Review: A Firm Hand
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 6, 2013
I don't give 5 stars out easily, and how I hate when books make me cry. This story just did that for me.I simply loved both Brian and Gen. Both are a bit damaged and have a personal demon to struggle with. I usually don't like (tragic Doms or subs) for some reason this story appealed to me, once I started reading I needed to finish. I needed to see how their story unfolded.Gen is so busy being the parent that she has let go of her own life. Brian's is living his life in the past, putting up walls that seem unbreachable. But when Gen comes in late for work one to many times, she not only sets her fate in motion but Brian's as well.There is a fine line between bratty and sassy. Gen pulls off the bratty, pushing the line. Brian exerts his "evil" Dom side and does it well. I don't know if I could have told on myself though. (smiles) I give Gen props for doing that. (But again she craves the pain in punishment) The play scenes I enjoyed, the one thing that was a small negative for me was the lack of aftercare. Though you can see why he is so cool after the scenes, but yeah aftercare is important. There is a scene that was just a wee bit intense, it will make you think of who actually broke the sub or the Dom?This was a emotional read with the tragic past that leaves a heavy guilt trip and the young life that was put on hold to take care of a parent, also leaving guilty feeling. Makes you want to reach out to both characters and give them a hug. Because as they both are fighting their demons they also fight their feelings for each other. I think also this story will remind us we cant pick out parents... just sayin :)Even as rich as Brian is he shows that it hasn't made him into a snob, he can fit in just about anywhere her goes. He worked hard building up his pub into something he can and is proud of, something that is his alone. Gen is the typical starving artist, but when Chris (Brian's awesome house manager) sees her work then tells Brian that to will set her fate in motion.So get some coffee and sit back and let Ms Black weave Brian and Gen's story around your heart and mind. Enjoy[...]