Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Six years ago Ellis walked into his first briefing as the newest member of London’s Specialist Firearms unit. He was partnered with Wayne and they became fast friends. When Wayne begins to notice changes—Ellis’s erratic temper, the effects of sleep deprivation—he knows he has to act before Ellis reaches his breaking point. He invites Ellis to the opening of the new BDSM club, Secrets, where Wayne has a membership. His purpose? He wants Ellis to glimpse the lifestyle before Wayne approaches him with a proposition. He wants to take Ellis in hand, to control his life because he wants his friend back, and he figures this is the only way to do it.

 

There are a few issues, however. Ellis is straight. Stubborn. And sexy. Wayne knows he has to put his own feelings aside to be what Ellis needs. What surprises the hell out of him is finding out what Ellis actually requires.

 

Book Review

I was so sad when 'Collars and Cuffs' ended, even though I loved how the authors finalized everything, so when I discovered they were going to continue, simply in a different venue with mostly new characters, I was thrilled. Eli and Jarod were featured in 'Dom of Ages', book seven in C&C, and I fell completely for both of them, especially Jarod. When they got the opportunity to take over ownership of Secrets, a gay BDSM club in London, I was so happy.

As strange and weird as this is going to sound, I really empathized with Ellis's initial reaction to Wayne wanting him to be his sub. Ellis always feels better around Wayne, he often takes his muddled thoughts to him, and Wayne helps him work through his confusion, along with Wayne always making Ellis feel taken care of and safe. But Ellis's first response is to think that Wayne looks at him as less than a man. I think anyone unfamiliar with the true concepts of a power exchange would think this way. Wayne just wants to help his best friend, regardless that Wayne has had feelings for Ellis for years, because Wayne can see something is obviously wrong, and Ellis isn't sleeping or taking care of himself.

"He’d known he was on a downhill slide for over a year. Every time he found himself floundering, he tried harder. And then he’d redouble his efforts, but they always led to the same conclusion. You’re a failure."

It isn't immediate, but when a confrontation with a coworker has Ellis enraged, he finally admits that trying Wayne's idea can't hurt. When Ellis reaches his breaking point and finally is totally honest with Wayne about what's been going on, and, especially, his family, Wayne is left stunned at the revelation and more determined than ever to help his best friend. (Personally, I thought Ellis's family - his father's views in particular - was something more suited for some strange, right-wing, ultraconservative cult in America). An additional revelation by Ellis leaves the two men in a position to finally admit their feelings.

'Before You Break' is a very unique take on a BDSM relationship that I've only seen done a handful of times in prior reads. Wayne isn’t what I've come to expect, so to speak, from a Dom, but I loved his attitude, his strength, and his all-encompassing understanding of his boy. Ellis is a marvelous character and I was really able to see the absolute trust it takes to submit to someone so fully. I wasn't surprised, at all, to see Jarod reaching out and befriending Ellis, as that is just who the man is.

I absolutely loved this book, but especially the ending and how it wrapped up. I was sad for both Wayne and Ellis when disaster struck them, but so thrilled to see Eli and Jarod continuing the lessons they learned at Collars and Cuffs, by making their own family at Secrets and helping the people they care about. I'm going to be on pins and needles waiting to see who the next couple will be, although I might have an idea. *grins*

Thank you, K.C. and Parker. You've given me a whole new series to eagerly anticipate and characters to fall in love with!

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Dreamspinnner Press for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook, print and audio
Length	Novel, 340 pages/115247 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	26-May-2017
Price	$6.99 ebook, $17.99 paperback, $17.99 bundle, $24.95 audiobook
Buy Link	https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/before-you-break-by-parker-williams-and-kc-wells-8508-b