Review: Lord and Master

Title: Lord and Master
Series: Lord and Master
Author: Jules Jones
Publisher: Loose Id
Publication Date: 13 February 2007
Reviewed Format: ebook
Length: 148 pages

Rating: 4 out of 5

Review: Mark is a PhD candidate looking for some job experience. Steven is an entrepreneur in need of a PA. It's lust at first sight, though they're having too much fun playing the are-they-aren't-they game to fall into bed--or at least across a desk--immediately. The heat burning between them becomes undeniable after an exhausting day, and its consummation sets in motion changes in both of them.

This is a very... cozy story. It's about two people finding each other, growing together. What conflict there is is easily overcome, whether its the reactions of peers or Steven's mental illness. It's characters rather then events that move the story along.

Given that so much of the focus is on the characters, it's a damned good thing that they're so likeable. I like Mark in particular, with his bluntness about what he wants and his steadfastedness in the face of adversity. Steven is a bit toppy for my tastes, but I still enjoy his humor and sense of morals. Their chemistry is great, too, hot but not over the top.

Not a whole lot actually happens, so this is not a story to satisfy a craving for action. On the other hand, it's great for something short and sweet, with great characters to spend an afternoon with.