'Packing Leather' is a fun start to a new series. The focus is less on the sun and the beach than the falling into place of a D/s relationship that has clearly been a while in the making. The 'weekend away' was more of an excuse for the two men to come together than anything else. I liked that, since the main reason I love Kim Dare's books is the human angle, not necessarily the setting.

Darren, the experienced Dom, and Jamie, the new sub, are a delightful pair. I loved that Darren was as insecure at times as his new sub. He 'mastered' those feelings like a Dom, though, without being callous or overly macho. He is very invested in making this new relationship work beyond the weekend and is appalled when he realizes that Jamie has any doubts.

Jamie may be a 'beginning level' sub, but he knows what he wants. I loved that he made his own choices - facing the 'punishment' when it came with a mix of trepidation and longing. He may have been overwhelmed with the newness of actually experiencing some of his fantasies, but, as Darren remarks, he has the balls to go through with it.

If you like reading about hot men who indulge in some power play while they figure out their relationship, you will probably enjoy this story. ( )

3 stars. Nice, sexy story about two friends who work together finally getting together. My only niggle would be that the first time they have sex, Darren doesn't allow Jamie to orgasm. They've been dancing around their attraction for months and then he isn't allowed to finish? I thought that was a bit cruel for no real reason other than to show his dominance. (and especially after Jamie had the guts to jump headfirst into bondage!)

But, really, that's only my personal opinion. Future readings may change my mind. :) ( )