Review: Shaken Up by Nicole Forcine

Title: Shaken Up

Author: Nicole Forcine

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Pages/Word Count: 74 pages

At a Glance: Fun short story with a snarky submissive with OCD, and a patient Dom.

Reviewed By: Jennifer

Blurb: Tim Myers is the flamboyant and overly fastidious owner of the adult shop Little Earthquakes. In his spare time, he moonlights as a sub for his friend’s BDSM classes, and while he’d love to find a Dom to cater to his domestic servitude kink, he’s wary of exposing his body and his heart. When Jae Seong comes into Tim’s shop and asks him for help with a wax play demo, Tim is turned off by the idea. Jae is nothing if not persistent, though. He’s a skilled Dom and soon finds out why Tim is so protective of his body, his neck, and his heart. Over a series of play dates, the two grow close, and it dawns on Tim that he might be looking at a match made for collaring.

Review: Tim is quite the unique character, especially in terms of BDSM stories. He has serious anxiety, OCD, and a deadly latex allergy. Not what you’d expect to find in a story with strong BDSM themes. But all of that is bound up in the wonderfully snarky package that is Tim. I adored him. He runs an adult shop and assists both gay and straight clients on improving their sex life, which seems at odds considering his – aside from occasionally playing demonstration sub for friends – is nonexistent. And with good reason. He has a past he’s run from, a past that’s left scars on his face and the anxiety and trust issues he’s currently dealing with.

Enter Jae. Tim is pissed at first that Jae knows his name because it’s not something he wants thrown around. He’s not looking for a Dom of his own, but Jae insists he just wants help with a wax play demonstration. After much negotiation, Tim agrees.

Tim is everything Jae is looking for in a sub, and Jae seems to be what Tim is looking for in a Dom. He’s into domestic service, and this seems completely fine with Jae, which helps Tim’s OCD and anxiety. But of course, he still needs to get over his trust issues.

I love stories with domestic service tied into the BDSM storyline, and often it’s hard to find a book that either does it, or does it well. This book hits the spot. Tim’s need to please a man in a domestic capacity does not erase his personality. He still maintains his snark, sarcasm, and everything that makes him unique. Too often I’ve found books where, once the sub finds his perfect Dom, his personality is erased and he becomes the stereotypical simpering fifties housewife. That is so not the case with Tim. Thankfully Jae likes his personality and doesn’t want it to change, which I think even strengthened my love for his character.

I would definitely read more books if they were set around these characters or their friends. Or any books from this author, for that matter.

 

 

 

You can buy Shaken Up here: