Not Safe For Work

When I started reading this book I thought I would love it, but the more I read the more I didn't feel as strongly about it. It was still good, but as I advanced on the story, it lost its spark.

First, things that I really liked.

The first few chapters were so funny and I liked Jon. The main characters are over 40, quite a rare thing to read, and I loved it. I also loved how they weren't what you think of when you think of a 40 year old characters, they weren't grey and grumpy and super grown-up. They were regular people, they were capable of feeling things the same a teenager could. And speaking of, Jon and Rick's first 'date' was so cute, but also hot. I had a lot of fun reading that part, L.A. Witt managed to put on paper exactly what goes on on a first date: the emotions, the uncertainty, the flow of the conversation. I haven't been on a first date since I don't know when, but what went on in there is exactly it.

I liked how their relationship progressed. They clicked instantly and the way it was described felt so natural. They were still two adults and they acted accordingly which, again, I liked very much. Well, overall I liked a lot reading about actual adults acting like adults.

I also liked Jon's workplace vibe, that is an environment I would like working in. Well, without the crazy, unrealistic demands. Also, I liked how you could actually see how open and casual the team were with each other, but at the same time didn't neglect their job. While making fun of each other their projects were being worked on with great attention. And I liked that they were genuinely friends.

Before I go on with the things I didn't like, I have to mention one that's in-between. I liked how there was a distinction between the Dom persona and the regular person, actual employee. It was a treat because I don't think I ever read a book where the Dom isn't always just a bit Dom, no matter the setting, but there were instances where I wished the Dom persona will get out. Yes, it did happen a few times, but it was quite tame. Here I'm leaning more towards the liked area than not liked because I really did enjoy this bedroom versus out in the open persona.

Second, things I didn't really like.

The book kept the same tone from start to finish, but also took a dive. The tone is not a bad thing, but I needed a few more ups and downs. I don't know how to explain this so I hope what I'm going to say next will shed some light. And that's about the repetitions. There were a few ideas, idioms, and words that were repeated over and over again. They made sense, but you can use one of those so many times before they lose their value. After using one of them five times, the sixth time you can't get the same impact and that's a shame because they had great potential. Some were used too soon, others weren't used at the right time.

Reading the first few chapters there was something that kind of pulled me out of story. I was expecting there to be some cracking bones and sore muscles given that the characters were over 40, but when it finally happened, bones were cracking and joints hurt what felt like every paragraph. I was expecting that mention, it wouldn't have been right without it, but when it finally happened I felt attacked.

The biggest thing that confused me and made me stop reading so I could do some looking up, was the mention of wax play. I was excited for them to try that out, but when it actually happened it was made to sound like it's very painful. Now, I don't have any experience with wax play hence why I had to look it up, but the whole deal didn't sit well with me. I did accidentally pour wax from a candle on my hand before and it wasn't as painful as the book made it sound. To that we add the fact that the wax I accidentally poured on myself was regular candle wax which has a higher melting point than the one used in BDSM play, so the sensation of burn/pain is nowhere near regular wax. From what I could find, most of the articles didn't even mention the word 'pain' and the one I did find mentioning it said that there's only light to no pain depending on the wax you are using. So what was that all about? Like I said, I was excited about that scene, and yes, there is risk of injury is you don't use the right kind of wax (meaning regular candle wax), but the big deal about the pain ruined it for me.

I'm at a loss what to rate this book. The BDSM part of it was definitely on the lighter side and while I would have liked things to be more intense, both characters did say they enjoy vanilla. Throughout the book it was obvious the D/s dynamic was not actually a life style for them, but a way to spice things up, while at the same time Jon's supposed experience didn't quite come through. Slightly disappointing, but I was warned about the vanilla so I can't really complain. That being said, I think a two stars rating is fit for the overall feeling I got from the story.