Genre: Contemporary, Rock ‘n Roll
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: S.C.
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About The Book
Damian Lake is a rockstar with everything he could ever want at the tips of his fingers in 1975 Los Angeles–and that’s the problem.
In the wake of a whirlwind world tour, he’s struggling to write new music and slowly becoming a hermit in his Beverly Hills hideaway. In a last-ditch effort to shake himself out of his rut, he decides to visit a professional Dominant. The mysterious Lukas comes highly recommended. He’s experienced and discreet, with a long list of famous clients. He’s just what Damian needs.
But will Damian start to catch feelings for the man whose whip brings him to his knees?
The Review
When Damian, a powerful rockstar who rose to the top with surprising ease, feels that he’s in the midst of musician’s block, he doesn’t turn to the usual sort of therapy in the heady rock world of the 1970s music scene. When drugs and rock and roll won’t work, what’s left? Sex. Lots of it and as kinky as possible. Damian doesn’t seek out a madam, he seeks out a male dominant in a secretive BDSM service.
Lukas is a mysterious dominant who teaches Damian to accept his sexuality, but maintains firm boundaries to keep things professional as he leads Damian through the new world of submission. But Damian starts to develop an emotional attachment to his strong, intelligent dominant, and doesn’t know if he can keep those strict boundaries. Will Lukas be the one to submit to Damian’s desires?
This book is a high heat erotic tale. I would easily give this five starts for steamy spice in a M/M romance that focuses on power dynamics and BDSM. But as far as pacing and plot go, the book sometimes feels flat and rushed, as things unfold quickly, but in a predictable fashion. The writing delivers on sexy heat, but feels (again) predictable. There isn’t much deep introspection that shocks the readers or helps understand either character with more than we’re presented with on the surface.
As far as trigger warnings go, you should definitely proceed with care. The violence and humiliation/degradation used in this sexual relationship are not for all. If you’re uncomfortable with Daddy/Daddy’s Little Boy roleplaying, this is not for you.
Now, the author does deliver a good happy ending for Lukas, Damian, and the readers. Damian finds his musical gift and Lukas relaxes his boundaries. They spend a glorious night together as Damian takes the stage again and Lukas watches proudly from backstage. Sweet kisses, passionate pain, and falling asleep in each other’s arms ends our story—and we hope it will not be the end of this relationship, especially for Damian’s sake, as he really worships Lukas.
This story hovers around a four in my estimation, rounded up because it is a fine example of what it is—short erotica. With a five for spice and lower numbers for plot, pacing, and character development, this isn’t a deep piece of literature, but it’s a fast-paced erotic read. It’s perfect for pleasure and light enjoyment if this particular relationship and type of power play are for you.
The Reviewer
S.C. Principale is a voracious writer, reader, baker, and teacher. When she’s not writing paranormal romance and erotica, she loves reading the works of others. She’s a firm believer that great writers must be great readers, too. She lives in Pennsylvania with her amazing husband, their two brilliant and stubbornkids, and their menagerie of six pets.
