James is pleasantly surprised that Kate has an instinctual understanding of a D/s relationship, how ever rudimentary. In his experience most people just don't get it. But Kate has his interest piqued. So, after discussing the topic in great detail and exploring Kate's feelings in the subject extensively for a couple of months, they decide to meet. James' challenge is to make the meeting as safe as possible for Kate, both physically and emotionally, while taking away the typical "first date" stuff. James will control the dynamics of the date while Kate can choose to end it at any time should she so wish.

As first dates go, this one is off the charts! Kate breaks a few of the rules James has set, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. What it does is reinforce the idea that Kate is someone special. James knows that if he is careful and pushes her gently he will have a treasured, loving slave.

After the explosive time they spent together that weekend, Kate has a decision to make. James wants her to spend a week with him, learning from him giving her a taste of what would come should she decide to take their relationship beyond all she has ever experienced. Knowing she can not simply walk away from James, Kate agrees and so begins her journey into submission.

I enjoyed this story very much, but a bit of warning to even the most avid readers of Ellora's Cave: this book is NOT for everyone. There are detailed descriptions and scenes of D/s relationships and it is not like anything you've read before. Total submission means just that; TOTAL submission. There are things that will stimulate the reader, but more often than not are confusing. I think that is probably due to the fact that every "slave" is different and even though Kate appreciated all she was made to do and feel, another person would react and feel differently. There are elements here that really push the boundaries EC has set for it's submitted manuscripts. While tastefully done and essential to the philosophy the author embraces about D/s relationships, a word of warning needs to be said. Anyone curious about this subject should definitely give this book a try. This is the real thing folks. I should also say that Sir Julian, responsibility in this reader's opinion, stresses the need for safety. Since both this story and his website, which can be accessed through his EC profile, contain material that is meant to be used as a guide to Master/slave relationships, his details for safety and anonymous messaging are just as thorough his other descriptions. With all this in mind, enjoy the time out of this book!

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Explicit

Reviewer: Amy L. Turpin
December 8, 2003