Review: Beginner BDSM? Sure, and 3 Delighted Stars
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 10 2, 2013
~ ~ ~3 Delighted StarsSHORT - SWEET - BEGINNER M/M BDSMA Perfect Solution may be the perfect way to ease into m/m bdsm. There isn't anything dark or even too twisted here and the friends to lovers romance turns out sweet.THE CHARACTERSRiver - "River sashayed" right into my heart. I like boys who know how to sashay and River seems to excel at it. He also bounces, pouts and flings himself, dramatically."River's grin took on that manic edge they'd all learned to be wary of. He shoved at Jeff's shoulder playfully. "I'm not jumping, silly; I'm bouncing." The way he reverently breathed the word "bouncing" was enough to show exactly just what kind of frenetic state he'd already whipped himself into."Jeff - A little grumpy, a little grouchy, but also the mother-hen of the band. Jeff likes to keep his ducks in a row, but River is just always out of line. Let's see if Jeff has a way to whip his best friend into shape. Btw, there is no whipping in this story."It felt so good to just hold River close in the quiet of the night, like he was already taking good care of him; Jeff had never wanted anything more than that. He tried to tell himself he'd never need more than that."THE STORYRiver is the hyper lead singer of Caged Hearts. The band has achieved success, meaning they live their lives on the road, with each other...all the time. Luckily they all get along well, it's just that River can't seem to settle after a night on stage. Someone has to help him calm down and that task falls to Jeff. Fortunately, Jeff has the perfect solution to help River. Unfortunately, the solution just uh...unsettles Jeff.This is a delightful, little, first-timer bdsm. Have no fear here. However, have no high expectations of deep, dark whips, chains and leather either. This is a kinder, gentler bdsm story and the best parts are the discussions and negotiations that bring these two lovers together. I think their talk on the bus is my favorite part.THE WRITINGI found the writing to be slightly stiff in places, but over all competent. As the story builds things smooth out.I might wish for a bit of River's pov, but this was written from Jeff's perspective. I suppose that's just because I enjoyed River's character so much and wanted more of him. Who know's, maybe there's more to come. In any event, I'd like to read more from A.E. Lawless.--Originally reviewed on the Happily Ever After Hangout and broadcast live on YouTube.~ ~ ~I would like to sincerely thank Loose Id Publishing for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest review.~ ~ ~