I really enjoyed this book for two thirds of it. I thought it felt pretty fresh compared to some of the other newer Hammer novels. But then things started to go south for me. The first bad thing was that Nick's character was spoiled for me by him starting to talk about service, and mentioning some pretty extreme examples, too. I don't like the idea of service, especially hard-core service. If someone finds it sexy to do all the housework for their master, they can come to my house, and I'll put them to work! I started to dislike Nick, whom I had liked very much up to that point. The second thing was that the kidnap plot in the end was totally unnecessary, and had been done so much better in Baked. I would have much preferred if the last third of the book had been about Francis healing, and about the couple exploring their needs (but not the service thing, please!). I would so much have wanted to see the cage used, the cage that Nick had put so many hours into, that he had made soft and comfortable for his future sub. I would have wanted to see him put Francis in it, for whatever good reason. Why even make something like that up, if it is not used in the story!

Good: the cage

Bad: the talk about service, the half-assed kidnap plot ( )

It is interesting to see Killen and Treat caring for Francis but still saying they don't want another partner in their lives. I still think there is someone out there for them someday. Nick is instantly drawn to Francis and wants what is best for him. I love the line in Chapter 6 "God the man gave him a happy.". The last few chapters are full of dramatic action. Another great addition to the Hammer family. ( )