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alex_whitehall's review against another edition
4.0
Stars: 3.5/5
Overall
An enjoyable, if not surprisingly mellow, novel that taps more into the psychological than the sensual.
Review
I went into this novel with fairly high expectations, I think, and the novel didn't exactly disappoint, but it wasn't what I'd been expecting either. The story is very mellow and the conflict happens in small waves rather than a rising action—climax—falling action style. In some ways this works for the books, because it shows Micah's small improvements over time in a realistic way. It also lets the characters come together (specifically the Dom) and create an emotional bond.
However, it also meant that when I hit the epilogue, I was surprised. I was at the end? Because nothing had really happened yet. Because all the actions are small waves, there was no big wave to ride out the end of the story on. Again, this isn't necessarily bad, but it does interrupt the reader's expected story flow and make the ending seem sudden.
Something that could work against this story for some readers is that the main plot takes place over two weeks. It works for the purposes of the story and it works for the characters, but some people may cry "instalove" although I don't think it applies. We don't see every day of those two weeks (and I feel that we could have seen more), but the days we see are the ones pertinent to the story and development.
One nice thing about this story was that while it had a sexual focus, it wasn't so heavily ladened with sex scenes that I grew bored with them. Because the focus was more on submission than sexual satisfaction, it lent itself to satisfying the needs of the story and relationship without sex happening on screen every four paragraphs. Many BDSM novels fall into the trap of BDSM = SEX, and while this is often true, this story explored other elements of it as well.
This is not a book to pick up if you want some sexy BDSM time. However, it definitely has its own strengths ands presents some interesting characters and differently presents some elements of BDSM. While I would have liked to have seen more of the training played out to experience what the characters were going through, we see enough to get a feel for the relationship.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
Overall
An enjoyable, if not surprisingly mellow, novel that taps more into the psychological than the sensual.
Review
I went into this novel with fairly high expectations, I think, and the novel didn't exactly disappoint, but it wasn't what I'd been expecting either. The story is very mellow and the conflict happens in small waves rather than a rising action—climax—falling action style. In some ways this works for the books, because it shows Micah's small improvements over time in a realistic way. It also lets the characters come together (specifically the Dom) and create an emotional bond.
However, it also meant that when I hit the epilogue, I was surprised. I was at the end? Because nothing had really happened yet. Because all the actions are small waves, there was no big wave to ride out the end of the story on. Again, this isn't necessarily bad, but it does interrupt the reader's expected story flow and make the ending seem sudden.
Something that could work against this story for some readers is that the main plot takes place over two weeks. It works for the purposes of the story and it works for the characters, but some people may cry "instalove" although I don't think it applies. We don't see every day of those two weeks (and I feel that we could have seen more), but the days we see are the ones pertinent to the story and development.
One nice thing about this story was that while it had a sexual focus, it wasn't so heavily ladened with sex scenes that I grew bored with them. Because the focus was more on submission than sexual satisfaction, it lent itself to satisfying the needs of the story and relationship without sex happening on screen every four paragraphs. Many BDSM novels fall into the trap of BDSM = SEX, and while this is often true, this story explored other elements of it as well.
This is not a book to pick up if you want some sexy BDSM time. However, it definitely has its own strengths ands presents some interesting characters and differently presents some elements of BDSM. While I would have liked to have seen more of the training played out to experience what the characters were going through, we see enough to get a feel for the relationship.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
raincarrington's review against another edition
5.0
Micah is a great character! He has just enough spunk...no pun intended...to keep a dom on his toes but his lack of confidence that he can be what his dom wants is so endearing I cheered for him the whole time. Loved this book!
trip_nebula's review against another edition
3.0
I have very mixed feelings on this book, in many ways it worked for me and I enjoyed it. The bdsm elements and exploration of lifestyle was amazing, there is plenty of steamy and fun scenes here.
The first half I loved a lot, the mischief from Micah and breaking down Tacketts walls. All of the teasing and their getting to know each other was a lot of fun, I enjoyed the side characters too and how they supported the relationship.
Sadly the moment they actually get together it kind of went downhill from there for me, mainly for one key aspect which is Micahs adhd/add. I feel like didn't really explore or look into properly, while I enjoyed the look into coping mechanisms as I felt those were rather truthful. Also I could see the bdsm being a perfect support to Micah and handling it, however it's not a cure in any way, shape or form.
A large part of adhd is the inability to stay focused, fidgeting and struggle with self control. So I really wasn't down for Micah being blamed for something which he literally cannot control, yes he has stuff that helps him cope and work past it but it's not a constant. He is going to lose focus at times and the fact it was treated like his fault, really annoyed me at a certain point in the story.
So yeah I didn't enjoy Tackett so much at times, although I can understand why Micah found him so interesting and it seemed to work for him. Neither of them are perfect and make mistakes, as trying to figure out their relationship. Both tried really hard to provide for the other what they needed. The ending I actually loved, as I adore Micahs persistence so that was super sweet.
Overall I thought this book had a lot of potential and while it did amazing in lots of the bdsm elements/lifestyle. The romance fell rather flat for me and as said before some parts just didn't work for me, but if can suspend disbelief I'm sure it's great!
Although I did enjoy the authors writing so will try another of their books some time.
The first half I loved a lot, the mischief from Micah and breaking down Tacketts walls. All of the teasing and their getting to know each other was a lot of fun, I enjoyed the side characters too and how they supported the relationship.
Sadly the moment they actually get together it kind of went downhill from there for me, mainly for one key aspect which is Micahs adhd/add. I feel like didn't really explore or look into properly, while I enjoyed the look into coping mechanisms as I felt those were rather truthful. Also I could see the bdsm being a perfect support to Micah and handling it, however it's not a cure in any way, shape or form.
A large part of adhd is the inability to stay focused, fidgeting and struggle with self control. So I really wasn't down for Micah being blamed for something which he literally cannot control, yes he has stuff that helps him cope and work past it but it's not a constant. He is going to lose focus at times and the fact it was treated like his fault, really annoyed me at a certain point in the story.
So yeah I didn't enjoy Tackett so much at times, although I can understand why Micah found him so interesting and it seemed to work for him. Neither of them are perfect and make mistakes, as trying to figure out their relationship. Both tried really hard to provide for the other what they needed. The ending I actually loved, as I adore Micahs persistence so that was super sweet.
Overall I thought this book had a lot of potential and while it did amazing in lots of the bdsm elements/lifestyle. The romance fell rather flat for me and as said before some parts just didn't work for me, but if can suspend disbelief I'm sure it's great!
Although I did enjoy the authors writing so will try another of their books some time.
justagalreadingspicexx's review against another edition
3.0
Micah, who works at the BDSM club, has been trying to get the attention of Tackett, a well seasoned Dom. Micah is a fun and flirty guy, with ADHD his scatterbrain and lack of filter can get him into trouble. But from the moment he say Tackett he knew in his gut that he wanted to belong to him, he owned by him and have him help him focus.
Tackett, recently turned 45, and after seeing his friends collaring ceremony he has had the realisation that something is missing in his life, he has a career, friends and a fulfilling sèx life but nothing more. He isn’t sure about Micah, and that they can give each other what they need - and Tackett needs Micah’s full submission.
““Are you purposely trying to be naughty?”
Micah’s movements halted. “No, sir.”
“I think you are.”
“No, honest. See, you were asking me about Master Lucas, and I started thinking about what I needed. My first thought was breakfast because my stomach started to growl, but then I was touching you and I realized I’d rather do that than eat. But what if the water started to turn cold? That would suck, so I figured we’d better hurry up and get to the fun stuff and that’s why I touched your dîck. I was going to try and seduce you into a little lovin’, so I kissed your neck and was going to move up when I remembered I haven’t brushed my teeth yet. I have no idea why I pinched your nipple other than it caught my eye.” Micah huffed. “I guess that one was because I was being naughty.”
“Good God. You thought about all that in, what, thirty seconds?””
Tackett agrees to a two week trial period of their relationship and dynamic and in that time trains Micah into better focus with lessons, discipline and punishments. When the two weeks are up they realize they have a lot more feelings for each other.
This was a fun wee short story with great BDSM elements and a cute HEA.
Tackett, recently turned 45, and after seeing his friends collaring ceremony he has had the realisation that something is missing in his life, he has a career, friends and a fulfilling sèx life but nothing more. He isn’t sure about Micah, and that they can give each other what they need - and Tackett needs Micah’s full submission.
““Are you purposely trying to be naughty?”
Micah’s movements halted. “No, sir.”
“I think you are.”
“No, honest. See, you were asking me about Master Lucas, and I started thinking about what I needed. My first thought was breakfast because my stomach started to growl, but then I was touching you and I realized I’d rather do that than eat. But what if the water started to turn cold? That would suck, so I figured we’d better hurry up and get to the fun stuff and that’s why I touched your dîck. I was going to try and seduce you into a little lovin’, so I kissed your neck and was going to move up when I remembered I haven’t brushed my teeth yet. I have no idea why I pinched your nipple other than it caught my eye.” Micah huffed. “I guess that one was because I was being naughty.”
“Good God. You thought about all that in, what, thirty seconds?””
Tackett agrees to a two week trial period of their relationship and dynamic and in that time trains Micah into better focus with lessons, discipline and punishments. When the two weeks are up they realize they have a lot more feelings for each other.
This was a fun wee short story with great BDSM elements and a cute HEA.
bookworm_panda's review against another edition
4.0
Yummmmmmyyy! This was seriously hot, and fun to read too! I really liked the characters, although it took me a while to warm up to Tackett for whatever reason. I like that there wasn't major conflict and angst, but that Tackett and Micah learning each other and falling in love. Excellent start to a new series, can't wait to start the second book!
bergerta0313's review against another edition
5.0
Okay, so by this point I have read what I thought was a pretty good sampling of BDSM books, but I have to thank Ms. Peterson for once again broadening my horizons. There were a couple of things mentioned in this book that I had to look up to see what she was talking about...and then had to immediately delete my browsing history. LOL
I fell in love with Micah (Pup) right away because of his flirtatious, naughty ways. I liked his smartass mouth and his stubborn determination to get the man he wanted no matter what. But his vulnerability and self doubt are what won him a place in my heart.
Tackett tried so hard to come off as the badass, hard-core Dom, and for the most part he was, but the fact that he didn't have a problem asking for help understanding Micah scored him big time points with me. Tackett's struggle with self doubt made him question if he could give Micah what he needed and that was a new and interesting twist to the D/s books I have read in the past. Of course there were several very un-Dom like situations in this book that I enjoyed immensely.
The relationship that develops between the two is not an easy one. Micah struggles with his inability to stay focused and Tackett has a hard time coming up with ways to correct the behavior and still give Micah the stability he craves. This book really delves into not joust the physical aspect of submission but the psychological. The trust that Tackett works to build with Micah is fragile but is also the foundation for their future.
This is a well written intense story whose characters will stay with you long after you finish the book. If you like BDSM and seeing strong men fall in love then Pup needs to be added to your library. I am excited to see where this series goes next...will Bobby and Rig find their perfect third or we will meet a new Dom and sub? All I know is that where ever Jo takes us I am so going to be there!
I fell in love with Micah (Pup) right away because of his flirtatious, naughty ways. I liked his smartass mouth and his stubborn determination to get the man he wanted no matter what. But his vulnerability and self doubt are what won him a place in my heart.
Tackett tried so hard to come off as the badass, hard-core Dom, and for the most part he was, but the fact that he didn't have a problem asking for help understanding Micah scored him big time points with me. Tackett's struggle with self doubt made him question if he could give Micah what he needed and that was a new and interesting twist to the D/s books I have read in the past. Of course there were several very un-Dom like situations in this book that I enjoyed immensely.
The relationship that develops between the two is not an easy one. Micah struggles with his inability to stay focused and Tackett has a hard time coming up with ways to correct the behavior and still give Micah the stability he craves. This book really delves into not joust the physical aspect of submission but the psychological. The trust that Tackett works to build with Micah is fragile but is also the foundation for their future.
This is a well written intense story whose characters will stay with you long after you finish the book. If you like BDSM and seeing strong men fall in love then Pup needs to be added to your library. I am excited to see where this series goes next...will Bobby and Rig find their perfect third or we will meet a new Dom and sub? All I know is that where ever Jo takes us I am so going to be there!
pathenshaw's review against another edition
2.0
Not up to Peterson's usual standards since the characters of Micah and Tackett never really gel nor does their Dom/sub relationship. Tackett seems to be bent on taking Micah's personality away and making him the perfect bloodless sub rather than enriching Micah's life. So Micah's sassiness and teasing, while the things that initially attract Tackett, seem to be the pieces of Micah that Tackett is trying to destroy.
alishead1's review against another edition
3.0
I just couldn't get into this one. I didn't feel the characters. I did like that it showed the Dom as human too, rather than all knowing and perfect.