Reviewed by Cindy and Cinnamon
TITLE: Before You Break
SERIES: Secrets Book 1
AUTHOR: K.C. Wells, Parker Williams
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 340 pages
RELEASE DATE: May 26, 2017
BLURB:
Six years ago Ellis walked into his first briefing as the newest member of London’s Specialist Firearms unit. He was partnered with Wayne and they became fast friends. When Wayne begins to notice changes—Ellis’s erratic temper, the effects of sleep deprivation—he knows he has to act before Ellis reaches his breaking point. He invites Ellis to the opening of the new BDSM club, Secrets, where Wayne has a membership. His purpose? He wants Ellis to glimpse the lifestyle before Wayne approaches him with a proposition. He wants to take Ellis in hand, to control his life because he wants his friend back, and he figures this is the only way to do it.
There are a few issues, however. Ellis is straight. Stubborn. And sexy. Wayne knows he has to put his own feelings aside to be what Ellis needs. What surprises the hell out of him is finding out what Ellis actually requires.
CINDY’S REVIEW:
When this story popped up for review, I jumped at the chance to do it…as did Cinnamon, so we decided to do a duo review.
I’m a big fan of K.C. Wells and Parker Williams. The Collars and Cuffs series is one I read again and again so I was very happy to find this spin-off. I loved Eli and Jarod’s story and I’m so glad to get this glimpse of their happily ever after as we meet Wayne and Ellis. In fact, a lot of old friends drop by in this story and it feels like old home week!
This story was fun to watch unfold. Wayne and Ellis are two men who do a very stressful job and it’s easy understand how Ellis’ personal demons could cause issues for him. The dynamic between them works well. Best friends and work partners and as it moves into something more, the emotions don’t really seems to change, they just sort of clarify.
You can’t help but cheer these men on and I loved how the people they both worked with were always on their side. It was nice to see a positive portrayal of law enforcement in this book.
I’m a real fan of BDSM stories and these two authors know how to write the perfect scene. The sex is incredibly hot but there is a touch of sweetness in their interactions as well, because Wayne is trying to actually help Ellis and its not just about getting off.
My emotions ended up tied up in knots (no pun intended) in more than one chapter and I appreciate how the authors took their time untangling story line. It wasn’t rushed as they let the anticipation build, cresting and waning several times as we watch these men with their struggles.
As always with these authors, I couldn’t put this story down and I’m still suffering a little from the book hangover it left me with. I am so looking forward to what comes next in this series and I’m counting on a few glimpses of Wayne and Ellis’ future, which I’m sure is going to be bright!
CINDY’S RATING: 
CINNAMON’S REVIEW:
Before You Break is the first book in KC Wells and Parker Williams’ new series, Secrets. This is an epic side continuation of the Collar and Cuffs series and if you have been the fan of all the guys from the previous books, this will be a perfect story right up in your alley.
Although this story is about the changing relationship between Ellis and Wayne, the first part of the story has two storylines woven together and besides getting to know our two new MCs, we see glimpses of how Eli and Jarod are opening their new BDSM club, Secrets.
I always love seeing favorite characters from previous books and get the feeling that I am still part of their lives. This is what happens in this story. If you enjoyed the Collar and Cuffs books you will feel right at home here.
The atmosphere of the story is new, the characters and their circumstances are different but the writers’ solid writing and their love for their characters are present as always.
The plot-line is gripping and well built. We have everything we need for an exciting, heartwarming and sometimes heartbreaking read with some truly hot sex scenes and great feels.
This is also clearly a first book where I felt that the writers were trying to find a new voice, a new way of telling their awesome stories. We meet lots of characters that are potential MCs for future books which I can’t wait to read.
I really like the dynamic between Wayne and Ellis and was rooting for them from the beginning. They go through a lot till they finally are able to settle down but all the heartache and struggle just make them all the stronger together. My heart was breaking for Ellis and I was glad to see all the conflicts resolved, all ends tied up nicely. I would have liked to read a bit more background story, especially of Wayne. I feel like there is a lot I don’t know about him.
There was enough action and unexpected turns to keep the story interesting and entertaining with some sizzling hot, truly sensual sex scenes woven into the mix, both at home and in the club. The way Wayne introduced Ellis to BDSM was very well written. I try not to spoil anything, so I just say if you love hot cops with strong personalities, enjoy BDSM and true love, this is a great read for you.
CINNAMON’S RATING: 
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