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Sex Sells #1
Sealing the Deal
Toby Garland understands contracts. As the best contract negotiator in the city, he’s built his life and his livelihood around his ability to push through any contract and seal any deal. All that amounts to nothing when Hudson Scott, the man he’s been fantasizing about for the last three months, offers him a BDSM slave contract in the middle of an office party.
Faced with the most important negotiation he will ever undertake, all Toby has to do is think clearly and treat it like any other contract he’s worked on. But it’s not that simple. This isn’t just any contract. Hudson isn’t just any dominant. And thinking clearly through a sea of arousal and submission has never been Toby’s strongest point.
Faced with the most important negotiation he will ever undertake, all Toby has to do is think clearly and treat it like any other contract he’s worked on. But it’s not that simple. This isn’t just any contract. Hudson isn’t just any dominant. And thinking clearly through a sea of arousal and submission has never been Toby’s strongest point.
104 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 6, 2011
4 people are currently reading
291 people want to read
About the author
Kim Dare
160 books1,519 followersKim is a thirty-three year old bisexual submissive from Wales (UK). First published in 2008, she has since released almost 100 BDSM erotic romance titles ranging from short stories to full length novels. Having worked with a host of fantastic e-publishers, she has just moved into self publishing.
While she has occasionally ventured towards other pairings, Kim's first love is still, and probably always will be, Male/Male stories. But, no matter what the pairing, from paranormal to contemporary, and from the sweet to the intense, everything she writes will always feature three things - Kink, Love and a Happy Ending.
While she has occasionally ventured towards other pairings, Kim's first love is still, and probably always will be, Male/Male stories. But, no matter what the pairing, from paranormal to contemporary, and from the sweet to the intense, everything she writes will always feature three things - Kink, Love and a Happy Ending.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
July 9, 2011
This is a pretty interesting D/s story. I hesitate to call it BDSM, because it doesn't involve a lot of the 'usual' pain or heavy whippings. It is about pretty intense submission, though, no room for negotiation. I liked that there was a lot of room for mutual respect, and even love, though.
Toby is a very interesting character. Outwardly a strong negotiator, his deepest need is to make others happy. Hence, he puts his all into making contracts work so that both parties are happy with them. This can be nerve-wrecking, though, so serving just one master would be much easier for him. Since his experiments in submission have been mostly sexual so far, and he gets VERY distracted when he is aroused, learning the mental part of submitting to a master is a difficult experience for him.
Luckily, Hudson (his ex-boss once Toby's negotiator job is completed) seems to be just that man. His demands (to me) seemed unreasonable in places. I mean, how can he expect Toby to focus on detailed contract conditions when the submissive is too aroused to think straight? And then he goes and makes it worse? While this makes no sense to me, even seems utterly unfair, it is clearly what Toby needs and wants.
This is a fascinating exploration of one of the many possible scenarios of mental submission. Always sparked by the physical, Toby's real challenge is in how he thinks about the two of them.
Recommended for everyone who likes Kim Dare stories, thought experiments, and trying to understand the way the human mind works under certain conditions.
Toby is a very interesting character. Outwardly a strong negotiator, his deepest need is to make others happy. Hence, he puts his all into making contracts work so that both parties are happy with them. This can be nerve-wrecking, though, so serving just one master would be much easier for him. Since his experiments in submission have been mostly sexual so far, and he gets VERY distracted when he is aroused, learning the mental part of submitting to a master is a difficult experience for him.
Luckily, Hudson (his ex-boss once Toby's negotiator job is completed) seems to be just that man. His demands (to me) seemed unreasonable in places. I mean, how can he expect Toby to focus on detailed contract conditions when the submissive is too aroused to think straight? And then he goes and makes it worse? While this makes no sense to me, even seems utterly unfair, it is clearly what Toby needs and wants.
This is a fascinating exploration of one of the many possible scenarios of mental submission. Always sparked by the physical, Toby's real challenge is in how he thinks about the two of them.
Recommended for everyone who likes Kim Dare stories, thought experiments, and trying to understand the way the human mind works under certain conditions.
February 11, 2013
Toby got signed an important Business contract. And now, his temporary boss will become his Master since Toby will sign another kind of contract with him: a slave contract.
Not the best story of Kim Dare, but still a good one. My problem with it is that we do not know the characters's background and that I am not fond of God-Dom (Hudson). I preferred when the Doms are strong alpha males, but still human beings. And the fact that Toby is so enthused about the contract he just signed and so excited about the future that his new master is planning for him, he is unable to perform simple mental calculations, this does not give us a good idea of the sub. He seems almost mentally handicapped. lollll
Not the best story of Kim Dare, but still a good one. My problem with it is that we do not know the characters's background and that I am not fond of God-Dom (Hudson). I preferred when the Doms are strong alpha males, but still human beings. And the fact that Toby is so enthused about the contract he just signed and so excited about the future that his new master is planning for him, he is unable to perform simple mental calculations, this does not give us a good idea of the sub. He seems almost mentally handicapped. lollll
July 9, 2011
"Yes sir,please Sir,everything you want Sir...."
(should I mention the repetitive dialogue?)
I`ll avoid this type of BDSM story in the future.
The "all-knowing Dom and his obidient,no-brain-cells-required puppet/sub" are an often used but increasingly boring storyline.
A bit more fire,passion,spirit -whatever-,please!
(should I mention the repetitive dialogue?)
I`ll avoid this type of BDSM story in the future.
The "all-knowing Dom and his obidient,no-brain-cells-required puppet/sub" are an often used but increasingly boring storyline.
A bit more fire,passion,spirit -whatever-,please!
March 3, 2012
Sadly, I can't say I was very much impressed with the book, thus it gets only 2 stars.
I suppose the author isn't interested in delving deeper into the realm of BDSM, only showing the initial steps but for me, this was a tad too lukewarm.
I suppose the author isn't interested in delving deeper into the realm of BDSM, only showing the initial steps but for me, this was a tad too lukewarm.
March 3, 2012
There are times as a reader that I stumble upon an author who seems to fit my reading style like a glove fits the hand. Better yet, there comes along every so often a book that strikes a deep resonant tone in yourself--makes you sigh just a bit, smile with contentment at the close of the novel because the reading moment was simply just right--a story just so. Sealing the Deal by Kim Dare was one of those moments.
Toby is at the top of his game--a contract writer and negotiator that moves from company to company excelling at his job--while on the inside, craving more than anything the right Master...the right Dom to take him in hand and keep him safe. As he wraps up his current job, he is painfully aware that this is the last time he will be able to see Hudson, the company president and his current employer--well, previous employer...as the party is a farewell gala for Toby himself. As he spots Hudson across the office floor he watches and then follows him into his office, closing the door and entering a world that will rock his very core-rendering him little more than a babbling fool that reels from one emotion to another, guided every step of the way by a man whose very presence screams to him that he will be his---"you are mine"!
This is a sexy, beautiful story of love and mutual discovery--a submissive who finally finds the Dom who can settle him, master him in every good sense of the word...a Dom who is so smitten that for the first time he is willing to bring a man to his home...into his bed..and sign a contract that seals them together for life.
This is what Kim Dare does so masterfully--weave a story that show us the finer moments of humanity...that brings hope and love into the picture and allows us to have characters that tell us that it is okay to hope and dream that we too one day will find the perfect mate to our souls. I think we need more like her--more who are willing to simply write a fine story that gives us sweet moments of blissful happiness.
Toby is at the top of his game--a contract writer and negotiator that moves from company to company excelling at his job--while on the inside, craving more than anything the right Master...the right Dom to take him in hand and keep him safe. As he wraps up his current job, he is painfully aware that this is the last time he will be able to see Hudson, the company president and his current employer--well, previous employer...as the party is a farewell gala for Toby himself. As he spots Hudson across the office floor he watches and then follows him into his office, closing the door and entering a world that will rock his very core-rendering him little more than a babbling fool that reels from one emotion to another, guided every step of the way by a man whose very presence screams to him that he will be his---"you are mine"!
This is a sexy, beautiful story of love and mutual discovery--a submissive who finally finds the Dom who can settle him, master him in every good sense of the word...a Dom who is so smitten that for the first time he is willing to bring a man to his home...into his bed..and sign a contract that seals them together for life.
This is what Kim Dare does so masterfully--weave a story that show us the finer moments of humanity...that brings hope and love into the picture and allows us to have characters that tell us that it is okay to hope and dream that we too one day will find the perfect mate to our souls. I think we need more like her--more who are willing to simply write a fine story that gives us sweet moments of blissful happiness.
July 28, 2011
Oh I really, really liked this! Toby Garland is a contract negotiator and has just completed a job for SKIN designs where Hudson Scott is a part owner and his temporary boss. Until the contract is signed.
This story begins with the successful completion of one contract, and the beginning of a completely new contract - between Hudson and Toby.
I liked that Hudson had (initially) crafted the D/s contract himself - it showed he was perfectly willing to bring Toby into his life, even though they had only known each other for 3 months (without any association outside the office!)
I also liked that Toby 'lost' his mind when confronted with Hudson - as if his body took over everything about him. He was sweet, and cute, and completely loveable - even when lost for words.
As the first in a new series, it was brilliant, and I'm really looking forward to the rest!
This story begins with the successful completion of one contract, and the beginning of a completely new contract - between Hudson and Toby.
I liked that Hudson had (initially) crafted the D/s contract himself - it showed he was perfectly willing to bring Toby into his life, even though they had only known each other for 3 months (without any association outside the office!)
I also liked that Toby 'lost' his mind when confronted with Hudson - as if his body took over everything about him. He was sweet, and cute, and completely loveable - even when lost for words.
As the first in a new series, it was brilliant, and I'm really looking forward to the rest!
February 17, 2018
loved this one...as i love all kim's books x
Have to add to this....When Toby didn't read his contract my heart was in my mouth....I loved Hudson (what a great name)....He was just a dreamy Dom and well suited to Toby x
Have to add to this....When Toby didn't read his contract my heart was in my mouth....I loved Hudson (what a great name)....He was just a dreamy Dom and well suited to Toby x
July 7, 2011
3.5 stars. Good kinky m/m romance about a contract negotiator who, after completing his work for a design company, is ready to get to know his now-former employer much, much better.
July 7, 2012
This was an original idea, and slightly heart-breaking. Poor Toby!
January 31, 2016
I read the entire Sex Sells series, and wasn't very impressed with any of them, so I'm just going to write one review for all four.
#1 - Sealing the Deal - while I found this one to be probably the most interesting of the four, it still gave me the impression of being misleading. Hudson is supposedly an expert Dom, yet he fails, on several occasions, to accurately read Toby's body language. He also fails to listen to Toby's subtle cues, then becomes angry when he realizes Toby was too overwhelmed by everything that was going on to enter into a binding contract. The very idea that a Dom would even suggest having a potential submissive sign a contract while there was sexual contact occurring merely reinforced the idea that Hudson was not a competent master.
#2 - Waking Up Naked - Again with the "Doms who are bad at their jobs" thing. Carl is new to everything, including sex. He's unsure, off balance, and insecure, yet Miles, again a supposed expert Dom, fails him on so many levels, it's actually quite sad. He makes it a rule that he and Carl won't spend a night together until Carl can trust him, and he can trust that Carl won't run off in the middle of the night. So how does Miles build trust? Well, he gives Carl a scene (only Carl's second BDSM scene), then takes his virginity...then leaves. Yup. No after care whatsoever. Because fuck Carl, I guess.
#3 - Learning the Ropes - Peter is a lot better at this Dom thing than Hudson and Miles, but Floyd is a cowardly asswipe. There's very little communication, and that was just frustrating, and then Floyd's little scheme of taking pictures during a scene without Peter's consent.....ugh. I just can't.
#4 - Turning the Tables - Lee and Jacob. Oh, lord. I liked Lee. He's what I would consider a good Dom. Patient and caring, but stern, and not easily manipulated. Jacob, on the other hand, is a narrow minded, judgmental, self-loathing prick.
There ya go. Have fun.
#1 - Sealing the Deal - while I found this one to be probably the most interesting of the four, it still gave me the impression of being misleading. Hudson is supposedly an expert Dom, yet he fails, on several occasions, to accurately read Toby's body language. He also fails to listen to Toby's subtle cues, then becomes angry when he realizes Toby was too overwhelmed by everything that was going on to enter into a binding contract. The very idea that a Dom would even suggest having a potential submissive sign a contract while there was sexual contact occurring merely reinforced the idea that Hudson was not a competent master.
#2 - Waking Up Naked - Again with the "Doms who are bad at their jobs" thing. Carl is new to everything, including sex. He's unsure, off balance, and insecure, yet Miles, again a supposed expert Dom, fails him on so many levels, it's actually quite sad. He makes it a rule that he and Carl won't spend a night together until Carl can trust him, and he can trust that Carl won't run off in the middle of the night. So how does Miles build trust? Well, he gives Carl a scene (only Carl's second BDSM scene), then takes his virginity...then leaves. Yup. No after care whatsoever. Because fuck Carl, I guess.
#3 - Learning the Ropes - Peter is a lot better at this Dom thing than Hudson and Miles, but Floyd is a cowardly asswipe. There's very little communication, and that was just frustrating, and then Floyd's little scheme of taking pictures during a scene without Peter's consent.....ugh. I just can't.
#4 - Turning the Tables - Lee and Jacob. Oh, lord. I liked Lee. He's what I would consider a good Dom. Patient and caring, but stern, and not easily manipulated. Jacob, on the other hand, is a narrow minded, judgmental, self-loathing prick.
There ya go. Have fun.
July 9, 2011
3.5
I am not in books where everything gets resolved in a few hours. Having that in mind this was still a good read, well written as always from Kim Dare.
I just wish more substance from Kim Dare now. Like longer storyline and more second plan characters, more interaction. Something different with more background, second plan. Mainly because I would like to give more 5 star ratings to Kim Dare and now I usually give 4, as there always is something little missing to make it perfect.
Still recommend this as a good read.
I am not in books where everything gets resolved in a few hours. Having that in mind this was still a good read, well written as always from Kim Dare.
I just wish more substance from Kim Dare now. Like longer storyline and more second plan characters, more interaction. Something different with more background, second plan. Mainly because I would like to give more 5 star ratings to Kim Dare and now I usually give 4, as there always is something little missing to make it perfect.
Still recommend this as a good read.
July 18, 2011
Very good story about D/s. I loved Hudson. He was such a patient, loving Dom. I loved the premise of the story. I wish it didn't end quite when it did, but I loved reading every minute of it. What I thought was most interesting about the story was that it was only about Toby and Hudson. There were no other characters really. It was just about Dom and sub starting their relationship. A very hot beginning!
I'm really interested to see where the series is going. Is it going to be more Toby and Hudson? Or will the next book be about someone else? I can't wait to find out.
I'm really interested to see where the series is going. Is it going to be more Toby and Hudson? Or will the next book be about someone else? I can't wait to find out.
November 28, 2012
A very cute BDSM story where a contract plays center stage - the submissive is a contract negotiator thrilled to finish his latest job because he is panting over one of the company's owners. The dom quickly learns that his new sub needs a little encouragement to get to the same place he's at, but they find their own cute way to get there.
July 9, 2011
As always, Kim has written a sweet, erotic story. Her dominate is gentle, but firm, decisive and loving; her sub just this side of uncertain, but so eager to please his dom.
This book is the first in her latest series, and another series to look forward to.
This book is the first in her latest series, and another series to look forward to.
July 18, 2011
I definitely would've given this book an extra star if it was a bit longer, i expected to see more ino the relationship after the contract had been created and signed, I would've also enjoyed more details on the backstory. Nevertheless Toby and Hudson made an adorable couple.
August 3, 2011
4.5 Ravens. Ms. Dare writes explicit m/m erotica that is extremely arousing while at the same time she puts together a plot that is well-framed and holds the reader’s interest from beginning to end. To view this review in its entirety, please visit http://www.blackravensreviews.com/?p=...
June 5, 2012
I'm normally a fan of D/s but this one just couldn't pull me in. It felt dry and almost technical while talking about love and life. Not one of Ms Dare's better works but I'll try book 2 to see if it was just me.
January 12, 2013
I'm not a book reviewer at all. I just know what I like and what I don't. This book was amazing. The characters relationship went beyond simple physical gratification. It was emotional. The Author portrayed it perfectly! Read this!
November 5, 2011
nice story. nice contract.
August 13, 2016
Nice love story. I enjoyed it.
July 29, 2012
This one was different for me, but I enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
August 3, 2017
No. Definitivamente esta historia no es para mí.
No llegás nunca a conocer a los personajes.
Solo hay un contrato, dos tipos, elementos de BDSM, alguna escena de sexo y nada más. Totalmente inchoerente.
No llegás nunca a conocer a los personajes.
Solo hay un contrato, dos tipos, elementos de BDSM, alguna escena de sexo y nada más. Totalmente inchoerente.
January 5, 2020
3.5 stars
April 25, 2022
What surprising things two men can do in a locked office in a short period of time is the basis of this story.
August 2, 2016
2015 Re-read:
Ah. It seems like a long time since I last read this, but it really hasn’t been that long. Anyway, no huge surprises or changes. The heartbreaking part felt somewhat less heartbreaking to me this time around (possibly because I was aware it’d be resolved sweetly), so that should take care of any reluctance to re-read in the future.
I liked how Hudson did not start out as the kind of Dom I appreciate in these stories, yet as the contents of the contract became clear, my perception (along with Toby’s) shifted and things fell into place just right. I am still not as such into the stricter forms of D/s, but, as usual, it’s about what is right for the people in question rather than what would work for me. And the emotional and caring aspect leaves nothing to be desired here.
I also realized that this story contains several paragraphs of what I would consider my own personal mantra regarding the genre. One of the sentences that kept popping into my mind while reading other authors over the years is, “I do not set men up to fail.” That and the bits about when punishment is appropriate made such deep sense to me when I first read them (and again now) that they pretty much shaped my expectations and tolerances. They’re in part why I get so irritated with some authors (or their characters) who fail to grasp these details. Sure, they probably simply have other ideas about D/s, and that’s within their rights. However, these things helped clarify for me what it is that sometimes makes me feel uncomfortable with the genre and why.
I am just a huge, harmony-loving sap, in the end. I want two people working together to make each other happy, not two people struggling against one another.
And this story? Almost personifies that.
2012 Review:
Once again I am floating.
We have hardcore submission here (at least per my definition, which probably means rainbow ponies to other people), including masochism, but oh so mutually enjoyed.
Even better? This Dom has the perfect view on what he understands as dominance and his role. I decided to pick up a quotation that makes me happy because it is so very much to the point of what sometimes puts me off completely in other books by going against it.
I did not realize it for a long while, but Hudson is actually perfect for this role. He genuinely cares for Toby, obviously already loves him, and, most wonderfully, respects him and their differences. I actually cried a little. It was just too heartbreaking.
A wonderful story.
I loved both of them and the dynamics between them. With their three-month unspoken courtship I also fully believe the love aspect here. Maybe especially so because it really saturates their interactions.
Aw damn, I love this. It’s not as epic as Duck! or even With a Kiss were, but it made me thoroughly and completely happy.
Ah. It seems like a long time since I last read this, but it really hasn’t been that long. Anyway, no huge surprises or changes. The heartbreaking part felt somewhat less heartbreaking to me this time around (possibly because I was aware it’d be resolved sweetly), so that should take care of any reluctance to re-read in the future.
I liked how Hudson did not start out as the kind of Dom I appreciate in these stories, yet as the contents of the contract became clear, my perception (along with Toby’s) shifted and things fell into place just right. I am still not as such into the stricter forms of D/s, but, as usual, it’s about what is right for the people in question rather than what would work for me. And the emotional and caring aspect leaves nothing to be desired here.
I also realized that this story contains several paragraphs of what I would consider my own personal mantra regarding the genre. One of the sentences that kept popping into my mind while reading other authors over the years is, “I do not set men up to fail.” That and the bits about when punishment is appropriate made such deep sense to me when I first read them (and again now) that they pretty much shaped my expectations and tolerances. They’re in part why I get so irritated with some authors (or their characters) who fail to grasp these details. Sure, they probably simply have other ideas about D/s, and that’s within their rights. However, these things helped clarify for me what it is that sometimes makes me feel uncomfortable with the genre and why.
I am just a huge, harmony-loving sap, in the end. I want two people working together to make each other happy, not two people struggling against one another.
And this story? Almost personifies that.
2012 Review:
Once again I am floating.
We have hardcore submission here (at least per my definition, which probably means rainbow ponies to other people), including masochism, but oh so mutually enjoyed.
Even better? This Dom has the perfect view on what he understands as dominance and his role. I decided to pick up a quotation that makes me happy because it is so very much to the point of what sometimes puts me off completely in other books by going against it.
“A lesson’s not a test. If I refuse you permission to come, then it’s my responsibility to make sure you’re not pushed over an edge you can’t avoid. As long as I can see that you’re trying your best to follow my orders, that’s all I expect.”’
Toby nodded, but his pulse didn’t slow down at all. His palms were still covered in a sheen of nervous sweat.
‘I don’t set men up to fail.’
I did not realize it for a long while, but Hudson is actually perfect for this role. He genuinely cares for Toby, obviously already loves him, and, most wonderfully, respects him and their differences. I actually cried a little. It was just too heartbreaking.
A wonderful story.
I loved both of them and the dynamics between them. With their three-month unspoken courtship I also fully believe the love aspect here. Maybe especially so because it really saturates their interactions.
Aw damn, I love this. It’s not as epic as Duck! or even With a Kiss were, but it made me thoroughly and completely happy.
January 17, 2015
I have finished the series now & am struggling with how to review it. First off, I really enjoyed these books but they are flawed so I had to hold back on the 5th star.
Things I liked...
- I really liked the characters. Their personalities, insecurities, interactions etc, etc, etc.
- Kim has the ability to write BDSM in a gentle, loving way. Sometimes this is what I'm looking for in a story.
- I like that Kim doesn't incorporate humiliation into the BDSM scenes. It is the aspect of BDSM that I least like reading about.
- I like the dynamics of the Dom/sub relationships that Kim writes. The Doms are always bigger physically than their subs & this 'fits' the mental images I conjure as I read.
- Kim's books can tend to be a bit formulaic at times & although that can be a bad thing, I sometimes like to know what I am going to get out of the reading experience. I like reading with the expectation that there will be a HEA to satisfy my inner sap.
Things I didn't like/had problems with...
- The Dom/sub relationships felt rushed. I see collaring as a commitment similar to a marriage & as such I was sceptical that 3 Doms would all rush to collar subs so early in their relationships.
- The time-lines were too tight. Carl helped Floyd with intricate bondage when he had only been a sub himself for less than a month according to the storyline. This set my male-cow-excrement metre off.
- Kim needs to use more personal pronouns. Some of the descriptions were cluttered & spoiled by the constant use of words like "the dominant"; "the submissive"; etc etc. I was itching to re-write some of these passages (arrogant I know) because the 'tone' of the writing became immature & amateurish with the over-use of certain monikers.
- there were a couple of consistency issues between books. For example, in book 2 the glass in the door of Floyd & Clark's office was opaque but was clear in book 3. These things are minor but I find them irritating.
Overall I really enjoy Kim's books. I would have liked to read longer versions of these three stories because I feel that the brevity of the word count short-changed the characters. I will probably re-read them at least once more but after that, I will possibly find the lack of plausibility too difficult to ignore.
Things I liked...
- I really liked the characters. Their personalities, insecurities, interactions etc, etc, etc.
- Kim has the ability to write BDSM in a gentle, loving way. Sometimes this is what I'm looking for in a story.
- I like that Kim doesn't incorporate humiliation into the BDSM scenes. It is the aspect of BDSM that I least like reading about.
- I like the dynamics of the Dom/sub relationships that Kim writes. The Doms are always bigger physically than their subs & this 'fits' the mental images I conjure as I read.
- Kim's books can tend to be a bit formulaic at times & although that can be a bad thing, I sometimes like to know what I am going to get out of the reading experience. I like reading with the expectation that there will be a HEA to satisfy my inner sap.
Things I didn't like/had problems with...
- The Dom/sub relationships felt rushed. I see collaring as a commitment similar to a marriage & as such I was sceptical that 3 Doms would all rush to collar subs so early in their relationships.
- The time-lines were too tight. Carl helped Floyd with intricate bondage when he had only been a sub himself for less than a month according to the storyline. This set my male-cow-excrement metre off.
- Kim needs to use more personal pronouns. Some of the descriptions were cluttered & spoiled by the constant use of words like "the dominant"; "the submissive"; etc etc. I was itching to re-write some of these passages (arrogant I know) because the 'tone' of the writing became immature & amateurish with the over-use of certain monikers.
- there were a couple of consistency issues between books. For example, in book 2 the glass in the door of Floyd & Clark's office was opaque but was clear in book 3. These things are minor but I find them irritating.
Overall I really enjoy Kim's books. I would have liked to read longer versions of these three stories because I feel that the brevity of the word count short-changed the characters. I will probably re-read them at least once more but after that, I will possibly find the lack of plausibility too difficult to ignore.
August 27, 2012
Rating 3.5
Sealing the Deal is a story about two men, employer and employee, who have been harboring an attraction for the other for the past 3 months. Now that the job is over, this is their opportunity to explore a more intimate relationship. Is that enough time for two people to gauge their affection and desire for another? Absolutely, even if this means entering into an unconventional Dominant/submissive (slave) contract. I didn’t have a problem with this part of the plot at all. I like strong alpha males, and Hudson is definitely that. He knows who he is and who he wants – Toby. But he isn’t a hard and bullying character doing anything and everything to get who he wants. He is thoughtful of Toby’s needs and compassionate when the young man starts to leap into the situation without reading the fine print. Hudson’s feelings for Toby is based on more than the Dom/sub dynamic and ‘play’. He’s deep feelings for Toby do become apparent. If there is any weakness in this story it with the character of Toby Garland. He is so overwhelmed by Hudson’s desire for him and the proffered contract that he can’t even think straight and read it. I expected him to actually swoon any minute. Toby doesn’t come across as strong and capable- just weak and needing care which wasn’t appealing to me. That being said, I still enjoyed the read especially when Hudson was running the show and making Toby jump through his sexual hoops.
Sealing the Deal is a story about two men, employer and employee, who have been harboring an attraction for the other for the past 3 months. Now that the job is over, this is their opportunity to explore a more intimate relationship. Is that enough time for two people to gauge their affection and desire for another? Absolutely, even if this means entering into an unconventional Dominant/submissive (slave) contract. I didn’t have a problem with this part of the plot at all. I like strong alpha males, and Hudson is definitely that. He knows who he is and who he wants – Toby. But he isn’t a hard and bullying character doing anything and everything to get who he wants. He is thoughtful of Toby’s needs and compassionate when the young man starts to leap into the situation without reading the fine print. Hudson’s feelings for Toby is based on more than the Dom/sub dynamic and ‘play’. He’s deep feelings for Toby do become apparent. If there is any weakness in this story it with the character of Toby Garland. He is so overwhelmed by Hudson’s desire for him and the proffered contract that he can’t even think straight and read it. I expected him to actually swoon any minute. Toby doesn’t come across as strong and capable- just weak and needing care which wasn’t appealing to me. That being said, I still enjoyed the read especially when Hudson was running the show and making Toby jump through his sexual hoops.
February 12, 2017
59% DNF
November 23, 2011
I think I've read too many of Kim's stories all in a row. Sorry to say they are starting to sound a bit too alike. I can actually pick out some of her favorite phrases that she uses at least once in each story.
The thing that really turned me off about Toby was his "confusion". I didn't believe it. He is supposedly an intelligent, even insiteful contract negotiator, but when ordered by the man he hopes to submit to, he screws everything up. Not too bright in my book.
And I've noticed this type of reaction in several of Kim's stories, the sub is too confused to really understand what is being asked of him.
I'm really a huge fan of Kim Dare, especially her Rawlings Men and the Thrown to the Lions series as well as "Duck" which is one of my fav's. But her more recent work is turning out to be a bit too cookie cutter for me and I may have to take more time deciding if I want to buy her work, not just grab it because of the author.
The thing that really turned me off about Toby was his "confusion". I didn't believe it. He is supposedly an intelligent, even insiteful contract negotiator, but when ordered by the man he hopes to submit to, he screws everything up. Not too bright in my book.
And I've noticed this type of reaction in several of Kim's stories, the sub is too confused to really understand what is being asked of him.
I'm really a huge fan of Kim Dare, especially her Rawlings Men and the Thrown to the Lions series as well as "Duck" which is one of my fav's. But her more recent work is turning out to be a bit too cookie cutter for me and I may have to take more time deciding if I want to buy her work, not just grab it because of the author.
August 5, 2025
Un manual del Dom que me gustaría conocer. Exigiendo todo el tiempo. Hasta que relate historias subiditas de tono. Con lujo de detalles.
Me encantaron los dos personajes. Cada uno totalmente en su papel.
Me gustó mucho que la historia transcurra toda en una sola noche y casi todo el libro en la misma locación: la oficina del jefe Hudson Scott, SEÑOR con todas las letras! Muy pasible de ser llevada al teatro. Jajajaj
Super recomendable porque es un dom tranqui... por ahora.
HEA
Me encantaron los dos personajes. Cada uno totalmente en su papel.
Me gustó mucho que la historia transcurra toda en una sola noche y casi todo el libro en la misma locación: la oficina del jefe Hudson Scott, SEÑOR con todas las letras! Muy pasible de ser llevada al teatro. Jajajaj
Super recomendable porque es un dom tranqui... por ahora.
HEA
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