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Unfettered
Heath
The things I love the most are now the things that keep me up at night, scared and breathless.
After suffering an injury at the hands of an ex-partner, I'm too scared to let anyone get close again. How can I offer someone else the kind of trust and control that love demands? But worn down from my isolation and loneliness, I give in and accept a dinner invitation from a handsome younger man who is miles out of my league…
Beau
I've never been scared to go after the things I want, and right now, all I want is Heath. It doesn't matter that he's skittish, I can be patient. And even though it should, it doesn't matter that he's my college professor either.
Things between us were going better than good, but Heath's ex shows up out of nowhere, leaving both of us questioning everything. If I want to make things work, I have to do the thing I've been most resistant to for my whole life. I need to ask for help. I need to trust.
We've both found liberation in restraint, but now it's time to find the freedom from finally being unfettered.
CW: off-page abuse discussed on page, character trauma, consensual play and power exchange
The things I love the most are now the things that keep me up at night, scared and breathless.
After suffering an injury at the hands of an ex-partner, I'm too scared to let anyone get close again. How can I offer someone else the kind of trust and control that love demands? But worn down from my isolation and loneliness, I give in and accept a dinner invitation from a handsome younger man who is miles out of my league…
Beau
I've never been scared to go after the things I want, and right now, all I want is Heath. It doesn't matter that he's skittish, I can be patient. And even though it should, it doesn't matter that he's my college professor either.
Things between us were going better than good, but Heath's ex shows up out of nowhere, leaving both of us questioning everything. If I want to make things work, I have to do the thing I've been most resistant to for my whole life. I need to ask for help. I need to trust.
We've both found liberation in restraint, but now it's time to find the freedom from finally being unfettered.
CW: off-page abuse discussed on page, character trauma, consensual play and power exchange
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 2019
106 people are currently reading
443 people want to read
About the author
Kate Hawthorne
93 books938 followersWith over two dozen published romances to her name, Kate Hawthorne has built a recognizable brand around telling emotional stories that pack a figurative (and sometimes literal) punch.
Existing on a steady diet of wine and coffee, Kate spends her days dreaming up angsty stories full of heat, kink, and heart. Kate now lives in Louisville, where she writes romance, reads romance, and hides from the humidity.
Visit her website at http://www.katehawthornebooks.com
Existing on a steady diet of wine and coffee, Kate spends her days dreaming up angsty stories full of heat, kink, and heart. Kate now lives in Louisville, where she writes romance, reads romance, and hides from the humidity.
Visit her website at http://www.katehawthornebooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
November 7, 2021
dnf @ 40%.
🔪
this was just so dry. so bland. so weak.
i know i didn’t read the whole book, but what i did read was mostly just smut, without any actual plot. which i can be fine with sometimes, if the smut is actually hot. which it wasn’t. you know it’s bad if i actually want to skim the sex scenes.
this just lacked depth and substance in my opinion. the characters were boring, and their relationship was so dull and lifeless, despite the fact that this had student/teacher, younger dom/older sub, age-gap tropes.
anyways… moving on...
this was just so dry. so bland. so weak.
i know i didn’t read the whole book, but what i did read was mostly just smut, without any actual plot. which i can be fine with sometimes, if the smut is actually hot. which it wasn’t. you know it’s bad if i actually want to skim the sex scenes.
this just lacked depth and substance in my opinion. the characters were boring, and their relationship was so dull and lifeless, despite the fact that this had student/teacher, younger dom/older sub, age-gap tropes.
anyways… moving on...
September 22, 2022
DNF at 36%
It takes a lot for me to DNF a book, honestly. From the blurb this seemed like it was going to be an interesting exploration of kink dynamics with an older sub, throw in some student/teacher tropes, and it's pretty much hitting some good trope topics.
Firstly - there is no TW. There isn't even an "if you need TWs, this book isn't for you" kind of TW.
In the first 36% there is mention and description of kink power dynamics gone wrong, sub being blamed for "not being submissive enough", and actual harm during a scene. There are also 2 scenes in which the sub states the words "stop" repeatedly, and the Dom does not stop. There has been no discussion of safewords. I appreciate that it is meant to be an "I can't take anymore" kind of stop, but in a kink dynamic leaning to a total power exchange style relationship, this is unacceptable. Especially in books written so recently. And aftercare! There's no aftercare for any of the scenes.
I skipped ahead to read the Authors Note. The Authors note alone needs a TW and that makes the way things were being (or rather not being) addressed so much more disappointing.
Secondly - there is no chemistry between the 2 MCs. It’s mostly dialogue and no underlying feelings for context. Even in Beau’s chapters, I have no clue why he’s into Heath. I feel like Heath’s trauma can play into why he’s so simplistic with his feelings, but the fact that Beau is the same makes me think that it’s not a literary choice, but just the writing. Beau just seems like robot-Dom. Really lacking in communication. It's got that BDSM magic trope where he just knows Heath is a sub and runs with it instead of talking about it.
Thirdly - the book feels incomplete. It reads like a plot outline that has not been realised to a full story. There's lots of dialogue, but no nuance behind it.
The ideas are there and there was so much potential for this book, but it's really missed the mark.
It takes a lot for me to DNF a book, honestly. From the blurb this seemed like it was going to be an interesting exploration of kink dynamics with an older sub, throw in some student/teacher tropes, and it's pretty much hitting some good trope topics.
Firstly - there is no TW. There isn't even an "if you need TWs, this book isn't for you" kind of TW.
In the first 36% there is mention and description of kink power dynamics gone wrong, sub being blamed for "not being submissive enough", and actual harm during a scene. There are also 2 scenes in which the sub states the words "stop" repeatedly, and the Dom does not stop. There has been no discussion of safewords. I appreciate that it is meant to be an "I can't take anymore" kind of stop, but in a kink dynamic leaning to a total power exchange style relationship, this is unacceptable. Especially in books written so recently. And aftercare! There's no aftercare for any of the scenes.
I skipped ahead to read the Authors Note. The Authors note alone needs a TW and that makes the way things were being (or rather not being) addressed so much more disappointing.
Secondly - there is no chemistry between the 2 MCs. It’s mostly dialogue and no underlying feelings for context. Even in Beau’s chapters, I have no clue why he’s into Heath. I feel like Heath’s trauma can play into why he’s so simplistic with his feelings, but the fact that Beau is the same makes me think that it’s not a literary choice, but just the writing. Beau just seems like robot-Dom. Really lacking in communication. It's got that BDSM magic trope where he just knows Heath is a sub and runs with it instead of talking about it.
Thirdly - the book feels incomplete. It reads like a plot outline that has not been realised to a full story. There's lots of dialogue, but no nuance behind it.
The ideas are there and there was so much potential for this book, but it's really missed the mark.
July 29, 2024
Heath is a professor in his mid 40's and Beau is his student in his mid-20s. The two met before they realized that they would be together in the classroom. Both elements make a big difference in how the characters relate to one another, especially since Beau is the dominant partner in the relationship rather than Heath. Also be aware that there is a high element of BDSM kink in the story that might not be what all readers are looking for or want.
Heath is very up-front about his concerns after he had a bad experience with a previous partner, but he was so caring and considerate with Heath, who had also had a bad past experience, and about their developing dynamic with that knowledge in place.
Not a long story but if you have read this author before, you will recognize some of the characters, Beau and his 5 half-brothers, who he and they, had only just found out that each other existed, from other stories. I love seeing characters reappear and seeing how they have grown. As always with this author, a really good story with lovable characters.
Heath is very up-front about his concerns after he had a bad experience with a previous partner, but he was so caring and considerate with Heath, who had also had a bad past experience, and about their developing dynamic with that knowledge in place.
Not a long story but if you have read this author before, you will recognize some of the characters, Beau and his 5 half-brothers, who he and they, had only just found out that each other existed, from other stories. I love seeing characters reappear and seeing how they have grown. As always with this author, a really good story with lovable characters.
November 22, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Unfettered is a lovely story that is intense, sexy, and super kinky, with a really deep emotional resonance. Heath is still traumatized from a scene gone wrong; it is made even worse as it was someone he trusted to take care of him and now Heath just can’t regain that trust with a new partner. But at the same time, he needs that submission desperately and it is tearing him apart. I loved watching how Beau slowly helps Heath find his way again. It’s so rewarding to see Heath finally come back to himself and find that happiness again with Beau. I also appreciated that there isn’t a simple fix here; it takes work on both their parts to help Heath sort through it all. And while I think some counseling probably wouldn’t have gone amiss, it was good to see that things aren’t all solved by some great sex, but took real work from both of them.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Unfettered is a lovely story that is intense, sexy, and super kinky, with a really deep emotional resonance. Heath is still traumatized from a scene gone wrong; it is made even worse as it was someone he trusted to take care of him and now Heath just can’t regain that trust with a new partner. But at the same time, he needs that submission desperately and it is tearing him apart. I loved watching how Beau slowly helps Heath find his way again. It’s so rewarding to see Heath finally come back to himself and find that happiness again with Beau. I also appreciated that there isn’t a simple fix here; it takes work on both their parts to help Heath sort through it all. And while I think some counseling probably wouldn’t have gone amiss, it was good to see that things aren’t all solved by some great sex, but took real work from both of them.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
July 18, 2024
Wow honestly I have no words for just how much I hated this book to the point that I didn’t even finish it stopping at 77%.
The lack of trigger warnings was really bad and well as no safe words being established in the book.
Unfettered is literally just smut with a terrible hardly there storyline even the main characters have no chemistry.
The lack of trigger warnings was really bad and well as no safe words being established in the book.
Unfettered is literally just smut with a terrible hardly there storyline even the main characters have no chemistry.
December 7, 2019
Perfect
Beta copy provided by the author.
All reviews are voluntary and my honest opinion.
I enjoyed the novel and purchased the final copy from Amazon.
I read a very early draft of Unfettered, and had the unique honor of helping name the novel.
I'm being completely upfront about my opinions and involvement with the book in order to give you an honest and unbiased review.
Beau reminds me a bit of Alexis Hall's Toby -- both are young Doms learning to master their older submissive, men with experience who've been harmed by careless long-term lovers. Both young men learning compassion in their cruelty, and placing the power in their dynamic back where it belongs, in the hands of their submissive.
Heath is learning to trust again inside a healthy dynamic. This was clearly a very personal book for Kate, especially noting the afterward. I enjoy the hurt/comfort aspects of the books and the trust building.
The book falls in my wheelhouse and I enjoyed it a lot, in particular Beau growing into himself and learning that things he perceived with a naivete and unquestioning certainty were not exactly what they seemed.
If you enjoy d/s dynamics and flawed characters going through personal growth, I'd give this one a shot.
Beta copy provided by the author.
All reviews are voluntary and my honest opinion.
I enjoyed the novel and purchased the final copy from Amazon.
I read a very early draft of Unfettered, and had the unique honor of helping name the novel.
I'm being completely upfront about my opinions and involvement with the book in order to give you an honest and unbiased review.
Beau reminds me a bit of Alexis Hall's Toby -- both are young Doms learning to master their older submissive, men with experience who've been harmed by careless long-term lovers. Both young men learning compassion in their cruelty, and placing the power in their dynamic back where it belongs, in the hands of their submissive.
Heath is learning to trust again inside a healthy dynamic. This was clearly a very personal book for Kate, especially noting the afterward. I enjoy the hurt/comfort aspects of the books and the trust building.
The book falls in my wheelhouse and I enjoyed it a lot, in particular Beau growing into himself and learning that things he perceived with a naivete and unquestioning certainty were not exactly what they seemed.
If you enjoy d/s dynamics and flawed characters going through personal growth, I'd give this one a shot.
October 6, 2022
4.5 to 5
Another beautiful #queerkinktober read:
⛓⚔️😈🖤Unfettered🖤😈⚔️⛓
by Kate Hawthorne
this is a beautiful kinky story about finding happiness, learning how to trust and love again!
Beau was such an amazing Dom,
I.JUST.CAN’T.TELL.YOU.HOW.IN.LOVE.I.AM!
Talking healthy relationship goals right here:
I love how Heath was able to talk about his concerns and how Beau took the lead!
To read their relationship-development and see how they were testing boundaries and re-assessing their needs whenever necessary but keep everything hot and most definitely satisfying for them was such a treat!
This came with a lot of comfort and I dig that so, so much!
Kate wrote this in such an awesome way, my heart was on full boom boom all the time.
I would highly recommend this for all the #bookstakinksters out there but also if you like to dip in your toes in some kink go read this!
I buddy read this with my #kinkybookbestie Anne, check out her review too!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CjXO7-Gg0TK/
as always:
If a book caught your interest, please check TWs on your own, but feel free to DM me too!
stay safe, sane, consensual, and most important: queer
🌈Love Caia
Another beautiful #queerkinktober read:
⛓⚔️😈🖤Unfettered🖤😈⚔️⛓
by Kate Hawthorne
this is a beautiful kinky story about finding happiness, learning how to trust and love again!
Beau was such an amazing Dom,
I.JUST.CAN’T.TELL.YOU.HOW.IN.LOVE.I.AM!
Talking healthy relationship goals right here:
I love how Heath was able to talk about his concerns and how Beau took the lead!
To read their relationship-development and see how they were testing boundaries and re-assessing their needs whenever necessary but keep everything hot and most definitely satisfying for them was such a treat!
This came with a lot of comfort and I dig that so, so much!
Kate wrote this in such an awesome way, my heart was on full boom boom all the time.
I would highly recommend this for all the #bookstakinksters out there but also if you like to dip in your toes in some kink go read this!
I buddy read this with my #kinkybookbestie Anne, check out her review too!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CjXO7-Gg0TK/
as always:
If a book caught your interest, please check TWs on your own, but feel free to DM me too!
stay safe, sane, consensual, and most important: queer
🌈Love Caia
Read
December 3, 2019Dnf @57%. Just not feeling this one.
February 27, 2020
No estaba yo de humor para este tipo de lectura, pero me gustaron tanto los protagonistas que le pongo un 3.5*
March 13, 2020
Oh how I wish I could give this 10 stars..Beau and Heath were just beautiful together..I think this has to be my favourite Kate book...No high angst....A great read that leads you into the authors new series x
December 15, 2019
With a traumatic event breaks your trust, it’s hard to give it to anyone else.
I liked this book so much more than I expected to. It was a beautiful story about building trust and love. Heath had this strength inside of him that even when he didn’t see it in himself, Beau saw it for him. These characters were some of the best ones I have read about this year.
I admired Heath so much. Getting out of the relationship he was in took so much inner strength, especially when he thought he was broken. His determination to be able to give up control again and get his life back and not be scared was truly something.
Beau was a great character because he was not the normal Dom; he showed fear and doubt and I loved that. I loved how he built up Heath’s trust and didn’t rush him.
Kate makes these characters, who even when they are “broken”, are still so strong, and when they love it is with a fierceness that warms me from the inside out. And, I have to say I loved Hemingway, Heath’s sister’s cat. He was such a brat and reminds me of my cats so much – it’s so funny!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
I liked this book so much more than I expected to. It was a beautiful story about building trust and love. Heath had this strength inside of him that even when he didn’t see it in himself, Beau saw it for him. These characters were some of the best ones I have read about this year.
I admired Heath so much. Getting out of the relationship he was in took so much inner strength, especially when he thought he was broken. His determination to be able to give up control again and get his life back and not be scared was truly something.
Beau was a great character because he was not the normal Dom; he showed fear and doubt and I loved that. I loved how he built up Heath’s trust and didn’t rush him.
Kate makes these characters, who even when they are “broken”, are still so strong, and when they love it is with a fierceness that warms me from the inside out. And, I have to say I loved Hemingway, Heath’s sister’s cat. He was such a brat and reminds me of my cats so much – it’s so funny!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
March 3, 2020
I liked this book a lot, I really did but... It was mostly sex. Like I'd say 70% of the book was sex!
I am not normally the type to complain about there being too much sex, but around the 60% mark I was actually starting to get bored of all the sex. Thankfully at that point, something major happened and it was kind of a plot twist and so it drew me back in. However, after that point, all the sex was just not as hot as it was to begin with just because there was so much of it. I didn't skim over those scenes, but they were just kinda there and suddenly not hot at all.
I also thought the "I love yous" came kinda quickly at around 50%, and whilst I wouldn't say that makes this book instalove exactly, in a book full of sex and therefore less in terms of feels, dating, getting to know each other etc, it felt waaaaaaaay too early.
Despite all that though, it was well written, and the hurt comfort aspects were done pretty well, so I'll be reading the new series about Beau's brothers for sure!
I am not normally the type to complain about there being too much sex, but around the 60% mark I was actually starting to get bored of all the sex. Thankfully at that point, something major happened and it was kind of a plot twist and so it drew me back in. However, after that point, all the sex was just not as hot as it was to begin with just because there was so much of it. I didn't skim over those scenes, but they were just kinda there and suddenly not hot at all.
I also thought the "I love yous" came kinda quickly at around 50%, and whilst I wouldn't say that makes this book instalove exactly, in a book full of sex and therefore less in terms of feels, dating, getting to know each other etc, it felt waaaaaaaay too early.
Despite all that though, it was well written, and the hurt comfort aspects were done pretty well, so I'll be reading the new series about Beau's brothers for sure!
April 15, 2023
This was LOVELY.
"Unfettered" was my first Kate Hawthorne book and it won't be my last. I should have started this, or any of her books, sooner because I feel like I've finally discovered a contemporary author that could be precisely tailored for my tastes. Kink, contemporary romances and angst? Sign me up.
Beau and Heath's story was absolutely fantastic: sweet and spicy, kinky and angsty, and I was hooked from the very start.
Older, skittish sub X younger, confident Dom? *chef's kiss* I think this might be my new favourite trope. Professor/student isn't my favourite pairing, but the age-gap and the power exchange made these two's romance utterly unforgettable and fantastic.
I loved both leads to bits, especially Heath, and I adored the fact that the angst wasn't one-sided and that, although Heath was the one with the baggage and a broken, painful past, Beau had the chance to be vulnerable and afraid too. He even safe-worded at one point, and that's a thing I hardly ever see in kinky romances.
I adored all the side characters as well, especially Michelle and Cameron, and I'm so excited to dive into more of Kate Hawthorne's stuff.
"Unfettered" was my first Kate Hawthorne book and it won't be my last. I should have started this, or any of her books, sooner because I feel like I've finally discovered a contemporary author that could be precisely tailored for my tastes. Kink, contemporary romances and angst? Sign me up.
Beau and Heath's story was absolutely fantastic: sweet and spicy, kinky and angsty, and I was hooked from the very start.
Older, skittish sub X younger, confident Dom? *chef's kiss* I think this might be my new favourite trope. Professor/student isn't my favourite pairing, but the age-gap and the power exchange made these two's romance utterly unforgettable and fantastic.
I loved both leads to bits, especially Heath, and I adored the fact that the angst wasn't one-sided and that, although Heath was the one with the baggage and a broken, painful past, Beau had the chance to be vulnerable and afraid too. He even safe-worded at one point, and that's a thing I hardly ever see in kinky romances.
I adored all the side characters as well, especially Michelle and Cameron, and I'm so excited to dive into more of Kate Hawthorne's stuff.
December 29, 2024
So good, and so thought provoking
I just loved this and I can tell it's going to be one of those books my mind circles back to over and over. It gets an extra half star just for that.
The contemplation on how to submit or dominate when trust, or self trust, has been lost, is so good. As is the recovery from an abusive relationship and the deduction of a younger Dom.
I normally don't like many student/professor books but this was so good, even though I did think they could have had one of them transfer out of the class to avoid putting Heath's job at risk.
In this, you'll find:
✨️MM Contemporary Romance
✨️Kink
✨️Professor/Student
✨️Age-gap wirh younger Dom
✨️Previous abusive relationship
✨️Perceived betrayal by former mentor
✨️Mention of father having 2nd family & previously unknown adult siblings
✨️A HEA
I just loved this and I can tell it's going to be one of those books my mind circles back to over and over. It gets an extra half star just for that.
The contemplation on how to submit or dominate when trust, or self trust, has been lost, is so good. As is the recovery from an abusive relationship and the deduction of a younger Dom.
I normally don't like many student/professor books but this was so good, even though I did think they could have had one of them transfer out of the class to avoid putting Heath's job at risk.
In this, you'll find:
✨️MM Contemporary Romance
✨️Kink
✨️Professor/Student
✨️Age-gap wirh younger Dom
✨️Previous abusive relationship
✨️Perceived betrayal by former mentor
✨️Mention of father having 2nd family & previously unknown adult siblings
✨️A HEA
January 15, 2021
This book is connected to the Room for Love series by the same author (and connects with E.M. Lindsey’s On the Market series) but can easily be read as a stand-alone. However, I am glad that I have the full context of Beau’s relationship with his brothers for the few scenes that involve them. Beau is nothing like the five half-brothers he discovers as an adult, yet at the same time, he’s more similar to them than he knows. (It will never happen, but I’d love to be a fly on the wall if these six brothers ever had a frank discussion about their relationship dynamics with their partners.)
I was hesitant to read this book based on the indication in the back-cover text that Beau is a student of college professor Heath. However, Beau is in his mid-20s instead of fresh out of high school, and the two characters meet before realizing they will be together in a classroom. Both elements make a big difference in how the characters relate to each other, especially since Beau is the dominant partner in the relationship rather than Heath.
Speaking of, there is a high element of BDSM kink in this book that might not be for all readers. Heath is up-front about his concerns after his experience with a previous partner, and I loved how caring and considerate Beau is about their developing dynamic with that knowledge in place.
Books that make me scare a cat always get bonus points. In this case, I yelled out loud at a particular twisty moment that creates conflict between the characters (causing a cat dozing on my feet to sprint from the room). This revelation creates powerful emotional drama between the heroes and includes the perfect amount of angst for a deliciously happy ending. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to starting another series by this author.
I was hesitant to read this book based on the indication in the back-cover text that Beau is a student of college professor Heath. However, Beau is in his mid-20s instead of fresh out of high school, and the two characters meet before realizing they will be together in a classroom. Both elements make a big difference in how the characters relate to each other, especially since Beau is the dominant partner in the relationship rather than Heath.
Speaking of, there is a high element of BDSM kink in this book that might not be for all readers. Heath is up-front about his concerns after his experience with a previous partner, and I loved how caring and considerate Beau is about their developing dynamic with that knowledge in place.
Books that make me scare a cat always get bonus points. In this case, I yelled out loud at a particular twisty moment that creates conflict between the characters (causing a cat dozing on my feet to sprint from the room). This revelation creates powerful emotional drama between the heroes and includes the perfect amount of angst for a deliciously happy ending. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to starting another series by this author.
November 20, 2019
Kate Hawthorne knows how satiate my thirst for kink!! Unfettered is a BDSM love story filled with a potpourri of fetishes and "scenes." A lot of it made me blush, yet most of it made flushed. What I loved the most about the book is it took me completely of my comfort zone. This is not your typical MM read. It opened my eyes to a different type of romance. Kate popped my cherry with a whole bunch of different plays ;) I learned quite a bit!
I've read a few BDSM books and I think Kate did fantastic job with enlightening her readers about the life style and how it should be handled....
What stood out to me was the perfect balance of dominance and submission in this couple. I loved the power and affection Beau applied to Heath. He took such wonderful care of him. Always putting Heath's needs first.
Heath pulled at my heart strings.... Before he met Beau, he was broken by someone he trusted. He was left feeling scattered and questioning everything. The lifestyle he loved was now lost, living an unfulfilled life. Would he ever be able to trust in another partner again?
Although Beau was much younger, right from the beginning he seemed to know what Heath needed. He treated Heath with respect, patience and care, while trying to put him back together. Showing him what true love and dominance should feel like.
Even with some hurdles in their way, the NEED and adoration between Beau and Heath was always so present. They were in my opinion, the epitmode of what a Dom Sub should be. A pefect balance of give and take. Each of them getting exactly what they needed out of their relationship.
If you are looking for a beautiful love story with a ton of kinky hot scenes this one is for you.
I've read a few BDSM books and I think Kate did fantastic job with enlightening her readers about the life style and how it should be handled....
What stood out to me was the perfect balance of dominance and submission in this couple. I loved the power and affection Beau applied to Heath. He took such wonderful care of him. Always putting Heath's needs first.
Heath pulled at my heart strings.... Before he met Beau, he was broken by someone he trusted. He was left feeling scattered and questioning everything. The lifestyle he loved was now lost, living an unfulfilled life. Would he ever be able to trust in another partner again?
Although Beau was much younger, right from the beginning he seemed to know what Heath needed. He treated Heath with respect, patience and care, while trying to put him back together. Showing him what true love and dominance should feel like.
Even with some hurdles in their way, the NEED and adoration between Beau and Heath was always so present. They were in my opinion, the epitmode of what a Dom Sub should be. A pefect balance of give and take. Each of them getting exactly what they needed out of their relationship.
If you are looking for a beautiful love story with a ton of kinky hot scenes this one is for you.
May 16, 2020
Heath is a trusting person, and he does love the pain, but his ex Mac abused his trust. Then Heath met Beau.
I wonder if people really get aroused so much as often as in this story.
I preferred the beginning and ending, the middle part was almost all sex but I did enjoy the growth and evolution of character along with their practices.
The character's backstories aren't spoken about for very long, the side characters are few and rarely seen. This story is mostly about the sex but the romance parts are pretty nice.
I liked how "clean" it was, there's a lot of explicit sex and various kinks but the more questionable things are less detailed.
There were a few inconsistencies, like Beau going from dark brown hair with green eyes to blonde with blue eyes. I was picturing him blonde anyway but that was weird.
The middle part felt long to read, and a few parts could have been explored better, but I liked it. A lot. This pair fit together really well, reading you can't help thinking they're perfect for each other.
The book was provided for free by the author in exchange for an honest review via the MMRG Don’t Buy My Love Program.
I wonder if people really get aroused so much as often as in this story.
I preferred the beginning and ending, the middle part was almost all sex but I did enjoy the growth and evolution of character along with their practices.
The character's backstories aren't spoken about for very long, the side characters are few and rarely seen. This story is mostly about the sex but the romance parts are pretty nice.
I liked how "clean" it was, there's a lot of explicit sex and various kinks but the more questionable things are less detailed.
"I wouldn't disrespect you just because we're in mixed company."
"I didn't think you would, but I understand this is different. I'm only a student."
"You're my lover. My partner," Heath corrected.
"You're wearing the key to my cock around your neck."
"You probably shouldn't tell him that." Beau smirked, and Heath chuckled, shaking his head.
There were a few inconsistencies, like Beau going from dark brown hair with green eyes to blonde with blue eyes. I was picturing him blonde anyway but that was weird.
The middle part felt long to read, and a few parts could have been explored better, but I liked it. A lot. This pair fit together really well, reading you can't help thinking they're perfect for each other.
The book was provided for free by the author in exchange for an honest review via the MMRG Don’t Buy My Love Program.
March 29, 2021
A tough, but great, read
It feels a little strange to praise a book with hurt/comfort themes but it hurts in a good way, I think. I found I really like both characters and their dynamic is just electric. I love that they are pretty much together throughout the entire story and the twist/black moment is handled really well.
“Everyone is responsible for their own decisions. It’s how they react in the fallout that counts.”
Had to reread in 2020 because I honestly couldn’t stop thinking about it. I still love it and appreciate Beau and Heath have been in the background of future books with the Motel brothers and Cherry Creek.
Don’t mind me reading this a third time. Beau and Heath are just so stuck in my head I have to revisit them every once in a while. The kink is so good and the characters so thought provoking.
It feels a little strange to praise a book with hurt/comfort themes but it hurts in a good way, I think. I found I really like both characters and their dynamic is just electric. I love that they are pretty much together throughout the entire story and the twist/black moment is handled really well.
“Everyone is responsible for their own decisions. It’s how they react in the fallout that counts.”
Had to reread in 2020 because I honestly couldn’t stop thinking about it. I still love it and appreciate Beau and Heath have been in the background of future books with the Motel brothers and Cherry Creek.
Don’t mind me reading this a third time. Beau and Heath are just so stuck in my head I have to revisit them every once in a while. The kink is so good and the characters so thought provoking.
April 28, 2021
Loved this book! It was kinky and steamy and so much more! Read this if you love D/S books and where the age gap has the younger person in the relationship is the D and the older is the S. The other great thing about this book was that they showed negatives and positives of this kind of relationship and how quickly things can change if there is not good communication and trust and understanding of the situation. I feel like the author did a great job of showing this and there is a short bit at the end where the author explains where the inspiration of this part of the storyline came from and I applaud them for sharing something so personal with the readers.
When I got to book 3 of the Room For Love series, I realized that there were other books for side characters. I have been trying to piece together the timeline of when they should all be read. I wrote a little bit about this in the book 3 reviews. I would say this book should have been read before I read book 3 but it doesn't really have a negative impact on the story you just go backward in the timeline a little bit.
This book focuses on the 6th (half) brother to the Motel brothers that the Room For Lover series is all about. So it fits right in either between book 1 and 2 or between book 2 and 3. I believe it takes place about the same time as book 2.
When I got to book 3 of the Room For Love series, I realized that there were other books for side characters. I have been trying to piece together the timeline of when they should all be read. I wrote a little bit about this in the book 3 reviews. I would say this book should have been read before I read book 3 but it doesn't really have a negative impact on the story you just go backward in the timeline a little bit.
This book focuses on the 6th (half) brother to the Motel brothers that the Room For Lover series is all about. So it fits right in either between book 1 and 2 or between book 2 and 3. I believe it takes place about the same time as book 2.
November 22, 2019
Powerful and Meaningful
Have you ever read a book and not been sure if you loved it or hated it? That was this book for me, and honestly had I not read Kate's letter at the end, this would not be a five star review from me. This book spent a lot of time in angst mode and was a little darker than I prefer, but the profound moment of clarity that Beau finds when talking with his brothers is a moment of clarity that we all need. I went a day after reading this book before I was able to leave this review. November is a brutal month for me as I deal with the loss of my mother who never sheltered me from a childhood of abuse, a mother I rescued from abuse when I was 22. The mother I nursed through Cancer while raising my siblings and who never apologized for my life and 3 weeks to the day after she died I lost my brother to overdose, the last time I spoke to him was in anger and to tell him our mother was gone. This book reminds me that it is ok to let go of the guilt, that not everyone gets redemption and sometimes you can love someone and hate them too. So while this book isn't touchy feely or warm and cuddly, I hope it was healing for Kate and I thank her for the words I needed to hear.
Have you ever read a book and not been sure if you loved it or hated it? That was this book for me, and honestly had I not read Kate's letter at the end, this would not be a five star review from me. This book spent a lot of time in angst mode and was a little darker than I prefer, but the profound moment of clarity that Beau finds when talking with his brothers is a moment of clarity that we all need. I went a day after reading this book before I was able to leave this review. November is a brutal month for me as I deal with the loss of my mother who never sheltered me from a childhood of abuse, a mother I rescued from abuse when I was 22. The mother I nursed through Cancer while raising my siblings and who never apologized for my life and 3 weeks to the day after she died I lost my brother to overdose, the last time I spoke to him was in anger and to tell him our mother was gone. This book reminds me that it is ok to let go of the guilt, that not everyone gets redemption and sometimes you can love someone and hate them too. So while this book isn't touchy feely or warm and cuddly, I hope it was healing for Kate and I thank her for the words I needed to hear.
January 29, 2021
A brilliant read
If you've read the Motel Brother books, you'll know of their half-brother Beau.
Beau is mid-20's and a confident, dominant man.
He meets Heath on a dating app. Heath is late 30's and a submissive whose trust has been abused, someone who isn't sure he can ever find the comfort in submission, and bondage especially, that he used to.
On the surface, this book is about how Heath and Beau fall in love, how they encourage each other to be more confident and better people. It's about kink, and power exchanges.
But more deeply, it's about the complexity of human nature.
It's about how someone you know as a good person with a firm grasp of right and wrong can end up making bad choices that hurt other people.
It's about trying to reconcile ourselves against such dychotomies - what does it mean about us that we only saw the good? Can people really be good or bad or are we all just varying shades of grey? How can we still love someone once we know how badly they have hurt someone else we love? What does that say about us.
This is not a simple book. It's complex, wryly funny, irreverent one minute then so reverent the next, sweet then heartbreaking.
It is so worth your time to read.
If you've read the Motel Brother books, you'll know of their half-brother Beau.
Beau is mid-20's and a confident, dominant man.
He meets Heath on a dating app. Heath is late 30's and a submissive whose trust has been abused, someone who isn't sure he can ever find the comfort in submission, and bondage especially, that he used to.
On the surface, this book is about how Heath and Beau fall in love, how they encourage each other to be more confident and better people. It's about kink, and power exchanges.
But more deeply, it's about the complexity of human nature.
It's about how someone you know as a good person with a firm grasp of right and wrong can end up making bad choices that hurt other people.
It's about trying to reconcile ourselves against such dychotomies - what does it mean about us that we only saw the good? Can people really be good or bad or are we all just varying shades of grey? How can we still love someone once we know how badly they have hurt someone else we love? What does that say about us.
This is not a simple book. It's complex, wryly funny, irreverent one minute then so reverent the next, sweet then heartbreaking.
It is so worth your time to read.
November 24, 2019
Unfettered and unresolved
I like this author. A lot. In the admittedly brief and public glimpses I get on Facebook, I like the way she looks at the world, talks to her friends and supporters, and would happily invite her to dinner! I'm a chef- so that is a good thing.
I know, I know, this is not about the book. But in a way, it kinda is. She explains it far better than I, but I think there is a piece of her in this book and I think it's the best part for me. I like that everything is not tied up and resolved. The HEA is there- don't worry! And I love me some fairy tales too. I do.
But the unresolved piece of the story makes it more real. All of us have to deal with this daily- and while it is so not fair that I will probably not get to see some karma whup their butts for their actions, I know it will. Not having the answers and dealing with that, as hard as that can be for all of us at different levels and hurts, is part of the real world. And this book shows it well and real and hurty. Thank you, thank you. For being brave and showing us your hurts through your writing. Bravo!
I like this author. A lot. In the admittedly brief and public glimpses I get on Facebook, I like the way she looks at the world, talks to her friends and supporters, and would happily invite her to dinner! I'm a chef- so that is a good thing.
I know, I know, this is not about the book. But in a way, it kinda is. She explains it far better than I, but I think there is a piece of her in this book and I think it's the best part for me. I like that everything is not tied up and resolved. The HEA is there- don't worry! And I love me some fairy tales too. I do.
But the unresolved piece of the story makes it more real. All of us have to deal with this daily- and while it is so not fair that I will probably not get to see some karma whup their butts for their actions, I know it will. Not having the answers and dealing with that, as hard as that can be for all of us at different levels and hurts, is part of the real world. And this book shows it well and real and hurty. Thank you, thank you. For being brave and showing us your hurts through your writing. Bravo!
November 23, 2019
I will go right to what I loved and what made this book something I so thoroughly enjoyed and that was Heath's submission. Even as he was overrun with fears and doubts from an abusive past, he still wanted nothing more than to submit, it came as easy as breathing for him.
Reading about Heath kneeling by Beau's side was cathartic because I could feel his utter relief as he was allowed to do so. How he was so natural in his desire to please, to simply be anything Beau could have wanted.
While I like reading about strict Masters, I love one that doesn't need anything more than his words to bring his sub to new heights. And Beau was that, instead of withholding, he gave until it hurt.
Another thing I loved was how the book showed how being submissive didn't take away Heath's voice or sense of self, he didn't loose his voice. Some books take it to the point where the sub can only speak when spoken to, but I like an assertive sub that still lives for his Master.
The letter from the author at the end of the book gave it a deeper meaning and it hit home harder.
Reading about Heath kneeling by Beau's side was cathartic because I could feel his utter relief as he was allowed to do so. How he was so natural in his desire to please, to simply be anything Beau could have wanted.
While I like reading about strict Masters, I love one that doesn't need anything more than his words to bring his sub to new heights. And Beau was that, instead of withholding, he gave until it hurt.
Another thing I loved was how the book showed how being submissive didn't take away Heath's voice or sense of self, he didn't loose his voice. Some books take it to the point where the sub can only speak when spoken to, but I like an assertive sub that still lives for his Master.
The letter from the author at the end of the book gave it a deeper meaning and it hit home harder.
March 1, 2020
I absolutely adore Beau and Heath.
Poor Heath suffered through a horrible experience and as a result, it's left him fearful.
That shame and fear have kept him from seeking a partner to satisfy his needs and he's falling apart because of it.
When he agrees to go out with Beau, he's not really sure this is something that could work because of his fear and the fact that there's a big age difference between them.
Beau won't be swayed, though.
He's definitely a Dom and he's extremely interested in Heath.
As they begin a relationship, it soon becomes apparent just how well suited they are for one another.
Beau was amazingly patient and tender as he helped guide Heath through coming to terms what happened to him giving him the strength to overcome the issue.
When a twisted turn of fate reveals a connection between Beau and the man who hurt Heath, he doubts himself and everything he's done to help Heath heal and what it implies about himself.
Heath has to be strong and show Beau that asking for help is not weakness.
Poor Heath suffered through a horrible experience and as a result, it's left him fearful.
That shame and fear have kept him from seeking a partner to satisfy his needs and he's falling apart because of it.
When he agrees to go out with Beau, he's not really sure this is something that could work because of his fear and the fact that there's a big age difference between them.
Beau won't be swayed, though.
He's definitely a Dom and he's extremely interested in Heath.
As they begin a relationship, it soon becomes apparent just how well suited they are for one another.
Beau was amazingly patient and tender as he helped guide Heath through coming to terms what happened to him giving him the strength to overcome the issue.
When a twisted turn of fate reveals a connection between Beau and the man who hurt Heath, he doubts himself and everything he's done to help Heath heal and what it implies about himself.
Heath has to be strong and show Beau that asking for help is not weakness.
May 25, 2020
Heath is just floating through life, he refuses to get back into the scene after one went very wrong long ago. Beau sees Heath and decides to ask him out even though Heath is older. When they find out Beau is one of Heath's students they have a choice to make, continue their relationship or let each other go. Beau refuses to let Heath go, even though Heath could get in trouble for having a relationship. Heath finally found someone he feels safe to scene with and isn't sure he wants to let it go.
Heath and Beau each of things in their past that they need to learn to let go, Beau past comes in the way of five half brothers he had no idea about until recently. Heath comes in the form of a tragic accident that comes back at the wrong time.
It was a good story, I didn't expect the twist of who came back from Heath past to be someone that Beau knows also. It shakes both men, but seems to affect Beau more than Heath. This story has made me want to read about Beau's brothers since we get such a small taste of them in this story.
Heath and Beau each of things in their past that they need to learn to let go, Beau past comes in the way of five half brothers he had no idea about until recently. Heath comes in the form of a tragic accident that comes back at the wrong time.
It was a good story, I didn't expect the twist of who came back from Heath past to be someone that Beau knows also. It shakes both men, but seems to affect Beau more than Heath. This story has made me want to read about Beau's brothers since we get such a small taste of them in this story.
December 9, 2019
This story will pull on your heart. Heath lives with so much hurt, but Beau is determined to help the man heal. The two go through so much and never give up. Both finding that they will need to be strong for each other and that they must believe and trust in their love and it will see them through every obstacle that life gives them. I loved watching the relationship grow between the two men as they learn to trust and love again. It was nice to see Heath find his way again in a lifestyle that he not only loves but needs.
Their story is full of emotion and it pulled me in right from the start. Both Heath and Beau are great men and I enjoyed seeing them face their demons and work towards a future instead of living in the past. The men soon learn that love is something that you work hard for and to keep. The author has woven a wonderful story about healing and finding love with endearing characters.
Their story is full of emotion and it pulled me in right from the start. Both Heath and Beau are great men and I enjoyed seeing them face their demons and work towards a future instead of living in the past. The men soon learn that love is something that you work hard for and to keep. The author has woven a wonderful story about healing and finding love with endearing characters.
October 30, 2022
- older sub/younger dom
- teacher/student but lowkey, not in a dramatic problematic way.
- sub dealing with past trauma
" I don’t need to tie you up to dominate you. Don’t need to touch you to own you. "
this had no right being this sweet and this hot. they go slow, learning each other, and it's beautiful. I was living for how much the dom was being careful and in control.
" Other people may not have appreciated the gift of your submission, of your obedience, but I do. "
there is a also a very impactful secondary character that is very grey. someone can be a positive figure for someone but also abuse someone else and I appreciated the conversation about it.
" You’re looking at me funny."
"I’m looking at you like you’re mine. "
- teacher/student but lowkey, not in a dramatic problematic way.
- sub dealing with past trauma
" I don’t need to tie you up to dominate you. Don’t need to touch you to own you. "
this had no right being this sweet and this hot. they go slow, learning each other, and it's beautiful. I was living for how much the dom was being careful and in control.
" Other people may not have appreciated the gift of your submission, of your obedience, but I do. "
there is a also a very impactful secondary character that is very grey. someone can be a positive figure for someone but also abuse someone else and I appreciated the conversation about it.
" You’re looking at me funny."
"I’m looking at you like you’re mine. "
November 23, 2019
Heath....professor, older, lonely, into pain, abuse survivor, wanting to trust again.
Beau.....student, younger, looking for something meaningful, not adverse to giving pain, wants unconditional surrender.
When both men confront the person who had such an impact on their lives they almost implode.
I thought this was a painful book to read so I have no doubt it was painful to write. This author does damaged characters very well. However what I liked most about this book was the care that was taken to make Heath trust again. I don’t think they are my favorite characters the author has written, but I believe they are probably the most memorable.
I received an arc of this book.
Beau.....student, younger, looking for something meaningful, not adverse to giving pain, wants unconditional surrender.
When both men confront the person who had such an impact on their lives they almost implode.
I thought this was a painful book to read so I have no doubt it was painful to write. This author does damaged characters very well. However what I liked most about this book was the care that was taken to make Heath trust again. I don’t think they are my favorite characters the author has written, but I believe they are probably the most memorable.
I received an arc of this book.
April 16, 2020
Heath and Beau have an intense connection that quickly goes into a Dom/sub relationship. The progression is slow due to the age difference, and a young guy being the dom. Heath is still overcoming a past with an abusive ex. Beau is patient and supportive. The relationship continues to blossom, but the relationship is met with a challenge. When the ex that hurt Heath was the trainer of Beau in being a dom. The relationship is reversed, Heath is all in with a good dom regardless of age but Beau is now lost and doubts himself in being a good partner for Heath. Luckily when they go together of for the holidays, Beau's brothers are supportive and help Beau accept himself and work with Heath in their relationship
October 24, 2022
Great story
I only have one complaint… why did it take for AFTER Christmas and the New Year for Heath to encounter Micheal again. College is not out from Thanksgiving to the New Year, which means Heath had to go to work after the Thanksgiving break, so why did it take so long for him to encounter Michael after the date? As much as Michael was popping by before that, you would think he would have popped up again, like he did at the end. He had no reservations just walking into the office. If the placement of that encounter was pushed up to before the Christmas break (sans Beau, of course), that would have made it sit better with me for whatever reason…cause I was hung up on that the whole last part of the story.
I only have one complaint… why did it take for AFTER Christmas and the New Year for Heath to encounter Micheal again. College is not out from Thanksgiving to the New Year, which means Heath had to go to work after the Thanksgiving break, so why did it take so long for him to encounter Michael after the date? As much as Michael was popping by before that, you would think he would have popped up again, like he did at the end. He had no reservations just walking into the office. If the placement of that encounter was pushed up to before the Christmas break (sans Beau, of course), that would have made it sit better with me for whatever reason…cause I was hung up on that the whole last part of the story.
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