Erryn reviews ‘Houston (Leashes and Lace Book 1)’ by Shaw Montgomery. This book was released by the author on April 13, 2018, and is 171 pgs long. The audiobook version of this story was narrated by Kenneth Obi. It was released on April 15, 2019, and is 5 hrs and 29 mins long. A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Why I read this book: I loved the Bound and Controlled series so I was excited to see a book from the new series come out on audio.
Houston knows who he is…but most men don’t seem to understand.
A Dom who likes wearing panties and lace isn’t what most submissives expect when they look at Houston. Broad, strong Doms are supposed to look intimidating in leather, not sexy in leather and lace. When long looks and a curious encounter with his new roommate make Houston think there might be some interest from Reece, he isn’t sure what to do. Reece is straight, isn’t he?
Reece knows who he is…but most men don’t seem to understand.
Reece has known he was bi for a long time, but the Doms he’s met don’t seem to be able to accept that. When his new roommate makes Reece’s submissive side want to roll over and beg for a spanking, he’s not sure what to do. Houston gives orders like a seasoned Dom, but is taking a chance worth the possibility of embarrassing himself and being asked to leave?
When two stubborn men both refuse to acknowledge what’s right in front of them, it might take a push to get them to see the truth.
Buy Links: Audible | Amazon | Add to Goodreads
My Review:
I love books that challenge stereotypes. There are preconceived notions about BDSM that exist because they’ve permeated the culture. All Doms are powerful men who order around their willing submissives who are usually smaller and meek. Oh, and this dynamic usually takes place in the heteronormative universe. As if only men can be Doms and only women can be submissive. In true BDSM this scenario is very small in proportion to the variety out there. Women can be Dommes, men can be submissives and gay men and women can inhabit every variation.
This book really spoke to me because Houston is, in many respects, a stereotypical Dom. He likes having a submissive, he likes giving orders, and he likes meting out physical punishments on occasion. He also likes wearing sexy lace and satin panties. Why wear itchy cotton when you can wear something that makes you feel sexy? Makes you feel comfortable? Nothing wrong with that.
Houston is also a desperate man. He wants a roommate to share expenses so he can enjoy not stressing about money all the time. Shouldn’t be too much to ask for, right? As someone who’s had to vet roommates and then put up with some of their antics, I can tell you that finding the right person is almost as hard as finding Mr. Right. (or sometimes even harder) So when Houston finds the perfect roommate in Reese, he’s not willing to risk that relationship in the hopes of maybe getting a romantic relationship out of the deal. Sure, he’s attracted to Reese, but the man’s given no indication that he’s gay or even a submissive.
Until the night that changes everything.
I love that a lot of this book was the two men getting to know each other. Instalove has its place, but sometimes a slow burn works better. I also enjoyed the antics of some of the other characters. Clearly this book is the first in a series and I’m hoping the others will come to audio soon.
Kenneth Obi narrates all of Ms. Montgomery’s books and he’s a great choice. He is always able to give each character a distinctive voice without falling into clichés. I love that this book busts some preconceived notions and pushes the reader to look beyond what is expected and embrace something less traditional. Great listen.
My Rating:
9/10 Pots of Gold (100% Recommended) – Compares to 4.5/5 Stars
Shaw Montgomery loves reading, traveling, and family. While not necessarily in that order, they all rank pretty close. Shaw has lived all over the United States and even Germany. While the coast of North Carolina is a favorite place Shaw currently lives in the Western United States. Current wish list places to travel to are Australia, Italy, and Scotland.
When Shaw wants to write about things that are a little more taboo (or sometimes a lot more taboo), Shaw writes under the name M.A. Innes. If you like M/m content that is sweet and naughty check out Shaw’s other books.
Shaw reads an eclectic mix of genres; everything from Mystery and Sci-Fi Space Westerns, to traditional Romance and all kinds of Erotica. Currently the stories in Shaw’s head are femdom romance but there are some M/M and Sci-Fi/Fantasy that can’t wait to come out as well.
Rainbow Gold Reviews 
I enjoy books that make me think about something in a new way, and this sounds like it certainly will accomplish that. Thank you for the review.
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