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Trophy Doms Social Club #3
Praised
I’ve never been one for serious relationships, and watching my best friends fall in love isn’t going to make me change my ways. But one sexy-as-hell romp with a stranger I meet on a dare? That’s about to turn my whole life upside down.
FLYNN
I’ve never taken relationships seriously because I’ve never met anyone worth being serious for. I don’t love them and leave them, but no-strings-hookup might as well be my middle name. Getting dared to kiss a gorgeous stranger with eyes like the ocean and hair like a cloud sounds like a surefire way to add another name to the list of men I’ve taken to bed, or on a couch, or in the back seat of a car, but before the night is over, I’ll be proven wrong for the first time in my life.
Rose Baker isn’t like any man I’ve ever met before and one kiss—one night—in a hotel with him isn’t anywhere close to enough. I want him again and I’m ready to break all my rules to get him.
* * *
It’s taken most of my adult life to realize the things I want in a partner. Honesty, faithfulness, and passion, just to name a few. There’s no way Flynn “Casually Serious” Galloway, the man who kisses strangers against walls is the one to offer me all of that and more… right?
ROSE
My best friend swears the easiest way to get over my cheating ex is to get under the gorgeous, arrogant, and dominant man who held me up against the wall at Rapture and kissed me until I forgot my name. But Flynn doesn’t do serious, and I’m too scared to put my heart out there for something that won’t last. I’ve spent my whole life being less than, being small, coming in second place, and after walking in on my now former boyfriend in bed with his roommate, I’m even more sure about what I’ll settle for and what I’ll walk away from.
I know better than to get involved with a man like Flynn. He’s too handsome, too rich, too much trouble for someone who lives paycheck to paycheck like me. Our lives are different and there’s no way around it, but Flynn is focused, he’s dedicated, and he’s not willing to walk away from the things he wants. And right now, he wants me.
What we hope for and what we get aren’t always the same thing, but with us, I think for once they might be. Flynn is ready to go all in with me, but am I strong enough to admit that I deserve his praise and attention or am I going to sabotage myself and lose his love for good?
FLYNN
I’ve never taken relationships seriously because I’ve never met anyone worth being serious for. I don’t love them and leave them, but no-strings-hookup might as well be my middle name. Getting dared to kiss a gorgeous stranger with eyes like the ocean and hair like a cloud sounds like a surefire way to add another name to the list of men I’ve taken to bed, or on a couch, or in the back seat of a car, but before the night is over, I’ll be proven wrong for the first time in my life.
Rose Baker isn’t like any man I’ve ever met before and one kiss—one night—in a hotel with him isn’t anywhere close to enough. I want him again and I’m ready to break all my rules to get him.
* * *
It’s taken most of my adult life to realize the things I want in a partner. Honesty, faithfulness, and passion, just to name a few. There’s no way Flynn “Casually Serious” Galloway, the man who kisses strangers against walls is the one to offer me all of that and more… right?
ROSE
My best friend swears the easiest way to get over my cheating ex is to get under the gorgeous, arrogant, and dominant man who held me up against the wall at Rapture and kissed me until I forgot my name. But Flynn doesn’t do serious, and I’m too scared to put my heart out there for something that won’t last. I’ve spent my whole life being less than, being small, coming in second place, and after walking in on my now former boyfriend in bed with his roommate, I’m even more sure about what I’ll settle for and what I’ll walk away from.
I know better than to get involved with a man like Flynn. He’s too handsome, too rich, too much trouble for someone who lives paycheck to paycheck like me. Our lives are different and there’s no way around it, but Flynn is focused, he’s dedicated, and he’s not willing to walk away from the things he wants. And right now, he wants me.
What we hope for and what we get aren’t always the same thing, but with us, I think for once they might be. Flynn is ready to go all in with me, but am I strong enough to admit that I deserve his praise and attention or am I going to sabotage myself and lose his love for good?
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 16, 2023
58 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Kate Hawthorne
93 books939 followersWith over two dozen published romances to her name, Kate Hawthorne has built a recognizable brand around telling emotional stories that pack a figurative (and sometimes literal) punch.
Existing on a steady diet of wine and coffee, Kate spends her days dreaming up angsty stories full of heat, kink, and heart. Kate now lives in Louisville, where she writes romance, reads romance, and hides from the humidity.
Visit her website at http://www.katehawthornebooks.com
Existing on a steady diet of wine and coffee, Kate spends her days dreaming up angsty stories full of heat, kink, and heart. Kate now lives in Louisville, where she writes romance, reads romance, and hides from the humidity.
Visit her website at http://www.katehawthornebooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 20, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ rounded down
size difference really isn’t for me, also there wasn’t a lot of praise??
size difference really isn’t for me, also there wasn’t a lot of praise??
April 10, 2024
End-of-year clear out. DNF.
I may come back to the series at some point.
I may come back to the series at some point.
November 16, 2023
I need someone else to write this review. I'm not going to have the right words to convey the amount of love I have for this story and this series.
Praised is one of the best k!nks and it is so amazing to read if the character is natural with it, and this speaks to the author. It is easy to research some k!nks and write about them without ever having first hand experience and the dialogue and scenes will still be believable. Praise and humilation have such a nuance to them that the words and actions are paramount to the scene. I have gushed all over the place about Kate Hawthorne and her books. But, to me this story is a shining example of her abilities as a writer.
Kate gives us a story with two men who clearly need each other, are better for having the other, are challenged in ways they never dreamed of, and written in a way to make your heart melt.
Flynn is a man of money. He was born into it and has created his own. But, he is a man who doesn't invite lovers. He has hookups. He took a bad past experience of a friend and wrapped himself up in that heartbreaking pain. Rose has just left his boyfriend who he found cheated on him. He knows he deserves all of the love a man can give. Rose challenges Flynn's ideals regarding relationships and in turn Flynn does the same for Rose. Miscommunication is not really a problem so much in that each man needs to go through it and then see it reflected.
I am in awe of the writing for this story. The whit, the banter, the praise, the give, the take, the breathless moments. The tears that flowed around the 87% mark because she just has to make us connect with these men, love them just as hard, and go through the pain and the joy with them.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Praised is one of the best k!nks and it is so amazing to read if the character is natural with it, and this speaks to the author. It is easy to research some k!nks and write about them without ever having first hand experience and the dialogue and scenes will still be believable. Praise and humilation have such a nuance to them that the words and actions are paramount to the scene. I have gushed all over the place about Kate Hawthorne and her books. But, to me this story is a shining example of her abilities as a writer.
Kate gives us a story with two men who clearly need each other, are better for having the other, are challenged in ways they never dreamed of, and written in a way to make your heart melt.
Flynn is a man of money. He was born into it and has created his own. But, he is a man who doesn't invite lovers. He has hookups. He took a bad past experience of a friend and wrapped himself up in that heartbreaking pain. Rose has just left his boyfriend who he found cheated on him. He knows he deserves all of the love a man can give. Rose challenges Flynn's ideals regarding relationships and in turn Flynn does the same for Rose. Miscommunication is not really a problem so much in that each man needs to go through it and then see it reflected.
I am in awe of the writing for this story. The whit, the banter, the praise, the give, the take, the breathless moments. The tears that flowed around the 87% mark because she just has to make us connect with these men, love them just as hard, and go through the pain and the joy with them.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
November 15, 2023
Flynn may fit all the characteristics for being a card-carrying member of the Trophy Doms Social Club, but one thing I love about this series is how each member of this group of friends is still entirely unique. And after how much Hawthorne made me cry during the first two books in this series, I was braced for more of the same with this installment. However, she gives us a bit of a reprieve for Flynn and Rose’s story, which is packed with just as much emotion as anything else by this author but in a slightly softer way.
Flynn is definitely a dominant personality at his core, but Hawthorne once again brings her nuanced view of characterization to what this means for him and his relationships. His immediate chemistry with Rose is the result of an excellent meet-cute that completely upends Flynn’s world, especially since Rose essentially side-steps the entire dominant/submissive binary entirely (along with many other facets of his character). However, Flynn maintains a decent sense of self-awareness throughout this book regarding what his feelings for Rose mean to him. Flynn could change for Rose, but that he refuses to do so makes for a much more interesting potential conflict (after all, the decision to NOT do something can also be a form of character development). The various points at which this man decides to be flexible or unyielding were always surprising but honestly made me more confident in his eventual happily ever after with Rose.
Despite all the ways in which they fit together, the inherent differences between Flynn and Rose mean that Rose is still right to be suspicious of everything Flynn offers him after their first night together. Each subsequent encounter continues to bring the drama and steam in equal measure, and I loved how multiple power dynamics seemed to be at play between them beyond the typical “D/s” of a kink romance. Saying that Rose is the one who changes could be construed as a negative without the full context of the book, but his eventual acceptance of everything Flynn represents is more along the lines of genuinely satisfying character growth.
Even when a romantic partnership is “equal,” true equality across the spectrum will never be possible between two people. Hawthorne weaves this subtle theme into a romance arc that is as satisfying as it is steamy, then treats us to some truly epic swoon for the grand finale. I almost thought I was going to get through a book in this series without crying, but between the confessions of love and how Flynn stands up for Rose against a certain external conflict, the tears got me at 96%. I’ve already been warned by the author that I will definitely cry in the remaining two books of this series, but I’m so excited to read about how the remaining Trophy Doms find their matches that I look forward to it nonetheless.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Flynn is definitely a dominant personality at his core, but Hawthorne once again brings her nuanced view of characterization to what this means for him and his relationships. His immediate chemistry with Rose is the result of an excellent meet-cute that completely upends Flynn’s world, especially since Rose essentially side-steps the entire dominant/submissive binary entirely (along with many other facets of his character). However, Flynn maintains a decent sense of self-awareness throughout this book regarding what his feelings for Rose mean to him. Flynn could change for Rose, but that he refuses to do so makes for a much more interesting potential conflict (after all, the decision to NOT do something can also be a form of character development). The various points at which this man decides to be flexible or unyielding were always surprising but honestly made me more confident in his eventual happily ever after with Rose.
Despite all the ways in which they fit together, the inherent differences between Flynn and Rose mean that Rose is still right to be suspicious of everything Flynn offers him after their first night together. Each subsequent encounter continues to bring the drama and steam in equal measure, and I loved how multiple power dynamics seemed to be at play between them beyond the typical “D/s” of a kink romance. Saying that Rose is the one who changes could be construed as a negative without the full context of the book, but his eventual acceptance of everything Flynn represents is more along the lines of genuinely satisfying character growth.
Even when a romantic partnership is “equal,” true equality across the spectrum will never be possible between two people. Hawthorne weaves this subtle theme into a romance arc that is as satisfying as it is steamy, then treats us to some truly epic swoon for the grand finale. I almost thought I was going to get through a book in this series without crying, but between the confessions of love and how Flynn stands up for Rose against a certain external conflict, the tears got me at 96%. I’ve already been warned by the author that I will definitely cry in the remaining two books of this series, but I’m so excited to read about how the remaining Trophy Doms find their matches that I look forward to it nonetheless.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
November 20, 2023
Flynn is one of the Trophy Doms and even though he has seen best friends fall in love he hasn't found anyone to make him want to stop his no-strings lifestyle. On a night out he is dared to kiss a gorgeous stranger and after one night in a hotel with Rose Baker Flynn knows he wants him again and he's ready to break all his rules to get him. Rose's best friend assures him that to get over his cheating ex he needs to get under the gorgeous, arrogant and dominant man who kissed him until he forgot his name. But as Flynn doesn't do serious Rose won't put his heart out there and won't accept anything less than he is worth. Flynn is just too handsome, rich and trouble for Rose who lives paycheck to paycheck. However, Flynn is focused, he’s dedicated, and he’s not willing to walk away from the things he wants. And right now, he wants Rose. Flynn is ready to go all in with Rose, but is he strong enough to admit that he deserves his praise and attention or is he going to sabotage himself and lose Flynn's love for good?
I did enjoy this story but I found Rose's attitude to Flynn and the differences between them a bit much and after a while, it lost my interest. I came close to this book being a DNF but in the end, I stuck with it and got back into the story and the romance of Flynn doing everything he could to keep Rose happy. It just meant that Rose came across as very selfish and insular. I liked Flynn and he was a fun character. The writing was good and everything was clear and easy to understand. This is an MM story with mature content.
I did enjoy this story but I found Rose's attitude to Flynn and the differences between them a bit much and after a while, it lost my interest. I came close to this book being a DNF but in the end, I stuck with it and got back into the story and the romance of Flynn doing everything he could to keep Rose happy. It just meant that Rose came across as very selfish and insular. I liked Flynn and he was a fun character. The writing was good and everything was clear and easy to understand. This is an MM story with mature content.
January 29, 2024
Flynn for the Win!!!
Praise being a fave in the kink world, I had hoped Flynn and (Ambrose) Rose did it justice... Let me assure you, they hit the assignment right out of the park!!! This entire series has been unique, diverse, and fulfilling... But, Flynn's praising Rose and showing Rose how he should be worshipped and loved??? Giddy fan girl obsessed!!! The care in which their relationship develops leaves the reader salivating for the next chapter... Flynn tackles Rose's insecurities head-on and squashes every bit of doubt with every praise, action, and new pair of lace panties he dresses Rose in... There was something so pure about how Flynn pursued Rose that it made this book one of my all-time faves... Also, this really is a Grade A÷ series, the characters are individually designed with their own ways and personalities... I am obsessed with these two authors because, they understand the assignment of creating a wide variety of characters and challenges... It is refreshing and I look forward to exploring more of their collaborations...
HEA
MM
Vers
Praise/Insecurities/BD Twink
Mild Angst
5 outta 5 in the 🔥 🔥🔥 Department...
Praise being a fave in the kink world, I had hoped Flynn and (Ambrose) Rose did it justice... Let me assure you, they hit the assignment right out of the park!!! This entire series has been unique, diverse, and fulfilling... But, Flynn's praising Rose and showing Rose how he should be worshipped and loved??? Giddy fan girl obsessed!!! The care in which their relationship develops leaves the reader salivating for the next chapter... Flynn tackles Rose's insecurities head-on and squashes every bit of doubt with every praise, action, and new pair of lace panties he dresses Rose in... There was something so pure about how Flynn pursued Rose that it made this book one of my all-time faves... Also, this really is a Grade A÷ series, the characters are individually designed with their own ways and personalities... I am obsessed with these two authors because, they understand the assignment of creating a wide variety of characters and challenges... It is refreshing and I look forward to exploring more of their collaborations...
HEA
MM
Vers
Praise/Insecurities/BD Twink
Mild Angst
5 outta 5 in the 🔥 🔥🔥 Department...
November 21, 2023
This book is exceptionally strong in the emotions that go along with an all-encompassing love of a lifetime. Flynn, one of the Trophy Dom friends, approaches Rose (Ambrose) in a club on a bet. He asks Rose for a kiss to prove to his friend that he is a great kisser.
Rose is at the club right after a bad break-up with his cheating ex. When Flynn asks to kiss him, Rose agrees. What neither of them expected was that the kiss would change everything. They weren't expecting to find such a strong attraction that extended beyond the physical. They agree to see each other further. Still, Rose has a difficult time with trust, Flynn's wealth, and even confidence in the potential of a happy future. Flynn realizes that his own strategies as a dom need to adapt a little to be what Rose needs.
This book has a nice relationship arc with some hard-won growth and healing. There are many beautiful passionate encounters, but the real story is a love that is big, committed for life, and soul-deep.
Rose is at the club right after a bad break-up with his cheating ex. When Flynn asks to kiss him, Rose agrees. What neither of them expected was that the kiss would change everything. They weren't expecting to find such a strong attraction that extended beyond the physical. They agree to see each other further. Still, Rose has a difficult time with trust, Flynn's wealth, and even confidence in the potential of a happy future. Flynn realizes that his own strategies as a dom need to adapt a little to be what Rose needs.
This book has a nice relationship arc with some hard-won growth and healing. There are many beautiful passionate encounters, but the real story is a love that is big, committed for life, and soul-deep.
May 18, 2025
Flynn and Rose are the third couple in this series. All six men in these books act on an attraction with preconceived ideas about themselves, their partner, and what they want from a relationship. All six go through growing pains when they realize relationships are give and take with both being willing to compromise.
Rose is small. All his life he has never felt like he is enough. He catches his boyfriend cheating, and this does a further number to his self confidence. He struggles to believe someone as rich and good looking as Flynn could honestly want a relationship with him. Rose has a hard time letting go of control. He doesn’t want to be seen as weak due to his size.
Flynn is different than the other Doms. He has a praise kink. He likes to heap it on his partner, and he also likes to be in control in the bedroom. He is very likable character.
Both MCs learn to let go and find a middle ground that works for them.
Rose is small. All his life he has never felt like he is enough. He catches his boyfriend cheating, and this does a further number to his self confidence. He struggles to believe someone as rich and good looking as Flynn could honestly want a relationship with him. Rose has a hard time letting go of control. He doesn’t want to be seen as weak due to his size.
Flynn is different than the other Doms. He has a praise kink. He likes to heap it on his partner, and he also likes to be in control in the bedroom. He is very likable character.
Both MCs learn to let go and find a middle ground that works for them.
November 17, 2023
I absolutely love Rose! I love his spirit and his willingness to push back and fight for what he deserves, even if he goes about it in a roundabout way! I love that he learns to stand up to his ex! I love that he makes Flynn question himself and his motives and hey if the two of them have explosive chemistry... well so much the better!
This was very much a redemption story and a chance to watch both characters grow into the right person for the other! I loved the pacing, the interplay and the fact that the dom has angst!
Each of these Trophy Dom stories has been similar, but truly unique and I truly loved getting to know Flynn and Rose! I can't wait to see what happens next!
This was very much a redemption story and a chance to watch both characters grow into the right person for the other! I loved the pacing, the interplay and the fact that the dom has angst!
Each of these Trophy Dom stories has been similar, but truly unique and I truly loved getting to know Flynn and Rose! I can't wait to see what happens next!
April 3, 2025
Mmmmhmmm...yes, please! 😍😍😍
As with the previous editions of The Trophy Doms, Rose and Flynn's story is a kinky triumph! The beauty of Rose along with his stubborn nature clashes deliciously with Flynn's Dom traits. Both are sexy as hell and so is the heat between them. Um...Even I turned various shades of red!😋😚 This wonderful world is a joy to enter and ends much too soon! 😘 I love the arrogance that inhabits Flynn and the bossiness of Rose. The way they learn to be so much more for themselves and each other. I highly recommend taking into this scrumptious series...it'll make you shiver!!!😏
As with the previous editions of The Trophy Doms, Rose and Flynn's story is a kinky triumph! The beauty of Rose along with his stubborn nature clashes deliciously with Flynn's Dom traits. Both are sexy as hell and so is the heat between them. Um...Even I turned various shades of red!😋😚 This wonderful world is a joy to enter and ends much too soon! 😘 I love the arrogance that inhabits Flynn and the bossiness of Rose. The way they learn to be so much more for themselves and each other. I highly recommend taking into this scrumptious series...it'll make you shiver!!!😏
November 20, 2023
2.75 ⭐ Way too long with a constant focus on the tax bracket of the dom that I found off putting. A lot of misunderstanding & skirting of issues that I can tolerate in a vanilla setting but if we have an experienced lifestyler in the house, that kind of drama, lying by omission or self denial won't fly.
Secondary characters were whatever.
I think I need to shelve this writer indefinitely & move on.
Secondary characters were whatever.
I think I need to shelve this writer indefinitely & move on.
April 3, 2025
Big bottom, small top.
I know it’s stupid of me to DNF a book because of this but I don’t care for masc bottoms and twink tops. I only read around that part so idk if it switches but I’m not staying around for it. Only on certain occasions am I okay with it but even in my FM or MFM books I’m looking for smaller bottoms (albeit not weight wise) and big masc tops. That’s the type of size difference I like to see and why.
I know it’s stupid of me to DNF a book because of this but I don’t care for masc bottoms and twink tops. I only read around that part so idk if it switches but I’m not staying around for it. Only on certain occasions am I okay with it but even in my FM or MFM books I’m looking for smaller bottoms (albeit not weight wise) and big masc tops. That’s the type of size difference I like to see and why.
November 17, 2023
Kate Hawthorne has this way of writing men that, by all rights, we should hate. Arrogant, rich, entitled? Yes, but there is so much more to these fascinating characters. The vulnerability that we eventually see makes them so much more human and I inevitably fall in love with every one, Flynn being no exception. He and Rose set the pages on fire! Wonderfully written and a fantastic book.
November 17, 2023
The sweetest
Maybe my favorite of the series so far, though I’ve been enjoying each one. It’s probably the sweetest and also the least angsty and least kinky, relatively speaking anyways. I liked how Rose and Flynn both challenged each other and supported each other. Looking forward to what’s in store for Dalton.
Maybe my favorite of the series so far, though I’ve been enjoying each one. It’s probably the sweetest and also the least angsty and least kinky, relatively speaking anyways. I liked how Rose and Flynn both challenged each other and supported each other. Looking forward to what’s in store for Dalton.
November 19, 2023
I haven't read the first two books of the series, so I don't have anything to compare this book to, but I enjoyed reading about Flynn and Rose's developing relationship. Well written and the characters were mostly likeable. Will be catching up on this series. Recommend reading.
January 27, 2024
Enjoyable
I enjoyed Rose and Flynn’s book. I’m not sure that it fully committed to praise as a kink, but the story was good and made for a nice addition to the series. I’m looking forward to Dalton’s book next.
I enjoyed Rose and Flynn’s book. I’m not sure that it fully committed to praise as a kink, but the story was good and made for a nice addition to the series. I’m looking forward to Dalton’s book next.
February 12, 2024
DNF
I didn’t care for the character of Rose bringing up the disparity of wealth what seemed like constantly. I chemistry didn’t check out in my opinion making me question the relationship that was developing. About 30% in and with all of that I was out.
I didn’t care for the character of Rose bringing up the disparity of wealth what seemed like constantly. I chemistry didn’t check out in my opinion making me question the relationship that was developing. About 30% in and with all of that I was out.
November 18, 2023
This has been my favorite of the series so far. I loved the delicate balance between them. They were mature, and the outside drama was handled realistically.
November 18, 2023
4.25 stars
November 19, 2023
Flynn is my man!!
I have always loved a good praise kink Dom and Flynn is now in my favorites!! Flynn and Rose were special and I adored everything about this lovely story.
I have always loved a good praise kink Dom and Flynn is now in my favorites!! Flynn and Rose were special and I adored everything about this lovely story.
December 10, 2023
Love this series, my review to follow after zzs
December 19, 2023
dnf 65% i feel like this series is just - how can we be as difficult as possible without being toxic. i don’t hate it but it’s kinda boring now lol. love the communication though
January 23, 2024
A good read
The Trophy Doms are something else. I loved catching up with the guys and seeing another one get their HEA. Can't wait for Daltons book.
The Trophy Doms are something else. I loved catching up with the guys and seeing another one get their HEA. Can't wait for Daltons book.
February 13, 2024
3.75⭐️
May 13, 2024
❤️❤️❤️
July 28, 2024
I liked this book
Simple to the point and it was so sweet weather praise is a kink or not. But they worked hard on their relationship and a lot of give and take
Simple to the point and it was so sweet weather praise is a kink or not. But they worked hard on their relationship and a lot of give and take
October 12, 2024
4,6 🌟. Just love KH's writing style and character builds.
March 7, 2025
"He looked like he could have been an angel.
He looked like he would have been my downfall.
Given the chance."
He looked like he would have been my downfall.
Given the chance."
July 2, 2025
These are truly so fluffy and fun.
Perfect for laundry days haha.
Can’t wait to read the next one
Perfect for laundry days haha.
Can’t wait to read the next one
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews