Reviewed by JustJen
Title: Initiation
Author: Nik Valentine
Heroes: Joey/Gabriel
Genre: M/M BDSM
Length: 200 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: January 31, 2014
Available at: Dreamspinner Press
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads
Blurb: After a difficult start in life, Joey’s dreams are finally coming true after he is accepted to the college of his choice. He attempts to find what’s missing on a BDSM website and is invited to dinner by Gabriel. Joey finds comfort in Gabriel’s understanding of his needs and accepts an invitation to spend the weekend together so Joey can find out if being a sex slave is really what he wants.
Their weekend starts out rough when Gabriel finds out Joey kept an important secret from him, but they persevere, and Joey discovers he is made for the role Gabriel guides him into. Gabriel is a stern, temperamental Master, but this only makes the trust between grow until Joey can proudly say,
My name is Joey Mantello.
I am nineteen years old.
I am a sex slave.
I belong only to my Master, Gabriel.
I would have it no other way.
Review:
When this book starts, we meet Joey, a nineteen year old soon-to-be college student, who finally taking a chance to see if his desires can become a reality. He meets up with Gabriel through a BDSM website. Joey is extremely naive and inexperienced, as is expected from a guy his age. Gabriel is able to bring Joey out of his shell enough that he is able to actually express his desires. It isn’t until Gabriel takes Joey to a friend’s house that he truly understands what it is he is seeking, i.e. consensual sexual slavery. At this visit, he also learns what he doesn’t want to be (an “It” with no identity) and is introduced to a young man who, not that long ago, was in Joey’s shoes, so to speak. Through his conversations with the young man, he finds the security and comfort to take things a step further with Gabriel.
This then leads to a weekend trial period whereupon Gabriel gives him a taste of what entering into a contract with him would be like. Gabriel’s last boy died about a year prior, though we never really find out any details on that. One thing I felt a little uncomfortable with was the age difference, more so because Joey was so young. I also kept wondering why his aunt wasn’t questioning his whereabouts when he suddenly disappeared for the weekends.
But, setting those questions/issues aside, this was a well-written, enjoyable story. Gabriel seemed very caring and took things relatively slow, always making sure Joey understood and was not overwhelmed by what they were doing. When Joey withheld some important information, Gabriel quickly put a halt to everything, again stressing the importance of honesty and trust. Joey is a total sweetheart, just coming into his skin. He was a total pleaser with not a mean or bratty bone in his body. Things could have gone so very wrong for him had he not found someone as caring as Gabriel.
However, I didn’t really feel much of a connection with these two as a couple, although that really didn’t seem to be the goal at this point in their relationship. They got along well enough together as Dom/Sub, but given the ages, I just couldn’t see much beyond that. I would love to see another story about them showing how things have progressed and will definitely be looking to read more from Mr. Valentine.
Overall Impression: I liked it
*I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher in return for a fair and honest review.*
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