Bookish, snarky, and fiercely independent Nate Boudreaux leads a solitary life. Between teaching classes at the university and working toward his PhD, he doesn’t need a partner to occupy his time, and he certainly doesn’t need a man like Alistair Drake complicating his future.Alistair Drake, black sheep of the tremendously wealthy Drake family, is more interested in adding another notch to his … notch to his bedpost than another zero to his bank account. When a Grindr message brings him to Nate’s doorstep, then straight to his bed, he has no reason to believe that what they share will be more than a simple hookup, until, three months later, a tug on his soul informs him otherwise.
For the Drake family has a secret—one that will force Nate and Alistair together as much as it will demand that they be torn apart. One that Alistair and his brothers have carried all their lives… and one that Alistair and Nate’s future children will carry, too.
Bound to each other by the three precious impossibilities, Nate and Alistair have no choice—no matter the consequence, they will fight for their forbidden clutch.
Clutch is a 64,000 word steamy omegaverse mpreg-ish romance that will leave you in stitches. It contains a Grindr hook-up gone very wrong (or very right); giant magical lizards; a pig named Olive; a wank throne; and a HEA, right down to the white picket fence.
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I recently reread this whole series, and it’s just so good. This is eggpreg, for lack of a better word, and it’s just as whimsical and amazing as it sounds. They had me at dragons, to be honest, but the world building is awesome, and I love all the different characters. I’m always in awe when authors manage a large cast of characters and manage to make them all sufficiently different and unique. No small feat, as I know from experience. These books definitely build on each other, so I’d read them in order, starting with Clutch, which is the story of an omega who has a hot one night stand, only to discover he’s pregnant…with eggs. Buckle up for a wild ride!
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book but it was everything I could have possible wanted it to be. Funny, Original, and the perfect escape from reality.
I’ve heard great things about this series and I wanted to read it for a while and I finally had the time to. It did not disappoint! It was very interesting; I loved the world and the dragons and the characters were all very interesting. Alistair and Nate were great together, I loved their chemistry. For me Harry stole the show, he was so awesome and fun! I’m going to start the second book right away!
This is such a fun series. It’s a spin on dragon shifters that I haven’t seen before. Loved the first two books and can’t wait to dive into the third!
What a wonderful introduction to the writers’ work! Authors Piper Scott and Virginia Kelly come up with an absolutely delightful omegaverse series with the occasional mpreg occurrences. The pairings in each book of the series are different from each other as are the conflicts with their respective resolutions. Though readers will find their favorite among the stories, each tale is wonderfully written and adds beautifully to the entire series arc.
The writers start the readers off with a surprising event that occurs for Alistair Drake and especially Nate Boudreaux. Having the inconvenience of a heat was the principal reason Ph.D. candidate Nate was on suppressants. He isn’t interested in a relationship having a full schedule working as a university teaching assistant and the research for his doctoral dissertation. When his suppressants fail and he is in heat, he arranges for ‘special services’ with an alpha on Grindr just to get that part over and done.
Alpha Alistair Drake is thrilled with an opportunity to get himself some omega hotness but is a bit taken aback by the spitfire Nate that answers the door. No-nonsense, unendearing, and impatient, Nate isn’t as grateful for the opportunity to have Alistair fulfill his sexual fantasies. He’s expected to do a job (NO KISSING) and then get out.
Three months later, Nate experiences excruciating pain that results in him and his roommate Harry’s being party to an enormous surprise. Three glorious eggs are laid and Alistair Drake, the Grindr alpha, is back busting down the door! Alistair Drake comes to collect his clutch of what turns out to be dragon’s eggs and Nate isn’t letting him leave without them. With a culture that dictates the omega is removed from the lives of the young, Alistair proves once again that he is a black sheep of the family. He and Nate will raise their young together!
Dragons! There are so many readers thoroughly fascinated with tales of dragons. Dragon shifter stories are especially captivating, given their ability to go about unnoticed by any human population. So the premise for the Forbidden Desires series is extraordinary all by itself. But the writers make a remarkable effort to give readers a first-rate novel with a compelling storyline, incredible world-building, marvelous character development, perfect pacing (the rate at which the writer introduces key elements in the story), and beautiful balance (the distribution of varying types of elements in the narrative). What an absolutely amazing first book of the series!
**********Contains Spoilers**********
What an awesome start to a new series. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and loved the connection between Nate and Alistair, yes they started out as a one night stand but ended up way more than they bargained for. It took me a wee bit too warm up to Nate and it was mainly due to him being so mean to his adorable precious gem of a friend Harry, he was just extremely excited and curious about anything to do with dragons. It was such a different process of the omegas laying eggs instead of babies in this universe than any other mpreg books that I’ve read before and I liked the concept that the omegas have bonds to each egg that the omega can feel what each egg is feeling. It was pretty funny that Alistair is nearly destitute in draconian society where as by human standards he’s considered extremely wealthy. I liked getting to meet Alistair’s brothers Seb, Ev and Geoff and I’m looking forward to getting to know more about them as the series progresses. The whelps were so freaking adorable. I really didn’t like the Topaz dragons and all the trouble they caused the Drakes especially when they hurt Harry and wee Julius. Man, it was adorable how Harry jumped on top of Julius when the Topaz dragon’s attacked them while they were at Perry and Seb’s as Julius is a dragon and therefore resistant to dragon fire but he didn’t even think for a second and just needed to protect him since they have an extra special bond when Harry opened Julius’s egg when he was having trouble getting out and growing weaker, the parents aren’t allowed to assist the whelps get out of their eggs as per draconian law so Harry saved Perry and Seb from losing Julius. All of Julius’s brothers covered Harry’s back as much as they could to protect him while he was doing to their brother. It just goes to show how much the whelps all love Harry. I’m really looking forward to reading his and Ev’s book next. I’d definitely recommend this book, series and authors to everyone.
*WARNING* intended for mature audiences
This was an okay story,it could have been so much better for more. I found most of the story frustrating because nothing was explained! Why did they feel Alistair was the weakest? Why do they need so much money? Why is Alistair’s measly millions referred to as being poor. Some of this just didn’t make sense to me and it was never clarified.
THE BEST dragon shifter-M/M/preg I’ve read in a long time… maybe ever.
Clutch is the first book I’ve read by Piper Scott and Virginia Kelly. I’m surprised I haven’t heard about them before now, but I’m glad I gave this series a chance. Having read a spell of tiresome and least inspiring books over the last few months, I was enthralled by Clutch. This is a book exploiting a new and different plot line involving dragons (which I thought had been drastically overworked and overrated) and m/m/preg, and so far, I am very comfortable with the scientific basis behind all the genetics discussed. Superb world-crafting. Excellent sense of humor. (You’ll see by the first few chapters. Never thought the imminent birthing of three football-sized dragon eggs could be so hysterical!) Even the editing, despite the fact it needed a few more readthroughs than it did, was far less problematic than the last ten books I’ve read. By the time I was finished, I knew in my mind’s eye exactly how each character looked, the environment Nate and Alistair lived in, the various quirky personalities involved, and my constant urge to keep reading, to keep discovering what came next.
I’m buying the series in toto. Why the bloody hell not?
Thank you, Piper and Virginia, for saving the day (and several of my brain cells!). I appreciate it.
A super fun start to a series that I am now addicted to. Nate is snarky and prickly. Alastair is sexy and brash. Together they make a great couple! Fantastic characters, steamy sex, hilarious dialog, and a pet pig named Olive. A great read!
Clutch is the first book in the Forbidden Desires series, and an amazing way to start a new series. The series is set within a world very similar to our contemporary world, however, within this universe there are alphas, betas, and omegas as well as a hidden dragon population.
The hidden dragon society have their own laws and social norms, and one of those rules is to not get a random omega pregnant without the approval of the dragon council. Alistair breaks that rule when he hooks up with Nate, aka Iggy, after matching on a dating app. Iggy has to figure out how the dragon world works while caring for his offspring and falling in love with Alistair. There is so much humor, snark, and incredibly sexy moments throughout this book. The writing combo of Piper Scott and Virginia Kelly is electric—they are both great writers on their own and together they have created a fascinating and enjoyable story.
The audiobook was narrated by Michael Ferraiuolo who did a fantastic job. I love Michael’s voice and always enjoy his audiobook performances. He really nailed the personalities of each character and I was totally engaged with the story. The audiobook production was well done and I enjoyed this book immensely.
3.5 stars . This is my first foray into M/M dragons, mpreg, eggs, knotting etc. The world building is complex and clever. It’s quirky, snarky, steamy, and heartfelt. Alistair and Nate have great chemistry and a connection. Their banter is fiery, but the dynamics change over time and they are really sweet too. They both have some issues to work on and challenges to face. There are some intriguing side characters too. I was not sure when I first started it since it was such a different genre for me and I was not expecting the comedy, but I got more interested as it went on. I am actually excited to read about Ev and Harry next in BOND. I still have a few questions too so I am hoping we continue to learn more as the series goes on.
All the books in this series were delightful! The audiobook versions were first rate as well. Highly recommended.
I loved this story and can’t wait to read/listen to all of the others in the series!
4.5 stars
Heat Level: 3.5
Narration: 4.5
So good!
My first Dragon shifter book and I loved it! The characters are so dynamic, bold and often hilarious. I loved Nate’s sass, protectiveness, and fire. He’s a great character and the perfect match for the sweet and often clueless Alistair.
I didn’t know what to expect from this book or these authors but was pleasantly surprised and draw in from the first sentence. The writing style is captivating and the characters so unique and vibrant I couldn’t help but love them right from the start. I loved the dynamics between Nate and Alistair and how their relationship evolved over time. I felt they were well matched and liked the slower progress to their mating.
I loved Alistair’s cluelessness and how he would take what Nate said literally! It leads to some hilarious scenes!
My favorite character would have to be Harry though. Nate’s nerdy, inquisitive, overzealous former roommate and best friend. All Harry’s interactions are hilarious and endearing I can’t wait for his story!!!
Great story, wonderful adventure, and fantastic narration! A definite winner for me!!!
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Always be yourself. Unless you can be a Dragon.
Then be a dragon…
To say I enjoyed listening to Clutch would be an understatement. I am completely and I mean bananas , obsessed and giddy by how much I was entertained.
Even though, I already read and loved Clutch; Michael Ferraiuolo brought it to life. His characterization of Nate and Allister was magnificent. As well as , his voices for Harry , Everhard , Perry and Sebastian.
His portrayal captured and gave me the Nate and Allister , I had in my head ; he deliver exactly, the snark, the teasing, the lust, the doubts, the tenderness and the humor . Everything.
Thus far, my review have been about how the story made me feel and how pleasurable experience was to listen to it.
But I haven’t say anything of what the book is about. So, the short and sweet explanation.
It’s a Rom – Com about a human Omega and a Dragon . Two likeable, engaging, polar opposite men , who met through a Grindr hookup and one ended delivering a Clutch of Dragon’s eggs. We get their ups , downs, joys and surprises as their lives entwined . Oh yeah, we also have the OMG , I am on fire! I’m melting here , chemistry and need for each other.
Written with Piper Scott and Virginia Kelly offbeat, quirky, hilarious and lovable writing collaboration style.
The type of tale you know , you’ll be reading/listening again and again because it makes you feel good , believe that mystical creatures as Dragon and true love really does exist and everyone can have a HEA.
Overall: 5 stars
Performance: 5 stars
Story : 5 stars
Reviewed: 07-10-19
What fun! This has been sitting on my TBR list for a while and today I needed something different – every book I started on just wasn’t doing it for me- It only took one chapter before Nate had me laughing out loud and Allister had my heart
I love paranormal romances, add in the mm factor and hello happy reader!
Nate and Allister meet via a hookup app both looking to sate their physical hunger without complication and well Clutch is the result of that meet and grind
Seriously though, if you are looking for a light-hearted romance that has a bit of suspense, a bit of angst and a whole lot of steam – look no further
I want to note that this is a first in series, that being said it has a lot of secondary storylines and brief character introductions that are intended to introduce the reader to future episodes so when it seems like the fates are constantly kicking Nate and Allister when they are down – breathe knowing they get their HEA and there is a method to the madness.
So go on and get comfy, snuggle in and enjoy the journey
I really enjoyed this book. It’s the first in a dragon shifter series. Great world building with mate bonds that are rare in this world. This book has love, some steamy moments and an amusing meddling dragon family.
Nathan and Alistair meet when the feisty omega sends a message over a hookup app and the chemistry between the pair is immediately incendiary. The encounter produced an unprecedented consequence, one that changed both men’s lives forever. Working together for the sake of their clutch is no easy feat, yet they find a bond neither desired but cannot deny is what they want forever more. When neither of them ever desired offspring of their own there’s a lot of adjustment, but it isn’t until there’s a very real threat that will separate them all that they decide just how permanent they want their lives together to be.
Damn. I literally had no idea what to expect. I was blown away, to be sure, that these two men could so quickly capture my attention and affections. While their second meeting was both bizarre and frenetic, it set the stage for all the centuries of tradition that was in direct opposition to what they were experiencing. From start to finish I was curious and eager to get to the next moment, and the next, and the next. I didn’t want to stop reading…so I didn’t.
Nathan was all kinds of feisty and yet there was something soft in him that reminded him not to act out and lash out with unkind words because he was uncomfortable and scared. He used his brain and his heart together equally as well as communicated his frustrations and desires for their life that I found quite admirable. He handled things so well under the bizarre circumstances and I grew to love him quite a lot as an individual and the perfect partner for the oft-belittled Alistair.
“Holy f*balls. You know what this means, don’t you?”
Alistair raised one fine, dark brow. “That we’ll be having acrobatic sex for several centuries, at least?”
Nate whacked Alistair lightly on the chest. “No, you stupid lizard. It means I’ll finally have time to read all the books! Not to mention finish my dissertation.”
Alistair blinked at him. “That’s…”
“I know.” Nate snuggled into Alistair’s warmth. “Just think. All the books. All of them. All. This must be what Harry felt like when he found out dragons were real. I’m so excited. All the books, Alistair. All of them.”
Alistair held him tight and whispered in his ear, “All the books, my love. Every single one.”
I loved them as a pair but mostly because I hurt for the pity and disparaging Alistair constantly seems to experience from his family. His soft heart and his desire for experience and life rather than wealth beyond number both make him unique as a dragon but also as a man. What he values sets him on the path to be the ideal partner for Nate. He also has a very strong will and is willing to fight for what he knows is his.
The drama surrounding their clutch is a tiny bit nerve-wracking but ultimately short-lived and just right for their experience. Mainly it gives us a greater image of what will be coming in the subsequent books of the series. From the little-believed idea of mates, few clutches produced, antiquated hierarchy, to inter-dragon relations, there’s going to be so much to discover about this world that I cannot wait to dive back in with Bond, Mate, and all the rest that’s coming!
Where do I start? This book was amazing and has reshaped the face of omega verse. From great main characters, side characters that can also evoke love/hate relationships, it draws the reader into a realm not likely read before.