I read this book at the recommendation of some members of my book club. They said it was an emotional read, and since I’d already bottomed out emotionally after reading Taking Chances the day before, I figured, “What the hell?”
At first, there was definitely a LOT of eye-rolling going on, with all the “Yes, Master” stuff. I’m not really into BDSM books, so that kind of stuff just isn’t my scene. Running around naked all the time, wearing only a collar? Come ON! Yes, I do understand that some people do live this lifestyle, etc…but it all seemed a little contrived to me.
It’s when we really start getting into the meat of the matter that the book really hooked me. I thought it was so loving and selfless that Kaden, in the middle of fighting for his life, does everything in his power to ensure the happiness and well-being of the two people he loves most in the world.
The relationship between Seth and Kaden really touched me. It’s not often you see such deep platonic love between two men, with NO sexual overtones at all. Even when they were in a menage situation, you didn’t get a sexual vibe between the two of them. It was all pure love. The two men really did seem to be soulmates.
I also enjoyed the little hint at the end to Kaden’s entry into the Dom world. All along, we assume that the title of the book refers to Seth being a Reluctant Dom, but we find that Kaden was as well. The two men are SO alike, it’s like they’re two halves of a whole.
I will admit to a certain amount of resentment that Kaden, with his giving, loving, nature, was cheated out of his happily ever after. I wanted them all to be together in a long, kinky, weird, forever…
I really enjoyed this book, and at the end, I found myself wishing the characters well. <3