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The Professional
I drive a black S80. It’s stylish in a subdued way. I don’t like showing off, but I like quality. And I like to be different.
See, I travel in rarified air.
It’s nice up here.
I got started when I was eighteen years old. Not in the business of money, but in the business of taking care of women. Not just sex, which is what I thought it was all about when I was young and uninformed. I learned early on that it’s not always about what happens between the sheets, though it could be. It’s not always about wining and dining them either, though that’s often a part of the package. I get paid to give a particular woman what she needs particularly. Sometimes it’s nothing more than company and conversation. Not often, but sometimes. The bottom line is that each woman is different. She has her own particular beauty—which has nothing to do with the external—and her particular beauty needs its particular nourishment. This is where many men fall short. I get paid to take up the slack; to fill a void; to nourish her beauty, even if only for one night.
My name is Lucas.
This is my story.
See, I travel in rarified air.
It’s nice up here.
I got started when I was eighteen years old. Not in the business of money, but in the business of taking care of women. Not just sex, which is what I thought it was all about when I was young and uninformed. I learned early on that it’s not always about what happens between the sheets, though it could be. It’s not always about wining and dining them either, though that’s often a part of the package. I get paid to give a particular woman what she needs particularly. Sometimes it’s nothing more than company and conversation. Not often, but sometimes. The bottom line is that each woman is different. She has her own particular beauty—which has nothing to do with the external—and her particular beauty needs its particular nourishment. This is where many men fall short. I get paid to take up the slack; to fill a void; to nourish her beauty, even if only for one night.
My name is Lucas.
This is my story.
479 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2013
4 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 5, 2020
'The Professional' by The Black was like three books for the price of one. I was curious to read it because I wondered what could possibly lead a man to become a male escort. Well, the answer was just about what you might think -- the money, of course. Lucas' reasons for his profession were the most ordinary aspect of this story, but not in a bad way--nothing romanticized about his choice, he just needed the dough. Everything else, including the author's execution of the tale, however was extraordinary.
Lucas is on the cusp of adulthood and about to lose his aunt, the only mother-figure he's known since he lost his mother as a young boy. He is staring into the abyss of an uncertain future both financially and emotionally. After the initiation of a sexual relationship with a much older woman who acquaints him with the pleasures of giving pleasure, he is paid for his silence. Payment for discretion gradually morphs into payment for the sex itself. Under the later tutelage of an early client (with whom he forms a later long-term relationship), Lucas also learns the value that women place on something that goes well beyond the sex--true, attentive companionship. This lesson is what catapults Lucas to the top of the game. The first part of the book, Lucas' initiation was for me like an uncommon coming of age story. Not only does Lucas go from boy to man by learning how to please a woman, he also becomes a man when he loses his mother-figure and finds himself, for all intents and purposes, alone in the world.
The next part of Lucas' journey details his various clients and sexual conquests, explaining for the reader why he's "all that". But more than that, with each client described in this part of the story, we learn more about Lucas as a man, not just his sexual exploits. While he loves to "love" women physically, he is not inclined to have emotional attachments. Though the writer doesn't say as much, it seems likely that the loss of his mother and aunt make him a little gun-shy of those attachments, not to mention that they are impractical given his profession. Still, he does form friendships based on loyalty and trust, both of which seem to be important values for him. The premium Lucas places on those things are sorely tested in this section of the book, which unlike the previous is filled with intrigue, suspense and even action. This part details the turning point for Lucas, when he begins to look forward to ending his days as a male escort and finding something deeper. Though the "something deeper" he envisions is a relationship with a woman as partner and mate, it shows up in quite another form. The foreshadowing of this development in Lucas' life was brilliantly done, and my absolute favorite part of the book. It was one of those things where the clues were laid out, and the pieces provided to the reader, but the significance only revealed much later and in such a way that you're surprised, but not really.
The final part of the book shows Lucas coming full circle. He has accomplished everything that he can as 'the Professional' and now is still engaged in his work more out of habit and the inability to envision anything else that would make it worthwhile to stop. The impetus to stop, it turns out, has been there beneath his nose for many years. This section of the book is about him daring to reach for it and believe that he can have a different kind of life, even as the old one continues to tug at him. It's time for Lucas to pay the Piper--to decide whether the life he has is the one he wants, or whether he can dare to hope and reach for something different. By now, he is older and wiser, but no less wary of attachment than he was in the beginning and middle of the book.
This final section of 'The Professional' felt conclusive to me. By that I mean, I was completely and entirely satisfied with where Lucas wound up. I was sorry to see him go, but happy to have joined him on part of the journey. If you read this book (and believe me, you should!) I wager you will feel the same.
Excellent work by The Black.
Nia Forrester
Lucas is on the cusp of adulthood and about to lose his aunt, the only mother-figure he's known since he lost his mother as a young boy. He is staring into the abyss of an uncertain future both financially and emotionally. After the initiation of a sexual relationship with a much older woman who acquaints him with the pleasures of giving pleasure, he is paid for his silence. Payment for discretion gradually morphs into payment for the sex itself. Under the later tutelage of an early client (with whom he forms a later long-term relationship), Lucas also learns the value that women place on something that goes well beyond the sex--true, attentive companionship. This lesson is what catapults Lucas to the top of the game. The first part of the book, Lucas' initiation was for me like an uncommon coming of age story. Not only does Lucas go from boy to man by learning how to please a woman, he also becomes a man when he loses his mother-figure and finds himself, for all intents and purposes, alone in the world.
The next part of Lucas' journey details his various clients and sexual conquests, explaining for the reader why he's "all that". But more than that, with each client described in this part of the story, we learn more about Lucas as a man, not just his sexual exploits. While he loves to "love" women physically, he is not inclined to have emotional attachments. Though the writer doesn't say as much, it seems likely that the loss of his mother and aunt make him a little gun-shy of those attachments, not to mention that they are impractical given his profession. Still, he does form friendships based on loyalty and trust, both of which seem to be important values for him. The premium Lucas places on those things are sorely tested in this section of the book, which unlike the previous is filled with intrigue, suspense and even action. This part details the turning point for Lucas, when he begins to look forward to ending his days as a male escort and finding something deeper. Though the "something deeper" he envisions is a relationship with a woman as partner and mate, it shows up in quite another form. The foreshadowing of this development in Lucas' life was brilliantly done, and my absolute favorite part of the book. It was one of those things where the clues were laid out, and the pieces provided to the reader, but the significance only revealed much later and in such a way that you're surprised, but not really.
The final part of the book shows Lucas coming full circle. He has accomplished everything that he can as 'the Professional' and now is still engaged in his work more out of habit and the inability to envision anything else that would make it worthwhile to stop. The impetus to stop, it turns out, has been there beneath his nose for many years. This section of the book is about him daring to reach for it and believe that he can have a different kind of life, even as the old one continues to tug at him. It's time for Lucas to pay the Piper--to decide whether the life he has is the one he wants, or whether he can dare to hope and reach for something different. By now, he is older and wiser, but no less wary of attachment than he was in the beginning and middle of the book.
This final section of 'The Professional' felt conclusive to me. By that I mean, I was completely and entirely satisfied with where Lucas wound up. I was sorry to see him go, but happy to have joined him on part of the journey. If you read this book (and believe me, you should!) I wager you will feel the same.
Excellent work by The Black.
Nia Forrester
June 1, 2017
I didn't know what to expect when I picked up my first Christopher Bynum aka The Black novel. I got hip to him from reading a short story series that he and Nia Forrester did together and immediately recognized that he was an author I was interested in reading. So, I read With Benefits and was drawn into Bynum's unique storytelling ability. I say "unique" (which sounds generic, I know) because his voice is so distinctive without being overbearing. He's an author that immediately pulls you into his stories-- whether he's delving into the complexities of human relationships and interactions by telling the story of a man who is seduced by a robot (Dream Girl) or making readers feel intimately connected to a male escort, as he does in The Professional. I read this book in one sitting because I found Lucas to be so damn intriguing. Yes, he was sexy, assured and confident, but mostly he just had heart-- which I think is the main aspect that I enjoy about Bynum's work. He tells his stories with passion, with an underlying vulnerability and understanding of the way human's work that just draws you in. He gets it. All in all, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of his work.
February 12, 2015
Let me start off by saying I am very stingy with my 5-star ratings, and my genre of choice is mystery/thriller, but this book definitely deserves it. It is an erotic tale of a man name Lucas, who at age 18, begins a thirty year journey as a male escort. Yes he entered the business for the money, but during this time, Lucas develops a real love and appreciation of women from the inside out. Of course there is some profanity and descriptive scenes, but this author relied on his literary skills, instead of the "TMI shock" effect like so many others. I made the mistake of reading Book 2 first, but I was held captive by this author's eloquent writing style. A definite recommendation for the grown and sexy.
May 18, 2014
A Must Read
I have been following Christopher Bynum for many years and this was a story that was told in pieces. I am soooo glad I waited for the entire story. I have always loved Lucas and Robyn and I'm glad both found true love.
I have been following Christopher Bynum for many years and this was a story that was told in pieces. I am soooo glad I waited for the entire story. I have always loved Lucas and Robyn and I'm glad both found true love.
December 4, 2013
The Professional covered decades in the life of Lucas, a man who played for pay. Few were the women who could in Lucas' words: "Get it for free." Intermingled with episodes revealing how he came to be a "professional" and encounters with certain customers there is an underlying personal tale fraught with drama, emotional disappointment, and at times, danger.
What is erotica at it's core becomes more as Lucas' tells his life story. There are some surprises alone the way and in the end that I think will leave readers satisfied.
What is erotica at it's core becomes more as Lucas' tells his life story. There are some surprises alone the way and in the end that I think will leave readers satisfied.
September 17, 2019
This was worth every penny.... Imagine 400+ pages of delicious drama, priced at under $7...
Although my preference is normally BWWM IR, I found this one to be quite interesting...
Giving this one: 5 stars
Although my preference is normally BWWM IR, I found this one to be quite interesting...
Giving this one: 5 stars
October 7, 2014
Loved it.
February 7, 2020
A book about reality and choice
This book was good long but very well written have some good information good storyline a
Clear message is stated
This book was good long but very well written have some good information good storyline a
Clear message is stated
December 10, 2013
It has taken me a couple of days to process all the things I adore about this book. I’m going to be brief because I want whoever takes my sincere accolades to heart and reads this to come to the book fresh without a lot of preconceived notions. The Professional by The Black is a character study of one man: Lucas. The genius of The Black is that he often manages to convey male characters that most women would go to great lengths to meet and know intimately (whether or not they are happily married). Nowhere is that more true than in this book.
However, the thing I appreciate most about his writing is the intimacy with which he presents story arcs and characters that makes them all natural and real for me immediately. Even when the people are not always likable, there are still many, many interesting secondary characters in this story and they are interwoven in the various plotlines beautifully. Nevertheless, what we really see here is an erotic retrospective of the life Lucas has led from early adulthood to middle age so it’s his character we know the most about and frankly the one I was most interested in knowing more about. In fact, if I have a complaint at all about this book and it is exceedingly difficult to muster up one, it’s that the transition for Lucas from 18 to adult happened too fast for me. I wanted to know more about why some of the more obvious transformations in Lucas’ character happened; in other words, I wanted even more story, which I acknowledge is slightly demanding when the author has already given you a solid story in an estimated 412 pages.
One final note I would make is that I also very much enjoyed The Black’s ability to reveal a historic timeline in subtle ways. Whether it be through music, colloquialisms, manner of dress, or brand names I never felt like I was being hit over the head with what time it was. I liked that. I liked this book…A LOT. Read and enjoy.
However, the thing I appreciate most about his writing is the intimacy with which he presents story arcs and characters that makes them all natural and real for me immediately. Even when the people are not always likable, there are still many, many interesting secondary characters in this story and they are interwoven in the various plotlines beautifully. Nevertheless, what we really see here is an erotic retrospective of the life Lucas has led from early adulthood to middle age so it’s his character we know the most about and frankly the one I was most interested in knowing more about. In fact, if I have a complaint at all about this book and it is exceedingly difficult to muster up one, it’s that the transition for Lucas from 18 to adult happened too fast for me. I wanted to know more about why some of the more obvious transformations in Lucas’ character happened; in other words, I wanted even more story, which I acknowledge is slightly demanding when the author has already given you a solid story in an estimated 412 pages.
One final note I would make is that I also very much enjoyed The Black’s ability to reveal a historic timeline in subtle ways. Whether it be through music, colloquialisms, manner of dress, or brand names I never felt like I was being hit over the head with what time it was. I liked that. I liked this book…A LOT. Read and enjoy.
December 9, 2013
Non-Spoiler review
I don't know where to start but this happens to be one of Christopher Bynum aka The Black best work.
You meet Lucas in a previous book. His role was small but significant enough to garner his own book. We know his profession but can't imagine a colorful life behind it. Although the book is peppered with pass characters it is a true standalone book.
The tempo starts off mellow but captivating to the reader, you're stuck with his growth process which is intriguing. The Black is able to incorporate the pass into a modern book. With the hated trend of breaking stories up into several books he kept it together (and for me and future readers we will forever be in-debt to him).
This book can be seen as three parts and it's hard to say which one was better. The 1st part is Lucas' beginning in 1976 at the age of 18. The 2nd part is him working his profession. Along the way you meet a slew of characters that you've previously met and some you'll eventually meet. The 3rd part is his love story with (name withheld).
Every loose end is tied up nicely, from Cameron to Harold, from 18yrs old to 53yrs old Lucas and from satisfying himself to satisfying others. Here The Black is able to provide Lucas with the emotions needed to succeed in this crucial part of his life. His love is surprisingly fierce, you feel it. Not many male writers can pull this off but it was done and successfully at that. He's in your head, he writes what you are thinking and you feel what your intended to feel. Not erotic but real, very real. I have just added another characters to my best characters list of 2013.
I don't know where to start but this happens to be one of Christopher Bynum aka The Black best work.
You meet Lucas in a previous book. His role was small but significant enough to garner his own book. We know his profession but can't imagine a colorful life behind it. Although the book is peppered with pass characters it is a true standalone book.
The tempo starts off mellow but captivating to the reader, you're stuck with his growth process which is intriguing. The Black is able to incorporate the pass into a modern book. With the hated trend of breaking stories up into several books he kept it together (and for me and future readers we will forever be in-debt to him).
This book can be seen as three parts and it's hard to say which one was better. The 1st part is Lucas' beginning in 1976 at the age of 18. The 2nd part is him working his profession. Along the way you meet a slew of characters that you've previously met and some you'll eventually meet. The 3rd part is his love story with (name withheld).
Every loose end is tied up nicely, from Cameron to Harold, from 18yrs old to 53yrs old Lucas and from satisfying himself to satisfying others. Here The Black is able to provide Lucas with the emotions needed to succeed in this crucial part of his life. His love is surprisingly fierce, you feel it. Not many male writers can pull this off but it was done and successfully at that. He's in your head, he writes what you are thinking and you feel what your intended to feel. Not erotic but real, very real. I have just added another characters to my best characters list of 2013.
September 29, 2014
The Professional is a journal of self actualization of a young adult male growing into a full grown man.
This man, Lucas, discovers along his journey that he truly loves women. And women love him- Women of all sizes , backgrounds and ages. So much so that he learns them from the inside out. Lucas is a male escort, but not just any male escort. Lucas is "THE" male escort.
Erase any preconceived notions that you may have about "sex for hire". Mr. Black writes with a sensual edge and a well seasoned flair for compassionate characters. The Author sets the scene in great detail- down to current events, music and fashion.
Lucas' strength is not in the sexual prowess that he hones like a craftsman learning a trade. Rather his "trick" is in his well keened ability to read women's emotions like he reads the stock market. Lucas is the "whole package".
Lucas is the "Ultimate Boyfriend Experience".
I dare you not to fall for his gentlemanly charm.
Some things in life are just worth paying for- like Lucas, Mr. Black's book and the sequel on it's way. ( I would pre-order it now if it was an option.)
The Professional should be on your "to-do list".
The shoe store scene alone was worth the price of admission. I will never look at shoe shopping the same way for the rest of my life. :)
Well done Mr. Black.
This man, Lucas, discovers along his journey that he truly loves women. And women love him- Women of all sizes , backgrounds and ages. So much so that he learns them from the inside out. Lucas is a male escort, but not just any male escort. Lucas is "THE" male escort.
Erase any preconceived notions that you may have about "sex for hire". Mr. Black writes with a sensual edge and a well seasoned flair for compassionate characters. The Author sets the scene in great detail- down to current events, music and fashion.
Lucas' strength is not in the sexual prowess that he hones like a craftsman learning a trade. Rather his "trick" is in his well keened ability to read women's emotions like he reads the stock market. Lucas is the "whole package".
Lucas is the "Ultimate Boyfriend Experience".
I dare you not to fall for his gentlemanly charm.
Some things in life are just worth paying for- like Lucas, Mr. Black's book and the sequel on it's way. ( I would pre-order it now if it was an option.)
The Professional should be on your "to-do list".
The shoe store scene alone was worth the price of admission. I will never look at shoe shopping the same way for the rest of my life. :)
Well done Mr. Black.
December 11, 2013
I knew about Lucas from reading other books by “The Black” but in this book I got to experience Lucas.
When I first met Lucas he was a teenager trying to make his way in the world because his aunt was losing her battle with cancer. I understood the choices he made, he was a young man trying to make it in the world and was doing the best he could with what he felt had to offer. I thought I would not be interested in the life he lead with his customers but, as I saw him become "The Professional",I felt like I was experiencing his journey with him. I understood why and how he made decisions he made. I knew why women would pay for the experience of Lucas, everyone needs the fantasy in their life and Lucas provided that. I experienced Lucas too, my price the cost of this book. Lucas was a happy surprise for me ,an experience ,like every time he took his clothes off and his female customers smiled, he made me smile and want more of him. I was surprised the way this story ended and happy at the same time, you can never be sure with this author how things will turn out, but I can truly say he made me smile. Lucas , Lucas , Lucas I going to miss you baby but if it gets to be too much I will be sure to open this book to experience you again
When I first met Lucas he was a teenager trying to make his way in the world because his aunt was losing her battle with cancer. I understood the choices he made, he was a young man trying to make it in the world and was doing the best he could with what he felt had to offer. I thought I would not be interested in the life he lead with his customers but, as I saw him become "The Professional",I felt like I was experiencing his journey with him. I understood why and how he made decisions he made. I knew why women would pay for the experience of Lucas, everyone needs the fantasy in their life and Lucas provided that. I experienced Lucas too, my price the cost of this book. Lucas was a happy surprise for me ,an experience ,like every time he took his clothes off and his female customers smiled, he made me smile and want more of him. I was surprised the way this story ended and happy at the same time, you can never be sure with this author how things will turn out, but I can truly say he made me smile. Lucas , Lucas , Lucas I going to miss you baby but if it gets to be too much I will be sure to open this book to experience you again
January 6, 2014
This was a very good book and a must read. I hated for it come to an end but The Black brought the main characters life full circle. Side note you must like erotica and be able to look beyond the sex scenes and enjoy the story.
January 6, 2014
I love erotica with an actual storyline and this fits the bill. This book is very dimensional and you won't be disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews