Please note that this version of the story is no longer available. A new version has been released as part of the Kinky Cupid series, under the title Base Over Apex.
Losing a Valentine's bet just might lead Jack to the best night of his life...
Jack’s Valentine’s Evening started with him losing a bet and being stuck wearing a baseball cap with a bloody stupid slogan emblazoned across it for the rest of the day. Bored with the submissives that populate the local club scene, he doesn’t expect things to get any better as the night progresses.
But, when a stunning stranger kneels naked at his feet and offers Jack his submission, he soon finds himself mastering a man whose kinks match his perfectly.
The cap fits. The only question now is, does the dominant who’s wearing it…?
Kim is a thirty-three year old bisexual submissive from Wales (UK). First published in 2008, she has since released almost 100 BDSM erotic romance titles ranging from short stories to full length novels. Having worked with a host of fantastic e-publishers, she has just moved into self publishing.
While she has occasionally ventured towards other pairings, Kim's first love is still, and probably always will be, Male/Male stories. But, no matter what the pairing, from paranormal to contemporary, and from the sweet to the intense, everything she writes will always feature three things - Kink, Love and a Happy Ending.
3.5 stars, and I readily recommend it. In fact, I will definitely reread this series of shorts (I guess I should finish it first?), and I was thisclose to rounding up to 4.
I dig Kim Dare's style, and especially the feelings and care she incorporates into the BDSM dynamic. But that doesn't mean the heat is sacrificed... it is NOT. I think she's barely shy of nailing the short format, because some of the development is pretty scant, but the pictures she paints are still worthy.
In 20K words, I swooned, scowled, and squirmed (the sexy kind). I'm officially a fan of Dare's, and I'm looking forward to reading one of her full-length novels.
Kim Dare strikes again with an incomparable case of mistaken identity only a brat like Bret (from Once a Brat) could've pulled off. Bret's heart was in the right place for his friend Ricky whose gotten himself into a bad situation. Ricky's found an online "dom" that wants to meet for the first time at The Spread Eagle. Jack's surprised to find the irresistible and naked sub but for his cuffs heading towards him, though not enough to turn him away. Naturally, Bret was right and they connect. Is there anything worse than a bratty sub being right?
Once online dom a.k.a. Mr. Carter shows up Ricky has a choice to make. God, online dom is a douche and a half. So, really, it's no contest between him and Jack Bowen. Like taking candy from a baby. Not… that I would do that. Who does that anyway? That's just mean.
Base Over Apex was extremely satisfying for just three short chapters. I even got a little chastity kink dangled in front of me. You know how I feel about that. *growls* I like this series. I'm stoked to read about McCormack. His beefy, growliness combined with being pierced and tattooed could send me into convulsions. I can't wait!
Oh, too short! You know my favourite words in a BDSM story? "Good boy". It's something about the acceptance, acknowledgement and praise for sweet submission given. I love dark fics too, but stories like this really tug on my heartstrings. I mean, it's sugarkink: there's just spanking, restraint, and sex, but it's the best spanking, restraint and sex story I've read in ages. The sub is lithe, young and completely innocent, the Dom is masculine, rugged, and composed, there's an evil Dom, a cute D/s couple to be friends to the MCs . . . what's not to adore.
Jack is a Dom who is looking for commitment but can't admit it to himself. Bored with topping a different sub every night, he finds himself uninterested in the lifestyle. After losing a bet to a rather cheeky sub, he finds himself sat in a BDSM club wearing a hat emblazoned with "Call Me Sir, Boy!", with a naked sub crouched at his feet. Ricky is a sub who wants a permanent master, but has no clue of what a master should be. After meeting one so-called master online, he goes to meet him at the very same club Jack is at. A case of mistaken identity ensues and, before the "master" appears to stake his claim, Jack and Ricky experience something they have both been looking for.
I read this book because it was top of the e-read charts at allromance, and because it was Kim Dare. I can't recommend it more! Jack is a grouchy, older Dom who is just looking for love. The way he responds to Ricky is lovely and he has the protectiveness that always marks a well-written Dom. Ricky is a danger to himself. He has no clue over Internet safety, has no idea what marks a good Dom and willingly hands himself over to someone who turns out to be just a general wierdo. Its a good job he mistakes Jack for his Dom because it could have been a very tragic ending for him!
This short read is sweet and sexy at the same time. It adresses the issues of keeping yourself safe whilst meeting up with people you chat to on the internet whilst challenges the preconception that, just because someone likes to tie people up, does not make them a Dom.
Adorable Ricky is a submissive finally ready to meet the master he's been chatting with on line. Wearing the outfit as prescribed, he shows up to the club, ready to submit. When Jack, the dominant who recognizes Ricky by his clothing talks to him, Ricky is in heaven. Ricky finally found the one who can master him.
Too bad Jack is not the on-line dominant Rick is supposed to meet. Instead, it's a case of purposeful mistaken blind date identity. Their mutual friend, Bret, sets them up and he has a very good reason why. The reason why is what causes me to see red.
Ricky's on line dominant is actually more common than one thinks. Even though this is a romantic kinky story, Ms. Dare shows an element of truth for all newbie submissives playing with on-line dominants. Do your homework. Make sure to get references from trusted friends. With good friends, kinky lifestyle aside, it is safer with blind dates. This story does end well as with all Ms. Dare's books, the reader receives a happily ever after.
This is a wonderful, almost tongue-in-cheek, story about a submissive desperately wanting a Master and a Dominant who is bored with life and doesn't even know he's looking for a submissive. Well, he sort of knows, but doesn't want to admit he wants him to be permanent.
The opening scene had me laughing out loud. Jack having to wear a stupid baseball cap, in public, because he lost a bet (to a submissive!) is just too funny. But, like Jack, I was immediately fascinated with the young man who approaches him. Also, like Jack, I didn't have a clue why he did, or what was going on.
Ricky is so innocent, he shouldn't even be allowed to leave the house, much less visit a BDSM club, as far as I'm concerned. He's got himself into a huge mess, and it takes a while for Jack to figure out exactly what is going on. Ricky is too loyal for his own good, but once he understands what's going on, and the very real danger he is in, he thankfully stands up for himself.
I loved the way this story is written: with tons of humor and very distinct character voices, it was a joy to read. The development of Jack and Ricky's relationship is delightful and (as far as I'm concerned) had just the right balance of discovery and sexual tension.
An easy, quick gate-way to BDSM kind of read. Nothing dark, just a sweet little sub learning the game.
The initial mix-up is cute and clever, but the sex is pretty par for the course. There’s something about the writing style that doesn’t quite gel for me, but I’d call this an entertaining read overall.
A case of Dom Done Wrong getting hoisted by his own petard and a sweet young thing stumbling into good fortune. Another sweet and kinky tale of true love and the cupid in this case is completely unrepentant. Small story, but a big smile.
Historia simple y corta para pasar el rato, aunque tiene unos protagonistas la mar de interesantes. Los principales aquí son Jack y Ricky, que no se ven venir las triquiñuelas de Brett, que ha decidido que se verían perfectos juntos. A pesar de lo corta que es, esta historia tiene sus momentos eróticos, románticos y dramáticos en partes sumamente proporcionadas que hace que se pase volando la lectura. La prosa de Kim también ayuda al entretenimiento al ser simple y muy llevadera, recomendable.
This is a lovely little kinky tale that was pleasant to read while it lasted. My main gripe (as with other Kim Dare books) is that it's too darn short. If you are looking for a 10 minute read including mild glitter kink, insta love & a HEA; this is the short for you.
Yummy! What a spankingly lovely Valentine’s Day tale. A case of mistaken identity lands a newbie sub into the hands of the wrong (but really right) Dom at a club. Ricky is adoringly naive and submissive, but unfortunately he’s got the wrong ideas about what a Dom expects of him. Jack didn’t know he was looking for a sub until a stark naked Ricky kneels before him at the club.
There’s more, but that would involve a spoiler and I don’t do spoilers.
Many BDSM books often lapse into textbook mode in explaining the lifestyle. While this one did explain the lifestyle, it did it in such a way that I didn’t feel I was being lectured at. Another book that also did that well was Axel’s Pup by Kim Dare.
Although a second book in a two book series, I didn’t feel like I missed out on anything by not reading the first—which I’ll rectify soon enough!
This was short, and sweet, and pointed some dangers in BDSM in an extremely efficient and satisfying way. I listened to this and adored Joe Arden’s delectable English accent.
I was having a hard time believing Ricky was so incredibly naïve that he would quit his job and lay his life in the hands of a demanding Dom he has never met (not Jack)... but okay, I rolled my eyes and went with it. Same with the assumption that when a Dom takes on a sub they instantly need to live together... eeuhmm... okay...
But what the heck, I liked Jack and as always I have a blind spot for the young and naïve, so I loved Ricky anyway.
And the lack of depth, well.. what's to expect in such a short novel.
If you don't have a lot of expectations and you are just looking for a short BDSM read, this is the book you need.
After reading the first book in this series I pretty much knew what to expect. The submissives in this series are a little too something for me….helpless? Naive? Something. The relationships develop too fast for my taste BUT I can’t fault the book for that. It’s like a formula this series is following and for that I’ll give it three stars.
a fun, pleasant, just-starting-out-as-a-sub, Valentine's Day short, with a perfect, experienced Dom and a perfect, eager, new sub. Sweet and light. A little bit preachy. Would also work well as a first M/m BDSM story.
Kinky and sweet with a dash of humor. A perfectly entertaining story about a Dom, an inexperienced sub, a lost bet and the baseball cap that leads to a super sexy case of mistaken identity.
*Book source ~ A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
It’s Valentine’s Day and Jack Bowen is grumpy. Even though he’s hanging out at his favorite club, The Spread Eagle, he lost a bet to Bret, the sub belonging to his friend Marcus. He has to wear a stupid hat provided by Bret all night. Plus, it’s Valentine’s Day and he has no date. Until a young, hot, naked man walks through the club and kneels in front of Jack. Things are looking up after all.
I enjoyed this story much more than Once a Brat. Ricky Douglas is a sub, but not a brat at all like Bret is. I don’t like Bret much, but since he has the best interests of Ricky in mind I’ll give him a smidgeon of credit. I think this story is a great intro to M/M BDSM. It’s not heavy handed and it’s not excessively light. It’s also not fluff. Also, the twist? Loved it! For a short story it packs quite a bit of feeling into it and I found myself loving Jack and Ricky. I’d definitely read more stories about them. This is a self-contained story. It’s not necessary to read book 1 to understand book 2, but if you’re like me you’ll want to read them in order.
This was just not good. I couldn't finish it because I wanted to scratch my eyes out. I think I understand that she was trying to show Ricky as a new submissive and what things could really happen to someone who goes into a club but everything beyond that made him seem so simplistic. How did they go from first meeting to being Dom and sub in a matter of hours? The writing fit the characters but it was still too elementary. I just couldn't get into it. I don't even know what else to say.
Cute kinky short m/m romance about a dom who loses a bet and is stuck wearing a hat that says "Call Me SIR, Boy!" at the club for an evening when he's approached by a submissive he's never seen before - a submissive who seems perfect for him.
Another fabulous BDSM story from Kim Dare! I just read Once a Brat, the first in her Kinky Cupid series, this one picks up were the last one ended. Same club, the Spread Eagle, but a different Dom and sub this time. Jack is a friend of Marcus’, he makes a couple of brief appearances in Once a Brat, a bit of conversation, but we don’t get to know him. Ricky is new to us, and to Jack as well. He appears in front of Jack, on Valentine’s Day, and Jack thinks his wishes have come true! Ricky is new to the lifestyle, sweet and innocent, ready to learn. But… All may not be as it appears! I can’t say more without giving the plot away. I’ll just say Ricky has the potential to learn a really bad lesson about trust. Fortunately things work out for him, and he gets exactly what he REALLY needs.
This story worked for me. I love a younger sub/older Dom combination. I love the strength and experience of an older, well established Dom, combined with the innocence and inexperience of a sub new to the scene. I am not into the lifestyle, but I am so intrigued by it, and enjoy watching someone come in to it, and find their place. As a Dom, or a sub, committed relationship, or just as play. 24/7 or part time kink. It’s all good and I love watching the relationship develop, the hard core, stoic Dom, giving in to the lightness of a young, sweet sub. We get that and more with this story. There isn’t a lot of character development here, we don’t get anything of Jack’s background, and only a tiny bit with Ricky. I guess that would be my only complaint. I wanted just a little more depth to both of them. There is a lesson here as well. Don’t commit too soon, don’t take everything at face value, do some research, ask questions, meet people, especially with something that could be so damaging.
Both of these Kinky Cupid stories are very sweet, they do follow a similar pattern. Dom meets boy, insta-love, some kinky sex, and they live happily ever after. Just short, little stories, a bit of drama, a bit of kink, very enjoyable. I like that this one occurs on Valentine’s Day, but it isn’t overly sappy. Sweet but not sappy! I hope we get more from Kim about these boys!
I enjoyed this story of a Dom thrown off his game a bit when suddenly confronted with a naked sub at his feet on Valentine’s Day. He has no idea who the kid is, or why he picked him but after a few minutes he figures he may as well grab the opportunity while it presents. He’s bored and the kid appeals to him so why not?
Things get even more complicated when it becomes clear there’s been a mix-up and Ricky was supposed to meet another Dom wearing the same hat, someone he met on the internet. My only complaint was that I wanted to smack Ricky upside the head, as this other Dom had basically been feeding him a line of bull over the internet about what a D/s life was, and despite having a college friend in a permanent D/s relationship, he just lapped up all the lies and refused to be told differently.
Sometimes I find the Dom character a bit overbearing and know-it-all, but while Jack was confident he didn’t come across as an annoying jerk and I liked his character. He wanted to make sure that Ricky was safe, and took pains to ensure that he wouldn’t be punished for what was an honest mistake. I found Ricky a bit more frustrating as I said, but once he realized how stupid he’d been it was obvious he was a good match for Jack.
This smacks a bit close to insta-love, they do seem to fall very quickly, but I know that’s a hallmark of the author’s style with very strong attraction very quickly, however I didn’t find it too much in this case. There is one public BDSM scene at the club but I would describe it as BDSM light, there’s no extreme activities, so it will appeal even to those who aren’t big fans of the genre. A cute read that both fans of the author and new readers should find appealing.
Nice work, Kim. The "uh-oh" moment when Ricky realizes there is another Dom with the same hat was a clever plot twist I hadn't expected. I also appreciated that you allowed for Ricky to experience and escape the "bad-Carter" pretty quickly. The "abusive Dom" is a very scary thing. So I am glad we didn't stay there long. And then, I like the fact that love matters, in the healthy relationship. Thanks. What's next?
It was with great anticipation I waited for this book to be released and I was not disappointed in its contents. I love how Bret set Jack up and knew that Jack would be just right for Ricky. It was a wonderful 'Uh Oh!' moment adding to Ricky's surprise and confusion when his master showed up.
Call Me Sir, Boy! is another wonderful short, sweet story with light BDSM by Kim.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A Valentine's date that was about leather rather than roses.
I thought that line summed up this short story nicely. Ricky, the newbie sub, mistakes Jack as his new master because he's wearing a hat that his would-be dom said he'd be wearing. Shenanigans ensue.
An excellent short D/s story of mixed-up identities leading a new sub to submit to the perfect Dom for him. On Valentine's day. Awww!
EDIT: Kim has noted that she is re-releasing this story as part of the KINKY CUPID series, and it has been renamed to Base Over Apex. (To be released in early 2014.)
The only complaint I have is that I would've loved to read more. And more. And then some more.
I generally enjoy everything I've read by Kim Dare, but the problem is that these shorter stories make me want to scream because they're over so fast... Well, can't have too much of the good thing, I suppose. :)
This was a good and quick read. It started out very promising and ended with a good message. There is not much going on to write a comprehensive review but I enjoyed it plenty for a short story. For a little while, I was afraid the author actually believed subs were lesser men, but thankfully that was just part of the moral of the story.