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Power Play #2
Awakening
Give me six months, and I'll give you the world.....
Brandon McKinney is a man reborn. Newly awakened to the notion of consensual power exchange and the submissive urges inside him, he begs for a second chance from the man who opened his eyes to this world: Silicon Valley superstar Jonathan Watkins. But no birth is absent pain, and Brandon’s is no exception. He fears he’s not strong enough to see it through.
Jonathan knows better. He’s seen the iron core inside his new submissive, and the wounded heart inside him too. He means to teach Brandon to heal the one with the other. They have five months left on their contract, after all, and Jonathan has done more with less before.
It’s tough to stay objective, though, when you’re falling in love. Shame Brandon doesn’t feel the same. He’s only there for the three-million-dollar payout at contract’s end—a fact that Jonathan, nursing his own wounded heart, reminds himself of each day. For even as Brandon’s barriers break and his mind expands, even as he grows to love his place at Jonathan’s feet, he’ll never love life with a sadist—especially one who cannot escape the public eye.
NOTE: This title is a sequel to Power Play:Resistance and should be read in series order for maximum enjoyment.
Brandon McKinney is a man reborn. Newly awakened to the notion of consensual power exchange and the submissive urges inside him, he begs for a second chance from the man who opened his eyes to this world: Silicon Valley superstar Jonathan Watkins. But no birth is absent pain, and Brandon’s is no exception. He fears he’s not strong enough to see it through.
Jonathan knows better. He’s seen the iron core inside his new submissive, and the wounded heart inside him too. He means to teach Brandon to heal the one with the other. They have five months left on their contract, after all, and Jonathan has done more with less before.
It’s tough to stay objective, though, when you’re falling in love. Shame Brandon doesn’t feel the same. He’s only there for the three-million-dollar payout at contract’s end—a fact that Jonathan, nursing his own wounded heart, reminds himself of each day. For even as Brandon’s barriers break and his mind expands, even as he grows to love his place at Jonathan’s feet, he’ll never love life with a sadist—especially one who cannot escape the public eye.
NOTE: This title is a sequel to Power Play:Resistance and should be read in series order for maximum enjoyment.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2012
27 people are currently reading
1085 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Haimowitz
37 books721 followersM/M erotic romance author, freelance writer and editor, sadist with a pesky conscience, shamelessly silly, proudly pervish. I'm a twitter addict (@rachelhaimowitz), and I blog every M/W/F at Fantasy Unbound. To learn all about my current and upcoming projects, please stop by my website. I love to hear from folks, so feel free to drop me a line anytime at metarachel (at) gmail (dot) com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
June 10, 2012
Cat Grant and Rachel Haimowitz are my Dommes
When I started in their service, it was so hard, you know? It hurt. I mean, Jonathan was such an asshole, and such a bad Dom. Not even a Dom! Just a sadistic wanker! It was difficult, and painful. Prolonged.
But rather than fighting the pain, I let it wash over me. Through me. I found the pleasure inside that pain. And that pain/pleasure was gooooood.
And then it got really challenging, and scary, because I didn't know what was coming. I was worried the second book would suck. I was so afraid! But despite my fear I made myself believe in my Dommes. I just let that worry go. I let myself drift. I trusted that they would bring me back safely from the place they'd taken me to.
And then they did :-)
***
Please do not read beyond the spoiler tag if you have not read book one. Just go read it. No actual spoilers for book two follow.
When I started in their service, it was so hard, you know? It hurt. I mean, Jonathan was such an asshole, and such a bad Dom. Not even a Dom! Just a sadistic wanker! It was difficult, and painful. Prolonged.
But rather than fighting the pain, I let it wash over me. Through me. I found the pleasure inside that pain. And that pain/pleasure was gooooood.
And then it got really challenging, and scary, because I didn't know what was coming. I was worried the second book would suck. I was so afraid! But despite my fear I made myself believe in my Dommes. I just let that worry go. I let myself drift. I trusted that they would bring me back safely from the place they'd taken me to.
And then they did :-)
***
Please do not read beyond the spoiler tag if you have not read book one. Just go read it. No actual spoilers for book two follow.
January 5, 2019
3.5 Stars
I have some mixed feelings about this one! I don’t know I liked it or hated it! At some point, this story took me out of my comfort zone and I don’t know in a good way or bad! It was just at the same time I didn’t want to read it anymore and I couldn’t read it faster! Yes, I found the love between them but I didn’t like Jonathan in this book! I think I liked book one because of Bran’s fighting back but in this one, he seemed so calm and I wanted to see that fierceness again! Told in dual POV, 3rd person. It’s the second installment in the "Power Play" series and has to be read in order. All in all, I don’t know what’s my feeling but nevertheless, I hope you enjoy it!
I have some mixed feelings about this one! I don’t know I liked it or hated it! At some point, this story took me out of my comfort zone and I don’t know in a good way or bad! It was just at the same time I didn’t want to read it anymore and I couldn’t read it faster! Yes, I found the love between them but I didn’t like Jonathan in this book! I think I liked book one because of Bran’s fighting back but in this one, he seemed so calm and I wanted to see that fierceness again! Told in dual POV, 3rd person. It’s the second installment in the "Power Play" series and has to be read in order. All in all, I don’t know what’s my feeling but nevertheless, I hope you enjoy it!
June 22, 2012
I've been so scared to read this book ever since I read Power Play: Resistance.
I kept asking myself:
♦ Will Jonathan find more creative ways to torture Bran?
♦ Would Jonathan learn from his past mistakes?
♦ Will Bran ever like Jonathan beating him?
♦ Will the sex be hot this time?
♦ Can Jonathan and Bran have a real life HEA?
...and all of my questions were answered to my satisfaction...of course I'm not going to spoiler on ALL the details! Maybe a few.
Some of the reasons why I loved this book:
♦ The writing is so beautiful and descriptive, even though some of the content is hard to stomach at times.
♦ The authors were able to get me to like Jonathan. I even felt sorry for him on occasion.
♦ Jonathan was more patient with Bran and actually took the time to teach him during the "scenes".
♦ There was communication this time, even if it was in the form of Q & A sessions involving more demerits than rewards.
♦ The sex was so intense! Every scene was a turn on for me and I think the one with the clothes pins was the most beautiful BDSM scene I've ever read.
♦ There were many sweet tender moments.
What bothered me most about this book:
♦ My knowledge of this lifestyle is extremely limited, but I still couldn't help questioning if it was really possible for Bran to reach the point that he did in the end. The ending was a little rushed and I feel like I was "told" and not "shown" how he really got there.
♦ I wanted to know what kind of relationship Bran had with Sabrina by the time they reached the epilogue.
4.5 Stars Overall, I definitely think this book did the first one justice; especially considering how far Bran and Jonathan needed to go in order to reach some type of harmony. Plus, this is fictional romance...
I kept asking myself:
♦ Will Jonathan find more creative ways to torture Bran?
♦ Would Jonathan learn from his past mistakes?
♦ Will Bran ever like Jonathan beating him?
♦ Will the sex be hot this time?
♦ Can Jonathan and Bran have a real life HEA?
...and all of my questions were answered to my satisfaction...of course I'm not going to spoiler on ALL the details! Maybe a few.
Some of the reasons why I loved this book:
♦ The writing is so beautiful and descriptive, even though some of the content is hard to stomach at times.
♦ The authors were able to get me to like Jonathan. I even felt sorry for him on occasion.
♦ Jonathan was more patient with Bran and actually took the time to teach him during the "scenes".
♦ There was communication this time, even if it was in the form of Q & A sessions involving more demerits than rewards.
♦ The sex was so intense! Every scene was a turn on for me and I think the one with the clothes pins was the most beautiful BDSM scene I've ever read.
♦ There were many sweet tender moments.
What bothered me most about this book:
♦ My knowledge of this lifestyle is extremely limited, but I still couldn't help questioning if it was really possible for Bran to reach the point that he did in the end. The ending was a little rushed and I feel like I was "told" and not "shown" how he really got there.
♦ I wanted to know what kind of relationship Bran had with Sabrina by the time they reached the epilogue.
4.5 Stars Overall, I definitely think this book did the first one justice; especially considering how far Bran and Jonathan needed to go in order to reach some type of harmony. Plus, this is fictional romance...
June 9, 2012
Even though I had VERY mixed feelings about the first volume, I was determined to read this - mostly to set my mind at ease about Brandon, whom I'd really come to care for. And it was him, too, who saved this book for me. He's really such a strong personality, someone who, despite the bad cards life dealt him, took his fate into his own hands and made the best of what he had. The methods he resorted to in order to achieve his goal were a bit... extreme (after all, it's not to forget that it was him who sold his freedom and bodily autonomy away in the first place, even though I still can't forgive Jonathan for dangling this particular bloody schnitzel in front of a starving lion - serves him right he had his hand bitten off, metaphorically...)though in the end, I wasn't wholly satisfied with Brandon's answer to Jonathan's question. Neither did I buy it, nor made it an awful lot of sense, blurted out like this.(which was the only real issue I had with the story arc and the writing in itself, by the way. Plot, writing and editing were otherwise amazing)
I still don't like Jonathan an awful lot, though he, too, redeemed himself somewhat (I know I wrote this the last time, too. He did come to be a better man,though; still the terribly clichéed super-rich Dom, but he was supplied with at least SOME human traits this time)
This book was much easier to endure than the first one for several reasons. For one, the authors wisely kept the bestiality down this time; this is still heavy BDSM, but not the tasering, starving, dehumanizing mess the other one was. Secondly, this time Jonathan finally bothered to TALK to Brandon, to take Brandon's inexperience into consideration and to EXPLAIN things to him. The dynamics between them worked much much better this time; it really felt as if Jonathan had done some serious thinking and did his share of the work instead of leaving all the heavy lifting to Brandon. Come to think of it, yes, I think I ended up liking Jonathan anyway. Well. Perhaps a little. Some.
Or...
...there, this is what bothered me most about both books. While the first depicted Brandon being brainwashed by every trick in the book - take any random guy, beat him up, starve him, deprive him of useful tasks, isolate him and threaten him with electroshocks and whippings long enough and often enough, and he WILL kneel at your feet, suck your dick, feed from your hand and sing any song you want him to - the second one was somehow even worse in this regard, because Brandon agreed. He kissed the hand that wielded the whip, begged for the pain he feared. I didn't really know what to make of that. Serious Stockholm syndrome? Brainwashing so thoroughly the washee didn't even realize what hit him, in the true sense of the word? Or was this really the birth of a brand-new, as-of-then blissfully unaware submissive, his tendencies hidden so deeply it needed a godlike being like an all-knowing Dom to take one single look at him and decide, yes, you need my help, and I'll beat you until you realize that? I can only repeat myself and say I don't know. What I know, though, was that this book and its prequel engrossed me, made me think about the characters and upset me in a way testament of which is this long rambling review. I understand why the first book had to be the horrible butchery it was, so the bloody chunks could be put back together in the second book. I'm just not sure if the way this happened was enough for me. If you come outfitted with a stronger stomach than I do, by any means, try this duology and see for yourself. The writing alone is certainly worth the read.
PS There's one character in here I really really hate with a vengeance, which is Sabrina, Jonathan's housekeeper. She creeped me out. Would've made a first class concentration camp guard.
I still don't like Jonathan an awful lot, though he, too, redeemed himself somewhat (I know I wrote this the last time, too. He did come to be a better man,though; still the terribly clichéed super-rich Dom, but he was supplied with at least SOME human traits this time)
This book was much easier to endure than the first one for several reasons. For one, the authors wisely kept the bestiality down this time; this is still heavy BDSM, but not the tasering, starving, dehumanizing mess the other one was. Secondly, this time Jonathan finally bothered to TALK to Brandon, to take Brandon's inexperience into consideration and to EXPLAIN things to him. The dynamics between them worked much much better this time; it really felt as if Jonathan had done some serious thinking and did his share of the work instead of leaving all the heavy lifting to Brandon. Come to think of it, yes, I think I ended up liking Jonathan anyway. Well. Perhaps a little. Some.
Or...
...there, this is what bothered me most about both books. While the first depicted Brandon being brainwashed by every trick in the book - take any random guy, beat him up, starve him, deprive him of useful tasks, isolate him and threaten him with electroshocks and whippings long enough and often enough, and he WILL kneel at your feet, suck your dick, feed from your hand and sing any song you want him to - the second one was somehow even worse in this regard, because Brandon agreed. He kissed the hand that wielded the whip, begged for the pain he feared. I didn't really know what to make of that. Serious Stockholm syndrome? Brainwashing so thoroughly the washee didn't even realize what hit him, in the true sense of the word? Or was this really the birth of a brand-new, as-of-then blissfully unaware submissive, his tendencies hidden so deeply it needed a godlike being like an all-knowing Dom to take one single look at him and decide, yes, you need my help, and I'll beat you until you realize that? I can only repeat myself and say I don't know. What I know, though, was that this book and its prequel engrossed me, made me think about the characters and upset me in a way testament of which is this long rambling review. I understand why the first book had to be the horrible butchery it was, so the bloody chunks could be put back together in the second book. I'm just not sure if the way this happened was enough for me. If you come outfitted with a stronger stomach than I do, by any means, try this duology and see for yourself. The writing alone is certainly worth the read.
PS There's one character in here I really really hate with a vengeance, which is Sabrina, Jonathan's housekeeper. She creeped me out. Would've made a first class concentration camp guard.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2012
Wow. Okay, I read that in record time. I may have saved time by forgetting to breathe.
This was intense. Brandon's transformation was nothing less than spiritual -- or maybe all that talk of offering up sorrows is talking me right back to when I used to hang around the local Catholic Church as an impressionable teenager. Just for that one young priest who wore a Batman t-shirt, a cheeky smile, and spoke Latin. But that's probably not relevant, so I'll start again.
This was intense. I know that some other reviewers have had an issue with Brandon submitting to pain when it wasn't one of his kinks, but that felt like kind of the point to me. Brandon's submission meant that he put Jonathon's needs first, and that was a huge deal for both of them. I'm still not sure how I feel about Jonathon, he seemed to jump from sadistic asshole to cuddly teddy way too quickly. I'd like to spend more time in his POV to really get a handle on him.
I loved Brandon's journey, and the scenes between the guys were hot.
It definitely feels like more of an HFN than an HEA, but that's okay because that means we might see the guys again. More, please?
This was intense. Brandon's transformation was nothing less than spiritual -- or maybe all that talk of offering up sorrows is talking me right back to when I used to hang around the local Catholic Church as an impressionable teenager. Just for that one young priest who wore a Batman t-shirt, a cheeky smile, and spoke Latin. But that's probably not relevant, so I'll start again.
This was intense. I know that some other reviewers have had an issue with Brandon submitting to pain when it wasn't one of his kinks, but that felt like kind of the point to me. Brandon's submission meant that he put Jonathon's needs first, and that was a huge deal for both of them. I'm still not sure how I feel about Jonathon, he seemed to jump from sadistic asshole to cuddly teddy way too quickly. I'd like to spend more time in his POV to really get a handle on him.
I loved Brandon's journey, and the scenes between the guys were hot.
It definitely feels like more of an HFN than an HEA, but that's okay because that means we might see the guys again. More, please?
September 7, 2012
This book was AMAZING! I LOVED IT. I cried. I laughed. I melted. Oh dear lord, Jonathan is bi. I'll lay down at his feet. Absolutely FABULOUS! This is a must read. I hope my official review will be approved so it can be posted soon.
Okay - to tide people over until my official review comes out...
RACHEL!
You delicious heart ripper, you. Just rip out my heart why don't you? Yes, I'm talking about you.
I was
(That Japanese character is also a Chinese one which means hit.)
At one point I was
then for the China trip I was
the end of the trip
Because honestly, Bran felt like
while Jonathan said
and I'm going
And the ending I'm going
and when I read the epilogue
So now hopefully my review will be posted and I'll
My Official review is here.
Mine is the second review.
"You can't swing a cat without hitting a male Dominant in this city." Jonathan tells Bran. Seriously? Where is this city? I can't walk several feet without tripping over a submissive. For a Dom-less submissive, this city Jonathan and Bran live in must be amazing. In POWER PLAY: AWAKENING, Bran is back with Jonathan to finish out his contract. In the first book, Jonathan is supposed to be this amazing Dom who is much sought after by many a submissive. The first book captures Jonathan at his worst because he was not a Dom I would ever respect. He crosses so many lines and breaks a man for no other purpose than his own selfish desires.
I prepared myself for the follow up. There was no way Jonathan could redeem himself in my eyes. Within the first chapter, Jonathan not only turns from hated villain into loved hero Dom, but I'm also falling hard for him. Jonathan completely owns up to his mistakes to Bran, and in this story, we are allowed into Jonathan's mind more than in the previous. Jonathan tries very hard to help Bran and his methods are what he should have done all along. This is not to say the five months are perfect. In fact, there are several instances of one step forward and two steps back. Those are realistic and make the story more poignant.
Ms. Haimowitz and Ms. Grant do an excellent job showcasing the TPE D/s SM relationship. The breakdown of Bran's walls until he understands why he built up these walls was difficult to watch. As Bran transfers more and more of his power to Jonathan, it's a beautiful submission blossoming. Seeing Bran long to eat out of Jonathan's hands is sexy as well as endearing. Learning that Bran is more into BD with his preference for restraints, despite his adamant denials is definitely a hard epiphany. The hardest for Bran is the SM part. He does not handle pain well in the sense that his childhood of parental abuse is too tied with beatings. Unfortunately, Jonathan is a hardcore sadist. There were times I couldn't fathom how the authors would be able to overcome this obstacle. Ms. Haimowitz and Ms. Grant soar over this hurdle in a manner that is believable and moving.
There were a couple of drawbacks to this story, which did not decrease the five star rating. It's due to some of the secondary characters. Sabrina (the housekeeper) and Solange (a former submissive) are both despicable. They do not understand where Bran comes from and they are immediately judgmental. Both of them should know better. Yes, they are friends with Jonathan and are protective of him. However, that does not mean they should treat Bran so callously. Sabrina is the bigger disappointment with her lack of compassion and specifically her hateful words. It appears she can only tear a person down instead of help build a person up. She's spiteful and a poor teacher. Solange is just a jealous bitch. Her cruel words are uncalled for and if Bran were a lesser person, tattling on her, Jonathan will most likely cut Solange out of his life. She's petty.
The BDSM scenes and specifically the punishments are much milder in this story. If the first is about punishment, this second one is about self-discovery. While it is unrealistic to expect BDSM to be therapeutic and cathartic, this story thrives on both for Bran. Jonathan is completely masterful and while he still makes mistakes, he works them out with Bran. Bran's growth in this story moves me to tears. He makes Jonathan proud and the reader sighs with relief and pride. This lovely artwork in writing is highly recommended to BDSM lovers who enjoy a window side seat to a breathtakingly beautiful relationship in the making. Buy this book now!
Okay - to tide people over until my official review comes out...
RACHEL!
You delicious heart ripper, you. Just rip out my heart why don't you? Yes, I'm talking about you.
I was
(That Japanese character is also a Chinese one which means hit.)
At one point I was
then for the China trip I was
the end of the trip
Because honestly, Bran felt like
while Jonathan said
and I'm going
And the ending I'm going
and when I read the epilogue
So now hopefully my review will be posted and I'll
My Official review is here.
Mine is the second review."You can't swing a cat without hitting a male Dominant in this city." Jonathan tells Bran. Seriously? Where is this city? I can't walk several feet without tripping over a submissive. For a Dom-less submissive, this city Jonathan and Bran live in must be amazing. In POWER PLAY: AWAKENING, Bran is back with Jonathan to finish out his contract. In the first book, Jonathan is supposed to be this amazing Dom who is much sought after by many a submissive. The first book captures Jonathan at his worst because he was not a Dom I would ever respect. He crosses so many lines and breaks a man for no other purpose than his own selfish desires.
I prepared myself for the follow up. There was no way Jonathan could redeem himself in my eyes. Within the first chapter, Jonathan not only turns from hated villain into loved hero Dom, but I'm also falling hard for him. Jonathan completely owns up to his mistakes to Bran, and in this story, we are allowed into Jonathan's mind more than in the previous. Jonathan tries very hard to help Bran and his methods are what he should have done all along. This is not to say the five months are perfect. In fact, there are several instances of one step forward and two steps back. Those are realistic and make the story more poignant.
Ms. Haimowitz and Ms. Grant do an excellent job showcasing the TPE D/s SM relationship. The breakdown of Bran's walls until he understands why he built up these walls was difficult to watch. As Bran transfers more and more of his power to Jonathan, it's a beautiful submission blossoming. Seeing Bran long to eat out of Jonathan's hands is sexy as well as endearing. Learning that Bran is more into BD with his preference for restraints, despite his adamant denials is definitely a hard epiphany. The hardest for Bran is the SM part. He does not handle pain well in the sense that his childhood of parental abuse is too tied with beatings. Unfortunately, Jonathan is a hardcore sadist. There were times I couldn't fathom how the authors would be able to overcome this obstacle. Ms. Haimowitz and Ms. Grant soar over this hurdle in a manner that is believable and moving.
There were a couple of drawbacks to this story, which did not decrease the five star rating. It's due to some of the secondary characters. Sabrina (the housekeeper) and Solange (a former submissive) are both despicable. They do not understand where Bran comes from and they are immediately judgmental. Both of them should know better. Yes, they are friends with Jonathan and are protective of him. However, that does not mean they should treat Bran so callously. Sabrina is the bigger disappointment with her lack of compassion and specifically her hateful words. It appears she can only tear a person down instead of help build a person up. She's spiteful and a poor teacher. Solange is just a jealous bitch. Her cruel words are uncalled for and if Bran were a lesser person, tattling on her, Jonathan will most likely cut Solange out of his life. She's petty.
The BDSM scenes and specifically the punishments are much milder in this story. If the first is about punishment, this second one is about self-discovery. While it is unrealistic to expect BDSM to be therapeutic and cathartic, this story thrives on both for Bran. Jonathan is completely masterful and while he still makes mistakes, he works them out with Bran. Bran's growth in this story moves me to tears. He makes Jonathan proud and the reader sighs with relief and pride. This lovely artwork in writing is highly recommended to BDSM lovers who enjoy a window side seat to a breathtakingly beautiful relationship in the making. Buy this book now!
September 11, 2012
Ok, I'm a literary masochist of sorts because every so often I end up reading books about 24/7 TPE relationships, and really, those fuckers really hurt me, even physically. Anyway, I was curious about this story since long ago, even though I knew I wasn't going to enjoy it very much.
So why not? what could be possibly go wrong? And there was book one.
I hated it, I still do, will do forever, maybe; I can't even bring myself to rate it, I wanted to Burn it. One thing is not quite enjoying a book (like in Uneven) or plain disliking it (like in Duck!), but Power Play: Resistance was simply tortuous, gut wrenching torture. Jonathan was most definitely NOT a Dom, simply a sadist. I had absolutely zero sympathy for him, I wanted him arrested, chocked and/or death(and I'm getting pretty tired of the, not wealthy, but freaking billionaire Dom, like, no money, no whip, right? *sigh* but that is not this book fault so let's move on)
But I put on my big girl panties and carried on, keeping in mind "book one was so awfully distasteful, book two can't possibly be worse, it can only get better, right?"
It does, but I still hate Jonathan and didn't enjoy this plenty.
This book is all about growing up, both Jonathan and Bran really grow up as individuals and as a couple. I found it really touching, the pacing and flow of this book. The way they evolved, they learned (BOTH, for god's sake, not just the freaking dom teaching the sub like a god). The sex is intense, at times way too intense, but the tender moments are wonderful, they learn to communicate beautifully in this book.
Actually, everything that was absent in book one appears here in all its glory: Sex both partners enjoy, communication, carefulness, patience, tenderness, happiness.
But I still think Jonathan and Sabrina are distateful characters and Brandon is always in the worst end of everything. It seems to me he's scared of his partner and his punishments until more than half of the book, which, really, can't mean they're in a healthy, sane relationship. And I can't over the last punishment. I hated how Jonathan was cleansed of his mistakes by doing... nothing.
If anything, my last impression is that Brandon is brainwashed and he's the only one sacrificing anything for having a relationship with Jonathan. He is not a masochist and never will be, yet he's up for canings and whippings because 'Jonathan deserves his pleasure'. I also don't think he's a full time slave, more like a bedroom submissive, yet Jonathan goes for 100% or nothing. In my mind, I like to imagine there is a third book in which, either Brandon leaves Jonathan for good, or Jonathan has to sacrifice something and/or loses anything (he's way too spoiled)
Also, I still feel cheated with the epilogue. I dislike when the authors skip showing and they just tell what happened. . Anticlimactic, but I wanted Brandon to be happy, Sadly, he's with a sadist who likes to pose as a dom.
So why not? what could be possibly go wrong? And there was book one.
I hated it, I still do, will do forever, maybe; I can't even bring myself to rate it, I wanted to Burn it. One thing is not quite enjoying a book (like in Uneven) or plain disliking it (like in Duck!), but Power Play: Resistance was simply tortuous, gut wrenching torture. Jonathan was most definitely NOT a Dom, simply a sadist. I had absolutely zero sympathy for him, I wanted him arrested, chocked and/or death
But I put on my big girl panties and carried on, keeping in mind "book one was so awfully distasteful, book two can't possibly be worse, it can only get better, right?"
It does, but I still hate Jonathan and didn't enjoy this plenty.
This book is all about growing up, both Jonathan and Bran really grow up as individuals and as a couple. I found it really touching, the pacing and flow of this book. The way they evolved, they learned (BOTH, for god's sake, not just the freaking dom teaching the sub like a god). The sex is intense, at times way too intense, but the tender moments are wonderful, they learn to communicate beautifully in this book.
Actually, everything that was absent in book one appears here in all its glory: Sex both partners enjoy, communication, carefulness, patience, tenderness, happiness.
But I still think Jonathan and Sabrina are distateful characters and Brandon is always in the worst end of everything. It seems to me he's scared of his partner and his punishments until more than half of the book, which, really, can't mean they're in a healthy, sane relationship. And I can't over the last punishment. I hated how Jonathan was cleansed of his mistakes by doing... nothing.
If anything, my last impression is that Brandon is brainwashed and he's the only one sacrificing anything for having a relationship with Jonathan. He is not a masochist and never will be, yet he's up for canings and whippings because 'Jonathan deserves his pleasure'. I also don't think he's a full time slave, more like a bedroom submissive, yet Jonathan goes for 100% or nothing. In my mind, I like to imagine there is a third book in which, either Brandon leaves Jonathan for good, or Jonathan has to sacrifice something and/or loses anything (he's way too spoiled)
Also, I still feel cheated with the epilogue. I dislike when the authors skip showing and they just tell what happened. . Anticlimactic, but I wanted Brandon to be happy, Sadly, he's with a sadist who likes to pose as a dom.
January 12, 2018
Fucking yes.
This book man, I swear to god. I freaking loved it!
When the first book has been a little bit all over the place with the Dom-Sub relationship that was going on between Bran and Jonathan, this book took a whole 180 and turn the whole thing around (in a good way)
Like I said in the first book, I believe in learning curve. And it seems that my trust in Jonathan and his ability to guide Bran to realize what he needs and who he can be has proven to be true. Despite his errors in book one, he more than redeemed himself in this book.
“All this . . . the whips, the chains, the Yes, Jonathan and No, Jonathan and even the fucking cages . . . all this was here to push him into all the things he wanted, all the things he needed—the secret things, the shameful things, the things he thought he couldn’t have or didn’t dare ask for, the things he wasn’t strong enough to face on his own”
And when I thought I just couldn't love Jonathan and Brandon anymore, they just turn around and prove me wrong. I swear my heart is bursting with love for these two. Often when I read books, I will always find myself love one character more than another, and for me that is normal. Until I read this series. I have never love both characters as equally as I did with these two.
Not to mention, all the sex (BDSM) scenes are awfully hot, and I might or might not have been squirming in my seat the entire time I am reading this book.
Despite all that I mentioned above, the one thing that got me coming back and always wanting more? Is the connection these two have with each other. They are so well attuned to each other that sometimes they don't even need to speak to understand what the other needs. And it's just...I'm at loss for words. I can't quite exactly describe the connection they have with each other, my vocabularies are not vast enough for that. But trust me when I say what Jonathan and Bran had together was everything I'd imagined a Dom and Sub have in a BDSM relationship.
Thank you, Ms. Haimowitz for bringing me along on such a wonderful ride. Both Jonathan and Bran will be characters I will keep close to my heart and treasure forever. Thank you for writing such a wonderful masterpiece and sharing it to the world.
“I’ve got you. And even if I didn’t, you’re plenty strong enough on your own. But I do have you, of course. Always.”
For more of my reviews, click : here
This book man, I swear to god. I freaking loved it!
When the first book has been a little bit all over the place with the Dom-Sub relationship that was going on between Bran and Jonathan, this book took a whole 180 and turn the whole thing around (in a good way)
Like I said in the first book, I believe in learning curve. And it seems that my trust in Jonathan and his ability to guide Bran to realize what he needs and who he can be has proven to be true. Despite his errors in book one, he more than redeemed himself in this book.
“All this . . . the whips, the chains, the Yes, Jonathan and No, Jonathan and even the fucking cages . . . all this was here to push him into all the things he wanted, all the things he needed—the secret things, the shameful things, the things he thought he couldn’t have or didn’t dare ask for, the things he wasn’t strong enough to face on his own”
And when I thought I just couldn't love Jonathan and Brandon anymore, they just turn around and prove me wrong. I swear my heart is bursting with love for these two. Often when I read books, I will always find myself love one character more than another, and for me that is normal. Until I read this series. I have never love both characters as equally as I did with these two.
Not to mention, all the sex (BDSM) scenes are awfully hot, and I might or might not have been squirming in my seat the entire time I am reading this book.
Despite all that I mentioned above, the one thing that got me coming back and always wanting more? Is the connection these two have with each other. They are so well attuned to each other that sometimes they don't even need to speak to understand what the other needs. And it's just...I'm at loss for words. I can't quite exactly describe the connection they have with each other, my vocabularies are not vast enough for that. But trust me when I say what Jonathan and Bran had together was everything I'd imagined a Dom and Sub have in a BDSM relationship.
Thank you, Ms. Haimowitz for bringing me along on such a wonderful ride. Both Jonathan and Bran will be characters I will keep close to my heart and treasure forever. Thank you for writing such a wonderful masterpiece and sharing it to the world.
“I’ve got you. And even if I didn’t, you’re plenty strong enough on your own. But I do have you, of course. Always.”
For more of my reviews, click : here
June 22, 2012
I cannot say after the emotional wreck I was from reading the first in this series that I wasn't ready for a break. I liked this one. You get the same fabulous writing - at least through about 50% in or so. After that it feels a bit different. This is more regular BDSM themed and not so heavy with the torture/abuse like the first one was. I was still absorbed - just not quite so emotionally invested.
Warning: Spoilers likely!
I thought Jonathon calmed down and became more rational here. I didn't like him any better than the first one though. I did hate him less.
I didn't see true evolution of him at the level I expected- though at least he seems to get what he's done to Bran and what the impact of that is going to be. He talked and explained more. He did not lash out in anger. Those are good things.
I was also happy he accepted Devon's advice to get away. Unfortunately that meant it still had a Stockholm Syndrome feel due to isolation and control. Even being in Bran's head more didn't help me to conquer this feeling.
Jonathon is still too much all about Jonathon. He does whatever he wants when he wants too bascially. He seems selfish and that may be what I react too - and why I don't really believe him capable of the level of love Brandon deserves.
Mostly it seemed like he did things for Bran only because it was the only way to not drive him completely away with the pain. I never felt he wanted to do it out of love. That's what I needed for this to hit 5 stars. I wish he had expressed more (or we'd of viewed it more) the carrot pieces of the pie. It does start to evolve mid way through but it was too slow for me. As much as he wanted Brandon to give him everything I don't really see what he was willing to give up?
Then I found it incredibly ironic that in his marriage there was no S/M. Mmhmm.....so clearly he could temper that to meet in the middle. I mean he didn't die or anything for not being able to give hardcore pain to a spouse. Yet he never does even give an inkling that he is willing to compromise. Why? Perhaps this is being colored by my own personal BDSM beliefs as someone who is in the lifestyle (at least on a low level) but (right or wrong) I always read characters and think about whether I'd want to be with them. Hazard I guess. He's a no go for me. Not even for all the luscious yummy pain he could give.
He does get kudos for not reacting so much out of anger, actually living up to his word on the limit, cooking, and for coming through with the contract payment. I did like that he was able to be sort of flexible with the shopping. Given Brandon's past I was very happy with how Jonathon dealt with it. One of the few times I actually thought good of him. However it got kind of ruined by the set-a-sub-up-for-failure which is pretty close to a deal breaker for me. It destroys trust which is a hallmark.
Brandon was also just o.k. here. I didn't really hook-line-and sinker- the whole transformation. I expected the peace to come naturally if it was supposed to be what he needed, wanted -- but nearly every time he had to overcome a natural reaction that seemed more authentic and honest.Instead of him actually changing it had the feel of him freaking out, figuring out what he should be feeling, and then changing his reaction/action to fit that. Pavlov's dog more than true discovery. Seems like it would be exhausting. Instead of truly believing he had to translate into action. I wanted him to just believe. Corny maybe.
I couldn't shake the feeling that I was supposed to be thinking he had gained everything when I just couldn't see it. I REALLY hated the airplane when Brandon acted like a 3 year old - I felt like he regressed rather than progressed. I was like oh man the bratty sub thing..great. He pushed everything in the first book - but I wouldn't class him as bratty. And towards the end when he was constantly spacing out. I still don't get that - but that's probably personal. I have no desire to be able to do that. I don't like being unaware of my surroundings.
Nicky and Devon being included actually made the contrast between the relationships so profound. Much as I liked seeing them I'm not sure it was helpful at all. It just emphasized how different it could be if the pain was matched up...how good.
Because I still have major issues with the pain level. I don't think they are well matched at all in this - and I don't see it surviving. It is important for me to note it is NOT about the pain itself - I'm a masochist and I love a good caning..so my problem is not pain per se I guess I prefer in consensual stories that pain levels match up better. I mean it's one thing to give a 6 cane stroke punishment...quite another to beat someone with a vicious rubber flogger. I make a distinction in what I like to read -- and I don't like punishment much which definitely affected me in these two books. It is all about beating and punishment. There is almost no correction or discipline used that is not about pain. Given the huge voluminous ways you can discipline or correct someone I didn't understand why it always was about the pain. The only reason to me was that Jonathon was only willing to offer the one way of correction. Sorry. That's a fail. I like balance. I don't feel like there was any achievement of that here.
I get that a sadist likes to see someone in pain. Hell I'm a masochist who LIKES pain.
Yet I think that gets tempered by love (should it exist) into some sort of compromise if the match isn't there- even if not all the time a nice percentage. Perhaps it is just too difficult a concept for me to understand the mindset that needing to be pleased and needing to see and be offered suffering in noncon or reluctant ways over rides the love for another. Platitudes notwithstanding - no amount of good boy's could shake this feeling for me.
Clearly there is a dependency relationship that Jonathon has done his best to cement - and Brandon is very dependent. I just didn't think it fit at all who Brandon was - or who really was meant to be. I would have maybe felt different if the ending was over YEARS instead of mere months. I don't think months are enough time to really figure things out. I wanted to see Bran be successful and achieve some goals and then make decisions. He bought a business, built a house, and started college in 14 weeks. It would have felt more real to me, believable, if he had gotten his degree and THEN gone back. Though the last chapter or so had one of the better feels to it and for the first time I really got that glimpse of what Bran might have achieved really with his confidence level with the teacher. I don't know that I ever got the impression though that confidence was a problem before -- downtrodden yes. Confidence no.
Great smooth and clear writing. Clearly a great duo.
Warning: Spoilers likely!
I thought Jonathon calmed down and became more rational here. I didn't like him any better than the first one though. I did hate him less.
I didn't see true evolution of him at the level I expected- though at least he seems to get what he's done to Bran and what the impact of that is going to be. He talked and explained more. He did not lash out in anger. Those are good things.
I was also happy he accepted Devon's advice to get away. Unfortunately that meant it still had a Stockholm Syndrome feel due to isolation and control. Even being in Bran's head more didn't help me to conquer this feeling.
Jonathon is still too much all about Jonathon. He does whatever he wants when he wants too bascially. He seems selfish and that may be what I react too - and why I don't really believe him capable of the level of love Brandon deserves.
Mostly it seemed like he did things for Bran only because it was the only way to not drive him completely away with the pain. I never felt he wanted to do it out of love. That's what I needed for this to hit 5 stars. I wish he had expressed more (or we'd of viewed it more) the carrot pieces of the pie. It does start to evolve mid way through but it was too slow for me. As much as he wanted Brandon to give him everything I don't really see what he was willing to give up?
Then I found it incredibly ironic that in his marriage there was no S/M. Mmhmm.....so clearly he could temper that to meet in the middle. I mean he didn't die or anything for not being able to give hardcore pain to a spouse. Yet he never does even give an inkling that he is willing to compromise. Why? Perhaps this is being colored by my own personal BDSM beliefs as someone who is in the lifestyle (at least on a low level) but (right or wrong) I always read characters and think about whether I'd want to be with them. Hazard I guess. He's a no go for me. Not even for all the luscious yummy pain he could give.
He does get kudos for not reacting so much out of anger, actually living up to his word on the limit, cooking, and for coming through with the contract payment. I did like that he was able to be sort of flexible with the shopping. Given Brandon's past I was very happy with how Jonathon dealt with it. One of the few times I actually thought good of him. However it got kind of ruined by the set-a-sub-up-for-failure which is pretty close to a deal breaker for me. It destroys trust which is a hallmark.
Brandon was also just o.k. here. I didn't really hook-line-and sinker- the whole transformation. I expected the peace to come naturally if it was supposed to be what he needed, wanted -- but nearly every time he had to overcome a natural reaction that seemed more authentic and honest.Instead of him actually changing it had the feel of him freaking out, figuring out what he should be feeling, and then changing his reaction/action to fit that. Pavlov's dog more than true discovery. Seems like it would be exhausting. Instead of truly believing he had to translate into action. I wanted him to just believe. Corny maybe.
I couldn't shake the feeling that I was supposed to be thinking he had gained everything when I just couldn't see it. I REALLY hated the airplane when Brandon acted like a 3 year old - I felt like he regressed rather than progressed. I was like oh man the bratty sub thing..great. He pushed everything in the first book - but I wouldn't class him as bratty. And towards the end when he was constantly spacing out. I still don't get that - but that's probably personal. I have no desire to be able to do that. I don't like being unaware of my surroundings.
Nicky and Devon being included actually made the contrast between the relationships so profound. Much as I liked seeing them I'm not sure it was helpful at all. It just emphasized how different it could be if the pain was matched up...how good.
Because I still have major issues with the pain level. I don't think they are well matched at all in this - and I don't see it surviving. It is important for me to note it is NOT about the pain itself - I'm a masochist and I love a good caning..so my problem is not pain per se I guess I prefer in consensual stories that pain levels match up better. I mean it's one thing to give a 6 cane stroke punishment...quite another to beat someone with a vicious rubber flogger. I make a distinction in what I like to read -- and I don't like punishment much which definitely affected me in these two books. It is all about beating and punishment. There is almost no correction or discipline used that is not about pain. Given the huge voluminous ways you can discipline or correct someone I didn't understand why it always was about the pain. The only reason to me was that Jonathon was only willing to offer the one way of correction. Sorry. That's a fail. I like balance. I don't feel like there was any achievement of that here.
I get that a sadist likes to see someone in pain. Hell I'm a masochist who LIKES pain.
Yet I think that gets tempered by love (should it exist) into some sort of compromise if the match isn't there- even if not all the time a nice percentage. Perhaps it is just too difficult a concept for me to understand the mindset that needing to be pleased and needing to see and be offered suffering in noncon or reluctant ways over rides the love for another. Platitudes notwithstanding - no amount of good boy's could shake this feeling for me.
Clearly there is a dependency relationship that Jonathon has done his best to cement - and Brandon is very dependent. I just didn't think it fit at all who Brandon was - or who really was meant to be. I would have maybe felt different if the ending was over YEARS instead of mere months. I don't think months are enough time to really figure things out. I wanted to see Bran be successful and achieve some goals and then make decisions. He bought a business, built a house, and started college in 14 weeks. It would have felt more real to me, believable, if he had gotten his degree and THEN gone back. Though the last chapter or so had one of the better feels to it and for the first time I really got that glimpse of what Bran might have achieved really with his confidence level with the teacher. I don't know that I ever got the impression though that confidence was a problem before -- downtrodden yes. Confidence no.
Great smooth and clear writing. Clearly a great duo.
July 5, 2012
~OMFG! THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!
5+++++
I don’t even have the words to express how awesome this book was, no freaking words. This will be another review where I am unable to express the awesmazingness packed into 292 pages. Cat and Rachel has outdone themselves with PP: A, and after fangirling over book 1, I am stone cold obsessed with Power Play: Awakening. Jonathan and Brandon are a tattoo on my heart and in brain. Impossible to Forget.
Power Play: Awakening picks up right after the first book, which left you wondering how things were going to work out between Brandon and Jonathan. Their relationship was a disaster from the beginning but there were glimpses that something beautiful would be the result if both men were to let go of their hang-ups. Well Brandon is willing to give it another go, and what a sweet second chance it was.
With 5 months left in their contract, Brandon has to completely submit and face things about himself that aren’t pleasant. He is willing to try, and when his head lets go of the things he believes a man shouldn’t be doing, and his heart accepts that there is no shame in submitting. Together the men create a rhythm filled with such sweetness, such pain, and love.
A love not recognizable from the beginning but you can feel it in their actions, the moments of tender vulnerability, and the fact that they are willing to do anything for each other. However, it is not always rainbows and sunshine with Jonathan being a hardcore sadist, and Brandon not being a fan of pain. It’s a freaking match made in heaven y’all. Because he want’s Brandon not to want the pain, he want’s his real tears and he wants his suffering, above all else he wants Brandon to take the pain for him. To willingly suffer for him.
Jonathan has come a long way from the man he was in book one. He is patient, loving, and so freaking sexy he made my pants lose pants. His character spellbinds me, and I think I dream about him at night. Brandon broke my wee little heart. His headspace was bit fucked up, but I loved those moments when he gave in. It came so natural to him, and makes you wonder why was he fighting it in the first place.
You could argue about whether both men feelings are genuine, based on how the relationship was started. I think a long the way the money became a lesser issue, because the money became an excuse for Brandon to stay. It was the only way he could cope. So Brandon you ain’t no ho, because sometimes we need that anchor to keep us to a place. If you are a ho? You sure are a smart one ^_~
Overall, I loved the crap out of this book. The writing was superb, the story excellent and the characters the freaking best. I am a huge fan of BDSM books, and they are sometimes never done right, never written with the respect that is needed. The Power Play series was written with respect, and a sure knowledge of the scene. This will forever be one of my favourite reads. Just Simply the Freaking Best!
Thanks to Rachel Haimowitz for providing me with extra pants, because yes a lot of pants were lost in the reading of this.
SideNote- That fucking book cover! That Is All
5+++++
I don’t even have the words to express how awesome this book was, no freaking words. This will be another review where I am unable to express the awesmazingness packed into 292 pages. Cat and Rachel has outdone themselves with PP: A, and after fangirling over book 1, I am stone cold obsessed with Power Play: Awakening. Jonathan and Brandon are a tattoo on my heart and in brain. Impossible to Forget.
Power Play: Awakening picks up right after the first book, which left you wondering how things were going to work out between Brandon and Jonathan. Their relationship was a disaster from the beginning but there were glimpses that something beautiful would be the result if both men were to let go of their hang-ups. Well Brandon is willing to give it another go, and what a sweet second chance it was.
With 5 months left in their contract, Brandon has to completely submit and face things about himself that aren’t pleasant. He is willing to try, and when his head lets go of the things he believes a man shouldn’t be doing, and his heart accepts that there is no shame in submitting. Together the men create a rhythm filled with such sweetness, such pain, and love.
A love not recognizable from the beginning but you can feel it in their actions, the moments of tender vulnerability, and the fact that they are willing to do anything for each other. However, it is not always rainbows and sunshine with Jonathan being a hardcore sadist, and Brandon not being a fan of pain. It’s a freaking match made in heaven y’all. Because he want’s Brandon not to want the pain, he want’s his real tears and he wants his suffering, above all else he wants Brandon to take the pain for him. To willingly suffer for him.
Jonathan has come a long way from the man he was in book one. He is patient, loving, and so freaking sexy he made my pants lose pants. His character spellbinds me, and I think I dream about him at night. Brandon broke my wee little heart. His headspace was bit fucked up, but I loved those moments when he gave in. It came so natural to him, and makes you wonder why was he fighting it in the first place.
You could argue about whether both men feelings are genuine, based on how the relationship was started. I think a long the way the money became a lesser issue, because the money became an excuse for Brandon to stay. It was the only way he could cope. So Brandon you ain’t no ho, because sometimes we need that anchor to keep us to a place. If you are a ho? You sure are a smart one ^_~
Overall, I loved the crap out of this book. The writing was superb, the story excellent and the characters the freaking best. I am a huge fan of BDSM books, and they are sometimes never done right, never written with the respect that is needed. The Power Play series was written with respect, and a sure knowledge of the scene. This will forever be one of my favourite reads. Just Simply the Freaking Best!
Thanks to Rachel Haimowitz for providing me with extra pants, because yes a lot of pants were lost in the reading of this.
SideNote- That fucking book cover! That Is All
June 15, 2012
Wow. Okay. There's really nothing I can add with this review. I don't quite know how to articulately express how conflicted I feel about this book, well, about this couple, really. But here goes. I've always told myself that I much prefer MM romance over hetero stuff because it had the capacity to be truly egalitarian in a way that gender dynamics often don't allow in male-female relationships. This obviously is not always the case, heterosexual relationships and gay relationships can be equal or unequal. But it's just what I tell myself. Either way, inequality in a relationship makes me very uncomfortable, not in bed, mind you - I can handle that one partner is sexually dominant and the other submissive, but just in general life and in their interactions. That's kind of how I felt at the end of this book. Whatever happens, this relationship was manufactured to be unequal. It's called Power Play, I get that this is the point of the book, but I'm bothered how much I enjoyed it. I think what bothers me most is how Bran was so reluctant; other BDSM stuff I've read has always had the sub gagging for it, but that wasn't quite the case here. It also made me wonder about the egotism inherent in being a dom. My discomfort is not unpleasant, though, I feel like it's making me question my assumptions about relationship dynamics and what makes people do the things they do to each other.
That said, I devoured this book the way an experimental psychologist might watch her subjects. Avidly. I just couldn't wait for what they would do next. It was like watching the world's only exciting tennis match. I found the slow shift of consciousness very interesting. And, oh boy, was it hot. Ultimately, I really enjoyed it. It's a spectacularly well-considered piece of fiction.
That said, I devoured this book the way an experimental psychologist might watch her subjects. Avidly. I just couldn't wait for what they would do next. It was like watching the world's only exciting tennis match. I found the slow shift of consciousness very interesting. And, oh boy, was it hot. Ultimately, I really enjoyed it. It's a spectacularly well-considered piece of fiction.
June 11, 2012
The perfect ending to a perfect(ly, blissfully) painful (in a good BDSM way) book. I didn't want this ride to end. I may have cried a little when it did.
Books like this/these are why I love BDSM. I want the pain, I want the misery and perseverance, if only to see the slow, reluctant emergence of a new personality. Or, an old, buried one.
The authors rocked, I'm in love with Brandon, and blissfully happy to have read this - but then, I like pain :)
Minor complaint - which doesn't detract from the artistry of the story but.......I thought the flip from pain to pleasure (I.e. book1 to book 2) was rather fast. And.. I may have missed a point in the story that makes me feel that way - Haimowitz & Grant are sneaky theme/thought writers like that. But it was enough so that I really didn't/couldn't understand the characters' motivations for even considering going back/taking back. Still, other than that I found this story flawless, thought provoking, and mind-boggling.
Books like this/these are why I love BDSM. I want the pain, I want the misery and perseverance, if only to see the slow, reluctant emergence of a new personality. Or, an old, buried one.
The authors rocked, I'm in love with Brandon, and blissfully happy to have read this - but then, I like pain :)
Minor complaint - which doesn't detract from the artistry of the story but.......I thought the flip from pain to pleasure (I.e. book1 to book 2) was rather fast. And.. I may have missed a point in the story that makes me feel that way - Haimowitz & Grant are sneaky theme/thought writers like that. But it was enough so that I really didn't/couldn't understand the characters' motivations for even considering going back/taking back. Still, other than that I found this story flawless, thought provoking, and mind-boggling.
June 4, 2016
Upgraded to 5 stars on my second re-read. A superior explicit M/M Bdsm romance that concludes the story of Brandon and Jonathan. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I'm thinking 'abuse' but I still derived a wicked pleasure from this book.
"Why me, Jonathan?"
"I saw you sitting in that dingy old bar, and you shone like a beacon, Brandon. So bright and beautiful and fierce. A fighter. Hungry...
And to be honest, I wanted to be the one to tame that beast. Such raw power in you Brandon. So much strength. So much pride. And danger too - a lion with a thorn in its paw. You were hurting. You are hurting. And I wanted to tame that, too."
"Why me, Jonathan?"
"I saw you sitting in that dingy old bar, and you shone like a beacon, Brandon. So bright and beautiful and fierce. A fighter. Hungry...
And to be honest, I wanted to be the one to tame that beast. Such raw power in you Brandon. So much strength. So much pride. And danger too - a lion with a thorn in its paw. You were hurting. You are hurting. And I wanted to tame that, too."
May 31, 2013
“Strong enough themselves to weather the storm that was largely their own brewing, they turned loose and plundered the wrecks that floated about them.” ~Jack London, The Iron Heel
Never has a quote been truer for the story of Jonathan and Bran. I honestly think the authors did a fantastic job of mind fucking me until I was in sub space with Resistance and then sensually stroking me until I submitted on my knees in perfect posture with Awakening. This, THIS is the story I wanted!
Bran is back, he has come back to Jonathan. Unable to deal with what he has endured at the hands of the sadistic Dom and unable to deal without it the week he has been away. The duo reunite and realize what went wrong…they lacked some serious communication. Well boys, I don’t like to rub it in but, I told you so!
I am going to toss this out there right away; that quote up there at the top, that is the perfect way to describe reading the first book. It was tough, it pissed me off and made me rant about it for at least 1,000 words but it was necessary. You had to get through the dark, the hurt, the pain, the shit ton of misunderstandings to the point where I was yelling at fictional characters to understand the beauty of Awakening. Ugh, what brilliant titles for these books, it describes exactly what is written on the pages.
So, Bran is back and he and Jonathan are going to resume their relationship but try harder with the whole talking deal and honesty. What happens that first night just had me in awe. The change in both men was amazing. Jonathan became the man I wanted him to be in book one, my sadistic Dom with a side of morality. Yeah, it only took a few pages for the ice around my heart to melt for him. He wants Brandon so much that he knows he screwed up and is willing to work at this. To take it slow and to make sure that he not only gets what he needs but gives Brandon what he needs as well as teaching him.
Oh Jonathan. You made me so mad but you, Sir, turned me into one big pile of gooey mush more times than I care to admit. I am sure I could count each time if I tallied up the highlights with just you in them but I won’t. I can’t be that creepy, can I? Maybe? The way you cared and took care of Brandon this time around was breathtaking. The explanation of each scene was what I wanted. You did it for me right? The scenes were so brutal but beautiful and the praise was heart wrenching that yes, I got choked up at that first BJ out of the cage. How could I not? You gave so much with just a simple gesture. You listened and learned who Brandon really was and what he needed. The coaching, the teaching…have I said that before? I think I have gone all floaty thinking about you. Dammit.
Bran…Bran…Bran. You came back to Jonathan and I was scared for you. That first chat had me on edge but seeing you transform was again, beautiful. The strength and courage you had to learn to trust, to trust Jonathan that he could take care of you with simple things as feeding you to making sure you came out of each scene. I knew my heart was with you in Resistance but you dragged my head into this one. The submission, YOUR submission was transcendent. The fight against submitting was turned into the fight against what controlled you from the inside, the nagging destructive voices and with the skill, patience and yes love of Jonathan, you blew my mind.
This book, I am in love with it. I still have strong feelings about where Resistance took me and I stand by what I said. I have never been so mad at a book yet wanted to read the next one the way I have done with Power Play. I am beyond pleased with the turnabout of Jonathan and Bran’s story. This really was an Awakening; not only for the boys but for me as well. It felt as if this was not a sequel but a rewind, reboot and relive the way it was supposed to be. The way Jonathan and Bran learned to trust one another, either in the dungeon with or without guests, up at Big Sur (some of my favorite moments, the beach with s’mores…sigh) on that discovery of a trip and in the Epilogue, I was enamored, entranced and enchanted through each page and when the last one was turned, I was sad it was over.
Never has a quote been truer for the story of Jonathan and Bran. I honestly think the authors did a fantastic job of mind fucking me until I was in sub space with Resistance and then sensually stroking me until I submitted on my knees in perfect posture with Awakening. This, THIS is the story I wanted!
"You’re too smart not to learn from your mistakes, Brandon, so why are you here?"
"Because you’re too smart not to learn from your mistakes, Jonathan."
Bran is back, he has come back to Jonathan. Unable to deal with what he has endured at the hands of the sadistic Dom and unable to deal without it the week he has been away. The duo reunite and realize what went wrong…they lacked some serious communication. Well boys, I don’t like to rub it in but, I told you so!
I am going to toss this out there right away; that quote up there at the top, that is the perfect way to describe reading the first book. It was tough, it pissed me off and made me rant about it for at least 1,000 words but it was necessary. You had to get through the dark, the hurt, the pain, the shit ton of misunderstandings to the point where I was yelling at fictional characters to understand the beauty of Awakening. Ugh, what brilliant titles for these books, it describes exactly what is written on the pages.
So, Bran is back and he and Jonathan are going to resume their relationship but try harder with the whole talking deal and honesty. What happens that first night just had me in awe. The change in both men was amazing. Jonathan became the man I wanted him to be in book one, my sadistic Dom with a side of morality. Yeah, it only took a few pages for the ice around my heart to melt for him. He wants Brandon so much that he knows he screwed up and is willing to work at this. To take it slow and to make sure that he not only gets what he needs but gives Brandon what he needs as well as teaching him.
I suppose I could threaten to beat him. There were better – if perhaps less fun – ways to instruct the man. Especially now that he’d come to understand just how much Brandon had to learn – not only about being a submissive, but being, well, himself.
Oh Jonathan. You made me so mad but you, Sir, turned me into one big pile of gooey mush more times than I care to admit. I am sure I could count each time if I tallied up the highlights with just you in them but I won’t. I can’t be that creepy, can I? Maybe? The way you cared and took care of Brandon this time around was breathtaking. The explanation of each scene was what I wanted. You did it for me right? The scenes were so brutal but beautiful and the praise was heart wrenching that yes, I got choked up at that first BJ out of the cage. How could I not? You gave so much with just a simple gesture. You listened and learned who Brandon really was and what he needed. The coaching, the teaching…have I said that before? I think I have gone all floaty thinking about you. Dammit.
“Don’t you know by now, that I will never let you fall?”
“I know Jonathan, but…what if you don’t catch me in time?”
“I will catch you. And until you believe it, I suppose you’ll simply have to take it on faith.”
Bran…Bran…Bran. You came back to Jonathan and I was scared for you. That first chat had me on edge but seeing you transform was again, beautiful. The strength and courage you had to learn to trust, to trust Jonathan that he could take care of you with simple things as feeding you to making sure you came out of each scene. I knew my heart was with you in Resistance but you dragged my head into this one. The submission, YOUR submission was transcendent. The fight against submitting was turned into the fight against what controlled you from the inside, the nagging destructive voices and with the skill, patience and yes love of Jonathan, you blew my mind.
But Jonathan believed he could do it. And if Bran had learned one thing, it was to listen to the man. To trust him. Jonathan had never once asked something of Bran that he hadn’t turned out to be capable of giving, no matter how much Bran may have doubted it at the start.
This book, I am in love with it. I still have strong feelings about where Resistance took me and I stand by what I said. I have never been so mad at a book yet wanted to read the next one the way I have done with Power Play. I am beyond pleased with the turnabout of Jonathan and Bran’s story. This really was an Awakening; not only for the boys but for me as well. It felt as if this was not a sequel but a rewind, reboot and relive the way it was supposed to be. The way Jonathan and Bran learned to trust one another, either in the dungeon with or without guests, up at Big Sur (some of my favorite moments, the beach with s’mores…sigh) on that discovery of a trip and in the Epilogue, I was enamored, entranced and enchanted through each page and when the last one was turned, I was sad it was over.
“So what changed?”
Brandon looked him dead in the eye and said simply, “You.”
February 24, 2013
Once again, I was riveted, emotionally invested and totally riding the high while reading this book. The hurt, the hardcore scenes, the lust, the shame - all of these finally lead to the acceptance, the connection and the love that I so craved for these characters. I cried, I laughed, I was expectant, I was angry. These authors poured all this to the page and like an addict, I was left still wanting more.
In this book, which picks ups right after the ending of Power Play: Resistance, we get to see a different side from both characters. For once, Brandon is honest with himself and really tries to do better. He finally accepted that he had changed and that Jonathan had a hand in that and he needed his help to get through it so that he could finally let go of all his anger, his hurt and accept himself and live. And then there's Jonathan, finally accepting that he made mistakes. That he didn't go about it the right way that first time and that he needed to really dig into himself and find another approach to get through to Brandon.
To say that they were apprehensive when they resumed their contract is an understatement. Hell, I was apprehensive myself and I was cheering for them to get it right in book one. But could Brandon learn to let go? Could he trust Jonathan enough to do that? And did Jonathan have it in him to do what was best for Brandon? All these questions were in the back of my mind. Yes, they agreed to be honest with each other, to communicate and give it their best try. But I couldn't help the doubts. I just threw myself into the book and hoped for the best.
I so loved Jonathan in this book. He gave his best to Brandon and even when he failed he acknowledged it immediately, without hesitation. I had to admire that about him. He took the lead and guided Brandon in a way that helped him become comfortable in his own skin and accept things that in the weeks prior he would have protested about. He was with him every step of the way, through the hurt and the tears, while riding the high and drowning on the lows. He melted me in ways that no other Dom I've read about had ever done. And I fell in love with him a little more with every passage I read.
Brandon proved me wrong. He gave his best and in the end he won my heart. I admired his strength and perseverance throughout this journey. He fought himself every step of the way. There were times where he might have been doing all the right things outwardly in an attempt to please Jonathan, but inside he had a ranging war of emotions where shame had a starring role. It was when he accepted his needs and his desires that he really shone. It was beautiful to read how he gave himself to Jonathan. How he gave himself to the unknown and trusted Jonathan to be there to bring him out of it a better man. He gave of himself to Jonathan - for Jonathan - and it was exquisite. I cried when that happened. He went deep within himself and gave everything he had and my heart just opened up to him and accepted him in. Such strength and beauty. It was wonderful!
The writing, once again, was brilliant. The authors really put me through the ringer and left me reeling. They took each and every emotion and put in on the page in a way that I truly could connect to these characters - feeling their pain, understanding their insecurities and needs and forgiving their failures. I got my happily ending and I still want more.
In this book, which picks ups right after the ending of Power Play: Resistance, we get to see a different side from both characters. For once, Brandon is honest with himself and really tries to do better. He finally accepted that he had changed and that Jonathan had a hand in that and he needed his help to get through it so that he could finally let go of all his anger, his hurt and accept himself and live. And then there's Jonathan, finally accepting that he made mistakes. That he didn't go about it the right way that first time and that he needed to really dig into himself and find another approach to get through to Brandon.
To say that they were apprehensive when they resumed their contract is an understatement. Hell, I was apprehensive myself and I was cheering for them to get it right in book one. But could Brandon learn to let go? Could he trust Jonathan enough to do that? And did Jonathan have it in him to do what was best for Brandon? All these questions were in the back of my mind. Yes, they agreed to be honest with each other, to communicate and give it their best try. But I couldn't help the doubts. I just threw myself into the book and hoped for the best.
I so loved Jonathan in this book. He gave his best to Brandon and even when he failed he acknowledged it immediately, without hesitation. I had to admire that about him. He took the lead and guided Brandon in a way that helped him become comfortable in his own skin and accept things that in the weeks prior he would have protested about. He was with him every step of the way, through the hurt and the tears, while riding the high and drowning on the lows. He melted me in ways that no other Dom I've read about had ever done. And I fell in love with him a little more with every passage I read.
Brandon proved me wrong. He gave his best and in the end he won my heart. I admired his strength and perseverance throughout this journey. He fought himself every step of the way. There were times where he might have been doing all the right things outwardly in an attempt to please Jonathan, but inside he had a ranging war of emotions where shame had a starring role. It was when he accepted his needs and his desires that he really shone. It was beautiful to read how he gave himself to Jonathan. How he gave himself to the unknown and trusted Jonathan to be there to bring him out of it a better man. He gave of himself to Jonathan - for Jonathan - and it was exquisite. I cried when that happened. He went deep within himself and gave everything he had and my heart just opened up to him and accepted him in. Such strength and beauty. It was wonderful!
The writing, once again, was brilliant. The authors really put me through the ringer and left me reeling. They took each and every emotion and put in on the page in a way that I truly could connect to these characters - feeling their pain, understanding their insecurities and needs and forgiving their failures. I got my happily ending and I still want more.
January 10, 2025
Oh. My. GOD
I just finished reading this and I can't even begin to describe how amazing this book is! Seriously, who wrote this incredibly beautiful masterpiece? Rachel Haimowitz & Cat Grant. If someone asks me why I love reading so much, I will shove this book in their face. Honestly, I'm tempted to visit every book I've ever rated 5 stars after reading this. 'Cuz what the heck? There should be a special rating for such books.
Phew, deep breath. This book has everything I love and could ever ask for. You love realistic, well-written characters with purpose, motivations, and goals. Really good character development and growth. BDSM kinks and the foundation of it, what it could mean to some people, what it would help some people achieve. Sassy MC. A balanced relationship where both submissive and dominant care for each other's needs. Absolutely perfectly executed dual points of view. Just start this series, no need to scroll more in the comment section. Do yourself a favor and start it.
I loved watching Brandon's growth throughout the story. Jonathan is not portrayed as a flawless, all-powerful character, but rather someone who can make mistakes and learn from them. His self-awareness makes him the perfect guide for Brandon to find his own self in the maze his life hid it in from him. The monologues and dialogues are absolutely perfect, and the pacing of events is spot on. God, I loved, I loved, I lov... I could go on and on, but I'll stop here if I had to list all of it, this review would never end.
Gonna say it one more time: do yourself a favor and start reading it, NOW.
God, help me. I already want to re-read it. I really tried to drag the inevitable which was finishing it.
I just finished reading this and I can't even begin to describe how amazing this book is! Seriously, who wrote this incredibly beautiful masterpiece? Rachel Haimowitz & Cat Grant. If someone asks me why I love reading so much, I will shove this book in their face. Honestly, I'm tempted to visit every book I've ever rated 5 stars after reading this. 'Cuz what the heck? There should be a special rating for such books.
Phew, deep breath. This book has everything I love and could ever ask for. You love realistic, well-written characters with purpose, motivations, and goals. Really good character development and growth. BDSM kinks and the foundation of it, what it could mean to some people, what it would help some people achieve. Sassy MC. A balanced relationship where both submissive and dominant care for each other's needs. Absolutely perfectly executed dual points of view. Just start this series, no need to scroll more in the comment section. Do yourself a favor and start it.
I loved watching Brandon's growth throughout the story. Jonathan is not portrayed as a flawless, all-powerful character, but rather someone who can make mistakes and learn from them. His self-awareness makes him the perfect guide for Brandon to find his own self in the maze his life hid it in from him. The monologues and dialogues are absolutely perfect, and the pacing of events is spot on. God, I loved, I loved, I lov... I could go on and on, but I'll stop here if I had to list all of it, this review would never end.
Gonna say it one more time: do yourself a favor and start reading it, NOW.
God, help me. I already want to re-read it. I really tried to drag the inevitable which was finishing it.
June 19, 2012
I knew it! I knew it! After the first book I was feeling like I didn't really want to go on. It was harsh and brutal and so very very hardcore and I couldn't find any light in all of it. Jonathan was almost mean. Brandon was clearly not getting any sort of fulfillment out of it. There was very little interaction between the characters aside from the beatings. BUT when the second book came along I knew I was going to dive in. Why? Because it was Rachel Haimowitz! And from having read some of her other work I knew that if any author could take me there, she could. And I have no regrets. I absolutely love the range of thought and emotions I'm lead through and how much this book made me stop and think.
As the title leads you to believe, this book is about coming to life, blossoming and thriving. For both Jonathan and Brandon. Brandon comes back into the contract because a small spark of "something" was ignited and he needs to fan it. It starts off with apologies and a change in tactics, calming the residual tension I felt from book one. We see a softer, more communicative side of Jonathan. He becomes more teacher than dictator. We also get a lot more internal dialogue for Brandon, which helped me feel okay with what was happening. I felt his need for discipline, letting go, trust and was relieved when he was given it. The story progressed beautifully from all scene to scene mixed with some (for lack of a better word) normal time. I don't know if I could have been okay with the story if Brandon hadn't been given some level of autonomy and independence. Finally peaking with their lives moving outside of their own little world and into everyday living. Letting the reader know how this life would work for them and where they were going to end up.
I only wish there was more!!!
As the title leads you to believe, this book is about coming to life, blossoming and thriving. For both Jonathan and Brandon. Brandon comes back into the contract because a small spark of "something" was ignited and he needs to fan it. It starts off with apologies and a change in tactics, calming the residual tension I felt from book one. We see a softer, more communicative side of Jonathan. He becomes more teacher than dictator. We also get a lot more internal dialogue for Brandon, which helped me feel okay with what was happening. I felt his need for discipline, letting go, trust and was relieved when he was given it. The story progressed beautifully from all scene to scene mixed with some (for lack of a better word) normal time. I don't know if I could have been okay with the story if Brandon hadn't been given some level of autonomy and independence. Finally peaking with their lives moving outside of their own little world and into everyday living. Letting the reader know how this life would work for them and where they were going to end up.
I only wish there was more!!!
April 26, 2014
So-some boys can be such mean brutal little f'ers..because it's like some survival-of-the-fittest-hard-wired-pre-genetic-code-kind of shit..in them..or something.
I'm thinking BDSM power games are like some grown-up x-rated version of all those child-hood domination games some of us used to play..
This writer doesn't just talk a good kinky-kind-of game but rather instead..effectively sells experience in the life through the writing..and it shows very well.
This story has to be read in its entirety starting w/Power Play: Resistance in order to fully appreciate the depth and emotional intricacy of the storyline. This is no fluff-stand-alone or regurgitated stand-in shit..that's for sure.
And, although, the story plays out intensely physical and often painful..in the end the reader is rewarded in the beautifully-crafted, multi-layered characters evolution and story.
(IMO) this is by far one of the better reads of this type of plot device in this genre. It's not the usual traditional organized safe-worded dungeons of shit..of 'me master.' Instead it's more of a practice-as-you-go kind of stupidity that lends it some authenticity to the story.
I'm thinking BDSM power games are like some grown-up x-rated version of all those child-hood domination games some of us used to play..
This writer doesn't just talk a good kinky-kind-of game but rather instead..effectively sells experience in the life through the writing..and it shows very well.
This story has to be read in its entirety starting w/Power Play: Resistance in order to fully appreciate the depth and emotional intricacy of the storyline. This is no fluff-stand-alone or regurgitated stand-in shit..that's for sure.
And, although, the story plays out intensely physical and often painful..in the end the reader is rewarded in the beautifully-crafted, multi-layered characters evolution and story.
(IMO) this is by far one of the better reads of this type of plot device in this genre. It's not the usual traditional organized safe-worded dungeons of shit..of 'me master.' Instead it's more of a practice-as-you-go kind of stupidity that lends it some authenticity to the story.
June 23, 2012
The first book in this series was hard for me to read. It made me uncomfortable and angry on more than one occasion, but the way it was so perfectly written made it impossible for me to stop until I had finished reading.
This book is even better.
Finally Jonathan realizes his mistakes and really makes an effort to learn what can work and not work with Bran.
And finally Brandon is ready to start is journey toward a perfect submission.
The "pain level" in some scenes was a bit too high for me, but the book was absolutely worth it. And more than anything, those scenes made perfect sense with the story.
Something else that made me wonder is how much "formal" Brandon has to be with Jonathan, even when they are not doing a scene.
This book is even better.
Finally Jonathan realizes his mistakes and really makes an effort to learn what can work and not work with Bran.
And finally Brandon is ready to start is journey toward a perfect submission.
The "pain level" in some scenes was a bit too high for me, but the book was absolutely worth it. And more than anything, those scenes made perfect sense with the story.
Something else that made me wonder is how much "formal" Brandon has to be with Jonathan, even when they are not doing a scene.
January 11, 2016
This book was like night and day compared to the first book, Resistance. This was actually so sweet and tender that I have to deduct a star for lack of angst (I know I know, book one too much angst and now this one doesn't have enough??? can anything please you Chelsea?).
Jonathan and Bran are sooo completely different in this story that I can't even reconcile these two to the men they were in the first book. Jonathan still pushes Bran but does it using discussion and a healthy mix of pain and pleasure. Bran is so willing to be submissive that he actively tries to please Jonathan, even if it means taking pain he doesn't enjoy. This version of the couple were a joy to read.
Had he ever felt as happy as he had so many times these last few months? So cared for? So warm and safe and, yes, even loved? So eager to make another person feel the same in return? So what if their way of expressing those things meant hand-feedings and floggings and collars and cages? Whatever this . . . thing was between them, it was . . . Fuck it, it was beautiful...
Jonathans behaviour in the last book is still unexcusable and honestly I'm finding it hard to even imagine him being awful after reading this one, but he did apologise ALOT and rather beautifully.
“Is it so shocking to you,” Jonathan said, his mouth twisting like it couldn’t quite choose between a wry smile and a frown, “that I’m willing to admit I was wrong too? Because I was wrong, and I am sorry for that, I truly am. I misread you. I made assumptions about your desires, your knowledge and understanding—about my own knowledge and understanding too—that caused me to handle you badly. And worst of all, I let you frustrate me into driving you away, when what I should have been doing was helping you get to the root of why you felt the need to frustrate me so in the first place.”
If you've read the first book and not this one, I would recommend reading it, but read it as a separate novel/story. Resistance was about abuse, anger and distrust and this book is about self-understanding and confidence, strength and love.
Jonathan and Bran are sooo completely different in this story that I can't even reconcile these two to the men they were in the first book. Jonathan still pushes Bran but does it using discussion and a healthy mix of pain and pleasure. Bran is so willing to be submissive that he actively tries to please Jonathan, even if it means taking pain he doesn't enjoy. This version of the couple were a joy to read.
Had he ever felt as happy as he had so many times these last few months? So cared for? So warm and safe and, yes, even loved? So eager to make another person feel the same in return? So what if their way of expressing those things meant hand-feedings and floggings and collars and cages? Whatever this . . . thing was between them, it was . . . Fuck it, it was beautiful...
Jonathans behaviour in the last book is still unexcusable and honestly I'm finding it hard to even imagine him being awful after reading this one, but he did apologise ALOT and rather beautifully.
“Is it so shocking to you,” Jonathan said, his mouth twisting like it couldn’t quite choose between a wry smile and a frown, “that I’m willing to admit I was wrong too? Because I was wrong, and I am sorry for that, I truly am. I misread you. I made assumptions about your desires, your knowledge and understanding—about my own knowledge and understanding too—that caused me to handle you badly. And worst of all, I let you frustrate me into driving you away, when what I should have been doing was helping you get to the root of why you felt the need to frustrate me so in the first place.”
If you've read the first book and not this one, I would recommend reading it, but read it as a separate novel/story. Resistance was about abuse, anger and distrust and this book is about self-understanding and confidence, strength and love.
June 9, 2012
Gah! I loved this story!!
I can't seem to find the words yet but I feel the need to write some kind of review other than my usual batch of superfluous bookshelf tabs... suffice to say that although I cannot begin to understand how this kind of D/s relationship works in Real Life, it's bloody fascinating...and hot as hell...and, as Emma C's review so rightly states, when you're in the masterful hands of Rachel Haimowitz and Cat Grant this pain/pleasure can't be anything but goooood. I'd have to add that it's not just good, it's transcendent. ;-P
Ladies, thanks for an amazing ride!
Highly recommended.
I can't seem to find the words yet but I feel the need to write some kind of review other than my usual batch of superfluous bookshelf tabs... suffice to say that although I cannot begin to understand how this kind of D/s relationship works in Real Life, it's bloody fascinating...and hot as hell...and, as Emma C's review so rightly states, when you're in the masterful hands of Rachel Haimowitz and Cat Grant this pain/pleasure can't be anything but goooood. I'd have to add that it's not just good, it's transcendent. ;-P
Ladies, thanks for an amazing ride!
Highly recommended.
November 23, 2013
YES! I knew it would be worth it.
This is what it should have been from the start. I trusted the author’s to deliver and they did. Oh boy did they ever!
Okay, it’s still not ALL flowers and orgasms but it’s as close as we’ll ever get.
Awakening is a soothing gentle caress in comparison to Redemption; this is the much needed aftercare that was so horribly absent before. I give huge thanks for that because honestly? I don’t think I could have stomached any more of the same.
Awakening takes place in a beautiful setting when Jonathan takes Brandon away from the nasty oppressive dungeon to Big Sur, his incredible holiday home at the beach.
I can’t tell you what a relief it is to just …phew, breathe through a scene. As soon as their trust deepens their exchange becomes reciprocal and everything changes. The authors temper pleasure and pain exquisitely, a mutual give-and-take that finally gives their dynamic a hope in lasting the term of their contract. But what happens when the six months is over? Neither man is relationship material nor is Brandon masochist enough to match Jonathan’s sadistic appetite long-term.
No matter the outcome, the journey is still intense and very demanding for Brandon but nothing he/we can’t handle. We know that Jonathan will always be a tough sadist but here he exposes an innate kindness and caring we’ve never seen in him before. He wins me over, and with that I found my understanding and acceptance of HIS needs. For the first time I believed in their power exchange – and that’s when I found the power and beauty of Brandon’s submission. He was just …stunning. Giving himself over so completely was liberating for him, for Jonathan and for me. I got it, I really did! I loved that the authors didn’t tell it, they showed it – a big difference which enlightens and illuminates the power of this dynamic to the nth degree.
Awakening was fascinating, captivating and powerful. The authors took me right to edge and pulled me back with everything I never knew I wanted. They made me believe in a man I had no faith in and showed me how incredible the power of dominance and submission can be. I was a little disappointed in the nothingness between the end and the epilogue, but nevertheless I still loved this book. Highly recommended for those who want to take it to the next level.
4.5 Stars.
This is what it should have been from the start. I trusted the author’s to deliver and they did. Oh boy did they ever!
Okay, it’s still not ALL flowers and orgasms but it’s as close as we’ll ever get.
Awakening is a soothing gentle caress in comparison to Redemption; this is the much needed aftercare that was so horribly absent before. I give huge thanks for that because honestly? I don’t think I could have stomached any more of the same.
Awakening takes place in a beautiful setting when Jonathan takes Brandon away from the nasty oppressive dungeon to Big Sur, his incredible holiday home at the beach.
I can’t tell you what a relief it is to just …phew, breathe through a scene. As soon as their trust deepens their exchange becomes reciprocal and everything changes. The authors temper pleasure and pain exquisitely, a mutual give-and-take that finally gives their dynamic a hope in lasting the term of their contract. But what happens when the six months is over? Neither man is relationship material nor is Brandon masochist enough to match Jonathan’s sadistic appetite long-term.
No matter the outcome, the journey is still intense and very demanding for Brandon but nothing he/we can’t handle. We know that Jonathan will always be a tough sadist but here he exposes an innate kindness and caring we’ve never seen in him before. He wins me over, and with that I found my understanding and acceptance of HIS needs. For the first time I believed in their power exchange – and that’s when I found the power and beauty of Brandon’s submission. He was just …stunning. Giving himself over so completely was liberating for him, for Jonathan and for me. I got it, I really did! I loved that the authors didn’t tell it, they showed it – a big difference which enlightens and illuminates the power of this dynamic to the nth degree.
Awakening was fascinating, captivating and powerful. The authors took me right to edge and pulled me back with everything I never knew I wanted. They made me believe in a man I had no faith in and showed me how incredible the power of dominance and submission can be. I was a little disappointed in the nothingness between the end and the epilogue, but nevertheless I still loved this book. Highly recommended for those who want to take it to the next level.
4.5 Stars.
June 9, 2012
Loved this one so much, starting with the cover. (OMG, that cover is the sexiest thing, ever.)
At the end of the previous book, Jonathan comes to realize that he assumed way too much about Brandon and failed him miserably. Bran was an absolute wreck when he went back to Jonathan and let him have it. So they both had reasons for wanting to move forward (more than just the money or pride). And with their new understandings, things start much better than they did the first time around.
Neither is perfect, so it pleased me to no end to see them still making mistakes in this story. Bran has to answer some tough questions to Jonathan, and Jonathan has to answer a few of his own as well. Since the story is told from both points of view, we see inside both of them as they make their discoveries and progress. And wow, is it a subtle transition and so well done. By the time their contract is over, their ending makes complete sense.
This story is not for the faint of heart as far as pain goes, but there's still no blood (Bran's hard limit). Bran does NOT like pain, but he does endure a lot of it, so the descriptions are quite vivid.
In the middle of the story, we see Devon and Nicky (from Master Class) for an evening. Quite an interesting evening for Bran, that one. I was sort of hoping toward the end of the story that Bran might think of talking to Nicky again since Nicky had gone through some of what Bran was going through.
If I had to find one thing felt slightly off to me, it was Bran's behavior on the plane. That felt a touch forced (as a story element) for some reason. Not to say that it couldn't have happened for the reasons it did, just . . . *shrug* It's nit-picky as far as issues go, and quite possibly just me.
So, I loved it. If you can handle the hardcore BDSM, this series is definitely for you.
And because she said it much better than I, I'm linking to Emma C's review also.
At the end of the previous book, Jonathan comes to realize that he assumed way too much about Brandon and failed him miserably. Bran was an absolute wreck when he went back to Jonathan and let him have it. So they both had reasons for wanting to move forward (more than just the money or pride). And with their new understandings, things start much better than they did the first time around.
Neither is perfect, so it pleased me to no end to see them still making mistakes in this story. Bran has to answer some tough questions to Jonathan, and Jonathan has to answer a few of his own as well. Since the story is told from both points of view, we see inside both of them as they make their discoveries and progress. And wow, is it a subtle transition and so well done. By the time their contract is over, their ending makes complete sense.
This story is not for the faint of heart as far as pain goes, but there's still no blood (Bran's hard limit). Bran does NOT like pain, but he does endure a lot of it, so the descriptions are quite vivid.
In the middle of the story, we see Devon and Nicky (from Master Class) for an evening. Quite an interesting evening for Bran, that one. I was sort of hoping toward the end of the story that Bran might think of talking to Nicky again since Nicky had gone through some of what Bran was going through.
If I had to find one thing felt slightly off to me, it was Bran's behavior on the plane. That felt a touch forced (as a story element) for some reason. Not to say that it couldn't have happened for the reasons it did, just . . . *shrug* It's nit-picky as far as issues go, and quite possibly just me.
So, I loved it. If you can handle the hardcore BDSM, this series is definitely for you.
And because she said it much better than I, I'm linking to Emma C's review also.
October 5, 2013
Loved it. The relationship between Bran & Jonathan is so brilliantly written, it blew me away. I haven't fallen this hard for a series in awhile. It's so fantastically written from both points of view, I can't gush enough. Both of these authors collaborated beautifully to create a series that will not soon be forgotten.
Bran's still a smart ass & stubborn as all get out but you just can't help but love him. He really puts forth effort to mold himself into everything Jonathan needs him to be & sinks into his role without much prompting though there are still bumps along the way. He discovers how strong he is in his submission to Jonathan & gains insight into both his own needs that are being met by it & secondarily, his pervasive inner turmoil surrounding it. None of which could've been accomplished without Jonathan's unending patience, guidance, protection & most of all faith in Bran.
Jonathan, however, is a blind fool not to see what's right in front of his face. For someone so brilliant, he's really quite daft at this whole relationship thing. He is awfully cunning at sussing out what Bran needs to push him in the right direction, just not very observant of the fruits of his labor. *smh*
The second of the series is far more romantic than the first though it's not without its fair share of sadomasochism. It did seem to lean more towards bondage & discipline overall, to me at least. The scening is torturous & erotic & brutal & steamy. There's locale changes that test the boundaries of their relationship & even the strength of it. They are also faced with a rather serious obstacle which threatens to tear them apart. Fantastic!
Bran's still a smart ass & stubborn as all get out but you just can't help but love him. He really puts forth effort to mold himself into everything Jonathan needs him to be & sinks into his role without much prompting though there are still bumps along the way. He discovers how strong he is in his submission to Jonathan & gains insight into both his own needs that are being met by it & secondarily, his pervasive inner turmoil surrounding it. None of which could've been accomplished without Jonathan's unending patience, guidance, protection & most of all faith in Bran.
Jonathan, however, is a blind fool not to see what's right in front of his face. For someone so brilliant, he's really quite daft at this whole relationship thing. He is awfully cunning at sussing out what Bran needs to push him in the right direction, just not very observant of the fruits of his labor. *smh*
The second of the series is far more romantic than the first though it's not without its fair share of sadomasochism. It did seem to lean more towards bondage & discipline overall, to me at least. The scening is torturous & erotic & brutal & steamy. There's locale changes that test the boundaries of their relationship & even the strength of it. They are also faced with a rather serious obstacle which threatens to tear them apart. Fantastic!
March 8, 2017
one word: clothespins
Well the mindfuckery continues, damn Jonathan likes to mess with Bran. However, it all ended up for the best and Bran made a humongous metamorphosis over the course of six months. Wasn't sure at the start of the first book how the authors could ever pull it off but it totally works, 100% worth every cringe.
Well the mindfuckery continues, damn Jonathan likes to mess with Bran. However, it all ended up for the best and Bran made a humongous metamorphosis over the course of six months. Wasn't sure at the start of the first book how the authors could ever pull it off but it totally works, 100% worth every cringe.
August 3, 2016
There are already lot of great reviews so I'll just say that this books is exactly as good as I needed it to be after reading book 1. A true and thorough study of a power transfer..
July 10, 2013
I read both books in a day. All day long I did nothing but read, cry/whimper/shake, smoke, read, smoke some more and read a whole lot more. But fuck if i could put those two books down. For that reason, and for that reason ONLY i gave the second book 3 stars. I gave the first one a 1 star because that was how i felt about that book. If i'm going to be reviewing the writer's ability to write a book that doesn't let me take my eyes off of it for even a minute, has me sitting on the edge of my seat all day, has me hurting alongside Brandon and cursing Jonathon as if this book was a true story that was happening to me then i would rate this series 10 stars not just five. Now since im rating the content of series, i would honestly have given it 0 stars if i could. Here are my reasons why:
*Let me take the events of the book step by step. First of all, everyone who knows anything about BDSM is aware of the contracts signed between a sub and Dom at the begining of a D/s relationship. Yes, Brandon signed the contract. But for all the bullshit that was discussed when the contract was signed it could might as well have been an empty piece of paper with two worthless signatures and the time frame of the so-called "relationship". In order for a contract to be legit, there has to be a discussion about soft limits, hard limits, what the sub is willing to try, what makes the sub nervous, is there anything you absolutly won't do, is there anything you might do with a little encouragment? How about i explain to you what BDSM stands for and what exactly does it entail? Do you know what impact play is, sensation play, edge play? How about whips, floggers, canes, crops, bondage. Would you be interested in fire play? Breath play? Knives play? How about domestic displine, house chores and the like? How about mindfuck, orgasm torture, CBT? Just talk about ANYTHING for Godsakes!! To me since nothing was discussed that entire "contract" is nul, every single word in it is moot.
*Jonathon doesn't even deserve to be called a Dom because if he is then it is an injustice to all the Doms around the world. Everyone who knows a little about BDSM knows that in order for a D/s relationship to work the sub and the Dom have to COMMUNICATE. Talk, negotiate, discuss. Sadly, i don't think Jonathon even understands what those words mean, for all his eloquency, there are crucial words missing from his dictionary! Yeah i have to admit Brandon was sometimes an ass, annoying, irritating and just down right bratty but like Newton said every action has an equal and opposite reaction. For all of Brandons brattiness and asshattery he ABSOLUTLY DID NOT deserve what happened to him. The pyramid cage, the other cage with the electric shocks God *shudders* gave me the creeps and i thought that was the worst of it. He let him go 5 days without food and then finally decided to push him about it!! WTF! he shouldn't have let him go 1day without and pushed him from the moment he refused to eat or FORCED him to leave!! And at this point poor silly me i thought it couldn't get any worse then this ...
....
.......
.........
AND THEN IT GOT SOOO MUCH WORSE I DON"T EVEN HAVE THE WORDS TO DESCRIBE IT!!
I mean frankly this is the first time i read about a Dom who punishes a sub in anger. He actually takes his anger out on him! The last couple of weeks before Brandon left gave me nightmares for days! OH MY GOD! That was so far beyond inhumane that i don't think there is a word in the dictionary that could describe the horrors that Jonothan did to Brandon! I don't even know what to say!
*Now other people say, Brandon left and then he came back on his own and Jonathon apologized so ofcourse he is forgiven and oh they're in love oh that's sooo sweet they're like one of my fav couples!! NO NO NO!!!
I don't care if Jonathon spent 1000years of his miserable petty disgusting existence grovelling, begging, pleading and apologizing, hoping for forgiveness.HE. DOES. NOT. DESERVE. IT. ABSOLUTLY. NOT. He deserves to be served 100 life sentences all wrapped up into one! And Brandon falling for him and all that bullshit is just that bullshit, an illusion, and to be honest, one big MINDFUCK! Anyone ever heard of Pavlov's dogs, you know the ones where he used a psychological technique called conditioning to adjust their responses? Well, there is another similar theory in psychology called operant conditioning. Basically you use the concept of rewards and punishments to adjust's an animal or humans behaviour. Or better yet, how about brain washing? Anyone? You know the kind that normal people go through that turns them into terrorists?
God! Those two books were a disaster!!! And what's even sadder is that people were actually rooting for this "couple" wanting them to "live happily ever after". God i was so angry after i finished the series i didnt know what to do with myself! And now writing this review is making me angry all over again. I have never read a book no matter how bad it was and it made me regret reading it. No scratch that it made me regret the day i learned how to even read!
*Let me take the events of the book step by step. First of all, everyone who knows anything about BDSM is aware of the contracts signed between a sub and Dom at the begining of a D/s relationship. Yes, Brandon signed the contract. But for all the bullshit that was discussed when the contract was signed it could might as well have been an empty piece of paper with two worthless signatures and the time frame of the so-called "relationship". In order for a contract to be legit, there has to be a discussion about soft limits, hard limits, what the sub is willing to try, what makes the sub nervous, is there anything you absolutly won't do, is there anything you might do with a little encouragment? How about i explain to you what BDSM stands for and what exactly does it entail? Do you know what impact play is, sensation play, edge play? How about whips, floggers, canes, crops, bondage. Would you be interested in fire play? Breath play? Knives play? How about domestic displine, house chores and the like? How about mindfuck, orgasm torture, CBT? Just talk about ANYTHING for Godsakes!! To me since nothing was discussed that entire "contract" is nul, every single word in it is moot.
*Jonathon doesn't even deserve to be called a Dom because if he is then it is an injustice to all the Doms around the world. Everyone who knows a little about BDSM knows that in order for a D/s relationship to work the sub and the Dom have to COMMUNICATE. Talk, negotiate, discuss. Sadly, i don't think Jonathon even understands what those words mean, for all his eloquency, there are crucial words missing from his dictionary! Yeah i have to admit Brandon was sometimes an ass, annoying, irritating and just down right bratty but like Newton said every action has an equal and opposite reaction. For all of Brandons brattiness and asshattery he ABSOLUTLY DID NOT deserve what happened to him. The pyramid cage, the other cage with the electric shocks God *shudders* gave me the creeps and i thought that was the worst of it. He let him go 5 days without food and then finally decided to push him about it!! WTF! he shouldn't have let him go 1day without and pushed him from the moment he refused to eat or FORCED him to leave!! And at this point poor silly me i thought it couldn't get any worse then this ...
....
.......
.........
AND THEN IT GOT SOOO MUCH WORSE I DON"T EVEN HAVE THE WORDS TO DESCRIBE IT!!
I mean frankly this is the first time i read about a Dom who punishes a sub in anger. He actually takes his anger out on him! The last couple of weeks before Brandon left gave me nightmares for days! OH MY GOD! That was so far beyond inhumane that i don't think there is a word in the dictionary that could describe the horrors that Jonothan did to Brandon! I don't even know what to say!
*Now other people say, Brandon left and then he came back on his own and Jonathon apologized so ofcourse he is forgiven and oh they're in love oh that's sooo sweet they're like one of my fav couples!! NO NO NO!!!
I don't care if Jonathon spent 1000years of his miserable petty disgusting existence grovelling, begging, pleading and apologizing, hoping for forgiveness.HE. DOES. NOT. DESERVE. IT. ABSOLUTLY. NOT. He deserves to be served 100 life sentences all wrapped up into one! And Brandon falling for him and all that bullshit is just that bullshit, an illusion, and to be honest, one big MINDFUCK! Anyone ever heard of Pavlov's dogs, you know the ones where he used a psychological technique called conditioning to adjust their responses? Well, there is another similar theory in psychology called operant conditioning. Basically you use the concept of rewards and punishments to adjust's an animal or humans behaviour. Or better yet, how about brain washing? Anyone? You know the kind that normal people go through that turns them into terrorists?
God! Those two books were a disaster!!! And what's even sadder is that people were actually rooting for this "couple" wanting them to "live happily ever after". God i was so angry after i finished the series i didnt know what to do with myself! And now writing this review is making me angry all over again. I have never read a book no matter how bad it was and it made me regret reading it. No scratch that it made me regret the day i learned how to even read!
June 12, 2012
This is the follow-up to the Power Play: Resistance (PPR) book. Starts right where book 1 left off.
I won't proceed without saying that this is an gay dark erotica read. It has m/m, aggressive BDSM play practices, and edge/intense play scenes. Not for the easily offended crowd. Consider yourself warned.
That being said this is a wowzer book. I thought PPR pushed my comfort level boundaries but that was until I got to this one. It's like an accident scene you're driving by. You know you shouldn't look but you can't help slowing down and looking anyway. Same thing here. I realize this is a fictional story but (another pun alert) where there's smoke their's fire so the authors must have got their ideas from somewhere. I couldn't put this down and didn't want to because it grabbed me from the start and I had to finish. And I'm so glad I did.
This is a dark erotic romantic story of two guys who have demons and baggage issues. It's not a fairy tale romance that has sugar sweet BDSM and an indulgent Dom who satisfies their submissive's every need. The main character is a sadist. He makes no apologies for it or wants to change in any way. His way to be affectionate involves canes, pain, and psychological game playing. Every relationship adapts and develops their own standards and if this is theirs and they are adult consensual partners I don't have a problem with it.
There were a few concerns I had about this book that don't detract from it but I'll mention them. First and foremost is the vegetarian aspects. There are a couple times I found myself questioning the accuracy as written. And the trip to China part left me with a few questions I wasn't sure about. But otherwise the flow/story line/BDSM play were terrific.
I can't end this without repeating that this book has elements of BDSM play that the casual reader may not like. Clothespin play - intense. Caning - painful. C**k cage - true.
If you haven't read the previous book (PPR) don't read this one until you do. A lot of this book requires a base knowledge of the first book to appreciate and follow along. If you have read the first you HAVE to read this one if only to find out what happens when the contract period ends with Brandon.....
I won't proceed without saying that this is an gay dark erotica read. It has m/m, aggressive BDSM play practices, and edge/intense play scenes. Not for the easily offended crowd. Consider yourself warned.
That being said this is a wowzer book. I thought PPR pushed my comfort level boundaries but that was until I got to this one. It's like an accident scene you're driving by. You know you shouldn't look but you can't help slowing down and looking anyway. Same thing here. I realize this is a fictional story but (another pun alert) where there's smoke their's fire so the authors must have got their ideas from somewhere. I couldn't put this down and didn't want to because it grabbed me from the start and I had to finish. And I'm so glad I did.
This is a dark erotic romantic story of two guys who have demons and baggage issues. It's not a fairy tale romance that has sugar sweet BDSM and an indulgent Dom who satisfies their submissive's every need. The main character is a sadist. He makes no apologies for it or wants to change in any way. His way to be affectionate involves canes, pain, and psychological game playing. Every relationship adapts and develops their own standards and if this is theirs and they are adult consensual partners I don't have a problem with it.
There were a few concerns I had about this book that don't detract from it but I'll mention them. First and foremost is the vegetarian aspects. There are a couple times I found myself questioning the accuracy as written. And the trip to China part left me with a few questions I wasn't sure about. But otherwise the flow/story line/BDSM play were terrific.
I can't end this without repeating that this book has elements of BDSM play that the casual reader may not like. Clothespin play - intense. Caning - painful. C**k cage - true.
If you haven't read the previous book (PPR) don't read this one until you do. A lot of this book requires a base knowledge of the first book to appreciate and follow along. If you have read the first you HAVE to read this one if only to find out what happens when the contract period ends with Brandon.....
October 31, 2012
i honestly think i was expecting something else when reading. it was almost a 180 spin compared to the previous book. i think i expected more torture. call me sick :/
There still was but it was with class, if you can even say that about BDSM. The clothes pin scene was absolutely beautiful. I could feel the bite of the tight pins on my own skin but the words from Jonathon soothed the pain.
There is still a lot of work that both Jonathan and Bran need to work on but they both understand that there is no power struggle. its a give and take.
It was quite amazing to see Brans transformation. He went from the scared little boy that was beaten into a man who found that the bruises now inflicted are out of love.
There still was but it was with class, if you can even say that about BDSM. The clothes pin scene was absolutely beautiful. I could feel the bite of the tight pins on my own skin but the words from Jonathon soothed the pain.
There is still a lot of work that both Jonathan and Bran need to work on but they both understand that there is no power struggle. its a give and take.
It was quite amazing to see Brans transformation. He went from the scared little boy that was beaten into a man who found that the bruises now inflicted are out of love.
October 4, 2012
OK, this one took me longer to read than the first one. Why? Because I knew I wasn't going to enjoy myself. Still I read it.
My same complaints stand from my review of the first book. This isn't BDSM. It isn't sexy. It's just disturbing. Deeply, deeply disturbing. I don't understand the attraction of this sort of story, but to each their own. I don't recommend it.
My same complaints stand from my review of the first book. This isn't BDSM. It isn't sexy. It's just disturbing. Deeply, deeply disturbing. I don't understand the attraction of this sort of story, but to each their own. I don't recommend it.
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