This book surprised me. I would not have picked it up on its own (BDSM, contemporary, May/Decemberish) but it was part of a loose series (Spires) that I had really enjoyed up to this point, and I have started trusting Alexis Hall in general, so I read it and really kind of loved it.
Laurie is a sub in the bedroom but out of it he is a successful doctor in his late thirties (I think he is thirty nine but I might not be remembering correctly). He has been single for years after his first love left him. And he is tired of the sex party scene.
Toby is nineteen and short and a college dropout. But he is sure if given the chance he could be a great Dom.
This book is about sex and trust. It is a character focused story but there is really a lot of sex. Like a lot. But the story really shines because of Toby. He is funny and sweet and irrepressible.
Laurie is grouchie and sad and tries his best to not fall in love with Toby. This all feels pretty reasonable considering their age difference and Laurie’s past heartache. I hate stories where the obstacles are flimsy or inconsistent, but all of Laurie and Toby’s problems come from who they are.