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Mistletoe and Submission
Stand under the mistletoe until midnight, naked, bound and blindfolded. Submit to any dominant who wants a piece of you. At the junior doms regular poker night, anything can, and frequently does, happen. Add in crackers that contain dares instead of jokes and two men s lives might never be the same again.When Carl applied to join the best leather club in the city, he had no doubt about his preference for dominance. It was only when he set eyes on Sloan that he began to wonder if submission might be far more fun than he originally thought.With no time for club politics and little interest in rising through the ranks, ever since experienced dom Sloan moved to the city and joined the club, he s been quite content to bide his time among the junior dominants and keep a brotherly eye on a young man who is obviously out of his depth amongst his more sadistic contemporaries.One man has to do the dare. The only question now, is which man will it be, and are either of the friends ready for the way their relationship might change after a night of Mistletoe and Submission?"
151 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2010
1 person is currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Kim Dare
160 books1,518 followersKim is a thirty-three year old bisexual submissive from Wales (UK). First published in 2008, she has since released almost 100 BDSM erotic romance titles ranging from short stories to full length novels. Having worked with a host of fantastic e-publishers, she has just moved into self publishing.
While she has occasionally ventured towards other pairings, Kim's first love is still, and probably always will be, Male/Male stories. But, no matter what the pairing, from paranormal to contemporary, and from the sweet to the intense, everything she writes will always feature three things - Kink, Love and a Happy Ending.
While she has occasionally ventured towards other pairings, Kim's first love is still, and probably always will be, Male/Male stories. But, no matter what the pairing, from paranormal to contemporary, and from the sweet to the intense, everything she writes will always feature three things - Kink, Love and a Happy Ending.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
December 7, 2010
Ever wondered about immature Doms? Wonder no more. Carl and Sloan are playing poker in their club when another junior Dom provokes Sloan with a dare he can't (or won't) refuse. Carl, who hadn't even been aware he had subbie tendencies, can't resist Sloan and the rest? Oh my.
This book focuses on two themes: a new sub frightened and insecure in that role and a Dom who must (in effect) earn his boy's submission by showing himself trustworthy. In the mosh pit of the junior Doms at book's start, the cruel immaturity is startling and stomach-roiling, but Dom's don't spring from the womb as fully realized Dominants, just as subs aren't born as wholly evolved into that role. Both Carl and Sloan grow from a lesser point A to a more mature (though not wholly matured) point B. That journey isn't always a comfortable ride, but watching each of them begin to come into their own and their relationship steady & build? Whoa.
This story is unique in that, although widely read in m/m BDSM, I don't believe I've ever seen a Dom grow in his role as a Dominant as Sloan does here. Excellent. And Carl's fears & insecurities at having fallen for a Dom who may not be ready for a next-level relationship with a sub felt wholly authentic.
Kim Dare in longer form is not to be missed. If you can stand the notion of imperfect heroes striving to become more than what they are, this one's a keeper.
This book focuses on two themes: a new sub frightened and insecure in that role and a Dom who must (in effect) earn his boy's submission by showing himself trustworthy. In the mosh pit of the junior Doms at book's start, the cruel immaturity is startling and stomach-roiling, but Dom's don't spring from the womb as fully realized Dominants, just as subs aren't born as wholly evolved into that role. Both Carl and Sloan grow from a lesser point A to a more mature (though not wholly matured) point B. That journey isn't always a comfortable ride, but watching each of them begin to come into their own and their relationship steady & build? Whoa.
This story is unique in that, although widely read in m/m BDSM, I don't believe I've ever seen a Dom grow in his role as a Dominant as Sloan does here. Excellent. And Carl's fears & insecurities at having fallen for a Dom who may not be ready for a next-level relationship with a sub felt wholly authentic.
Kim Dare in longer form is not to be missed. If you can stand the notion of imperfect heroes striving to become more than what they are, this one's a keeper.
December 9, 2010
This was definitely an interesting book to read. Hard to come to terms with for me, because I'm really torn about whether I liked it or not. I've even waited for two days before making my final decision and writing the review, because I was hoping I'd feel a little more settled about my opinion by now. I usually really like Kim Dare's books. Her way of writing about BDSM may be 'softer' than others', but adding love to the equation is an essential element for me to be able to enjoy the stories.
That element of love was almost entirely missing from the Dom's side here. Sloan seems cold and cruel, his views of domination simplistic, his treatment of submissives, frankly, horrifying. There were a few hints along the way that enabled me to read on, then there was one moment that made me hope - and yet, in the end, he severely disappointed me. He couldn't take the final step to opening up to the man who so clearly loved him. In my eyes, that means he failed to truly grow and change. Maybe I missed it, but with as much thinking as I have done about this story, I doubt it.
Which brings me to Carl. His journey from thinking he was a Dom to realizing he was a sub was absolutely fascinating. Too bad he had an insensitive asshole like Sloan to deal with. The point, for him, is that he loves Sloan despite all his failings. His willingness to put up with Sloan's attitude almost broke my heart.
Taking all of the above into consideration, I have to say that I did end up liking the story. The fact that the character of Sloan was so realistic, his failure (in my eyes, not in Carl's) so obvious, and made me care to the point that I did, means he was well developed and realistic. The flow of the story and Carl's growth were fabulous, so, in the end, I decided not to 'hold Sloan against Kim Dare' and give the book, as a book, the rating that I did.
NOTE: This book was provided by Total-E-Bound for the purpose of a review.
That element of love was almost entirely missing from the Dom's side here. Sloan seems cold and cruel, his views of domination simplistic, his treatment of submissives, frankly, horrifying. There were a few hints along the way that enabled me to read on, then there was one moment that made me hope - and yet, in the end, he severely disappointed me. He couldn't take the final step to opening up to the man who so clearly loved him. In my eyes, that means he failed to truly grow and change. Maybe I missed it, but with as much thinking as I have done about this story, I doubt it.
Which brings me to Carl. His journey from thinking he was a Dom to realizing he was a sub was absolutely fascinating. Too bad he had an insensitive asshole like Sloan to deal with. The point, for him, is that he loves Sloan despite all his failings. His willingness to put up with Sloan's attitude almost broke my heart.
Taking all of the above into consideration, I have to say that I did end up liking the story. The fact that the character of Sloan was so realistic, his failure (in my eyes, not in Carl's) so obvious, and made me care to the point that I did, means he was well developed and realistic. The flow of the story and Carl's growth were fabulous, so, in the end, I decided not to 'hold Sloan against Kim Dare' and give the book, as a book, the rating that I did.
NOTE: This book was provided by Total-E-Bound for the purpose of a review.
December 31, 2010
The most striking aspect of this story is one you probably wouldn't expect. It's really about a journey of discovery for both Dom and sub vs. fully experienced players coming together.
The Dom, Sloan, hasn't really experienced strong feelings for a sub, and certainly not to the extent that he wants to claim one as his own. As a result, many of his actions can easily be interpreted as callous or uncaring. Carl brings out the possessive and nurturing feelings in Sloan and he's worried about showing too much weakness by being emotional. The sub, Carl, is fooling himself into thinking he's a Dom, but whenever he's around Sloan, all he wants to do is follow orders and feels at peace.
From the very imaginative opening scene that sets this journey of self-discovery in motion all the way to the end where you can't help but wait with baited breath for each of these men to come to terms with their decisions, it was a hot and wonderful ride! I would highly recommend this book for a completely different twist on the typical D/s stories available, and would love to see a follow-up because Sloan and Carl really grew on me, and of course, I want to know they continued to successfully navigate their future together!!!
The Dom, Sloan, hasn't really experienced strong feelings for a sub, and certainly not to the extent that he wants to claim one as his own. As a result, many of his actions can easily be interpreted as callous or uncaring. Carl brings out the possessive and nurturing feelings in Sloan and he's worried about showing too much weakness by being emotional. The sub, Carl, is fooling himself into thinking he's a Dom, but whenever he's around Sloan, all he wants to do is follow orders and feels at peace.
From the very imaginative opening scene that sets this journey of self-discovery in motion all the way to the end where you can't help but wait with baited breath for each of these men to come to terms with their decisions, it was a hot and wonderful ride! I would highly recommend this book for a completely different twist on the typical D/s stories available, and would love to see a follow-up because Sloan and Carl really grew on me, and of course, I want to know they continued to successfully navigate their future together!!!
December 31, 2010
I very much enjoyed this book and read it in one go (a habit for me with everything written by Kim Dare). I am certainly a sucker for M/M Christmas stories, so I best say that right off. But I have read some criticism regarding Carl and Sloan's relationship. And I understand and respect other readers' points of view. I would just add that not all DOMs and subs are perfect. There can be a serious learning curve. And both of these characters had to grow, mature, and become more comfortable and confident with who they are and what they want. As for Carl possibly being a "switch"? Well sure, that's entirely possible. But the bottom line for me is that he fell in love with Sloan and his natural instinct was to submit to him. Sloan can be a difficult character to like (pride, anyone?) and has a lot to learn, but in the end I was thrilled for these two and have no doubt about their happily ever after. I'd love to hear how they're doing a year from now. Thanks again Kim Dare. Nobody rocks the M/M-Dom/sub genre like you! I love how Dare's stories are ultimately always about love and trust. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!
December 22, 2012
Kim Dare is a bit like an addiction - sometimes she is all fluffy marshmallow's that you cannot stop eating and at at yet other times she is the entire Godiva chocolate bar. Here it is the latter. This is a bit longer than her usual and it was wonderful. She really does excel at the longer ones when she actually writes them!
Just a great book with wonderful characters and excellent exploration of Dom's and sub's. Carl and Sloan change a bit but it is the Dom (Sloan) that really shows his true grit. I value reading about how Dom's think - and here we do get a lot of peak into Sloan's head. He's trying to figure out what he wants to do, what is expected of him, and then finding a balance. There are some misses as far as the sub's understanding of truly what the Dom was like -- but perhaps understandable. Part of me thought he was so in love with Sloan that he didn't really notice some things while he knew everything about others (hope that makes sense). Great scenes including hot sex and a really nice Christmas story. loved it!
Just a great book with wonderful characters and excellent exploration of Dom's and sub's. Carl and Sloan change a bit but it is the Dom (Sloan) that really shows his true grit. I value reading about how Dom's think - and here we do get a lot of peak into Sloan's head. He's trying to figure out what he wants to do, what is expected of him, and then finding a balance. There are some misses as far as the sub's understanding of truly what the Dom was like -- but perhaps understandable. Part of me thought he was so in love with Sloan that he didn't really notice some things while he knew everything about others (hope that makes sense). Great scenes including hot sex and a really nice Christmas story. loved it!
February 5, 2011
Lea’s Review:
What shall I say about Kim Dare’s holiday offering,Mistletoe and Submission? Believing that a direct approach is usually best, I will jump right in and say that I love this story, that I find Kim Dare to be one of the outstanding young (very young) BDSM, m/m writers, and that I think there is much to be learned about ourselves and our relationships by reading this book.
The story opens in a men’s BDSM club during the holiday season, with the main characters, Sloan and Carl, regular participants in a weekly poker game in which all the players are Doms. As an amusement, one of the other regulars brings some crackers (the holiday variety, not saltines) that he has put together himself. Sloan and Carl pull the first cracker only to find a dare inside; the dare is a challenge a big, bad Dom simply cannot refuse and continue to hold his whip high.
While the two main characters in Mistletoe and Submission are at the heart of all the action, solid use is made of the marvelous supporting characters as well. There are those who muddy the waters in which Sloan and Carl find themselves, and those who serve to help smooth the wild waves. Mr. Harrison, who manages the club, and his submissive Paul, play an instrumental role in leading Sloan and Carl to a safe place physically and emotionally where they can sort out their situation. Without their assistance, both by direct input as well as the personal example they set, Sloan and Carl would have been in sad bate. By using simple descriptions of how the two men were dressed and the manner in which they spoke to one another in the comfort of their private quarters versus the floor of the club, Kim Dare presented the larger picture of love between Doms and subs that both Sloan and Carl needed to understand. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Kim presented the negative side, the side of immature men who have confused being a bully with being a Dom. She illustrated this masterfully in the descriptions of their anxiousness to inflict pain without purpose and in the manner of the questions they put to the Dom.
For all who enjoy BDSM, M/M, HEA stories, Mistletoe and Submission is a five star book! It doesn’t have to be the holiday season to enjoy this rich, heartwarming story about knowing and accepting ourselves so that we may offer our love to others.
Rated 5 Ravens by Lea!
What shall I say about Kim Dare’s holiday offering,Mistletoe and Submission? Believing that a direct approach is usually best, I will jump right in and say that I love this story, that I find Kim Dare to be one of the outstanding young (very young) BDSM, m/m writers, and that I think there is much to be learned about ourselves and our relationships by reading this book.
The story opens in a men’s BDSM club during the holiday season, with the main characters, Sloan and Carl, regular participants in a weekly poker game in which all the players are Doms. As an amusement, one of the other regulars brings some crackers (the holiday variety, not saltines) that he has put together himself. Sloan and Carl pull the first cracker only to find a dare inside; the dare is a challenge a big, bad Dom simply cannot refuse and continue to hold his whip high.
While the two main characters in Mistletoe and Submission are at the heart of all the action, solid use is made of the marvelous supporting characters as well. There are those who muddy the waters in which Sloan and Carl find themselves, and those who serve to help smooth the wild waves. Mr. Harrison, who manages the club, and his submissive Paul, play an instrumental role in leading Sloan and Carl to a safe place physically and emotionally where they can sort out their situation. Without their assistance, both by direct input as well as the personal example they set, Sloan and Carl would have been in sad bate. By using simple descriptions of how the two men were dressed and the manner in which they spoke to one another in the comfort of their private quarters versus the floor of the club, Kim Dare presented the larger picture of love between Doms and subs that both Sloan and Carl needed to understand. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Kim presented the negative side, the side of immature men who have confused being a bully with being a Dom. She illustrated this masterfully in the descriptions of their anxiousness to inflict pain without purpose and in the manner of the questions they put to the Dom.
For all who enjoy BDSM, M/M, HEA stories, Mistletoe and Submission is a five star book! It doesn’t have to be the holiday season to enjoy this rich, heartwarming story about knowing and accepting ourselves so that we may offer our love to others.
Rated 5 Ravens by Lea!
January 21, 2012
Not one of my favorite Kim Dare stories. I was looking for something good to read after a string of awful, and this was better, but didn't fit the bill.
Though my initial impression of Sloan (the main Dominant) was decent, once he got through the dare and started stalking his prey, he turned from likeable to idiotic. He has absurd notions about "what makes a good Dom" and won't listen to anyone else who might have a clue. He was like that through the rest of the story, even when he FINALLY starts talking to his sub and clearing things up toward the end of the story. I could have forgiven a lot if I'd seen some growth in him, but I didn't.
In my opinion, he didn't redeem himself sufficiently once he finally started talking and listening to his sub, hence the lack of stars in my rating. If he'd bothered to actually TALK to his sub instead of assuming that "a good Dom doesn't ___"--and there are lots of things that fill in that blank: show any weakness, ask his sub (because that displays a lack of confidence and knowledge), hesitate, show any hint of soppiness, etc; they were all ridiculously stupid "doesn't"s--there would have been a lot less confusion and hurt going on for both of them. Even at the end of the story he hasn't gotten past that problem of his, though he's at least talked to Carl enough to get him to want to wear his collar by the end. Sloan's thoughts irked me throughout the story.
Oddly enough, Carl's confusion I tended to forgive because he's just figuring out whether or not he wants to be submissive. There are times where I think he should have safe-worded and talked it out instead of getting moony-eyed though. He had a backbone all the time except for where it would have actually made a difference if he'd finally used it. Then, suddenly, he can't think with anything but his submissive nature. I call bullsh*t. At the very least, it doesn't ring true to the character built.
This was an awesome premise, but the execution lacked for me in the end. 2.5 stars.
Though my initial impression of Sloan (the main Dominant) was decent, once he got through the dare and started stalking his prey, he turned from likeable to idiotic. He has absurd notions about "what makes a good Dom" and won't listen to anyone else who might have a clue. He was like that through the rest of the story, even when he FINALLY starts talking to his sub and clearing things up toward the end of the story. I could have forgiven a lot if I'd seen some growth in him, but I didn't.
In my opinion, he didn't redeem himself sufficiently once he finally started talking and listening to his sub, hence the lack of stars in my rating. If he'd bothered to actually TALK to his sub instead of assuming that "a good Dom doesn't ___"--and there are lots of things that fill in that blank: show any weakness, ask his sub (because that displays a lack of confidence and knowledge), hesitate, show any hint of soppiness, etc; they were all ridiculously stupid "doesn't"s--there would have been a lot less confusion and hurt going on for both of them. Even at the end of the story he hasn't gotten past that problem of his, though he's at least talked to Carl enough to get him to want to wear his collar by the end. Sloan's thoughts irked me throughout the story.
Oddly enough, Carl's confusion I tended to forgive because he's just figuring out whether or not he wants to be submissive. There are times where I think he should have safe-worded and talked it out instead of getting moony-eyed though. He had a backbone all the time except for where it would have actually made a difference if he'd finally used it. Then, suddenly, he can't think with anything but his submissive nature. I call bullsh*t. At the very least, it doesn't ring true to the character built.
This was an awesome premise, but the execution lacked for me in the end. 2.5 stars.
February 24, 2011
5 stars for Carl
0 stars for Sloan
I through that I was always able to count on a happy-ending with Kim Dare. Not in this one. I can't even put that in the happy-for-now.
Carl's journey of discovery was really well done and I was with him all along the story. He is really strong and I just love him. The only problem with him it's that I really don't understand what he see in Sloan. This guy do not have one quality. Carl almost react to Sloan like a battered woman.
I really start to hate Sloan when he humiliate Carl in font on their friends. I'm not even sure what's what his plan, the purpose of this show. This book's the kind of story that you can find on Nifty archive, although better wrote. Ho, yeah, he grow as a master but that's not enough to have a slave, he has a long way to go before being ready for this kind of commitment, he have to understand his heart before that, he have to grow as a human being more importantly.
I highly suggest and ask for a sequel where's Carl going to find a master who's going to know the real gift Carl is and, obviously love him. As for Sloan, can I suggest chemical castration??
0 stars for Sloan
I through that I was always able to count on a happy-ending with Kim Dare. Not in this one. I can't even put that in the happy-for-now.
Carl's journey of discovery was really well done and I was with him all along the story. He is really strong and I just love him. The only problem with him it's that I really don't understand what he see in Sloan. This guy do not have one quality. Carl almost react to Sloan like a battered woman.
I really start to hate Sloan when he humiliate Carl in font on their friends. I'm not even sure what's what his plan, the purpose of this show. This book's the kind of story that you can find on Nifty archive, although better wrote. Ho, yeah, he grow as a master but that's not enough to have a slave, he has a long way to go before being ready for this kind of commitment, he have to understand his heart before that, he have to grow as a human being more importantly.
I highly suggest and ask for a sequel where's Carl going to find a master who's going to know the real gift Carl is and, obviously love him. As for Sloan, can I suggest chemical castration??
December 21, 2010
*sigh* I love Kim Dare's writing. There's really nothing else to say but that. Lol
I was sucked in from the very beginning, caught in the interactions between Sloan and Carl. Carl's confusion on whether he was a Dom or a Sub and Sloan's constant thoughts of how he shouldn't show weakness.
I loved Carl. His obvious worship of Sloan and his eventual love for Sloan; his instinctual need to obey Sloan but still be himself had me interested throughout the whole book. While Sloan seemed like a bastard right off, I still liked him. He was just someone who wanted to show Carl his tender, gentle side but thought Carl, and everyone else, would see it as a weakness. Carl and Sloan seemed to fit each other after all the misunderstandings are worked through and I hope one day we'll see more of these two and how their relationship works out down the road. [image error]
I was sucked in from the very beginning, caught in the interactions between Sloan and Carl. Carl's confusion on whether he was a Dom or a Sub and Sloan's constant thoughts of how he shouldn't show weakness.
I loved Carl. His obvious worship of Sloan and his eventual love for Sloan; his instinctual need to obey Sloan but still be himself had me interested throughout the whole book. While Sloan seemed like a bastard right off, I still liked him. He was just someone who wanted to show Carl his tender, gentle side but thought Carl, and everyone else, would see it as a weakness. Carl and Sloan seemed to fit each other after all the misunderstandings are worked through and I hope one day we'll see more of these two and how their relationship works out down the road. [image error]
December 23, 2012
Steamy and sweet. What mischief can a passel of junior doms get into? Quite a bit and more easily than you think. Good judgment are out the window when a bit of Holiday merrymaking goes sideways--fast.
Carl is the quiet one on the fringes.
Sloan is the shitkicker who doesn't give a damn.
With the ploy of one Christmas cracker things get very interesting for both--quick.
Carl is the quiet one on the fringes.
Sloan is the shitkicker who doesn't give a damn.
With the ploy of one Christmas cracker things get very interesting for both--quick.
December 9, 2011
Thank you to my dear friend, Dee W. She gave this to me as a Christmas gift. It was delightful! I liked it a lot. I could relate to Carl and felt badly for him. I understood his confusion and his worry. His pining for something he doesn't think he will ever have just brought a tear to my eye. Especially when he thought his devotion was just going to be thrown away like yesterday's rubbish. Sloan is the one I wanted to smack upside the head. His problem is he believes he's an awesome Dom. He's not. He's not perfect and I agree with Mr. Hammond. Sloan is a fringe player who doesn't know shit about communication. He also misreads his desired sub so badly I can't even begin to start ranting about it. I'm overcome with shocked frustration at his idiotic know-it-all attitude. I want to kick him in the ass. ARGH!
There were several things in this story that bothered me which is why I left it at a 4 star. Still, this is one of the better stories for me from the talented Ms. Dare. This one was definitely more BDSM than some of her others. And the sex was sooo goooddd. Mmm hmmm. I was turned on.
This story came to a satisfying conclusion. I recommend it to m/m lovers who enjoy a bit of kinky smexy fun with some heartache mixed in.
There were several things in this story that bothered me which is why I left it at a 4 star. Still, this is one of the better stories for me from the talented Ms. Dare. This one was definitely more BDSM than some of her others. And the sex was sooo goooddd. Mmm hmmm. I was turned on.
This story came to a satisfying conclusion. I recommend it to m/m lovers who enjoy a bit of kinky smexy fun with some heartache mixed in.
January 1, 2011
This is the second book by Ms. Dare in a short space of time that made me distinctly uncomfortable. Some of the interactions and scenarios set up in this book where...mmm...very borderline. What's more, at times I didn't want Sloan to get his man at all. Yet by the end, Dom and sub seemed to fit (though I feel their journey together to a true HEA is far from over...perhaps these two will be revisited at some time). For me, this was an interesting exploration of "what if the baby Dom was actually a big time sub? And what if the Dom that was perfect for you wasn't a perfect Dom (Oh! The inhumanity...a human Dom!). Bottom line...Was I sorry I read this one? No way! Would I read more about these guys? Yes I would. Am I going to recommend it? Yep! Thank you for an interesting BDSM Christmas read Ms Dare!
December 6, 2010
Very good kinky holiday m/m romance about a guy who joined a bdsm club as a dom, but finds that his feelings for his extremely dominant friend confuse the issue for him. But since his friend seems to think so poorly of all submissives, it's a moot point, right?
January 23, 2014
Re-read in January, 2013, dropped ranking from 5 to 3 stars.
I first read this kinky BDSM tale 2 years ago and while it was entertaining, I've learned a lot about what makes a good, realistic Dom since then and unfortunately MC Sloan is a terrible one and hampered my enjoyment of the story.
I first read this kinky BDSM tale 2 years ago and while it was entertaining, I've learned a lot about what makes a good, realistic Dom since then and unfortunately MC Sloan is a terrible one and hampered my enjoyment of the story.
December 8, 2010
I've yet to read a Kim Dare book that I haven't liked, and this one is no exception. Not much to say that Kari Gregg's review hasn't already. Highly recommend!
November 15, 2010
So tasty!
July 21, 2012
I was right, it did need to be longer. Not because they didn't get their issues kind of resolved, but because this could have made one hell of a novel. Smoking hot!!
December 6, 2010
I've read a lot of stupid books about BDSM but this one definitely is one of the worst ever. I couldn't even finish it because it got me so angry. Has she never heard of the term "consensual"? Humiliating someone in front of their friends without first talking about what the limits are is really stupid and has nothing to do with Dominance. The derogatory way Ms. Dare wrote about submissives, like it was something to be ashamed of, was another thing that had me fuming. On top of that, Ms. Dare apparently has never heard of switches. I used to buy her books the day they got released but this is definitely going to be the last one.
December 7, 2013
This is a lovely little story of lovers overcoming their uncertainties and mental roadblocks.
I loved this book from the very beginning! Both sub and Dom had a lot to learn in this story and I was happy when they finally got their happy ending.
Sloan isn't a Dom that takes your fancy at first. He comes off as cold, aloof and okay, we can admit it, he's a real jerk. But when you peel away his prickly layers and his bluster, there's a true loving man underneath the asshole exterior.
Carl's journey from tentative Dom to full-on sub was fascinating to read. I enjoyed reading his moments of discover.
Such a fun BDSM Christmas story!
I loved this book from the very beginning! Both sub and Dom had a lot to learn in this story and I was happy when they finally got their happy ending.
Sloan isn't a Dom that takes your fancy at first. He comes off as cold, aloof and okay, we can admit it, he's a real jerk. But when you peel away his prickly layers and his bluster, there's a true loving man underneath the asshole exterior.
Carl's journey from tentative Dom to full-on sub was fascinating to read. I enjoyed reading his moments of discover.
Such a fun BDSM Christmas story!
December 20, 2010
I have mixed feelings about this one. I just don't like the main character Sloan and I was thinking the whole time "don't do this! Run while you still can."
In general I like Kim's writing but this one let me down.
In general I like Kim's writing but this one let me down.
June 25, 2012
I actually enjoyed reading about a Dom who wasn't perfect and had a lot to learn. The fact that Sloan learned most of his lessons from a sub made it even better. I had some squeamish moments, but overall I enjoyed the relationship and its development between Sloan and Carl.
December 7, 2010
I loved this. Best Kim Dare ever.
September 28, 2011
I'm not a fan of Holiday themed stories yet this one works for me. It's one of my favorite Kim rereads, probably because neither man is perfect.
January 31, 2012
This was a roller-coaster. Started with 4, got down to 2 and ended with 3 stars. *shakes her head in disbelief*
March 11, 2016
I really liked this book. I don't normally understand all the dynamics of the BDSM world, but this book was on the level I understood and enjoyed.
December 26, 2017
3.5 stars
I don't think I've ever read a BDSM book where the Dom grows and the sub, that starts out as a Dom, realizes he is really a sub. I liked Sloan, but I loved Carl. Watching his internal and external struggle as he realizes he's a sub was fascinating. Sloan, on the other hand, I wish he had matured more. I'm not sure he really proved he's the right Dom for Carl. He never really expressed himself to Carl the way Carl (or I for that matter) wanted him to. I wish this had been longer, so I could see Sloan mature more and prove that he is the right Dom for Carl.
I don't think I've ever read a BDSM book where the Dom grows and the sub, that starts out as a Dom, realizes he is really a sub. I liked Sloan, but I loved Carl. Watching his internal and external struggle as he realizes he's a sub was fascinating. Sloan, on the other hand, I wish he had matured more. I'm not sure he really proved he's the right Dom for Carl. He never really expressed himself to Carl the way Carl (or I for that matter) wanted him to. I wish this had been longer, so I could see Sloan mature more and prove that he is the right Dom for Carl.
May 1, 2020
When a writer can make me fantasize about having a BDSM lifestyle I know she's good (I do not like pain, nor do I think I'd enjoy inflicting it: too empathic). This was hot, and I liked the characters very much. Made me feel into my own sexuality and the whole top/bottom thing as I know it in the vanilla world.
March 3, 2019
Not among her better works. It's of the 'submission is bliss' variety, mostly porn and not that interesting a story
February 2, 2021
3.8 stars
December 30, 2012
Ehh. Not my sort of BDSM.
At the start of the story, a private BDSM club is preparing for a pre-Christmas party. One of the doms dares Sloan, one of the MCs, to submit himself -- bound and blindfolded -- to any or all doms who wanted him, under a bunch of mistletoe, until midnight that night. Sloan takes the dare, being the kind of dom who will never show weakness. HOWEVER, his friend Carl -- who signed up for the club as a dom, but who secretly wants to belong to Sloan -- sneaks in after the other doms have had their turns with Sloan. Instead of whipping or otherwise hurting Sloan, he releases the nipple clamps and other toys, puts salve on the whip marks, and gives Sloan a great blow job. This convinces Sloan that whoever was doing these things was actually a sub. But since Sloan is blindfolded, he doesn't know that it's Carl who did it.
Well, of course complications ensue. Sloan eventually finds out it was Carl, and they eventually agree to try a trial Master/Slave relationship until Christmas morning, at which time Carl will either accept a permanent collar or leave.
This isn't a terribly short piece -- 151 pages -- so I would really have expected more discussion about what was going on between Sloan and Carl. Carl doesn't even know whether he's truly a sub -- he has alwas self-identified as a dom -- and within just a few days everyone is expecting him to agree to a permanent slave relationship?? No talk about long or short term contracts, no talk about conditions, hardly any talk about limits, no talk about levels of submission/slavery, just all or nothing right out of the gate. And no talks about whether Carl is a switch, either. And Sloan is all hung up on not showing feelings to his subs, even though we're supposed to believe that he's actually in love with Carl. And he doesn't improve much throughout the story, aside from -- gasp -- putting a blanket over Carl as he sleeps. Not terribly impressive, if you ask me. Carl could do a lot better -- and, in fact, he knows he could. He tells himself at more than one place in the story that he is afraid to do any scenes with Sloan because he knows he won't be strong enough to resist his Sloan-addiction even though he knows Sloan won't be any good for him -- and that's exactly what happens.
At the start of the story, a private BDSM club is preparing for a pre-Christmas party. One of the doms dares Sloan, one of the MCs, to submit himself -- bound and blindfolded -- to any or all doms who wanted him, under a bunch of mistletoe, until midnight that night. Sloan takes the dare, being the kind of dom who will never show weakness. HOWEVER, his friend Carl -- who signed up for the club as a dom, but who secretly wants to belong to Sloan -- sneaks in after the other doms have had their turns with Sloan. Instead of whipping or otherwise hurting Sloan, he releases the nipple clamps and other toys, puts salve on the whip marks, and gives Sloan a great blow job. This convinces Sloan that whoever was doing these things was actually a sub. But since Sloan is blindfolded, he doesn't know that it's Carl who did it.
Well, of course complications ensue. Sloan eventually finds out it was Carl, and they eventually agree to try a trial Master/Slave relationship until Christmas morning, at which time Carl will either accept a permanent collar or leave.
This isn't a terribly short piece -- 151 pages -- so I would really have expected more discussion about what was going on between Sloan and Carl. Carl doesn't even know whether he's truly a sub -- he has alwas self-identified as a dom -- and within just a few days everyone is expecting him to agree to a permanent slave relationship?? No talk about long or short term contracts, no talk about conditions, hardly any talk about limits, no talk about levels of submission/slavery, just all or nothing right out of the gate. And no talks about whether Carl is a switch, either. And Sloan is all hung up on not showing feelings to his subs, even though we're supposed to believe that he's actually in love with Carl. And he doesn't improve much throughout the story, aside from -- gasp -- putting a blanket over Carl as he sleeps. Not terribly impressive, if you ask me. Carl could do a lot better -- and, in fact, he knows he could. He tells himself at more than one place in the story that he is afraid to do any scenes with Sloan because he knows he won't be strong enough to resist his Sloan-addiction even though he knows Sloan won't be any good for him -- and that's exactly what happens.
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