Series: Kink Files
Volume: 1/?Publisher: -
Genre/s: Contemporary MM romance
Length: -
Read in: English
Review copy format: epub
Rate:✮✮✮✮✮✬
Steele is a masochist who is no longer able to satisfy his needs in the way he has done so far. To rediscover the balance between pain and pleasure, he decides to ask for help from the whip wielding expert Hightower, who attends the same BDSM club as him. Unfortunately, the man refuses to help, but Steele don't want to give up, and his stubbornness turns out to have some unexpected effects.
"The Kiss" is a BDSM novella written by A.G. Carothers, which was originally published in "Come Play" anthology. However, it was shorter then and it differed a little bit from the version we have the opportunity to read now. Nevertheless, the first of the advantages of this novella remains unchanged, because the main characters are really worthy of our interest. There's no doubt that Steele is the character I like the most, as he's perfect thanks to his imperfect appearance. Let's be honest, we've gotten used to the characters with bodies of young gods, while in "The Kiss" we see a man who's a little more "rounded" here and there, and what's more, hairy, while he's definitely missing some hair on his head. Yes, Steele is undoubtedly charming, because of his ordinariness.
Another thing I'd like to write about is Steele's sexuality. I admit that at the beginning I regretted that the author didn't develop this topic and didn't go deeper into it, but I quickly realized one really interesting thing. Namely, in everyday life not everyone is willing to think deeply about their feelings. Some just accept everything as it is without unnecessary complications. In "The Kiss", the lack of self-analysis is simply something normal and understandable, which makes this story more believable. That's why it's also a plus of this novella. Admittedly, this is an advantage that you have to come to terms with, because our human curiosity really wants to be satisfied, but the fact that Steele is not labeled in any way really suits this character.
The thing that distinguishes the first version of the short story from the novella the most is the fact the story has been enriched with events that develop the protagonists' relationship, show more precisely Hightower's character and cement the relationship between Steele and Hightower. To put it briefly, in "The Kiss" we have some elements that make this novella a romance, as feelings between the protagonists flourish, while originally it was more about a need to satisfy different desires and curiosity. This is undoubtedly a good thing as it satisfies our need for romance.
In summary, "The Kiss" is a novella that is really worth reading. Mature, serious characters will undoubtedly appeal to the readers, as will a rather sweet, very interesting story. In short, I recommend it.
Headcanon: When Steele goes on an official date with Hightower, he never knows what to wear.
Fanfiction idea: Steele i Hightower in a dance club.
AU idea: Although Steele doesn't remember ever pissing someone off, someone is trying to set him up for a murder. The case is being investigated by Detective Gavin Hightower.
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