, the subplot of jesse's security issue--can't express how little i cared about that. i essentially skimmed those parts bc the tone of the story made it nearly useless--the focus was supposedly on wander and burke so. i could really do without this other plot point.
third, and most importantly, almost all characters were fucking annoying. from the backstory given for burke, i think it's incredibly unfair the way his brothers are treating him while he's homeless and recovering from addiction. that whole "I'm prioritizing my relationship with brother #2" thing made me wanna break out in hives.
i'm somewhat informed in bdsm, not a ton, but all scenes made me uncomfortable. like i said before, it was just fucking and sharing men amongst each other, and just no heart in it considering how much the characters talk about heart lol. show me community, then, show me chemistry, show me the bond between these men beyond telling me.
i know this is by no means intended as a resource for bdsm or realistic lives of gay men, nor is this the place to discuss the oversexualizing & dehumanizing nature of the descriptions of sex in this book, so i won't go into it. i've read other books that were just as "bad" in that aspect (i.e. hazard) but idk, this one was just a lot. just personally, this was Not working for me from any angles.
Read
May 7, 2021DNF @ 45% - I was so excited to get Wander and Burke’s story! Unfortunately this book more than fell flat. The dialogue was forced, robotic and downright terrible. It was like a caricature of how someone would normally speak. Everything about this book felt cold, clinical and sterile. You get told over and over that the on page sex and D/s scenes are hot, but they just aren’t. There is absolutely zero chemistry between Wander and Burke, so if they’re supposed to end up together I guess it just happens out of nowhere? And so much of this book was painfully contrived to push the plot and relationships. Burke and Wander feel like good friends with absolutely no romantic interest in each other. A more believable story would have been Wander’s friendship helping Burke to heal and then Burke falling in love with someone else.
My biggest complaint about this book - the relationship between Burke and his brothers, and how they treat Burke. They place so much blame on him when he was just a kid himself and then a young adult with emotional trauma and an addiction. Maybe this dynamic makes more sense later in the book? I get that Burke truly was a big selfish jerk, but Brad in particular comes off as hypocritical when he’s ranting at Burke. Honestly, these three need to get counseling together.
Also, after how many books by this author and the grammar is still rough?
I’ve always enjoyed Nora’s books as guilty pleasure reads, but it’s starting to feel like Nora is focused on quantity over quality. I’d much prefer a decreased publishing schedule with higher quality writing, editing and proofreading.
My biggest complaint about this book - the relationship between Burke and his brothers, and how they treat Burke. They place so much blame on him when he was just a kid himself and then a young adult with emotional trauma and an addiction. Maybe this dynamic makes more sense later in the book? I get that Burke truly was a big selfish jerk, but Brad in particular comes off as hypocritical when he’s ranting at Burke. Honestly, these three need to get counseling together.
Also, after how many books by this author and the grammar is still rough?
I’ve always enjoyed Nora’s books as guilty pleasure reads, but it’s starting to feel like Nora is focused on quantity over quality. I’d much prefer a decreased publishing schedule with higher quality writing, editing and proofreading.
February 24, 2023
This book was... not good.
Too much TRYING to be inclusive and 'woke' instead of actually being inclusive.
Plot twist: if you're really a decent human being, you don't have to tell everyone how you are a decent human being.
All the dialogue felt goofy and exaggerated.
Anyone that is not gay/pan and poly were homophobes.
At one point, Burke runs into someone who doesn't immediately give him what he wants, so that person is then seen as one of the biggest bigots' in the book.Those 3 pages were some of the worst.
Romance:
There was none.
Only someone whipping out their peen for a quickie every other chapter and the characters insinuating that if you don't like watching, you're a terrible evil person who hates gays... and you probably murder people too.
Needless to say... I do not recommend.
Too much TRYING to be inclusive and 'woke' instead of actually being inclusive.
Plot twist: if you're really a decent human being, you don't have to tell everyone how you are a decent human being.
All the dialogue felt goofy and exaggerated.
Anyone that is not gay/pan and poly were homophobes.
At one point, Burke runs into someone who doesn't immediately give him what he wants, so that person is then seen as one of the biggest bigots' in the book.
Romance:
There was none.
Only someone whipping out their peen for a quickie every other chapter and the characters insinuating that if you don't like watching, you're a terrible evil person who hates gays... and you probably murder people too.
Needless to say... I do not recommend.
![Profile Image for ❀ Alex ❀ [Hiatus] .](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1724819109i%2F127505214._UX200_CR0%2C35%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
February 12, 2024
Rating: 4.5/5
BDSM
Enemies to Lovers
Dom training
First Times
Sub Awakening
Forced proximity
Ok, I was not expecting it to be soo emotional.😳😳
I was in the mood for some quick kinky, smut but holy cow this took me by surprise.
The character arc of Burke was soo emotional and had so much depth. He is a wonderfully flawed individual who has hurt the people he loves in the past. He is ashamed of what he did but is brave enough to admit it and wants to rekindle and fix those relationships. And I have utmost respect for people like him. And when finally he let's his walls down, let's Wander in and fully accepts who he is, it was beautiful to witness.
Wander is also equally incredible. He comes across as very strict and hardass in the beginning but is actually a marshmallow on the inside. Tender, sweet and gentle and a perfect match for Bruke. I loved them both.
And of course there was also all the kinky stuff that I was looking for. Overall I had a great time with this.
BDSM
Enemies to Lovers
Dom training
First Times
Sub Awakening
Forced proximity
Ok, I was not expecting it to be soo emotional.😳😳
I was in the mood for some quick kinky, smut but holy cow this took me by surprise.
The character arc of Burke was soo emotional and had so much depth. He is a wonderfully flawed individual who has hurt the people he loves in the past. He is ashamed of what he did but is brave enough to admit it and wants to rekindle and fix those relationships. And I have utmost respect for people like him. And when finally he let's his walls down, let's Wander in and fully accepts who he is, it was beautiful to witness.
Wander is also equally incredible. He comes across as very strict and hardass in the beginning but is actually a marshmallow on the inside. Tender, sweet and gentle and a perfect match for Bruke. I loved them both.
And of course there was also all the kinky stuff that I was looking for. Overall I had a great time with this.
April 17, 2021
This is a spin-off series of The No Shame series. Technically , you don’t need to read that series first BUT you should because it adds layering to this series plus it’s a HOT and sexy series so you’ll want to read it anyway....
I’m so happy Burke got his own story. If everyone read The No Shame series, Burke was a side character being Blake and Brad’s brother. He wasn’t the most likable character BUT those are my favorites because you know there is more going on than meets the eye!
Getting Burke’s POV made you really feel his sadness and pain. He meets Wander under stressful circumstances. Burke feels the need to be perfect and he likes to control all the factors. This sense of control begins to unravel. Wander is there for Burke like no one else is. Brad and Blake play a part in making Burke sink lower into sadness. This part really got me. It made me really loathe Brad. I’m still not over it tbh. I think he needs more Miles spankings.
Wander was just the person Burke needed. I wasn’t sure how their dynamic would play out but it wasn’t surprising when they got there. You could tell they cared for one another even though they had a rocky start. While Wander was the cover guy, I feel this was more Burke’s story. I loved how everything turned out and the HEA was very romantic.
I already know I’m going to love this series. I hope Jesse gets a story and Roman too. Maybe together 🤔🤔🤔
I’m so happy Burke got his own story. If everyone read The No Shame series, Burke was a side character being Blake and Brad’s brother. He wasn’t the most likable character BUT those are my favorites because you know there is more going on than meets the eye!
Getting Burke’s POV made you really feel his sadness and pain. He meets Wander under stressful circumstances. Burke feels the need to be perfect and he likes to control all the factors. This sense of control begins to unravel. Wander is there for Burke like no one else is. Brad and Blake play a part in making Burke sink lower into sadness. This part really got me. It made me really loathe Brad. I’m still not over it tbh. I think he needs more Miles spankings.
Wander was just the person Burke needed. I wasn’t sure how their dynamic would play out but it wasn’t surprising when they got there. You could tell they cared for one another even though they had a rocky start. While Wander was the cover guy, I feel this was more Burke’s story. I loved how everything turned out and the HEA was very romantic.
I already know I’m going to love this series. I hope Jesse gets a story and Roman too. Maybe together 🤔🤔🤔
December 29, 2021
I don't intend to read other books in this series.
Rating 2.5
This book started well, so much that I couldn't put it down until I reached 50%. But then the story has so many poly relationships that I had a problem keeping up with the names (the characters for the books in the series no shame), there are Wander'steam and his employee. And we have all the meanless sex scenes between them (I skipped a lot of them). I don't have a problem with voyeurism or other kinks when it's well written, but it wasn't the case. I've read good scenes in other books by the same author, so I don't know what happened with this one.
What kept me reading was Wander and Burke's relationship because their relationship dynamics worked for me.
Burke is the guy trying to rebuild his life while discovering a lot about his sexuality; Wander is the experienced and sweet Dom.
But even in their relationship, some things annoyed me. Wander is not the kind of man to stay just with a guy, but Burke isn't sure about a poly relationship. At the end of the book, Burke is in love and scared about losing Wander. In my opinion, if we have this couple in another book, probably, Burke would accept a third partner just to please Wander.
And there is an uncomfortable scene:
Rating 2.5
This book started well, so much that I couldn't put it down until I reached 50%. But then the story has so many poly relationships that I had a problem keeping up with the names (the characters for the books in the series no shame), there are Wander'steam and his employee. And we have all the meanless sex scenes between them (I skipped a lot of them). I don't have a problem with voyeurism or other kinks when it's well written, but it wasn't the case. I've read good scenes in other books by the same author, so I don't know what happened with this one.
What kept me reading was Wander and Burke's relationship because their relationship dynamics worked for me.
Burke is the guy trying to rebuild his life while discovering a lot about his sexuality; Wander is the experienced and sweet Dom.
But even in their relationship, some things annoyed me. Wander is not the kind of man to stay just with a guy, but Burke isn't sure about a poly relationship. At the end of the book, Burke is in love and scared about losing Wander. In my opinion, if we have this couple in another book, probably, Burke would accept a third partner just to please Wander.
And there is an uncomfortable scene:
October 30, 2023
October 2023- Re-read the audiobook in preparation of the No Rules release
***********************************************
Although this is the start of a new series, I think that it helps to have read the No Shame series first. Every character from those books appears here and the storyline continues regarding Burke and his brothers Brad and Blake. While I really enjoyed the No Shame series and their household full of kinky men, I found Wander and Burke's romance to be rather boring. Nothing sexual happened until 60%. Wander was enlisted to be Burke's mentor in his quest to be a Dom at the club. However, Burke said he was straight and I felt no chemistry between Burke and Wander. What I did like was the set-up for future books. Another household full of kinky men...I'm in! Fingers crossed that the next book is about Ryan and Alex. They were so hot together.
***********************************************
Although this is the start of a new series, I think that it helps to have read the No Shame series first. Every character from those books appears here and the storyline continues regarding Burke and his brothers Brad and Blake. While I really enjoyed the No Shame series and their household full of kinky men, I found Wander and Burke's romance to be rather boring. Nothing sexual happened until 60%. Wander was enlisted to be Burke's mentor in his quest to be a Dom at the club. However, Burke said he was straight and I felt no chemistry between Burke and Wander. What I did like was the set-up for future books. Another household full of kinky men...I'm in! Fingers crossed that the next book is about Ryan and Alex. They were so hot together.
June 9, 2021
As every book I've read by Nora so far, this was a delight. Kinky and sexy without being repetitive or stereotypical, exciting without being an action cliche, and emotional without being melodramatic, all in one package! Being impressed almost seems par for the course.
I'm not so sure the series stands alone to no shame, though. I know the no shame characters aren't the mains, but the series still relies on the events there and might spoil some important plot points from it. It's definitely a spin off, but the stand alone is in doubt.
I'm not so sure the series stands alone to no shame, though. I know the no shame characters aren't the mains, but the series still relies on the events there and might spoil some important plot points from it. It's definitely a spin off, but the stand alone is in doubt.
December 12, 2021
Omggggggggg Squeeee
This book was sooo sweet and adorable. ❤❤
And i may have to move John Solo to the X-men of narrators his voice is so "Yass Daddy!" And I swear John Solo can narrate the hell out of a M/M scene. Help me my bleeding nose.
I love me a nasty lil piece of a BDSM type novel and Nora Phoenix is bringing the S and the M.
This book was sooo sweet and adorable. ❤❤
And i may have to move John Solo to the X-men of narrators his voice is so "Yass Daddy!" And I swear John Solo can narrate the hell out of a M/M scene. Help me my bleeding nose.
I love me a nasty lil piece of a BDSM type novel and Nora Phoenix is bringing the S and the M.
July 6, 2021
Oh this is really a very good book! So good that I didn't want to stop reading it, and despite it being more then 350 pages I flew through it.
As a fan of the No Shame series I was extremely curious what this new spin off would bring. Yes I was familiar with Wander so to say I was excited to see and hear his story is well kind of a done deal.
And boy did this story hit me in the chest. It hit very close to home even. And not to get into specific things but to clarify not because of the BDSM aspect but let's say Burke's controlling issues definitely made me rethink some stuff.
That being said and as I mentioned I flew through this book, it made me smile, made me awww and made me feel all the feels. On top of that it is extremely hot, sensual and loving.
We meet Wander where we left it in the No Shame series. Employed by the men of that series but despite that, you can honestly read this as a separate book as the focus is completely on Burke, Wander and his boys (Team).
Why you would want to do that is a different issue though ;)
We meet Burke when he is at his lowest and the beginning of the story focuses on just that - his personal struggle. We learn about the reasons behind his actions and I particularly liked that the author took the time to introduce us to who Burke was and where he was coming from.
You can find in the blurb that Burke presumes he is straight and that he is training to be a Dom. Let's say with Wander mentoring, him his eyes are opened to a whole different level of BDSM and I could even say life in general.
Perhaps what I liked the most is the care and loving that drips off of Wander within his ability to be an excellent Dom. I loved the emotions he was willing to share, the level of intimacy and his openness to all feelings possible.
Where it was as I mentioned Burke definitely ticked of some buttons I as a reader craved the sincerity of Wander.
In all fairness this story is not for the faint at heart in sexual behavior. You need to know to expect different kinks and multiple sexual practices.
For me this story was made extra special because we got a glimpse of the men I fell in love with when I first started reading Miss Phoenix's work.
I am extremely excited to see the rest of this series, who will be featured, who will get their HEA and hopefully they all will!!
It is like, if you are familiar with the author's work, she knows how to draw you in completely, making you invested in not just the main couple of that book but all the side characters. That I believe is a gift that keeps you wanting to keep reading more, at least for me it is.
To sum it up if you are a reader who have read the No Shame series this is a Must Read! If you are not, this still comes highly recommended. I wonder, if you are reading this, how many of you will want to read about Indy and his men?
As a fan of the No Shame series I was extremely curious what this new spin off would bring. Yes I was familiar with Wander so to say I was excited to see and hear his story is well kind of a done deal.
And boy did this story hit me in the chest. It hit very close to home even. And not to get into specific things but to clarify not because of the BDSM aspect but let's say Burke's controlling issues definitely made me rethink some stuff.
That being said and as I mentioned I flew through this book, it made me smile, made me awww and made me feel all the feels. On top of that it is extremely hot, sensual and loving.
We meet Wander where we left it in the No Shame series. Employed by the men of that series but despite that, you can honestly read this as a separate book as the focus is completely on Burke, Wander and his boys (Team).
Why you would want to do that is a different issue though ;)
We meet Burke when he is at his lowest and the beginning of the story focuses on just that - his personal struggle. We learn about the reasons behind his actions and I particularly liked that the author took the time to introduce us to who Burke was and where he was coming from.
You can find in the blurb that Burke presumes he is straight and that he is training to be a Dom. Let's say with Wander mentoring, him his eyes are opened to a whole different level of BDSM and I could even say life in general.
Perhaps what I liked the most is the care and loving that drips off of Wander within his ability to be an excellent Dom. I loved the emotions he was willing to share, the level of intimacy and his openness to all feelings possible.
Where it was as I mentioned Burke definitely ticked of some buttons I as a reader craved the sincerity of Wander.
In all fairness this story is not for the faint at heart in sexual behavior. You need to know to expect different kinks and multiple sexual practices.
For me this story was made extra special because we got a glimpse of the men I fell in love with when I first started reading Miss Phoenix's work.
I am extremely excited to see the rest of this series, who will be featured, who will get their HEA and hopefully they all will!!
It is like, if you are familiar with the author's work, she knows how to draw you in completely, making you invested in not just the main couple of that book but all the side characters. That I believe is a gift that keeps you wanting to keep reading more, at least for me it is.
To sum it up if you are a reader who have read the No Shame series this is a Must Read! If you are not, this still comes highly recommended. I wonder, if you are reading this, how many of you will want to read about Indy and his men?
July 25, 2022
Even though it's listed as book 1 in the No Regrets series, it's really not. It's the next book in the previous series, because these are established characters. So at the beginning of the story, you're just dropped into the middle of something. It's jarring.
Next problem is, Wander (stupid name) goes from saying, basically, you have 2 options for bdsm training but you know I'm you're only real option because you won't get accepted into this club without me. Next thing he says is how you always have a choice and to say you don't have any other choice is just an excuse. Um, what? Didn't he just say there weren't really any other viable choices? This conversation just made wander come across as a narcissist who loves to hear himself pontificate on anything and everything. That was at the beginning of the book, the first time the 2 MCs talk at the club, so needless to say I never got very far into the story.
Next problem is, Wander (stupid name) goes from saying, basically, you have 2 options for bdsm training but you know I'm you're only real option because you won't get accepted into this club without me. Next thing he says is how you always have a choice and to say you don't have any other choice is just an excuse. Um, what? Didn't he just say there weren't really any other viable choices? This conversation just made wander come across as a narcissist who loves to hear himself pontificate on anything and everything. That was at the beginning of the book, the first time the 2 MCs talk at the club, so needless to say I never got very far into the story.
May 15, 2021
I was surprised by this, as the author's Perfect Hands series was excellent and the Ballsy Boys were pretty good...
But this was painful reading. The sex/BDSM felt off, the characters were emotionally stunted, and what was with the conveyor-belt of characters with their cocks out like a very dodgy porn plot?
The best bit about this was the dynamic between Jessie and David.
But this was painful reading. The sex/BDSM felt off, the characters were emotionally stunted, and what was with the conveyor-belt of characters with their cocks out like a very dodgy porn plot?
The best bit about this was the dynamic between Jessie and David.
March 8, 2024
Avis mitigé concernant ce premier tome.
J'ai eu du mal à entrer dans ma lecture dans la mesure où l'on rencontre beaucoup de personnages issus de la série précédente que je n'ai pas lue hormi le 1er tome.
Ensuite le côté enquête ne m'a pas passionné.
En dehors de ça, j'ai aimé l'évolution de Burke, et j'ai apprécié Wander qui est un bon personnage. Leur relation est plaisante à suivre et les scènes bdsm entre eux sont bien écrites.
A noter que quelques relectures auraient été bienvenues pour améliorer la traduction et la correction de la langue.
Le tome suivant me tente bien.
J'ai eu du mal à entrer dans ma lecture dans la mesure où l'on rencontre beaucoup de personnages issus de la série précédente que je n'ai pas lue hormi le 1er tome.
Ensuite le côté enquête ne m'a pas passionné.
En dehors de ça, j'ai aimé l'évolution de Burke, et j'ai apprécié Wander qui est un bon personnage. Leur relation est plaisante à suivre et les scènes bdsm entre eux sont bien écrites.
A noter que quelques relectures auraient été bienvenues pour améliorer la traduction et la correction de la langue.
Le tome suivant me tente bien.
February 17, 2025
Back on my KU DNF bullshit. This one started with a long synopsis of every single prior book in the series, is talking big game about treating people with respect but the premise is being executed in a way that is frankly disrespectful to the characters, and the Dom MC is a law enforcement-y asshole which is as always a major red flag. I’m calling it at 10%.
April 16, 2021
Such a great book! Nora Phoenix is one of my favorite authors and books like this are the reason why. At its core, this was a slow burn romance handled so beautifully. The character development is exceptional. I marked this line while I was reading: "I love who I am when I'm with you". I felt the truth behind that statement because of how well we got to know both Wander and Burke. Burke was hiding behind a wall of feelings and was so lost and struggling to find his way. As he slowly let his guard down and started opening up to his brothers, Wander, his sponsor, he started to let himself truly be who he really was inside. It was a lovely transformation to watch unfold. And the romance that followed was even more lovely. Packed with heat, honesty, communication, and ultimately love...
Both Wander and Burke were involved in BDSM as well and how that was discussed and incorporated into the story was fabulous. It was so much a part of Burke discovering his true self and his relationship with Wander and it brought a very nice level of heat to the story too!
There was an exciting sub-plot that Wander and his team were involved in mixed into the story and it brought a nice level of mystery and suspense to the book! We got introduced to a whole new group of men on Wander's team and in Jesse's house that have a varying degree of interests (d/s, voyeurism, servitude just to name a few) and I cannot wait for more books in the series that explore new relationships and pairings between them!
This is a spin-off from the glorious No Shame series and I was in heaven getting to see all the men from that series again. While this can be read as a standalone without getting lost, because Nora takes the time to give any backstory you need in this book, I highly recommend reading the No Shame series as well because it is just so good!
Both Wander and Burke were involved in BDSM as well and how that was discussed and incorporated into the story was fabulous. It was so much a part of Burke discovering his true self and his relationship with Wander and it brought a very nice level of heat to the story too!
There was an exciting sub-plot that Wander and his team were involved in mixed into the story and it brought a nice level of mystery and suspense to the book! We got introduced to a whole new group of men on Wander's team and in Jesse's house that have a varying degree of interests (d/s, voyeurism, servitude just to name a few) and I cannot wait for more books in the series that explore new relationships and pairings between them!
This is a spin-off from the glorious No Shame series and I was in heaven getting to see all the men from that series again. While this can be read as a standalone without getting lost, because Nora takes the time to give any backstory you need in this book, I highly recommend reading the No Shame series as well because it is just so good!
October 5, 2024
Estoy entre el 3 y 4⭐ porque me encantó pero no sé, siento que me faltó algo.
Muero por leer los demás libros de la serie y conocer mejor a todos los personajes que se nos presentan aquí. Hay varios que me llamaron muchísimo la atención👀 (Alex, Jesse, Ryan, Caleb y no me acuerdo el nombre de los demás).
La idea de Wander de que todos terminen saliendo entre todos en esa casa de Jesse, me parece una idea muy interesante y muero por saber como quedará todo en los siguientes libros.
La relación de Wander y Burke me encantó fue super sincera, honesta y comunicativa que me llegó muchísimo. Wander es una pareja increíble y como en todo momento ayudó a Burke fue lo que más me gustó de su personaje.
Burke es un personaje al que lo sentí muy personal. Sus miedos, frustraciones y sentir son muy parecidos a los míos y tengo que admitir que me hizo llorar dos veces a lo largo del libro.
Tengo que admitir que odié un poco mucho a Brad y a Blake, hermanos de Burke, a Brad por hablarle super feo a Burke cuando fue a la fiesta de cumpleaños de Blake y a este último por no defenderlo a Burke en ese momento.
Admito que no leí la serie anterior en la que Burke apareció e hizo cosas que no tenía que hacer y eso hace que sea un poco imparcial pero ese dolor de Burke se sintió súper real y lloré mucho con él.
Muero por leer los demás libros de la serie y conocer mejor a todos los personajes que se nos presentan aquí. Hay varios que me llamaron muchísimo la atención👀 (Alex, Jesse, Ryan, Caleb y no me acuerdo el nombre de los demás).
La idea de Wander de que todos terminen saliendo entre todos en esa casa de Jesse, me parece una idea muy interesante y muero por saber como quedará todo en los siguientes libros.
La relación de Wander y Burke me encantó fue super sincera, honesta y comunicativa que me llegó muchísimo. Wander es una pareja increíble y como en todo momento ayudó a Burke fue lo que más me gustó de su personaje.
Burke es un personaje al que lo sentí muy personal. Sus miedos, frustraciones y sentir son muy parecidos a los míos y tengo que admitir que me hizo llorar dos veces a lo largo del libro.
Tengo que admitir que odié un poco mucho a Brad y a Blake, hermanos de Burke, a Brad por hablarle super feo a Burke cuando fue a la fiesta de cumpleaños de Blake y a este último por no defenderlo a Burke en ese momento.
Admito que no leí la serie anterior en la que Burke apareció e hizo cosas que no tenía que hacer y eso hace que sea un poco imparcial pero ese dolor de Burke se sintió súper real y lloré mucho con él.
June 19, 2021
Nora Phoenix has put down the perfect foundation for her new spin-off series. Wander and Burke are so perfect together and the events that happen in this story have me so excited to see where this series will go next! I love broken heroes and following their journeys to their HEAs.
Not gonna lie, I stopped the book a time or two to vent about some of the idiocy some side characters spewed, but it’s necessary for the development of the plot. It was absolutely incredible to see the growth that Burke experienced as he took the first steps toward healing. Wander is his rock solid supporter throughout the book. He never wavers and that is beautiful to see.
John Solo is a fantastic narrator! Not only does he bring Burke and Wander to life, but he also establishes the individuality of the other characters that are featured. He is also incredible at expressing the emotions that are both on the page and implied. Had to pause once or twice during steamy scenes to cool down. Lol
If you like broken heroes, all the feels, a pinch of mystery, and a dash of kink, this is a must read book!
Not gonna lie, I stopped the book a time or two to vent about some of the idiocy some side characters spewed, but it’s necessary for the development of the plot. It was absolutely incredible to see the growth that Burke experienced as he took the first steps toward healing. Wander is his rock solid supporter throughout the book. He never wavers and that is beautiful to see.
John Solo is a fantastic narrator! Not only does he bring Burke and Wander to life, but he also establishes the individuality of the other characters that are featured. He is also incredible at expressing the emotions that are both on the page and implied. Had to pause once or twice during steamy scenes to cool down. Lol
If you like broken heroes, all the feels, a pinch of mystery, and a dash of kink, this is a must read book!
April 19, 2021
This was an amazing read! 😍
Nora Phoenix takes the time to let us get to know the characters, to let their connection and chemistry grow. I love that anticipation so much!!
When they finally get together it’s so much better than when it’s all insta-stuff. Wander and Burke were amazing together!!
The side plot was interesting enough and Burke’s self discovery was also very well done (although I guessed rather quickly what the ‘issue’ was).
I loved the new setting, the promising of so much more couples getting together and growing their chosen family. Can’t wait what’s in store for all of them!
Nora Phoenix takes the time to let us get to know the characters, to let their connection and chemistry grow. I love that anticipation so much!!
When they finally get together it’s so much better than when it’s all insta-stuff. Wander and Burke were amazing together!!
The side plot was interesting enough and Burke’s self discovery was also very well done (although I guessed rather quickly what the ‘issue’ was).
I loved the new setting, the promising of so much more couples getting together and growing their chosen family. Can’t wait what’s in store for all of them!
November 9, 2025
3.5 stars. Nora has a great talent for building and maintaining suspense and tension. I think this book was just lacking some of the chemistry I've gotten from her other books. I'm absolutely going to listen to the rest of her catalog, but this one leaned further towards 'meh' than 'hell yeah!'. And several of her books have been a HELL YES.
November 30, 2021
Loved all the characters (the ones from the No Shame series and the new ones) and can't wait for the 2nd book. There's so much potential for another great series.
April 19, 2021
A spin-off of another popular series described as a standalone
Although this book is described as a spin-off standalone from the No Shame series, I think that the reader would feel extremely lost without some backstory or knowledge of the series. Is it possible to read and understand without having read any other books? Sure I read it and I got the basics of the characters and their relationships. But not having the knowledge of how they got together and what events happened to make it possible put me at a disadvantage I would say. Just my opinion of course. I do plan on going back and reading the No Shame series and then rereading this book. See if it increases my enjoyment and understanding.
Although this book is described as a spin-off standalone from the No Shame series, I think that the reader would feel extremely lost without some backstory or knowledge of the series. Is it possible to read and understand without having read any other books? Sure I read it and I got the basics of the characters and their relationships. But not having the knowledge of how they got together and what events happened to make it possible put me at a disadvantage I would say. Just my opinion of course. I do plan on going back and reading the No Shame series and then rereading this book. See if it increases my enjoyment and understanding.
April 25, 2021
*3 stars*
October 30, 2022
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
No Surrender is a spin off from Phoenix’s popular No Shame series. While it’s not technically necessary to have read the books in that series before this one, it’s definitely helpful. Both MCs are introduced in that series, as well as some backstory for both of them. This is particularly true with Burke, as it really give some insight into his growing up from a different perspective. It definitely adds something extra to have read the No Shame series, especially because, for me, it heightened the anticipation for this book, wanting to see Wander’s story in particular.
This is classic Phoenix in that it’s high heat, high kink, and full of good guys who have created their own family.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
No Surrender is a spin off from Phoenix’s popular No Shame series. While it’s not technically necessary to have read the books in that series before this one, it’s definitely helpful. Both MCs are introduced in that series, as well as some backstory for both of them. This is particularly true with Burke, as it really give some insight into his growing up from a different perspective. It definitely adds something extra to have read the No Shame series, especially because, for me, it heightened the anticipation for this book, wanting to see Wander’s story in particular.
This is classic Phoenix in that it’s high heat, high kink, and full of good guys who have created their own family.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
November 28, 2023
Having no interest in the No Shame series, I took the author’s word that this could be read as a standalone and let me tell you IT CAN NOT!
November 13, 2025
3.5✨️ rounded up to 4 cuz 3 I feel is not ok either.
Hmm... this is my 3rd Nora Phoenix book and while it was better than the first 2 books in the Irresistible Omega series, it wasn't a 5✨️ either. I was entertained and I will continue the series because now I wanna know about everyone else too, but... idk, there is always something that doesn't sit well with me when it comes to Nora's books. I love some other things, but there is one thing in particular that pisses me off to no end... her need to always have one of the characters be the TOP Alpha male when it is not even needed. This happened in Irresistible Omega's and I thought it was a fluke cuz that was omegaverse, but apparently she does this in other books too.
Wander... while dominant, I don't think he needed to be the top dog. I think him being a Dom would've suffice, but no... apparently he needed to be THE top dog. I swear this is the authors k!nk or something.
We start the book with Burke training to become a Dom and we end up with him being an extreme submissive. Why? To be honest I felt like the author forced that on him for no reason. I think Burke would've functioned better as a switch, for himself and for the sake of the story she's trying to tell here. Idk why she called this one "No surrender" when Burke indeed surrendered and became something he really wasn't.
For some reason she made me feel like Burke was not enough for Wander long term with all those discussions about exclusivity, and while I don't mind poly relationship ( I actually love them ) or non monogamy, I felt like she left me with this nagging feeling that at some point Wonder will need other men. Why? Especially since you bent over backwards to make Burke a sub and Wander started being monogamous without anyone asking him before he even started the relationship with Burke. Why not let him be a switch and that way the possibility of having play partners in the future for both of them would've seem more plausible without feeling like they're not enough for each other?
Burke is not a full Dom, we could all see that, but switch would've fit him best. I felt like with this redeeming story for him she felt the need to make him as small as possible and break him to the core. Again, why?
I am glad that Burke stood up for himself with his brothers in the end. What the heck was that sht with "I will prioritise my relationship with the other brother over you" when Burke was literally a recovering alcoholic that was also homeless on top of that?
I haven't read the other series so idk all the details, but the way they treated Burke made me so angry... like they have the moral high ground to treat him like he's disposable. I would've said F you and never look back. His brothers behaviour was so problematic and insensitive... that could've driven Burke to fall back into drinking so fast. No. Just no. I hate his brothers.
Wander... he is sweet, I really liked him, but... I still can't pinpoint what kind of Dom he is. Is he a pleasure Dom, soft Dom, which one is it? It is important to know this imho. The plot was nice, and the background story with Jesse was interesting. It set up the tone for why they're all there but... do we get a Jesse book? Cuz I don't see one in this series.
I felt like we didn't get enough time with Burke and Wander as a couple and the connection... while I felt something, it wasn't THAT connection you read about it other books. This is apparently another thing Nora struggles with. In Irresistible Omega's I felt that connection between two of the character in that poly relationship and they weren't even the "main ones". I think she writes good chemistry and build up if the characters are not front and center. I felt more of a connection between Alex & Ryan in those 3-4 instances we got to see a glimpse of them than I did between W and B... strange, right?
I know that this might sound like an overly critical review, not my intention, since I did enjoy it and plan to read the rest, but I also can't ignore the problematic things either. I read romance books for the romance, the spice is just extra, not the other way around, and this one was definitely not the romance over spice.
I am curious to see how this will go and where Wander and Burke will fall into the other books, but I can't shake that feeling that Burke is not enough and the author will make him accept that Wander wants other men... which tbh did not felt like something the character wanted necessarily, it felt in the writing that the author was forcing that upon them somehow, if it makes sense.
Overall I enjoyed the audiobook, I do recommend it to some degree, but I can't say OMG, this is a must read. No, you can definitely live without reading this book and not have FOMO over it. 3.5✨️ for the plot, the anticipation of seeing the others and for Wander's sweetness and Burke's resilience.
Hmm... this is my 3rd Nora Phoenix book and while it was better than the first 2 books in the Irresistible Omega series, it wasn't a 5✨️ either. I was entertained and I will continue the series because now I wanna know about everyone else too, but... idk, there is always something that doesn't sit well with me when it comes to Nora's books. I love some other things, but there is one thing in particular that pisses me off to no end... her need to always have one of the characters be the TOP Alpha male when it is not even needed. This happened in Irresistible Omega's and I thought it was a fluke cuz that was omegaverse, but apparently she does this in other books too.
Wander... while dominant, I don't think he needed to be the top dog. I think him being a Dom would've suffice, but no... apparently he needed to be THE top dog. I swear this is the authors k!nk or something.
We start the book with Burke training to become a Dom and we end up with him being an extreme submissive. Why? To be honest I felt like the author forced that on him for no reason. I think Burke would've functioned better as a switch, for himself and for the sake of the story she's trying to tell here. Idk why she called this one "No surrender" when Burke indeed surrendered and became something he really wasn't.
For some reason she made me feel like Burke was not enough for Wander long term with all those discussions about exclusivity, and while I don't mind poly relationship ( I actually love them ) or non monogamy, I felt like she left me with this nagging feeling that at some point Wonder will need other men. Why? Especially since you bent over backwards to make Burke a sub and Wander started being monogamous without anyone asking him before he even started the relationship with Burke. Why not let him be a switch and that way the possibility of having play partners in the future for both of them would've seem more plausible without feeling like they're not enough for each other?
Burke is not a full Dom, we could all see that, but switch would've fit him best. I felt like with this redeeming story for him she felt the need to make him as small as possible and break him to the core. Again, why?
I am glad that Burke stood up for himself with his brothers in the end. What the heck was that sht with "I will prioritise my relationship with the other brother over you" when Burke was literally a recovering alcoholic that was also homeless on top of that?
I haven't read the other series so idk all the details, but the way they treated Burke made me so angry... like they have the moral high ground to treat him like he's disposable. I would've said F you and never look back. His brothers behaviour was so problematic and insensitive... that could've driven Burke to fall back into drinking so fast. No. Just no. I hate his brothers.
Wander... he is sweet, I really liked him, but... I still can't pinpoint what kind of Dom he is. Is he a pleasure Dom, soft Dom, which one is it? It is important to know this imho. The plot was nice, and the background story with Jesse was interesting. It set up the tone for why they're all there but... do we get a Jesse book? Cuz I don't see one in this series.
I felt like we didn't get enough time with Burke and Wander as a couple and the connection... while I felt something, it wasn't THAT connection you read about it other books. This is apparently another thing Nora struggles with. In Irresistible Omega's I felt that connection between two of the character in that poly relationship and they weren't even the "main ones". I think she writes good chemistry and build up if the characters are not front and center. I felt more of a connection between Alex & Ryan in those 3-4 instances we got to see a glimpse of them than I did between W and B... strange, right?
I know that this might sound like an overly critical review, not my intention, since I did enjoy it and plan to read the rest, but I also can't ignore the problematic things either. I read romance books for the romance, the spice is just extra, not the other way around, and this one was definitely not the romance over spice.
I am curious to see how this will go and where Wander and Burke will fall into the other books, but I can't shake that feeling that Burke is not enough and the author will make him accept that Wander wants other men... which tbh did not felt like something the character wanted necessarily, it felt in the writing that the author was forcing that upon them somehow, if it makes sense.
Overall I enjoyed the audiobook, I do recommend it to some degree, but I can't say OMG, this is a must read. No, you can definitely live without reading this book and not have FOMO over it. 3.5✨️ for the plot, the anticipation of seeing the others and for Wander's sweetness and Burke's resilience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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