Book: Override
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publication date: August 31, 2016
Length: 212 pages
Reviewed by Erin
Synopsis
Don’t judge a book by its cover….
At over six feet, with a body honed in the gym, auto worker Donavan Gregory is used to people assuming he’s a dominant top. Unfortunately, they’re wrong, and Donavan’s desire to explore his submissive side goes unfulfilled.
Smaller and older than Donavan, Doctor Seth Manning might not look like a typical dominant, but when the two men meet at Pride, Donavan realized Seth might be his perfect counterpart. The trouble is, Donavan doesn’t have as much experience with the BDSM world as he’d like. What could an educated, handsome, and confident man like Seth possibly see in someone like him? Seth must convince him that despite the differences on the surface, when it comes to kinky fun and discovery, they’ll fit together just fine.
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Review
When I saw
that SJD Peterson was starting a new series, I was really excited. I
loved her Guards of Folsom series (especially Blake and Ty) so there is
no doubt that SJD can write BDSM and do it well. Unfortunately, Override
didn't live up to my expectations. I was so disappointed. There is a
noticeable lack of chemistry between the two main characters, and with
the exception of a bit of low self confidence on the part of Donavan and
a bit of over the top and contrived (and confusing) drama at the end,
there really wasn't much to this story to keep me interested.
There
are things to like about this book, though. Donavan Gregory isn't your
average submissive. He's tall, he's built, and just looking at him no
one would ever think he craves to be dominated. I'm a big fan of going
against stereotypes so seeing this in the blurb grabbed my attention
right off the bat. I also really liked that he's just an everyday kind
of guy. He works in a factory, he works out after work with his best
friend, Cain. He adores his mother, he plays poker with his friends, and
likes to hang out and drink beer. I liked all that, a lot. I also liked
that Dr. Seth Manning is slight and much smaller than Donavan. I also
really enjoyed Seth's family. His brothers were funny, his sister is
lovely, and his parents are supportive and sweet.
Besides
some pretty hot sex, of which tying someone up and telling them not to
come until you say so does not BDSM make, there wasn't much else to the
story. There isn't a mention of safewords until well after Donavan and
Seth begin their relationship, and by that time, I felt like the BDSM
part of things was more play acting than genuine. It all felt forced and
I didn't buy into it at all. I much preferred them just cuddling on the
couch and eating dinner. Those parts I enjoyed greatly. There is also a
phrase that's used very early in the book that took me right out of the
first sex scene and really kept me from enjoying any of them from that
point on. I'm all for dirty talk, sometimes the dirtier the better, but
this time, it just so did not work. And a personal quibble, the way
Donavan's name is spelled made me cringe every time I saw it. Of course
names and their spelling's are totally the author's prerogative, but
this one really just grated on me.
All
in all, I think this might be a case of it's me and not the book. If
you like your books with mostly fluff and next to no drama (or anything
else but sex) then I suggest you give this book a try. And that cover?
It's gorgeous, and might be enough to make me check out the next book in
the series and hope for a win.
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