Review: Lock and Key by Z. Allora

Rejected. Heartbroken. Devastated.

Zack Davis wanted to serve only one man, Andrew Nikeman. He was denied because Andrew thought he was too young and because their brothers were together. So Zack crushed his submissive tendencies and focused on being the perfect Dom, giving every sub he played with something he couldn’t have. 

After years of denying his submissive side, Entwined’s charity auction “Are you Dom Enough to be a sub?” gives Zack an excuse to get a little of what he’s always craved. 

Andrew doesn’t know when his infatuation turned into more, but it kills him to see Zack with a constant parade of submissives. He’d refused to jeopardize his brother’s relationship or become Zack’s regret; however, Zack isn’t a kid anymore, and his brother’s relationship is unbreakable. Now Zack’s popularity and success as a Dom might ruin Andrew’s dreams of collaring him, but he can’t wait any longer to confess his feelings or he risks losing the man he loves forever.


DNF @ 22%

I know a lot people start these DNF reviews with something along the lines of 'it's me not the book' which is basically a veiled attempt at cushioning the this book sucks blow. I admit I've done it, but in this case it really is me.


Firstly, this was my first experience with this author and based on the cover and blurb I thought I was in for an intense BDSM book. It is not. This falls under the heading BDSM 101 which is completely and totally fine. It's just... I've been there so many times I've got a closet full of t-shirts and it just does not interest me anymore. I'm not saying that I'll never ever read it, but it's got to be extraordinary to sustain my interest. Secondly, most of the events can be categorized as glitterkink which is my least favorite type of kink. This makes me a bit of an anomaly since I know many, many people enjoy the fancy club settings with the various rooms, implements, people all dressed up in their outfits, etc. Again, it's just not my jam.

I tried a couple of different times and took a big break, but the above coupled with these characters and the writing style... we're just not a match. Many people enjoy theatrics and overly dramatic MCs. I am not one of those people. I'm of the opinion that life is plenty dramatic enough without making mountains out of mole hills. As for the writing style, I prefer emotion be conveyed through the narrative, the events that transpire and how the characters process and respond to those events rather than it being spoon fed to me repeatedly via italicized text. For these reasons I chose to call it a day rather than delay the inevitable.

I would encourage anyone interested in this book to read other reviews, most of which are good before taking the opinion of a seasoned kinky perv like myself.

Recommend to fans of glitterkink BDSM 101 books with emotional characters.






An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Find out more on Goodreads & Dreamspinner Press.

No comments:

Post a Comment