Alphabet Soup - C.B. Conwy A warning in advance: Those who don’t like to see the heroes have sexual interactions outside the main pairing might give this one a pass, since there is an on-page scenes with Andy and someone else, where CK is present and agreeable to, but doesn’t take part in.Andy knows that he’s a sub, and he knows that he needs hard scenes with enough pain that he can get away from himself. Or so he thinks, until he meets CK and the new Dom manages to make Andy almost forget his own name with only one kiss. Now Andy is completely out of his depth. How can something so simple make him feel so good? How can CK take him to such heights using minor pain, gentle touches, or sometimes without touching him at all?This book surprised me in many ways since it featured a new-to-me aspect of the BDSM lifestyle. CK is mostly about the psychology, the balance of powers. He doesn’t force, but seduces his subs into surrender. Often enough, his scenes with Andy turn into something very alike to psychotherapy sessions, leaving the sub shaken to the very core. (CK is responsible enough to point out that scenes can’t take the place of therapy, though, he even suggests Andy talk to a professional.) CK takes his role very seriously, even takes time off work to tend to Andy.The caretaker/ nurturer aspect of his Dom personality was in fact CK’s strongest trait, something that carried over into his everyday persona. He is even a bit overbearing at times; in Andy’s place, CK’s mother – henning would most probably have driven me nuts. However, it’s just what Andy needs, even though he teases CK about it once or twice.We don’t learn much about CK’s background. What he does for a living remains some nebulous corporate job, his age isn’t revealed until late in the story, even his real name remains a secret to the very end. (Actually, I found him being called by his initials a witty referral to the book’s title.) I’d have loved to get to know him a little better in this aspect.Andy’s everyday life was much more elaborated, from his personal history to his present job in construction. I enjoyed meeting Jeff, Andy’s boss and friend, who is a great guy if there ever was one, and I particulary enjoyed watching Jeff give CK a most amusing ticking-off about Andy.I really liked Andy, who was well-drawn and multilayered. He’s a physically strong man, courageous enough to own up to his need for submission. Even though he had to endure abuse, masked as BDSM play, Andy is stubborn enough to return to the scene, trying over and over again to find someone who can meet his needs. Still, Andy isn’t above reconsidering what he always took for his personal truth, although it takes someone of CK’s insight, compassion and persistence to make Andy see the light.CK, on the other hand, was a bit over the top for me. Yes, he made mistakes, misjudged Andy at first, but once they started working together in earnest, CK almost turned into Andy’s larger-than-life, all-knowing savior. He was perfect for Andy, though, and the chemistry between them was as sizzling hot as their emotional connection was palpable. They made for a wonderful, believable couple, and I was happy to see them finding their HEA.I can really recommend this book.The title, Alphabet Soup, by the way, refers to the letters B-D-S-M, which through CK, gain a new significance for Andy.Full review at reviewsbyjessewave.com