A review by ingloriousgigi
Firm Hand by Nora Phoenix

dark emotional sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

TRIGGER WARNINGS:  Mentions of Parental Incest (neither MC participates in that),  Godson/Godparent relationship, Age Gap,  Previous relationship with MC's father,  Mild to Moderate mention of Age Play. 

I would have given this book five stars if it had any trigger warnings.  However, there were quite a few triggers that neither the blurb nor the cover prepared me for.   This book is not for everyone, if your reading sensibilities are more on the normal or prudish side give this book a wide berth.   For me it's was an emotional rollercoaster ride and both Cornell and Reese's relationship was so emotional. especially with the death of Cornell's best friend and occasional lover.  I also loved how the author dealt realistically with the ageism in the BDSM community and for me (as a disabled person myself) how the author wrote about Cornell's disability and his gradual acceptance of his new normal. 

His disability wasn't cured with the power of Reese's love, and I love how Reese is accepting and accommodating to Cornell's disability.  As for the sex, it was super hot (especially towards the end).  Unfortunately, I wish I could give it 5 stars but they are way too many surprise triggers in this book for me to do that. 


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