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Collars and Cuffs #5
Damian's Discipline
Collars and Cuffs: Book Five
The man who pimped Jeff may be in prison, but Jeff is still living the nightmare, selling himself to men and relying on pills to manage. Then he meets Scott, a young American man who could easily have been where Jeff is now. Scott’s friends extend a helping hand to Jeff, and he grabs it.
Leo and Thomas bring Jeff to stay with Dom Damian Barnett until they can find him someplace more long-term. Still grieving from losing his sub to cancer two years before, Damian agrees to help. But when he glimpses the extent of the damage, Damian wants to do more than offer his guestroom. Jeff is not a submissive, but Damian can see he desperately needs structure in his life. It’s up to Damian to find an answer.
He never expects that what he discovers will change both their lives.
The man who pimped Jeff may be in prison, but Jeff is still living the nightmare, selling himself to men and relying on pills to manage. Then he meets Scott, a young American man who could easily have been where Jeff is now. Scott’s friends extend a helping hand to Jeff, and he grabs it.
Leo and Thomas bring Jeff to stay with Dom Damian Barnett until they can find him someplace more long-term. Still grieving from losing his sub to cancer two years before, Damian agrees to help. But when he glimpses the extent of the damage, Damian wants to do more than offer his guestroom. Jeff is not a submissive, but Damian can see he desperately needs structure in his life. It’s up to Damian to find an answer.
He never expects that what he discovers will change both their lives.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 24, 2014
103 people are currently reading
648 people want to read
About the author
K.C. Wells
160 books1,843 followersK.C. Wells lives on an island off the south coast of the UK, surrounded by natural beauty. She writes about men who love men, and can’t even contemplate a life that doesn’t include writing.
The rainbow rose tattoo on her back with the words 'Love is Love' and 'Love Wins' is her way of hoisting a flag. She plans to be writing about men in love - be it sweet and slow, hot or kinky - for a long while to come.
If you want to follow her exploits, you can sign up for her monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cNKHlT
You can stalk – er, find – her in the following places:
E-mail: k.c.wells@btinternet.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCWellsWorld
Twitter: @K_C_Wells
Website: https://www.kcwellswrites.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/k.c.wells
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-c-w...
And for those who like things a little hotter?
There's KC's alter ego, Tantalus, who writes gay erotica.
The rainbow rose tattoo on her back with the words 'Love is Love' and 'Love Wins' is her way of hoisting a flag. She plans to be writing about men in love - be it sweet and slow, hot or kinky - for a long while to come.
If you want to follow her exploits, you can sign up for her monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cNKHlT
You can stalk – er, find – her in the following places:
E-mail: k.c.wells@btinternet.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCWellsWorld
Twitter: @K_C_Wells
Website: https://www.kcwellswrites.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/k.c.wells
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-c-w...
And for those who like things a little hotter?
There's KC's alter ego, Tantalus, who writes gay erotica.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
April 28, 2017
Okay, I'll start by saying that I didn't really understand the whole concept of domestic discipline, but it did make for an enjoyable story. I liked Damian. I liked Jeff, too. But I didn't love either. It was a pretty low-steam story, actually. But the way the series is going forward like a family growing together is the most wonderful aspect.
However, I can't say that there was something so outstanding that will make me reread the book again. Having said that, the little surprise at the end was like a sugar rush! Such an amazing feat the author pulled off. It was simply amazing to keep in touch with the previous couples as we were getting acquainted with new ones, and for this reason alone, I am happy to read the next one. Because what does it say about the book that I was more excited and on edge to read about what was troubling Leo and Alex and how far Peter was coming along than reading about the main characters of this book? I did like the fact that there wasn't too much angst after the story got a good deal in, but the characters weren't memorable, at all.
However, I can't say that there was something so outstanding that will make me reread the book again. Having said that, the little surprise at the end was like a sugar rush! Such an amazing feat the author pulled off. It was simply amazing to keep in touch with the previous couples as we were getting acquainted with new ones, and for this reason alone, I am happy to read the next one. Because what does it say about the book that I was more excited and on edge to read about what was troubling Leo and Alex and how far Peter was coming along than reading about the main characters of this book? I did like the fact that there wasn't too much angst after the story got a good deal in, but the characters weren't memorable, at all.
October 26, 2014
4.25 stars
I'm totally hooked on this series; these books always make me think, and Damian's Discipline is no different.
Even though I added this to my Dom-sub-bdsm shelf, this is not a D/s book but a Domestic Discipline book. What's the difference? The story does a much better job explaining it than I ever could, but DD doesn't involve scenes or a Master/sub relationship. Instead, the focus is on rules and consequences, on one person making decisions for both people in a relationship.
When Jeff comes to stay with Damian, he is a broken boy. If you've read book 3 about Scott and Ben, you'll remember Scott is lured to England by a prostitution ring with a fake story and picture. That picture was one of Jeff, whom Scott eventually sees on the street.
I didn't realize until past the halfway point that this book overlaps with the timeline in book 3. We hear about Ben's accident and Scott leaving for the States. We see not just Ben and Scott but Thomas and his boy Peter, as well as the fabulous Leo and Alex. I really liked seeing the other couples again. Even Andrew and Gareth from book 4 are mentioned.
Even so, the focus is on Damian and Jeff. This book deals with abuse, rape, and trauma, which are handled with sensitivity and grace.
Damian and Jeff's relationship does not begin as a sexual or even a romantic one. Initially, Damian, who is 29 to Jeff's 19, is an almost paternal figure to Jeff. He serves as a keeper, a mentor.
Jeff is afraid and angry. He reverts to what he knows and makes foolish choices. And even though Damian is always patient, he's not perfect. Both men need to work on trust and honesty.
It was difficult watching Jeff repeat his self-destructive behavior patterns, and even more so watching both men hide within themselves instead of talking about their feelings.
If you're wanting scorching scenes and instant sex, you'll be disappointed. The relationship between Damian and Jeff takes a long time to develop. But this book wasn't slow, far from it. I found the tension and build-up lovely and realistic. And even though we have to wait for the steam, it's well worth it in the end.
I am not ashamed to admit I shed a few tears while reading this book. Jeff's pain and anguish tore at me, and Damian's "talk" with Oliver about broke my heart.
The ending was wonderful and overflowing with love. I definitely recommend this one for fans of the series.
If you haven't read any of the Collars and Cuffs book, start with book 1, as this is not a standalone book.
I'm totally hooked on this series; these books always make me think, and Damian's Discipline is no different.
Even though I added this to my Dom-sub-bdsm shelf, this is not a D/s book but a Domestic Discipline book. What's the difference? The story does a much better job explaining it than I ever could, but DD doesn't involve scenes or a Master/sub relationship. Instead, the focus is on rules and consequences, on one person making decisions for both people in a relationship.
When Jeff comes to stay with Damian, he is a broken boy. If you've read book 3 about Scott and Ben, you'll remember Scott is lured to England by a prostitution ring with a fake story and picture. That picture was one of Jeff, whom Scott eventually sees on the street.
I didn't realize until past the halfway point that this book overlaps with the timeline in book 3. We hear about Ben's accident and Scott leaving for the States. We see not just Ben and Scott but Thomas and his boy Peter, as well as the fabulous Leo and Alex. I really liked seeing the other couples again. Even Andrew and Gareth from book 4 are mentioned.
Even so, the focus is on Damian and Jeff. This book deals with abuse, rape, and trauma, which are handled with sensitivity and grace.
Damian and Jeff's relationship does not begin as a sexual or even a romantic one. Initially, Damian, who is 29 to Jeff's 19, is an almost paternal figure to Jeff. He serves as a keeper, a mentor.
Jeff is afraid and angry. He reverts to what he knows and makes foolish choices. And even though Damian is always patient, he's not perfect. Both men need to work on trust and honesty.
It was difficult watching Jeff repeat his self-destructive behavior patterns, and even more so watching both men hide within themselves instead of talking about their feelings.
If you're wanting scorching scenes and instant sex, you'll be disappointed. The relationship between Damian and Jeff takes a long time to develop. But this book wasn't slow, far from it. I found the tension and build-up lovely and realistic. And even though we have to wait for the steam, it's well worth it in the end.
I am not ashamed to admit I shed a few tears while reading this book. Jeff's pain and anguish tore at me, and Damian's "talk" with Oliver about broke my heart.
The ending was wonderful and overflowing with love. I definitely recommend this one for fans of the series.
If you haven't read any of the Collars and Cuffs book, start with book 1, as this is not a standalone book.
December 14, 2017
4.25 Stars
We met Jeff in the "Someone to Keep Me". When he was sixteen and came out as a gay to his mother, she thought the church could "cure" him but since that didn’t happen he was forced to leave the house and since then he was on his own. He wasn’t proud of the things he did to survive and then he met Curtis who forced him into prostitution, he was abused physically and emotionally by him and his friends. After Scott found him, Ben and Leo took him to Damian until Leo could find a better solution for him.
Damian is a member of the Collars & Cuffs but recently he wasn’t really active there. After he lost his last sub/lover, he gave up being a Dominant. When Jeff was taken to Damian’s home he couldn’t trust him at all. And because of his situation, it was obvious the D/s style living wasn’t for him. So Damian find another solution, a good one but apparently it wasn't enough!
This story was a bit different from other stories in this series. The solution that Damian chose was a bit similar to D/s style living but at the same time it was waaay different. So it hasn’t any BDSM scene there. It was a bit angsty. I liked both characters and I enjoyed their relationship. My fave part in this book was the last chapter and it wasn’t about these two characters. I loved that chapter! Told in dual POV, 1st person. Overall, I liked it and I hope you enjoy it as well!
We met Jeff in the "Someone to Keep Me". When he was sixteen and came out as a gay to his mother, she thought the church could "cure" him but since that didn’t happen he was forced to leave the house and since then he was on his own. He wasn’t proud of the things he did to survive and then he met Curtis who forced him into prostitution, he was abused physically and emotionally by him and his friends. After Scott found him, Ben and Leo took him to Damian until Leo could find a better solution for him.
Damian is a member of the Collars & Cuffs but recently he wasn’t really active there. After he lost his last sub/lover, he gave up being a Dominant. When Jeff was taken to Damian’s home he couldn’t trust him at all. And because of his situation, it was obvious the D/s style living wasn’t for him. So Damian find another solution, a good one but apparently it wasn't enough!
This story was a bit different from other stories in this series. The solution that Damian chose was a bit similar to D/s style living but at the same time it was waaay different. So it hasn’t any BDSM scene there. It was a bit angsty. I liked both characters and I enjoyed their relationship. My fave part in this book was the last chapter and it wasn’t about these two characters. I loved that chapter! Told in dual POV, 1st person. Overall, I liked it and I hope you enjoy it as well!
October 16, 2014
Another top notch read in the Collars and Cuffs series, although strictly speaking this wasn’t about BDSM, but Domestic Discipline. Really well written by KC and Will, this was sooo much better than ‘Someone to Keep Me’. Gritty and realistic, this is not a ‘looking at the world through rose coloured spectacles’ type of story...no, not at all. I loved the change to 1st person POV too. 4.5 stars from me.
We meet Jeff in ‘Someone to Keep Me’ as he is the person that Scott has come all the way from the US to meet. Of course, we’ve since discovered that that evil git Curtis Rogers was ‘grooming’ Scott in internet chat rooms and using Jeff’s picture as his cover. Even though he’s in jail, the spectre of Rogers still looms large over certain members of the population in Manchester, circling overhead like an extremely hungry vulture just waiting for its next meal to finally tire of life. Since being turfed out of his home when he came out, Jeff has had to live in filthy squalor like a tramp, and been forced to endure unspeakable horrors by Rogers and his cronies whilst being hooked on pills. He’s 19, his education came to abrupt halt when he left home, he has nowhere to go and no-one to help...until he meets Scott again.
Scott, being Scott gets everyone involved, and it was wonderful to catch up with the ‘gang’ again. Leo, Alex, Thomas, Peter, Ben, Scott, Pietro...even Laura, the psychiatrist that helped Peter work through his nightmares from his incarceration with Curtis Rogers, gets involved with Jeff but the person that helps Jeff the most is Damian. Damian has been on his own for 2 years, since the death of his sub Oliver, and he is the first person that Leo turns to when he hears what Jeff has gone through. That’s all you’re getting from me folks, go get this story!!
There were some really touching moments in the story : the graveyard scene in particular with Damian talking things through with Oliver made me get the box of tissues out and the wonderful, wonderful wedding scene right at the end...my heart just melted into a puddle of goo. Thank you so much KC and Will for letting my favourite couple have a day to remember!!
Many thanks once again KC for the ARC. Big smooch!!
October 26, 2014
When Damian's Discipline came up on Goodreads I immediately added it to my BDSM shelf, but now that I've finished I removed it. Yes, it is part of a series where the books all revolve around a BDSM club and couples that live the lifestyle in some form, but this book is different and I wouldn't want someone who shies away from BDSM to miss out on a wonderful story. This book can easily be read as a standalone, but if you've been following the series, the timeline runs parallel with Scott and Ben's story, Someone To Keep Me, starting at the point where where Scott first meets Jeff.
Jeff is not looking to be a part of the BDSM lifestyle, but is looking to get off the street and away from the abuse and trauma he has suffered. Damian is a Dom, who lost his sub two year prior. He is not looking for a replacement, but wants to help Jeff get his life back on track by offering shelter and encouragement. Jeff has numerous issues to work through including difficulty trusting anyone who is offering something for nothing, but the two men find a way to live together with a set of rules that gives Jeff stability and, at his request, someone to make decisions for him and guide him. While this is new territory for both men they work together to find a routine, albeit with a few stumbling blocks along the way. There is not a quick fix for Jeff's issues and he has to work hard to avoid falling back into old, destructive behaviors.
There is beauty in watching a relationship slowly develop between the two men based on trust, understanding and respect, and the reward is watching Jeff blossom and learn to accept himself as someone worthy of love and happiness. It is a long time before Damian starts to feel an attraction, and starts to reevaluate what he needs from a relationship, but it was anything but a slow story. The pacing felt natural and realistic and when the two men finally acknowledge their feelings for each other it was explosive. I liked getting the points of view from both main characters since they are coming from such different places. There are appearances from most of the characters in the prior books and a very happy surprise for at least one of the couples.
If you like a romance with a slow build and a relationship built on respect, trust and love, you will want to read this book.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Jeff is not looking to be a part of the BDSM lifestyle, but is looking to get off the street and away from the abuse and trauma he has suffered. Damian is a Dom, who lost his sub two year prior. He is not looking for a replacement, but wants to help Jeff get his life back on track by offering shelter and encouragement. Jeff has numerous issues to work through including difficulty trusting anyone who is offering something for nothing, but the two men find a way to live together with a set of rules that gives Jeff stability and, at his request, someone to make decisions for him and guide him. While this is new territory for both men they work together to find a routine, albeit with a few stumbling blocks along the way. There is not a quick fix for Jeff's issues and he has to work hard to avoid falling back into old, destructive behaviors.
There is beauty in watching a relationship slowly develop between the two men based on trust, understanding and respect, and the reward is watching Jeff blossom and learn to accept himself as someone worthy of love and happiness. It is a long time before Damian starts to feel an attraction, and starts to reevaluate what he needs from a relationship, but it was anything but a slow story. The pacing felt natural and realistic and when the two men finally acknowledge their feelings for each other it was explosive. I liked getting the points of view from both main characters since they are coming from such different places. There are appearances from most of the characters in the prior books and a very happy surprise for at least one of the couples.
If you like a romance with a slow build and a relationship built on respect, trust and love, you will want to read this book.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 2, 2014
This series keeps getting better and better. I love that so many people from all the books continue throughout and support new mc's It's beautiful to see. 5 amazing stars. I can't wait for the next book.
July 18, 2022
Despues de la muerte de su novio y sub Oliver, Damien esta acostumbrado a disfrutar de su soledad, sin animos de buscar otra pareja u otro sub. Pero todo esto cambia cuando Leo le pide que le ayude con un joven que necesita un lugar donde quedarse y algo de estructura. Damian se vera atraido por la necesidad del joven, ademas de su personalidad, y comienza a darse cuenta que tal vez el no es un Dom lo que necesita el joven, y tal vez es el capaz de darselo.
Jeff cayo en el mundo de la prostitucion cuando era muy joven, despues que su madre intentara "curarlo" enviandolo a un iglesia, y despues cayendo en manos de Curtis. Los ultimos 3 anos de su vida los ha pasado sobreviviendo, mas que viviendo, y no cree en la bondad de las personas. Por eso cuando Scott lo encuentra y lo lleva a casa de Damian, quien le ofrece ayuda incondicional, Jeff se encuentra dudando de todo y todos. Pero poco a poco se da cuenta que realmente lo intentan ayudar y comienza a confiar en Damian, poco a poco comienza a sentir su vida y su cuerpo recuperarse, y comienza a ver a Damian como algo mas, quizas el podria verlo tambien como algo mas?.
El libro es bastante sencillo, no tiene twist, no tiene grandes problemas mas que los psicologicos de los personajes, no hay mayor emocion, accion, ni siquiera un desarrollo en las personalidades que sea visible, todo pasa algo asi como "Zass, me desperte y me di cuenta!", por eso me parecio medio-aburrido.
Me gusto mucho mas la interaccion de Damian con los otros personajes, las descripciones de Damian de como veia las demas relaciones desarrollarse frente a ellos, me gusto la boda, me gusto la relacion Ben-Damian, la relacion Leo-Damian, esa fue para mi la mejor parte del libro, la amistad de Damian con los otros Doms, y como veia el Club.
Ahora, no es una mala historia, pero creo que fue escrita mas como para llenar "el vacio" de saber que habria pasado con Jeff que otra cosa, porque al final, lo senti mas como epilogo de las demas historias.
Sin embargo, todavia quedan un par de personajes de los que quiero saber, y quizas el que mas me interesa es el que viene en el proximo libro, Dorian. Este ha sido el personaje que mas me ha llamado la atencion desde el principio y del que realmente quiero saber su historia, y tengo las espectativas un poco altas, espero no me decepcione.
Jeff cayo en el mundo de la prostitucion cuando era muy joven, despues que su madre intentara "curarlo" enviandolo a un iglesia, y despues cayendo en manos de Curtis. Los ultimos 3 anos de su vida los ha pasado sobreviviendo, mas que viviendo, y no cree en la bondad de las personas. Por eso cuando Scott lo encuentra y lo lleva a casa de Damian, quien le ofrece ayuda incondicional, Jeff se encuentra dudando de todo y todos. Pero poco a poco se da cuenta que realmente lo intentan ayudar y comienza a confiar en Damian, poco a poco comienza a sentir su vida y su cuerpo recuperarse, y comienza a ver a Damian como algo mas, quizas el podria verlo tambien como algo mas?.
El libro es bastante sencillo, no tiene twist, no tiene grandes problemas mas que los psicologicos de los personajes, no hay mayor emocion, accion, ni siquiera un desarrollo en las personalidades que sea visible, todo pasa algo asi como "Zass, me desperte y me di cuenta!", por eso me parecio medio-aburrido.
Me gusto mucho mas la interaccion de Damian con los otros personajes, las descripciones de Damian de como veia las demas relaciones desarrollarse frente a ellos, me gusto la boda, me gusto la relacion Ben-Damian, la relacion Leo-Damian, esa fue para mi la mejor parte del libro, la amistad de Damian con los otros Doms, y como veia el Club.
Ahora, no es una mala historia, pero creo que fue escrita mas como para llenar "el vacio" de saber que habria pasado con Jeff que otra cosa, porque al final, lo senti mas como epilogo de las demas historias.
Sin embargo, todavia quedan un par de personajes de los que quiero saber, y quizas el que mas me interesa es el que viene en el proximo libro, Dorian. Este ha sido el personaje que mas me ha llamado la atencion desde el principio y del que realmente quiero saber su historia, y tengo las espectativas un poco altas, espero no me decepcione.
July 18, 2016
4.5 Stars - Another Great addition to the Collars and Cuffs Series
It is time to join the guys of Collars and Cuffs again only this time Authors K.C. Wells and Parker Williams add a new twist, Domestic Discipline. If you have not ever heard of Domestic Discipline then take the time to read up on it so you can fully understand and appreciate this book as it is not your typical BDSM relationship.
Our main characters in this story are Jeff who is living a nightmare of a life, selling his body and addicted to pills. Damian, a Dom at Collars and Cuffs, is suffering from grief after the loss of his submissive. When Jeff is introduced to the Collars and Cuffs group, Damian is asked to take him on temporarily until he can get his life together. It should be noted that while Damian has agreed to help Jeff, Jeff is not a submissive and has no desire to be a submissive.
Damian is able to quickly see that while Jeff does not have full submissive tendencies he does need someone to help him return structure and balance to his life. After researching Damian suggests they enter a D/d relationship as a way to provide both of them what they need.
I really enjoyed how the authors went above and beyond to show the benefits of a D/d relationship, how it is established and then the repercussions and discipline aspect of the relationship. It was great watching these two men start out slow and grow into lovers with a power-exchange aspect added to the mix, satisfying the Dominant part of Damian.
Characters from past books make appearances in this book as well including Leo and Alex, Thomas and Peter, Ben and Scott, and Andrew and Gareth. It was great catching up with them all again and seeing what they were up to while adding in a new couple, Damian and Jeff.
The audio book was narrated by Nick J. Russo who was also the narrator for previous books in series. I appreciate that the author brought back the same narrator and that he did such an awesome job. Nick has the ability to add a layer of sparkle to the books. His tone, inflection, cadence and overall production quality is always superb and as a listener you really couldn’t ask for more from the narrator.
Another great addition to the “Collars and Cuffs Series”!
❥❥**´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*Review Copy provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
It is time to join the guys of Collars and Cuffs again only this time Authors K.C. Wells and Parker Williams add a new twist, Domestic Discipline. If you have not ever heard of Domestic Discipline then take the time to read up on it so you can fully understand and appreciate this book as it is not your typical BDSM relationship.
Our main characters in this story are Jeff who is living a nightmare of a life, selling his body and addicted to pills. Damian, a Dom at Collars and Cuffs, is suffering from grief after the loss of his submissive. When Jeff is introduced to the Collars and Cuffs group, Damian is asked to take him on temporarily until he can get his life together. It should be noted that while Damian has agreed to help Jeff, Jeff is not a submissive and has no desire to be a submissive.
Damian is able to quickly see that while Jeff does not have full submissive tendencies he does need someone to help him return structure and balance to his life. After researching Damian suggests they enter a D/d relationship as a way to provide both of them what they need.
I really enjoyed how the authors went above and beyond to show the benefits of a D/d relationship, how it is established and then the repercussions and discipline aspect of the relationship. It was great watching these two men start out slow and grow into lovers with a power-exchange aspect added to the mix, satisfying the Dominant part of Damian.
Characters from past books make appearances in this book as well including Leo and Alex, Thomas and Peter, Ben and Scott, and Andrew and Gareth. It was great catching up with them all again and seeing what they were up to while adding in a new couple, Damian and Jeff.
The audio book was narrated by Nick J. Russo who was also the narrator for previous books in series. I appreciate that the author brought back the same narrator and that he did such an awesome job. Nick has the ability to add a layer of sparkle to the books. His tone, inflection, cadence and overall production quality is always superb and as a listener you really couldn’t ask for more from the narrator.
Another great addition to the “Collars and Cuffs Series”!
❥❥**´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*Review Copy provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
December 25, 2015
DNF at 50%
I’m not sure if it’s me or the book. I did like the other books in this series, but I didn't like the writing of this one. It could be that I’ve read so many books since then that I can’t enjoy this type of writing anymore.
The prologue is a couple of pages long and we don’t get eased into the story, the story is dropped on us. And it was so unrealistic that I wanted to DNF right then and there.
Let me sum up the things that bothered me.
Damien is a professional book reviewer. Euhm… wait… what? This is a paying job? Yeah, I don’t think so..
I’m guessing we would ALL apply if such a job existed.
And then Jeff.. I am the first one to admit I suffer from a knight-in-shining-armor-saves-hot-boy-who-needs-rescuing fetish. I really do. But this was so over the top, it was not realistic. All I wanted to do was kick Jeff’s butt.
And Damien, he was so stiff (no pun intended unfortunately).
And because of Jeff’s past, sex would have to wait. I never got to the sex parts. I don’t have a problem with a slow burner, I actually prefer it in my books, but I was kind of hoping some hot BDSM sex would save this book for me.
No such luck.
It does deserve a praise for the fact it is mentioned that Jeff has gonorrhea! Yay, finally a rentboy with an STD.
So nay for the story, yay for the gonorrhea!
I’m not sure if it’s me or the book. I did like the other books in this series, but I didn't like the writing of this one. It could be that I’ve read so many books since then that I can’t enjoy this type of writing anymore.
The prologue is a couple of pages long and we don’t get eased into the story, the story is dropped on us. And it was so unrealistic that I wanted to DNF right then and there.
Let me sum up the things that bothered me.
Damien is a professional book reviewer. Euhm… wait… what? This is a paying job? Yeah, I don’t think so..
I’m guessing we would ALL apply if such a job existed.
And then Jeff.. I am the first one to admit I suffer from a knight-in-shining-armor-saves-hot-boy-who-needs-rescuing fetish. I really do. But this was so over the top, it was not realistic. All I wanted to do was kick Jeff’s butt.
And Damien, he was so stiff (no pun intended unfortunately).
And because of Jeff’s past, sex would have to wait. I never got to the sex parts. I don’t have a problem with a slow burner, I actually prefer it in my books, but I was kind of hoping some hot BDSM sex would save this book for me.
No such luck.
It does deserve a praise for the fact it is mentioned that Jeff has gonorrhea! Yay, finally a rentboy with an STD.
So nay for the story, yay for the gonorrhea!
October 11, 2014
Wow!!!!! This series just keeps getting better and better. This story touched on themes that I've never heard of before and I really enjoyed following Damian and Jeff as they discovered just what their relationship was to each other. At times it was really serious and my heart broke for both MC's and then at other times I laughed my arse off at their interactions.
A touching, beautiful, compassionate and sometimes tragic story. Thank the gods for happily ever afters...
I also got the added treat of seeing past characters and how their lives had progressed. Peter... what an awesome young man...
Well done!!!
A touching, beautiful, compassionate and sometimes tragic story. Thank the gods for happily ever afters...
I also got the added treat of seeing past characters and how their lives had progressed. Peter... what an awesome young man...
Well done!!!
January 15, 2025
Alternative Title: A Comprehensive Guide to Doing Domestic Discipline WRONG
I don’t think I have read about two people who are less fit to be in a relationship together. Honestly whose idea is it to keep putting trauma victims with random Doms and waiting for the power and love and BDSM to heal all because it is not working let me tell you. Damien was low key manipulative and had no idea what he was going and it showed like yikes and Jeff honestly seemed like he wanted to continuously make his life actively worse and was also unnecessarily mean for some reason?
I am unfortunately starting to think that this series was a two hit wonder 😬
I don’t think I have read about two people who are less fit to be in a relationship together. Honestly whose idea is it to keep putting trauma victims with random Doms and waiting for the power and love and BDSM to heal all because it is not working let me tell you. Damien was low key manipulative and had no idea what he was going and it showed like yikes and Jeff honestly seemed like he wanted to continuously make his life actively worse and was also unnecessarily mean for some reason?
I am unfortunately starting to think that this series was a two hit wonder 😬
October 6, 2020
With the way the novel starts I was expecting Damian's Discipline to be a tragic hurt/comfort story. Well, I was so glad with the uplifting message of hope and recovery and love! Jeff suffered in the most horrible way, but his ability to keep his chin up, continue looking forward, and never give up made me so happy the whole way through.
Even though we know Jeff and Damian are going to eventually make a couple, the slow-burn of them getting together is very satisfying. As I've come to expect with the Wells/Williams collaborations, Damian's Discipline is more about the emotional connection between the couple, as well as their personal growth.
There are still plenty of gorgeous erotic scenes, and you won't be disappointed. The "discipline" refers to DD, or domestic discipline. This author duo does a fantastic job of incorporating into this novel, and seeing how DD shapes the relationship between Damian and Jeff is beautifully done.
Fans of the series will appreciate the appearance of other characters from previous novels, but Damian's Discipline can easily be enjoyed as a standalone.
an audiobook copy of Damian's Discipline was generously provided by the author for the purpose of my honest review
Even though we know Jeff and Damian are going to eventually make a couple, the slow-burn of them getting together is very satisfying. As I've come to expect with the Wells/Williams collaborations, Damian's Discipline is more about the emotional connection between the couple, as well as their personal growth.
There are still plenty of gorgeous erotic scenes, and you won't be disappointed. The "discipline" refers to DD, or domestic discipline. This author duo does a fantastic job of incorporating into this novel, and seeing how DD shapes the relationship between Damian and Jeff is beautifully done.
Fans of the series will appreciate the appearance of other characters from previous novels, but Damian's Discipline can easily be enjoyed as a standalone.
an audiobook copy of Damian's Discipline was generously provided by the author for the purpose of my honest review
November 14, 2014
Omigosh, I love this series so much. I keep waiting for the next book, and the next, and the next... and so on.
This was such a sweet and wonderful story. Damien is so kind and patient, full of love and the need to protect and give, and nurture. His need to take care of someone he loves is so great. And Jeff. Poor Jeff is so messed up and needs that guidance. Needs someone to take him in hand and show him the way. Show him he's worth something. Together they're beautiful.
As always, I was filled with so much warmth and happiness as I read this book. And the last chapter! OMG! It was so good. Big points to the authors for showing a different side and giving us a story about domestic discipline, especially in the Collars & Cuffs world. Really liked this a lot. My heart feels good.
This was such a sweet and wonderful story. Damien is so kind and patient, full of love and the need to protect and give, and nurture. His need to take care of someone he loves is so great. And Jeff. Poor Jeff is so messed up and needs that guidance. Needs someone to take him in hand and show him the way. Show him he's worth something. Together they're beautiful.
As always, I was filled with so much warmth and happiness as I read this book. And the last chapter! OMG! It was so good. Big points to the authors for showing a different side and giving us a story about domestic discipline, especially in the Collars & Cuffs world. Really liked this a lot. My heart feels good.
February 19, 2018
There was virtually no communication throughout 95% of the book which was extremely frustrating. I didn’t particularly care for either Peter was was very naïve and Damian who didn’t follow his own rules.
November 6, 2014
Perhaps 3.5 stars?
It started out very nice, only to then becoming totally harebrained and in the end it was more like a Harlequin-book?
It started out very nice, only to then becoming totally harebrained and in the end it was more like a Harlequin-book?
October 12, 2015
Talk about a different kind of story! While it contains some elements that reminded me of BDSM, in that there is a more dominant personality and a partner who needs rules and structure, the dynamics in this “domestic discipline” setting are quite different from those in the more regular BDSM relationships in the first four volumes. However, this is by no means a “vanilla” setting, and could work quite well even without the romantic aspect that eventually develops in this specific case. What I found fascinating is that the rules were much more two-sided than I expected, and the punishments for disobedience veered into humiliation, and were not in the least enjoyable for the disciplinee.
Jeff is in trouble, He has been abused, is used to selling himself for money so he can by drugs, and he honestly has no idea how to survive without the drugs and pills he has grown used to. Needless to say, his self-esteem is zero, and his ability to trust anyone is nonexistent. The one thing that might save him is that he knows he needs help. That isn’t to say it is easy for him to accept it when Damian offers to be in charge of helping Jeff get his life in order, but the need to do better, and the will to try is there. Without that, Jeff would be a lost case.
Damien is a very special man, He is definitely a Dom, but he lost his sub two years ago and has never considered having another partner. So his need to help Jeff surprises him, but at the same time, the fact he knows the relationship will be very different probably makes it easier for him to give in to this need to be there for Jeff. I admired Damien’s patience and willingness to try again and again in a journey that resembled emotional torture for Jeff and Damien, but I felt just as involved. And I liked that Damien wasn’t infallible – in fact he makes a pretty big mistake; but that shows he is human and makes the story even better.
If you like unusual stories and want to find out more about domestic discipline, if you prefer characters who have flaws and struggle before they grow into their full potential, and if you’re looking for a story full of heartbreak, disappointment, and misery that lead to character growth, new insights, and a hard-earned, beautiful happy ending, then you will probably enjoy this novel.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
Jeff is in trouble, He has been abused, is used to selling himself for money so he can by drugs, and he honestly has no idea how to survive without the drugs and pills he has grown used to. Needless to say, his self-esteem is zero, and his ability to trust anyone is nonexistent. The one thing that might save him is that he knows he needs help. That isn’t to say it is easy for him to accept it when Damian offers to be in charge of helping Jeff get his life in order, but the need to do better, and the will to try is there. Without that, Jeff would be a lost case.
Damien is a very special man, He is definitely a Dom, but he lost his sub two years ago and has never considered having another partner. So his need to help Jeff surprises him, but at the same time, the fact he knows the relationship will be very different probably makes it easier for him to give in to this need to be there for Jeff. I admired Damien’s patience and willingness to try again and again in a journey that resembled emotional torture for Jeff and Damien, but I felt just as involved. And I liked that Damien wasn’t infallible – in fact he makes a pretty big mistake; but that shows he is human and makes the story even better.
If you like unusual stories and want to find out more about domestic discipline, if you prefer characters who have flaws and struggle before they grow into their full potential, and if you’re looking for a story full of heartbreak, disappointment, and misery that lead to character growth, new insights, and a hard-earned, beautiful happy ending, then you will probably enjoy this novel.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
July 7, 2015
A very interesting and enjoyable read introducing Domestic Discipline which is something I had not heard of before. Both Damian and Jeff worked hard at making their arrangement work and not without some terrible mistakes along the way. They make it and also manage to fall in some serious lust and ultimately love. There is not tons of romance here because that is not what this story was about I think but what is included is off the charts, worth the wait, and fits perfectly with the rest of the story. 4.5 stars
September 3, 2015
Jeff has more horrors in his past than most people could deal with, and when he freaks out at being restrained by Damian (though he consented to it), Damian seeks another way to ground his boy. A Domestic Discipline routine is something Damian wants to try to help give Jeff structure, but they get off to a rocky start.
Really enjoyed seeing how this couple found their way to meeting both their needs. Well done!
Really enjoyed seeing how this couple found their way to meeting both their needs. Well done!
November 29, 2014
How do you review a book that is so full of tender emotions, courage and strength, the will to overcome and survive with characters that not only captured your heart but took you with them on the path to healing? I struggle to find the proper words that will express how much I felt while reading this story. Damian became my hero, Jeff my inspiration. The author wrote a story that was so realistic; I could almost smell the warehouse that Jeff slept in. I could feel the tension and exhaustion as Damian tried to figure out what would help Jeff. The loss in Damian’s heart was overwhelming for me at times but never did I feel I could put the book down and walk away.
I strongly suggest you read the Collars and Cuffs series so you will know the past history and characters that you will meet in this book. We find Jeff in the beginning of this story trying to find his new path after the man who tortured him was sent to prison. Jeff isn’t weak and shattered by any means, but he is lost. Everything has been either taken from him or he has been forced to walk away. With a chance meeting and mistaken identity he was given a second chance to build a new life for himself. Trust wasn’t going to be easy with all he had been through but he was going to have to find that in him again or everything was going to be a waste of time and he would die on the street alone.
Damian had a need to nurture; he thrived on being needed by someone. He had recently lost his partner and spent the last few years alone. Being a Dom, he was a member of a club but he didn’t play anymore, he would go there to hang with his friends but the need for intimacy remained unfulfilled. When he was asked to give Jeff a place to stay for a few days, he readily agreed. Once he learned of Jeff’s past he knew he needed to do more to help Jeff. Damian was so protective and calculated with it came to Jeff’s recovery. He called in professionals and took each step slowly.
When the two realized they had feelings for each other they didn’t feel the freedom to express it until the situation became explosive. There are so many moments that things were looking up and then the bottom would fall out from beneath them. Assumptions, fears, insecurities, misunderstandings, all of this continue to batter these two as they tried to figure out how to proceed with life. Nightmares, terrors, they fueled Jeff for so long, how was he supposed to just let them all go.
You won’t find BDSM play in this book, no the author took a different direction and I was so impressed with the amount of emotion and drama that she provided us. We had other characters whom once had the spotlight, now were the supporting crew. They all brought a special something to this story and made me wish I could be part of their circle of friends. Grab your copy of this series, yes you could read this one alone, but you would miss out on so much by not understanding what brought them to this point in their lives.
I strongly suggest you read the Collars and Cuffs series so you will know the past history and characters that you will meet in this book. We find Jeff in the beginning of this story trying to find his new path after the man who tortured him was sent to prison. Jeff isn’t weak and shattered by any means, but he is lost. Everything has been either taken from him or he has been forced to walk away. With a chance meeting and mistaken identity he was given a second chance to build a new life for himself. Trust wasn’t going to be easy with all he had been through but he was going to have to find that in him again or everything was going to be a waste of time and he would die on the street alone.
Damian had a need to nurture; he thrived on being needed by someone. He had recently lost his partner and spent the last few years alone. Being a Dom, he was a member of a club but he didn’t play anymore, he would go there to hang with his friends but the need for intimacy remained unfulfilled. When he was asked to give Jeff a place to stay for a few days, he readily agreed. Once he learned of Jeff’s past he knew he needed to do more to help Jeff. Damian was so protective and calculated with it came to Jeff’s recovery. He called in professionals and took each step slowly.
When the two realized they had feelings for each other they didn’t feel the freedom to express it until the situation became explosive. There are so many moments that things were looking up and then the bottom would fall out from beneath them. Assumptions, fears, insecurities, misunderstandings, all of this continue to batter these two as they tried to figure out how to proceed with life. Nightmares, terrors, they fueled Jeff for so long, how was he supposed to just let them all go.
You won’t find BDSM play in this book, no the author took a different direction and I was so impressed with the amount of emotion and drama that she provided us. We had other characters whom once had the spotlight, now were the supporting crew. They all brought a special something to this story and made me wish I could be part of their circle of friends. Grab your copy of this series, yes you could read this one alone, but you would miss out on so much by not understanding what brought them to this point in their lives.
July 13, 2021
Ahh, KC and Parker, you have no idea how much I needed to jump back into the world of 'Collars & Cuffs' this morning. It's a favorite and very well loved world for me, and it's a comfortable place to spend a few hours. As I'm sure you both are aware, many of your readers, myself included, have been wanting to know what happened to Jeff, whom we met in 'Someone to Keep Me'. I'm thrilled you wrote his story, and, in case I forget to tell you, I loved every minute of it.
Jeff hurt my heart from the moment I met him. He has been used and abused by Curtis Rogers, who was quite prominent in 'Trusting Thomas', and, in fact, has played a role in a few of the books. Luckily, he's in prison, but the damage he caused is far-reaching and long-standing. Jeff is one of many young boys damaged by that excuse for a human being. Even more fortuitous, Scott sees Jeff, hears his story, and takes him to Ben, who calls in Leo and Thomas. These amazing men, these Doms, are incapable of seeing a young man suffer, and that's how Jeff ends up finding a safe place with Damien.
Damien is a Dom, although he's not been much into the scene since he lost his sub, Oliver, to cancer two years ago. The sight of Jeff's haunted eyes, rail thin body, and clothes falling apart from dirt, bring out all of Damien's protective instincts. Damien takes Jeff in, and slowly they start to work on trust, with Jeff beginning to see a therapist, and Damien helping Jeff to find a job at Severino's as a dishwasher. But Jeff's path back to feeling human isn't an easy one. He and Damien go through quite a bit, and each new revelation of his torture and abuse broke my heart. Damien is struggling here, also, because the BDSM lifestyle is not for Jeff, but the young man desperately needs something to focus on, to have a safe routine, and to help ground his mind. What Damien discovers is fascinating, and actually sent me to my computer to research. Too bad Jeff's past won't leave him alone.
I fell in love with Jeff and Damien, plus I learned some new things I didn't know. Their love story happened very slowly, as Jeff knew nothing of being treated nicely, and for him, sex equaled humiliation and pain. In fact, Jeff had been living with Damien for months before Jeff's libido woke up and noticed Damien. They were so adorable together, I literally had more than a few "awww" moments. One of the best parts of their story was that it was different from any of the previous couples’. The routine and discipline that Damien and Jeff found was a new concept for me and I so enjoyed it. Thank you, K.C. and Parker - a wonderful addition that I loved!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Jeff hurt my heart from the moment I met him. He has been used and abused by Curtis Rogers, who was quite prominent in 'Trusting Thomas', and, in fact, has played a role in a few of the books. Luckily, he's in prison, but the damage he caused is far-reaching and long-standing. Jeff is one of many young boys damaged by that excuse for a human being. Even more fortuitous, Scott sees Jeff, hears his story, and takes him to Ben, who calls in Leo and Thomas. These amazing men, these Doms, are incapable of seeing a young man suffer, and that's how Jeff ends up finding a safe place with Damien.
Damien is a Dom, although he's not been much into the scene since he lost his sub, Oliver, to cancer two years ago. The sight of Jeff's haunted eyes, rail thin body, and clothes falling apart from dirt, bring out all of Damien's protective instincts. Damien takes Jeff in, and slowly they start to work on trust, with Jeff beginning to see a therapist, and Damien helping Jeff to find a job at Severino's as a dishwasher. But Jeff's path back to feeling human isn't an easy one. He and Damien go through quite a bit, and each new revelation of his torture and abuse broke my heart. Damien is struggling here, also, because the BDSM lifestyle is not for Jeff, but the young man desperately needs something to focus on, to have a safe routine, and to help ground his mind. What Damien discovers is fascinating, and actually sent me to my computer to research. Too bad Jeff's past won't leave him alone.
I fell in love with Jeff and Damien, plus I learned some new things I didn't know. Their love story happened very slowly, as Jeff knew nothing of being treated nicely, and for him, sex equaled humiliation and pain. In fact, Jeff had been living with Damien for months before Jeff's libido woke up and noticed Damien. They were so adorable together, I literally had more than a few "awww" moments. One of the best parts of their story was that it was different from any of the previous couples’. The routine and discipline that Damien and Jeff found was a new concept for me and I so enjoyed it. Thank you, K.C. and Parker - a wonderful addition that I loved!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
October 31, 2014
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
Back to Collars and Cuffs we go and this time for something very different. There are no whips, restraints or even floggers in Damian and Jeff’s story; just a hearty dose of discipline but the story is just as powerful as its predecessors.
Jeff is living on the streets, relying heavily on drugs, being frequently abused and in dire need of rescuing. His photo was used in a prostitution ring scam to bring Scott over from the States and it is Scott that finds Jeff on the street and rallies the men from Collars and Cuffs to help him.
Damian is a 29 year old Dom who lives a quiet life and is still grieving the death of his last sub. He agrees to take Jeff in off the streets for a couple of weeks until something more permanent can be found. As Jeff is 10 years younger than Damian and clearly very damaged there is not even a glimpse of a sexual relationship between the two men initially.
The living arrangements leave both men tense. Jeff has lost all trust in humanity to the point he is wary of accepting a drink or food from Damian. Days are spent walking on eggshells whilst Jeff pushes Damian’s patience. He has never been given anything for free and is not used to anyone caring and his lack of self worth and previous experiences just lead to more self destructive behaviour.
As a D/s relationship is not something Jeff is remotely interested in Damian suggests they look at domestic discipline as a way of giving Jeff rules and boundaries. This seems to work well for a few days at a time but then doubt and self loathing kick in and Jeff uses defiance as a way to gain control. The pattern is a viscous circle made more difficult with the fact that both men are attracted to each other but do nothing about it.
If communication was key these two men would have had a much easier time of things. With neither man freely admitting how they feel tempers fray and feelings are hurt causing Damian to run from the house three or four nights a week and leaving Jeff alone with feelings of inadequacy.
The build up is slow, the fireworks are a long time in coming but when they both finally get to the same place it is all very much worth it.
Back to Collars and Cuffs we go and this time for something very different. There are no whips, restraints or even floggers in Damian and Jeff’s story; just a hearty dose of discipline but the story is just as powerful as its predecessors.
Jeff is living on the streets, relying heavily on drugs, being frequently abused and in dire need of rescuing. His photo was used in a prostitution ring scam to bring Scott over from the States and it is Scott that finds Jeff on the street and rallies the men from Collars and Cuffs to help him.
Damian is a 29 year old Dom who lives a quiet life and is still grieving the death of his last sub. He agrees to take Jeff in off the streets for a couple of weeks until something more permanent can be found. As Jeff is 10 years younger than Damian and clearly very damaged there is not even a glimpse of a sexual relationship between the two men initially.
The living arrangements leave both men tense. Jeff has lost all trust in humanity to the point he is wary of accepting a drink or food from Damian. Days are spent walking on eggshells whilst Jeff pushes Damian’s patience. He has never been given anything for free and is not used to anyone caring and his lack of self worth and previous experiences just lead to more self destructive behaviour.
As a D/s relationship is not something Jeff is remotely interested in Damian suggests they look at domestic discipline as a way of giving Jeff rules and boundaries. This seems to work well for a few days at a time but then doubt and self loathing kick in and Jeff uses defiance as a way to gain control. The pattern is a viscous circle made more difficult with the fact that both men are attracted to each other but do nothing about it.
If communication was key these two men would have had a much easier time of things. With neither man freely admitting how they feel tempers fray and feelings are hurt causing Damian to run from the house three or four nights a week and leaving Jeff alone with feelings of inadequacy.
The build up is slow, the fireworks are a long time in coming but when they both finally get to the same place it is all very much worth it.
January 15, 2016
I've got to stop giving this series "one more chance". I liked the first two books, so I keep reading, but I'm starting to wonder if I don't need to go back and reread those first two books and see if I still like them.
Damian is fail. I just can't keep reading these epic fail Doms that are portrayed as being saviors. He pushes at all the wrong times and makes such a big deal out of the rules and punishments but the whole time he is lying and nothing is ever done about that. There are no punishments for him, there isn't even a real apology, just "I wasn't lying." Dude, you told him you were going to your friend's, which rather implies that you are going to your friend's house not to your local BDSM club, where it would not be beyond thought for you to be hooking up with someone. You particularly chose not to say "I am going to the BDSM club to hang out with my friends." If you feel that you need to hide something like that, then maybe you need to take a good hard look at why you feel that way. So he not only lies, but he twists things to make himself out to be the maligned party.
And give him a pat on the back, he makes Jeff see a psychiatrist (or counselor, don't remember). Yet he keeps trying to fuck that up by saying and doing the things he shouldn't, even when the doctor lady is RIGHT THERE telling him no. *throws hands up in the air*
There is a flashback/reminiscence of when his previous lover & sub was dying from cancer and Damian pushes his lover to top him, even though he knows how sick the guy is and even when it becomes obvious it won't work they keep trying and the poor dying sub is in tears over it. That made me sick. Why would you, and how could you, do that to someone?
Just...if there is another book, someone please be kind enough to tell me NOT to read the darn thing.
Damian is fail. I just can't keep reading these epic fail Doms that are portrayed as being saviors. He pushes at all the wrong times and makes such a big deal out of the rules and punishments but the whole time he is lying and nothing is ever done about that. There are no punishments for him, there isn't even a real apology, just "I wasn't lying." Dude, you told him you were going to your friend's, which rather implies that you are going to your friend's house not to your local BDSM club, where it would not be beyond thought for you to be hooking up with someone. You particularly chose not to say "I am going to the BDSM club to hang out with my friends." If you feel that you need to hide something like that, then maybe you need to take a good hard look at why you feel that way. So he not only lies, but he twists things to make himself out to be the maligned party.
And give him a pat on the back, he makes Jeff see a psychiatrist (or counselor, don't remember). Yet he keeps trying to fuck that up by saying and doing the things he shouldn't, even when the doctor lady is RIGHT THERE telling him no. *throws hands up in the air*
There is a flashback/reminiscence of when his previous lover & sub was dying from cancer and Damian pushes his lover to top him, even though he knows how sick the guy is and even when it becomes obvious it won't work they keep trying and the poor dying sub is in tears over it. That made me sick. Why would you, and how could you, do that to someone?
Just...if there is another book, someone please be kind enough to tell me NOT to read the darn thing.
May 2, 2022
Wow, This series really is a winner. It keeps getting better and better. I particular like is that every book is similar but very different as varying aspects of BDSM are focused on and explored.
This installment in particular really moved away from what people traditionally associate with BDSM. This book focuses on Domestic Discipline as a tool to provided structure to a troubled man (Jeff) who has suffered a horrible existence until Scott, Ben, Leo, and Thomas rescue him. They place him with Damian who makes it his mission to help Jeff change his life.
ALERT: Do not read this as a standalone, start this series from book 1. There are too many details that would be missed and will only leave you confused.
This book, as all the others so far, is very emotional and an exercise in acceptance. One character's willingness to accept help, and the idea that someone might know what's best for them.
I enjoy these types of mental battles in books. You really see a characters transformation. This kind of thing is so prevalent in these books.
I have really enjoyed all these books and I am on to the next one. I really recommend this series.
This installment in particular really moved away from what people traditionally associate with BDSM. This book focuses on Domestic Discipline as a tool to provided structure to a troubled man (Jeff) who has suffered a horrible existence until Scott, Ben, Leo, and Thomas rescue him. They place him with Damian who makes it his mission to help Jeff change his life.
ALERT: Do not read this as a standalone, start this series from book 1. There are too many details that would be missed and will only leave you confused.
This book, as all the others so far, is very emotional and an exercise in acceptance. One character's willingness to accept help, and the idea that someone might know what's best for them.
I enjoy these types of mental battles in books. You really see a characters transformation. This kind of thing is so prevalent in these books.
I have really enjoyed all these books and I am on to the next one. I really recommend this series.
September 29, 2020
I think I’m done with this series. I read book four in 2017 and liked it, but this one was tiresome and very full of angst. If Jeff and Damian would have just actually followed the rules and been honest with each other they could have avoided so much heartache. I found Jeff pretty irritating and Damian pretty much milk toast for a Dom.
Since I’d never heard of domestic discipline I looked it up on the Internet. The definition I read sounded more like corporal punishment than anything else.
Since I’d never heard of domestic discipline I looked it up on the Internet. The definition I read sounded more like corporal punishment than anything else.
November 24, 2014
Jeff, who we met in Someone To Keep Me, was the face used to lure Scott to the UK. He’s been abused by the same devil who has been torturing all the boys in this series. Jeff is free now, but he is nowhere near saved.
Leo and Thomas find Jeff on the streets, he’s addicted to drugs and still turning tricks to survive. They hand him off to Damian, a “temporary” housing until a more permanent solution can be found.
Damian is a Dom, he’s lost his previous lover/sub to cancer almost two years ago. He’s not necessarily looking for anyone to replace him yet (either lover or sub) and mostly keeps to himself as he’s a book reviewer who works from home.
When Damian attempts to control Jeff using his normal D/s methods, it becomes clear that Jeff is not suited to the D/s lifestyle. For one, his abuse too closely mimics some of those activities, and second, he’s too headstrong for that kind of control.
Damian wants to find a way to reach Jeff and help him, so he does some research on alternative methods. He runs across Domestic Discipline. There is no sexual interaction, no binding, etc. In reality it’s more of a parent-like contract in that both parties agree to follow certain rules for certain benefits.
In this case, Jeff is given a roof over his head, meals, help with getting and keeping a job, help with his addictions and support. Damian gets someone to take care of.
Everything in this partnership is difficult. Neither party adheres to the contract strictly and there are many instances of arguing and splitting up and re-connecting. The main problem is that both parties are falling in love and that isn’t part of either set of rules.
Finally, Jeff ends his 3 month psychiatrist-mandated celibacy period and the two face what lies between them.
**
I hadn’t read the previous books in this series, but when I read the blurb for this I was intrigued. I am not interested in D/s and typically avoid those titles. However, when I started looking into the series I found that most of the books centered around the relationship between the two MCs and the D/s part was not nearly as big a factor as it is in other titles. So, I put on my reading glasses and had at it.
For the most part I was pleasantly surprised. KC Wells is a great writer and she really presented the D/s lifestyle with a lot of care and class. My main problem with the subject is not the bondage, or the “torture” it’s the way the sub is treated like a child. Ordered about, put on a leash, made to feel like he can’t make a decision without his Master approving it. It feels so co-dependent. Now I understand that this works for some couples and I heartily approve of two consenting adults choosing this if it works for me. I just don’t like it and so I choose to stay away from the topic.
What attracted me to this title was the idea of a non-sexual relationship between two men who could fulfill in the other a need. Jeff needed someone to be “Taken in Hand” (in fact that is his title) and Damian needed someone to take care of. So this absolutely worked for them. Until… they fell in love. As Jeff heals and finds more ways to be independent, I just didn’t see this arrangement working long term. I would think his therapist, his Mentor and he himself would see that growing more strong would obviate this arrangement. And perhaps in time the couple would let it fall by the wayside. We don’t see the future in this book, but since the previous MCs make several appearances in subsequent books, we might just see that for Damian and Jeff in a later title.
Another problem I found in this series is the predictability of it. Young, abused boy, meets needy Dominant, older man, they are pushed together and then form a bond through D/s that ends in love. If you removed the names, each story would read about the same.
That is a common problem for romance genres, and especially series, but to me, this felt really more egregious than others.
That being said, however, if D/s is a subject you like, I think you will find the series to be a good one. Because this is a somewhat unique look at the lifestyle, I think it will stand out as an interesting read.
Overall I enjoyed learning about a subject I didn’t know much about, I appreciated the writing and the care with which the characters were developed and I would recommend this series highly to lovers of the D/s subgenre.
I give it a 3 of 5 hearts.
Leo and Thomas find Jeff on the streets, he’s addicted to drugs and still turning tricks to survive. They hand him off to Damian, a “temporary” housing until a more permanent solution can be found.
Damian is a Dom, he’s lost his previous lover/sub to cancer almost two years ago. He’s not necessarily looking for anyone to replace him yet (either lover or sub) and mostly keeps to himself as he’s a book reviewer who works from home.
When Damian attempts to control Jeff using his normal D/s methods, it becomes clear that Jeff is not suited to the D/s lifestyle. For one, his abuse too closely mimics some of those activities, and second, he’s too headstrong for that kind of control.
Damian wants to find a way to reach Jeff and help him, so he does some research on alternative methods. He runs across Domestic Discipline. There is no sexual interaction, no binding, etc. In reality it’s more of a parent-like contract in that both parties agree to follow certain rules for certain benefits.
In this case, Jeff is given a roof over his head, meals, help with getting and keeping a job, help with his addictions and support. Damian gets someone to take care of.
Everything in this partnership is difficult. Neither party adheres to the contract strictly and there are many instances of arguing and splitting up and re-connecting. The main problem is that both parties are falling in love and that isn’t part of either set of rules.
Finally, Jeff ends his 3 month psychiatrist-mandated celibacy period and the two face what lies between them.
**
I hadn’t read the previous books in this series, but when I read the blurb for this I was intrigued. I am not interested in D/s and typically avoid those titles. However, when I started looking into the series I found that most of the books centered around the relationship between the two MCs and the D/s part was not nearly as big a factor as it is in other titles. So, I put on my reading glasses and had at it.
For the most part I was pleasantly surprised. KC Wells is a great writer and she really presented the D/s lifestyle with a lot of care and class. My main problem with the subject is not the bondage, or the “torture” it’s the way the sub is treated like a child. Ordered about, put on a leash, made to feel like he can’t make a decision without his Master approving it. It feels so co-dependent. Now I understand that this works for some couples and I heartily approve of two consenting adults choosing this if it works for me. I just don’t like it and so I choose to stay away from the topic.
What attracted me to this title was the idea of a non-sexual relationship between two men who could fulfill in the other a need. Jeff needed someone to be “Taken in Hand” (in fact that is his title) and Damian needed someone to take care of. So this absolutely worked for them. Until… they fell in love. As Jeff heals and finds more ways to be independent, I just didn’t see this arrangement working long term. I would think his therapist, his Mentor and he himself would see that growing more strong would obviate this arrangement. And perhaps in time the couple would let it fall by the wayside. We don’t see the future in this book, but since the previous MCs make several appearances in subsequent books, we might just see that for Damian and Jeff in a later title.
Another problem I found in this series is the predictability of it. Young, abused boy, meets needy Dominant, older man, they are pushed together and then form a bond through D/s that ends in love. If you removed the names, each story would read about the same.
That is a common problem for romance genres, and especially series, but to me, this felt really more egregious than others.
That being said, however, if D/s is a subject you like, I think you will find the series to be a good one. Because this is a somewhat unique look at the lifestyle, I think it will stand out as an interesting read.
Overall I enjoyed learning about a subject I didn’t know much about, I appreciated the writing and the care with which the characters were developed and I would recommend this series highly to lovers of the D/s subgenre.
I give it a 3 of 5 hearts.
October 26, 2014
5 star joint review by Cindy and Danielle
Speechless…that’s the first thing that comes to mind after finishing this story.
Intense is the second, amazing the third and incredible the fourth and so many more wonderful things. This is what I am writing right after finishing the story where I still am in awe of what I’ve read.
That I was excited about getting my hands on this book is an understatement. I have been completely head over heals in love with this series from the moment I picked up the first book. After the first 4 books I wouldn’t have believed that book 5 would so completely blow me away yet again.
But this story, this journey into self-exploration and finding a solid base in which to live a life and be in a relationship after that has me totally in awe. Writers K.c Wells and Parker Williams prove with this story that they are some of the top writers in this genre, pulling up a novel with this intensity and quality.
Jeff is a broken man. He was used and abused and has no reason to trust anyone, but when he tries to do the right thing by Scott (whom we met in book three “Someone to Keep Me”) he ends up with a chance to change his life.
The problem with this is that he has to be willing to take the chance and Jeff really isn’t sure he has the strength or that it will be worth it.
It’s up to Damian, a Dom still grieving over his dead sub, to show him that he can change his life if he really wants to. And of course, Jeff teaches Damian that not everything good in life died with his lover.
I can’t imagine going through the horror that Jeff did and wanting to survive and the authors portray that anguish brilliantly. They take the reader into his mind and through his struggle to get control of his life without ever passing over into melodrama. It’s honest and sometimes brutal but it just makes the sweet parts even more wonderful.
Damian has his own cross to bear, learning to live again with another person dependent upon him as well as adjusting his previous Dominant ways to help someone who’s not really a sub. He struggles with his choices and isn’t always sure he’s going in the right direction, but he does have some help from some amazing friends.
As always, I love how the characters from the previous books make their very welcome appearances. I love how we get to catch up with them and their lives and see where they’ve gone after their stint in the spotlight is over. These men have captured my heart over the course of their stories and I will indeed be sad to see them go.
The writing is smart and there is never a dull moment to be found, even though we are never overwhelmed with information. It’s perfectly paced, leaving you breathless with anticipation in all the right places.
I’m so glad to have taken this journey with these two writers and this amazing cast of characters.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
Speechless…that’s the first thing that comes to mind after finishing this story.
Intense is the second, amazing the third and incredible the fourth and so many more wonderful things. This is what I am writing right after finishing the story where I still am in awe of what I’ve read.
That I was excited about getting my hands on this book is an understatement. I have been completely head over heals in love with this series from the moment I picked up the first book. After the first 4 books I wouldn’t have believed that book 5 would so completely blow me away yet again.
But this story, this journey into self-exploration and finding a solid base in which to live a life and be in a relationship after that has me totally in awe. Writers K.c Wells and Parker Williams prove with this story that they are some of the top writers in this genre, pulling up a novel with this intensity and quality.
Jeff is a broken man. He was used and abused and has no reason to trust anyone, but when he tries to do the right thing by Scott (whom we met in book three “Someone to Keep Me”) he ends up with a chance to change his life.
The problem with this is that he has to be willing to take the chance and Jeff really isn’t sure he has the strength or that it will be worth it.
It’s up to Damian, a Dom still grieving over his dead sub, to show him that he can change his life if he really wants to. And of course, Jeff teaches Damian that not everything good in life died with his lover.
I can’t imagine going through the horror that Jeff did and wanting to survive and the authors portray that anguish brilliantly. They take the reader into his mind and through his struggle to get control of his life without ever passing over into melodrama. It’s honest and sometimes brutal but it just makes the sweet parts even more wonderful.
Damian has his own cross to bear, learning to live again with another person dependent upon him as well as adjusting his previous Dominant ways to help someone who’s not really a sub. He struggles with his choices and isn’t always sure he’s going in the right direction, but he does have some help from some amazing friends.
As always, I love how the characters from the previous books make their very welcome appearances. I love how we get to catch up with them and their lives and see where they’ve gone after their stint in the spotlight is over. These men have captured my heart over the course of their stories and I will indeed be sad to see them go.
The writing is smart and there is never a dull moment to be found, even though we are never overwhelmed with information. It’s perfectly paced, leaving you breathless with anticipation in all the right places.
I’m so glad to have taken this journey with these two writers and this amazing cast of characters.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
February 7, 2023
Malgré le temps écoulé depuis la lecture du dernier tome paru, je me suis replongée dans la série avec aisance.
J’ai pris plaisir à retrouver les différents protagonistes la Colliers et menottes, ainsi que la plume des auteurs.
Si nous sommes toujours dans l’univers Bdsm, le duo mis à l’honneur est un peu à part dans son fonctionnement.
Entre Jeff qui porte les stigmates d’un lourd passé et Damian qui s’enferme dans sa solitude suite à la perte de son boy, leur relation s’annonce des plus complexe.
Les sentiments mettent du temps à s’installer, ce qui donne un slow brun de qualité.
J’ai aimé la dynamique de ce duo. Très différent des autres couples de la série, Jeff et Damian sont touchants de par leurs doutes et leurs passés respectifs. Il se dégage d’eux beaucoup de fragilité et de sensibilité.
Un tome à part que j’ai apprécié lire.
J’ai pris plaisir à retrouver les différents protagonistes la Colliers et menottes, ainsi que la plume des auteurs.
Si nous sommes toujours dans l’univers Bdsm, le duo mis à l’honneur est un peu à part dans son fonctionnement.
Entre Jeff qui porte les stigmates d’un lourd passé et Damian qui s’enferme dans sa solitude suite à la perte de son boy, leur relation s’annonce des plus complexe.
Les sentiments mettent du temps à s’installer, ce qui donne un slow brun de qualité.
J’ai aimé la dynamique de ce duo. Très différent des autres couples de la série, Jeff et Damian sont touchants de par leurs doutes et leurs passés respectifs. Il se dégage d’eux beaucoup de fragilité et de sensibilité.
Un tome à part que j’ai apprécié lire.
October 25, 2014
I have wanted to read this series for a while since I like BDSM books. However, I got a chance to read this book first, and I wasn't disappointed. It is not a BDSM book, if you were afraid to read the other books in this series, this one might be the way to go first.
Not having read the other books in the series yet, I can tell you that I definitely do want to read the rest of them now. I also can say that you can read this book as a standalone.
The story starts off with Jeff meeting Scott, who says that Jeff was emailing him and told Scott that he loved him. Jeff realizes that his picture was used to lure Scott into the same situation he's currently stuck in. He tries to protect Scott by telling him the truth, and Scott offers him a way to try to turn his life around.
Jeff has had a very rough life. Jeff ended up mixed up with a man who is now in jail (events of which I'm guessing are in another book). The end result though is Jeff has been a rent boy against his will and addicted to drugs. He has no trust of anyone or any situation. They end up placing Jeff with a Dom, Damien, that Scott knows through his Sir.
Damien takes in Jeff on a temporary basis. Damien's beloved sub died a few years before this, and he has no interest in a new one. He tells Jeff that he's free to leave if he wants to. The truth is Jeff keeps expecting to have to give something for all that he's being given. It's heartbreaking to think of someone who really has such a good heart that so broken and unable to trust even small things. In Jeff's mind, everything has strings attached, no one does anything out of the goodness of their heart.
Damien and Jeff have to work together to get past a lot of issues. They work out a system that has nothing to do with BDSM, but domestic discipline. It's hard to describe, but they put together several rules that help Jeff feel safe and cared for. The book does a great job explaining the situation. The rules are simple, like always being honest and calling if you are going to be late. Jeff starts going to a counselor to help himself, and they help him get a job as well.
Damien and Jeff are not perfect, and they have their ups and downs. It takes a long time for them to be in the right place and feel the right things before they come together. Damien's friends try to help, but it's really about the two of them figuring out what they both need in a relationship.
It beautiful to see Jeff start healing and come out of his shell. Damien had some lessons to learn as well. I will be rereading this book as soon as I read the others in this series. I have a feeling I will appreciate some of the side characters more after reading their stories as well.
*I received a free ARC of Damien's Discipline from the author in exchange of an honest and unbiased review*
Not having read the other books in the series yet, I can tell you that I definitely do want to read the rest of them now. I also can say that you can read this book as a standalone.
The story starts off with Jeff meeting Scott, who says that Jeff was emailing him and told Scott that he loved him. Jeff realizes that his picture was used to lure Scott into the same situation he's currently stuck in. He tries to protect Scott by telling him the truth, and Scott offers him a way to try to turn his life around.
Jeff has had a very rough life. Jeff ended up mixed up with a man who is now in jail (events of which I'm guessing are in another book). The end result though is Jeff has been a rent boy against his will and addicted to drugs. He has no trust of anyone or any situation. They end up placing Jeff with a Dom, Damien, that Scott knows through his Sir.
Damien takes in Jeff on a temporary basis. Damien's beloved sub died a few years before this, and he has no interest in a new one. He tells Jeff that he's free to leave if he wants to. The truth is Jeff keeps expecting to have to give something for all that he's being given. It's heartbreaking to think of someone who really has such a good heart that so broken and unable to trust even small things. In Jeff's mind, everything has strings attached, no one does anything out of the goodness of their heart.
Damien and Jeff have to work together to get past a lot of issues. They work out a system that has nothing to do with BDSM, but domestic discipline. It's hard to describe, but they put together several rules that help Jeff feel safe and cared for. The book does a great job explaining the situation. The rules are simple, like always being honest and calling if you are going to be late. Jeff starts going to a counselor to help himself, and they help him get a job as well.
Damien and Jeff are not perfect, and they have their ups and downs. It takes a long time for them to be in the right place and feel the right things before they come together. Damien's friends try to help, but it's really about the two of them figuring out what they both need in a relationship.
It beautiful to see Jeff start healing and come out of his shell. Damien had some lessons to learn as well. I will be rereading this book as soon as I read the others in this series. I have a feeling I will appreciate some of the side characters more after reading their stories as well.
*I received a free ARC of Damien's Discipline from the author in exchange of an honest and unbiased review*
February 11, 2015
Something about this series just grabs me. I'm not sure if it's the writing style, the subject matter, or the way the author(s) brings the characters to life with a few strokes of the pen. Book #5 in the Collars & Cuffs series makes me want more, more, more.
In this one, we are treated to a lesson in Domestic Discipline, not the usual BDSM D/s relationship. Though Damian is a Dom, when he's asked to house Jeff, another young man who has escaped from the traps set by the Dom who so abused Peter (Trusting Thomas), he realizes that he can't treat Jeff like a sub. But when he stumbles on information about DD, he's intrigued and sets out to learn more. Jeff agrees to try the arrangement and, although there's bumps along the way, it seems to work well for this couple.
I loved the fact that the authors didn't just push Jeff into a slot and make him fit. His story is painful, his progress slow, but when the two men finally establish a relationship it is so well worth the wait that I can't seem to stop smiling.
And as the cherry on top of the delicious sundae, the authors provided us with a surprise at the end of the story that lovers of this series are sure to want to read. If you like BDSM, or would just like to try a series that is fairly mild, this one may be for you. I'm hoping there's not a long wait before I get to read more of the men from Collars & Cuffs.
In this one, we are treated to a lesson in Domestic Discipline, not the usual BDSM D/s relationship. Though Damian is a Dom, when he's asked to house Jeff, another young man who has escaped from the traps set by the Dom who so abused Peter (Trusting Thomas), he realizes that he can't treat Jeff like a sub. But when he stumbles on information about DD, he's intrigued and sets out to learn more. Jeff agrees to try the arrangement and, although there's bumps along the way, it seems to work well for this couple.
I loved the fact that the authors didn't just push Jeff into a slot and make him fit. His story is painful, his progress slow, but when the two men finally establish a relationship it is so well worth the wait that I can't seem to stop smiling.
And as the cherry on top of the delicious sundae, the authors provided us with a surprise at the end of the story that lovers of this series are sure to want to read. If you like BDSM, or would just like to try a series that is fairly mild, this one may be for you. I'm hoping there's not a long wait before I get to read more of the men from Collars & Cuffs.
December 5, 2014
I loved this book so much!
It's a beautiful story, with some angst, some sex and a lot of love and friendship. It's different from the Collars & Cuffs series, cause really it has nothing of the BDSM lifestyle but it's a Discipline Domestic book (I knew nothing about it).
So if you have any issues about the BDSM theme, you absolutely can enjoy this one.
Even if you haven't read the previous stories in the series, you will miss nothing, cause it can be read as a standalone.
But if you can, start from book 1, every couple has an amazing story to tell you.
I loved Damian a lot. I'd really like everyone could be like him, I found him almost perfect, he's a keeper, so patient and caring, he's trusting no matter what.
Jeff broke my heart, he's scared and angry and he's following a destructive path. He was abused, raped and drugged by the same piece of s*** who abused Peter and try to do the same with Scott.
Damian too is broken, he's trying to recover from the death of Oliver, his sub; it was really hard finding out their relationship wasn't so perfect as he thought.
Damian and Jeff relationship grows slowly but it wasn't boring. It was so lovely seeing this two souls needing and finding a safe place in each other.
I was happy to meet all the characters of the previous books, I was always curious about them.
A sweet story but most of all realistic.
Thanks Kc and Parker!
It's a beautiful story, with some angst, some sex and a lot of love and friendship. It's different from the Collars & Cuffs series, cause really it has nothing of the BDSM lifestyle but it's a Discipline Domestic book (I knew nothing about it).
So if you have any issues about the BDSM theme, you absolutely can enjoy this one.
Even if you haven't read the previous stories in the series, you will miss nothing, cause it can be read as a standalone.
But if you can, start from book 1, every couple has an amazing story to tell you.
I loved Damian a lot. I'd really like everyone could be like him, I found him almost perfect, he's a keeper, so patient and caring, he's trusting no matter what.
Jeff broke my heart, he's scared and angry and he's following a destructive path. He was abused, raped and drugged by the same piece of s*** who abused Peter and try to do the same with Scott.
Damian too is broken, he's trying to recover from the death of Oliver, his sub; it was really hard finding out their relationship wasn't so perfect as he thought.
Damian and Jeff relationship grows slowly but it wasn't boring. It was so lovely seeing this two souls needing and finding a safe place in each other.
I was happy to meet all the characters of the previous books, I was always curious about them.
A sweet story but most of all realistic.
Thanks Kc and Parker!
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