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When aspirations and passion collide, Breck’s thrown onto a playing field he never anticipated.
Unrivaled in college basketball as a point-guard prodigy, Breck Harland has definitely earned his title as King of the Court. All around town, he’s a bona fide celebrity, his reputation with the ladies reinforcing a facade he's determined to protect. No one, not even his best friend, knows he's bi.
Enter Grandmaster Kai Nakado, the one person not impressed by Breck's imperial air.
When Breck signs up for his martial arts class, Kai makes it clear he finds his new student arrogant, impulsive, unfocused. With each exchange, their clashing chemistry intensifies, and Breck finds himself not just angry and frustrated… but inexplicably turned on. A fire that rages even hotter when Kai introduces him to the art of rope bondage, a talent Kai proves even more skilled at than martial arts.
At the hands of this experienced Dom, Breck's tenuous control threatens to slip from his grasp, the things he thought he wanted suddenly not so clear. If he’s not careful, Kai will completely derail him, a risk he can’t afford if he plans to make it to the pros.
Can he stop what’s already in motion, or will Kai tame the unattainable king?
Tamed, book one in the Courtside King Duology. A steamy, slow-burn, gay romance that will keep you riveted on the sidelines for more.
Unrivaled in college basketball as a point-guard prodigy, Breck Harland has definitely earned his title as King of the Court. All around town, he’s a bona fide celebrity, his reputation with the ladies reinforcing a facade he's determined to protect. No one, not even his best friend, knows he's bi.
Enter Grandmaster Kai Nakado, the one person not impressed by Breck's imperial air.
When Breck signs up for his martial arts class, Kai makes it clear he finds his new student arrogant, impulsive, unfocused. With each exchange, their clashing chemistry intensifies, and Breck finds himself not just angry and frustrated… but inexplicably turned on. A fire that rages even hotter when Kai introduces him to the art of rope bondage, a talent Kai proves even more skilled at than martial arts.
At the hands of this experienced Dom, Breck's tenuous control threatens to slip from his grasp, the things he thought he wanted suddenly not so clear. If he’s not careful, Kai will completely derail him, a risk he can’t afford if he plans to make it to the pros.
Can he stop what’s already in motion, or will Kai tame the unattainable king?
Tamed, book one in the Courtside King Duology. A steamy, slow-burn, gay romance that will keep you riveted on the sidelines for more.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
October 8, 2022
3 stars.
✦ i liked it, but didn't love it. honestly, i expected their relationship to develop way differently than it did. i also secretly hoped we would get some hot hate sex. but oh well...
✦ both mcs were quite annoying and childish at times, especially Breck. let's hope they both grow up in the next book.💀
✦ i liked it, but didn't love it. honestly, i expected their relationship to develop way differently than it did. i also secretly hoped we would get some hot hate sex. but oh well...
✦ both mcs were quite annoying and childish at times, especially Breck. let's hope they both grow up in the next book.💀
August 19, 2025
4 stars for the Shibaru scenes, the rest is absolutely annoying.
I wouldn't classify the book as a romance at all, because Breck and Kai aren't a couple in this first book. Breck is an arrogant asshole, a man whore, and permanently drunk.
Just a heads up.
Why am I not giving it a lower rating? I knew what I was getting myself into, so I expected the dudes and bros, and the alcohol consumption. Although I have to admit that it's extremely exaggerated. Honestly, how much can a person drink and still be a basketball star and get good grades in college?
And that went on for years? I mean, I had my fun too, weeks full of parties and days when alcohol was coming out of my pores, but at some point, enough is enough.
And Breck's arrogance and aggressiveness make the book very difficult for me to read. The way he behaves towards Kai was so annoying that I was on the verge of giving up. But then finally came the last 100 pages, and my world was okay again.
Grandmaster Kai Nakado is an artist. Not only with the ropes, but also with his hands. He played Breck like a violin, and I was thrilled.
More of this, please. I hope book two won't be a complete disaster, although I can already foresee the melodrama.
Breck stiffened as he realized something. His erection was way longer than the front of his jock. Which meant… Oh, shit… He braced as Kai nudged that knot back to center. Then, just as Breck feared, the head of his dick pushed out the top.
Oh, fuck.
Breck bit his lip, instantly flushing. Kai eyed their new predicament. “Hmm… Is that uncomfortable?” 🤤🔥🤤
Ultimately, Kai eased away, even as his thumb stroked Breck’s lower lip. “In another life… if you were my partner…” his murmur was wistful, “we’d have indescribable fun.” 🥺💔🥺
I wouldn't classify the book as a romance at all, because Breck and Kai aren't a couple in this first book. Breck is an arrogant asshole, a man whore, and permanently drunk.
Just a heads up.
Why am I not giving it a lower rating? I knew what I was getting myself into, so I expected the dudes and bros, and the alcohol consumption. Although I have to admit that it's extremely exaggerated. Honestly, how much can a person drink and still be a basketball star and get good grades in college?
And that went on for years? I mean, I had my fun too, weeks full of parties and days when alcohol was coming out of my pores, but at some point, enough is enough.
And Breck's arrogance and aggressiveness make the book very difficult for me to read. The way he behaves towards Kai was so annoying that I was on the verge of giving up. But then finally came the last 100 pages, and my world was okay again.
Grandmaster Kai Nakado is an artist. Not only with the ropes, but also with his hands. He played Breck like a violin, and I was thrilled.
More of this, please. I hope book two won't be a complete disaster, although I can already foresee the melodrama.
Breck stiffened as he realized something. His erection was way longer than the front of his jock. Which meant… Oh, shit… He braced as Kai nudged that knot back to center. Then, just as Breck feared, the head of his dick pushed out the top.
Oh, fuck.
Breck bit his lip, instantly flushing. Kai eyed their new predicament. “Hmm… Is that uncomfortable?” 🤤🔥🤤
Ultimately, Kai eased away, even as his thumb stroked Breck’s lower lip. “In another life… if you were my partner…” his murmur was wistful, “we’d have indescribable fun.” 🥺💔🥺
July 8, 2025
Kora Knight really does have the market thoroughly cornered on comedic romances that feature ridiculous frat bros who are surprised how much they like gay stuff. I hope she never changes.
This was eminently readable and I binged this whole audiobook while finding things to dust. Michael Dean does a pretty decent job with the performance here but is probably my least favourite of the narrators I've listened to for KKs books. I thought his voice for Kai was a little forced but it didn't take much before I was used to it.
Breck is kind of an arrogant ass for over like 75% of this. I appreciate though that his knee jerk reaction to being insecure is to lash out and be a dick but I couldn't blame Kai for wanting to knock him down a few pegs when I did too. I'm sitting here chomping to see him have some growth in book 2.
The sexual chemistry between Breck and Kai was solid, but I expect that with KK. I think that it lost a little bit of that ✨special something✨ for me cause shibari doesn't set me on fire and it's a pretty central element to their dynamic.
While you don't technically need to have read the Upending Tad books (although I have no idea why you wouldn't cause they're phenomenal) I think that the story makes more sense if you have that knowledge given this story interweaves with events of that series. Honestly though, I feel like so much of this book was kind of a prelude to Kai and Brecks building chemistry and I'm looking forward to it kicking off in book 2!
It's worth noting that the first two chapters of this include a sex scene between Breck and another character set two years prior to the main story. There are also mentions of Breck having hook ups with random women after having met Kai, but prior to anything occuring with them. Kai also participates in instructional shibari scenes with other people but does not engage in sexual intercourse with them.
I have no idea how this story is going to find it's resolution. I have so many questions about Kais past and and I'm keen to see how Breck will reconcile his burgeoning relationship with Kai and his future in basketball.
The binge continues ❤️!
(I miss Scott and Tad and revisiting with them was such a joy!)
This was eminently readable and I binged this whole audiobook while finding things to dust. Michael Dean does a pretty decent job with the performance here but is probably my least favourite of the narrators I've listened to for KKs books. I thought his voice for Kai was a little forced but it didn't take much before I was used to it.
Breck is kind of an arrogant ass for over like 75% of this. I appreciate though that his knee jerk reaction to being insecure is to lash out and be a dick but I couldn't blame Kai for wanting to knock him down a few pegs when I did too. I'm sitting here chomping to see him have some growth in book 2.
The sexual chemistry between Breck and Kai was solid, but I expect that with KK. I think that it lost a little bit of that ✨special something✨ for me cause shibari doesn't set me on fire and it's a pretty central element to their dynamic.
While you don't technically need to have read the Upending Tad books (although I have no idea why you wouldn't cause they're phenomenal) I think that the story makes more sense if you have that knowledge given this story interweaves with events of that series. Honestly though, I feel like so much of this book was kind of a prelude to Kai and Brecks building chemistry and I'm looking forward to it kicking off in book 2!
It's worth noting that the first two chapters of this include a sex scene between Breck and another character set two years prior to the main story. There are also mentions of Breck having hook ups with random women after having met Kai, but prior to anything occuring with them. Kai also participates in instructional shibari scenes with other people but does not engage in sexual intercourse with them.
I have no idea how this story is going to find it's resolution. I have so many questions about Kais past and and I'm keen to see how Breck will reconcile his burgeoning relationship with Kai and his future in basketball.
The binge continues ❤️!
(I miss Scott and Tad and revisiting with them was such a joy!)
May 2, 2022
Kai made me think BDSM is an interesting art! This book was better than I thought. It made me rethink some opinions I had about submissive and dominant people.
One thing that pleased me a lot about this book is that we have a black protagonist, i wish i had more MM with black men. When I can find one I am very happy, especially when the story is interesting!
Breck is the kind of character who lives to act on what others expect from him, this ends up limiting his life. Knowing Kai and having feelings for him is the beginning of his evolution. I think breck will grow a lot in the second book, will learn a lot from the feelings that are flourishing within him.
I really want to see breck growing and expanding his horizons beyond his father's wishes.
I'm definitely going to read the second book!
Oh, Kai is a wonderful character
One thing that pleased me a lot about this book is that we have a black protagonist, i wish i had more MM with black men. When I can find one I am very happy, especially when the story is interesting!
Breck is the kind of character who lives to act on what others expect from him, this ends up limiting his life. Knowing Kai and having feelings for him is the beginning of his evolution. I think breck will grow a lot in the second book, will learn a lot from the feelings that are flourishing within him.
I really want to see breck growing and expanding his horizons beyond his father's wishes.
I'm definitely going to read the second book!
Oh, Kai is a wonderful character
July 7, 2025
Kora knight is all about edging her readers with a prelude book to get you really knowing the characters, build their dynamic and create a whole lot of delicious tension. I AM SUFFICIENTLY EDGED.
Breck is figuring himself out in this one, mostly through being a major dick, but we forgive him because he has a lot going on in his silly frat boy head. Kai isn’t all roses either with some major hang ups and pretty piss poor communication skills but I just can’t resist his cool-as-a-cucumber badass-ness.
Together it’s a real slow burn vibe culminating into a sizzling private Shibari lesson. I’ll shamefully and ignorantly admit that prior to this book when I imagined Shibari I just saw a trussed up pig in my mind 🐖. THAT IMAGE HAS CHANGED, TRUST ME.
I recommend reading Upending Tad: The Complete Series first, not only because they are great books but they give a nice backstory to Kai and Breck and a worthy introduction to all the side characters.
Me whilst binging this duology
Breck is figuring himself out in this one, mostly through being a major dick, but we forgive him because he has a lot going on in his silly frat boy head. Kai isn’t all roses either with some major hang ups and pretty piss poor communication skills but I just can’t resist his cool-as-a-cucumber badass-ness.
Together it’s a real slow burn vibe culminating into a sizzling private Shibari lesson. I’ll shamefully and ignorantly admit that prior to this book when I imagined Shibari I just saw a trussed up pig in my mind 🐖. THAT IMAGE HAS CHANGED, TRUST ME.
I recommend reading Upending Tad: The Complete Series first, not only because they are great books but they give a nice backstory to Kai and Breck and a worthy introduction to all the side characters.
Me whilst binging this duology
May 20, 2023
On to book 2 ASAP! 🖤
February 6, 2022
Have you ever read 350 pages book and nothing happened?
Well, it was one of those. I liked the other books by this author, but this one was dragging. Why write a duology but fill the book with useless information?
Ugh. I have a headache. Not gonna hold my breath until the next one.
Well, it was one of those. I liked the other books by this author, but this one was dragging. Why write a duology but fill the book with useless information?
Ugh. I have a headache. Not gonna hold my breath until the next one.
July 8, 2025
[This review covers both books in The Courtside King Duology]
Overall, I loved this duology, but book two is where it's at. An honest way to look at it is that Tamed is an edging session for you, the reader 😂 I buddy read with Evie and Sarah, and I remember telling them that I just wanted to smash Breck and Kai together and make them kiss 🙊 Also, Breck being a dick for most of book one didn't lend itself to fun times, but boy oh boy, did he come back around and make things right in book two! Like I said, book two is where it's at 👏🏻
If Tamed was the edging session, Claimed was the climax. Everything that had built up between Breck and Kai in book one exploded in book two. I was INVESTED from the moment book two started and did not want to put it down. I only stopped reading because I literally fell asleep like the old lady I am 💤
Book two had it all - the relationship development, the spice, everything nice. You want groveling? It had that too. Sweet, sweet groveling. Some of the best I've ever read tbh. I will say though that my biggest gripe about it was that things felt a bit too one-sided with Breck giving more than Kai. I think Breck had a lot of growing up to do given how young he is compared to Kai, but at the same time, Kai could have been more understanding and supportive with him. I think he asked a lot of Breck but didn't do a lot of helping get him there 🥲
I kind of wish that book one had gotten to the core of things a little sooner so that more time could have been spent with Breck and Kai after they made things official. That, or a third book full of the exact things I wanted. You know, no big deal 😆 I don't have a problem with how everything ended, but if I'm being honest, I would have loved for Sadly, I wasn't consulted 😂
One more tidbit for you all, and what I wish I had seen BEFORE jumping into the Tad universe was this --> ✨Upending Tad Muse Gallery✨ I am so bad at visualizing characters it would have been super helpful to have seen this in advance. Oh well, what can you do 🤷🏼♀️ Let my loss be your gain. Do yourself a favor and check out the pics so you too can say, "Daaaaaamn boys" 🤣
Overall, I loved this duology, but book two is where it's at. An honest way to look at it is that Tamed is an edging session for you, the reader 😂 I buddy read with Evie and Sarah, and I remember telling them that I just wanted to smash Breck and Kai together and make them kiss 🙊 Also, Breck being a dick for most of book one didn't lend itself to fun times, but boy oh boy, did he come back around and make things right in book two! Like I said, book two is where it's at 👏🏻
If Tamed was the edging session, Claimed was the climax. Everything that had built up between Breck and Kai in book one exploded in book two. I was INVESTED from the moment book two started and did not want to put it down. I only stopped reading because I literally fell asleep like the old lady I am 💤
Book two had it all - the relationship development, the spice, everything nice. You want groveling? It had that too. Sweet, sweet groveling. Some of the best I've ever read tbh. I will say though that my biggest gripe about it was that things felt a bit too one-sided with Breck giving more than Kai. I think Breck had a lot of growing up to do given how young he is compared to Kai, but at the same time, Kai could have been more understanding and supportive with him. I think he asked a lot of Breck but didn't do a lot of helping get him there 🥲
I kind of wish that book one had gotten to the core of things a little sooner so that more time could have been spent with Breck and Kai after they made things official. That, or a third book full of the exact things I wanted. You know, no big deal 😆 I don't have a problem with how everything ended, but if I'm being honest, I would have loved for Sadly, I wasn't consulted 😂
One more tidbit for you all, and what I wish I had seen BEFORE jumping into the Tad universe was this --> ✨Upending Tad Muse Gallery✨ I am so bad at visualizing characters it would have been super helpful to have seen this in advance. Oh well, what can you do 🤷🏼♀️ Let my loss be your gain. Do yourself a favor and check out the pics so you too can say, "Daaaaaamn boys" 🤣
Read
June 2, 2023DNF @Chapter 14
I was getting annoyed at Breck’s behavior towards Kai, so I kept putting off reading this, and I couldn’t find the will to continue haha
I was getting annoyed at Breck’s behavior towards Kai, so I kept putting off reading this, and I couldn’t find the will to continue haha
January 30, 2022
4.5 stars for me, mostly because this one definitely ends with their love story unfinished and part of me is just holding out for the second one to rate them as a whole.
I’m SO happy to finally have a new book from Kora Knight! Breck and Kai’s book has been a long time coming, and it was so great to get back to these characters.
Breck and Kai made for a great hate-to-lovers story, it’s definitely a bit of a slow burn but with SO MUCH UST during their interactions that you just knew it was going to build it something intense. I love that Kai saw past the king on the court personal that Breck likes to play up, and I loved that once they got past their initial antagonizing, they truly genuinely enjoyed each other's company.
I also really love that we got to see moments with them before, during, and after the events of Upending Tad and the Dungeon Black duology, and from different POVs, too! It's so great seeing Tad and Scott so solid in the later half of this book, and how Breck and the guys were seeing Tad early on in things.
Kora, get back to writing so we don't have such a long wait for the second book! I cannot wait for the continuation of this duology and an epic HEA for Breck and Kai!
I’m SO happy to finally have a new book from Kora Knight! Breck and Kai’s book has been a long time coming, and it was so great to get back to these characters.
Breck and Kai made for a great hate-to-lovers story, it’s definitely a bit of a slow burn but with SO MUCH UST during their interactions that you just knew it was going to build it something intense. I love that Kai saw past the king on the court personal that Breck likes to play up, and I loved that once they got past their initial antagonizing, they truly genuinely enjoyed each other's company.
I also really love that we got to see moments with them before, during, and after the events of Upending Tad and the Dungeon Black duology, and from different POVs, too! It's so great seeing Tad and Scott so solid in the later half of this book, and how Breck and the guys were seeing Tad early on in things.
Kora, get back to writing so we don't have such a long wait for the second book! I cannot wait for the continuation of this duology and an epic HEA for Breck and Kai!
February 4, 2022
Fans of the Queen of Edge have been patiently waiting for her return for a while now and Tamed sates our hunger perfectly.
Breck and Kai's story (well, the first half) has all the well described pining and sexual tension we expect from this brilliant writer and for returning fans, you will get to see all your favouries including Scott and Tad and Max and Sean. There's even a spectacular nod to Nira that had me squealing like a little fangirl!!
For new readers, you could completely read this as a standalone. This story is paced to string out the sexual tension while giving the reader all the juicy details of both characters thoughts and feelings.
The book concludes at a satisfactory point with a clear idea of where the second book in the duology is likely to take us.
This book is full of smart dialogue, colourful characters and enough sexual tension to have you salivating. An intelligent and sexy read!
Breck and Kai's story (well, the first half) has all the well described pining and sexual tension we expect from this brilliant writer and for returning fans, you will get to see all your favouries including Scott and Tad and Max and Sean. There's even a spectacular nod to Nira that had me squealing like a little fangirl!!
For new readers, you could completely read this as a standalone. This story is paced to string out the sexual tension while giving the reader all the juicy details of both characters thoughts and feelings.
The book concludes at a satisfactory point with a clear idea of where the second book in the duology is likely to take us.
This book is full of smart dialogue, colourful characters and enough sexual tension to have you salivating. An intelligent and sexy read!
February 5, 2022
Not a 5 star read yet!!. I'm having high hopes for the sequel.
Not a 5 star read because I was dying because of the UST. Kora Knight does this pretty well. It took me long time to get into the story. A very slow burn. I wanted to smack Breck the same time as I wanted to hug him. He sure makes it difficult for himself.
And Kai.... Kai.. I hope Breck will become everything you long for!
Ooh wasn't it lovely to see Tad and Scott again.
So, picture time:
Not a 5 star read because I was dying because of the UST. Kora Knight does this pretty well. It took me long time to get into the story. A very slow burn. I wanted to smack Breck the same time as I wanted to hug him. He sure makes it difficult for himself.
And Kai.... Kai.. I hope Breck will become everything you long for!
Ooh wasn't it lovely to see Tad and Scott again.
So, picture time:
January 9, 2024
RECENSIONE A CURA DI SLANIF
Breck Harland è il playmaker della squadra di basket del college e tutti tendono a venerarlo per il suo talento e il bell’aspetto. Breck è abituato a essere nella posizione più alta della catena alimentare, perciò quando incontra il maestro di arti marziali Kai Nakado, che lo tratta in tutti i modi tranne che come una celebrità, il ragazzo è sia furioso che incuriosito dall’uomo poco più vecchio di lui.
A questo si deve aggiungere un’attrazione cocente, che li spinge l’uno verso l’altro come due magneti.
Tuttavia, né Breck né Kai sono emotivamente disponibili. Il primo perché ha un promettente futuro nel basket e non può assolutamente metterlo a repentaglio facendo coming out come bisessuale; il secondo perché ha già avuto una relazione fallimentare alle spalle con qualcuno che aveva priorità molto differenti dalle sue, perciò non può rischiare.
Riusciranno questi due giovani uomini a trovare un modo per capirsi davvero, abbassare le loro difese e innamorarsi?
Continua sul nostro blog!
Breck Harland è il playmaker della squadra di basket del college e tutti tendono a venerarlo per il suo talento e il bell’aspetto. Breck è abituato a essere nella posizione più alta della catena alimentare, perciò quando incontra il maestro di arti marziali Kai Nakado, che lo tratta in tutti i modi tranne che come una celebrità, il ragazzo è sia furioso che incuriosito dall’uomo poco più vecchio di lui.
A questo si deve aggiungere un’attrazione cocente, che li spinge l’uno verso l’altro come due magneti.
Tuttavia, né Breck né Kai sono emotivamente disponibili. Il primo perché ha un promettente futuro nel basket e non può assolutamente metterlo a repentaglio facendo coming out come bisessuale; il secondo perché ha già avuto una relazione fallimentare alle spalle con qualcuno che aveva priorità molto differenti dalle sue, perciò non può rischiare.
Riusciranno questi due giovani uomini a trovare un modo per capirsi davvero, abbassare le loro difese e innamorarsi?
Continua sul nostro blog!
January 31, 2022
“𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙚, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙟𝙚𝙟𝙖…” 𝙃𝙚 𝙧𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝘽𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙠’𝙨 𝙗𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙤𝙙𝙮 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠. “𝙄’𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙬𝙤.”
man i LOVED this book. not that i expected anything different, i’ve loved every book i’ve read by her.
tamed is the first in a spin-off duet about two characters that have been hinted at in the other books. kai is the owner of a dojang where he teaches taekwondo, mainly to the local college students. he’s also a shibari instructor. he’s calm and level headed and all about respect and i just LOVED that about him. breck is a basketball player, so good that he’s regarded as the king. he’s hot-headed and cocky. so when he walks into kai’s dojang, kai decides to take him down a couple pegs, and that equals EXTREMELY hot tension. their banter and heated stares were just everything! but by the end, kai finally manages to break through breck’s tough exterior a little and then BOOM! the end. i can’t wait for the conclusion to this duet. 5/5 stars
man i LOVED this book. not that i expected anything different, i’ve loved every book i’ve read by her.
tamed is the first in a spin-off duet about two characters that have been hinted at in the other books. kai is the owner of a dojang where he teaches taekwondo, mainly to the local college students. he’s also a shibari instructor. he’s calm and level headed and all about respect and i just LOVED that about him. breck is a basketball player, so good that he’s regarded as the king. he’s hot-headed and cocky. so when he walks into kai’s dojang, kai decides to take him down a couple pegs, and that equals EXTREMELY hot tension. their banter and heated stares were just everything! but by the end, kai finally manages to break through breck’s tough exterior a little and then BOOM! the end. i can’t wait for the conclusion to this duet. 5/5 stars
January 30, 2022
*I highly recommend reading these in order of publication: Upending Tad series, The Dungeon Black Duology, and then this.*
I want to start with how I love how these duologies overlap with the original Upending Tad timeline. We get to see certain scenes from other peoples perspective and I enjoy it immensely. You actually get to find out what those people were thinking.
But seriously. Kai is amazing. I adore him. I love how sensual he is without really even trying. It seems just inherent. And between the martial arts and the shibari… damn.
Seeing Breck’s side of the story is rough. It seems like the typical “driven college kid wanted to go pro”, but it’s also more. And man do I just want him to accept himself and try, but I also understand the world isn’t perfect.
I really appreciate that as soon as they meet, it’s like their mere existence throws them off-kilter. Like the world just changed and they don’t know why or how it happened and now they’re scrabbling to find purchase. And the chemistry… my gods this slow burn is beautiful.
“To win a fight, one must be humble,” Kai pointed out. “Otherwise, we run the risk of underestimating our opponent.”
Now I need the second book…
Also, loved the shout out to Nira!
I want to start with how I love how these duologies overlap with the original Upending Tad timeline. We get to see certain scenes from other peoples perspective and I enjoy it immensely. You actually get to find out what those people were thinking.
But seriously. Kai is amazing. I adore him. I love how sensual he is without really even trying. It seems just inherent. And between the martial arts and the shibari… damn.
Seeing Breck’s side of the story is rough. It seems like the typical “driven college kid wanted to go pro”, but it’s also more. And man do I just want him to accept himself and try, but I also understand the world isn’t perfect.
I really appreciate that as soon as they meet, it’s like their mere existence throws them off-kilter. Like the world just changed and they don’t know why or how it happened and now they’re scrabbling to find purchase. And the chemistry… my gods this slow burn is beautiful.
“To win a fight, one must be humble,” Kai pointed out. “Otherwise, we run the risk of underestimating our opponent.”
Now I need the second book…
Also, loved the shout out to Nira!
October 2, 2022
The slowest of slow burns but worth it
After reading Upending Tad, I was happy that we got a Breck and Kai book. Their passive aggressive behavior towards each other was a bit annoying but keep reading and it does get better… eventually.
Side note: It’s pretty obvious that this author has zero clue how college basketball works. The last part of the season is the Tournament NOT the playoffs. These games are played on a neutral court for the most part. There are no “ home” games. Basic research would tell you that. It’s a win or you are out type tournament. Just a few niggles that annoyed me.
But the ropes part she does get, thankfully. The shabari is hot and I’m glad Breck FINALLY let go for a change. Now off to read book 2…
After reading Upending Tad, I was happy that we got a Breck and Kai book. Their passive aggressive behavior towards each other was a bit annoying but keep reading and it does get better… eventually.
Side note: It’s pretty obvious that this author has zero clue how college basketball works. The last part of the season is the Tournament NOT the playoffs. These games are played on a neutral court for the most part. There are no “ home” games. Basic research would tell you that. It’s a win or you are out type tournament. Just a few niggles that annoyed me.
But the ropes part she does get, thankfully. The shabari is hot and I’m glad Breck FINALLY let go for a change. Now off to read book 2…
January 31, 2022
What is there to say about this duo, a lot but we don't want to give away any spoilers. Kora Knight is at her very best in this book where the steam and chemistry between both Breck and Kai simmers. Only like always she leaves you hungering for more. I might have had to wait three years for this story but it was so worth it... taps the screen now I need the rest of it!
February 4, 2022
In the original Upending Tad: The Complete Series Kai came across as a bit arrogant, cocky guy. He was always trying to piss Breck off and Breck kept pushing back, getting frustrated and angry. I really like that here we get to see the entire length of their “relationship” with each other. From first meeting, to their own POV of events that happened in Tad and Scott’s book and subsequently Max and Sean’s. The interweaving storyline is great. i like how each book is technically standalone but if you love this universe you get to see all the colours and how everything all plays out.
Because Kai isn’t the cocky guy I thought he was. He’s actually the opposite. It’s just when these two get together there’s tension and fireworks and mistaken intentions for days. They light up when they get together. But they can’t actually get together because they just aren’t on the same page so they are at loggerheads for most of this.
Kai’s a grown man. Breck is young guy, living the life of a sports star and that’s essentially stunted his growth as a person. Until he takes his head out of his arse they’ll never work.
I’ve known guys exactly like Breck. Home town heroes who get worshipped for putting a ball through a hoop and who have overinflated egos due to all the arse-kissing. I think that’s why I also didn’t hate him. He’s a bit annoying tbh. Attractive, yes. But so incredibly selfish and naive to the world outside the bubble he’s been living in. He’s only tolerable when he’s with his actual friends. And away from the toxic relationship he has with his father and his basketball buddies.
So this is a very slow burn. And it is a duology so don’t expect much satisfaction yet. I enjoyed most of the push and pull here. These two just aren’t ready to make a relationship between them work yet but they are so very drawn to each other. I can’t wait to get to book 2.
Kai is the guy for Breck. Loving him will make him a better man, I’m sure.
And I’ll just add that the small glimpse of what sexy-time with Kai is all about makes me so damn jealous of Breck. Scott may have edged Tad almost to orgasmic death but Kai seems to go for a whole mind/body stimulation explosion. He is one lucky guy.
Because Kai isn’t the cocky guy I thought he was. He’s actually the opposite. It’s just when these two get together there’s tension and fireworks and mistaken intentions for days. They light up when they get together. But they can’t actually get together because they just aren’t on the same page so they are at loggerheads for most of this.
Kai’s a grown man. Breck is young guy, living the life of a sports star and that’s essentially stunted his growth as a person. Until he takes his head out of his arse they’ll never work.
I’ve known guys exactly like Breck. Home town heroes who get worshipped for putting a ball through a hoop and who have overinflated egos due to all the arse-kissing. I think that’s why I also didn’t hate him. He’s a bit annoying tbh. Attractive, yes. But so incredibly selfish and naive to the world outside the bubble he’s been living in. He’s only tolerable when he’s with his actual friends. And away from the toxic relationship he has with his father and his basketball buddies.
So this is a very slow burn. And it is a duology so don’t expect much satisfaction yet. I enjoyed most of the push and pull here. These two just aren’t ready to make a relationship between them work yet but they are so very drawn to each other. I can’t wait to get to book 2.
Kai is the guy for Breck. Loving him will make him a better man, I’m sure.
And I’ll just add that the small glimpse of what sexy-time with Kai is all about makes me so damn jealous of Breck. Scott may have edged Tad almost to orgasmic death but Kai seems to go for a whole mind/body stimulation explosion. He is one lucky guy.
February 28, 2023
I read Kora Knight for the smut, right.
Like, she writes QUALITY smut. And I loved the Upending Tad series, because yeah it was smut, but it was smut with a story, and nice characters, and feelings! Everything I want from time to time.
So yes, I'd turned to Ms. Knight again this time. And unfortunately, she didn't deliver.
I liked Breck SO MUCH. Everyone knows by now I am a massive fan of the athlete with a soft centre kind of character. If the athlete in question is also overwhelmed and looking for something, I'm already sold. So it started off good. But... nope. I hated Kai with a passion. He was supposed to guide Breck into a new world of self-acceptance, understanding, patience and love, and what did we get? An arrogant arsehole who couldn't take his head off his arse long enough to see the person he had in front of him was actually there for him, going through so much, alone.
Plus, he behaved like a moody 15 yo and that's always a no unless you're writing of actual moody teenagers.
Anyway the sex was good, don't get me wrong. But my dislike for Kai prevented me from enjoying it fully.
So yeah. Next time I'm in the mood for smutty-but-swoony I'd re-read Tad and Scott and I'd end up happier.
so long
Like, she writes QUALITY smut. And I loved the Upending Tad series, because yeah it was smut, but it was smut with a story, and nice characters, and feelings! Everything I want from time to time.
So yes, I'd turned to Ms. Knight again this time. And unfortunately, she didn't deliver.
I liked Breck SO MUCH. Everyone knows by now I am a massive fan of the athlete with a soft centre kind of character. If the athlete in question is also overwhelmed and looking for something, I'm already sold. So it started off good. But... nope. I hated Kai with a passion. He was supposed to guide Breck into a new world of self-acceptance, understanding, patience and love, and what did we get? An arrogant arsehole who couldn't take his head off his arse long enough to see the person he had in front of him was actually there for him, going through so much, alone.
Plus, he behaved like a moody 15 yo and that's always a no unless you're writing of actual moody teenagers.
Anyway the sex was good, don't get me wrong. But my dislike for Kai prevented me from enjoying it fully.
So yeah. Next time I'm in the mood for smutty-but-swoony I'd re-read Tad and Scott and I'd end up happier.
so long
January 31, 2022
I've waited 2 years for this book. Kai and Breck are finally here and we are back with the gang. Love the Upending Tad universe and I missed everyone. But I was the most excited about finally Kai and Breck.
Dear reader, get ready, becasue this book is SLOW BURN and I mean so, so slow. Ahh, I normally don't read slow burn romances because I hate the waiting, but there are some authors who are totally worth the read. Don't get me wrong, I was frustrated as hell, becuase neither Kai nor Breck was on their back or legs in the air (LOL), I just wanted to see some action so bad. I enoyed the story, but come on, it was so steamy without being really steamy? Is it possible? They had their clothes on the whole book. They were touchy and HOT, but with clothes on! Okay... Breck in a jockstrap. That. You can count that as naked hehe.
I really enjoyed reading the book, but toward the end I was getting a bit angry because I don't have the next book to read! I need them now, I need more Kai and Breck. But most importantly, I need them to have hot sex. Okay, I'm good with an amazing BDSM scene too, because dammmn, Kai with ropes, yummy.
Loved it.
Dear reader, get ready, becasue this book is SLOW BURN and I mean so, so slow. Ahh, I normally don't read slow burn romances because I hate the waiting, but there are some authors who are totally worth the read. Don't get me wrong, I was frustrated as hell, becuase neither Kai nor Breck was on their back or legs in the air (LOL), I just wanted to see some action so bad. I enoyed the story, but come on, it was so steamy without being really steamy? Is it possible? They had their clothes on the whole book. They were touchy and HOT, but with clothes on! Okay... Breck in a jockstrap. That. You can count that as naked hehe.
I really enjoyed reading the book, but toward the end I was getting a bit angry because I don't have the next book to read! I need them now, I need more Kai and Breck. But most importantly, I need them to have hot sex. Okay, I'm good with an amazing BDSM scene too, because dammmn, Kai with ropes, yummy.
Loved it.
January 31, 2022
3.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
One of the most anticipated reads of mine for the last few years is finally here! Gosh how I’ve been looking forward to Kai and Breck’s complicated love story, however, I’m not gonna lie, I do feel some what deflated and a little frustrated with part one of this duet.
Now, I do love a slow burn with a lot of tension, however this first book was just too much of a slow burn for me. The first half of the book was pretty much a recap of what has occurred before in previous books, which was good and it was nice to have scenes with Max, Scott, Tad and Sean and it was clever how it all tied in with Brecks and Kai’s pov.
However, I needed more interaction and scenes with our handsome duo themselves. It was too many monologues in their own POV’s and certain scenes seemed to drag unnecessarily for me. I’m hoping that book 2 will bring all that interaction on and we start to get to grips with Breck finally discovering who he is and admitting his feelings towards Kai and being brave and standing up to his father. So I liked this book, but I didn’t love it, which is a real shame as this world that Kora created is just fabulous. I’m sure book 2 will hopefully bring much more hotness to what we expect from Kora.
One of the most anticipated reads of mine for the last few years is finally here! Gosh how I’ve been looking forward to Kai and Breck’s complicated love story, however, I’m not gonna lie, I do feel some what deflated and a little frustrated with part one of this duet.
Now, I do love a slow burn with a lot of tension, however this first book was just too much of a slow burn for me. The first half of the book was pretty much a recap of what has occurred before in previous books, which was good and it was nice to have scenes with Max, Scott, Tad and Sean and it was clever how it all tied in with Brecks and Kai’s pov.
However, I needed more interaction and scenes with our handsome duo themselves. It was too many monologues in their own POV’s and certain scenes seemed to drag unnecessarily for me. I’m hoping that book 2 will bring all that interaction on and we start to get to grips with Breck finally discovering who he is and admitting his feelings towards Kai and being brave and standing up to his father. So I liked this book, but I didn’t love it, which is a real shame as this world that Kora created is just fabulous. I’m sure book 2 will hopefully bring much more hotness to what we expect from Kora.
March 7, 2022
>>Review<<
3.5* for Tamed- The Courtside King Duology Book 1
Be prepared for this book to end quite abruptly.
It was just getting really really good and then, bam, it stopped!
That being said, it IS a duology, so I'm assuming it'll pretty much pick up where it left off.
•••••••••
Breck is kind of a dick. An immature dick.
I hope he can redeem himself. But Kai, his zen-a$$ apartment and his Shubari? I. AM. HERE. FOR. IT
I'm seeing subtle changes in Breck though, I think that's why I didn't want the story to stop where it did. He better wow me book 2 :p
••••••••••••••••
Fuck yeah, Ned!!
This is probably the best comparison I've ever read for the Law of Attraction (or about following your "fuck yes" as I like to think of it)
"My life's like a great big parkour course. So many ways to play it, some paths more exhilarating than others. But that's okay. Every leap of faith's fun. Although, sometimes, I do land on my ass. And that's not fun. But you know, that's par for the course. I just brush my ass off and keep on following my passion. And that makes me happy
•••••••••••••••••••
I loved the Kríe reference- you'll only catch it if you've read the story.
•••••••••
I really need the best life for Kai. I'm hoping book 2 delivers, I'm curious to see how this will play out.
3.5* for Tamed- The Courtside King Duology Book 1
Be prepared for this book to end quite abruptly.
It was just getting really really good and then, bam, it stopped!
That being said, it IS a duology, so I'm assuming it'll pretty much pick up where it left off.
•••••••••
Breck is kind of a dick. An immature dick.
I hope he can redeem himself. But Kai, his zen-a$$ apartment and his Shubari? I. AM. HERE. FOR. IT
I'm seeing subtle changes in Breck though, I think that's why I didn't want the story to stop where it did. He better wow me book 2 :p
••••••••••••••••
Fuck yeah, Ned!!
This is probably the best comparison I've ever read for the Law of Attraction (or about following your "fuck yes" as I like to think of it)
"My life's like a great big parkour course. So many ways to play it, some paths more exhilarating than others. But that's okay. Every leap of faith's fun. Although, sometimes, I do land on my ass. And that's not fun. But you know, that's par for the course. I just brush my ass off and keep on following my passion. And that makes me happy
•••••••••••••••••••
I loved the Kríe reference- you'll only catch it if you've read the story.
•••••••••
I really need the best life for Kai. I'm hoping book 2 delivers, I'm curious to see how this will play out.
January 30, 2022
3.5 Stars. I have been waiting for Kai and Breck’s story for EVER..as have most of us!! LOL I’m going to put the majority of my review as a spoiler but suffice it to say, I am chomping at the bit to read book #2 because this is where I think the story will hit its stride.
February 13, 2022
WOAH! This ends on a mean cliffhanger and at 93% no less. Now I have to wait until SUMMER until book 2 comes out. My personal opinion is that if there's a duet with a cliffhanger, book 2 should come out within 30 days, 2 months MAX. Anyway, this shall not influence my review.
I really liked this book. While the writing style if quite suggestive, the clothes say on, which makes for a new and interesting way to tell the story. I liked both Breck and Kai and their perspectives on life. (I'm also hoping that Ned & Jay will get their own book).
While I enjoyed the book, I'm finding it difficult to rate as it's half a story. 4.5 stars, tipping either way depending on how book 2 goes.
I really liked this book. While the writing style if quite suggestive, the clothes say on, which makes for a new and interesting way to tell the story. I liked both Breck and Kai and their perspectives on life. (I'm also hoping that Ned & Jay will get their own book).
While I enjoyed the book, I'm finding it difficult to rate as it's half a story. 4.5 stars, tipping either way depending on how book 2 goes.
October 30, 2024
I was expecting this to also be a Novella, but it seemed a lot lengthy than I anticipated.
Also, this actually does kinda have a solid plot line and not necessarily Erotica. Not steamy except for the rope scene, but there was so much heat and tension between Kai and Breck it would cut through iron.
Also, this actually does kinda have a solid plot line and not necessarily Erotica. Not steamy except for the rope scene, but there was so much heat and tension between Kai and Breck it would cut through iron.
dnf
June 8, 2024Says vaccines cause autism
December 1, 2022
My favourite couple of the series. Just 👌✨️
The details in every aspect of the book is what makes it even more special to me - not only the (hot af) sex scenes but the background information about the men and their lives.
The details in every aspect of the book is what makes it even more special to me - not only the (hot af) sex scenes but the background information about the men and their lives.
March 11, 2023
this draggggggged, and was not at all what I was expecting based on what we saw of the MCs in the other books. I wanted to strangle Breck through most of it and just felt annoyed> the entire time
October 29, 2025
Needless to say that my patience in waiting for this book was akin to that of a small child waiting on Santa clause to arrive!
So when I finally got my hands on this book I barely put it down!!
Now you could read this as a stand-alone but as with many authors who write books in the same universe, it really enhances the reading experience if you read the other books first.(Upending Tad & Dungeon Black).
I had happened upon this author one night when scrolling through Amazon and was very quickly sucked into the world of Tad & Scott …mainly because , well… 🥵 . This author knows how to write some smut! Hello! So those are the guys you meet early only and then there’s a host of great supporting characters we get to know a bit better in subsequent books .
This book in particular focuses on Breck, who is Tads friend and Kai, who is Scott’s and maybe (as much as anyone can be) Max’s friend too.
Breck is the embodiment of the all American
Dream boy ,he’s hot, he’s a frat boy and he’s got game (on and off the court). His cockiness and self assurance know no bounds and his sole focus in life to date has been basketball , girls, girls, girl..(oh and that one guy..😉 but pssst 🤫 ).
Enter Kai - Beautiful , Calm, Collected and definitely not willing to put up with Brecks chip on his shoulder when it comes to the art of martial arts or for that fact anything ,
he is unwilling to bow down to Brecks notoriety or sense of entitlement , thus a battle of wills begins. 🙄🙄😉😉🥵🥵
There’s a lot of tension, A LOT of eyef***ing and a lot of petulance (guess who!).
This book was a fun read, Kora Knight has a way with words , a clear talent for writing that makes it easy to devour one of her books in a short time span. This one was no different.
The first 50% of the book serves almost as a recap or different version of events type introduction. It covers what we have already experienced in her previous books. Personally this I could have possibly forgone in return for some more direct interaction between Breck and Kai. After much grumbling, staring and UST between these two we finally get to see them interact in a more intimate setting. I loved the physical interactions between these 2, as is always the case with Kora Knight, the steam is STEAMY and the edging is on point for both the reader and the characters.
Without giving away too much, the challenges these 2 need to overcome are quite blatant from the get go and whilst we actually experience only little angst in this first instalment it is quite clear where the hurdles will be for these guys.
The sneak peak of the first chapter for book 2 has me super excited to find out how things play out for these guys. They clearly have great chemistry and Kai in particular is a real intriguing character. His background and general controlled disposition and personality were great to read, especially in junctions with Brecks superiority complex. This is the type of character I enjoy in my books!
So I await patiently for the next instalment :)
So when I finally got my hands on this book I barely put it down!!
Now you could read this as a stand-alone but as with many authors who write books in the same universe, it really enhances the reading experience if you read the other books first.(Upending Tad & Dungeon Black).
I had happened upon this author one night when scrolling through Amazon and was very quickly sucked into the world of Tad & Scott …mainly because , well… 🥵 . This author knows how to write some smut! Hello! So those are the guys you meet early only and then there’s a host of great supporting characters we get to know a bit better in subsequent books .
This book in particular focuses on Breck, who is Tads friend and Kai, who is Scott’s and maybe (as much as anyone can be) Max’s friend too.
Breck is the embodiment of the all American
Dream boy ,he’s hot, he’s a frat boy and he’s got game (on and off the court). His cockiness and self assurance know no bounds and his sole focus in life to date has been basketball , girls, girls, girl..(oh and that one guy..😉 but pssst 🤫 ).
Enter Kai - Beautiful , Calm, Collected and definitely not willing to put up with Brecks chip on his shoulder when it comes to the art of martial arts or for that fact anything ,
he is unwilling to bow down to Brecks notoriety or sense of entitlement , thus a battle of wills begins. 🙄🙄😉😉🥵🥵
There’s a lot of tension, A LOT of eyef***ing and a lot of petulance (guess who!).
This book was a fun read, Kora Knight has a way with words , a clear talent for writing that makes it easy to devour one of her books in a short time span. This one was no different.
The first 50% of the book serves almost as a recap or different version of events type introduction. It covers what we have already experienced in her previous books. Personally this I could have possibly forgone in return for some more direct interaction between Breck and Kai. After much grumbling, staring and UST between these two we finally get to see them interact in a more intimate setting. I loved the physical interactions between these 2, as is always the case with Kora Knight, the steam is STEAMY and the edging is on point for both the reader and the characters.
Without giving away too much, the challenges these 2 need to overcome are quite blatant from the get go and whilst we actually experience only little angst in this first instalment it is quite clear where the hurdles will be for these guys.
The sneak peak of the first chapter for book 2 has me super excited to find out how things play out for these guys. They clearly have great chemistry and Kai in particular is a real intriguing character. His background and general controlled disposition and personality were great to read, especially in junctions with Brecks superiority complex. This is the type of character I enjoy in my books!
So I await patiently for the next instalment :)
February 12, 2024
Nayeli -per RFS
.
Kai è un maestro di Taekwondo, e nel tempo libero insegna lo Shibari, una disciplina bondage, in un club BDSM. Mostra nello sguardo l’intensità e la compostezza di chi è consapevole del proprio corpo, dei propri gesti, della propria capacità. Una figura solida, matura, che sa stare “dentro” le situazioni senza imbarazzo.
Breck è un universitario che risiede nello stabile di una confraternita in cui ogni notte è una festa. È bisessuale, ma ha esplorato poco la predisposizione al maschile, preferendo le facili conquiste femminili, molto disponibili per un asso del basket che confeziona successi uno dopo l’altro. La sua grande abilità sportiva e la popolarità hanno alimentato un carattere vanitoso e pompato la naturale arroganza giovanile.
Incrociare una fiamma viva come Kai lo destabilizza. Se ne sente attratto e cerca di impressionarlo, ricercando in lui rispetto e aspettandosi il visibilio a cui le ragazze lo hanno abituato, ottenendone invece un atteggiamento di sufficienza e imperturbabile. Breck non è abbastanza sicuro della propria sessualità per poter giocare al gioco di seduzione con un uomo così intenso, e il suo atteggiamento naturale, una volta che la sua istintività viene braccata e messa a disagio dal Dom, è quello di scappare, evitando una situazione troppo complicata.
Il Maestro tirò indietro il braccio. «Concentrati.» Breck si accigliò. Si stava concentrando. O comunque ci stava provando. In sua difesa, il partner gli stava rendendo la cosa parecchio difficile. Da vicino, il suo fascino era davvero potente, ma anche un po’ intimidatorio, non avrebbe mentito al riguardo. Il modo in cui incombeva su di lui come un gatto selvatico, sempre pronto a balzare sulla preda. Il modo in cui lo scrutava, come se quegli occhi potessero vedere fin dentro la sua anima. E quella voce, che continuava a emanare calma, ma che in qualche modo gli usciva come un ruggito. Seducente, ma minacciosa. Una sfida e una minaccia insieme. Ne era attratto e stressato allo stesso tempo.
Le personalità dei ragazzi sono così diverse da rendere difficile a Breck, così impulsivo, comprendere l’atteggiamento di Kay, molto più pacato, riflessivo, contenuto ed enigmatico.
Si verificano quindi molte incomprensioni, e l’orgoglio che entrambi provano, così come le loro paure nascoste, li portano a scontri continui. Ogni volta che si vedono non fanno altro che dirsi le cose sbagliate, vuoi perché impacciati, vuoi per provocare volutamente, o semplicemente come effetto della negazione di una tensione attrattiva potenzialmente esplosiva.
Breck odia essere sottovalutato e rifiutato, è alla ricerca di approvazione, rispetto e apprezzamento (se non venerazione) per i propri meriti e successi. Nonostante sia ovvio che vi sia attrazione reciproca, continua a negarla: non è mai stato dichiarato, non ha mai avuto relazioni con uomini, e Kay lo mette ogni volta a disagio, lo deconcentra e lo allontana dai suoi obiettivi professionali e di carriera.
Kai, in effetti, si sforza di non riconoscere all’altro un valore che non si è guadagnato, intenzionato a mantenerlo su un piano di parità, se non addirittura di sottomissione in quanto suo allievo, considerandolo un ragazzino con un complesso di superiorità. Teme di rimanere di nuovo ferito come in passato, di venire messo in secondo piano, oscurato dall’ambizione, dalla supponenza di un partner che non sa dargli il giusto valore. Pur essendo più maturo, trova divertente prende un po’ in giro Breck e farlo scendere dal piedistallo, stuzzicarlo, metterlo a disagio, perché non è più intenzionato a farsi trattare male da un ragazzo arrogante e pieno di sé. Tra l’altro, l’abilità nel bondage lo rende molto intuitivo e capace di comprendere al volo la comunicazione non verbale, quindi sa come toccare i nervi scoperti e trovare i momenti giusti per dare la spinta decisiva per far perdere all’altro l’equilibrio, per spingerlo a reagire in modo esplosivo. Lo punzecchia, lo stimola, lo sollecita ad arrabbiarsi, non gli rende le cose facili perché tenta in questo modo di allontanarlo, di vendicarsi di atteggiamenti analoghi vissuti con il suo ex. Non vuole assecondare un’attrazione o qualsiasi cosa stia nascendo con un ragazzo troppo immaturo, troppo arrogante, troppo giovane.
Kai scrollò le spalle. «La mia offerta di lezioni private è ancora valida.» Breck strinse la mascella. «Perché? Per mandarmi di nuovo su di giri e poi prendermi in giro come hai fatto in passato?» Tutta quella giocosità abbandonò Kai. «È questo che pensi? Che ti stessi prendendo in giro?» Breck ridacchiò beffardo. «In quale altro modo avrei dovuto prenderla?» «Forse nel modo in cui è stata intesa.» Il suo sguardo era intenso. «Non ti stavo prendendo in giro. Ero euforico, per il tuo desiderio. Per il fatto che mi volessi tanto quanto io volevo te.»
Gli sviluppi sono piuttosto lenti e accompagnati da dilemmi interiori, ci si crogiola molto sui dettagli e forse con un po’ di impegno la dilogia avrebbe potuto rimanere in un volume unico. In ogni caso le caratterizzazioni sono molto affascinanti, molto intense. Troviamo moltissima tensione sessuale trattenuta, che viene convogliata in rabbia, ostilità, affronto, lesa maestà. Il focus rimane Breck e il percorso che lo porta a voler sperimentare l’altro lato della sua bi-sessualità, esperienza che porta con sé il problema del coming-out, specie in un contesto familiare carico di aspettative e in quello sportivo piuttosto omofobo.
Se ci si approccia alla lettura allettati dal kink del bondage, vorrei specificare che l’arte dello Shibari rappresenta solo una deliziosa ciliegina sulla torta rispetto a un romanzo che si inquadra più come sport romance, in cui ambizioni, popolarità, pressioni per ottenere risultati, eccellenza e messa in gioco della fisicità sono senza dubbio un elemento centrale. I kink per le preferenze sessuali rappresentano un interessante elemento di caratterizzazione per Kai (il gran maestro imperturbabile e intenso, capace di non farsi toccare dagli spintoni di Breck per farsi notare e dai tentativi di impressionarlo), che si inseriscono solo una volta affrontato il tema della sessualità di Breck, praticamente neofita nelle relazioni con gli uomini.
Qualcosa balenò negli occhi di Kai. «Che altro?» Breck incontrò il suo sguardo, all’improvviso diffidente. «Completamente indifeso.» «Mmm.» Kai inclinò la testa e lo guardò. «Mi hai detto che ti fidavi di me.» Il cuore gli batteva per il nervosismo, e Breck deglutì. «Mi fido.» «Quindi credi che ti terrò al sicuro.» Lui ci pensò su. Non sapeva perché, ma era certo che Kai lo avrebbe fatto. «Sì.» Le ciglia di Kai si abbassarono. Così come la sua voce. «E come ti fa sentire questo? Sapere che, mentre sei sotto le mie cure, non permetterò che ti accada nulla di male.» Il battito cardiaco gli accelerò mentre rifletteva sulla sua domanda. «Apprezzato?» offrì dolcemente Kai. «Amato?» Qualcosa nel profondo del suo petto si ammorbidì, una scintilla di desiderio prese vita come non aveva mai sperimentato prima. «Sì.» Breck annuì, la sua voce era appena un rantolo.
Piccola annotazione: ho diverse perplessità sul fatto che un campione di basket possa continuare a collezionare risultati da NBA pur passando le serate a ubriacarsi. Se questo rispecchia davvero le università americane, probabilmente i ragazzi escono laureati ma con seri problemi di alcolismo e dipendenze. Spero che l’argomento venga adeguatamente affrontato nel prossimo libro, perché il messaggio che passa non è proprio sano né realistico.
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Kai è un maestro di Taekwondo, e nel tempo libero insegna lo Shibari, una disciplina bondage, in un club BDSM. Mostra nello sguardo l’intensità e la compostezza di chi è consapevole del proprio corpo, dei propri gesti, della propria capacità. Una figura solida, matura, che sa stare “dentro” le situazioni senza imbarazzo.
Breck è un universitario che risiede nello stabile di una confraternita in cui ogni notte è una festa. È bisessuale, ma ha esplorato poco la predisposizione al maschile, preferendo le facili conquiste femminili, molto disponibili per un asso del basket che confeziona successi uno dopo l’altro. La sua grande abilità sportiva e la popolarità hanno alimentato un carattere vanitoso e pompato la naturale arroganza giovanile.
Incrociare una fiamma viva come Kai lo destabilizza. Se ne sente attratto e cerca di impressionarlo, ricercando in lui rispetto e aspettandosi il visibilio a cui le ragazze lo hanno abituato, ottenendone invece un atteggiamento di sufficienza e imperturbabile. Breck non è abbastanza sicuro della propria sessualità per poter giocare al gioco di seduzione con un uomo così intenso, e il suo atteggiamento naturale, una volta che la sua istintività viene braccata e messa a disagio dal Dom, è quello di scappare, evitando una situazione troppo complicata.
Il Maestro tirò indietro il braccio. «Concentrati.» Breck si accigliò. Si stava concentrando. O comunque ci stava provando. In sua difesa, il partner gli stava rendendo la cosa parecchio difficile. Da vicino, il suo fascino era davvero potente, ma anche un po’ intimidatorio, non avrebbe mentito al riguardo. Il modo in cui incombeva su di lui come un gatto selvatico, sempre pronto a balzare sulla preda. Il modo in cui lo scrutava, come se quegli occhi potessero vedere fin dentro la sua anima. E quella voce, che continuava a emanare calma, ma che in qualche modo gli usciva come un ruggito. Seducente, ma minacciosa. Una sfida e una minaccia insieme. Ne era attratto e stressato allo stesso tempo.
Le personalità dei ragazzi sono così diverse da rendere difficile a Breck, così impulsivo, comprendere l’atteggiamento di Kay, molto più pacato, riflessivo, contenuto ed enigmatico.
Si verificano quindi molte incomprensioni, e l’orgoglio che entrambi provano, così come le loro paure nascoste, li portano a scontri continui. Ogni volta che si vedono non fanno altro che dirsi le cose sbagliate, vuoi perché impacciati, vuoi per provocare volutamente, o semplicemente come effetto della negazione di una tensione attrattiva potenzialmente esplosiva.
Breck odia essere sottovalutato e rifiutato, è alla ricerca di approvazione, rispetto e apprezzamento (se non venerazione) per i propri meriti e successi. Nonostante sia ovvio che vi sia attrazione reciproca, continua a negarla: non è mai stato dichiarato, non ha mai avuto relazioni con uomini, e Kay lo mette ogni volta a disagio, lo deconcentra e lo allontana dai suoi obiettivi professionali e di carriera.
Kai, in effetti, si sforza di non riconoscere all’altro un valore che non si è guadagnato, intenzionato a mantenerlo su un piano di parità, se non addirittura di sottomissione in quanto suo allievo, considerandolo un ragazzino con un complesso di superiorità. Teme di rimanere di nuovo ferito come in passato, di venire messo in secondo piano, oscurato dall’ambizione, dalla supponenza di un partner che non sa dargli il giusto valore. Pur essendo più maturo, trova divertente prende un po’ in giro Breck e farlo scendere dal piedistallo, stuzzicarlo, metterlo a disagio, perché non è più intenzionato a farsi trattare male da un ragazzo arrogante e pieno di sé. Tra l’altro, l’abilità nel bondage lo rende molto intuitivo e capace di comprendere al volo la comunicazione non verbale, quindi sa come toccare i nervi scoperti e trovare i momenti giusti per dare la spinta decisiva per far perdere all’altro l’equilibrio, per spingerlo a reagire in modo esplosivo. Lo punzecchia, lo stimola, lo sollecita ad arrabbiarsi, non gli rende le cose facili perché tenta in questo modo di allontanarlo, di vendicarsi di atteggiamenti analoghi vissuti con il suo ex. Non vuole assecondare un’attrazione o qualsiasi cosa stia nascendo con un ragazzo troppo immaturo, troppo arrogante, troppo giovane.
Kai scrollò le spalle. «La mia offerta di lezioni private è ancora valida.» Breck strinse la mascella. «Perché? Per mandarmi di nuovo su di giri e poi prendermi in giro come hai fatto in passato?» Tutta quella giocosità abbandonò Kai. «È questo che pensi? Che ti stessi prendendo in giro?» Breck ridacchiò beffardo. «In quale altro modo avrei dovuto prenderla?» «Forse nel modo in cui è stata intesa.» Il suo sguardo era intenso. «Non ti stavo prendendo in giro. Ero euforico, per il tuo desiderio. Per il fatto che mi volessi tanto quanto io volevo te.»
Gli sviluppi sono piuttosto lenti e accompagnati da dilemmi interiori, ci si crogiola molto sui dettagli e forse con un po’ di impegno la dilogia avrebbe potuto rimanere in un volume unico. In ogni caso le caratterizzazioni sono molto affascinanti, molto intense. Troviamo moltissima tensione sessuale trattenuta, che viene convogliata in rabbia, ostilità, affronto, lesa maestà. Il focus rimane Breck e il percorso che lo porta a voler sperimentare l’altro lato della sua bi-sessualità, esperienza che porta con sé il problema del coming-out, specie in un contesto familiare carico di aspettative e in quello sportivo piuttosto omofobo.
Se ci si approccia alla lettura allettati dal kink del bondage, vorrei specificare che l’arte dello Shibari rappresenta solo una deliziosa ciliegina sulla torta rispetto a un romanzo che si inquadra più come sport romance, in cui ambizioni, popolarità, pressioni per ottenere risultati, eccellenza e messa in gioco della fisicità sono senza dubbio un elemento centrale. I kink per le preferenze sessuali rappresentano un interessante elemento di caratterizzazione per Kai (il gran maestro imperturbabile e intenso, capace di non farsi toccare dagli spintoni di Breck per farsi notare e dai tentativi di impressionarlo), che si inseriscono solo una volta affrontato il tema della sessualità di Breck, praticamente neofita nelle relazioni con gli uomini.
Qualcosa balenò negli occhi di Kai. «Che altro?» Breck incontrò il suo sguardo, all’improvviso diffidente. «Completamente indifeso.» «Mmm.» Kai inclinò la testa e lo guardò. «Mi hai detto che ti fidavi di me.» Il cuore gli batteva per il nervosismo, e Breck deglutì. «Mi fido.» «Quindi credi che ti terrò al sicuro.» Lui ci pensò su. Non sapeva perché, ma era certo che Kai lo avrebbe fatto. «Sì.» Le ciglia di Kai si abbassarono. Così come la sua voce. «E come ti fa sentire questo? Sapere che, mentre sei sotto le mie cure, non permetterò che ti accada nulla di male.» Il battito cardiaco gli accelerò mentre rifletteva sulla sua domanda. «Apprezzato?» offrì dolcemente Kai. «Amato?» Qualcosa nel profondo del suo petto si ammorbidì, una scintilla di desiderio prese vita come non aveva mai sperimentato prima. «Sì.» Breck annuì, la sua voce era appena un rantolo.
Piccola annotazione: ho diverse perplessità sul fatto che un campione di basket possa continuare a collezionare risultati da NBA pur passando le serate a ubriacarsi. Se questo rispecchia davvero le università americane, probabilmente i ragazzi escono laureati ma con seri problemi di alcolismo e dipendenze. Spero che l’argomento venga adeguatamente affrontato nel prossimo libro, perché il messaggio che passa non è proprio sano né realistico.
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