Rating removed because reasons

This is a great story that challenges the ‘traditional’ view of a D/s relationship – if there even is such a thing. It made me think about the nature of both the ‘D’ and the ‘s ‘ part of the equation in a fresh way, and I found myself pulled into the book as I was learning alongside Aiden.

Aiden is a sub. He knows this and has no trouble understanding it, or getting what he thinks he wants. He is okay as long as he determines how much and when he is getting the pain, since that is what he thinks submission is all about. Stronger, and more worrying even, that is all he thinks he deserves. And that is where the problem really starts. His low opinion of himself basically forces him into thinking he deserves the pain and the humiliation. So, he goes out and looks for a brutal Dom, endangering his life. It takes that Dom going too far for Aiden to wake up, but he hasn’t really learned anything yet.

Keaton is a Dom, but not one of the ‘traditional’ ones who achieve submission by inflicting pain or by being brutal. He wants a partner, but he needs a man who will accept his rules, one who craves his guidance. The name he gives thus type of relationship in ‘domestic discipline’, and I guess naming it differently is as good a way as any to try to communicate its difference to BDSM. Trouble is that Aiden doesn’t get that it is still about submission. Keaton’s patience is admirable, as he guides Aiden through the learning process. I must admit that I didn’t really ‘get’ it until the very end either.

If you like D/s stories that expand our horizon, if you’re looking for a book where a loving partnership is the real center of attention and if you want to see two men get to know each other and overcome the obstacles to their relationship in a touching way, you may like this book as much as I did.




NOTE: This book was provided by Loose Id for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine Online. ( )

Aiden is so sure of what he needs and even though he feels some kind of attraction to the guy in the bar he falls for Scott's allure and gets drawn into a dangerous situation. I love that he got himself out but then he seems to just be stuck. I love how his friends are there for him and do their best to help. Scott has such patience and strength to help Aiden even when it gets tough.

It was interesting to see domestic discipline from a m/m point of view and as part of a darker story. I also appreciate the way that the story has a happily ever after but you can tell that the relationship is still very much a work in progress. ( )

For me, this story had three different sections. The first third of the story is basically BDSM gone wrong, with an abusive Dom. Though it wasn't pleasant it was very well done and kept me engaged. The second section was Aiden recovering from the abuse at Scott's hands and meeting Keaton to find there could be another way to have the guidance he needs through domestic discipline. I really enjoyed this part, as I always find new relationships fascinating if the author handles it well as was the case here.

Part three was the growing relationship between Aiden and Keaton, with a rather large learning curve for both of them. Here I was a bit disappointed as Aiden's immature behavior rather spoiled the story for me. I expected more than his childish tears bad choices. The story did end on a good note though, and was overall an enjoyable read. ( )