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Entwined Dreams #1
Lock and Key
Rejected. Heartbroken. Devastated.
Zack Davis wanted to serve only one man, Andrew Nikeman. He was denied because Andrew thought he was too young and because their brothers were together. So Zack crushed his submissive tendencies and focused on being the perfect Dom, giving every sub he played with something he couldn’t have.
After years of denying his submissive side, Entwined’s charity auction “Are you Dom Enough to be a sub?� gives Zack an excuse to get a little of what he’s always craved.
Andrew doesn’t know when his infatuation turned into more, but it kills him to see Zack with a constant parade of submissives. He’d refused to jeopardize his brother’s relationship or become Zack’s regret; however, Zack isn’t a kid anymore, and his brother’s relationship is unbreakable. Now Zack’s popularity and success as a Dom might ruin Andrew’s dreams of collaring him, but he can’t wait any longer to confess his feelings or he risks losing the man he loves forever.
Zack Davis wanted to serve only one man, Andrew Nikeman. He was denied because Andrew thought he was too young and because their brothers were together. So Zack crushed his submissive tendencies and focused on being the perfect Dom, giving every sub he played with something he couldn’t have.
After years of denying his submissive side, Entwined’s charity auction “Are you Dom Enough to be a sub?� gives Zack an excuse to get a little of what he’s always craved.
Andrew doesn’t know when his infatuation turned into more, but it kills him to see Zack with a constant parade of submissives. He’d refused to jeopardize his brother’s relationship or become Zack’s regret; however, Zack isn’t a kid anymore, and his brother’s relationship is unbreakable. Now Zack’s popularity and success as a Dom might ruin Andrew’s dreams of collaring him, but he can’t wait any longer to confess his feelings or he risks losing the man he loves forever.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2016
29 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
Z. Allora
29Ìýbooks157ÌýfollowersZ. believes in soul mates, love at first sight, and overcoming all odds to find happily ever afters. Born in Upstate NY, Z. Allora and partner have spent the last fifteen years together traveling across the United States, the Middle East and Asia. These travels provide the inspiration behind many of the detailed settings and characters throughout Z.'s work. Z. received a Master degree in Psychology and Bachelor degrees in both English and Philosophy. (though Z's editors would probably question the English degree). Z. is both a writer and a huge fan of M/M romance as well as Yaoi. It is said the pen is mightier than the sword. Z. thinks all writers and publishers of M/M are promoting equality, since everyone deserves a happily ever after.
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August 22, 2016DNF @ 22%
I know a lot people start these DNF reviews with something along the lines of 'it's me not the book' which is basically a veiled attempt at cushioning the this book sucks blow. I admit I've done it, but in this case it really is me.
Firstly, this was my first experience with this author and based on the cover and blurb I thought I was in for an intense BDSM book. It is not. This falls under the heading BDSM 101 which is completely and totally fine. It's just... I've been there so many times I've got a closet full of t-shirts and it just does not interest me anymore. I'm not saying that I'll never ever read it, but it's got to be extraordinary to sustain my interest. Secondly, most of the events can be categorized as glitterkink which is my least favorite type of kink. This makes me a bit of an anomaly since I know many, many people enjoy the fancy club settings with the various rooms, implements, people all dressed up in their outfits, etc. Again, it's just not my jam.
I tried a couple of different times and took a big break, but the above coupled with these characters and the writing style... we're just not a match. Many people enjoy theatrics and overly dramatic MCs. I am not one of those people. I'm of the opinion that life is plenty dramatic enough without making mountains out of mole hills. As for the writing style, I prefer emotion be conveyed through the narrative, the events that transpire and how the characters process and respond to those events rather than it being spoon fed to me repeatedly via italicized text. For these reasons I chose to call it a day rather than delay the inevitable.
I would encourage anyone interested in this book to read other reviews, most of which are good before taking the opinion of a seasoned kinky perv like myself.
Recommend to fans of glitterkink BDSM 101 books with emotional characters.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
I know a lot people start these DNF reviews with something along the lines of 'it's me not the book' which is basically a veiled attempt at cushioning the this book sucks blow. I admit I've done it, but in this case it really is me.
Firstly, this was my first experience with this author and based on the cover and blurb I thought I was in for an intense BDSM book. It is not. This falls under the heading BDSM 101 which is completely and totally fine. It's just... I've been there so many times I've got a closet full of t-shirts and it just does not interest me anymore. I'm not saying that I'll never ever read it, but it's got to be extraordinary to sustain my interest. Secondly, most of the events can be categorized as glitterkink which is my least favorite type of kink. This makes me a bit of an anomaly since I know many, many people enjoy the fancy club settings with the various rooms, implements, people all dressed up in their outfits, etc. Again, it's just not my jam.
I tried a couple of different times and took a big break, but the above coupled with these characters and the writing style... we're just not a match. Many people enjoy theatrics and overly dramatic MCs. I am not one of those people. I'm of the opinion that life is plenty dramatic enough without making mountains out of mole hills. As for the writing style, I prefer emotion be conveyed through the narrative, the events that transpire and how the characters process and respond to those events rather than it being spoon fed to me repeatedly via italicized text. For these reasons I chose to call it a day rather than delay the inevitable.
I would encourage anyone interested in this book to read other reviews, most of which are good before taking the opinion of a seasoned kinky perv like myself.
Recommend to fans of glitterkink BDSM 101 books with emotional characters.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2016
*2.5 stars*
So....this is awkward. I seem to be the minority with this one. I liked Z.Allora's The Dark Angels series, so I couldn't wait to get my hands on this spin-off novel with Zack and Andrew as the MCs.
The first 20% of the book overlaps with Finally Fallen (don't worry, Lock and Key can be read as a standalone). There's obvious chemistry between Andrew and Zack, but Andrew refuses to act on it. I understood his reasons and I wholeheartidly agree with him. Zack was too young, and why risk causing trouble in Dusty and Justin's relationship?I liked the snark and the humor, and I found that the two-year time jump worked great. But for the most part of it, this story didn't work out for me:
~I found that the plot was all over the place and I felt it needed tightening (maybe another round of editing?). This is a long book. Like 6075 kindle locations long. There are pages upon pages of BDSM tutorials, the MC's repetitive inner thoughts, sex between the MCs and other people, or sex between other people which turns into an orgy. Zack spends more time talking to his tattoo artist than to Andrew, for God's sake. There was no balance. The MCs did not have enough page time together (except their first sex scene that lasted waaaay too long).
~ After all the above, the conclusion and the HEA was rushed.
~Zack hates that Andrew thinks he's too young. But when Andrew finally comes to his senses, Zack acts exactly like that; a spoiled, immature brat. It felt contrived.
~Zack's inner monologue and the repetition of the exact same phrase drove me nuts. The phrase "Kneel. Serve. His." was repeated more than 40 times! And then it was...
I found this pretty weird, but it's probably just that I don't gel with the author's writing. It might not bother other readers.
It really seems that it's a case of "it's me, not the book", since most people seem to like it. I really, really wanted to like this more:(
So....this is awkward. I seem to be the minority with this one. I liked Z.Allora's The Dark Angels series, so I couldn't wait to get my hands on this spin-off novel with Zack and Andrew as the MCs.
The first 20% of the book overlaps with Finally Fallen (don't worry, Lock and Key can be read as a standalone). There's obvious chemistry between Andrew and Zack, but Andrew refuses to act on it. I understood his reasons and I wholeheartidly agree with him. Zack was too young, and why risk causing trouble in Dusty and Justin's relationship?I liked the snark and the humor, and I found that the two-year time jump worked great. But for the most part of it, this story didn't work out for me:
~I found that the plot was all over the place and I felt it needed tightening (maybe another round of editing?). This is a long book. Like 6075 kindle locations long. There are pages upon pages of BDSM tutorials, the MC's repetitive inner thoughts, sex between the MCs and other people, or sex between other people which turns into an orgy. Zack spends more time talking to his tattoo artist than to Andrew, for God's sake. There was no balance. The MCs did not have enough page time together (except their first sex scene that lasted waaaay too long).
~ After all the above, the conclusion and the HEA was rushed.
~Zack hates that Andrew thinks he's too young. But when Andrew finally comes to his senses, Zack acts exactly like that; a spoiled, immature brat. It felt contrived.
~Zack's inner monologue and the repetition of the exact same phrase drove me nuts. The phrase "Kneel. Serve. His." was repeated more than 40 times! And then it was...
" Mine. Melt. Merge."
"No. Stop. Still."
"Mine. Mine. No."
I found this pretty weird, but it's probably just that I don't gel with the author's writing. It might not bother other readers.
It really seems that it's a case of "it's me, not the book", since most people seem to like it. I really, really wanted to like this more:(
February 3, 2018
Als wir Zack das erste Mal treffen, ist er gerade 18 Jahre alt und hat angefangen als Roadie von der Band seines Bruders zu arbeiten. Dort trifft er zum ersten Mal Andrew, der sieben Jahre älter als Zack ist und noch dazu der Bruder von Zacks Freund. Und so beginnt eigentlich das Problem. Andrew und Zack fühlen sich zueinander hingezogen, doch Andrew möchte die Beziehung von seinem Bruder nicht zerstören, sollte es mit ihm und Zack nicht klappen. Außerdem hält er Zack für zu jung.
Zack gefällt das natürlich gar nicht, doch er übt sich in Geduld und möchte erst mal seine Neigungen verstehen und auch mehr darüber erfahren. Deshalb wird er Mitglied im Club Entwined, einem BDSM-Club, wo er aber zufällig auf Andrew trifft. Die beiden werden zu Freunden, doch insgeheim möchte Zack mehr und setzt dann alles auf eine Karte. Nur leider bricht ihm Andrew das Herz. Nachdem er dann auch noch eine schlechte Erfahrung als Sub macht, wird er zum Dom, und möchte all den Subs diese schlechte Erfahrung ersparen. Die Subs lieben ihn, aber er selbst verzehrt sich eigentlich nach etwas anderem. Und das für ungefähr zwei Jahre.
Die Liebe zu Andrew ist nie vergangen und urplötzlich bekommt er die Chance, Andrew nah zu sein. Und wenn es auch nur für eine begrenzte Zeit ist.
Ich mochte Andrew und Zack. Sie sind beide sehr interessante und tolle Charaktere, auch wenn ich sie ab und zu hätte gegen die Wand klatschen können. Man merkt, dass die beiden füreinander bestimmt sind und wenn sie aufeinandertreffen sprühen die Funken. Aber sie machen es sich nicht leicht und ab und zu hatte ich fast schon die Angst, dass sie es nicht schaffen würden. Umso schöner ist dann das Ende. Aber mehr verrate ich nicht.
Auf jeden Fall gibt es von mir eine Leseempfehlung.
Zack gefällt das natürlich gar nicht, doch er übt sich in Geduld und möchte erst mal seine Neigungen verstehen und auch mehr darüber erfahren. Deshalb wird er Mitglied im Club Entwined, einem BDSM-Club, wo er aber zufällig auf Andrew trifft. Die beiden werden zu Freunden, doch insgeheim möchte Zack mehr und setzt dann alles auf eine Karte. Nur leider bricht ihm Andrew das Herz. Nachdem er dann auch noch eine schlechte Erfahrung als Sub macht, wird er zum Dom, und möchte all den Subs diese schlechte Erfahrung ersparen. Die Subs lieben ihn, aber er selbst verzehrt sich eigentlich nach etwas anderem. Und das für ungefähr zwei Jahre.
Die Liebe zu Andrew ist nie vergangen und urplötzlich bekommt er die Chance, Andrew nah zu sein. Und wenn es auch nur für eine begrenzte Zeit ist.
Ich mochte Andrew und Zack. Sie sind beide sehr interessante und tolle Charaktere, auch wenn ich sie ab und zu hätte gegen die Wand klatschen können. Man merkt, dass die beiden füreinander bestimmt sind und wenn sie aufeinandertreffen sprühen die Funken. Aber sie machen es sich nicht leicht und ab und zu hatte ich fast schon die Angst, dass sie es nicht schaffen würden. Umso schöner ist dann das Ende. Aber mehr verrate ich nicht.
Auf jeden Fall gibt es von mir eine Leseempfehlung.
July 15, 2016
Review originally posted at .
3.5 stars
When we meet 18 year old Zack, he’s just started working as a roadie for his brother’s band. He likes to disappear and remain unnoticed, but when he meets Andrew he’s immediately a goner and he wants nothing more than to be noticed by the sexy man who trips all his submissive desires. From the start Andrew sees two strikes against getting together with the beautiful Zack; the fact that Zack is seven years younger, but more importantly Andrew won’t do anything that could jeopardize his brother Justin’s relationship with Zack’s brother Dusty.
A few months later, Zack has finally saved enough money to become a member at Entwined, a BDSM club where he hopes to learn about and explore the submissive desires he’s had for years, when who should stroll through the club but his dream man Andrew. Zack is determined to become the best submissive Andrew could want. Zack and Andrew wind up forming a close friendship that stokes their desire for each other, but when Zack puts it all out there and tells Andrew about his feelings and desire to submit to him, Andrew shuts him down. Humiliated, Zack pushes his submissive tendencies down and over the next two years becomes a Dom all the subs at Entwined want to play with. Zack and Andrew’s desire for each other has never gone away. In fact they want each other more than ever, but deep hurt, misunderstandings and fear keep them apart. When Zack has the opportunity to sell himself as a sub for a weekend at the club’s charity event, he only hopes that Andrew will finally step up and buy his contract. Even one weekend with the man would be better than nothing at all.
Wow! The tension between Andrew and Zack! There is a long, slow build up in this story with so many awkward moments between the two as they work on tour together, are linked by their families and occasionally run into the other at Entwined. After having seen them build a friendship, it was really sad watching them deny what they wanted from each other even as their friends and family try to push them to get together. Then when it looks like they will finally get their act together, the hurt that lingers with Zack over Andrew’s rejection is a huge bump in the road.
Putting it plainly, these guys have huge communication issues everywhere but in the bedroom. Having both their points of view, I got the very clear sense of how much they mean to each other and how, once they finally are at a point to have all their sexy dreams come true, they are both so afraid to say or do the wrong thing that could cause their relationship to crumble.
BDSM is a big part of the story, but there is nothing too hardcore here. Zack’s biggest desires are to serve Andrew and to be tied down, but he and Andrew also dabble in orgasm delay and impact play. What was an interesting twist for me was seeing Zack operating as a Dom when deep down he knew he was really meant to be a sub. Knowing what it feels like on both sides of the collar makes Zack extremely sensitive to the needs of the subs he plays with and turns him into a proficient Dom-sub matchmaker. The author definitely shows respect for the varied ways people find what they need in the individuality of each BDSM relationship. When Zack and Andrew get together it’s all they hoped for and more. There is the beauty of Zack finally submitting the only man for him and Andrew determined to give Zack what he knows he wants. Seriously hot!
I’m new to Z. Allora’s writing and had no idea when I picked up the story that it was a spin off to her Dark Angels series. Although a lot of people are quickly introduced in the first chapter and there is obvious history between the all the characters, enough information was provided so I wasn’t lost and Andrew and Zack’s story plays out fully from the day they meet. I imagine fans of that prior series will find a deeper connection and understanding to the events referenced. The band and their friends seem like quite the interesting crew and I look forward to going back and reading all their stories.
Zack and Andrew were both engaging characters (especially sweet Zack) who were put through quite a bit of emotional turmoil and needed to grow before finally finding happiness. There were one or two times where I felt the pace of the story slowed, namely the BDSM 101 and contract negotiations, but it was nothing that kept me from enjoying the rest of the story. I’m hoping there will be more to come from this world as Zack’s younger brother Jordon is one of the more delightful and interesting of the group and there are a few scenes that felt like set ups for more.
3.5 stars
When we meet 18 year old Zack, he’s just started working as a roadie for his brother’s band. He likes to disappear and remain unnoticed, but when he meets Andrew he’s immediately a goner and he wants nothing more than to be noticed by the sexy man who trips all his submissive desires. From the start Andrew sees two strikes against getting together with the beautiful Zack; the fact that Zack is seven years younger, but more importantly Andrew won’t do anything that could jeopardize his brother Justin’s relationship with Zack’s brother Dusty.
A few months later, Zack has finally saved enough money to become a member at Entwined, a BDSM club where he hopes to learn about and explore the submissive desires he’s had for years, when who should stroll through the club but his dream man Andrew. Zack is determined to become the best submissive Andrew could want. Zack and Andrew wind up forming a close friendship that stokes their desire for each other, but when Zack puts it all out there and tells Andrew about his feelings and desire to submit to him, Andrew shuts him down. Humiliated, Zack pushes his submissive tendencies down and over the next two years becomes a Dom all the subs at Entwined want to play with. Zack and Andrew’s desire for each other has never gone away. In fact they want each other more than ever, but deep hurt, misunderstandings and fear keep them apart. When Zack has the opportunity to sell himself as a sub for a weekend at the club’s charity event, he only hopes that Andrew will finally step up and buy his contract. Even one weekend with the man would be better than nothing at all.
Wow! The tension between Andrew and Zack! There is a long, slow build up in this story with so many awkward moments between the two as they work on tour together, are linked by their families and occasionally run into the other at Entwined. After having seen them build a friendship, it was really sad watching them deny what they wanted from each other even as their friends and family try to push them to get together. Then when it looks like they will finally get their act together, the hurt that lingers with Zack over Andrew’s rejection is a huge bump in the road.
Putting it plainly, these guys have huge communication issues everywhere but in the bedroom. Having both their points of view, I got the very clear sense of how much they mean to each other and how, once they finally are at a point to have all their sexy dreams come true, they are both so afraid to say or do the wrong thing that could cause their relationship to crumble.
BDSM is a big part of the story, but there is nothing too hardcore here. Zack’s biggest desires are to serve Andrew and to be tied down, but he and Andrew also dabble in orgasm delay and impact play. What was an interesting twist for me was seeing Zack operating as a Dom when deep down he knew he was really meant to be a sub. Knowing what it feels like on both sides of the collar makes Zack extremely sensitive to the needs of the subs he plays with and turns him into a proficient Dom-sub matchmaker. The author definitely shows respect for the varied ways people find what they need in the individuality of each BDSM relationship. When Zack and Andrew get together it’s all they hoped for and more. There is the beauty of Zack finally submitting the only man for him and Andrew determined to give Zack what he knows he wants. Seriously hot!
I’m new to Z. Allora’s writing and had no idea when I picked up the story that it was a spin off to her Dark Angels series. Although a lot of people are quickly introduced in the first chapter and there is obvious history between the all the characters, enough information was provided so I wasn’t lost and Andrew and Zack’s story plays out fully from the day they meet. I imagine fans of that prior series will find a deeper connection and understanding to the events referenced. The band and their friends seem like quite the interesting crew and I look forward to going back and reading all their stories.
Zack and Andrew were both engaging characters (especially sweet Zack) who were put through quite a bit of emotional turmoil and needed to grow before finally finding happiness. There were one or two times where I felt the pace of the story slowed, namely the BDSM 101 and contract negotiations, but it was nothing that kept me from enjoying the rest of the story. I’m hoping there will be more to come from this world as Zack’s younger brother Jordon is one of the more delightful and interesting of the group and there are a few scenes that felt like set ups for more.
February 27, 2018
Als Zack Davies dem anziehenden Andrew Nikeman begegnet, ist es um ihn geschehen. Er könnte der Mann sein, der Zacks Träumen erfüllt und Sehnsüchte befriedigt. Träume und Wünsche, die er immer für sich behält und mit niemanden zu teilen vermag. Doch Andrew zieht eine Grenze. Auch wenn er Zack mag, ihn schätzt und sich schnell mit ihm anfreundet. Aber ihre Brüder sind zusammen und dieses Glück will Andrew nicht gefährden. Außerdem ist Zack viel zu jung und unerfahren. Er soll erst seine Erfahrungen machen und dabei vielleicht einen passenderen Partner finden.
Zack und Andrew machen es sich in weiterer Folge nicht leicht. Aber sie müssen irgendwie miteinander klarkommen, da sie gemeinsam mit der Rockgruppe von Zacks Bruder immer wieder auf Tour sind. Und da kann man sich nur schwer aus dem Weg gehen. Doch Zack geht auch seinen eigenen Pfad. Wenn er schon nicht Andrews Sub und Geliebter sein kann, dann will er sich als Dom beweisen und lernen ein guter Dom zu werden - selbst wenn er seine Sehnsüchte tief in sich vergräbt. Denn nach einem traumatischen Erlebnis mit einem anderen Dom ist für ihn klar, dass er sich nur Andrew unterwerfen könnte. Doch der will ihn ja nicht ......
Diese BDSM Geschichte lässt mich ein wenig ratlos zurück. Dass Zack zwar als Dom agiert, aber eher submissive Bedürfnisse hat, war für mich jetzt kein Problem Ich hatte wirklich Schwierigkeiten mit den Helden Andrew und Zack warm zu werden. Ersterer war mir zu distanziert und unverständlich, Zweiterer einfach halt sehr jung und entsprechend unreif. Die Kombination hat für mich leider nicht funktioniert und es hat echt eine Weile gedauert, bis ich in die Geschichte hineingefunden habe. Was jedoch den Lesefluss - für mich - ganz massiv gestört hat, waren gewisse Phrasen (gedacht), die sich gebetsmühlenartig wiederholt haben. Das war wirklich so anstrengend und nervig.
Für beide Helden und ihre Sichtweisen konnte ich ja Verständnis aufbringen. Allerdings haben sie es immer wieder geschafft sich mit ihrem Verhalten oder ihrer Nichtkommunikation irgendwie auf die Nerven zu gehen. Ihr Umfeld hingegen war wirklich toll beschrieben. Ich mochte Zacks Brüder sehr gern und auch Andrews Bruder war ein sehr angenehmer Nebenakteur. Aber immer wieder war mir die Geschichte zu dünn und zu vage.
Inzwischen habe ich auch den Grund gefunden, wieso ich ständig das Gefühl hatte, dass mir Hintergrundwissen fehlt. Diese Reihe knüpft an eine andere Reihe an. Und deren Protagonisten hüpfen auch in dieser Geschichte herum. Kein Wunder dass mir das etwas zu viele Protagonisten/Akteure waren, die für mich nur schwer zuzuordnen waren.
Der BDSM Anteil der Geschichte hingegen war sehr gut beschrieben. Mir gefiel das Konzept des Lernens und des Mentorings in dem Club, den Zack aufsucht. Auch die Dynamik zwischen den Doms und den Sub war sehr angenehm und nett zu lesen. Die Sexszenen bzw. die Sessions waren sehr intensiv und gut beschrieben. Das hat das Buch für mich noch gerettet.
Andere Szenen und Begebenheiten haben mir jedoch die Augenbrauen in ungeahnte Höhen getrieben und gelegentlich kam mir ein WTF? über die Lippen. Ab der Hälfte kam ich mit der Geschichte und den Helden dann auch besser zurecht. Aber hätte ich gewusst, dass es da noch eine Vorgeschichte in Form einer andere Serie gibt, dann hätte ich erst diese Reihe gelesen. Das 'Nichtwissen' hat mir doch etwas den Spass und die Lesefreude genommen.
Zack und Andrew machen es sich in weiterer Folge nicht leicht. Aber sie müssen irgendwie miteinander klarkommen, da sie gemeinsam mit der Rockgruppe von Zacks Bruder immer wieder auf Tour sind. Und da kann man sich nur schwer aus dem Weg gehen. Doch Zack geht auch seinen eigenen Pfad. Wenn er schon nicht Andrews Sub und Geliebter sein kann, dann will er sich als Dom beweisen und lernen ein guter Dom zu werden - selbst wenn er seine Sehnsüchte tief in sich vergräbt. Denn nach einem traumatischen Erlebnis mit einem anderen Dom ist für ihn klar, dass er sich nur Andrew unterwerfen könnte. Doch der will ihn ja nicht ......
Diese BDSM Geschichte lässt mich ein wenig ratlos zurück. Dass Zack zwar als Dom agiert, aber eher submissive Bedürfnisse hat, war für mich jetzt kein Problem Ich hatte wirklich Schwierigkeiten mit den Helden Andrew und Zack warm zu werden. Ersterer war mir zu distanziert und unverständlich, Zweiterer einfach halt sehr jung und entsprechend unreif. Die Kombination hat für mich leider nicht funktioniert und es hat echt eine Weile gedauert, bis ich in die Geschichte hineingefunden habe. Was jedoch den Lesefluss - für mich - ganz massiv gestört hat, waren gewisse Phrasen (gedacht), die sich gebetsmühlenartig wiederholt haben. Das war wirklich so anstrengend und nervig.
Für beide Helden und ihre Sichtweisen konnte ich ja Verständnis aufbringen. Allerdings haben sie es immer wieder geschafft sich mit ihrem Verhalten oder ihrer Nichtkommunikation irgendwie auf die Nerven zu gehen. Ihr Umfeld hingegen war wirklich toll beschrieben. Ich mochte Zacks Brüder sehr gern und auch Andrews Bruder war ein sehr angenehmer Nebenakteur. Aber immer wieder war mir die Geschichte zu dünn und zu vage.
Inzwischen habe ich auch den Grund gefunden, wieso ich ständig das Gefühl hatte, dass mir Hintergrundwissen fehlt. Diese Reihe knüpft an eine andere Reihe an. Und deren Protagonisten hüpfen auch in dieser Geschichte herum. Kein Wunder dass mir das etwas zu viele Protagonisten/Akteure waren, die für mich nur schwer zuzuordnen waren.
Der BDSM Anteil der Geschichte hingegen war sehr gut beschrieben. Mir gefiel das Konzept des Lernens und des Mentorings in dem Club, den Zack aufsucht. Auch die Dynamik zwischen den Doms und den Sub war sehr angenehm und nett zu lesen. Die Sexszenen bzw. die Sessions waren sehr intensiv und gut beschrieben. Das hat das Buch für mich noch gerettet.
Andere Szenen und Begebenheiten haben mir jedoch die Augenbrauen in ungeahnte Höhen getrieben und gelegentlich kam mir ein WTF? über die Lippen. Ab der Hälfte kam ich mit der Geschichte und den Helden dann auch besser zurecht. Aber hätte ich gewusst, dass es da noch eine Vorgeschichte in Form einer andere Serie gibt, dann hätte ich erst diese Reihe gelesen. Das 'Nichtwissen' hat mir doch etwas den Spass und die Lesefreude genommen.
May 28, 2017
Rejection is tough, and when it happens while someone is young, the feeling of not being wanted and of not being “enough� can be soul-crushing. That is what Zack faces in this novel, and he does not have an easy time of it. Since he is a sub and wishes for the older Andrew to be his Master, the whole BDSM dynamic adds yet another level of complication to Zack’s problem. By the time you consider that Zack’s and Andrew’s brothers are a couple, it becomes obvious that figuring out what they want, and how to deal with it presents a major task for Zack and Andrew. The relationship is a true roller coaster of emotions, a back-and-forth of serious complications, and a very convoluted path to happiness. If you don’t like drama and low self-esteem, this book is probably not for you. But if you’re curious about BDSM and are looking for a relatively basic approach with lots of explanations, give it a try.
Zack has known he is a sub for a long time and he wants to be Andrew’s to command. But he is seven years younger than the object of his admiration, their brothers are an item, and, at barely eighteen, Zack is entirely too inexperienced for Andrew to feel comfortable. Zack takes BDSM classes at a local club and thinks he is ready but Andrew still rejects him. Then Zack decides to be a Dom instead - and he is a switch, so it could have worked - but the constant interaction with Andrew at family functions and when on tour with Zack’s brother’s band is an ongoing reminder of what he can’t have.
Andrew is a Dom and wants Zack, but keeps telling himself he can’t go there. When he finally does allow himself a weekend with Zack it’s a huge success � except Zack runs from him once the weekend is over and they are almost back to square one. If Andrew weren’t so persistent I doubt these two would have ever made it as a couple. Andrew may be older than Zack by a few years, but his behavior isn’t exactly mature either.
If you like couples who struggle to find their way, if you prefer a simple, straightforward approach to BDSM with lots of explanations and technical details, and if you’re looking for a read with men who can switch roles but each have a clear preference, then you might like this novel.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on .
Zack has known he is a sub for a long time and he wants to be Andrew’s to command. But he is seven years younger than the object of his admiration, their brothers are an item, and, at barely eighteen, Zack is entirely too inexperienced for Andrew to feel comfortable. Zack takes BDSM classes at a local club and thinks he is ready but Andrew still rejects him. Then Zack decides to be a Dom instead - and he is a switch, so it could have worked - but the constant interaction with Andrew at family functions and when on tour with Zack’s brother’s band is an ongoing reminder of what he can’t have.
Andrew is a Dom and wants Zack, but keeps telling himself he can’t go there. When he finally does allow himself a weekend with Zack it’s a huge success � except Zack runs from him once the weekend is over and they are almost back to square one. If Andrew weren’t so persistent I doubt these two would have ever made it as a couple. Andrew may be older than Zack by a few years, but his behavior isn’t exactly mature either.
If you like couples who struggle to find their way, if you prefer a simple, straightforward approach to BDSM with lots of explanations and technical details, and if you’re looking for a read with men who can switch roles but each have a clear preference, then you might like this novel.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on .
March 26, 2018
Der erste Band der Serie führt in den BDMS-Club Entwined.
Zur Handlung. Zack Davis ist schon seit Teenagertagen in Andrew Nikeman verliebt. Da er devote Neigungen hat, träumt er davon, dessen Sub zu sein. Doch als er seinen ganzen Mut zusammen nimmt und ihm seine Gefühle gesteht, wird er abgewiesen. Denn ihre jeweiligen Brüder sind ein Paar und Andrew befürchtet, dass sie damit dieser Beziehung schaden würden. Außerdem hält er ihn für zu jung und unerfahren. Zack ist verzweifelt und lässt sich zum Trotz mit einem anderen unverantwortlichen, brutalen Dom ein. Nach dem furchtbaren Erlebnis, unterdrückt er seine unterwürfigen Tendenzen und wird zu einem, bei vielen Subs beliebtem Master. Obwohl er seine wahre Natur hartnäckig verleugnet, träumt er immer noch davon, Andrew zu dienen. Zwar begegnen sich die beiden immer wieder beruflich und auch im Club, aber seine Liebe bleibt weiterhin chancenlos. Erst als im Entwined eine Aktion startet, in der einige Doms ihre Fähigkeiten als Subs beweisen können, ergreift er noch einmal die Gelegenheit und hofft darauf, dass Andrew ihn ersteigert.
Andrew fällt es immer schwerer, sich von Zack fernzuhalten. Denn eigentlich ist dieser der Mann seiner Träume. Erst als ihm sein Bruder klar macht, dass sein Verhalten lächerlich ist und er und sein Partner sich nicht trennen würden, wenn ihre Brüder zusammen sind, gibt er Zack eine zweite Chance. Er ersteigert ihn als Sub. Doch Zack macht es ihm nicht leicht.
Der Klappentext hat mein Interesse an der Story geweckt. Obwohl BDMS nicht zu meinen Lieblingsthemen gehört, mochte ich die Story um Zack und Andrew. Inwieweit ein überzeugter Sub zum ständigen Dom mutieren kann, mag ich nicht beurteilen, da ist wohl Vieles möglich. Was mir aber schnell auf die Nerven ging, war die ständige Wiederholung von - knien, dienen, ihm gehören bzw. nicht gehören - Da gibt es sicher reichlich andere Möglichkeiten, um unterwürfige Träume und Gefühle auszudrücken. Äußerst unglaubwürdig war meiner Meinung nach, dass Zack, weil mit verbundenen Augen ersteigert, nicht erkannte oder wissen wollte, dass Andrew sein Auktionsmaster war.
Wie auch ich erst im Nachhinein erfahren habe, baut diese Serie auf eine ältere auf, bei der es um die Musikgruppe Dark Angels geht, die aber noch nicht übersetzt wurde. Leider werden in der Story immer wieder Begebenheiten aus dieser Vorgängerserie erwähnt, die aber nicht ausführlich genug erklärt werden und zu einem besseren Verständnis notwendig wären. So werden die Befürchtungen Andrews, dass er der Beziehung seines Bruders schaden könnte, nur wage verständlich.
Die Story erhält von mir 3 Sterne und eine Leseempfehlung.
Mein Dank geht an Dreamspinner Press für das erhaltene Rezensionsexemplar.
Zur Handlung. Zack Davis ist schon seit Teenagertagen in Andrew Nikeman verliebt. Da er devote Neigungen hat, träumt er davon, dessen Sub zu sein. Doch als er seinen ganzen Mut zusammen nimmt und ihm seine Gefühle gesteht, wird er abgewiesen. Denn ihre jeweiligen Brüder sind ein Paar und Andrew befürchtet, dass sie damit dieser Beziehung schaden würden. Außerdem hält er ihn für zu jung und unerfahren. Zack ist verzweifelt und lässt sich zum Trotz mit einem anderen unverantwortlichen, brutalen Dom ein. Nach dem furchtbaren Erlebnis, unterdrückt er seine unterwürfigen Tendenzen und wird zu einem, bei vielen Subs beliebtem Master. Obwohl er seine wahre Natur hartnäckig verleugnet, träumt er immer noch davon, Andrew zu dienen. Zwar begegnen sich die beiden immer wieder beruflich und auch im Club, aber seine Liebe bleibt weiterhin chancenlos. Erst als im Entwined eine Aktion startet, in der einige Doms ihre Fähigkeiten als Subs beweisen können, ergreift er noch einmal die Gelegenheit und hofft darauf, dass Andrew ihn ersteigert.
Andrew fällt es immer schwerer, sich von Zack fernzuhalten. Denn eigentlich ist dieser der Mann seiner Träume. Erst als ihm sein Bruder klar macht, dass sein Verhalten lächerlich ist und er und sein Partner sich nicht trennen würden, wenn ihre Brüder zusammen sind, gibt er Zack eine zweite Chance. Er ersteigert ihn als Sub. Doch Zack macht es ihm nicht leicht.
Der Klappentext hat mein Interesse an der Story geweckt. Obwohl BDMS nicht zu meinen Lieblingsthemen gehört, mochte ich die Story um Zack und Andrew. Inwieweit ein überzeugter Sub zum ständigen Dom mutieren kann, mag ich nicht beurteilen, da ist wohl Vieles möglich. Was mir aber schnell auf die Nerven ging, war die ständige Wiederholung von - knien, dienen, ihm gehören bzw. nicht gehören - Da gibt es sicher reichlich andere Möglichkeiten, um unterwürfige Träume und Gefühle auszudrücken. Äußerst unglaubwürdig war meiner Meinung nach, dass Zack, weil mit verbundenen Augen ersteigert, nicht erkannte oder wissen wollte, dass Andrew sein Auktionsmaster war.
Wie auch ich erst im Nachhinein erfahren habe, baut diese Serie auf eine ältere auf, bei der es um die Musikgruppe Dark Angels geht, die aber noch nicht übersetzt wurde. Leider werden in der Story immer wieder Begebenheiten aus dieser Vorgängerserie erwähnt, die aber nicht ausführlich genug erklärt werden und zu einem besseren Verständnis notwendig wären. So werden die Befürchtungen Andrews, dass er der Beziehung seines Bruders schaden könnte, nur wage verständlich.
Die Story erhält von mir 3 Sterne und eine Leseempfehlung.
Mein Dank geht an Dreamspinner Press für das erhaltene Rezensionsexemplar.
August 6, 2018
2.5 stars, rounded up
May 6, 2021
I did enjoy the connection this novel has to the Dark Angels series, but oh the insta-love, young love obsession...it just doesn't work as well for me. Even if it's not immediately acted upon. Zach's brother is one of the band members and he's just eighteen and joining the band to act as a roadie. Of course he immediately falls for his brother's boyfriend's brother who is also getting wrapped up in the world of the band as their new hairstylist. While I don't mind the BDSM elements of this story, the jumpcuts in the storyline left a bit to be desired in Zach's process from super subby wishing to be mastered by Andrew, to amazing dom that every sub wants to be mastered by, especially at such a young age.
I think the jumpcuts were actually my biggest problem with the story as all those time laps didn't let me follow along on Zach's journey as smoothly as I would have liked. The actual arch of Zach and Andrew finally coming together and acknowledging all that was between them was good though. I liked how Andrew finally got his man, and Zach gets all he ever dreamed of.
I think the jumpcuts were actually my biggest problem with the story as all those time laps didn't let me follow along on Zach's journey as smoothly as I would have liked. The actual arch of Zach and Andrew finally coming together and acknowledging all that was between them was good though. I liked how Andrew finally got his man, and Zach gets all he ever dreamed of.
March 13, 2018
Die Geschichte um Zack und Andrew hätte richtig gut sein können, wäre sie nicht so völlig aus dem Zusammenhang heraus übersetzt worden. Anfangs wusste ich es nicht, aber es gibt wohl mehrere Vorgängergeschichten zu den anderen Charakteren im Buch und genau die gibt es bislang nur auf englisch.
Leider, muss ich dazu sagen, denn dadurch habe ich beim Lesen andauernd mit einem Fragezeichen über dem Kopf dagesessen, weil immer wieder Charaktere auftauchen und irgendwelche Ereignisse von früher erwähnt werden, über die man nichts weiter erfährt. Ständig fehlen die nötigen Zusammenhänge, um die Freundschaften und Verhältnisse der ganzen Charaktere im Buch vernünftig verstehen zu können, und das hat mir den Lesespaß im Laufe der Story mehr und mehr verdorben.
Und warum Andrew und Zack so lange umeinander herumschleichen, habe ich bis zum Schluss nicht wirklich verstanden. Die Gründe wurden zwar angeschnitten, waren aber weder wirklich schlüssig erklärt noch fand ich sie sonderlich glaubhaft. Es fehlen einfach zu viele Hintergrundinformationen, die man wahrscheinlich in den Vorgängergeschichten findet. So weiß ich nur, dass Andrew nicht mit Zack zusammen sein will, weil ihre Brüder zusammen sind und da mal irgendetwas Schlimmes passiert sein muss (ich will nicht spoilern, daher lasse ich die Details weg), aber das ist mir als Erklärung für diese Hickhack zwischen den beiden einfach zu wenig.
Dafür gibt es von mir nur den obligatorischen Stern und definitiv keine Leseempfehlung. Ein ganz liebes Dankeschön geht an den Dreamspinner Verlag für das Rezensionsexemplar.
Leider, muss ich dazu sagen, denn dadurch habe ich beim Lesen andauernd mit einem Fragezeichen über dem Kopf dagesessen, weil immer wieder Charaktere auftauchen und irgendwelche Ereignisse von früher erwähnt werden, über die man nichts weiter erfährt. Ständig fehlen die nötigen Zusammenhänge, um die Freundschaften und Verhältnisse der ganzen Charaktere im Buch vernünftig verstehen zu können, und das hat mir den Lesespaß im Laufe der Story mehr und mehr verdorben.
Und warum Andrew und Zack so lange umeinander herumschleichen, habe ich bis zum Schluss nicht wirklich verstanden. Die Gründe wurden zwar angeschnitten, waren aber weder wirklich schlüssig erklärt noch fand ich sie sonderlich glaubhaft. Es fehlen einfach zu viele Hintergrundinformationen, die man wahrscheinlich in den Vorgängergeschichten findet. So weiß ich nur, dass Andrew nicht mit Zack zusammen sein will, weil ihre Brüder zusammen sind und da mal irgendetwas Schlimmes passiert sein muss (ich will nicht spoilern, daher lasse ich die Details weg), aber das ist mir als Erklärung für diese Hickhack zwischen den beiden einfach zu wenig.
Dafür gibt es von mir nur den obligatorischen Stern und definitiv keine Leseempfehlung. Ein ganz liebes Dankeschön geht an den Dreamspinner Verlag für das Rezensionsexemplar.
August 6, 2022
3.5 Stars
I felt like there were some...not inconsistencies but places that just didn't make sense. Where character behaviour didn't always jive. That being said, I did enjoy this for the most part. The scenes between Drew and Zach were hot. The book could have easily ended much sooner than it did; although this did give us a very solid HEA, it felt a little drawn out.
I felt like there were some...not inconsistencies but places that just didn't make sense. Where character behaviour didn't always jive. That being said, I did enjoy this for the most part. The scenes between Drew and Zach were hot. The book could have easily ended much sooner than it did; although this did give us a very solid HEA, it felt a little drawn out.
July 14, 2016
If you've read the Dark Angels series...
Than you're probably dying to read this one. If you're like me and you haven't read Z. Allora's Dark Angels series you can still read this one without any problem. However, I will admit that for the sake of the background info on the secondary characters I do wish I had read 'Dark Angels'. But done is done so let's carry on with this review...
Zack is young too young for Andrew but he knows what he wants and that's to be Andrew's submissive and to serve him and only him. Unfortunately, Andrew says 'no' he not only feels that Zack is too young for him but their brothers are in a relationship and there's no way that Andrew would do anything to spoil that. He wants nothing more than for his brother to be happy, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness for it to happen.
Devastated by Andrew's rejection Zack decides if he can't serve Andrew, he will serve no one and he puts all his energy into becoming the best damned Dom there is. Which ok, I have to admit confused me a little that he could go from one extreme to the other so easily...ok, maybe not quite so easily after all I did attend BDSM 101 with him and I have to say I never would have pegged that for being a boring class but it was, 5 minutes into class and I was looking around for a way out of the room. I'm just grateful that I didn't get dragged back for the second half of the class the following week because if that happened I was totally going to skip class or skim as the case may be.
While I liked the overall storyline and for the most part the characters worked for me. There were times when things became too bogged down with details that for me just weren't necessary or didn't seem to enhance the story in a constructive manner, the BDSM 101 scene is a perfect example of this for me.
I liked Andrew and Zack as a couple, but, I have to admit that Zack was also a bit of a conundrum for me as well because I found it hard to visualize someone who seems to so clearly recognize his submissive needs, being able to not only suppress them but essentially go against them by becoming a Dom and apparently a really good one.
However, as someone who does not exist in the BDSM lifestyle and really knows very little about it, I'm also not in a position to determine whether or not this scenario would realistically happen so for the sake of argument I chose to suspend any disbelief that I had and assume that this is as likely possible as it is improbable.
I was intrigued initially by the authors method or sharing or reinforcing Zacks thoughts/feelings by randomly adding italicized, 3 word phrases such as...
"Kneel. Serve. His." or "Kneel, Serve, Not His."
or some varied combination of words always italicized and usually in groups of three words. at first I found it to be an interesting way of reinforcing the characters thoughts and mindset. Unfortunately when used excessively this became a little irritating and started to feel more neanderthal-ish than anything else.
My favorite part of the story was when Zack and Andrew's relationship first started as friends and they would share lunches and were just getting to know each other...as friends. There were other parts of the story that I liked and little glimmers here and there but I just didn't get enough from this to make me 'over the moon' in love with the story or really with any of the characters. I'm still not sure what to make of Jordon at times I liked him and in the next breath I wanted to shake him and tell him to grow the F@*k-up because he was irritating me so much. Ironically I was also intrigued enough that if Jordon has a story coming I'd definitely give it serious consideration.
Overall neither a win nor a loss on this one because while I didn't find it bad enough to be truly bad neither was it good enough to be truly good either. Maybe I'll re-read it once I've read the Dark Angels series and see if that makes a difference for me.
*
An ARC of Lock and Key was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Than you're probably dying to read this one. If you're like me and you haven't read Z. Allora's Dark Angels series you can still read this one without any problem. However, I will admit that for the sake of the background info on the secondary characters I do wish I had read 'Dark Angels'. But done is done so let's carry on with this review...
Zack is young too young for Andrew but he knows what he wants and that's to be Andrew's submissive and to serve him and only him. Unfortunately, Andrew says 'no' he not only feels that Zack is too young for him but their brothers are in a relationship and there's no way that Andrew would do anything to spoil that. He wants nothing more than for his brother to be happy, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness for it to happen.
Devastated by Andrew's rejection Zack decides if he can't serve Andrew, he will serve no one and he puts all his energy into becoming the best damned Dom there is. Which ok, I have to admit confused me a little that he could go from one extreme to the other so easily...ok, maybe not quite so easily after all I did attend BDSM 101 with him and I have to say I never would have pegged that for being a boring class but it was, 5 minutes into class and I was looking around for a way out of the room. I'm just grateful that I didn't get dragged back for the second half of the class the following week because if that happened I was totally going to skip class or skim as the case may be.
While I liked the overall storyline and for the most part the characters worked for me. There were times when things became too bogged down with details that for me just weren't necessary or didn't seem to enhance the story in a constructive manner, the BDSM 101 scene is a perfect example of this for me.
I liked Andrew and Zack as a couple, but, I have to admit that Zack was also a bit of a conundrum for me as well because I found it hard to visualize someone who seems to so clearly recognize his submissive needs, being able to not only suppress them but essentially go against them by becoming a Dom and apparently a really good one.
However, as someone who does not exist in the BDSM lifestyle and really knows very little about it, I'm also not in a position to determine whether or not this scenario would realistically happen so for the sake of argument I chose to suspend any disbelief that I had and assume that this is as likely possible as it is improbable.
I was intrigued initially by the authors method or sharing or reinforcing Zacks thoughts/feelings by randomly adding italicized, 3 word phrases such as...
"Kneel. Serve. His." or "Kneel, Serve, Not His."
or some varied combination of words always italicized and usually in groups of three words. at first I found it to be an interesting way of reinforcing the characters thoughts and mindset. Unfortunately when used excessively this became a little irritating and started to feel more neanderthal-ish than anything else.
My favorite part of the story was when Zack and Andrew's relationship first started as friends and they would share lunches and were just getting to know each other...as friends. There were other parts of the story that I liked and little glimmers here and there but I just didn't get enough from this to make me 'over the moon' in love with the story or really with any of the characters. I'm still not sure what to make of Jordon at times I liked him and in the next breath I wanted to shake him and tell him to grow the F@*k-up because he was irritating me so much. Ironically I was also intrigued enough that if Jordon has a story coming I'd definitely give it serious consideration.
Overall neither a win nor a loss on this one because while I didn't find it bad enough to be truly bad neither was it good enough to be truly good either. Maybe I'll re-read it once I've read the Dark Angels series and see if that makes a difference for me.
*
An ARC of Lock and Key was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2016
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
I have waited soooo long for this book!!
Was the wait worth it? Oh, hell yes!
If you are a fan of this author you will already be familiar with the two main characters, Andrew and Zack, from the Dark Angels series. Throughout that series a young Zack, who is the Angel’s drummer’s brother, was just discovering who he really was and was trying to become comfortable with his interests and desires involving BDSM. He also became completely infatuated with Andrew but his young age and family links deterred Andrew and Zack was left nursing a broken heart.
The start of Lock and Key overlaps with what we already know but very quickly reaches that awful point where Andrew turned Zack down breaking something in both of them. Andrews’s feelings for Zack are just as strong as the other mans but he believes he is doing the right thing in setting him free even if they are both unhappy.
Jump forward a couple of years and things are the same yet not. Andrew and Zack are both members of Entwined, a high class BDSM club, but Zack has buried his submissive side to stand the other side of the whip and he is extremely popular with the other subs. Andrew has to stand by and watch as the man he truly wants seems to enjoy his life with a lot of varied men, he also has to sit through awkward family meals and parties pretending to be happy whilst Zack does his best to avoid him.
When the club holds a charity fundraiser a few brave Doms are auctioned off to club members as subs for the weekend and of course Zack is one of them. I don’t think the question of his buyer was ever in any doubt but it’s almost too good to be true and Zack is initially in denial, even if only to himself, over his mystery owner. Getting together for this pair has been a long time in the making but everything for those two days are perfect � better than perfect actually until Zack’s self-doubt kicks in and he runs. A second rejection from the man he has been in love with for years would be just too much.
I enjoy this author’s writing immensely. I always feel like she puts her heart and soul into her stories and her characters are easy to fall in love with. I loved the switch element here as well as it’s not something you see often in BDSM stories. Whilst Zack and Andrew are sorting themselves out we get a bit of time with the Angel’s and these boys have a special place in my heart as they were some of the very first books I read when I started reading MM. I’ve re-read those books numerous times and I’m sure I will read them all again in the future. I hope this is not the last time we get to spend with them � the youngest Davis brother has certainly got a story to tell.
I have waited soooo long for this book!!
Was the wait worth it? Oh, hell yes!
If you are a fan of this author you will already be familiar with the two main characters, Andrew and Zack, from the Dark Angels series. Throughout that series a young Zack, who is the Angel’s drummer’s brother, was just discovering who he really was and was trying to become comfortable with his interests and desires involving BDSM. He also became completely infatuated with Andrew but his young age and family links deterred Andrew and Zack was left nursing a broken heart.
The start of Lock and Key overlaps with what we already know but very quickly reaches that awful point where Andrew turned Zack down breaking something in both of them. Andrews’s feelings for Zack are just as strong as the other mans but he believes he is doing the right thing in setting him free even if they are both unhappy.
Jump forward a couple of years and things are the same yet not. Andrew and Zack are both members of Entwined, a high class BDSM club, but Zack has buried his submissive side to stand the other side of the whip and he is extremely popular with the other subs. Andrew has to stand by and watch as the man he truly wants seems to enjoy his life with a lot of varied men, he also has to sit through awkward family meals and parties pretending to be happy whilst Zack does his best to avoid him.
When the club holds a charity fundraiser a few brave Doms are auctioned off to club members as subs for the weekend and of course Zack is one of them. I don’t think the question of his buyer was ever in any doubt but it’s almost too good to be true and Zack is initially in denial, even if only to himself, over his mystery owner. Getting together for this pair has been a long time in the making but everything for those two days are perfect � better than perfect actually until Zack’s self-doubt kicks in and he runs. A second rejection from the man he has been in love with for years would be just too much.
I enjoy this author’s writing immensely. I always feel like she puts her heart and soul into her stories and her characters are easy to fall in love with. I loved the switch element here as well as it’s not something you see often in BDSM stories. Whilst Zack and Andrew are sorting themselves out we get a bit of time with the Angel’s and these boys have a special place in my heart as they were some of the very first books I read when I started reading MM. I’ve re-read those books numerous times and I’m sure I will read them all again in the future. I hope this is not the last time we get to spend with them � the youngest Davis brother has certainly got a story to tell.
July 15, 2016
A review.
3.5 stars
Lock and Key was a book I was really looking forward to reading. Some books pique your interest more than others and this one sounded intriguing. This book is not billed as being part of Allora’s Dark Angels series and I feel that it should have been. I have only read the first book in that series and felt like I was missing a few important elements to pull this entire book together for me. Zach’s brother, Dusty, is the drummer for The Dark Angels and he is living with Andrew’s brother, Justin. Andrew thought Zach was too young and he believed getting involved with him would only lead to a breakup that would then rock Dusty and Justin’s relationship. Andrew is extremely protective of Justin and, while glimpses were given of his story, there was also a lot I was missing by not having read the previous book. Also, there were several scenes with side characters, one which is rather lengthy, and was written as if I was supposed to know the story behind those characters. There were also characters whose lives were touched upon, but clearly still have stories left to tell. All of this made for a disjointed read at times and up front I wasn’t given the information as to why Andrew was completely sacrificing his own happiness for his brother.
So Zach wants to submit but only to Andrew and the two become tentative friends. Andrew then turns Zach down when he wants to take their relationship further. This leads Zach to make some poor decisions. Then two years pass and time jumps to when Zach is a dominant in demand. Most of that two years is not discussed and we have to go with the fact that while Zach has tried to move on with his life, he has been longing for Andrew all that time.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety .
3.5 stars
Lock and Key was a book I was really looking forward to reading. Some books pique your interest more than others and this one sounded intriguing. This book is not billed as being part of Allora’s Dark Angels series and I feel that it should have been. I have only read the first book in that series and felt like I was missing a few important elements to pull this entire book together for me. Zach’s brother, Dusty, is the drummer for The Dark Angels and he is living with Andrew’s brother, Justin. Andrew thought Zach was too young and he believed getting involved with him would only lead to a breakup that would then rock Dusty and Justin’s relationship. Andrew is extremely protective of Justin and, while glimpses were given of his story, there was also a lot I was missing by not having read the previous book. Also, there were several scenes with side characters, one which is rather lengthy, and was written as if I was supposed to know the story behind those characters. There were also characters whose lives were touched upon, but clearly still have stories left to tell. All of this made for a disjointed read at times and up front I wasn’t given the information as to why Andrew was completely sacrificing his own happiness for his brother.
So Zach wants to submit but only to Andrew and the two become tentative friends. Andrew then turns Zach down when he wants to take their relationship further. This leads Zach to make some poor decisions. Then two years pass and time jumps to when Zach is a dominant in demand. Most of that two years is not discussed and we have to go with the fact that while Zach has tried to move on with his life, he has been longing for Andrew all that time.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety .
August 15, 2018
It's a shame that this novel seemed to drag on - I ended up skimming the last third of the book because I feel like the author just threw in a bunch of stuff at the end to keep it going. I ended up bored with the main characters by that point. They'd had their relationship come to a close but it continued to drag. One of the characters was suddenly uncomfortable or questioning, just to keep it going.
Not to mention the two romantic characters are barely seen together. It's just random conversations and then suddenly they're in love. I want to see romance and a chase, not a few conversations and then instalove.
Not to mention the two romantic characters are barely seen together. It's just random conversations and then suddenly they're in love. I want to see romance and a chase, not a few conversations and then instalove.
April 21, 2017
3.5 stars- A mix of hits and misses
I’m not wholly sure where to start with this review. I’m not even sure what to rate it star wise. For me Lock and Key balanced on the cusp of 4 stars. There were parts I really liked, so much so that I will likely look into this author’s other books/series. And yet, there were enough niggling aspects that kept me from really enjoying the story in its entirety.
Lock and Key is a spinoff of the author’s Dark Angel series. While it can easily be read as a standalone like I did, I’d surmise fans of that series will love seeing past couples/characters make regular appearances and impact this storyline. I quite enjoyed how this book naturally built from a previous storyline. I never felt left in the dark, but rather intrigued to read more about the Davis brothers and the Dark Angel band because they were all fun and intriguing in their supporting roles. The characters were well flushed out and had this settled vibe, reminiscent of that easy comfort you experience in the later books within a series. They made sense, the development was natural, and their interactions spoke of a familial and friend bond that immediately created a sense of community and intimacy among the primary and secondary characters. I liked both main characters. They were this fun mix of awkward insecurity with a self-assured sense of what they wanted. The banter and dialogue had me regularly laughing and made it easy to empathize with Zack and Andrew, particularly in the inner dialogue moments. Ironically, as much as the inner dialogue was often a source of humor for me, the internal chants (e.g. “Kneel. Serve. His�) were one of my biggest hang-ups. I don’t know if the audiobook highlighted these moments more than reading would, but it was distracting and happened with such frequency that it grated. A lot.
I did like Zack and Andrew together. Though it became a source of long standing angst, I liked Andrew’s approach of taking a while to pursue a relationship and his reasons- specifically Zack’s age and inexperience- made perfect sense. I liked the awkward exchanges between them as they struggled with the buried feelings and attraction. I liked the simmering chemistry and build-up. I even liked Andrew’s plan to woo Zack. But the perpetual failure to communicate slowly wore on my nerves. These men were in close quarters so often that I got frustrated they refused to address the elephant in the room, especially once they plan to pursue a D/s relationship. I think had this back and forth not drug out long past what I felt was necessary, I would have liked the story that much more.
I’m not typically a BDSM reader, so I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book as far as the sex scenes or romance and I can’t comment specifically on the accuracy of the portrayal. There are a lot of details of the BDSM culture and lifestyle included, and I think plenty of readers will enjoy that attention to detail. Personally, it got to be a little too clinical in the descriptions, specifically explaining the D/s relationships, power exchanges, contracts, rules of the club, expectations of behavior, etc. This could be because I’m not necessarily intrigued by the inner workings of the BDSM lifestyle, but I found it slowed the pace to a crawl when the explanations began to overshadow the romance. I wished the romance had become a little more entwined with the BDSM aspect of the relationship. It felt like there were two specific partnerships- master and pet, then the lovers Zack and Andrew. I kept expecting them to merge and it never fully did, at least not to my satisfaction.
As far as the narration for this audiobook, Jonathan Waters does a good job bringing the story to life. He has a good pace, intonation, and enunciation. It’s definitely worth the audiobook version if the blurb peaks your interest.
Reviewed by Annie from
I’m not wholly sure where to start with this review. I’m not even sure what to rate it star wise. For me Lock and Key balanced on the cusp of 4 stars. There were parts I really liked, so much so that I will likely look into this author’s other books/series. And yet, there were enough niggling aspects that kept me from really enjoying the story in its entirety.
Lock and Key is a spinoff of the author’s Dark Angel series. While it can easily be read as a standalone like I did, I’d surmise fans of that series will love seeing past couples/characters make regular appearances and impact this storyline. I quite enjoyed how this book naturally built from a previous storyline. I never felt left in the dark, but rather intrigued to read more about the Davis brothers and the Dark Angel band because they were all fun and intriguing in their supporting roles. The characters were well flushed out and had this settled vibe, reminiscent of that easy comfort you experience in the later books within a series. They made sense, the development was natural, and their interactions spoke of a familial and friend bond that immediately created a sense of community and intimacy among the primary and secondary characters. I liked both main characters. They were this fun mix of awkward insecurity with a self-assured sense of what they wanted. The banter and dialogue had me regularly laughing and made it easy to empathize with Zack and Andrew, particularly in the inner dialogue moments. Ironically, as much as the inner dialogue was often a source of humor for me, the internal chants (e.g. “Kneel. Serve. His�) were one of my biggest hang-ups. I don’t know if the audiobook highlighted these moments more than reading would, but it was distracting and happened with such frequency that it grated. A lot.
I did like Zack and Andrew together. Though it became a source of long standing angst, I liked Andrew’s approach of taking a while to pursue a relationship and his reasons- specifically Zack’s age and inexperience- made perfect sense. I liked the awkward exchanges between them as they struggled with the buried feelings and attraction. I liked the simmering chemistry and build-up. I even liked Andrew’s plan to woo Zack. But the perpetual failure to communicate slowly wore on my nerves. These men were in close quarters so often that I got frustrated they refused to address the elephant in the room, especially once they plan to pursue a D/s relationship. I think had this back and forth not drug out long past what I felt was necessary, I would have liked the story that much more.
I’m not typically a BDSM reader, so I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book as far as the sex scenes or romance and I can’t comment specifically on the accuracy of the portrayal. There are a lot of details of the BDSM culture and lifestyle included, and I think plenty of readers will enjoy that attention to detail. Personally, it got to be a little too clinical in the descriptions, specifically explaining the D/s relationships, power exchanges, contracts, rules of the club, expectations of behavior, etc. This could be because I’m not necessarily intrigued by the inner workings of the BDSM lifestyle, but I found it slowed the pace to a crawl when the explanations began to overshadow the romance. I wished the romance had become a little more entwined with the BDSM aspect of the relationship. It felt like there were two specific partnerships- master and pet, then the lovers Zack and Andrew. I kept expecting them to merge and it never fully did, at least not to my satisfaction.
As far as the narration for this audiobook, Jonathan Waters does a good job bringing the story to life. He has a good pace, intonation, and enunciation. It’s definitely worth the audiobook version if the blurb peaks your interest.
Reviewed by Annie from
May 23, 2017
Full review available at:
Lock and Key’s the first book in the Entwined Dreams series which is a spinoff of her Dark Angels series. I was not aware of this when I read the book, and it didn’t have any impact on my love of this book. It was a standalone book. The author Z. Allora did a great job of explaining all of the characters in the book, and I never felt like I was missing out on some much-needed information. That being said, I did love the supporting characters enough that I will be reading the Dark Angel series so that I can get to know them even better.
I loved the cover for Lock and Key, and the blurb did its job and made me intrigued enough to read it. This is my first book by Z. Allora, but it most definitely will not be the last. I already have on my TBR the second book in the series Secured and Free. I loved the way the book was written, and I personally loved all of Zach’s inner monologs. Yes, there were a lot of them, and they were repetitive, but I enjoyed them. I also enjoyed all of the details about the BDSM lifestyle and the different types of relationships. I liked that Z. Allora touched on the importance of contracts and safewords and the difference between consensual vs. abuse. The book also had complex characters, and the story had plenty of hot steamy scenes and angst. I did find a couple of editing errors, but they didn’t detract from the story.
Zach knew from a young age that he was attracted to the BDSM lifestyle and wanted to be a part of it. He was kicked out of the house by his mom for his perverse proclivities, and so he goes to live with his older brother Dusty and becomes a roadie for his brother’s band. Zach prefers to work behind the scenes and falls head over heels for Andrew, who he meets for the first time backstage. He instantly knows that he wants to be Andrew’s sub. However, Zach is only 18 and Andrew rejects Zach’s advances because he is too young and also their brothers are dating, and he doesn’t want to jeopardize their relationship. Zach is devastated and does something stupid that he never wants to happen again. He does find a club called Entwined that does workshops and classes to learn about the lifestyle that he wants to be a part of and over the next 3 years learns enough to become a sought-after Dom. He figures that if he can’t have what he wants, then he will focus on giving other subs what they want and becomes a bit of a matchmaker. When the club hosts their first ever “Are you Dom enough to sub� event, he figures that he might be able to finally get what he wants.
Andrew, aka Drew a nickname given by Zach, has always wanted Zach but the timing wasn’t right when they first met. Andrew’s long-term relationship was just ending, and he didn’t want Zach to regret having a relationship with him. And he also didn’t want to jeopardize his brother’s relationship. With the ending of his long-term relationship, he is finally free to explore his Dom tendencies, and he becomes a member of Entwined. Over the years he has had to watch Zach work his way up in the club to become a favorite of the subs. And it is slowly killing him inside. When he hears that Zach is going to be participating in the “Are you Dom enough to be a sub� event, he’s thrilled that he will finally get his chance to be with Zach. And now that all of the reasons that kept them apart when Zach was 18 no longer apply, they might have a chance at a relationship.
Both Andrew and Zach will have to find the courage to work out their problems and be honest about what they want.
I thought this was a great book for readers that are new to BDSM. It was a great romance story.
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book***
Lock and Key’s the first book in the Entwined Dreams series which is a spinoff of her Dark Angels series. I was not aware of this when I read the book, and it didn’t have any impact on my love of this book. It was a standalone book. The author Z. Allora did a great job of explaining all of the characters in the book, and I never felt like I was missing out on some much-needed information. That being said, I did love the supporting characters enough that I will be reading the Dark Angel series so that I can get to know them even better.
I loved the cover for Lock and Key, and the blurb did its job and made me intrigued enough to read it. This is my first book by Z. Allora, but it most definitely will not be the last. I already have on my TBR the second book in the series Secured and Free. I loved the way the book was written, and I personally loved all of Zach’s inner monologs. Yes, there were a lot of them, and they were repetitive, but I enjoyed them. I also enjoyed all of the details about the BDSM lifestyle and the different types of relationships. I liked that Z. Allora touched on the importance of contracts and safewords and the difference between consensual vs. abuse. The book also had complex characters, and the story had plenty of hot steamy scenes and angst. I did find a couple of editing errors, but they didn’t detract from the story.
Zach knew from a young age that he was attracted to the BDSM lifestyle and wanted to be a part of it. He was kicked out of the house by his mom for his perverse proclivities, and so he goes to live with his older brother Dusty and becomes a roadie for his brother’s band. Zach prefers to work behind the scenes and falls head over heels for Andrew, who he meets for the first time backstage. He instantly knows that he wants to be Andrew’s sub. However, Zach is only 18 and Andrew rejects Zach’s advances because he is too young and also their brothers are dating, and he doesn’t want to jeopardize their relationship. Zach is devastated and does something stupid that he never wants to happen again. He does find a club called Entwined that does workshops and classes to learn about the lifestyle that he wants to be a part of and over the next 3 years learns enough to become a sought-after Dom. He figures that if he can’t have what he wants, then he will focus on giving other subs what they want and becomes a bit of a matchmaker. When the club hosts their first ever “Are you Dom enough to sub� event, he figures that he might be able to finally get what he wants.
Andrew, aka Drew a nickname given by Zach, has always wanted Zach but the timing wasn’t right when they first met. Andrew’s long-term relationship was just ending, and he didn’t want Zach to regret having a relationship with him. And he also didn’t want to jeopardize his brother’s relationship. With the ending of his long-term relationship, he is finally free to explore his Dom tendencies, and he becomes a member of Entwined. Over the years he has had to watch Zach work his way up in the club to become a favorite of the subs. And it is slowly killing him inside. When he hears that Zach is going to be participating in the “Are you Dom enough to be a sub� event, he’s thrilled that he will finally get his chance to be with Zach. And now that all of the reasons that kept them apart when Zach was 18 no longer apply, they might have a chance at a relationship.
Both Andrew and Zach will have to find the courage to work out their problems and be honest about what they want.
I thought this was a great book for readers that are new to BDSM. It was a great romance story.
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book***
July 26, 2016
Title: Lock and Key
Series:
Author: Z. Allora
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: July 15, 2016
Genre(s): Male/Male Romance BDSM
Page Count: 321 pages
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
Always a fan of a good BDSM story and one that centers around gay men, this was an exciting read for me. Plot Zack Davis is the younger brother of a musician. After his mother tossed him out of the house for his sexual perversions, his brother, Dusty takes him in and Zack becomes a roadie with the band. That is how he meets Andrew, the most beautiful man he has ever seen. Andrew is older. He is a up and coming hair stylist. He is also the brother of Dusty’s boyfriend, Justin. Andrew rejects Zacks advances because he feels that Zack is too young and the fact that Zack is the brother of Andrew’s brother’s boyfriend adds a complication that he doesn’t want to deal with. The chemistry between Zack and Andrew is suppressed. Zack realizing that he will never have Andrew the way he wants and needs, joins a BDSM club and becomes a sort after Master. He denies his need to be dominated by a man especially Andrew. I felt that this story dragged in places and Zack’s constant berating himself got a little redundant. Good HEA ending. I would have also liked to see more character development in both Zack and Andrew. Overall I enjoyed reading this book rating it a solid 4 Stars. Although there is no mention that this book is part of a series, I feel that it must be. It looks like it may be part of the Dark Angels Series by Z. Allora. A series that I may have to pick up.
SCORES on a scale of 1-5 Stars rate each of the Following 5
Categories
PLOT: 5 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 5 Stars
PACING: 4 Stars
ENDING: 5 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 4 Stars
Review Copy of provided by the for an honest review.
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Series:
Author: Z. Allora
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: July 15, 2016
Genre(s): Male/Male Romance BDSM
Page Count: 321 pages
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Rejected. Heartbroken. Devastated.
Zack Davis wanted to serve only one man, Andrew Nikeman. He was denied because Andrew thought he was too young and because their brothers were together. So Zack crushed his submissive tendencies and focused on being the perfect Dom, giving every sub he played with something he couldn’t have.
After years of denying his submissive side, Entwined’s charity auction “Are you Dom Enough to be a sub?� gives Zack an excuse to get a little of what he’s always craved.
Andrew doesn’t know when his infatuation turned into more, but it kills him to see Zack with a constant parade of submissives. He’d refused to jeopardize his brother’s relationship or become Zack’s regret; however, Zack isn’t a kid anymore, and his brother’s relationship is unbreakable. Now Zack’s popularity and success as a Dom might ruin Andrew’s dreams of collaring him, but he can’t wait any longer to confess his feelings or he risks losing the man he loves forever.
Review:
Always a fan of a good BDSM story and one that centers around gay men, this was an exciting read for me. Plot Zack Davis is the younger brother of a musician. After his mother tossed him out of the house for his sexual perversions, his brother, Dusty takes him in and Zack becomes a roadie with the band. That is how he meets Andrew, the most beautiful man he has ever seen. Andrew is older. He is a up and coming hair stylist. He is also the brother of Dusty’s boyfriend, Justin. Andrew rejects Zacks advances because he feels that Zack is too young and the fact that Zack is the brother of Andrew’s brother’s boyfriend adds a complication that he doesn’t want to deal with. The chemistry between Zack and Andrew is suppressed. Zack realizing that he will never have Andrew the way he wants and needs, joins a BDSM club and becomes a sort after Master. He denies his need to be dominated by a man especially Andrew. I felt that this story dragged in places and Zack’s constant berating himself got a little redundant. Good HEA ending. I would have also liked to see more character development in both Zack and Andrew. Overall I enjoyed reading this book rating it a solid 4 Stars. Although there is no mention that this book is part of a series, I feel that it must be. It looks like it may be part of the Dark Angels Series by Z. Allora. A series that I may have to pick up.
SCORES on a scale of 1-5 Stars rate each of the Following 5
Categories
PLOT: 5 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 5 Stars
PACING: 4 Stars
ENDING: 5 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 4 Stars
Review Copy of provided by the for an honest review.
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July 3, 2016
Lock and Key by Z. Allora is a powerfully well done BDSM story that kept me wanting more. I love how the layers in BDSM really added to the storytelling and emotional investment me the reader had to this book.
Zack has always wanted to be Andrew's sub. But Andrew did not want to lose the relationship with Zack's brother, and plus Zack was way to young for him. Zack feeling heart broken but still obsessed with BDSM gets a Dom for himself. Only this Dom turns out to be not kind at all. So Zack turns himself into a Dom, to show other Subs what a real Dom is and to give them what he could not find himself. Zack is kind, giving, and selfless. He is a true switch. He can be both Dom and Sub. He likes the Sub roll better. But the man he wants to give his submission to keeps turning him down. I like that he makes his own destiny. He is not waiting for anyone to save him. He will save himself. That strength is what he needs to be a great Sub to Andrew.
Andrew is dominate never considered himself anything but that. He is a loyal friend. Protective of those he loves to a point he forgets to take care of himself along the way. He needs Zack to take care of him and make sure he puts himself first sometimes.
Both men balance each other very well in this book. I liked how intense their love is, and how they are true halves of a whole. I would love this book to be a start of a series. I think there is a ton of potential here for many more books to come. I know I would be in line to read much more! Specially bratty Subs gotta bring more of them.
Five Shooting Stars and Reviewer's Choice award
Zack has always wanted to be Andrew's sub. But Andrew did not want to lose the relationship with Zack's brother, and plus Zack was way to young for him. Zack feeling heart broken but still obsessed with BDSM gets a Dom for himself. Only this Dom turns out to be not kind at all. So Zack turns himself into a Dom, to show other Subs what a real Dom is and to give them what he could not find himself. Zack is kind, giving, and selfless. He is a true switch. He can be both Dom and Sub. He likes the Sub roll better. But the man he wants to give his submission to keeps turning him down. I like that he makes his own destiny. He is not waiting for anyone to save him. He will save himself. That strength is what he needs to be a great Sub to Andrew.
Andrew is dominate never considered himself anything but that. He is a loyal friend. Protective of those he loves to a point he forgets to take care of himself along the way. He needs Zack to take care of him and make sure he puts himself first sometimes.
Both men balance each other very well in this book. I liked how intense their love is, and how they are true halves of a whole. I would love this book to be a start of a series. I think there is a ton of potential here for many more books to come. I know I would be in line to read much more! Specially bratty Subs gotta bring more of them.
Five Shooting Stars and Reviewer's Choice award
August 8, 2016
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Review:
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
This was a nice story. When Zack meets Drew for the first time it’s shortly after his eighteenth birthday. Zack and his younger brother have just moved in with their older brother when they were kicked out by their mom. Zack knows instantly that Drew is the man he wants to be with forever.When Drew turns Zack away he is devastated and runs to a bad situation.
Zach decides that if he can’t have what he needs, he will make sure that other submissives are able to and that they are not hurt by an incompetent dom as he was. They both go through the motions while dying a bit inside every time they have to see each other. Once Drew admits he made a mistake and wants to move forward in a relationship with Zack he feels so frustrated Zack keeps part of himself back. Drew realizes waiting for Zack to admit his feelings isn’t the right approach and it will take him completely opening himself up for Zack to be open as well.
This story is told from Both Zack and Drew’s points of view. It made it easier to connect with the characters and know how they were feeling. All of the characters in this book were great and were supportive of the MCs, they are their own little family and will always stick by each other. I hope this author does another book in this universe as I would love to see how Zack’s little brother, Jordan, grows up and finally gets a man of his own.
Cover art by K-Koji is great and really give a visual for the turning point of the story.
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
This was a nice story. When Zack meets Drew for the first time it’s shortly after his eighteenth birthday. Zack and his younger brother have just moved in with their older brother when they were kicked out by their mom. Zack knows instantly that Drew is the man he wants to be with forever.When Drew turns Zack away he is devastated and runs to a bad situation.
Zach decides that if he can’t have what he needs, he will make sure that other submissives are able to and that they are not hurt by an incompetent dom as he was. They both go through the motions while dying a bit inside every time they have to see each other. Once Drew admits he made a mistake and wants to move forward in a relationship with Zack he feels so frustrated Zack keeps part of himself back. Drew realizes waiting for Zack to admit his feelings isn’t the right approach and it will take him completely opening himself up for Zack to be open as well.
This story is told from Both Zack and Drew’s points of view. It made it easier to connect with the characters and know how they were feeling. All of the characters in this book were great and were supportive of the MCs, they are their own little family and will always stick by each other. I hope this author does another book in this universe as I would love to see how Zack’s little brother, Jordan, grows up and finally gets a man of his own.
Cover art by K-Koji is great and really give a visual for the turning point of the story.
July 13, 2016
By Z. Allora (MM/Romance/BDSM)
A copy of this book was provided to me by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
***3 STARS***
I think I've only read 1 book from this author besides this one. The other was Book 3 of the Dark Angels series.
This one is about Zack and Andrew. Zack wanted to be the sub to Andrew but was denied because he was deemed too young. So he decides to just be a dom since no one else will do. Fast forward and these two finally becomes a thing. This book was sweet yet slightly repetitive. The dialogue could sometimes be childish. Well, Zack. The thing that annoyed me more was reading about others and their naughty scenes. I want to read about the main couple, not everyone else. This book was long and if a book is long, it should be about the main couple.
A copy of this book was provided to me by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
***3 STARS***
I think I've only read 1 book from this author besides this one. The other was Book 3 of the Dark Angels series.
This one is about Zack and Andrew. Zack wanted to be the sub to Andrew but was denied because he was deemed too young. So he decides to just be a dom since no one else will do. Fast forward and these two finally becomes a thing. This book was sweet yet slightly repetitive. The dialogue could sometimes be childish. Well, Zack. The thing that annoyed me more was reading about others and their naughty scenes. I want to read about the main couple, not everyone else. This book was long and if a book is long, it should be about the main couple.
July 29, 2016
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
I found this to be an interesting book in the BDSM genre, with good levels of openness and discovery.
It is a lovely story of hope, unrequited needs and an eventual solution which works for the leads. Watching the times and trials before things come good are both frustrating and compelling. The band dynamics, the issues of age and family all feature large.
Hot, cute, kinky and ultimately fulfilling - this is a good read.
I found this to be an interesting book in the BDSM genre, with good levels of openness and discovery.
It is a lovely story of hope, unrequited needs and an eventual solution which works for the leads. Watching the times and trials before things come good are both frustrating and compelling. The band dynamics, the issues of age and family all feature large.
Hot, cute, kinky and ultimately fulfilling - this is a good read.
July 22, 2019
3.5 stars
This one leads into BDSM 101. Unfortunely I'm not really into that. So I don't really think about it much.
First half of the book, it was push and pull relationship that makes me want to DNF. It was exhausting. Thank goodness after that, it was fine. I know where Zack came from. The rejection he received from Andrew makes him who he is. And I can't blame him. Although in my opinion, Andrew should grovel a lot. But yeah well, it's okay. It's still a lot of feels. That's why I stick till the end.
This one leads into BDSM 101. Unfortunely I'm not really into that. So I don't really think about it much.
First half of the book, it was push and pull relationship that makes me want to DNF. It was exhausting. Thank goodness after that, it was fine. I know where Zack came from. The rejection he received from Andrew makes him who he is. And I can't blame him. Although in my opinion, Andrew should grovel a lot. But yeah well, it's okay. It's still a lot of feels. That's why I stick till the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2017
3.5 stars. I was so happy when Zack and Drew finally were together... I was thinking Jordy would be the perfect third for Hunter and Marcus ;)
June 19, 2017
Independent reviewer for Divine Magazine, I was gifted the AUDIO file of this book.
I usually write about the book, then the narration but I'm finding more and more, doing it the other way round or being unable to split the two.
I cannot split the two here.
I LOVED this!! It is both the first of Z. Allora (author) and Jonathan Waters (narrator) I have listened to and together they make for compelling listening!
Zack wanted to be seen by Andrew. His first thought when they meet was "His. Serve. Kneel" (more on this little bit in a mo) But Andrew thinks Zack is too young, and being not quite 18, he is still. When Andrew denies Zack what he needs, Zack hides his submission, and becomes the perfect Dom. A charity auction gives Andrew the opportunity to show Zack that somewhere along the line, his feelings grew to something he can no longer fight.
Waters narration is, quite possibly, the best I've listened to for quite some time. His portrayal of Zack, as he grows, as he learns his craft, as he constantly fights his feeling for Drew, is stunning. Zack has these one liner thoughts "His. Serve. Kneel" and at first, I found them annoying, BUT!!! once I got over that, I did actually look forward to not knowing when they would pop up.
Andrew, too, has these, but they aren't as common as Zack's and, are very different. Waters voice for Drew is perfect.
I loved all Water's voices for the various characters, and it made for very easy listening in multi person conversations. His reading voice is clear and deep and even, with a hint of an accent I could not put my finger on from where.
I loved the way Allora spins a tale. This is, I think, the first in a series, and there are a couple of characters who piqued my interest. And I'm also intrigued by the guys in the band that Zack and Andrew's brothers play in. I want to read their stories too!
Putting both Allora and Waters firmly on my wish lists....
5 stars for the book
5 stars for the narration
5 stars overall
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
I usually write about the book, then the narration but I'm finding more and more, doing it the other way round or being unable to split the two.
I cannot split the two here.
I LOVED this!! It is both the first of Z. Allora (author) and Jonathan Waters (narrator) I have listened to and together they make for compelling listening!
Zack wanted to be seen by Andrew. His first thought when they meet was "His. Serve. Kneel" (more on this little bit in a mo) But Andrew thinks Zack is too young, and being not quite 18, he is still. When Andrew denies Zack what he needs, Zack hides his submission, and becomes the perfect Dom. A charity auction gives Andrew the opportunity to show Zack that somewhere along the line, his feelings grew to something he can no longer fight.
Waters narration is, quite possibly, the best I've listened to for quite some time. His portrayal of Zack, as he grows, as he learns his craft, as he constantly fights his feeling for Drew, is stunning. Zack has these one liner thoughts "His. Serve. Kneel" and at first, I found them annoying, BUT!!! once I got over that, I did actually look forward to not knowing when they would pop up.
Andrew, too, has these, but they aren't as common as Zack's and, are very different. Waters voice for Drew is perfect.
I loved all Water's voices for the various characters, and it made for very easy listening in multi person conversations. His reading voice is clear and deep and even, with a hint of an accent I could not put my finger on from where.
I loved the way Allora spins a tale. This is, I think, the first in a series, and there are a couple of characters who piqued my interest. And I'm also intrigued by the guys in the band that Zack and Andrew's brothers play in. I want to read their stories too!
Putting both Allora and Waters firmly on my wish lists....
5 stars for the book
5 stars for the narration
5 stars overall
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
January 31, 2020
This is my first read from this author and I enjoyed it. I have to admit I was a bit lost in the group scenes early on because this is a spinoff from another series, but as I got to know the secondary characters it wasn't a problem. Speaking of secondary characters, the little brother was charming and not just because of his name. I loved the true to life aspect of one partner, Zack, knowing Andrew is his soul mate but Andrew isn't ready to accept it. So often in real life, the timing in a relationship is off. I appreciated the very slow burn and the two characters having to grow to make the relationship work. And the sexy times. They were burning up my tablet! This made me want to go back and read the original series well as continue with this spinoff.
October 31, 2018
I didn't enjoy this nearly as much as the second part. There was so much drama that felt entirely pointless. I often did not understand the MCs actions and their communication issues where on a rather grand scale.
Once they where together it just was very condensed and felt really sappy.
Once they where together it just was very condensed and felt really sappy.
January 1, 2018
Review to be posted.
January 21, 2018
3.25 stars
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