Review: Good start to a new trilogy.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 5, 2014
I really enjoyed this first book in the Bylaws trilogy. I'm not going to recap the story as the blurb nicely sets forth what the book is about, setting up the relationship between Derrick and Roman and laying the groundwork for the legal battle that will play out further in the next book.Derrick is a planner, but he is also a romantic who is not afraid to let out his feelings and emotions to those who he cares for. Growing up without much he promised himself he would become successful, help his family and when that was all done, he would find his soul mate, marry and have kids and now he is ready to put the last part of his plan to rest. He has found the man that he wants and who wants him back, and just has to convince Roman to take the leap.Roman had a long term relationship that turned as bad as it could get, and he believed he was doing the right thing when, without explanation, he walked away from starting a relationship with Derrick one year ago. Even though his friends and family tried to convince him to give Derrick a chance, Roman has never properly dealt with the fallout from his ex and has allowed false assumptions and fear guide his decision. When it looks like Derrick may walk away for good, he has to decide if he can live with never really knowing what could have been.The slow build between the two MC's had plenty of chemistry and sexual tension ready to explode after years of want and denial. When the two finally do give in it was scorching. I loved how Derrick takes his chances and lays it all on the line, while Roman is more tight lipped about his feelings. I enjoyed the secondary characters, especially Roman's mother's daily dose of inspiration and Dani, whose introduction comes late in the story but made quite an impression.While there is a lot of fun and banter, including an office grapevine gone wild, there are also serious underlying issues. On top of the usual new relationship issues any couple faces, Roman and Derrick have so much more to deal with that will make their future uncertain. In addition, the charges being leveled against Derrick and Tyler may be false, but will not be easily dismissed. A vengeful DA with political aspirations and a grudge against Roman is about to make both Roman and Derrick's personal and professional lives a nightmare and I am really looking forward to watching it play out.