Review: In or Out by Sara York
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 27, 2013
'In Or Out?' by Sara York begins where the first story 'Friends Or Lovers?' ends and adds some new characters to the mix: Brian, Shane's new boss, and Brian's love interest, Jamie. After observing the love between Shane and Nick, Brian realizes he wants more than the lonely existence he currently has. When he meets Jamie, he understands he need look no further. The lives of the two couples become intertwined, as each couple explores their feelings and they solidify their individual relationships.When Shane goes back to their place to get his things, he gets a harsh lesson in how possessive and controlling Mark can be when Mark proceeds to cut out everything he's provided for Shane: his home, his job, and his money. Fortunately, there are people who, for good reason, detest Mark and are more than willing to help Shane; one being his new boss, Brian, who invites him to stay at his place for a few days. He's extremely attracted to Shane, but respects Shane's relationship with Nick. Even so, there's still a lot of chemistry between them.Brian confesses to Shane, telling him how guilty he feels for not telling him about what Mark was doing behind his back. When he sees Shane and Nick together, any ideas of having Shane vanish, but it also shows him what he is missing in his life. When Brian plays knight in shining armor for a young man named Jamie, he instantly knows he is the one and is determined to show Jamie that he wants much more than sex; Brian is ready for a forever relationship.When Shane tells Nick he's staying with Brian, Nick isn't convinced the arrangement is a good thing; he's hurt that Shane didn't come directly to him but when Shane explains that he's uncomfortable moving in with Nick right away, he tries hard to accept it and view Brian as Shane's friend, but seeing their closeness doesn't make it easy. Since Nick wants what's best for Shane, he's willing to compromise. When Mark physically attacks Shane, Nick is incensed and blames Brian for not protecting him. Brian graciously helps Shane pack since there's no longer any question that he wants to be with Nick.This was a great follow-up story in which some of the loose ends of the previous story are tied together nicely, except for Mark's who is beginning to reap what he has so munificently sown in his efforts to control and dominate everyone and everything in his path. I recommend this book to Shane and Nick fans and new readers as well, but the series will be more enjoyable if you read the books in order. Thanks so much, Sara, for another visit with Shane and Nick and for introducing us to Brian and Jamie as well. I can hardly wait to see what you do with Mark in the sequel to follow.Originally posted at RainbowBook Reviews.