No Surrender

No Regrets, Book 1

De: Nora Phoenix

Narrado por: Michael Dean

No matter what he feels for Wander, he’ll never surrender to him.

I’m in control of my life. That has become Burke’s mantra. He lost control somewhere along the way, descending into a downward spiral until he hit rock bottom. Now he’s back, sober, and determined to never be in that position again. Ever.

That’s why he loves being a dominant. He’s in charge. He can plan everything into detail. He’s in control.

Until he runs into Wander, a private security guy who volunteers to become Burke’s mentor in the club. Wander questions him, challenges him, pushes and prods and pokes until Burke stands with his back against the wall.

But he refuses to surrender, even when Wander evokes feelings in Burke he’s never experienced before. Apparently, he’s not quite as straight as he thought. Whatever. That still doesn’t mean he’ll give in…or that he’ll kneel.

No Surrender is an MM romance featuring a proud, stubborn man who’s hurting and an equally bull-headed man, who won’t stop until he’s discovered the truth. It’s the first book in the high heat No Regrets series, a spin off from the No Shame series that can be listened to on its own, and has a suspense sub plot without cliffhangers. Please check the trigger warnings in the front of the book.

©2021 Nora Phoenix (P)2023 Nora Phoenix

Better than expected

I really enjoyed this book. I was honestly worried going into it that it would turn into a poly romance like Indie's story. While I did end up liking the books Indie was part of, I just was not crazy about all the sharing. At a certain point, it felt like too much excess and was way over the top.
Wander and Burke were great together. Both of them had their own personal growth to work through, more Burke than Wander, but I found myself connecting a bit more with Wander in certain aspects. He had something extra that really drew me in and kept me invested.
My main issue was Wander's early obsession with Indie's group dynamic and his focus on that poly setup. It felt like way too much of a focal point for what he thought he wanted. It almost seemed like he was a little jealous of their dynamic, even though he did not wish them any ill will. It was just something he desperately wanted for himself.
There is a specific conversation where Burke asks Wander what happens if he realizes six months, a year, or five years down the road that Burke is not enough for him. Wander replies that they will tackle that problem when it arises and that people change, so he cannot guarantee his future needs. I honestly hated that response and wanted Burke to walk out right then and there. Wander had such an intense focus on that dynamic, even though it was obvious Burke would never be okay with sharing.
What saved it for me was that early on, Wander naturally stopped wanting to have sex or participate in scenes with other people. I was so relieved it did not turn into an over the top poly story that would make me roll my eyes until the very end. I also found it so refreshing that Burke never wavered on wanting monogamy.
My only other annoyance was whenever Wander spoke about it with other people, worrying if he could stay faithful or if monogamy was really what he wanted down the line. That part really bothered me because it made it feel like he was not as all in as he should have been.

I really enjoyed the narrator, talented man.

Found family

They're quite the kinky bunch! Dicks are getting whipped out all over the place! 🤭
But I digress.
Burke and Wander get off to a bit of a rocky start. Burke is determined to be in control and is sure of his Dom status. When Wander is tasked with continuing Burke's Dom training, he has a niggling scepticism of Burke's true motivation. Eventually a few home truths and revelations sees Burke come to terms with all the parts of himself.
With Wander and his gang (all of whom have various kinks going on) trying to solve the mystery of who is threatening the owner of a BDSM club, the relationship between Burke and Wander becomes more than mentor and student.

This story has great 'scenes', all are varied and some are actually quite emotional. So, if you like it spicy this is for you.

I would liked to have seen a slightly longer epilogue as I felt the story ended quite abruptly after the mystery was solved.
However, all the characters are well set up for the rest of the series and the narration was superb.

Figuring Your Life Out

Blake is overcoming so much. He feels like he hit rock bottom but then things sink lower. Wander is there to mentor but wants to figure things out. It was great to see Blake come to conclusions about himself but you also see Wander grow in new ways. And in the middle of all that is the danger and intrigue that comes with Wander’s job.

Such a great and appropriate BDSM mm love story!!

I loooooovvvvvveeedd this so much. There are not a lot of steamy books that have a gripping storyline. I was invested in the plot as well as the sexy romantic aspect. Literally starting the next one immediately!

wonderful

good gawd woman this pulled my heartstrings plus brought the heat. I needed this. Thank you