Review: Intense BDSM Read That Pulls You Into the Action
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 03 24, 2014
Those looking for a steamy read will get exactly that in this atmospheric story where the BDSM scenes are intense and not for the faint of heart and the concept of marriage and commitment takes on a very modern meaning.  I've not read anything by Ms. Ames before and commend her on crafting a story that pulled me in against my will as the BDSM scenes were a bit too intense even for me at times.  That didn't keep me from finding this a compelling read though the story did go over the top occasionally with the numerous acts that befell the main characters from a crazed co-worker to a druggie client.Adriana and Jay are very secure in their feelings for each other and this helped make their connection to Paul believable.  They were happy with each other but wanted someone to make their kinks acceptable.  Paul took aware their fears of acceptance by being their guide and giving them an outlet full of praise and adoration.  He made them stronger by pushing their limits.  Jay was a very caring person who took responsibility for everything and Paul taught him to let things go.  He gave strength to Adriana by giving her power in their sexual play though it doesn't seem that way to readers not in the BDSM world.  She started to stand up for herself and went after what she wanted.  They're a great couple who have had a lot of hardships befall them where true happiness is found only during their sexual encounters.Paul is not your average hero and is a bit unlikable at times.  He's a BDSM master who takes on clients as a job while struggling to get through architecture school.  He has a murky past that still haunts him today and leaves him with few options while making amends.  His life fell apart because of a previous relationship with a couple and is leery of having that happen again, but can't help being drawn to Adriana and Jay.  Paul is desperate to start living as, until now, he's just been existing.  He cut off his emotions and had virtually no one to care about him until the fateful night he met this unconventional couple who saw him as someone worth caring about.Theirs is a rocky journey to a mostly HEA.  The BDSM scenes range from mild to VERY INTENSE and were squirm-inducing once or twice.  These scenes didn't detract from the surprising emotional connections allowed to flourish during quieter moments.  Scenes not associated with their ménage were over the top and felt intrusive.  When devoted to just this trio it was easy to become immersed in their story with the dream-like feel of their couplings.  This is the second book in the LA Doms series but it can definitely be read on its own.  Though I had some issues with this story I ultimately found it a compelling read and highly recommend it to fans of the BDSM genre as it gives a very realistic portrayal of the lifestyle.3.75 STARS!