This is a short short read but super intense, just like the encounter Stefan has.Normally I'm not a fan of present tense writing, but in this case, possibly because there are only three scenes, the immediacy adds to the feeling you're totally "in the moment" with Stefan.While some might find the brevity a problem, I think it was the only way to write this story. Anything longer and the explosive intensity would have been shot to pieces.The tension in the reader builds from the very first words, along with Stefan's. This beautifuly written paragraph shows the strength of J.M.'s writing:Minutes pass, each one an eternity. Stefan sits on his hands as Master told him to, palms down to keep from rubbing his fingers along the crack of his ass. He watches the clock on his VCR and the green numbers blink at him like staring cats. Seven o’clock comes and goes, eight running to catch up behind it, nine looming on the horizon like a death sentence. By nine-thirty every part of him beats in time with his heart. How much longer? Another moment more and he’ll explode.Then Snyder sums up the needs of the Dom (usually stories just deal with a sub's needs, this gives a glimpse of the other side of the equation):I want someone to spoil, Stefan. I want someone to worship, someone to protect. I want someone who wants me, who wants every part of me. Someone who trusts me enough to know that I will never, ever let them go. That sort of relationship isn’t easy to come by.” Each word is chosen with exquisite care. I love this sentence:Still, it takes years for Master to stop fondling him and stand. There's been no hint of hyperbole in the preceding section so the use of the word "years" makes a huge impact.This is a book that is best to take slowly and savor. Don't rush it, even if it's short. Let Snyder be the Master, and you be the Boy.Yes, you'll be left hanging at the end, wanting more. Now you know exactly how Stefan feels.
