2.5 stars ( )

The spice in this story comes not only from the D/s angle of the story, but from an interesting variation on the gay/bisexual theme.

I liked how Spencer got himself into a position where he was finally able to have his fellow student Baxter submit to him. The tension around how long his 'being gay' can last is predominant in Baxter's thoughts throughout most of the story. He wants forever, but doesn't think Spencer can give that to him. His fear that Spencer will leave him is all the more powerful because it isn't just about being faithful to him, but also about whether or not Spencer can remain gay, i.e., give up women altogether.

The fact is, though, that the scenes between Baxter and Spencer are so hot, the men's feelings quickly get quite deep (well, Baxter's were there from the start), and they are clearly suited for each other really well. Spencer may not realize it as quickly as Baxter has, but there is more between these two than sex.

If you like stories with some hot D/s scenes as well as some more kinky BDSM scenes, men who learn they really care for each other and appreciate a bit of humor thrown in, you will probably loke this story. ( )

Good but not my favorite Kim Dare book. ( )

Liked it better on most recent re-read, especially with the free short story sequel. ( )

I really like the college boys by Kim Dare who play at being Dominant and submissive; they are so really into it that they are so cute and pretty, like those puppies who believe to be some big guardian dogs. Really, I’m not joking, when I open a book by Kim Dare I already know that I will find a nice and cute story about pretty gay boys who are enjoying their age.

As in a previous book by Kim Dare, another thing that I liked is the characterization of the Dominant and submissive: Spencer, the Dominant, is the smaller man in the couple, several inches shorter than Baxter, his submissive. Spencer is not even wealthier or older than Baxter, the other two ways that usually characterize a Dominant hero. Spencer is a Dominant since he is absolutely convinced to be, he is totally self-assured, and it’s his being so sure that gives him power on Baxter. On the other hand, Baxter loves Spencer, both as friend than lover, and so he has no problem to consider him the Dominant in the relationship: it’s not that he recognizes the absolute bigger strength of Spencer, it’s that he wants for Spencer to be the stronger in their relationship, and so he willingly gives up.

Basically the reason that brings together Spencer and Baxter as a couple (they are already friends) is simple and maybe even silly: a common friend got knocked his girlfriend and has to leave college before graduation; Spencer swears that he will stay away from girls until graduation, and since he plays both fields, he will be gay for the remaining time. And Baxter is right there, gay, and in love with Spencer. So when Spencer decides not only to be gay, but also to be Baxter’s Dominant, Baxter has no heart to say no.

The first time I read of the young Dominants of Kim Dare, I thought they rung strange, I couldn’t believe a man that young could really be so self-assured. But after all, nor Kim Dare or her boys take themselves too seriously, they are young and they like to play. Don’t try to make them more important of what they really are; they have all the life to be serious.

http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/963082.html