Addicted surprised me. The publisher advertised it as a BDSM-themed short story. So, I expected a spanking or two, and some hot sex. I didn’t expect to find such a depth of emotion. Vic and Damien were separated 10 years ago. Both feel the other betrayed him by walking out. Now, Damien is a Marine Corp Captain about to be assigned to the same base as Gunnery Sergeant Vic. Vic knows he is coming, and is planning to be cold and rebuff Damien for breaking his heart. Only, nothing goes as planned.

When Damien and Vic meet to air their differences in hopes of being able to work together civilly, the scene is gut-wrenching. Vic is devastated to finally see Damien’s view of what happened. Damien finally understands the sacrifice Vic had to make at the time, but is still in pain over being left behind. Unlike the normal angst found in a gay romance (such as not knowing if the other is gay, or being in the closet), the issues here are life-altering events. Death, children and abuse. Damien trusted Vic with his deepest desires to submit, and Vic didn’t understand until now what his last words and actions did to the young man . They still love each other, but where do they go from here? This story really grabs a reader by the throat. Both men have been living half-lives, needing the other but being alone. Now, they can’t deny their passion (and the sex is piping hot) but they have to deal with the fallout. Damien and Vic have children. They are Marines living under a no fraternization rule, let alone being outed as gay. And they have a lot of pain to overcome.

This was a very good romance story. Vic and Damien are refreshingly flawed men – mature, with careers. Very real. Though the sex is hot and explicit, the emotion in the story is tangible. I felt the men’s pain, and their love. For those concerned about the BDSM tone, it’s pretty mild compared to some. They men make liberal use of a heavy leather belt, but no more in this story. However, the ending indicates there will be a sequel or two, and the BDSM theme will likely expand into more submission and restraints. For me, it adds just enough spice without making me cringe. I like Damien and Vic, and will definitely pick up the sequel in March 09. Overall, I highly recommend this story. ( )