Hesitant Heart (The Hampton Road Club 1)

Sam might be innocent, but the Roaring Twenties aren’t. When an older gentleman shows him the ropes, will he risk all for love?

Sam is used to living with lots of secrets. He’s always had to hide who he is or else incur the wrath of his strict and abusive father. After he’s faced with a horrible ultimatum, he flees to Hollywood where he hopes he can escape the specter of his miserable upbringing.

Aaron is a wealthy, sophisticated man who loses himself in painting portraits of bound men to stave off loneliness and despair. Unable to find a lasting connection with anyone, he has resorted to paying lovers so he can indulge in his darker passions. Aaron’s only respite is the Hampton Road sadomasochism club where he’s a respected Dominant.

Naïve in the ways men can please one another, Sam takes a job at a bathhouse where he first glimpses a handsome older man. Aaron has his interest sparked when he spies a shy towel boy watching him whenever he patronizes the Temple of Eros. When a traumatic event triggers Aaron’s protective nature, he rescues the gentle Sam from the clutches of the disreputable establishment’s manager.

As their bond deepens and Sam is trained for his first night at the Hampton Road Club, an unknown danger lurks. Will Aaron’s heart be crushed once again?

Note: Sam and Aaron's story includes descriptive BDSM play and branding, so if this isn't your jam, you might want to pass! However, they have a loving, kinky relationship with lots of spice, feels, and a strong happily ever after.

Tropes/Tags: Historical Romance, 1920s, BDSM, bondage, pain play, impact play, 17 year age gap, Master/Sub, 24/7 lifestyle, D/s, spicy, first time, found family, hurt/comfort, HEA