Of course it hurts, it’s a spanking. How else would it work? ― Breanna Hayse (“The Game Plan”)
Now as a gay man, I must admit that I have played “dress up” in leather and even have dabbled with “role play” on occasion with my sexy husband. I view these times as visits to Disneyland and though I may enjoy visiting on occasion, living in Disneyland has never had much of an attraction to me. So, when I saw SJD Peterson’s new book, Pup, I was intrigued but not too sure if it was the right book for me. I had never read a BDSM novel but I thought, “What the heck, this may not be my cup of tea but since BDSM seems to be relatively prevalent in the genre right now, I might as well give it a try.”
Oh my goodness, was I ever wrong about me not wanting to live in Disneyland! I am in current negotiations with my husband to negotiate our own BDSM contract!!! This book is HOT and had me enthralled from about chapter 2.
Trackett Austin is a Dom in his mid 40’s wondering what he’s doing with his life. He’s never had a long time commitment and seems to be wandering somewhat aimlessly. A young mid 20’s bartender the character of Micah has been pursuing Trackett wanting to become the Sub to his Dom. Their story and how they forge a relationship is what this novel is completely about.
As a reader of the m/m genre, I at times get tired of the endless sex scenes that get injected into stories that seem to have little purpose in spurring the story along. Now I recognize these as a necessary part of the genre, but often they are not what keep me engrossed in the story. However, with “Pup” all the sex scenes are very relevant to the story and I found myself more than once a little breathless at the end of said sex scenes. I was amazed at how loving a BDSM relationship could be portrayed and watching the love between the two characters develop in the context of a BDSM relationship was titillating, to put it mildly.
Now this book is not without its faults. I found the multiple third person points of view in the same chapter, and often the same scene, a bit confusing. I also had a hard time picturing what the characters looked like. Now I admit that may be my own fault, as I was devouring this read rather voraciously, but a little bit more physical description for the rabid reader would have truly amped up the volume for me in this great book.
Overall, this novel was a great read and I applaud Peterson for her ability to make me want to sell my house and go live at Disneyland.
You can buy Pup here:
Reviewed by Bruce