Duck!

Avian Shifters #1

by Kim Dare

Raised among humans, Ori Jones only discovered he was an avian shifter six months ago. Unable to complete a full shift until he reaches his avian maturity, he still can’t be sure of his exact species.

But with species comes rank, and rank is everything to the avians. When a partial shift allows the elders to announce that they believe Ori to be a rather ugly little duckling, he drops straight to the bottom rung of their hierarchy.

Life isn’t easy for Ori until he comes to the attention of a high ranking hawk shifter. Then the only question is, is Ori really a duck—and what will his new master think when the truth eventually comes out?

Please Note: This is the second edition of this book. It has been tweaked and re-edited, but the plot has not changed.

Genres: M M Romance, BDSM, Shapeshifters, Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance, Erotica

255 pages, ebook

First published August 4, 2010

About the author

Kim is a thirty-three year old bisexual submissive from Wales (UK). First published in 2008, she has since released almost 100 BDSM erotic romance titles ranging from short stories to full length novels. Having worked with a host of fantastic e-publishers, she has just moved into self publishing.

While she has occasionally ventured towards other pairings, Kim's first love is still, and probably always will be, Male/Male stories. But, no matter what the pairing, from paranormal to contemporary, and from the sweet to the intense, everything she writes will always feature three things - Kink, Love and a Happy Ending.

Reviews

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captivating retelling of the Fairy Tale Story of "the Ugly Duckling" charmingly incorporating a Dom and Sub TPE Relationship! WOW!..loved it...



After my more recent reads, this book by Kim Dare was a breath of fresh air ~ How? you might ask is a TPE BDSM novel a breath of fresh air?.... well, the relationship between our two MC's Ori and Raynard, was so sweet in it's rendition, full of deep awareness and tender love, told from both POV's. This was not crude, degrading or humiliating in anyway, they had nothing but respect and complete understanding of their duty and responsibility as a Dominant and a Submissive.

Ori and Raynard are two halves of a whole, they complete each other, fitting together so perfectly that nothing in the past or present could influence or change the perfection of what they were together...

Ori grew up in the Foster Care system, with no sense of belonging, not knowing compassion or love and not knowing his true place in the world, always feeling like an outsider - trying to fit in. When Ori stumbles on the nest, the elders are unsure of his true avian species and thinking him "a rather ugly little duckling!" They put him to work in The Gentleman's Club where he works as a servant - to be used and abused, servicing the men of the nest. Cruelty and general sadism metered out to him as a "no-one", even in the eyes of the elders, he is so far down the bottom of the hierarchy, he does not exist!

Despite this treatment Ori feels no malice, he is content in knowing he has a purpose and is happy to carry out any task asked of him, wanting only to become part of the shifter community and... please. Ori has such a sweet and gentle nature, humble and obedient knowing what is expected of him and happy to obey.

When Frederick Reynard, a high ranking Hawke, witnesses the Crows at the Club tormenting this pretty fledgling, so vulnerable and susceptible to their taunts, he is furious and offers Ori a place within his own household, one that he has recently inherited from his late Uncle and is in need of a complete overhaul, a task which Ori takes on with enthusiastic pleasure. But despite Reynards honourable intentions towards Ori, he is drawn to him, seeing his true submissive nature, so innocent and humble with no expectations or demands, Ori seeks only approval from his Master.

Ori, so wide eyed and innocent is in awe of Raynard and worships him adoringly, he is happy and his whole purpose in life is to please his Master, taking comfort and filling him with joy, when his Master praises him. Raynard has such gentle sensitivity, he sees Ori's true nature and embraces it, nurtures it as a gift, not something to abuse or revile but something to cherish. For Ori, such a gentle soul, submission was natural, he was at peace and his Master was "home".....

But when it is time for Ori to return to the Nest for his first full shift, the outcome is not as expected and what follows broke my heart!

The most valuable possession my master owns is his submissive. I will take great care that no harm comes to my master's submissive whenever he is not there to watch over me himself..........

If you read this book the above will have you in tears! Yes...thats right big fat tears! All my mothering instincts wanted to delve into the pages of the book and wrap Ori in my arms and envelope him with LOVE. What great characters these two were, a testament to the writing that I was so wrapped up in them, at one point I did not want to read any further for fear the outcome would not be to my liking!

Needless to say I loved this book, I was totally engrossed and the story was compelling. I did have a couple of issues with grammar and format, a few times I had to go back and make sure I had read correctly, but I am a numbers person not a words person so no expert there! I was also left with questions that were not really answered as in, how did Ori know he was a shifter? how did he find out about the Nest? Raynard was a Dom, had he had previous subs? if so what happened? perhaps more background and world building would have helped. Other than that a great read and would highly recommend to anyone wanting to try a novel with m-m BDSM and TPE with some very HOT man on man smexy loving. Definitely not hardcore just a beautiful romance, that will definitely require tissues!

For more reviews please visit... Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews

[Remington Ward · Rating 1 out of 5]

*Spoiler alert*

I've read quite a bit of BDSM, and I'm even a pretty big fan of it. But this novel just didn't sit well with me.

Don't get me wrong, the premise was superb. An ugly duckling turns out to be a swan? It's a great opportunity to utilize creative measure coupled with an old fairytale theme. Unfortunately, the execution fell short.

Here are the things that irritated me:

1)Where was Ori's personality? Maybe I got lost between the numerous editing mistakes (of course this is at the fault of the publisher), but I honestly couldn't find any notion of Ori's real person, beyond wanting to serve his master. And yes, while BDSM certainly IS about the submissive serving the master, that doesn't mean the submissive has no life beyond sitting at his master's feet. Beyond Ori's like for reading (which took up all of two lines in the entire novel) there was little else other than Ori scrubbing furniture or having sex with Raynard. And while I understand that the circumstances of our upbringings can often dictate our outcomes, even Ori being an orphan didn't help the fact that he didn't seem to change over the novel at all. He didn't accept his new position in the heirarchy at all. Maybe I just didn't care for him as a character, but I suppose I prefer novels with character development. The only development in this novel was his and Reynard's love, and even that came across a bit bland because of the lack of character development.

2) For the record, I'm all for the honorifics in BDSM. Sir, Master, you name it. But Ori over-used the word "sir" in the way many people over-use the word "like". After a while reading it began to drive me nuts. It's one thing to be totally devoted to your master. It's another to incessently end every sentence with "sir".

All in all, perhaps there are different types of BDSM novels as well. Perhaps this is just another brand which I personally don't care for.

If you don't mind two-dimensional characters and like a stagnant sub-dom relationship, this may be the novel for you.

[Blacky *Romance Addict* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kim Dare + M/M + BDSM + shape-shifters + finally a longer book! =>




Loved this one! And finally a good and LONG book by Kim Dare



The story starts with Ori, a young, not fully formed shifter, being laughed at and treated horribly at the place he works. There he meets Raynard, a hawk shifter who takes him under his wing

Raynard is a natural dominant, both hawk and human, and he can't help but feel the need to protect Ori, and at the same time want to have him as his submissive.

Ori was raised without knowing his true form, the elders proclaimed him a duck, so he has served the righer ranks, in whatever way they wanted. Poor guy, I just loved him from page one He goes to live with Raynard and work as his servant, later accepting to have a D/s relationship with him :)


I liked the way Raynard treated him, as most of KD's doms, he was just great. Ori, did I mention I loved him?? Yes! He's just that sweet
There was one scene when Raynard came home and found blood all over his house. Man, that one just cramped my stomack! And later, after Ori's first full shift I just wanted to cry for him. And I wanted to kick Raynard's ass!!!



Anyway, I'm not a big fan of 24/7 dom/sub relationships, although KD writes them so well :) I basically read this for the characters :) And here they were great :)



BTW, all the while reading this, it was going to have 4 stars. No doubt about it. But then one perfect sentence/thought by Raynard changed this to a 5 brilliant stars! Just can't believe it happened, I've read some bdsm books, but that scenario (even in thought) was not seen often (if ever).

Here's a spoiler, but if you haven't read the book I'd recommend not to read it.

Raynard knew Ori couldn't be his submissive any longer, it wasn't in the true nature of his kind, and he realised he loved him so much that he'd do anything, even change himself to be able to be with him, and knowing that he and his animal would probably go crazy being a submissive, but he was willing to do it :)

I just loved him for it, and that made me love the book ten times more

[Tanu Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can never get tired of reading this book. I simply adore Ori and Raynard and their sweet, comforting relationship!

[Ingie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars - so beautiful, so tender, so enchanting wonderful to read - the Ugly Duckling in its finest form

Some days ago: I cannot resist the temptation to start reading this tempting DUCK! novel (..as I impulse bought yesterday). I have seen this novel highly ranked on favorite lists but the topic feels slightly odd and strange. A duck??

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Quack!! - What an excellent decision. This Duck! novel had everything I love in a great romance; Tenderness, a new opportunity, grand love, empathy, heat, surprises, etc etc. I read with devotion and you never know what you will get when you start a new novel..

I would like to write a thousand words about this amazing "pearl" but before I'd managed to put together that review a lot of days had run away. It may just simply be short and summary of my feelings for Reynard and Ori's fantastic tale. ~ Imagine a slave-like D/s relationship between a tough hawk and an anxious duck that can be charming and hot ?!?!? I never cease to be amazed at myself.

I'm in love with a teased, but so lovely, frail little ugly duckling right now. When I was a girl, I cried when my sister wanted our Mom to read that particular story. I suffered so much with the poor little duckling that no one liked... Sob!!
~ But you never know who will be a big beautiful white swan...

Duck! is about a poor, pitiful young man, Ori who is expected to be a simple duck avian when he reaches the age of 21 (..a half year later). As an orphan and prospective (service-oriented) future duck shifter is he the lowest standing member in the Nest. Ori is usually very badly treated. Poor Ori, he is exploited both sexually and in terms of work as an often blamed kitchen slave. He is bullied and is just allowed to wear a pair of tiny tight shorts. My heart was almost crushed for his sake just a few pages in in the book.

Luckily... One day is he more or less "rescued" by a powerful and highly distinguished shifter hawk, Reynard who takes the poor duckling home to his old house as a servant for a time.

‘He'd never seen a hawk like this one. The man was glorious, all strenght and certainty.’

Pretty soon it turns out that Ori is a genuine submissiv and as the strong dominant the hawk Reynard is, he sees his perfect playmate to teach up to a perfectly kind and faithful bed warmers for him.

‘The most valuable possession my master owns is his submissive. I will take great care that no harm comes to my master's submissive whenever he is not there to watch over me himself.’

Sometimes I wonder if I'm a bit weird but I LOVE this kind of PNR "slave" stories. What I usually have so hard for in CR stories works just so good to me when it's a PNR or fantasy book. Then it's not reality, but completely made up, so I don't worry about whether it is right or wrong and relate to what is customary morals, justice, equal value or life's rigors.

This proved to be a very tender and beautiful D/s story (..just light BDSM play - nothing to be scared about).

Duck! is mostly about different needs and preferences, but also to actually choose the way you want regardless of what others consider to be the right one. Just so romantic, sweet and lovely - beautiful done... A new favorite PNR ("slave") tale for me.
~ A modern and quite hot Ugly Duckling story. Highly recommended!

I LIKE - amazing beautiful, I loved it all -

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I found some wonderful duck pics on the journey through this delightful story...









...and the hawk Reynard and his dear duckling Ori

[Deja Dei · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm a little nervous to review this because so many people to seem to like so much. I think many people will enjoy it, depending on what they expect going in. This is just my personal opinion, and I know a lot of people disagree. It is well written, but here's what didn't work for me:

There's no characterization. Ori is the sub, he wants to please his master, but he has no personality or motivations beyond that. His entire characterization is he's a submissive. Raynard is the same: he's the dominant. Period. I need a little more than this to care about a character.

There's not much plot. There's really no story beyond a bare minimum needed to string sex scenes together. They take place against a backdrop of a kind of interesting avian shifter world, but it takes such a second place to the sex scenes it never felt fully realized. To me the whole story line was them moving from one typical bdsm practice to the next, he makes him sit by his feet, he ties him up, he whips him, etc. I like to read sex scenes but within some sort of a story. Them being avian shifters hardly mattered, until the predictable end. This is just sex scenes and housework. If you want to read a series of well-written, kinky scenes and plenty of them, you will probably like this. I just needed a little more to keep my interest, especially more in the way of character development beyond dominant and submissive. Just my humble opinion. Take it for what it's worth.

[Sheziss · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first time in a long time when I felt warmth in the belly. Like, for real.



This is a fairytale but not because it’s flowers and hearts and pink everywhere, but because it’s magical. As simple as that.

The writing grabs you and doens’t let go but it’s not only that, it’s not that it’s a page turner, although it is. It’s not that it’s BDSM, although it is. It’s not that it’s PNR, although it is.

It’s the atmosphere that surrounds it all. The feeling you are falling forever and diving into honey, slow, tender, sweet, delicious. When I think about a book I liked I remember a few scenes, normally the scenes in which the MCs are finally together, or revel in being together. It can be the first time, the second time, or the last time in a book. It can be a sex scene, it can be a dialogue, it can be an action I died for and ended up in heaven for a little while.

Sometimes I can’t stand it anymore and pick the book and read that specific scene. Or read those highlighted pages and die a little more every time I do it.

But it’s really, really weird when I think about a book and need to experience it all again as a whole. Because this book is a part all of its own. If I read this again I wouldn’t feel impatient to get to the parts I highlighted. Because every page is highlighted. Every moment in this book gives me what I need and what I ask for.

That is amazing.



This book inspires tenderness, beauty, kindness, softness, naughtiness and innocence. All wrapped up in one story. In one couple. They complement each other in the most perfect of ways. There is no way around it: they are made for each other. It's painfully obvious and I remark the “pain” part.

I felt warmth in my belly, yes, but I don’t mean only in a sexual sense. I felt cocooned and safe and in peace with the world (and myself) in this book. I can bluntly say this book shook me to the core, but with the gentleness of a warm embrace.

If only I found books like this one more often.

[Damon Suede · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just reread this as part of the "Group book" thing and again found this book totally enchanting. I wish Kim Dare was willing to write more novel-length fiction because this book strikes so many interesting and sexy notes. I enjoy Kim Dare's short fiction, but I often feel like she doesn't have/take the room to give more than sketchy characterizations. Duck! gave her a chance to *ahem* spread her narrative wings.

For me what is most interesting is that she takes the original fairytale, which is constellated from notions of status and perception and power and then physicalizes the emotion and anxiety of that pitiful/potent ugly duckling. It is literaly a PERFECT fairytale to treat with BDSM and shifters. Super smart storytelling. Witty worldbuilding on many levels. Challenging characters whose actions and growth drives a story that is paranormal for all the right reasons. These shifters are not just windowdressing.

The particulars of her avian society and their beastly behavior seem so much more compelling than cookie-cutter snuggly "werewolf" series I could name. These are animals who, uhhhh, act like animals.
It's almost expressionistic in the way it lets the characters' internal landscapes take physical form. I love the relationship between the men and had not one second's pause with the vicious hazing that starts out the story. It IS a fairytale and Dare is setting up her gameboard so she can play.

A total win for me, and a real step forward for Dare's craft and fiction. Loved this book, can't wait to read the sequel.

[Optimist ♰King's Wench♰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could think of nothing above and beyond what I previously said about this book, so the unicorns got together to squeal about Ori. It's possible only dogs and sea creatures could hear the squealing. Luckily we had chatzy!

Read our collective squealing over a sweet lil fledgling HERE

Sometimes a Swan is just a Big, White Duck!

Duck! is about a hierarchical society of avian shifters. Ducks are near the bottom, typically servants. Ori has no real family so he has no idea what he'll shift into when he comes of age. The leader of the nest said he would likely be "an ugly little duckling" thus he's been put to work in the kitchens where he's been hazed & abused repeatedly by many, many higher ranking shifters. Until Raynard comes to his rescue & takes him home to be his servant. Except...

"Ori was all submission."

Raynard is a hawk, a dominant bird that mates for life. Ori revels in pleasing & being of service to his master. Soon they fall into a D/s relationship & Raynard collars Ori. It's plain to see they've fallen in love to anyone who's paying attention. Raynard becomes increasingly possessive of his submissive. One night he takes Ori back to the nest to publicly claim his submissive in front of everyone. The higher ranking birds try to harass him which doesn't go over to well.

“You’re stronger with your submission than you’d be without it.”

Eventually, the time comes for Ori to make his first shift... into a swan.
“Swans are… the purest species of avian that exists. They are good, and noble, and beautiful. They have the most exquisite spirits, the finest temperaments.” And, by extension, are at the top of the hierarchy. In other words, they have servants, they aren't servants or submissives. SHIT! SHIT! SHIT! SHIT! All hell breaks loose. People start calling Ori "Sire" & Raynard... freaks out. He reverts back to the hierarchical order of things & rejects Ori, telling him he'll grow accustomed to his new station in the nest. Ori withdraws & withers without his Master's guidance. Literally. Ori's miserable. Raynard's miserable. The nest doesn't know what to do with Ori. It's just a mess. A hot mess.

"If a swan truly wants to serve, no one has any right to try to stop him.”

Sometimes you have to play dirty to get what you want. And sometimes you find allies in the unlikeliest of places. Raynard just needs a little reminder of how good a submissive Ori truly is.

The most valuable possession my master owns is his submissive. I will take great care that no harm comes to my master’s submissive whenever he is not there to watch over me himself.

I have to be honest, I was skeptical of all the 5 star reviews. Well, I can admit when I'm wrong. Duck! is the best thing I've read in awhile. I loved it even when I hated it I still loved it. It was beautiful, poignant, heartbreaking & magical. I loved Ori & Raynard from the get go. However, I do have a thing for sweet little slave boys erm... ducklings, I mean.

[Astra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a lot of mixed opinions. But in my opinion I liked this story a lot. It’s a different version of “The Ugly Duckling” and I thought it was sweet. (4.5)

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time) · Rating 3 out of 5]

**3.5 stars**

I'm not sure what to think about my first full length Kim Dare book. On one hand, I think she did a good job with the psyche of someone who craves and requires a full time D/S relationship. This book was a hard core BDSM book but not in the way you might think. It isn't that there is a lot of whipping or chaining or anything, but it is about a master/slave type of living situation where the submissive has little say in his day to day activities. This type of relationship doesn't push my buttons, but I can respect when an author can artfully show these types of relationships. For example, The Violet and the Tom is my favorite M/M BDSM book of this genre, fully capturing essence of a BDSM relationship. "Duck" felt well written but somewhat detached to me. It lacked some passion and some umph for my taste.

My other issue is the shifter angle. I love a good shifter book but the shifter side felt like an afterthought. I thought it could have easily been a contemporary book without the shifter angle and it wouldn't have taken away much from the story.

Finally, I don't know why, but I expected this to be a funny book. I think it is because there is an exclamation mark in the title and the whole concept of avian shifters is pretty silly. I was surprised that this book was quite serious... not quite what I was anticipating.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

**5 Intense, Sweet and Captivating stars**



"Never doubt this is exactly where you belong."

A story about an ugly ducking and a hawk, who sees beyond appearance and rank, to the beautiful and gentle soul that lays underneath.


I didn't think I could ever say I would love a BDSM read...they're just not for me, but I can say with all my heart, that I LOVED this book!


Ori, a sweet, soft spoken and miss judged shifter, has seen hardships in life at the hands of others, who see him below them. Unsure of his rank in the Avian's world, his placed as a servant at the nest, until his full shift determines his place with the other shifters. Ori's job is to clean and service the other shifters as they see fit. That's until a hawk with a higher rank takes notice of him, and proceeds to change his way of living.


Raynard sees that Ori is out of place, and detests to his mistreatment. He doesn't understand his interest in the fledgling, or why he offered to take him away from the nest; to become a servant at his own home. But his desires for Ori run deeper than a master should feel for his servant. For Raynard sees a submissive trait in Ori, he wishes to control.

The most valuable possession my master owns is his submissive. I will take great care that no harm comes to my masters submissive whenever he is not there to watch over me himself.


A relationship I didn't think could last or develop. Turned into a beautiful love story that will stay with me for years to come. This book amazed me. Just when I thought I knew what was coming, it took me by complete surprise. It opened my eyes to the possibility of never giving up on what or who you want, even when this is perceived as wrong. It taught me that even the weak, should fight for what makes them happy.

"Its not so unknown for a master to fall in love with his submissive."


If you enjoy paranormal in your MM romance and the intensity of BDSM, then this book is for you mates xx

Your you, and your mine. Nothing else matters."

[Gwengwel · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had to really thing at what I want to write and how, because this story's not easy for me to comment.

My first reaction was WTF? And to burn the book.
Since it's a ebook I rethink this idea, retry the book for end up just passed the too numerous sex scene and just take my time before commenting.

I'm disappointed of Kim Dare. It's the second book in row that this happen (see Mistletoe and Submission if you are desperate to read about a bad BDSM relation).

You do not have one single, indication, explication about the world they live in. The entire society's base on race and slavery (yes, slavery because even if you call a slave a servant but that this servant can't say NO and is not paid for his service, how to call it otherwise?). Even if the word was never said Ori was clearly raped, abused and tortured at numerous occasion and nobody seems to fuss about that. Do you have the choice to live in this society or not? Did they live outside the rest of the world for that this kind of comportment's tolerated? And how Ori knew he was a avian?

I'm honestly angry with Kim Dare. Why chose to write about rape, dubcon (even if it's clear that Ori's a true submissive, he was in no real position to say NO to Raynard and was conditioned to think less of him) when she pride herself in always write about sane-safe-consensual relation.

Ori's submissive and like to read. That's his personality. Did he had friends? Plan? Dream? Passion?
Raynord's (I am the only one to find it annoying this writer's habit to always call her dominant by their family name?) a dominant and is valiant. That's his personality.

Why write about avian shifter if it's not to used their characteristic?
Why talk about 24/7 submissive as if they're the only type that exist?
Why this sentence : "It was time his submissive learned exactly how different a punishment could be when delivered by an avian who truly understood what dominance and submission meant?" make me uncomfortable?
Why write more than two hundred pages of PWP?

This was a part of my comment on Cameron's Pride (book 4 of Thrown to the lion by this writer):

"When you chose to write fantasy, you have make the writer understand the world in which they evolve. You give example, explication description or action to help the reader immerse himself in the book and the world. Sadly that's not the case here. We do not received one single answer to all the question that these book bring."

Same thing here.

I did not like this book, can't recommended it and probably going to erase it. I don't like to say it but that's book was a waste of time and money. It's harsh but the truth.

[SheReadsALot · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know stories that you can feel in your gut? Like when the emotions are running high, you're right there? And you really can't find a single thing wrong with said story? You're just still reliving some great scenes between the main characters even after finishing.

Well that's me and Duck!.

Ori? Loved!

Reynard? Loved!

The subtle nuances and the emotions said without saying a frigging thing? Loved!

The BDSM mixing into this modern fairy tale? Loved!

I need to add more work from this author in my life ASAP.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read - January 2022 Audiobook - Audiobook this time. It was good, I'd recommend it, especially because it's parts of the Audible catalogue. I still prefer reading it though 😛
October 2019 - hm interesting, I definitely enjoyed this one less than previously and I think I have Axel's Pup to blame. After reading that book I found Raynards and Oris move into submissive/Master to be too rushed.

Ori goes into it without knowing what a submissive is and without Raynard giving a good explanation. Raynards also states, "its not unheard of for a master to fall for his submissive", I don't know but if you're in a full time submissive role I'd hope there was love between the two. There were just niggles like this all the way through the book, which I don't think I would've minded if I hadn't read Axel's Pup so recently (which did this type of relationship really well).

I still enjoyed it, if I was to change my rating it would be 4 stars.


February 2016- I think I enjoyed this book even more the second time around! I just adore Ori's natural submissiveness.



Review:

I knew I'd love this book and I absolutely did!!!!! I loved Ori's sweet, natural, submissive nature. Like I said in my updates, there was nothing complicated about him, he wanted to submit and was happy to do it. I liked that despite what happened throughout the book this stayed the same.

Actually thinking about it the characters were fairly basic 'good dom' and 'good sub', so I guess you have to be in the mood for that. It was good that the situation they find themselves in at the end makes the story unique and I enjoyed seeing that played out.


Lots of hot submitting and possessive domming (yea I know, not a word, 'dominating' just didn't seem right), so YUM!!

[Bookwatcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avian Shifters!!! A duck as a main character!

Yeah... the word "Duck" can make you think about Donald Duck... but hum... no...

The main Duck character, Ori, is a low class shifter in a world where avians like Hawk and Eagle are the top... His behave is what his specie must do, serve another avians. Luck Duck!!!!!!!! because after few pages you will read about Ori submitting, body and soul, to a hawk... a veeeeeeeeeeeeery sexy Hawk.
There are also a lot of mystery in this book and I'm saying "Duck" to Orin, but he don't know what specie he is... no one know... they assumed that, after a partial shift... so, yeah... Ori can be in a high, or lower, avian class than a duck.

Are you curious about a slave/master story?
Try this book... is amazing, and in my view perfect also to readers that never get the courage to read a BDSM book. Is a heartbreaking story, and the BDSM theme is not based on humiliation , but love .

5 stars... perfect to BDSM fans, and for anyone who want to know this theme.
I strongly recommend this book

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

“A modern day M/M, BDSM retelling of The Ugly Ducking Fairy Tale using avian shifters.”

Firstly I’d like to say that the shifter/man on the cover has the loveliest bum I have ever seen in my life! Now, I love fantasy/shifters, I love BDSM and of course I love an original quirky idea like …bird shifters? Oh boy, am I sold, sold and …SOLD!

What a fascinating start, observing the young Duck Ori’s cruel life in the Nest of bird shifters. You see, Avian hierarchy determines that he is the lowest of the low in the order of things and birds like the crows (being the RL opportunists that they are) take full advantage of Ori. Treated like a slave in every way Ori is abused and defenceless until he meets the hawk eye of Raynard. Raynard takes Ori under his proverbial wing and away from the nest. Raynard is quick to realise that Ori is a submissive right down to his toes, and being the fierce naturally dominant hawk that Raynard is …well, it’s a natural progression that sees these two become more than Master and servant.

There is a lot that I liked here:
Ori, and the fact that his innate need for submission was never really questioned, it just was. He accepts it keeping everything refreshingly easy …and why not?

I loved how Dare interprets and assigns the status of Avian hierarchy to each species so fittingly: Crows are of the bulling gangster mob mentality and the hawk is a dominant respected predator and the Raven a security officer and the pigeon a portly cook. Nicely done.

The power exchange is beautiful, very subtly done without humiliation or crudity. The focus is on the D/s rather than the S&M and that was just what I needed after a rather intense read.

What I found lacking (because I am greedy )
I needed to know more about this world of Avian shifters and humans. The setting feels old-world until Raynard whips out his cell phone or they climb into his sports car. So I didn’t get a clear picture of this world at all.

I wanted more of Raynard and Ori’s backstory. Ori’s life with the humans and Raynard’s life before Ori was lacking.

There is so much scope to develop a truly fascinating and compelling world here. I want to know how the relationship between humans and shifters works.

I would have liked more in the way of secondary characters, I’m fascinated by these creatures and just want more.


This is comfortable BDSM for when you want something gentle that still has the power to be deeply affecting. I do hope that the world building will develop further while the series continues because Ms Dare has my full attention and I will be reading on. Recommended for those who want a slow paced, sweet, and comfortably kinky …fairy tale?

[* A Reader Obsessed * · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Typically, BDSM is not my thing. Occasionally I enjoy a little slap and tickle but I don't find pain and spanking and being tied up all that alluring and I often roll my eyes at the dom/sub dynamics because I just can't relate. So I was very surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. This book is about avian shifters and their world has a pretty brutal, clear cut, caste system. What kind of bird you are designates your station in life, leaving very little room to doubt where one is ranked. Due to this specific paranormal setup, and the fact that it is not a real life contemporary setting, I easily accepted how the two MC's relationship fell neatly into place.

Ori - young and not fully formed into his permanent bird which is assumed to be a lower ranking duck. He is sweet, submissive and thrives and yearns to make his new boss happy by seeing to his every whim.

Raynard - he's at the top of his class as a predatory hawk. A natural born dominant who doesn't abuse his power; caring and protective but make no mistake who's in charge.

The initial UST was intense; the smex was equally scorching. What I enjoy reading most about relationships is the push/pull, the constant battle of emotions such as doubt, yearning, possessiveness, jealousy with a bit of misunderstanding, miscommunication and self sacrifice thrown in - that combination of factors twists my gut (in a good way) and this had it in spades!

Thank you Ingela for the awesome rec!! I look forward to reading the rest of this series!

[Zuzu · Rating 5 out of 5]

8/18/20 - Upping from 4 to 5 stars. ❤️
——
I loved this book! It's not hardcore D/s - more about a submissive who learns who he is. Ori was so sweet and Raynard was perfect for him.

[Heather C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved, loved it! It took me so long to start this book because I knew it was Dom/sub, which usually freaks me out because I don't understand it. But Ori and Raynard's relationship worked for me somehow. Ori was so pure and beautiful; I cried for him!! The whole story was focused on Raynard (Hawk) being Master over Ori's submission and how their relationship fit into the whole Avian hierarchy.

I loved the characters, the story, and the setting. I loved how the POVs shifted with the chapters for the majority of the book and kept me from getting confused. I loved the writing; flowing and almost hypnotic. All the scenes were well written and descriptive and I could picture all of it vividly in my mind.

My only question is: Are there any female Avian shifters? I don't recall there being any females in the book. Of course, I didn't even realize this until I was about 80% into it, so apparently this was a non-issue.

I recommend this to everyone! Even to those squeamish of BDSM. It did have light bondage and light whipping, but it all revolved heavily around Master/submissive. Also,there is no dubcon/rape or abuse between the MCs.

This really was a beautiful, sweet story!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had wanted to read this one forever. I know how much it is loved and have no excuse for not having read it before now. I think it’s probably because I’m really not the hugest of the shifter fans though. I do like them once in a while, but they usually aren’t my go to. That being said, I really didn’t pay enough attention to the blurb. It states very clearly that this is a fairy tale and it is and I love fairy tales! Sure, these guys are shifters, but it’s not the typical shifter story. This is about a D/s relationship between a couple of men who happen to be shifters which is really a vehicle for the fairy tale aspect of the story. So, the moral here – Read The Freakin’ Blurb Ann!

This retelling of the Ugly Duckling was done so well. It truly was a fairy tale of Ori’s evolution and I loved the dynamics between Ori and Raynard. They were a perfect match from the beginning and reading about their journey as they figured out their place in each other’s life was really fascinating. Some D/s stories just tell that one is the Dom, one is the sub and then throw a story out there. What I loved about this one was it really explained why. Why their personalities fit together so well. Why Ori needed Raynard and vice versa. I really “got it”.

When Ori finally completes his first shift and his true species is revealed poor Raynard is really thrown for a loop and the frustration and loss that he felt was palpable. Add in Ori’s own feelings of confusion and fear and it was a heartbreaking read for a while there. Thankfully Hamilton, the eagle shifter and big bird at the nest, was able to help Raynard see things in a different light and pull his stubborn head out of his hawk ass and do the right thing. The last 15% or so pulled the story all together and balanced their relationship out perfectly. The power shift evened out in its own way and for me, the story went from being a D/s fairytale to a true love story.

I had just a couple of little niggles that I know can be a bug for some readers and want to throw those out there because if I caught them, someone else will too. There was an overabundance of references to Raynard as the “older man” or the “dominant”. For instance, “The older man took complete possession of Ori’s mouth. Holding Ori tight against his larger body, the dominant thrust his tongue past his lips and devoured him.” It’s not enough to take you out of the story, but it is noticeable. There were a few things I didn’t complete understand about their world, why Ori’s true species was really so special and royal and what was the relationship between shifters and humans in this world? Neither of those things are imperative to the story at all, but I was curious.

Overall, I loved it completely and was completely impressed with how the author told the story of these two. I also had my interest in Everet piqued and cannot WAIT to read Magpie.

[Eugenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook July 2023: Fabulous performance by Rod M. Maskew. A classic in MM romance and D/s, hurt-comfort.

Original ebook April 2023: Loved it! 4 Stars!

Well written and creative shifter D/s romance. Two POVs helped me connect to the MCs. Steamy sex also helped moved things along.

I will definitely be reading more of Kim Dare!

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know birds could be so damn sexy!

[Daisiemae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duck! by Kim Dare is a sweet and sexy story that is a wonderfully written spin-off of the classic fairy tale, The ugly duckling. Not only is this book a well balance of having a strong plot and well written characters; I was surprised by the intensity and the amazing love that the two heroes shared together. This is a book that lived with me long after I finished it. I absolutely loved it, and I highly recommend it.

Ori Jones feels like the rug has been pulled out from under him. Ori recently found out that he is an Avian shape-shifter. Because he hasn’t reached his ‘maturity’ for an Avian shifter; he was only able to do a partial shift. The elders have guessed that he will be a duck, which is considered an inferior, sub-servant breed of the avian species. Until then, he is to work and stay in an avian club called the “nest”. This is basically fine with Ori. He enjoys being submissive, but he doesn’t enjoy the taunts and teasing he receives by the other shifters, and is having some difficultly coming to terms with his new life.

After dealing with some vicious name calling and a mean prank, Ori literally stumbles in front of the gorgeous and powerful hawk-shifter, Raynard. Raynard is a very dominant shifter, but he is a very fair one as well. As soon as meets Ori, there is something about the small “ugly duckling” shifter that calls to Raynard’s dominant/protective side. Raynard feels a connection with the sweet sub servant Ori and he decides to take him home and under his wing.

As Raynard and Ori’s relationship begins to take shape, a strong bond forms between them. Raynard teaches Ori to be proud of his avian species and his natural submissive nature. But, just as they come to comfortable terms with the way they feel about each other, and the roles of their relationship; Ori is due to complete his first shift in front of the elders. But, as soon as Ori shifts; everything changes. The roles of their relationship, and the love they feel for one another is put to the ultimate test.

I loved this book! I adored both Ori and Raynard and I absolutely loved them together. They fit perfectly together. Even though there is quite an array of interesting secondary characters, I appreciated that Ori and Raynard’s relationship really dominated the book. The way their relationship evolves throughout the story is very well paced and is written in a way that I felt an easy connection with them. I quickly rallied behind them both as individual characters and as a couple and rooted for their happiness from the very beginning of the story. I would like to point out that there is a D/s relationship between Ori a Raynard. Even though there is a strong BDSM theme in this book, it is not written in an over the top manner that might offend some readers. If you haven’t read any homoerotic/BDSM themed books before, and have thought about trying out the genre, Duck! would be a great book to try out the genre with.

I’ve read several books by Kim Dare and I’ve enjoyed all of them. I can easily say that Duck! is my favorite book that has been written by her, and I’m looking forward to reading more creative, sweet and sexy stories from her.

For more reviews like this one, please visit http://www.nightowlreviews.com

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Excellent read with a heavy dose of emotion on both sides of the m-m D/s relationship. This is one of the best fairytale adaptations or appropriations I've ever read. In a short novel length Dare successfully addresses not only the relationship between the two protagonists, but sociological class issues as well. There is a sensitivity to the handling of the material that is deft and unobtrusive to storytelling.

That said, I had one small problem and it revolved around the protagonists' names. While I thought both names were lovely sounding they immediately suggested alternate meanings which kept my brain going back and forth in a loop. Ori reminded me of a shortened form of oriole, which he was not and Raynard, when pronounced and I do talk in my head sounds like Renard (fox in French). I constantly had to slap myself to drop the connections. But I did love that Raynard was a Goshawk, or bird of prey that hunts other birds, especially waterfowl, which Ori is believed to be. Plus, it makes the other birds reactions in the "nest", homebase for the avian shifters, immediately understandable.

Overall, it is a lovely and sweet tale with a good deal of tugging at the heartstrings.

[Macky · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 STARS!

It's not often you see the words "BDSM" and "sweet" together but that's exactly what this lovely bird shifter story was! Not in a saccharine sense because the D/s dynamic between the two MC's is too intense and all consuming to be classed as sugar kink (this is Kim Dare we’re talking about!) but sweet because Ori's character throughout the tale is just so precious. This little duck is an absolute darling!

Naturally submissive, his passive accepting nature in the face of the abuse endured from his higher ranking peers, had my protective mode in overdrive. Right from the onset we witness how abysmally he's treated both sexually and as a lowly servant, but bless him, he just takes it all without complaint, question or retaliation. From the moment he appeared I was completely drawn to him; saddened because of his predicament but totally enamoured by his endearing personality. Over the course of the book, I found myself constantly awww'ing and sighing as Ori's story unfolded and the relationship with Raynard, his Hawk savior, began to form. I fell in love with the gorgeous Dom the moment he rescued sweet Ori from his tormentors and took him under his 'wing'. Hawks are beautiful, magnificent birds of prey in real life and Raynard consummately fits that description...if anyone was perfect for Ori, it was Frederick Raynard.

In Ori's world, hierarchy amongst the avian community is paramount; the first shift at the age of twenty one (avian puberty) ensuring their future standing in the rank and file. The more magnificent or powerful the bird, the more important the status. For the majority it's a foregone conclusion what their position will be, as most know exactly what species of bird they are, but after losing his parents at an early age our poor little Ori spent all his formative years being passed from pillar to post in the human foster care system. All that time unaware of his shifter heritage until a visit to a doctor and blood tests confirmed what DNA he really carries.

I just adored this book. You could palpably feel Ori's desire to submit to the dominant, protective Hawk, who by caring for (and about) Ori the way he did gave our sweet, skittish ducklings life new meaning. Making him feel wanted, cared for...and for the first time in his poignant existence...safe. It's an irresistible pairing of two complete opposites whose innate personalities couldn't be more poles apart, yet because of the particular traits, that on paper make them so opposite, actually juxtaposes into a perfect partnership that fits each of their needs. Characteristically Ori wants desperately to simply serve and yield to a stronger persona, while as a dominant, Raynard's natural instinct is to command and control, but in a way that nourishes and supports his subservient partner not humiliates him.

It's a match made in heaven...or is it?...

For rest of review follow Link-> http://bit.ly/1HJxSTN

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

The classic Ugly Duckling tale has been given an interesting twist in this offering from prolific author Kim Dare. Ori is a young man who only recently learned he's an avian shifter. Although it still hasn't been determined what kind of avian species he truly is his first half shift indicated he'll probably be a Duck and therefore low on the pecking order. He lives and works in an avian club or "nest" and spends his days washing dishes and being picked on. All that changes when Raynard, a gorgeous hawk shifter, takes an interest in Ori.

When Ori is sent to work in the hawk's home both men are unprepared for the feelings that slowly crop up between them. As time passes the Dominant hawk shifter recognizes and nurtures the natural submissiveness in the Duckling he's brought home. But when the time comes for Ori's full shift and his true avian nature is revealed Raynard knows their time together has ended. Now he must make Ori understand and accept his new situation but that's easier said than done. Will they be able to work through the changes in Ori and their relationship or will they lose it all?

I loved Ori and Raynard, they are well drawn and quite likable protagonists, and their relationship drew me in from the beginning. The secondary characters, with the exception of a couple of them, are not very nice but for the most part it's Ori and Raynard center stage so it's not a major problem. I really enjoyed reading the slow evolution of their relationship and when the big reveal happens and things don't go as they expected I was almost as devastated as they were. Ori's pain and confusion and Raynard's strong Dom reaction really got to me. The reveal was exactly what I expected but at the same time totally different. While I was ready for his reveal what happened afterward and the significance of it was a little hard to follow. Up to that point the 'pecking order' was with the big 'birds of prey' at the top so while I expected that Ori's outcome would help bring him more towards Raynard's position and therefore solidify their relationship it was the opposite. A bit confusing, at least to me, but I still really enjoyed the story.

Duck! has something for everyone. It's emotional, humorous, sweet and tender at times and also quite hot. Both the world and the relationship building was really good and it's kinky yet lite enough on the D/s to appeal to a broad range of readers. The best part of the story for me though is Ori himself. I really loved him and was drawn to him as he went through quite a lot first with his treatment before and after he arrived at the nest, then his unexpected relationship with Raynard and the outcome of his shift.

Overall this is a really enjoyable story with a very nice ending. Duck! is a must for fans of the author and anyone looking for an interesting and well written story with engaging characters. Highly recommended.

[Serena Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most amazing stories I have read in a long time. It takes the well-known tale of the Ugly Duckling and not only conveys its original meaning in a "modern day" setting, but adds another layer of interpretation in a domination/submission context.

Where do I even start? The world-building is excellent, with an avian shifter culture that is fresh, believable and utterly fascinating. The plot, even though well known, is put into a new perspective with a fascinating twist at the end that takes its message beyond the original. The language and descriptions are vivid and enjoyable, words and expressions an avian culture might use are integral to the way the characters think and speak. The domination/submission aspects are handled with care and sensitivity.

As for the characters? They held me spellbound. Ori, the duckling shifter, is so lost and lovable in his search for what species exactly he might be when he grows up, you just have to love him. He has all the traits we think of when we hear "duck", except he is a human struggling with his role in life. Raynard, the hawk shifter, is the quintessential strong and responsible Dom, who sees the world in terms of hunter and prey, but has a lot of potential for caring inside him that he isn't even aware of. Both of them have to learn a lot as they teach each other what it is they each need in a relationship, and, ultimately, what their roles are in life and in the avian shifter community.

I thought this was a stunning read!

[Alvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A BEAUTIFUL D/S/SHIFTER STORY.
This is so beautiful. I loved it!

This is a story of a perfect D/S relationship. I loved Ori & Reynard. In simple terms, Ori was the perfect sub and Reynard was the perfect dom. Them together were quite hot. But it's their tenderness and devotion to each other that made me liked them.

During their separation, I've cried so much. I ached for this couple. I'm very glad they got their HEA.

Some criticisms though for the writing. There's something in it that made me tend to skim some parts. And it's quite too descriptive for me. The dialogues can be pushed more, it can be more romantic IMO.

I sensed that this was inspired by the tale Ugly Duckling. I forgot about that tale already so I'm not sure if this was an authentic adaptation. And with the sex, you'll forget that it might have been inspired by the tale anyway.

This is a RECOMMENDED D/S read from me. Great for those who like Gay Shifters too!

[JenMcJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

YAY! A perfect new Kim Dare book. Not only was the trademark relationship building and D/s subject matter back on track it was also utterly engrossing! The whip cream and cherry on top: The book was LONG too!

A new spin on the Ugly Duckling fairy tale in a parnormal yet contemporary setting. Ori and Raynard are likeable, relatable and completely captivating. Avian shifters was a unique concept. The world she built was fully fleshed out as well as the characterization of both main characters.

Way to go Kim! Loved it!

Right up there with Gaydar and The Gift on my very small "re-read" list!