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Rentboy
LGBT Suspense
Gay, nerdy and extremely shy, scientist Dr. Edward Atherton is desperate for his first sexual encounter in order to avoid being a 30-year-old virgin. With his birthday fast approaching, he gives up traditional routes and goes in search of a prostitute. The young Goth he meets in a back alley in Soho, London, isn't exactly what he had in mind, but he soon finds himself in bed with Fox Baillie having the sexiest time of his life.
When he wakes up to find Fox gone and with him Edward's computer, he feels embarrassed and used. still he can't get the skinny, pale young man with the black hair and eye makeup out of his mind. He finds Fox once again in the alley and is treated to a handjob up against the grimy wall.
The last thing Fox expected when he's ordered by his ex-military father to seduce Dr. Atherton and steal his computer is that he'll actually find the dude sexy and enjoy the encounter. Ignoring the danger from his brutal father, he continues to seek out Eddie to continue what they started. But what kind of future is there for a scientist and a rentboy?
Publisher's This book contains explicit sexual situations, graphic language, and material that some readers may find male/male sexual practices, self-injury, violence.
Gay, nerdy and extremely shy, scientist Dr. Edward Atherton is desperate for his first sexual encounter in order to avoid being a 30-year-old virgin. With his birthday fast approaching, he gives up traditional routes and goes in search of a prostitute. The young Goth he meets in a back alley in Soho, London, isn't exactly what he had in mind, but he soon finds himself in bed with Fox Baillie having the sexiest time of his life.
When he wakes up to find Fox gone and with him Edward's computer, he feels embarrassed and used. still he can't get the skinny, pale young man with the black hair and eye makeup out of his mind. He finds Fox once again in the alley and is treated to a handjob up against the grimy wall.
The last thing Fox expected when he's ordered by his ex-military father to seduce Dr. Atherton and steal his computer is that he'll actually find the dude sexy and enjoy the encounter. Ignoring the danger from his brutal father, he continues to seek out Eddie to continue what they started. But what kind of future is there for a scientist and a rentboy?
Publisher's This book contains explicit sexual situations, graphic language, and material that some readers may find male/male sexual practices, self-injury, violence.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2012
9 people are currently reading
586 people want to read
About the author
Fyn Alexander
21 books215 followersI love to write and I always welcome comments from readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
December 9, 2012
When I first tried this book I was expecting something just like the Angel and the Assassin series, and I abandoned it after the sample. I couldn't get my head around my preconceptions. It wasn't till Daniel's review that I gave it another go, and I'm so glad I did. Rentboy is sweet, loving, and funny as hell, and Eddie and Fox are one of my favourite pairings evah.
I'd give the story a four, but I'm adding a star for cameos from crack assassin team Angel and Kael, and getting to see a whole new side to Stephen Conran.
EDIT: Also, cute boy in a kilt!
Original review follows:
Um, so I was supposed to read this. But here's the thing. I read the sample, and I couldn't make myself hit the Buy button. I tried, but my left-mouse-button finger said, "NOPE. It's got the words "penis" and "willy" prominantly in it. One MC seems TSTL. Everything seems overwraught. The blurb spilled the entire plot: I doubt there's anything left to discover. Do you really want to spend your precious hours on this book? Really?"
Sooooo, no.
Sorry! *hugs*
EDIT: Clearly my left-mouse-button finger had already read Lauraadriana's review and I should listen to it for all major decisions from hereon out.
I'd give the story a four, but I'm adding a star for cameos from crack assassin team Angel and Kael, and getting to see a whole new side to Stephen Conran.
EDIT: Also, cute boy in a kilt!
Original review follows:
Um, so I was supposed to read this. But here's the thing. I read the sample, and I couldn't make myself hit the Buy button. I tried, but my left-mouse-button finger said, "NOPE. It's got the words "penis" and "willy" prominantly in it. One MC seems TSTL. Everything seems overwraught. The blurb spilled the entire plot: I doubt there's anything left to discover. Do you really want to spend your precious hours on this book? Really?"
Sooooo, no.
Sorry! *hugs*
EDIT: Clearly my left-mouse-button finger had already read Lauraadriana's review and I should listen to it for all major decisions from hereon out.
August 14, 2014
*** DNF'd @ 38% ***
As Lauraadriana said in her review, the author takes an unapologetic "everything but the kitchen sink" approach to this book. But, c'mon! Am I seriously the only person that thinks this author should be apologizing for the Code Red levels of craziness in this book!? I mean, in the first third of the book alone, we have:
Yeah. All of that and I was only a THIRD of the way through this book.
I had to stop. This story just wasn't grounded in any reality that I'm familiar with and I couldn't suspend my disbelief any longer.
It's a shame, really, because the book began with some serious potential. I enjoy stories in which completely opposite characters find common ground and fall in love. I dig stories in which the characters have a significant age gap and bring different life experiences to the table. I appreciate well-crafted angst (which the cutting and abuse had potential to lead to if dealt with sympathetically). I even thought that the idea of Fox's father forcing him to steal Eddie's laptop was an intriguing premise that could have lead to some really dramatic conflict in the book's climax.
But I think Alexander got caught up in devising plot twists and trying to make his/her characters the most unique/flawed/quirky/awkward s/he possibly could, and the wheat got buried beneath a Mount Everest-sized pile of chaff.
Okay, I think this is the part of the review where I'm supposed to add in a "this book didn't work for me but it might work for other readers" caveat in order to avoid hurting anyone's feelings and to underscore the highly personal and subjective nature of reading. Whatever. You're all intelligent readers and reviewers; I know that you know this already.
As Lauraadriana said in her review, the author takes an unapologetic "everything but the kitchen sink" approach to this book. But, c'mon! Am I seriously the only person that thinks this author should be apologizing for the Code Red levels of craziness in this book!? I mean, in the first third of the book alone, we have:
Yeah. All of that and I was only a THIRD of the way through this book.
I had to stop. This story just wasn't grounded in any reality that I'm familiar with and I couldn't suspend my disbelief any longer.
It's a shame, really, because the book began with some serious potential. I enjoy stories in which completely opposite characters find common ground and fall in love. I dig stories in which the characters have a significant age gap and bring different life experiences to the table. I appreciate well-crafted angst (which the cutting and abuse had potential to lead to if dealt with sympathetically). I even thought that the idea of Fox's father forcing him to steal Eddie's laptop was an intriguing premise that could have lead to some really dramatic conflict in the book's climax.
But I think Alexander got caught up in devising plot twists and trying to make his/her characters the most unique/flawed/quirky/awkward s/he possibly could, and the wheat got buried beneath a Mount Everest-sized pile of chaff.
Okay, I think this is the part of the review where I'm supposed to add in a "this book didn't work for me but it might work for other readers" caveat in order to avoid hurting anyone's feelings and to underscore the highly personal and subjective nature of reading. Whatever. You're all intelligent readers and reviewers; I know that you know this already.
July 15, 2019
What a story! Fyn Alexander really knows how to blend a dark, dramatic story into a romance. Just like the Angel and the Assassin series, Fox and Edward have that electric connection from the get-go but that underlying tenuous feeling of unease that follows them till the dramatic conclusion.
I honestly had no idea how this one was going to work out, but knowing Fyn Alexander I figured we'd get something really gory and violent. I wasn't disappointed.
Great characters, and an intriguing and original story.
I honestly had no idea how this one was going to work out, but knowing Fyn Alexander I figured we'd get something really gory and violent. I wasn't disappointed.
Great characters, and an intriguing and original story.
January 23, 2020
Review to come...
November 19, 2012
4.5*
Hmm, so I'm in the minority on this one, which NEVER happens with me being the party that LIKES the book lol, but I LOVED this book. That's saying a lot because, yes, some of the moments were sappy and a bit of a stretch/cliched, yes, for some strange reason the author seems to be anti-lube and preparation, but Eddie and Fox were so mismatched that they were perfect for each other. The author did a really great job moving them from (supposed) rentboy/client to lovers and I loved Fox's snarky humor and the fact that Eddie didn't get 90% of his jokes. Some may feel the timing was a bit quick, but Fox was so desperate for love and Eddie so happy to find someone who understood him and found him sexy that it worked for me.
The family aspect is really well done and it's endearing how good Fox is with his autistic siblings (twins), especially in light of his abusive ex-military father and his alcoholic mother. Eddie is so socially awkward that it's rewarding to see Fox bring out a lighter side of him and to see them navigate various situations. I just really, really loved them together. The whole espionage situation was good, and I loved Godfrey but it was the only time I felt things slowed down a smidgen. Still, this is one book I will definitely read again and is most certainly one I absolutely enjoyed. It was witty, humorous, sexy, and even made me teary eyed a few times.
Author, will we get a book about the two MI6 guys? Seems like intro there was a setup for a book about them. Would love to read that.
Hmm, so I'm in the minority on this one, which NEVER happens with me being the party that LIKES the book lol, but I LOVED this book. That's saying a lot because, yes, some of the moments were sappy and a bit of a stretch/cliched, yes, for some strange reason the author seems to be anti-lube and preparation, but Eddie and Fox were so mismatched that they were perfect for each other. The author did a really great job moving them from (supposed) rentboy/client to lovers and I loved Fox's snarky humor and the fact that Eddie didn't get 90% of his jokes. Some may feel the timing was a bit quick, but Fox was so desperate for love and Eddie so happy to find someone who understood him and found him sexy that it worked for me.
The family aspect is really well done and it's endearing how good Fox is with his autistic siblings (twins), especially in light of his abusive ex-military father and his alcoholic mother. Eddie is so socially awkward that it's rewarding to see Fox bring out a lighter side of him and to see them navigate various situations. I just really, really loved them together. The whole espionage situation was good, and I loved Godfrey but it was the only time I felt things slowed down a smidgen. Still, this is one book I will definitely read again and is most certainly one I absolutely enjoyed. It was witty, humorous, sexy, and even made me teary eyed a few times.
Author, will we get a book about the two MI6 guys? Seems like intro there was a setup for a book about them. Would love to read that.
November 9, 2012
Not for me.
March 8, 2018
Throw all logic out the window, damn the peeves and niggles and bring on the "willy"...*deep breath*...I am ready! I dismissed this book entirely when I first read what I found to be a too much information, awful blurb. Then by chance, I ran into Emma's review where she mentioned a kilt (GASP!) and the names Kael and Angel made me do a double take. "WHAT?! They're in this? I must read this NOW!" And I'm glad I did. I ended up liking these guys and their outrageous story very much. Thanks Emma!
December 2, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. Yes, Edward called his penis a willy, he blurted out inappropriate things at times and didn't get sarcasm but I could see that there was something going on with his mind. He was still a brilliant scientist. His and Fox's love story was sweet, satisfying and fun.
This is a book that makes me remember this is fiction and I liked to be entertained. The back story was a little out there but it was not so out there that I was turned off from the book. I loved these two guys.
This is a book that makes me remember this is fiction and I liked to be entertained. The back story was a little out there but it was not so out there that I was turned off from the book. I loved these two guys.
October 30, 2013
2.5 I can't get passed the Willy comments
April 10, 2013
Surprisingly dark and extreme subject matter presented in a disarmingly sweet style. The story starts out as a poignant comedy of errors involving a shy, fumbling virgin. The plot deepens in complexity, eventually to include themes of assault, domestic abuse, terrorism, torture, and genocide. Not quite what the reader expects from the typical "rentboy" tale.
The book is tightly plotted, the romance touching and real, and all of the characters, except the obvious villains, likable. Highly enjoyable brief appearance by old friends from Alexander's Angel and the Assassin series (not necessary to have read any of those). The ending is purely sunny and upbeat. If you can handle the themes mentioned above, you may find this one heartwarming and memorable.
The book is tightly plotted, the romance touching and real, and all of the characters, except the obvious villains, likable. Highly enjoyable brief appearance by old friends from Alexander's Angel and the Assassin series (not necessary to have read any of those). The ending is purely sunny and upbeat. If you can handle the themes mentioned above, you may find this one heartwarming and memorable.
December 14, 2012
I wanted to love this book more than I did. Truly. Desperately.
On the face of it Fox and Eddie should make a great story albeit unconventional. Eddie the unanchored genius researcher and Fox, the hooker with a heart of gold whose lives intersect and change course dramatically. And boy do they ever. Wrapped with intrigue, violence and some soul searching--all things I like, but I was unable to connect.
I guess it is the never-ending tone of quiet desperation that saturates the story. People fall between the cracks all the time, but this beyond. The prime antagonist becomes more and more of a cardboard caricature so by the end I no longer believe he's a character, but rather an unreal manifestation of evil personified, poorly. And the Twins...well, they're heartbreaking and the mother is another exercise in extreme. Too many characters on the edge or over it make the story implausible.
While the tie in with Angel and the Assassin was brief it was actually a relief and a glimmer.
With regret--2.5 stars
On the face of it Fox and Eddie should make a great story albeit unconventional. Eddie the unanchored genius researcher and Fox, the hooker with a heart of gold whose lives intersect and change course dramatically. And boy do they ever. Wrapped with intrigue, violence and some soul searching--all things I like, but I was unable to connect.
I guess it is the never-ending tone of quiet desperation that saturates the story. People fall between the cracks all the time, but this beyond. The prime antagonist becomes more and more of a cardboard caricature so by the end I no longer believe he's a character, but rather an unreal manifestation of evil personified, poorly. And the Twins...well, they're heartbreaking and the mother is another exercise in extreme. Too many characters on the edge or over it make the story implausible.
While the tie in with Angel and the Assassin was brief it was actually a relief and a glimmer.
With regret--2.5 stars
Read
March 19, 2013Initially I wasn't sure how I'd get on with this story as some of the plot is pretty far-fetched and the villains are excessively evil. However, I loved Fox and Edward and they came across like real people despite the crazy events they were living through. There's a real sweetness to them both, and I also loved the quirky autistic twins. It also gets huge bonus points for being set in the UK and having a great sense of humour :)
Be warned, though, there is torture. I hate reading torture scenes and had to skim the waterboarding. Also, there are no long and drawn out sex scenes as Edward seems to have a hair trigger and Fox requires no lubrication. I found this entertaining, along with Edward's insistence on thinking of his dick as his "willy". It meant the sex scenes weren't particularly erotic to my mind, but they were amusing and they made the characters even more endearing.
Be warned, though, there is torture. I hate reading torture scenes and had to skim the waterboarding. Also, there are no long and drawn out sex scenes as Edward seems to have a hair trigger and Fox requires no lubrication. I found this entertaining, along with Edward's insistence on thinking of his dick as his "willy". It meant the sex scenes weren't particularly erotic to my mind, but they were amusing and they made the characters even more endearing.
um-how-about-no
November 9, 2012I don't know how to remove a book from my shelves but this has turned into an "uuummmm, how about no" book.
ETA: New shelf created so that I remember not to read it.
ETA: New shelf created so that I remember not to read it.
January 18, 2013
A socially awkward professor hiring a rent boy from an alley is an auspicious start to this story.
Meet almost thirty year old virgin, Edward Atherton. He is a genius in his field yet his common sense and emotional decorum is lacking. Still, he's endearing as he tries to rid himself of virginity. Helping him is Nik, the rent boy he picked up from an alley. Nik is an emo young boy who eagerly goes home with Edward and shows him the fun world of sexual relations. This could be a simple down and dirty sex book filled with steamy slutty sex.
Instead, the book is layered in intrigue, heart break and redemption. Nik is not what he seems. He is no runaway looking for sex to feed and clothe him. He's been tasked by his abusive father to steal from Edward. What no one considered is Nik falling for Edward.
Fyn Alexander slowly pulls back the rug and exposes Nik's dysfunctional family life. It's a very sad and depressing reveal. As the reader learns more about Nik's interaction with his parents and siblings, it is hard pressed not to cry for him. Nik is truly an admirable character who does the best with what he's been dealt in life. I adore Nik. Edward is no perfect guy but he is definitely a hero for Nik. Edward is a surprisingly strong geeky guy who will do what it takes to save the person he loves.
This story's main theme revolves around love and what a person will do in the name of it. The reader sees through each character's eyes at what they are willing to sacrifice. It's moving. This angst filled story is well balanced with humour from the quirky characters. In addition, our favourite assassin dynamic duo makes a guest experience. This little cross over from another Fyn Alexander series is sure to cause a delighted squeal from many devoted readers.
This m/m book is highly recommended to those who enjoy well developed characters in their romantic suspense.
November 22, 2014
One of those books I enjoyed so much that I'm happy to give a high rating though just about everything to do with Fox's father is so over-the-top excessive he might as well twirl his mustache as he kicks puppies and ties damsels to the train tracks. But Fox himself was beyond adorable and his relationship with Eddie is the perfect mix of hot, hilarious, and touching.
Bottom line: you don't read this author for the Zola-esque realism, but for sheer entertainment, and in that the books consistently deliver.
Bottom line: you don't read this author for the Zola-esque realism, but for sheer entertainment, and in that the books consistently deliver.
January 16, 2013
A zany, spoofy tale of two adorable misfits/oddballs/underdogs/eccentrics ... whatever you want to call them, facing the odds. I loved Eddie and Fox. So innocent and sweet in some ways and totally kickass in others- Eddie, a black belt in karate- woohoo!
A strange mix of real pathos (those twins got to me) and silliness and everything bar the kitchen sink in the plot- but it worked!
Throw any preconceived notions of rentboy or crime stories out the window and just have fun with it.
A strange mix of real pathos (those twins got to me) and silliness and everything bar the kitchen sink in the plot- but it worked!
Throw any preconceived notions of rentboy or crime stories out the window and just have fun with it.
Want to read
November 6, 2012This book better have killer twists and surprises ... Or it's the worst blurb ever
Lets see blurb spoils he's a virgin almost 30
Other guy not really a rentboy, but sent by his evil, very evil dad to get the laptop
Know how they meet
It overly details their first and second sexual encounter.
Yep blurb way over detailed. It skips over intriguing and goes to why read the book the blurb tells the whole story
Lets see blurb spoils he's a virgin almost 30
Other guy not really a rentboy, but sent by his evil, very evil dad to get the laptop
Know how they meet
It overly details their first and second sexual encounter.
Yep blurb way over detailed. It skips over intriguing and goes to why read the book the blurb tells the whole story
June 4, 2016
Enjoyed this rather naively written novel set in London. Interesting characters and plot, felt drawn to Fox, the Goth boy and to nerdy scientist Eddie.
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'Waiting by the side of the road, soaking wet, make-up running until he must look like Brandon Lee in 'The Crow', he was not attracting another lift. Cars sped by without stopping.'
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'Waiting by the side of the road, soaking wet, make-up running until he must look like Brandon Lee in 'The Crow', he was not attracting another lift. Cars sped by without stopping.'
November 22, 2012
4 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Edward is fast approaching thirty and really doesn’t want to still be a virgin when he reaches it, with that in mind he sets out awkwardly to pick up a rentboy and ends up becoming infatuated with the gorgeous Goth who turns his life upside down. Fox has no choice but to follow his father’s orders if he wants to keep his siblings safe, but he was never supposed to fall for the mark, now after finding out the truth he has to convince Edward that not everything he says is a lie and he has to take drastic actions to save Edward before it is too late.
This is a sweet story that also has a combination of humour and danger with violence thrown in. Edward is a very awkward scientist, give him his lab setting and he is in his element but with other people he hasn’t got a clue, when he meets Fox he has no idea that the Goth is about to shake his foundations and Edward is about to find out that love is not an easy path. Fox has to keep the real reason that he met Edward quite, his father has made it clear what will happen if he messes up, but falling for the geeky scientist wasn’t in the plan but Fox can’t help but keep going back to Edward… will both men live long enough to sort out their differences or will Fox’s father and Edward’s boss be the death of them.
I found that both Edward and Fox were a fun couple even with the trouble that plagued them, I liked that both characters were completely different but inexplicitly drawn together and the storyline was very interesting with the hidden aspects which were all tied together. Fox’s father needs to be shot very early in the book, a more evil nasty man I have yet to see, Fox’s siblings are very sweet and it was such a shame what their father did to them and poor Fox caught in a situation that there wasn’t much he could do about and turning to self-harm to have some control. Edward is quite a clueless character but he is a man of his principles, and it takes a lot from Fox to make up for lying, it also comes blazing through near the end that Edward would rather die than hurt innocent people.
This is a story of blundering love, making mistakes, protecting people and doing the right thing, it is also a story of mystery and danger, with a healthy dose of forgiveness and in some places righteous justice. You may also be surprised to encounter Stephen Conran, Angel and Kael from the Angel and The Assassin series but it all makes sense in the end.
I recommend this to those who like to see justice prevail, enemies quashed, a geek and a Goth falling in love, danger, mystery, making up and breaking up with some more making up and some hot sex and finally a very happy ever after for all involved.
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Edward is fast approaching thirty and really doesn’t want to still be a virgin when he reaches it, with that in mind he sets out awkwardly to pick up a rentboy and ends up becoming infatuated with the gorgeous Goth who turns his life upside down. Fox has no choice but to follow his father’s orders if he wants to keep his siblings safe, but he was never supposed to fall for the mark, now after finding out the truth he has to convince Edward that not everything he says is a lie and he has to take drastic actions to save Edward before it is too late.
This is a sweet story that also has a combination of humour and danger with violence thrown in. Edward is a very awkward scientist, give him his lab setting and he is in his element but with other people he hasn’t got a clue, when he meets Fox he has no idea that the Goth is about to shake his foundations and Edward is about to find out that love is not an easy path. Fox has to keep the real reason that he met Edward quite, his father has made it clear what will happen if he messes up, but falling for the geeky scientist wasn’t in the plan but Fox can’t help but keep going back to Edward… will both men live long enough to sort out their differences or will Fox’s father and Edward’s boss be the death of them.
I found that both Edward and Fox were a fun couple even with the trouble that plagued them, I liked that both characters were completely different but inexplicitly drawn together and the storyline was very interesting with the hidden aspects which were all tied together. Fox’s father needs to be shot very early in the book, a more evil nasty man I have yet to see, Fox’s siblings are very sweet and it was such a shame what their father did to them and poor Fox caught in a situation that there wasn’t much he could do about and turning to self-harm to have some control. Edward is quite a clueless character but he is a man of his principles, and it takes a lot from Fox to make up for lying, it also comes blazing through near the end that Edward would rather die than hurt innocent people.
This is a story of blundering love, making mistakes, protecting people and doing the right thing, it is also a story of mystery and danger, with a healthy dose of forgiveness and in some places righteous justice. You may also be surprised to encounter Stephen Conran, Angel and Kael from the Angel and The Assassin series but it all makes sense in the end.
I recommend this to those who like to see justice prevail, enemies quashed, a geek and a Goth falling in love, danger, mystery, making up and breaking up with some more making up and some hot sex and finally a very happy ever after for all involved.
March 15, 2013
Review posted on World of Diversity Fictions
This book was totally not what I was expecting. I thought it would be a fluff piece even with the Rentboy boy aspect but it’s so far from that I’m at a loss about what to say without giving too much away and without the need for spoiler alerts.
Edward and Fox are two of the most unlikely characters to fall in love I’ve ever had the pleasure to read about. Dr. Edward Atherton the almost 30 year old science nerd and Fox Baillie the sweet but deeply troubled 19 year old Goth. How is it possible that they fit so well together? That I still don’t know maybe it’s just a case of opposites attract but they do fit and it was evident right from their first meeting, for me anyway.
This book is not a romantic love story. Though the MC’s fall in love, it is actually a story of lies and thievery, abuse by a father/husband who also demands one son to do a despicable thing and a sad story of torture as well as well-deserved comeuppance. There is some self-destructive behaviour by our tortured boy and a group of very evil men who are looking for something that could possibly devastate groups of people. It was a very hard read, a cry my eyes out, gut-wrenching story, but I loved it.
There is so much angst it literally hurt reading it but with the bad came some good. While Edward and Fox’s journey to that HEA may have been dangerous and a ride with trust issues, there was much love. It was not just love between the two of them, but between Fox and his twin siblings. This is one place I had a bit of trouble with: the age of the twins bothered me throughout the book. I wish they had been younger, I think it would have worked bette, but that’s my opinion. The courage of both Edward and Fox astounded me. Not many could have gone through what they did, survived and come out on the other side as strong like they did.
This is a great book if you’re looking for angst galore and suspense with a love story that is so sweet it made my heart flutter. I enjoyed this book immensely... with the exception of few minor things, like the age of the twins and not having an explanation of exactly how Fox knows to wait for Edward in that alley when they first meet. We didn’t find that out until a little more than half way through the book, which I found frustrating.
The story is a really good one. It's not your normal, everyday, fluffy M/M Romance about a Rentboy. This was a well thought out, suspenseful story that grabbed me and didn’t let go.
I highly recommend it, but be warned: it’s probably not what you think it’s going to be.
August 14, 2013
4.5 stars
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
This book was a roller coaster in every sense of the word. There is terrorism, an abusive father, an alcoholic mother and 13-year-old twins with special needs. There's danger (that is not glossed over in any way) and in the middle of all of it there is a love story.
Edward is a scientist who is pushing 30 and still a virgin. He's brutally shy and has no prospects. He decides to hire a male prostitute to rid him of his virginity once and for all. Who he finds is Fox, a 19-year-old kid. After taking him home, he finds that one night is not enough so he goes back and picks him up again. When he wakes up the next morning, his laptop is gone. Even knowing Fox is a thief, Edward can't force himself to stay away from him. He gets the laptop back and is unknowingly thrust into danger by those who wanted the information that had been stored on there.
Edward is the typical stereotypical nerd genius. Fox is not as he appears. The twins will break your heart. You will hate the abusive bastard of a father and want to slap the mother who allowed her children to be terrorized by her husband.
A very good read. I can't wait to read more by this author.
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
This book was a roller coaster in every sense of the word. There is terrorism, an abusive father, an alcoholic mother and 13-year-old twins with special needs. There's danger (that is not glossed over in any way) and in the middle of all of it there is a love story.
Edward is a scientist who is pushing 30 and still a virgin. He's brutally shy and has no prospects. He decides to hire a male prostitute to rid him of his virginity once and for all. Who he finds is Fox, a 19-year-old kid. After taking him home, he finds that one night is not enough so he goes back and picks him up again. When he wakes up the next morning, his laptop is gone. Even knowing Fox is a thief, Edward can't force himself to stay away from him. He gets the laptop back and is unknowingly thrust into danger by those who wanted the information that had been stored on there.
Edward is the typical stereotypical nerd genius. Fox is not as he appears. The twins will break your heart. You will hate the abusive bastard of a father and want to slap the mother who allowed her children to be terrorized by her husband.
A very good read. I can't wait to read more by this author.
May 26, 2019
ok, don't get me wrong ... but this was so not what I expected.
I expected a real Rentboy, I expected a mystery ... and I expected a different kind of writing (I know, my fault .... but nevertheless)
and it could have been at least a 4 star rating but somehow the writing and the pacing of the story was so different for me that it is only 3 stars.
I liked the characters but I did not understand why the fell for each other so quickly
there was a lot of sex but it was just ... not hot. I did not understand why Eddie looked there for his rentboy
nevertheless, the story was good but I am not sure if I will read this author again
I expected a real Rentboy, I expected a mystery ... and I expected a different kind of writing (I know, my fault .... but nevertheless)
and it could have been at least a 4 star rating but somehow the writing and the pacing of the story was so different for me that it is only 3 stars.
I liked the characters but I did not understand why the fell for each other so quickly
there was a lot of sex but it was just ... not hot. I did not understand why Eddie looked there for his rentboy
nevertheless, the story was good but I am not sure if I will read this author again
Want to read
November 20, 2012Godawful awkward blurb full of grammatical errors - why didn't anybody in the publishing house vet it?!
"he continues to seek out Eddie to continue what they started"
huh?
I was going to buy this since I liked the Angel books, but couldn't bring myself to after the blurb. Sorta like Emma, except I didn't even make it to the sample. :(
"he continues to seek out Eddie to continue what they started"
huh?
I was going to buy this since I liked the Angel books, but couldn't bring myself to after the blurb. Sorta like Emma, except I didn't even make it to the sample. :(
glbt-to-read
November 4, 2012All over this one..
kick ass cover - check
bad goth rentboy - check
nerdy scientist - check
Giddy!!!
kick ass cover - check
bad goth rentboy - check
nerdy scientist - check
Giddy!!!
October 3, 2016
I loved this book! I'm really glad that I decided to read it, even though I've been warned by friends to stay far, far away from Fyn Alexander's writings.
You see, I suffer from a severe allergy to BDSM, D/s and any kind of power play between characters in a book (doesn't even have to be the MCs) and the mere mention of words like "paddle" or *shudder* "dungeon" makes me DNF a book in a heartbeat, if I haven't already been warned off by the blurb. From what I've been told and what I've seen when I've read the blurbs of Ms Alexander's other books, this is probably the only book by her that I will ever read. But that's fine, because like I said, I really loved this one.
This book does actually contain quite a lot of unsavoury violence, and it also contains a fair amount of sex - but not together! That makes all the difference for me - I can read about violence and I can read about sex - just not the combination of sex and violence. Even if it's completely consensual. Actually, that only makes it worse for me, if people who're in love use any kind of violence towards each other, no matter if it's for mutual sexual gratification.
(*Please note: I'm not judging those of you who do enjoy for instance BDSM, I'm telling you where the bounds of my comfort zone lie. To each their own!)
In this book there is quite a lot of violence, though much of it is off page, but it's dished out by sadistic bastards that no-one is in love with. And it is not sexual.
We meet the brilliant scientist Edward Atherton, who's approching 30 and is still a virgin at the beginning of the book. I just loved Eddie! I have a close relative in his early 20's who's gay and has Asperger's syndrome, and even though it's not mentioned in the book, I kind of get that vibe from Eddie, he reminds me of my relative in so many ways! He's great at his work, but not very good at understanding sarcasm, jokes and general human interaction. He does dream of True Love, though, he would like to meet that man of his dreams...
Enter unlikely "dream man" Fox! Fox is 19-years-old and still living with his horribly disfunctional family. His retired career soldier father is extremely violent towards his alcoholic wife, Fox, and Fox's younger sibling, 13-year-old twins who are autistic but gets no help because of the father's "shame" of having children who are less than perfect. Fox's father is clearly a true psychopath! And Fox is also far from perfect in his father's eyes, Fox is a Goth and dresses in kind - and he's of course gay.
Even though this book is called "Rentboy" there isn't actually one in the book. The thing is that Eddie, not wanting to turn 30 and still being a virgin, starts to wander around an area where apparently male/male sex trade is conducted. Obviously he's seen and since "the bad guys" wants his secret research, Fox's father makes Fox go and pretend to be a prostitute and "seduce" Eddie so he can steal Eddie's computor with important research material on it. The reason why Fox agrees to do this is that his father threatens to beat the twins if Fox doesn't do as he's told.
Well, Eddie and Fox meet and, even though neither of them acknowledge it, even to themselves, at first, they fall in love quite early on in their dealings with each other. To Fox, Eddie's "quirks" and difficulties to understand the finer points of human interaction are charming and adds rather than detracts from his appeal. To Eddie, Fox's outgoing personality, his love and care for his sibblings, his openness about sex, and just his genral strong spirit, is absolutely charming.
What follows is a rollercoaster ride of sex, lies and research material. This is a book with a lot of action, and it includes, as I understand it, three characters from Ms Alexander's previous series "Angel and the Assassin". If you've read those books you know that those guys are MI6, and do some kind of anti-terrorist work, so that should give you a hint of what's going on in Rentboy.
What made me love this book, however, was the wonderful relationship between Eddie and Fox. I have a soft spot for people with neuropsychological or psychosocial issues finding True Love and to read about the men who loves them just the way they are. In this book I must say that Fox is the one with much more "baggage" when it comes to his horrible upbringing and his dysfuctional family, Eddie has at least had the love and support of his family his entire life. I found Eddie and Fox to be a truely wonderful couple!
I also liked the very well rounded secondary characters, both Eddie's and Fox's families, for instance, and the vicar Fox befriends. I also like that all the women in the book were portrayed in a positive light, even Fox's alcoholic mother - she wasn't a villain, she was sick and extremely mistreated by her husband.
So, to sum it up: I loved this book! I'm a little disappointed that Ms Alexander doesn't seem to have written any other books that are within my comfort zone, I would have bought them all if she had. This book, however, gave me so much, I was so invested in the MCs and I felt the joy and the pain with them and if there was ever a couple - and a family - that deserved a HEA it's Eddie and Fox!
*Edited to add spoiler warning according to request.
You see, I suffer from a severe allergy to BDSM, D/s and any kind of power play between characters in a book (doesn't even have to be the MCs) and the mere mention of words like "paddle" or *shudder* "dungeon" makes me DNF a book in a heartbeat, if I haven't already been warned off by the blurb. From what I've been told and what I've seen when I've read the blurbs of Ms Alexander's other books, this is probably the only book by her that I will ever read. But that's fine, because like I said, I really loved this one.
This book does actually contain quite a lot of unsavoury violence, and it also contains a fair amount of sex - but not together! That makes all the difference for me - I can read about violence and I can read about sex - just not the combination of sex and violence. Even if it's completely consensual. Actually, that only makes it worse for me, if people who're in love use any kind of violence towards each other, no matter if it's for mutual sexual gratification.
(*Please note: I'm not judging those of you who do enjoy for instance BDSM, I'm telling you where the bounds of my comfort zone lie. To each their own!)
In this book there is quite a lot of violence, though much of it is off page, but it's dished out by sadistic bastards that no-one is in love with. And it is not sexual.
We meet the brilliant scientist Edward Atherton, who's approching 30 and is still a virgin at the beginning of the book. I just loved Eddie! I have a close relative in his early 20's who's gay and has Asperger's syndrome, and even though it's not mentioned in the book, I kind of get that vibe from Eddie, he reminds me of my relative in so many ways! He's great at his work, but not very good at understanding sarcasm, jokes and general human interaction. He does dream of True Love, though, he would like to meet that man of his dreams...
Enter unlikely "dream man" Fox! Fox is 19-years-old and still living with his horribly disfunctional family. His retired career soldier father is extremely violent towards his alcoholic wife, Fox, and Fox's younger sibling, 13-year-old twins who are autistic but gets no help because of the father's "shame" of having children who are less than perfect. Fox's father is clearly a true psychopath! And Fox is also far from perfect in his father's eyes, Fox is a Goth and dresses in kind - and he's of course gay.
Even though this book is called "Rentboy" there isn't actually one in the book. The thing is that Eddie, not wanting to turn 30 and still being a virgin, starts to wander around an area where apparently male/male sex trade is conducted. Obviously he's seen and since "the bad guys" wants his secret research, Fox's father makes Fox go and pretend to be a prostitute and "seduce" Eddie so he can steal Eddie's computor with important research material on it. The reason why Fox agrees to do this is that his father threatens to beat the twins if Fox doesn't do as he's told.
Well, Eddie and Fox meet and, even though neither of them acknowledge it, even to themselves, at first, they fall in love quite early on in their dealings with each other. To Fox, Eddie's "quirks" and difficulties to understand the finer points of human interaction are charming and adds rather than detracts from his appeal. To Eddie, Fox's outgoing personality, his love and care for his sibblings, his openness about sex, and just his genral strong spirit, is absolutely charming.
What follows is a rollercoaster ride of sex, lies and research material. This is a book with a lot of action, and it includes, as I understand it, three characters from Ms Alexander's previous series "Angel and the Assassin". If you've read those books you know that those guys are MI6, and do some kind of anti-terrorist work, so that should give you a hint of what's going on in Rentboy.
What made me love this book, however, was the wonderful relationship between Eddie and Fox. I have a soft spot for people with neuropsychological or psychosocial issues finding True Love and to read about the men who loves them just the way they are. In this book I must say that Fox is the one with much more "baggage" when it comes to his horrible upbringing and his dysfuctional family, Eddie has at least had the love and support of his family his entire life. I found Eddie and Fox to be a truely wonderful couple!
I also liked the very well rounded secondary characters, both Eddie's and Fox's families, for instance, and the vicar Fox befriends. I also like that all the women in the book were portrayed in a positive light, even Fox's alcoholic mother - she wasn't a villain, she was sick and extremely mistreated by her husband.
So, to sum it up: I loved this book! I'm a little disappointed that Ms Alexander doesn't seem to have written any other books that are within my comfort zone, I would have bought them all if she had. This book, however, gave me so much, I was so invested in the MCs and I felt the joy and the pain with them and if there was ever a couple - and a family - that deserved a HEA it's Eddie and Fox!
*Edited to add spoiler warning according to request.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2012
Please be warned, Rentboy is not for the faint of heart--nor is it for anyone who cannot stand a healthy dose of violence. This violence all too often comes in the form of an abusive father beating the crap out of his son. Sorry--there is no kind way to describe what Fox's father William Bailles does to his son--in fact I am showing real restraint in leaving the explanation at that statement above.
The story revolves around Fox (real name, Afton) who survives the constant horror of an abusive father (ex-military turned gun for hire) and an alcoholic mother who, her self, endures the flying fists and non-stop hate that spews from her husband's mouth. To complete this family scenario are identical twin siblings, Alder and Arden who from birth have been beaten and left trapped inside their own distrubing autistic world. They are the most precious thing to Fox...until Eddie Atherton comes along.
Eddie was meant to be a job his father beat Fox into doing. Fox could care less why he was to steal from the brilliant scientist, he only knew that if he posed as a prostitute and did what he was told, he could avoid his fathers flying fists for a brief moment. So he did--do exactly what his father asked and discovered that Dr. Edward Atherton was not only weirdly brilliant, but a first class decent and honest man--a modern day hero by all accounts.
And Fox...for the first time...fell deeply in love. To his utter dismay, Eddie did as well. Now Fox had to decide whether to tell Eddie that everything the scientist felt was built on a stack of lies and that, in order to survive his fathers wrath, Fox had inadvertantly delivered the man he loved into the hands of truly evil forces.
Rentboy was stunning in its ability to keep the reader on the edge of their seat and pull them into a world where one alternately cringed in horror and shouted hooray in abandonded glee. Fyn ALexander once again mates up and older man with a young college age boy and twists the tables ever so slightly in mkaing the boy the truly stronger and more domninant of the two. That twist makes for some of the more poignant and funny moments in an otherwise dark and, at times, bleak novel.
Do not get me wrong--this novel was brilliant. The characters blazed off the page straight into our hearts and minds--and, yes, provoked more than one nightmare in this reviewer. The reality of Fox's coping mechanism (self-mutilation) to the horrific final scenes that include vicious torture of both the main characters left me stunned. They also made me read all the faster in the hopes that there would be a happy ever after somwhere in this fast-paced, gritty and dark novel.
Yes, dear reader, there is--a happy ever after. And when the author drags you limping and breathless to the final pages, you sit back and shake your head at one of the most impressive and compelling stories ever to grace the page. Along the way, Fyn ALexander throws in a sweet cameo of Kael and Angel--those of you familiar with the author's work will recall this team. It was a delicious moment, one that made me laugh out loud.
Rentboy squeezed out of me a gamut of emotions and presented to me a gripping mystery that left me dazed by its complexity. The story peeled back one layer at a time. Constantly moving, with delightfully humane and sometimes despicable side characters, the novel swept me along in its frantic pace and left me shaking at some of the darker, ore violent scenes. But, dear reader, none of the violence was gratuitous with each episode being critical to unfolding the plot.
Rentboy is one of the finest mysteries I have read in a long time. However, you should go into this with your eyes open--the violence depcted throught this story does not ease up--it, in fact, drives the story most of the time. Having said that, I must also say that if you can handle this type of story, I guarantee you wil find it to be top notch story telling at its best.
The story revolves around Fox (real name, Afton) who survives the constant horror of an abusive father (ex-military turned gun for hire) and an alcoholic mother who, her self, endures the flying fists and non-stop hate that spews from her husband's mouth. To complete this family scenario are identical twin siblings, Alder and Arden who from birth have been beaten and left trapped inside their own distrubing autistic world. They are the most precious thing to Fox...until Eddie Atherton comes along.
Eddie was meant to be a job his father beat Fox into doing. Fox could care less why he was to steal from the brilliant scientist, he only knew that if he posed as a prostitute and did what he was told, he could avoid his fathers flying fists for a brief moment. So he did--do exactly what his father asked and discovered that Dr. Edward Atherton was not only weirdly brilliant, but a first class decent and honest man--a modern day hero by all accounts.
And Fox...for the first time...fell deeply in love. To his utter dismay, Eddie did as well. Now Fox had to decide whether to tell Eddie that everything the scientist felt was built on a stack of lies and that, in order to survive his fathers wrath, Fox had inadvertantly delivered the man he loved into the hands of truly evil forces.
Rentboy was stunning in its ability to keep the reader on the edge of their seat and pull them into a world where one alternately cringed in horror and shouted hooray in abandonded glee. Fyn ALexander once again mates up and older man with a young college age boy and twists the tables ever so slightly in mkaing the boy the truly stronger and more domninant of the two. That twist makes for some of the more poignant and funny moments in an otherwise dark and, at times, bleak novel.
Do not get me wrong--this novel was brilliant. The characters blazed off the page straight into our hearts and minds--and, yes, provoked more than one nightmare in this reviewer. The reality of Fox's coping mechanism (self-mutilation) to the horrific final scenes that include vicious torture of both the main characters left me stunned. They also made me read all the faster in the hopes that there would be a happy ever after somwhere in this fast-paced, gritty and dark novel.
Yes, dear reader, there is--a happy ever after. And when the author drags you limping and breathless to the final pages, you sit back and shake your head at one of the most impressive and compelling stories ever to grace the page. Along the way, Fyn ALexander throws in a sweet cameo of Kael and Angel--those of you familiar with the author's work will recall this team. It was a delicious moment, one that made me laugh out loud.
Rentboy squeezed out of me a gamut of emotions and presented to me a gripping mystery that left me dazed by its complexity. The story peeled back one layer at a time. Constantly moving, with delightfully humane and sometimes despicable side characters, the novel swept me along in its frantic pace and left me shaking at some of the darker, ore violent scenes. But, dear reader, none of the violence was gratuitous with each episode being critical to unfolding the plot.
Rentboy is one of the finest mysteries I have read in a long time. However, you should go into this with your eyes open--the violence depcted throught this story does not ease up--it, in fact, drives the story most of the time. Having said that, I must also say that if you can handle this type of story, I guarantee you wil find it to be top notch story telling at its best.
June 23, 2013
Rentboy by Fyn Alexander is simply a delightful book, joyful and exuberant. The quirky pairing of a research scientist with probable Asperger's Syndrome (Edward) and an unapologetic Goth teenager ten years his junior (Fox) is funny and unexpected, but Alexander also makes it believable. These two men turn out to be a perfect match.
This love story made me laugh out loud every few pages. I enjoy quirky characters and this book has them in spades. Added to the mix are Fox's autistic twin siblings, a boy and a girl, who look identical with blonde hair to their waists and big, frightened eyes that earn them the affectionate moniker "aliens" from their brother. They dress alike, their selections ranging from boys underwear to hip-hugging miniskirts, oblivious as they are to their gender differences. At thirteen, they are mute, hold hands and move in synch with one another, and take action only when explicitly directed by their loving older brother and caretaker.
With this life experience, Fox ably assists the socially inept Edward at losing his virginity, accepting his unusual mannerisms and literal thinking with a wink and a laugh. Edward, in turn, gives Fox a simple tenderness he's never known from his violent father and alcoholic mother. Both men fall hard and fast. The trouble is that Fox met Edward under false pretenses and to protect himself from his father, he is forced to tell his new boyfriend one lie after another and unknowingly puts him in terrible danger.
The sex scenes are gritty and funny and suffused with love as Fox teaches Edward how to "live a little" by seducing him in public parks and encouraging him to abuse the furniture at home. Fox demonstrates perfect patience as he teaches Edward to substitute the grown-up word "cock" for "willy" and points out sarcasm, jokes, and figures of speech to this man for whom language is as literal and straightforward as mayonnaise.
This unusual tale celebrates the ordinariness of the dreams of romance, love, and family that its gay protagonists aspire to, so similar to those of their straight counterparts. The people in their lives generally get right on board as the two come out as boyfriends. A surprising fate awaits the street toughs who don't.
There are several scenes of horrendous violence in this otherwise light-hearted book. They are integral to the story, but I had to skim in places to avoid being traumatized and I still wish I could unread some of the torture (yes, torture) inflicted upon these good and true-hearted characters. The playfulness of the love story made the brutality of some of the secondary characters and their actions especially shocking and diabolical. It's not typical romance novel fare.
One theme I'll take with me is that physical gods and goddesses aren't the only humans worthy of a love story. Geeks and nerds and skinny little freaks deserve their moments. And heroes, too, come in all different forms. For its wonderful creativity and unique and unforgettable characters, I give Rentboy 4.5 of 5 stars. 4 out of 5 flames of m/m heat.
This love story made me laugh out loud every few pages. I enjoy quirky characters and this book has them in spades. Added to the mix are Fox's autistic twin siblings, a boy and a girl, who look identical with blonde hair to their waists and big, frightened eyes that earn them the affectionate moniker "aliens" from their brother. They dress alike, their selections ranging from boys underwear to hip-hugging miniskirts, oblivious as they are to their gender differences. At thirteen, they are mute, hold hands and move in synch with one another, and take action only when explicitly directed by their loving older brother and caretaker.
With this life experience, Fox ably assists the socially inept Edward at losing his virginity, accepting his unusual mannerisms and literal thinking with a wink and a laugh. Edward, in turn, gives Fox a simple tenderness he's never known from his violent father and alcoholic mother. Both men fall hard and fast. The trouble is that Fox met Edward under false pretenses and to protect himself from his father, he is forced to tell his new boyfriend one lie after another and unknowingly puts him in terrible danger.
The sex scenes are gritty and funny and suffused with love as Fox teaches Edward how to "live a little" by seducing him in public parks and encouraging him to abuse the furniture at home. Fox demonstrates perfect patience as he teaches Edward to substitute the grown-up word "cock" for "willy" and points out sarcasm, jokes, and figures of speech to this man for whom language is as literal and straightforward as mayonnaise.
This unusual tale celebrates the ordinariness of the dreams of romance, love, and family that its gay protagonists aspire to, so similar to those of their straight counterparts. The people in their lives generally get right on board as the two come out as boyfriends. A surprising fate awaits the street toughs who don't.
There are several scenes of horrendous violence in this otherwise light-hearted book. They are integral to the story, but I had to skim in places to avoid being traumatized and I still wish I could unread some of the torture (yes, torture) inflicted upon these good and true-hearted characters. The playfulness of the love story made the brutality of some of the secondary characters and their actions especially shocking and diabolical. It's not typical romance novel fare.
One theme I'll take with me is that physical gods and goddesses aren't the only humans worthy of a love story. Geeks and nerds and skinny little freaks deserve their moments. And heroes, too, come in all different forms. For its wonderful creativity and unique and unforgettable characters, I give Rentboy 4.5 of 5 stars. 4 out of 5 flames of m/m heat.
November 25, 2012
3.75 stars
The blurb leaves few surprises but, after reading author's comments, blurbs are apparently difficult to write - and this one pretty much wraps up the whole story.
BUT if you like the Angel/Assassin series, I think you'll enjoy this story as well. It's set in the same world as A/A and is just as incredibly over-the-top in the secret intelligence/covert aspect (at least as far as I know) without the hardcore D/s and BDSM.
Eddie is still a virgin at the great age of 29 and is determined to "correct" that before he turns 30. He has been haunting the gay prostitute section of town (it doesn't explain why a super intelligent man would take that kind of risk OR actually take him home-you just have to let it go!) and is approached by Fox.
Fox and Eddie feel a connection and Eddie again seeks Fox out at the disreputable area. Even after having done as his father demanded, Fox continues to meet up with Eddie as he genuinely likes him. Although highly intelligent, Eddie is clueless as to Real Life and, thanks to his sister, is aware of it. Compared to Fox's home life, Eddie's was/is normal and peaceful and Fox is in need of the calm.
For me, the physical abuse Fox receives was difficult to read as I know it actually happens every minute of every day somewhere in the world.
There is espionage and intrigue galore that Fox and Eddie stumble through as well as personal angst. I enjoyed both characters very much and would like to see a follow-up story to see how things are going with the new family (especially the twins; I loved how patient and loving Fox and then Eddie is with them).
Recommended if you enjoy this author.
The blurb leaves few surprises but, after reading author's comments, blurbs are apparently difficult to write - and this one pretty much wraps up the whole story.
BUT if you like the Angel/Assassin series, I think you'll enjoy this story as well. It's set in the same world as A/A and is just as incredibly over-the-top in the secret intelligence/covert aspect (at least as far as I know) without the hardcore D/s and BDSM.
Eddie is still a virgin at the great age of 29 and is determined to "correct" that before he turns 30. He has been haunting the gay prostitute section of town (it doesn't explain why a super intelligent man would take that kind of risk OR actually take him home-you just have to let it go!) and is approached by Fox.
Fox and Eddie feel a connection and Eddie again seeks Fox out at the disreputable area. Even after having done as his father demanded, Fox continues to meet up with Eddie as he genuinely likes him. Although highly intelligent, Eddie is clueless as to Real Life and, thanks to his sister, is aware of it. Compared to Fox's home life, Eddie's was/is normal and peaceful and Fox is in need of the calm.
For me, the physical abuse Fox receives was difficult to read as I know it actually happens every minute of every day somewhere in the world.
There is espionage and intrigue galore that Fox and Eddie stumble through as well as personal angst. I enjoyed both characters very much and would like to see a follow-up story to see how things are going with the new family (especially the twins; I loved how patient and loving Fox and then Eddie is with them).
Recommended if you enjoy this author.
May 9, 2016
Very odd, quirky romance. This starts out amusing and almost farce like. Geeky, nerdy guy is about to turn 30, is still a virgin so geeky guy goes in search of a rent boy who can end his virgin status. Okay, so far. Still on track when geeky guy likes rent boy and oh boy, rent boy liked geeky guy. Then we take a u-turn into espionage and bioweapons and mercenaries, oh my. Mixed in with alcoholism, physical abuse and disabilities. But sounds like a mess, but the author handled with a deft touch. I totally believed in Eddie and Fox (Afton)'s relationship. When we meet the twins, I found myself searching for some name for their disability but there aren't many clues. I had an inkling based on their behavior. And I appreciated the fact that there weren't many clues! You know in books you always want to be told what wrong with the characters. In this case, you just accept them and Fox' love for them and move on. Brilliant. And Alistair! What a great touch. So a quirky little rentboy romance wrapped up in some riveting scenes focused on Fox' father and his band of baddies along with some family dynamics that rival some of the more focused hurt/comfort books out there. Taut, suspenseful, character driven, funny, surprisingly emotional. Now there were a couple of things that sort of stretched credulity
September 23, 2019
This was a dark, yet quirky tale that led me on an incredible journey. I had no clue where it was going with the twists it was taking. It would be light-hearted and fun one second, then heart-wrenching the next. All I knew is that I was rooting for Eddie and Fox to make it! I also loved the cameos from the Angel and Assassin series. It was nice to see them pop in and lend a hand when needed.
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