The Right to Remain

by L.A. Witt

Levi Harris has never had a reason to stay on the straight and narrow. Nothing he does is ever good enough for his family, his teachers, his bosses, his drill instructors. He can’t do anything right, so why bother trying?

Then he gets caught breaking and entering, and now he’s bound for prison. Or is he?

Austin Caldwell isn’t thrilled about being burglarized, but when he finds himself face to face with the intruder, he sees himself in those terrified eyes. He knows more than most how much prison chews people up and spits them out. Maybe, just maybe, he can save Levi from that fate.

It starts as an arrangement for Levi to work off his debt to Austin. As trust grows between them, so does an undeniable attraction. Especially as Austin begins to see untapped desires in Levi, and he begins to unlock a whole new world of sensuality for his submissive protégé.

Levi’s in heaven. He’s finally wanted. He finally belongs . For the first time in his life, he has something to lose. All he has to do is stay out of trouble.

And hope trouble doesn’t find him.

The Right to Remain is a 150,000+ word standalone contemporary gay romance with a guaranteed happy ending.

criminal activity, brief mentions of past death of a child, brief mention of past suicide, incarceration.

Genres: M M Romance, BDSM, Contemporary, Romance, Gay, LGBT, Crime

554 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 7, 2022

About the author

L.A. Witt and her husband have been exiled from Spain and sent to live in Maine because rhymes are fun. She now divides her time between writing, assuring people she is aware that Maine is cold, wondering where to put her next tattoo, and trying to reason with a surly Maine coon. Rumor has it her arch nemesis, Lauren Gallagher, is also somewhere in the wilds of New England, which is why L.A. is also spending a portion of her time training a team of spec ops lobsters.

Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.

Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

586 pages that I simply wanted to find that overnight that an additional 586 had miraculously materialized somehow. The two main characters of Levi and Austin and the way they first met, was the beginning of a spectacular story. It was a story with many, many facets. It was about human decency when faced with a situation that you know isn't everything that it seems to be at first. It's about trust, honesty and giving and getting second and even third chances. It's about hope. It's about the resilience of the human spirit. Levi was willing and trying to change his life and Austin was willing to give him that chance. Austin had at one time been where Levi was at the beginning of the story. He told Levi about his time in prison and how while it had nearly broken him, it had made him a better and prouder human being. Levi and Austin were the picture of pure perfection for one another from the beginning. It was a treat to watch their love grow and sometimes overwhelm them but yet hold them together like super glue. I thought that things were going to be smooth sailing for them until Levi's past reared its ugly head. The story at that point evidenced that all of our actions have consequences that sometimes come back to bite us when we are least expecting it. I cry over very few stories unless an animal dies or is mistreated, but the section where Levi and Austin had to at long last "pay the piper", had me hunting Kleenex. I knew that L.A. Witt seldom, if ever, writes a book that the main characters don't find happiness, but I have to say I had my doubts here. I absolutely loved the book, and it was worth every penny I paid for it. I'm waiting for the arrival of the second book Finding Mr. Right. I know this genre isn't everyone's cup of tea so please be aware that it is a same sex couple, has many sex scenes, and has mild BDSM.

[L.A. Witt]

Available February 15th.

[Book Binge: Reviews by Melissa DaSilva · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I’ve had this book on my TBR for quite a while. When I realized I love praise kink I had a friend recommend this book but I never found the time to read it as it’s a big book! I was in a weird reading mood and wanted some angst and really good story so decided to start this one. I’m so glad I did. It was such an amazing story. It was a bit too long at times but it did make sense for their story.

Austin and Levi were such an amazing pair. Both these characters did not have great upbringings and I love how that brought them together. Levi needed the chance Austin took on him and it changed both of their lives. Watching Levi realize someone would actually pick him was beautiful.

This book does have kink but it’s pretty light. Some bondage and praise kink mostly. So if you’re new to kink it’s definitely not too out there. I loved how caring Austin was as Levi’s Dom and how always made sure his sub was ok almost to a point where it felt like it was too much but it really wasn’t and was perfect for the story.

There was some angst and I had to get part of it spoiled for me so I could get through it but I’m so glad I picked up this book and took the time to read it. Don’t be scared by the size. It’s absolutely worth the read. Especially if you love praise kink. Can’t wait to read more by this author.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75stars. This was OK. It had a fairly original storyline and I enjoyed the light BDSM elements and the healthy dose of praise kink.

BUT. It was so long and drawn out and a bit boring outside the bedroom...and in it after the first time. I love long books. I really do. But this was another case of a 500+ page book that could have easily been cut down by 200 pages, at least. I ended up skimming so much of this because it was overly wordy and I was bored with it, but wanted to finish it. Nothing in this plot was worth 550 pages.

[Didi]

The cover (and blurb) hinted at what story await readers. It’s a vanilla-esque (but filled with lots of steamy, smexy, smutty scenes of) D/S intro to a newbie sub. But as expected of Witt’s writings, there’s a whole lot of issues bundled into the story and drenched our (poor) lead characters in the world of hurt.

Worry not, there’s a HEA at the end of the way for them. Only they got to suffer through the rocky and thorny path to get there. Piece of cake, eh. 😉

—- more thoughts to post soonish —-

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

**********Contains Spoilers**********

I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the speed of how Levi and Austin’s relationship progressed and I thought that their chemistry was completely off the charts. Levi has been breaking into houses and stealing from them to sell, so he has enough money to live off for years. He’s an old pro by now, and has only been caught once years prior but just got community service. He breaks into Austin’s house thinking that he’s currently at work after casing the place but gets the shock of his life when her picks the lock on the locked door thinking that something valuable must be hidden there, but it’s k*nk room filled with god knows what. Austin catches him. Levi thinks he’s completely f*cked and is definitely going to prison but Austin being an ex-com himself comes ups with a deal that Levi work for him to help with his renovations to pay off the amount of what he’d tried to sell, and Austin wont tell the cops about Levi.

Levi doesn’t know how to trust people, considering his parents are complete a*seholes and always see the worst in him and have for years, so why even try. His brothers’ who’re really successful but even with all their amazing achievements their parents just expect more out of them. I liked seeing the trust grow between them, making their budding friendship into more. Austin helps Levi explore his s*bmissive side, that he had know idea he thoroughly enjoyed. It made him feel great being able to fully let go and put his trust in Austin. Man, Austin’s HOA are on a power trip especially Mary. She was a complete and utter snob, and looked down on Austin since he’s done time before. She also was harsher on Austin than his neighbours, and she really wanted to try and catch him out on something or be that annoying that he’d leave. I’m looking forward to reading more books from LA Witt in the future. I’d definitely recommend this book and author to everyone.

[b3ttherthanwords · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[H.M.S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve really come to love every book I’ve read by L.A. Witt and this book is no exception. (I’m closing in on about 30 books at this stage - all since last summer) They all contain realistic characters who are tackling real life issues and somehow find a way to work through them.

In this story, their paths aren’t always legal and yes, they pay the price, but finding someone who accepts you, and offers up a second chance in a world where they’re often hard to come by, makes everything that much better. And if you’re with someone who understands the value of leaving a toxic relationship behind, then that’s the icing on the cake.

Levi and Austin meet in unusual circumstances. Austin gives Levi a pathway out of a crime-ridden life where everyone has given up on him and assumed the worst. Levi accepts the offer and learns that Austin has already been down the path he wants to help Levi avoid.

In opening up, Austin helps welcome Levi into an affectionate relationship that includes kink/BDSM, but also with very open discussions and rules with regard to boundaries and trust. For my part, and I’ve not read but a few romance novels with this, I don’t think this has gone as hard core as other books I’ve read. Everything is consensual (the others were, too) and limits are established without question or coercion.

Like all Witt’s books, the steamy scenes are incredibly steamy and the story as a whole was really good. Had I not needed sleep I would have read this all in one sitting.

Definitely a must read if you’ve read any of her books.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is exciting from the get-go. Levi is an accomplished burglar who breaks into Austin's home. When Austin catches him in the act, Levi experiences an opportunity for a turning point in his life. As the two men get to know each other, they develop an attraction. Can it be something more? This book is well-written and obviously well-researched in issues related to criminal incarceration, with a compassionate and realistic viewpoint. The D/s component is very low-protocol and different than many similar books in the preference of the sub. The book is rather longish with a rather detailed relationship arc, but it feels that each chapter does contribute to the overall story. The love story is a tender and life-altering one.

[Tiff]

DNF at 52%. I’m a pretty fast reader and I’ve already read ~3 hours of this and still have ~3 left. It’s just too drawn out for me for very little happening in the plot and could have been way shorter imo.

[Amanda Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Veeeery long and I found myself skimming at parts but it was still okay. I did like the support Austin gave to Levi on top of the trust that was between them.

[LWM · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a heartbreaking take on the helpless tragedy of recidivism.

I am not one who believes every paroled or convict set free after serving their sentence is incapable of reform or turning their lives around. I knew life after prison was tough for them, but the narrowminded thinking and treatment of these PEOPLE who paid the price for whatever they did is unfair. Sure, psychopaths and sociopaths may still fool the system and authorities into being set free, yet, doesn't anyone consider just how many such archetypes live among us, undetected for years, dormant until the one thing that triggers them sets them off? Life is a gamble, and just how are the truly reformed men and women in that position, some even incarcerated unjustly, going to have a chance to turn their lives around, without a second chance?

Realizing this book is fictional, and Levi's and Austin's success stories aren't the norm, I still like to believe in real life fairytales, so this book was brilliantly successful in its reveal of tragically infuriating dysfunctional parenting, the struggles a person has without solid parenting, nurturing or loving support, and a slow-building love. This author is tremendously gifted in writing stories that capture the essence of her characters' turmoils and achievements, as well as weaving in all the emotions and drama that turn it all into a great novel. Well done. Four and a half stars - only because the kink didn't do it for me.

[Hedi (Hedda) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blown away

Right from 1st page I fell in love with the book & especially Levi.
An unusual meeting but still convincing what happens after.
Great MCs (main characters), authentic, relatable (especially if you have things in common with them), not perfect, difficult pasts & presents, highs and lows.
I liked how the author put appropriate criticisms of time-relevant issues into the story and still managed to maintain the smooth flow of reading! The wagging finger wasn’t overbearing at all and didn’t put a negative weight on the reader’s shoulders. The MCs simply pointed out the issues and what negative, complicated impact they consequently either experienced themselves or saw it somewhere else.
I especially liked the concept that the MCs owned their past mistakes and actions and faced the consequences responsible-minded.

The story is narrated by first-person protagonists Levi and Austin who take turns with each chapter. A plus: At the beginning of each chapter the name of the now-narrator is mentioned.

The book is also highly recommended for readers who usually refrain from BDSM books! Levi and Austin’s dynamic as Sub & Dom is so beautiful and I liked their kind of “kink”.

All in all: Loved the plot, the MCs absolutely convinced me, pleasant arc of suspense, many emotional moments (funny, sad, stunned, lumb in throat, heart melting), a highly recommended book!

[PlaidPurplePatches · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has stolen my heart. I had no idea how much I needed to read something like this. Yep, I totally projected myself onto Levi (if I leave out the burglary thing, we're practically the same lol) and reading this lovely slow-burn with amazing, lovable, imperfect characters and wonderful, believable character development withing an incredibly healthy if unconventional relationship was unexpectedly healing for me. I ate up every single word, even though I usually fly through every book, skimming when some passages drag for too long. It took me 5 days to finish this because I had to savour every word and conversation.

I can't explain how much I loved this. It's very possibly the best thing I've ever read.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

3.5

Too long. Some parts - too much repetition. Sex scenes - were way below my standards, tbh. The whole prison thing - not rough enough or scary enough.
There were some funny moments. And the beginning was interesting, but it went downhill from there. The ending - had to force myself to finish and it just wasn’t exciting, and just plain boring. The wedding at court, since they’re both convicted felons - and their sentenced were given to them there - kinda weird. And the only romantic aspect - covering up the worst memories with the best, but still. And too much crying. Plus the fact that the 2nd brother didn’t attend for some reason. Anyway, I wouldn’t really recommend reading it - maybe just the first few chapters.

[Marsha L Respess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a long story but I am glad that I stuck with it because it was very rewarding. I liked seeing how a definitely not cute meet between Levi burgling a house and Austin the homeowner led to the beginning of an intense relationship. I liked seeing the relationship grow and deepen( you knew that Levi was a good guy because he had been treated Austin's pets so sweetly while burgling the house)and finding out that Austin was an ex-con who had gone to prison for burglary and wanted to deter Levi from committing any more crimes. The HOA lady was so annoying and I was so pissed when you learn who turned in Levi for a past burglary and the whole time he was in prison I was so nervous. Great ending to a terrific story.

[Lydia]

DNF at 60%.

For a book about kink, you’d think it wouldn’t be like 80% dialogue. And not that I hate dialogue, but it was dialogue that mirrored the characters internal monologues so it was like reading it all twice. Like, we get it. Prison is hard and came up with a lot of post-prison challenges. Do we have to go over it 15 times??

Also was way less spicy than I was anticipating. I know Witt doesn’t tend to include a ton of spice, but it was disappointing when the characters would think about a scene they just did instead of letting us read about it while it was happening. I want more action, less internal monologuing.

[Susanne Woodfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

thoroughly recommended!

This story conveys such a strong message about how much people judge without full knowledge thereby having the ability to destroy lives. It makes the world of difference for people to have a strong support network when coming out of prison.
The story of Austin and Levi is told so well, I couldn’t put it down. For anyone who has lived with nothing but negative feedback it will be familiar.
Thoroughly recommend this book !

[Sanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice read

The Right to Remain is Contemporary MM Romance. HEA. Standalone. Age-gap. Crime. Angst.

2 POV, 1st person, past tense. This kindle edition 554 pages, 14th February 2022.

This was a good read and I loved getting a lengthier book.
If you're looking for a very hardcore BDSM type book, it's not quite like that. So if you don't want such you still could very well read this one. There's a younger thief and an older ex-thief who meet and get entangled with each other and then taken with each other. There's a rocky path in sight but the obstacles will be won and there's a HEA. It's a good story though somewhere in there it was a bit like I wanted to skip ahead. But I didn't. It wasn't because of the length, I don't mind that. It just felt like going too slow just there and then.

[Dark-Kai · Rating 3 out of 5]

not alot to say on this but that it has alot of switching POV and it lags a bit and then skips over a ton of stuff and lands in 'meh' territory if you can get past the constant shift in POV and the other glaring plot holes its actually not a bad read I think this would have been alot better written in a 3rd person POV but it wasn't awful

[BookSafety Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book safety! Spoilers ahead.

Cheating: No
OM drama: No
Third act breakup: No, but they are physically separated for 10 months because of extenuating circumstances.
POV: Dual

Possible triggers (could be more, as triggers are very personal): BDSM (bondage), Dom/sub, pleasure dom, prison, emotionally absent/abusive parents, adoption, foster care

[Jennirella · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loved the story idea

But the execution was boring and both excruciatingly slow and long.
I’ve really enjoyed some of this author’s other works but this one just didn’t do much for me.

[Lidia · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, I liked the story, interesting topic and serious too, that of legal system and life after prigione. And the relationship between Austin and Levi was hot . Only one is the critic, the story was a bit too long.

[Antisocial Recluse · Rating 4 out of 5]

too long but good

This was a different take on a Dom and newbie sub getting together. (Very kink-lite, just some bondage) It mostly held my interest but could have been much shorter. Lots of education and info on incarceration but not overloaded.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lengthy book with a HEA. A petty, but skilled, burglar finds a new life. The characters grow through the course of the book and earn the HEA. There are no gifts here, they have to learn to live in the world and take the punishment they earned.

[Alexis Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good

Another great story (though maybe a touch repetitive). Point driven home and plenty of playtime in and out of bed.

Kindle own, contemporary, D/s, bondage, age gap, felons falling in love, incarceration, long novel!

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burgler, oops

He tried to rob a house and getting caught was the best thing to happen to him. Everyone had given up including himself. Now he had a chance and ...... Loved it.

[Emily]

DNF at 1% when the Kindle app told me it would take over 5 hours to read this book. Sorry.

[Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Estrellas

[Susannah Waterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty damn good

Damn loved both characters, loved the vulnerability and the language. The red hoody and the cat tho totally got me.