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Friends of Friends #3
Star Spanked
Sebastian Fox, a British celebrity chef, flees the relentless English tabloids for the sunny shores of Los Angeles. As he plans the summer launch of his new culinary venture, the last thing he’s looking for is an entanglement—especially one that could make headlines.
But at the urging of an old friend, Sebastian indulges in his one passion other than food, and attends a special event…one that involves a lot more spice than his restaurant recipes.
Ezra Whitfield is a gorgeous male model who's had enough of being nothing more than a pretty face. After an anonymous, intimate encounter with a dashing older man at an adults-only club, Ezra becomes intrigued by ideas of control, surrender, and caring discipline. But his mystery man vanishes before Ezra can learn his name, leaving him longing for more.
After Ezra charms his way into a job opportunity at a new restaurant, he's taken aback to find Sebastian, his intriguing stranger, wearing the chef's hat. Sparks fly in and out of the kitchen, and their age gap becomes the least of their worries as they whip up a recipe for love.
Things are heating up fast—and neither of them want to leave this particular kitchen.
But not everyone is so happy about their new relationship…
Can Ezra and Sebastian overcome the odds, stamp out those sizzling rumors, and butter up an over-protective roommate?
***
Star Spanked is a delicious low-angst romance with a touch of boss/employee dynamics, a dash of discipline, and topped with an enticing 17-year age gap. Savor a deliciously satisfying ending without the bitterness of cliffhangers. While it's part of a series, it can be tasted alone, but be prepared for a few familiar side dishes from previous books, who add a pinch of salt.
Content Note: this book contains occasional allusions to restricted eating and diets, fashion industry standards for models, and body dysmorphia.
But at the urging of an old friend, Sebastian indulges in his one passion other than food, and attends a special event…one that involves a lot more spice than his restaurant recipes.
Ezra Whitfield is a gorgeous male model who's had enough of being nothing more than a pretty face. After an anonymous, intimate encounter with a dashing older man at an adults-only club, Ezra becomes intrigued by ideas of control, surrender, and caring discipline. But his mystery man vanishes before Ezra can learn his name, leaving him longing for more.
After Ezra charms his way into a job opportunity at a new restaurant, he's taken aback to find Sebastian, his intriguing stranger, wearing the chef's hat. Sparks fly in and out of the kitchen, and their age gap becomes the least of their worries as they whip up a recipe for love.
Things are heating up fast—and neither of them want to leave this particular kitchen.
But not everyone is so happy about their new relationship…
Can Ezra and Sebastian overcome the odds, stamp out those sizzling rumors, and butter up an over-protective roommate?
***
Star Spanked is a delicious low-angst romance with a touch of boss/employee dynamics, a dash of discipline, and topped with an enticing 17-year age gap. Savor a deliciously satisfying ending without the bitterness of cliffhangers. While it's part of a series, it can be tasted alone, but be prepared for a few familiar side dishes from previous books, who add a pinch of salt.
Content Note: this book contains occasional allusions to restricted eating and diets, fashion industry standards for models, and body dysmorphia.
291 pages, ebook
First published November 12, 2020
54 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
About the author
Leighton Greene
45 books372 followersLeighton Greene has been writing stories since she was old enough to hold a pencil. Her first book was a choose-your-own-adventure style book about deciding what to eat for breakfast. It didn't shake the New York Times bestseller list, but she still has a copy of it.
After spending some time writing in academia, fanfiction and corporate reporting, Leighton decided she should probably do what she actually wanted to do, which was to write commercial fiction. So she did. She writes gay romance and, when the mood strikes, erotica as L.J. Greene.
Leighton lives with her partner and her cockatiel on the east coast of Australia.
(Source: Amazon.com)
After spending some time writing in academia, fanfiction and corporate reporting, Leighton decided she should probably do what she actually wanted to do, which was to write commercial fiction. So she did. She writes gay romance and, when the mood strikes, erotica as L.J. Greene.
Leighton lives with her partner and her cockatiel on the east coast of Australia.
(Source: Amazon.com)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
November 24, 2020
Ezra is twenty-seven and a successful model. He’s just entered the BDSM life thanks to his friends. There’s a new BDSM club he wants to visit.
Sebastian is forty-four, chef and owner of his new to open restaurant Incognito. He came from Great Britain, Europe where he’s a famous chef, to escape the paparazzi.
He decides to visit a BDSM club.
After sharing an intense scene Sebastian doesn’t want to see Ezra again. No time, even though Ezra is beautiful and a lovely somewhat inexperienced sub, he just can’t.
Ezra is heavy disappointed Sebastian just walked out.
Even though Ezra is a successful model, he wants to quit, it’s enough, with all the restrictions.
A job interview as a waiter leads him to a new to open restaurant. To his astonishment, the chef is the Dom he met.
Sebastian can’t hire Ezra, no way, it’s too distracting and awkward.
Yes, yes, yes I loved this story so much. Age-gap, BDSM, an inexperienced sub, and omg a grumpy Dom chef.
Oh my goodness before they came where I wanted them so hard it was at a slow pace, other things were in the way, still, it was all intense. When they finally were there it was absolutely fabulous and very intense.
We are witnesses of delicious cooking art, I love it all hard, so well done. We are on location with Ezra and his modeling work. We meet his friends.
It was a fabulously written story, with a good plot. there was a great Dom/sub dynamic, both men were attractively painted with engaging characters.
Sebastian is forty-four, chef and owner of his new to open restaurant Incognito. He came from Great Britain, Europe where he’s a famous chef, to escape the paparazzi.
He decides to visit a BDSM club.
After sharing an intense scene Sebastian doesn’t want to see Ezra again. No time, even though Ezra is beautiful and a lovely somewhat inexperienced sub, he just can’t.
Ezra is heavy disappointed Sebastian just walked out.
Even though Ezra is a successful model, he wants to quit, it’s enough, with all the restrictions.
A job interview as a waiter leads him to a new to open restaurant. To his astonishment, the chef is the Dom he met.
Sebastian can’t hire Ezra, no way, it’s too distracting and awkward.
Yes, yes, yes I loved this story so much. Age-gap, BDSM, an inexperienced sub, and omg a grumpy Dom chef.
Oh my goodness before they came where I wanted them so hard it was at a slow pace, other things were in the way, still, it was all intense. When they finally were there it was absolutely fabulous and very intense.
We are witnesses of delicious cooking art, I love it all hard, so well done. We are on location with Ezra and his modeling work. We meet his friends.
It was a fabulously written story, with a good plot. there was a great Dom/sub dynamic, both men were attractively painted with engaging characters.
May 31, 2024
3 stars
Completely fine but not wowed.
I was so annoyed by the overbearing friends; I don't think the third degree is endearing. Ezra may not be versed in the kink scene, but he is a fully-fledged adult who can take care of himself, not a child who needs babying. This part probably would've made more sense if I'd read Tristan's story, as he obviously has some past hangups with members of the scene, but it was too much for me.
I've read much better descriptions of food, nothing here made me salivate and it felt like superfluous detail.
Leighton Greene either speaks some French, or has done proper research, all but one of the French pet names used in fun are legit pet names, and the one that was off was just phrased strangely not outright wrong. Shout-out for poulette and canard, because I just love that endearing names in French are so fowl-oriented; bunch of weirdoes.
For all that this is BDSM-focused, the sex scenes were all strangely oblique. I know Leighton Greene can write a mean sex scene, I've read some under their penname L. J. Greene, so that was a let down for me.
I feel no particular urge to read more of the series unfortunately.
Completely fine but not wowed.
I was so annoyed by the overbearing friends; I don't think the third degree is endearing. Ezra may not be versed in the kink scene, but he is a fully-fledged adult who can take care of himself, not a child who needs babying. This part probably would've made more sense if I'd read Tristan's story, as he obviously has some past hangups with members of the scene, but it was too much for me.
I've read much better descriptions of food, nothing here made me salivate and it felt like superfluous detail.
Leighton Greene either speaks some French, or has done proper research, all but one of the French pet names used in fun are legit pet names, and the one that was off was just phrased strangely not outright wrong. Shout-out for poulette and canard, because I just love that endearing names in French are so fowl-oriented; bunch of weirdoes.
For all that this is BDSM-focused, the sex scenes were all strangely oblique. I know Leighton Greene can write a mean sex scene, I've read some under their penname L. J. Greene, so that was a let down for me.
I feel no particular urge to read more of the series unfortunately.
November 17, 2020
4,5☆
Age gap with an english chef?! Hell yes, count me in!
Sebastian and Ezra were so good together, and their slow burn romance was really HOT! I love the anticipation and this book was full of it, I couldn't wait them to get together and burn my kindle with their hotness.
The spanking scenes and the whole thing that Ezra is a newbie in BDSM was so good! I've got bored with newbiew kinksters in books, but not this time, it was so so good! I said it earlier but Leighton Greene is amazing in writing kinks.
The bathing scene was everything and some more. Ahh, so hot.
Loved reading this book and I'm really curious who's gonna be next? I hope, really hope not Miles... that snake don't deserve HEA
Age gap with an english chef?! Hell yes, count me in!
Sebastian and Ezra were so good together, and their slow burn romance was really HOT! I love the anticipation and this book was full of it, I couldn't wait them to get together and burn my kindle with their hotness.
The spanking scenes and the whole thing that Ezra is a newbie in BDSM was so good! I've got bored with newbiew kinksters in books, but not this time, it was so so good! I said it earlier but Leighton Greene is amazing in writing kinks.
The bathing scene was everything and some more. Ahh, so hot.
Loved reading this book and I'm really curious who's gonna be next? I hope, really hope not Miles... that snake don't deserve HEA
July 23, 2022
I was given this book as part of a pride giveaway. Thank you, I really enjoyed it. I loved Jon and Cooper from the first book and I always enjoy a good age gap story. If you throw in a little kink it just gets that much better. Ezra is an incredibly handsome model who run into a hot Silver Fox Dom at a spanking club. Sebastian is recovering from bad press in England so he tries to avoid getting involved with Ezra. Of course, fate intervenes and these two are destined to keep meeting.
July 16, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ 2🌶️. I enjoyed this book but didn’t love it.
A decent intro into spanking and a sweet romance.
A decent intro into spanking and a sweet romance.
March 29, 2023
It's unfortunate. The writing felt like it took a nose dive at about 70%.
44 is not old, and 27 is not a child...
I am not sure what Ezra's appeal was. He felt boring and bland standing next to characters like Sebastian and Tristian. Hell, even Miles was more interesting.
Also, Tristan deserved better.
44 is not old, and 27 is not a child...
I am not sure what Ezra's appeal was. He felt boring and bland standing next to characters like Sebastian and Tristian. Hell, even Miles was more interesting.
Also, Tristan deserved better.
November 15, 2020
3.5 Stars
Star Spanked is a nice age gap romance by Leighton Greene. The third book in the Holiday Romance series, it's easily read as a standalone.
Ezra and Sebastian are complete opposites. Their story starts with a hot hookup. From there their chemistry just gets even stronger.
Ezra's a model who isn't loving his career anymore. He wants to find someone who loves him for who he is and not how he looks. It's definitely an interesting take on his career. The career choices in general are an interesting aspect of their story. One's a chef, the other's a model who can't eat much. It's an entertaining part of their dynamics.
Ezra's always desired a BDSM relationship, but can't find a Dom worth being with. The kink aspect of their relationship is well done, with Sebastian showing Ezra some new things. And let's just say that the title has the word spanking in it for a reason.
The age gap is a big deal for Sebastian, as he struggles with thinking a younger man can be with him. This gives us some fun banter that had me giggling.
The writing is good, with alternating povs, but it definitely isn't heavy on the holiday feels.
Star Spanked is perfect when you're in the mood for a light into to kink. Leighton Greene entertains with this combo of age gap and opposites attract.
Star Spanked is a nice age gap romance by Leighton Greene. The third book in the Holiday Romance series, it's easily read as a standalone.
Ezra and Sebastian are complete opposites. Their story starts with a hot hookup. From there their chemistry just gets even stronger.
Ezra's a model who isn't loving his career anymore. He wants to find someone who loves him for who he is and not how he looks. It's definitely an interesting take on his career. The career choices in general are an interesting aspect of their story. One's a chef, the other's a model who can't eat much. It's an entertaining part of their dynamics.
Ezra's always desired a BDSM relationship, but can't find a Dom worth being with. The kink aspect of their relationship is well done, with Sebastian showing Ezra some new things. And let's just say that the title has the word spanking in it for a reason.
The age gap is a big deal for Sebastian, as he struggles with thinking a younger man can be with him. This gives us some fun banter that had me giggling.
The writing is good, with alternating povs, but it definitely isn't heavy on the holiday feels.
Star Spanked is perfect when you're in the mood for a light into to kink. Leighton Greene entertains with this combo of age gap and opposites attract.
November 25, 2020
Received and ARC from GRR in exchange for an honest review. I did enjoy this book. I just didn’t love it. That had to do with me not connecting fully to the characters. At about the 65% mark I did start to like the characters better. I also felt kinda lost as I thought this was a complete standalone and there is talk about previous happenings that we not divulged in this one. Overall though this was a good kinky read featuring a 27 year old model turned hospitality worker and a 44 year old dom chef.
November 12, 2020
This book is marketed as a holiday romance but I didn’t really get that vibe from it. This does NOT mean that I didn’t enjoy the book, because I did immensely. I guess I have a thing for bossy Brits. Sebastian is a famous chef who has moved to LA from London in order to kind of start over in a new country and new city. He is still known in LA but not like he was in London. He is opening a new restaurant and trying to get back to living and being true to himself. He is also trying to keep his hands off the new host for the front of his restaurant that he just may have met a few nights prior at a kink club event. But no one ever said it would be easy. Ezra is still a kink newbie and is dipping his toes in the water trying to see what suits him best. He never expected to be practically swept off his feet by a silver fox. These two hit it off right from the start. I discovered that there is obviously another book in this series but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of this one. There is history alluded to but this book was a stand alone. I was ready to punch Tristan, Ezra’s roommate, myself once or twice when he seriously overstepped and hurt Ezra’s feelings by being overprotective. It came from a good place, but it was definitely not appropriate. The two friends do work it out before the end of the book. It just goes to show that this author is good at creating believable characters and writing situations that people could easily find themselves in. I enjoyed this book quite a bit and would read any other books in this series. I did read an ARC of this book.
November 16, 2020
A sweet, steamy age gap story with light spanking kink
Ezra is a beautiful young man, a model who is tired of being judged by his looks alone. He’s tired of men parading him around like a trophy or worse, a pet. He is also new to the kink scene in L.A. and trying find the right Dom to make him feel whole. Sebastian is a world famous—and infamous—chef who is well-versed in the kink scene, but who pulled away from it when the press began to invade his privacy back in London. Now he’s in L.A. and looking for a fresh start both professionally and sexually. His hope is that he can be anonymous in the L.A. kink scene where only a select few know who he is. When Ezra and Sebastian meet, the chemistry between is nearly irresistible—but Sebastian does resist because Ezra is inexperienced and so much younger than he is. But the pull toward each other cannot be denied as the universe keeps throwing the pair together. When they finally give in, the pairing is steamy, sexy, spanking play, and oh so much care and affection.
I really enjoyed this book. It was well and thoughtfully written and I was thrilled to see consent so artfully portrayed. I highly recommend novel with its sweet HEA.
Ezra is a beautiful young man, a model who is tired of being judged by his looks alone. He’s tired of men parading him around like a trophy or worse, a pet. He is also new to the kink scene in L.A. and trying find the right Dom to make him feel whole. Sebastian is a world famous—and infamous—chef who is well-versed in the kink scene, but who pulled away from it when the press began to invade his privacy back in London. Now he’s in L.A. and looking for a fresh start both professionally and sexually. His hope is that he can be anonymous in the L.A. kink scene where only a select few know who he is. When Ezra and Sebastian meet, the chemistry between is nearly irresistible—but Sebastian does resist because Ezra is inexperienced and so much younger than he is. But the pull toward each other cannot be denied as the universe keeps throwing the pair together. When they finally give in, the pairing is steamy, sexy, spanking play, and oh so much care and affection.
I really enjoyed this book. It was well and thoughtfully written and I was thrilled to see consent so artfully portrayed. I highly recommend novel with its sweet HEA.
November 25, 2020
I like Ezra and Sebastian. They both have had trouble in love but in different ways. Ezra is still new to kink but there are no suitable teachers. Sebastian has a lot of years in experience and learning how to be a proper Dom. Not only do I love these two together but I love how the author expresses there is a lack of education in the kink community. The old dogs watching over the new tricks.
April 27, 2021
Good Dom! A very sweet story with low drama and angst. I loved the relationship alot with the main characters and even the side ones too. Alot of talk of good vs bad doms, safe play and safe words etc consent.
December 4, 2020
I really liked the beginning, I wondered what would happen next, I kept my fingers crossed for the heroes ... but then it somehow lost its pace for me and I didn't want to continue anymore.
November 12, 2020
❤🔥A good start to the book, this is a second read for the author I've read and loved them both.
The first meeting between Ezra and Sebastian is a hot one and Ezra falls for his silver fox.
Ezra is new to the spanking scene which Seb gives him a hot introduction.
• hot spankings
• age gap
• does Duckling get his Fox..😉
• chemisty they both feel
• forbidden boss & employee role.
• lots of food and frustrations
Ezra wants Sebastian but Seb's got a hang up about his age for being with someone young. Ezra is cheeky in a few scenes which endears me to the couple.
A great story which in includes both POVs. Gorgeous sexy scenes with some spankings.
Ezra 27 worked as a model and had a very strict diet for his photographic shoots but wanted to quit. He had eyes out for a Dom that would fit his needs.
Sebastian had a restaurant that he was renovating for the 4th july festivals. He badly needed an interior designer.
*I received an advanced readers copy and this is my honest review.
The first meeting between Ezra and Sebastian is a hot one and Ezra falls for his silver fox.
Ezra is new to the spanking scene which Seb gives him a hot introduction.
• hot spankings
• age gap
• does Duckling get his Fox..😉
• chemisty they both feel
• forbidden boss & employee role.
• lots of food and frustrations
Ezra wants Sebastian but Seb's got a hang up about his age for being with someone young. Ezra is cheeky in a few scenes which endears me to the couple.
A great story which in includes both POVs. Gorgeous sexy scenes with some spankings.
Ezra 27 worked as a model and had a very strict diet for his photographic shoots but wanted to quit. He had eyes out for a Dom that would fit his needs.
Sebastian had a restaurant that he was renovating for the 4th july festivals. He badly needed an interior designer.
*I received an advanced readers copy and this is my honest review.
November 17, 2020
This was a good age gap book with lots of cooking and spa with a mixture of drama. Sebastian and Ezra were well suited for their particular kinks. Both men had some hurdles to over come but they did it together.
I volunteered to review this Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
I volunteered to review this Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
December 15, 2022
DNF 39%
The writing is passable at best.
Chapter 10 was the last straw.
The writing is passable at best.
Chapter 10 was the last straw.
January 5, 2021
My first read of 2021 was an explosion of stars!
This story follows a forty four year old English chef, Sebastian, and his romance with a twenty seven year old model, Ezra. They meet at a spanking club and form a close relationship built on trust. It's a low drama, high spiciness, and warm romance that I truly loved.
A kink relationship is built on trust and consent, and this one shows that perfect. Sebastian was very patient and communicative with his partner Ezra, and I appreciate that. Safe words, reassurance, checking in on your partner; this book has it all. It made me smile, like biting into a warm honey bun.
If you like steamy gay romance novels, please pick this one up!
This story follows a forty four year old English chef, Sebastian, and his romance with a twenty seven year old model, Ezra. They meet at a spanking club and form a close relationship built on trust. It's a low drama, high spiciness, and warm romance that I truly loved.
A kink relationship is built on trust and consent, and this one shows that perfect. Sebastian was very patient and communicative with his partner Ezra, and I appreciate that. Safe words, reassurance, checking in on your partner; this book has it all. It made me smile, like biting into a warm honey bun.
If you like steamy gay romance novels, please pick this one up!
November 17, 2020
I really enjoyed the first book in this series Winter Wonders and although I haven't read the second book, I had high hopes for this one. Sadly I was disappointed. It's a shame really as it started off ok. Part of the problem for me was I found Sebastian to be quite unlikeable and Ezra was just there - he just didn't seem to have any oomph to him. Oh well.
January 22, 2026
Sebastian, a British celebrity chef hiding from the tabloids in L.A., has a scorching anonymous encounter at an adults‑only club. Ezra, a model craving more than superficial attention, is captivated by the older stranger — and stunned when he later discovers his mystery man is his new boss. Their chemistry reignites instantly, but between the age gap, workplace complications, and disapproving voices around them, keeping their connection alive won’t be easy.
I loved that this romance fizzled from the very first moment Sebastian and Ezra crossed paths. Their attraction is instant, magnetic, and only grows stronger as they’re pulled back into each other’s orbit. What makes their connection so compelling is how effortlessly it rises above the gossip, judgment, and outside negativity trying to pull them apart. No matter what’s thrown at them, the spark between them refuses to dim. There’s also a beautiful thread of trust woven through their relationship. As they explore a BDSM-like D/s dynamic together, it never feels performative or forced — it’s grounded in genuine care, communication, and a deep desire to understand one another. That trust becomes the foundation that lets them grow grow together. A warm, spicy, and surprisingly tender MM story with mature content about chemistry that can’t be denied and love that thrives even under pressure.
I loved that this romance fizzled from the very first moment Sebastian and Ezra crossed paths. Their attraction is instant, magnetic, and only grows stronger as they’re pulled back into each other’s orbit. What makes their connection so compelling is how effortlessly it rises above the gossip, judgment, and outside negativity trying to pull them apart. No matter what’s thrown at them, the spark between them refuses to dim. There’s also a beautiful thread of trust woven through their relationship. As they explore a BDSM-like D/s dynamic together, it never feels performative or forced — it’s grounded in genuine care, communication, and a deep desire to understand one another. That trust becomes the foundation that lets them grow grow together. A warm, spicy, and surprisingly tender MM story with mature content about chemistry that can’t be denied and love that thrives even under pressure.
November 14, 2020
"Star Spanked" is a surprisingly thoughtful opposites-attract age gap romance following model Ezra and chef and restaurateur Sebastian on an undeniable collision course toward a relationship that should be off-limits for a few reasons (as far as Sebastian is concerned anyway). As the title indicates, there is a definite focus on the D/s lifestyle and Ezra's newbie exploration within it, but this book delves deeper than that and is very much about Ezra discovering more about himself as his personal and professional lives are at a crossroads. There is so much build-up to Ezra and Sebastian getting together that a majority of this book felt like one long tease, but that's not a complaint! Rather than being frustrating, it was an intense slow burn and the payoff was worth it.
This is a standalone but several intriguing characters from the author's previous books appear throughout. Ezra's best friend Tristan (from Book 2 in the Holiday Romance series) figures prominently in this story, with his past experiences affecting his relationship with Ezra, so reading that book first likely would've provided some helpful additional context. I received an advance reading copy of this book and have left this honest review voluntarily.
This is a standalone but several intriguing characters from the author's previous books appear throughout. Ezra's best friend Tristan (from Book 2 in the Holiday Romance series) figures prominently in this story, with his past experiences affecting his relationship with Ezra, so reading that book first likely would've provided some helpful additional context. I received an advance reading copy of this book and have left this honest review voluntarily.
January 4, 2021
My Recommendation: This one is definitely lighter than
Taming Tristan
, but a little kinkier than
Winter Wonders
. So, if you think you might like it, give it a go. I doubt I'll seek out more in the series by Greene because the proofreading and copyediting seemed to drop off significantly over the last two novels and it affected my enjoyment of the novel. That being said, I'm glad I accidentally fell into these, it showed me a different side of MM Romance novels that I don't usually see in the ones I select to read.
My Response: And to finish off 2020 I finish off the kinky romance trilogy I unexpectedly walked into. Instead of a Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa (those are so hard to find!) or New Year's MM Romance I read a 4th of July Independence Day novel!? Oh well, I actually ended up reading one more MM Holiday Romance after the first because I forgot I'd put it on hold at the library.
Star Spanked finds us once again deep in the kink world of Los Angeles. We find out that Jon and Connor from Winter Wonders are now engaged (or married) and Tristan and Seth from Taming Tristan play a decent sized role in this novel as Ezra, a model seeking to get out of the industry is Tristan's roommate. The other protagonist is semi-celebrity British ex-pat Sebastian.
Continue reading on my book blog at geoffwhaley.com.
My Response: And to finish off 2020 I finish off the kinky romance trilogy I unexpectedly walked into. Instead of a Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa (those are so hard to find!) or New Year's MM Romance I read a 4th of July Independence Day novel!? Oh well, I actually ended up reading one more MM Holiday Romance after the first because I forgot I'd put it on hold at the library.
Star Spanked finds us once again deep in the kink world of Los Angeles. We find out that Jon and Connor from Winter Wonders are now engaged (or married) and Tristan and Seth from Taming Tristan play a decent sized role in this novel as Ezra, a model seeking to get out of the industry is Tristan's roommate. The other protagonist is semi-celebrity British ex-pat Sebastian.
Continue reading on my book blog at geoffwhaley.com.
November 25, 2020
Talk about awkward, when Ezra shows up looking for a new job after growing tired of modelling he runs into Sebastian who he became intimately acquainted with the night previously. Sebastian has preconceived notions about models and this colours his opinion of Ezra wrongly and he is quite rude and caustic towards him. They both keep bumping into each other and they have this spark between them which is hard to ignore. Ezra isn't well versed in the kink community and his friend from book 2 Tristan makes his feelings known bordering on personal as he has trouble separating his life from Ezra's. Once Sebastian got over himself he was really likeable and showed a soft and caring side with Ezra who in turn gave him his trust. Tabloid drama set to ruin a good thing and a shallow sub like to stir up grief but with friends by their side, they hope to weather the storm. Ezra had a backbone which I liked and knew what he wanted while Sebastian was over bearing to begin with but softened towards the end. A sweet story full of learning to trust and inventive times with a wooden spoon. Lots of appearances by previous characters in this world which made me smile.
November 25, 2020
I’m on the fence about this book. On the one hand, it’s well written and the MCs, Sebastian and Ezra, are multi-dimensional, likeable and have obvious chemistry. There’s steamy sex scenes and BDSM (spanking, obviously, per the title), and a HEA. On the other hand, some of the side characters, especially Tristan, were annoying and at times infuriating and it really distracted from the story. Additionally, I felt like this was less a romance and more an exploration of the kink scene. I don’t have an objection to the latter, it just wasn’t what I was expecting or in the mood for. I was hoping for romance with a side of kink, not kink with a side of romance. I got to a point about halfway through and almost stopped because it was becoming monotonous. I’m glad I pushed through because it definitely picked up after that and ultimately landed in a good place. Overall, this was a mostly enjoyable read, but nothing exceptional, at least for me.
June 22, 2024
I guess that's what they call "low angst" or "no angst". I mean, there's no conflict whatsoever. Where is the plot?? Where? I liked the writing, I liked the start of the book, I liked the characters (at least at the beginning). But there's no plot. They meet, they have chemistry (I admit), they have this thing of "we want each other but WE CAN'T AND YOU'RE TOO YOUNG" for quite some time but then they get together and they're just... happy. Without any problems. Without consequences. They're "in love" with each other after knowing each other (barely) for a couple of months or something. The smut is underwhelming. There are some spankings and "yes, sir"s and maybe a couple of pretty vanilla anal sex and that's it. I expected some discipline but there's none. Where's BDSM? This is one of these one night stand books: it helps you pass the time just once but you'll forget it in a day or something.
June 24, 2024
1.5-2 stars.
This was… fine. The kink was okay, but I wanted more of it. I felt like it promised a lot, but it got largely forgotten along the way. Tristian (Ezra’s best friend) was irritating to the point that I cringed every time he was on page. Sebastian and Ezra’s relationship moved too quickly for my tastes and didn’t portray their chemistry well enough to make it believable as more than lust.
I didn’t feel like this book had a goal or really went anywhere either…. It could have been smut for the sake of smut, but then why incorporate the tabloids and opening a restaurant and friendship drama into all of it? But if the author wanted to include plot, she needed to do a better job of it. There was nothing really at stake, no tension or motivation. I think she may have tried at one point, but it got lost.
This was… fine. The kink was okay, but I wanted more of it. I felt like it promised a lot, but it got largely forgotten along the way. Tristian (Ezra’s best friend) was irritating to the point that I cringed every time he was on page. Sebastian and Ezra’s relationship moved too quickly for my tastes and didn’t portray their chemistry well enough to make it believable as more than lust.
I didn’t feel like this book had a goal or really went anywhere either…. It could have been smut for the sake of smut, but then why incorporate the tabloids and opening a restaurant and friendship drama into all of it? But if the author wanted to include plot, she needed to do a better job of it. There was nothing really at stake, no tension or motivation. I think she may have tried at one point, but it got lost.
August 1, 2021
This was okay. I will admit that I haven't read the first two books in the series, and the couples from those books definitely made an appearance in this one, so knowing their stories might have helped me to enjoy this more. Both Sebastian and Ezra did things that annoyed me. Sebastian kept meeting Ezra at different events and the attraction between them was strong, but Sebastian couldn't get past the age difference. It turns out there was a ridiculous reason behind that. And Ezra got into a huge fight with his BFF and roommate Tristan, but it was all because Ezra lied to Tristan. I thought Ezra was a horrible friend. I might go back and read the first two books in the series so I can get the backstory on the other couples.
June 9, 2024
Spank You Very Much
Sebastian is a silver fox of a chef and a Dom newly arrived in LA from London. Ezra is a young model, mid twenties, living with his best friend Tristan and curious about the BDSM community.
Mutual friends escort him to a club, where he meets the hot Brit.
Then another night, he's at a new spanking club and Seb is there again.
Never mind dinner at Zee's and turning up for an interview at Seb's restaurant.
They keep running into each other and the attraction is through the roof.
There's secrets in the Dom's past, Tristan's negative feelings towards the Dom's in the community after his own experiences and a vile model named Miles.
It's a sweet, funny and romantic read. With lots of spice - not just in the food.
Sebastian is a silver fox of a chef and a Dom newly arrived in LA from London. Ezra is a young model, mid twenties, living with his best friend Tristan and curious about the BDSM community.
Mutual friends escort him to a club, where he meets the hot Brit.
Then another night, he's at a new spanking club and Seb is there again.
Never mind dinner at Zee's and turning up for an interview at Seb's restaurant.
They keep running into each other and the attraction is through the roof.
There's secrets in the Dom's past, Tristan's negative feelings towards the Dom's in the community after his own experiences and a vile model named Miles.
It's a sweet, funny and romantic read. With lots of spice - not just in the food.
November 21, 2020
This is a good opposites-attract age gap romance with a steamy BDSM element. The Dom/sub dynamics are handled well and really fits their relationship. It is seriously hot as well! But it's not without any further substance. The character growth is actually very well done, and Ezra especially, goes through an emotionally compelling professional and personal journey. I also enjoyed their banter and the tenderness; a good mix with the light kink that is explored. And the bit of anticipation we get with the building up of their relationship - that, I loved! It made it more intense and more genuine and is well worth the wait.
November 23, 2020
Sebastian is forty-four and a celebrity chef from the UK who starts over in LA. Ezra is twenty-seven and a model. They meet at a kink club. While Sebastian is an experienced Dom, Ezra is new to kink. Sebastian is somewhat reluctant to get involved with a younger man. This was an awesome slow burn, age gap, and opposites attract romance. The kink writing was well done. I am voluntarily leaving a review from an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
November 26, 2020
Chef and the model
Sebastian is a famous chef who grew tired of the paparazzi, rumors, and attention and moved to Los Angeles to open a new restaurant.
Ezra is a sweet beautiful model who is tired of being treated as just a pretty toy. He is ready to give up being a model. He's also looking for the perfect dominant to his submissive self.
Sebastian tries to resist Ezra. Ezra is so much younger. But fate keeps throwing them together.
I loved the characters. They were good together. Steamy and sweet.
Sebastian is a famous chef who grew tired of the paparazzi, rumors, and attention and moved to Los Angeles to open a new restaurant.
Ezra is a sweet beautiful model who is tired of being treated as just a pretty toy. He is ready to give up being a model. He's also looking for the perfect dominant to his submissive self.
Sebastian tries to resist Ezra. Ezra is so much younger. But fate keeps throwing them together.
I loved the characters. They were good together. Steamy and sweet.
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