Review: The expanded version of the short is totally worth it.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 23, 2013
I read this when it was first done as the freebie and was happy to see an expanded version as it really ended just as they were getting started. In order to avoid having to take a job he doesn’t want, Cosmo acts up in such a way as to “scare off” his new potential employer, whom he finds extremely hot. After the truth comes out, Alasdair agrees to go out with Cosmo who has been curious about submission and BDSM.Things are very hot, but Cosmo’s not your sweet pliant sub. He’s got a mouth on him, and has trouble with the idea of doing everything Alasdair says. He presumes Alasdair is from a rich entitled background, and Cosmo’s own misgivings of his parentage and the poverty he grew up influence his desire to back-chat Alasdair. Alasdair really doesn’t mind it that much, and takes it as a bit of a challenge to get Cosmo back on track, however the unfortunate end to his own relationship years ago haunts him still.I just love snotty smart-mouthed characters. And that’s Cosmo. But underneath there is a vulnerability. That just makes it better as he figures out what Alasdair can give him to make his life better. Also, wanting him to have a better life, doesn’t mean he has to fit some mold. I also loved that Alasdair screws up a few times. He moves too quickly and tries to be a bit too “do as I say” at times, rather than give Cosmo time to come around to his way of thinking. Plus he has his own issues to deal with that cause him to push Cosmo away at times.It’s not hardcore BDSM in terms of whips and St. Andrew’s crosses and the like, I found it more D/s with some of the other, mostly spanking. Cosmo needs limits and direction and some hot sex. ;-) He gets plenty of that. There are several side characters which you can have in a longer book. I nearly died when Alasdair came out to his posh friend. Too funny. And Cosmo’s grandmother who raised him was a great character. Alasdair’s partner/assistant sometimes kind of annoyed me with her attitude, but still, she was a good friend.I was reading near the end, and I realized suddenly that I was just smiling away. When you are so happy for the couple to be getting it right, that you end up smiling while you read, that’s a good thing. Even if BDSM is not your thing, as I said, it’s not super hardcore so accessible to most readers. It’s not secret I love this author’s work, but I’m definitely recommending this one.