I am all for a little erotica here and there but the Daddy/little dominant submissive dynamic was one I had never explored before. I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I went into it but it wasn’t as different as I expected (feared) it to be. I originally felt a bit icky about the Daddy/little labels and to be honest that icky feeling didn’t go all the way away. Something about Madigan calling Abel “boy” had me cringing each time I saw it. That being said, I think I understand the Daddy/little dynamic in Madigan and Abel’s case.
Abel is a star hockey player with bipolar and a long time love for the man who watched him grow up. Abel lost his dad to cancer at a very young age. Madigan was a friend to his dad and stepmom and was there during that time and every day thereafter for Abel. With all of this to bear in between mood swings, panic attacks and dominating on the ice Abel needs a place to safely be his playful, sometimes pouty and a little petulant self. He needs to be able to relax and let someone else be in control in all the other parts of his life.
To quote Abel:
“I felt small and vulnerable beneath him and for some reason it was perfect”.
Madigan is a bit of a silver fox. He is a successful tattoo artist and a little bit of a reputation. It wasn’t exactly clear whether that was a reputation for being the man about town or for being an amazing Dom. I definitely think that could have been expanded on in the story. Even though it’s stated that the books in the Camassia Cove series can be read as standalones, Madigan’s character was one of those I felt had been developed throughout the series even if it was by small references to him here and there.
Gray is such a lovable character. He is Abel’s best friend and honestly the (platonic) love between the two just leapt off the page. Gray understands Abel in a way few do. He laughs with him, cuddles and cries with him and teases him when he gets too serious or otherwise too wrapped in his feelings. Gray does all this while going through his own relationship woes which I hope are solved in the next book! Gray and Abel’s relationship is unique because it’s a best friendship that doesn’t turn into an unrequited love scenario or a grand love affair (nothing against those themes but this was a refreshing change).
I thought the story was fun in some parts like when Madigan told Abel:
“You’ll defend me the day I tell two of my closest friends I’m dating their son.”
I did feel the story could have been longer and could have delved into some parts more:
Abel’s career was sort of thrown in at random points. He wasn’t even really playing for much of the book and that was kind of disappointing. If there’s anything I love it’s a good sports romance and this was not that.
Madigan’s skill as a Dom also wasn’t really explored as much as I would like. No one likes to hear about a main character’s past loves but there was no delving into where he had picked up his Dom training or expertise and what motivated him to dominate.
Overall the book was a 3 star read. I am intrigued by the other characters and may come back to find out their stories...maybe.
TK MAJ
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