This is not my first book by NJ Cole. Five years ago, I read her back then new release, Island Captive, and that book wasn`t for the faint of heart. It had everything that many would find problems with, and it was also my introduction to the more depraved nature of humans in situations that they may be unable to control.
I`ve followed this author since then, more than a little curious on what she was working on, and always interested in what she would come up with since she had managed to shock (my what I considered ‘virgin’ eyes and mind) to be a little more depraved. Yes, i`ll admit it, today I love dark romances and dark themes in my books because they make you think on what could be considered reality and what is truly fiction.
The Other End Of The Leash is one of those books that you`ll either get, or you won`t. why do I say it like that? Quite simply because of the fact that the themes in this book won`t be for everyone, the dynamics either something you`ll enjoy or truly think odd and pass judgement. And when I say that, i`m not even being rude. This is a book about defining what you want to be and what you have become to protect yourself.
Everyone discover BDSM in one way or another, taking what they like from it and leaving the others. Very few will be able to truly immerse themselves into the lifestyle and thrive from it because it is simply a question of being able to fully let go, and many can`t always do that (again, don`t take out the pitch forks ;) ). Why was this book powerful?
This author has aptly described what happens to a woman who discovers her potential. Raven went from being a pet with few full sentences and words to being able to form words, to realizing that she wants to try to be more than just a pet with a tail who lives to serve her master and his demands, even they go against everything that she believes in. it`s also about a Dom discovering that his past experiences have nothing with what is going on with Raven.
It`s also about discovering that in this lifestyle it`s more than just kink. There is emotion, support, after care, love and pushing limits so that it doesn`t damage a person, rather than seeing just how much they can take. I absolutely loved this book for that. For making you see that there is more than just kink and sex. That there is a connection that is undeniable.
I can`t wait to see just what else NJ Cole has in store next because this is easily her best so far.