A submissive "stalking" a dominant? Really? I have to admit that idea alone made me curious to read this story. And, with her usual flair for mixing just a little humor with some seriously hot BDSM, Kim Dare managed to pull me in from the very start. Both main characters are just perfect: the sub couldn’t be brattier if he tried, and the Dom is about as dom-y as possible. And yet, somehow they are the perfect fit for each other.

Bret is young, eager to find out more about BDSM, certain he is a sub, and totally inexperienced. He sees Marcus in the Spread Eagle club and decides the man will be his master. Never mind that Bret isn’t like the other subs, he isn’t willing to change himself into someone else. Yes, he is afraid he is too bratty for Marcus, but he persists anyway. I cheered him on. And even though he takes some really risky decisions. He knows he can trust Marcus; lucky for him, Marcus is a good Dom!

Marcus is wonderfully exasperated at Bret's stalking efforts. I think he secretly likes Bret's courage and determination, not that he lets him know that. He ends up curious enough to try a scene – and is impressed. Even though he thinks he doesn’t want a novice, there is something about teaching Bret everything from the ground up that fascinates Marcus, possibly impresses him with how determined Bret is to learn to obey. Maybe he's a little flattered as well. Either way, he ends up giving in and finding he is really attracted to Bret – bratty-ness and all.

These two men are really hot together. They also fall for each other and that adds a level of emotions which makes their scenes even better. Both are slightly unusual, and I think they appreciate that in each other. If you like BDSM stories that will make you smile at least a little, if you enjoy reading about two men who seem to be made for each other, and if you’re looking for a sub (and a Dom) who are anything but run-of-the-mill, then you will probably like this story as much as I did.




NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
( )

4.5 STARS (rounded up)--What to expect when there's a young leather virgin" who comes into a leather bar, sees the Dom of his dreams and stalks said Dom for weeks on end? Oh and I did mention the BDSM newbie is quite deliciously bratty to no end and just begs for spankings?

Expect kinky fun in Kim Dare's "Once a Brat".

Bret has set his sights on older, experienced Dom, Marcus. He's not-so-subtly stalked the man in the Spread Eagle leather bar. He's never been a submissive but he just knew that Marcus would be the man he would choose to submit to. And then I wonder, what is so great about Marcus?

Well with comments from Marcus like this:

"If you wanted to call the shots, you should have chosen to play with a sub rather than a Dom."

Trust me, I was well on my way in lust/like. He respected Bret, never let dominance overpower or quell that big-mouthed streak in Bret. Thou I must say sometimes, I wanted to cup my palm and smack Bret's arse a few times. Luckily, Marcus was able to do and even sign his signature on Bret's ass.

*grins*

When Marcus let Bret know his place...I was in raptures! The lessons he taught Bret were great. And their scenes? They were great especially the first time they played at Marcus' house.

And Bret and that mouth? There's certainly a method to his madness.

"I know I'm a motormouth. And I never have got the knack of bowing and scraping towards guys just because they think they're God's gift to the kinky world. Apparently, that makes me a brat."

Actually, Bret it makes you wonderful in my book. This is a submissive with a spine and an actual thought in his head. Bret never lost himself in gifting Marcus his submission. His opinions and essence that made Bret an interesting character never waned throughout. Some might say he's a brat but I just say it's Bret.

When Kim Dare hits a sweet spot, there's magic. And I found that in "Once a Brat". Sometimes it felt poetic. Other than the declarations of insta-love (which gave me minor niggles of doubt even after Bret's explanation), I couldn't find anything wrong with the story. I enjoyed Marcus. I loved Brat Bret with an e! And a cute HEA! Viva la opinions!

ARC provided by Riptide Publishing for an honest review." ( )

This one wasn't as good as the other two for me, but still a good, short, hot read. ( )

This one wasn't as good as the other two for me, but still a good, short, hot read. ( )

This one wasn't as good as the other two for me, but still a good, short, hot read. ( )