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Camassia Cove Universe #7
Power Play
I was my own worst enemy. For as much as I depended on order and a structured life to easier manage my bipolar disorder, fire was irresistible and indisputably my favorite toy to play with. On the ice, it turned me into a hotheaded hockey player. In the bedroom, my attitude was my last defense, a front I wanted to see tumbling down. But lately, all I got was burned.
Love sucked. Correction: it sucked when you were in love with your parents’ closest friend and he didn’t feel the same. I admitted my feelings for Madigan Monroe over a year ago, and I was still waiting for a response. Now my balance was gone. My anxiety was all over the place, my fits of rage had just earned me a suspension from the team, I questioned myself at every turn, and being home for two weeks was gonna make it impossible to avoid Madigan.
I used to be his Abel, his sweetheart, his trouble. It’d been the two of us against the world since I was a kid. I’d even discovered we had kink in common! On paper, I was seemingly perfect for him. Maybe that was why his nonverbal rejection hurt so much. Or maybe it was because, recently, he seemed hell-bent on us “being friends” again.
Whatever. I was a loser, and I couldn’t resist him for crap.
(DD/lb-dynamic.)
Love sucked. Correction: it sucked when you were in love with your parents’ closest friend and he didn’t feel the same. I admitted my feelings for Madigan Monroe over a year ago, and I was still waiting for a response. Now my balance was gone. My anxiety was all over the place, my fits of rage had just earned me a suspension from the team, I questioned myself at every turn, and being home for two weeks was gonna make it impossible to avoid Madigan.
I used to be his Abel, his sweetheart, his trouble. It’d been the two of us against the world since I was a kid. I’d even discovered we had kink in common! On paper, I was seemingly perfect for him. Maybe that was why his nonverbal rejection hurt so much. Or maybe it was because, recently, he seemed hell-bent on us “being friends” again.
Whatever. I was a loser, and I couldn’t resist him for crap.
(DD/lb-dynamic.)
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 30, 2018
About the author
Cara Dee
86 books3,659 followers
I'm often stoically silent or, if the topic interests me, a chronic rambler. In other words, I can discuss writing forever and ever. Fiction, in particular. The love story—while a huge draw and constantly present—is secondary for me, because there's so much more to writing romance fiction than just making two (or more) people fall in love and have hot sex. There's a world to build, characters to develop, interests to create, and a topic or two to research thoroughly. Every book is a challenge for me, an opportunity to learn something new, and a puzzle to piece together. I want my characters to come to life, and the only way I know to do that is to give them substance—passions, history, goals, quirks, and strong opinions—and to let them evolve. Additionally, I want my men and women to be relatable. That means allowing room for everyday problems and, for lack of a better word, flaws. My characters will never be perfect.
Wait…this was supposed to be about me, not my writing.
I'm a writey person who loves to write. Always wanderlusting, twitterpating, kinking, and geeking. There's time for hockey and cupcakes, too. But mostly, I just love to write.
I'm often stoically silent or, if the topic interests me, a chronic rambler. In other words, I can discuss writing forever and ever. Fiction, in particular. The love story—while a huge draw and constantly present—is secondary for me, because there's so much more to writing romance fiction than just making two (or more) people fall in love and have hot sex. There's a world to build, characters to develop, interests to create, and a topic or two to research thoroughly. Every book is a challenge for me, an opportunity to learn something new, and a puzzle to piece together. I want my characters to come to life, and the only way I know to do that is to give them substance—passions, history, goals, quirks, and strong opinions—and to let them evolve. Additionally, I want my men and women to be relatable. That means allowing room for everyday problems and, for lack of a better word, flaws. My characters will never be perfect.
Wait…this was supposed to be about me, not my writing.
I'm a writey person who loves to write. Always wanderlusting, twitterpating, kinking, and geeking. There's time for hockey and cupcakes, too. But mostly, I just love to write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 475 reviews
January 31, 2018
4.5
Well,Daddy likes it filthy....damn this was hot and pushed all my buttons....
Who would have thought this book would be a total hit for me?
I didn't read the blurb,all I saw was that Cara Dee had a new book out.
BDSM and DD/lb isn't normally my thing at all.I've read a few books about Daddy Kink and it's never really got me going...in fact I've found them quite cringing.
WELL my opinion definitely changed here.I absolutely loved this.I'm definitely not an expert on BDSM but I would say this isn't hard core at all....
It's more about the kink and it was just delicious.
Abel and Madigan have a special relationship.When Abel was 12 he declared he was going to marry his Mad when he got older.Madigan was a family friend of his parents,always there to look out for Abel and protect him......until he saw Abel,aged 19,not looking like a boy anymore...looking like someone he desired....
In reality Madigan never stood a chance as Abel moved in to seduce him,igniting both their kinks......
And it was definitely kinky,with some of the best dirty talk ever
There was a great,believable connection between them.I simply adored them.....I could have read their story forever.....as they would face all the inevitable struggles couples go through...I just know they would have their HEA in the Sun.
And a massive plus,for me,a chapter towards the end when things got a whole lot hotter....it's most definitely my thing!!
Another fantastic book by this Author,she can deliver a romantic story with a whole lot of filth so well.
Highly Recommended!!
An Arc of Power Play was kindly provided to DirtyBooksObsession in exchange for an honest review.
Well,Daddy likes it filthy....damn this was hot and pushed all my buttons....
Who would have thought this book would be a total hit for me?
I didn't read the blurb,all I saw was that Cara Dee had a new book out.
BDSM and DD/lb isn't normally my thing at all.I've read a few books about Daddy Kink and it's never really got me going...in fact I've found them quite cringing.
WELL my opinion definitely changed here.I absolutely loved this.I'm definitely not an expert on BDSM but I would say this isn't hard core at all....
It's more about the kink and it was just delicious.
Abel and Madigan have a special relationship.When Abel was 12 he declared he was going to marry his Mad when he got older.Madigan was a family friend of his parents,always there to look out for Abel and protect him......until he saw Abel,aged 19,not looking like a boy anymore...looking like someone he desired....
In reality Madigan never stood a chance as Abel moved in to seduce him,igniting both their kinks......
“My sweet trouble…” he whispered against my skin. “I can’t fucking stay away from you anymore.”
And it was definitely kinky,with some of the best dirty talk ever
There was a great,believable connection between them.I simply adored them.....I could have read their story forever.....as they would face all the inevitable struggles couples go through...I just know they would have their HEA in the Sun.
And a massive plus,for me,a chapter towards the end when things got a whole lot hotter....it's most definitely my thing!!
Another fantastic book by this Author,she can deliver a romantic story with a whole lot of filth so well.
Highly Recommended!!
An Arc of Power Play was kindly provided to DirtyBooksObsession in exchange for an honest review.
My reviews are posted on DirtyBooksObsession
April 3, 2020
*3.5 stars*
That's right, it's DADDY KINK, baby!!
I'm a huge, huge lover of daddy kink. I love it in DD (domestic discipline) relationships and I love it in big/little relationships. I've read a number of DD/lg books but fewer DD/lb (more if you count "novellas" on some, uh, story websites *cough, nifty, cough*). I was BEYOND excited to try this one, and a lot of the story worked for me. Unfortunately, some of it didn't.
Some warnings before going into this one:
It's AGE PLAY, folks. If you are uncomfortable with age/regression play and a full-time daddy/boy lifestyle, don't read this one. I happen to LOVE that dynamic, but it icks some people out.
There is a threesome in the book. Yeah, I guess that's a little spoiler-y, but I think it is really important for readers to know before going into it. Some readers don't mind other partners, some are strongly against it. I happen to take it on a case-by-case basis, but I didn't like it here. I thought it came really out of the blue, and I thought it detracted from the daddy/little dynamic a ton. Threesomes are fine for erotica and novellas for me, but in this setting it just seemed weird.
The main character is bipolar and his condition features centrally in the story... but I'm not sure how accurate the depiction was. I have a good friend who is bipolar and I didn't recognize her in the actions of the MC in this book, but I'm FAR from an expert at all-things bipolar. I'm just a little concerned that the mindset and treatment of someone who is bipolar might not be entirely accurate here. Just something to be aware of.
Now, my favorite part of the story was the dirty talk, by far. I could have used even more daddy/boy scenes and more time with them exploring their sexual chemistry (ALONE). I also wanted more discipline, more of their actual daily interactions on page. A lot of the book is the buildup of them getting together, which is fine, but I could have used more of them in their daily life. I also found them to be a bit too mushy as a couple (something I thought I would never say). It seemed like they just got together and already they were talking about love up to an eleven. I know these two have an extensive background (which, to be honest, also squeeked me out a bit), but I like more relationship building on page.
I also struggled with the fact that I haven't read the Camassia Cove series, and there are a TON of characters from previous books. While Power Play can be read as a stand-alone, I felt like I needed a bit more background on all of the piles of secondary characters.
I thought this book had some SUPER hot and really great moments, but it needed a few tweaks to make it perfect for my particular taste. But, honestly, I'm THRILLED to discover another daddy kink author, and I think all DD/lb fans would enjoy this one.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
That's right, it's DADDY KINK, baby!!
I'm a huge, huge lover of daddy kink. I love it in DD (domestic discipline) relationships and I love it in big/little relationships. I've read a number of DD/lg books but fewer DD/lb (more if you count "novellas" on some, uh, story websites *cough, nifty, cough*). I was BEYOND excited to try this one, and a lot of the story worked for me. Unfortunately, some of it didn't.
Some warnings before going into this one:
It's AGE PLAY, folks. If you are uncomfortable with age/regression play and a full-time daddy/boy lifestyle, don't read this one. I happen to LOVE that dynamic, but it icks some people out.
There is a threesome in the book. Yeah, I guess that's a little spoiler-y, but I think it is really important for readers to know before going into it. Some readers don't mind other partners, some are strongly against it. I happen to take it on a case-by-case basis, but I didn't like it here. I thought it came really out of the blue, and I thought it detracted from the daddy/little dynamic a ton. Threesomes are fine for erotica and novellas for me, but in this setting it just seemed weird.
The main character is bipolar and his condition features centrally in the story... but I'm not sure how accurate the depiction was. I have a good friend who is bipolar and I didn't recognize her in the actions of the MC in this book, but I'm FAR from an expert at all-things bipolar. I'm just a little concerned that the mindset and treatment of someone who is bipolar might not be entirely accurate here. Just something to be aware of.
Now, my favorite part of the story was the dirty talk, by far. I could have used even more daddy/boy scenes and more time with them exploring their sexual chemistry (ALONE). I also wanted more discipline, more of their actual daily interactions on page. A lot of the book is the buildup of them getting together, which is fine, but I could have used more of them in their daily life. I also found them to be a bit too mushy as a couple (something I thought I would never say). It seemed like they just got together and already they were talking about love up to an eleven. I know these two have an extensive background (which, to be honest, also squeeked me out a bit), but I like more relationship building on page.
I also struggled with the fact that I haven't read the Camassia Cove series, and there are a TON of characters from previous books. While Power Play can be read as a stand-alone, I felt like I needed a bit more background on all of the piles of secondary characters.
I thought this book had some SUPER hot and really great moments, but it needed a few tweaks to make it perfect for my particular taste. But, honestly, I'm THRILLED to discover another daddy kink author, and I think all DD/lb fans would enjoy this one.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
March 3, 2018
~4.5~
I was hesitant to read this book. I am usually not a fan of Daddy kink. But this is Cara Dee we're talking about, so all bets are off.
Turns out I LOVE Daddy kink when it's done right.
Mad isn't Abel's father; Lincoln is, and he's the coolest dad ever. But Mad has looked out for Abel since Abel's biological father died when Abel was 5.
And Abel needs a keeper: he's a professional hockey player plagued by depression and anxiety. Abel is biopolar and doesn't adult well. He forgets to eat. He's an impulsive shopper. He pulls his baby sister out of school because he's restless and bored.
When Abel was 12, he knew he'd marry Madigan one day.
When Abel was 19, Madigan saw him as a man for the first time.
When Abel was 20, Madigan pushed him away because he was ashamed of his desire to own Abel.
When Abel was 21, Madigan became Abel's Daddy and Abel his boy.
While I prefer the terms Sir and Master when it comes to D/s relationships, Daddy worked for Abel and Mad. Abel needed someone to take care of him completely, to own him. Even though Abel explores the Daddy/Little dynamic, I didn't read him as a Little. He never acted like a child, more like an unruly teenager who needed discipline.
Abel was powerful when he was powerless.
The kinky sex was out of this world hot, and once Abel and Mad came together there was no relationship angst at all. When Mad was in, he was ALL in. He became the Dom, the Daddy, no doubts, no guilt.
Abel's friendship with Gray was touching and full of warmth. I was warned about the threesome scene in this book involving Gray. I was worried I'd hate it. But I didn't! I actually kind of loved it. It was sexy as fuck and absolutely perfect. It FIT Abel and Gray's friendship, something Mad understood.
Abel is the first-person narrator of Power Play, and being in his head was exhausting at times. He was up and down, unsettled, anxious. It all came through in the narration. But then, subtly, slowly, Abel's voice changed. He became calmer, more focused, happier, as he let go and letGod Mad.
The conflict involves Abel's parents, Ade and Lincoln, freaking out when they find out their best friend Madigan, who's older than Ade, is in a relationship with their son. There's a reason for this, and I liked the way Dee handled this aspect of the story.
This book is another homerun (goal?) for Cara Dee. The epilogue made my, um, allergies act up, because is there anything sweeter than a Dom on his knees?
I was hesitant to read this book. I am usually not a fan of Daddy kink. But this is Cara Dee we're talking about, so all bets are off.
Turns out I LOVE Daddy kink when it's done right.
Mad isn't Abel's father; Lincoln is, and he's the coolest dad ever. But Mad has looked out for Abel since Abel's biological father died when Abel was 5.
And Abel needs a keeper: he's a professional hockey player plagued by depression and anxiety. Abel is biopolar and doesn't adult well. He forgets to eat. He's an impulsive shopper. He pulls his baby sister out of school because he's restless and bored.
When Abel was 12, he knew he'd marry Madigan one day.
When Abel was 19, Madigan saw him as a man for the first time.
When Abel was 20, Madigan pushed him away because he was ashamed of his desire to own Abel.
When Abel was 21, Madigan became Abel's Daddy and Abel his boy.
While I prefer the terms Sir and Master when it comes to D/s relationships, Daddy worked for Abel and Mad. Abel needed someone to take care of him completely, to own him. Even though Abel explores the Daddy/Little dynamic, I didn't read him as a Little. He never acted like a child, more like an unruly teenager who needed discipline.
Abel was powerful when he was powerless.
The kinky sex was out of this world hot, and once Abel and Mad came together there was no relationship angst at all. When Mad was in, he was ALL in. He became the Dom, the Daddy, no doubts, no guilt.
Abel's friendship with Gray was touching and full of warmth. I was warned about the threesome scene in this book involving Gray. I was worried I'd hate it. But I didn't! I actually kind of loved it. It was sexy as fuck and absolutely perfect. It FIT Abel and Gray's friendship, something Mad understood.
Abel is the first-person narrator of Power Play, and being in his head was exhausting at times. He was up and down, unsettled, anxious. It all came through in the narration. But then, subtly, slowly, Abel's voice changed. He became calmer, more focused, happier, as he let go and let
The conflict involves Abel's parents, Ade and Lincoln, freaking out when they find out their best friend Madigan, who's older than Ade, is in a relationship with their son. There's a reason for this, and I liked the way Dee handled this aspect of the story.
This book is another homerun (goal?) for Cara Dee. The epilogue made my, um, allergies act up, because is there anything sweeter than a Dom on his knees?
July 3, 2023
I had to look up DD/lb before I started reading this one. And I knew going in it wasn't going to be my cuppa.
So why would I read this, then?
Because Cara Dee.
I read it if she writes it.
And I'm glad I did, because some of it was hot! Some of it wasn't the best. One thing made me cringe.
But I loved the story and the way Dee can make me feel.
My heart was breaking for Abel within the first few chapters. My eyes may have even been leaking.
To be in love with someone for so long, only to have your heart shattered. Damn. Dee can write.
But Madigan isn't immune to Abel, as he would have him believe. He winds up breaking his own heart in the process. What's holding him back is that he's known Abel since Abel was six. He's Abel's parents' best friend. How could he possibly go there?
Once they become "friends" again, you're back in the Camassia Cove world where the last book with Casey and Ellis left off.
The dynamics of Madigan and Abel's preferences were a joy to explore. Dee made me understand them a whole lot better than I did prior to this book.
And did I mention how many feelz Dee provoked? It's worth it to say again. This is why I read her, every single time.
There was one scene, toward the end that I didn't like so much. I feel the need to mention it in case it's a hard limit for some readers. It involves a third brought into their bedroom. And while it wasn't a typical third situation, it's still not a personal taste of mine, so I wish I'd be able to unread it.
Other than that, every word was a joy. The emotions, the prose, the character and relationship building were so on point. Recommended!
So why would I read this, then?
Because Cara Dee.
I read it if she writes it.
And I'm glad I did, because some of it was hot! Some of it wasn't the best. One thing made me cringe.
But I loved the story and the way Dee can make me feel.
My heart was breaking for Abel within the first few chapters. My eyes may have even been leaking.
To be in love with someone for so long, only to have your heart shattered. Damn. Dee can write.
Just because he was perfect for me didn't mean I was perfect for him.
But Madigan isn't immune to Abel, as he would have him believe. He winds up breaking his own heart in the process. What's holding him back is that he's known Abel since Abel was six. He's Abel's parents' best friend. How could he possibly go there?
In a perfect world, I'd be your Daddy,
Once they become "friends" again, you're back in the Camassia Cove world where the last book with Casey and Ellis left off.
The dynamics of Madigan and Abel's preferences were a joy to explore. Dee made me understand them a whole lot better than I did prior to this book.
And did I mention how many feelz Dee provoked? It's worth it to say again. This is why I read her, every single time.
There was one scene, toward the end that I didn't like so much. I feel the need to mention it in case it's a hard limit for some readers. It involves a third brought into their bedroom. And while it wasn't a typical third situation, it's still not a personal taste of mine, so I wish I'd be able to unread it.
Other than that, every word was a joy. The emotions, the prose, the character and relationship building were so on point. Recommended!
"My sweet trouble..." he whispered against my skin. "I can't fucking stay away from you anymore."
October 15, 2019
I loved this! Wonderful wonderful Daddy kink. It was believable and totally fit the characters in every way. This was not just a ‘call me Daddy in the bedroom’ kind of book. No, these guys fully embraced the Daddy/boy dynamics while still being equals in every way and without forgetting about the friendship they already had. But it wasn't full on age play either.
Abel is 5 when his father dies. He and his brother are left in the care of their stepmother, Adeline, who provides a stable home for them. Abel and his brother grow up in a loving home, with Adeline as their mother, and Lincoln, her new husband, as their father. Despite them not being their biological parents, Abel and Jesse are their kids in every way.
Madigan was a close friend of Abel and Jesse’s father, and is still a close friend of Adeline and Lincoln. He has seen Abel grow up and has always had a very special bond with the boy. When Abel is 20 he texts Madigan that he has been in love with him for quite some time now. Madigan feels the attraction too, but can’t ever let himself act on those feelings. Abel is the son of his closest friends!
Abel is hurt when Madigan doesn’t respond to his text, but is even more upset that he distances himself from Abel. They used to be close friends, but now Abel messed everything up by telling Madigan the truth.
Abel is a professional hockey player and needs a lot of structure in his life due to him being bipolar. He is getting a bit out of control ever since Madigan broke off their friendship. Abel is getting more depressed by the day, but doesn’t know what to do about it. Thank god he still had Gray, his best friend.
When Madigan visits his friends he sees how much he has hurt Abel with his actions and promises to do better. And that’s how Abel and Madigan become friends once again. But when Abel tells Madigan he has explored his more kinky side in the past and needs some guidance, Madigan knows he has to help Abel, or some other Dom will.
Madigan tells Abel more about the Daddy kink Abel is interested in. But it’s just helping out, there is no relationship between them. But just when Abel thinks he has to do everything in his power to forget about his feelings, Madigan has had enough and gives in to his own feelings….
I really loved this. Both Abel and Madigan were wonderful characters. I loved Abel and all his insecurities and how much he needed Madigan. There was so much comfort Madigan provided for Abel.
The daddy kink was very well done. I felt they were both totally on board with this type of relationship. It was nice that they went in with all their cards on the table already. Mad really was a Daddy Dom and Abel just wanted to let go and not be an adult at times.
This kink was more for both of them than just a simple ‘Daddy’ in the bedroom, but it wasn’t as if they were only Daddy and boy. No, they were friends too. It had a really nice balance of both these aspects in their romantic relationship.
There was a part in this book that would have me frowning in other books, as I usually hate a scene like that. But here I loved it. So anyone who is like me and who doesn’t like a threesome or another bed partner in their books, hear me out before you dismiss this book.
I read the excerpt of Gray’s book at the end and OMG, I can’t wait to read it!!!!
This was a wonderful BDSM book with a May-December romance and enough Daddy kink to make me a very happy girl.
------------------------------
An ARC of Power Play was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Abel is 5 when his father dies. He and his brother are left in the care of their stepmother, Adeline, who provides a stable home for them. Abel and his brother grow up in a loving home, with Adeline as their mother, and Lincoln, her new husband, as their father. Despite them not being their biological parents, Abel and Jesse are their kids in every way.
Madigan was a close friend of Abel and Jesse’s father, and is still a close friend of Adeline and Lincoln. He has seen Abel grow up and has always had a very special bond with the boy. When Abel is 20 he texts Madigan that he has been in love with him for quite some time now. Madigan feels the attraction too, but can’t ever let himself act on those feelings. Abel is the son of his closest friends!
Abel is hurt when Madigan doesn’t respond to his text, but is even more upset that he distances himself from Abel. They used to be close friends, but now Abel messed everything up by telling Madigan the truth.
Abel is a professional hockey player and needs a lot of structure in his life due to him being bipolar. He is getting a bit out of control ever since Madigan broke off their friendship. Abel is getting more depressed by the day, but doesn’t know what to do about it. Thank god he still had Gray, his best friend.
When Madigan visits his friends he sees how much he has hurt Abel with his actions and promises to do better. And that’s how Abel and Madigan become friends once again. But when Abel tells Madigan he has explored his more kinky side in the past and needs some guidance, Madigan knows he has to help Abel, or some other Dom will.
Madigan tells Abel more about the Daddy kink Abel is interested in. But it’s just helping out, there is no relationship between them. But just when Abel thinks he has to do everything in his power to forget about his feelings, Madigan has had enough and gives in to his own feelings….
I really loved this. Both Abel and Madigan were wonderful characters. I loved Abel and all his insecurities and how much he needed Madigan. There was so much comfort Madigan provided for Abel.
The daddy kink was very well done. I felt they were both totally on board with this type of relationship. It was nice that they went in with all their cards on the table already. Mad really was a Daddy Dom and Abel just wanted to let go and not be an adult at times.
This kink was more for both of them than just a simple ‘Daddy’ in the bedroom, but it wasn’t as if they were only Daddy and boy. No, they were friends too. It had a really nice balance of both these aspects in their romantic relationship.
There was a part in this book that would have me frowning in other books, as I usually hate a scene like that. But here I loved it. So anyone who is like me and who doesn’t like a threesome or another bed partner in their books, hear me out before you dismiss this book.
I read the excerpt of Gray’s book at the end and OMG, I can’t wait to read it!!!!
This was a wonderful BDSM book with a May-December romance and enough Daddy kink to make me a very happy girl.
------------------------------
An ARC of Power Play was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
August 30, 2019
4.25 Needy-Wanty Obsessive Love Stars!
After reading Cara Dee’s Stranded book, I was still craving more of Cara Dee. I remembered I still had Mad and Abel’s story to read. It’s true that this author’s books can be read as standalones, but a lot of characters from past books are mentioned and make cameo appearances.
My first introduction to Mad and Abel was in the author’s book Path of Destruction. If memory serves me right, Abel was about 13 and had pretty much staked his claim on Mad, who was in his 20s. Knowing Cara Dee is mostly about the age difference, I knew they would get their own story once Abel was an adult.
And here we are with Power Play.
I consider daddy kink a guilty pleasure of mine, but I didn’t realize that the daddy role continued outside of sex. This turned out to be an enlightening read. I have to admit outside of sex, I don’t find the daddy/little or middle relationship dynamic sexy. I respect it…because to each their own…whatever floats your boat…etc..etc…
Daddy kink aside, I found Mad and Abel incredibly endearing!!! I loved how much they loved each other. Especially Abel, he was just too damn adorbs!!!
After reading Cara Dee’s Stranded book, I was still craving more of Cara Dee. I remembered I still had Mad and Abel’s story to read. It’s true that this author’s books can be read as standalones, but a lot of characters from past books are mentioned and make cameo appearances.
My first introduction to Mad and Abel was in the author’s book Path of Destruction. If memory serves me right, Abel was about 13 and had pretty much staked his claim on Mad, who was in his 20s. Knowing Cara Dee is mostly about the age difference, I knew they would get their own story once Abel was an adult.
And here we are with Power Play.
I consider daddy kink a guilty pleasure of mine, but I didn’t realize that the daddy role continued outside of sex. This turned out to be an enlightening read. I have to admit outside of sex, I don’t find the daddy/little or middle relationship dynamic sexy. I respect it…because to each their own…whatever floats your boat…etc..etc…
Daddy kink aside, I found Mad and Abel incredibly endearing!!! I loved how much they loved each other. Especially Abel, he was just too damn adorbs!!!
April 20, 2020
Every time I read this story (5 times so far), I love it more and more. In fact, there is only one thing in the whole novel that makes me roll my eyes, and that's when Other than that, Power Play is perfection.
-------Original Review 26 Jan 2018------
If Cara Dee writes it, I will read it. Full Stop. I admit I was feeling cautious here, being as how that the dynamic is DD/lb, and I was very unfamiliar with it. I had to do a little bit of research so that I would have an idea of what to expect. Honestly, though, I needn't have worried -- Power Play was damn near perfect. I loved it!
They bonded over Nutella and formed a friendship so strong, neither Abel nor Madigan ever thought it would break.
Take it from Abel, who is still nursing a broken heart and suffering the loss of his Mad. Madigan, who made Abel feel safe and normal. Madigan, whom Abel knew he wanted to marry, even when he was a kid. Madigan, who he's barely seen since sending that text over a year ago.
Madigan was stubborn, though. He had trouble reconciling the fact that he watched Abel grow up with the fact that Abel is now, all grown up. He had trouble getting past feeling like he was betraying Morgan, not to mention Ade and Lincoln by having feelings for their son. And then there is the little issue of kink and Madigan not believing that they could possibly have that in common.
I absolutely loved all the feels in this book. Cara Dee sure can write. I was sucked into the story and really felt for the characters. My heart broke when Abel was in pain and it soared when Madigan admitted his feelings, too.
Abel, who is bipolar and also suffers from anxiety and depression, needs structure and guidance. Things that Madigan had always given him. And Madigan with his bone deep need to nurture and care for Abel, while far from perfect, he was perfect for Abel. Both men felt very real to me and I loved their dynamic. It simply fit.
The kink, I thought, was well done. It was not a "sometimes" dynamic, at all, but rather Madigan was always Daddy, and Abel was always his little boy. I loved how, while they were definitely equals, Madigan was always watching out for Abel and making sure he had what he needed to thrive. Their entire relationship was very symbiotic.
I appreciated that there wasn't unnecessary melodrama. There was angst, but it felt organic. The relationship development was spot on and their romance felt special. I was in love.
I also loved Abel's relationship with Gray. Gray kept Abel sane during the year that Madigan stepped away, and they had something that, while not entirely platonic, it was not a romantic connection. They each filled a void in the other. And while your mileage may vary, I loved how Madigan nurtured that relationship rather than changing it.
Power Play just worked for me, there is no question. Recommended.
-------------------
ARC of Power Play was generously provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
-------Original Review 26 Jan 2018------
In a perfect world, I'd be your Daddy.
If Cara Dee writes it, I will read it. Full Stop. I admit I was feeling cautious here, being as how that the dynamic is DD/lb, and I was very unfamiliar with it. I had to do a little bit of research so that I would have an idea of what to expect. Honestly, though, I needn't have worried -- Power Play was damn near perfect. I loved it!
They bonded over Nutella and formed a friendship so strong, neither Abel nor Madigan ever thought it would break.
Four a.m. was for broken hearts and fools.
Take it from Abel, who is still nursing a broken heart and suffering the loss of his Mad. Madigan, who made Abel feel safe and normal. Madigan, whom Abel knew he wanted to marry, even when he was a kid. Madigan, who he's barely seen since sending that text over a year ago.
I think ive been in love with u since I was 12.
Madigan was stubborn, though. He had trouble reconciling the fact that he watched Abel grow up with the fact that Abel is now, all grown up. He had trouble getting past feeling like he was betraying Morgan, not to mention Ade and Lincoln by having feelings for their son. And then there is the little issue of kink and Madigan not believing that they could possibly have that in common.
“My sweet trouble…” he whispered against my skin. “I can’t fucking stay away from you anymore.”
I absolutely loved all the feels in this book. Cara Dee sure can write. I was sucked into the story and really felt for the characters. My heart broke when Abel was in pain and it soared when Madigan admitted his feelings, too.
Abel, who is bipolar and also suffers from anxiety and depression, needs structure and guidance. Things that Madigan had always given him. And Madigan with his bone deep need to nurture and care for Abel, while far from perfect, he was perfect for Abel. Both men felt very real to me and I loved their dynamic. It simply fit.
The kink, I thought, was well done. It was not a "sometimes" dynamic, at all, but rather Madigan was always Daddy, and Abel was always his little boy. I loved how, while they were definitely equals, Madigan was always watching out for Abel and making sure he had what he needed to thrive. Their entire relationship was very symbiotic.
I knew that the day I caved, there would be no going back for me.
I appreciated that there wasn't unnecessary melodrama. There was angst, but it felt organic. The relationship development was spot on and their romance felt special. I was in love.
I also loved Abel's relationship with Gray. Gray kept Abel sane during the year that Madigan stepped away, and they had something that, while not entirely platonic, it was not a romantic connection. They each filled a void in the other. And while your mileage may vary, I loved how Madigan nurtured that relationship rather than changing it.
Power Play just worked for me, there is no question. Recommended.
-------------------
ARC of Power Play was generously provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
November 9, 2020
4 Nutella to-go Stars ⭐
There is something beautiful in the evolution of love when two people have a history. We may scoff at destiny, but for some people it was always written. The love between Madigan Monroe and Abel was pure from the very beginning.
"Listen to my voice, sweetheart. You’ve got this. I believe in you."
I whimpered and clutched his T-shirt, unsure of whether to cling to him or push him away. "Why can’t I b-be normal? "
"Fuck normal," he gritted.
From a child, Madigan has played a definitive role in Abel’s life. They were closer than any two friends could be. With Abel suffering from bipolar, his family and friends never let that define him. With Madigan being his biggest champion, it all went to pot when Abel confessed his newfound feelings for him. Suddenly life became complicated, and their age difference became significant.
"I’d loved him the most before I knew I loved him, which was a confusing thought. It’d been easier back then. Fewer worries."
With this new revelation, Madigan backs away out of self-preservation for Abel and himself. Unfortunately, this does more harm then good. And for what? To deny a love that is completely true and right. Because even with the odds stacked against them, they were always meant.
"My sweet trouble…" he whispered against my skin. "I can’t fucking stay away from you anymore."
Power Play explores a daddy dom/lb relationship impressively. With the structure and care that comes with this dynamic, it provided the greatest healing for Abel and his limitations. The love, affection and respect Madigan provided Abel was humbling to read. This was a love affair full of heart.
I guess my only criticism is the many characters / relationships that are present. For me, it detracted from the actual story of Madigan and Abel. Which is a damn shame because the romance between these two men was exceptional and I was skimming to read the actual snippets of their story.
There is something beautiful in the evolution of love when two people have a history. We may scoff at destiny, but for some people it was always written. The love between Madigan Monroe and Abel was pure from the very beginning.
"Listen to my voice, sweetheart. You’ve got this. I believe in you."
I whimpered and clutched his T-shirt, unsure of whether to cling to him or push him away. "Why can’t I b-be normal? "
"Fuck normal," he gritted.
From a child, Madigan has played a definitive role in Abel’s life. They were closer than any two friends could be. With Abel suffering from bipolar, his family and friends never let that define him. With Madigan being his biggest champion, it all went to pot when Abel confessed his newfound feelings for him. Suddenly life became complicated, and their age difference became significant.
"I’d loved him the most before I knew I loved him, which was a confusing thought. It’d been easier back then. Fewer worries."
With this new revelation, Madigan backs away out of self-preservation for Abel and himself. Unfortunately, this does more harm then good. And for what? To deny a love that is completely true and right. Because even with the odds stacked against them, they were always meant.
"My sweet trouble…" he whispered against my skin. "I can’t fucking stay away from you anymore."
Power Play explores a daddy dom/lb relationship impressively. With the structure and care that comes with this dynamic, it provided the greatest healing for Abel and his limitations. The love, affection and respect Madigan provided Abel was humbling to read. This was a love affair full of heart.
I guess my only criticism is the many characters / relationships that are present. For me, it detracted from the actual story of Madigan and Abel. Which is a damn shame because the romance between these two men was exceptional and I was skimming to read the actual snippets of their story.
September 15, 2021
4.5
~DADDY WILL YOU PLAY WITH ME~
Can I get a Amen and simultaneous call for 911 because Power Play was hot fire 🔥. Like how haven’t I read Care Dee before this? It’s like she reached in my brain and found out my love for dirty talk and put that ish all in a book. Like their were words so many very very good words.
Abel is in love with his bestfriend. Well bestfriend is an understatement because his relationship with Madigan transcends a word or label. Upside he knows he would be perfect for him, downside Madigan has known him since he was a kid and he’s his parents bestfriend. The odds are very much against them. Their relationship is a bit on the fritz since Abel confessed his feelings and Mads told him “hell no” that shit ain’t happening but when new information that Madigan might feel the same comes alright Abel knows he’s all in and he’s gonna go get his man or should I say Daddy 😈
What then ensues is some of the sexiest shit I’ve ever read. I’m a girl who loves words and dirty talk. Yes, sex scenes can be hot but if you ain’t talking dirty then I don’t wanna talk. Mads out here killing me with is words and having Abel going up in flames, like sir you better fucking stop.
Was there plot 🤔 I ponders...well Abel does have bipolar disorder and has bad anxiety so there’s that, but it doesn’t play a very big role in the story. There’s a lot of talk but not much show you know I would have liked if that was explored properly. I also felt like things got smooth way too quick, I’m a girl that enjoys the push and pull and once Mads was in it he most definitely was in it 😉 and I wanted some of that UST back.
Overall I freaking loved it and Cara Dee is going on my auto buy list because I feel she got my dirty talk for me. Loved Mads and Abel and the whole DD/lb dynamic. Whenever I think seeing someone say Daddy in a book won’t be hot, I eat my words everytime. I need all the DD/lb books now.
“Yes Daddy”
~DADDY WILL YOU PLAY WITH ME~
Can I get a Amen and simultaneous call for 911 because Power Play was hot fire 🔥. Like how haven’t I read Care Dee before this? It’s like she reached in my brain and found out my love for dirty talk and put that ish all in a book. Like their were words so many very very good words.
Abel is in love with his bestfriend. Well bestfriend is an understatement because his relationship with Madigan transcends a word or label. Upside he knows he would be perfect for him, downside Madigan has known him since he was a kid and he’s his parents bestfriend. The odds are very much against them. Their relationship is a bit on the fritz since Abel confessed his feelings and Mads told him “hell no” that shit ain’t happening but when new information that Madigan might feel the same comes alright Abel knows he’s all in and he’s gonna go get his man or should I say Daddy 😈
What then ensues is some of the sexiest shit I’ve ever read. I’m a girl who loves words and dirty talk. Yes, sex scenes can be hot but if you ain’t talking dirty then I don’t wanna talk. Mads out here killing me with is words and having Abel going up in flames, like sir you better fucking stop.
Was there plot 🤔 I ponders...well Abel does have bipolar disorder and has bad anxiety so there’s that, but it doesn’t play a very big role in the story. There’s a lot of talk but not much show you know I would have liked if that was explored properly. I also felt like things got smooth way too quick, I’m a girl that enjoys the push and pull and once Mads was in it he most definitely was in it 😉 and I wanted some of that UST back.
Overall I freaking loved it and Cara Dee is going on my auto buy list because I feel she got my dirty talk for me. Loved Mads and Abel and the whole DD/lb dynamic. Whenever I think seeing someone say Daddy in a book won’t be hot, I eat my words everytime. I need all the DD/lb books now.
“Yes Daddy”
February 5, 2018
3.5 Stars!
Well, I think it's safe to say DD/lb...
Daddy kink I am apparently okay with, little boy...not so much.
That being said, this wasn't a bad book. The writing was good. Cara Dee is very hit or miss for me. I wouldn't say this was miss levels for me . I think it comes down more to personal preference, and there were parts of this one that made me legit cringe.
I was always invested and there were parts that were hot.
I also agree with Line's review that too many characters from the other series' were present in this book. I haven't read all of the books in the series, nor do I want to. So I was confused as to who some characters were.
Shockingly I wasn't bothered by the "threesome" with Gray. Speaking of, the sneak peek of his book was soooooo confusing.
Basically I'm going to chalk this one up to being "it's me, not you".
Well, I think it's safe to say DD/lb...
Daddy kink I am apparently okay with, little boy...not so much.
That being said, this wasn't a bad book. The writing was good. Cara Dee is very hit or miss for me. I wouldn't say this was miss levels for me . I think it comes down more to personal preference, and there were parts of this one that made me legit cringe.
I was always invested and there were parts that were hot.
I also agree with Line's review that too many characters from the other series' were present in this book. I haven't read all of the books in the series, nor do I want to. So I was confused as to who some characters were.
Shockingly I wasn't bothered by the "threesome" with Gray. Speaking of, the sneak peek of his book was soooooo confusing.
Basically I'm going to chalk this one up to being "it's me, not you".
February 1, 2018
In this instance I can say with 100% accuracy: "it was definitely me!"
Hah, not really "unique" though, but I have found my squeak-limit and it begins with the 'Oreo O's', goes through tickling, giggling, apple juice boxes and ends with a piggy bank for a rich hockey player, where he stashes his allowance *blushes furiously*.
I am all for expanding my horizons, and this was a pre-order as soon as Ms. Dee announced that it was up for grabs.
The writing, the people, the 'town' of Camassia Cove and the smexy times were PURE Ms. Dee, and that wasn't really the problem.
The problem was that I squirmed a LOT, but this was not the fun kind of squirming.
No, this was the kind where you're covering your own eyes, you're having a hard time finding a comfortable seat and every time they did something 'Daddy-Little-like' I found myself looking around the room thinking of decorations for the walls.
And I just want to make it absolutely clear: I am in no way kink-shaming! If you find yourself in a loving, consensual relationship (or if you're single or poly or whatever else you can be, the operative word being 'consensual') where you're the 'Little' (is that an upper case thing?) and your Daddy Dom takes care of you, I will defend your right to do so, I will support you and I will not judge anything you do, however I might be blushing like crazy every time something DD/l happens (?? What's with the difference in lower and upper cases for these titles?).
I just got a wee bit too squeaky when reading this, though not in an awful way, it was just not to my overall tastes.
I do have another smaller issue with this series. And that is the amount of names of family members and friends, that are mentioned in every other chapter.
It IS a stand-alone book, but there are just too many people dragged into this, and it yanks me out of the story every time I try to place who, what, where?
I only read MM (which is my own choice/fault), but these people take up a lot of space in this book/series, and it's a wee bit too much -IMO.
As for solutions: the lovely Susan told me she ignored the names, so that's a possibility and the wonderful Ele pointed me towards this Family Tree for the Camassia Cove-people. I just thinks it's crazy that I need to have a FAMILY TREE on hand to figure out who's who.
Which brings me to another 'issue' with the DD-thing: when Abel said Daddy and Dad (about Lincoln) in almost the same sentence, it was quite...Weird? Squirm-inducing? Eye-opening? Real!
I didn't really have any issues with the scene towards the end, that have been mentioned on other reviews (Ele and Rene's I think). But I want to mention it, just to be on the safe side, since this might be a 'no-no' for some, in regards to extras in the bedroom
My last niggle was the progression of the relationship.
Abel confesses his love --> Mad rejects him --> they don't talk for a year --> Abel asks Mad to 'mentor' --> suddenly Mad gives in on the whole 'shebang'.
It was a little jarring, and I felt like there was a disconnect somewhere, from where Mad decided he would be Abel's mentor, to his decision to go all-out with the DD/l-thing (Seriously??)
I don't know if I missed something, but I felt it came out of the blue.
However in the end my biggest issue was that I couldn't see the "child-like" behaviour for what it was. And that is definitely on me.
I am not finished with Camassia Cove or Ms. Dee though, and I am looking forward to Gray's story a whole hell of a lot.
Hah, not really "unique" though, but I have found my squeak-limit and it begins with the 'Oreo O's', goes through tickling, giggling, apple juice boxes and ends with a piggy bank for a rich hockey player, where he stashes his allowance *blushes furiously*.
I am all for expanding my horizons, and this was a pre-order as soon as Ms. Dee announced that it was up for grabs.
The writing, the people, the 'town' of Camassia Cove and the smexy times were PURE Ms. Dee, and that wasn't really the problem.
The problem was that I squirmed a LOT, but this was not the fun kind of squirming.
No, this was the kind where you're covering your own eyes, you're having a hard time finding a comfortable seat and every time they did something 'Daddy-Little-like' I found myself looking around the room thinking of decorations for the walls.
And I just want to make it absolutely clear: I am in no way kink-shaming! If you find yourself in a loving, consensual relationship (or if you're single or poly or whatever else you can be, the operative word being 'consensual') where you're the 'Little' (is that an upper case thing?) and your Daddy Dom takes care of you, I will defend your right to do so, I will support you and I will not judge anything you do, however I might be blushing like crazy every time something DD/l happens (?? What's with the difference in lower and upper cases for these titles?).
I just got a wee bit too squeaky when reading this, though not in an awful way, it was just not to my overall tastes.
I do have another smaller issue with this series. And that is the amount of names of family members and friends, that are mentioned in every other chapter.
It IS a stand-alone book, but there are just too many people dragged into this, and it yanks me out of the story every time I try to place who, what, where?
I only read MM (which is my own choice/fault), but these people take up a lot of space in this book/series, and it's a wee bit too much -IMO.
As for solutions: the lovely Susan told me she ignored the names, so that's a possibility and the wonderful Ele pointed me towards this Family Tree for the Camassia Cove-people. I just thinks it's crazy that I need to have a FAMILY TREE on hand to figure out who's who.
Which brings me to another 'issue' with the DD-thing: when Abel said Daddy and Dad (about Lincoln) in almost the same sentence, it was quite...
I didn't really have any issues with the scene towards the end, that have been mentioned on other reviews (Ele and Rene's I think). But I want to mention it, just to be on the safe side, since this might be a 'no-no' for some, in regards to extras in the bedroom
My last niggle was the progression of the relationship.
Abel confesses his love --> Mad rejects him --> they don't talk for a year --> Abel asks Mad to 'mentor' --> suddenly Mad gives in on the whole 'shebang'.
It was a little jarring, and I felt like there was a disconnect somewhere, from where Mad decided he would be Abel's mentor, to his decision to go all-out with the DD/l-thing (Seriously??)
I don't know if I missed something, but I felt it came out of the blue.
However in the end my biggest issue was that I couldn't see the "child-like" behaviour for what it was. And that is definitely on me.
I am not finished with Camassia Cove or Ms. Dee though, and I am looking forward to Gray's story a whole hell of a lot.
March 4, 2023
|| 2.5 stars ||
I'm conflicted about this one.
Abel was a great character, and I thought his many mental health issues were portrayed in a good and interesting way. He was a very sweet, confused, and helpless guy. His anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder were a heavy burden on his shoulders with which he obviously struggled a great deal. It should have been easy to care about him, yet something about this story held me back from getting fully invested in his character. I liked him, but still.
When it comes to Abel and Mad's relationship I couldn't help but feel a bit uncomfortable. Don't get me wrong; they had their cute moments, and their dynamic could be good at times. I liked the intensity of their love and how much they both cared about the other: they were each other's whole damn world. The longing/pining was good too. Nonetheless, I often couldn't help but find them slightly off-putting.
Honestly, Mad gave me quite a lot of 'bad vibes'. Not only do I think he took advantage of Abel depending on him, I also feel like it's hard to overlook the fact that he's known Abel since Abel was 6 years old while Mad was a full-grown adult at the time. Even worse, he's been a steady fixture in Abel's life since he was 12, and he's basically helped raise him. So.. When he suddenly starts wanting to have sex with Abel at 19 years old, and eventually even ends up in a Daddy/boy relationship with him when he's 21, I can't help but get the creeps.
It also didn't help that we only read from Mad's perspective in the prologue while the rest of the book is entirely from Abel's POV. We basically have no idea how Mad thinks about Abel when it comes to his private thoughts. How does he view Abel? Is it as creepy as it looks? We don't know. Thus, I was uncomfortable.
I honestly believe Abel deserved better, especially considering Mad ghosted him for like a year when he confessed his feelings for the first time. His best friend, Gray, however, was there for him through thick and thin, always supporting him and helping him with everyday life issues as well as his mental health, which made me ask the question: why couldn't Abel end up with Gray instead? I know they weren't perfectly compatible sexually with the whole sub/dom thing, but still...
Anyway, there were things I enjoyed from this book, but there were obvious reasons as to why I didn't love it or feel a very strong connection to it.
'Camassia Cove' series:
1. Home - 4.0 stars
6. Out - 4.0 stars
7. Power Play - 2.5 stars
Novellas:
1.5. Sleepless - 3.0 stars
6.5. Out For the Holidays - 2.0 stars
Spin-off 'Auctioned' series:
1. Auctioned - dnf
I'm conflicted about this one.
Abel was a great character, and I thought his many mental health issues were portrayed in a good and interesting way. He was a very sweet, confused, and helpless guy. His anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder were a heavy burden on his shoulders with which he obviously struggled a great deal. It should have been easy to care about him, yet something about this story held me back from getting fully invested in his character. I liked him, but still.
When it comes to Abel and Mad's relationship I couldn't help but feel a bit uncomfortable. Don't get me wrong; they had their cute moments, and their dynamic could be good at times. I liked the intensity of their love and how much they both cared about the other: they were each other's whole damn world. The longing/pining was good too. Nonetheless, I often couldn't help but find them slightly off-putting.
Honestly, Mad gave me quite a lot of 'bad vibes'. Not only do I think he took advantage of Abel depending on him, I also feel like it's hard to overlook the fact that he's known Abel since Abel was 6 years old while Mad was a full-grown adult at the time. Even worse, he's been a steady fixture in Abel's life since he was 12, and he's basically helped raise him. So.. When he suddenly starts wanting to have sex with Abel at 19 years old, and eventually even ends up in a Daddy/boy relationship with him when he's 21, I can't help but get the creeps.
It also didn't help that we only read from Mad's perspective in the prologue while the rest of the book is entirely from Abel's POV. We basically have no idea how Mad thinks about Abel when it comes to his private thoughts. How does he view Abel? Is it as creepy as it looks? We don't know. Thus, I was uncomfortable.
I honestly believe Abel deserved better, especially considering Mad ghosted him for like a year when he confessed his feelings for the first time. His best friend, Gray, however, was there for him through thick and thin, always supporting him and helping him with everyday life issues as well as his mental health, which made me ask the question: why couldn't Abel end up with Gray instead? I know they weren't perfectly compatible sexually with the whole sub/dom thing, but still...
Anyway, there were things I enjoyed from this book, but there were obvious reasons as to why I didn't love it or feel a very strong connection to it.
'Camassia Cove' series:
1. Home - 4.0 stars
6. Out - 4.0 stars
7. Power Play - 2.5 stars
Novellas:
1.5. Sleepless - 3.0 stars
6.5. Out For the Holidays - 2.0 stars
Spin-off 'Auctioned' series:
1. Auctioned - dnf
January 30, 2018
This was Daddy kink with a ton of sweetness and love ❤️ Cara did a great job with this book and got into the relationship fast - Abel announced his love for Mad via text, putting every emotion on the line and Mad basically ran away ... for two years ! Mad is best friends with Abel’s parents and while he has loved and protected Abel forever he couldn’t cross the line. However, Abel being the persistent one, thanks to Grey, was relentless. Once he broke Mad there was no going back ! I adored these guys and their chemistry. Their Daddy / little dynamic was well written and was more protective than just sex, mind you Mad sure knew how to rock Abel’s world 😎 Another great Cara Dee book
June 20, 2021
4 stars ⭐️ To be honest, DD/lb, a touch of taboos, BDSM, and age-gap are beyond my comfort zone, but surprisingly this book did possibly work for me! Yeah, I know it's Cara Dee, here we are talking about. So, I should never have doubted her ability of writing books.
“I wasn’t some hotshot hockey player with a big chip on his shoulder. I was a blubbering little boy getting ravaged by his Daddy.”
Abel was 6 when his biological father died, and he requested his BFF who was Madison to take care of his son. Besides, Madison was Lincoln's family friend who happened to adapt Abel.
Abel was bipolar, and he was struggling with anxiety. Madison was always with him to look after him. Since Abel was 12, he was in love with Madison. But Madison always noticed Abel as a kid. When Abel turned 18, he confessed his feeling to Madison, but Madison didn't comfortable with the idea even though the feelings were mutual. But after everything, he couldn't shake off his love for Abel no matter what would happen in the future.
“I want to be your Daddy, Abel.”
“That’s what I’m here for. You leave everything to me. I’ll take care of you.”
There was only Abel’s POV in the book. We could understand how his relationship with Madison has grown with his age, and how much he hoped Madison would be his Daddy.
I loved how their connection with each other developed step by step, and the mutual trust they had for each other has improved even more after their dynamic as a couple.
I should say there was a threesome, and usually, I'm not on board with it. But shockingly, it was so hot and I really loved that part.
I wish there were more angst in the book and the secondary characters who happened to be in the Camassia Cove series also appeared in this book as well, and sometimes it was confused since I didn't read the whole series beforehand.
“I wasn’t some hotshot hockey player with a big chip on his shoulder. I was a blubbering little boy getting ravaged by his Daddy.”
Abel was 6 when his biological father died, and he requested his BFF who was Madison to take care of his son. Besides, Madison was Lincoln's family friend who happened to adapt Abel.
Abel was bipolar, and he was struggling with anxiety. Madison was always with him to look after him. Since Abel was 12, he was in love with Madison. But Madison always noticed Abel as a kid. When Abel turned 18, he confessed his feeling to Madison, but Madison didn't comfortable with the idea even though the feelings were mutual. But after everything, he couldn't shake off his love for Abel no matter what would happen in the future.
“I want to be your Daddy, Abel.”
“That’s what I’m here for. You leave everything to me. I’ll take care of you.”
There was only Abel’s POV in the book. We could understand how his relationship with Madison has grown with his age, and how much he hoped Madison would be his Daddy.
I loved how their connection with each other developed step by step, and the mutual trust they had for each other has improved even more after their dynamic as a couple.
I should say there was a threesome, and usually, I'm not on board with it. But shockingly, it was so hot and I really loved that part.
I wish there were more angst in the book and the secondary characters who happened to be in the Camassia Cove series also appeared in this book as well, and sometimes it was confused since I didn't read the whole series beforehand.
June 23, 2020
Still as good as the first time.
......................................................
*4.5 stars*
Cara Dee...I just love you. That's all.
......................................................
*4.5 stars*
"I wasn't some hotshot hockey player with a big chip on his shoulder. I was a blubbering little boy getting ravaged by his Daddy."
Cara Dee...I just love you. That's all.
February 3, 2018
*** 3.5 Stars ***
February 5, 2018
I see a lot of high rating reviews here so apparently I'm going to be in the minority here. It pains me to do this review because I normally I really enjoy Cara's books but I have to stick my guns and I personally didn't like this book.
First of all, when I hear DD/lb I instantly think of the hardcore daddy/little relationships so I was wary going in because I had no idea if it was going to be just mild play or full on diapers, bottles and stuff.
It wasn't as weird as I thought, actually my three big issues with the story are not even about the DD/lb thing per see.. it was more about the background.
1. Abel's personality was a mess, his way of thinking was very mature sometimes but other's he would be super weird about adult stuff, very child like, and I would've understood that if it happened with Madigan but no, in general he stammered through sex talks which I think its just weird.
He had bipolar disorder but it was a portrayed like it was only mood swings, we really didn't get more of "it comes with high highs and low lows". It wasn't really explored and it bothered me.
2. Abel's father situation. here's the thing, I haven't read the books in this series that include female MCs so I don't the story behind Abel's family, what I know is what it was mentioned here and in here it was implied that Abel's dad loved him but he died of cancer when Abel was 6.
throughout the story his father is called by everyone "biological father" and it bothered me so much. I get the fact that Abel loves his adoptive dad but here's the thing, he can perfectly have two dads. and us as readers are smart enough to differentiate "father" and "dad" or hell they could have done the whole "dad x" and "dad x" using the names but nooo it was super important to make us understand that Lincoln was the super great dad that everyone loves. I find it disrespectful as hell, specially after Abel yells at his brother for not calling Lincoln "Dad", may I point out the fact that Jesse was 14 when his father died? he knew his father, people shouldn't imposse on him how he should call people. ugh the whole thing pissed me off.
3. My biggest issue with this book: Madigan was friends with Abel's father, hell they even shared sexual history. He first met Abel when Abel was 6 years old. So this guy went to say goodbye to his friend/lover and met his kids and 14 years later is fucking one of them and treating him like a boy.
Can you explain to me how is that not weird? I would have respected this story way more if these guys met in the story as adults but the fact that Madigan knew Abel since childhood is creepy as fuck.
First of all, when I hear DD/lb I instantly think of the hardcore daddy/little relationships so I was wary going in because I had no idea if it was going to be just mild play or full on diapers, bottles and stuff.
It wasn't as weird as I thought, actually my three big issues with the story are not even about the DD/lb thing per see.. it was more about the background.
1. Abel's personality was a mess, his way of thinking was very mature sometimes but other's he would be super weird about adult stuff, very child like, and I would've understood that if it happened with Madigan but no, in general he stammered through sex talks which I think its just weird.
He had bipolar disorder but it was a portrayed like it was only mood swings, we really didn't get more of "it comes with high highs and low lows". It wasn't really explored and it bothered me.
2. Abel's father situation. here's the thing, I haven't read the books in this series that include female MCs so I don't the story behind Abel's family, what I know is what it was mentioned here and in here it was implied that Abel's dad loved him but he died of cancer when Abel was 6.
throughout the story his father is called by everyone "biological father" and it bothered me so much. I get the fact that Abel loves his adoptive dad but here's the thing, he can perfectly have two dads. and us as readers are smart enough to differentiate "father" and "dad" or hell they could have done the whole "dad x" and "dad x" using the names but nooo it was super important to make us understand that Lincoln was the super great dad that everyone loves. I find it disrespectful as hell, specially after Abel yells at his brother for not calling Lincoln "Dad", may I point out the fact that Jesse was 14 when his father died? he knew his father, people shouldn't imposse on him how he should call people. ugh the whole thing pissed me off.
3. My biggest issue with this book: Madigan was friends with Abel's father, hell they even shared sexual history. He first met Abel when Abel was 6 years old. So this guy went to say goodbye to his friend/lover and met his kids and 14 years later is fucking one of them and treating him like a boy.
Can you explain to me how is that not weird? I would have respected this story way more if these guys met in the story as adults but the fact that Madigan knew Abel since childhood is creepy as fuck.
February 26, 2018
Another addition to the Camassia Cove series. I think it can be read as a standalone (I haven’t read the MF books of this series and I think it’s enough to know that previous characters are just part either of Abel’s family or his circle of friends).
So, here, we get the story of Abel, 21, hockey-player, bipolar, who grew up nicely surrounded by his adopted family and Madigan, a friend of his biological father and of his adopted parents. But, see, when Abel was 12, he professed he would spend his life with Madigan and now that he’s a young man, his feelings are still deep. But are they reciprocated ? Is Madigan seeing him, not anymore as a child to take care of nor as a friend, but as a lover ?
Trust Cara Dee to come up with another great story. I’m a fan of her writing, of the characters she draws, of the hotness between MCs and the banter she always includes. No disappointment here. And it was nice to get more of specific characters from this Camassia’s “band” and glimpses of this group.
However, I knew when I started that I might not enjoy the particular dynamics between Abel and Madigan….Daddy kink and all…..
The kink is well handled in my opinion. It’s just that, as it’s not my taste and don’t find it hot, it didn’t work for me. Nothing too cringy, just I couldn’t relate. That said, I’m glad I tried it because Cara Dee is just that good and kink aside, I really enjoyed Abel and Madigan and that they got their HEA (because it was an evidence), being in Abel's head (we get only Abel's POV) and how he deals with his unconventional relationship, with his family and with his bipolarity, the banter and the spotlight on Gray, Abel’s friend (I liked this guy -presumably the MC for Cara’ next book).
**another great BR with Karen and Josy : thank you for a great time sharing our reading. And thanks for Simone and Jan for stepping by.**
So, here, we get the story of Abel, 21, hockey-player, bipolar, who grew up nicely surrounded by his adopted family and Madigan, a friend of his biological father and of his adopted parents. But, see, when Abel was 12, he professed he would spend his life with Madigan and now that he’s a young man, his feelings are still deep. But are they reciprocated ? Is Madigan seeing him, not anymore as a child to take care of nor as a friend, but as a lover ?
Trust Cara Dee to come up with another great story. I’m a fan of her writing, of the characters she draws, of the hotness between MCs and the banter she always includes. No disappointment here. And it was nice to get more of specific characters from this Camassia’s “band” and glimpses of this group.
However, I knew when I started that I might not enjoy the particular dynamics between Abel and Madigan….Daddy kink and all…..
The kink is well handled in my opinion. It’s just that, as it’s not my taste and don’t find it hot, it didn’t work for me. Nothing too cringy, just I couldn’t relate. That said, I’m glad I tried it because Cara Dee is just that good and kink aside, I really enjoyed Abel and Madigan and that they got their HEA (because it was an evidence), being in Abel's head (we get only Abel's POV) and how he deals with his unconventional relationship, with his family and with his bipolarity, the banter and the spotlight on Gray, Abel’s friend (I liked this guy -presumably the MC for Cara’ next book).
**another great BR with Karen and Josy : thank you for a great time sharing our reading. And thanks for Simone and Jan for stepping by.**
January 31, 2018
Definitely the best "Daddy" kink book I have ever read ;)
review to come
review to come
August 26, 2021
There were nice parts in the book, but unfortunately, there were also parts that were rather boring... I skimmed. A lot.
July 10, 2021
Edit: *sigh* I wanted to love this ��� RTC maybe? I already have 2 I need to get to so probably not… well… yes RTC
How have I never read the blurb for this book… it has all my favorite tropes!! 🤩 time to start reading
June 29, 2018
4.5 Stars
4.5 but I rounded up
Only Cara Dee could make me enjoy a story with Daddy kink. I wasn’t even completely squicked out every time Abel called Mad “Daddy”. Unlike some other books with this theme, Abel doesn’t feel or sound like a little kid and Mad really doesn’t treat him that way, at least not entirely. He does in some aspects but their history, as Abel grew up with a bi-polar condition, accounted for some of it. With the story coming entirely from Abel’s POV, he sounded his age and he sounded like a guy dealing with a bi-polar condition. His requirements for schedules and stable regimens fit into the dynamic. There wasn’t an over abundance of sex scenes but enough to suit the kinky theme. It’s probably going to be kinkier than some readers will like but I will refrain from saying just how silly I think that kind of attitude is about fictional sex. Oops, guess I said it anyway. But I loved it. Hot af.
Edit: it’s not pain play except a little spanking and some bondage. Nothing icky, BDSM-wise.
The excerpt for Gray’s story was chilling and I’ll be anxiously waiting for that. In the meantime, I’ll be catching up on the other Camassia Cove MM stories I’ve missed.
4.5 but I rounded up
Only Cara Dee could make me enjoy a story with Daddy kink. I wasn’t even completely squicked out every time Abel called Mad “Daddy”. Unlike some other books with this theme, Abel doesn’t feel or sound like a little kid and Mad really doesn’t treat him that way, at least not entirely. He does in some aspects but their history, as Abel grew up with a bi-polar condition, accounted for some of it. With the story coming entirely from Abel’s POV, he sounded his age and he sounded like a guy dealing with a bi-polar condition. His requirements for schedules and stable regimens fit into the dynamic. There wasn’t an over abundance of sex scenes but enough to suit the kinky theme. It’s probably going to be kinkier than some readers will like but I will refrain from saying just how silly I think that kind of attitude is about fictional sex. Oops, guess I said it anyway. But I loved it. Hot af.
Edit: it’s not pain play except a little spanking and some bondage. Nothing icky, BDSM-wise.
The excerpt for Gray’s story was chilling and I’ll be anxiously waiting for that. In the meantime, I’ll be catching up on the other Camassia Cove MM stories I’ve missed.
April 1, 2018
Well this was not only outside of my comfort zone, I'm pretty sure it was in a totally different neighborhood but I have to admit I enjoyed it a lot more than I would have believed possible...I'm pretty sure it was due at least in part to my awesome buddy read partners, Josy & Christelle and our lovely and official stalker Simone but whatever, it worked for me.
A more full review will appear here one day...hopefully sooner rather than later ;)
Hey look...It's time for that full review...
So daddy kink...not my thing...nope, nope, nope, I've always said it's on my 'no go' list...
and I have been frequently known to say 'never say never.' what happened here is not only proof of that but it's proof of the fact that a good book is a good book and when it comes to Cara Dee and her series 'Camassia Cove' a good book seems to be a given. While 'Power Play' isn't listed as one of the books in the 'Camassia Cove' series but as a stand alone it not only takes place mostly in 'Camassia Cove' it involves many of the characters that have been introduced in that series and for me it really should be it's just too connected to so many of the characters not to be...but that's just my meandering thoughts. I haven't read all of the 'Camassia Cove' books, but, I have read enough to be familiar with the characters and their background stories. A fact that I think made this story just that little bit more enjoyable for me.
Now, if you haven't read this book or any of the other books in this series but plan to than please stop here and come back when you've read the books. If you don't ever plan to read these books...well, I'm not sure I get you and if we're friends? Well, really you must be freakin' amazing for us to...no never mind, we're friends of course you're amazing... anyways, carry on.
The other fun part of reading this story for me was that I got to read it with my Buddy Read Besties...Christelle, Josy and Simone, because what's a buddy read without an official stalker, right? You are all awesome and reading a story like this with friends like you is...well, it's just more fun than a barrel of monkeys.
'Power Play' is about a relationship that most people would deem outside of the norm...some would even say it's wrong, but that's because sometimes people are quick to judge. So lets take a look at the basic dynamics here before I get into all the thoughts, feelings and questions that this story provoked in me...
Madigan has known Abel and his brother from a very early age and was a close friend not only to their father but to Adie and Lincoln their adoptive parents he became a regular fixture in their lives when their father passed away and has always shared a special bond with Abel but Abel's not a little boy anymore...he's a hockey player in the NHL and he deals not only with the attention that this brings which can be challenging for anyone but for someone who has Bipolar Disorder it's an even more stressful life to lead. Consistency and routine are crucial to Abel but no one grounds him and just gets him like Mad (Madigan) and when Abel sends a simple text that reveals how he feels about Mad things between them become strained and suddenly Abel finds Mad avoiding him at every opportunity and Abel begins to unravel little by little until he suddenly finds himself with too much time on his hands after getting suspended from his team and decides to head home to Camassia, his family and to face Madigan.
Ok so now you've got the gist of things. We've got Madigan Monroe who's 40ish, making him approximately 20ish some years older than Abel and he's known Abel for most of Abel's life...yeah, that's right we've arrived folks...we're in the land of Daddy kink...now, before you question the blurb or wonder how I missed this...I didn't I knew what I was getting myself into but I have these awesome friends who were there and saying 'come on Karen, read it with us. We'll hold your hand and keep you safe and then there was Christelle sitting there with me going I will if you will and Josy who being much braver than the apprehensive old ladies just smiled and offered encouragement and support until we all admitted that we knew we were doing this and got on with it.
I have to admit I've only ever read one other book that was about daddy kink...ok, I didn't really read it I listened to the audio book and can I just say...I totally blame Nick J. Russo for that one, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. So back to 'Power Play'. I have no other words for this but apprehension. Abel's not figuratively young enough to be Mad's son, he's literally young enough and he's known Mad since he was a wee little guy and Mad's been a sort of father figure for him for a good chunk of his life...seriously I was not seeing this as something that would go well and part way through it what I realized was that I was seeing how I thought the story would work for me and not how it really did work.
I was pretty much blown away by how easily the author just sucked me right into this one. It's got Daddy kink and DD/lb (which I didn't have to look up because I have friends who write awesome reviews and I might have done some peeking before I went into this one...not the norm for me but sometimes a little research helps. So if you want to know more before you read this one check out the book page and the fabulous reviews already posted on GoodReads for this title and others in Cara Dee's 'Camassia Cove' series.
Ok, so at the bottom of all this was a story about two men who have loved each other for a long time but as with most things in this world they have both grown and changed and when this happens what was isn't always what's needed. Mad and Abel have both grown and the changes that's brought about in each of their lives has necessitated a change in their relationship dynamics and how it's going to work for them. I found myself wondering if Abel was my kid would I want this type of relationship for him and surprisingly I realized that yes I would. If it was as positive for him and enabled him to continue to spread his wings and grow to become all that he was capable of being while meeting his needs regardless of how I may feel about or perceive those needs because it's not for me to judge, than yes, I would love and support my child in their relationship. Ultimately as a parent it should be my child's happiness that matters most not whether or not my perceptions are met and then I wondered...if Madigan was my friend would I want this for him? and again my head and my heart said yes, if it made him truly happy than as his friend I should want that for him because again perceptions vs. happiness for those I care about...there's no real decision to be made here.
'Power Play' is not the first Cara Dee novel that's made me ask myself questions like these and I really enjoy that when an author not only draws me into an incredible story but leave me wondering and questioning myself and what I would think or do at the end of it...touching base with myself to ensure that I'm still the person that I want to be.
There were other events in this story that I know concerned some readers and just to name the elephant in the room because it's been discussed to death and hey, you warned ages ago that if you planned on reading this book you needed to not go any further so I'm just going to touch briefly on the threesome that occurred towards the end of the book and all I'm going to say is that for me this was handled by the author in such a way as to make it totally a non-issue in my reading experience. In fact to be totally honest it was hot and really solidified the connection for me that was between Madigan and Abel.
So far all the books that I've read in this series have all gotten 5 stars and while I only gave this one 4 stars that was probably as much a reflection of my personal comfort level with the topic of age play and daddy kink and it was any niggles that I may have had. But despite that I am so glad that I read this book and I really enjoyed it, I may not have loved every page but I definitely loved a whole lot more than I didn't so overall this was a win no doubt about it and if you're looking to check out a story about daddy kink, DD/lb, age play or just something good to read I definitely recommend this one...right after you've at least read book #5 and possibly #3 from 'Camassia Cove' trust me you'll enjoy this all the more for having done that little thing and they're good stories by an awesome author...really, what have you got to loose?
A more full review will appear here one day...hopefully sooner rather than later ;)
Hey look...It's time for that full review...
So daddy kink...not my thing...nope, nope, nope, I've always said it's on my 'no go' list...
and I have been frequently known to say 'never say never.' what happened here is not only proof of that but it's proof of the fact that a good book is a good book and when it comes to Cara Dee and her series 'Camassia Cove' a good book seems to be a given. While 'Power Play' isn't listed as one of the books in the 'Camassia Cove' series but as a stand alone it not only takes place mostly in 'Camassia Cove' it involves many of the characters that have been introduced in that series and for me it really should be it's just too connected to so many of the characters not to be...but that's just my meandering thoughts. I haven't read all of the 'Camassia Cove' books, but, I have read enough to be familiar with the characters and their background stories. A fact that I think made this story just that little bit more enjoyable for me.
Now, if you haven't read this book or any of the other books in this series but plan to than please stop here and come back when you've read the books. If you don't ever plan to read these books...well, I'm not sure I get you and if we're friends? Well, really you must be freakin' amazing for us to...no never mind, we're friends of course you're amazing... anyways, carry on.
The other fun part of reading this story for me was that I got to read it with my Buddy Read Besties...Christelle, Josy and Simone, because what's a buddy read without an official stalker, right? You are all awesome and reading a story like this with friends like you is...well, it's just more fun than a barrel of monkeys.
'Power Play' is about a relationship that most people would deem outside of the norm...some would even say it's wrong, but that's because sometimes people are quick to judge. So lets take a look at the basic dynamics here before I get into all the thoughts, feelings and questions that this story provoked in me...
Madigan has known Abel and his brother from a very early age and was a close friend not only to their father but to Adie and Lincoln their adoptive parents he became a regular fixture in their lives when their father passed away and has always shared a special bond with Abel but Abel's not a little boy anymore...he's a hockey player in the NHL and he deals not only with the attention that this brings which can be challenging for anyone but for someone who has Bipolar Disorder it's an even more stressful life to lead. Consistency and routine are crucial to Abel but no one grounds him and just gets him like Mad (Madigan) and when Abel sends a simple text that reveals how he feels about Mad things between them become strained and suddenly Abel finds Mad avoiding him at every opportunity and Abel begins to unravel little by little until he suddenly finds himself with too much time on his hands after getting suspended from his team and decides to head home to Camassia, his family and to face Madigan.
Ok so now you've got the gist of things. We've got Madigan Monroe who's 40ish, making him approximately 20ish some years older than Abel and he's known Abel for most of Abel's life...yeah, that's right we've arrived folks...we're in the land of Daddy kink...now, before you question the blurb or wonder how I missed this...I didn't I knew what I was getting myself into but I have these awesome friends who were there and saying 'come on Karen, read it with us. We'll hold your hand and keep you safe and then there was Christelle sitting there with me going I will if you will and Josy who being much braver than the apprehensive old ladies just smiled and offered encouragement and support until we all admitted that we knew we were doing this and got on with it.
I have to admit I've only ever read one other book that was about daddy kink...ok, I didn't really read it I listened to the audio book and can I just say...I totally blame Nick J. Russo for that one, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. So back to 'Power Play'. I have no other words for this but apprehension. Abel's not figuratively young enough to be Mad's son, he's literally young enough and he's known Mad since he was a wee little guy and Mad's been a sort of father figure for him for a good chunk of his life...seriously I was not seeing this as something that would go well and part way through it what I realized was that I was seeing how I thought the story would work for me and not how it really did work.
I was pretty much blown away by how easily the author just sucked me right into this one. It's got Daddy kink and DD/lb (which I didn't have to look up because I have friends who write awesome reviews and I might have done some peeking before I went into this one...not the norm for me but sometimes a little research helps. So if you want to know more before you read this one check out the book page and the fabulous reviews already posted on GoodReads for this title and others in Cara Dee's 'Camassia Cove' series.
Ok, so at the bottom of all this was a story about two men who have loved each other for a long time but as with most things in this world they have both grown and changed and when this happens what was isn't always what's needed. Mad and Abel have both grown and the changes that's brought about in each of their lives has necessitated a change in their relationship dynamics and how it's going to work for them. I found myself wondering if Abel was my kid would I want this type of relationship for him and surprisingly I realized that yes I would. If it was as positive for him and enabled him to continue to spread his wings and grow to become all that he was capable of being while meeting his needs regardless of how I may feel about or perceive those needs because it's not for me to judge, than yes, I would love and support my child in their relationship. Ultimately as a parent it should be my child's happiness that matters most not whether or not my perceptions are met and then I wondered...if Madigan was my friend would I want this for him? and again my head and my heart said yes, if it made him truly happy than as his friend I should want that for him because again perceptions vs. happiness for those I care about...there's no real decision to be made here.
'Power Play' is not the first Cara Dee novel that's made me ask myself questions like these and I really enjoy that when an author not only draws me into an incredible story but leave me wondering and questioning myself and what I would think or do at the end of it...touching base with myself to ensure that I'm still the person that I want to be.
There were other events in this story that I know concerned some readers and just to name the elephant in the room because it's been discussed to death and hey, you warned ages ago that if you planned on reading this book you needed to not go any further so I'm just going to touch briefly on the threesome that occurred towards the end of the book and all I'm going to say is that for me this was handled by the author in such a way as to make it totally a non-issue in my reading experience. In fact to be totally honest it was hot and really solidified the connection for me that was between Madigan and Abel.
So far all the books that I've read in this series have all gotten 5 stars and while I only gave this one 4 stars that was probably as much a reflection of my personal comfort level with the topic of age play and daddy kink and it was any niggles that I may have had. But despite that I am so glad that I read this book and I really enjoyed it, I may not have loved every page but I definitely loved a whole lot more than I didn't so overall this was a win no doubt about it and if you're looking to check out a story about daddy kink, DD/lb, age play or just something good to read I definitely recommend this one...right after you've at least read book #5 and possibly #3 from 'Camassia Cove' trust me you'll enjoy this all the more for having done that little thing and they're good stories by an awesome author...really, what have you got to loose?
July 9, 2018
Genre: M/M Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Male
Rating:
Abel Novak-Hayes was born different but had an excellent support system including a close family friend, Madigan (Mad) Monroe. For years Madigan helped him overcome his issues and that closeness made him crave for more.
I liked both Abel and Mad. They were good together for DDlb dynamic. Mad was nurturing but not condescending. Abel was cute with A restrained brattiness. I do wish I get to see more of Abel's personal struggles though.
I was also hoping the sex was hotter. I felt one character held back too much. Thankfully one particular scene towards the end made up for it.
Power Play is a story of pursuing what the heart wants. It would appeal to readers who enjoy Daddy kink.
Note 1:
I love Abel's best friend Gray
Note 2:
Before starting this book I didn't realize it's part of a standalone collection. I've never read any of the other books and at times I was confused with the many additional characters appearances especially when I didn't know their significance to the main characters.
🔌 🏒 🔌 . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC . . . 🔌 🏒 🔌
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Male
Rating:
Abel Novak-Hayes was born different but had an excellent support system including a close family friend, Madigan (Mad) Monroe. For years Madigan helped him overcome his issues and that closeness made him crave for more.
I could pick up the tension in a room crazy easily, and it was suffocating when that tension was filled with anger and pain. It landed like a heavy blanket over my chest.
I liked both Abel and Mad. They were good together for DDlb dynamic. Mad was nurturing but not condescending. Abel was cute with A restrained brattiness. I do wish I get to see more of Abel's personal struggles though.
“That’s it, baby. You’re Daddy’s filthy little come slut.”
I was also hoping the sex was hotter. I felt one character held back too much. Thankfully one particular scene towards the end made up for it.
“Fucking perfect… Christ, I just wanna take you until you scream. Until you don’t know if it’s too much pleasure or too much pain.”
Power Play is a story of pursuing what the heart wants. It would appeal to readers who enjoy Daddy kink.
Note 1:
I love Abel's best friend Gray
Note 2:
Before starting this book I didn't realize it's part of a standalone collection. I've never read any of the other books and at times I was confused with the many additional characters appearances especially when I didn't know their significance to the main characters.
🔌 🏒 🔌 . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC . . . 🔌 🏒 🔌
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
August 21, 2020
Reread August 2020 - this is such a great daddy kink book with that "Little" dynamic. Just fantastic and this time round I went straight into auctioned.
Yes to all the Daddy Kink! Daddy Kink is my absolute favourite, yum yum. This book was yum! Loved the bigger protective daddy, those moments where only he can get through to his boy *happy sigh* bootifool!! Read other more thorough reviews for more dets.
Loving Cara Dee at the moment, I'll have to go a dig up some more books by her.
Yes to all the Daddy Kink! Daddy Kink is my absolute favourite, yum yum. This book was yum! Loved the bigger protective daddy, those moments where only he can get through to his boy *happy sigh* bootifool!! Read other more thorough reviews for more dets.
Loving Cara Dee at the moment, I'll have to go a dig up some more books by her.
February 26, 2018
~ 4.5 stars ~
I think it's no secret that I'm a fan of daddy kink so of course I was really excited about this book. And I'm so glad I read it! It was not only extremely sexy but also very emotional. The struggles Abel faced due to his bipolar conditions tugged at my heartstrings and the hurt he felt when he did not only lose the man he's loved for years but also his best friend and anchor, after Mad's initial rejection, were very painful to read about. At the same time, it made me insanely happy when Mad and Abel finally got together and I couldn't stop smiling. It was so obvious to me that they both shared a deep emotional bond even before they became lovers and it was great to see how they expanded this connection into a romantic relationship.
It was also very interesting to see Abel discover and explore his desire to be a Little - or a Middle as Mad explained it - and how he learned to be comfortable with his true self without the need to pretend to be someone else. Of course, Mad as an experienced Daddy Dom was the perfect counterpart for him who made him feel safe so that he could learn to let go of adult notions and thrive on the trust and knowledge that his Daddy would take care of him.
I have no knowledge about bipolar disorder so I can't say if Abel's behavior and reactions are accurate. But the way it was displayed here and how Abel and Mad dealt with it in their daily life made sense to me.
Some other reviews already mention a threesome that takes place in this book and although I don't mind reading about it, it doesn't often work as well for me as it did in this book. The author took great care to set it up beforehand through an open and honest conversation between Mad and Abel and it was made clear that neither Abel nor Mad are interested in an open relationship or even in it to happen on a regular basis. There was love and an emotional connection involved for all three men and this made it a very sexy and scorching hot experience.
The only thing that I would have liked was a glimpse into Mad's head, especially in the first half of the book. The story is told only through Abel's POV and every now and then I wondered about Mad's thoughts.
Overall a very enjoyable book that I got to experience with my lovely ladies Karen and Christelle, who stepped out of their comfort zone for this story, and our amazing stalker Simone who kept us company throughout our buddy read. Thank you, ladies :)
edit: This was my first book in Cara Dee's Camassia Cove world so I haven't met any characters prior to this book. It's true that a lot of characters make an appearance but if you don't need to know every detail about them, I think this book explains enough to get their connection to each other.
I think it's no secret that I'm a fan of daddy kink so of course I was really excited about this book. And I'm so glad I read it! It was not only extremely sexy but also very emotional. The struggles Abel faced due to his bipolar conditions tugged at my heartstrings and the hurt he felt when he did not only lose the man he's loved for years but also his best friend and anchor, after Mad's initial rejection, were very painful to read about. At the same time, it made me insanely happy when Mad and Abel finally got together and I couldn't stop smiling. It was so obvious to me that they both shared a deep emotional bond even before they became lovers and it was great to see how they expanded this connection into a romantic relationship.
It was also very interesting to see Abel discover and explore his desire to be a Little - or a Middle as Mad explained it - and how he learned to be comfortable with his true self without the need to pretend to be someone else. Of course, Mad as an experienced Daddy Dom was the perfect counterpart for him who made him feel safe so that he could learn to let go of adult notions and thrive on the trust and knowledge that his Daddy would take care of him.
I have no knowledge about bipolar disorder so I can't say if Abel's behavior and reactions are accurate. But the way it was displayed here and how Abel and Mad dealt with it in their daily life made sense to me.
Some other reviews already mention a threesome that takes place in this book and although I don't mind reading about it, it doesn't often work as well for me as it did in this book. The author took great care to set it up beforehand through an open and honest conversation between Mad and Abel and it was made clear that neither Abel nor Mad are interested in an open relationship or even in it to happen on a regular basis. There was love and an emotional connection involved for all three men and this made it a very sexy and scorching hot experience.
The only thing that I would have liked was a glimpse into Mad's head, especially in the first half of the book. The story is told only through Abel's POV and every now and then I wondered about Mad's thoughts.
Overall a very enjoyable book that I got to experience with my lovely ladies Karen and Christelle, who stepped out of their comfort zone for this story, and our amazing stalker Simone who kept us company throughout our buddy read. Thank you, ladies :)
edit: This was my first book in Cara Dee's Camassia Cove world so I haven't met any characters prior to this book. It's true that a lot of characters make an appearance but if you don't need to know every detail about them, I think this book explains enough to get their connection to each other.
December 12, 2022
4.5 stars
Another cracker of a story from Cara Dee - somehow I have never read this one, when I thought I had read every one of Cara’s MM books. I think I may have initially skipped this one because I’m not a huge fan of D/b with age play/regression, but this one has Daddy/boy with minimal regression, and what is there is HOT. Cara always brings the steam factor with her kink, and constantly surprises me with my love for it all.
Madigan & Abel have known each other since Abel was a baby, with Mad being best friends with his parents. Abel has always worshipped Mad, saying from when he was little that he would marry him. Abel grew up spending lots of time with Madigan, with a genuine innocent love for each other. But Abel’s hero-worship turns into attraction & love as he grows older, and after a disastrous admission by Abel, they have a lengthy period of time with no contact.
There is a backdrop of Abel’s significant mental illness in this story, and we see him struggle in his life as a pro hockey player, particularly without Mad’s support. Once their intimate connection is established, it’s interesting to see the lifestyle changes that they negotiate as a part of their Daddy/boy/Dom/sub relationship, which consequently help Abel better manage his mental health. And the steam factor slowly increases as they take their time progressing with s3xual intimacy, but it’s well worth the wait when we get a HOT A.F scene with Mad, Abel & a third. PHEW… 🥵
While this is a standalone, I love that we see other MCs from other books in Cara’s Camassia Cove universe. This book is set just before the “Auctioned” series starts (one of my fave ever series), so it’s interesting to see some precursor events in this book.
Seriously, there’s nothing Cara writes that I don’t love..
Another cracker of a story from Cara Dee - somehow I have never read this one, when I thought I had read every one of Cara’s MM books. I think I may have initially skipped this one because I’m not a huge fan of D/b with age play/regression, but this one has Daddy/boy with minimal regression, and what is there is HOT. Cara always brings the steam factor with her kink, and constantly surprises me with my love for it all.
Madigan & Abel have known each other since Abel was a baby, with Mad being best friends with his parents. Abel has always worshipped Mad, saying from when he was little that he would marry him. Abel grew up spending lots of time with Madigan, with a genuine innocent love for each other. But Abel’s hero-worship turns into attraction & love as he grows older, and after a disastrous admission by Abel, they have a lengthy period of time with no contact.
There is a backdrop of Abel’s significant mental illness in this story, and we see him struggle in his life as a pro hockey player, particularly without Mad’s support. Once their intimate connection is established, it’s interesting to see the lifestyle changes that they negotiate as a part of their Daddy/boy/Dom/sub relationship, which consequently help Abel better manage his mental health. And the steam factor slowly increases as they take their time progressing with s3xual intimacy, but it’s well worth the wait when we get a HOT A.F scene with Mad, Abel & a third. PHEW… 🥵
While this is a standalone, I love that we see other MCs from other books in Cara’s Camassia Cove universe. This book is set just before the “Auctioned” series starts (one of my fave ever series), so it’s interesting to see some precursor events in this book.
Seriously, there’s nothing Cara writes that I don’t love..
February 7, 2018
That was interesting.... It's not the first time I've read a DBSM book but it's the first time I've read one with Daddy kink and, while I don't see myself reading another one anytime soon, I'm definitely not sorry that I read this one!
I thought the reltionship dynamic was going to make me feel uncomfortable and I was prepared to have to stretch my limits pretty thin in order to finish this. Well, that didn't happen! The way Cara Dee handled the ralationship and the connection between Abel and Madigan was amazing. It made sense for them to have that dynamic between them. It worked so well for them and it was exactly what both of them needed from a partner. This type of relationship was right not only for Abel, who struggled with so many things in his everyday life, but for Madigan too.
The fact that they knew each other for so long made the speed of their relationship more natural and the obvious outcome to the feelings they tried to suppress for so long. Their relationship was intense right from the start even without the added kink element to it. The fact that Madigan was best friends with Abel's parents was an added bonus to the age gap trope.
The one and only thing I didn't like was a scene towards the end of the book. (I'm going to be very vague here, so no spoilers ahead.) I found that scene entirely unnecessary. I don't know why it was in the book in the first place as it didn't add anything to the story or their relationship. In the contrary, it went against everything I though their relationship was like. More than that, against what the character of one - if not both - of them was like. I would have been much happier if it wasn't there at all and I can even say that I was a bit disappointed when I realised the story would go there..
Although I'm rating with 4 instead of 5 stars, because of what I said above, in the grand scheme of things that scene didn't take away very much from the story for me, especially since I'm just trying to forget it happened, and I actually liked the rest of the story very much.
There is age gap, friends-to-lovers, BDSM, hurt/comfort... There's also a fair amount of Nutella!
Power Play is another great addition to the "Camassia Cove" series. Highly recommended - both the book and the series!
This review has been cross-posted on The Novel Approach Reviews.
*An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me by the author via The Novel Approach Reviews in exchange for an honest review. *
I thought the reltionship dynamic was going to make me feel uncomfortable and I was prepared to have to stretch my limits pretty thin in order to finish this. Well, that didn't happen! The way Cara Dee handled the ralationship and the connection between Abel and Madigan was amazing. It made sense for them to have that dynamic between them. It worked so well for them and it was exactly what both of them needed from a partner. This type of relationship was right not only for Abel, who struggled with so many things in his everyday life, but for Madigan too.
The fact that they knew each other for so long made the speed of their relationship more natural and the obvious outcome to the feelings they tried to suppress for so long. Their relationship was intense right from the start even without the added kink element to it. The fact that Madigan was best friends with Abel's parents was an added bonus to the age gap trope.
The one and only thing I didn't like was a scene towards the end of the book. (I'm going to be very vague here, so no spoilers ahead.) I found that scene entirely unnecessary. I don't know why it was in the book in the first place as it didn't add anything to the story or their relationship. In the contrary, it went against everything I though their relationship was like. More than that, against what the character of one - if not both - of them was like. I would have been much happier if it wasn't there at all and I can even say that I was a bit disappointed when I realised the story would go there..
Although I'm rating with 4 instead of 5 stars, because of what I said above, in the grand scheme of things that scene didn't take away very much from the story for me, especially since I'm just trying to forget it happened, and I actually liked the rest of the story very much.
There is age gap, friends-to-lovers, BDSM, hurt/comfort... There's also a fair amount of Nutella!
Power Play is another great addition to the "Camassia Cove" series. Highly recommended - both the book and the series!
This review has been cross-posted on The Novel Approach Reviews.
*An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me by the author via The Novel Approach Reviews in exchange for an honest review. *
February 11, 2018
Yess ✔️ yes ✔️ yes ✔️in all the possible ways.
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