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Lost Red Wolves #1
Expensive
All ice dragon shifters have a fated mate. But Andrew was never allowed to find his. At eighteen, he was forced to bond with a rich seventy-year-old man.Now that man is dead and Andrew is unable to bond to anyone else. He’s never felt so alone.Timber has worked as a professional Daddy Dom for over ten years when his agent comes to him with an unusual proposition. An omega from New York needs a hired knot, and he’s willing to pay an exorbitant sum. The contract comes with a picture of a beautiful man and a list of demands that are so in line with Timber’s personal interests, it’s uncanny.At the end of the list is a nervous “I’d like you to call me ‘baby boy.’ If you wouldn’t mind.” Timber can’t refuse a request like that.Expensive is a gritty D/s love story set in the omegaverse with age play, hurt/comfort, and MPreg of the dragon egg variety. It was previously released as a short story. This version has an additional 30,000 words.While Expensive is set in the same world as the Heron Manor series, it stands alone.
216 pages, Paperback
First published November 20, 2020
310 people are currently reading
474 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
August 10, 2021
UPDATE Audio review on 10/08/2021
Zachary Zaba narration was spot on. His delivery had the right mix of sexiness, emotional depth , playfulness.
ORIGINAL Ebook reviewed on Nov 21, 2020
“I have love in me the likes of which you can scarcely imagine and rage the likes of which you would not believe. If I cannot satisfy the one, I will indulge the other.” ― Mary Shelley, Frankenstein >
I think this quote by Mary Shelley grasp the essence of Expensive. Love , as well as, hate and desire to control others, can takes one to incredible extremes.
I first read Expensive , a while ago, when it was a hot AF novella; which I enjoyed very much. Only wished it was a full length story.
Fast forward few months and wonder of wonders; Amy Bellows have expanded , enriched and layered Expensive into an entertaining, heartfelt , angsty, intimate, hilarious and very hot Mpreg , shifter romance.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Zachary Zaba narration was spot on. His delivery had the right mix of sexiness, emotional depth , playfulness.
ORIGINAL Ebook reviewed on Nov 21, 2020
“I have love in me the likes of which you can scarcely imagine and rage the likes of which you would not believe. If I cannot satisfy the one, I will indulge the other.” ― Mary Shelley, Frankenstein >
I think this quote by Mary Shelley grasp the essence of Expensive. Love , as well as, hate and desire to control others, can takes one to incredible extremes.
I first read Expensive , a while ago, when it was a hot AF novella; which I enjoyed very much. Only wished it was a full length story.
Fast forward few months and wonder of wonders; Amy Bellows have expanded , enriched and layered Expensive into an entertaining, heartfelt , angsty, intimate, hilarious and very hot Mpreg , shifter romance.
Rating: 4.5 stars
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March 6, 2021DNF
I just.... can’t.
I just.... can’t.
December 10, 2020
This was really enjoyable and pretty angsty. Amy Bellows really puts Timber and Andrew through the wringer here, but I adored them together. I never read the short version so I can't compare, but this one was sweet, hot and emotional.
March 19, 2024
Reading this was….anticlimactic. Nothing really sexy or romantic about them. The sex claimed to be kinky, but it really wasn’t.
The magic part of this book was disorienting, I couldn’t connect and feel the story on a deeper level.
Ageplay was weird, and a lot lack of depth and research. Having stuffies and liking grilled cheese don’t make someone into the ageplay lifestyle. I do those things and I am not a little. Although I understand the purpose of it, it was poorly executed. Seems forced if you ask me, and I didn’t enjoy it at all.
The jump to the epilogue was rushed, I just don’t care what happen after.
The magic part of this book was disorienting, I couldn’t connect and feel the story on a deeper level.
Ageplay was weird, and a lot lack of depth and research. Having stuffies and liking grilled cheese don’t make someone into the ageplay lifestyle. I do those things and I am not a little. Although I understand the purpose of it, it was poorly executed. Seems forced if you ask me, and I didn’t enjoy it at all.
The jump to the epilogue was rushed, I just don’t care what happen after.
January 23, 2022
These two broke my heart. Andrew is a dragon shifter that was magically bonded to an old Alpha who then dies. Poor Andrew suffers from what is called a bond ache, meaning that he feels that he wants to bond but is unable to do so & sound dreadful. And since he is an Omega & he has inherited a lot of money from his Alpha but the family & Andrew's father doesn't feel that he can take care of himself & they want to get their hands on that money. Timber was rescued from a breeding pit, apparently the Alphas kept at the Omega's until they become pregnant. They are sold to human traffickers. Timber has had his teeth extracted so he couldn't bond with the Omega's. Timber is now a porn star & Andrew hires him to help with his bond ache. With no teeth, Timber is unable to bond with Andrew. This is all just horrible life for both of them. Turns out that Andrew is a Little, which I loved! When they meet, the sparks are instant. I loved watching these two fall in love and what they go through so they can stay together showed just how deep true love goes. I would have loved to see the babies :)
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I don't care how many times I listen to this book, it still brings me to tears.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I don't care how many times I listen to this book, it still brings me to tears.
November 5, 2022
3-3.5 stars
I am apparently on an Amy Bellows binge haha. This was a good read, it had Daddy Little dynamic, which was different from her other books. She had done some bdsm, but not in the littles yet so it was good to read. I enjoyed how Andrew didn’t want to do anything sexual while he was in his little mindset.
It was good to see Andrew being so strong even when he was put down. Same goes for Timber.
Like always I wished this was a few more chapters but I still really enjoyed this!
I am apparently on an Amy Bellows binge haha. This was a good read, it had Daddy Little dynamic, which was different from her other books. She had done some bdsm, but not in the littles yet so it was good to read. I enjoyed how Andrew didn’t want to do anything sexual while he was in his little mindset.
It was good to see Andrew being so strong even when he was put down. Same goes for Timber.
Like always I wished this was a few more chapters but I still really enjoyed this!
November 7, 2022
Why I didn't like this book:
(1) Insta-love
(2) Insta-baby
(3) Flat characters who seem as real as cardboard cutouts. I was often confused as to who was speaking, because Timber & Andrew don't have distinctive voices. Or personalities. And no faults at all.
(4) A porn star who goes bare with someone he just met.
(5) Once again the author putting her own beliefs (anti-religion and pro-abortion) into the story to educate people. PSA authors are the worst! 😡
(6) A storyline that is too dark for an Mpreg book:
- an omega suffering from a bond ache that will never go away
- human trafficking
- breeding pits
- alphas being permanently muzzled by having their teeth removed
- magical sacrifices requiring extreme pain and body parts
The whole thing just left a bad taste in my mouth.
This is the last book I'll read by this author. DNF.
(1) Insta-love
(2) Insta-baby
(3) Flat characters who seem as real as cardboard cutouts. I was often confused as to who was speaking, because Timber & Andrew don't have distinctive voices. Or personalities. And no faults at all.
(4) A porn star who goes bare with someone he just met.
(5) Once again the author putting her own beliefs (anti-religion and pro-abortion) into the story to educate people. PSA authors are the worst! 😡
(6) A storyline that is too dark for an Mpreg book:
- an omega suffering from a bond ache that will never go away
- human trafficking
- breeding pits
- alphas being permanently muzzled by having their teeth removed
- magical sacrifices requiring extreme pain and body parts
The whole thing just left a bad taste in my mouth.
This is the last book I'll read by this author. DNF.
March 25, 2021
i think the only reason i rated this only 3 stars is because the impression i got from the blurb is not the same impression i got from this story. i hear daddy kink and dragons and i was expecting a really sexy and kinky story, and that's not really what i got. there was quite a bit of sex, but it wasn't very interesting and instead i ended up skimming several of the sex scenes because i was getting bored.
what this book did have as a really great plot. aside from the romance, i think there was really a huge opportunity here for world building. it would have landed better if it were a bit more extensive, but i really like where this author's mind is at and where they may be going with their writing.
i also thought the characterization itself was good, especially when it came to timber and his backstory. again, there's so much potential here. this story was unique in so many ways and as someone that's just about read it all where abo is concerned, it was cool to get to read something new.
i can't give more that three stars because there was something about this book that just didn't click for me. i ended up skimming some of it and usually when is start skimming it means i'm either not invested in the characters, not invested in their relationship, or there are pacing issues. i think in this case it was a mix of the last two. overall, though, this was an enjoyable read.
what this book did have as a really great plot. aside from the romance, i think there was really a huge opportunity here for world building. it would have landed better if it were a bit more extensive, but i really like where this author's mind is at and where they may be going with their writing.
i also thought the characterization itself was good, especially when it came to timber and his backstory. again, there's so much potential here. this story was unique in so many ways and as someone that's just about read it all where abo is concerned, it was cool to get to read something new.
i can't give more that three stars because there was something about this book that just didn't click for me. i ended up skimming some of it and usually when is start skimming it means i'm either not invested in the characters, not invested in their relationship, or there are pacing issues. i think in this case it was a mix of the last two. overall, though, this was an enjoyable read.
July 19, 2021
This is way too insta-lust bordering on insta-love for me. Too cheesy and not what I expected. They jumped straight into sex, lovey dovey looks and the word “Baby Boy” is thrown around way too many times in one paragraph that it loses its meaning.
There is a whole “Daddy/BDSM/Little Boy” kink that came out of fucking nowhere, it was used to exhaustion and it didn’t fit anywhere.
The blurb sounds great and the premise as well. I was so excited for what was to come but the amount of tooth rooting sweetness its killing me.
There is a whole “Daddy/BDSM/Little Boy” kink that came out of fucking nowhere, it was used to exhaustion and it didn’t fit anywhere.
The blurb sounds great and the premise as well. I was so excited for what was to come but the amount of tooth rooting sweetness its killing me.
September 6, 2022
2.5 stars
I really enjoyed this one up to the halfway mark. There's D/s, daddy, sprinkling of age play, a sad and lonely omega starved for intimacy and affection, and the overall getting to know each other and fall madly in love over a long weekend. A fox and dragon shifter are also a pairing I was super interested in. Plus caretaking daddy alpha is my catnip.
However, when the plot turned angsty and intense, I wasn't as invested. I also didn't like the undertone that in order to be whole person, you needed every body part.
I really enjoyed this one up to the halfway mark. There's D/s, daddy, sprinkling of age play, a sad and lonely omega starved for intimacy and affection, and the overall getting to know each other and fall madly in love over a long weekend. A fox and dragon shifter are also a pairing I was super interested in. Plus caretaking daddy alpha is my catnip.
However, when the plot turned angsty and intense, I wasn't as invested. I also didn't like the undertone that in order to be whole person, you needed every body part.
November 21, 2020
Amazing story of love conquering all obstacles
Andrew hires Timber little does he know that it will change his life forever. This is unlike any Omegaverse story I’ve read. I loved the world building and mythology.
This is pretty angsty but you know it will somehow work out in the end. The struggles and trials for Andrew and Timber were worth it. The bond they share is like no other. The end was perfect and you are definitely going to want that bonus chapter!
Andrew hires Timber little does he know that it will change his life forever. This is unlike any Omegaverse story I’ve read. I loved the world building and mythology.
This is pretty angsty but you know it will somehow work out in the end. The struggles and trials for Andrew and Timber were worth it. The bond they share is like no other. The end was perfect and you are definitely going to want that bonus chapter!
dnf
May 17, 2021DNF @ 43%.
This is completely my fault…. I didn’t read the blurb close enough and have realized I should have as this just has too many elements I’m not crazy about in this.
This is completely my fault…. I didn’t read the blurb close enough and have realized I should have as this just has too many elements I’m not crazy about in this.
December 5, 2021
I’m too tired to write a proper review, but this was pretty pants. DNF at 69%
December 8, 2023
This turned so angsty! Not my favorite Amy Bellows, which I normally eat up like candy. I felt like there were some world building elements which didn’t entirely hang together in the shifter cultures and capabilities.
December 4, 2020
3.5 stars.
A cute story. Our characters are tragically cursed in ways that make them unable to take mates. While their circumstances seemed a bit too forced for me to take too seriously their characters were well thought out. I especially loved Andrew's love of books and his rants on gothic novels.
To me the tones of this book were very reminiscent of Omega from the Ocean what with the sexual exploitation and sacrificial magic. So if you liked that book you're likely to love this one.
This book features a lot daddy/baby boy dynamics and age play. Kinks I'm not a fan of, but it was a little educational. I learned way more about age play than I ever wanted, so consider this your official kink warning.
A cute story. Our characters are tragically cursed in ways that make them unable to take mates. While their circumstances seemed a bit too forced for me to take too seriously their characters were well thought out. I especially loved Andrew's love of books and his rants on gothic novels.
To me the tones of this book were very reminiscent of Omega from the Ocean what with the sexual exploitation and sacrificial magic. So if you liked that book you're likely to love this one.
This book features a lot daddy/baby boy dynamics and age play. Kinks I'm not a fan of, but it was a little educational. I learned way more about age play than I ever wanted, so consider this your official kink warning.
December 2, 2020
Novella read 1st december 2019: I very much look forward to reading the extended version of this when it comes out!
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Novel read 21st november 2020 - DNF @ 71 %
Honestly, I think this one worked better as a novella. Once I got past the inital excitement of the story that was also in the novella, it fell a little flat for me. There was too much going on at once, and at the same time it felt pretty cookie-cutter to me.
So while I was very excited to read the full story, I actually think I would re-read the novella again over the full length novel.
_____________________
Novel read 21st november 2020 - DNF @ 71 %
Honestly, I think this one worked better as a novella. Once I got past the inital excitement of the story that was also in the novella, it fell a little flat for me. There was too much going on at once, and at the same time it felt pretty cookie-cutter to me.
So while I was very excited to read the full story, I actually think I would re-read the novella again over the full length novel.
January 23, 2021
DNFed :
Insta love, cheesiness overload and some "beginner's book to bdsm" talks. All the things I'm tired of.
Insta love, cheesiness overload and some "beginner's book to bdsm" talks. All the things I'm tired of.
November 21, 2020
Expensive by author Amy Bellows is an emotional, age gap, daddy/ boy romance. I loved the angst in this book and the emotional connection. This story is told in dual POV which helped me get into the mindset of both characters.
Andrew is an Ice Dragon. He has been through a lot due to his family taking advantage of him. He has been cursed to have a bond ache and never have a bonded. He hoards books and loves a certain sexy porn star.
Timber has been through the wringer literally. He is a red wolf and protective of those he cherishes. He might be a porn star but he would never do anything to force anyone to do anything. He is a Daddy and proud.
I adored Timber. I would love to see red wolves explored more. I think there is potential for a lot of emotions and love with that storyline. Heck, I would love to know more about Ice Dragons. I just must have more and know who has been crowned king of the stuffies as well.
When you want a story that will take you through a diverse range of emotions and leave you wanting more I highly recommend this one.
Five Shooting Stars and Recommended Read
Andrew is an Ice Dragon. He has been through a lot due to his family taking advantage of him. He has been cursed to have a bond ache and never have a bonded. He hoards books and loves a certain sexy porn star.
Timber has been through the wringer literally. He is a red wolf and protective of those he cherishes. He might be a porn star but he would never do anything to force anyone to do anything. He is a Daddy and proud.
I adored Timber. I would love to see red wolves explored more. I think there is potential for a lot of emotions and love with that storyline. Heck, I would love to know more about Ice Dragons. I just must have more and know who has been crowned king of the stuffies as well.
When you want a story that will take you through a diverse range of emotions and leave you wanting more I highly recommend this one.
Five Shooting Stars and Recommended Read
May 26, 2022
The egg laying scene took a whole star off and I am NOT sorry
The first 35% of the book I was a mess crying and shit. Then it got kinda meh. I'm not rlly interested in anything agere but the parts of them doing like... trauma recovery shit together made me wanna cry[/pos]. Idk abt the public sex though... glad its just a book 😭
This book has a lot of ridiculously dark themes like sex trafficking, sexual abuse, familial abuse, etc. But then it ends with a goofy ass egg laying scene.....
Also I feel like if the story was longer maybe put into a series and written differently it could've been so much better.
Ultimately it's a 3 star because I had fun reading it and I liked the safe sexual space that was created in it. Well some of it.
I'm more interested in Kim and Sarah because COME ON they have something truly interesting going on
The first 35% of the book I was a mess crying and shit. Then it got kinda meh. I'm not rlly interested in anything agere but the parts of them doing like... trauma recovery shit together made me wanna cry[/pos]. Idk abt the public sex though... glad its just a book 😭
This book has a lot of ridiculously dark themes like sex trafficking, sexual abuse, familial abuse, etc. But then it ends with a goofy ass egg laying scene.....
Also I feel like if the story was longer maybe put into a series and written differently it could've been so much better.
Ultimately it's a 3 star because I had fun reading it and I liked the safe sexual space that was created in it. Well some of it.
I'm more interested in Kim and Sarah because COME ON they have something truly interesting going on
January 24, 2025
This is my first experience with age play. Honestly, it just isn’t for me. However, I will still check out another book in this series because I’m interested in seeing how Manny’s story unfolds.
November 22, 2020
To describe this as 'gritty' is right! It's not unusual for Amy Bellows' characters (particularly those set in the Heron Manor universe) to wind up in an unpleasant predicament at some point, but Timber and Andrew have been through so, so much.
Life has not been kind to either one of them - and they are pretty matter of fact about their pain and suffering... in their minds, it just is what it is. On some pages, that blunt acknowledgement of what they've endured was a take-the-band-aid-off-fast kind of relief, but on other pages it was just overwhelmingly sad.
I don't usually have triggers and I normally don't have issues with angst, but there were a few places where I felt I needed to take a break and put a little distance between myself and learning about the next unhappy thing. It's hard to watch the ones you root for when they suffer.
That being said, it's not all gloom and doom! Andrew and Timber manage to find hope in all the bleakness, and then fight for it with everything they've got. They also discover new ways to reclaim the power that has been stolen from them throughout their lives. This story, like others from this world and from this author, serves to de-vilify sex work and to empower otherwise victimized characters with agency and authority over their bodies and their choices.
And, as always in the rich, developed universe of Heron Manor, it was nice to get a peek into the actions of other characters and shifter types that we've met or heard about in earlier books. I love learning about this world, and its magic, in general.
Life has not been kind to either one of them - and they are pretty matter of fact about their pain and suffering... in their minds, it just is what it is. On some pages, that blunt acknowledgement of what they've endured was a take-the-band-aid-off-fast kind of relief, but on other pages it was just overwhelmingly sad.
I don't usually have triggers and I normally don't have issues with angst, but there were a few places where I felt I needed to take a break and put a little distance between myself and learning about the next unhappy thing. It's hard to watch the ones you root for when they suffer.
That being said, it's not all gloom and doom! Andrew and Timber manage to find hope in all the bleakness, and then fight for it with everything they've got. They also discover new ways to reclaim the power that has been stolen from them throughout their lives. This story, like others from this world and from this author, serves to de-vilify sex work and to empower otherwise victimized characters with agency and authority over their bodies and their choices.
And, as always in the rich, developed universe of Heron Manor, it was nice to get a peek into the actions of other characters and shifter types that we've met or heard about in earlier books. I love learning about this world, and its magic, in general.
November 21, 2020
This book is typical Amy Bellows! The feels, the world-building, the twists and turns, and let's not forget the LOVE between her characters. You can feel the love between Timber and Andy begin and grow. That's hard to accomplish.
Andy's family has used him to make sure they're rich. Timber's been used for his body by others since he was young. Together, Andy and Timber find common ground and begin to build a relationship.
The book has magic, shifters, MPreg, eggs, nesting (which is adorable), and some age play. I've got a soft spot for Daddy/boy romance. I love how caring the relationship is between a Daddy Dom and their sub. Amy brought all of the hurt/comfort and sweetness in this book. The angst is large in this book, and the pain these characters work through makes the HEA worth it. I'm not usually a big fan of angsty stories, but this book is different because they're working toward a goal.
This book is a lot like the birthing scenes Amy writes; there's increasing pain, messy feelings, lots of love, and finally the climax of happiness and cute things. If you've not read any of Amy's books, this is one you want to pick up. It does happen in the Heron Manner Universe, but you can start with this book and then go back to read the others if you want (Pebble Gifters which is in the same world, need to be read in order).
If you're into MM romance, shifters, MPreg, Daddy/boy, or just a fan of love, this is the book for you!
Andy's family has used him to make sure they're rich. Timber's been used for his body by others since he was young. Together, Andy and Timber find common ground and begin to build a relationship.
The book has magic, shifters, MPreg, eggs, nesting (which is adorable), and some age play. I've got a soft spot for Daddy/boy romance. I love how caring the relationship is between a Daddy Dom and their sub. Amy brought all of the hurt/comfort and sweetness in this book. The angst is large in this book, and the pain these characters work through makes the HEA worth it. I'm not usually a big fan of angsty stories, but this book is different because they're working toward a goal.
This book is a lot like the birthing scenes Amy writes; there's increasing pain, messy feelings, lots of love, and finally the climax of happiness and cute things. If you've not read any of Amy's books, this is one you want to pick up. It does happen in the Heron Manner Universe, but you can start with this book and then go back to read the others if you want (Pebble Gifters which is in the same world, need to be read in order).
If you're into MM romance, shifters, MPreg, Daddy/boy, or just a fan of love, this is the book for you!
December 28, 2019
I actually didn't expect to enjoy this as much as I did! Usually I complain a lot about this kind of short novellas being too rushed and too, well, short. But this was really perfect for what it was.
The characters both got enough personality and background to be really likable, the relationship did show a development that felt plausible while reading it and there even was a hint of world building!
Now don't get me wrong, I'm totally down to read a longer version of this, but it didn't feel lacking to me at all as it is. I will look at more work from this author!
The characters both got enough personality and background to be really likable, the relationship did show a development that felt plausible while reading it and there even was a hint of world building!
Now don't get me wrong, I'm totally down to read a longer version of this, but it didn't feel lacking to me at all as it is. I will look at more work from this author!
November 20, 2020
Expensive by Amy Bellows is an onegaverse lovestory that gives the reader age play,, D/s elements, pain and pleasure, scars and healing, passion and emotion, magic, ... and Dragon egg mpreg. I was absolutely obsessed with Timber and Andrew, that I even starting talking to my husband about their lovestory like they were friends he should know about. Fantastic world building, interesting and amazing characters and s story that stole my heart and made me feel. I am definitely adding this to my reread list!
December 10, 2020
I liked the beginning of this book, but then it just felt rushed in the middle and that ending was WAY too weird for me. I also think that the whole daddy/little thing seemed a little out of place.
March 7, 2024
3.5 ⭐
February 16, 2023
A good angsty abo novel that was exactly what I was looking for yet nothing at all what I wanted.
Timber and Andrew's chemistry was well established and their D/s dynamic was for sure an interesting one to read. It was a little hard to pull through their beginning interactions because it felt like Andrew was super self-conscious and it transferred into an awkward reading experience, but the more I got into it the more this didn't bother me anymore and I actually started enjoying them!
I think story/plot wise, a major thing that the development suffered from was the author not establishing what kind of novel she wanted this to be. One half was taken up with exactly the hotness you expect from the blurb and porn stars and bdsm and omegaverse and insta love. But! The other half felt as if it was a different world with suddenly warlocks and magic and sacrifices coming in. I think for this part Andrew lost some of his likability with the poor decisions he made and roped Timber into the mix. The resolution of it all was also really really abrupt. I hate time skips when it is clearly just used as a means to conclude major events and just skimming over things that needed a lot of closure for.
Also what really irked me was for all that Andrew's father and his ex-Alpha's family played such a big role in the high stakes of he and Timber being together, they had no on page presence at all. It's a novella sure, but then a very unnecessary, far too complex plot.
I will say that there were a few moments in the novel where I was taken out of their characters because I could just tell it was the *author* speaking and not so much the characters. It felt a bit strange and weird.
Now, for those, like me, reading for escapism from the real world this might be a bit difficult to do. From topics of anti-religion and abortion protesting and all that political aspects of real world problems, I was taken out once again because it felt as if the author was saying what she wanted through her world and characters. And it's only transparent because the author couldn't decide what type of novel she was writing so the world building wasn't enough for me not to know that there was specific, real world messages she wanted to get across.
At the very least it wasn't preachy, but if you know what to look for, it's definitely there and a bit in your face with the subtle remarks when one starts picking it up more.
I'll read the next book, though I think I will skip Manny's story for the reasons mentioned above, since I anticipate with an established religious alpha suffering the guilt of his past, and needing to get over his religious beliefs. I'm not here for another form of opinion shoving, especially not in a genre I pick up for the sexier, kinky side of such unrealistic romances.
Timber and Andrew's chemistry was well established and their D/s dynamic was for sure an interesting one to read. It was a little hard to pull through their beginning interactions because it felt like Andrew was super self-conscious and it transferred into an awkward reading experience, but the more I got into it the more this didn't bother me anymore and I actually started enjoying them!
I think story/plot wise, a major thing that the development suffered from was the author not establishing what kind of novel she wanted this to be. One half was taken up with exactly the hotness you expect from the blurb and porn stars and bdsm and omegaverse and insta love. But! The other half felt as if it was a different world with suddenly warlocks and magic and sacrifices coming in. I think for this part Andrew lost some of his likability with the poor decisions he made and roped Timber into the mix. The resolution of it all was also really really abrupt. I hate time skips when it is clearly just used as a means to conclude major events and just skimming over things that needed a lot of closure for.
Also what really irked me was for all that Andrew's father and his ex-Alpha's family played such a big role in the high stakes of he and Timber being together, they had no on page presence at all. It's a novella sure, but then a very unnecessary, far too complex plot.
I will say that there were a few moments in the novel where I was taken out of their characters because I could just tell it was the *author* speaking and not so much the characters. It felt a bit strange and weird.
Now, for those, like me, reading for escapism from the real world this might be a bit difficult to do. From topics of anti-religion and abortion protesting and all that political aspects of real world problems, I was taken out once again because it felt as if the author was saying what she wanted through her world and characters. And it's only transparent because the author couldn't decide what type of novel she was writing so the world building wasn't enough for me not to know that there was specific, real world messages she wanted to get across.
At the very least it wasn't preachy, but if you know what to look for, it's definitely there and a bit in your face with the subtle remarks when one starts picking it up more.
I'll read the next book, though I think I will skip Manny's story for the reasons mentioned above, since I anticipate with an established religious alpha suffering the guilt of his past, and needing to get over his religious beliefs. I'm not here for another form of opinion shoving, especially not in a genre I pick up for the sexier, kinky side of such unrealistic romances.
November 20, 2020
Expensive is a thrilling, stand-alone omegaverse romance by Amy Bellows.
Both Andrew and Timber are intriguing from the start, with backgrounds that are tragic, as well as leaving them in desperate circumstances. They desperately need sex, desire kink, and can't get serious with someone, although they certainly bond emotionally.
Andrew's contract for sex with the porn star Timber leads to more than they could have ever imagined. It all starts with a connection they never expected and ends with an all consuming love. If you want heat, there's plenty of it. Public sex, some D/s, pain, mpreg, and eggs!
As for the age play, it's beautifully done. I just wanted to snuggle up in a blanket fort with them. And, omg, my heart melted with the stuffed animals. It's so perfectly sweet.
There's also plenty of emotion and angst, as they're in an impossible situation. Let's just say they have to suffer a lot before this one is over.
Once again the author excels at world building, fully bringing these men, their circumstances, and their experiences to life. It is one hell of a read.
Expensive is sexy, sweet, and totally satisfying. If you're a fan of Amy Bellows, you will absolutely love this book. If you're a fan of Omegaverse romances but haven't yet read one of Amy's books, do so now! As for me, this is a definite for my re-read list.
Both Andrew and Timber are intriguing from the start, with backgrounds that are tragic, as well as leaving them in desperate circumstances. They desperately need sex, desire kink, and can't get serious with someone, although they certainly bond emotionally.
Andrew's contract for sex with the porn star Timber leads to more than they could have ever imagined. It all starts with a connection they never expected and ends with an all consuming love. If you want heat, there's plenty of it. Public sex, some D/s, pain, mpreg, and eggs!
As for the age play, it's beautifully done. I just wanted to snuggle up in a blanket fort with them. And, omg, my heart melted with the stuffed animals. It's so perfectly sweet.
There's also plenty of emotion and angst, as they're in an impossible situation. Let's just say they have to suffer a lot before this one is over.
Once again the author excels at world building, fully bringing these men, their circumstances, and their experiences to life. It is one hell of a read.
Expensive is sexy, sweet, and totally satisfying. If you're a fan of Amy Bellows, you will absolutely love this book. If you're a fan of Omegaverse romances but haven't yet read one of Amy's books, do so now! As for me, this is a definite for my re-read list.
November 21, 2020
What price would you pay to bond with the one you love?
Amy has outdone herself! I can't say enough good things about this book. The world she has created is vibrant & full of life. The concepts explored are both new and old in their telling. Bond ache, hoards, breeding pits, the price of magic, greed, porn, and sacrifice; all combine to make this a powerful book. I fell in love with Andrew & Timber. Their attraction is as intense as it is inevitable. HEA is assured. Join them on a journey that will leave you breathless. You will learn that some things are only as expensive as their value to you. Others are priceless. In the end, Andrew & Timber make sacrifices that will make you cry. Their strength will astound you. Their love will bind you. Their passion will leave you panting. Ooh, did I mention a nest of stuffies? You will love this book! Get. It. Now!
This book contains adult themes and language, mm sex and is intended for mature readers only.
Amy has outdone herself! I can't say enough good things about this book. The world she has created is vibrant & full of life. The concepts explored are both new and old in their telling. Bond ache, hoards, breeding pits, the price of magic, greed, porn, and sacrifice; all combine to make this a powerful book. I fell in love with Andrew & Timber. Their attraction is as intense as it is inevitable. HEA is assured. Join them on a journey that will leave you breathless. You will learn that some things are only as expensive as their value to you. Others are priceless. In the end, Andrew & Timber make sacrifices that will make you cry. Their strength will astound you. Their love will bind you. Their passion will leave you panting. Ooh, did I mention a nest of stuffies? You will love this book! Get. It. Now!
This book contains adult themes and language, mm sex and is intended for mature readers only.
November 21, 2020
I’m not really one for angst in books I try to avoid it at all costs but it was Amy Bellows I had to read it. Despite her warnings that it’s going to be one of the most angsty books she has wrote. Despite all that I loved it. From start to finish. Andrew and Timber have to be my favourite two MCs ever.
Andrew hasn’t had it easy forced into marriage at 18 and knowing that he will never have a true bond but that ache in his cheats never go’s away. When he see Timber he knows he will be the one to give him what he needs even if it’s only pretend and not for long.
Timber will never be about to bond with anyone after spending years in the pit. He has come to terms with that but when he is hired by Andrew he starts to think maybe all is not lost.
What can a porn star who can’t bond offer to an ice dragon whom is everything he ever wanted in a boy.
Can these two lost souls work things out....
Andrew hasn’t had it easy forced into marriage at 18 and knowing that he will never have a true bond but that ache in his cheats never go’s away. When he see Timber he knows he will be the one to give him what he needs even if it’s only pretend and not for long.
Timber will never be about to bond with anyone after spending years in the pit. He has come to terms with that but when he is hired by Andrew he starts to think maybe all is not lost.
What can a porn star who can’t bond offer to an ice dragon whom is everything he ever wanted in a boy.
Can these two lost souls work things out....
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