Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Review: Power Exchange by AJ Rose




TITLE: Power Exchange
AUTHOR: AJ Rose
PUBLISHER: Voodoo Lily Press
RATED: 5/5 Hearts



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?


Apparently it is small press/ self publish month here at Smoocher's Voice, AND men's month. Not that I'm complaining. This is the 4th great book I've had the opportunity to review this month. As most of the reviews on this blog are, this came as an author request. I'd never read Mr. Rose's work before, but the cover certainly had me intrigued.

I loved the character Gavin, from the beginning of the book, and loved the way that the relationship builds between him and Ben. I liked that it was obvious that a lot of research went into this book. It was knowledgeable about the BDSM lifestyle. It made it very easy to understand why some people are drawn to it, and why Gavin in particular was.

I was impressed with this novel. BDSM books are a guilty pleasure. I love to read them even when they are somewhat awful. This was a meaty story that was much more than an excuse to write kinky sex. These characters have thoughts and feelings, fears and aspirations. They also have a great capacity to love.

The case of this brutal slaying opened an entirely different world for Gavin, and Ben was there to help him navigate the unfamiliar waters. What starts off as a professional consultation eventually develops into much more. I can't express how much I enjoyed being able to go along for the journey with Gavin and Ben. This type of book isn't for everyone, but I do feel that its a good "starter" book for someone that might perhaps be interested in this genre, but are looking for an actual story and not just sex scene after sex scene.

I really have no complaints about this novel. I also really loved a few other things about the book, but it would totally spoil the end if I told. I look forward to reading future works by Mr. Rose, and seeing more work published by Voodoo Lily Press.

If you want to pick up the novel:


Buy: Power Exchange at Swashwords for $4.99. Available in multiple formats.
Buy: Power Exchange at Amazon for $4.99. Kindle format.
Buy: Power Exchange at All Romance Ebooks for $4.99!



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