What a terrific surprise to get a new book from NetGalley by an author I have no knowledge of and to fall in love with the book.
Here it is:
So I chose the book by the cover, I didn’t say judged but chose. Yes, I was intrigued but even more by the story.
Warning it is a BDSM and M/M novel so if that is not your taste, do not read it then.
Summary:
From rescue to romance…
Teach a wounded submissive the value of his service. The task ought to be an easy one for an experienced dominant like Henry Webb.
But novice Jay Kress challenges his teacher like no other. Still bearing the bruises of an encounter outside the bounds of safe consensual play, Jay is desperate to submit to the man who saved him—and shamed by his desires.
Henry recognizes the dangers of a relationship built on hero worship. He’ll teach Jay how to stay safe, that’s all. He won’t take advantage of the younger man’s trust. He won’t share his fantasies about his dark-haired, athletic student. He’ll never claim this submissive for his own…
My Review:
**ARC Provided by NetGalley for honest review**
I honestly chose this book partially for the cover, it caught my eye but the story line intrigued me. An unknown author to me, I took the leap. It was worth it. What an amazingly deep story. One that I thoroughly enjoyed. I was introduced to deep BDSM after reading Fifty Shades, found an author who excelled at writing BDSM and through her, I learned the ins and outs of BDSM play so my previous knowledge helped with this story.
After reading this story, I investigated the author and found this is book four in the Neighborly Affection Series. Obviously this is a stand alone, otherwise I would be lost, but I am now eager to go back to book one and begin this series and learn more about Jay and Henry.
Jay, a young man abused by an egotistical bully of a dominant. Henry, a Dominant, a Master, who respects the rights of the submissive and dominant relationship. Victor, the club owner who sees the need to pair the two men together, not just to help Jay heal but to help Henry as well. Henry finds Jay in his greatest time of need, more than once. How many times will Henry save Jay though?
This story is deep. The more I read the deeper I went into the story with Ms. Barber. The deeper I fell for Henry and Jay. Ms. Barber describes the relationship of the dom/sub in a marvelous way, laying out the importance of the submissive to protect themselves. Henry teaches Jay to be safe and negotiate in a way that he has final say in the scene. One might think of a dom/sub scene as dominant controlled when really, as Henry teaches us, the submissive gives him or herself to the dominant and the submissive controls the scene. I really enjoyed Henry reaching Jay to be safe and protect himself, before the healing from the trauma began.
The struggle in Henry’s heart was a fascinating one, I truly wasn’t sure how this struggle would play out. I hoped for the happy ending, but that could have gone in two different directions depending on the “happy” I was hoping for. Henry tried so very hard to keep his feelings aside, knowing that Jay’s safety was his focus. I admired the way he was able to do that. Not easy separating oneself when you are so close, physically, to them as Henry was. Henry obviously is a strong character, and while I though Jay was the weaker of the two, I was pleasantly surprised when Jay found his voice and shared his feelings, finally.
This book was a pleasant surprise for me. I have already ordered book one to start from the beginning. I do not mind BDSM or M/M books and this was written very well. Another new favorite author for sure!
About the Author:
M.Q. Barber likes to get lost in thought. She writes things down so she can find herself again.
Often found staring off into space or frantically scratching words on post-it notes, M.Q. lives with one very tolerant, easily amused husband and one very tolerant, easily amused puppy.
She has a soft spot for romances that explore the inner workings of the heart and mind alongside all that steamy physical exertion. She loves memorable characters, witty banter, and heartfelt emotion in any genre.
For monthly updates on her books and free flash fiction in the Neighborly Affection series, sign up for her author newsletter at www.mqbarber.com.
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