About Above the Dungeon
by SM Johnson
183 pages / 69700 words
ISBN:
978-1-60370-967-5
Available file types - html, lit, pdf, prc, epub, Sony-optimized pdf
With the ink barely dry on his Ivy League diploma, Dare is expected
join the family business, marry his high school sweetheart, and commit
to life in conservative suburbia. But in a moment of panic he runs away
to NYC, where his cousin gets him a bartending job at a club above the
legendary Master Roman's dungeon. When Roman takes an interest in Dare,
he’s not sure if he should run like hell, or follow his submissive
heart.
As he draws Dare into the world of BDSM, Roman has to contend with the
feelings and insecurities of his primary partner, Jeff, who has a habit
of falling in love with others. But this time it’s Roman’s turn, and
Jeff’s not sure their relationship can survive the inclusion of a new
guy.
Alternately told from points of view of Dare and Jeff, Above the Dungeon
is a series of highly erotic BDSM scenes tied together with tight plot
and intense relationship dynamics.
Review
Mel Spenser, author of Miss Me?, writes: From the buckle on the high-contrast cover, to the end; this books gets your attention and doesn’t let up.
Dare is pure vanilla in his Dockers and Polo shirt. Fresh from escaping a predestined suburban life, he lands in NYC, quickly getting a bartending job. How hard could it be? After all, he’d mixed drinks at the country club most of his life. However, he hadn’t had a Dom take an interest in him before.
This story is absorbing and produces a page turning, engrossing book about fascinating individuals. The writing is solid with vivid description and dialogue that rings true. Alternating between Dare’s narrative in third person and Jeff’s in first, the switch is jarring at first. However, then you quickly become aware that you are not reading the normal fare.
When it is Jeff’s turn, there is no doubt what is going on in his head as a submissive. And that in itself is interesting. We’re with him as he runs through his doubts and anxieties; and we understand very clearly his motivations and why he relies on Roman.
Dare, on the other hand, is somewhat of a mystery. He doesn’t even know himself. We get the feeling that Roman understands him better than anyone. Most readers could probably identify with Dare and his ‘normal’ upbringing. To read about his transition is fascinating stuff as his emotions run the gamut.
This book has what I like in an m/m story. The characters are well defined with tangible emotions and believable motives. Of course, this book is also very erotic. The BDSM scenes are highly charged. But the seduction of Dare is akin to a long delicious foreplay. Believe me; it takes a lot to make me go, “Whew!” while reading a sex scene.
There is definitely room, and a need, for a sequel. I want to read about the three main characters as they continue to grow personally and in their relationships. If you enjoy BDSM stories, and the motivations of characters who engage in the lifestyle, then you will want to read this book. I recommend it.
I wonder what else SM Johnson has in store for us? I’ll be waiting.
Sample
Dare looked up to ask for the order and got caught in Roman's eyes. They were simple eyes, hazel or green, but they had an intensity that trapped Dare's standard opening line, "What'll it be?" in his throat. "Hey," was all he managed to get out. The tattoos weren't just on Roman's arms and body. One of them, some kind of tribal design, started on the left side of his face, and Dare could see that it curved around his skull under his hair, like a shadow under water.
"Hey, yourself, new guy,'" Roman said, and he smiled. "I'm Roman."
"Dare," Dare said, offering a hand.
He didn't know why he offered a handshake. He hadn't introduced himself that formally to anyone else all night. Out of respect, he decided, because somehow Roman commanded respect. Even from the newest bartender.
Roman accepted the courtesy, and the tattoos of snakes and dragons seemed to ripple and move with Roman's muscles. His handshake was a strong clasp that lasted seconds longer than it should have as Roman stared into Dare's eyes, and something in the stare was a deep, dark question.
“Come downstairs for a tour,” Roman said.
"The infamous dungeon?" Dare asked.
"Yes." Roman said.
Dare had never even imagined stuff like what Roman showed him. A high bench specifically made for a person to bend over for a good spanking. The seat of the bench lifted, and inside was an array of paddles -- from soft velvet to spike studded leather, and almost anything in between. Belts in there, too -- to give a person a good strapping if that was required.
When the tour ended, Roman said, “I have some intense parties. You should come to the next one.”
Dare's stomach constricted, and a terrified tremor flew up his spine. He wanted to run, screaming, up the stairs to the safety of the club. "Maybe. If I'm not busy," he choked out, thinking, Not on the coldest day in hell.
"Don't panic, Dare, it's just a tour.”
He thought about the dungeon throughout the rest of the shift, and after he'd counted down his till, found himself slowly descending the stairs behind the bar and into darkness. For a moment, he was claustrophobic, the stairwell so black he felt like he would fall forever into a void if he lost his balance. He could hear his heart beating in his ears, and sweat rose damp at the back of his neck. But his feet found every step with sure purpose, and he kept descending until finally he could see a thin band of orange light beneath the dungeon door and feel a pulse-beat of music.
He stood there, breathing, wondering if he should knock or just walk in. Sweat from his neck dripped down between his shoulder blades, and he shivered. Before he made up his mind, the door swung open on silent hinges.
"Come in," Roman said, speaking over the music, and smiling at Dare's surprise. "I've been waiting for you."
Dare entered the room, and looked around, amazed at how the orange light made everything glow. When he'd been there before, the lights had been bright and the dungeon silent, but now the orange light had an inviting pull, and Dare found himself being drawn in. He wondered if the contrast was on purpose -- stark and terrifying one visit, glowing with warm invitation the next -- and suspected nothing in the dungeon happened by accident.