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The Game #5
Out of the Ashes
We screwed up, Master.
It wasn’t until I stood there alone in the ashes, raw, naked, enraged, and in more pain than I could handle that I realized we’d been wrong from the beginning. I saw our history in the rubble—all our memories, the pictures filled with devotion and laughter, my wholehearted submission to him. And we had to rewrite the ending. We had to. Kingsley and I couldn’t be over. I missed him so much that it hurt to breathe. But we had burned out.
We will burn again, baby.
Our biggest mistake had been to put an expiration date on a love destined for eternity. We’d been blinded by our kinks not lining up perfectly. We’d let fears and insecurities rule in silence, and it was time to confront them head on. We were going to expose ourselves, push every limit, and reignite. Because Tate and I belonged in the fire. We played hard and loved even harder. I wouldn’t allow the unknown to terrify us, to restrict us, even if our new path was…unconventional. Even if we brought in someone else to light the match for us.
We’ll burn together.
-
The Game Series is a BDSM series where romance meets the reality of kink. Sometimes we fall for someone we don’t match with, sometimes vanilla business gets in the way of kinky pleasure, and sometimes we have to compromise and push ourselves to overcome trauma and insecurities. No matter what, one thing is certain. This is not a perfect world—and maybe that’s why the happily ever after feels so good.
It wasn’t until I stood there alone in the ashes, raw, naked, enraged, and in more pain than I could handle that I realized we’d been wrong from the beginning. I saw our history in the rubble—all our memories, the pictures filled with devotion and laughter, my wholehearted submission to him. And we had to rewrite the ending. We had to. Kingsley and I couldn’t be over. I missed him so much that it hurt to breathe. But we had burned out.
We will burn again, baby.
Our biggest mistake had been to put an expiration date on a love destined for eternity. We’d been blinded by our kinks not lining up perfectly. We’d let fears and insecurities rule in silence, and it was time to confront them head on. We were going to expose ourselves, push every limit, and reignite. Because Tate and I belonged in the fire. We played hard and loved even harder. I wouldn’t allow the unknown to terrify us, to restrict us, even if our new path was…unconventional. Even if we brought in someone else to light the match for us.
We’ll burn together.
-
The Game Series is a BDSM series where romance meets the reality of kink. Sometimes we fall for someone we don’t match with, sometimes vanilla business gets in the way of kinky pleasure, and sometimes we have to compromise and push ourselves to overcome trauma and insecurities. No matter what, one thing is certain. This is not a perfect world—and maybe that’s why the happily ever after feels so good.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 19, 2022
166 people are currently reading
771 people want to read
About the author
Cara Dee
97 books4,098 followers
I'm often stoically silent or, if the topic interests me, a chronic rambler. In other words, I can discuss writing forever and ever. Fiction, in particular. The love story—while a huge draw and constantly present—is secondary for me, because there's so much more to writing romance fiction than just making two (or more) people fall in love and have hot sex. There's a world to build, characters to develop, interests to create, and a topic or two to research thoroughly. Every book is a challenge for me, an opportunity to learn something new, and a puzzle to piece together. I want my characters to come to life, and the only way I know to do that is to give them substance—passions, history, goals, quirks, and strong opinions—and to let them evolve. Additionally, I want my men and women to be relatable. That means allowing room for everyday problems and, for lack of a better word, flaws. My characters will never be perfect.
Wait…this was supposed to be about me, not my writing.
I'm a writey person who loves to write. Always wanderlusting, twitterpating, kinking, and geeking. There's time for hockey and cupcakes, too. But mostly, I just love to write.
I'm often stoically silent or, if the topic interests me, a chronic rambler. In other words, I can discuss writing forever and ever. Fiction, in particular. The love story—while a huge draw and constantly present—is secondary for me, because there's so much more to writing romance fiction than just making two (or more) people fall in love and have hot sex. There's a world to build, characters to develop, interests to create, and a topic or two to research thoroughly. Every book is a challenge for me, an opportunity to learn something new, and a puzzle to piece together. I want my characters to come to life, and the only way I know to do that is to give them substance—passions, history, goals, quirks, and strong opinions—and to let them evolve. Additionally, I want my men and women to be relatable. That means allowing room for everyday problems and, for lack of a better word, flaws. My characters will never be perfect.
Wait…this was supposed to be about me, not my writing.
I'm a writey person who loves to write. Always wanderlusting, twitterpating, kinking, and geeking. There's time for hockey and cupcakes, too. But mostly, I just love to write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
July 10, 2022
Having been slightly disappointed with book four of this series, I fell right back in love with it with this powerhouse of a kink exploration.
It's difficult to describe the set-up of the players involved, so I won't, but I'll just say that it was genius to have the heart-break moment take place right at the start of the book and then work out from that to re-uniting Kingsley and Tate.
The kink also just pushed every button, some I already knew I loved, others I'd not really thought much about before but have now definitely discovered that reading about it is very much volcanic hot.
Narrative wise, there's a cool secondary thread running through the book leading up to the next big Game event which I also thoroughly enjoyed and I'm intrigued by what's going on in the background with some of the other McLean House members.
Lee and Tate have such a powerfully connected relationship it's traumatic to read how badly they function after the split so I very much appreciated we got that out of the way at the start and not at the more typical 75% mark of the book - thanks for breaking the Third Act breakup rule Cara!
The kinks they explored once Franklin comes into their lives, as both catalyst for the break up and as the means by which they reconnect, were spectacular and OMG I was sold on it all.
Cannot wait for the next book and the little bomb Cara drops at the end of this book was all ends up a hook I'm willing to hang on until we get the next one.
Also the covers for this book series are insanely hot.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
It's difficult to describe the set-up of the players involved, so I won't, but I'll just say that it was genius to have the heart-break moment take place right at the start of the book and then work out from that to re-uniting Kingsley and Tate.
The kink also just pushed every button, some I already knew I loved, others I'd not really thought much about before but have now definitely discovered that reading about it is very much volcanic hot.
Narrative wise, there's a cool secondary thread running through the book leading up to the next big Game event which I also thoroughly enjoyed and I'm intrigued by what's going on in the background with some of the other McLean House members.
Lee and Tate have such a powerfully connected relationship it's traumatic to read how badly they function after the split so I very much appreciated we got that out of the way at the start and not at the more typical 75% mark of the book - thanks for breaking the Third Act breakup rule Cara!
The kinks they explored once Franklin comes into their lives, as both catalyst for the break up and as the means by which they reconnect, were spectacular and OMG I was sold on it all.
Cannot wait for the next book and the little bomb Cara drops at the end of this book was all ends up a hook I'm willing to hang on until we get the next one.
Also the covers for this book series are insanely hot.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
April 21, 2022
4.5 Stars
I love this series more and more with each book, it seems. Gah!
I love this series more and more with each book, it seems. Gah!
April 13, 2022
* 5 stars *
What a journey! Cara Dee sure did it again!
My emotions were all over the place as I was reading this. It took me about twelve hours to finish it, which is a good indication of how wholly and effortlessly the story sucked me in.
Tate and Kingsley were amazing. They were perfect together, and I loved every second of them on the page. I liked that we got to see an established couple struggling to come back together and build a solid foundation that would last forever. Communication and honesty were key elements to making their second chance work. I loved how open they were with each other and how secure they felt in their relationship once they talked more openly about what bothered them in the past.
They also explored new aspects of their relationship, new kinks, and new dynamics. They'd been together for six years already, and they became lost somewhere along the way. Finding their way back to each other was glorious to witness.
I wouldn't say I liked Franklin's character too much. He was selfish and unkind to those he was calling his friends. He had a one-track mind and didn't have any qualms as long as he got what he wanted. But that's not his story, even though he was a relatively significant part of it.
Tate and Kingsley, though! I loved them so much! Tate was kind and funny. He was loyal and strong. He was the perfect pet for his Master and the ideal partner for Kingsley. Kingsley, for his part, was assertive, confident, and caring. He was a sweetheart. He adored and loved Tate with his whole heart.
They were both prepared to put in all the work required to give their relationship a second chance. They were destined to be together even if they sometimes needed things that the other couldn't provide. But they made that work, too, with honesty, communication, and determination.
I guess this can be read as a standalone even if there are many side characters, some of whom have their own stories or have been side characters before. I don't think you'll feel lost as Cara Dee does a great job of focusing on the main characters each time. But my honest suggestion is to read every book in this series because they're all soooooo good. There's a strong sense of community, and it's nice to see what the previous characters are up to or to follow the snippets of some of the side characters' lives.
The next two books in the series will be a duet about three characters, and there was a delicious scene between them. I can't wait to read their whole story!
~ Copy provided by Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ~
What a journey! Cara Dee sure did it again!
My emotions were all over the place as I was reading this. It took me about twelve hours to finish it, which is a good indication of how wholly and effortlessly the story sucked me in.
Tate and Kingsley were amazing. They were perfect together, and I loved every second of them on the page. I liked that we got to see an established couple struggling to come back together and build a solid foundation that would last forever. Communication and honesty were key elements to making their second chance work. I loved how open they were with each other and how secure they felt in their relationship once they talked more openly about what bothered them in the past.
They also explored new aspects of their relationship, new kinks, and new dynamics. They'd been together for six years already, and they became lost somewhere along the way. Finding their way back to each other was glorious to witness.
I wouldn't say I liked Franklin's character too much. He was selfish and unkind to those he was calling his friends. He had a one-track mind and didn't have any qualms as long as he got what he wanted. But that's not his story, even though he was a relatively significant part of it.
Tate and Kingsley, though! I loved them so much! Tate was kind and funny. He was loyal and strong. He was the perfect pet for his Master and the ideal partner for Kingsley. Kingsley, for his part, was assertive, confident, and caring. He was a sweetheart. He adored and loved Tate with his whole heart.
They were both prepared to put in all the work required to give their relationship a second chance. They were destined to be together even if they sometimes needed things that the other couldn't provide. But they made that work, too, with honesty, communication, and determination.
I guess this can be read as a standalone even if there are many side characters, some of whom have their own stories or have been side characters before. I don't think you'll feel lost as Cara Dee does a great job of focusing on the main characters each time. But my honest suggestion is to read every book in this series because they're all soooooo good. There's a strong sense of community, and it's nice to see what the previous characters are up to or to follow the snippets of some of the side characters' lives.
The next two books in the series will be a duet about three characters, and there was a delicious scene between them. I can't wait to read their whole story!
~ Copy provided by Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ~
May 1, 2022
I just didn't care about Franklin here. His character was not appealing in the least, and I am glad he wasn't a permanent fixture in Tate and Kingsley's relationship. I suppose his presence served a purpose, but I didn't feel it. I wouldn't want him around if I were Tate.
I loved Lee and Tate together, although I think I might be kinda over BDSM. Maybe.
The Games were fun though!
I loved Lee and Tate together, although I think I might be kinda over BDSM. Maybe.
The Games were fun though!
April 20, 2022
The first quarter of this book was amazing. When Dee does relationship angst, she nails it. I never warmed up to Franklin though. He's not the type of "friend" I like. Tate and Kingsley were awesome.
August 27, 2025
4.5 stars
Tate and Kingsley might just be my favorite couple in the whole series so far and this book was the most romantic, which is kind of ironic, considering in which situation they find themselves at the beginning and the nature of the kink involved in this story.
If you’ve read the blurb or the previous books, it doesn’t come as a surprise that the story starts with them in the final stage of breaking up after six years together. There were a lot of red flags for me about this couple when they were introduced in the previous books, in book 3 Tate told Shay that So, yeah, red flags everywhere…and I was fully expecting that at best this would turn out to be the book in which Kingsley and Tate got back together because of their dynamic evolving and including Franklin as their third in their relationship.
I wasn’t a big fan of Franklin. I didn’t dislike him, but considering how selfish his actions and thoughts seemed at times, especially compared to the other two who were in the middle of imploding for the pain of missing (and being furious with) each other, I failed to see how this would click into something I could like. Kingsley and Tate did the trick. They’re so perfect for each other and the break-up and what followed was written so well that I found myself rooting for a couple I barely knew as if I’d been in a middle-of-a-series-break-up scenario.
Franklin didn’t turn out to be a bad guy at all, just one He’s actually pretty kind and thoughtful toward other people, when .
To clear any misunderstanding, you may find this labeled as MMM,
This is one of those cases where something shouldn’t have worked for me, but the writing made it so. I think the author struck the right chord when she balanced Kingsley and Tate’s with a ton of romance (not the sappy kind). The only way that kind of play could work would be with a rock-solid couple, with zero doubts that it was only play. She completely hit the mark with them.
It was also interesting to see how they worked through their different experience of their relationship and how they realized and once that was fixed, they could go on to make their relationship stronger than ever.
The part about at the end was pure evil on the author’s part, though. At least it was made clear that . Just when I started considering taking a break to review what I had read so far…I guess I shouldn’t complain, at least I had the rest of the series waiting for me. For the record, no, this doesn’t end in a cliffhanger, just with an appetizer for the rest of the series about something not related to the MCs of this book.
Tate and Kingsley might just be my favorite couple in the whole series so far and this book was the most romantic, which is kind of ironic, considering in which situation they find themselves at the beginning and the nature of the kink involved in this story.
If you’ve read the blurb or the previous books, it doesn’t come as a surprise that the story starts with them in the final stage of breaking up after six years together. There were a lot of red flags for me about this couple when they were introduced in the previous books, in book 3 Tate told Shay that So, yeah, red flags everywhere…and I was fully expecting that at best this would turn out to be the book in which Kingsley and Tate got back together because of their dynamic evolving and including Franklin as their third in their relationship.
I wasn’t a big fan of Franklin. I didn’t dislike him, but considering how selfish his actions and thoughts seemed at times, especially compared to the other two who were in the middle of imploding for the pain of missing (and being furious with) each other, I failed to see how this would click into something I could like. Kingsley and Tate did the trick. They’re so perfect for each other and the break-up and what followed was written so well that I found myself rooting for a couple I barely knew as if I’d been in a middle-of-a-series-break-up scenario.
Franklin didn’t turn out to be a bad guy at all, just one He’s actually pretty kind and thoughtful toward other people, when .
To clear any misunderstanding, you may find this labeled as MMM,
This is one of those cases where something shouldn’t have worked for me, but the writing made it so. I think the author struck the right chord when she balanced Kingsley and Tate’s with a ton of romance (not the sappy kind). The only way that kind of play could work would be with a rock-solid couple, with zero doubts that it was only play. She completely hit the mark with them.
It was also interesting to see how they worked through their different experience of their relationship and how they realized and once that was fixed, they could go on to make their relationship stronger than ever.
The part about at the end was pure evil on the author’s part, though. At least it was made clear that . Just when I started considering taking a break to review what I had read so far…I guess I shouldn’t complain, at least I had the rest of the series waiting for me. For the record, no, this doesn’t end in a cliffhanger, just with an appetizer for the rest of the series about something not related to the MCs of this book.
August 11, 2023
This has fast become one of my favorite series by one of my favorite authors...and thank you Ms. Dee for every one of the 13 books that compose it...and why aren't you busy writing more??? One of the reasons that I love this series is because of these wonderful characters that have come together because they share a fetish that a lot of folks just wouldn't understand. In book #1 you will meet the Kingsly twins that are responsible for entire thing. I read a lot of this genera and even I have trouble comprehending why anyone would want to do some of what goes on in these "games"...but I totally respect and will defend any adults absolute right to do it...and yeah...I'll keep reading about it! Cara Dee has created a totally solid community here with, and for, like -minded adults that want/need something a little less than "vanilla". There is so much love between them all... and not just sex...but unconditional...be there for you no matter what... love. The first part of this story is a bit painful as Tate and Kingsley are reeling from their breakup, but don't fret...they aren't over yet and are working on their relationship. The addition of newly out and "kink-curious" single dad, Franklin, really made things interesting. Love his little daughter, Lily. We hear a lot from Franklin’s perspective, but the story is really about Kingsley and Tate. Each of the books feature a monthly “Game” that the club members are all invited to play, or not play and just observe. They can come as couples or alone. The submissives are called "brats" most of the time in this series because their behavior is most of the time very "bratty" and they are hilarious, since some of or all of them are always together. The books can be read out of order, but the characters from previous books all appear again in each new addition...and they have all been absolutely incredible I can’t imagine skipping any of these delightful people that Cara has populated this kinky community with.
May 1, 2022
brilliant series
I have run the gamut of kink, people. I always think I’ve seen it all. Cara always proves me wrong.
I REALLY don’t want to spoil so many things so my review will be a bit vague.
I will say, this book doesn’t start as it seems. There is NOT cheating. But there is sharing with extensive consent.
The kink in this book isn’t necessarily new but how it’s gone about is new and so so different. And so damn refreshing. I think this series may be some of Cara’s best. I adore her hardcore deep dive into kink. Kinks we never see anywhere else. I absolutely adore it.
This has a perspective of 3 characters but it is essentially not an MMM. That’s all I’ll say without spoiling too much. I just want to make sure those with cheating triggers are not turned off from this. Because this book dives deep into a kink from a really mature perspective. There is no toxicity which is a damn relief.
I am thirsting for Franklin’s book hardcore now though.
I have run the gamut of kink, people. I always think I’ve seen it all. Cara always proves me wrong.
I REALLY don’t want to spoil so many things so my review will be a bit vague.
I will say, this book doesn’t start as it seems. There is NOT cheating. But there is sharing with extensive consent.
The kink in this book isn’t necessarily new but how it’s gone about is new and so so different. And so damn refreshing. I think this series may be some of Cara’s best. I adore her hardcore deep dive into kink. Kinks we never see anywhere else. I absolutely adore it.
This has a perspective of 3 characters but it is essentially not an MMM. That’s all I’ll say without spoiling too much. I just want to make sure those with cheating triggers are not turned off from this. Because this book dives deep into a kink from a really mature perspective. There is no toxicity which is a damn relief.
I am thirsting for Franklin’s book hardcore now though.
April 30, 2022
This book was jarring, in a good way. From the beginning I felt off kilter. Having walked straight into the lowest moment of these mens lives. They were out of control. Irrational. Obsessive. Broken hearted. And hurting. Adrift from each other. Unable to be with each other, yet unable to fathom life without.
I got it. I’d been there.
And then Franklin wormed his way in between these two. And I have to admit I had mistakenly thought this was going to be a MMM romance. But I clearly did not read the blurb very well. Because Franklin was confusing. I couldn’t figure out why he was taking up so much page time when he was clearly not interested in any type of relationship beyond sex. He was a 47 year old man suddenly let loose and living like he was in his twenties. Young and full of cum. Only concerned with his next orgasm. Not in the least with Tate and Kingsley, romantically anyway.
It wasn’t until the end I understood. Franklin was the red herring. The catalyst for change. So, for me, this book was about learning and opening my eyes to another relationship dynamic. And while some of the kink wasn’t my thing, the communication that had to happen to bring this relationship back from the depths was.
As always the writing here is stellar. Cara Dee is upping the ante with this series and I’m totally down for it. It’s never boring. Never repetitive. And if I could get an invite to McLean House I’d be forever grateful.
I got it. I’d been there.
And then Franklin wormed his way in between these two. And I have to admit I had mistakenly thought this was going to be a MMM romance. But I clearly did not read the blurb very well. Because Franklin was confusing. I couldn’t figure out why he was taking up so much page time when he was clearly not interested in any type of relationship beyond sex. He was a 47 year old man suddenly let loose and living like he was in his twenties. Young and full of cum. Only concerned with his next orgasm. Not in the least with Tate and Kingsley, romantically anyway.
It wasn’t until the end I understood. Franklin was the red herring. The catalyst for change. So, for me, this book was about learning and opening my eyes to another relationship dynamic. And while some of the kink wasn’t my thing, the communication that had to happen to bring this relationship back from the depths was.
As always the writing here is stellar. Cara Dee is upping the ante with this series and I’m totally down for it. It’s never boring. Never repetitive. And if I could get an invite to McLean House I’d be forever grateful.
April 23, 2022
Gave up at 90%. Very disappointed.
July 10, 2022
Kingley y Tate han estado juntos los ultimos 6 años, compartiendo una vida tanto en el estilo de vida D/s, como romanticamente. Pero las tensiones y la falta de comunicacion han ido derrumbando lo que antes solia ser una base solida, por eso despues de muchas peleas se separan. El problema radica en que ninguno de los dos quiere estar alejado del otro, todavia se aman, todavia quieren compartir su vida, pero si no logran comunicar sus deseos actuales y no mantienen la comunicacion abierta su relacion esta destinada al fracaso.
Y despues de que sus amigos conspiraran para volver a unirlos, solo el amor y la esperanza, podra permitirles a ambos abrirse lo suficiente para poder recuperar la pasion y la confianza en el otro y asi poder comunicar sus deseos y evitar cualquier secreto entre ellos, solo eso les permitira tener una base solida para el futuro.
La historia tiene muchisimo drama al comienzo, muchisimas lagrimas y culpas, por eso los primeros capitulos casi me hicieron llorar. Mas adelante, comienzas a sentir la verdadera quimica de la pareja, pero no entendi mucho que tenia que ver el personaje de Richard en la relacion, mas que un juguete que ambos utilizan. No se si es parte del fetiche que el autor queria retrarar, pero la relacion entre los personajes y Richard me parecio demasiado pasivo/agresivo, como "soy tu amigo, pero voy a utilizarte para darle celos a mi novio", eso no me termino de convencer.
Ahora el juego y la interaccion de los protas con los demas integrantes del Club fue de los mas entretenida, y quizas fue lo que mas me gusto del libro. Pudimos ver que ha pasado con los otros personajes, asi como han evolucionado sus personalidades y como es cada vez mas fuerte la union entre los integrantes del club.
Voy a leer el ultimo libro del club "por ahora" (entendi que el autor todavia va a publicar otros mas para la serie), esperando que siga siendo tan entretenido como ahora.
Y despues de que sus amigos conspiraran para volver a unirlos, solo el amor y la esperanza, podra permitirles a ambos abrirse lo suficiente para poder recuperar la pasion y la confianza en el otro y asi poder comunicar sus deseos y evitar cualquier secreto entre ellos, solo eso les permitira tener una base solida para el futuro.
La historia tiene muchisimo drama al comienzo, muchisimas lagrimas y culpas, por eso los primeros capitulos casi me hicieron llorar. Mas adelante, comienzas a sentir la verdadera quimica de la pareja, pero no entendi mucho que tenia que ver el personaje de Richard en la relacion, mas que un juguete que ambos utilizan. No se si es parte del fetiche que el autor queria retrarar, pero la relacion entre los personajes y Richard me parecio demasiado pasivo/agresivo, como "soy tu amigo, pero voy a utilizarte para darle celos a mi novio", eso no me termino de convencer.
Ahora el juego y la interaccion de los protas con los demas integrantes del Club fue de los mas entretenida, y quizas fue lo que mas me gusto del libro. Pudimos ver que ha pasado con los otros personajes, asi como han evolucionado sus personalidades y como es cada vez mas fuerte la union entre los integrantes del club.
Voy a leer el ultimo libro del club "por ahora" (entendi que el autor todavia va a publicar otros mas para la serie), esperando que siga siendo tan entretenido como ahora.
November 29, 2024
Why did i read this 5 months age version 5
Ah yes, this is part of the series where its mostly now about the bdsm part. (Especially the brat part ;;1111;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
i may be a brat when im bumpin that🍏🍏🍏 but when it comes to bdsm, i hate brats, i mean for the time being, i hate sex in the first place but like...brats are the worst.
Ah yes, this is part of the series where its mostly now about the bdsm part. (Especially the brat part ;;1111;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
i may be a brat when im bumpin that🍏🍏🍏 but when it comes to bdsm, i hate brats, i mean for the time being, i hate sex in the first place but like...brats are the worst.
March 6, 2024
reread (2.5/5).
I’m still not the biggest fan of this book. I just have a few problems with how things were handled. It drove me up the walls how Lee and Franklin sort of betrayed Tate in the beginning of the book.
And apparently jealousy can be a kink. I don’t like that.
I really wish I liked this more. I was almost sure I would after a reread but nope, my opinion hasn’t really changed.
I’m not saying this book is bad. I liked the characters well enough and there was no doubt about the chemistry between Tate and Lee.
I liked Franklin, he was a great character in my opinion but I just really didn’t like his role in this book. I don’t even know why this is bugging me so much.
The Game was the only thing I really loved in this book. And the aftercare scene. That was a beautiful scene too.
———
previous rating: 2/5.
I don’t think I enjoyed this one.
I loved Tate and Lee together and I kinda understand why they needed a third to reconnect but I just didn’t like any of it.
The kink around Franklin wasn’t my cup of tee. (I generally can’t say I liked Franklin’s character. I just couldn’t connect with him…)
And The Game wasn’t for me either.
I just couldn’t connect with a single thing in this book. The plot wasn’t really good or deep for that matter, the kink wasn’t it either, and the new characters didn’t do it for me.
Fair to say that this one didn’t meet my expectations at all.
I’m still not the biggest fan of this book. I just have a few problems with how things were handled. It drove me up the walls how Lee and Franklin sort of betrayed Tate in the beginning of the book.
And apparently jealousy can be a kink. I don’t like that.
I really wish I liked this more. I was almost sure I would after a reread but nope, my opinion hasn’t really changed.
I’m not saying this book is bad. I liked the characters well enough and there was no doubt about the chemistry between Tate and Lee.
“Hope was nothing but a tiny flicker, but it was better than nothing. I prayed it would grow as we tackled our problems one by one. We were supposed to burn.”
I liked Franklin, he was a great character in my opinion but I just really didn’t like his role in this book. I don’t even know why this is bugging me so much.
“I’ll show you, Franklin,” he murmured, “that you can belong to Tate and me, that you can belong in our community, on your own terms. You can belong to whoever you want—and however many you want.”
The Game was the only thing I really loved in this book. And the aftercare scene. That was a beautiful scene too.
“For the record,” I said. “If you apologize for needing care again, I’ll make sure your thighs look like your back. Am I making myself clear?” “Yes, Sir,” he replied quickly. “Good.”
———
previous rating: 2/5.
I don’t think I enjoyed this one.
I loved Tate and Lee together and I kinda understand why they needed a third to reconnect but I just didn’t like any of it.
The kink around Franklin wasn’t my cup of tee. (I generally can’t say I liked Franklin’s character. I just couldn’t connect with him…)
And The Game wasn’t for me either.
I just couldn’t connect with a single thing in this book. The plot wasn’t really good or deep for that matter, the kink wasn’t it either, and the new characters didn’t do it for me.
Fair to say that this one didn’t meet my expectations at all.
January 2, 2026
Well... I think I learned jealousy is not my type of kink.
The first books in this series were great, but the last two books were so focused on just the bdsm part instead of the romance and love that I think I need a break.
I kept waiting on a more important role for Franklin in their dynamic but to me he mostly felt like someone who got used for two people their fantasies, not my cup of tea at all.
I might pick this series back up later in the month.
The first books in this series were great, but the last two books were so focused on just the bdsm part instead of the romance and love that I think I need a break.
I kept waiting on a more important role for Franklin in their dynamic but to me he mostly felt like someone who got used for two people their fantasies, not my cup of tea at all.
I might pick this series back up later in the month.
Read
April 13, 2022Rtc
January 7, 2023
I very much enjoyed getting to read Kingsley & Tate’s story!
I started out thinking they were going to include Franklin as a third and was sort of confused about that aspect but once I realized it was strictly play & as friends I enjoyed their dynamic even more! I just wish I wouldn’t have started this book thinking that they were all going to end up together.
Also I freaking LOVED the game in this book!!!
“It hurts too much,” I sobbed. “I can’t function without you, Lee. I’ve tried—I’ve fucking tried. I can’t.”
“You have to tell me where we went wrong and how I can fix it.” He sniffled and brushed the back of his hand over his cheek. “We used to be so happy.”
This book is basically Kingsley & Tate coming back together after separating and having a really hard time in their relationship. Once they get back together they communicate more and it helps them with trust and understanding each other in a way they struggled with before.
I love them & I can’t wait to read Franklin’s book :)
🖤Hurt/Comfort
🖤STEAM
🖤BDSM
🖤Reuniting
🖤HEA
I started out thinking they were going to include Franklin as a third and was sort of confused about that aspect but once I realized it was strictly play & as friends I enjoyed their dynamic even more! I just wish I wouldn’t have started this book thinking that they were all going to end up together.
Also I freaking LOVED the game in this book!!!
“It hurts too much,” I sobbed. “I can’t function without you, Lee. I’ve tried—I’ve fucking tried. I can’t.”
“You have to tell me where we went wrong and how I can fix it.” He sniffled and brushed the back of his hand over his cheek. “We used to be so happy.”
This book is basically Kingsley & Tate coming back together after separating and having a really hard time in their relationship. Once they get back together they communicate more and it helps them with trust and understanding each other in a way they struggled with before.
I love them & I can’t wait to read Franklin’s book :)
🖤Hurt/Comfort
🖤STEAM
🖤BDSM
🖤Reuniting
🖤HEA
April 20, 2022
Let me start by saying this. I do not blush during sex scenes. Ever. I can’t remember the last time I read a sex scene and commented out loud, “holy fuck that’s hot” and then blush immediately.
The humiliation kink? Oh, it was done well. How well, you ask? I had to pause a few times. I messaged a friend who had already read the book, then folded a load of laundry before I could go back in.
This isn’t a typical MMM book either. It really focuses on Tate and Kingsley’s relationship. Franklin is important but he’s not actually in a relationship with either man. He’s more of a secondary character who gets a couple POV chapters.
I really fucking love this entire series. Clowns and all.
The humiliation kink? Oh, it was done well. How well, you ask? I had to pause a few times. I messaged a friend who had already read the book, then folded a load of laundry before I could go back in.
This isn’t a typical MMM book either. It really focuses on Tate and Kingsley’s relationship. Franklin is important but he’s not actually in a relationship with either man. He’s more of a secondary character who gets a couple POV chapters.
I really fucking love this entire series. Clowns and all.
October 14, 2022
Weirdly fascinated by this series. I don’t normally love bdsm books. I find them interesting but often not overly enjoyable but this series has been pretty compelling. It feels like the author really knows what she is talking about and the writing is engaging. I like how this story starts a bit differently with the couple in question broken up and pining for one another. I wasn’t a fan of Franklin and could have done without his presence but then I guess that detracts from the kink aspect. I liked Tate and Kingsley and their relationship felt genuine. I also enjoy the found family/community aspect and appearances from other characters.
April 26, 2022
Whoa. how hot can this series get!🔥🔥
Kingsley and Tate are an established couple that lose trust and communication with each other. They break up for a time and come crashing back together. Promising to do better this time. AND boy do they ever.
It’s great to finally get their backstory. They have been in the other Game books but not like this. There’s some kinks in here that are ott hot! Wow. I’m not going to spoil it but I need more! The Franklin dynamic, no words 🔥🔥🔥
That end too. Always want more and more of this series. Let the next game begin…
Kingsley and Tate are an established couple that lose trust and communication with each other. They break up for a time and come crashing back together. Promising to do better this time. AND boy do they ever.
It’s great to finally get their backstory. They have been in the other Game books but not like this. There’s some kinks in here that are ott hot! Wow. I’m not going to spoil it but I need more! The Franklin dynamic, no words 🔥🔥🔥
That end too. Always want more and more of this series. Let the next game begin…
April 20, 2022
4.5 stars! First I wanna say that almost noone does kink quite as well as Cara Dee does. This is book 5 in her games series, and they are all well researched, informative, and hot AF. Even things that I would never guess cranked my tractor get me feeling squirmy in this series (Hello, interrogation play. Where have you been all my life?)
That being said, this story is so much more than kink. This is about second chances. Redemption. Trust. Communication. Finding your forever and fighting for it. This hurts in the beginning, but it puts you back together quickly.
I'm deducting half a point because several things with Franklin's involvement didn't sit well with me. Be aware that these are likely reader issues, not story issues. Overall, I found Tate and Kingsley's (Cara Dee always has the best names for her men, too!) enchanting and riveting. We got 333 pages and I still wasn't ready for it to end.
That being said, this story is so much more than kink. This is about second chances. Redemption. Trust. Communication. Finding your forever and fighting for it. This hurts in the beginning, but it puts you back together quickly.
I'm deducting half a point because several things with Franklin's involvement didn't sit well with me. Be aware that these are likely reader issues, not story issues. Overall, I found Tate and Kingsley's (Cara Dee always has the best names for her men, too!) enchanting and riveting. We got 333 pages and I still wasn't ready for it to end.
December 30, 2023
I'M IN LOVE WITH KINGSLEY AND TATE'S LOVE OHMYGOOOOOOOD 🥹🥹🥹💕💕💕
April 20, 2022
Ashes, indeed.
There was so much beauty in this book. Forgiveness, redemption, new beginnings. Don’t get me wrong, it’s hot AF, but once you look beneath the sexiness, it really is lovely.
This starts out rough. Like, ouch, rough. Lee and Tate have so much to work through and you almost don’t know how they can. They try to navigate a breakup and reconciliation while also exploring honest and clear communication within their own dynamic. There’s a lot going on. What they build back up together in a solid foundation is stronger than anything they had before. I absolutely loved Lee’s renewed commitment to Tate and his steadfast belief that Tate was his one and only.
Franklin is the unknown here and the catalyst for everything that happens. He’s finally exploring himself after a long marriage and discovering so many new facets of himself he can hardly keep up with them all. Shoot, we can hardly keep up with them all. He’s like a kid in a candy store with no budget. And while he grows on me a little throughout the book, I didn’t overly love his character. I’m not sure exactly why that is, but I’m hoping he will grow on me more when his next books comes around. Either way, he, Lee and Tate are fire together.
I’m not sure how I can encompass all the good things in this book I liked and still keep a concise review going. Between the various kinks explored, the new dynamics grown and all the old and new characters we visit, this really was a wonderful read. I am highly anticipating the new books in this series and each on will be a once click for me.
P.S. I’m going to say this ends on a slight cliffhanger. Not for our couple, but just in the story arc as a whole. So be prepared.
P.S.S Some of the kinks explored in this book could be triggering for people. CNC, humiliation, degradation to name a few. There are D/s, Daddy/Boy dynamics throughout.
There was so much beauty in this book. Forgiveness, redemption, new beginnings. Don’t get me wrong, it’s hot AF, but once you look beneath the sexiness, it really is lovely.
This starts out rough. Like, ouch, rough. Lee and Tate have so much to work through and you almost don’t know how they can. They try to navigate a breakup and reconciliation while also exploring honest and clear communication within their own dynamic. There’s a lot going on. What they build back up together in a solid foundation is stronger than anything they had before. I absolutely loved Lee’s renewed commitment to Tate and his steadfast belief that Tate was his one and only.
Franklin is the unknown here and the catalyst for everything that happens. He’s finally exploring himself after a long marriage and discovering so many new facets of himself he can hardly keep up with them all. Shoot, we can hardly keep up with them all. He’s like a kid in a candy store with no budget. And while he grows on me a little throughout the book, I didn’t overly love his character. I’m not sure exactly why that is, but I’m hoping he will grow on me more when his next books comes around. Either way, he, Lee and Tate are fire together.
I’m not sure how I can encompass all the good things in this book I liked and still keep a concise review going. Between the various kinks explored, the new dynamics grown and all the old and new characters we visit, this really was a wonderful read. I am highly anticipating the new books in this series and each on will be a once click for me.
P.S. I’m going to say this ends on a slight cliffhanger. Not for our couple, but just in the story arc as a whole. So be prepared.
P.S.S Some of the kinks explored in this book could be triggering for people. CNC, humiliation, degradation to name a few. There are D/s, Daddy/Boy dynamics throughout.
July 13, 2022
Tate & Kingsley not being together is the equivalent of the moon deciding not to exist together with night anymore…. or something like that. Some metaphor that shows how inherently necessary it is for them to be together, cause duh - they’re soulmates.
They’re break up, which was painful as hell but thankfully was not dragged out over the course of the book, was SO RELATABLE.
The only difference between when it happens IRL vs here in fiction is the couple actually *learned* from their mistakes of holding back insecurities, being defensive, & not communicating. Crazy, right?
Shoutout to Franklin 😂 The guy might have ruined everything at first but he really swooped right in like Superman & took me by surprise in the end.
FRTC
They’re break up, which was painful as hell but thankfully was not dragged out over the course of the book, was SO RELATABLE.
It’d started like a cold war about five or six months ago, things that went unsaid, biting remarks, then full-on fighting. The cheating came as the icing on the shit cake that was my life.
“It’s ironic,” he said. “Just looking at you these days makes me so goddamn angry, but I hate thinking that you really believe I’d go behind your back. I hate that you believe I would hurt you like that—and despite my anger, I don’t want you to be in pain.”
I chuckled darkly. It was either that or I broke down like a child.
Jesus Christ, why did he even bother?
The only difference between when it happens IRL vs here in fiction is the couple actually *learned* from their mistakes of holding back insecurities, being defensive, & not communicating. Crazy, right?
Shoutout to Franklin 😂 The guy might have ruined everything at first but he really swooped right in like Superman & took me by surprise in the end.
FRTC
January 30, 2025
4.25 ✨
I still can’t get over how good this series is. I’ve never read a second chance story before, but I loved the way their break up and reunion played out and showed how much they needed each other. And that both of them took really great accountability for their contributions to the break up. They were so adorable and sweet to read, and I loved their connection. That being said, the Franklin part of things made me a little uncomfortable - I think mainly because of how it started. If everyone had entered into a fake-cheating play dynamic consensually from the beginning, I don’t think I’d have a problem with it. But the fact that it started with just Franklin and Kingsley without Tate’s knowledge, and then Tate was angry about it until much later, it felt too close to real cheating whenever Franklin and Kingsley were together later on, even after everyone was on the same page. So not a perfect 5, but still super fun, and the Tate and Kingsley aspects were super great!
I still can’t get over how good this series is. I’ve never read a second chance story before, but I loved the way their break up and reunion played out and showed how much they needed each other. And that both of them took really great accountability for their contributions to the break up. They were so adorable and sweet to read, and I loved their connection. That being said, the Franklin part of things made me a little uncomfortable - I think mainly because of how it started. If everyone had entered into a fake-cheating play dynamic consensually from the beginning, I don’t think I’d have a problem with it. But the fact that it started with just Franklin and Kingsley without Tate’s knowledge, and then Tate was angry about it until much later, it felt too close to real cheating whenever Franklin and Kingsley were together later on, even after everyone was on the same page. So not a perfect 5, but still super fun, and the Tate and Kingsley aspects were super great!
February 10, 2023
3.75 out of 5 ☆’s.
“You don't want an easy marriage. You want the magnet that drives you up the wall sometimes. The one who holds your feelings hostage both deep in your core and right on the surface. That one person who keeps you wild.”
ੈ✩‧₊˚
I thoroughly enjoyed Kingsley + Tate’s story (and don’t even get me started on what happened during the epilogue 😩)!
I loved that ”Out of the Ashes” was different than its predecessors. This novel had more of a solid plot (in my opinion) & there was a bit more angst + yearning in the beginning of this one (something that I longed for in “Doll Parts”).
ੈ✩‧₊˚
I’m slowly but surely making my way through this series…♡
“You don't want an easy marriage. You want the magnet that drives you up the wall sometimes. The one who holds your feelings hostage both deep in your core and right on the surface. That one person who keeps you wild.”
ੈ✩‧₊˚
I thoroughly enjoyed Kingsley + Tate’s story (and don’t even get me started on what happened during the epilogue 😩)!
I loved that ”Out of the Ashes” was different than its predecessors. This novel had more of a solid plot (in my opinion) & there was a bit more angst + yearning in the beginning of this one (something that I longed for in “Doll Parts”).
ੈ✩‧₊˚
I’m slowly but surely making my way through this series…♡
January 11, 2023
Loved!!!
I should’ve know I needed a day of PTO before stating this. I’ve been completely useless. Only been able to concentrate on this. Lee and Tate were absolutely magnetic. My heart was literally aching with them when they were apart. Franklin was not at all what I expected so that was a nice surprise. The Game though… wow, I was mind blown. What an epic journey! The fire level… SMOKIN’!!! All the brats were adorable and the Tops… *insert swoon*
Starting the next book immediately!
I should’ve know I needed a day of PTO before stating this. I’ve been completely useless. Only been able to concentrate on this. Lee and Tate were absolutely magnetic. My heart was literally aching with them when they were apart. Franklin was not at all what I expected so that was a nice surprise. The Game though… wow, I was mind blown. What an epic journey! The fire level… SMOKIN’!!! All the brats were adorable and the Tops… *insert swoon*
Starting the next book immediately!
April 20, 2022
Have you ever read a book that you know is not really your cup of tea but you do it anyways because curiosity and all that..well that was me with this book🤣
Curiosity got the better of me and I read it. I'm not big into the Dom/sub/open relationship/sadistic pain plot but I will say this book was well done. Will I be reading more in the series, no but I have to give credit for a well done story. 3.5 stars rounded up
Curiosity got the better of me and I read it. I'm not big into the Dom/sub/open relationship/sadistic pain plot but I will say this book was well done. Will I be reading more in the series, no but I have to give credit for a well done story. 3.5 stars rounded up
July 28, 2022
I love that this second chance romance explored what they did wrong the first time around. we usually get second chance books where they are kept apart by external factors. but this time they broke up because of issues in the relationship and it was beautiful to see them reconnect and be super commited to making it work. the communication between them gets so transparent that they are in a good place to explore new/different kinks. this series just gets better with every book.
April 15, 2022
This was a phenomenal read. I picked it up late at night and read throughout the night. I was so vested in Kinsley and Tate, that I couldn’t it down. This is their second chance. If you’ve read the other stories in series, you’d know that they are split up and struggling. Their relationship had hit a rut, Kingsley thinks that Tate has betrayed him and cannot move on. Tate knows in his heart that Kingsley is his forever master. When they realize what went wrong, they work on repairing their relationship. This was such an emotional journey. Overall, a fantastic read! The story was really well written, the pacing was smooth, highly recommend. I am voluntarily leaving a review form an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
November 13, 2023
Cara Dee writes characters with such substance and heart. And while cuckholding can be super hot, I was more confused trying to understand what Kingsley and Tate were going for. I could be completely off base, but it kinda felt like the author wanted to push boundaries or limits of ‘openness’ in a relationship, while still trying to stick to romance caveats and not upset readers too much… I don’t know. I can still find a dynamic hot af even when not my kink, but the dynamic between these two wasn’t working for me. Which is not to say I didn’t love them! I do, and all of House-Mclean-House ;)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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