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Finding Master Right
It's all fun and games until somebody falls in love.
Chase has just arrived at a much anticipated leather convention, and he’s about to lose his mind. Not only is his ex attending, but Chase is also rooming with Derek, a submissive he’s been dying to top. Although Derek is in search of a Dom, he made it painfully clear when the two of them hooked up for a very hot—but very vanilla—night just before the convention that he wasn’t interested in submitting to Chase.
Derek isn’t stupid. No matter how desperate he is to submit to Chase, he wants no part of a rebound relationship. As long as Chase is still pining after the sub who broke his heart a few months ago, Derek’s keeping him at arm’s length. Besides, there’s another Dom at this convention, the gorgeous Master Raul, who Derek is determined to attract.
But when Chase and Derek are confronted with all their kinks, from ropes to leather, bondage to flogging—not to mention each other—they can only ignore their mutual attraction for so long.
Chase has just arrived at a much anticipated leather convention, and he’s about to lose his mind. Not only is his ex attending, but Chase is also rooming with Derek, a submissive he’s been dying to top. Although Derek is in search of a Dom, he made it painfully clear when the two of them hooked up for a very hot—but very vanilla—night just before the convention that he wasn’t interested in submitting to Chase.
Derek isn’t stupid. No matter how desperate he is to submit to Chase, he wants no part of a rebound relationship. As long as Chase is still pining after the sub who broke his heart a few months ago, Derek’s keeping him at arm’s length. Besides, there’s another Dom at this convention, the gorgeous Master Raul, who Derek is determined to attract.
But when Chase and Derek are confronted with all their kinks, from ropes to leather, bondage to flogging—not to mention each other—they can only ignore their mutual attraction for so long.
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2013
59 people are currently reading
797 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Witt
217 books2,697 followersL.A. Witt and her husband have been exiled from Spain and sent to live in Maine because rhymes are fun. She now divides her time between writing, assuring people she is aware that Maine is cold, wondering where to put her next tattoo, and trying to reason with a surly Maine coon. Rumor has it her arch nemesis, Lauren Gallagher, is also somewhere in the wilds of New England, which is why L.A. is also spending a portion of her time training a team of spec ops lobsters.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
June 16, 2018
If this book is the result of Ms. Witt visiting a Leather convention, well, I think she should go every year!
This is a friends to lovers story, pretty much full of angst, with the major issue being communication, so if it's not something you enjoy then this book is a not for you as it does become a tad frustrating, but I got the reasons why and I love me some angst so it worked for me in the most part.
Chase and Derek …Oh. My. God… I just wanted to knock their heads together!!! As readers we get both characters points of view and we can clearly see that these two really like each other, as in REALLY like each other, the only problem being, that neither are prepared to open up and tell the other just how they feel for fear of ruining their friendship. I can understand this from Derek as he’s a sub… but Chase, he is a Dom, although with all his introspective musings and insecurities I wasn't feeling it initially, in fact it was Derek that seemed the stronger of the two and Chase just seemed to be shrouded in melancholy and a little on the grumpy side… and both men were guilty of internally analysing the hell out of things and getting it all wrong!
Chase had recently split up with Ian who had been his sub and worn his collar for three years, only Chase had been played for a fool and all of that had put a huge dent in his confidence. Derek has the hots for Chase big time and he is the constant focus of his fantasies, desperate to be topped by him, so when the opportunity came up to attend the Leather convention with the man of his dreams he was all kinds of excited… that was until it all went wrong, with a night of vanilla sex neither had anticipated and now leaves them both confused… Chase because he thinks Derek doesn't want to be topped by him as a sub and Derek because he is scared of being a rebound fling.
I loved Derek, he is a pain slut and a masochist and plays the bratty, feisty sub perfectly, his inner sarcasm was hilarious, but deep down all he wants is to love and be loved in return, he wants the comfort of knowing he belongs and most of all he wants to feel proud to wear the collar of his master… There was a scene in this book where Chase and another Dom were playing with a sub… and DAMN… IT WAS HOT!!! Talk about seeing it played out in my own head, Ms Witt's writing put me right there watching it unfold through the eyes of Derek, wishing it was him looking into the eyes of his Dom. At that point my heart went out to Derek as he had a moment of clarity seeing Chase with another sub and realising in his heart, that, was what he wanted… to be all and everything to Chase… and it was that point that we actually got to see the very dominating and the sadistic side of Chase that had so far been missing. The other BDSM scene was Derek with two other Dom's and again, I think I needed a fire hose… Lori Witt certainly gets the tummy flutters going! That particular scene although hot was also beautiful in it’s own way as it felt as though there were only Chase and Derek in the room even though he was not involved in the scene his presence alone enabled Derek to trust and be at ease with the play. Usually I don't like my two MC’s playing with others in a BDSM scene, but seeing as these two didn't actually get together until the end of the book, and what transpired was necessary for them both to have an epiphany of what it was that they really wanted… it didn't feel uncomfortable, and when they did get together… Holy Hotness… I was in a puddle of lust!!!
L.A. Witt gives her characters life and personality with their voices expressing their moods perfectly and the result was a deep understanding of the characters make up and emotions… fabulous! The Leather convention was a perfect setting and I really enjoyed watching the events through the eyes of our two MC’s, all I would like now, is a short with a BDSM scene between Chase and Derek as that was one thing I felt I missed out on… a little playtime with our boys.
A copy of this book was provided by Riptide Publishing through NetGalley for a fair and honest review
This is a friends to lovers story, pretty much full of angst, with the major issue being communication, so if it's not something you enjoy then this book is a not for you as it does become a tad frustrating, but I got the reasons why and I love me some angst so it worked for me in the most part.
Chase and Derek …Oh. My. God… I just wanted to knock their heads together!!! As readers we get both characters points of view and we can clearly see that these two really like each other, as in REALLY like each other, the only problem being, that neither are prepared to open up and tell the other just how they feel for fear of ruining their friendship. I can understand this from Derek as he’s a sub… but Chase, he is a Dom, although with all his introspective musings and insecurities I wasn't feeling it initially, in fact it was Derek that seemed the stronger of the two and Chase just seemed to be shrouded in melancholy and a little on the grumpy side… and both men were guilty of internally analysing the hell out of things and getting it all wrong!
Chase had recently split up with Ian who had been his sub and worn his collar for three years, only Chase had been played for a fool and all of that had put a huge dent in his confidence. Derek has the hots for Chase big time and he is the constant focus of his fantasies, desperate to be topped by him, so when the opportunity came up to attend the Leather convention with the man of his dreams he was all kinds of excited… that was until it all went wrong, with a night of vanilla sex neither had anticipated and now leaves them both confused… Chase because he thinks Derek doesn't want to be topped by him as a sub and Derek because he is scared of being a rebound fling.
I loved Derek, he is a pain slut and a masochist and plays the bratty, feisty sub perfectly, his inner sarcasm was hilarious, but deep down all he wants is to love and be loved in return, he wants the comfort of knowing he belongs and most of all he wants to feel proud to wear the collar of his master… There was a scene in this book where Chase and another Dom were playing with a sub… and DAMN… IT WAS HOT!!! Talk about seeing it played out in my own head, Ms Witt's writing put me right there watching it unfold through the eyes of Derek, wishing it was him looking into the eyes of his Dom. At that point my heart went out to Derek as he had a moment of clarity seeing Chase with another sub and realising in his heart, that, was what he wanted… to be all and everything to Chase… and it was that point that we actually got to see the very dominating and the sadistic side of Chase that had so far been missing. The other BDSM scene was Derek with two other Dom's and again, I think I needed a fire hose… Lori Witt certainly gets the tummy flutters going! That particular scene although hot was also beautiful in it’s own way as it felt as though there were only Chase and Derek in the room even though he was not involved in the scene his presence alone enabled Derek to trust and be at ease with the play. Usually I don't like my two MC’s playing with others in a BDSM scene, but seeing as these two didn't actually get together until the end of the book, and what transpired was necessary for them both to have an epiphany of what it was that they really wanted… it didn't feel uncomfortable, and when they did get together… Holy Hotness… I was in a puddle of lust!!!
L.A. Witt gives her characters life and personality with their voices expressing their moods perfectly and the result was a deep understanding of the characters make up and emotions… fabulous! The Leather convention was a perfect setting and I really enjoyed watching the events through the eyes of our two MC’s, all I would like now, is a short with a BDSM scene between Chase and Derek as that was one thing I felt I missed out on… a little playtime with our boys.
A copy of this book was provided by Riptide Publishing through NetGalley for a fair and honest review
June 17, 2013
**3.75 stars**
What a great read by L.A. Witt! This story is unlike any other that I have read in the BDSM genre!
The book opens with two friends, Chase and Derek, waiting on line to get their room key at a leather convention (what I wouldn't give to be a fly on that wall!). The sexual tension is THICK between them. The two friends hooked up the night before but for some reason, only had vanilla (non-BDSM) sex and now things are strained. It doesn't help at Chase's ex, a beautiful sub, and Derek's dream dom are also both present at the convention.
First of all, how cool is the setting for this book? I mean, I'm used to dental conventions but toothbrushes and whitening gels have NOTHING on a booths dedicated to cat o' nine tails, leather collars, and restraint devices. And my seminars on dentures and crowns PALE in comparison to a knife play (ouch!) and rope-knotting demonstration!! I really liked the change of scenery for this book. Bravo to L.A. Witt for using some imagination!
I also really enjoyed kind of a behind the scenes look at how a "scene" comes about. There was a lot of focus on safety and sober play, which I found fascinating. I liked how it made BDSM more accessible for readers like myself. The sex was also a positive for me. Though this was a BDSM-themed book, there were surprisingly few sex scenes. But when the guys got going... Whew! It was hot!!
Now, when it comes down to the two men themselves, I felt a little underwhelmed. I wanted Chase to be a bit more... Dom-y. He seemed kind of passive for a Dom and I wanted him to exude a bit more take-charge energy. It often seemed like Derek had more power in their dynamic, which I kind of thought was odd.
My main complaint, however, was the constant back and forth and miscommunications. I understand that the guys had to overcome their fears and insecurities but it grew tiresome to read. I wanted to just shake both of them!! At about 75% of the way through, I grew pretty exasperated. I don't love miscommunications as a plot device and this book was heavily dependent upon that for most of the story.
Despite my issues with the characters, I really enjoyed this book. It was a nice mix of romance and kinkiness, and it worked for me!
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
What a great read by L.A. Witt! This story is unlike any other that I have read in the BDSM genre!
The book opens with two friends, Chase and Derek, waiting on line to get their room key at a leather convention (what I wouldn't give to be a fly on that wall!). The sexual tension is THICK between them. The two friends hooked up the night before but for some reason, only had vanilla (non-BDSM) sex and now things are strained. It doesn't help at Chase's ex, a beautiful sub, and Derek's dream dom are also both present at the convention.
First of all, how cool is the setting for this book? I mean, I'm used to dental conventions but toothbrushes and whitening gels have NOTHING on a booths dedicated to cat o' nine tails, leather collars, and restraint devices. And my seminars on dentures and crowns PALE in comparison to a knife play (ouch!) and rope-knotting demonstration!! I really liked the change of scenery for this book. Bravo to L.A. Witt for using some imagination!
I also really enjoyed kind of a behind the scenes look at how a "scene" comes about. There was a lot of focus on safety and sober play, which I found fascinating. I liked how it made BDSM more accessible for readers like myself. The sex was also a positive for me. Though this was a BDSM-themed book, there were surprisingly few sex scenes. But when the guys got going... Whew! It was hot!!
Now, when it comes down to the two men themselves, I felt a little underwhelmed. I wanted Chase to be a bit more... Dom-y. He seemed kind of passive for a Dom and I wanted him to exude a bit more take-charge energy. It often seemed like Derek had more power in their dynamic, which I kind of thought was odd.
My main complaint, however, was the constant back and forth and miscommunications. I understand that the guys had to overcome their fears and insecurities but it grew tiresome to read. I wanted to just shake both of them!! At about 75% of the way through, I grew pretty exasperated. I don't love miscommunications as a plot device and this book was heavily dependent upon that for most of the story.
Despite my issues with the characters, I really enjoyed this book. It was a nice mix of romance and kinkiness, and it worked for me!
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
October 1, 2016
Finding Master Right
Turning circles around each other. I liked it how they were denying their true feelings.
Chase and Derek Dom and Sub but not each other's.
They were together on a leather convention and meanwhile torturing themselves around each other. They were good friends and had fucked (vanilla) but nothing more. And they both hated that.
The whole scenery was amazing I absolutely loved it. All the Doms and Subs. All their interactions.
Chase watching Derek in a scene with others and Derek watching Chase ditto. Chase was taking care of Derek after the scenes like he was his Dom....
They push and pull and not being honest that was torture for me and I loved it. It was just enough. Would it take longer I would have scream.
When they were finally honest it was heaven.
“A friend of mine once said he knew he’d found the right Dom when he got down on his knees for him, and as soon as he was on his knees, he never wanted to get back up. There was no feeling in the world better than kneeling at that Dom’s feet.”
Great satisfying read with lots of tension.
Turning circles around each other. I liked it how they were denying their true feelings.
Chase and Derek Dom and Sub but not each other's.
They were together on a leather convention and meanwhile torturing themselves around each other. They were good friends and had fucked (vanilla) but nothing more. And they both hated that.
The whole scenery was amazing I absolutely loved it. All the Doms and Subs. All their interactions.
Chase watching Derek in a scene with others and Derek watching Chase ditto. Chase was taking care of Derek after the scenes like he was his Dom....
They push and pull and not being honest that was torture for me and I loved it. It was just enough. Would it take longer I would have scream.
When they were finally honest it was heaven.
“A friend of mine once said he knew he’d found the right Dom when he got down on his knees for him, and as soon as he was on his knees, he never wanted to get back up. There was no feeling in the world better than kneeling at that Dom’s feet.”
Great satisfying read with lots of tension.
June 18, 2013
"A friend of mine once said he knew he'd found the right Dom when he got down on his knees for him, and as soon as he was on his knees, he never wanted to get back up."
This is the story of Chase, who has not fully recovered from the break up of his previous relationship, and Derek, who is desperate to fall to his knees for him.
What a perfect setting for this book! It has it all - loads of hot men in a heated environment with leather, ropes, whips, sex toys, bondage - and gorgeous characters who obviously madly desire each other! There are complexities due to inability to express feelings and past lovers on the scene to cause some dramas.
The characters are wonderful. Firstly Chase (I always love a character named Chase!) who wants Derek to submit to him but needs closure on his relationship with his past submissive first. And Derek, who finds he can't get Chase out of his mind.
I loved the way the characters were able to have sexual encounters with other people so long as the other was involved, even if the other was only observing. This seemed to really fit the plot and characters, rather than a forced scenario where they suddenly became monogamous to show their love. And this really seemed to fit with what Derek was looking for in a master, someone he'd be prepared to be collared for. "I just can't find the Master Right who knows damn well that when he lets me off the leash, I'll come back, but who will still clip me to it enough to make me feel like I'm still his, you know?"
Great story with an interesting plot and emotional element balanced with some very, hot and well written scenes of dominance and submission.
Now I just need to find out where the nearest and next Leather Convention is being held and make plans to attend......
4.5 stars
This is the story of Chase, who has not fully recovered from the break up of his previous relationship, and Derek, who is desperate to fall to his knees for him.
What a perfect setting for this book! It has it all - loads of hot men in a heated environment with leather, ropes, whips, sex toys, bondage - and gorgeous characters who obviously madly desire each other! There are complexities due to inability to express feelings and past lovers on the scene to cause some dramas.
The characters are wonderful. Firstly Chase (I always love a character named Chase!) who wants Derek to submit to him but needs closure on his relationship with his past submissive first. And Derek, who finds he can't get Chase out of his mind.
I loved the way the characters were able to have sexual encounters with other people so long as the other was involved, even if the other was only observing. This seemed to really fit the plot and characters, rather than a forced scenario where they suddenly became monogamous to show their love. And this really seemed to fit with what Derek was looking for in a master, someone he'd be prepared to be collared for. "I just can't find the Master Right who knows damn well that when he lets me off the leash, I'll come back, but who will still clip me to it enough to make me feel like I'm still his, you know?"
Great story with an interesting plot and emotional element balanced with some very, hot and well written scenes of dominance and submission.
Now I just need to find out where the nearest and next Leather Convention is being held and make plans to attend......
4.5 stars
June 28, 2013
3,5 stars.
Chase, a Dom, is visiting a leather convention and rooming with Derek, a submissive, he wants with all his heart.
Derek wants Chase too, but as long as Chase still mourns after the sub who broke his heart a few months ago, Derek doesn't want to submit to the Master of his dreams. That the ex-boyfriend is on the leather convention as well, doesn't help at all.
Spending the week in the same room only proves to the men that they were meant to be together. It takes a couple of hot scenes with other people, jealousy, and angst before they get their shit together and really talk to each other.
The story is fast paced and entertaining written, but I had a few niggles. Too much story was left untold. I would have enjoyed a few chapters of seeing Chase and Derek together and I would have loved reading a real scene between the two of them.
nope
March 10, 20183.5 stars
For me, this read like a blow-by-blow account of what a leather convention is like, with a bit of BDSM 101 and a sweet little romance thrown in. It was entertaining enough, but, except for a hot scene in which Derek is being vigorously topped by a bear and his slave while Chase looks on, this just didn't have the emotional punch that I was hoping for. One that, say, a little story like Lisa Henry's Falling Away has in spades.
A pleasant, entertaining read.
July 26, 2013
Friends to lovers is so good when it morphs into a beautiful D/s relationship. Chase is a heartbroken Dom attending a leather convention with his good friend Derek. Derek is a masochist who's kink match Chase's perfectly. Why wouldn't they get their kink on together now that they are both single and available? The phrase, "it's complicated" completely describes this relationship.
This is a classic example of how a D/s relationship can go so wrong. Instead of telling us the keys to a D/s relationship are communication and trust, Ms. Witt shows us over and over again in high definition. Absolutely fantastic! There are many a times the reader will want to smack both Derek and Chase upside the head. Or maybe even clunk their heads together to knock a bit of sense into them. Be forewarned, a reader may experience episodes of uncontrollable yelling at the characters when they misunderstand each other.
While this may be extremely frustrating because the reader can see from both points of view, how many times do these scenarios occur in real life? Frequently! Ms. Witt does an excellent job of showing how the characters feel yet not understand exactly why they feel the way they do. When Derek comes to a realization, it suddenly becomes so clear. The same goes for Chase. A series of unfortunate misunderstandings and perceived slights makes them behave in plausible manners. This helps build depth to the characters and they become more engaging to the reader. How many times have we felt similarly in the same situations?
The BDSM scenes in this story are fabulous. Ms. Witt infuses the scenes with erotic images as well as subtle power exchange. I love D/s. It's my favourite part of BDSM. To see D/s laid bare for everyone to see, it touched me and makes me yearn for more D/s in real life. The descriptions of a fetish convention is how I imagined and I can't wait to attend my first one next year. The co-domming ménage of Derek caused me to pant with excitement. What pain loving submissive wouldn’t be drooling at a chance to some of this erotic sexfest?
This kinky m/m romance is recommended to those who love SM with their D/s.
*provided by NetGalley
This is a classic example of how a D/s relationship can go so wrong. Instead of telling us the keys to a D/s relationship are communication and trust, Ms. Witt shows us over and over again in high definition. Absolutely fantastic! There are many a times the reader will want to smack both Derek and Chase upside the head. Or maybe even clunk their heads together to knock a bit of sense into them. Be forewarned, a reader may experience episodes of uncontrollable yelling at the characters when they misunderstand each other.
While this may be extremely frustrating because the reader can see from both points of view, how many times do these scenarios occur in real life? Frequently! Ms. Witt does an excellent job of showing how the characters feel yet not understand exactly why they feel the way they do. When Derek comes to a realization, it suddenly becomes so clear. The same goes for Chase. A series of unfortunate misunderstandings and perceived slights makes them behave in plausible manners. This helps build depth to the characters and they become more engaging to the reader. How many times have we felt similarly in the same situations?
The BDSM scenes in this story are fabulous. Ms. Witt infuses the scenes with erotic images as well as subtle power exchange. I love D/s. It's my favourite part of BDSM. To see D/s laid bare for everyone to see, it touched me and makes me yearn for more D/s in real life. The descriptions of a fetish convention is how I imagined and I can't wait to attend my first one next year. The co-domming ménage of Derek caused me to pant with excitement. What pain loving submissive wouldn’t be drooling at a chance to some of this erotic sexfest?
This kinky m/m romance is recommended to those who love SM with their D/s.
*provided by NetGalley
June 15, 2013
Review posted at The Armchair Reader.
3.25 stars
I decided to pick this up to read and review on a whim. It's actually been quite a while since I've read any BDSM, I just haven't been in the mood a much this year. And it's been a while since I've read a standalone LA Witt book, so I was excited to dig in and see what I thought of it. I really like the BDSM stories that are set at Leather conventions. I think it all comes down to my curiosity as to what going to one would really be like. Plus, now that I've been to a convention I sortof get the atmosphere there, and though it fluctuates wildly from one event to another, there is an excitement inherent in coming together with other people who share a common interest. Because of that, it means that a character can be whoever they want to be during their vacation, especially at a place where role-play and scene play offer a possible diversion from one's typical personality.
Chase and Derek have been friends for a long time. They're traveling to the convention together and sharing a room, and their unspoken attraction to one another has gone… well, unspoken up to this point. That is, until they sleep together their first night. But right when the clothes start flying and Chase is gearing up to put on his Dom voice, Derek asks if they just play vanilla. It's a good idea (most likely) and a slap in the face at the same time to Chase, who has always admired Derek and his mind-blowing ability to sub so beautifully for different Doms. Why won't he sub for Chase? And does it have anything to do with the fact that Derek is set to meet his longtime crush and internet friend, the popular Master Raul?
Meanwhile, Chase is going through his own problems. His three year relationship with Ian recently bit the dust. And even though their last year together was terrible, complete with Ian cheating and lying and finally walking out on him, facing the end of what was originally a perfect relationship and Dom/sub connection and trying to move on are much harder in practice. The problem is compounded by the fact that Ian is at the convention and seems to be eager to speak to Chase and sort things through.
Neither of them expected how difficult it would be to deal with their crush and admiration of the other while having to spend so much time together in close quarters. And it isn't just their room situation. Watching the other participate in scenes with other Doms and subs leads them both to the conclusion that the one they really want is right next to them, and that they've already decided to put their valued friendship above all else.
One thing that I know about LA Witt is that as far as the Spectrum of Angst goes, any one of her books could be anywhere. She's good at writing really angsty books and sometimes she writes books where the level of angst could be through the roof but because of the characters, who don't wallow or have a lot of internal dialogue, there isn't anyway. This fell somewhere in the middle for me, and it was a bit frustrating. No matter how much I liked the setup and most of the characters, a lot of that internal waffling back and forth was just a little much for me. It's one of those books where you just want to lock the characters in a room together, slowly filling with… water, or a biological agent, or something to get them to freaking talk to each other! It isn't as if I misunderstood or judged the characters. It's hard to think about having feelings for a friend, I've been there. But, I also have a hard time dealing with that in the fiction I read. It's personal taste. And that is my main disclaimer about this book. I think LA Witt is a good enough writer to draw the connections needed to help the reader understand why the characters make the decisions they make. That doesn't mean, however, that readers will be all that pleased with it. It is just my opinion and my own understanding of fellow readers, but I think that there will be some readers who find the back and forth annoying. And they'll probably be a lot less nice about it than me, lol. At least, that's how it usual goes.
On the other hand, I enjoyed reading the story. Including my feelings about the characters' lack of communication, I still liked this book even though I had one other problem with it. I liked both Chase and Derek for the most part through the whole books, but I did find Derek to be somewhat hypocritical at times, which bothered me. Plusses to the author for including scenes with other men. Even though it causes a fair amount of angst and Derek and Chase aren't technically together (like how you usually get in those situations, with an open and healthy relationship), I still enjoyed those parts of the book. I would have looked forward to them anyway, because it's something that I like in my m/m romance (where it fits), but I actually enjoyed those scenes for themselves as well. They all included secondary characters I really liked, especially the two bears and even Master Raul, who I was unsure of at first and firmly expecting to hate purely for Chase's sake ;)
This is a solid offering from LA Witt, but still has many elements that I think will turn off some readers. Perhaps, though, we'll see that the parameters for m/m BDSM readers are a little more open...
3.25 stars
I decided to pick this up to read and review on a whim. It's actually been quite a while since I've read any BDSM, I just haven't been in the mood a much this year. And it's been a while since I've read a standalone LA Witt book, so I was excited to dig in and see what I thought of it. I really like the BDSM stories that are set at Leather conventions. I think it all comes down to my curiosity as to what going to one would really be like. Plus, now that I've been to a convention I sortof get the atmosphere there, and though it fluctuates wildly from one event to another, there is an excitement inherent in coming together with other people who share a common interest. Because of that, it means that a character can be whoever they want to be during their vacation, especially at a place where role-play and scene play offer a possible diversion from one's typical personality.
Chase and Derek have been friends for a long time. They're traveling to the convention together and sharing a room, and their unspoken attraction to one another has gone… well, unspoken up to this point. That is, until they sleep together their first night. But right when the clothes start flying and Chase is gearing up to put on his Dom voice, Derek asks if they just play vanilla. It's a good idea (most likely) and a slap in the face at the same time to Chase, who has always admired Derek and his mind-blowing ability to sub so beautifully for different Doms. Why won't he sub for Chase? And does it have anything to do with the fact that Derek is set to meet his longtime crush and internet friend, the popular Master Raul?
Meanwhile, Chase is going through his own problems. His three year relationship with Ian recently bit the dust. And even though their last year together was terrible, complete with Ian cheating and lying and finally walking out on him, facing the end of what was originally a perfect relationship and Dom/sub connection and trying to move on are much harder in practice. The problem is compounded by the fact that Ian is at the convention and seems to be eager to speak to Chase and sort things through.
Neither of them expected how difficult it would be to deal with their crush and admiration of the other while having to spend so much time together in close quarters. And it isn't just their room situation. Watching the other participate in scenes with other Doms and subs leads them both to the conclusion that the one they really want is right next to them, and that they've already decided to put their valued friendship above all else.
One thing that I know about LA Witt is that as far as the Spectrum of Angst goes, any one of her books could be anywhere. She's good at writing really angsty books and sometimes she writes books where the level of angst could be through the roof but because of the characters, who don't wallow or have a lot of internal dialogue, there isn't anyway. This fell somewhere in the middle for me, and it was a bit frustrating. No matter how much I liked the setup and most of the characters, a lot of that internal waffling back and forth was just a little much for me. It's one of those books where you just want to lock the characters in a room together, slowly filling with… water, or a biological agent, or something to get them to freaking talk to each other! It isn't as if I misunderstood or judged the characters. It's hard to think about having feelings for a friend, I've been there. But, I also have a hard time dealing with that in the fiction I read. It's personal taste. And that is my main disclaimer about this book. I think LA Witt is a good enough writer to draw the connections needed to help the reader understand why the characters make the decisions they make. That doesn't mean, however, that readers will be all that pleased with it. It is just my opinion and my own understanding of fellow readers, but I think that there will be some readers who find the back and forth annoying. And they'll probably be a lot less nice about it than me, lol. At least, that's how it usual goes.
On the other hand, I enjoyed reading the story. Including my feelings about the characters' lack of communication, I still liked this book even though I had one other problem with it. I liked both Chase and Derek for the most part through the whole books, but I did find Derek to be somewhat hypocritical at times, which bothered me. Plusses to the author for including scenes with other men. Even though it causes a fair amount of angst and Derek and Chase aren't technically together (like how you usually get in those situations, with an open and healthy relationship), I still enjoyed those parts of the book. I would have looked forward to them anyway, because it's something that I like in my m/m romance (where it fits), but I actually enjoyed those scenes for themselves as well. They all included secondary characters I really liked, especially the two bears and even Master Raul, who I was unsure of at first and firmly expecting to hate purely for Chase's sake ;)
This is a solid offering from LA Witt, but still has many elements that I think will turn off some readers. Perhaps, though, we'll see that the parameters for m/m BDSM readers are a little more open...
June 20, 2013
3.5 stars
I was really looking forward to this one from Ms. Witt. While I generally enjoyed it, I wasn't thrilled with it.
The book takes place over the course of one week spent at a leather convention. Derek, a Sub, and Chase, a Dom, are friends who are rooming together. The problem? The night before the convention, the two hooked up but Derek insisted on vanilla sex. Chase is hurt by the fact that Derek would not allow him to top him as a Dom. Chase is recently out of a long D/s relationship, that did not end well, and his former sub Ian is also at the convention.
The majority of the book is spent with Chase and Derek trying to come to terms with their own past relationships and what they want for their future together -- just friends or more? This is done with chapters alternating between Derek and Chase's points of view. The failures in their verbal communication and the playing with others did not bother me, since they were not a couple and both had to work out their own feelings and wants before attempting to move from "just friends" to a D/s relationship.
I took a half star off because of one thing I felt was missing.
I was really looking forward to this one from Ms. Witt. While I generally enjoyed it, I wasn't thrilled with it.
The book takes place over the course of one week spent at a leather convention. Derek, a Sub, and Chase, a Dom, are friends who are rooming together. The problem? The night before the convention, the two hooked up but Derek insisted on vanilla sex. Chase is hurt by the fact that Derek would not allow him to top him as a Dom. Chase is recently out of a long D/s relationship, that did not end well, and his former sub Ian is also at the convention.
The majority of the book is spent with Chase and Derek trying to come to terms with their own past relationships and what they want for their future together -- just friends or more? This is done with chapters alternating between Derek and Chase's points of view. The failures in their verbal communication and the playing with others did not bother me, since they were not a couple and both had to work out their own feelings and wants before attempting to move from "just friends" to a D/s relationship.
I took a half star off because of one thing I felt was missing.
June 16, 2013
3.5 stars
A kind of road trip…
The setting in Finding Master Right is a huge leather convention complete with a vendor fair specializing in lots of sex toys and workshops. Sort of like a fun road trip, except instead of a car and the open road, we have the fair and its aisles and aisles of paraphernalia to be navigated. A road trip to paradise one might say. Okay, maybe it’s a stretch but it had that kind of a feel for me… not so much a geographic pleasure trip as a sensual pleasure trip… Our two friends, Derek and Chase, are attending the convention together, ostensibly to share costs, but is that all there is to it?...
Sex, yeah, whips, no...
They are good friends and belong to the same BDSM club where they’ve kind of circled around each other, but Derek and Chase don’t play that way. Derek admires Chase’s sexy Dom style and harbors a secret crush, but Chase has been involved with another sub with whom he has recently broken up. Now, he’s is finding himself thinking more and more about the subby Derek... but Derek doesn’t want to be the rebound guy.
And would going further affect their friendship? Do they want to risk it? Interestingly and oddly enough, the two decide to hook up vanilla-style right before the convention (off page, unfortunately); so, sex is ok but ix-nay on the power-play. As Derek says, it would just “muddy up the waters.” Which happens anyway— it sets up all sorts of tension between the two. ’Cause they really want more, you know they do even if they won’t admit it. And it only adds to the tension when Chase’s ex shows up at the convention wanting to make amends… more muddy water.
Derek is an easy-going, self-described pain-slut masochist, always testing himself in the game, We get into his head a little more, so get to know him a little better. He’s a little bit brat, a little bit snark, and a whole lot adventurous. Most of the action scenes are seen through his POV. At times, Chase seems controlled and in charge, as you’d expect from a good Dom. But his quiet ruminating over his ex and what to do about Derek makes him come off as insecure and wishy-washy too. He seems to bounce back and forth between the two extremes, so it’s hard to get a bead on him, to know who he is.
Whips, and chains and bootblack, oh my…!
The fair has lots to see and try out— vendors showing off leather wear, harness and rigging gear, workshops on hot wax technique, cock-and-ball torture techniques, suspension and rigging demos, knife play, predicament bondage (owch), a bootblacking station— it’s a veritable erotic smorgasbord, a BDSM playground, guaranteed one-stop shopping til you pop. Okay, really, the setting is almost another character in the story and is at least as interesting as the interaction between the guys.
Will they, or won’t they…?
The author sets it up so that Derek plays with others while Chase keeps watch over him— he has to look on while others dominate the sexy sub— and Derek’s high pain threshold and ability to sink quickly into ‘sub space’ make him a very popular playmate. It’s interesting that Chase is always there to make sure Derek is safe, interesting that Derek always looks to him for comfort, interesting how the author slowly and subtly slips them into a D/s dynamic. But, more and more, I just want Chase to take charge already.
The author has an easy writing style. I liked the convention setting, and the descriptions of the various bondage techniques were hot. I did find Chase and Derek’s relationship confusing at times but I guess that’s because they were confused too. This is not to say that there isn’t some hot, sexy stuff going on, just not always between them… kinks, fetishes, sexual abandon which includes public display— a caution— if these are squicks then this might not be the read for you. There’s lots to like though— the atmosphere of care and safety and attentiveness that pervades all the D/s interactions is welcome. This isn’t a heavy or dark read. With a touch of angst and a BDSM edge, it’s more about fun at the fair.
For this review and lots more visit: The Blog of Sid Love
February 3, 2014
I feel like I've read this before.
It relies heavily on the Big Misunderstanding, which while I'm not entirely fond of, normally I can handle. Here, however, it was pretty much the everything of this story. That and the "Will they won't they?"
I dunno. I didn't really enjoy it. I didn't hate it, but it just...seemed farcical. All of it. And then it tried to not be farcical with the Ian-Derek scene, but it devolved into puffs of farcical impotent rage.
Maybe there wasn't enough whump. Maybe that's why I didn't like it. There was too much "SIT THE FUCK DOWN AND TALK TO EACH OTHER" and not enough "OMG you're suffering so beautifully." It just seemed like wangst, wangst, wangst all around. Chase's off sulking about mourning but doesn't actually seem to be in mourning. Derek's off sulking about Chase sulking about mourning while firmly believing the delusion that Chase is in mourning. None of them actually really say anything to each other except nothing, and basically nothing happens except pages and pages of denial, even when other people slap them in the face with their observations.
Basically, the two of them are so hell-bent on denial they're going out of their way to be in denial, and I find that annoying and not at all titillating (what an odd word, titillating).
Mainly, though, I'd been searching for something with some really intense scenes, but also great character dynamics, and what the fuck maybe my standards are too high. *sigh. I want something where I care for the characters, so when the sexy shit starts, it actually means something and isn't just meaningless drivel I can barely make myself skim through.
Like no joke when all the sexy stuff started and the characters started saying stuff that's supposed to be really meaningful and evocative like whispering "I need you" and "please fuck me" and "please fuck me" and groaning and moaning their abject desire, I just kept internally cringing 'cause it just seemed cheesy.
Seriously, by the end, though, I was shooting-the-wall bored.
It relies heavily on the Big Misunderstanding, which while I'm not entirely fond of, normally I can handle. Here, however, it was pretty much the everything of this story. That and the "Will they won't they?"
I dunno. I didn't really enjoy it. I didn't hate it, but it just...seemed farcical. All of it. And then it tried to not be farcical with the Ian-Derek scene, but it devolved into puffs of farcical impotent rage.
Maybe there wasn't enough whump. Maybe that's why I didn't like it. There was too much "SIT THE FUCK DOWN AND TALK TO EACH OTHER" and not enough "OMG you're suffering so beautifully." It just seemed like wangst, wangst, wangst all around. Chase's off sulking about mourning but doesn't actually seem to be in mourning. Derek's off sulking about Chase sulking about mourning while firmly believing the delusion that Chase is in mourning. None of them actually really say anything to each other except nothing, and basically nothing happens except pages and pages of denial, even when other people slap them in the face with their observations.
Basically, the two of them are so hell-bent on denial they're going out of their way to be in denial, and I find that annoying and not at all titillating (what an odd word, titillating).
Mainly, though, I'd been searching for something with some really intense scenes, but also great character dynamics, and what the fuck maybe my standards are too high. *sigh. I want something where I care for the characters, so when the sexy shit starts, it actually means something and isn't just meaningless drivel I can barely make myself skim through.
Like no joke when all the sexy stuff started and the characters started saying stuff that's supposed to be really meaningful and evocative like whispering "I need you" and "please fuck me" and "please fuck me" and groaning and moaning their abject desire, I just kept internally cringing 'cause it just seemed cheesy.
Seriously, by the end, though, I was shooting-the-wall bored.
October 10, 2013
3.5 stars – I’ll be honest—the event planner in me found all the info about the leather/BDSM convention super fascinating. (I was all, “Workshops? I wonder how those were set up…”)
This is an overall light, fun read as our two MCs, friends for a long time, both into the BDSM scene, one a dom, one a sub, but are not together. Things are somewhat complicated by the fact that they had “vanilla” sex the night before they leave for a BDSM convention, and now they’re all confused about their feelings for each other and about what they think the other wants.
I loved the parts about the convention—I thought that was so interesting, and it sounded like a super sex-positive, welcoming environment, so you go, BSDM con!
The MCs are appealing and likeable, and you get both their POVs, so always interesting to see the view from the “top” and the sub, and what they want. I also liked that this was not an introduction to the scene—these guys were very in it, so it wasn’t a story about a virgin slowly introduced to the “pleasures of submission”, but were about two men who knew very much what they wanted, even though they were total crap about talking about it with each other.
My only downpoint is that a lot of conflict is based on lack of communication, which can get tiring as the main issue.
That, and even though this is set as a BDSM/leather con, it’s not overflowing with scenes, so don’t go in expecting that. There is one big “scene” with one of the MCs and some nice side characters, but the eventual coming together is late in the book and pretty straightforward, which was a little disappointing since both MCs talk about how great the other is from scenes they’ve seen at their club. (Maybe there will be a follow-up?)
It’s a fun, light read though, and at 45,000+ words, is a pretty fast read. I think it’s neat that Witt set the story at a con. (And I think a very smart BDSM con bookseller would have stacks of this book out front of their stall with a sign, “Finding Love at the Leather Con!”)
Recommended especially if you’re looking for something light, fast, and sexy (but one that is not too heavy on sex or BDSM.)
This is an overall light, fun read as our two MCs, friends for a long time, both into the BDSM scene, one a dom, one a sub, but are not together. Things are somewhat complicated by the fact that they had “vanilla” sex the night before they leave for a BDSM convention, and now they’re all confused about their feelings for each other and about what they think the other wants.
I loved the parts about the convention—I thought that was so interesting, and it sounded like a super sex-positive, welcoming environment, so you go, BSDM con!
The MCs are appealing and likeable, and you get both their POVs, so always interesting to see the view from the “top” and the sub, and what they want. I also liked that this was not an introduction to the scene—these guys were very in it, so it wasn’t a story about a virgin slowly introduced to the “pleasures of submission”, but were about two men who knew very much what they wanted, even though they were total crap about talking about it with each other.
My only downpoint is that a lot of conflict is based on lack of communication, which can get tiring as the main issue.
That, and even though this is set as a BDSM/leather con, it’s not overflowing with scenes, so don’t go in expecting that. There is one big “scene” with one of the MCs and some nice side characters, but the eventual coming together is late in the book and pretty straightforward, which was a little disappointing since both MCs talk about how great the other is from scenes they’ve seen at their club. (Maybe there will be a follow-up?)
It’s a fun, light read though, and at 45,000+ words, is a pretty fast read. I think it’s neat that Witt set the story at a con. (And I think a very smart BDSM con bookseller would have stacks of this book out front of their stall with a sign, “Finding Love at the Leather Con!”)
Recommended especially if you’re looking for something light, fast, and sexy (but one that is not too heavy on sex or BDSM.)
July 4, 2013
1/3 in - I want to knock their heads together. In a gentle, loving way, of course because these two men belong together. The build-up is killing me..and so far I haven't been able to predict anything that's going to happen - I love it when that happens :) And I love the way everyone else can see they belong together / act like they're already together but the two of them...
I love LA Wiit's books...
More to come!
EDITED TO ADD: This was really a sweet book - I mean, HOT, but sweet. Best of both worlds.
I love LA Wiit's books...
More to come!
EDITED TO ADD: This was really a sweet book - I mean, HOT, but sweet. Best of both worlds.
June 24, 2013
A quick, enjoyable read, but it was missing something for me. I would of liked to get to know these two men a little better. Other then that, I did enjoy them, especially Chase.
The leather convention was a great setting, and opened the way for a lot of hot steamy fun.
When these two finally talked, which took them far too long, I would of enjoyed a few chapters of seeing them together, but that wasn't the case, and I was left feeling that there was far too much story left untold to give me a happy ever after inner smile.
The leather convention was a great setting, and opened the way for a lot of hot steamy fun.
When these two finally talked, which took them far too long, I would of enjoyed a few chapters of seeing them together, but that wasn't the case, and I was left feeling that there was far too much story left untold to give me a happy ever after inner smile.
July 7, 2014
The BDSM in this is great. The writing is smooth - and I liked the dialogue as it had a very defined, crisp feeling. The KinkyCon was a total blast to have as a setting - and you do get a really good feel for it - right down to how they have the sessions in this room where there are those water pitchers that always "sweat" water. Really great descriptive writing. I was, however, not a fan of the missed communication the whole way through. For two guys who have been through some stuff together they sure did not communicate well. It just got old after a while and irritating.
June 19, 2013
On one hand, this was a book stuffed to the brims with BDSM, leather, whips and chains, and hot Doms and subs, and I quite enjoyed reading it. On the other hand, I wanted to smack both Derek and Chase for their inability to communicate with each other and just be freaking honest. Both of them made assumptions that were way wrong, and neither made an attempt to actually talk until almost the very end. And on the third hand, L.A. Witt made it work and made me believe that they needed to be stupid for a while, because both of them had to see the truth for themselves, and then get their HFN, even if the speed with which that happened was a bit too rapid for my taste.
So, I'm torn - can ya tell?
If this is the kind of book L.A. Witt writes after attending a leather convention, she should go more often. I actually learned from this book, and, holy hot boysecks Batman, it's fascinating stuff. Nothing I'd want to experience for myself, thank you very much, but people in this lifestyle are simply fascinating to me.
There's the expected bondage, but the information in this book goes beyond the milder kind of BDSM and takes it straight into the more extreme variation. Yeah, fascinating stuff. Please let me be clear: I'm not being judgmental here - whatever floats your boat and makes you happy, that's my motto. Sex should be enjoyed, no matter what form of sex you enjoy. And it should be noted that some variations of BDSM are not about sex at all.
The author also continually makes a very good point - any kind of play must be sane, safe and consensual. The book gives plenty of insight about what happens 'behind the scenes' of a scene, so to speak, how things are set up, how participants should be sober, how a scene stops as soon as someone drops the safeword. This is important stuff, my friends, because for every book that accurately describes this lifestyle, there are 5 that don't. (Fifty Shades, anyone?)
L.A. Witt masterfully and effortlessly inserts the above BDSM background info into the romance between the two main characters, submissive Derek and Dominant Chase, who have been friends for a while and had one sexual encounter just prior to rooming together at the convention.
Derek is looking for a Master. He thinks he wants to hook up with Master Raul and is looking forward to seeing him at the Con. Chase just got out of a long-term relationship with a collared sub, one that ended rather badly. He's still nursing his wounds, and his attraction to his friend is confusing him, not only because of the sex they had, but also because he finds that he wants to be the Dom Derek is looking for.
The author writes an emotional romance, fraught with angst on both sides, since neither Derek nor Chase are willing to address the elephant in the room and actually have an honest conversation about their feelings.
When Derek finally gets it, when he finally realizes what's really going on, I couldn't help but sigh happily. The way this realization comes about, the way the author describes the aha moment, was sheer perfection.
See my comment about being torn? L.A. Witt presents their story in a way that made me think they needed this time at the Con to figure out their relationship. That if they'd had that honest conversation too soon, it might have crashed and burned. Both of them needed time to realize what they were really feeling, and THIS, precisely THIS, is what made me bump this book to four stars.
The only thing that didn't work as well for me was the neat little bow that tied up the ending. The rapid transition from Chase and Derek owning up to their feelings to the steps Chase took immediately thereafter was just a bit too fast for me.
I also enjoyed the switch between POVs, as some things made more sense from Derek's POV and some were better seen from Chase's. Extra kudos for not overlapping the POVs. Each chapter had the POV listed at the top, but since the voices of the characters were distinctly different, I didn't actually need this reminder.
Excellent work, Ms. Witt. Please attend another of these conventions.
And if you, dear Reader, like your M/M romances with a lot of kink, and a strong emotional connection, this is a book for you. Highly recommended.
I received a free ARC from Riptide Publishing via Netgalley. A positive review was not promised in return.
So, I'm torn - can ya tell?
If this is the kind of book L.A. Witt writes after attending a leather convention, she should go more often. I actually learned from this book, and, holy hot boysecks Batman, it's fascinating stuff. Nothing I'd want to experience for myself, thank you very much, but people in this lifestyle are simply fascinating to me.
There's the expected bondage, but the information in this book goes beyond the milder kind of BDSM and takes it straight into the more extreme variation. Yeah, fascinating stuff. Please let me be clear: I'm not being judgmental here - whatever floats your boat and makes you happy, that's my motto. Sex should be enjoyed, no matter what form of sex you enjoy. And it should be noted that some variations of BDSM are not about sex at all.
The author also continually makes a very good point - any kind of play must be sane, safe and consensual. The book gives plenty of insight about what happens 'behind the scenes' of a scene, so to speak, how things are set up, how participants should be sober, how a scene stops as soon as someone drops the safeword. This is important stuff, my friends, because for every book that accurately describes this lifestyle, there are 5 that don't. (Fifty Shades, anyone?)
L.A. Witt masterfully and effortlessly inserts the above BDSM background info into the romance between the two main characters, submissive Derek and Dominant Chase, who have been friends for a while and had one sexual encounter just prior to rooming together at the convention.
Derek is looking for a Master. He thinks he wants to hook up with Master Raul and is looking forward to seeing him at the Con. Chase just got out of a long-term relationship with a collared sub, one that ended rather badly. He's still nursing his wounds, and his attraction to his friend is confusing him, not only because of the sex they had, but also because he finds that he wants to be the Dom Derek is looking for.
The author writes an emotional romance, fraught with angst on both sides, since neither Derek nor Chase are willing to address the elephant in the room and actually have an honest conversation about their feelings.
When Derek finally gets it, when he finally realizes what's really going on, I couldn't help but sigh happily. The way this realization comes about, the way the author describes the aha moment, was sheer perfection.
See my comment about being torn? L.A. Witt presents their story in a way that made me think they needed this time at the Con to figure out their relationship. That if they'd had that honest conversation too soon, it might have crashed and burned. Both of them needed time to realize what they were really feeling, and THIS, precisely THIS, is what made me bump this book to four stars.
The only thing that didn't work as well for me was the neat little bow that tied up the ending. The rapid transition from Chase and Derek owning up to their feelings to the steps Chase took immediately thereafter was just a bit too fast for me.
I also enjoyed the switch between POVs, as some things made more sense from Derek's POV and some were better seen from Chase's. Extra kudos for not overlapping the POVs. Each chapter had the POV listed at the top, but since the voices of the characters were distinctly different, I didn't actually need this reminder.
Excellent work, Ms. Witt. Please attend another of these conventions.
And if you, dear Reader, like your M/M romances with a lot of kink, and a strong emotional connection, this is a book for you. Highly recommended.
I received a free ARC from Riptide Publishing via Netgalley. A positive review was not promised in return.
June 16, 2013
4 Stars
When I saw the cover and read the title I had to have this book – factor in Riptide and LA Witt, and yeah, it was mine!
Chase has just come out of a bad relationship. He never fully understood what went wrong with him and his collared sub, Ian – but the ending was sad and ugly, that much we learn. His close friend and fellow Dungeon member, Derek, was there for him after the break up, sharing in the Ian-hate. Chase is a Dom, Derek is a sub, and while they never play together they do watch eachother’s backs. And fronts. Okay, they watch eachother. A lot. Now that Chase and Ian aren’t together he could do with a room mate at a leather con he is going to. Derek has always wanted to go, and by rooming with Chase it makes it cheaper so he can afford to go. Dom+sub+leather+shared room..yeah, my mind went there too! But neither of them wants to ruin a friendship by muddying the waters – so one night pre trip of vanilla sex is safe, right? Riiiight!
Derek is a total pain slut. He hasn’t been in a full-on D/s relationship for a while and is really looking forward to this leather con. He is up for playing with anyone, anywhere, anyhow! But he soon finds that any port in a storm is fine so long as you have that one anchor, should you need it. The guy that makes you feel safe. Yep, Chase. Their connection was sweet and sexy and I really loved their story – but… I would not pin this as being a BDSM story. Yes there is leather and bondage and some seriously hot D/s scenes, but it just read as a contemporary romance that happened to be at a leather convention and the protags happened to be a Dom and a sub. It just didn’t have that grit, that powerful “something” that a true BDSM book has. Not to say I didn’t like it – because I did! There were some really funny lines too! The room with 2 queens? LOL! I actually would love to read more of these guys – or even a spin off for Ian or Master Raul, even Bryan and his Daddy – the whole cast of characters was great!
If you like your books to be romantic with a (sp)lash of kink then .. Go. Buy the Book! This one won’t disappoint!
Barb's review can also be found at Live Your Life, Buy The Book
When I saw the cover and read the title I had to have this book – factor in Riptide and LA Witt, and yeah, it was mine!
Chase has just come out of a bad relationship. He never fully understood what went wrong with him and his collared sub, Ian – but the ending was sad and ugly, that much we learn. His close friend and fellow Dungeon member, Derek, was there for him after the break up, sharing in the Ian-hate. Chase is a Dom, Derek is a sub, and while they never play together they do watch eachother’s backs. And fronts. Okay, they watch eachother. A lot. Now that Chase and Ian aren’t together he could do with a room mate at a leather con he is going to. Derek has always wanted to go, and by rooming with Chase it makes it cheaper so he can afford to go. Dom+sub+leather+shared room..yeah, my mind went there too! But neither of them wants to ruin a friendship by muddying the waters – so one night pre trip of vanilla sex is safe, right? Riiiight!
Derek is a total pain slut. He hasn’t been in a full-on D/s relationship for a while and is really looking forward to this leather con. He is up for playing with anyone, anywhere, anyhow! But he soon finds that any port in a storm is fine so long as you have that one anchor, should you need it. The guy that makes you feel safe. Yep, Chase. Their connection was sweet and sexy and I really loved their story – but… I would not pin this as being a BDSM story. Yes there is leather and bondage and some seriously hot D/s scenes, but it just read as a contemporary romance that happened to be at a leather convention and the protags happened to be a Dom and a sub. It just didn’t have that grit, that powerful “something” that a true BDSM book has. Not to say I didn’t like it – because I did! There were some really funny lines too! The room with 2 queens? LOL! I actually would love to read more of these guys – or even a spin off for Ian or Master Raul, even Bryan and his Daddy – the whole cast of characters was great!
If you like your books to be romantic with a (sp)lash of kink then .. Go. Buy the Book! This one won’t disappoint!
Barb's review can also be found at Live Your Life, Buy The Book
April 21, 2015
★★★☆ rounded up to ★★★★
This was a sweet, sexy read with a friends-to-lovers theme ... the kink was hot but I wanted to see more of Chase & Derek together ... the reason I didn't rate this book a solid 4 or more stars is because I find constant miscommunication frustrating ... instead of empathising with the characters I end up wanting to bang their heads together ... I'd enjoy a sequel to this story showing them as an established, happy couple ... I want to see that the communication issues were resolved so they could have a stable HEA.
This was a sweet, sexy read with a friends-to-lovers theme ... the kink was hot but I wanted to see more of Chase & Derek together ... the reason I didn't rate this book a solid 4 or more stars is because I find constant miscommunication frustrating ... instead of empathising with the characters I end up wanting to bang their heads together ... I'd enjoy a sequel to this story showing them as an established, happy couple ... I want to see that the communication issues were resolved so they could have a stable HEA.
February 16, 2019
L. A. Witt can write some wonderful books. But when she bombs she does it big time. This book made me cringe constantly. I am surprised I even finished it. These two are so stupid they didn’t deserve each other. The bdsm was all that saved it.
July 29, 2013
3.5/5
Chase and Derek have been good friends for a few years. They originally met through their BDSM community. Chase is a Dom, and until recently he has been in a serious relationship. Derek is a sub, and he doesn’t do relationships. There has always been a mutual attraction, but they’ve never crossed the line of platonic friendship until the night before the leather convention. After an incredible night of vanilla sex, they head out for the convention. Originally, when they were still only friends, rooming together had seemed like a great idea. Now the the lines have blurred, it looks more like a week of being frustrated and uncomfortable.
I have to warn you at this point, Finding Master Right is unlike any other BDSM book I have read. Derek and Chase are experienced players within the community. They’re both completely comfortable with their choices and roles. The mind games and power plays you normally see in a BDSM romance aren’t happening here. This is more of a love story within the realm of BDSM. The romance is front and center, but it still has some hot scenes which are pivotal to the plot.
The chemistry between Derek and Chase is strong, they know it and the reader knows it. What made it interesting for me was the changing point of view. One chapter would be from Chase’s perspective, and the next would be from Derek’s. I found that particularly interesting because as a Dom, Chase was having very different thoughts from Derek. Being inside both of their heads allows the reader to see that their feelings and concerns are genuine. They both longed to explore the chemistry between them, but they knew taking that step would change everything between them.
I have mentioned before that miscommunication is an irritant for me. Every interaction between Derek and Chase was made more difficult by their lack of communication. They both made assumptions of what the other man wanted. If they weren’t doing that, they were jumping to conclusions as to the reason behind the other’s actions. As much as I hate to applaud it, it did work within this story. I may not have agreed with them, but I could see why they were doing it.
Finding Master Right is a happy, feel good, BDSM book. What surprised me most was that it has a simple, almost sweet, romance. It was a good read.
Chase and Derek have been good friends for a few years. They originally met through their BDSM community. Chase is a Dom, and until recently he has been in a serious relationship. Derek is a sub, and he doesn’t do relationships. There has always been a mutual attraction, but they’ve never crossed the line of platonic friendship until the night before the leather convention. After an incredible night of vanilla sex, they head out for the convention. Originally, when they were still only friends, rooming together had seemed like a great idea. Now the the lines have blurred, it looks more like a week of being frustrated and uncomfortable.
I have to warn you at this point, Finding Master Right is unlike any other BDSM book I have read. Derek and Chase are experienced players within the community. They’re both completely comfortable with their choices and roles. The mind games and power plays you normally see in a BDSM romance aren’t happening here. This is more of a love story within the realm of BDSM. The romance is front and center, but it still has some hot scenes which are pivotal to the plot.
The chemistry between Derek and Chase is strong, they know it and the reader knows it. What made it interesting for me was the changing point of view. One chapter would be from Chase’s perspective, and the next would be from Derek’s. I found that particularly interesting because as a Dom, Chase was having very different thoughts from Derek. Being inside both of their heads allows the reader to see that their feelings and concerns are genuine. They both longed to explore the chemistry between them, but they knew taking that step would change everything between them.
I have mentioned before that miscommunication is an irritant for me. Every interaction between Derek and Chase was made more difficult by their lack of communication. They both made assumptions of what the other man wanted. If they weren’t doing that, they were jumping to conclusions as to the reason behind the other’s actions. As much as I hate to applaud it, it did work within this story. I may not have agreed with them, but I could see why they were doing it.
Finding Master Right is a happy, feel good, BDSM book. What surprised me most was that it has a simple, almost sweet, romance. It was a good read.
July 6, 2013
Oh - I'm so behind with my reviews.
I've read this one ..one or two weeks ago? Ups, okay, I liked it. I liked both MCs and the slightly different angle of the story. It is a good and solid book with both MCs not searching for their place in their kinks but actually knowing what they want. The problem is, they don't know that they want it with each other and they seriously don't communicate but assume.
This leads to chain reactions which again lead to wrong assumptions. What a mess - I hate books like that, I mean that was one of the reasons I ditched f/m!
L.A. Witt makes it work, at least enough for me to really enjoy the book. Especially because both guys aren't sterotypes. Oh, yes, Derek is a painslut Sub...well, he just loves it and when he feels save, he enjoys it. But only physical pain and so he is too afraid to put the friendship with Chase at risk when he realizes after a night of vanilla sex, that he could fall hard for his friend. And so the tries to avoid the falling hard by looking for others in self protection.
Chase enjoys being in control during sex but had been decieved by his former sub. That makes him vulnerable on the emotional side and more insecure than he likes. And Derek's behaviour confuses him even more. Can he trust and can he risk their friendship, especially because Derek didn't seem to be interested in more?
Now - they find together, don't be afraid, and they are a good and solid couple. The journey is - despite the non-communication - good and well written.
I've read this one ..one or two weeks ago? Ups, okay, I liked it. I liked both MCs and the slightly different angle of the story. It is a good and solid book with both MCs not searching for their place in their kinks but actually knowing what they want. The problem is, they don't know that they want it with each other and they seriously don't communicate but assume.
This leads to chain reactions which again lead to wrong assumptions. What a mess - I hate books like that, I mean that was one of the reasons I ditched f/m!
L.A. Witt makes it work, at least enough for me to really enjoy the book. Especially because both guys aren't sterotypes. Oh, yes, Derek is a painslut Sub...well, he just loves it and when he feels save, he enjoys it. But only physical pain and so he is too afraid to put the friendship with Chase at risk when he realizes after a night of vanilla sex, that he could fall hard for his friend. And so the tries to avoid the falling hard by looking for others in self protection.
Chase enjoys being in control during sex but had been decieved by his former sub. That makes him vulnerable on the emotional side and more insecure than he likes. And Derek's behaviour confuses him even more. Can he trust and can he risk their friendship, especially because Derek didn't seem to be interested in more?
Now - they find together, don't be afraid, and they are a good and solid couple. The journey is - despite the non-communication - good and well written.
June 17, 2013
3.5 stars
Chase and Derek attend a leather convention together in the hopes of learning more about the BDSM lifestyle. However, when Chase’s ex is attending too, he feels as if he needs to go hide into a hole. Temptation lies on a few feet away where Derek stands, the sub that he’s been dying to top. Things are made complicated when Derek doesn’t want to be seen as the rebound sub for Chase. They fight the attraction that lies within them until jealously makes it too much to bear.
FINDING MASTER RIGHT is a very quick read. It’s light, funny and very cute. I thought that the beginning took a little long to get into the action, simply because we are getting both Chase and Derek’s POVs. They desire each other from a distance, but they don’t act on it, thinking that this is not what the other wants. When Master Raul enters the picture and shows them exactly what they are missing, they begin to realize that maybe they are perfect for one another.
That being said, for most of the book, it’s really a communication problem between the two. They assume too much about the other so when they finally talk about it in the end, the resolution felt a little too swift for my liking.
All in all, I enjoyed the banter and the character POVs. I also found the BDSM element to be very appealing. Witt always writes a feel-good read.
*ARC provided by Netgalley
August 3, 2013
Source: eARC for Honest Review from Riptide Publishing via NetGalley
A typical friends to lovers to BDSM playmates. Well maybe not so typical :)
Nothing like a leather convention to bring true love to the surface.
For Chase and Derek who have always been friends and have had personal desires for one another but is risking their friendship worth the risk?
Chasing is mending a broken heart while Derek is looking for the perfect master.
During this convention Chase and Derek learn many things.
But the most important is that they learned that they are a better fit as master and sub then as friends. With this revelation comes love that is so much stronger because of their previous friendship and respect for one another.
For more reviews, visit Live Read and Breathe
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A typical friends to lovers to BDSM playmates. Well maybe not so typical :)
Nothing like a leather convention to bring true love to the surface.
For Chase and Derek who have always been friends and have had personal desires for one another but is risking their friendship worth the risk?
Chasing is mending a broken heart while Derek is looking for the perfect master.
During this convention Chase and Derek learn many things.
But the most important is that they learned that they are a better fit as master and sub then as friends. With this revelation comes love that is so much stronger because of their previous friendship and respect for one another.
For more reviews, visit Live Read and Breathe
Like us on Facebook Live Read and Breathe Facebook
Follow along with Twitter Live Read and Breathe Twitter
June 25, 2021
Finding Mr. Right, or in a submissive's world "Master" Right, can be a task and a half. Like with any couple intending to form a long-lasting relationship, the match has to be right in and out of bed. But the extra dimension of trust is more vital for a D/s couple and can be a challenge to achieve. You can start with physical attraction and work your way up (like Chase and his ex-lover did), or you can experiment and hope you run into him one day (Derek's strategy). At the beginning of this book, both these strategies have failed, and Chase and Derek are in a lot of trouble. They are great friends, and the solution is staring them in the face, but they haven't got a clue.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
September 13, 2016
I love L.A Witt's books and it's been a while since I read one but this I think is my favourite.....Chase and Derek...Dom and Sub but not to each other....seriously I wanted to bang their heads together because they just couldn't see that they were perfect for each other....They are at a bdsm con and the chemistry between them is off the charts but not in bed...This is a seriously hot book with each of them getting what they want but not from each other.....They finally do get it together and when they do..damn...could have done with a lot more of that action...Definitely worth a re-read or hundred x
July 14, 2013
I so need to be a fly on a wall at one of these conventions. Great read. These guys needed a good slap to wake the hell up and communicate with each other.
January 15, 2016
A story were if they actually communicated most of the story wouldn't have happened. frustrating but non communication is essential to the plot.
September 29, 2018
If you can't handle BDSM, this is not for you. Other than that, this was a good friends to lovers. Sometimes you just have to take that risk with what's in front of you
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