Different time periods works for me as an explanation of the differences. It's just that there are enough differences in the overall societal structure that I have a hard time seeing the stories as set in the exact same place and time.
As for the not 'really' a sub, that gets back to what I said in the original post about the difference between BDSM in the bedroom and BDSM as a lifestyle. I think John and Rodney are sub and top in terms of their private, sexual relationship, but the way I read it, neither of them wants to take that dynamic into their everyday lives. Hmmm. On second thought, I think John might want to take it into his everyday life with Rodney, but not into his job or his dealings with colleagues and strangers. (That's what I meant by 'not really' in terms of how they fit into the societal hierarchy.)
To compare that to a straight woman, I think it's more that she wants to have sex with a man, but also be able to go out into the world and be herself and do her chosen job without her sex mattering.
no subject
As for the not 'really' a sub, that gets back to what I said in the original post about the difference between BDSM in the bedroom and BDSM as a lifestyle. I think John and Rodney are sub and top in terms of their private, sexual relationship, but the way I read it, neither of them wants to take that dynamic into their everyday lives. Hmmm. On second thought, I think John might want to take it into his everyday life with Rodney, but not into his job or his dealings with colleagues and strangers. (That's what I meant by 'not really' in terms of how they fit into the societal hierarchy.)
To compare that to a straight woman, I think it's more that she wants to have sex with a man, but also be able to go out into the world and be herself and do her chosen job without her sex mattering.