With a title like “Bi Now, Gay Later” who wouldn’t want to read this? Aside from the great title, the fifth story in Perfect Timing series feels very classic Kim Dare. Although I don’t think I’ve read any of the others in this particular series, I have read other Dare offerings so I knew what to expect. Those familiar with the author will recognize the pretty typical D/s pairing with heavy rituals and titles. There is the ubitiquous club scene and a big misunderstanding, but the underlying theme of acceptance is an important issue to tackle. The story does so wrapped up in a lot of hot sex, predictable characters, and a kind of silly resolution. Yet fans of the author won’t mind and likely want to pick this up anyway.
The story follows Jerry, a bisexual submissive that struggles with his master’s dismissal of his sexuality. When Denton tries to force Jerry into admitting he’s gay because Denton doesn’t believe in bisexuality, the resulting misunderstanding could break their relationship apart. Denton and Jerry must come to an understanding if they’re going to be together.
The plot itself is pretty basic but it tackles an interesting question and does so pretty well. It takes the issue of bisexuality and questions it from both sides. There is Denton, a gay man that doesn’t understand or believe in bisexuality. He thinks it’s a crutch and that it means any person wants or needs to be with both men and women to feel complete. Since Jerry seems perfectly happy with him, Denton thinks Jerry just is afraid to come fully out of the closet. This is set against Jerry who shows that his bisexuality just means he loves and is attracted to the person, not the gender. He doesn’t need both to be happy, he just needs one person and the gender is immaterial to him. Some of this is dealt with nicely, especially in several scenes where Jerry tries to describe what it feels like to have his sexuality ignored and dismissed.
If the story had stayed with this theme, it would have been better but instead it tries to draw out the tension and drama too far. There is an intense, emotional scene between Jerry and Denton when Jerry exposes his heart and lays out exactly what he feels and why, to which Denton walks away. This is pretty ridiculous and even more so when his later explanation is revealed. It had me stopping and literally saying “what?” I realize the story is trying to draw out the tension to a big finale, but the entire emotional toll of that conversation and Denton’s ridiculous rejection killed it for me. The later resolution feels weak and while, romantic, I just couldn’t get back into the story.
Aside from the major bump towards the end, the story is a nice look at bisexuality and how it is not always accepted even within the gay community. The few sex scenes are pretty classic BDSM with too many repetitive descriptions and a lot of nicknames. Fans of the author will likely enjoy this one but those looking for something a little different than typical fare may enjoy this as well. Just ignore the “leap the shark” moment in the middle.