Review: Good but tough read!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 28, 2012
** spoiler alert ** Where do I start...this initially wouldn't have been a book I'd have chosen and at first I thought the person who chose it for me was way off my understanding, but I persevered and am glad I did.The story begins with two of the main characters. Antagonist Scott who really upset me as his characterization exists to often in real life. He is a bully, cruel, sadistic yet pathetically sad, the sort who thinks himself a Dom but is an insult to the meaning of the word Dom, and has no concern or care for his sub except to take from, persistently beat for his own amusement and selfish sexual needs, who ultimately ignores safe word rules, which leads him to rape, when he's supposed to be training Aiden as a sub....yet eventually he gets to see a little of what Aiden and Keaton have in their relationship and I think realizes his unacceptable behaviour and how no one really wants him the same way. Aiden who I don't see as the main protagonist, who to be honest is very immature for twenty three, he acts younger than sixteen. He overindulges in self pity and is rife for the treatment Keaton offers through his domestic discipline programme, for breaking agreed rules they put together at the start of their relationship; after he basically saves Aidens health and strength when he hits rock bottom. (no pun intended) Then there's the main protagonist, Keaton,who I see as the real strength, caring, compassionate and knows Aiden well, the natural Dom in this story. Generally he's not into pain for sex, but believes in and wants a relationship that includes domestic discipline, where one person leads, guides and makes the decisions of daily life and takes responsibility for this through discussed, agreed rules for Aiden being upheld at times by writing lines or corporal punishment as in spanking. There's a lot of psychology in this story about needs, real and perceived, breaking a person wrongly physically and mentally. It shows how damaging it is physically yet more so emotionally, plus the patience, persistance & problems of building someone back up until they can relate to another more equally in a proper relationship between two different people. English standard is good, and the book well edited. I found the part with Scott and Aiden difficult reading and nearly put this book aside...hence I can only bring myself to give it 4 stars. Not for vanilla people and those who enjoy BDSM lite will find this a tough emotional read.