Upending Tad: The Complete Series

Upending Tad: A Journey of Erotic Discovery #1-6

by Kora Knight

One straight college senior chilling at a frat party. One unlucky round of high-stakes poker. Now, to pay his dues, Tad must spend an hour in the basement of his victors’ physical trainer, Scott, who happens to be a part-time Dom as well. Playful and sexy, he introduces Tad to his flogger. Despite Tad’s efforts to remain unaffected, Scott wrenches his dark pleasure higher. Raw, kinky lust. Forbidden need. Then mind-blowing, out-of-this-world sex. When Tad finally touches down from his scandalous high, his world looks completely different. Because now he can’t get Scott out of his system, and Scott seems to feel the same way. Unfortunately, his hesitancy wears heavy on Scott’s heart and now Tad risks losing him forever. Experience Tad’s journey of erotic self-discovery as, time and again, he seeks out the man who’s upended his world... and his heart. Warning: Erotic romance, containing graphic gay sex. Intended for mature audiences only.

Genres: M M Romance, BDSM, Erotica, Romance, Contemporary, College, Audiobook

586 pages, Paperback

First published March 29, 2016

Reviews

[Kati *☆･ﾟ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4**** stars


This was such a surprise. While Tad never intended on getting sexually entangled with a guy (like ever!) Scott had a lot of fun proving him wrong. Besides their pretty emotionless (not passionless) first few encounters it was pretty clear from the start that Tad kinda swept Scott right off his feet. I was rooting for Scott’s success to win Tad over sooo hard!

But who is in for the romance needs to wait for quite some time until you can really see something more blooming there. It’s all about sex and exploration in Tad’s gay-awakening for the most part of the first half.

Each episode is one of their sexual encounters. And while some think this is an erotica about bdsm, imo it’s not, even if it def has some kinky elements. The only real event in this regard is their very first encounter and later when they both watch a (quite heavy) bdsm scene of another couple.

So yeah. As sweet as the romance and both main characters were in the end, this is a bundle of erotica novellas, so expect that really outdrawn sex scenes are the focus here. I wouldn’t recommend binge reading these.



As for me, I started to enjoy these stories far more when the romance and a bit more plot got involved later.

And you know what. In the last episode I was so fucking proud of Tad when he fought his fear of other ppl's acceptance and kissed Scott right there on campus for everyone to see despite some slurs that were thrown their way!!!

But as the douchebags ambled by, still spouting their insults, a dark growl crawled up Scott’s throat. Tad kissed him harder, biding his time until Scott’s back was their new line of sight. The second it was, he slid down a hand and brazenly squeezed Scott’s ass. His other hand, however, he lifted nice and high to flip the assholes off.

Yessss! Go Tad! ♡

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you look forward to spending your time thinking nothing and reading about some stuff really hot, this books are for you.
I liked it.

[Bizzy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Changing my rating to one star after learning the author has made comments that are extremely hurtful to the autistic community.

[Nora Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, Upending Tad is not a stand-alone novel. It’s actually a series of books, that all make up one big book (hence the 252 plus 298 pages, that’s for the whole thing). The books were published as separate volumes before being bundled into two collections, together creating the whole story. It’s a marketing thing that assures more income for the author, but as readers it’s a bit of a hassle.

Anyways, that being said, this is one of the best erotic novels I’ve ever read. The writing stands out, first of all. It’s original, rich, with vivid descriptions—something that matters when writing about sex. It also excels in tone, creating a distinctive feel for Scott and Tad.

The sex is off the charts hot, with some inventive BSDM practices. No sex scene is the same as a previous one, and it doesn’t get routine anytime, unlike many other novels. It’s never just about sex, but always about emotions. This gives the book so much more depth than many erotic romances.

The relationship between Scott and self-proclaimed straight Tad is heartwarming. Tad is sweetly shy, whereas Scott is more self-assured, yet vulnerable where his heart concerns. It takes Tad a while to accept himself, just like it takes Scott a while to accept Tad’s pace. It does have a very happily ever after, and by the time you finish the book, you’ll wish there were ten more.

There is a spin off, featuring Scott’s best friend and dom Max (The Dungeon Black Duology part 1 and part 2). While these are still much better than many erotic romances, they never rose to the magic feeling of Upending Tad, in my opinion. Max is a much darker person, haunted by his past, and it changed the tone of the books. Anyways, if you love M/M erotic romances. Upending Tad is about as good as it gets.

(If you want more brutally honest reviews, check out my review blog at http://www.brutallyhonestreview.com)

[Grace · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF ~10%

This was a bummer, because the writing was decent, what I read of the smut was hot, and I love me some BDSM, but the way it was being portrayed here was really unsafe to the point where I just couldn't continue. I get that it's not real life, but the way it was being written made it seem as if the author wasn't aware that was was being portrayed was super skeevy and majorly dubious and not at all healthy BDSM, and I just can't jive with that. :/

[Saimi Vasquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tad siempre se ha sentido diferente, pero nunca penso que la diferencia radicara en su sexualidad o como la disfrutaba, sobre todo porque hasta esa noche el se consideraba heterosexual. Solo unas horas en las manos de Scott y su mundo y todo lo que creia saber se desmorona, y no sabe como enfrentar ese cambio, si solo su mente dejara de pensar en Scott o si solo fue cosa de una vez, tal vez deberia probar de nuevo, volver a verlo, pero sin el componente sexual, tal vez solo como amigos, a ver si se siente igual. Pero no importa como vea a Scott, es él. Él es el hombre que le atrae, pero solo sera Scott o son otros hombres? Que dira su familia? Sus amigos? Sus compañeros? Le importa lo que digan o piensen los demas? Solo hay una sola forma de saberlo, pero se atrevera a dar ese paso?

Esta "serie" de historias cortas resultan altamente eroticas y hot, pero tambien divertidas y entretenidas. Aunque cortos, cada libro tiene un inicio y un final definido por un dia, pero no por eso dejamos de saber que paso en la vida de los protas mientras tanto, lo que resulta en una trama bien definida, con personajes bien delineados y que nos deja una muy buena experiencia.
Este fue uno de esos libros que me salio como "recomendacion" de Goodreads, y debo decir que no me defraudo en lo mas minimo, tiene un poco de todo, Erotica, romance, drama, auto-conocimiento, secundarios divertidos, buenos protras y un final, que aunque es "Felices por Ahora", te deja sintiendo que realmente la historia llego hasta donde deberia.
Ahora, se que el autor tiene una bilogia spin-off de esta (que obviamente coloque en mis pendientes), pero no la voy a leer enseguida, voy a dejar un rato a estos personajes y volver con ellos mas adelante, quizas este año, quizas a comienzo del proximo, cuando quiera otra dosis de erotica-romantica bien llevada.

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

This shit was wild, y'all. My feelings about this were all over the place but probably my ratings would be:

3⭐ Parts 1-2
3.5⭐ Parts 3-4
4⭐ Parts 5-6 (honestly, part 5 might've been higher than that - it's the best one hands down)

I cringed soooo much while reading these. I stopped to check the publication date early on because it felt like 2008. It was not. This shit was published in 2015, which I realize is still a decade ago but doesn't feel quite long enough for some of the things that were said here. But also, I'm not a college aged boy and never have been so what the fuck do I know I guess.

Outside of the jarring use of some terms I was hoping never to encounter again, there was also a plethora of new phrases that I will forever want to avoid - including a ton of weird sex and genitalia euphemisms that can truly die a swift death. I am someone who likes authors to stick to the approved terms when writing smut. I'd rather get a little bored of seeing the word hole than be subjected to "star" and "backdoor" and "pucker". And I'm not even remembering all of them, possibly I've blocked them out.

There was also a bizarre emphasis on the music they were listening to. Visual media (tv/movies) has the ability to use music to reflect and enhance scenes but I need book authors to not try the same. It's one thing to include a playlist in the front of a book but it's awful to have a character say in the moment what song is playing and how it connects to what's happening. Also, no shade (or some shade I guess), but the music chosen was bad mid 2000s pop rock which only added to my thinking it was set in 2008.

Getting past all that, we have the LI, Scott. The absolutely preposterous setup of their "meet cute" aside, Scott had an annoying habit of being pushy to the point of almost coercive for nearly the entirety of the series. I wanted to like him and honestly I did, despite the fact that I had to actively block out that huge character trait. I wish it had been toned down/pulled back a bit.

Then there was Tad. Oh, Tad. First of all, I apologize profusely to anyone with that name but I really could not. I know I'm an asshole for thinking it, but it's just not a moanable name by any stretch and that's enough to take me out when I'm reading smut. But once I got past that, I found that I actually liked Tad. Well, I didn't like him all the time but I appreciated his journey.

Which brings me to why the fuck I am actually giving 4 stars to this book that I've done nothing but complain about. I cannot believe that I started out reading kind of cringy porn and ended up fully invested in the relationship between a man who was just trying to figure himself out and a man who was weighing if it was worth the emotional risk to put in the time with someone who was at that stage. The cringe was sprinkled throughout the whole thing (there was no escaping it), but with each part/encounter Tad was truly working through things with himself. He was a quiet, somewhat anxious/overthinking guy and he wasn't closeted, he honestly hadn't thought that he was interested in men. And while I hated the times when his denial was loud and he didn't seem brave, it felt very real and honest. And you could see it over time, him moving toward knowing himself. Scott's reactions all felt very real and honest as well. He was trying to be patient and he could see that Tad was struggling but he was also unwilling to be a secret. He didn't blame Tad but he knew his own limits.

I was surprised by the emphasis placed on how much they enjoyed each other outside of sex. Like, these guys clearly wanted to date each other and have a relationship. PWP doesn't have to do that but this ended up being a romance (HFN/HEA) and not just erotica. Unexpected - I honestly did not know we were headed there.

The sex scenes were crazy long. Each part/episode was centered around a sexual encounter and each one progressed their emotional connection and Tad's self acceptance. And they were all pretty hot. There were a few times where I had to tilt my head and think about the physical logistics but mostly it was good. What was not good (besides the previously mentioned terms) was the author's baffling insistence on calling the prostrate the g-spot. Never in my mm romance reading journey have I ever seen this error before. The g-spot is specific to the vagina, it even has a formal name and everything, there's no getting around that. Some guys called the prostrate the "P-spot" and that's obviously perfectly acceptable, but g-spot was thrown around so fucking often in this I started to wonder if it was like a joke or something at the reader's expense. Either way, I never want to see it again.

The smut could've been pure gold if I hadn't had to consistently endure the jump scare terminology and the use of "dude" during sex (Scott hated it too so I guess solidarity?). I probably say dude too much in my everyday life for someone of my age and gender but I can confidently say that it's never slipped out during intimacy. Maybe I'm too vanilla for it.

ANYWAY, I was really satisfied with how the relationship between them progressed and with Tad's growth. The moments where he really needed to prove himself and he did, made me feel strangely proud. Like, I was so proud of this stupid fictional boy named Tad. Plus, there were a shocking number of romantic moments and I loved them. They weren't even cringe, they were legitimately lovely and sweet. I almost couldn't believe the same author wrote them but they'd be sandwiched in between "dudes" and "g-spots" so I knew it was.

I had a weirdly good time with these - I kind of hated reading them sometimes but I also found myself invested as hell in these two idiots so really it was a mixed bag. I'd say read it if you want an experience.

Pet names: shy boy, babe, baby, DUDE

A very real part of him, which absolutely included his cock, wanted Scott to keep going. But another part of him, probably the part of his brain that valued sanity, was desperate for the flogging to stop.

“Son of a—” he gasped, gulping down a breath. “Holy crap, dude. You just rammed my tonsils.” Scott barked out another dark, rich laugh. “Again with the compliments.” “Again,” Tad laughed, too. “That was not a compliment!”

He realized in that moment that, on some crazy level, he felt safer with Scott than anyone else. Hell, the guy had opened a door inside him that Tad hadn’t known existed. Saw a side of him Tad suspected no one else ever would.

The last time they’d hung out, he’d begun to suspect it. But now, as Scott sat beside him, effortlessly looking straight into his soul, Tad knew it without a doubt. The guy got him. Really got him. And it was freeing in a way Tad couldn’t describe. But now that he’d tasted it, he didn’t want to let it go. Didn’t want to let Scott go.

“Don’t go there,” he whispered, burying his face in Tad’s neck. “Not back where you were. Not when I just got you out.” Tad could feel Scott’s lashes against his skin, felt the moment they slowly closed. “Just… say that you missed me… like I missed you.”

“So, you don’t think I’m a…” Scott shook his head. “The way I see it, a closet is someone who knows they’re gay but chooses not to go public. And who knows, maybe their reasons are legit.” He shrugged. “Not my place to judge. But whatever the case, it’s a deliberate choice. With you…” He tilted his head thoughtfully. “I don’t think you’ve got it all figured out yet.”

“But it’s the stuff with you I’m sorry about most. I should’ve been able to do the math. Because right from the start, I knew you were amazing. Worth every ounce of my energy, every second of my time. I mean, fuck…” He paused for a second to organize his thoughts. “You give me a kind of happy I never knew existed. You make me wanna be brave. And bold. Hell, you make me wanna be me.”

“How can just watching you, just looking at your face, totally undo me?”

Tad smiled, all stupid and boyish. “I mean, I’ve been a boyfriend before, that’s nothing new. I just haven’t ever had one.” Scott chuckled and wrapped him up in his arms. “No, I guess you haven’t.” “You find that funny?” Tad smiled against his neck. “Nah. Just kind of ironic.” “Ironic?” Warm lips pressed to the side of Tad’s head. “Mm. Because as much as I love being your first… In this… I’d rather be your last.”

“Me, too,” he breathed. “I love it, too… Everything… All of it… You.” Winding his arms around Scott’s neck, he exhaled and gave a squeeze. “Thank you. For finding me. And waking me up. Not sure you realize what you’ve given me.”

*
*
*
*
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Safety (may contain spoilers)

SA/rape: The first encounter was dub con. Tad was given a choice between being beaten up by some frat boys or being flogged by Scott and he chose the flogging. Scott wasn't told that Tad had been threatened, only that he was interested but a "closet case". It was still messed up but we knew that going in.

Other person drama: Tad went out on a date with a girl in between one of the parts. He did it to test his heterosexuality - he failed the test. Nothing happened with the girl. Tad sees Scott across a bar and feels like Scott's friends are being flirty with him. There's a misunderstanding that leads him to believe that Scott hooked up in the bathroom with one of them. Scott did not hook up with anyone and his friend was being obnoxiously clingy in an attempt to make someone else jealous - it had nothing to do with Scott. Tad had a lot of jealous feelings during that whole scene but Scott was not interested in anyone but Tad since the moment he met him.

[Rachel Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have left more detailed reviews on the individual stories, and I actually “read” them for the first time as audiobooks but I will repeat - this is erotica at its finest. The way Kora wrote these scenes between Tad and Scott is just scorching. Highly recommended!

And definitely recommended on audiobooks too! The narrator is excellent!

[Chiara D'Agosto · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the whole ass thing in like two days, following a friend's advice. Went in blind, trusted her with this one.
And I mean.
This is smut. Like, pure smut. BUT it's good smut. You gotta know how to write certain stuff. Kora Knight does. I don't care whether it was irrealistic, exaggerated, or whatevs. It was hot, period. Which is what I request as a minimum from my smut reads. This tho is being rated 4 stars (!!) because not only is seriously hot, but also HAS GOOD CHARACTERS!! With nice character development!! In a smutty story! It's like... nice people!! Talking!! Communicating! And fucking! Pure bliss.
So yeah, thank you Kora Knight for gifting me with two days of hot flushes and entertainment. So long.

(But please Kora... pretty please... would you stop mentioning Ed Sheeran every time two people are about to have some kinky ass sex? Please? Because at least for me it kinda ruins the mood 😂)

[Alexa26 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm rating the first 4 books only.
Dnf'ed the 5th book. I didn't like Scott's behaviour. It felt to me like he forced Tad to get out of the closet. I don't like this type of men and I lost all my respect for his character in this book.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok. I will admit that the storyline is minimal but it’s still worked in a way that it feels complete. But it’s hot hot hot and really well written! It takes a lot of talent for a story to feel so well rounded while being 90% sexual content. And it’s good! And damn!

The narration is fantastic and perfect for the story. Michael really brings this to a whole new level.

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. So this gay awakening story is set over six novellas and chronicles how Tad gets his groove on with a guy for the first time. I was bored. It's really more like six protracted sex scenes with like some existential queer angst and banter thrown in. If you're after drawn-out erotica, then this is the series for you, but I wasn't blown away.

[a · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books were so good! If somebody knows another series like this one please say so

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has some of THE sexiest erotica I have ever read! I loved it all!

[Bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the smuttiest books I've ever read. A fun and pleasurable read!

[Laura Shipley · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!! I could not put this book down. I read it in a weekend. It's 6 novellas, but each one drags you to read the next one. Great series. Loved the characters and the wonderful development that Tad goes through in discovering his sexuality. The chemistry between him and Scott is HOT!! I will definitely read more by this author

[K.C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skyrocketed to the top of my list of favourite MM BDSM books!

[Manic killer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is utter perfection. 😭😭😩😩😩

I have no words.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Latasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a lot of plot, but a lot of fun! I found myself really wanting to learn more about the other characters and wanting to jump immediately into the spin off books!

[AverageCapybaraEnjoyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, but why was I actually invested in Tad and Scott's relationship?

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A six-book journey for Tad and Scott…or Tadpole and The Python.

It’s a story of awakening and realization and coming out, with a huge focus on fulfillment and pleasure.

Well-written. Accurate with anatomy and physiology.

Best book: #5
Weakest book: #6

While there are unsavory elements of BDSM and…ahem…uncomfortable situations, there’s also a lot of joy and love here.

Detailed reviews of all six…


Loser Takes All -

“Good part? Are you out of your mind?”
“No. But you’re about to be. Deep breaths, beautiful.”


Tad is 24. We’re given the sense, early on, that he’s a bit of an average Joe. Handsome and fit, but not astoundingly so. Shy. Unassuming. Over thinker.

Scott is extremely good-looking. Perhaps a few years older than Tad, his day job is a personal trainer. Dude is built.

A large loss at poker puts Tad in an uncomfortable situation.

Scott knows how to give good massage.

Everywhere.

Despite the flogging and the orgasm denial, this is a 15/10 on the scale of hotness. Ridiculously arousing.

Wall of Confliction, indeed.

Nice variety in activities.

The flash drive.

Exquisite level of detail. The skill in this book puts the absolute majority of erotica writers to shame. One of the hottest books I've ever read.


“I really should go. Don’t want to overstay my welcome.”
“Yeah. But just for the record, you never could.”

Test of Endurance -

God, his voice was like a velvet tongue, licking along Tad’s spine. His body shivered of its own volition.


We pick up the morning after Tad’s life-changing evening with Scott. Tad begins some (much-needed) self-analysis.

Hmmm…none of his relationships with women have worked. (I wonder why…)

We learn that Tad is taking night classes, while working days, to pay for his schooling. He’s studying to get his master’s in journalism. And Scott is actually 29, five years older than Tad.

Blown away by the video, and after twelve painful days away, Tad finally caves.

The men have an easy camaraderie. And eerily similar tastes in music.

Scott didn’t know why Tad was sent to him in book one. His ensuing reaction is remarkable.

It’s rather fun being in Tad’s head…a bit frustrating, yes. But also endearing and enjoyable. Tad’s journey of acceptance is not a linear one.

The dialogue is excellent. Scott saying “Mm” to damn near everything. Scott’s concern for Tad’s well-being is awesome.

Babe. Shy boy. Gorgeous.

Incredibly intimate and caring. A lot of edging. Eventually Tad needs…more. Good pain and discomfort.

So hot. So descriptive. So detailed.

Interesting—and sad—cliffhanger to end on.


He felt so invaded, so unhinged, so owned. A possession Scott somehow had managed to claim. And though it hurt so bad, it also felt amazing. It scared the hell out of him…and liberated his soul.

Sideline Submission -

Scott wasn’t just under his skin anymore, but on a crash-course straight for his heart.


Despite his obsession with the personal trainer, Tad Mitchel has managed to stay away from Scott for an entire month.

Work, school, friends…anything non-Scott-related, Tad throws himself into.

Why doesn’t Scott reach out? Tad suddenly wonders if Scott could be feeling used. 💡

The assholes from book one have been dealt with. Tad can’t stop checking Scott’s professional website. Can’t stop thinking about him, either.

Everyone, from his bro friends to his failed dates with females, knows Tad is gay. Everyone, that is, except for Tad.

Watching Scott watch Tad watch the performance…a lot of time spent with Max and Sean. Need to change the channel back to The Scott and Tad Show much sooner.

This is intimate and, at times, downright romantic.

Progress is made—Scott does use a weakness of Tad’s to expose (some of) Tad’s true feelings. And it’s quite welcome. Possibly the best actual action. No whips and no endless edging for 80-year-olds.

It’s possible to overlook a lot. Most prominently, the turn-off that is the entire Max and Sean cluster. Hell, even the itch cream. But the big demerit here goes to possibly the stupidest rom-com device ever: The Thwarted Kiss.


“But it’s been awhile so…just go slow. And don’t make us fall.”
“Ah, but…what if I already have?”


Prized Possession

A part of him couldn’t help wondering, though, if it was more than simple nerves. Because every time Scott got him all riled up, Tad didn’t just feel like he was flailing, but tumbling heels-over-head.


Tad remains clueless as to why Max is irate with him.

Tad is slowly coming to terms with the fact that he is gay. Very. Very. Very. Slowly.

Thing was, he wanted to be sure he was gay before he told others as much.

(The author is gonna need to wrap that up quite soon. After all the sex that these two have had, there’s zero room for confusion. Nevermind the actual feelings they have for one another…)

Phone sex is hot.

Scott’s about to make dinner for the both of them, again, when plans change.

Scott is so kind to Tad’s closeted ass, especially throughout the encounters with Tad’s friends.

Kickboxing and wrestling. Great action afterwards.

Tad is definitely irritating, at points, during this book. However, Tad also makes some progress. But will it be enough for Scott?


A feeling of raw possessiveness rose into his chest. Scratch that. He didn’t want to be Scott’s anything. He wanted to be his everything. Didn’t even want Scott to think about anyone else.

😘

Bringing it Home

“All I’ve ever done was all I ever could. Wait. For you to open your eyes and see me. Really see me. Standing here. Waiting. For you.”


Episode Five of Tadpole and The Python.

Tad is out drinking with his friends, celebrating his buddy Breck’s birthday.

But when the guys inadvertently run into each other at the club, Tad gets a taste of his own medicine: how it feels to be someone’s secret side piece.

(Not for nothing, Tad has been such a fucking asshole about the whole Max thing. Like…bitch…you are a closet case who is stringing along the man’s best friend. And you’re salty cuz he throws you some side eye?!?)

Tad finally drops the G bomb. 🙌 With so much of this book being about Tad coming into his own as a gay man, more of his coming out moments would be helpful. We’re just kinda told how it went (with everyone but Jay).

Scott opens up even more. His father, substance abuse, getting fit…His story and his background are dark and beautiful—just like the man himself.

Scott has some…ahem…lessons for Tad.

“Don’t worry, shy boy. I promise to show you everything you need to know.”

Taking his cues from Scott’s tutelage (and maybe some Lil’ Wayne, too), Tad reciprocates.

“The big guy’s dying to go home.”
“Classy analogy.”

The first four books are super strong. But this one is legit next level. All the feels, the emotions, and the reveals. WoW! Scott’s confessions, and Tad’s, are amazing. This is an epic love story.

Explosive. Explicit. Riveting. Far and away, the strongest of the bunch so far.

This. Is. Stellar. Breathtaking, descriptive detail. So goddamn sensual. They’ve been making love throughout this entire series, but now they’re both fully cognizant of that fact.


Whatever the case, his expression was the most moving thing that Tad had ever seen. Raw vulnerability. Genuine hope. And this really fucking beautiful kind of trust. Tad’s chest clenched tight in realization. Scott was handing over his heart, too.

Afterglow

“Mm. Because as much as I love being your first…In this…I’d rather be your last.”


It’s a beautiful gay love story, with excellent descriptive detail. But the author’s unsavory preferences creep further and further into this book. Between The Paddling and The Pool Stick fiascos, deductions are obligatory here…

Tad has finally accepted himself. He’s come out as the gay man that he is.

At school, Tad can’t wait to see his boyfriend. Their kiss outside is quite welcome.

Home. What Tad was to Scott in so many ways. Funny, how it happened so fast.

It’s nice to see Tad continuing to check out and assess other men. Not in a cruising manner…just in a holy-shit-I’m-gay-and-wow-there-are-other-hot-dudes-out-there, lightbulb-moment kinda way.

We briefly get Scott’s POV. At last, we learn his last name—it’s Thompson.

Making him inexplicably both master and slave to the man held tight in his arms. His shy boy. His Tad. His absolute everything.

The spanking is…uncomfortable. And the pool stick is downright disgusting.

Talk of testing and safety are satisfying, as this (finally) leads to bareback. Hot sex; different with Tad in control.

“Taste your man.”

Too much time wasted on Max and Sean’s spin-off.

More substance in Scott’s POV would be helpful. Much too surface level. She also doesn’t give him a unique voice; he just sounds like a bossier version of Tad. Scott comes off as…kinda creepy. And he shouldn’t. He’s a good guy with a great heart. Just another misfire from this writer.

Ultimately, relieved that she ended the series here—before she could introduce additional foul foreign objects, itching creams, paddles, floggers, or whatever-the-fuck-else.

Really wish they’d said the L word in book 5 instead…rather than put us through this. Some PDA at school and a cute game of pool (until it’s very much not cute)…and hot sex…aren’t worth the rest of this.


“And here I thought all of that magic shit was crap.”
“Not where you and me are concerned.”

[loverexreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I still can't believe how much I loved Kora Knight's Upending Tad series. I wasn't sure I would like the D/s dynamic between the two MCs and for that reason I didn't dare read it until now. It took epicbookjoy's recommendation for my 12 challenge for me to finally decide to pick it up. I can only be grateful, because thanks to her I discovered a series that is now one of my all time favourites.

There were no surprises with this series, Upending Tad: A Journey of Erotic Discovery, was exactly what the title said it was. I was expecting to read a story filled with smut and eroticism, but I was totally surprised by how much heart and emotion there was in this book.

The sex scenes were some of the most intense, explicit and arousing I've ever read. They were very, very long without ever being repetitive. I loved that throughout these scenes we had access to all of Tad's thoughts, all of his hesitations and especially all of his fascination with Scott. Tad was like a scared wild horse that at the slightest misstep could escape and Scott with all his patience was there to reassure him.

And Scott...wow! That man!!! I literally fell under his spell. He exuded confidence and knew exactly what he wanted and how to get it. He loved to take control and at the same time was capable of tenderness and affection. The story is solely in Tad's POV and the more he fell for Scott, the more I, as a reader, fell in love with Scott as well. I may have done a little dance towards the end when I saw that there was a small part told in Scott's POV.

I felt, for at least half of this book, while Tad and Scott were edging themselves, that the author was doing the same with the reader. Giving us little moments where we felt like something was finally going to happen emotionally between our two MCs only to have it end immediately. It was so good and so frustrating at the same time.

I discovered a lot about myself as a reader while Tad was on his journey. I have a kinky side that is becoming more and more apparent and that I want to explore. Fortunately, Kora Knight has two spinoffs of Upending Tad that I'm looking forward to discovering and that should do the trick.

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kora Knight sets 🔥Fire🔥to this Sizzling🔥Hot🔥 Series!
Series: Up-Ending Tad: A Journey of Erotic Discovery, Book 1-2-3

By: Kora Knight
Narrated by: Michael Pauley

This book bundle is awesome, it contains the 1st three stories of Tad’s journey of Erotic Discovery. I loved how Kora Knight takes the reader along side Tad, her descriptive writing and dialogue tells all the emotions he is feeling and thinking. His journey is not only of erotic discovery but one of his own sexuality. The 1st volume “Loser Takes All” brings him to the local Dom, instead he meets Scott, the Dom’s roommate. Then the play begins and hot play it is. And Tad, not being gay is surprised how much it turned him on. The 2nd Volume “Test of Endurance” brings him back to Sott’s gym and a workout turns into another hot encounter. The 3rd Volume “Sideline Submission” you meet Max and his playmate sub Great D/s play in this book causing another encounter for Scott and Tad. All three stories are sizzling hot with tastefully done BDSM scenes.. The journey is not over for Tad and I am looking forward to see where it goes, also interested in the dynamics of Scott and Max, are they just roommates or is there more? Kora Knight, thank you for these great stories and for taking us on Tad’s smoking hot journey.

I listened to the Audible edition narrated by the talented Michael Pauley. He is an awesome voice performer and storyteller. He brings the character to life and gives them heart and emotion. Thank you for another great listen!!

[Jennifer Olivas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved these books! Totally at the top of erotica that I have read. The scenes between Tad and Scott are so incredibly scorching hot. Not just for the sex itself, but each time that they are together you can feel how they are opening up with their feelings for each other, and falling more deeply for the other. It is difficult for Scott because he has to be worried that Tad will never be able to come to terms with his sexuality, and want to keep Scott as his dirty little secret. I think my proudest moment of Tad's is in book six, when he unabashedly shows how much he cares for Scott in a public place. I was really hoping that these two would get an HEA, and I was very happy with the ending. I listened to all of these books on audio book and I thought Michael Pauley did a really good job narrating!

[Angelica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg, this book took my breath away, the edging scenes were amazing, as this is a bundle I got I loved how things go between Scott and Tad. I like how open minded Tad is and how it shows the struggle he has emotional and doesn't just immediately accept everything. Time passes he still has his freak out but comes to accept certain things.

[Byakuya (White Night) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I freaking love this story!! Everything about it got me so good. The characters were great, the plot was great. I really loved the development of the story.
Bottom line, good, the story is good, the story is amazing guys! I recommend this for sure!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing series! I loved it ❤️❤️❤️

[Denise GremoryKohta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series so much. I've left reviews for the individual books and both bundles.

[maya musser · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE LOVE LOVE ❣️This series. I need more Tad and Scott.

[Tajie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fuck Tad, who the hell is Tad? UPEDNING TAJ is what this shit should really be called. It has changed the entire world I knew existed and put it upside down. Like I don’t know how to walk with these new knees. Weak as fuck knees y’all…weak as fucking fuck knees. I am unwell. I have been reborn. I have never read a book like this before. It was literally three scenes but felt like a fucking millennia. Like I had GOOSEBUMPS reading it. When is the last time I’ve been so physically moved by a book {there were literal reactions at MANY times to which I needed just a minute to pull myself together for my sanity} I don’t even know. Y’all I am not a virgin, but I dang near felt like one with my blushing. Ok now that I have worked through MY EMOTIONS with this read, let’s get into it.
Tad you frustrated me with being “straight” and all. You continued to grab onto that title even though in your deepest thoughts you knew it was wrong. It fired me up. It made me hate you on levels I am not ready to admit, you are fictitious and I was ready to KILL to prove you wrong. Then I read on. I dove into the psyche of it and realized ah ah ah (in my best Dennis from Jurassic Park voice) there is meaning. This will be purposeful.
Scott. I don’t have words. I wasn’t sure how I would like you. You seemed full of yourself. BOI WAS I RIGHT, but because you had reason to be. The carnage you inflicted on that man was absolutely breathtakingly beautiful. Can you do me next? Like right now? Then. Then! THEN, you had the audacity to know yourself; Know your feelings; And share just BITS of emotions as to not scare him and I exploded. My head exploded. My heart exploded. My junk exploded. My person who in 36 years I knew, exploded. I was not them any longer. I am not them now. I am a literal walking orgasm who has no purpose. I take deep breaths and hope to keep composure as I slide into the next volumes in this story. And I reflect on how moved I was through volumes 1, 2, 3 and realize I AM NOT EVEN DONE. Will I even survive??? Hopefully so I can read about Max & Scott too