Saturday, July 14, 2012

Review for Power Play: Awakening by Rachel Haimowitz & Cat Grant


Brandon McKinney is a man reborn. Newly awakened to the notion of consensual power exchange and the submissive urges inside him, he begs for a second chance from the man who opened his eyes to this world: Silicon Valley superstar Jonathan Watkins. But no birth is absent pain, and Brandon’s is no exception. He fears he’s not strong enough to see it through.

Jonathan knows better. He’s seen the iron core inside his new submissive, and the wounded heart inside him too. He means to teach Brandon to heal the one with the other. They have five months left on their contract, after all, and Jonathan has done more with less before.

It’s tough to stay objective, though, when you’re falling in love. Shame Brandon doesn’t feel the same. He’s only there for the three-million-dollar payout at contract’s end—a fact that Jonathan, nursing his own wounded heart, reminds himself of each day. For even as Brandon’s barriers break and his mind expands, even as he grows to love his place at Jonathan’s feet, he’ll never love life with a sadist—especially one who cannot escape the public eye.


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I'd read this book a few weeks ago, but it's taken me awhile to put my thoughts to paper.  First off let me say that this book is unforgettable!  Picking up quickly and seamlessly after the end of the previous book in this series, we're immediately drawn back into this intensely emotional world where pain opens up the floodgates to true feelings and greater self control.  The BDSM acts break down certain barriers to allow a much richer connection between Brandon and Jonathon that stays fixed in your memory long after the story ends.

I have to confess that I'm not a fan of BDSM stories, especially when the acts are very intense.  I like my BDSM lite.  That being said, Rachel and Cat present the BDSM lifestyle in the most realistic way possible, showing how this kind of relationship can bring out a more self-assured side to the sub.  Subs aren't exactly weak, when only through their responses can the dom find a sense of pride.  The sub discovers that they're stronger than they thought and it shows relationships that are more give and take than you'd think.

The BDSM acts in this story are very graphic and intense, the faint of heart need not apply.  There are moments of sweet romance amidst the intense acts that make it obvious how much Brandon and Jonathon care for each other though.  These sweet moments are a nice breather before going back to the wild side.

Fans of the BDSM lifestyle will find this a richly intense and well-written story accurately demonstrating the satisfaction of those who participate in this lifestyle.  You'll find yourself swept up in the story unable to look away.  Kudos to Rachel and Cat for creating a story that leaves readers talking!

My rating for this is a B.

*I received this book from the authors in exchange for my honest opinion.

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