Reviewed by Danielle

Title: Endings and Beginnings

Series: Collars & Cuffs #8

Author(s): K.C. Wells & Parker Williams

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Length: 350 Pages

Release Date: July 18, 2016

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.

REVIEW:

From the very first moment I have been a fan of this series. I loved the stories, the characters and everything their lives had to offer us as a reader. Hearing the final part was upon us made me sad but also anxious to read it. It made me curious as to what the authors would do to wrap up this “family story”. What would their lives be like?

When I started reading this final book…and yes I waited for a little bit after receiving it because I also didn’t want to let go in a way…I got surprised in the best possible way.  This final part doesn’t just tell the story of JJ and Darren, it tells us about the Doms and Subs from the other books too. It warmed my heart to read about their stories, the stories of the men who captured my heart during this series with one sticking out more than the others.

The friendship between all the men, whether Dom or Sub, and the love in their romantic relationships and also towards each other is in the “Awww” category and both authors should feel proud of being able to make characters come so alive.

This particular book starts out on a devastating note, not because of the news but what it does with “our” men. I cannot lie that Peter will always have a special place in my heart together with his Dom Thomas. Seeing the effect it has on them broke my heart. Thankfully the authors know what they are talking about and managed to write a very realistic and honest view on things. (So perhaps I can forgive them making my Peter suffer).

Then we of course have JJ and Darren and what a story they have! The commitment, the love, the whirlwind of emotions and of course, the erotic tension between them…it’s all there. Their relationship might take off fast and heavy but it feels solid and strong. JJ starts out working at Collars and Cuffs as the new bartender for totally different reasons than you expect and the authors did throw in quiet a surprise there! Darren is the owner of the hairdressing shop where a lot of club members go to have their hair done.  He has been fascinated with the D/s lifestyle and the connection he noticed between Peter and Thomas when he met them has been “haunting” him for quite a while. After his relationship is over he takes advantage of the standing invitation from Thomas to come and join. From the moment both men see each other over the bar in the club, you can see there is something happening there.

Throughout the story you find pieces of the different couples telling their stories. We will see perspectives from and parts of the life of Alex and Leo, Peter and Thomas and  Scott and Ben (the three Musketeers)! Andrew is there, showing off his skills but also we get a new insight into Pietro and Miles relationship which brought me a great feeling of rightness. Damian and Jeff are solid and going strong in their own relationship and of course we have Eli and Jarrod who are ending up a big important piece in this last book also. Authors K.C. Wells and Parker Williams are laying a base for their new upcoming series with them. I admit I kind of missed a little personal piece between Dorian and Alan although Dorian is there with the rest of the subs.

The only thing I can say is that the authors wrapped up this series in close to the most perfect way possible. I am glad I took the time to read this when I know I had it because I didn’t stop reading till I went through all 350 pages. For the people who want to reading this series, start at the beginning because you will lose a lot of info starting somewhere in the middle and I wouldn’t recommend reading the books as standalones. Trust me it is worth your time, money and effort 😉

RATING:

BUY LINKS:

Dreamspinner Press

Amazon