I’ve always wanted a daddy to love me, even at my naughtiest. My reputation as a brat is one I’ve earned, but I wish it wouldn’t scare away all my potential partners before they get to know me. I am so much more than my lack of impulse control, if only someone would stick around for longer than a scene or two.
Luke is the first person I’ve played with in a while who can handle me at my worst. He gets me in a way most doms don’t bother trying. The only problem is, he’s my best friend’s brother.
With my track record, it’s only a matter of time before I scare Luke away. And when the inevitable happens, I don’t want to put Tate in the middle of my drama. Is it really worth risking my closest friendship for a chance at everything I’ve ever wanted?
Knotty Boy is a kinky M/M romance between Monty, a pudgy brat with ADHD and Luke, a rope bondage expert and daddy dom who is used to taking charge. The book contains BDSM elements including spanking, rope bondage, suspension bondage, and daddy kink. It’s part of the series Summer of Adventures, but it can stand alone.
I've gone back and forth on a rating for this one. I'm right at 3.5.
Knotty Boy is about a little (Monty) and a Daddy (Luke) and their temporary play partners to HEA story.
This is a story about a little...and a Daddy...and no age play.
I honestly would have enjoyed the story more if Monty was just a boy, rather being labeled a little. I kept anticipating a Daddy/little scene and it really didn't happen. There was a dinosaur breakfast, but even that didn't real feel like Monty was in a little head space.
I enjoyed Luke as a Daddy and a Dom. I loved that he had patience with Monty and really worked to help him feel safe and comfortable in his submission. I did miss when the tide turned. Luke went from only wanting a fling, to a grand gesture of love. Not sure if I just missed that part of the book or if it was too subtle for me to pick up.
Monty was also a well written character...minus the little stuff. He was confident, but also vulnerable. I love how much he seemed to flourish under Luke's care.
If this book either had age play or Monty wasn't a supposed little, I think I would have been able to fully immerse myself in the story. That just didn't happen for me.
This was my first book by this author and I will be taking a look at their back catalog. I'm also interested in reading more from them in the future.
*I received an ARC, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.*
Knotty Boy by Alex Silver is the second book in the Summer of Adventures series. I really liked this story it is great paced, and the characters have good chemistry that kept me wanting to read more. This story is told in dual POV and that really works well for this story.
Monty is a pudgy brat with ADHD. He is kind, hates being cooped up, and is a D and D fan. I liked him a lot he is not the typical sub and he really has a great personality.
Luke, he is into rope bondage. He is also a Daddy Dom. He is used to being the man in charge. He wants a boy he can take care of. I liked Luke he is perfect for Monty.
Overall, these two men are a great match. I could feel the heat and chemistry. I liked the story itself and I really cannot wait to read more from this author in the future.
Knotty Boy is the second book in the Summer of Adventures series by Alex Silver. This books is about Monty and Luke. Monty is known as a brat at the club, Luke is his best friend’s brother.
I loved their story. It was sweet, sexy, hot, full of feels and very well written.
While I have to admit that reading this was largely an exercise in things that are of no romantic interest to me, I love that Silver delves so deeply into Monty's experience of having ADHD. I've seen it done in romance narratives before but usually as a thing that has about as much character impact as their hair color--often mentioned but not really defining. This, though, is entirely about how Monty's brain workings have shaped his ability to have relationships, his experience of kink, and his own self-worth. From conversations I've had with friends who have ADHD, that level of impact is real. Monty has a great internal line on page 41: "I can't say why I blurted out that I have ADHD. It's not something I share unless I have to. Too many people find out and then that's all they see. Just a diagnosis and all the stereotypes that come along with it. They don't see how I've worked hard to fit into a world designed for neurotypicals".
(Also, this shows off how the writing style works and I'm still not a fan because it feels so choppy and segmented. And in this one, if I had taken a drink every time Monty winks I'd be dead of alcohol poisoning; calm down with it.)
I liked that Silver wrote out a lot of how Monty experiences being a little, which is a headspace I completely don't get and was curious to understand through both Luke and Monty's love of it. Luke gets to be an interesting daddy (Daddy? Don't know whether that one's capitalized like Dom is, honestly) with his rigging experience and his vers and his pain play. Monty is always mentioned as being thicker when the stereotype for a little is a twiggy twink, but his size is never a character feature. Some books do that because they're trying to score body-positivity points but really are just like "isn't it cool that this character has a life despite being fat?" which is so much worse. Silver goes to great lengths to show that neither Monty nor Luke are only stereotypes, which is great in a book that front-stages kink.
The subplot of Luke and Tate as stepbrothers but sexy toes too close to the stepbrothers-who-fuck trope for me, especially for how often Silver makes a point of mentioned that they did but don't now. I do appreciate the triangle that gets created by Monty being Tate's best friend and Luke being the brother and neither wanting to hurt Tate--which they kind of do anyway, which felt believable. All in all, there were several moments of me making "really" faces at the plot and character development but also quite a few moments of me really appreciating the emotional narrative curving around the sex one. I'm not keeping this, but if you're into littles stories, you could do a whole lot worse.
I will admit that I yet again did not read a book description. In this case I made the guess based on the title and the author that it was bondage based. So the age play aspect was not something I expected. Age play is generally a hard limit for me and at this point it is even a red flag. I will get into why I am not kink shaming in just a moment, so please hold your boos.
I have been active in the kink scene for close to 15 years. I have done a lot of things, including having a boy of my own. I am not new to age play, or pet play or other role play situations. This is not “all age play is gross!” at all. Instead, it is more about how the littles I have come across, including Monty, don’t seem to understand boundaries. When a big says “no” or when someone has not consented to engage in age play, it should be listened to. Monty pushed that repeatedly, just like the littles that have been part of my life. Consent matters. Monty pushing Luke and pushing others to engage with him in age regression is a big issue and it mirrors how my interactions with littles have gone. I am the first one to break out the coloring books and color with the littles so the bigs can chat and not worry at munches. It is when they try and make me into their big that it is an issue. I wish the start of the relationship had gone differently and felt like it was less guilt based.
Outside of Monty’s issues with accepting boundaries in the beginning of the book, I loved this story. I was cheering for Monty to find the perfect Daddy. I wanted him to feel loved and secure. My heart hurt for him so much. Monty is not perfect and he acts out a lot. He is not a bad boy, but he is not the model boy either. He needs a Daddy that can really understand him. Seeing him heal and be loved was so heartwarming and wonderful. Seeing him get that happy ending (pun intended) was something I really enjoyed.
Luke was more of a character that was eh for me. I liked the idea of him, but I didn’t really get why he was into Monty. There wasn’t a reason that made sense. Don’t get me wrong, I wanted them together so badly, but that was entirely driven by wanting Monty happy. I just adored Monty. He was so rich and full of life. He felt like the most genuine character. I really can’t say enough about Monty in general.
So the very character that would have made me skip this book is the character that made me love this book. He was so flawed and so hurt. I am so glad I read this book.
Monty is great. He’s smart, he’s funny, he’s got tons of enthusiasm. He’s probably the sweetest “brat” I’ve ever seen, and I liked that as the story goes on, we get to see him come into his own in a variety of ways. I love how low in angst this book is: I don’t want to minimize Monty’s fears that he won’t ever get to have a permanent Daddy, he has plenty of reasons and past experiences to justify that fear, but while he may miss all the signs that Luke is serious about keeping him almost from the start, readers won’t, and it makes for an enjoyable reading experience watching him slowly realize that he is wanted, he is valued, and he’s getting what he’s always desired, with someone who fits him beautifully. Luke is an excellent Daddy, as well as a good person. He’s careful with everyone (his relationship with his stepbrother, who’s also Monty’s best friend, is a good example of this) but he’s especially dialed into Monty, and it shows in all the right ways. He takes the time to listen to what Monty says (and what he doesn’t) and he responds to his needs with care and patience. They’re definitely hot together, but the real essence of their scenes is in the emotional bond, and I appreciated how clear the author makes it that being together clearly brings something to them both. A really enjoyable read, with great protagonists who are building a beautiful relationship together, an awesome cast of supporting characters, and a RACK conscious, kink-positive community.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*4.5* Knotty Boy sees bratty little, Monty, explore some fun times with his best friend's step brother, Luke, who just happen to be the perfect Daddy Dom also proficient in rope bondage which Monty is desperate to try. These two work so well together. There's chemistry from the start and Daddy Luke is great at calmly talking Monty through things, taking his time to make sure Monty is comfortable with everything happening which is sometimes a struggle with his ADHD. A lot of what is between them is having that person to care for/be cared by, something they've both struggled to find. They didn't want to upset Tate, Monty's best friend but circumstances led to them having the summer to spend together and what better way to have fun than with someone who is basically your perfect match in every way. Love their dynamic and how the story unfolds. Filled with sexy times as well as quality ones exploring moments of insecurity and need, both physical and mental. I have really enjoyed all of Alex Silver's books so far and their characters are so well rounded and thought out, with wide diversity. I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
This book certainly packs a lot of steam and with it comes a fair share of sweetly tender moments between Monty and Luke as their casual summer fling deepens, which makes for an equally spicy and sweet love story. And extra kudos for the all-around body positivity and MCs who own their non-six-pack sexiness.
I'll admit it took me a little while to get into this story, but was hooked the more Monty and Luke got to know each other beyond intense D/s scenes, and especially when they shared in their vulnerabilities (including Monty's ADHD, which is sensitively written and insightful).
For all his bratty behavior, the love-starved Little is quite endearing, and Daddy Luke seeing Monty for who he really is underneath and loving all aspects of him made for a highly satisfying HEA journey.
Not having read Book 1 in the series, it did seem like this story started midstream with already well-established character relationships, dynamics, and kink club happenings, but it became less of an issue as the story progressed. I received an advance reading e-copy of this book and have left this honest review voluntarily. (Also read in KU.)
Alex did such a phenomenal job of capturing the complexity of a neurodiverse young man with an atypical boy body that I was in love with this book almost immediately. The sensitivity, and complexity, with which he drew the character was beautiful. Monty is also so entertaining, he’ll keep you engaged with the story on his own. Luke is a bit less complex, but has a nice, complementary depth of character that meshes with Monty well. His ability to see past Monty’s reputation as difficult, and his ability to handle Monty effectively and lovingly just strengthens the story that much more.
There’s a little angst here, but not much. It’s a smooth, well-paced story that gently handles the impact of neurodiversity on social assumptions, and what little effort is really needed to understand the person and their needs.
Loved the story and the world I was introduced to. I had not read the first book, but will definitely be doing it, and looking forward to more. The supporting characters were all well written and engaging in their own right.
Monty longs for a Daddy of his own but Monty needs someone to see his true self. Luke is a Daddy he has always wanted but he is off limits. Luke won’t risk his friendship with Luke’s brother just to scratch an itch, but life has other plans for these two. One thing leads to another, and Luke and Monty find themselves playing together. Will Luke be the one to understand Monty or will he be just like the rest?
I enjoyed Monty and Luke. This is a sweet and sexy story about finding love. The two work well together and it was nice to see the way their relationship developed. I enjoyed seeing the way Luke interacts with Monty, letting his emotions shine through it all. Monty is a sweet boy; he may push and chafe, but Monty is a good boy underneath it all. He just need someone to take the time and effort to see what a treasure he is. Luke understand Monty and is more than happy to give him the support that he needs. The author gives readers a good mix of heat and emotions in this book. I was pulled right in from the start and engaged all the way to the end.
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. Monty was looking for a daddy that approves and accepts him flaws and all! Luke hits all his bbuttons just right, just one tiny problem..he was his best friends step brother. I just loved Monty in all his bratiness, after all how is ever going to find his forever daddy if he can't push them to the limits. Taking the rare chance to attend littles night at Adventure, Luke is looking for a boy that fits all his needs. Getting Luke to work with the ropes had Monty thrilled, after all the boy was a dream has he fidgeting leads to more from his technique but was it to much of a hassle? Monty pulls him in to his orbit even though they both know it cant be more with Tate between them. If they keep playing together someone is bound to be hurt, unwilling to feel that pain Monty does what he does best..being a brat. Will Luke let Monty's fear of Tate knowing ruin the happiness he finds with his naughty little.
Alex Silver is a new to me author. I love a good best friend's brother story!! When the story involves some rope play and kink, that makes it extra special. I really liked the way the relationship between Monty and Luke developed naturally. The friendship between Monty and Luke's step brother Tate was there but it didn't overshadow the relationship. Monty is just adorable!! You can tell right away that deep down he just wants to be loved. Luke does that and more. This was a great book and I can't wait to read more from this author.
Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2021 I really enjoyed this book. Loved the characters of Luke and Monty. They seem like your everyday characters and that makes them so relatable. Monty is a little on the pudgy side, but he still loves his body and the book is body positive. Also it has characters with ADHD and dyslexia. This too is shown in a positive way. This book includes best friends's brother, has some light bdsm with rope play and spanking, daddy/boy dynamic (mainly for caring/taking care of)
Knotty Boy is a fun read and a dip-of-the-toes into the art of Shibari. It focuses on Monty, a boy looking for a Daddy to ground him, and Luke, who happens to be Monty's best friend's step-brother. The two are destined to be together.
I enjoyed the book a lot, with a fun found-family and some steamy moments. I do wish there had been more character development with the main players. It read as a short story turned longer (which it may be).
Overall, I'd read another by this author and recommend this book.
Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2021 I really enjoyed this book. Loved the characters of Luke and Monty. They seem like your everyday characters and that makes them so relatable. Monty is a little on the pudgy side, but he still loves his body and the book is body positive. Also it has characters with ADHD and dyslexia. This too is shown in a positive way. This book includes best friends's brother, has some light bdsm with rope play and spanking, daddy/boy dynamic (mainly for caring/taking care of)
This book was such fun and I loved the dynamic between Monty and Luke. It was great to see such a positive representation of Monty’s ADHD as well and Luke’s calm understanding of how best to deal with the issues it can cause. I adored how sweet Monty was and his interactions with his friends and chosen family. I also loved the backstory with Luke and it did make me giggle as I read it. The whole story was so well written and I didn’t want to put it down once I started.
This was great!! Monty is a boy who has severe ADHD. He desperately wants to play with Luke who is his best friend’s brother. Luke also wants to play with Monty but is worried about his brother. They begin a summer of fun and of course feelings grow. Monty just wants someone to love and accept him for him. This was light and fun to read, enjoyed it tremendously! I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received.
No spoilers of any kind included. So this will be all that I say about Knotty Boy and that is I thought it was a fantastic book and I’ll leave it at that. So it’s a yes I most definitely do recommend this book because I really enjoyed reading it.
*An Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have voluntarily chosen to write a fair and honest review*
I received a copy of this book from the author, and this is my honest review. I really appreciated how Lucas and Monty are perfect for each other. In this story we see how should be a true daddy, the one who really cares for his boy, the one who understands the boy's needs and could satisfy them in the most adorable way. Also, I think the title is perfect to reflect Monty's personality.
I am still not sure how I fully feel about this book. I enjoyed Monty and Luke and was so happy that Luke was finally able to see the real Monty and what he needed while others didn’t. I felt as though Monty often just took what others gave and never really said what he wanted (even when he was pushy) with most doms. I thought all the angst and worry of them being temporary was just too much with how much they were both invested from the beginning.
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review
I really enjoyed this story. Brothers best friend, rope play, and daddy play made this such a great read. This can also be read as a stand-alone. I really connected with the characters in this story and I was really happy to see them get their HEA.
A fantastic continuation of this series. These two complimented each other beautifully. I loved the descriptions of the rope rigging it was vivid enough to picture clearly. I cannot wait for more in this series.
Sexy, relatively low-angst, and packed with plenty of kinky fun. I appreciated the look at a character with ADHD, and while certain secrets could have blown up in the characters' faces, I always enjoy a story in which there is less drama and more mature communication by adults.
I like that this series blends kink with DnD players - a unique slant on DM! With this I loved that the sub is a plus size guy but not unhealthy and his Daddy sees his vulnerability. Plus it deals with ADHD, another positive for me.
I loved reading this book. It took just a little bit to really get into it but once I did it was great all the way to the end. It was a wonderfully written book that is sexy, sweet, and hot.
Low angst, somewhat spicy, story about a thicc main character little with ADHD who gets together with his best friend’s step brother. There’s not a lot of story or action.