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Desires #2
What He Craves
Matt Simpson is notorious for his bad decisions. From his rocky teenage years to his tumultuous early twenties, he's made a lot of mistakes. His latest, greatest, and perhaps stupidest of them all was his recent pursuit of his boss, the unattainable Steve Paulson. Desperate to make the man notice him, and knowing Steve would never get involved with an employee, Matt quits his job.
Unfortunately, Steve still won’t touch him. To make matters worse, his new job falls through and his older brother won’t hire him. Matt can’t bear to ask Steve for help, and soon he finds himself out of money and out of options. When Steve finds him living in his car and demands that he go home with him, Matt obeys, but living with the man he's wanted for two years proves to be frustrating as well as explosively hot. As Matt begins to explore his submissive side under Steve's firm guidance, his insecurities haunt him. What does a homeless, jobless kid with a string of failures behind him have to offer, even if Steve did want him for more than a brief fling?
Unfortunately, Steve still won’t touch him. To make matters worse, his new job falls through and his older brother won’t hire him. Matt can’t bear to ask Steve for help, and soon he finds himself out of money and out of options. When Steve finds him living in his car and demands that he go home with him, Matt obeys, but living with the man he's wanted for two years proves to be frustrating as well as explosively hot. As Matt begins to explore his submissive side under Steve's firm guidance, his insecurities haunt him. What does a homeless, jobless kid with a string of failures behind him have to offer, even if Steve did want him for more than a brief fling?
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2018
137 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Denning
96 books543 followersEM Denning has more than twenty romance novels under her belt and has become an author you can rely on to bring you emotionally endearing, soft and fuzzy, stories. She is well known among her friends for her love of naps and sarcasm. She spends her free time reading as many romance novels as she can get her hands on.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
February 18, 2018
Hmmm. This book was hot and the I liked both of the characters but I struggled really hard with the pace of the relationship. Just because you've known each other for two years by being in each other's orbit does not mean you actually know each other or that the pace of your BDSM relationship should skip from 0-60 in 0.2 seconds.
My biggest concern while reading this was that I felt like Matt used the dom/sub relationship as a total way to get out of being a responsible adult. His thought process was more about avoidance of his situation and it made me uncomfortable. He is pretty willing to do anything to be rescued and relieved of his duties to himself to take care of the details of life.
At least Steve was a good dom but he rushed it all too.
My biggest concern while reading this was that I felt like Matt used the dom/sub relationship as a total way to get out of being a responsible adult. His thought process was more about avoidance of his situation and it made me uncomfortable. He is pretty willing to do anything to be rescued and relieved of his duties to himself to take care of the details of life.
At least Steve was a good dom but he rushed it all too.
April 13, 2018
So this was better than book 1 - I overlooked some bad typos that should have been edited but other than that it was a fairly typical formula that was followed. Just lacked the depth needed to really feel the characters
February 22, 2018
3.5 Stars. EM Denning is a newer author for me, only having read book one of this series, and I did enjoy this book more. The story trope includes an age gap and a hurt/comfort theme. Steve and Matt enter into a D/s contract quite soon after Matt goes home with Steve, since they’d known each other for so long. Matt’s history is rather sad and has left him very insecure, with a poor self-image. He’s still quite young, so that mostly supported his “voice” in the story, that often seemed too child-like. Steve is quite happy to take over Matt’s life decisions, for the most part, although Matt does eventually take some decisions about his future into his own hands. It didn’t quite veer into Master/slave, but it felt pretty close to it. Their relationship falls together very quickly and easily, Matt more than happy to accept everything Steve suggests or offers. Steve isn’t the formal, arrogant Dom cliché that often appears in BDSM either.
My lack of much enthusiasm is partly due to over-simplification, since I prefer a higher level of realism and a relationship that shows particular efforts from a couple. I was entertained well enough by the book, I just couldn’t deeply engage with the couple. Perhaps it’s because there’s only brief exposition for the two years they worked together, so the buildup and sexual tension was missing. They had sex almost right away and the frequency was what I expected. The “scenes” are mild, mostly rough, possessive sex and some paddling, but follows SSC conventions and sticks to safe sex. Matt’s brother Cam played a rather villainous role and that added some extra interest. As BDSM tropes go, this was a decent story, suitable for readers who prefer BDSM-lite.
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review for Hearts On Fire Reviews blog*
My lack of much enthusiasm is partly due to over-simplification, since I prefer a higher level of realism and a relationship that shows particular efforts from a couple. I was entertained well enough by the book, I just couldn’t deeply engage with the couple. Perhaps it’s because there’s only brief exposition for the two years they worked together, so the buildup and sexual tension was missing. They had sex almost right away and the frequency was what I expected. The “scenes” are mild, mostly rough, possessive sex and some paddling, but follows SSC conventions and sticks to safe sex. Matt’s brother Cam played a rather villainous role and that added some extra interest. As BDSM tropes go, this was a decent story, suitable for readers who prefer BDSM-lite.
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review for Hearts On Fire Reviews blog*
January 31, 2018
Matt has always been a screwup, in and out of rehab. He fell in love with his boss Steve but because Steve had a strict no dating the help policy, he rebuffed Matt at every turn. Matt thought if he quit he would have a chance with Steve. He was devastated when Steve still told him no.
Unable to find work, buried under a mountain of debt, and evicted, Matt is living in his car when Steve finally tracks him down.
What follows is both men learning they each have something the other wants and needs. Steve needs someone to take care of and Matt needs someone to make him important.
A hot story of submission and love.
Unable to find work, buried under a mountain of debt, and evicted, Matt is living in his car when Steve finally tracks him down.
What follows is both men learning they each have something the other wants and needs. Steve needs someone to take care of and Matt needs someone to make him important.
A hot story of submission and love.
February 12, 2018
When an author has me feeling what their characters are feeling, I'm laughing and crying and in the same chapter I think they are on the right track! I was sucked in from the start and I was gutted for Matty at times and then giggling at him in others, But through this book I could feel his emotions and feel his ups and down and that makes a great book for me. When I am shy for them or excited for them I want to feel those things and EM did an amazing job making me feel these charters. Steve really stepped up and I couldn't have been happier even if I wanted to kick him a few times even if that was just my inner brat. In all Steve wants to take care of Matty but in his own unique way and that is exactly what Matty craves. So this addition to the series was just as amazing as book one but it built on it even more. You are even further into these men's lives and you want so many things for them and the others they surround themselves with. How can you pass up so many sexy men and their boys? This is a hot and sexy book with some emotion wove in that you just can't help love it.
July 13, 2021
Questo secondo volume della serie di autoconclusivi "Desire" mi è piaciuto più del primo.
La dolcezza di Matt, la sua fragilità, la sua insicurezza mi hanno conquistata subito. Con un doloroso passoto alle spalle, costellato di errori, di rammarico e di solitudine, questo ragazzo ha un animo segnato che lo ha renso drammaticamente insicuro ma anche profondamente empatico.
Al suo fianco c'è, finalmente, Steve. Lui, così dominante ma anche pieno di cure, è il suo perfetto contraltare. I due insieme fanno scintille fin da quando si permettono di cedere ai loro desideri. La storia è un susseguirsi di eventi più o meno quotidiani, che carezza il cuore del lettore e lo coccola, mentre le scene BDSM sono sempre ricche di emozioni e mai eccessiva.
È un romanzo pieno di amore e di romanticismo, che parla di seconde possibilità, di fiducia e di rinascita. Ne ho amato ogni singola pagina.
Hugs&kisses
La dolcezza di Matt, la sua fragilità, la sua insicurezza mi hanno conquistata subito. Con un doloroso passoto alle spalle, costellato di errori, di rammarico e di solitudine, questo ragazzo ha un animo segnato che lo ha renso drammaticamente insicuro ma anche profondamente empatico.
Al suo fianco c'è, finalmente, Steve. Lui, così dominante ma anche pieno di cure, è il suo perfetto contraltare. I due insieme fanno scintille fin da quando si permettono di cedere ai loro desideri. La storia è un susseguirsi di eventi più o meno quotidiani, che carezza il cuore del lettore e lo coccola, mentre le scene BDSM sono sempre ricche di emozioni e mai eccessiva.
È un romanzo pieno di amore e di romanticismo, che parla di seconde possibilità, di fiducia e di rinascita. Ne ho amato ogni singola pagina.
Hugs&kisses
February 14, 2018
Wow Fantastic book. I loved Matt and Steve in this book. Smokin hot scenes are flamin sizzling. Matt's gorgeous but with what his brother Cam did to him was despicable and down right wrong. Well its was about time Steve got his finger out sheesh after 2 years it took him long enough. I loved this book and cant wait for the next story. Yah I'd probably advise to read the first book to follow the characters before hand. Congrats Ms Denning.
Matt 22 worked at a restaurant and tried to get Steve's attention for 2 years with a fail. Quitting in a big huff Steve didnt date fellow employees.. with no job no money no room he sleeps in his car.
Steve just opened his kink club and was great. Steve wasn't exactly enune to Matt but by putting up a good wall between them.
Matt 22 worked at a restaurant and tried to get Steve's attention for 2 years with a fail. Quitting in a big huff Steve didnt date fellow employees.. with no job no money no room he sleeps in his car.
Steve just opened his kink club and was great. Steve wasn't exactly enune to Matt but by putting up a good wall between them.
February 10, 2018
I absolutely LOVED this book. I waited for the second book in this series because I feel in love the characters in the first book. I was hoping I would feel the same about the characters in the second. E.M. Denning didn't disappoint. I loved every minute of it. EM Denning is quickly on my way to being a one-click author. I can't wait to see what she comes out with next.
I loved the way Steve took care of Matt. It made my heart happy. I love a book where no matter the characters preferences love is the main thing and for these characters, it was all about love!
I loved the way Steve took care of Matt. It made my heart happy. I love a book where no matter the characters preferences love is the main thing and for these characters, it was all about love!
September 7, 2018
Heavenly Kinky😇
A 2-year craving, bad choices and some kink with love on top describes the Matty & Steve romantic story. I must say, I enjoyed the second half more than the beginning.
The Beginning of the story: I think the “terrible parents” ploy is done to death! I also had problems with how quickly Steve dominated and had rough sex with the vulnerable Matty.
However, the rest of the story was okay enough for me to continue with this series.
A 2-year craving, bad choices and some kink with love on top describes the Matty & Steve romantic story. I must say, I enjoyed the second half more than the beginning.
The Beginning of the story: I think the “terrible parents” ploy is done to death! I also had problems with how quickly Steve dominated and had rough sex with the vulnerable Matty.
However, the rest of the story was okay enough for me to continue with this series.
June 4, 2022
Great relationship between Steve and Matt once they finally manage to get together. Good appearance from Alan and Craig, plus a beautiful set-up for the next book (I'm really looking forward to that one!). Matt's brother is a complete ass throughout, so it's a good thing Matt had more friends than he realized.
May 18, 2018
1.75 stars
Found this to be very boring & didn’t really connect with any of the characters. 😪
Found this to be very boring & didn’t really connect with any of the characters. 😪
July 27, 2025
Spicy
Book one was sweet, with a daddy/boy relationship, this book too was hot and spicy. A past of slow burn comes roaring in hot when these two finally connect. Matt getting spanked by Steve... fire!
KU, contemporary, book in a series, Dom/sub, BDSM club owner, previous employee, spanking, bondage, exhibition
Book one was sweet, with a daddy/boy relationship, this book too was hot and spicy. A past of slow burn comes roaring in hot when these two finally connect. Matt getting spanked by Steve... fire!
KU, contemporary, book in a series, Dom/sub, BDSM club owner, previous employee, spanking, bondage, exhibition
December 17, 2021
Wow......I loved the first in the series and this is just as good....I absolutely loved Steve and Matt...They were perfect together....Steve I could have slapped just once but he got his head together and finally admitted he wanted Matt....I'm loving this author and can't wait for the next one in the series x
February 18, 2018
This second ,beautiful ,sweet , heartwarming Bdsm romance stole my heart , it's even better than the previous one in this Desire series . I only wished it was a little longer and now I 'm so looking forward to this series to continue .
February 8, 2018
EM Denning has officially become one of my auto-buys. This series is shaping up to be so good and it's only book two.
Matt is a screw-up. He's done a lot of things he regrets and is trying to hold on as his life seems to crumble around him-due to another unwise decision. Matty hurt my heart. A lot. I wanted to wrap him up and make everything okay.He didn't deserve anything he went through. Yes, he had a past but who doesn't? All He needed was someone and something to be there for him, to love him despite the choices he once made.
Steve is hot. He's rough around the edges but he has these qualities that make him sweet for Matt and only Matt. It's what connects the two books together. Alan and Steve may both be Doms, but they have these sides of them that are only for their boys. It's sweet.
While What He Craves is rougher than What He Needs, as the characters have different needs. Matt needs a firmer hand than Craig does, though they both need to be taken care of by their Doms. This is where I become impressed and in awe with EM's writing. She took the BDSM genre and molded it into her own. Both books are vastly different in the kink factor but they have this sweet, vulnerable core.
What He Craves is HOT! Seriously, one of the hottest books I’ve read. The chemistry between the two of them was off the charts. And all the biting made me a bit jealous, lol. The scene they did together at the club was hot, I loved it. I loved the relationship they build and the trust Matt has for Steve. So glad we got to see a little bit of Craig and Alan. They’re so cute together.
While the chemistry burns hot between these two characters they both have to deal with Matt's past and what his present is currently doing to his insecurity. My heart ached for him. When a character as sweet as Matt has an issue with who he is and what he thinks he can give it breaks me. As Steve helps him come into his own and realize that he is stronger than he thinks I feel the depth of their relationship. The love and trust these two have for each other is beautiful-one reason I love reading BDSM.
I didn't know I wanted this book until I read it, those are always the best kinds of reads. EM Denning has a talent and I cannot wait to read more from her.
Matt is a screw-up. He's done a lot of things he regrets and is trying to hold on as his life seems to crumble around him-due to another unwise decision. Matty hurt my heart. A lot. I wanted to wrap him up and make everything okay.He didn't deserve anything he went through. Yes, he had a past but who doesn't? All He needed was someone and something to be there for him, to love him despite the choices he once made.
Steve is hot. He's rough around the edges but he has these qualities that make him sweet for Matt and only Matt. It's what connects the two books together. Alan and Steve may both be Doms, but they have these sides of them that are only for their boys. It's sweet.
While What He Craves is rougher than What He Needs, as the characters have different needs. Matt needs a firmer hand than Craig does, though they both need to be taken care of by their Doms. This is where I become impressed and in awe with EM's writing. She took the BDSM genre and molded it into her own. Both books are vastly different in the kink factor but they have this sweet, vulnerable core.
What He Craves is HOT! Seriously, one of the hottest books I’ve read. The chemistry between the two of them was off the charts. And all the biting made me a bit jealous, lol. The scene they did together at the club was hot, I loved it. I loved the relationship they build and the trust Matt has for Steve. So glad we got to see a little bit of Craig and Alan. They’re so cute together.
While the chemistry burns hot between these two characters they both have to deal with Matt's past and what his present is currently doing to his insecurity. My heart ached for him. When a character as sweet as Matt has an issue with who he is and what he thinks he can give it breaks me. As Steve helps him come into his own and realize that he is stronger than he thinks I feel the depth of their relationship. The love and trust these two have for each other is beautiful-one reason I love reading BDSM.
I didn't know I wanted this book until I read it, those are always the best kinds of reads. EM Denning has a talent and I cannot wait to read more from her.
April 3, 2018
Durch eine impulsive Entscheidung steht Matt Simpson plötzlich auf der Straße und muss sich in seinem Auto einquartieren. Auf der Straße zu leben, ohne Job und Geld, war nicht wirklich sein Lebensziel. Doch Matt fehlt Struktur im Leben, ein Plan und vor allem der Fokus diesen auch umzusetzen. Deswegen gerät er auch immer wieder in Schwierigkeiten. Dabei wollte er doch nur einen anderen Job, damit er endlich eine Chance bei seinem bisherigen Arbeitgeber Steve bekommt. Denn Steve ist sein Schwarm, gleichzeitig aber auch bekannt sich nicht mit seinem Personal einzulassen.
Und das hat gute Gründe. Steve ist sehr korrekt, hat aber auch eine dunkle Seite; eine bestimmende und fordernde Seite. Damit müsste ein Partner umgehen können und für das Angestellten-Chef-Verhältnis könnte seine dominante Seite durchaus zum ernsthaften Problem werden. Aber hinter Steves scheinbar distanziertem und desinteressiertem Verhalten verbirgt sich etwas völlig anderes. Denn nicht nur Matt schwärmt für Steve, sondern Steve erwidert insgeheim die Gefühle des jüngeren Mannes. Und als er zufällig von Matts Schwierigkeiten erfährt, springt er endlich über seinen Schatten. Zu viel empfindet er für Matt und zu sehr sorgt er sich um ihn. Doch selbst als Matt sich von Steve 'retten' lässt, lösen sich ihre Schwierigkeiten nicht in Luft auf.
Diese Reihe gefällt mir immer besser. Während es in der ersten Geschichte mehr um einen Daddy-Kink ging, taucht der Leser hier in eine richtige BDSM-Story ein. Steve ist ein erfahrener Dom und Matt neugierig, aber unerfahren. Jedoch finden sie einen gemeinsamen Kind, der sie auch beide glücklich macht und befriedigt. Matt ist allerdings ein sehr unsicherer Charakter; geprägt durch die Erfahrungen mit seinem Vater und seinem Bruder, die ihn beide nicht immer gut behandelt haben. Zudem neigt Matt eben zu unüberlegten Entscheidungen und hatte auch Probleme mit Drogen und Schulden.
Es liegt nun an Steve seinen jungen Partner zu führen, ihm Selbstsicherheit zu vermitteln und ihn zu stärken. Das gelingt Steve auch sehr gut und ich fand das Buch wirklich sehr, sehr gut. Natürlich gibt es wieder viele Sexszenen und die haben es auch in sich. Aber es gibt eben auch noch eine sehr gute Geschichte rund um den Kink und die vielen Spielereien zwischen den Helden.
Und das hat gute Gründe. Steve ist sehr korrekt, hat aber auch eine dunkle Seite; eine bestimmende und fordernde Seite. Damit müsste ein Partner umgehen können und für das Angestellten-Chef-Verhältnis könnte seine dominante Seite durchaus zum ernsthaften Problem werden. Aber hinter Steves scheinbar distanziertem und desinteressiertem Verhalten verbirgt sich etwas völlig anderes. Denn nicht nur Matt schwärmt für Steve, sondern Steve erwidert insgeheim die Gefühle des jüngeren Mannes. Und als er zufällig von Matts Schwierigkeiten erfährt, springt er endlich über seinen Schatten. Zu viel empfindet er für Matt und zu sehr sorgt er sich um ihn. Doch selbst als Matt sich von Steve 'retten' lässt, lösen sich ihre Schwierigkeiten nicht in Luft auf.
Diese Reihe gefällt mir immer besser. Während es in der ersten Geschichte mehr um einen Daddy-Kink ging, taucht der Leser hier in eine richtige BDSM-Story ein. Steve ist ein erfahrener Dom und Matt neugierig, aber unerfahren. Jedoch finden sie einen gemeinsamen Kind, der sie auch beide glücklich macht und befriedigt. Matt ist allerdings ein sehr unsicherer Charakter; geprägt durch die Erfahrungen mit seinem Vater und seinem Bruder, die ihn beide nicht immer gut behandelt haben. Zudem neigt Matt eben zu unüberlegten Entscheidungen und hatte auch Probleme mit Drogen und Schulden.
Es liegt nun an Steve seinen jungen Partner zu führen, ihm Selbstsicherheit zu vermitteln und ihn zu stärken. Das gelingt Steve auch sehr gut und ich fand das Buch wirklich sehr, sehr gut. Natürlich gibt es wieder viele Sexszenen und die haben es auch in sich. Aber es gibt eben auch noch eine sehr gute Geschichte rund um den Kink und die vielen Spielereien zwischen den Helden.
February 10, 2018
What He Craves: book 2 Desires series, was as Craig's best friend Everett said when he described Matt and Steve together: " ...The two of you are seriously going to bring down the house. The way you guys look at each other, sh!t, f'kin hot." Everett was spot on.
What He Craves, took up from book one and followed the lives of Steve and Matt.
Steve, Alan's best friend is firmly established into the kink club he bought off Alan. He's renovated it into a kink/restaurant and after almost a year it is doing well, professionally he is going great. Personally not so well. He's lusting after Matt one of his employees, and with his 'no touching the employees rule', Matt is way, out of bounds.
Matt, sterling employee, serious teenage screw up, he's extremely impulsive and often leaps before he looks. His teenage years were very, very up and down, and while he's settled now he's a fragile man with a delicate self-esteem. Working with Steve for the past twp years has stabilized him enormously enough to sort his life out and be more of a responsible adult. Except he cant get past Steve his gorgeous boss who's he's fallen in love with. Knowing about the 'no relationships with employees' rule that Steve has Matt quits under the guise of finding a newer, better job. Later he hits on Steve, only to be gently rebuffed and his entire confidence and world comes crashing down.
This installment is very different from the first book in that it's lusty, smoking hot with a LOT of sex between our two leading men. The 1st book with Alan and Craig, was a sweet ride. This book is pure octane power. Steve and Alan, as Doms' in the series couldn't be more different in the bedroom, Alan was gentle yet firm, Steve is a powerhouse keg of explosives waiting to detonate. Craig and Matt as subs were similar, both needed a firm hand and someone to dominate them, yet Matt is way, way more fragile. His self confidence is at an all time low.
The writing is tight, tidy and for some, the book will have a little too much horizontal times overall, but it was easy to see that it was the great equalizer for these two men and helped Matt's confidence so he could communicate with Steve. Small bit of kink, nothing too OTT and significantly less than you'd expect for someone who owns a kink club. Some angst, largely all on Matt's side of the fence and his personal issues mostly drove the emotional upheaval in the book.
Everett looks to be next, his story is interesting and I can't wait. I liked the book, and I'd recommend if needy sweet subbys falling for their strong , sexy as sin Dom's who love a bit of kink, and a lot of sexy times isn't an issue. ( my jam)
What He Craves, took up from book one and followed the lives of Steve and Matt.
Steve, Alan's best friend is firmly established into the kink club he bought off Alan. He's renovated it into a kink/restaurant and after almost a year it is doing well, professionally he is going great. Personally not so well. He's lusting after Matt one of his employees, and with his 'no touching the employees rule', Matt is way, out of bounds.
Matt, sterling employee, serious teenage screw up, he's extremely impulsive and often leaps before he looks. His teenage years were very, very up and down, and while he's settled now he's a fragile man with a delicate self-esteem. Working with Steve for the past twp years has stabilized him enormously enough to sort his life out and be more of a responsible adult. Except he cant get past Steve his gorgeous boss who's he's fallen in love with. Knowing about the 'no relationships with employees' rule that Steve has Matt quits under the guise of finding a newer, better job. Later he hits on Steve, only to be gently rebuffed and his entire confidence and world comes crashing down.
This installment is very different from the first book in that it's lusty, smoking hot with a LOT of sex between our two leading men. The 1st book with Alan and Craig, was a sweet ride. This book is pure octane power. Steve and Alan, as Doms' in the series couldn't be more different in the bedroom, Alan was gentle yet firm, Steve is a powerhouse keg of explosives waiting to detonate. Craig and Matt as subs were similar, both needed a firm hand and someone to dominate them, yet Matt is way, way more fragile. His self confidence is at an all time low.
The writing is tight, tidy and for some, the book will have a little too much horizontal times overall, but it was easy to see that it was the great equalizer for these two men and helped Matt's confidence so he could communicate with Steve. Small bit of kink, nothing too OTT and significantly less than you'd expect for someone who owns a kink club. Some angst, largely all on Matt's side of the fence and his personal issues mostly drove the emotional upheaval in the book.
Everett looks to be next, his story is interesting and I can't wait. I liked the book, and I'd recommend if needy sweet subbys falling for their strong , sexy as sin Dom's who love a bit of kink, and a lot of sexy times isn't an issue. ( my jam)
February 11, 2018
What He Craves is the second book in author E.M. Denning’s Desire series. This series really needs to be read in order we meet characters from the first book, and places, so it is important to read book one first.
Matt is a bartender… well was a bartender. He has quit when we meet him. He wants Steve the owner of the BDSM club. He knows Steve will never date an employee, so he puts it all on the line and makes a pass at him. Well, it goes wrong. Matt ends up jobless and homeless as a result.
What I loved about Matt is his need to take care of others. He is a sub to the core. He tries like heck to please others regardless to the cost to himself. He is braver than even he thinks.
Steve has been around the BDSM block a few times. He is guarding his heart this time. That is what makes him turn down Matt the first time. He didn’t know what turning down the man he always wanted would cause. Once he does find out though he moves heaven and Earth to find his wayward sub.
I think in this book both characters had some learning to do. Matt has to learn he is a good person. He is worth other people respecting and treating him right. Steve has to learn that letting other people in is not a weakness.
I really super loved this book. I highly recommend it. The BDSM is not over the top, it adds just the right layer to this book. The characters are well developed and memorable. I would love to read more from this series in the future. Really well done and a must read.
Recommended Read and Five shooting Stars
Matt is a bartender… well was a bartender. He has quit when we meet him. He wants Steve the owner of the BDSM club. He knows Steve will never date an employee, so he puts it all on the line and makes a pass at him. Well, it goes wrong. Matt ends up jobless and homeless as a result.
What I loved about Matt is his need to take care of others. He is a sub to the core. He tries like heck to please others regardless to the cost to himself. He is braver than even he thinks.
Steve has been around the BDSM block a few times. He is guarding his heart this time. That is what makes him turn down Matt the first time. He didn’t know what turning down the man he always wanted would cause. Once he does find out though he moves heaven and Earth to find his wayward sub.
I think in this book both characters had some learning to do. Matt has to learn he is a good person. He is worth other people respecting and treating him right. Steve has to learn that letting other people in is not a weakness.
I really super loved this book. I highly recommend it. The BDSM is not over the top, it adds just the right layer to this book. The characters are well developed and memorable. I would love to read more from this series in the future. Really well done and a must read.
Recommended Read and Five shooting Stars
April 25, 2018
Yes Master
I enjoyed this book. Not as much as the first one. But, I did enjoy it. I don't read many BDSM books because well....I'm a lightweight. There I said it. The first book was a little on the light BDSM side. This one was not. Not even a tiny bit.
This is not a bad thing. It was just a little intense for me.
So, why did I rate it 5 stars of it was too much for me? Thank you for asking.
😋Even though my eyes were so wide for most of this book, (I'm going to need eye drops now) I loved it. It had a great plot. The character chemistry was spot on. They were hot. It was steamy. The Dom was extremely sweet. The Sub was very submissive. All reasons why I not only finished this book, rated it a 5 but I did all of that in a little over 4 hours.
There was Lots and lots of sex. (Like, a whole bunch) Not saying that's a bad thing, just making a statement. There wasn't much action. Or angst. But, I don't feel that's what the author was shooting for. This book solely focuses on our two MCs. I guess that's not 100% true. We see some familiar faces and hopefully soon to be faces. But, mainly the book is all about the relationship between Steve and Matt.
I'm not sure what the next book holds. I should probably look into those eye drops before I jump into it.😉 Maybe something to hold my jaw shut. Because you better believe, no matter how out my element it is, Im going to read it.
💖📚🤓This review is simply the opinion of one lady who loves to read. I may have rated it 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 but don't take my word for it. Go find out for yourself.🤓📚💖
🌼Happy Reading 🌹
I enjoyed this book. Not as much as the first one. But, I did enjoy it. I don't read many BDSM books because well....I'm a lightweight. There I said it. The first book was a little on the light BDSM side. This one was not. Not even a tiny bit.
This is not a bad thing. It was just a little intense for me.
So, why did I rate it 5 stars of it was too much for me? Thank you for asking.
😋Even though my eyes were so wide for most of this book, (I'm going to need eye drops now) I loved it. It had a great plot. The character chemistry was spot on. They were hot. It was steamy. The Dom was extremely sweet. The Sub was very submissive. All reasons why I not only finished this book, rated it a 5 but I did all of that in a little over 4 hours.
There was Lots and lots of sex. (Like, a whole bunch) Not saying that's a bad thing, just making a statement. There wasn't much action. Or angst. But, I don't feel that's what the author was shooting for. This book solely focuses on our two MCs. I guess that's not 100% true. We see some familiar faces and hopefully soon to be faces. But, mainly the book is all about the relationship between Steve and Matt.
I'm not sure what the next book holds. I should probably look into those eye drops before I jump into it.😉 Maybe something to hold my jaw shut. Because you better believe, no matter how out my element it is, Im going to read it.
💖📚🤓This review is simply the opinion of one lady who loves to read. I may have rated it 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 but don't take my word for it. Go find out for yourself.🤓📚💖
🌼Happy Reading 🌹
December 22, 2018
What He Craves by E.M. Denning is book two of the Desires series. Like What He Needs, this book can be read as a stand alone without anything lost but I would highly recommend reading What He Needs because it's such a wonderful book.
What He Craves is a story about Steve, a Dom, and Matt, a submissive who is floundering in his life. Steve bought his restaurant and club from his best friend Alan. Steve has a hard hands off limit. He refuses to get involved intimately with his employees no matter what the reason.
In an attempt to have a chance with Steve, Matt quite his job at the restaurant where he worked for Steve for two years. That's when everything went downhill for Steve. The job he had lined up fell through, he got evicted from the tiny apartment he was living at, and his brother turned his back on him. In steps Matt who had been searching for Matt for a month.
I could go further with my telling of this but I won't to avoid spoilers. What I will say is that this is a wonderful story. There were times when I wanted to strangle Matt's brother. Even more so their father. I also wanted to smack Steve and Matt a bit in the beginning for stuffing down their feelings and making themselves so miserable. Yet it was realistic in that aspect which I enjoyed as well. People in life are scared. They don't do things because of the fear, anxiety, self-doubt, and other reasons. It's refreshing to see books show these aspects in the stories that are told within the pages.
A strong recommendation to read this book and What He Craves is given by me to you.
What He Craves is a story about Steve, a Dom, and Matt, a submissive who is floundering in his life. Steve bought his restaurant and club from his best friend Alan. Steve has a hard hands off limit. He refuses to get involved intimately with his employees no matter what the reason.
In an attempt to have a chance with Steve, Matt quite his job at the restaurant where he worked for Steve for two years. That's when everything went downhill for Steve. The job he had lined up fell through, he got evicted from the tiny apartment he was living at, and his brother turned his back on him. In steps Matt who had been searching for Matt for a month.
I could go further with my telling of this but I won't to avoid spoilers. What I will say is that this is a wonderful story. There were times when I wanted to strangle Matt's brother. Even more so their father. I also wanted to smack Steve and Matt a bit in the beginning for stuffing down their feelings and making themselves so miserable. Yet it was realistic in that aspect which I enjoyed as well. People in life are scared. They don't do things because of the fear, anxiety, self-doubt, and other reasons. It's refreshing to see books show these aspects in the stories that are told within the pages.
A strong recommendation to read this book and What He Craves is given by me to you.
March 10, 2023
I loved Matt and Steve’s story and how different it was from Craig and Alan's from the first book in the series, What He Needs.
Matt and Steve have been in love with each other for two years, but neither has acted on their feelings. Steve, because Matt was an employee; and Matt, because Steve made it very clear he does not sleep with his employees. So Matt, always the impulsive one, quits his job and makes his move, but Steve is too stunned and reacts very poorly. Matt struggles to find his feet and ends up jobless and homeless with no support after his brother refuses to help him yet another time. FIY Matt’s brother is an asshole. Steve, who can’t get Matt out of his mind after many weeks manages to track him down, is appalled at how badly things are going for Matt and blames himself—if he had only allowed himself to admit how he felt about Matt, none of Matt’s bad luck would have happened.
From the moment Steve finds Matt, his inner Dom takes over, and he, in essence, takes over Matt’s life. For Matt, who is a submissive at heart and really wants, and needs someone who cares for him to take over his life decisions for him, this is everything he has always wanted! It was so sweet to see Steve go from this stoic, hardened man, to confessing his love for Matt and realising that the very thing he craves and needs from Matt is what Matt craves and needs from Steve.
I loved their story, and my heart broke when he found out just how cruel his brother had been treating him and the lies he allowed Matt to believe about himself and his relationship with his father. But it showed how much Matt had grown as a person thanks to Steve’s love and the support of his friends that Matt did not allow that to break him, but also did not allow his brother back into his life. Boundaries are important, especially with people who have shown in the past that they disrespect you.
I can’t wait to read the next installment in this series—it’s rapidly becoming one of my favourites.
Matt and Steve have been in love with each other for two years, but neither has acted on their feelings. Steve, because Matt was an employee; and Matt, because Steve made it very clear he does not sleep with his employees. So Matt, always the impulsive one, quits his job and makes his move, but Steve is too stunned and reacts very poorly. Matt struggles to find his feet and ends up jobless and homeless with no support after his brother refuses to help him yet another time. FIY Matt’s brother is an asshole. Steve, who can’t get Matt out of his mind after many weeks manages to track him down, is appalled at how badly things are going for Matt and blames himself—if he had only allowed himself to admit how he felt about Matt, none of Matt’s bad luck would have happened.
From the moment Steve finds Matt, his inner Dom takes over, and he, in essence, takes over Matt’s life. For Matt, who is a submissive at heart and really wants, and needs someone who cares for him to take over his life decisions for him, this is everything he has always wanted! It was so sweet to see Steve go from this stoic, hardened man, to confessing his love for Matt and realising that the very thing he craves and needs from Matt is what Matt craves and needs from Steve.
I loved their story, and my heart broke when he found out just how cruel his brother had been treating him and the lies he allowed Matt to believe about himself and his relationship with his father. But it showed how much Matt had grown as a person thanks to Steve’s love and the support of his friends that Matt did not allow that to break him, but also did not allow his brother back into his life. Boundaries are important, especially with people who have shown in the past that they disrespect you.
I can’t wait to read the next installment in this series—it’s rapidly becoming one of my favourites.
February 1, 2018
Matt and Steve take my breath away. I loved the first book in this series with Alan and Craig but Matt and Steve really captured the imagination of the reader. This book is well written with captivating main characters and addictive secondary characters. It was also wonderful to see the characters from book one turn up to see how they were doing.
If your told enough what s screw up you are the you believe it. No one in Matt's life ever supported him and encouraged him they just told him he'd messed up again. Matt had made bad choices but he had started to get a little more confidence working for Steve. Matt became hooked on dating Steve so he needed to stop working for Steve as Steve has a no date an employee rule. Matt was let down when he finished work but he finally felt it was all over when he makes a pass at Steve.
Steve had particular wants and needs in his sex life and he wasn't prepared to risk his business messing around with anyone from work. He'd watched Matt for along time but never made a move. When Matt suddenly finished working for Steve and made a pass at him, sent Steve into a panic. Steve steps away afraid that Matt couldn't handle what Steve needs.
Steve can't forget about Matt so when he has a chance to see Matt he grabs it. What follows is the insight into their relationship and great view of their love story.
This book is well written and a really great read. I can't recommend it strongly enough.
If your told enough what s screw up you are the you believe it. No one in Matt's life ever supported him and encouraged him they just told him he'd messed up again. Matt had made bad choices but he had started to get a little more confidence working for Steve. Matt became hooked on dating Steve so he needed to stop working for Steve as Steve has a no date an employee rule. Matt was let down when he finished work but he finally felt it was all over when he makes a pass at Steve.
Steve had particular wants and needs in his sex life and he wasn't prepared to risk his business messing around with anyone from work. He'd watched Matt for along time but never made a move. When Matt suddenly finished working for Steve and made a pass at him, sent Steve into a panic. Steve steps away afraid that Matt couldn't handle what Steve needs.
Steve can't forget about Matt so when he has a chance to see Matt he grabs it. What follows is the insight into their relationship and great view of their love story.
This book is well written and a really great read. I can't recommend it strongly enough.
February 18, 2018
3.5/5
Confession. I skipped the first book in this series. I thought about it and read reviews and decided that it wouldn’t be enjoyable for me. I’m not sure how much of Steve and Matt’s story starts in the first book as a result, but What He Craves opens with two people who are basically in love. This didn’t bother me that much because there was still a process of them coming together but I know it doesn’t work for many readers.
My biggest annoyance with this book was the lack of resolution with the brother. As Matt goes to confront him he shares that he can’t forgive Cam for not accepting his relationship with Steve, but that then isn’t even a point he brings up when they talk. He says his piece but there’s really no finality to the situation. When the book ended I was turning pages looking for the rest of it.
There are a few bit of typos in this, which mostly bothers me because I have to slow down to re-read sentences. I start thinking, did I miss something? Nope. Not me. It takes me out of the story and that’s always a little annoying.
Despite these irks, if you like BDSM stories and insta-love, then this might be for you. The BSDM aspect is SUPER light. There’s some spanking and exhibitions, but that’s about it. We do see Alan and Craig from book one and meet Everet who is likely to be the MC for book 3 in this series.
So if you like a lot of feel good lovey dovey with a touch of kink, maybe this will be your jam.
Confession. I skipped the first book in this series. I thought about it and read reviews and decided that it wouldn’t be enjoyable for me. I’m not sure how much of Steve and Matt’s story starts in the first book as a result, but What He Craves opens with two people who are basically in love. This didn’t bother me that much because there was still a process of them coming together but I know it doesn’t work for many readers.
My biggest annoyance with this book was the lack of resolution with the brother. As Matt goes to confront him he shares that he can’t forgive Cam for not accepting his relationship with Steve, but that then isn’t even a point he brings up when they talk. He says his piece but there’s really no finality to the situation. When the book ended I was turning pages looking for the rest of it.
There are a few bit of typos in this, which mostly bothers me because I have to slow down to re-read sentences. I start thinking, did I miss something? Nope. Not me. It takes me out of the story and that’s always a little annoying.
Despite these irks, if you like BDSM stories and insta-love, then this might be for you. The BSDM aspect is SUPER light. There’s some spanking and exhibitions, but that’s about it. We do see Alan and Craig from book one and meet Everet who is likely to be the MC for book 3 in this series.
So if you like a lot of feel good lovey dovey with a touch of kink, maybe this will be your jam.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2018
Hot and steamy
3.5 stars
If you haven’t read the first, STOP go back. I don’t recommend reading this as a stand alone. The beginning of this moves rather fast, and if you don’t already understand their prior relationship, you might be confused. Ok, technically you could, but...you should read the first one anyway.
I generally prefer more lead up, angst, or struggle up to actually getting together. The build up and tension is one of my favorite parts of any book and helps me feel the connection, but because of their shared longing for each other and history it worked ok.
High heat level, with several mild “scenes”. It definitely falls in the one-handed read category for me. Might have been a bit to much for the story, but I can forgive because it was freaking hot and exactly the kind of rough I like. It's on the lighter end of BDSM, mostly rough sex and paddling, with the power exchange.
I loved Steve, he got me all hot and bothered, and something about his presence on page captured my attention even in the first one. Matty-not so much, he fell more on the annoying than adorable side for me, but he redeemed himself in the end. Together they just worked, and it was hot. There were some other minor things that didn't work for me, but they are more of the personal preference type.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable book. Low on angst, high on heat. Denning is definitely an author I’m going to continue reading, and look forward to more.
3.5 stars
If you haven’t read the first, STOP go back. I don’t recommend reading this as a stand alone. The beginning of this moves rather fast, and if you don’t already understand their prior relationship, you might be confused. Ok, technically you could, but...you should read the first one anyway.
I generally prefer more lead up, angst, or struggle up to actually getting together. The build up and tension is one of my favorite parts of any book and helps me feel the connection, but because of their shared longing for each other and history it worked ok.
High heat level, with several mild “scenes”. It definitely falls in the one-handed read category for me. Might have been a bit to much for the story, but I can forgive because it was freaking hot and exactly the kind of rough I like. It's on the lighter end of BDSM, mostly rough sex and paddling, with the power exchange.
I loved Steve, he got me all hot and bothered, and something about his presence on page captured my attention even in the first one. Matty-not so much, he fell more on the annoying than adorable side for me, but he redeemed himself in the end. Together they just worked, and it was hot. There were some other minor things that didn't work for me, but they are more of the personal preference type.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable book. Low on angst, high on heat. Denning is definitely an author I’m going to continue reading, and look forward to more.
February 10, 2018
I was so excited for Matt and Steve's story, and it is everything I hoped for! Matt is down on his luck and does not think he deserves anything, especially not someone like Steve, his former boss and a sexy older Dom who seems to have his whole life together. Steve, however, is determined to finally make Matty his and get him to finally see his worth. Though they have a rocky start, their relationship develops into a beautiful one that brings out the best in both of them. Steve has a soft and squishy side I loved seeing come out, and the way he supports and protects Matty is so sweet. And they are so HOT together!! I mean.. wow. Cold shower anyone? Steve is one sexy Dom. I also loved seeing more of Alan and Craig from book 1 (seriously so adorable together). And Everett and Xavier? Yes please!
This book can be read as a standalone, though I recommend reading about Daddy Alan and Craig in What He Needs first... because that book is fantastic too. I cannot wait for book 3!!
This book can be read as a standalone, though I recommend reading about Daddy Alan and Craig in What He Needs first... because that book is fantastic too. I cannot wait for book 3!!
Read
April 4, 2018DNF @ 37%
- A big no. Ridiculous. By the 23% mark, Matt and Steve were basically in love with each other and their relationship goes from 0 to 180 by this time. I honestly did not think I read and felt any chemistry between the characters at all besides just lust but here you have them saying “Mine” and “yours” 5 min of being in each others presence when Steve brings Matt home. Steve, a hardcore kinky dom to the max (apparently), makes Matt his FT Sub - glosses over the contract to be in a Dom/Sub relationship, which Matt is new to the lifestyle Btw and also tells him to refer or that he should know what he’s getting into because Steve saw some BDSM books on Matt’s e-reader so he should know what he’s in for. Like da fackkk?? Anyways, by the 10% mark I had already started losing interest. No rating as I DNF. Also I skipped the first book. Not sure if I will attempt the third.
- A big no. Ridiculous. By the 23% mark, Matt and Steve were basically in love with each other and their relationship goes from 0 to 180 by this time. I honestly did not think I read and felt any chemistry between the characters at all besides just lust but here you have them saying “Mine” and “yours” 5 min of being in each others presence when Steve brings Matt home. Steve, a hardcore kinky dom to the max (apparently), makes Matt his FT Sub - glosses over the contract to be in a Dom/Sub relationship, which Matt is new to the lifestyle Btw and also tells him to refer or that he should know what he’s getting into because Steve saw some BDSM books on Matt’s e-reader so he should know what he’s in for. Like da fackkk?? Anyways, by the 10% mark I had already started losing interest. No rating as I DNF. Also I skipped the first book. Not sure if I will attempt the third.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2018
Another great story by EM Denning. I loved book 1 and I was really looking forward to book 2. Did not disappoint!
Steve and Matt are kinky, sexy, and super sweet. I loved them both! Since we already knew these characters from book 1, their relationship didn't feel like insta-love at all and it gave way to lots of sexy times and lovely situations early on in the book. It's still standalone and there's no need to have read book 1 but you totally should because that one is awesome too.
I find this series to be the perfect intro for anyone that hasn't read any BDSM books before because they aren't too extreme and very well-balanced between the lifestyle and the romance. Can't wait for the next book!
Steve and Matt are kinky, sexy, and super sweet. I loved them both! Since we already knew these characters from book 1, their relationship didn't feel like insta-love at all and it gave way to lots of sexy times and lovely situations early on in the book. It's still standalone and there's no need to have read book 1 but you totally should because that one is awesome too.
I find this series to be the perfect intro for anyone that hasn't read any BDSM books before because they aren't too extreme and very well-balanced between the lifestyle and the romance. Can't wait for the next book!
February 24, 2018
3.5 stars.
I really like the characters in this one and the way they complement each other. Also, I love when books revisit with couples from earlier books, and Craig and Alan from What He Needs are the sweetest, so it was nice to see them again.
Matt's stint as a homeless man, and the shame he feels from it, was so nicely expressed that I felt a tear in the corner of my eye. The books is well-written.
I enjoyed the book, but there are two things that drags it down for me: almost-insta-love (I'm more of a slow-burn type girl); and the full-time master/submissive trope, which is not my favorite type of kink, so that's why my rating isn't higher.
I really like the characters in this one and the way they complement each other. Also, I love when books revisit with couples from earlier books, and Craig and Alan from What He Needs are the sweetest, so it was nice to see them again.
Matt's stint as a homeless man, and the shame he feels from it, was so nicely expressed that I felt a tear in the corner of my eye. The books is well-written.
I enjoyed the book, but there are two things that drags it down for me: almost-insta-love (I'm more of a slow-burn type girl); and the full-time master/submissive trope, which is not my favorite type of kink, so that's why my rating isn't higher.
February 16, 2018
OMG best book in the series when I thought that Bk 1 was great EM took this second book to the next level. I was hook from the first chapter I was rooting for Matty and Steve OMG Steve he is one smoking hot Dom with eyes only for matt the sex scene we're smoking hot I want Steve for myself. But I really enjoyed how both Men compliment each other. I love how Steve shows his love for matt and believes in him wanting Matt to see how awesome and wonderful he is as a person. There are some teary moment and as well as the wonderful connect we get to see with theses two I can't say enough about this book was amazing I am looking forward to reading more in the series.
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