Endings and Beginnings

Collars and Cuffs, Book 8

By: K.C. Wells, Parker Williams

Narrated by: Joel Leslie

Length: 12 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

In all his relationships, Darren Fielding never found the level of intimacy he witnessed between Thomas Williams and his sub, Peter, the day of Peter's "rebirth". Not only that, he never realized such intimacy was possible. For two years, Thomas's business card has been burning a hole in his wallet. When Darren's lover moves on, maybe it's finally time to see where that card takes him.

Collars & Cuffs' new barman, JJ Taylor, is really conflicted right now. He went to the club with a very specific purpose, already convinced of what he'd find there. Except it's not what he expected at all. He certainly didn't anticipate finding himself drawn to the new wannabe dom. Nor could he have guessed the direction that attraction would lead him.

Old love, new love, vows, pain, rage, moving in, moving on....The members of Collars & Cuffs face an event that touches some of them deeply, but it will only reinforce what they already know: together they are stronger, and some bonds cannot be broken.

©2016 K.C. Wells, Parker Williams (P)2016 Dreamspinner Press

Wow great story

Would you consider the audio edition of Endings and Beginnings to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the book. But I loved the audio version

What was one of the most memorable moments of Endings and Beginnings?

When JJ goes to his moms. He is so scared, heartbroken, sad and afraid. He ends up telling her everything he had been doing, starting with thinking his dad was just a misled guy, that BDSM was what was wrong. How after he had worked at the club and got to know the people there he realized what a good group of people they were and how even he was exploring a dom/sub relationship. His mom didn't judge or turn him away she just asked if he was happy.

What does Joel Leslie bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Joel did an absolutely amazing job with the voices! You always know who was talking just by the voice. The personality and mood of each character was reflected in his narration. It has given me a whole new perspective on his range as a narrator and will look for more books he has done.

Who was the most memorable character of Endings and Beginnings and why?

JJ I the most memorable character as the story follows him mostly. He starts out very reserved and shy and by the end he has learned to love and trust.

Any additional comments?

Although this story is about JJ and Darren, it also shows what other couples from previous stories are faring. Ben and Scott's wedding, Thomas and Peter's growth, and Eli and Jared's branching off to their own club. It keeps everything well rounded and interactive.

Bittersweet

I feel like I have been part of the club. I don't know if this is the end of the series or not, but it seems everyone has grown up and out. I love them all so much. the way their lives have gone is so wonderful through all the struggles. really nice job writing the different perspectives.

Fantastic listen. Heartwarming end to great series

I thought it was great to have a story about a couple where both partners are newbies to the BDSM scene and learn together. Darren has been interested in the D/s lifestyle for a while, but JJ started out with a decidedly more negative view of BDSM, and his feelings have only recently changed. JJ joined Collars & Cuffs as a barman for reasons of his own and didn’t expect to be so intrigued by what he learns. I loved reading about his changed perspective, and it was very moving to see him grow closer to the submissives of the club, Peter especially. JJ has difficulty trusting people, which causes him to hide or try to handle stuff on his own when he’d be better off reaching out for help. JJ grows a lot throughout the story, both on his own strength and with the help of Darren. Some of JJ’s pain is self-inflicted in a way, as he pushed away his mom, for understandable reasons, but then hung on to his anger a bit too long. JJ’s mom is unexpected but lovely, and I really liked what she brought to the story. What also made me love this story is that we get to reconnect with old favorites and see how the other couples from previous books in this series are doing. It’s bittersweet, but I was glad we got to see all of them living their HEA and still being happy and being there for each other when things get rough. Everyone gets a little time in the spotlight, but my favorite storylines, apart from the main one revolving around Darren & JJ, were those for Pietro and Miles, who take an important step forward in their relationship, and of course, Jarrod and Eli. They account for one of the new beginnings referenced in the title and pave the way for the Secrets series.

Narration: Joel Leslie is a masterful narrator, and he did a superb job with his performance of this story. There are so many characters to keep track of, each with their own distinct voice and accent, and he manages to bring them all to life in the best way and makes it seem effortless. I very much enjoyed listening to his narration and loved the emotion he brought to it.

Cannot be stand alone

It is the end of a series, so I understand why the author squeeze in so many characters into one book. But it really make the book feel cluttered, with main characters less than developed. And the accent of some characters just feels out of place, especially since I like the first book, where Pietro don't have an accent.

A perfect ending to this series

I just finished Endings and Beginnings, and I have to admit I’m still a little emotional. Such a wonderful collection of people. Sometimes I had to remind myself I wasn’t reading real life!

It isn’t often an author provides a final book that includes everyone. This one did, and it was so well done I felt happy to have such a thorough and satisfying follow up on each couple.

Narration was awesome. Now on to Secrets!

Breathtaking!!

What made the experience of listening to Endings and Beginnings the most enjoyable?

For me, the connection to the characters and the way the narrator manages to allow us to feel as if each individual is speaking.

Who was your favorite character and why?

JJ is my favorite character. It seems that he has so much to overcome and push through in order to be the sub he is meant to be.

Which scene was your favorite?

When JJ goes to see his mom even though he is scared, sad, and heartbroken; priceless.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Definitely.

Any additional comments?

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.I started listening to the book knowing who the narrator was and having the book to follow along. I love the series. The audio version and Joel Leslie brings a new level to this book. The depth provided to the characters is amazing. You can automatically recognize change in character by tone of voice and mood. JJ and Darren's story is a memorable one. When JJ goes to see his mom even though he is scared, sad, and heartbroken; priceless. Then by working in the club JJ realized the great group of people around him. On top of all of the focus between JJ and Darren you wrap in the other characters from previous books allowing a reconnection and its if Joel as a narrator keeps us connected to each individual.

Beautiful!

Oh man, the audiobook with Joel Leslie is SO AMAZING! This series is full of lifelike characters, intense emotions, and scenarios that are unique and enthralling. Add in the amazing accents, inflections and attention to details that Joel Leslie brings to the audiobook and you have a beautiful story brought to life and overflowing with goodness. Although this story introduces a new couple, it continues the stories in the series, with a death, a wedding, a bunch of new life changes for many of the couples we’ve met in previous books. Can’t say more or I’ll spoil it for you!

What a beautiful ending!!!!

What did you love best about Endings and Beginnings?

I loved how along with JJ and Darren's story we were able to see what all of the other wonderful characters were up to! I leave this series knowing every beautiful man had his happy ending!

Any additional comments?

Joel Leslie rocked this narration. There were so many characters and he differentiated each and every one of the beautifully! I could listen to him all day!

Love This Series

I really wish this series would go on forever because the stories are just that good. I do miss Russo doing the narrations, but his replacement is still really good. This book does wrap up the series nicely and still leaves room for expansion if the author chooses to take it further (I really hope they do). Highly recommend!

A Wonderful Edition to a Great Series

What made the experience of listening to Endings and Beginnings the most enjoyable?

In addition to meeting the two main characters and watching their relationship grow it was wonderful having characters from the earlier books checking in throughout, seeing the developments and changes in their lives. In addition, the reading was wonderful. I've come to expect only the bests from Joel Leslie, but this book had a huge cast of characters and he did an awesome job. I could always tell who was talking by the timbre of his voice, even before a name was given.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I like J.J., how he started out and how he developed. He started out with a particular view of the club and then (in a very organic progression) changed his view, which helped changed his view of not only his life but himself.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Peter was talking with the reporter. Initially he was frightened but then he stood up for himself. He didn't let the man get over on him. I was very proud of him. He'd been through so much but was able to get past it.

If you could rename Endings and Beginnings, what would you call it?

It would have to be something about friendship, because that's such a huge part of these stories.. Friends Forever, Friends Through Thick and Thin, something like that.