“I’ve never thought of calling a man Daddy before, but I can’t think of a word that fits Vale better. He’s my Daddy, and I’m his pup.” Broken and bruised, there’s nothing I won’t do to protect Adrian. I picked him up and made him whole before, and I’ll do it again. Adrian is a sweet pup with a smile full of sunshine and a heart made for love. A sweet pup needs a gentle hand, and that’s exactly … hand, and that’s exactly what I intend to give him.
There’s nothing quite like slipping an expensive pair of high heels onto Adrian’s feet and watching him light up. If he wants a fairytale, I’ll happily be his Prince Charming.
*** Heel is the second book in the Working Out the Kinks series but can be read as a stand-alone. This book contains a scene of domestic violence. This book also contains an adorable man who loves to be a puppy, fabulous high heels, and the happily ever after Adrian deserves.
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I really liked the first book in the “Working Out the Kinks” series, “Stay”, and was excited for Adrian’s HEA…but I was also leery of the scenes of domestic violence. But I HAD to find out how Adrian and Vale came together (pun intended ;-)) so I dove in anyway. Glad I did. Yes, domestic violence is depicted and it may be triggering to some, so fair warning there. But K.M. Neuhold did a great job of giving a fairly accurate portrayal of an abusive relationship without making the book too heavy (remember, this is a romance novel, NOT a study on abuse and relationship dynamics.) Of course Adrian’s past abuse factors in to a lot of scenarios in the book, but he has such a positive outlook and Vale is THE perfect man, so it’s not depressing.
Anyway, this is a wonderful romance with steaminess, and grown men pretending to be puppies, which is way more adorable than you might think it would be. You could read this book as a standalone, but I wouldn’t recommend that. Definitely read Stay (Working Out The Kinks Book 1) first, and be sure to snag the short story “Watch Me” too (I didn’t get that one before reading “Heel” and it was fine, I just didn’t know who the heck Ryan and Anderson were. If you are into exhibitionism, you will really like that story!
This is the first book I’ve read in this series and it was so good! Now I want to go back and read the first book just to be introduced to a new couple. Adrian works at Kinky Closet and has a real D bag of a boyfriend, Nathan. I was really happy when Adrian escaped Nathan. He turns to his friend Jonah in his time of need and Jonah is such a sweetheart. Vale took Adrian off the streets when he was just 18 and I’m so happy he gravitated back towards Vale and the security he shows him. Vale works as a trainer for puppy play and got Adrian started. His puppy is named Diva, but he doesn’t want to come out and play. Slowly Vale coaxes Diva out in Adrian is all the more happy for it, because Diva is a big part of Adrian‘s life. Diva even find a way to help Vale with his business by playing with the other puppies who are timid. But there is one catch, Vale thinks he is too old for Adrian and that Adrian only sees him as his Savior. Will Adrian be able to convince Vale that they can move forward? I can’t wait for the next installment of this series!
Adrian’s love life is starting to take a nose dive, as in his partner is not treating him the way partners should. Which is how Adrian ends up broken and bruised, and staying with friends. Vale had been the man that help Adrian, with getting on his feet years ago and helping him find his kink. For Vale he would have liked more but was always nothing but professional with Adrian. Now Adrian is back in his life, and he wonders if this is a second chance to find happiness. But what if all Adrian feels for him is hero worship or gratitude? Will Adrian be able to conquer the new fear he has and open himself up to something more with Vale?
This was a super cute story, with happenings that are unfortunately all too common in real life. Watching Vale help Adrian find himself again was a beautiful thing. With some drama, a bit of violence, and some hot naught bits, I give this 4 stars.
Another wonderful offering by KM Neuhold. Lovely main characters who you root for to the end.
I don’t get puppy play at all on a logical level but that doesn’t matter when reading KM Neuhold’s work. I don’t have to get it to believe that the characters do, or to care about them.
She also knows how much conflict to include and keep the story realistic. Just enough to invoke sympathy but not so much it’s overwhelming or over the top.
I enjoyed Diva’s book!
I was so happy to see it was release day for Vale and Adrian. Adored this story such a wonderful read, with hard parts and light hearted moments.
4.25 stars
Heat Level: 3.5
Oh, I love Adrian, he’s just such a sweetheart!!
I really enjoyed this story. It’s so easy to read, with just the right amount of tension, danger, and lust and so much heart and healing!!! It was a great foray into puppy play and puppy space (which I haven’t really read before, but oh my, I’m intrigued). I felt like there was so much to Adrian and I loved his journey and strength and I feel Kyleen did a fantastic job of making Adrian’s abuse relatable, compassionate and transformative, which abuse of is. I love when characters feel so real, like real people, they come alive and their story means so much more. Kyleen does this so well!!
I really liked the Vale. I haven’t read Stay (Book 1) so didn’t know any of the characters and feel I might have been missing something with Vale (like his physical description) but his heart and feelings were wonderful and I loved his care and protectiveness of Adrian. I feel they worked really well together. I kind of wanted more. More background into Adrian’s past, why did he leave home at 16 and how did he survive 2 years before finding Vale? I loved the journey we were taken on and KM Neuhold is still one of my fav authors, I look forward to more in this series and more puppy fun!! I really enjoyed this one!!!
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Heel, the second book in A Working Out The Kinks series. Can be read as a standalone. What an amazing journey, Vale and Adrian have. It’s so beautiful the love, the trust and the chemistry between these two guys!
“I’ve given up so many parts of myself to fit into Nathan’s life, but it didn’t hit me until this second that I completely gave up on fairy tale love to be with him too.”
Adrian is so adorable with his pink obsession, and Vale is such a loveable teddy bear!