Guest Review: Power Struggle by Kelly Jamieson

Judith‘s review of Power Struggle by Kelly Jamieson.

Tori is the vice-president of her company. Her career is all about being in charge, solving problems, making decisions. But in the bedroom she likes to give up control. She likes to be taken to the edge, likes the heady pleasure of pain, likes how it sets her free.

Dev is a physician. In his career, he has sworn to do no harm and was taught that raising a hand to a woman is wrong. And he is nearly a decade younger than Tori.

The attraction between Tori and Dev is more than just physical–they both feel a connection of spirit. They begin a relationship that seems to work despite their age difference. But when Tori reveals what she really wants in bed, Dev is not sure if he has it in him to give it to her. And Tori isn’t sure she can have a relationship with someone who can’t accept her for who she is. It’s a power struggle!

This is a novel that is set right smack dab in the middle of our modern day business world with all its stresses and tensions. The business part of Tori’s life really doesn’t make much of an appearance in the story, except for a few scenes which definitely give the reader an accurate understanding of how committed she is to her career, how committed she is to being the best she can be, and how committed she is to being her own person. She isn’t exactly a barracuda on the job, but she expects the best from herself and for all those with whom she works.

Now we come to her personal life, and here we meet a woman who has essentially come to peace with who she is–a woman who is a true BDSM submissive and needs the control of an alpha male/Dom. She has remained unmarried largely because she has never found anyone yet who can be this kind of person in her life permanently. When she becomes overwhelmed with the demands of her professional life, she goes to see her Dom at the local BDSM club. That is, until she meets Dev. In spite of their age difference, she is attracted to this man, to his integrity, his commitment to his calling as a physician, to his dedication to building a future for himself in his community, and his dedication to his family. She perceives that while he has never been a part of a BDSM relationship in any way, he is not afraid to take control of their sexual relationship and as they are falling in love, she tries to introduce her edgier needs to him. A field trip to her BDSM club does not go well. And so we encounter the basic conflict in this plot.

Ms Jamieson has given the readers a very romantic story of two people who are exceptional at what they do, but who are floundering in their personal lives. They are multi-faceted individuals and therefore they are intriguing. Neither one is “easy” or uncomplicated. Their relationship would have been a challenge without the BDSM ingredients. But the reader sees two characters who value one another, are most definitely aware of the deeper connection between them, and who are willing to work at finding a way to be in one another’s life long term.

This is the kind of story that makes for good reading, in my opinion. There’s lots to consider in this novel–lots in the back story and lots to consider about the merits of the BDSM lifestyle and how a personal relationship can affect its place in someone’s life. The author has built in some surprises that make for continued interest. And the conflict within Dev’s own family and his professional experience is another ingredient that must be woven into the finished tapestry of this storyline. These characters are real, imperfect, seeking a good future for themselves, and willing to share their best and worst selves with a trusting and loving partner. It is real life in a fictional tale. Both Tori and Dev must make a decision about their own selves–who they are at the very core of their natures, how much change can they tolerate, what they are willing to do for the sake of the person they love. It is the stuff of genuine loving and authentic living.

So I recommend this story to romance fans who are not offended by the BDSM way of living, and perhaps this novel would be a good introduction to that discussion. There are some very good questions being asked and answered and for that reason could be helpful for a reader who might have similar concerns. Jamieson illustrates that a person with a good command of the language and a very solid understanding of the writing task will give readers a great story and one that not only entertains but educates as well. I give this novel a rating of 4 out of 5.

This book is available from Ellora’s Cave. You can buy it here in e-format.

You can read more from Judith at Dr. J’s Book Place.

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