Ronan Thompson has made a couple bad decisions. On the heels of a disastrous anniversary date with his boyfriend, Kevin, he’s worried his year-long relationship is headed toward the rocks. Struggling to find footing in the one space he’s always felt secure—his dominance—he agrees to help a friend in need, throwing his life and his relationship into even more uncharted territory.
But you know he’s not the villain…
Kevin Bryce could never love anyone more than he loves Ronan, but everything is weird and wrong, and upside down. Every step forward comes with two steps back, and Kevin doesn’t know how to make things right. All he wants is to stand by his man, but when Ronan needs him most, he sends Kevin away.
When your love is your weakness…
Pushing through their struggles, Kevin and Ronan are experimenting, playing, and learning to love each other all over again, until the unthinkable happens…What are Kevin and Ronan willing to surrender when it’s not just their love, but their lives and their future at stake?
With over two dozen published romances to her name, Kate Hawthorne has built a recognizable brand around telling emotional stories that pack a figurative (and sometimes literal) punch.
Existing on a steady diet of wine and coffee, Kate spends her days dreaming up angsty stories full of heat, kink, and heart. Kate now lives in Louisville, where she writes romance, reads romance, and hides from the humidity.
I LOVED the first two books. Kevin and Ronan were a small part of the first books an done we get their story. So I am absolutely not opposed to BDSM story's, obviously. But not every kink is for me. The story is great written, but I did not like the dynamic of the couple. That's why for me it is a 3 stars story.
Kevin and Ronan already caught my interest in the first book and since then I was really exited to read more about them, and they really conquered my heard!
This book had a bit of angst and action but not as much as the first one since the priority was much more about discovering their interests in kinks and figuring out what they want for their relationship. And i have to say I loved how this was handled here, it was such a beautiful ride to read about their way and how their grew as a couple.
„I trust you,” I said. “And I want you to take from me.” “Take what?” he rasped, words scratchy as they left his throat. “Everything. Anything.” I threaded my fingers together at the back of my head, putting myself on full display. “Whatever you want from me, I want you to have. I might not always know how to give it to you, but it’s yours just the same.”
The way how Ronan carefully handled the situation with Kevin how desired to serve him 24/7 and desired that Ronan owns him him and do with him whatever Ronan wanted, was wholesome to watch. He wanted the best for him, to push and stretch his limits in the way Kevin wanted to be pushed. Even if Roan had at the beginning a bit of a hard time to really let himself fall into that kind of dynamic that Kevin wanted, because he didn’t wanted ever to hurt him in a way that Kevin didn’t desired, he handled it well and found a lost part of himself while doing it. Both figured so much about themself and their dynamic out, the the trust and devotion they had for each other was absolutely beautiful to witness.
This book was also hot, sexy and hardcore kinky as the previous books and definitely left me breathless at some point. This series definitely might be my favorite one with BDSM elements in it. Absolutely devoured it.
Kate Hawthorne takes her love of risk aware and consensual kink to the next level. I refuse to in any way call this a dark romance, It simply wouldn't be true. Hawthorne excels at showing realistic and exceptionally loving romances in the kink community. Can a sadist ever truly love someone? The answer in these stories is a resounding yes.
I've been a fan of this author for almost two years. During that time, she's written several books that I've enjoyed immensely, this one has dethroned them all.
This isn't a standalone. You really need to read the first book in the series to properly understand the dynamic between these characters.
Much like our characters are fully risk aware, I advise you to read this book knowing that it definitely doesn't shy away from more advanced forms of edge-play. If that’s a major selling point for you, you absolutely want to add this book to your collection.
CW: Breath play, branding, mention of watersports, human furniture, mention of off page piercing scene, exhibitionism, voyeurism, bamboo caning, fisting, mention of primal and double fisting, caging, roleplay, 24/7 TPE, lots of various forms of impact, various gags -- ball, spider, inflating.
Ronan and Kevin are a year into their relationship, and Kevin's bored. This is devastating to Ronan, because he feels like he's failed his boyfriend, by neglecting his part of their dynamic. The book examines the renegotiation of limits between long term couples. Then we have Foster, Ronan’s best friend, who, for the first time, is really testing the limits of that friendship and Ronan’s forgiveness.
Fantastic. This is one of those books you finish and automatically want to reread. 5/5
Arc Provided courtesy of Amy Schaffer. All reviews are my honest opinion.
M/M romance/erotica, HEA, not a standalone. 24/7 bdsm
Characters: Ronan: doctor, sadist, tired Kevin: masochist, architect, kink list a mile long
Plot: continuing from where the last plot left off in dual destruction, we now focus on Kevin and Ronan. In the midst of all the foster drama, Kevin and Ronan attempt to renegotiate their limits and boundaries and what their relationship looks like to them.
My opinion: I want to start this off by reiterating if you aren't heavily into BDSM (and I don't know how you would have gotten here if you aren't) then you aren't going to be into this book. Kevin is working through who he is not only as a masochist but as a submissive and discovering who he can be under a 24/7 dynamic. Meanwhile, Ronan is realizing he has let himself become too comfortable in their relationship and embraces Kevin in ways they both never thought possible. It's truly beautiful how these two characters work together and while that particular dynamic would scare the shit out of me, it's nice to see the mechanics of it in a healthy way. Through thorough discussion.
Amazing! I’ve wanted to know more about Ronan and Kevin since their short story, but I never imagined they would get their own book! Their relationship has evolved much since their first meeting, and I loved seeing the kink renegotiation and the way they made a 24/7 work for them the way they needed.
Dual Surrender spans a long timeline, from before the events of Dual Hostilities to concurrent with and post Dual Destruction, but the main focus is on Ronan and Kevin’s relationship. However, this is not a standalone, and Dual Destruction should be read first.
An absolute favorite, one I will likely find myself rereading.
Hawthorne mentioned on social media that this was a difficult book to write, and part of me worried that this book would not mesh, thematically, with the previous installment of this trilogy. It features an established couple, and their lifestyle as white-collar professionals does not necessarily “fit” with that of hitmen and almost-mobsters. However, I already adored Kevin and Ronan from meeting them in a previous short story, so I went into this book with an open mind.
Rather than the traditional “meet cute” of a typical romance novel arc, Kevin and Ronan are an established couple approaching a year together. Hawthorne does play with reader expectations by revisiting their initial meeting in the guise of a fun anniversary date. However, it’s already obvious to those of us familiar with the couple that something is not quite right. The timeline of this book significantly overlaps with that of Dual Destruction, creating plenty of opportunity to show how Sage and Foster’s “interference” in Ronan and Kevin’s stable lives is only part of the conflict in this story.
The kink levels in this book are not for the faint of heart, but it’s not there just to up the spiciness of this romance. The point of this book is that because people are not stagnant, neither are relationships. Even as Ronan and Kevin remain committed to each other as a couple, the added stress of whatever Foster has dragged into their lives upends the fragile balance neither man had necessarily been ready to address yet. On the one hand, Foster’s unintentional manipulations allow them to re-evaluate the dynamic between them. But just as they are adjusting to a new normal, Foster once again throws a wrench into the works. And because Foster is Ronan’s best friend, the conflict there needs to be addressed as well, leading to one of the sexiest scenes in the book (and poor Kevin isn’t even there!).
So, while this might not be a traditional romance novel, it works as a solid installment in this trilogy full of fascinating characters and unconventional relationships. This story solidifies Ronan and Kevin as one of my favorite couples created by this author (and they have some steep competition). I already look forward to re-reading this book before the final book is released.
4.5, rounded down This was very good, very hot, and very, very kinky. I enjoyed the fact we were watching an established couple renegotiate new boundaries to their already-kinky relationship. I feel this is definitely something that organically happens with couples, kinky or not: people change, and their desires change too. And this book has made me feel like we should have more books like this, for kink specifically; limit discussions shouldn't end after the happy ever after.
In terms of the actual kink itself, this is definitely more RACK -- Risk Aware Consensual Kink -- than Safe, Sane, and Consensual. Kevin and Ronan push a LOT of boundaries, but their trust in each other is absolute, and that's what makes it so hot (to me). Everything these two did together in this book worked for me because I knew they would do anything for each other, and cared only about each other's well-being. That's always been the biggest allure of kink in general to me, the trust and intimacy that is necessarily involved.
Rounded down only because Colton pissed me the fuck off and it honestly made no sense to me how he was even Kevin's best friend still. Just, ugh. I didn't like him at all. I didn't understand why Kevin kept talking to him. Also, the conclusion of the side-plot felt a little wtf to me, but I haven't read book 1, so that's most likely on me. Definitely planning to check out book 1 now, though!
3.8 Stars A great start to the book for Kevin story. I'd read book one of this series and absolutely loved it. Holly smokes when Kevin and Roman meet they sizzle. Oh and Kevin wasn't making it easy for the pick up. lol Doc Roman and Kevin have been together for a year and needed to check in with their Dom and Sub relationship. Kevin loved experiencing pain with his Dom, whips and floggers etc in various kink play. *This series is to be read in order with all characters involved into each book.
This was an okay story with mixed thoughts, some scenes I found hard to read with the kink plays involving blood *one of my triggers, I thought I could handle with this author. I loved how it started out but lost the feel for them. Being an established couple romance I'd forgotten them beginning in book 1 but that’s is on me for forgetting. Foster, Colton, Rich and Sam and the others all feature in this book and dramas happen, I liked those scenes. If you love a good kink book and don’t mind the heavy scenes that push the subs limits this ones for you but advise to read them in order. I’m by far not giving up on this series and I’m excited to read the next book.
Kevin was an architect and was on the hunt for a man from the DBSM club Rupture.. Doctor Roman was the Dom who'd been with Kevin almost a year.
Ronan and Kevin have been in a relationship for a year, but they feel that things have gotten stagnant. They have always been into BDSM, but they want more. Ronan is a Dom/sadist and Kevin is a sub/masochist. They decide to try the lifestyle 24/7. This isn't a book where the sub spends all his time kneeling, this is heavy BDSM. Kevin is the ultimate masochist. Lots of pain play. So many different toys and kinks. Very hot. 🔥🔥🔥
The other events in the book overlap the events that happened in Dual Hostilities and Dual Destruction, so I definitely recommend reading those books first to understand what's going on with the other characters.
IMO- The cover is horrible! Why is he wearing dark glasses?
Freakin phenomenal!! Ronan and Kevin were everything I was hoping for and probably more!! I think they were my favorite of all Kate’s men to date! I loved the mystery!! I loved how the story was a standalone, but it was interwoven with Dual Destruction. We met Ronan and Kevin in Dual Destruction; at that point they were already an established couple. We get a lot more back history of the men. I loved, loved, loved their story sooo much, simply fantastic! I thought the first one was great but this one tops that one in my opinion. Let me tell you, you’ll want to read this one! It is sooo very well written! I literally couldn’t put it down, read the whole story in one sitting, who needs sleep anyway??? Highly recommend! I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received.
Dual Surrender by Kate Hawthorne is the second book in the Duality series. This series is perfect for readers who want to follow a couple in their journey together in a kink romantic relationship. In this book Ronan and Kevin are an established couple facing a bump in the road of their relationship where they need to come together to discover what each other needs going forward. Limits are tested and set, exploration is consensual all risks are evaluated, and the love is beautiful. Steam, rawness, and true connection in a kink relationship, told in a way that the reader can feel the truth and power of the love. Wonderfully written, the story and characters embed themselves into your soul and etch themselves onto your definite reread list!.
I'm not usually a fan of reading about established couples, and I am withdrawing my statement after reading Dual Surrender.
Why?
Because Kevin and Ronan aren't just a couple who "hit a rough patch" and navigate a wholly predictable solution to their problems. Nope. This sadist and masochist take you through an emotional journey where BDSM limits are explored and renegotiated. We get to experience both the vulnerability and confidence from both of these men as they challenge one another to remove the "rut" and deepen their love.
If you read Kevin & Ronan's short story inside Desperately Seeking then you should expect all the sinfully delicious kink these two deliver. Even more than that, author Kate Hawthorne takes you on a journey that delivers more than just smut, but where emotional bonds tie into kinky pleasure.
Once again, Kate Hawthorne proves she deserves the crown as Queen of MM BDSM Romance.
i think i would have enjoyed this a lot more having read the first books, because i didn’t realise just how much overlap there would be. still, this story was entertaining and a very interesting look into a pretty intense kind of relationship. i always like reading about established couples and watching ronan and kev figure out how to bring their relationship back on the right tracks made me feel very fuzzy lol
This is the best book I've ever read. Seriously. It is so hot, and so raw, and there is such a good connection between not only Kevin and Ronan but also their entire family they've created with Sage and Foster, Rich and Sam, and maybe even Sharp with time. This was just so good.
It took me entirely too long to see the background plot connection in this. That annoys me on several levels (that it wasn't critical enough for me to remember and that my brain is a sieve). Overall, though, this was an interesting slice-of-life about the relationship between Ronan and Kevin and how it evolved over time. Love the emphasis on communication and trust.
A wonderful depiction of a couple growing and changing together, with compromise and communication. Throw in enough kink to shame anyone that's into that and you've got a book well worth the time it takes to read every delicious word.
Excellent continuation of the series - I loved reading Ronan or Kevin’s perspective of what happened with Sage and Foster. So incredibly hot and sexy - beautifully written and I’m hungry for more! You NEED to read this!! The kink is absolutely amazing!
It was rough hurtful and it was so good. How you can hurt for someone or someone could hurt you all for love amazes me. But read the book its all about pain and pleasure
One of the best and realistic storytelling relationships between a masochist and sadist. This is the second book of the series and just as frank as book one. The love between these two men was real and intense.
Kate Hawthorne is excellent at character growth and kink and this has both. It's so well done, especially considering how hard it is to write an engaging book about an established couple. It's not a trope I enjoy often, but this is just superb.
This book is so dirty, so extreme, so sexy, so dark and filled with so much love. I'm pretty sure the author has a window into the dark recesses of my mind, and it's shocking to see what lurks in the dark. Nothing fluffy here and it's so awesome. Love it.
A beautiful story of a BDSM relationship and how the couple makes it work. Limits are negotiated and renegotiated, sadism and masochism blend, and the dynamic changes until it works. This also shows the true power exchange, and how much power is exchanged between the D and S
Kevin and Ronan are an established couple and I can never get enough of seeing couples after their HEA. There’s just the right amount of everything in this book. Add in Kate’s ability to make everything between them the right kind of kink/dynamic - and you have a one of a kind book.
I couldn’t put it down. I had to see how Kevin responded and what Ronan would do for his part. There’s so much love and trust here and I felt it through each page.
I loved this book. Ronan and Kevin's short story is a frequent re-read for me. For them to have their own full length book is awesome. I love the dirty, kinky hotness!
Kate Hawthorne writes some of the hottest stories. Ronan and Kevin were no different. I couldn’t put their story down. Reading the two of them rediscover their relationship was very enjoyable!
This was quite unique and imaginative. It felt like the plot and the character's emotions went in circles. The criminal/mystery aspect was pretty dumb. But I liked out main couple and the writing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.