Endings and Beginnings (Collars and Cuffs #8) Lily G’s Review

Title: Endings and Beginnings (Collars and Cuffs #8)
Author: K.C.Wells and Parker Williams
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: July 18th 2016
Genre(s): Contemporary, BDSM
Page Count: 350
Reviewed by: Lily G Blunt
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:

In all his relationships, Darren Fielding never found the level of intimacy he witnessed between Thomas Williams and his sub, Peter, the day of Peter’s “rebirth.” Not only that, he never realized such intimacy was possible. For two years, Thomas’s business card has been burning a hole in his wallet. When Darren’s lover moves on, maybe it’s finally time to see where that card takes him.

Collars & Cuffs’ new barman, JJ Taylor, is really conflicted right now. He went to the club with a very specific purpose, already convinced of what he’d find there. Except it’s not what he expected at all. He certainly didn’t anticipate finding himself drawn to the new wannabe Dom. Nor could he have guessed the direction that attraction would lead him.

Old love, new love, vows, pain, rage, moving in, moving on…. The members of Collars & Cuffs face an event that touches some of them deeply, but it will only reinforce what they already know: together they are stronger, and some bonds cannot be broken.

A lovely lengthy end to this superb series with lots to get your teeth into. Once I started, I didn’t want to put it down. This more than anything shows how much the story captivated me and that I enjoyed the wonderful collaborative writing from K.C.Wells and Parker Williams. I loved the varied POVs and storylines of favourite characters from the previous stories, as well as being introduced to an adorable new couple in training at the start of their discovery into the joys of a D/s relationship. Darren and JJ have lots to learn about the world of BDSM as well as building trust in their own partnership. I didn’t have to hear it, but I sensed the effect Darren’s sensual husky voice had on JJ. Gah! So hot! I loved their smoking hot sex and kinky D/s scenes, and found that I appreciated it when some of the bedroom scenes faded to black to provide the perfect balance.

Unfortunately all good things must come to an end. Yes, there’s lots of endings here and past storylines coming to fruition, but there’s also new beginnings. Nothing stands still or stays the same forever. Life moves on and things change. By the end of the book you are left feeling satisfied and happy rather than sad that it’s all over. I have a feeling we haven’t heard the last of all these wonderful pairings.

What I’ve loved about this series is the characters—their connection, their commitment to their partners, and most of all their unique relationship within the lifestyle. Each pairing became a favourite of mine by the time I’d finished reading the book. So much so, they feel like old friends. In each story these men come across as real, with genuine issues and feelings. The love and respect just oozes off the pages. And in this final story, we get more than just snapshots of each couple as past storylines are revisited. They all have their own conflicts to resolve. We get to see how each relationship has grown and how much their lives and friendships with the other couples are firmly bonded. Members of the Collars and Cuffs Club are all but family in name. They care and protect each other with heart-felt love. It’s also great to see how far the subs, Alex and Peter in particular, have progressed in terms of confidence, self-assurance, and maturity.

I had one horrible moment when I thought a main character was going to be struck down with a serious illness and needlessly anticipated the bad news for many chapters. I was relieved to discover my fears were unfounded. I should have known there’d be a happy ending for everyone.

Yes, there’s angst along the way for our main players, but we are treated to several humorous scenes as well as some very touching moments. A wonderful balance and a very fitting end to the series. Another excellent collaboration from K.C. Wells and Parker Williams.

Please read the other books in the series before reading this last one, otherwise you will miss out on so much background information, past events, and character dynamics that are intrinsic to this final story.

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