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All in Good Time #1
Necessary Space
Hendrix
What’s the only thing more annoying than my years-too-young neighbor?
The way I want him more than air.
There are plenty of things I don’t like about my new home in California, and my neighbor, Miles, is at the top of the list. He’s smug and arrogant, he speaks out of turn. And even though I should have learned my lesson about fast-talking, younger, dominant men when I broke up with my ex, I want him. For better or worse, Miles and I are on the same page and that’s why we decide there’s no harm in taking things between us someplace a little more private.
Good thing it’s only a physical connection between us because I could never be with a man like him for the long term…
Miles
Can I tease my well-dressed and thick-thighed older neighbor into bed?
I’m not sure, but there’s no harm in trying.
There’s never been a man who twists me up inside the way Hendrix does, and from the very first time he tells me yes, I know I’m going to demand a thousand more agreements out of his gorgeous mouth before I’m anywhere close to being done with him. He says he only wants me for my body, but it’s not long before things between us feel anything but casual. Hendrix thinks I can’t tell he’s being cautious with me, that I don’t know his worries about the past repeating itself are a constant threat in his head.
Joke’s on him, though. Hendrix makes me want to be a better man and I’m not going to stop until I prove that I’m worthy of a partner like him, even if I stumble more than once along the way.
What’s the only thing scarier than falling in love with the older man who’s determined not to trust me? Giving him the space to discover he can.
---
Necessary Space is a 76,000 word age gap romance where coffee is a love language, annoying neighbors become lovers, kneeling is so much more than an act of submission, and love can be found all in good time.
What’s the only thing more annoying than my years-too-young neighbor?
The way I want him more than air.
There are plenty of things I don’t like about my new home in California, and my neighbor, Miles, is at the top of the list. He’s smug and arrogant, he speaks out of turn. And even though I should have learned my lesson about fast-talking, younger, dominant men when I broke up with my ex, I want him. For better or worse, Miles and I are on the same page and that’s why we decide there’s no harm in taking things between us someplace a little more private.
Good thing it’s only a physical connection between us because I could never be with a man like him for the long term…
Miles
Can I tease my well-dressed and thick-thighed older neighbor into bed?
I’m not sure, but there’s no harm in trying.
There’s never been a man who twists me up inside the way Hendrix does, and from the very first time he tells me yes, I know I’m going to demand a thousand more agreements out of his gorgeous mouth before I’m anywhere close to being done with him. He says he only wants me for my body, but it’s not long before things between us feel anything but casual. Hendrix thinks I can’t tell he’s being cautious with me, that I don’t know his worries about the past repeating itself are a constant threat in his head.
Joke’s on him, though. Hendrix makes me want to be a better man and I’m not going to stop until I prove that I’m worthy of a partner like him, even if I stumble more than once along the way.
What’s the only thing scarier than falling in love with the older man who’s determined not to trust me? Giving him the space to discover he can.
---
Necessary Space is a 76,000 word age gap romance where coffee is a love language, annoying neighbors become lovers, kneeling is so much more than an act of submission, and love can be found all in good time.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2023
112 people are currently reading
436 people want to read
About the author
Kate Hawthorne
93 books935 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 68 reviews
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March 6, 2023
Hendrix is not enjoying his time in California, and with the split of his boyfriend, he's questioning many things about his life. The handsome, young, overconfident neighbour who keeps referring to him as "buddy" isn't helping his situation. They are soon drawn to each other and, despite having their own reservation regarding relationships, realize that they may be a perfect match for one another.
I was really excited for Necessary Space as I liked Hendrix and enjoyed Rebound so much. This story on paper should have worked for me. I really love older submissives, high steam, lots of kinks I enjoy reading about, and Kate's amazing writing! However, I felt so disconnected from the characters and their relationship. There was some vulnerability but something was missing for me. I think I needed them to connect more as there was a slight lack of depth to their relationship.
I don't mind if a relationship starts out physically, but I expect some emotional aspect to follow and the intimacy to bring them closer. However, with both of them having their hang-ups regarding relationships, especially Miles and with the meddling of Grayson, things just got convoluted and complicated for no reason. So that opportunity for them to grow as a couple is minimized in the story. Too many things were getting in their way when any sort of progress was made.
Overall it was an okay read and while this one was not for me the writing is amazing. If you enjoy Kate Hawthorne's stories, opposite attracts, grumpy/sunshine, older sub/younger dom, strangers to lovers, and light kink I would recommend checking out Necessary Space! I'm looking forward to the next book, which will focus on Wesley, Hendrix's little brother. He piqued my interest and I want to know more about him.
I was really excited for Necessary Space as I liked Hendrix and enjoyed Rebound so much. This story on paper should have worked for me. I really love older submissives, high steam, lots of kinks I enjoy reading about, and Kate's amazing writing! However, I felt so disconnected from the characters and their relationship. There was some vulnerability but something was missing for me. I think I needed them to connect more as there was a slight lack of depth to their relationship.
I don't mind if a relationship starts out physically, but I expect some emotional aspect to follow and the intimacy to bring them closer. However, with both of them having their hang-ups regarding relationships, especially Miles and with the meddling of Grayson, things just got convoluted and complicated for no reason. So that opportunity for them to grow as a couple is minimized in the story. Too many things were getting in their way when any sort of progress was made.
Overall it was an okay read and while this one was not for me the writing is amazing. If you enjoy Kate Hawthorne's stories, opposite attracts, grumpy/sunshine, older sub/younger dom, strangers to lovers, and light kink I would recommend checking out Necessary Space! I'm looking forward to the next book, which will focus on Wesley, Hendrix's little brother. He piqued my interest and I want to know more about him.
December 6, 2024
Hendrix has moved to California for a new job, and he is living in a company-provided rental, with his ex-boyfriend Greyson, which I thought was a bit strange, but it seems they remained friends after the break-up. He isn’t a big fan of California and has made little effort to get to know the area. Hendrix finds himself irritated by his next-door neighbor, Miles, who seems to love to get a rise out of him.
Miles is an arrogant, younger man and he's driving Hendrix crazy. However, Hendrix can also admit that he finds Miles attractive and his dominant attitude very appealing. It has been a while since Hendrix has submitted to anyone and something in him definitely is drawn to Miles. Miles can't resist teasing Hendrix, but he's only kidding himself that he's not attracted to him. Miles also is sure that getting involved would be a bad idea since Hendrix is exactly the kind of guy Miles could fall in love with, and thus far life has shown him that would never work out. He has been there...done that...and has zero desire to get involved again with a younger man.
Of course, we know that this would be a very short story if they didn't both eventually give in. Before they know it, they find themselves in an intense and consuming relationship. All their attempts at caution have taken a hike. Now, they have to decide if they are willing to accept the feelings that are growing between them and take the chance at happiness together.
This story is very character driven and while focusing on Miles and Hendrix, we also get to know Miles’ best friend, roommate and former boyfriend, Grayson, as well as Hendrix’s younger brother, Wesley...future story material that sets the scene for upcoming books in the series. Fans of Kate Hawthorne are really going to enjoy this one.
Miles is an arrogant, younger man and he's driving Hendrix crazy. However, Hendrix can also admit that he finds Miles attractive and his dominant attitude very appealing. It has been a while since Hendrix has submitted to anyone and something in him definitely is drawn to Miles. Miles can't resist teasing Hendrix, but he's only kidding himself that he's not attracted to him. Miles also is sure that getting involved would be a bad idea since Hendrix is exactly the kind of guy Miles could fall in love with, and thus far life has shown him that would never work out. He has been there...done that...and has zero desire to get involved again with a younger man.
Of course, we know that this would be a very short story if they didn't both eventually give in. Before they know it, they find themselves in an intense and consuming relationship. All their attempts at caution have taken a hike. Now, they have to decide if they are willing to accept the feelings that are growing between them and take the chance at happiness together.
This story is very character driven and while focusing on Miles and Hendrix, we also get to know Miles’ best friend, roommate and former boyfriend, Grayson, as well as Hendrix’s younger brother, Wesley...future story material that sets the scene for upcoming books in the series. Fans of Kate Hawthorne are really going to enjoy this one.
March 8, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Necessary Space kicks off Kate Hawthorne’s new All in Good Time series and it’s an engaging and sexy story. While both men are initially hesitant about more than just sex, there actually ends up being very little conflict here since that pretty much falls apart as soon as they are together. What made this story really work for me is the wonderful way Hawthorne builds the intensity between Miles and Hendrix. There is this sense of almost a frenzy about them, a compulsion to be together almost despite themselves. The chemistry and connection between them comes through so clearly that I could just feel that pull bringing them together. From almost the first moment, they are in sync physically, but it isn’t long before it is the same emotionally.
I think fans of Hawthorne’s style are really going to enjoy this one, as it is sexy, kinky, and nicely character driven.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Necessary Space kicks off Kate Hawthorne’s new All in Good Time series and it’s an engaging and sexy story. While both men are initially hesitant about more than just sex, there actually ends up being very little conflict here since that pretty much falls apart as soon as they are together. What made this story really work for me is the wonderful way Hawthorne builds the intensity between Miles and Hendrix. There is this sense of almost a frenzy about them, a compulsion to be together almost despite themselves. The chemistry and connection between them comes through so clearly that I could just feel that pull bringing them together. From almost the first moment, they are in sync physically, but it isn’t long before it is the same emotionally.
I think fans of Hawthorne’s style are really going to enjoy this one, as it is sexy, kinky, and nicely character driven.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
March 13, 2023
This book was odd. Did the sex make the relationship or the relationship make the sex? They did have sex before they even knew each others last names so hmmm. Which isn’t bad but the plot lacked depth.
It was zero to love in like a blink of time. I had whiplash. I guess that’s why I felt very disconnected to their journey because it was just way too fast!
Wesley and Grayson as side characters were kinda meh to me too. Grayson was toxic and the brother UGH.
I guess I higher expectations for Hendrix. I loved him as a side character in Rome’s HEA.
Hendrix likes to use his age as a weapon to bludgeon Miles with. “ you are showing your age” yikes how long can they keep that going.
“I should have helped ease them, but I’d only made things worse. Then I’d called him out over his age, which was one of the things I really did love the most about him.” Hendrix said this but you’d never guess that was what he loved most 😵💫
I didn’t buy into their love. It felt very shallow and I wanted more relationship building and all I got was solving arguments with sex. Communication with words would have been nice but meh.
Wesley, the annoying brother’s book is next. I wonder if it’s with Grayson the toxic ex. I’m thinking it’s a distinct possibility 🤨😏
It was zero to love in like a blink of time. I had whiplash. I guess that’s why I felt very disconnected to their journey because it was just way too fast!
Wesley and Grayson as side characters were kinda meh to me too. Grayson was toxic and the brother UGH.
I guess I higher expectations for Hendrix. I loved him as a side character in Rome’s HEA.
Hendrix likes to use his age as a weapon to bludgeon Miles with. “ you are showing your age” yikes how long can they keep that going.
“I should have helped ease them, but I’d only made things worse. Then I’d called him out over his age, which was one of the things I really did love the most about him.” Hendrix said this but you’d never guess that was what he loved most 😵💫
I didn’t buy into their love. It felt very shallow and I wanted more relationship building and all I got was solving arguments with sex. Communication with words would have been nice but meh.
Wesley, the annoying brother’s book is next. I wonder if it’s with Grayson the toxic ex. I’m thinking it’s a distinct possibility 🤨😏
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2023
Necessary Space was just an okay read for me - based on the blurb, I expected much more build up to Hendrix and Miles finally giving in to each other and that’s not really what we got.
Hendrix Sutton and Miles Kirsch are next-door neighbors and have been for months but didn’t officially meet until the beginning of this story. Things go from contentious to heated to on fire once they meet each other, despite their age difference and Hendrix’s insistence that he’s done dating younger men. Hendrix is older, knows exactly what he likes and holds Miles to higher standards than he’s used to, while Miles is younger and more carefree but is also prone to reacting immaturely to situations over and over again.
Miles and Hendrix’s relationship felt rushed and frenzied most of the time, like they were running out of time to do all the things they wanted to and they had to fit it all in. Their relationship went from zero to 100 really fast and I found myself missing some of the early dating awkwardness and the get-to-know-you part of the relationship. They blew past so much of that and dove right into the physical that I didn’t feel much of a lasting connection between them or to them. I think if we got more build-up in their relationship and got to know them more outside of the bedroom, I would have enjoyed this more.
Grayson and Wesley were interesting additions to the story but only added complications to Miles and Hendrix’s relationship - I wanted more development there as well that didn’t rely on Miles and Hendrix getting jealous for one reason or another. Overall, this one just didn’t do it for me like it likely will for others.
Hendrix Sutton and Miles Kirsch are next-door neighbors and have been for months but didn’t officially meet until the beginning of this story. Things go from contentious to heated to on fire once they meet each other, despite their age difference and Hendrix’s insistence that he’s done dating younger men. Hendrix is older, knows exactly what he likes and holds Miles to higher standards than he’s used to, while Miles is younger and more carefree but is also prone to reacting immaturely to situations over and over again.
Miles and Hendrix’s relationship felt rushed and frenzied most of the time, like they were running out of time to do all the things they wanted to and they had to fit it all in. Their relationship went from zero to 100 really fast and I found myself missing some of the early dating awkwardness and the get-to-know-you part of the relationship. They blew past so much of that and dove right into the physical that I didn’t feel much of a lasting connection between them or to them. I think if we got more build-up in their relationship and got to know them more outside of the bedroom, I would have enjoyed this more.
Grayson and Wesley were interesting additions to the story but only added complications to Miles and Hendrix’s relationship - I wanted more development there as well that didn’t rely on Miles and Hendrix getting jealous for one reason or another. Overall, this one just didn’t do it for me like it likely will for others.
March 14, 2023
I absolutely love this story. I love Hendrix and Miles! These two have amazing chemistry. I love the age gap but also with it being younger dom and older sub. I just love seeing how their relationship develops throughout this story. Definitely another amazing read by Kate Hawthorne.
Read
April 17, 2024After how much of an asshole Hendrix was in Grayson’s book, it was hard to feel much connection to him now. Also, for how much Miles goes on about Grayson’s importance to him, he sure does drop him like a hot potato the moment he gets into a relationship.
April 20, 2023
Some sorta kinky
sex, but skipped relationship
growth, motives, romance.
sex, but skipped relationship
growth, motives, romance.
March 15, 2023
4.75 Stars
Necessary Space by Kate Hawthorne is an "annoying neighbor-to-lovers" story. This fairly low-angst contemporary MM romance features an age gap and lots of kinky fun.
Hendrix moves to California for a job and starts over after a breakup with his boyfriend/dominant. He's not happy being in California. He misses home. His annoying neighbor calling him "buddy" isn't helping things either. His much younger, very attractive, intense neighbor. A man who is crawling under his skin.
Miles is a menace in many ways. A very sexy, dominant menace. He teases those close to him and almost seems to be very indifferent toward others. His expectations are high, and his walls are even higher. He doesn't expect anyone to meet his needs in or outside the bedroom. He's satisfied with hook-ups and hanging out with his best friend slash roommate Grayson. That is until his handsome neighbor turns his world upside down.
I'm not sure I can summarize this book in a way that does it any real justice. The banter, the flirting, the dialogue. It's brilliant. Both men know straight away that they'll be gone for the other quickly if they enter into anything. They just hit it off so well and realize they can provide what the other has been missing in their life. Regardless of what you thought you wanted or when you wanted it, finding your person makes everything click into place. Even though this story has instalove vibes, I think it's different because of the characters' dynamic and overall chemistry. The way to continue to grow with each other and not stay so rigid was nice to see too.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was deliciously kinky but had just enough of the ooey-gooey goodness I love. There were some great side characters, and I am really looking forward to the next book in the series.
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ***
Necessary Space by Kate Hawthorne is an "annoying neighbor-to-lovers" story. This fairly low-angst contemporary MM romance features an age gap and lots of kinky fun.
Hendrix moves to California for a job and starts over after a breakup with his boyfriend/dominant. He's not happy being in California. He misses home. His annoying neighbor calling him "buddy" isn't helping things either. His much younger, very attractive, intense neighbor. A man who is crawling under his skin.
Miles is a menace in many ways. A very sexy, dominant menace. He teases those close to him and almost seems to be very indifferent toward others. His expectations are high, and his walls are even higher. He doesn't expect anyone to meet his needs in or outside the bedroom. He's satisfied with hook-ups and hanging out with his best friend slash roommate Grayson. That is until his handsome neighbor turns his world upside down.
I'm not sure I can summarize this book in a way that does it any real justice. The banter, the flirting, the dialogue. It's brilliant. Both men know straight away that they'll be gone for the other quickly if they enter into anything. They just hit it off so well and realize they can provide what the other has been missing in their life. Regardless of what you thought you wanted or when you wanted it, finding your person makes everything click into place. Even though this story has instalove vibes, I think it's different because of the characters' dynamic and overall chemistry. The way to continue to grow with each other and not stay so rigid was nice to see too.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was deliciously kinky but had just enough of the ooey-gooey goodness I love. There were some great side characters, and I am really looking forward to the next book in the series.
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ***
March 5, 2023
What an intense ride between Miles and Hendrix from the first time Miles calls Hendrix "buddy" over the garden fence. Two very different men who, surprising both of them, match perfectly in what they want and need in a partner, in and out of the bedroom.
Hendrix has recently moved to California after a new job offer and after the end of his relationship with his ex, Rome (from Rebound). It takes a while before there is any communication between the neighbours and there are many assumptions about what each other is like and I love the way that they clash and come together. Miles definitely has the ego but it's not too much and is balanced out by strength and capabilities. What he can give to Hendrix is everything the older man wants and even more than that. I was surprised by how quickly feelings became involved but with the intensity of their relationship, it goes along with that storyline. It's quite a fast paced romance with the physical and emotional relationship developing quicker than expected, especially the emotional aspect with Hendrix recently out of a relationship and Miles not looking for anything like that with many walls up to protect himself.
Grayson, Miles's best friend and housemate is quite interesting and I'm sure we'll hear more from him in the series. I like the strength of friendship he has with Miles and that they are able to sort things between themselves without any big dramas. Hendrix has a younger brother who visits and provides some entertainment/drama to keep everyone on their toes!
A really great new series from Kate Hawthorne. I'm so happy that Hendrix got his own HEA after meeting him in Rebound and I'm looking forward to what comes next in this series. It's not especially heavy in angst and is extremely hot in the scenes between the MC's.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review
Hendrix has recently moved to California after a new job offer and after the end of his relationship with his ex, Rome (from Rebound). It takes a while before there is any communication between the neighbours and there are many assumptions about what each other is like and I love the way that they clash and come together. Miles definitely has the ego but it's not too much and is balanced out by strength and capabilities. What he can give to Hendrix is everything the older man wants and even more than that. I was surprised by how quickly feelings became involved but with the intensity of their relationship, it goes along with that storyline. It's quite a fast paced romance with the physical and emotional relationship developing quicker than expected, especially the emotional aspect with Hendrix recently out of a relationship and Miles not looking for anything like that with many walls up to protect himself.
Grayson, Miles's best friend and housemate is quite interesting and I'm sure we'll hear more from him in the series. I like the strength of friendship he has with Miles and that they are able to sort things between themselves without any big dramas. Hendrix has a younger brother who visits and provides some entertainment/drama to keep everyone on their toes!
A really great new series from Kate Hawthorne. I'm so happy that Hendrix got his own HEA after meeting him in Rebound and I'm looking forward to what comes next in this series. It's not especially heavy in angst and is extremely hot in the scenes between the MC's.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review
March 9, 2023
Neither Hendrix nor Miles was looking for love at the start of this story, and yet that's exactly what life had in store for them. At first I was confused by how hard and fast they fell in love when they claimed it wasn't something they wanted, but what I realized is that finding the right person really does change everything. Nothing about Miles and Hendrix should have made sense--Hendrix wasn't interested in someone younger, Miles thought Hendrix was looking for something he wasn't willing to give--and yet they just worked together in every way that mattered. Their sex life was amazing, their power exchange a balanced give and take that satisfied both of them, and their chemistry was off the charts. It didn't take long at all for "just a fling" to turn into "I love you", and I surprised myself by believing every word. That's not to say that the two of them didn't have their struggles. More than once Miles and Hendrix had to deal with overreactions, jealousy, and a lack of communication, but in every instance they chose to talk it out and move forward together. Even though Hendrix and Miles fell hard and fast, they didn't rush through the stages of dating and getting to know each other, and I really appreciated that. As the name of the book implies, the necessary space they gave each other allowed their relationship to deepen and grow, and in the end I think it's what propelled them from casual lovers to committed partners ready to spend the rest of their lives together.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
October 20, 2023
Hendrix has moved to California for work and while his too-young neighbour Miles is smug, arrogant and against his better judgement he wants him more than air. They are both on the same page and so decide there’s no harm in taking things between them someplace a little more private. Miles starts off wondering if he can tease his well-dressed and hick-thighed older neighbour into bed but he knows that he will demand more agreements out of him before he is anywhere close to being done with him. It's not long before things between them feel anything but casual but he makes Miles want to be a better man so he can prove that he is worthy of a partner like him even if he stumbles on the way there. What’s the only thing scarier than falling in love with the older man who’s determined not to trust you? Giving him the space to discover that he can.
In some ways, I enjoyed this story where everything started in a very physical and casual way, and in others, I found it irritating. I particularly liked that Miles fell in love with someone and that his days of mindless casual sex were over, but I did find his attachment to Greyson (who was an ex) bizarre. I did find the emotional connection between the two men largely missing which was a shame as great sex does not make for a lifelong relationship. Easy to read, feel and understand. This is an MM story with lots of mature content and a BSDM-like D/s dynamic.
In some ways, I enjoyed this story where everything started in a very physical and casual way, and in others, I found it irritating. I particularly liked that Miles fell in love with someone and that his days of mindless casual sex were over, but I did find his attachment to Greyson (who was an ex) bizarre. I did find the emotional connection between the two men largely missing which was a shame as great sex does not make for a lifelong relationship. Easy to read, feel and understand. This is an MM story with lots of mature content and a BSDM-like D/s dynamic.
March 13, 2023
I adored Hendrix, (Rome's ex from Rebound), and was thrilled when I found out he got his own book. Hendrix, in his early 40's, is now living in California due to taking a new job, but still seems lost. He goes to work and comes home and hadn't taken the time to explore the new city he's living in or made any friends with the exception of a co-worker he eats lunch with on Fridays.
Miles, Hendrix's younger neighbor is living with his best friend who he has a past with, but decided years before they were better as friends. Miles is confident on the outside, but still has insecurities he's working through.
Sparks fly from the moment Hendrix and Miles meet face to face and things between them get serious very quickly. I usually don't enjoy insta-love books, but the writing was so well done, I didn't mind it at all in this story. Despite the age gap, Miles and Hendrix were very compatible and found exactly what they were looking for in the other person.
There were a few hiccups along the way, mostly in the form of Miles's best friend Grayson, but this was a relatively low angst book and all arguments were resolved quickly. Hendrix's 20 year old brother Westley brought a breath of fresh air to the story and I'm looking forward to reading his book next.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Miles, Hendrix's younger neighbor is living with his best friend who he has a past with, but decided years before they were better as friends. Miles is confident on the outside, but still has insecurities he's working through.
Sparks fly from the moment Hendrix and Miles meet face to face and things between them get serious very quickly. I usually don't enjoy insta-love books, but the writing was so well done, I didn't mind it at all in this story. Despite the age gap, Miles and Hendrix were very compatible and found exactly what they were looking for in the other person.
There were a few hiccups along the way, mostly in the form of Miles's best friend Grayson, but this was a relatively low angst book and all arguments were resolved quickly. Hendrix's 20 year old brother Westley brought a breath of fresh air to the story and I'm looking forward to reading his book next.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 5, 2023
I must admit I wasn't super excited about reading Hendrix's story but my expectations were totally blown away.
I adore the way the author has written Hendrix and Miles as such brutally self-aware characters; even when they fail to communicate or make mistakes, they are quickly aware of why they did it and there's something so satisfying about that (just me? Maybe. 😉).
I usually don't seek out high heat books either, but just like in her previous books, the physical side of the relationship is so deeply connected to the emotions of the characters. It's hot, you don't have to look more deeply than that of you don't want or need to, but for me that's important and it's why I'm such a big fan of her stories.
Necessary Space is engaging without being overwrought with tension, schmexy without being off-putting for those of us who waiver on the Ace/Allo spectrum line, and almost touchingly romantic without ever being too much.
I'm actually really excited to see where this series goes now.
Dual POV, high heat, kinky, age gap, neighbours, with very minor angst levels. Definitely not a slow burner, physically or emotionally.
I received a copy of this book from the author and have chosen to leave an honest review.
I adore the way the author has written Hendrix and Miles as such brutally self-aware characters; even when they fail to communicate or make mistakes, they are quickly aware of why they did it and there's something so satisfying about that (just me? Maybe. 😉).
I usually don't seek out high heat books either, but just like in her previous books, the physical side of the relationship is so deeply connected to the emotions of the characters. It's hot, you don't have to look more deeply than that of you don't want or need to, but for me that's important and it's why I'm such a big fan of her stories.
Necessary Space is engaging without being overwrought with tension, schmexy without being off-putting for those of us who waiver on the Ace/Allo spectrum line, and almost touchingly romantic without ever being too much.
I'm actually really excited to see where this series goes now.
Dual POV, high heat, kinky, age gap, neighbours, with very minor angst levels. Definitely not a slow burner, physically or emotionally.
I received a copy of this book from the author and have chosen to leave an honest review.
March 8, 2023
Hey Buddy!
I was excited for Hendrix to get his HEA and I love the reverse Dom/sub with the Dom being younger, however, this one didn’t hit the mark for me. The writing is fantastic, as is the kink, but I felt as if Hendrix and Miles went from 0 to 100 with no real build up, no getting to know you and first dates. They started off with such high intensity and great sexual chemistry but didn’t even know each other’s last name for such high emotions to be involved.
Hendrix is stuck on the fact that Miles is younger than him so much that it gets in the way of any real depth between them. Than Grayson’s misunderstanding regarding Wesley puts another bump in the road and really instead of talking they just use sex to make-up…not that sex can’t say a lot about things but I just didn’t feel any real connection outside of it.
The story felt like an insta-love/lust and that isn’t really my thing so maybe that’s why I didn’t like this one as much. I really wanted to love this because I love Hendrix in Rebound, however I am still excited to see how Wesley’s story will play out next.
I was excited for Hendrix to get his HEA and I love the reverse Dom/sub with the Dom being younger, however, this one didn’t hit the mark for me. The writing is fantastic, as is the kink, but I felt as if Hendrix and Miles went from 0 to 100 with no real build up, no getting to know you and first dates. They started off with such high intensity and great sexual chemistry but didn’t even know each other’s last name for such high emotions to be involved.
Hendrix is stuck on the fact that Miles is younger than him so much that it gets in the way of any real depth between them. Than Grayson’s misunderstanding regarding Wesley puts another bump in the road and really instead of talking they just use sex to make-up…not that sex can’t say a lot about things but I just didn’t feel any real connection outside of it.
The story felt like an insta-love/lust and that isn’t really my thing so maybe that’s why I didn’t like this one as much. I really wanted to love this because I love Hendrix in Rebound, however I am still excited to see how Wesley’s story will play out next.
March 8, 2023
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Hot-headed young dom and old wiser sub are the perfect pair! Basically the goldilocks of couples. With the perfect mix of hot kink and sweetness, Miles and Hendrix were a lot of fun.
Miles is a young and cocky man who plays it fast and loose, never believing he’ll find someone to match his personality and kink needs, so he sticks to one-night stands. Until he meets his older neighbour Hendrix.
“Helpless and hopeless, no amount of space between us would ever change the fact that in less than two hours, he’d ruined me for other men entirely.”
I love Miles, despite being obnoxious in the beginning. He’s quick to realize what he wants and does the work to win Hendrix over. Not that there aren’t pesky emotions and questionable decisions made along the way, but they were both pretty great at admitting when they were wrong.
Hot-headed young dom and old wiser sub are the perfect pair! Basically the goldilocks of couples. With the perfect mix of hot kink and sweetness, Miles and Hendrix were a lot of fun.
Miles is a young and cocky man who plays it fast and loose, never believing he’ll find someone to match his personality and kink needs, so he sticks to one-night stands. Until he meets his older neighbour Hendrix.
“Helpless and hopeless, no amount of space between us would ever change the fact that in less than two hours, he’d ruined me for other men entirely.”
I love Miles, despite being obnoxious in the beginning. He’s quick to realize what he wants and does the work to win Hendrix over. Not that there aren’t pesky emotions and questionable decisions made along the way, but they were both pretty great at admitting when they were wrong.
March 14, 2023
STEAMY NEIGHBOURS TO LOVERS!
In this start of the series we get to see Hendrix in his new job and temporary residence in California which he left after his breakup with Rome in Brixton, in One For the Road…
A grumpy forty something sub and a sassy, arrogant and self confident not to mention annoying much younger dom meet as neighbours and become so much more!
Miles Kirch was the ultimate player in exclusive hook-ups as he never thought he would ever find his perfect man and so he put up defences by being annoying and arrogant until Hendrix Sutton the elusive grumpy unicorn crossed his path…
“I wanted to cover his eyes because he saw me in a way that I’d never experienced before and that was utterly terrifying.”
I loved their banter and dynamic and of course the side characters Grayson and Wesley were just as entertaining and gave us a tiny taste for the next book!
Their journey to love, understanding and acceptance was not easy but in true Kate Hawthorne style you as
reader will be entertained and enthralled!
I voluntarily received an ARC from Forward PR for an honest non-biased review.
In this start of the series we get to see Hendrix in his new job and temporary residence in California which he left after his breakup with Rome in Brixton, in One For the Road…
A grumpy forty something sub and a sassy, arrogant and self confident not to mention annoying much younger dom meet as neighbours and become so much more!
Miles Kirch was the ultimate player in exclusive hook-ups as he never thought he would ever find his perfect man and so he put up defences by being annoying and arrogant until Hendrix Sutton the elusive grumpy unicorn crossed his path…
“I wanted to cover his eyes because he saw me in a way that I’d never experienced before and that was utterly terrifying.”
I loved their banter and dynamic and of course the side characters Grayson and Wesley were just as entertaining and gave us a tiny taste for the next book!
Their journey to love, understanding and acceptance was not easy but in true Kate Hawthorne style you as
reader will be entertained and enthralled!
I voluntarily received an ARC from Forward PR for an honest non-biased review.
March 5, 2023
Hendrix is the grumpy older neighbor that was mysterious, and the littlest thing could set him off. Well Miles was the younger neighbor that when walking his date to his car from the night before, and as he was heading back to his house and spotted Hendrix and called him buddy. that was enough to set Hendrix off and be super annoyed with his younger but oh so sexy neighbor. Neither of them could keep the other out of their minds, and after one random knock on the door and a steamy kiss in Miles kitchen. This older sub and younger Dom have a hot, steamy, and all-night romp in the sheet, did these two find their other have the perfect sub to Miles ever so strong Dom side of himself. Will these two make their wants and needs to each other go and be happy together forever or they will make a few sneaks around the fence and into each other's bedrooms. oh, this book was so good Miles snarky comebacks are just everything, and who doesn't love a snarky strong Dom who cares if he's gay or not it's still very attractive.
March 17, 2023
4 stars for a good romance.
A great start and not a good one for Hendrix and Miles first meeting of sort through a fence.
Hendrix 42 yrs was in a new home in LA and missing his old location. He was a submissive getting over a past relationship.
Miles lived next door to Hendrix and definitely had fire going on between them. A young Dom who loved his kinks and was afraid of the R word. A quick connection was made which breaks Miles rules. Miles only did one night stands but something told him Hendrix was boyfriend material.
The two characters are perfect for each other both in their kinks and switching.
I really liked the Miles snd Hendricks but something stoped me connecting with them. I would’ve liked less sex and more communication at the start.
During reading this I came across a couple of words used I never heard of before, yeah Siri had all the answers.
A fast romance blossom’s between them and according to Miles friend maybe too fast for heartbreak ahead.
A fantastic HEA ending to the book that I enjoyed. Sexy scenes included, with both povs.
A great start and not a good one for Hendrix and Miles first meeting of sort through a fence.
Hendrix 42 yrs was in a new home in LA and missing his old location. He was a submissive getting over a past relationship.
Miles lived next door to Hendrix and definitely had fire going on between them. A young Dom who loved his kinks and was afraid of the R word. A quick connection was made which breaks Miles rules. Miles only did one night stands but something told him Hendrix was boyfriend material.
The two characters are perfect for each other both in their kinks and switching.
I really liked the Miles snd Hendricks but something stoped me connecting with them. I would’ve liked less sex and more communication at the start.
During reading this I came across a couple of words used I never heard of before, yeah Siri had all the answers.
A fast romance blossom’s between them and according to Miles friend maybe too fast for heartbreak ahead.
A fantastic HEA ending to the book that I enjoyed. Sexy scenes included, with both povs.
March 8, 2023
Kate Hawthorne has given us a great story for Hendrix. We first met him in One for the Road as the ex-boyfriend leaving town. In Necessary Space he becomes the neighbor to Miles. Miles, who is younger and calls him buddy, which he hates, but can’t seem to get him out of his thoughts.
Miles is just dominant enough to bring Hendrix to his knees. Hendrix is just fun and sexy enough to bring Miles to his, metaphorically.
Their hea road is bumpy and Miles messes up a couple times. Youth will do that to you 😉 But he is determined to have Hendrix and will work to fix his mistakes.
Necessary Space is a story worthy of your time. If you enjoy:
🤔 age gap
🫣 annoying (but sexy) neighbors
🤭 a little kink D/s
😳 a spice factor of 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🥰 and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating
then you will absolutely enjoy this one.
Miles is just dominant enough to bring Hendrix to his knees. Hendrix is just fun and sexy enough to bring Miles to his, metaphorically.
Their hea road is bumpy and Miles messes up a couple times. Youth will do that to you 😉 But he is determined to have Hendrix and will work to fix his mistakes.
Necessary Space is a story worthy of your time. If you enjoy:
🤔 age gap
🫣 annoying (but sexy) neighbors
🤭 a little kink D/s
😳 a spice factor of 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🥰 and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating
then you will absolutely enjoy this one.
October 12, 2024
Mmmhmm! Oh yeah!!! Come and get it! ** SMACK**!!!😂😋😍
Sublime!!!😏 Exceedingly well written with delicious characters to devour!😘 I always love when I find fantastically kinky and just yummy eroticism!😁 That's exactly what you'll experience with luscious Miles and adorably sexy Hendrix. The creative pull of this seemingly, at first glance, annoyingly plain tale of romantic woe, will explode all up your face! And you'll take it!! Love it! 😉 Role around in the gooey center of mushy love juice!😘 I swear! These two unlikely lovers will ignite in your brain and live there rent free for a very long time! 😍 This isn't a tale for the weak. It can and will rip you apart and mend you back together in a way you never thought possible! YES!!! It's that fiery! Extremely romantic and KINKY as hell!😚😋😎
Sublime!!!😏 Exceedingly well written with delicious characters to devour!😘 I always love when I find fantastically kinky and just yummy eroticism!😁 That's exactly what you'll experience with luscious Miles and adorably sexy Hendrix. The creative pull of this seemingly, at first glance, annoyingly plain tale of romantic woe, will explode all up your face! And you'll take it!! Love it! 😉 Role around in the gooey center of mushy love juice!😘 I swear! These two unlikely lovers will ignite in your brain and live there rent free for a very long time! 😍 This isn't a tale for the weak. It can and will rip you apart and mend you back together in a way you never thought possible! YES!!! It's that fiery! Extremely romantic and KINKY as hell!😚😋😎
March 1, 2023
4 ⭐️
We are finally seeing Hendrix get his HEA! We first met Hendrix back in Rome and Max's story and while he seemed like a good guy, this story just proves how amazing he is.
Hendrix moved away to California to start over at a new job. While Hendrix seems like a grumpy cat, he has a heart of gold. And sexually, he knows what he wants - to be submissive in the bedroom.
Miles has taken an interest in his new next door neighbor, Hendrix. Where Hendrix is grumpy, Miles is full of energy and life. I admired this quality so much about him. Sexually, Miles is the complete opposite, he is a dominant. Which actually works out for them.
The banter between these two was hilarious! I loved Miles purposely getting under Hendrix's skin. That really was the star of the show for me, along with the spicy spice between these two!
We meet two main side characters, Grayson who is Miles' best friend and Wes, who is Hendrix's brother. As the book goes along, they seem to form an unlikely friendship and I am excited to see where that heads.
We are finally seeing Hendrix get his HEA! We first met Hendrix back in Rome and Max's story and while he seemed like a good guy, this story just proves how amazing he is.
Hendrix moved away to California to start over at a new job. While Hendrix seems like a grumpy cat, he has a heart of gold. And sexually, he knows what he wants - to be submissive in the bedroom.
Miles has taken an interest in his new next door neighbor, Hendrix. Where Hendrix is grumpy, Miles is full of energy and life. I admired this quality so much about him. Sexually, Miles is the complete opposite, he is a dominant. Which actually works out for them.
The banter between these two was hilarious! I loved Miles purposely getting under Hendrix's skin. That really was the star of the show for me, along with the spicy spice between these two!
We meet two main side characters, Grayson who is Miles' best friend and Wes, who is Hendrix's brother. As the book goes along, they seem to form an unlikely friendship and I am excited to see where that heads.
March 8, 2023
This one really grew on me. I admit it was a very slow start, and I put it down several times because I had a lot of trouble connecting with it, which surprised me having loved Rebound (and this author) so much. But Miles and Hendrix eventually mostly won me over, and I loved the ending. They go from being reluctant neighbors to lovers to friends/lovers, which seems all sorts of backwards, but does kind of seem to fit their personalities. There is very little angst, entering in the form of some very slight roommate and family drama. If anything it helped to have these secondary characters to see where the series may be headed. If this only serves to set the scene for the series as a whole, it still does a great job, and I’m excited for what’s coming in the future.
March 10, 2023
This book follows what happens in One for the Road, but Hendrix is one of the main characters. I enjoyed this book and was excited to learn that Hendrix was getting his own HEA after how the previous book left off. When Hendrix moves next to Miles, they start off a relationship on shaky grounds. While they said they weren't looking for anything serious, that quickly changed into wanting more.
This book is more of an insta love with some pains of finding their way in a new relationship. I liked these two's relationship; the banter was fantastic, while the scenes were extra steamy. It's a solid book without getting too complicated. I liked this book because it was an easy read, and I know I can always count on kate to provide a solid book I'm sucked into.
This book is more of an insta love with some pains of finding their way in a new relationship. I liked these two's relationship; the banter was fantastic, while the scenes were extra steamy. It's a solid book without getting too complicated. I liked this book because it was an easy read, and I know I can always count on kate to provide a solid book I'm sucked into.
March 11, 2023
Wonderful opposites-attract, age-gap romance. Really liked the setup with a younger dom and older sub. Miles and Hendrix have great chemistry together and that intense physical attraction is what first draws them together. Things move faster than I had anticipated in view of the blurb and their hang-ups and initial animosity, the latter especially on Hendrix’s part. I did really enjoy when they got close, and at times was quite swept away by the strength of their emotional closeness. Just that in the beginning, they didn’t really know each other well enough to warrant that intensity. Loved how the BDSM aspect of their relationship was written, very sensitive and nuanced-also very hot-and a great way to show how in tune they were with each other.
February 8, 2024
TBH, this barely hit 2 stars for me. I found it confusing during the entire first half. Who wanted to top who? What kind of a relationship starts with talking over a fence and then with a hookup set and expectations agreed to be at zero beyond that but in a week the guys are talking exclusive and getting tested. And then the big misunderstandin with FEELINGS hurt but the wrong character. At least it felt that way to me. But what do I know? Still confused about who was the dominant personality in this supposed Dom/sub scenario. They appeared to flip, and sometimes I thought I was reading a 70s MF romance. Just sayin'. I nearly DNFed it but persevered. If you are into more sex than substance, this is guaranteed to titillate. 'Nuff said.
March 9, 2023
The blurb for this one made it sound like the emphasis was going to be on trust building and that Miles, for maybe the first time knew he would have to take things at Hendrix's pace if he could ever get him to give them a shot. It isn't long before he charms Hendrix into it and let's him continue to insist it's just physical, not serious and emotional while both of them know it's turning into more than that. I loved these characters and the pace of their deepening relationship and as I hoped the focus was indeed on building trust and friendship as well as finding security with the one you love.
March 14, 2023
"Necessary Space" received TWO AND A HALF stars.
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
1/2 * gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
1/2 * gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
February 22, 2023
First time read from Kate Hawthorne an author who had been waiting on my check out author TBR list.
I really enjoyed this story the fabulous chemistry between Miles and Hendrix but also how confident Miles is, he knows what he wants and he gets it, yet under the surface shimmers fear causing uncertainty and to second guess himself.
Poor Hendrix he's a bit accident prone but it's so funny. I loved the teasing banter between Hendrix and Miles considering their age gap. A sizzlingly hot, steamy and intense MM romance read.
I really enjoyed this story the fabulous chemistry between Miles and Hendrix but also how confident Miles is, he knows what he wants and he gets it, yet under the surface shimmers fear causing uncertainty and to second guess himself.
Poor Hendrix he's a bit accident prone but it's so funny. I loved the teasing banter between Hendrix and Miles considering their age gap. A sizzlingly hot, steamy and intense MM romance read.
March 9, 2023
Great Chemistry!!
The one thing that drew me to this book was "annoyances to lovers"...as soon as I saw that combined with this author, I was sold!! The chemistry, in and out of the bedroom, between Hendrix and Miles jumped off the page from the beginning. Miles is a young, confident Dom who goes after what he wants. Hendrix is an older sub who has been there with a younger man and thinks he should know better. Once they both realize they've been caught, a beautiful dance of push & pull, give & take, dirty talk and sexy romance takes place. Loved every minute of it!!!
The one thing that drew me to this book was "annoyances to lovers"...as soon as I saw that combined with this author, I was sold!! The chemistry, in and out of the bedroom, between Hendrix and Miles jumped off the page from the beginning. Miles is a young, confident Dom who goes after what he wants. Hendrix is an older sub who has been there with a younger man and thinks he should know better. Once they both realize they've been caught, a beautiful dance of push & pull, give & take, dirty talk and sexy romance takes place. Loved every minute of it!!!
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