Override by SJD Peterson

Don’t judge a book by its cover…

At over six feet, with a body honed in the gym, auto worker Donavan Gregory is used to people assuming he’s a dominant top. Unfortunately, they’re wrong, and Donavan’s desire to explore his submissive side goes unfulfilled.

Smaller and older than Donavan, Doctor Seth Manning might not look like a typical dominant, but when the two men meet at Pride, Donavan realized Seth might be his perfect counterpart. The trouble is, Donavan doesn’t have as much experience with the BDSM world as he’d like. What could an educated, handsome, and confident man like Seth possibly see in someone like him? Seth must convince him that despite the differences on the surface, when it comes to kinky fun and discovery, they’ll fit together just fine.

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Dreamspinner Press

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
I’m in two minds about this book. Filled with hot sex scenes and some unthreatening BSDM for beginners, the sexual connection between Donovan and Seth is electric. But while I enjoyed Donovan’s introduction to the world of kink, I wasn’t convinced by the romantic relationship between the two men.

I enjoyed the physical role reversal – huge musclebound Donovan makes an unlikely sub for Seth. I liked the way BDSM was confined to the sexual relationship because I struggle with total power exchange relationships. There is an element of fun in Seth and Donovan’s relationship that separates this from so many more angsty BDSM books.

Blue collar Donovan is a likeable character, if a bit indecisive and anxious through this story. I liked his friendship with Cain, but I found myself wanting to know more about his past and more about him beyond his job, the gym, and Seth. Seth kept calling Donovan “smart” and “clever” but I’m not sure we ever get any evidence that Donovan has brains as well as brawn.

I struggled a bit more with Seth’s character. There are times he reads as much older than 32 and I didn’t like the paternal approach he took to Donovan at times. He is yet another completely unrealistic fictional doctor – eminent and respected even though he would barely be finished his OBGYN training at 32. His backstory is confusing. At one point he complains about owning a small house because of his student loans and shortly after he invites Donovan to his family’s mansion to meet his wealthy and supportive parents. Seth’s family is wonderful, though and they add some balance to Seth’s darker, kinkier side.

This is definitely a sexy read but I didn’t really warm to the characters or their relationship enough to enjoy the romance part of this story. However, I have to recommend it even if just for the power of Donovan and Seth’s very first, fully clothed, experience with ropes.


Angie – ☆☆☆☆
This isn’t your typical book by S.J.D. Peterson, but it was still really good. There was no angst, no drama really, just a really sweet love story. Donavan is a blue collar worker who has a submissive side he really wants to explore. Seth is a small, white collar worker who is a Dom all the way. These two are so good together, there is so much chemistry, and you can feel their emotions. The best part of the book was, of course, when Seth takes Donavan to a club and he lets Donavan take control, that was super-hot in so many ways. I loved how Seth’s family just adored Donavan and accepted him right away too. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book because the preview looked just as good!

Characters: Well written
Sex: Oh yeah!
Religious: No
Would I recommend to others: Yes
More than one book in the series: Yes
Genre: M/M light BDSM Romance
Would I read more by this author: Yes


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the first in a series, and I am definitely adding it to my list to look out for. I read a lot of books, but few authors have the confidence, and the ability to pull off a really simple, pleasing story without drama. There is every day angst, and certainly these two men are not perfect. But they are tolerant, they are honest with each other, and they have some great chemistry. That Donovan has thrown Seth into a spin and he forgets all his big bad Dom ways at times, is effective and endearing. That he is fun, and patient, and giving is entertaining and hot.

I have a suspicion that book two about pain-loving Jordan may not be such plain sailing, but variety is the spice of life!

SJD PETERSON, better known as Jo, is a bestselling and award-winning author of gay romance. She lives in Michigan with her Itty Bitty Kitty and Little Man. She does her best writing when under pressure of deadlines and at 3:00 a.m. when the world is quiet. Jo loves to tell stories about real people with real flaws. The happily ever after isn’t guaranteed unless it’s earned through hard work and growth. Oh, but when it comes, the rewards are all the better!

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Override (The Underground Club #1) by SJD Peterson to read and review.