Rating: 4.25 stars
Buy Link: Amazon | iBooks | Amazon UK
Length: Novel
Nick Kurosawaâs life is kind of a mess. After a medical discharge from the military, and the death of his family, he has trouble not letting people push his buttons into violence. His friend, Alex, sees that Nick’s current job as a bouncer isnât helping, and sends him to a friend for a job. Nick doesnât know what to expect, but with nothing to lose, he heads to Jacob Umberâs antiques shop.
Jacob is posh and sophisticated and speaks with a clipped, polite air. He needs an assistant, as he has fibromyalgia, and wants someone who is adaptable and who can take instruction. Since Nick craves a purpose and needs someone to take the lead, it works out well. The two men quickly fall into a routine, and Nick finds himself more settled and actually happy.
But as the weeks move along, Nick starts craving more from his boss. A chance meeting outside of work shows that Jacob could give Nick exactly what he needs. Navigating past the boss/employee relationship is difficult at first, but both men know what they want. Once itâs clear, they move into an intimate relationship outside of work hours. However, Jacobâs shady past comes back to haunt them and it threatens what theyâve built. Nick knows what he wants, and thatâs Jacobâs domination and love. But if they stay together, their life wonât be normal, and Jacob wants more than that for Nick. Itâll take some work for them to find a way to love and live.
The blurb for this one grabbed my attention, and I was quick to pick it up. John Tristan is a new-to-me author, so I knew it would fit perfectly for this Reading Challenge week. And I have to say that while the writing was a little lyrical at times, the narrative was compelling and engaging, the characters well developed, and Iâd definitely see what this author has to offer in the future.
This book is told solely through Nickâs third person POV, and since it really is his journey, that made sense. Heâs had a tough time of it. Depression has been part of his life since he was young, and he lost his family in a car accident. He was fortunate to get a medical discharge from the military before he went completely off the rails, and therapy and medication helped him get to a good place. But heâs at a loss in his life, and working for Jacob gives him the purpose he needs. Being in Nickâs head throughout the story really helped show where he was coming from and his emotions and thoughts really drove the story.
Though we donât get Jacobâs perspective, the author does a decent job of letting us know him through his words and actions. I was intrigued by his control, his clipped and polite way of speaking, and the utter perfection he portrays. Heâs also very practical and pragmatic, and discloses his trans status because itâs something Nick needs to know. He knows what he wants and needs, and assures that Nick can provide it before hiring him. It was easy to see what about him drew Nick in, and how Nickâs crush developed naturally from their interactions. When they take things to an intimate level, it feels like the natural next step in their relationship. The chemistry between them sparks from almost the beginning, and when they scene together, itâs clear itâs exactly what they both need.
I would have liked to see a few things better developed throughout the book. At times, I felt the time jumps were leaving too much out and I would have liked to see a bit more of their interactions on page instead of just being told in a sentence or two how things were going. Also, I felt like the ending was a little rushed. There was a moment where I wondered if perhaps itâs wasnât going to have an HEA, though rest assured, it did. But I would have liked more explanation, considering what a big thing Jacobâs past was.
All in all, I definitely liked this story. The author has a good voice, and it showed throughout the book. While a few moments could have been better developed and the pacing tweaked somewhat, it was an engaging story that kept my interest all the way through. Despite the subject matter, things werenât too heavy, but were given appropriate weight. If this one piques your interest, donât hesitate to pick it up.
This review is part of our Reading Challenge Month for New-to-Me Author Week! Leave a relevant comment below and you will be entered to win one of FIVE $20 JMS Books bookstore gift cards (you can see the full event prize list here)! Commenters will also be entered to win our amazing grand prize sponsored by NineStar Press: a Kindle Paperwhite loaded with 50 NineStar Press books! You can get more information on our Challenge Month here (including all the contest rules) and more details on New-to-Me Author Week here.Â
An antiques store sounds like a fascinating setting, and I think I’d enjoy reading this. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Kris.
This sounds like an interesting read with some depth, and good to know it’s not too heavy given the subject matter.
I will definitely be picking this up, thank you for your recommendation.
This sounds interesting and I definitely think it’s one that I might enjoy. Thanks for the review!
I don’t think this one is for me but thanks for your review.
My TBR just got a bit longer. Thank you for the lovely review.
Thanks for the review! Something to possibly use my Ninestar GC on.
“If this one piques your interest” the further I read in your review, the more I was interested. Thank you, I’ll definitely be picking this one up
I like the sound of this one, thanks for the review – going on the buy list!
I just started this book. So far I am enjoying it. I read his book The Adorned which was very good.
I’m not much for stories with main characters that have depression, got enough of that around, but your review did make it sound intriguing. The fact that it was also BDSM just tipped the scales into not quite my cup. Then the fact that the writing was so nicely done puts it back on the fence again. Can’t decide! Thanks for the Review.
thanks for the review. This book sounds like one I will give a try.
I haven’t read a book by this author yet. Definitely sounds interesting and I’ll add it to my wishlist.
Another new to me author, and another interesting story… thank you so much for the review, Kris
Oh I love boss/employee books when they’re done right! And since I haven’t read a book by this author either I’m gonna check out a sample. Hopefully I’ll like it, cos this sounds really interesting!
Looks like one that would hold my attention!
Sounds like a good one for me. Thanks for the review!