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?
Everywhere Detective Gavin DeGrassi looks he’s reminded of his attack by the Breath Play Killer. It’s in the house he lives in with his partner and Dom, Ben Haverson. It’s in the sympathetic yet pitying looks he receives from his fellow detectives when he returns to the force after a year-long hiatus. It’s in the suffocating coddling of his entire family, and the relentless reporter demanding an exclusive of his ordeal.
Most of all, it’s in his lack of submission to Ben, who isn’t convinced Gavin’s recovered enough to trust the power exchange between them.
The miraculous recovery of two teen boys from a twisted kidnapper gives him heart, and Gavin's determined to prove he can handle anything despite increasing strain between him and Ben, painful nightmares, and panic when anyone touches him.
But his next case is too close for comfort: a friend and colleague found raped and murdered in a fate chillingly similar to what could have been his own, and this killer isn’t stopping with one cop. As the body count rises and taunting souvenirs are being hand-delivered to Gavin, he faces a frustrating lack of leads, a crushing need to prove himself, and a sinking suspicion the imprisoned kidnapper’s reach is further than originally thought. A miasma of uncertainty and fear threaten to suffocate him when he asks a question with which he’s overwhelmingly familiar: what happens when a victim is pushed too far?
Combined review.. Both had a great plot, plenty of suspense, very engaging mysterious undertone, packed with action and was majorly Hot!
Power Exchange:
Definitely enjoyed reading about Gavin's struggle with coming to terms about his sexual preference and his need to let go and immerse himself in the BDSM lifestyle and Ben was more than anyone can ask for with his knowledge and desire to help Gavin through all that... The story line was slow to start but really didn't annoy me much until when the obvious was not so obvious to Gavin.. Really the story line was based on Gavin and Ben but the underlying investigation was just as prominent as everything else laying the ground for his marital issues and introducing secondary characters. So when Gavin was just plain blind to it all I was a bit peeved.. Other than that the intimate and dominating scenes were just HOT. Need to read Safeword and see where it takes Gavin & Ben..
Safeword:
Gavin finally stands up for himself! even though there were a few moments he was way to Dramatic... Everyone got what they deserved and there were some seriously Hot scenes... I thought the murder mystery storyline behind this one was SOOO much better. Ben I felt finally opened up and Gavin's family were well out of their shell and as supportive as they could be. The Epilogue was nice and gave closure to it all. And this cover is gorgeous I just had to mention that!
