Kneel, Mr. President by Lauren Gallagher
Published June 9th 2015 by Samhain Publishing
Read September 2017
Goodreads // Amazon

4 stars

I read this book somewhere in September, loved it and didn't review it. Possibly because I suck at writing timely reviews. Maybe also because I was struggling with my words, and/or because I was afraid or embarrassed.

I don't tend to read a lot of erotica and I had never before read a book about polyamory before, so what could I say about topics like that? But this book is important for me especially because it's the first book about polyamory I read. I'm still so eternally grateful and think about it regularly. I plan to read Chameleon Moon before the end of the year and then that'll be two books that include it!

There are two bi men in this book and they're great! I was impressed with the bi rep and the subversion of the cheating/unfaithful/greedy trope, especially because it needed to be treated with care due to the addition of polyamory. There's exploration of BDSM, which I really enjoyed and the sex scenes were never repetitive.

I loved how carefully polyamory was introduced to the characters, how it was handled with care. How Carlene struggled, how she and Kent bonded, how even the president worried he couldn't love both because he wouldn't be able to give them what they deserved (spoiler alert: he can).

The book has a happy polyamorous ending, even if the word isn't used (if I remember correctly - maybe in the next polya book I read it will be). To me, it felt like romantically speaking, the relationship stayed a vee, whilst sexually it turned into a triad. Obviously, this is just my interpretation, but I liked the difference and how, romantically, there wasn't a bond between everyone (yet?). Of course, there was love between all characters, a lot of respect and appreciation, and I'm grateful for how that was included no matter the other components of the individual relationships or interactions.

I loved the characters growing with this idea, it taking shape, coming to terms with it. The fact that nothing was established yet made it a bit angsty at first. Fear not, though, it has a happy ending and seeing everyone get there is wonderful and recognisable. I saw my own fear, worries, happiness and growth reflected, and that was incredible.

Everything I say now after a too long time and multiple other books in between will be too vague but rest assured I will revisit this book soon and this review after. It holds a special place in my heart.