This is one of Penny Birch's earliest books, and stands up very well. It introduces one of her main characters, Amber Oakley, in wonderful detail, but without taking a third of the book to do so. Amber is blond, beautiful, intelligent and strong-willed. Early on, she discovers her lesbianism, but soon after, also discovers her attraction to both pony-carting and submissive behaviour. Her nemesis, Morris Rathwell, is also introduced in this book in one of Penny's classic scenes. Amber is one of Penny's most appealing heroines, I feel, and this book is one of her best. There's lots of pony-carting, lesbian domination, humiliations, rude and nasty males, and a wonderful finale, so no matter your taste, it will probably be addressed in this book. If you have never tried a Penny Birch book, this is a wonderful one to start with. You'll be hooked, believe me.