Adira August

This book is multi-faceted and thoroughly enjoyable. I believe the author categorizes this title as M/M romance...but WOW, it's so much more than that. Whenever I read a book about BDSM, I'm hesitant. I'm afraid I expect that any BDSM in a book, will be the watered-down inaccurate version that is so often encountered in books. Not so in Matchstick Men.

Scene and Not Heard is a very discreet BDSM club that caters to people who have a reason to be protective of their lifestyle... and those who are exceedingly wealthy. Hunter is a member of the club because of his profession. Cops and other professionals have free membership at SANH because their skills can be counted on if an emergency arises. Hunter belongs there for more than one reason though... he's a switch but he knows what his hard limits are.

Cam might be very young...but he's a coveted Dom at the club. He's skilled, focused and talented. And one day, he's exactly what Hunter needs and wants. The thing is when he goes to his knees for Cam... there is no escape... no safe words... no limits.

This is just the beginning of the story about these two men... and a simplified version at that. The BDSM in this novel has a very authentic feel to it. There's power exchange, safety, sanity, and care. There's also absolute control at risk for both men in a way. The way the relationship between Hunter and Cam is revealed is beautifully done. August is a talented writer and clearly has a penchant for writing about BDSM. I would gladly recommend this book to anyone interested in a BDSM novel that is accurate and interesting and authentic.

Of interest to me was that Hunter discovers he is sexually fluid as he works the case and gets to know Cam. There is an interesting exploration of submission and dominance as it may or may not relate to sexuality and sex. Many of the interactions between these two men are full of Interesting emotions and behaviors. Fascinating to read!

One of the truly entertaining parts of this story is the puzzle aspect. Hunter is a wiz at matchstick puzzles... but there is also a very cleverly plotted out murder case that needs to be solved. The detail work regarding the puzzles was lovely! The matchstick puzzles the characters are betting on appear in the novel and it's fun to try and figure them out.

Detailed writing also makes the police work exciting and realistic. Hunter is very good at his job but he discovers by accident that Cam has a talent for researching that makes him a good man to have in his corner.… (mais)