Review: Desolation Road

Desolation Road by Christine Feehan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


 This series continues to be edgy and dark. I adore it! In the latest installment, the focus is on Aleksei "Absinthe" and the one woman for him. Absinthe is a kind of empath. He helps lessen the emotions and pain of those around him. His ability seems more like a curse, especially in the horrible pedophile school he was forced to grow up in. Each backstory into the bikers is more heartbreaking. They are truly survivors, getting away from their tormentors. It does shape how they are, specifically their sexual preferences.

This story blurs the lines again with torture and BDSM kink. It is clear that Ms. Feehan is not a practitioner, nor is she trying to make this a BDSM story. However, there are dark erotic kinks in here which make it iffy. Specifically, the puppy play in this story is an oft misunderstood and ridiculed kink. Ms. Feehan does a good job at explaining the kink through actions and a strong storyline. Absinthe's preference for puppy play is changed from trauma to something sexy. Ms. Feehan does an admirable job in showing the wrongs, rights of this kink. She also shows how easily something sexy can be turned into something degrading. Nicely done.

Erotica aside, the romance between Absinthe and Scarlet is an intense courtship. There are elements of erotic power exchange which makes it so good. Scarlet is a survivor who will fight back. This works well in Absinthe's world as they have enemies who are brutal. The constant struggle to keep Scarlet safe also helps build a stronger bond between the two.

I am enjoying the continued arc to bring down the head of the pedophile human trafficking ring. It ties back to the history of the Torpedo Ink members. I am eager to learn more about the single brothers and sisters in this biker club. It will be good to see them find their "one" to help them quiet the demons. This romantic suspense is recommended to readers who like dark erotica and motorcycle clubs.

*provided by Edelweiss