Jack tells himself he no longer needs BDSM. But a mysterious Dom shows him just how wrong he is… Alexei.
Personal desperation, as well as a promise made to Alexei, convinces Jack to go along with his mentor’s crazy plan… Being strapped to a St. Andrew’s cross centers the chaos in his mind, until the Dom walks through the door…and it’s the last guy he ever expects to see with a flogger in his hand…
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Claire Thompson has a way with words. When she writes about domination and submission, she puts it in ways that few authors I’ve run across can. I always love how she does it and how she makes it feel so incredible and immediate.
This book is a quick prequel to her Serving His Master series, which is full of super hot stories. The story isn’t just about the sex, although that is really hot, but it’s about figuring out who you are and what you want, and more importantly accepting who you are and what you want. Not everyone wants to accept parts of themselves that they think aren’t normal or are twisted. Jack has that problem. He found things that he liked before, but then other things happened and he had to convince himself to open back up to that part of himself. When he turns to a friend, that friend sends Ronan to help him. However, he and Ronan haven’t had the best relationship possible.
I really like Ronan. He really wants to help any submissive that he’s with, whether he’s partnering that man or teaching him, to become his best self and to find the best place when it comes to his submission. Listening to him talk about submission is a lesson in and of itself.
Claire Thompson’s work is just so beautiful because of that.
Jack has issues and expresses through anger. After he brutally injurys his hands hitting an unforgiving wall, he finds himself with an old friend. Alexei can very clearly see what Jack needs, but is not available to do it himself. He sets up Jack with a Professional Dom, Ronan, for a weekend at his country home. Unbeknownst, to all involved, Jack and Ronan know each other and not necessarily in a positive way. This is where the magic happens, but you will have to read this story to find out what happens. Claire Thompson is an amazing author and I never hesitate to buy her books.
This was a quickie, but had a good build-up. Luckily the two people had a history, and that was explained early on, otherwise, the immediate connection they had would’ve have been too much. Good build up, just too quick on the HEA
Awakening
Jack Harris is the owner of an auto body shop who is conflicted about the rage and disquiet within himself. His past lover hurt and betrayed Jack at a time when he was newly introduced to BDSM. Because of that experience, Jack denies anything to do with the lifestyle or entertaining the idea of becoming submissive to any dom. Yet, there is something missing in his life and with the affairs he has.
Ronin Grant is a Master Dom. He hasn’t come across a submissive that could keep his interest. Or a submissive who could really fly into subspace under his expert manipulations. When another dom asks a favor to meet with a client, Ronin has no idea the man in front of him, naked and vulnerable, would be Jack. The men view each as an adversary and are both surprised for what is about to happen.
Switching Gears is a short story that packs a punch. Ms. Thompson delivers a well-written story with two compelling characters. It is presented in dual POVs and makes for an intriguing read. I just love how the story unfolds. It’s sweet and tender and emotional. Finally, under Ronin’s expert guidance Jack finds peace and calm through submissive pain. Ronin and Jack finally find a chance at love.