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Training Season

Training Season - Leta Blake

When I read this, Training Season was basically the flavor-of-the-week. It gained attention on Goodreads and more people were reading it. I am grateful enough for my unofficial Secret Santa who provided the book for me.

Now, let’s start with the negative part first …


What I Feel MEH About

This is a long book – and unfortunately, in the middle part, it FEELS long. The book is dragging its feet like a reluctant child. I don’t know if some scenes are completely necessary (e.g. there is a scene on a lake with this annoying character, Kevin)

I am not in particularly charmed by Rob.

Also does anyone feel that Ben (Rob’s son) sounds younger than twelve years old?? Or is it just me?


What I Don’t Completely Like

Now let’s get to the main course, shall we? The D/s tone or call it BDSM if you will. I could see how a lot of readers enjoy this – calling it intense, passionate, well-written, and hot. But there are also readers who are turned off by it – seeing it more as sadomasochism rather than consented BDSM. I find myself standing closer to the second camp, which is also the minority group.

I will be completely honest; I don’t know anything about the lifestyle and I don’t have enough knowledge to analyze it. I will see this as mainly as a common reader –for me, the main question is what does the BDSM actually do to the story?

Personally, BDSM or D/s tone is a tricky subject. I enjoy it as porn, or if I know that the book will completely be PWP. However, when it comes to romance, I need to know whether it is necessary, whether it actually played a significant role. Including BDSM or D/s tone in a romance story can work if I feel like it is an inseparable part of the characters, relationship, and plotline.

Unfortunately, I don’t feel it here …

What is the purpose? For Rob to make Mattie suffer through pain and submission, because Figure Skating gives him pain as well? That is what Matty has to endure to push through? Then what is the reward at the end of the day? Because well,

Matty doesn’t exactly win anything important, does he?

(show spoiler)

So what’s the point? That it is okay to let your dream change, and exchange the pain/pleasure of Figure Skating to pain/pleasure of being with your lover? Do we really need BDSM for that?

In addition, the first introduction to BDSM element,

the breath play, doesn’t feel consented for me. Seriously, how can snapping your fingers three times a safeword – it’s not even a “word”!

(show spoiler)


So, no, I don’t see this practice as loving way to help Matty pushed himself to be the best. It just drags the book. It is not because I feel disturbed by the BDSM element — I just don’t see the point.


What I Wholeheartedly Enjoyed

Despite this – it is still an entertaining book. I admire Matty – I loved his unabashed way he embraced his inner femme. He’s unapologetic about it – even if he comes to the small town, Matty won’t bend down. I love it when Matty becomes Yuliya, the female Russian, when teaching Ben. I love it that he spends detailed attention to his make-up and clothing. He’s out and he is proud, bitches! I love his family too – most notably his suffering father (laugh). And when Matty’s heart aches, I want to hug him tight and give him all the love he needs.


Final verdict –

I like it but I don’t love it. If you are looking for a long story, a journey of one figure skater to achieve his dream and the lessons of love he finds along the way, in an unthinkable place no less, this will be good for you. It has the right ingredient for emotional story. For the BDSM part, it is definitely up to your perspective on such issue… your mileage may vary.