Sometimes, using a safe word gets you exactly what you want.
Canadian Zac Denman is young, rich and submissive. He’s also a kidnap risk who’s grown up in the shadow of bodyguards and security precautions. All he wants is to work out what kind of submissive he is in a safe environment and thanks to his very understanding father, he’s getting the chance to do exactly that. The Retreat in England is safe, discreet and willing to provide a selection of Doms for Zac to play with—a great way of discovering what he is, and isn’t, into.
Dale Gastrell is a friend of The Retreat’s owner, a member of The Underground BDSM club and a soldier turned landscape gardener thanks to an inconvenient bullet. Two weeks providing covert protection to a wealthy client who won’t even know he’s there seems like a perfect break from city life.
But life is never simple, and when Dale and Zac are thrown together, Dale has to fight his attraction. Zac is from a whole different world of wealth and privilege. He’s not for the likes of Dale who has to watch as Doms arrive at The Retreat to give Zac a taste of submission.
Lucinda lives in a small village in the English countryside, surrounded by rolling hills, cows and sheep. She started writing to fill time between jobs and is now firmly and unashamedly addicted.
She loves the English weather, especially the rain, and adores a thunderstorm. She loves good food, warm company and a crackling fire. She's fascinated by the psychology of relationships, especially between men, and her stories contain some subtle (and some not so subtle) leanings towards BDSM.
Finding Him is the third book in L.M. Someton's The Retreat series. Each book centers around a specific character, but characters from previous stories do play a significant role, so I'd recommend reading these books in order. None has ended in a cliff-hanger, they all have very happily ever afters, and I've thoroughly enjoyed each one!
The novels in The Retreat take place at an exclusive BDSM resort deep in the woods of rural England. Picturesque views, an ancient lodge, five star dining, and fully equipped playrooms and dungeon..., who wouldn't want to spend a few weeks at this place!
Inexperienced, and looking to discover precisely what works for him as a submissive, Zac books in for two weeks of intense training with several different dominants. Thanks to the machinations of some pretty clever folks, Zac’s dream dom is ready and waiting.
Watching Dale and Zac find their way is wonderful. These are terrific characters, and the combination of their natural attraction to each other, plus their genuine affection, makes for one spectacular romance.
I also enjoyed catching up with Luke, Skye, Tor, and Rayne. It’s been almost three years since L.M. Somerton published Trusting Him, and I sincerely hope this wonderful author plans to continue with this series!
a copy of Finding Him was provided at my request for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
3.5 stars. First, I liked the story, it’s intriguing, only the pace was killing me. I hoped for some hot encounters with Zac and Dale. It took and took so long. I didn’t want Zac with other Doms. I didn’t want the fuzz of the kitchen, even though I loved them all hard. I wanted Zac and Dale, at 60% still no action, nothing but a bit of ordering around. For me, it was a missed chance. I read the first two of this series also, they were more my thing.
The writing was captivating, it was incredibly friendly, I truly liked the story even with some complaints. Maybe I expected something different, it's because of my expectations that I'm disappointed.
This is a well written book with strong characters in Zac and Dale. She gives them a strong chemistry and love.The author does a great job developing the story and paints her scenes perfectly. She also brings some past characters back to help bring the story around and delivers an enjoyable read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
This low-angst installment of The Retreat series is full of fun times and some intrigue. Zac comes from an extremely wealthy family and has grown up always in need of a security detail as he is a potential kidnapping target. His father arranges a safe stay at The Retreat, so Zac can spend several weeks, trying out four Doms for several days each, so he can become introduced into the lifestyle to learn his own preferences. Dale is a Dom, who owns a gardening business, with a background in the military. Dale is hired to work undercover to help ensure Zac's safety while at The Retreat. Zac and Dale are immediately attracted to each other, but Zac feels he needs to honor the plan to try the other Doms and that Dale won't want anyone as inexperienced as him. Dale feels that Zac comes from too extravagant a lifestyle and he would not be enough for Zac. Can they communicate better and find future together? This book has a lot of BDSM play, some good camaraderie with friends, a little danger, and a loving bond.
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. I was right the with Carey and Alistair in the amazement of wonder, when Taylor asked for help with Zac and his training. Best dad ever! Skye is so so getting spanked after the torture, making his dom squirm was hilarious. Hidden away at the Retreat with a handful of people knowing his location is just the experience Zac needed. One gardener is striking out in his imagination. Waiting to see if Bratty Zac is gonna break because dang that man is HAWT for Gardener. Getting help with a pair mischievous brat's Rayne and Skye, which not like he needs the helping in bratiness trying to his hands on he right Dom. Poor Dale that man just doesn't realize just what kind of can he opened, Zac all is all green. Plans are made the set up is planned, but really who is the target Dale is just a teddy bear when it comes to animals and it adorable but wow is that man all Dom other wise. Guess Luke did good hire Dale as extra security, it seems someone just fishing for entail on the place.
Zac, a rich boy, needing to explore his interest in BDSM. The Retreat is the perfect place to explore his desires. Dale is a Dom. Using his chosen profession as a gardener to keep a close eye on his latest assignment. Zac and Dale begin a friendship that rapidly escalates into a Dom and sub relationship.
Zac might be called a poor little rich boy but for his well balanced interactions with his understanding father. I really liked Zac’s character. He was so sweet, vulnerable, and cute. Just waiting for his Dom to help form him into the perfect sub.
I enjoyed the give and take of their partnership. Dale gave such care to Zac that it was very touching. I liked their designs for and on each other.
I haven’t read the other books in this series but that didn’t hurt the enjoyment of this book. I will be reading the other books just because I’m intrigued with all the characters in this book.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Finding Him is a great addition to The Retreat series with wonderful characters and an intriguing storyline. I love Zac as he is such a sweetheart and his relationship with his dad is amazing. Dale hides how sweet and caring he is beneath a gruff exterior but he wants the best for Zac even if he thinks that it isn't him. They are exactly what the other needs and I love how their relationship develops. Dale is the perfect Dom for Zac, their chemistry is off the charts and I love how open and accepting Zac is to learning about being a sub. There are a few interesting twists in this story and we get to see how well Luke and Skye are doing as well. The ending is good, the secondary characters add a lot to the story and I can't wait to read the next book in this entertaining series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Wow, this book is great! The setting is beautiful, and there are wonderful, charming characters with a hefty side of BDSM. Acceptance is a big part of the story, too. Zac is the heir to a fortune, which makes him a target for kidnapping. He’s lived his whole life knowing he’d be sheltered from too much of the real world. He’s so lucky that his father recognizes the need he has to submit and finds a safe environment to explore that need. Dale is many things. He’s a vet, a successful businessman, and a Dom. He agrees to help out a friend and watch out for Zac while he’s at The Underground. It just goes to show that when the right people get together and scheme, great things can happen!
Finding Him was my first experience with The Retreat and with LM Somerton's writing, and I loved it.
This book focuses on Zac, a wealthy young man who is curious about the BDSM lifestyle. He's lived a sheltered life though, due to having an incredibly wealthy father, and has never been allowed to explore, mainly because he has to have a bodyguard with him. And so, after graduation, his father books him a two week stay at The Retreat, a BDSM getaway in England. For his stay, The Retreat goes to a bare bones staff and hires a new gardener who is also there as hidden security for Zac.
Dale is a Dominant man who takes the job as a gardener slash security officer for two weeks at the Retreat as a personal favor for a friend, Carey. He is former military and just honestly an all around amazing character. The moment he lays eyes on Zac, he wants him but doesn't feel as if the younger man would want him. He feels that Zac is entirely out of his league and instead focuses on his protection - all the while getting to know him.
The chemistry between Zac and Dale was amazing, right from the go. The attraction they felt with one another was palpable and nothing between them ever felt forced. I loved watching Dale's reactions to knowing Zac was with other Dominants and I loved watching as Zac fell more for Dale throughout the book.
Not only were the two MCs incredibly real and well rounded, but the entire cast of side characters were all amazing. I wanted to know more about each one of them and will likely be looking up each of their books and reading them. Especially if Tor and Rayne end up getting a book... I was more than a little intrigued. Even characters who had very little page time caught my interest and both made me feel like I knew them and like I wanted to know them better. Every character was just extremely likeable and fit perfectly into the world this book created.
This book also had an incredibly healthy view of BDSM. I loved the respectful kink negotiations and the way that everyone at the Retreat made sure that Zac had answers to any questions he had. I loved the friendship between the three Submissives in the story: Zac, Rayne, and Skye. They were adorable together - as was the friendship between Tor, Luke, and Dale. There was a very cute found family aspect that I wasn't expecting to get with this book.
Now I do issue a warning that if you don't like books where the MCs play with other partners on page, you may want to avoid this one. Because the nature of the story does include play scenes between Zac and people who are not Dale (no spoilers to how any of it turns out).
If you're looking for a book that features healthy BDSM dynamics and some very hot scenes though, I'd definitely recommend this book.
** DISCLAIMER: I was given an ARC of this book and this is my fair and honest review. **
First Zach is a rich kid, now usually we expect such characters to be spoilt brats. Nope he is very level headed and mature.
I really liked Zachs character, he knew he was a submissive, but lacked any experience to even know what he liked and did not like. Hence his Millionaire father who fully supports Zachs life choices enlists the help of The Retreat to allow Zach to test the water so to speak, or in this case floggers, spanking benches ad leashes to name but a few. I absolutely loved Zachs father Taylor, wow what a role model of a father he is.
Dale is a landscape Gardner as after being shot in the leg is unable to serve in the army or work as a bodyguard. But still dabbles in security. He is called in to protect Zach from possible kidnapping, which attempts have been made before.
They are instantly attracted to one another, and when Zach is between visiting Doms, that have been arranged to show him different aspects of the lifestyle. He volunteers to help Dale in the gardens.
The chemistry is sizzling below boiling point. Neither man thinks that it will be possible to take their feelings further. Dale keeps reminding himself he is there to protect and not claim Zach as his own.
I just love how the author has slowed their getting together and teases the reader as well as the poor characters, until they reach boiling point.
There are a few surprises for them both, a little scheming, and danger when a drone is spotted flying over the grounds of the retreat.
Its always good to see regular faces of the retreats staff. Luc the Daddy Dom who manages the retreat and his adorable gentle sub Skye, who we see gaining confidence little by little. Then there is Tor the chef whose food is amazing, and his hand is the perfect match for the chauffer Raynes butt. I so hope they get their own story.
As with the first two books in the series the characters and plot are well thought out, you can really relate to not only the main characters but the supporting cast and their unique personalities. As for the plot, it is exciting, with sizzling chemistry between Zach and Dale, with a little danger and a few surprises that keep you turning pages until the end.
I really love LM Somerton’s writing style and her unique take on the BDSM theme. I know when I start one of her books, I am in for a treat of a story.
Finding Him is book 3 in this series, The Retreat by L.M. Somerton. I highly recommend reading this series in order, even though each book has a different set of MC's. Previous characters make numerous appearances, and we even see their POV in places. And I so enjoyed catching up with Luke and Skye, and seeing Tor and Rayne continuing to circle each other...they MUST have their story coming at some point. :) This series so far has been sexy, and still keeps very much within the strict boundaries of consensual BDSM play.I love that Zac's father was willing to indulge his only son with this retreat. Not only was he fully accepting of his son being gay, but had no issues with supporting Zac's desire to explore his submissive side. And Zac, who grew up very rich and privileged, could have been a snob, yet was very down to earth. He even ate with "the staff" of The Retreat on his first night there. He was sweet, yet vulnerable, and wanted to be a perfect sub.Meanwhile, Dale, gardener by day, and extra security for Zac by night, and not one of the Doms originally chosen to help introduce Zac to the lifestyle, believed that Zac was out of his league. He was there to do a job, not go after who he was supposed to be guarding.Their relationship was a bit of a slow burn, a bit slower than I preferred, but with a little help and scheming, they figured it out. No more spoilers here. However, they really showed a lot of affection for each other.This one wasn't my favorite so far in the series, but I still enjoyed it. Catching up with the other characters was great, and looking forward to another book in this series.3.5 pieces of eye candy
I really enjoyed this story; it was a lot of fun. The Retreat staff gets a new request that is different than their usual. Zac wants a chance to explore his submissive side but also needs protection. The owners devise a method to introduce Zac to several Doms, capable of showing him different aspects over a few weeks. In the meantime, Dale arrives to help with some landscape work but is also there to secretly increase security.
While I think you could read this one on its own, it may be better if you've read the other books and have a better understanding of the staff at The Retreat and their relationships. The staff are a blast, and I loved how well Zac fit in with everyone. I also was happy that Zac realized after a while that he was only interested in one Dom, and the others arranged for him wouldn't do. I loved how Dale tried to let Zac get the experience he wanted even as he struggled with his desire for Zac. I'm glad the two of them figured things out.
I was happy to see Tor and Rayne finally stop dancing around each other, but I had kind of hoped they would get their own book. I'm intrigued by Eric and wonder if we will see Marcus again.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ***
Sometimes, all you need is the support of your family. This is what Zac realizes when his father organizes a stay at The Retreat, a super-private BDSM club, so he can figure out just what kind of sub he is. Zac has it luckier than some, in that his father loves him and money is not an issue. However, kidnapping is a constant threat so it’s not all good.
When he arrives at The Retreat, there is instant attraction with Dale, the gardener. He is also extra security but Zac doesn’t know that. Constant sparks fly between the two. Will Zac safeword to be with Dale?
This was a lovely book, that also gave an insight to a couple of other relationships too. Dale and Zac are the main focus though, and I found myself looking forward to the scenes that they were both in. I loved the twist at the end with the number of Doms, but I won’t say anymore.
This is a warm and fuzzy book that gave me a hug as I read it. Although I haven’t read any of the others in this series, it did not impact my enjoyment of this book in any way, apart from making me want to read those too! Highly recommended by me.
I read the first two books in this series four years ago and then, apparently, completely forgot the last one?! That could have had a negative effect on my enjoyment of this one since the characters from book two are very much part of this one as well. It was not a problem, though. And it was nice to visit The Retreat again. This time Zac Denman is a guest. In fact, because his father is rich and Zac therefore a potential target for kidnappers, he is the only guest. Zac has little experience as a submissive and has come to The Retreat to ‘sample the goods’ by playing with different doms selected for him. But the guys running The Retreat and their friends are very good at what they do and have amazing matchmaking skills so of course this doesn’t end up with Zac saying goodbye and going home alone after his stay. Relatively short and sweet with some scenes of the more gentle kind. Which fit since Zac was new to most of it. The community of all the people involved meant this felt a bit like visiting with old friends. I liked it.
There are secrets in this book but they may not be the ones you think they are! LM Somerton has written a very clever and hot story about a young man’s first foray into the world of bdsm. The attraction between Zac and Dale is evident from the beginning of this story but how these two opposites come together is what this author plays with. This book is a great read and I will definitely be looking for more books from Ms. Somerton especially about The Retreat and the men who go there. I must say as well that Zac’s father has to win the coolest father of the year award and I only wish that more parents of lgbt+ kids were like him. Terrific.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the third book in the series, they are all connected by The Retreat, a BDSM getaway, but each can be read separately. I recommend reading them all though as you will find characters spread throughout all of them. It's well written with a great storyline. I love how romance is shown throughout the series and you can really feel the chemistry between them. I loved this book and the rest of the series, hopefully their will be more later on.
I was so glad to see another story at The Retreat and it was just as enjoyableasthe others.. Zac is wanting to discover his submission and can't help but want Dale to be the one to teach him. Unfortunately most of the book was these two desiring each other from afar but once they got together they were explosive.
I love the Retreat Series. So, when the third book came out, I couldn't wait to read it. I was glad that I did. I was not disappointed. Finding Him was a wonderful read. The interaction between the main characters was exciting to watch. I love LM Somerton's books.
Zach wants to find out what he needs. Dale knows what he needs and it Zach but he thinks Zack is too good for him. Zach decides Dale is what he needs and nothing is going to stop him from getting Dale. I rally enjoyed this book.
A young man innocent in his submission and the man who wants to show him everything are at the heart of this third novel in L.M. Somerton’s ‘The Retreat’ series. Zac is a young man with a very famous, extremely wealthy businessman for a father. Because of this his personal security has always been a concern for his dad. Zac knows he is submissive, but because of the restrictions on his movements, he has been unable to explore it in any kind of meaningful way. Dale is ex-military, owns a landscaping company, and is a Dom who has been in the lifestyle for a long time. Unbeknownst to the two of them, Alistair and Carey put their matchmaking skills to the test to bring these two together.
I’m not going to reiterate the plot because I think the blurb gives enough information to understand the set-up, so to speak. I really liked both characters. Zac may be young, but growing up the way he has means he’s got some maturity in a lot of areas. He knows what he wants, he speaks his mind, and he just needs someone to show him the different forms of D/s that are out there. He can be a little snarky and he’s really hoping that one of the Dominants he is to meet will turn out to be more than just an experience. He wants to find love. Dale is level-headed and a typical Dom. He is entranced with Zac from the get-go but feels they are from two separate worlds and could never mix. Not to mention that Dale is just there to be the undercover security, not a Dom to play with Zac.