This series has been hit or miss for me, but I really enjoyed this one ( )

Talk about a different kind of story! While it contains some elements that reminded me of BDSM, in that there is a more dominant personality and a partner who needs rules and structure, the dynamics in this “domestic discipline” setting are quite different from those in the more regular BDSM relationships in the first four volumes. However, this is by no means a “vanilla” setting, and could work quite well even without the romantic aspect that eventually develops in this specific case. What I found fascinating is that the rules were much more two-sided than I expected, and the punishments for disobedience veered into humiliation, and were not in the least enjoyable for the disciplinee.

Jeff is in trouble, He has been abused, is used to selling himself for money so he can by drugs, and he honestly has no idea how to survive without the drugs and pills he has grown used to. Needless to say, his self-esteem is zero, and his ability to trust anyone is nonexistent. The one thing that might save him is that he knows he needs help. That isn’t to say it is easy for him to accept it when Damian offers to be in charge of helping Jeff get his life in order, but the need to do better, and the will to try is there. Without that, Jeff would be a lost case.

Damien is a very special man, He is definitely a Dom, but he lost his sub two years ago and has never considered having another partner. So his need to help Jeff surprises him, but at the same time, the fact he knows the relationship will be very different probably makes it easier for him to give in to this need to be there for Jeff. I admired Damien’s patience and willingness to try again and again in a journey that resembled emotional torture for Jeff and Damien, but I felt just as involved. And I liked that Damien wasn’t infallible – in fact he makes a pretty big mistake; but that shows he is human and makes the story even better.

If you like unusual stories and want to find out more about domestic discipline, if you prefer characters who have flaws and struggle before they grow into their full potential, and if you’re looking for a story full of heartbreak, disappointment, and misery that lead to character growth, new insights, and a hard-earned, beautiful happy ending, then you will probably enjoy this novel.


NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
( )