Review: Did not disappoint!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 14, 2013
Candace Blevins' SAFEWORDS: DAVENPORT AND CHIFFON is a sizzling and thought provoking follow-up to Safeword: Davenport.A home renovation for Zachary Irving has given Dana Bennett more than she bargained for. She can't fight her attraction for Zachary and it is only a matter of time before her submissive personality responds to Zach's dominant nature. Though it is emotionally painful, Dana finds the strength to relinquish the ghostly memories of her deceased husband that have hindered her from moving on with her life.  However, life is never simple and surprises can turn a relationship into a direction never considered.While spending time with Sir Brent, a friend from her past, Dana is given the opportunity to `top' his lover and submissive, Jacob.  Though Dana still wishes to have a life of submission with Zach, her need to dominate Jacob creates a new issue for her and Zach to work out. Can Zach deal with Dana's need for severe pain and her desire to continue her relationship with Jacob? And Zach has issues of his own.  He wants a life with Dana, but is he really free from the painful memories of losing his wife?  An unexpected and life threatening event will be the ultimate test of Zach and Dana's love.First and foremost, do yourself a favor, do not read SAFEWORD: DAVENPORT AND CHIFFON until after you've read Safeword: Davenport.  If you don't, you'll really miss out on the journey Zach and Dana have taken to this point.  You'll miss the sexual spark between Jacob and Dana that flares into mutual attraction and sexual need.  Because of the introduction of Jacob and Brent in this follow up to Zach and Dana's story, there's more intensity in this tale.  I've read a lot of ménage books and a lesser number of books where the emotional and physical relationships are between four or larger groups.  I don't recall reading anything with this much emotional angst and sexual expression. I think this story accurately reveals the extraordinary type of people who can exist and thrive in this type of relationship but not without bumps in the road.  I think it takes a great deal of emotional maturity and personal security to make relationships like this work.In essence, two distinct committed couples are striving to become a cohesive, loving and sexual unit of four.  My mind boggles at the thought, but Ms. Blevins gives the reader a plot that reveals and explores the misunderstandings and insecurities of all the characters throughout their combined journey.  I was so afraid that the introduction of Brent and Jacob into Zach and Dana's lives would diminish or cheapen their commitment to each other.  It didn't.On the other hand, while the emotional elements of the tale were satisfying to read, it's important to note the BDSM elements are ratcheted up ten-fold.  There are scenes of chains, whips, bondage and submission that are extremely graphic.  Some of these sexual scenes made me cringe, but they fascinated me as well.  Throughout it all, I was hooked on these characters and their journey. I desperately wanted them to have their own happily ever after, either as a foursome or as couples.  Ms. Blevins did not disappoint me and I don't think she'll disappoint you if you journey with Zach, Dana, Jacob and Brent as they explore their sexuality and love.Reviewed by Vanessafor TheRomanceReviews.com