REVIEW: 'Override' by SJD Peterson
Title: Override
Series: The Underground Club Book 1
Author: SJD Peterson
Published: August 31, 2016
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Ronaldo Gutierrez Photographer/Cover Design: Paul Richmond
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance
Length: 200 Pages
Tags: Gay; M/M; May/December; D/s; BDSM; HEA
BLURB:
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.
5 HEART READ
REVIEW: Heck yeah! I’m happy to say that I found SJD Peterson’s Override, the first book in her The Underground Club series, to be a surprising little gem. The fact that I almost gave up in the first chapter, but stayed the course, makes it an even greater pleasure.
So let’s address that little statement shall we? You see, I found myself questioning the plausibility of the interaction which occurs in the first scene. But I was reminded by a dear friend that “anything can happen at Pride”.
Boy was I glad I listened to him because Donavan and Seth’s story was just all kinds of romppy fun! Yes, I know that’s not a word, I mean how the hell do you even spell it.…but it soooo works here.
After having met at Pride the two men go their separate ways and all that Donavan is left with is a business card and his dreams. Seeing his lack of action and obvious attraction, Donavan’s best friend Cain takes matters in his own hands. This hilarious scene eventually results in Donavan and Seth’s first real date and hook-up.
Right away you are enlightened to the considerable difference in their physical size and that their desires are not what one would outwardly expect. Donavan, tall and bulked, yearns to pursue his wish to submit. While Seth, smaller and leaner, loves to assert his dominance.
What I enjoyed most about Override is Peterson’s telling of the progression of the men’s relationship. For the most part the BDSM is tame, “self-styled”; fulfilling them as either may agree to or enjoy. Giving, taking and reacting to their passion.
Just as there is this build-up of ease, this familiarity that you know how this will continue to play out, Peterson throws in a kicker. Seth tells Donavan they are going to “make-up for lost time”. Where Seth ultimately takes him is explosive and the magic of Donavan’s submission lies in his thoughts.
His inner dialog conveys just how much he wants to please Seth and, without a doubt, helps you to understand the absolute self-satisfaction a submissive derives from meeting their Dom’s needs.
Add to that these two men’s playfulness, especially Donavan’s sass, and I was hooked! Even when ones desire is to submit, there is still driving “need” in the heat of the moment. And Donavan lets it be known:
‘If Seth didn’t hurry the hell up, Donavan was going in for the takedown.’
It’s not just Donavan and Seth with the wit either. Donavan’s friend, Cain, is a breath of fresh air and keeps the overall “guy-vibe” and personality to the story alive. Then there is Donavan’s mom. Oh my Lord that woman is a riot, especially when she finds out who Donavan’s new boyfriend is. Priceless!
The only glitch in the story I found myself lingering in confusion over was chapter twenty-four. For me it felt more like an add-in to build up for book two of the series rather than being a part of the overall arch of this tale.
Even with that little blip Override is definitely worth grabbing a glass of wine and cozying up with. It has refreshingly little angst and two men who take you on a journey of emotions: Confusion, want, need, lust, desire, humor, even love; and show you that BDSM is different for everyone. It can be forceful and rigid or soft and flirty. Either way each couple makes it their own, designs it to fulfill their inner kinks. I can honestly say if you pick up Override you will not find yourself disappointed!
An advanced reader copy of Override was provided to Kimmers’ Erotic Book Banter, by Dreamspinner Press, in exchange for our fair and honest opinion.
SJD Peterson, better known as Jo, hails from Michigan. Not the best place to live for someone who hates the cold and snow. When not reading or writing, Jo can be found close to the heater checking out NHL stats and watching the Red Wings kick a little butt. Can't cook, misses the clothes hamper nine out of ten tries, but is handy with power tools.
