4.5 stars. Amelia C. Gormley has a few surprises up her sleeve in Velocity, the final installment of her wonderful Impulse series. While the first two books in the series focused mainly on Derrick and his issues, it is finally Gavin’s turn to come to terms with the various problems he is facing. Please click HERE to read my review in its entirety. ( )

Complete review on my blog: Bea's Hive

Full Disclosure:

The novel, Velocity, by Amelia C. Gormley was supplied for review by the author. Also note that this was an advanced copy, so the final version might differ. While it should be obvious to say, this is an honest review and I was not influenced by any action of the author.

The series is Impulse by Amelia C. Gormley and Velocity is the third (and final?) installment. This review will cover the entire series, but focuses on points and quotes from the last book.

Basic Plot:

Derrick and Gavin are still waiting for Gavin’s HIV results. Derrick continues to deal with his harasser. As their relationship solidifies, these outside factors threaten the security of their relationship. Can their relationship stand through this storm?

Strong Points:

One thing that I loved about the book was the humor, such as when Derrick and Gavin picked out their christmas tree:

“Nope.” Derrick circled a perfectly conical tree, inspecting the spacing of the boughs with a critical eye, looking for bare patches. ”Doesn’t mean the cider and fire’ll go to waste, though.”

“I like the way you think. That one’s good. Let’s commit our ritual act of arborcide and get someplace warm.”

Another thing that I loved was the BDSM, but this like is a double edge sword, the same aspects of the book that I liked are those things that I had issues. I really enjoyed the BDSM play, all of the humiliation and breath play. Note that these type of play falls under the edge play, meaning that this is a greater amount of risk, either psychological or physical. I enjoyed the subtle way the author showed their evolving relationship.

What could be better?

This story came out in three book installments. I think I would prefer to have one book and read it at one time. Because the story leaves off at the last book, I had to play mental catch up, 6 months later when the next book comes out. I think that this issue will not be a problem in the future as brew readers can just move to the next book immediately.

First: I am not an expert in the BDSM lifestyle. This is only my opinion, and I fully admit that I could be over-thinking this concern because I am by nature, a cautious person. While I liked the play and how subtle it was, I am a little concerned about how people who are not familiar with the play and lifestyle might take it. For example, if the reader has no experience in the lifestyle or reading about it, I would be nervous about the lack of emphasis on safety and that these two type of play (humiliation and breath) are not considered “entry-level”. Because the play was so subtly built into the relationship, I fear that the danger aspect might be insidious. Of course, it could be that most readers would discount the sex scenes as “kinky” and move on; I just tend to look at the detail. Take this scene for example:

“I’ve got you,” Gavin said tenderly. ”Ride it. Let it happen. Just keep your hand on my shoulder. That’s your only job. I control the rest. Even the air you breathe is mine.”

Gavin’s hand sealed over his nose and mouth gain, and he resumed his firm strokes up and down Derrick’s cock. His palm curled around the head at the end of each caress, twisting and circling. He clamped his hand more firmly on Derrick’s mouth as the instinctive tension took over again. He held Derrick down, held him captive to those glorious, merciless strokes.

After the second breath Gavin allowed him, the quivering need to thrash and resist abated. Even as his chest heaved, a beautiful, detached peace descended. Divorced from the useless struggle of his body’s own drive for survival, Derrick floated on it, surrendering to the pleasure that came in increasingly powerful waves with each pass of Gavin’s hand up and down his dick.

I am torn. Face it, that was one hot scene, and I can easily identify the dominant/submissive traits. I can agree that Ms. Gormley is knowledgeable in the lifestyle and understands aspects like sub-space, power exchange, and safe-words. But at the same time, I am afraid that naive unschooled lovers might try to do this without any prior knowledge or research. There is not even any warning at the front of the book about practicing BDSM play that I have seen in most/many other BDSM erotic romance novels. Not sure if it's a big thing or not, just that I noticed it.

Conclusions:

Overall, I really enjoyed this series. The author’s choice to make such non-typical characters was brave and risky. I think that for the most part she was successful in portraying their character development.

I liked how the incorporation of the BDSM into their relationship and I liked how the type of play was not the same that we see in other erotic romances. However, it still concerns me with the lack of explanation of the types of play, safety, and edge play and some readers who are not familiar with BDSM play might take it within this book lightly. On the flip side, these scenes were well written, extremely erotic, and emotionally charged.

This is a very strong start for a new author. I look forward to see how Gormley grows as an author and I will certainly read any new books she pens.

Bea ( )