Dylan Carter has always played second fiddle to his perfect older brother, but now that brother is implicated in a terrible crime, and Dylan's family is imploding. Dylan can't hide anymore. Knowing he's falling apart, he searches for something or someone to hold him together-and lands in a BDSM bar called the Stonewall.

Dylan doesn't understand Miss Dolphinia, the hard-drinking queen who seems determined to play matchmaker. But more confusing is the way the powerful men in leather make him feel. In her wisdom, Miss Dolphinia sends Dylan off to a back room for his introduction to the world of erotic spankings and bondage.

Dylan's teacher-for want of a better word-is the very dominant Vin Hauser. Vin likes to play hard, but he's honest with himself-he knows all those men want is a strong hand, not a long-term relationship. Yet Vin can't help but hope Dylan might be different.

With controversy over his brother's sins stirring up danger around him, Dylan needs Vin's support more than ever. But until he and Vin learn to trust each other, Dylan will have to face his fear and the growing threats alone.