Book Reviews

Book Blurb

In all his relationships, Darren Fielding never found the level of intimacy he witnessed between Thomas Williams and his sub, Peter, the day of Peter’s “rebirth.” Not only that, he never realized such intimacy was possible. For two years, Thomas’s business card has been burning a hole in his wallet. When Darren’s lover moves on, maybe it’s finally time to see where that card takes him.

Collars & Cuffs’ new barman, JJ Taylor, is really conflicted right now. He went to the club with a very specific purpose, already convinced of what he’d find there. Except it’s not what he expected at all. He certainly didn’t anticipate finding himself drawn to the new wannabe Dom. Nor could he have guessed the direction that attraction would lead him.

Old love, new love, vows, pain, rage, moving in, moving on…. The members of Collars & Cuffs face an event that touches some of them deeply, but it will only reinforce what they already know: together they are stronger, and some bonds cannot be broken.

Book Review

It was with a great deal of sadness that I began this final book in the 'Collars and Cuffs' series. It is one of my favorite series of all time and the thought of not having any more new couples and stories makes tears well up. These books are, undoubtedly, rereads and I'm grateful for that because I never want to lose the connection I've always felt for each of the couples. Since I trust these two authors with everything I am, I knew this finale was going to be fantastic.

In that moment it seemed to Thomas that the last few years had simply been a time of respite after a squall, a momentary lull before the storm clouds gathered and obliterated the sunlight. He closed his eyes, his heart aching for what Peter was going through.

The authors certainly started off with a bang, bringing horrible news that affected more than one of the subs in their group. The repercussions will be felt, strongly, for a very long time. Not just repercussions, either, but new revelations might shatter any hope for healing these young men in need, Peter especially. Peter broke my heart just as much as he did in 'Trusting Thomas'. To say I was reading with one hand resting on my heart is not an exaggeration.

JJ is a relatively new bartender at Collars and Cuffs having only worked there for four months. He started with preconceived notions about the BDSM lifestyle and the people he would meet. The problem is that everything he has seen is most definitely not what he expected and he's very confused about what is right. Darren has known for years that there's something he's missing, something he can feel inside but isn't sure where to go with it. Until members of Collars and Cuffs start becoming regular customers at his salon. When he assists Thomas with Peter's transformation for his rebirth, Darren is awed by the obvious love and respect he witnesses, and he realizes that's what he wants. So he gets up his courage and walks through the doors.

The attraction between Darren and JJ is immediate and they begin to date while Darren is still deciding whether he wants to be a member of the club. Unfortunately, JJ's past rises up and hits not only him, but several of my well loved couples. I loved the way Thomas and Peter handled what JJ had to tell them, and I adored Darren for sticking by JJ and giving him the rock he'd always needed.

The authors truly picked the perfect title for this book. Many of my nagging curiosities were explained, i.e. Leo's first love and sub, Gabe, who was killed in a tragic accident. Alex finally gets Leo to talk about Gabe, to share him with Alex, and it was marvelous. Seeing Pietro and Miles moving on in their relationship, and Eli and Jarod doing the same, was exciting and made me so happy to see more resolution between couples I adore. I got little vignettes about my couples but everything tied in together so well that the storyline was seamless.

I honestly thought that I'd seen every possible scenario between BDSM couples in the last seven books, but these authors showed me one more and I was thrilled. Darren and JJ are the first couple that I've been able to walk along their journey of discovering a D/s lifestyle when they're both newbies and untrained. It was more than extraordinary and showed me how much I still need to learn about this genre. Being able to watch Thomas train Darren and JJ was truly incredible.

I'm not sure I can express the sheer perfection the authors showed in this novel and all of my couples. Every moment was filled with love and family, exactly what Collars and Cuffs has brought to my life. I will miss these men but I will have them in my memories, always.

 

 

 

 

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

Additional Information

Format	ebook, print and audio
Length	Novel, 350 pages/121720 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	18-July-2016
Price	$6.99 ebook, $17.99 paperback, $17.99 bundle, $24.95 audiobook
Buy Link	http://bit.ly/2uLqKuH