This is a fascinating story about a D/s relationship between a man in a wheelchair, who is a sub but believes no Dom can possibly want him, and the demanding Dom who falls for him and sets out to teach him that “formalities” in a D/s relationship are not what it’s all about. What made this story so interesting for me is not just the romance between Kaden and Deacon, but the focus on the D/s aspect without too much of the physical “trappings” present in some BDSM books. This novel is about the psychology of both men as much as about the physical relationship, and I really liked that.

Kaden is a dental surgeon who is in a wheelchair and totally in control of his professional life, yet he flounders where his personal life is concerned. His self-image has been severely reduced after the gay bashing that paralyzed his legs, and he fervently believes no Dom will ever be interested in him again. He’s got a few memories about actual rejections, and they totally color his world view. When he first meets Deacon, Kaden can’t believe the man is interested. As time passes and they get to know each other better, Kaden still doesn’t understand, and tells himself not to hope. He is so afraid of his own “shortcomings”, as he sees them, he ends up blind to the facts right in front of him. I was totally pulled into his head and found the insights about his situation fascinating. Tempeste O’Riley has done her research well to portray such a realistic picture of what some men in a wheelchair might think and feel.

Deacon is a demanding Dom, but he is also very clear about the point of a D/s relationship. At least for him, it is more the spirit of the idea than the actual reality. Deacon is also a man who is able to look beyond the physical, and he truly sees Kaden the man, not Kaden “the cripple”. As he sets out to explore his feelings for Kaden, he encounters barrier after barrier, and I have to say, I gave him credit for having the patience of a saint. Or maybe he was just stubborn and determined. Either way, he just keeps chipping away at Kaden’s self-imposed resistance, and I cheered him on all the way.

If you like reading about D/s relationships where the psychology between the two men is as important as the physical aspect, if you want to find out what it can be like to be paralyzed and in a wheelchair while dealing with your needs as a sub, and if you’re looking for a read that is interesting, a sweet romance, and full of hot sexual tension, then you will probably enjoy this novel.


NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
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