Review: A Sweet Romance With Great Characters
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 23, 2013
4.5 starsAfter an almost decade-long relationship with Rachel, Mark O'Brien has finally admitted to himself that he's gay. After living together for six years, it takes pressure from Mark's Irish mother to make an honest woman out of the girl to finally get him to admit to himself that he is a gay man and that staying with Rachel would only lead to more heartbreak later for both of them.  The break-up is difficult but not bitter.Movers are called to take Mark's belongings to his new apartment and this is when he meets Jamie Robertson, one of two brothers hired to do the moving. Jamie is a big man and Mark wants him instantly. After a very embarrassing moment when Mark's sex toys are spilled all over the floor, an arrangement is made between the two men. Mark's experience with men is limited, having only had one blowjob when he was sixteen. Jamie offers to show him - to teach him - everything he's been missing while he was with Rachel. Shocked by Jamie's boldness, Mark immediately takes him up on his offer. No strings. No feelings. No relationship. Nothing serious. Just sex.It should be noted that in the nine years together, Mark never cheated on Rachel. I know that seems to be fairly common in some M/M books where a man goes from a relationship with a woman to being exclusive with men but that is definitely not the case in this particular book.A kiss here, a touch there, a couple of blow jobs here and there and Jamie and Mark are seeing each other at Mark's apartment frequently for basically what would be called booty calls. The first kiss from Jamie and Mark knows he did the right thing by breaking things off with Rachel. There are no doubts. He is definitely gay.Before long, Jamie is staying overnight at Mark's. One night a week turns into two, then three, and then he is spending almost every night of the week there. But it's still no strings, right? Mark gets sick and Jamie rushes to take care of him, with both men still thinking it is just a friends with benefits thing. If that was the case, would Jamie introduce Mark to his family? To his friends?Both Mark and Jamie realize early on that there will be feelings involved and not just the sexual kind.  But both are terrified of losing the other so they keep those feelings quiet until finally one day, one knows he has to take a chance because he can't go another day without laying it all out. It's not fair to either of them.I really enjoyed this book. Both main characters are very likable and you immediately feel compassion for each as they battle with themselves over their feelings. Mark doesn't go from a shy virginal character to knowing all there is to know about gay sex. I liked that a lot. I've read so many books where the shy virgin becomes a sex expert during his first encounter so it was nice to see that Mark still had a lot to learn. Jamie was an amazing "teacher" and an all around good guy. I also love how the author wrote Rachel. She wasn't written as a bitter ex, though she had been the one hurt the most over Mark coming out. She was a great character and I applaud the author for making her so.Overall, a very enjoyable read. Great characters. Great story. Great read. I look forward to reading more by this author.Review originally published on ontopdownunderbookreviews.com