This book is connected to the Room for Love series by the same author (and connects with E.M. Lindsey’s On the Market series) but can easily be read as a stand-alone. However, I am glad that I have the full context of Beau’s relationship with his brothers for the few scenes that involve them. Beau is nothing like the five half-brothers he discovers as an adult, yet at the same time, he’s more similar to them than he knows. (It will never happen, but I’d love to be a fly on the wall if these six brothers ever had a frank discussion about their relationship dynamics with their partners.)
I was hesitant to read this book based on the indication in the back-cover text that Beau is a student of college professor Heath. However, Beau is in his mid-20s instead of fresh out of high school, and the two characters meet before realizing they will be together in a classroom. Both elements make a big difference in how the characters relate to each other, especially since Beau is the dominant partner in the relationship rather than Heath.
Speaking of, there is a high element of BDSM kink in this book that might not be for all readers. Heath is up-front about his concerns after his experience with a previous partner, and I loved how caring and considerate Beau is about their developing dynamic with that knowledge in place.
Books that make me scare a cat always get bonus points. In this case, I yelled out loud at a particular twisty moment that creates conflict between the characters (causing a cat dozing on my feet to sprint from the room). This revelation creates powerful emotional drama between the heroes and includes the perfect amount of angst for a deliciously happy ending. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to starting another series by this author.
Rating: 5 (out of 5) stars. Cross-posted to Amazon and Goodreads.