Jared's Evolution

some ranting ahead

I'm not sure how I came to own both books in this series but clearly it means I wanted to read them. I do love the covers and I like this author but this was a struggle. Why? I hate Kieran. Hating one of the MC is a bit of a hurdle to overcome.

Jared Reynolds is a 33 year old man who after a difficult childhood has clawed his way to a successful career as a criminal defense attorney. He's only just recently admitted his true sexuality to himself and has never allowed himself a relationship believing himself (erroneously) some sort of island. He doesn't seem to even have acquaintances much less friends. One day his next door neighbor, Kieran MacAuley, (46) asks him over to dinner and so begins a sort of grooming. I am using the word on purpose.

Kieran gets an inkling that Jared may be a submissive (you know that superpower that Doms have for detecting subs in the general population) and starts giving him chores, orders, & schedules starting with the invitation to dinner, before they ever talk about anything. It's clear that Jared is fairly ignorant about the dynamics in this kind of relationship but ... that's how Kieran rolls.

Doms are always my stumbling block or the hard limit I strive to overcome. Kieran was a complete failure for me. Jared may think differently and we'll have to agree to disagree.

Kieran informs Jared that they're going to enter into a relationship where Jared will kneel and be subservient to Kieran, be punished when Kieran feels it's appropriate, and that Jared will address him as Daddy or Sir, though he prefers Daddy. Furthermore he gives him a safeword. Yes, you heard it here first: a Dom tells a person who knows the cliff notes or FSOG version of BDSM what they'll be subjecting themselves to and as the cherry on top rewards them with a safeword of the Dom's choosing. No consultation needed.

He doesn't ask, explain, or have a conversation with Jared as two adults on an equal plane. From day one Kieran is the all knowing, superior imparting opinions and information to Jared not only about his views on BDSM but also about what Jared needs & wants. At every turn he's telling Jared to trust him, almost demanding it. Telling him he'll always take care of him, that he does these things, punish him, use him sexually, have Jared do menial tasks for him etc. because he knows what's best for Jared. I kept wondering how? He doesn't know Jared. They barely start having conversations about Jared's background and history towards the end of the book! How can he know what might trigger Jared? What might give him joy? Pleasure? When Jared expresses disinterest in certain things it's clear that Kieran intends to push him. Why?

The story is all told from Jared's POV and yes, it's true that he initially has societal or knee-jerk negative reactions to things and later changes his mind, thus referencing the ‘evolution' of the title but Kieran gave him very little room to think of these things for himself. They even go on a TPE weekend pretty much right off the bat! To my admittedly poorly informed mind this is something for people who are well versed and deep into the lifestyle.

Kieran is a psychologist and has a degree in sexuality which IMO gives him knowledge he uses to ‘guide' Jared to what he, Kieran, wants Jared to be and by the end Jared is convinced that being a Boy is the identity he never knew he needed. Is that true? Maybe. He never really has a chance to actually think about it. Sure he gets sexual gratification and Kieran uses techniques to quiet noise in Jared's head but conveniently these things also serve Kieran. Gratify him sexually.

I have nothing against kink. Clearly I love to read books where relationships like these are explored but I can't get with kink used in lieu of other solutions for a problem. I know it's likely a reality but I don't have to like it. Jared had an intense childhood. Kieran is a psychologist but what he offers Jared is a tightly structured Daddy/boy relationship. I was almost offended except that he offered this or almost imposed it as their relationship before he really knew anything about Jared. Of course he presents it in such a way that Jared feels like every rule, chore, or use of himself as a sexual object is a gift that Kieran, out of the goodness of his heart, is bestowing on Jared. I felt differently.

The kicker for me was that a relationship like this, one that requires so much trust is initiated not by like minded people seeking it out via app, club, etc. but by one virtual stranger to another. There was no original date date, there is no romantic spark that leads to something more. In fact Kieran is clear and adamant that there will be NO LOVE between them. Kieran is not looking for a romantic relationship and he tells Jared that as soon as that changes he'll pass Jared off to a different Dom. So again we have a Dom who cares for his sub like anyone would care for a THING that is of value to them but not as person equal to themselves.

Presumably this will change in the next book which I'll have to read because this doesn't conclude the story, I own it, and that's how I roll. Also I like RH, I like the writing, and I know somewhere out there there are people making decisions I'd like to save them from but can't so the least I can do is serve as a witness.

Wish me luck.