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50 Shades of Gay
Meeting his celebrity crush was one thing, but even Hollywood could not have written what happened next. Inspired by E.L. James’ international phenomenon, 50 Shades of Grey, Jeffery Self’s 50 Shades of Gay tells the story of a young celebrity blogger, Alex Kirby, who interviews Taylor Grayson, a superstar leading man in Hollywood blockbuster films. Grayson also happens to be a closeted gay man with a passion for BDSM.
When Grayson draws the younger man into his private orbit and initiates him into his sexual world, the younger man can tell that kinky sex has shielded Grayson from having a real emotional connection with another man. But he is head over heels in love with the older, powerful, gorgeous man who has selected him for the pleasures of submission.
Ultimately, Alex decides to experiment with the power differential between them, and see if he can break through the armor that Grayson and his layers of Hollywood handlers have imprisoned him in. Will he be able to open Grayson up to real intimacy, or will he cause Grayson to end the relationship and cut himself off yet again?
When Grayson draws the younger man into his private orbit and initiates him into his sexual world, the younger man can tell that kinky sex has shielded Grayson from having a real emotional connection with another man. But he is head over heels in love with the older, powerful, gorgeous man who has selected him for the pleasures of submission.
Ultimately, Alex decides to experiment with the power differential between them, and see if he can break through the armor that Grayson and his layers of Hollywood handlers have imprisoned him in. Will he be able to open Grayson up to real intimacy, or will he cause Grayson to end the relationship and cut himself off yet again?
174 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2013
129 people are currently reading
2280 people want to read
About the author
Jeffery Self
7 books138 followersJeffery Self is a writer and performer based in Los Angeles. He recently co--wrote and starred in "You're Killing Me", a feature film distributed by Wolfe Releasing. He was the co-creator and star of "Jeffery and Cole Casserole" on Logo (with Cole Escola). He has appeared in various television shows such as 90210, Difficult People, Hot In Cleveland, Shameless, and 30 Rock. He has produced/written on "Billy On The Street", "Gay Of Thrones", and "Rupaul's Gay For Play". He is the author of three books: "Straight People: A Spotter's Guide", "Fifty Shades Of Gay", and "Drag Teen". He hosts a weekly podcast called "This Is Really Important" on iTunes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
December 22, 2020
Short, sweet and to the point. Ignore the low ratings, I did and I got a good read out of it!
March 17, 2013
Review posted at: Swept Away By Romance
Story Rating 3.5 Stars
Character Rating 4 Stars
Romance Rating 3 Stars
Heat Level 4 Stars
Overall Rating 3.5 Stars
First off I have to say that I have NOT read The Fifty Shades Of Grey series by E.L. James, so I have no idea if these two books connect story wise or not. I have read some M/M books so I thought sure, I'll give it a try. You know what? The story grabbed me right from the beginning and I can honestly say that yes, I enjoyed the book and I also liked the author’s writing style.
The story centers on a young gay man, Alex, who has never had an intimate relationship with other men, just friendships. He gets a chance to do an interview with a famous sexy movie star who he’s fantasized about in the past. When Alex finally meets Taylor, he is so nervous that he messes up the interview big time and is only able to ask one question. Much to Alex’s surprise, Taylor shows interest in him and wants to see him again. What happens next is somewhat of a roller coaster ride for Alex. He wants to explore a relationship with Taylor that he hopes could lead to something more, but Taylor’s interest in him only extends in as far as he wants Alex as his submissive in a D/s affiliation, nothing more.
This story has a BDSM theme to it and normally I don't care for that in my romances. However, this was light on the BDSM, which I was grateful for, because had it been hard core, it may have been a bit uncomfortable for me to read. I did not really feel any love between Taylor and Alex, but there was definitely a VERY strong attraction. I can't say that there was any love scenes in this book, they were more or less sex scenes and they were VERY HOT and well written.
There is an epilogue, which I always enjoy in my books. I was given the impression that Alex and Taylor have worked things out and were still together, but no mention of love or what I would consider a true HEA.
I think I should mention that considering 50 Shades of Gay is only 174 pages, the accompanying price of $9.99 is too high, in my opinion. It’s a deterrent to those who might otherwise want to give this book a try and I would hate for potential readers to be turned off by the cost, and miss out on a good story. So I’m hoping the publisher will consider lowering the price and essentially enticing more readers into buying Jeffery Self’s book.
Bottom line, I'm happy I gave this book a try and I hope that the author continues to write, because I most certainly would read more of his books, he has a bright future.
**Thank you to Riverdale Avenue Books for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review**
Story Rating 3.5 Stars
Character Rating 4 Stars
Romance Rating 3 Stars
Heat Level 4 Stars
Overall Rating 3.5 Stars
First off I have to say that I have NOT read The Fifty Shades Of Grey series by E.L. James, so I have no idea if these two books connect story wise or not. I have read some M/M books so I thought sure, I'll give it a try. You know what? The story grabbed me right from the beginning and I can honestly say that yes, I enjoyed the book and I also liked the author’s writing style.
The story centers on a young gay man, Alex, who has never had an intimate relationship with other men, just friendships. He gets a chance to do an interview with a famous sexy movie star who he’s fantasized about in the past. When Alex finally meets Taylor, he is so nervous that he messes up the interview big time and is only able to ask one question. Much to Alex’s surprise, Taylor shows interest in him and wants to see him again. What happens next is somewhat of a roller coaster ride for Alex. He wants to explore a relationship with Taylor that he hopes could lead to something more, but Taylor’s interest in him only extends in as far as he wants Alex as his submissive in a D/s affiliation, nothing more.
This story has a BDSM theme to it and normally I don't care for that in my romances. However, this was light on the BDSM, which I was grateful for, because had it been hard core, it may have been a bit uncomfortable for me to read. I did not really feel any love between Taylor and Alex, but there was definitely a VERY strong attraction. I can't say that there was any love scenes in this book, they were more or less sex scenes and they were VERY HOT and well written.
There is an epilogue, which I always enjoy in my books. I was given the impression that Alex and Taylor have worked things out and were still together, but no mention of love or what I would consider a true HEA.
I think I should mention that considering 50 Shades of Gay is only 174 pages, the accompanying price of $9.99 is too high, in my opinion. It’s a deterrent to those who might otherwise want to give this book a try and I would hate for potential readers to be turned off by the cost, and miss out on a good story. So I’m hoping the publisher will consider lowering the price and essentially enticing more readers into buying Jeffery Self’s book.
Bottom line, I'm happy I gave this book a try and I hope that the author continues to write, because I most certainly would read more of his books, he has a bright future.
**Thank you to Riverdale Avenue Books for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review**
January 8, 2021
so i went into this book thinking that it would mock the original story but the author actually took it seriously and tried to turn this into a "love story," delivering a terrible, cringe-worthy copy of "50 shades of grey."
the writing is atrocious and i suffered every time the author incorrectly used the word "literally." the story was an exact duplicate of e. l. james' novel, and you know how i feel about that book...
if you are going to read this because you think it's a parody, don't.
the writing is atrocious and i suffered every time the author incorrectly used the word "literally." the story was an exact duplicate of e. l. james' novel, and you know how i feel about that book...
if you are going to read this because you think it's a parody, don't.
February 14, 2017
Overall book rating: 2.5
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3
This was both crazy funny and totally ridiculous.
Lets be real here..the BDSM parts really had me lifting my eyebrows sky-high. Especially at the end??? )
There were parts I laughed so hard, and I think Alex had a way of saying things. And then there were points I had to remind myself that this is done for the fun of it.
Because if this was serious I would have slapped me a Movie Star!!
(If you read it I’m sure you’ll know exactly what part I’m talking about here)
But laugh I did. I thought it was really funny and the audio was good.
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3
This was both crazy funny and totally ridiculous.
Lets be real here..the BDSM parts really had me lifting my eyebrows sky-high. Especially at the end??? )
There were parts I laughed so hard, and I think Alex had a way of saying things. And then there were points I had to remind myself that this is done for the fun of it.
Because if this was serious I would have slapped me a Movie Star!!
(If you read it I’m sure you’ll know exactly what part I’m talking about here)
But laugh I did. I thought it was really funny and the audio was good.
April 19, 2013
The romance surprised me. I expected a BDSM PWP, and while I did get my smut, the romance also presented relationship shit one would normally see in a serious romance. Unfortunately, one issue stopped me from enjoying the book.
+ the protagonist
Alex narrated the story in 1st person POV, and I didn’t like it initially. The dude had too many thoughts going on his head. No, it was not a stream of consciousness (thank hell); he simply had many thoughts going on. Alex’s narration impeded the plot to the extent that it took several pages before the plot finally started and Alex met Grayson (in chapter 3). Afterward, Alex kept extolling how hot Grayson was. Yes, I get it, Alex. You’re horny and hot for Grayson, can we please move the plot along?
Eventually, the plot did move along. The narration rewarded me for my patience with character growth. Slowly but surely, Alex grew as he demanded more from Grayson and entertained the idea that maybe he (Alex) shouldn’t have to settle. Alex started off as naive but he grew out of it by the end.
I liked the fact that just because he was naive it didn’t mean he was stupid. In spite of his horniness, Alex recognized that Grayson was a mental case.
+ the love interest
I found Grayson lacking as a character. I never really understood his issues. For example, I learned how he got into the BDSM lifestyle but not why he liked BDSM or why he chose to be a dom instead of staying as a sub because he entered the BDSM lifestyle as a sub. The book focused so much on Alex that it forgot about developing Grayson as a dimensional character. Grayson came off like an unfinished sculpture, the Greek marble kind where a piece of block remained on the person.
I didn’t like Grayson. I liked his sexy, kinky times with Alex, but not Grayson as a person. Not until the end when Grayson changed and chose love that I finally (and mildly) liked Grayson.
+ the romance
The smut was hot and plenty to my satisfaction. While the smut did breach dub-con territory a few times, the sexual practice remained tamed. The BDSM consisted of nothing more than rough sex, spanking and whipping, and restraint of movement. I really liked that Alex sensibly researched BDSM once he learned about Grayson’s kink.
The romance was surprisingly decent. Alex and Grayson did more than fuck, they actually talked about their desires and what they desired from each other. Contracts were waved around. Consent was discussed. Relationship shit was happening.
One thing I didn’t like was how the story tried to introduce Josh, a nice and free-of-issues guy in contrast to not-that-nice and full-of issues Grayson, as a rival for Alex’s love. Poor Josh. He never had a chance. The Josh thing didn’t add anything to the story overall. It also made Alex looked a bit like a Gary Stu because I found it hard to believe someone who had no dating or sexual experience whatsoever would suddenly have the attention of two hot guys.
+ the issue
The biggest issue I had with the story was how near the end in the last sex scene, Alex and Grayson switched roles in the middle of sex. Alex became the dom and Grayson became the sub. It didn’t make sense to me; it came out of nowhere. Grayson may have entered the BDSM lifestyle as a sub, but afterward he established himself as dom. He made that very clear upon the start of his relationship with Alex and continued to make it clear throughout their relationship. So how come he allowed Alex to take charge and what compelled to Alex to take charge?
Alex and Grayson broke character for no reason, and it left me flabbergasted.
In Conclusion
I rate 50 Shades of Gay 2-stars for it was okay. The book had smut and a believable HFN, but when the couple broke character, it ruined the tepid enjoyment I got from the book. That said, the book was not bad as I half-expected for a 50 Shades knockoff.
If you’re looking to pass the time and want to jump on the 50 Shades bandwagon but prefer mm smut, 50 Shades of Gay is a good fit.
+ the protagonist
Alex narrated the story in 1st person POV, and I didn’t like it initially. The dude had too many thoughts going on his head. No, it was not a stream of consciousness (thank hell); he simply had many thoughts going on. Alex’s narration impeded the plot to the extent that it took several pages before the plot finally started and Alex met Grayson (in chapter 3). Afterward, Alex kept extolling how hot Grayson was. Yes, I get it, Alex. You’re horny and hot for Grayson, can we please move the plot along?
Eventually, the plot did move along. The narration rewarded me for my patience with character growth. Slowly but surely, Alex grew as he demanded more from Grayson and entertained the idea that maybe he (Alex) shouldn’t have to settle. Alex started off as naive but he grew out of it by the end.
I liked the fact that just because he was naive it didn’t mean he was stupid. In spite of his horniness, Alex recognized that Grayson was a mental case.
+ the love interest
I found Grayson lacking as a character. I never really understood his issues. For example, I learned how he got into the BDSM lifestyle but not why he liked BDSM or why he chose to be a dom instead of staying as a sub because he entered the BDSM lifestyle as a sub. The book focused so much on Alex that it forgot about developing Grayson as a dimensional character. Grayson came off like an unfinished sculpture, the Greek marble kind where a piece of block remained on the person.
I didn’t like Grayson. I liked his sexy, kinky times with Alex, but not Grayson as a person. Not until the end when Grayson changed and chose love that I finally (and mildly) liked Grayson.
+ the romance
The smut was hot and plenty to my satisfaction. While the smut did breach dub-con territory a few times, the sexual practice remained tamed. The BDSM consisted of nothing more than rough sex, spanking and whipping, and restraint of movement. I really liked that Alex sensibly researched BDSM once he learned about Grayson’s kink.
The romance was surprisingly decent. Alex and Grayson did more than fuck, they actually talked about their desires and what they desired from each other. Contracts were waved around. Consent was discussed. Relationship shit was happening.
One thing I didn’t like was how the story tried to introduce Josh, a nice and free-of-issues guy in contrast to not-that-nice and full-of issues Grayson, as a rival for Alex’s love. Poor Josh. He never had a chance. The Josh thing didn’t add anything to the story overall. It also made Alex looked a bit like a Gary Stu because I found it hard to believe someone who had no dating or sexual experience whatsoever would suddenly have the attention of two hot guys.
+ the issue
The biggest issue I had with the story was how near the end in the last sex scene, Alex and Grayson switched roles in the middle of sex. Alex became the dom and Grayson became the sub. It didn’t make sense to me; it came out of nowhere. Grayson may have entered the BDSM lifestyle as a sub, but afterward he established himself as dom. He made that very clear upon the start of his relationship with Alex and continued to make it clear throughout their relationship. So how come he allowed Alex to take charge and what compelled to Alex to take charge?
Alex and Grayson broke character for no reason, and it left me flabbergasted.
In Conclusion
I rate 50 Shades of Gay 2-stars for it was okay. The book had smut and a believable HFN, but when the couple broke character, it ruined the tepid enjoyment I got from the book. That said, the book was not bad as I half-expected for a 50 Shades knockoff.
If you’re looking to pass the time and want to jump on the 50 Shades bandwagon but prefer mm smut, 50 Shades of Gay is a good fit.
March 21, 2013
3,5 stars
Someone can write and knows his way around Hollywood and its celebreties.
The question is if this is supposed to be taken seriously or if the author makes fun of the big sister Fifty Shades Of Grey.
I guess it`s the latter because - especially in the second part of the story - characterizations and the BDSM part veered into the realms of ridiculousness.
A starstruck 24 year old gay virgin who doesn`t even know what BDSM is and a spoiled, famous actor as the most shallow-brained Dom ever.
The book was fun in a jaw-dropping/eye-rolling way but I will be forever grateful that I didn`t read the sister...
Someone can write and knows his way around Hollywood and its celebreties.
The question is if this is supposed to be taken seriously or if the author makes fun of the big sister Fifty Shades Of Grey.
I guess it`s the latter because - especially in the second part of the story - characterizations and the BDSM part veered into the realms of ridiculousness.
A starstruck 24 year old gay virgin who doesn`t even know what BDSM is and a spoiled, famous actor as the most shallow-brained Dom ever.
The book was fun in a jaw-dropping/eye-rolling way but I will be forever grateful that I didn`t read the sister...
February 12, 2022
Nice retelling/variation, makes you wonder why the original has so many more pages 😅 And I did read and liked the original once But over time and many books later I realized that the storyline and writing were not that great in general...
March 26, 2013
2.75 - 3 Stars
Alex Kirby is an aspiring writer, who has had a "crush" on Taylor Grayson for a long time. Taylor Grayson is Hollywood leading man and a closeted gay who is into BDSM. After Alex's roomate, Matty, gets the flu, he asks Alex to cover for him and interview Taylor for 'The Star Report'. Of course, Alex jumps right on the chance. During the interview, Taylor is an nervous and aroused mess and can't seem to figure out why Taylor keeps winking at him. Is he interested or just being friendly? He soon finds out its the former.
'It isn't that I'm some psycho Taylor Grayson stalker by any means, far from it... but I'd be lying if I claimed I hadn't masturbated, on multiple occasions, the moment in his new movie trailer where he does something like forty pull ups without taking a break.'
If you didn't already know from the title, this book was inspired by the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy. The books are similar in some ways but I wouldn't say it was a complete copy of the books. And don't worry, there is no inner goddess in this book, thank god! However, there is the overuse of the word Penis, which for some reason I find funny. I don't know why, I guess am just being childish LOL! I'm okay with cock but penis is a different story.
I inched the slightest bit toward him, and our penises touched. Through underwear and pajamas, but still, there they were-two hard c*cks connecting, reaching out to eachother in the dark.
The thing that grabbed me from the start was Alex's inner dialogue!! He was witty, random, but most of all he was just 100% himself! It was quite refreshing. Most of what came out of his mouth was just plain humourous. I loved it! I couldn't stop laughing! He was really sweet and adorable as well. He wants to lose his virginity but doesn't want it to be with just anyone. He wants there to be romance during his first time. The person he ends up choosing is Taylor Grayson. Taylor was a cold, arrogant actor. I didn't like him nor did I understand him. I kept wondering what Alex could see in him. He was just a jackass most of the time.
"This is for you, Alex. If you want it." I look around the room again. Just what is for me? The weird swing? The bed without sheets? The riding crop?
"Do you know what BDSM is?" he asks. I don't. Truth be told, it sounds like a brand of jeans they would sell at H&M.
The story in my opinion was not very well developed. This is because I had trouble figuring out how Alex fell in love with Taylor. It seemed to just happen yet I never really saw it unfold. It was the same thing with Taylor. He just all of a sudden seemed to be in love with Alex but never really gave any prior indication of it. I guess I just felt like everything was moving a little to fast and with little explanation. The BDSM sex scenes in this book, were really hot, though!! So those parts were very enjoyable to read.
'There's something about you, Alex. Something I can't quite put my finger on... I know I've said this before but you're really special."
I've now melted, literally melted into a puddle that happens to still look like me sitting in a chair at a kitchen island, but do not be fooled -- I am melted!'
The ending I liked, although, it was kind of cheesy but it was okay. I just didn't feel it was the complete HEA that I was hoping for. I wanted to know if they would actually have the relationship Alex wanted and if it would work out. Overall it was an enjoyable fluffy and funny read!! Nothing fantastic but not terrible either. If you want a light book for entertainment purposes with no angst, than this would be a good choice.
Alex Kirby is an aspiring writer, who has had a "crush" on Taylor Grayson for a long time. Taylor Grayson is Hollywood leading man and a closeted gay who is into BDSM. After Alex's roomate, Matty, gets the flu, he asks Alex to cover for him and interview Taylor for 'The Star Report'. Of course, Alex jumps right on the chance. During the interview, Taylor is an nervous and aroused mess and can't seem to figure out why Taylor keeps winking at him. Is he interested or just being friendly? He soon finds out its the former.
'It isn't that I'm some psycho Taylor Grayson stalker by any means, far from it... but I'd be lying if I claimed I hadn't masturbated, on multiple occasions, the moment in his new movie trailer where he does something like forty pull ups without taking a break.'
If you didn't already know from the title, this book was inspired by the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy. The books are similar in some ways but I wouldn't say it was a complete copy of the books. And don't worry, there is no inner goddess in this book, thank god! However, there is the overuse of the word Penis, which for some reason I find funny. I don't know why, I guess am just being childish LOL! I'm okay with cock but penis is a different story.
I inched the slightest bit toward him, and our penises touched. Through underwear and pajamas, but still, there they were-two hard c*cks connecting, reaching out to eachother in the dark.
The thing that grabbed me from the start was Alex's inner dialogue!! He was witty, random, but most of all he was just 100% himself! It was quite refreshing. Most of what came out of his mouth was just plain humourous. I loved it! I couldn't stop laughing! He was really sweet and adorable as well. He wants to lose his virginity but doesn't want it to be with just anyone. He wants there to be romance during his first time. The person he ends up choosing is Taylor Grayson. Taylor was a cold, arrogant actor. I didn't like him nor did I understand him. I kept wondering what Alex could see in him. He was just a jackass most of the time.
"This is for you, Alex. If you want it." I look around the room again. Just what is for me? The weird swing? The bed without sheets? The riding crop?
"Do you know what BDSM is?" he asks. I don't. Truth be told, it sounds like a brand of jeans they would sell at H&M.
The story in my opinion was not very well developed. This is because I had trouble figuring out how Alex fell in love with Taylor. It seemed to just happen yet I never really saw it unfold. It was the same thing with Taylor. He just all of a sudden seemed to be in love with Alex but never really gave any prior indication of it. I guess I just felt like everything was moving a little to fast and with little explanation. The BDSM sex scenes in this book, were really hot, though!! So those parts were very enjoyable to read.
'There's something about you, Alex. Something I can't quite put my finger on... I know I've said this before but you're really special."
I've now melted, literally melted into a puddle that happens to still look like me sitting in a chair at a kitchen island, but do not be fooled -- I am melted!'
The ending I liked, although, it was kind of cheesy but it was okay. I just didn't feel it was the complete HEA that I was hoping for. I wanted to know if they would actually have the relationship Alex wanted and if it would work out. Overall it was an enjoyable fluffy and funny read!! Nothing fantastic but not terrible either. If you want a light book for entertainment purposes with no angst, than this would be a good choice.
July 5, 2014
The very first line of this book made me laugh. This book is filled with barbs and zingers against some big Hollywood names. I wonder if Kirstie Alley's house really does smell like dog hair? I'm realizing I have a kink for reading books about closeted Hollywood types. I'm going to say that Taylor Grayson is Tom Cruise since the cover model sorta looks like him (with that nose ;-)
Anywhoo . . . on to the story. I really enjoyed the first half of the book. I liked Alex and Taylor but once we got into the BDSM stuff, Taylor wasn't as likable anymore. The story dragged a bit after that. I didn't think this would end well but I'm happy with the ending.
After a while, the barbs and zingers weren't as funny and just seem like the author had beef with these actors/actresses. The book could have used an editor. Overall I enjoyed the story, definitely more so than the "original" Fifty Shades of Grey.
Anywhoo . . . on to the story. I really enjoyed the first half of the book. I liked Alex and Taylor but once we got into the BDSM stuff, Taylor wasn't as likable anymore. The story dragged a bit after that. I didn't think this would end well but I'm happy with the ending.
After a while, the barbs and zingers weren't as funny and just seem like the author had beef with these actors/actresses. The book could have used an editor. Overall I enjoyed the story, definitely more so than the "original" Fifty Shades of Grey.
April 2, 2015
I don't know why people complain so much about this mockingbird of the 50-shades-wonder. I've read hundreds of books (and I mean hundreds, look at my read list) with similar themes and they are never the same. Authors (and subsequently narrators) give each story a personal touch, even if the premise is trite.
I like this read very much; it was funny and sexy. My first book of the author and certainly not my last. On this note, Iggy Toma is quickly becoming one of my top narrators. His youthful voice and tone really complement the story.
I like this read very much; it was funny and sexy. My first book of the author and certainly not my last. On this note, Iggy Toma is quickly becoming one of my top narrators. His youthful voice and tone really complement the story.
November 29, 2013
I have read a great deal of M/M Erotic Fiction lately and this is one of the few books that didn't make me want to slap all the characters. Unlike these other books, the main character, Alex Kirby, is not a woman with a penis. He is a twenty-something year old virgin and is a little scared about taking that first step to true adulthood. Then he meets Taylor Grayson, the sexiest actor in Hollywood and through him, learns self-confidence and finds the strength within himself to take charge of his own life.
April 29, 2013
As the title says clearly, this is almost a copy past of “50 shades of grey” with homosexuals. And cheers, it brings with it some of the worst points of the original! – Bite me, for I never expected to refer a fanfic as “the original”. Summarizing:
- plain and superficial characters, the sub/Alex being a virgin who can only think about sex with Grayson (apparently, he’s the only one who sexually appeals to him, besides the fact that Alex thinks a lot about sex even before the possibility of having it with Grayson, and the list of nice and cute guys with whom he could have lost his oh-so-innocent virginity. I feel a lack of human logic here). Grayson is, of course, arrogant, controlling, abusive and an amount of similar attributes that contribute to make him the kind of royal jerk I would love to reduce to the Hospital. Worse than that is that although Alex seems to agree with me some times (less than should be), he actually forgives or minimizes it the next second with thoughts like “but that makes him so hot and sexy!” Also, let’s not forget how rich and famous must count on the equation;
- I wasn’t aware that virginity was a disease. Grayson’s reaction opened my eyes to that. Thank’s God the guy took care of that, imagine if it would start spreading? Curiously, Grey had a similar reaction, and now that I think about it, a huge amount of scenes in this book seem like twins of “50 shades of grey”. Ok, ok, the author didn’t exactly hided it. I knew what I was getting into.
- portrays a sick and unhealthy relationship as being romantic and desirable. With this, I’m not referring to the BDSM. I’m referring to someone hesitating on accepting their dream job to keep a relationship that it didn’t even started with a guy they barely know and that said explicitly “I just do sex, not love”. I’m referring to treating marriage as a lenient thing, serving as press publicity, while keeping a lover who knows about the marriage and is known by the fiancé – sure there are too many celebrities doing that: still not acceptable. The good thing is: both situations stayed as hypothetic and didn’t happen at the end. So, I will call a positive reverse.
- the writing is terrible. Besides being basic, it overuses the references to pop culture, with two main negative consequences: the book gets stuck in time (which can be okay, since it seems the intention of the author was never to be on the annals of literary history, I suspect, or even to make it to the next year), and it shows laziness. Jeffery Self: you didn’t bother to create a let’s-call-it-storyline-to-call-it-something of your own, which was lazy enough; but you didn’t even bother to work on your narration/describing skills as well?
- there we go, showing and spreading a wrong idea of what BDSM is again. I’m pretty sure being a Dominant doesn’t mean doing all the fucking personal decisions of the Submissive. And where the hell is the safe word? These are only the ones bothering me the most;
- drop the epilogue. The ending would have been better without it. Also, things seemed too rushed, all happening away too fast;
- I liked the end-twist. It surprised me in a good way, and it was a shame the whole book wasn’t able to do that. It makes me wonder if the author isn’t someone who, besides taking other’s popularity to make a few dollars on their own, actually has a little more sensibly than *gasp* E.L.James. And probably more talent.
- plain and superficial characters, the sub/Alex being a virgin who can only think about sex with Grayson (apparently, he’s the only one who sexually appeals to him, besides the fact that Alex thinks a lot about sex even before the possibility of having it with Grayson, and the list of nice and cute guys with whom he could have lost his oh-so-innocent virginity. I feel a lack of human logic here). Grayson is, of course, arrogant, controlling, abusive and an amount of similar attributes that contribute to make him the kind of royal jerk I would love to reduce to the Hospital. Worse than that is that although Alex seems to agree with me some times (less than should be), he actually forgives or minimizes it the next second with thoughts like “but that makes him so hot and sexy!” Also, let’s not forget how rich and famous must count on the equation;
- I wasn’t aware that virginity was a disease. Grayson’s reaction opened my eyes to that. Thank’s God the guy took care of that, imagine if it would start spreading? Curiously, Grey had a similar reaction, and now that I think about it, a huge amount of scenes in this book seem like twins of “50 shades of grey”. Ok, ok, the author didn’t exactly hided it. I knew what I was getting into.
- portrays a sick and unhealthy relationship as being romantic and desirable. With this, I’m not referring to the BDSM. I’m referring to someone hesitating on accepting their dream job to keep a relationship that it didn’t even started with a guy they barely know and that said explicitly “I just do sex, not love”. I’m referring to treating marriage as a lenient thing, serving as press publicity, while keeping a lover who knows about the marriage and is known by the fiancé – sure there are too many celebrities doing that: still not acceptable. The good thing is: both situations stayed as hypothetic and didn’t happen at the end. So, I will call a positive reverse.
- the writing is terrible. Besides being basic, it overuses the references to pop culture, with two main negative consequences: the book gets stuck in time (which can be okay, since it seems the intention of the author was never to be on the annals of literary history, I suspect, or even to make it to the next year), and it shows laziness. Jeffery Self: you didn’t bother to create a let’s-call-it-storyline-to-call-it-something of your own, which was lazy enough; but you didn’t even bother to work on your narration/describing skills as well?
- there we go, showing and spreading a wrong idea of what BDSM is again. I’m pretty sure being a Dominant doesn’t mean doing all the fucking personal decisions of the Submissive. And where the hell is the safe word? These are only the ones bothering me the most;
- drop the epilogue. The ending would have been better without it. Also, things seemed too rushed, all happening away too fast;
- I liked the end-twist. It surprised me in a good way, and it was a shame the whole book wasn’t able to do that. It makes me wonder if the author isn’t someone who, besides taking other’s popularity to make a few dollars on their own, actually has a little more sensibly than *gasp* E.L.James. And probably more talent.
May 8, 2013
Cracked me up, much love!
Fluttering Thoughts originally posted at Butterfly-o-Meter Books on APR 9, 2013:
Worldbuilding: Contemporary L.A. , celebrity meets regular guy sort of setting
Characters: Alex was nothing like Anastasia, I felt, though many traits were common. He's not clumsy though he is a virgin, he's got a killer sense of humor that had me laughing all through the story, and he's very charming. And after you read the whole story, you'll see another major difference between them: he doesn't lie down and take it or run scared in the end, the man gets some sense about the situation and states his limits, sticks to them and cracks the shield of his 50 shades of effed up. I loved Alex without a doubt, all on his own and in the couple. He made sense to me.
Taylor was just as magnetic as the Grey of 50 shades, but with less baggage and more guts, I think. I liked him, very alpha and all, but also vulnerable. And ultimately he made the right choice in a tough spot, so all my respect for him.
Their pair was cool to read, they had awesome chemistry, hot smex and touching romance, despite Taylor's attempts to avoid it. :)
Plot: The story does have common elements with the original 50 Shades, but it differs in what I'd call main points. This story, though intense, strikes me as very believable and I liked it better, actually. (sure had to do with my reaction to the characters, mainly Alex)
Writing: Brilliant, in my opinion. The characters felt strong, they made sense all through, their dialogue was super fun and the overall feeling of the story was that it was well done.
Curb Appeal: Hot cover, gutsy title to go with the gutsy story and big time impulsive buy material.
50 Shades of Gay makes no secret of the fact it's a gay version of 50 Shades, but in my opinion it's a better done story and I won't lie, I enjoyed it more then the first 50 Shades book (as the second I enjoyed less then the first, and didn't yet read the third). I say read this if you liked 50 Shades, because this is a gorgeous and super fun read.
Fluttering Thoughts originally posted at Butterfly-o-Meter Books on APR 9, 2013:
Worldbuilding: Contemporary L.A. , celebrity meets regular guy sort of setting
Characters: Alex was nothing like Anastasia, I felt, though many traits were common. He's not clumsy though he is a virgin, he's got a killer sense of humor that had me laughing all through the story, and he's very charming. And after you read the whole story, you'll see another major difference between them: he doesn't lie down and take it or run scared in the end, the man gets some sense about the situation and states his limits, sticks to them and cracks the shield of his 50 shades of effed up. I loved Alex without a doubt, all on his own and in the couple. He made sense to me.
Taylor was just as magnetic as the Grey of 50 shades, but with less baggage and more guts, I think. I liked him, very alpha and all, but also vulnerable. And ultimately he made the right choice in a tough spot, so all my respect for him.
Their pair was cool to read, they had awesome chemistry, hot smex and touching romance, despite Taylor's attempts to avoid it. :)
Plot: The story does have common elements with the original 50 Shades, but it differs in what I'd call main points. This story, though intense, strikes me as very believable and I liked it better, actually. (sure had to do with my reaction to the characters, mainly Alex)
Writing: Brilliant, in my opinion. The characters felt strong, they made sense all through, their dialogue was super fun and the overall feeling of the story was that it was well done.
Curb Appeal: Hot cover, gutsy title to go with the gutsy story and big time impulsive buy material.
50 Shades of Gay makes no secret of the fact it's a gay version of 50 Shades, but in my opinion it's a better done story and I won't lie, I enjoyed it more then the first 50 Shades book (as the second I enjoyed less then the first, and didn't yet read the third). I say read this if you liked 50 Shades, because this is a gorgeous and super fun read.
May 29, 2015
Haha , This book is so ridiculous. If the author has wrote this book tongue in cheek taking the piss out of "Fifty Shades of Shite" then its clever, but if its meant to be serious it's just embarrassing lol. I'm going to pressume its the former, I'm an optimist. In which case for anyone who did read Fifty Shades (Yeah. I was curious) will prob enjoy the this version. And whether it be Taylor or Christian, I still want to smack them both round the head.
If this book is serious then its 1* star, but if not and because I found it amusing I'll knock it upto 2.5**. I've read worse. ;)
If this book is serious then its 1* star, but if not and because I found it amusing I'll knock it upto 2.5**. I've read worse. ;)
May 28, 2013
Book provided by the publisher.
The idea is a good one and I liked parts of it but I personally didn't connect with the characters and so couldn't loose myself in the plot.
I also found it didn't flow well, it seemed almost jumpy
The idea is a good one and I liked parts of it but I personally didn't connect with the characters and so couldn't loose myself in the plot.
I also found it didn't flow well, it seemed almost jumpy
January 4, 2015
4.5 I am not really a big BDSM fan but I really enjoyed this book. It was funny and I was pretty surprised to see so many negative reviews.
September 15, 2025
2⭐️ This book reads like it was written by a straight man who hates gay guys but not nearly as much as he hates E.L. James, or a gay guy who hates himself and other gays. The “Ana” character was written so stereotypically femboy gay. It kinda pissed me off. His whole friggin personality is “gay”. I’m talking pop culture references, daytime talk shows, show tunes, and friggin trashy reality tv. He is also a super horny VIRGIN!
The “christian” character is just a “super hot, super perfect in every way possible” walking red flag, but not in the way one would expect. The impact play is consensual (YAY!) therefore I have no complaints. It’s refreshing. He is however emotionally and socially shitty. He also has a tendency toward sexual coercion. Before even dating him, he whisked a man away somewhere then ABANDONED them there to figure out their own way home. Then they drunk call you and you hear they are drunk and having fun somewhere and thats when you want to “play the hero”? But in reality he wasn’t worried about their wellness he was worried about who might have his attention.
Cut al the way to the sex scene and the first thing I’d like to say is just ramming into someone and completely ignoring their screams of pain is a disgusting thing to do. The ending is fine I guess which is why this book isn’t one star. Overall, its just as good as the original book.
The “christian” character is just a “super hot, super perfect in every way possible” walking red flag, but not in the way one would expect. The impact play is consensual (YAY!) therefore I have no complaints. It’s refreshing. He is however emotionally and socially shitty. He also has a tendency toward sexual coercion. Before even dating him, he whisked a man away somewhere then ABANDONED them there to figure out their own way home. Then they drunk call you and you hear they are drunk and having fun somewhere and thats when you want to “play the hero”? But in reality he wasn’t worried about their wellness he was worried about who might have his attention.
Cut al the way to the sex scene and the first thing I’d like to say is just ramming into someone and completely ignoring their screams of pain is a disgusting thing to do. The ending is fine I guess which is why this book isn’t one star. Overall, its just as good as the original book.
May 3, 2021
Według mnie znacznie lepsze niż książka z której inspiracja była brana. Przyjemna, urocza, dobrze się słuchało.
March 18, 2019
That was pretty weird, I don’t know how to explained, but it just didn’t work out for me, and I adore fifty shades and MM romances, but this was just wrong.
February 8, 2018
The best part of this book was when the main character compared himself to the "prostate" in Pretty Woman. Oy.
November 29, 2019
It was a guilty pleasure and I had a good laugh.
March 2, 2013
50 shades of Gay Jeffery Self.
I received this book free via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I don't gush and give false praise – I don't believe that helps readers or authors so what you read is what I truly feel about a book.
I won't write anything about the actual content of this book as the description does it all – just about my opinions of it.
Well, I read – and loved – the original 50 Shades of Grey – described as “mummy porn” its actually much more, a true romance story with some deep psychological insights that explain why the characters act as they do. Of course after its jump to fame a myriad of BDSM trilogies in similar vein came out, some good and some simply dire but all attempting to cash in on 50 Shades popularity. It always happens with a new best-seller but is something I personally hate. I read one with similar title – 50 Shades of Gay ( for Pay) and found it was a well written romance but the title and a few BDSM elements was all it had in common and it was a surprisingly good read providing thought for many issues it contained. Often gay romances have more tender elements than traditional hetero ones, and I've read some really good ones. Sadly this book wasn't one of them. Frankly I'm astonished it hasn't had a lawsuit for plagiarism thrown at it. From the top of my head I could cite at least 20 situations where the actions and characters mirror the original the only difference being the characters are gay. The whole storyline copies the 50 shades one, even down to small details like the virginity elements, the NDA, the drunken phone call and rescue – even the friend that fancies the lead character. There's very little that deviates from the original until about 85% through and then.... no nothing original either – just a mirror of the ending of the excellent 50 shades of Gay for Pay. I ended up skim reading as the content was nothing new to me...I feel its a lazy excuse for writing. The author could have at least tried to provide more original material in here.
Its a shame as the author has created an excellent and likeable character out of Alex, and the few situations he's written that don't mirror another book show he can write a decent situation so he clearly has writing ability but instead – IMO – he chooses to copy someone else's idea in attempt to cash in on a phase... :( sad. So if you're looking for an expensive (at £6.65 for just 173 pages! ) copy of Fifty Shades with gay leads then here's your book – but there are far better, cheaper and more original books around – one being the one I mentioned earlier which is 259 pages of original material and currently free...
Stars: - I hate giving low star ratings because novels are someone’s baby and usually worked hard over but this – I can't justify more than 1 star. IMO its an overpriced unoriginal piece of work :( .
I received this book free via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I don't gush and give false praise – I don't believe that helps readers or authors so what you read is what I truly feel about a book.
I won't write anything about the actual content of this book as the description does it all – just about my opinions of it.
Well, I read – and loved – the original 50 Shades of Grey – described as “mummy porn” its actually much more, a true romance story with some deep psychological insights that explain why the characters act as they do. Of course after its jump to fame a myriad of BDSM trilogies in similar vein came out, some good and some simply dire but all attempting to cash in on 50 Shades popularity. It always happens with a new best-seller but is something I personally hate. I read one with similar title – 50 Shades of Gay ( for Pay) and found it was a well written romance but the title and a few BDSM elements was all it had in common and it was a surprisingly good read providing thought for many issues it contained. Often gay romances have more tender elements than traditional hetero ones, and I've read some really good ones. Sadly this book wasn't one of them. Frankly I'm astonished it hasn't had a lawsuit for plagiarism thrown at it. From the top of my head I could cite at least 20 situations where the actions and characters mirror the original the only difference being the characters are gay. The whole storyline copies the 50 shades one, even down to small details like the virginity elements, the NDA, the drunken phone call and rescue – even the friend that fancies the lead character. There's very little that deviates from the original until about 85% through and then.... no nothing original either – just a mirror of the ending of the excellent 50 shades of Gay for Pay. I ended up skim reading as the content was nothing new to me...I feel its a lazy excuse for writing. The author could have at least tried to provide more original material in here.
Its a shame as the author has created an excellent and likeable character out of Alex, and the few situations he's written that don't mirror another book show he can write a decent situation so he clearly has writing ability but instead – IMO – he chooses to copy someone else's idea in attempt to cash in on a phase... :( sad. So if you're looking for an expensive (at £6.65 for just 173 pages! ) copy of Fifty Shades with gay leads then here's your book – but there are far better, cheaper and more original books around – one being the one I mentioned earlier which is 259 pages of original material and currently free...
Stars: - I hate giving low star ratings because novels are someone’s baby and usually worked hard over but this – I can't justify more than 1 star. IMO its an overpriced unoriginal piece of work :( .
April 10, 2013
DON'T JUDGE BY IT"S COVER...OR TITLE!
Do you have that friend that reads just as much if not more than you? The one who recommends you a book and then proceeds to ask you ever time you see each other if you have read said book? Well i have that friend and she recommended this book to me. First off let me just say i have never read 50 shades of grey, nor do i intend to, second i have never read an erotica, and third don't judge this book by its cover! When my lovely friend told me to read this book i laughed in her face and then proceeded to laugh like a psychotic person when i saw the cover, definitely didn't look like something i would ever read in any lifetime. After being asked if i read it over and over and OVER again i finally picked it up, and after the first sentence i was dying of laughter. Don't let the cover & title fool you! This book is ridiculously funny, lighthearted and sweet. Did i mention it was FUNNY and when i say funny i mean HILARIOUS! yes there where some naughty scenes in this book but the author wrote those scenes that when reading them you would end up laughing, literally the main character always had something to say and literally 95% of the time it was something funny! Now when it comes to the writing this book is obviously not going to be getting any awards anytime soon, because the writing was very simplistic and casual and the story line very predictable, But even the title & cover might be a little off putting it is NOT AN EROTICA!! I can't say that enough yes there where sex scenes (only two!) but nothing to graphic. if it weren't for the fact that this book was so funny i would have rated it lower, but i loved the characters, i loved that i laughed through it, and that it ended on such a cute note. Overall i liked this book it wasn't absolutely amazing and i don't see myself reading it again or even remembering the characters but it was entertaining and i recommend it to all! Unless you don't like gay people then i suggest you don't you read this
Do you have that friend that reads just as much if not more than you? The one who recommends you a book and then proceeds to ask you ever time you see each other if you have read said book? Well i have that friend and she recommended this book to me. First off let me just say i have never read 50 shades of grey, nor do i intend to, second i have never read an erotica, and third don't judge this book by its cover! When my lovely friend told me to read this book i laughed in her face and then proceeded to laugh like a psychotic person when i saw the cover, definitely didn't look like something i would ever read in any lifetime. After being asked if i read it over and over and OVER again i finally picked it up, and after the first sentence i was dying of laughter. Don't let the cover & title fool you! This book is ridiculously funny, lighthearted and sweet. Did i mention it was FUNNY and when i say funny i mean HILARIOUS! yes there where some naughty scenes in this book but the author wrote those scenes that when reading them you would end up laughing, literally the main character always had something to say and literally 95% of the time it was something funny! Now when it comes to the writing this book is obviously not going to be getting any awards anytime soon, because the writing was very simplistic and casual and the story line very predictable, But even the title & cover might be a little off putting it is NOT AN EROTICA!! I can't say that enough yes there where sex scenes (only two!) but nothing to graphic. if it weren't for the fact that this book was so funny i would have rated it lower, but i loved the characters, i loved that i laughed through it, and that it ended on such a cute note. Overall i liked this book it wasn't absolutely amazing and i don't see myself reading it again or even remembering the characters but it was entertaining and i recommend it to all! Unless you don't like gay people then i suggest you don't you read this
March 14, 2013
When I saw the title of this book I clearly had to read it, mostly because at a party in December my friend Caroline was talking about 50 Shades of Gray and accidentally said this title and we both were like YES.
I have not read, nor do I intend to read, the original, but from what I’ve quickly researched they are pretty similar. I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and received no compensation for my honest response.
This was not a bad book, don’t get me wrong it wasn’t a great literary achievement either, but it wasn’t bad. I had a few issues with it, but I appreciated the refreshing writing style of the author and the tongue-in-cheek comments and countless pop-culture references that made me smile and or question why I’ve the social skills/knowledge of an 80-year-old southern woman.
What really helped with this book is that I was able to identify with the protagonist on some level, and isn’t that what you’re looking for in any book you read?
Click here to continue reading on my blog The Oddness of Moving Things.
I have not read, nor do I intend to read, the original, but from what I’ve quickly researched they are pretty similar. I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and received no compensation for my honest response.
This was not a bad book, don’t get me wrong it wasn’t a great literary achievement either, but it wasn’t bad. I had a few issues with it, but I appreciated the refreshing writing style of the author and the tongue-in-cheek comments and countless pop-culture references that made me smile and or question why I’ve the social skills/knowledge of an 80-year-old southern woman.
What really helped with this book is that I was able to identify with the protagonist on some level, and isn’t that what you’re looking for in any book you read?
Click here to continue reading on my blog The Oddness of Moving Things.
May 1, 2016
Overall book rating: 3 Funny stars
Audio book: Narrator - Iggy Toma 4 Staars
Book Cover: 2 Stars
I HAD SO MUCH FUN WITH THIS BOOK!!!!
To give my honest opinion regrading this book...... Wellllll for me it was better than the original one. I so needed this book it made me laugh so much it was witty and funny.
Audio book: Narrator - Iggy Toma 4 Staars
Book Cover: 2 Stars
I HAD SO MUCH FUN WITH THIS BOOK!!!!
To give my honest opinion regrading this book...... Wellllll for me it was better than the original one. I so needed this book it made me laugh so much it was witty and funny.
February 19, 2014
This was a gay 50 Shades on speed. Everything moved so fast, and nothing was detailed other than how hot Taylor is. It felt more like the author read a bunch of reviews for the "original" book, instead of the book itself. There was even less character development and getting to know you than you'd expect. The tiny bit of growth at the end just wasn't enough. I just can't recommend this to anyone.
April 6, 2013
Short and entertaining. I really liked the MC and I didn't care for his love interest. I wish the ending went longer so I could have been convinced like the MC was.
May 5, 2014
Just all wrong, and not at all erotic.
October 22, 2014
Badly written, however I could not put it down.
June 10, 2015
It started bad... then it got worse.
First of all, the characters were one-dimensional, though what can you really expect from a story that essentially is just a fanfiction of a fanfiction of Twilight?
So, what do we actually get to know about them? Well, we have Alex, an aspiring writer, virgin, and pretty awkward and dull in every situation ever. But despite this, we are told over and over how special he is. Why? Well, as Taylor tells us, because he's "open and curious". That's pretty much everything there is to Alex's character.
Then we have Taylor. He's apparently a hot as hell hot-shot actor and everyone of every gender is head over heels for him. He's super rich, and he is a major control freak who is, frankly, not really that nice at all. And he has a BDSM dungeon in his estate.
Other characters include Matty, Alex's gay roommate who works for a newspaper; Josh, Alex's co-worker who has a crush on him; and then Taylor's bitchy publicist. Oh, yeah, and there is Natalie, a model-turned-actor who is important for the plot for a whole two minutes before the whole problem around her () is swept under the rug, never solved and never mentioned again.
So, enough with the characters. What about the plot? Alex gets to stand in for his roommate to do a four minute interview with Taylor Grayson, but just ends up staring at him, only managing to ask one question while making a fool out of himself. For some reason though, Taylor is interested in him and invites him to his movie premier, also allowing Alex to interview him again afterwards. Then he proposes that they start a cold -strictly sex-, non-romantic BDSM contract. Taylor finds out that Alex is a virgin, and without saying anything proceeds to have sex with him. Alex later gets the contract to read and sign, but debates between than and accepting his dream job in New York.
You think that sounds like a bad story? Yeah, as I said, it gets worse. During the story there are several things that should be big red warning signals for Alex that this kind of deal is not something he should go for. I'll mention the five biggest ones. First of all, the decision between the job and the guy. Alex mentions that he's wanted this particular job for a very, very long time, but because he'd have to move away from Taylor he is torn. He is prepared to give up his dream for someone he just met! And he has no idea whatsoever if the "relationship" is going to work. The fact that Taylor has had no less than sixteen other subs before him and none of them worked for too long should give a pretty big clue to that it's neither very serious nor permanent. So, if Alex would get his ass dumped because he wants a romantic relationship and not just a physical, then he's alone and stuck with a shitty job. It's not a very good plan for the future.
Second, Alex clearly wants a more emotional connection which Taylor is not willing to give. In fact, Taylor doesn't do romantic and dumps guys who wants more than just kinky sex. That should have told Alex that they clearly have very different interest and expectations and should probably go separate ways. But he is just sooo hooot! How could anyone ever refuse that, no matter how terrible or stuck- up they are? (obvious sarcasm is obvious).
Third is that Taylor is a complete control freak, wanting to decide and control every little aspect of Alex's life and time spent with him. Taking the bus? Nooo. Having free will? Pfft, who needs that? Meeting him this evening, no questions asked, no matter whether Alex wants to or not or have other plans? Sure, no problem! Geez...
I guess I don't even have to mention that this is not how a BDSM relationship works, right? It's not just bondage and whips. The foundation is trust. You have to trust your partner, and it is the sub who sets the limits. You try to bring your partner pleasure, not just pursuing your own. Also, aftercare. Very important.
I don't know why I expected this book to be good. Maybe I thought that someone sat down with Fifty Shades and though "ok, let's fix this". I don't know. It is not the worst book I've read, but it is far from the best. 1,5 stars. (the extra 0,5 for that last sex scene).
First of all, the characters were one-dimensional, though what can you really expect from a story that essentially is just a fanfiction of a fanfiction of Twilight?
So, what do we actually get to know about them? Well, we have Alex, an aspiring writer, virgin, and pretty awkward and dull in every situation ever. But despite this, we are told over and over how special he is. Why? Well, as Taylor tells us, because he's "open and curious". That's pretty much everything there is to Alex's character.
Then we have Taylor. He's apparently a hot as hell hot-shot actor and everyone of every gender is head over heels for him. He's super rich, and he is a major control freak who is, frankly, not really that nice at all. And he has a BDSM dungeon in his estate.
Other characters include Matty, Alex's gay roommate who works for a newspaper; Josh, Alex's co-worker who has a crush on him; and then Taylor's bitchy publicist. Oh, yeah, and there is Natalie, a model-turned-actor who is important for the plot for a whole two minutes before the whole problem around her () is swept under the rug, never solved and never mentioned again.
So, enough with the characters. What about the plot? Alex gets to stand in for his roommate to do a four minute interview with Taylor Grayson, but just ends up staring at him, only managing to ask one question while making a fool out of himself. For some reason though, Taylor is interested in him and invites him to his movie premier, also allowing Alex to interview him again afterwards. Then he proposes that they start a cold -strictly sex-, non-romantic BDSM contract. Taylor finds out that Alex is a virgin, and without saying anything proceeds to have sex with him. Alex later gets the contract to read and sign, but debates between than and accepting his dream job in New York.
You think that sounds like a bad story? Yeah, as I said, it gets worse. During the story there are several things that should be big red warning signals for Alex that this kind of deal is not something he should go for. I'll mention the five biggest ones. First of all, the decision between the job and the guy. Alex mentions that he's wanted this particular job for a very, very long time, but because he'd have to move away from Taylor he is torn. He is prepared to give up his dream for someone he just met! And he has no idea whatsoever if the "relationship" is going to work. The fact that Taylor has had no less than sixteen other subs before him and none of them worked for too long should give a pretty big clue to that it's neither very serious nor permanent. So, if Alex would get his ass dumped because he wants a romantic relationship and not just a physical, then he's alone and stuck with a shitty job. It's not a very good plan for the future.
Second, Alex clearly wants a more emotional connection which Taylor is not willing to give. In fact, Taylor doesn't do romantic and dumps guys who wants more than just kinky sex. That should have told Alex that they clearly have very different interest and expectations and should probably go separate ways. But he is just sooo hooot! How could anyone ever refuse that, no matter how terrible or stuck- up they are? (obvious sarcasm is obvious).
Third is that Taylor is a complete control freak, wanting to decide and control every little aspect of Alex's life and time spent with him. Taking the bus? Nooo. Having free will? Pfft, who needs that? Meeting him this evening, no questions asked, no matter whether Alex wants to or not or have other plans? Sure, no problem! Geez...
I guess I don't even have to mention that this is not how a BDSM relationship works, right? It's not just bondage and whips. The foundation is trust. You have to trust your partner, and it is the sub who sets the limits. You try to bring your partner pleasure, not just pursuing your own. Also, aftercare. Very important.
I don't know why I expected this book to be good. Maybe I thought that someone sat down with Fifty Shades and though "ok, let's fix this". I don't know. It is not the worst book I've read, but it is far from the best. 1,5 stars. (the extra 0,5 for that last sex scene).
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