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"When love's for sale, who really pays?"
Connor Morrison is a 3-D optics pioneer, the star of the UC Berkeley physics department, and a socially inept workaholic. And with his dear friend and business partner, Steve Campbell, handling their investors, he's content to remain in the shadows. That is, until he meets the gorgeous and starry-eyed physics student Wes Martin.
Wes is brilliant but broke. Ever since his scholarship fell victim to the financial crisis, he's had no choice but to sell his body to stay in school. Already half in love with Connor, Wes initially resists Steve's offer to be Connor's thirty-fifth birthday present. But in the end, Wes is too broke--and too smitten--to say no.
Connor has no idea Steve bought Wes's attentions, and he quickly falls under the young man's spell. Yet after one night together, Wes disappears. He can't bear to hook with a man he could so easily grow to love, but he also can't bear to tell him the truth. Besides, if he sleeps with Connor again, there'd be no way to hide the bruises one of his regular johns loves to inflict. Only one thing to do: let Connor go. Walking away is painful, but not nearly as much as building a relationship on lies.
Reader discretion advised. This title contains the following sensitive themes: non-consent.
(This title is part of the 2012 Rentboy Collection.)
Connor Morrison is a 3-D optics pioneer, the star of the UC Berkeley physics department, and a socially inept workaholic. And with his dear friend and business partner, Steve Campbell, handling their investors, he's content to remain in the shadows. That is, until he meets the gorgeous and starry-eyed physics student Wes Martin.
Wes is brilliant but broke. Ever since his scholarship fell victim to the financial crisis, he's had no choice but to sell his body to stay in school. Already half in love with Connor, Wes initially resists Steve's offer to be Connor's thirty-fifth birthday present. But in the end, Wes is too broke--and too smitten--to say no.
Connor has no idea Steve bought Wes's attentions, and he quickly falls under the young man's spell. Yet after one night together, Wes disappears. He can't bear to hook with a man he could so easily grow to love, but he also can't bear to tell him the truth. Besides, if he sleeps with Connor again, there'd be no way to hide the bruises one of his regular johns loves to inflict. Only one thing to do: let Connor go. Walking away is painful, but not nearly as much as building a relationship on lies.
Reader discretion advised. This title contains the following sensitive themes: non-consent.
(This title is part of the 2012 Rentboy Collection.)
81 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2012
5 people are currently reading
352 people want to read
About the author
Cat Grant
51 books463 followersIf you're looking for epic sci-fi, fantasy, or historicals, that's not me. Contemporary all the way, baby!
However, if you're looking for down to earth, complicated characters dealing with real-world problems (and the occasional comfort read!), I might just fit the bill. :)
My Books:
Courtland Chronicles (m/m & m/m/f)
By Chance
Strictly Business
Complications
The Arrangement
Triad
Allegro Vivace (m/m)
Sonata Appassionata (m/m)
Icon Men (all m/m)
The First Real Thing (2012 EPIC Award Winner - Erotica)
Appearing Nightly
A Fool for You
Habanera (Originally titled Entangled Trio - 2012 EPIC Award Finalist - Erotica) (m/m/f)
Once a Marine (m/m)
Power Play (with Rachel Haimowitz) (m/m BDSM)
Power Play: Resistance
Power Play: Awakening
Irresistible Attraction (all m/m)
Priceless
Doubtless
Fearless
Flawless (2014 EPIC Award Finalist - Short Fiction)
Forthcoming:
The Only One Who Knows (with LA Witt) - January 2014
The Only One Who Matters (with LA Witt) - March 2014
Black Dog (Bannon's Gym #1) - April 2014
Takedown (Bannon's Gym #2) - July 2014
Guarded (with LA Witt) (work in progress)
However, if you're looking for down to earth, complicated characters dealing with real-world problems (and the occasional comfort read!), I might just fit the bill. :)
My Books:
Courtland Chronicles (m/m & m/m/f)
By Chance
Strictly Business
Complications
The Arrangement
Triad
Allegro Vivace (m/m)
Sonata Appassionata (m/m)
Icon Men (all m/m)
The First Real Thing (2012 EPIC Award Winner - Erotica)
Appearing Nightly
A Fool for You
Habanera (Originally titled Entangled Trio - 2012 EPIC Award Finalist - Erotica) (m/m/f)
Once a Marine (m/m)
Power Play (with Rachel Haimowitz) (m/m BDSM)
Power Play: Resistance
Power Play: Awakening
Irresistible Attraction (all m/m)
Priceless
Doubtless
Fearless
Flawless (2014 EPIC Award Finalist - Short Fiction)
Forthcoming:
The Only One Who Knows (with LA Witt) - January 2014
The Only One Who Matters (with LA Witt) - March 2014
Black Dog (Bannon's Gym #1) - April 2014
Takedown (Bannon's Gym #2) - July 2014
Guarded (with LA Witt) (work in progress)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
November 19, 2012
After a tough day a formulaic rent-boy hurt-comfort story always hits the spot. While this is nothing startlingly good, it was very satisfactory.
3.5 stars.
3.5 stars.
July 10, 2012
The dynamic between the two main characters was passable, if not incendiary, but I couldn't get past the shoddy research regarding UC Berkeley and the Berkeley area, particularly since I'm very familiar with both the school and the city. There were a lot of places where it seemed the author just didn't bother to look into how things worked, even when it would have taken three seconds of Googling to check facts or to clarify details. It was a shame, and distracted me from Wes and Connor's story, which was already struggling to hold my attention.
Beyond that, I found the character of Tom (the violent john Wes ends up basically being a slave for) so unrealistic it went straight into ridiculous:
Finally, I had little patience with Wes himself; his blind stubbornness and his inability to see that the situation he was getting into was extremely dangerous were trying. He was ostensibly brilliant, but couldn't rescue himself from Tom and
All in all, whatever potential this story might have had failed to be realized, and the result is only disappointing.
Beyond that, I found the character of Tom (the violent john Wes ends up basically being a slave for) so unrealistic it went straight into ridiculous:
Finally, I had little patience with Wes himself; his blind stubbornness and his inability to see that the situation he was getting into was extremely dangerous were trying. He was ostensibly brilliant, but couldn't rescue himself from Tom and
All in all, whatever potential this story might have had failed to be realized, and the result is only disappointing.
February 18, 2014
Crikey this was a difficult one to read. I struggle with non-con to begin with but when it's someone so young it makes it that much harder for me. Even with those scenes, I still loved Wes and was rooting for him to find a way out of the mess he put himself into. Poor Connor, such a nice guy, and to find out your best friend did what he did, with and to the guy he was crushing on...I ached for him. I wish he would have broken his nose.
May/December and non-con don't usually rank high on my to-read list but this one called to me. It was tough but I'm glad I read it.
May/December and non-con don't usually rank high on my to-read list but this one called to me. It was tough but I'm glad I read it.
October 16, 2012
I usually like Cat Grant books. I usually like rent boy stories. I usually enjoy books set in Berkeley, my hometown. I expected to love this book. I was disappointed.
I went into this story with enthusiasm but also curious skepticism, because I really couldn't imagine why an intelligent, young, healthy man would need to hook to finish college. I completed college in the Bay Area without ever hooking, or even considering it. I've known many, many other people of whom that's also true. So I couldn't imagine why hooking would be necessary.
I never did figure it out. No explanation was given, except that Wes seemed to think that was his only way to complete college before he was 40. Of course, this is the same kid so severely lacking critical thinking skills that he believes he needs a car (in Berkeley!), if for no other reason than most of his clients are in San Francisco and he doesn't want to wait for BART or bus in the dark. But if he weren't prostituting himself in SF he wouldn't need to be taking BART or bus home after dark. Not to mention the illogic of feeling safer alone with a john than at a bus or BART stop.
There were other logical or factual errors related to UC Berkeley tuition, how much money a student realistically needs to live on in Berkeley, the weather, etc. Each of which was bad enough, but then Wes says he wants to get counseling but is afraid they'll call the cops, and Connor almost reassures him by explaining patient confidentiality but then doesn't. Why not? Because "forcing him to seek help before he was ready wouldn't do him a damn bit of good." Except that he just said he wants the help but is afraid to get it because of the expected repercussions. I know brilliance in physics doesn't necessarily translate to brilliance with people, but that seems like basic Listening 101.
I'm assuming there was a story in there but I missed it because of my distraction with the trees. Nothing Wes did made any sense to me, and Connor only made sense if I squinted. I never really liked or cared about either character, or understood what they saw in each other beyond a common interest in physics and men. Maybe that's enough, but it would have been nice to be able to believe it.
But I think I was a fool to expect believability from this story in any way. The villain was so OTT odious and evil, I could only laugh at him. That Wes fell into his evil web just convinced me that Wes was TSTL, something I'd been suspecting all along. Despite all that, I was still caught by surprise at the end when they suddenly - completely out of the blue - declare themselves and everything is magically perfect. By then I was just glad it was finally over.
I went into this story with enthusiasm but also curious skepticism, because I really couldn't imagine why an intelligent, young, healthy man would need to hook to finish college. I completed college in the Bay Area without ever hooking, or even considering it. I've known many, many other people of whom that's also true. So I couldn't imagine why hooking would be necessary.
I never did figure it out. No explanation was given, except that Wes seemed to think that was his only way to complete college before he was 40. Of course, this is the same kid so severely lacking critical thinking skills that he believes he needs a car (in Berkeley!), if for no other reason than most of his clients are in San Francisco and he doesn't want to wait for BART or bus in the dark. But if he weren't prostituting himself in SF he wouldn't need to be taking BART or bus home after dark. Not to mention the illogic of feeling safer alone with a john than at a bus or BART stop.
There were other logical or factual errors related to UC Berkeley tuition, how much money a student realistically needs to live on in Berkeley, the weather, etc. Each of which was bad enough, but then Wes says he wants to get counseling but is afraid they'll call the cops, and Connor almost reassures him by explaining patient confidentiality but then doesn't. Why not? Because "forcing him to seek help before he was ready wouldn't do him a damn bit of good." Except that he just said he wants the help but is afraid to get it because of the expected repercussions. I know brilliance in physics doesn't necessarily translate to brilliance with people, but that seems like basic Listening 101.
I'm assuming there was a story in there but I missed it because of my distraction with the trees. Nothing Wes did made any sense to me, and Connor only made sense if I squinted. I never really liked or cared about either character, or understood what they saw in each other beyond a common interest in physics and men. Maybe that's enough, but it would have been nice to be able to believe it.
But I think I was a fool to expect believability from this story in any way. The villain was so OTT odious and evil, I could only laugh at him. That Wes fell into his evil web just convinced me that Wes was TSTL, something I'd been suspecting all along. Despite all that, I was still caught by surprise at the end when they suddenly - completely out of the blue - declare themselves and everything is magically perfect. By then I was just glad it was finally over.
May 10, 2012
The plot of this story reminds me a bit of Rena Butler's Office Hours, where the student is "forced" to work as rent-boy in order to pay tuition. It does make me wonder, how many students in America actually work in sex-industry to pay for their education ... Is it the only way possible?
Anyway, the story is written from both men's perspective. The words flow nicely, and I find Wes as wonderfully vulnerable. Connor, on the other hand, I don't really care about.
There is a hurt/comfort plot in the second half of the book, when Wes finds himself abused in a hand of one of his john and Connor comes in as his savior. However, at the same time, I also find this slightly bit cliché. Besides, the story seems to depict Wes as a smart student. Is it truly that difficult for him to look for research assistant's position, which is suggested by Connor as the answer for Wes's money problem?
Anyway, the story is written from both men's perspective. The words flow nicely, and I find Wes as wonderfully vulnerable. Connor, on the other hand, I don't really care about.
There is a hurt/comfort plot in the second half of the book, when Wes finds himself abused in a hand of one of his john and Connor comes in as his savior. However, at the same time, I also find this slightly bit cliché. Besides, the story seems to depict Wes as a smart student. Is it truly that difficult for him to look for research assistant's position, which is suggested by Connor as the answer for Wes's money problem?
May 10, 2012
Overall an enjoyable story, though I did wonder just why it was necessary to become a rent boy to pay for tuition... couldn't he just get loans? I mean, when it's that dire of a situation? I also felt like some of the second half was rushed. The pacing changed quite a bit from the beginning, the part that concerned them first getting to know each other.
I did like the characters, all except for one (well, two, if you consider the ). Connor's friend and business partner, Dr. Campbell really, really pissed me off. I was a little upset that Connor forgave him so easily, but that seemed like something Connor would do, so I didn't hold it against him.
I did like the characters, all except for one (well, two, if you consider the ). Connor's friend and business partner, Dr. Campbell really, really pissed me off. I was a little upset that Connor forgave him so easily, but that seemed like something Connor would do, so I didn't hold it against him.
May 6, 2012
This was a lovely story of hardship, difficult choices, shame, guilt, friendship, and ultimately love. Wes is in his final year of a physics degree when his scholarship is cut off. In the bad economy he turns to a website which makes being a rentboy sound more appealing than it really is. And it only takes one bad client to make everything come crashing down.
Thank God for the good people in the world. They just might save your life. And love you through your shame and guilt.
This story rolls effortlessly through Wes's and Connor's decisions - the predicaments they're in and why they do what they do. In the end, it's a great tale of forgiveness and love. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thank God for the good people in the world. They just might save your life. And love you through your shame and guilt.
This story rolls effortlessly through Wes's and Connor's decisions - the predicaments they're in and why they do what they do. In the end, it's a great tale of forgiveness and love. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
August 22, 2012
2.5 stars
I am a fan of Cat Grant. I loved her books, Allegro Vivace and Sonata Appassionata but Priceless can’t compare to those and not just because it’s a very short story.
None of the characters in Priceless clicked for me -- I didn’t believe the connections between them. There was just too much deception all around. Would a good friend do what Steve did to Connor? Would Connor be able to put aside so easily what Wes did to him? So many improbabilities in this, and a two-dimensional, cartoonish bad guy and graphic rape scene to boot.
I’m also wondering -- why set this at UC Berkeley (a campus and town I’m very familiar with) and not include some mention of well-known markers such as Sather Gate, the Campanile or Telegraph Avenue to add a touch of local color? This story felt quickly sketched out and didn’t offer anything new where it could have with just a little more effort. Sorry, love your work Ms. Grant but this one just didn’t do it for me -- rounded up to 3 stars but this really was more like 2 stars for me.
I am a fan of Cat Grant. I loved her books, Allegro Vivace and Sonata Appassionata but Priceless can’t compare to those and not just because it’s a very short story.
None of the characters in Priceless clicked for me -- I didn’t believe the connections between them. There was just too much deception all around. Would a good friend do what Steve did to Connor? Would Connor be able to put aside so easily what Wes did to him? So many improbabilities in this, and a two-dimensional, cartoonish bad guy and graphic rape scene to boot.
I’m also wondering -- why set this at UC Berkeley (a campus and town I’m very familiar with) and not include some mention of well-known markers such as Sather Gate, the Campanile or Telegraph Avenue to add a touch of local color? This story felt quickly sketched out and didn’t offer anything new where it could have with just a little more effort. Sorry, love your work Ms. Grant but this one just didn’t do it for me -- rounded up to 3 stars but this really was more like 2 stars for me.
August 8, 2012
Sweet and touching story, quick and fun read :)
Maybe the villian was a little stereotypic, but that didn't prevent me from enjoying the book and Wes and Connor's relationship. Despite being short this story feels fully finished with the very satisfying ending. Also loved the age difference )))
Maybe the villian was a little stereotypic, but that didn't prevent me from enjoying the book and Wes and Connor's relationship. Despite being short this story feels fully finished with the very satisfying ending. Also loved the age difference )))
May 23, 2012
3.5
I am having a seriously hard time with this story, I feel like it should have been perfect but I am missing the details that would have made it excellent. Conner is smart; he’s on his way o do great things, and causing a sensation in science. Socially Conner is lacking so his friend brings in the invertors and he dazzles with his smarts. His life is his work, and he has no time for romance or even a one-night stand. When he meets Wes at a party thrown by his social butterfly friend Steve, he is instantly attracted to the young student but turns away from his advances. Well Wes is about to step back into his life when he becomes Connor’s aid at a conference, and they end finally sleeping together and it sweet and sparks are flying.
What Connor doesn’t know is that Wes was a paid body, and he gets paid to sleep with men in order to pay for his tuition *I feel like I read this one before =_= * Let’s just say Wes walks away from Connor because he is getting attached, and is starting to have feelings for the man. When Wes takes on a new client, his john becomes every rent boy’s nightmare. He’s abusive, and a just plain sadistic bastard and Wes gets caught in his sticky trap and can’t get out.
I think this is where the story sort of lost me. I just can’t wrap my mind around Wes’s stupidity naiveté, I felt like he should have been able to get out of that situation, and that his life was worth less than being found out to be a prostitute ‘all I’m saying is that you can come back from a reputation spoil, but you can’t come back from death’. I'm also confused about this website, I’m guessing it’s just for advertisement purposes and not an escort site, which just makes it all types of dangerous, and just one above being a streetwalker. It’s Connor who comes to his rescue and takes him away from the clutches of the abuser. That left me thinking ‘Wes you should have taken that job at McDonalds’ because dude you could have don’t that yourself!
Even with all the things I didn’t like, the story really kept me interested a feat a few books haven’t been able to do these past few days. I really enjoy Cat’s writing; it flows so well. I liked Connor because he is my perfect nerd with the glasses and all. Wes I’m feeling a little lost about you, I just could not believe in you as a character and so I am left feeling *Meh*. Overall, it was a sweet read, with the right amount of entertainment, and a great way to past the time.
More of my reviews and ramblings at PANTS OFF REVIEWS
I am having a seriously hard time with this story, I feel like it should have been perfect but I am missing the details that would have made it excellent. Conner is smart; he’s on his way o do great things, and causing a sensation in science. Socially Conner is lacking so his friend brings in the invertors and he dazzles with his smarts. His life is his work, and he has no time for romance or even a one-night stand. When he meets Wes at a party thrown by his social butterfly friend Steve, he is instantly attracted to the young student but turns away from his advances. Well Wes is about to step back into his life when he becomes Connor’s aid at a conference, and they end finally sleeping together and it sweet and sparks are flying.
What Connor doesn’t know is that Wes was a paid body, and he gets paid to sleep with men in order to pay for his tuition *I feel like I read this one before =_= * Let’s just say Wes walks away from Connor because he is getting attached, and is starting to have feelings for the man. When Wes takes on a new client, his john becomes every rent boy’s nightmare. He’s abusive, and a just plain sadistic bastard and Wes gets caught in his sticky trap and can’t get out.
I think this is where the story sort of lost me. I just can’t wrap my mind around Wes’s stupidity naiveté, I felt like he should have been able to get out of that situation, and that his life was worth less than being found out to be a prostitute ‘all I’m saying is that you can come back from a reputation spoil, but you can’t come back from death’. I'm also confused about this website, I’m guessing it’s just for advertisement purposes and not an escort site, which just makes it all types of dangerous, and just one above being a streetwalker. It’s Connor who comes to his rescue and takes him away from the clutches of the abuser. That left me thinking ‘Wes you should have taken that job at McDonalds’ because dude you could have don’t that yourself!
Even with all the things I didn’t like, the story really kept me interested a feat a few books haven’t been able to do these past few days. I really enjoy Cat’s writing; it flows so well. I liked Connor because he is my perfect nerd with the glasses and all. Wes I’m feeling a little lost about you, I just could not believe in you as a character and so I am left feeling *Meh*. Overall, it was a sweet read, with the right amount of entertainment, and a great way to past the time.
More of my reviews and ramblings at PANTS OFF REVIEWS
November 30, 2013
Is there anything sexier than a geeky PhD? Connor has the geeky down pat. Even though he's thirty-five and the star of UC Berkeley's physics department, Connor still lives in his hole in the wall grad school apartment, wears old clothes, is completely socially inept and hasn't had a date in forever. Why should he move if he's happy where he's at? When his best friend and business partner throws him a surprise party, Connor almost throttles him. Meeting Wes, a senior physics student, on the balcony turns out to be both the high and low point of the party. The high because he gets to relax and talk about his work. The low because Wes comes on to him and Connor gets so flustered he rejects his advances.
Work throws them together the following weekend at a physics conference and one thing leads to another. There's something Connor doesn't know about Wes and their "meeting". Something Wes never wants him to find out because Wes has liked Connor for a long time. I was lucky enough to have a mom who paid my tuition but so many kids are out there struggling to survive and get an education so they can make something of themselves. I can certainly understand why Wes had to do what he did when his grant was lost due to the economy. He's a senior at a prestigious college working to get into the doctoral program so Wes pretty much has to do whatever to pay this final year.
This was a wonderful story that I enjoyed a lot. The romance between Connor and Wes was sweet even through all the angst. I'm not so sure how I feel about Connor's best friend, Steve, and I'm sure he's going to play a role in future stories. Both Connor and Wes completely deserved the happiness they found together and I look forward to seeing them again.
NOTE: This book was provided by Riptide Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Work throws them together the following weekend at a physics conference and one thing leads to another. There's something Connor doesn't know about Wes and their "meeting". Something Wes never wants him to find out because Wes has liked Connor for a long time. I was lucky enough to have a mom who paid my tuition but so many kids are out there struggling to survive and get an education so they can make something of themselves. I can certainly understand why Wes had to do what he did when his grant was lost due to the economy. He's a senior at a prestigious college working to get into the doctoral program so Wes pretty much has to do whatever to pay this final year.
This was a wonderful story that I enjoyed a lot. The romance between Connor and Wes was sweet even through all the angst. I'm not so sure how I feel about Connor's best friend, Steve, and I'm sure he's going to play a role in future stories. Both Connor and Wes completely deserved the happiness they found together and I look forward to seeing them again.
NOTE: This book was provided by Riptide Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
July 16, 2021
This book feels dated and weird to me. That forced/blackmailed prostitution just pushed all my buttons, it's completely dubious consent and it's not for me. I DNF'd when I realized it was going to be a theme of the book. I do not recommend, and deleted it from my collection.
August 27, 2013
3.5 stars Just as I predicted this was good and sweet and sad! I thought it was paced well, and the development of their relationship was believable . I found Wes likeable and understood his choices, even if I don't agree with them. Conner could have used a little more development though. We know he's tall, ginger, swimmers build, non-materialistic, and shy... but just because they told us. I would have liked to see a few awkward, stammering speeches or something to demonstrate his insecurities/faults.
The only flaw is wondering why Wes couldn't take out loans and just be in debt like the rest of us, but I just decided to take his word for hooking being his only option and enjoy the ride (pun intended!)
The only flaw is wondering why Wes couldn't take out loans and just be in debt like the rest of us, but I just decided to take his word for hooking being his only option and enjoy the ride (pun intended!)
July 16, 2012
This story grabbed me right away. It was well written, and I had no trouble connecting with the characters. Connor is such a sweetheart, all work and no play, and I just adored poor sweet Wes. Steve seems like a bit of a jerk, but we don't really learn too much about his background to understand him that well. I was afraid the nerdy scholastic jargon and information would be too much, but it ended up being just enough to understand, and not so much that it distracted from the story.
This moves along at a fairly quick pace, which I appreciated for the not-so-savory parts, but found I wanted more of the good stuff. I'm hoping we get to see more of Wes and Conner in the next book.
This moves along at a fairly quick pace, which I appreciated for the not-so-savory parts, but found I wanted more of the good stuff. I'm hoping we get to see more of Wes and Conner in the next book.
March 1, 2015
This story is powerful and disturbing. The most disturbing thing is that it seems to totally real and possible. It hurts to think how many of are smartest young people are having to put themselves at risk to try and obtain their dreams and how condemned by others they must feel. This story has lots of dark and painful issues I'm so thankful that Conner was willing to put his feelings first not just in acceptance but to be willing be patient and not give up on love.
Update 02/28/2015- decided to reread so I could read the whole series. Enjoyed the story every bit as much this time as I did the first time I read it.
Update 02/28/2015- decided to reread so I could read the whole series. Enjoyed the story every bit as much this time as I did the first time I read it.
December 31, 2013
3.5 Stars
This was a pleasant surprise. I don't usually enjoy rent boy stories because I'm always saddened by their circumstances. However, I enjoyed this one. I liked both Connor and Wes. I didn't get why Wes couldn't have taken out some student loans to finish off his final year at Berkeley rather than hooking. But ... whatever. (I'm not judging! I'm just sayin'.)
The emo in me enjoyed the smatter of angst but I didn't like that Wes played a bit of a martyr in the end.
Bottom line: I'm intrigued! On to book two ...
This was a pleasant surprise. I don't usually enjoy rent boy stories because I'm always saddened by their circumstances. However, I enjoyed this one. I liked both Connor and Wes. I didn't get why Wes couldn't have taken out some student loans to finish off his final year at Berkeley rather than hooking. But ... whatever. (I'm not judging! I'm just sayin'.)
The emo in me enjoyed the smatter of angst but I didn't like that Wes played a bit of a martyr in the end.
Bottom line: I'm intrigued! On to book two ...
May 14, 2012
A classic pretty woman/rent boy fairy tale (with a little hurt/comfort on the side), this story excels in quickly drawing the reader in to the lives of the MCs. Although a bit predictable, the story was well- executed and enjoyable. It felt like a a fully-fleshed out story, something that is rare in such a short piece.
March 8, 2013
Great story. So good I wish it could have been longer, though it certainly packed a punch for its length.
May 11, 2012
Can you see the light at the end of the tunnel?
Reading Priceless, I didn’t know what to expect as many Rentboys stories I have read have this “urgency of survival” driving the narrative. The characters are in desperate situations and they need money like now so they can eat, live, acquire the basic needs some people take for granted.
Wes Martin isn’t desperate in the same sense.
What I remembered while reading Priceless, we aren’t dealing with the boys next door, paranormal characters, cowboys, or just the average Joe. These guys are Physicists. They think in the abstract, not quite like us mundane people.
Take Wes for instance, he has to earn his degree at prestigious UC Berkley. It’s important to him. When school funding dries up because of economic downturn, he resorts to the only thing guarantee to fill his pocket with sufficient amount of money for tuition payment. Wes rents out his body for a fee.
He could’ve easily gone back home to Indiana. He could’ve attended a college offering cheaper tuition cost. The driving motivation in Wes’ life is not Connor Morrison, professor, scientist, the pioneer of 3-D Optics. Wes has options and the fact he chooses to whore for funding says this Rentboy story is different and interesting.
Despite his wealth and name recognition, Connor Morrison is the shy geeky professor who shuns socializing unless he’s in front of a class. He couldn’t even hold a decent conversation at his own birthday’s party something he could have well done without, until he meets Wes at the party, a beautiful young man making advances on him.
The first meeting doesn’t pan out for Wes. He was, after all, there at the party for an ulterior motive. The second meeting finds Wes and Connor at a conference at a hotel, in which, Connor ends up as the keynote speaker. There are forces at work here. Wes is there to meet a commitment. Connor is there as the speaker but he hasn’t forgotten Wes. He insists Wes comport himself in a professional manner. Wes provides Connor with excellent organizational skills and boost Connor’s confidence. Professionalism goes out the window when these two intellectuals finally make it into the bedroom.
I enjoy reading how they connect. They are really two peas in a pod. As two men with a mindset for the Physics, I feel the characterizations are right on target. When the night is over, Wes walks out of Connor’s life, refocusing his priority on getting the degree.
The story concentrates a lot of detail on Wes. One of his customers will become obsessive, demeaning, and abusive. He insists Wes perform acts not of his experience. The story climax is great and we will get an HEA, but with the right amount of tension that makes reading Priceless just that much sweeter.
Priceless is a lovely exploration into characters that may spend too much time thinking about science and less about their personal lives. Highly recommended.
I received Priceless as an ARC from the publisher to provide an honest and fair review of the book.
Originally posted at http://twlibreviews.com/2012/05/revie...
Reading Priceless, I didn’t know what to expect as many Rentboys stories I have read have this “urgency of survival” driving the narrative. The characters are in desperate situations and they need money like now so they can eat, live, acquire the basic needs some people take for granted.
Wes Martin isn’t desperate in the same sense.
What I remembered while reading Priceless, we aren’t dealing with the boys next door, paranormal characters, cowboys, or just the average Joe. These guys are Physicists. They think in the abstract, not quite like us mundane people.
Take Wes for instance, he has to earn his degree at prestigious UC Berkley. It’s important to him. When school funding dries up because of economic downturn, he resorts to the only thing guarantee to fill his pocket with sufficient amount of money for tuition payment. Wes rents out his body for a fee.
He could’ve easily gone back home to Indiana. He could’ve attended a college offering cheaper tuition cost. The driving motivation in Wes’ life is not Connor Morrison, professor, scientist, the pioneer of 3-D Optics. Wes has options and the fact he chooses to whore for funding says this Rentboy story is different and interesting.
Despite his wealth and name recognition, Connor Morrison is the shy geeky professor who shuns socializing unless he’s in front of a class. He couldn’t even hold a decent conversation at his own birthday’s party something he could have well done without, until he meets Wes at the party, a beautiful young man making advances on him.
The first meeting doesn’t pan out for Wes. He was, after all, there at the party for an ulterior motive. The second meeting finds Wes and Connor at a conference at a hotel, in which, Connor ends up as the keynote speaker. There are forces at work here. Wes is there to meet a commitment. Connor is there as the speaker but he hasn’t forgotten Wes. He insists Wes comport himself in a professional manner. Wes provides Connor with excellent organizational skills and boost Connor’s confidence. Professionalism goes out the window when these two intellectuals finally make it into the bedroom.
I enjoy reading how they connect. They are really two peas in a pod. As two men with a mindset for the Physics, I feel the characterizations are right on target. When the night is over, Wes walks out of Connor’s life, refocusing his priority on getting the degree.
The story concentrates a lot of detail on Wes. One of his customers will become obsessive, demeaning, and abusive. He insists Wes perform acts not of his experience. The story climax is great and we will get an HEA, but with the right amount of tension that makes reading Priceless just that much sweeter.
Priceless is a lovely exploration into characters that may spend too much time thinking about science and less about their personal lives. Highly recommended.
I received Priceless as an ARC from the publisher to provide an honest and fair review of the book.
Originally posted at http://twlibreviews.com/2012/05/revie...
May 13, 2012
KcLu's review posted on Guilty Pleasures
Priceless is my first book by Cat Grant, and I have to say I am now a big fan!! This is a beautiful story about two really great people!! Connor is the star of UC Berkley’s physics department, and Wes is a brilliant student that has had to make a tough choice in order to stay in school.
Connor is a loner. He is more comfortable with his research then with large groups of people. He is downright cute in his shyness. His best friend Steve has decided he needs a big thirty-fifth birthday surprise party, which he is none too happy about. He hides out on the balcony of Steve’s apartment, which is where he meets the gorgeous physics student Wes. They don’t quite hit it off until the next weekend at a lecture. Wes is standing in as Connor’s assistant, and Connor gets to see how truly brilliant he is. He also can’t fight the physical attraction anymore. Only problem is the next morning he wakes to find Wes gone.
Wes lost his scholarship last year due to the bad economy, and he is doing the only thing he things he can to pay for school… hooking via a website. He fell for Connor his freshman year when he first heard him lecture. Never did he think that he would be paid by Connor’s best friend to sleep with him. He tries to tell him no, but obviously Steve can be very convincing. Unfortunately when things are said and done, he has to get out of there while Connor is still sleeping, because he hates lying to him. The last thing he wants is for Connor to find out the truth. Only problem is that Connor lives three doors down from his new apartment, and he does find out because he has to rescue him from a very sadistic John.
I absolutely LOVED this book!!! It is a very quick read, but it is wonderfully written. The story progresses beautifully!! You never fill like it has been rushed to keep it short. I loved reading about Wes’s feelings and about how Connor comes to terms with the truth about why they hooked up in the first place. I hope y’all love this book as much as I do!!!
Priceless is my first book by Cat Grant, and I have to say I am now a big fan!! This is a beautiful story about two really great people!! Connor is the star of UC Berkley’s physics department, and Wes is a brilliant student that has had to make a tough choice in order to stay in school.
Connor is a loner. He is more comfortable with his research then with large groups of people. He is downright cute in his shyness. His best friend Steve has decided he needs a big thirty-fifth birthday surprise party, which he is none too happy about. He hides out on the balcony of Steve’s apartment, which is where he meets the gorgeous physics student Wes. They don’t quite hit it off until the next weekend at a lecture. Wes is standing in as Connor’s assistant, and Connor gets to see how truly brilliant he is. He also can’t fight the physical attraction anymore. Only problem is the next morning he wakes to find Wes gone.
Wes lost his scholarship last year due to the bad economy, and he is doing the only thing he things he can to pay for school… hooking via a website. He fell for Connor his freshman year when he first heard him lecture. Never did he think that he would be paid by Connor’s best friend to sleep with him. He tries to tell him no, but obviously Steve can be very convincing. Unfortunately when things are said and done, he has to get out of there while Connor is still sleeping, because he hates lying to him. The last thing he wants is for Connor to find out the truth. Only problem is that Connor lives three doors down from his new apartment, and he does find out because he has to rescue him from a very sadistic John.
I absolutely LOVED this book!!! It is a very quick read, but it is wonderfully written. The story progresses beautifully!! You never fill like it has been rushed to keep it short. I loved reading about Wes’s feelings and about how Connor comes to terms with the truth about why they hooked up in the first place. I hope y’all love this book as much as I do!!!
May 17, 2012
Cat Grant again brings us a highly emotional read that's over before you know it. In Priceless, a young man with his whole future in turmoil starts selling himself to men who care nothing for his heart and soul until he spends the night with overly studious Connor who shows Wes his first real taste of affection. After a brief time apart it's Connor to the rescue when Wes' life goes spiraling out of control.
This was a quick read that packed a big punch. With its likable characters and realistic situations it's easy to become immersed in this book while rooting for Wes and Connor. Wes is young and feels invincible and in total control of his life until things slowly start unraveling and he ends up at the mercy of a truly evil man who transforms Wes from exuberant and fun to withdrawn and terrified. It was difficult seeing this change in Wes and even more difficult seeing what he was going through with no foreseeable way out. Connor was definitely the more mature one in their relationship. He's totally devoted to his work and doesn't really experience life because of it. This is why Wes was a great match for him. He dragged Connor into the real world and I liked seeing this assertive side to him. He and Wes were a perfect yin and yang and brought each other out of their self-imposed shells. Not only was their connection out of the bedroom satisfying, but their sexual interludes were equally satisfying and perfectly spaced throughout the story.
This was a well-written story that put a modern twist on the Pretty Woman theme. I'd love to revisit this couple, especially if it means finding someone to tame wild man Steve who totally intrigued me with his brief appearances. Cat Grant has added another satisfying installment to Riptide Publishing's Rentboy Collection and I look forward to what comes next.
This was a quick read that packed a big punch. With its likable characters and realistic situations it's easy to become immersed in this book while rooting for Wes and Connor. Wes is young and feels invincible and in total control of his life until things slowly start unraveling and he ends up at the mercy of a truly evil man who transforms Wes from exuberant and fun to withdrawn and terrified. It was difficult seeing this change in Wes and even more difficult seeing what he was going through with no foreseeable way out. Connor was definitely the more mature one in their relationship. He's totally devoted to his work and doesn't really experience life because of it. This is why Wes was a great match for him. He dragged Connor into the real world and I liked seeing this assertive side to him. He and Wes were a perfect yin and yang and brought each other out of their self-imposed shells. Not only was their connection out of the bedroom satisfying, but their sexual interludes were equally satisfying and perfectly spaced throughout the story.
This was a well-written story that put a modern twist on the Pretty Woman theme. I'd love to revisit this couple, especially if it means finding someone to tame wild man Steve who totally intrigued me with his brief appearances. Cat Grant has added another satisfying installment to Riptide Publishing's Rentboy Collection and I look forward to what comes next.
April 29, 2012
This is a plot-driven story that moves quickly with plenty of drama, trauma, and tension. Conner tries to take it slow in his approach to Wes but when Wes is in mortal danger Conner has to pick up the pace and their HEA comes hastily, leaving a thread untucked and the story not quite finished. Does Conner see Wes as someone to protect or someone to love? It’s hard to say, given the short length of the story, but I would love to read another story about the two men and find out how things are going for them, professionally and personally. There is a lot of promise here.
Release Day: May 14, 2012
Please see my ARC review on May 5, 2012 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
Release Day: May 14, 2012
Please see my ARC review on May 5, 2012 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
May 17, 2012
What can I say about Priceless? I've been reading Cat for a couple years now, and when I found out she was writing another Rentboy book, I was excited. And I wasn't disappointed.
Conner and Wes are two of the most compelling characters in a long while and I would totally read another book with these two as the heroes. I won't spoil the book, but if anyone has asthma, I would advise having your inhaler handy when you read it.
Conner and Wes are two of the most compelling characters in a long while and I would totally read another book with these two as the heroes. I won't spoil the book, but if anyone has asthma, I would advise having your inhaler handy when you read it.
May 31, 2012
I loved this book and will be reading more from Cat Grant in the future.
May 13, 2012
I really enjoyed this one. A small warning that some of the scenes can be difficult to read since they involve non-con/abuse.
April 22, 2013
I'm loving all these short little romps into love. Will continue on with the next three books in this series. They're easy, fun, and so welcome after the dark reads I had last week.
May 31, 2019
Meh. Interesting premise but it ended far to quick and neat.
July 1, 2012
For those of you that know me... and those that don't this is my little statement about short books.... I do not judge short stories on the rush of their relationships, because they are just that - short stories. So, yes the relationships always could have been drawn out more, yea it seems like they fall in love to fast and of course the story could have been made longer... but it is a short story. So with that said.... here is my review...
Also, I will leave you with the warning that this is a m/m book/review. If m/m is not your cup of tea... or if you are not sure this fits in your comfort zone, you will not offend me if you if you just stop by to say Hi!
Oh gosh.... Where do I start! I loved this story! I am a fan of Ms. Cat's work but this time... She teased me, she tempted me, she made me mad, she made me fall in love... and she definitely surprised me! Ms. Cat has a way with her words and a way with her characters. She writes them with such detail that you know you are going to fall in love with them.
This is a short tale, so you know there won't be much given away of what the book is about... Just a whole 'lotta teasing because I know what it is about and I want you to go get it! Connor reminds me of the geek of geek professors, lol. He does... But you love him so much that you just want him happy. But being happy in his dorm room like apartment is not where you want him to be - at least not alone. You know he wants to have that special someone to share his life with... But finding that person is very hard. Until his best friend tries to give him the best 35th birthday present ever....
Wes is an amazingly strong guy. You might not agree with what he has to do to survive but then again, you have to walk a mile in his shoes to understand why and how.... He knows what has to be done to eat and live and put himself through school. Is he happy with his way of life... of course not but what else is he to do.... Then he gets to get close to the man he has been drooling over... and he secretly hoped things would change... But one thing does not change... Rent and tuition are still due.
Connor is kinda tired of being lonely but always buried up to his eyes in his work - there simply is no room nor time to find someone with the same personality as himself. But one night changed his mind.... Or did it. Faced with facing Wes every day - or at least he was hoping since Wes moved in his apartment complex... Connor was hoping to get to know Wes a whole lot better... But coming to Wes' rescue in order to save his life was something Connor was not sure he was ready for. But giving his heart over to Wes was something he was not sure he was ready to do.... But love always finds a way into situations - no matter what you want or don't want!
I dare you to pick up this story and not fall in love with Wes and Connor's story.
Also, I will leave you with the warning that this is a m/m book/review. If m/m is not your cup of tea... or if you are not sure this fits in your comfort zone, you will not offend me if you if you just stop by to say Hi!
Oh gosh.... Where do I start! I loved this story! I am a fan of Ms. Cat's work but this time... She teased me, she tempted me, she made me mad, she made me fall in love... and she definitely surprised me! Ms. Cat has a way with her words and a way with her characters. She writes them with such detail that you know you are going to fall in love with them.
This is a short tale, so you know there won't be much given away of what the book is about... Just a whole 'lotta teasing because I know what it is about and I want you to go get it! Connor reminds me of the geek of geek professors, lol. He does... But you love him so much that you just want him happy. But being happy in his dorm room like apartment is not where you want him to be - at least not alone. You know he wants to have that special someone to share his life with... But finding that person is very hard. Until his best friend tries to give him the best 35th birthday present ever....
Wes is an amazingly strong guy. You might not agree with what he has to do to survive but then again, you have to walk a mile in his shoes to understand why and how.... He knows what has to be done to eat and live and put himself through school. Is he happy with his way of life... of course not but what else is he to do.... Then he gets to get close to the man he has been drooling over... and he secretly hoped things would change... But one thing does not change... Rent and tuition are still due.
Connor is kinda tired of being lonely but always buried up to his eyes in his work - there simply is no room nor time to find someone with the same personality as himself. But one night changed his mind.... Or did it. Faced with facing Wes every day - or at least he was hoping since Wes moved in his apartment complex... Connor was hoping to get to know Wes a whole lot better... But coming to Wes' rescue in order to save his life was something Connor was not sure he was ready for. But giving his heart over to Wes was something he was not sure he was ready to do.... But love always finds a way into situations - no matter what you want or don't want!
I dare you to pick up this story and not fall in love with Wes and Connor's story.
August 15, 2014
3.5 Stars
This was a tough read in places, because I do have problems when someone is being hurt (unless they're into that sort of thing). Wes is in a tough spot. He lost his scholarship because of budget cuts and tuition, not to mention living expenses and books, really add up. He finds an opportunity that should help him stay in school. That opportunity comes with a great big catch, though. It's prostitution. At first, though not exactly liking it, it was tolerable and it did pay the bills. It doesn't take too long, however, for Wes to find himself in a very bad situation that he doesn't know how to get himself out of.
Rewind, though, to Connor's 35th birthday party. Conner is a physicist and spends pretty much all his time working. He doesn't really date and doesn't much like spending time with other people. His best friend Steve, unbeknownst to him, hired Wes as a birthday present for Connor. Wes did refuse at first, because Wes has had a major crush on Connor for ages. But, needing the cash won out. What he didn't expect was to be half in love with Connor by the end of the night.
These two have a bit of a long road ahead of them. Though the novella ends with an HEA, their history and Wes' history is bound to be a bit of a challenge to both of them. A mostly enjoyable read with some very uncomfortable pieces and a knight in shining armor come to save the night.
This was a tough read in places, because I do have problems when someone is being hurt (unless they're into that sort of thing). Wes is in a tough spot. He lost his scholarship because of budget cuts and tuition, not to mention living expenses and books, really add up. He finds an opportunity that should help him stay in school. That opportunity comes with a great big catch, though. It's prostitution. At first, though not exactly liking it, it was tolerable and it did pay the bills. It doesn't take too long, however, for Wes to find himself in a very bad situation that he doesn't know how to get himself out of.
Rewind, though, to Connor's 35th birthday party. Conner is a physicist and spends pretty much all his time working. He doesn't really date and doesn't much like spending time with other people. His best friend Steve, unbeknownst to him, hired Wes as a birthday present for Connor. Wes did refuse at first, because Wes has had a major crush on Connor for ages. But, needing the cash won out. What he didn't expect was to be half in love with Connor by the end of the night.
These two have a bit of a long road ahead of them. Though the novella ends with an HEA, their history and Wes' history is bound to be a bit of a challenge to both of them. A mostly enjoyable read with some very uncomfortable pieces and a knight in shining armor come to save the night.
November 4, 2012
Priceless is the first book I have read of Cat Grant. I was greatly surprised at how engrossed I became in the story almost from the start. In fact I read it in one sitting as it is a relatively short read but no less enthralling if it had been a full length book.
The MCs are Wes and Connor who are thrown together after Wes is paid to seduce Connor by Steve, Connor’s best friend and business partner. Wes has been worshiping Connor from afar and can’t believe he has been paid to do what he would do for free for this one man. But then one of Wes’s “clients” becomes truly sadistic and changes the lightness of Wes into some place extremely dark. The story then unfolds as Connor comes to Wes’s aid and all that that entails.
I loved the dark and light of this story which threw me from one extreme to the other. A quick and enjoyable read which has given me the urge to read more of Cat Grant.
The MCs are Wes and Connor who are thrown together after Wes is paid to seduce Connor by Steve, Connor’s best friend and business partner. Wes has been worshiping Connor from afar and can’t believe he has been paid to do what he would do for free for this one man. But then one of Wes’s “clients” becomes truly sadistic and changes the lightness of Wes into some place extremely dark. The story then unfolds as Connor comes to Wes’s aid and all that that entails.
I loved the dark and light of this story which threw me from one extreme to the other. A quick and enjoyable read which has given me the urge to read more of Cat Grant.
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