Collars and Cuffs: Book One Since the death of his submissive lover two years ago, Leo hasn’t been living–merely existing. He focuses on making Collars & Cuffs, a BDSM club in Manchester’s gay village, successful. That changes the night he and his business partner have their weekly meeting at Severinos. Leo can’t keep his eyes off the new server. The shy man seems determined to avoid Leo’s … determined to avoid Leo’s gaze, but that’s like a red rag to a bull. Leo loves a challenge.
Alex Daniels works at Severinos to scrape together the money to move out on his own. He struggles with coming out, but he’s drawn to Leo, the gorgeous guy with the icy-blue eyes who’s been eating in his area nearly every night.
Leo won’t let Alex’s hesitance get in the way. He even keeps him away from the club so as not to scare him. And as for telling Alex that Leo is a Dom? Not a good idea. One date becomes two, but date two leads to Leo’s bedroom… and Alex discovers things about himself he never realized–and never wanted anyone to see.
LR Cafe’s 2013 Best BDSM/Kink Book Runner Up
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Excellent Story & Listen Captivating & SmokingHot!
An Unlocked Heart
Collars & Cuffs, Book 1
By: K. C. Wells
Narrated by: Nick J. Russo
I loved everything about this book, from K.C. Wells’ wonderful writing style to the interesting storylines and characters she created. The story grabbed my attention right from the start and held it straight to the end. The characters are realistic, easy to relate to and connect with. I adored the two lead characters, Alex Daniels and Leo Hart, some of the secondary characters are awesome too. Alex finished his studies at the University and is working at Severinos Restaurant until he finds a job in his field. He is a timid and not a people person at all, his boss Sev knows this about him and pushes him out of his comfort zone. He still lives at home with his parents who basically have no real interest in him and a brother who is a manipulative jerk, I wanted to slap him silly. Leo is part owner of Collars & Cuffs, a BDSM club, he is a Master and Dom but his heart has not been in it since the tragic loss of his sub, Gabe. He has not had any interest in any sub since, that was until he saw Alex working at Severinos. He could see Alex was a natural sub, Alex knew he was gay but he has never been with anyone and has no experience in dating. Alex sensed this and his innocence and decided to take things slow at first and not tell him about his lifestyle, afraid he may scare him away. I thought these two were great together and for each other, just what they needed. I loved how everything plays out in this book, the story is nicely plotted and there is never a dull moment. In addition to containing a whole lot of heart there is plenty of drama, a touch of angst, some great loving and hot kink. K.C Wells, thank you for this awesome story and the emotional rollercoaster ride. I am looking forward to what comes next in this fabulous series.
I listened to the Audible edition, Nick J. Russo is a talented narrator and voice artist. He brings these characters to life, gives each their own distinct voice and personality as well as heart and attitude. He did a great job portraying each character, capturing their emotions and their passion all of which is heard in his performance. K.C. Wells chose to go with an American narrator despite the story taking place in England and you know what it worked for me. Not once did I think about accents or the lack of, that was because I was lost in the story. Nick is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for this great listen
4.5-4.75 stars
Leo Hart is still in mourning for his submissive lover who passed away 2 years ago. During a weekly lunch meeting with his business partner, Leo can’t seem to take his eyes off a very handsome young waiter. Feelings he forgot even existed begin to stir in him. Over the course of the next few weeks, Leo has lunch nearly every day and sits in Alex’s station. Eventually Leo asks Alex out.
After a few weeks of dating, Alex realizes that he may not know much about Leo but he does have strong feelings for him. Then Alex gets a mysterious invite to visit an exclusive gay BDSM club. Alex decides to check it out only to discover Leo on the center stage looking like a Dom! Alex needs to decide if he wants to explore his submissive side with Leo or let him go.
*****
I have read many different books that feature different aspects of BDSM. I loved that this book features a Dom who is not looking for a new sub but finds love. I the dynamic between Leo & Alex is heartwarming. With the help of his best friend Pietro and Leo, we see Alex discover who he was meant to be.
****
POV … third person
stand alone or series… first book in a series but CAN be read as a stand-alone
would I recommend it … yes
did it give me a book hangover… yes
would I read it again … yes
A great book. Good audio… But….
An Unlocked Heart
By: K. C. Wells
Narrated by: Nick J. Russo
Series: Collars & Cuffs, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 4 mins
Overall
Narration
Story
Read at 1.10 spread on Audible.
Master Leo, lonely after losing his lover and sub in a drunk driver accident, with his work partner Thomas they are eating dinner at Sevs restaurant where he use to eat out a lot. He notices a young server and for the first time in years he’s interested in another person.
Alex, is young, gay, virgin living with a poisonous family. He’s saving up so he can move out on his own and start living his family. He has thoughts and dreams of what type of relationship he would like, but he knows it will never happen. He’s not forward enough to actually ask for what he’d like.
When Leo starts dating him he has no idea of the lifestyle Leo leads. Will he ever find out and if he did, how would he feel.
All I’m saying is that Leo gets his HEA but does Alex. The only thing that spoiled this for me is that I believe the narrate is American, the word Ass slips out instead of arse and a few other words are just not pronounced in the English way.
Leo and Alex truly come to life in this book. Watching Alex as he starts to blossom, as he finds confidence in himself is truly remarkable. As for Leo, seeing him slowly open up and learn that it’s ok to feel again, was absolutely breathtaking
I love the dynamics between Leo and Alex. From their first meeting to the last scene, watching Alex grow into such a confident young man was beautiful. Plus the contrast from when they are in the roles to when they aren’t was shown perfectly. Even where they blended. Especially the group room scene.