Tricks and Bids

Suit of Harte’s #1

by Jacqueline Grey

When Michael Nole propositions Dillon Spade outside a BDSM club one evening, all he is looking for is a potential client and a little kink. He gets much more than he bargained for. As a prostitute, Michael enjoys sex but keeps an emotional distance between himself and the men he sleeps with. His priority is to keep himself safe, but after a night in Dillon’s bed, he finds the line between enjoyment and occupation blurring.

Dillon hasn’t taken another man home since his previous lover passed away six years ago, but there is something about Michael that calls to his inner Dominant in a way he cannot resist. His instincts want to claim the boy even as he reminds himself that he is only paying Michael for temporary company.

Their relationship may have started as a business transaction, but it’s difficult to remain professional when breaking all the rules.

Genres: BDSM, M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, LGBT, Erotica, Novella

ebook

First published September 24, 2014

About the author

Jacqueline Grey is a bit of a Jack-of-all-trades. She has many different interests and if you asked her what her job was the answer would be a list, even if she gave you the simplified version. She spends her days juggling work with her many hobbies which include dancing, aerial silks, sewing, cosplay, role-playing, drinking tea, and above all, writing. She currently lives on an island on the east coast of the United States. She loves to read and write male/male erotic romance, usually focusing on stories that include BDSM themes to one degree or another.

Reviews

[W · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written, fast paced, steamy, emotional , a bit melodramatic and angsty , BDSM story.

I enjoyed reading it.

I just reviewed Tricks and Bids by Jacqueline Grey. #TricksandBids #NetGalley

[Sheena ☆ Book Sheenanigans · Rating 2 out of 5]

This novella was straight to the point M/M BDSM erotica skimmed and passed type of story, for me at least. Nothing was memorable, some scenes and most of the dialogue made me cringe, and I'm pretty sure the cover art was better than the story itself. It wasn't for me but could honestly see how this could be engaging for most readers who are just in it for the bow chicka wow wow since it’s 80%+ of the book so eat your hearts out ladies (and gens) because you're in for a wild ride.

[Trio · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've no idea how I missed this wonderful author, and thank goodness NineStar press is republishing their stories! I’m anxiously awaiting the release of the final two episodes in the Suit of Harte’s series.

In only 66 pages Jacqueline Grey thoroughly grabbed me with this slightly dark, angsty, hurt/comfort tale. Wonderful characters, and scorching hot D/s scenes… I loved it!

a copy of Tricks and Bids (Suit of Harte’s #1) was provided to me by NetGalley for the purpose of my honest review

[Kazza · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this novella in a bundle of books. I believe this is a first time published author and you never know what to expect. I was more than pleasantly surprised.

It started off okay for me, but then the MC's, Mike and Dillon, really grew on me. I liked the way the BDSM was handled, it is well written with an emphasis on contracts between a rent-boy and a Dom, and pretty much, I suppose, a domestic discipline arrangement. There was a real heart given to the characters and the backstory around Dill0on's ex, Clover, was touching.

A couple of first-time author issues, not much, overall the writing was strong - technically, it's well edited, stylistically, it is engaging. I will definitely read more by Jacqueline Grey.

Full NSFW review at -

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Hey. Wanna play?”
Now that’s an awesome opening line. Sold!

This story is big, even though it’s a short read. With this way of writing, clear sentences, steady pace, picturing the scenes smoldering hot, I can easily handle 500 pages of this awesomeness.

Leaving the BDSM club unfulfilled, Dillon is approached by a handsome guy.
After a short conversation, Dillon takes Michael to his home to play.
And oh my goodness can Dillon play. Originally Dillon is a 24/7 Dom.
He lost his sub six years ago and since that moment he didn’t have any other. Now here is one, in his home submitting. It costs him a fortune, but Michael is worth every penny.

What a great story. I love (almost) everything about BDSM but certainly the way this Dom plays. Dillon is strong, independent, fair, and thoughtful about every move.
Michael is everything for Dillon.
The way the author displays their scenes are intense and delicious.
It’s a novella and enough developed to get completely involved. BDSM is the right scenery for me to get enchanted.
Lovable and endearing characters, likewise for the secondary characters.
As I said, for me, this story could be much much longer.
For now, I’m content about how this story went and ended!
And hey, I saw it’s part #1 of a series, awesome!

[Ed Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book and really had only one complaint. It’s too short. Nicely written and an interesting story. I loved Dillon and Mike. I just want more.

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick erotic read that ticked all my #MMRomance boxes. This is not a deep and involved romance journey, which is not what it was meant to be. It is meant to be a short erotic with BDSM elements, and it delivered beautifully! Well done!

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3.5 stars

Tricks and Bids is an alternating POV story, so we really have the chance to experience Mike’s confusion and intrigue. We also get Dillon’s reticence, and long-standing heartache. I think, for me, the biggest issue was time. Why did Dillon wait six years in grief? He had the support of Harte, who is a childhood mate. It seemed inexplicably long. Then, Mike and Dillon get serious really fast. Dillon’s lover had been a full-service sub, and that’s what he truly wants. With a few nights of hired work, Mike seems ready to jump into this role. Again, why so fast? I get that they have dove-tailing interests—with Dillon willing to support Mike as Mike figures out his life plan—but it seemed conveniently timed.

This is the first book in a series, so maybe books down the line will have glimpses of this couple as they make their way forward into love. Right now, I think there’s a growing regard and a flame of lust fueling the beginning of this relationship.

Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.

[The Novel Approach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Nole just did something he would normally never do; he propositioned a trick outside a popular club. Michael has rules, rules he lives by as a prostitute, and the number one rule is never make the first move. Ever. Always let them come to you. So how did he end up in Dillon’s house with his wrists cuffed to a hook in Dillon’s living room ceiling? Oh yeah, he opened his mouth. Michael is well aware the hook he is hanging by belonged to another man, the same with the chains in the bedroom and the pillow on the floor next to the recliner. How can he compete with a dead man who was obviously perfect? And does he want to?

Dillon takes one look at the rent boy outside his favorite club and wonders if this is what he has been reduced to. Paying for sex when he could just go inside his club and get it for free. Any number of boys would kill for a chance to sub for him, so why is he even entertaining the possibility of a night with this boy? Even though he quickly picks up on how inexperienced Michael is to the world of BDSM, Dillon still lays the night out for him and asks for his submission. Dillon’s sense of honor would have it no other way. He hasn’t had a sub in his home since his full-time lover and boy, Clover, died in a hit and run accident years earlier, but just one night with Michael has him longing for things he figured he would never have again.

Grey gives us just enough backstory on these men to make the story relevant and believable. The addition of Dillon’s friend Jesse gives a dimension to the story and an outside perspective on one of the MCs that is refreshing. Overall, this story is about sex and domination, but it has a deeper storyline than most erotic shorts. I actually could have used more domination. It is obvious Dillon holds back because of Michael’s newness to the scene. It is a good start to this series and leads me to want to continue with book two, Shoot the Moon. I appreciate a story and an author who can achieve a level of depth in such a short novella. I would recommend this book if you are looking for light BDSM, good feels, and a short read.

Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach Reviews

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked this story, but being novella length, it felt like just the tip of the iceberg, and I wanted more. The author did a great job with making Dillion a full character with a tragic past. I'd have loved to learn more about Mike's past. The fact he just kind of stumbled into his "hobby" was a little too easy.

This is the first in a series and I look forward to getting to know Harte eventually.

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

This may be a short read, but it is a very full and well formed story. I could have read lots more, as I loved both characters and seeing how their relationship developed.

Michael has gone slightly astray, having found he could earn college money from his body, but is now it is all he does. So when he propositions a Dominant outside a BDSM club, he is not expecting to find his future. Likewise the man in question, Dillon agrees to the suggestion much against his better judgement. There is clearly a link between the men, and as we watch them explore their kinks, and grow closer, even the hardest heart would want them to become more than a business transaction.

A very good story with a lovely mix of very hot scenes and relationship growth.

[Aղցela W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was book 1 in the "Suit of Harte's" series. This was a short quick read. When Michael Nole propositions Dillon Spade outside of a BDSM club one evening, all he is looking for is a potential client and a little kink, but he gets much more than he bargained for. Dillon is a Dom who lost his sub six years ago. Michael got into prostitution by accident he was mistaken for someone else but he continued doing it because he liked the money Dillon pays him for the whole night. I liked both of these characters and although we did get some backstory I wanted more. The sex scenes were hot. This was my first time reading this author. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

[Piper · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable steamy novel. It has an intense dom/sub relationship that's very respectful to BDSM and those who enjoy it. While a few improvements could have been made, I enjoyed it a lot, and I will be following this author for more of her books! I recommend Tricks and Bids to anyone not shy of BDSM looking for something quick, light, hot, and kinky.

[Moony (Captain Mischief) MeowPoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very quick and easy read.
But also very enjoyable. I liked to get to know Dillion and Michael and how they grew together and their chemistry was honestly off the charts. Most times i`m meh about instant-attraction and insta-love, but this was very enjoyable! Wish there where more.

I got this eARC from netgalley

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy to read and review for Wicked Reads.

This was a quick easy read with lots of sex. I loved watching Michael and Dillions chemistry and how things progressed. For such a short book I feel like a lot was given to us readers. I could have easily read a few hundred pages if they were there. It states it's book one in a series so I hope the next book is just as good but maybe a tad bit longer.

[Avid Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tricks and Bids (Suit of Harte’s #1) by Jacqueline Grey
4 stars
M/M BDSM Romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.

Michael is not too sure where he wants his life to go. While he is figuring it out, he kind of stumbles on his ability to make money as a prostitute. Now, he has no illusions as to what it truly means when he goes on these dates, but for right now, he's content.

Dillon is a Dom who is feeling slightly lost. After a tragic accident, Dillon hasn't really been able to connect with anyone. But, after one night with Michael, Dillon knows that he can't just have one night.

These two will go on a journey of self discovery, trust and mutual love. It's a quick read, with a lot of emotion and inner searching. I enjoyed their story and can't wait to see if they show up in more books.

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Review:

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

Michael is a young man who accidentally fell into prostitution and doesn’t really see anything else he can do. When he decides to look for a little kink for the night he approaches Dillon and gets more than he bargained for. Dillon controls Michael so well; he has trouble remembering what their relationship really is.

Michael and Dillon both know that they have a bigger connection than client and prostitute, but one of them has to break first. Dillon begins to think of Michael as his and has more and more trouble saying goodbye. Michael runs at the thought of something serious, but it’s more that he’s scared he wants it than that he doesn’t and what that might mean. Michael and Dillon are both pretty innocent when it comes to relationships as Dillon has only had one and Michael never has. We see both of them open themselves up to the idea of having someone permanent in their lives.

The cover art is very nice and gives a good visual for the characters.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yum, yum, YUM!!! Although this book could easily be renamed "sex, coffee, and negotiations." Super hot. Plenty of sex, although tempered with discussion. While definitely an erotic romance due to the high sex content, the shorter length made it so that it still felt well balanced. The addition of Dillon's conversations with his friend Jesse allowed for a little outside perspective as well as a reprieve from the sex, while excluding any other characters kept the short story from getting bogged down by extraneous and unnecessary junk. If you like feelz with your BDSM kink then this one is definitely for you!

Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire

[Elaine White · Rating 2 out of 5]

** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Copy received through Netgalley

~

Tricks and Bids (Suit of Hartes, 01) by Jacqueline Grey
★★☆☆☆
75 Pages
3rd person, dual person POV
Warnings: BDSM, confinement, wax play, D/s


Tricks and Bids is the first in a BDSM series of novellas, but I'm afraid it's not for me.

I DNF'd at 23%. Here's why...

Maybe it's because I've just come off reading a favourite BDSM series, or maybe it's because this author/book and I were always destined not to get along, I can't really say. For me, the main problem is the writing style. I found it slightly cold, lacking warmth, attraction or chemistry that came even halfway through the pages to entice me to want to root for these two guys.

I have a rule. I always give a book 5-10% (depending on the length) to impress me. Sadly, Tricks and Bids didn't work for me. It was clinically written. While I understand that Mike and Dillon meet through a financial arrangement – Mike waits outside a BDSM club to proposition Dillon, and works as a prostitute – I didn't want to FEEL that unfeeling, cold and detached distance between them.

I felt nothing of Dillon's grief. Just a man who was used to getting what he wanted, expecting everyone to give it to him because he demanded it. I didn't understand Mike at all, really. He claims to be a prostitute to pay his way through college, but quickly gave up on college (I may have found out why later, but it bothered me that it wasn't explained at the time) and also claims to have some experience with Doms and BDSM before. Yet, during their first time together, Mike passes out after barely a page of sex, which was neither intense nor something that – according to his own, or Dillon's POV – was particularly special or that might send him into subspace. It was a simple sexual encounter, but Mike acts like they were at it for days, which makes little sense to me, but felt like a tool to inspire Dillon to do the whole “it makes me want to care for him” deal.

Right from page 1, I felt I'd walked into something without an explanation. Like that conversation you step into long after the main story, and all you hear is the punchline. It just doesn't feel right, and that's how I felt starting this book. Something huge was missing, but I didn't know what.

Another odd thing, that bugged me for how odd it was, is that when Mike surveys Dillon's living room, he claims there's something wrong with it he can't put his finger on. When he learns there's a hook in the ceiling that he'll be suspended from, somehow he finds a small trash can in the corner of the room to be a perfect explanation of why the room felt off........ Am I missing something? Do Americans not have a trash can in their living room, like other people? Why was that something that stuck out? And why does Dillon – a supposedly experienced Dom, who once had a permanent sub, who claims NEVER to bring back subs to his place – have a giant hook in the ceiling of his living room? Why doesn't he have a specific room, with all his equipment ready and prepared, rather than constantly moving and removing items from his living room? How does he explain that hook to people who come over, if he ever does?

As you can see, my mind was so consumed by the strangely absurd small details that didn't matter, because I simply had NO connection to the characters. While I should have been more interested in what was about to happen, as Mike and Dillon made their deal, I was hung-up on the odd little details the author thought worth mentioning that didn't make any sense to me.

For me, I was already willing to tap-out on page 3. I seriously considered giving up at 18%, when their first sex scene felt clinical, with no chemistry, and I was more busy wondering over the odd hook and trash can situation than how hot things might get. If I can't root for EITHER of the main characters, there's really no point in me continuing.

Would my unanswered questions have been resolved later in the story? That's perfectly possible. But why not answer them when the author thought it important enough to mention them, in the first place? I don't know. Maybe it's me, maybe the author and I won't ever gel, or maybe it's just this one book.

Whatever it is, this was a sad DNF. Disappointing and unfortunate.

[Malkhai · Rating 1 out of 5]

Original review: https://myshelfbooks.wordpress.com/20...

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I am not a fan of the BDSM genre. When is done properly, the book could be interesting, but more often than not authors twist the concept in such a way that makes me uneasy. I don’t like when actions are taken too far into that world and small details can ruin a whole book. That is what it has happened with this short story. There is good stuff in it, but the bad has pissed me off beyond rational measure. Let’s see what has rubbed me the wrong way!!

Michael is a young guy who sells his body in order to pay for college. At least that is what he says. One day he is fishing more customers outside a popular BDSM club and he soons catches the eye of Dillon, a dominant who has lost his former submissive and since then he is missing something in life. Dillon pays greatly for Michael’s services to scratch and itch, but he soons realize that one time won’t be enough. Is this the start of a beautiful relationship? Not at all. Trust me… don’t let them fool you.

One of the big issues I have had with this book, but not the biggest one, is the fact that this story is cold. Robotic. Stiff. So rigid and dispassionate that is like reading the manual for a new appliance that you have just bought. All technical terms and formal speech. That has no place in the Romance genre. Eveytime Michael and Dillon discuss the details of their relationship I wanted to scream and give them a piece of my mind. It has been truly unbearable to read the mechanical dynamics between those two. The only thing missing during those times was a lawyer or two to make sure all was done according to the best interestes of their clients…

It is a shame, because the story itself is not bad. It had good potential for something sweet. Yes, I believe it is possible to write a sweet BDSM story. But, for some reason, few authors try that concept. There are several details that, with a proper development, could have made this book much richer than it is: Michael’s struggles, Dillon’s past, the initiation in the BDSM world… Sadly, most pages are wasted in sealing the contracts before setting up the scene. Because it seems they didn’t have sex. They perfomed scenes… As I said: icy. Maybe this kind of book is just not my style, although I have read some books by Kele Moon that had much more feelings in it in half a paragraph than this whole story.

The point that has made me really hate this book are the characters. There is some love/hate relationship with them, but in the end the hate wins by far. Dillon is such a huge disappointment. I get that he is a dominant, but his concept of submissive is utterly wrong. He doesn’t want a partner for some role playing during naughty times. Nope. He wants a slave that does whatever Dillon wants whenever he pleases. He forbids the guy from having clothes inside the house. The submissive has to clean and cook. He also must behave like a puppy and be displayed naked for Dillon’s ejoyment… Such a healthy relationship. I have no idea about that kind of stuff, but I bet what Dillon wants has nothing to do with a true dynamic between dominant and submissive. And that made me very angry. The fact that Michael accepts everything without much of a fight is insulting for the character.

Also, what is the deal with the new cover? It looks too bright and oily. Not appealing at all. I have no intention of reading the rest books of this saga, but.. who knows?

[WycEd Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/M BDSM Romance

Michael is not too sure where he wants his life to go. While he is figuring it out, he kind of stumbles on his ability to make money as a prostitute. Now, he has no illusions as to what it truly means when he goes on these dates, but for right now, he's content.

Dillon is a dom who is feeling slightly lost. After a tragic accident, Dillon hasn't really been able to connect with anyone. But after one night with Michael, Dillon knows that he can't have just one night.

These two will go on a journey of self-discovery, trust, and mutual love. It's a quick read, with a lot of emotion and inner searching. I enjoyed their story and can't wait to see if they show up in more books.


Angie – ☆☆☆☆
This was a quick, easy read with lots of sex. I loved watching Michael and Dillon’s chemistry and how things progressed. For such a short book, I feel like a lot was given to us readers. I could have easily read a few hundred pages if they were there. It states it's book one in a series, so I hope the next book is just as good but maybe a tad bit longer.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This may be a short read, but it is a very full and well-formed story. I could have read lots more, as I loved both characters and seeing how their relationship developed.

Michael has gone slightly astray, having found he could earn college money from his body, but now it is all he does. So when he propositions a dominant outside a BDSM club, he is not expecting to find his future. Likewise, the man in question, Dillon, agrees to the suggestion much against his better judgement. There is clearly a link between the men, and as we watch them explore their kinks and grow closer, even the hardest heart would want them to become more than a business transaction.

A very good story with a lovely mix of very hot scenes and relationship growth.

[JustJen "Miss Conduct" · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars This was an interesting start of a series. It is about a dom who lost his previous sub/lover and now chooses to pay Michael for sessions when he meets him outside of the BDSM club, as it is easier to not have to deal with the complexities of a relationship. Paying a rent boy allows him to walk away easily without any of those attachments.

But, Michael turns out to be exactly the kind of sub/lover Dillon needs. While Michael is a little afraid of Dillon becoming a regular client for fear he will become too attached, it is quickly out of their hands as their connection blossoms. Michael is a bit new to the level of submission Dillon requires, and though he is quite inexperienced, Dillon takes that into consideration and they negotiate their sessions before each one.

I really enjoyed these two. Dillon was quite interesting, especially as we learned more about his past with his friends and his relationship with Clover. I do wish we had gotten a little more detail about the friends, but we get enough to get the gist of things. This was a short story, and it definitely could have been longer and more involved. It felt a bit rushed at times and felt as though it would have benefited from being a bit more fleshed out in some areas throughout. Regardless, the characters were fleshed out enough to give some feels and the steamy sessions were quite enjoyable. This was my first book by this author, and I enjoyed the style and story line which had me adding the other books in this series on my to read list. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more about the various players in the Suite of Harte’s.

Received in exchange for a fair and honest review written for Love Bytes Reviews.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really quick read (novella length). I honestly thought it was a full-length book before I began though, so that was a surprise when I began reading and noticed that I hit the 25% mark in just a couple chapters. The biggest problem with novellas is that you miss out on the character development aspect and that was the case with this book as well, unfortunately.

Mike is a prostitute, not because he had to be, but because he chose to be, which was certainly different than the usual. Dillon is a Dominant and Mike spots him coming out of a BDSM club and propositions him for a night together. It's not something Dillon would normally do, but he finds Mike attractive and appealing in a way he hasn't experienced before, so he says yes.

Mike & Dillon get together a few times, with Mike getting paid handsomely to do those scenes. After a few meetings, they both want more and that's where the book basically ends, when they agree to move from a business relationship to a personal one. We get an epilogue 6 months into the future, but it still leaves you wanting more. We never really get to see how their relationship plays out in the real world and the 'I love you's' feel hollow since we lack that insider knowledge into their relationship.

The sex was hot though, which I would expect nothing less of since it is 80% of the book. I loved how much Dillon respected Mike, despite his occupation. He was honest and thoughtful and never took advantage of Mike. There wasn't a whole lot not to like about either character, I just wish we could continue their story past their 'let's be lovers' declaration.

[Jacqueline (Fall In Love With The Sound of Words) · Rating 5 out of 5]

M/M Romance is becoming a large part of my reading repertoire. I am glad I have found my way to reading this author. This was my first novel form her, and won’t be my last. In fact, I have an ARC for book two as well.
For an erotic BDSM genre book, I was a bit shocked at how quickly the erotic scenes read. That didn’t detract from the enjoyment, in fact it was nice to see two people not going at it like rabbits while also navigating a new relationship. It felt almost cozy? Not sure if that is the right sentiment but it was pretty much how I felt during their journey. It was very nice.
I felt like the dynamic was real. I could see this happening in a real life setting, and I think that is where the magic happened. There was something so incredibly mature about these two men and their journey to love. It was a breathe of fresh air, honestly.
I loved Mike’s unapologetic attitude for his choice of prostitution. He is a very strong individual who doesn’t NEED to be taken care of, but enjoys it…at least at the hand of Dillon. Dillon, went through a major heartbreak when his long time lover died. I was glad we entered the scene so far from the tragedy that we got minimal angst. Dillon was ready to move on and he found a second love in Mike.
This was a very quick read, and I enjoyed my time immensely. Can’t wait to crick open book 2. I will be keeping my eye out for this author.

Thank you to the author, Netgalley, and NineStar Press for providing an eARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are entirely my own.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jacqueline Grey is another new author for me. This Suit of Harte's Series looks as though it's being republished from 2014. The covers are updated to be much more modern looking - and quite delicious! The stories stand the test of time; I'm not sure if the author has done any editing.

In this particular novella, Dillan Spade is leaving a BDSM club one night when he's propositioned by Michael Noel. NOrmally, Dillan wouldn't pay to scene with someone but there's something about Michael that entices him too. In spite of the fact that Michael isn't a full-time sub, the two men connect well. It's not long before their feelings are getting involved...and things need to change from a business arrangement to something else if they're going to protect themselves. Or maybe... they need to break things off.

What I really enjoyed about this novella was that there's a great deal of depth to the characters in spite of the brevity! Grey has done a wonderful job of sneaking in lots of past, feelings, thoughts, without over-writing for the length of the work. That's a great skill and makes me look forward to reading a longer work from this author.

The BDSM is well thought out. I was pleased to see the contracting and negotiations. You all know that nothing drives me bonkers more than BDSM that doesn't read as authentic. This does, and I'm thankful for that.

Definitely a series I would keep reading!

[Dani (ダニ ¦ 다니) · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Got this for free from NetGalley for an honest review)

This is a Novella. It's very short. It's only 66 pages. But...for that fact it's that short you get a lot of character backgrounds and developement in between all the steamy scenes. Usually you don't get a lot of characters when a book is this short but this author has managed it and left me wanting more of those two characters.
This is essentially a bdsm m/m book and we have Dillon, a dom, who has lost his one and only sub years ago and is still not over it. Then we have Mike, who's a prostitute as a side job to finance his school and he approaches Dillon outside a bdsm club and Dillon ends up taking him home and this is where we're starting with our story. Again, it's short, it's steamy, it has bdsm but not too hardcore and we have great characters. The athor, in the end, mentioned that she is a character driven person when she's reading and this is exactly me too so I actually really liked both characters so much and as I said, I wanted more in the end. I wanted to get more heart to heart and more of their stories. This means, I really like it a lot. I've read it in one sitting because I didn't want to stop.

[Stephanie Panach · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sexually explict, true BDSM m/m book. Both Mike and Dillon are very interesting people. Mike is a little lost. He is going to school and stumbled into prostitution as a way to support himself. He fits the submissive profile like a glove. Dillon is older, an accountant, who is pretty settled in life and is recovering from the loss of his prior partner/submissive Clover.

When Dillon and Mike connect, it is initially a professional relationship. It is also the first serious BDSM interaction Mike has had. Dillon takes their "contracts" very seriously and a lot of attention is paid to consent and control.

It is a very short read - but I enjoyed both characters and the honesty and acceptance each had for each other. Their is no shaming of Mike for his role as a prostitute (in fact Dillon just recommends that he make sure he has a good retirement plan in place). I think I would have liked the book more if it had been a bit longer with more of a chance for the characters to develop and see where things went after they formalized their relationship (rather than just a quick epilogue).

If this is what you are in to - I definitely recommend it!

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my ow.

[K.J. Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reading these books in completely the wrong order, after reading book three, Limits and Stakes I got the chance to read the first two books in the series. These are very quick, but steamy and satisfying male-male romances with a heavy helping of BDSM.
This first book tells the story of Dillon, a Dom who hasn't had a long term partner since the death of his lover and sub, Clover, six years previously. When he gets approached by Mike, a prostitute outside of his friend's BDSM club, he finds himself starting to question if it's time to be looking for something more.
I liked the connection between Dillon and Mike. They are both nervous around each other, to begin with, and worried about how to take what starts out as a business proposition to something more. This is a short read, so there isn't heaps of room for huge and in-depth looks at their lives and characters, but we see plenty to help us get to know them and their pasts.
This was a fun and quick read and I really enjoyed it.

[Sarita Chapdelaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.

Tricks and Bids is an interesting start to a new series with amazing characters and an intriguing storyline. I like the author's writing style a lot but I wish that there was more background information about the characters as well as more interaction between them when they weren't in a scene. Mike is at a bit of a crossroads in his life and the job he considers to be just a hobby to help him pay for school has become a lot more. He meets Dillon and even though their relationship starts out as a business transaction they soon find themselves re-evaluating their situation. Dillon is a very caring and careful Dom as he makes sure Mike is fully aware of what he expects of him as a Sub and I like how their relationship evolves. They have a great connection, smoking hot chemistry and they are perfect for each other. Overall I like this story but I wish that this book was longer as I would like to see a lot more of these characters.

[Jeeza (Romance Pennydreadful) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've starting reading quite a few BDSM romances lately and I really loved this one. It’s a lovely, straightforward story line with two very relatable guys. I was skeptical first about Michael being a prostitute, having read a lot of books where it is seen as a last option for the person and mostly labeling it as degrading and seedy. But I loved how the author described in a way that it was a non-topic. So he made money doing a thing he loved ... no big deal. It also helped that his love interest Dillon didn't make a big deal out of it either. I hope for more books with this open attitude. The BDSM element is fairly tame throughout, which appreciated as it made me concentrate on the love story. I would tag it as a great starter piece for someone just getting into the genre. I loved it that the relationship between Dillon and Michael is very respectful and also tender in the end. A well written story and it left me with some steamy sex scenes and a loving feeling.