An Unlocked Heart

Reviewed by Racheal for Diverse Reader

Nick J Russo did a magnificent job in bringing K.C. Wells' An Unlocked Heart, alive for me. His ability to become each character and truly understand them, showed through his storytelling ability.

Nick did a fabulous job with Leo the Dom. The way he portrayed his character was exactly how I envisioned Leo. He was able to not only make him the powerful and most sought after Dom in the nightclub, but also brought out a very lonely man, that was hurting so much. Yet, at the same time was scared to ever open his heart to love.

Alex was definitely Nick's masterpiece in this audio. I absolutely loved how he took on the voice and persona of Alex. From the scared and quiet young man, to the fierce and curious lover.

For me, this was more of a love story with just a touch of BDSM. The sex was definitely scorching hot!!! The beginning and learning slowly of what BDSM meant to Alex and for them as a couple truly made me like this story even more.

I loved this book. It has everything a caring Dom, an uncertain sub and let’s face it the smut was hoooot! I love how the characters come together in this and am about to start the next book in the series!

✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ FOUR - STAR ✩ REVIEW ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩
⭐ ⭐ Provided by Author in Exchange for an Honest Review ⭐ ⭐

Judging a Book by it's Cover:
Two apparently naked men in what, I imagine, is meant to be an intimate pose but looks somewhat awkward. Overall effect is monotone and boring, something I'd most likely skip over when looking for a book to catch my eye. Text font is thin and plain, color does not stand out. It's as appealing as a bowl of unflavored, unsweetened oatmeal. HOWEVER, if you can get past that to the synopsis, it reads as though there may be a hidden gem inside. I'm reading this because I want the full series' experience before the final book comes out.

Looking Deeper:
Third-person POV.
Leo is part owner of Collars and Cuffs, an all-male gay BDSM club in England. One evening, he and his business partner, Thomas, are dining at an old favorite restaurant that he's rarely been to since the untimely death of his lover, Gabe, two years ago. Then, out walks a new waiter. Shy, awkward, a natural submissive, oh - and a virgin - Alex has lived in a loveless home for all of his twenty-two years with his evil brother. As he tries to save enough money to move out, he meets Leo but freaks out over the intense feelings the man evokes. Their relationship develops slowly. Leo has a way of reading people and knows how much he can push Alex before Alex runs.
There are a lot of secondary cast members, split into major secondaries and minor secondaries, however, if you're reading the series, you may want a notebook and pen to jot notes to keep track of everyone else. The dialogue was usually really good and their interactions were entertaining and engaging. The plot felt a little heavy or thick at times making section seem to read in slow motion, but for the most part it had a nice, smooth flow. Other than Rob (and let's not forget Dorian), most of the conflicts were of the internal mindset. Predictability was LOW. The conclusion was good, although I would have loved to have heard/read more on what happened to Rob.
Overall, it had plenty plot appeal, good characters and a solid enough happy ending.

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Rating: [X] ~ Score: 4.2 ~ Stars: 4
Explicit M/M romance, detailed BDSM scenes that are a million times hotter than "that one book". You know, the 50 one. Except these guys are gay. :)

What I liked most about this story was the range in emotions both characters displayed.
I loved that Leo was allowing himself the chance to explore his connection with Alex, but that he still took his time to contemplate his feelings without fully dismissing them or jumping ahead completely.
Alex was also a great character. My heart went out to him immediately and although I wanted to smack him upside the head a time or two, I adored his innocence and his complete surrender to Leo.
The one thing I am especially grateful for is that this wasn't played out as an insta-love type of story. In so many stories, the author focuses on the romance and the sex between the MCs that the intricacies of starting a relationship are never fully explored on the page. Thankfully, K.C. Wells didn't stop developing Alex and Leo's connection at the first moment they got together nor did she gloss over the heartache and insecurities that coming out and/or starting a new relationship entail.
As a whole, the story worked. K.C. Wells did an great job in regards to setting up the other players in the series while still maintaining Alex and Leo's romance in the forefront. I'm especially looking forward to Thomas' story--I so love an older man!
All in all, a great start to the series.

Leo's submissive died 2 years ago. He hasn’t been living, just existing. Leo focuses on making Collars & Cuffs, his BDSM club a success.
Alex Daniels works at Severinos an Italian restaurant , He is doing all possible to leave get the money to move out on his own.
Leo then meets Alex ... shy Alex who Leo wants to win ...
Leo and Alex start a relationship but the secrets can separate them. Until Alex discovers what He really feels and wants. His true nature, a submissive.
Alex and Leo's relationship then changes, the really is both needed each other .. they both needed to leave their own fears behind.
They needed to unlocked their hearts.
Love the way the story flows and love the secondary characters , as Alex best friend Pietro is instrumental in the changes and help Alex needed. along with Miles, Pietro's Master and beautiful that they discovered that they love each other. Like Thomas is Leo's mentor, business partner and friend.