Interesting characters? Check. A conflict that felt real and pulled me into the story? Check. Lots of hot activity of the playful BDSM kind? Absolutely. Did I like everything the characters did? Um, no. But the thing is that, while I personally had issues with both Dan and Paul’s actions, they were realistic in the context of their situation. Dan and Paul are flawed, which makes them human, and their mistakes lead to all three men learning something about themselves and their needs and making them better, happier partners in the end.

Dan and Brad are both accountants and have been living together for a year while trying to build their business, and their relationship has gone a little stale. Dan is more impulsive and spontaneous, so his surprise gift of a one-week trip to New Orleans to party sort of shocks Brad. Not wanting to waste the money for the (purposefully-bought-that-way) one-way tickets, he goes along – but he is not in a partying mood to begin with. And it goes downhill from there… Bartender Paul, who is a graphic artist in real life and only there to help out, is outgoing and very perceptive. He picks up on Dan’s signals of needing control and grasps his chance – not knowing that Dan is in a committed relationship.

Between Dan’s infidelity and Brad’s reaction when he finds out – Dan tells him – their relationship is even more on the rocks than before. But Paul’s taking control has taught Dan something he never consciously admitted before: he wants someone to tell him what to do when they’re in bed, and Brad is too uncomfortable to even top Dan. What a mess! It’s only Paul’s intervention and the love Dan and Brad share combined with their ability to - eventually – be honest with each other that gives them a chance: all three of them.

If you want a story about a messy, complicated relationship, if you enjoy watching partners learn new things about themselves and each other, and if you’re looking for a read about flawed characters dealing with jealousy, fear of losing their lover, and having to face the consequences of their actions, then you might like this novella.


NOTE: This book was provided by Changeling Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews. ( )