6 stars!!!
Love hurts…if you’re lucky. Kaden knows he’s dying, but before he goes, he has one problem he needs to solve – he must ask his oldest friend Seth to take over as his beloved wife’s Dom and Master after his death. Seth has always seen himself as the perpetual screw-up and Kaden as the strong and steady one, so his friend’s request rocks his world. Now Seth finds himself immersed in a role he’s far from comfortable with: inflicting pain to provide emotional comfort for the woman he’s secretly loved for years. Can he deal with his crushing grief and learn the skills he must master in time to become THE RELUCTANT DOM? Warning: m/f/m menage, anal sex/play/toys, BDSM, bondage, D/s relationship, and the lesser-known “normality” of the world of BDSM.
Wow. I feel emotionally shellshocked after reading this. This is definitely one of those books that is going to stay with me. Forever.
I sobbed. Not just like a lot of tears, like 100%, full-fledged weeping. Many times. …. But I also laughed.
This book is beautiful. I don’t know how else to describe it. It has also totally rearranged my definition of ‘kink’.
But also, and very importantly, the point of the book was not the kink. It was the emotional journey that the characters go though. The sex isn’t the focus of the story, its part of what conveys the story.
This is a love story. Its a story of unconditional and immeasurable love. All kinds of love.
I’m very much of a “hero meets heroine and they live happily ever after, no other partners ever” kind of reader. But for some reason, the 3-way relationship that developed in this book didn’t set off any of my ‘alarm bells’. With the way it was presented it, I totally accepted it with all my heart.
The only thing that still got to me was the ‘Master/slave’ thing. I don’t mind the Master thing even, or the sub thing, but I personally just don’t like the word ‘slave’. But again, with the way the book was written and with the way the story was presented, I was able to accept it.
And I really liked the explanation of the title. I was wrong about what I thought it meant. I won’t spoil it for you, but I really liked how it was explained.
I highly recommend this book is you are looking for a book that will make you FEEL.
Its beautiful.
I’ve never read anything like it. And I can’t stop thinking about it.
I don’t know what else to say… except that this book should come with a box of kleenex.
6 stars.
PS: If you are not already somewhat familiar with the BDSM world, I’d say that reading the Fifty Shades trilogy by E.L. James is a must BEFORE this… It will help ease you in so that when you read this, it’s less about the culture shock of the world, and more about the love story. Just my opinion 🙂
EDIT: I’m writing this about 3 weeks after having read the book and I just wanted to say that I haven’t been able to get it off my mind. I’ve read many books after (although it took me several days before I could even contemplate reading another) and still, I can’t stop thinking about this one. I think Kaden has definitely made my list of fav book male characters. His strength is so haunting.
**** Guys, please don’t judge it based on it’s awful cover shown on Amazon. Seriously. The cover I have at the top of this review was the original one this book was published under and it fits this book so much better.
RiN says
Oh my goodness I absolutely love LOVE love this book!
I never cried so much in one book before.
I reviewed it as well on my blog as a definite much read!!
Aestas says
I think Kaden is one of the absolute strongest male characters ever written <3
Sharlaine says
OMG. After reading that line about needing a Kleenex, I’m having second thoughts now. By just reading your review I’m sure I’ll be in that same position after I got my hands on this. I hate hate hate but at the same time love crying, it makes you appreciate the book more. OMG. I don’t know what to do. Have to gather enough strength first before indulging on this. Great review Aestas and thanks for the warning. HAHA 🙂
Aestas says
ooooo its SUCH a good book! The sad thing that happens isn’t out of the blue. You know its going to happen from page 1 actually, just when it happens, it rips your heart right out. But oddly enough, the ending isn’t unhappy still just because of the way the story is structured. You really HAVE to read it. I’d say its on the “must read” list if you are open to BDSM stuff (cuz even though thats not the focus of the story, its a very big part of it)… just read it in between 2 happy books (lol and maybe not in public cuz around 70% in, you’ll probably start bawling uncontrollably 😛 )
Lauren says
Hey! This book looks awesome. But I can’t find it anywhere. Where did you get it? Also I LOVE your website! You’ve given me so many great suggestions on books to read! And I love your reviews of the books, your rating system, the pictures you put that you think the characters look like, everything!
Aestas says
Hi Lauren! I’m so glad you love my blog and that you are finding new reads that you love 😀
Unfortunately, the author must have signed some sort of deal so you can only buy her books through one source. And she changed all her covers too and they are reeeeeally cheesy and hideous! But, if you can ignore them and just focus on the absolutely wonderful story inside, you’ll be fine lol
Here is the link to the only place you can now buy this book:
http://www.bookstrand.com/the-reluctant-dom
Lana says
Hey there,
I initially had a hard time finding this book too but the author recently made it available on Amazon’s website. I will be downloading it to my Kindle soon! 🙂
Sheila says
Can someone tell me if they have found a book that is along the same line and brought tears in your eyes or made you cry
Aestas says
By “along the same line” do you mean BDSM, loved one dying, or just a book that is highly emotional? I can give you several beautiful tear-jerker but happy ending book recommendations if you want 🙂
Sheila says
would like to stay along the same line of bdsm looking for any suggestions
Aestas says
Well… Assuming you have read Fifty Shades… then I can’t help you too too much cuz I haven’t read a lot of BDSM
but I hear that this series (link below) is a fav of a lot of BDSM fans so you might want to give it a shot. And apparently, the further you go in the series, the better it gets. I’ve read books 1&2 and they were hot but not really for me. But still, a LOT of people LOVE them so you might want to check them out
http://www.goodreads.com/series/46845-masters-of-the-shadowlands
leebertn says
WOW!!! No other words!
Johanna says
I’ve wanted to read this, but your review just made sure it was next on my list! Can’t wait to get started!
Aestas says
YAY!! Its such a beautiful story <3 Be sure to have a few boxes of kleenex on hand though!
Andrea11 says
This is one of my all time favorite books! I cried like a little baby.
Leigh says
I am in TOTAL agreement with you here. I was *reluctant* to read, cus really.. Who in the BDSM works be a reluctant Dom? Whelp.. I have to say.. I loved this book, it has stuck with me for way long than I ough possible. I have read it twice.. And I STILL have a box of tissues, and will read it again.. And again.. And yet again…
<3 ya Aesta!
Before I purchase any book, I have to see what you say!
Xoxo
cb says
I never felt so compelled to comment on your blog before, but your review is SPOT ON. I had never read a book that made me FEEL from BEGINNING to END. Often times, a story builds connections with the characters and emotions and you get just a chapter or two of just pure angst/heartache/joy … but their story amped up emotion from the very beginning and kept on going. I was hooked after chapter one and I felt like someone was squeezing my heart the entire book. And the final chapters: I cried silent tears – oh.so.bittersweet. Thank you for the recommendation !!
Leslie says
I think your review is dead on with this one. It’s a beautiful love story, and has haunted me for a year now, since I first read it. I have not been able to pick it back up to reread since then. I am going to look now to see if you read the Denim Dom…
Heather Rawlins says
I wasn’t sure about this one – I love Tymber Dalton, but mostly her mmf books. But I think I need to read this one. Thanks for the great review.