It was good to visit with the four men from ‘The New Boy’ again and see how they are doing now that Lance and Tide are as much as couple as Bran and Tyrone have been for a while. Lance and Tide are still learning, but as the story develops it becomes obvious that Bran and Tyrone also have their issues. Spending about equal time with both couples was great, and seeing them interact on different levels added some extra information and details that was interesting and fun. Both couples are insanely hot, they tend to work through their issues during scenes, so the level of naughtiness is high throughout the book.

Bran loves Master Tyrone with everything he is, but despite the fact that they have been together for a while, he fears that he is not enough. Partly it’s that his life is too perfect, and partly it’s because he doesn’t believe he is everything his Master needs. His new job, as much fun as it is, also reinforces his lack of self-esteem – it is stressful all the time and never gets done. Nothing could be worse for someone like Bran who needs to do everything perfectly and have it all under control to be happy. His already niggling doubts get blown out of all proportion when the doctor discovers a brain tumor. For Bran, beyond the horror and fear he feels, it is proof that he is not the perfect sub he wants to be.

Tyrone is a good Master, and he loves Bran deeply. He does his best to give his sub what he needs, and assumes the trust level between them is high enough for Bran to come talk to him if there are any issues. But he has become complacent and doesn’t, at first, worry too much when Bran begins to display signs of stress beyond what Tyrone would have expected with his job. It’s a heavy blow for Tyrone’s self-esteem to have to admit he missed how serious they were and what else has been going on in Bran’s life. But he is determined to fix whatever is wrong, and it is a good thing he is as patient as he is!

Lance, the photographer, and Tide are super cute together. Lance is still discovering what it means to be a sub, and what living in the lifestyle can do for him. He is curious, still easily embarrassed, but determined to make it work. Tide is overjoyed that Lance is so willing to try all types of play, and rediscovers himself as much as he learns about Lance. Very hot!

If you like reading about men who have a BDSM lifestyle, if you think a "beginner" couple can be as interesting as an "experienced" pair when dealing with obstacles of different kinds, and if you’re looking for a read that is incredibly hot, full of sexy explorations and punishments, and very sweet, then you will probably like this novel. I loved the psychology behind the men’s relationships as much as their physical escapades.


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