Soft Limits: A Deviations Novel

I was worried about the fact that I hadn't read the rest of the Deviations series before getting into this book, but was willing to give it a shot because First Rodeo (Payne's book with BA Tortuga) was so good. I needn't have worried at all. I never felt like I was missing out on something for not having read the other books (I will be making my way around to those), and this story is so affecting all on its own.I really love the slow build up through out this book. The Dom Bradford spends a good deal of their story allowing Nikki to set the pace, to decide whether or not subbing is something he wants to do at all, and to decide if sex is even a component he wants in a scene. It is this patience that creates the delicious tension - you ache for Nikki to sub for him because you know it will be so good when he does. The elements of Nikki's poverty and Bradford's status absolutely add to the atmosphere of the story, but become secondary to the connection between them.While this book covers kink, it does so with less actual sex than most MM romance novels. As someone who likes a high heat novel, this one still delivered on so many levels that I didn't realize it wasn't there until I was well into the story. Payne writes with such precision and skill that not a word is wasted, and you are drawn in until she chooses to let go of you. She has definitely earned a spot on my 'one-click' list.PS - This book has me in such a head space that I'm a little excited that I have to hit "Submit" for this review to go through, lol.

I read this book after having read the Deviation series last year. This book gives the reader the backstory of Bradford's earlier years and the months leading up to the first book in the main series. In this book, we learn how Bradford met his sub, Nikki, who shows up periodically in the other books. "Soft Limits" is true to the tone of the other books, with a high protocol BDSM standard. Since Nikki starts out as a young, homeless survivor on the street, Bradford helps him out and provides him with a place to stay and a job, but does not demand anything further. This book is a slow-burn because ethically Nikki must enter the club scene from his own fully-informed choice, because it is right for him, and not because he needs to conform to survive. This book is well-written, sensitive, true to issues that may come from a large age-gap, and it shares a beautiful emerging D/s love story.

Apparently this is an older book but is new to me. It is a well written primer on the BDSM lifestyle. Bradford, the owner of a high class gentlemen's club comes across Nikki, a young man desperately in need of a job and offers him a job as a dishwasher. He is really intrigued by Nikki who is a hardworking innocent. Nikki may have a job but doesn't make enough to afford rent and is still sleeping on the streets. Bradford is horrified and gives him a room in his own home while also buying a place to use as housing for other lower level employees. Nikki gets a promotion and begins to learn more about the club and the lifestyle. Of course they end up together and it is a very satisfying journey. I am going to read more in this series.

I eagerly awaited this one and was not disappointed! Bradford's and Nikki's story was exactly what the series needed. I loved getting to know these two better. And I totally agree that while this is a prequel, it fits best if read last.I loved how Bradford was able to see exactly what Nikki needed and yet he still had to learn in the process. he had cracks in his perfection. And I loved knowing a little of his history and past.Nikki too was a treat. He had depth that we don’t get see in the main series books. This was wonderful.The way the relationship developed was so very Bradford. And Nikki met his needs. I love how these two had their own relationship and it was different from what has seen with the others in the series. it fit them both so well.Characters and story line were perfect for the prequel and for the length of the story.Loved it. And will bed rereading it often.

Eek.... Thank You Jodi Payne!!!OMG to find this gem addition to my all time favorite Deviations series co-written with Chris Owen,is my own holiday gift to myself. An exceptional addition to the iconic Deviations series. I can't get enough of this series. I absolutely LOVE the characters, the setting, the plot.... well everything about this series! The author(s) portray the emotions and relationship journeys within the BDSM community with erotic romance with their characters in such a way that you fall in love right along with them. It is truly amazing what they 'bring to the table' with this series! P.S.... I wuldnt mind more!!

I loved being able to see how Bradford and Nikki met. Such a great story!! I was a huge fan of the Deviations series and I'm not sure how I missed this edition to it until now, but I'm so glad I found it. It felt like coming home. Now I think I need to revisit Tobias, Noah, and Phan. Highly recommend.

I was shocked to read Bradford's emotional back story. I always loved Nikki and I was happy to get to know him better. Nikki's story is one that I have have heard/read about several times. But that doesn't make it less impact-full or frustrating.I highly recommend reading this book. It gave great insight to Bradford, Nikki and Tobias

Bradford was always this elusive character in the deviations series. He plays such a pivotal role yet we didn't get much information on him. This book shows Bradford at his best. This is a slow burn with an amazing HFN. This book takes us right up to the point where Tobias meets Noah. I truly hope that Jodi will give us more books from Bradfords perspective.

I was so excited when I found out about this prequel to Deviations from Nikki and Bradford's POV. This book definitely was a prequel. I felt like it was only just beginning when it came to a finish which was disappointing... so readers, be warned! You will want to cry because it finishes and you just WANT MORE!This book was too short for my greedy self and I need... at least four more books. This one just wasn't enough. It was a lighter, fluffier read than the other Deviations books and I really wanted a bit more nitty-gritty from it. I imagine that we'd get that if Jodi Payne writes a follow-up, or four, to this prequel.

How wonderful to be able to delve back into this world again. I loved learning more about characters that were already dear to me. Brilliantly written as usual with Jodi’s books. Highly recommended.