Balance by Zahra Owens

Balance by Zahra Owens

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Genre: M/M, Contemporary Romance, BDSM



Review Copy Received from Publisher

Summary:

By day Cooper Miller is a bland paper pusher, a health and safety inspector who does everything by the book. Deciding he needs some excitement in his life, he sheds his off-the-rack suit and tan raincoat and signs up for an introductory session at a BDSM club. His welcome mat turns out to be Nando Arenas, the man who owns the new tattoo shop Cooper inspected just that morning. At first glance, Nando seems like forbidden territory, but when Cooper discovers a taste for being tied up and dominated, the enterprising tattoo artist delivers all the excitement Cooper could want.



Aana's Review:

Balance by Zahra Owens is a lighthearted BDSM story that’s more of an introduction to the genre. I thought that Balance was well written and with a few exceptions had the potential of a memorable story. I was immediately drawn to the protagonists, Cooper and Nando, two men trying to veer away from how they are perceived.

Cooper was a very likeable character in that I really connected with his sense of responsibility and attitude towards life. Despite many tough breaks, he continued to persevere and that was admirable to see. It was interesting to see how despite his experience in being pigeon-holed into holding a more dominant role in past relationships, he was willing to take the chance to explore his submissive side.

I had a bit more trouble when it came to understanding Nando, I was thrown off by his willingness to let go of control with Cooper. I guess I've always thought that a sub could take on the role of a Dom a lot more easily than a Dom would have in relinquishing control. I would've liked to read more about Nando's reactions to letting go because a D/s relationship is a complex thing and I think that having more information about Nando's reactions would have made the story that much more believable.

My main contention with this story is how it was brought to conclusion. A good portion of the book was dedicated to the interaction between Cooper and Nando and how their relationship developed. I really enjoyed reading the various sex scenes and the techniques i.e. ropes and binding that was introduced. However, I felt a little cheated when it came to the ending, I felt it was rushed and that a more elaborate and detailed ending would've catapulted this story from a good read to a great read.

Rated 3 Delightful Divas by Aana!



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