There is something so incredibly tender about Angelique Jurd's writing style that always draws me in from page one. Perhaps it's the way she makes the characters feel so alive, or how she makes the story flow with interesting twists and turns when you least expect it, but it's just captivating.
In 'Rick', we continue to follow the story of Joey and Rick, who are now in a steady relationship. In book 1, Rick falls for Joey after they start working together and soon finds out Joey is not just a sub and a boy/little, but that he was also terribly abused and assaulted by his ex, who introduced him to a faulty, twisted view of the lifestyle that lasted for around 8 years. Rick, who is a Daddy, helps Joey heal bit by bit, and when his ex shows up in book 2, he won't stop for anything to protect Joey and their friends and bring justice to his boy.
What I absolutely loved about this book was that it dealt so realistically with Joey's trauma. He has good days and bad days, and his growth isn't instant but gradual. Sometimes he has moments where he hates himself, where he feels he is too broken to have this safe space with Rick, but Rick never falters. He grounds him in those moments, and he is loving and patient. Joey also shows that clear fear abusers often put in our heads that they will get us, no matter what. Joey doesn't just fear for himself. He fears for everyone around him, too. I feel like Rick is what every secure partner should be in this sort of situation. Of course we see how it wears on him too, but it's not because of Joey, but because Rick just wants to love him right. He's so tender and sweet and protective.
The scene that absolutely stole my heart was when Rick took Joey shopping for soft clothes, getting him everything from Avengers to Bambi. It's so unfiltered and adorable. I also loved that Rick got him a kitten. Finn is such a cutie! And Joey's friendship with Maisie is so contagious and sweet, too. My heart broke when Blake targeted them, but I'm so glad they were okay. The rest of the friend circle are also so lovely. I love how they're all rooting for Rick and Joey and always trying to get them to do right by each other.
We also get to see their dynamic develop as Joey grows more comfortable. I swear I was cheering out loud when he punched Blake because fuck that guy and Joey deserved his moment to shine! I was so, so proud of him.
I feel like their relationship is also very mutual and it was nice seeing Joey come out of his skin more, including getting a moment to take care of Rick in return. It also deals very well with kink and how kinks can look different for everybody, and how love can shape them. Being a little doesn't have to mean age play, it can mean just liking soft things and wanting to be taken care of and kept safe by your partner, while for Rick it's about making his boy feel happy and even if he's tried more elaborate things in the past, he doesn't mind taking the little steps with Joey and adapting to what Joey is and isn't comfortable with.
Overall, this book was just so beautiful.