Reviewed by Danielle

TITLE: Power Exchange (Book #1)
SERIES: Power Exchange
AUTHOR: A.J Rose
LENGTH: 270 pages
PUBLISHER: Voodoo Lily Press
BLURB: From the moment Detective Gavin DeGrassi steps into the world of BDSM to solve the brutal slaying of Dom George Kaiser, his course is not his own. Mesmerized by the context in which the victim lived and the images of the lifestyle seared into his soul, Gavin must find a way to navigate these unknown waters. With his personal life in upheaval due to marital trouble, and his professional life uncertain with the assignment of a new partner, Gavin needs all the help he can get understanding the case.

Enter Ben Haverson, a psychologist and a well known Dom. With Ben’s help as a consultant and attention to Gavin’s own murky truths, Gavin delves deeper than he ever thought he would into the world of restraints and paddles. Forced to scrutinize his true nature and his innermost desires, Gavin has a choice: keep the fear of submitting at bay, or dive in and solve the case with the knowledge he gains. When another victim is discovered, Gavin’s choice is made for him, and he’s pulled headlong into the deepest, most emotional journey of his life.

Unfortunately for him and Ben, a killer has noticed, has taken stock, and has set his sights on the D/s pair. Can Gavin outwit him, or will his first exchange of power be his last?

REVIEW:

I was very excited, a bit nervous and even a bit scared to start this one. The fact that I really like the author and the extensive BDSM in this story were two of the reasons.

But what a surprise! I found myself being pulled into this story more and more to the point where it was hard for me to put the book down. There are so many surprises right from the beginning! Gavin is married (to a bitch but that is my own opinion) and he’s obviously struggling to find himself and you can’t help but feel for him.

When he meets Ben while working a case, there is instant attraction and perhaps even more.

Being pulled into the BDSM scene as one aspect of the case, he finds himself intrigued and fascinated by not only Ben but also with the lifestyle.

And the way the author describes Gavin’s first encounters with BDSM is amazing. As a reader you are gently taken by the hand and led through not only the techniques but also living this way of life as your preference. It is explained in an very understandable, fascinating, and interesting way and it sweeps you up straight into the story.

The addition of Myah as Gavin’s partner is something I think is worth mentioning as I really liked her. She’s open-minded, understanding and genuinely great woman.

The family that Gavin talks about is nice but not very explicit. The only exception is the relationship he has with his brother Cole. It is great to read and a nice addition to the story, getting to know Gavin as a family man.

I really liked seeing both points of view in this story. You see Gavin, for example learning to understand who he is, why he wants to submit and figuring out how to accept it.

And then you see Ben being the loving caring man & therapist he is but also an amazing Dom, taking care and teaching Gavin the things he needs to know.

I cannot mention enough how powerful this exchange is!

The author put himself in a tough position writing this story the way he did . He took on a difficult subject and tried to make it understandable without denying the intensity and basic facts of the lifestyle. Still he managed to come up with a story that had excitement, emotions and was a complete experience to read.

I cannot deny that on occasion, as this is not my preference, it had me in awe about what was going on but at no time did I feel turned off by anything either. It was the opposite to be honest. It fascinated me to no end and captured my complete attention. So much so that,when I was getting closer to the end of the book and without saying too much, witnessing a scene being played out before the eyes of Gavin, Ben and others and reading the reaction of a certain person I was literally begging ”Please don’t let it be them next, Please!”

The interaction between Gavin and Cole that i mentioned before is even more obvious coming closer to the end of the story. I have to say I really appreciated the way Cole responded to Gavin opening up to him about Ben and his new relationship. The fact that Cole ends up dating Gavin’s partner is a nice bonus to this story. They are both likable characters with their own story (which I wouldn’t have mind reading more about).

Although I was expecting something near the end of the book,I still couldn’t have been more blown away by the actual ending. It made me shiver, bite my nails and quiver. In the end it made me still for a few moments, as I was overwhelmed by the intensity and the comprehensive effect the ending had on the story and on both the main character’s lives as well as that of their family and friend

At the end of reading this book I can only mention again the amazing talent of the author who managed to make this story so all consuming. Bravo and well done.

5 stars from me and I cannot wait to start on the sequel “Safeword”.

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