Yet another great addition to the series, this one focuses on the need to dominate and submit to get away from your job. I thought it was fascinating how both Mike and Carl have the same problem - a demanding job and horrors from their cases that tend to stay with them even after hours. But where the solution and way to get away from it all for Mike is to dominate and control his partner, the opposite is true for Carl.

Carl feels safe and happy when he doesn't need to think, doesn't need to prove that he can do the job or master the situation. He has been able to find purely physical release from the tensions of his job before, but this story explores his discovery of the mental side of it as well. The build-up of trust is wonderful to watch, but it's very subtle.

Mike may be a little lost where technology in his job is concerned, but he is a "master" at figuring out Carl's needs and then giving the other man what he wants and needs. He is amazingly comfortable with separating his job from his personal life, and the way he relates to Carl at work is very different from what they do at home. I think this s very realistic for their type of job and it added to my enjoyment.

A fun an fascinating read! ( )

My first m/m in a long time. I did like the story, but it was more like an interlude. ( )

Actually a 3.5 ---
Mike and Carl are so cute. This is story where the adage opposites attract really hold true. And although it seems the action happened kind of quickly the way the really connect at work makes it seem natural and Carl is really getting what he needs. ( )

On re-reading this I upped the stars. I like the fact that in this story, the trappings of BDSM are discarded in favor of the principles underlying them.

This book probably more than any others showed me the reason some people need the pain of BDSM. For many, the rest of their life is full of intangible stresses that they have difficulty dealing with. Any sign of weakness in the face of problems is frowned upon by society, their work environment or even themselves. Yet, when physical pain surmounts that and they have permission or are even encouraged to vent their reactions, they get an outlet for all that suppressed anguish. Then after it finishes they also benefit by realizing they had the strength to deal with this physical pain, and gained by understanding that there is an end to it and the relief that follows when it is over.

If only we had safe words in life or knew someone who would ensure we only had as much as they knew we could bear. ( )