Getting Kinky

It's a Kink Thing #5

by M.C. Roth

If your husband hates kink, can you still get kinky?

“ You want to kneel, sweetheart?”

Elliot is stuck in life, living a lie while doing his best to pretend he' s happy with his husband Hunter. Hunter has picked up the pieces so many times that Elliot has lost count, and he feels terrible asking for anything more— especially when it' s something that Hunter hates.

But after Elliot convinces Hunter to attend an event at the kink club Unkinked, Elliot finds a place where he doesn' t have to feel ashamed about the submission he craves.

While Hunter pouts on a bar stool in the club, the mysterious Dom Shelvin is more than happy to give Elliot a tour, somehow knowing in moments what Elliot desires so deeply. Elliot can' t let that night be the last time he sets foot inside Unkinked, even if Hunter doesn' t understand why.

His brave face only lasts so long, and soon he confesses what he really needs— something Hunter can' t give him.

But making a contract with a Dom who isn' t his husband comes with conditions— conditions that Elliot will struggle not to break.

Genres: BDSM, M M Romance

261 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2023

About the author

M.C. Roth lives in Canada and loves every season, even the dreaded Canadian winter. She graduated with honours from the Associate Diploma Program in Veterinary Technology at the University of Guelph before choosing a different career path.

Between caring for her young son, spending time with her husband, and feeding treats to her menagerie of animals, she still spends every spare second devoted to her passion for writing.

She loves growing peppers that are hot enough to make grown men cry, but she doesn’t like spicy food herself. Her favourite thing, other than writing of course, is to find a quiet place in the wilderness and listen to the birds while dreaming about the gorgeous men in her head.

Reviews

[Nicole van Dongen · Rating 4 out of 5]

MC Roth knows how to write kink well. This was not the love story I was expecting! Elliot has been happily married to Hunter for several years, but has been hiding his need to be submissive the whole time they have been together. After a chance invite to Unkinked, he begs Hunter to go with him. What he discovers is everything he has been needing, and that Hunter does NOT approve. This is how the contract with Shelvin is negotiated. He dominates Elliot like he needs, and Elliot and Hunter get to keep their loving marriage. Jealousy, distrust and tensions all increase as we see how Elliot learns to process what he needs and heal from old wounds. We also see how toxic relationships can hide until forced to the surface. I would have loved the ending to be a true triad, but am not upset with the relationship, as Elliot is still getting what he needs. I would have loved a little more of Shelvin's history with relationships. I thought this was a solid story in the Kink Thing universe, and enjoyed it even though MC cheating is usually a no go for me.

[Savy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story vexed me. A lot. It was really though for me to read to the end, because there were a lot of red flag situations (for me). I'm not sure I can completely avoid spoilers while I try to explain what felt wrong for me, so I will hide all of it just in case.

Even though this story has two main characters, Elliot and Shelvin, this felt more like Elliot's story and Shelvin just happened to be there. Each chapter is told through either one of the main characters POV. The ending felt abrupt and too quick for me, followed by an epilogue one year later, where apparently they finally have a HEA/HFN. Even so, there where lots of things still left unsaid, plot hooks which we never got to know more about and generally a feeling of upset.

The writing itself was not bad, but this is not in any way a happy story.

Please feel free to ignore my ranting below, as this is my own personal opinion and I'm sure other people will love this story!

First of, I get that this book is written for those who like kink. Still, I would have liked to see a character that was not into kink, but still supportive. And when your partner decides to turn to kink, you might want to explain a bit more why and how they are going to deal with this. This is a big deal for someone who doesn't know the scene and you could at least try to explain some stuff. Sure, someone has to be open for that explanation and it was clear from the beginning Elliot's partner was not, but I feel they should have tried if their marriage was so great, they really loved each other and had a lot of history together. Instead, everything was kind of swept under the rug and Hunter just had to deal with his husband suddenly having a Dom. Hello, shock to the system?

Then, Shelvin proposes to have a kink contract between him and Elliot. After only one session. Again, no explanation about the details of the contract or trying to include Hunter in this decision. To me, this felt way of, especially when said Dom repeatedly says he sometimes has too little time for his sub, but he gets mad when they leave before their contract is up. But no, lets paint the husband as the bad guy. (I have to admit, Hunter was getting on my nerves very quickly and he really is an ***.)

All this aside, I can understand two people connecting in their kink and wanting to have a relationship purely based on that. However, I got zero chemistry between the main characters and their scenes felt forced. I also felt like I didn't get to know these characters outside of their kink dynamic and their work. No hobbies, friends or anything like that.

Eliot was also not honest and upfront with his limits, resulting in unsafe play for both of them.

BIG red flag for me: re-negotiating hard limits during a scene. What is up with that? And after that, one of Elliot's hard limits was just pushed aside after Shelvin already crossed that line. Apparently, it's okay then and you don't have to talk about it anymore. NOT!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Foxy Vixen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not like this.. At all?!
First it was weird that he was married to that horrible man for most of the book, it took up so much unnecessary time, that could've been spent on much more interesting content.
It was just a completly unneeded obstacle.

But then worst of all, he didn't even really end up with the other main character?!?!

In a weird totally out of the blue epilogue, he has met some random guy, and apparently he's going to marry him, while still keeping his Dom on the side?! And they live together, but it's like they're not actually in a relationship?!
I mean what the fuck?!

I read erotic romance because I want the characters to end up together, at least some kind of happy for now..

But to have him marry some completly unknown character totally randomly..
It's just beyond weird and very unsatisfying!

Of course you want the main characters to end up together in a serious commited relationship, not some kind of half ass sharing situation with no real commitment?! Gaah.. I HATE IT!!!

I wanted him collared and happy at his masters feet, with a forever commitment between the two of them. Not that he marries some random guy, and sure, he'll keep his Dom on the side, in some kind of undefined relationship. How is that romantic?!

Also the book in it self was written very weirdly, it was rushed and jumbled, and half the time their reactions made no sense. There was no structure, no breathing room, everything just happened very randomly.

I felt stressed reading this book, like it was hard to find my own breath, because everything was so god damn rushed and often honestly incomprehensible.

It's very weird, because I like this author, and just recently five stared a book that they had written, but this feels like a completly different author? I honestly don't know what the fuck happened?! It feels like a first time author, who's struggling to write a comprehensible book?

There where many times where the characters had extremly weird and unearned reactions, and you had no idea why, it made no sense, and the whole scene was just beyond confusing?!

I am very disappointed and mostly confused.
I really didn't like this book, but as I have loved works by them in the past, I will of course give the next book a chance, and I will hope and pray that it's nothing like this one.

What the fuck happend, seriously?

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 4 out of 5]

The architect and the engineer, and a lot of kinky scenes.

Elliot isn’t happy in his marriage, he loves his husband dearly, only, Hunter doesn’t get what Elliott truly needs. Elliot is submissive, and there’s no room to experience that with his husband.
When Elliot suggests they could try the BDSM club Unkinked, Hunter is downright negative but agrees in the end.

At the club, Elliot meets Dom Shelvin who gives him a tour and his card, in just a few minutes this Dom knew exactly what Elliot needs and craves.

After a few weeks, Elliot approached Shelvin, they decide to give it a try.
Hunter isn’t happy with this new development but doesn’t have a choice.
It’s quite complicated, let’s just say he didn’t make himself lovable.

I’m not gonna tell what follows, only that Elliot and Shelvin are scening frequently and there’s a lot to learn.

No one is perfect, a Dom or sub makes mistakes. Communication is the key, and even that can go wrong. I loved that both men were all but perfect.
Their connection is strong, but the whole situation is really complicated.

It was an entertaining story, with a unique concept, I read it in one sit, and it kept me totally enthralled. The BDSM parts were so pleasurable to watch.
There were a few things that I found less, at times I didn’t get the struggle, because in my eyes it went well, I didn’t get the trauma part and the substandard development, and last, in the total picture I missed romance.
The biggest part of this story was absolutely wonderfully created, the unhurried pace was comfortable, the writing ditto, the author did a great job, there was a bunch to experience, everything was well connected, and the marriage part was well settled.
The end got me by surprise, I didn’t see that coming, the verdict is still out.

Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elliot has not been happy in his marriage to Hunter for a long time. Something is missing, something Elliot needs that Hunter cannot or will not give him. When they get an invitation to an open night at a kink club, Elliot convinces Hunter to go. There, Elliot notices a Dom and his kneeling submissive and another Dom with them. Dom Shelvin introduces himself to Elliot and offers him a tour of the club. Even though Hunter has no interest and wants to leave, Elliot accepts, knowing submission is something that calls to him. He gets the tour, then leaves with the Dom’s card. At home, he tries to explain what is wrong, Hunter says he wants to help, so they decide to call Shelvin for help. They decide Shelvin will be Elliot’s Dom and Hunter grudgingly agrees to go along with the plan.
As Shelvin works to give Elliot what he needs, working within Hunter’s perimeters, still learning about Elliot and triggers from his past, more complications arise in their non-kink life, making it more difficult for Elliot to completely accept his submission to Shelvin and maintain his relationship with Hunter.
I found this book drew me in to Elliot’s world and needs. There is obviously trauma from his past playing into his relationship with his husband, his need to submit, and his relationship with his Dom, and the thought processes Shelvin goes through in trying to meet Elliot’s needs in the best and safest way possible is fascinating. Hunter’s reactions would probably be considered normal for the average person, but seem at odds with what he says he feels for Elliot. Highlights the complications of individual psyches in human interactions. Good book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting Kinky is book 5 in MC Roth’s It's a Kink Thing series. This book is slightly similar to book 1 in that Elliot is married to Hunter when he enters club Unkinked and meets Shelvin. That is pretty much where the similarity ends and the roller coaster begins.

Elliot and Hunter’s marriage seems to be perfect on the outside, but inside the cracks are there in plain sight. Elliot is in search of something that he can’t find at home and asks Hunter to go with him to a party at Unkinked. Hunter is not amused, not interested, and not willing to be a participant. When Elliot starts to withdraw from him, he makes him a bargain. Elliott can go to Shelvin, he can do whatever, he just can’t come. Elliot struggles but he maintains this boundary by his husband, so that he can have both what he needs and who he loves. What happens when it isn’t enough?

This is a unique story that took me beyond my understanding of BDSM. That being said, I enjoyed the story and the dynamic of Elliot feeling the need to live two lives to make himself happy. To feel complete. It made me wonder how many people search for that something before they find it. I feel like the author led us to the happy ending through multiple hints from Shelvin. Even being able to look back and see that, I can say I was still surprised and yet happy. Who doesn’t love a happy ending? I wonder where the series goes from here? I’m curious to see where MC Roth will take us next.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start off by saying that I've come to learn with this series that emotions are definitely running high with each book.

Elliott has been interested in kink for years and just wants someone to take the reins and make all of the decisions. He is married to Hunter, who has no interest in kink and basically makes fun of it whenever he gets the chance. When Elliott meets Shelvin at Unkinked, he is overjoyed that he could finally have a chance to be his true self. After a couple of weeks go by, Hunter finally agrees that Shelvin could teach him things that he could do with Elliott, but Shelvin doesn't want to teach him, he just wants to be Elliott's Dom. Hunter reluctantly agrees with one major rule: Elliott can't c*me during scenes.

The kinky scenes in this are very spicy with the continued use of c*ck cages and sounds.

Without giving too much away, we do find out just what kind of jerk Hunter truly is.

All in all, I give this book a 4.5 because the epilogue did throw me off a bit.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved everything that I have read that’s by M.C. Roth and this book is no exception. Too often I have read books about kink that are either good stories or good kink but not the two. With this writer and especially this series both of those are well above average and are woven together nicely. I almost stopped read because I don’t like books that contain infidelity. To clarify this, I do like books about people with multiple partners as long as everyone is ok with it. I shouldn’t have worried because Roth does a marvelous job of making things clear between Elliot and Hunter and what is going on.
This book really hit me in the feels because neither Elliot nor Hunter are really bad, they just need different things. So often an author will cop out and just make one character the bad guy. This storyline would be enough for a book but Roth adds Elliot’s awakening to the world of kink and what he needs. It actually works really well because of the limits that Hunter wants Elliot to abide by and so the slow exploration makes sense. This is a terrific addition to this great series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janice Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book. It was not what I was expecting, though. When Elliott expressed his desire to be dominated and Hunter was open, albeit reluctantly, and willing to go to a kink club, I thought that Hunter would be more into the kink scene or actually open to having an experience with Hunter. Instead, it was Hunter telling Elliott to go play, like a child, and waiting until he was done. Shelvin was just what Elliott needed. I was expecting Shelvin to join the couple and enhance their relationship. Instead, Hunter and Elliott move apart and Hunter is the one who ends up cheating with another man. So, besides that unexpected plot twist, I really did enjoy the book. Elliott’s submission to Shelvin was beautifully done. Shelvin was a safe, sane Dom whole was just what was needed.

This is the fourth book in the Getting Kinky Series, but you do not have to read what comes before for this book to make sense. They mention characters from past books, but in such small detail that it does not detract from the story at all. I recommend this book and this entire series.

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nedra81 · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unusual dynamic throughout the entirety of the book, with some questionable tactics along the way. I'm not entirely sure how I felt about the arrangement between Elliot, Shelvin, and Hunter, but I also understood the need for submission. Which also opened the door for the eventual but needed fallout of their marriage.

“𝓘 𝓬𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭𝓷’𝓽 𝓪𝓼𝓴 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓪 𝓫𝓮𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓼𝓾𝓫 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓷 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓷𝓬𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱. 𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝔀𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓪𝓶𝓪𝔃𝓲𝓷𝓰.”

Now, I absolutely loved Elliot and Shevlin’s relationship. Their dynamic was perfectly intertwined, woven to satisfaction for their situation. I especially appreciated Shevlin’s level of respect shown towards Hunter, even if he didn't deserve anything. Also, a sub reaching subspace every time!! What an exceptional surprise!

Once again, MC does a remarkable job with the kink included within these pages. Differentiating between the two MC’s along with the husband was phenomenal, with everything coming together in a thrilling conclusion! I would have appreciated a tad bit more romance involved, but their relationship was understandable with the lack of.

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't read a book with this dynamic before. It's compelling as much as it's confusing. I spent most of the book feeling sorry for Hunter, feeling Elliot was having his cake and eating it and Hunter wasn't even getting crumbs. I was longing for them to become a throuple but with Hunter's adversity to any kind of kink, that was never going to happen. Although Shelvin was a Dom, I didn't ever feel him particularly dominating, just pushing Elliot past his comforts. I think my real struggle was that it wasn't a happy book, Elliot just seemed so low and confused. The kink was really well written and the sub reached subspace every time but it didn't feel overly intimate knowing Hunter was in mind and the D/s partnership wasn't romantic and merely a contract. There is a lot of use of cages and sounds. At the end when we get a year on epilogue it's easier to see how the dynamic is meant to work. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Joy Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elliot loves his husband. And the sex is good, if somewhat vanilla, as far as gay sex goes. Elliot is happy with his marriage, but not with his sex life. Hunter is not interested in anything at all changing. When Elliot convinces Hunter to go with him to a kink club, Elliot finds something he needs, but Hunter is appalled. From there, read the trigger warnings and proceed carefully. This fifth book in the series has some sad aspects. This is no hearts and flowers or pink and fluffy romance. Roth is always ethical with the characters and that did not slip this time, but this one definitely pushed the envelope for me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elliott and Hunter are married all seems to be running smoothly but in reality, it certainly is not!
Their sex life is not satisfying for Elliot he deeply knows that he needs something, something else that will make him feel!


Enter Shelvin. A Dom who both Elliott and Hunter meet.

Sheldon makes Elliot feel, Oh! he sure does!

The agreement that Shelvin made with Elliott worked in many ways, that’s all I am saying as this book needs to be read with not knowing any teasers.

Once again M.C.Roth shows her writing skills with writing that flows enticing the reader to fall between the pages and get lost in the words.
I sure didn't expect the epilogue.
This is a must-read and I highly recommend Getting Kinky, the book not the actions, well perhaps!!!

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

No matter how good a relationship is there are times when the individuals in that relationship are in need of different things. That is what happens between Elliot and Hunter. They are married and the marriage is, they both believe good. Their sex life is not as satisfying for Elliot and he needs and wants something that it is difficult for Hunter to connect to. They go to a club where Elliot encounters a Dom named Shelvin who can give him what he wants. Although it is the case that this couple wants to stay together their relationship is pushed a bit in terms of wanting different things and whether or not you can make space in a relationship to accommodate divergent needs.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[La'Jacinth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shelvin was everything Elliot needed, and then some. Elliot was in a marriage that just didn't suit him any longer with Hunter. Hunter is kinkphobic and a complete prick with a serious helping of self-centeredness and plain old one-sided vanilla. But enters Shelvin, who recognized the issues while struggling with his own.

Shelvin needed someone fresh to mold and love, even if he thinks he doesn't while still maintaining his resolve. Elliot needed someone who loved him, saw him, appreciated his need to submit, and stillsaw him as worthwhile.

First book ever read by this author, and soooo looking forward to more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the idea of this book but the execution fell apart.

Elliot needs a therapist. Hunter rubbed me the wrong way. Shelvin didn't read as a Dom but he has good intentions.

Him staying silent on some things was frustrating as someone whose face and mouth don't have a poker face. I understand why he does it but don't like it.

The actual kink part was odd . I only know enough to get in trouble but it seemed off. I don't always need on page negotiations myself but the general rules didn't seem to be followed all the time.

I liked reading this but won't revisit it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit in this wonderful series.
I’ve enjoyed each book in this series, including this latest addition. Elliott has been happily married to Hunter for some time but has been ignoring his own needs until he just can’t do it any longer. Their views on Kink are worlds apart, and when Elliott meets Shelvin, a Dom, Hudson gives his agreement for Elliott to explore his true self.
The author takes us on an emotional journey with all three men, as discoveries are made, needs fulfilled, and relationships are made and changed. Highly recommended for those who like Kink stories.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not what I was expecting. I thought there would be romance and I suppose in a weird way of looking at it there is some but not the usual romance stories I usually find.
Elliot is unhappily married to Hunter. He needs more that Hunter is willing to share. When he talks Hunter into visiting a kink club, nothing goes as planned. Hunters still looks down on kink while Elliot finds himself attracted to Shelvin. How the relationships evolve and change is intriguing. Issues come out about Hunter and Elliot. The author really knew how to wrap up a story. The ending was totally unexpected. I wish there had been more history about Elliot and Hunter.

[Gale MR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes love is not enough to save a marriage from a total crash.
We meet Elliot and Hunter at a moment when their marriage comes to a screeching halt. Sometimes the road to Hell is paved with good intentions and in their case all devotion, love and sacrifices made them miserable instead of happy. The book is a story of self discovery, heartbreak and finding the strength to change your life in unexpected ways. And all of this was wrapped up beautifully with some kink.
I loved also the unconventional ending.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Juniper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tl;dr reading of this book: the characters are complicated and intriguing (and not always particularly likable) and the kink is hot, in an on-the-page-this-works-in-real-life-it’d-be-problematic kind of way. I think, if you take it on its own terms, this story works: it drew me in, and even as I found certain moments frustrating there was enough heat and character development (for good or ill) to keep things interesting throughout. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jacquie Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting Kinky had a very different vibe than the others. There's next to no romance because Eliott's relationship with Shelvin is contractual only. Shelvin is married to his job and won't change for his sub, no matter how perfect he is for him.
It's an unusual dynamic, with Hunter agreeing to Shelvin being with his husband sexually to fulfil Eliott's needs. Hunter was truly horrible, though.
I enjoyed the kinks in the book, sounding in particular and loved seeing the new era beginning for Unkinked.

[Kathleen T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elliot and Hunter are a married couple. Hunter seems happy with their relationship but Elliot needs more. They hear about a BDSM club but Hunter is not into it. They go one night since Elliot wants to and they meet Shelvin a Dom who shows Elliot around and eventually goes over limits the couple is comfortable with so Elliot can explore is sub side.
Love it!! Very steamy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was feeling a bit burned out on this series but I'm really glad I pushed through the binge-read, because this might be my favorite so far! Elliot is representative of many people interested in kink, but Shelvin is a unique delight. Together, they were a fantastic nontraditional relationship, and I'm glad that Roth committed to Shelvin's aromantic status. (The epilogue was PERFECT, and I'd read a whole second book about that particular unique relationship dynamic.)

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. All the characters are interesting and I enjoyed the interaction between them. I loved Elliot and Shelvin's story. I became irritated with Hunter very quickly and was delighted with how it all worked out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another unique dynamic in this kink series. It was clear from the start Elliott needed something more and the development of that with his dom was a good read. The dynamic with Hunter was the main source of angst here and it felt like an actual real life scenario. Would love to read a follow up a few years later past the epilogue!!!!!

[Jocelyn Whaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting Kinky is the fifth book in the It's a Kink Thing Series. This was a very interesting read. I liked the story. It kept my attention from beginning to end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great kink novel from M.C. Roth! The characters are fantastic and the storyline just flows so smoothly throughout, always great to read this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kassandra Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it for the most part. Spicy scenes and everything in between.

I definitely recommend if you like these tropes.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Autumn Winchester · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Once again, this series has another great read. It's definitely worth buying and reading this book.
I love finding good books that aren't all about sex, but has a great plot and community of characters. Also, there's not many books that talk or show domdrop.

[Katie Clausen · Rating 5 out of 5]

😍😍😍😍

Really good storyline!!!! I felt so bad for Elliot with his husband not understanding him at all!! So glad he got his good ending!!!!