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Something Different
An Unhappily Married Man
Michael Maguire’s love life has always lacked … something. His wife is cold, his children are distant, and he’s desperate for one night of self-indulgence. One night of real pleasure. So he heads to notorious Brixton Park seeking a prostitute, so divorced from his own needs, he isn’t even sure of his type.
A Rent Boy
James Campbell is one trick away from life on the street. Trapped in the world’s oldest profession, he long ago gave up on breaking free. When he sees Michael on a bench in Brixton Park, he doesn’t take no for an answer. James knows he can provide all the pleasure an unhappy, repressed man needs.
Something Different
That first night leads to an affair so deep, so honest and challenging, neither Michael nor James can predict its end. Each tryst brings them a little closer, sampling every kind of pleasure until nothing is off the table. Not even love…
Trigger warning: child sexual abuse.
Warning: this is an erotic m/m romance. The book contains frank language, adult situations and graphic sex.
Note: the author would like to thank the talented and incredibly kind Rebecca Emin for her assistance with the second edition. All correct references to modern life in London belong to her. All errors, alas,belong to me.
Michael Maguire’s love life has always lacked … something. His wife is cold, his children are distant, and he’s desperate for one night of self-indulgence. One night of real pleasure. So he heads to notorious Brixton Park seeking a prostitute, so divorced from his own needs, he isn’t even sure of his type.
A Rent Boy
James Campbell is one trick away from life on the street. Trapped in the world’s oldest profession, he long ago gave up on breaking free. When he sees Michael on a bench in Brixton Park, he doesn’t take no for an answer. James knows he can provide all the pleasure an unhappy, repressed man needs.
Something Different
That first night leads to an affair so deep, so honest and challenging, neither Michael nor James can predict its end. Each tryst brings them a little closer, sampling every kind of pleasure until nothing is off the table. Not even love…
Trigger warning: child sexual abuse.
Warning: this is an erotic m/m romance. The book contains frank language, adult situations and graphic sex.
Note: the author would like to thank the talented and incredibly kind Rebecca Emin for her assistance with the second edition. All correct references to modern life in London belong to her. All errors, alas,belong to me.
114 pages, ebook
First published October 1, 2011
29 people are currently reading
1074 people want to read
About the author
S.A. Reid
5 books153 followersI'm a writer of fantasy adventures. My first book, a reincarnation romance called Past Lives #1: Rachel is now available.
I also write cozy mysteries like Ice Blue and Blue Murder (coming Spring 2012) as Emma Jameson. And as S.A. Reid, I write adult romances like Something Different, Protection, and Soulless (coming Spring 2012).
Pseudonym of T. Baggins http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
I also write cozy mysteries like Ice Blue and Blue Murder (coming Spring 2012) as Emma Jameson. And as S.A. Reid, I write adult romances like Something Different, Protection, and Soulless (coming Spring 2012).
Pseudonym of T. Baggins http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 274 reviews
May 9, 2017
**4.5 stars**
After reading "Something Different", I can officially say that I have a thing for T. Baggins/S.A. Reid's books. I've read a number of rent boy stories and they all usually have a common theme of abuse or trauma. This book was no different in that respect. However, "Something Different" really stood out in this genre. Maybe it is because it felt real and raw, not depressing or melodramatic. it just worked for me in every way.
I also don't like stories with infidelity in them. It just isn't romantic for me. However, I was surprised by how much I didn't mind it in this book. Another thing that I loved was there were no "plot devises" at work here. There were zero "silly misunderstandings" or "crazy overreactions". It was just simply easy, witty writing that glided the story along.
Oh, and major props for the dentist scenes. I was treatment planning his case in my head!
After reading "Something Different", I can officially say that I have a thing for T. Baggins/S.A. Reid's books. I've read a number of rent boy stories and they all usually have a common theme of abuse or trauma. This book was no different in that respect. However, "Something Different" really stood out in this genre. Maybe it is because it felt real and raw, not depressing or melodramatic. it just worked for me in every way.
I also don't like stories with infidelity in them. It just isn't romantic for me. However, I was surprised by how much I didn't mind it in this book. Another thing that I loved was there were no "plot devises" at work here. There were zero "silly misunderstandings" or "crazy overreactions". It was just simply easy, witty writing that glided the story along.
Oh, and major props for the dentist scenes. I was treatment planning his case in my head!
February 23, 2023
Reread January 2023 There’s a second edition, KU and improved. I cannot recommend this book enough.
God, this book!!! Still good after the third reread. Still raw and life-like, still heartwarming. Still…something different. 100 recommended if you want to read something short, quirky, flawed but interesting and full of feelings.
Be aware that there is cheating (not between the MC but one of them is married to a woman )and there is a rent boy and of course a HEA. Both MCs feel like real life ppl rather than book characters .The writing is also different : there is no flowery writing and the sex scenes are not “beautiful “ ..they’re sometimes crass sometimes blunt but fresh and honest and it gives the book originality .. It’s a short book and yet it feels like a normal length novel because it doesn’t feel rushed or underdeveloped
. Gaaah, I’ve always loved and I’ll always love this book. 😍
* I’ve noticed that this book might also come under another pen name : T. Baggins and it’s on KU .
“You don’t have to go for me, mate. Just my mouth and where it can take you. And it’ll be different. Isn’t that why you ditched the wife for the night? Try something different?”
“But it makes no sense.” Michael seemed to be speaking to himself as much as James. Rising from the floor, he shifted to the bed. “I mean, I can pay you to take your clothes off. To touch me. To let me touch you. But I can’t expect you to have an orgasm on command, no matter how much money I give you. And the fact that you won’t, even though it would be easier, even though it would be safer …” Michael lifted his head “I think it means you won’t sell out. Not all the way. There’s a part of you no one can buy. Not with money. Not even with violence.”
God, this book!!! Still good after the third reread. Still raw and life-like, still heartwarming. Still…something different. 100 recommended if you want to read something short, quirky, flawed but interesting and full of feelings.
Be aware that there is cheating (not between the MC but one of them is married to a woman )and there is a rent boy and of course a HEA. Both MCs feel like real life ppl rather than book characters .The writing is also different : there is no flowery writing and the sex scenes are not “beautiful “ ..they’re sometimes crass sometimes blunt but fresh and honest and it gives the book originality .. It’s a short book and yet it feels like a normal length novel because it doesn’t feel rushed or underdeveloped
. Gaaah, I’ve always loved and I’ll always love this book. 😍
* I’ve noticed that this book might also come under another pen name : T. Baggins and it’s on KU .
“You don’t have to go for me, mate. Just my mouth and where it can take you. And it’ll be different. Isn’t that why you ditched the wife for the night? Try something different?”
“But it makes no sense.” Michael seemed to be speaking to himself as much as James. Rising from the floor, he shifted to the bed. “I mean, I can pay you to take your clothes off. To touch me. To let me touch you. But I can’t expect you to have an orgasm on command, no matter how much money I give you. And the fact that you won’t, even though it would be easier, even though it would be safer …” Michael lifted his head “I think it means you won’t sell out. Not all the way. There’s a part of you no one can buy. Not with money. Not even with violence.”
March 10, 2019
Well, well, well - I bloody loved that! I downloaded this through KU months ago and almost returned it because I hadn't gotten round to reading it. I opened it by mistake thinking it was another book, started it and read it in one sitting.
I absolutely loved the writing style, the characters, the story, the lot! Michael's naivety was just so stinking cute! I didn't even mind the evil wife - yes she's a bit of a caricature but I didn't care, I was too wrapped up in Michael and James' story.
I'ff off to hunt me down some more rent boy stories. Did I say I loved this one?
4.5 stars
I absolutely loved the writing style, the characters, the story, the lot! Michael's naivety was just so stinking cute! I didn't even mind the evil wife - yes she's a bit of a caricature but I didn't care, I was too wrapped up in Michael and James' story.
I'ff off to hunt me down some more rent boy stories. Did I say I loved this one?
4.5 stars
September 13, 2016
Loved this story about Michael, a 34 year old writer who life is drab and predictable. One night he breaks free from the mold and meets dyslexic rent boy James.
This author writes with a raw honesty that breaks a lot of the stereotypes in m/m romance. I don't usually go for stories with marital infidelity, nor stories with rent boys, but the author makes these issues an integral part of the plotline, so that the reader believes and empathizes with the journey Michael is taking, and is cheering for both he and James to succeed. While it is in no way a Pretty Woman, it is quite romantic and there is a strong sense that Michael and James save each other. And there is a pretty good 'makeover' of a sort too!
All of the secondary characters are interesting and three dimensional but they are definitely on the periphery of this love story. I highlighted several enjoyable passages from this book including this one from Germanotti (Michael's lazy co-worker and friend):
"All right." Germanotti took a long pull on his beer. "You know I have nothing. I'm a bleached lifeless shell. A skeleton. Bleached bones circled by buzzards who won't even peck at me. Wendy snapped off my cock and keeps it in a pencil box. I visit it twice a year on Christmas and my birthday. The only reason I don't top myself is in hopes you'll spill the sordid details and let me live vicariously through them."
Michael surprised himself by laughing aloud again - the second time in two days. "If your novel reads like that, I think it might sell."
"My novel is one long cry for help," Germanotti continued relentlessly, staring at Michael over the lip of his glass. "For Chrissake. Her name. Start with her name."
Michael drew in his breath. "His name is James."
And this one from James:
"Oh, and they said I have ADD, too." He lit a cigarette, his first of the day, and took a long, grateful drag. "But listen mate, I once sucked a geezer for twenty minutes to get him off. The clock was just over his shoulder and I timed it. Attention deficit?" He blew out a plume of smoke. "I don't think so."
Highly recommended.
This author writes with a raw honesty that breaks a lot of the stereotypes in m/m romance. I don't usually go for stories with marital infidelity, nor stories with rent boys, but the author makes these issues an integral part of the plotline, so that the reader believes and empathizes with the journey Michael is taking, and is cheering for both he and James to succeed. While it is in no way a Pretty Woman, it is quite romantic and there is a strong sense that Michael and James save each other. And there is a pretty good 'makeover' of a sort too!
All of the secondary characters are interesting and three dimensional but they are definitely on the periphery of this love story. I highlighted several enjoyable passages from this book including this one from Germanotti (Michael's lazy co-worker and friend):
"All right." Germanotti took a long pull on his beer. "You know I have nothing. I'm a bleached lifeless shell. A skeleton. Bleached bones circled by buzzards who won't even peck at me. Wendy snapped off my cock and keeps it in a pencil box. I visit it twice a year on Christmas and my birthday. The only reason I don't top myself is in hopes you'll spill the sordid details and let me live vicariously through them."
Michael surprised himself by laughing aloud again - the second time in two days. "If your novel reads like that, I think it might sell."
"My novel is one long cry for help," Germanotti continued relentlessly, staring at Michael over the lip of his glass. "For Chrissake. Her name. Start with her name."
Michael drew in his breath. "His name is James."
And this one from James:
"Oh, and they said I have ADD, too." He lit a cigarette, his first of the day, and took a long, grateful drag. "But listen mate, I once sucked a geezer for twenty minutes to get him off. The clock was just over his shoulder and I timed it. Attention deficit?" He blew out a plume of smoke. "I don't think so."
Highly recommended.
July 24, 2019
***** 4 Stars ****
Available on KU at the moment.
One of the best "Rent Boys" stories I have ever come across.
After reading Protection this week and now Something Different, I can safely say I've become a S.A. Reid fan.
Available on KU at the moment.
One of the best "Rent Boys" stories I have ever come across.
After reading Protection this week and now Something Different, I can safely say I've become a S.A. Reid fan.
February 9, 2022
4,5 stars
I have a thing for S.A. Reid/T. Baggins. I really love their writing! It's usually raw, and honest and the characters feel like they are taken from real life. They are usually far from perfect, but that's what makes them so real and genuine.
"So what if Frannie divorces me? It's not as if she enjoys my company, or I enjoy hers. We're only content when we're both quiet and something good's on the telly. So what if the kids never speak to me again? They hardly do now, unless they need pocket money. So what if I have to appear in court? It would be the first new, different, unexpected thing that's happened to me in fifteen years...maybe longer."
I have a thing for S.A. Reid/T. Baggins. I really love their writing! It's usually raw, and honest and the characters feel like they are taken from real life. They are usually far from perfect, but that's what makes them so real and genuine.
"So what if Frannie divorces me? It's not as if she enjoys my company, or I enjoy hers. We're only content when we're both quiet and something good's on the telly. So what if the kids never speak to me again? They hardly do now, unless they need pocket money. So what if I have to appear in court? It would be the first new, different, unexpected thing that's happened to me in fifteen years...maybe longer."
In this book 34 years old Michael McGuire, a writer of textbooks, feels something's missing in his life. His loveless marriage is in a slump, his relationship with his kids is almost non-existing. Sex is something like a distant memory. Both him and his wife have lost the attraction and every connection that ever was between them.
When one day Michael finds the courage to go to a park in search of a hooker, he finds James instead. James is a rent boy, who offers him a BJ (because a BJ is a BJ, whether it's given by a male or a female doesn't make a lot of difference, does it?).
James and Michael are both lost souls and that's where they find the connection. Michael's unhappy marriage, the longing to be true to himself, and James, who is struggling to keep himself alive, used to doing tricks to earn at least enough money to feed himself. Both men are damaged from their pasts and both long to find love and someone who cares for them.
So, yes, there's infidelity in this story. I know that's a no-go for some readers, so I think it needs to be mentioned. But the author did an admirable job in how they handled it. It never made me cringe - if one thing, it made me cheer for Michael and James. Michael and his wife should have talked about divorce much sooner - their marriage has been on a dead end street for long, but it's the familiarity and the daily routines that have kept them together.
It was beautiful to see Michael change - he grew into a much more confident man from the moment he found James to take care of. As a reader you couldn't do anything else but cheer for both men. They were dimensional characters, well developed and lovable. That's what this author does best and that's why you come to love them so much. And James grew too - under guidance of Michael, who gave him the opportunities no one ever had ever before.
"Were you diagnosed with dyslexia?"
"Severe," James said. "Rhymes with stupid, just means I get more from being hit over the head with a book than looking at what's inside it. Oh, and they said I have ADD too." He lit a cigarette, his first of the day, and took a long, grateful drag. "But listen, mate, I once sucked a geezer for twenty minutes, to get him off. The clock was just over his shoulder and I timed it. Attention deficit?" He blew out a plume of smoke. "I don't think so."
I really, really loved this novella, and I highly recommend it. (I decided to rate up - 4,5 stars rounded up to 5).
January 6, 2018
Either I have an until now unrealized rent boy kink going on or sex workers are a huge thing in the M/M genre. I'm putting my cards on the latter. This book follows the pattern that is to be expected of the trope and yet is…Something Different indeed.
I was both impressed and underwhelmed. Several aspects of the story I think were handled really well by the author. The MC's, a sexually repressed dad to two teens who's caught in a loveless and marriage, road to self-discovery and happiness is interesting. Not because there is anything original about a (perceived) straight man falling head over heels with a rent boy he picks up in a park one night. No, he’s a rather peculiar character. Not particularly sympathetic and almost robotic in the way he goes through life, yet you’ll find yourself rooting for him when he confidently reaches out for glimmers of happiness. Although this is not a depressing read at all, there’s something bittersweet about it. It makes Something Different feel ‘real’ as opposed to a merry-go-lucky fairytale.
There were a few things that threw me. Stuff you don’t usually come across when picking up a book that follows this trope. The un-PC way in which the MCs handle the risk of STDs might raise an eyebrow, but these two are obviously not alone in their approach. Again, this makes their story feel more real. Less appealing I found the portrayal of the MC’s wife, who’s painted as bitter and cold. I don’t have any hang ups about cheating in my reads, but I tend to dislike when the MC is provided with the 'evil wife' excuse.
And then there is the ‘dirty talk’ that didn’t really gel with me. Showers are not a mandatory thing for me in books, but somehow frank references to feces are still a bridge too far… So certain comments made by the MCs I could've done without. More uncomfortable were the recollections of abuse, endured by one of the MCs while in his teens (trigger warning!). Baggins takes no prisoners when it comes to describing these scenes. Although short, they are hard to swallow because of their explicit nastiness.
If you haven’t read anything else by this author I’d recommend starting with the excellent 'Protection' or, if you like your reads a little fluffier, 'Fifteen Shades of Gay'. Compared to Baggins’ other works – and this was the last book by her I hadn’t read yet — this one falls short of the mark for me.
I was both impressed and underwhelmed. Several aspects of the story I think were handled really well by the author. The MC's, a sexually repressed dad to two teens who's caught in a loveless and marriage, road to self-discovery and happiness is interesting. Not because there is anything original about a (perceived) straight man falling head over heels with a rent boy he picks up in a park one night. No, he’s a rather peculiar character. Not particularly sympathetic and almost robotic in the way he goes through life, yet you’ll find yourself rooting for him when he confidently reaches out for glimmers of happiness. Although this is not a depressing read at all, there’s something bittersweet about it. It makes Something Different feel ‘real’ as opposed to a merry-go-lucky fairytale.
There were a few things that threw me. Stuff you don’t usually come across when picking up a book that follows this trope. The un-PC way in which the MCs handle the risk of STDs might raise an eyebrow, but these two are obviously not alone in their approach. Again, this makes their story feel more real. Less appealing I found the portrayal of the MC’s wife, who’s painted as bitter and cold. I don’t have any hang ups about cheating in my reads, but I tend to dislike when the MC is provided with the 'evil wife' excuse.
And then there is the ‘dirty talk’ that didn’t really gel with me. Showers are not a mandatory thing for me in books, but somehow frank references to feces are still a bridge too far… So certain comments made by the MCs I could've done without. More uncomfortable were the recollections of abuse, endured by one of the MCs while in his teens (trigger warning!). Baggins takes no prisoners when it comes to describing these scenes. Although short, they are hard to swallow because of their explicit nastiness.
If you haven’t read anything else by this author I’d recommend starting with the excellent 'Protection' or, if you like your reads a little fluffier, 'Fifteen Shades of Gay'. Compared to Baggins’ other works – and this was the last book by her I hadn’t read yet — this one falls short of the mark for me.
July 30, 2022
2.5 stars
It took me a while to warm up to the characters, but at a certain point I got curious to see what would happen and it ended up being an uplifting story, despite
I didn’t like how Frannie was depicted at the beginning, it’s easy to try to gain sympathy for the
The story offers a plausible explanation for it, though, and I liked how that aspect was developed.
There’s only one thing I’m left a little confused about. Am I supposed to interpret as a sign of true love? Because to me that sounds just plain stupid.
Content warning:
It took me a while to warm up to the characters, but at a certain point I got curious to see what would happen and it ended up being an uplifting story, despite
I didn’t like how Frannie was depicted at the beginning, it’s easy to try to gain sympathy for the
The story offers a plausible explanation for it, though, and I liked how that aspect was developed.
There’s only one thing I’m left a little confused about. Am I supposed to interpret as a sign of true love? Because to me that sounds just plain stupid.
Content warning:
January 25, 2012
More of my reviews and ramblings at PANTS OFF REVIEWS
Michael is tired of his boring life, his easily predictable life. He hardly gets along with his wife; she just spends her time bossing him around. He never does anything out of the norm, until he decides that he’s going to find a prostitute. Michael has never cheated on his wife before but there is something inside of him wanting to rebel. A conversation with a friend leads him to the decision that’s he’s heading to Brixton Park and getting some lady goods.
In Michael’s mind, he’s picturing the movie Pretty Woman, until realization hits. He might just be going into something he’s clearly not ready for, while contemplating his next move on a park bench he’s approached by a young man. Clearly, a man wasn’t a part of his plan but Michael can’t deny he finds the boy beautiful. A little flirting with James and they head to a hotel for a little play (and yeh Michael is not gay) or so he thinks.
James is a prostitute of circumstance. He gets no enjoyment from it; he fakes his way through it all. He thinks Michael will be sucker to con, sweet talk him and take his money. Alternatively, that’s the way he wanted it to go but Michael sees him. Calls him out on all his fake and expects nothing from him. They are an odd pair, and something deeper feelings develop surpassing what it was before. A man and his trick.
The story is hardly a Cinderella tale. James is a broken young man, sexually abused as a child and it has led him down some dark roads. He feels worthless and he hates himself. The only things he feels he is good at is being on his back and sometimes he even sucks at that. Michael is sweet and naïve character, but I find him sweet and just so darn optimistic.
Yes, there is cheating, and some highly questionable scenes but I still really liked this book. The writing is fun and the author took some chances, which really worked with the overall tone of the story. I listed this book as one of my faves for 2012 so far, and it’s because it's just freaking fun. Some readers might not agree with the content, but I can understand it. Some folks are victims of their circumstance, sometimes there are loveless marriages, and sometimes you gotta risk it all for love. I am now a fan of S.A Reid and I look forward to her other books.
Michael is tired of his boring life, his easily predictable life. He hardly gets along with his wife; she just spends her time bossing him around. He never does anything out of the norm, until he decides that he’s going to find a prostitute. Michael has never cheated on his wife before but there is something inside of him wanting to rebel. A conversation with a friend leads him to the decision that’s he’s heading to Brixton Park and getting some lady goods.
In Michael’s mind, he’s picturing the movie Pretty Woman, until realization hits. He might just be going into something he’s clearly not ready for, while contemplating his next move on a park bench he’s approached by a young man. Clearly, a man wasn’t a part of his plan but Michael can’t deny he finds the boy beautiful. A little flirting with James and they head to a hotel for a little play (and yeh Michael is not gay) or so he thinks.
James is a prostitute of circumstance. He gets no enjoyment from it; he fakes his way through it all. He thinks Michael will be sucker to con, sweet talk him and take his money. Alternatively, that’s the way he wanted it to go but Michael sees him. Calls him out on all his fake and expects nothing from him. They are an odd pair, and something deeper feelings develop surpassing what it was before. A man and his trick.
The story is hardly a Cinderella tale. James is a broken young man, sexually abused as a child and it has led him down some dark roads. He feels worthless and he hates himself. The only things he feels he is good at is being on his back and sometimes he even sucks at that. Michael is sweet and naïve character, but I find him sweet and just so darn optimistic.
Yes, there is cheating, and some highly questionable scenes but I still really liked this book. The writing is fun and the author took some chances, which really worked with the overall tone of the story. I listed this book as one of my faves for 2012 so far, and it’s because it's just freaking fun. Some readers might not agree with the content, but I can understand it. Some folks are victims of their circumstance, sometimes there are loveless marriages, and sometimes you gotta risk it all for love. I am now a fan of S.A Reid and I look forward to her other books.
October 6, 2019
During what must have been one of the hottest nights I can ever remember, while I was trying without success to sleep, I decided that my time would be better spent with a short novella that could keep me company in the wee small hours. That's how I picked up S.A. Reid's Something Different, a book that I had in my TBR since reading - and utterly loving - the author's Protection.
Focusing on an unhappily and confused married man and his casual encounter with a rent boy hiding all his uncertainties under a façade of cheekiness and cynicism, the novella develops from a casual encounter to a beautifully-portrayed love story that pushes both MCs to reconsider their lives and decisions.
I'm always a bit wary of GFY-plotlines - I often find them forced and unbelievable, but there are a rawness and honesty in this book that surprised me and made me overcome all my possible prejudices. Both Michael and James come across as well-rounded and believable characters and, despite a good amount of trauma in both their pasts and presents, the story isn't marred by unnecessary miscommunications, twists, misunderstandings and so on.
When faced with the possibility of trying 'something different', Michael goes for it with the elation of a man perhaps not used to such transgressions but aware that a change is really what he needs. And James - using all the tricks of his trade - accommodates Michael's needs without considering possible consequences. It was a pleasure to discover what their first night encounter will bring about in their lives.
There are a few things that perhaps could have been further expanded or tweaked - in fact, I think it's a shame the author went for a novella length, rather than a fully-developed novel - but the story holds very well together and the cast of secondary characters is engaging and functional.
When I read Protection, I loved Reid's writing style and, despite the major differences between that book and Something Different, I've found the same lovely prose and nuanced language in this story.
Really recommended (and not just during a sleepless, hot night)!
Focusing on an unhappily and confused married man and his casual encounter with a rent boy hiding all his uncertainties under a façade of cheekiness and cynicism, the novella develops from a casual encounter to a beautifully-portrayed love story that pushes both MCs to reconsider their lives and decisions.
I'm always a bit wary of GFY-plotlines - I often find them forced and unbelievable, but there are a rawness and honesty in this book that surprised me and made me overcome all my possible prejudices. Both Michael and James come across as well-rounded and believable characters and, despite a good amount of trauma in both their pasts and presents, the story isn't marred by unnecessary miscommunications, twists, misunderstandings and so on.
When faced with the possibility of trying 'something different', Michael goes for it with the elation of a man perhaps not used to such transgressions but aware that a change is really what he needs. And James - using all the tricks of his trade - accommodates Michael's needs without considering possible consequences. It was a pleasure to discover what their first night encounter will bring about in their lives.
There are a few things that perhaps could have been further expanded or tweaked - in fact, I think it's a shame the author went for a novella length, rather than a fully-developed novel - but the story holds very well together and the cast of secondary characters is engaging and functional.
When I read Protection, I loved Reid's writing style and, despite the major differences between that book and Something Different, I've found the same lovely prose and nuanced language in this story.
Really recommended (and not just during a sleepless, hot night)!
January 21, 2012
I cannot say more than this...I LOVED this book. S.A. Reid took what could have been a formulaic rehashing of a sugar daddy meets needy twink and transformed it into a love story that resounded with healing, redemption and hope. James, a rent boy, illiterate, unloved, near homeless waif stumbles upon Michael, a shadow of a man who now lives trapped in a loveless marriage writing textbooks while harboring the desire to be more...feel more...love more. James' slick come on leaves Michael breathless and shaken and more than a little turned on. Meanwhile James cannot allow himself to even remotely think of the possibility of life beyond whoring himself. On one hand a damaged older man who lives in a fragile loveless existence, barely holding on to his soul...on the other a young, illiterate man whose jaded and miserable life revolves around endless tricks and an unrequited love for a selfish bastard of a man. In the novel, Something Different, these two damaged souls collide and turn each others barely tolerable existence upside down.
This was a remarkable book--truly inspiring. Michael doesn't simply rescue James; he gives him the tools to restore his confidence, his independence and by doing so, inspires in James a depth of love we should all hope to encounter in a partner one day.
The characters were richly developed and so very like-able. You wanted them to succeed--you wanted them to heal. The foray into sexual abuse suffered by both men was done with grace and compassion. The tender yet stark manner Ms Reid uses to develop this part of her story line was rich in emotion and visually stunning. You felt their shame...you cried their tears.
In a real world where so often, young men like James are simply part of our society's throw away minority; and where men like Michael are left to linger unhappy and passionless existence, Ms Reid cries out on their behalf and tells the world to take notice--see what wonderful souls you have chosen to throw away.
I highly recommend this novel to you. I will be standing in line for this author's next work. I hope to see you there.
This was a remarkable book--truly inspiring. Michael doesn't simply rescue James; he gives him the tools to restore his confidence, his independence and by doing so, inspires in James a depth of love we should all hope to encounter in a partner one day.
The characters were richly developed and so very like-able. You wanted them to succeed--you wanted them to heal. The foray into sexual abuse suffered by both men was done with grace and compassion. The tender yet stark manner Ms Reid uses to develop this part of her story line was rich in emotion and visually stunning. You felt their shame...you cried their tears.
In a real world where so often, young men like James are simply part of our society's throw away minority; and where men like Michael are left to linger unhappy and passionless existence, Ms Reid cries out on their behalf and tells the world to take notice--see what wonderful souls you have chosen to throw away.
I highly recommend this novel to you. I will be standing in line for this author's next work. I hope to see you there.
July 30, 2012
4.5 stars. Very British, gritty, enjoyable. I didn't gel with Michael at the beginning at all, but, like James, I came to care for him a great deal. He was more than apparent at first glance.
MandyM wrote a beautiful review for this book.
MandyM wrote a beautiful review for this book.
February 1, 2013
2.5 stars
I’m not a big fan of the rentboy falls in love with his client storyline. It works for me only on the rare occasion and only if there’s some serious attraction between the two.
So, even though I really liked Protection by this same author, this one fell short.
I’m finding more and more that I don’t buy the draw between MC’s as easily as I have in the past. If you can’t produce chemistry on the page, I’m not going to just assume it’s there and buy into the rest.
Thus, the relationship between James and Michael felt flat and what each brought to the table, unequal. And when they suddenly were in love with each other, I rolled my eyes and thought…really? And quite honestly, there was nothing really special or interesting about either of them as characters.
There were some sweet parts and if the book was longer, maybe it wouldn’t have felt so hard to believe.
In a nutshell, I’ll probably forget this book in a week…nothing worth reco'ing...
August 25, 2018
I shouldn’t have liked this book. There is more than one aspect that typically doesn’t work for me. But for some reason, somehow, Reid pulled it off in such a way that…really worked for me. Which reminds me that all books are unique and a different experience for each and every reader. There are times I read someone else’s perspective to a book and wonder, ‘did we read the same book?’ But the truth is, we may not have. Because where we are, who we are, and what we are feeling all affect the books we read. I happened to be sitting in an airport, perturbed because I couldn’t load the book I wanted to read and thought, I’ll read one of the oldest books on my kindle. I started this and before I knew it, was completely enthralled and couldn’t be bothered to eat dinner. I was struck with the writing and their untimely situation…and quite frankly, couldn’t get enough. Needless to say, I was impressed and any and all preconceptions went out the window.
What's to like: The characters instantly gripped me. Michael is miserable. He’s desperate for something new and invigorating. His marriage is superficial at best. His children are distant. His social life is pathetic. He is trapped and suddenly finds himself needing something. He crosses paths with James and a piece of him shifts. James awakens his soul and brings light to his dreary surroundings. James has his own secrets, but he feels the pull and longs to be with Michael as much as Michael yearns for him. But their worlds are poles apart. They could never be…could they? Well, let’s just see…..
What's to love: They are a bit backwards with their relationship but it’s no less powerful. Although they come from distinctly clashing backgrounds, they give each other what the other needs. They enhance one another, making them stronger…better…together. I loved how they heal and support each other…in every way. I was astounded with the reality of their story. It wasn’t just a rich middle-aged man leaving his family for a hooker. No. It was far from that. It was about self-discovery and liberation. It was about forgiveness and acceptance. It was about courage and rising above. And better yet, they rose together and it was beautiful. Anytime dental scenes are thrown in, I perk up and pay close attention. I thought Jame’s accident was handled superbly. I believe that’s the gist of this story as a whole…everything was executed remarkably well.
Beware of: Cheating. I don’t like it. It’s one of my hard triggers. Oddly enough, the honesty in his disloyalty made sense out of the affair. Rent boys. James has been working the streets trying to stay out of living in them. His story isn’t easy. History of child abuse. I found these scenes especially difficult but also necessary to pull back another layer of Michael. Age-gap. Which was no concern of mine.
This book is for: Not to be tart but…if you’re looking for something different, I highly suggest you start here. Now, I’m off to see what other gems my Kindle might be hiding.
Book UNfunk
What's to like: The characters instantly gripped me. Michael is miserable. He’s desperate for something new and invigorating. His marriage is superficial at best. His children are distant. His social life is pathetic. He is trapped and suddenly finds himself needing something. He crosses paths with James and a piece of him shifts. James awakens his soul and brings light to his dreary surroundings. James has his own secrets, but he feels the pull and longs to be with Michael as much as Michael yearns for him. But their worlds are poles apart. They could never be…could they? Well, let’s just see…..
What's to love: They are a bit backwards with their relationship but it’s no less powerful. Although they come from distinctly clashing backgrounds, they give each other what the other needs. They enhance one another, making them stronger…better…together. I loved how they heal and support each other…in every way. I was astounded with the reality of their story. It wasn’t just a rich middle-aged man leaving his family for a hooker. No. It was far from that. It was about self-discovery and liberation. It was about forgiveness and acceptance. It was about courage and rising above. And better yet, they rose together and it was beautiful. Anytime dental scenes are thrown in, I perk up and pay close attention. I thought Jame’s accident was handled superbly. I believe that’s the gist of this story as a whole…everything was executed remarkably well.
Beware of: Cheating. I don’t like it. It’s one of my hard triggers. Oddly enough, the honesty in his disloyalty made sense out of the affair. Rent boys. James has been working the streets trying to stay out of living in them. His story isn’t easy. History of child abuse. I found these scenes especially difficult but also necessary to pull back another layer of Michael. Age-gap. Which was no concern of mine.
This book is for: Not to be tart but…if you’re looking for something different, I highly suggest you start here. Now, I’m off to see what other gems my Kindle might be hiding.
Book UNfunk
October 7, 2015
Ok Heather this review is for you because I would never have read this book without your recommendation.
This review is also for those of you who are reluctant to read for all the reasons I had mainly a dislike of cheating spouses and a prostitute as the main character because the life makes me want to cry, hit something and then feel guilty because I don't do more about all the ills in the world. See who needs that guilt when reading a book.
S.A. Reid just takes all that and combines it into this wonderful story of two lost souls who were able to find what we all want in this world someone who gives a flying flip. I love these stories that make me give up all my moral high ground on things I would never accept in real life.
There are many other reviews telling you all the reasons you should read this book and bless them they are right but the most important to me is it a heck of a great story that leaves you smiling and goofy at the end.... love, love, love that feeling.
This review is also for those of you who are reluctant to read for all the reasons I had mainly a dislike of cheating spouses and a prostitute as the main character because the life makes me want to cry, hit something and then feel guilty because I don't do more about all the ills in the world. See who needs that guilt when reading a book.
S.A. Reid just takes all that and combines it into this wonderful story of two lost souls who were able to find what we all want in this world someone who gives a flying flip. I love these stories that make me give up all my moral high ground on things I would never accept in real life.
There are many other reviews telling you all the reasons you should read this book and bless them they are right but the most important to me is it a heck of a great story that leaves you smiling and goofy at the end.... love, love, love that feeling.
June 4, 2012
This is a novel pushed to bend into novella size and it is a book trying to tackle too much.
It still is easily, very easily a 4* to 4.5* book.
Contrary to what one reviewer insinuated Michael never endangered his wife even though he willingly risked infecting himself with genital herpes. He wasn't sleeping with her at that moment, and later when he was about to have sex with her, he told her they would be using a condom. That he does risk himself is something I could well understand under the circumstances. It's also pretty realistic, barebacking even in the face of HIV instead of just Herpes is realistic and happens.
Some parts of the story feel as if they were "lost in translation" between first draft and final version, such as the fact that Michael has a phenomenal and wide-spread theoretical knowhow and why he amassed it. I think I traced it correctly to that he wrote textbooks (which are by the way not commonly written by experts on the topics, instead by experts on textbooks. Michael obviously is one), but that would have needed just one sentence to establish clearly right at the start or at the latest where he has first anal sex.
There wasn't enough foreshadowing, so some of the problems Michael and James experiences later in their relationship felt tabled in a very abrupt manner. Indeed, their problems might have been halfed and still been entirely sufficient to result in a believable despondency.
So why, in spite of these criticism do I still give it such a high rating?
Because I immediately felt attached to the characters, because all the recounted difficulties were realistic and not hidden away, because both men were so utterly likable and normal and realistic, actually including the secondary characters. Even Frannie, the disenchanted wife who married for money wasn't all negative, and Michael stood by her where it mattered.
Also because I was immediately pulled into this story and unable to put it down, which is very rare these days! And lastly because the sex was emotional, original and engaging and the romantic aspects utterly satisfying.
With her unconventional, fresh and realistic approach S.A. Reid has put herself firmly onto the list of authors I will buy sight unseen.
It still is easily, very easily a 4* to 4.5* book.
Contrary to what one reviewer insinuated Michael never endangered his wife even though he willingly risked infecting himself with genital herpes. He wasn't sleeping with her at that moment, and later when he was about to have sex with her, he told her they would be using a condom. That he does risk himself is something I could well understand under the circumstances. It's also pretty realistic, barebacking even in the face of HIV instead of just Herpes is realistic and happens.
Some parts of the story feel as if they were "lost in translation" between first draft and final version, such as the fact that Michael has a phenomenal and wide-spread theoretical knowhow and why he amassed it. I think I traced it correctly to that he wrote textbooks (which are by the way not commonly written by experts on the topics, instead by experts on textbooks. Michael obviously is one), but that would have needed just one sentence to establish clearly right at the start or at the latest where he has first anal sex.
There wasn't enough foreshadowing, so some of the problems Michael and James experiences later in their relationship felt tabled in a very abrupt manner. Indeed, their problems might have been halfed and still been entirely sufficient to result in a believable despondency.
So why, in spite of these criticism do I still give it such a high rating?
Because I immediately felt attached to the characters, because all the recounted difficulties were realistic and not hidden away, because both men were so utterly likable and normal and realistic, actually including the secondary characters. Even Frannie, the disenchanted wife who married for money wasn't all negative, and Michael stood by her where it mattered.
Also because I was immediately pulled into this story and unable to put it down, which is very rare these days! And lastly because the sex was emotional, original and engaging and the romantic aspects utterly satisfying.
With her unconventional, fresh and realistic approach S.A. Reid has put herself firmly onto the list of authors I will buy sight unseen.
December 9, 2011
This was a great read, at times so honest it bordered on crude. Both main characters were SO delightful, so true to themselves and so perfect for each other....This is not a shallow Pretty Woman story, not in the slightest, it's about finding one's perfect match and finding out what really counts in life, it's about learning to be true to oneself and the unexpected rewards life has in stock for those who dare reaching out for them. Highly, highly recommended.
May 29, 2023
An effective and affecting novella that packs a huge amount of story and backstory into 100 pages.
Not for the weak of heart or stomach. We've got cheating, STIs, sex work, brutal (off-page) assault and reference to past assaults, childhood sexual abuse and parental neglect, and emergency dentistry. We've also got a wife who seems like the stereotypical harridan harpy, although we come to realize that this is because we see her only through her husband's POV: they are both going through the motions of a loveless, sexless marriage that lacks communication, trust, or anything in common besides the kids and resigned, grudging co-existence. Making the wife a much more palatable figure when the trap is finally sprung.
This is a little tale of what happens when someone who no longer has any fucks to give meets someone who never met a person he didn't instinctively (and for good reason, mostly) distrust. It's a compelling journey in a small amount of pages, ending with a heartwarming, grounded HEA. Not for everyone, but great if you can deal with cheating and the rest.
Not for the weak of heart or stomach. We've got cheating, STIs, sex work, brutal (off-page) assault and reference to past assaults, childhood sexual abuse and parental neglect, and emergency dentistry. We've also got a wife who seems like the stereotypical harridan harpy, although we come to realize that this is because we see her only through her husband's POV: they are both going through the motions of a loveless, sexless marriage that lacks communication, trust, or anything in common besides the kids and resigned, grudging co-existence. Making the wife a much more palatable figure when the trap is finally sprung.
This is a little tale of what happens when someone who no longer has any fucks to give meets someone who never met a person he didn't instinctively (and for good reason, mostly) distrust. It's a compelling journey in a small amount of pages, ending with a heartwarming, grounded HEA. Not for everyone, but great if you can deal with cheating and the rest.
March 19, 2014
Going into this book, I didn't realized it touched on the once huge subject I try to steer clear of in fiction: infidelity. That being said I am giving it 4 stars.
The book makes me remember that you can't pick who you love. It just happens. I was very happy with the outcome of the book and the second half of the book was much better than the first half.
The sex scenes were the only problem I had. The first is quite descriptive, in a not so good way. Quotes like: "Micheal envisioned the other man inside him, bollocks to buttocks, penis buried inside Micheals intestine and head pushed in feces." or "Brown-stained member". Or the fact that they have unprotected sex after . I just want to scream What the hell is wrong with you!!!
So regardless of all that the book still deserves the 4 stars I am giving it. It was good, kept my interest, it was heartwarming and it made me feel good.
The book makes me remember that you can't pick who you love. It just happens. I was very happy with the outcome of the book and the second half of the book was much better than the first half.
The sex scenes were the only problem I had. The first is quite descriptive, in a not so good way. Quotes like: "Micheal envisioned the other man inside him, bollocks to buttocks, penis buried inside Micheals intestine and head pushed in feces." or "Brown-stained member". Or the fact that they have unprotected sex after . I just want to scream What the hell is wrong with you!!!
So regardless of all that the book still deserves the 4 stars I am giving it. It was good, kept my interest, it was heartwarming and it made me feel good.
December 4, 2011
4.5*
The author was kind enough to offer this book as a free read, and I can honestly say, she has made me a fan.
I will check out her future works.
This story is about Michael, a husband and father, a writer of text books, and James, a rent boy.
It is so very nice to see Michael finding himself, deciding to find his truth, and helping James do the same.
It wasn't overnight, and all their problems aren't solved miraculously.
I have to add, I was surprised that the infidelity in this book didn't bother me at all! ( which it normally does!)
I was also very happy that Frannie, Michaels wife wasn't made into the cliche of a horrible vindictive wife, and that she found what she was missing too.
Great Read! Recommended!
The author was kind enough to offer this book as a free read, and I can honestly say, she has made me a fan.
I will check out her future works.
This story is about Michael, a husband and father, a writer of text books, and James, a rent boy.
It is so very nice to see Michael finding himself, deciding to find his truth, and helping James do the same.
It wasn't overnight, and all their problems aren't solved miraculously.
I have to add, I was surprised that the infidelity in this book didn't bother me at all! ( which it normally does!)
I was also very happy that Frannie, Michaels wife wasn't made into the cliche of a horrible vindictive wife, and that she found what she was missing too.
Great Read! Recommended!
December 3, 2011
*sigh* Something Different is Simply Wonderful! I love the story, the writing style and the whole book is heartwarming and feel-good. S.A. Reid, together with S.E. Culpepper, are the new authors this year who managed to put themselves on my auto-buy-list with just one book - Go Girls!
June 17, 2017
3.5 stars. would have been 4 stars but i took off half a star because they didn't use the word bisexual. yeah i'm a salty motherfucker, sue me.
June 26, 2020
Glad I didn't read the reviews and wasn't dissuaded by the lower rating (<4). I thought this was a good book. I like realistic fiction. I thought it was funny (and sad) how Michael's marriage was working out. Later to learn the abuse he suffered as a child... Even tho Michael essentially cheated on his wife (who sounds like a REAL PILL) with a rent-boy, I didn't blame him. They didn't love each other; there was no emotion involved, just an exchange of "services" - she provided a sort of "settling" for him, he provided financial security.
Normally I HATE any kind of sex that one or both MCs have with other characters in the course of their story, but this one was understandable, I wasn't bothered the way it was written. Michael wasn't in love with anyone at that stage.
I was getting a little worried when he was about to have sex with his wife one last time bc SHE instigated it for once - AFTER he was in love with James, but even then, if it happened, I wasn't too bothered. Except at that point it didn't. Him having to wear a condom triggered THE DISCUSSION.
It's 4 stars not 5 tho bc this didn't have the depth of feeling I like to have in my romances, even tho it has a HEA. This is why even tho another book by this author
Protection" gets 5 stars for the emotions even tho it didn't have an HEA (also realistic) and this one gets 4.
And maybe I didn't mind the "cheating" because the emotions weren't as deep as well.
Normally I HATE any kind of sex that one or both MCs have with other characters in the course of their story, but this one was understandable, I wasn't bothered the way it was written. Michael wasn't in love with anyone at that stage.
I was getting a little worried when he was about to have sex with his wife one last time bc SHE instigated it for once - AFTER he was in love with James, but even then, if it happened, I wasn't too bothered. Except at that point it didn't. Him having to wear a condom triggered THE DISCUSSION.
It's 4 stars not 5 tho bc this didn't have the depth of feeling I like to have in my romances, even tho it has a HEA. This is why even tho another book by this author
Protection" gets 5 stars for the emotions even tho it didn't have an HEA (also realistic) and this one gets 4.And maybe I didn't mind the "cheating" because the emotions weren't as deep as well.
December 1, 2012
Reviewed on Hearts On Fire... http://heartsonfirereviews.com/
T. Baggins is a magician with her characters. She has the uncanny ability to create an average diamond in the rough and make the reader fall in love with a hero. Michael Maguire was no one special. He worked as a textbook writer always dreaming that he'd write the great American novel, didn't love his nasty wife and wasn't sure that he ever had and just wanted to feel something again. A friend drops Michael off at Brixton Park to get a little action. He is approached by the young, handsome James Campbell, a rent boy who is living trick to trick and carrying more baggage than a freight train and Michael's life is never the same again. This was a story of two desperate men needing much more than a night of fast sex. They needed whole new lives and somehow like the phoenix rising from the ashes, they found that new life in each other and never let go. Yes Michael was an adulterer with no excuses but Ms Baggins turns him into a tragic hero who saved himself by escaping. The story is told primarily from Michael's POV but I can't imagine that his life was any better before James. James provided an anchor and gave Michael a reason to begin living again even though their relationship was just sex at first. I enjoyed that this was a very slow burn love story and that James was insecure with feelings enough to question it every step of the way. He really didn't realize how good he had it with Michael until his friend Kevin stepped on his heart once again. I truly cannot blame Frannie for all of the marriage problems but she sure was easy to hate. The surprising plot twist at the end at Frannie's wedding blew me away and kind of validated Michael's and James's relationship socially. There wasn't much said about Michael's children but I liked how his son finally came around. I was sorry to see this well written and very smooth reading story end. The HEA was an extra because the way that Michael and James saved each other made the story happy enough. This touching story is a must read story for everyone.
T. Baggins is a magician with her characters. She has the uncanny ability to create an average diamond in the rough and make the reader fall in love with a hero. Michael Maguire was no one special. He worked as a textbook writer always dreaming that he'd write the great American novel, didn't love his nasty wife and wasn't sure that he ever had and just wanted to feel something again. A friend drops Michael off at Brixton Park to get a little action. He is approached by the young, handsome James Campbell, a rent boy who is living trick to trick and carrying more baggage than a freight train and Michael's life is never the same again. This was a story of two desperate men needing much more than a night of fast sex. They needed whole new lives and somehow like the phoenix rising from the ashes, they found that new life in each other and never let go. Yes Michael was an adulterer with no excuses but Ms Baggins turns him into a tragic hero who saved himself by escaping. The story is told primarily from Michael's POV but I can't imagine that his life was any better before James. James provided an anchor and gave Michael a reason to begin living again even though their relationship was just sex at first. I enjoyed that this was a very slow burn love story and that James was insecure with feelings enough to question it every step of the way. He really didn't realize how good he had it with Michael until his friend Kevin stepped on his heart once again. I truly cannot blame Frannie for all of the marriage problems but she sure was easy to hate. The surprising plot twist at the end at Frannie's wedding blew me away and kind of validated Michael's and James's relationship socially. There wasn't much said about Michael's children but I liked how his son finally came around. I was sorry to see this well written and very smooth reading story end. The HEA was an extra because the way that Michael and James saved each other made the story happy enough. This touching story is a must read story for everyone.
August 2, 2012
This story is gritty, and in places crude, yet it still manages to come across as magical.
Both MC are believable and loveable.
I would of liked to see a little more on James before Brixton Park.. We get a rough idea of his past but no real details on his old home life.
Michael is such a wonderfully straight laced character that had me chuckling at his turn of phrase, while breaking my heart once I learnt his full story. I loved watching him slowly come to life.
Germanotti was an excellent addition and a total surprise from what I was expecting from him.
This book delivers realism wrapped up in a fairytale.
Favourite scene has to be in the restaurant, passing the note pad back and forth. Perfect lol.
Both MC are believable and loveable.
I would of liked to see a little more on James before Brixton Park.. We get a rough idea of his past but no real details on his old home life.
Michael is such a wonderfully straight laced character that had me chuckling at his turn of phrase, while breaking my heart once I learnt his full story. I loved watching him slowly come to life.
Germanotti was an excellent addition and a total surprise from what I was expecting from him.
This book delivers realism wrapped up in a fairytale.
Favourite scene has to be in the restaurant, passing the note pad back and forth. Perfect lol.
January 2, 2013
First off, I want to read Michaels' novel "Granny Does a Runner", I trust James' opinion and the title he came up with is perfect!
This may appear to be the same old story; Illiterate rent boy meets benevolent benefactor who transitions to "gay" smoother than lube, hurt/comfort. Yes, it's all there.
However. Masterful craftsmanship plays an integral role here. Creates a unique and irresistible tale.
Each and every detailed insight, the raunchy, bold, honest, or benign, cause these characters to become real. I wanted a dream come true for them, nothing but.
Something Different is handed off on a silver platter, trimmed in gold. With diamonds.
So satisfying!
*highly recommend*
This may appear to be the same old story; Illiterate rent boy meets benevolent benefactor who transitions to "gay" smoother than lube, hurt/comfort. Yes, it's all there.
However. Masterful craftsmanship plays an integral role here. Creates a unique and irresistible tale.
Each and every detailed insight, the raunchy, bold, honest, or benign, cause these characters to become real. I wanted a dream come true for them, nothing but.
Something Different is handed off on a silver platter, trimmed in gold. With diamonds.
So satisfying!
*highly recommend*
August 14, 2012
This was such a refreshing story with its real life feel that some other romance books lack. There was no sugar coating and making things seem better than they were. It was honest and gritty. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel knowing that there was cheating involved, but surprisingly it did not interrupt the enjoyment of the story. I look forward to reading more by this author.
May 22, 2015
I wasn't wowed by this like most of my friends were. I enjoyed bits of it, but then again other bits really pulled me out of things, like the unprotected sex, knowing what both guys knew. I also don't like the use of a cold, shrewish, controlling wife used as a device to justify cheating. I'd rather them have just had a sexless, but otherwise fairly friendly enough marriage.
January 16, 2014
A lovely, unexpected treat.
Thank you, Jenni Lea, for lending me your copy. :)
Thank you, Jenni Lea, for lending me your copy. :)
March 20, 2025
Re-Read: Mar 2025
Original Read: Mar 2023
I had put the author on my DNR list so that meant I nearly missed out on this story, which would have been a shame because I loved it. If I would compile a list of tropes and plot beats that I want in my perfect sex-worker MM romance, it would include everything that’s in this book. There’s Michael (the client), a 32 year old sexually inexperienced married man who seeks out a prostitute due to being severely unhappy with his repressed, mundane life. There’s James (the rent boy), a 22 year old who is a confident, experienced prostitute who’s been hardened by a rough life and is mature for his age but he still dreams about finding a path out of the dangerous life he’s fallen into. They both bring important things to their relationship: Michael has money while James is more sexually experienced and they both have knowledge about their corners of society and they use that knowledge to help each other. Throughout the book, both characters are dealing with various personal issues and my favorite part of the story was that both of them help each other in solid, life-changing ways. In prostitution MM romances, it happens so often that the sex worker character brings nothing to the relationship except sex skills, which makes it hard to believe in the long term relationship between the MCs. That wasn’t the case here.
I absolutely loved how the author gave both MCs their own issues to work on throughout the story and how those plotlines were perfectly woven together to progress them at realistic paces and allow both MCs to be the ones providing help and also receiving help from each other. Right from the start, James is so wonderful with Michael that it puts Michael at ease and that sets the foundation of their relationship. They never judge each other, they’re patient and kind, they listen to each other and they genuinely enjoy watching the other person’s confidence grow and be happy.
James’ encouragement allowed Michael’s confidence to grow and I loved how he used that confidence to take back control of his life and steer it in a direction he wanted. Watching him blossom as a result of James’ belief in him was incredible. What I also liked was how Michael dealt with his various family issues.
I also found it interesting that the author chose to give both MCs a history of , but to have it take place in different forms and have it impact their lives differently.
As for James,
Speaking of James, I also loved the character development arc that the author had for him. It took me an embarrassingly long time to notice the subtle clues that James is and once it becomes clear, I was incredibly excited about that plotline. I got so emotional and I was so proud of James throughout the story that it brought me to tears multiple times.
I also liked James’ own relationship issues.
Something else I loved is how cleverly the author transitioned from focusing only on Michael’s issues at the start to incorporated James’. Most of the story is from Michael’s POV and James starts out being a pillar of confidence who Michael leans on for support. Then and that’s when things shift between them. Michael encourages James to allow Michael to take care of him and that’s when their dynamic started to become more equal. There’s zero expectation of James paying for anything via sex and I loved how obvious it was to readers and James that Michael is hugely benefiting just from James’ presence in life. There was no miscommunication or drawn out drama about James thinking he’ll have to pay Michael back and I really appreciated that there wasn’t. Their dynamic was so solid and their relationship was so clearly beneficial to both that the usual stupid drama related to these setups wouldn’t have made sense here. I love it when authors stay true to their characters and their relationship to tell a story, rather than forcing certain plot beats in.
I also have to mention the amazing hurt-comfort scenes between Michael and James after . James starts out ignoring Michael’s calls but he relents when he realizes Michael is heartbroken at the idea that they’ve broken up. Then things get even more emotional when they meet up and . Situations like that are my favorite, favorite, FAVORITE in the world of romance so I loved that whole thing.
I could go on and on about everything I loved in the story, but I’d just be reciting every single thing that happened. I loved it from start to finish and this is absolutely my favorite sex worker MM romance.
Original Read: Mar 2023
I had put the author on my DNR list so that meant I nearly missed out on this story, which would have been a shame because I loved it. If I would compile a list of tropes and plot beats that I want in my perfect sex-worker MM romance, it would include everything that’s in this book. There’s Michael (the client), a 32 year old sexually inexperienced married man who seeks out a prostitute due to being severely unhappy with his repressed, mundane life. There’s James (the rent boy), a 22 year old who is a confident, experienced prostitute who’s been hardened by a rough life and is mature for his age but he still dreams about finding a path out of the dangerous life he’s fallen into. They both bring important things to their relationship: Michael has money while James is more sexually experienced and they both have knowledge about their corners of society and they use that knowledge to help each other. Throughout the book, both characters are dealing with various personal issues and my favorite part of the story was that both of them help each other in solid, life-changing ways. In prostitution MM romances, it happens so often that the sex worker character brings nothing to the relationship except sex skills, which makes it hard to believe in the long term relationship between the MCs. That wasn’t the case here.
I absolutely loved how the author gave both MCs their own issues to work on throughout the story and how those plotlines were perfectly woven together to progress them at realistic paces and allow both MCs to be the ones providing help and also receiving help from each other. Right from the start, James is so wonderful with Michael that it puts Michael at ease and that sets the foundation of their relationship. They never judge each other, they’re patient and kind, they listen to each other and they genuinely enjoy watching the other person’s confidence grow and be happy.
James’ encouragement allowed Michael’s confidence to grow and I loved how he used that confidence to take back control of his life and steer it in a direction he wanted. Watching him blossom as a result of James’ belief in him was incredible. What I also liked was how Michael dealt with his various family issues.
I also found it interesting that the author chose to give both MCs a history of , but to have it take place in different forms and have it impact their lives differently.
As for James,
Speaking of James, I also loved the character development arc that the author had for him. It took me an embarrassingly long time to notice the subtle clues that James is and once it becomes clear, I was incredibly excited about that plotline. I got so emotional and I was so proud of James throughout the story that it brought me to tears multiple times.
I also liked James’ own relationship issues.
Something else I loved is how cleverly the author transitioned from focusing only on Michael’s issues at the start to incorporated James’. Most of the story is from Michael’s POV and James starts out being a pillar of confidence who Michael leans on for support. Then and that’s when things shift between them. Michael encourages James to allow Michael to take care of him and that’s when their dynamic started to become more equal. There’s zero expectation of James paying for anything via sex and I loved how obvious it was to readers and James that Michael is hugely benefiting just from James’ presence in life. There was no miscommunication or drawn out drama about James thinking he’ll have to pay Michael back and I really appreciated that there wasn’t. Their dynamic was so solid and their relationship was so clearly beneficial to both that the usual stupid drama related to these setups wouldn’t have made sense here. I love it when authors stay true to their characters and their relationship to tell a story, rather than forcing certain plot beats in.
I also have to mention the amazing hurt-comfort scenes between Michael and James after . James starts out ignoring Michael’s calls but he relents when he realizes Michael is heartbroken at the idea that they’ve broken up. Then things get even more emotional when they meet up and . Situations like that are my favorite, favorite, FAVORITE in the world of romance so I loved that whole thing.
I could go on and on about everything I loved in the story, but I’d just be reciting every single thing that happened. I loved it from start to finish and this is absolutely my favorite sex worker MM romance.
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