The second book in K.A. Merikan’s The Underdog’s series, Just Here For the Pain is available in audio now, performed by Tyler Kent. I'm loving Mr. Kent narrating this series, and I hope there are plans for him to perform You. Forever. Always. soon! You could read this series as standalones, but I think they’re better read in order to get the full dynamic within the bandmates.
Fans of BDSM romances know, there are as many different kinds of kink as there are folks on the planet. It’s always interesting to me when authors find a unique way of looking at relationships, especially when it’s centered around sadism and masochism. There are usually reasons why characters gravitate towards giving and receiving pain, and we know going in that the Merikans are going to dream up some beauties.
I found Sid to be a fascinating character, and the more we learn of his backstory, the better it gets. He unravels slowly over the course of the story, and as he bares his soul, my heart breaks for him. Sid’s needs and reactions are complex, and his journey toward understanding himself is beautifully written.
Asher’s gradual awakening, as he delves into S&M play with Sid, is nicely straightforward. Of course he likes to give Sid what he needs. He’s been obsessed with him for years, and makes no bones about wanting to please Sid. The Merikans do a great job exploring how he’s feeling throughout Just Here for the Pain.
As with all their stories, K.A. Merikan blends in aspects of society, friendship, romance, and the human experience. IMHO, you can’t go wrong when you pick up any of their novels.