This manga really surprised me. I have never been interested in S&M, and have a lot of the same prejudices as some of the characters, and the manga takes to time to show the intellectual and emotional development of someone who feels the same fears and apprehensions about it.
The manga is also a great breath of fresh air from the mussy shojo mangas. There is a great relationship underneath the plot line, but is also really genuine and sweet.

I may end up getting my boyfriend a ball-gag :)