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Bay Area Professionals #1
Impacted
On his way home from vacation, Scott Gregory, a closeted sub, hooks up with the gorgeous Red, a flamboyant dom, for a thrilling one-off at a BDSM bar. They part ways after a satisfying scene... but meet again when Robin Kennedy-Red-arrives at his new job as a dental hygienist and discovers one of his two bosses is Scott. Robin and Scott embark on a journey of exploration into their kinkier sides and discover they're more than compatible-they're a perfect match. But keeping employer/employee and Dom/sub separate at the office presents difficulties, and to make matters even more complicated, the owner of the dental practice is an acknowledged homophobe. They fall in love, but Robin chafes at all the secrecy, refusing to live in the shadows. Scott isn't as brave; he's desperate to protect his job and his future. Will they be able to find some middle ground... or will their entire relationship fall apart because of fear?
234 pages, ebook
First published August 3, 2009
14 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
Mickie B. Ashling
51 books346 followersMICKIE B. ASHLING is the pseudonym of a multi-published author who resides in a suburb outside Chicago. She is a product of her upbringing in various cultures, having lived in Japan, the Philippines, Spain, and the Middle East. Fluent in three languages, she’s a citizen of the world and an interesting mixture of East and West.
Since 2009, Mickie has written several dozen novels in the LGBTQ+ genre—which have been translated into French, Italian, Spanish, and German. A lot of her backlist is “Under Construction” as she slowly transitions from traditional publishing to representing herself. Her goal is to have most of her novels back in the universe by the end of 2023.
CONTACT INFO:
Email: mickie.ashling@gmail.com
Website: mickieashling.com
Blog: mickiebashling.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mickie.ashling
Twitter: @MickieAshling
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/micki...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickieashling/
Since 2009, Mickie has written several dozen novels in the LGBTQ+ genre—which have been translated into French, Italian, Spanish, and German. A lot of her backlist is “Under Construction” as she slowly transitions from traditional publishing to representing herself. Her goal is to have most of her novels back in the universe by the end of 2023.
CONTACT INFO:
Email: mickie.ashling@gmail.com
Website: mickieashling.com
Blog: mickiebashling.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mickie.ashling
Twitter: @MickieAshling
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/micki...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickieashling/
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November 20, 2014Got it!! I hope the author did some dental research!!
August 26, 2009
Scott Gregory is on his way home to San Francisco when he decides to stop in at a BDSM club in San Ramon. Scott is a sub and would love to find a Dom to spend some time with. While sitting at the bar he meets Red, who is the bartender and a Dom, and they are instantly attracted to each other. They end up having hot sex in Scott's car and then part ways thinking to never see each other again.
Weeks later, to Scott's surprise, Red shows up at the office where Scott works as a periodontist. It turns out that Red, whose real name is Robin Kennedy, has been hired by Scott's boss Ron as a dental hygienist for their office. Scott and Robin immediately decide to start a Dom/sub relationship while maintaining their working relationship as separate as possible. They need to keep their personal life a secret since Ron is extremely homophobic and Scott still has six months before his purchase of Ron's practice is final.
Further adding to the mix is Susie, Scott's college friend, who also ends up coming to work in the office as an assistant, and Jenna, who has been Ron's assistant for more than 30 years.
Scott and Robin's relationship was for the most part well written and the sex scenes were hot although they felt a bit repetitive by the end of the story. While Scott was a bit too emotional and clingy sometimes it was easy to understand why when his past comes to light. Robin's relationship with his mother was a loving and stable one and her acceptance of him as a gay man and his lifestyle was nice to read. I also liked Scott's friendship with Susie although the fact that Susie has a POV in the story felt strange to me. As for her personal issues, it was easy to see where her storyline was headed and I felt it really didn't add anything important to the book.
There are a few things about this story that didn't work for me. One of them being the multiple POVs which I found distracting and sometimes made the story difficult to follow. I would have enjoyed the story more if the POVs had been limited to just Scott and Ron. I also felt that the ending was very abrupt. Scott and Ron's relationship had been strained to the breaking point and I found their reconciliation taking place in just a couple of paragraphs and the story ending right there disappointing.
While the author's writing style is not bad and the plot seems interesting there were just too many things that kept me from enjoying this story. Chief among those was the use of the multiple POVs, the 'big shocking reveal' towards the end of the book that felt forced and over the top as well as what was for me a disappointing ending. This is not a book that I personally, based on my own opinions that I've stated, recommend.
Weeks later, to Scott's surprise, Red shows up at the office where Scott works as a periodontist. It turns out that Red, whose real name is Robin Kennedy, has been hired by Scott's boss Ron as a dental hygienist for their office. Scott and Robin immediately decide to start a Dom/sub relationship while maintaining their working relationship as separate as possible. They need to keep their personal life a secret since Ron is extremely homophobic and Scott still has six months before his purchase of Ron's practice is final.
Further adding to the mix is Susie, Scott's college friend, who also ends up coming to work in the office as an assistant, and Jenna, who has been Ron's assistant for more than 30 years.
Scott and Robin's relationship was for the most part well written and the sex scenes were hot although they felt a bit repetitive by the end of the story. While Scott was a bit too emotional and clingy sometimes it was easy to understand why when his past comes to light. Robin's relationship with his mother was a loving and stable one and her acceptance of him as a gay man and his lifestyle was nice to read. I also liked Scott's friendship with Susie although the fact that Susie has a POV in the story felt strange to me. As for her personal issues, it was easy to see where her storyline was headed and I felt it really didn't add anything important to the book.
There are a few things about this story that didn't work for me. One of them being the multiple POVs which I found distracting and sometimes made the story difficult to follow. I would have enjoyed the story more if the POVs had been limited to just Scott and Ron. I also felt that the ending was very abrupt. Scott and Ron's relationship had been strained to the breaking point and I found their reconciliation taking place in just a couple of paragraphs and the story ending right there disappointing.
While the author's writing style is not bad and the plot seems interesting there were just too many things that kept me from enjoying this story. Chief among those was the use of the multiple POVs, the 'big shocking reveal' towards the end of the book that felt forced and over the top as well as what was for me a disappointing ending. This is not a book that I personally, based on my own opinions that I've stated, recommend.
August 6, 2009
I love this cover! Scorching! The book has some good BDSM scenes and really hot sex but some of the plot is a little over the top, especially at the end. There are at least 5 different POV's from various people that muddy the waters too much. The story loses focus as it moves from POV to POV at times.
One minute the story is about Scott and Robin and all of sudden it shifts completely to a different story about Susie and her needs. We also get inside the head of crazy Dr. Ron for a while. It was disconcerting.
Scott an overachieving Dentist buying into an established practice in San Francisco with a homophobic practice owner. He is determined to stick it out in the closet for his probationary year and take over the practice. He has a contract to fulfill and then he has a 4M+ practice that is all his. He is 6 months in when he meets Robin.
Robin can't seem to grasp the idea of being in the closet for this reason, even though he himself is in the closet in the same office. His reason is exactly the same; quick advancement in a well established dental office. He pushes Scott more and more to just start his own practice rather than sticking it out another 3 months. Robin seems unreasonable, hypocritical and naive for this stance. Also, there is a lot of talk and reassurance between Robin and Scott about Robin never leaving Scott. However, Robin does so at the first real test of their relationship that Robin pushed Scott into against Scott's better judgment in the first place. The sex is hot and the chemistry is great but I wanted to kick Robin's ass a couple of times in this book.
We also see some story from Susie. A long lost friend of Scott's that comes to town about the same time he meets Robin. As close as they were, she never knew he was a sub and he never realized she is a Domme at heart. We see some of Susie's story from her POV. Most of it has nothing to do with Scott and Robin. Just side story about her needs and wants that tries to impart some BDSM psyche understanding for us.
Crazy Dr. Ron also gives us some insight from his POV, mostly he wants to retire in style and is a lazy, greedy, homophobic, hypocritical jerk. I think the story could have unfolded more smoothly without his POV. If it had been written for us to interpret his actions we could have been pushed to the same understanding of his motivations. It seemed lazy to hand it to the reader with his POV the way it was. Dr. Ron's new wife gives us some of her POV (briefly) as well. Jenna the aging hygienist is also lurking around waiting to come to the party with her information.
In a book with several pretty amazing coincidences already, the reveal at the end was too much. The story convoluted and unnecessary.
And the ending was terribly abrupt...but did I mention the cover is really scorching hot?
One minute the story is about Scott and Robin and all of sudden it shifts completely to a different story about Susie and her needs. We also get inside the head of crazy Dr. Ron for a while. It was disconcerting.
Scott an overachieving Dentist buying into an established practice in San Francisco with a homophobic practice owner. He is determined to stick it out in the closet for his probationary year and take over the practice. He has a contract to fulfill and then he has a 4M+ practice that is all his. He is 6 months in when he meets Robin.
Robin can't seem to grasp the idea of being in the closet for this reason, even though he himself is in the closet in the same office. His reason is exactly the same; quick advancement in a well established dental office. He pushes Scott more and more to just start his own practice rather than sticking it out another 3 months. Robin seems unreasonable, hypocritical and naive for this stance. Also, there is a lot of talk and reassurance between Robin and Scott about Robin never leaving Scott. However, Robin does so at the first real test of their relationship that Robin pushed Scott into against Scott's better judgment in the first place. The sex is hot and the chemistry is great but I wanted to kick Robin's ass a couple of times in this book.
We also see some story from Susie. A long lost friend of Scott's that comes to town about the same time he meets Robin. As close as they were, she never knew he was a sub and he never realized she is a Domme at heart. We see some of Susie's story from her POV. Most of it has nothing to do with Scott and Robin. Just side story about her needs and wants that tries to impart some BDSM psyche understanding for us.
Crazy Dr. Ron also gives us some insight from his POV, mostly he wants to retire in style and is a lazy, greedy, homophobic, hypocritical jerk. I think the story could have unfolded more smoothly without his POV. If it had been written for us to interpret his actions we could have been pushed to the same understanding of his motivations. It seemed lazy to hand it to the reader with his POV the way it was. Dr. Ron's new wife gives us some of her POV (briefly) as well. Jenna the aging hygienist is also lurking around waiting to come to the party with her information.
In a book with several pretty amazing coincidences already, the reveal at the end was too much. The story convoluted and unnecessary.
And the ending was terribly abrupt...but did I mention the cover is really scorching hot?
April 14, 2019
First thing I'll say about this is that Impacted was about 95% erotica and 5% "romance".
I say "romance" because while there was an intense emotional connection and emotional dependence between Scott and Robin, I didn't believe it had gotten to the "soul mate" levels as described in the book.
As I mentioned earlier, this was mainly erotica so for that reason, I'll basically review this as an erotica novel. So how was it as erotica? Fantastic.
BDSM either fascinates or sends me running for the hills. While reading this I found that it can be STEAMY when done right and boy was this done right! These two were explosive together. Woosh!
The storyline was okay for the most part( re: the steamy parts) but was a bit stilted in all other facets. There was stilted dialogue between the MCs with almost all their interactions ending in sex.There was also nothing much happening aside from the MCs hiding from their homophobic boss and Susie discovering her sexuality(which I actually didn't care about actually).
I must say, the whole drama of the discovery of their sexuality could be seen coming from a mile away and the way it was handled in the last number of chapters was straight out of a soap opera. It. Was. Unbelievable. Lol!
All in all this book was great erotica, but definitely needed much more work before it could possibly be considered a romance.
*** eARC was Graciously Provided By The Publisher, DreamSpinner Press In Exchange For An Honest, Unbiased, Review ***
I say "romance" because while there was an intense emotional connection and emotional dependence between Scott and Robin, I didn't believe it had gotten to the "soul mate" levels as described in the book.
As I mentioned earlier, this was mainly erotica so for that reason, I'll basically review this as an erotica novel. So how was it as erotica? Fantastic.
BDSM either fascinates or sends me running for the hills. While reading this I found that it can be STEAMY when done right and boy was this done right! These two were explosive together. Woosh!
The storyline was okay for the most part( re: the steamy parts) but was a bit stilted in all other facets. There was stilted dialogue between the MCs with almost all their interactions ending in sex.There was also nothing much happening aside from the MCs hiding from their homophobic boss and Susie discovering her sexuality(which I actually didn't care about actually).
I must say, the whole drama of the discovery of their sexuality could be seen coming from a mile away and the way it was handled in the last number of chapters was straight out of a soap opera. It. Was. Unbelievable. Lol!
All in all this book was great erotica, but definitely needed much more work before it could possibly be considered a romance.
*** eARC was Graciously Provided By The Publisher, DreamSpinner Press In Exchange For An Honest, Unbiased, Review ***
May 6, 2017
I need to be better about remembering which narrators I just don't like. Unfortunately, I think John Solo is one of those narrators. Neither the audio version nor the actual book worked for me for soooo many reasons. To the point that I can't list one thing that I liked and there is so much about this that I didn't like, it's hard to organize it all my head. So let's try a list.
1) One-dimensional, OOT, and obvious villain. And the stupid side plot of Dr. Ron pushing for Scott and Susie to date was random and out of character.
2) Whiny, needy, immature sub (Scott aka "my love") - and while I appreciate the narrator trying to put emotion into his voice, the whining was just all the more annoying by having to hear actual whining.
3) Boring, tearful, unimpressive Dom (Robin aka Red aka "Master") - he not only teared up but actually had "tears streaming down his face" three, count them three times DURING or immediately after sex. What.The.Actual.Fuck. And while the narrator tried to do Dom voice, it was just a weird overly deep farce of a Dom voice. And he was really starting to piss me off the way he was pushing and pushing for Scott to quit. It's three months of being in the closet for a 4 million dollar business?!? Those numbers are pretty good, besides the fact that it's not your call you big hypocrite!
4) Way too soon declarations of love when they know nothing about each other.
5) Horrible pet names. "My love" felt so awkward and corny and a Dom needs to be pretty impressive to pull off "Master", Robin just did not deliver. It felt forced, like people playing at BDSM.
6) POV shifts, seeing Susie and Ron's POV brought absolutely nothing to the story.
7) Annoying and flowery language that had me rolling my eyes constantly
8) Obvious confrontation that was easily avoided These two idiots deserve each other.
9) Ridiculous "twist" at the end that had no bearing on anything and wasn't even really fully resolved
I finally increased the speed to 3.0 to try to get it over with, but it was still taking too long so I ended up jumping through sections. I wanted to see the final resolution but skipped the sex scenes because I was so uninterested and bored by that point I just didn't care.
Received audio version from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
1) One-dimensional, OOT, and obvious villain. And the stupid side plot of Dr. Ron pushing for Scott and Susie to date was random and out of character.
2) Whiny, needy, immature sub (Scott aka "my love") - and while I appreciate the narrator trying to put emotion into his voice, the whining was just all the more annoying by having to hear actual whining.
3) Boring, tearful, unimpressive Dom (Robin aka Red aka "Master") - he not only teared up but actually had "tears streaming down his face" three, count them three times DURING or immediately after sex. What.The.Actual.Fuck. And while the narrator tried to do Dom voice, it was just a weird overly deep farce of a Dom voice. And he was really starting to piss me off the way he was pushing and pushing for Scott to quit. It's three months of being in the closet for a 4 million dollar business?!? Those numbers are pretty good, besides the fact that it's not your call you big hypocrite!
4) Way too soon declarations of love when they know nothing about each other.
5) Horrible pet names. "My love" felt so awkward and corny and a Dom needs to be pretty impressive to pull off "Master", Robin just did not deliver. It felt forced, like people playing at BDSM.
6) POV shifts, seeing Susie and Ron's POV brought absolutely nothing to the story.
7) Annoying and flowery language that had me rolling my eyes constantly
8) Obvious confrontation that was easily avoided These two idiots deserve each other.
9) Ridiculous "twist" at the end that had no bearing on anything and wasn't even really fully resolved
I finally increased the speed to 3.0 to try to get it over with, but it was still taking too long so I ended up jumping through sections. I wanted to see the final resolution but skipped the sex scenes because I was so uninterested and bored by that point I just didn't care.
Received audio version from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
April 20, 2019
When personal and professional relationships overlap, especially when the men involved are not only in the closet and into BDSM but also working for a card-carrying homophobe, things are bound to go horribly wrong sooner or later. This is the story of Scott, a successful dentist and sub, and Red, a Dom who turns out to be his new assistant. All they initially have is an almost-anonymous encounter at a club and an intense physical attraction. But once Scott returns from his vacation and finds Red working in the practice he runs with his bigoted boss, they have to face reality – and it’s not an easy journey for them.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
May 16, 2018
This is a hard book for me to review. I've gone in reading it knowing this was one of Mickie Ashling's very early pieces. And like most authors, her writing style has grown and changed over the years. That was extremely evident to me while I was reading, to be honest.
I love the characters: Scott and Robin. Scott was quite an contradiction to be honest. Confident in his job, but very unsure and needy when it came to his private life. Robin was a great counterbalance to this, but again there was a slight "disconnect", for lack of a better explanation, between work and play. And while I'm not in any way connected to the BDSM scene in RL, some things just didn't sit comfortably with me, which is another reason I think I struggled a bit during the story.
There was also a lot going on. The story was told from different POV's which doesn't worry me. However the sheer amount of POV's was challenging. If it were only Scott's and Robin's, okay. But all the other side characters who had their say... I feel a lot of these distracted and took away from the story, although some of the info we were given was very relevant towards the end of the story. Other sections we could have done without, as far as I'm concerned at least.
However even with these issues, it's a book I did enjoy reading. I do feel it's a very clear example of an author's early writing, with all the mistakes they often make without a very strong team behind them. None of this is evident in Mickie Ashling's later works, so please don't let this tale put you off reading any of her new books.
I love the characters: Scott and Robin. Scott was quite an contradiction to be honest. Confident in his job, but very unsure and needy when it came to his private life. Robin was a great counterbalance to this, but again there was a slight "disconnect", for lack of a better explanation, between work and play. And while I'm not in any way connected to the BDSM scene in RL, some things just didn't sit comfortably with me, which is another reason I think I struggled a bit during the story.
There was also a lot going on. The story was told from different POV's which doesn't worry me. However the sheer amount of POV's was challenging. If it were only Scott's and Robin's, okay. But all the other side characters who had their say... I feel a lot of these distracted and took away from the story, although some of the info we were given was very relevant towards the end of the story. Other sections we could have done without, as far as I'm concerned at least.
However even with these issues, it's a book I did enjoy reading. I do feel it's a very clear example of an author's early writing, with all the mistakes they often make without a very strong team behind them. None of this is evident in Mickie Ashling's later works, so please don't let this tale put you off reading any of her new books.
August 31, 2025
Es muy malo JAJAJA😭 Pero eh, las risas no faltaron
November 21, 2014
This is my second book by Mickie Ashling and I do enjoy her writing. This story started out strong for me, but lost me towards the end.
I really liked the MCs Robin and Scott and we got each of their points of view. They had good chemistry and smoking sex scenes and I liked them trying to work out the dynamics of their opposite roles in the office versus the bedroom and trying to formulate a plan so that they could manage to have both a D/s relationship and, something new to both of them, a romantic relationship outside of that.
What didn't work for me at times were the points of view of the other 5 or so secondary characters that the narrative would suddenly slide into. In addition, the last few chapters of the book felt like a telenovela. Lots of crazy goes down very quickly, and causes a huge rift between Scott and Robin, that is then tied up in a matter of a few paragraphs. I understand that it was set up for a second book, but I thought it was all pushed aside for a reconciliation to quick and easily. While I would love to read more about Scott and Robin, it appears that the second book adds even more characters and is a bit heavy on the M/F couplings, so I'll be holding off for now.
I really liked the MCs Robin and Scott and we got each of their points of view. They had good chemistry and smoking sex scenes and I liked them trying to work out the dynamics of their opposite roles in the office versus the bedroom and trying to formulate a plan so that they could manage to have both a D/s relationship and, something new to both of them, a romantic relationship outside of that.
What didn't work for me at times were the points of view of the other 5 or so secondary characters that the narrative would suddenly slide into. In addition, the last few chapters of the book felt like a telenovela. Lots of crazy goes down very quickly, and causes a huge rift between Scott and Robin, that is then tied up in a matter of a few paragraphs. I understand that it was set up for a second book, but I thought it was all pushed aside for a reconciliation to quick and easily. While I would love to read more about Scott and Robin, it appears that the second book adds even more characters and is a bit heavy on the M/F couplings, so I'll be holding off for now.
August 23, 2010
I had to read this as soon as it was released, and instantly Scott and Robin (Red) are one of my favorite m/m BDSM couples, from the way they meet to they way they meet again. The scenes between them are incredibly hot.
Then you factor in Scott's good friend, Suzie, the homophobic man he currently works for and is trying to buy the dental practice from, and the man's surgical assistant/receptionist, and Robin's exceptional mother, and you have a mix of interesting and story-driving characters.
Impacted, and its sequel, Bonds of Love, are two of the few m/m romances that will actually grace my bookshelves and not just my computer.
Then you factor in Scott's good friend, Suzie, the homophobic man he currently works for and is trying to buy the dental practice from, and the man's surgical assistant/receptionist, and Robin's exceptional mother, and you have a mix of interesting and story-driving characters.
Impacted, and its sequel, Bonds of Love, are two of the few m/m romances that will actually grace my bookshelves and not just my computer.
November 28, 2011
When I started this, I was worried it would be too much Master/Sir scene-heavy dialog. But, I was pleasantly surprised to find there was much more to it. It seemed like Susie should have been more in the picture as the good friend who moved to town, and some things seemed a bit over the top. However, I enjoyed it and look forward to the next segment.
January 1, 2018
I really enjoyed this one, in a large part thanks to John Solo for reading it to me :)
He had a few new voices in this one, and I really liked his MCs.
The story was good and the scenes were creative, so win/win for me.
He had a few new voices in this one, and I really liked his MCs.
The story was good and the scenes were creative, so win/win for me.
July 26, 2015
This one is just not for me. I couldn't feel the connection between the main characters and the jumping pov drove me insane. No thank you!
May 18, 2019
Triggers: discussion of rape, bigotry, hatred, homophobia. Scenes of BDSM, with bondage and such. If any of it bothers you, please be careful.
This was a pretty good book for me til the end. I liked the dynamic between the two MCs, the push and pull, the conflict, and rewards. But the surprise Scott gets at the end, just ruined all for me. I know it's meant to be a twist and as far as twists go, it's a doozy, but yeah, not for me.
Scott is yearning for someone to fulfill him in the way he needs before he goes home. He stops in a bar, looking for something for the night and was about to go home disappointed, until the bartender speaks up to him. 'Red’ pushes his buttons, which for Scott is odd, because Red isn't his normal type. But they have an amazing time in Scott's car, and end up going separate ways. Scott is disappointed because Red seemed to be the one to do it for him. Robin (Red) can't forget about Scott either. But knows he needs to move on. One night does not a relationship make. But he gets the surprise of his life when he shows up for his new job, and Scott is one of his bosses. Now they have to figure out how to have a relationship, while being boss/employee, Dom/sub, and staying under the radar of the homophobic boss. And it's not easy. Several times, things almost break them up, but they work it out until one big thing divides them for sure. And this time, there may be no coming back.
For Robin, he's happy being out and being a Dom. But understanding Scott's need for secrecy, he keeps his mouth shut. For now. But one person can only take so much. And as much as the boss has been pushing for other things and meddling in their lives, as well as the homophobic and hateful comments, it's too much. It's toxic. Constant toxicity. Scott has had a rough time in his life, and he's hanging by a thread. He just wants to get through the next few months until he can take over the practice. But at what cost? I don't know how anyone could do it. I know in this world sometimes we have to just suck things up and go with it but sometimes you have to learn when to let it go and move on. You have to learn to let the past go. It's not an easy thing. But it's deciding what in life is more important.
With all the things these guys go through, it's a storm that beats hard at them. They make it through, but it enough to break someone. I love that they fight to hold on to what they have, even when they want to give up. It's important. And their relationship is what made this book for me.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
This was a pretty good book for me til the end. I liked the dynamic between the two MCs, the push and pull, the conflict, and rewards. But the surprise Scott gets at the end, just ruined all for me. I know it's meant to be a twist and as far as twists go, it's a doozy, but yeah, not for me.
Scott is yearning for someone to fulfill him in the way he needs before he goes home. He stops in a bar, looking for something for the night and was about to go home disappointed, until the bartender speaks up to him. 'Red’ pushes his buttons, which for Scott is odd, because Red isn't his normal type. But they have an amazing time in Scott's car, and end up going separate ways. Scott is disappointed because Red seemed to be the one to do it for him. Robin (Red) can't forget about Scott either. But knows he needs to move on. One night does not a relationship make. But he gets the surprise of his life when he shows up for his new job, and Scott is one of his bosses. Now they have to figure out how to have a relationship, while being boss/employee, Dom/sub, and staying under the radar of the homophobic boss. And it's not easy. Several times, things almost break them up, but they work it out until one big thing divides them for sure. And this time, there may be no coming back.
For Robin, he's happy being out and being a Dom. But understanding Scott's need for secrecy, he keeps his mouth shut. For now. But one person can only take so much. And as much as the boss has been pushing for other things and meddling in their lives, as well as the homophobic and hateful comments, it's too much. It's toxic. Constant toxicity. Scott has had a rough time in his life, and he's hanging by a thread. He just wants to get through the next few months until he can take over the practice. But at what cost? I don't know how anyone could do it. I know in this world sometimes we have to just suck things up and go with it but sometimes you have to learn when to let it go and move on. You have to learn to let the past go. It's not an easy thing. But it's deciding what in life is more important.
With all the things these guys go through, it's a storm that beats hard at them. They make it through, but it enough to break someone. I love that they fight to hold on to what they have, even when they want to give up. It's important. And their relationship is what made this book for me.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
March 19, 2019
2.5/5
Sometimes I feel like this book was written by two different persons. Because I would be riding high with the book, and the next chapter the quality of all aspect of the book just drop. One thing that bother me the most is how the author would drop a "boom" at the end of a chapter, then failed to follow address in the sub-sequence ones. When they do get dug up half a book later, it was either in fleeting thought or in questionable decision that only lead to more inconsistency. Or don't get me on when
Scott neediness is just weirdly clingy. Like, there is submissive, and lust... and then there is unstable.... This is yet another thing that's barely addressed in the book.
All in all, I wanted to like this book. It did almost tick many boxes for me, but I just can't get over these strange inconsistencies.
Sometimes I feel like this book was written by two different persons. Because I would be riding high with the book, and the next chapter the quality of all aspect of the book just drop. One thing that bother me the most is how the author would drop a "boom" at the end of a chapter, then failed to follow address in the sub-sequence ones. When they do get dug up half a book later, it was either in fleeting thought or in questionable decision that only lead to more inconsistency. Or don't get me on when
Scott neediness is just weirdly clingy. Like, there is submissive, and lust... and then there is unstable.... This is yet another thing that's barely addressed in the book.
All in all, I wanted to like this book. It did almost tick many boxes for me, but I just can't get over these strange inconsistencies.
April 4, 2019
I received a free copy to read and review for Wicked Reads
This book started out strong for me. There was sexy hot encounter between Scott and Robin, you could feel the chemistry and heat come off the pages. The story line just didn't hold my attention. Don't get me wrong, the sex scenes were HOT but that wasn't enough for me. Besides the hot sex and the chemistry with Robin and Scott I just couldn't love the book and I just lost interest. However, if you are looking for chemistry and steamy sex this book is for you!
This book started out strong for me. There was sexy hot encounter between Scott and Robin, you could feel the chemistry and heat come off the pages. The story line just didn't hold my attention. Don't get me wrong, the sex scenes were HOT but that wasn't enough for me. Besides the hot sex and the chemistry with Robin and Scott I just couldn't love the book and I just lost interest. However, if you are looking for chemistry and steamy sex this book is for you!
January 2, 2016
Though John Solo did a good job with the narration, it took a little longer than usual for me to get into the individual character voices. None of the voices were off-putting, they just required some time to settle in to listening. Once I settled in, I enjoyed his style and tempo.
Scott Gregory is an award-winning Periodontist who is approached about buying into an established San Francisco dental practice. The caveat? He has to hide being gay because of the homophobic current owner. He has one year to get through before he can buy the business. Scott's sure that he can control his needs for a year. He satisfies himself with one night stands and hookups while on vacation away from San Francisco. It's not satisfying, especially because Scott's a pain slut and submissive longing to find a Dom who will hurt him and romance him.
On return from a vacation Scott stops in a bar and ends up hooking up with the hot bartender, Red, who gives him a night neither one forgets. Cut to a couple of days/weeks later (there was some confusion about timelines) and Robin "Red" Kennedy, shows up at the San Francisco dental practice to start work as their new hygienist. How...convenient.
The two decide to pick up where they left off and begin a sexual and romantic journey. Now, I'll admit, I thought this was going to be heavy in the BDSM and I was looking forward to it! It kind of disappointed me. The smexy times were okay, but nothing spectacular.
Basically, the story itself is where I found myself not impressed. I was frustrated by multiple points of view which were often distracting and threw off the flow to the story. I got different POVs from Scott, Scott's friend Susie, Robin, the homophobic Dr. Ron, and Dr. Ron's assistant, Jenna. Each of the separate POVs had side-storylines which I often felt were unnecessary and simply glutted the story. There were continuity issues with timelines for things (for example: one day they have six months before Scott's contract is up and he can buy the business, but the next day it's only three more months). Scott's personality undergoes these weird changes from being very "together" to being a weeping, clingy mess...and then there was the end. Wow. This went from a story with a couple little problems to a full blown telenovela in 2.8 seconds.
It completely shattered the credibility of the story for me.
Then, all the DRAMA is cleared up in minutes.
So, bottom line? The narration is good, but the story didn't really thrill me.
Copy generously provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Reviews by Jessewave
August 18, 2015
FourStars
Holy cow, this book had some hotness to it. I really enjoyed it! Scott stops at a BDSM club on his way back home from vacation and has an explosive night with this Dom named Red. You instantly feel bad because they have to part after hitting it off so well. Surprise, surprise, when Robin (aka Red) starts his new job in a new town his boss is none other than Scott. These two are so hot together. As some people may know having a working and personal relationship is hard work, you have to be able to keep them separate. Scott and Red do the best that they can to keep things separate, it is dire that Scott does because his partner in the dental practice is a homophobe who if he finds out might not sell the practice to Scott. I thought it was cute when Robin would put a pack of gum on Scott’s desk to let him know that he wanted to see him that night. Throw in a best friend, an unknown father and lots of hot sex and you have one great book. There was some angst/drama but not too much, I thought it was just right.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Angie
ThreeandHalfStars
This story began with a hot encounter between Scott and Robin. They had instant chemistry and heat.
When Scott moves and signs on at Ron’s practice as an oral surgeon, things kind of begin to move at a strange pace. You then have Scott’s good friend come to town for a job. Susie, Scott’s friend, gets her own piece of the story in that there are some parts that are in her point of view, but don’t have anything to do with Scott or Robin.
Then Robin is introduced and he and Scott begin their hidden relationship. You have Robin’s point of view, and there are some really hot scenes, but his character seems just stagnant for me.
Finally, you have another puzzle piece in the Ron surgical snafu and wanting to sell his practice and the mystery that entails, which is left hanging. There was no resolution for this at all.
I liked the sex and the relationship between Scott and Robin was hot, but otherwise, this story was very truncated and choppy. Also, there was a very weak resolution to the story.
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Inked Rainbow Reads.
AvidReader
Holy cow, this book had some hotness to it. I really enjoyed it! Scott stops at a BDSM club on his way back home from vacation and has an explosive night with this Dom named Red. You instantly feel bad because they have to part after hitting it off so well. Surprise, surprise, when Robin (aka Red) starts his new job in a new town his boss is none other than Scott. These two are so hot together. As some people may know having a working and personal relationship is hard work, you have to be able to keep them separate. Scott and Red do the best that they can to keep things separate, it is dire that Scott does because his partner in the dental practice is a homophobe who if he finds out might not sell the practice to Scott. I thought it was cute when Robin would put a pack of gum on Scott’s desk to let him know that he wanted to see him that night. Throw in a best friend, an unknown father and lots of hot sex and you have one great book. There was some angst/drama but not too much, I thought it was just right.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Angie
ThreeandHalfStars
This story began with a hot encounter between Scott and Robin. They had instant chemistry and heat.
When Scott moves and signs on at Ron’s practice as an oral surgeon, things kind of begin to move at a strange pace. You then have Scott’s good friend come to town for a job. Susie, Scott’s friend, gets her own piece of the story in that there are some parts that are in her point of view, but don’t have anything to do with Scott or Robin.
Then Robin is introduced and he and Scott begin their hidden relationship. You have Robin’s point of view, and there are some really hot scenes, but his character seems just stagnant for me.
Finally, you have another puzzle piece in the Ron surgical snafu and wanting to sell his practice and the mystery that entails, which is left hanging. There was no resolution for this at all.
I liked the sex and the relationship between Scott and Robin was hot, but otherwise, this story was very truncated and choppy. Also, there was a very weak resolution to the story.
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Inked Rainbow Reads.
AvidReader
February 22, 2017
I didn't like this book. I thought that Scott and Robin were so mushy sweet that the dialogue made me nauseous at times.
I actually did something I never do when reading a book. I skimmed through paragraphs so I could finish.
I actually did something I never do when reading a book. I skimmed through paragraphs so I could finish.
April 7, 2010
I enjoyed the book until almost the very end. They threw a curve in that really did not need to be in the book. It did have a good ending. It was a quick read. I read it in 1 night.
July 22, 2010
The book was very well written. I loved the characters and the ending was very suprising. Was not expecting it.
October 22, 2014
If I never hear the word 'love' again as a term of endearment, it will be too soon.
June 4, 2019
Full review available at: https://optimumm.blog/2019/04/12/revi...
I loved Impacted! by Mackie B. Ashling. Impacted! is the first book in the Bay Area Professionals series. This is my first time reading a book by Mackie B. Ashling, but I can guarantee it won’t be the last. I loved the blurb and have been on a BDSM reading kick lately, and this book had everything that I love in a BDSM book. A Dom that is younger than his submissive but is no less experienced just because he is younger than his submissive. The Dom and sub end up working together and have a hard time keeping their professional and private lives separate. I also love a super needy sub and a protective, dominate Dom who’s there to push the sub’s limits and give him what he needs. Mackie B. Ashling gave me all of those things in this book, and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series to see how Scott and Robin’s relationship evolves.
There were a couple of things that I thought were a little unneeded in the book. The book is told primarily through Scott and Robin’s POV which is expected, but we also got the POV of Scott’s best friend Susie, who’s straight and is looking for her forever boyfriend. So it’s kind of like having an MF subplot while you are reading a MM story. So if you don’t like reading MF stories at all, then this is probably not for you since the MF subplot does continue into the next book which is the sequel to this story and continues Scott and Robin’s story. It does continue the BDSM theme with Susie becoming a Domme, and she’s looking for her perfect submissive male. There were also the POVs of Scott’s boss Ron, who is a homophobe and I think there was a couple of other’s that I really didn’t think that we needed to know what they were thinking or why they were doing what they were doing. I don’t think it brought anything extra to the story. It sometimes took the focus away from Scott and Robin who the story is supposed to be about.
Scott’s a closeted submissive. He has just moved to San Francisco and has a contract to take over a successful dentistry business in a year. He didn’t know that his boss was a huge homophobe when he signed the contract. Who would have thought that there could still be homophobes in San Francisco, which is like the most gay-friendly place to live? But Scott was unlucky enough to have to work for one. He shoves himself back into the closet, telling himself that it is only for a year and that he can handle it since the reward is a four million dollar practice. He will be set for life. On his way home from vacation, he stops at a BDSM bar for a final scene before returning to his closeted life and hooks up with the flamboyant Dom, Red, who was bartending that night. After a very satisfying scene, they part ways, and Scott’s sad that he won’t be able to see Red again since Red’s moving soon. He definitely wasn’t expecting to see him when he goes to work the next day and finds out that he was hired by Ron, the owner, as the new assistant dentist.
Robin’s a Dom and has just finished getting his degree as a dental assistant. He would have gone on to be a dentist but didn’t want to be indebted by student loans. Even though he hasn’t been in the BDSM community long, only a couple of years, he did go and get trained to be a Dom and had been doing scenes with subs for a couple of years. He likes having one-off scenes and isn’t looking for a contracted sub. His last night bartending, he serves a sub a drink, and they have instant chemistry and agree to do a scene after he gets off work. He has no idea that the sub will turn out to be his boss at his new job or that they will get to continue to explore their kinks. Their chemistry goes through the roof, and they find that they are very compatible, are perfect for each other. But can they keep things under wrap under their boss’s homophobic nose or will he find out and fire them both. You will have to read the book to find out.
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book ***
I loved Impacted! by Mackie B. Ashling. Impacted! is the first book in the Bay Area Professionals series. This is my first time reading a book by Mackie B. Ashling, but I can guarantee it won’t be the last. I loved the blurb and have been on a BDSM reading kick lately, and this book had everything that I love in a BDSM book. A Dom that is younger than his submissive but is no less experienced just because he is younger than his submissive. The Dom and sub end up working together and have a hard time keeping their professional and private lives separate. I also love a super needy sub and a protective, dominate Dom who’s there to push the sub’s limits and give him what he needs. Mackie B. Ashling gave me all of those things in this book, and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series to see how Scott and Robin’s relationship evolves.
There were a couple of things that I thought were a little unneeded in the book. The book is told primarily through Scott and Robin’s POV which is expected, but we also got the POV of Scott’s best friend Susie, who’s straight and is looking for her forever boyfriend. So it’s kind of like having an MF subplot while you are reading a MM story. So if you don’t like reading MF stories at all, then this is probably not for you since the MF subplot does continue into the next book which is the sequel to this story and continues Scott and Robin’s story. It does continue the BDSM theme with Susie becoming a Domme, and she’s looking for her perfect submissive male. There were also the POVs of Scott’s boss Ron, who is a homophobe and I think there was a couple of other’s that I really didn’t think that we needed to know what they were thinking or why they were doing what they were doing. I don’t think it brought anything extra to the story. It sometimes took the focus away from Scott and Robin who the story is supposed to be about.
Scott’s a closeted submissive. He has just moved to San Francisco and has a contract to take over a successful dentistry business in a year. He didn’t know that his boss was a huge homophobe when he signed the contract. Who would have thought that there could still be homophobes in San Francisco, which is like the most gay-friendly place to live? But Scott was unlucky enough to have to work for one. He shoves himself back into the closet, telling himself that it is only for a year and that he can handle it since the reward is a four million dollar practice. He will be set for life. On his way home from vacation, he stops at a BDSM bar for a final scene before returning to his closeted life and hooks up with the flamboyant Dom, Red, who was bartending that night. After a very satisfying scene, they part ways, and Scott’s sad that he won’t be able to see Red again since Red’s moving soon. He definitely wasn’t expecting to see him when he goes to work the next day and finds out that he was hired by Ron, the owner, as the new assistant dentist.
Robin’s a Dom and has just finished getting his degree as a dental assistant. He would have gone on to be a dentist but didn’t want to be indebted by student loans. Even though he hasn’t been in the BDSM community long, only a couple of years, he did go and get trained to be a Dom and had been doing scenes with subs for a couple of years. He likes having one-off scenes and isn’t looking for a contracted sub. His last night bartending, he serves a sub a drink, and they have instant chemistry and agree to do a scene after he gets off work. He has no idea that the sub will turn out to be his boss at his new job or that they will get to continue to explore their kinks. Their chemistry goes through the roof, and they find that they are very compatible, are perfect for each other. But can they keep things under wrap under their boss’s homophobic nose or will he find out and fire them both. You will have to read the book to find out.
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book ***
May 12, 2017
This was good, but I did find some issues with it. The whole dentist chair scene was skipped, because it was obvious what was gonna happen and I just wanted to get through it. Their reconciliation felt really abrupt. For as badly as Robin claimed to feel, he gave in so quickly. Scott turned on the waterworks and he said okay. bah! I was expecting some nice romantic bdsm scene ending and there wasn't. So the end was a disappointment. The surprise plot twist sort of felt like it was thrown in there at the end in a whim. The story would have been fine without it. It was thrown in at the end and I don't think it added anything to Scott's character. Probably because it was added so late in the story.
April 12, 2019
Impacted is a tough one for me to review. One of Mickie Ashling's earlier works, it definitely isn't my favorite.
There are definitely things I liked. I like Scott and Robin as people. I enjoy the conflict they face in the workplace. And I absolutely love the way BDSM meets their needs. Those scenes are hot, and important to their relationship.
As for the negatives, I think I didn't care about Susie and her needs, so I found that part distracting. I would have preferred the story to focus on Scott and Robin only. It's a completely different storyline that only serves to explain some of the aspects of BDSM.
It's a decent story but it definitely lacks something.
There are definitely things I liked. I like Scott and Robin as people. I enjoy the conflict they face in the workplace. And I absolutely love the way BDSM meets their needs. Those scenes are hot, and important to their relationship.
As for the negatives, I think I didn't care about Susie and her needs, so I found that part distracting. I would have preferred the story to focus on Scott and Robin only. It's a completely different storyline that only serves to explain some of the aspects of BDSM.
It's a decent story but it definitely lacks something.
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January 1, 2022review to follow
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October 9, 20154.5 Heart Review by Kat
When Love Bytes was asked to do a review of Forged in Trust, I read the blurb and enthusiastically agreed to try this new-to-me author. I have been embracing the chance to try new authors any chance I get, and was so thankful that I jumped on this one. After reading the book I discovered it was part four in the Bay Area Professionals series and I seriously begged for the chance to review all four books. Let me tell you, I was most definitely not disappointed that I did!
Impacted is the first in this awesome series and I can’t wait to read the rest! The book introduces us to the back-in-the-closet again periodontitis Scott Gregory. He is at the end of his vacation and stops in at a gay BDSM club on the way home to blow off a little steam one last time before he has to go back into self-induced hiding and celibacy. He meets the handsome and charismatic bartender “Red”, aptly named because of his fiery red hair. After some flirtatious banter, Scott spots a pair of handcuffs in Red’s back pocket. The two hook up for some really hot car sex and part ways. There is a connection there, but it is dismissed. Fast forward to his first day back in the thriving practice he is in the process of buying. Scott is shocked to discover that the current owner, due to retire soon, has hired a new hygienist, Robin Kennedy, aka “Red”. After both men recover from the initial shock they admit they want to talk in private.
Impacted Is the story of how Scott and Robin navigating the tricky waters of closeted gays, the BDSM scene and it’s perceived twisted issues, and a homophobic holier-than-thou boss. This story has many twist and turns as the two men not only learn to trust one another in the kinky world of BDSM, but also how to balance their careers and the love that is developing between them. The book includes a rich supporting cast of characters that I adored. Scott’s close friend Susie, and Robin’s mother Denise, were wonderful, loving and supportive.
I completely and wholeheartedly recommend this novel and can’t wait to start the next one in the series. I give this book an enthusiastic thumbs up and 4.5 bright and shining stars!!! A Must Read!
( Check out my review on the other books in this series all coming this week! )
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
When Love Bytes was asked to do a review of Forged in Trust, I read the blurb and enthusiastically agreed to try this new-to-me author. I have been embracing the chance to try new authors any chance I get, and was so thankful that I jumped on this one. After reading the book I discovered it was part four in the Bay Area Professionals series and I seriously begged for the chance to review all four books. Let me tell you, I was most definitely not disappointed that I did!
Impacted is the first in this awesome series and I can’t wait to read the rest! The book introduces us to the back-in-the-closet again periodontitis Scott Gregory. He is at the end of his vacation and stops in at a gay BDSM club on the way home to blow off a little steam one last time before he has to go back into self-induced hiding and celibacy. He meets the handsome and charismatic bartender “Red”, aptly named because of his fiery red hair. After some flirtatious banter, Scott spots a pair of handcuffs in Red’s back pocket. The two hook up for some really hot car sex and part ways. There is a connection there, but it is dismissed. Fast forward to his first day back in the thriving practice he is in the process of buying. Scott is shocked to discover that the current owner, due to retire soon, has hired a new hygienist, Robin Kennedy, aka “Red”. After both men recover from the initial shock they admit they want to talk in private.
Impacted Is the story of how Scott and Robin navigating the tricky waters of closeted gays, the BDSM scene and it’s perceived twisted issues, and a homophobic holier-than-thou boss. This story has many twist and turns as the two men not only learn to trust one another in the kinky world of BDSM, but also how to balance their careers and the love that is developing between them. The book includes a rich supporting cast of characters that I adored. Scott’s close friend Susie, and Robin’s mother Denise, were wonderful, loving and supportive.
I completely and wholeheartedly recommend this novel and can’t wait to start the next one in the series. I give this book an enthusiastic thumbs up and 4.5 bright and shining stars!!! A Must Read!
( Check out my review on the other books in this series all coming this week! )
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
September 1, 2020
Full review can be found at The Novel Approach
Maybe it’s my thirty years spent in HR, but the whole boss/employee thing sets off many, many warning bells for me. I am fine with BDSM, and I’ve read plenty of kinky stuff, so that part of this story didn’t bother me at all. I actually really liked the beginning of Impacted!, and how Red and Scott met and really hit it off. I liked getting their background stories. They obviously had very compatible kinks, with very hot chemistry, and were extremely attracted to each other. I also really liked Red’s mother and their relationship.
Multiple POVs is a difficult thing to pull off. In this instance, I wasn’t a huge fan of the head-hopping, including the douche canoe, Scott’s boss and owner of the practice. I thought the narrator did a convincing job with the voice narration and character inflections. Although I wasn’t a huge fan of the words he was saying, I would be willing to give his narration another try.
Unfortunately for me, all that build up led to a pretty big letdown. I found it somewhat implausible that a guy who was so far in the closet for the “dream job” he had worked so hard for would jeopardize his entire life’s goal to this point by bringing the “forbidden” relationship into the office. It wasn’t like they were married to others and couldn’t see each other in off hours. Let’s face it, we all know people who have carried on with co-workers, but only the really stupid ones get caught at work—and again, I say this as a thirty+ year HR professional who has seen respiratory therapists get caught “in the act” in the hospital chapel, had managing partners impregnate receptionists at holiday parties (resulting in no combined staff/attorney parties for over ten years), CFOs carrying on with their secretaries and destroying their marriages and families, etc. So it’s not like it’s new to me.
The aspect that broke the story for me, though, was the “big reveal” of the huge secret. Honestly, it was just sooooo unbelievable in too many ways, and I just couldn’t get past it. It truly seemed like the Happy Days “Fonzie jumps the Shark” episode. I would have liked the book so much better without this “twist.” For me, personally, this bit of the story just didn’t work. As usual YMMV.
Maybe it’s my thirty years spent in HR, but the whole boss/employee thing sets off many, many warning bells for me. I am fine with BDSM, and I’ve read plenty of kinky stuff, so that part of this story didn’t bother me at all. I actually really liked the beginning of Impacted!, and how Red and Scott met and really hit it off. I liked getting their background stories. They obviously had very compatible kinks, with very hot chemistry, and were extremely attracted to each other. I also really liked Red’s mother and their relationship.
Multiple POVs is a difficult thing to pull off. In this instance, I wasn’t a huge fan of the head-hopping, including the douche canoe, Scott’s boss and owner of the practice. I thought the narrator did a convincing job with the voice narration and character inflections. Although I wasn’t a huge fan of the words he was saying, I would be willing to give his narration another try.
Unfortunately for me, all that build up led to a pretty big letdown. I found it somewhat implausible that a guy who was so far in the closet for the “dream job” he had worked so hard for would jeopardize his entire life’s goal to this point by bringing the “forbidden” relationship into the office. It wasn’t like they were married to others and couldn’t see each other in off hours. Let’s face it, we all know people who have carried on with co-workers, but only the really stupid ones get caught at work—and again, I say this as a thirty+ year HR professional who has seen respiratory therapists get caught “in the act” in the hospital chapel, had managing partners impregnate receptionists at holiday parties (resulting in no combined staff/attorney parties for over ten years), CFOs carrying on with their secretaries and destroying their marriages and families, etc. So it’s not like it’s new to me.
The aspect that broke the story for me, though, was the “big reveal” of the huge secret. Honestly, it was just sooooo unbelievable in too many ways, and I just couldn’t get past it. It truly seemed like the Happy Days “Fonzie jumps the Shark” episode. I would have liked the book so much better without this “twist.” For me, personally, this bit of the story just didn’t work. As usual YMMV.
January 9, 2016
Maybe it’s my thirty years spent in HR, but the whole boss/employee thing sets off many, many warning bells for me. I am fine with BDSM, and I’ve read plenty of kinky stuff, so that part of this story didn’t bother me at all. I actually really liked the beginning of Impacted!, and how Red and Scott met and really hit it off. I liked getting their background stories. They obviously had very compatible kinks, with very hot chemistry, and were extremely attracted to each other. I also really liked Red’s mother and their relationship.
Multiple POVs is a difficult thing to pull off. In this instance, I wasn’t a huge fan of the head-hopping, including the douche canoe, Scott’s boss and owner of the practice. I thought the narrator did a convincing job with the voice narration and character inflections. Although I wasn’t a huge fan of the words he was saying, I would be willing to give his narration another try.
Unfortunately for me, all that build up led to a pretty big letdown. I found it somewhat implausible that a guy who was so far in the closet for the “dream job” he had worked so hard for would jeopardize his entire life’s goal to this point by bringing the “forbidden” relationship into the office. It wasn’t like they were married to others and couldn’t see each other in off hours. Let’s face it, we all know people who have carried on with co-workers, but only the really stupid ones get caught at work—and again, I say this as a thirty+ year HR professional who has seen respiratory therapists get caught “in the act” in the hospital chapel, had managing partners impregnate receptionists at holiday parties (resulting in no combined staff/attorney parties for over ten years), CFOs carrying on with their secretaries and destroying their marriages and families, etc. So it’s not like it’s new to me.
The aspect that broke the story for me, though, was the “big reveal” of the huge secret. Honestly, it was just sooooo unbelievable in too many ways, and I just couldn’t get past it. It truly seemed like the Happy Days “Fonzie jumps the Shark” episode. I would have liked the book so much better without this “twist.” For me, personally, this bit of the story just didn’t work. As usual YMMV.
Reviewed by Sadonna for The Novel Approach
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
Multiple POVs is a difficult thing to pull off. In this instance, I wasn’t a huge fan of the head-hopping, including the douche canoe, Scott’s boss and owner of the practice. I thought the narrator did a convincing job with the voice narration and character inflections. Although I wasn’t a huge fan of the words he was saying, I would be willing to give his narration another try.
Unfortunately for me, all that build up led to a pretty big letdown. I found it somewhat implausible that a guy who was so far in the closet for the “dream job” he had worked so hard for would jeopardize his entire life’s goal to this point by bringing the “forbidden” relationship into the office. It wasn’t like they were married to others and couldn’t see each other in off hours. Let’s face it, we all know people who have carried on with co-workers, but only the really stupid ones get caught at work—and again, I say this as a thirty+ year HR professional who has seen respiratory therapists get caught “in the act” in the hospital chapel, had managing partners impregnate receptionists at holiday parties (resulting in no combined staff/attorney parties for over ten years), CFOs carrying on with their secretaries and destroying their marriages and families, etc. So it’s not like it’s new to me.
The aspect that broke the story for me, though, was the “big reveal” of the huge secret. Honestly, it was just sooooo unbelievable in too many ways, and I just couldn’t get past it. It truly seemed like the Happy Days “Fonzie jumps the Shark” episode. I would have liked the book so much better without this “twist.” For me, personally, this bit of the story just didn’t work. As usual YMMV.
Reviewed by Sadonna for The Novel Approach
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
September 3, 2015
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
Impacted is the first in the Bay Area Professionals series and introduces us to a lot of new characters. For me this would have worked better and been a little easier to understand if we had not also had all their POV’s as it does become difficult to follow at times.
On his drive home from a vacation Scott Gregory stops off at a bar and meets a man that gives him the best sexual experience of his life. Instant attraction, matching needs and explosive orgasms leave Scott thinking ‘if only’ and the other man, Robin Kennedy aka Red, wanting a second night.
Scott Gregory is a gay man and a closeted submissive. He is also a sought after dental surgeon who has recently landed a dream job with the opportunity to buy the dental surgery from its current owner after 12 months. The problem with this ‘dream’ is the current owner of the practice is certifiably crazy and a raging homophobe so for the next few months Scott is living very much in the closet.
Weeks later Scott comes face to face with Red when he starts working at the same dental practice as a hygienist. The attraction is still there, in fact it seems to have increased tenfold, and the two start seeing each other immediately in secret and enter into a D/s relationship. Things move very quickly but it works as they live with the stress of keeping everything about themselves out of the public eye and away from their boss.
Scott’s old friend Susie also joins the practice and although I liked her well enough I didn’t want her point of view or life problems as part of the story. They are a bit like the three musketeers as Scott and Red introduce her to the lifestyle in the hopes she can find someone that lasts longer than a couple of dates.
Scott comes across as clingy and needy, not helped by his childhood experiences, but Red seems to be good for him and able to give him what he needs. A twist in the story, a heated argument and a pissed off Dom opens Scott’s eyes to what is important in life. A quick make up and a very abrupt ending leaves you needing to read book 2 immediately.
Narration Review:
John Solo was a new narrator for me and although it wasn’t perfect he did a pretty decent job. He had a lot of voices to cover and each one sounded individual.
Impacted is the first in the Bay Area Professionals series and introduces us to a lot of new characters. For me this would have worked better and been a little easier to understand if we had not also had all their POV’s as it does become difficult to follow at times.
On his drive home from a vacation Scott Gregory stops off at a bar and meets a man that gives him the best sexual experience of his life. Instant attraction, matching needs and explosive orgasms leave Scott thinking ‘if only’ and the other man, Robin Kennedy aka Red, wanting a second night.
Scott Gregory is a gay man and a closeted submissive. He is also a sought after dental surgeon who has recently landed a dream job with the opportunity to buy the dental surgery from its current owner after 12 months. The problem with this ‘dream’ is the current owner of the practice is certifiably crazy and a raging homophobe so for the next few months Scott is living very much in the closet.
Weeks later Scott comes face to face with Red when he starts working at the same dental practice as a hygienist. The attraction is still there, in fact it seems to have increased tenfold, and the two start seeing each other immediately in secret and enter into a D/s relationship. Things move very quickly but it works as they live with the stress of keeping everything about themselves out of the public eye and away from their boss.
Scott’s old friend Susie also joins the practice and although I liked her well enough I didn’t want her point of view or life problems as part of the story. They are a bit like the three musketeers as Scott and Red introduce her to the lifestyle in the hopes she can find someone that lasts longer than a couple of dates.
Scott comes across as clingy and needy, not helped by his childhood experiences, but Red seems to be good for him and able to give him what he needs. A twist in the story, a heated argument and a pissed off Dom opens Scott’s eyes to what is important in life. A quick make up and a very abrupt ending leaves you needing to read book 2 immediately.
Narration Review:
John Solo was a new narrator for me and although it wasn’t perfect he did a pretty decent job. He had a lot of voices to cover and each one sounded individual.
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