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James failed.
He tried to be what they wanted.
He tried to deny it.
He tried to be a good Catholic boy…but it’s become too much.
He craves pain, submission.
He’s denied himself far too long, and it’s eating him alive.

Charles thrives off the exchange of power. He knows the world revolves around control. It’s given and taken like currency, in business and in pleasure. He won’t get attached, though, or so he tells himself, until James turns his world upside down. He’s defiant and snarky, but Charles can taste the submission on him.

Charles holds the key to his salvation but James has to Say Yes.

123 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2015

23 people are currently reading
313 people want to read

About the author

J.R. Gray

58 books1,295 followers
When not staying up all night writing, J.R. Gray can be found at the gym where it's half assumed he is a permanent resident to fulfill his self-inflicted masochism. A dominant and a pilot, Gray finds it hard to be in the passenger seat of any car. He frequently interrupts real life, including normal sleep patterns and conversations, to jot down notes or plot bunnies. Commas are the bane of his existence even though it's been fully acknowledged they are necessary, they continue to baffle and bewilder. If Gray wasn't writing…well, that's not possible. The buildup of untold stories would haunt Gray into an early grave, insanity or both. The idea of haunting has always appealed to him. J.R. Gray is genderqueer and prefers he/him pronouns.

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90 (24%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
Profile Image for MaDoReader.
1,358 reviews168 followers
October 10, 2016
Meh..... claramente no estaba de humor, el personaje de Charles me ha resultado desagradable desde el minuto 1.
Profile Image for Mirjana **DTR - Down to Read**.
1,481 reviews810 followers
August 11, 2017

***3.5 Stars***

I'm gonna preface this review by saying that I read the first edition of this book. The book was re-released earlier this year. I'm not sure if there were any changes made later on, but in case there were, I wanted to point out which version I read.

I thoroughly enjoyed the slow burning tease in the first half of the book, and the second half delivered the sizzling fire I was expecting. In such a short book, J.R. Gray was able to make me feel the connection between Charles and James. The chase was an erotic tease and when James finally gave in....the capture was damn satisfying.

However, I felt so much was under developed when it came to James's character. His relationship with his parents being the biggest thing....especially since this is one of the major conflicts in the book. What was his relationship like with his father before he died? The man obviously meant a great deal to him. And had his mother always been so cold and selfish?

Also, as I've come to expect with most shorter novellas, the ending is a bit abrupt. The book ends as Charles and James decide to embark on a relationship. So it isn't really a HFN, but more of a "beginning." And speaking of beginnings, the start of this book is a bit clunky. It jumps around a bit with an awkward flow. It took a couple of chapters for the story to find its groove.

If the novella were developed just a bit more, this would have easily been a 4 - 4.5 star read.

But I will say one thing...this was my first taste of J.R. Gray, and he's definitely opened up my appetite for more.
Profile Image for RentasticReads.
699 reviews186 followers
July 25, 2017
M/M romance with a whole lot of BDSM? Uhh, that was freaking hot with a capital H! I think this is the first M/M romance I've read that played along the lines of dominance and submission and it was definitely all things sexy, dirty and interesting!

James is a 19-year old Catholic boy who wanted to let his homosexuality loose after a life of hiding it from his parents. He tried his best to keep it under wraps, but after the recent death of his father—who had very strong and strict religious beliefs—and now that he's in college, living away from his home, he's finally able to breathe even the slightest bit. And when he first set his sights on the rich, elegant Charles Walton, there was no holding back the urges he's been trying to lock down deep inside his own personal cage.

Charles Walton, a wealthy businessman, is about twice as old as James. But what comes with his age was a whole ton of experience, especially in the world of BDSM. This man always gets what he wants. And even though James was thoroughly enjoying playing hard to get, he didn't stop until he caught his little wolf and lured him into his lair.

I actually enjoyed the chemistry and bantering between James and Charles. That crackling tension was present from the moment they met and it just became more and more intense as the story progressed. James was a closet gay who was struggling to embrace his sexuality, but there was no doubt that he's a submissive. Although that was the case, he still knew how to spice things up and rile Charles up every chance he got. And when Charles gets all predator mode and amped up, expect a fiery hot sex fest.

But it wasn't just all about that though. The underlying story about James' life and how he truly feels deep inside is something that you'll latch onto as well. The way Charles wants to unravel and get to know every single thing there was to know about his little wolf, while struggling with his own attachment issues will hook you in. Plus, the fact that Charles himself is still a huge enigma is actually quite addictive.

The only thing I wasn't much of a fan of here was the way it was written in the third person perspective. I feel like the story would've had more of an impact and you'd feel everything more if it was written in both Charles and James' POVs. And this book was short—like novella-length kind of short—with a cliffy. This is probably going to be like a serial of sorts? Now, I'm not against cliffhangers anymore, but that went by super quick! Where's the next part? I'm ready for Yes Sir! Ooooh boy, especially with that little tease from the first chapter of the next book...
Profile Image for AussieMum.
1,392 reviews55 followers
October 22, 2019
I really enjoyed the start of this. Their interactions were like a dance. There was snark, banter, push and pull, and lots of wit. You could see how and why Charles was drawn to James. The tension that grows between them over several weeks before they come together was delicious. But sadly the second half didn’t quite match up.

There was a lot of holes in the story. Lots left out, discarded. Lots of errors, too. Not just spelling but pertinent information to the characters that changes between chapters. In a short book it’s something you can’t not notice. Also, for the amount of details we get about both these men’s lives we don’t get a lot on page to resolve much of it. And that is this book’s downfall, to me anyway.

And that ending?? With no context and no sequel I can find, I’m left wanting. I can use my imagination of course but there’s a reason I read. These men intrigued me enough to see where they’re headed but I feel like this finished halfway through their HFN.

I enjoyed this but am left a little frustrated.
Profile Image for Serena Yates.
Author 104 books771 followers
December 6, 2015
Good Catholic boy, or so he tells himself, meets sophisticated businessman out to take control. On the surface, this sounds like a pretty straightforward plot, except ‘Say Yes’ is anything but clear-cut. James is much more than what a first glance seems to tell the casual onlooker, and Charles is hooked in about two seconds. But James isn’t as easily impressed as Charles is used to, and the resulting attempts at conquest are enjoyable for both parties. Their initial banter and flirting had me smiling, and the introduction to BDSM that followed was pretty hot. But James has more to overcome than not wanting to be gay, and it’s a good thing Charles is as persistent as he is masterful.

James is struggling on a physical front after his mother was extremely cruel and withdrew all financial support when James’s father died during his first year in college. He works hard to earn enough money to support himself and has no time for a personal life. That changes when he meets Charles, a customer in the menswear store where James works. The man is extremely tempting, bringing all of James’s forbidden and hidden desires to the forefront of his mind. James struggles with temptation into what his overly Catholic mother would call not just a life of sin (coveting a man), but a pit of depravity (BDSM is not exactly an official church-approved activity – according to her). But his second problem is one that challenges Charles to the core: rules are not something James likes. In his words: “It comes from being raised with suffocating rules. I don’t do anything I don’t want to do anymore.” And that, for someone interested in BDSM play with a power hungry Dom, is a real obstacle.

Charles loves power. He craves control, and James challenges him on many levels. The physical is only a starting point. What Charles finds at least as attractive is James’s control, snark, and ability to be his own man. At first all Charles wants is the physical aspect; anything more puts him at risk for more emotional pain than he is willing to endure. But as Charles gets to know James better, the physical attraction not only increases but real emotions begin to emerge – not something Charles is used to – or expecting – at all. Attachment used to be excluded from Charles’s vocabulary, but as much as he turns James inside out, James does the same to him.

I loved watching oh-so-controlled Charles come apart as much as I enjoyed James letting go of restrictions and rules that had not been his for years. His belief in what he should and should not do had been directed by external forces (and an unbelievably emotionally abusive mother) for so long that letting go of them was a difficult and sometimes painful task for James. His journey into admitting what he needs was a tough one, but the freedom he feels once he gets there makes it all worth it. Not to mention it was an extremely hot process for him and Charles. It was a privilege to be able to watch the physical and psychological developments both men went through.

If you like watching BDSM virgins find their feet while they drive their Dom almost to distraction, if a powerful Dom used to absolute control and obedient subs being challenged is your thing, and if you’re looking for a read that is as hot as it is fascinating, then you will probably like this novella.


NOTE: This book was provided by OmniLit / All Romance eBooks for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Profile Image for Anna Goerlitz.
1,051 reviews41 followers
February 14, 2017
***This review probably contains spoilers***

After reading this, I was left with one burning question: How did he get blood out of silk?

James is a college student and he comes from money. When his father dies, his mother cuts him off and leaves him to fend for himself - well, not really, because his tuition is already paid in full for the entirety of his college education and he will be coming into his trust fund at some unspecified time in the future... but.. he has to live in the dorms, instead of a condo, he has to get a job and stop drinking in upper class Manhattan bars, but other than that I am not sure I felt he was 'destitute' in any way...

There were so many contradictions as to the characters in this book, that I really had no understanding about them at all. The only one who was consistent was James' mother, who was a bitch and had a strong catholic faith, apparently.

James' deceased father was apparently a man with anger issues and no control in one sentence and a man so much under his wife's thumb that he would not protect his own son in another sentence.

Charles was an asshat, with an 'I've been hurt and now I'll never trust again' back story -which was info dumped on James and the reader in the middle of the book - in the middle of a play party of all places.

And James was 19, a man repressed all his life, refusing to be gay - because of his parents - and yet, also so very strong and secure in himself and his sexuality and submission that he had not one qualm about jumping straight into getting fucked in the ass in a public setting for his first time... uhm, yeah, ok. That seems believable.



Where was the angst? The existential crisis? There was surely call for it - unfortunately the author skirted over every single opportunity for angst and depth. It may have been the lack of length working against the story - short stories are hard to write - but in that case, an editor should have pointed out, that the angsty stuff should have been either explored, thereby lengthening the novel or removed altogether.

The writing was good though and the story was free, I may give this author a second chance at some point, but this one was very disappointing. Especially the fact that I still do not know how to get blood out of silk.
Profile Image for Barbara Elsborg.
Author 100 books1,678 followers
February 14, 2017
Really liked this and I don't read BDSM! Ha! I loved the way the author developed the characters in a short story. It's not easy and it was done well.
Profile Image for Kim Stone.
1,558 reviews1 follower
October 19, 2019
New to me author. This is a contemporary mm story with an age gap. Younger James a rich kids disowned my his recently widowed mother and Charles a lonely dominant. James is smart and intelligent and makes Charles work for their time together. Great interaction between the main characters. This book has BDSM elements. I’ll read this author again.
Profile Image for Jay .
107 reviews40 followers
July 29, 2017
IDK much about BDSM but I know what I like and I liked this book.

Charles wants James to say yes real bad. He gets his yes and it's hot.

I need a kinky review for a kinky book so I'll do a blog one soon.
Profile Image for Donna ~ The Romance Cover.
2,907 reviews322 followers
December 1, 2015
Say Yes by JR Gray
4 stars!!

“Some people are lessons. Learn from them, grow from them, and move on from them, but never let them drag you down to their despicable level.”


This is a short MM story at 93 pages, but packed into so few pages is a story of two men that packs an incredible emotional punch. I often find it hard to connect with characters when a book is fast paced and short but JR Gray managed to deliver that emotional connection as well as delivering a story with a great will they won’t they storyline. This is my first read by JR Gray and it won’t be my last.

“This is some Mr. Darcy shit. I don’t want to want you, but I do.”


In summary Say Yes is a story of an older and younger man where the age gap should make a difference but definitely doesn’t. Even though these two are opposites the instant spark of chemistry is undeniable but James does not come easy. This story is slightly suspenseful with a light dusting of kink but for me what made this story was the push and pull between James and Charles, as I said above the will they won’t they. That back and forth of intense chemistry and witty barbs had me glued to the pages and constantly page turning. Both men are reticent in their own way, Charles to open his heart once again and James just to Say Yes.

“You are a wolf. All teeth and bite, but I’m not scared of you.”


James came from money himself but since the death of his father his mother had literally cut him off, deeming that she needed all the money to keep herself in the life style that she was accustomed too. I could have easily inflicted bodily harm on this woman. Luckily for James, his father had paid his tuition in full but now he had to scrimp and scrape for his accommodation and food and so he ends up working in a high end tailors.

“You don’t need to be fixed. You need to let go.”


Charles was a businessman, he worked hard and was devoted to his job, he was a self-made man and had that aura of confidence, alpha male and domination. He was used to getting what he wanted and wasn’t used to having to work for it and James definitely made him work.

“I will figure you out, and you will be begging for it before we are through.”


This was a voyage of discovery for both men, each having to dig deep for what they wanted and what they were willing to give. James was adamant he would never be a one night stand and Charles was adamant he didn’t want anything more. I loved that the physical relationship between these two took a back seat to the emotional side. The majority of this book is the intense build up and the thrill of the chase. This is what enables the reader to really connect with both characters and relate to the circumstances they both find themselves in. However, there is a particular scene with BDSM between the two that really cemented these two as a couple. James finally giving the submission he never knew he needed and Charles finally getting the acceptance that he never had.

“The rest of this is fluff. If I haven’t earned the trust, and you haven’t given the control, there is nothing.”


With “coming out” forever an issue, stereotypes and family forever causing issues there are many topics brought to the forefront. With James having taken that leap acknowledging who he is and who he wants he also has to deal with everyone else’s opinions, tough for him and Charles alike. This is one story where I want more. 93 pages was not enough for this couple and I would love for the author to revisit them.

“I feel like I’m returning to the kingdom I’ve been banished from as a pawn in yet another person’s game.”


www.theromancecover.com



Profile Image for S..
Author 4 books380 followers
November 23, 2015
I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this story from J.R. Gray who is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.

I really connected with the James' character. He's the epitome of a young adult, just struggling to make his way in the world after the death of his father and being financially cut off by his religious fanatic mother. Having ignored himself for so long in favor of just surviving, a chance meeting with Charles brings everything to the forefront. How do you accept who you are when it contradicts everything you've been taught?

James was so brave and strong, and so vulnerable. Seeing how confident he was in one aspect of his life, only to see his painful insecurity in another, was moving and a testament to Gray's ability to weave his tale.


Charles was pure sex appeal. Strong, confident, he was a Dom in every sense of the word. There were, however, strong hints of a troubled past and cracks in his armor. I am really hoping Gray lets us get a deeper look in the next installment of the series.

The underlying themes of this story could be discussed for hours. James and Charles' relationship is part of a far bigger picture of self acceptance, freedom from tyrannical religion and being brave enough to embrace yourself, even if no one else does.

It's also worth mentioning that the BDSM aspects in this book were critical to the story in my opinion. There is freedom in true submission, something James so desperately needed.

I think anyone can relate to James' coming of age and sexual awakening. There is explicit sex between two men in the story so if that's not your cup of tea you may want to skip this one. (It will be your loss though) The story is not a cliffhanger but you will definitely be left with questions and wanting more!

I definitely want to see more from these two and find out everything that is going behind the scenes, especially with Charles!
Profile Image for Ky.
589 reviews91 followers
October 20, 2017
I honestly don't know how to review or even rate this book.

It was a fairly short and quick read but it felt unfinished. After the final chapter I was left with questions and I wanted to see more of the relationship James and Charles had just started.

There is an age gap here, an introduction to the BDSM world, though the scenes the characters do are pretty mild, and some family drama. The book isn't long so everything kind of just skimmed the surface without dipping any deeper. It is understandable as there wasn't enough room to develop but I would have liked more information and more depth.

The fact that James is a new submissive but does everything perfect, gets everything right right away and seems to magically know how to behave in order to please Charles frustated me. He was the perfect submissive for Charles from the get go and it wasn't believable. Charles kept talking about training him and showing him the BDSM world but James read as if he already knew everything about it. He just got everything right away like he was part of that world for years instead of just days.

At the end it felt more like a prequel than a full story, especially with the way the last chapter is titled. I wanted to know more about James and Charles, if they made it, how James managed to balance everything he had going on in the long run and I wanted to see Charles interacting with his ex. Mainly I was left with two big questions so if anyone has read this and knows the answers can you please help me out? Maybe I missed something, but what did the man at the end mean? And who is Jude?

Maybe this really is the prequel or the first book in a series and there is more to come from those two. I hope that's the case, and if it is I'll be sure to read the next one as well to get more of Charles and James.




This review has been cross-posted on The Novel Approach Reviews.

*A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by the publisher via The Novel Approach Reviews in exchange for an honest review. *
Profile Image for Aղցela W..
4,535 reviews323 followers
June 17, 2018
This was a pretty good book. James is a good Catholic boy who knows that his family would disown him if they know he was gay. He craves pain, submission. He is upset when his father dies he doesn't get along with his mother so he avoids her. He is forced to get a job and take care of himself his mother cuts off his college allowance. Charles is dominant who has been hurt in a previous relationship he jumps from one lover to the next and has no intention of settling down again any time soon. When these two hook up it is hot each one giving the other something that they both need. This was a really good book the sex scenes were hot. This was my first time reading this author. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Amanda at WickedGoodReads.
810 reviews17 followers
July 30, 2017
.......Holy Hell is right! I....I....I don't know what to do.....this story ended and I need MORE!!! You can't do this to me J.R. Gray!!!

*sigh*

First of all let me just tell you that I love the way J.R write's BDSM...and while this was not all out, in the throws of whips and chains, etc.....Charles and James could not be more perfect and made for each other in this world. 

Whether he knew it or not, James had sub written all over him, and he was just waiting for. Charles to come into his life and tell him what he wanted. I loved the back and forth between these two, the instant connection they shared and how James tried to deny it. And I loved how protective Charles was!

Gimmie. More!!!! (please sir;)
Profile Image for Chrissy Wilson.
585 reviews12 followers
December 1, 2024
This was by far one of the hottest MM novellas I've ever read. The push and pull and chemistry between the two main characters is everything you want in a MM romance. My favorite scene is the flirting in the suit store and the scene with the tie (won't give too much because spoilers). This was my first J.R. Gray book and this will NOT be my last. If you are looking for sexy, steamy, crazy chemistry, and overall great writing, this MM book is for you!
Profile Image for Caroline Brand.
1,755 reviews68 followers
December 2, 2015
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE

This new short story from JR Gray feels like a slow tense tease until nearly the end.

James comes from a Catholic family who wouldn’t tolerate a gay son so he did the thing that seemed easiest and stayed in the closet. He is gutted when his father dies but it highlights to him even further just how little he has in common with his mother and he avoids interaction with her at all costs. Forced to get a job to support himself when his mother takes away his college allowance adds further pressure and something has to give. James not only craves a male lover he yearns to submit and feel pain but hasn’t the first clue in how to go about fulfilling his dreams.

Charles is dominant in every aspect of his life but particularly when it comes to his lovers. He gets a thrill from the exchange of power but it must be just that – an exchange – he has no desire to just take. Hurt in a previous relationship he jumps from one lover to the next and has no intention of settling down again any time soon.

Their interactions are delicious. James may have no experience but he is a quick study and he learns very quickly how to tease Charles with certain words and actions. As much as Charles believes he is drawing James in it’s working the other way too. Charles finds himself enchanted with the younger man and they dance round each other, they will continue to dance round each other until he can get James to Say Yes….
Profile Image for CARLA.
995 reviews41 followers
December 31, 2015
https://celebrityreaders.wordpress.co...

I got this book off another blog’s post that I follow. If you want to see other reviews that influence my reading then you can check out http://www.bookwormiespot.com/

This book can be classified as BDSM M/M Erotica. If you ain’t into that: STOP READING.

I loved this book! This thing dug in from the very beginning. It ‘s a short novella so I expected the emotions to be fast paced and the feelings to be accelerated. Hot dayum, this book is good. This book was slammed with sex and innuendo and dominant submissive play. It was completely awesome!

James is living a bit of a lie. And he seemed to be living it successfully. Kinda threw me on that part but it made sense in the end. Charles is an older man and I found him incredibly sexy from the beginning. I can’t even say anymore that this, just go get the dang book. Seriously.

And the cover! Holy hotness it’s…uhm…steamy.
Profile Image for Heidi.
949 reviews2 followers
December 12, 2015
I guess when you've got 93 pages it doesn't give much opportunity for the characters to develop. So the I'm straight, no idea of BDSM and never had butt sex - to end up at I'm a total submissive and give me everything you've got, isn't such a big leap!

Profile Image for Isabella ~Mikku-chan~.
799 reviews40 followers
July 30, 2017
*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~*

This novella is actually the first book I read by the author and I pick normally BDSM stories with caution because not always they are my first pick of genre. But this was good, still a bit short and some events felt a bit rushed. I wished we had a bit more time to get in contact with James and Charles and therefore a bit more space that both could explore a bit more. The depth is a bit lacking, the character are interesting an promising.

James' background with feeling guilty and devided between his learned "faith" from childhood on and his own desires is the main problem in the book. James is developing his feelings, his true nature and Charles gives him finally the space and acknowledged his needs, he senses them. Charles is a quite difficult character to grip. He is kind of genereous and really caring, but he is a dom and therefore has rules he wish James obey. On the other hand you really can read in the sublines about his caring soul and his developing and deeper growing feelings for James.

The BDSM scenes are really interesting still a bit passion is missing in combination with the connection. There is one, there is trust and the way both interact with each other is fitting, but as I said it was a bit rushed sometimes.

The part with James' mother could also have been a bit better put into the book, still I liked this part nontheless and it gaves an insight of James. Unfortunately very little of Charles is mentioned, and some information which were given are a bit random.
James is a bit more revealed and "displayed". We get his witty, sassy side, something which is challenging Charles and which is a pleasant change from other BDSM stories. The power lays, as this story told, really into the submission's hands. It's really nice and could have get more space. A bit unused potential.

Maybe we'll see James and Charles again, the book was a solid, nice and pleasant read for a rainy afternoon. I give the book 4 out of 5 stars because James was really pleasant. And I also liked Charles although he felt a bit flat compared to James.

Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
Profile Image for Carra.
1,733 reviews31 followers
July 30, 2017
I love a story where the push and pull between the main characters is center stage, and Say Yes was exactly right for this. James and Charles played so well off of each other, and I thought their interactions were a bit fun and a bit naughty; they captured my attention from their first meeting and didn’t let go. James was a bit bratty without overdoing it, and Charles handles him perfectly…they truly complemented each other.

Interwoven with the naughty is the conflict James feels thanks to his upbringing—an upbringing with which he became disillusioned and can’t believe in anymore, yet still nags at him in the back of his mind. This along with the development of his and Charles’ relationship allows for a full story even though it’s not a long one, though I would have liked to have found out more about Charles’ character to see where he came from and how he got where he was.

James and Charles together physically were hot and sexy, though the BDSM aspect was actually lighter than what I expected…just enough to get a taste without overtaking the intimate scenes.

The only other character that has more than a minor appearance is James’ mother. Yeah, I didn’t care for that woman at all—she’s one of those characters where I want to just give her a VERY big piece of my mind, and I was glad to see how how James’ attitude with her changed as his relationship with Charles progressed.

I’m giving Say Yes a solid 4 stars, and my only lament is that it’s not a longer book…I think there’s plenty to work with to be able to extend this into an even more full story—I’d be really happy with more of James and Charles! This story is meant for readers 18+ only for adult language and sexual content.
Profile Image for Amber.
1,713 reviews8 followers
July 26, 2017
All I have to say is with a cliffhanger ending like that there had better be another book coming. I so want to know what that last paragraph was all about and what will happen next.
Profile Image for The Novel Approach.
3,094 reviews137 followers
August 10, 2017
I honestly don’t know how to review or even rate this book. It was a fairly short and quick read, but it felt unfinished. After the final chapter I was left with questions, and I wanted to see more of the relationship James and Charles had just started.

There is an age gap here, an introduction to the BDSM world—though the scenes the characters do are pretty mild—and some family drama. The book isn’t long, so everything kind of just skimmed the surface without dipping any deeper. It is understandable, as there wasn’t enough room to develop, but I would have liked more information and more depth.

The fact that James is a new submissive but does everything perfect, gets everything right, right away, and seems to magically know how to behave in order to please Charles, frustrated me. He was the perfect submissive for Charles, from the get go, and it wasn’t believable. Charles kept talking about training him and showing him the BDSM world, but James read as if he already knew everything about it. He just got everything right away, like he was part of that world for years instead of just days.

At the end, Say Yes felt more like a prequel than a full story, especially with the way the last chapter is titled. I wanted to know more about James and Charles: if they made it, how James managed to balance everything he had going on, and I wanted to see Charles interacting with his ex. Mainly I was left with two big questions, so if anyone has read this and knows the answers, can you please help me out? Maybe I missed something, but what did the man at the end mean? And who is Jude?

Maybe this really is the prequel, or the first book in a series, and there is more to come from these two. I hope that’s the case. If it is, I’ll be sure to read the next one as well, to get more of Charles and James.

Reviewed by Ky for The Novel Approach
Profile Image for Lynne.
161 reviews
December 1, 2015
What can I say about J.R. Gray and his books? He’s best known for the “Bound” Series, but his standalone work like “Veil of Scars” and now “Say Yes” is just as untouchable on so many levels.

I loved the cat and mouse between James and Charles. James is a college trust fund kid, minus the trust fund after the death of his dad and his mom’s selfish ways. So he has to stand on his own two feet. Charles is older, powerful corporate exec that loves the kinky stuff and of course he is attracted to James immediately. And like Charles I was in love with James right off the bat too, Tall, curly hair, glasses, smug/confident attitude and an athletic built. James would love to just “Say Yes” to Charles, but getting over family and society’s opinions on what he should be can be a pain in the ass.

What you get with this book, are two steamy men with an insatiable appetite for each other. Provocative dialogue and charismatic banter. Gray can write his conversations between two characters as if you were in the book as a fly on the wall and watching it all unfold. Can’t I live in a J.R. Gray book for just one day. You can tell Gray had a blast writing this book because I enjoyed this from beginning to end. My only gripe: I need more Charles and James in my life. I hope the plot bunnies are circling Gray to write more.

Out of a 5 I’m giving this 4.5 Stars

Mama’s Dirty Little Reads received a complimentary copy of “Say Yes” by the author in exchange for a honest review.
Profile Image for Margaret.
126 reviews36 followers
December 2, 2015
From the dedication to the end I was engrossed in this story.
Say Yes was a journey to stay true to yourself. Fight for what
you want, fight your fears and do not settle for anything less.

TRUST...(noun) confidence, belief, faith, certainty, assurance,
conviction ,credence, reliance. Both James the submissive and
Charles the dominant need to rely on exactly what the word
trust means.

James, he was not your typical 19 year old. From the first
chapter you feel for James your heart breaks. A father he
loved and a Mother from hell he needs something or someone
to feed his desires and to accept him for who he is and not
what someone else wants him to be. He was so beautifully
written I adored him.

Charles, rich, powerful and a perfect fit to teach James
who he is and what he wants. A dominant that will teach
James the meaning behind trust. To fulfill and to anticipate
his thoughts and to accept the life they both choose.

Past and present struggles does not make their journey easy
but each chapter they learn to accept how they can build
the foundation to there relationship to gain what each of
them are looking for.

The sex scenes were incredible, I will never look at a tie
or a dressing room the same way. I read that scene a couple of
times. I loved how James was such a smart ass but also still
respectful to Charles.

I loved this book it was so well written I cannot wait
to read more from J.R. Gray.



Profile Image for Peggy Lee (Reading Keeps Me Sane).
1,039 reviews42 followers
November 28, 2015
Say Yes is a contemporary story about self-discovery and acceptance. The characters are both fearful of commitment however for different reasons.

Charles is a wealthy, self-made business man who has been burned in the past. He has loved but it wasn't enough to fill in his ex-partner's cracks. James is a college student who has been hardened by his upbringing, disowned by his mother and continually denies himself of his true nature. When Charles meets James, he quickly becomes infatuated and pursues him. Once Charles lures James on a date, he introduces him to his world, a world that James didn't even know he needed. James discovers his control and freedom through Charles a alpha, no holds barred dominant. Charles continues to struggle with keeping his heart safe, fearing a repeat of this last relationship. In the end it's James who has to take a leap of faith. In order for James to share his burden, he will need to out himself for happiness. It takes a lot of strength to say yes.

I loved this story. Each character has to fight their demons in order to find happiness. They must accept themselves, their past and hold hope for a future. It also has a few steamy scenes that I may have reread a few times. 5 Say Yes Stars!
Profile Image for Diverse.
1,179 reviews53 followers
December 1, 2015
I don’t know why I’m surprised that I absolutely fall in love with JR’s work. The words, the plot, the characters… all captivating. I’m always thrust into these wonderful worlds JR creates. I never want them to end. Charles and James dynamic is perfection. I wanted to be a fly on the wall of their lives. I will say I wanted more, I wanted a longer story. I can only hope JR writes more of these guys. What I LOVED most about Say Yes was James wasn’t a whiny, needy, money hungry submissive. I loved the strength he possessed and how well it played with Charles demeanor. This is a terrific book. Another must read from JR Gray!
Profile Image for Leslie.
Author 35 books1,457 followers
January 27, 2016
Elegant, lithe writing, and so, so erotic.

James, 19, works in a clothing shop. In walks Charles, a charismatic Dom, with salt-and-pepper hair.

Begin the slow tease.

Begin the emotional journey of James deciding whether he is going to be with a man--especially a man as compelling as Charles.

This story focuses on the sheer eroticism of simple things: a silk tie, a hand in a pocket, a look. But it also gets there, if you know what I mean.

One thing I noticed about this book is that it is by no means cliché. While certainly there are other BDSM and m/m and dom/sub stories out there, the emotions felt honest, the characters felt unique, and the exploration felt real.

Loved it.
Profile Image for ShelfLife.
557 reviews
July 30, 2017
Just say No

I have no idea what I just read. This book is all over the place. No depth, no character development, no connection between the main characters, no emotion, no plot, no romance, no conflict. And I can't even say it was pure erotica, because there were only 2-3 scenes, and all were boring. Ugh. I hate not finishing books, so I finished this one. The last chapter, which should have been chapter 24, was labeled chapter 1...no idea. And on top of that, it made absolutely no sense. Most of the book made no sense. And lots of typos. Lots. Please save your time and money, and just say no.
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